#klance analysis

We know that Lance likes to prove people wrong, it's a way of proving himself wrong. That's what gives him fuel. It's why he pushed himself to be a good pilot. We saw that majorly in the Family Feud episode:

He was pumped, enthused, determined

Though he did give in, when he got scared

"I wasn't listening to that. You know I'm the dumb one!"

Keith knew that provoking him would get a rise out of Lance because they used to be like that. Lance especially knew what got under Keith's skin. 

Lance always challenged Keith, now Keith is doing that to Lance

But it's different now. These two still have the dynamic of S3, Keith knows Lance is insecure, Keith knows his potential, Keith also wants Lance at his best. So what better way to get Lance enthused that to challenge him?

The roles have been reversed. Keith is now the one challenging Lance

This is honestly so fucking awesome.

Keith, being the team leader now, knows each persons strengths and weaknesses, he is exploiting this knowledge here. So getting under Lance’s skin, challenging and provoking him gets Lance to play to his strengths. It’s what Lance did to get attention.

Keith knows that Lance has insecurities

He knows Lance has a weakness. But also in relation to the bedroom scene, Keith knows Lance's strengths. That is why Keith said things will work themselves out, then proceeded to step aside and left.

Lance is giving up on himself though. 

But Keith continually showed that he is riding a lot on Lance and putting the most faith in him, despite Lance being unsure; of himself and of Keith's intentions (if he will leave again)

Keith and Lance always know what hits too close to home with the other. Hence why we still get this

Keith and Lance are bad at communicating at times because Keith used to be reserved, always better at actions rather than words and Lance always gets mixed feelings/emotions when it comes to Keith, especially when it seemed to hurt his pride. They are unsure about the others intentions and then have miscommunication and they end up hurting each other.

Keith is working on his words

Lance is finding himself still

Lance and Keith have a lot of talking to do. But the roles have switched slightly.

In this scene

It parallels them in 0107

Then of course is brought back up again with Pidge while Lance is the lookout (funny as Pidge is also the look out)

But in this scene I'm talking about the role change. Keith is giving the command, Keith is the distraction whilst Lance follows command and attacks. Why can't Keith also be the one who is getting under Lance's skin like Lance used to with Keith?

Keith is teaching Lance what he has learnt now. Lance has always followed in Keith's footsteps

Lance used to strive to be on par with Keith. Then he grew and encouraged Keith to do so.

That is their dynamic. One grows, that person then builds the other up so they are neck and neck.

This dynamic was there all throughout season 7 because Keith is more open now. Keith knows Lance is struggling and he feels bad about leaving him. Keith is encouraging to follow him in his footsteps.

When Keith said "Don't miss" it wasn't malicious at all, quite the opposite really. Listening to it alone is like a tease. His face also looked too funny for it to be harsh. The fact that Keith turned back to say that as well means something a little more.

I'm 99.9% sure that Keith did that to encourage Lance. Keith is just so awkward with how he gets things across, especially to Lance.

It is honestly a little similar to how awkward the A//urance scene was

Keith is unsure but he knows Lance and he was playing into his weakness to get out his strength. And it totally worked!!

Lance got to use his sniper as well!! (a.k.a indicates his growth and he used it a lot this season because Keith needed that from him ;) )

Lance was curt, precise and took those drones down in the fastest time we have ever seen him do something like that, he then proceeds to take down an extra drone, which was right by the rest of the team and kinda out of his peripheral vision.

Hunk and Pidge are dumbfounded.

Lance's sniper hadn't yet finished whirring both times (taking out the first three and then that last one) which means he started firing before the gun was ready. It was awesome, seriously. They make a lot of emphasis on these scenes with Lance, it's because he's in his element.

I felt something so different this time though. Not just because Lance was swift and fast, but there was something so off and hollow about it.

I mean, I know Lance is the person who does what needs to be done at the end of the day and doesn't ever gloat about those awesome feats.

Let me compare it to 0210

He was insecure throughout half of Beta Traz

Then when he makes that dire shot

It makes him feel good about himself.

This scene didn't, especially since Keith said what he did, and managing to take down an extra. 

I know Lance used to gloat about like the stupid stuff and not actually the really cool, right stuff because he was an awkward person who just wanted attention. 

But this scene... idk it felt a little cold. I think that is because of the doubts that Lance does have that he’s lacking in certain emotion. Maybe it’s just that the situation was too serious and nothing could make any of them happy, though Lance still manages to lightly boast when asked if his gun had infrared.

Though Lance has gotten good at remembering terms and such, so it might just be an exchange of knowledge. Still didn’t necessarily need to put in that last comment though.

So like, Lance has grown more and more into the shadows, though he has always wanted to be the centre of attention (I mean with sniping he is literally in the shadows). 

But here eyes were on him, it may be why we get this reaction from Hunk and Pidge

Lance's doubts are growing more and more and that is not making him put in much effort, or to actually think properly.

It's why he gives up 

Why he talks of death 

and doesn't actually help the situation, 

Why he parallels Keith

and also why he looks done with life when he is helping Allura.

It's honestly like he has no energy left in him, and this Allura.

Lance's hug back to Allura was pitiful, I'm sorry, it was. She was properly hugging him while he loosely put his arms over the top of hers. Then you see his face and you can tell that everything was fleeting.

I went back over this scene and I see what @the-red-paladins is saying about this being the moment Lance realises Allura isn't for him. I see why, he looks absolutely done with life. He had given up. That is a face of despair.

The dynamic of Allura and Lance has always been him building her up as an individual, but there is nothing to build up Lance, it's a one way system and that's on him. 

He never trusted her with his feelings

Though he still gives her advice. Lance said the right words that Allura needed to hear and Allura has misinterpreted it and herself.

The fact that Lance seems to sink lower every time he gives Allura advice is very telling. When their new friendship starts Lance was relatively stable because he grew and also was in a comfortable position with Keith

Then he left and Lance had no one he was comfortable with and because Lance hadn't fully grown he slipped up and he's gotten to a bad place.

One that has made him give up completely and Allura doesn't have a clue really. But Keith does, I'm sure of it. Plus the no.1 scene parallel I can't get over is where Red saves him.

That is a complete surprise, we had no idea that Red had been activated, just that Lance was giving up completely on saving himself and his sister because of how low he has sunk.

Then it parallels to this scene because of how they framed it and also contextually as Lance gave up. Keith was giving up, but realised he wouldn't do that.

Keith is building Lance up, and at the end of the day, this lesson is something that Lance severely needs, and because for Keith that lesson is a part of him not giving up on his ties to the paladins, wanting to make up for it. Lance is shown to always follow in Keith's footsteps and Keith and Lance always being the ones to build the other, and then the role reversal. Keith will teach Lance this, he will save Lance from himself and it will be the game changer because it will be the growth that Lance needs.

If Allura was his endgame we wouldn't have seen the one time Lance shows his doubts while she is there and tells him to go to Red because of his growth and to then proceed in her own growth, that she made on her own without Lance because she saw Lance's growth. She let him pursue his own growth because she knew that that was what was best for him and for her, meaning she herself had growth.

If they were endgame, her words would change Lance and help him be more secure, but they don’t.

He would also feel secure in telling her.

Instead all of this went to Keith, and now Lance is super hurt because no fucking wonder. 

They have a lot to talk about and a lot to patch up.

So that is why Keith is not being malicious. Keith is just an awkward fuck who's confused about Lance but wants Lance at his best.

Yeah, they’ve gone back to the playfulness of how they started out. There is no intent on wanting to hurt the other, because Lance was just trying to get Keith’s attention back then, so Keith is attempting the same thing because he needs Lance’s head in the game.

You know we actually got more Klance content than A//urance this season and I find that hilarious.

So Keith is not some clone, he is still Keith ^-^ just a grown one who is still trying to find a balance.

Something that intrigues me is that Allura witnesses this whole scene. Technically, upon coming into the training room we are looking through her eyes but then she is completely taken out until her voice is heard later and she is revealed. Also it’s just cool staging to have us see the doors open.

It attracts your attention, like curtains pulling back. See how all the lines lead to Lance at the end as well. 

It’s a visual aid for the viewers to draw all of our attention to something. The thing is Lance isn’t in the centre of the room? As in he’s right at the back and it puts across the idea that he’s in a corner. Doors opening simply means that someone is entering his space. The ending of this scene explains why this is Allura.

It then keeps to close-ups/mid-shots of Lance this keeps us focused on him, so we can see his expressions etc. We see Lance not having much luck in using his Rifle. We also get angered expressions. Okay, I know he’s training and that can just be a default because of focusing etc, but he audible is getting angry as well and it seems to throw him off.

He is missing them. They are fast and they’re small and there’s a multiple of them. Plus, they are incessant, they won’t wait for him to line up a shot and with his Rifle Lance is basically just firing randomly at the air.

It’s annoying, but I couldn’t find a GIF, but you get the gist. Lance rolls out of the way of a shot and I can’t stress this enough, but he changes his bayard from a rifle into a sniper with ease. 

We knew he could change it from 0306 as it opens with him being the sniper in the shadows:

Though it was never acknowledged in the show. 

Slightly relevant, but anyways; I remember seeing a post ages ago about the paladins and their bayards when they form into weapons. Saying how they all still keep the form of the bayard even as the weapon. You see this especially with Pidge’s and Keith’s weapons. But even Lance’s rifle and Hunk’s canon still keep the shape of the bayard as handles. Allura’s whip does too, but the Sniper doesn’t really. It can’t really, It’s too slim. Well the Broadsword even more so doesn’t retain the shape of the bayard. Even when Zarkon and Lotor handled the Black bayard, it retained something reminiscent of the bayard shape. I just thought this was so interesting! Plus, if anyone else knows what post I’m on about, and can find it, please tag it/send it to me!!! 

Anyways, the fact that Lance is able to change his bayard easily like that suggests that it’s a natural thing; he does this often. It’s a shame that we don’t see it more, but anyways. I think this links to his growth though. The fact that he can change the bayard and in the way that he does means something. Also being the only paladin to do so outside of Zarkon and Lotor is... interesting. And Lotor wasn’t even a paladin!

There’s actually a vignette on this shot which is really weird considering nothing needs to be isolated since Lance is in your face, either way, it’s a close up, It’s intruding. You can really see his focus and agitation really.

This is really cool that we get to see through his eyes. The fact that there’s an extreme close-up going into this creates more interaction with the viewers and the character. Also, I have a feeling that because it’s through Lance’s eyes and it slows down, it shows you how concentrated he is.

Things “slow-down” and the sniper locks onto one of the drones and he is successful in taking it down. To slow down this like they did just really embellishes just how fucking awesome this scene is, again, a feature that is meant to draw your attention. It also adds to the emotional intensity that the scene holds. The whole point of slow-motion is that it basically just elongates whatever we are meant think is awesome/cool/key. They use slow motion a lot in this scene in particular. 

To expand upon the idea of Lance being focuse/concentrated, it’s the same thing you take away with this scene:

You see him/hear him take in a deep breath before shooting (where it then goes into slow mo) and it really does let you know that Lance has a lot of patience and focus; he has skill. Though, arguably in 0210 it was a situation that held a lot of weight, it was much more intense. That’s also what held us on edge. They elongated that and brought so much attention to the fact that Lance was successful in making that shot and he goes away like it was nothing. It was great. Lance had only one chance and Slav was someone that was a huge part of the operation. In the Broadsword scene, Lance is only up against drones in the comfort of the castle. That’s nothing in comparison. Both scenes are fucking awesome though and really do show you his skill. Also Lance had his Sniper lock down on a target, whereas in 0210 he had none of that, that was all him, he had no help and he was under so much pressure.

Anyways, sorry.

The thing is, with doing this, Lance is way too slow. He literally watches the drone fall and roll across the floor before almost being hit. He needs to be a lot faster and not wait to see whether it was actually demolished...

Again, no luck. The drones are becoming more demanding. He needs protection and he doesn’t have the time to lock onto a target. Also he needs two hands to hold the Sniper, just like with his Rifle, it’s not like a handgun where you can use one or two hands to be steady and on target. It makes him vulnerable and he needs a shield. 

Honestly, Lance can be really shit in protecting himself. The worst offender has to be in 0304:

You can see how far forward and central he is, he actual goes  a little more to the right (his left) so Keith is central. But look. Allura, Keith and Pidge have their shields up, Hunk is close to an alcove, so is Sven and Slav on the other side. Lance is completely open, not even realising that this is a T junction. 

He was completely exposed and he was stunned in his spot when he was about to be blown to smithereens, probably.

But yeah, I think Lance must forget that he needs a shield. I mean, he could have done something that Hunk and Keith ended up doing:

I mean, they actually replace where he was so it’s noticeable and acts like a “spot the difference”.

Anyway. The point is Lance either needed someone else there to give him protection or just a different weapon.

You can tell Lance is getting angry in this scene though...

He audibly grunts and you can just tell by his face. He can’t shoot back because he needs cover and a proper lock on a target to get one.

We all know what happens next. I’ll show you the GIF’s because I want people to pay close attention to his expressions, then I’ll expand upon it with stills.

I mean, you get the cool extreme close-up again. This is gives us an interaction, It’s kinda uncomfortably close if you will, but you see the bayard start to glow/change and all you see is Lance’s eyes snap open into action as things slow down again *chills*

This one doesn’t really need stills, but upon re-watching and really taking this all in under a critical eye, I got the feeling that this eye snap was like an awakening, he knew what he was doing, the rest of what I’m about to point out will help explain that thesis, even if he wasn’t fully aware.

Right so first look at this:

I know, it’s rather quick and people are probably going to think I’m mental, but trust me! This is art guys, I mean look at his eyes, the bayard is still fucking glowing with the change and he has already cut a drone! It slows down on this still anyway. But man his eyes!!! They sorta get framed by the drone he just cut but damn!! It shows you that this is something that he is not doing tentatively, this is within him; dare I say, natural?

Then it gets to a normal close up where we see his eyes roll around. This is what gets me, he pauses for a brief moment, but it’s like “what the fuck just happened?” but it hasn’t fully sunk in because he was still taking in his surroundings, it’s why we get the roll of the eye as he looks around and changes his position; carrying on and putting away his shield. Also, it’s the only shot we get that’s relatively eye-level, but even then it’s like (if there was a camera there) is below his eye-level.

He cuts a couple more, but look at this. I shit you not, this is his expression whilst he’s shopping up these drones.

He is completely and utterly baffled, yet he is still carrying on. He looks like he’s just ripped his trousers or something 😂😂. It’s like his body was just working on his own; he had no control. Then he continues to be fucking awesome!:

 *This bit here... I saw a post the other day a post about how both Keith and Lance are ambidextrous. I was like “I know Keith is, but Lance isn’t, is he?” Bitch! This scene kinda confirms that*

He blinks and continues to admire it. It doesn’t retract or reform back into the rifle or sniper. Indicating that this wasn’t a one time thing/default or something of that nature, even when he goes slack with it whilst talking to Allura. 

I can’t get over his expressions though. That one with it still changing and the cut drone framing his eyes is so fucking badass. That shit came to him naturally, no two ways about it. That badass slow-mo cut with framing his narrowed eyes coupled with him then being like he just crapped himself though still being badass is not something that he was intently concentrating on like he was with his gun. It’s so weird though. Why would they give the impression that Lance wielding a sword was something he was a natural at? Why did it happen to be the same variation of a weapon that Keith wields? I understand the significance of it, but why play that he is naturally gifted with this sort of thing when it’s Keith’s thing which Keith just seemed to be a natural at too- just like Keith’s piloting?

Anyway. This scene shot here:

It’s a very low shot, the closer he gets to the screen, the more obvious it is, but this bit is framed from below and it’s meant to make you feel intimidated. Also, I’m no expert in this sort of thing, but I don’t think Lance’s stances in all of this scene are far off. He’s not wobbling or anything, he even makes cute little “heee-yas” as well as he swipes his sword.

Yeah, anyways. They made this part of the scene look way too awesome for it not to resonate/be something that will come up later. Also the context.

So why I know the significance of Lance being a natural? Because Lance strives for everything that he does, his facade, for the people he loves, his ambition, piloting etc etc. His insecurities put him in a place where he feels like he doesn’t amount to anything, because he’s always searching for his “thing” yet, he doesn’t realise that he’s the whole package. He is the “jack-of-all-trades”. This makes him even more so. Everything you get from this entire scene is natural. That, I think, is what it was meant to be. The fact that the bayard changes from Rifle to Sniper with ease, then for the Sniper to then change into the Broadsword on it’s own volition, but acting like it had awoken something in Lance and for him to continue and not fail, in comparison to him missing with the gun. I like how after every upgrade, he didn’t fail either, it’s a reference to growth/his growth. 

Wielding a sword is a completely different set of skills to handling a gun. Swords are more about movements. To me, they are also more elegant than a gun which comes across as threatening in any scenario. I looked up the symbolism of swords and it was neatly compacted into this list: Aggression, Protection, Courage, Strength, Action, Unity, Justice, Leadership, Decision, Duplicity. Guns were a much harder thing for me to find and it was a completely different story. It was mostly: Fear, Protection, Anger/Aggression, Power, Control.  Don’t get me wrong, both weapons can both strike fear, it’s just the symbolism's of swords goes wwaaaaayyyyy back, whereas guns are a rather modern invention.

Anyways. I just thought some of those things were interesting to note. Also the fact that under the Christianity section of the symbolism of swords, it was going on about the Archangel Micheal, and how his sword is sometimes depicted to be flaming, it blocked the gates of Eden so only the purest of heart could walk through. symbolising truth, purity and equanimity. He also had that paired with scales, which is a wacky coincidence because Lance keeps a level head about things/tries to keep a balance, you see this play out when he talks to Allura in the very next bit.

Anyway. Now the frame is at eye-level. A comfortable level.

Allura then comes on screen/makes herself known. She steps up next to him, explaining what it is; an Altean Broadsword, one like her father wielded. And then the framing goes to so it is placed above them, at a higher angle. The fact that the sword is the thing that is in the foreground makes it seem a little intimidating, or of importance.

This is where I further put in the notion about Lance actually knowing how he did that.

He says “I have no idea how I did this” and Allura replies with “I think your bayard has shown you what we’ve all been noticing. You have greatness within”- God bless you Allura. 

She turns her head when she said “You have greatness within” with this expression, she really means it. His face doesn’t even look like he’s listening to her, he looks worried. Lance isn’t looking at her and in response he says “I don’t think Shiro has noticed” and his face and head drops. It does the opposite to what that comment was meant to give.

Is it me, or does this frame emphasise how much taller Lance looks as opposed to Allura or is that just me? Anyway, the close-up means that the attention goes fully to their expressions compared to them admiring the Broadsword which we have our attention on at this point also.

Allura agrees that Shiro had been quite difficult of late and she turns away herself.

“Camera” change so we get a full shot of them, at a higher angle again.

She actually closes herself off. We don’t see her fold her arms but she has them folded now and even steps her feet together to gain more distance. Having a full shot of this as well gets through to us their relationship and she steps to the side, making more space.

Lance then puts in his views. “You guys are under a lot of pressure. Having Lotor around doesn’t help.” and she continues about how fighting the Galra may have been easier than working with them. “Camera” change again with Lance leaning into the frame as well showing that he is making himself known to her, basically so he’s in her line of vision as well as ours.

“You both have the coalitions best interest at heart. Don’t forget that. Shiro isn’t the enemy”- oh how wrong you were... But this is also what Lance was trying to tell Shiro when he got yelled at.

“Shiro, we’re all on the same side here-”

For Lance, that was the overall arc for him throughout the entirety of this episode.

“You’re right. I need to stay focused on the big picture” Low-angled shot, looking at Allura. It shows her vulnerability. 

“Thank you Lance” eye-level shot, meaning they’re on common ground; it’s comfortable.

“Talking with you has actually made me feel better” 

“What do you mean actually?

They have a cute little giggle. Thing is about this is that Lance helps Allura out more than Allura helping Lance out. It’s strange because either Lance is so deep in self-loathing that a compliment from Allura of all people won’t make him feel better, or he prefers actions rather than words, or maybe a bit of both.

It is undeniably cute that Allura and Lance are laughing like they are. It’s such a nice, natural sight to see. It just gives you a look in of how much they have grown as friends. But also the “What do you mean “actually”?” Is like, so sweet because it’s something that Lance would probably actually like validation on, that he does give out good advice and it’s nice to see him laugh about it in that way, although it is a little sad in the grand scheme of things. 

Look at that face. It’s so precious. But mid-shot a.k.a social shot. Make sense.

Was it me or was anybody else expecting him to blush in this scene? I mean, to be honest, he doesn’t really smile either, he’s practically turned into a statue.

Then we get Low-angle again, making Allura look intimidating. The shot we have here would also most likely be what Lance would see, so it’s like looking through his eyes. He looks up to Allura still, more than Allura sees Lance as an equal. The dynamic we see from S3 onwards with them. Also, the bayard retracts under Allura’s touch, it brings finality to the scene. Plus what she says “Oh, and Lance, if you are going to try to control a sword this powerful... you’re going to need to work on your stance”. That sentence alone suggests that Lance will use it again/will train with it again. In fact, the theme of control runs through piloting Red and also when Lance provides as Keith’s stability. I think Lance is up for that challenge. 

This interaction with Lance and Allura could have easily have crossed a line into romance. I think the biggest one where it veered off was when Allura told him that he had greatness within. She could have said “I” instead of “we” when talking about what they have all been noticing, also, in response to that, he could have smiled back at her with a fond look himself, but he doesn’t. Then, the fact that Allura continues to close herself off could come across like she was trying something and it didn’t work, but it was evident that she closed herself off because the situation with her and Shiro with Lotor was serious business and she didn’t like being at odds. Then again with her tripping Lance, again it could have come across as her trying something, and the music is the same as with the cute mice stuff, but then changes to the equivalent of the pitiful failure music when Allura trips him. Plus, like I said, Lance could have blushed in response, though the closeness does leave him rigid, but he doesn’t seem to smile either, it’s a weird sort of straight face. It’s probably the “What’s happening? Can’t compute” face. But yeah, you get the gist.

Going back to this:

It symbolises/indicates that Allura is looking at Lance under his facade. She lets herself in. It’s slightly different to what has been used with Keith and Lance though. Allura letting herself in explains a lot actually, because it shows that she’s looked past his facade and really does see him for who he is. She thanks him and takes his words. They leave a mark for her and build her up. She, like Keith (and probably Shiro) know what Lance gives to the team. Then to match that with it ending with this:

and how I explained what that put across about Lance looking up to her. It makes complete and utter sense. Allura has seen Lance as an equal ever since 0302 where he doubted himself and Red called for him, it was one of those moments where she accepted that she won’t be a complete copy of her father (she is still learning this). From then on really she has seen/knows Lance’s mind-set sometimes being a good one (0303) and also valuing/listening to his words of advice and/or encouragement like she does here, in 0406 and in 0606. Lance on the other hand still looks up to her. Whether he really did let he go in that scene in 0606 I don’t exactly know, but Lance is slowly getting there to realising he doesn’t have a chance romantically with her, but he did give her and himself some dignity in 0302 when he let his childish pursuit of her go with the “passing the baton” scene.

To conclude. This scene, especially with the way it ended and the whole scene of him actually using the Broadsword is too powerful to but that aside. You don’t draw that much attention to something like this if it wasn’t coming up later. It was way too cool, and it would be over-emphasised; anti-climactic. Not to mention it’s linked to his growth. His growth with Allura, with Shiro and also just being a paladin/the person he is. Also, it would be an absolute robbery if we didn’t see Keith’s reaction to this😂😂. I assume it to be one of startlement; close to that in 0306 when he made that fucking iconic shocked expression to then go on and lay on a fond smile. 

I do have loads more to say on this scene because it goes everywhere but I will leave it here because it will be way too long. Hey, maybe I’ll do parts or something if people are interested. I’ve just been trying to cut down on how much I write...

Anyway, hope you enjoyed, and I hope this brings back some hope for some people who wanted to see the Broadsword again :D