#robert meta

It’s quite funny actually that if you watch the Robert and Max scenes without any context, especially early in the ep, they do kind of seem like young lovers running away from their families to be together. And Max totally seems jealous of Robert waiting for Debbie 👀

Also the idea that they had feelings for each other (acted on or otherwise) makes his death, and Robert’s choice to save Andy, so much more angsty!

Oh the storylines we could have had if they’d made Robert bi during the Karl era too...

Also, I can’t tell you how much I love the use of Scissor Sisters ‘Filthy/Gorgeous’ in those car scenes because omg if that’s not trash!rob’s theme tune Idk what it.

If anyone is interested the Robert scenes are at 1:34 / 6:33 / 10:36 / 12:25 / 14:00 / 15:26 / 16:36 / 18:24 / 19:37 / 20:45

“A lot of Robert’s flaws, the things we’re talking about such as his constant need to gain power, I guess it stems from the fact he had a difficult relationship with his own father and he never felt appreciated or loved.”

But who you were never vanishes entirely. Underneath all those layers of snark and anger and dumb decisions, that little boy still exists, desperate for a family and love and acceptance.

I mean look at this child:

Now look at this man:

“We don’t need you anyway” [1:26]

“…I’m only part of this family when it suits them, rest of time they just ignore me… [if he cares so much] why are you here instead of him?” [6:24]

“I don’t mean to mother ya” (just a few months after watching his mum die in horrific circumstances, like is it really any wonder why he reacts badly?) [6:51]

“Tell them I’ve jumped off a cliff… see if they notice” [6:57]

“He’d never be cheeky on purpose, Jack, you know that. There’s more to it than that ….he’s just - not happy.” [12:18]

“I’m surprised you even remembered I was in. I’m fed up of being told what I should and shouldn’t do on this farm, if it’s not what you and Andy want it don’t  count does it?” [17:08]

“Why, what’s wrong? Thought you preferred it when it’s just you and him?” [17:32]

“You’re a waste of time, you” [20:22] his lack of response to that kills me, because since when does Robert at any age not have an answer for something?

“When people start to care about me, all of ya, instead of just shutting me out of everything that’s going on – then I might start to care about you alright? [20:52]

“…I think you both know he did it, but I can’t find out for some reason because I’m not – whatever, part of the family enough.” [21:29]

-

Also i really want to know where in this timeline the incident with the farm-hand happened, because by my (admittedly pretty dodgy) maths, he would have been 15 at this time? I know it wasn’t originally part of canon but omg it would absolutely fit within the context of this episode.

Basically, I was going to go on a long meta ramble about how much Robert’s issues stem from his childhood, but I feel like these quotes speak for themselves.

Basically give Robert hugs and therapy 2k17. 

But tbh my heart breaks most for Robert in this storyline. Since Seb was born he has tried so fucking hard to give his family - especially his little boy - everything he possibly can. Every decision he has made has been in Seb’s best interest, he raised him as a single dad for a while, he was even willing to turn down a chance at reuniting with Aaron, the love of his life, if it was going to adversely affect Seb. He has worked so hard on making himself a better person, to be the father he wishes he had, so that Seb can be proud to call him his dad.

And Rebecca is going to take Seb away from him for her own selfish reasons, making absolutely no effort to consider what’s right for the kid?

Fuck that.