#robulian

Robin/Julian: wild dog/mischievous cat

Thomas/Kitty: lap dog/lap cat

Chess & sex: symbolism in media.

If you’ve ever known me, you’ll know how much this fact keeps me ticking over - that chess is common symbolism for sex in media.

Thought I’d have a crack at applying this to BBC Ghosts & creating an ongoing metaphor ;)

- feel free to add anything & share ur own ideas

- every time I use ‘chess’, ‘chessboard’ ‘game’ etc I hope what I actually mean is apparent haha!

‘A lot to take in’:

The ghosts’ chessboard is dishevelled, it’s evident that it has not been used for a while as non of the ghosts had ever took the initiative to or, rather, showed any interest in using it - until Julian Fawcett, of course.

The man’s stressed, his only outlet being a game of chess - something he’s familiar with and supposedly good at. He isn’t fussy, openly inviting any of the ghosts to join him - to which Robin enthusiastically agrees. Robin consents to this game of chess as it’s new & exciting- perhaps even something he’s wanted to play for a while but never had the opportunity to as no one had expressed any interest in the game before.

Julian doesn’t specifically oppose this, rather, questions the caveman’s familiarity with chess - ‘do you know how?’ He shows trepidation, a subtle uncertainty as to how Robin might play - the same way as Julian knows the game? Is he familiar with the rules and formalities? Will he even be any good at chess?

The metaphorical interaction ends in compromise - Robin has gained knowledge of the game as per Julian wishes to play it whilst still insisting on certain aspects ‘pawn’ ‘prawn’ ‘no, pawn’ ‘prawn’ ‘ok’ - Julian eventually shows submission, allowing Robin to win (have his way) whilst satisfied that he knows what he’s doing (& playing), a worthy opponent for future games.

Further examples:

‘A lot to take in’:

Robin asks Julian to play but, possessing an undesirable mindset for such an activity as chess, refuses. Robin then rather comically concludes he will ‘play with himself’ as, naturally, this is the next best option to satisfy his want for chess. Julian proposes chess later as he rememberes Robin’s want for it earlier - ‘still fancy that game?’ i.e ‘are you still in the mood? Because I want to play chess now too.’

‘The woodworm men’:

They’ve settled into a comfortable routine of chess, playing it frequently with each other whilst still maintaining a thorough enjoyment of the game - craving it, almost. The pair appear somewhat relieved that they’re still able to play despite the disturbance in the house. In contrast, as seen in ‘Happy Death Day’, annoyance when they can’t or their game is disrupted.

‘Poached guests’:

Robin is overjoyed about giant chess as it acts as an extension (or even improvement) of their usual game, a new toy for them to play with - he recognises it as a potential asset for them both ‘we need this - we need that!’ - inadvertently admitting that they play chess together; it’s their thing, his chess partner.

They play their new variation of the game alongside couple Alison and Mike, both united in respective games & equally contented with the outcome.

‘Speak as ye choose’:

Robin jokes his talk should be on ‘how to beat Julian at chess’ implying this often happens - he often dominates the game. Julian’s aghast expression is therefore justifiable - it’s ‘out of order’ to be expressing how we play our game with the others!

‘The grey Lady’:

Perhaps not as overtly symbolic as the other examples, but Alison bribes Julian with a new game as she understands his enjoyment of them. Robin shows somewhat dissatisfaction as he can’t play too, but ultimately forgives him as it’s in his nature to be open to different games & players.