#voporak

Coupled with Sidorak’s apparent popularity with his troops and his simultaneous rivalry yet desire to work with Roodaka, and I think Sidorak has a lot of potential to make for a compelling character caught between two different extremes, trying to reconcile and not be self-contradictory, and finding a middle ground between the two- Or at least, ideally choose one. Which adds to his torn insecurity as a character that makes the dude a lot more human, and not just some scheming noble but a villain with enough integrity and honor to be conscious about his lies, or at least practical about needing to address them with the responsibility he now has. And in Sidorak’s attempt to be a better leader, he overthinks and tries too hard and paradoxically becomes worse, like Vakama.

It also makes me excited to explore how his betrayal of Voporak must’ve been like for both parties, because Voporak is another character I want to play around with. That’s honestly really fascinating that Sidorak does have some semblance of an implied conscience and initiative to grow, which could even make him as interesting as fan-favorites such as Nidhiki or Krika- Especially with the idea of the lost potential of the genuine leader he could’ve been had Roodaka not gotten Sidorak killed, and this image of a ‘noble’ general marred by a dark truth that he tries to clean, but can never overcome.

It’s almost like a repentance by Sidorak of who he really is, which I love. Trying to change who he is to be what others expect and need (like Vakama), but tragically never getting past that innate identity, nor coming to terms with that nature. There’s a sudden humanity to Sidorak’s foolhardy, seemingly arrogant recklessness that, again, connects very well to Vakama’s arc, and suddenly makes me appreciate the comparisons he drew between the two of them... If Sidorak was aware of his own flaws deep down, then he very well may have seen the same in Vakama and even been sympathetic towards that (adding to Sidorak’s willingness to give Vakama a chance to prove himself, something that would resonate with him)...

But because he can’t afford to admit weakness due to the pressure, Sidorak never elaborates on this comparison and what truly resonates with him, which makes it come across more as boastful and ‘confident’ projection, mentorship- Which hell, maybe Sidorak’s sympathy towards Vakama’s plight would’ve led him to give the Toa the encouragement and advice he wished he had, albeit under a very professional persona... And make Sidorak regret all the more his betrayal of his mentor Voporak, and add to Sidorak’s admiration of Teridax, who no doubt manipulated him as well.

And that feeling of being unworthy, of having thrust himself into this position and thus needing to put in the work to get out of it, the shame (as well as the inability) that keeps him from asking for help, openly admitting these issues... Very compelling stuff. Perhaps there was a relief, deep down, in his coming death by Keetongu’s hands- A self-destructive repentance, and a gratitude to be relieved of guilt through sufficient karma, to finally be done with those sins by having them return and finish Sidorak off. It would add to the Web of Shadows novelization having Sidorak think over how Roodaka was technically doling out justice in her betrayal of him, and giving her credit in his last thoughts.