You not only capture the dynamic, but portray everyone in character even with this twist. Right now, the Cohens are the outsiders are the fringe of Ryan's world and this one event should be a real wake up call. They may have never imagined anything like this being a part of Ryan's past, but as I've always contended and you stress as well, they don't know all that much about him. I'm not sure if they want to adopt the tabula rasa approach, believing it's not just easier and less painful for Ryan, but preferable for them all to concentrate on bonding, building a family and moving forward. As you say, they so often miss the mark and we all know from cliche fest that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. They're doing him no favors by not findint a non-threatening way to discuss his past, to at least encourage even casual mentions or revelations on occasion. Their reaction to him at the first Chrismukkah and at his birthday would be enough for him to remain silent forever. They may know an overview, but little more than anyone reading a file would learn. Compared to Seth, he's a stranger to them and they've let that status continue. He takes his cues from them.
I agree that there are many similarities between Kirsten and Ryan, ones that are beneath the obvious and superficial. Their coloring and demeanor make them seem more mother and son than she and Seth are by far. Ryan has obviously lost his family, friends, connection to shared history- his whole world really. So much attention is paid to all he's gained, but not the price he's paid. Kirsten would have been an outsider in a much less severe and more typical manner while in Berkeley, but she would know the experience of being out of her element, although her environment had been a protected enclave. There is a commonality. I think she would have felt the need to adapt, pretend, placate and a tremendous pressure not to disappoint while conforming, performing and producing at the Newport Group. That would parallel some of the stress Ryan felt in terms of being on display in the Newport bubble. The difference would be it was only one aspect of her life. Other than professionally, until she learned the ropes and got past the underqualified/nepotism obstacle, she would have been very comfortable.
I also wonder if Sandy was at the P.D.'s office in Northern California and if he had contacts or had ever been inland to the Fresno area. His path could have crossed with Ryan's or the Atwoods. At the very least, he could still have contacts in place.
The transitions are all seamless and the interaction is very realistic. I was sorry to see the stopping point because I felt as if we were just getting to something important. I didn't expect Ryan to respond to them verbally, not that he would resist them. Some of that seems slightly off, in retrospect. I'm wondering if he just wanted to have space and then didn't know what to do next. I just hope they're very thorough about exploring therapy, don't force him and try to find a gentle way to engage him in even casual conversation. They have no idea what they're dealing with and can't come across as having the answers.
I should see if I've friended you. I thought I did!
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You not only capture the dynamic, but portray everyone in character even with this twist. Right now, the Cohens are the outsiders are the fringe of Ryan's world and this one event should be a real wake up call. They may have never imagined anything like this being a part of Ryan's past, but as I've always contended and you stress as well, they don't know all that much about him. I'm not sure if they want to adopt the tabula rasa approach, believing it's not just easier and less painful for Ryan, but preferable for them all to concentrate on bonding, building a family and moving forward. As you say, they so often miss the mark and we all know from cliche fest that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. They're doing him no favors by not findint a non-threatening way to discuss his past, to at least encourage even casual mentions or revelations on occasion. Their reaction to him at the first Chrismukkah and at his birthday would be enough for him to remain silent forever. They may know an overview, but little more than anyone reading a file would learn. Compared to Seth, he's a stranger to them and they've let that status continue. He takes his cues from them.
I agree that there are many similarities between Kirsten and Ryan, ones that are beneath the obvious and superficial. Their coloring and demeanor make them seem more mother and son than she and Seth are by far. Ryan has obviously lost his family, friends, connection to shared history- his whole world really. So much attention is paid to all he's gained, but not the price he's paid. Kirsten would have been an outsider in a much less severe and more typical manner while in Berkeley, but she would know the experience of being out of her element, although her environment had been a protected enclave. There is a commonality. I think she would have felt the need to adapt, pretend, placate and a tremendous pressure not to disappoint while conforming, performing and producing at the Newport Group. That would parallel some of the stress Ryan felt in terms of being on display in the Newport bubble. The difference would be it was only one aspect of her life. Other than professionally, until she learned the ropes and got past the underqualified/nepotism obstacle, she would have been very comfortable.
I also wonder if Sandy was at the P.D.'s office in Northern California and if he had contacts or had ever been inland to the Fresno area. His path could have crossed with Ryan's or the Atwoods. At the very least, he could still have contacts in place.
The transitions are all seamless and the interaction is very realistic. I was sorry to see the stopping point because I felt as if we were just getting to something important. I didn't expect Ryan to respond to them verbally, not that he would resist them. Some of that seems slightly off, in retrospect. I'm wondering if he just wanted to have space and then didn't know what to do next. I just hope they're very thorough about exploring therapy, don't force him and try to find a gentle way to engage him in even casual conversation. They have no idea what they're dealing with and can't come across as having the answers.
I should see if I've friended you. I thought I did!