Princess And The Scoundrel Thoughts
Princess and the Scoundrel Thoughts
Spoilers ahead:
First of all, the title and cover of this book are ridiculous. The art is pretty, but the pose looks like a cheesy romance. I think they’re paying homage to Courtship of Princess Leia, which while that story is hilarious, is one of the worst Star Wars books ever. But we get the Dathomir witches so it’s fine I guess.
On the other hand, Princess and the Scoundrel, is one of the best Star Wars books. Despite everything, despite all of the obstacles this book had from the beginning, it succeeds as having some of the best and most subtle character work in the entire franchise. Which is hilarious, because this book literally only exists to market a hotel. But Beth Revis said, “yeah, but what if it was good and I actually tried?”
Now, Beth Revis has clearly read COPL. You can tell and it’s kind of hilarious. For example, in COPL, there is a really long scene where Han plays sabacc (space poker) during a bout of insecurity and wins a planet to give to Leia and he uses THE MILLENNIUM FALCON for collateral. Han Solo would never do this. Now in PatS, Han plays sabacc while Leia is working to help her out by gathering intelligence. One of the players mentions that he wants to kidnap Leia (not knowing who Han is), and Han almost murders the guy. It’s awesome.
Here’s the thing, you can tell when Leia is being written by a woman instead of a man. In COPL, there is one moment where it’s brought up that if Leia marries Isolder there will be a planet for the survivors of the Alderaani genocide, but it’s only mentioned a few times and not by Leia. So any opportunity for a duty vs love internal conflict is not used. Her conflict is “Han and I are distant and space Fabio is hot so…”. Then HAN KIDNAPS LEIA USING A MIND CONTROL GUN. And she doesn’t murder him. So…I don’t care about this relationship anymore because both of them suck and it isn’t even clear why Leia falls in love with Han all over again.
Beth Revis gives Leia a very multi faceted internal conflict. Part of it is her dealing with her feelings about Vader, about being part of a team, and her guilt over Alderaan. It doesn’t take up too much time, but they inform a lot of her character.
Now, in a different canon book, that came out previously, it was mentioned in passing that Han and Leia got married on Endor. Now, at that point in both the EU and Canon, Han and Leia have been forcibly separated for a year and only actually got together a little bit before that. So, that’s really weird. But Revis is stuck with this. So she says to herself, “Why would they do this? Why would they move this quickly?”
And she remembers that this is Star Wars. They are living through war, they all almost died, and just spent a year forcibly separated. And they’ve decided that they’re done wasting time. Han just kind of…proposes and Leia (in typical fashion) debates for a second before deciding to take a leap of faith for love. It’s genuinely very, very sweet. Despite the title and cover this is not a romance book. There is no “will they won’t they” bullshit. Thank. God. They just get married and it’s really happy and Lando pranks Han into dressing nice, and it’s great. Then it’s a Star Wars adventure featuring Han and Leia.
That’s not to say Han and Leia don’t have any tension between them. The difference is it’s interesting. Han and Leia, especially her, do not know how to fully let each other into their lives. It isn’t that Han forgets for a bit that he married a very driven woman. He absolutely knows. His frustration stems from the fact that they are literally on their honeymoon, and Leia keeps leaving to work, because that is all she knows how to do. It is how she has coped with her trauma for three years. On the other hand, Leia feels like she is solely responsible for saving the galaxy, and that Han doesn’t understand that. Both sides of this argument are understandable. The book switches between Han and Leia’s perspectives. There are no stupid cutaways to Luke or space Fabio, there are no space witches. It is a focused relationship/ character study of Han and Leia while they’re on a decently interesting mission.
And the build up to the fight they end up having, is great. It’s a slow build up, you can feel their mutual frustration, and once they have the fight it is very cathartic. They don’t fight for the entire book either. They flirt and tease and have real conversations too.
So, after this huge fight, Leia is trying to divert the cruiser they’re on to this other planet, and Han finds out and helps her. Together, they succeed, but Leia is confused. They haven’t made up from their fight yet, and she asks why he helped her fight to go on a mission that’s going to take up more of their time. And Han says, “You’re my wife. If you’re running a con, I’m going to help you.”
Now, this might just be one of my favorite lines. Beth Revis understands that Han Solo is very loyal to the few people he cares about. He loves Leia, it’s why he goes back for her on Hoth at his own risk, why he saves Luke at Yavin and on Hoth. (She also understands the little bit of dorkiness Han Solo has beneath the posturing, up to the point that she gives him a sweet tooth.) Neither of them are overly mushy, they just love and respect each other.
There’s this great symbolism with their wedding rings. They’re made of hardened amber by the ewoks, and their fragility is a constant reminder of Han and Leia’s issues. They crack under pressure, and have to be maintained carefully. They eventually end up breaking under immense water pressure, but Han gives Leia a new ring (the one she wears in the sequels) reminiscent of the amber ones, symbolizing that they’re coming out stronger. It’s so sweet, and while it’s a little bit on the nose, it’s a great literary technique.
He’s acknowledging that he recognizes this part of Leia’s character, Leia realizes she needs to also put him first. In the aftermath, they both feel bad, apologize, and resolve to work on their issues together. And when they make-up, it feels real. This runs through the entire book, and the way it ends is really satisfying. Now, we know what happens to them in the sequels, so we can see how this conflict may come back into play later and lead to their eventual separation in canon. But, it’s also easy to see a different path where they work through these issues and live happily ever after. It’s just ambiguous enough to be read as either a prelude to eventual tragedy or the beginning of a long, happy life between two complex people. (I prefer the first one, but whatever).
Other things I liked:
- Han proposing. It’s literally that “I want you” “For what?” “A really long time.” quote on the internet.
Han: I want you.
Leia: Me? For what?
Han: Forever. Marry me.
- Leia tells Han about her true parentage and he just does not care. Like, he’s sympathetic towards her feelings, but is like, “why would this impact my love for you?”
- Leia finally lets herself do something spontaneous.
- Luke and Mon Mothma ship it.
- This quote:
Leia: About time.
Han: For what?
Leia: You once promised me a good kiss. I’ve been waiting.
- The conflict on Madurs is also pretty interesting. Leia is unwilling to let another planet die, giving an insight into Leia’s feelings about Alderaan, especially since Madurs values art like Alderaan.
Honestly, I want Beth Revis to write the canon “trip to Bespin” book.
Also…
This book kind of implies that Leia is bi? There’s a scene where Leia is remembering a conversation with her mother. So, when Alderaanian royals get married, their parent straps the ceremonial Rhindon sword (also used during their coronation) around their waist before the wedding.
In the flashback, Breha specifically says “whoever you marry” and “your husband or wife”…
Some people may say that it’s just ‘forced inclusion’ but that’s boring. Now, in the EU, fanon, and canon, Leia always puts emphasis on how close she and her parents were. This is something that I don’t think is ever particularly well illustrated, especially in canon. In parts the Kenobi series (she gets better later) and Leia, Princess of Alderaan, Breha in particular comes off as really unlikable.
But, if Leia isn’t over romanticizing (and there’s no indication that she is), she was really close to her parents. So, it stands to reason that her mother would know her sexuality. They at least seem really accepting in this passage, so it doesn’t seem like something Leia would keep from them.
I have no other evidence, and as far as I know, Leia is always seen in romances with men in both canon and legends, but in this context, it is a very interesting hint of something new about her character.
More Posts from Theangelwithawand and Others
The second story in my “Domestic Burlesque” series is complete! Please check it out and let me know what you think!
Good Omens Incorrect Quotes Part 1
Yeah, I found the incorrect quotes generator so…
I know some of these have been done but…
Crowley: You are the love of my life and I would do anything within reason to make you happy.
Aziraphale: I would be happy if you ate, stayed hydrated and got a reasonable amount of sleep.
Crowley: I said within reason, Aziraphale. How about I murder that guy?
Aziraphale: So murder is in reason but proper self care isn't?
Crowley: Well, duh. What kind of question is that
*
Aziraphale: I have feelings for you.
Crowley: Why? What's wrong with you? Are you sure you're okay?
*
Crowley: Aziraphale, you love me, right?
Aziraphale: Normally I’d say yes without hesitation, but I feel like this is going somewhere I won’t like.
*
Crowley: Relationships should be 50/50. Aziraphale cooks us dinner while I sit on the kitchen counter looking pretty.
*
Crowley: My hands are cold.
Aziraphale: Here, let me hold them.
Crowley: My lips are cold too.
Aziraphale: *covers Crowley's mouth with their hand*
*
Aziraphale: I don't know how to tell you this, but... I love you.
Crowley: That's great, Aziraphale. Especially considering the fact we've been married for 6000 f***ing years.
*
Aziraphale: Are you sure Crowley's even gay? They barely even looked at me.
*
Crowley, sweating: Aziraphale, there’s something I need to ask you-
Aziraphale: Finally! You’re proposing!
Crowley: How’d you know?
Aziraphale: Crowley, you’ve dropped the ring five times during dinner.
Aziraphale: I even picked it up once.
*
Aziraphale: You have to apologize to them Crowley.
Crowley: Fine! But I must warn you that this might make me a better, nicer person and that is NOT the person you fell in love with!
*
Crowley: I am so cool. I am an absolute Chad. I am the epitome of coolness and awesomeness—
Aziraphale: Hi.
Crowley: *melts down in a flustered heap of softness*
*
Aziraphale, to Crowley: We had a date!
Aziraphale: *aggressively points to Hello Kitty Coloring Book*
*
Aziraphale: Are we fighting or flirting?
Crowley: I'm pinning you against a wall with my hand around your neck-
Aziraphale: Your point?
*
Aziraphale: Is something burning?
Crowley, leaning seductively on the counter: Just my desire for you.
Aziraphale: Crowley, the toaster is literally on fire.
@iswear-imnot-12 did some gorgeous fan art for a fic of mine over on Ao3. It is gorgeous, and I wanted to say thank you!
I just read this amazing good omens fic by @theangelwithawand and had to make a fanart!
This is a 1926 flapper Crowley;
Here are some of my favorite parts:
And my references:
If u liked, please go read it!
I wish there was a way to completely OPT OUT of AI. Like you could set your ENTIRE Internet browser to NOT shove it down your throat.
When social media was getting big, you could just NOT get a Facebook or a Twitter. It was simple as that. You can't do that with AI.
Trying to find a job? It goes straight to an AI filter. Trying to look at art? Here's 100+ ai shit. Trying to look up who was in what movie from the 1980s? GOOGLE GEMINI IS HERE WITH THE COMPLETELY WRONG ANSWER!
Someone PLEASE create a way to allow people to get AI the FUCK OUT of our lives if we DO NOT WANT IT!
Noah’s “judge my wife if you dare” look is severely underrated. It’s so beautiful that he loves her so much even though everyone else thinks she’s weird. He sees the sweet, generous, thoughtful woman that Astrid is. Religion, the opinions of others, having children, none of it matters because he just loves her.
So, I saw two movies yesterday.
These reviews are spoiler free.
————————————————
The first was the DnD Movie, which I really liked. I went in a huge group with one of my college clubs. It’s shot really well, tons of fun, has a great soundtrack, and feels like a DnD campaign. My only complaints were that the exposition dumps were sometimes super long and obvious, and the final dilemma between Holga, Edgin, Kira, and Zia felt a little too rushed. There should have been a little bit of conversation between Edgin and Kira. Also, Regé-Jean Page should have been in the movie more. But, literally everyone in the movie happens to be ridiculously gorgeous on top of being great in their roles.
————————————————
Now…
The Mario Movie. So, a couple of us stayed at the theater after the DnD movie, because we figured “we’re already here and none of us will ever come see this on our own.”
So, at this point it was almost 10 at night on a Thursday, we had 15 minutes before the film started, and the theater was completely out of snacks. So we all piled into a car, ran to a Walmart and loaded up on snacks (I finally understand the “Kids in the candy store” expression) to sneak into the theater. We were all giddy and giggly and running around like madmen. (Nothing unusual for a Walmart at that time of night, I’m sure).
So, we get back and smuggle our snacks in just before opening previews begin. We’re nerds and we don’t party or stay out, so the fact that we’re doing this is making us giddy beyond belief, and the five of us have the whole theater to ourselves, getting ourselves high on sugar and cracking jokes…
And that’s where the memories end. We spent the entire movie cracking jokes, screaming when Mario Kart references were made and being generally rowdy (once again the theater was empty other than us).
I legitimately don’t remember anything about the movie other than not being super impressed by the voice performances (the script for Peach in particular was not doing Anya Taylor-Joy any favors).
The one thing that is genuinely impressive is the animation. They really took the time to make it look like the games, there was clearly a lot of genuine effort and care put into it. There are so many references to the games that are there for the fans. Some of the lighting effects were genuinely amazing as well.
The rest of it…the plot… it was predictable and forgettable in every sense of the word.
Except for the nihilistic blue star. They were iconic.
Also, Jack Black is a National Treasure. Please go watch the full “Peaches” music video. It’s amazing.
I was thinking about the “I’ll never speak to you again” line. Yes it’s emotional manipulation (but Aziraphale thinks that’s what he - an angel - is supposed to be because…well…er…literally almost all of the angels he regularly interacts with are). Yes he would also hate not talking to Crowley.
But the thing is…it’s just kind of a fact. It is literally what will happen if either side wins, no matter which side wins, they won’t see each other. One or both of them might be permanently destroyed in the battle (with the latter possibly probably a worse scenario for both of them). At the very least they will never see each other. 6 millennia of at least having the knowledge that their paths will eventually cross will end.
Aziraphale is finally realizing that it doesn’t matter what side wins, that both are willing to destroy his home of 6,000 years, and he has no idea how to plan for this. What he does know, is that Crowley had figured this out long before he did, and would be better able to come up with some sort of plan.
Aziraphale’s Possible Reasoning in the Final Scene
Season 2 Spoilers Below!
Okay, unpopular opinion, but I kind of understand why Aziraphale may think Crowley would want to be an angel again, if we put aside the queer allegory of conformity for a moment.
Aziraphale probably remembers the first time he met Crowley (then Rafael) when Crowley was building the stars. Crowley had such a look of genuine joy and wonder on his face.
Aziraphale thinks he is being kind. Obviously, yes he still wants to fix Heaven, which is a futile pipe dream.
But, Aziraphale wants to give Crowley the stars again, and he thinks bringing him back to heaven is the only way to do that.
Aziraphale wants to save Crowley from an existence of eternal damnation. To forever protect Crowley from Hell which he sees as the only source of evil and torture. He still has his blinders on and doesn’t realize this about Heaven.
He just doesn’t realize that Crowley doesn’t need the stars and he doesn’t need saving.
At least that’s what I’m telling myself to cope.
Appreciation post for all the beginner artists who work hard despite the AI looming over us. You are fabulous. You are precious. Keep up the hard work, you are needed.
Season 2 Spoilers:
The only way for this to be fixed is for Aziraphale to be put in one last, very dramatic “Crowley and/or Humanity vs Heaven” situation.
And he chooses Crowley. He chooses their side. Bonus points if he does it instinctively.
Maybe we bring it around to the “I’ve never killed anything” bit from season one.
Neil and fic writers feel free to use this. Just give me credit. 😂
And when this happens, it’s gonna feel so good.
And it better end in their garden in the South Downs.
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