If you follow Teen Wolf you are probably aware of the amount of fan fic written about it and in particular Stiles Stilinski (Dylan O'Brien) and Derek Hale (Tyler Hoechlin) or as they are better known, Sterek. Fans have picked up on a connection between the two characters and have turned it into a cause célèbre. Of course it is fuelled by photos like this and the comments of the actors themselves when out of character.
Shipping1 of characters is nothing new, but there is a concerted online campaign, of which he is aware, to have executive producer and head writer Jeff Davis incorporate this into the story line.
I'm of two minds on this. As a gay man, who wouldn't want to see something happen between these two? There is a chemistry, often shrouded in apparent dislike, but obvious when Derek turns to Stiles for something or when Stiles actually rescues Derek. But is that just part of a good story, where even characters who only tolerate one another are thrown into situations where they must work together?
On the other hand, I'm uncomfortable with fans of a show trying to write it. They don't have the all-encompassing vision of the person who created it. They aren't aware of what plans lay ahead for the show or the characters. Jeff Davis himself has said that the unintentional connection between the two preceded the push for something more. This makes sense because the stories are written and filmed well before they appear on television where the fans can begin to fantasize.
I'm more in favour of leaving it up to Davis to do with his characters as he plans. If he chooses to incorporate the fan input that's his decision, but he shouldn't cave to the pressure if it's not where he sees them going. And fans really should accept his decision. The reason you watch any show shouldn't be because you want to change its direction; you should watch it because it entertains you, holds your interest and, if you're lucky, even challenges you2. You don't have to agree with the writer or his decisions for that to happen. In fact, sometimes it's better if you don't.
In the meantime, all this is great for fuelling and maintaining interest in the series. Something of which I'm sure Davis and the actors are aware and can continue to use to their advantage with teases and hints that may or may not be real.
Shipping1 of characters is nothing new, but there is a concerted online campaign, of which he is aware, to have executive producer and head writer Jeff Davis incorporate this into the story line.
I'm of two minds on this. As a gay man, who wouldn't want to see something happen between these two? There is a chemistry, often shrouded in apparent dislike, but obvious when Derek turns to Stiles for something or when Stiles actually rescues Derek. But is that just part of a good story, where even characters who only tolerate one another are thrown into situations where they must work together?
On the other hand, I'm uncomfortable with fans of a show trying to write it. They don't have the all-encompassing vision of the person who created it. They aren't aware of what plans lay ahead for the show or the characters. Jeff Davis himself has said that the unintentional connection between the two preceded the push for something more. This makes sense because the stories are written and filmed well before they appear on television where the fans can begin to fantasize.
I'm more in favour of leaving it up to Davis to do with his characters as he plans. If he chooses to incorporate the fan input that's his decision, but he shouldn't cave to the pressure if it's not where he sees them going. And fans really should accept his decision. The reason you watch any show shouldn't be because you want to change its direction; you should watch it because it entertains you, holds your interest and, if you're lucky, even challenges you2. You don't have to agree with the writer or his decisions for that to happen. In fact, sometimes it's better if you don't.
In the meantime, all this is great for fuelling and maintaining interest in the series. Something of which I'm sure Davis and the actors are aware and can continue to use to their advantage with teases and hints that may or may not be real.
1 Shipping, derived from the word relationship, is the belief that two characters, fictional or non-fictional, are (or will be, or should be) in a romantic relationship. From Wikipedia
2 While I watch the show, I'm fully aware that I'm well outside its intended fan demographic and that, while it has its moments and is generally entertaining, it's not great television. But then again very little currently is.
2 While I watch the show, I'm fully aware that I'm well outside its intended fan demographic and that, while it has its moments and is generally entertaining, it's not great television. But then again very little currently is.
Photos from Mememe, Old Times
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