Hi, It’s Me, back At It Again With Another Varian Post

Hi, it’s me, back at it again with another Varian post

I just…can we talk about this for a second? This is a moment at the end of Ready As I’ll Ever Be that’s very difficult to catch at a glance, but to me, it says a lot. These are all expressions that Varian makes just before the Final Battle- when he’s just finished preparing and is watching the automaton as it’s being lowered into the cellar.

In the first two images, he doesn’t look nearly as sure of himself as he does throughout most of the episode. In the second one, if you look close, you can even see his gaze has drifted to the side as though he’s contemplating something; possibly wondering if all this is really necessary and whether or not he’s actually doing the right thing, here.

But then, by the third one, his resolve hardens. He’s likely reminded himself of his (supposed)motivation to free his father and of the fact that he’s already come too far to change course. And we know what happens from there…

We’ve seen this kind of thing before, though; In the Alchemist Returns, he seems to be second-guessing his actions just before turning on Rapunzel:

It’s already made pretty clear that Varian is neck-deep in denial about who’s really to blame for his father’s condition, but he also appears to be wavering a lot in his resolution for solving the issue. Despite the bravado he uses when confronting the king and Rapunzel - bragging about how they’re “not in a position to demand anything” - any time he really stops to think about what he’s doing, his expression suddenly becomes hesitant and unsure. 

This, to me, reaffirms that the only real motivation he has for his actions is anger. He’s not thinking clearly; the logical side of him is still not completely sold on the course of action he’s choosing, but he’s letting his emotions override it (as distraught teenagers often do). Varian is not all-in with seeking revenge against Corona, but at this point in time, he views it as his only choice. Not because it makes the most sense, just because it satisfies his desire to deflect and refocus his anger on something(or someone) else.

Because where would he turn it on otherwise? Probably, himself.

Man, I just… realizing that Varian is eventually going to have to come face-to-face with his own guilt and accept the blame for everything that’s happened… Varian may be a villain (and I do personally believe he can be referred to as a “villain” at this point), but at the end of the day, he’s still just a grieving kid who’s too afraid to admit that his mistake may have cost his dad his life.

I truly hope he’s able to reconcile his relationship with Rapunzel and save his father. And when he does, I hope it’s his decision to make. 

I really want this boy to make a turn around of his own volition. Because, deep down, he knows that what he’s doing isn’t what he wants to do- what his FATHER would want him to do. And he needs to come to terms with it, and set it right (just as he said he was going to do in Let Me Make You Proud.)