I think Rayla is still a character just look at the big picture. her leaving Callum brings new character development and storytelling for later seasons plus in real life relationships are not always sunshine and rainbows there will always be hiccups and arguments so it’s understandable that the creators of the show probably wanted to go in that direction and make the characters feel more alive.
Rayla got wasted in s4/5. She is the only elf in the main group and it didn't matter. Rayla could be a human girl and it wouldn't affect the plot very much. Is this an exaggeration? Probably. Her home the silvergrove doesn't matter anymore. Aside from Ethari the place may be very well empty. Her upbringing is only relevant, because it can be used to justify Raylas poor behavior. Her storyline with the coins is also badly used. Instead of getting the coins, the coins were given to her. She also seems to rely on Callum to free the parents. But what was Raylas active part in the process? I think that Rayla is the main victim of s4/5. Moonshadow elves were the most important elves in S1-3. But in S4-5 they don't matter anymore.
16:34 Well, For the longest time, Rayla thought her family was killed by Viren until Claudia showed the Cursed Coins and She felt like She needed to do stuff on Her own without placing a burden on anyone, which is still wrong, Even I Struggle with help, and Everytime Rayla Tries To Do Something On Her Own, It Ends Up A Disaster, Of Course Stealing Is Nothing Compared To Leaving Without A Word For 2 Or More Years.
Not to mention she also blames herself for Runnan’s disappearance, since he was only captured because the mission failed because of her decision to spare the human guard. I argue it isn’t due to Runnan still making the choice to go through with the mission after seeing Zym’s egg (although to be fair, that also would’ve cost him and his team all of their arms). So it makes sense why she feels that freeing him is her burden to carry. Also Callum does have complicated feelings about Runnan, which I imagine will be addressed in season 6. We know they’re gonna be alone for most of the season on their quest to the storm spire. Maybe they’ll have a chance to talk about everything, and Rayla can apologize properly for leaving.
You know who else felt a little underutilized in seasons 4-5? Soren. I feel like a lot of Soren’s trauma from season three isn’t being given the screen time it deserves. Which is frustrating since Soren is my favorite character. Since Rayla left to look for Viren and Claudia, you think the first thing he would do when Rayla got back would be to ask her if she found them. Especially since they had that moment in Through the Moon where he tells Rayla how he still feels conflicted about stabbing who he thought was his father. And when the group finds out that Claudia is the one trying to free Aaravos, Soren doesn’t offer any insight in his feelings about possibly seeing his villain turned sister who he presumed was dead for two years! And not only does he see her again, but is reunited with his abusive father who has literally been haunting his dreams for two years! And we don’t even get a scene between them! We had to wait several months for them to release a side story to show their reunion. It frustrates me that the fourth season spends so much on Callum and Rayla’s relationship drama, but no time for Soren’s friends to ask him if he’s okay after seeing freaking Viren back from the dead! Hopefully they do give Soren’s trauma the focus it deserves in season 6. Aaron Ehasz promised in a season 4 QnA that we’d have a scene where Soren and Viren confront each other over their past. (Another piece of evidence for the Viren is alive theory. Or at least comes back as a spirit guide.) I really hope Aaron wasn’t lying. I think maybe revealing that Soren’s been using his goofy smile to hide his pain from his friends would be a decent payoff to his lack of presence in seasons 4-5. Have him pull a Willow from the Owl House, where he feels like he needs to always put on a brave face so that his friends feel like they can rely on him, only for him eventually crack from the pressure when he’s once again face to face with the man who instilled all that pressure and pain into him.
Absolutely! Soren is a casualty of underbaked writing too. I am team: GET SOREN THERAPY. The short stories were definitely trying to fill that gap of the emotional turmoil of seeing Viren alive. I thought it was so compelling when he's having a PTSD-induced panic attack, hearing the words “How could you?” as he thought about Viren but it was Claudia who told him those words. Incredible. I wish that had been animated. But... I couldn't agree more, they are giving Rayllum a little too much screen time. That flashback in season 5 (did admittedly pull at my heartstrings like it was surely intended to) but it was also really frustrating at the same time because it lasted almost a minute! And the time I thought a flashback was SURELY coming was during Finnegrin's wake when he's talking about Domina Profundis but then... nothing. OR even when Ezran is talking about Domina telling him the nature of the prison. For sure I thought we'd see a flashback since she barely had any screen time in the first episode but again, nothing. And again, this is where I feel like there must be either time or budget constraints because the Rayllum flashback is just reused footage. But I don't know or understand too much about the process of animation so I can't speak too too much about that in good faith. But anyway, I'm also looking forward to any moments where Soren and Viren or Claudia interact. There is no turning back, but I am still looking forward to what's coming in the future.
@@AngelesLunamoth There are some hints after reading spoilers from NYCCC that we are going to learn about Soren and Claudia’s mother, as well as why Viren put Kpp’ar in the coin. And after reading Puzzle House, it’s clear that both events are linked with what Viren did to heal/resurrect Soren as a child. I hope we do get a flashback to this, or even just one of Viren and Lissa’s argument over it. Part of me thinks it would be cooler to not reveal all the details of that spell. Leave some of it open our imagination. In some ways, implying what horrible thing might’ve happened can be more effective than telling us outright, as it leaves our imaginations to run wild over how messed up that spell might’ve been for all involved. And how this is in part of why Viren became so cold and distant towards Soren, as just looking at him reminds him of everything that he’s lost. Gives more weight to Aaravos telling Soren that his father wishes he had never been born.
@@TheMrPeteChannel I read the short story Strangers on the Dragon Prince website. Seeing Viren caused him to go into a panic attack. And he mention he’s been having nightmares about what happened at the storm spire for two years. Soren’s voice actor even said in interviews that he views Soren as putting on a brave face and a goodly smile to hide his own pain.
@@LauraM96829yeah, ya see, I just don't see that. If it's in supplemental material that's fine but I just view what I watch. Yeah he did panic when he saw viren again but then he's making quips about Mr. Sleeping Dragon & salad is good for you.
GREAT video. I agree with most of the point made. I see where you're coming from but I personally don't believe Rayla's actions are only to push the plot. A big problem is that we don't know what happeneded in the 2 years period with Rayla, that's why some actions can feel weird coming from her (not justifiable as a defense necessary). I do think she is insecure about the coins and that she want do deal with them on her own, in the end she reveals them to Callum and does the right thing. Regarding the stealling, I don't think it was a way to justify her abilities. I think it goes further with her want to fix her problems independently. Most important think to consider here is the 2 year period and her life as a child. Her parent leaving has a big impact on emotional development. Fair to say that she hasn't had the best childhood. Anyway, great video, good point.
9:17 I do think there is another element to Rayla not telling him. And that is because doing so could make them lose faith in her and the mission. She said in season 1 that her bringing back the egg wouldn’t be enough to stop the war. That having the sons of the king who killed Zubeia’s mate and allegedly killed her baby would convince the dragon queen to stop the war and show Xadia that there is something in humans worth persevering. So you could also read it as Rayla’s upbringing in Moonshadow elf culture making her put their mission over anyone feelings. Not saying this makes her reason for lying more valid that Callum’s though. It’s just a to consider that it wasn’t just her being afraid that the boys would reject her.
It's a fair point to make. They had just started the mission and a few moments before they set out, Callum reassured Ezran that the best knights in the kingdom were protecting Harrow. It would have dampened their spirits for sure.
Also having these SUPER important character moments off-screen was a wild and dumb decision! As someone who didn't read the comics or know they existed, I was so confused about why Callum and Rayla were suddenly mad at each other. I actually exited out and double-checked I hadn't missed any episodes. You just don't put super important character beats off-screen during the middle of the series. Save the comics for when the series is over 🤦♀️
You make a lot of points that I agree with, but I disagree that Rayla is simply a plot device now. I think a lot of Rayla’s actions come from her upbringing, which doesn’t mean she’s in the right…but it does explain things. In season 5 she steals and sneaks into Callum’s office because she doesn’t want to burden him with her problems. She’s still wrong for lying of course, but her actions still make sense. I think her finally telling Callum about the coins was a huge moment for her character, it shows that she’s learning. Obviously this is later paralleled with Callum not being open about using dark magic, which obviously he’s justified here..I do agree. I honestly think how their relationship is developing is realistic. They’re learning to trust again, and what things to keep to themselves and what to share. I find Rayllum fascinating. Anyway…Great video!
I know what you mean because I have also notice that Raul became more soft? But that’s not something bad, a lot of people start hating Rayla for not being that badass BUT I have been in the same position as her and believe me it’s hard because she is a moon shadow elf she had learn to steal and hide and all of that because it’s in her culture and for leaving it’s because her parents did so she did the same they did to her when she was little. I love Rayla a lot like a lot through all of he fazes and I can’t wait for the new seasons ❤🧝🏼♀️
Also on the dead king thing I think she was trying to figure out how to go about it because she does not want to hurt her friend but also she is not used to being this sensitive she was raised as an assassin
I just hate book 4-5. The character assassination was real with Rayla and Soren. Ironically, the animation looks so much worse than book 1s, the characters show 0 emotion and the interactions between them feel so...lame. Empty. I just watched book 1-2 and then book 4 and it...just...uhg. It was so painful. They did all the characters dirty but what they did to Rayla is just inexcusable.
Okay like i have saod before with moon butterfly and sabine wren i do not condone what rayla did. She was in the wrong. She even admitted that what she did hurt him. I know that right now a lot of fans are mad at her but there are reasons as to why she hasn't yet. Near the end of season 3 she wants to stay behind and protect zym, the dragon queen, and everyone for what she thought her parents did and when callum called her out yes she was being prideful but this is what she was taught all of her life. Sacficing yourself to protect your loved ones which her mentor taught her. In the second novel rayla is taught about sacrificing yourself so you can protect those you love, which is what she wrote in her letter to callum and what she said to his aunt at the great bookery. My feelings on all of why she has yet to apologize is because of the difference in culture between the two. Someone's video i saw explained their opinion and this is been an issue for them. It is not that they don't love each other its just their cultures are what is keeping them apart, such as in season 3, through the moon and the last two seasons.
25:03 I do agree it is frustrating I do hope it gets better but also as a Rayllum fan of it doesn’t get back to Rayllum I might explode and trash my life being depressed
12:01 I also don’t blame callum for being salty she should have apologized he has every right to be mad but he is also the bigger person not older but he has more emotional experiences in my opinion.
Yes, callum was concerned yes she was somewhat prideful but in her defense she never truly got a time to express all that pent up emotion I think the situation just got heated and this was a negative place for her she was also raised in a different culture so I think yes she should have behaved better but also she has been negatively treated by callum like with Amaya calling her a blood thirsty monster
Rayla has always been my favourite in the entire show since even before it started airing, and I really disagree with your takes on her in arc 2. Rayla - like Claudia in general, but particularly Amaya and Callum in the premiere of S4 - had a hard time accepting the realities of a peaceful world and couldn't leave her hypervigilent mode that stemmed from trauma. The fact she's always had an immense fear of failure and a pretty terrible track record of successfully carrying out her missions is why she went after Viren. But she's not like Claudia who has an endless sunk cost fallacy, so she comes back. She doesn't have to be a perfect person or a perfect girlfriend (aka Callum is inspired and somewhat comforted by her words in 4x07, because he tries to throw the cube away) to still be a fully realized character. Heck, she knows from the start that she disagrees with what he's asking her to do - "I need you to kill me" - is one of the first things he says, but she still sits there and gives him space to explain his worries and his viewpoint, she just disagrees because she's routinely seen him do the impossible and take his fate into his own hands. Nor is her lying to him and stealing the key the worst thing she's ever done (that's still leaving for two years!) because in her mind, just like when she was leaving, she was sparing him of worrying about her and carrying her burdens. This is also heavily impacted by her own self loathing view of herself (S5 is the first season where she doesn't say something is "all my fault" for example). Rayla steals from Callum because she needs his help but is still incapable of asking for it - partially because she's always struggled with asking for emotional aid, and partially because she's been gone for two years, so why on earth would she "deserve it"? The fact that you also don't think she deserves it, and that she deserves to be punished for it, is very indicative of just not understanding a lot of her core psyche and how Callum has clearly turned a corner of that whether Rayla is going to do anything different, he's doing to be different and show up for her until she starts letting him. (Which she does! His unconditional trust and acceptance for her is what gives her the freedom at the Great Bookery to open up of her own accord because she wants to be better, not because of a relationship ultimatum, and her accepting the grace he gives her before then is also important for her development as a character). Callum didn't tell her about the dark magic because he doesn't want her to feel Guilty (which she has a tendency to do, all the time, hence why she never lets herself prioritize her family either; what she Wants is fundamentally something she's never let herself prioritize on almost any level). Not because he's afraid of being judged, nor would she judge him ("It doesn't matter what you did before! I just want you to be okay again"). It is really unfair to blame her when she says to Callum THREE TIMES that they should leave, that they can't prioritize her parents yet, but he's the one that insists. Because he will always prioritize her, and sometimes plot / relationship wise that's a good thing, but sometimes it's going to get them in trouble - but it's HIS character flaw, not hers. She doesn't choose the Nova Blade because she's fundamentally more like Ezran than she is like Callum, but I don't know if there's a point in explaining that either, tbh.
I completely agree with your take on Rayla. Kind of like how Callum’s arc is a lot more engaging if you read it as a foil to Viren’s, Rayla is meant to be a fool to Claudia, which I think was first cemented in their respective prequel books Bloodmoon Huntress and Puzzle House. Both of these characters are young women who are regarded by their peers and families as being extremely gifted. Rayla being the youngest assassin on Runnan’s team, and Clauida already proving herself to be surpassing her father in the ways of dark magic. As children, they had to deal with being “abandoned” by one or both of their parents. While Rayla struggles with this for a while, she is eventually able to cope with their absence due to both having a pair of loving guardians to care for her and her parents making an effort to stay in contact with her. Claudia, on the other hand, never really comes to terms with her mother leaving her due to Lissa having completely disappeared from her and Soren’s lives. Along with both her and Viren feeling so broken up about the separation that they rarely speak about her or even mention her to anyone for over ten years. This is why Claudia can’t allow herself to grieve. Both because her skill with dark magic allowing her to have a quick fix to any and all challenges, thus never allowing her to learn how to properly deal with change. Additionally, she also has a limited sense of empathy or a bigger picture understanding, which is why she is so adamant about freeing Aaravos to save her father without considering the threat he poses to the world, or even that Viren doesn’t want Claudia to do this and would rather just enjoy his final month of life with her. All she cares about is having her family back, no matter how many other people get hurt along the way. Rayla has the bigger picture perspective, as we see in the scene in season five where she talks to the vision of her family, telling them that she can’t abandon her mission to save the world when she isn’t even sure that there is a way to free them. The needs of the many are greater than the needs of the few.
@@LauraM96829 yeah even like - Soren and Viren are foils as of arc 2 with Viren paralleling Soren's journey in s2 and s3 in particular, and like... if they go the route with the brothers fighting the way I think they might in S6, then Soren and Ezran having this slowburn arc that also puts each other in one another's corners (whereas Callum and Rayla are in another) absolutely makes sense from a plot standpoint. Like even in 5x01, Rayla says, "If we can't stop Claudia and Viren from releasing Aaravos..." THEN she wants to make sure they have a way to kill Aaravos, assuming that he's out. But Ezran is offering a way to still find the prison and stop them, so of course she sides with him. That was always her viewpoint! Nothing changed! aah
@@wordswithdragons9599 I never considered Soren and Viren being foils before, but it does make a lot of sense. Especially when looking at his loyalty and devotion to protecting Ezran and the rest of his new found family, similar to how Viren was at one point dedicated to protecting Harrow and his children. Especially with Viren on a path towards atonement (I don’t say redemption because he’s done too much to be fully forgiven and atonement implies more fixing the mess he help create). It would be cool to acknowledge that while Soren has renounced his father and acknowledge him as a villain, he has inherited some of Viren’s more admirable traits. Those of which being his loyalty to his loved ones and his ability to inspire people to follow him. We see Soren do this in season 3 when he encourages the others to make a stand at the storm spire and in season 4 with his “strength in our hearts speech”. Or even when he convinced Elmer to stand up to Finnigrin after being able to empathize with him. This ability to rally people behind a cause is something we’ve seen Viren do both in season 2 where he could’ve convinced the other kingdoms to fight against Xadia if it hadn’t been for Queen Aanya. And again in season 3 where giving that speech to the soldiers before the march on Xadia. We all assume Claudia takes the most after Viren, but imagine a flashback revealing that Viren might’ve been closer in personality to Soren back in the day.
I agree with what you're saying about Rayla's departure being a trauma informed decision along with the contrast between her and Claudia that you're highlighting. But I do want to reiterate that I think most of these decisions are made to drive the plot without fully fleshing out the characters. Like, Rayla DOES come back because she can accept that she doesn't have to keep insisting on a potentially pointless search BUT she comes to that decision right as Season 4 is about to pick up and not before. Right? Because the plot is calling her to come back to the Dragang. And I'm definitely not saying Rayla has to be perfect because imperfection is the beauty of life but I do wish she just sat a bit longer with Callum when he's concerned about hurting the people he loves as a result of someone puppeting him. And she does address him being the author of his own destiny but... again, he doesn't really have a choice to make when it comes to being puppeted by Aaravos. You do also make a point about stealing not necessarily being worse than leaving for two years but in my eyes, her leaving alone was justified. Her stealing from Callum? mmm... not so much. I do like your take on how her self-loathing and inability to ask for help leads her to make certain questionable decisions though. That makes her relatable for sure. Quick disclaimer: I don't believe I said she deserves to be punished. I mean, I did say she needs to own up to her actions and how she hurts the ones who love her so I can see where you got that but I am definitely not saying she doesn't deserve emotional support. Rayla deserves grace. 9:43 I don't feel like she opens up to Callum in the bookery because Rayla realizes his unconditional trust and acceptance for her (because that realization honestly should have happened in episode 1 when he gives her Runnan's bow. "Boundaries... Trust.") But instead, she opens up because 1. Amaya called her out and more importantly 2. because they need a reason to stay in the bookery past hours. And again, you're right in that it was ultimately Callum's decision to prioritize Rayla over imminent danger but just a few seconds before she tells him about the coins he says, "I would do anything for you." So, I just don't think Rayla is without blame here. When it comes to the novablade, she is tender at heart, just like Ezran BUT why did she suggest killing a startouch elf to begin with? Callum just wanted to study ocean poems while they waited for Ezran to speak with Domina Profundis, to be honest. I think it's possible that Rayla is still in denial about not actually having the capacity to be an assassin. But those are all my thoughts on that at the moment 💭 I had so much fun thinking and writing this up. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts ✨
@@AngelesLunamothSo out of curiosity...do you think Rayla choosing to spare a human guard in episode 1 was just to move to plot along? Choosing the help the princes with the egg rather than continue her mission? Characters make decisions that affect the plot. That's just fundamentally how stories work. (There's also something to be said about the level of grace that should be given a story because it *is* a story. Sure, Rayla coming back aligned conveniently with the plot, but it happens that way so there can be a story. The bottom line is that we want there to be a story!) And I think for Rayla, in contrast to her low self-worth, she has unbelievable (and kind of unreasonable) faith in Callum. In her mind, she's never going to kill Callum and Callum is someone who is remarkable, someone who can and will write his own destiny (in ways she can't). Of course she's not going to indulge a situation where she murders the love of her life. I also guess for me, stealing the key is just not a big deal. The intent was to get in, get out, and then give Callum back the key without him ever noticing. Callum doesn't care about it, and neither do I. Your feelings on it is that it *is* a big deal, which is totally valid, but that's also not the universal opinion/thought process. Not all characters need to or should share it, you know. Rayla's self-hatred, even despite Callum's unyielding love, is still there. She doesn't discuss the coins in 5x01 because she's not ready to get Callum involved with it. Knowing he loves her doesn't equate to wanting to burden him with her struggles. Amaya's discussion with her in 5x04 is what makes her realize that she needs to share her problems, that she's stronger with Callum than without him. Trying to be strong alone is what pushed her to leave, and what has damaged her relationships. Now, the novablade. Rayla doesn't want to kill someone if she doesn't have to. But, if she does have to (like tackling Viren off of the storm spire), she will commit (hence why in 6x01 Callum and Rayla are going after the novablade-for a backup plan). It really comes down to if she feels she can both uphold her duty to the world/loved ones and spare a life. By choosing to stop Aaravos from being freed to begin with, she can both protect the world and not have to take a life. Side note, let's talk about why Callum was studying ocean magic (or the ocean poems)! In 5x08, Callum expresses that he thought the ocean arcanum would be about "fighting the currents or controlling the tide", and the truth was the opposite. From this, we know that he was studying ocean magic in 5x01 *because* he wanted control against Aaravos. Callum ends up learning that he can't control everything, and there are indeed depths he will go to for the people he loves. So, I find the "ocean poems" a lot less innocent. It was all centered around stopping Aaravos, one way or another. To conclude, I think a lot of the conclusions drawn here have this underlying thought process: "the characters didn't make the most logical choice/choice I would make, so it was a bad one and just to move the plot forward", which is a bad faith way to engage with any piece of media, you know.
Can we ALL agree Callum never should have gotten back together with Rayla. She doesn't treat Callum well and Callum seems blind sighted by his Love for Rayla that he can't seem to see her faults.
Yeah I think Callum was (more or less) pressured into getting back together with Rayla either out of "politeness" or because of something else I don't see right now Rayla needs to treat Callum with respect
@@DragonGoddess18 To be fair (though I hate her guts) In her culture of Assassins its normal for loved ones to go away on long journeys for an undetermined time. But Callum isn't apart of her culture and it isn't fair to expect that from him.
@@lockskelington314 That's what I have been saying for awhile It may be a-okay in her culture and to a certain extent,it does make logical sense for the adults to deal with a problem and keep it far away from home so your family doesn't get hurt At the same time, Rayla is currently living in Katolis where the culture is different and she IS a guest there. When you're in someone else's home,then you have to live by their rules. Callum isn't a MoonShadow elf, he's a human and her equal partner. I hope Aaron Ehasz is delivering on the promise of "Rayla will apologize. More than once." (I also think Rayla might apologize to someone else but story for another day)
I seriously think the changes of Rayla with all these negative behaviors and dishonesty, yes it serves as plot devices, but also it’s a DEI decision that they want the Rayllum dynamics to be Rayla being this horrible person, but Callum can only being a pushover. No, unconditional trust/love =/= being a pushover. DEI has the most toxic relationship culture!
Dragon prince suffer from marvel syndrom poor writting due to "multiverse" if you wanna know this read this book if that interest you it's in that comic... Therefore 3rd of the show is suck out from it in marketing and what happen is, it has to acknowlege weird little side tales that are not side tales. To sum up Avatar series ended before expended universe, dragon prince started with it with no time to mature first.
Callum just sees her as flawless due to being blindsighted due to adandonment issues and inability to see some others flaws as well
I think Rayla is still a character just look at the big picture. her leaving Callum brings new character development and storytelling for later seasons plus in real life relationships are not always sunshine and rainbows there will always be hiccups and arguments so it’s understandable that the creators of the show probably wanted to go in that direction and make the characters feel more alive.
Rayla got wasted in s4/5. She is the only elf in the main group and it didn't matter. Rayla could be a human girl and it wouldn't affect the plot very much. Is this an exaggeration? Probably.
Her home the silvergrove doesn't matter anymore. Aside from Ethari the place may be very well empty. Her upbringing is only relevant, because it can be used to justify Raylas poor behavior.
Her storyline with the coins is also badly used. Instead of getting the coins, the coins were given to her. She also seems to rely on Callum to free the parents. But what was Raylas active part in the process?
I think that Rayla is the main victim of s4/5. Moonshadow elves were the most important elves in S1-3. But in S4-5 they don't matter anymore.
16:34 Well, For the longest time, Rayla thought her family was killed by Viren until Claudia showed the Cursed Coins and She felt like She needed to do stuff on Her own without placing a burden on anyone, which is still wrong, Even I Struggle with help, and Everytime Rayla Tries To Do Something On Her Own, It Ends Up A Disaster, Of Course Stealing Is Nothing Compared To Leaving Without A Word For 2 Or More Years.
Not to mention she also blames herself for Runnan’s disappearance, since he was only captured because the mission failed because of her decision to spare the human guard. I argue it isn’t due to Runnan still making the choice to go through with the mission after seeing Zym’s egg (although to be fair, that also would’ve cost him and his team all of their arms). So it makes sense why she feels that freeing him is her burden to carry. Also Callum does have complicated feelings about Runnan, which I imagine will be addressed in season 6. We know they’re gonna be alone for most of the season on their quest to the storm spire. Maybe they’ll have a chance to talk about everything, and Rayla can apologize properly for leaving.
You know who else felt a little underutilized in seasons 4-5? Soren. I feel like a lot of Soren’s trauma from season three isn’t being given the screen time it deserves. Which is frustrating since Soren is my favorite character. Since Rayla left to look for Viren and Claudia, you think the first thing he would do when Rayla got back would be to ask her if she found them. Especially since they had that moment in Through the Moon where he tells Rayla how he still feels conflicted about stabbing who he thought was his father. And when the group finds out that Claudia is the one trying to free Aaravos, Soren doesn’t offer any insight in his feelings about possibly seeing his villain turned sister who he presumed was dead for two years!
And not only does he see her again, but is reunited with his abusive father who has literally been haunting his dreams for two years! And we don’t even get a scene between them! We had to wait several months for them to release a side story to show their reunion. It frustrates me that the fourth season spends so much on Callum and Rayla’s relationship drama, but no time for Soren’s friends to ask him if he’s okay after seeing freaking Viren back from the dead!
Hopefully they do give Soren’s trauma the focus it deserves in season 6. Aaron Ehasz promised in a season 4 QnA that we’d have a scene where Soren and Viren confront each other over their past. (Another piece of evidence for the Viren is alive theory. Or at least comes back as a spirit guide.) I really hope Aaron wasn’t lying. I think maybe revealing that Soren’s been using his goofy smile to hide his pain from his friends would be a decent payoff to his lack of presence in seasons 4-5. Have him pull a Willow from the Owl House, where he feels like he needs to always put on a brave face so that his friends feel like they can rely on him, only for him eventually crack from the pressure when he’s once again face to face with the man who instilled all that pressure and pain into him.
Absolutely! Soren is a casualty of underbaked writing too. I am team: GET SOREN THERAPY. The short stories were definitely trying to fill that gap of the emotional turmoil of seeing Viren alive. I thought it was so compelling when he's having a PTSD-induced panic attack, hearing the words “How could you?” as he thought about Viren but it was Claudia who told him those words. Incredible. I wish that had been animated.
But... I couldn't agree more, they are giving Rayllum a little too much screen time. That flashback in season 5 (did admittedly pull at my heartstrings like it was surely intended to) but it was also really frustrating at the same time because it lasted almost a minute! And the time I thought a flashback was SURELY coming was during Finnegrin's wake when he's talking about Domina Profundis but then... nothing. OR even when Ezran is talking about Domina telling him the nature of the prison. For sure I thought we'd see a flashback since she barely had any screen time in the first episode but again, nothing.
And again, this is where I feel like there must be either time or budget constraints because the Rayllum flashback is just reused footage. But I don't know or understand too much about the process of animation so I can't speak too too much about that in good faith.
But anyway, I'm also looking forward to any moments where Soren and Viren or Claudia interact. There is no turning back, but I am still looking forward to what's coming in the future.
@@AngelesLunamoth There are some hints after reading spoilers from NYCCC that we are going to learn about Soren and Claudia’s mother, as well as why Viren put Kpp’ar in the coin. And after reading Puzzle House, it’s clear that both events are linked with what Viren did to heal/resurrect Soren as a child. I hope we do get a flashback to this, or even just one of Viren and Lissa’s argument over it. Part of me thinks it would be cooler to not reveal all the details of that spell. Leave some of it open our imagination. In some ways, implying what horrible thing might’ve happened can be more effective than telling us outright, as it leaves our imaginations to run wild over how messed up that spell might’ve been for all involved. And how this is in part of why Viren became so cold and distant towards Soren, as just looking at him reminds him of everything that he’s lost. Gives more weight to Aaravos telling Soren that his father wishes he had never been born.
Soren is too aloof to suffer from PTSD. Believe it or not some people can quickly get over tragedy.
@@TheMrPeteChannel I read the short story Strangers on the Dragon Prince website. Seeing Viren caused him to go into a panic attack. And he mention he’s been having nightmares about what happened at the storm spire for two years. Soren’s voice actor even said in interviews that he views Soren as putting on a brave face and a goodly smile to hide his own pain.
@@LauraM96829yeah, ya see, I just don't see that. If it's in supplemental material that's fine but I just view what I watch. Yeah he did panic when he saw viren again but then he's making quips about Mr. Sleeping Dragon & salad is good for you.
It’s nice to see someone who acknowledges Rayla’s flaws rather than completely ignoring it. I love your videos!
GREAT video. I agree with most of the point made. I see where you're coming from but I personally don't believe Rayla's actions are only to push the plot. A big problem is that we don't know what happeneded in the 2 years period with Rayla, that's why some actions can feel weird coming from her (not justifiable as a defense necessary). I do think she is insecure about the coins and that she want do deal with them on her own, in the end she reveals them to Callum and does the right thing. Regarding the stealling, I don't think it was a way to justify her abilities. I think it goes further with her want to fix her problems independently. Most important think to consider here is the 2 year period and her life as a child. Her parent leaving has a big impact on emotional development. Fair to say that she hasn't had the best childhood.
Anyway, great video, good point.
9:17 I do think there is another element to Rayla not telling him. And that is because doing so could make them lose faith in her and the mission. She said in season 1 that her bringing back the egg wouldn’t be enough to stop the war. That having the sons of the king who killed Zubeia’s mate and allegedly killed her baby would convince the dragon queen to stop the war and show Xadia that there is something in humans worth persevering. So you could also read it as Rayla’s upbringing in Moonshadow elf culture making her put their mission over anyone feelings. Not saying this makes her reason for lying more valid that Callum’s though. It’s just a to consider that it wasn’t just her being afraid that the boys would reject her.
It's a fair point to make. They had just started the mission and a few moments before they set out, Callum reassured Ezran that the best knights in the kingdom were protecting Harrow. It would have dampened their spirits for sure.
Also having these SUPER important character moments off-screen was a wild and dumb decision! As someone who didn't read the comics or know they existed, I was so confused about why Callum and Rayla were suddenly mad at each other. I actually exited out and double-checked I hadn't missed any episodes. You just don't put super important character beats off-screen during the middle of the series. Save the comics for when the series is over 🤦♀️
OFF TOPIC BUT IM SO HAPPY SOME PPL KNOW THIS SHOW 😭😭
You make a lot of points that I agree with, but I disagree that Rayla is simply a plot device now. I think a lot of Rayla’s actions come from her upbringing, which doesn’t mean she’s in the right…but it does explain things. In season 5 she steals and sneaks into Callum’s office because she doesn’t want to burden him with her problems. She’s still wrong for lying of course, but her actions still make sense. I think her finally telling Callum about the coins was a huge moment for her character, it shows that she’s learning. Obviously this is later paralleled with Callum not being open about using dark magic, which obviously he’s justified here..I do agree. I honestly think how their relationship is developing is realistic. They’re learning to trust again, and what things to keep to themselves and what to share. I find Rayllum fascinating. Anyway…Great video!
I know what you mean because I have also notice that Raul became more soft? But that’s not something bad, a lot of people start hating Rayla for not being that badass BUT I have been in the same position as her and believe me it’s hard because she is a moon shadow elf she had learn to steal and hide and all of that because it’s in her culture and for leaving it’s because her parents did so she did the same they did to her when she was little. I love Rayla a lot like a lot through all of he fazes and I can’t wait for the new seasons ❤🧝🏼♀️
Also on the dead king thing I think she was trying to figure out how to go about it because she does not want to hurt her friend but also she is not used to being this sensitive she was raised as an assassin
I just hate book 4-5. The character assassination was real with Rayla and Soren. Ironically, the animation looks so much worse than book 1s, the characters show 0 emotion and the interactions between them feel so...lame. Empty. I just watched book 1-2 and then book 4 and it...just...uhg. It was so painful. They did all the characters dirty but what they did to Rayla is just inexcusable.
Okay like i have saod before with moon butterfly and sabine wren i do not condone what rayla did. She was in the wrong. She even admitted that what she did hurt him. I know that right now a lot of fans are mad at her but there are reasons as to why she hasn't yet. Near the end of season 3 she wants to stay behind and protect zym, the dragon queen, and everyone for what she thought her parents did and when callum called her out yes she was being prideful but this is what she was taught all of her life. Sacficing yourself to protect your loved ones which her mentor taught her. In the second novel rayla is taught about sacrificing yourself so you can protect those you love, which is what she wrote in her letter to callum and what she said to his aunt at the great bookery. My feelings on all of why she has yet to apologize is because of the difference in culture between the two. Someone's video i saw explained their opinion and this is been an issue for them. It is not that they don't love each other its just their cultures are what is keeping them apart, such as in season 3, through the moon and the last two seasons.
25:03 I do agree it is frustrating I do hope it gets better but also as a Rayllum fan of it doesn’t get back to Rayllum I might explode and trash my life being depressed
24:29 To Be Clear, Episode 5 Was Called Archmage Akiyu.
12:01 I also don’t blame callum for being salty she should have apologized he has every right to be mad but he is also the bigger person not older but he has more emotional experiences in my opinion.
Yes, callum was concerned yes she was somewhat prideful but in her defense she never truly got a time to express all that pent up emotion I think the situation just got heated and this was a negative place for her she was also raised in a different culture so I think yes she should have behaved better but also she has been negatively treated by callum like with Amaya calling her a blood thirsty monster
Rayla has always been my favourite in the entire show since even before it started airing, and I really disagree with your takes on her in arc 2. Rayla - like Claudia in general, but particularly Amaya and Callum in the premiere of S4 - had a hard time accepting the realities of a peaceful world and couldn't leave her hypervigilent mode that stemmed from trauma. The fact she's always had an immense fear of failure and a pretty terrible track record of successfully carrying out her missions is why she went after Viren. But she's not like Claudia who has an endless sunk cost fallacy, so she comes back. She doesn't have to be a perfect person or a perfect girlfriend (aka Callum is inspired and somewhat comforted by her words in 4x07, because he tries to throw the cube away) to still be a fully realized character. Heck, she knows from the start that she disagrees with what he's asking her to do - "I need you to kill me" - is one of the first things he says, but she still sits there and gives him space to explain his worries and his viewpoint, she just disagrees because she's routinely seen him do the impossible and take his fate into his own hands.
Nor is her lying to him and stealing the key the worst thing she's ever done (that's still leaving for two years!) because in her mind, just like when she was leaving, she was sparing him of worrying about her and carrying her burdens. This is also heavily impacted by her own self loathing view of herself (S5 is the first season where she doesn't say something is "all my fault" for example). Rayla steals from Callum because she needs his help but is still incapable of asking for it - partially because she's always struggled with asking for emotional aid, and partially because she's been gone for two years, so why on earth would she "deserve it"? The fact that you also don't think she deserves it, and that she deserves to be punished for it, is very indicative of just not understanding a lot of her core psyche and how Callum has clearly turned a corner of that whether Rayla is going to do anything different, he's doing to be different and show up for her until she starts letting him. (Which she does! His unconditional trust and acceptance for her is what gives her the freedom at the Great Bookery to open up of her own accord because she wants to be better, not because of a relationship ultimatum, and her accepting the grace he gives her before then is also important for her development as a character).
Callum didn't tell her about the dark magic because he doesn't want her to feel Guilty (which she has a tendency to do, all the time, hence why she never lets herself prioritize her family either; what she Wants is fundamentally something she's never let herself prioritize on almost any level). Not because he's afraid of being judged, nor would she judge him ("It doesn't matter what you did before! I just want you to be okay again"). It is really unfair to blame her when she says to Callum THREE TIMES that they should leave, that they can't prioritize her parents yet, but he's the one that insists. Because he will always prioritize her, and sometimes plot / relationship wise that's a good thing, but sometimes it's going to get them in trouble - but it's HIS character flaw, not hers.
She doesn't choose the Nova Blade because she's fundamentally more like Ezran than she is like Callum, but I don't know if there's a point in explaining that either, tbh.
I completely agree with your take on Rayla. Kind of like how Callum’s arc is a lot more engaging if you read it as a foil to Viren’s, Rayla is meant to be a fool to Claudia, which I think was first cemented in their respective prequel books Bloodmoon Huntress and Puzzle House.
Both of these characters are young women who are regarded by their peers and families as being extremely gifted. Rayla being the youngest assassin on Runnan’s team, and Clauida already proving herself to be surpassing her father in the ways of dark magic. As children, they had to deal with being “abandoned” by one or both of their parents.
While Rayla struggles with this for a while, she is eventually able to cope with their absence due to both having a pair of loving guardians to care for her and her parents making an effort to stay in contact with her. Claudia, on the other hand, never really comes to terms with her mother leaving her due to Lissa having completely disappeared from her and Soren’s lives. Along with both her and Viren feeling so broken up about the separation that they rarely speak about her or even mention her to anyone for over ten years.
This is why Claudia can’t allow herself to grieve. Both because her skill with dark magic allowing her to have a quick fix to any and all challenges, thus never allowing her to learn how to properly deal with change. Additionally, she also has a limited sense of empathy or a bigger picture understanding, which is why she is so adamant about freeing Aaravos to save her father without considering the threat he poses to the world, or even that Viren doesn’t want Claudia to do this and would rather just enjoy his final month of life with her. All she cares about is having her family back, no matter how many other people get hurt along the way.
Rayla has the bigger picture perspective, as we see in the scene in season five where she talks to the vision of her family, telling them that she can’t abandon her mission to save the world when she isn’t even sure that there is a way to free them. The needs of the many are greater than the needs of the few.
@@LauraM96829 yeah even like - Soren and Viren are foils as of arc 2 with Viren paralleling Soren's journey in s2 and s3 in particular, and like... if they go the route with the brothers fighting the way I think they might in S6, then Soren and Ezran having this slowburn arc that also puts each other in one another's corners (whereas Callum and Rayla are in another) absolutely makes sense from a plot standpoint.
Like even in 5x01, Rayla says, "If we can't stop Claudia and Viren from releasing Aaravos..." THEN she wants to make sure they have a way to kill Aaravos, assuming that he's out. But Ezran is offering a way to still find the prison and stop them, so of course she sides with him. That was always her viewpoint! Nothing changed! aah
@@wordswithdragons9599 I never considered Soren and Viren being foils before, but it does make a lot of sense. Especially when looking at his loyalty and devotion to protecting Ezran and the rest of his new found family, similar to how Viren was at one point dedicated to protecting Harrow and his children. Especially with Viren on a path towards atonement (I don’t say redemption because he’s done too much to be fully forgiven and atonement implies more fixing the mess he help create).
It would be cool to acknowledge that while Soren has renounced his father and acknowledge him as a villain, he has inherited some of Viren’s more admirable traits. Those of which being his loyalty to his loved ones and his ability to inspire people to follow him. We see Soren do this in season 3 when he encourages the others to make a stand at the storm spire and in season 4 with his “strength in our hearts speech”. Or even when he convinced Elmer to stand up to Finnigrin after being able to empathize with him. This ability to rally people behind a cause is something we’ve seen Viren do both in season 2 where he could’ve convinced the other kingdoms to fight against Xadia if it hadn’t been for Queen Aanya. And again in season 3 where giving that speech to the soldiers before the march on Xadia. We all assume Claudia takes the most after Viren, but imagine a flashback revealing that Viren might’ve been closer in personality to Soren back in the day.
I agree with what you're saying about Rayla's departure being a trauma informed decision along with the contrast between her and Claudia that you're highlighting. But I do want to reiterate that I think most of these decisions are made to drive the plot without fully fleshing out the characters. Like, Rayla DOES come back because she can accept that she doesn't have to keep insisting on a potentially pointless search BUT she comes to that decision right as Season 4 is about to pick up and not before. Right? Because the plot is calling her to come back to the Dragang.
And I'm definitely not saying Rayla has to be perfect because imperfection is the beauty of life but I do wish she just sat a bit longer with Callum when he's concerned about hurting the people he loves as a result of someone puppeting him. And she does address him being the author of his own destiny but... again, he doesn't really have a choice to make when it comes to being puppeted by Aaravos.
You do also make a point about stealing not necessarily being worse than leaving for two years but in my eyes, her leaving alone was justified. Her stealing from Callum? mmm... not so much. I do like your take on how her self-loathing and inability to ask for help leads her to make certain questionable decisions though. That makes her relatable for sure.
Quick disclaimer: I don't believe I said she deserves to be punished. I mean, I did say she needs to own up to her actions and how she hurts the ones who love her so I can see where you got that but I am definitely not saying she doesn't deserve emotional support. Rayla deserves grace. 9:43
I don't feel like she opens up to Callum in the bookery because Rayla realizes his unconditional trust and acceptance for her (because that realization honestly should have happened in episode 1 when he gives her Runnan's bow. "Boundaries... Trust.") But instead, she opens up because 1. Amaya called her out and more importantly 2. because they need a reason to stay in the bookery past hours. And again, you're right in that it was ultimately Callum's decision to prioritize Rayla over imminent danger but just a few seconds before she tells him about the coins he says, "I would do anything for you." So, I just don't think Rayla is without blame here.
When it comes to the novablade, she is tender at heart, just like Ezran BUT why did she suggest killing a startouch elf to begin with? Callum just wanted to study ocean poems while they waited for Ezran to speak with Domina Profundis, to be honest. I think it's possible that Rayla is still in denial about not actually having the capacity to be an assassin.
But those are all my thoughts on that at the moment 💭
I had so much fun thinking and writing this up. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts ✨
@@AngelesLunamothSo out of curiosity...do you think Rayla choosing to spare a human guard in episode 1 was just to move to plot along? Choosing the help the princes with the egg rather than continue her mission? Characters make decisions that affect the plot. That's just fundamentally how stories work. (There's also something to be said about the level of grace that should be given a story because it *is* a story. Sure, Rayla coming back aligned conveniently with the plot, but it happens that way so there can be a story. The bottom line is that we want there to be a story!)
And I think for Rayla, in contrast to her low self-worth, she has unbelievable (and kind of unreasonable) faith in Callum. In her mind, she's never going to kill Callum and Callum is someone who is remarkable, someone who can and will write his own destiny (in ways she can't). Of course she's not going to indulge a situation where she murders the love of her life.
I also guess for me, stealing the key is just not a big deal. The intent was to get in, get out, and then give Callum back the key without him ever noticing. Callum doesn't care about it, and neither do I. Your feelings on it is that it *is* a big deal, which is totally valid, but that's also not the universal opinion/thought process. Not all characters need to or should share it, you know.
Rayla's self-hatred, even despite Callum's unyielding love, is still there. She doesn't discuss the coins in 5x01 because she's not ready to get Callum involved with it. Knowing he loves her doesn't equate to wanting to burden him with her struggles. Amaya's discussion with her in 5x04 is what makes her realize that she needs to share her problems, that she's stronger with Callum than without him. Trying to be strong alone is what pushed her to leave, and what has damaged her relationships.
Now, the novablade. Rayla doesn't want to kill someone if she doesn't have to. But, if she does have to (like tackling Viren off of the storm spire), she will commit (hence why in 6x01 Callum and Rayla are going after the novablade-for a backup plan). It really comes down to if she feels she can both uphold her duty to the world/loved ones and spare a life. By choosing to stop Aaravos from being freed to begin with, she can both protect the world and not have to take a life.
Side note, let's talk about why Callum was studying ocean magic (or the ocean poems)! In 5x08, Callum expresses that he thought the ocean arcanum would be about "fighting the currents or controlling the tide", and the truth was the opposite. From this, we know that he was studying ocean magic in 5x01 *because* he wanted control against Aaravos. Callum ends up learning that he can't control everything, and there are indeed depths he will go to for the people he loves. So, I find the "ocean poems" a lot less innocent. It was all centered around stopping Aaravos, one way or another.
To conclude, I think a lot of the conclusions drawn here have this underlying thought process: "the characters didn't make the most logical choice/choice I would make, so it was a bad one and just to move the plot forward", which is a bad faith way to engage with any piece of media, you know.
But also Rayla has been very emotionally cut off before this so this is all new
21:01 I think that this scene could be fixed?
23:09 unless it was in the show plot I don’t think that it is included in raylas knowledge
16:52 Claudia could also do horrible things though (just saying) nobody blame opeli
13:54 I think yes she should have apologized but I don’t know is she was ever taught that you should
The plot could be fixed somewhat I think
22:06 the graphic novels I don’t think they are before the show I think they are based off the show
But I do agree she should apologize 10:31
Can we ALL agree Callum never should have gotten back together with Rayla. She doesn't treat Callum well and Callum seems blind sighted by his Love for Rayla that he can't seem to see her faults.
Yeah
I think Callum was (more or less) pressured into getting back together with Rayla either out of "politeness" or because of something else I don't see right now
Rayla needs to treat Callum with respect
@@DragonGoddess18 To be fair (though I hate her guts) In her culture of Assassins its normal for loved ones to go away on long journeys for an undetermined time. But Callum isn't apart of her culture and it isn't fair to expect that from him.
@@lockskelington314 That's what I have been saying for awhile
It may be a-okay in her culture and to a certain extent,it does make logical sense for the adults to deal with a problem and keep it far away from home so your family doesn't get hurt
At the same time, Rayla is currently living in Katolis where the culture is different and she IS a guest there. When you're in someone else's home,then you have to live by their rules. Callum isn't a MoonShadow elf, he's a human and her equal partner. I hope Aaron Ehasz is delivering on the promise of "Rayla will apologize. More than once." (I also think Rayla might apologize to someone else but story for another day)
@@DragonGoddess18 Exactly. I do wonder if its also an Elf thing like if She sees 2 years as nothing more than a moment.
Which is heartbreaking. Rayla book 1-3 is NOT book 4-5 Rayla. The character assassination was real with Rayla.
19:01 no I do think she should have to somewhat re earn his trust at least a bit
10:01 Rayla not owning up
I seriously think the changes of Rayla with all these negative behaviors and dishonesty, yes it serves as plot devices, but also it’s a DEI decision that they want the Rayllum dynamics to be Rayla being this horrible person, but Callum can only being a pushover. No, unconditional trust/love =/= being a pushover. DEI has the most toxic relationship culture!
Dragon prince suffer from marvel syndrom poor writting due to "multiverse" if you wanna know this read this book if that interest you it's in that comic...
Therefore 3rd of the show is suck out from it in marketing and what happen is, it has to acknowlege weird little side tales that are not side tales.
To sum up Avatar series ended before expended universe, dragon prince started with it with no time to mature first.
Spanish subtitles please
I only ask, in this world, that Rayllum ends, that they separate romantically and that they only remain friends. :v
Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo they can't end nooo
Meh, I'd be cool with it if they stayed as friends
@@Cloudysky280 Let them end and remain just friends and that's it. Your romantic relationship has passed man. xd
They have almost nothing in common
@@TheMrPeteChannel Jsjsjss verdad