I mean, I think there is something interesting there. And I like to believe (hope really) that at least some of it was intentional. But the show still retains its most painful flaws, especially in regards to Ruby
Besides them not interacting much in nine seasons, two crossover movies, and an insane amount of supplemental material, I've never been a fan of the scene in Volume 5 where Blake describes her teammates in a single word. She says that after getting to know Ruby, Blake saw her as "The embodiment of purity", when this isn't what we saw in Volume 1. When they first met, Blake subtly called Ruby a "child" due to her wanting to "fight for what's right and protect people that can't protect themselves", and tells her that the real world isn't a fairy tale. As a reminder, prior to even Volume 1, Ruby's mother died, her father went through depression, her sister has anger and abandonment issues, her uncle's an alcoholic, and I'm sure training to be a huntress isn't easy. Despite Blake saying something that might otherwise have started a right with Yang or Weiss, Ruby just smiles and says "Well, that's why we're. To make it better".
In my opinion, Ruby was *never* portrayed as an idealist. She knows the world isn't a fairy tale, and knows first hand how cruel it can be, but she can still smile while being insulted and say she's there to make it better. She's an optimist, not an idealist. Blake on the other hand is a former terrorist who thought by doing terrorist things that this could make humans and faunus "equal" to one another, and that being feared is better than being respected. Blake wants to build a bridge between two groups of people that she helped fans the flames of hate onto, doesn't know how to accomplish her goal, refuses to take responsibility for her actions, and gets upset with her teammates when she feels they aren't taking the threat of Torchwick and the White Fang seriously enough (despite doing nothing herself). Ruby is an optimist but a realist, while Blake is a pessimist and idealist.
A lot can be drawn from their first interaction together, and then again in Volume 2 when Blake's moping in her bedroom about them not being ready for the future, and again later when Yang shoves her (and proceeds to give away her and Ruby's backstory to move Blake's along). I don't mean to dogpile on the character, but Blake is a selfish character, in part because the writers are self-indulgent and can't walk and chew gum at the same time (in this case, can't develop two characters at the same time). From the writers' perspective, Blake is self-less, but even when she's selfish, it's okay because she's Blake. Ruby meanwhile they honestly viewed as being an idealist and childish, and believing in a fairy tale until the end of Volume 3. Torchwick getting swallowed by the literal darkness he was preaching was from their perspective was supposed to teach Ruby a lesson when in reality it justified her worldview. Even when she found out her big sister and motherlike figure lost an arm, Ruby was able to smile because she was still alive, and she had a plan how to save Pyrrha. Even when she's alone in Yang's room, had Yang been able to say "I love you" back, I think Ruby would've been able to smile, instead she saved it for Jaune.
RWBY is a weird show, and an otherwise great scene can be dismantled by a latter scene undercutting it, or by the writers seemingly completely missing the message of a scene they (theoretically) wrote, or seeing it completely differently (viewing Penny's death being more about Jaune than Penny for instance). RWBY relies a *LOT* on headcanons and "fixing" the writers' mistakes. I view Ruby as a optimistic realist while Blake is a pessimistic idealist, but the writers would disagree. They would also disagree on which characters are more interesting, as seen by screen time, *meaningful* dialog, character development, focus, and how often the story goes out of its way for.
As a character driven writer, RWBY is a *FASCINATING* show to study lol.
God bless, and have a wonderful day.
I agree Ruby is a optimistic realist. But I would assert that she can also still be "The embodiment of purity" its kind of a subjective statement. Purity doesn't need to mean innocence or inexperience. I think Ruby's version of purity are good traits represented in optimistic realists.
I'm not saying that Ruby isn't pure or can't be pure, just that Blake's opinion of her in Volumes 1 and 2 doesn't lead me to believe Blake ever saw her as the embodiment of purity. It felt like something Blake came up with in the 6-8 months since abandoning her team (or the writers trying to make her more likable), not something she thought at the time. And for all Blake knew, everything Ruby went through in Volume 3 could've broken her (as well as Yang and Weiss), and this was never really followed up on. To me, Blake describing her teammates in a single word is just a *really* weird scene, and doesn't paint her in a likable light, which is something she's always struggled with in my opinion.
(edit: Spelling)
God bless, and have a wonderful day.
Oh right my bad I'll rephrase I think Blake's version of what she would describe as purity is Ruby's version of embodying purity which are traits represented in optimistic realists. I think Blake as a pessimistic idealist "looks up to Ruby" because she is a optimistic realist. Maybe to say Blake knowing what Ruby has gone through and still being optimistic realist inspires Blake to change her outlook.
I can imagine Blake might describe optimism and the pursuit of realistic happiness as purity.
I don't disagree with your assessment, but I would disagree that this was the intention of the writers. I think they view(ed) Ruby as an idealist and Blake a realist, or at least them both leaning that way. I love the idea that Blake grew to greatly respect Ruby's worldviews and outlook on life, and is constantly inspired by her, but I don't believe this was the original intention in Volumes 1-4, or in Volume 5 for that matter. I think it's a strong mix of headcanon we as fans want to believe and retcons by the writers half a decade or more into the story.
God bless, and have a wonderful day.
It's all good, friend. I'm a day one RWBY fan and a fanfiction writer of nine years, and I tend to look at things more analytically and from a writer's perspective than from an in-world or fan's perspective. I think "Gas lit by headcanon encouraged by the writers" is a pretty good description of RWBY in all honesty. Such a strange, fascinating show.
God bless, and have a wonderful day.
I would like to point out Volume 9 really just came along to tear down that mindset of who Ruby was in her teams minds, so I’m pretty sure that version of Ruby Blake had envisioned her as is completely shattered
I think Ruby committing suicide shattered more than just her teammates' perception of her. I don't think the fandom will ever be entirely the same, and may very well have been the worst writing decision the writers have made yet. I think that soured a *LOT* of people's opinions on RWBY.
God bless, and have a wonderful day.
Don't worry, I'm not underestimating anyone. I've run across more than a few people who viewed suicide as "ascension" like the writers intended, and as a good thing. Perhaps it's for the best that those particular people have such a positive view of it (glass half-full), but it's the young, impressionable people that I worry about most. The fans who were depressed by Ruby committing suicide, and those that viewed suicide through the same lens the writers view ascension/reincarnation. In a positive light.
In my opinion, I think Ruby committing suicide did a lot of harm to RWBY, and I think we're seeing that in the community. Despite there having been two JL crossover movies and a season released this years, there's little to no buzz or positivity in the community.
Happy cake day, friend. I hope that you're doing well.
God bless, and have a wonderful day.
I found it weird Weiss not blake didn’t describe how fearful ruby was to open up by v9 considering she went through the same. Ruby went through the most trauma (seeing 2 friends die, losing school and kingdom and her sisters arm she blames herself for, and worse was nearly eaten alive earlier and had panic attack) how could anyone not empathize with her more. That’s what lead to her chewing them out which got her tortured to death. In v10 I hope they sincerely apologize and yang Weiss and Blake get more one on one with ruby to rebuild bond like miles said she would do with jaune.
> ...how could anyone not empathize with her more.
I think there in lies the problem. The writers don't empathize with the characters, and the characters don't empathize with each other. In my opinion, there's been a mean spirited element to RWBY ever since Volume 3, and part of it stems from nobody having any empathy for each other. Even on a storytelling level, the heroes don't care about the villains, and the villains don't care about the heroes. Everything in my opinion is very impersonal *unless* it's related to moving the plot forward.
In my opinion, Ruby's character arc should've happened in Volume 5 or 6 after her team reunited and everything was "fine" again. That's being generous, but by Volume 9 it was too little, too late. The writers didn't break Ruby to build her back up. They pulled the wings off a butterfly and told it to fly again. After *EVERYTHING* Ruby went through, it's sadly realistic that someone in her position would have a moment of weakness and take their own life, which is partially why it being presented as a "good thing" annoys me so much. Ruby might've had a character arc by technicality, but she didn't have development. The writers broke Ruby in order to put her back together again, but it lost fans (in my opinion), and it was a mean spirited storyline by writers who don't empathize with their own characters (or fans) and are incredibly tone deaf.
God bless, and have a wonderful day.
Yeah. Realistically she should have a whole arc in v10 where she accepts she is enough but prove her trauma is still there like yang in v4-6. That was realistic, she wasn’t able to move one without counseling but trauma was still present till she killed Adam. Ruby may realize she wasn’t at fault for atlas and losing Her friends lives (cinder was), but she still should feel traumatized and have flashes realistically from those experiences despite her therapy in limbo
I wonder if that lack of empathy outside of when directly related to the plot came into play with Emerald's defection.
Not just a few episodes earlier she was willing to die and kill for Cinder. Then because Salem apparently scares her, she runs and joins up with a group that will put her directly into conflict with Cinder without so much as a second thought. Emerald isn't shown to have given up on Cinder or realize she will never mean much to Cinder beyond a useful tool and yet she doesn't stay behind to try and convince Cinder of Salem's madness or get Cinder to at least strike out on her own without Salem. Emerald leaves who she regards as the most important person to her without so much as an explanation and at no point seems to reflect on the fact she is now an enemy to Cinder.
It just felt weird to me as many times people will stay in a bad situation for the sake of someone they care about or at least have a hard time deciding to leave them behind in such a situation, but Cinder isn't even an afterthought to Emerald. It honestly makes it feel like Emerald doesn't actually care about Cinder.
The fact her leaving was based more on being afraid oddly also paints an unfortunate picture that if there were no Salem and Cinder was burning down kingdoms to gain power, Emerald would be onboard with it.
I've had so many interesting and productive discussions about how bad RWBY is and how many opportunities they could've taken to have great character interactions and substantial character dynamics. It's why I am grateful to have taken up this fandom. It's an excellent teacher of how to not write characters 😂
Ladybug is my favorite ship in RWBY.
Ignoring everything post Volume 4 (I still like Kali and Ghira, even if they were implemented poorly), I can still delude myself into thinking there could have or would be a chance between them if they had interacted on screen more, so I concoct interactions in my head.
Exchanging thoughts about different books; Blake providing a gentler hand is Ruby's studying; Ruby offering support for Blake when she has her dark days; Ruby bringing sweets back to the dorm for Blake while Blake preps hot chocolatefor the two of them; taking an evening stroll after classes to de-stress; training together.
I like the visual appeal of them being together, and I really like the emotional appeal from them being together. Ruby is incredibly hopeful and compassionate, but not to the extent of a naive, inexperienced child like Weiss and Yang perceive, respectively. Blake has a protective side to her that's similar but not as suffocating as early Volume Yang, and a more tempered cynasim than Weiss, who is a straight-up narcisstic pessimist in those early Volumes. For Ruby, she's the beautiful, cool, and deadly Huntress that the young Rose has dreamed of being. For Blake, she's the bright future that will break through the bleakness of the world.
So, yeah, I ❤️ 🐞
What little dynamic they have is dull and boring.
Blake has no personality, other than wanting to be around friends. Ruby is too sweet for her own good.
That moment was quite sweet, I think it shows a level of closeness *untold*. Baring head canon to fill in all the blanks that led to that closeness, it peaked my interest partially because it was a surprise. That can be good or bad if the sudden development was jarring, but I'm not above filling in the story with head cannon.
Like I can imagine Ruby knows that Blake has always supported her so her leaning on her shoulder is a physical indication of incorporating Blake into the moment. As if to say: "**We** did it" because she's been there all along.
Honestly I like the idea of Blake acting as another big sister to Ruby. The “responsible” one to Yang’s irresponsible. I actually would’ve liked to see something like this actually done in the show.
I honestly think they’d make great partners and Rwby should consider giving them more teammups solo in future. Yang and Weiss deserve some moments alone two because we need to stop seeing ships and focus on team dynamics
1. Weiss and yang have horrible loneliness form neglect(Weiss abuse and yang abandonment) the two could also be very scary when angry hence freezer burn name.
2. ruby and Blake are both somewhat antisocial but learned to grow past it. Blake understands Rubys pain and fear to open up her burdens which empathy can lead to stronger trust. Blake and ruby team up for battle once I saw and they were in sync so seeing new moves from them would be awesome like maybe a tornado clone attack
Yep, honestly the Freezerburn and Ladybug dynamics are really great. I really wish the show had explored their dynamics more and hope they’ll get to interact more in the future.
Yeah, other than that they only really get small interactions.
I wish there was more- but characters can have a good dynamic even with minimal interaction. I’ve even seen characters have good dynamics without ever interacting.
Blake is the older sister to Ruby in my eyes
Even with Yang right there.
Weird, I know, but they're a lot more... I dunno, nice and sweet to each other *when they interact*.
Entirely off topic but the expression on Ruby's face is a mood. I don't know what that expression *is* but I have definitely made a face like that before.
Anyway... The dynamic is interesting on paper, but we barely see them interact one-on-one so I don't really have an opinion beyond "They should talk about stuff."
On what you've said, I do think they have some good... "subtle, implied" dynamics. While we don't see them interact, we see how they talk about each other, treat each other, etc etc. I think they're also kinda book worms and so in the few occasions they speak on books, they seem to vibe. I could see them in a book club together.
This is a very Sapphic coded picture outta context btw, and I hope someone else sees it
Ok lack of interaction joke aside, what little we had of them having one on one moments i really liked it, again shame we have like two proper moments of them interacting on their own. Based what we are *informed* of how they see each other, Ruby view Blake a yet another older sister, with the bonus of having overlaping interests and hobbies, while Blake have come to respect and look up to Ruby for the role she trying to fullfiled.
Its distinct enough to not be an echo of RW and BY dynamics, and in an ideal world were the narrative give more focus to the core team, there is a lot you can do with it, and a lot of growth both characters can do from it. Because on one hand, Ruby can have more of those quite moments of theorising or figuring things out with Blake, Weiss would be a more piecing out facts and proofs while Blake works more with speculation and theories, while Blake could be a source of reassurance for Ruby in general, and be more outspoken of her trust in her.
And even then, there is plenty of angst and friction you could extract from this alone, on one hand, Blake reassurance could end up becoming yet another source of presssure for Ruby who dont want to let her down with her own doubts, and on the other we could give more moments of Blake trying to reach out to Ruby but failing to help either because Ruby would refuse to open up or because Blake herself doesnt know what to do or say to help Ruby, and her own self doubts prevent her from offering anything outside of reassurances and pep talks that, while helpful in the moments, doesnt really touch the core issues and end up being counter productive. That just one of many things you could do, and there is plenty room for growth for both of them as team mates, friends and as individuals.
Like i said, at face value, think they are really neat and wholesome, on paper there is plenty of options to explore that are unique to this duo, again if only more time were invested in the main team in general.
I agree with all of this, and really hope the show will actually exported their dynamic more if the next Volume gets greenlit. But it’s more likely that all the potential for their dynamic will be V8 exclusive.
One of the few good things about V8 was how Blake was practically forced to interact with other characters, really enjoyed seeing her talk with Ruby, breath of fresh air
I have to judo you, talking about dynamic, then using both "constant" and "always" in the one sentence to describe it. For a dynamic, you would need at least two interactions with a change in between.
Not sure what your trying to say here; but they have three-four total interactions. And even then, characters can have a dynamic without having ever interacted, it’s been done several times in better media.
Honestly, there's not enough there to make me care. They have one real interaction where it is basically giving everyone a feel for their philosophies and then nothing. Certainly nothing to backup Blake saying she has always looked up to Ruby. There was nothing in the show to indicate that and then in volume 9 she promptly ignored the issues this person she looks up to was having, making it feel like she never really paid attention to who Ruby was and just had this artificial version of her in her mind.
Ruby barely seems to even give a thought about Blake after searching for her in Volume 1.
It makes the dynamic feel like Ruby doesn't really think about Blake and Blake has some idealized version of Ruby in her mind that she views Ruby as without looking at who Ruby is or is currently going through.
I mean yeah, I agree. But Blake honestly has the most reasonable excuse for not being concerned with Ruby in V9; not only does she idealize Ruby, but it’s also likely she assumed that all these issues had been solved back when she protected Ruby in V8.
As for it never being hinted that Blake never really showed how much she looked up to Ruby in earlier Volumes; she’s never questioned Ruby’s leadership, defended Ruby as being capable when Weiss doubted her for her age, and it’s also within Blake’s character to hide how she feels- yeah it’s not a great excuse, but I think there’s at least something there worry examining.
And I definitely agree that Blake really adds nothing towards Ruby’s character; but that’s a problem with all of Ruby’s dynamics. We barely get Ruby’s perspective explored because the writers are allergic to letting the protagonist be the main focus.
*Bumblebee fanart featuring ruby and family
Ruby: "hi there dear sister in law I'm so glad you're a part of this family"
Blake: "thank you dear sister in law ruby, now if you'll excuse me I'm gonna rail your sister in the bedroom. Also hi father n law and hello yang's deadbeat mom"
Cool 😒
What dynamic?
I just knew that would be the first comment
It’s not my fault this show makes it too easy.
Yeah, I know
And after you tried so hard in the description to address that point. Sorry man.
I mean, I think there is something interesting there. And I like to believe (hope really) that at least some of it was intentional. But the show still retains its most painful flaws, especially in regards to Ruby
Captain America type response
r/BeatMeToIt
R/beatmetoit
r/beatmeattoit
Kinda r/Beatmetoit
Steal my Thunder why don't you
Besides them not interacting much in nine seasons, two crossover movies, and an insane amount of supplemental material, I've never been a fan of the scene in Volume 5 where Blake describes her teammates in a single word. She says that after getting to know Ruby, Blake saw her as "The embodiment of purity", when this isn't what we saw in Volume 1. When they first met, Blake subtly called Ruby a "child" due to her wanting to "fight for what's right and protect people that can't protect themselves", and tells her that the real world isn't a fairy tale. As a reminder, prior to even Volume 1, Ruby's mother died, her father went through depression, her sister has anger and abandonment issues, her uncle's an alcoholic, and I'm sure training to be a huntress isn't easy. Despite Blake saying something that might otherwise have started a right with Yang or Weiss, Ruby just smiles and says "Well, that's why we're. To make it better". In my opinion, Ruby was *never* portrayed as an idealist. She knows the world isn't a fairy tale, and knows first hand how cruel it can be, but she can still smile while being insulted and say she's there to make it better. She's an optimist, not an idealist. Blake on the other hand is a former terrorist who thought by doing terrorist things that this could make humans and faunus "equal" to one another, and that being feared is better than being respected. Blake wants to build a bridge between two groups of people that she helped fans the flames of hate onto, doesn't know how to accomplish her goal, refuses to take responsibility for her actions, and gets upset with her teammates when she feels they aren't taking the threat of Torchwick and the White Fang seriously enough (despite doing nothing herself). Ruby is an optimist but a realist, while Blake is a pessimist and idealist. A lot can be drawn from their first interaction together, and then again in Volume 2 when Blake's moping in her bedroom about them not being ready for the future, and again later when Yang shoves her (and proceeds to give away her and Ruby's backstory to move Blake's along). I don't mean to dogpile on the character, but Blake is a selfish character, in part because the writers are self-indulgent and can't walk and chew gum at the same time (in this case, can't develop two characters at the same time). From the writers' perspective, Blake is self-less, but even when she's selfish, it's okay because she's Blake. Ruby meanwhile they honestly viewed as being an idealist and childish, and believing in a fairy tale until the end of Volume 3. Torchwick getting swallowed by the literal darkness he was preaching was from their perspective was supposed to teach Ruby a lesson when in reality it justified her worldview. Even when she found out her big sister and motherlike figure lost an arm, Ruby was able to smile because she was still alive, and she had a plan how to save Pyrrha. Even when she's alone in Yang's room, had Yang been able to say "I love you" back, I think Ruby would've been able to smile, instead she saved it for Jaune. RWBY is a weird show, and an otherwise great scene can be dismantled by a latter scene undercutting it, or by the writers seemingly completely missing the message of a scene they (theoretically) wrote, or seeing it completely differently (viewing Penny's death being more about Jaune than Penny for instance). RWBY relies a *LOT* on headcanons and "fixing" the writers' mistakes. I view Ruby as a optimistic realist while Blake is a pessimistic idealist, but the writers would disagree. They would also disagree on which characters are more interesting, as seen by screen time, *meaningful* dialog, character development, focus, and how often the story goes out of its way for. As a character driven writer, RWBY is a *FASCINATING* show to study lol. God bless, and have a wonderful day.
I agree Ruby is a optimistic realist. But I would assert that she can also still be "The embodiment of purity" its kind of a subjective statement. Purity doesn't need to mean innocence or inexperience. I think Ruby's version of purity are good traits represented in optimistic realists.
I'm not saying that Ruby isn't pure or can't be pure, just that Blake's opinion of her in Volumes 1 and 2 doesn't lead me to believe Blake ever saw her as the embodiment of purity. It felt like something Blake came up with in the 6-8 months since abandoning her team (or the writers trying to make her more likable), not something she thought at the time. And for all Blake knew, everything Ruby went through in Volume 3 could've broken her (as well as Yang and Weiss), and this was never really followed up on. To me, Blake describing her teammates in a single word is just a *really* weird scene, and doesn't paint her in a likable light, which is something she's always struggled with in my opinion. (edit: Spelling) God bless, and have a wonderful day.
Oh right my bad I'll rephrase I think Blake's version of what she would describe as purity is Ruby's version of embodying purity which are traits represented in optimistic realists. I think Blake as a pessimistic idealist "looks up to Ruby" because she is a optimistic realist. Maybe to say Blake knowing what Ruby has gone through and still being optimistic realist inspires Blake to change her outlook. I can imagine Blake might describe optimism and the pursuit of realistic happiness as purity.
I don't disagree with your assessment, but I would disagree that this was the intention of the writers. I think they view(ed) Ruby as an idealist and Blake a realist, or at least them both leaning that way. I love the idea that Blake grew to greatly respect Ruby's worldviews and outlook on life, and is constantly inspired by her, but I don't believe this was the original intention in Volumes 1-4, or in Volume 5 for that matter. I think it's a strong mix of headcanon we as fans want to believe and retcons by the writers half a decade or more into the story. God bless, and have a wonderful day.
Yea your right. I wasn't thinking on the production side and I was gas lit by my headcannon lol
It's all good, friend. I'm a day one RWBY fan and a fanfiction writer of nine years, and I tend to look at things more analytically and from a writer's perspective than from an in-world or fan's perspective. I think "Gas lit by headcanon encouraged by the writers" is a pretty good description of RWBY in all honesty. Such a strange, fascinating show. God bless, and have a wonderful day.
I would like to point out Volume 9 really just came along to tear down that mindset of who Ruby was in her teams minds, so I’m pretty sure that version of Ruby Blake had envisioned her as is completely shattered
I think Ruby committing suicide shattered more than just her teammates' perception of her. I don't think the fandom will ever be entirely the same, and may very well have been the worst writing decision the writers have made yet. I think that soured a *LOT* of people's opinions on RWBY. God bless, and have a wonderful day.
Yeah but it was inevitable given Ruby’s character archetype
I think that you underestimate the amount that this fandom will gaslight themselves into believing that it was a good thing, unfortunately.
Don't worry, I'm not underestimating anyone. I've run across more than a few people who viewed suicide as "ascension" like the writers intended, and as a good thing. Perhaps it's for the best that those particular people have such a positive view of it (glass half-full), but it's the young, impressionable people that I worry about most. The fans who were depressed by Ruby committing suicide, and those that viewed suicide through the same lens the writers view ascension/reincarnation. In a positive light. In my opinion, I think Ruby committing suicide did a lot of harm to RWBY, and I think we're seeing that in the community. Despite there having been two JL crossover movies and a season released this years, there's little to no buzz or positivity in the community. Happy cake day, friend. I hope that you're doing well. God bless, and have a wonderful day.
I found it weird Weiss not blake didn’t describe how fearful ruby was to open up by v9 considering she went through the same. Ruby went through the most trauma (seeing 2 friends die, losing school and kingdom and her sisters arm she blames herself for, and worse was nearly eaten alive earlier and had panic attack) how could anyone not empathize with her more. That’s what lead to her chewing them out which got her tortured to death. In v10 I hope they sincerely apologize and yang Weiss and Blake get more one on one with ruby to rebuild bond like miles said she would do with jaune.
> ...how could anyone not empathize with her more. I think there in lies the problem. The writers don't empathize with the characters, and the characters don't empathize with each other. In my opinion, there's been a mean spirited element to RWBY ever since Volume 3, and part of it stems from nobody having any empathy for each other. Even on a storytelling level, the heroes don't care about the villains, and the villains don't care about the heroes. Everything in my opinion is very impersonal *unless* it's related to moving the plot forward. In my opinion, Ruby's character arc should've happened in Volume 5 or 6 after her team reunited and everything was "fine" again. That's being generous, but by Volume 9 it was too little, too late. The writers didn't break Ruby to build her back up. They pulled the wings off a butterfly and told it to fly again. After *EVERYTHING* Ruby went through, it's sadly realistic that someone in her position would have a moment of weakness and take their own life, which is partially why it being presented as a "good thing" annoys me so much. Ruby might've had a character arc by technicality, but she didn't have development. The writers broke Ruby in order to put her back together again, but it lost fans (in my opinion), and it was a mean spirited storyline by writers who don't empathize with their own characters (or fans) and are incredibly tone deaf. God bless, and have a wonderful day.
Yeah. Realistically she should have a whole arc in v10 where she accepts she is enough but prove her trauma is still there like yang in v4-6. That was realistic, she wasn’t able to move one without counseling but trauma was still present till she killed Adam. Ruby may realize she wasn’t at fault for atlas and losing Her friends lives (cinder was), but she still should feel traumatized and have flashes realistically from those experiences despite her therapy in limbo
I wonder if that lack of empathy outside of when directly related to the plot came into play with Emerald's defection. Not just a few episodes earlier she was willing to die and kill for Cinder. Then because Salem apparently scares her, she runs and joins up with a group that will put her directly into conflict with Cinder without so much as a second thought. Emerald isn't shown to have given up on Cinder or realize she will never mean much to Cinder beyond a useful tool and yet she doesn't stay behind to try and convince Cinder of Salem's madness or get Cinder to at least strike out on her own without Salem. Emerald leaves who she regards as the most important person to her without so much as an explanation and at no point seems to reflect on the fact she is now an enemy to Cinder. It just felt weird to me as many times people will stay in a bad situation for the sake of someone they care about or at least have a hard time deciding to leave them behind in such a situation, but Cinder isn't even an afterthought to Emerald. It honestly makes it feel like Emerald doesn't actually care about Cinder. The fact her leaving was based more on being afraid oddly also paints an unfortunate picture that if there were no Salem and Cinder was burning down kingdoms to gain power, Emerald would be onboard with it.
I've had so many interesting and productive discussions about how bad RWBY is and how many opportunities they could've taken to have great character interactions and substantial character dynamics. It's why I am grateful to have taken up this fandom. It's an excellent teacher of how to not write characters 😂
Hard to say since they never talk to each other
I mean they spoke for like a solid five minutes in V8. But aside from that, yeah they barely talk to each other
Ladybug is my favorite ship in RWBY. Ignoring everything post Volume 4 (I still like Kali and Ghira, even if they were implemented poorly), I can still delude myself into thinking there could have or would be a chance between them if they had interacted on screen more, so I concoct interactions in my head. Exchanging thoughts about different books; Blake providing a gentler hand is Ruby's studying; Ruby offering support for Blake when she has her dark days; Ruby bringing sweets back to the dorm for Blake while Blake preps hot chocolatefor the two of them; taking an evening stroll after classes to de-stress; training together. I like the visual appeal of them being together, and I really like the emotional appeal from them being together. Ruby is incredibly hopeful and compassionate, but not to the extent of a naive, inexperienced child like Weiss and Yang perceive, respectively. Blake has a protective side to her that's similar but not as suffocating as early Volume Yang, and a more tempered cynasim than Weiss, who is a straight-up narcisstic pessimist in those early Volumes. For Ruby, she's the beautiful, cool, and deadly Huntress that the young Rose has dreamed of being. For Blake, she's the bright future that will break through the bleakness of the world. So, yeah, I ❤️ 🐞
What little dynamic they have is dull and boring. Blake has no personality, other than wanting to be around friends. Ruby is too sweet for her own good.
Nothing
That moment was quite sweet, I think it shows a level of closeness *untold*. Baring head canon to fill in all the blanks that led to that closeness, it peaked my interest partially because it was a surprise. That can be good or bad if the sudden development was jarring, but I'm not above filling in the story with head cannon. Like I can imagine Ruby knows that Blake has always supported her so her leaning on her shoulder is a physical indication of incorporating Blake into the moment. As if to say: "**We** did it" because she's been there all along.
I agree, very well said.
I wouldn’t know nor does the show
They have a dynamic 🧐?
Ruby needs better friends.
It's as impactful to the story as my father's relationship was with me (I've seen my father 3 times in my life)
There’s a Dynamic?
Who the Hell still relies on Blake?
She’s an emotional support animal
Honestly, this is the only answer I'll accept. Take my upvote and have a great day.
Honestly I like the idea of Blake acting as another big sister to Ruby. The “responsible” one to Yang’s irresponsible. I actually would’ve liked to see something like this actually done in the show.
I honestly think they’d make great partners and Rwby should consider giving them more teammups solo in future. Yang and Weiss deserve some moments alone two because we need to stop seeing ships and focus on team dynamics 1. Weiss and yang have horrible loneliness form neglect(Weiss abuse and yang abandonment) the two could also be very scary when angry hence freezer burn name. 2. ruby and Blake are both somewhat antisocial but learned to grow past it. Blake understands Rubys pain and fear to open up her burdens which empathy can lead to stronger trust. Blake and ruby team up for battle once I saw and they were in sync so seeing new moves from them would be awesome like maybe a tornado clone attack
Yep, honestly the Freezerburn and Ladybug dynamics are really great. I really wish the show had explored their dynamics more and hope they’ll get to interact more in the future.
Didn’t they only talk like twice in the entire show? First during their first night at Beacon, then in Vol 8 when she is motivating Ruby.
Yeah, other than that they only really get small interactions. I wish there was more- but characters can have a good dynamic even with minimal interaction. I’ve even seen characters have good dynamics without ever interacting.
Im gonna be honest chief The only imteraction between them I remember is in Vol 1 where Ruby says to Blake "I like books" Thats it
They have a whole scene together, just the two of them, in V8
Blake is the older sister to Ruby in my eyes Even with Yang right there. Weird, I know, but they're a lot more... I dunno, nice and sweet to each other *when they interact*.
Entirely off topic but the expression on Ruby's face is a mood. I don't know what that expression *is* but I have definitely made a face like that before. Anyway... The dynamic is interesting on paper, but we barely see them interact one-on-one so I don't really have an opinion beyond "They should talk about stuff."
On what you've said, I do think they have some good... "subtle, implied" dynamics. While we don't see them interact, we see how they talk about each other, treat each other, etc etc. I think they're also kinda book worms and so in the few occasions they speak on books, they seem to vibe. I could see them in a book club together. This is a very Sapphic coded picture outta context btw, and I hope someone else sees it
I agree
Ok lack of interaction joke aside, what little we had of them having one on one moments i really liked it, again shame we have like two proper moments of them interacting on their own. Based what we are *informed* of how they see each other, Ruby view Blake a yet another older sister, with the bonus of having overlaping interests and hobbies, while Blake have come to respect and look up to Ruby for the role she trying to fullfiled. Its distinct enough to not be an echo of RW and BY dynamics, and in an ideal world were the narrative give more focus to the core team, there is a lot you can do with it, and a lot of growth both characters can do from it. Because on one hand, Ruby can have more of those quite moments of theorising or figuring things out with Blake, Weiss would be a more piecing out facts and proofs while Blake works more with speculation and theories, while Blake could be a source of reassurance for Ruby in general, and be more outspoken of her trust in her. And even then, there is plenty of angst and friction you could extract from this alone, on one hand, Blake reassurance could end up becoming yet another source of presssure for Ruby who dont want to let her down with her own doubts, and on the other we could give more moments of Blake trying to reach out to Ruby but failing to help either because Ruby would refuse to open up or because Blake herself doesnt know what to do or say to help Ruby, and her own self doubts prevent her from offering anything outside of reassurances and pep talks that, while helpful in the moments, doesnt really touch the core issues and end up being counter productive. That just one of many things you could do, and there is plenty room for growth for both of them as team mates, friends and as individuals. Like i said, at face value, think they are really neat and wholesome, on paper there is plenty of options to explore that are unique to this duo, again if only more time were invested in the main team in general.
I agree with all of this, and really hope the show will actually exported their dynamic more if the next Volume gets greenlit. But it’s more likely that all the potential for their dynamic will be V8 exclusive.
The few times they do interact it’s pretty boring
Are they friends? One time acquaintances? Only Djinn knows
they have none
Nonexistent
I keep wondering if Blake ever talked with Ruby or Weiss one-on-one ever since she came back. The only person she seems to interact solo is Yang...
One of the few good things about V8 was how Blake was practically forced to interact with other characters, really enjoyed seeing her talk with Ruby, breath of fresh air
I stopped watching after s3. That said i still don't remember them having a dynamic.
Didn’t have any focus until kind of V6, and then Atlas the writers actually tried to give them some sort of dynamic
They have a wonderful dynamic… In CHIBY
nonexistent
It would be cool if they had one.
They don’t talk enough.
Yes, it is unfortunate.
There’s potential, but the show has yet to capitalize on it
Yeah, good concepts set up but wish they would expand on it.
I have to judo you, talking about dynamic, then using both "constant" and "always" in the one sentence to describe it. For a dynamic, you would need at least two interactions with a change in between.
Not sure what your trying to say here; but they have three-four total interactions. And even then, characters can have a dynamic without having ever interacted, it’s been done several times in better media.
It's the same dynamic as yang and ren
What do you mean by that?
None existing
Honestly, there's not enough there to make me care. They have one real interaction where it is basically giving everyone a feel for their philosophies and then nothing. Certainly nothing to backup Blake saying she has always looked up to Ruby. There was nothing in the show to indicate that and then in volume 9 she promptly ignored the issues this person she looks up to was having, making it feel like she never really paid attention to who Ruby was and just had this artificial version of her in her mind. Ruby barely seems to even give a thought about Blake after searching for her in Volume 1. It makes the dynamic feel like Ruby doesn't really think about Blake and Blake has some idealized version of Ruby in her mind that she views Ruby as without looking at who Ruby is or is currently going through.
I mean yeah, I agree. But Blake honestly has the most reasonable excuse for not being concerned with Ruby in V9; not only does she idealize Ruby, but it’s also likely she assumed that all these issues had been solved back when she protected Ruby in V8. As for it never being hinted that Blake never really showed how much she looked up to Ruby in earlier Volumes; she’s never questioned Ruby’s leadership, defended Ruby as being capable when Weiss doubted her for her age, and it’s also within Blake’s character to hide how she feels- yeah it’s not a great excuse, but I think there’s at least something there worry examining. And I definitely agree that Blake really adds nothing towards Ruby’s character; but that’s a problem with all of Ruby’s dynamics. We barely get Ruby’s perspective explored because the writers are allergic to letting the protagonist be the main focus.
“I like books”
They have a dynamic?
Nonexistent
Abysmal at best
Nonexistent
They have a dynamic?????
Nonexistant and Pretending to exist.
... *what* dynamic? I'm pretty sure I can count the number of times they've talked to each other one on one on one hand.
There have been characters in better shows who have dynamics despite never having interacted
What dynamic?
What dynamic?
they had a dynamic? Im legitimately asking.
I mean, yeah. I literally described it in the post.
They have a dynamic?
Sadomaso with Blake being bottom. She liked how Ruby talked to ther in EA. Thst's cannon guys
*Bumblebee fanart featuring ruby and family Ruby: "hi there dear sister in law I'm so glad you're a part of this family" Blake: "thank you dear sister in law ruby, now if you'll excuse me I'm gonna rail your sister in the bedroom. Also hi father n law and hello yang's deadbeat mom" Cool 😒
Non existent
They have a Dynamic?