[spoilers] Lucas. Just Lucas.

[Byatil]

(22-11-2010 10:40 PM)binkie Wrote:  

(22-11-2010 09:25 PM)Byatil Wrote:  The fact that Lucas seems reluctant to have Sarah "vetted" seems rather significant. Almost as if he doesn't want anything to cement their relationship?

The suggestion of wilful self-denial is an interesting theme to tease out in reference to this character in this relationship, I think. This is really the first time in Lucas' post-release narrative that we see him in the context of (what seemed to be at that stage in season 8) a successful interpersonal relationship outside of the "colleagues are okay" caveat. The idea that he would, however unconsciously, place obstacles of omission or inaction in the way of a kind of acknowledgement of that relationship tells us something quite profound about Lucas' state of mind. It really speaks to the extent to which he is unable to accept that he has moved from a condition of being required to deny any sort of desire - be it something as mundane as a cigarette or something as complete as a lover - to one of being able to act on that desire. What seems to scare him about this is, as you suggest, the fact that he might find he has what he wants. The emotional consequences of this are surely quite overwhelming for someone with Lucas' recent experience.

These are subtle and embedded notes to pick up on as you watch (especially if you are scribbling at the same time!). I can't wait to read what you make of the rest of this episode

Far more eloquently put than I could have managed! It is an interesting point, and I think it's another display of Lucas' desire to be controlled conflicting with his internal desire to have control. It's almost as if he can't quite convince himself that he has the capacity to be happy again.

Anyway, I've continued watching to the point where Lucas encounters Oleg.

I have to say, RA's acting in this episode is beyond superb. When he receives the flowers from Oleg and reads the card ("Grebe"), his facial expression is amazing. Despair, disbelief and just a pure sense of terror. Equally, when he first sees Dasharvin's face, there's just this look of complete confusion and horror. The torture scenes are especially haunting... it's just so strange, switching between Lucas as a fairly calm and controlled MI5 officer, and Lucas on the brink of breakdown as he has however many volts pumped through him. The stark contrast is just so shocking (no pun intended!).

I'm going to have to pick up on the little tale that Lucas tells us here; linking his personal life to his time in Russia. Something along the lines of "They used to take me for walks between sessions, the prison was surrounded by marshland. I'd tell Dasharvin about how me and my father would go bird-watching along the banks of the Thames Estuary when I was a child". Now, in relation to S9... surely Lucas can't be making this up as he goes along? So is it reasonable to presume that these little anecdotes of his are things which actually happened in John's past? Because surely there would be inconsistencies between where John grew up, and where the 'real' Lucas grew up? Just something that I was wondering when it was mentioned.

The first scene with Oleg is so poignant, once again, amazing acting from both men. The fact that Lucas immediately obeys orders given by Darsharvin is very telling, and shows a complete respect and submission towards him. We can also see this through the way Lucas strips and is left with no protection whatsoever when he faces his former captor. Actually, another interesting point is that when Lucas is first entering the stone building where he speaks with Dasharvin, he hesitates. I think the building is a representation of a prison cell - Lucas is forced into a confined space, where Dasharvan blocks the only exit. Very symbolic.

Lucas is shaking whilst he speaks on the phone to Dasharvin, another very telling sign of the power this man has over him. Lucas is being forced to return to the nightmares he's tried so hard to block out, and it's obviously having a very detrimental effect on him psychologically. When Lucas first faces Oleg, he's just completely void of expression, desperately trying to contain his emotions. There seem to be certain trigger-words which affect Lucas very visibly - most notably when Oleg says the words "little chat", and Lucas seems to be fighting back a flashback before we see another torture scene. It's so horrible to watch, and another example of RA's amazingly subtle techniques at conveying this characters emotions. There's this raging conflict between Lucas' personal relationship with Oleg, and his obligation to protect the country, and to do what's best for MI5.

At one point, Oleg says "And as you and I both know... no-one escapes from Roushanka." (sp? my knowledge of Russian is non-existent). Another brilliant piece of acting here, as Lucas' voice breaks slightly with his next question. RA really conveys the emotional struggle Lucas experiences throughout this scene as he fights away the flashbacks and attempts to stay in control as much as he possibly can, it's just amazing to watch if you really look closely.

After Lucas tells Oleg "We don't do deals." and Oleg replies "Well then you'll have to find the target on your own", we see another moment of self-defeat from Lucas, as he asks Oleg "Where do I go?" He seems torn between his loyalties to the team, and his relationship with Oleg. You really have to see the facial expressions to really understand what I'm talking about, haha. In this scene, actions very much speak louder than words.

The line "Show me respect" from Oleg is incredibly effective. Lucas seems to accept defeat at this point; I'm guessing these may be more trigger-words for him. The way he sits down and almost goes to put his head in his hands is just so moving. This truly is television at its best!

I also have to say that I love the choice of theme tune for Lucas. That Russian-folk sound, very eerie. This entire scene is just so well written, and so brilliantly acted. Gives me goosebumps every time.