"Could she here deny the story that is printed in her blood?"
Leonato spoke those words about Hero in Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, but he could have been speaking about the Winchester brothers or Neal Caffrey.
Warning for minor spoilers for Whispers in the Night and canon episodes of Supernatural and White Collar.
As anyone who watches Supernatural knows, much ado is made about blood. Victims and villains alike spill copious amounts in practically every episode. But even more important is the blood that flows within the Winchesters. Dean and Sam were born to be hunters. Their father, mother, and maternal grandfather were all hunters. At various times in the seasons they are revealed to have preordained destinies. Dean doesn't question his fate but Sam rebelled against the life and only reluctantly returned to it.
In White Collar, Neal is desperately trying to avoid his father's bloodline. He calls himself by his mother's maiden name. His father, James Bennett, was a cop killer, someone who he hasn't seen since he was three years old. He would happily expunge the Bennett blood from his system if it were only possible.
Neal has been told by fellow criminals and FBI agents alike, that he's been hot-wired to be a thief. It's in his blood. No matter how hard he tries to resist, the criminal life will suck him back in just as Sam was unable to escape the life of a hunter.
For Peter, his bloodline isn't an issue. No one has drilled into him that his blood was forcing him into a certain mold. Peter had a typical upbringing. His mom was an elementary school teacher. His dad worked in construction. Peter played Little League baseball and was a Boy Scout. He grew up surrounded by a loving family. In contrast to Neal, Dean, and Sam, his childhood was a Norman Rockwell painting. Peter also had the freedom to choose his own path instead of being compelled into one by overbearing fathers or adverse circumstances. It's tempting to speculate that part of the reason Peter is open to others changing the direction they're heading is because of his upbringing. He avoids labels and dislikes typecasting.
Peter is well aware of the pressures Neal faces and is constantly looking for ways to reinforce the new path he's chosen. When Neal needs a blood transfusion, Peter leaps at being the donor. The psychological benefit for Neal of having Peter's blood flowing within him is not lost on either one of them. And the fact that Peter can be a donor to Neal is thanks to Penna, who realized what a powerful statement it would make. In Caffrey Flashback, Peter spun "a beautiful lie" that he'd donated blood when Neal was recovering from a drug overdose and was suffering flashbacks from a childhood abuse incident. Henry quickly realized Peter was bluffing in order to give Neal an extra measure of support. In Whispers in the Night, Neal's need was just as great but this time it was physical. Thanks, Penna, for letting me build on your idea!
As the curtain falls on Whispers in the Night, blood comes up yet again. Who are Electra and Maia? Are they witches, vampires, or something else? At present all that is known for certain is that they have developed a taste for the blood of Sam and Neal. More about their bloodline will be unveiled in the second story of Crossed Lines, called Witches' Sabbath.
Whispers in the Night on Archive of Our Own
Whispers in the Night on FanFiction
I've always wondered about the "bloodline" of James Bennett. Everyone seems to be stuck on the image that he is rotten to the core, but I have come across a few fanfics that explored the possibility that he wasn't. I think you have the unique opportunity in the Caffrey Conversation series to explore some of the plot holes in cannon. One particular thing that confounds me is the scene where James is in Neal's studio sorting through the supposedly evidence papers. He looks like he's looking for something in particular, but couldn't find it. It appeared that he was there to steal or destroy the evidence but ended up not taking anything and left them right there on the table. In the video, the younger Ellen was reluctant to proclaim that James is guilty, but stated for sure that the evidence pointed to a lot of dirty cops and corruption in the powers that be. Based on these, I think there is a possibility that James is not who they painted him out to be. His departing words to Neal was to warn him not to become a scapegoat, which may be hinting at his own situation. Yes, he might be guilty and dirty, but there might be a very good reason behind it. It would be great if the series explored that possibility.
ReplyDeleteBut then again, I may just be taking things at face value here, and I am not trying to change any plot that you already have mapped out. Just wanted to say that I've been a faithful follower since the first Conversation was posted. It's a real enjoyment to read your writings and I look forward to the next in the series.
Thanks for sharing your perspective on James. Very thought-provoking! Penna and I have discussed possibilities for Neal's father, and you're right, there are so many directions he could be taken. We have a blank slate from the time Neal and his mom entered WITSEC to work with. I was disappointed that nothing was done with James in the 5th season of White Collar. After a cliffhanger of an ending in season 4, his story was left dangling. I think it's understandable why Neal is so bitter about him now, but there may indeed be extenuating circumstances or perhaps even a chance for redemption. The canon writers hinted at that during the 4th season, and James's story is something that I believe we will eventually explore. We're so appreciative of your support and it's great to hear your ideas!
DeleteIt's interesting, is Peter open to the idea that nothing is pre ordained because he feels his life has always been about choices or does he not realize his own part in the greater web of Destiny? The Doctor (Dr. Who) has often mentioned fixed points in Time that must remain unchanging and indeed the one time we see him try and change one of those points it doesn't work, the end result is achieved just in a different way. Is Peter a 'fixed point' in Destiny someone who serves as anchor to those souls out there like Sam and Neal and Dean who don't appear to be able to escape their fates? He can grasp them, hold them fast in the storm, all they have to do is reach out their hand. Peter is a bit like Bobby, steady and rather unchanging, if you tried to change Peter or Bobby, in the end I believe they would still remain Peter and Bobby, anchors in this chaotic world. Neal, Sam and Dean are not anchors, they are catalysts, they initiate change, perhaps that is their fate rather than their character or bloodline. Good or bad they would still alter reality around them; good or bad Peter and Bobby would still stand firm in the tempest. Maybe it's not so much about blood as it is about function? Peter tries to let Neal know that he isn't just the sum of his past, he's the possibility of future; the equation isn't finished until the final tally. I think Bobby tries to get that through to Sam and Dean as well. Peter is trying to teach Neal that it really is the journey, what you decide to do along the way and sometimes the outcome is out of your hands or you could do everything 'right' and it could all end up in tears, but that's not about blood, that's just life. Neal hasn't quite gotten to that point yet (and neither has Henry lol), so Peter goes with the blood, but someday, Neal may no longer need that back up, he may settle, put down roots and become someone else's 'anchor' as Peter was to him.
ReplyDeleteAnother Doctor Who fan! Woo-hoo!
DeleteYou're reminding me of Supernatural season 6 episode "My Heart Will Go On" where Fate is up in arms about meddling by the angels and Winchesters. I can just imagine what a confrontation between the Doctor and Fate would be like.
Truly fascinating speculation on your part. I tend to view Bobby as being even less mutable than Peter. Offhand I don't remember any way that Sam and Dean have changed his nature. Peter, though -- that is a thought-provoking idea. Spinning out your concept of Neal, Sam, and Dean being catalysts, could they initiate change even in someone as rock-solid as Peter? If I comment too much on some of your points, I may stray perilously close to spoiler territory, so for now I'll limit myself to saying others may not view Peter as being so constant and that could work to his advantage. I hope we can continue this conversation at a later date. Linking Peter to Dr. Who was wonderful. The Doctor is coming to Caffrey Conversation. Watch for him in the story after Raphael's Dragon, Echoes of a Violin.
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