Today we discuss what was really happening when Oliver ended their dance classes at the end of The Masterpiece, in this first of several new translations.
"I Want You."
A hasty declaration meant to reaffirm his desire to have Shane as his partner, it was the first real hint that something was happening in Oliver for which he had no frame of reference. It was Oliver's unexpected realization of those evolving feelings as he drew Shane back in from that now infamous dip that triggered his abrupt departure, and ultimate cancellation, of their dance.
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Both sides of this play out at the end of The Masterpiece:
Oliver
Along with the fact that the showcase fell on his anniversary, it also wasn't known that the classes were for anything other than Oliver's recreational enjoyment when he asked Shane to join him. Telling Shane about why he began taking the classes to begin with is the only way he knew how to frame what was happening, and why it had to end. He simply didn't know what was stirring inside of him, and he certainly didn't know how to deal with it this early in the series, so he opted to chalk up ending their lessons to "accomplishing what he set out to do."
It is clear, however, that ending their dance lessons is hard on Oliver. Not only does he make it a point to tell Shane she was "a wonderful partner," that sigh as he turns to walk away the first time reinforces the difficulty. But when she suggests they were "good together," forcing him to face her once more, you can tell Oliver is barely keeping it together.
Oliver's abrupt discontinuation of their dance is the first hint at his thawing heart. At the same time, it marks Shane's first loss in the battle against the ghost she couldn't, for a time, seem to conquer. |
Shane
That's what makes her final words to Oliver so interesting. Why did she ask, "We were good together, weren't we?" Oliver already reaffirmed she was a wonderful partner, a moment, I believe, where he took a brief moment to directly address how he felt about Shane. To me, Shane's question is a small act of defiance. She wants to make sure she wasn't crazy to think there's something between them, a door he opened by calling her a "wonderful partner." When Oliver agrees they "were good together" it gives Shane hope, hope that she might one day defeat the ghost that looms over her and keeps Oliver so distant.
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Another interesting dynamic is unfolding, POstables. And I can't wait to share it with you through this ongoing series. Next stop is the argument in The Edge of Forever, and I'm hoping to get that one done soon!
What do you think POstables? Was something more afoot when Oliver canceled? Let me know your take in the comments!
Curious,
~C
Decoded: The Masterpiece | The Edge of Forever | A Hope & A Future | For Christmas | From Paris With Love