Hollyoaks ramblings

[wook77]

Ok, Hollyoaks people. I've watched the JP/Craig and JP/Kieron storylines so far. With the caveat that there are episodes missing from the JPC storyline on youtube - I still think that Craig is an arse who doesn't know what he had and didn't really love JP.

See, the thing that most gets me in the Kieron storyline is the risks that he takes for JP. The hand touching at the Dog. The swirly kiss on the stairs (HOMG THE SWIRLY KISS). The little looks out in public. The love note in the most recent episode. The leaning in when talking to one another. the happy grins they exchanged when they talked about confessing to Steph and Niall about loving one another. They get me because they show the risks that Kieron will go to to make JP happy.

Sure, his signs of affection are physical but I don't think it's all about the lust. They're not lustful kisses, for example. The swirly kiss was just a quick buss on the lips. The finger grazing across JP's hand is a small touch that's reaching out for JP to reciprocate. It's not like he's groping JP under the table and stuffs.

Craig, on the other hand, is free and unfettered and he won't fucking well touch JP in public, not even after they're getting ready to fly to Dublin to live together. He won't take a risk where others can see when Kieron, who shouldn't take those risks, will. Craig's too caught up in his definitions of his own sexuality that he can't see outside himself, he's scared to step outside of his little box and won't risk that little box for JP.

I think part of the reason that I'm so fixated on the signs of physical attraction and the risk involved is that I've been there, done that. I dated and was engaged to a man that took those risks for me and I've also dated and was engaged to a man that didn't. The risks, to me, show the love behind the gestures. So obviously I'm having my own issues of stepping outside of my own box.

I've tried watching fanvids to get the best of the JPC thing so I can see why people are so in love with JPC. And, err, I've only really come across dreck.

So please to be recc'ing me your favourite JPC vids? Plz? Convert me as to why you think JPC is so awesome. I really want to like this storyline as I happen to think that JP is just about the cutest thing ever and if he were to leave the show, I might just have to cry.

Probably there will be spoiler discussions for future episodes in the comments. If there are a lot of comments as I've not a clue how many Hollyoaks fans are on the flist.

Comments

[hpuckle.livejournal.com]

I am a complete JP fan, and I think the reason I loved JP/C so much is that I really wanted JP to be happy, and I saw how much he loved Craig. Craig was an utter bastard through most of their storyline, but I'd been a fan of Craig before this and I didn't believe he was a truly horrible person, just that he was very confused by his feelings. I still hated that he hurt JP but I didn't want to judge him too much because I knew deep down he wasn't a nasty person.

When Craig left, it completely broke my heart because I so wanted them to work it out and be happy. So I stopped watching Hollyoaks. They were the only reason I watched it really anyway. However, my sister is a big big Hollyoaks fan so I catch most of the episodes.

Did you see JP/K before JP/C? If so, that probably has something to do with your feelings towards the two couples as well. I just want JP to be happy and Keiron is sch a sweetheart and I love him and I think he's completely right for JP... but I'll never feel the way about JP/K that I did about JP/C.

Also, JP/C helped me realise my love for boy kissing and all things slash so I owe them that hehe!



xxx

[wook77.livejournal.com]

Yah - that's how I'm feeling as well. I see that he loved Craig but, really, in the end, Craig made him absolutely miserable and treated him like rubbish.

I did see JP/K before JPC BUT - I'd been told so many awesome things about JPC and how awesome it was and how JPC was so much better and I'd read about the awards and blah that I don't think that the JP/K thing influenced it overly much.

We all owe the JPC for that :D.

[dkellergrl.livejournal.com]

Craig, on the other hand, is free and unfettered and he won't fucking well touch JP in public, not even after they're getting ready to fly to Dublin to live together. He won't take a risk where others can see when Kieron, who shouldn't take those risks, will. Craig's too caught up in his definitions of his own sexuality that he can't see outside himself, he's scared to step outside of his little box and won't risk that little box for JP.

See, I watched JPC before JPK and I feel the same exact way that you do. Hell, I absolutely loved the JPC storyline, up until Craig ran off with Sarah, on their vacation to Sante/Zante. During that same time, he had promised JP, that he was going to end his relationship with Sarah (for the 2nd time), because he wanted to be able to BE with John-Paul, openly and honestly. Did you also see how JP ran after that cab, screaming Craig's name, while Craig pretended not to hear him?

I know that Craig wasn't always a manipulative and possessive jerk to the people that he cared about, but with that particular turn of events in the JPC storyline, I just couldn't see it as being this 'be all and end all' love story anymore. Craig really put Sarah AND John-Paul through hoops during the JPC affair. Did you also see the episode, in which Craig is back from his vacation with Sarah and he meets up with John-Paul, after JP was avoiding him, because of how much he was hurt by him running away? Craig tells him that he knew that "JP would take him back, because he's in love with him". Those words meant to me, that Craig knew that he could treat JP in whatever way (horrible or nice), because in the end, JP would take him back.

[wook77.livejournal.com]

Yeah - I wasn't all that happy with the vacation thing either. I think the scene with the car, though, was one of the clips that got taken down and I didn't get to see it off the playlist I was cruising through as I would hope that it would stick with me if I'd seen it.

I really cannot see it and, honestly, I really really cannot see a happily ever after here for them. I really can't. Craig basically spit on JP and, IDK, for me? I wouldn't put up with that shit and I wouldn't be willing to risk it a second time.

My response would be a lot less rambly if I didn't keep watching your icon.

[dkellergrl.livejournal.com]

Why, thank you. I beleive that Dawn H. created the icon.

[wook77.livejournal.com]

And also - I'm going to speak in code/generalities for a moment and hope that you get what I'm talking about but...

that was one of the most polite asskickings I have ever had the fortune of watching/reading/viewing. Thank you so much for it.

What forum are you talking about?

[dkellergrl.livejournal.com]

I don't know what message you're talking about.

[thelana.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I feel pretty much the same way you do about JPC. Can't stand Craig one bit and don't have any sympathy for him at all. And the whole "I really want my fave to get what he wants" only carries so far if I think that he is making a dumb decision.

If my fave really, really, really wants to jump off a cliff doesn't mean I have to root for him to go splatt. Too bad that we seem to be in the minority in this area.

[wook77.livejournal.com]

I'm glad I'm not the only one though yes, we do seem to be in the minority of it. The gaydaytime boards are rather, err, exuberant in rooting for their favourites, as well. It's a bit scary walking into the Hollyoaks forums over there. I love the VL forum but the Hollyoaks one is just intimidating with the back and forth.

[thelana.livejournal.com]

I've heard that they are actually quite tame compared to *actual* HO boards. *shudders*

[wook77.livejournal.com]

I won't even sign up on the jamessutton fans one as that one? Is totally beyond crazy. The shipping wars. HOMG. I'm used to HP and its shipping wars but god, that's just beyond.

I get that people are really emphatic about their favourite ships but I just don't get the whole "you're an idiot for not liking my ship" thing. Never have and never will.

[dkellergrl.livejournal.com]

The Digital Spy is like WWIII, between JPC and JPK. The JPK thread had been locked down for over a week, because some of the JPC fans started a flame war in that thread. Then, after some JPK spoilers were released that pissed off some JPC fans, they tried to get the JPK thread shut down again with another flame war.

There's a thread on the Digital Spy that's supposed to be for John-Paul McQueen fans. Well, that thread has been overrun with JPC fans that are furious that JP has been paired off with another man. Another secret relationship, yet, this one is with a gay man (who doesn't have an issue with his sexuality). His issue is about his role as a Catholic Priest. I know that some of the naysayers of the JPK storyline, keep saying that they wouldn't have a problem with JP, being with another man, if he wasn't a Priest, but I think that's BS. I think they would of had an issue with ANY new guy coming into JP's life, as a romantic partner, if he wasn't Craig Dean.

JP McQueen, in some viewers minds, should have been written out when Craig Dean/Guy Burnet left the show, back in September 2007. Since, that was NEVER going to happen, then JP should have been actively shown, weeping, wailing and moaning over the loss of his relationship with Craig Dean. Since, that never happened, then JP should have been encased in glass, with a message taped on the glass, saying that "No one can release him from this glass, except CRAIG DEAN".

That maybe an overreaction to what's been going on for over 9 months, but that's how I feel about it.

[wook77.livejournal.com]

Oh man. SOOOO Glad I've not checked out that site for more than spoilers and general announcements.

[dkellergrl.livejournal.com]

If my fave really, really, really wants to jump off a cliff doesn't mean I have to root for him to go splatt. Too bad that we seem to be in the minority in this area.

I knew there was a reason why I liked your postings, before I friended you.

I'm just completely OFF of this whole "Sunset Ending" think, that I'm turned off by a group of people that I've never met before in my life. It's this whole fantasy thing of a 'Happy Ever After' scenario, that just doesn't work in my mind for JP being with Craig after ALL THE CRAP that went down between those two (and Sarah) during their affair.

[thelana.livejournal.com]

I actually don't loathe JPC that much (that it has to be the same as going splatt off a cliff) but I guess I just don't share the deep adoration. And just "because JP really wants him" isn't really a satisfying argument to me becuase many people want many stupid things, doesn't mean that I have to agree even though I love them.

If JPC get their sunset ending my reaction will probably be "Well, go with God" a they say over here but I would be equally okay with an ending where they don't end up together.

[dkellergrl.livejournal.com]

If JPC get their sunset ending my reaction will probably be "Well, go with God" a they say over here but I would be equally okay with an ending where they don't end up together.

I agree. How about the possibility of John-Paul actually being happy, if he ends up not choosing Kieron or Craig and being on his own? I understand that we're talking about a soap opera, but we're also talking about a 19 year-old gay male character, with his entire 'future' on a platter. Is it really that strange, difficult and different to think that JP could be happy, if he ends up on his own?

Does he really truly need to be with a man, in order for him to be happy?

[dark0feenix.livejournal.com]

Oh, you vile enabler, you. It wasn't enough to introduce the loveliness that is Ollian, you just had to go and give us JPK and JPC as well. The sheer number of clips on the playlists is intimidating but I've already watched half the JPK clips and though theirs is not Ollian ;) they look gorgeous together.

All the boykissing you have stored away, bring it on! I won't mind spending all my precious little freetime watching delicious male/male loving. :P

[wook77.livejournal.com]

LULZ! I'm all about the evil corrupting influences mkthx :D. I was intimidated as well but I also really enjoyed the story. It moved rather quickly once you start watching it too.

I shall keep pimping out the boy love. Did you see my DL link for shelter? It's brilliant and omg, just akjf;aslfkj BRILLIANT.

[dark0feenix.livejournal.com]

Oh yes, Shelter is definitely on my 'to see list'. :)

[claire-kay.livejournal.com]

its weird for me, because well I actually do love both ships.
and up until a few months ago, I never thought I'd prefer anyone over JPC.
But JPK have completely pulled me in. And I'm not even entirely sure I can say why, there is just something so amazing about them.

I do think in a way, its because I like Kieron's character a lot more than I like Craig. I just think that despite the obstacles they face, it is not a question of what they want - and that is each other. Whereas with Craig, he said he wanted JP - but then his actions never really backed that up. Where as with Kieron, like you say he isn't afraid to show affection, even though he is risking this huge thing for JP.

I like how aware they are of what they are doing is wrong as well, Kieron knows that he is being hypocritical and JP knows that this is going to hurt people, they care about all those things, they talk about them and know they are going to have to face them. Where as when I watched JPC back, I saw just how unaware they were of the people around them or how it affected anyone. Like JP said he didn't care - because it was worth it. But to me, that's quite a bad thing because they let their affair consume them to the point where no one else mattered.

That's why I love the growth we have seen in JP, he has gone back to the person we first saw, who was a bit cocky, remember how he was in that first scene with Craig and how much he changed when he was with Craig? Now its like he is back, but he has all these new layers and I think being with Kieron has helped him grow.

Don't get me wrong, I thought the JPC relationship was beautiful, it was very intense and the friendship they had was so strong, and way they protected each other was amazing. I think they both found something in each other that they were looking for, that neither of them ever had - but a long the way - like I say that relationship consumed them and it turned quite unhealthy.

For me at the moment, to believe a SE. Craig is going to have to shown he has grown, other wise I can't see my buying into it. JPK keep getting stronger and stronger and I think they will continue to. We know now that JP will be around for the Niall reveal, and I can't see them doing that until Christmas, sometimes I think that it may not end with a SE - perhaps that is just me hoping. But what I want is for JP to be happy and comfortable with himself, whether that's in a relationship or alone.

Just watch JPK vids :P x

[wook77.livejournal.com]

HIHIHI!

I really agree with you on the actions thing, especially. Craig said one thing and did another and I really don't like that. Kieron DOES one thing and says another and that's not quite as bad as I'm a big believer in actions speaking louder than words.

I love the JP confidence, too. I love the cockiness and the playfulness to his character again. In the last few clips, JP was just morose even when he was trying to be playful. It was like he was a puppy that had been kicked a few too many times and couldn't quite believe that he wouldn't get kicked again.

I really don't think it'll end with a SE but that might be because I'm not nearly as invested in it as the people that have been watching for years. I've merely mainlined it and absorbed it in one rather large go.

Niall :/

Ohhh! And I watched your vid, btw, and didn't get a chance to comment on it as I had to close the tab right quick when the computer was crashing. BUT - it was brilliant :D ♥

Hey, Claire

[dkellergrl.livejournal.com]

Sometimes, I think that some of the MCDEANERS I've interacted with want the 'doormat of JP from the past', because THAT JP was willing to take whatever scraps Craig gave him, in order to be with him. That JP wouldn't make any demands or have any expectations, because it was ALL ABOUT CRAIG.

[dkellergrl.livejournal.com]

Well, CF seems to of had her own MCDEAN type of relationship in her real life (from her own words). She regrets that she let this woman out of her life, so she's hoping that the supposed promise of the SE happening for JPC, will make het own past situation easier to deal with. She's very sad, because she's trying to place the 'blame' all on K. JP actively chose to pursue AND be with K.

[wook77.livejournal.com]

AAAAhhh. That makes sense in a stupid gtfover it sort of way.

Well - of course K is a predator, he's a priest, for god's sake. We all know that priests=predator.

CF also told me, on one of the boards, that she knew more than me as she'd seen catholicism in a couple of movies so I had to be wrong. Nevermind that I've actually studied to be a nun, though I never reached past the initiate stage. From that point on, I'm just beyond annoyed with her all the time.

She really is delusional about her interpretations. I feel like we're not watching the same show with the way that she "forgets" details and reinterprets conversations.

Or maybe she's so focused on the bad that she can't see the good. Either way... her posts are like nails down a chalkboard to me.

[dkellergrl.livejournal.com]

She really said that about her understanding of Catholicism?!

I've watched lots of GLBT films, but that doesn"t make me think that I know what is like to BE a gay men and/or a lesbian woman.

Ahh, stupidity it burnsII