Let's Review: Laurel Lance as Black Canary

Eonline: Introduction to the Black Canary Costume

Things have been heating up since the last episode. Ray and Felicity are slowly becoming a thing, Diggle asks Oliver to be his best man, Thea struggles with her first kill, and Ra Al Ghul offering the Arrow the role of a lifetime. Putting that aside, Laurel gets to share her moments as herself and the Black Canary. I think now is the time for us to evaluate what she has done so far. Why? For one thing, Black Canary is a very important character in DC. She is not just the love interest of Green Arrow, but also the person who knows how to keep things together. She's a fabulous mentor and is known in DC for her impeccable fighting skills. So the question is, did Laurel Lance do her justice?

To be honest, yes. 

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Let me remind everyone that this show is about Green Arrow, not the Black Canary. Yes, she is very important in his life, but it is a total no-no for her to take up a lot of screen time. Also, the first three episodes of the second half are her origin stories. In other words, she is just starting out. What's really impressive about her is that Katie Cassidy was good at turning Laurel into a very sloppy vigilante. I mean, that's how it's supposed to be when you're going to start something. I think we all remember how Oliver started out after the oh-so many flashbacks we've seen in this series, and do not make me start with Roy and Thea. So for now, I appreciate her current fighting level. It's slightly realistic (minus the part that she was willingly able to smash into a window) and how it's supposed to be for the time being. 

Her identity crisis was also something that most definitely caught my attention because it was not just a question of who she really is, but there was a tinge of sibling rivalry; and this rivalry is something that most of the viewers can relate to. It has always been a question of who could be a better Canary: Laurel or Sara. Back in season two, we all despised Laurel simply because we did not like her attitude back then, which made most of us lean more on to Sara (I know I did). Now these "Black Canary" episodes put that question into play. Interesting right??? However, the question still has not been answered. We still do not know if Laurel truly deserves or is supposed to be the Black Canary or not. Basically, Laurel still does not have a full motive as to why she took her sister's costume in the first place. Sara's death may have been the drive, but in the end we realize that's not exactly it. Heck we don't even know Laurel even wants to be a hero or not. Sara definitely did not. 

So hopefully, I want to see Laurel as a hero who truly wants to aid Starling City because that's not what Sara really wanted to do. I believe that being a selfless heroine will be the one that will set Laurel apart from her. Because the series is trying to tell us that they are not one and the same, and that Laurel is not just going to be the next Sara Lance (which kinda explains why her dad bitterly calls her the Black Canary). 

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Will we see a big development on Black Canary any time soon? Probably, because Sara will no longer be apart of Laurel's equation soon. We only got to see her truly become Black Canary in the "Canaries" episode, but it was a small rough start (thank you Detective Quentin for giving us feels). Will Black Canary be a killer? Maybe. However, Black Canary was never known for her killing sprees. Why did I ask that question? In case you have not noticed, killing has been a real issue in the series. It established the idea that killing does change a person, and it can change Laurel if it happens to her. However, I am honestly tired of seeing that scenario over and over. I want Black Canary's develop to be bumpy and complex just like Arrow's, Thea's, or Arsenal's, but I was hoping that it does not center on killing. I get that it changes people, but let's give Canary a brand new problem to worry about. 

Let's Review! The Women of Arrow

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It's been a while since I did posts about Arrow. But I am extremely excited about the crossover event which will happen in less than a week! To express my excitement, I'd like to talk more about Arrow. In my last post regarding Bash Crime and Women Empowerment, I mentioned that one of the many things I love about this show are the female characters. They're not just purely badass, but they have so many qualities that we both love and hate. Also, Oliver Queen dated most of these women, so it will not be hard to tell what type of woman he's into. Let's remember some of these notable ladies, shall we?

Helena Bertinelli
Also known as: The Huntress
Portrayed by: Jessica De Gouw
She is my ultimate woman crush in the series. I mean, look at her. Aesthetically, she is gorgeous. Jessica De Gouw is extremely charming, which matches the character of Huntress very nicely. Have you listened to her American Accent (Jessica is Aussie, by the way)? It is divine! She made Huntress looked like the insane Succubus in sweet angel's clothing. She may not have completely nailed Helena, but she definitely portrayed her in a new and refreshing way. But at least she was able to maintain the main core of this character, which is her vengeful spirit. If you mess with the Huntress, then she will stop at nothing to kill you. Not even her good friends can stop her. At the same time, she can still her maintain her sultry-like charm.

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Mckenna Hall
Also known as: The Detective Woman who was actually assigned to arrest her own boyfriend
Portrayed by: Janina Gavankar
Yeah, we did not get to see much of her in season 1, which is such a shame. For one thing, I had no idea that women in the precinct could be this gorgeous. Also, it is quite interesting to know that she was a good friend of Oliver's, but she was also the one assigned to track him down. So what does Mr. Queen do? Date her of course! And in spite of her short appearances, it is a given that she is amazing at her job. Sadly, at the end of the arc, she seemed like a wrench in the works so people will continue to guess who the Arrow is supposed to end up with.

arrow.wikia.com

Chien Na Wei
Also  known as: China White
Portrayed by: Kelly Hu
All we know is that she worked for the triad. That's it. She remains a mystery to us all (unless you read the comics). The question is, who is she and what's her deal? More importantly, will she come back and kick ass?

www.sneakpeek.ca

Amanda Waller
Also known as: The Scary Woman in ARGUS
Portrayed by: Cynthia Addai Robinson
Okay, every woman can certainly throw a bitchfit. But if you ask me, this is one woman that I do not want to mess with. Heck, I do not even want to encounter this woman. For some reason, she has the power of an almighty pharaoh. She can take away everything you love and want with just one word. She reminds me of Kuvira, because her methods are beyond radical. When she has a goal, she puts her mind to it and she will make certain that it is achieved, even if it means taking away innocent lives. I am terrified and amazed by this woman.

www.melty.es

www.summer-glau.net

Isabel Rochev
Also known as: Ravager
Portrayed by: Summer Glau
Another woman to be terrified of. The only reason why she wanted to ruin Oliver's life is simply because his dad--who happened to be her ex-lover, by the way--chose Thea and his family over her. I guess the Queens have the knack of attracting psychopaths. And this girl is definitely a psychopath. She cleverly used all her cards just so she can get her hands on Queens Consolidated by acting as a passionate businesswoman that wants to prove to everyone that she can handle a huge and popular company. It worked perfectly, even I fell for it. And I thought it was just going to end there, but no. She had to get Mirakuru and turned into this insane killing machine. Plus, seeing her smile will give you chills on your spine and it is not the good kind. Sure, I've seen her smile and laugh during bloopers, but it still makes me feel uneasy.

Nyssa Al Ghul
Also known as: *says it in her voice* Daughter of Ra Al Ghul, Heir to the Demon
Portrayed by: Katrina Law
We all know who she is. She would never stop introducing herself as the daughter of the almighty leader of the League of Assassins. Not only that, it is revealed that she is not only a fighter but an intense lover. If any overly-attached girlfriend in the planet underwent the same training as her, then I pity the boyfriends and the girlfriends. Let's admit it, Nyssa can be quite clingy. She wouldn't kidnap Sara's mother for no reason. It's just her way of forcing her ex to come back to her.

Shado
Also known as: Shado
Portrayed by: Celina Jade
Shado is what you call an overachiever. She's a lawyer, a pre-med student, knows martial arts, bilingual (I think), excellent huntress, philosophical (in a way), and she has the looks that gave both Deathstroke and the Arrow the boners. And no, she does not have the slightest hint of arrogance in her system. She is actually a very humble person. It's been a while since I encountered a woman who can be a gentle nurse and a fighter. She's almost similar to Mckenna, only Shado had more depth. Her character in the comics was supposed to be the ruthless lover of Robert Queen--Oliver's father--but I am glad that the writers altered her personality into something like this.

Lyla Michaels
Also known as: Harbinger
Portrayed by: Audrey Marie Anderson
I am glad that Diggle has met someone like her. She is literally his other half. They're both into public service, for instance. They met during a war, for crying out loud. Although they have excellent chemistry, I am still wondering why they have this on-and-off relationship in the first place. Lyla is a very well-rounded woman and I think out of all the female characters, she is a person who can stand her ground. It is a given that they have different opinions on world peace or something and that being together while serving the military is not that easy. To make things more complicated, Amanda Waller picked them to be part of the Suicide Squad; but hey, that didn't stop them from having a baby.

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Sara Lance
Also known as: The Canary
Portrayed by: Caity Lotz
Talking about Sara Lance would be a challenge. Why? Because it will take me forever. I would dedicate an entire novel about how amazing she is in season 2. Furthermore, Caity Lotz did most of her own stunts in the series (and she is an excellent dancer. She used to be a back-up dancer in a notable cheerleading film called, "Bring it on: All or Nothing"). Basically, she was my favorite character in the entire series and she was actually the only girl that I totally shipped with Oliver. Only she died a very painful death and up till now, I am deeply upset about it. I was kinda hoping that she would be the Black Canary, but no. Writers have to play with my feels for a little while.

arrow,wikia.com

Thea Queen
Also known as: Speedy
Portrayed by: Willa Holland
She's the character that I wanted to hate, but couldn't. In the first season, she's been acting like Lindsay Lohan mostly because she just wanted some attention from her family. She tries to build up in season two but she didn't like the idea of people lying to her, which is understandable. I gotta say, she had a very interesting character development. Like I can see her change in every season. Now she suddenly became more interesting in the third season, not because she gained some fighting skills but because she is finally becoming a stronger individual. And by that, I mean she is starting to have clearer goals and she is more level-headed than before. She learned to work hard, she decided that she did not want to feel sorry for herself anymore so she decided to do something about it. Even though this lead to her having some father-daughter bonding time with the crazy Malcolm Merlyn, we can still see how much Thea changes as a person.

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Moira Queen
Also known as: Oliver Queen and Thea Queen's diabolical mother
Portrayed by: Susanna Thompson
Like I said before, she displayed a mother's love in a very twisted way. Let's just say she would do anything for her kids, even if it means being a colossal bitch to Felicity Smoak. Unfortunately she was a victim herself. She just got caught in a crossfire between her husband and the people of the Undertaking. When her husband died, she had no choice but to clean up the mess he had made. Fear is evident in her expressions, but she had to swallow it down and do it. All for the sake of her kids. What even surprised me was that she knew what her son was up to for the past two years! I guess mothers do know best.

reviews.realtvchat.com

Laurel Lance
Also known as: Black Canary
Portrayed by: Katie Cassidy
Yes, I can hear you groaning. But let's cut her some slack, she's been doing really well in season three so far. And I'm going to say this one more time: she is not a terrible character. Yes, she is complicated, but that's what makes her fascinating. She can be irritating, intimidating, loving, and sorrowful to watch all at the same time. Plus her story so far has been interesting. It's complicated, which is exactly like her and that's how it should be. Now it has been established that she is not just going to be your typical lawyer, it makes me wonder how she's going to rekindle the fire between her and Oliver...since they are the canon after all. Sorry Olicity fans.

Felicity Smoak
Also known as: Bitch with Wifi
Portrayed by: Emily Bett Rickards
EVERYONE'S FAVORITE GAL!!! I don't blame you guys, Felicity Smoak is fabulous and she deserves a standing ovation. Although I was not completely impressed with her origin story, I still love her character development. She showed us that she's more than just an awkward I.T. girl. She can threaten bad guys with her tablet and she can give serious pep talks to Oliver Queen. She hesitates, she takes stands, and she can surprise you with her amazing party clothes. Basically she's not just the typical awkward and shy girl that everyone in Arrow thinks. And above all, she has almost every awkward girl's dream: to be wooed and surrounded by very attractive, strong, and intelligent young men. She's got more game than any slut I know.

The Newbies (Just first impressions)

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Carrie Cutter
Also Known As: Cupid
Portrayed by: Amy Gumenick
I never expected Arrow to have a villain who is a mixture of Harley Quinn and Catwoman. But here she is. Believe it or not, her only motive is to make senpai--in this case, it's Oliver--to notice her. I wish I can see her again, because she has definitely sparked my interests. But seriously, what can she do for ARGUS?

www.craveonline.com

Tatsu Yamashiro 
Also Known As: Katana
Portrayed by: Rila Fukushima
She's a tough cookie with a moist heart. I am dying to know how she became Katana, but I get the feeling that I am going to regret it pretty soon.

8 Moments that Defined Arrow Season 2

WARNING: The following posts contains spoilers

The premiere of season three is upon us and I am very excited. The ending of season two has definitely brought me to the edge of my seat and ever since I watched the ultimate ending, tons of theories and predictions for the show came exploding in my mind.

Now that the third season is three days away, all of my favorite scenes in the last season have come flooding back in my mind and I would like to share these certain moments right here in my blog. Personally, these scenes totally defined Arrow and perhaps DC. These scenes are the reason why this show (and DC) is truly epic and awesome. I know there were a lot great scenes in that show, but the scenes I am going to talk about still linger in my mind. In other words, they created a huge impact to me. And yes, this is my way to keep everyone excited and very well anticipated for the brand new season!

For the nth time, stop asking if she's okay (source)

1.) Laurel's antagonistic moves

Her character pissed most of the viewers off. She tried to be her father and attempted to capture Oliver because she was blaming him for the death of Tommy. Then she thought Tommy's death was her fault and started drinking and acting like a total jerk. But let's focus on how she tried to put The Arrow in jail, shall we? Like I said several posts ago, she's not a completely bad character. She can be a badass anytime she wants, irregardless of how right or wrong the situation is. I guess this was not her season, and just like any other human, she turned to a very dark path for a little while. It happens. Hopefully, Laurel will be back on her feet in season 3. But her antagonistic tendencies proves that she's not to be taken too lightly. 

Watch this on Youtube

2.) Dr. Ivo making Oliver choose between Shado and Sara and Slade Wilson repeat of the same dilemma

I had no choice but to merge these two scenes into one because they are not only related to each other, but they are very intense. I'm sure no one wants to go through what Oliver has experienced, especially this one. I guess these scenes show that humans cannot love everyone equally, which is a cold truth. You can divide your love among people, but deciding who gets the bigger piece is a tough choice. 

Deathstroke (source)

3.) Deathstroke randomly killing Sebastian Blood's henchmen

He did not just kill them for any plausible reason. He killed them because he's pissed. And he had to wear his Deathstroke outfit. That's how much of a dangerous badass he is.

Roy Harper (Source)

4.) Roy Harper's bipolar attitude towards Oliver 

Like Laurel, the second season was not Roy's season. He had random fights with Thea, he got punched and arrested a few times, he had the Mirakuru in his system and went on a rampage for a few episodes, then he had to leave Thea but Thea eventually left him...yeah. However, all the things he had to go through had to happen, if he has to be in Team Arrow. But his impatient attitude is so Roy Harper, which I adore. So I give kudos to the writers for making his character spot on! 

They're bringing sexy back (source)

5.) The Canary vs. The Huntress

I am so glad that this episode finally happened! The fight between the Birds of Prey was not only sexy, but it was awesome! It was even accurate because Black Canary and Huntress always had a rocky relationship. I wish it was not their last episode together and hopefully next time, the Birds of Prey will finally be complete.

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6.) Moira Queen's death

Never underestimate a mother's love. Never.

Isn't this awesome? (source)

7.) Team Arrow and League of Assassins

Come on. It was so cool. Words cannot describe the emotions I had whilst watching this very scene. Nothing beats seeing two (maybe three, including the Suicide Squad, somehow) epic organizations work together.

You are not done fighting. (source)

8.) Felicity's pep talks

This is probably the first time I've seen a comic superhero who does not need a kiss from a very pretty girl to feel energized and encouraged. All it takes for Oliver to move on is Felicity saying that she still believes in him. Heck, that's all he ever needs to hear because almost everyone was looking down on him at this point. So it is good to know that we have the "Bitch with Wifi" who not only threatens and interrogates people using her computer, but also knows what are the right words to say to a man she really cares about. Rejoice, Olicity fans, rejoice!

So what were your favorite scenes in the second season of Arrow?

Related:

Fangirl Moment: Arrow Season 3: High Speed Chase Trailer
What to Expect this October!

OTPs that I Tolerate

There are couples that we ship till the ends of the Earth and there are also canons we do not approve at all. But there can also be ships we rate as, "okay". These are the couples from random fandoms (haha, that rhymed) that I actually tolerate. I don't really love them as much, but at the same time I don't really hate. I'm sure you've experienced that whenever you watch or read any of your own fandoms, right? And if you disagree with the content of my post, then that's fine. Not everyone has the same taste. So let's get started. 

WARNING: The following post contains spoilers. Read at your own risk.

1.) Aang and Katara (Avatar: The Legend of Aang) 

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We all knew that from day one, they were going to be the it couple. Although romance has been subtle in this show, most fans can't help but ship Katara with other male characters--particularly Zuko. But I have to admit, they make a pretty decent couple. Aang is the childlike wonder while Katara has a motherly nature. Quite unusual but very compatible, I must say. And if you think about it, they have a very harmonious relationship all throughout the series. Whenever Aang goes Avatar mode, Katara is always there to calm him down. In other words, they complement one another. So it is not surprising if they had an everlasting marriage (as implied in the Legend of Korra). I think what makes them less interesting is that there weren't too much complications between them. Sometimes, it's the reason why we love a certain couple so much; the obstacles they have to face keeps us to the edge of our seats. Unfortunately, Aang and Katara didn't show much of that. Their development was pretty much smooth sailing. Sure, there were hints of jealousy here and there, but it wasn't enough to trigger the feels. Zutara had a bigger chance to be a much more interesting couple because they had a little spice, or a complication. They hated each other at first, and Zuko is much more aggressive compared to Aang. Imagine Katara calming--cooling him down--and let's see if that scene will make you squeal or not. So yeah, Aang and Katara's relationship was simple and pleasant… but it was too simple and pleasant. 

2.) Jace and Clary (The Mortal Instruments) 

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No it's not really because of the assumed incestuous relationship. Call me a sadist, but I enjoyed the struggle they had in the first three books. It was depressing, but it somehow drove me to read on. But when they finally became a thing and then City of Fallen Angels came out… yeah. Let's just say there was too much passion between them.

Sure, they had another obstacle to face, but Clary kinda reminds me of Anna from Frozen. A little annoying but too stubborn. My only problem with her is that I am not sure where her priorities lie. She's a lover and a fighter, but sometimes I wish she should just shut up and calm down for a minute. She can be too intense and her emotional state tends to overwhelm me. As for Jace, I still find it hard to believe that he fell for Clary in just a snap. But at least he explained that at City of Lost Souls, which I find very satisfying. For a couple, their passion is off the charts (but hey it's YA Fiction. What could you ask for?).  Basically my only issue is their compatibility. They just have too much similarities, and there's not much to add up to their chemistry aside from passionate make-out sessions and cheeky arguments. Both of them are stubborn, both have a temper, and both are actually too emotional (even if they won't admit it). If you think about it, them together will be too chaotic. But then again, that's what brings out the feels between these two right? Perhaps it's also another reason why I tolerate this ship; they're just another typical couple and they live in a world that does not really approve the both of them together. But at least there's a decent reason: they're just too explosive. 

3.) Oliver Queen and Laurel Lance (Arrow) 

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Yes, rejoice Ollicity fans! I ship Oliver with Black Canary! Haha, I'm kidding. 

The series keep on telling us that Oliver will forever love Laurel and Laurel will forever love Oliver. But that's kind of hard to believe when there are other eligible single ladies in the series. Not to mention the chemistry they emit whenever they have at least one scene with Green Arrow. But let's face it: Laurel Lance is not entirely a sucky character. In fact, she's pretty badass. She's a lawyer who managed to make guys shit their pants the moment she starts intimidating them. Laurel is a strong woman and I can understand what Oli and Tom (may he rest in peace) see in her. I mean, she's managed to face actual danger a lot of times and she was able to roll with it even though she was completely aware about the possibility of dying! Put her next to Mary Jane Watson, she's the real deal. However, that's the thing. I see her as an independent woman who doesn't really need a guy. She becomes a much more impressive character if she can be badass in her own way. And again, there are other female characters who are much more shippable with Green Arrow in my opinion. If ever he still chooses her in the very end, all I can do is simply nod. They would make a good couple, because I think Laurel can handle anything that Oliver has to go through because she definitely knows how to keep her shit together. 

4.) Batman and his ladies (DC)

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We've seen Bruce Wayne with Thalia. We've seen him with Selina Kyle. We've also seen him with Black Canary and Wonder Woman. But in the end, I still can't find a permanent ship for him. I'm not saying that he deserves to be forever alone. In fact, I want him to settle down with the right girl. But then again, he's the Batman and his enemies are dangerous and psychotic and they're not afraid to break you physically, mentally and emotionally. If you think you can handle that kind of commitment, then I salute you. But the fact that he can't have one permanent girl kinda proves that his Bat identity is hindering him from having a social life. 

5.) Ron and Hermione/Harry and Hermione (Harry Potter)

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The best thing about the entire series was Rowling's definition of love. It's unconditional, and it is seen between family, friends, colleagues, and even among enemies. I've noticed we fans tend to ship our hardest when the fandom's romance department is at its lowest. And ever since Rowling confessed about her pairing decisions for the book, Potterheads around the globe turned--as the British would say---bonkers. I honestly did not keep track on the pairings as I read the books. I simply enjoyed the adventures the golden trio had. The love stories (or quarrels) they were experiencing were just bonuses for me. If you ask me who I ship in the Harry Potter series, then it would be most definitely be James and Lily. And if you want to know what's my say on the whole, "Hermione should've been with Harry" issue, then here it goes. 

Well, I agree with Rowling. Harry and Hermione seems more idyllic compared to Hermione and Ron.  I actually enjoyed the times when Hermione would help Ron with his school work troubles because it was proof that they don't completely hate each other. Realistically, Ronmione will not be able to work out. If you've read the book or at least watched the movies, you would be able to notice Ron's fatal flaw which is jealousy. And when he's jealous, he tends to throw fits. Furthermore, he covers it up with his manly pride and it is evident whenever he argues with Hermione in the first few books. In case you still haven't noticed, he also harbored jealousy towards Hermione and not just Harry (note: most people will most likely focus on the jealousy he feels towards Harry because of "chosen one" issues, if you know what I mean). I mean, she nailed almost every class and she tends to correct Ron all the time. And apparently, Ron is not and won't get used to being corrected considering the initial development he had in the beginning of the story (ex. always being bossed around by his older brothers, and all). Furthermore, he showed another jealousy tantrum in the last book. He may have calmed down till the end, but there's no guarantee if he was able to get rid of that fatal flaw or not (fatal flaws are just terrible habits that are hard to break). So if he managed to swallow his pride and envy, then that's great. But if he didn't? I can hear shifting of divorce papers in the future. And signs of their attraction or infatuation was somehow a surprise. For me, I'd like to know how one falls in love with the other and the series didn't show how they became officially attracted to one another. They were just arguing and arguing until the next thing you know, they already have feelings for each other. I'm sure there were scenes where they were getting along, but I wished there were more of those, that way I was able to see how they would be like as a couple. I think that's what the ship lacked, I guess. 

Harry and Hermione do get along better, but I'm not sure what Rowling meant when she said she preferred Hermione with Harry. If it was her initial plan for Harry and Hermione to happen, then I guess she could have changed their interactions in the books a little bit differently for the sake of a little chemistry. As friends, they are great together. They support each other and when they have a disagreement, the scene becomes adorable (especially when Hermione educates Harry about girls). So yeah, I have to admit, they have the potential of becoming a great canon. However, my only issue is that it would be too little predictable if they do end up together. Harry is the leading man and Hermione is the leading lady, and it would be too obvious if they do become a thing. 

Personally, I think Krum would make a better match for Hermione. He admired her just as she was.  He didn't have to deny it or anything. It was straightforward but different. Plus, she somehow supported him and maybe (just maybe) brought out the best in him. In the book, he was always at the library of Hogwarts. I guess that made him feel a bit lonely. Luckily for him, Hermione enjoyed going to the library and that's how they got to connect and develop. 

So once again, if you don't agree with me, then it is more than fine. The following post is just a series of my thoughts and opinions regarding, OTPs, ships, and canons. It is not my intention to persuade all of you to agree to my words. Anyway, I hope this post was engaging and I'll see you in the next post!