->Arrow

You're totally right--that larger than life thing, where everything is larger (including their equipment. hee. sorry, couldn't resist going there.)

But there seems to be a whole class of fiction where Ray is portrayed as weak and put-upon, by everyone, not just Fraser, but Fraser becomes the focus, like he represents the pressures of life getting Ray down. I hate to be deconstructionist, but it seems to me pretty obvious that those folks who depict Fraser in that way (as a patronizing figure that needs to be "brought low" and "taught a lesson") have some issues with the men in their lives.

The problem with that approach is it thus implies Ray is weak somehow, just lets things happen to him, has no control at all. But he is not a passive character in the series. Ray is *not* weak! Drives me NUTS to see him written that way.

I even read a fic recently where Fraser was depicted as so fucked up and possessive as to be physically *abusive* in one scene, and 'might have raped Ray if Ray didn't stop him.' (I know--buh?) Just so Ray could go on and be all righteously hurt and chide Fraser, who had to be meek and apologetic and promise to "do better." The whole thing turned my stomach so badly.

The reason I personally love both these guys is to me they represent two sides of a flawed but beautiful person. To bring down one half is to lessen the whole.