Four more remix redux 8 reactions

[noracharles]

My reactions to four remixes and to the four original fics they were inspired by. Not all of these are recs, so don't read if you don't want to know. Again, there's some very good stuff here, though, and I've tried not to spoil the fics too badly. Fics selected nearly at random based on fandom.

Stargate Atlantis

Remix: Motives (Hold the Lantern High Remix)

First impression: A cute but slightly awkward blend of meta and friendship fic. I like John and Teyla's relationship in this fic, and laughed at the anti-oppression meta and the ship manifesto-ishness of it, but the balance between John/Rodney, John+Elizabeth and John+Atlantis is off.

Second impression: I love the idea of expanding the first paragraph of the original fic, and looking at all John's relationships, and at John and Teyla's relationship through the lense of the other relationship (with other cross connections as well). Making the metaphorical John+Atlantis thing concrete is pretty funny, and the anti-oppression critique, zing! I would probably have been harsher. The balance is still off, though.

Original: Study of Strength by etben

Tries and fails to characterize Teyla through her relationship with John. Made me feel oogy.

Supernatural

Remix: no dawn, no day

First impression: Pitch perfect scene encapsulating season three. On the one hand, aww, Winchester chick flick moment, it's good to see how much they care for each other. On the other hand, it's so well written that it's seriously angsty and heavy. The last line should have been left out, it's the only one that spoils the mood.

Second impression: I'm impressed with the mood switch the remixer pulled off.

Original: Dark Night of the Soul by extraonions

Nice, good Bobby voice, good characterization.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer/The X-Files

Remix: Clear Skies (The Leaving on a Jet Plane Remix)

First impression: Warning: substance abuse. While I understand that Giles' relationship with alcohol is absolutely in character, it is also a huge turn off for me, and I'm not sure how much my own reaction is coloring my reading and how much ironic distance we're supposed to read in Dana's reaction to Giles. And then the fic turns into awkward flirting with no sexual tension between two strangers in a bar, why?

Second impression: This fic humanizes Giles, shows his vulnerability, and tries to show that he spends time with Dana because she is an attractive, interesting woman. Good intentions, fails in execution.

Original: Weather Permitting

Dana Scully meets Gary Stu in an airport bar, and is torn between attraction and a compulsion to one-up him (impossible). Then Mulder shows up and shows her what a silly woman she is. Dana, you ignorant slut, haha.

Star Trek

Remix: Four Times Kirk and McCoy Ended Up Together on Valentine's Day (The Hallmark Moments Remix)

First impression: This is either humor or a manifesto about how much the remixer hates and despises Kirk, McCoy and Kirk/McCoy. From the subtitle I'm guessing humor.

Second impression: I guess the remixer found the original saccharine. Well, the remix sure isn't.

Original: Hallmark Moment by brighteyed_jill

Aww, so cute. The difference between showing you care and conforming to traditional displays of romantic affection. I like it.