A Compilation of Geeky Essays

The Adversity Twins and Resilience

[A/N] Originally written on October 15th, 2019.

Oh yes. This was inevitable. I would like to introduce you to my former obsessions, Jay and Mickey. They're definitely not the most complex characters discussed on here; with a series like Total Drama, I don't expect much more than archetypes that may or may not go anywhere beyond that. There were certain aspects that predisposed me to love them, but the thing that continues to win my heart and convince me of their incredible writing is a subtle sort of strength.

I'll be perfectly honest here; unless they absolutely butchered these two, I was bound to love them. First of all, I have an odd sort of inclination toward twins. Additionally, their designs were based off the original design for Cameron, my previous favorite. So the stars were aligned in their favor. But no big deal. Total Drama did abysmally at making Amy and Samey (Sammy) likable. They weren't even fun to watch.

But as for these boys, every instance they were on screen was absolutely delightful (except for their elimination episode, which tore me up). They regale us with their tails of misfortune and terror, All with the adorable voice acting of Lyon Smith and a sad sort of matter-of-fact tone. They never come across as whiny, even when their lines get so absurd it's hilarious, like, "I hope I don't get the plague again," and "He's been afraid of [pencils] ever since." With the way they've just casually accepted the shit that goes on in their lives is in equal parts pitiful and hysterical.

They would have every right to complain, to give in and give up on everything and everyone but each other. It's not as though anyone treats them with much kindness. Throughout the show, they are disparaged as, "those weakling twins," and I can count on one hand the acts of compassion they're shown. For God's sake, the one girl who sticks out her neck for them eventually urges her sister to sabotage them!

But do they quit? No. Do they become hardened assholes? I don't think they say a single unkind word in their entire 13 episode run. And trust me, it could've been warranted many times. And that is why they are extraordinary. Despite being put down as babies or weaklings, they push on to prove their power to themselves and others. They embrace the odd gifts that their adversity has bestowed upon them during its rampage, and use them to advance in ways nobody else could. For example, they can't feel temperature. Sure, that causes burns in frostbite a lot, but when the sauna challenge comes around... BOOM! Totally unaffected. Mickey has been stung and bitten billions of times. Sucks, right? Well, yeah. But! Your boy Mickey is now frickin immune to venom, and is not only unphased by bullet ants, but has also apparently let a jellyfish chill on his head in the past!

Their general attitude about the whole thing puts them a step above someone like Milo Murphy for me. While Milo seems to love the excitement that his aura of calamity brings to his life, the twins take it seriously. They recognize that, yeah, it can REALLY suck to be a living bad luck sponge. they're quick to scare, they know they're easy to take advantage of, and they understand their own weakness. They are aware of the gravity of the type of existence they have.

Even so, they find their strength in their weakness, and in their bond with each other. This particular asset is where Amy and Samey from the previous season failed. I'm okay with teammates hating each other. I'm especially okay with that if it's funny, like Chet and Lorenzo. What I don't find at all entertaining is one partner constantly tearing down the other with the help of basically the entire fucking cast. Anyway, the Adversity Twins share a brotherly love that is steadfast and unashamed. Jay gets more of these moments— carrying Mickey through a challenge when the latter's delusional from fatigue, for example, and running onstage to help him even though he has terrible stage fright himself. But Mickey's love for his brother is also obvious, as shown by his determination to save Jay from the perceived threat of a Werewolf.

I don't care if they're a typical underdog story. I love them anyway, and will continue to love them for a long time. They embody the horror of misfortune, but the hope and strength to seek happiness anyway. So I choose to celebrate them.