Carol quoted Wendy quoting me: <IHMO*only* - I am about to write something about Tarrant.>

Actually, I meant that *precisely* how it was worded; the most unpleasant reply I've had to a post is when I actually wrote *in praise* of Tarrant's behaviour at one point. And the reaction to a *serious* post on his good and bad qualities can be quite narky, despite the fact that he's got less of both (IMHO*only*) than some of the others, including Avon.

I take the character fairly seriously - I may not love him as I do My Darlings and Vila, but he's still fairly high on my list of favourite characters. I have my own quite complicated version of Tarrant, whom I like rather a lot and find an interesting study and *do* want to discuss occasionally (though the endless re-writes of the posts to try and bowdlerise the boy are a pain). I do, however, recognise that [a] it is mine and mine alone (isn't this true of every character?) even if I think it's backed up by evidence and [b] the fact that it *is* mine and I'm not demanding anyone else adopt it doesn't get recognised as often as I think it ought to. Hence the bowdlerisation (which I don't have to do with anyone else, not even Dayna) and hence the IMHO*only*.

NB - I also rather like what I think is Steven Pacey's version, even if I disagree with his "'what personality?" on the 7fold-whatsit tape. Sometimes when I find versions being touted on the Lyst (and there's no reason why anyone else shouldn't tout their version) too sugary, I head back to the video to remind myself of it. I've also seldom liked fanfic versions, which seem to swing between Bitchy-Superjock-from-Hell (and not even good bitchiness, though he *has* a neat way with a verbal stiletto when he likes) and Sir-Galahad-in-Space, so sweet and virtuous and dutiful and noble and squeaky-clean that he makes my teeth ache (yes, there are similar version of both Avon and even Vila. *They* make my teeth ache as well).

The fanfic Tarrant I've read that I found by far the best was by (again) Suzann Lovett in 'Doppelganger' - quite wonderful sharpness, glitter and speed.

And final point - and yes, this is for Wendy as well as anyone else who hates my burbles or my version of B7 - feel free to killfile me. I promise I won't be offended if you do.

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