Despite having actually written West Wing slash, I'm largely in agreement with you that it makes the relationships less interesting. Because Sorkin is all about the tension and subtext and when it's brought out into the open, it's far less fun. (Exhibit A: Josh and Donna).
Earthsea characters, not quite for the reasons you gave for Tolkien, but similar ones. I think it is very hard to deal with naked emotions, never mind naked people, without losing the dreamy, mythic quality of the books.
I think there's a much longer list that can be made of "characters who, if it isn't written exactly right, shouldn't be slashed." I'd put Dark Is Rising on this list, though happily it has been done just right by several writers.
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branchandroot
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Date: 2006-06-30 02:29 pm (UTC)Earthsea characters, not quite for the reasons you gave for Tolkien, but similar ones. I think it is very hard to deal with naked emotions, never mind naked people, without losing the dreamy, mythic quality of the books.
I think there's a much longer list that can be made of "characters who, if it isn't written exactly right, shouldn't be slashed." I'd put Dark Is Rising on this list, though happily it has been done just right by several writers.