Pros Novel Read-Along - Painted Angels by Angelfish - Chapter One

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Yeay, it's time for our weekly chat about the Pros Novel Read-Along chapter! We're on:

Painted Angels by Angelfish.
Cover art by firlefanzine

Chapter One

Chapter One opens with a sharp, snappy statement: William Bodie - too tough for the SAS. This chapter is mostly from Bodie's point of view (with interludes from Cowley's pov, from Doyle's and even from Murphy's). He's involved in both being recruited to CI5 and training recruits in CI5, and we meet him tutoring them with guns on a range, but the emphasis in the chapter is on why he's really there. Despite the fiction of being seconded to CI5 from the SAS, he has in fact been thrown out - his old boss, Robert Marsh, won't take him back if he can't make it in CI5, although he's convinced Cowley to take him on rather than simply discharging him.

Bodie, it turns out, killed one too many people who shouldn't have had to die while he was in the SAS, and Marsh is finding it hard to justify things any more. The most recent was a man who had already surrendered - others have included suspects in holding cells.

The trouble is, Cowley finds, Bodie has brought his old ways to CI5 as well - he also has a suspect dead in a holding cell after Bodie has finished interrogating him. Cowley got the information he wanted, so he doesn't simply get rid of Bodie either, but Bodie's got one last chance - and a punishment. He's being demoted to simply another recruit, no more "semi-tutorial role", and he will have to accept being partnered with one of the other recruits at the end of the training.

Bodie of course, is not happy - he doesn't think much of the recruits, and certainly not DS Doyle, who started out in art school, moved onto the Met and then got his partner shot, so that he worked alone after that, and worked hard at moving up through the ranks (so now we know what happened to Doyle in between the Prologue and turning up in CI5!) "Bodie knows the type. Activated by perceived injustice, on a solo mission to set the world to rights." He has to concede that Doyle's a decent shot, though, and as Bodie's "a good teacher" he sees that although he's an excellent shot, Doyle's not used to semiautomatic weapons, and needs to adjust his stance to avoid the worst of the recoil. He steps up behind him, and reaches around...

...and is promptly blocked from doing so, Doyle using a combat move that Bodie's never seen before. He "doesn't like being crept up on". Bodie asks permission to touch him this time, and with a slight correction Doyle is able to avoid the recoil as well as shoot perfectly. Doyle, meanwhile, is finding that something he's done many times before, as both trainee and trainer, is having a strange effect on him this time - he's aware of "the firm pectorals, whisper of six-pack down his spine". He manages to control it though, including when Bodie pushes at him, about whether he's ever had to shoot people as well as targets (five, but none killed) and whether his broken cheekbone bothers him. In fact, Doyle gets in the last word, and it's Bodie who's left feeling thrown.

Finally, we see Bodie confronting Murphy, and it turns out that they were mates and lovers in the SAS, and joined CI5 together - "when they decided to try for Cowley's outfit" (?But we've been told Bodie was sent off on secondment, so ?). Murphy is rejoining his old mountain rescue squad, and he suggests that Bodie moves with him - but Bodie won't, as he knew he wouldn't, and Murphy confesses that one of the reasons he's going is that Bodie's violence has got too much for him as well. Bodie tries to convince him with one last blow job, and blocks his way out of the room, falling to his knees - but Murphy is stronger-willed than that, and gently deflects him. Things are over between them, Bodie has become "cruel. Unmanageable".

Murphy leaves Bodie on his knees in the empty squad room, "steps around him and out".

And that's where we're left at the end of Chapter One! A quick reminder - no spoilers for later chapters in the novel please, if you've read ahead. Otherwise - have at it in the comments! *g*

Comments

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Okay, I'm going to jump right in and comment today (I'm trying to keep my opinions separate from the summary of the chapters, let me know if I ever mess that up!)

So... I have to admit that I was thrown straight away in Chapter One, because this Bodie is not one that I recognise from the eps. Okay, I can go with "too tough for the SAS" (sort of), but when Angelfish has him shooting people who've surrendered, and killing suspects in cold blood (or even murderous rages) in custody, then she lost me. Not only do I not think that any government agency would tolerate that behaviour more than once (not even the SAS and CI5), but I just don't see Bodie in the eps as that vicious, uncontrolled person. You can probably argue that this is pre-eps, but the authors is going to have to work amazingly hard to prove to me that this Bodie can turn into our Bodie.

He's also just a little too god-like for me in other ways - all in black, perfect body, apparently perfect in sex, the perfect shot with all kinds of weapons (implied), and so much more advanced professionally than any of the other recruits (presumably the only one from the SAS, then).

The author seems to have a better take on Doyle, I think - his actions fit with having closed himself off as we saw after Gabe, and as he might in response to his Met partner being killed, but he's also shown as still human. Other than pushing Bodie away when he's touched unexpectedly, he's civil and somewhat friendly - "Grinning, Doyle turns back to the range..." He's also not intimidated by Bodie, which is the Doyle I see in the eps, and up to matching him in put-downs.

Oh, and then Murphy...! Presumably the author thinks Murphy left CI5 (since we don't see him for many many eps) and then returned to it, which doesn't quite make sense to me, but okay. I don't see Bodie and Murphy being previous colleagues and lovers, even if they are friendly in the eps. (does that mean that Doyle was Jax' lover, or Benny's, or...? just because we see them as friends in the eps?), and I never like the portrayal of Murph as this incredibly laid-back, understanding and wise man who's the only one (except Doyle and Cowley), who's able to handle Bodie. Another god-like character - and also a bit of a cliche, these days (and when this fic was written) in Pros fanfic, I think. I know lots of people will disagree. *g*

And finally - where was the beta for this fic?! Bodie was seconded (because he was being thrown out of the SAS) and he and Murphy decided to leave the SAS and apply for CI5 together? With a bit of fancy manoeuvering I can perhaps slide my brain into believing that Bodie managed to convince Murphy that's what was happening (especially as Bodie is so smart and etc.), but I know I'm forcing myself to believe it, so...

Okay - I'm expecting alot of disagreement here about all this - feel free! *vbg*

[gilda-elise.livejournal.com]

I have to agree with you on a lot of this. And considering how Doyle was set up, it sounds as if their relationship is going to have a bit of the dom/sub vibe to it, which I really don't like. One of the things I've always especially liked about their relationship on the show is that it was between equals.

And, again, agree about the Murphy thing. I can just imagine Doyle throwing a jealous fit because he finds out about Murphy, or sees them together, or something along those lines. I really don't like when a writer pairs up everyone on a show, as if all of CI5, or Starfleet, or whatever, is manned (or womanned,) by mostly gay people. It's not realistic.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Hmmn - not sure I get the dom/sub vibe, with the way Doyle was able to push back at Bodie on the shooting range (unless you mean that Bodie's going to be sub, because he went to his knees for Murphy - I know alot of people seem to like that too). I'm like you - I totally see them as equals in the eps. Although some authors can convince me that they play at sex differently, like Kitty Fisher - but they's still shown as equals, so...

I know what you mean about some fics making everyone gay. I totally get that lots of people at least have bi tendencies, but... yeah. Sometimes it feels like too much, like an author's trying too hard to make a different world, especially when it's somewhere relatively small and macho like CI5. Though they're also supposed to be intelligent, so it would be nice to think they're more open-minded - but I don't think it works that way. Yet. I hope, yet.

I tend to go for "staffed"... *g*

[gilda-elise.livejournal.com]

No, I meant that Doyle would be the sub. Yes, he does react to being touched, but even that seems an over-reaction, especially since he then realizes that what Bodie did was correct. But the foundation she sets for his character was a bit too soft for me. I realize that they were teenagers, but closer to men than boys. It was easier for me to imagine two very young boys, closer to thirteen than sixteen.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

but even that seems an over-reaction, especially since he then realizes that what Bodie did was correct
It was correct, but he wasn't expecting it, so I can see how he'd freak if he doesn't like being touched any more.

I realize that they were teenagers, but closer to men than boys
Oh I dunno - 17 is still pretty young, not just for sex, but for hormones vs confidence, and especially when it's gay sex, which was illegal until 1967 over here. That's a whole lot of baggage alongside just ordinary hormones vs confidence, if you ask me... Although Doyle worked for me better than Gabe did, but that's probably because I've not got the whole Catholic-guilt thing happening - and as I said to someone above, I'm not convinced that Gabe would be thinking about rape in this situation...

[shooting2kill.livejournal.com]

I really don't like when a writer pairs up everyone on a show, as if all of CI5, or Starfleet, or whatever, is manned (or womanned,) by mostly gay people

I agree.

[firlefanzine.livejournal.com]

Me too!

[shooting2kill.livejournal.com]

Just wanted to say thanks very much for your post and for going over the first chapter. Even though I'd read it last weekend (and noted down a couple of things) I've already forgotten some of the finer points! I can't reply fully now but, in the words of the great man: I'LL BE BACK!!!

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

I had to be really good and not read it until this morning, because I knew I'd forget things I wanted to say, otherwise!

And yeay for being back... *vbg*

[jat-sapphire.livejournal.com]

Well, you won't get it from me. The visual images are strong, but ... I feel like I'm reading a different Lewis Collins role. What I like in Bodie is that although he can be angry and violent, it's not without cause, and then there is that whole other side, the playful, silly, joking side.

I've read a number of fics in this past year that show one or both of them as this damaged, and though I see the appeal of a redemption arc ... I don't see anything like it in the actual episodes. Thank god. Seeing it now gives me a feeling like the one I had as a teen, reading Harlequin/Mills and Boon-type romances and, instead of wanting the couple to be together, thinking, "Run, girl! Now!"

But just as I'm thinking that this Bodie doesn't deserve to pull anybody into his wobbly orbit, he tries, and he tries so hard for that connection that it's heartbreaking. He's terrible at it. But he keeps trying. He wants to be human, but he doesn't know how.

And I admire the writing. That image of Bodie flushing with rage like blood in milk, I'll remember that for a long time.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

although he can be angry and violent, it's not without cause, and then there is that whole other side, the playful, silly, joking side
Yes, exactly! That's how I see him too. And I think if he was deep-down callous and brutal, then that joking silliness would come out in entirely different ways... I can go with a redemption arc, but I've got to believe that someone can go from A to B with the background they've had. Actually it's one problem that I often have with Angelfish - I do like her writing, which can be exquisite, but she tends to damage the lads so badly that I just can't see them being in CI5 to start with. It feels a bit like that with Bodie in this story, though I think she's avoided it with Doyle so far... although we certainly see people touching him in the eps without being thrown off, so I guess he's got some redemption coming too, if he's going to be canon-Doyle.

He wants to be human, but he doesn't know how.
See, that's what I don't get in Bodie - our Bodie is beautifully human. Flawed human, yes, which I think we see alot of in Close Quarters and Klansmen, but flawed in the way that ordinary people are before they start thinking things through. I tend to wince a bit if the lads are given orbits which are too wobbly, but.. well, we'll see, I guess! *g*

[dawnebeth.livejournal.com]

Yes, I'll admit--I'm finding this novel a bit difficult to get through. I wasn't thrilled by the prologue, although I could see where the author got some of her head canon (I've often given Doyle an alcoholic Irish da in my stories, too) but already having gay sex with Gabe, etc, didn't ring true to moi.

Bodie was barely recognisable. I've never seen him as all beautiful, the perfect soldier, etc, but here he's dangerous and seemingly uncontrollable. One wonders why Cowley would put such a flawed, potentially violent person in charge of the cadets. I particularly don't like the idea of him and Murphy together--especially that they've known each other and been fuck buddies since the army,

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

I'm curious about why Doyle having sex with Gabe when he was 17-ish didn't ring true for you?

One wonders why Cowley would put such a flawed, potentially violent person in charge of the cadets.
The CI5 recruits? Yes, I wondered that too - and why Cowley would leave him alone interrogating a suspect, when Marsh (and so presumably Cowley) knows that he's killed men under interrogation before. It just doesn't ring true!

Bodie and Murphy having such a long history doesn't make sense to me either - or perhaps I just don't want it to! He has to have that deep connection with Doyle, not Murphy!

[macklingirl.livejournal.com]

I can't disagree with you because I have my problems with the first chapter too. This Bodie is not my Bodie. He might be more violent than Doyle in the eps, but I can't see him shooting a person who openly surrendered. I think that would be a reason to throw him out of the SAS.

And I can't see Bodie and Murphy as lovers. They are to similar and I don't think that Bodie is into narcissism and for me that would be way of narcissism to have a lover who looks in a sort of way like yourself. Both are with dark hair and blue eyes. Both are of the same height. So, best friends and really good mates ok, but not lovers.

And yes, where was the beta. I had to read the thing with te secondement for three times because it didn't fit into the think that Robert Marsh wanted to get rid of him.

Good was the part when he shows Doyle what his fault is with the weapon. I could see both of them in this scene. Doyle defending himself when he is crept up from behind and touched without permission. And the astonished Bodie who weren't expecting such an unknown move.

What I can see clear in my head is Cowley who knows Bodie's value for CI5, but knows too that he has to put Bodie into the place where he belongs. And that is a place under Cowley's supervision. And Cowley knows what to do about it and puts Bodie back to the recruits. That was a good idea.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

He might be more violent than Doyle in the eps
See, I'm not sure that this is true really. I know it's supposed to be, and it's Bodie who's always being told by Cowley not to kill people, but I think we actually see Doyle being more violent. He throws people off buildings, and loses his temper much more than Bodie does.

but I can't see him shooting a person who openly surrendered. I think that would be a reason to throw him out of the SAS.
Yes, exactly! And I just can't see him doing it as Bodie, either. Not the Bodie we see in the eps.

Hee about Bodie/Murphy being a kind of narcissism! I'm not sure about that, to be honest (so we should only date people who have opposite features to us?! But I like dark hair!) For me it's more that their personalities don't fit, I think.

I liked Bodie showing Doyle the right stance too - and especially that Doyle surprised him, and stood up to him!

Cowley knows what to do about it and puts Bodie back to the recruits. That was a good idea.
Yes, I agree. Although I'm not sure Cowley would have had Bodie training them just cos he was in the SAS - so any SAS recruit to CI5 is automatically above the others? If he has them training each other in their own areas of expertise that would make sense though (so I'm going to at least imagine that's what happened. *g*)

[firlefanzine.livejournal.com]

"...So... I have to admit that I was thrown straight away in Chapter One, because this Bodie is not one that I recognise from the eps."
Phew! I'm so glad to read this, because I feel exactly the same!
I was just on my way out (we have sunshine! :-)) to reread the chapter, but then I saw your entry here.
And I couldn't suppress my curiosity.

I thought, ok, Bodie ist more 'killing machine' than we are used to, but certainly he just needs Doyle to make him more humon. But then we learn that Murphy is his lover, and he didn't manage to calm that Bodie down - so why should Doyle be more successful?

Something more is strange for me.
"...(Bodie is)so angry that he can barely breathe. The only place that he would like to be is back in the holding cell with Marik Habib, letting his fists crunch once more into human flesh and bone..."

But then he tries to help Doyle, and Doyle fights back - but Bodie doesn't use the opportunity to act on his fantasies of violence.
Instead Bodie 'is amused'. And he asks:

"Who taught you that?"

"Taught me what?"

"That block. It's not bad."

IMO that doesn't fit!

But all that won't throw me out of the story!
Because I like this scene above and I hope there will be more that way! :-)

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

but certainly he just needs Doyle to make him more humon. But then we learn that Murphy is his lover, and he didn't manage to calm that Bodie down - so why should Doyle be more successful?
Oh, good point...!

Hmmn - I suppose Bodie was in a different situation with Habib and with Doyle, even if they both fought against him in their own different ways? So when he feels he has to be a tough SAS-type interrogator, he lets his violence take over, but when he's supposed to be with people on his own side, that he doesn't have to be aggressive with, he can let his better personality take over..? Maybe that's where he's going to become the Bodie we know and love...

[franciskerst.livejournal.com]

I'll be short: this Bodie, as he is described here, should be in jail, not in CI5.

[byslantedlight.livejournal.com]

Very short - and to the point! I can't say that I disagree with you, either...