You made some astute observations here, and I like your 'big picture' thinking. I maintain that as we connect the dots of his response to our comments (both positive and negative) we get a clearer image for his motivation and sources of his inspiration. It is iconically intuitive that the sum of anyone's intent is not wholly bad or good, but rather a blend of the two mixed with the ethically neutral. What I look for (and primarily defend) is the expression of an artform for its own sake. This includes the renders, the story and the impact the art has on the audience it reaches. In terms of impact L&P has succeeded in spades! I measure impact in terms of the magnitude of its reaction, not just the positive responses. For some here L&P's efforts are loved while for others it appears to lean more towards 'love to hate'. In either case, it is definitely an attention magnet!Eheh, maybe it's a coincidence or maybe not, who knows!
I had few chuckles myself during the play-through because I felt like some dialogues or scenes were placed there almost on purpose to "address" some of the questions/remarks that have been circulating here on the forum.
For example:
Disappointingly enough (for me), he did not show how Sophia managed to fit all the clothes in the bag...
- The "guessing Sophia's size" thing. People wondering how Aiden could guess the right size for the suit, L&P even took the time to reply. In the game, first during the 1st side job with the elderlies she asked how they could have found the right size for the skimpy dress. Then in the Aiden task, finally he came with 2 suits, a little bit different than his answer. It felt like he wanted to address the problem with that move but it is also strange that there was no scene with Sophia trying both suits (ok... more renders etc). And for a moment I thought the two suits was a choice to give the player, between the open one of the first teaser and the second one with reduced cleavage.
- Obviously the fact that Aiden briefly explains Sophia where they are going. That thing triggered a heated argument in the forum and again he jumped in to clarify. And Aiden almost used his same words saying something in the line of "what's in for me if you get harmed" in order to reassure her. Ok this one probably was there from the beginning because it was also logic to have that discussion before leaving. But still it felt like he wanted to stressed even more the point.
I guess we have to take the render he posted here for good.
In the end, maybe all those speculations are not completely useless neither for him
Due to testosterone aggravation unrequited it seems unrealistic to hope for any peaceful resolution soon between L&P's presentation style, and the desires he provokes in his audience. This is his fundamental intent whether he realizes it or not. It is the source of his revenue, success and the product of the 'slow burn' both in the game and the protracted real time experience of his audience. For some it may not be possible the separate the frustration of the burn from the author of its source...and the drama will continue to unfold naturally to its intended conclusion.
