Moved from Main - the Dark is rising series and movie

[marion11111]

> Alla:
> For example, does anybody who read the series was reminded of
> Dumbledore's treatment of Snape in Merriman treatment of Walker.
> 
> Magpie:
> Actually my answer to this question and the Obliviate question are 
> the same--the Light isn't forgiving at all, but that's the point. 
> They're not human, they're inhuman and they're kind of fanatics (and 
> they're called out as such in the book). What's done to the Walker is 
> supposed to be inhuman (I think it's more some sort of Law than 
> specifically Merriman).
> 

marion11111:
I just finished a very fast reread of these for the first time in probably twenty-five years.  It 
was very interesting to do this following all the discussion about right and wrong and 
good and evil in the Harry Potter books.  

I know in earlier readings I felt terrible about the Walker's betrayal, but I never really 
considered the depth of Merriman's coldness.  To know that someone is gambling with 
your life, not their own, but yours.  How could Merriman even think that the Walker would 
remain loyal?  It's so much darker than anything JKR wrote about Dumbledore and Snape 
and I wonder if it's just beyond the comprehension of most kids.  I certainly was so caught 
up in the idea of kindly, protective Gumerry that I didn't see the real motivation behind the 
Walker's switch.  

And Bran - arrogant, self-centered snot.  Again, as a kid I just saw an unlikable character, 
but now realize that the Pendragon couldn't be anything but arrogant.

Referencing other posts by you two, I was very surprised that Susan Cooper said she didn't 
intend to write an Arthur story.  I always thought that was the whole point!

And regarding Will's character in the upcoming movie, Will is not just an average teen once 
he becomes an Old One.  The trio notice this and so does his family. You're right - he 
would not joke around about his powers.   Several people - teachers and kids at school 
who all know what a HP fan I am - have mentioned seeing the trailer and have called it a 
"Harry Potter rip-off" or Harry Potter Lite.  How very frustrating that it's going to come 
across that way and not as the earlier and potentially deeper story that it is.