I know absolutely zilch about Warcraft, other than I might have read a book based on it not realizing it (there... seems to be a lot?? Is Drizzt Do'urden part of that world? No, wait, he's Dungeons & Dragons, I think... ugh, I get them all mixed up). Anyway, that character archetype, whether in a game or a book or a movie/tv show definitely is one that engages all the "love him and squeeze him and call them my own/George/Bucky/Squishy" feelings when done right. Thankfully, Bucky was most definitely treated right both by Ed Brubaker and by the MCU and, for that matter, Sebastian Stan. He could easily have come across as one-dimensional "brainwashed villain" stereotype, completely unlikeable, but that single scene in the bank vault really flipped the audience, especially after seeing Steve identify him when he was otherwise pretty much unrecognizable.
I remember (I'm showing my age here) an episode of Black Sheep Squadron that centered on a pilot the Japanese had captured and brainwashed into blowing up a US installation. It was so compelling because both the writers and Kent McCord managed to convey that he was a victim more than a villain, though he did villainous things. I can't remember exactly how the episode turned out (probably been 15 years since I saw it when it was in syndication) but I think they finally managed to capture him and haul him off for treatment? Not sure, but I do remember it was a compelling episode.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2015-01-09 02:22 pm (UTC)I remember (I'm showing my age here) an episode of Black Sheep Squadron that centered on a pilot the Japanese had captured and brainwashed into blowing up a US installation. It was so compelling because both the writers and Kent McCord managed to convey that he was a victim more than a villain, though he did villainous things. I can't remember exactly how the episode turned out (probably been 15 years since I saw it when it was in syndication) but I think they finally managed to capture him and haul him off for treatment? Not sure, but I do remember it was a compelling episode.