showsandstuff

[showsandstuff]

The Big Ragatha Analysis

I want to preface this by saying that Ragatha is one of my favorite characters and that I will bring up her being "Fake" but in good faith. I think it's a trait that makes her much more interesting and it's a part of her character I want to explore.

The first example of this being a character trait goes back all the way to episode one. Her interaction with Kaufmo.

This is obviously a just a comedic scene but it calls on something that did actually happen. Ragatha was fake laughing at Kaufmos jokes. Why? We learned her main motivation very directly in episode 6, but episode 4 and 5 also hinted at it.

This is Ragathas core character trait. She wants others to be happy and she wants them to like her, or at least not hate her. That's evident in almost everything she does and why people call her fake, because she's willing to also "lie" for that. But I don't think it's a bad thing in general. No one wants to be hated and wanting others to be happy is a good thing. The issue is that Ragatha wants that to a point where she forgets just being herself, because it's just such a huge part of her. She is a notorious people pleaser.

Another example is the way she talks:

Another even more obvious and direct example of this is Ragathas figurine!

It literally pokes fun at the way she talks! It's kind of hilarious! But it's obvious why she talks like that. She doesn't want to inconvenience or pressure anyone. She sees it as a way of her being "annoying", and Ragatha just can't handle the thought of someone feeling negative about her.

Another example of her "disingenuinity" is her need to twist everything in a positive light.

Obviously she didn't mean that like... At all. Episode 5 is supposed to be Ragathas episode though she mostly shares it with Jax, but it did start out with this clear example of Ragathas compulsive positivity. That's a character trait that's super consistent in, I think, every episode? Ragatha associates negative emotions with being a jerk, and we know she doesn't want to be one. She thinks it'll result in people disliking her or being unhappy, so when there's a bad situation, Ragatha doesn't acknowledge it as such. She tries to see the positive and that's another thing that can come off as her being fake or disingenuous, because in a way, it is. She isn't expressing her true emotions in fear of rejection.

But where does this behavior come from? I think we got the answer to that in episode 5 as well. Ragatha's upbringing.

A mother is the one person supposed to love you unconditionally, but it seems that Ragathas mother didn't express that love to her daughter at all. It just makes sense someone will grow up in fear of being hated and rejected and the most minor expression of negativity.

Unfortunately that is exactly what's causing her to be rejected by the other circus members. Because they can actually tell what she's doing. She isn't subtle. Everyone has clocked her in one way or another.

It's interesting, because while Jax goes on a full on rant about how Ragatha is a tryhard who doesn't mean what she says, Zooble just mentions Ragatha being too nice to give critique. Gangle talks about not knowing when Ragatha is actually being genuine. In a way all three are saying the same things, though in different ways...

As for Kinger, he empathizes more with Ragatha and tries to look at the situation from her perspective. Because it must be hard for her. He recognizes the pressure that must be weighing on Ragatha. That's why he's the king ❤️

Now, Ragatha is still a person. Just because she oftentimes forces herself to be kind and positive, there are many times she's genuine.

For example, whenever she says she doesn't want to be rude and that she just wants people to be happy, and not to hate her, that's true.

The most obvious moment of Ragatha being undeniably genuine was in episode 4. The stupid sauce took away her filter, but even then, she still didn't want to be mean. She thought Gangle was being annoying, and only realized it was mean after saying it. Even in this state, she cared about being nice, because that is a genuine part of who she is and what she values.

Another moment of her being genuine was her apology to Jax in episode 5.

She never intended to hurt Jax by bringing up his abstracted friend, hell, I don't even think she intended on bringing them up at all! She felt sorry for it, even though Jax really pissed her off and she does not like him, she never meant to hurt him. Her apology was honest and I think Jax knew that too.

Now let's review:

Ragatha is someone who doesn't like showing negative emotions in fear of making people unhappy. When someone is unhappy, she tries to cheer them up instead of just being there for them. She wants to make people feel better, but that's not always. what someone needs. When you're in a difficult place someone going "Oh don't worry, it's not that bad." isn't helpful. It comes off as them not understanding you or not taking your emotions seriously.

Of course that's not Ragathas intention. She is compulsively positive and it's likely her way of coping with the fact she's stuck in the circus as well, just lying to herself that everything is fine.

Ragatha also deals with self hatred, so likely her helping others and being nice to them is her way of liking herself as well? By being a positive influence and making people happy, Ragatha likely gains her sense of self worth.

In a way, she's a lot like Jax, but in a "other side of the coin" type of way. While Ragatha is compulsively positive, cheerful and friendly, in fear of rejection; Jax is rude and cruel, in fear of letting people close and feeling like a person. Ragatha tries to keep her humanity, tells herself that everything is fine, while Jax tells himself that nothing matters and pretends to rid himself of his humanity. Both do it in order to protect themselves and to cope.

All in all, while there is some disingenuinity in Ragatha, it doesn't make her a bad person, she's just human. And humans are complex! She is someone who chooses to be kind and caring, and that's not a bad thing. She's a good person, even if she has her flaws and doesn't always mean what she says. It all comes from a good place.

Thank you guys for reading! I hope you all. Enjoyed my little analysis! See you around! ❤️

[showsandstuff]

This was my favorite Ragatha scene this episode, it's just so funny. I love characters who can't catch a break

[showsandstuff]

Interesting...

How do you guys interpret Jax's reaction here? Why does he care so much? 0

Maybe the ribbun shippers were onto something

[showsandstuff]

Bunnydoll gang, we counting this as crumbs or nah?

[showsandstuff]

Ragatha declined Pomnis invitation to team up together. She's been desperate to get closer to her, and it meant the world to her that she was the one approached. But she said no because she was worried about Kinger.

For those claiming her kindness was fake... EXPLAIN THIS THEN!

[showsandstuff]

I have even more to say about episode six SO HERE WE GO! This time I'll yap and theorize about Jax.

I'm gonna be real here, I wasn't sure how to feel about Jax or the team Bad guys team up in the trailer. Nevermind to all of that, they were great! While there were some sad moments, everyone had fun (except for poor Ragatha who had a hard time all throughout...) Like even Zooble and Gangle enjoyed themselves! It was a good time!

So for most of the time Jax tormenting the others wasn't bad. It was part of the game and everyone did it to everyone!

After Zooble took one of his lives, we saw Jax just lying there and then flinching at the sight of Ribbits and Kaufmos doors. You can tell it affected him. It reminds me of the brief scene in episode where he looked pained at the mention of Kaufmos funeral, but this time it's not a blink and you'll miss it moment.

Also, when Pomni asked him what he'd do if she abstracted tomorrow, and was genuinely hurt by his response... Jax felt bad and he stepped back! He said it was just a joke, when clearly he intentionally said it to hurt her, but he then realized he didn't actually want to hurt her. He almost broke down once he realized he was starting to genuinely care for her, so he asked her to stop trying to think deeply of him.

Now on another note... Ragatha said she felt like she failed him. That she tried to hard to get on his good side and pushed him away by doing that. Did he push Ragatha away just like he did with Pomni...? Is that something he did with everyone, presumably since Ribbit abstracted (cause I believe that's what started his coping mechanism)

And like, was he close with Kaufmo or did he care about him about as much as he does for the rest of the circus. Because he was sad about his abstraction and I don't think Jax liked him particularly more than anyone else.

He'd definitely be sad if Pomni abstracted, their fight proved that to me. And I think the same goes for Kinger, Zooble and Gangle! As for Ragatha, I'm not quite as sure but if I had to guess Id say yes. I think Jaxs problem is that he doesn't actually hate them. That he forces himself to be an asshole when in truth he cares.

Pomni can tell, but the others don't. Except for maybe Kinger, he's a bit hard to read. Ragatha might've thought that at some point but it seems Jax managed to convince her of his hatred.

What hurt to see was how scared Gangle was of him... Understandably so, but I was glad Zooble was there with her.

I genuinely hope this show ends with him being more honest to himself and others. Maybe it's too late to make up with Gangle and Zooble, he was way too awful to Gangle and Zooble doesn't seem like the type to forgive easily either, but Pomni definitely would be there. And I feel like Ragatha would too, since shes so torn up about Jax hating her, though maybe her healing journey is to care less about pleasing everyone and peoples opinion on her! Eh, who knows!

I think this episode made me care quite a bit about Jax. I admit he was my least favorite earlier, not because he was mean, but because i just didn't like him as much as the rest, but... Now he shares the third place with everyone other than Kinger and Ragatha! I genuinely like them all! How fun!

[showsandstuff]

I AM NOT DONE BLABBING YET! LET'S TALK ABOUT THE PEWPEWS!

First, I loved that Ragatha actually said no to Pomnis invitation to team up together, just because she wanted to make sure Kinger wasn't stuck with Jax! She's the sweetest! I was kinda worried that the way the teams would be formed was her being "stuck" with Kinger because team unmasked and team bad guys immediately teamed.

But I was wrong! YAY!! I couldn't be happier!

and ofc their conversation in the loser corner made me genuinely tear up. Kinger said he thought he had lost everything, likely after Queenie abstracted. We don't know if Kinger wasn't maybe the only member remaining after that. I mean it's possible, right?

And then Ragatha showed up and made him realize he hadn't lost everyone. There were still people to care about around.

I remember in episode two, he said that Ragatha acted quite similarly to Pomni when she first showed up. Maybe he was the one to help her in the beginning! I genuinely love their relationship. I felt like most of the bond was just fanon, and while I loved it, I hoped it would be canon. And now... It kind of is? I stay winning yall!

It makes me so sad that Ragatha feels like everyone hates her, or at least that Jax hates her, that Pomni will soon and that Zooble and Gangle feel indifferent towards her. But Kinger definitely likes her quite a bit, and I think Ragatha knows that now if she didn't before.

On that bire, her being torn up about Jax hating her was a bit surprising, but positively so! I mean she did say that she doesn't want Jax to hate her in episode 4, but I didn't think it was this serious. I'm glad it is and I'm kinda rooting for them to "make up"?

As for Kinger... He's still my favorite character and with each episode he solidifies that spot more and more. Though this episode was a tough one because everyone was absolutely Great!!

But Kinger is special. Ragatha is a very close second though. I think their conversation here is my favorite moment in the whole show. Team pewpew4ever

[showsandstuff]

They are such losers

[showsandstuff]

BEST EPISODE YET! I have so much to say!

Ragatha and Kinger talking in the loser corner was so beautiful. I love that he said it was Ragatha that made him stop hating himself. I think she was the second longest character to be in the circus. Also what Ragatha said about failing Jax... I'm curious. Did she try what Pomni did as well? Like try to get close to him and he was mean about it? Anyway my queen Ragatha feels lonely but it seems that'll change soon 🤗

Zooble and Gangles conversation was just as heartwarming. I loved everything about it. I also just loved Gangle maniacally shooting the gun before dying! Zoobles comeback against team Bad guys, even if they lost, was epic as hell. Also Zooble flicking the fingers at team bad guys before dying? So cool. Zooble is so cool yall!!!

Team Bad guys take the cake though! Such a fun duo! I'm happy that the reason Pomni acted like that was because she was playing a character and not because she was secretly a psychopath like I've seen some others theorize. She's still the same sweethearted Woman we know! And Jax, it's so obvious what's happening with him... He can't handle grief so he just pretends not to care about anyone and the second he does start to care he pushes them away. Like he is hurting because of Ribbit AND Kaufmo! I do think he tries to move on but he never let's himself feel any emotions so he just can't move on at all!! So interesting! I think this episode made me really like Jax, but it kinda made me like every character even more than before!

Kinger and Raggy are still my faves but I genuinely just like everyone so much

[showsandstuff]

Team pewpew may have lost the game but they won my heart. I actually teared up 🥹

[showsandstuff]

I have this odd feeling that the Ragatha hate will quadruple with episode 6, so before it begins I just wanna say, I really love her and nothing could make me hate her! She's my bbg fr!!

[showsandstuff]

"uhm actually Pomni has always acted like this" HAS SHE? Like I genuinely do not mind her having some development or us learning new things about her, or whatever, but she HAS NOT been acting like that at all!

Stop saying other fans are stupid or haven't watched the show correctly for thinking her behavior is surprising, wth 😭

[showsandstuff]

Love that headcanon!! I personally headcanon both had feelings for each other and Adam was going to confess, but then the incident with the skateboard burning happened whoops!

Now that I’m back on my tadaai bullshit again I’ve been reminded of my favourite personal headcanon regarding those two.

That being that Ainosuke and Tadashi absolutely dated as teens.

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy the idea of the decades long yearning between them, both wanting but never daring to do anything about it, but there’s just something so delicious about the idea that they did actually give into their desires to be with one another and it still ended badly.

It also brings in another interesting dynamic when you add Cherry into the mix. I have no doubt that Cherry was head over heels for Adam and the anime pretty much confirmed it, but I’m not sure I buy into it being mutual. Not that them being ex’s isn’t an interesting dynamic as well, but there just something I love more about Adam, who’s bold and eye-catching and fascinates everyone who sees him, not returning the feelings of Cherry, who is every bit as beautiful and as interesting as him, and instead being head over heels for ‘plain’ and ‘boring’ Tadashi who wouldn’t stand out in a crowd even if he tried (I say this with love btw, he’s my baby girl).

Ugh it’s just such a good concept and I need more of it!

[showsandstuff]

Fuck the 3rd season of Squid game btw, they killed all my faves. I know this is to be expected from that show but I genuinely feel like we learned nothing from this season we didn't also learn from season 1. Gi Hun should've survived, but not alone... He should've proven them wrong. Idc if it's cheap writing. I got attached damn it! It's not fair to give me the entirety of season 2 for me to fall in love with these characters just to take it all away.

Oh and episode two was awful writing. Super out of character for Gi-Hun to blame and kill Dae-Ho. Him getting married to the frontman would've been more in character than that.

Anyway, I hate it, go to hell, I can't believe Gi Hun died.

ALSO detective Hwang was the most useless character I have ever seen! Literally just stole screen time. The only good thing about him was that we got to see more of Mister Choi thanks to him.

[showsandstuff]

Whenever someone says that we lack media literacy for thinking Ragatha is exhibiting traits of Toxic Positivity, I'm like are you sure??

[showsandstuff]

Love finding Ragatha fans after episode 5 (I'm one too, so it's just nice seeing other fans - considering all the ragatha hate lately, did not think people would turn on her so quickly) because blogs like yours give me comfort :,) !!!

Ahhh I'm so happy! Glad I could bring ya some joy!

The fandom reacted is just so funny to me!! If anything, this episode cemented her as my favorite amongst Kinger! I think giving a character some nuance is what makes them best. That why I was SO surprised people liked Ragatha less after episode 5! Like... How? 🤣

[showsandstuff]

Literally how a good portion of the fandom is sounding to me since ep 5

I felt inspired