#phileas fogg gif

[catabasis]

“You don't get bored of stories. None of us, as human beings, we just—we never get bored of stories. And I get to tell stories. And each story is new and different, so it's a continuously renewing thing. And hopefully you are constantly getting better at your corner of the storytelling process, and you can—with each new challenge, you sort of have to find a new sort of corner of yourself. And it keeps being difficult, and it keeps being challenging, and it keeps being exciting. And fun as well, if I'm absolutely honest.” — DAVID TENNANT (born April 18, 1971)

[davidtennantedits]

david tennant as phileas fogg around the world in 80 days | 1x02, episode 2

[freddiesinnuendo]

Phileas Fogg | Around the World in 80 Days. 1.02

[guardian-of-soho]

What about this fallen Aziraphale —

— with this angelic Anthony Crowley?

[narrateur]

[somethingjustsouthofbrilliance]

Phileas Fogg and Touch Aversion

I'm going to try to resurrect a post I had written on twitter a while ago when I still had an account there (and when it was still called twitter). It's long, so bear with me, and do keep in mind that these are just my hc's and there's always room for interpretation.

***

So one thing that becomes clear about Phileas from the start is how much he tries to avoid physical touch. Even with those he knows well, like Grayson. Look at how stiff he is here, how he avoids eye contact, how he leans back a tiniest bit.

This physical discomfort is even more obvious with strangers, of course. Especially with strangers who threatened and intimidated him only hours earlier. Even when the contact is no longer a threatening one (you all remember senor Moretti, yes?)

Remember the aborted hugs? The man is so excited to see Passepartout alive that he forgets himself for a moment....

...only to remember at the last minute and have the hug become nothing more than an awkward (safe?) handshake

or, in Abigail's case, a near-pat on the arms

But it's something deeper than just simple intimacy avoidance. There seems to be a discomfort, a fear almost of physical closeness with ADULTS. I'm going to veer onto a slight tangent here that ties into my hc about Fogg's childhood and take a look at this scene in the desert:

Remember how incredulous Passepartout was when Fogg asked him to move because he, ostensibly, couldn't pee otherwise? "I thought you went to boarding school" he said, the implication being "why are you so afraid of having someone stand next to you when you pee?"

The whole situation is funny to Passepartout (and meant to be so to us as well), but Fogg doesn't appear to be amused in the slightest. He pleads, actually pleads with Passepartout to move. And look at how uncomfortable he is. How he tries to block out Passepartout's presence.

And look at this moment here. This is where Passepartout whips out his joystick &starts watering the sand. Look at that cringe, that nervous swallow. I'm not saying this man was definitely traumatized in boarding school, but... he was definitely traumatized at boarding school

This is not to say that he can't handle physical contact at all. He can and does when the situation demands it. When it's a matter of life or death, for instance.

But notice the reluctance, the uncertainty even here.

The only time he DOESN'T hesitate? When someone else needs it, needs HIM.

When it's him alone however? Even when the touch isn't remotely threatening?

He freaks out and tries to run.

And when running is not an option? Freezes like a deer in the headlights.

This moment here shocked him so completely that he drew a blank on all thought, and it wasn't until the lieutenant had uttered the word "coward" - the word that keeps driving him forward - that he snapped out of it

It's different, of course, when it's Estella.

He doesn't shy away from her touch. Welcomes it instead.

Initiates the hug and follows through

Estella is safe. Estella cares about him. Estella would never hurt him. But that kind of safety, that kind of certainty - it doesn't exist where other adults are concerned. Not yet. So he errs on the side of caution and stays back when everyone around him is hugging and celebrating

Doesn't respond to enthusiastic shoulder pats and friendly arm squeezes when he makes his triumphant return home. He looks uncomfortable. Lost. Wary.

Compare that to Abigail's reaction in the same scene

But there are also others whom Phileas is comfortable with, in addition to Estella. Those whom he doesn't view as a threat: kids.

Look here at Alberto plopping to sit down right next to him. Phileas doesn't even flinch. Accepts his presence easily with no discomfort shown

Smiles at Alberto just as easily, too.

Look at Noori here. She grabs him by the hand, drags him behind her. He doesn't mind one bit.

Look at Fogg's reaction when that girl runs out to hug him. He is surprised but not frightened. He goes soft and maybe even a little happy. He hugs her back. He thanks her.

Now look at the difference when Abigail goes to do the same. He stiffens immediately. Pulls back. His whole posture screams "get away".

It doesn't mean he doesn't WANT the physical touch. He does. Longs for it, in fact.

But he believes he lost his chance for this closeness, he mourns the loss of it, and he doesn't think it's for him anymore. He's also likely afraid to test if what he believes is true.

BUT... But... There's a silver lining to all this. Because there IS character growth for him in more ways than one, and he DOES become braver and stronger in more ways than one. And in the end he DOES dare to reach out and he DOES find the courage to NOT pull away.

If you've gotten this far, thank you for reading :) And please come check out my ATWI80D fics where all of this is explored in greater (and angstier) detail. ;)

[electric-drms]

*audience applaused, screaming, whistle, throwing flowers on a stage, couple of people are passed out, someone shout "MARRY ME PHILEAS FOGG" from a balcony, curtain went down*

[orago-underline]

they share the same braincell, my pookies 💕

[aceofwhump]

Around the World in 80 Days 1x05

[david-tennant-in-chairs]

Raise a fancy glass to the classy gentleman on his special day 🥃

[gallifreyan-idiocracy]

Hap burday to my favorite wet cat Scot!

This man controls my life and is an entire hyperfixation don't help me

[cascodedtech]

There are very few people who could pull off this moustach, but David Tennant just looks adorable.

[sirtadcooper]

It's more than possible. Someone will achieve this.

Well, it won't be you.

[freddiesinnuendo]

Phileas Fogg | Around the World in 80 Days 1.05

[super-unpredictable98]

Started watching Around The World in 80 Days. My first impressions (1 ep only)... Phileas is such a dork, that man managed to get fucked in every way possible, he made me laugh so hard. Love him.

[narrateur]