MovieChat Forums > Damages (2007) Discussion > *Warm* tension between Patty and Ellen

*Warm* tension between Patty and Ellen


This is more on the part of Patti than Ellen, but there was definitely some tension there, tension of hidden depth – reserved but caring, complete with subconscious warmth.

As cruel as Patti could be, even towards Ellen, there is an odd dichotomy between them. On the one hand, Patti obviously subconsciously sees Ellen as the daughter she never had, while on the other hand, even though the subject never came up, I seriously doubt Patti would've rejected a warm embrace from Ellen either! And before some of you go and tell me that these are ridiculous assumptions and that I'm reading too much into it, remember – not even Patti is clear on how she feels about Ellen – even she is mixed up about it.

Also recall in season one or two, how Ray Fiske ended up revealing his crush on Arthur Frobisher. I think the same as possible with Patti towards Ellen – only, she's too set in her ways to ever admit it. It would have to be circumstantial for l Patti to involve herself in that kind of relationship, but what I'm saying is, if the opportunity arose – such as when Ellen is sitting in her living room having a cup of coffee with her – if she were to suddenly put her hand on patties, and express how much she loves her,, I think Patti would go with it! I think Patti loves Ellen more than she lets on… She tries so hard to keep her around, after all!

Is it possible to subconsciously think of oneself as a mother figure, while still having the hidden crush on someone at the same time? Because I think that's what was going on there. In other words, when an otherwise cold woman takes a special interest in you and warms up around you, that speaks volumes!

Who else gets a sense of hidden warmth with a potential crush-quality from the Patti-Ellen chemistry?

Here's a video someone made and posted on YouTube that sort of taps into the warm-tension vibe:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_hvy2KoTZs


Please excuse typos/funny wording; I use speech-recognition that doesn't always recognize!

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I got a lesbian vibe in season 1 too lol. Their relationship is so f-d up and complex it can be many things. Ultimately it is definitely a mother daughter relationship. Season 2 really supported the idea that Patty wanted to be a mother figure to Ellen, since her daughter died and since her son grew up to be an ungrateful and unsuccessful brat. She even told her that in the first episode. She feels proud of Ellen, because she "raised" her in some way, and Ellen turned out to be a successful attorney. In Season 3 we discovered her parents wanted to give up Ellen for adoption because they couldn't raise her, and she kept dreaming about her babysitter, showing us that the mother figures in her life weren't as great as they were. Patty seems to be the only one who encouraged her goals and understood her since her family isn't that smart. Also, who could forget Patty's dreams, Ellen saying "I love you mommy" and sitting in her chair all support the idea that Patty wishes Ellen was her child.

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I got a lesbian vibe in season 1 too lol. Their relationship is so f-d up and complex it can be many things.
That's true. I also agree with you, that ultimately, it's a mother-daughter kind of relationship. At least some of the time. But for the other times, there's this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_hvy2KoTZs



Please excuse typos/funny wording; I use speech-recognition that doesn't always recognize!

reply