Harrow is a fascinating character, not only for his contradictions but for the implications of his morality and boundaries. From his conversations with Viren, it’s clear that at some point in the past, Harrow made a choice that led to the opening events in tDP. At least for some time, he may not only have welcomed Viren’s “creative” solutions, but actively encouraged them. From the portrait of Harrow’s coronation, the two were certainly companions, to some degree.
What I find intriguing (that I haven’t seen anyone mention) is the issue of boundaries: that is, that Calum isn’t necessarily being obtuse or stubborn when he insists on formality between himself and his step-father. Although Ezran’s perspective is that Harrow would like Calum to call Harrow his father (instead of ‘my King’), and Harrow himself certainly seems perturbed by that enforced distance, the show also gives us Harrow’s other side.
And that’s Viren’s attempt to cross those boundaries and claim a familial relationship. Harrow’s response isn’t just annoyance, it’s utter scorn. It’s a level of smackdown so severe that I was a bit taken aback on first watch. The script, animation, and voice acting all make it clear Viren has trespassed to an intolerable degree, such that Harrow feels it necessary to shut down Viren’s presumption in no uncertain (and even humiliating) terms.
And yet a lot of meta seems to call out Calum for not calling Harrow ‘Dad,’ as if Calum is willfully (or even ignorantly) blind to the obvious mutual affection and love Harrow has for him. (The end-credit sketches also seem to be saying that Harrow really was a father to both kids, and might even be the only father Calum has ever really known.)
But looking at how Harrow reacts when he feels the presumption of familial intimacy is not deserved? He’s downright terrifying. Not really sure I could blame Calum for treading carefully, when Harrow seems to be someone who’ll tolerate minor presumptions so long as they can go unremarked. Once it’s called out explicitly, though, he seems obligated to respond.
Perhaps Calum’s careful negation of their familial bond — that is, keeping formality even when alone — is tacit awareness of that. As a child, he can hardly afford guessing wrong, if violating Harrow’s sense of boundaries carries that level of risk.
Which frankly is one of my favorite parts about Harrow’s characterization. He’s not just the standard ‘good man and good father’ template. He’s a man who’s made some very hard choices for reasons we don’t fully know yet, who loves both of his sons and wishes to protect them — and is who is also, with hauteur and disdain, every inch a king.
I’m probably way off the mark (because I usually am), but my initial reaction to Harrow’s seething anger felt… unnatural. it didn’t fit in with the relationship and history he had with Viren.
my gut tells me it’s possible Harrow didn’t feel that way at all, but merely acted cold and cruel because Viren brought the soul snake with him.
He saw Viren begin to set himself up to offer his life for Harrow’s. and we now know at that point, how exceedingly stubborn Viren is. Harrow could have saw this, and did what he had to deter Viren from wanting to sacrifice his life. I mean, after that humiliation, I wouldn’t want to give my life to that king.
I’m honestly hoping for depth like that. I adore antagonists who aren’t just “evil”, they have good qualities mingled in with bad ones. normal people who went astray. Viren really could have seen Harrow like a brother, ready to give his life for him, and still be capable of atrocities and cold regard towards his children.
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