A (Possible) Background of Isabella Thornton & Guy of Gisborne  - And What Happens Next...?

PLEASE  DISCUSS!  – No Spoilers – Only Speculation – RH S3

For several weeks now, the possible background of the Gisborne kids, especially Isabella’s, has been bouncing around in my mind – brain cells pinging about like a bad Pachinko game.  (No, not fun. And distracting.) Spending way too much timing mulling things of little import to the vast majority of other human life forms.  Blast those far-too-pretty-and-insanely-interesting Gisborne Siblings!

So, I thought I’d put it all down into a pseudo, “what if?”-post, rather than doing a fic, as: a.) I don’t have time to do one justice right now and b.) I want YOUR input and to hear what YOU think. Yes, really! Do you think I’m on crack?  Have destroyed a point in canon?  Been looking into the sun too long? Utterly missed a vital point completely? Or perhaps, might have a point or two…?  Please weigh in, & let’s discuss!

And we all may have to make our own fun for the remainder of the season, as I’m terrified that after an amazing episode 6, followed by the utterly incomprehensible ep. 7,  it should be clear to all and sundry that 1.) TPTB are hiring writers with no background knowledge of the series, who’ve never watched an episode, and don’t care what they write, and 2.) These self-same writers have clearly been instructed to do what they can to deconstruct Guy’s character to help build up Robin’s, but in ways unimaginable to sane viewers, leaving confusion and “muh?” in their wake.  So, yes, this is a pretty odd, all-over-the-place series/season.

And with the writers possibly on high-grade pharmaceuticals (which they are apparently reluctant to share -- a pity, as it might have made “Too Hot To Handle” understandable), I think there is probably one thing we can all agree upon: Richard Armitage and Lara Pulver are rocking their little acting socks off!  Why? Because these two have obviously gotten together and come up with a highly detailed familial, psychological, and emotional backstory for their characters – so detailed that no matter what craziness each new writer and/or director may throw at them for an individual episode, no matter that the eps. are shot out of sequence, RA AND LP know where they’ve been, and why these crazy Giz Kids act & react the way they do (hence all of the pregnant/fierce silent conversations/looks going on between them over several eps).  And they clearly kept on top of things for each episode, as per LP, "It's long hours on set and we'd get to the end of the day and then get together and run lines and throw ideas at each other and it would all come together.”  Bless them.  Actors who really are pros and true storytellers.

(I’ve also just remembered that in a Richard Armitage interview he does mention that one ep. this season will be a flashback to when they all were kids, so maybe we’ll find out how much of the below is accidentally/maybe/soon-to-be canon. Possibly none of it.  No spoilers, as I’m clueless. (Whatever. This whole missive’s written now.) However, for the sake of grins and getting them out of my flipping head, here’s what I think the “Giz Kids” are about. Again, please do weigh in and comment below. It’s been fun speculating. )

The History of the Giz Kids – Maybe…

In this backstory, Guy is 4 years older than Issy.  Why? Because a 7 year span (as Issy is 30 and RA is really 37) at the ages of 13 and 20, is too much of a gap. This will come into play later.  The Gisbornes were impoverished, non-land-holding nobles, the kind of folks that 700 years later Jane Austen would refer to as “poor relations.” The family probably had to scrape by, taking handouts, making due with next-to-nothing, and bouncing from place to place – possibly to France and back.  While still Nobles in the social class, they were probably on the bottom rung due to this lack of wealth. They were not even “land-poor” (i.e. with holdings but no cash.) Undoubtedly looked down upon, and sneered at, they clung to whatever they still possessed.  Hence, from a young age, both G. & I. but especially Guy, learned that wealth, status, standing & land = security & success, and - for him at least - a sense of self-worth. 

Guy & Issy
When young, they may have been loved at some point, but their parents (an English father and French mother) didn’t have much time or much affection to give either of them, though ensured that they were introduced to the church and had a rudimentary education, including at a basic knowledge of their two languages. (And possibly Latin?)  The parents may have also died when the children were quite young -  at which point they could have been taken-in by relatives and treated as little better than servants. However it happened, both children got the message that there was a finite amount of love and attention to go around, and became highly competitive to get what little they could (or whatever objects served to be defined as “love”). 

Isabella, being a beautiful little girl, quickly learned to use that beauty to get her own way, becoming highly manipulative. Due to this ability, and the earlier development of girls, though younger, she beat Guy out for attention every time.  This childhood dynamic followed them into adulthood. The scene in which Issy is murmuring “Hot. Hot. Hot.” to PJ and is watching/gauging Guy’s reaction, is a game of one-upmanship. And Guy knows it. And for Issy, if that action needles Guy,  all the better, i.e. “See? He likes me best. He’s POWER and he’s paying attention to ME and not you, no matter what history you two may have, and what little power you may THINK you possess.”  (Frankly, I think Guy thought he was going to die and did what he had to do to save himself - align himself with power, just like Issy – as he had always done. (Please don’t tell me I’m being slashy re: a kid’s show. The sub-text is hardly “sub” when a 5-year girl, a relative of someone on these boards, giggled and said that PJ was going to kiss Guy in that first scene. Well… yeah!) 

Guy, having unrealistic expectations of himself, or having them thrust upon him at a young age, was constantly terrified of his future and worrying about what would become of them both, with no land, wealth or standing, to the point of wetting the bed till he was 12. (More on Guy further below)  With a sense of honor and family responsibility, he would have cared about what happened to his sister.  It is sad and probable that Guy was never fully supported by anyone in his life, and though continually betrayed by those around him, still clings to the vain hope that someone, someday will stand by him.  Unfortunately, considering his strong family feelings, that person is not, though could be, Isabella.  (RA’s face in the forest when Guy realizes that he’s been betrayed –again? Heartbreaking.)  As shown above, when Guy and Isabella meet up again as adults, they snap right back into roles that they had had as children.

Issy Gets Married
The two of them somehow scrapped by until Isabella was 13.  At that time, as a beautiful young girl, she was seen by Squire Thornton, who wanted her.  As either a man who had inherited his wealth, or having made it himself, he was still considered “nouveau riche” and not in the same social class, by blood, as the Gisbornes.  Therefore, an alliance with a noble family would put the final touches on Thornton’s own standing. He would become a man of property and wealth, who now was a noble, by marriage.  As Isabella was a worthy prize, he was willing to overlook her lack of a dowry and instead offered her brother a good price for his consent to the union, again, demonstrating to the society at large that Thornton was a man of means and status.

Realizing that as she was dowry-less, that another good offer might not be forthcoming, and acknowledging that Squire Thornton’s request was in name only, Guy agreed.  Guy had to face that as he was only 17 and alone, Thornton could have taken Issy from him at anytime, and Guy would not have the means, funds or defensive tools or support to stop him. And there may have been other potential suitors.  So, making the best of things, Guy bargained with Thornton, who “offered a fair price,” providing money which Guy could then use to advance himself - a win-win for everyone.  After all, Isabella had to be protected, and had to eventually marry someone.

Isabella may have approached the marriage with trepidation, but probably agreed (not that that was required). Guy left to start his own life. And then, sometime later, for Isabella it all went to hell.  Perhaps she found her new husband physically and emotionally repulsive, with his arrogance, and his treating her as a prize heifer that he’d bought at market and could claim at will. Perhaps she became pregnant and had multiple miscarriages, and showed Thornton her repugnance of him, denying him physically and sparing herself further pain.

In the manner of mean, small-minded, arrogant men, Thornton would have repeatedly thrown in her face the reality of his “buying” her from Guy and reveled in her shock and pain – at least the first dozen times.  (Note Lara Pulver’s face in the scene where this is revealed.  This information is not really news.  She is merely shocked that it is put to her so bluntly and finally confirmed by Guy.) She has also, over the years, clearly gone through a long litany of reasons, in her mind, as to why Guy would do such a thing, perhaps still not believing Squire Thornton. Issy says to Guy, “Is THAT why you…” implying this type of long-existing mental list. At that point we meet her, she’s clearly been thinking about it for years. Perhaps recent events and her flight from Thornton, have brought it all back.)

Perhaps, as time went on, Issy withdrew further from Thornton, who sought more willing arms elsewhere, while still mocking and belittling her.  She was left to her to her own devices – and had the time to learn to fight and use a sword/weapons.  With each passing year, instead of solely blaming her husband for her pain, she also came to blame Guy, for placing her in this position. Perhaps Thornton even attempted to put her aside, especially if she was or had become barren. He may have threatened to ask the church to annul their marriage vows, as there had been no issue (children).

Issy Has Something on Thornton

But Isabella was clever, and no longer a naïve young girl. More beautiful now than as a teenager, highly manipulative, intelligent, and very resourceful, Isabella had become quick to anger, and vicious if she didn’t get her own way, yet cunningly hid these traits behind a mask of civility. (Don’t blame me if the writers have made Issy and/or her actions more stupid than this description. After all they’re doing the same to Guy.)   In an era when women had few resources, she was not about to give up an advantage, such as a wealthy husband, however repugnant he may have been. Isabella found things out about her husband. Certain questionable weaknesses…dirty dealings…underhanded schemes. Perhaps a foursome…with a sheep. (Well, an aversion to farm animals could explain why Issy wouldn’t sensibly go behind the barn to eat the damn strawberries with Robin.)  She probably found some vital information, which, if brought to light, would destroy the carefully constructed society façade and social standing Squire Thornton had built. And he knew it.  So he left her alone. And they shared an uneasy truce – perhaps for years.  Two warring camps, never at peace, constantly fighting to get the upper hand - to some people this would be exhausting…and Hell.

And so time passed. Until one day, Isabella’s trove of information was discovered, or perhaps a loyal, secret witness died – something happened. And the balance of power shifted back to Thornton, leaving Isabella with no leverage, and at his mercy.  Knowing his revenge would be swift, terrible and final, after 17 years, Isabella ran.  She ran to find her brother, who she had kept track of over the years, nursing her anger, resentment, her hurt and abandonment, but knowing one day she might need him as her emergency fall-back plan.

Taking several purses of money, carefully stashed over time for just this purpose, along with the mustard sachets (bombs) an understanding wise woman had quietly told her about, Isabella took her horse and fled. The purses she secreted about her person, in the event one was lost or stolen. And so she ran to Guy, a person who despite her protestations of hating, she clearly still cares for on some level – even if it is in an “we’re the only ones left” way.  Even now, Issy carefully watches everything Guy says and does, while gauging his own reaction to her statements and actions. Observant self-protection? Perhaps. Yet, why would she care about his reactions if there were no feelings within her? If she has only negative feelings, why the sadness and longing in her voice during the “I hate him” speech?

Given her history, it should really be no surprise that she is willing to consort with Robin, despite giving promises to the contrary to Guy.  Plus, let’s face facts, Isabella is a sexually mature woman, who is probably in need of a little lovin’.  Or a lot of serious lovin’.  It may have been years.  So, while I may personally question her choice, finding Robin pretty average myself, she’s not me. And inadvertent celibacy, like alcohol, can make someone appear pretty good.  So, I’m calling Robin,  Issy’s 3rd tequila shooter or 4^th Jell-O shot on a lonely Saturday night. He’s there, he’s nice to her, and he’s willing, so why not? And if all of this serves to also tick off big bro’ - cool. An added bonus.  

Ultimately, Isabella is a survivor and if she’s learned one thing, it is to always have a backup plan, an out, and an escape route.  So she’ll try to “lock in” Robin via sex. (Though that ship seems to have sailed).  And, possibly, have a fall-guy/Guy, if needed.  Machiavellian? Yes. Lessons learned the hard way in her life? Yup.  Flinging herself on the mercy of solely one person? No way, not her style. And, from Issy’s history, clearly not a healthy way to stay alive. And she’s still here.

And Then There’s Guy…

Guy’s story we know. At least some bits of it. A scared, shy, skinny, gawky, little boy, undoubtedly made fun of for his looks and poverty, used his fists to fight back, learned to fight properly and use weapons, quickly growing into his height, aided by his natural grace and athleticism. He was, in some manner, abused extensively and for a long period of time, later allowing him to accept/tolerate Vasey’s continual, multi-year abuse.  

Guy grew up to be a physically strong, desperately insecure, socially-inept man with few friends, no social skills (with only Vasey to guide him) and an overpowering need for wealth, position, and family social standing at all cost, in an effort to feel secure.  Guy  does not see this as conflicting in any way with his deep faith and religious beliefs.  (Insert your own modern metaphor here).  He had become a knight, a Master of Arms, taught others to fight, and gained some social standing as the Sheriff’s Lieutenant (despite the poor fighting buffoon the writers are currently peddling to make Robin’s fights look better). When the Sheriff betrayed him, Guy thought he’d be killed by Price John. When he was not, things finally began to go his way -- returning to Nottingham in a position of strength,  with one task to accomplish. (Oh Guy, come on. That’s a plan? Sigh. Poor ancient, decrepit lion – oh writers…) Of all times, Isabella – who he had probably not thought about in years - comes bolting in out of the blue.

Not overly bright, yet clever enough to learn, and with some grasp of strategy, insecure Guy is highly defensive, self-protective, and cannot bear to be pushed, or have his actions questioned.  The first time Isabella really pushes him, he shoves back with the “he offered a good price” line. (Side Note: That is where, to me, RA showed what a truly phenomenal actor he is. After delivering the line, many actors might have smirked, or sneered, or scowled or maliciously laughed at her vulnerability.  He did none of these things.  Instead he gives a little head tilt, with an inquiring almost-smile, which could be interpreted several ways. (Clever)   I chose to see it, along with the line  – while directed at Issy – as almost self-mocking, as if to say, “Okay. You pushed me. And I pushed back. So, you still want my protection?  Me! You’re sure? I don’t exactly have a great track record with protecting women. Not a great choice, Sis. But as you pushed….”  Knowing Guy’s history, this moment seemed directly in keeping with his existing self-loathing.  If we didn’t know his history, it could read as chillingly, border-sadist. A very real, cool little moment.)

Family is important to Guy. He clearly cares enough about his sister to not want to kill her, at least not do it directly himself - at first – and tries to protect her even from mad, bad, (fabulous!) highly volatile PJ, by raising doubts of her guilt, and is then being deeply wounded by proof of her betrayals of him.  (The show’s overt, heavy-handed Marian-betrayal parallels don’t help, of course. Yes, show, when sketched a road map with neon signs, we get it!)  

In keeping with this Marian-parallel, would Guy have finally skewered Isabella like a velveteen rabbit shish kabob? Who knows?  Guy & Issy had both had carrots dangled in front of them that they deeply wanted / needed.  Issy - Finally the chance for a normal home life/relationship, something she must have wanted desperately for years. Guy – Again, after years, he had finally experienced the reality of becoming Sheriff -- for TEN MINUTES! However, as the writers were utterly crazed in how they got them there, with Issy’s unrealistic expectations, and Guy’s unlikely implosion and flip-out in the face of the monarch–to-be…who knows??? (So much of this was not necessarily in character as previously established, that I have finally decided to stop ripping out my hair, hurting my brain and let it go….and chanting my new mantra, “it’s only a show…”)  

When thwarted and disappointed, they both react violently. Guy had tried to kill Issy, and Issy serves up Guy to the Prince.  As written in this episode, even with all of the silent Grrrrr! in previous episodes, they’re quite the little pre-Shakespearean drama queens. Dinner at the Macbeths: “Gisborne Table, Party of Two.”  Okay, so they’re both nuts, irrational, and violent. They’re Gisbornes!! And we love to watch them! (Hence the title of this post.) And the writers have given us such weirdness, we have no clear idea as to the true mental state of the characters at this point. Frankly, I wonder if the writers themselves know (??coughmedscough??), but…we live in hope. 

Guy warned Issy several times and yet, she thought she could continue to manipulate him.  Old familial patterns?  Possibly.  Techniques learned for dealing with Thornton? Probably.   But, true to form, she goes to the biggest possible protector in the room – Prince John.  Good ol’ Iz – picking the big fish, the winning side and protecting herself, as she’d learned.  Personally, I hope that in a few eps Guy and Issy can work things out, join forces, and kick some serious butt all around Nottingham. How cool would THAT be? Fingers crossed.

*****One potential bright “maybe’ which occurred to me while writing this was…as they are deconstructing Guy’s character, could they, even in this completely awkward way, be preparing his character to be rebuilt in the hero mold? i.e. “we are Robin Hood?” (Though my own personal theory is that Allan was always quietly saying, “I am Spartacus.”)  Yes, this Guy theory has been brought forth before, but could THIS possibly be the way that the writers have been TOLD to manifest it? Albeit, BADLY? Bring him low (in the stupidest, ungainly manner possible) to raise him up in preparation for the Guy of Gisborne Redemption Arc (my theory for Series 4 ?). Thoughts? Comments?

So, Guy is outlawed?  Really? Okay, Now what? 
If smart, he has about a 10-15 minute lead on PJ’s men. 

My advice to Guy:

Make a dash for Locksley, grab a coin/treasure chest and a bunch of money bags.  Load your horse and an extra horse with all the money you can quickly carry, along with some food from the kitchen and a shovel.  Don’t get greedy. No spending it if you’re dead. RIDE! As much as you can, as time passes, stay OFF the road! (Unlike certain outlaws who live deep in the forest, who go in search of a stream in a drought, yet for whom staying 50 feet off a road doesn’t seem to occur…oh, never mind.)  Unless they (or you) get eaten by the large stray feline currently roaming/limping around Sherwood, PJ’s men will be everywhere. Trained yes, but they still don’t know the terrain. And for God’s sake, before you ride much further, take off those damned spurs! Your jingling and clinking and clanking stomp that we so love in the castle is great, but out here you’re echoing through the trees and, frankly, scaring the birds. Not to mention endangering yourself. Your horse will still respond to you. You don’t have to be such a badass. Bury them too, if you'd like. While you're at it, wrap clothe around your horse's bit so it doesn't jangle either.

Option 1: Head for Scotland or Wales. Most may hate the English (at this time), and you won't have it easy, but they hate Richard and John even more.  You could sell yourself as a blank shield, and still find honor. (Sigh. But you won't do that will you...)

 
Option 2: Go to various places, outside of various villages, and hide caches of money everywhere, quietly digging up earth (hence, the shovel) under deep bushes (so as to leave no visibly disturbed, telltale soil). Yes, it will probably scratch and hurt. A lot.  Do not swear. Deal. Stay QUIET and NOTE THE LANDMARKS.  Keep some ready cash. Now, get yourself and both horses to the outskirts of Nottinghamshire, off the road, with the your long raggedly hooded-cloak (from ep. 1) to cover your leathers. As much as it truly (truly!) pains me to say this - get some other pants.  Really.  While fetching, yours are too tight-fitting (did I really just say that?) and too identifiable. (To quote Daniel Day Lewis....yes, he's a...player...no, not that kind... in a highly melodramatic moment 800 years in the future, "STAY ALIVE!")   Lay low, don’t fraternize, listen in on conversations, and see what happens. Please, do not deviate from this plan or come up with another which you think may be more clever. We worry for you. If you have a bright idea to find a tiger or a bear, to be buddies with the aforementioned lion, and to eat PJ's remaining soldiers, please leave that thought alone and back away from it.  There’s a good boy. Stay safe! I warn, because I love. (Not that I thought about this at length or anything....As The Writers Should, as they are...PAID...!)

 
Reality (Well...RH):

-- But then again—This. Is. GUY! Who knows?? We’ll see how much self-preservation matters, now that his post-Marian death wish is less of a factor. Revenge on Isabella? Murderous thoughts towards PJ?  And where’s Vasey? Is he, “really most sincerely dead…?”  Mwwuuuh huh huh……

So, what do you think of the above? Psychobabble?  Plausible? I lost you at the second ‘graph?  Or when Issy married "Thornton" and you went to your N & S happy place?  To come back, please repeat after me…. “Nekkid Guy.” (Oh Damn. Lost them to a different type of happy place… Shoot.)