Many of us know Mo Ryan as a journalist who gave critical backing to the Clexa fandom back in 2016 after Lexa’s death. Mo has also been critical in the #MeToo movement, lending her insight and integrity on stories about Hollywood’s institutionalised system of harassment.
No reason is given for her departure from Variety, but it is certainly their loss. Let’s show her support and give her a follow wherever she goes. We need more like her, not less, especially now.
Two years ago, journalist Mo Ryan gave voice and validation to an abused and heartbroken fandom.
The response of the showrunner has, outside of a few unenlightening interviews, has been disappointing. Rothenberg live-tweeted the March 10 episode of the show as if thinkpieces and damning critiques were not still being churned out. In the limited array of interviews he did in conjunction with the March 3 episode, he has given little indication that he understands the depth of the sense of betrayal or the multitude of reasonable objections to the death story line. Since March 3, it has fallen to co-executive producer Javier Grillo-Marxuach, who wrote the episode, to engage with fans in any significant and meaningful way, but his compassionate and committed response has only highlighted Rothenberg’s abdication of responsibility.
Can we just, for a moment, recognise that when a hurt community fires off a prank or two directed at the people who hurt them – it’s just that?
Clexas don’t need to be painted with the same old brush of ‘unwanted outsiders’ just because you don’t get the joke. We get it. We’re queer folk. We’re always unwanted outsiders.
But the hurt in this fandom goes deep and for some, unless there is a proper accounting, the hurt will go on. So, some seek to be snarky and play pranks and talk shit. So what.
If you’re really that hurt by it, take a good look at yourself and your privilege. Check your ignorance.
And no, I’ve never supported a loss of jobs and have written quite a bit to the extent of that. I just recognise where the snark comes from. It’s legit.
The Doctor Is Out 