I don't really have a problem with Ava keeping those popular friend relationships as I think the contrast with saintly Trina is especially interesting, and reminds me of how transgressive Robin's relationships with Sonny and Jason still were in the '90s. (And I wouldn't keep Nina around for much longer anyway, though I love Watros and think she's worked very hard.) But I also didn't have a problem with her losing them, especially breaking with Nina because of their insane history.
I do agree Ava needs to be off the leash, and I think Van Etten at least actively avoids that and softens her (as Passanante and Altman often did) because he's scared of losing the character. Whereas I don't think Korte or FV care where she slot in. I think if it was up to Korte Ava would be dogmeat.
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Vee ·