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It's a little difficult to have a strong opinion of a character that was
given so little air time, but Sonny is a more complex character than is
immediately apparent. He is, in a word, loyal. But what makes him
interesting is his ability to remain loyal to two conflicting sides when
they are both out for blood.
Hardly any real background
is given about Sonny, so it's hard to say how long he and Frank have
been partners. It's not impractical to think that Julian might want his
most trusted childe in a position of power in the police department
where he, along with others such as Det. O'Fallon (R&J), decide what
evidence is allowed to make it to court. What is clear is that Frank and
Sonny have developed a close working relationship that has become a
strong friendship, perhaps due to the dedication both have to their
jobs. Three scenes jump out when I think about Sonny.
The first is during Prince of the City, after Sonny is revealed as a spy
for Julian. He speaks of Frank, and his job, with huge affection and
seems to begin to realise what he is about to loose if Frank can't be
convinced the Kindred pose no threat. The second scene is in
Nightstalker, where he stands up to the assembled elders and refuses to
lie to Frank. It isn't until Lillie alludes to 'other ways' Frank can be
controlled that he gives into deceiving his friend. Lastly in Romeo and
Juliet Sonny physically puts himself between Frank and the rampaging
Daedalus. In my opinion Sonny's initial loyalty lies
with his sire and creator, but he knows that Julian is able to look
after himself and so tends towards protecting Frank. Sonny sees Frank as
a loose cannon and vulnerable, and as something of a child that doesn't
realise the danger surrounding him and so actively takes a hand in his well-being.
The conflict comes from knowing he's partly to blame for bringing Frank
into the Kindred world. The final scene between Frank
and Sonny is hugely frustrating, because it is the culmination of a
complex game in which Frank finally knows for sure that Sonny is
Kindred. It poses so many questions that were never answered, and is the
source of much speculation for me. Would Frank simply accept Sonny, or
feel betrayed by his friend? Perhaps a second season would have begun
with conflict and work towards a comfortable resolution. Unfortunately
we were denied that resolution.
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