Flow of Madness

Many times people in genera have a secret desire. Something that they yearn for above anything else. It might not be something they talk about but it is always there acting like an elephant in the room. People usually have a fear as well usually connected with the secret desire. Cook is no different but he is different in his approach to everything. He takes it head on not afraid to bulldoze his way through. 

Cook like any of us is looking to be loved. He is looking to be worthy of something that is pure oppose to shit. Cook voices this constantly throughout the series talking about how everyone pisses on him and he wants the love too. Cook may seem like he is out of control and that he does not give a fuck about anything. However deep down he is a ball of energy that wants to be tamed and wants to be loved. He relies and wants Freddie to love him and be his friend. He also wants Freddie to keep him in line. In Series 3 they have a conversation about this. Cook scares himself sometimes, because he can lose himself easily. 

His pursuit of Effy is also telling. He falls for Effy and by falling for Effy he puts his friendship with Freddie in jeopardy. However there is a part of Cook that wants something for himself. He pursues it and when Effy shows that she has more feelings for Freddie—it proves what he has always felt…like nothing. His Dad, his Mom, and even Roundview College treats Cook like he is nothing and that he will never amount to anything. Despite being a reckless lover of life he also feels things. Intensely. 

Cook does not fear much. He is one of the bravest characters due to his energy, reckless abandon, and even his sense of not having a future. If you feel you won’t gain anything you have nothing to lose right? Cook’s favorite thing to say is “I don’t care” which is not true at all. He does care. He cares more than he wishes too. He cares about Freddie and does not want to hurt him. He cares about Effy and wishes she would love him back. He cares about his little brother Paddy. He does care. So why does he pretend not to? Even the bravest of people are afraid of being hurting and letting other people know they have been hurt. 

In Cook’s Series 4 episode it took a long time for Cook to take responsibility for his actions. He would rather blame the world instead of taking action. Anger and rebellion are seen as strengths and something to admire. It gives you a false sense of control in a world where you have none. Blame and anger are easier though they are toxic and spread quickly creating an atmosphere that does the opposite of what you want. It’s an attractive state to be in. Hurt, vulnerability, and doing the right thing is hard it opens you up for more hurt and more disappointment sometimes. However it is the right thing to do and eventually you will grow as a person.

Cook’s fear is to be seen for what his desire is. To be seen as a lost rejected boy who wants to be chosen.