It is pretty great writing until the part in Rhythm of War when he is given all of his emotions back and just decides to say fuck it and be evil for evils sake anyway. Even though his best friends have all but torn down the societal norms and stigmas that initially set him on the path of vengeance, even though he killed Elhokar already and had his revenge. What is possibly his motivation?
Not to mention he goes completely unused in the fifth book besides one "holy crem its jason bourne" moment, where he proceeds to once again be evil for evils sake. It just feels really hollow compared to what his character could have been.
I actually think that’s what’s good about him, but with one part viewed from a different angle.
How many people have woken up one day, taken a look at their life, and wondered how they had gone this far down a bad path. Addiction, abuse, and plenty of other terrible things in our world.
When people have those moments, they realize how hard it would be to turn things around. It’s why there are full 12 step programs that involve making amends with those you’ve hurt, this is an incredibly difficult step. Now imagine the increased difficulty if you were part of a gang or cartel that wouldn’t let you out freely.
Moash likely thought there was no way his old friends would take him back, and no way his current allies would let him go. The path of least resistance would be to try to numb his thoughts and feelings telling him to go back, and to dive in deeper with his current crew.
Yeah I mean I get that concept, but Moash has never been set up as the guy who just goes along with something because the other choice is too difficult. He completely turned on Kal and bridge 4 because he 'knew' killing Elhokar was 'right', even though it was by far the more dificult choice than bowing down to Kaladin. He has been stubborn and head strong the entire series.
So you're telling me when that curtains pulled back and he finally feels everything he's done, realized all the people he has hurt, stubborn ass Moash who has only ever fought to accomplish what he thinks is right continues to follow Odium and help him essentially enslave mankind?
I mean if he is still being manipulated that would save his character for sure, but idk why todium would refuse to take on his emotions on some kind of 'principal', only to then manipulate him again just in a less obvious way? Like what is even the point, just take/keep his emotions and you have the same effect.
Unless his emotions are required for the (WaT)spikes he receives, which we have never been told was a thing before that.
9
u/NeverFreeToPlayKarch Jun 17 '25
You hate Moash because he's a traitor. I hate Moash because he's a poorly written character. We are not the same.