Very good points! The way he manipulates other people into doing evil, people you wouldn't call evil on their own, is also very true to real life. And also very, very scary.

We're eight weeks into a broken upper right arm caused by a bone tumor (non-malignant, probably, but still a problem), and no signs of healing. I've pulled away from fandom too (though I still check in and see what's up, and Seasonal Spuffy has re-engaged me for now), so I know how you feel. I thought my daughter was the most x-rayed child in the world - "No sign of healing, don't use your arm, come back and get another x-ray next week" - but maybe she can take the title for this country, and your son for yours. Poor kid, I hope he's recovering well.