It pains me beyond end whenever I read comments about the character and often the portrayal of Tina Goldstein. Many are downright mean and absurd. I don’t actually care what all these people think because they are clearly wrong, but I also feel the need to jump to both Tina and Katherine’s defense. I feel so strongly that Katherine Waterston is perfectly cast in this role and I am constantly scratching my head when other people can’t see it. I think what Tina and maybe even Katherine are being blamed for is really just what a lot of introverts suffer from…misjudgment. Assumptions are made about a person because their true qualities are not out there announcing themselves like a loud parade for the average passerby. Instead they are tucked away like precious philosopher stones where only cool people are privy to their beautiful wonder (i.e. thestrals and 12 Gremmauld place). If you can’t see it then oh well, so sad for you. For those of us who can it’s pretty darn nifty. I will now attempt to describe some of these qualities for those who cannot see them. I will begin with the first film:
Tina Goldstein in the 1st film:
· Like learning to drive stick shift…she falters some of the time, but ultimately she is a powerful witch with a big heart. I think once we see Tina in her prime it’s going to be like watching a powerful and elegant race car. She just ain’t there yet, so back off.
· She values justice and rule following (except when she doesn’t). She is not Percy Weasley as some like to suggest. Yes she tries to uphold the law, but she also goes rogue once she is fully aware of the stakes.
· Ambitious, but in the good sense of the word. She is not trying to be the best auror in the land to obtain fame and recognition. She is simply a hard worker trying to do a good job. It is a noble ambition only.
· She is an advocate for children (including muggles) and later creatures once she’s got her facts straight.
· She is a caregiver…for her sister, for credence, I mean she brings Newt and Jacob hot chocolate for crying out loud.
· She does not put too much into her looks (telling me she has bigger fish to fry at the moment), but she can dress for the occasion when necessary. I’m sorry, but she is a goddess in some frumpy clothes and I can’t help anyone that can’t see that.
· In Katherine’s words, she has confidence one day and then not the next. She is human basically and that is why I love her.
· She is very brave, standing up, even when she is afraid.
· Unsure of herself…a lot of the time. She just needs a hug I think.
· Practical to her core. Her wand. Her clothes. Food on the go.
· “Always alone”…but probably not by choice. She seems introverted, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t value close relationships. I think she’s been too busy making her way in the world to bother with relationships…until she meets Newt.
· I swear she reads minds too. Even if she is not a true legilimens, she is deeply empathetic and can basically read minds anyways (especially Newts). Some examples…when Newt gives Pickett away. When they have to Obliviate Jacob (she appears more sad about how it is impacting Queenie and Newt), Credence. She finishes Newt’s sentence…a LOT!
· She has killer pajamas and therefore is awesome.
· Tenacity (she is not afraid to call something like it is…some call this quality annoying).
· I just really like the way she says Mr. Scamander…and Mr. No-Maj!
· Private (This is probably why some call her boring). I think this quality likely stems from self-preservation. If you don’t let people too close they can’t hurt you. Only special people get to make it to her inner circle.
· Traumatic upbringing? (loss of parents, raising her sister). This would make her somewhat developmentally stunted, but also overly mature in other areas.
· Reliable-she brings home the bacon.
· Loyal-once she trust you she’s all in.
· Strong but actually very fragile underneath…BUT she also has a lot of resiliency! Look at the scene where Graves/Grindewald knocks her down. She literally pops back up more determined than before. Don’t mess with her.
· Seriously why do people not like Tina?
· Apparently she sneaks off to do the Charleston occasionally….and a little secret pint up whimsy never hurt anybody.
· Explosive Aka Righteous indignation. I think this is just an intolerance of any threat to the safety of wizards/and muggles. She is pretty ticked off the first half of the movie because all she sees is outright disregard for all the rules put into place to protect everyone. And if “beast attacks” have been going on for a while (or so she thinks) then bringing a bunch of beasts into the country is downright ridiculous and that person should be stopped. Unless of course it’s not the beasts after all and Eddie Redmayne is said person…then you should throw caution to the wind and marry them. Obviously.
· Hopeful…whenever she shares quieter scenes with Newt I see a glimmer of hope in her eyes even when things are getting rough.
· Humor…”Dougal?” If you can’t find the humor in a name like this then what can you find it in? I feel like she and Newt are going to have a million inside jokes by the time they are old and gray.
· Portrayed by Katherine Waterston:
o She absolutely cannot run and I love it. And yet she has wonderful comedic timing with her movements (At least Lego picked up on it).
o The quality of her voice is very interesting to me…fluctuating from melodic and soothing to harsh and strong.
o I’m sorry, but if you are not moved by the last scene with her and Newt then I’m not sure you have a heart. Her face (Katherine) is so open and expressive in this scene. It’s like closed captioning without needing it because I can hear every thought she is having. I can remember seeing this scene for the first time and thinking who is this actress? Simply amazing. This is the true Tina in this scene just in case you’re wondering…perfectly delightful.
