TJ and Taylor: Modern-Day Musings on Dostoevsky's Raskolnikov and Sonia and the Guiding Threads of Transformation
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TJ and Taylor's time together within the tank was short, but intense. Although the idea of character arcs within the context of this show is frequently dismissed by critics as flat or even counterfeit, one need only look to not just the clear, obvious, and non-linear progress TJ has made since entering the tank, but also the story that has unfurled in the wake of Taylor's departure. In simple terms, a character arc is a story and vice versa. However, though they are one and the same, there is value in separating these ideas as distinct perspectives, and when looking at either we see a positive feedback loop between the two. TJ's arc is varied and has covered much ground, but I believe it can be ultimately distilled down to one of redemption, in the many forms this idea can take. TJ's story, however, is inextricably tied to Taylor. The redemption in his arc is fueled first by Taylor's compassion, later her sacrifice, and finally her guidance from a distance. These three elements are mirrored by the characters of Raskolnikov and Sonia in Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment and through looking at their complete tale, we gain a better understanding of TJ's transformation.

It is often cited that TJ and Taylor were pushed together via TTS, and while this may have played a part in the speed at which their relationship developed, it was TJ who approached Taylor first when she was introduced in the living room. A simple handshake and name may not seem like much, but this was one of TJ's earliest examples of taking initiative and it is entirely possible that TTS may not have latched onto the idea of pushing their connection had he not established it himself. Even through the pressure of TTS, Taylor likely picked up on TJ's authenticity, as well as his need for connection within the tank, and offered him friendship. Raskolnikov and Sonia's initial encounter is similar. On the streets of St. Petersburg, Raskolnikov wrestles with the moral aftermath of his crime. For TJ, this is his coming to terms with his decision to enter the tank, at this point fully realizing the intensity of his environment after witnessing Summer's meltdowns. The two men struggle with their present circumstances when they happen to cross paths with a woman of striking beauty. Sonia, like Taylor, recognizes her companion's inner turmoil and offers him support through spiritual guidance. Taylor is obviously not religious, but there is an interesting, as well as ironic, parallel here. Sonia's faith in Orthodox Christianity could be said to reflect Taylor's faith in gambling. Raskolnikov relies on his spirituality taught to him by Sonia on his quest for redemption, while TJ is inspired by Taylor's gambling in a way that satisifes his desire to take initiative, such as when he decided to play Rock-Paper-Scissors versus Oliver instead of splitting the prize.

The second and perhaps most driving element of these pairs' relationships is sacrifice. Raskolnikov's amd TJ's shared sacrifice is one of isolation. Raskolnikov voluntarily separates himself from his friends and family out of guilt, and while the reasoning is not the same, TJ is also isolated within the tank. Raskolnikov also sacrifices his relationship with Sonia when he confesses to his crime, knowing that he will be imprisoned and separated from her. In the same way, TJ sacrifices his relationship with Taylor when he kicks her off the show to save himself, a kind of confession in its own right, knowing that she'll be sent home and he'll likely never see her again. Sonia's entire character is based on selflessness as she works as a prostitute to support her family, namely her alcoholic father. She also demonstrates continued love through sacrifice as she visits Raskolnikov, as well as sends him letters, while he is in jail. Taylor's initial sacrifice is revealed through her status as a freeloader, subjecting herself to the challenges of the tank without being eligible herself for the grand prize. However, as her story becomes intertwined with TJ's, that sacrifice evolves into one less self-serving. Even after she's removed from the tank, she follows Sonia's footsteps and "visits" TJ in his "prison" to continue providing support via TTS messages.

This brings us to the third shared element, guidance from a distance. Taylor's TTS messages are Sonia's letters and, like Raskolnikov, TJ is initially skeptical of the messages, firstly unsure if they are even real and later unable to understand how one could care for him so much. Eventually, Raskolnikov and TJ both learn to accept the sincerity of the messages and use them as catalysts for change. In this way, the messages transcend the walls of each man's respective prison and become symbols for each pair's enduring connection. TJ's connection has shown us his ability to self-reflect, his motivation for change, and his acceptance of compassion as a means of personal growth. As he continues growing within the framework of the competition, so too does it become evident that this change will last after the show's conclusion. The maintained integrity of TJ's relationship with Taylor is a demonstration of the significant transformational power of the human connection.