MistyMountainHop

She's the mystery. All we know is that she's in college, which would've been inspirational for Donna and a joy for Midge, who didn't go to college (because she'd gotten pregnant with Valerie in high school -- which was retconned to Donna, etc.)

This conversation makes me want to write a One Difference fic where Donna's sisters still exist.

rishik5

Makes me wanna read it, too
Honestly though, wouldn't it be great if Donna had a person she can truly rely on in her family? An example to look up to, a shoulder to cry on. And someone with a great advice when needed

Donna K.

MistyMountainHop

That would've changed a lot on the show since Donna got most of her emotional support from Eric, Jackie, Hyde, Kitty, and Midge. So while I'd want her relationship with Valerie to be an overall positive one (and not like Eric and Laurie's), I'd also want friction there.

Valerie, being the first child and the child of teenagers, would have a different emotional make-up and dresponsibilities placed on her by Bob and Midge once Donna and Tina were born. Tina was three years younger than Donna, so maybe Valerie is three years older than Donna.

After the surprise of Valerie, I think Bob and Midge would be more careful and choose when to have their next children. Bob had enough money (or was loaned enough) to open his own store. He was in Jack Burkhart's inner circle, so if he did come from money (to some extent), his family would've helped out a lot with Valerie while Bob worked on making sure he could feed his wife and kid.

It's a whole thing.

I'd want Eric not to find Valerie attractive so that boundary is clear. He'd loved Donna from before kindergarten (not romantically, but their connection is a solid part of their lives from pretty much the start).

rishik5

Love your headcanons.

MistyMountainHop

I'm glad, Dinav!

Yesterday, I thought about what kind of story I might write if Donna's sisters still existed. I came up with the premise and setting -- but not a point. Like, where would the story lead? What would be significant for the characters involved? How might they change?

I may think more about this idea. Or I won't.

Donna K.

MistyMountainHop

Thank you, Donna!

What kind of personality would you (the general you) want Valerie to have? (Not for my fic, just as a question.)

Donna K.

MistyMountainHop

All we know about Valerie is that she'd the oldest child and she's in college.

We know about Donna that she's made her younger sister, Tina, eat dirt.

Donna K.

MistyMountainHop

I'd think she'd be supportive of Donna but also not understanding Donna's choice of a more "boyish" gender expression (particular to season 1 Donna). She might encourage Donna to embrace her feminine side more now that she's "getting older" and in a romantic relationship with Eric. (This is the 1970s in the U.S. after all, without the broader and more nuanced understanding of gender that we have now).

Continuing along this line, Valerie would think Jackie is a good influence on Donna and be glad her sister finally has a female friend and Jackie in particular.

She'd be protective of Tina vs. Donna since Tina is "the baby" of the family.

Anyway, just a few thoughts on one version of Valerie.

rishik5

Who would you imagine in that role? Any particular actresses?

stlavin95

That sounds pretty good

MistyMountainHop

Thanks!

No idea. But I'd want the actress to be from the era T7S was filmed in, so no one who was a baby back then and is an actress now.