If there’s one thing that really gets me about HP, it’s the poor construction of Quidditch. What’s more, they didn’t take matters into their own hands and fix the game in the movies.
My first problem is logistical, as these teams don’t seem to have ready reserves. Sure, Cormac McLaggen came in and played Keeper when Ron couldn’t, but if a player gets injured during a game, Rowling never replaces them; they’re simply out, and the entire game becomes a “power play.” Harry is struck in the head with a bludger? Well, without a Seeker, Gryffindor loses unless they jump out to a 160-point lead and the opposing Seeker decides the game is lost.
That’s not the big one, though.
As a wizarding version of basketball-soccer it works just fine, but that darn Snitch just kills it. It’s unfortunate, really, because the Snitch itself is a terrific idea. A tiny ball that is difficult to see and catch as a game-ender is not only very original for sports (with most having pre-determined time periods or scoring totals that determine game length), but it also lets the old stories of weeks-long games cement the sport as truly wizard in nature. It’s a neat randomized element.
It also completely destroys any kind of competitive balance in the game. Unless there’s a rout in progress, or a team is generally about 150 points behind, there’s really no strategic play involved, unless you’re trying to put an end to a match that is spiralling out of control. If the Snitch is found relatively quickly (say, the first few hours), it’s likely an automatic WIN for the team that caught it.
In my opinion, the Golden Snitch should count for absolutely nothing except as a game-ender, which means that teams in the lead would want to capture it to win, and teams behind would want to try to make it more difficult for the opposing Seeker to catch the Snitch until their own team is back in the lead. In the case of a tie, the Seeker who catches the Snitch would claim victory for their team (though this rule may already be in place - I’ve never read Quidditch Throuhg the Ages).
How would you fix Quidditch, and do Rowling’s rules for it drive you batty as well?
I’m also watching Sorceror’s Stone for myr e-watch leading up to HBP, and it’s just killing me watching Slytherin literally wipe out two Gryffindor members with no recourse or substitutions.
Not that it matters, of course. Harry catches the Golden Snitch very quickly and wins anyways. Like winning a game of baseball without your center fielder and catcher.
