#/ eric chapman / threads

[marvanne111]

moments I love in "Tempting Fête"

"I can only read what I've got written down, Mr. Funt." "Councilor Funt! -Funn, Councilor Funn."

the fact that it's been 11 years of this Funn/ Funt debate (alternatively, that both the reverend and the mayor have addressed him properly the last three episodes and seemed to have no problem with it)

"Yes, well, I'll see what I'm doing that day" -leading the funeral, one would hope?

underrated bit of the series in general: cell service only being available in the reverend's bathroom

"I think he's quite dishy" (this scratches such an itch in my brain; I quote it once a week)

the mayor and reverend (who will be dating by the end of the episode) agreeing emphatically with the above statement

the reverend wearing eye shadow! (incredible, show stopping, spectacular, never been seen before)

"It was one mouse! and, and I don't know anything about it"

"All opposed?" "... I mean, I'd say opposed is a strong word-" "Done! Carried unanimously!"; "All opposed? "I, uh-" "Overruled! Motion carried!"

"We already have an identity: it's miserable and it works." (i want this on a t-shirt)

"There hasn't been a fête for eleven years." "Astonishing. Who's in charge of local events?" "Rudyard." "Ah."

"Look, it's easy to throw money around and get excited about rustic dancing, but we've got-" "I'LL SAY IT IS!"

"His world had once again become an increasingly scary place. There was only one thing left to do..." "Georgie?" "Yeah?" "We're emigrating."; "It was time for swift and decisive action, and there was only one place to head for: Reverend Wavering's bathroom"; at the funeral I was able to witness Rudyard, bereft of Reverend and with few attendees, deliver a stirring and entirely improvised speech about the circuities of fate, the struggles of discord, and an intractable acceptance of the way the cookie crumbles, a sermon that moved the late Basil Corbett’s niece to say, quite simply:" "We want our money back" (some really fantastic narration moments in this one that make me giggle every time)

Rudyard including Madeleine in the emigration plans is said so sweetly and it honestly makes me a little soft

"One word: Chapman." "I should return his calls-" "Chapman?" "- probably won't, though"

"Rudyard, other people do those things for you!" "Conscription?" "Volunteering!"

"I, I, I do like spreadsheets!"

(No Madeleine, I hate raffles!") (these posts are always so Rudyard-centric lol and it's helped me come to the conclusion that he really is the funniest)

"Do you know how many gallons of fluid I'll have to drain from a man that size? Possibly thousands!" "What a ridiculous lie!" (this is another one that I quote often lol)

"I wish I were Mrs. Carnegie!" "You will be, Mrs, Turner. You will be." (WHAT IS THIS RESPONSE?!)

"Fancy a funeral?" "That a threat?"; "Don't forget your funeral." "Was that a threat?"

"Socializing? That'd take up ten minutes and then what would they do? No. Perpetual scheduled activity, that's the way."

"Put some clothes on!" "IT'S MY HOUSE!"

"Antigone?" "What?!" "Helicopters!" "Go back to your side of the table."

"Now get over there and sabotage something!" "*sigh* Fine." "Do you really think that's going to help?" "Oh maybe not, but it'll cheer me up."

"Called up the family, made up a story about... well, re-organizing a fête, that sort of thing." "How did they react?" "Well, they weren't very happy..." "But?" "No, that's it, they weren't very happy."

"You know, I can actually see your future." "Oh yes?" "Mmm hmm. And it involves this crystal ball getting shoved STRAIGHT up your-"

"Alright sir! Mission accomplissshhhhed." "Hello, Georgie." "Hello..." "Get out, Georgie." "Goodbye..."

The Mayor trying to rustic dance for a couple of hours before giving up

Lady Templar's glass eye. (That's it. That's the post.)

"He'd be spinning in the grave you haven't put him in yet!" (best line of the episode honestly)

"What a dreadful little man!" "Yes... mind you, he looks good in a suit"

"Even in a crowd, they all look lonely" (🤌🤌🤌)

"Can't win 'em all" 'Winning anything at all would be a nice change." (also want this on a t-shirt)

"You like to be the hero, don't ya?" (Georgie's the GOAT)

"Rudyard. Do you know what this chap did?" "Yes, he told me" (my man is already so tired of Eric lol)

[boleynqueenes]

Being as you are someone who writes about Anne Boleyn, I must ask you, which are your favorite portrayals of Anne Boleyn? I mean fiction (novels, film, tv) but also non-fiction. And, do you feel your fav portrayals have influenced you in the way you write Anne and her story? Your least favorite ones, do they have an influence too? Which ones are they? Thanks

If there's one with zero merit and/or minimal entertainment value I won't include it on the list, I'll say I'll ** = my absolute favourites and * = my compelling in some aspects, but tread with caution, and those sort of in between I'll leave alone.

Or rather, let's put it another way...* is worth a library rental or free Kindle borrow, whichever you have available, and ** is worth an actual purchase. Those without *...eh, I'll leave it to you.

The Challenge of Anne Boleyn, Hester Chapman*

Adultery, Heresy, and Desire, Amy Licence*

Raven's Widow, Adrienne Dillard**

Jane Boleyn, Julia Fox**

Among the Wolves, Lauren Mackay*

Queens of Henry VIII, David Starkey*

The Story of the Death of Anne Boleyn, Translation, Edition, and Essays by Joann DellaNeva**

The Lady Elizabeth, Alison Weir*

Renaissance Prince, Lisa Hilton*

Hunting the Falcon, John Guy & Julia Fox**

The Life & Death of Anne Boleyn, Eric Ives**

Tudors in Love, Sarah Gristwood

Tudor England: A History, Lucy Wooding**

Children of Henry VIII, John Guy*

Henry VIII by Lucy Wooding**

The Other Boleyn Girl, Philippa Gregory*

The Lady in the Tower, Alison Weir*

The Lady Anne (Book 2 of 5 of Above All Others series) by Gemma Lawrence**

Judge the Best (Book 2 of 5 of Above All Others series) by Gemma Lawrence**

Threads by Nell Gavin*

In the Shadow of Lions, Ginger Garrett*

Tarnish by Katherine Longshore*

Brazen by Katherine Longshore

Anne & Henry by Dawn Ius*

Wife after Wife by Olivia Hayfield*

The King's Mind by Christopher Rae**

The Concubine by Christopher Rae**

VIII by HM Castor

Queenbreaker by Catherine McCarran

The Tudors (2007-)**

The Lovers Who Changed History (2014)**

Anne Boleyn miniseries (2021)**

Blood, Sex & Royalty (2022)**

I Am Henry: A Compelling Novel of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII (2023)

And, do you feel your fav portrayals have influenced you in the way you write Anne and her story? Your least favorite ones, do they have an influence too? Which ones are they? Thanks

Pieces from everything influence me, Christopher Rae's and Gemma Lawrence's novels, for example, both had some of the best and credible portrayals of Henry Norris I've ever read, both in credible unrequited love (tying into, Anne's wariness thereof) that was forged into a weapon against him and for why he became such a favourite of HVIII's in the first place (would've included Jeff Lavender's thesis of Norris also, had you asked for beyond fiction and non-fiction books). The best parts of all of the above have inspired me to craft AB as a character at turns, sympathetic and unsympathetic: proud, courageous, intelligent, zealous, prudent (more in the 16c sense than 21c), fierce, jealous, sensitive, vindictive, unyielding, talented, compassionate, bold, spirited, pious, impassioned, loyal, loving ...somebody who inspired either complete devotion or implacable hatred, with very little in between, and felt comparable extremes towards her own family, friends, and adversaries.

From my least favourite...I try to remember that every choice she made was morally defensible and/or justifiable, from her own perspective, regardless of whether or not it actually was (and of course, they weren't always). I try to remember also that fear and insecurity can best explain some of her less palatable choices, as enumerated here. Basically, just that she was human and flawed, but also that there were many people personally (and often, religiously) invested in magnifying her flaws and reducing, or even outright omitting, her strengths. Obviously, that misogyny can also be a factor in some of her portrayals, is a salient remembrance to keep in mind, as well.

[teazzle]

it wouldn't be good but i have so many THOUGHTS. nothing i've found threads the needle of the tone for me. like they Hate each other at first but there are all these glimmers of 'we aren't so different, you and i' and eric being just as much of a bastard as rudyard could be so funny and endearing once you aren't in bitch eating crackers mode.

and the show ends with them kinda on the way to being actually friendly.

and the CHIRPING they would get from antigone and georgie. like rudyard remember how MUCH you hated him and rudyard shouting IKNOWSHUTUP loud enough to scare birds outside. and falling over laughing about how eric has caught feelings for every! single! person! at funn funerals.

i don't want a fic where they were secretly in love with each other for the entire time. i want a post show fic where they stop being antagonistic and then start to truly become friends and then rudyard realizes he's called chapman 'eric' in his head for a while and eric kinda blue screens when rudyard snorts at a joke and they both go oh no (now see here!)

what if the first fic i wrote is the rudyard/eric fic of my dreams? what if huh? what if

[noblehcart]

@walkingshcdow

"A vampire? Blimey. I really can't see myself liking the whole undead aspect, but then again I don't think its something most people would've chosen themselves."

[walkingshcdow-a]

Tag Drop - Eric Chapman

No ship tags, we improvise like morons.

[relevy]

Thou hast asked for olde askes and therefore I asketh: Thou hast a childe. Hast thou also the recommendationes of bookes for children?

Forsooth! Many books have I encountered in mine life’s journey with which to regail the youths!

Infant-Toddler (I recommend buying soft or hard books of these so the kiddo can manhandle them)

1. Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats - adorable story featuring the first black protagonist of a children’s book!2. Moo Baa Lalala! by Sandra Boyton - great chance for some silly voices and is a quick one if you have a little one who can’t focus long (like the 2yo I nanny lol)3. What’s Wrong Little Pookie? by Sandra Boyton - really all of her books are great but this one is a silly exchange between parent and kid with a sweet ending.4. Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina - this is one from my childhood (so I bought it right away for Mojo) the art is simply gorgeous which is great for keeping babies interested.5. Have you Seen my Cat? by Eric Carle - literally anything by Eric Carle though he is a genius. This one is just my favorite because it’s about cats :D6. Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt - another one from my childhood. This is a great sensory experience for little ones with lots to touch!7. Vegetables in Underwear by Jared Chapman - this was the first book we bought for Mojo (I mean come on I met her Dad at a grocery store) it’s goofy and silly with hilarious illustrations.

Toddler to early Elementary:

1. Stellaluna by Janelle Cannon- it’s a story about fitting in with beautiful illustrations.2. The Bear Snores On by Jane Chapman - this one has a great beat so it’s really fun to read. Funny illustrations and voice opportunities.3. Pickle Chiffon Pie by Roger Bradfield - this was my favorite book to read with my Dad. It’s a nonsensical story set in an imaginary world that flips fairytale tropes on their heads!4. The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams - I’ll admit this one might make them cry, but in a good way!5. Munschworks by Robert Munsch - this is the entire collection of his works and I can’t express how awesome they all are (plus there’s one where the protagonist is named Moira so…😎)6. The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt - great art, angry personified crayons, what’s not to like?7. Press Here by Hervé Tullet - this is a great interactive (analog via art) story to keep both you and kiddo engaged.

8. This is not My Hat by Jon Klassen - pretty dark humor for a kids book which I think is hilarious. His others are also great and similar in tone.

Mid elementary:

1. Lafcadio the Lion who shot back by Shel Silverstein - this one was a favorite of my Dad’s. It’s a story about a lion who becomes a world famous sharpshooter basically to eat marshmallows. I highly recommend all of Silverstein’s works!2. Literally any Roald Dahl.3. The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread by Kate Dicamillo - sweet story with beautiful illustrations sure to get them excited about reading longer books on their own.4. The Spiderwick Chronicles by Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black - The books themselves aren’t super long but the story is more mature and exciting while still fantastical!

[coghive]

Elias Dummer’s ‘The Work Vol. II’ Showcases Grace, Mercy & The Joy Of Collaboration

Grappling with the highs and lows of the Christian life, from disappointment and disillusion to forgiveness and hope, Juno and GMA Canada Covenant Award-winning singer/songwriter Elias Dummer delivers his much-anticipated sophomore solo set, The Work Vol. II, July 29. The 10-song recording laments the failings of humanity while ultimately amplifying God’s lavish grace—His finished work on the cross which offers new mercies each day. Dummer co-wrote the entire project and co-produced The Work Vol. II with Brent Milligan (Steven Curtis Chapman, Tauren Wells). The album also features songwriting collaborations with David Leonard; Tim Timmons; Benji Cowart; Zach Bolen (Citizens); Eric Fusilier (The City Harmonic); and Gary Rea (Land of Color), among others. Exuberant album opener “Expectation” puts Dummer’s signature style on full display as it steadily builds into a soaring chorus proclaiming the assurance of Christ’s promises, while the self-indicting “How Many Songs Does It Take To Save The World?” finds the artist pondering the motivation of his heart: “If I sing a new song, it had better be one I’m living/Not just Sunday morning/Cup of coffee, high notes, and giving/You want us faithful/We bargain for power/You want the whole thing/I offered an hour.”

“I love the Church and believe deeply in what it can and should be, but if we’re honest, we’re not doing a very good job of being that thing,” Dummer admits. “The Work Vol. II is for the disappointed who refuse to give up on Hope, whether their faith is hanging by a thread, or they have the gift of years of perspective. It’s for the hurting, who refuse to give up on mercy, knowing that we need it above all else. It’s for the tired, eager to find rest for the soul but worn out on cliches and cheap maxims. These songs are for those of us aware that while we, together, have missed the mark, Jesus remains true to His every word.” “Ultimately, this is a collection of worship songs—some for Sunday and some for Monday through Saturday,” he adds. “I made this record for myself, and people like me. These songs are prayers I needed to pray, and if you can relate to those things, this music is for you too.” The Work Vol. II is also a multi-faceted showcase of collaboration. “When my co-producer, Brent, and I first started working on this album in 2020, it was a remote process,” Dummer explains. “However, using the power of the internet, we were able to gather a virtual choir from around the world to be featured on several tracks, and one of my co-writers arranged and recorded string parts for us from Australia. When we finally went back into the studio, we were joined by some incredible musicians in person as well.” https://youtu.be/ZOoNV_nic1k Among the album’s key collaborations are “See Clearly,” a plaintive, indie-pop hymn featuring acclaimed singer/songwriter Sandra McCracken; “Kyrie Eleison (It’s Mercy We Need),” with Seattle-based Citizens; the gratitude-filled “Carry,” featuring singer/songwriter JJ Heller, and the contemplative Land of Color feature, “The Gospel Is Rest.” Elias Dummer co-founded and fronted one of Canada’s most acclaimed worship bands, The City Harmonic. As the group’s principal songwriter, he helped pen such hits as “Holy (Wedding Day)” and “Mountaintop,” as well as “Manifesto,” which served as the theme song for 2011’s National Day of Prayer. The City Harmonic earned 12 GMA Canada Covenant Awards and a Juno Award (Canada’s GRAMMY equivalent), before disbanding in 2017. Dummer released his solo debut, The Work Vol. I, in 2019 and was named Breakthrough Artist of the Year at the 2020 Covenant Awards. Both as a solo artist and with The City Harmonic, Dummer’s music has garnered more than 100 million streams to date. Read the full article

[the-kino-blog1]

Las películas seleccionadas para los Golden Globes, BAFTA, SAG y Oscars 2017-18, por estudios cinematográficos.

Paramount: 

“Downsizing” (Paramount Pictures/Annapurna Pictures) – Dec. 22

Director: Alexander Payne 

Guión: Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor

Elenco: Matt Damon, Kristen Wiig, Christoph Waltz, Neil Patrick Harris, Jason Sudeikis, Alec Baldwin, Margo Martindale

“mother!” (Paramount Pictures) – Sept. 15

Director: Darren Aronofsky

Guión: Darren Aronofsky

Elenco: Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Domhnall Gleeson, Michelle Pfeiffer, Ed Harris, Jovan Adepo

“Suburbicon” (Paramount Pictures) – Nov. 3

Director: George Clooney

Guión: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, George Clooney, Grant Heslov

Cast: Matt Damon, Julianne Moore, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin

Sony Pictures Entertainment:

“All the Money in the World” (TriStar) – Dec. 8

Director: Ridley Scott

Guión: David Scarpa

Elenco: Michelle Williams, Kevin Spacey, Mark Wahlberg, Charlie Plummer, Timothy Hutton

“Roman Israel, Esq” (Columbia) – Nov. 3

Director: Dan Gilroy

Guión: Dan Gilroy

Elenco: Denzel Washington, Colin Farrell, Carmen Ejogo

IFC Films:

“Personal Shopper” (IFC Films) – March 10

Director: Olivier Assayas

Guión: Olivier Assayas

Elenco: Kristen Stewart, Anders Danielsen Lie, Lars Eidinger

“Rebel in the Rye” (IFC Films) – Sept. 15

Director: Danny Strong

Guión: Danny Strong (based on the biography “J.D. Salinger: A Life” by Kenneth Slawenski)

Elenco: Nicholas Hoult, Zoey Deutch, Sarah Paulson, Kevin Spacey, Victor Garber, Hope Davis, Eric Bogosian, Brian d’Arcy James

Bleecker Street:

“Breathe” (Bleecker Street/Participant Media) – Oct. 13

Director: Andy Serkis

Guión: William Nicholson

Elenco: Andrew Garfield, Claire Foy, Tom Hollander, Hugh Bonneville, Dean-Charles Chapman

“Logan Lucky” (Fingerprint Releasing/Bleecker Street) – Aug. 18

Director: Steven Soderbergh

Guión: Rebecca Blunt

Elenco: Daniel Craig, Channing Tatum, Adam Driver, Katherine Waterston, Riley Keough, Sebastian Stan, Katie Holmes, Hilary Swank, Seth MacFarlane.

“The Lost City of Z ” (Amazon Studios/Bleecker Street) – April 14

Director: James Gray

Guión: James Gray (based on the book by David Grann)

Elenco: Charlie Hunnam, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Sienna Miller

“The Man Who Invented Christmas” (Bleecker Street) – Nov. 3

Director: Bharat Nalluri

Guión: Susan Coyne (based on the book of the same name by Les Standiford)

Elenco: Dan Stevens, Christopher Plummer, Jonathan Pryce

Open Road:

“Marshall” (Open Road Films) – Oct. 13

Director: Reginald Hudlin

Writers: Jacob Koskoff, Michael Koskoff

Elenco: Chadwick Boseman, Sterling K. Brown, Dan Stevens, Kate Hudson, Josh Gad, James Cromwell, Jussie Smollett

“Home Again” (Open Road Films) – Sept. 8

Director: Hallie Meyers-Shyer

Guión: Hallie Meyers-Shyer

Elenco: Reese Witherspoon, Nat Wolff, Jon Rudnitsky, Pico Alexander, Michael Sheen, Candice Bergen

Focus Features:

“The Beguiled” (Focus Features/Gramercy Pictures) – June 23

Director: Sofia Coppola

Guión: Sofia Coppola (based on the novel by Thomas Cullinan)

Elenco: Nicole Kidman, Elle Fanning, Kirsten Dunst, Colin Farrell

“Darkest Hour” (Focus Features/Working Title Films) – Nov. 24

Director: Joe Wright

Guión: Anthony McCarten

Elenco: Gary Oldman, John Hurt, Ben Mendelsohn, Lily James, Kristin Scott Thomas, Stephen Dillane

“Phantom Thread” (Annapurna Pictures/Focus Features) – Dec. 25

Director: Paul Thomas Anderson

Writer: Paul Thomas Anderson

Cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Leslie Manville, Vicky Krieps, Sarah Lamesch

“Victoria and Abdul” (Focus Features) – Sept. 22

Director: Stephen Frears

Guión: Lee Hall (based on the book by Shrabani Basu)

Elenco: Judi Dench, Ali Fazal, Olivia Williams, Michael Gambon, Eddie Izzard, Simon Callow

Fox Searchlight:

“Battle of the Sexes” (Fox Searchlight) – Sept. 22

Directors: Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris

Guión: Simon Beaufoy

Elenco: Emma Stone, Steve Carell, Elisabeth Shue, Andrea Riseborough, Alan Cumming, Sarah Silverman, Natalie Morales

“Gifted” (Fox Searchlight Pictures) – April 7

Director: Marc Webb

Guión: Tom Flynn

Elenco: Chris Evans, Jenny Slate, Octavia Spencer, Mckenna Grace

“Goodbye Christopher Robin” (Fox Searchlight Pictures) – Oct. 13

Director: Simon Curtis

Guión: Frank Cottrell Boyce, Simon Vaughan

Elenco: Domhnall Gleeson, Margot Robbie, Kelly Macdonald

“My Cousin Rachel” (Fox Searchlight Pictures) – June 9

Director: Roger Michell

Writer: Roger Michell (based on the novel by Daphne Du Maurier)

Cast: Rachel Weisz, Sam Claflin, Holliday Grainger, Iain Glen

“The Shape of Water” (Fox Searchlight Picture) – Dec. 8

Director: Guillermo del Toro

Guión: Daniel Kraus, Vanessa Taylor, Guillermo del Toro

Elenco: Michael Shannon, Octavia Spencer, Michael Stuhlbarg, Sally Hawkins, Doug Jones, Richard Jenkins

“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” (Fox Searchlight Pictures) – Nov. 10

Director: Martin McDonagh

Guión: Martin McDonagh

Elenco: Frances, McDormand, Woody Harrelson, Peter Dinklage, Abbie Cornish, Sam Rockwell, Lucas Hedges Zeljko Ivanek, John Hawkes, Clarke Peters

[podcake]

February Finds: Wooden Overcoats Review

I suppose you could say the theme for this month’s reviews are the shows I’ve known about for at least a year but I haven’t quite gotten around to discussing. I’m weird about what I choose to review and when and I can’t say I know why I slacked off on Our Fair City and Wooden Overcoats for so long. 

All I was certain of was that I wanted them to share the same space together, that they held some form of similarity I couldn’t quite shake off. Much like the past year where I grouped Hadron Gospel Hour and The Meat Blockade into a duel review month, there was some sort of connection between these two shows I can’t always phrase properly. 

I suppose the first question here is obvious: How can one create a compelling show about funeral homes? How can one create a compelling a show about competing funeral homes? I’m not entirely sure myself but the people at Audioscribble seem to have this figured out.

Wooden Overcoats is the story of  Rudyard Funn as he continues to run the a funeral parlor in the remote island of Piffling Vale alongside his socially awkward sister Antigone Funn and the hyper competent and snarky assistant Georgie Crusoe all told from the point of view from his only real friend, a mouse. 

He used to be the only one funeral parlor in town, that is until a more charming and handsome lad by the name of Eric Chapman sets up shop with his own funeral home and gains the immediate success and adoration Rudyard has been wanting for years. 

The premise is as simple as that and from it comes a surprisingly satisfying bit of comedy and conflict. The formula here is rather simple in context:  

Our protagonist struggles with feelings of superiority and the burning drive of competition in a business one he didn’t expect he’d ever have to face. His peace of being the only one of his kind in his village is disrupted and now he must deal with these budding emotions in a mature and sophisticated manor...which he doesn’t.

A large majority of humor is derived from this alone, from misunderstanding after misunderstanding, scheme after scheme, and struggle after struggle that more likely than not will end in failure. It’s one of those shows.

Wooden Overcoats relies on a brand of black comedy that threads itself throughout each and every scene. This is, after all, a show about funerals and managing businesses around them, so the death related humor here is inevitable, made all the more poignant by it’s rather quirky cast of characters. 

This makes an excellent way to present the show’s central premise without overwhelming the viewer, never letting the weight of its topic be handled too seriously. It turns the morbidity of death on its head with quick witted banter and very off-the-wall, very British experience. 

What with all the horror podcasts out there, it’s nice to have an audio drama that takes the bleakness of death and despair and pokes a little fun at it. And for that, it’s rather refreshing. 

In terms of presentation, Wooden Overcoats is one of the best you’ll find. I’ve been bringing up audio editing lately, though I can’t emphasize enough how good craftsmanship can make or break a show.

Wooden Overcoats has a much more simple display and setting than Our Fair City though both are poignant in their editing for the same reasons. They’re both well aware of their setting and mood and know how to make it known in each and every scene.

Good and clever writing is all fine and dandy but it’s delicate packaging that really makes the effort matter. The same could be said for voice acting which is, once again, a detail that may seem small but makes all the difference whether a not a punchline lands. Wooden Overcoats succeeds in this area as well, every one of the actors seeming to be thoroughly enjoying themselves and clearly having a blast.

When the voice actors are having fun, we as an audience are having fun and that makes the experience all the more intimate which I think is especially vital for a show meant to make you laugh. 

And there is something oddly humorous about the position our characters are in, how they desperately thrive to get as many caskets filled as they can in their small village, eagerly awaiting for a cough to become a heart attack and for an old man to reach their final moments all for the sake of making a profit. This may or may not make the leads seem unsympathetic or simply unlikable, but I suppose this is all a matter of perspective.

Without the funeral home gig and the whole managing a business excuse, Rudyard would possibly be a psychopath. He’s a typical unsympathetic comedy protagonist trope and that may or may not be your thing when it comes to a main character. 

I suppose the main issue with Overcoats could be its characters in general. They are most certainly enjoyable in a comedic setting but not much else, making any possible changes of tone feel awkward. Not that they aren’t engaging, they just don’t really provoke...well, sympathy.

And sympathy might be a crucial point when you see our lead constantly being screwed over by his own desperation. He’s almost always the loser which is a formula that is certainly entertaining, but can get stale when its put on repeat. 

That might just be the joke and I’ve listened to much more dark comedies with odder characters that are legitimate murderers and manipulators, but there’s always the underlying issue of the comedy and tragedy combo could easily evoke apathy from the audience. 

Sometimes a character can simply be too pathetic, too petty, too simply awful to truly care about the struggles of, even if it is the underlying point to their suffering. And that’s what most of my favorite comedies seem to have in common: this sense of suffering. 

In 2014 you could never get me to shut up about Kakos Industries, to this day I still consider Hadron Gospel Hour to be one of the funniest podcasts out there, and The Meat Blockade is a piece of highly underappreciated Kafkaesque inspired passion put into form. 

And what do all these shows have in common? They’re about people being put into compromising scenarios, some of which they concoct themselves, and having to find a way out. Overcoats doesn’t have the same scheme of a fantastical setting or supernatural forces beyond the unpredictability of life and a mouse narrator, but it has the same idea nonetheless. 

I am an avid fan of comedy audio drama but only a fraction of what I’ve found has managed to make me laugh out loud. Wooden Overcoats has squeezed itself into this rare category of the comedy audio drama that generates genuine, cheerful laughter from its listeners. 

I’m talking laughs that start in the belly and blow air out of your nose and there’s nothing better than consuming episode after episode just to get more of this contagious humor in your system. 

A personal show of quality in my book, for a podcast at least, is the need to keep listening. If a podcast can master the art of becoming the audio version of a “page-turner”, than their mission has been well accomplished. 

While The Penumbra musters this through interesting cases and a stand-out setting and Wolf 359 has its excellent drama, Wooden Overcoats is simply what it sets out to be: funny.

So I highly recommenced giving Wooden Overcoats a peak. You might just die laughing. 

[the-book-queen]

Hide your wallets, it’s that time again! #TBQsBookDeals Your Friday thread of #romancedeals is ready, FREE to $1.99. Happy shopping! 📚❤

    FREE ✦ Santa Baby by Taryn Quinn

1st POV. 4 books w/ surprise baby plots. Heroes include: millionaire, mechanic, and race car driver. Tropes include: Vegas trip with a frenemy and the heroine is his son's teacher.

#ContemporaryRomance (MF) | https://amzn.to/3oomVEC 

$0.99 ✦ Howl for the Holidays by Tasha Black

5 novellas. Includes bear, wolf, and dragon shifters.

#ParanormalRomance (MF) | https://amzn.to/3ojIshL 

$1.99 ✦ Common Goal by Rachel Reid

Age gap. Eric is an older hockey goaltender, ready for retirement. Kyle is a grad student currently working as a bartender.

Catnip: sex lessons ;) 

TBQ Rec

#ContemporaryRomance (MM) | https://amzn.to/3mF6uTZ 

$1.99 ✦ Charmed by His Love by Janet Chapman

There's a lot of magic and time travel stuff in this family, IIRC. He runs a construction crew (roads, etc). She's a widow with children, has a family "black widow" curse on her.

#ParanormalRomance (MF) | https://amzn.to/2JvKOeI 

$1.99 ✦ The Forever Christmas Tree by Sandra Hill

Second chance. He's a grumpy Christmas tree farmer. She's returning from a tour as a Navy SEAL.

#ContemporaryRomance (MF) | https://amzn.to/37vcNDj 

 Putting these lists together takes time. If you appreciate this content, please consider buying me a Ko-Fi. http://ko-fi.com/danielletbq 

[eddycurrents]

For the week of 1 October 2018

You can read a full review of the excellent first issue of Rainbow Brite here.

Quick Bits:

A Walk Through Hell #5 concludes the first arc, showing us what happened to the other agent in the warehouse, and giving a bit of closure to what happened in Carnahan investigation. This is some of the darkest, creepiest stuff I’ve seen from Garth Ennis and he’s got plenty of good horror out there. Perfectly brought to life by Goran Sudžuka and Ive Svorcina.

| Published by AfterShock

Asgardians of the Galaxy #2 is more entertaining cosmic fare, reminding me a bit of some of the bizarre cosmic quests Marvel used to publish back in the 80s and 90s. Particularly some old Silver Surfer and Warlock & The Infinity Watch. It’s hard to qualify that feeling, but it’s welcome in the story. The artwork from Matteo Lolli and Federico Blee continues to be top notch.

| Published by Marvel

Batman/The Maxx: Arkham Dreams #1 is weird, but what else would you expect from The Maxx? Beautiful art here from Sam Kieth, with a softer, almost watercolour like colour style from Ronda Pattison.

| Published by IDW & DC Comics

Battlestar Galactica (Classic) #0 is a free preview of the next volume of the series from John Jackson Miller, Daniel HDR, Natalia Marques, and Taylor Esposito. I’ve like quite a bit of Miller’s Star Wars work, and despite not particularly caring for the original BSG, this isn’t bad. The artwork from HDR and Marques is very nice, both in terms of the likenesses and in the level of detail that the pair are putting into the ships and starfields.

| Published by Dynamite

Blackbird #1 is off to a good start, giving us a mix of magic and kind of a more grounded coming of age story. The artwork is a huge draw, with Jen Bartel, Paul Reinwand, and Nayoung Wilson delivering something that feels a bit like Kris Anka’s work in Runaways and Jamie McKelvie and Matthew Wilson’s in The Wicked + The Divine. Somewhere between reality and imagination.

| Published by Image

Champions #25 kicks off a trip to Weirdworld for the team as they search for where Man-Thing carried off Sam and Nadia, allowing Jim Zub to play around in his fantasy wheelhouse, and giving Sean Izaakse and Max Dunbar to show off some really nice art and designs. The shift into fantasy is really well done, adapting the Champions into the setting through the method of transit there, rather than the more typical straight forward delivery. It gives an interesting counterpoint to the earlier Deadpool #4 and this week’s Weapon H #8 in their own use of Weirdworld.

| Published by Marvel

Dead Rabbit #1 is probably the best crime series debut I’ve read since Hot Lunch Special #1, and this is really damn good. Gerry Duggan and John McCrea create a very compelling lead in Martin Dobbs, the former Dead Rabbit, a retired masked thief now working at a Walmart analogue. McCrea, with colours from Mike Spicer, employs a more restrained form of his usual exaggerated style here and it is gorgeous, fitting the dark reality and gravity of the story.

| Published by Image

Death of the Inhumans #4 has a huge revelation that somehow makes everything worse. Yes, worse than killing Lockjaw. Donny Cates, Ariel Olivetti, Jordie Bellaire, and Clayton Cowles continue the blows coming, even as the Inhuman royal family and Beta Ray Bill attempt to get a modicum of retribution against Vox and the Kree.

| Published by Marvel

Death Orb #1 is off to an interesting start, laying heavy into the post-apocalyptic feel of things like Mad Max and Akira, with a sword of Damocles hanging high above the remaining people’s heads. It’s a familiar world that Ryan Ferrier and Alejandro Aragon have created here, but it’s compelling, making me wonder what more is there for the characters.

| Published by Dark Horse

Deathstroke #36 kicks off the “Arkham” arc. This is the first issue of this volume of Deathstroke I’ve read, but it flows really well for a new reader, even if you only have a passing knowledge of the various villains in Arkham Asylum. It reads very much in Priest’s style, with scenes broken down by title cards, sections working almost as discrete vignettes at times, and a nice amount of humour thrown in for god measure. Great art from Ed Benes, Fernando Pasarin, Richard Friend, Jason Paz, Wade von Grawbadger, and Jeromy Cox. Although the requisite backstory is provided in text, I’m definitely tempted to go back and read the rest of the series to see what I’ve missed.

| Published by DC Comics

Euthanauts #3 is another transcendental experience from Tini Howard, Nick Robles, Eva De La Cruz, and Neil Uyetake. The artwork from Robles and De La Cruz is incredible, with amazing layouts, panel transitions, and character designs that just pull you into the story that the entire creative team is telling.

| Published by IDW / Black Crown

Giant Days #43 continues the very weird Christmas-themed issues surrounding the Winter Village. Weird in that it’s strange to be reading about Christmas in October, but it’s still chock full of the humour and adroit depiction of university life that the series usually is.

| Published by Boom Entertainment / BOOM! Box

House Amok #2 is a solid follow-up to what has been one of the best first issues this year. Christopher Sebela, Shawn McManus, Lee Loughridge, and Aditya Bidikar have something here that is incredibly different and very compelling for everything else published right now. This issue relays the family’s descent into madness and it’s a fascinating look at how everything can go wrong. Like a cult in microcosm. 

| Published by IDW / Black Crown

Iron Fist #1 is the third of Marvel’s new double-sized digital original ongoing series to be released. Like Jessica Jones and Luke Cage before it, this is very good. Somewhat surprisingly, this one’s a horror story. Clay McLeod Chapman, Guillermo Sanna, Lee Loughridge, and Travis Lanham tap into some Chinese folklore for the antagonist and set up an interesting quandary that borrows elements from Idle Hands and Ash vs. The Army of Darkness.

| Published by Marvel

Jook Joint #1 is a very dark book, tapping into themes of sexual assault, domestic abuse, and horrific, but likely justified, retribution. Understandably, some will find this first issue difficult, not just for the violence, but for the subject matter, but I think presentations of this kind of horror, bringing a mirror up to our darker natures, is necessary and important to tell. Tee Franklin, Alitha E. Martinez, Shari Chankhamma, and Taylor Esposito have something interesting here.

| Published by Image

The Last Siege #5 is a bit of turning point for the series, and quite possibly the best issue to date in a series of best issues. The tone and presentation changes as our stranger gets a name, and a backstory, and it’s very well told. Landry Q. Walker, Justin Greenwood, Brad Simpson, and Patrick Brosseau really step up this issue and I’d highly recommend it even if you’ve not been reading since the beginning. 

| Published by Image

The Lollipop Kids #1 is one of the most beautiful books on the stands this week, with absolutely beautiful artwork from Diego Yapur and DC Alonso. The colour work and depth to the characters is just stunning.

| Published by AfterShock

The Lone Ranger #1 begins an interesting story here of land rights and the introduction of gentrification and eminent domain in Texas. Exactly the kind of thing that you’d expect from Mark Russell. There’s still a great deal of action, though, ably delivered from Bob Q, who’s proving here that he’s just as adept at the old American West as he is at WWII England.

| Published by Dynamite

Paradiso #8 brings the “Dark Dwellers” arc to a close, even though it sets up much more for the next arc with a particularly harrowing cliffhanger. I love how Ram V and Devmalya Pramanik are telling this story, with ample routes for failure, deception, and characters taking wrong turns. This world isn’t happy, is incredibly flawed, and it shines through in the nuanced storytelling.

| Published by Image

Redlands #7 returns after more than half a year and it was well worth the wait. The opening to this next arc continues the plot threads that have been established and points to something new with the arrival of the sisters’ father. Jordie Bellaire, Vanesa Del Rey, and Clayton Cowles drop us right back into the deep end of this layered and compelling horror.

| Published by Image

Sparrowhawk #1 is great. It’s a new fantasy in the vein of Alice in Wonderland, but with faeries and a much darker tone, from Delilah S. Dawson, Matias Basla, and Jim Campbell. I love the artwork from Matias Basla, who has a style not dissimilar to Eduardo Risso and Matías Bergara, and it works so incredibly well for dark fantasy.

| Published by BOOM! Studios

Spook House 2 #1 is a welcome return, delivering up a new limited series chock full of off-beat, irreverent, and humorous mostly all ages horror stories, just in time for Halloween. This first issue offers four; a tale each from Steve Mannion and Eric Powell, each handling full creative duties themselves, then a go-kart satire of Stephen King’s Christine, by Powell, Jake Smith, and Warren Montgomery, and a take on Swamp Thing dedicated to the memory of Bernie Wrightson and Len Wein, from Powell, Kyle Hotz, and Montgomery. This last one is probably the best of the book and nicely captures the tone and feel of a muck-encrusted monster, with great art from Hotz and Montgomery. 

| Published by Albatross Funnybooks

The Superior Octopus #1 is the last stop on the ride before Spider-Geddon proper begins and also serves as a bit of a preview of the forthcoming resurrected Superior Spider-Man series from this same team of Christos Gage and Mike Hawthorne (with Wade von Grawbadger, Jordie Bellaire, and Clayton Cowles - though I don’t know if they’ll also be on that book). It’s good. The art from Hawthorne, von Grawbadger, and Bellaire is great as expected and Gage has the voice of Octavius down pat.

| Published by Marvel

These Savage Shores #1 is the third brilliant debut from Vault in these past two weeks, and is quite possibly the best first issue of a series this year. This comic is brilliant, in form, style, structure, and execution. Ram V, Sumit Kumar, Vittorio Astone, and Aditya Bidikar don’t just knock this one out of the park, it’s a hit gone from the stratosphere.  Most of this team collaborated before on Ruin of Thieves to tell a wonderful story there, with Astone the newcomer on colours, and the result is an excellent creative team to give seamless storytelling.

This is horror, mixed with adventure, playing with the vampire, Indian folktales, colonial expansionism into India, and more coming together into one brilliant package. The fact that it’s mostly told through an epistolary format is the perfect homage to Dracula, but it also gives us an incredible moment later that helps turn those conventions on their ear. And the art is absolutely gorgeous. Kumar and Astone are just incredible. The art is lush, even as it embraces a formalist structure in variations on nine panel grids, mixing what you’d possibly consider the order of the European world with the natural feel of India’s jungles.

Like Fearscape and Friendo, you do not want to sleep on this series. Highly, highly recommended.

| Published by Vault

Typhoid Fever: Spider-Man #1 is another limited series of specials similar to the recent Wakanda Forever, spotlighting in this case Typhoid Mary, who seems to undergo a bit of a powers change and a new personality development. It’s the second series being written by Clay McLeod Chapman this week, again giving an interesting different perspective to the storytelling, this time incorporating breaks into delusional fantasies of soap operas. Nice art from Stefano Landini and Rachelle Rosenberg.

| Published by Marvel

Umbrella Academy: Hotel Oblivion #1 is a very welcome return after almost a decade. It hits the same notes of weird and action that I’d expect from Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá (with colours from Nick Filardi and letters from Nate Piekos). It is, however, probably about as new reader friendly as reading The Return of the King first. I mean, I’ve read the previous series, loved them, and I’m looking to go back and re-read them because I’m sure I’ve missed things. This issue does nothing to help readers to get reacquainted or caught up on what’s come before.

| Published by Dark Horse

What If...? Spider-Man #1 is among the first of 2018′s volley of What If...? stories. There doesn’t seem to be any particular theme this year, though, just embracing the standard variety of alternate reality formula. Possibly because it’s been three years since the last batch. This one takes on What if Flash Thompson Became Spider-Man? It’s not a half bad story from Gerry Conway, very much taking on the traditional type of morality tale, with some nice art from Diego Olortegui, Walden Wong, and Chris O’Halloran.

| Published by Marvel

Other Highlights: Archie #699, Barbarella #10, Black AF: Widows & Orphans #3, Black Crown Quarterly #4, Cloak & Dagger #5, Cosmic Ghost Rider #4, Dark Souls: Age of Fire #4, Deep Roots #4, Doctor Strange #6, DuckTales #13, Eclipse #11, Errand Boys #1, James Bond: Origin #2, Jim Henson’s Beneath the Dark Crystal #3, The Magic Order #4, Noble #12, Paper Girls #25, Spawn #290, Star Wars #55, Star Wars Adventures: Tales from Vader’s Castle #1, Taarna #3, Thief of Thieves #41, TMNT: Macroseries - Donatello #1, Tomb Raider: Inferno #4, Tony Stark: Iron Man #4, War Bears #2

Recommended Collections: Analog - Volume 1: Death by Algorithm, Complete Angel Catbird, Avengers - Volume 1: Final Host, Avengers/Doctor Strange: Rise of the Darkhold, Conspiracy of Ravens, The Dead Hand - Volume 1: Cold War Relics, Doctor Strange - Volume 2: City of Sin, Eternal Empire - Volume 2, The Gravediggers Union - Volume 2, Harrow County - Volume 8: Done Come Back, Hellstorm Omnibus, Manifest Destiny - Volume 6, Me the People, Rough Riders - Volume 3: Ride or Die, The Wicked + The Divine - Volume 7: Mothering Invention, Wrath

d. emerson eddy thinks you should probably look out for more new and exciting--okay, maybe just new--things in the near and/or distant future. Like cars. Please, don’t play in traffic.

[mpare5]

Enter darkened room…

Sit, face an eerie grass green iridescent set

Does it hint at where dead bunny will lay beneath?

For tis below the surface he arises

Hence the mayhem begins…

Opinionated Review

A cast so talented (and multi-charactered) they would be met with success from every school in the country – familiar with My Dead Bunny. A production so in-sync, so tight, so well-rehearsed there would be repeat theatre goers. The depth of talent is one well appreciated within the intimacy of such a personal space.

Director Timothy Wynn and Illustrator James Foley

Before the mayhem begins

From book to Play in Ipswich

Archie Horneman-Wren, as the boy, has a voice and a talent which will be noticed as he progresses within this career path. If he’s not noticed, then they be deaf and blind.

Left: Timothy Wynn (director), Archie (the boy) with bunny, and James Foley (Illustrator)

His Mum, Keziah Dos Santos (Zombie Trio/Joan/Fluffy) and his Dad, Will Boyd (Roadkill Bill/Willard the Worm/Samuel), spot on, as the overprotective parents who don’t believe their son’s concerns. They soon do, and hence you are instantly journeying with the trio. His sister, Indigo Macrokanis (Stan/Zombie Trio/Bellboy), fabulous, as one of those annoying, eye-rolling sisters who don’t give their brothers the time of day – until it is too late for her. Then she played Stan, one of the boy’s best friends, who later tangled with her zombie pet cat, Fluffy. I reiterate again, behold the depth of a multi-talented cast.

The infamous Bunny Brad as Gary Farmer-Trickett (Weyland the Worm) was so convincing that a young boy was sent crying – for alas his cute cuddly bunny had been replaced with a 6 foot grubby white, grass stained zombie bunny. I wasn’t far behind, but held onto my seat for it was threatening to leave without me. Jermia Turner (Zombie Trio/Doctor/Connie) as Billy, one of the boy’s best friends had a pet before becoming Roxanne, the zombie dog. And Narrator, Bradley Chapman, was the thread that pulled the front of stage seamlessly together.

The ‘behind the scenes’ creative talenteds have deftly adapted this book as a play. Playwrights Timothy Wynn (Director and Producer) and Cassandra Ramsay (Creative Producer) with music and lyrics by Lizzie Flynn are the stainless nut and bolts who have lifted the words from the page onto the stage. Further adding to their success is Assistant Director and Make-Up artist, Nick Smith, Stage Manager, Courtney Mayhew for without them the performers and stage would be a blank screen. Hence, Production Designer, Raymond Milner and Choreographer, Mara Glass have brought the set and characters to life. And without the Sound Designer, MSG and Instruments arranged and played by Alex Neil – you would hear nought.

It premiered at the Story Arts Festival Ipswich (SAFI) on 9 September, 2017.

This production is based on the book by Sigi Cohen and illustrator by James Foley. Adapted for the stage by playwrights Cassandra Ramsay and Timothy Wynn with music and lyrics by Lizzie Flynn. 

It was a pleasure to see the cast and crew with illustrator James Foley as their opportunity for a shared camaraderie.

* I have added the information below for I believe it is not the last you will see of this talented cast, production team and crew.

By That Production Company

MY DEAD BUNNY A brand new hare-raising musical adventure!

Artistic Director Timothy Wynn

After his pet bunny Brad perishes in an electrifying accident, a young Boy struggles to say goodbye, but following a bizarre chain of events, it would seem that Bunny Brad’s journey isn’t quite over.

Odd odours, eerie earthworms, and strange shadows can only mean one thing – there’s an undead bunny going bump in the night. But with a cast of eccentric doctors, bizarre besties, creepy crawlies, peculiar parents, silly sisters, and ghoulish guests… defeating the undead may be a little tricky.

Delight in this new hare-raising musical adventure for the whole family bringing the creepy and hilarious picture book by Sigi Cohen and James Foley to life (in a deliciously zombie kind of way).

Created by THAT Production Company, the team behind the stage adaptations of The Tuckshop Kid and Eric Vale Epic Fail, this new premiere will thrill audiences of all ages.

You’ll be hopping mad if you miss out on this zombie rabbit tale – book now.

EVENT DETAILS Dates & Times: 7.30pm nightly + 11am & 2pm Sat 9 Sep Venue: Studio 188 (188 Brisbane St, Ipswich) Tickets: Adults $30, Concession/Youth (under30) $27, Child $20 Support THAT Pro Co and purchase a TPC Supporter Ticket: $100, includes cast recording & print program

Presented by THAT Production Company Premiering as part of the Story Arts Festival Ipswich (SAFI)Based on the book by Sigi Cohen and illustrated by James Foley published by Walker Books Australia Pty. Ltd Adapted for the stage by Cassandra Ramsay and Timothy Wynn with music and lyrics by Lizzie FlynnTHE CREATIVE TEAM: Follow us on Facebook to meet them all in the coming weeks!

CAST

The Boy – Archie Horneman-Wren Sister/Stan/Zombie Trio/Bellboy – Indigo Macrokanis Dad/Roadkill Bill/Willard the Worm/Samuel – Will Boyd Mum/Zombie Trio/Joan/Fluffy – Keziah Dos Santos Billy/Zombie Trio/Doctor/Connie – Jermia Turner Bunny Brad/Weyland the Worm – Gary Farmer-Trickett The Narrator – Bradley Chapman

CREATIVES

Director / Producer / Playwright: Timothy Wynn Creative Producer / Playwright: Cassandra Ramsay Assistant Director / Make-Up: Nick Smith Stage Manager: Courtney Mayhew Production Designer: Raymond Milner Choreographer: Mara Glass Sound Designer: MSG Songs and Lyrics by: Lizzie Flynn Instruments arranged and played by: Alex Neil

SUPPORTERS

Cast recording supported by the The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF), a partnership between Queensland Government and Ipswich City Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.

This production has received financial support via a community donation from Cr Andrew Antoniolli.

THAT Production Company would also like to thank the support of Walker Books Australia Pty Ltd.

Illustration by James Foley

Kid Friendly (not sure about this – for one child exited stage left distraught that cute, cuddly Bunny Brad was no longer – thus transformed into a… )

Over My Dead Bunny Enter darkened room... Sit, face an eerie grass green iridescent set Does it hint at where dead bunny will lay beneath?

[noblehcart]

"just thought i’d drop by to say no hard feelings." Rudyard @ Eric when there are definitely hard feelings

"Alright, what's going on." He tried to be his friend he really did. Day in and day out he was still trying to make things good and well between them. He helped the community, bantered with Angitone, helped with Madeline's book and well...Georgie was a bit of a lost cause but he knew it was completely on his end. Though he still continued to try to win her back to being just friends. A hopeless cause he knew, but the fighting spirit in his chest just wouldn't let him give up now.

Same stubborn fighting spirit he knew Rudyard had. He knew that man would allegedly 'loathe' him for the rest of their tenure on the island and he looked forward to the challenge of winning over the most stubborn man on the island to be his friend.

No hard feelings. He knew the Funns better than that. He knew Rudyard better than that- he always did rather have the tendency to celebrate just a bit too early. "You're being nice and while its a lovely change, especially if you listened to those cassettes I sent over about having a more cheerful attitude, they were on the best seller's list in Holland you know. Six months. I got to take a press tour through out the country for a bit and did a stint in the Netherlands to kick it off across Europe."

He sighed one hand on his hip. "Anyways, where was I? Oh right. You're being nice and I know you don't like to be nice. Especially not to me, so what do you have up your sleeve now, Rudyard? Besides, Madeline of course."

[noblehcart]

@walkingshcdow     

     "Oh, what in bloodly hell are you doing here?" From the moment Eric Chapman stepped onto Piffling did the world of one man's life began to fall apart. He was the end of life as he knew it for this one man.  His perfect little established world had been wrecked by one man and one many only. Eric Chapman. 

And the life that Eric Chapman had ruined was Piffling's own Eric Chapman. 

There was a reason why Eric Chapman didn't share anything about his past a long time ago simply because he didn't have one. One that was his own at least. The man Piffling knew as Eric Chapman was looking at another Eric Chapman who wasn't happy to see the other either. Aaron Chapman had lived in the shadow of his older brother Eric since the moment of birth one and a half minutes later. One would think there wouldn't be favoritism with twins, but he was ever so aware of the golden halo that sat on his older brother's head. Eric was always the good son. He did everything right and Aaron always managed to screw everything up. 

The one thing Aaron had been good at was pretending and tricking though he could never pull one over on Eric. Tom Sawyer had been an inspiration with the picket fence and he took the lesson to heart from then on and waited for the perfect moment to finally pull the perfect con on his brother Eric.As soon as he heard that Eric's latest stint would take him out to Bangladesh for a few years he knew that the perfect opportunity sat right before him. Granted it took a few months to get the stint going, but it would be worth it. 

Start a new life in his brother's name and titles. Being a funeral director wasn't his dream job, but it was a good cover and he found the perfect little island isolated from most technology to fall for his little scheme. What he hadn't anticipated was falling for the greatest trip up in most schemes.

Falling for his own trap. 

Piffling Vale had managed to dig its quirky little way into his heart and he found himself caring more and more for the people on the isle. There had been many times he had nearly told the mayor and the people the truth of the situation. That he was not Eric Chapman, but in fact Eric's twin brother, Aaron. Somehow something would always stop him, mostly it being his own heart, guilt and selfish need to keep what was good going on for a little while longer.

Next month, he'd promise himself, I'll tell them next month. Next month never came for one reason or another till now that Eric Chapman waltzed into Piffling Vale like the devil that he was. "Last I heard Bangladesh was on lockdown for another year with the political revolution going on. You shouldn't be here, Eric."

[noblehcart]

❛ i shall be clever, & i shall not let him go. ❜ - Masha about the Eric and Erskine debacle.

@walkingshcdow

     “i think you’re the cleverest woman in the galaxy...” He knew he needed to tread careful ground here before for the first time he saw a new look across her features. Eric Chapman had seen many expressions across Masha Voronina’s face and he loved every single one. He had his favorites, but this was not one of them. This was one of panic. One of frustration and fear. 

Worst of all it was one of sheer determination.

Swallowing thickly he reached to take her hands in his and draw her attention to him. “ i don’t want him to leave either, but the Erskine has every right to ask for someone to take their lost crew member’s place. the last thing the Volya needs is to start an intergalactic incident with the Marelian’s ship. they’re one of the most powerful families in any galaxy across space...there is a reason why i left. you can’t just cross them or abandon post for no reason.”

Suddenly he felt his chest tighten as he struggled to find the words to say what needed to be said. Find something to soften the blow, but all his training and experience left him floundering for the words that weren’t empty platitudes for easy reassurance. So instead his hands gently rubbed up and down her arms as he said the words he didn’t want to say. “ you need to let him go. he agreed to go, masha. him going will help sell the fact that i died- its- its taking the responsibility for the alleged crime and taking any suspicion off the volya. he’s protecting us....its what stefan does best. “

[noblehcart]

@remainedso

"Here we are. My health records, vaccine booklet from the UK and latest lab records though those were done quite a few years back. I lived on this tiny village in the British isles and well...the health system wasn't the best. Tried as I might to help it along, but ah well..." Was the slightly breathy laugh as he pushed the documents closer to the doctor, one hand rubbing at his neck remembering how chaotic that period of his life went.

"I just need a general physical, but otherwise I'm in peak health. Former MI6 member now wanting to retire here in the states." He didn't know why he felt anxious. Maybe he just wanted it all to go well. To start fresh. Or maybe it was just the pretty doctor eyeing him odd that set usually steely nerves twitching.