#// but the pacing and the manner in which they tell the overall story. which they're clearly making up as they go. is just.... rough

[vendettavalor]

// Thinking about it again today so I'mma just barf out some thoughts I have- I know the primary theory that Ollie is actually The Prototype comes from the fact that the Prototype is able to mimic voices. And while that does make sense, I think that's really the tip of the iceberg.

// Speaking to Poppy, she never directly mentions that either she or Kissy have met Ollie in person. And while it's possible they have, that feels like something she would elaborate more on. When we meet Kissy, Poppy explains that Home Sweet Home makes her tense and doesn't hesitate to introduce us and establish that Kissy is a friend. She at least tells us a bit about Kissy, albeit briefly given the circumstances. That not something she does with Ollie. It comes across as if she doesn't actually know him or know what to say about him. And while you could argue that's also about as reliable as the first thought, I do have one more thought that's been nagging at me.

// The premise behind the factory's scientific experimentation was to turn children into toys. Presumably, this is because the thought process was "who could better serve as a child's playmate and companion than another child?" The Bigger Bodies experiment was an extension of this, and we know that because we have evidence in the case of Theodore Grambell, a young boy who was turned into CatNap. With that in mind, we know then that it's likely that all the Smiling Critters and toys in general were either children who were turned into toys, or (as is seen in the case of Bron), workers who were turned into toys. Either way, enough time has passed between the Hour of Joy incident and the time when the game takes place that all the children in the toys would now be adults. We can hear that when we encounter DogDay in the Playcare- he sounds a lot more like a grown man than his more childish cardboard cutout. (It's also noted that Theodore was 7 when he turned into CatNap and by the time the game takes place, he would be around 22, confirming this.)

// All that to say, there are no more children in the Playtime Co. factory. Whether as survivors or as toys. The only way for someone to sound as young as Ollie does (~10) would be if they were a recording, an imitation, or someone who snuck into the factory and got trapped looking for evidence of an event they likely weren't even alive for when it took place. Or, they were born in the factory from someone who managed to survive a few years - which is really stretching it. This isn't a foolproof thought either, of course. There are other factors to consider. For example: could they actually be a toy and just have a voicebox as part of the transfer process as is hinted with Catnap? It's possible. But that doesn't square with how Mommy LongLegs and DogDay sound then. CatNap is confirmed to have a voicebox, and by that logic, so would DogDay. But DogDay still just sounds like an adult. Alternatively, you could argue that Poppy sounds like a child and I'd be inclined to agree. Her voice does sound young but to me personally, she doesn't sound like a child. She does not use words the way a child would. She's a lot more eloquent and straight-forward in how she speaks, versus Ollie who uses the terms ouchies and boo-boos.

// Again, this theory is far from full-proof and I'm sure Mob Entertainment is gonna pull some weird twist about Ollie using some strange bit of lore that we don't already have to try and patch the giant holes in the plot and explain things. But this idea has been in my mind for a few days now and I just wanted to write it out. I agree with the idea that Ollie is actually the Prototype - just for a different reason than most people think. And if I'm wrong, I hope then that my second theory is true, and that Ollie is actually Bobby BearHug-

[doomedship]

The most concerning thing to me is that they had all this momentum and excitement in between the seasons for Chenford, and they knew they needed some fresh energy with Jackson’s departure, and this is what they did with it. Adding Bailey as a series regular just highlights to me that they are not aware or don’t care what the fans actually want from the show. Chenford is visibly on the back burner for a bunch of storylines that appeared out of nowhere and while we can all hope, there’s really no indication that they have any plans to get them together any time this season.

Yeup, I feel your pain on this. It's not the end point that I'm disgruntled with, because I do think eventually Chenford will get together. The issue is more the manner in which they do it. The overall story they're telling, which is lacklustre at times and nonsensical at others.

The time skip took us from a heated Chenford series of events right back to neutral all over again. The build up has started basically from scratch. Episodes 2-5 were back to snippets of banter at work. Nothing outside the station, nothing more than very loose flirtation. Odd conversations (babies) that don't at all fit with where we expect them to be at this point in time. It was, as you say, a waste of momentum, possibly deliberately as they've ultimately never wanted to commit to doing Chenford properly.

It makes for an uneven, lumpy narrative where one second they seem on the brink of getting together, and then the next it's like they have literally never once considered one another as a romantic prospect.

I do still think there's a reasonably good chance they will progress by the end of this season, because I can't imagine it's not on the producers' minds that this show is probably getting towards the end of its life. And I suspect they are aware that Chenford is a big and vocal section of the show's fans - the writing of their interactions has seemed excessively deliberate to me lately. As if each writer is told, add *something* Chenford, just to keep them happy. It's not enough to actually go anywhere until Alexi says jump, but I think they're at least aware.

But the fact that we're effectively still at square one with the relationship 100% unacknowledged by everyone means that if it happens this season, it could well be weirdly jarring rather than natural. That would almost be more upsetting than not happening and it is my big fear.

On Bailey. I suppose they know romance is generally a popular part of any show. Introducing her was a low risk alternative to a Chenford romance storyline. She had no other role on the show, so nothing to lose. She gives Nolan, whose role I suspect they're worried about diminishing given Nathan Fillion's standing, something to do. And don't forget lots of viewers of the show do like Nolan, and do like Bailey.

We are always at risk of reinforcing one another's assumptions that all anyone cares about is the thing we ourselves choose to look at on social media.

Having said that, Bailey is a weak narrative device thus far, very deus ex machina landing in Nolan's lap to complete his life or whatever. For me she will only be redeemed as a character if they do something unexpected with her (serial killer would be super jokes). Otherwise, she's just a male fantasy insert and like too many characters on the show, suffers from having no discernible flaws.

Sorry this got so long. Tldr: yes it's annoying they keep flip flopping on Chenford pacing, no Bailey isn't a good character.

[cedion]

Welp I finished the third act of the game, only left are the guys happy ends (except Yves I finished him) and that's it. Short rant on Ankou and the overall game, major spoilers under cut (don't read if you don't want to be spoiled!!)

I am so so so so sad and frustrated with how his route turned out to be. He and Adolf share the entire third act with one another. Third Act being the true route basically, he already doesn't have much of an appearance in the third act it's mostly taken up by plot revelations and new character introductions (lol) also Adolf takes most of the screentime together with the other characters. That is my first gripe, not enough Ankou I was honestly a tad annoyed with how little time Ceres gets with him ALONE. And then the whole entire plot line revealed itself and it turns out Ankou is Adolf but from the past so they're technically the same person. Here is my second gripe. I hate that trope. I really really do because it undermines the individual characters, Ankou is no longer Ankou he is now past!Adolf with a new appearance and I can't stand it. Yes hints were being dropped in the beginning that they might be the same person but due to Ankou suffering through countless of decades alone his personality changed, his speaking mannerisms changed, of course his appearance changed and he was given a completely new name. I don't like when characters like that turn out to be the exact same person as an existing character. And let me tell you, Ankou doesn't really have a "route" he really is just a plot device to help Adolf get together with Ceres and to resolve the entire curse issue. He does not have a happy end with Ceres, he has a despair end (haha yaaay..... Like we needed more of that) which honestly just made me want to die even more inside. His entire storyline is very tragic and sad but I really loved the tiny bits of interactions we got between him and Ceres and I understand why they technically can't be together but it's so fucking cruel to throw him in there as a "route" when he really isn't.

I'm used to games which focuses more on story and tragedy than on romance. But shuuen no Virche for me has 1 fatal flaw, there is no impact of tragedy if you didn't let us get attached to the characters or couples in this case, there is so much plot shenanigans and sub characters who get sob stories left and right, there is barely any time for Ceres to DEVELOP her relationship with a guy. This is still an otome game, the only route who truly delivered was Yves, he was perfect, pacing was perfect, tragedy was perfect. But anyone else suffered from convoluted storylines and getting cockblocked every 2 seconds by sub charas and not enough time to form a proper relationship to Ceres so the tragedy has impact. It really did not have an impact on me besides "Oh yeah this is super fucked up... Wow I feel so bad for Ceres" THIS was honestly my consistent feeling throughout the game: I feel bad for Ceres. So many awful things kept happening to her or her guy. The game forces you to go through each tragic ending first before unlocking the third act (act Adolf and Ankou) and after completing that you can go back to get the happy ending of everyone except Ankou ofc. So basically 50+ hours of absolute despair before you get good Endings.

I've played bws, kng, gekka romance, birushana and they all had tragic elements to it but I feel like Virche had so much potential but was too focused on coming up with a good storyline that the relationships between characters weren't the priority. And that for me is a shame because I play games for characters, an amazing plotline is very welcomed but if you don't give your characters room to grow with one another then I might just go and play a regular visual novel instead of an otome game. Urgh I'm just so emotionally depleted after almost 4 days of reading the most fucked up shit, and the dude I was excited for the most got shafted. At least Yves was my salvation.

The game is by no means bad but don't expect anything revolutionary either. I can't give a final verdict yet since I haven't completed the good Endings but I doubt those are gonna change much.

Also just for the record, the characters were fine. I like them all on an individual level. Mathis was really good and I like the chemistry he has with Ceres but there wasn't enough. Lucas as well suffers so much from sub Charas taking over, he barely has any development with Ceres once you get a bit further in his route, his one was the first route I started and I was so... Dissapointed after finishing his like... Freaking 4 bad Endings or whatever. Scien... Gosh he had no chemistry at all with Ceres, none whatsoever, I get what character archetype they were going for with him but their relationship felt very shoehorned into the story. (his first despair ending felt SO unfitting, suddenly this dude has emotions??? Over Ceres?? Did I miss this part in his route or wtf happened) I liked Scien the moment he was acting warmer towards Ceres but again, his route got taken over by plot exposition. Same with those sub characters. I goddamn HATE all of them except for 2 people, the rest always turn out to be absolute pieces of shit and they get so much screentime and sob stories to explain their fucked up behaviors. That's why I don't hate on any of the main cast, it's not their fault that their routes sucked, it would have been amazing if the writers just gave them more time to develop.

[askmerriauthor]

Star Wars: Visions thoughts and discussion

Been on a bit of a Star Wars binge lately. Getting ready for the Book of Fett and the return of The Mandalorian soon, just finished playing the Jedi: Fallen Order game, and recently "Star Wars: Visions" dropped on Disney+ (not to be confused with the, like, half-dozen other Star Wars properties that use "Visions" as their title). If you've got the streaming service and haven't watched the series yet, I can honestly suggest you should do so. The whole thing is a series of very short episodes and is entirely non-canon to the setting, so you don't even need a hard understanding of Star Wars to enjoy it.

In fact, it's actually better if you don't know anything about Star Wars going in. Spoilers and brief episode discussion after the jump.

Episode 1: The Duel As soon as I saw a lightsaber umbrella and a R2 droid in a hat, I knew this one was going to be a must-watch.

I REPEAT. LIGHTSABER. UMBRELLA.

Solid kick-off for the short series. Dig the aesthetic, dig the classic samurai vibe (even if it's more of an homage than a direct application of the style), dig the simple story. The particular animation style they chose here was a little wonky but I quickly got used to the visuals and loved a bunch of the design choices too much to care. This one was very action/style-focused and clearly chosen as the leading episode for that reason, which I don't fault them at all for.

Episode 2: Tatooine Rhapsody I'm sorry, I don't recall giving Star Wars permission to be this fucking adorable, how dare you.

The tale of a Padawan survivor of Order 66 who makes a new life for himself not with the power of the Force, but with the power of Rock and Roll and Friendship. Bitchin'. Super adorable, semi-chibi art style that's honestly ringing, like, a dozen different bells in my head for trying to figure out all the different styles it's drawing from. Good fun, if a bit bland in the end. The biggest problem is the music. The story relies on "using music to save the day", which is fine. But when you use that trope you need an absolutely face-melting banger of a performance, which this just doesn't have. An enjoyable entry all the same though. Not bad, not great, cute designs; the quirky story of how Jabba the Hutt got a new slave band to play at his den.

Episode 3: The Twins This entire episode is animated by the team who brought us Kill la Kill and that should really tell you everything you need to know.

You know how if you get a bunch of little kids together, they'll start playing make-believe games where they just invent stories and plot twists and super powers like "I have whatever you can do, but infinity plus 1 better!" shit like that? That's what this short is. It has only the vaguest allusions to the setting proper and immediately hurls every semblance of consistency, logic, and sense out the window with both hands. It is 1,000,000% style over substance.

Okay, y'know what, no, that's not enough to describe the utter insanity this episode is. All I can find online is pictures of the main villain character pulling a General Grievous impression or the protag snaring lightsaber whips on his lightsaber, but that is fucking tiddlywinks compared to where this episode goes.

There is a scene in this short where the protag, who is ghost-riding the hood of his X-Wing upside down in space without a space suit, super-charges his lightsaber into a giant rainbow of FUCK YOU GEORGE LUCAS with the power of familial love and fabulousness, using said rainbow super saber to CUT AN ENTIRE STAR DESTROYER IN HALF WHILE ACCELERATING TO HYPERSPEED, all to save his twin sister's life by making her explode in a somehow non-harmful manner.

This short is utterly nonsensical drivel and yes I would like more right the fuck now, please and thank you.

Episode 4: The Village Bride Wait, we're actually trying to tell a reasonable story in this series? Sorry, I was still on a sugar high from the previous episode. Lemme sit down.

The Village Bride is great. Excellent short that's just dripping with atmosphere and a slow, purposeful pace to its writing. It's short and sweet with little focus on the Force-using characters themselves, which actually serves to its credit. Even in the Star Wars universe, the Ainu people can't catch a fucking break. Easily one of my favorites in the whole run.

Episode 5: The Ninth Jedi The fact that two characters in this short have Sasuke's haircut was extremely distracting. But I actually really enjoyed this entry overall.

Despite playing extremely loose with the established lore around how lightsabers work, this episode over all others really embraces the original setting and tells a slow-burn story about the potential revival of the Jedi Order. A little meandering at times, but it's a solid piece and well worth exploring. Of all the shorts in the series, this one has the greatest potential to actually continue on as a standalone series or be folded into the canon franchise. Main protag is an adorable bean and I love her.

Episode 6: T0-B1 This episode is simultaneously a love letter to Astro Boy and a giant middle finger to Star Wars lore purists.

The tale of an imaginative Droid named T0-B1 who dreams of becoming a hero like the Jedi he's heard so many stories of. This short gets extra credit for being so unyieldingly stylish and charming. On the surface of its presentation and story choices it seems like it doesn't know anything about Star Wars lore, but it's actually packed full of some pretty deep cuts that show the folk behind it do know what they're talking about and just don't fucking care what purists have to say. The entire thing is just "Yeah, I'm ignoring your lore, but I'm doing it in a fun way that makes the setting more interesting, and I'm so genuine about it that you can't be mad at me". I can respect that. Plus the old dude in that screenshot is an armless Jedi who's retired to be a botanist and that's just fucking cool.

Episode 7: The Elder I'm Episode 1, but better.

This one. This shit right here. This is the good shit.

I'm sure y'all have heard before that Star Wars is directly inspired by Kurosawa and samurai films in general, but The Elder really digs into that hard. Where Episode 1 styles itself after a samurai tale, Episode 7 is a samurai tale. Subdued, methodical storytelling, slow-burn pace, charming dialogue amid believable characters, and a truly intimidating villain who provokes a brief but striking duel. This is my vibe. I crave more of this. Far and away the best short of the entire series.

Episode 8: Lop and Ocho Oh for fuck's sake, there's going to be so much porn of this bunny girl character, isn't there?

This entry is another that kind of meanders with the story it's trying to tell and plays very loose with the lore. It reimagines a lot of what we know of the Jedi/The Rebels and Sith/The Empire into a feudal faction-based conflict akin to what you'd see in a period samurai drama. Modernization and callous industry crushing the spirit of the people and breaking apart families. A decent work overall, but nothing really all that impressive in the end. It takes too long to get going and then peters out halfway through its pay-off for some reason.

Episode 9: Akakiri The fact that I had to look up this episode's name and scenes online and still could not remember anything about it should tell you a lot.

The series ends on a downer with the dramatic tale of a fallen Jedi who sacrifices himself and succumbs to the Dark Side. Turning evil for... the greater good? Wha? Had some pretty neat visuals, but I genuinely cannot remember a damn thing about this episode or its characters. Big swing and a miss in terms of impact.

[ectora]

REVIEW 313

took me some time to actually get into that review lmao But i really loved the episode. I know some people will probably have complains about it, but as someone who absolutely loves Abigael, I really liked it. And honestly the fact that abigael was finally included in the main story is not even the reason why. I loved the pacing, it actually felt like Charmed. The stakes, the construction, the format, it was all on point. It was genuinely their best episode alongside 307 (two episodes related to the tomb lmao) and one of their best in the show imo.

I've put it in "hidden" cause it ended up being so long I did not expect that im sorry 😭

SCREEN TIME

Maggie: 29m20s

Macy: 27m36s

Mel: 25m39s

Abigael: 20m17s

Jordan: 10m32s

Harry: 47s

Not gonna lie, I did not miss Harry this episode. Maybe it's just cause I don't like the way they have been writing both him and Macy this season, way too focused on the relationship, but his story does not really interest me. And I enjoy watching Macy interact with other characters a lot more. I think we could have had a little bit more of Jordan as well.

What I liked

where do i even start. I genuinely enjoyed so many things in this episode.

As said earlier, I really enjoyed the structure of the episode, to me it finally really felt like charmed. The way the episode was done was beautiful and I LOVED the trial in a general manner. They're terrible lawyers, but still loved it lmao

Ok hear me out, the fact they had abigael and macy say what the fan had been saying but reversing the roles was actually sent me lmao

I really enjoyed that they balanced the rights and wrongs of abigael. I'm part of the people who think that overall, most of what she did was not that deep tbh, but the episode allowed to have nuances and hold her accountable for things she did while also recognising that she did good things.

Abigael finally interacting with the sisters. To me, that's the sign of good characters tbh, how they can interact with different other leads/mains and such relationships being interesting. Abimel, i'll talk about it a bit later cause i have lots to say. But AbiMacy ? I absolutely always love their scenes, one of the reasons being that I genuinely think they're the two best actresses in the show and you can really feel it when they're on screen. They have easy chemistry and whatever they are doing, they just work. They also had one of the best potential of the show in terms of dynamic and I will never forgive the writers for ruining this, especially because it's in part because of a man. Anyway, their scenes were amazing to watch and I need more. I was especially happy because let's be honest, if Macy has valid reasons to dislike Abigael, they often miss-portrayed that in the show and it often came across as being mostly based on the whole love triangle between Macy Abi and Harry. But this time it really was not and Macy was quite fair, even reaching the conclusion Abi doesn't belong in there - she does not- and I liked that they actually were fair on Macy's dislike and distrust. Then there was AbiMaggie. Honestly, it's not a relationship i expected to enjoy that much but oh god i love them. I loved them in episode 207 and I still do. They just have such a funny dynamic, I can't even explain it correctly but it just work. They're throwing remarks at each other sure but it's almost in a sweet funny way. Abigael calling Maggie 'Legally Brunette" was so funny and cute at the same time.

Talking about Maggie, I really liked her this episode. I love how she reacts in situations where they need a cold head. She takes the lead, she does what needs to be done and she reaches the goal. I really enjoy seeing her taking that role a little bit more. Especially because to me Maggie was always the one with the most nuanced view on the world which I really appreciate. I loved her speech at the end and she grew so much since season 1, she's really so great. The more we advance in the show, the more she shines.

I really liked what happened at the end with the sisters recognising that they are themselves not perfect and are even chaotic. I have a point about being chaotic for later but anyway. Yes the sisters are not perfect. Honestly, they have done questionable things in the past themselves and often are the cataclysm of new things happening. I think it just makes them more interesting and better characters. Black and white can only get so long. Nuanced, imperfect, that's where the complexity lies and what is more interesting imo.

The perfecti really are good characters. I mean their logic was completely f*cked, but they are so entertaining to watch, it's actually great. I like also that they continued that idea that logic without emotion is dangerous. But in some ways tbh, the Perfecti are not even logical. They want to think they are, but their own logic is flawed and like Macy said, completely lacks context.

Finally the power of three and FINALLY, the plot goes forward. Maybe that's another reason I really enjoyed the episode, the fact that it actually had a good flow, it felt like one constructed episode and it actually advanced the story which cannot be said about a lot of the episodes. So I'm happy that happened.

And finally Abimel. I mean, no one can be surprised Abigael has feelings for Mel tbh, girl has not been subtle about it lmao But that declaration was actually cute and their scene at the bar ?? paralleling the one in season 2, it was so sweet. I just love them tbh, and I really think they could have been the ship a lot of us were waiting for in the sapphic community especially.

Abigael's past. Like I loved learning more about her past and her mom. Obviously her traumatic past does not exempt her from her own actions but I do believe it give strong grounds for redemption. it also gives us a lot of insights in her character. Her mom was an absolute monster and what she did to her was terrible. There is no surprise in Abigael's absolute lack of self worth and her unhealthy coping mechanism. Like her mom basically spent her life telling her she was deficient and then punished her for something she had no control on whatsoever. She punished Abigael for her own action and her own liaison with a demon. She probably projected her anger about that relationship on the child that came out of it and it's absolutely horrifying. Like no wonder Abigael is not fond of witches and went into the demon side tbh. Like that's not surprising at all. It also explains why she was so against the idea of witch = good that the sisters keep perpetuating because that's simply not what she experienced. Again, it does not excuse everything she did but I do believe it helps understand the character better and that ultimately, it gives space for a redemption. And again, kuddo to both poppy and the actress who played her mom. First that was great casting and it was really well played.

Remarks

To be honest, I don't really have things I genuinely disliked so I'm more gonna do like a section where i could criticise some of the aspect which to me did not necessarily made sense but were often still funny, and who knows maybe done on purpose. It's gonna be a mix of a little bit of everything.

One of the first thing I was kinda confused on was their use of the term chaos. Because, well, chaos doesn't equate evil. But that's the angle they started taking at the beginning which to me was confusing. It didn't make the episode bad, but the more I think about it, the more I'm like the defence they were going with had nothing to do with the charges 😭 Like, the sisters tried to prove that basically Abigael was a good person. But the charges were that she was chaotic. and by the end of the episode we did reach that kind of point where they said everyone was chaotic and everything - which i liked - but also didn't really match the angle they took the entire episode. Because, I personally never saw Abi as evil. But she is 100% chaotic like that girl is the definition of chaotic and I love her for it. But her doing good or bad is not necessarily what makes her chaotic. Good deeds can be as chaotic as bad ones. For example, Abi binding her own power could be considered as good by some people (it's not really but you see what I mean) but by doing so, she would lose the title of overlord and therefore end the treaty. In that case the war would start and that would definitely be chaotic. If she was to stay overlord however, and control the demon world, which can be seen as bad i guess, she is keeping the war from happening and stopping attacks toward witches and innocents, which is the contrary of chaotic. So yeah, the angle they took did not actually make that much sense cause the two are not the same.

Not gonna lie, bringing Godrik up was so weird to me cause like he tried to kill her first and they all know it, yet she was the one said to try to murder him and I was like ? did we all forgot what happened ? 😭

Some of the things brought by the perfecti - such as her killing those humans or demons - seemed weird because like, the sisters did the same in the past 😭 But also that's part of the whole lack of context aspect I guess.

No they really used Francesca as a witness out of all the people in the world like the woman is a whole child abuser who asked help to the elders, which have been established as like, not good people lmao I know it was part of the whole the perfecti are very selective on the information they actually take into account and they use the information as well as twist them to fir their own narrative but still it came across as weird because that woman was the definition of evil. But that's also what ticked the sisters so well.

Why did they not call Harry to testify was also kinda like ... weird. I mean at the same time I can't really complain but still, it was a bit odd. Also the fact they never thought about showing what was abigael actually doing with Jordan lmao I mean it wouldn't go along with the plot but still.

Ok, that take is subject to controversy and I know it but anyway : to me, Abi stealing Macy's power was ... not that deep. Don't get me wrong, the story was bad. The execution was even worse. In the show itself tho, objectively, as an act, it was not that bad. It actually made a lot of sense for Abigael to take it for herself. Macy wanted to get rid of her demon powers, no one was forcing her. And Abigael actually asked her multiples times if she was sure. Macy definitely had her reasons to do so. But at the end of the day, Abi picking them up when they were gonna disappear in thin air is really not that bad. It's logical. Don't get me wrong I'm glad Macy is getting them back, but I also think there has been a lot of mix up between the actual act of stealing the powers and the way it was done/optics ( I still don't understand how anyone wrote that scene and was like, yeah kneeling is a good idea ??? Like what's wrong with you 😭). But like ultimately, the act itself is not bad. questionable ? sure. Evil ? really not. Like let's be honest here. Abigael never hid who she was (past ep3 obviously). She did not pretend to be an angel, nor that she was a good samaritan. At the end of day, the sisters knew who she was and how she worked. They came to her knowing this. At some point, there is a need to acknowledge that, she was no angel, but they knew that and still went to her. She said it herself, she is used to fight for herself, and she'll sting to protect herself first - which i personally don't really hold again a character. If you go in bed with a scorpion, you can't ignore the fact there is a chance you're gonna get stung. Plus, when Abigael "stung" she also actually still gave them what they wanted/needed. I personally never saw self interest negating a good action. I don't really care if she gets something out of helping. Like at the end of the day, why wouldn't she take them ? In some ways however I do understand why Macy would be mad, she asked for help and she didn't realise Abigael stole them and she doesn't like abigael in the first place so why would she be ok with Abi taking them. That's valid too. But objectively, it was more a she was offended and mad that Abi herself had them more than a it's a terrible thing to do kinda feeling. So like it's a bit of a weird situation because Macy being annoyed and mad is valid but at the same time, it's really not that bad in itself. But overall that story should have never existed in the first place. And certainly not happen like this.

Abimel. I loved it but I also have issues with it. Mostly based on the fact we learned Poppy was leaving the show. And not gonna lie, I cant stop myself from feeling like it was almost a bit .. baity if I dare say. They had basically admitting having feelings for Mel and low key hoping it could lead somewhere when honestly, if she's leaving, they did not need to make it romantic. Because honestly, watching this episode not knowing she would leave ? You'd definitely could think it's happening, especially with all the other hints in the past. They could have made it like more about how Mel was the one giving her a real benefit of the doubt and they had a connexion and she wanted to be worthy of that. It would not be romantic. Especially cause she admitted caring about all sisters so it would have worked. Again, don't get me wrong, I want the most Abimel i can get lmao but also it feels a little weird. It's complicated. 😭

Jordan is definitely coming back, I just wonder what are going to be the circumstances. I completely understand why my boy needed a break. Like their time in the tomb was long. We don't exactly know how time works there but remember, in episode 7 when the sisters were stuck, the normal time was like what ? hours ? while in the tomb it was days for Maggie. So there it was days in normal time so in the tomb ? could potentially feel like weeks, months even. So yeah, give him a break and some time to breath. I know they're dragging this whole Joggie thing but because of Covid i also understand and will let it go. I really like them tho.

Abi has some alcohol problems I feel like should maybe be talked about. Like she uses it as an escape, as a way to numb her feelings. There is a reason it was used to symbolise her submitting herself to the tomb. And her first reaction after leaving the tomb was drinking. When she feels unhinged or vulnerable ? She drinks ? When she lost the title of overlord ? She drank. Alcohol is her escape which is a bit worrying.

Not about the episode but I think it needs to be brought up. I've seen people trying to say they brought up the abuse storyline for abigael out of nowhere and like. Listen I completely understand not trying to give more thoughts to a character you dislike, that's fair enough. But saying that storyline is out of nowhere is just a lie. The only new elements we had here were the details of the abuse she went through. They showed the clip again in the episode, where Abigael talks to Mel about her mom. She rejected her, she made her felt, deficient, wrong. All that is emotional abuse. She said her mom tried to fix her which can easily be thought about physical abuse. Like none of these things were new. To be honest, not a single thing they clarified/established for abigael this episode does not follow up with what was in the show in the past. Her feelings for Mel were honestly rather obvious at this point. Her not wanting TCO to get hurt ? There is literally a scene where Godrik tells her it's her head or the sisters and she never really even thought about throwing the sisters under the bus. She even asked who knew and it's easy to think it's because if no one knew she could put it under the rug. Again, it's fair enough for people to dislike her to not try to put more thoughts into her motivations or scenes in a general manner, but then you can't really say things are out of the blue.

And most importantly, I'm sorry, I don't care if you dislike the character, but if you dismiss the abuse just because of the dislike, that's a problem. What a character goes through in her past does not, in any way, have to change your opinion about them. Whatsoever. However when it comes to issues like child abuse, the bare minimum would be to be respectful of the subject and not say "she deserved it", "should have done more" or just say you don't care cause that changes nothing. Again, it doesn't have to change anyone's opinion at all and it does not excuse behaviours, but man, minimal respect is not that hard.

Highlights

This episode genuinely had such funny moments, i loved it.

« Is this a hard time to admit I failed debate in high school ? » and « could the defendant keep her commentary to herself » competing with each other for the funniest part of the episode. The delivery was perfect on both part. And Abi and Macy interactions are always so good and them bantering more or less seriously all the time is sending me. Macy was just so annoyed with her, i loved it.

« Need something legally brunettes » I said it already but I loved that little scene between AbiMaggie and that line particularly.

Abigael went from saying "I could care less about any of you" to "because I deeply care about her" followed by a whole ass declaration AND admitting she does actually care about all of them. My girl got absolutely played and it was genuinely so funny. Like Abigael was so freaking smug about testifying against herself and she got played so hard, she was SO annoyed it was actually hilarious.

"Every battle I fought, I fought alone" like excuse me while I'll go cry in a corner. Again, Poppy has been absolutely killing her role this season.

"Your arguments are illogical" the perfecti have such audacity like girl have you heard yourself ? 😭 no one is being less logical than you right now.

Lmao when Macy said Abigael belonged into the tomb, Mel was not agreeing 😭 And Maggie was having none of the drama either she just wanted out.

The sisters realising they had to be Abi's character witnesses lmao it was hilarious pleas idc.

Theories

With Poppy Drayton leaving, there are two theories I kinda have. Obviously Abigael is either gonna die or leave. Ngl, I can feel the dying one coming more but well, that brings the two theories.

Abigael would sacrifice herself. Which I don't like but honestly let's be honest, there are 95% chances of that happening. I could see her sacrifice herself for Mel or for the sisters in general. But that's where my abimel issues are coming. I love abimel. I want the most abimel i can have until the end. But Abigael admitting have feelings for Mel just in the purpose of having her sacrifice herself for her and to be 'worth it' ? that's not only a byg trope, it's also lazy.

If she just leave, which wouldn't really make sense to be honest cause why would she just leave, would she give up the title of overlord (why even) or would they bound her powers (i would hate that) ? but anyway, if that's the case, I could actually see her learn Waverly is not actually the one rejecting her. Waverly could very possibly not be the one who communicated with Jordan and the sisters. No one ever saw her, the letters are only signed by her name. It's a bit sus tbh, so nothing stops it from being Francesca actually impersonating her daughter to keep her away from Abigael.

I want to know more about the perfecti. We know they killed charmed ones before, and it doesn't seem like charmed ones existed when they were created ? Maybe the charmed ones were created after they went into the tomb ? I still am not sure about them going into the tomb by themselves tbh. But also they don't seem to be evil in the sense they want power or whatever, more in the fact like they consider themselves perfect and that if someone stands in their way, they'll just get rid of them.

[targaryenimagines]

Reign

Daenerys Targaryen x Fem!Reader

Word Count: 3,022

Summary:

Warnings: None

A/N: This is Dany's side of the story.

"Khaleesi it isn't safe," Tyrion pleads, his desperate voice bouncing off the stone walls of the hall. 

"I never believed that it was," Daenerys says, coolly, her voice coming out with perfect disinterest. "But, I need allies and the Island of Videvik is the most powerful army we could have by our side."

Tyrion sighs despondent at the words that ring softly down the hall. "They're the most powerful, Daenerys, but they're also the most dangerous. There is a reason that they've been left alone for so long. They don't want any outsiders coming in, and they make sure to keep it that way." 

"I know you think me a fool Tyrion, but please believe me when I say that I'm not going there blindly or without protection. My children will be by my side throughout it all, and you know how Drogon gets when he perceives any danger that could be a potential threat to me," Daenerys says as she stops in front of the council rooms door. Turning towards her dear friend and advisor who was still nervously fidgeting. She could tell that he was clearly displeased by her lack of caution when it came to her safety. Offering a slight smile she rests her hand on his shoulder. Trying to show him without words that there was nothing to be afraid of. Her faith in her children and the men she was taken was unwavering, and she hopes Tyrion will see that. 

Bowing his head Tyrion speaks with resignation laced within his tone. “Of course, Khaleesi, I will trust your judgement and try not to interfere too much.” Daenerys allows a warm smile to spread across her lips at his acceptance, but as she moves to step into the council room Tyrion grabs her arm. His hold gentle but an underlying tone of urgency made it like iron. His words only showing what his grip was trying to keep hidden. The fear that he had for her and the worry that came with it. “Please be careful, Dany.”

“Always.”

-----

The wind is like a siren song against her ears. The sound only being able to come to fruition when on dragon back. When a person was high enough in the heavens to feel like they were apart of it. The sweet whistling tone was melodic in its embrace. It was like a fine wine that only got better with time. The sound was the sound of home and it filled her with a sense of belonging. A feeling that she hadn’t had for a very long time. 

A small smile curls her lips when Drogon gives a soft hum. The sound seamlessly joining the beautiful song that wrapped around her. Rhaegal and Viserion soon joining their brother in the music only they could hear. The air was starting to come alive with dragon song, and it was a beautiful thing to behold. For so long the world had been deprived of it and now it was getting to hear it once more. Something that fills her heart with a sense of warmth and happiness. A feeling that only her children could ever invoke in her. 

Turning her head she looks down at the ground below her. The sparkling water of the Narrow Sea shining underneath the sun. Causing the blues and greys to glow with an ethereal light. It was a sight that took her breath away for she had never seen such a sight before. A thought that causes a fond feeling to wash over her body as it reminds her of Tyrion. The man who had teased her about getting lost in her observations of the world. Saying that she was in her head more than any scholar and that she had to be careful about it. Stating that she should never be distracted in public because the moment her guard was down someone would strike. That no matter what she should always be somewhat wary of people that she is not familiar with. 

It was advice that he kept reminding her of as she was getting ready for this trip. His worry and overall fear for her driving him to nag her, and if he was anyone else she would have snapped at him. However, he was not anyone else he was her Hand and one of her most trusted advisers. She could tell that he was nagging her because he was worried. A fact that warms her heart because Viserys never worried about her in the sense of her actual wellbeing. He cared what she was doing because she was an integral part in his plan to get back the throne. It had nothing to do with his brotherly bond to her or his fear for her safety. So having Tyrion actually worry about her filled her with warmth, which is why she didn’t care that he was nagging her. He was doing it because he cares for her and that is all she could ever ask for. Not that Missandei was any better when she learned about the planned trip, but she was much more soft-spoken about it. A thought that causes her smile to have a softer edge. 

She wishes that her best friend was able to make the trip with her, but Daenerys knows how dangerous it is. She had no other preconceived notion than that. There was a reason why no one ever returned from Videvik. She knows that many believe her impaired by wanting to go there, but she needs the allies. She needs to have people that she can trust, and she knows that the inhabitants of Videvik are strong and hardy people. However they were, more importantly, loyal to anyone that gained their trust. Something that Daenerys wants nothing more than to earn. 

She had to earn it because if she didn't… she has no idea what will happen to her and her men. 

There could be no other alternative. If not for her for the people she brought along. She refuses to let them die for her like this. Against their will and without any idea that it was about to befall them. She had a duty as their leader to protect them.

By the Seven Hells she was going to, or die trying. 

-----

Daenerys paces the length of the hall she had been told to wait in. Her nerves causing her hands to fidget by her side. Something she tries to rectify by clenching them, but soon her fists started bouncing on her thighs. Finally, with a sigh, Daenerys sits down on one of the chairs against the wall. Her eyes trained on the window opposite her. Trying desperately to not think about the potential executioner that could be heading her way. 

She isn't always old fashioned, but Daenerys does prefer her head when it's attached to her body. A thought that brings amusement rushing through her body. Tyrion would be proud of her cynicism in the face of this danger. Though he would probably be angry at her for getting herself in this situation to begin with. 

A feeling that comes to a screeching halt as the door swings open. A woman stepping through in a floor length dress that reminds her of Valyrian fashion. Daenerys meets the woman's intense gaze and tries not to fidget.

Instead Daenerys stands with her back straight and a charming smile on her lips. Trying to show that while she is trying to be cordial she was also there on business. Meaning that although she didn't want to be disrespectful towards the woman before her she couldn't allow herself to appear weak. 

To appear complacent in the face of adversity. 

No, that was something she had to be with Viserys. She refuses to be so again and she will try her best to never be again. Daenerys believes that she can be polite and courteous without bending over backwards for them. If she had to do that she would let herself be killed. 

A Khaleesi doesn't beg or plead, but she does make allies and that's exactly what she was going to do. 

"So you're the Breaker of Chains?" the woman asks, her voice bouncing off the walls. Her gaze still leveled with Daenerys's own. As if she was assessing her and Daenerys had to fight the urge to once again fidget. Instead she opts to respond to the question that was given to her. 

"I am."

At her confirmation Daenerys watches as something relaxes in the woman. Her eyes turning soft and a small smile curling at her lips. With a few graceful strides the woman is suddenly in front of Daenerys. Her scent washing over her in an intoxicating cloud. Daenerys has to fight herself from inhaling too deeply at the scent. 

However, despite being relaxed by the woman's scent, Daenerys still tenses when her soft hand touches her bare shoulder. Not used to being touched in such a manner without proper warning or foresight. Something that the woman seems to be aware of by the way her smile grows. 

With a warm squeeze the woman speaks. Her eyes sparkling with warmth and happiness. Both of which exude into her tone causing Daenerys to liken it to honey. "Then, your grace, welcome to Videvik. How can we help you?"

The question only causes Daenerys's own smile to appear. Her shoulders sagging in relief at the words. Thanking the gods that this didn't end in disaster. 

-----

Daenerys opens her eyes and stares at the throne with a soft smile. Her eyes sparkling with happiness at the sight. She couldn't believe that was in front of her. After so long of fighting and surviving she was finally here. She was standing in front of the throne her family had built. 

A founder smile pulls at her lips as she thinks of the reason. It was all because of her love and her army. Once Videvik had joined her ranks none of her enemies stood a chance. The alliance between the queen of Videvik and Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen was a sight to behold. Not that many lived to tell the tale of it. 

However, her army wasn't the only thing she earned from the alliance. She found her true love in every way in the queen. Her love, her mate was everything to her. For she was kind and caring to those she protected and cared for, but fierce and cold to those she didn't. She was compassionate and loving without being too overbearing. She was everything and more to Daenerys, and the Khaleesi felt so lucky to have her in her life. Daenerys couldn't think of a better person to rule by her side.

She just wishes that the start of her reign started better. The thought of it brings a pit of despair back into fruition. Daenerys wishes that she had realized what was happening before it was too late, but she hadn't and because of her mistake hundreds of innocent people were killed. Daenerys closes her eyes and wishes that she would have noticed the barrels. The barrels that contained something more volatile than dragon fire. 

Wildfire. 

Daenerys can still see the green flames tearing through King's Landing. She can still hear the screams of her people as they were engulfed by it. She can still feel the heat of the flames on her skin as she tried to rescue people. She can still smell the ash that clogs the air. She can still feel the despair and anguish that permeated the air. All because she hadn't noticed the barrels. 

With a sigh Daenerys opens her eyes once more and tries to control her grief. She was going to honor all of the people that died, and make sure their families were taken care of. It was the least she could do for what she did. 

Approaching footsteps pulls Daenerys out of her thoughts. Turning she can see the burly figure of Jon Snow approaching her. Allowing a small smile to appear on her lips Daenerys approaches the man. Her eyes sparkling with warmth at the sight of the man. 

"Jon I'm glad to see that you weren't hurt," she says as she stops in front of him. Her eyes assessing him, despite her words, for any injuries however small. 

She watches as a small grimace makes its way onto his face, and couldn't help the frown that flashes across her own. She watches as his eyes flash conflicting emotions. As if he was trying to decide something, and Daenerys watches with horror beginning to spread across her body as his hand drop to his side. 

Backing up Daenerys stares at Jon with an aghast expression. Her eyes not believing what she was seeing. The man she considered a close friend was planning to kill her, and she knows that she doesn't have a chance. She's unarmed and alone in the throne room. Drogon was resting after the day's event, and she knows he won't be able to get to her in time. 

She meets Jon's gaze and can see the pain that's starting to grow in them. She can see the way his hand trembles slightly with the weight of his emotions. It was a sight that gave Daenerys hope that he may not do it. That he may talk to her instead of killing her. That they would be able to get through this without bloodshed. 

Taking another step back, towards the throne, Daenerys raises her hands. Trying to show Jon that she wasn't a threat. While desperately trying to figure out what to do. In the back of her mind she can feel Drogon's shifting emotions. She can tell that he was waking up and was becoming aware of what was happening. She could feel the fear he had for her. The worry that was festering inside of him, and she knows she has to stay breathing for just a little longer. Drogon would be by her and she would be protected. She knows that her son would never let anything harm her. 

Focusing her gaze back on Jon she knows what she has to do. She has to keep him occupied at least until Drogon arrived. Daenerys begins to speak her words coming out in a soft whisper. 

"Jon you don't have to do this. Please think about the repercussions that this will cause," she says, her voice taking a begging lilt despite herself. Though she couldn't bring herself to care. All she could think about was the fact that she would be leaving her son and love. That the man she entrusted her life with was going to kill her. 

"I'm sorry, Dany, but there is no other way," Jon responds, his own words softer than Daenerys ever thought possible. They hit her in the chest all the same. The weight of them crushing her. Daenerys could feel tears starting to prick her eyes. Assassin's have been around her for her entire life. She had been fearful for her life for as long as she could remember, but she's never reacted like this before. She's never felt as crushed as she does now, because Jon Snow wasn't some hired mercenary. He was her friend, she trusted him and this was how he repaid her. With a knife figuratively in her back and literally in her heart. 

Taking another step back Daenerys tries to find her words, but none come to her. Everything leaving her in the moment she needs them the most. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest. Blood rushing in her ears at a deafening rate. She could feel the soft touch of the wind against her skin. Can feel the way the stone of the dais underneath her shift. She can feel the moment her heart breaks as Jon begins to move towards her. His eyes showing his remorse but his movements fluid as he pulls out his dagger. The metal shining in the dying light of the day. 

Daenerys feels her heart stutter as Jon stops in front of her. His brown eyes leveled with her violet and she wishes that it was someone else. That Jon wasn't the one doing this. She wishes that her love was with her. That she could hold her one last time. Daenerys wishes that she was able to say goodbye to Drogon. That she was able to hold him one last time because she wasn't able to do that with either Viserion or Rhaegal. 

She wishes that she had more time. 

Staring in brown orbs Daenerys allows her eyes to slip shut. Not wanting to look at the executioner standing in front of her. She doesn't want to see the face of her friend as he killed her. With a deep breath Daenerys prepares herself for the pain. The burning hot feeling as the knife goes into her, but nothing happens. 

Instead the heavy presence in front of her is replaced by a much lighter one. Feeling a soft hand against her cheek causes Daenerys to open her eyes. Her gaze taking in the most beautiful sight she's ever seen. Her love was standing before her with ash covering her body, but a smile on her face. Daenerys could see the worry in her gaze but she doesn't do anything as Daenerys launches herself into a warm embrace. 

Both women holding onto each other as tightly as they could. Knowing that they very nearly lost one another, and Daenerys drops her gaze to the floor. Seeing the still form of Jon Snow laying before her fills her with grief, but she can't help but be happy that she was still breathing. That she was able to be in her loves arms once more. 

That her mistake didn't kill her. That everything was righting itself in the world, and that would be able to begin her reign with the woman she loved. 

For Fire and Blood may have come to Westeros. Peace and mercy was staying, and the reign of Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen was just beginning.