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roachemoji · 1 year ago

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Stranger Things S2 01

this is just me live blogging watching ST none of my thoughts are v coherent enjoy <3

STARTING OFF REAL INTERESTING BUT REAL TALK when you have like a cool haircut how do you expect not to be found if u do a crime???? LIKE I LOVE YOUR MOHAWK AND I GET IT U DONT WANT TO COVER IT BC OBVIOUSLY BUT!!!!

this is NOT the focus obviously its about the fact theres other kids from the lab BUT AKSHDAKSJDKH

DUSTINNNN!!!!!!!!! I LOVE HIM SO MUCH IM SO GLAD WE'RE STARTING ON HIM KISS KISS KISS

not the reagan sign STOP STOP ITS BEEN 2 SECONDS I HATE TED THATS HIS NAME RIGHT FIGHT KILL DESTROY BITE BITE BITE BITE

also the boys have grown SO MUCH !!!!!!! i forget there was actual real time between when these were filmed KSJHD im so excited to see Will and his perpetual bowl cut

JOYCE MY MOM!!!!!!!!!! SHES SO PRETTY AND SO CONCERNED I JUST LOVE HER

THE CHIP EATING DUDE FUCKING !!!! REMINDS ME OF THAT FUCKER FROM MONSTER HOUSE???????

THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HE REMINDS ME OF THIS ASKJDHASKJHDKAJSH

Will is so tiny ..... and little? oh hes being teleported into the fucking upside down again baby boy im so fucking sorry also ilu but why would you just walk outside away from wher eyour friends WERE to look at the horrifying shit world you were trapped and almost died in ????? aSDKJH

Im gonna have to DM you on discord or something so i can properly save all the things you have to say about the timelines and how the Russian shit plays into that because was anyone calling El (im assuming he's referring to her) is Russian??? IK this is possibly the third (?) timeline we've seen (genuinely let me know if i can do that its ok if not i forget tumblr has Dms)

ALSO WHO IS THIS GUY IM CRYING HES!!! WHAT A PI??? WHO ARE YOU

NANCY AND STEVE ALSO BESTIES IM CRYING STEVE IS hes trying so hard are they dating my brain is so full of queer shit that im so deadset on platonic hetero relationships - i paused for one second and unpaused and they kissed SO THAT ANSWERS MY QUESTION

idk what relationships to pay more attention to bc the dynamic between Mike and El interests me the most because of how compulsory everything feels and how El is going to navigate a completetly new environment and how Mike will cope with that? (im assuming its not well)

OH is this the !!! the guy that i see people talk about all the time YEAHHH THE BLOND MULLET MAN AND MAX what the fuck is his name Billy??? He looks trans

CRYING AT CHECKING OUT H IS ASS GIRL WAHT ASS HES FLAT HE HAS NOTH ING AKDSHASKHDKAJSH and those jeans are supposed to be supporting cheeks

I love Mr Clark so much and everyone who looks bored in his class just doesnt GET IT

BUT ALSO MAX I GET IT QUEEN the boys all staring are so good I FORGET THEY GO AS THE GHOST BUSTERS FOR HALLOWEEN

JOYCE MY MOM WHO IS THIS GUY HES??? GOOFY AND SHES SO HAPPY ??? BOB !!! i have no initial bad opinions of him bc hes silly and goofy and he makes Joyce so happy and she deserves to be SO SOSOS OS HAPPY and nothing but happy

IF i have to endure another god damn Hopper flash back im gonna throw up and scream and cry and lose my mind and I won't recover and I'll never come back

Im in call while I watch this episode because i really wanted to get through while and actually use my brain bc i don't that often - but my roommates bird is sitting next to her mic and farting really really softly into it and its making me lose my fucking mind

CORN MAZES WHEN YOURE TALL LOOK SO EASY AND LESS SCARY WHENEVER IM IN A FUCKING CORN MAZE ITS TERRIFYING AND I CANT SEE SHIT BC IM LIKE 2 FEET TALL

NANCCYCYY AND JOHNANATHANANSDNSAKDJ BESTIES BESTIES BESTIES BEST FRIENDS IM MAKING THEM A FRIENDSHIP BRACELET ITS THEIR FAVORITE COLOURS AND THEY NEVER TAKE THEM OFF

ADN STEVE TOO!!! IM SORRY YOURE A THIRD WHEEL BUT its the start of season 2 how do we feel about polyam relationships between them where the audience for that point me in the correct direction

DUSTIN IS RIGHT ALSO I LOVE HIM i love his little hats - MAX IS ALSO RIGHT

God i feel so ba for Will like to be??? singled out like that especially in elementary school? hell.

WHERE ARE THEY GOING TOGETHER WHAT IS HAPPENING ISNT THIS THE LAB ??? ougHHH THAt needle sound was unecessary

REALLY starting to see how this might be a different timelinei have no idea how ???? Joyce would.... trust them??? UNLESS THIS IS A HOSPITAL no its not ho films ina fucking hospital like this

also theyre mentioning the upside down

I understand needing to go back to the only place that fully understands that it exists and you need a place to talk to someone and also monitor him physically without being dismissed as insane - but i dont understand how Joyce OR Hopper would trust the Lab again after everything happened??????

I'm glad that he's actually getting help, and im glad that Joyce and Hopper are there to make him feel safe and support him given everything but !!!!!

this iS THE. He has PTSD. when did they get the word to describe that akjhaskjdh NVM HE JUST SAID IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ALSO IS PRETENDING LIKE EVERYTHING IS NORMAL HELPFUL BC IT SURE THE FUCK IS N OT FOR ME ????????? also who is this DR hes kinder but "i need you to trust me" to JOYCE AFTER THE BRENNER SHIT ???

also them NOT MENTIONING IT WHEN THEY LEAVE BUT JOYCE UPSET ABOUT THE WHOLE "i need you to trust me" THING B UT NOT BRINIGN UP BRENNER?????? susususususus timeline shit anyway EM @ me tell me wahts up kiss kiss mwuah mwuah

OH they've upped their guinea pig game on entering the upside down and the gatelooks fucking uglier and uglier LOVE THE TORCH glad it works but no wonder the gate looks angry???

DUSTINNN I LOVE H IM I LOVE HIM SO MUCH

ough i have a feeling her older brother is gonna ..... trigger me a lil but we'll get through it

THEM BOTH HAVING A CRUSH ON HER!!!!!

If YouR fRiEnD jUmPs OfF a ClIfF 🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪

THEYRE GOING OVER TO HAVE DINNER WITH BARBS FAMILY STOP STOP STO PST OPST OPST IM GONNA CRY Oh they hired a P.I okay yeah the bald guy he..... HIS CARD STOPPPPP

realizing they defenitely can't tell her parent's what actually happened to her an di hate that im gonna oaufkahd girl im so sorry im so sorry im so osrry UPSET BC SHE AS A CHARACTER DID NOT DESERVE TO DIE I WISH THEY HADN'T DONE HER DIRTY LIKE THAT

all the photos of her would make me so ill to look at like god NANCYYY THE GUILT AND B LAME GIRLIEEEE

also Mike rebelling after experiencing that kind of trauma and losing Will and El even though Will came back he's not the same of corse he's struggling - calling it with the !!!! WALKIE TALKIEEEE girl i miss her too

YEAHHH ITS dustiNNNN BUT HE AKSHDKAJSH

DUSTINNN IM KAHSDKJH I LOVE HIM I LOVE HIM SO MUCH HES SO SILLY !!!!!!!!!!!!! HES THE SILLY IN MY HEART

HONESTLY props to him again for not like invesigating something that was probably gonna be HORRIBLE he'd survive a horror movie

JOYCEEEEE IN MY FAV SHIRT SHES SO KISS KISS KISS KISS

Johnathan is such a good brother bro BUT ALSO WILL IS SO RIGHT I GET IT I GET IT I UNDERSTAND TREATING IT LIKE ITS NORMAL MAKES IT WORSE !!!! SOMETHING HAPPENED PLEASE ACKNOWLEGE THAT and JOHANATHANNN HES THE FREAK AND A WEIRDO

STOPA SDADKSHJ iT S THAT WHY YOU DONT HAVE ANY FRINEDS SHUT UP STOP STOP /POS

BOB i love you so far and ik that being a step parent in these situation (even tho hes only dating Joyce its the same) is so hard especially when there are kids involved BUT YOURE DOING SUCH A GOOD JOB

AND THEYRE ALL WATCHING THE MOVIE TOGETHER AHHH

ew the phone the trigger GIRL YOU GOT THIS ITS OKAY ITS OKAY BUT ALSO THATS SUCH A HORRENDOUS RINGTONE WHAT THE FUCK

love me a tech who accidentally ignores the alarms going off (i couldnt hear the song playing it feels important - unintentially placing importance on all the music in this show now thank u em)

OohuaAHDAKJH OH WILL IS GONNA get ,,,,, yoinked back again isn't he ouguhadhAKHDJS interesting that it really only affects the *outside* like doors are now portals in a way ? i cant remember if it affected the inside of the arcade immediately or not

OH MIST LOOKING MOTHER FUCKER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wood Waffle Hours !!!!!!!!!! OH NO CABIN HOURS??? IS SHE. IS SHE. BIG EYE BALL EMOJIS LET ME SEE MY GIRL LET ME SEE THE BABY GIRL !!!! this entire scene makes it seem like shes a fucking AKSJDHA freak ass creature

HER HAIRRRRR SHES SO CUTE STOPPPP HOPPERS LITTLE SMILE IM TEARING UP AND CRYING ACTUALLY LOOK AT THEM LOOK AT THEM LOOKA T THEM OUGHHAHAHHHHHHHH IM HEAVING

thank u for reading these were my thoughts

#bo posting #stranger things #live blogging #st #I DONT HAVE MUCH TO ADD HERE IT WAS JUST A GOOD EP #REALLY LOVED THE COLD OPEN TOO

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rosetintedgunman · 2 years ago

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Shush I'm totally asleep but I was just thinking of something I don't think I officially posted here.

Every Captain. Every single one of them. Wilf knows them. He's met each and every one of them. When he talks to a Captain, he knows their encounter, their reaction, their motivation to save the ship, and whatever else he may have gleamed.

Each one of them is a timeline, just like the 'canon' version (AKA the videos). Unless you want it that Wilf has never met them before, you can disregard this encounter and replace it with one a little more familial.

Why, you ask?

Because in the videos, he sees the Captain, but he can see hundreds of ripples and forms sputtering in and out of existence. He had to keep everything neutral to cover as many bases as possible and ensure no one wised up to the fact that he knew more than he lets on. (Which really sucked. He saw some friends among the faces!!)

#reporterheadcanon #(this might not be written well but I go sleep now)#on the tablet #(I love my silly timeline hopper)

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m6p2s5gziax8 · 4 years ago

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Deconstructing Season 3 Jim Hopper

Note1 - I wrote this before the 2020.02.14 "Stranger Things 4 | From Russia with love" teaser. I'm glad they didn't try to drag out the "is Hopper really dead" question - he's 100% back! Note2 - Ok, now that so many of us are inside and ST4 is delayed, I'm going to finally post this and hope some folks find it interesting. Note3 - 6+ months later, I'm finally posting this for real, enjoy! :)

Please Read * !!! MASSIVE S3 SPOILERS !!! * I am a huge fan of Stranger Things and Jim Hopper. * This is a critical analysis of season 3 Jim Hopper, aka s3-Hop. * I would never want to sour anyone's enjoyment of the show or s3-Hop. * Please skip this essay if you enjoy s3-Hop! * If you viewed season 3 and thought "Hopper sure was different" or "Hopper wasn't enjoyable like in s1 and s2" then please read on!

uber-TL;DR * s3-Hopper was unbelievably and (for me) unenjoyably different from s1/s2 * for s4, my hope is this extreme character shift is acknowledged by Hopper to Mike, Eleven, and Joyce

longer-TL;DR There were many changes in Stranger Things with season 3: the mall, the bright color pallet, the love-quadrangle pitting El/Max vs Mike/Lucas, Dustin splitting off from the boys to join the Scoops Troop, and the campy, Scooby-Doo-esque Russian base plot. I can accept these changes and enjoy many of their elements.

But s3 brought one massive change that was not a new character, location, nemesis, or team combo: I felt Jim Hopper's character change was simply unbelievable and unenjoyable.

Sadly, I may be in a tiny minority that does not speak up or that critical comments about a beloved show get "black holed" by show boosters on social media. Many ST fans were sad and angry that Hopper appears to have died and the letter reading at the end of s3 was very dramatic and moving. So analysis, and especially criticism, of s3-Hop is frequently down-voted or not liked and thus not socialized.

This is an attempt to collect the thoughts of one very unhappy s1/s2-Hopper fan about s3-Hop. I hope readers will enjoy the long detailed analysis (sorry it is so long!) and I look forward to any comments and feedback.

FWIW, I'm a big Stranger Things fan and David Harbour is a great actor (even in s3) and a Good person IRL. I loved s1/s2 Jim Hopper and how he was written in the official book Darkness on the Edge of Town.

Here are some collected and reformatted writings I've done on Hopper and his s3 change. My fave ST character is Eleven so s3-Hop becoming so different and unenjoyable is particularly jarring for me.

s3-Hop was so different from s1/s2-Hop as to make it seem like he is a new character. Not only that, but I did not enjoy this new character who acts: * anxious * whiny * selfish * sarcastic * self-entitled * super-violent

Recall Hopper's pre-s3 history from s1, s2, and the official book Darkness on the Edge of Town: * volunteered for the military at 18 (not drafted) * 3 years combat in Vietnam, awarded Bronze Star * 2 years as a Hawkins policemen, marries, has a daughter * 6 years in New York City as a homicide detective * after his daughter dies, hits the bottle/pills, gets divorced * back in Hawkins as Chief of Police and dating women * goes into the Upside Down and literally brings Will back to life with Joyce * takes Eleven in, she runs away, they each apologize * Hop protects Eleven while she unloads at maximum to fend off the Mind Flayer and close the Gate * El goes to the Snow Ball dance and Mike comes over for 6 months to be with her (and smooch!)

Now look at s3-Hop - a very brief s3 timeline: * he's anxious, has no gravitas or authority - he gets advice from Joyce on El/Mike * the evening of s3e1, s3-Hop writes about "emotions" and how he's upset about change * Then s3-Hop continues writing wise words about life that are all read in s3e8 * AFTER writing why he's upset and these wise words, s3-Hop proceeds to act like a mega-jerk * he is gleeful when Eleven is upset that Mike is not coming over * s3-Hop bizarrely thinks whining to Joyce will make her like him * WORST OF ALL, s3-Hop does not say "daughter", "kid", "Eleven", or "El" from s3e2-s3e7

Hopper went from a mega-over-protective dad in s2 who was able to legally adopt Eleven right before the Snow Ball to a jarringly different character in s3. I can see s3-Hop making bad judgments and behaving badly but just not in this anxious/silly/immature way. Why not have him be brooding and angry? That would be consistent with s1/s2. I fear the writers wanted a whacky/silly/goofy characterization for s3-Hop so that's what we got instead.

I can not stress this point enough: Hopper went from being El's loving, protective parent to forgetting about her once he broke her and Mike apart.

At the start of s3e2, Hopper watching El being upset and storming into her room because she missed Mike, his smiling while eating cereal, and then gleefully singing while going to work is when I was broke and I thought: This is not my Hopper.

s3 Hopper and Eleven then Hopper forgets Eleven - an episodic timeline:

e1 - Hopper is anxious and unnerved by Mike visiting Eleven daily since it reduces s3-Hop's time with El e1 - Hopper lies to Mike about his Grandma being sick and then frightens him into not coming over

e2 - When Eleven is upset the next day about Mike not appearing, Hopper is joyful e2 - Note, the song played while s3-Hop is gleeful at Eleven's separation from Mike is the same one that was used when s2-Hop took El into his cabin and started cleaning it up. What a terrible ruination of a wonderful, charming moment from s2. When I hear "You Don't Mess Around with Jim" now I just think of how unhappy El was and how uncaring s3-Hop was of her feelings after he chased Mike away.

e3 - Hopper drives home drunk and enters the cabin yelling angrily only to burst in on El and Max with no Mike; s3-Hop is very happy e3 - Note, s3-Hop wrote in his letter the night before that he missed spending time with El so his accepting Max with El at the cabin is inconsistent with what he wrote.

e4 - Hop adventures with Joyce (no mention of Eleven)

e5 - Hop, Joyce, and now Alexei road trip on the way to Illinois e5 - Hop does not mention El but at the gas station Joyce is worried and calls Karen: JOY - Oh, hey, Karen, it's Joyce. Yeah, I... I'm just checking on Will. At the movies?

e6 - Alexei describes how the Russians are re-opening the Gate and Joyce quickly gets up: HOP - Where are you going? JOY - To call our children. e6 - Note, Joyce said "our children" so she is also worried for El while an indifferent Hop drinks vodka with Murray e6 - Hop calls the feds and afterwards sits down and lights a cigarette, then: JOY - So, now what? HOP - Now, we, uh... we wait. JOY - How long do we wait? HOP - As long as it takes. JOY - How can you just sit there being calm? HOP - I am not calm! JOY - Our kids are in danger! HOP - You said they were at the festival! JOY - Which is, like, ten minutes from the gate! HOP - What are you doing? Joyce? HOP - What are you doing? JOY - [she calls the feds again pressing them to hurry] e6 - Note, s3-Hop talks here (and in most of s3) with various combinations of sarcasm, exasperation, indifference, and irritation. Just hearing his tone is so unpleasant and jarringly different from s1/s2-Hop.

e7 - in the car ride home, Hopper sarcastically ridicules Joyce about her being concerned about the kids: HOP - Oh! Wait, that's right! We're on our way to rescue our children from the big, bad Fourth of July celebration! JOY - You know what, if you can't handle this, then just turn around and drop me off first. HOP - What are you gonna do? You gonna walk back to Hawkins? JOY - I will do anything if it gets me away from you!

e8 - FINALLY Hopper arrives at the Mall and holds Eleven while she drinks a soda and rests her wounded leg e8 - Inexplicably, Joyce agrees to go on a date with Hop before the climax when he disappears

Why did the Stranger Things writers change Jim Hopper so much and so negatively in s3?

I think the writers want us to enjoy (or experience in my case) a new, goofy, ha-ha, funny version of Hopper who: * can't parent a teenage girl dating a boy, * is chasing Joyce for a date and then a relationship while she is still grieving the loss of Bob, and * despite acting like a jerk "sacrifices" himself in the end.

Then, to cap the season off, we get gut punched emotionally by Eleven reading s3-Hop's letter.

The writers likely thought the viewers would fall into two groups: * s3-Hop likers who enjoy this new s3-Hop would be upset at his "death" and moved to tears by the letter * s3-Hop dislikers who were annoyed by s3-Hop would flip to likers because of his "sacrifice" and feel guilty so they are also moved to tears by the letter

But remember: the timing of s3-Hop writing the letter about emotions with sagely advice. He wrote it the end of s3e1, after getting advice from Joyce at the store and just before lying to and threatening Mike to break him up with El. I don't think the writers thought viewers would catch this since the letter is so dramatically read (awesome performances by David and Millie) way at the end of the season in s3e8 after s3-Hop disappeared.

Why did s3-Hop act so different from s1/s2 and so badly if he can write so openly and wisely in s3e1 about emotions in the letter?

Why does this dramatic character transition occur? * s1/s2-Hop - bad temper, apathetic, lackadaisical with a good heart and over-protective of Eleven * s3-Hop - anxious, whiny, sarcastic, immature, self-entitled, selfish and mocking of Joyce for worrying about the kids including El

The breaker with s3-Hop for me was his complete turn around regarding Eleven. For s3e1 his only interest was stopping Mike from coming over and taking up El's time which he wanted for himself. Once the breakup was achieved he was very happy despite El's obvious upset.

Note, after breaking up El/Mike we never see s3-Hop make Eggo extravaganzas or watch a western with Eleven like he said he yearned for in the letter. Nor does he mention it to Joyce after breaking El and Mike apart. He read El's note on the fridge and proceeded to adventure with Joyce, all the while whiny to her about wanting a relationship.

Joyce on three occasions showed concerned and called someone about "Will", "our children", and "Our kids" and finally she said to Hop "I will do anything if it gets me away from you" because of his mocking her concern. (That was my favorite line in s3! - Joyce is so awesome)

After breaking up Mike and Eleven, from e4 to e7 Hopper did not show concern or caring about his adopted daughter. It was not until s3e8 in the Mall when Hop is seen holding El while she sips a soda and later he talks to her and is loving and supportive.

Is this Jim Hopper from s2 who was an over-protective, super-loving father to Eleven? Does Mike coming over and using most of El's time turn this decorated Vietnam combat veteran, who was a 6 year NYC homicide detective and current Chief of Police into an anxious, shrill father who can't think straight?

Why not have Hopper react to wanting more time with Eleven and wanting to date Joyce like the normal s1/s2-Hop we know and love?

I blame the writers from wanting s3-Hop to have an arc from nervous/unhinged to "sacrificing himself" and then the letter being read.

I think the s3-Hop character change was done so we'd be gut punched when he "died" and then the letter was read. And there's the additional goal of getting Hopper to fit in with the "summer of love" theme of s3 with him breaking up a love pairing with El/Mike and pursuing his own love with Joyce.

But the timing of when Hop wrote the letter just doesn't make any sense because of how he acted later. Additionally, if s3-Hop can not follow the life advice he wrote down, why does he act badly in such a different way then when he acted badly in s1/s2?

Because of this extreme character change I sadly can not watch s3-Hop anymore without being upset. It's just so unbelievable and unenjoyable.

Did Sarah's death or Mike's dating Eleven or PTSD from Vietnan explain or justify Hopper's s3 change?

These items have been mentioned as possible explanations for s3-Hop being so different from s1/s2. I initially tried to use Mike dating El as an excuse for Hopper's changes but after three s3 viewings I gave up because of everything else I've written in this essay. Here are some reasons while these explanations do not work for me.

1) Sarah's death was wrapped up when Hopper and Joyce saved Will in the upside down. Hopper literally brought Will back to life, something he could not do with Sarah. This was in incredibly moving scene and the end of a powerful arc for Hopper. But the point is it was the end of the arc: Sarah's death still impacts Hopper in s2 dealing with Eleven but Sarah dying isn't a driving force for s3-Hop and how he acts. That arc wrapped up and though it guides s2-Hop, he still acts in a consistent manor. In season 3 there's no mention of Sarah making s3-Hop stressed out so that arc is not in play.

2) Mike dating Eleven and their disrespecting Hopper are certainly stresses for s3-Hop but his reaction to breaking them up is out of character. El and Mike giggle and whisper with each other. Then s3-Hop - an adult, parent, and police chief - cruelly lies to Mike that his grandma is sick and then holds him in the car and threatens him after Mike angrily used profanity. Many commenters call Mike a "little sh|t" and side with tough guy s3-Hop and his approach. It would be consistent and believable for s3-Hop to act like this at night and then the next morning to have shown some remorse or some kind of caring to Eleven. s3-Hop could have said "too bad Mike isn't coming, let's have Eggos tonight and watch a Western." But he did not say anything to El. Instead, he smiled and then happily sang in the car on the way to work.

3) PTSD does not explain s3-Hop's behavior since we never see any evidence in the show that he is having flashbacks or any issues related to Vietnam. Also, writers just can't use PTSD as a do-anything-whenever-you-want-with-a-character excuse. Not only is there no Vietnam PTSD evidence in the episodes, there are many quotes from the official book with Hopper that he does not have PTSD.

3a) In s1, s2, and s3 the words "Vietnam" and "veteran" are never spoken. The only indication of Vietnam is a box under under Hop's cabin floor that Eleven sees when she discovers the trap door. Hopper never speaks of dreams or flashbacks and there is no other indication he has PTSD from Vietnam. His divorce, drinking, and pill abuse are all from Sarah dying based on what we see in the episodes.

3b) From the official book Stranger Things: Darkness on the Edge of Town (published May 28 2019):

1984 DECEMBER 26 - 11 days after the Snow Ball Dance with Jim and El in the cabin: The truth was, Hopper realized, that he didn’t want to talk about Vietnam, not because it was a trauma or a personal demon, but because it was ancient history—but more than that, it felt like part of some other person’s life. Although he hadn’t really stopped to consider it properly, he was aware of how he had compartmentalized his past in his own mind. So, yes, Vietnam had been difficult, and he had come back changed—as most people did, of course—but it just wasn’t relevant, not anymore. That wasn’t him, not now. Because he had come to accept that there were really only two parts to his life. Before Sara. After Sara. And nothing else really mattered. Vietnam included. He just wasn’t quite sure how he was going to explain that to El. “Because,” said Hopper with a smile, “Vietnam was a long time ago. I mean, a really long time ago. And I’m not that person now.” He leaned forward on the table, resting on his elbows. “Look, I’m sorry, really. I can understand that you are curious. And I understand you want to know more about me. I’m your—” He paused. El raised an eyebrow, cocked her chin again, waiting for the response. Hopper sighed, happily. “I’m your dad, now. And yes, there is a lot you don’t know about me. Vietnam included. One day I’ll tell you about it, when you’re older.”

1977 JULY 13 - Homicide Detective Hopper in New York City: This was a support group for veterans of the Vietnam War. Hopper knew such groups existed. He knew full well that such groups were needed. That he’d come out of the war unscathed and with his marbles all where they should be was a blessing. Okay, it had changed him, and he wasn’t going to pretend that it hadn’t been difficult at times. But what the war had done to some people... He’d never felt the need to attend a meeting like this himself, but he was glad they were there for those who did feel that need.

How can Jim Hopper's portrayal recover in season 4?

First off, there is no doubt that David Harbour is returning to play Jim Hopper in season 4 (and s5 if there is one). This is David's big, career making role that is getting him award nominations/wins (the most for any adult ST actor), and he just got a huge raise (80k to 350k per episode). And, most importantly, he loves doing the show and the people in it (especially Millie).

Since what's done is done with s3-Hop, what can happen with Hopper in s4 to bring him back into a believable and enjoyable form for huge ST fans who miss s1/s2 Jim Hopper?

I am very much hoping that Hopper will dial back or eliminate his new s3 qualities, like being whiny, selfish, complaining constantly, etc. Please bring back some of his old s1/s2 strength and empathy under a grumpy exterior.

And I hope Hopper does a reset with three people:

1) Mike - Hopper needs to do more to make up to Mike than just saying "Mike, Be careful" like he did in s3e8 at the Mall. Hop should clearly say that he accepts Mike as El's boyfriend and that he knows he'll do everything possible to keep her safe. Which is actually what Mike did for all of s3 while s3-Hop was adventuring with Joyce.

2) Eleven - While the Letter explains why Hop was feeling upset (change, less time with El, etc), it does not justify how s3-Hop acted afterward when he lied and threatened Mike breaking them up. Hop needs to clearly apologize to Eleven for being selfish, immature, and inconsiderate.

3) Joyce - I hope that Hopper admits to Joyce that he acted like a jerk towards her and that he promises to be a better person in general and especially better with her. That's the only way I can make any sense out of Joyce and Hopper being any kind of couple: Hop has to own up to his terrible behavior towards Joyce and promise to be better.

The End! Sort of... :)

Well, you've read or skimmed or skipped all the way to the almost end and I thank you for taking time to look at my thoughts about Jim Hopper's portrayal in season 3. I still love Hop and think David does an incredible acting job with him in each season. I've been 100% sure he's coming back since the Duffers have bluntly said: no body = no death. So while I'm a little scared at how Hopper will be characterized in season 4, I'm also very excited to see it! Word is that season 4 will have more episodes (10, 11, 12?) than normal. Plus, the Duffers just signed a big deal with Netflix so I'm wondering if season 4 will be a semi-finale for the series and give the Duffers and the stars a break to do other stuff and then come back for a movie or a season after more ideas have percolated in the Duffers' creative minds.

So, here's looking forward to season 4 when we can see Jim Hopper evolve along with all the other great Stranger Things characters.

#stranger things #jim hopper #david harbour #millie bobby brown #winona ryder #finn wolfhard

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coffeefairy · 4 years ago

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Writer’s Month August 2020 - Day 6

Day six of the challenge, a return to an older ship of mine :)

Day 6, Ocean

Fandom: Once Upon a Time

Ship: Red Cricket - Ruby Lucas/Archie Hopper

Rating: General audiences

Summary: Ruby Lucas goes for a run that is interrupted by the cutest puppy ever. His owner is no slouch either.

Excerpt:

Ruby Lucas ran. Her grandmother liked to tell the story – when they were on good terms – of how Ruby had learned to run before she could walk. “Always in such a hurry,” Mrs Lucas would chuckle. And it was true, Ruby had always been in a hurry. She had been in a hurry to grow up, in a hurry to leave, in a hurry to live, to experience life to its fullest. Now she ran to feel less stuck in place. While her grandmother was too old to take care of her businesses alone, she had to help. That meant putting all those shimmering, glittering dreams on a shelf for now. Like snowglobes they sat in rows in her mind, ready to be taken down and shaken in her mind’s eye so she could imagine a day when they were her reality.

Tags: First meeting, probably pretty AU but who knows with the timelines that are canon on OUaT..., terrible titles continue

Run, Interrupted

Anything, from exotic places to a simple walk on her own someplace where no one knew her, it all had a place in her private treasure collection. And until the day when she could make them real, she ran. Ran to stifle the feeling of being hemmed in, caged, locked up. Ran to quieten the ever louder voices in her head telling her to run, and keep running and never come back. She ran for the sleep it allowed her at night, the quiet it afforded her in her head. For the feeling of tired muscles and for a job well done.

In the early evening the light was starting to fade, giving way to a pearlescent light between sunset and night, the last rays of the sun hidden behind clouds but still able to lend a silvery tinge to the blanket above. No moon or stars today, but the air was blistering in the cold, the wind a hollow ache. In minutes it’d be dark, the streetlights above on the pier punching damp yellow holes in the dusk. But until then, the world was monochrome and silent, the cold and the dark keeping everyone else inside.

Ruby loved it.

Only the sound of her feet on the packet sand, her heartbeat in her ears and the ever-rolling pulse of the sea next to her were heard. No voices, no gulls, no calls. Just her.

She’d had time to finish the thought when something light flashed by her. In the next second the light had wound between her feet and avoiding stepping on something soft, she fell. Rolling over, something wet touched her face and the next second she realized she’d tripped over a puppy. Delight and worry washed over her as she tried to ascertain if the puppy was okay. It was making yipping sounds, tail wagging so she breathed a sigh of relief.

On closer inspection it was a Dalmatian puppy, young enough to still have loping movements and paws too big for its body. It seemed as delighted with her and was trying to bathe her face with kisses. Stroking soft ears, she laughed and managed to sit up.

“Are you all right? I’m so sorry, he managed to pull off the lead and then he spotted you and he’s still learning not everyone wants to say hello to him and I saw how he just rushed in front and you fell, and are you okay?”

She looked up as a deep but breathless voice addressed her. The man was still hurrying towards them, dressed in tweeds and a Barbour jacket, tie blown over his shoulder in his rush to reach them. A red leash was dangling from his hand.

“I’m fine. I’m glad I didn’t actually trip over him.”

“Still, I am so sorry. Let me help you up.” He held out a hand and taking it, Ruby felt herself pulled to her feet. The puppy continued to weave around her feet.

Standing up, she noticed the man had really nice eyes, blue and currently filled with concern. His hair was wind-blown and something that had to have been a dimple when he was younger added an attractive boyishness to his looks despite him being much too old to be classified a boy.

“Thanks,” she replied, and sounded a little more out of breath than her run would have made her. “I am fine, I promise.”

His eyes searched hers and for a moment she felt like he’d seen more than her smiling assurance she was okay. As if he could look into her soul.

Silly.

“I’m glad. And I still do apologize for Pongo.”

“Pongo?” She raised an eyebrow.

The man smiled, a little sheepishly, and the boyish impression strengthened. “A young client of mine named him. He maintained you couldn’t have “a Pongo” and not name him “Pongo”.”

Ruby laughed. “Sound logic,” she nodded.

“I thought so. So yeah, Pongo is learning but aside from “sit” we haven’t gotten very far.”

At the word, Pongo looked up from his scrambling search for interesting smells around their feet to gaze adoringly at the man, waggle his tail so his entire backside almost tipped him over, and then plop his butt down, almost shaking in his delight at knowing what to do. “Look, look, I did it!” his entire being seemed to announce.

Ruby couldn’t resist and sank to her knees to pat him and praise him for his endeavour. Pongo responded by climbing all over her lap with his four dirty paws.

“So if this is Pongo, what’s his dad’s name?”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” the man replied, looking at her a little dazed, as if she’d startled him from a daydream. “I’m Archie. Archie Hopper.”

“Ruby,” she replied. “It’s nice to meet you. And Pongo.”

“Likewise, Ruby. And I think it’s safe to say I speak for both of us.”

Allowing him to help her to her feet again, she let go of his hand with a strange stitch of regret this time.

“I work at the Diner in town, you and Pongo should come by one day. I hear there is sometimes a leftover sausage or two after the breakfast rush.”

His cheeks went pink, or she’d only just noticed that the wind had whipped the colour out in them.

“Ah…I’m not much for sausage.”

Laughing, Ruby shook her head. “I meant for Pongo. As you can read, I’ll allow you anything you like from the menu.”

“Oh. I’m sorry, I don’t seem to be appearing at my best today.”

She tilted her head with a smile that had turned stronger men than Archie Hopper to butter. “Oh, I think you’re doing just fine.”

#writersmonth2020 #red cricket #once upon a time #Ruby Lucas #archie hopper #pongo

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har-rison-s · 5 years ago

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STRANGER THINGS 3

Here will be my thoughts and wonders on the new season of Stranger Things. I have watched it all, so beware: SPOILERS AHEAD.

I will probably add more to this as time goes on and when I watch it again, but that's just the usual me :)

So.

The start - honestly, I thought it was a random lesbian couple kissing. Mike's hair is really long.

The thing about Mileven is I think they became a couple because everyone just assumed they would. The two could have stayed friends or at least have a slow burn. I really wanted to see the moment they became a couple. Call me blind but I need that speaking-out-your-emotions moment between them.

Anywhose, I can't with these teenage boys. They're so tall! They're so grown! Their noses are so big! Their voices are different! Wow. I just... I can't believe they've grown so much. I'm proud :> and I actually feel like a mother or a sister. It's like... Almost like Harry Potter, but not quite, I watched them grow up. And it's silly, because I don't even know them, but uh... Yeah. That is, that is truly something. They're growing.

I expected Hopper not to be completely okay with Mike and El, that was funny, but predicted.

Looked like, to me, that Joyce isn't worried about Will as much as she was in the first two seasons. Yeah, he's not missing, but like, what about season 2, then? She said herself “when he's away from me, it's like i can't function anymore”. Where was that in season 3??? She didn't even ask him where he was, where he was going, at what time he should be home. I know it's summer, but like, Joyce, I love you, but where's your stress? :D

Max and Lucas. “i spend quality time with my girlfriend” “i've dumped him like 5 times” Their relationship wasn't at all visible this season. Where was it? Where was the worry? After each serious 'happening' they didn't have a moment of running to each other “are you okay?” or hugging or crying in each other's arms. If they were broken up, when was that? If they're not, then... well, where's the relationship?

I understand that may be because Mileven is made the big deal out of this season, which I don't particularly like. Like... I don't know. It seems like they're the most important to the show, but I don't think it is.

And okay.... Will is the only one that doesn't have a girlfriend/partner. But what was that “it's not my fault you don't like girls” (or something like that) about? What the hell, Mike?

Or, better yet, was that the directors' or writers' attempt at telling the audience that Will is gay? Couldn't have found a better way? That whole... thing has flaws, I don't know. If he's gay, cool, I'm happy, but you could have found a better way to introduce that.

Actually, when I started watching ST, I honestly thought Will could be with Eleven. Like, that they would share feelings for each other and maybe never speak of them because they don't understand them, but uh I guess my sorta ship won't sail. I'm not mad, it's just what I thought.

I was really afraid they'd make Robin Steve's love interest, which I wouldn't have liked. I didn't like Robin at first, but I found she's a lot like me, so I dropped the dislike. But uh, yeah, that bathroom scene was nice. AND, Steve didn't mention a threesome or turning her straight, which would be totally stupid and likely of another show to do. But it just proves more that Steve is a total sweetheart. I love.

Also, did anyone else find Robin's actress looking A LOT, A FUCKING LOT, like Lucy Boynton? In the trailer I thought it really was Lucy.

I actually feared that Dustin's girlfriend would have turned out made-up, cause that would be really stupid and they'd make him look like a stupid character, which he is not. And I love that. Would love to see Suzie more.

Billy Hargrove. Boy, oh, boy. Listen, I really like him. In looks and in him, the character that he is. Yes, he's a big cliche, but well... What can I do?

It's very strange that there was no fighting between Max and Billy, only when he was trying to get out of the sauna. As if the whole relationship they had in season 2 didn't exist. But, then again, I can assume Billy isn't starting any fights or drama with her because Max intimidated him in the end of season 2. That's my only guess.

I didn't really cry when he died, I just felt sad cause... his character could have evolved, he could have become a better person if they hadn't killed him off. Or, he could have survived and realised his wrongs and that he needs to change, and then hopefully, in season 4, he would be a changed man and we would see him with a girl fooling around in a meadow or on top of a hill. (maybe that could be me)

I really liked that they showed Billy's childhood and the reason why he was violent and why he had anger issues. Actually, it looks like almost everyone in the show has anger issues. Hm.

Russians. Man, they're everywhere. From 2015, I've disliked that Americans make Russians villains. Not because I would like Russians or anything like that, they fucking evaded my country and countless others and kept them to themselves for almost a decade. To say I hate Russians would be an understatement. But it's just become a big cliche to put Russians in the villain role. I'd love to see them for once playing some secret good guys.

Since, thanks to my calculations, it is the year 1985 in Hawkins in season 3, it means it's a year until Chernobyl. Hear me out. I know, I'm a big fanatic of Chernobyl and its show, but it would just make a big plot to somehow involve Chernobyl. Before I checked the timeline, I thought it was 1986 in season 3. But, no. I just wanted a somehow mention or even a plotline with Chernobyl in ST. I just wish for it. There's no need, but that would be really cool. Chernobyl + Upside Down + Demagorgon? Yeah man.

Joyce is a bad-ass.

“I dump your ass” man was I laughing.

Max and Eleven spending time together was so cool! My girls!! I like Max a bit more than El, but that doesn't mean I don't like their friendship. I love it, I love them. I love how Max was caring for her and they were doing girl stuff together. I love that.

The scene where Mike tells El that he tried to buy her something nice, but only had 3.50 in his wallet - wow. That's a nice representation of us teens struggling in the modern society :D

Why didn't we see Max grieving her brother after his death? Yes, she cried when she saw him die, but afterwards... Idk, man. Was it because he was abusive and was never a brother to her? Could be. Was it because they never had a sibling bond? Probably. But it would have been nice to see a funeral for Billy AND Hopper, at least one scene. Nop. No funeral. Just like Nat's.

I wanted Max to tribute her brother in some way. Not sit in her room, maybe his, maybe going through his stuff or something. I don't know, but something should have been done.

Alexei! Smirnoff! Man. I liked him, I really did. I'm so sad he was shot. But it's weird that no one noticed a bleeding man in the middle of a fair.

Murray could have talked in Russian better, but I guess if he's not fluent, well, then... Please learn the pronounciations better if next season's going to be with Russians, as well.

Honestly, at the very end, I expected to see other subjects (like El, Kali) shown in some way. I actually expected them to be in season 3. But where are they? Did y'all just forget about them? That they could be alive, living their lives, somewhere? That was missing.

I honestly want them to keep Steve single. That would be okay for me.

Hop dying. Man... that was really hard. I mean, I cried during the half of the last episode, of course. But Joyce lost him. His coworkers lost him. Eleven lost him. Poor baby.

I was so broken when they were all saying goodbye and crying. Not just tears. FULL ON CRYING. BITCH ME TOO.

That's all I think. At least for now.

#stranger things #st3 #season 3 #stranger things spoilers #stranger things season 3 #season 3 spoilers #mileven #jim hopper #billy hargrove #will byers

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that-thing-that-feeling · 3 years ago

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Hello, I love your thoughts and predictions. I admire your observation skills and how you can connect things together because everything flies over my head! So thank you for putting the time and effort into your asks and posts because they're super helpful and interesting.

Random thoughts I've had looking at your blog that might not have any merit but just ideas:

Idk if you've seen the pic with Dustin, Erica, and Lucas sitting next to each other looking at something on a bed? Some people think they're trying to use the thing to contact El? I'm not sure though since their expressions seem... silly/happy?

The silhouette in front of the burnt car might be Jonathan since the hair is longer than Will's hair (especially either side of the head) and in some photos like Jonathan sitting on the couch it seems a similar length. Also the figure is wearing a short sleeved button up shirt, which Jonathan seems to wear.

The Mindscape place that the characters are transported to isn't a new dimension but similar to El's Void. It's within their own minds but they work differently because of their powers (El can go into other people's minds/memories while the Vecna brings people into his kinda deal).

Maybe the war Owens was talking about to El isn't Vecna related, but something to do with the Russians (it would make sense historically speaking for the time period America was very anti-Soviet then which s3 hinted/played around with & fact Owens caught the Russians trying to open the gate last season could have something to it?) Maybe Owens and the military have gathered more info on what the Russians are up to and that's what they need El's help with.

Maybe the info and Owens presence leads to Joyce leaving the kids, leaving them in the protection of Owens men? Joyce would trust Owen since he helped Will and El, and came with the calvary last season.

I could obviously be completely wrong but my guesses

Aw thanks anon :) and always fun to see guesses! idk whether to respond to these with any spoilers but let me see:

—I’m sorta forgetting this other than the lite brite, but I think in that pic they’re in touch with Nancy or a group with Nancy, Robin, and Steve, (and Eddie?) who are in her room in the UD. But true abt their expressions lol.

—I had wondered for awhile if it was Jonathan or Will, but it’s def not Jonathan; it still looks a bit to me like Will. If not Will, my other guess of who it is would be p spoilery.

—agreed on the mindscape being ~similar to the void except that vecna can manipulate and force people into it and move them through their own memories or maybe his memories. But still v curious how the mindscape relates to the UD and comes into being as a power

—I agree that Owens has that double meaning: it’s unclear what the Russians have to do with it. But I think he’s def meaning her friends are in danger in Hawkins due to Vecna and that’s the war he really needs her to fight. It’s true that I don’t know how they’ll tie the Russian plot back into the Hawkins plot if they do at all in any other way than Hopper. Still them having a demogorgon could tie them back in. But it’s interesting he uses those words

—I def think you’re right with Owens men at some point protecting Cali gang from the military who does the raid as it shows up in the Cali teaser (whether or not that works is another story lol). But also I’m really curious why there’s a raid on their home in the first place. And it’s also true maybe Joyce feels more comfortable leaving them bc Owens will keep an eye out but then considering what he asks El to do and some other aspects of the timeline, it’s p confusing. Also Owens tech does something that puts them all in more danger if for an important reason (but does he wait for Joyce to leave to do this/ask so much of El?) Also does Joyce know of anything at the roller rink before she leaves?

#stranger things 4 spoilers #stranger things 4 speculation

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tragicquartet · 6 years ago

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((Please read bottom to top again!))

'A someday, after all, is not a never.' That was quite an uplifting thought, actually. Mallew floated there, paper crinkling slightly in his claws, mulling R's words over. Someday was not never. They weren't wrong, and for someone progressing as slowly towards his goals as he, it made him almost... Smile. It was a somber, half-hearted smile, but a smile nonetheless. Someday wasn't never, and someday would, eventually, be today. How fitting: an uplifting thought on the passage of time, on the possibility and progress it could bring from a timeline-hopper. How sweet. Regardless, the malevolent spirit got to writing, quick to reply even if his thoughts were slow to materialize. ~~~ Hello again R, Thank you for your kind words and positivity. It's difficult for me to remain positive. I'm always in a state of frustration, always worried I'm going to snap. I'm always monitoring my thoughts and it feels, more often than not, that I have no control at all. I guess it shouldn't be a suprise that someone as travelled as you would have such impactful things to say, but if it means anything, thank you. It means a lot to have someone not only respect me but think of me as a person, someone capable of change, worthy of being given words of hope or encouragement. It probably sounds silly, but thank you. As for the plates, that's a really helpful metaphor: there's a lot of timeline-jumping entities out there, so having a little explanation is always helpful. So you ran into other time-hopping entities? That's quite rare, at least around here. Timelines run in parallel often but we don't often see entities that freely move between. And I bet those journals are a sight to see. If you ever want to I'd love to hear some more stories of yours or whatever you'd like to share from your travels. I don't get out much and my memory of my previous line of work isn't all that sharp anymore, but I can offer some recipes or what small tales I have to offer in return. Or more sweets if you'd prefer that. It's not much in exchange for what you have to offer, but I don't want to leave you empty-handed. Sincerely, Mallew ~~~

#tqmobileblogging #tqranon #tqmalevolentlewis

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weirickedu336-blog · 7 years ago

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Five Childhood Favorites

Synopsis: The plot of this story revolves around Hopper the Artic Hare learning how to be a good rabbit while also learning to be safe. After getting ready for the day with his mom, Hopper goes to wake up his friend Nick so they can play. Playing makes Hopper hungry, so he and his mom must search for food while hiding from predators. Hopper doesn't take this seriously at first and almost is scooped up by a Falcon before he is saved by his mom. Following this, Hopper must listen to his mom in order to stay safe and find food. The book does a good job connecting with students as Hopper has a voice and key plot points sunaminous with that of a young child. What Hopper finds fun makes him appealing to a young audience as he likes to play with his friends, looking for food, as well as sleeping in. Hoppers challenges are similar to a small child as he must learn how to stay safe and to listen to his mom. overall this book connects with children on a basic level while still managing to explore the Arctic ecosystem.

Prompt: As a child, I enjoyed this book for a multitude of reasons. Visually, the book was stunning as well as different. I remember really enjoying the way that the edges of images melted into the paper. Everything had so much detail and I quite literally spent hours just looking at the cover page. the story itself appealed to me as well because it contained truth. I found Hopper funny when he would complain about getting ready for the morning or when he would whine about the snow. Being a child quite interested in nature, the informational aspect of this book was entertaining as well and I very soon became interested in any books about the Arctic. It should also be mentioned that I loved this book because it had a bunny in it, the one animal I could not have as a child because I was allergic. Hopper did not help my situation as it made the idea of having a white bunny with brown eyes and blue tipped ears that much more appealing.

Synopsis: This book is about a girl named Moira who is about to turn six. For her birthday she wants to invite Kindergarten, First Grade, Second Grade, Third Grade, Fourth Grade, Fifth Grade, and Sixth grade to her birthday party. Her parents only allow her to invite six. While Moira intends to follow her parent's instructions, Moira feels bad for the students she does not invite and allows them to come anyway. What follows is a series of hilarious antics each crazier than the next. “Moira’s Birthday” is really just a book for entertainment, though it has exaggerated situational themes on a topic any child could relate to.

Prompt: I would have read this book when I was in 2nd grade and boy was I a fan. what I enjoyed most about this book, as well as many other Munsch books, was its exaggerated as well as repetitive nature. The characters facial expressions and responses conveyed emotion and the book followed a pattern of the big problem, turn page, silly solution. The format was predictable yet the plot was funny and outlandish. this was one of those books that I never really got tired of and would read almost religiously. I remember at one point renewing it three times at my school's library. I was sold after reading that book and Munsch became the first author to which I actively sought out.

Synopsis: The Magic Tree House series follows a brother, Jack, and a sister, Annie, and their crazy adventures through time using a magic tree house that they discover in the woods. Each book in the series has a different themes including people, animals, places, events and legends. For example, the first book is set during the late Cretaceous period and deals with dinosaurs, while the following 54 and counting books include themes like Harry Houdini, gorillas, the North Pole, the sinking of the Titanic, and the legend of Camelot. These adventures are all connected as each book has a clue to the mysteries behind the magic tree house and its purpose. While reading these books, students can learn about various historical topics in on entertaining and relatable fashion.

Prompt: These books were my lifeline into the literary world when I was younger. They were my first series and the first books that really got me excited to read. I can remember all the anticipation I would have when I would pick up one of these books in the library as well as the fact that that anticipation remained on through reading the beginning middle and end of each book. At one point, a special edition bookshelf and activity workbook were on my Christmas list to Santa, only after I had collected every single book that had been released. these books were akin to collecting comic books to me, and during a time when reading was generally just a struggle, these books were just simply a godsend. I accredit my love of these books to a number of things. First, the titles and topics were really fascinating to me. I really appreciated the alliteration for whatever reason as a child, even coming up with my own at one point, and the topics or themes of the book were my first glimpse into history, a fascination that has lived on into present day. These books were also really relatable to me. so many of the books had topics that I was interested in and would look forward to reading. the fact that the stories followed a brother and sister duo was also relatable to me as my brother and I shared a lot of the same dynamics as the Jack and Annie.”The Magic Tree House ” series always seemed to balanced making a book understandable for children, while also understanding that children are capable of perceptive thought. for example, the books themselves followed a very repetitious plot, to the extent that some lines would be repeated in each book. However, the simplicity of the structure and plot elements were matched with mysteries that would take several books to solve even just a portion. I was a breath of fresh are that made me the reader and literary lover I am today.

Synopsis: The “Shadow Children” series takes place during a dystopian timeline in which a country similar to the United States is placed under a law limiting the number of children to two per family. this law is heavily enforced by the government-run population police who punish any and all who challenge this law, whether by choice or by circumstance. The books in the series center around a boy named Luke who is a secret third child. while his early years are pleasant as his family lives on a farm, far away from prying eyes who would report him to the population police, his life soon changes when a housing development company buys the surrounding land boxing him into a life of seclusion. The following books follow Lukes story, as well as the stories of other shadow children, and the fight to find freedom in a world to which being born is a crime.

Prompt: After reading the synopsis you are probably wondering how in the world this is a children's book. My answer for you is that I have not the slightest idea but this was yet another favorite of mine. I was introduced to the book series in fourth grade while reading it with my class. I think this gave me a good foundation to the book and helped me to understand the world to which the book was based on. After reading concluded as a class, I was hooked I began reading the rest of this series by myself. I am fairly certain that this lasted until sixth grade as the final book did not come out until my sixth-grade year. this series is really what I graduated to after the “Magic Tree House” series, and though the concept was an adjustment, the “Shadow Children” series followed so many of the traits that had me so in love with the Magic Tree House series but amped up to eleven. The “Shadow Children” series had the mystery that I enjoyed in the “Magic Tree House” series, however, it also had the element of suspense which made it impossible to put down. The “Shadow Children” series also had really relatable characters, however looking back on it now, they were more developed and came in a wider variety. Some of these books were from different characters points of view, a concept to which I to this day still rebel initially against. Simply put this book challenged a lot of the norms I had begun to develop regarding the way books were intended to be structured, presented, and read but it was a challenge that I really enjoyed facing up to.

Synopsis: This story is centered around a girl named Jessie and her life living in 1840 or at least she thinks it is 1840. Jessie is ripped from everything she thought she knew about her life as quarantine signs begin to slowly paint the doors of several houses in the town in which she lives. With a brief explanation from her mother, the town doctor, Jessie is forced to face the truth; she has been living in a reconstructed village made to look like 1840 though it is actually 1996. Her entire life she and her family have been in a living history museum and while the adults know the truth, the children have no idea. On the outside, tourists watch the townspeople using cameras in trees, walls, and two-way mirrors. Jessie's mother is only telling her this so Jessie can escape into the real world and find help or even a cure for the members of the town that are now sick.

Prompt: Running out of time is one of those books that I still think about. It was written by the same author of the “Shadow Children” series, so a lot of there are many elements to which enjoyed that bled through to “Running Out of Time” as well. I actually read it with the rest of my class right after among the hidden in fourth grade. The concept, use of suspense, and sprinkle of history were what really made me love this book. I began questioning my entire existence while reading this book. I distinctly remember looking into a mirror and wondering if I was in a historical simulaton, similar to the one in the book but in a different timeline. While I will admit this book caused some paranoia, it honestly came from a place of curiosity more than fear. Not many children's books were tackling interesting concepts like this, most likely because they didn't want to scare children. Never the less it is still one of my favorite books of all time,

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