#AAAARGH I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!!!!!

[themeeplord]

Godzilla Minus One screenshot redraw.

I have not been able to stop thinking about this movie, I just love it more and more.

Black and white version under the cut.

[just-my-latest-hyperfixation]

📚 🔮 🎨 i love u

Love you too!!! 😍💖🌸

📚 Is there a fanfic or fanfic writer you recommend? Aaaargh, you know that I forget any opinion I've ever held the second anyone asks me for one! There's so many incredibly talented ppl in this fandom, and so many fantastic fics, how am I to choose one??? Here's some I've read and loved recently:

hunter's moon by mourningshowers: a very intriguing werewolf AU with a cool, unique spin on pack dynamics, and stunning prose - the descriptions of ppl's scents in particular stuck with me, they're so vivid and evocative! butter, sugar, and northern mockingbirds by @thefreakandthehair: the most perfectest, soft, mushy, sweet bakery AU. If you're in need of a fic that will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy and happy inside, this is a definite rec! Never coming down (with your hand in mine) by @eyesofshinigami: the latest instalment in their omega!Eddie series, which I adore. If you're into a/b/o and omega Eddie, give this one a read!

🔮 Any advice for writers working through burnout or writer’s block?

Some things that work for me, personally:

Just write! I sit myself down, set a word count (100 words, 200 words, doesn't matter, it's about getting started) and don't get up or hop on socials before I have written that word count down. Maybe I'll find my flow and keep going, maybe I'll think it's garbage and leave it for the day. I never delete what I wrote, even if I hate it. Instead, I come back a day or two later and look it over with a fresh pair of eyes. Most of the time, I'll realize that it doesn't suck as bad as I thought it did.

Write something small! If my large WIPs seem too daunting atm, I'll try a microfic or drabble - something small and relatively low effort. Those also have the added bonus that I can yeet them out immediately after they're done, and the reactions I get usually give me the serotonin boost I need and motivate me to write more. (Bc I'm an attention whore like that! XD)

Let the brain run idle! I take a walk. I craft or doodle something. I play with my kid. I watch a movie or go out with friends. The main thing is, I don't write. I try to not even think of writing. That's often when my best ideas hit me out of nowhere.

🎨 If someone were to make fanart of your work, what fic or scene would you hope to see?

I am blessed enough to have a bunch of incredibly talented mutuals who have made so much wonderful, gorgeous, incredible art of my work. I look at it daily, it makes me feel so incredibly loved and cherished. I couldn't wish for more! That being said, if someone asked me, I'd probably pick for a scene from Someone who cares because that's my oldest fic (my baby, my firstborn, etc.) and it doesn't have any art yet.

Fic writer asks

[someone-elsa]

This love triangle saga was first mentioned in my latest story chapter 😘

Catalina has flirted with Venessa's boyfriend/baby daddy for some time, and finally slept with him. Venessa has just found out about it. However, this night isn't very good publicity for her since she's starring in the first Yamachan movie and a sequel is in the works. Kids movie star can't really go attacking people in public, can she? Even if it's for a good reason… How will Venessa save her career? Or is Catalina right?

And will Catalina get what she deserves? Probably not.

(The fans really got something to talk about lol)

Transcript under the cut:

The Annual Awards for the Most Influential, AKA The Kimmys Studio PBP, Del Sol Valley

CATALINA What do you think, Babes, how many Kimmys will I win? BABS All of them, obviously!

CAT Obviously, indeed.

??? …

BABS CAT, WATCH OOOOOUUUUUT!!!!

CAT Huh---!? ??? YOU BITCH!

CAT Ungh! Good evening to you too, skank! VENESSA Look who's talking, you syphilis-oozing hoe! You have gone too far this time!

CAT You know this feels almost as good as your boyfie choking me the other night… VENESSA AAAARGH!

BABS Stop it! Please! Someone, help! BOUNCER A Okay, okay, that's enough!

VENESSA Let me go! That cunt- BOUNCER B It's time for you to go home!

VENESSA This isn't over, bitch! BOUNCER B Come on now, lady!

CAT Oh definitely not! I'll steal your next man too!

VENESSA I will f*cking end you, you hear me!? CATALINA Only thing ending here is your pathetic career!

Something about us Something else

[blueikeproductions]

The Beast Wars Metals versions of Megatron, Rattrap (Rattle), and Waspinator (Waspeeter) talk about the scrapped movie Predacon designs. WAR WAR STOP IT plays briefly before segueing into the Beast Warriors’ MST3K bit.

Rattle: Feh! Whaddya know, you Destrons WERE gonna be in th’ pit’cher besides Scorpos and his extended family.

Megs and Waspy: EEEEHHH???!

Megatron: Seriously?? Show us, rat!

Rattle: We’ll we got this sexy pin up of Waspeeter…!

Megatron: Oooo, Waspeeter-kun, you WERE gonna be in the movie, so jelly!

Waspeeter: Oooo, Waspeeter looking cool, buuuun! Kinda like my Animated self! Not like now, where Waspeeter got fat, buuun…

Rattle: Yeah, you stress ate cuz you didn’t get into Kingdom like we did.

Megatron: Bahhh, those slow processor scrap heaps were no fun. Nothing but War is Hell and politics! I kept telling them to get it out of first gear and crack a joke or twelve, gyahaha-spit- They told me one more out burst like that and they’d bring in my cousin and understudy Megaphone. -sigh-

Rattle: Huh, I thought something seemed off towards the end. That WAS Megaphone, wasn’t it?

Megatron: Eeugh, well enough of that! Who else would’ve made the cut, Rattle? Inferno? Terrorsaurer? Primus forbid Rampage or Tarans… -spits-

Rattrap: Er, about that, Megsy…

Megatron: WUUUHHHHAAAAAT?!?! That delinquent crab would’ve gotten his big screen debut before me??? Did he threaten to beat up the director guy if he didn’t get in?

Rattle: Strong possibility that’s why he was cut… I heard he was s’posed t’cameo as a corpse anyhow. Not da most thrilling of big screen roles.

Megatron: -giggles- Yet still oddly appropriate for Rampage-kun, gyahaha-spits-!

Waspeeter: I wonder if Depth Charge-san was gonna be in it too, buuun.

Megatron: Who cares about the Cybertrons?! I wanna see more of the Destrons! Perhaps we got the deadly Black Widow-chan pin ups, yes~? Rattle: Uh, well, they’re deadly and poisonous a’ight, but not exactly Black Widow material…

Megatron: …I have no idea who this is. This isn’t one of our guys…

Rattle: I wanna say it’s one of Lio Convoy’s band a’weirdos…? Swan Dive or some such?

Megatron: A Cybertron?! What a load of crock!

Waspeeter: Oooh! It’s gotta be Goosher-chaaan~! He and me went to Seibertron Primary School together when we were little, buuuun~!

Megatron: Isn’t that Gigatron’s toady?

Waspeeter: I mean technically Gelshark was the more direct toady, but yeah, buun.

Megatron: I thought Gelshark turned into a shark… Bah! Whatever it’s not one of mine anyway.

Rattle: ‘Old on, lemme consult the database. TFWiki, type type type, ok so it IS a Destron. Some frog called Spittor. Seems like someone you’d like, Megsy…

Megatron: I have no idea what you mean…! -spits-

Rattle: Riiight… Anyhow, Spittor did serve under you in some media, but he mostly appeared in comics, like da IDW stuff.

Megatron: Unless it was manga by Shoji Imaki, Naoto Tsushima, Hayato Sakamoto or Chromedome, I don’t care.

Rattle: Well we have one more Destron, and it was a guy who appeared in our show…

Waspeeter: Buuun? Dinobot 2?

Megatron: It’s Tarans, isn’t it.

Rattle: I mean it IS somebody you love to hate.

Megatron: EEEEEEEEEEGGGHHHH?!? Ram Horn??! The Trypticon Council would’ve made it on the big screen before MEEEEE?! This is outrrrRRAAAAGEOUS!

Waspeeter: I mean technically we were on the big screen back then, Mega-sama…!

Megatron: THAT DOESN’T COUNT, WASPEETER! Stupid clip show redubs…! Aaaargh, Megatron out. Beeeeast MODE! -transforms into his transmetal beast mode, and starts roller blading away- Hmph! I’m gonna go start a petition campaign to get me in the sequels of Beast Awakening!

Waspeeter: Aaah, Mega-sama! -transforms and follows- Don’t roller blade in anger, buuun!

Rattle: Pssh, what a drama queen. That being said, I hope I’m in da sequels too… Mebbe a petition ain’t such a bad idea. Beast Mode! -transforms- Time to go grease some palms, nyehehe!

-Beast Wars Metals closing theme HALLELUYAH starts playing as he toddles off-

[ginsoakedgirl80]

dramas I watched in 2022

The Legendary Life of Queen Lau (2022, my first cdrama, damn the ppl who brought this one down, will probably rewatch because now I get more about the cdrama tropes they subvert, Li Jiaqi hopefully will get more main roles despite this debacle)

Love Between Fairy and Devil (2022, tumblr loves it for good reason, so good, well written and gorgeous costumes and scenery, I laughed, I cried, I shaked my fist at communication failures, learned to like Yu Shuxin's voice, who doesn't like a story about a demon lord who lost all his emotions and regains them with the help of a cute fairy, cultivation in several senses xD, some songs made it to my spotify 100 most played songs of 2022 list, will rewatch now that it is on Netflix)

Word of Honor (2021, the hype has a reason it is so goood, started out not liking WKX, how the tables turned, hahahaha, side characters who rock, morally grey main characters yay, "A'Shuuuu", you don't need on screen kisses to feel the love, character dump was confusing as hell, somehow missed that WKX is also boss of Ghost Valley in the beginning bc of that. 🤣🙈 Taught me to rewatch the first episode a little bit into the drama to actually get what's going on when there are a lot of characters.)

Old Fashion Cupcake (2022, my first jdrama, cute office romance about finding joy in life again, will make you hungry)

The Rational Life (2021, watch it if you want soft, caring, loyal WH but it is actually about Qin Lan's character overcoming bullying at work and being a model employee in a car company (and promoting e-cars 😄), could have been shorter)

The Blue Whisper (2022, wrecked me with all the suffering but so good and pretty, Ren Jialun going from cutiepie to badass, rocking his ear jewellery, red flags but you ship them anyway, Diliraba and Guo Xiao Ting, another talk it out already yelling at the screen drama, going from hating SML and his attendand to pitying them, LuoLuo 🫶, side characters you will root for, some songs made it to my spotify 100 most played songs of 2022 list, story is by the author who wrote LbFaD, not set in the same universe)

The Romance of Tiger and Rose (2020, Zhao Lusi the Queen, much needed comedy after TBW, loved it, nothing like a writer caught in her own badly written drama world trying to rewrite it while the rules of the world she wrote fight against the rewrites. Su Mu and First Lady just needed to talk to each other aaaargh)

Who rules the World (2022, find yourself a person who looks at you like Hei Fengxi looks at Bai Fengxi, geez Yang Yang, Zhao Lusi is a delight in this, they wrote the two lead characters too perfect??, draws you in with wuxia, gives you a lot of palace drama, including emo first prince who deserved more screen time but they ran out of ideas for him, Writing, editing and fight scenes got worse in the 2nd half of the drama, I guess because the director had to leave, needed to give more side characters a life, the sismance is perfect)

The Untamed (2019, watching to be finished in 2023, I was intimidated by the amount of characters and episodes so only started watching late in the year and am glad I waited because now I know wuxia storytelling better and can fully enjoy it, taught me that you don't need great cgi, sets or fight scenes to tell a compelling story, Wang Yibo 🥹, Xiao Zhan 😼, great side characters)

Semantic Error (2022, my first kdrama, watched it because of this and was not disappointed, enemies to lovers at university, cute quick watch)

The Blood of Youth (2022/2023, just started, the character dump is a lot but it is a romp so far, despite the kinda choppy writing/editing, also geez Youku those youtube subtitles are too fast for my tired eyes)

As someone who enjoys series/movies like the UK North and South, Persuasion, Pride and Prejudice, etc, where a small touch or little gestures can already be a big deal, slow burn romances in cdrama fit me perfectly. (The barbie kisses are something to get used to though. Props to Wang Hedi and Yu Shuxin who went for organic kisses once the feelings hit their characters.)

(and as someone who likes men with long hair 🤣)

Thanks to my friend B who got me into cdrama. 💕

[bakafox]

Animated critical role rambling- possible spoilers if you haven't seen S3 trailer or heard some of the hints being dropped at cons by the cast.

I for one actually am quite fine, even thrilled, with the idea that there will be edits made to LOVM and even M9 animated shows to deviate them a bit from the live play. There's definitely (bathtub) scenes I really hope to see in particular, but I just saw it's been teased that the LOVM trip to hell may dredge up some EXU: Calamity stuff and seriously I am for that.

I view it like the differences between book and movie- and also just... look, I want the main story beats, and also yeah the stories between all CR campaigns are intertwined in ways that weren't gonna be visible in C1 or C2 and I am absolutely FINE with throwing that stuff together early in the name of a smoother serial storytelling.

And there's absolutely stuff that happened in the live games I won't miss if it's left out, and if a few things I wish were in aren't (BATHTUB?) I won't be heartbroken. I just want a familiar-enough-that-my-anxiety-lets-me-watch-it fantasy story told in really damn good animation and LOVM, esp in S2, was delivering on that.

I think anyone who didn't go into seeing animated CR with the understanding that 1000's of hours of live play being condensed into a smoothly paced story that's comprehensible to people who've also never watched the live plays meant changes were going to happen were kind of just not thinking it through.

Especially when we're gonna have seasons of animation for TWO campaigns running in tandem, at that. And I would again, much rather there be tweaks to LOVM and M9 animated than have to wait for LOVM to be done with (hopefully) 5 or so seasons before stepping into M9.

Anyway I just saw a clip of a hint that LOVM going to Hell in S3 rather than fire plane may involve Xerxes from EXU:Calamity and I almost screamed. And I am not going to lie also if at some point Brennan Lee Mulligan voices Azmodius in animated I am going to completely lose my fucking mind and go fully feral because MY GOD his Azmodius was amazing.

PPPS-

Any followers of mine who like good animation and good fantasy and are OK with some toilet humor and bawdiness and some animated gore, if you haven't looked into Legend of Vox Machina, even if you never were into CR, I do still rec it? The first 2 episodes go a little buckwild with the bawdy and toilet humor and some puking to sort of I guess 'warn' what sort of show it is, but then stuff smooths out to what I at least feel is a very good balance of funny and heartfelt and gory. Ep 1-2 give a decent idea of the BASEST baseline of the characters and set up some plot stuff, and then ep 3 of S1 takes off, and S2 gets even better than S1 which already I loved.

The love of animation and anime as an art form held by the original cast and the animation studio is fully on display, the cinematography and camera work and fight scenes have some truly epic moments and they are NOT ashamed of their anime roots while still having a more western feel to things too.

And for people who like to go 'aaaargh' over how some modern shows seem to need to hold hands, LOVM doesn't. You may miss important plot ticks that are hinted at, or forget something you did notice earlier but there's just- massively important shit sometimes going on in just background conversations and little moments that seem almost throwaway or ignored that do Come Back.

Anyway I need more people I can enthuse with over this T_T I acknowledge I'm not as excited for Veilguard as many of my best friends and mutuals (I'm looking forward to it mind you) but in return most of them aren't as excited as me about this lololol.

[china-my-china]

Poor Baby - Phil Lewis X Reader

> You were sick and Phil took days off from work so he could take good care of you until you got better because he is such a sweetheart and always wants to see you feeling good <

Year : 1989

Words count : 633

>♡ <> ♡ <> ♡ <> ♡ <> ♡ <> ♡ <> ♡ <

So there you are, lying down in bed, you had quite a pale skin, weak look, too tired, you had no appetite, you had no condition to sit up or get up and be standing either

You were tossin and turnin a bit in bed, then Phil came close and said — Y/N, i'm going to call Tracii and the managers and ill get some days off to take care of you until you get better, okay?— said as he sat down and leaned towards you

— Okay — You said, you showed a thumb up

You could even not show that, but you were melting inside, because Phil was such a sweetheart and comparing him to any, you have never seen this kind of man so you were the luckiest person than you could ever think

Phil smiled and said — Going to be back soon, try to have a rest — kissed your cheek

He got up and left the room as you just closed your beautiful E/C eyes and quickly fell asleep

>♡<>♡<♡>♡<

— Hey Tracii, alright mate? — Phil smiled softly

— Hi, Phil! I'm doing good! You? — Tracii smiled

— I don't know mate, Y/N is really sick, i know she needs me and i need to take care of her, i need to take some days off, if you don't mind it? — Phil said

— Oooh, yes sure! But we don't even have work these days so that's great — Tracii smiled

— Oooh, thank you mate, im going right now — Phil smiled and both him and Tracii hung up the call

>♡<>♡<♡>♡<

Phil headed back to the room and walked towards him side of the bed just to lay down next to you

— Y/N baby, i'm back! — Phil smiled softly and lied down to your side

He started to rub your hair, then your face and arms

You didn't wake up, of course, you were sick so you were really tired

— Aww, poor thing! — He kissed your cheek and hugged you, this time you woke up

— Hum? — you sounded as you looked at him

— I'm back, love! — Phil started to lean his nose into yours

You smiled softly and he said — Can you get up, so i can take you to the living room? — looking at your beautiful E/C eyes, he asked softly

— Yes, if you hold me all way through to assure im not gonna fall — You laughed weakly

— Okay then, let's go — Phil smiled as he helped you

You were now ready to leave the room and Phil just had to open and pull the door so he could open it and you could really leave

You sat in the couch and he headed into the kitchen, in some minutes he emerged with a bucket, he placed in in front of you

So he said — Now I'm gonna make lunch, alright? —

You nodded and smiled weakly, you just turned on the TV and started to watch "The Rocky Horror Picture Show", you loved that movie, specially Dr. Frank N Further

Phil heard your soft happy shriek and giggled

— Hope it makes you feel better really soon! — Phil smiled softly — AAAARGH! — he screamed

— What was it?! — You said, trying to be loud enough

— Urgh, i just cut my finger on this f-ckin knife! — Phil sighed and growled

— Ooooh dang, Philip! — You said

Some hours gone by and both of you ate your food, Phil didn't put too much food cause he knew your stomach couldn't take too much food

2 days gone by and you got better than ever, Phil was back to work and you either, you couldn't think of a better boyfriend 🥺🤍

[timotey]

Gatchaman

A superhero movie of the Japanese provenience, starring Matsuzaka Tori and Ayano Go as Eagle Ken and Condor Joe, respectively. I wish there was an HD version of this somewhere because that would've been a ride! The special effects were breathtaking and the team's powers so awesome!

But I also wish it delved a little deeper into the relationship between Ken and Joe because there was just so much stuff to delve into, the fact that they'd known each other since they were kids, that they both fell in love with the same woman, Naomi, who chose Joe - and Ken didn't try to get between them, though he was hurt, he wished them all the best, but then he inadvertently caused Naomi's death, and Joe refused to work with him anymore, the way Naomi's death changed them both, turning Joe into more of a loose canon while making Ken colder, more ruthless... But they still loved each other deeply, as best friends, though they were so different and there was so much bad blood between them, they still cared! And I wish this was explored more deeply, especially with two powerhouse actors like Matsuzaka Tori and Ayano Go!

Also, the post-credit scene? Aaaargh! I wish that they had made a sequel because... yikes!

[cherry-bomb-ships]

Hewwo I'm rewatching Madagascar 2 for the first time in a long while and this is objectively the funniest Madagascar movie. You can quote me on that

Also Skipper my beloved 🥺💖🥺💖🥺💖 Being my first ever f/o, he's just so familiar and safe and makes me really happy!! I have practically every line memorized from this film but especially all of his lines and AAAARGH I STILL LOVE HIM SO MUUUUCH 💖💖💖

[dark9896]

Gift Horse [Steven x Reader]

Steven hummed in annoyance. He didn't want to feel this way, not about them.

Yes, he could see they were a good person. But why did they have to dress like that? Why did they have to act that way? What purpose did it serve? They were an adult yet they dressed and acted like a teenager.

So why did Steven love them?

The more he tried to ignore his feelings, the worse they got. It frustrated Steven to no end. Why were they always on his mind? He hated this.

Today was no different, Steven sat behind his desk. Listening to Zapp flirt with them for the umpteenth time this week, secretly hoping they would go with Zapp. But he felt so jealous over it at the same time.

"Oh, c'mon. We're basically the same, so just go out with me."

"There is nothing on Earth that we share." You sang a reply, "It is either Valjean or Javert."

Steven just barely managed to keep his jaw from dropping. Had you just? From that play? What? When had you seen it?

Wait. Stop. This wasn't helping.

"I wasn't aware you could sing [Name]." Klaus turned, "Are you a fan of Les Misrables?"

"I've only seen the movie. But I do know a decent bit about the novel it originated from and the complex sisterhood with The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Er, Notre Dame de Paris by Victor Hugo."

Stop. Talking. This is only making things worse for Steven. Had he only known you were this intelligent....

"I wasn't aware there was a connection between the two. Perhaps the two of us and Steven could discuss it over tea some time?"

Noooooo. Klaus. Stop. This is the opposite of helping.

"Sure. Though, I don't know how long of a conversation it'll be."

Steven couldn't handle this. Intelligent, shy, sweet.... aaaargh. Why? Was the punk look just a facade? Did it serve a purpose? Why couldn't you just be normal?

Steven found refuge in the breakroom. Pondering his dilemma over a fresh cup of coffee. At least until the door behind him opened. You were the last person Steven wanted to see.

Though, you seemed to be completely ignoring him. What gives? He shouldn't feel this way. Why did Steven want your attention right now?

"Oh, sorry Steven. I didn't see you there." He had just been overlooked? "I saw how uncomfortable you were earlier. Did something happen? Or was it just Klaus speaking for you?"

Steven froze, "No, that's not it. I just didn't expect that. Talking about those works I mean."

"With me." Steven was thrown by your change in voice, "You don't have to be polite about it. I see the way you look at me."

Steven shifted uncomfortably. You didn't really know the full extent of it.

"I'm use to it. Being disregarded and underestimated. But its fine. Easier to figure people out if they keep looking down. And a bit satisfying to take them down a peg if I'm honest."

Steven watched the look in your eye, guilt forcing his feelings to the surface. He wanted you to know that he wasn't like that at all, that wasn't why he looked so oddly at you.

"Not that you have really been too bad about it. Mostly just annoyed side eyes and disgruntled sighs."

"I have been fighting my own feelings towards you." Steven blurted out, "I didn't mean to be apprehensive."

Your raised eyebrow told Steven everything he needed to know. You didn't buy his words one bit.

"I swear I'm not lying to you [Name]. I prematurely judged you and let that cloud my reason. But I genuinely do....." Steven hesitated, so many months trying to stay away.....was now...

Steven swallowed a lump in his throat, "I love you, [Name]."

Steven had long since passed the point of no return. All he could do was hope you'd believe him.

"I'm not sure I can trust that statment. Not after all this time."

Steven's heart sank. This was his own fault. If only he hadn't been so stubborn about keeping you at arm's length.

"But, I can at least give you a second chance. Or....maybe its just a chance."

[enchi-elm]

Tagged by the lovely @ladytp​ for this one!

If you could choose to go back in time for one day only and change the events of that day, what day & event would you choose?

Er.

Well, so, this feels like a particularly bad time in history to be asking that question because no matter what day I choose I feel like I am disregarding several million other viable options.

So I’m tempted to go trite with this one.

Back in Glasgow, when I was living there, I was invited to a rooftop party. This was a time when I was battling a lot of chronic stuff I didn’t know about, and was constantly fatigued and confused about why, and blah blah blah. Anyway, I was also loosely part of an impressively large (for me) social group at the time, and they seemed to like me! These two situations were constantly at odds, to my dear introvert dismay.

Pan with me, if you will, to a beautiful spring day. I’d spent several hours on this day already hanging out with these people, walking through Glasgow along the Kelvin River, bantering up a storm, running into more people we knew, going for drinks and, in general, doing everything I’ve ever seen happen in the type of indie movie-life I have coveted since my teen years. And at the end of this, as the sun was setting, we ran into another friend who invited us to their place for a rooftop party.

I backed out.

I mean, I was really tired. To be fair. I don’t think going back in time would change that. But still. It haunts me. I watch another one of those freakin’ movies and I see fairy lights and wooden furniture and throw pillows and mason jar lighting and plants and some sort of canvas sail and I think aaaargh, my one, my only chance at dispelling or living this myth, and I passed it up.

So I would go back and go to that rooftop party.

And maybe chill a little more earlier in the day, to have the spoons for it.

The idea I believe is to create a new question and tag people so....

You can go back to one historical era and bring back one custom to be adapted to modern life as you wish. Which do you choose and why?

Anyone who would like to can do it! For variety, I will pick @montmartre-parapluie​, @tortoisesshells​, @queenofchildren​ and @riotsofbloom​!

[darkcloud-kcalifornia]

Right, need to play catch up again.  It’s just... this is not a good show.  But hey, there’s always having some fun by mocking it’s many amateurish mistakes.  Yashahime time, I guess.  Episode 8, “The Dream Gazing Trap”.

...I swear if this is a third use of the Lotus Eater Trap plot in this series I quit.  Having it once was fine, but then reusing the same thing for THE FINALE of the original series was inexcusable.

* Would you knock it off with the stupid character captions already?!

* Amazing how these people can run through the rain and not look the least bit wet.

* Right, we’ve actually got some plot development here, with Riku being the one who has the bounty on the least perilous mini-boss squad because he wants their Pearls.  And is planning on killing the heroines for theirs afterwards because he only kills the ones he loves.  Riiiiiight.  Good job making an antagonist seem both creepy and poorly written at the same time.

* Also, I think the Pearl count might be off?  Riku said there’s seven.  Setsuna and Towa each have one.  The Four Perils each have one (Moroha got hers from the one they already killed).  And Riku seems to have one.  So that’s seven.  But Jyubei is also shown to have a hidden brightly colored pearl, which brings the count up to eight.  Unless one of them is revealed to secretly be a Peril or has already stolen from them (making the bounties unnecessary) then I guess we can add “unable to do basic counting” to the list of authorial incompetencies.

* Also also, by sending the heroines to do his dirty work for him Riku is placing all of the power up MacGuffins in their hands before he makes his move.  He’s making the fight 5 or 6 against 1 or 2 in the heroines favor.  So once again the villains aren’t coming across as dangerous.  They’re looking like morons.

* ...Right, enough complaining about a single scene.  Back to the show.

* Even by the standards of this show owl minister is an idiot.  He lead the heroines right to his boss’ lair and needed to be reminded of what his own powers are.

* Plus this scene kinda downplays the actual value of a Rainbow Jewel power-up if Kyuki was willing to just hand hers to an obviously incompetent underling.

* The only reason the fight is taking place is Moroha went for capture rather than kill.  And Setsuna isn’t going for an immediate kill against a restrained foe despite being able to no-sell his attack because... reasons.

* Oh good, we’re getting flashback dreams rather than “trapped in a pleasant dream”.  That is an acceptable variation.  Carry on.

* So Miroku left Hachi’s kid with Jyubei because Hachi bit it, and Inuyasha and Kagome left Moroha with Hachi because they were about to be killed in a fight against Sesshomaru and Kirinmaru, but there’s no sign of her being passed off to Jyubei as well during this time so... I know I’m supposed to be curious at this point but this is just coming across as convoluted and thrown together.  It’s mystery for the sake of having a mystery, rather than a well written narrative or establishing character connections.  A mystery should draw your audience in, not have them questioning why it exists in the first place and screaming “Get on with it!” like characters in a Monty Python movie.  Maybe this would be more effective if the writing thus far had made me care about this, but as I would hope has been established by this point they have been failing wildly on that front.  They’re just coasting on an expectation that the audience would care because of a connection to the previous series, but 1) not everyone in the audience is going to have that after all these years, and 2) even as someone who did like Miroku that connection isn’t enough.

* And how in blazes is Towa getting Setsuna’s flashback dream of losing her dreams when she wasn’t affected by the attack because she has no dreams?!

* And rather than getting a Towa flashback she’s instead given entirely new information about the dream butterfly being a minion of the Tree.  Consistency!  Use some consistency!  AAAARGH!!!!

* Oh don’t lie about understanding the plot now, Kyuki.  There’s no way that’s possible when even the writers don’t.

* Oh gee, the villain can absorb demonic energy.  If only one of you had SOME SACRED ARROWS or something.  Moronha.  But no, instead let’s make this a contest between Kyuki and Towa as to who can suck harder.

* Moroha can’t fight because her demon energy has been drained, so she helps Towa get a handle on her energy absorption by using a demonic attack.  They just.  Didn’t.  Care.

* And in the end Riku had to step in and finish things because Towa is an idiot who turns her back on an opponent.  Well that’s a win for Riku I guess.  He’s got two Jewels now.  Also it’s day now because it takes several hours to apply a band-aid.  *sigh* Can’t even be consistent with the time of day...

So it should be needless to say at this point, but let me make my stance clear.

THIS EPISODE SUCKED!  THIS SHOW SUCKS!

I don’t know who is writing this thing as the credits are in Japanese, but this has got to be some of the worst, low effort dreck I’ve ever sat through.  I can’t believe something like this is a professional product.  Is it me?  Am I just so ready to see faults here I’m being extra nitpicky?  Is the stress of being surrounded by COVIDiots making me a complete sourpuss even away from work?  I feel like I’m taking crazy pills here!

[nellied-reviews]

The Empty Man Cometh Re-listen

Hey, it's episode 9 of my Wolf 359 re-listen, which means it's time for a particularly iconic episode:

The Empty Man Cometh

In which Eiffel freaks out, Minkowski freaks out and Hilbert freaks out. Seriously, that's the whole episode. 

This episode, like I said above, is iconic. It's memorable, it's tense, and it's funny, in a dark, weird sort of way. Plus, it's the example par excellence of why Command are the Actual Worst. I had some very fond memories of it, going in, many of which it didn't entirely live up to, even if I generally enjoyed the episode.

As the episode begins, though, it does set its situation up really well. We have an ion storm incoming, after all, which works as a handy bit of spacey technobabble. We kind of suspect, until the final reveal, that the ion storm might have something to do with this Empty Man thing, which encourages us to view the episode's biggest threat as something vaguely external to the Hephaestus, something coming from the vast, impersonal void of space.

After this groundwork, however, all we get is essentially one long build-up and release of tension. We've already seen Wolf 359 trying for a horror episode - hello, Super Energy Saver Mode - so we already know this is something the show can do. And unsurprisingly, it does it pretty well here too, only using the "aaaargh, there's something weird out there" monster film model instead of the "aaargh, there's something weird in here" ghost story model. It's a simple idea, and it plays out pretty much like you'd expect, right until the end of the episode.

The messages the Hephaestus receive, I have to say, are amazing in their sheer weirdness, and I have a real affection for the moment where Eiffel shoots down the idea that they're somehow mistakes. He's 100% right that a real error would just be random letters or numbers, and pointing it out feels like a nice genre-savvy touch. Plus, after several episodes of Eiffel walking straight into horror movie clichés, it's nice to see some common sense from him.

Unfortunately, knowing that they're deliberate only makes the messages more mysterious, since they give the crew literally nothing to go off. The messages are clearly warnings, but beyond that, it's very hard to figure out what, if anything, the crew are supposed to do off the back of them. The messages put pressure on the crew by counting down ominously. But apart from that, it's essentially meaningless input. There are no instructions for the crew, no useful bits of information. There are just some very confusing words on a printout.

And, given the revelation that it was all a psychological experiment, might this not be the point? Perhaps Command want to know how humans react to their own powerlessness in the face of the totally incomprehensible, the terrifying Unknown. In fact, given that Command have a real interest in human communication with aliens - the ultimate terrifying Unknown - this would actually make sense. Heck, it even makes sense for them to specifically be doing this onboard the Hephaestus - theirs is the ship that Command expect to make contact with real life aliens, any day now. We could maybe see this experiment as a sort of psychological inoculation, preparing the crew for moment they finally get a message from the Dear Listeners.

Either way, if it's psychological reactions Command want to observe, we get them here by the bucketful. Eiffel, for example, alternates between freaking out and trying to convince himself that it's stopped. Hilbert, from what we can see, turns to technology, buckling down and running scans, while Minkowski is the one comparing the messages, trying to pull out patterns. It's an admirable impulse, but I suspect it's exactly what Command are playing off here. As humans, we love to find patterns. It gives us a sense of control. But faced with something that is incomprehensible, the sense of control slips away. And so, as level-headed as Minkowski seems, she freaks out in the end just like the others.

It's also worth mentioning that this is the point where the episode pulls out all the stops to freak us out, too. Seriously, from the use of tense music and creepy sound effects, to the absence of Hera's reassuring presence during large parts of the episode, to Eiffel whispering the final message, all of this is so spooky. I mean, things build to a peak, the power cuts out, everybody's losing their mind, and then-

Oh. It was all a psychological experiment. Ugh, Command. Why are you like this?

It's a deliberately dissatisfying, anticlimactic ending. We want to heave a sigh of relief that the Empty Man isn't real, that the crew survived. But any positive feelings linked to the release of tension are drowned out in righteous indignation and - for us, if not for the crew - a feeling that we've been robbed of the exciting horror story we were expecting. We, along with the crew, have had the rug pulled out from under us, and while it's something the show's done before - remember, uh, last episode, within which Box 953 never got explained or followed up on? - it's the first time it's felt cruel. Box 953 was an accident, accidents happen. But this? This is just mean-spirited, so we end the episode firmly aligned with Minkowski and Eiffel in their feelings of anger and betrayal.

The only positive? I do feel like this shared, terrifying experience brings the crew closer together, as evidenced by their plan to write a sternly worded letter and send it to Command tomorrow. I'm not sure how effective it will be. But the thought's nice. Plus it might give them a sense of control back, and who am I to argue with that? 

It's a bright moment at the end of an episode that otherwise leaves us frustrated and angry, putting us through the psychological wringer alongside the crew. As an exercise in building up tension, it's effective, and it doesn't completely lose that tension on a re-listen, even knowing the ending. I still found myself jumping at some of the noises in this, you know? And scary countdowns will always be scary!

That said, I do think that some of the impact this had the first time I listened to it was lost this time. The first time I listened to this, after all, I remember getting freaked out by the prospect of the Empty Man, but also invested in figuring out what it was. Knowing that the messages are meaningless, I was less invested in that this time round. And weirdly, I also remember finding the crew's freak-out and their subsequent rage at the anticlimactic nature of it all funnier the first time round - perhaps because it was so unexpected? In any case, that didn't carry over as much this time, either.

Nevertheless, I would say that this episode was still perfectly fine, and my ill-will towards Command has, if anything, intensified. But it was certainly a different experience on a re-listen, with different things standing out. Which, in the end, is what a re-listen is for, I guess. Some episodes improve dramatically. Some don't. For me, this one falls into the latter category, which might just be due to how strong a reaction I had to it the first time I heard it. And that's fine. Not every episode can - or should - be made for fans on a re-listen.

And hey, if you found it just as good, or better, the second time round? More power to you ^-^

 Miscellaneous thoughts:

Minkowski saying that they might survive this with minimal damage *shakes head*. Has nobody on this station heard of tempting fate?

Is the pulse beacon relay sound effect actually a cash register sound? It's effective, either way - I love how clunky it sounds :)

This episode is also a really good opportunity to show us how the pulse beacon relay works. Which totally won't be relevant ever again. Nope. Not at all.

Un momento por favor, Doctor Hilberto." Why does this line amuse me so much?

"Decide what to do with the time that is given to you." Aaaaaaaaah bad bad bad!

Hilbert speaks Russian, Swedish, Norwegian, German and Afrikaans?! How did Afrikaans get in there? (headcanons 100% welcome here)

Aww, Minkowski thinks they should all get a good night's sleep. Sound advice in most situations tbh

[lorei-writes]

21 questions tag

I was tagged by @nad-zeta ! :D Thanks, love, I had a bit of a rough day and it really made it all better! :) 

1. Name: Karolina 

2. Nickname: Huh, I don’t think I have one? Sometimes my friends call me Karolcia, but it isn’t really a nickname. 

3.Gender: Female

4. Star Sign: Pisces

5. Current time: 22:55 (and I still want to do some more stuff - why am I only productive at night, aaaargh)

6. Favorite song Artist(s): I really like Halestorm and Hozier! Although Alter Bridge is a close call as well.

7. Favorite Song: By far, Heart of Novocaine by Halestorm. Wait. Calm The Fire by Alter Bridge... And I really like the first opening of My Hero Academia and Flyers (the opening song of Death Parade).

8. Song stuck in your head: Dance Monkey - Tones and I is currently on loop with Angel of Small Death :)

9. Last Move you saw? Hmm... Tales From Earthsea. Haven’t watched any movie since that one ^^”

10. Last thing I googled: “boustrophedon” 

11. Other Blogs? Yep. This one is actually a side blog (gash, I wish I could switch that around :C), my main is @mllorei (it’s mostly screaming into the abyss and funny stuff).

13. Do you get asks? Sometimes and they make me so happy! :D 

14. Reason for your URL: I’m bad at names + this place is literally my nest for all the shiny stuff and some of my garbage. 

15. Average amount of sleep: I used to sleep for 6 hours per day and be well-rested - and ever since then it’s been a disaster. I need to feel some sort of external pressure to function somewhat well whenever I sleep 8 hours, but I usually wake up by myself after 10 >.< And now my hormones decided to make my 

16. Lucky Number: 13, 4

17. Currently wearing: ... A rainbow llama bathrobe, leggins and a bandana with a daisy print on it.

18. Dream Job: Huh, something fulfilling and meaningful to local community - I’d like to be a high school math teacher, but I don’t know if I’ll be able to. Other than that... Dunno, I like writing? But I don’t like how the writers are oftentimes isolated from the people that read their stuff. It would be hard to stay motivated.

19. Dream Trips:  Japan, Finland and Sweden. As for one that may actually turn into reality, Czech Republic - Prague. :D

20. Favorite Food(s): Okay. It’s a bit silly. Pea soup, but not like. I don’t know how to describe it. My mum makes this soup. Most people don’t like it or are like meh, whatever. I? I shit you not, when I was 8, I would eat 4 bowls of that thing and still want more. And that haven’t changed. 

21. Play any instruments? Nu-uh. 

Okay, I know the original rules were tag 21 people, buuuut... I don’t think I can do that? ^^””””””” I think some of you guys had already done this tag, so, if it wouldn’t be a problem, could you tag me in the replies to the post or send a link my way? ^^” I’m really curious of you. (Even more so since I haven’t got a chance to hear from some of you ever before). @ikesensrandomninjagirl24 @datenoriko @fairstival @metroidgirl0234 @ikemencrossedmyth @ieyasuwu @shingekinoali @cailannuesugi @-kissthebabysky @paopufruittt @nxh-special-here-just-lia @zazax42

[niuniente]

Title: A Troll Who Didn’t Purr Fandom: Trollhunters Rating: PG Warnings: None Prompt #: 6 “Yes, I’m aware. Your point?” Relationship: Barbara Lake/Walter Strickler/Angor Rot  Character(s): Barbara Lake, Walter Strickler, Angor Rot, Jim Lake Jr., Blinky Additional Tags:  Stricklakerot, Polyship, Comfort, Oneshot  Notes: This is not proofread as I couldn't find myself a proofreader. Also in AO3 Summary:  Every troll purrs when happy. If not, there's something wrong with the troll.

“Blinky! Blinky!”

A storming sound of running feet accompanied the loud cries of Blinky’s name. It all started so suddenly Blinky almost fell from the small stool he was standing on in front of his bookshelf.

Three human teenagers rushed to the room.

“Ah, Claire, Toby and Master Jim. What with this ruckus? Is something wrong?” Blinky asked, deciding it was perhaps the best if he came down from the stool on a steady floor.

Claire had a big book in her arms. It covered almost half of her body.

“We were cleaning the storage, just like you asked, and found this”, she said, lifting the book up to get a better hold of it.

Blinky peered down at the book. It was red, very dusty and clearly very, very old. His eyes brightened.

“Ah, The Complete Guide to Troll Cultures by Rogney-Ragney Wisepants!” he breathed, delighted. “So that’s where I had put it. I was wondering where it was.”

“There was so much weird info in the book”. Toby patted the book’s cover. “Show him, Claire.”

Claire carried Rogney-Ragney Wisepant’s book to Blinky’s table, pushing it further from her. The front cover was so heavy she had to open it with both hands. Jim was next to her going through the pages to help her out.

“Here!” Jim said, tapping the brownish yellow page with his index finger. “It says here that trolls purr.”

Blinky at the other side of the table looked baffled. “Oh, but yes, they do. Rogney-Ragney wrote that book centuries ago so some of the troll customs have changed – the same happens in all cultures – but all trolls are capable of purring.”

The kids looked at one another. Toby’s eyebrows knitted together.

“Then why haven't we heard it?” he asked.

 “Young Tobias, trolls purr only on special occasions. Either, when they are very happy and content, or when they are hunting for cats,” Blinky explained, smiling.

Toby’s frown just grew deeper.

“Oh,” he sighed, “I have not heard Aaaaargh purr so does it mean he’s not been happy around me?”

“Aaaaargh is… different,” Blinky said, rubbing his four palms. His eyes were concerned. “What he was put through when he was a small whelp… It changed him. Unfortunately, Aaaaargh never learned to purr.”

“So purring is not a natural behavior?” Claire looked at Blinky.

“No, not at all. It needs to be learned, just like any language or a form of communication. Nevertheless, all trolls are able to purr and will do that when they are extremely happy and content. Aaaargh is just a rare exception. But please, do not bring it up when he is around. This is a sensitive subject to our beloved friend Aaaaargh.”

“Would you say that trolls purr with their partners?” Jim asked, his arms crossed over his chest.

Blinky nodded.

“Yes, though it depends a bit on a troll culture when purring with a partner is accepted and when not. There are regulations, different courting methods, some waiting times and---”

“I got it!” Jim hastily stopped Blinky, before he would start a twenty-minute lecture of troll purring. “Thanks, Blinky.”

      Walter could hear footsteps behind his back. He recognized them immediately and looked over his shoulder to see Jim approaching him during his dishwashing turn.

“Strickler, can I ask something?” Jim leaned against the kitchen counter next to Walter.

A faint smile appeared in Walter's corner of his mouth. His eyes returned to the delicate wine glass he was cleaning.

“Of course. Shoot me, Jim.”

“It’s kinda like… man to man?” Jim circled, searching for his words.

“Trust me: I have heard many man to man talks during my very, very long life,” Walter said, giving a quick soft look at Jim. “You can talk to me about anything and ask about anything.”

“Well,” Jim took a deep breath. “I spoke with Blinky earlier today. Turns out trolls purr.”

“Yes, they do.”

“They purr when they are very happy and content, especially with partners.”

“Uh-huh, and when they hunt cats for a dinner”, Walter added, finishing cleaning the wine glass and reaching out for a new one from the debts of the foaming water.

“It’s just, that you and mom look really happy---”

“---But I don’t purr?” Walter finished Jim’s sentence. Jim nodded.

“That’s because I’m a changeling, not a troll. We can’t purr. Did Blinky tell you that purring needs to be learned?”

Jim inspected Walter’s face and thought he saw a hint of melancholic sadness in his eyes. Jim straightened his posture.

“Yeah, he said that. Makes sense. You grew up with humans.”

“As one of them. Humans do not purr, so I have not learned it.”

“Can you learn as an adult?” Jim asked and got a shake of a head from Walter as an answer.

“It needs to be learned when you are small. I’m afraid my chances for that are long gone,” Walter chuckled, but the small hint of sadness didn’t leave his eyes. Jim cleared his throat and reached to pat Walter on his upper arm.

“Thanks. I needed to hear that. It means you and mom are genuinely happy.” He did his best to give Walter a reassuring smile. “And I think mom likes you, whether you purr or not.”

Walter smiled softly back at Jim.

“To be honest, I don’t think I’d be that comfortable with such trollish behavior. I’m happy to show my affection to my loved ones in other ways – like doing dishes and looking after the house while Barbara is at work.” Walter gestured to the full sink.

Jim rolled his sleeves up.

“Want help?”

“Please. I’d be delighted.”

     “Mom. Did you know that trolls purr?” Jim asked when Barbara was leaving his room.

“Purr?” Barbara asked, turning back to Jim at the door frame.

“Yeah. I heard about it from Blinky. Though Strickler doesn’t purr because he is not a full blood troll.”

“No. I didn’t know. Interesting. It makes them sound a bit like cats, doesn’t it?” Barbara mulled the thought over. “Very, very big and stony cats!”

“Oh yeah and Aaaaargh doesn’t purr either, as he never learned to purr,” Jim continued.

“They need to learn that?”

“Yes, like any other language,” Jim nodded at Barbara.

Barbara rubbed her chin, humming. Her arms crossed over her chest as her chin pressed down. Then her chin rose up as she pushed her head backwards, letting out a long, thoughtful hum.

“I have never heard a troll purr, but perhaps someday I can hear that. I want to hear if it sounds like a cat's purring or if it’s different”, she said, sounding so serious it made Jim chuckle.

“I’m sure you will hear it someday, mom,” Jim said. Barbara smiled at him.

“I look forward to that. But now, bedtime, young man. You have a school day tomorrow.”

“Friday!” Jim rejoiced. “Just one more day and then it's the weekend!”

“The more reasons to go to bed. The sooner you fall asleep, the faster tomorrow arrives”, Barbara said, pointing her finger playfully at Jim. Jim groaned, but couldn’t hide his grin.

“Mom, I’m not a first grader anymore.”

“Goodnight, sweetheart.” Barbara said, slowly closing Jim’s room’s door.

“Goodnight, mom.”

Jim crawled under his duvet, snuggling his body into a comfortable position. He closed his eyes and thought about what he should do on the weekend. Perhaps a movie evening at Claire’s home. Or a game evening with Toby. Or perhaps he could learn more how to use knives at fights with Angor Rot.

Suddenly, Jim’s eyes shot open.

Angor Rot!

    Angor Rot was sitting in the backyard of Lakes’ house, carving something with great detail and care. Jim padded next to him, wrapping a blanket tighter around his body to shield himself against the too crispy fall night.

“Boy, it is a night. You should be in bed,” Angor Rot said, never lifting his case from his craft.

“I couldn’t sleep,” he lied.

“If you think I will cast a spell on you so that you fall asleep, forget it. My spells aren’t really that kind and good for peoples’ bodies.”

“No, I just wanted to ask something. I think I’ll be able to sleep after that.”

That seemed to get Angor’s attention. His head rose up and he turned slowly to look at Jim; his hands still frozen halfway into a cut through the carved figure. He waited.

“Ah well,” Jim began, shifting his weight from one leg to another. “Now that you live here together with Strickler, mom and me, I take that… you are happy here?” Jim asked hesitantly.

Angor’s lips parted in a surprise. He composed himself quickly.

“Yes. This is a good house. You are a good son. Strickler and Barbara are good mates and I do my best to be worthy of being their mate,” Angor replied.

“Well, uh… Mom said that she has never heard a troll purr…” Jim said quietly, looking at his feet.

Angor’s yellow eyes widened. He turned his head away from Jim with a stern expression. He grunted.

“Yes, I’m aware of that. Your point?”

“…My—My point? No point really,” Jim stammered, sensing it was not a good idea to ask more about the subject. “Just… purr for mom once. Someday. If you are happy. And if you want to do that, that is!” he quickly added.

Angor didn’t say anything. Just returned back to his craft. Jim rubbed his neck, feeling awkward.

“So, uh. Goodnight?” he tried, feeling how his cheeks were getting red from the awkwardness.

“Like I said, I will do my best to be worthy of Barbara,” Angor said, keeping his head turned away from Jim.

Something in the way Angor said that made Jim think that maybe purring was hard for him. Perhaps Angor was like Aaaargh who never learned to purr, or perhaps his culture was like Strickler’s changeling culture where purring had no role in. Jim had a sense it was perhaps to let the subject go, so he gave Angor a small smile and a positive nod.

“OK. Speaking of mom, I have to slip back inside before she spots me out here. Goodnight.”

“Sleep well, son.”

      “Blinky, can trolls stop purring?” Jim asked. His eyebrows had knitted deeply together and drawn a line over his forehead. Blinky stopped on his tracks to a sock snack bar and turned to face Jim.

“It is possible, Master Jim. Purring is semi-autonomous behavior and trolls can control it on some levels. Like if you get hungry, Master Jim, you can stand your hunger until it is the best time to eat. Trolls can do that with purring. Just like with food, some trolls are better at controlling themselves than others when it comes to purring.”

Jim looked up at Blinky’s face, concerned.

“But what if the troll doesn’t purr at all? Like Aaaargh but with an ability to purr?”

“You mean that if the troll chooses not to purr?”

“Yeah, even when there was no reason for that, let’s say, the troll culture norms”, Jim replied, pushing his hands down to his jeans’ pockets. “It’s something bad, isn’t it?”

Blinky’s all eight eyes had a worried expression in them.

“Well, it is possible with a traumatic event, Master Jim. I know that humans can lose the ability to speak after a traumatic life event. Trolls can lose an ability both to speak and purr in a similar situation. Usually speaking returns first, if both are lost, but even if the troll keeps their ability to speak after being badly hurt, they often lose their ability to purr. Purr is heavily related to relaxation and peace, so it is natural for a troll with a trauma disorder or other trauma related problems not to purr in any circumstances,” Blinky explained, watching how Jim’s face darkened the longer he spoke.

“Can a troll with a trauma get their purring back?” Jim inquired.

“Positively, but every troll has their own healing time based on the severity of the trauma and their natural resilience.”

Jim nodded, smiling a bit too weakly to cover his worry from Blinky.

“Thanks for the answer. I suspected something like that.” 

      A few months later from the day Jim had spoken with Barbara about the troll purr, Barbara and Strickler thought they heard Angor Rot purr faintly while he laid on his side in the bed between them. First, it sounded like soft snoring, but when the sound didn’t have a steady rhythm like a snore – instead, it ran as a one long line – they knew it was a purr.

Small, faint, barely audible, but a purr, nevertheless.

They took a look at one another over Angor’s relaxed body. Barbara couldn’t hide a small giggle and Strickler had to compose his face back to a poker look when Angor’s eyes shot open and he glared at Strickler.

“What?” he barked, his face towards Strickler and back to Barbara.

“No-nothing. I just think this bed is still a bit too tiny for us three. Isn’t it, dear?” He stretched his neck to look at Barbara, who was clearly enjoying the tiny purr with a warm smile on her face.

“Definitely!” Barbara agreed, patting Angor’s shoulder. “I think we should add one more extension to the bed for us all to lay here comfortably.”

Angor shifted a bit. “I can do that tomorrow,” he said, still purring underneath his breath.

“No, not you. We all. Let’s do it together,” Barbara said.

“Absolutely! Troll nest building is a job for all the mates, isn’t it?” Strickler was nodding. His eyes directed at Angor’s face. “You don’t have to do everything alone. Not anymore. Ok?”

Angor averted his eyes and nodded.

Barbara was sure she could pick up Angor’s purring getting slightly louder.

[reoflite]

Favorite scenes in media

Movies and television shows included. I will do my best to avoid spoilers, but there are bound to be some sprinkled in there. 

Beauty and the Beast (1991), “Beauty and the Beast”:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQ0ODCMC6xs

Started off with my absolute favorite scene from one of my favorite Disney movies, Beauty and the Beast. Here we have the song “Beauty and the Beast” (incorrectly titled “Tale as Old as Time”). The 90′s are hard to beat in terms of animation. The hand-drawn look and use of color found in this era of Disney are not easily topped. (Pixar’s body of work does not count and this is a hill I’m willing to die on.) Anywho, in particular, I am a fan of the camera angles in conjunction with the music. I remember being fascinated with this scene as a youngster, and many of the same feelings return as I watch it some 25 years later. 

The Lion King (1994), “King of Pride Rock”:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-gzUVVpezU

Another Disney classic found its way on this list. There are so many things I love about this scene. Hans Zimmer did a fantastic job with this soundtrack. I listen to it from time to time. The scene itself is very moving, and I get goosebumps when Simba assumes the throne once more. Death and destruction are literally melted away in this scene, and when paired with music, it’s perhaps one of the better scenes of the 90′s. Don’t assume that animated films can’t evoke emotion - Disney has a way of doing just that. 

Scrubs (2001), [AAARGH! SPOILER AHEAD MATEY] “My lunch”:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbEkKa-W55s

Perhaps one of the more emotional features on this post. For those that have seen this scene, great! You’ve already encountered the emotional whiplash that was this episode. There are several moments sprinkled in here that tug at the old heartstrings. The scene I chose includes The Fray, so you know it’s bound to fuck you up emotionally. A bit of backstory for you: JD and Dr. Cox meet up with an old patient they considered to be quite a nuisance. She ends up dying of what they originally believe to be an overdose. All the while, there are three (3) patients on hold for a transplant. Dr. Cox uses the death of said patient to help the other three (3) patients with their transplants. All is good! The end! 

...JK, but in the worst way. (Sad face, tears forming.) Turns out, the patient that JD and Dr. Cox met with didn’t die of an overdose, but of rabies. (Wtf?) Those that took the organs from this patient are infected, too, and there is an ill-fated race against time to save them. I will let you watch the scene for yourself. John C. McGinley delivers an outstanding performance in this scene. In what is a rare set of circumstances for the series, Dr. Cox is forced to view his own mortality in a critical light. 

Shameless (2011), [AAAARGH! SPOILER AHEAD MATEY] 06x05: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGPltpZ708c

I will refrain from saying too much because this scene does a really good job of speaking for itself. Ethan Cutkosky deserves...something, I dunno what, for how well he delivered his performance in this scene. I tear up every goddamn time. Keep in mind that outside of his character, he’s only twenty (20) years old; this would have put him around the age of 15-16 when filming, which is a bit mind-blowing to me. 

I can’t go on without including the camera work, which Shameless has its own way with. Added with the music and the acting, it’s a scene that makes me feel something every time. 

Remember the Titans (2000), Victory: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufKpO9J8Cy4

Now, let me start off by saying that all of the scenes I’ve included are great. Three of them happen to be from Disney films. I don't know whether that says something about my interests or Disney’s unique ability to capture its audience, but this scene is a classic. 

First of all, I would flip for Denzel. Not literally. But maybe. I’d, at the very least, have a hard time saying no. (Ahem.) Anyway. There is so much to appreciate here. We can start with the story itself, which highlights the trials and tribulations of a football program in both the sports world and the world of racial integration that was met with much hostility in the 1970′s. 

We can focus on the camera work, which manages to hone in right on the field of battle. 

We can focus on the music itself, which, when combined with the previous two, is a formula that leaves me reaching for a tissue just about every time I watch. No matter what your favorite element of this scene is, everything wraps up in a beautiful little package of victory and love.