#Dead from New York

[renegadesstuff]

“Be honest, when you vowed 'for better or for worse', you really had no idea what you.were agreeing to, did you?” 🤭

S7E22, “Dead From New York” aired 9 years ago (May 4, 2015) ❤️

[bunysliper]

Hey! I’m the anon who asked you about the scene. It’s from 7x22, when Danny Valentine flirts with Kate and she flirts back a bit. I think she does it because she's excited and Kate tends to act a little different when she's in fangirl mode, but I'm not comfortable with that interaction. I know it comes from my own insecurities if a situation like that occurred, cause from my baggage I would think that my partner would leave me for that crush... Silly? Yes, but I can't help it. So I would like to know your point of view.

Hi Anon, so in keeping with the trend, apologies for how long it's taken me to answer you.

I don't want to be insensitive to you with this answer, since you have said you're bothered, and it is absolutely valid to not love the scene for any reason, of course, but I don't think we can always apply our own personal comfort levels for situations to the characters. After all, for some, the entire premise of the show is something they would not personally want to experience, but they can put that aside to enjoy the story we're being told.

Personally, I don't have a problem with the scene. It's a little bit of hero-worship/fangirl (similar to when she met 'Captain Max' in the Final Frontier), which is a totally normal thing in general, but also an established reaction for Beckett, so nothing out of the ordinary or indicative of any desire she has to look elsewhere. I would also throw out an idea for another aspect of what we see in the scene: Beckett playing a part to get information from the guy who's flirting with her by returning the flirtation. We've seen her do that before as well - think Last Call, for one. She knows how to work a person for information, and sometimes, that involves a little bit of femininity and flirting.

Another thing you can do is look at the situation from the characters' point of view. How are they reacting? Beckett is flattered and a little flustered. Castle seems surprised that it's happening but not upset at her. He gives ol' Danny a nudge to the chest when he gets closer than necessary and kind of side-eyes Beckett as they're walking out. And part of his reaction with the side-eye could come from the fact that Beckett teased him about his long-time schoolboy crush on Kat Kingsley and the gaga eyes he was making at her not that long ago (in Last Action Hero), and/or about the fact that she was unimpressed when strippers flirted with him (in Bad Santa), but is a bit flippant this time. Or he could be reacting to the fact that she entertained the flirting at all, when Beckett used to be literally all business all the time and only "flirted" as long as was necessary to get the information she wanted.

Either way, his reaction doesn't seem like he's especially upset with Beckett or concerned about it having lasting effects on their relationship. Maybe he's a little miffed, but even saying that, with the exception of one line later in the episode when they think Valentine is involved (the moment when Castle says, "Oh ho ho. I knew it. That smug, no talent playboy is up to his neck in this." which is classic Castle when he feels like they've found their killer and it just happens to maybe be someone who dissed him), it's mostly forgotten after that moment. There doesn't seem like there's any discontent between them; from what we see, they are good. Which is what matters, right?

Anyway, this is long and like a million years late, but I hope this maybe helped a little bit!

[vanalex]

[pemberlaey]

if anybody cares my essay on may welland / the systemic infantilization of young women in old new york high society was finally published <3

[fanofspooky]

Lucio Fulci’s horror movies

[radioghostiesart]

I just think he deserves to have more time with children to heal his inner child (im delusional)

I imagine Liam has a little gaggle of neighborhood children in New York that adore him like Helena. Both orphaned and not, both rich and poor- they just love the british pirate man with a husband and a pet cowboy

Bonus:

[seagull-scribbles]

'Best man' can’t even tie a bow tie 💒

[vertigoartgore]

Spider-Man VS. Doctor Octopus by artist Steve Skroce and Bud LaRosa. From the cover of 1997's Amazing Spider-Man Vol.#1 #428.

[greensparty]

RIP Connie Chiume, Charles Cyphers and Patti Yasutake

Three actors passed away and here is my combined remembrance:

Remembering Patti Yasutake 1953-2024

Yasutake as Nurse Ogawa

Actress Patti Yasutake has died at 70. She was well-known to Trekkies for playing Nurse Alyssa Ogawa on numerous episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation between 1990 and 1994, in the underrated passing-the-torch movie Star Trek: Generations, and Star Trek: First Contact. Other notable performances included Gung Ho, Drop Dead Gorgeous, as George's mother on Beef (which I named my #1 TV Show of 2023).

The link above is the obit from Deadline.

Remembering Charles Cyphers 1939-2024

Cyphers and Donald Pleasence in Halloween

Actor Charles Cyphers has died at 85. He was well-known to Halloween fans as Sheriff Leigh Brackett in the 1978 original Halloween, the 1981 sequel Halloween II, and David Gordon Green's 2021 Halloween Kills (the middle of DGG's trilogy). In addition to Halloween, he worked with John Carpenter on several films including Assault on Precinct 13, The Fog, and Escape from New York. Other notable performances include Roots, Hal Ashby's Coming Home, the 1995 Seinfeld episode "The Hot Tub", and an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

The link above is the obit from Hollywood Reporter.

Remembering Connie Chiume 1952-2024

Chiume (left) in Black Panther

South African actress Connie Chiume has died at 72. She was well-known to MCU fans for playing Zawavari in Black Panther (which I included in my 10 Best Movies of 2018 list) and returning Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

The link above is the obit from Hollywood Reporter.

[keep-it-light]

This collage is made for a fellow Kurt Russell, Michael Biehn, and Bruce Campbell fan. @disastrouscanasta I hope you enjoy the collage.😊

[renegadesstuff]

Castle x Beckett 🤍💫

[thebongcloudopening]

i'm just saying that the likelihood all these cult members arthur keeps saving start a cult of their own for him is not zero

[daguerreotyping]

Daguerreotype of a strikingly handsome older gentleman, possibly photographed by Matthew Brady, c. 1840s

[frootbyethefoot]

we were all in it together though. every stranger you ever met, they were fighting the same fight you were.

[ID: a digital drawing of quentin smith and yui kimura from dead by daylight. they are both sitting beside a log, as the sun sets in the forest background. quentin has one arm on his leg, and another hand hanging just above his chest. he is looking towards yui and smiling. in a square just above him, in a red hue, shows freddy kruegers hand engulfed in flames. to the right of him is yui kimura. she has one hand hanging limp, and the other hand on top of it. she is looking towards quentin, and talking with a happy expression on her face. in a small square above her, again in a very heavy red hue, is her hand holding a small pocket knife. END ID/]

[whattraintracks]

30. Wrestling - TMNT 1990s

"You are unique among your brothers, for you choose to face this enemy alone. But as you face it, do not forget them, and do not forget me. I am here, my son."

Splinter breathes deeply, allowing the flow of air to guide the outside world to the forefront of his awareness. Stale subterranean scent, cushioned armchair beneath him, dim candlelight, footsteps. Someone has drawn him out of meditation. Perhaps his sons are home earlier than expected.

"You may enter, Raphael," he offers to the hovering shadow. The turtle creeps inside, halting but a moment before bowing deeply.

He smiles warmly, "Have you and your brothers returned?"

"The guys are still out." Raphael's shoulders hunch; from what emotion, he cannot tell. "I, I didn't go with them."

The scattered candles flicker. A great darkness seems to cross Raphael, and he glimpses someone very much unlike his passionate son. Someone exhausted, worn down, nearing the brink of collapse.

Raphael's voice brittles, "Can I stay with you?"

Splinter's not sure what is more alarming, that Raphael has declined an opportunity to go to the surface—with his brothers, no less—or this weariness so evident in him.

"What troubles you?" He implores.

Raphael shakes his head mutely.

He insists, trying to keep his disquiet at bay, "I cannot help you if you do not tell me what is wrong."

A coarse whisper, "It's nothing."

"This is not nothing," he creaks to his feet, "You must—"

"Dad."

The sudden plea stills them both.

"Master Splinter." His heart wrenches at the self-conscious amendment. It is not one he needs to make. Not about this. Not ever.

"Please, can I just," Raphael cuts himself off, breathing shallowly. Another flicker of candlelight and Splinter catches the sheen of tears in his eyes.

"Oh," he breathes. What a fool he is. His son has come seeking comfort and company, not interrogation.

"Yes. Yes, come." He beckons, reseating himself. "Sit with me."

Raphael shuffles deeper into the train car, kneeling stiffly. Splinter clucks softly, reaching for his arm to pull him against the chair. He curls forward without resistance, breath hitching.

"My son," he says, soothing with hands and words. "I am sorry. You may always come to me. You need not tell me what is on your mind to do so."

He is unsurprised but nevertheless heartbroken as Raphael releases a heavy sob, giving in to whatever weight he has been carrying. Tears prick in his own eyes at the openly hurting sound. He internally chides the parts of himself that demand answers over acceptance with open arms. Wrapping them now around as much of Raphael as he can, he mourns with his son so clearly wrestling with a great burden. He sends a prayer of gratitude to his Master Yoshi for guiding Raphael to him when that weight grew too large to bear alone.

Much time passes before the rest of his sons return. Long after Raphael cries himself past exhaustion into sleep. At some point, concerned at the angle of his son's neck, Splinter maneuvers out of his chair to rest them more comfortably on the floor. His ears prick at a whisper of movement. Ah, three movements.

Michelangelo peers into the train car, his brothers close behind. "Oh," he blinks, "he really did stay here."

Protectiveness flares within Splinter. "We should not begrudge Raphael's need for comfort or rest," he reproves.

Michelangelo's eyes widen in dismay, "Of course not!"

Donatello shakes his head, "No, we're not— We don't think Raph—" His eyes dart as they do when he's searching for the most precise explanation. "We're just worried about him."

"He's been having a rough week," Leonardo murmurs.

Oh, his sweet sons. He should not have been so quick to assume they meant anything uncharitable when they are but concerned brothers. As with Raphael, he wishes they had come sooner instead of struggling and worrying alone. He can be grateful they are here now.

"Tell me," he invites, resting a muffling hand on Raphael's tympanum.

They glance between themselves as they kneel, silently urging one another to speak first. He is careful to display only calm patience despite his inner turmoil.

Michelangelo finally bursts, "He's not eating." The other two look at him, befuddled.

"Okay, he's not, not eating," he revises, "but he didn't even finish a whole pizza at April's on Monday!"

Splinter trusts this is a remarkable incident, given their identically serious nods.

"I think he's having nightmares," Donatello contributes. "At the very least, he's not sleeping well. I keep finding him awake at odd hours, and sometimes he's pretty freaked."

Splinter huffs fondly. "Should I ask what you are doing awake at 'odd hours', Donatello?" The turtle shrugs cheekily.

He ponders these insights, soothing Raphael as he twitches. Do dreams haunt him now, even surrounded by loved ones?

"Leonardo?" he prompts, drawing his final son from deep thought.

Leonardo begins slowly as if unsure, "He's been more focused during training." As they all have. With their many hardships, each of his sons has increased their dedication to learning ninja, whether they realise it or not.

He listens keenly as Leonardo continues, "But when we're out, he hesitates. I've never seen so much slip past his defense."

He hums, "You are concerned he is a danger to himself and your brothers?"

"Never," Leonardo swears.

He tilts his head, not unkindly.

"Well, yeah, I guess," Leonardo concedes. "But not like that. Raph usually loves fighting." His eyes resonate with confusion and grief and fear. "He doesn't seem to enjoy it much lately. And he's always so tired, Master Splinter. It has to be more than him not sleeping."

"Maybe they're connected," Donatello suggests, "Maybe whatever's going on is affecting his sleep, and improper sleep is exacerbating the symptoms, on and on in a vicious cycle of—"

Michelangelo groans, "We get it, Donnie."

"Shh, quiet," Leonardo hisses.

They shush each other back and forth as Splinter watches Raphael slumber with a heavy heart. Holding up a paw, they fall silent. "You are right, my sons. Raphael is wrestling with something very grave indeed."

He reaches out to them. "My turtles, you have been through so much in your young lives." They lean in, allowing him to rest a hand on them, one by one.

"How do we help him?" Michelangelo asks.

Moved as he always is by Michelangelo's generous spirit, he is loath to admit he has no answer. He is stopped before he can.

"By following Master Splinter's teachings," Leonardo pronounces, looking at him eagerly. "Ultimate mastery comes not of the body but of the mind. Through mindfulness and unity, we draw each other up."

He is humbled to hear his own words in his son's voice. Warm with pride, he inclines his head.

"A break certainly couldn't hurt," Donatello rubs his chin, "A little downtime to focus on rest and healing together."

Michelangelo brightens. "Like family time!"

Donatello and Leonardo share a fond glance. "Yeah, Mikey," Leonardo says, tucking the turtle under his arm, "like family time."

"You guys are the sappiest suckers I've ever known." Splinter chuckles as Leonardo and Michelangelo startle at Raphael's sudden utterance.

Donatello laughs, "Please, you know like seven people."

"Yeah, an' the other three are normal," Raphael grumbles. Yet he unabashedly proves himself equally "sappy" as he shifts to nuzzle Splinter's hand.

Recovering from their shock, Michelangelo exclaims, "Raph!" as Leonardo yelps, "You're awake!?"

Raphael yawns widely, opening one eye briefly to check the room. "Hard to sleep with the lot of you yappin'." He appears, if only for this moment, at ease. It is a gift to see him comfortable and unguarded. More so, Splinter acknowledges, because these things have been absent in him for too long.

"I won't say no to a break," he mumbles. He lifts a hand to swat at Leonardo blindly, "But I refuse to participate in anything called 'family time'."

Leonardo evades the wild arm, a mischievous spark in his eye, "Fine then, we'll call it team building."

Raphael scoffs, "No. That's worse."

And as the four bicker good-naturedly Splinter knows they will find peace, as surely as he knows the love that binds them. However much healing Raphael needs, he will not do it alone. His family would not let him if he tried.