#Episode thoughts

[impressionism]

In some weird fucked up but plausible way, Daniel had an “angel” perched on one side of his shoulder which causes him to a road of journalism which brings great acclaim but that gremlin “devil” basically fucked ANY relationship Daniel will have.

just leaning further into devil’s minion swamp

[cbrownjc]

On EP 2x03

So yeah, that wasn't my favorite episode of the season so far, but not bad. And I laughed my head off at the flashback at the beginning when Armand was telling Daniel about his "relationship" with Lestat. Really, I could not stop laughing during almost that whole thing. And yes, that very much does come from me having read the books and so knowing how that all really went down.

Seriously though, when Armand and Lestat started kissing in that balcony box -- with Nicki shooting them death glares as he played his violin! --I was doubled over in laughter! 🤣

Oh Armand, you so wish that was how it all happened. I'm not even mad he lied about almost all of that because his unrequited love/desire for Lestat does tend to make Armand act kind of pathetic.

But yeah, a nice story you told Daniel there, and clearly have told Louis at some point as well. I mean, it's not like there is anyone around to contradict you or call BS on any of it is there? 😏

Claudia, dear . . . when you heard that line about children can never be made vampires . . . are you now beginning to see the danger for yourself? After having missed the danger signs last week? Especially after they gave you that little baby dress. Although, maybe you think not being a child but a young teen excuses you, since they didn't kill you on sight. But there is for sure disillusionment settling in isn't there? Especially when they gave you that baby dress.

Louis . . . oh Louis. You pretty much are headed toward where your book counterpart ended up wrt Armand next episode, I suspect. (And yeah I knew he was actually killing a human when he started beating Dreamstat's head against that wall).

Daniel, Raglan James, and the Talamasca intrigued me the most wrt this episode Yes, I actually paused the screen and tried to read the names on the files James sent to him. Right now I most want to know if James is still in the Talamasca or if they've already kicked him out.

All in all, this episode was mostly set up for things coming in the next three episodes, leading into the final two. And I'm glad Assad had already let slip that Armand's full backstory would come in a later season during the press tour, or I might have gone into this episode with different expectations about the opening flashback. Because Armand's true, and full, backstory is much weightier than what we saw here, even with the glimpse at the Children of Darkness stuff. (And I'm so glad they called it the Children of Darkness -- its original name in the books -- in the show btw. I'm sorry, I think the Children of Satan name would have been a bit too camp.)

[alea-says]

H50 season 10, episode 7 thoughts...

Well, that was a trainwreck of an episode.

Like, seriously, what were they thinking? I mean, the plots aren't always the best in H50 (I know, I love it anyway), but what were they trying to accomplish there?

First, you've got Steve heading off to do the CIA's dirty work - again. They're determined to make all the US agencies out to be complete bastards, aren't they?

Then, they say that no-one can go with him.

And there's questions about Doris' loyalty (ah, Doris, how I hate what you do to Steve).

Only to end with it not being clear what she was actually up to. Like... they're saying, hey, she planted listening devices and trackers, she was doing her job.

But when she was talking to Steve she was like, hey, I just wanted some money. But also to make my entire life worthwhile. And also, I was doing something good.

Make up your mind Doris! Did you want a payday? Or to do your job? Were you trying to do both?

Am I supposed to think Steve now blames himself for his mother's death because she was doing her job? Or am I supposed to think he's okay with his decision (not the outcome, but the decision he made) because she was aiming for a payday?

And why was Doris so certain if he didn't leave that he'd end up dead or whatever, worse, something (their less than 2min convo earlier in the ep).

And why - WHY? After Steve has taken out all 50 of the cartel people with help from Junior and their SEAL buddies, are you standing there arguing with Steve and refusing to say where the cartel lady is? Huh?

Because seriously? It's not like she's a civilian - she's smart enough to know that things be serious now. Does Steve get his control issues from her? (other than the fact his trauma, which she definitely gives him, feeds his need for control)? Can she just not cope with someone else calling the shots for once?

Uh.

I dunno - I feel like the episode was kinda rushed, and a plotline around Doris that could have been interesting, etc was compressed so much it didn't end up making too much sense.

It's not like she's a once-off character. As a recurring character, I felt there wasn't enough development of what was going on.

And now poor Steve is mourning yet another parental figure.

Somebody give that man some hugs.

I am, however, very pleased that the knock on the door of his motel room was Danny (I was sitting here going, please let that be Danny - and it was!)

Also - there was only one bed!!!

I don't care that Steve told Danny to sleep on the couch, we all know he slept in the bed.

[littlesolo]

Episode 304 Kacy Thoughts

Buying them a drink or not, they're on their honeymoon and that is a guy. Kate is not impressed. Her thoughts are on her job and currently fake wife.

Feel a little robbed that we didn't see our girls in their sun hats. Especially since Lucy's is so massive.

Lucy totally asked for drinks in tiki glasses with fruit and little umbrellas.

Lucy: Yes, they're a little tacky, but we're tourists and they're fun!

Kate's wondering why they aren't still in their room. As newlyweds, they should be method, right?

Kate doin' science! She's very proud of her forensic ability, even if it's very limited. She trusts the professionals, but she has to do it, she's going to do it right.

The audacity of the guy she tipped and the one she let buy them drinks trying to kill her currently fake wife. When she catches up with them, she going to kick their asses!

...Unless Kate beats her to it.

Sometimes, this is just the whole Kate and Lucy mood...

Team drinks before an official extended stay at the hotel. This time they're only doing room service. (One shot to follow at some point. It's already started.)

[mistylacrimosa]

Equinox was an interesting rewatch as an adult.

Captain Janeway is living her Ahab era and we do not love that for her.

Chakotay is the only one who is trying to save his wife captain from becoming the very "monster" they are hunting and Tuvok for some reason is nowhere to be found.

The whole episode was disturbing (in a good way if that makes sense) but the one thing I can't fathom is that Tuvok is seemingly Okay with Janeway's dissent into madness. The only time he actually voices any concern with the Captain's revenge fueled murderous plans lasts for two seconds and then he is back at taking orders like nothing ever happened. Like he is not actively participating in killing -not so innocent- people. It feels of. It doesn't feel like Tuvok at all. They are supposed to be close friends. Janeway has called him time and again her moral compass. We've seen him disagreeing with her on multiple occasions for far simpler things. I just cant believe that he wouldn't say anything, that he wouldn't at least try to talk to his friend.

I get that they wanted to highlight the marriage captain-first officer dynamic here but still, it felt of.

[crisp-sweet-pink-lady]

General Thoughts on Under the Fairy Moon

Like last October, Unicorn Academy's youtube channel uploaded the tentpole special for season two, Under the Fairy Moon, a little early. And unlike last time, they put up the whole thing, with Netflix After School getting the first episode instead (which I will watch later today).

This special is automatically better than the first one because it doesn't have to do all the heavy lifting of introducing the whole magical world to us, but it is also automatically better because it doesn't focus on Sophia this time, and instead is Isabel's story, and while she's not my favorite of the main characters, the plotline they gave her felt better suited to the series.

The villain is also better for the main characters; it felt way unrealistic that freshman could defeat the queen of Grim Magic, but a jilted unicorn rider who knew too much? That's something they could tackle, especially when it's really about proving who has the stronger bond.

One has to wonder, though, why any prospective students who fail to bond with a unicorn are just sent home without having their memories altered? I mean, these are teenagers who discover magic is real, why wouldn't they try to come back? Or maybe my mind is just going in that direction because I'm currently reading Witch Hat Atelier, and people are threatened with having their memories erased to keep the methods of casting magic a secret like every other chapter. And maybe this is something that will be discussed more in the season proper. We'll just have to wait and see.

A few random things I liked before I wrap up this post: Layla calling Isabel out, the concept of other fairies who can change your fate (would they be considered grim magic, since using their power seemed to be bad for both unicorn and rider?), the nods to the (leaked) minisodes, and the adults doing something useful for once.

[aki-chan2014]

Random collection of thoughts about Gyeongseong Creature Season 2

Though only the first three episodes and the very beginning of episode 4, because that's how far I've gotten so far. Anyway, in no particular order:

I have been put through the emotional wringer after seeing that Chae-ok had the bracelet after all this time, only to lose it, and her utter grief when she realised she lost it. But the fact Ho-jae picked it up...he'd better be the one to give it back to her, that's all I'm saying on that.

Seems like Ho-jae is actually Tae-sang, but actually doesn't remember?? And that this has something to do with the Najin stuff.

He must have been involved with Jeonseung (the company that's now doing the Najin stuff) somehow, since they all clearly seem to know him even if he doesn't know/remember them. But it's not clear if Ho-jae/Tae-sang ever had Najin implanted in him.

With that above point, I'd mostly lean towards no, but that conversation Ho-jae had with Yong-gil about what he was like in the past makes me wonder if it's actually more of a maybe? Because Yong-gil talks about him being angry and having trouble sleeping, and we know from Chae-ok that extreme stress/tiredness or blood loss can bring on the rampaging/hungry Najin urges. So perhaps what Yong-gil saw as mood swings was actually him struggling to supress the Najin side of him???

and also the references to an accident and the aforementioned Jeonseung (I THINK that that's what that biotech firm or whatever is called) and how they know of him seem to point that way, somewhat.

Anyway, how much of this Yong-gil knows isn't clear. He clearly knows there's more to Ho-jae's story than Ho-jae knows. And since his grandpa is Jun-taek (!!!!) who apparently asked him for a favour regarding Ho-jae (!!!!!!!!!!) he must know something of what happened in 1945. But I have a feeling he doesn't know the true extent of the Najin stuff, let alone the specifics of what's happening today. It will be interesting to know more about what's happening here though

let's be real, there's a lot we need to know about

ahem, anyway, it's quite interesting to note the paralles between how Tae-sang got involved in things in 1945 and how Ho-jae is in 2024. That is to say, both of them are unwilling, both have their livelihoods threatened, and both of them have to find someone.

and the parallels between how both Ho-jae and Tae-sang met Chae-ok!!!! And how in 1945, Tae-sang was the first one to be smitten and it took Chae-ok a while to return those feelings. And now, Chae-ok's feelings are the ones here first, and it's taking a while for Ho-jae's to resurface

I am very worried for the grandson of the Antenna lady, especially as he's going to be working in Jeonseung soon....

Anyway I have more thoughts but I am currently screaming mentally while trying to copy pictures off of my mum's phone so. This is all for now. I'll probably make a new post with new thoughts when I watch some of the other episodes.

[et-cant-phone-home-no-signal]

The Last of Us HBO - Episode 2 thoughts

Warning: Pure yapping ahead! More thoughts and things I've noticed watching the show, it's not serious and I don't invite arguments (fellow yappers are more than welcome though)

(continuing with my episode by episode analysis of the tlou show, it's a long one folks! all chronologically written as i was watching the episode. spoilers under the cut)

Fantastic opening - love that we get to see the initial discovery in Jakarta and that they speak Indonesian only! It removes the show from a purely American pov and makes it international, which is something I personally missed a little from the game so it's a welcome addition

The little detail that the military men walk so fast, she has to jog a little to keep up

I like the fact that they didn't even try to cover the dead body at all - why would they?

Same girl I'd have that exact same reaction too 💀💀 visceral as shit

The following visual of the cordyceps reaching out of the corpse's mouth.... Eugh

Ibu Ratna's reaction after hearing 14 workers are missing - her shaking so badly she has to put her cup of tea down, her face reads of pure undiluted horror 🙌👌 - worth mentioning that the casting of Christine Hakim is absolutely top tier (she's basically the Dame Judi Dench of Indonesia fr) and she really brings a gravitas to the role

I find it fascinating and refreshing that the first thing the military man does is to ask about a vaccine or medicine to fix this situation, but the scientist/professor, instead says with absolutely certainty that there is nothing, and then proceeds to say with an eerily calm and assertive tone and face that they must bomb the city. Terrifying yet wonderful that they've finally used a different format to this conversation

Ibu Ratna stifling her sobs and asking to go be with her family, because she knows there is no other solution - Brava

That soft, gentle opening shot of Ellie curled up in the sun on a lush bed of green, a single butterfly crossing over *chef's kiss*

Her turning to see Joel and Tess, sat in the shadows on chairs, Joel with his gun drawn lmaooooo that's comedy right there

Ellie's sass at the interrogation 🤌

"There's not gonna be anything bad in here?" "Just you." "Oh, funny." 💀😂

The fact that Joel broke his hand beating that guy to death - the way Tess looks at Joel, all knowing and vaguely soft

Tess defending Ellie indirectly by wanting to continue with bringing her to the state house - Joel wanting to return to the QZ and saying it would be better for FEDRA do shoot her than them 💀

"You need to stop talking about this kid like she's got some kind of life in front of her." Damn Joel, Tess' face says it all

Joel: struggling to break of a piece of EXTREMELY dry and chewy jerky, Ellie: sammich

Ellie in the warm light, Joel in the cold dark, and Tess in the middle of the two?? Gorg

It's so funny how terribly Joel and Ellie get on at this point, like, they basically hate each other my god

"If she so much as twitches.." *Ellie immediately starts twitching* and then Tess's "Don't." She is so done with these two already lmao

The iconic scenery 🙌 the two massive skyscrapers with one leaning on the other? Oooohhh yeah

The fact that Tess stops and answers Ellie's questions :')

I can't stop looking at Ellie's bag it's just so accurate I love it

"Well, I mean, you got some balls on you, sister." SLAY girls support girls ✨

The specific way Ellie says "no" at the boyfriend question 💅

It's interesting that Tess' reaction to hearing the description of what we know to be a bloater, is "shit, I hope not", insinuating perhaps that she and Joel haven't dealt with those before, but then the way that she looks at Joel after Ellie asks about clickers tells me they know exactly what she's talking about with that one

Immediately after we hear a loud ass creepy scream in the distance, okay!

The set designers got this shit so extremely right goddamn, the hotel gotta be one of my favourite locations fr - I love that they still included this location even if it's at a completely different place in the original story, it works so well here and with Tess added on, the humour is great and the way the characters interact is fun and interesting (Joel's little hop into the water especially gets me, he's such a shit lmao)

Ellie is genuinely so fucking funny I love this kid

Joel offering his hand, immediately snatching it back once she's mostly up cause it's his broken one (but you can see it's more than that)

"Fuck, holy shit." "Come on, it wasn't that bad." "You try climbing ten fuckin floors with our knees. See how you feel." 😭😭

Joel's face at being left alone with Ellie lmao

"Nice knife." great conversation starter Joel, but also, reference to his pocket knife Sarah held in the previous episode? He doesn't have it, when did he have time to grab it after all, but yeah. Maybe I'm overthinking this lmao

"Where'd you learn to do that?" "The circus." *Joel rolls his eyes with such exasperation taht I can feel it through my screen*

"How long do infected live?" "Oh, I thought you went to school." "It's a really shitty one."

Joel avoiding answering the question about the FEDRA dude he killed due to Tess returning is peak writing

I really enjoy how the infected are portrayed in the show - they're not just individuals, they're part of a hive mind in a way, the mycelium connects them all one way or another, and they act like it (the way they all react to sunlight and extra so because they all react to each others pain as well, wow)

Added onto that, this extra lore about the way the cordyceps works is fantastic, it makes it even scarier that, according to Tess, you can accidentally wake up and attract infected from somewhere totally different - this means you're never actually safe 💀

Really love how Tess is so damn nice to Ellie all things considered. Still answering her questions, telling her she has to be careful, that just because she's immune doesn't mean there's no danger

"I have a spare hand." "Congratulations." 😭

I do love how quick Joel is to run over to Ellie whenever something happens (her swearing, falling over, gasping loudly)

The look that Joel and Tess share - they think they know and they're probably right

Dad mode™ activated

That building is anxiety central for me

Joel is so jumpy and twitchy it's a little funny tbh, I like it

Ellie's "oh shit whoops" face

Joel helping Ellie up :')

The sound effects 😭💀😭 they got the same team that did the game clicker sounds to do the show ones and I can TELL

The anxiety is palpable!! My stomach is in knots!! The entrance of the first clicker is terrifying!!

Joel's silent, almost sign language like, explanation for Ellie 😌

The clicker actors are fucking amazing jesus christ. And the special effects and makeup? So GOOD wow absolutely grotesque <3

Not me gasping with Ellie

If I were there I'd probably just hide under a table and hold my breathe 😭

I find the clickers to be quite bird-like, in game and in show

The silence as Joel reloads his gun, the sudden much closer clicking, the flashlight shining directly in its face 🤌

Joel now being the one to step on something crunchy 😩 THE WAY THE CLICKER LAUNCHES ITSELF AT HIM AND ELLIE ACROSS THE DISPLAY

Ellie crying out with pure fear and Joel holding the clicker back more so it's on him not her - HIM PUSHING HER BEHIND HIM!

BIG TESS SLAY

Impressed by how calm their reactions all are to seeing Ellie get bit (?) again (I thought it was more of a scratch at first but I assume it to be a bite due to their reactions to it)

"That was scary, this is wood." HA

The way Tess looks at Joel when he's busy wrapping her foot with diligence and care

I think this is the first sign that Tess had been bit, Joel seems to be looking at her like "what the hell is your problem" but listens and goes to watch Ellie anyway

The view line 😭🤌 love how we basically get this exactly from the game, including Joel looking at his watch :'(

The music 🙌

Second time you can really notice that Tess is differently - she handles Ellie harshly for basically the first time ever and totally ignores Joel

Joel moving Ellie away from the dead body

The squelching of the blood EUgH

Go makeup team go!

Oeiii screaming match :( mom and dad are fighting

The step back speaks volumes

"Oops, right?" just stab me it would hurt less, Anna's delivery of that line is heartbreaking

In fact little quick note of love to Anna Torv, she's such a fucking amazing actor and I love her portrayal of Tess so so much, she brought warmth, strength and balls of steel to the character fr!!

The fact that Tess basically confesses her feelings here, proclaims the knowledge that she feels something for Joel that he was never entirely able to reciprocate back, my god - her BEGGING him to take her because she knows nothing about the future but she believes that Ellie can change it in some capacity

Pedro's eye acting here is so potent, he says nothing but his eyes and face say it all

The mycelium!!!!!! Terrifying that in show canon, infected can basically call for backup!!! Brilliant addition and makes them so much more intimidating (also I HATED seeing the mycelium creep under that infected person's nails that really got a shudder out of me)

God bless the extras

Tess my beloved you make me cry so much you're amazing and you deserved better 😭 she's brave as fuck for this

Joel shaking, his lips quivering because fuck, she's going to die, and now he has to be fully responsible of this kid and he can't do this without her but he's gotta - the anxiety and fear in his eyes, his firm resolution after she says "save who you can save", the way he SNATCHES Ellie and walks away, Ellie fighting him tooth and nail but he knew she would, thats why he grabbed her like that.... I'm honestly just in so much awe and pain from this scene

The fear is Tess' face is so 😭😭

FUCK NO THAT ALMOST MADE ME THROW UP I WASN'T EXPECTING THAT JESUS FUCK. That was disgusting what the fuck 😭😭 don't know how to feel about watching the fucked up kiss of death like, eugh

The feeling when after failing to light the damn thing, she finally gets it, feels almost like a relief after all of that

Joel "big sad brown eyes" and Ellie "big traumatised brown eyes" will be the death of me

This is such a fucking sad ending to Tess' character but also, satisfying since she didn't die in vain

That final shot of Ellie alone with the burning state house in the background, sun beating down and a soft breeze in her hair, damn

If you make it to the end, thanks for reading! It's literally just my running thought process whilst watching!! Do you agree with some of my notes, was there anything you noticed that i didn't? Comments and reblogs welcome <3

Episode 1 thoughts:

Episode 3 thoughts:

[breakandbuildfiction]

Spoiler Alert For ‘Apology Tour’!

As much as I enjoyed the episode and seeing Verosika again, there are two things about Apology Tour that I wish were handled differently.

One, and this is the one that annoys me the most, is that Martha and Mayberry are apparently in a relationship of some kind. I seriously don’t like this reveal. Martha’s actions helped drive Mayberry to punch her own ticket and Mayberry is the reason that Martha’s entire family was killed. Them being together is just… it feels super wrong and kind demeaning to their mutual pains and their past. Mayberry is in Hell in large part because of Martha for crying out loud!

Second is how short Blitzo and Verosika’s interaction was. It was beautifully done for what it was, but I was really hoping that this was going to be the episode where they actually dug deep with each other and came to a kind of understanding or mutual forgiveness. I didn’t expect them to become friends or anything, but I’d like it if they at least let go of their hatreds for each other! Instead we got Verosika basically getting Blitzo to admit that he is a fuckup and that he needs to let Stolas go. Again, it was an amazingly well done scene, I just wish we got more from the two interacting for what may very well be the last time.

Anyway, those are my thoughts on the episode. Anyone want to weigh in?

[miss-inkwell]

Oh. My. God. This was amazing I am shook it finally happened they finally kissed and I have so many thoughts from start to finish it was so good. First off we have Amber and Gregory not being on the same page again. I feel like no matter what he does Gregory wouldn’t make Amber happy they’re two very different people. Amber is a mom who’s very materialistic but also wants to relax with fancy things which is fine while Gregory loves to plan. I was honestly glad she dumped him because they both deserve better and Janine and Gregory deserve to be together.

So the conference wow there’s a lot here first off Janine trying to make Gregory feel better from the jump is adorable. It showcases how much she cares about him and wants him to get over this breakup.

I loved how they were able to let loose and get a little drunk. I love that she accepts that he’s a weirdo and she means that in a good way. They’re both weirdos and how she said that people should be be with people who like them as they are. My heart melted when she complimented him and he said “don’t sleep on Janine either” they’re two weirdos who don’t really fit in with other people sometimes but fit in with each other.

Honestly this whole episode just proves that they love each other exactly as they are goofy, corny weirdos who love to teach.

Now we get to the best part of the episode when they go to the flower classroom. It’s not just romantic because there’s flowers everywhere it’s romantic because it’s very Janine and it fits Gregory too. It’s part of what she loves about being a teacher the growth of watching her students (not to mention how her personal growth is blooming). Gregory gets it too he’s been falling back in love with gardening when he got to Abbott and he’s really grown into his own and not as much under his father’s control (but he has that growth to do too. These light confessions and heart eyes just showcase so much about them I love it!

A bit tipsy or not they were both deeply into each other at this point and the flowers, confession and everything just circulated. Gregory couldn’t take it anymore her general self entrapped him so he kissed her and she did not back away at all. I loved the silence as she just let him kiss her. The slow drop of the flower and her pulling his lanyard?! She wants all of him and she’s wanted it for a while. The kiss was so soft and passionate I loved it!!! It’s about time! I definitely believe that if they didn’t hear someone coming in they might have kept kissing and possibly confessed their feelings but I’m kinda glad they didn’t so they could keep the slow burn going. It’s still a slow burn even though they kissed because they’re not together. The inevitable happened and they said it was a nothing and due to the alcohol we all know better they both felt it and they will kiss again. When will they kiss again? I say they get together season 4 or 5 to let it stretch out despite how long it will be.

I think my fav thing about this kiss was the layers to it not just the flowers and the teaching but the fact that they knell down and they’re level for once was perfect! What’s next for them? In my opinion a whole lot of pining, personal growth, shared moments and shared looks. We’re in for a ride and I can’t wait I feel like I should say more but I can’t think of anything else so tell me what you think! We won you guys!

[impressionism]

Been thinking about the theme of the season (memory is the monster) but geezus I think the overall word is just violation (or violated)… someone’s mind, their private thoughts, their journals, opening up to someone who breaks that trust, their body, hierarchy, coven laws being broken, hacking into someone’s system… all to get what you want.

And the acting and writing so far has just been so mind blowing and amazing and sad and it’s gonna get crazier in these last few episodes.

It’s really different reading it (this month, body thief I promise!) vs watching it on screen.

I just wanted to share this cos every Sunday compels me and sends me into a spiral. Nobody’s safe and that’s the scariest part of all.

[prettytanuki]

Alpha & Delta hierarchy.

Episode 13.

[alea-says]

Season 4, episode 7 thoughts...

I'm sorry - did Steve really just open the door to a baby with a sign saying 'it's a girl! Congratulations!'???

Cos I've read that fic before!

Okay. Mary teasing him is just the kind of sibling thing. Yes. That's beautiful.

Also, please tell I'm gonna get Steve holding that baby.

Danny: Okay, the way i see it. Mary didn't adopt that baby, you did.

How is this real? Danny is like, your kid now, Steve, because we can't send her back to the orphanage... so obv the answer is she's now Steve's kid.

And now Mary is sick.

Yes! Steve has the baby!

Also, Danny's laughter is wonderful.

Oh, poor Chin.

At least Steve's not taking the baby with them on the investigation.

And now they're at the zoo.

And now Steve's holding the baby! Oh and he's smiling. This is beautiful

Danny has to interrupt and check Steve's paying attention (obviously either he needs to know he still some if Steve's attention or, like me, he's enjoying the sight of Steve with a baby for too much)

And now Steve is giving the baby to Danny!!!

Oh, Steve, you are trying not to have to change a diaper or admit you don't know how.

Steve and Danny discussing the care of the baby 😍

What?!

Danny is telling baby Joan a story!! 😍😍😍

About a handsome prince. And a mean ogre. Oh dear. Danny is totally telling her about him and Steve.

And his car.

Danny holding the baby. 😍

Steve: You know what, if you're gonna hold the baby in the sun, okay, just ask me and I'll put a sun hat on her.

(Which he proceeds to do while Danny is still holding the baby)

Okay, but Steve took the baby with him and now he's at the zoo with no baby. Where is she?

(Also, just gotta say - the person leaking info is gonna be the transcriber, not Kennedy. He's too obvious.)

And now Danny. Like me, wants to check up on Joan. Reminding Steve to give her her bottle.

Danny: you're texting Max right now, aren't you

Steve: no. I'm not. *as he's texting max*

Danny: you're a terrible liar

Yes! I was right about the transcriber.

But also, how dare she?

And they give the baby back to Mary.

Mary (to Steve): Oh admit it, you had a little bit of fun. I just saw you.

Danny: I definitely had a lot of fun.

Me too, Danny, me too.

[pilots-and-protons]

Since I am constantly seeing discourse about the subject (especially in regards to thoughts I've expressed in my fanfic), I want to explain my opinion on some things. But I'm going to ignore the crazy sci-fi and break it down into more a understandable context.

Imagine you have a co-worker. He's kind of a jerk and he's said some dumb shit, and you rightfully write him off for it. Unfortunately, your new friend is also his best friend, so the three of you kind of hang out sometimes. And you still work together. He's good at his job, but you think his personality leaves a lot to be desired. At best, you're acquaintances, at worst you're less-than-cordial colleagues.

Then you get into some trouble, are in a bad place, and he ends up unintentionally being on the receiving end of you spilling your guts about personal baggage. He can't relate exactly, but he makes sure you know that he sympathizes, and doesn't make fun of you or bring up how vulnerable you were. Your secret is safe with him, which seems counterintuitive to his character. He's actually rather nice throughout the whole incident. So okay, maybe your friend has a reason for liking this guy. After that you work together some more, the three of you, even collaborating on some big special project. You warm up to him (he's actually a lot nicer than he initially seemed, once he stops trying to pretend like he's hot shit).

You might even tentatively consider him a friend. Not a close friend, but a friend. You'll eat lunch together at work; he'd probably give you a ride if you needed one. But there's a difference between work friends and real friends. You've been treated pretty poorly by people in the past, and you're not just going to trust any random person for the really important stuff. Good friends, best friends would lend you their car. They'd bring you soup if you were sick, listen to your problems, keep your deepest secrets, take care of you - especially when you can't take care of yourself. He's also been watching you, trying to flirt and has subtly asked you out a couple times. You think this guy isn't so bad, but you don't trust him - not like that.

And then you're with some people at a gathering and suddenly, you've been drugged. Everything is hot and fuzzy and all you can think about is picking up someone and screwing their brains out. And there he is, your sort-of-a-friend. You spend the night throwing yourself at him - touching him, pushing him against the wall, practically trying to tear his clothes off. All you can think is why not? He's easy, he's got a reputation - and obviously you're not thinking clearly because of the drugs.

Except instead of hauling you off to some room, he pushes your hands away - says that you're sick, you need to go home. He calls you a cab, but when he sees the state you're in, he climbs in with you and tells the driver your address. You're trying to get into his lap, insisting that you want this, that whatever you've said before about his advances aren't true. You're so doped up and out of your mind, even you aren't sure if these are lies or the truth. And for a minute, he gives in when you kiss him - he's kissing you back. But he stops, despite your protests, despite the fact that things he's said have you sure that he wants what you're offering. Instead, he gets you home, makes sure you've got water and something for a hangover. He gets your shoes off so you're comfortable, but tucks you into bed fully-clothed. He calls your mutual friend to check up on you in the morning in case you're too sick and need help. Then he leaves.

How would that not change your perspective? This is someone you thought was only a surface level work friend, someone you weren't sure you could trust. Then he took care of you, kept you safe, made sure you were ok when you were vulnerable, and stopped you from doing something you'd regret. Suddenly this guy went from a "sure I'll spot you five bucks for a coffee" friend to, "let me hold you hair back and bring you tea while you're sick" friend.

That is how I see B'Elanna's view of Tom after "Blood Fever". I can't imagine a scenario like this that doesn't leave your perceptions of a person fundamentally changed - for the better. Yes, she was embarrassed, and yes it was a violating experience. But honestly, I would have thought that anger would be aimed more at Vorik (even if it wasn't his fault), because he's the one who forced all of this onto B'Elanna in the first place. And from what we know of B'Elanna's struggle with vulnerability, it makes more sense to me that her embarrassment would be aimed inward, because she tried to force herself on Tom and is constantly worried about the "Klingon" aspects of herself being "too much" for other people.

So yes, I stand by my headcanon that B'Elanna does have a "silver lining" takeaway from the whole fiasco - she sees Tom in a drastically different and better light, and appreciates what he did for her (for the latter, she even says as much at the end of the episode).

[firestarter91]

The Boy That Never Was - finale

‘Throwing Robin off the trail, Harry convinces her he now knows she was right, seeing Dillon was all in his head.’ IMDB synopsis.

Colin remains easy on the eye as always and I’ll never get tired of hearing his wonderful Irish brogue, he's good as usual but this is yet another drama I sadly won’t rewatch. Upon reflection this could have been condensed down to two episodes, it also didn’t help that the wife got on my nerves by the end.

The drug business with Ollie was a waste of time as it didn’t go anywhere and Robin’s motivations for continuing to try and keep Harry away from Eva seemed pointless and counter productive. It’s like trying to keep an alcoholic away from a nearby open bottle of booze by telling them hey don’t drink it’s bad for you! I also didn’t like the way she ordered her brother around like he was her personal servant, dude didn’t seem to have a life of his own.

Despite the various twists and turns to get there, the big reveal disappointed, there were high emotions but I found it strangely uninvolving and lacklustre, the writers all too neatly tied up a situation which was frankly unbelievable, and the ambiguous ending won’t please everyone.

It’s watchable enough but nothing more than that but hey at least Colin's character didn’t die which makes a change, so I’ll give it extra kudos lol.

Series is now showing on Alibi.

Spoilers ahead.

Robin’s heads off to her big job presentation, Harry has business elsewhere. God Ireland looks so bleak in this series! He’s at a car rental place trying to find out about Eva Doyle but the guy at the desk isn’t having any of it and when Harry tries to bribe him, he gets angry and tells him to leave.

Robin’s heads off to her big job presentation, Harry has business elsewhere. God Ireland looks so bleak in this series! He’s at a car rental place trying to find out about Eva Doyle but the guy at the desk isn’t having any of it and when Harry tries to bribe him, he gets angry and tells him to leave.

We get Ollie, who seems to HAVE NO LIFE, all he seems to do is sit around alone in his house waiting for either Harry or Robin to call and then go running around after them. Robin is on the phone, she’s nervous about what Harry’s up to and wants Ollie to go and find out, she’s tracked him on her phone. So off he goes and finds Harry trying to break into the rental shop and they have a set to, Ollie understandably thinks he’s nuts, Harry tells him about the footage he saw, Ollie quite rightly said ask your wife and then calls it quits.

Harry breaks in, alarms go off, Ollie being Ollie stupidly comes back and then even more stupidly tries to help him search, they find the address and run off out of the clutches of the rental guy who returns. Harry is going to find out about the address, a fed up Ollie phones Robin and asks her what are you both playing at and why did she delete the footage, it’s not Dillon she says. She then tells him he’s got to stop him, he can’t speak to Eva, quite rightly Ollie says he loves her but he’s done with all this shit, I’m with Ollie, Harry has caught her unwittingly in a lie and the chickens are coming home to roost, it’s up to her to sort this one out.

Robin calls Harry but he cuts her off. Harry goes to this pub and asks about Eva staying there, the lady likewise is not having any of it, she won’t say. However, another lady behind the bar is more forthcoming and tells Harry that Eva’s living in Casablanca. He goes home does a search and sees pictures of Eva on a children’s ride of some kind (they’re seahorses) now he gets what Cozimo was on about. Robin calls him again begging him not to go to Morocco, sorry love but he’s going, he knows she’s lying, he’s understandably angry.

Harry arrives in Morocco and promptly gets hauled off by Fadoul to the station, he explains why he’s here looking for Dillon, they have a reconciliation of sorts and Fadoul says in his shoes he would keep searching and lets him go. Next he’s off to see Cozimo, Harry tells him he gets it now and Cozimo says he has a doctor’s appointment in Casablanca he would know the house if they went there. So they sneak out and drive there.

Meanwhile Robin is packing and her lawyer friend who is with Fadoul tells her Harry is on his way to Eva’s house and gives her the details. Cozimo leads Harry through the back streets but he can’t remember the place, Harry says don’t worry I will take you to the doctor, he then phones Robin, he realises she’s here too and says tell me where Eva is and starts tracking her on the phone (again, didn’t she think about this?) Robin says this has gone on long enough and he should go home (this is dumb, she needs to come clean, he’s NOT going to stop, this is what he thinks is his missing son he’s looking for!), she’s becoming increasingly irritating.

Robin arrives at Eva’s house and goes in and finds her ex lover Garrick, he seems wary, they live back in Morocco now. She tells him about Harry seeing Felix and how he looks so much like Dillon he’s obsessed, he says yeah Eva’s mom died hence the visit. Harry then walks in and asks Robin why would Felix look like Dillon? He’s starting to fear the worst he tells her, yeah well buddy you should lol. Robin breaks down crying, the boss asks them both to leave, you can tell he doesn’t want them in his house when the wife gets back. Robin says she was going to tell him (yeah right lady!), but he was so happy but at least now he knows Dillon is dead.

Right on cue of course Eva and ‘Felix’ turn up and Robin stares and says to Eva you took my son, the boy hugs Eva (once again I have to ask how Robin knows after so many years) but anyway Eva says no it’s HER son and then we get a flashback of Eva and Garrick’s son falling off a balcony somewhere. It’s now that Harry gets effectively sidelined as he’s basically got no skin in the game and he’s (literally) left in the background as Robin, Eva and Garrick have their confrontation, all Colin can do is look rather pained and confused.

We find out about Dillon, turns out Garrick knowing he had another son went to spy on him and by happy chance was there when the quake happened and took him away to safety. Robin goes to the boy to try and get him to come to her, Eva is tearful and angry Robin’s a cheating liar (true) and doesn’t deserve him she says, Harry chips in but he’s not your son and well he’s not yours she yells (ouch!). Garrrick realises the game is up, the boy then seems to recognize Robin and calls her mom and goes into her arms and I’m like WTF because he seems completely oblivious to the fact Eva who was his mom only a few seconds ago is howling in grief on the floor being comforted by her husband. Dillon reaches out for Harry’s hand smiling serenely and Harry takes a deep breath, he’s gone from thinking his son was dead, to finding out the boy was alive to discovering said boy wasn’t even his son no wonder he’s a bit blindsided but the kid seems utterly oblivious to all the emotional fall out around him he’s so serene which is bizarre and frankly unbelievable.

We end with them back in Dublin, Robin is heavily pregnant so it’s  months later, Harry, Ollie and Dillon come back to the house, he’s got a drawing he did and Robin says you’re talented just like your daddy. Harry sits down on the other side of the sofa from Robin as they exchange glances, Harry looks at her slightly pained but accepting? The ending is ambivalent you don’t know if things have really been laid to rest or not but then what can he do? She’s having his child for real this time and he loves Dillon. Surely this kid is going to need a ton of therapy in later life lol. No idea what happened after their showdown, where’s his real dad? Did he just let them go?

But we end it here, I guess this is what it is, he has his ‘son’ back, a boy that never was his son, now reclaimed.

Despite the various twists and turns to get here, the finale fell rather flat, may be it’s because by that point I’d got so irritated by Robin that I didn’t care that much how she felt about seeing her son again. Once back in Dublin it ended with question marks over whether they would make it through or not, I figure yes given Harry’s nature and the fact he doesn't want to lose another child.

It was also a big WTF when we found out that she was shagging her boss given he was nowhere near as hot as her husband and I wasn’t even sure why she had strayed. However, that aside it’s how she behaved afterwards which bugged me: ordering Ollie around, trying to get him to help her clear up the mess her actions had caused, refusing to be honest with Harry once he had found out she'd deleted the file.

Harry was stupid and annoying at times but at least he had an excuse given his mental state and what he thought he had seen so I sympathised more. Another gripe was that I can’t buy into their money worries given how they lived and the fact they were backwards and forward to Morocco at a drop of a hat which is something most people couldn’t do.

Dillon seemed far too unbothered by events once found and what about Garrick? Did he just allow them to march out the house? No custody battle, no arguments over visitation rights?  Dillon is probably going to need a ton of therapy when he grows up. It was just bizarre and didn’t really ring true.

So yeah this story started well but disappointed in the end, Robin was annoying, Harry got effectively sidelined by events, Ollie and Garrick were saps and the whole way it was resolved didn’t ring true. It’s watchable enough but would I recommend it to a non Colin Morgan fan? Not really. I have no idea what the book’s like and how closely it follows the series, I’d be interested in finding out.

[crisp-sweet-pink-lady]

Thoughts on Mermaid Magic Season One

Overall, I thought it was pretty good! Working with only ten episodes, I think the series did a good job of balancing the action/drama with the more humorous and slice of life, character building moments. The episodes were fun, and the story felt complete, but with the door open for a second season.

I was hoping we'd get to see a little more Mertropia status quo before getting down to the danger, but again, the constraints of a short season. That said, the series did a good job of selling the urgency of Merlinda's mission. Barbarossa was a little one-note as a villain, but he was suitably menacing for the story being told. I'm curious to see what backstory (if any) we learn about Tempesta next season.

The minute Redd showed up and was like "I'm an eco-friendly business man" I knew there was no way he was on the up-and-up, and honestly, his character journey was the most interesting part of the season. Glad to see he wasn't completely corrupt, and that he found a way to help out without getting himself killed. 👍

One thing I could have done without was all the relationship stuff, though I might have made an exception for Nerissa getting together with that jock (Hunter?). The show was trying *so* hard to show that she had a softer side, and that might have actually done it. But I did like that the Tyler/Alex jealousy issue was resolved pretty quickly. One of the good sides of only have ten episodes!

The Tracy angle was especially wasted. Like, why not have her offer to get her dad to pay off the mortgage in the fundraiser ep, but only if Tyler becomes her boyfriend, so that's hanging over his head the whole episode? If you're going to have an unwanted love interest who has power, why not have her flaunt it more? But I suspect we'll see Tracy be a bigger character in the second season, so we'll see what comes of that.

Was also not a fan of the grumpy trainer trope, especially since Orca knew she wasn't formally trained, and I'm so so tired for influencer characters. People can use social media without being an influencer! But besides those and a couple other quibbles, I enjoyed this season, and hope we get another.