#I love a good revengeance drama xD

[fortune-maiden]

DramaRecaps has started a new drama so guess I know what I'm watching next xD

[paleturtlecherryblossom-blog]

Thoughts on Rise of Ning, Pt 1

Started the Rise of Ning drama (just finished one episode and these are just my preliminary opinions so far~~)

So! I want to categorize the changes they make from the novel:

Making Luo Shenyuan a nicer guy, somewhat: We are given hints in the first episode that he is working to clear his master’s name. The novel version of him is FAR more ruthless, rather than exonerating someone, he would rather trick the accuser into losing everything. In fact, he does do this!! When Xu Wei (his teacher in novel ver.) and Yang Ling (his fellow disciple in novel ver.) are framed and killed, he isn’t concerned about clearing their name, he instead manipulates the court, and Wang Yuan (the framer in question, a scheming minister, as always XD) to hold supreme power. He would assassinate the nation’s most important general in the middle of a crucial border war for personal revenge! Moral bottom line? He doesn’t have one!

Removing the age-gap and the growing up together aspect: In the novel, he is eight years older, an unfavored shu son and she is the little di sister that clings to him for a good while. While I agree it’s not healthy to portray this as the foundation of their romantic feelings, it was riveting, ugh. The way that their lives were always so entwined, and their codependency slowly evolved to outright romantic possessiveness of an insane nature, sigh, I will miss it. That said, Zhang Wanyi is  doing a perfect one-sided delivery of these vibes, so far in Ep 1. The soft and ruthless sides of the same person, the quiet care, the longing!!! A++++

Changes in the heroine: They seem to have drastically changed Luo Yining’s set up, which makes sense because they can’t put in the death/reincarnation part, so I wonder how her connection with Lu Jiaxue will play out here. Also they have somewhat changed her relationship with her grandma and Lin Hairu, because she is not raised with them, Again, I feel this is an unnecessary change. I love her bond with Lin Hairu in the novel, they better keep allll their interactions 🙁

[outlook-hater]

My 2024 in Kdramas

I'll try to be coherent. Try being the operative word.

A Shop for Killers - the premise definitely didn't let me down. Honestly it's kind of nice to see older actors kind of branching out of the regular romance/melo kind of shows and LDW was a great choice to play (spoiler!) the samchon who runs the titular shop for killers. Really do hope they announce a season 2 for this!

Goblin: The Lonely and the Great God - the man, the myth, the legend. How could I call myself a kdrama fan without having watched Goblin? The bromance really sucked me in. And the second leads deserved more screen time! That brings me to my next watch -

Touch Your Heart - what can I say? This show was a pure fanfic for the fans wanting more of the second couple from Goblin. And boy, did they deliver. Sometimes it's good to watch shows that don't take themselves too seriously.

Be Melodramatic - if you don't like character driven shows, this probably isn't for you. This is one of those shows that you just need to take in slowly and immerse yourself in the world of the leads to truly appreciate the joys and the struggles that they go through. There aren't enough women-centric shows in kdrama land and this is one of those shows that treat its FLs with respect and give them agency and character that most shows can't muster up. I'll definitely say Thirty Nine was guilty of trauma porn, but Be Melodramatic is a shining example of what you shouldn't do with women centric plotlines.

Mr. Queen - LAUGHING RIOT. Went into the show knowing nothing more than the bare minimum of the isekai plot and it was worth it. SHS is a master of physical comedy and I couldn't think of anyone else who could've done justice to the character of a 21st century man (who is also a womaniser) who finds himself trapped in the body of a 19th century Joseon era queen.

Marry My Husband - Finally, Park Min-young in a role that's different from her usual pony tail wearing, cutely dressed FL! But the true scene stealers were the SFL and SML and their crazy antics. If it weren't for the post ep 10 slump with the crazy ex girlfriend, this show would've figured among my top shows for this year. Which brings me to -

PERFECT MARRIAGE REVENGE - they say every masterpiece has its own cheap copy. But which one is the real masterpiece here? PMR is pure makjang deliciousness without a single dull moment (something MMH couldn't say). This show does what the title says without digressing from the topic at hand. It also subverted the classic trope of evil MIL, which I loved! All in all, a WILD ride.

Queen of Tears - Getting into the "big" shows of the year, QoT promised everything but did it deliver? I caught this show as it was airing and this blog features multiple rant posts as the show progressed solely for its digression from the promised plotline of the resolution of the Baekhong marriage, instead focusing on the succession drama and the mommy issues of the villain. This show devolved into a makjang that neither delivered on the soap operaness nor gave us proper closure on the main couple. Never have I ever felt so cheated by a show that I had such high hopes for 🥲

Lovely Runner - THE dark horse show of the year, the post QoT sleeper hit. I don't like high school dramas as a rule, and the initial GIFs were kind of offputting to me because of the high school setting - but I admit I fell into peer pressure because everyone was raving about it everywhere. And i simply had to check it out. And then I was glued to the show. Bonus: SUN-JAE YAA and a killer soundtrack!

Revenant - Horror isn't my thing but Kim Tae-ri very much is so I came for her, stayed for the plot. Loved the Korean folklore and mythology in this one, and the tightly woven plot. The few sleepless nights after watching the show were worth it xD

The Story of Park's Marriage Contract - boo, I just remembered I watched the show at the beginning of the year yet it wasn't memorable enough. Lee Se-young is wonderful as always, although the ML was kind of meh. Don't think I cared too much about the show for it to leave any kind of impression. Ambivalent.

When The Phone Rings - object of my affection and obsession currently. My Tumblr right now says everything i want to about this show 😂

Fated To Love You/You are My Destiny - extremely questionable premise that leads to the most delicious melodrama + romance + comedy + angst. I think this show has a whole lot of over the top moments, nevertheless it doesn't miss a beat with the emotional ones. Sometimes you need good old soapy angst in life and the leads did a great job of switching to some truly heartbreaking scenes after bizarre comedy. The ML's laugh deserves a starring role in this show, lmao

DNFs of the Year (watched more than episode and dropped)

Bad and Crazy - what was the point after the villain storyline was resolved? It was really good for the first 8-ish episodes but kind of lost momentum after that.

Strong Girl Do Bong-soon - This show has some loyal fans but I somehow didn't feel compelled to go back.

The Judge from Hell - I might go back to this show when the time is right. I never really liked Park Shin-hye but this show changed my opinion of her! The blood and the gore was getting a bit much for me, but I could be persuaded to watch the remaining when the time is right.

Because This is My First Life - I watched the original jdrama that this show is based off on this year and wanted to watch the kdrama too. I preferred the faster pacing and the economy of the We Got Married as a Job as compared to the long drawn out scenes of the kdrama. Got bored, hence DNF.

My Sweet Mobster - idk why I never felt like finishing this show, I watched 14 episodes in one go, came to the 15th episode and realised I just didn't want to watch it then, didn't watch it ever since. lol

Behind Your Touch - this show has one of the most bizarre plots ever thought of and it kept me hooked for a few episodes, I don't know why I never went back. Maybe I'll pick it up again someday.

Red Swan - Rain was truly doing all the hard work in this kdrama plot from 2014. The FL couldn't act her way out of a ditch and it was really offputting.

Healer - Look, I get it. Everyone's obsessed with this show and what's not to love about PMY as a plucky young journalist? One of those shows I could go back to one day, but not this year 😂

Love Next Door - Again a show with much potential but threw it out of the window with terminal illness. Maybe people just can get burnt out because of work and not a life threatening illness. Didn't want to relive QoT trauma again so DNFed.

Nevertheless - too much mess.

The World of the Married - too much makjang. This doctor be violating the Hippocratic oath on the regular.

Sky Castle - hits too close to home with academic pressure.

[hacked-by-jake]

(Vent (the whole truth! (a bit drama is needed)) about my duskwood vacation, you will see)

Want to know a secret? A real one? I never told it because it actually just hurts me. xD

About my little "Duskwood" city vacation..

Seeing the places was great. My dream came true. Really. It was my dream to visit those places and it was magical. BUT... *dramatic music*

However, the days were some of the worst I have ever experienced. xD The reason for this was earlier mentioned third person who ruined the whole trip and was not even welcomed by me. My plan was to travel with one other person. When I came home I did nothing but cry because it was really horrible. I was sitting on the terrace with my parents and cried for 3 hours straight. xD

Seeing the places was one of the most wonderful things but the rest.. My dream turned into a true nightmare. I won't tell details about what happened but let's say: person three forgot to pack their good behavior. 🤡

I’m not saying this because I want pity, I’m just saying it because I want to get rid of it and where would it be better than here? The place where everyone loves Duskwood. I really don’t want pity or anything, but to be honest, even if I don’t mention any names, it’s a little revenge on person number 3.

Because damn, absolutely destroyed everything and I still hope they're ashamed for it. And to mention it here on the internet is a little satisfaction for me. xD

But as a small positive conclusion, I never forgot how beautiful these places were and how much it meant to me to be there. This has and will never leave my heart and I am gald because by now I have more emotions for the beautiful moments despite all the negative ones.

And it makes me even more convinced that I will go there again sometime, but this time without.. such people. :P

And as ending: this picture of me lying on the groud at the Grimrock waterfall because 1. IT WAS SO HOT! 2. This mountain is so incredibly steep and exhausting to walk. And 3. The treetops were beautiful. xD

[mislamicpearl]

Thoughts on DR S2 episodes 16-17:

These two episodes were SO good!

Spoilers below

Aww, Zane patting Lloyd's shoulder as he breathes a sigh of relief.

Dang, I really wanna see Zeatrix get revenge on Ras honestly.

Wait a minute wait a minute, the forbidden five member that's with Ras has an elemental power? What is it?? He never uses it in the games, he just uses shatterspin!

Yo, Arin was finally able to do proper spinjitzu just from one short session of second-hand teaching from Frack. I can't wait for him to throw that in Lloyd's face!

But also his tornado had some shatterspin lines in it?? Was I seeing that right?

I literally said out loud "if Lloyd loses to this guy (invisible man) that would be REALLY pathetic!" But no, he's protected by his protagonist status. Sora and Nya were protected by their girlboss status. Cole and Zane unfortunately had neither so they had to be cannon fodder.

Wow I was certain they were going to pit Cole up against Geo. Still sucks he lost though (but still not as embarrassing as Zane, who literally just had to fight a dude *still grumbling*)

OMG Cole falling a long distance AGAIN ahahaha!

BUT this time he finally learned and used earth bending to catch himself up! Nice.

"I can't control metal!" You should attend Toph's metal bending school Cole. I'm sure if Nya could make ice that ONE season, you can use your power to master metal.

Aww, despite Frack (still a dumb name, that's what I use to swear when I don't want to swear) working with Ras, I think the rapport he has with Cole is very sweet. If Cole's not careful he's going to end up adopting another child lol.

Yoooo the Arin and Sora friction is so good, I'm loving this drama!

Ohoho, Ras wants control of all the elemental powers, what a surprise.

"Your anger isn't helping Wyldfyre." "It's helping me stay angry!" Love Wyldfyre ahahaha and Cole's face!

The fact that I was actually outraged when the crystal disappeared right as Nya was going to grab it!

WU SPRITE CAME TO COLE AGAIN! Are you going to tell us where it took you last time Cole??

Omg yes, Nya's going straight after Jay, thank you!

And awwww the goodbye hug between her and Lloyd, ugh the sibling energy of these two.

Nya and Kai communicating literally through the power of their sibling bond.😍

It's so hilarious and perfect that as soon as Kai hears about Jay his first reaction is to insult him hahaha.

Ohhhh the forbidden five member that's sleeping in the Nether space is the one possessing Jordana!

Glad to see Arin didn't let his anger with Sora overtake his job, he's actually doing pretty good with his suspect board!

"My social encounter algorithm registered high levels of cringe" OMG I HAD TO PAUSE THIS I WAS LAUGHING SO HARD, THIS IS JUST BEGGING TO BECOME A MEME! INTERNET GET ON IT!

My sister: Brent Miller must have been dying laughing trying to read that line.

Me: Brent Miller probably WROTE that line. XD

Geo has apparently been rendered mute since he and Cole met up lmao, is this Lego's attempt at damage control..?

It's going to turn out Wyldfyre was right and Blekt (dumbest of the dumb names) actually is the one behind all this isn't he?

"He probably got distracted by all the temple city conce...ssions..." *both Cole and Sora stare off into the distance* lmao what was that??

When Frack said he had a question about Cole's power I totally expected him to ask why the earth was screaming - are we ever getting back to that?

NEURO!!! OMG THANK GOD HE STILL EXISTS, HE'S HERE! Probably they didn't want to get his VA back and that's why he wasn't put in a position to talk to the ninja?

Oh and that purple haired girl was probably Chamille.

Man, all of the fights with everyone using multiple powers was so cool!

Ahahaha Zeatrix's face at the bubble power was hilarious! Same girl, what a dumb power.

Except that she used it like a freaking queen??? That elemental bomb was so cool and smart, she pulled a Kuma! (@ One Piece fans again.)

Okayyy we finally get to hear the name of Lloyd's power, he's master of life! Like in the movie right? Neat.

Bro really said the word "YEET" hahaha

Holy frack, Zeatrix killed Lloyd!

[tothelasthoursofmylife]

Hiii! Here's a fan! First of all, how are you? I want you to know that I'm in love with your work, your writing skills never fail to amaze me. I wish you all the success in the world, you deserve it <3 I decided to reread WotQ (I need to refresh my memory, I admit) and I can't wait to read the last chapter. I saw the comments and oh boy, drama awaits me. So, quick question for you: in your imagination, are there any differences between Cedric and UT or do they share the same physical appearance? I mean, if you see UT from season 4, do you also see Cedric?

My browser died and ate my answer orz I was DONE I just needed to click "post" asdfghjk

Take 2 :')

Hello! I'm doing fine. It's a holiday today, and we had a bunch of good food which was nice. (i.a. a fantastic cake that my family inhaled.) I hope you've been doing well too!

Thank you so much for your sweet words <3 I'm so happy that you like my writing. Such an honour to have such nice readers^^ (If there was a "don't make me tear up" challenge, you people would all fail.)

At this point, I've heard of several people that they have reread WotQ, and this is what never fails to amaze me. It's so much after all! (And the first chapters, frankly, embarrass me.) Kudos to you all. (But then, many things are deliberately funnier/more horrifying in hindsight, so...) And yes! Drama is ahead, and it will be so much fun^^

Now to your main question:

That has two reasons.

The first is that I do not really think of WotQ while watching. I have a lot on my mind when I watch the anime, and it's rarely if ever WotQ(-related). The mourning chain in Ep9 made me think of it, but only as an afterthought. When I saw it, it was mainly a "wtf!! it's different here!!!" moment.

Ep10 made me think of WotQ too! Just this part specifically:

But it was because of UT's words, not his appearance.

(And then that was overshadowed by Edward and McMillan. If you hadn't sent me this ask, it would have taken a while until I had circled back to Undertaker's words here. Even if that moment is everywhere, omg.

)

The other reason is that, no, Cedric does not share the same physical appearance as Undertaker. Yet.

After all, in the majority of WotQ, Cedric is still an active Grim Reaper. (Because I thought it would be funnier like that.) Which means he looks like this:

(*sans Othello's gaze)

Cedric is still Hair Bow!Undertaker! (When I draw him, I omit the bow because of my drawing limitations.) He's still unwashed, but wears glasses and is a little bit more put together and not (as) scarred as 1889!Undertaker. (As I, too, think he got them when he deserted/escaped.) He does, however, wear the weird boots with the million clasps (see Malady 1), though only when he's not collecting souls or he would get reprimanded.

So if we get Active GR!Undertaker animated again (this time with the hair bow, S1!!!*), I might think of Cedric when watching the anime then. But as the above image is from the Blue Memory Arc... See you in 20 years!

(Unless Cloverworks decides to break the schedule and give us S5 and S6 (with Blue Memory glued to Blue Cult (or to Blue Revenge? anyway) because that arc surely can't be its own season; we don't have Demon Slayer fame) within a few years. And how likely is that?)

*At least it gave us Bonnet!Undertaker.

Now that reminds me of Cedric more XD Just replace Lizzie with Anais...

[hyog-blog]

The Blooms at Ruyi Pavilion review/opinion

Okay, I've just finished watching The Blooms at Ruyi Pavilion, and despite all its setbacks and numerous plot holes and excessive dramatization /and I mean there's A LOT of drama in the second half of the whow/, I just loved it to bits. Zhang Zhehan and Ju Jingyi look ridiculously cute together. He's the reserved type of guy who doesn't show his emotions easily /but when he does it's a treat for the eyes/ and she's a young sweet thing with a very mischievous character, carefree attitude towards life, and a darker undertone /with her being able to glimpse into the future and trying to prevent things from happening/.

So, watching these two stumble upon each other in a series of (un)fortunate events was real fun and how they slowly developed feelings towards each other (although she was desperately trying no to, but while avoiding the guy she just kept stumbling upon him more XD). The second couple was also beyond sweet, but in a hotter and more cheerful way - they actually got to have some time to develop their romance naturally, without being dragged into all possible near-death situations, so in that sense, they are a more classical couple, but exceptionally delicious, watching them develop feelings for each other was very yummy and they do look very good together.

Also, the sisterhood is strong in this one, like a very healthy sisterly relationship that is both sweet and protective and very natural. Basically, I loved everyone's acting in this, the main evil-not-so-evil guy, of course, was far from original, but I was kind of okay with the screen time he was getting, but I've got to admit I skipped a lot of scenes with him XD /the character was slightly annoying in the second part of the series, but the actor is very good-looking/

The plot had some fun and strong points (mostly relationship-wise), the RuYi Pavilion's secret identity was a cool touch, the owner was also kind of badass (while she was there). The whole premise of kill-em-all to take revenge is a bit old but bearable. The characters are quite fresh and the actors delivered them masterfully. I won't say anything about the ending, but it was a bit of a floppy flop XD Well, I wasn't too disappointed, despite being invested into the main characters to some degree. I say the whole show is an emotional roller-coster but in general, it's very enjoyable.

DO WATCH the modern-day specials wtih ZZH and JJY, those shorts are beyond lovely. A type of reincarnation AU I'd totally watch. Plus, they do look ridiculously good together as a modern couple as well.

After watching the BTS, I'm really amazed at their acting skills because they laughed SO MUCH, omg, ZZH and JJY are like two kiddos giggling, dancing, and playing around, an absolute bliss to watch.

[minerwarfare-suzuya]

Alright, I'mma take this on neutrally compared to my responses with Mobox87's brother SonicCrash since I barely know Hanna besides that she's doing the kind thing to take care of Mobox87 as a close friend and run her Tumblr during her recovery.

The Suzuya alter ego will be out of this and I'mma just be myself on this.

First thing to address, it's good that Mobox87 is improving better mentally and physically getting back up on her feet to live her personal life. I'm not coming off as sarcastic but being brutally honest since despite the harsh criticism from the Moboxcritique, Zombify and I. Along with my violent behavior with my critiques in my comic strips, we don't hate Mobox87 as a human being nor do we condone the threats involving to wish death or rape upon her own mistakes online.

When Nicole went to go DM Cagney for an interview it didn't go well because of how Nicole approached them with their rude remark on Cagney not wanting to voice call with an explanation on why.

Now due to this post being made, Nicole was unaware about it after being block until later on she found out and has claimed that the conversation posted on the Moboxcritique blog is taken out of context in the ask inbox on her second account then goes to slander Cagney along the critique blog.

The issues about the out context screenshot claims is that Nicole has not bother to show proof of that being the case. If Nicole has the guts to call out Cagney over a conversation that didn't go as intended based off of screenshots shared on Moboxcritique blog then she should show screenshots or a screen recording of the conversation as a way to provide proof that Cagney allegedly lied to everyone.

Since Nicole interviewed one of the running accounts of the Moboxcritique blog. Kevonica would be another person that she'd interview which resulted in the same issue as shown in the screenshots that are in the archive link posted on the critique blog.

Zombify would take a part in defense for Cagney and Kevonica against Nicole's allegations about the conversation being taken out of context.

Nicole treated these interviews as a way to intervene in the drama to her liking as a stan for Mobox87. She made the interview with Mobox87 one sided during the stream and has kept it that way towards both Kevonica and Cagney instead of the neutral approach to be in between both sides of the drama.

All these allegations and claims that Nicole made on her Tumblr and Instagram are the ones that's all truly taken out of context.

Nicole is the one who is harassing and you've only fallen for her lies, Hanna.

Nicole is condoning this behavior as a come back for revenge over these threats you don't wish upon your own friend and possibly not to anyone else deep within your own heart.

If this makes you truly feel sick then you should feel the same back with what Nicole is doing since you are not just being the administrator of Mobox87's blog but also being the bigger person to show others that Mobox87 has changed.

The people who follow me and the Moboxcritique or any account against Mobox87's actions might not agree or believe that she's change with our comments and opinions on her publicity online but that doesn't mean we would want to threaten her life or think she deserves death for the things she's done as an act of justice.

So yeah, we're adults but are we harassing a minor as justice for what we do? No, we're dealing with a minor having a temper tantrum by making allegations against the Moboxcritique blog and Cagney for supposed harassment.

Now I know you said that you won't be choosing sides Hanna but you should at least look into our side more over this current beef with Nicole instead of relying on her messages.

Anyways, that's all I wanted to say in regards of the situations narrative for everyone to see and whenever you get to read this Hanna since tomorrow you have plans with cheering up Mobox87🧁.

Yours truly,

MinerWarFare Suzuya

Oh! Actually one more thing for Nicole!

Nicole quit accusing Cagney of lying and harassing you when you are the lier and a hypocrite of doing these proclaimed actions.

Do everyone the favor.

Cierra la boca y toma esta L

[anotherrosesthatfell]

E.L.A thing- Dream [OLD]

Most people see Dream as white character but actually he's a grey character.

He and Killer have a lot in common such as loveless marriage, unhealthy relationships and traumas.

But he is not like Killer despite how much they have in common.. He cope his trauma in healthy way and search help. Dream is just a parallel of Killer if Killer gets the help she needed.

Despite how his friends acknowledge his trauma, some of them treat it as if it was nothing because Dream is a man. That cause pressure for Dream. He can't be weak, cry or show any weaknesses because he's a man.

Of course, Dream is not that innocent. He ordered Hope to burn 3 kingdoms and spread the gossips that Passivemare is the one who ordered it. He causes wars and let his armies kill the one on their way, it doesn't matter if they are women or children.

He manipulated Alphonse (past cor. Nightmare) to kill Nim and Passivemare for revenge.

He killed Lanny and make sure Alphonse killed Quetzalcoatl.

He ordered Hope to executed Cor. Nightmare by burning him alive because of his betrayal. He destroyed the tree of feelings.

That happened when he was 17 years old.

He have mental illness which is known as personalities disorder. It was never mention what kind of disorder he have... He is just two different people.

1. Dream (the kind, brave and always help people)

2. Sora (Bloodthirsty, hot tempered) [his eyes will turn green like Palette]

Dream and Sora are two different people despite how they share the same soul.

If Dream personality changed to Sora, he will call for Hope or locked himself in a room until he changes back.

Only Hope and Alphonse knows about Dream disorder.

Dream love his children very much. He have nicknames for each of them.

Lux - My light

Palette - My treasure

Drop - Comel (which mean cute <3)

He love Lux still, even if she look just like Cross. It doesn't stop him loving his daughter.

He love Palette and always adore him. He did his best to be a good father to Palette to redeem his mistakes he did to Lux.

Drop despite not being blood related to Dream, he still love her as his own daughter.

Even after divorced with Ink, he still keep Drop because he gave Drop the title of princess.

He forgave Cross... But Hope don't-

He forgave Ink... But Hope don't-

He forgave Passivemare... BUT HOPE DON'T

So even if Dream forgive them, Hope still holding the grudge and will kill them if they make Dream sad.

Hope and Dream knows each other for a very long time. They are actually very overprotective for Dream but hide it.

Dream calls Hope by the name of Chara (Hope real name)

While Hope calls Dream by the name of Sora (Dream real name)

Dream jealous if Hope let anyone call them by the name of Chara. Only he can call Hope that- he'll get more jealous and clingy if Killer call Hope by the name of Chara.

He loves Hope but he is too stupid to realize that.

In surprise ending, Killer had to smack his head and put breads on his head.

"What are you??"

"an idiot sandwich?"

"No! You are in love with Chara?!!!"

"I am?"

Killer had to watch this hopeless boy and help him. She do love Chara too but hell it's frustrating if you live in a house with two people that are so obvious in love and you feel like a third wheel.

Other than all the drama... He's a malewife yknow- another reason why Ink agreed to marry him xD

[whatisthisautumnsorcery]

Favourite Dramas of 2023!

Happy New Year everyone! I thought that I would do a Favourite Dramas of 2023 list just for fun! (I actually tried to do one last year but I got sick and by the time I was well enough to write it up it felt a bit too late to post it). I know that this list is very short and some of these dramas are less well known but I really enjoyed them so I hope other people might enjoy them too! **WARNING: SPOILERS**

Provoke - Such an amazing Republican revenge drama that was so beautifully filmed (the director was Zeng Qing Jie so of course it looked beautiful).

Good story, no filler, great acting, just a really enjoyable drama!

Back From The Brink - The only long drama that I watched this year. I really miss watching long dramas but I just don’t seem to be able to get into them for one reason or another. I think that’s why I enjoyed Back From The Brink so much because I liked all the actors and the characters and the whole plot.

I liked the lead’s chemistry too even though this drama wasn’t really romance heavy and was actually more of a “family drama”.

It was just a fun adventure drama that was also really funny XD

The tragic saga of Yan Hui's bald spot:

Baby Dragon Tian Yao:

Love For Two Lives - This drama actually aired in 2022 but I wasn’t really aware of it until recently.

This was just a really funny and silly short drama that I really enjoyed. The romance didn’t play a big role but the whole drama was so enjoyable and funny that I didn’t mind!

Nine Times Time Travel - I haven’t seen the original Korean drama that this drama is based off so I can’t compare the two but I definitely loved this Chinese version. It was so twisty-turny and there was no filler, plus I don’t think that I’ve watched a time travel show like this before.

I’m glad that I didn’t binge watch this and instead watched it in small episode batches because there was so much going on in each episode!

Love Strikes Back - I really loved this drama, it was equal parts romance and revenge and had the funniest villains!

The villains busy plotting and getting on each other's nerves:

I think I also liked this drama so much because the plot actually reminded me of my favourite drama The Legends: FL “dies”/falls into a coma for a few years and then reawakens and is hell bent on revenge and eventually realises that the ML has been in love with her the whole time and has been secretly guarding her!

Please Don't Be Moved - This drama was basically a condensed one hour drama that included so many of my favourite things: badass FL, villain ML, ROMANTICAL ROMANCE, lots of angst, beautiful cinemaography and the “FL falls into a novel” storyline!

This drama really flew under the radar, they didn't even release a proper poster for this drama and out of all the 2 min ep dramas I watched this year this one was by far my favourite!

And that's all of them! I'm looking forward to what's going to be released in 2024, hopefully a lot of the MANY dramas that are currently on my unaired-plan-to-watch list because that list is getting very long now XD

[tantive404]

Dear Author- Star Wars Rarepairs 2023

Hello wonderful author! Thank you so much for writing for me! This is my first year doing the Star Wars Rarepairs Exchange and I'm so excited to see what you have in store… I just know it will be lovely!! <3

DNWs: -Explicit sexual content. I'm okay with some things of that nature being tastefully implied, but I don't want descriptions of genitalia or sex acts. -Sequel trilogy content -Modern AU -Major Character Death between the characters involved in the ship (they can certainly threaten to kill each other though XD)

Likes: -enemies to lovers tropes, villain x heroine ships -forced or arranged marriage -Leia whump or angst-- I love seeing that girl vulnerable and in perilous predicaments, but still maintaining her strength of will and fighting back. -political intrigue (lends itself particularly well to tarkin x leia) and drama -power dynamics -captivity -banter

Ships:

Leia Organa/Wilhuff Tarkin I am OBSESSED with these two… Ever since I noticed the way he grabs her face during their scene together in A New Hope, something just clicked within my brain. I love their absolute hatred for one another, how they are each so devoted to their opposing causes, and how his desire to subdue her and defeat the Rebellion could manifest into a twisted obsession and desire… They have a great tension and chemistry, and some fun silly space banter. Feel free to lean into the darkness and creepiness.

Prompts: -Something exploring their dynamic pre-ANH, where Leia is working as a rebel spy and Tarkin is suspicious and attempting to catch her in the act of treason. A game of cat and mouse ensues. -Leia and Tarkin strike some form of deal in the hopes of each benefitting their side of the war. How might this develop their relationship? I'd love to see Tarkin manipulating Leia, and Leia's efforts to sabotage him. -Bad end to ANH… Tarkin lives, or the Rebellion loses, and Leia must deal with her grief and desire for revenge… meanwhile the Grand Moff decides he wants something more for the Princess than execution -Missing scene from her captivity and interrogation on the Death Star. Who knows what could have occurred between them behind closed doors?

Leia Organa/Darth Vader These two have the chance for layers and layers of DRAMA and irony. I love the possibility for a sweet twisted "knight and princess" motif, as well as Vader being SUPER protective and possessive of Leia, with her bringing out his more "honorable", "good" side… and Leia reminding him both of Padme and of his former self. I love Leia being a complete sass machine to Vader and being one of the very few people who is able to stand up to the Dark Lord… Perhaps he finds a strange sort of respect for her through that. Also, they're really just a very aesthetically pleasing couple. The size/height difference and the black armor against the white gown. They're truly a villain and a heroine who are meant to be pitted against each other.

Prompts: -Through some strange set of circumstances, Vader and Leia must put up a temporary truce and are forced to work together begrudgingly -Vader protects Leia from a more dangerous foe, and she comes to gain a strange sense of respect for him. -Vader is haunted by his memories of Padme and uses Leia as a fill-in for her of sorts…

Leia Organa/Wilhuff Tarkin/Darth Vader Something of a twisted love triangle where Vader and Tarkin are fighting for control of the Princess, and she is caught in the middle of them.

Leia Organa/Lord Tion Tion is a character who appears in the second episode of the Star Wars Radio Drama-- an arrogant, pompous Imperial officer and devotee of Tarkin who becomes Leia's suitor. Despite her disdain, she briefly permits his courtship to learn more about the Death Star… and everything goes disastrously wrong after he proposes marriage. As an enthusiast for Leia villain ships, I was in love with the MELODRAMA potential caused by this character.

Prompt: -What if the proposal/courtship was allowed to go further, and things turned out differently for them? It would be interesting to see Leia enter into a relationship with an Imperial in order to obtain rebel info…

Rogue One: Jyn Erso/Orson Krennic I enjoy the potential that the clash of these two strong personalities might bring, and the connection which they hold to one another's past. Where Leia and Tarkin will have a heavy amount of verbal sparring, I imagine Jyn and Krennic would have some physical sparring, too. It's also interesting to delve into his relation to her father.

Prompts: -AU where Galen's family returns with him during the construction of the Death Star, and Jyn grows up in high Imperial society, rebelling against the expectations placed upon her, and eventually catching Krennic's eye. -Alternatively, the Erso parents are made to offer Jyn as a bride to Krennic in order to ensure their safety… She's not happy about it, but wants to protect her family. -Something where they survive Scarif and have a chance to build a relationship from there… complex and hate-filled, of course.

[ashyybees-art]

Finally finished Bugalsal: Immortal Souls after taking a break from it, and I have to give it an 8/10. I loved the concept, Hwal was a fantastic character, the whole cast was great. I loved the found family and quirkiness mixed in with the dark and dramatic storyline. I loved the cinematography of the monsters and then how they adapted them/paralleled them in the modern day. It was such a unique blend/visual. But there were some aspects that could've been better for me.

(Spoilers)

It's an interesting narrative on a cycle of revenge, of obsession over someone, and overall: Hwal's loneliness and the response to it.

The romance was interesting and honestly I wanted a little more of it. Enemies to lovers is an iffy one for me just by how a writer will execute it, and I was surprised to find myself getting into this one. Early on, it really felt like a slight Beauty and the Beast kind of romance going on. As it went on I was actually begging for just one kiss scene lol. But I understand a kiss isn't the point of a relationship narrative always and illustrating how two characters come together.

(but in a less serious manner, I really wish we could've had more tender/soft moments towards Hwal sprinkled in. Like someone make him take an actual nap and hold him XD)

The pacing was a little lengthy at times and there were times it felt like we were going around in a circle on some things. I understand it's supposed to be a complex situation and the character's emotions are at play, but felt like at times they just rehash certain things to keep drama going and it makes the plot move strangely.

I will say, I'm not the happiest with the ending. Cause, yeah, I was really rooting for them to get a happy ending with their current lives. They still technically get a happy ending with them getting reincarnated, but it's one of those bittersweet endings that yeah they're together but its not how we were hoping; especially with the whole found family being together as a while.

But biggest for me personally is i'm not a fan of characters struggling for so long- especially to just wanting peace and to live and even get the motivation to do so like Hwal does- and it comes about by them dying/or just dying anyway. I know tragedy in narrative so that's why i say personally I don't like that narrative choice of a character struggling with the desire to live/live happily and they end up dying as the means to obtain that happiness/peace. Like that's the only option for them after giving us this whole narrative of them fighting for it finally. It's just how its executed really I guess.

The last episode we finally find out it was Hwal himself that started this whole cycle with his own hatred/possessiveness of one person and not understanding being human and he chooses an end of repenting for it and breaking the curse he set himself. But, they built up so many scenes and part of the narrative of these characters forgiving and moving on from what happened in the past to then just smack on at the end that there's no way out for Hwal actually and he has to die feels very frustrating/cheated.

It also felt like there was still unresolved things at the end. Like we don't get to see Ms. Lee and Detective Kwon reincarnations (unless I missed it), also Si-hon, Do-yun, and Detective Kwon never got to know about their past lives and connection to Hwal. For all they build up about the past lives it felt like they should've found out at some point especially in how Hwal builds relationships with them and regaining his memory of truly what he did to everyone leading to his final choice in the end. We don't know how Hwal reincarnated as human either (unless it had something to do with breaking the curse so the afterlife gave him a pass), but i'll take it that he gets happiness somehow even if isn't how I hoped.

Anyway-8/10, pretty good, but personally could've had a stronger ending and polishing in some areas.

[turquoisetuber]

Here I come!!

4. Does your OC have a failed friendship or relationship they still think about? What happened? Is it an unresolved regret or is there a chance for reconciliation?

7. Does your OC like their natural hair color or do they dye it? What styles do they prefer?

9. Is your OC laid back or do they thrive on drama? What role do they play in their group of friends/associates?

18. Has your OC ever had a prophecy made about them? Was it a big deal or did they ignore it? Was it straightforward or cryptic? Did it ever come to pass or did they circumvent it?

For... Any of your sillies!! :3

ooh!! love these!

they are under cut! warning. uh. LONGG post XD

also im gonna focus on the ocs i talk less about, so a *little* less jade in this post. sorry!! i talk about her all the time tho!!

thanks for the ask!!

"Does your OC have a failed friendship or relationship they still think about? What happened? Is it an unresolved regret or is there a chance for reconciliation?"

for Hazel!!

ohh hazel my beloved lesbian distaster. she is the only one with a failed relationship, actually! that was with Agent-now-Captain 3 of the Squidbeak Splatoon! this was hazel's first (or second, i forgor some stuff) relationship-the two were around 13 at the time, and they were great friends, but maybe not the best partners. what really broke their relationship was when hazel left Inkopolis without telling ANYONE about her dissapearance-hazel does wish they can reconcile and be better friends, but the Captain hasn't got any intention of becoming close with Hazel again. its unfortunate, but.. Hazel understands they she fucked up their relationship for good, sadly :( but shes a much better girlfriend now!

"Does your OC like their natural hair color or do they dye it? What styles do they prefer?"

for Vander!!

Vander *likes* his natural black hair, dont get me wrong, but he MUCH prefers it dyed. he bleaches it and dyes it a pretty two-tone pink! and while im still playing with his hairstyles, he prefers it a little longer, almost having a mullet! he does rock it though!

(next question gets split!!)

"Is your OC laid back or do they thrive on drama?"

for Everest!!

Ev could not care less about drama. his whole life has been a mess of family drama, trauma, and rocky relationships. he prefers to stay in his own lane—with one exception.

Ev is by no means a truly violent person, UNLESS you fuck with his loved ones. he knows EVERYTHING about current family drama-part of the reason nothing gets by him. and its evident he cares, because, i mean.. this boy took on an EXTREMELY powerful world leader in order to get revenge for the shit he did to jade. (and he only lost because, again, much more powerful than him) so he knows some things-you just better hope to god its not bad enough that he acts on it.

"What roles do they play in their group?"

for everyone!!

starting at the top, Hazel is the team leader. she's an extremely confident and passionate person, and very quick to act, making her the perfect fit for the role.

jade and ev share another main role-they're the team's strategists. what hazel, peri, and vander aren't as skilled at is actually planning, while these two can look at every corner of a situation with ease.

jade is also their medic-to nobody's surprise. she attempts to avoid unnecessary death, and helps the team get back on their feet.

everyone is a soldier and has different skills there, so i'll summarize that!

jade is their duelist. she faces opponents head-on, often to be the one to finish off an opponent if no others are fit to do so!

hazel is a distraction: she is a skilled fighter, no doubt, but she often holds enemies off so someone else gets an easier kill! if she's not distraction? she's their other kamikaze pilot. as long ad the job gets done, she's willing to tack a life off of her! (not that she has a limit)

everest is their raw strength! he has some SEVERE power in him and he can be DEVASTATING. he probably has the highest kill count 😅

vander's their stealth! he can get in there and do whatever he damn well pleases without a soul noticing a thing. kinda scary. good thing hes on our gang's side!

peri is their glass cannon! literally! she packs a punch, but due to being, well, glass, she shatters easily. does this stop her? NO. she will easily choose to shatter before retreating.

"Has your OC ever had a prophecy about them? Was it a big deal or did they ignore it? Was it straightforward or cryptic? Did it come to pass or did they circumvent it?"

for Everest!!

not quite a prophecy, but he was heir to his mother's nation. which.. straightforward enough. this was obviously avoided when vander outed him as a traitor (in his defense, dying didn't sound too great to him at the time) but.. thank got it didnt happen. or our poor icy boy would be VERY posessed by some matter most dark.

[asoulofatlantis]

So in Elaines storyline we died 2 freaking times and time rewinds. In Vans storyline, only some random ex-bad-guy NPC dies. And in Agnes story lots of our acquaintances die, just to torture is. However, time gets rewind. Makes you wonder tho, why time did not rewind when the NPC-Guy died if it does rewind when Friends and Teachers die?

Now that Falcom goes the more bloody way, they LOVE using a lot of blood and empty open eyes ^^'

Why would someone even plant a bomb in a school? Then again... School shootings are a thing too, sadly.

You know I've been the victim of bullying for a lot of years of my school life and it was really hard to get through those years and I at least somewhat get the feeling of wanting to punish the people who have wronged you... but I never understood why one would drag innocent people into it? So this guy felt wronged by Renne and that is why he wanted to hurt the student-council, but not just that they weren't responsible for that little problem that guy had with Renne but he also dragged innocent people into it. Seriously, if I get my revanche by hurting innocent people, then I am no better than the ones who bullied me. And this guy, to be fair, wasn't even bullied. He was an asshole and got what he deserved but couldn't live with it, which made it even worse. Because the only reason this guy had for revenge was his own ego.

I'd say.

At least he didn't intend to kill someone.

It doesn't surprise me at all. Gray is a troubled kid himself in some regards. I am pretty sure he is hiding some important past from us too. But it IS good to know that someone looks out Lashkar after everything he is been through.

But wasn't he from Remeferia or something? Was Almata active even there?

Grays sister was a B-Rank-Bracer and was killed mercilessly in pursuit of Alamata. I guess he hid his true identity to not get rejected by the guild for having revenge as a motive.

Is that a Sailor Moon reference? XD

I would like to say they slightly overdid it with the immigrant hate.... (But who am I to jduge this...)

Towa us really amazing. Negotiating like this, using her NGO-contacts for this purpose... proving once again that her talents are wasted as a teacher.

You know... its just such a waste to have someone shot Towa if Crow, Rean and Angie aren't around. Even in the short amount of time we have before the rewind, imagine the drama if they could not have protected their Towa.

Something in my Erebonian-Bitch-Heart suddenly hurts like hell.

[lifewiththelulus]

sf: OH ideaaaa What if the way Cirrus found out what happened is because a few weeks after the rejection, Lily comes to audition for a part, and when they show up it causes Kindlin to run off in the middle of placing a set piece to hide in the bathroom

pbh: When Cirrus does find out after consoling Kindlin in the bathroom, she horrified with who she just excepted into the club. What's worse, they're really low on members so she's pretty much stuck with her. She'll begrudgingly allow her in, but Cirrus is going to make it a living hell for her as long as she stays.

sf: Kindlin feels so bad about causing problems and tells Cirrus not to make a big deal about it because it was just a stupid prank and she's over reacting. She didn't want to stop coming since she loved the club and working on sets, but she becomes more quiet, especially when Lily is there. Cirrus is the only one who knows what happened to Kindlin. Lily acts like nothing ever happened though and goes on like she's a kind person to everyone.

pbh: Who knew there would be drama in the drama club. 🤷‍♂️

sf: Kindlin just wants everyone to get along 😭 She hates the drama and tries to pretend like she's cool with Lily for the sake of the club

pbh: Lol Cirrus giving murderess glaces at Lilly then goes back to being all smiles when Kindlin is in sight.

sf: Good let Lily be scared XD She doesn't even register that she did anything wrong to Kindlin cus "it was a joke"

pbh: Meanwhile Bog is awhere of everything that's going on and watches the train wreck with a bucket of popcorn.

sf: Omg What if Kindlin subconsciously memorizes the lines to a play because she's there every rehearsal to work on sets And Lily doesn't show up So Kindlin offers to fill in but JUST for rehearsal She unknowingly nails a part Lily was doing horribly Bonus points if it's an emotional scene between her and Cirrus XD Best revenge be better than Lily at what Lily likes to do XD

pbh: I can imagine Kin being really nervous about playing a big part, but Cirrus helping her through it.

sf: Oh definitely. But when she puts all her focus on Cirrus and blocks out everything else, she's able to deliver the lines. Cirrus makes Kindlin feel comfortable

[sunshine304]

It's been forever, I'm very sorry, I know I said fifty times that this post would happen soon, soo uhhh...

Let’s go! - So, the eunuch Chu Tianyu (yes, I yet again had to look up his name) has killed Huo Lintao and is now fighting with my beloved Mu Xiaoqiao. Even though Mu Xiaoqiao is a swishy king, eunuch still manages to steal the seal from him, boooo! >:-( But what we learn is that MXQ’s fighting style is detrimental to his health.

- Chen Zichen is useless as always and has to be rescued by A’Fei and Xie Yun. *heavysigh* But Zichen at least has good taste and makes heart eyes at her. XY is not impressed.

Yin Pei is there?!?! Chuchu recognizes him but he doesn’t do anything about it, he only wants to find Ding Kui. Okay then.

Chu Tianyu now confronts A’Fei and Xie Yun and blabs about the Bone Piercing Blue, because of course he does. He loves to gloat. That actor sure is good at being smarmy. And of course Chen Zichen arrives too… OMG that kid is so superfluous most of the time…

Anyway, fighting ensues! The editing in this ep is really really bad. Half the time I don't even know where the people they seem to be fighting are coming from because they sure as hell weren't there in the wide shot we just saw etc. Oh boy.

Aw fuck, XY unlocks his internal force to help A’Fei which, as we all know, is very very bad for him.

But then Ying Hecong arrives to finally take revenge on Disha and he poisons Chu Tianyu. Muahahaha good riddance! But couldn’t you have arrived a bit earlier for fuck’s sake?

Soooo .. we don’t get to see the fight between Ding Kui and Madam Nichang nor between Ding Kui and Yin Pei. That just happened off screen I guess? ding Kui is now dead? I guess? Oooookay…

Ying Hecong is unfortunately not very helpful while XY is yet again dying. :( Wang Yibo sure has a lot of suffering scenes to do in this drama when he’s not smirking or flirting. XD

Oh no we now have a reverse piggyback scene with A’Fei carrying XY and it’s very sad. T_T It also lasts for an eternity.

- XY has lots of feelings rn. T_T It’s all very very sad as he tells A’Fei that he doesn’t want to be emperor, that he just wants to return with her to 48 Strongholds and be at her side because she has his heart. T_T

- He’s also talking about his fate being pre-determined but A’Fei is angry and isn’t having it. She’s refusing to accept that he’s dying on her. - In his head, XY promises her that though they are parting now, he’ll come back to her in 20 years. T_T A’Fei is exhausted and can’t carry him anymore as he slips off and is, I presume, dead? Or very close to it? It is very very sad. T_T

- Hard scene cut and A’Fei wakes up on a boat steered by an old Buddhist master, Tongming. He talks to her, trying to give her direction in her despair, and reminds her why she practices martial arts in the first place. She decides that she wants to return home and he reveals to her that he’s also got XY on his boat, who is after all not yet dead? I guess, because A’Fei is happy that XY is there and seems to have some hope again.

- Tongming reveals that he used to be XY’s master after all that drama/war went down. Convenient that he showed up there when XY was dying, huh. Anyway, we learn that Xie Yun’s courtesy name is Anzhi (I think we learn it here, I don’t remember if this has been mentioned before, it felt like a big reveal).

- Flashback time! Child!XY doesn’t want to be a prince, he instead wants to be a waiter, a worker, basically anything else. XD Tongming explains to him that these people have to deal with their own hardships, though they are different from those of a prince, and that these people want to be born a prince, so XY, what can we learn from that? A bit of a downer episode I guess. XD Also, the worst editing of fight scenes yet; everything still at the Huo Fort is so disjointed, IDK what happened during the editing process here. Very weird.