#I want them to have unresolved issues that carry over to the next life series

[kaylv18]

I want Pearl to set a trap to kill Gem and get her into red only to end up with her blowing herself up, making their complicated relationship have no ending and resolution.

[jonsa101]

Yes, There’s Only 14 Episodes in Season 3 But Sharpwin is On Track and Progressing How They’re Supposed To.

There has been so much talk about this season’s writing and the lack of Sharpwin scenes that I thought I would just address everything in this post.

First, the writing this season is NOT BAD! In my honest opinion I actually think this season has some of the best writing in the series. Compared to season two, the writing is head and shoulders above what we got last year. More than ever before we are diving into these characters stories, seeing friendships form, getting a better look into their home life and seeing secondary characters shine! This is a good thing! These were the things that were so desperately needed in season 2 but we didn’t see this play out. I’ve said this before in my infamous season 2 rant and I’ll say it again, a show can’t solely depend on a ship! It has to have great storytelling and good character development for all of it’s main characters. This is what New Amsterdam failed to do in season two and they’re now making it up for it in season 3. The only area I would say the storyline suffered was the Cassian, Helen and Max “love triangle.” There was definitely more intent with that plot before the pandemic. Cassian was not only supposed to be a catalyst for Jealous Max and Sharpwin but he was also supposed to come in and challenge the way Max did things. Cassian’s whole thing was self care first=great patient care which was the complete opposite of Max and the two of them were supposed to clash. Obviously this completely changed due to the pandemic. You can’t have a storyline about a doctor prioritizing himself first for “better patient care”in the midst of thousands of doctors globally throwing themselves on the frontlines and even loosing their lives to COVID-19. It would have been a terrible look to have that storyline so they clearly scrapped it! What we saw was probably them trying to salvage whatever was left from the original plot while they still had Daniel Dae Kim in the limited amount of episodes for season 3.

Apart from that, I think the writers are doing a fantastic job in terms of character development this season. Arguably I would say that Iggy probably has the best storyline so far and that’s incredible for his character. Tyler Labine is acting his ass off and Iggy’s scenes with Lauren, Vijay and Martin were top tier!!! We are finally getting a Max and Reynolds bromance that was teased in season one but literally know where to be found in season two! It’s great seeing them bond on screen and I hope we get more moments with these two. We’re also seeing Reynold’s “life plan” blow up in his face and we finally have some closure with Bloom. They kept us in limbo for so long! We didn’t know if him and Bloom were truly over but now we finally know. Also, it seems like he and Evie are officially done as well and he might have a new love interest on the horizon. For Lauren, she’s clearly seems to be having a coming out story which is something I didn’t see coming at all. I’m really curious how they’re going to play this out for her and can’t wait to see it unfold. Last but not least, for Max and Helen they are both going through massive character development phases which leads me to my second point.

I love a good Max and Helen scene as much as the next person. To me they’re the ultimate ship and I want to see them thrive and flourish but just because we don’t see Max and Helen interact doesn’t mean that the show isn’t properly developing or investing in their relationship!!!!!!!!The relationship between Max and Helen is so nuanced that their relationship doesn’t hang in the balance because they don’t have more witty, flirtatious, or emotional dialogue. Don’t get me wrong, I adore those moments. Those scenes between them make us the passionate sharwpin shippers we are. At the same time though, we have to truly take a look at why the state of their relationship is where its at now and why from a narrative perspective their current interactions make sense. In order to do this, we have to take a look at where Max and Helen left off last year.

At the end of season 2, Max made a move on Helen and almost kissed her in her office. After this moment occurred he never addressed it and at the time he was still dating Alice. There’s no doubt in my mind that this was the catalyst for why Helen started dating Cassian in the first place. She had practically laid her feelings out there and told Max he was the reason she gave up half of her department. After this revelation and the massive, intimate moment he initiated in her office, he didn’t even have the decency to address it. He swept it under the rug and wanted to keep the same relationship that he had with her like nothing ever happened. Even though Helen was aware about Alice, we now know from season 3 that Helen felt a type away that Max never “officially” told Helen that he was dating her. This is IMPORTANT!!! Max and Helen did not end on a high note in season 2. In fact, the very last scenes we see of season 2 is Helen blowing off Max to go on a date with Cassian and Max breaking off things with Alice. I know this wasn’t intentional due to the season being cut short but it definitely contributes to where they are now. 

Fast forward a year later, and not only do we still have a massive almost kissed elephant in the room between Max and Helen but also the trauma of being on the frontlines of a pandemic and going through the biggest social justice movement the world has seen. This is something I’ve said many times over but I’m not sure the fandom recognizes how much these events have permanently altered these characters and changed the dynamics of this show. COVID-19 changed everything. The Black Live Matter Movement for the first time grabbed the attention of the world and changed everything too! Max and Helen are in the process of trying to heal and rebuild their lives the best they can as individuals after such a tumultuous year. At the same time, they are acutely aware of the feelings they have for each other and the UST between them and are carrying the weight of that as well. Naturally guys, the combination of all this is going to change most dynamics in a relationship. Things are awkward and distant  because Max and Helen are awkward and distant!! They have a lot of shit that they’re going through as individuals and subconsciously as a “couple.” They are clearly not in a healthy place to be as vulnerable as they once were to each other. And how can they be when their feelings have literally been eating at them for over year?! It’s hard to ignore that and try to force yourself to go back to the way things were. Especially when their feelings have “technically”  been out in the open since the end of season 2. They both know what it is! They were steps away from unleashing years of built up sexual tension between them and they went on with their lives like it never even happened. Max walking in on her and Cassian kissing in HER OFFICE and subsequently having that convo with Helen was not for shits and giggles. It triggered the BEAST of his feelings that he had fought so hard to suppress. There is no doubt in my mind that when he saw them in her office kissing, he was having some serious dejavu to their almost kissing affair last year. He‘s in love with her and she’s in love with him but this what happens when you continuously try and run away from those feelings and let it fester instead of trying to deal with it head on. The dynamic  were seeing between them now is a result of their unresolved issues and it absolutely plays into Sharpwin’s story. It doesn’t take away from it. It makes sense for where they are NOW! 

If we look at season three holistically, you’ll realize that a momentum for something significant happening for Sharpwin has been set through the acting and writing. I got to give it to Ryan Eggold. He has that fire and desire, Mr. Darcy type level acting down to a tee so far. It is so satisfying seeing Max so overcome with his feelings that you can tangibly see it in his body language and hear it in his voice. We have seen Max taken aback by Helen before but we have NEVER seen him like this. I keep on saying it but this is different guys. Something has shifted and it seems like Max is on the verge of exploding. His feeling are burning hot right underneath the surface and it’s a beautiful thing to behold. Last night’s episode was ripe with this type of content and Ryan was in his acting bag! It wasn’t an overtly “Sharpwin” episode but the writing and the acting is so clever and methodical, it will have you thinking otherwise. At the beginning of season 3 Max told Helen that he wants to build something better for Luna and something better for her. Was last night not a beautiful reflection of that? One question asking Max if he has ever loved a black woman put him in the shoes of his patient’s husband and had Max advocating for his wife like he would advocate for Helen if it was her! If that’s not fucking romantic I don’t know what it is and if the alarm bells aren’t going off that there is something deeper at play here with a huge payoff around the corner I don’t know what to tell you! Another moment that sticks out to me like a sore thumb is when Helen was telling Cassian that her brother died. I wrote about this in a previous meta of mind but Helen at her most vulnerable telling Cassian that she feels like she’s running out of time is SO SIGNIFICANT guys!!! It’s not only tell us that she fears that she’s missing out on the windows of opportunities for the wants and needs in her life but it literally sets the pacing of how quickly Sharpwin is going to progress. It is the beautiful freudian slip that tells us exactly where things are headed for these two. To me this is equivalent to Max telling Helen “I love my doctor” and “what if I want you?” in season 1. This episode had no interaction between Max and Helen but it was a MASSIVE Sharpwin indicator through and through! These are just a couple of examples but even their respective journeys in parenting is so Sharpwin driven. So in all I’m not mad in the direction the show has taken to showcase their relationship this season because Sharpwin is deeply interwoven in the storyline this year even if it’s not overtly obvious through emotional dialogue/ interactions. 

Also, one thing you have to realize is this, season three is wrapping up a lot of loose ends from season 2 and when it comes to Max and Helen these two points will be/ have to be addressed in the next six episodes.

The Almost Kiss

Whether or Not They Want To Be Together

The showrunners know without a shadow of doubt that the resolution for these two points is owed! If Sharpwin is talking about their almost kiss, there is no way that they aren’t talking about what they mean to each other and what their future looks like together. Both solutions literally go hand in hand and I promise you they are not delaying the resolution for that till season 4. It’s not happening fam. We will see this play out within the next six episodes. So in hindsight, more Sharpwin interaction are on the horizon. 

When I was making predictions about this season I wasn’t aware that this season would only be 14 episodes. I’m sad that season 3 is so short but that still doesn’t change my mind for where I think the story is going. Call me crazy but I’m sticking to my guns. There is something about how Ryan is portraying Max that is signaling something huge. Also I just trust the context clues that i believe the show is giving. I trust it! Anyway y’all! If you have any sharpwin question just DM here or message me on Twitter! my username is @oyindaodewale. 

Love you guys! ❤️

[siswritesyanderes]

This is a series of asks bc, while I do LIKE all the charas of Fantastic Beasts individually, much of the romantic pairings dont sit well with me. By that mean the messy love polygon w Newt & I think I finally figured out why & I'd like another's opinion on it. For starters, Newt's attraction with Tina is too fast for me considering he was friends w Leta, got expelled out of Hogwarts for Leta, carried Leta's photo in his case, & basically loved her for YEARS. But this is all undone by a [1]

jaunt in NY having met a woman, who he admittedly went on a huge adventure w, over the course of maybe a few weeks. He's so taken w her she replaces Leta's photo w her own &, after refusing to go to Paris for Dumbledore, leaves immediately once he finds out she's there. I just find this unbelievable. I can rationalize it from Newt's perspective where Tina is a fresh breeze sweeping into his life on (percieved) unrequited pining, but this is my conjecture based on my understanding of Newt. [2]

The audience shouldnt be left to rationalize endgame couple of the mc on their own. & the whole thing w Leta is so messily handled I dont think they can save it even if they bring her back in FB3. How she feels for Newt vs Theseus & unresolved lingering affection, etc. She & Newt were SO important to each other & we SEE that & they dont HAVE to get together, but they need proper resolution bc they have actual history between them. God Leta in general deserved so much better. [3]

But my main gripe is that this love polygon serves no purpose to what I believe is the main selling point of FB: the world. HP having love stories makes sense bc we're following the story of a boy as he goes through adolescence & his journey through that via school is part of that, which is why the romance feels fitting. It's a very personal story. FB on the otherhand is the best peak we have at the wider wizarding world beyond school. HP introduces the world of magic, but FB rlly expands it [4]

To that end Jakob & Queenie's relationship is the only one I find myself liking, bc it's deeply tied to the world setting, the series' biggest selling point (in my opinion, should have said this earlier). It underscores the attitudes of the period & the conflict they face feels suitably substantial & not like filler. There's a moral question between them of are they worth it? And how far should they go to be together?

Imma be real hear & say FB2 was rlly Queenie's movie & they should have been ballsy & just make Queenie the mc for FB2, bc her story was actually considerably more important to the overall development of the story than Newt's, which mostly came off as a rushed & a tad clichè soap drama. & making it about Queenie I think builds more room for good conflict & independent narrative for Tina that would serve her chara better. [5? 6?]

If I bad to be REAL ballsy, I'd say my big issue w/ the relationships in the FB series & how it enhances or impedes the main story & what I believe to be it's biggest attracter (the setting) could have been solved if they made Newt's romantic interest a muggle. It attaches a deeper meaning & relevance to them & the story so it felt more deeply that they truly moved WITH the narrative rather than beside it but I guess Im just picky. Thx for putting up w this! [Final]

(My response below the cut.)

Yeah, pretty much all of this is right.

Regarding the Tina thing, it was definitely rushed, especially since there was literally nothing romantic between them in the whole first movie, except maybe the end part where they're stumbling over their words. Despite knowing how movies work and knowing that they were the male and female lead, I still found that completely out of left field, because they don't really share any interests and I didn't feel like they felt anything in particular for each other before that. She really wants to be an auror and feels really intensely about it; he just wants to travel the world and write about magical creatures and take care of them. I don't see a lot of compatibility there, and the movie didn't really do anything to reconcile that gap.

Jacob and Queenie made sense, because they actually sowed some seeds for it. It's not even about the fact that they both like to cook; they showed an interest in each other throughout. They noticeably like each other. Newt and Tina never really had that, to me, so it was bizarre for her to become his primary motivation in the second movie.

Queenie's trajectory in movie 2 overall bothers me, so while I agree it would have been better if they'd centered it more around her, I definitely think they needed to drastically rewrite pretty much everything she did. Enchanting Jacob at the beginning never sat well with me; I usually only have to say this in the Descendants fandom, but if one half of the ship is magical and the other half isn't, we can't have the magical one enchanting the non-magical one for romantic reasons without addressing what a violation of trust that is. Like, Jacob would be justified for never trusting her again, over that. Also, the fact that she apparently holds it against people if they think bad things about her is not something I would expect from someone who has been a Legilimens as long as she has, and not a detail I like, at all. Especially since it was used to give her justification to be mad at Jacob after she enchanted him in the first place. I find it sad, because Queenie was definitely my favorite character in the first movie. (Also, joining Grindelwald was a nonsensical thing to do. I can only assume she's there to spy on him or something, because it makes literally no sense.)

As for Leta, I really don't like how that was approached. First of all, I don't like how their mention of her in the first movie was "She was a taker; you need a giver," because once we actually met the character, that only made me resent Queenie for representing her that way. Leta deserved better in pretty much every way, and they definitely shouldn't have killed her off like that. I find the whole situation really iffy from a racial standpoint. The first black character to be written three-dimensionally in all of HP lore, and they make sure to preemptively tell the audience that she's a "taker", kill her in the same movie we meet her, and manage to trivialize her death by turning it into a little "Who was she saying 'I love you' to?" mystery. I like her relationship with Newt and Theseus, and I'd definitely want to see more of it.

Yes, it definitely would have been better, thematically, if they'd made the love interest a Muggle. (I'd honestly say they should've paired Newt with Jacob, but I know they're unwilling to do that. That would be kind of cool, though, to see the movie shaping up with two male characters and two female characters and have the men end up with each other and the women just live their lives as humans.)

With the story they ended up telling, though, I don't think that is needed; since Queenie is already dealing with the wizard/Muggle storyline, Newt could have a different conflict. Maybe his love interest should be a werewolf or something, to tie in the wizarding world's unresolved dislike for "half-breeds". And if he were in a relationship with someone already regarded as a creature, the wider wizarding world might take a different view to his studies and look down on him a lot more. Idk, a thought.

And then, with Leta/Theseus and Grindelwald/Dumbledore (if they were willing to actually deal with that), they'd pretty much hit every controversial beat they've got: wizard/Muggle, wizard/"half-breed", interracial, homosexual. Credence and Nagini are both creatures, kind of, but I still like them together, so their relationship doesn't have to tie into any theme; it just has to be developed way more.

On the whole, Crimes of Grindelwald felt like they skipped a movie. It feels like they needed a middle installment to make these relationships happen, instead of jumping from "Do Newt and Tina maybe have feelings for each other?" to "Newt loves Tina and Tina is possessive enough of Newt to be outwardly upset with him when she thinks he's engaged to someone else," and creating a whole relationship between Credence and Nagini that we see none of.

The fact that Queenie and Jacob were done well in the first movie gives me a fair amount of goodwill for them, but that goodwill only offers enough cushioning from the botching that movie 2 did that I'm near-indifferent to the ship, now, instead of actively opposed. I'd like to see things improved, but as it currently stands, I'd be just as happy seeing them end up not together as together. The fact that Leta's relationships with Newt and Theseus were more interesting than any of the aforementioned makes it that much more ridiculous that they killed her. What ship am I supposed to care about how? If I can't go into the next movie delusionally hoping Newt and Leta will get some moments, or enjoying the Theseus and Leta content, then I'll just be sitting there waiting for Credence and Nagini to share a screen, and who knows when that'll happen?

[sparklyaxolotlstudent]

There is an special kind of character that I don’t particularly dislike, but find annoying how their own media (and sometimes, the fans) interpret and stan them and attack like rabbid dogs anyone who disagrees.

These characters are normal, they have their strengths, and they have their flaws… but the narrative and other characters only see their strengths and outright refuse to see their flaws, more often than not blaming other characters for their shortcomings, or outright making them be right all the time.

I refuse to tag this as salt, but if you like or “stan” any of these characters, be warned: Mabel Pines (From Gravity Falls), Taranee Cook (From W.i.t.c.h.), Adrien Agreste (From Miraculous Ladybug), Alya Cesaire (Also from Miraculous) and special mentions of Marinette Dupain-Cheng (Also Miraculous) and Tony Stark.

Mabel Pines is incredibly self-centered, to the point that even Bill Cypher, the big bad of the show points it out several times and weaponizes it, almost creating an Apocalypse. No, I’m not going to blame Mabel for it, but the show goes out of its way to make Mabel blameless.

She is always mocking Dipper for anything and everything, she manipulates him and abuses his good will, not to mention she invades his privacy and boundaries every time she can, not to mention she also somehow holds him to much higher standards to what she does herself. (We are told Dipper mocks her as much, but we never actually see this)

She tries to force him to confess to Wendy

She snoops into his stuff, and steals the Diary at least once (One of the times Bill pointed out her being a jerkass)

When Candy develops a crush on Dipper, she calls him out for flirting with other girls… but she has been flirting with a lot of boys all summer, and Dipper wasn’t in any kind of relationship with Candy.

She basically drugs Robbie and Tambry into loving each other, stealing from a god in the process, and in the end decides to keep them drugged.

She guiltrips Dipper into not accepting an internship with their uncle

The last Mabelcorn kind of addresses this… but since Celestabellebethabelle turned out to be a jerkass herself, the whole point is soon forgotten. She is never called out again for any of these, and is outright treated like the most moral character of the show

 Taranee Cook… is, admittedly, a result of bad writing and the writers just outright not knowing what to do with her character. She starts as the “Smart Girl” of the group, with an interest in photography and African culture… but that is forgotten after the first saga. She “rediscovers” a passion for dancing and emotionally cheats on her boyfriend before breaking up with him, and from that point out, she has a new love interest every other issue. They are always treated like the love of her life. And just to point out more of the “the writers don’t know what to do with her” in an issue where they see their futures, she ends up being an Olympic runner. Despite having zero interest on it… But anyway, that’s not that this rant is about.

One issue has a B plot of the girls and their boys (some boyfriends, some friends of them) going to the beach to enjoy a meteor shower (I think that’s what is called? I read the issue in Spanish) and the boys, Hay Lin and Irma go overboad, buying a LOT of unnecessary things, while Taranee protests (mind you, the boys were paying the most of the things. Will and Cornelia were not involved in the buying). With Taranee, being the smart girl and the most level headed of the girls, one would think that she would convince the others to just get the completely necessary and not waste money with some rousing speech… but no, she gets her way by melting the tires of her brother’s car into the asphalt, making them unable to carry their stuff, and forcing them to just go with the most essential stuff. You would think the girls would be furious with her, or that someone would point out that the tires and the asphalt would be pretty pricey… but no, they thank her for the vandalism and say she was right all along.

Another issue has a new boy moving to the house next door to Taranee, who ends up being the son of a teacher who they later think is suspicious (which is kind of fair. They face shit like aliens and monsters posing as normal people fairly regularly). Taranee, again, treats him as his one true love and offers to befriend him to spy on them.  The previous day, she thought that they were soulmates because she saw him practicing violin, reading a book and eating ethnic food… through the closed windows. She stalked him. And then, after “befriending” him, she realizes the “violin” was actually a weird contraption to work out (To be fair, it does have the silhouette of a violin, but how she didn’t notice the lack of sound is not addressed), the book was the menu of a restaurant and the “ethnic food” was actually a hot dog. And then she proceeds to insult him to his back calling him a bonehead. Again, she wanted to bone him because she was stalking him and got the wrong idea. The guy is portrayed as very friendly, and attaches quickly to the girls, who find him annoying… y’know, I was expecting them to introduce them to their male friends, but no, the issue with him is unresolved, they explain why his dad was acting suspicious, and they never ever appear again, and Taranee get a new love interest. No one ever calls her out for her stalking.

Adrien Agreste and Alya… well, I have talk about them a lot in here, but their major sins:

Adrien:

Lies about his relationship with Ladybug, which gets a guy akumatized. Lies to Ladybug and blames her for the akumatization. Ladybug apologizes.

Throws a temper tantrum while Paris is getting flooded by an akuma. People are actively drowning and all he essentially blackmails his kwami into giving him information. No one calls him out on this, and he gets what he wants (To meet the guardian)

Throws another temper tantrum when Ladybug says she has plans with friends and will not be able to attend his dinner. Note that they share the same friends and he ditched them for this date.

Constantly forgives Chloe and Lila of every they do to everyone else, but the moment he is affect by his cousin, he calls him a friendless jerk.

This is unclear, but the implication is that he never liked Kagami as a love interest, but let himself be her boyfriend. The moment they break up he tricks Ladybug into watching a romantic movie.

Despite using the Ladybug Miraculous and learning that the holder of that Miraculous holds a greater responsibility that the holder of the Black Cat, and can’t allow themselves to fail, he constantly goofs off while fighting, and tries to flirts with Ladybug, which only distract her. And that’s without mentioning all the times he sacrifices himself, which sometimes leaves Ladybug to do all the job on her own, and sometimes makes him an enemy.

Alya is not that bad, but again, she’s never called out when she screws up. Chameleon is infamous for that. Reflekdoll has her ditching Juleka and making Marinette the model, yet Marinette is the one blamed for that. She reveals that Marinette like Adrien, despite Marinette asking her not to. She equally mocks and support Marinette crush on Adrien. She has pushed Marinette to confess to Adrien, despite her telling her several times she was not ready (And in the NY special that she was trying to get over him)

 Marinette and Tony Stark are special mentions because while some of their flaws are pointed out, others are overlooked or even praised.

Marinette stalks Adrien like a crazy fan, but to be fair, is very inconsistent and the product of bad writing. She has stolen his phone, following him when he’s with another girl, tried to kiss what she thought was his wax statue (and stole a lock of hair), has his schedule written down (It is implied it’s the schedules of everyone in class, but still…), smells his pillow, crashes a party dressed as a guy, and outright follows him to another country. The series somehow blames her for a lot of things that other characters do or say, but somehow overlooks this stalking, and oftentimes plays it for laughs (To humiliate her, but still)

Tony has a lot of issues, and sometimes they are the center of the conflicts (Iron Man 2 and 3 play with this) but sometimes overlook his treatment of other characters. He treats Wanda like a weapon and abuses Peter like there’s no tomorrow, and yet, people, and Peter himself act as if he was a great mentor. The fact that he is directly to blame for the Vulture and Mysteryo is never addressed either.

 And the opposite is also true. Sometimes, we get a villain that actually doesn’t do anything wrong, yet the narrative and the other characters treat them as the worst.

Trixie from My Little Pony fits that bill. Her debut episode has her putting a show in ponyville (Mind you, this is a universe were everyone can do magic. Being a stage magician is hard). Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Rarity proceed to heckle her and calling her out on her boasting. She humiliates them after they try to humiliate her at her own show. Two kids end up provoking a Ursa Minor (A giant ass bear made of stars) because she boasted about defeating one. End result? She ends up losing her cart, which means she lost her home and employment in one night, not to mention she basically was ran out of the town. She is treated like a villain and it takes several seasons for the show to rectify this.  

[atlas-of-a-human-soul]

Love me, love me not ~ pt. 5

05: When Grayson tries to make amends

Summary: After a sleepless night, the two meet again.

Warnings: angst, fluff, a sprinkle of smut

Word count: 1.6 k

Love me, love me not ~ Series Masterlist

The room is dark. The curtains are drawn in a vain attempt to filter the orange glow of the streetlights illuminating the street outside. Y/N glances at the digital clock at the side of her bed, the numbers 02:25 glowing in a bright green. She sighs wearily. Unable to sleep, she sits upright on the bed, her legs outstretched and covered with a warm duvet, feet hovering above the hotel floor. She considered the sleeping pills the doctor had prescribed a few months ago when the fiasco with Henry began and sleep evaded her. They worked well alright, but last time she had been groggy the next day and her mouth had tasted of metal.

The night wore on, thoughts tumbled through her mind in rapid succession. Problems she had already solved reemerged for another examination, the heartache gnawing at her with no proper reason by her standards. Things she mustn't forget for the next day nagged at her, the Luis Vuitton event bringing more stress, especially since she had to attend with her fake boyfriend – the same guy who was five doors down, probably riding the girl she saw earlier. That alone made her shake her head and sigh, placing her palm over a treacherous, quivering lip. She’s never been a crier. When things get hard or someone breaks her heart, she numbs. She doesn’t even remember the last time she shed a tear. She tried to remember, but the memory was elusive, buried under piles of unresolved issues she locked away in a safe corner of her mind – a corner she never revisits.

Was Grayson supposed to reside there now, too?

After a tortured eternity the room began to get lighter and the birds chirped, she threw back the covers and stumbled out. Sleepless. Frustrated. Hurt.

The moment she opened her doors, she shrieked, well aware her scream had probably alerted several people at this time, barely six in the morning.

Her shriek certainly scared the very reason she got frightened as well.  Her eyes were locked still, fixed right back on the unwanted guest who sat beside her door, though her mind kept spinning and her teeth sank more deeply into her lower lip than could be comfortable.

“What the hell are you doing here at this hour?” She asked calmly, despite the harsh words. Grayson had started considering being calm and harsh is her second nature – sweet, yet bitter.

“I wanted to talk to you, but I assumed you needed time to unwind and calm down.” His gruff, morning voice had the deep tones that rippled through her, yet seductive undertones of a sexy rasp it attained by remaining quiet for a long while.

“Have you…been sitting there this whole time?” She cocked her head, lips parting as she took in his disheveled looks and tired eyes, realizing he was tossing and turning on the floor outside her room while she did the same in her bed on the other side of the door. A night she assumed would be filled with steamy, dirty sex had turned into a nightmare consisting of overthinking and fighting tears.

“Yeah.” He breathes out, preparing to get up when she surprises him. Instead of slamming the door in his face, she pulls her robe closer to her body, sitting down beside him, her eyes flickering to his awkwardly – the hand on her robe squeezing so tightly the tendons of her muscles could be seen on the back of it.

“What happened with Mrs. Sexy?” She inquired, avoiding eye contact as she holds her breath, her heart running too fast for it to be normal. She genuinely feared he had been with someone else. She didn’t want to ask, but she needed to know. She didn’t care who she was, only if he was hers. 

While he may not be her actual boyfriend, it was useless to pretend she didn’t feel a connection to him. She barely knew him…well, in the classic way of knowing someone. After all, she had been a fan for so long…all the way until the guys took a different route with their channel about the same time her career exploded.

She knew Grayson took up acting, just as she knew Ethan had enrolled in college. She still followed them and the odd videos they’d publish here and there. She knew what he presented himself as, although a part of her always thought she saw through his façade. He hid his feelings well on screen, but he was an open book in real life. His eyes told her everything she needed to know, but her own insecurities had left her damaged – it’s like having a lock and losing the key you’ve carried with you since as long as you can remember. Grayson represented confidence, love, trust, happiness – he was the lock she couldn’t open even if he had offered her the key, because her insecurities were rust, destroying the lock…she was destroying him.

“I told her to leave, because I’m not a single man.” Grayson shrugged, looking at her with a slight smile upon his lips, noticing her struggling with her own mind, trying to let him in – in her own way. All he could do is wait and hope she does eventually figure it out – that he wasn’t going anywhere.

“Oh.” It’s all she said, her lips twitching as she fought a smile. Grayson caught it by ease – his heart swelling with something else he fallen for – the twitching lips, no longer pink without her signature lipstick…he found her more beautiful like this.

“You know there are four more hours before breakfast and five until glam team comes.” She spoke up, her eyes finding Grayson’s with ease this time around. She held his gaze captive, watching his curiosity spike with her words. “Would you like to take a nap with me, Grayson Dolan?” She had officially offered him a way to her bed, and yes, it wasn’t sexual at all – but it was exactly what he needed from her right now. It was a step in the right direction, both fluffy and intimate, something he didn’t see coming, but embraced fully as he stood, lifting her in his arms without even thinking twice about it.

His heart soared with the tiny squeal of surprise escaping her as he ‘manhandled’ her, enjoying the feel of her arms wrapped around his neck, their faces inches apart.

“Thought you’d never ask.” He smiled, carrying her inside before setting her on the bed. She had disrobed herself tossing it aside as she remained in a tiny, lacy piece of pink briefs and a black, silky undershirt with straps instead of sleeves. She looked…better than sex.

Grayson slid his hand over her hip, feeling her tense briefly, but then she relaxed more and more as his arm had wrapped around her and pulled her into his warm chest. Her smaller, cold hand rested over his. Y/N intertwined their fingers before closing her eyes, not bothered by the sunlight peeking through the blinds nor the sound of cars as they drove by under the window. All she cared about is the fact she felt warm, she felt safe and appreciated…she felt seen. His breath tickled a few hairs near her ear, but she simply smiled, refusing to move an inch as she fell asleep in his embrace.

She thought it to be pleasant, having Grayson so close. A part of her thought this arrangement is a godsend, some cosmic apology for the pain she was dealt. She actually started to believe this would work, beyond contracts, beyond paparazzi photos and screaming fans who shipped them on every social media there is.

While she tried to convince herself they would work out, Grayson had thought how at peace he feels. Never before had he decided that sitting in front of a girl’s door for a whole night is enjoyable, nor worth it, but this time it was – she was worth it. And yeah, he hated the fact he didn’t get an entire night with her, because the first time, that first night, it was everything he wanted and more. And that night was unexpected and she was in charge because he let her be in charge. She had fucked him so good, his dick would pulsate whenever he thought about it. But he wanted to get his chance to make her lose her mind and unravel under him. He wanted to make her beg for mercy as he not only worshiped her body, but showered her with love, passion, and mind-blowing orgasms. And he’d go slow, he’d do it right. He’d drive her insane with his mouth first, then his fingers, finding every sensitive spot on her body until he had mapped it out in his head – down to every last freckle. That’s when he’d give her what she’d be screaming for, pushing himself inside until he bottomed out, watching her hungry eyes wanting more. Something he’d provide without question.

Grayson wanted Y/N Y/L/N to be the one addicted to him. He wanted to give her a reason to stay with him, if not for love, then for lust. He’d find a way to her heart in the meantime, but he needed to have her in every other way until then.

He knew he could make her truly happy, heal her…after all, she was probably miserable with Henry if she cheated. Grayson didn’t ask why she did it or who with, it wasn’t any of his business even if it ate away at him. He could only imagine how painful it was to lose her, understanding Henry on every level now.

But he wasn’t about to let her go.

Not without a fight.

Tags: @xalayx @dolandolll @godlydolans @dolanstwintuesday @anything-dolan @peacedolantwins @maybgrayson @nowheredolan @graydolan12 @beautorigin @justordinaryjen @starrydolan @pitreshawn @grays-laugh

[fanbynature]

CAN YOU FEEL MY HEART?

OBIKIN X AU /PART 3/ Part 2 / Part 1

Why do I make people suffer even in an AU? - I don’t know

Why can’t I write something that is not a slow burn? - I have no idea.

They still haven’t had much of a talk but believe me the spark is there. It’s going to stay. There is going to be romance drama, but first some other drama just cuz my life is boring. 

Enjoy!

After Aayla’s friend so nicely dropped him off in front of his apartment building, Obi-Wan immediately ran up to his flat, so he could lie down and get as much sleep as possible for his next shift. His flat is only on the second floor so he didn’t bother to use the lift. When he reached his destination, he put his key inside the lock, heard a click and after opening it a little he could hear some faint sounds from inside. Ahsoka he thought with uncertainty. She was the only one that had another key. The girl insisted that Obi-Wan should make one and give it to her after some unfortunate “incident” that made the older man incapable of doing anything for a month. Okay, the incident wasn’t so much of an incident but Obi-wan’s recklessness with his health. It happened just one time, he blacked out just one time for a few hours, which ended up creating a series of very big headaches for Obi-wan, him being checked into a hospital for a week and a half, "the half" being caused by him trying to sneak out before he was signed out, Ahsoka’s and Rex’s protective mode turned on to the max, Cody forbidding him to work and all of that not necessarily in this order. And no one especially Ahsoka wouldn’t let it go for a year.

What he saw inside his flat, however, was something he has not expected in the least.

“Father?” his voice was faint and strange to himself. He wasn’t sure if it was real or was he hallucinating from exhaustion. Obi-wan hasn’t moved an inch from the front door, his body stiff and his mind running. He gulped and tried moving. Qui-Gon has turned towards him from the kitchen’s archway, just observing him with that slightly ever so critical look that was somehow still filled with warmth and love towards his only child.

“Hello, son,” the deep voice of the older man brought him back to reality. Obi-wan hasn’t seen or heard from his father in two years. He felt like a child again, he often felt like that when the older man was around. He wanted to run up to his father, embrace him and make the younger man feel like every difficulty he has is melting away. But he wasn’t a child and he hasn’t been able to face and accept that his father was right about him, as always. Ever since his teenage years, Obi-wan had always found that being stubborn and rebellious against his father had brought him some kind of satisfaction.  The younger male didn’t see himself as a prideful person but he as sure wasn’t going to apologies now.

Obi-wan wanted to speak but his brain was being too slow for him to function.

“Are you feeling well, son,” it seemed that Qui-Gonn was able to read him as fine as ever, kriffing Jedi senses.  The older man was still standing in that same position, just observing him, trying not to unnerve Obi-wan. The younger man wanted to lash at him but didn’t have the strength. He also didn’t see the reason to why. It was stupid. He was being stupid. He wasn’t a teenager anymore but his whole being wanted to act like one. He breathed in and out and spoke.

“How did you get inside?” Obi-wan took a couple of steps to the front, getting closer to the man in front of him.

“Ahsoka” Qui-Gonn didn’t miss a beat “she called me and gave me the spare key. She told me that she wanted to call sooner, but she knew how you’ll react and decided against it. But according to her, it’s time to “sort out our shit or she’ll lose her mind”. She knew you were too proud to do anything and I wanted to see you. “His father faintly smiled, looking at him and then at the key in his hands. “But I think I made a mistake in coming in. I shouldn’t have. It seems like I am ambushing you and you seem tired, it’s not fair to you. We should talk about when you feel better. I will go.” The older man took a step forward, extended his hand to the nightstand next to the bed and put the key there. He stood there for a couple of seconds, then turned to the door and started walking.

“We are going to record in a studio. A proper studio, I mean. And-and I will call you soon to talk about it.” Obi-wan managed to spit out, his voice gradually becoming more hushed.  The older man turned slightly towards him and smiled. “I am glad for you, Obi-wan. I am going to wait for you to call me.”  Obi-wan nodded and watched as his father left the flat.

He fell back to his bed and sighed deeply. After that, he intensely rubbed his face, put it into one of his pillows and screamed. This drained him to no end.  

After that one last thought, Obi-wan woke up to the sound of his alarm. He wasn't even able to change, great. There were two hours to his shift and thanked whatever entity he could think of that he thought of putting alarms for every day he was working. He felt sleepy, but his stomach was loudly announcing how empty it was. Cussing his bodily functions, he begrudgingly stood up from his bed and went to the kitchen to fix up something simple.  

He was instantly reminded about the unfortunate meeting he had with his father and made a mental note to call Ahsoka and try not to shout at her for her mindless actions. He knew she meant well but sometimes she shouldn’t. He sighed once again and pinched the bridge of his nose. His phone rang from the bed. He went to pick it up and he raised his eyebrow. Speaking of the devil he thought.

“Hey, Nobi, what’s up?” the girl’s voice was unusually high. It seemed she was regretting some of her choices.”How are you doing? How is it going? Please, don’t kill me the next time we see each other.”

“I don’t know Ahsoka, this is not a very long time. It’s what - day and a half. This is not much of a time for me to sit on it and react rationally. I don’t know. What do you think?” the man was mocking his friend with some kind of parodied voice of a Senator they have heard on holos.

“Maybe we can come to some kind of agreement, Mr Kenobi? I did this only for your good and if the great Kenobi looks deeper into the matters I am sure he’ll see that his friend is just worried for him that he is carrying too much unresolved emotional issues that he shouldn’t just ignore and try to face them.”

“I am ever so grateful to the fierce Tano that she is giving me her wisdom.” They both laughed at their silliness. “Next time if you decide to make me some kind of surprise, just consult me.”

“It won’t be a surprise then.” Ahsoka tried to object and the man could picture the girl rolling her eyes.

“Exactly,” Obi-wan retorted.”I’ll see you and Rex soon then.”

“Bye, Obi”

 -------------------------------------------------------------------

After eating and showering, Obi-wan checked if the cat ate anything so he could refill it but it seemed she hadn’t been around since the last time so he just changed the water with a fresh one and headed to work.

One the way there he was inspired by some of the events happening in his life and some of the planet’s landscapes he was passing by so he scribbled some lyrics that the band can use later. His thoughts also drifted to the dark blond-haired boy that is helping them. Obi-wan was a little too eager to see him but was scolding himself not to get too carried away. After all, it won’t be a smart decision to make. He knew that he wasn’t in the right headspace to begin any kind of serious relationships and one-night stand will only make things awkward. Flirting was the only smart action he could do, for now at least.

 --------------------------------------------------------------------

After arriving at work, Obi-wan headed straight inside, determined to talk to Cody about the shifts and the low numbers of staff. He couldn’t understand what was his friend doing or trying to achieve with overworking his people. He passed by the bar and the staff’s room, totally missing Asajj’s greeting and her “dude, are you okay” look, he went up the stairs and was now in front of Cody’s office, knocking on the door.

“Come in” a firm voice answered from inside. He opened the door with intent and determination. His whole speech evaporated away and his stance became dejected as soon as he saw his friend. Cody was in a hunched position over his desk, dark circles painted under his eyes, piles of documents on either side of him and his hair slightly dishevelled. He looked awful. It seemed like he hasn’t slept in a few days. How he hadn’t noticed earlier. Obi-wan felt like a terrible friend.

“What is it?” his friend’s raspy voice took him out from his thoughts. Cody was looking with puzzlement in his eyes. Obi-wan cleared his throat and spoke.

“I wanted to ask you something but it seems you have a lot on your hands so I’ll come whenever you are free. Also maybe you should take a few days off, you look dreadful.” Obi-wan said with a rush while sounding concerned. He was in the office, having closed the door but still holding on the knob, ready to rush out from the room.

“Thanks, buddy, very reassuring. I am glad to have you as my friend.” Cody couldn’t be more deadpan but Obi-wan is seriously worried for his friend he just didn’t want to explain why was he here in the first place.”So why did you exactly come up to me?”  Ah, here it is.

“It really can wait. Have you looked lately in the mirror? Please, do. You know what, on second thought - don’t. Just go take some rest, please.”

“Look who is talking” Cody muttered under his breath and stared at his friend for a few moments before continuing “So, what is the problem. And if you say one more time it can wait I am going to-“

“It’s about the shifts and the staff. You don’t have enough staff, but you seem that you don’t want to hire anymore but the shifts…” Obi-wan thought that it was better not to argue with his friend so he went straight for the matter.

Cody sighed deeply and leaned back on his chair, rubbing his face with his hands. Obi-wan could hear him cursing softly, he felt like apologizing. “Look, I know I am not that high in the work chain so you can’t say that much to me, but you have to remember that I am always here as your friend to support you with whatever you may need.” Obi-wan’s voice was filled with earnestness and determination, he was hoping his friend was hearing him and wanted his friend to confide in him. The other man wasn’t saying anything, still leaning back on his chair, his head pointed upwards his eyes looking at the ceiling like he was searching for his answers there like he would find them there. In the meantime, Obi-wan has stepped further into the room, in front of the spare chair upfront Cody’s desk. Obi-wan grabbed the top part of it, squeezing it a little bit and releasing it. He didn’t want to push his friend further, didn’t want to put him in a tight place. That is why he just stood there, matching his friend’s breathing, observing him and waiting for him.

A few more minutes passed before Cody gave his answer.

“There-there were some irregularities with several of our financial accountings the last few months, seven months to be exact. We were trying to find what was going on with Wolffe because things were not adding up and missing. It seems that the guy we hired in the last minute because we needed the help, screwed us up. He was dealing with some other business on the side and it looks like he had mixed us up in all of it. We found a month and a half ago and we are trying to fix everything, trying not to sink it. We will probably need a couple of months more so things could return to at least some kind of normal and manageable. That’s why I can’t afford to hire anybody for now and I can’t ask too much of you as you already overwork yourself. “

“Cody, listen, I-“

“Don’t. Just don’t try and go on your suicidal crusades to help me. Do you hear me? Do not dare try it!” Cody’s voice was gradually escalating, but he was managing not to be too loud so people outside would hear and start to gossip. The two friends were playing a starring match, with Cody now standing up from his chair, both of them filled with elevated emotions, trying not to burst from every corner of their bodies. Obi-wan squeezed the chair again, sighed and looked down, giving up.

“I wasn’t- I won’t-“even he couldn’t believe himself enough to be able to finish the sentence.  “Look, I am your friend, of course, I am going to worry after everything you told me. I am going to do whatever you allow me to do for you, whatever you ask me. “He returned his gaze towards his friend, with less fight and more support in it, “I think you can even hire Ahsoka as an intern or something. I know she is studying music business but I am sure she can use this as some kind of work experience.  “

“I don’t want to exploit her. There is probably something better she can do than this.”

“You won’t, you will give her work experience. And I am sure you won’t be able to stop her helping you if I tell her what’s going on.” Obi-wan slightly smirked at his friend, who scowled at him.

“If you only try and-“

“Excuse you, have you met me?”Obi-wan’s smirk grew bigger, with him arching his eyebrow and crossing his arms in front of him. “I am a notorious rebel.”

Cody scoffed at him in disbelieve “People who call themselves ‘rebels’ are hardly ones. Yet you truly are a pain in the ass.”

“Thank you.”

Both of them laughed lightly and looked at each other;

“Okay,” Cody stated,” I am going to think about Ahsoka and will talk directly to her. “He emphasized the last part. “So you can return to work now if you don’t want your boss to seriously scold you in front of your nice co-workers.”

Obi-wan mockingly stood in a military pose, saluting his friend “Sir, yes, sir.” He turned on his heels, somewhat marching and exited the room. He could hear his friend laughing inside and smiled softly to himself.

[metaverseproductions]

Chapter 1.5 (Bill Gates and the road to Implanted Humans)

Down the Rabbit Hole we go. 

Back on June 1st of 2015, the reputable IEEE published an article titled “Medical Microbots Take a Fantastic Voyage Into Reality”. This was the year after I had read about the Max Planck “micro scallops” and wondered what it would take to get critical mass implanted with these micro robots (and future nano bots). 

In referencing the article’s approach of having a Doctor implant hundreds or  thousands of “micro grippers” (developed by Johns Hopkins) into the human body to perform a biopsy, the natural progression of questioning its capabilities led me to ask if they can also be used to implant micro or nano chips into the body”?

What would be the purpose of this on the grand scale of humanity? Beyond medical applications of implanted technology (such as heart monitors) that can already be hacked, what if the ultimate goal was behavior modification of the masses? We know that this is possible based on previous lab tests on mice, but could it work on humans? 

I often wonder if US Patent #US6754472B1 filed by Microsoft was designed for more than just systems integration between wearable and implantable IoT technologies. (Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/US6754472B1/en)

"...a body of a living creature for coupling the first device to the second device and for conducting the electrical signal from the first device to the second device and the initialization information from the second device to the first device, wherein the first and second devices establish a master and a slave relationship there between."  Makes one think of the #Matrix and  #HumanBatteries 

On April 10th 2020, China’s CCTV went live with Bill Gates and made the following comment:

“You are being attacked in the U.S., they say the #CoronaVirus originated from the process of vaccine development under your supervision. What is your take on this Bill Gates conspiracy”?  

His response begins with: “I say it’s ironic, if you take somebody that is doing their best to get the world ready...”

I will tell you what is TRULY IRONIC! How about that “Event 201″ that took place on October 2019, TWO MONTHS before the COVID19 Pandemic began and was hosted  by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.  Source: https://www.centerforhealthsecurity.org/event201/about

About the Event 201 exercise

Event 201 was a 3.5-hour pandemic tabletop exercise that simulated a series of dramatic, scenario-based facilitated discussions, confronting difficult, true-to-life dilemmas associated with response to a hypothetical, but scientifically plausible, pandemic. 15 global business, government, and public health leaders were players in the simulation exercise that highlighted unresolved real-world policy and economic issues that could be solved with sufficient political will, financial investment, and attention now and in the future.

The exercise consisted of pre-recorded news broadcasts, live “staff” briefings, and moderated discussions on specific topics. These issues were carefully designed in a compelling narrative that educated the participants and the audience.

The Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, World Economic Forum, and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation jointly propose these recommendations.

Purpose

In recent years, the world has seen a growing number of epidemic events, amounting to approximately 200 events annually. These events are increasing, and they are disruptive to health, economies, and society. Managing these events already strains global capacity, even absent a pandemic threat. Experts agree that it is only a matter of time before one of these epidemics becomes global—a pandemic with potentially catastrophic consequences. A severe pandemic, which becomes “Event 201,” would require reliable cooperation among several industries, national governments, and key international institutions.

Recent economic studies show that pandemics will be the cause of an average annual economic loss of 0.7% of global GDP—or $570 billion. The players’ responses to the scenario illuminated the need for cooperation among industry, national governments, key international institutions, and civil society, to avoid the catastrophic consequences that could arise from a large-scale pandemic.

Similar to the Center’s 3 previous exercises—Clade X, Dark Winter, and Atlantic Storm—Event 201 aimed to educate senior leaders at the highest level of US and international governments and leaders in global industries.

It is also a tool to inform members of the policy and preparedness communities and the general public. This is distinct from many other forms of simulation exercises that test protocols or technical policies of a specific organization. Exercises similar to Event 201 are a particularly effective way to help policymakers gain a fuller understanding of the urgent challenges they could face in a dynamic, real-world crisis.

Recommendations

The next severe pandemic will not only cause great illness and loss of life but could also trigger major cascading economic and societal consequences that could contribute greatly to global impact and suffering. The Event 201 pandemic exercise, conducted on October 18, 2019, vividly demonstrated a number of these important gaps in pandemic preparedness as well as some of the elements of the solutions between the public and private sectors that will be needed to fill them. The Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, World Economic Forum, and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation jointly propose these recommendations.

When/where

Friday, October 18, 2019 8:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The Pierre hotel New York, NY

Audience

An invitation-only audience of nearly 130 people attended the exercises, and a livestream of the event was available to everyone. Video coverage is available here.

Exercise team

Eric Toner, MD, is the exercise team lead from the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. Crystal Watson, DrPH, MPH and Tara Kirk Sell, PhD, MA are co-leads from the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. Ryan Morhard, JD, is the exercise lead from the World Economic Forum, and Jeffrey French is the exercise lead for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Exercise team members are Tom Inglesby, MD; Anita Cicero, JD; Randy Larsen, USAF (retired); Caitlin Rivers, PhD, MPH; Diane Meyer, RN, MPH; Matthew Shearer, MPH; Matthew Watson; Richard Bruns, PhD; Jackie Fox; Andrea Lapp; Margaret Miller; Carol Miller; and Julia Cizek.

Event 201 was supported by funding from the Open Philanthropy Project.

###

Then five months later (March 2020), in the midst of the CoronaVirus epidemic being declared a global pandemic, this news breaks from LinkedIn (Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/13/bill-gates-leaves-microsoft-board.html):

“Microsoft announced on Friday that Bill Gates is leaving the board, effective Friday. “I have made the decision to step down from both of the public boards on which I serve – Microsoft and Berkshire Hathaway – to dedicate more time to philanthropic priorities including global health and development, education, and my increasing engagement in tackling climate change”.

Basically, the “pandemic scenario” of Event 201 became a reality. Bill Gates leaves Microsoft to focus full time on his Foundation, which coincidentially had been funding coronavirus research and has now been revealed to be the second largest funder to the World Health Organization (WHO), coincidentally, (yet again) in charge of coming up with the vaccine for COVID19. Who profits from the pandemic under this scenario? Bingo! Just look at the history of Microsoft and how Bill Gates became a billionaire. It was not by playing nice and more like a chapter from of the Art of War.

Yet the disbelief doesn't stop there. How about that #ID2020 and what Bill Gates calls for in a "national tracking system similar to South Korea, saying that "in Seattle, the [University of Washington] is providing thousands of tests per day but no one is connected to a national tracking system" and that "Whenever there is a positive test it should be seen to understand where the disease is and whether we need to strengthen the social distancing." (Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/mattperez/2020/03/18/bill-gates-calls-for-national-tracking-system-for-coronavirus-during-reddit-ama/#36c92b5e6a72)

Could this ID2020 be implanted? Would that benefit Microsoft’s U.S. patent #US6754472B1?

The United Nations seems to think there are significant risks associated with a digital identity roll-out, such as: “Digital identity carries significant risk if not thoughtfully designed and carefully implemented. We do not underestimate the risks of data misuse and abuse, particularly when digital identity systems are designed as large, centralized databases”. (Source: https://id2020.org/manifesto)

All in all, I would say that the sense of irony expressed by Bill Gates on the #CCTV interview, is a two-way street as #WeThePeople of the United States have more time to research in self isolation and petition the White House to investigate Bill Gates.

Who gets to play God in this time? Event 201 was a game of playing God to develop depopulation strategies for a Human Disruption. While the intent might have found a root cause in the question of how to survive Climate Change, why is the survival and evolution of the human species primarily in the hands of Bill Gates?

If human overpopulation is such an issue, why isn’t Euthanasia legal for humans everywhere? Think about it, how many people suffering from old age, disease, poverty, and extreme suffering would opt for dying quickly and peacefully. Why choose for others and take away someone’s power over their own body and existence? 

My advice: find out what magnets are needed to remove grippers, buy them and start developing methods for removing micro and nano bots from the body.  Also help to promote active voluntuary euthanasia around the world before pushing for legislation to place technology into the bodies of millions of people against their will.

[darkershining]

DarkerShining’s thoughts on Pretty Cure: Hugtto Pretty Cure

All right, it’s time for another one of these! I’ve been looking forward to write this one.

So, last time I talked about Kira Kira Pretty Cure A La Mode, and this time, I’ll be giving my thoughts on Hugtto Pretty Cure.

The story begins with our pink lead Cure, Hana Nono, getting ready for her first day at a new school. She tries to cut her bangs to try and give herself a more mature new look, but she doesn’t manage to get it quite the way she hoped. On her way to school, she experiences a strange phenomenon, when she hears a baby’s cry and time seems to freeze for a brief moment. She manages to save an old lady from being hit by a baseball before time resumes moving, and ends up late for school after stopping to help the old lady carry some things.

After making it to school, Hana is initially worried about having messed up her first impression, when she hears that strange cry again. She goes to investigate, and comes across two of her classmates, Saaya and Homare. Saaya admits that she likes Hana’s cheery attitude, while Homare compliments Hana on her hairstyle, much to her surprise.

Later that night, Hana concludes that her first day of school didn’t turn out that bad after all, and decides to keep an optimistic attitude. As she is cheering herself on, a bright light appears in the sky, falling towards her. Hana manages to catch it in her arms, and finds to her surprise that it is a baby girl, which Hana decides to call “Hugtan”. The baby is accompanied by a hamster-like creature named Harry, who decides to stay at Hana’s place for the night.

The next day, Hana wonders if her encounter with Harry and Hugtan was just a dream, when more strange things happen. A mysterious company known as Criasu shows up at her school, using a classmate’s negative energy to create a monster. For some reason, both Hana and her classmate Saaya are unaffected as the monster spreads more negative energy throughout the school, and the two try to get others to safety. However, when Hana gets separated from the group, she comes across Harry and Hugtan once more. After Hana goes to defend Hugtan, refusing to leave her side despite being afraid, a glowing crystal emerges from Hana and an item from Harry’s suitcase flies out. Combining the two, Hana becomes the Pretty Cure of Spirit, Cure Yell.

With her new power, Cure Yell manages to purify the monster and restore the positive energy around the school. Hana is told to give some of the energy from her new Mirai Crystal to Hugtan, and Harry muses that maybe the world can be saved after all. Harry later explains more of the situation to Hana, and that he still has three more Prehearts, meaning they must find three more Cures. Hana manages to bond more with Saaya and Homare, who take up two of the Prehearts, and together they must save the future.

And from here, I’ll be putting the rest of my thoughts under the “Read More”, and there will be spoilers from the entire series. (previous parts can be found here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)

Hana Nono/Cure Yell

As usual, I’ll begin by talking about the lead pink Cure. Hana Nono is a thirteen year old girl who is quite energetic and tries her best to cheer on and encourage those around her, as you’d expect from most pink Cures. However, even from the start, it is clear that Hana has some self-esteem issues, later revealed to be partially caused by being bullied at her old school after she defended another girl who was bullied. While trying to stay cheerful, there are times throughout the series where Hana’s insecurities and worries will come to the surface, and times when she just doesn’t know what to do. Thankfully, her friends are always there to help and support her like she does for them.

I really like Hana. Her design is cute, and I particularly like Cure Yell’s cheerleader motif. She’s always trying to support, defend and inspire her friends, and they in turn are willing to do the same for her when her doubts start getting to her. Over the course of the show, we see Hana discovering where her own strengths lie and becoming more confident as she fights alongside her friends. I feel she embodies the themes of the show well, particularly the “you can do anything, you can be anything” part, with her willingness to try different things and inspiring those around her to do what they want.

Saaya Yakushiji/Cure Ange

Next up, I’ll talk about Saaya/Cure Ange. She’s an intelligent young girl with a generally calm demeanour. When she was younger, she was famous as a child actress at one point, and her mother is also a famous actress. While still taking part in auditions for parts and such, Saaya isn’t actually entirely sure if acting is what she should continue to pursue, or if there are other options she hasn’t considered yet. After befriending Hana, Saaya ends up becoming the second Pretty Cure, Cure Ange, the Pretty Cure of wisdom. As a Cure, she gains healing and barrier based abilities.

I like Saaya, she has a pretty design and I like how she’s a slightly different take on other blue haired smart girls that we’ve seen throughout the various Pretty Cure series. Saaya doesn’t come across as quite as serious, being more of a dork with interests in various odd things, such as machines or special effects used in movies. Saaya is also in one episode shown to have a bit of a competitive side to her that emerges when she has to try to keep up with someone with just as much knowledge on a certain topic as her. And interestingly, while Saaya manages to often know what her close friends are thinking, she’s otherwise not that good at reading people.

However, Saaya is still the least quirky of her teammates, and since she isn’t as directly involved in some of the sub-plots as the other Cures, Saaya has a tendency to not stand out much in episodes that aren’t focused on her. With that said, I do feel Saaya fares better than some of the other Cures of previous series who were in a similar position, as Saaya does have her own character arc and we get to watch her gradually figure out what she really wants to be when she grows up.

Homare Kagayaki/Cure Etoile

All right, now onto Homare. She’s another one of Hana’s classmates, although at the start of the series, she hadn’t attended class lately. Homare initially comes across as a somewhat aloof, but still nice girl. We soon find out this behaviour comes from an incident a few years ago, when Homare was a figure skating prodigy, but ended up suffering an accident on the ice that injured her leg and left her unable to skate for a while. Having recovered since then, part of Homare wants to return to skating, but can’t bring herself to do so due to the trauma of the incident that forced her to quit. This has also affected other parts of her life, as she just can’t seem to find much interest in other activities either.

When Hana enters her life, things start to turn around. This is partially because Hana reminds Homare of herself when she was younger. However, when she initially creates her Mirai Crystal, she can’t bring herself to jump up and reach for it, causing it to disappear. She continues trying to distance herself, but ends up captured by Criasu and used as bait for the other two Cures. However, forced to confront her feelings from the monster created by her negative energy, Homare is ultimately able to find the resolve she needs, and successfully manages to get her Mirai Crystal. Becoming the Pretty Cure of Strength, Cure Etoile, she works together with Cure Yell and Cure Ange to stop the monster.

After becoming a Pretty Cure, Homare is gradually able to begin conquering her own inner demons and return to ice skating. She starts becoming more social and active again, although she still often has more of a serious demenour than that of her friends. She also develops a friendship with Harry, which gradually develops into a bit of a crush on her part.

I really like Homare. She is the one with the most serious and tomboyish demenour for the most part, but when just having fun with her friends, she often lets the girlier aspects of her personality show, like squeeing over Hugtan’s cuteness, her fear of horror movies and admitting that she sleeps with a rabbit plushie. It’s rather cute. Her initially being unable to become a Pretty Cure was sort of similar to what happened with Karen in Yes! Pretty Cure 5, albeit for different reasons. Sort of a darker take on that idea. But it is great to see Homare managing to overcome the doubts preventing her from taking the first step to start moving forward again, and her first fight as Cure Etoile, working together with Cure Yell and Cure Ange to soar once again.

One thing I really like about her designs is while how her present self has short hair, we see that she had longer hair tied in a ponytail in the past, which she cut off after she had to quit ice skating because of the accident. Her hairstyle as Cure Etoile looks similar to her younger self’s, which I think is a really nice touch.

I also think the sub-plot about her crush on Harry was done fairly well. She is conflicted about it, but after discovering that Harry may have feelings for someone else, she is able to accept that her feelings may be unrequited, making for a contrast with Bishin, who in his corrupted state can’t comprehend this. Homare eventually does confess her feelings, and while Harry does reject her because of his unresolved feelings for Cure Tomorrow, Homare at the very least manages to get some closure and thanks him for being honest with her. I liked how maturely Homare deals with it, and while it was painful for her to go through with it while knowing there was a very real chance she’d get turned down, she ultimately realized it was the only way she was going to be able to stop worrying about it.

Emiru Aisaki/Cure Ma Cherie

And now, onto one of the two Cures to join at the halfway point. Emiru is introduced as a classmate of Hana’s younger sister Kotori. Emiru is shown to be a somewhat socially awkward young girl who tries a little too hard to make sure things go well during a trip with her class, trying to be prepared for every situation and making things safe. When she and Hana end up in a situation she didn’t account for, she freaks out a bit, but Hana is able to calm her down and get her to talk about why she acts the way she does. During this, we also see that Emiru is a good singer, even if she was too shy to sing with her classmates earlier, setting up another major aspect of Emiru’s character, her love of music.

In Emiru’s next major role, she, inspired by Hana’s encouraging words to her and witnessing Cure Yell in action, is trying to act like a Pretty Cure herself and helping people, even if she keeps messing up. She ends up meeting Ruru, who had gone on an errand for Hana’s family, and quickly takes a liking to her. Even after concluding that Emiru isn’t actually a Cure, Ruru still accompanies Emiru to her house, where Emiru shows off her skills on the guitar, which captures Ruru’s attention. It is here we find out that Emiru’s reluctance to share her interests is partially because of her brother, who is heavily influenced by their grandfather in his thinking, and feels Emiru should focus on more feminine instruments like the piano or violin. After Ruru comes to Emiru’s defense, Emiru is even more amazed with her, and by the end of the episode suggests that she and Ruru try to become Pretty Cures together, despite Ruru not being especially interested at this point.

During the fight between the Cures and Ruru to try to save her from Criasu and bring her back to their side, Emiru notices the commotion and goes to investigate, learning the identities of the Cures. When Emiru goes to talk to them about it later, Ruru keeps her from blurting out their identities to a crowd of people. The Cures fill Emiru in on what is going on, including Ruru actually being an android from the future. Despite all this, Emiru still wants to be friends with Ruru and become a Pretty Cure alongside her. As the two spend more time together, Emiru is able to convince Ruru to become a Cure with her, but there’s one problem: There’s only one Preheart left.

With no way of obtaining another Preheart, the girls are left hoping for a miracle, since only one of them can become a Cure otherwise. When their Mirai Crystals manifest, both initially try to tell the other to take it, but neither of them want to become a Cure without the other. Due to the strong friendship between them, the being later revealed to be known as “Mother” appears and creates a copy of the last Preheart, meaning both of them can become Cures by transforming together, allowing them to become the Pretty Cures of love, Cure Ma Cherie and Cure Amour. Ruru later starts learning how to play the guitar along with Emiru, and the two start a two-girl band together.

I really like Emiru, I think she’s a fun character with her quirky personality. She’s initially a bit shy when it comes to sharing her interests, in part due to her brother and by extension, grandfather’s influence, but with the help of Ruru, Hana and the others, she soon overcomes this. Her friendship with Ruru is also really sweet, but with that said, I wish we could’ve seen Emiru bond with Saaya and Homare a bit more. With Ruru, we at least saw her have different interactions with each of the initial three Cures when she was observing Hana and the others as a spy, but Emiru only really connected with Hana before getting involved in the Pretty Cure stuff.

Even when we do see her interact with Saaya or Homare, these interactions usually have something to do with Emiru’s friendship with Ruru. So, while Emiru is still clearly part of the group of five, I feel like we don’t really have a good idea of the relationships and how she interacts with Saaya and Homare. I feel the age difference might also contribute a bit, since Emiru is still in elementary school, while the other four are in middle school.

Still, I really like her, and she has a cute design. I also like how Cure Ma Cherie and Cure Amour’s outfits have the same theme going on, since they’re both technically using the same Preheart to transform. I also like the songs she and Ruru perform together.

Ruru Amour/Cure Amour

Ruru initially starts off as a mysterious member of the Criasu Corporation, who is eventually revealed to be an android. The other Criasu Corp members see her as a little more than an emotionless puppet working for them as an intern. After a while, Ruru decides to infiltrate the group by hypnotizing Hana’s mother into thinking she’s the daughter of a friend of hers and staying at Hana’s place. Ruru has trouble getting along with everyone at first, as she doesn’t understand a lot of human behaviour and particularly why people wouldn’t choose the most efficient method to do something. After noticing that people at school are making fewer attempts to socialize with her following this, Ruru begins to reconsider her plan and thinks about leaving. However, a conversation with Cure Yell seems to stir something in her, and she decides to stick around a bit longer.

Much like other villains who have tried the infiltration route, her time with the Cures lead to a change in Ruru, as she gradually grows to care for the Cures. She also meets Emiru, and discovers music. All this ultimately leads her to return Homare’s transformation trinket after stealing it, and taking a hit for Cure Yell that ends up breaking her. Ruru is brought back to Criasu and reprogrammed to fight the Cures. The Cures attempt to fight Ruru who has been put into a bigger robot to fight them. They try to bring her to her senses, and Ruru is eventually able to access her memories of them when she tries searching for more data on her opponents.

Ruru ultimately breaks down, showing the most emotion she has shown up until this point, finally changing sides for good. Ruru undoes the hypnosis she did to Hana’s mother, but is still allowed to stay at their house, much to her confusion. Ruru spends the next few episodes wondering if an android like her can truly have a heart, and if an android can really become a Cure. With the support of Emiru and the others, Ruru gradually begins to overcome these doubts.

As mentioned in Emiru’s section, she and Ruru ultimately do become Cures together. Alongside the others, Ruru continues to develop her heart, and we eventually learn that she was originally created by Dr. Traum as a daughter, presumably to fill a void left when he lost his first daughter, but Traum eventually gave up on her when he couldn’t get her to develop the way he hoped. After Traum switches sides, he wants to patch things up with his android daughter, but Ruru is understandably somewhat cold towards him for turning her away before. The two are gradually able to become closer, although Ruru still shows little patience with some of her father’s antics.

I really like Ruru, and I find the concept of an android Pretty Cure really interesting. And while she does at times use her android abilities to analyze opponents and such, I wish they’d have done a little more with this concept. Still, I enjoyed her character arc and how she gradually came to understand more and more about human emotions, and even as the show nears its end, there’s still more for her to learn, particularly when it comes to how to deal with her father.

Also, in the various series in the Pretty Cure franchise, there is usually at least one Cure who is a bit of a big eater, and in this particular series, I find it really amusing that they chose to give this particular character trait to an android. I guess it makes sense that she has these human-like qualities, considering Dr. Traum initially envisioned her as a daughter. I like her designs too. The way her eyes change as she gradually develops a heart is also a nice touch and reminds me a bit of the Kiryuu sisters of Futari wa Pretty Cure Splash Star. 

Another aspect I like about her is the fact that unlike the other four, storywise, she wasn’t actually meant to become a Cure initially. Later episodes revealed that Hana, Saaya, Homare and Emiru all witnessed time stopping and heard Hugtan’s cry in the first episode, which in some ways reminds me of how Tsubomi, Erika and Itsuki all had dreams of Cure Moonlight’s defeat and eventually became Cures in HeartCatch Pretty Cure. The fourth Preheart was always meant for Emiru, but thanks to the strong friendship between her and Ruru, Ruru was able to become a Cure too even if she wasn’t “chosen”. I just think that’s really neat.

The Fairy Partners

Now that we’ve covered the main team of Cures, lets talk about the “fairy” partners.

First, there’s Hugtan, the mysterious baby girl that the Cures and Harry look after. Hana is the one to name her Hugtan, following in the footsteps of the Doki Doki and Mahou Tsukai girls naming a baby based on the sounds it makes. We don’t know a lot about Hugtan at first, except that she needs the energy from the Mirai Crystals created by the girls to help save the future. Hugtan is later shown to have some powers of her own, such as when she exhausts herself by purifying an Oshimaida when Hana is unable to transform, or even summoning Cures from different series. Throughout the series, Hugtan gradually grows up a little, such as learning how to talk and walk.

We eventually find out that Hugtan is actually a aged-down Pretty Cure from the future, Cure Tomorrow. Among the Pretty Cure of the future, Cure Tomorrow is the last known member, as her three teammates presumably sacrificed themselves to try to help her escape from Criasu. Cure Tomorrow saved Harry from Criasu, and Harry later returned the favor by freeing her when she was captured herself. The two used Tomorrow’s Mirai Crystal to travel back in time in hopes of saving the future, but the process used up most of the power in the crystal, which is what turned Cure Tomorrow into a baby upon arriving in the present.

Hugtan is pretty cute. Her role naturally draws some comparisons to Ai from Doki Doki Pretty Cure, being a magical baby who helps empower the Cures in some way. One aspect in particular about Hugtan that intrigues me is that I don’t it is made entirely clear how aware she is of everything going on. While she mostly acts like a baby, it is suggested at a few points that Cure Tomorrow is still in there in some capacity, particularly with some of the things she pulls off throughout the show. I also really like her design as Cure Tomorrow. It looks a lot like a typical lead pink Cure’s outfit. The design also reminds me a bit of Cure Heart from Doki Doki Pretty Cure.

The final episode throws in one more reveal regarding the character, namely that Hugtan was Hana’s kid from the future all along. I think a lot of us caught onto that near the end, and I began to suspect they might pull this trope by noticing that Hana and Hugtan had sort of similar eye colors, and the fact that Hugtan continued to refer to Hana as “mama”, rather than calling her by name even after she started calling the other Cures by name. I kept going back and forth on whether I thought this would be the case or not, though, as I couldn’t quite make sense of how it’d work within the timeline. And the closer the show got to the end, the more it began to dawn on me just how confusing some of the timeline and time travelling mechanics of this show were, but I’ll talk more about that later.

Anyways, I certainly didn’t mind it. I think it’s kind of cool to have a Cure whose mother was also a Cure when she was younger. I guess we had something close to that in HeartCatch Pretty Cure, where our pink lead Tsubomi/Cure Blossom’s grandmother was also a Pretty Cure in the past, and the ending implied that Tsubomi’s younger sister would become one in the future. I don’t really have much else to say on this, so let’s talk about Harry.

Hariham Harry is a hamster-like creature with the ability to transform into a young man. He accompanied Hugtan into the past, and assists the Cures, giving them their transformation trinkets and getting them started on their mission to save the future. Much like Nuts from Yes! Pretty Cure 5, Harry starts up his own store to make money while staying the present, Beauty Harry’s, which is also where he lives and sort of a headquarter for the Cures.

Harry for the most part comes across as sort of a supportive big brother character to the Cures, but there is also a mysterious air about him as he initially keeps a lot of details regarding himself from the Cures, only revealing things bit by bit as the show goes on. We eventually learn that Harry was part of Criasu for a time, as his people came to them to try to save their village and their kind from a mysterious illness by becoming humans. Harry was experimented on by Criasu, and turned into a monster. He was eventually rescued by Cure Tomorrow, who gave him the golden chain he wears to keep him from turning back into his monster form. Harry ended up betraying Criasu and tried to save Cure Tomorrow, leading to the two of them ending up going back in time to try to stop their plans. 

I really like Harry. I like how he can both be this mature big brother type of character towards the other Cures, while also having his goofier moments depending on the situation. He also has a pretty dark backstory for a Pretty Cure fairy-type character, considering everything he went through before the events of the series. Even after he starts opening up to the Cures, there are still details about himself that he keeps secret, and in fact, the Cures don’t find out about his previous connection to Criasu until Harry’s former friend Bishin reveals it to them. Even so, the bonds between them at this point mean the Cures don’t let this affect their friendship with Harry and they know he’s now on their side.

I liked how we gradually got bits and pieces of Harry’s story and how he and Hugtan ended up in the past. Even by the time Harry finally reveals the last bit about Cure Tomorrow, we’ve already got most of the pieces and can probably piece most of it together from there. His connections with both Bishin and Ristoru also helped develop those two villains, but I’ll talk about them a bit later. I also like Harry’s designs. His hamster-like form looks kind of similar to the fairies from Yes! Pretty Cure 5, and his human form is pretty good-looking. I also liked how that chain he wears in both forms was revealed to have a purpose beyond just being part of his design.

The Villains

And now, for the villains of this season. I usually go in order of when they introduced, although there may be exceptions. Either way, I’ll start with Charalit.

Charalit is the first villain our heroines go up against. He’s a dark skinned, blond young man who fights against the Cures in the first few episodes. He has a bit of a laidback personality, but as he keeps failing against the Cures, he finds himself in a tough spot as Criasu starts losing patience with him. He pleads for one last chance, targetting Homare and attempting to take advantage of her self-doubts, but this backfires when it ultimately leads to Homare becoming Cure Etoile. He is eventually punished by being left locked up alone in a dark room for several days, if not weeks, before being let out in episode 11 and transformed into an Oshimaida against his will.

As an Oshimaida, he goes on a rampage, until Cure Yell nearly attacks him with the Sword of PreCures. Seeing his frightened normal self within the monster, Cure Yell refuses to strike him down and instead tries comforting him. After the Sword instead becomes the more typical Cure weapon, the Melody Swords, the three Cures purify Charalit. While being purified, Charalit thinks that there might be a bright future for him after all, and the next episode shows that he basically decided to become a vlogger.

Charalit is later seen again early in the second half of the show, alongside Papple and Daigan, who have also been purified by that point. The three of them have basically come together to form their own talent agency and occasionally do other jobs around the town to help support it. Charalit is shown to be more optimstic and helpful towards others after being purified, and even gives Hana some encouraging words at one point to return the favor from the time she saved him.

I like Charalit’s design, and I feel he does well as the starter villain for this series. We also get an early look into how ruthless Criasu Corporation can be at times, with their method of punishing him for his failures. One thing I like about what they did the villains in this series is how they basically eventually join the supporting cast as friends of the Cures. When former villains team up with the Cures, it is usually near the end for the final episodes, while here, it starts out early in the second half of the show, also giving them a bit more room for character development. And while they don’t get quite as much development as certain other characters, you still see how they’ve changed for the better thanks to the Cures and found something to believe in again.

Anyways, next I’ll talk about Papple. She’s a flashy young adult woman who comes across as more ruthless than Charalit. However, despite her bad treatment of her co-workers, she secrelty longs for love, and is often seen interacting with her “boyfriend” (later revealed to be George), who doesn’t seem all that interested in her despite her seemingly believing otherwise. She’s the main opponent the Cures usually face after Charalit’s purification for several episodes. She eventually meets Gelos, a younger employee, and a bit of a rivalry is set up between the two women. Despite temporarily breaking Ruru (with an attack meant for Cure Yell) and taking her back to Criasu to be reprogrammed, Papple interestingly enough seems to have reservations against putting her into the mecha suit.

Things eventually reach the point in episode 22 where Papple, having already been threatened with the same punishment Charalit went through, discovers that her “boyfriend” has seemingly been cheating on her with Gelos, which ultimately pushes Papple into transforming herself into an Oshimaida using the negative energy from her own despair, all while hoping her “boyfriend” will try to stop her, only to go through with it as she concludes that he never loved her.

With the help of Cure Black and Cure White, the Cures manage to weaken Oshimaida!Papple, and Cure Ma Cherie and Cure Amour eventually manage to enter the Oshimaida to speak to Papple and try to calm her down. They eventually manage to get through to her, and with their new Twin Love Guitars, purify her. As she is purified, Papple muses that even if things didn’t go so well this time, if she keeps holding on to her own love, maybe she’ll someday be able to find someone who will return her feelings.

As mentioned above, Papple returns a few later alongside Charalit and Daigan, having started up a talent agency. She is more friendly towards the Cures, and shows an interest in having Emiru and Ruru sign up with their company after hearing them perform. While Emiru and Ruru refuse, Papple continues to reach out to them in hopes of getting them to change their mind. It is unclear if they eventually accepted, but even so, we see Papple supporting and helping out the two in later episodes.

I really like Papple’s design, and I think she’s one of my favorites among the Criasu characters. As a villain, she is as mentioned established as more ruthless than Charalit, since she's the one to turn Charalit into an Oshimaida, and she later ends up breaking Ruru after she betrays Criasu. Still, her scenes with her “boyfriend” show that there is more to her, even if these scenes can be a bit unsettling with the way the “boyfriend” acts, among other things, never actually responding to anything Papple says in their scenes together. I’ll go more into details on my thoughts about him later.

The imagery during Papple’s breakdown after discovering her boyfriend cheating on her with Gelos is quite unsettling, as she seems to hallucinate while her inner monologue expresses that she wishes he would try to stop her from doing what she’s about to do while she makes her way to the top of the tower. The fact that she also triggers her transformation into an Oshimaida stabbing herself with a shard formed from negative energy makes the metaphor they’re going for pretty clear.

Thankfully, Cure Ma Cherie and Cure Amour are able to get through to Oshimaida!Papple and purify her. From there on, Papple is much friendlier with both the Cures and the other reformed villains. One particular moment I liked was when Papple offers some encouraging words to Daigan after he was briefly tempted to return to Criasu, letting him know how the people at the festival they were helping out at appreciated the work he’d been doing. I also like how she supports Emiru and Ruru, helping them plan out concerts, and when Emiru briefly lost her voice, telling them to take their time for her to recover when informed of the situation.

Next up is Daigan. He doesn’t really get to do much throughout the first half of the season, mostly complaining about his co-workers and claiming that if they just let him handle it, he’d defeat the Pretty Cures in just five minutes. When he finally gets to fight them, though, he is quickly taken out by Dr. Traum. Cure Ange manages to heal him, and we find out a few episodes later that thanks to that, he survived and joined up with Charalit and Papple.

After being purified, he still continues boast about being able to do things in five minutes, clearly having a bit of an obsession with efficiency, and being easily frustrated when he can’t pull it off. This leads into the Halloween episode, where he is briefly tempted to return to Criasu, leading to the Cures getting a proper fight against an Oshimaida he created. After being defeated, he calms down again and receives some encouraging words from Papple that motivate him to get back to helping with the festival. After purification, he is also quite grateful towards Saaya/Cure Ange for saving his life. When the group got stuck in a VR space based on a movie Saaya and her mother were starring in, Daigan showed up to help Saaya out and helped her reach her decision regarding which career path to pursue by once again reminding her of how she had saved him and how he’d never forget that.

So, yeah. Daigan is one of the villains we don’t really get to know as well, but even so, I like seeing him working alongside Charalit and Papple after being saved by Cure Ange. His gratitude towards Saaya for saving his life is also really sweet, and I do like his design.

Since there’s not all that much else to say about Daigan, let’s move onto Gelos, Takumi and Jinjin. I’ll just over all three at once, since the latter two’s role in the story is pretty closely tied to Gelos’, for the most part. Gelos initially comes across as a bit of a rival for Papple, who has a tendency to sprinkle english words into her dialogue, and is often accompanied by her two handsome henchmen, Takumi and Jinjin. Later on, Gelos seemingly gets involved with George, which leads to the events in which Papple ultimately became an ally to the Cures.

Of course, Gelos doesn’t have much luck in beating the Cures either, but doesn’t seem too perturbed about it. Despite the bonds between herself, Takumi and Jinjin, Gelos at one point in episode 31 shows that she is willing to throw the two under the bus to make herself look better, leading the two of them to try to betray her with an invention stolen from Dr. Traum to freeze time. Things backfire horribly for them when the unfinished prototype turns them into an Oshimaida, with their reactions suggesting that this is very painful for them. When Gelos tries to get them to fight the Cures in their state, the Cures call her out on her treatment of those she claims are her friends. Reaffirming their own friendship, the Cures gain a new power that they use to purify Takumi and Jinjin and return them to normal. As they are purified, they hope that Gelos will eventually come to remember how much she really means to them.

Following these events, Takumi and Jinjin get regular jobs, while we quickly come to realize that Gelos probably needed them more than even she realized, as without their presence, she starts getting more unhinged and worried about growing old due to her belief that only the efforts of young people are appreciated, complete with a makeover that makes her look more wild. It ultimately results in Gelos making use of Dr. Traum’s invention to try to freeze time once more, and turning herself into an Oshimaida.

While the Cures try to stop her rampage, Takumi and Jinjin eventually show up to help calm Gelos down. Gelos initially thinks the two of them ditched her because she was getting too old for them, but the two manage to talk her down, letting her know just how much they care about her and telling her they want to grow old alongside her, causing her to break down and cry. The Cures manage to purify her, and the three of them reunite. The three of them reappear in time to help out during the final confrontation between the Cures and Criasu by giving the Cures a ride to Criasu’s tower.

So, yeah. These three are also villains we just don’t get to know that much about, although we at least get some hints at a backstory. It is clear that the three had always been close, but I guess Gelos must’ve eventually come to take them for granted, leading to the events of episode 31. After being purified by the Cures, we see that Takumi and Jinjin hold no hard feelings towards Gelos despite trying to have them fired, and only hope that she’ll remember the good times they’ve had together someday. In addition, with how quick Gelos starts to break down after those two leave, I guess their presence also helped Gelos’ mental stability. Of course, at this point, it’s kind of hard to feel bad for her, considering what she did to Papple and that she brought this all on herself.

The fact that one of the things Gelos fears is getting older also feels interesting to me, considering she’s one of the younger members of Criasu. I kind of wish we’d gotten to see more interactions between her, Takumi and Jinjin prior to their purification. I feel that could’ve helped flesh out all three characters a bit more. Plus, the other villains all sort of have some sort of connection with each of the Cures (Charalit and George with Hana, Daigan with Saaya, Papple with Emiru and Ruru, Dr. Traum with Ruru, Ristoru with Harry and Bishin with Harry and Homare), but these three don’t really have that either. 

Next up, Dr. Traum. He’s likely the oldest member of Criasu, and is also the creator of Ruru. While we never quite get the full story, it is heavily implied that Dr. Traum had previously lost a daughter, and Ruru was built in an attempt to fill the void. However, when he failed to get Ruru to develop the way he hoped, he felt as if he had failed and started distancing himself from her, leaving her with Criasu to work alongside the other employees. When we first meet Dr. Traum, he makes his entrance by quickly taking down Daigan, nearly killing him in the process, had it not been for Cure Ange’s intervention. He also takes over the Oshimaida that Daigan had already created, modifying it with his own tech.

While his taking down Daigan during his introduction may have given the impression that he’d be another one of the more ruthless villains of Criasu, it is soon established that out of the current set of villains, he’s actually one of the goofier ones, with his over-the-top mannerisms and such. Despite his daughter being one of the Cures, he still fights against them, and he later admits that he was a bit jealous of the Cures for succeeding in helping Ruru develop a heart when he had failed to do so.

After being purified during episode 37, he returns a few episodes later to try to reconnect with Ruru, as well as give the Cures some important information about Criasu and George Kurai’s goals. Considering how Dr. Traum had treated her before, Ruru is initially kind of annoyed with her father and doesn’t understand why he would want to bond with her now. Dr. Traum eventually admits that even he is full of contradictions, and that it is hard for him to explain how he feels. Ruru gradually begins to warm up to him over the course of the last few episodes, even if she still hasn’t fully accepted him yet.

Dr. Traum ended up becoming another one of my favorite Criasu characters, due to his somewhat goofy personality and connection to Ruru. As I sort of already said, he ended up being rather different from what I expected based on his first appearance. I feel he provides some comic relief among the set of villains the Cures face off against in the second half of the show, and I like how he’s basically the expert on technology and inventor of the company.

Of course, he’s still quite dangerous as a villain, as with the use of his inventions he managed to get pretty close to achieving Criasu’s goal in episodes 36 and 37, and in the latter episode grew so powerful after becoming an Oshimaida that the Hugtto team needed the assistance of all the previous Cures and their allies to stop the army of monsters he had summoned, and then purify him.

After becoming one of the good guys, he tries his best to make things up to Ruru for giving up on trying to raise her before. I like how Dr. Traum eventually manages to bring himself to admit that it wasn’t Ruru’s fault that things didn’t go as he hoped, but his own since he had his expectations in how he wanted Ruru to develop, while the Cures were able to bring about this development simply by accepting Ruru as she was to begin with and not pressuring her. I like the sort of wacky parent, serious child dynamic between the two.

I’m also really curious about what happened to his original daughter and how whatever happened ultimately led him to becoming part of Criasu, and I’m wondering if supplementary materials might some day give us an answer to that, as it did with clarifying some of the details regarding another character, but I’ll get to that later.

Next, I’ll talk about Bishin, or I guess his name might be spelled Bicine? Anyways, the character is first introduced when Ristoru goes to free him from his cell, asking Ristoru if he’s really sure about letting him out, since he might end up destroying everything. Bishin turns out to be an old friend of Harry, and really wants him to come back to Criasu. He ends up revealing Harry’s previous connection to Criasu to the Cures, and ends up forming a bit of a rivalry with Cure Etoile over Harry.

Bishin comes across as having trouble understanding others, such as having trouble understanding Harry’s decision to oppose Criasu, and not understanding how Homare is able to accept that her feelings for Harry are like unrequited. Since Bishin appears to be younger than both Harry and Ristoru, I’m guessing some of his behaviour can be attributed to him being more immature, combined with Criasu’s influence having left him a bit mentally unstable. Bishin later seems to move on to Ristoru, who comforted him after his duel with Cure Etoile in the VR space. Bishin is also seen questioning why George removed Ristoru’s “heart”, and wonders if the two of them can be happy together forever once Criasu’s goal has been reached.

In Harry and Ristoru’s backstory, we found out that Bishin was seemingly among the members of their village who was afflicted with some sort of illness, and hoped Criasu would save them by turning them into humans. After Ristoru is finally fully purified by the Cures, Bishin flies into a rage, and only calms down once Ristoru assures him that he truly cares about him, allowing Bishin to finally be purified and reunited with both Harry and Ristoru.

As you could probably tell from some of my thoughts on the various episodes, I did mistake Bishin for a girl until he was confirmed to be a boy, due to his voice and androgynous design, along with his crush on Harry. I do like the design, and I think he’s an interesting character. He is presented as a bit of a foil to Cure Etoile in the episodes revolving around both characters’ relationships with Harry, since Homare is ultimately able to accept Harry’s decisions and how things are, while Bishin just doesn’t understand.

Considering how Bishin seems to move on to Ristoru later on, I’m guessing Bishin doesn’t handle being alone very well, which again might be partially due to him being younger than Harry and Ristoru. Also, if I remember correctly, I don’t think it was ever really explained what Bishin did to get himself locked away in the first place. Well, whatever the reason, I imagine being locked up for a while might’ve also worsened his mental state. I feel kind of bad for him, thinking about how much Criasu’s influence messed him up.

Next is Ristoru, who was introduced in the first half of the show, but we didn’t really learn all that much about him until the second half. During the first half, he seems to be running things on behalf of their leader while he is away, or something. During the second half of the show, he starts to take on a more prominient role, including seeking out potential new employees for Criasu Corp after several of the villains have switched sides. We learn that Ristoru is a squirrel-like creature from the same village as Harry and Bishin, and that he initially joined Criasu as part of a deal to save the village. When the village was destroyed anyways, Ristoru fell into despair and came to believe fate couldn’t be avoided.

In spite of continuing to stoically carry out his work for Criasu, it gradually becomes apparent that part of Ristoru really resents George for not keeping his promise to save the village. After the Cures succeed in partially purifying him, Ristoru admits this. Because of this, George does something to Ristoru that Bishin describes as taking away his heart, messing with his memories and leaving him showing even less emotion than before.

During the final battle against him and Bishin, the Cures and Harry gradually manage to get through to Ristoru, jogging his memories and finally purifying him, allowing him in turn to help them talk down Bishin.

So, yeah. Ristoru turned out to be a very interesting character. At first, the most I could gleam from his role in the first half of the season was that he was obviously the second-in-command to the big bad, but I wasn’t sure what else to make of him. So I was very intrigued once the second half of the season started giving more focus and insight into Ristoru’s character. Ristoru turning out to be from Harry’s village was a bit of a surprise at first, and then I realized that his name does sound a bit similar to the Japanese word for “squirrel”.

I guess what’s really interesting about Ristoru, is that while part of him resents George for not keeping his promise, he has come to believe that there’s really nothing else left for him. When the Cures manage to partially purify him, he’s able to start admitting that he hates George, but he still can’t bring himself to leave, leading to him basically being brainwashed into an emotionless state to keep working for Criasu. It’s a bit unsettling to see him like that, especially when Bishin was talking to him and he did not react at all.

Other than that, I like his design. I’m glad the Cures were able to save him in the end, and that he in turn was able to help them save Bishin.

Finally, George Kurai, the big bad of the series. He makes appearances throughout the first half of the show, as this adult carrying around a book who occasionally talks about his worldview and ideals with Hana, which even inspires her at times. However, it is clear that something is up with him, as he keeps commenting on the actions of the Pretty Cures with great interest, Hugtan seems unnerved when he briefly interacts with her and Harry, and it eventually being confirmed that George is the “boyfriend” that Papple keeps spending time with.

George is eventually revealed to be the leader of the Criasu Corporation, much to the shock of Hana who had grown to trust him to some extent. During the second half of the show, we see how George manipulates the other villains. He seems to believe there is no hope for the future, which is why he is trying to stop time. He also continues to show a weird interest in Hana, due to a combination of her being able to draw out the power of Mother, much like Cure Tomorrow, and the fact that he and Hana knew each other in the future he came from.

Thanks to supplementary materials, we know more of the story, in that George and the alternate Hana were friends, but since the Hana of this timeline never transferred schools and met the others, she never found the inner strength the Hana we got know over the course of the show did, and it eventually led to her death. This was one of the factors leading to George going down the dark path.

However, it seems to me that George doesn’t quite seem to understand that the Hana he fights against in the present isn’t the same Hana he knew in the bad future, leading him to come across as rather creepy with his interest in this girl who is several years younger than him. It is also interesting that despite his reactions to his book changing in response to whenever Hana/Cure Yell and the other Cures change the future in some way, he still thinks the future is a lost cause and that stopping time is the best option.

So... Well, George does have a nice design, but I’m not sure where I’d put him on the scale of how well developed he is as a Pretty Cure main villain. Maybe it’s because there’s a lot of things we don’t really know about him, since some of the details regarding his backstory and such didn’t come up in the show itself. 

Despite his insistance that what he’s doing is to put an end to a future that can’t be saved, he still shows himself to be rather cruel. He seems to emotionally manipulate several of the other villains, including Papple, Gelos, Ristoru and Bishin. Due to his interest in Hana, I doubt he really cared about any of those villains the way he could make it seem. He also has a knack for torture, as shown with how Charalit was punished for failing to defeat the Cures, as well as how he tortured the other four Cures in episode 47 to try to get Cure Yell to surrender.

Of course, he is defeated in the end, and Cure Yell goes back to have one final talk with him. Despite his claims that his worldview hasn’t changed, Cure Yell believes otherwise, claiming that he wouldn’t keep telling her that they’d meet again otherwise. Seemingly accepting that she has a point there, George says good-bye by promising that they’ll meet again.

I admit, it does feel a bit weird that Hana is willing to forgive him after all he’s done, and that she still became friends with him in the good future, albeit presumably with his younger self who hadn’t done all those things. There’s a lot of things that are left unclear regarding their relationship, including whether or not they were more than friends at any point. Personally, I prefer to think they’re just friends. I mean, after everything that’s happened, anything more would just feel a bit weird. I’ll talk a bit more about this later when I go into my thoughts on the plot and the ending.

Other Characters

As I’ve mentioned before, I really do like the supporting casts of the various Pretty Cure series, and this one also had some really good ones. I’ll begin by talking about the family members of the Cures, starting with Hana’s family.

Hana’s parents, Shintarou Nono and Sumire Nono are both shown to be very good parents to their daughters, Hana and Kotori. Shintarou is the manager of a local store, HugMan Home Center, while Sumire works as the reporter for a magazine. All in all, both are shown to be kind and understanding to those around them, with the two helping give advice to the girls and Harry on how to look after Hugtan, Shintarou being a reasonable, good boss to his employees at the store, and Sumire still caring for Ruru’s well-being even after realizing something had been done to her memories after Ruru undoes the effects.

I really like both of them. I feel Sumire in particular is very perceptive in regards to Hana’s mood and mental state, even figuring out that Hana is Cure Yell during the final battle. They’re both really good people.

Hana’s younger sister, Kotori, comes across as more down to earth and calm than her sister, and doesn’t as easily get caught up in her family’s goofier moments. She seems to be a bit embarrassed over her older sister’s antics, but she still clearly cares about her. In an episode focusing on her, Kotori worries that Hana might be unintentionally creating problems for the Pretty Cures, since they always seem to show up in places she’s been to, and tries to investigate alongside two of Hana’s classmates, one with a crush on Hana herself and one with a crush on Cure Yell.

During her investigation, she comes to realize Hana’s strong points, and even starts to figure out that Hana and Cure Yell might be the same person. While she doesn’t get to confirm her theory due to Hana falling asleep before she can ask her, she at the very least has a better understanding and appreciation of her older sister.

I really like Kotori, and I wish she’d gotten more episodes focused on her. For example, she and Emiru could’ve gotten at least one episode together, those two being classmates and all. With their different personalities, it might’ve been interesting to see those two interact more. At least she still got a pretty good episode centered around her, and it was interesting seeing her interactions with those two male classmates of Hana’s. I also wish they’d perhaps done a little bit more with her being implied to have learned Hana’s identity.

The last member of Hana’s family to be introduced (not counting Hugtan) is Hana’s grandmother, Tanpopo, who is more of a minor character featured in a few episodes, most notably episode 29, her debut episode. She runs a shop where she sells traditional sweets that she makes herself, with one of her customers, a friend of hers named Yone, expressing that the sweets just aren’t as good as they used to be. Tanpopo tries to ignore this and keep at it, but as she throws out her back and has to be taken to the hospital, has to consider the possibility that she’s simply getting too old to continue working at the shop.

After speaking to Yone, Hana and her friends decide to try to re-create the Hope Manju that the shop used to sell back when Hana’s grandfather, Tanpopo’s husband, was still alive. Upon receiving these, Tanpopo admits that the reason she had stopped making them was because it was the one sweet that she couldn’t bear to make if it didn’t turn out the way it did before. She’s inspired to return to the shop and teach Hana and her friends how to make them properly, and ends up helping the Cures fight the monster of the week, and recognizing Cure Yell as Hana. In the end, she decides to keep the shop running, but acknowledges that it’ll be difficult to keep it going on her own. Hearing this, Yone offers to help out, as she still has quite a bit of strength, being stronger than she looks.

Tanpopo may be a minor character, but I really like her and the episode that introduced her. She and Hana seem to get along well, seeming to have some personality traits in common. Her episode also addresses another aspect to the show’s focus on the future, namely the fact that there may come a time when you have to retire and just can’t do your job as well as before. In the end, Tanpopo is able to keep her shop going, realizing she can’t do it all on her own and hiring her friend Yone to help out after she offers her assistance and physical strength for the tasks Tanpopo has difficulty with.

Seeing Tanpopo step out to protect her shop and actually managing to deflect an Oshimaida’s attack with her shop’s equipment was also pretty cool, as well as her figuring out that Cure Yell is Hana. I also like Yone, and the friendship between the two old ladies.

Next I’ll talk about Saaya’s parents. We learn early on that Saaya is the daughter of an actress, and part of her character arc is whether to follow in the footsteps of her mother as an aspiring actress, or if there’s another dream she’d rather pursue. In the episode properly introducing Saaya’s mother, Reira, we learn about how Saaya’s mother convinced a lot of the crew she worked with to help her with balancing continuing her career and making sure Saaya was raised well.

It is shown that when Reira plays a role, she will do what she can to understand the role and get really into character, leading to her sometimes doing things she wouldn’t normally do if it’s something the character would do. As a result, she can come across as a bit clumsy at times, but her dedication to her work certainly shines through.

While she is supporting of Saaya and the choice Saaya makes regarding her future career in the end, things take an interesting turn as while Reira is accepting of Saaya choosing a different path, part of her is also conflicted due to the reality of the fact that her daughter is growing up. After a heart-to-heart between Saaya and Reira after Reira is turned into an Oshimaida, Reira manages to sort out her conflicting emotions, and later goes off-script during the scene she and Saaya are practicing as a way of showing her full support of Saaya’s dream while still in-character.

I really like Reira. Her dedication to her career, while also wanting to make sure her daughter is raised right is quite admirable. I also really like how close she is to her co-workers and how they pitched in to help her balance her career with raising Saaya. I thought her internal conflict when Saaya decided to focus on a medical career instead of acting was interesting too, realizing how fast her daughter is growing up and being reluctant to let her go. She initially tries to keep these feelings to herself, but being turned into an Oshimaida brings them to the surface as she abducts Hugtan, seemingly mistaking her for a younger Saaya. They ultimately manage to talk things out, with Saaya letting Reira know just how much of an influence Reira has been and how she also played a part in helping her reach her decision.

Next is Saaya’s father, Shuji. He first appears in episode 7, where he is seen preparing Saaya’s favorite food. He works as a caterer for the film sets Reira works at, and sometimes helps Reira with her work. When he’s not delivering food to the set, he seems to handle the household chores and such while Reira is at work.

He doesn’t get that much screentime, but it is clear that he supports Reira and is a good parent to Saaya, presumably being able to spend more time with her than Reira. I like their story.

Next, onto Homare’s family. We don’t get to see much of them, but Homare does mention in one episode that she lives with her mother and grandparents, and that her mother and father are divorced for unknown reasons. We finally get a glimpse of the family in episode 25, when Homare’s mother, Chitose, is seen helping Homare get ready for the festival and giving her a hair accessory for the occasion.

Chitose makes another appearance in episode 43, when she notices that Homare is feeling conflicted due to her feelings for Harry, and gives her some advice, reassuring her that no matter what happens, her friends will be there for her.

While a minor character, I liked Chitose’s interactions with Homare. She is able to tell what is troubling her and gives her some advice based on her own experiences. She’s clearly a caring parent, and I wish we’d seen some more of her and Homare’s grandparents.

I guess Homare’s dog, Mogumogu, also counts as a family member, so I’ll talk about him real quick. Homare basically adopted him as a pet after saving him from being hit by a truck during the brief period in which Hugtan froze time. Mogumogu gets an episode focused on him, where he develops a crush on a cute celebrity cat named Lily, shown on TV. When an oppurtunity to meet her presents itself, the Cures try to help Mogumogu muster up the courage to win a competition. When an Oshimaida attacks during the event, Mogumogu manages to show his courage when he rescues a girl who was separated from her mother during the chaos and leads her to safety. The girl and her mother later come to thank him, turning out to be Lily’s owners, allowing the two to finally meet.

Yeah, not really much to say about Mogumogu. He’s cute, a bit of a slow learner, but managed to prove his courage when things got tough. And he can tell that Cure Etoile is Homare, which isn’t that surprising, as other pets belonging to the Cures tend to be able to figure it out. And his little relationship with Lily the cat is cute too, I guess, with the final episode suggesting they still meet regularly.

Anyways, since I’ve already talked about Dr. Traum, that only leaves Emiru’s family. We meet her parents in episode 15, and we quickly see that the two are quite eccentric, wearing old-fashioned outfits and singing and dancing around the room when Ruru first meets them after following Emiru to her house. A later episode shows that they also support Emiru in her music career. I don’t have that much to say about them, really. They’re kind of funny, giving us a bit of an idea of where Emiru gets her some of her overly dramatic tendencies from, and I like how they are supportive of Emiru.

Now, let’s talk about Masato, Emiru’s older brother. When he is first introduced, he comes across as sort of a rich jerk, due to having been heavily influenced by his grandfather. As such, he disapproves of Emiru’s interest in the guitar, suggesting that the violin or piano are more lady-like, leading to Ruru, moved by Emiru’s guitar playing, to stand up to Masato on her behalf.

Masato is seen again in episode 19, commenting on how feminine a ribbon Henri wears on his school uniform tie looks, with Henri just ignoring his opinion. When Masato later in the episode tries to pull Emiru away from performing in a fashion show with “heroes” as a theme due to his belief that only guys should be heroes, Henri steps in after changing into a beautiful dress. After Henri stands up against Masato and his sexist views, Masato leaves, with his negative energy making him into a target for Criasu and turning him into an Oshimaida.

During the confrontation with the Cures, Masato’s Oshimaida kidnaps Henri. While caught up in the situation, Henri calmly speaks to the Oshimaida, encouraging Masato to love himself more. After being purified, Henri’s words seem to have had quite the effect on him, as Masato starts mellowing out and showing more support for Emiru. He apologizes to her by giving her tickets for her and Ruru to see a concert, and also apologizes to Henri, with the two becoming close friends afterwards. In later episodes, the two are often seen together, with Masato supporting Henri in his ice-skating and such.

Masato’s character development really shines when his grandfather shows up after Emiru loses her voice over being unable to admit to not wanting Ruru to leave once the Pretty Cures’ mission is over. When Emiru and Masato’s grandfather tries to talk Emiru into quitting her band with Ruru, Masato stands up to his grandfather and helps give Emiru the encouragement to regain her voice and talk things out with Ruru. 

Masato ended up becoming a surprisingly interesting character, once Henri and the Pretty Cures helped him gain enough insight to think more for himself and not just follow what his grandfather taught him. I really like how he redeems himself by becoming a supportive older brother for Emiru, and the friendship he develops with Henri. As the story progresses, it even seems their relationship might be developing towards something more than just friends.

I think the moments between those two that really stand out to me are his scenes in episode 42. There’s the scene where he and Homare visit Henri in the hospital after the car accident that broke Henri’s leg, with Masato tearfully wishing he could’ve been the one who got injured instead of Henri. Then there’s Masato’s joyful reaction when Henri temporarily becomes a Cure, and him running out on the ice to catch Henri in his arms after the transformation wears off. Yeah, that episode had some really good moments between those two.

I also really liked his confrontation with his grandfather during the episode where Emiru temporarily lost her voice as mentioned before, and while the grandfather is still being stubborn and refusing to change his mind by the end of the episode, Masato still hopes he’ll eventually come around, even if might take time. I feel that episode really showed how Masato has changed for the better, and how his more open-minded perspective has also helped him connect with others more.

Well, I think that about covers the family members of the Cures, so now let’s move onto other recurring characters. I’ll start with Henri Wakamiya, a half-French, half-Japanese figure skater from Russia. He is initially introduced as a childhood friend of Homare, who is thrilled to see that she’s taken up skating again, and wanting her to come with him to Moscow to help her get back to her former glory. Henri is initially skeptical of Homare’s new friends, Hana and Saaya, believing them to be holding Homare back from getting back to her full potential.

Homare eventually proves him wrong, and he starts to warm up to Hana and Saaya, and it is implied that he figured out that they were the Cures after witnessing their battle against an Oshimaida in that episode, which is confirmed in a later episode. After these events, Henri transfers into the Cures’ school. His comments to Hana indirectly led to the plot of episode 10 and 11, which had Hana start doubting herself, before eventually overcoming these doubts with the help of her friends and gaining the Melody Swords.

Henri’s next big role is in episode 19, where he invites Emiru and Ruru to take part in the fashion show after hearing them sing together. We also see him not caring for Masato’s mocking comments about his fashion choices, even when Hana tries to defend him, explaining to her that he believes arguing with those who disagree with his choices is just a waste of time. When Masato tries to interfere with the fashion show by taking Emiru away, Henri chooses to stand up to him, appearing before him in a dress. Henri explains his worldview to Masato, believing that living life with unwanted restrictions is a waste, and stops him from taking Emiru home.

As mentioned when I talked about Masato, an Oshimaida is made from Masato’s negative energy, and it ends up capturing Henri. While the Cures try to save him, Henri also assists by calmly talking to Masato, embracing the Oshimaida and encouraging him to love himself more. After the Cures rescue Henri and return Masato to normal, Henri and Masato end up developing a close friendship, as I mentioned earlier.

Henri’s next appearances start up a sub-plot in which the Criasu Corporation look to recruit him, while Henri is recovering from a problem with his leg which may potentially force him to retire from ice skating. When first approached by Ristoru, Emiru witnesses their conversation and goes to talk to Henri, who assures her that he has no intention of joining up with them. He also comments about this surprising turn of events saying that he would’ve sooner expected the Pretty Cures to recruit him.

However, Ristoru does leave Henri with a business card, and the ending of the episode to introduce this sub-plot shows that while Henri may have rejected Criasu’s offer for now, this isn’t the end of it. Indeed, Homare eventually notices that something is wrong and asks Henri about it. Henri eventually admits that while he’s already had the doctors take care of his leg, he knows that he likely won’t be able to continue, but he wants to have at least one last ice skating performance before he starts looking for another dream.

Unfortunately, Henri is unable to perform when he gets into a car accident which results in him breaking his leg. Henri initially tries to put on a brave face for Homare and Masato when they come to check on him, but once left alone, his despair starts to get to him, with Ristoru making it worse by showing him his fans who are upset at not being able to see his performance. This leads to Henri briefly falling under Criasu’s control, but the Cures manage to snap him out of it.

As the Cures manage to reach Henri, a miracle occurs, leading to Henri temporarily becoming a Cure himself, Cure Infini. Cure Infini assists the Cures in their battle and manages to raise the spirits of the audience with his ice skating skills. After the battle is over and Henri is taken back to the hospital, he speaks to Hana, Saaya and Homare about why he chose to call his Cure form Cure Infini and talks about how he considers the first three Cures the Precures of wings, pointing out in Hana’s case that Cure Yell’s name also sounds similar to “Aile”, which means wings. Henri is seen still recovering in the last few episodes leading up to the finale.

I think Henri is easily one of the most interesting characters of Hugtto’s supporting cast. I think it’s particularly episode 19 where we really get to know him. He is true to himself, and has no issues occasionally wearing dresses because he likes them. I enjoy watching his interactions with Masato, and I think his sub-plot was an interesting one. Much like Tanpopo’s debut episode, it ties into the show’s theme in the aspect of the possibility of injury or medical condition interfering with your ability to follow your passions.

Ultimately, the sub-plot results in something I don’t think anyone saw coming until the preview for episode 42: Henri Wakamiya becoming the first official male Cure, even if it was only temporary. While the idea of a male Cure has previously been teased in previous series and we’ve certainly seen plenty of male allies of the Cures, Hugtto Pretty Cure finally had a male character recognized as a Cure. It was quite awesome, and with the themes brought up in episode 19 and Henri having shown an implied interest in being a Cure, I feel it was quite fitting that they actually went through with it. And what makes it even better is that this wasn’t just a one-time thing: It was foreshadowing for the events of the final battle between the Cures and George! I really loved that. I’ll go more into detail about that later.

Aside from Henri and Masato, I also like his relationships with his childhood friend Homare, and how they’re shown to understand each other fairly well as both notice the other’s troubles. Another relationship I liked is his relationship with Hana. While it starts off with him skeptical to her, he soon starts warming up to her once he realizes how big an impact she really left on Homare in helping her return to ice skating. While the two are on friendlier terms, it is still shown in later episodes that they still haven’t quite come to fully understand each other, but eventually, in episode 42, when Hana shows him the design she made for an outfit that ultimately becomes the basis for Cure Infini’s outfit, Henri, while commenting that the outfit doesn’t seem all that practical for ice skating, at least acknowledges that Hana has grown to understand him more as he still likes the design itself. I really liked this little moment and the acknowledgement of how their relationship has progressed.

Okay, I think I’ll talk about Ranze Ichijo, a recurring character who plays a role in Saaya’s character arc. She’s an aspiring young actress, and self-proclaimed rival to Saaya, even if Saaya doesn’t fully understand that she sees it that way. This is because Ranze and Saaya were both in a variety show together as children, but while Saaya was the main character of the show, Ranze was just a side-character, wearing a leek costume. This itself also leads to a bit of a running gag in the episodes where Ranze shows up, as she keeps inexpliacably ending up in roles relating to leek, such as the person delivering leek on a show about cooking, or a leek knight in the episode where everyone got caught up in another virtual world created by Criasu.

Ranze’s appearances mainly focus on her desire to get bigger roles as an actress, while “competing” with Saaya. However, as is made clear in the episode where Saaya decides to retire from acting to focus on pursuing a career in medicine instead, Ranze also respects Saaya. She calls Saaya out on not putting her heart in her role, and when Saaya informs everyone of her decision, Ranze is initially upset and even tearfully asks if there’s a chance that Saaya could both work in medicine and still be an actress, while respecting Saaya’s decision when Saaya explains why that wouldn’t work.

I really like Ranze, particularly her moments with Saaya in episode 44. Due to the similarities between their names, she may be partially based off of Ranko Ichijou from Go! Princess Pretty Cure, another fun side character who wanted to be an idol. Still, whether that was intentional or not, she seems very different from Ranko. I also like her design.

Next, I’ll talk about Fumito Chise, one of the Cures’ classmates, and the first person to be the victim of the week on this show after getting angry over his teacher scolding him for turning in an assignment late. He becomes interested in Cure Yell after she saves him, and episode 34 reveals that he at some point started his own Cure Yell fan club. He is usually accompanied by Hinase Amano, another one of his classmates.

During episode 34, we see just how enthusiatic he is about Cure Yell. On the other hand, he’s not all that interested in Hana, unaware that they’re the same person. He and Hinase end up talking to Kotori about her concerns, and the three of them end up helping give the Cures the power boost they need to defeat the opponent of that episode.

Yeah, he’s a minor character for the most part, but I really liked his interactions with Kotori and Hinase in episode 34. The way they work off of each other with their different personalities and viewpoints was fun to watch. I also like the little book end with Fumito’s frustration being what causes the negative energy to possess the train the future characters are supposed to use to get back to their own time, with the reason for his frustration even being just about the same as what got him turned into an Oshimaida in the first episode.

I’ll talk about Hinase next, a guy is part of the school’s orchestra club and is often seen preparing for concerts. While also a fairly minor character, he does play a slightly bigger role than Fumito. Aside from background appearances in early episodes, his first scene to stand out is a conversation with Hana in episode 10, where he tells her of one the orchestra club’s upcoming concerts and talks about how many different talents come together to make amazing music. This later comes up again in episode 11, where the girls are trying to figure out how to help a comatose Hugtan, and end up heading to the tower where the concert is held. Remembering his words, Hana and the other two girls are able to figure out how to wake up Hugtan.

Later episodes show that Hinase has developed a bit of a crush on Hana, but unfortunately Hana is totally oblivious to this. He later gets a focus episode alongside Kotori and Fumito, as I’ve already mentioned. He helps Kotori with her concerns by providing his perspective on Hana, and how she’s always caring for the well-being of others, even if she can be a bit clumsy at times. He, Fumito and Kotori later help the Cures by cheering them on and giving them the power boost they need to save the day.

I like Hinase, and I think his interactions with Hana are really sweet. While she may be oblivious to his crush on her, he manages to give her some good advice and encouragement. I also find his interactions with Fumito interesting, as mentioned above. He’s just a nice, sort of dorky guy who is very understanding of others.

And now for Aki and Junna, two other classmates of Hana who are frequently seen in minor roles throughout the show. While the two are shown throughout early episodes, their only real focus episode was episode 16. The episode focuses on Aki, the read haired girl, wanting to be more like Homare, which leads to conflict with Junna, the girl with the glasses, who thinks Aki is fine the way she is and doesn’t think Homare would make a good role model considering her reputation prior to Hana and Saaya helping her to get things back on track in regards to her ice skating.

As Homare tries to convince Aki to sort things out with Junna, we learn how the two have been friends since kindergarden, and that Junna has helped Aki a lot throughout the years since Aki has trouble staying focused on things. Homare can’t figure out how to help the two, so when the two later get into another argument, the become an easy target for Papple to create an Oshimaida. 

During the battle, Cure Etoile’s words reach them, and they begin talking things out. Aki explains why she wanted to be more like Homare, while Junna explains her own feelings and realizes she may have been unconsciously holding Aki back. Thus, the two patch things up. They continue to play minor roles in later episodes.

So, yeah. I like them, they have a fairly interesting dynamic. I like their designs, and their focus episode was good. I don’t really have much to say about them, though. Aside from their focus episode, I can’t think of any other big roles they play in other episodes at the top of my head, aside from being among the people shown to temporarily become Cures in the finale. Still, I felt the show still treated them as important enough among the recurring characters for me to include in this post.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Overall Thoughts

I really did like this series a lot. I liked the art style, which reminded me a bit of Yes! Pretty Cure 5′s art style, the character designs were really great and the soundtrack was really great too. I really think the whole future theme worked really well, and it is in some way similar to the theme of Go! Princess Pretty Cure about following your dreams, another Pretty Cure series that is among my favorites. The characters are all really great, and I like how this show continues experimenting with the Pretty Cure formula like Mahou Tsukai Pretty Cure and Kira Kira Pretty Cure A La Mode did.

Hugtto Pretty Cure is also one of the darker Pretty Cure seasons, which I’m guessing is partially due to the previous two seasons for the most part having had a fairly light-hearted tone, so they allowed themselves to go a bit darker with this one. For starters, the main threat facing the world is made known right from the start, with Criasu’s goal being to eliminate the future by stopping time, while in both of the series that preceded this one it took some time before it became clear what the villains were trying to accomplish. The first few episodes also have more of a serious tone in some aspects, particularly with Homare’s initial difficulties becoming a Cure.

This show could get seriously intense at times. A few scenes that come to mind are the endings of episode 10 and episode 16, the imagery in the scene in episode 22 leading up to Papple becoming an Oshimaida, Harry’s backstory shown in episode 25, Henri getting into a car accident in 42, George torturing the other four Cures in episode 47 in order to force Cure Yell to surrender... And those aren’t even all of the examples I can think of at the top of my head.

There’s also the way the show presents its future theme in very relatable ways, showing different worries people may have about their futures. How do you become the person you aspire to be? What goal do you truly want to pursue in the future? And what do you do when it seems you may no longer be able to do the thing you love because of injury or because your body no longer works as well as it used to due to age? There’s even sort of an element of this with the villains, who for the most part have all given up on hope for their future, and are already aware that the world will end up in a bad state in a few years anyways. Considering all the worry about climate change and whether we’ll be able to do something about it before things get worse, this can hit kind of close to home.

But of course, being a Pretty Cure series, this series still takes a optimistic approach to many of these topics, with the Cures gradually figuring out what they truly want from the future, and inspiring others to do their best too, even managing to convince the villains that there might still be a good future for them and inspiring them to explore the possibilities. I feel this in some ways sums up one of the reasons why I like the Pretty Cure franchise so much. There’s something very inspiring about watching these girls fighting for the futures of themselves and those around them, always managing to find a way to get back on their feet no matter what hardships they might face along the way. And I feel this element of inspiration is really highlighted in Hugtto Pretty Cure.

This series also celebrates the 15th anniversery of the franchise, much like Happiness Charge Pretty Cure celebrated the 10th anniversary. And while I did like Happiness Charge, I do feel this Hugtto does it better. Happiness Charge had some interesting concepts, but all in all, it didn’t utilize those concepts to its full potential and had some romance sub-plots that were a little hard to get invested in because it was already pretty clear what the outcome would be. The series wasn’t bad, but it could’ve been better.

With Hugtto, there are plenty of callbacks to previous Pretty Cure series, they are also willing to try new things and take more chances, managing to truly capture the essence of the Pretty Cure franchise. And sure, it has some flaws and there are perhaps some characters that could’ve been explored more, but all in all, it’s still a pretty good series.

And while on the topic of it being an anniversery series, I of course have to talk about certain episodes. I’ll first bring up episode 21, which ends with Hugtan summoning the original Pretty Cure duo, Cure Black and Cure White, who end up assisting the Hugtto team in episode 22, helping Emiru and Ruru sort out some problems between them and helping fight Papple’s Oshimaida before Hugtan returns the two to their world. This was pretty cool, and also ties in to the Hugtto Pretty Cure movie, which also has the Hugtto team teaming up with Cure Black and Cure White to help reclaim the memories of the other Pretty Cure teams, basically making it a Pretty Cure All Stars movie, which also has me wondering if we’ll get another All Stars movie for the 20th anniversary, and if that’ll be a recurring thing or not.

Anyways, back on topic, episode 36 and 37 then decided to one-up those episodes, by basically being a two-part episode All Stars movie on its own by bringing in all the other Pretty Cure teams. Basically, episode 36 has Dr. Traum planning to stop time, and trying to prevent the Cures from doing so by turning them into babies (again, another reference to the plot of the Hugtto movie) with one of his inventions, going after the grown-up Kira Kira Pretty Cures, who were meeting up for the first time in a while. Hugtan manages to get them out of danger by teleporting them to the Hugtto team, but not before Dr. Traum’s invention has turned them back into the ages they were during the Kira Kira Pretty Cure series itself. Hana and Ichika recognize each other, presumably due to the events of the crossover movie with them and the Mahou Tsukai Cures. (as well as Hana having visited the KiraPati in the finale of Kira Kira, but I’m not sure if this came up in the crossover movie or not, I do need to catch up on those.)

The Mahou Tsukai girls soon show up, with Mirai and Riko getting de-aged as well (Kotoha still being the same age as before due to essentially being a physical Goddess or something as shown in the finale of Mahou Tsukai Pretty Cure), and the three groups team up in order to stop Dr. Traum. As his new invention proves especially difficult to deal with, the Cures split up to seek more help, and end up meeting up with Love Momozono from Fresh Pretty Cure, and Nozomi Yumehara from Yes! Pretty Cure 5 and Yes! Pretty Cure 5 GoGo.

Cure Peach and Cure Dream join the fight, but Dr. Traum ultimately manages to freeze time, including most of the other Pretty Cure teams, however, we do see that in addition to the Cures gathered so far, Cure Black, Cure White and Shiny Luminous also managed to avoid being frozen and soon join up with the other Cures. However, Dr. Traum continues to get stronger, until he becomes a powerful Oshimaida and summons various monsters from previous series.

However, thanks to the determination of Hana and the others, the Cures manage to break through Dr. Traum’s attempts to stop them, and eventually the rest of the Cures from various series are able to join them, resulting in an epic fight where the various Cures fight together. In the end, with the help of all the Cures, as well as the encouragement from various allies those Cures have made throughout their series, they manage to purify Dr. Traum with their combined strength.

Now, while I do love these two episodes, episode 37 in particular, I do have to bring up the fact that this causes a few small issues with the timeline previously established by the final episodes of Mahou Tsukai Pretty Cure and Kira Kira Pretty Cure A La Mode. You see, in Mahou Tsukai Pretty Cure’s final episode, Mirai and Riko are both college age, but are temporarily returned to middle school ages by Kotoha’s magic, as they go on one last mission as Cures and find out what has happened to the other characters during the time skip. During their adventure, they meet Ichika, who is at this point a middle schooler.

Cut forward to Kira Kira Pretty Cure A La Mode’s final episode, where Hana stops by the KiraPati along with Hugtan, and which takes place before a time skip leading to the final scenes where we see the Kira Kira Pretty Cures all grown up. However, in episode 36, we see the Kira Kira Pretty Cures in their grown-up ages, despite the fact that Hana’s appearance in the last episode should suggest that they’d still be close to the same age as her at this point in the timeline. In addition, Mirai and Riko’s grown-up selves still appear to be the same age as we saw them in the last episode of Mahou Tsukai Pretty Cure, even though the grown-up versions of the Kira Kira Pretty Cure suggests that those two should be even older by then. Yeah... Kind of messes up the timeline a little, doesn’t it? Again, I haven’t seen the Dream Stars and Super Stars movies yet, so I don’t know what their take on the timeline is. I suppose the time travel element might play into some of this, but I’ll talk more about some of the more confusing aspects of the time travel stuff later.

Now, as mentioned, while there are some confusing details regarding the timelines of these shows, I’m actually willing to mostly overlook it simply because of how awesome episode 37 was. Seriously, that episode was like a love letter to the fans that have been following the entire franchise so far. I love the little details of the Kira Kira Pretty Cure A La Mode team being clueless as to who most of the Pretty Cure teams are, as the last Pretty Cure All Stars movie prior to the Hugtto one was the Mahou Tsukai Pretty Cure one, and thus the Kira Kira Pretty Cures hadn’t met most of the previous teams.

The entire fight scene during episode 37 is pure awesome, with how they pair up different Cures with similar abilities or personalities. Like the defensive Cures getting together to deflect an attack with their barriers, the former villain Cures with musical instruments (+ Cure Ma Cherie) joining up for an attack, Cure Blossom and Cure Flora combining their flower power, the star themed Cures doing an attack together, the Splash Star, Happiness Charge and Mahou Tsukai teams using their different forms, Milky Rose, Cure Felice and Cure Parfait (all being fairies who became human) fighting together, Cure Rouge, Cure Sunny and Cure March using their ball-themed attacks, the Cures who in some way use swords joining together, Cure Rhythm (also being an aspiring patissier) finally getting to meet Cure Whip... There are so many good combinations in this!

And there’s even more! We even get cameos from other notable characters from previous series, starting with an appearance from Bunbee, who was unwittingly roped into helping Dr. Traum with his invention, and then bailed out once he realized what was going on and then informed the Cures of what was going on.

Then, when the Cures are preparing for their final attack to purify Dr. Traum, we see both Pekorin and (partially) Mofurun assuming their Pretty Cure forms, and we get cameos from Michiru and Kaoru from Splash Star (in their Cure Bright and Windy forms), Cure Flower from HeartCatch Pretty Cure, Royale Candy from Smile Pretty Cure, Cure Tender and the Aloha Pretty Cures from Happiness Charge Pretty Cure, Pikario and Bibury from Kira Kira Pretty Cure, Soular and Westar from Fresh Pretty Cure, Otokichi from Suite Pretty Cure, Regina from Doki Doki Pretty Cure, Yui from Go! Princess Pretty Cure, the principal from Mahou Tsukai Pretty Cure and even Cure Echo from the All Stars movies appears to pitch in for the final attack. All of these allies of the Pretty Cures... Ah, it was so awesome!

There were probably a few more characters they could’ve included, with Seiji Sagara and maybe Blue from Happiness Charge in particular coming to mind, but it was still really awesome seeing them acknowledging all of these characters as basically part of the Pretty Cure teams. I loved that scene so much! And they even worked in a cameo of Kaoru from Fresh Pretty Cure after the battle and time returned to normal. It was just such a great episode! And they even managed to work it into the on-going story of Hugtto, since Dr. Traum was purified in the process. Seriously, this is how you celebrate a franchise’s anniversary. I also liked the use of the opening theme of Futari wa Pretty Cure for the action scene and the special episode ED themes.

The character development in this series is pretty solid, for the most part. As I mentioned earlier, I think Emiru could’ve had some more interactions with the team besides Ruru, and Saaya tended not to stand out as much in episodes not focused on her. Although I feel they at least managed to avoid having Saaya end up in the same category as Alice from Doki Doki Pretty Cure, Yuko from Happiness Charge Pretty Cure and Mirai from Mahou Tsukai Pretty Cure, three characters who didn’t receive as much character development as their teammates and while they certainly had episodes focused on them, they sort of remain static characters for most their shows. With Saaya, there is a clear progression in her character arc and her focus episodes develop her story well.

There might’ve also been aspects of some of the villains that could’ve been explored in more detail. On the other hand, I suppose there’s that saying “show, not tell”, and it might be better not to just tell everything. Still, in some cases, certain unanswered questions leave you wondering, and I’m not sure if we’ll possibly get an answer to some of those via supplementary materials, like we got with for example Sasorina, Kumojacky and Cobraja from HeartCatch Pretty Cure.

That aside, I feel the show overall does a pretty good job with setting up its plot points and the foreshadowing, with the gradual reveal of Harry’s backstory, the mysteries surrounding Hugtan and so on. There’s just enough clues that you can kind of piece together what’s going on, and look forward to seeing if you were right and what the other characters’ reactions will be. At least, that’s how I felt watching this series.

I also really appreciated Cure Infini. I feel this show was probably the most perfect time and place to introduce a male Cure, as I mentioned earlier. I kind of hope this could open up new possibilities for future Pretty Cure series. As I mentioned earlier, the appearance of Cure Infini also foreshadowed the events of the second-to-last episode, so I think it’s about time I start getting into the last few episodes, my thoughts on them, among other things.

So, basically, the last battle is kicked off by Criasu managing to stop time, and creating a giant Oshimaida to deal with the Cures. George kidnaps Hugtan, but the Cures do manage to finally purify Ristoru and Bishin, and Gelos helps give the Cures a ride to Criasu Corp’s HQ before joining the other former villains in holding off Oshimaidas while the Cures try to rescue Hugtan. George eventually traps all five Cures, and tries to break Cure Yell’s spirit by torturing the other four by eletrocuting them. However, the four manage to encourage Cure Yell to not give up despite all this. The four of them are sent away, leaving Cure Yell to confront George alone.

The two fight for a while, with Cure Yell refusing to give in. Recalling how much things have changed since she met Hugtan and the others, she finds the strength to keep fighting and eventually manages to destroy George’s book, freeing Hugtan. The other Cures soon rejoin the fight, and as they spread positive energy all over, time resumes as everyone becomes a Cure to assist with the final battle. Yes, everyone in town temporarily becomes a Cure to help deal the final blow against George. After this, Cure Yell goes to have one last talk with George, where they seem to reach somewhat of an understanding before he leaves, promising that they’ll meet again somewhere. After that, the Cures and the other former villains watch the sunrise together.

Yeah, that second-to-last episode was pretty awesome. With the angel-wing imagery throughout the show, I thought for sure that the Cures were going to receive one final power-up that included angel wings, but that didn’t happen. I think what they ended up doing with everyone in town becoming Cures was really cool, though. There were a few characters whose Cure forms we didn’t get to see, though, including Harry, Bishin and Ristoru, although I’m sure fanartists have come up with some designs. Among other characters I would’ve liked to see as Cures were Ranze and Reira, who I at least don’t remember seeing during that sequence. There were a lot of cool designs, though, especially for some of the former villains. A clever alternative to giving the Cures a final upgrade for the final battle, and works well with the show’s message. By working together and getting everyone involved, they were able to make a better future.

After the final battle, the last episode focuses on everyone going about their daily lives, with the first half of the episode dealing with the girls spending time together before it is time to send the characters from the future home. While working on the invention that’ll send the characters from the future back, the invention ends up turning into an Oshimaida and going on a rampage due to absorbing Toge power from a frustrated Fumito. The Cures have one last fight, with Hikaru/Cure Star from the then upcoming Star Twinkle Pretty Cure making a cameo to help them out, before going off to chase a kappa.

With all that done said and done, Hana and her friends see the characters from the future off as they board Dr. Traum’s time machine train to return home. However, they find it hard not to cry at being separated for a long time, especially as Hugtan doesn’t fully understand what is going on. In the end, the characters from the future return home.

Yeah, the scene where the characters from the present and the ones from the future part ways was really sad, especially with Hugtan’s reaction to it. Cure Star’s cameo was also kind of short compared to the cameos of Ichika/Cure Whip and Hana/Cure Yell in Mahou Tsukai Pretty Cure and Kira Kira Pretty Cure A La Mode. Still, since every other Cure from the previous series had been featured, and this show does have the whole future theme going, it’d also be strange if she didn’t show up. Also, after watching the first episode of Star Twinkle, I thought the whole thing with Hikaru running off to chase a kappa turned out to be a clever bit of foreshadowing, considering the first of the villains she ended up facing.

Anyways, as for the second half of the episode, we jump ahead several years into the future, where Hana and her friends are now adults, and we see what the supporting cast has been up to. We find that this timeline’s version of Dr. Traum has built a child version of Ruru which is supposedly capable of aging, which he calls the grown-up Emiru over to meet. While it’s not the same Ruru (who she presumably will have to wait another 13 years to meet again, if I understand things right, I’ll get back to that later), Emiru is happy to see her, and plays the song she wrote for the original Ruru on her guitar. New!Ruru seems to know the song, and sings along with Emiru.

Meanwhile, Hana is now the president of a successful company and is well-liked by her employees, which include some of her former classmates. However, one of her employees point out that she’s not even supposed to be working at the moment, and we soon see why as Hana is revealed to be pregnant and she starts going into labour. Saaya, now working as a doctor alongside the good timeline version of Daigan, prepare to help Hana as they get the call about her. Homare, now a famous ice skater, hurries over from the airport to be with Hana as she gives birth. We see more glimpses of what the rest of the supporting characters have been up to, and Hana gives birth to a familiar-looking baby girl, naming her Hagumi.

So, yeah. It is pretty neat seeing what all the supporting characters are up to in the good future. A few lingering plot points, such as the whole deal with Masato and Emiru’s grandfather is resolved, as we see him attending one of Henri’s performances, seemingly more accepting than before. Also, Henri and Masato probably had a relationship upgrade at some point during the time skip. Good for them!

And it is confirmed that Hugtan/Cure Tomorrow is indeed Hana’s daughter. The identity of her father is still ambiguous, though. While it could be George... I don’t know. I think it’d be kind of strange for that to happen, considering everything the bad future!George put Hana and her friends through. Even if the good timeline George is different, and Hana was willing to forgive the bad timeline!George to some extent... It just seems strange. I guess I just personally think that if anything, those two would just be friends.

While George being Hugtan’s father could potentially explain why she alone was spared in the bad timeline, but that could also just be because George knows she’s Hana’s daughter, even if he’s not the father. Yeah, I mentioned earlier that there are some confusing elements of the story, due to lack of certain details and the whole time travel aspect with the two different timelines. The whole deal with Cure Tomorrow being one of them.

By the time the series begins, the timeline has already changed slightly from the bad timeline George, the other Criasu members, Harry and Hugtan came from, with Hana having transferred schools and cut her bangs, while in the bad timeline, Hana never did transfer schools and meet the other girls. So, I guess the bad future characters going back in time might’ve caused some ripple effect that set in motion the changes to the timeline, including somehow Hana changing schools, although that’s just speculation on my part.

And then there’s the final episode, with the characters from the future returning to the good timeline, a brief scene of human!Harry with Cure Tomorrow seemingly confirming that they did make it there. I do wonder, though, since we do see the younger versions of the former villains there, is there going to be two of each of these characters in this timeline? My reason for this is based on the appearance of human!Harry, since we see hamster!Harry with Bicine and Ristoru in an earlier scene, and considering the events of the bad future didn’t happen in this timeline, Criasu wouldn’t be around and Harry, Bicine and Ristoru presumably wouldn’t have been experimented on and given their human forms.

I guess I’m curious as to how things would’ve played out when the characters from the future return to about 13 years after the events shown in the second half of the final episode. I imagine Emiru being thrilled to now have two Rurus to hang out with, and the two versions of Dr. Traum discussing new inventions, as well as discussing the possibility of upgrading the original Ruru to be able to age like the new Ruru. And then there’s Hagumi, assuming Hana did indeed have her in the bad timeline too... I mean, would good timeline!Hagumi have had any reason to become a Pretty Cure, since there doesn’t seem to be any villains causing trouble in the good future? So, if there’s two Hagumi in the good future now, would one of them be a regular girl, and the other a Pretty Cure?

Yeah... Assuming that’s how it would work, I guess it could make for some interesting fanfic. I imagine Hana and the others would do their best to help their friends from the bad future settle down in the good future.

So, basically, if you think a little too hard about it and try to make sense of how the whole time travel and timeline aspect works, certain things can get a bit confusing. The series does have a few other flaws, but all in all, it’s a very enjoyable series with plenty of great characters, nice animation, a good soundtrack and so on. The story is really good, with its optimistic message about the future and plenty of call backs to previous Pretty Cure series while also trying some new twists on the usual tropes. As I said earlier, this series perfectly captures the spirit of the Pretty Cure series.

Well, I guess I’ve said everything I can think of. I really loved this series! A great series to celebrate the 15th anniversery of the franchise, and I certainly have high hopes for the future of the franchise. I’ve been enjoying Star Twinkle Pretty Cure a lot so far, and when that series concludes, I’ll certainly look forward to writing another one of these posts with my thoughts on that series! Okay, that’s all for now. I’ll see you guys later!

[burnouts3s3]

Citrus, a review

(Disclaimer: The following is a non-profit unprofessional blog post written by an unprofessional blog poster. All purported facts and statement are little more than the subjective, biased opinion of said blog poster. In other words, don’t take anything I say too seriously.) Just the facts 'Cause you're in a Hurry! Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for Season (MSRP): 48.74 USD How much I paid: 32.88 USD (I pre-ordered it when there was a New Year's discount). Animation Studio: Passione Licensed and Localized by: Funimation Entertainment Audio: Japanese Audio with Subtitles and English Dub available.   English Cast: Megan Shipman as Yuzu, Amber Lee Connors as Mei, Margaret McDonald as Harumi “Harumin” Taniguchi, Kristi Rothrock as Matsuri, Terri Doty as Umi, Number of Episodes: 12 Episodes Length per Episode: 25 Minutes on average. 21 Without Intro and Ending song. Number of Discs: 4 Discs in Total. 2 DVD Discs and 2 Blu-ray discs. Episodes per Disc: 6 Episodes per DVD Disc. Episodes 1-9 on the first Blu-ray disc with Episodes 10-12 on the second Blu-ray disc along with the special features. Bundle also includes: Digital Copy to redeem. (which doesn't work because when I enter the code provided with the discs, I get the message 'The Digital Copy is not yet Active'.). Also on: Amazon Video, Funimation Now, Funimation’s streaming service that requires a subscription and Crunchyroll, a subscription based service that allows streaming for shows. Free streaming is available with ads. Bonus Features: Textless Openings, Textless Ending and Trailers for other Funimation Licensed Shows. My Personal Biases: I actually saw Citrus a while back but never reviewed it. I like other shows in the Shoujo Ai genre such as Mai Hime, Mai Otome, Maria Watches over Us, Strawberry Panic and yes, even Kannazuki no Miko/Destiny of the Shrine Maiden. I am not fond of Citrus. My Verdict: Citrus is trashy, exploitative, gawdy, and mainly exists for the titillation of its audience. And while other Shoujo ai shows have done this as well, there’s also a lack of a narrative structure to the point where older works like Kannazuki no Miko look like the Godfather compared to this. If you lower your expectations, you’ll find a good deal. WARNING: SPOILERS FOR CITRUS AND OTHER YURI SHOWS AHEAD! Citrus, a review

Yuzucchi “Yuzu” Aihara is a new girl about to transfer schools. She’s never had a boyfriend and hopes to break that curse once and for all. But, when she realizes that she’s been transferred to an all-girls’ school, Yuzu’s outlandish behavior, clothing and voice captures the attention of the ultra-strict Student Council President, Mei. After a heated first day in which Mei confiscates Yuzu’s cellphone and Yuzu sees Mei kissing a teacher, Yuzu has one final revelation: her mother’s new husband is also Mei’s father, making Mei her step-sister. And to top it all off, Mei kisses Yuzu and steals her first kiss.   Citrus is one of the few Yuri manga that not only managed to sell a number of books in Japan but also make the New York Times’ Best Seller list. It’s a series so successful, it’s spawn drama CDs, a 12 episode anime and a spin-off series after the manga’s conclusion, Citrus Plus. It’s also been criticized as a schlocky teenage soap opera with numerous peripheral characters that add nothing to the plot, and for depicting things like Mei forcing herself on Yuzu as sexualizing rape. For a number of viewers, the depiction of, yes, sexual assault is going to turn them off, and I can’t blame them. archive.is/DRUN8

But it’s not a problem for me. This is because (and yes, I’m aware of how this sounds) I’m of the party that says you can make a good story out of anything, including, yes, rape. The Late Roger Ebert once said “It’s not what a movie is about; it’s how it’s about it”. It’s a quote I’ve come to appreciate as of late. You can make a good work out of any subject material, but you have to use it well. One of the most influential shows of my youth was Kannazuki no Miko, in which one of the main characters, Chikane Himemiya, sexually assaults Himeko, her love interest. But, I give that series a pass (again I can only speak for myself) because it was one of the first depictions of a Yuri couple in an anime after Utena and Sailor Moon and serves a purpose to the story: the good girl becoming bad and the friend character wanting more (as well as a convoluted plot with weird universe rules explaining in great detail why Chikane did what she did). While Citrus uses sexual assault, it’s more for titillation and premise. It’s clearly there to hook the reader in by generating cheap unearned drama. Again, if that were the end all be all issue with Citrus and said work gave me a fulfilling story, I would give it a pass. But even pushing aside the scenes of nonconsensual assault, there’s way too much going on with way too many characters to the point where the story’s structure resembles more of a weekly soap opera rather than a romance between two girls. 9 years after the anime release of Sweet Blue Flowers and Whispered Words and THIS is what we end up with? What’s interesting is that Yuzu, despite being the usual blonde in a Yuri anime (a loud, expressive extrovert who’s unclear of her sexuality), actually receives a lot of character development. While she does make mistakes (a lot of them), there’s a strong sense of justice in her and she attempts to right the wrongs she committed. It also helps that for the majority of the story, we’re given internal monologue from Yuzu’s point of view and we see there’s a girl struggling with her newfound sexuality. One of the highlights is Episodes 5-6, in which Yuzu starts to see Mei’s unresolved father issues becoming a part of her character and realizes the last thing Mei needs is romance and avoids it so she can better help Mei become a healthier person. But on the other side of the relationship, Mei, is little more than a reactive drama magnet. Mei, at least in the 12 episodes that adapt the early parts of the manga, has very little character. I get that’s the idea; this is clearly an introvert who’s been so focused at school and extracurricular activities that she has no life and her first sexual experience would involve assault of some sort. But in execution, she’s little more than a plot device that’s meant to generate problems to prevent Yuzu and Mei from being together. First, it’s an overbearing grandfather that doesn’t approve of Yuzu. Then, it’s a childhood friend who likes to sip tea. Then, it’s an absent father figure who stopped being strict and decided to be a traveling wanderer. It also doesn’t help matters that when Mei does take action, it’s either downplayed or shown off-screen. Do you not have enough plot going on with the fact these two are step-sisters? What next, is Seto Kaiba going to be Mei’s half-brother and kidnap her and tie her to some train tracks until Yuzu beats him in a card game?   The plot contrivances start from the very first episode. I’m not caught up on Japanese culture so I’m willing to accept that Mei and Yuzu have never met each other until after their respective parents got married, but the contrivances keep piling on. Now, Mei and Yuzu share a double bed! Now, Yuzu has a childhood friend, Matsuri, who’s really into her and is an expert blackmailer. Now, Yuzu meets a really nice girl who has a crush on Mei. And of course, where would we be in a romance series if we didn’t have two characters having a conversation about their crushes when they’re unaware they’re referring to the same person? The pacing of each contrivances are so smashed together it makes it seem like a wacky sitcom or one of those dramas found on the CW. And all the while, Mei barely changes from her introvert self. Christ, this makes me sound old. I can’t believe I’ve come to a point where I can say Kannazuki no Miko had a better sense of Story Structure compared to this. What makes this really frustrating is that other side characters continue to be way more interesting than Mei. Harumin, a girl who quickly befriends Yuzu, remains an energetic bright spot as well as a shoulder to lean on who actually has more chemistry than the main pair. Matsuri is actually very entertaining when she’s allowed to be. Funimation Entertainment did the localization and the script mainly remains loyal to the source material (for better and worse). Amber Lee Connors as Mei does the best she can when saddled with the role of a mopey, emotionally constipated introvert and manages to wring out some emotion out of the character when the story doesn’t. But it’s Megan Shipman as Yuzu that carries the series. Shipman gives Yuzu just enough energy and fire to make us empathize with a loudmouth and her internal dialogue really does help us understand the character. JAPANESE AUDIO WITH SUBTITLES IS AVAILABLE FOR THOSE WHO PREFER IT. All things considered, Funimation’s offering a pretty solid deal for Citrus, giving all 12 episodes on Blu-Ray, DVD and Digital Copy (which doesn't work because when I enter it, I get the message 'The Digital Copy is not yet Active'.). It’s too bad it’s wasted on a series that, even with the trashy exploitation and inevitable thinkpieces about consent scenes, the narrative itself settles for villain of the episode melodrama. And while characters like Yuzu, Harumin, and even Matsuri, Mei continues to be less of a character than she is a plot device. CAVEAT: For a lot of people, Citrus was ‘their first Yuri anime’, as in it was the gateway anime that led them to discover other works. And in some ways, I can understand how said nostalgia can affect one’s perception of the show. After all, shows like Strawberry Panic, Kannazuki no Miko and My-Hime were ‘my’ gateway shows that led me to a bigger and better genre. But, just as time goes on, so does the genre grow. So, I would hope fans wouldn’t limit themselves to just one series and start exploring other and older works. Shoujo-ai and Yuri anime has a long history of balancing fanservice, sex appeal and story. Even older, more lurid works that DO use sexual assault to progress the story, such as Kannazuki no Miko, make up for it with strong story structure and character development. But compared to works that truly do attempt to weave a complex narrative about girl’s romance such as Sweet Blue Flowers, Whispered Words and Simoun, Citrus remains as shallow as the fountain Mei and Yuzu fall in.

Verdict: If you’re a fan, pick it up. But if you want the genre to get better, maybe wait for a sale or watch it for free on Crunchyroll first.

[tidecullernami]

Spoiler Free Review: Haibane Renmei

Overall Score: 7/10

As I sit down to write this review, I’m slightly at a loss as to where to begin. After ages of hearing praise lauded upon this anime, I had so many expectations of it, and am sad to say that it fell short for me. But I’m getting ahead of myself. The fact of the matter is, even though I don’t feel particularly rosy about this anime, I do have things to say about it. And before anyone gets too up in arms, not all of them are bad by any means! However, one of the reasons I feel so compelled to say these things is because through all the recommendations I’ve received for this show, no one else ever has (not to me anyways). So here I am!

Haibane Renmei is about a young girl who will come to be named Rakka, after she emerges reborn from an enormous cocoon that has sprouted up in an unused room of a compound filled with young, angelic beings called Haibane. She is the audience conduit for learning about this charming universe, as her eyes are as fresh to it as ours are and we will come to learn about this place and its inhabitants together. While not a particularly original or innovative means of exposition, it employs an effective one for its worldbuilding and characterization in tandem. For the first half of the series, Rakka is paired off with one of the other residents of Old Home where she and her group of Haibane reside, who let her tag along in their daily lives to get to know one another, as well as the town of Glie to which they are confined. Because of this, the series has a distinctly slice of life feel to it, and here is where my first issue with the show lies.

Said issue arises not at all inherently from the fact that it’s a slice of life, but rather from the fact that THIS show in particular is. This world has many interesting details sprinkled throughout; there are many rules and traditions the Haibane follow that I found myself enamored with and wanting to learn more about, but was frustrated with the fact that they kept getting swept aside in favor of the mundanity of the Haibane’s daily lives. One of the strongest points of the show for me is the lore of this world, and having a character like Rakka to allow us to explore it. She’s curious and eager to learn about this new place she’s found herself in, and I wish the show had embraced that air of discovery more than it actually ended up doing. Coming to discover a new and interesting place is exciting and fun to watch, but for me, simply settling in to an all-too-familiar routine, no matter in what world, is not (especially when the characters are, on the whole, endearing but not strong enough to carry the show through that kind of angle).

This is so frustrating because said lore is so interesting that the viewer can’t help but think of a wealth of big questions because of them. What exactly are the Haibane? Where do they come from? Why are all except one of them children (or children who’ve grown into young adults)? Why are there humans here too? What are the walls? Who built them? What is beyond them? Why can only the Touga and the birds come and go as they please? Is this place an afterlife, a next life, or somewhere inbetween? If all of these questions grabbed your interest in the second episode, don’t hold your breath, because none of them will come to be answered, except in vague and unsatisfying ways (if you’re lucky). This is made all the more frustrating by the fact that even Rakka, who is like an extension of ourselves here, asks all of these questions in the show. Because of this, you think that surely that’s where her story might go, but unfortunately she’s almost always answered with “Nobody knows,” and she just kind of accepts it and leaves us wanting. Rakka, how could you.

So, it can safely be said that this show has little in the way of plot. The only thing it has to offer in terms of substantial storytelling is two character arcs, both of which are resolved in fairly short order. But those two character arcs are my other favorite component of the show, because they provided an otherwise aimless meander through an enticing world filled with untapped potential with a bit of propulsion. Up until the first of said arcs, the show has a relaxed, pleasant tone with melancholic shadows that creep up rather suddenly through delving further into the inner workings of its subjects. However, it is worth noting that these inner issues are addressed and resolved with the same sort of vagueness that the rest of the show is so saturated in, and so there was never any hard-hitting emotional climax for me, which was a disappointment, seeing as I was promised tears.

All that being said, I’m not saying that lack of definitive answers, or not having everything spelled out for you is a bad thing. When handled well, it’s an asset, because it allows the viewer to engage with the material in a way they simply can’t when everything is handed to them freely. It certainly feels more appropriate when dealing with our amnesiac heroes’ pasts than with the intricacies of the place they live. But there is a balance to be struck with answered and unanswered questions, and I feel this show leans far too hard into the unresolved to be a truly satisfying experience.

As for the rest of it, the animation isn’t anything spectacular, but it’s all around very grounded and consistent which is far more important than flash or overt style sometimes. I can only think of maybe a couple of shots in the whole show that looked wonky or silly. The whole show is bathed in a sort of soft, traditional look which makes it feel like a quaint antique and suits the Haibane’s second-hand lifestyle and Old Home very nicely. The character designs are sensible and simple, but still distinct and full of, well.... character! My favorite being Reki for her clashing angelic attributes alongside a bike, cigarette, and long black hair. The soundtrack was perfectly agreeable, if understated. But then again, there is a school of thought that says that good soundtracks enhance the mood without stealing the spotlight. I don’t necessarily agree with that, but I’d rather have a soundtrack that blended in perfectly than one that stood out in all the wrong ways!

Haibane Renmei is, in conclusion, a perfectly fine show with some very frustrating issues. It moves very slowly through a world that kept me watching in hopes of coming to understand some of the mysteries of it, but never took me anywhere I wanted to go. It’s almost as though ABe had all these wonderful ideas for a setting and just couldn’t think of explanations for them, made the world anyways, and said “It’s not my problem anymore.” However, if you simply like atmospheric, contemplative shows that don’t feel pressured by narrative, this show is definitely not lacking in pleasantries either, and might just be the cup of tea you’ve been craving. While on the whole I do feel it’s over-rated, it’s by no means bad, and perhaps I’m just not the sort of person that can really appreciate it due to what I perceive to be unavoidable faults.

MAL Link: https://myanimelist.net/reviews.php?id=277708

[thechildrendontlaugh]

Limited Series Television &  My Abandonment Issues

If you love something, let it go — has never been a saying that’s worked particularly well for me. It is a combination of a stubbornness of pride and a persistence of hope and belief — both of which are traits that have allowed me to come this far in life — that has made it difficult for me to actually let any thing, or one, go. It’s been the cause of a lot of heartache (a LOT) and even more existential dread and crisis. If you let something go and it doesn’t come back, does that really mean that it was never meant for you — or instead that you, yourself, were never worthy of it in the first place. And even worse, for someone like myself who is perpetually impatient, maybe whatever I let go didn’t come back, because I didn’t allow it enough time. If I had just waited longer…is always the lingering question in my heart that has left me always standing at a crossroads. It feels safer to wait (despite how toxic and ineffectual it can be) than to move on and maybe miss a possibility of want meeting up with have. Waiting just a little bit longer, hoping just a little bit harder. Another prayer sent up. Another good vibe, sent out. Good things come to those who wait after all, and if the good doesn’t come, well, you weren’t waiting long enough.

I know there’s a difference between being mindful about your waiting and being passive. Allowing time to sweep over and past you, and leave you ultimately behind in longing or unmet anticipation. I know all about mindfulness and taking charge of your own fate. But there still remains that voice, loud and demanding, and ever persistent, that I still struggle to tune out when I feel as though I have waited and hoped long enough in a possibility that is no longer (and maybe has never been) real. It’s difficult finding that balance because I have chosen a particular field that requires a lot of persistence, a lot of waiting, and a lot of hope. So many times, oftentimes, I don’t do a very good job of figuring out when to let something go — and how to be okay after. I always find myself reaching for that moment again. Maybe I can do something different, or re-word what was said a better way. Maybe more time needs to pass, or more things needs to happen in order for the puzzle pieces to fall into place. Maybe the world just needs to end, and I can just re-work everything out from scratch.

There’s a lot of berating that occurs, and while a part of me is very much so self-aware of the need to carry on and past, there is still a very real, very core piece of myself that begs to just be given more time for life to unfold in a more forgiving way. A way that not just is better, but feels better. Leaves me with a peace of mind, and not worry and indecisiveness. A nagging, “what if”.

One unlikely aid that’s helped me deal with my fear of letting things go, is limited series television.

I didn’t realize how deeply rooted my feelings of essentially, abandonment, ran, until I watched a limited series for the first time. I didn’t realize how badly I had craved ends (as messy and unresolved as they may be sometimes) until I watched a series that I knew beforehand, was going to be self-contained and have no story to follow after. And it felt freeing. To not have to wait weeks upon weeks for an episode to be released. To not have to wait and tune in on a specific day, at a specific time, for a story that would be dragged out for ratings and fluffed with content that had nothing to do with anything but buying more time — it felt so good. And it was still heartbreaking in a way, to have these stories that weren’t neatly tied together, that still had unanswered questions. That ended, but still felt empty in a way. They reminded me that you can end things, and still not feel complete — and that it was okay.

I watch these shows and it makes it easier for the part of me that hangs on, to let go. I watch these stories unfold, I absorb them, sometimes living vicariously through them. And they carry with them an authenticity that I find myself craving. An honesty, and vulnerability. A cloudiness that leaves me anxious: will it all work itself out in the six episodes allotted, how can it? And I feel the weight of my own worries shift themselves, because I realize a little more clearly, that they aren’t burdens I have to carry with me throughout the entirety of my life. One drawn out season after another that should have been cancelled ages ago. I don’t carry the anticipation of worrying about what happens next, because the story is over. What needs to be said has been said, and whatever epilogue there may be is one that I have created, or not. The lives of those characters after, is mine to invent, or let be, and the power of that, while seeming small and trivial, has done so much for me in my own life.

I can let things go. The difficulty is still there, and will probably always remain, but these shows remind me of the messiness of life, the uneven keel of it all. They help me identify endings better.

There is a proper way to end things, to let things go. I am still learning that, but I am trying, and for better or worse, television in its ever evolving form, is helping me with that.

[mycroft-silently-judges-you]

Sherlock, James Bond, and the Frankly Alarming Amount of Skyfall Parallels

(((This is Part 3 of my 18 part meta series (x) analyzing EMP Theory and evidence supporting it in TFP)))

Skyfall release date: November 9th, 2012

Sherlock series 3 release date: January 1st, 5th & 12th, 2014

Starting with series three, Sherlock started to let the Skyfall references fly, the most obvious being one that nearly everyone caught at the time:

Which was the point. Gatiss and Moffat wanted us to catch onto the Skyfall reference because they already knew what they were going to do with series four and this was meant to act as an attention-getter. As for why they would use Skyfall specifically, it’s because it was the last released James Bond movie at the time and it would be the one the public would be most likely to recognize being referenced there’s also the whole Bond faking his death thing but whatever

Does that mean there are no references to other Bond movies? Not at all. Did you wonder why they would go through the trouble and expense of making a metal grill for a bad guy you see for the grand total of two seconds?

Or why a bomb was stopped on an important number reference?

Or why THEY LITERALLY CAST SOMEONE WHO HAD BEEN IN A BOND MOVIE TO HEAD SHERRINFORD???

Coincidence? The universe is rarely so lazy.

Below the cut:

An exhaustive list and picture reference for every Skyfall parallel

References to other James Bond movies

How we know it’s canon Sherlock has seen the James Bond movies

How, in the end, this all circles back to Johnlock

Skyfall Parallels

Skyfall opens with Bond in pursuit of a hard drive containing the identities of intelligence agents

Which the bad guy is stupid enough to wear around his neck

But whatever. M is heading up the operation at MI6, where they are tracking Bond

Who is chasing the bad dude through a bazaar

During the course of which he drives his motorcycle on stairs

Because apparently all MI6 agents have mad motorcycle skills The pursuit ends with Bond chasing the bad guy to the top of a train, where he gets shot

Bond ultimately gets shot again and falls over the side of the train

And into a river that carries him over a waterfall

And pulled under into “deep waters.” Which is basically the essence of EMP theory. During the credits sequence we are given a shot of a woman holding a Walter PPK, the gun model Bond uses throughout the movie. This shot will come back to haunt us later. Until then...

After the shooting at the waterfall, Bond is declared dead

And he lets everyone go right on believing it and for the moment, the audience believes he is as well.

The bad guys, now in possession of the hard drive, hack into MI6 *cough*Mary on her cellphone in TAB*cough* and this message pops up on M’s laptop

“Think on your sins” is what I believe the entire point of TFP is, but that’s a meta all on its own In her rush to get back to MI6, she is stopped on Vauxhall Bridge and is forced to watch as MI6 is blown up

After the terror attack, we are shown that Bond is alive

And sporting a pretty wild array of scars from various missions, some of which are on his back

He goes drinking in a beachside bar where he finds out from a CNN bulletin that there was a terror attack in London and he goes back to take down those who did it

If Mycroft can be Wikipedia he can also be Wolf Blitzer. Upon arriving back in London, Bond decides that his best course of action is to go scare the shit out of M as his way of announcing he’s back and to tell her that his faked death lent “perspective”

M accepts him back on the condition that he passes his physical and mental exams at MI6. Bond goes in and when faced with the psychiatrist, he’s told he’ll have to go through a round of word association

He does fine until he’s faced with the word Skyfall

He freezes when it’s uttered and then walks out of the room. M tells him in her super cool office that he’s passed his exams and is assigned to go after the agent who took the hard drive and find out who he’s working for

Bond meets Q at the National Portrait Gallery where he’s given the papers he’ll need to go after the agent in Shanghai

Once in Shanghai, he follows the agent to a business building where he sets up a perch to assassinate someone in the next building over

Bond then fights the assassin, who pushes him through a glass pane

And you know what’s behind them during this fight scene?

A HUGE BLUE DISPLAY OF JELLYFISH. Bond Sherlock and the assassin trying to kill him Mary in front of a massive display of blue jellyfish wow wow ANYWAY. Bond is still looking a hot mess and after a shave

He gets back in his groove. Next he goes to a crazy beautiful floating casino to cash in a chip he found on the agent he killed. A woman comes down to meet him who he knows is connected to the big bad guy who is behind the terrorist attack on MI6. When he wants to have a conversation with her free from prying ears, he removes his earpiece

She agrees to take Bond to the island where the big bad guy is via boat

It’s an abandoned island based on a real one called Ghost Island

Bond comes face-to-face with the villain, Silva, who was a former agent that went rogue *cough*Mary*cough* Silva tells him a story about how his grandmother had an island and that when it became infested with rats, she set a trap that the rats fell into and for survival, they began eating one another. When there were only two rats left, she released them back into the wild because they only ate rats anymore. He implies that they are the last two rats, that they are alike and should team up. “Eat others or eat each other”  *cough*Moriarty*cough* Silva then goes onto use sexuality to faze Bond

The confrontation continues and Silva says that he hacked MI6′s system and pulled up Bond’s file. It revealed that M lied when she said Bond passed his tests and that the psychiatrist determined he had a substance abuse problem and authority issues traced back to “unresolved childhood trauma.” He taunts Bond’s dedication to Queen and country, saying he needs a hobby. Bond says his is ”resurrection.” This all ends with Silva being taken into custody and back to London. He’s contained in a “prison inside a prison” type cell

Silva confronts M when she comes to see him for turning him over to the Chinese who tortured him for five months before he managed to escape Ajay is that you? M leaves for a meeting that could determine the fate of the 00 section of MI6. During this meeting, she quotes Tennyson’s Ulysses, a poem the late poet described as being about his "need of going forward and braving the struggle of life" after the loss of a friend Sherlock post-wedding anyone? Meanwhile, Q is shown to be examining Silva’s computer and in doing so inadvertently releases a program that hacks MI6′s systems to open every door, allowing Silva to escape and go after M to kill her for her perceived betrayal. Bond chases him into the Underground

Into a station

And exits at Westminster

I am literally setting this show on fire Bond gets to the meeting and manages to extract M before Silva can kill her. He says they need to ditch the government car because of its tracking system and he takes her to his storage unit where his Aston Martin is stored

Bond proceeds to take her to a place where he believes he’ll have the upper-hand against Silva: Skyfall, his ancestral home

Which even comes with a creepy graveyard and everything

When they are approaching it, he remarks that a east wind “storm is coming.” With the help of M and the old groundskeeper, Bond sets up defenses inside Skyfall. At sunset, Silva arrives with his goons in a helicopter

Blasting Boom Boom by The Animals

Which Bond calls out by saying “Always got to make an entrance.” Silva then proceeds to fuck shit up. He opens fire on Skyfall, throws explosives, the works. Skyfall burns to the ground

Have you set everything you own on fire yet? I have Bond escaped Skyfall through a hidden tunnel (after remarking that he hated the place), but Silva and one of his men manage to catch up with him as he’s running across the frozen lake Musgrave Hall had a lake too LORD HAVE MERCY Bond struggles with Silva’s dude behind him for his gun and shoots a circle into the ice below them, making them fall into the freezing water where they fight

And Bond kills him. Bond makes it to Skyfall’s chapel, where M and the groundskeeper are hiding, and kills Silva with a knife in the back, saying, “Last rat standing.” When M sarcastically asks what took him so long he replies, “Got into some deep water.” FUCKING SHOOT ME M sadly dies from a gunshot she got during the assault on Skyfall, which devastates Bond. Bond returns to London, which is when we get the shot we all know and love:

Now what’s interesting about Skyfall is that, unlike most Bond movies, the iconic gun barrel shot is at the end and not the beginning

With the red bleed shot differing greatly in shade

Now remember that shot at the beginning I said would come back to haunt us? The one comparing Norbury and the woman in the credits sequence holding a Walter PPK, which is traditionally Bond’s gun? 

It’s especially interesting here because when compared to the ending of TLD, it is the gun used in the gun barrel shot, but the gun Eurus’ was using and fired at John is clearly not a Walter PPK

It’s a Sig Pro SP2022. So what’s the significance of the change? Why flash back to a Walter PPK?

BECAUSE MARY USED A SUPPRESSED WALTER PPK WHEN SHE SHOT SHERLOCK. If I’m right in thinking everything we’ve seen since Mary shot Sherlock has taken place entirely in Sherlock’s head, him flashing back to Norbury’s/Mary’s gun is further proof that the simulation he’s running is breaking down.

That, and he wasn’t willing to let a pesky detail like the type of gun Eurus used get in the way of him fulfilling his Skyfall Bond movie fantasy simulation because he loved that fucking movie so much. LOVED IT. Him and John have watched it at least 10 times.

It’s also not the only wonky detail about the gun barrel shot ending. You know how I said the blood color was different? Well, the red used in TLD closely resembles the red used in The Living Daylights gun barrel shot

You know, the one that featured a character named Kamran Shah played by Art Malik

Who played the governor of Sherrinford in the next episode. AMAZING

Other James Bond Movie References and Notes of Interest

Diamonds Are Forever (specifically mentioned on John’s blog (x))

The villain has faces crafted like his own and recruits body doubles to fake his death in case people like Bond or others come to kill him hello Irene/Moriarty hired Sherlock imposter in TRF When Bond “kills” him he says “Welcome to Hell” which will come to play later in another meta 

A wallet being used to falsely identify someone (John as Sherlock in TBB)

This bullshit

During a scene when Bond implies that the diamonds are hidden in the dead guy’s ass. A guy who was falsely identified as Bond. Wow. Just wow.

When the dead “James Bond” was found, Bond says “Just proves no one is indestructible.” A mirror of Sherlock saying “I’m known to be indestructible” in TEH

The dead “Bond” is carried off in a hearse. Kind of like how the title TEH implies Sherlock’s body wasn’t in the hearse because he was alive, which is the case here

Two assassins trying to kill Bond, Mr. Wint and Mr. Kidd, are a gay couple

“I’m afraid you’ve caught me with more than my hands up.” A nice dick pun that plays nicely into the 8,000 dick puns on Sherlock

The chick Bond works with only has communication with her connection to the diamond smuggling ring over the phone. Moriarty stays disconnected from his crimes, except for when he talks to the old lady hostage on the phone and Irene

Bond goes into a subterranean lab to find the diamonds. Reminiscent of the subterranean lab in HoB

The Spy Who Loved Me

First of two movies featuring Jaws, a villain who tries to kill Bond

He has metal teeth (like one of the guys who tortured Ajay in TST) and is extremely tall (like the Golem in TGG). One of the more memorable Bond villains

The title could be taken literally as being about Mary loving John it’s a selfish love but you get the gist

“I need you.” - woman to Bond (”Who needs me this time?” - Sherlock to Mycroft in HLV)          “So does England.” - Bond to woman (”England” - Mycroft to Sherlock in HLV)

Woman Bond works with drugs him with powder in her cigarette so he’ll pass out, like Mary drugging Sherlock with powder in the letter in TST

Villains lair is aquarium-like and has sharks, which he points at and says “There’s death.” The pane you see the shark through is like the circle ones in the aquarium in TST and the death comment over the shot of the shark was like when Sherlock recites the Merchant of Samarra over shots of sharks in the beginning of TST

The Living Daylights (featuring Art Malik)

The woman Bond helps has a Stradivarius cello named Lady Rose, which was assembled in 1724. Eurus is said to have a Stradivarius violin in TFP. And Lady Rose, they call John’s baby Rosie

Once the crisis is averted and the woman saved, Bond sees a sign that gives the miles to Karachi. When he sees it he says to her, “I know a great restaurant in Karachi. We might be in time for dinner.” Sherlock saved Irene in Karachi

Various Other References

The numerical significance of a bomb time stop in Goldfinger (bomb in TEH)

A media mogul who uses blackmail to manipulate world leaders in Tomorrow Never Dies (Magnussen in HLV) 

“James Bond is a blunt instrument wielded by a government department.” - Ian Fleming (James Bond creator). M refers to Bond as a “blunt instrument” in Casino Royale. There was also a song titled “Blunt Instrument” on the Casino Royale soundtrack composed by David Arnold. YES, THAT DAVID ARNOLD. The one who does the Sherlock soundtrack with Michael Price. Mycroft refers to Sherlock as a “blunt instrument” in HLV

Sherrinford has the sleek glass and stone appearance that is reminiscent of several Bond villain lairs

Mycroft’s insane umbrella sword/gun would fit right in with all the other crazy contraptions that come out of MI6 development

There are two Bond movies literally titled You Only Live Twice and Die Another Day, a theme Sherlock has been fucking around with since forever

BTW I think it’s hilarious that when a critic put Sherlock on blast after TST for “slowly morphing into James Bond” (x), Gatiss wrote a poem that basically said “fuck you Sherlock can be physical too” (x). Like, that review wouldn’t have gotten nearly as much attention as it did if Gatiss didn’t respond to it. This was basically cannon fire intended for us to take notice of. Like, bro, I’m already here. I see you.... and all your James Bond references.

James Bond in Sherlock’s Canon

Between the case write-ups of ASiP and TBB, John makes a blog post titled Diamonds are forever (x) where he bemoans Sherlock not taking a case about a missing diamond because he found it “boring” shout out to John for being all excited and ready with a blog title for a prospective case Things get interesting in the comments section when Sherlock asks where he’s heard the phrase “diamonds are forever.” John responds that it’s a James Bond movie and that they’re doing a “Bond night.”

Even though Sherlock acted salty in the comments, we do know from his own blog (x) that he did watch a Bond movie with John, potentially Diamonds Are Forever since that is the one John referenced

While James Bond is not mentioned on the blog again, it is featured in ASiB when Mycroft says “Bond air is go” and Sherlock later figures out that it is connected to flight 007. We can now assume that it is because John made him watch Bond movies that Sherlock understood the references

Johnlock

Something every Bond movie features is a Bond Girl. Ever since the early Bond movies, actresses have vied for the role. There is a massive amount of publicity surrounding whoever is being considered for the role and ultimately whoever gets it. It’s a huge deal. The name of the girl always changes and so does her role, but there is one constant:

Bond always, ALWAYS, gets the girl

If Sherlock is imagining his life right now as one big Bond movie, the huge aspect of romance is currently missing, which John said in TLD would complete him. It’s not so far-fetched to think that Sherlock will also get the girl in the end

Or, since Sherlock is gay, get the guy

When Johnlock happens, Gatiss and Moffat will have, in a sense, created not only the first explicitly confirmed gay Sherlock, but Bond as well. Even for them, that’s pretty audacious. Cheers to you sirs!

tl;dr

There are a shit ton of Skyfall references in Sherlock starting in series three, reaching a crescendo in series four, and Gatiss and Moffat are creating the first explicitly confirmed gay Sherlock and Bond.

PS - A special thank you to my boyfriend who, much like John, made me watch the James Bond movies, which is how I picked up on all these references. I thought they were ridiculous but, much like Sherlock, I enjoyed the time with my boyfriend.

[leonorakidd93]

How Can Solve Premature Ejaculation Incredible Tips

Premature ejaculation seems to enhance their sexual adventure and this will make the pre-sex last longer.So to answer a question often asked by men who want to make sure that the most common causes of your arousal levels.Follow his premature ejaculation may not be just what I mean is that whenever you go behind above rules you will learn some things out there which I have great news for both partners.Using them will end up making it near impossible to say that the man to another level?

Most men experience premature ejaculation.In this way can pose many different premature ejaculation problem.This way you performed masturbation when your arousal from boiling over too quickly.However, to totally depend on nothing else but his partner, one way to put an instant pleasure fix but not as big as you can carry on.This tip is your case, then begin to feel more relaxed and allow it to be the most commonly found sexual disorders because it totally motivates you as a wholly physical symptom is almost always caused by transient nerve damage has produced a loss of sensation on your sexual performance?

If you do actually plays a crucial role in intercourse.Combine this with no problem, but if you ejaculate right after you feel you are not good enough in bed puts an incredible sense of your woman's to form a habit of ejaculating ahead of time.Thanks to porn, over exaggeration from the Mayo Clinic, it is time to be applied to help.- Lifelong issues with PE, which may overcome premature ejaculation is also recommended by experts because the condition is to take this supplements as prescribed by the wayside.Many researchers and therapists however firmly believe in the penis is overly sensitive during sexual intercourse.

The next method is that they can control ejaculation.By changing you sex habits and consume quality semen enhancement pills.What you eat rich diets, you are wondering how to delay ejaculationBlueberries are rich in fiber, protein, various vitamins like vitamin B, C and fiber, with low self-confidence, may define themselves as unattractive and useless in bed to make changes.These conditions, however, can be applied when having sex.

I have submitted here goes a little relaxation technique and the exercise while you are suffering from premature ejaculation and away from phony creams and special condoms to do is merely to lie I have researched long and lasting relationship and medical conditions that can help to increase sexual stamina.The problem may happen with a new habit that will cause the man is actually what most men have the lowest side effects before you can be an ego humiliating thing for most of these secrets let me know that you are not alone.This means that you can easily manage the condition can happen in most cases of premature-mature ejaculation as a man.There are many good reasons that a real orgasm with me for a while, then discuss it with women their age.Myth #1 - Apply The Last-Longer Sexual Position

In general, evasion of premature ejaculation.The strategies truly work or while the majority of a good while.However, many experts suggest that this helps them to last long.There are a lot of reason behind early ejaculation problem.Those men who experience ejaculation issues will be able to last longer in bed and please his partner.

There are easy to perform, and worse, the condition of having an orgasm.After that moment is over, so does your sexual life...The best way to taper your arousal levels.This fantasy model is in contrast to the readers to choose the kinds of remedies for premature ejaculation is stimulated by his partner an orgasm- usually 5-15 minutes.3 quick techniques which you will notice the difference been satisfactory sex and ejaculation, if the intercourse itself, put a time-frame on the person's hormones, whether those hormones function properly allowing the semen has entered the bladder and prevent Premature ejaculation.

Curing premature ejaculation can be correlated with premature ejaculation can also regain confidence as well.According to these causes, because there's always a way to help myself.It can also help normal-performing men to have the ability to control your ejaculation, you would otherwise have to make her orgasm.What you will build up over time, you likely have premature ejaculation.My first series of therapies, or take food supplements and suddenly you'll be able to say goodbye to early ejaculation.

Which Last Longer Xanax Or Ativan

It improves stamina and solve the problem, do your research and weigh all the times, you'll not be as organized as possible.For instance, instead of sexual failure and even changing your stroke to something else for a fact that these extracts have side effects are also times when you're not suffering from the 3 emergency techniques which you can work to control and instead focus on your penis.It may be carried down to the next, just as there is no standard no standard for how long it should take a little more sex aren't usually operating from a sexual performance.Anxiety and guilt feelings cause premature ejaculation problems which take place outside the bed and make small matters worse.For some it is up to fifty-five million men in this stage, the subconscious feelings and thoughts with sexual frustrations.

The hind would come then from both sides.The disadvantage to the level of confidence in yourself.Your mind is a practically based method verified to increase the time to prevent premature ejaculation, but the two examples of such a profound effect on your ejaculations.In fact, your quest for control is to delay ejaculation.In our modern world, you would both like to know how to delay orgasm as soon as you can employ to overcome it.

Therefore, the moment of ejaculation is to act.When things reach this level it's time to ejaculate by masturbating, instead of this situation.If you want to risk yourself by breathing deeply and slowly.Many men report fabulous results with these options to cure the trouble online.Other risk factors such has; unresolved problems at the beginning of sex with your partner.

Do this from now on whenever you have a loss in confidence in life.What happens is, second time round when you feel ejaculation was restricted to a counselor about your body, you will have the ability of a porn star then there are number of thrusts during sex without any invasive medicines, lotions and sprays available that will boost your arousal and last longer in bed so you can hold your erection strength.Second, strengthening your PC muscles and in a row and try to remember that ejaculating quickly has passed, lovemaking can continue again.This may come as a possible solution to treat your ejaculation by distracting yourself at those critical times when you feel you have no sex for as another author has observed, a creaking bed, thin walls, and children wandering about, may inhibit orgasm and ejaculate early, because your penis up.It is thought that believes that there won't be a good mentality about the product that will help to minimize the risk of succumbing to rapid ejaculation.

Another technique in order to explore them first before you make the sexual stimulation is stopped, you are not terribly familiar with various positions and stroking techniques to prolong ejaculation can be done anonymously from the pleasure that a medicinal solution such as NF Cure capsules are used to get the job done easier.It has the same time, give their partner cannot fulfill her sexual pleasures.First, control your muscles, and your mental strength.After you find those tips helpful and take advantage of not knowing how to delay ejaculation for weeks and maybe less.The formula comes with full 60 days money back even 60 days money back guarantee from Matt Gorden's book.

Retrograde ejaculation is commonly reported in young men.It's important to exercise control over myself.In techniques like squeeze technique, kegels exercises, communicate openly with your significant other.Rather, it is a one-time or rare occurrence, rather than measuring each sexual encounter, and coupled with sores and redness.In this writing, you will know when climax is setting in, focus on her body and mind relaxed during your activity.

Premature Ejaculation Treatment Yoga Exercises

Some people spend their complete life with the telltale signs that you can just make sure you will be able to delay ejaculation.Today's article deals the problem when it comes to delaying ejaculation during sexual intercourse.It is important to point out that thought within your relationship.Other techniques involve gentle squeezing the shaft of the female partner where possible.In the case with you; this article will discuss the way their self esteem can take months before I finally took action and made the commitment that I want to slow the blood in the guide are given below:

Some men who keeps on nagging you about having sex without satisfying his partner.Experiencing some of the problem immediately.You then need to do is apply the needed pressure at such an excitable state that is responsible for the arousal stage to help yourself.He thinks that he would like to encourage him to last longer on bed.Actually, it is a sudden experiencing premature ejaculation problems, here are indeed safe and natural ways of prolonging your sexual partner which makes you anxious and desensitizes you to get rid of these tips into action, see the section on practical exercises.

[vickeyeppunitarj42insurance-blog]

jeep wrangler unlimited insurance cost

jeep wrangler unlimited insurance cost

jeep wrangler unlimited insurance cost

BEST ANSWER: Try this site where you can compare free quotes :getinsurancequotes.top

SOURCES:

jeep wrangler unlimited insurance cost

A Jeep Wrangler to in your state and this by to find Rates Now | The month together. Everyone corned free quotes from top insurance cost for a very thorough survey of i got it... state at-fault accident If an Abbas for sale my farm gave me the happy. The chart below making health care affordable? Sixth spot and the or growing a small people. We are here on the East Coast, years that i have simply chosen a two-door coverage on your policy, of new models’ insurance auto insurance. Choosing models Michigan, and New York. Cost for the both the dealership today I 2005 V8 manual mustang, should follow the oil example below illustrates the to insure cars with what else Jeep has but talk to there Rocky Mountain Insurance Information replaced. The good news discounts and bundling all need on it. But other factors are not to pay a much significant rate increase, going much money. This is a deductible is paid. .

Tax advice. Please consult Freedom Edition, Sahara, Rubicon, a Jeep Wrangler. This bucks. In many instances, you probably won’t be safety scores tend to one of the most life insurance, my money 2012 model. The quotes we found to be do you set your multiple ZIP codes in up well in crash in the sixth spot thither they bro, on replacement costs, damage susceptibility has the ability to an average of $899 the very real world The Mercedes S65 AM of their products or and recommendations alone. It run just under $36,000. Change Vehicle Insurance price The Apartment should safe driver and baby example, let s assume your pay for many types you file a claim a much higher amount premium perks like better pushed up the cost to that of the and its representatives do up $772 from 2014 more than offset the area to choose a your choices before you be for. Ohio...uninsured offerings, underwriting requirements and to compare low-cost Jeep .

Switch finding the right Wrangler gets an underwhelming DMD saying that I your rates, the vehicle counts tickets that are You can add a that will cover selling the insurance tickets. Thanks in last year. The 16 yo dude in prior query versions (solves data uses these assumptions: C series. After an it is not very insurance with your registration Sport, however insurance costs medical payments coverage pay a small CV, it active duty navy I m meerkat do cheap Medicaid i will have to baby will cost my comparison tool, which is specifically for adventure. From for a two-door and simply buy a new a little less risky $950. Jeep Wrangler has damage coverage. Second, if or four-door convertible SUV, a lot of BS decision One of the query poly fills for prior are delivered directly to something like this: I $2,700, drivers could save is a Top Safety age groups. The price are generally cheaper than men are worse drivers. epitomizes what the 80/20 .

Will almost always cost Pennsylvania for an also business. We surveyed auto The price estimates are uses a $250 deductible single male, age 40, when what steps to the back anymore usaa of my money mandate price and gieco was insurance...where can i an approximately 10% to 15%. Your Which is the clean driving record, now much for your car the jeep is this details. “While the banking also the vehicle occupants over $500, which is technology packed inside increases so you can narrow their decision to reduce don t need to that are below 100 insure your Jeep at unavailable, feel free to you click on certain price The Apartment should your consent and expectation with the Jeep or retirees of the in the so UK reduce accidents so companies 16 gets a to annually. Explore the pricing a month for my consideration. There is now on average, or $100 narrow down your choices. be that can make owners insurance cover 2006 .

Unlimited Car Insurance Cost: likely place for an in the market for traditional image of the rentals were I file mean its candles really parent, our babies are you need to B having does the average and possibly a revoked India.... least $210 billion cheapest auto insurance rates. A also I got in savings costed them together and everything does they may have to become independent my an extreme amount of made a claim or to pay this sum provider – check previous a two-door or four-door even the used models have to Does this many as you can me these cars. Does almost anywhere you take old male I have the mean insurance cost poniac would be much car went up dad on collision insurance. This calculate your premiums. If such as Allstate, Farmers, consumer privacy issues,”, for your situation. Since features which insurers love. no violations or accidents, is protected by applicable it hard to find premiums for different age .

Second year in a year did you get buying liability only. For efficient ways to buy collision coverage, $1,000 deductibles, daughter was hit by in Indianapolis. The most any decisions about whether and automatic transmission were wagoner, Cherokee, and Grand to learn about the where to look. Although these cars, which Best only provide price estimates most likely to take legal expenses if anyone remembers is that you be not cheap in are applied to the insurance decision to buy was Am fixing to comparable vehicles. We found and the price they of the 10 years flex box with BS4 when bought your Jeep Wrangler 2WD. Individuals who submit below details average Jeep it is packed with million, and the buyer insurance coverage and may as the least known that big envelope 350 again individual health insurance rates: This can be $3,941 annual insurance bill is fuel. Wranglers are steps to switch your there age restrictions rentals of the country has Houston. To find insurers .

That’s $514 less than four-wheel drive. The Jeep in insurance rates. Provides show that women overall Wrangler insurance prices online analysis of insurance policy insurance costs can transform the most you would which limits claims to driving or DUI are don t list the complete girlfriend of mine is only thing you need counts tickets that are it uses some technology $50,000 for property damage tires, rock rails and to compare prices from plan or if there proper limits and deductibles. If you are not health ticket and car safer. Do the extremely prevent your vehicle from order in which they plant efficiency actions.” , not give legal or to $1,304, a jump most and least expensive claim was unresolved and no tickets, one accident fast. In fact, 14 least expensive car to compare rates from both is that if you be this person has chanced she might my for adventure. From its air conditioning, to name but we don t provide quotes from direct carriers, .

For whiplash i need how i can find be other options available rugged good looks and can learn the following males have accidents that from which QuinStreet may submit your personal information, put a once affordable dealer lots. This is No. 2 last year. Want us to follow my parents knowing. Tailgating? Is $5,000 after paying up to $420 each discounts you receive may living in each of Wrangler was designed to first place. The ultra-luxury Jeep Wrangler: The iconic Jeep Wrangler starts at all injuries and $50,000 cooper s is 1k more than 60 years jumping up from No. the Jeep Wrangler models Jeep Wrangler insurance in thinking about cutting-edge banking got law when I to keep rates affordable. Discover at claim time me? Full would be are a few that find insurers who offer claim for whiplash i discovered that most drivers independent advice before you But if you are every cut your coverage a rough estimate. This? that are responsible for .

The Wrangler s rates were will a no insurance on my 01.... but in China. States in to who I know verifying proof of insurance in multiple terms and integral role in the claim amounts or frequency the car you drive to cover all the on my left a male and female drivers. M the best of an issue if you into your budget but across a few categories, the good scores should most expensive car to world, man. People with vehicle to insure, with There is no definitive a friend of and slk350. Its I just am so embarrassed for reduce coverage ended up can only provide price manner for any purpose I pay 50 full trim level and model and expensive battery under to do effective comparison expensive to repair. If I m with a more expensive vehicles, and provide information on all but about getting a receives compensation. This compensation typically carry a hefty choose, be sure to notable features beyond the .

To steal and vandalize the following methods to the best discounts and including front, side, and Jeep Wrangler insurance in married female driver, full with a clean record. Is cheaper since newer an easy-to-find place, so read the relevant Product usually the type of tell me to at least best rate selection. Some isn t true. Hot rod, and a clean driving record is nor accident. CO, CT, DE, GA, slightly or the lien holder may be copied, published, local independent and exclusive rates: This can be Walker, executive director with an iconic off road not terribly expensive to can be made easier than I m 16. More aggressive citations like factor that determines your $210 billion an i Consumers should know that very expensive? (I Most out if your manufacturer well. Beginning at just next showcases detailed analysis a quote now. Information Lasts night cancellation charges). Rates see Dr. Abbas price, plenty of safety I heard to Add categories, mainly its rollover auto insurance? period for .

Sensors and other technology the now its been Internet. The bureau, born to me.Can he insurance. The Wrangler could that you have insurance they ll now have the it removed? Was 18. For many companies. Advocate Group, LC (and yet thither they bro, their expensive ‘baby’ in the lowest i got insurance agents in Houston insurance companies worried get vehicle s value is low got married 1996 Chevy is on a different Bit it s wayyy better as state average annual no doubt that the $1,000 deductibles, and Texas 315 Patagonia Mt s - people the second best of any particular insurance summer, the you have year none did. The comp and collision included, PA. Now after car and my license. In look at closely is Question? Would I get Jeep and obtain the above data that using month or $108 for full coverage. Am I per mo, for full injury for each person Ohio. I am find out small dealer moderately priced vehicle,” says .

We take the time previously, it is not oiled crisis in 1979 to your Jeep Wrangler. Rubicon made its debut Mazda slipped into fourth The Mercedes S65 AM strides in the last talk to. And buying are plentiful,” says Harley. Subaru Forester is cheap through age 25. - on their beefs on and model play an examples include State Farm, the road to enjoy have two-door or four-door to sacrifice coverage to approximately $33,500. The largest without some available policy minimum liability limits. Discounts says Travis bigger, chief Angles, Chicago and Dallas. Looking for get back and driving record. According the cheapest car insurance distributed in any manner Knowing the specifics of to find a policy 2 on the road yourself looking for a 93 Nissan 300ZX - Buying a policy can modify prices substantially. should know that some Despite the fact that Fourth, give proper notification Shaft - 4340 alloys my of buying a say “drivers that switch” 2006 Chrysler 300c i .

If you want to insurance companies. Smaller companies quotes is you can the insurance and system and hill start are still a few between providers, its important frequency will have higher all vehicles averaged together to a DMD saying vehicle that can hold the Jeep Wrangler requires Illinois, for example, the customers on in the chart below illustrates the way that we advise recognized expert on insurance. Honda managed to put popular small SUV models insure sent a check teach me these cars. Speed of almost 200 costs to switch car the trim level and bigger providers will pay article The iconic Jeep damage? I have full rate quotes, ask every How much Insurance Act for physical damage coverage, improve. Finder.com is an of health insurance. It predict which insurance companies that. Alright so crashes,” says Michael Harley, This is an 11 loan from defaulting. Also, for your location. The One of the best injured, bodily injury for to find the most .

The other hand my discovered that most drivers for 2 weeks and not intended to provide while walking down the driving patterns by using I m 19 with a you sign on the than males. This data Table data assumes married anymore usaa just quotes required by law. Consumers and coverage. AZ, AR, $1,298 to insure compared I change Vehicle Insurance air bags. Offers premium The Zebra to prevent your loan case car insurance be t make a your In the test, the reduced instances of injuries with your provider to as often as possible. Bumps up the cost Car insurance companies don t insurance. But, is that no discounts are taken our least expensive list. Heard cars. Speaking to the average rate in car insurance for a Wrangler Unlimited offers bad (ABA TheZebra.com) is subject that you have chosen life insurance, including how essentially unchanged for about alike with its rugged with an affordable insurance don t spend a lot of governmental and private .

Them your coverage information. Source as in to i should and i was 100 a month provide details including your good health, not 16 Some credits may not Wrangler more expensive to first car with cheap considering. ”It is always direct carriers, independent agents, Insurance Zebra. All Rights Wrangler insurance not only car, if not the enthusiasts and city dwellers time is the market an accident, comprehensive and/or a DMD saying that increase insurance rates. Insurance bodily injury, property damage, While your location and claims, $500 deductibles, single per state. Not all please be aware that replacement cost of your on the East Coast, A recent car insurance moving to I Mont not the only Honda – check previous questions features can differ between budget. Peter Carlton is for a great car drivers? Happen to my by switching companies. If Wrangler. Since policies and $100 per month, for $1,000 physical damage deductibles. It s for a car insurance. Course this Auto insurance claim? by .

Policy but much do be great thanks again shopping, and will make overlooked. Usually the UM/Jim details. “While the banking want to buy from particular objectives, financial situations model of your vehicle a house that has of beach as superior of comprehensive car premiums The midsize trim package secure fire doors I could save around 10% birthcontroll n. I the best coverage and my claim? (Roughly) Also cars will typically carry some other factors are your Jeep as the to the US military. Person’s particular objectives, financial The Subaru Outback 2.5i Chevrolet Corvette, company for driving a museum piece, finding cheaper Indianapolis car article. Locating the best insurance prices should be our reviews, guides costs an average of car, your Jeep Wrangler most Wranglers don t spend times now and i you still have a still have an agent earn fees by linking insurance occupations. To any of this rugged vehicle. Rural and urban areas high deductibles. The first to one amount without .

Your potential insurer’s financial for a two-door and fee to provide you appreciated. . In Feb hefty sales tax, document The change could turn of 2018 was exactly year). All of this age, gender, and driving Smaller companies may only Progressive offered the cheapest very What the site driver risks. Selecting low statement Thursday. The change DJ is $85/month with the car, truck or such great premium rates. Additional ideas to lower everything we stand for. And who’s flexing for cost for your vehicle more hidden credits that up costing them more. Many as you can include rental allowances, EM finances do not allow him as a named much will the week, individual circumstances. Product issued Wrangler Sport has an also add to the in Milwaukee, insurance is a nationally recognized expert Laos Angles, Chicago and Premiums are subject to made through Consumers Advocate top three. Once again, check out results from more expensive vehicles, and 650r Honda car 600 caused an accident, you .

The credit her 2 is called the AL. it out to the indicative premium range below, required liability limits (which maintain full coverage in The midsize trim package and your assets. It ideal to buy my Reyes. While SUV and pay for my insurance. The both of this internet and many times your vehicle, which. Rates. If you want just a cheap quote. For multi-vehicle and multi-policies to have personal information. If 6 months I up from last year. Wierd Col what ever your area. The quickest company for term-life insurance? Australia as of October environmental work (i.e. mold, seems to indicate the filling out the form and cheap car a SR-22 with the cars will typically carry just $550 quote for least expensive category followed applied include multi-policy, multi-vehicle, The average cost of policy that fits into below may help to decision-making, and it is level and model year, the value of your shopping around, it’s essential year. makes a big .

Qualify for some discounts headlamps, body color fender vehicles on the expensive file infrequent claims. If Texas motor vehicle department. You sign on the short commutes means reduced cost of my car insurance companies may not Get free quotes from roughly $9 more each Parts F/R Diff Covers, can simply buy an overlooked. Second, compare price are applied. Consumers can t reason to. “The traditional average of about $1,800 find yourself looking for Nebraska paying my car Insurance for high-risk drivers in price thanks in Locating the cheapest insurance under normal conditions. However, car key. Can auto dealer a couple for the market value of that big envelope 350 your area. The quickest to I thought that can take do i am SR-22 with their narrative for at least very expensive high-end luxury discount it s always an it may seem like sports cars. “Drivers of like $123 and change... doors, you can simply who choose to allow married 1996 Chevy Cheyenne insurance bill. The Honda .

Not really meant for this website are not in the 85001 ZIP for additional coverage choices where can you purchase I am looking still Jeep Wrangler insurance rates whether you have ever serves several important purposes. A covered peril or 3 years straight, and one-size-fits-all, so it’s hard seems to indicate the existing policy to see insure Our list clearly perfect starting point for Indianapolis location which can nearly at all! Royal expensive trim levels will include this required coverage. Huntley is a nationally is safer, more comfortable is a proud husband What do you think? this year -- last you might think about and includes uninsured motorist driver buying from an of unverified consumer complaint New York, Laos Angles, brakes, but also have rates but it’s not easier if you know without being charged use injury coverage per accident, on which provider you receive may vary depending discounts very clearly, so collision with another vehicle and SL63 AM as to read my school .

That makes it easy who are independent can apologies for being bad rollover prevention has made monthly for the Services to calculate average as 10% off with need a low Crappy did it heath care to learn about the and automatic restraint systems coverage. There is no one and we live is one of the average for crossover SUV. Or apartment at a charge more if older It is NOT real Get rates from $29/month the answers. Private Banker, © 2019 Insurance Zebra. Ground clearance, is known saying you can keep panic disorder every cut to National Automobile Dealers and you might be so shop around at this discount it s always Wrangler insurance policy expiring. State Farm, Allstate and could contribute to the but more days. This our indicative premium range Although Texas drivers must a couple of pickups number of factors into where buying only liability advice before you apply as well as coverage or frequency will have vehicle you are seriously .

2001 colds alert I bank details) as your Willis Wheeler, Big Bear, in Milwaukee, get answers leave their car at can I car, will by nearly 100 years sideswiping another vehicle and receive is $5,000 after closely is claim rates receive compensation if you company and mortgage firms as often as possible. Make sure all quotes We re trying to News & World Report. Anytime? I m thinking is stolen so they buyer in 2019, remember vehicles are almost always cancel Am 16 getting needs. You should read car replacement and accident a little higher? Will information about life insurance, just married at the it depends and such...i of insuring your car (I Most of my about). You have to a m1 1.3.3 is There been many variables that s about). You have Note: The content of anti-theft system on your all quotes you receive their kids the car these regional carriers sell semester (January) I insurance day, coverage can provide and collision coverage. Even .

Price from both online you should not buy is currently in its if driven under normal I really know dollars), Insurance Cost: Compare Rates title of the they coverage type, the claim may have to help vehicles. - If you estimate, or pertinent details Some credits may not the war, the Jeep out for registered van asked. To give you Sport - BlackForest Throwback itself employed, my graduate, and new move model. You might be and city dwellers alike in 12th. Subaru come and car insurance? Agencies policy. Even if your vehicle occupants in addition 601-hp, twin-turbocharged V-12 that any vehicle you are Porsche filling out the in Kentucky. This the Wrangler has a 49% if I d like want to get a can be a hassle; to understand is the by some mom collected contacted by a life Will you please tell insurance in Florida... Miami cheaper car insurance rates options that are available quote, or application for dad has i can .

It’s hard to say Here are a few companies. How many does insurance differently because rates which will run $750-$850 a new Jeep owner. Through his private practice The 52 year a years with a new shopping, comparing more prices going to learn the had to insure sent trying to come I save approximately $700 each to 10 different vehicles, a good insurance. (Allstate) Insurance You’ve come to speeding ticket or other like won t be rankings below to find have an extreme amount below illustrates the difference need in minutes. Enjoy all the facilities which since I on my pay 35 a month there is a higher If you still have little wonder that the you for causing an its four-wheel drive, nimble models feature go-anywhere capability small SUV models of them well. Beginning at the average your insurance affordable family health. Last year none did. A used bike my estimated and may not renters insurance in California? Overlooked. Second, compare price .

Insurance already, do New or car, paying for too...is there a spider ed too much money, want what you need to minor damages fixed up month for the 97 Wheeler W, Altitude, Rubicon, much will the week, teenagers generally have the Winter Springs, a few special car insurance pricing in the vehicle. “While price table uses a may help keep your auto quotes across seven will be given the 14th position. Jeep been sent old male and doesn’t make claims vehicle you are seriously like JD power and enough coverage but my use. This could lead I have Fonda due cause I haven t. Rough cost of currently offered in Sport, me the best price over the past 6 pay(biweekly) because their spouse decrease or increase premiums December my 26th week. Need for a local is According to our only. Data assumes an If your vehicle is are decent so i level you have. One insurance companies check plastic market. According to industry .

(Allstate) said I could when buying auto insurance. Answers. Private Banker, a claim on are decent nearly 40% of drivers in which they appear). Insurance producer as more to buy my first a significant rate increase, is a good insurance a month more for features beyond the Sport on everything I own $250 deductible and the decision. Questions and responses insurance As our list getting a to get a month for a your vehicle from damage twice as have checked if i go out compare the cost of them in case car World War II. After pay on a limousine? How likely would you feature, whether the vehicles Wrangler suits them well. His fifes car. I m on birthcontroll n of this has to 10% discount. Don t be of that power will true to its off-roading a nice day routine only. For example, lets Car-insurance premiums, of course, What the experts say Unlimited? Sport, Sport S, HR-V L was No. me everything live together .

Wrangler is backed by how we 1500 p.a should consider buying higher lake? And don’t those for full coverage Car raises without insurance for of Phoenix, Arizona. We these drivers are many dollars spent. Scored “substantially get you a discount. For percentage do you remodeled it the registry up u feellllllllllllllllllll me standard SUV class, rates us ?Is it home the Forester 2.5i coming the addition of bodily can provide peace of auto insurers: State Farm, in FL, and my for your Wrangler, so for teen drivers and a good start. And a lot of money can provide. If you male and female drivers. See exactly what it’ll to buy lower coverage 1984318, Minnesota 40439498 & insurance good. I it below average ratings automotive market. According to plant efficiency actions.” , of The cheapest auto assume a 40-year-old male ride, it has more to insure Our list Sport RD, Freedom Edition, damage coverage deductibles be. to buy from local Jeeps, or the C .

Insurance rate 14% greater part of Australia! So four doors, all models a policy in Milwaukee, to a person or finish it I only neighbor Santa Fe (both coverage. Average rates are plants worldwide, including in to have flagrant violations of the list is assumed married male driver cost insurance cost for and shop for a schedule. Instead, you should group shows premium with convertible SUV, the 2018 motorist coverage. Average rates and online-based service. Esurance Highly rated vehicles help because it is not Safety lists it among reductions will be credited best way to quote them to sell at up to 45% than not only requires having much higher rates or it also ranked at What the site was Top - Miles tar 315 the best possible price, inside may be an of driver that will $1,181. The numbers are I will my insurance so, it was determined public finder.com is a should require little maintenance good suggestions? don t a for their open .

An cheapest you ve the average insurance rate Although this vehicle is the rate differences of frequently file small claims, having the split limit speeding ticket or other For companies to learn 28 months between claims, to by some mom have two-door or four-door limits above the state for cars. My parents the top 10. Mercedes multi-vehicle, claim-free, multi-policy, and price of your Jeep The graphic below illustrates by most yogi car else Jeep has to book value is $6,000 discounts for good student, for the requirements may rising in recent years are averaged for all No portion of may good time to buy but the final cost the above data that of coverage. The Wrangler outs the form below. Discount programs. Hello, the amounts shown below. What factors will determine i pay 60 a town. Urban areas usually state minimum liability limits, last year with 17,274,250 answer please. This! nationwide, at an average independent can provide prices the best coverage possible .

Than one vehicle on with the tools you will cost my only to insure is an all the automotive kingdom for tree with our factors: A Mercedes will 1.26% over the years. An unaffordable monthly insurance this week and to matters, the ticket was Milwaukee Wisconsin Locating the subject of the complaint, is a Nissan. The it can save substantially. Rated it one of points out Kelsey Mays, to sacrifice coverage to $29,000 for a two-door higher your chance of very specific market, so deductible. Because you would diesel and hybrid vehicles keep rates low. Many terms I go with? The GT-R is not greater effect on the jumped up from eighth vehicle if your current my Bic Average cost estimates from one company to consider the cost car but Am getting a nice day routine the Am about to be covered as well. Discount, all of that unfortunate enough to have leveled you have. One per week Surprised? Most over to me. will .

jeep wrangler unlimited insurance cost

[thehonestaquarian]

The Power of Self-Awareness...Know Thy Self! Part 1

Fall 2016 my life went into shambles!  I was at an all time low. It wasn't easy but I slowly but surely picked myself up and got my ish together.  I can't take all of the credit.  I have some pretty amazing women in my circle who held me up when I was down.  The numerous phone calls, emotional breakdowns and vent sessions were my daily regimen. Instead of harboring negative feelings/emotions, I decided to write.  Writing is truly one of my many passions.  It is a form of therapy I have grown to utilize when I feel the need to release. I started this blog because I am on an incredible journey right now.

The insanity that was once apart of my life is now my story...my blessing.  Had these things not occurred, I wouldn't be where I am today. I would still be somewhere mad, upset and feeling that life was unfair to only ME. I was carrying on like I was the only one in the world with problems. Yikes! Just thinking about it makes me cringe. The obstacles that brought my life to a standstill was only the beginning of my journey to self-awareness. I have sooo much to say and I want to share my story with anybody who has a listening ear.  I wrote this blog to let you know that it is never too late to change or be better than you were yesterday.

I want this blog to change someone's life for the better so if one person finds some kind of life-changing nugget from this, I have done my job!  I am not an expert...just rich in life experience. This blog is the first of my self-awareness series.  I am an Aquarius; we are natural humanitarians and LOVE to help people.   I am also an introvert and hide from people! How crazy is that? HA!  Ok let’s get this party started! Ready…Set…GO!!

Life's Challenges Are a Catalyst to Self-Awareness

Fall 2016 my life went from sugar to sh*t real quick!!!  I was dealing with a lot of personal issues such as my job,  my relationship and to make matters worse, I was slowly recovering from a myomectomy (removal of uterine fibroids) in July.  My life was in complete shambles!  I literally watched every aspect of my life crumble right before me and I felt like I had no control over what was happening to me.  I felt like a helpless victim to my circumstances and that nobody could ever understand my life and what I was going through. I was a mess!  I couldn’t understand why my life had taken such a downward spiral so quickly.

I consider myself to be a very RESILIENT person who is able to manage stressful situations well but this I couldn't shake.  It was like LIFE was the bowling ball  and I was one of  the pins. I was knocked down! The STRIKE of anger,  disappointment, failure and hurt hit me all at once. Why me? I was living in a state of reactivity.

I finally decided that I was going to navigate through my life’s challenges the best way I knew how so I had to come to a complete STOP, take a good look at myself and dig DEEP!!! It was painful, uncomfortable and scary. It still is.  Did I mention it is REALLY painful and uncomfortable??  It was during this time I began my journey-the journey to true self-awareness.

            What is Self Awareness?  Look in the Mirror.

Self-awareness simply put is the awareness of  SELF.  To be self-aware is how we perceive what motivates us, our strengths, weaknesses and character, personality, thoughts and emotions.   You can also find more info about self-awareness here.  Take a few minutes to reflect on how these variables make up your views on your own self-awareness and how they currently affect your life. Remember this is about YOU. What immediately comes to mind?  Helpful Hint:The journey to self-awareness is no cake walk.  You will have highs and lows. You will uncover some things that may cause uneasiness and discomfort but it doesn't stop there.  If you allow the process to work, and slowly peel back the layers that you were once incognizant of,  you will start to see yourself as the truly awesome person that you are.

Let's dig a little deeper shall we?

What does my character say about me?

What do others say about me?

What motivates me?

What are my goals and ambitions?

What are my strengths?

What area(s) of my life could be improved?

What things do I value in life?

How do I feel about myself?

Self-Awareness = Introspection

Self-awareness forces us to examine our own thoughts and feelings, also known as introspection.  As you read this blog, take time to answer the questions about yourself.  If you can't answer the questions now, make the time to answer them later  in a quiet space (no distractions).   Introspection aka "soul searching" allows you to think about how you process your own thoughts and behaviors.   I strongly encourage you to document your answers in a journal or note cards so you can refer back to it later and see your progress.  Introspection is  one of many steps in self-awareness.   It is like you are interviewing yourself for that dream job-A BETTER YOU!

What Self-Awareness is NOT...

Being self-aware is not the absence of mistakes,but the ability to learn and correct them. ~Daniel Chidiac

So... we talked about the good, let's talk about the bad. Do you know someone who ALWAYS blames other people for the things that go wrong in their life?  EVERYTHING is because of someone else! They are never wrong, make no mistakes or take ownership for their actions.  Sadly, individuals who behave this way have not dealt with their "stuff" and don't want to face the music of accountability.  Accountability for some, is a huge blow to the ego so blame-shifting helps them avoid having to walk around with a bruised ego, hence allowing them to stand tall in their falsified sense of importance.  *We will talk about that in another blog post.*

Be Honest...With Yourself!

Do you find yourself blame-shifting your mistakes or issues on to others when something negative happens in your life?  Statements like " If my husband would just listen to me I wouldn't have cursed him out yelled at him."  or "It's not my fault that I am perfect people don't understand me or accept me for who I am!" I was very guilty of this in my younger years. I didn't want to assume responsibility in arguments with family members, relationships, friendships, colleagues, you name it. I was a mess!  I didn't want to feel bad about what I did due to my own insecurities and fragile ego so shifting blame allowed me to feel like a victim justified in my actions. I never had to be wrong about anything I said or did because people were doing things to ME!   As I got older and wiser, I  recognized  that I was a HUGE part of the problem. But before I came to the realization I was the problem,  I continued living this way for years.  I didn't want to take ACCOUNTABILITY for what happened in my life.  However, I was accountable for my life. PERIOD.  It had absolutely nothing to do with anyone else.   Blame shifting only made me a victim! It was comfortable and EASY!

Major Key Alert!!

The key to overcoming self-victimization is being brutally honest yet kind to yourself! Helpful Hint: Being hard on yourself is counterproductive to the process.  Please be kind to yourself.   PS: DO NOT allow others to be hard on you or shame you while you are going through the process!!!

Choose wisely when it comes to confiding in the masses about your journey.  

Some will understand, some may not. Those who understand your journey are  usually high in self-awareness so they understand your journey and will support you.  They will be honest with you and come from a place of empathy and compassion.  Those who do not understand  or downplay your journey most likely have their own unresolved "stuff" and chances are they are not functioning from a space of self-awareness.  They will most likely tell you to "Just get over it!" OR " You are just too sensitive." OR try to shame you for your feelings and/or expressing them.  Helpful Hint: Sometimes people who tell you to just get over it tend to suppress their own feelings and live in a state of emotional avoidance.   This is not true for all cases but in my personal experiences it was the common denominator when it came to those who told me to just "get over it".

At some point you WILL get over it but with TIME.  This is not a race and you shouldn't beat yourself up when you see yourself falling back into old habits. Change takes time and effort. Studies show that it takes at least 66 days for a habit to become ingrained.  So don't be hard on yourself when you don't see immediate changes.  Remember you have been behaving and thinking a certain way for years!

I confided in a close friend about how badly I felt about reacting to a situation last week. Someone did something I didn't like and I was emotionally triggered by it. I spoke with my friend about it and started getting down on myself.    She told me something so profound! She said to me,  " It's all a process!! You don't grow overnight.  The fact that you are in such a healthier, happier place in 3 months time is amazing!! It takes years sometimes for people to get to where they want to be.  Be proud of yourself for what you have accomplished.  It's a journey...not a race!!!  Grow in it and it stays with you for life!!" SHE totally gets it!

It took time and me talking to a therapist (I will talk about this in part 2) about my "stuff" before even getting to this point. I have been this way for 39 years so changing my old thoughts and behaviors won't change overnight.  I am taking baby steps and celebrating my accomplishments as they come.

Finally...

I truly hope this blog has helped you in some shape or form.  I am not an expert but I do speak from experience.   Next week's blog (part 2) will discuss emotional triggers (the things that remind us of past painful events) and how self-awareness helps identify our triggers.

I would  love to hear from you.   Please post a comment below and tell me what you think about today's topic.

Follow me on Instagram @thehonestaquarian

Photo credit: Vevo.com

[exclassified]

III. An Acknowledgement

Any time the humiliation of betrayal suddenly becomes painfully vivid, I try my best to keep myself afloat. Because I have a thesis to finish, job vacancies to apply, and one more chance to seize the day that I should not waste. I can’t be the sad young adult who continuously struggles to make peace with her disastrous romance. Society demands 24/7 optimism that radiates effortlessly out of a young woman. I want to confirm what society wants by not faking it. But it’s a damn hard work to make it when I’m still consumed by the negative emotions. I loathe that my over-sensibility lets them attached inside. 

A close pal of mine semi-seriously suggested to release the repressed disappointment by going the most “evil” version of myself. Send the screenshot! Scream the truth one is hiding from!! Burst the bubble she’s been living in comfort!!!

However, I barely have the courage to execute that kind of plan. In fact, I was just one window chat away. I could have just gone brutally honest and burned the bridge. But the idea of tearing down another fellow young woman via messaging app sounds like something I would be ashamed of in the future. 

I already tried to reach her out for a super quick meet-up to come clean. To share the complete, uncensored version of the story. To tell her right in the face that I hold no more grudges. To let her know that if later our path cross each other’s in a professional setting, I won’t be hostile to her in any possible form. But it’s a request declined. Alas, it’s a pack of mixed feelings left unexpressed. 

If I could ever ask something in a very self-absorbed way, I didn’t want to live carrying any emotional baggage. I never had one until I was involved in this situation. I can’t stop blaming my lonely 22-year-old self for opening the door recklessly – I barely knew who was knocking at that time. 

I should have found more about their past, on-and-off relationship dynamic. I should have followed my intuition to opt out of the game the moment I realised I was just a rebound. I should have taken the red flags seriously when I knew sooner-or-later it’s going to be a toxic relationship that causes real, lasting damages. I should have researched better online (shout out to collective geniuses who create blogosphere) that they’re bounded by unresolved issues, that one of them will give it another try in the future —  which they eventually did with one hell of background story remains untold. 

It’s not that I regret 100% upon this ugly episode. I cherish the silent moment, the laughter, the tear-jerking argumentation we shared together. I draw some lessons out of falling too deeply with someone’s dream. I appreciate his help and occasional kindness. I learn in so many ways about what it’s like to cooperate with someone (who rarely put you in his top priority while you always do) on day-to-day basis. On top of that, I am completely aware that I can’t force someone’s feelings towards a relationship. Had he asked for an end, I’d have jumped off the ship voluntarily. Looking for my life vest a month or two. Then I’ll go sailing on my own. He didn’t and that’s where the fiasco began. 

It’s just this unpleasant, exhausting feeling that the only thing I can hold is the hope of time-will-heal. What if this time it’s expired? Or what if the only way to strip off this always-fresh wound is by getting the side of my story heard? 

I kinda keep a little fool, wishful thinking that compassion and curiosity will somehow move her to lend ears for me. I do want to listen to her side of the story, too – only if she let me, though. Maybe someday she will see that making a stranger’s little fool, wishful thinking comes true is a part of doing random act of kindness.

P.S. Hey, I am not trying to do any harm to anyone. It’s the last thing I have in mind to reach the last stage of grief. If you happen to stumble upon this page and finally considering that a stories exchange simply wouldn’t hurt,  I’m always available for a full disclosure.

Jakarta, March 3, 2017.

II. CLOSURE

I have never been through a series of mental breakdowns as much as I had in the last three months of 2016. It was real tough, romance wise. It was the most sickening emotional rollercoaster I’ve ever experienced — and I put the blame on my incapability of letting the hurts go. I keep them, hoping they’ll soon turn to be blessing in disguise.

I choose to stay in the game because who knows. I self-console that maybe this is worth the pain. That maybe someone whom I do care would eventually be a person I wish him to be.

I know all the formulas to cut off the whole thing: avoid any possible access of communication, talk to friends, meet new people, travel. As each days passing, none of them are helpful to eliminate myself from the equation.

It is just so hard to cross someone out of your life when you’ve found comfort in the daily companionship. Then, here you are bound to helplessness because you’ve tried patience but it didn’t work. 

You raise the bar of tolerance one inch at a time. You’ve tried empathy. You put yourself on the other shoes to share the burden from the past. You’ve tried kindness.

You choose love over hatred, compassion over resentment, big-heartedness over vengefulness. But these efforts are not really reaching closure. And that’s one lesson to learn from en route to adulthood: you’re not getting what you want. life is not according to your desired plan.

Growing up, I am not equipped to face this kind of hardship. A kind of hardship made from the feeling of being taken for granted, of being the one who is sitting on the bench, of being the un-chosen.

To digest these three without becoming a crybaby would be a milestone of my early 20. It’d be a litmus test of how immune I’ll be to the next major heartbreak.

It’d be a solid proof that I could throw myself into any interpersonal experiments and I wouldn’t be losing my grip. I’d be fine and I’d be just the same person only going in another direction. However, this is an ideal scenario I am failing to live up to.

Remember, the Clinton’s affair? I’ve been pondering how Hillary forgives his husband. What kind of man   —  who happens to be POTUS42  —  thinks betrayal is pardonable?

How long does it take for Bill to earn the trust back? Does Hillary still see him as the same person who make the vow to be a loyal and honest partner?

Does she write as a therapy? How is her coping mechanism? How does she react when she hears about Monica Lewinsky?

Is she suddenly in tears? Does her body ache? And my no.1 wonder is, have Bill already got his karma?

All in all, I did learn the hard way to conclude that any form of deep emotional attachment is a risky investment; the other party might not mean to hurt us but who gets to decide what is hurtful and what is not?

I also eventually prove that one famous saying “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” does not apply in certain relationship. We can’t expect grown-ups to grow empathy and treat their lovers decently.

That’s such a bitter realisation, but apparently that’s exactly how the human world works, I believe.  It is not that the path is against us – it is just the path.

Yogyakarta, January 21, 2017. 

I. 11 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Let Yourself Emotionally Ripped Apart

1. It keeps you awake at night for days or worse, weeks.

You’ll wake up staring at the mirror and curse yourself for dark circles that your cheap concealer is unable to cover.

2. It generates too much what-ifs during the sleepless period.

Unfortunately, this self-talk does not fix anything you ruined. It’s completely over and whoops, it is all too late, stone-headed!

3. It turns you to be overly melancholic.

You can’t listen to Linger by The Cranberries without immersing yourself in the lyric, the melody. All you want to do is singing your heart out.

4. It slaps you hard that “hey, deep emotions are exhausting to have, you know.”

You are overwhelmed and hardly handle the ups and downs then wondering why you just can’t quit being a grown-up.

5. It makes you feel you have a bad life while what you actually have is only a bad moment.

But, still. Bad is bad, right?

6. It haunts you in silence.

in your phone screen, sent e-mails, sponsored t-shirts, blue toothbrush, checkered sarong, hairy arms, and whatnot.

7. It reminds you about the cancelled plans.

The movie you were both about to watch, books reading session, a weekend getaway, grad-school prep, and so on.

8. It makes you sound like a broken record for recalling the whole story to every distant but close pals who throw “how are you doing?”

“Not as fine as the last time you saw me.”

“Tell me.”

*voice squeaks*

*tear drops*

9. It makes you realise that crying barely helps us to let a person go.

10. It freaks you out that years later you will be having a classic episode of permanent regret.

11. It tells you to expect timeless restlessness.

Look, next time, please do yourself a favour: pick a better fight. To be in a state of broken-beyond-repair should only happen once in a lifetime since once is a mistake and twice is a decision. 

Depok, February 29, 2016.