#I've been big mad about the discourse for a while sorry

[rahleeyah]

i finally watched the latest episode of ted lasso and im all sorts of emotional mess right now. i’m so glad there was never a second where rupert being humanized entitled him to rebecca’s forgiveness. i can’t believe they managed to redeem nate in my eyes. healing generational trauma. and keeley and roy and keely and barbara… ugh such a good episode.

Ted is honestly such a good, well made, thoughtful, intentional show, and I have enjoyed it so much. I remain consistently baffled by the myriad "This show is bad, actually" takes I've seen recently, as most of them appear to fall into two categories: 1) written by people who believe sincere is the worst thing a person can be or 2) written by people who are mad they aren't getting a show that caters only to their personal whims. "Ted has lost his way!" proclaims local shit-stirrer, who seems to have been under the impression they were watching a straight up comedy, which Ted has never been, or tried to be. "The characters are unrecognizable!" proclaims local internet denizen who appears to believe that "character development" means "the two characters I like best kissing on my screen".

I have read my share of baffling oped pieces for other shows - like the recent "article" my phone pushed to me that was simply a "self-proclaimed cinephile" (always a bad sign) complaining about how Olivia is power hungry and evil which. Just say you think the only valid woman is a tradwife and move on - but the glee with which people are loudly and proudly proclaiming unfounded and ignorant-of-storytelling-structure takes about Ted is the most "I'm being Punk'd, right?" I've felt about fandom discourse in a while, and that's saying something.

In S3 "boxes" Trent gives us the thesis statement of the entire damn thing when he comes to Ted, beside himself with excitement at having "figured it out". I actually went and looked up the transcript for this (Ted's responses removed for clarity):

"You haven't switched tactics in a week. You've done this over three seasons. By slowly but surely building a club-wide culture of trust and support through thousands of imperceptible moments, all leading to their inevitable conclusion. Total Football. It's gonna work. Doesn't even matter what number four is."

Trent has just essentially broken the 4th wall and told us what the show is doing.

The show hasn't done anything randomly, and it has never, for a moment, abandoned its mission. It's been on mission, the whole time. And that mission wasn't about only making people laugh or only telling a love story (or series of love stories); it has, always been about a group of people who love each other, and how the bonds between people are built and sustained through the choices we make and the things we experience, together. It's about all the imperceptible moments that make a family, that make a life. Every single little thing that's happened matters (like the little things that happen in real life all matter, all add up); it is all part of a cohesive whole. And it's really, really gorgeous.

[until-another-one-comes]

On one hand, I’m excited for story mode. On the other hand, I just know there’s gonna be discourse amongst the fans because once they reveal how the characters are actually like, they’re gonna be mad because it won’t fit their headcanons, especially Francis. I’m positive that those Francis fans who simp over him for his looks are not gonna be happy that he’s not some dom daddy. If they reveal that Francis is just some regular guy, some batshit insane serial killer or some dubious guy, I just know they’re not gonna be happy. This applies to every character in the game. To be fair, the game doesn’t reveal much about the lore of their characters so they have nothing to build off of.

It’s kinda like in The Amazing Digital Circus where fans are upset that Jax is some asshole when it’s the entire point. Characters have flaws for a reason and it’s Nacho sama’s story.

Lately, I've been very hesitant to indulge in my headcanons and other intrepretations because I'm really worried I'd get too attached to something that will later turn out to be VASTLY different in canon. I already feel this way about Francis/Nacha and I confess- I'd be very very sad if Francis and Steven won't have any positive interactions at all in any future updates, even though theres NO obligation at all for Nacho-sama to have them interact.

Sorry I know that was off topic but I just wanted to get that off my chest.

Anyways- yeah, there might be discourse, but I don't think there would be too much of it because from what I've seen most people are chill, and I'm pretty sure most of them would just continue doing their own thing regardless of whether or not canon would debunk their headcanons or aus or intrepretations or whatever.

(sorry for repeating myself but if francis/nacha are canonly divorced and have a strained relationship I would simply plug my ears and close my eyes and carry on blissfully with my fantasy of them being in love. no. I refuse to accept that leave me be)

As for the Francis fans who simp for him hard, ehhhhhh I don't think they'd really care if he turns out to be just Some Guy (aka, my favorite version of him) cuz like, if they're already portraying him as a buff dom daddy or whatever I don't think any amount of canon story would stop them from continuing that WKDIFNJC.

And from what I've seen, there really isn't a really POPULAR headcanon among the fandom, everyone has their own intrepretation for every characters which lessens the chance of any serious discourse happening when we get story mode. The only really popular 'fanon' intrepretation I've seen is Angus being a Shady Guy.

So yeah TLDR: I understand your concern, but don't worry I'm sure the fandom would be chill with whatever Nacho-sama will come up for these characters. While I have my own headcanon and intrepretation I cherish dearly I'm open and willing to accept whatever story mode will bring to us. And if I don't, no big deal, I'll just stick to my own thing and I'm sure most people feel the same way. It's all good!

Sidenote: The only thing that would make me kind of upset if it turns out to be canon is if Izaack/Steven is a douchebag, but thats it.

[apleasurableillusion]

So I've been watching Big Love which is a pretty fun drama, especially if you're into Mormon weirdness (which I am). But also it came out like 20 years ago so there are some things that are very of their time if you know what I mean. Also since it's from forever ago I want to discourse about it and literally no one else is watching it so you're all getting my thoughts.

Spoilers ahead if you care.

So in the 2nd/3rd season, they consider taking a new sister wife and oh my god the plot line was so badly done. This potential new wife is a Serbian immigrant, so bad start right away. She is not Mormon, she does not believe in their weird sealing thing.

But Bill (patriarch, generally bad guy) meets her and likes her and Margie (youngest wife, generally naive) sneakily makes friends with her and Barb (first wife) is scared she'll have cancer again and so agrees a fourth wife would be good and Nicki (second wife, fundie mormon) is very pro more sister wives and so Ana (new lady) starts dating them all.

But Ana literally just wants to fuck. Like actually, that's canon. And so she likes the family and all and then agrees to marry Bill and then they just get married? As if that's a thing you can just do in your backyard?

And then everyone starts fighting about which house she should live in (which, seems like something you should have sorted out) and she doesn't know the wives have daily sit downs to discuss scheduling and errands (which, seems like something they should have told her) and she doesn't know all the finances go into a communal pot (which, seems like something they should have told her). And all in all I'm just like ????? did you talk to her at all while you were dating ???

Also sorry Bill is not attractive enough that anyone would marry him to fuck him sorry and she never seemed that into the family lifestyle and clearly asked like no questions. Anyway it's dumb and I'm just mad about it.

[faith--in-the-future]

Industry people voted for Harry to win AOTY, 18,000 industry people vote for that award every year. Whether they think he’s manufactured or not is irrelevant because they’re clearly buying what he’s selling so who really cares? I’m sorry but I’m tired of the self soothing “oh but he’s manufactured and people know it” like… let’s not lie to ourselves to feel better. It’s easy to fall in the trap of thinking that karma is actually real and things will rectify themselves eventually, that we just need a little patience because surely this terrible person is falling out of favor, and people are seeing through them, and their imminent fall from grace is inevitable.

In my experience, that’s self soothing BS. Undeserving people have stepped on my back to get job positions I wanted and needed. My friends would go “oh but I bet your boss will see it if you work hard enough” or “eventually the true face of this person will show” and years go by and things don’t “fix themselves”, karma doesn’t strike, justice isn’t made.

The same thing happens in the music industry, probably ten times worse. As someone who’s been observing the industry for a while, Harry has managed to reach an echelon that very few people have reached in history. I’m talking, Justin freaking Timberlake never won AOTY. 49 artists have won that award since the Grammys were created. Of today’s musical landscape, of artists that routinely chart and are popular, the only ones to ever win it are Billie Eilish, Bruno Mars, Adele, Taylor Swift, and Harry Styles. You can add Kacey Musgraves to that list if you feel so inclined (I don’t, she’s not actually mainstream imo). That is an INSANE lineup to be a part of, and the day I found out he’d won it (the day after the Grammys because I refused to stay up just to get pissed off), was when I realized he’d won.

He just won and people are running in circles trying to come up with excuses as to why, actually, he can still lose. This is what he wanted and he got it, to a degree that I don’t even know he himself imagined (and people can spare me the discourse about his team buying Grammys because you can buy nominations but not awards, and definitely not AOTY, there’s a reason so few people have won it). Sure, we all know everything he lost in the process, but I’m willing to bet he doesn’t care and it’s all worth it for him.

There’s no degree of “the industry knows” or “fans will drop him.” The industry embraced him and he has fans in a chokehold, as much as it makes me want to break things. I let myself be fooled by the reception of his award on twitter, and then I came across a post about it on Facebook. People were outraged… that Twitter was mad. I kid you not. He pops up in my for you page on tik tok all the time no matter how many times I pick “not interested”. The amount of videos defending him and outraged about the person shouting during his acceptance speech. The amount of comments saying that Beyoncé was overrated (freaking BEYONCÉ. Overrated!!!????), that he deserved the win (!!!). The comments on YouTube and even in articles defending him. I truly truly gave up at that point. This poor excuse of a man could kick puppies as a hobby and they’d still be lodged up his ass.

bestie trust me when I tell u that I know all this 😭 I understand you probably just wanted to let your frustration out and I'm glad u did but like I 100% agree unfortunately lol I've always been the most pessimistic when it came to that man, and when I said industry people think he's manufactured I mean they probably know but also why should they care lol the entire music industry is a big manufactured mess built up by horrible men so they will support each other no matter what

and I do agree karma doesn't exist lol Good people are always pushed out by oppressive systems bc otherwise those systems wouldn't work anymore (that's why there are no good politicians and no good cops) and if we're talking about universal karma then good people always die and bad people live to their 90s rip

If u ask any of my friends here like @weareonejazzhand she can tell u I've been saying that we'll never get rid of that man now and we'll still be bombarded with his stupid biopic in 2050 and by then he'll have rewritten history completely lol

money always wins

[qillmhi]

hi hi! I've read your 2k12 tmnt and they're just so beautifully sad 😭 I don't wish to go to sleep crying so~ if you could, can I request a happy one? (If possible a Leo one) Also, I love your stories so much! Keep it up!

Girl! I gottchu! Thank you so much for your patience❤

Leonardo Hamato have faced many enemies ever since he and his brother came up to the surface. He knew what they were risking when they decided to dedicate their lives to save others. He sacrificed blood, sweat and tears through every encounter and barely even survived a few in order to protect the ones he loved and even ones who didn't know of their existence.

It is a heavy responsibility to take, and one he is proud of more than anything.

But right now, it would seem that he had finally came face to face with his greatest foe.

Puberty.

Aight, I know, I know! Soooo dramatic! And sure, getting taller without having to worry about acne is an advantage, yes but when puberty decide it was okay to make you sound like a goat choking on a corn with every sentence---its not gonna be a fun experience.

Thankfully the first time it happened was when he was reciting Splinter's teachings, as he usually does in his free time.

When his voice did that awkward high pitched squeak, he knew he was done for. Had his brothers heard him, they would not have mercy.

The thought of it sends shivers down his shell.

In order to counter his dilemma, Leo had gone a zippy spree where he would just stand aside, brooding silently to save face. Like one of those cool alpha dudes in movies that give off the silent commander vibes, when in reality he--- as Raphael quoted, 'Looks like a guy trying to hide a fart in the corner'.

If Leo had to speak, it would be short and quick.

Oddly enough, none of his brothers were having the same problem.

Which makes it even worse and totally not fair! Like seriously?! WHY only him???? They were definitely going to notice!!

Not only that, but Leo can see your saddened expression everytime he barely talks to you, instead of engaging in a conversation with you like usual.

It made him feel horrible, but didn't know what else to do but to avoid any discourse!

One day while he was heading for the kitchen, he overheard you talking to one of his brothers.

"I just don't know what I did wrong Mikey.." Leo leaned on the wall to listen in more.

"Hmmmmm..." Mikey thought hard "You think maybe he's replacing you?"

WHAT?!

He heard you sniff "What...?"

"He's been hanging around and sparring with dear ol' big sister lately. Heck he barely even talks to any of us!" It was Raph this time. "He thinks he's so high and mighty! What? Is he too good to talk to his own brothers and friend now?" Raph snorted like a bull.

"They do have a point? Leo often leaves the lair without telling anyone. You think he's going out to meet Karai?" Casey butted in.

Meanwhile Leo had his jaw dropped. He couldn't believe his own brothers were talking about him behind his back like this!

"I see." He heard shuffling " I'm uh... going to head home early. Still got homework to do." Oh god you sounded like a kicked puppy.

"Need me to walk you home, shorty?" Raph offered.

You shook your head "No its okay. Thanks but I want to be alone for a while though." Leo heard you walk out of the lair.

Leo was already biting his fingers, silently screaming profanities in his head. What the heck was that?! WHY are they saying those things to you?! None of those lies are true!!!!!

After a few moments, Leo ran like a mad man through the sewers in search of you.

"Ya'll think he heard us?"

"Oh he definitely did."

Karai poked her head out from the dojo "You guys are fucking assholes."

Just as you were about to close the manhole, you were stopped by Leo's voice.

"(Y/n)! Please wait!" Leo jumped out of the sewers.

"L-Leo?!" Before you could ask whats going on, the leader in blue held your hands in his.

"Look I'm so sorry! I'm sorry that I *ehem* have been avoiding you! I promise I *hmckh* didn't mean to upset you!" He awkwardly apologised.

You raised an eyebrow "Why are you talking like that? Are you okay?"

Leo cleared his throat again. "Yes I am! I just *rhmmg* have something in mind. I promise *cough* it's not what you think!"

All your previous sadness turned to concern "Man, you're acting weird. Is there something wrong with your throat? Should we get Donnie-"

"NOoO-" He slapped his hands on his mouth. Fuck.

You blinked. Once. Twice. Thrice.

"Leo? Is your voice going through puberty?" You placed your hands on your hips with that 'you ain't leaving 'till you answer' stare.

"I-I..." Leo looked down. There's no going back now. "Yeah..."

"And is that why you've been quiet lately? Why you've been avoiding to talk to me?" All the pieces were coming together.

"....yes.."

"DUDE!" Oh you how you wanna smack the mask off his face "We've known each other for years! Do you think I'll see you any less just because of your voice?" You couldn't believe the ridiculousness of this boy! Here you are thinking you did something wrong and this dumbass was just going through puberty!

Leo felt embarrassed at his childishness. A good leader is someone who communicates with others, and he just failed to do so.

"I'm sorry for not saying anything sooner (Y/n)." He cringed at the sudden pitch.

You didn't seem to mind. In fact, Leo could see your mood had gotten brighter than it was a minute ago.

That was enough to wipe away all of Leo's embarrassment.

You sighed and hugged your dumb turtle "Next time you feel troubled, just tell me, okay?"

Leo lightly laughed and returned your hug "I promise to come to you next time."

"Good!" You chirped then pulled him closer "Because if you do this again, I will tie you up---Shibari style and treat you like a piñata, do you understand me?" You whispered threateningly.

Leonardo gulped in cold sweat at the sudden menacing tone of your voice.

"O-Okay......."

"Good!"

"...y-you're not really gonna do that are you?"

"Don't test me, Mr. Voice McCrack!"

[booasaur]

On the topic of Happiest Season, I feel you about being disappointed at some of the reaction towards people in the closet. The discourse about how white the movie is barely happening, instead it's lukewarm takes from people talking about Harper being a horrible emotionally abusive gaslighter and that Abby should run away with Riley. As a person who was closeted for a long time and still is to most of my family, who relates so much to Harper, although I wouldn't have lied to my girlfriend to begin with, all of her choices over the course of those days make sense to me (not talking about the situation with Riley in high school). They're not perfect choices, but it's not like the movie isn't clear about why she's making them. The last third of the movie felt like the walls were closing around her, every choice makes sense in that context. Of course she didn't just accept being outed five seconds after it happened in front of 20 people after decades in the closet, of course after a moment of reflection thinking about losing the love of her life she looked around and was like "what am I doing this for?" and changed her mind. And of course Abby was well within her rights to refuse to accept her apology and leave, but also of course she would have looked at this person she loved who for a year before those five days she had a 'perfect' relationship with, seen that their one hurdle was on its way to being cleared, heard the speech about Harper wanting sincerely to right her wrongs, and stayed. In what world is that a baffling choice? It's not like she immediately proposed. I related to Harper more than I have to a character in a while, especially to the feeling of being ripped in two. It"s why I've made the choices I've made in the past to not get into serious relationships, precisely because this is my worst nightmare. Maybe it's because I'm not white and I feel the tension between losing your family and losing your partner perhaps uniquely, when losing my family includes losing my culture and community (or at least that's how I've felt). But you can happily ship Abby and Riley, and want Abby to have left for completely valid reasons about wanting two different things in a partner, without some of the vitriol being spewed at Harper in full view of sections of the community that are hurt every time they see it. I know I'm not brave enough. I don't need reminding.

“I know I'm not brave enough. I don't need reminding.“ Oooof, anon. I’m so sorry that you and others have been made to feel like this. :/

Unrelated, though, this whole ask is so well said, your points are so well made, I was honestly intimidated even trying to answer.

As you said, the movie explains why Harper’s behaving as she is, she’s ashamed and scared, why is every action read in the worst possible light, often exaggerated and even falsely?? Your explanation of how the ending went down, like, exactly, I cannot believe people are mad that she lied when outed in front of her family and a ton of people like that! That’s a literal nightmare come to life, surely some of us have had that one too?

And exactly, Abby’s in love with her, aside from the admittedly absolutely messed up lies about her sexuality that she absolutely should get help for, their life’s been perfect, with this barrier now taken away by Harper’s big step, why would she not try for it? Especially in a romcom! The way people have forgiven so much more in this genre but a closeted person they absolutely admit is abused separately from that, acts badly a few times and apologizes and is irredeemable.

The not white part’s actually funny to me, because I remember during the arguments over how horrible Jade (TRMD) and Rana (Corrie) were for being closeted or caring about their family, the fandom splits were often along...certain lines. And that’s such a good observation, how it’s a disconnect from culture and community too, then. We lose so much. Obviously the Caldwells are white af but it was amusing to me how many Asian wlw I saw were like, oh... D:

I’m picking random parts to respond to because honestly, your whole ask is perfect on its own. I will, though, agree that it’s absolutely fine to not personally think that Harper deserves that forgiveness or that Abby and Riley should have gotten together, but this really bad faith reading into her intentions just isn’t supported by the writing!

I’m sorry it took so long to respond, I hope you’re feeling better now.