#Nile is all of us and we have no choice but to Stan

[regina-del-cielo]

I’m going to write some Nile/Lykon bonding headcanons that are so self-indulgent

Obviously, this is a ‘Lykon didn’t die’ situation (and I’m assuming Quynh is there too because All is Good and Nothing Hurts ok?)

He goes by Luke these days, mostly because he really liked Star Wars – all his aliases start with an L, because like Nicky he has a chronic inability to respond to any name that doesn’t sound like his own

He and Joe are prank kings and constantly competing over who has the best one-liner

When they take breaks Lykon takes Booker under his arm with a quip of ‘let the Married Couples go have their Honeymoons, we Free Men are going to have So Much Fun’ and they travel the world together. Shenanigans Ensue

Per my previous headcanon, Lykon is left-handed and Nicky is ambidextrous (most likely left-handed forced to use the right hand), so they share an entire set of ‘specifically built for lefties’ supplies in their most used safe houses. Like Nicky, Lykon also double wields when he uses guns (which is more often than he’d like to, spears have become quite cumbersome in modern warfare)

When Nile is introduced to the Guard, she has a bit of a hard time with Lykon because he reminds her so much of her little brother that it hurts even looking at him for too long

Lykon, on the other hand, is ready to go Full Golden Retriever on her, and while he’s waiting for Nile to adjust he’s basically vibrating at a frequency that could shatter glass

(but he’s a considerate man and is perfectly willing to give her space, and ‘seriously Andromache did you have to shoot her?!’)

Nicky, Joe and Booker tease Lykon to death because ‘even the new kid has less of a baby face than you man’

Lykon absolutely adores her name and is so ready to infodump her on all the little cool facts he knows about the Nile River. Which are. A Lot.

Nile responds to this by trading Star Wars Trivia from the new movies Lykon didn’t have the time to see yet and OH BOY THEY’RE TOTALLY SETTING UP TEAM MOVIE NIGHTS

(nothing drives home the fact that Nile is A Kid like Lykon saying that the ‘recent movie’ he’s obsessed with is The Lion King and Nile, completely deadpan, telling him that she was born the year it came out in theaters)

(Quynh and Andy laugh hysterically for two hours while Lykon goes to Dramatically Lie Down and Bemoan the Weight of his Years. Booker asks if this means he’ll stop blasting The Circle of Life in the car every time he takes shotgun. Nicky and Joe protest, because they actually like that soundtrack, stop complaining)

Now that turbans have fallen out of style for men in most countries (much to Lykon’s complete displeasure), he either keeps his hair shorn (with cheeky shaved designs if he’s feeling it) or lets it grow into an afro

But when Nile is looking up some new hairstyle she’d wanted to try but couldn’t because of Marine regulations, he offers for her to try it on him first so she can exercise the movements before making it on herself

He also offers to help her braid her hair where she can’t reach or simply when her arms grow tired

Nile sees a drawing from Joe of Lykon with a turban on and asks him to teach her how to make one

Lykon almost starts crying and runs to get his scarves. They make a fashion show out of it; Quynh helps with the matching outfits, ‘if you have to show off, then do it in style!’

Joe and Lykon are Very Particular™ about having the Proper Hair Products in every safe house, and liberally share them with Nile the first time she has to redo her hair. Lykon also shares his Secret Tricks from when conditioner was Not A Thing, because you never know what could happen

When it takes Lykon’s turn to train Nile in combat, instead of handing her a weapon he gets out a Wii console and sets up Dance Dance Revolution. “You’d be surprised how much battle footwork resembles this game”

(He’s the best of them at dance games, but she destroys them all at Mario Kart)

Nile and Lykon are at the perfect opposite of the temperature tolerance spectrum: while Nile can deal with the cold much better than most of the Guard excluding Andy, Lykon can function without too much fuss even when temperatures go higher than 40°C, as long as humidity isn’t too heavy. He’s the true desert boy, even more than Joe. The only person who can deal with heat better than him is Quynh, because she doesn’t flinch at high humidity percentages

It happens sometimes that undercover ops require the Guard to play couples that aren’t actually paired up in real life. Lykon and Nile, however, can only play siblings. The first time they tried to kiss ‘for show’ they started laughing and cringing so hard that it was clearly impossible for them to look romantically entangled

(Nile is great at playing Andy or Quynh’s wife, though. Lykon’s best ‘romantic performances’ are, not so surprisingly, with Joe, because they both take it like it’s a Theatre Production and somehow make it work)

When Nile gets to her inevitable ‘immortal adrenaline junkie’ phase, her worst enabler is Lykon. Him, Nile and Joe become the Squad’s Professional Yeeters™

Nile sets up an encrypted Spotify team account and creates a playlist for each of them. Lykon’s contains Beyoncé’s entire discography, and their duet of ‘All The Single Ladies’ is still one of the best karaoke performances in the history of the Guard

[normal-thoughts-official]

I have a hc that after alec becomes immortal and they’ve spent a couple hundred years together malec’s relationship is kinda similar to nicky and joes in that they don’t NEED to constantly be glued to each other, but some days they’re kinda like “babe can you like hold me for a week” and the other just happily does it because they’re SECURE and comfy and it’s just really wholesome and then they go off on little adventures with new friends and tell each other all excitedly and it’s sweet aaaaaa

absolutely!! wholeheartedly agree! i’m not a fan of the whole “glued to each other” couple trope as a whole, at least not when it’s like... idk like it’s not a choice? or like it sacrifices their individuality? like idk not to be a whore about that still but i love luke/alaric and they do have “always together” vibes (since they like work together and are on the same pack and live together and alaric is his second-in-command and lmao) but they don’t feel like they need to always be together, you know? it feels like it’s a comfortable thing where they’re always on each other’s corner, and they can be like, in the same room and doing their own thing. just that nice casual companionship? yeah

like i know that magnus and alec are the most intense bitches in the realm (for good reason too tbh) but i love couples where the love is just steady and casual more than anything which is also why i stan maiaphael. lêx stop being a whore at all times challenge and i do genuinely believe that like... over time, as they settle more into their relationship, they can breathe more easily, you know?

like they’re still very devoted to each other and love each other as fiercely as ever, but they don’t feel that need of constant... reinforcing that, i suppose? like in the show they’re in the initial stages of their relationship, it’s alec’s first relationship ever (that he never thought he’d get) and magnus’ first relationship in a long time + after an abusive one, so it’s just, exhilarating? for the both of them. like i get to have this, i get to have this, i get to have this, and they want to hold unto it as tightly as possible and spend every waking moment together lmao

but as time goes by they start to get... used to it. not in a dulling way, but in a “this is clearly not going anywhere” way. and they’re still together, still on each other’s corner, still understand each other easily... like nicky and joe, like you said. like they sleep together like it’s second nature and they fight like a team and they work together and when they wake up from the dream with nile and joe immediately starts sketching that’s just natural for nicky and he talks and leave him be. it just feels like it’s casual and they’re comfortable around each other you know? yeah :’) 

and like god i’d love to see that for malec. we got to see that happening a little bit, that comfort building, them starting to form a routine, but like... idk i think about scenes like that? like magnus and alec are talking and magnus suddenly has an idea and he’s like ! and he just gets up and gets his notebook and starts scribbling? and he doesn’t say anything because he’s hyperfocused rn and alec already knows this is how he rolls, so he just kind of shrugs and starts doing his own thing? and then later magnus automatically shows him what he was working on and explains it to him and alec is genuinely so interested and thinks it’s great? yeah

but also YES on that the fact that they have such a casual comfort in each other means that they are each other’s homes and it’s just... they recharge each other’s batteries just by being there. and yeah absolutely sometimes it’s just like “i am so fucking sick of everything, babe hold this *flops on their lap*” and just as easily they also put off what they were doing and hold each other and they’re silent and that’s alright, they’re just feeling each other’s warmth and scent and recharging their batteries? you know? just aaaaaa

and dusdaidshaiuhdsa yes them coming back and being that couple who genuinely talks about each other’s days in detail and explain their hobbies that the other isn’t really into to each other but it’s genuinely good and not boring? like idk i have this friend and we’re always inevitably on completely different fandoms of things that the other hasn’t watched, no exceptions, but every time we meet up we talk to each other about our current hyperfixations and it’s always super fun? and then we proceed to not watch the thing the other is interested in and it’s alright, because talking to each other about it there’s still that connection? yeah. i figure that’s kinda how it feels when magnus talks about his research or studies or alec goes on about whatever project he’s currently working on, and stuff like that

i just aaa i love deeply used to each other and comfortable with each other malec okay

[happychickadee]

Alright. I’ve watched the final Sanditon episode, I’ve trolled through some of social media posts, I’ve had a cup of tea and reflected a bit. Prepare for thoughts! *cracks knuckles*

Drama is what keeps television going. ESPECIALLY when it comes to romance. The ‘will they/won’t they’ question pulls in scads more viewership than a neat and tidy, no drama, happy ending. Do I like it? No. Do I understand it and know that it works? Yes. Think of Ross/Rachel in Friends. Josh/Donna in West Wing. Sam/Diane in Cheers. Niles/Daphne in Frasier. I’m sure there’s not only more but more from recent shows, which I don’t watch very many of.  

Season 2 has been planned all along, IMO. Their social media/marketing/publicist team has earned their hopefully top-notch wages for doing a stellar job of spreading the word about Sanditon, giving just enough information to hook us, but not enough to satisfy us. Questions keep fandoms going.

Now, the last stand at the carriage aside, I STAN a heartbroken, selfless Sidney Parker. Who knows what other avenues he went down, what lengths he went to to drum up support and finances for his family during the week he was away. He would have had to have been discreet; London gossip would destroy the Parker’s just as easily as Tom’s ruined finances. Could Eliza have caught wind and black-mailed Sidney?

Family is so important in the regency era. Think how long it took Anne Elliot to defy her cruddy family. Your and your family’s choices all reflected on each other, and if one of you went down, the rest had to sink or abandon ship. There’s not a lot of in-between or gray area here - propriety, morality, or ethics wise. You are either with and for your family, or you are not. As Parker sister Diana stated, “We are Parkers - we stand together!”

I believe Sidney found himself between a rock and a hard place. He did not see another way.

But are there other ways out? Of COURSE there are.

Lady Susan could reconnect with Charlotte somehow, hear the sorry tale and swoop in to save the day. Homegirl WOULD do it too, let’s be real.

Lord Babington (who STILL does not have a name, C'MON ANDREW DAVIES, for crying out loud. We gave James Stringer’s FATHER a name. Get with it, dude) and Esther Lady Babington could save the day.

Lady Susan could convince the Ton and the good ol’ Prince Regent to take in Sanditon and make the town buku bucks and cause Lady Denham’s opinion of Tom to change.

Or maybe Sidney has a reckoning inside himself. He’s experienced the re-awakening of his truest self (his best self!) and said self will no longer fade quietly back into the night nor be fought back by the jaded, aloof persona Sidney grew used to wearing. He’s shed that like a snakeskin and it no longer fits. He is not the same man, nor is he in the same river.

Perhaps Tom going to debtor’s prison is the character arc Tom needs, just like Sidney needed Charlotte for his. Arthur and Diana could take Mary and the children in, Arthur fully admitted he hasn't touched his inheritance. Perhaps Tom himself has a full, final comeuppance moment (brought about by Mary? Or Arthur?) and lets Sidney off the hook, taking responsibility for his own choices like the grown-ass man he's been pretending to be.

All that said, there are a PLETHORA of ways for Sidlotte to still happen. I believe in Sanditon. I will endeavor to keep this blog a positive Sanditon space. I will be using the #believeinsanditon tag. I mistakenly thought it was #ibelieveinsanditon, so that tag now exists, which I will use, as well as #ibelieveinsidlotte.

 Chin up, fellow Sidlotte fans! If anything, did we not get the KISS WE ALL DESERVED?

 Tagging the few folks I know of in the Sanditon fandom:

@viviansternwood   @lynsunrise @admiralheywood @inakingdombythesilversea 

[snkpolls]

SnK Chapter 113 Results

The chapter poll closed with 1,355 responses. Thank you to everyone who participated!

RATE THE CHAPTER 1,319 Responses

While still highly rated, last month’s chapter was a hard act to follow. The number of 5 ratings were down nearly 17%.

I find myself getting waaaaay religious whenever a new chapter comes out

Floch is annoying, Gabi is annoying, Eren is annoying, but I can't wait to see where this all is heading.

I could feel the ground shake and hear Zeke's agonizing screams and almost, almost really felt for the poor guy, falling victim to something worse than the angel of death itself.. gosh, I don't think a manga ever gave me such goosebumps before..well done Isayama, well fucking done.

Everytime I think Floch has reached the maximum level of assholery, he ups the game to inconceivable levels. I still can't believe poor Marlowe had to die for this.

Can I have a break from suffering? Thanks.

Forget opening a tea shop, Levi should open a sushi bar instead

Seriously how about Levi just go solo the whole world and win because he's so damn OP and save all Eldians and just end the story in the next episode

JUST TELL ME HOW ZEKE AND EREN MEET ALREADY!!

WHAT WAS THIS CHAPTER’S MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT? 1,331 Responses

It was hard to choose a favorite moment. “All of it” was the top pick (21.5%) followed by “Levi’s face when he resolved to kill his comrades” (17.1%). Third place was “Levi slicing Zeke’s feet and legs” (10%).  Levi’s Angel of Death moment was the most popular write-in. In retrospect it should’ve been included as an option.

Levi looking like a goddamn Angel of Death.

Nothing I am invested in happened this chapter, but Levi emerging from the trees like an avenging angel was pretty cool!

This is the First chapter where I have trouble choosing one Option. This was a real rollercoaster.

Levi kicking Zeke’s a** is quality entertainment

Kinda bummed by this chapter, though it was good. As a Mikasa stan (lmao) I was looking forward to seeing her post-emotional destruction, but we didn’t see her face vs. the rest of the 104th which makes me think she isn’t crying, but has gained some resolve and will pull open the bars or some shit. Also FUCK Floch.

Thank you Levi for finally ripping Zeke apart.

CHAPTER 113 IS CALLED “SAVAGERY.” WHICH CHARACTER DID YOU THINK BEST EXEMPLIFIES THIS TITLE? 1,322 Responses

Close to 70% of the fandom believes Levi was the most savage this chapter. Floch was a distant second (18.2%). The most popular write in was “All of them!”

I think the title "Savagery" does refer to Levi, because I think he can be the monster he needs to be to survive. And I love it.

Paradis island. The whole chain of command is out of the window; the residents are becoming savages (those who drank wine becoming mindless titans, trainees beating up Shadis, Yeagerists promoting anarchy, etc.) They are becoming literal savages (they're all sociopaths because they're a little more savage than others lul)

Keith Shadis & Floch  would be the obvious choice. But I interpret the title as describing the overall savagery of war, as seen in all the different parties.

Walls were built to protect titan from Levi, amen

While it very much could be a direct description of Levi's brutal actions aganist Zeke, I believe everyone engaged in this conflict is being savage one way or another by inheritence, as war in itself is savagery.

Zeke did nothing wrong. Levi did nothing wrong. Floche is the worst.

SINCE HANGE AND PIXIS HAVEN’T SPOKEN, HOW DID PIXIS KNOW ABOUT THE WINE? 1,321 Responses

Most respondents (42.8%) believe that Pixis does not know about the wine specifically, but deduced that Zeke's scream had something to do with what happened. 24.8% believe that he is just a smart dude, but 23.2% think that he might have been tipped off by Yelena.

Pixis knows alcohol. He knows when something's up.

Imo Pixis , Eren and Zeke are all working together , so Pixis gained knowledge of the wine from Eren , although after he drank it.

He was willing to surrender to the Yeager brothers, maybe Zeke or Kiyomi told him beforehand.

P A T H S

SINCE IT’S BEEN CONFIRMED THAT PIXIS AND NILE HAVE CONSUMED THE TAINTED WINE, DO YOU THINK THEY ARE DESTINED TO BECOME TITANS? 1,325 Responses

While the majority is unsure (42.7%), more than a third (34.4%) believe Nile and Pixis are destined to become titans.  Only 22.9% think they will die another way be just fine.

I really hope Pixis doesn’t become a Titan I’ve always liked him.

I think that Zeke has a plan, probably he wants that Levi takes him to Sina with the Paradis high commands (Pixis, Nile, etc) to use his scream with they to turn them to titans. We saw in this chapter that Zeke's scream doesn't work with enough distance, that's the reasson that Zeke wants to go with them.

LEVI HAS LOST ANOTHER SQUAD, THIS TIME BY HIS OWN HANDS. HOW BADLY DO YOU FEEL FOR LEVI? 1,327 Responses

79.4% of people responding to this question: Levi lost his entire squad (...again). He didn’t lose 20% of his squad. He didn’t even lose 50%. He lost his whole squad (...again). Look at what it’s done to him. You can see the death in his eyes, but he keeps on going. This is why Levi is one of my favorite characters.

If I have learned nothing else, I have learned that the world has destined Levi to be a soloist. Every time he has a squad something goes wrong.

Man, Levi's face was just pure resignation. He knew he had to, once again, he had to take lives in order to protect others. Gut wrenching, but just completely real.

Ffs, just let Levi retire. Like, look at the PAIN in his eyes when he remembers the conversation with his subordinates. It's even worse when his expression changes to "knowing exactly what to do".

I think he will be correct that everyone’s deaths amounted to nothing in the end

That panel if Levi falling while all his comrades are trying to kill him; this guy can't catch a break

THERE’S BEEN SOME TALK IN THE FANDOM ABOUT LEVI BEING TOO OP. WHAT DO YOU THINK? 1,333 Responses

53.3% of the fandom agree that Levi is OP but they are a-ok with it.  20% thinks he’s powerful and not OP at all. Only 10.3% of respondents indicated that Levi’s extreme power hurts their enjoyment of the series.

It doesn’t matter to me that many think Levi is OP; whether you agree with that or not, come on, give Levi a break. He at the very least deserves a happy ending after all he’s been through

Levi is too overpowered. I didn't want him to die here but at least I want him to have a more difficult fight. Him getting a serious injury for example. Every fight he had he didn't even get injured (except against the FT and that was because of Mikasa). This is one of the reasons that for me Levi is a VERY boring character.

Levi destroying Zeke was a surprise to be sure, but a welcome one. I think he stands a fair chance against Eren if he still has thunder spears.

Seeing all the Levi hate, because of the ""OP"" thing was kinda unexpected and annoying to me lol Without Levi's help for example in the female titan or RtS arc wouldn't be some characters where they are right now *cough* Mikasa would be dead *cough* I think Zeke underestimated him and that's was the deal at least.

Not sure the arguments about Levi being too OP make much sense. He was in the forest of giant trees, which has already been established as the best environment to use 3DMG. I really thought Levi was toast after last chapter just because Zeke utilizing the element of surprise, but I forgot how strong he was. Good to see him in action again.

I know a lot of people have had issues with Levi being too OP or with Levi being too cruel uwu but ffs have we forgotten who this man is? Levi fucking Ackerman, who is *supposed* to be OP af, who has the curse of having one of the worst fates in the series. Seriously, everybody around him is dying, he was born in a shit world that just keeps getting shittier, and he is no close to that pristine tea shop than he ever was, possibly ever will be. Sure he's Hella strong and survives all his battles with barely a scratch, but does it give him a happy life? No it fucking does not.

Levi isn't OP you guys are just mean

LEVI=GOD

DO YOU THINK LEVI’S QUICK DEFEAT OF ZEKE WAS UNREALISTIC? 1,332 Responses

Just over half the fandom (50.8%) say no, Levi’s quick defeat of Zeke was not unrealistic. Only 8.6% answered “Yes” to this question.

I know 90% of the Fandom has a hard-on for Levi but I wish the fight with zeke was more even.

Levi's fight against Zeke was fun but at the same time it felt like some sort of repetition of him fucking Zeke up back in RTS (I guess that was part of the purpose, lol), so it ended up not being very appealing to me after a couple of days.

Being Intelligent and being Smart are different things and yes Zeke might be good at planning strategies but he is a dumbass when it come to fighting and understanding other people.

Seeing Levi vs BT 2.0 gave me some serious highs. Was literally shaking while reading the leaks. I just realised how Levi truly is the perfect foil to someone like Zeke. The world could be crumbling, but give Levi any task, and you can trust him to deliver it 99.9% of the times, with the 0.1% being but the benefit of the doubt.

BEFORE READING THIS CHAPTER, WHO HAD YOU THOUGHT WOULD WIN THIS ENCOUNTER? 1,327 Responses

At nearly 40%, a majority of respondents thought that Levi vs Zeke Round 2 would be a more even fight than their first encounter, with a close 34.7% thinking that Levi would prevail again. Only 21.1% believed Zeke would win.

Anyone who thought Zeke had any chance of facing Levi and winning mano a mano (even with titans) is not reading the same manga I am.

The "Farewell, Heicho" leak made me think Zeke won.

I thought Zeke's plan wouldn't be enough to kill Levi, but enough for him to escape. I still wasn't surprised lol.

If it came down to a straight battle, I knew Levi would win because we've seen him win against greater odds. The difference is that I didn't think the encounter would become a straight-up battle so quickly, I assumed Zeke would have some other distraction or escape plan other than literally just yeeting out of the scene

I hoped Zeke would escape or Levi would at least struggle instead of Ackerhaxing his way through 20+ Titans and still managing to catch up to an escaping Zeke and effortlessly defeat him, but no.

The outcome was fairly expected considering all the factors that stood in Levi's advantage (big ass trees, thunder spear, zeke's miscalculationsTM/underestimation...etc) so I wasn't surprised when he easily whooped his ass.

Bolting away while screaming was such a solid plan. I'm shocked it didn't work.

IF ZEKE HAD EXPLAINED HIS PLAN TO LEVI, DO YOU THINK THERE’S A CHANCE LEVI WOULD’VE UNDERSTOOD? 1,327 Responses

42% of respondents think it’s possible that Levi might have been open to Zeke’s plan, but equally possible he wouldn’t have listened. Nearly 40% are certain that Levi has no interest in anything Zeke has to say. A small 13% of respondents think that Levi would have been open minded if open communication had been present.

whether Levi would have "understood" the Jeagerbros' plan is irrelevant. I think Levi still lives by "make the choice with least regrets" and so would not have changed his mind, even if he had understood their motivations.

Poor zeke , Poor Levi , we wish Levi will understand zeke's point of view...😔😔

WILL LEVI FACE NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES FOR STOPPING ZEKE AND DELAYING THE YEAGERBRO’S PLAN? 1,324 Responses

Half of respondents believe that Levi will not be able to bask in his victory for long before the story throws him another wrench. 30% aren’t sure if he will or not and 15% are confident that Levi’s victory is solid and will be rewarded.  

I believe Levi has now somewhat of an advantage over the Yeagerists as he's holding the key and core to their plan captive, without Zeke the plan just won't proceed. Unless Eren suspected something might happen to Zeke and has a plan B up his sleeves, Levi has the upper hand now, and he can easily finish Zeke off any second. If he were to encounter Eren & co. on the way there's no doubt he'll use Zeke as a bargaining chip. I'm exceptionally excited to see how things will play out between them.

God I hope not, but knowing Yams, something terrible awaits Levi after the brilliance of this chapter.

not sure but SERIOUSLY people need to stop with the lies and secrets.

I think something we're not expecting might happen.

Why would he? If there are any negative consequences coming his way, it is because he didn't kill Zeke . Zeke seems like the type to come up with double plans -- for example, Levi could unintentionally be leading Zeke to his meetup with Eren.

I wouldn't say "negative consequences," but he definitely stalled their plans. Considering the fact that no one other than the two know what those plans are, I feel like Levi's victory over Zeke would allow some space in the story for these "plans" to finally be revealed and explained, whether it be to the characters in the story, or to us readers.

Zeke can regenerate anyway so I think he might get away with it

I'm afraid for Levi. He did what he did to Zeke with the best intentions, but I fear he's now inadvertently ruining the plan the brothers had so carefully orchestrated. I'm afraid he's gonna face Eren in a next chapter, who's going to do everything to prevent his brother from being eaten.

WHERE DO YOU THINK LEVI IS HEADING? 1,317 Responses

Historia’s Farm was the most popular option with nearly half the vote (49.7%). Shiganshina was second with 20%. In retrospect we should’ve included Rakugo as a potential destination since the theory that he’s heading there to feed Zeke to Connie’s mom is gaining popularity.

Historia's Farm or Ragako

Levi's smart enough to figure out there were probably more individuals on the receiving end of the tainted wine.  With that in mind, he'll be very cautious with where he goes to ensure no more transformations occur.

Unless he has some titan serum in his pockets going straight to Historia would be a bit pointless. Meeting with Pyxis first seems likely.

Taking Zeke to Shiganshina or anywhere where everyone else are is too risky. Zeke could get away and pull out his screaming card and shift onto his beast titan form.

The horses don't seem to be moving. So maybe he's just chilling out in an open field

To Erwin’s grave

Dear snkpolls. How about cutting out with this unfunny Zevi bullshit for sociopaths and including real ships some people actually like instead? I mean pairings. Not the actual ships. I don't want Titanic in the next poll.

Honestly, the Zevi getaway option gave me a much needed laugh after the chapter.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT LEVI’S SLICE AND DICE OF ZEKE’S LEGS? 1,330 Responses

A tiny fraction (3.1%) of the fandom was upset or disappointed with Levi’s actions, the rest were fine with it. “I don’t blame him” and “cruel but understandable” comprised the thoughts of 70% of the fandom. 20% wish Levi had done even more.

I thought it was unnecessarily cruel and completely in-character for Levi. God I love this man

He didn't want Zeke to transform, what's so difficult to understand?

Honestly I’m not sure why zeke was so surprised that Levi came out alive lmao. Like he’s literally seen - up close and personal - what he’s capable of. He’s humanity’s strongest ffs.

I get it and it's hard to say there's not a little justification, but I think it's a very natural human response to wince at ANYONE suffering enormous amounts of pain. Most of us would cringe even if we were witnessing Hitler himself being tortured, no matter what we might think right now. It's just a natural, innate reaction to human suffering.

Unnecessarily cruel and it's gonna bite him in the ass.

I have not been able to eat celery since

DID ZEKE’S INTERNAL MONOLOGUE AFFECT YOUR FEELINGS ABOUT HIM? 1,328 Responses

44% of respondents were not swayed one way or another about their stance on Zeke after hearing more of his perspective, while 29% continue see him as a total enigma. 23% have started to see Zeke more positively.

Zeke shows he lacks fundamental understanding of human compassion

BABY ZEKE LOOK AT HIM ISAYAMA WHY DO YOU DO THIS

Zeke is officially an idiot and Eren is a bigger one for trusting him above his friends.

I kinda don't want Zeke to have some tragic background. Zeke as the series Joker who just wants to see everyone destroy each other no matter who they are, that is a far more interesting direction for me than more of the same 'Marleyans aren't evil, just misunderstood' rubbish that we have been force-fed for over a year

Zeke deserves life, love, and his glasses.

One other thing that really pleased me in this chapter is that Levi managed to give a reply to each of Zeke's annoyingly patronising statements. Zeke has always made me furious with his ""aww you naïve creatures, you don't understand"" bit, and I adored the fact that Levi actually shut him up while he fought him. About goddamn time someone shut up that monkey.

Zeke worrying about his glasses is a big mood because as a fellow glasses wearer, I would do the same

DO YOU BELIEVE SHADIS TAUNTED THE NEW RECRUITS IN AN EFFORT TO PROTECT THEM/HANGE? 1,329 Responses

A huge majority (74%) agrees: Keith Shadis is a good dude, and wanted to protect the recruits and/or Hange with his boast. A minority (7.6%) believes he severely overestimated himself (oof), while everyone everyone else (18.4%) was not sure.

I didn't before, but I do now, you monsters!

Respect for Shadis for what he did.

Also, somebody please kill Floch already.

Shadis deserves only good things

Shadis is sick, anyone who says he isn't is trippin

I wish Shadis had head butted the shit out of Floch

I can't believe that Shadis roasted Floche to a crisp and sent him to the Burn Unit lolololol

YOUR THOUGHTS ON FLOCH ARE BEST SUMMED UP AS: 1,318 Responses

Floch will not be winning any popularity contests in the near-future, with 67% of respondents selecting the most negative options: that they want him to burn (44.5%), or that they just simply love hating him (22.5%). In contrast, only about 10% of respondents view Floch favorably:  3% say they are fully on his side, while 6.4% still reluctantly support him.

A character such as his is destined to die while Eren looks at him emotionless. Eren doesn't give a shit about him and this little boy will learn it the hard way. He's a prime example of the "brainwashed, vengeful" character who dies a horrible death.

He's just a pawn.  I have no feelings for pawns.

I'm really sad that Shadis got pulverized, but do still think that Floch is trying to help Paradis the only way he knows how (even if a tad misguided).

Floch is correct about needing to be more proactive, but he & Yeagerists are going about everything the wrong way. I do not support the Yeagerists.

Shadis' assault was absolutely unnecessary and savage for all the wrong reasons. Floch is basically on a power trip here and it was sickening to read. I hope he dies a slow, painful death, that dickwad.

I don't think there's a definitive answer as to who's right here. Marley's coming and if Eren is the right leader, then fine. But it's not given.

I hate him, but wonder if he might have a point

I wish someone would use P A T H S to rip the fabric of their reality open and that that would lead to Mount Doom, just so they could then toss Floch's ass into it. That would be great, thanks.

Now I'm not saying anyone is truly evil in snk... but Floch is sprinting in that direction so fucking fast.

WHICH CHARACTER(S) DID THIS CHAPTER MAKE YOU FEEL MOST SYMPATHETIC TOWARDS? 1,320 Responses

Levi easily takes first place this time around after losing yet another squad, this time at his own hand. He’s followed by Shadis (did he really deserve that, Floch??), Hange, and the rest of the 104th. Zeke’s short flashback garnered some empathy as well.

Levi, Zeke, Mikasa, Armin and the 104th, Hange, Shadis, Every single character in this chapter. Even Floch and the cadets.

I feel a lot of sympathy for Falco, waking up naked in a robe in front of strangers. What, they were in THAT much of a hurry?

I feel sympathetic to all of them - even Zeke a tiny bit. This whole thing is a clusterfuck of mamoth proportions.

Zeke might join the list, but depends on next chapter, I need his flashbacks to give me a valid reason to why I should sympathize with him, which I think they will as his past looks just as crappy and angsty as the other characters'.

Levi, Zeke, Mikasa, Armin and the 104th, Hange, Shadis, Eren. He looks miserable even though he's SOOO FREEEE~

IN LAST MONTH’S POLL, ONLY 17% OF RESPONDENTS BELIEVED THAT EREN IS IN CONTROL OF HIS ACTIONS. WE WANT TO KNOW IF THIS CHAPTER CHANGED YOUR OPINION. WHAT BEST DESCRIBES HOW YOU VIEW EREN’S CONTROL OF HIS ACTIONS? 1,324 Responses

The percentage of respondents who believe Eren is fully in control of his actions jumped from 17% to 23% this month. 29% percent still believe that he’s fallen victim to a combination of Zeke’s manipulation and previous titan holders’ memories. 16% remain confused and don’t want to make assumptions either way, 14% believe that the titan power is controlling Eren, and a small 8% actually think it’s the other way around and that Eren is manipulating Zeke.

I think what he said to MA is ultimately to protect them, but like Connie said - the eren we’ve seen since Grim Reminder 2.0 in Liberio isn’t the eren we once knew.

Eren is and always has been kind of a jerk. I think he's 100% free to make his own choices. However, I wouldn't discount the idea that the memories he's inherited and whatever selective knowledge Zeke has imparted are influencing those decisions. They're in no way forcing him though. This is all 100% organic Eren BS.

He is being only influenced by the previous titans, which is messing up with his mental state. This causes him to make decisions not regarding human life out of wanting to fight for freedom.

Eren is the master manipulator! Mark my words, guys!

Zeke and Eren are both misguided. Perhaps the rumbling is a lie, or they have a plan that only they would get, but I suspect that the rumbling isn't a simple concept, just like Marley and the Helos story.

Eren is definitely being influenced by previous titans. After he consumed the hammer titan some changed about the way he acts.

He's definitely not being controlled by Zeke, but I still think there is something off/wrong with him.

Eren's doing what he thinks is best for his people, and chose this path based on the memories he gained, the experiences he's had, and the information he's come to know. Its possible some of this information was skewed by Zeke, but other than that Eren is in control

I personally believe he is being influenced by the many titan powers he holds as well as the many memories of the people that held these titans before him however, I believe that these powers are not completely dominating him and he’s able to make his own decision. Eren is also probs not being manipulated by Zeke as I believe that these two bros will stay together.

Influenced to an extent but still in control in that the various factors we're considering has warped how he thinks the situation should be handled. I feel like Eren thinks his unpredictability gives him the most control because he'll probably try to do what's most advantageous on the fly as forks in the road appear (because he never really struck me as someone who can spearhead planning ahead). He's in control of his actions but I think he's still incredibly susceptible to manipulation by those who can plan as a result.

DO YOU THINK EREN IS REALLY WORKING WITH THE YEAGERISTS? 1,322 Responses

Half of respondents believe that Eren is actively working with the Yeagerists in order to achieve a larger goal. 17% aren’t convinced he has anything to do with them aside from tagging along on their road trip. Almost 10% of respondents believe Eren will eventually backstab Floch and isn’t on their side at all, and 9% feel that Eren has been the one giving orders all along.

Maybe he is, but I still have some hope for him that what he did was to protect the people he loves. I hope he still cares about them.

Eren is using them (he doesn't give a fuck about them) and the Yeagerists are using Eren. Eren will backstab Floch. I don't think Eren's aware of everything Floch's doing while using his name but, at the same time, if Eren "cared" about what they do he would ask/wonder... he's too dead inside for that tho

I hope he backstabs them but damn am i confused and a lil angry about this situation

Whether he is working with them or not, he did nothing to stop them but rather act as their leader and that makes him partially responsible for their actions.

Dammit Eren you better not be behind Shadis' beating, he's a good man

I have this feeling Eren doesn't really give a titan's ass whether they're on his side or not, as long as Big Bro got his back he will carry on with the plan either way. They sort of just formed this faction on their own but Eren isn't stupid not to take advantge of that. After all, who knows what might happen and keeping his own small army at arm's reach sure is helpful. But Eren did mature into this very prideful and confident rebel with that "aint need nobody bitch" attitude so.

They seems to be a different faction led by Floch, and Eren is exploiting this.

I think he is working with Zeke (whether they have the same end goal or not is something I’m not sure about) but I don’t think he is working with the Yeagerists and doesn’t even fully know about them or what they are doing

Zeke and Floch are on one side and think they are working with Eren. Eren is currently working with them solely as a means to reach an end and will go his own way after they initiate the rumbling.

PREDICTION TIME!! WHO IS MISTER XAVER? 1,328 Responses

Almost all respondents (81.9%) speculate that Mister Xaver is the holder of the Beast Titan that preceded Zeke, and 25% believe he was affiliated with Eren Kruger in some way. 21% think that he is a family friend of the Jaegers, while 8% believe he was an actual member of the family. There are all sorts of other creative ideas floating around about who this bespectacled mentor figure might be:

Titan Scientist

Pitcher and pinch-hitter for the Liberio Warhammers.

Zeke’s father figure

Zeke's only childhood friend

I think he’s the person who inspired Zeke’s plans

A member of the royal family

Kiyomi and Kruger's ally in the plan to restore Eldia in order to destroy Marley, hated by the three of them

I think he might be an “Ackerman” or someone from the Hizuru clan that secretly remained in Liberio to watch over the members of the royal family there (Dina, then eventually Zeke as he grew up). I also think he was working with Kruger to “groom” Zeke for the ultimate plan that is beginning to unfold now in the most recent chapters (whatever that plan may be idk) (just as Kruger’s influence and memories “groomed” Grisha, and perhaps Eren for what’s happening now as well) P A T H S.

Xaver runs a school for mutants.

PURE SPECULATION, BUT DO YOU THINK XAVER INFLUENCED ZEKE TO TURN IN GRISHA AND DINA? 1,324 Responses

Just over half of respondents believe that Xaver had some influence on Zeke, and that influence contributed to his choice to turn his parents (and the other restorationists) in to the Marleyan government. 33% are not sure, while ~16% believe that Xaver had no hand in that decision.

It would be interesting to see Zeke's flashback, I think you could be onto something, that Zeke himself is a victim of childhood indoctrination, and was manipulated by Xavier (a true honorary Marleyan) to turn in his parents and be loyal to Marley. He clearly thinks of him very fondly, and he seems to be the only one confirmed to be in Zeke's good books. He may or may not be the former beast titan, but I think that however he died is a major reason and key to understanding Zeke's current actions and main motive.

Since he has been shown comforting Zeke after he snitched on his parents, their relationship obviously goes way back and it drives me to think he was a close family friend/relative whom Zeke found some kind of comfort in to battle the neglect, pressure and brainwashing of his parents. From the final panel it doesn't look to me that Xaver wanted Zeke to become a warrior at first, hence probably why he infuenced him to turn in his parents, but obviosuly sth happened that changed that. I do believe he's the ex-BT, even if he wasn't, surely his death was a major factor in why Zeke decided to become a warrior. Dang it I should stop writing nonsense I just wanna KNOW WHATS UP WITH THAT MONKEY MAN

WHO DID IT BETTER? 1,326 Responses

Almost half of respondents thought both our Ackermans brought the thunder equally! Levi, however takes the title this time, with 31% choosing him over Mikasa when it comes to blowing up titans. 18.8% thought she still did it best. 

OUR TRANSLATORS APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN CHANNELING STAN LEE. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SFX FROM THIS CHAPTER? 1,300 Responses

“Splat” edged out “ba-BOOM” for the win with just under 20% of the vote. “BSHHT” was  third and “baKRAK” a close fourth.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST HOPING TO SEE NEXT CHAPTER? 1,330 Responses

These last few hard hitting chapters have amped up the pace of the story, and most people are looking forward to further plot progression. 46.2% and 42.7% are hoping this comes are some sort of flashback related to Zeke or the Yeager bros, respectively. Historia and the warriors bring up the rear, and there’s always people hoping for something more specific in the write-ins:

I miss Reiner and Historia...bring them back please.

this chapter lacked a significant amount of Reiner, and i am tired of not seeing him

I'd take an entire chapter of Levi chopping Zeke up, please

Show me my Mikasa!

Missing Option: Mikasa, Armin, and the 104th

Literally a thought from Eren.

Gabi and Eren Talk

༼ つ ◕_◕ ༽つ Give Annie ༼ つ ◕_◕ ༽つ

Someone killing Floch. Anyone. Please.

Let it be contain one panel of the best girl Yelena 😭

Prison break for the SC and equipping the 3DMG in preparing to battle

More Floch Greatness. All Hail The New Eldian Empire!

I can safely assume next chapter will be 75% Zeke flashbacks which is what I've been waiting for.

JUST GIVE US ANSWERS ISAYAMA!!!!!

WHERE DO YOU PRIMARILY DISCUSS THE SERIES? 1,286 Responses

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS ON THE CHAPTER?

Floch needs to — and I can’t stress this enough — die an unholy death.

Zeke should not have grown his facial hair back before all his skin lol

A very aptly named chapter, where there is savagery and violence, without glorifying or romanticising the brutality. Violence obscures understanding and communication, as seen with the inability for Levi and Zeke to understand each other, despite them being more similar than they realize. Levi kills all his titanized comrades but he is emotionally and mentally unravelling — it is not true victory, only loss and fading of hope. Floch’s violence through abuse of power only breeds cruelty and the reiteration of oppression — it is not true revolution, only regression. Zeke and Eren’s actions intentionally bring war upon Paradis — it brings death and destruction. And yet violence is necessary - it is an unavoidable truth in a world that refuses to listen, only fight, because of fear. The themes in this chapter have so many layers to them; it was a tough one to read because of how dark and brutal it was, but very thought provoking. As readers we look forward to action and fight scenes, but here Isayama deliberately and skillfully delivers it in such a raw and uncomfortable way.

Floch will forever be Manneke Pis. Shadis has been through enough. Eren is hot but needs to die. Falco needs some clothes. Where was Gabi? I fear for Historia's unborn child. Warriors when?

Regarding Zeke, seeing him tear up while thinking of Xaver hurt me a little bit. It's one of the few times (the first time, even? not sure.) that we've seen him show any strong attachment and fondness (and borderline remorse) with regards to his actions. He isn't the "absolutely evil" character in this series.

This kind of chapters are like "ok" to me but frustrating as hell. It will be nice to see it animated in 2030 nonetheless.

I still thinks Eren is a jerk but i still love him. Plus: Floch can be canceled i don't care. Plus+: I want my babies Armin and Mikasa free of the jail, They don't deserve that crap from Eren.  

Seeing Levi vs BT 2.0 gave me some serious highs. Was literally shaking while reading the leaks. I just realised how Levi truly is the perfect foil to someone like Zeke. The world could be crumbling, but give Levi any task, and you can trust him to deliver it 99.9% of the times, with the 0.1% being but the benefit of the doubt.

I think it was a waste of time if I'm being honest. We learned nothing new other than from the few pages with Zeke.

I think this chapter made me realise that I don't really care about Levi anymore.

I waited until the last day to fill this poll out because I honestly don't know how I feel about this series right now. While there's plenty of entertainment to be found in these recent chapters, I don't think I really like the direction the story has taken. I'm bored. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I was surprised to see people genuinely being concerned about Levi surviving after the last chapter/when spoilers were dropping. Levi got plot armour thicker than a tank. He already took out a whole row of titans at far worse odds. He wasn't going to die.

I'm excited for what's coming. I wanted a high stakes story and I'm anxious, but in a good way. Still giving Eren the benefit of the doubt, he has to have info that he's not sharing (from having the memories of 3 titans).

I'm so dead inside due to having an awfully emotional week of being very sad about Zeke and celebrating the survival of Levi. I love both of them so much, this chapter exhausted me greatly.

It was nice to have a more action-packed chapter this time around, I've been missing those. It looks to me like at least half of next chapter will consist of Zeke's childhood flashback, then after that I would like to see Historia again. Please Isayama it's been half a year I miss my queen! :((((

Oh my god Xavier yes yes yes I thought Isayama had completely forgotten about the “mystery man”

I'm so glad Levi won and got Zeke tied up! Now Armin's got to find a safe way to do a titan jailbreak! Hange needs allied more than ever!

No Pieck, no party. Things are just heating up, and it’s still somehow a shitshow?

It's nice to know that characters such as Levi exist in a very morally grey world, and that of all the people given extraordinary powers and abilities, it's someone with that kind of mindset. It makes me feel positive that the series would end in an overall good note, even if this may include some heartbreaking deaths and turn of events.

I liked finally seeing a little more inside Zeke's head.

THIS is how you subvert expectations. Introduce that Levi is watching Zeke back in 106 and doesn't trust him then, and then showing their conversation in 110 to further building the tension. Because of the reveal of Zekerets and that Zeke had been working with Eren as well as the fact that Levi won his first encounter against Zeke - it makes sense from a storytelling standpoint for Zeke to win his next encounter against Levi. 112 plays into this expectation due to Zeke's sudden attack on Levi with a cliffhanger heavily suggesting that Levi would die. Instead 113 was the complete opposite, with Levi utterly decimating Zeke and making the story take an unexpected curve. This chapter is brilliant.

The story is progressing extremely fast right now. The Endgame arc is approaching its climax with all the players taking their stance in preparation for the Ragnarok…

Floch needs to be taught not to miss around with adult affairs that are way beyond his basic childish comprehension. I don't hate the guy but I will be satisfied to watch him shit his pants in a fiasco made of his terrible life choices.

okay but when will best boy jean finally read flock the riot act

there is no transparency in this arc, only suffering

[arlingtonpark]

SNK 117 Review

Eren is a jackass. That is the very first insight into his thinking we get. I almost came.

Death is raining from the skies and Eren can only think to think “Bring it on?” Sorry bro, but how did you think picking a fight with the football team would end?

Seriously, Eren was a jackass here. He doesn’t just jump headlong into the deep end, he fucking pole vaults into it. While lighting a joint and having a cameraman snap a pic for Instagram.

It’s so hilarious how this chapter plays out. Eren walks in thinking he’s hot shit, and by the end he’s throwing a temper tantrum because he’s about to lose.

People may not like me using that term, temper tantrum, but it really is the best one for what happened. The fight is clearly not going his way. He about to lose to fucking Reiner of all people (no offense to any Reiner stans out there).

And he’s pissed.

He is fucking pissed off. As if the ear-splitting screams of anger weren’t a dead giveaway.

Eren…just isn’t a very mature person. I said earlier that Eren would go apeshit if things started going against him, and it turns out I was right.

Eren just hates to lose. The idea that he could be dominated by someone else is so offensive to him that it turns him into a mindless ape.

He embodies the macho tough guy archetype. He may like to pound his chest a lot, but he’s really insecure. He took a punch to the face from Armin like it was nothing, but all it took was a snide remark to get to him.

This insecurity likely stems from his general worldview. One thing that struck me about Eren early on was how much he talked about hierarchies. He talks of the Titans dominating humanity. Of there being strong people and weak people. The existence of strong and weak people implies a hierarchy.

Eren sees the world in terms of hierarchies. There are strong people who fight, win, and get to live. Then there are weak people who cower, lose, and die.

This is why I compare Eren to Donald Trump a lot. Eren’s worldview is basically Trump’s. There is no difference. You’re either a winner or a loser. If you don’t have power, you are powerless.

It’s more obvious with Trump, though, because Trump is just more unabashed that Eren is. Trump once called his Chief of Staff into the Oval Office and ordered him to swat a fly for him. He relishes the power he has over people and abuses it for kicks. Just like a certain ice cream shit swirl-haired brat and another certain leader of the Cult of Zeke.

Trump’s actions and rhetoric are infused with this worldview. Whenever Trump interacts with someone else, whenever he speaks of relations between people, it is obvious he sees the world in zero-sum terms. People like him believe we live in a world of slaves and masters.

This Trumpian attitude is pervasive among the EFC. Yelena, Floch, and even to a certain extent, Louise. And then there’s Eren. Zeke may have a monkey for a titan form, but the almost literal king of Ape Mountain here is Eren himself.

Eren has been obsessed with notions of dominance and strength since childhood. His whole beef with the titans, which predates the killing of his mother, was all about their dominance over him. The death of his mother was just part of the puzzle of what drove him early on.

This attitude has been apparent since the training arc. Remember what happened when it looked like he might flunk out and be sent to the fields? Mikasa had a good point about there being more than one way to fight, but Eren wouldn’t have it.

The fall of Shighanshina was cast as an act of domination by the titans, which, given Eren’s hierarchical worldview, was also necessarily a sign of his own weakness.

Failing to pass military training and fight the titans is thus also a sign of his weakness, which is why he was so obsessed with not flunking.  

Eren may, ultimately, just be using the EFC for his own ends, but it makes an awful lot of sense for him to be allied with them for it to be just that. Eren and Floch share a worldview. As most die-hard nationalists are, they are cruel.

At the heart of most nationalist movements is a grievance over the domination of your people by an outside force. In the United States, it’s the grievance of white people over the supposed dominance of colored people. In Europe, it’s the grievance of white people over the supposed ‘arabization” of the continent.

On Paradis, it’s the outrage over Eldian persecution. The Marleyans are dominating the Eldians and this is seen as illegitimate. And it is! But the series is walking a fine line. Nationalism is a very real and dangerous movement and the series needs to be careful if it’s going to show them as not entirely wrong.

It’s easy to think the series is just playing the well-intentioned extremist trope, but there’s a subtle nuance here.

This isn’t like in My Hero Academia, where the Hero Killer believed commercialism had cheapened the hero profession, so he set out to murder whom he believed were the worst offenders.

Vigilante justice is wrong. There is a system in place to deal with wrongful acts. Because that’s what’s fair to all involved parties. Judge, jury, and executioner in one person is tyrannical, and My Hero Academia rightfully denies the Hero Killer any moral authority.

Attack on Titan, in contrast, grants moral authority to the EFC. Hange said “[The EFC] must believe in Eren, who in turn believes in Zeke. Of course, all we ever did was doubt Zeke. We never tried to move forward. But ultimately, the Eldian people have no choice but to rely on the Yeager brothers’ ability to rumble the land…which means it was the Corps who had been squandering its precious time, putting the Eldian people’s lives at risk. It’s no surprise many soldiers felt that way.”

The point is conceded. The story legitimizes not just their basic worldview, but the actions they take as a result of that worldview. The story endorses insubordination.

It’s the same thing on modernizing the military too. Modernizing the military was part of Zeke’s cover plan, but presumably because they’re weary of Zeke, Paradis has apparently not done much to reform. They still do anti-titan training with swords!

Floch bad-mouths Shadis, but he’s just an instructor. The face of the problem, basically. Hange, Pixis, Nile, and Zackley are the leaders of the military, so the story’s support for Floch’s point about needing a modern military is also an indictment of them.

The story, basically, throws them under the bus to make a point about needing a top of the line military.

This is partly why I fear the story is sympathetic to the EFC. This is a story about fighting. And right now, the EFC are the only ones doing that right now. It’s the EFC that’s out there fighting and dying to protect Paradis.

And the people who’re actually worth cheering for?

They’re in jail right now shitting bricks over nothing!

So…Eren’s been up to some real shit lately, hasn’t he?

He’s shat all over Marley. He’s shat all over his friends. He’s shat all over his country. He’s been a real shit-throwing ape, hasn’t he?

All this inexplicable shit throwing has most people convinced there’s some plan here. Eren’s doing this because he has a good reason to do it and we’ll all be praising him for his brilliance when this is all over.

But a lot of people talk about Trump like his actions are part of some plan, too, and that has me thinking about something:

What if there is no plan?

Whenever Trump does something inexplicable people often assume it’s part of some plan. He’s beefing with the Teletubbies on Twitter because it distracts us from his family separation policy. It just has to be. It has to be. There’s no way someone, anyone, could be this stupid!

This is called the cleverness fallacy and it occurs when people just assume there’s an underlying plan in place for no real reason.

In reality, Trump beefs with Teletubbies because he’s actually is that stupid.

In this chapter, Eren struts out to face the invading Marleyans by himself. Now, looking at this purely from an outsider’s perspective, you would think he would do this because he has a plan in place. He’s walking out to face the invading hordes solo because he’s laid a trap or something.

But no. He had no plan. He had nothing.

What if that is what’s been going on this whole time?

What if the reason he’s been doing all this seemingly random shit is because he legit has no idea what he’s doing?

At the very least, I’m willing to bet he hasn’t fully thought things through. I’m sure he has an end goal in place, and he probably has a vague idea how to achieve it, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s been improvising most of the time.

Like, suppose the end goal is to use the wall titans to protect Paradis while implementing some method that circumvents the Curse of Ymir? In that case, is it really hard to believe Eren is mostly fuzzy on whether the Curse can actually be circumvented at all, but is doing all this anyway because he’s convinced himself it’s the only way?

Eren supposedly has this strategy in place, even though thematically it makes no sense. Eren isn’t special. He’s not. The whole thing with his character is that he’s not humanity’s savior. He’s not going to win the war for everyone.

And yet. Now this guy is going to save the world singlehandedly? He’s concocted a master plan and has everyone eating out of the palm of his hand, and he’s doing it all by himself? Something about all that doesn’t add up.

(I will admit it is possible Historia may be in on the plan. It’s possible Eren told Historia to appear as though she’s going along with Zeke’s plan.)

If it turned out Eren’s been mostly blustering his way to success, I wouldn’t be shocked.

This chapter was a nice change of pace for Eren. He rarely looks so…vulnerable. Did you see the look on his face when Zeke showed up like he was fucking Gandalf at Helm’s Deep? That couldn’t have been more fairy tale-like if you put Zeke in shining armor and Eren in a dress.

Eren is definitely going to betray Zeke, but I’m glad Zeke at least gets to feel like he has something real going on here with Eren. He finally gets to be an onii-chan.

Zeke tells Eren to leave the rest to his big brother. Using “big brother” here is a bit saccharine, but it says a lot. I’m sure it feels very gratifying for Zeke to be able to say he’s got Eren’s back.

Isayama is going to work the 104th into the final battle somehow, right? This is apparently the final battle, we’ve gotta make it a spectacle somehow. A three way fight between the Marleyans, Zeren, and Eren’s compatriots would work.

IDK where Isayama is going with them thinking the Rumbling’s started. How hilarious would it be if Armin went colossal and killed almost everyone in the building (he could probably shield his friends like Eren did in Trost) because he thought the world was about to be destroyed and the only hope to save it is if Eren dies right now.

Except—oops, there was no rumbling at all. My bad!

I could see Isayama doing that. +1 to him if he does.

This chapter features a lot of war action, so I guess I can talk about something that’s always bothered me about the discourse surrounding this series.

-deep breathe-

No one understands what a war hawk is.

One common belief about this series is that SNK is anti-war because of how gruesome its depiction of combat is. This is a gross misunderstanding.

Combat is indeed depicted in the series as being unpleasant. People die in horrific ways. Torn limb from limb. Eaten alive. Crushed like a love bug. The clear stance of the series is that war is an ugly thing.  

But FFS, that’s not what anti-war means!

No one who’s serious denies that war is ugly. That’s not the point. It’s not about whether or not war is a glorious virtue or an inglorious vice. Those aren’t the terms of the debate.

One of the most prominent war hawks in the United States was Senator John McCain! McCain was intimately familiar with the horrors of war. He was shot down in Vietnam, imprisoned by the enemy, tortured, and he carried the scars of that nightmare until the day he died.

But he was a war hawk. When there was trouble somewhere around the world, he supported using military force to resolve the issue. Because while he didn’t deny the ugliness of war, he believed military force would ultimately result in a good end. He believed it was the best possible option and was therefore a necessity.

The debate between the hawks and the doves is about the necessity of war, not the aesthetics of it.

Believing in the necessity of war is different from glorifying it. Nazis glorified war. Isayama is not a Nazi.

If the series were truly anti-war, it would uphold non-violent alternatives to war. But SNK clearly does not do that.

Armin is kind of a whipping boy in this regard. There are several prominent examples of him trying to negotiate with the enemy, only to be thoroughly rebuffed. The point the series is trying to make is clear: the world is cruel; war is the only option, however unfortunate.

That’s not to say the series supports wanton violence. The series may lean towards hawkishness, but its stance is more complex than that. Characters who seek to minimize casualties are cast as heroes. See: Smith, Erwin.

Merciful acts, where appropriate, are also smiled upon. See: Blaus, Mr.

But this is still an overall hawkish stance, and moreover, it is seemingly informed by a very crude worldview.

One of the most famous sequences in the story is of Mikasa being kidnapped and Eren rescuing her. Even now, I’m struck by the sheer…brutalism of the moral.

Mikasa’s parents are murdered and she is taken to be enslaved. Eren kills two of them in retaliation, but is cornered by the last remaining one. Mikasa is the only one who can save him, and herself by extension. On the brink of losing his life, Eren calls for a cowering Mikasa to fight. In that moment, Mikasa had an epiphany.

She saw a connection between this scene and many others in her life. A grasshopper killing a butterfly. Her father killing a duck for food.

Predator and prey.

Strong and weak.

Winners and losers.

Dominators and the dominated.

Fighters and quitters.

The world that the girl saw was a cruel one. Living means being a winner. Being a winner means fighting.

Fighting means killing.

Empowered by this realization, Mikasa is able to kill the slaver and save Eren’s life.

At the end, the moral of the story is given to us: “This is a cruel world and only the winners survive.”

If you lose, you die. If you win, you live. And you can’t win if you don’t fight.

If you don’t kill.

Now, of course, it made sense for Mikasa to kill the slavers; it was defensive, but that’s not the point. This is a story. It is constructed to impart certain values to us, the readers. This anecdote doesn’t just exist to show us how Eren met Mikasa, it exists to distill for us the values of the story.

This is why I think the story will not end with the Eldians and Marleyans finding peace. This is not a story about negotiating. This is a story about fighting.

In that way, Attack on Titan is pro-war, not anti-war. It is not glorified, but it is upheld as a necessity.

It will be interesting where the series comes down on the rightfulness of Eren’s actions. The values of this series is something I’ve been trying to puzzle out for some time.

It’s one thing to support fighting in self-defense. It’s another thing entirely to support what Eren did. Attacking another country because you know they will attack you eventually, instead of imminently, is morally repugnant and illegal under current law.

War is supposed to be an awful thing, remember? Therefore, it is equally awful to just “skip to the end” when relations look bleak. You can’t do that. It’s not right.

It’s not fair to the people whose lives would be fucking annihilated. If it can be held off, it should be.

This is an island nation with an antagonistic enemy just across the sea. Patrol ships are sent into one another’s territorial waters. Their loud-mouthed supreme leader bellows about war crimes past.

But Japan hasn’t gone to war with North Korea yet. Hopefully, it never will.

Isayama can’t be this blind, right?

He realizes that if his story endorses Eren’s actions, then it’s hard not to read it as him calling for Japan to break the law, right?

War between countries is banned. You cannot attack another country just because you are on really bad terms with them, even if you know war is inevitable. Only if war is imminent can you justify an attack, even then it would be a controversial move.

This is why the story endorsing Eren’s attack is the thing that keeps me up at night. If this series is prepared to say it is not wrong on the merits to attack another country just because war is inevitable, then in the context of Japan, with its highly antagonistic relationship with North Korea, it’s basically warmongering.

It’s good then that we see Eren’s attack has backfired somewhat. The Marleyans are attacking earlier than expected, and they don’t seem as weakened as was thought they’d be. There’s still some hope.

One thread from the start of the Marley arc that hasn’t been brought up yet has been Zeke’s insistence on Marley attacking Paradis again, even though his plan the whole time was to escape to Paradis…after provoking Marley into attacking Paradis with Eren’s attack.

At this point, it seems clear Zeke suckered Marley into preparing for war so they’d have an invasion force cued up and ready to go when Eren attacked the festival.

Zeke wants Paradis to be attacked for some reason. Most likely it’s so they can use the Wall Titans as a show of force. Crush the invaders and no one will ever attack again. But things don’t seem to be panning out as Zeren had hoped.

Zeke apparently miscalculated (again) and thought the Marleyans would wait rather than go it alone.

Assuming Zeke’s been completely up front with Eren about his plans, it seems they both thought Marley would join forces with the rest of the world first. Eren is incredulous at this attack; he clearly didn’t see it coming. And in chapter 113, Zeke monologues that the world’s forces would be attacking soon. Not Marley specifically.

From a storytelling perspective, I really like this. It introduces some chaos into the battle and it forces everyone to improvise. That’s always good for tension.

[quinnmorgendorffer]

Top 5 Liz Gillies looks, Top 5 Fraiser Episodes, Top 5 TFOL episodes, Top 5 Fallon Carrington looks

Omg thanks for asking!! Gonna put the Looks stuff under a cut just because it’s long with pics lol but a warning that it’s no particular order and honestly not 100% accurate because there are TOO MANY FOR BOTH OF THEM! I tried to source everything in the edits

Top 5 Frasier Episodes:

Out with Dad - the most amount of opera jokes and it is probably the biggest farce they ever did and who couldn’t love “AND I’M KEEPING THE JEWELRY!!!”

The Ski Lodge - Classic, classic, classic. I disagree with the IMDb ratings for the most part, but it IS number one for a reason

Don Juan in Hell Part 2 - I love every Lilith appearance, so it already has its hold on me. Then you add in Diane, a visit from all his past major loves, and the realization “I’m alone because I’m afraid to be alone�� that’s all too relatable? PURE BRILLIANCE!

Ham Radio - again, I disagree with the IMDb ratings as a whole, but there’s a reason it’s right under The Ski Lodge. It’s hilarious and an example of how great the writing was. “LOOK OUT, HE’S GOT A NUG!”

Room Service - Again, it’s a Lilith episode, so A-plus already. But having her sleep with Niles was just a hilarious and fantastic twist and created a hilarious situation and just. Yes.

Special mentions to Guns ‘N Neuroses and Our Father, Whose Art Ain’t Heaven

Top 5 The Facts of Life Episodes - I’ll add that I um still am not...done...........I have no good excuse, I’m just the worst.

Take My Finals, Please - I always remember, forever and ever, that the symbol for gold is AU. But it truly captures finals stress, is hilarious, and I love a good bottle episode tbh.

The Four Musketeers - It was a hard choice for me between this and Take My Finals, Please. This is everything you want from an episode of this show; emotional, sweet, hilarious, and ultimately a show of friendship.

The New Girl (counting parts 1 and 2) - The start of what the show really was, since s1 was SOOOOOO different. We stan the eps that introduced us to Jo and, of course, the most canon, noncanon ship ever - Jo/Blair

The Christmas Show - This is where my OTP tag for Jo and Blair comes from! It’s such a sweet, gay ending, and we all know I’m a sucker for any Christmas special ever.

New York, New York - again, some gay moments. Also, we stan and support seeing all the character growth Jo and Blair show!!!

Special mention to Sex Symbol because EASY A WISHES IT WAS AS GOOD AS THIS EPISODE! 

Top 5 Liz Looks 

1. (x) I think this is her and not Fallon, but I could be wrong

2. (x)

3. (x) - my all time FAVE shoot of her

4. My second fave shoot of hers

5. (an edit of my own for an rp blog sidebar lol)

Top 5 Fallon Looks

1. (x)

2. (x)

3. (x)

4. (x)

5. And uhhhhhhhh (x)

[2whatcom-blog]

Captain America vs. Thanos Who's on the Facet of Science

Within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the place the Avengers battle on the large display screen, the mathematics appears fairly easy. Captain America equals good, Thanos equals unhealthy. Captain America equals proper, Thanos equals fallacious. Cap was designed by science, the Mad Titan makes use of magic to revamp the galaxy. Or does he? If we take a look at these two characters, the alternatives they make, how they got here to be and what they do, who's actually on the facet of science? To reply this query, we should enter the realm of gene enhancing the place we meet one thing that feels like one thing out of 1950s B film: CRISPR! A Nature Information article printed in 2015 even carried the B-movie title "CRISPR, The Disruptor." However whereas CRISPR has a sci-fi, cosmic-sounding ring to it, it's really derived from the interior workings of essentially the most historical life right here on earth: micro organism. A puzzle about sequencing patterns within the genome of bacterium Escherichia coli that started in 1987, deepened additional in 1995 when it was found that different microbes confirmed the identical sample of "clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats." That lengthy stretch of phrases birthed the acronym "CRISPR." So, the puzzling sequence had a reputation, however what did it do and why was it there? In 2007, meals scientists at Danisco observed that CRISPR represented DNA from viruses that assault micro organism. Similarly to your immune system sustaining a "hit list" of pathogens to assault, CRISPR represents an historical a part of the bacterial immune response that enables instantaneous recognition and concentrating on throughout a viral invasion. All of this could be neat and helpful however CRISPR would not be so "avenging" if all it may do was assist acknowledge an invader. It wants to have the ability to assault invaders too. That is the place CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins, all the time discovered close to the CRISPR sequences within the DNA, make a grand entrance. Scientists realized in 2012 that CRISPR could possibly be used within the best organic assault mission ever: gene enhancing. Cas proteins go in and chop up the DNA of viral attackers, thus destroying the virus and stopping it from replicating. Cas9 is essentially the most generally used enzyme and comes from Streptococcus pyogenes--the bacterium notorious for providing you with strep throat. DNA strands are then repaired if it is a gene deletion, or a brand new sequence (that may be both useful or damaging to the organism) may be inserted to change the host genome. More moderen discoveries like CRISPR-Cas3 are much more highly effective. Cas3 would not chop up the DNA however quite erases enormous stretches of it. If exact management of the erasure boundaries may be enabled, this holds much more energy and promise for gene enhancing. Utilizing these procedures in an embryonic (egg or sperm) cell permits the "edits" to be a part of the genetic code that goes to the following era as "inherited characteristics". So long as you already know the fitting sequence--a information RNA--to give the Cas9, you are able to do a cut-and-paste job into any genome. That is each thrilling and terrifying. In 2019 a mind-boggling document 13,200 modifications has been made to DNA of a single human cell utilizing CRISPR. This potential energy of CRISPR stimulated one of many principally hotly debated biomedical ethics problems with all time. There have been requires a moratorium on the usage of CRISPR for enhancing the human germ line--those cells like sperm and egg cells that cross genetic data to the following era. A number of teams ignored the calls, pressed forward, and used human embryos as take a look at beds to find out how nicely the method would possibly work. It did work, however there have been some points. Focusing on errors related to the information RNA gave "off-target repeats". Which means, it wasn't practically as exact as wanted for routine use in people and suggesting that it could be untimely to provide the method a scientific utility. Regardless of that, on November 28, 2018 researcher He Jiankui, from the Southern College of Science and Expertise in Guangdong, China, revealed that, in contravention of world moral protocols and regulatory oversight, he had carried out ex-vivo gene enhancing on two human embryos. The controversy rages on in our actuality, however within the fictional world of the Marvel Universe there isn't a controversy about utilizing gene enhancing to remodel the frail Steve Rogers into the superhuman super-soldier Captain America. Myostatin gene deletion for tremendous energy? Examine. APOE for cover in opposition to dementia? Examine. BDNF enhancement for reminiscence? Examine. IGF2R for calculating vital conundrums throughout fight? Examine and examine. Most folk haven't got an issue with such organic tinkering if it helps with illness or enhances people to battle for what's proper alongside the Avengers. CRISPR, although, is a way that cuts each methods and may be each good and unhealthy. Right here the unhealthy is how Thanos would possibly use gene enhancing to realize his finish objective of deleting half the lifetime of the universe. CRISPR methodology can be utilized to create and activate a "gene drive" mechanism that may have affect over a complete species inside a given inhabitants. Within the case of a gene drive, modifications may embrace intentionally "infecting" a inhabitants with defective genes mutated to be dysfunctional and pathological. Positively feels like a part of Thanos' job description! Spreading a genetic mutation in a complete inhabitants of organisms normally takes a very long time as a result of a mutation on considered one of a pair of chromosomes is inherited by solely half of the offspring. However a gene drive utilizing CRISPR produces a focused mutation that's then copied to each associate chromosome in each era. The mutation spreads extraordinarily quickly by a complete inhabitants. Whereas it isn't as quick as "the snap" Thanos used with the Infinity Gauntlet in Avengers: Infinity Struggle to instantly kill half the life within the galaxy, it is nonetheless extremely quick in organic phrases. In our actuality, inside a single season a gene drive could possibly be used to brush by and destroy a complete mosquito inhabitants carrying malaria or West Nile virus. This is able to represent an amazing advance for infectious illness management. Molecular biologists are involved with off-target propensities of the information RNA. The hazard is that the information RNA itself will most likely mutate whereas passing by successive generations. This can result in concentrating on different areas of the genome, which might then subsequently race by the inhabitants with unexpected penalties. However it could additionally disrupt predator-prey interactions that will be compromised by wiping out a complete inhabitants and will result in widespread collapse of complete ecosystems. Which brings us to the character of science. Scientific discoveries aren't good or unhealthy in the way in which we are able to consider characters within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Discoveries do not care about your intentions. As soon as data is acquired it may be utilized in many ways in which have been by no means supposed and even imagined by the discoverer. Knowledge to associate with data takes time to accumulate and we are sometimes too impatient to attend. Developed ecosystems reside in an natural steadiness. This steadiness is sustained by interactions throughout all species and all life throughout the ecosystem. If we contemplate the universe depicted by Marvel as a macro ecosystem, Thanos's makes an attempt to wipe out half of all life would consequence not in higher dwelling for the survivors (as he appears to suppose) however in a whole collapse of the dwelling world. Eliminating half of all organisms would destroy the net of relationships that connects all species. Equally, there are issues in our present actuality we could not learn about as implications of our choices, but we take them anyway and so can unwittingly convey on the downfall of our personal and associated ecosystems after we begin utilizing issues like gene drives. The late, nice Stan Lee mentioned "With great power must also come great responsibility." He was speaking about Spider-Man's origin story, however this phrase ought to resonate with us all on daily basis with each resolution we take. Scientific advances assist each the genetic engineering wanted to supply Captain America and the means to allow the cataclysmic and nefarious plan of Thanos. It could be okay to plunge forward with a dangerous galaxy-saving plan within the just-released film Avengers: Endgame, however in actual life gene enhancing we aren't taking part in video games. As a substitute of simply doing what may be performed as a result of we expect it is proper, we have to pause, replicate and train the accountability that's commensurate with our ever-increasing energy. Read the full article

[regina-del-cielo]

My latest rewatch was strongly inspired by me screenshotting Nile's face as reference, and this is the fruit of my labour!

First time sketching Nile, Kiki Layne's face is A Mystery, it's an oval but also a square??? And is??? So smooth?????

I love the braids from her last look of the movie. They are Adorable. They are also a Pain in the Ass to draw, paradoxically I had less of a hard time with the cornrows (they're cornrows, right? Or are they box braids? HELP)

Never forget her beauty mark. It's the Cutest Thing.

[regina-del-cielo]

hi yes pls give me smth from dreams from birth 😘

To think I haven't opened this doc in more than a month...

Have a little Softness:

Her mama and papa aren’t the only people she recognizes. There are other faces. She is too little to notice the difference yet, but they only appear when she sleeps. She can’t connect them to a smell or a touch, like she does her parents. But they feel safe. They feel like love.

[regina-del-cielo]

The way Nile’s voice breaks at the end of the “just like they did with my dad”... it hurts, man.

[regina-del-cielo]

If you tell me that Nicky and Joe’s first thoughts when they saw Andy and Booker be carried in the lab weren’t ‘that’s a weird strategy to use to get in, but hey if it works’... I won’t believe you. Because I think that for them it’s simply INCONCEIVABLE that Andy wouldn’t just burn the place to ashes to get at them, so she Obviously Has a Plan, right?

Great, I just made myself sad.

Booker being a Little Dramatic Bitch with that ‘I killed her!1!’ Hate to burst your bubble, Seb, but people shot in the abdomen survive ALL THE TIME, it’s not like you shot her in the head, for fuck’s sake.

Nicky WENT HARD with the Words of Doom and Seraphic Face 2.0... “the only reason we haven’t died yet is because it’s not our time yet”

“Your time is coming”

“So is yours” *SHOTS FIRED*

my brother: “You are SO gonna die man, just you wait”

In the meantime, Nile Bursts Through every fucking existing limit of Badass by storming Copley’s house and looking Very Not Impressed with him

THE FACES SHE DOES WHEN HE’S BULLSHITTING HIMSELF WHAT A MASTERPIECE

honorable mentions to “well yes, I’m new” and “it wasn’t your gift to give” TELL HIM GIRL

“What pharmaceutical CEO has a personal army?!” “All of them”

Nile be like ‘we’re gonna eat the rich next’

And Copley wanting to go with her? Hilarious. “I’m the one who Will come out of this alive, so STAY HERE and Mind Your Business, you’ve done enough”

my brother: “You go girl, go kick some ass”

The other four, on the other hand? SCREAMING AT EACH OTHER

(I hope they made every single other person in that lab Exremely Uncomfortable for, like, witnessing a Family Argument)

[regina-del-cielo]

Wasn’t completely happy with the picture taken with the phone last night, so I tried scanning the sketch and see what happened... seems like my scanner loses pencil strokes along the way *perplexed emoji*

My latest rewatch was strongly inspired by me screenshotting Nile's face as reference, and this is the fruit of my labour!

First time sketching Nile, Kiki Layne's face is A Mystery, it's an oval but also a square??? And is??? So smooth?????

I love the braids from her last look of the movie. They are Adorable. They are also a Pain in the Ass to draw, paradoxically I had less of a hard time with the cornrows (they're cornrows, right? Or are they box braids? HELP)

Never forget her beauty mark. It's the Cutest Thing.