#and i imagine he assumed that the same was happening for adrien

[anna-scribbles]

just thinking abt stuff

[familyagrestefanblog]

All that aside for a moment, I want to list all the things I am GLAD the special did not just put on Maribug:

- Marinette asked and heard it from Tikki and Plagg what Gabriel's wish was. She didn't just made an assumption that his wish was something this small in comparison to the full potential of Gimmi's power. Whatever revelations may come out of this that they didnt say the entire truth is NOT on Marinette, this comes back to the Kwamis.

- When Nathalie said "Adrien won't be alone, he has YOU" to Marinette after she said that Nathalie can't go to jail or else Adrien will be alone, I was so FUCKING glad that Marinette pushed back on that by saying "He needs YOU. Me being his girlfriend is not the same, he needs a mother (parent)" (paraphrased of course)

Cause, yes, 100% correct. Fuck this thinking that Adrien being an orphan isn't so bad because he has a girlfriend. That doesn't fucking matter. Thank you Marinette for saying that.

- Plagg not immediately telling Adrichat about things is not caused by Maribug in a major way. I truly feared they would have her use her guardian potion to tell Plagg to not tell Chat Noir anything because she wants to be the one to do it, followed up by her never saying anything cause she's uncomfortable.

I'm glad this didn't happen.

- Marinette at least brings up towards Kagami that her mother should be brought to justice. Since Marinette gives Gabriel and Nathalie a pass for their crimes because of her love for Adrien the justice side gets sidelined hard. Especially because the reason why Tomoe isn't brought to justice yet is because it could lead to her outing Gabriel and Marinette doesn't want that. Kagami is right that Marinette is blinded by love, but I'm glad that Marinette got to at least voice in one case that justice SHOULD be served and she'd normally done it.

- Marinette not thinking about immediately getting the Butterfly is a blunder on her AND Nathalie's part. I imagine that Nathalie assumed that Marinette already pocketed the Butterfly at that point, but Nathalie in her position as Gabriel's right hand and partner should have abso-fucking-lutely asked where the Butterfly is. This was a failure on oversight on Nathalie's part too, if not more do because she was in a better emotional state than the crying Marinette in that moment.

_

To be continued later, I've got an appointment

[yubellia]

Marinette and Adrien HAVE to break up sooner or later.

Season 6 and beyond theory.

——————————————————

To be honest, I don‘t know if this even is a theory or a fact. I think many people agree on this or see it coming.

To make this clear. I don‘t WANT them to break up. I think Marinette and her behavior is questionable at best and from the teaser for season 6 we can assume that she didn’t change. However, the writers made it pretty clear that those two are the endgame. It is ‚fate‘. So there is no reason to fight it. They want this. Are they perfect for each other? Nope. Absolutely not. I just hope the writers do the best they can with these characters.

So why do I think that they HAVE to break up? Even if it’s just for a while? I think you know why.

Because at the end of season 5, their relationship is based on a lie! Marinette knows the truth. And yet, she decided to not tell Adrien about his father! Or the fact, that he is a sentimonster. She knows that too but keeps her mouth shut. Maybe to protect him, maybe because she wants to honor a dead man’s last wish. Who knows! Either way, it’s wrong! In the teaser for season 6 Adrien is still wearing the fashion brand of his father. He does see him as this man who tried to make things right in the end.

But he didn’t. Gabriel lost! Easy as that. Maybe Marinette got through to him but he lost. He abused his own son and considering what he did as hawkmoth or monarch, he is a terrorist. There is no getting around it.

Can you imagine what will happen when Adrien learns about all of this? His entire life will feel like a lie. Not only did he loose his family but his father is a criminal.

The writers HAVE TO clear this up somehow. This plothole is so big, they can‘t ignore this. And I am pretty sure they will clear this up. Why?

…

..

.

Lila. She is the new big bad starting season 6. and she knows everything. When Gabriel turned her into Hoaxer, she used this opportunity to get everything from Nathalie. And if Marinette remembers, she surely remembers. And since she hates Marinette, Ladybug and Adrien too, she will use this sooner or later. We can be sure of that. Otherwise, they would have had no reason to show us how Lila got all this stuff.

So… what will happen once he knows? His trust in Marinette and Ladybug will be shattered. Maybe… just maybe, Marinette can pretend that everything is fine for a while. He will loose his trust in Ladybug but if they didn’t reveal their identities to each other by than, she should be fine. For a while. Because Adrien’s fragile state will make him vulnerable to whatever Lila is planning. If they did reveal their secret to each other by than, Marinette will be done for.

Actually, not just Marinette but Ladybug too. Because she told everyone that Gabriel helped her to stop Monarch. No one will trust her. She will be isolated and for once, Lila doesn’t have to make her look like the bad guy, she WILL BE the bad guy. And remember, Gabriel made a wish to Marinette and another one, the one that brought Nathalie back, to Gimmi. I don‘t think that it was the same wish. Balance and stuff. So by pitying Gabriel, Marinette messed everything up.

I think season 6 will be interesting. At least I hope so. We have to wait a little longer.

[justenjoythegossip]

Will Chris’ “psychotic” fans be held responsible for the end of the shitshow?

Recently an article regarding Abba’s near ”abduction” story resurfaced, or I should say was reposted. It seemed pretty random of course. But was it? Because you see, this story hints at an original trauma that she might have suffered as a kid. If you combine this (real or fictitious) traumatic experience with the narrative that Chris’ fans are psychos who really can’t stand to see him in a relationship, well then you have created the perfect storm for their separation. Will that excuse be used to explain their divorce which couldn’t come soon enough by the way? 

So many breadcrumbs pointing to Abba being scared… 

The narrative that Chris’ fans are crazy and don’t want to see him with anyone has been going on for years. His brother Scott alluded to it not so long ago during an interview. Yvette Nicole Brown tweeted about it as well, in a very over-the-top and unhinged way just after Chris and Abba made it official with their first papwalk. So there have been many crumbs pointing to his fans’ problematic behavior being the cause for concerns. And indeed, there have already been several articles pointing to Abba being scared for her safety. Here are a couple of examples.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/amp/1119789-chris-evans-jealous-fans-pose-safety-concerns-for-his-wife-alba-baptista

Recently, that excuse has been used to explain why Abba couldn’t attend an event for Warrior Nun.

We all know of her extraordinary professionalism. She has promoted the show so much so that we can only imagine how terrified and heartbroken she must have felt to turn down this event. (read sarcasm) And it probably explains why she refused to talk to the media at the GQ event. You see she was not being rude and a diva, she was just being shy and afraid…

Also remember during Chris and Abba’s last papwalk when they allegedly had dinner with Rob Pattinson, Suki, Adrien Brody and Harvey Weinstein’s former wife, they were escorted by Guillermo who is Chris’ bodyguard. Sure it was meant to sell that they are a very famous and popular couple but maybe it served another purpose. Maybe it was meant to sell the narrative that she is terrified of Chris’ fans and needs the protection of a bodyguard. So the question remains: will they be blamed for their divorce?

The ending of this shitshow isn’t likely to happen soon…

Crumbs and hints are in place but that doesn’t mean the end of the shitshow is near. In fact, I would be very surprised if he doesn’t mention his “wife” during his next con at Seattle on March 2nd. Indeed this con is overseen by the same company that did C2E2 and NYCC last year, and let’s remember the NY con was used to confirm the 2 kinda of ceremonies and to show off his ill-fitting ring. We can suspect this company is one of their sponsors, just like the jewelry brand or airline company. But I am just speculating. 

It’s safe to assume there will be similar shenanigans in Seattle anyway. Will she actually be there? It’s a real possibility. Especially, since the Oscars’ ceremony is on March 10th. Like for the Golden Globes, it’s a time when celebrities try to be seen. And it will be one of their last occasions to make a splash for a while and have their names in every publication since Chris is supposed to start shooting a new movie in March as well. Unless we get pap pics of them on his movie set. They haven’t done it yet and it would be another box to check off in their PR games.  

The manufactured psychotic fans…

For sure there are some crazy fans out there. But I have little doubt as well that most of his crazy fans act this way on purpose because there are plants on the payroll. Even recently, we have seen a ridiculous fake drama around Dodger. An account even published an old picture of Dodger at Daycare. So this mod either hacked into the security cameras of the dog daycare center 6 years ago. Or by some off chance, a crazy stalker fan who worked at that center leaked that pic and sent it to that mod? I should probably specify that this account also got the exclusive (and very believable) story that Renner and Hemsworth told two strangers that they were in Boston for Chris’ wedding. Obviously the most logical explanation is that this blog was fed real info (and that pic) by his team or is working directly for his team. But officially they will pass as crazy fans who crossed the line… And this narrative has proved quite useful in the past.

Playing the victim card is unlikely to get them any sympathy… 

I personally think that this strategy won’t benefit either of them. 

Particularly Abba. First of all, people are unlikely to believe she needs protection because nobody knows her in the first place. We all remember that ridiculous cringe moment at the Ghosted premiere where a paid actor pretended to be her fan and screamed her name. Also and I don’t mean any disrespect but she is not only unknown to the public but she is also totally unremarkable. She is so unremarkable in fact that when that influencer got the video of them at Walt Disney (the video where you can hear the influencer say at the end: “got it”) she had a pic of Abba’s back tattoo on her screen to make sure she recognized her. 

As for Chris, blaming his fans for the end of this shitshow is unlikely to gain him any sympathy either. We have seen so many fan pages disappear, so many fans leave. He has alienated so many loyal fans and a part of the general public with this relationship that isn’t on brand for him. It wouldn’t be wise to alienate the fans that have stuck around. 

Also playing the victim card is just not as popular as it once was. First of all, most normal people have troubles feeling sorry for out of touch celebrities. And why should they? They live in the real world and have real problems. Like having to hold on to their low-paying job, to take care of their kids or to put food on the table. Look at Harry and Meghan. Most people can’t stand them anymore. So Chris’ team would be wise to look for another exit strategy. They have time…

[shylittlefrogg]

That post of 'What Adrien thinks Ladybug looks like under the mask and vice versa' but Introvert Power with Sabrina and Nathaniel

I like to think that unconsciously with magic their divinations go a little to the left. More because they assume that the other undergoes the same transformation changes as the other.

For example, Nathaniel thinks that Tabby also gets a vibrant color like him, so mentally he sees her more as a brunette than a redhead, also add to that the conversations that are like 'I don't really take care of my appearance (not like Adrien and Chloe) so I couldn't tell you' + Thinking about what kind of person would get along with and Bam! we have a hoodie Girl. It doesn't even cross his mind that she could wear glasses 💀

On Sabrina's part, the same thing happens in the last part! Subconsciously she imagines someone well-groomed and impeccable similar to Adrien and Chloe since they are the ones she gets along with. Only in her case she thinks that Firebug also has brighter eyes while he is transformed so she lowers his color.

[theribbonmarkedroom]

Been holding on to this idea in drafts since last year when the season 5 finale aired but it’s back on my mind so here it is:

A lot of people have been really focused on whether it was Emilé or Amilé at the end of the season 5 finale (and for good reason), but I haven't seen as many people talking about the ramifications of Adrien believing his father helped defeat Monarch on him and his relationships with the people who knew? The moment it comes out that 1) his father was Hawkmoth and all his iterations and 2) the people closest to him KNEW and didn’t tell him is gonna result in the crash out of the century.

Whether it’s a confrontation of Ladybug (and by extension Marinette), Nathalié, Félix, Kagami, Plagg or anyone else who knew, it's gonna be insane. I feel like it would be significantly worse with Nathalié and Plagg. Nathalié because she was aiding Gabriel and because of her parental-like relationship with Adrien, and Plagg for obvious reasons. I do know that it would be even worse with the Adrien/Chat and Marinette/Ladybug dynamics tho.

As Chat Noir it’s gonna be crazy because as his partner, Ladybug didn’t tell him who Monarch was (I’m assuming she’ll lie and tell him she didn’t know/see who he was during their final battle), so it’s an issue of trust (again). Especially because she'll have to fabricate this bs story of how the final confrontation went since Chat wasn't there. It’s also an issue that Ladybug didn't tell him as Adrien because he has a right to know since Gabe was his father. In that same way, Marinette knowing because she’s Ladybug is a deeper issue because Adrien is her boyfriend and further, one of her closest friends. Imagine we get an identity reveal (I know, delusion but walk with me here) after Adrien or Chat finds out that Ladybug knew his father was Monarch and now he has to grapple with a double betrayal... And if Lila somehow tells Adrien first before Marinette/Ladybug gets the chance to and THAT leads to a confrontation? Oh brother...

Lastly, Adrien's relationship with his father has been far from normal. It's never going to sit right with me that he'll go on believing his father was some kind of hero after he's been nothing but manipulative to him and so many of his loved ones. It breaks my heart so many times over that Adrien didn't get to confront his father for all of the mess he put him and his friends through as Gabriel AND Monarch. I'll always wish we got a scene like the movie had, or an expansion of the Chat and Monarch fight but post-identity reveal, but I'm living for the drama regardless. Also the pure insanity of Adrien finding out that he was the reason his father was slowly dying due to his cataclysm as Chat Noir is just something I need to see on my tv it's been driving me crazy since that episode aired.

[princess-of-the-corner]

I'm curious and can't remember if you've talked about/been asked about this before, sorry if I'm asking you to repeat yourself, but what are your thoughts on the entire 'Catwalker' situation that happened in Kuro Neko? And how would you handle that plot yourself?

So I did go into Catwalker a little bit here, and that was mostly on the subject of Adrien's feelings and the fact that it's understandable that he'd do that. He didn't put anyone in danger because he returned the Miraculous, but it was what he thought was better for his mental health which is a good choice!

As for my criticisms and how I'd change it......

I think I'd just delete the 'Catwalker' part of the episode entirely. Like, hear me out for a second.

Adrien was tired and fed up with how Ladybug kept leaving him out and treating him like a replaceable tool.

Coming back as a new identity would put him in exactly the same position. Like /maybe/ he would assume that the problem was 'Chat' and not that LB is just.... very much not down for sharing. But what does 'Catwalker' do for helping Adrien get past this issue?

So just skip that.

Instead:

Another Akuma happens, and Marinette is forced to give the Black Cat to someone else because she can't figure out a permanent solution or how to get Chat back(since she can't talk this out.)

Maybe we get Alya as Alley Chat. Maybe we get Zoé as Kitty Noire. Maybe we get the Nino as Black Magic to counterpart Alya's Scarabella like we fucking deserve!!

Anyway! Who she picks really doesn't matter. But she has to get someone, because she needs a Black Cat. The fight goes off completely fine! It's great! No disasters! A little bumpy because the new Cat is inexperienced and LB's used to Chat, but perfectly fine and it could work even better with time!

And at first, this hurts Adrien. It proves his fears and insecurities right. He is replaceable. Anyone could use the Black Cat and save the day.

But something happens to cause.... basically the Ladrien version of Glaciator 2's Marichat. Maybe an Akuma is targeting Adrien so Ladybug and Alley/Kitty/Magic are playing bodyguard while waiting for the Akuma to show up.

During this, Ladybug opens up to Adrien. She doesn't spill /everything/ because 'he's a random civilian'. But she admits that she fucked up. That she was so scared of what would happen if she shared everything with Chat. That the idea that she has to keep everything secret and take on every burden is just so ingrained in her, especially after some incidents, that it fucked up everything. She loved Chat(platonically ofc) and she trusted him, but she didn't trust herself.

Adrien is, of course, shocked by this news. And to see her so distruaght. He asks about Alley/Kitty/Magic. Aren't they a suitable replcement?

Yes, they 'work'. But Ladybug doesn't care. She wants Chat back.

Adrien gives his honest advice on the situation: figure out a way to talk to Chat Noir. Tell him all those things she wanted to tell him. Resolve to work on those issues instead of shutting them down, but work on them together.

The rest of the Akuma stuff happens. Adrien gets to be helpful as himself yadda yadda.

Later, Marinette tells Plagg to go back to whoever Chat Noir is. Ask him to show up for just one last conversation with her. If he still wants to call it quits after that, at least let her say goodbye properly.

Ofc Chat does show up. And he's not sure what to expect on if LB took the advice or not. But she does. She explains as much as she can in one go. How scared she was. How she's the type to just deal with things all on her own and stubbornly refuse to ask for help or even let people help. She even tells him about Chat Blanc, how she doesn't know exactly what lead to that so even when she /did/ break and ask for help, she was too scared to choose him to tell because 'what if this leads to that'?

And despite all of this, she would rather risk that. Because she can't imagine a world without him by her side.

Chat's a bit thrown by the info dump, especially the Chat Blanc thing. But he's glad she told him. He's glad to hear how much he genuinely means to her(yes even as just a friend).

They resolve to work on this, and work on it together.

[vgckwb]

ML: Paper Wings Chapter 7: The Life That You Lead (Finale)

The next day, Marinette’s parents arrived home from their trip. As they entered the door, Marinette greeted them with a hug and a kiss. “We were only gone for a couple of days…” Tom joked.

“I know,” Marinette said.

“Thank you,” Tom said.

“So, how was your first time staying home alone?” Sabine asked.

“Well, um,” Marinette said, “funny story…” Marinette then regaled them with everything that had happened with her and Adrien over the past few days. As her parents listened, they were stunned, confused, and amazed at the same time.

“Anyway,” Marinette said, wrapping up, “Mr. Agreste has invited us over for dinner at our earliest convenience. Now, I know you just got back from your convention, so we don’t have to-”

“Today’s fine,” Tom said.

Marinette was stunned. “Really?”

Sabine nodded. “To be honest, we’re still a little tired. I imagine that meeting with the Agrestes and getting fed would be a ton easier than firing up the shop today.”

“Well, um, if you’re sure, I’ll give him a call,” Marinette said. She got out her phone.

A little while later, she and her parents were outside Agreste Manor. Marinette was slightly nervous, but rang the doorbell. A camera popped up, and over the speaker, Gabriel’s voice rang out. “Ah! Marinette. I take it that these are your parents.”

“Um, yes sir…” Marinette replied.

“Well, come in,” Gabriel said. The gate opened, and the Dupain-Cheng family walked in. Once they made it to the door, they were greeted by Gabriel and Adrien. “Good evening,” Gabriel said.

“UH, hi,” Adrien added.

“Hm hm. Hi,” Marinette shot back.

“Well then, come in,” Gabriel said. “We don't want to keep you waiting.”

“Of course,” Tom said The Dupain-Cheng family entered, and together with the Agrestes made their way to the dining room.

As they were waiting for their food, Sabine remarked “Well, this is a really nice place you have here.”

“Thank you,” Gabriel said. “I’ve been to your place too. And although I’ve only seen a little bit of it, it looks lovely as well.”

“Oh. Thanks,” Sabine said.

“So, um, how is the fashion world?” Tom asked.

“It can be rough sometimes,” Gabriel answered, “but I certainly have made the most of it.”

“I see…” Tom said.

Gabriel’s face grew serious. “I think it’s about time we do away with the small talk,” he said. “I assume Marinette told you what happened.” Tom and Sabine nodded. “Good.” He sighed. “So, where do we go from here?”

Everyone else was a little confused. “Um, pardon?” Tom asked.

“I recognize that I have failed as a parent,” Gabriel said. “My son was this close to leaving Paris forever. Were it not for your daughter, he probably would have.” Everyone was shocked at the honesty and sadness reverberating in Gabriel’s voice. “So, what do I do now?”

Silence hung over the dining room. This was a big question, but also a fair one. Finally, Tom answered “Well, um, it helps to see your son for who he is…” Gabriel looked perplexed. “Er, what I mean is, I understand wanting to make sure your child doesn’t get hurt. I think every parent worth their salt does. But I think it’s important to listen to them as well.”

“And not just when they’re talking to you,” Sabine added. “We let Marinette stay home alone not just because she asked, but we’ve watched her grow. We’ve seen her change. We know she’s capable, even if she’s still a little clumsy.”

“Moooom,” Marinette said, slightly embarrassed.

Gabriel took all of this in. “I see.” He sighed. “I guess I have lost sight of who Adrien is. Well, that’s not entirely true. He has his mother’s independent streak. I guess I was afraid of losing him like I lost her. I thought if I could contain him, I wouldn’t lose him. But that proved to be demonstrably false.”

“Father…” Adrien said.

“Well…” Sabine said, “maybe what you need is more people in your life.”

“I beg your pardon?” Gabriel said.

“Well,” Sabine continued, “when Marinette was five, she ran away from home.”

“MOM!” Marinette objected.

Sabine held her hand to her. “However, because we knew the parents of Marinette’s friends, and we knew our friends who knew Marientte, we didn’t need to contact the authorities.”

“I see,” Gabriel said. “So, you’re saying that I need to open up my trust to others.”

“Well, you know what they say,” Tom said. “It takes a village to raise a child.”

“Hm,” Gabriel said. “I’ve always been a little antisocial. But I’m not just worrying about myself now, am I?” He sighed. “I guess I still have a lot to learn.”

Sabine chuckled. “Being a parent is a never ending learning experience.”

“Hm,” Gabriel smirked. “Where do you suggest I start?”

“Well, I think that’s a question directed at Adrien,” Sabine said.

Gabriel turned to his son. “Well?”

Adrien thought about it. “Um, well, if it’s alright, I would like to go to school. Like physically. With others.”

“Hmmmm,” Gabriel said. “Alright.”

“Really?” Adrien said.

“Well, it is better than you taking the first train out of here and never looking back,” Gabriel responded. “Although, I’m not sure where to start.”

“We can help,” Tom said. “The school where Marinette goes to is really great!”

“Yeah!” Sabine added. “Maybe we can help you set that up.”

Gabriel smiled. “Thank you. But I suggest we do that after dinner.” Just then, the servers brought out the aforementioned dinner. “Perfect timing.” Their meals were placed in front of them. “I hope this is to your liking. I know you’re professionals.”

“Oh, we’re professional pastry chefs,” Sabine said.

“Yeah,” Tom continued. “I mean, we can cook other foods well enough, but I wouldn’t say we’re professionals when it comes to all foods.”

“Still, I assume you have a discerning palette,” Gabriel said. Tom and Sabine chuckled. “Well then, let’s dig in.” They began eating.

“Wow!” Marinette said. “This tastes great!”

“I agree,” Tom said.

“Well, it might not be as spicy as I’d like,” Sabine noted, “but it tastes really good.”

“I could ask to bring out some spices,” Gabriel suggested.

“Hm hm, don’t bother,” Marinette said. “I doubt you have the kind of spice my mom likes.”

“Besides, it’s nice to change things up a bit,” Sabine said. “Variety is the spice of life.”

“I see,” Gabriel said, grinning.

Adrien chuckled. “This is nice.” He continued eating.

Gabriel was astounded. “Hm. I haven’t seen you smile like that for a while.”

“Oh, uh, well…” Adrien stammered.

“Perhaps we should have company over more often,” Gabriel suggested.

Adrien was awestruck. “For real?” Gabriel nodded. Adrien turned to the Dupain-Chengs. “Would you mind?”

“Of course not!” Tom exclaimed. “It’s nice to get out once in a while.”

“Besides, I think it’s worth it to discuss ideas on how to break the two of you out of your shells,” Sabine said. The Agreste men laughed nervously.

“Although,” Marinette said, “we could also invite you over to our place too.”

Gabriel smiled. “That sounds simply wonderful.” They continued eating.

After they finished, Tom and Sabine took Gabriel aside to help him prepare to enroll Adrien in Francois-Dupont High School. Meanwhile, Adrien led Marinette to his room. She was stunned. “Wow. This is a big room.”

“Yeah,” Adrien said. “But it kind of makes me feel small.”

Marinette was shook. “Oh. I’m sorry.”

Adrien smiled. “It’s fine. I think I'm starting to like that feeling. I mean, I wanted to leave to see just how big the world was. If I’m being let out more and more anyway, I think I can finally appreciate being a small part of something bigger."

Marinette took Adrien’s hand. “Well, you know I’ll always be there for you. Just so you don’t get lost in the bigness of it all.”

Adrien smiled. He pulled Marinette in. “May I?”

Marinette giggled. “You may.” They shared their first kiss.

Sometime later, summer had come to an end, and school started up. Marinette lived a short distance from the school, so she just walked there. As she arrived, she saw a limo. Outwalked Adrien. Once the limo drove off, he noticed her. “Hey Marinette.”

She giggled, and rushed towards him. “Hey.” They shared a kiss. “So, are you ready for your first day?” Marinette asked.

“Well, I think so,” Adrien said. “I mean, I’ve toured the school. I’ve talked with the staff. I have the materials. But it’s a whole other thing to be in the thick of it, you know?”

“I do,” Marinette said. She took his hand again. “But remember, you aren’t alone.”

Adrien smiled. “Right.” They walked in together, hands linked.

Many years later, Adrien and Marinette are on the couch, as Adrien wraps his arm around Marinette, he finishes his story by stating “And that, kids, is how I met your mother.” The kids were awestruck, but Marinette was tickled pink. “Now, it’s time for you to go to bed.”

After the kids were put to bed, Marinette was working on her next fashion project, when Adrien gave her a hug. Marinette turned around and gave him a kiss. “What is it dear?”

Adrien let go and chuckled. “Nothing. Just telling that story reminded me how much I love you.”

Marinette blushed. “It is nice to hear again after all these years.” She looked at her design. “It has been a while since we did something, just the two of us. Maybe after I get done with this project, we can set something up.”

“OR,” Adrien said, pulling Marinette out of her chair. “We can do a little something now?” He raised his eyebrows suggestively.

Marinette rolled her eyes. “I meant more like a vacation.” Adrien pouted. Marinette chuckled. “But I won’t say ‘no’ to right now.” Adrien perked up. They shared a kiss, and then headed back to their room for the night.

[temporalbystander]

Well that didnt take long... Sure Marinette has a bit of a panic attack realising how much of a badass she was there but...

We've cut back to Kagami and her mother, which I can only assume is going on at the same time as Marinette's talk with Gabriel otherwise it takes a very long time for them to get home, and Felix has just landed on the roof. Anyway Tomoe is not at all being subtle here about what houses Kagami's amok and I can just tell this is going to get worse before it gets better.

... I'm sure she's going to explain it but surely she recognises the contradiction here right? "You need to be your own Master so shut up and do as I tell you regardless of your desires." Either that or she's talking about matters of the heart shouldn't rule the head which, while somewhat logical, is also completely stupid when talking about relationships. No matter what the next line is going to be stupid.

... yeah, no... I was right... WHAT? How does that make any sense? Sure she still has feelings for Adrien but the dude does have a choice in this, regardless of the whole master plan the two parents have set up. In fact, forget we are talking about Adrien here. How is being gracious in defeat, backing off and admitting someone else is a better match, in any way being a slave to her emotions? It's being completely and utterly logical to the point it hurts. It's more than the other girls have done.

Okay, skipped a bit here. Felix kidnapped Kagami, Tomoe put on a bunch of Alliance rings, and now we have Matagi Gozen. I'm guessing the multiple rings means she plans on getting multiple powers but can I point out the major flaw in this statement? And the ones like it these two always keep using? "My child has a destiny that is exactly what I've planned for them." Umm... You two do know what Destiny is right? Something that was going to happen no matter what? Something nobody could influence? Despite your actions the two of you aren't gods, you can't impact Adrien and Kagami's destiny anymore then they can.

Really? Any power she wants and she picks super smell? Is that not what the giant dog she's riding is for? Also she got Pollen as well which is apparently the kwami of action so I can only assume her arrows are going to be the venom. (Action and paralysis? Still makes more sense than elation and bombs.)

God I hope her response is "don't be so sentimental" because this is just making me sick. It's ridiculous. How can they both be this insane? Anyway she also got Mullo and Kallki as well so not only can there be a dozen giant warriors freezing you in place with their arrows, but they can teleport too. Although I do wonder whose power is being drained here? Monarch's or the Akuma victim themselves? (Also, despite having two rings in each hand, the show just replays the animation of zooming in on her left index finger. I'm not an animator but surely it shouldn't be too hard to just rotate the model? Right?)

Wait... He didn't say the thing. Do you not need to say the thing? I've spoken more to the Kwami's than the majority of the holders yet not a single one mentioned not needing to say the thing. Sure we never spoke about their powers or transformations but still! Since when is not saying the thing a thing?

... I swear to god. If he is pulling some manipulative heartstring thing here, I'm going to hurt him. Badly. Alliance be damned! (I am now imagining Faybon cursing that he activated someone elses ring and is telling it to shut up.)

Oh dear lord I think he might actually be serious. Also Duusu is just floating there not really interacting. She seemed so hyper when Nathalie had her. Now? Not so much. Still... Wow this has gotten long. Next post!

[tumblingxelian]

Thanks I am glad you think so!

& yeah that is pretty much exactly the case, Audrey is awful, but very survivable so long as you keep interactions to a minimum. Andre's both everywhere and yet nowhere he's actually needed. This tends to be why I would write Zoe as a lot less messed up than Chloe, she's definitely got some trauma and the neglect left her with a desire to feel wanted. But that's mostly where it ends. Chloe's a mass of complexes, trauma and deeply unhealthy coping mechanisms that somehow formed a very effective in certain sphere's) person who just also happens to be incredibly fragile. Chloe's like an obsidian blade, she can cut through most things when at the right angle, but can break or blunt on anything else.

Oooh great metaphor with the forest, there, Andre as poison water slowly killing everything over a long period works so well, and inter-weaves the Audrey bulldozer aspect to boot, kudos!

Thanks gad you think it fits the AU well!

Mhm, like the shift would be subtle enough that he'd only catch it when its already too late to poison the well.

Yeeees, thank you and so glad you feel it works, and very well put.

Mhm, exactly!

I can see them all knowing to varying degrees, but likely not quite realizing the depth of it so easily. I figure Sabrina questions a lot of stuff but stamps it down so much that's the habit but she defaults to Chloe's side whatever else. Adrien likely has complex feelings about it, cos on one hand he kind of wishes his dad were more 'demonstrative' like Andre, but at the same time, he's been around long enough to know Andre's rather two-faced and that everything comes with a price and if Chloe's not willing to pay a price for what Andre gives her... Yeah he's gonna assume there's a reason for that. & if Juleka & Chloe are far enough along Juleka's probably like, 'Good, I don't want her anywhere near that creep.'

But yes exactly, I love Chloe saying utterly unhinged things and treating them as normal while everyone else is just like "What the fuck?" & if things aren't terrible with the class they don't just assume its Chloe's fault ya know?

She's healing, thriving, her crops are watered! Haha, gods I can just imagine Andre trying to go around Juleka to Anarka and being tossed overboard XD

So, I had some "Mathe My Freak" thoughts but they need to be spread across two asks, so here goes the first!

So, the thing with Audrey is, what's wrong with her and how she treats Chloe is obvious, she treats 99% of everyone with contempt and disdain and Chloe falls under that category. It's terrible but for the most part seems to be an abuse rooted in carelessness rather than any particular ire towards Chloe. It could become more than that as Audrey is prone to intense and focused malice, but it could just as easily simmer into total indifference. This is awful obviously, but it still ties back to the fact that Audrey just doesn't care and happens to be a shit person. 

Andre however, he cares very much, not about Chloe but about having a daughter and what that gets him; IE, a careless monster is in many ways preferable to one that cares a lot, just look at Gabriel. This however does obscure how toxic and terrible the relationship is; off the cuff he seems like a sad old dog and they pity him, then he seems like an over indulgent and incompetent but still loving parent, then he seems like a bad person who is teaching Chloe to be bad. Finally, once all the layers of pretension are pulled away what he is, and what the relationship is actually like is laid bare and can be best summarized in how Andre views Chloe: 

1, A dress up doll that started becoming frustrating the moment she had opinions of her own.

2, An exotic pet that just happens to be able to talk, not that he is inclined to listen unless he likes the sound or it's so loud he can't ignore it. 

3, A Symbolic representation and substitute of his relationship with and for Audrey in his life, proof he matters, and a source of the praise and affection he wants from her, but in a smaller package that he has total power over. 

Chloe's his 'daughter' only in that to him that means she is his first and foremost and he is a greedy, selfish man who doesn't like to share and very much expects to get what he wants; he's more subtle than the metaphorical bulldozer that is Audrey, but that just means it's less obvious, not that its better or less damaging. 

I mean, hell, would CHloe be pursuing a mother who seems to hate her so ardently if she got anything out of her relationship with Andre? Wouldn't Andre say or do something if he actually cared about Chloe when Audrey hurts her? He's shown as fine arguing with her when it's him being torn into, but Chloe's not really a person so much as a possession. 

The thing is, Chloe doesn't realize the relationship is fucked up, she thinks its entirely normal, good and healthy, but on  some subcncious level her brain can tell there's things wrong, things that are damaging her, things that she needs and isn't getting. She thinks her mother loving her will fix it, and the relationship with Andre is so artificial that she's willing to drop Paris easily; though she does care about him consciously, if she was able to parse the relationship and emotions effectively she'd realize she cares about what she thinks/wishes she had, not what's actually there.

Tying into the Match My Freak AU, Andre would not notice or really worry about Chloe's new fixation at first, ho hum she has a new obsession this too will pass.   

But then it doesn't. 

Then Chloe is actually leveling out and not needing him at school as much. 

Then Chloe is actually starting to make moves independent of him in circles he has little power.

Then Chloe is actually growing and gaining things from her life that she doesn't get from Andre and so isn't giving him things. 

After all, why go and hang off him and tell him how much she needs her 'big strong daddy' to buy that, or crush them, or make this problem go away when she doesn't want any of these things?

In essence, she's happier and healthier and so is just subconsciously not going near Andre, she doesn't need his help or his presents right now so why should she show up and play happy family for a photo op when she could be at Juleka;s next shoot, or Adrien's fashion show and fine yes actually Sabrina's cookies are nice and this movie doesn't suck and she's actually having a good time. 

Andre doesn't like this at all, but Chloe's willful, aggressive and completely unafraid to make a spectacle that can look more damaging to him than to her. He can't just order her around the way Gabriel thinks he can order Adrien about, it wouldn't... Mesh, with what Andre gets out of the relationship either. He needs her to come to him, to need and be dependent on him trying to force submission is treacherous as far as long term strategies go so it is better to use other routes and avenues as he always has. 

But none of them are working! 

As an aside, he never had this issue with Adrien because Gabriel control his time so much there was never a chance for Chloe to really "Neglect Andre's needs" and Sabrina was always a blurred line between friend and staff, who Chloe unconsciously kept at a slight distance so if/when she inevitably left it wouldn't hurt so much. So she was never obstructive, if anything she was unwittingly an aid in these things, but someone outside that sphere of harmlessness is nothing but a detriment to the cozy, quiet control Andre's always had and now that its slipping away he is not happy. 

Uhhhhh those are some nice analysis and ideas!!!!!!!!

Also like yeah I think i would prefer audrey than andre as a parent, i would grow up neglected but if you stay out of her way that's pretty much all, with andre the amount of traumas and stuff is way too much!!!!!

Also yes if chloe is a forest, audrey is a bulldozer going trought it bevause she needs to go comewhere on the otherside, while andre is the poison in the water killing all the plants and animals!!!

And yep for the match my freak that fits so good!!!!!

I, too, doubt he is gonna realize immediately chloe is getting away, just a new obsession like you said!!!!

Also I like chloe subconciously thinking: i don't need anything, so no need to go near andre.

It really show how their relationship actually is!!!!!

And while juleka, andrien and Sabrina probably already know how andre is, I cam see someone else asking chloe about why she spend time with him like before, and she just says " i don't need him anymore" thinking it's normal!!!

Also hell yeah our girl is healing!!!!! And andre is really gonna wish he never go cloe to juleka or anarka!!!!(he wonsurvive that meeting)

[miraculous-alyssa]

currently overthinking this scene.

i cant stop thinking about how much regret and pain Adrien would feel if he realized that like, that his dad. obviously that's the point in this action, it create a dichotomy of emotions that gets you questioning, because hawkmoth is bad. but hurting humans is worse, and this one happens to be (unbeknownst to chat noir) related to him.

i have a feeling this will have heavier implications in the future, but i just can begin to imagine how Adrien would feel. he's currently grappling with the fact that he's just cataclysmed someone, and i'm SURE it'll be brought up in a future episode. they haven't really touched on the implications for what this means going forward, so i can only assume it'll be a future plot device.

i also think this scene says a lot about the age difference between monarch and our duo. both chat and ladybug display signs of what i would call "childhood innocence" when they're monologuing about how they found him, and threatening to use the cataclysm. he had NO intention of truly using it, it was simply a power play.

but Gabriel is willing to go to WAY more extreme measures to get what he wants. he doesnt see the world the same way they do, because he's had more life experience than them. he's experienced and burdened his trauma's harder than they have. he's willing to lock away his son and neglect him if it means "protecting him". he's willing to risk natalie and the use of her legs (with her consent, of course), and this is surely not the first time he's been close to risked himself, and he's come SO close to risking adrien too. but ladybug and chat noir are kids. they dont think like that, and i think it really shows.

[carpisuns]

something i think would be Neat (it will not happen lol)

a s4 glaciator-esque marichat bonding scene that opens both of their eyes to what the other is going through. In glaciator, Marinette had no idea how hurt chat was about her rejections. She didn’t know he was serious. She thought it was all an act. and adrien had no idea that marinette was also feeling heartbroken. But their brief talk helped them understand each other better. Adrien was able to comfort his friend in a time of need, and Marinette saw chat’s soft side, a sincerity she’s never seen before, and from that point on she knew she had to be honest with him but also gentle with his feelings, which were very real.

Right now in season 4, Marinette also has no idea how hurt chat is feeling. She hasn’t seen his angry outbursts, his sad looks when her back is turned. She is buying his forced nonchalance. She’s relieved that he seems to be the same old silly kitty he’s always been. but he’s not. She had assumed he was acting in glaciator when he wasn’t, and now she assumes he is not acting when he actually is. She can’t really be blamed for this. She has a lot of problems to deal with, and he’s a good actor.

But imagine what could change in the ladynoir dynamic if there was another marichat “intervention”:

adrien, feeling ignored and useless and lonely, transforms one night to go out and clear his head. He sees marinette, who is just so stressed and tired and worried about everything that she came out on her balcony for some fresh night air to just sit and feel nothing for once. he stops by to say hi (post-weredad, it’s not quite as out-of-the-blue as it was the first time).

he notices she seems stressed. asks her about it. she keeps it vague but is as honest as she can be, and it feels good to share this burden with chat noir, at least a little bit, in a way she hasn’t done as ladybug because she’s trying so hard to keep it together.

chat noir is a good listener. he’s attentive. kind. understanding. but something is bothering him too. she prods a little and he confesses how lost he feels. like ladybug doesn’t need him anymore. how he feels so bitter and angry, and he hates that he feels that way because he knows she wouldn’t replace him or forget him but he just can’t help feeling like he’s being left behind yet again.

marinette is surprised. with how busy she’s been as ladybug, she hadn’t had much time to stop and think about how everything might be affecting chat noir. he didn’t seem hurt. but maybe he was too good at hiding it. maybe his smiles and jokes were a little too forced and she never noticed.

chat gets quiet. “sometimes I wonder if it’s even worth it anymore. the lies. the secrets. sometimes I wonder if she even needs me. If it would even make a difference to her if i was gone.”

she’s shocked. Hurt. “Of course it would.” She assures him that ladybug needs him and cares about him and values him. He offers a smile but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “We all need you,” she says finally. “Paris needs Chat Noir. And so do I.”

“Thanks for saying that,” he says softly.

“I’m not just saying it. I mean it.”

She pulls him into a hug. He’s stiff at first, surprised, but then he relaxes and hugs her back. It feels good to hold each other. It feels good to have someone who cares.

When they let go, he feels much better. He thanks marinette for listening and wishes her luck with the stressful things she mentioned. “If you ever need a helping paw, I’m here,” he says. She tells him to wait. Disappears into her room and comes back with a pastry wrapped in a napkin.

“You know, if you feed a stray, they’ll just keep coming back,” he jokes.

She smiles. “I know.”

She watches him leave, heart breaking out how defeated he had looked. She had never meant to push him away; she just had a lot going on. She thought his ignorance would protect him (she still has nightmares about blue eyes behind a white mask), but now she wonders if it would be better for him to know—not everything, but some things. As much as she could tell him. Like how she’d confessed her identity to Rena Rouge when she was at breaking point. How she’s given Rena a miraculous permanently. She figures she should finally tell him the identities of the other heroes—which hawkmoth knows, but chat still doesn’t.

Maybe knowing will help him feel trusted, she thinks. Maybe that will protect him more than anything else. (She hopes so. She won’t let chat blanc happen to him again.)

When adrien gets home, he has a message from ladybug. “I’m sorry I’ve been so distant lately. I owe you a chat. Paw-trol tomorrow, just you and me?”

He answers, and for the first time in a long time, he feels peaceful. He eats his marinette pastry, grateful for her kindness and warmth, and he thinks that maybe everything will be okay after all. They were still a team. It was still him and her against the world, as always. And ladybug and chat noir will always save the day, together.

[upbeat music playing over marichat endcard 😌]

[edorazzi]

Once again, it’s the post everyone’s been waiting for! Reviewing Part 1 of the Miraculous Season 4 finale. 

This is a followup to my reviews of the “Felix” episode and “Gabriel Agreste”, so if you haven’t read those then you might like to! They’re not required but do contain my thoughts/opinions/screaming/crying about the Felix storyline up to this point. 

I haven’t watched “Strike Back”/Part 2 yet so be gentle with me.

Sorry this one took such a long time, I just wasn’t emotionally ready for this journey (and caught Covid in the middle of editing). But hopefully everyone else is up to date and ready to watch me suffer, so I’ll throw the rest under a cut and let’s get going! ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ

---

So to kick off, here are my pregame thoughts. Like previous episodes I went on total content lockdown once the finale aired so I’m only aware of a few spoilery things which slipped the net:

Felix gets hold of a Miraculous. Not sure how, why or which one; just that it’s orange. Also something about the Peacock brooch.

Whatever happens in this has radically changed the fandom’s opinion of Felix and not for the better.

Lila is featured somehow.

So I really have no clue where this is going. I recall Lila was working with Gabriel to control Adrien and seemed to ally with Chloe at the end of “Penalteam”; but Felix dislikes Chloe and outright hates his uncle - who he’s aware is Shadow Moth! - so I can’t see him joining this squad of villains.

I’ve talked about this before but at the end of the “Felix” episode I got the impression Felix really does like Adrien, he was just seething over feeling abandoned at his dad’s funeral (and trying to grab the family ring at the same time). In “Gabriel Agreste” the boys seemed on good terms, so I assume they consider that score settled and anything Felix is scheming from this point on is directed more at Uncle Gabe.

On the other hand, Felix’s relationship with the heroes isn’t great. In his debut episode he really messed around with them, appealed to Hawk Moth directly and looked genuinely hurt when Chat accused him of having no friends. However, they seemed fine in “Gabriel Agreste” when Felix was again in need of rescuing; and I can imagine him harbouring a long-term grudge like he had against Adrien but to sabotage the heroes in a way that benefits Shadow Moth/Uncle Gabe? Ehh. Unless Lila is finally staging an uprising and trying to take over as the big villain? MAYBE.

(And I will say - I think there was a HUGE difference in the writing quality of the previous two episodes. “Felix” was just a “fuck you” to PV fans, an incoherent mess which outrageously villainised this new character instead of telling a real story; while “Gabriel Agreste” was much more solid and portrayed Felix as an intelligent/morally grey figure. Like Chloe’s character assassination in “Miracle Queen”, I think Felix’s attitude in the Finale will heavily depend on which episode this draws more from.)

On my magic third hand, how about the increasing speculation of Felix and Adrien being Sentimonsters, or at least ‘more than human’ in some way? I wasn’t buying into the theory at first but at this point I’d believe it. Mostly because I’m genuinely nervous they’re going to “unalive” Felix; if they’ll basically kill Sentibug onscreen when she was a really sweet character then what makes Felix (the most hated one of all!) any safer?? 

I’m writing this all before going into the episode, obviously. Maybe all my speculation is useless and it’s just “Miracle Queen” Round 2 where they mess up an interesting morally grey character for no reason. Guess I’ll stop avoiding this and go see. :/

---

- Alright, I’m going in. Seeing a bunch of the heroes together is nice; I heartily disapprove of “Kuro Neko” downgrading Chat from ‘partner’ to ‘basic bitch backup’ but this isn’t the place to talk about that (OR IS IT?). There’s also nobody in this group I actively dislike Vesperia. 

- How come Roi Singe and Carapace get a bro fistbump but not Chat? Are they EVER going to resolve the plot point of Nino revealing his identity to Adrien in “Rocketear”? He did apologise for beating Chat up in the street but have things been frosty since then or what? :/

- Everyone splits up before they detransform, and Ladybug won’t let Chat go with her to collect their Miraculous(eses) because she doesn’t trust him with their identities. And yeah, I’m glad Chat is going off about this, we’re like 10 seconds in and I’M MAD TOO. Ladybug let Viperion learn who Chat was without his consent (which could have led to a Luka/Adrien friendship arc but this series continues to starve me of the most basic sustenance!! >:0), and I’m glad Luka knows because someone has to keep an eye on both these magic idiots, but SHE CAN’T TRUST CHAT WITH WAY LESS VITAL INFO? GIRL...

- Also, doesn’t he at least know who Ryuko and Pigella are? Maybe he can’t admit knowing Carapace but I’m sure Chat was there for both Kagami and Rose getting their Miraculous. She could let him help a little! :(

- “Cat Noir will always be a holder like any other...” / “Yep!” LADYBUG. WHAT ON EARTH. Kissing him on the cheek and calling him your “favourite” does NOT make up for that!!! >:0

- I’m also gonna go down that road and say kissing Chat is a really messy thing to do right now. He clearly interpreted that as something romantic and haven’t we established a million times that Ladybug does not want that relationship with him? :/

One thing I want to talk about here is how “Glaciator 2″ includes a scene where Chat admits that he’s been ‘acting up’ out of desperation to maintain the relationship he has with Ladybug, but he’s so inexperienced with affection that he always ends up acting flirty or romantic and just makes her more frustrated with him. 

I think Adrien (as an isolated, socially awkward celebrity heartthrob) has genuine problems knowing how to express platonic love - look at his failed relationship with Kagami! - and yes it’s his own job to deal with that but this kind of thing isn’t helping! What he needs is Ladybug trusting him with more responsibility as a partner to show she values him, not giving out misleading kisses to soften his rejection as a teammate.

Does that make sense? I do think Ladybug’s trying to be nice but this feels cruel to Chat after everything else this season. Where is Felix.

- CAN YOU BELIEVE I FORGOT ABOUT RENA WHEN I WAS GETTING MAD ABOUT LADYBUG TRUSTING VIPERION OVER CHAT. THE WHOLE SENTIBUBBLER/SCARABELLA MESS WHERE CHAT WASN’T ALLOWED TO BE IN THE LOOP ON ANYTHING, AND THEN GOT BLAMED FOR BEING DIFFICULT TO WORK WITH. OH MY GOD.

- Anyway, Rena Furtive makes sure the coast is clear as Ladybug reclaims the Miraculous from each holder. They do a synchronised dive into an alleyway and detransform amid some cute banter and a plan to go to the movies.  This is really pushing the concept of Rena being Ladybug’s ideal partner and it’s making me feel super bad for Chat right now, especially when Rena does what I think is an imitation of him bowing to “Mademoiselle Ladybug”. Maybe it’s a coincidence but it’s very suspect when she’s currently filling Chat’s role as Ladybug’s trusted aide. It’s not funny if you’re punching down, ladies.

- I do apologise for being so nitpicky. I’m way too high strung for regular episode content. Just show me what Felix did and get it over with! >:0

- Cut to Gabriel in his butterfly cave.

Side note: I’m watching a TV series with my family (“Temple”) about a guy who’s keeping his comatose wife in a secret basement, trying to find a cure for her illness while lying to everyone else that she’s dead, and the LOOKS I received when I said it’s the same plot as Miraculous Ladybug. They know I draw a lot of stuff for this sparkly baby show but I’m not even sure they knew it had a plot. They just know I like the catboy. :/

- Ol’ Gabe starts monologuing to his unconscious wife as per usual, mainly about what an embarrassment he’s been this season; but this time he ends up sobbing over the coffin and cracking the glass by beating on it with his fist. Can’t help thinking that the “I am not worthy of our LOVE!” stage already came when he started throwing Adrien around in Season 1; how many akuma has this man unleashed on his own son??

- Gabe reels back in terror when he realises the damage - huge props to the voice acting here, it’s very good! - and immediately shuts the safety doors on the coffin and bolts outta there like a kid who just chipped mom’s best plate. If you put it back in the cupboard right away it’s like it didn’t happen!! 

- ...And goes straight to throw a fit in Nathalie’s room, apparently. I know she loves this trainwreck of a man, but 1) why, and 2) is she getting paid extra for this? Adrien comes to cry in here too but at least he brought sandwiches. These emotionally damaged people just bust into her room whenever they want and Gabriel doesn’t even have snacks.

- NATHALIE, I’M SORRY, BUT PRETENDING GABRIEL HAS NEVER MADE MISTAKES IS SO FUNNY. MY BRAIN IS JUST FLASHING THROUGH ALL THE TIMES HE’S MESSED UP LIKE A COMEDY MONTAGE. The worst mistake was letting Felix into his house, not once but multiple times! And where is the little bastard anyway? :/

- Gabriel rushes to Nathalie’s aid when she starts coughing, looks despondent as she assures him she knew the risk she was taking with the Peacock Miraculous; then leaps up with a maniacal laugh as he realises LADYBUG NEVER TAKES RISKS and bolts out of the room still cackling. THE WHIPLASH HERE IS INCREDIBLE. GUESS NATHALIE’S GETTING HER OWN DINNER.

- Our regularly scheduled stop at the Butterfly Lair! But this time it’s all tinted red as Shadow Moth cooks up his plan to FORCE Ladybug to take enough risks that she eventually makes a mistake. I see we’re out of solid villainous plans and moving into Codename: Kids Next Door territory; this is something Knightbrace would do to increase traffic to his dental practice.

- I do like how Shadow Moth sifts through all the voices of people in Paris experiencing negative emotions; I think(?) it’s the first time they’ve illustrated exactly how he chooses his victims and confirmed that he only knows what he can hear; a nice dive into an otherwise staple sequence. :D

- He settles on a child who isn’t allowed to ride their bike without a helmet or training wheels. Classic Gabriel Agreste, here to start fights with children before getting dunked on by other children! Speaking of, where is Felix. It’s just occurred to me that I don’t even know if he’s in Part 1 of this finale. I better not be suffering through this for no reason. :/

- New child character! Frog Boy and his generic backgrounder parents! He’s zooming around at the zoo and wishing for sweet sweet adrenaline, the kind you only get on the razor edge of death. I guess not all characters need stories based around their visual theme but why is this child a frog when his story is (presumably) about taking risks? Why not a tiger? Are frogs particularly fearless bastards?

- So Shadow Moth’s plan is to remove everyone’s sense of fear, meaning the citizens of Paris will start taking risks and doing dangerous things. I’m reminded of “Simpleman” where he made everyone incapable of complex decision-making and the fallout was huge. But what kind of risks are we talking about; is Marinette going to fearlessly confess to Adrien or is someone getting hit by a car?

Now I’m theorising Felix gets a Miraculous because he’s already a sociopathic little bastard who knows no fear; and as such is the only one Ladybug and Chat Noir can trust to act level-headedly in this situation. I’m under the impression he steals this Miraculous though. Hmm.

- Frog Boy’s transformation just gives him a bigger hoodie and a very slow pedal bike, and an annoying song to top it off. No flames or spikes on the wheels? Underwhelming but the less I remember him the better, I guess. A megaphone on his bike spits out glowing orbs which zap everyone they find, including Alya (and her whole family), Marinette and Adrien. So that’s our three main protags compromised! There’s a mark left on each of their necks which I’m sure will be used to tell apart two suspiciously identical blond boys at some point.

- Adrien wakes up first! I appreciate that they scraped together enough leftovers from the budget to give him pajamas; four seasons in and we’re FINALLY allowed to see more of his fashion model closet. It’s taken equally as long for Marinette to get a blanket, she was sleeping on top of her sheets every night until recently! Alya isn’t allowed to sleep at all and Nino doesn’t even have a house (or parents), it just costs way too much. :/

- Nathalie video calls Adrien with his morning schedule, and I’m pleased to see the return of the Chinese lessons! They haven’t done much with that since Season 1, but between this and the Shanghai Special it’s becoming relevant to Adrien’s character again and that’s nice.

- “But first and foremost, the breakfast for two that my father’s been promising me for MONTHS!” SWEETHEART. OH NO. This breaks my heart because I already know Gabe’s going to cancel, I feel it in my bones. Please let Adrien tell his dad to get bent; the fear is gone, right?

- Okay, so Gabriel is deigning to set eyes on Adrien today, but in the study to discuss work instead of at breakfast. This old man can’t talk and eat at the same time, in the room literally JUST across the hall??

- I bet Gabriel’s invited Felix, hasn’t he. Is this ‘new project’ a twin fashion shoot thing? I don’t know why he’d let Felix in the house after what happened previously but maybe Uncle Gabe thinks he’s really got a grip on things this time. Either that or it’s a romantic photoshoot scheduled with Lila, and the test of the akuma’s powers is whether Adrien has the confidence to tell her to back off or not. I’m sorry for all these projections, I’m just trying to second guess this episode before it can get me first.

- PLAGG DECLARES THAT HE FOR ONE WOULD LOVE TO HAVE BREAKFAST WITH ADRIEN. That’s so sweet. This feels like a holdover from “Kuro Neko” where Plagg has realised just how emotionally vulnerable Adrien is - especially now Ladybug is pulling away from their partnership - and has really pitched in with supporting him! I love how their relationship is developing. :’)

- Oh I see, the frog-shaped Risk marks get activated when Frog Boy (who has apparently been out cycling around Paris ALL NIGHT) passes within earshot singing his annoying song. I guess that explains why there’s no widespread chaos yet. I’m sure we’ll be having MANY “well well, if it isn’t the consequences of my actions” moments if it comes and goes in waves!

- With a burst of fearlessness Adrien FLIPS OUT, HURLS his neatly-pressed shirt across the room, and yells that he’s fed up of being a model and just wants Gabriel to be a dad to him! SWEETIE, ME TOO! He stalks off in determination to “GO TALK TO HIM” and Plagg can’t stop him. I KNOW THIS IS GONNA GO SO BADLY BUT IT’S WHAT I’VE ALWAYS WANTED FOR ADRIEN, YOU GO HONEY!!!

- ADRIEN BURSTS INTO THE STUDY IN HIS PAJAMAS, ENRAGED, IN FRONT OF GABRIEL AND HIS COLLEAGUES. I’M IN TEARS. 

- Lila is also here (so no Felix yet), and is either wearing all white or they forgot to texture her outfit. It’s happened before; never 4get Alix going a whole episode with grey hair because they just forgot to colour her model properly. Does anyone remember that Season 1 episode where Max’s hair and glasses ran away from the akuma without him?

- Gabriel shoots Adrien down and he immediately subdues and leaves. I guess the wave of fearlessness has passed but BABY NO, YOU WERE GONNA GET HIM! Even Plagg is encouraging him to give it another try! :’0

- “Rebellions are like cheese soufflés: just because they sometimes collapse doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try again!” is my new favourite line from this show. It’s so uniquely baffling. I want it on my wall like a Live Laugh Love sign.

- Poor Adrien is stuck doing this romantic photoshoot with Lila, I guess. Is this all before school or did Gabriel pull him out of classes for this? Did they have a lot of time set aside for that breakfast they were supposed to have together? Has Adrien even HAD breakfast? LET ADRIEN EAT 2K22. >:0

- OOH, Adrien calls Lila out pretty viciously when she begins lying to him! Specifically claiming this photoshoot is nearly as romantic as a Hollywood movie she starred in. And that wasn’t even a “sure, Jan”, he went for the throat. Is he being affected by the akuma again or is this a holdover from last season where Adrien really told Lila where to shove it? I’m betting on the latter since he isn’t interrupting the shoot to yell at his dad like we know he wants.

- GABRIEL’S PLANNING TO SEND ADRIEN OFF FOR MONTHS ON AN INTERNATIONAL PHOTOSHOOT WITH LILA. MY GOD. Can’t blame him honestly; sucks for Adrien (who can’t even bring himself to argue, sweetheart!) but Gabriel’s the one trashing the city on a regular basis and making the Surprised Pikachu face when his son gets caught up in it! I’m amazed Adrien hasn’t been in a Swiss boarding school since Season 1.

- “At the end of the ad, using CG, they will meld together to become the perfume bottle. Two souls, one mind, one heart.” Several concerns. I’m VERY nervous about this Sentimonster thing. Not to keep bringing Felix up before he’s even got here but is this about the cousins somehow, or is Ol’ Gabe just monologuing blithely about missing his wife again?  I’m not overlooking that camera angle of Emilie’s portrait right behind Gabriel’s shoulder as he stares at Adrien, either. Hashtag symbolism.

- GUESS ADRIEN’S OUTTA HERE. SORRY BABY. Marinette’s apparently watched this news clip 22 times and is FREAKING OUT.

At least Adrien gets to attend school one last time, that’s slightly better than nothing but isn’t the “adrenaline or death” akuma still on the loose? Is Gabriel just counting on this not being the incident which gets his son killed before he can ship him off to safety? :/

- Ah, we’re back to the strategic wheelie bins so Marinette can get around the school courtyard unseen! That’s a nice callback. And of course, despite Lila doing literally nothing this season until the previous episode, she’s suddenly commanding the class again and Mari can’t get near any of her friends. I sure hope Alya isn’t on Lila’s side any more, now she’s all in with Miraculous business can’t Mari explain what happened with Volpina? :/

- Nice to see Adrien with the guys too! I like that they’ve been pushing that friendship group a little more recently when we get so much of the Girl Squad already. I’m half sad to hear Adrien would be missing Nino’s birthday if this travel plan goes ahead (after all the trouble and property damage Nino went to for HIS birthday! :’0) but between episodes like “Rocketear” and “Penalteam” Nino’s been such an ass to him lately that I don’t know where they stand as best buddies. I’m still frustrated they haven’t addressed that! >:’0

- I will say, there’s no way this storyline will actually end with Adrien and Lila going on a months-long trip, so I’m not taking any of this very seriously. Season 4 has been better at updating the status quo but that’s way too big a change. It’s terrible that I expect them to kill Felix onscreen before sending Adrien off for an unspecified amount of time but here we are. :’)

- I’M GLAD MARINETTE’S NOTICED HOW UNHAPPY ADRIEN LOOKS. I thought she was just going to focus on Lila “stealing him away” or whatever but this is a good use of her infatuation. She’s literally the only classmate paying attention to his feelings right now! I’m more surprised a public photo of Adrien going “:(” hasn’t been analysed more closely but I gotta maintain my suspension of disbelief here. Mari loves him.

- Also, I’ll be really disappointed if this particular shot (shown above) isn’t a rehash of that Season 1 scene where Marinette shuts her locker and Adrien is right behind the door. It’s set up exactly the same way, please, that would be so funny--

- I expect nothing and I’m still disappointed. 

- Anyway, Frog Boy chooses this moment to cycle past the school and Marinette’s Risk mark lights up, cementing her urge to confess her love before Adrien leaves FOREVER (or at least long enough to fall in love with Lila)! >:0 

Where are this kid’s parents, by the way? They initially let him go because of his akuma power, but if people return to normal when he’s out of hearing range (and still recall what they did in their fits of fearlessness), shouldn’t they be looking for him? Calling the police to report their toddler missing??

- So is this, like... a class fencing lesson? Like the class soccer outing in “Penalteam”? I really wish they’d give these kids some sports kits, I know animation is expensive but they’re never dressed properly.

- Just like the soccer game, Lila fakes a complex and obscure medical condition to get out of this activity; but it backfires when Marinette (who arrives late after angsting in the locker rooms) gets to be Adrien’s partner and their teacher won’t let Lila step back in for safety reasons. Get rekt LOL.

- MARINETTE’S ABOUT TO CONFESS AND ADRIEN GETS NUTTED IN THE FACE WITH A BALL. GUESS THEY’RE NOT FENCING. I don’t know why I didn’t pick up on that when Lila was benched for “ball-ophobia” (there are no balls in fencing! >:0) but that was completely unexpected and SO funny. Is someone trying to get Adrien out of this modeling trip by smashing his face in?!

- IT WAS NINO!! HE’S CELEBRATING HIS STRIKE (I guess this is dodgeball?), ALYA’S LOOKING ON IN HORROR AND I’M CRYING WITH LAUGHTER. I DON’T KNOW IF HE’S BEING A GOOD FRIEND OR A DICK RIGHT NOW.

- Oh yeah, okay, they are playing dodgeball! Adrien gets smashed in the face and goes to the ‘dungeon’ behind the opposing team. Is this a metaphor for the way Gabriel treats him under the impression he’s keeping his son safe? And why is this the second episode in a ROW where nobody will explain team sports to this poor boy? :(

- Also I see Nathaniel didn’t get out of this one. Marc can save him from soccer workshops but not this!

- Alya tags Marinette WAY more gently to send her to the ‘dungeon’ with Adrien! A very generous move. I appreciate that it was just a little bump on the arm while Nino nearly fucking ended Adrien’s modeling career; as Certified Best Friends they’re both doing what needs to be done! :D

- Adrien and Mari have a little talk. It starts out awkward as they don’t know what to say, then gets really awkward when Adrien’s Risk mark flares up and he starts kicking off about how much he hates everything! The photoshoots, dumb ads, his celebrity status and now being expected to just drop everything and go do all this with Lila!! >:0 I REALLY enjoy his speech here; Adrien’s given hints in the past that he doesn’t enjoy the things Gabriel demands from him but this is the first time he’s been so open about it. Yet again the voice acting here is awesome!

- Marinette says she understands how Adrien feels; probably referring to all the pressure of the Miraculous Guardian stuff. Which would be less of a problem if she’d TRUST CHAT NOIR once in a while (or at least build a healthy Alya-Luka support system in the meantime!) but I digress. Adrien seizes the moment and holds her hand! :D

- Lila is getting SO mad. Does she really think she can win Adrien at this point, or are appearances all that matter and she just wants people to think Adrien’s into her via these situations Gabriel engineers? Adrien and Marinette’s emotional exchange continues, and it looks like Mari is about to confess her feelings when LILA BARGES IN AND DRAGS ADRIEN AWAY. SORRY KIDS, NOT TODAY.

- Everyone crowding in to say goodbye to Adrien is so cute! Albeit very frustrating that nobody is reading his emotions properly. His tutor lifting him up in a hug is adorable, between his dead mom and his emotionally constipated father (and Nathalie not being paid enough to actually touch him) have we EVER seen an adult hold Adrien like this?! I think he sees this as Adrien’s chance to escape - implying he’s noticed Adrien is unhappy at home - when tragically it’s the opposite and Gabriel is just locking him down harder! :’(

- So even Chloe is standing by and fine with all this? I know she and Lila got chummy in the previous episode but she wants Adrien too, right? And we’ve seen proof she genuinely cares about him. This would be a great moment for her to ally with Marinette for Adrien’s sake but I guess Chloe doesn’t get to have positive development any more. I’m sure Felix’s interesting character arc will be joining hers in the garbage soon.

- Oh, I see how it is. I should have waited two seconds for Chloe to hip-check Marinette across the street when she was just about to confess (AGAIN). Is she serious about being able to come visit Adrien whenever she wants, is that her agreement with Lila? They’re basically planning to hold Adrien prisoner between them? Jesus Christ.

- Adrien even tries to check on Marinette before he goes! GORILLA, HOW COULD YOU DRAG HIM AWAY. YOU NEVER SPOKE TO HIM BUT ADRIEN ASSUMED YOU WERE HIS FRIEND.

- Alya does come to assist Marinette while she’s lying wasted on the sidewalk, thank goodness. Is this another metaphor for the Rena/Ladybug/Chat triangle? Too bad it’s over Chloe’s nonsense; I want to know if Alya’s suspicious of Lila! >:0

- Marinette calls an emergency meeting with Nino, Rose, Kim and Alya. It’s not lost on me that this is the same group from the opening scene, minus Luka and Kagami who go to different schools. I wonder where Juleka’s got to?

- I enjoy Nino thoughtfully chewing on his juice box while Marinette lays out her wild Veggietales plan. Time is of the essence but she’s already wasted enough to make little cucumber glasses for the “Alya” juice box?? The life of an artist I guess, gotta put in the extra effort. :/

- Okay, I love this whole sequence with the panning camera as Mari explains she’s trying to save Adrien instead of hinder him; it’s an emotional speech (again, great voice acting!) and way more cinematic than the usual static shots! 

- And of course the others don’t get it. Nino thinks Adrien deserves to travel (after his dodgeball assault plan failed, I guess); Alya thinks Marinette is overreacting to Lila’s involvement so I guess we know where she stands on this issue; Rose thinks this is Adrien’s dream for some reason; and Kim can’t fathom why anyone WOULDN’T want to be an international model. Again, why isn’t Juleka here? Isn’t it her dream to be a fashion model? She’d have more to say about this than Kim!

- “If (Adrien) didn’t wanna model any more, he woulda told ME! He’s my best bud!” NINO, I DON’T KNOW HOW TO BREAK THIS TO YOU, BUT THERE’S A CHAT-NOIR-SHAPED DENT IN A VAN OUT THERE WHICH IMPLIES YOU GUYS AREN’T REALLY BESTIES THESE DAYS.

- I was gonna say “why isn’t Marinette calling Luka? After Wishmaker he’s clearly the best choice to help Adrien!”, but it’s occurred to me that maybe that’s why Juleka isn’t here. Is the houseboat Mari’s next stop when her classmates won’t help? :0

- OOOH, OKAY! Alya gives a firm no, and in a flash of confidence Mari basically tells the whole table to go screw themselves and leaves to fix this herself! BETTER BE HEADING TO LUKA’S.

- Chaos is erupting all around Marinette as she strides down the street WITHOUT FEAR. This is more what I expected from this akuma! Spontaneous love confessions and other emotional outbursts are embarrassing but not exactly beneficial to Shadow Moth, I want to see Kim catching fifteen different diseases from trying to swim the length of the Seine! >:0 

- Back at the Agreste mansion and Adrien is despondent. His final bids for freedom have been struck down, his bags are packed and--

- FELIX?

- MY BOY IS HERE, OH MY GOD. MY SON. I’m sure this is the only moment of genuine joy I’ll get in this entire finale but I adore him on SIGHT. He’s just chilling on top of Adrien’s suitcases, wearing Adrien’s clothes and messing with one of Adrien’s basketballs like a cat with yarn. How did he get in??

- Whichever way he broke in here, and whatever horrible nonsense he’s about to start, I appreciate that they kept his neater hairstyle this time. The “Felix” episode was terrible anyway but even worse since they just used Adrien’s character model for most of it. This time you can actually tell it’s our horrible little boy!

- I am so nervous to go beyond this point, honestly. This is such a nice scene. The music is soft, Felix is framed pleasantly in the afternoon sun, and I could just quit watching here and believe he’s shown up to take this bullet for Adrien because he knows how much it would mean to his cousin. WOULDN’T THAT BE NICE.

- AND IT’S RUINED. The music shifts and Felix leers at Adrien with a menacing “Hi there, my favourite cousin. :)”. WHAT’S ADRIEN DONE TO HIM THIS TIME. DIDN’T THEY MAKE UP? Is Felix the kind of guy who just decides he’s freshly mad about something that happened years ago?!

- LOVE Adrien’s first question being “HOW DID YOU GET IN”, which is basically confirmation Felix isn’t allowed in their house any more. Did the “Gabriel Agreste” episode just not happen? I’d understand these hostile attitudes if this only took place after “Felix”, but how have they instantly started off on the wrong foot? 

Maybe it’s like Lilo and Stitch, where Adrien’s prayed for a nice and peaceful solution to his problems and here comes Felix as the most chaotic thing possible. The universe sent “the nicest angel it has” but stocks were low.

- I’m sure this will escalate into something nasty, but for now I adore Felix’s dramatic impression of Adrien as a helpless maiden, and Adrien’s annoyed insistence that that’s NOT how he talks. Felix trying to cause trouble and Adrien gently slapping it down every time is the dynamic I crave between these two. I know I won’t get it but I crave it. :(

- I also like the detail of Felix brushing his hair from neat to messy and back again when imitating Adrien. It makes his impressions funnier and (like I said before) is less of a cop-out than just using Adrien’s character model the whole time.

Adrien tiredly pacing around the room with no time for Felix’s nonsense is great; he’s got more important things going on and doesn’t have the energy to deal with his twin cousin lounging around like a supervillain.

- Also, do you think... are these suitcases a reference to Castle Vanily? Surely not. Felix just gives off that indulgent, catlike energy of sitting atop piles of things (which do not belong to him) like a dragon on gold, and I got there before the series did. Hmm.

- Alright, I KNOW Felix has nefarious intentions by claiming he’s here to “save” his cousin (unless he’s literally incapable of saying anything nice in a non-sinister way, which would be very funny), but I appreciate that he picked up on Adrien being upset from one single press photo on the internet. No one else but Marinette noticed and she’s literally obsessed with Adrien, while Felix has seen him all of twice since they were kids!

- Is it significant that Felix puts so much emphasis on describing Adrien’s “SUPER-cool, SUPER-nice friends”? Hmm. 

- Another reference to Felix living in London. I already suspect he won’t be in the London Special (if he even survives this finale) since that’ll likely be a backdoor pilot for the Miss Rose series, but I’m very fond of these little nuggets of info nonetheless. :’)

- “Freedom is something you make, Adrien.” Ooooh, that line gives me shivers! I don’t know if we’ll get any more of Felix’s backstory at this stage but I’m REALLY curious about what’s going on with him. He’s so weird and edgy for a 14 year old, but it sounds like he had a breakdown alone at his dad’s funeral last year so maybe he’s earned that baggage.

- So Felix’s plan is to swap identities with Adrien like they did when they were kids; dressing Adrien up in his clothes so he can chill elsewhere while Felix fights his case and tells Gabriel where to shove it. He implies there may be a “hidden side” of Ol’ Gabe which Adrien hasn’t seen yet. I’m thinking it’s the side which tried to murder Felix in the study last time he visited! :V

- I HIGHLY doubt this is actually to help Adrien. I adore Felix shamelessly but I don’t trust him an inch. Is this a plot to distract Gabriel while Felix gets into the study again, this time undetected?

- Adrien’s Risk mark flares up at just the right (or wrong!) time, and he thinks Felix is on to something! Oh noooo. We’ve seen the kind of carnage that comes with Felix dressed as Adrien, but what about Adrien doing “whatever he wants” dressed as Felix? An untapped market of chaos. Is this all gonna go off the rails and Ladybug will give a Miraculous to the wrong guy?

- THE MESS BEGINS. “Adrien” approaches Gorilla in the courtyard for help carrying his bags, and “Felix” sneaks out the front doors while he’s distracted. This naming will be a little confusing but I’m sure you guys get it.

- Back upstairs, “Adrien” takes a moment to swipe Nathalie’s work tablet under the guise of helping close her suitcase, which she is too weak to do. I’m noticing she has a Risk mark too and I’m sure that’ll be relevant. So this IS a plot for Felix to dig deeper into Gabriel’s business, colour me completely unsurprised!

- Also, does this indicate Nathalie is going on this trip with Adrien? Bedridden Nathalie who needs an Avengers-style exosuit to move around the house?? Nathalie who was on the verge of death at the beginning of this very episode??? GABRIEL.

- Speaking of Ol’ Gabe, he catches “Adrien” at the door and... doesn’t seem to recognise him as Felix. Which is EXTREMELY funny, because at the beginning of this arc he made a huge fuss about the cousins pulling this prank when they were toddlers. “I won’t be fooled a second time!” he said, and has now been fooled a second time.

- Back downstairs, “Adrien” checks the coast is clear before ducking into the Forbidden Study. And he... apparently has a high-tech monocle which can scan the room and locate points of interest?

- No, seriously, what on Earth is this thing. Where did Felix get this? How does a teenager just whip out a piece of Phantom Thief technology, and why did he need it when he already had a hunch something was up with Emilie’s portrait? Is this another Magic Kaitou reference, like his magician tricks from the first episode?

- He has a codebreaking device too, which must be pretty complex if it can crack Gabriel’s top secret safe in a house with a ridiculous level of security. How did he get any of this past boarder control? DOES FELIX’S MOM KNOW WHERE HE IS.

- It’s an x-ray monocle and everything. OKAY, KAITO KUROBA. 

- Ah, ALRIGHT. So Felix got the safe open and discovered what look to be the Butterfly and Peacock Miraculous(es), but I’m guessing these aren’t the real deals. I think Miraculous lose their camouflage when they’re renounced instead of just removed (like Marinette losing her earrings in the Shanghai Special vs Adrien giving up his ring in “Kuro Neko”), and we saw Uncle Gabe putting the Peacock brooch away at the end of the previous episode while scheming up a “surprise” for Felix’s next visit. THIS IS A TRAP.

- Either that or the Peacock Miraculous is still damaged and will just outright kill him. I can’t believe how expectant I am that Felix is going to die; I just feel like if they’ll do it to Sentibug they’ll do it to him. :/

- So Felix takes the Miraculous(es), and manages to reset the whole system including security cameras exactly the way he found it. Even if this kid is evil you’ve got to respect how capable he is compared to literally every other character in this show. But his Phantom Thief monocle picked up more of Gabe’s fingerprints on the painting; is he going to figure out how to get to the butterfly lair or Emilie’s capsule? Are we finally going to see how that whole system works?! I’M LOSING IT.

- UH OH, HE WENT DOWN THE TUBE BUT LEFT HIS BAG BEHIND. Guess you can’t plan for everything. Felix was ready for a heist, not his uncle’s fucked-up carnival funhouse slides! 

Yet again I wish this wasn’t all done using Adrien’s character model, but at least there’s a better setup for it this time.

- Upstairs, Gabriel takes off his wedding ring while talking about this being his “riskiest plan yet”. What does that mean, dude. 

- OH SHIT, FELIX FOUND EMILIE’S CAPSULE. I guess this is my moment of truth about his characterisation this episode; he seemed really fond of his aunt (or at least her portrait) in “Gabriel Agreste” so will he give a shit or are we playing by “Miracle Queen” rules? I really have no idea if Gabe intended this to happen or not, what on Earth is the fallout going to be?!

- HE JUST TURNED TAIL AND RAN. IT GOT TOO REAL TOO FAST. Like I’m sorry, I know this was a really tense moment and huge for all characters involved, but I love this whole spy movie setup leading to Felix just BOLTING at the sight of his dead aunt in his uncle’s basement. HE FIGURED OUT GABE WAS SHADOW MOTH AND STILL DUG DEEPER, BUT THE FRIDGE WITH EMILIE’S CORPSE IN IT WAS THE LINE. GOOD LUCK ADRIEN, YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN.

- Back upstairs, Gabriel puts his wedding band on Nathalie’s ring finger as a memento “in case something goes wrong”. Buddy, this is on the line with Ladybug kissing Chat Noir on the cheek earlier, you can’t maintain that platonic boundary you’ve been complaining about for this whole arc?! PUT IT ON LITERALLY ANY OTHER FINGER, GOOD LORD.

- “I’m trusting you with my wife’s ring. And my son.” WORST PROPOSAL EVER. At least Adrien won’t take much work; just leaving him alone will be better than the nonsense Gabe’s been pulling with him for the whole series. Except “Adrien” is currently Felix and having a heart attack in the study. Uncle Gabe warned you not to dig any deeper, honey, it’s your own fault!!!

- FELIX DITCHES THE MONOCLE AND KICKS IT SOMEWHERE DISCREET IN THE STUDY. IT’S SHOWN HIM TOO MUCH. I’d say “why wouldn’t he just put it back in his bag where he got it from, which he’s currently holding?” but 1) I refuse to put the burden of common sense on my special boy; and 2) the kid just saw a corpse which looks exactly like his mom. He’s handling this pretty well all things considered.

- I CAN’T HANDLE HOW GABRIEL BURSTS INTO THE STUDY AND FELIX INSTANTLY SAVES HIS ASS BY SNAPPING BACK TO THE “PRETEND TO BE ADRIEN AND TELL UNCLE HE DOESN’T WANT TO GO ON THE TRIP” PLAN. LIKE THAT HORROR SHOW DOWNSTAIRS DIDN’T HAPPEN. I don’t know if this is equal to or better than his immaculate “Oh I just wanted to get to know you, Uncle! :3″ save from the previous episode; this boy’s core talent is recovering from heart attacks in record time! >:0 

- Okay, THIS is interesting. Gabriel tries to tell “Adrien” he won’t stand for this rebellion, but falters at the look in “Adrien’s” eyes and itches at the place his wedding ring should be - a habit we last saw in (I think) “Megaleech” when he banished the real Adrien upstairs for being defiant. Nathalie glances at Gabriel, adjusts her glasses with the ring visible on her hand, and tells “Adrien” it’s “time to go”. And “Adrien” just flinches wide-eyed and agrees?! BUT THIS IS FELIX.

OKAY. SIDEBAR. I HAVE THREE THEORIES HERE.

The first (and weakest) is that Felix is just obeying in order to get everyone out of the study, because every second they linger in here increases the risk of his Spy Kids mission being discovered - especially since he’s taken things from the safe and his Phantom Thief monocle is lying on the floor in easy sight. He got what he needed here and Adrien can fend for himself.

The second (and strongest) is that this is about the family rings again - now Felix knows Emilie is here he also knows there’s a second ring to be had, so he needs to stick close to Nathalie and the best way is by taking over this trip Adrien’s supposed to be going on, especially if Gabriel isn’t going to be there. 

The third, returning to the Sentimonster theory, is that the ring actually did something to Felix. Maybe Gabriel just fidgets with it as comfort when he has to make tough calls with Adrien, but maybe it really does affect the fight Adrien has in him and forces him to be obedient, and if that’s the case then it might affect Felix too. I’m drawn back to “freedom is something you make” and how much trouble Felix went through to get hold of the first ring when Adrien has never touched this one. HMM.

- Full disclosure, it was very late so I went to bed after that scene. Couldn’t take any more excitement. Now I’m back for the last five minutes and HI MARINETTE, I NEARLY FORGOT ABOUT YOU. I really appreciate this arc being Agreste-centric; I’ve talked about it before but it’s refreshing for Mari to take a spectator position instead of getting crowbarred into the Adrien/Gabriel/Felix nonsense.

- ANYWAY. Marinette is back and with less than half an hour to save Adrien! We’re returning to the fairytale analogy from “Gabriel Agreste” and Mari’s taken two and a half hours to figure out that Adrien needs to be rescued by a knight, whatever that means. She’s also kept copies of those illustrations Nathaniel drew which is a cute bit of continuity.

- My brain wandered away from me for a second, and when Marinette says “The knight will be LLLLL--” I REALLY THOUGHT SHE WAS GONNA SAY LUKA, LIKE SHE GOT HIM IN ON THIS SOMEHOW. But nope, just Ladybug. There goes my OT3 dream. :( Her reasoning is “Nobody listens to Marinette, but EVERYONE listens to Ladybug!” which is actually very true, especially when Lila is around. If she’s willing to use Ladybug for environmental activism she can save Adrien too! 

- Tikki starts the “you mustn’t use your powers to solve personal problems!” lecture, but I’m not taking any moral guidance from the Galette cake monster. Mari should totally do this. At any rate her Risk mark flares up again; she vetoes all Kwami concerns and forces Tikki to transform her! I’m sure this can only end well.

- Now we’re with Adrien, sitting on a park bench dressed as Felix. At least I get to see Felix’s character model in SOME form today. It’s like a glimpse into some alternate universe where Felix remained the deuteragonist instead of... whatever this is now. Sigh. 

- Plagg is excited about Adrien’s newfound freedom, though he was VERY critical of Felix in the first part of this arc so it’s interesting he doesn’t suspect any mischief here. Though maybe Felix was serious about getting Adrien out of this mess; like yeah it’s an excuse to go raid his uncle’s stuff again but no harm no foul? I do believe he likes his cousin. Hmm.

- Adrien doesn’t want to risk taking advantage of this freedom (or isn’t in the right headspace to do anything except sit nervously) because he’s just waiting for Felix to call him. Kagami calls first and starts RAGING down the phone about not saying no to his dad. I guess this makes three people who noticed Adrien was unhappy about this situation! She asks how long he’s going to stay Gabriel’s “puppet”, and yet again I’m nervous about that choice of words. Is Felix okay right now?

- Uh oh, Kagami brought up their relationship. I don’t condone what happened there (and still think it’s a sign of Adrien having issues expressing platonic affection) but can Adrien get a break today? Everyone’s dunking on him. Though I think Kagami’s realised how unhealthy it was; she points out how between herself, Gabriel and Felix (and Ladybug) there’s always someone telling Adrien what to do. I’m getting increasingly concerned about this Sentimonster thing.

- Kagami yells some more, apologises for the harsh truths and hangs up, and Plagg just goes “wooooooow”. ME TOO BUDDY. KAGAMI IS GREAT.

- Adrien’s Risk mark flares up and he thinks Kagami is right, he should have stood up to his father a LONG time ago!! He texts Felix to stop the plan because he’s coming to confront Gabriel his damn SELF. All well and good but IS FELIX OKAY THOUGH.

- Felix (still dressed as Adrien) receives the text, reads it with narrowed eyes, then deletes it and gets into the car. Oh man.

- Both Adrien (in Felix’s clothes) and Ladybug see the car leaving. Adrien says “I should have known, he tricked me again!”, but like-- to what end? The car is heading to the station for an international trip Adrien doesn’t want to go on, right? Does he just assume Felix is tricking him even if he can’t figure out why this is bad? What is the plan here. He dashes off home with the intent of talking to Gabriel.

- Ladybug arrives at the station and sees “Adrien” and Lila about to board the train. Her Risk mark flares up and gives her the confidence to JUMP DOWN THERE IN FULL COSTUME AND TELL ADRIEN SHE “NEEDS” HIM. GIRL. IS SHE GOING TO SAVE FACE BY MAKING THIS A MIRACULOUS THING??

- Oh no, okay, she saved face with “Adrien Agreste is a national treasure and if he leaves Paris everyone will get akumatized from grief, so TURN AROUND RIGHT NOW AND TELL GABRIEL AGRESTE WHERE TO SHOVE IT”. Which is fair actually.  “Adrien” says he doesn’t have the confidence because, unlike Ladybug, he’s “not a superhero”. This is like the third time Felix has used the word “super” today; is he actively gunning for a Miraculous after all?

- “ADRIEN” GETS ON THE TRAIN AND IT LEAVES. LADYBUG COLLAPSES IN GRIEF. DUDE WHAT IS GOING ON. I guess Felix doesn’t have to pay for his own ticket back home to London but I have no clue how to read his character right now; girl HELP--

- THE REAL ADRIEN BUSTS INTO THE MANSION. Does he have a door and gate key? I get the impression he’s not allowed to come and go as he pleases. Maybe Gabriel just didn’t lock up after all the capable household staff left. What does he MEAN he left the front door open for three days after Nathalie went on this trip, YES you have to close it yourself--!!

- Back on the train. Lila and “Adrien” take their seats. “Adrien” overhears Nathalie calling Gabriel to report his son is safe (lol no he isn’t). 

- Gabriel answers his phone FROM THE TOP OF THE EIFFEL TOWER, WHERE HE TRANSFORMS INTO SHADOW MOTH IN BROAD DAYLIGHT, READY TO CAUSE WIDESPREAD CHAOS WITH A SENTIMONSTER.

- This is all very unnerving, but what I’m getting is that GABRIEL DEFINITELY DID NOT LOCK UP HIS HOUSE. THE REAL ADRIEN JUST WALKED IN THERE OFF THE STREET. If Felix had waited like 3 hours he could have wandered in and explored the place totally uninterrupted, but I guess hindsight is 20/20 (and maybe he’s more interested in the ring?). :/

- Shadow Moth creates Ultron. Between this and Nathalie’s Avengers exosuit he’s definitely been watching too many of his son’s movies.

- Ultron (or “Strikeback”, I guess?) begins stomping through the streets; and fearless Parisians start approaching/waving at/trying to take selfies with it. Which is honestly par for the course and I’m surprised the superheroes are only dealing with this NOW; if the influx of akuma haven’t destroyed the tourist economy they’ve just boosted it!

- Marinette has returned to the station roof and detransformed to lament about Adrien. Tikki tries to comfort her by describing Adrien simply going on a “voyage”, but Mari’s Risk mark flares up at the key word. IS SHE GONNA USE THE HORSE MIRACULOUS ON THE STARTRAIN AGAIN. “No magic portals” is the kind of sign you’d see in the train carriage and wonder what happened more than once to make it necessary.

- TIKKI IS NOT ON BOARD BUT MARINETTE IS THE CONDUCTOR OF THIS TRAIN. She didn’t even feed Tikki before re-transforming; I guess there’s no need to replenish her energy if she didn’t use Lucky Charm but isn’t it polite to provide a snack?!

- Back at the Agreste mansion, Adrien ventures into the study. Is he gonna find Felix’s Phantom Thief monocle and use it to discover Gabriel’s secrets too?? 

- Oooh YES. His Risk mark flares up at just the right time to deter him from stepping back out of the room and he spots the monocle; but the sound of Ultron stomping through the city distracts him! 

AND THEN THE EPISODE ABRUPTLY ENDS. SHEESH, OKAY, BYE.

--- 

ALRIGHT, SO. GOODNESS. MY THOUGHTS SO FAR.

Realistically I know the “Adrien leaves Paris forever on an international photoshoot with Lila” thing isn’t going to happen, so I’m not too engaged with that (and only focused on it so much because I was nervous about whatever mess was about to happen with Felix, lmao); but as usual the Felix stuff is very interesting. I assume he’s going to do something horrible in the next episode which is why everyone’s been ominously telling me to “have fun :)”. 

HOWEVER. This ring stuff. You guys know I wasn't totally buying the Sentimonster theory back in my "Gabriel Agreste" episode review, but with Felix's submissive reaction to Nathalie - especially right after challenging Gabriel for Adrien's freedom, and Gabriel's fumbling response as he went for a ring which wasn't there - I'm VERY suspicious of what's going on.

At this stage, I think Felix really DID intend to help Adrien out (as a fair trade for being able to get into Uncle Gabe's office again), but he wasn't prepared for how much he'd discover, AND the family ring had some kind of effect which led to him obeying Nathalie and deleting Adrien's text. Is it just because he wants to steal the ring for keepsies, like before, or does it have some other connection more deeply related to Adrien being Gabriel's "puppet"? Is this related to the "surprise" Gabriel planned for Felix's next visit which I'm sure involves the decoy Miraculous items? And where is Amilie in all this??

Can’t wait to see what happens in the next episode (which I’m planning to post a second review of sometime soon), I’m sure I’ll hate it! :D

[actually-factually-anonymous]

In Animan, Marinette literally had her getaway plan clutched in hand when she "sacrificed herself".

An undeniable counter to the Animan example. I must retract it.

Now the argument that Marinette is "too indispensable because of the Ladybug Miraculous" to sacrifice herself is true, but the point I was trying to make was more along the lines of how cool with that Marinette is.

It is annoying with how cavalier Marinette is with Chat's life and well-being. I think it's fair to say that given how many of her plans revolve around sacrificing Chat (and/occasionally someone else) the fact that she practically never has to suffer for them would be a sore point for anyone who noticed the pattern- and certainly her ease of having him make those sacrifices during them. I know that smile after she pushed Chat into Backwarder's blade certainly stuck in my mind.

Seriously, what a terrible, chancy plan that was. And she couldn't have told Chat so he'd go along? No, she just finds it funnier this way apparently.

As for Chat Noir as an alternative leader: I can see his potential to be more than just Ladybug's sidekick for certain. And I agree with many of the points you gave, however... right now as he is: he's been more or less beaten into submission by the last two seasons. That useful critique he once offered probably isn't coming back, as sad as that is.

But in regards to the scenario where Ladybug is "demoted" from the unquestioned leader of the group? Honestly that's hard to imagine: her entire group is comprised of people who wholeheartedly adore Ladybug and have the same seemingly unconditional support of her as the rest of Paris. Alya is her best friend and actual partner who has already learnt the truth about Gabriel's defeat and no cared in the slightest. Chat Noir is her top simp who has been steadily pressured into accepting Ladybug's authority as the be-all end-all in all Miraculous affairs and has seemingly succumbed to acceptance thereof out a combination of pre-existing trauma and peer pressure (well done Plagg, that insistence that Ladybug was right to consider Chat Noir just a cheese on the board really helped.)

Even Su-Han has apparently learnt of Marinette's failure and hasn't reconsidered her as Ladybug or Guardian.

However lets indulge the thought experiment:

Assume Lila spills the beans, and thankfully the team's basic reasoning skills kick in and they start doubting Ladybug. Su-Han actually does his job and formally demotes her as leader before said team, relegating her to Guardian and holder but not the one who calls the shots on the battlefield anymore ("NO DETRANSFORMING IN FRONT OF THE ARMED ENEMY!" Su-Han flipped to a new page in his book of precepts: "it's a new addition, named after you.")

Under the weight of Gabriel's true nature, the sheer extent of the lies that his loved ones had subjected him to, and the fact that Ladybug still never trusted him for no explicable or rational reason: Chat Noir's conditioned Fawning finally breaks and he's allowed to think for himself again:

Even so, the fact of the matter is that Chat Noir just doesn't command the same confidence in the team and Paris that Ladybug once did. This is a team solely comprised of people who believe(d) in Ladybug, not in her sidekick. It doesn't matter what other personal merits he might have or that he's (by pure technicality at this point) her partner and theoretical equal.

I expect that Luka would end up as the team leader by virtue of his Guardian training and apparent ability to guide others (allegedly, I have doubts about his actual objectivity when it comes to Marinette). On a more technical level, I just don't ever see any variation of Miraculous where Chat would be allowed to order Ladybug around.

Adrien's approach might actually have more benefits in some respects than Marinette's top-down methods. But in terms of setup and story structure I just don't see it happening. I think the best one could hope for would be something of a return to form with a disillusioned Chat Noir serving as more of a Lancer to Ladybug, one who having once been her most love-blind supporter now provides the voice of critique where Rena is more than willing to indulge her.

Hello. :)

Can I asked for your opinion? I've talked with some of my friends and they said ladybug miraculous is exclusively a leader miraculous while I think it's more strategy related miraculous, not necessarily a sign of a leader, just like the snake.

This discussion is started when I want to write a story about Adrien take over as a leader of the miraculous team after Marinette got vetoed as a not good leader by the team (the story take place three years after s5 finale and they're all adults, Adrien also take times to heal and not Marinette boyfriend). so while she remain as a guardian and strategist, Adrien will be the one leading the team and my friends said it won't work because of the reason that I stated above.

I've seen some example where the leader and the strategist are two different people that's why I think it will work, that ladybug miraculous isn't an exclusive leader miraculous. What do you think? I'm confused because while I was pretty confident before about my opinion that any holder can be the leader, my friends keep saying the same thing that only ladybug holder can lead because the lucky charm ability and it make me doubt myself now.

Thank you and take care.

---

You are absolutely correct, the fact that you can find examples of the team strategist and team leader being two different people with the team still functioning proves it. Your friend has simply fallen into the trap of thinking that, since one thing is what we mostly see, it's therefore the only way to do things. The team leader and the strategist being interchangeable is what we more commonly see, which is why I, too, used to think Marinette's strategic thinking made her a good leader back during the pretool era.

Furthermore, the Lucky Charm ability is not what makes the Ladybug hero indispensable, since Luka has also shown that he can strategize with the Snake Miraculous, it's the Miraculous Ladybug and purification abilities. The reason Marinette is the most important member of the team is because only she can purify Akumas and fix the damage caused by any fights. Basically, Marinette has three times the amount of abilities any other Miraculous, outside of the Dragon.

Regardless, post-retool Marinette has repeatedly failed at everything else a leader should do outside of strategy. What Miraculous she's holding can't change that. Who cares that you can purify Akumas when you lead your team like a dictatorship and are inconsistent with what the rules that you yourself alone enforce are? That's extremely stressful for the team members. Who cares that you can fix the buildings after the fight when you play favorites on your team and never listen to any dissenting opinions even when they're absolutely correct? This tendency has caused problems that could have been avoided if Marinette just stopped viewing her teammates as drones.

Her go-to tactic in a fight is “keep my distance and think of a plan while others actually fight the Akuma”, which makes it obvious she should be more of a strategist instead of a front-lines leader. But, I’ve even grown disillusioned with Marinette's strategic ability. It's one thing to, in a desperate situation, after deep deliberation, make the sacrifice play, to sacrifice something or someone else so that more can be saved. Even with the Miraculous Ladybug ability, Marinette treats sacrifice plays extremely casually and she's very willing to make them when they're her idea. Way too often, Marinette comes up with a convoluted plan that can still be summed up as “sacrifice Cat Noir and fix him with my Miraculous Ladybug later”. Backwarder is the most obvious example, but whatever she was doing to him in Reverser is pretty up there too, never mind how casually she leaves him as the sole cambatant every single time she's getting backup and whenever she's busy implementing a plan. Way too many of Marinette's plans rely on having Cat Noir do most of the heavy lifting for her to sacrifice his well-being so casually even from a logical perspective.

Frankly, the only reason to argue that Marinette should still remain the leader after all this is if you want her to keep doing a bad job or shield her from criticism. Like, her tendency to treat Cat Noir as expendable cannon fodder would be brought to question by everyone on the team if Cat Noir was the leader instead of one of her drones. Marinette's standard for leadership can only be maintained in a team where only she's allowed to do any of the thinking, with everyone else going “Well, she's Ladybug, and she can do no wrong”. If she loses this cover, she's far more likely to get called out on her willingness to sacrifice anything or anyone but herself.

Meanwhile, Cat Noir brings a lot more to the table as a potential leader. He’s friendly to new team members even when he doesn't pick them (contrast how these two greet Volpina, who they had no reason to be suspicious of the time), he considers how their team members might be feeling (even when they aren't on the team anymore like Chloé) and he's concerned over things like having consistent rules for everyone on the team instead of playing favorites for his favorite team members (he was appalled when the found out Nino and Alya were being held to a lower standard than anyone else even though Nino is his best friend). He’s also far more open to perspectives other than his own and he'd never hold others to standards he doesn't also hold himself to.

[skaylanphear]

Miraculous Future/Sentimonster Adrien AU

So once upon a time I had a Miraculous Future AU that I don’t think I ever talked about? But here it is! I think I’m going to tie it up with my Sentimonster Adrien AU. 

Trigger warnings for references to self-harm and attempted suicide. 

Basically, Adrien and Mari finally defeat Monarch Hawkmoth, and like in the fic I wrote called “Monster” (you can read it on AO3), he explains the reason why he and Emilie created Sentimonster Adrien, only I’ll tie in the rings and Felix and all that. EXCEPT that instead of Mari going up to find Adrien like in the fic, she never finds out that Adrien and Chat Noir are the same person. 

Therefore, Adrien is having to deal with the fact that his father is Hawkmoth and that his mother used the peacock to create him as a replacement for their first dead child. A lot to handle. So Gabe is arrested and put to trial, gets life in prison. Except he’s still infected with Chat’s cataclysm, so he dies, like, a year later. Meanwhile, Adrien has distanced himself from everyone due to the backlash of his father being Hawkmoth. That, and he’s dealing with his own personal demons as a result of being a sentimonster. He leaves Paris, severing contact with everyone out of shame and guilt and general self-loathing (what a happy AU this is). Then, say, two or three years later, Nathalie dies as well, because she’s sick from the peacock still, and so he loses her too. Just one shitty thing after another, because I like to torture the sunshine boy. 

So anyway, this all happens in, like, the first two chapters. However, on Marinette’s side, once the trial for Hawkmoth is done, she and Chat can finally reveal themselves to one another, which is something she actually wants to do now that we’re updated through what’s released of season 5. She and Chat have agreed to meet up or something, but when she goes, he never comes. AND she never sees Chat again after that. Adrien is too ashamed and heartbroken over everything that’s happened that his self-worth is in the dumps, and he’s pretty much convinced himself that he’s better off just... disappearing entirely. Ladybug doesn’t need him and his family drama around--she deserves better. So does Marinette, for that matter. 

SO THEN WE HAVE A TIMESKIP! Like, ten years or something. 

Marinette is the guardian again, only she doesn’t have Plagg or Duusu. She has no idea where either of these miraculouses are, and seeing as there’s been no disturbances caused by them, she’s never had any leads as far as looking. Part of her is betrayed by Chat’s abandonment of her, while another part of her fears the worst. They weren’t able to share their identities, so it’s just as Chat has once feared--that something may have happened to one of them and the other wouldn’t know. Of course, there’s nothing she can do about it, so she just... lives on. 

Mari doesn’t really “work” in fashion at this point. She still does it in her spare time, but I’m going to take a realistic approach and assume she’s still working toward that goal. As her day job, she’s a nurse or some kind of healthcare professional. I feel like that fits her personality and it fits the story too. She doesn’t keep in touch with everyone from their school days, mostly only Luka, Alya, and Nino (Alya and Nino are married?) Why hasn’t Luka told her who Chat is so she can find him? Well, she doesn’t know that Luka knows she was Ladybug, and he probably assumes they decided not to tell each other or something--he’s not one to pry. Anyway, so she lives in a flat in the city somewhere with all the kwamis and is leading an ordinary life. 

UNTIL Plagg suddenly shows up? That’s how I’ve always imagined it, tho I’ve entertained some other ideas. BUT FOR NOW, Plagg shows up and Mari is shocked to see him, obviously. But he’s anxious and goes on about how he needs her help, that he fears his holder is in trouble--that he might hurt himself (again). 

Adrien’s life has not gone... super great, obviously. He abandoned all his friends, the lawsuit against his father stripped him of any money, as the Agreste wealth was used to pay victims/damages. The only family he has is Felix and Amalie, whom he doesn’t have much to do with (I think? I’m not sure how big a role in this Felix will play, but I feel like he could be useful, as he’s also a “sentimonster?”). He’s been out of the public eye for a long time, and, to add to it all, he once tried to destroy his own ring--at a very low point--but it didn’t work. Instead, he very badly injured himself. He’s now disabled, being paralyzed from the waist down. He’s had a hard time, to say the least, and is in a very bad place mentally when Plagg breaks his word--as Adrien had previously made him promise never to tell Ladybug who he was--and goes to find Marinette. He doesn’t “tell her” who Chat is, but he does bring her to him. 

This starts a whole hurt/comfort thing where they both learn to deal with their problems and accept what has happened together. Very angsty, but I guess that’s what I’m in the mood for. Adrien is kind of a jerk, because he CAN be a jerk in canon when he’s upset, and Mari is distrustful and defensive. They have a lot to work through and, I dunno, I like a good angst-fest. 

Anyway, who knows if I’ll write this, tho I am thinking about it. I do like to be mean to the children.  

SEE YA!

[miraculouscontent]

Also, if Plagg saying that, it's Marinette's fault that Adrien is sad because Ladybug is using other heroes, isn't supposed to be taken as an accusation of cheating, then how is Marinette the one to blame?

Ladybug getting more heroes to help her out, especially if Chat is MIA, and that making Adrien sad, ISN'T MARINETTE'S FAULT. It's not her responsibility to soothe Adrichat's ego, especially if he won't tell her that anything's wrong.

How about getting mad at Adrien for abandoning one of the two miraculous that Shadowmoth is looking for, in plain sight, knowing that Shadowmoth has a sentimonster that can not only spy on them, but has also entered miraculous before in order to find the location of the miracle box?

See, this is the double-standard that I can't stand in this show; if Marinette pulled the same thing, let's say Marinette wasn't guardian, and she got mad because she felt Paris didn't appreciate her enough, stopped showing up to battles, and then left her miraculous in plain sight, you know that not only everyone call her petty and selfish, but it would also just so happen that Optigami was there and entered her miraculous, leading to it to the miracle box, and Marinette's mistake of the week would be how careless and selfish she was, because being a hero is not about getting rewarded, it's an important responsibility that should be taken seriously.

And really, if not having his feelings reciprocated or being catered to by Ladybug hurt Chat so much that he can't do his duties as a miraculous holder, then yeah, he shouldn't have one.

I THOUGHT THE OPTIGAMI THING FROM THE START LIKE OMG.

Freaking all of this. Not only is what Adrien did extremely reckless (lol, if a pigeon picked up the ring, would we get cat!Xavier?) and childish, but if we take Plagg's complaints at face value, what was Ladybug supposed to do?

We have absolutely zero information saying that Ladybug is grabbing heroes just because. Honestly, even if she is, so what? Shadow Moth is supposed to be really fearsome, so if she wants that safety net and the other heroes are willing (I imagine being a hero is good for people like Juleka at least), then why not? Because it hurts Chat's feelings?

And as I said, she asked in "Rocketear" and Chat insisted that he was fine. All the way back in "Anansi," she was telling him he was irreplaceable (and you guys know how much I hate that word even just in general, not even talking about Chat). What more could she have done, and when I say that, I mean within the bounds of human error? Like, without her being a perfect princess or something like that.

Coddle him? Reassure him every time she brings in new heroes? I just hate the idea that he has to be "the best partner ever" because he came first and Ladybug has no actual experience with any other hero so she just assumes that Chat is the ultimate partner. This poor girl's standards are so low, I can't--

And yeah, if Marinette abandoned her miraculous, she'd be considered childish and reckless, and everyone would talk about how hurt Chat was that she aBaNdOnEd him, but because it's Chat and the narrative has constantly tried to make its audience feel bad for him (unlike Ladybug, who's anxiety is a punch line), he gets the sympathy.