#and i was especially expecting that with a character as complex as luke

[imperatrice21]

I've been in this fandom for a while but I never realized how much ya'll hate Luke like damn.

[batmanlovesnirvana]

| BATTINSON HEADCANONS ! 🦇

A/N : old post from two years ago, but I’ve changed and added a few things since then

my boy is awkward as hell, but somehow, not at all—it really just depends on who he’s with and the vibe of the moment

sassy when he feels like it, but most of the time? he’s a total nonverbal enigma—half the time, all you’re getting are grunts and the occasional raised eyebrow

specially if you’re still just a stranger to him, or even just a friend

he’s ridiculously stubborn—dug-in-heels, won’t-budge-an-inch stubborn. and, of course, he inherited every ounce of it from his darling mama...

had a Star Wars phase when he was 9

he could’ve talked to you all day back then if you’d asked—about every character, every layer they had, his favorite, and why

I think his fave would’ve prob be Luke

but secretly, he’d have a soft spot for Darth Vader too—not for the evil he represents, but for the complexity of his character

he was definitely spoiled—lived the life of a prince, no doubt about it. but his parents made sure to keep him grounded, always lecturing him to be thankful for what he had and to value everything, no matter how small

he’s the last person to complain about anything, especially when it comes to material stuff

If your apartment’s not exactly perfect or if you don’t have all the fancy things, don’t feel embarrassed—he couldn’t care less about that

Bruce isn’t the type to judge people for their circumstances

what matters to him is who you are, not what you have

he traveled a lot and saw poverty up close. he didn’t just witness it; he experienced it and used it as a way to train and push himself

so I think he’d insist that you don’t let his wealth define you or make you feel small. he’d want you to focus on who you are, not what he has

but he’s still a billionaire

and sometimes it shows

Like if he takes you somewhere, he might be like,

“That place wasn’t good, not what I wanted for you, their steak was too dry”

or “The service was way below expectations.”

it’s not that he’s trying to flex, but his standards have been shaped by a life of luxury and privilege.

even if he doesn’t mean to, it can come off like he’s out of touch with the more everyday experiences.

listen, I’m pretty sure he was that kid in middle school—the one everyone liked. Popular, friendly, Shy, and effortlessly cool, he had a ton of friends and was the kind of person people just gravitated toward

but deep down, he was still an introvert at heart. No matter how many friends he had or how much people loved being around him, he always cherished his alone time—it was his way of recharging

probably teacher favorite

after his parents were murdered, he retreated into himself, becoming a loner—a shadow of the person he once was. the bright, sociable kid who could light up a room disappeared, leaving behind a quiet, guarded shell

he shut everyone out—his friends, his teachers, anyone who tried to reach him.

communication felt impossible, like talking to a wall ready to crumble at the slightest touch. he became volatile, quick to anger and prone to violent outbursts.

the smallest thing could set him off and it was clear he was battling demons far too heavy for a child to carry

he was always getting into fights at school, over the most ridiculous things—someone looking at him the wrong way, a comment that barely made sense, or a passing remark. it didn’t matter how trivial; he’d snap.

it was like he was itching for a reason to lash out, just to feel something other than the numbness that haunted him

alfred was absolutely fed up every time the school would call. It was the same routine—another fight, another complaint.

his patience was wearing thin but he never showed it.

he’d just sigh, straighten his tie, and head to pick Bruce up, trying to stay calm while his mind was racing with how much things had changed

alfred probably thought about quitting a dozen times, especially during those rough moments. he was already carrying the weight of guilt over Thomas and Martha’s deaths, feeling like he’d failed them in some way.

but even through his exhaustion, he couldn’t walk away.

he simply couldn’t abandon Bruce, not when his parents had entrusted him with their son’s care, not when the boy was falling apart.

bc alfred knew that no matter how hard it got, he had to stay—because Bruce needed him, even if he didn’t always show it.

it’s pretty clear that Bruce really doesn’t have time for small talk.

that man goes straight to the point, no beating around the bush. sometimes, it’s like he forgets there’s a filter between his brain and his mouth—so he comes off way too blunt.

but, honestly, he just doesn’t see the need to waste time on unnecessary pleasantries.

if he’s got something to say, he’s saying it, no fluff.

Bruce absolutely loves car races (it's actually canon in the prequel book)

he’s got that need for speed, and nothing gets his adrenaline pumping like watching or being part of a high-stakes race.

it’s not just about the cars; it’s the whole atmosphere, the precision, the thrill of it all.

you can tell he’s got a real passion for it—just one of those things he doesn’t talk about much bc he rarely even talks that is

and so, naturally, he’s got a huge interest in F1

He’s got a serious passion for mechanics too—like, borderline obsession

favorite car is, without a doubt, his grandfather's Corvette (the one that makes an appearance in that iconic funeral scene)

another phase he went through during his late teens—but never really left—was his obsession with Nirvana

It hit him so hard that he even picked up an electric guitar because of it.

spending hours alone in his room trying to replicate their sound, teaching himself riffs from songs like “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and “Lithium.”

it became an outlet for him, a way to channel his emotions without having to say a word

he wasn’t looking to impress anyone or form a band—it was just for him, a way to lose himself in the music. over time, he got pretty good at it, though he’d never admit it

and I think music became another refuge for him, a way to escape the chaos in his head

overall, though, he was a massive fan of Nirvana and Kurt Cobain

did date as a teenager, but it was never anything too serious

his heart was always more focused on Gotham—on his plans, his ambitions, and the legacy he was determined to create

relationships were never a priority for him back then; it was always about the bigger picture, the city that needed saving, the work that needed to be done.

gotham was always at the forefront of his mind, and nothing, not even the most charming date, could truly distract him from his ultimate goal

honestly, I don’t think he’s even a virgin. or maybe he is—who knows? but the prequel book did mention he knew his way around women, so it’s safe to say he’s no stranger to that side of things

was a straight-A student without even breaking a sweat. it just came naturally to him

fave subject was chemistry

he looks a lot like his mother but you could definitely see his father in him too—kind of a perfect mix of both, like a living blend of their best features

he inherited his mother jawline and hair

and his father eyes and nose

was really close to his paternal grandparents

they passed away when he was only seven, so his memories of them are more like faint impressions. but looking at the pictures on the fireplace, you can tell just how much they meant to him

according to Alfred, it was his grandparents who chose his name

never really knew anything about his maternal grandparents, except that they were long gone before he was even born. it was just one of those things he never thought to ask about, something his mother never spoke much about. it was as if they were just figures in the past, distant and forgotten, not even a whisper of a memory for him to cling to

he’s got a ton of distant cousins, most of them living over in Europe, but honestly he doesn’t talk to a single one of them. it’s not like he cares to, either.

that's another reason why Alfred ended up with custody. with all those distant relatives, none of them really stepped up and Bruce wasn’t exactly close to them anyway.

alfred was the one who had always been there, so it just made sense

didn’t mind being an only son, but deep down, he used to beg his mom for a sibling

comfort smell? It’s his mom’s perfume—lavender mixed with a hint of lemon

and Alfred cookies ofc

Bruce’s go-to comfort clothing is his dad’s old Harvard sweater—it’s just cozy and familiar.

as a kid, he’d call his mom "Mummy" or "Mama" and his dad "Papa."

most of his suits? Hand-me-downs from his dad. He’s only got a few of his own.His favorite sport is soccer—don’t ask why; it just makes sense.

Bruce has always been fascinated by his family’s history.

his dad used to tell him all these stories about their ancestors, and Bruce would listen so intently, always begging for more.

sure, the library had books on it, but hearing the stories from his dad just hit different. his dad’s voice made it all feel personal and alive.

oh, and he’s canonically descended from English royalty

his mom was really into gardening.

she loved her plants, especially lilies of the valley and Bethlehem stars.

Lily of the valley: sweetness and purity of heart.

Bethlehem star: hope and happiness.

she used to say they reminded her of his dad and Bruce.

Martha was also super into art and fashion.

she painted and was basically a Gotham fashion icon

because of her, Bruce was always dressed to impress as a kid

his dad, though, was the total opposite. Thomas Wayne’s tie was always crooked, and he had zero fashion sense

Bruce remembers how every morning, his mom would fix his dad’s tie and scold him about it, but Thomas would just kiss her to shut her up

at work, his dad was all about scrubs, and at home, it was pajamas and a robe

Bruce sometimes wears his dad’s robe now—it’s comforting

when it comes to fashion, Bruce is totally his dad’s son

if Alfred didn’t step in, he’d probably look a mess.

his dad loved photography and books

Bruce remembers how his dad used to take photos of his mom and him all the time

the library is packed with pictures of his family—mostly his mom and little Bruce

his parents’ love for each other was something else, and Bruce secretly dreams of having something like that one day

and deep down, he’s a total romantic. he gets that from his dad

he’s already decided that if he ever gets married, he’ll propose with his mom’s ring

a diamond blue sapphire ring

Alfred used to sneak him sweets before dinner (classic Alfred move)

they played chess a lot, though Bruce never actually won

Dory, his mom’s maid, was one of the midwives when Bruce was born

she’s also the one who taught him how to cook, and yeah, Bruce knows how to cook ( the essential at least )

everyone says he’s a cat person, but honestly, I feel he's more like a dog person. It just fits.

part 2 ?

or should I do dating headcanons ?

[d-targaryenshoe]

Dearest Triangle - Luke Thompson

Word Count: 841

Summary: What is more pleasant than talking about a show that contains you and your lover?

The lights in the studio are dimmed, and a spotlight focuses on the three celebrities perched on trendy mid-century furniture arranged in a semi-circle. 

The interviewer, a lively woman with a professional smile, introduces the interviewees.

"Welcome everyone. Today, we have an incredibly special treat. Joining us are the stars of the well-known and very popular Netflix series ‘Bridgerton."

"Luke Newton, Luke Thompson, and our very own heroine, Y/n Y/l/n, who all have kindly agreed to sit down and talk about the upcoming season."

The audience explodes with applause. You give them a gracious smile and wave while the person beside you, Luke Thompson, who is also your boyfriend, gently squeezes your hand.

The interviewer starts off, "I've watched the new first and second seasons, and it's mind-blowing. But the new trailer where we see a little bit of a love triangle, really shows the stakes are much higher, and there's so much going on in this season!"

"Absolutely, yeah, couldn't agree more!" you reply, "Just the friendship between y/n and Colin on itself, really."

"But this season, fans can expect more intrigue and emotional roller coasters. More passion, the love triangle, especially,that, is a part of the story which we all poured our hearts into." You smiled proudly, looking over the mass of fans. "For you."

The first fan question is directed at Luke Newton, by a girl that tries to contain her nerves, looking at Luke. "What's it like playing Colin, who is caught in the middle of this love triangle?"

"Well, I think Colin is just confused at this point," Luke replies, shrugging, chuckling slightly. "He's always admired y/c/n from afar, but her interest in my brother Benedict, played by Luke Thompson, over there, complicates things."

 "I believe Colin would be quite invested in this very special emotion of not knowing who you truly desire." He finishes, smiling at the girl.

The audience cheers, and a mixture of Team Colin and Team Benedict declarations ring out, causing all of you to laugh.

The next question is for Luke Thompson, a young man in his 20's. "As the more mature and serious brother, where does Benedict's heart lie in Season 3?"

He looks at you for a moment before responding, after the fans finish their cheering. "Benedict is in a difficult position, honestly. He's attracted to y/c/n, but he also respects his younger brother's feelings." He spoke.

 "But things do get more complex as the season moves forward, but I believe you all will enjoy the ups and downs of this journey." Luke smiles, as the fans begin cheering once again.

"Now, y/n, fans love your character's strength and independence. So, what do you think draws her to both brothers?" asks the interviewer.

You nod thoughtfully, "She's drawn to different qualities in each of them. Colin is charming and spontaneous, stages that the dashing man she dreams of also has." You said, running a hand through your hair.

"Then there's Benedict, who is reliable, very mature, and has wisdom beyond his years, and artistic talent as well. It's difficult for her to reconcile these two completely different appeals - but that's what makes it so exciting!" You finished, handing the microphone over to your boyfriend.

A fan then asks, "What's it more like in real life playing this on-screen love triangle versus your real-life love relationship with Luke?"

You laugh and glance at Thompson who chuckles. "It's a question we get very often, if not in interviews then when a fan notices us on the street."

"But to be honest with you, it's all professional. Both Luke and I understand the difference between acting and real. What unfolds on screen is purely fiction, and it doesn’t impact our relationship in real life, i love him with my whole heart."

"Can the same be said about me? I feel so left out, y/n" Luke Newton teases, causing all of you to erupt in laughter.

But you answer. "Yes, of course I do! Our friendship together has always been stronger than any on-screen complexities!"

The interviewer nods, turning to the audience for the final question, "Is there a message you want to deliver to our expecting fans?"

You lean forward, "For all fans anxiously waiting for Bridgerton part I on May 16th, prepare yourself for a rollercoaster ride of emotions and passion."

"We've put in tonnes of love and effort into bringing these complex relationships to life. Not just us, but also Claudie Jessie, Nicola Coughlan, Jonathan Bailey, and everyone else."

"So, dearest viewers, enjoy the show, and let us know what you think!”

Applause echoes throughout the studio as the lights dim, marking the end of an exciting session filled with laughter and anticipation for Bridgerton Season 3.

As you walk off the stage hand-in-hand with Luke, glancing at Newton who’s waving to the audience, you can only hope that you have managed to intrigue your audience enough to eagerly await the unveiling of the thrilling new season.

Sometimes, life feels just as dazzling as the world of the Bridgertons.

[thoughtsthatgounnoticed]

Swept up in Expectations

As an anxious and curious person, I couldn’t help but check every now and then to see what the vibe was for P2 before watching it myself. After all the excitement during the wait between P1 and 2, nothing could have prepared me for the whiplash I felt reading disappointed and equally ecstatic posts from reactions to Eps 5 to 8.

Now that I’ve seen the episodes myself I’m trying to make sense of how I felt so I’m putting the figurative pen to paper and hope anyone as confused as I am can ruminate with me.

To put simply - I think we were all swept up in the excitement of Nic and Luke’s press tour (a whole other can of worms for some) and the many spoilers, speculations, and info from cast interviews during the wait between P1 and 2 that appeared to have been Polin positive. This energy then ballooned our expectations. I personally forgot that although Bridgerton is endearing and fun, it’s ultimately not a BBC or HBO production (I love Bridgerton but it’s no Pulitzer Prize winner in writing). So I think we expected more and are crashing from our collective highs.

Then there’s Polin and Penelope. As someone who didn’t personally enjoy S1 and 2 stories, S3 was going to be one I could truly enjoy and romanticize, and experience that Bridgerton brainrot everyone keeps taking about. Admittedly, it took me listening to some discourse and a second watch to truly appreciate P1. I’ve come away with so much love for Polin and their unfolding love story as well as Pen’s journey. The friends to lovers trope is beautiful, sweet, endearing, romantic, with a lot of history between two people. It had me singing along at the top of my lungs to Taylor Swift in the car even though it’s not my usual type of music. I was swooned and romanced.

But Part 2 was…. rough…. (Ramblings below)

At least after episode 5. It felt like I wasn’t watching the same season. I knew the weight of LW was going to put Penelope through the wringer before we can ultimately move on in peace. I expected the angst, it didn’t bother me, even if it meant seeing the worst of Colin’s anger temporarily.

I think what bothers me is the wasted potential of Polin’s season brought on by unnecessary side plots that could have given more time to Colin, Penelope and Eloise’s complex relationship and individual feelings. It was a season that absolutely needed to flesh out these characters alongside LW’s plot. Instead we got lengthy scenes of side characters with no payoff or stories that could have waited to be told next season. Polin felt like side characters in their own stories, their scenes so cruelly cut between other people’s dramas - I was swooning one second to wondering why we’ve jumped to sideplot A and B, then back to swooning over Polin again (their wedding dance for example 😭).

Then there’s the question of intimacy and how we would have loved to see more - probably brought on by a rumored missing montage. Instead after all the pain, the culmination of intimacy between Polin was the 5 second scene towards the end that looked like one of Anthony or Ben’s random brothel end-of-episode montage scenes in S1. I didn’t need plenty of intimacy scenes, I just wanted there to be growth in their intimacy evolving beyond what they had in Ep 5 and after all that drama.

Part 2 should have focused on how Colin, Penelope and Eloise came to terms with the LW revelation and the aching healing process it took to overcome that because the love they have for one another was stronger. I found myself thinking how in hell they could resolve all of this and it became progressively clear that the resolution was going to feel underwhelming and rushed. Especially, when the last episode alone had another wedding, Colin and Penelope still not communicating, and like 4-5 scenes of Ben and his mistress and their lover. We sat there in complete shock at how we kept going back to those scenes when the season had bigger fish to fry.

Although the show attempted to delve into Colin’s journey post revelation, the process of overcoming his sadness/jealousy was not fleshed out satisfactorily. I’m not saying it isn’t there (the very quick scenes of him looking through Penelope’s letters, listening to her speech at the end, his speech to Cressida, interactions with Kanthony/Eloise etc) but it lacked…something. Maybe it needed just a beat longer, a few more words, a bit more time. I don’t need it to drag, I just needed more within the depth of the scenes. Funnily, some of the side plot scenes lasted longer, which was so evil. Colin deserved a concise arc like Penelope’s. I hope Luke Newton’s back wasn’t hurting from carrying all the weight of Colin’s journey through his delivery and face acting because the writers were not giving him much to work with.

And so, the ending of the season felt odd. On one hand I was happy Polin got their happy ending and in theory their progression made sense, but on the other I felt like the show did a disservice by not taking us carefully and deliberately on that progression journey we wonderfully started in S1 and 2. I will always have ep 1-5 to look back on fondly and I was teary eyed when Colin delivered his ep 8 love speech to Pen. It felt like a glimpse of what we could’ve had and what they did have in P1. However, there’s this feeling of anti-climax that is so palpable given how impactful the press tour was. Am I still walking away from this season loving Polin and enjoying the scenes we did get of them? YES. Am I satisfied with it? NO.

This is 70% an emotional rant that may subside once the excitement dies down. I have thoroughly enjoyed everyone’s input and analysis and may have just been swept up in expectations.

[quillandtea]

Rambling thoughts

Hi everyone! Welcome to my blog, where I’ll be sharing some thoughts, reflections, and maybe a few rambles. I recently joined a new fandom, and it's been quite the experience. Just a heads-up: these are my opinions. Disagreeing is totally fine, but let’s keep things respectful—no cursing or aggressive language. We’re all here to enjoy and discuss, not tear each other down.

So, yes, I’m a Luke and Nicola shipper, but that doesn’t mean I see everything through rose-colored glasses. I have my own thoughts and questions, and after a bit of a spiral recently, I wanted to share some of what’s been on my mind. I’ve been in fandoms for over 20 years, and each new one seems to come with its own surprises. I got into Bridgerton after a random promo video popped up on my Instagram, and before I knew it, I was deep in the Polin fandom. The chemistry between Luke and Nicola is undeniable, and their connection on screen really hooked me. But, as with any fandom, there’s also a more complicated side.

In fandoms, people often get caught up in finding “Easter eggs” and signs. Seeing fans analyze every interaction between Luke and Nicola reminds me of the One Direction “Larry” theories, where every glance or social media post was seen as confirmation of something more. I’m seeing that same intensity here, with some fans interpreting every interaction as a hint of romance. But they’re actors—it’s their job to make us believe in their characters' relationship.

One thing that stands out to me is the double standard surrounding Nicola’s interactions with other co-stars, like Luke Thompson or JD. For example, she’s been seen holding hands and traveling with JD, but fans don’t make much of it or dismiss it as staged. But if she held hands with Luke Newton, it would be treated as a “sign.” It’s messy when real people and selective perceptions get involved, especially when we’re projecting what we want to see.

And now, here’s where things get personal. I respect Nicola as an actress and admire her as a person. She’s talented, charming, and seems genuinely kind. But I don’t put her, or any celebrity, on a pedestal. Celebrities are complex individuals, and we usually only see one side of them. That said, if Nicola really is in a relationship with JD, a man significantly younger than her, it stirs something uncomfortable for me.

I’m about to turn 38, and my child is 24. I became a mom as a teenager, and my journey was anything but easy. I also endured sexual abuse, which deeply shaped how I view relationships, power dynamics, and boundaries. I have a very clear sense of what feels comfortable in a relationship, and seeing a large age gap, particularly when one person could be close in age to my child, doesn’t sit right with me. Large age gaps can bring complications—differences in life experience, maturity, and power dynamics that can be hard to ignore, especially when people are at different life stages.

Seeing those recent photos of Nicola and JD, it’s hard not to consider the possibility that this might be a “soft launch” of something more. It doesn’t seem like she was expecting to meet a paparazzo, which to me suggests that this might be more than a friendship. And if it is, well, it feels like she might be more invested than he is. There’s something about JD that just feels... off.

Nicola’s free to make her choices, and I respect her right to live her life as she sees fit. But if she really is dating JD, I have to admit that it impacts how I view her. Integrity matters to me, and it’s hard to ignore the dynamics involved. Honestly, I don’t know where I’m going with this—just a bit of a ramble, I guess.

In the end, this is Nicola’s life, and I truly hope she finds happiness. But I also hope fans don’t turn this into a fairy-tale romance if it doesn’t deserve that label. Let’s appreciate the talent Luke and Nicola bring to their roles without digging into their personal lives. And for those “expert anons” hyping every little “clue,” maybe take a step back. Enjoy the characters, love the stories, and let the actors live their lives as they choose.

[emotionally-unstable23]

Nah cuz y’all don’t understand

Luke has been one of my favorite characters FOR YEARS!!!

And it’s not because “he’s hot” or whatever (he’s literally words on a page, I refused to watch the movie for so long so the book description was all I had) but because he’s just so complex and makes a lot of valid points.

I’m an English major so the bulk of what I do is literally analyze literature and characters and all that jazz and Luke is just one of those characters you can’t help but study. Like his backstory and personality and present actions are just so fascinating to me.

Especially as I get older and closer to the age he is in the books, I start to understand more of who he is and why he does the things he does and it’s just so addicting to gobble up any new information I learn or notice about him.

And listen, every single one of his scenes in the final episode, I’m obsessed with. Was it exactly like the books? No, of course not, I was expecting that. But his mannerisms, his tone, his expressions… I could cry because it’s everything I wanted and more. Every change that was made with Luke’s character in the show, I applaud, and Charlie Bushnell’s performance as Luke Castellan blew me away.

I sincerely hope with every ounce of my being that this show makes it to The Last Olympian for a multitude of reasons, but especially to see how Luke’s character progresses.

I just… ugh. Wow. That’s it. Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk. Goodnight.

[mariejordans]

I agree Jordan Marie and cate are the best most interesting characters if they're going to kill someone it should be Andre like you said he's useless and also unlikable as a person lmfao he ain't doing anything right. I love cate and I love villains so whatever way they go with her as long as it's believable I'm all for it. My thing with them killing more characters is because we're in the endgame now as in the boys probably has 2 more seasons to go and they're also going to start killing a lot of people like by the end I expect most of the main supes and at least half of the boys to be dead so as the gen v characters get pulled into that they're also going to start getting killed off but idc they better not touch Jordan and Marie I'm not kidding I already have hives thinking about stranger things maybe killing Steve in the last season I don't need this 😂😂😂😂

right EXACTLY jordan marie cate 🔛🔝

i genuinely didn’t expect them to pivot on cate’s character bc i really thought they’d stick with cate wanting to be good/wanting to be a hero, trying to earn her friends’ trust back, but i’m SOOO glad that they’re going the villain/anti-hero route. especially with marie and cate now on opposing sides and them basically being each other’s narrative foils, like i need them to go full on villain with cate like it’s just too good a set up for a really complex relationship between marie and cate.

*sighs* okay so my thing with andre is that he COULD’VE been a really interesting character. like, daddy issues, bisexual, doesn’t really care about being a superhero and lowkey in love with his best friend (the writers are cowards for not making the throuple happen) like there were so many ways his character could’ve been done, but then he ended up being a stereotypical nepo baby. it’s kinda like the writers put little to no effort in his character development and didn’t even try to make him likable 😭 he just constantly gets thrown around by the other characters, he slept with his best friend’s girlfriend, and he’s just kind of a dick in general. really the only thing i found really genuine and likable about andre was his love for luke, and to a certain extent, cate. but beyond that, he’s just not a very sympathetic character to me idk 😭

honestly, i’m not suuper attached to any of the boys characters, maybe it’s bc i always end up taking super long breaks between binge watching but if they decided to start killing off main characters, i think i’d be fine (except kimchie or starlight pls don’t touch them thx) but THEY BETTER NOT TOUCH MARIE OR JORDAN OR I’M STARTING A RIOT IN THE PRIME VIDEO BUILDING FR like you could even take cate from me just dont touch limoreau…

i’m gonna be honest, i kinda wish gen v was less tied into the boys and got to stand on its own more bc i really need homelander to stay FARRRRRR away from marie and jordan and cate. butcher too. but also bc i really liked the college setting but seeing as how we now know the entire college is a scam, it might completely move away from godolkin, which is a shame bc i loved the superhero college-sky high esque concept of it and i wish we had gotten MORE of it before we got into all the plot heavy stuff but…it is what it is ig 🤷🏼‍♀️

[witheredoffherwitch]

I was genuinely taken aback by the trailer! I wasn't expecting such a lighthearted tone from the Green council. Only Alicent and Rhaenyra are unhappy, while everyone else is enjoying themselves.💀 It's a bit confusing to me. What did you think about it?

Hey nonnie 🤗

Thanks for this ask - and quite frankly, I LOVE this new trailer. If you'll allow me a moment to delve deeper, let me explain my thoughts on this further 🫣

To be fair, it's understandable why some may have misinterpreted these settings, particularly when comparing them to the vastly different tone of the teaser trailer. The editing of Green/Black scenes made it seem like everyone was miserable 🤣 However, I believe this was due to the limitations in post-production that restricted the use of other scenes. Most of the footage used in teasers were filmed in a volume or closed setting, lacking any scenes featuring dragons despite showcasing characters such as Rhaenyra, Aemond, Daemon, and Baela riding them. This could be partly due to incomplete dragons that still needed rendering. But now in March, they have polished up more scenes and completed major renderings for Sunfyre and Moondancer, who are the new entrants in this trailer.

NOW, the show is not likely to stray from its main focus in season 1, where the women strive to *avoid* this war while men (especially Targaryen men) continue to hinder their efforts. This will surely anger some die-hard book whores who cannot separate HoTD from F&B. However, as seen in marketing and interviews with Ryan Condal, it becomes increasingly clear that the creators have chosen this direction for the show. F&B is most likely a biased retelling by maesters who pinned the blame for the realm's deadliest political civil war on two women, when in reality the situation was much more complex. The marketing seems to be emphasizing the idea of having to choose a side because both the Greens and Blacks will probably rely on this strategy in season 2 (as indicated by Daemon's “bend the knee or burn” line in the Black trailer). Just like how Aemond's murder of Luke destroyed any chance of negotiation between Greens and Blacks, I have a feeling that Daemon's escalation with B&C will ruin Rhaenyra's chances of gaining any bargaining power against the Greens. In the funeral scene, we can see that the smallfolk are mourning alongside Alicent and Helaena, which shows that their propaganda has been successful despite Aemond's actions. This will play a significant role in Rhaenyra's short reign as she becomes increasingly unpopular with the masses.

Alicent, in the Green trailer, is understandably upset as she realizes their bargaining power has been lost to the Blacks. Meanwhile, in the Black trailer, Rhaenys acknowledges how war often leads to a continuous cycle of bitter revenge, while Rhaenyra conveys guilt at what she may have started. The men, however, are all focused on gearing up for war - Daemon is fully armoured and rarely seen with Rhaenyra, Corlys suggests escalating actions against the Greens, and Aegon and Aemond are just as eager to cause chaos. As Targaryen men riding dragons with fire at their command, diplomacy may not come naturally to them in this situation.

In the end, this story is a strange mix of hypocrisy, entitlement, and long-standing grudges that could have been resolved if Viserys wasn’t such a pathetic limp-dick cuck. Alicent is a giant hypocrite while Rhaenyra is both entitled and callous. It was foolish of Rhaenyra to not anticipate a war that was looming in the distance, especially considering how she always relied on her father - the King - to protect her and her sons from any consequences within their feudal system. Similarly, Alicent is a hypocrite to expect any reconciliation when all she has taught her kids through her years’ long paranoia is how they will be killed if their half-sister were to rise in power. This explains why both Rhaenyra, Alicent, and even the Strong boys were caught off guard when the men around them were more prepared for this inevitable war for quite some time.

That's all! 😇

[claireelizabethsblog]

~ January's Books Reviewed ~

January was a good month in regards to reading. Due to a lack of other obligations I read a lot, including completing a series that I had started the previous year.

Oathbringer pt 1 & 2 by Brandon Sanderson

(635 & 756 pages)

I am absolutely obsessed with this series. I read it under recommendation from a friend actually here on tumblr and I'm so happy I did. Sanderson's world is incredible, his characters are beautiful and the plot is intriguing and captivating. I genuinely would go as far as to say that Sanderson might be one of (if not the) best fantasy writers I have ever read. I did enjoy the first book in this series (The Way Of The Kings) the most I think, however I loved the character development of Shallan in this book. I would highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys fantasy or found family books. They are a big commitment and can be a little heavy getting into since it's a lot of world building, but I would say entirely worth it.

I gave both these books 4 stars ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

The Last Smile in Sunderland City by Luke Arnold

(316 pages)

I confess that I read this while waiting for the last Sanderson books to come so I was perhaps not in the head space to read something else, however I was a little disappointed by it. It wasn't bad by any stretch, however it was not what I was expecting. It was still a fairly light hearted mystery, however it was not as humorous as I was anticipating, and the mystery plot was strangely almost not the main focus, instead it became more of a character study, or political commentary. It was a really quick read however (I completed it in a day) and I'm glad I did read it. I'd recommend it to anyone who is maybe looking for a quick, easy first try at a fantasy book. The world building isn't as heavy as other fantasy novels and as it is a stand alone it's an easier first step into the genre than some other tombs of books!

I gave this book 3 stars ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Rhythm of War part 1 & 2 by Brandon Sanderson

(659 & 742 pages)

I am not a crier generally, so when I say that the start of this book made me actually fully sob I hope that that acts as a stronger review than any words I could say. It was emotional and so well written, especially the depiction of ptsd and depression. I really appreciated how fresh the story still felt. This is the fourth book in this series and it would have been so easy to just keep working in a formula that Sanderson knew had worked with the big battle scenes etc, instead (despite the name: Rhythm of War), this story moved away slightly for the war and fighting and instead showed a different form of tension. This kept the story exciting in my opinion, especially as I am much more inclined towards reading more subtle/undercover style fights than big battles. Some story lines were more interesting than others, but overall I felt this was an emotionally draining and addictive finale to the series.... that is until I realised that apparently their might still be more to come?! Either way, my comments from the previous book remain - I would highly highly recommend this series.

I gave both these books 4 stars ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

A Sicilian Romance by Ann Radcliffe

(167 pages)

I know this is a classic. I know it is probably the original psychological horror. And I have so much respect for Radcliffe for that, however I did not find this book that enjoyable to read. It was simultaneously dreadfully slow and dull; and horribly complex. In theory, the idea behind it and the plot intrigued me but the characters were annoying and the style of writing was not engaging enough for me. If you like psychological horror books, I would recommend this, since it is where the genre started. It's a quick read for anyone who's wanting to tick classics off their list too.

I gave this book 2 stars ⭐ ⭐

The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake

(506 pages)

SOOO good! I loved the premise, and the characters are all so interesting and compelling. Some of them I despise with a burning passion, but in a good way! An incredible start to a trilogy as I finished filled with a desperate excitement to find out what happens next. I genuinely cannot reiterate how much I loved this book and how I would recommend it to everyone who in anyway feels inclined to reading anything in the realms of fantasy, mystery or general magic. I repeat: so so good!

I gave this book 5 stars ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

The Atlas Paradox by Olive Blake

(399 pages [hardback vers.])

Funnily enough, still so so good! I am obsessed with this trilogy and honestly the only bad thing about it might be the fact that I'm going to have to wait for the final book as it isn't published yet! I will say that I think I probably preferred the first one, but that is likely in part due to the fact that I read it a little quicker. In general, I find it is unusual to find a sequel that lives up to its predecessor so well like this. Again, I cannot recommend this enough.

I gave this book 5 stars ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

[becomingpart2]

what are your opinions on the main Gilmore girls characters?

Oh! Okay let me see... I like Lorelai, I think she's an interesting woman and a complex lead, especially for the time, even though I sometimes think the show wants me to think she's just incredible all around. That said, she does kind of annoy me at times lol.

I don't know if it's something I developed over the years or if it was something that always bothered me but I really dislike characters (and people) who are always trying to be funny and quirky all the time. It gets tiring pretty quickly.

I like Rory, too, albeit a little less than I did when I used to watch the show as a kid (which now I realize were only a few eps of s1 lol). I don't have a lot of opinions or feelings about her yet. She's just a regular kid for the most part and like I said before, I understand why she would have problems later on because of the way she was raised and I can relate to that side of her to a certain degree.

I like Lane, I think she's funny and relatable and just the typical best friend lol. Dean is okay so far too, no strong feelings there as well. He's cute with Rory but I have a feeling that's about to change in a near future (the last ep I watched was ep 10).

Emily is starting to get a bit more nuance and I'm enjoying it. I like Paris lol, I don't care that she's a bitch, she's just so neurotic and all over the place, I can't help but like her. I really like Luke, which I didn't expect lmao. He's just adorable and hot! I can't stand Tristan lol. I guess that's about it. I feel like my opinions are really basic lol

[tomheath]

I'm going to defend the writers of HOTD concerning Aemond's complexity. Anyone who read the books noticed how clearly biased were the historians towards the Greens. Remember History is told by the winners and ultimately SPOILER ALERT Rhaenyra's kid get the throne.

If you take from the book, Aemond looks like a psychopath teenager who enjoys killing for the sake of it. All the Greens are portrayed as stereotyped villains: Alicent as the ambitious queen consort, Aegon as the drunk, Helena is not given much room and Aemond is a heartless killer.

This is not George. Not his style of writing. The show created a much more interesting dynamic because it makes you question how you would react if you were in the character's shoes. Let's see Aemond's side. The kid was bullied, father didn't give a shit. Kid lost an eye, father didn't give a shit. How much neglect can a child bear before breaking? The fight among the kids only happened because they questioned Aemond's right to claim Vhagar, which was stupid of them, especially because one episode before their own mother told Rhaena how the dynamics of dragon claiming actually work. What happened was tragic and it doesn't help much that Rhaenyra threatened to torture Aemond for answers and neither her or Luke ever apologized to him for what happened.

It's easy to expect unrealistic things from characters, but when you evaluate how things would've turned out for yourself, you see how accurate the writing has been. Aemond had his face deformed at 10. Imagine being a teenager with a huge scar on your face. Even a prince would have his self-esteem crushed. Of course he is resentful.

In sum, I love where the writing is going. No heroes. No villains. Just flawed people fighting for their interests. I don't seem Team Green people trying to justify their favorite character's atrocities. We love Aemond and co as they are and because they are what they are. Now a guy who killed his own wife acts aggressively towards his new wife and everyone starts bitching? Blame yourself for creating the wrong expectations about the character. The writing was coherent to Daemon's true nature. He's violent and ambitious. You wanted heroes and the writing let you down. That's on you, sis.

[horizon-verizon]

Why Aemond has become such a popular character? When he is not even an interesting second son like Stannis/tyrion/Oberyn etc... And i don't buy the whole thing about him being dutiful and honourable man "tis i who studied the blade and philosophy...." Got to admit this is one of the cringiest and corniest lines I've ever heard in any show/movie . And no i don't believe he is a worthy man of becoming a king because the first serious mission he has given he fucked up badly by killing unarmed Luke And condal explanation of this doesn't add any "nuance" or "complexity" to Aemond's character. Killing Luke by mistake just show how Aemond is a shitty dragon's rider who couldn't even control his dragon after years of riding it not how "complex" or "tragic" he is.

Why I find the line of "blade and philosophy" strange, bad, and unnecessary is because there is no indication in Aemond's actual canon characterizations that he'd bother because he is a very action-oriented, physical person.

He'd be all "blade" and have no time or will for reading or analyzing things the way we modern person would expect out of a "philosophizing" person.

In the medieval context (which HotD is supposed to come from or be modeled from since its story is a part of the ASoIaF story...or tries to be), a philosopher is understood as a person who studies, reads, and organizes already-taken-as-fact-or-credible-and-religious-principles. People did not make or groundbreaking, "fashionable" new principles and had their writings "published" to help people learn something so much as to maintain their faith in God and other Christian/Church doctrines. Many times, even then things the ideas contradicted each other. 

An example is Thomas Aquinas and several other writers writing about lycanthropy and how it could never exist because only God has the power to change or create real shapes human can shift into, since humans are told be in his "likeness" and we can't fuck with that (again, because we as humans do not have that ability).

If Aemond were to ever read any “philosophies”, it would be things like this. Or just treatises on how the Seven do exist and influence the world. Basically, these would be heavily religious.

Aemond knows/feels his place as a man, as a trueborn, as a "true" Targ, and all of that derives from Alicent and the Faith's teachings about female chastity, bastardry, etc. Plus, the show itself does not show Aemond reading, thinking deeply, or taking the time to pick and choose his battles (Lucerys) so nothing supports this idea of his "philosophizing". Any "philosophizing" he would have done is to repeat the already existing Faith tenets and male privilege of the patriarchal values that give him personal license to usurp Rhaenyra.

Anon is also talking about what Seth Abramson calls Ryan's "theory of accidents". How Ryan believes he is adding complexity by making characters reactive instead of proactive and asking unnecessary and motive-dismissing "what ifs".

Some hate Daemon and see how the show makes parallels between him and Daemon. As Daemon's thematic and political "match" or rival, they glom on to Aemond.

HotD's Aemond also has an actor that many find very attractive and his wig is in much better condition than most of the wigs on that show.

Many also think that the greens are the ones on the political defense or in the moral right, especially after Aemond loses his eye (thinking that he was a poor victim in that struggle and not caring or noticing his prejudices). People love to think that if you are a victim, you have zero culpability and are exempt from being "judged" (or fairly analyzed) for your actions forevermore. Aemond and Alicent received their cloaks of innocence from their looks and Alicent's obedience to conservative, feudal values. And since Aemond is the green's ace, Aemond is God.

[skaruresonic]

Instead of cussing them out, maybe just calmly explain and show examples of Shadow being more vulnerable in other games and/or comics like a normal person rather than spouting idiotic solutions like resorting to gatekeeping?

I mean, I do that regularly, both on here and Twitter... and in response, I get blocked, my reblog hidden, or told that I'm an illiterate "idiot" on top of other lovely insults.

So it's definitely not for a lack of trying lol. People just like to stick their fingers in their ears.

---

I assume some (keyword: SOME) of the people saying that might just be newer fans who haven't gotten to know all the older lore, go easy on them. Not everyone is a trend hopper, there are people who genuinely just don't know or have been informed wrong (accidental misinterpretation is a common issue, especially when sharing thoughts on social media).

This argument might hold water if SA2 were more obscure or abandonware, but it's never been easier for fans to play the game if they wanted to. Problem is they don't want to. Facts ruin The Vibes(tm).

Old media being old is still not grounds to make shit up. And it's not like SA2!Shadow's teardrop is some out-of-the-way detail you'd only notice on subsequent playthroughs; it happens during a cutscene at the exact moment of his heel-face turn.

It'd be like saying "Why do you expect new Star Wars fans to know that Luke Skywalker got his hand chopped off when Darth Vader told him he was his father?" ...Because it's a plot point? Because it's an emotional highlight? Because it represents a turning point in the narrative, and pretending it's some trivial detail given this context is lowkey disingenuous?

---

Obviously SEGA hasn't given Shadow a whole lot of room to properly express his emotion in the recent games up until now, so "Shadow is allowed to cry again" isn't the completely nonsensical take you are making it out to be.

I feel the need to unpack this sentiment because I've been seeing it crop up a lot lately and it really bugs me.

Not every character needs to cry in order to be considered complex and "deep." Not every character needs to cry to experience emotional catharsis. The idea that crying automatically equals depth is rather dismissive towards characters that process the world differently.

The idea that people cannot conclude that Shadow has attained emotional closure unless he specifically engages in the act of crying is... Man, I don't know how to describe it. Bordering on voyeuristic, almost? Refusing to meet the character where he's at, unwilling to engage with previous subtext? It's as though like folks are shaking their heads, going "Nope, none of his previous journeys were good enough. Just this one because it's Deeper(tm) and more Mature(tm)."

---

My only exception to this is obviously when people PURPOSEFULLY misinterpret the source material just to shit on it and spread a false narrative for content sake. (tiktok commenters yapping for the sake of yapping)

What's your solution for addressing this problem when it is, actually, fandom-wide?

Fandom basically invented the idea of Shadow mandates based on a secondhand Reddit story with no sources and spread that idea throughout every corner of the internet. So.

"they let Shadow cry omg Shadow is allowed to cry again" Shadow was always allowed to cry he cried in SA2 what the fuck are you talking about?

literally just making shit up x3

I honestly don't understand what even goes through their minds

They're fucking tourists, honestly

Like way to advertise you're just here cuz it's trendy and not cuz you actually know or care about the franchise

These people are literally the equivalent of fucking JoJo "fans" who think Jotaro originally drew The World tarot card but was given Star because it was already taken

Chuds and posers who just gobble up the memes and never actually engage with the source material

Honestly there's so much shit that people say about Sonic that reminds me of that one in particular

Like fucktards are watching Snapcube or Jehtt videos and acting like that's a substitute for actually playing the games

This is why gatekeeping is important

The thing that gets me is they're obviously not even interested in getting into the series or playing the games at all

it's like, why tf are you here then???

[julie-streep]

Hi! Love your blog! What do you think about House of the Dragon? Favourite characters? Thoughts on season 1 and what do you expect from season 2?

Thank you 😊

Hi! Thank you very much

I loved House of the Dragon, before I started watching it I didn’t know what to expect, I did not follow any news about it or interviews, I didn’t even know what was it about. I have watched Game of Thrones and read A Song of Ice and Fire, but I did not read Fire and Blood. Also after being disappointed with the final seasons of Game of Thrones I didn’t have high expectations, but I absolutely loved the series. I think they did a wonderful job and I liked it more than the first season of GOT.

My favourite characters are obviously Rhaenys and Corlys, I love both of them individually, especially Rhaenys and as a couple. I think Eve Best and Steve Toussaint did an amazing job portraying two strong and complex characters. I also loved Paddy Considine’s portrait of Viserys and Matt Smith’s portrait of Deamon. I think all the cast did a fantastic job and I liked every episode.

I think season 1 was a great way to start the serie, almost all the characters got a good introduction and you can already feel all the tension and the dynamics. I love the fact that no one is good, they are all pretty grey characters and I think it’s a great choice. I think the firsts two episodes, the fifth and the last were the best ones and I can’t wait for next season. The only thing I have to criticise is that maybe they could have gone slower sometimes. I get it that they wanted to finish exactly with Luke’s death and to start with the actual war in season 2, but I think they could have done 2 season of introduction and then the actual dance, to avoid all the skips that sometimes were a bit disorienting (10 years skip and then 6 years after 2 episodes, it was a bit too much).

I have not read Fire and Blood and for now I don’t intend to, but I read some spoilers. I know a major event in season 2 that will make me cry, but I hope they will do it justice (I am already thinking about it and it makes me sad 😢). In general, I hope they will maintain the high standard of this season and I hope to have at least a kiss form my favourite power couple Rhaenys and Corlys (this is my main wish, those two love each other so let them kiss!!!). Also, I can’t wait for new Steve and Eve interview for the second season, they are hilarious and I already miss them (they have such good chemistry).

I don’t know how I’ll be able to wait for 2 years (I’ll just have to write and read more fanfictions). I want to make clear that I may be team black, but I am mostly Team Rhaenys (she is my only Queen and no one can change my mind)!!

Sorry for the long answer 😅

[lobotomoronized]

unpopular opinion but the star wars prequels actually really arent that bad. they have a really complex story with super relatable characters who are really easy to empathize with. in fact ive always found that anakin was easier to empathize with than luke. i know that theres a huge generational devide between who thinks the prequels are good or not. but i think they should get a little more appreciation than they do. they portrayed something thats really difficult to show a good rendition of. anakin was a slave on an impoverished and barren planet when some kendo monks abducted him, claiming he would serve the 'higher cause' and he was 'the chosen one'. understandably, the entire movie multiple people are saying 'hey qui-gonn, are you sure its smart to put a kid out there ?'. and no they didnt have the best intentions nor were they altogether people who cared for anakins well-being, but still. throughout the series we see anakin searching for help, acting out, and reaching for any kind of care. he has major abandonment issues rooted in how he was literally taken from his mother at 9 years old. and i could go on for hours about the injustices of anakin, but something i dont see people mention too often is padme. padme was queen as a 14 year old. thats really intense. shes an immensely intelligent and strongly spoken character but thats a lot of pressure for a kid. obi wan practically has fatherhood thrusted upon him at a young age with a turbulent 9yr old to look after until the forseeable future. these are all stories easy to empathize with, but the over-arching story within the prequels themselves is also captivating. its not the same black-and-white structure as the originals, its much more complex and nuanced. this is the time leading up to the era of luke skywalker. something had to be going on for darth vader to rise to power. he didnt simply take it because no one ever does. a corrupt system has to be in place, people are manipulated, and people are killed for someone to puppet this former slave and mentally abused, mentally ill, child into dictatorship. its a struggle to do something like that. anakin wasnt born evil. he was born a slave in a system that viewed him as property, then he was stolen and thrown into a system which discriminated against him, and viewed him as a soldier, expecting him to abide by their laws, which shunned his feelings and opinions.

i just think its a pretty underrated series, especially by those who define star wars by the original trilogy.

[stopthatmyhandsaredirty]

Ok, I’m going to try to explain something I haven’t quite figured out how to put into words.... in terms of Star Wars characters, Cassian Andor has arrived as one of the Big Ones. In a big way. 

What do I mean by a Big One? Beats me! No, no... just kidding. Let me try to articulate it...

You could say “Of course he’s a Big Character, he has his own show and was the co-lead of a film.” Yes. But I mean this more in the sense of thinking of Star Wars as a myth/legend. 

In Rogue One, Cassian is a very skilled intelligence agent who lives in the gray. He’s clearly been through some shit, but we don’t know what. Rarely has that “what” been so emotionally and thematically rich. Andor has fully realized Cassian as a complex but ultimately selfless hero. It’s been such a thrill to watch. 

When the series began, I would say Cassian was a Mid character. Interesting, played by a compelling actor, but not one I was going to buy posters or a Funko Pop of.  I still felt this way in the early stretch of episodes. But after the Narkina 5 arc, Cassian has leveled up. 

I still can’t convey what I mean by a Big One. It just feels like he’s stepped into Legendary status to join the company of Luke, Leia, Han, Chewie, Lando, Vader, Obi-Wan, Padmé, Ben, Rey, Finn and Poe. Yoda. Mace. And the droids. And Mando and Grogu. And Ahsoka. 

Maybe Ahsoka is a good parallel here. For me, I found her annoying at first (which I now realize was intentional). By Season 2, she was a more enjoyable character but I wasn’t exactly thrilled when arcs were focused on her. 

Then, suddenly in Season 3 of The Clone Wars I watched Ahsoka survive being hunted by Trandoshans and said to myself “holy shit...I love this character.” 

That’s how I feel about Cassian now. Not that I didn’t like him or care about him before. But now I know so much about him and what he went through that his story makes me genuinely emotional. 

I don’t want to discount the other characters in Rogue One... I have deep affection for Jyn, Bohdi (especially Bohdi), Chirrut, Baze, and K2... but now, Cassian is simply on another level from them. 

Like most Star Wars fans, I had little to no expectations for this show. How amazing that it’s not only the best Star Wars live action series, but one of the best shows of the year. 

If you agree with me and are able to actually articulate why please chime in!!