#and i'm also just having a bad time so i'm rambley so lol

[canisitsnotlupus]

Feel free to ignore this but why is the burrito method bad? A lot of people at my animal hospital do it when a cat is upset and it always seemed like a good thing? I don't wanna hurt any cats so I'd appreciate the explanation, I tried looking it up but all I found was stuff abt how to do it

Again, no pressure to answer, I was just super surprised when I saw that in your latest post

burrito method is, in my opinion, okay for things that are absolutely necessary (vet checks, etc.) however, grooming AND vet care can be made a hell of a lot easier through co-op, which many people simply won't fucking do with their cats. people largely - LARGELY - steal autonomy from their cats and this is really prevalent with vet and grooming care for cats. i see vets who will take time with dogs, let them sniff and get comfortable, then immediately burrito a cat and give no time for it to warm up. and i get it, cats can cause diseases, but.. it's literally flooding and shutting down an animal. that large amount of stress is NOT good. now, it is better to make sure your cat has their shots/vet care/etc. but like grooming? you know the cat is going to need to be groomed when it's a kitten (so obviously, adopted/bought as kitten cats, not adults but you can also train adult cats), and you can train it to be more accepting of those things without the need of flooding.

burrito method is literally teaching a cat that x is bad (going to the vet, groomer, getting in a carrier, etc) and has a large chance to make it worse. this talks about using it as a bmod for cats, which is not the same, but has some good points related and burritoing is expressly mentioned:

now these ARE about socialization, again, (which imo burrito absolutely shouldn't be done, ever) but people are just.. not counter conditioning and teaching co-op to their cats for their cats CAN be groomed and vetted in methods that are not highly traumatic usually (i am not sure i agree with it is safe and humane, if the handler is skilled... no offense but most vet assistants and groomers are underpaid, rushed, and NOT skilled in applying it and most think it requires no skill whatsoever and thus, it is usually traumatic for the cat). because burritoing is SO widely accepted in the pet industry as the 'way' to deal with cats, many people just don't fucking care about teaching their pet better ways. however, co-op is very new in dogs and cats (like.. last decade it really picked up speed?) so there's hope it will be done more and we will see burritoing put to the dark ages. basically, it's a complicated topic, but using burritoing as an 'out' as to why groomers should accept cats is ridiculous due to the problems it, too, brings and the fact it is still risky to the groomer... and it's hard as frick to groom a burritoed cat. sorry i got rambley with this because it's a Hot Topic for me. i absolutely understand using less humane methods to Get The Job Done on necessary care. it sucks, but you have to do what you have to do. the problem is we SHOULD be looking for other methods, SHOULD be training our cats to not need these things for basic care, because we know damn well a cat is going to need grooming at some point, to go to a vet, get shots, etc. so why not make the experience pleasant and not traumatic for the cat? it should not simply be accepting 'well you can just burrito the cat' as the goal. no. educate the owners to training their cats to accept care easier. promote co-op. tell people cats ARE trainable and can be taught to enjoy bathing and care without the use of a method that entirely removes autonomy from the animal.

[readypanda]

Indigo Park Spoilers (and very long post) ahead

Since Indigo Park is the newest fandom I've been dipping into, I figured I might as well make my own analysis for the game. The question I'll be discussing today is,

WHAT EVEN ARE THESE THINGS?

(sry for bad picture quality lol)

The thing I find interesting about these mascots (Molly, Lloyd, and what we've seen of Finley) that kind of sets them apart from other monsters in the mascot horror genre is...they almost seem like they're just animals. (I'll go over evidence for this in this post)

Think about it. In other mascot horror games, we've gotten:

animatronics possessed by dead children

employees/kids surgically(?) turned into toys

people mutated by a giant ink machine

animals/people who have had their DNA spliced with a mutagenic chemical

A little girl somehow turned into a monster (I think??)(really sorry Amanda I don't know what you are)

etc.

(I'm not up to date on all these properties and I know there's many more, so forgive me if my lore understanding is less than adequate. you know how it is with indie horror)

The important note about all these is that for the most part, these mascots are intelligent, or at least have the capability of intelligence. Almost everything on this list was at one point human, in fact.

So why do I think Indigo Park is any different? What leads me to believe they aren't intelligent? (at least, the animal versions of the characters that we run from in the game. Whether they are separate from the versions of the characters Rambley interacts with is something I'll touch on later)

I think the most obvious piece of evidence in regards to Molly and Lloyd (again, not much info on Finley yet) is how Lloyd acts. He doesn't talk at all, he just stalks the main character and attacks like an animal might (with the exception of a couple times he stands on two legs or props himself up here and there).

As for Molly, I hear you saying, "But she talks! We hear her speak!" And yes, dear reader, you are right. Molly does speak. This would disprove my argument of the mascots being purely animalistic, if it weren't for this kill screen.

Now, do we ever actually hear Molly say something that isn't a repetition or couldn't reasonably be a repetition? Has she said anything to prove her intelligence at all? (genuine question here because I haven't examined every one of her voice lines lol. If I'm wrong about this then whoopsie!)

Despite the past 250 words of speculation, though, whether they act just like animals isn't actually that important. We'll see more of them in later chapters anyway (or Lloyd and Finley at least) so that will likely prove or disprove this point with time.

The more interesting question is, what are they? Like, physically?

When Molly dies, we clearly see blood around her decapitated head. At the very least that rules out animatronics or something mechanical. In addition, in the audio of the hidden tape you get when you show Rambley one of the collectables, you can hear two staff members complaining about being replaced by "new mascots" right after they "got a new raccoon costume." This could mean a few different things, but it seems to imply that the mascots we see in this chapter are meant to be replacements for actors in suits (for meet and greets, promotion, shows, etc) and/or replacements for limited, expensive, and cumbersome animatronics. If this is true, we can also probably rule out them being human. Unless Indigo Park also had a secret human experimentation lab, which I wouldn't put past them.

I think it's too early to definitively state what these mascots are, but based on the evidence of above, I have a theory.

My personal theory is that these mascots are just animals who have been changed or mutated in some way to allow the park to have more "realistic" representations of the characters (also probably to cut down on the costs of paying a human employee). That would explain why they act the way they do and why they are so violent. They literally are just wild animals who have been warped to represent these cartoon characters.

Another important caveat to this theory is that, if this is true, then the mascots who attack us in the game are most likely NOT Rambley's "friends" as he knows them. That would explain why he doesn't call attention to Molly chasing us or Molly's dead body (with the exception of one very small reaction when he talks about the mascots). You would expect him to seem a little more upset if he thought that was his friend, but maybe on some level he knows it's not really her, just a representation of her.

That brings up another question, which is a can of worms I won't fully open here: Do Molly, Lloyd, and Finley have sentient "AI" equivalents like Rambley? If not, does Rambley know his friends aren't real? I'll let you decide.

Anyway, that just about closes my thoughts on this silly raccoon game. Thanks for letting me ramble on about it, and thanks for making it to the end of the post!

Lemme know about your own theories in regards to what these things are, or if there's any key evidence I missed. Kinda threw this together lol. Most of it will likely get disproven by future chapters but hey, thus is the price of theorizing ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[estbela]

@moonstone-vibe

Wellllll...I do have some thoughts about them(since I think that's what you're asking?) but theyre all very rambley and subject to change as I learn more etc etc etc (and this period of history is not one I'm very familiar with, I know a basic summary of stuff and some specific events, but not everything).

Alright, since we have gotten the (really long) disclaimer out of the way, I'm gonna ramble on a bit about these thoughts of mine.

(This took so much to write i stg)

anyway!

I think they met during the 14th century, the late 14th century to be precise, while the Ottoman Empire was expanding through Europe.

Apparently the first confrontation they had was during the rule of Vladislav I , a ruler of Wallachia, who was allied at the time with Ivan Shishman , the emperor of the Bulgaria in Tarnovo, who was not doing very well at the time btw, partly because of the Ottoman Empire lol.

Bulgaria is gonna be mentioned a lot during this, I fear, because I think he does play some role in their dynamic.

Ro, or well as he would have been called at the time, Wallachia, had been part of the Second Bulgarian Empire for a pretty long time, though eventually gaining more and more autonomy, and sort of becoming a vassal state of sorts for a time(basically still kinda being part of Bulgaria, but nominally really), still having to pay tribute to Bul tho. (Also for some time Hungary & Bul basically had a dispute over some part of Wallachia, but as Hungary was weakening due to Mongol attacks, it paved the way to Wallachia being established)

Although that's not important and Im kinda getting sidetracked. Anyway Wallachia does kinda get it's independence, altho it's more like Bul not being able to control it anymore due to the weakening of his empire (before becoming a vassal of the Otttoman Empire, which we'll get to shortly!)

I think they heard of eachoter before meeting, thought. Probably good and bad things, but mostly bad. For Wallachia, Ottoman was the guy that was going around conquering the lands of his friends, including Bulgaria & Serbia, and she...was not really happy about this, obviously. He was actually often allied with Bul, to fight him off(altho not always, relationships between Bul & Wallachia were not always good). For the Ottoman Empire, Wallachia was a thorn in his plans, Bulgaria's even more annoying other half.

Similar to the Byzantine Empire, the Ottoman Empire considered itself the successor to Ancient Rome, which really annoyed Wallachia, because he really didn't want to deal with another annoying guy who considered himself as great as the Roman Empire (Wallachia did not have a good relationship with the Eastern Roman Empire, but he would pick him over the Ottoman Empire surely).

And so, Ro did not see Ottoman as anything other than another empire trying to claim the glory of Rome, that would probably not last very long until the next one came. Simply a flicker in mankind's history. He had done and seen this before many times, just another nation that would try to claim her land and people. He was not scared of him, didn't feel much for him besides annoyance at first.

But I do think, over the years, they gained some respect for eachoter, for their skills in battle and outside of that.

Also annoyance eventually turned into anger at him, because how dare he take his friends away from him and hurt them! How dare he take Wallachia's independence away, too!

And so he became even more annoying. His plans were basically to not make it worthwhile to conquer his lands, to make the cost of a battle unjustifiable.

And they did fight, but Wallachia always somehow managed to keep being a vassal state, part of the reason because he was a buffer zone for a lot of european powers and stuff.

And like...I think this fighting of theirs became some sort of "dance" for them, something they were used to. Their own game of chess, if you will. Turk would make a move, then Ro, and it kept going, none of them ever truly changing the status quo, Wallachia remaining a vassal but never truly part of the Ottoman Empire, always slightly out of reach, never his.

It probably drove Turkey a little mad, but he also kinda liked it. I think when they weren't enemies they could get along pretty great, but both of them would rather eat knives than admit that (especially Ro :]]] )

I'll be honest, i think there were moments when Wallachia scared the crap out of Turkey, not that he'd admit it, of course, but little Ro could be really creepy.

The Ottoman Empire didn't scare Ro much, more like the reminder of what he could do to Ro and his loved ones(and what he already did) scared her, and his people also. Specifically that if Wallachia wasn't careful, the little freedom & independence he has could be taken away.

So Wallachia when he'd interact with him during times of peace ig, would always be careful to not actually get attached to the guy, constantly reminding herself of what he could be like. He always treaded lightly around him. Constantly telling herself that he's the enemy!!!

As time went on however, their relations got more...tense then they already were. Wallachia wanted independence and later a union with Moldavia and the Ottoman Empire did not want this to happen.

And of course, I ought to mention the Phanariots. God, save for maybe a few of them, Wallachia hated them so much! And sometimes it wasn't anything they did, it was more that they weren't his own people, and paying to get to rule over him and his people and lands. Definitely not happy about this was he.

Anyway eventually the whole thing happens when Moldavia & Wallachia elect the same guy (Alexandru Ioan Cuza) yada yada yada they unite and Turkey is probably not really happy (random, but apparently Austria was actually the main opposer of this while Prussia supported the union, and really not happy but was caught in the austro-prussian war do couldn't do much about it.)

And eventually Romania gains his independence, fighting alongside the Russian Empire, Bulgaria, and also Serbia & Montenegro I think? Anyway Romania gets her independence, and he & the Ottoman Empire are on pretty bad terms.

But after Romania became independent; things actually, slowly, started to improve between the two. They became...friends of a sort. Although they both wouldn't admit it obviously, they are fond od eachoter. They probably even look fondly back on some of their memories and shit.

But they don't have the best relationship either. That perhaps, there is still some resentment and hurt there, just a little, that neither is keen on adressing ever.

Anyway I don't particulary see them as romantic but I can imagine Ro getting probably mad at Bulgaria or something, feeling hurt and probably flirting with Turkey to piss him off.

I can see Ro kissing Turkey but like, to surprise him in order to fight him or something. Kiss him then surprise punch him while he's trying to process it haha.

Also I basically have my physical age headcanons written for Ro here but I basically see Turkey as being always a few years older than Ro historically, like 2, or 3 at most? (which is probably way younger than in canon, but then again, canon is dead and we do what we want.) I see Turkey as being in modern times in his mid to late 20s, at most, early 30s (I see him being called an "old man" but he doesn't look that old to me AT ALL so I'm really confused, plus it wouldn't make sense for him to be way older than the main cast for a lot of reasons etc etc. But maybe it's just me idk)

So yeah, I don't see turkro romantically, I guess? Nonetheless they have the potential of a very interesting and fun(and perhaps a little fucked up :] ) dynamic. Perhaps a little romance here and there, maybe in the current era, but they'd both have to go through a lot of character development for that :]]]

These days, they probably hang out sometimes, do stupid shit together, and actually have a really fun time. They probably recall some of their more fun memories, talk about the times they won in a conflict with the other, argue about something then get drunk and laugh with eachoter.

also a lot of these things also apply to my Moldavia OC and her relationship with Turkey, altho not all cause her personality is different from Romania's obviously.

[lea-andres]

This almost wound up in an unwitting person's asks, but I decided last second this probably stands better as its own post.

This isn't set off by anyone in particular, not even the person I almost yeeted this rant at unprompted. So I'm not mad at any one individual person, just at the fandom as a whole tbh.

It's no secret I love me a good villain redemption arc. A villain having some sort of moment that makes them want to switch sides and stop being so horrible, and all of the emotional hardships that follow as they struggle both to obtain the forgiveness and trust of the heroes they used to fight so bitterly with but also to find it in themselves to forgive themselves? And those moments of tension where something goes wrong and they slip up and some people point at them and go "See? They haven't changed, they can never change." And the anger, hurt, and feelings of betrayal that follow?

Ooh, that's the good shit. I'm a sucker for it. I've obviously got my thoughts on how it'd go for the Hooligans if we really REALLY wanted to focus on the emotional hardships of a full blown redemption arc (TL;DR: Bark has the easiest time with the transition from bad to good, Bean has "Harley's Holiday" style troubles where he's just a little too weird for the average person to stomach despite his best efforts to be good and nice, and Fang has the hardest time and hits the level I like to call "barely housetrained" where he's still a nasty piece of shit and barely anyone trusts him but at least he's not actively evil anymore? Yay?), but we're not getting into that again today.

No what we're getting into today is how SOME OF YOU like to just skip all the meat and potatoes and jump STRAIGHT TO THE END AND ONLY GO "LOOK AT HOW SOFT AND UWU THIS VILLAIN IS NOW!"

"How did we get here?" I ask eagerly, craving that sweet, sweet content.

"IDK, LOL" comes the response, followed by more soft fluff.

It makes me want to chew my hands off.

Even if you don't really want to focus on that part, even if you're not confident you could tell that story as well as someone else could, you should at least HAVE AN IDEA! You can begin with the end in mind, that's fine, but we need something connecting point A to point B! Even if it's just an awkward rambley SparkNotes summary! I'm crazy enough that It's better than nothing!

I'll spare you guys the same ship rant AGAIN, but some of the ships floating around here have the same problem. Yeah yeah, soft domestic bliss, you can set up Sonic characters on a dartboard, get two at random, and draw them sweetly canoodling. BUT HOW DID WE GET HERE???

Some of you skip over the real good part to get to the point you think is the good part and it drives me fucking bonkers. It's about the journey, not the destination, or something. IDK.

Alright, I'm done for now probably, back to our regularly scheduled bullshit. 😎✌️

[comerosas]

Sorry if this is outta nowhere, but in a desperate attempt to find people on here to relate to, I found a post of yours on an old, I assume abandoned, blog, about being a mexican trans guy/transmasc, and man. I felt that deeply. I'm also a mexican trans guy :) and I've been dying to find other mexican trans guys to like share these feelings like how you were talking in that post: losing your very large family bc you're trans, fearing they'd be straight up transphobic or just weird. I'm also not close with my extended family, and seldom visit mexico, but it's still a fear of mine, yknow? Being cut off because I wanna just be me. I'm not out yet to anyone, but these are the thoughts I have as part of why I'm so hesitant to transition and tell my family. But anyways yeah, I'm glad I found your post. I feel better knowing I'm not alone in those feelings. I wish you well, buddy :)

hey this ask was to be honest kind of weird to get (not in a bad way at all) because im not very active on tumblr and i purposefully avoid bringing attention to myself... but this ask also kind of means a lot to me.

i'd have to go back and find the post youre referencing cuz i dont remember how long ago i made it (was it on an older blog that links to this newer one?) but i completely understand (and have gone through) your desperation to find people like you. forgive me if this gets too rambley. i have a lot of thoughts on this.

even though trans people are everywhere online bc of the safety of being open online, it still feels extremely hard to find anything about a specific culture or not about white trans people. i kind of went crazy over it earlier in my transition. there is no advice or specific writings about how to come out to specifically latin american (MORE specifically mexican catholic) families and get them to understand you.

what happened to me was really weird and i'm not sure how common it is... i came out to my mom who is tolerant but early on said she doesnt approve. she said she would talk to my dad about it but he has never talked to me about being trans, and my parents never bring it up ever. its like a huge elephant in the room. it makes my plans of getting top surgery asap quite complicated (i came out at 23 yrs old and my mom said im too young for surgery)

online stuff related to nonwhite ftms is already quite rare, and even moreso when you look up stuff for specific groups like black, latine, asian, etc trans guys. theres a subreddit for trans men of color that i always forget the exact name of (its r/tmpoc had to look it up lol) and it is a nice read but its not as active as i wish. these frustrations of mine are compounded by the fact that although i am fluent in spanish, i'm much slower at reading it than with english so i have no ties to any online spanish speaking communities, nor do i know how to seek those communities out.

theres so much more i wish i had transition-related advice for, even for sillier smaller worries that I have. i think this is a weird time to be trans, theres a lot more visibility than people like us had in decades past, but theres still a lot of unknown territory and a lot of fear nowadays. because its hard to find stuff for your particular experience, sometimes you feel you could/should take up some kind of mantle as a spokesperson to help others like you... theres a lot of misinfo ive seen online about transition but i'm way too reclusive and private to put myself out there.

idk if youll end up reading this anon (does tumblr even notify you of anon asks being answered lol?) but either way i hope you end up finding more people like you, and i hope you can find even a little bit of community. and of course thank you for the kind words :)

[sharkiethedork]

Hi so I finished reading A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor by Hank Green the other day and I really enjoyed it! I do have a couple rambley nitpicks on how I thought the story was gonna go but I don't know anyone else who's read these books yet so I'm gonna throw it out here into the void. so spoilers below! (I do highly recommend these two books though so if you do read them we can talk about them hehe)

Okay I was SURE that the text that Miranda got from Maya about the the dresses was actually from Carl's Brother/One dgsdfgs like! I was reading that part and right when Miranda starts speculating on what Maya meant by that, I had a really incredible moment of dread when I remembered that, oh shit, April chucked Maya's phone out of the car earlier! I thought One got ahold of the phone or signal or whatever and sent that text to make Miranda feel bad and start doubting her friends so she would get mixed up in Altus easier! I believe Carl gives Maya her phone back in the next chapter and I was kind of waiting for that reveal to be made for a good chunk of the book, but then Maya said that she did send that text when she rescues Miranda from the Altus space. (And for a moment, that also made me wonder if that was actually a fake out too! But that wouldn't make much sense for One to do since Miranda didn't know they'd be coming to get her then anyway)

Which, isn't a problem and I know the whole book wasn't always strictly chronological so that's fine. Maybe I'm just a sucker for when the villain completely plays the protagonists (which, to be fair, was the case when it came to the Thread so I did get what I wanted in that way lol) but I was very slightly disappointed that my foreshadowing senses were slightly off there haha

And secondly. I was positive Robin was gonna die at some point lol. He's the only member of the gang who didn't have any chapters in the book, and Andy said something to the affect of "I never learned more about why Robin has issues with dating" after their heart-to-heat scene (Which was a scene I really adored btw). It just turns out that Robin just kinda...stopped showing up about 3/4th the way though.

While I definitely get that it probably wasn't feasible to have a SIXTH narrator in the book, and as an aspirational writer with a few minor projects under my belt I'm very aware that sometimes you just end up having a character that just kinda doesn't have anything to do later on and falls to the wayside, Robin's absence did kind of feel like a missed opportunity. Robin's reveal that he knew April's agent whos name escapes me soz was also working for Petrawiki was the partial catalyst that led to April "dying" in the first book, and he makes it clear to Andy that he's wracked with guilt about it. If I recall, the only interaction we get between him and April is that she hugs him when he shows up at the penthouse, and I'm pretty sure that scene ends up being his last appearance or at least his last major one. I think it would have been great if some time was spent in an April chapter where they make up. It's fine if April has forgiven him since then, but having some closure between them on the page would have been really great. Oh well.

At the very least when it comes to him not being a narrator, I can easily imagine them asking Robin to help write the book but he's just like "Hey it was your guys' job to do all the work on the ground, my job is to be your agent and get it out there, let me do that well."

Other than those two frankly minor nitpicks I thought ABFE was really good! I wish I had read them sooner but they came out while I was in the middle of my like five years where I didn't read shit, and also I hadn't been paying much attention to Nerdfighteria so I was only vaguely aware of the books for a while. I think I slightly prefer An Absolutely Remarkable Thing although I'm not super sure why I do, but you can't just stop at the first one!

[idolicons]

hi! im a new icon blog and i love ur blog, i wanted to know if you have any tips on how to use tumblr and such?

ahh i'm so flattered by this i literally teared up reading it,, thank you so much nonnie｡ﾟ･ (>﹏<) ･ﾟ｡

i'll post my response to your question under a read more since i get pretty rambley lol :) tl;dr though, i like to use the queue feature a lot so i'm only posting once or twice a day, and i think things like "promo posts" and introduction posts are really helpful!!

unfortunately i'm not very sure what about how i use tumblr is specific to me, i'm winging it too haha! for me personally, having the queue to schedule posts at a certain time instead of posting the second i make them helps me a lot with not getting burned out, and feeling like my blog has more structure!

i have made the mistake of posting 8-10 times a day on old blogs and it made it feel much more like a chore than something i enjoy doing, (´-ω-`) it's a personal preference, but i would recommend using the queue to post 1-2 times a day and taking it slow. especially since every fandom has a limited amount of media, there's only so many things you can make you know? although getting excited is still okay, my queue has over 100 posts in it right now www

something i see a lot of other people doing is having a pinned post as to general information about yourself, like how to refer to you, what sources you like to do, etc.! some people also like to tag and ask other "bigger" blogs to share that post and get the word out so you can start posting more, so it doubles as a promo post! i think that can be really helpful and i've done it myself in the past :)

if you're looking from some inspo as to what these posts look like i think @/sugarypalettes' is very appealing visually, as well as being effective and concise<3

overall though it's important to keep in mind that it is your blog at the end of the day. i've let bad looking posts loom over me, or i've felt bad when i don't get to requests on old blogs for personal reasons. prioritizing yourself and having fun with the blog is the very most important thing imo!! having a steady queue lined up for a rainy day also helps me not worry about that so much :)

i think it's important to remember that your blog is what you want it to be and you should work on it as much as you want to, not out of some obligation or feel like it's a chore.

also don't be afraid or ashamed to put a lot of tags on your stuff !!! it may be specific to me but i feel so silly putting a lot of tags sometimes, but don't be ashamed of it !! if you want people to see your post then put a bunch of tags on it!!! you are so valid!!

and personally, if you're on pc, i love looking through cute themes for my blog and playing around with them in the settings ♡(>ᴗ•) but again that's just if you want to, there's nothing wrong with having default! i think it's still really charming and a lot of people use it, and it's all mobile users will see regardless

i'm not sure i can think of much more advice to give haha. maybe you'll do something that's out there that i didn't even realize you could do. but if you do decide to make the promo post please tag me in it!!! i'd love to support you and see what u do with your blog!!! welcome to the community (´｡• ω •｡`) ♡ we're so happy to have you! thank you for sending in your ask nonnie i hope this was helpful!<3

[madrone33]

Sooooo. Just listened to the Original Broadway Cast Recording. I am. Sad. And happy. Idk it's a very confusing emotion, but if you know Hadestown, you probably know exactly what I mean.

Anyway! Here's my reaction to that. Uhhh very VERY long post. As in 3.5k words. I... apparently made a lot of rambley notes and reactions and observations lol.

Whatever. I wrote it for me, and am deciding to post it here because I can. And also because @musical-theatre-gay asked me to tag them when I finally listened to it. So uh, here it is lol.

Also, I'm typing this up at midnight (why do I do this to myself) so if there's any typos, uh, no there aren't :D

Road to Hell

The trumpet thingy lez goooo

Huh, Hermes’ voice is more… is it weird to say gay? Or... black. Idk I’ll find a better description later lol. It’s gonna take some time to get used to the different VAs.

Oh new spoken lines!

The clapping is less like a real crowd for some reason?

Oooh new verse?

Huh, so in this one, it’s more explicit that they’re gods. The other one was a bit more just- metaphorical allusions to it.

Hades is introduced here? Huh!

Lol this Hermes seems more flamboyant.

The ensemble gets an introduction? Cool.

Music strips back; nice. Oh this is a different introduction for Orpheus! He’s already working on his La la la song? Wait did Hermes just say he was friends with his mum? And his mum’s a muse? So Orpheus has a lore reason to be into music here, huh.

Eurydice is introduced here?? Wow cool! I knew who it was as soon as he said “come on in from the cold” lol.

Nice high note!

Any Way the Wind Blows

Oh! New song!!

The ensemble always has such pretty harmonies.

Huh, the seasons are more absolute, foreshadowing how Hades calls Persephone back earlier and earlier leaving no autumn; and she probably rushes to leave for the surface more abruptly as well, coming back with “a suitcase of summertime” and skipping spring.

Eurydice’s VA has less of an accent, and almost sounds more polished? Less rough or smth?

Oh wait these are the lyrics from that song near the end when Orpheus and Eurydice are renewing their promises to each other. “Any way the wind blows.”

“Whether weather” I like that.

Wait, am I tripping? There sounds like there’s multiple girls singing. Are they the Fates? Ahhh I can’t tell who’s who RIP

Oooh I love the riffs on “any way the wind blo-o-ows.”

Is this song going to replace the one she was introduced in originally?

That little piano trill is from a later song, and I can’t remember which, but it is giving me Bad Vibes, I don’t trust it.

Oh huh, Hermes and Orpheus have an actual relationship in this one?

Come Home with Me

Another new song!

Lol Hermes being Orpheus’ wingman.

OMG LMAO. “Bro, listen, don’t come on too strong.” “Ok, yeah, yeah, gottit.” One second later: “Come home with me-”

The ensemble backing his words. Bro you are coming on REAL strong rn lol.

Hermes is probs face palming in the back.

XD omg I love her. The way she twisted that from “play the lyre” to “a liar and a player.”

Awww Hermes is such a wingman.

Spring as in the season but also mending Hades’ and Persephone’s relationship!

Aw no, Eurydice, I know it sounds like he’s crazy, but bro is SMITTEN. Put him out of his misery and give him a chance lol.

Wedding Song

A wedding song 👀??

Yo wait this tune is the one Hades and Persephone sing in, uh, Chant I think? But a more happy version!

Also these lyrics with the river and wedding band become callbacks in the last duet song when they renew their promises!

I like Orpheus’ voice!

These are some bold promises there, Orpheus. And we see later how he can’t really keep it.

Awww he sounds so bashful and shy. Also, Eurydice, I get that you’re not an artist, but as an artist, you can’t ask us to show our first drafts!! That’s like, super awkward and embarrassing putting us on the spot like that lmao.

Oooh we’re getting the La la la’s here! It’s always so pretty.

From her reaction, I’m guessing something physically happened? Did flowers spontaneously bloom or something? Does Orpheus have superpowers? Or was it just a feeling of pure wonder and happiness from all the amazing harmonies?

Him constantly embarrassedly and almost defensively saying the song’s not finished is so relatable tho.

Oh she’s enabling him in making the song! She’s not bitter and disillusioned about it yet.

Her joining in on his hopeful promises.

Epic I

Ah, here’s Epic I! I'd wondered about that in the original.

Oh? The La la la’s aren’t an original melody? It’s an instinctive one?? Hermes, spill the tea.

Yo we’re getting this tune??? The one that Orpheus uses to convince Hades at the end!

Is it just me, or are there not a lot of rhymes in this verse?

It was Hades’ and Persephone’s song???? Damn.

It’s kinda funny; this Orpheus’ speaking voice is higher than the first, but his singing voice is rougher. At least to me lol.

Livin’ it Up on Top

Huh this is a different start.

Omg EPIC: The Musical has taken over my brain. Anytime I hear the word “Waiting” I just-

Persephone’s VA in this is surprisingly similar to the other one!

Lol I’m always down for some Underworld/Hell/Death jokes.

Hmm with Eurydice’s added songs, Persephone’s line of “Who says times are hard” is almost mockingly blase, kinda showing her privileged worldview.

Dance break! This is even more of a party song than the first version lol.

There’s more interjections during Orpheus’ speech.

Wait, is that a lyric change, or am I remembering wrong? I think in the first version it was “May the world we dream about be the one we live in now” and now it’s “To the world we dream about, and the world we live in now”?

All I've Ever Known ("In spite of herself...") (Intro)

An interlude?

Hey, this is the thing Hermes says in the last song after Eurydice is gone! The “he could make you see how the world could be in spite of the way it is.”

All I've Ever Known

Smooth transition!

Oh ok cool, we still got this one!

This song is a lot more sweet here, with the previous context.

"I don't wanna go back to the lonely life!" Ahhh her high note!

Why is Orpheus such a… disney princess? Y’know? Like, he’s singing to birds and trees, saying he always knew his beloved before he met her, has a personal backing choir, a muse as a mother and a god as a guardian, and intuitively knew Hades’ and Persephone’s ancient melody. I mean I’m not complaining, but it’s kinda funny how magical girl he is in this version.

These are some weird note progressions on the violin or viola or whichever it is. It’s almost a pretty tune, until it goes slightly minor or off key or something.

Oh no not this part! These promises they can’t keep.

But then she leeeeeaves!

Way Down Hadestown

Those are some ominous strings and piano.

New verse?

The wall is mentioned this early?

Huh, Hermes is singing this part with the “everybody hungry”? I could’ve sworn it was Orpheus in the other.

I like how it goes from “chromium throne” to “thrown to the bottom.” I just really like homophones, ok?

Ooh! An awesome bass voice is an awesome bass voice.

"Kinda makes you wonder how it feels..." Eurydice, noooo.

A Gathering Storm

Another new song? Is that an organ? It’s so cool.

Wait, no I know those choir harmonies… I’m getting “Eurydice leaving” vibes, is that right or…? And also, I think they sang the “Any way the wind blows” tune?

She sounds so resigned now, damn.

I never actually put together that Hades calling Persephone back early had a bigger impact than just on their relationship, that the consequences on the wider world triggered the winter that made Eurydice so desperate for material safety.

Ohhhh! So THIS is why Orpheus is so determined to finish his song!!

Oh no Orpheuuuus! I know the song is super important, I mean, it does bring back spring and fall, and it’s literally what gives you a chance with Hades, but you wouldn’t need that chance if she hadn’t left/died! Focus on your WIFE.

But also, the creative tunnel vision is so real lol. Who needs food and sleep when you’re in The Zone, amirite?

Epic II

This tune again! I… don’t think this is in the original either? The lyrics are unfamiliar.

Since Helios is sometimes literally just the sun, the way the lyrics say “he thinks of his wife in the arms of the sun, and jealousy fuels him” makes it sound like Persephone’s having an affair lol.

"With doubt that his lover will ever come back" Oooh. As in; Doubt comes creeping in?

Wait no, I’ve heard this “the River Styx is a river of stones” part! Did I just completely forget that first part, or was it changed?

But I don’t know this part?? Is it just switching back and forth?

The La la la’s come back!

"The pickaxe flashes; the hammer falls [...] and drown out the sound of the song he once heard" I love how the pickaxe and working sounds of CHCK and HOOH literally drown out the sound of the song.

Chant

Ayyyy. It’s Chant! I love this one! Wonder if they’ll have changed anything…

Yo there’s an Orpheus interlude? This is a different version of the La La La’s as well. Huh.

Oooh, the key change thing there to transition back into the main tune was cool.

I knew those “Ooooohhh”s were from something dire!

Oh not the callback to Eurydice asking “Is he always like this?” the first time they met!

A new Eurydice verse too? Will it replace the other one, or just add to it?

It’s darkly funny how almost petty Persephone and Hades’ squabble seems now, and yet the ripples from it spiral out to create devastation.

Orpheus having trouble on second drafts? Mmm relatable fr fr.

Orpheus is trying to fix the problem at the source, but he’s neglecting the deadly symptoms in the present.

I still love the overlapping melodies.

Oh, poor Eurydice.

Her verses are changed. Interesting. She’s less accusing and bitter towards Orpheus than the original.

Yo wait they get stolen from? Who tf did it, I’ll throw hands rn!

And now she gets caught in a STORM?? Gods, she just can’t catch a break, can she?

Those high notes!!

Oh Persephone’s verse has changed too?? Wait, it’s focused on the people on the surface now, instead of the way they met? … Not sure I like that they cut that, but I guess the change does make sense with how much they’ve focused on the deadly winter here.

Hey wait, there was no Hermes line of “They have this fight every year!”

Hey, Little Songbird

Eugh. This song is still creepy as fuck.

Oh wait, was it a metaphorical storm Hermes was talking about, last song? And this is the storm?

Don’t do that. Don’t call her a canary.

Orpheus is burying himself trying to fix Hades’ relationship, while Hades is over here ruining his.

Huh, there’s no rattlesnake sound.

When the Chips are Down (Songbird vs rattlesnake...") (Intro)

There’s still the shaking chips sound in this one tho.

When the Chips are Down

Oh, that talking part was split from the bulk of this song?

Ngl, I lowkey don’t like the Fates just because… they make the story the way it is lol, but by god, their harmonies are so fire.

Gone, I'm Gone

She sounds more disbelieving and breathy than the other one, which was more resigned and choked out quickly.

Wait for Me (Hey, the big artiste...") (Intro)

That coin bag sound. RIP.

Ouch. Hermes is being pretty cold here. I mean in the original it was fine he was so casual, 'cause he was basically just the narrator, but now with added context of their relationship, it’s kinda mean.

Bro why is he being so… mocking??

Wait for Me

Oh that was split off too?

Ok, so I know she didn’t actually die in this version, it’s just a metaphor for her death, but Orpheus saying “I’m coming too” when going to the Underworld is a metaphor for dying is kinda, uh. I mean you can see how it sounds, right?

Also, why is “Wait” always so freaking sad in the musicals I listen to??

Oh, new part? He’s confronted by… I’m guessing either the Fates, or the workers stuck in Hadestown. I'll go with workers for now.

Omg he’s using the La la la tune as almost a shield and protection and- is he converting the workers?? Holy fuck is he literally a disney princess? Now this is some quality addition shit!

Lmao. The “don’t give your name, you don’t have one. And don’t look no one in the eye” is still funny.

Ok, but the way the whole ensemble is singing “Wait I’m coming with you” makes me think that while Orpheus is singing to Eurydice, the workers are singing to him, following him and the hope he brings.

This new end part is so good!

Also, I love the way the tempo goes back and forth between Orpheus’ slower, more drawn out parts, and Hermes’ faster ones.

Why We Build the Wall

Oh, this guitar intro is new!

God, those low notessss.

Cult shit fr fr.

I read somewhere that they keep adding and building the call and response verses on top of each other, just like the bricks on the wall, and I love it so much.

Why We Build the Wall ("Behind closed doors...") (Outro)

Huh, they’ve split this part from the last one too.

"Step into my office" "And he closed the door behind. Now a lot can happen behind closed doors" God, that sounds so creepy and ominous.

Lol, Persephone.

Our Lady of the Underground

Oh hold on. That piano trill is here? But surely it must come back sometime again later in a worse situation.

Ooh she says “Step into my office my office” like Hades did just before!

Drug dealer Persephone is here lol.

My gal has an underground club XD

Oh I think that “Tell my husband to take his time” line is new.

Way Down Hadestown (Reprise)

Huh, it's called reprise instead of II

New lines?

Oh wow, that puts new meaning on how Hermes told Orpheus he doesn’t have a name.

“Hades laid his hands on ya.” I don’t like the way that’s said.

Ohhh like the River Lethe!

Oh DAMN. She’s forgotten her name?? This reminds me of Spirited Away.

They did a fantastic job making the workers sound so exhausted and resigned.

Flowers

New song!

“When he laid me out.” Ew wait what?

Hold on, Eurydice! Orpheus is coming! Oh, wait. But he fails… Fuck.

Oh no she can’t even remember him!

Come Home With Me (Reprise)

Another new song!

OMFG IT’S A REPRISE THINGY OF THE SONG WHERE THEY MEET! BECAUSE THEY’RE MEETING AGAIN!

AH SHE REMEMBERS HIM!

“You heard?” “No.” Oof.

AHHH NO DON’T BLAME YOURSELF I MEAN IT WAS ONLY PARTLY YOUR FAULT HADES WAS BEING A DICK.

He waaaalked all that way ahhhh.

Ohhhh it was the River Styx (aka the dead souls?) that met him in that earlier song!

Papers ("You're not from around here, son...") (Intro)

Ohhhh fuuuuck. Hades is here.

New song. New song where Hades and Orpheus meet. Omg shit.

Oh Persephone’s here too!

Hermes bringing back the lyrics from that one song near the start!!

Ahhh he’s standing up for himself and Eurydice! Fuck off Hades.

OH FUUUUCK. ORPHEUS DIDN’T KNOW.

“It isn’t true.” Oh shit that line means so much more now.

People aren’t property, asshole.

Papers (Instrumental)

An instrumental? Huh. Wonder what’s supposed to be happening on stage rn.

Nothing Changes

Another new song!

The Fates? Amazing acapella harmonies, but bad advice and I don't like. For some reason, it reminds me of the Diamonds’ songs in Steven Universe. Or the Sirens’ song in Ulysses Dies At Dawn.

Did they sing “That’s the way the river runs” to the tune of “Any way the wind blows”?

If it's True

More new songs!

Oh Orpheus…

No, don’t lose hope! Don’t stop believing!

WHAT! NO WAIT DON’T LEAVE!

Wait, did Hades actually physically beat Orpheus up?? Or does he mean metaphorically beaten?

YESSSS. WORKERS STAND WITH HIM!

Oh now Hades’ later line with the “every coward’s brave with a crowd” makes a lot of sense.

Yessss Orpheus. See through the lies. He sounds so hurt and tired and still determined and Not Giving In.

HELL YES! STAND UP FOR EACH OTHER!

RIOT! RIOT! RIOT!

How Long?

These new songs are killing it, I can’t wait to see what this one’s about-

Oh Persephone and Hades song!!!

She refuses the wine! And remember before, Orpheus had said she’s “blinded by a river of wine.”

Yo she’s standing up for them!

Ahhh so this is why Hades later says “Since my wife is such a fan.”

He sounds so tired, damn.

Oh, he’s using her metaphors!

DUET!

Chant (Reprise)

“Is it true?” Omg it’s happening!

HA! THAT NOISE IS A RIOT, HADES!

Are these new words? I can’t remember if I’m just forgetting how the original goes.

Yeah, they don’t sing the “One, two, is it true?” part in this, huh.

Yesss. Raise your heads.

“Why do we turn away” part reminds me of one of the songs in My Heart Says Go for some reason.

Ohho you’re gonna regret ordering him to do that, Hades.

Epic III

Here we go…

Lmao. Hades being the most unimpressed audience member.

Oh, wait, I think these are the lyrics from earlier. I wonder if they’re still gonna do the original verse too.

Ah the La la la’s!

HA. Yeah I bet that surprised him.

The overlapping harmonies are soooo prettty!

I’m glad they kept these verses.

The way Orpheus uses “Keeps his head low” for HADES instead of the workers!

Did they change it from “with his hat in his hands”?

Omg Hades sung it too. 🥺

And now they’re all singing it together!

Epic III ("They danced...") (Instrumental)

New song!

Ayyyy his song worked! He fixed it!

Hey, I wonder if any of those different La la la’s were from his second draft.

Promises

Another new song?

He finished it <3

Yes! Leave! Don’t fucking look back!

Wait no, is this the song where they renew their promises?

ANY WAY THE WIND BLOWS.

Damn, Eurydice is so much less bitter and hurt in this version.

"If we can do it, so can they!" Ooof. Well now Hades can’t really let that happen, can he?

Omg the DUET!

AHHHH IT’S LIKE THEY’RE DOING WEDDING VOWS.

“And keep on walking come what will” WAIT FUCK NOOOO.

Word to the Wise

A new intro part to this song?

“Can we go?” Aww he sounds so hopeful.

“... I don’t know.” Shit.

The “chips are down” tune!

Why. Fates, just- Why.

The FUCKING PIANO TUNE. I KNEW IT.

His Kiss, the Riot

Yikes. That’s some eerie strings right there.

“The riot starts.” … yeaaaah. Um. If I say I’m sorry, will you let them go without a fuss?

“All my children came here poor, clammering for bed and board [...] Who makes work for idle hands?” Hades. Bro. You are not the good guy here.

Bro. BRO. You don’t have to do this. Just- just don’t do it. Why. Is this really necessary??

"Doubt comes in." Noooooo. Whyyyyy.

Wait for Me ("If you wanna walk out of hell...") (Intro)

New song.

The fucking piano tune.

“You won’t be hand in hand.” Nooo, not bringing back those lyrics!

“It’s a trial” nah Orpheus has got it right. It’s totally a trap.

Nooooo you caaaan’t!

Hermes are you fucking lying.

Wait for Me (Reprise)

OMFG DO NOT. DO NOT BRING THE WAIT FOR ME BACK. DON’T DO THIS TO ME.

Oh god. All the workers are all watching them too.

YO. YO THE FACT THAT HE SAYS IT’S TIME FOR SPRING. AND THEN NEX FALL. AS IN. THERE WILL BE A SPRING AND A FALL. HE’S NOT GOING TO CALL HER BACK EARLY!

“Wait for me?” “I will.” AHHHH, they’re using that tune!

Omg they sound so hopeful. This is too much. I can’t.

The River Styx again!

The harmonies are just- so good. But I know IT DOESN’T WORK.

EURYDICE IS SINGING THE THING ORPHEUS DID WHEN HE CAME DOWN.

Doubt Comes In

Oh god I’m not ready. Fuck.

This chromatic violin shit is creeping me out. Reminds me of Agent Smith's theme in the Matrix.

Not the La la la’s! He’s singing it like a touchstone but it WON’T WORK AHHH-

FUCK OFF FATES! LEAVE HIM BE FOR ONCE!

NOOOO DON’T DOUBT ORPHEUS!

“Who am I to think that she would follow me into the cold and dark again” OMG NO ORPHEUS BELIEVE IN YOURSELF! BELIEVE IN HER!

KEEP SINGING! YOU’VE GOT THIS! BUT I KNOW YOU DON’T! FUCK!

Ohhhh he means a trap in that way. Well ok then NO IT’S NOT A TRAP.

HADES YOUR FUCKING MIND GAMES HAVE BROKEN HIM! FUCK YOU!

“I used to see the way the world could be! But now the way it is, is all I see.” NOOO HE’S LOSING HOPE! BBY DON’T LOSE FAITH IN THE WORLD!

SHE’S RIGHT BEHIND YOU! PLEASE! YOU’RE NOT ALONE! LISTEN TO HER! OMG PLEASE!

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. FUCK.

THE SILENCE. I HATE IT.

“... It’s you.” NOOOOO

“... It’s me.” NOOOOOOOOOOO

“Orpheus…” “… Eurydice!” I can’t. I can’t. I CAN’T.

Road to Hell (Reprise)

NO ADS! YUS!

THE FUCKING PIANO I KNEW IT. I KNEW IT WAS BAD NEWS. FCUK THIS SHIT.

Hermes sounds like he’s boutta cry. Fucking most relatable thing ever.

“To know how it ends, and still begin to sing it again as if it might turn out this time” is the definition of insanity. We’re all insane here.

“Anybody got a match?” Wait wait was that Eurydice??? Is that a flashback or Eurydice down in Hadestown?

“He could make you see how the world could be in spite of the way that it is” Ahhhhh but he’s lost the ability to see it himself I’m fucking sad.

Spring. He did it. He made spring come back. And Eurydice can never see it. *cries*

The harmonies.

We Raise Our Cups

Oh wait, there’s one more song?

Damn. Living It Up On Top but sad.

Shit. Poor Orpheus. Bro’s gotta be fucked up.

… Ok but now I’m just thinking of an au where he does a Wait For Me III and actually does, uh. Y’know. And then it’s Eurydice and Orpheus down in the Underworld together, side by side in the mines, keeping each other’s memories intact and forcing the whole place into reforms by- idk fucking Unionising or some shit. Sheer fucking willpower and stubborn ass love saves the day. Let me have my delusions.

The harmonising is so goood.

Damn. Goodnight o7

... I’ll probs have to re-listen sometime again with lyrics. Fuck me.

I finally listened to Hadestown! 🎉

Starting with the Original Cast Recording, ‘cause might as well do it in release order. Loved it! Groovy music. Snickered. Cried. Wrote down my reaction as I went, so if you're chill with rambled thoughts and observations, here you go lol

(Soz for any typos, I was touch typing most of the time, and I've edited it but probs missed stuff)

Road to Hell (Live)

Oh it’s JAZZY. Huh. Didn't expect that, but I am living.

I like how at the start they’re simulating a train’s chugging.

Those call and response harmonies tho *chef's kiss*

Kinda reminds me of Udad.

Oh that’s Hermes!

“It’s a sad song” he says, while singing the boppiest of bops.

I like that “suitcase full of summertime” line.

“About someone... who tries.” Oho, we’re gettin into it now! *rubs hands together*

Also, I completely get now why Jorge said that first draft of EPIC: The Musical Hermes was like Hadestown.

Livin' It Up on Top (Live)

That’s a smooth transition👌

Persephone’s voice is really cool. Kinda rough texture?

Oh I didn’t realise Persephone and Hades would be having a turbulent relationship in this.

Oooh Orpheus’ voice is smooth.

They’re all so happy huh. Welp, you know there’s gonna be a crash in their future.

Orpheus seems really grateful for Persephone’s... graciousness? When he said that she'll always fill their cups and they'll raise them to her and stuff. Theory: either she’ll have a soft spot for him later, or he’ll feel betrayed and blindsided by the more cold side of her later.

All I've Ever Known (Live)

I don’t know anything about Eurydice, but is this her song?

Ah yeah Orpheus is singing, so it must be.

Oop. Foreshadowing.

Way Down Hadestown (Live)

Hermes is back!

“Bored to death” HA

“Graveyard” wow the puns/metaphors are going hard XD

I can’t tell who’s singing lmao. This is like when I listened to Hamilton for the first time. I’ll need lyrics, or familiarity RIP

The coins as the percussion/tambourine is a nice touch.

Hades’ voice is DEEP.

They haven’t mentioned gods yet, I don’t think? Just the Fates, right? It sounds more like a mining operation metaphor for mythos right now, hmm.

Epic II (Live)

King of diamonds and spades - like the playing card suits, but also like the mining operation.

It’s the La la la la thing from Wolfy’s animatic! Almost. A different rendition - I bet I'll hear that later 👀

Why is it called Epic II? Where’s 1? Am I missing something?

Chant (Live)

Oh they’re doing overlapping meodies!!

Ah wait this is Eurydice now, gotta go back a few seconds to catch that. I keep getting her mixed up with Persephone 😅

Oh now we’ve got Eurydice and Orpheus relationship troubles? Huh, I kinda assumed they’d be the perfect couple till her death.

And a semi callback to her song, nice.

Hay Little Songbird (Live)

DAMN his voice is deep!

Is this Eurydice??

Is- Is Hades seducing her? To work for him of smth? Ummm.

Not the canary!

That shaker sounds like a rattlesnake, and it does not bode well for a little bird.

When the Chips are Down (Live)

Oh hey I was right! It is a metaphorical rattlesnake!

Does she choose to go to the Underworld of her own volition? I thought she like- died.

Gone I'm Gone (Live)

She does??

Ouch. She sounds so resigned.

Is this a metaphor for her starving to death? Oof.

The harmonies!!

Wait for Me (Live)

“Six feet under” oh yep.

“Lay low, stay outta sight” - getting Hamilton's Stay Alive vibes.

“Don’t look back” ah. FORESHADOWING.

Ohhh the River Styx being a high wall is so smart!

“And don’t look no one in the eye” I must be too deep in the Odyssey related fandoms, because I'm seeing puns where there are none lmao

The HARMONIES!

Poor Orpheus, but I mean, he was kinda being a bit… naive? If he didn’t prepare for winter and just went off in his own head to make songs?

Why We Build the Wall (Live)

Free from who?

Enemy? 👀

(Yes, I'm aware I'm being led into asking all the questions he wants me to ask, but in my defence, it's very effective.)

Oh huh. Wasn't expecting it to be poverty, tho maybe I should've.

Him calling them “My children” plus the chanting is uh. Why does this sound like cult propaganda?

His voice sounds like the Ozymandias poem guy.

Also giving Frollo “She ran, I pursued” vocal vibes.

“Behind closed doors” - ominous.

Ha! Ok nice subversion.

Our Lady of the Underground (Live)

Persepone is a drug dealer XD

That’s a strange note on “there’s a crack in the wall”

Oh no, am I supposed to remember all these band member names? *crying*

Way Down Hadestown II (Live)

Bringing back motifs I see.

The pickaxes as percussion is cool.

Oop, Eurydice is getting a bit of a wake up call.

Chant II (Live)

Ooooh does the ‘backdoor’ Hermes meant, mean that Orpheus doesn’t have to ‘die’ to get there? ‘Cause he didn’t sign anything, which is a metaphor for him not actually being dead in the myth, so he can still leave.

“Hungry for the underworld” - the pomegranate?

And now Eurydice and Orpheus are singing half the La la la la tune each as if to each other from across the Underworld!

Ooh I LIKE those slant rhymes! "Young man, you can strum your lyre, I have strung the world in wire."

Oh this is where Orpheus sings his plea!! I know this is a thing because of Udad's Underworld Blues lol.

Epic III (Live)

The harmonies 🥺

Oh! It’s that part from Wolfy's animatic :O

I’m tearing up bro.

Just thinking that Eurydice was so upset with Orpheus for focusing on writing his song about Hades and Persephone, but it's that very song that is giving him a chance to sway Hades' mind. But on the other hand, if he'd focused less on the song, he never would've had to use it, y'know?

Word to the Wise (Live)

Ha the Fates(?) doing Hades’ inner monologue like, yeah bro u screwed yourself.

Uh oh this is probs where Hades comes up with the ultimatum. Wait no don't-

His Kiss the Riot (Live)

Those strings are creepy.

Belladonna? Oh the poisonous flower.

Did he call Orpheus the Jack of Hearts?

That acordian is awesome.

Fuck, I knew it.

He sounds like the guy who does the creepily ominous monologue in Micheal Jackson's Thriller.

Promises (Live)

Oh huh. It’s my theory from the 2nd song but it's Eurydice feeling betrayed that the world isn't always plentiful and not Orpheus?

Those strings are gorgeous!

Oh! A duet!

When the couple actually works out their shit:

“I do” omgggg!

KEEP WALKING. DONT LOOK BACK.

Wait for Me II (Live)

Aww that’s nice. Persephone and Hades are gonna try too!

Oh no not the “wait” like in Hurricane-

Doubt Come In (Live)

Oh noooooo

KEEP GOING. JUST KEEP GOING. SHE’S WITH YOU

OH NOOOO DON’T FALTER

LISTEN TO HER! HOLD ON! KEEP GOING!

... Oh god

Road to Hell II (Live)

NO THERE'S A FUCKING AD

Hermes sounds so sad but resigned. Like, 'Oh well. I knew it would turn out like this, but I'd hoped.' Which like. SAME.

The instruments stripped away so it's only silence and one voice is so good.

I can just imagine Orpheus collapsed shell shocked on stage as Hermes not unkindly pushes him to go on.

That reprise and ending is so fucking good AHHH omg no regrets. Some regrets. Whatever, it was good.

... Time to listen to it again with lyrics :D

And then I'm gonna listen to the Original Broadway Cast Recording!

[snake-and-mouse]

Hey, I see that you really love kimchay as a ship and I was just wondering what makes them so great to you. I'll be honest, out of all the ships on KP, they interest me the least and I'd love to be more invested in them. What's their appeal to you? (maybe it'll convince me to get more into them)

Hmmmm okay so this one takes some thought, and buckle down because it's going to get loooong and rambley lmao. For one let's start by saying I do not honestly think they are the best ship in the show, I do not talk about them the most and come up with more meta about them because I like them more than kinnporsche or vegaspete. When it comes down to it, I think I engage with them more because I'm more interested in how they actually develop and more invested in how they end, as well as the message their story tells. Which, yes is a little confusing as a distinction to make lol.

With kinnporsche and vegaspete, I usually come away from each new episode with an overall feeling of being satisfied with how they are progressing that doesn't particularly inspire the kind of fandom brainrot I have for kimchay. And, this may sound a little heartless, but quite honestly from a writing point of view I would have no objections to kinnporsche or vegaspete having an unhappy ending. In fact there were a few times where blatantly said I think Kinn dying would be a satisfying end to his storyline. Like yes it would emotionally cripple me 😂 I would mourn like Vegas with his fucking hedgehogs if any one on the main couples died or even if they broke up. But from a writing standpoint, it would not be a bad choice and I would respect it, and I really do tend to try and watch these shows with the mindset of both a fan and an author.

Kimchay tho? I've said from the beginning that this is a particular kind of narrative that seems so purposefully set apart from the rest of the story, so well positioned as this almost mirror world to the rest of the plot, that I both never know where it's going and am also so sure that the only satisfying ending could be a happy one. Mostly because Porchay, like I love Kim but most of the reasons I am obsessed with this ship are because Porchay is a very specific archetype of character that drives me insane.

I've compared him to Lan Sizhui from mdzs before, and it's pretty accurate, the child born into a dark environment who is both innocent and sheltered and yet intrinsically shaped by the tragic events of his life, his happy demeanor only one side of a coin, the other being a heartbreaking sadness and an untapped strength that the narrative is pushing him to finally use. Porchay is a cringey adorable inexperienced teenager, yes. But he is only just that if you only give him the briefest of passing thoughts.

Enter Kim, and as many wattpad y/n jokes as I've made, what Porchay has with Kim is in my opinion anything but a celebrity crush. Well, obviously it starts as that, but even then. Porchay gets his first interaction with Kim because he is someone who sees the details, the little things. He's not just another fanboy, he's studied Wik's music and videos like he's tried to get down to the marrow of how he ticks. And they have him say from the very first tutoring session, he's not just here for Wik, he's here for every side of Kim that he's willing to show. And he toes this perfect line between saying what he wants and never breaking Kim's boundaries and the growing comfort he gets around the teen. And you can see Kim completely falls for it. He's got practiced aloofness down to a fucking art, and yet we see it crack and show genuine amusement and fondness over and over again.

And with the later episodes we can see how big of a deal that is, because literally the only other time we see Kim lose his control is when he's angry. In my opinion, giving into positive emotions is a much bigger tell than giving into anger. Kim not being able to resist kissing Porchay says way more than him being willing to shoot someone for him, and this is also a message the narrative itself tells us.

Take kinnporsche for example. For them, the moments that mattered were the ones they gave into being soft, being tender, being open with each other. Stolen kisses, wandering hands, harsh words becoming private whispers. These were the moments that were ultimately rewarded. Kinnporsche is a show that says violence and pain can be your life but you can still find meaning in allowing in love and kindness. And it's why I really really believe kimchay can't have an unhappy ending, because this is not a show that punishes people for being like Porchay, it's a show that says the choices he's made are how you find hope.

So. Because I have to stop talking at some point. Kimchay. A story about a young man who was raised by his brother to be a kind, honest, loving person, who always reaches for what he wants and pushes the man he is falling in love with to open up and give into tenderness and honesty, while Kim fights every step and tries to remain the cold cruel person the world made him into. That is the story I am obsessed with, and why I love these two.