#big al devlin

[mostbelovedqueer]

Most Beloved Queer Character - submission list

A

Ace McShane (Doctor Who)

Achilles (Greek mythology)

Adora (She-ra and the Princesses of Power)

Aika (Pretty Pretty Please I Don't Want to be a Magical Girl)

Alec Lightwood (The shadowhunter chronicles)

Aled Last (Osemanverse)

Alex Fierro (Magnus Chase)

Alphys (Undertale)

Alucard (Hellsing Ultimate)

Alucard/Adrian Tepes (Castlevania (TV))

Alvis (Xenoblade Chronicles)

Amity Blight (The owl house)

Andrew Minyard (All for the Game)

Anthony J Crowley (Good Omens)

Armand (Interview with the Vampire (TV))

Asami (Avatar: Legend of Korra)

Astolfo (Fate/Grand Order)

Aziraphale (Good Omens)

B

Ballister Boldheart (Nimona)

Barney Guttman (Dead End: Paranormal Park)

Becky Allen (Osemanverse)

Ben Mitchell (Eastenders (British Soap Opera))

Bill Potts (Doctor Who (2005))

Blitzen (Magnus Chase books) C

Calamity Jane (Deadwood)

Caleb Widogast (Critical Role - Campaign 2)

carlos (welcome to night vale)

Castiel (Supernatural)

Catalina Alvarez (All for the Game)

Catra (She-ra and the Princesses of Power)

Cecil Gershwin Palmer (Welcome to Night Vale)

Charlie Bradbury (Supernatural)

Charlie Spring (Osemanverse)

Chiaki Ogawa (To Strip the Flesh)

Chika Hanai (Is Love the Answer?)

Clare Devlin (Derry Girls)

Clark Griffin (The 100)

Cole Mackenzie (Anne with an E) D

Dae-sung "Daniel" Jun (Osemanverse (Radio Silence))

Daisy Johnson (Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.)

Darcy Olsson (Osemanverse (Heartstopper))

Dave Strider (Homestuck)

David Rose (Schitt's Creek)

Deadpool/Wade Wilson (Marvel)

dio brando (jjba)

Dirk Gently (Dirk Gently's Hollistic Detective Agency)

Dragona Joestar (Jojo's Bizarre Adventure) E

Edelgard Von Hresvelg (Fire Emblem: Three Houses)

Edward Teach/Blackbeard (Our Flag Means Death)

Edwin (Dead boy detectives)

Eleanor Shellstrop (The Good Place)

Elle Argent (Osemanverse)

Ellie Williams (Last Of Us)

Emily Fields (Pretty little liars)

Enkidu (Lancer) (Type-Moon, specifically Fate/Strange Fake and Fate/Grand Order)

Esperanza Cruz/Spooner (DC's Legends of Tomorrow)

Eustace (Misericorde)

Evan "Buck" Buckley (911) F

Fade / Carlos Quinones (Blood Syndicate)

Fiddleford Hadron McGucket (Gravity Falls)

Fig Faeth (Dimension 20: Fantasy High)

Frisk (Undertale) G

Garnet (Steven Universe)

Gary (Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake)

Georgia Warr (Osemanverse (Loveless))

Gideon Coal (Once Upon A Witchlight)

Gideon Nav (The Locked Tomb series)

Gilgamesh (Archer) (Type-Moon, specifically the Fate series, with Fate/stay night, Fate/Strange Fake, Fate/Samurai Remnant, Fate/EXTRA CCC, Fate/extella and Fate/Grand Order)

Giselle Gewelle (Bleach)

Gonzo (Muppets)

Grell Sutcliff (Black Butler)

Guillermo de la Cruz (What we do in the shadows) H

Harley Quinn (Batman)

Harrowhark Nonagesimus (The Locked Tomb)

Hawkeye Pierce (M*A*S*H (TV))

Hearthstone (Magnus Chase books)

Hedwig (Misericorde)

Helen blackthorn (The shadowhunter chronicles)

Henrietta Wilson (911)

Henry George Edward James Fox-Mountchristen-Windsor (Red White and Royal Blue)

Himiko Toga (My Hero Academia)

Holly Munro (she's a book character only) (Lockwood and Co.)

Hunter (The Owl House)

I

Imogen Heaney (Heartstopper)

Irving B. (Severance)

Isaac Henderson (Heartstopper)

Isabella Yamamoto (Paradise Kiss)

Izzy Hands (Our flag means death) J

James Flint (Black Sails)

Jeremy Knox (All for the Game)

Jesper Fahey (Six of Crows)

Jim Jimenez (Our Flag Means Death)

Jimmy Kaga-Ricci (Osemanverse (I Was Born for This))

Jin Xiaobao (Meet You at the Blossom)

Joey Gutierrez (Marvel's Agents of Shield)

Jonathan 'jon' sims (The magnus archives podcast)

Josephine Barry (Anne with an E)

Jude (Parkdale haunt) K

Kazui Mukuhara (Milgram)

Kenji Hikiishi/Big Sis Magne (My Hero Acedemia)

kenjou akira/cure chocolat (precure)

Kiku (One Piece)

Kim Kitsuragi (Disco Elysium)

Kirby (Kirby)

Klaus Hargreeves (The Umbrella Academy)

Kokonoi Hajime (Tokyo Revengers)

Korra (Avatar: The Legend of Korra)

Kremy Lecroux (Once Upon A Witchlight)

Kurt Hummel (Glee)

Kyoshi (Avatar: The Last Airbender) L

Laila Dermott (All for the Game)

Lambdadelta (Umineko)

Lan Wangji (The Untamed)

Laszlo Cravensworth (What we do in the shadows)

Lestat de Lioncourt (Interview with the Vampire)

Lexa com trikru (The 100)

Lily Hoshikawa (Zombieland Saga)

Link (Legend of Zelda)

Lister Bird (Osemanverse (I Was Born for This))

Louis de Pointe du Lac (Interview with the Vampire (TV))

Luz Noceda (The Owl House) M

Magnus Bane (The shadowhunter chronicles)

Magnus Chase (Magnus Chase books)

malori crowett (mage & demon queen)

Marceline the Vampire Queen (Adventure Time)

Marisa Rahm (Deathwish)

Mark Blackthorn (The shadowhunter chronicles)

Marshall Lee (Adventure Time: Fionna and Cake)

Martin Blackwood (The Magnus Archives)

Masha (The Owl House)

Masquerade (blood Syndicate)

Michael Holden (Osemanverse)

mirabelle (In Stars and Time)

Mizuki Akiyama (Project Sekai / HATSUNE MIKU: COLORFUL STAGE!)

Moiraine Damodred (The Wheel of Time)

Morgan la Fae (Berserker) (Fate/Grand Order)

Murderbot (The Murderbot Diaries) N

Nadja of Antipaxos (What we do in the shadows)

Nandor the Relentless (What we do in the shadows)

Napstablook (Undertale)

Neil Josten (All for the Game)

Nick Hoult (All Saints Street)

Nick Nelson (Heartstopper)

Nico Di Angelo (Percy Jackson/Riordenverse)

Nimona (Nimona)

Nina Zenik (Six of Crows)

Nomi Marks (Sense8) O

Oberyn Martell (A Song of Ice and Fire)

Orikan the Diviner (Warhammer 40k)

Osana Najimi (Komi Can't Communicate) P

Patroclus (Greek mythology)

Pearl (Steven Universe)

Peridot (Steven Universe)

Phaya (The Sign)

Piper McLean (Camp Half-Blood Chronicles)

Pip Quintana (Osemanverse (Loveless))

Poison Ivy (Batman)

Princess Bubblegum (Adventure Time) Q

queen velverosa (mage & demon queen)

Quill Kipps (Lockwood and Co (book)) R

Raine Sengupta (Osemanverse)

Raine Whispers (The Owl House)

Rangi (The Rise of Kyoshi)

Raphael Santiago (The Shadowhunter Chronicles)

Renee Montoya (batman the animated series)

Richard "Ringo" Beckmann (Unter Uns (A German Soap Opera))

Richard St. Vier (Swordspoint)

Riobaldo (Grande Sertão Veredas (The Devil to Pay in the Backlands))

Riz Gukgag (Fantasy High)

Rooney Bach (Osemanverse (Loveless))

Rosa Diaz (Brooklyn 99)

Roxy Lalonde (Homestuck (cough. Epilogues and sequel))

Ryuunosuke Mogumo (Love Me for Who I Am) S

Sahar Zahid (Osemanverse (Heartstopper))

Santana Lopez (Glee)

Sapphire (Princess Knight and Astro Boy)

Sasha Waybright (Amphibia)

Seo Jae Won (The Eighth Sense (Korean BL))

Shinji Ikari (Evangelion)

Shiro (Voltron: Legendary Defender)

Shi Qingxuan (Tian Guan Ci Fu/Heaven Official’s Blessing)

Shuuichi Nitori (Wandering Son)

Stanford Pines (Gravity Falls)

Stede Bonnet (Our Flag Means Death)

Sunil Jha (Osemanverse (Loveless)) T

Taako (The Adventure Zone)

Tara Jones (Osemanverse (Heartstopper))

Tasuku Kaname (Our Dreams at Dusk)

Testament (Guilty Gear)

Tharn (The Sign)

Tim Drake (dc comics)

Tim Stoker (The Magnus Archives)

Todd Chavez (Bojack Horseman)

Togata (Fire Punch)

Tommy Shepherd (Marvel Comics)

Tomoko Kuroki (Watamote)

Tony (EarthBound)

Tooru Mutsuki (Tokyo Ghoul: Re)

Tori Spring (Osemanverse) U

Undyne (Undertale) V

Vee (The Owl House)

Vegas Theerapanyakul (Kinnporsche)

Viktor (Arcane)

Vriska Serket (Homestuck) W

Wei Wuxian (The Untamed)

Willow Park (The Owl House)

Will Solace (Percy Jackson/Riordanverse)

Wylan Van Eck (Six of Crows) X Y

Yamato (One Piece)

Yang Xiao Long (RWBY)

Yawara Chatora (My Hero Academia)

Ymir (Attack on Titan)

Yoon Bum (Killing Stalking)

Yuu Asuka (Stars Align) Z

Zira (Pretty Pretty Please I Don't Want to be a Magical Girl)

Zooble (The amazing digital circus)

If you would like to challenge any submissions, feel free to send in an ask and we will vote on whether they count as canonically queer!

[rosalind-hawkins]

Yay, my first ever ask to someone!

Because I know you love him as much as I do, I'm sure you'll probably won't even have to think very long about the answers: Of course, I'm choosing Duke for the character ask game :D I'd be very much interested in 4, 9, 10, 11, 21, 22, 24 – but of course, choose wichever ones you like or make it everything <3 And for the freebie question a little headcanon: What would be a typical phrase you imagine him saying all the time?

OMG Honored to be your first! <3 <3 <3 And you're right, I always love talking about Duke. Sincerely shocked how little attention he gets overall. And as predicted, I answered way more questions than you asked lol. Enjoy!

3. Least favorite canon thing about this character?

The cheerleaders. I just, oh boy, wow. Please tell me those girls put those uniforms on themselves and he didn't ask them to. That would be so cringe. >.<

4. If you could put this character in any other media, be it a book, a movie, anything, what would you put them in?

So, his English VA, Marc Thompson, does the audiobooks for the Star Wars "Fate of the Jedi" book series that my husband and I are listening to, so I find myself frequently picturing Duke in Star Wars outfits during my Duke Devlin Star Wars Storytime. XD

5. What's the first song that comes to mind when you think about them?

Cherry Pie by Warrant, cause I imagine him jamming out to it in his classic car. See also Question 12.

7. What's something the fandom does when it comes to this character that you like?

Fandom doesn't do enough with him for me to have an answer to this question, but I have seen people giving him new outfits, which I adore. Yes, dress this boy up, he loves it!

8. What's something the fandom does when it comes to this character that you despise?

Yes, I appreciate the YGOTAS theme song jokes as much as the next dude, but if you try to find Duke scenes on Youtube, that's all you can find. :(

9. Could you be roommates with this character?

Absolutely. I headcanon that he's really tidy with his personal space, and we could take turns making dinner (thank you Season Four for telling us that he's a good cook).

10. Could you be best friends with this character?

Quite possibly, yeah. I have some creative indie side projects of my own, and I feel like he'd have good feedback if I needed another set of eyes on some new character designs or plot-points. I will also be hitting him up for haircare tips all the time lol.

11. Would you date this character?

If I weren't married and I had a chance, absolutely yes. Don't know if it would work out long-term, but it would be fun.

12. What's a headcanon you have for this character?

I headcanon that he's a big Adam Lambert fan and sings his music in the shower (and everywhere else he sings). Try listening to the Adam Lambert cover of Holding Out For A Hero and try telling me it doesn't have Duke-like levels of drama and flare, I dare you. Other AL songs I think he'd specifically jam to are Fever, Strut, The Light, and Pop That Lock. I don't always have headcanons for a character's taste in music, but I just get really strong vibes on what he's into. I also think he'd listen to a lot of classic rock.

Another few songs that will go on my Duke playlist when I get around to making it: You Put A Spell On Me and Dangerous Hands both by Austin Giorgio, Fangs by Neoni, 100 degrees by Kenzie, basically everything by Steven Rodriguez (there's not a lot, but it's all so sexy), and Play With Fire by Sam Tinnesz ft. Yacht Money.

Okay, I admit defeat, Duke Devlin Playlist Post coming soon. (Songs he listens to, not songs about him.)

15. What's your favorite ship for this character? (Doesn't matter if it's canon or not.)

I'm not going to pick just one, I can't, but I'll give you my top ships: Mastershipping (Kaiba), Minorshipping (Ryou), Snareshipping (Joey). Poly ships: Mumbleshipping (Kaiba + Ryou), Rollshipping (Joey + Ryou), and Petshipping (Kaiba + Joey). Okay, that's just... all my Duke ships. XD But they're all so good!

I'm intrigued by the idea of Ishizu x Duke, which doesn't have a name. I'm not sure they really know what to make of each other, but I think that keeps them intrigued with each other. I think a first date with them, or even just a flirting scene, could be real fun. She's serious and scholarly, he's fun and free-spirited. They could balance each other.

16. What's your least favorite ship for this character?

Him and Tristan, Chaseshipping I think. I think they could be friends just fine, I just don't see the chemistry there.

20. Which other character is the ideal best friend for this character, the amount of screentime they share doesn't matter?

I'm leaving out ship characters for the sake of this question.

I actually think he and Mai could be really good pals, they'd go shopping and talk about bfs/gfs and have a good time. They also both own convertibles, so you know they have some of the same tastes.

21. If you're a fic writer and have written for this character, what's your favorite thing to do when you're writing for this character? What's something you don't like?

One thing that's always fun for me is Duke's flirting. Can't say I'm a master of writing flirtation, but I do my best to make Duke look like a master of it, because he is. I do generally just love writing him so much, though. He's one of the least angsty characters that I write, so he always puts me in a happier headspace.

In my fic Rock Bottom, he's a solid friend to Seto without being too nosy, which Seto appreciates so much. They understand each other on an intellectual level, but even after Seto's like "no thanks" to a relationship, Duke makes it clear that he's always free to change his mind in a no-pressure way. He's supportive but not nosy. I've got a chapter coming up (spoilers) in RB Season Three where Seto just needs somewhere to chill and lay low, hide from reality, and Duke's like, "I won't say a word to anyone that you're here, it's fine, no explanation needed, just take a deep breath pal." Doesn't ask what's going on, just takes him in for the night. (Also negotiates him into cuddles, but that's separate lol.)

He's just there for people, doesn't need answers (unless things are bad enough that some kind of involvement is just necessary).

22. If you're a fic reader, what's something you like in fics when it comes to this character? Something you don't like?

I like when people fill out the details of him balancing his responsibilities between his game shop and managing DDM, or flesh out his relationship with Pegasus even if it's not central to the story. There's just so much more to this boy that we don't get to see, and that stuff just feels like such a necessary backdrop to the rest of his life.

23. Favorite picture(s) of this character?

DSOD did this boy right. He's just so pretty. :')

But also, look at this boy pretending to read while he eavesdrops. And he set up that hammock so dang high off the ground? Looking down on everybody? No, boy has the high ground, tactical advantage. I love him.

And wait, what's that? The most Mastershipping moment in the entire anime, you say? Show me!

Oh. Oh dear. ;P But, for so many reasons, I'll genuinely never get over this scene.

24. What other character from another fandom of yours that reminds you of them?

I'm gonna try to stick to canon behaviors and traits for this and not let headcanons influence it too much.

ZEN/Hyun Ryu from Mystic Messenger has the same "I'm pretty and I know it" vibe as Duke and shares the casual-but-constant flirting behavior (also ponytail bros). This is a fun comparison for me because their hair and eye colors are also exact opposites.

From Nanbaka, I'd have to go with Uno, who can be abrasive at times with his enemies/rivals, doesn't let his friends fight alone, and shares the "ladies love me, I know I'm pretty, look at how well I take care of my luscious long hair" confident attitude. Also like Duke, there's a good few times where a friend is doing something/rash or unwise, and he tries to talk reason to them. Also obsessed with games, so they have that hobby in common. He also compulsively flirts with every woman in the vicinity (except the warden, because she's terrifying and he knows better). Real smooth operator, even with the dudes.

From UtaPri, I'd have to go with Ren Jinguji. Look, they're even hammock bros! Exceptionally confident, but also a bit mysterious. Flirty with the ladies, not that he even needs to try that hard. Actually pretty laid back and down to earth most of the time.

He also just moves the way I imagine Duke moving, with that fluid grace of a man's who's totally comfortable in his own skin. Just look at him!!!! LOOK AT THE HIP! *chefs kiss*

Another thing all these boys have in common is a strong fashion sense in addition to a strong sense of showmanship (ZEN as an actor and Ren as an idol, this is obvious, but Uno just can't help showing off lol), two great traits that Duke also has.

26. FREEBIE QUESTION!!

Honestly, I can imagine him using "yo" a lot, not exactly a phrase, but a slang term. If anyone tells him something like "that's not cool anymore" he just responds with "it is when I say it ;)"

If we're leaning into my headcanons of him as a good cook, maybe he sometimes uses "now we're cooking with gas!" He probably has to explain this to Tristan and/or Joey, which launches him into the discussion of gas vs electric stoves. He's a strong believer in gas stoves being superior. I wouldn't say he's a snob when it comes to cooking, but there's certain things in the kitchen that he has a strong opinion on.

Bonus Headcanon

Duke Devlin's top Halloween Costumes: some kind of imp/demon/devil (let your imagination run wild with this one, because he definitely did), one of his Monster World OCs, the Phantom of the Opera, vampire, ninja.

[iklees]

Enigma / C.F.Bentley

Confederated Star Systems #2

Op een ruimtestation, omgedoopt tot First Contact Café, vinden onderhandelingen plaats tussen vertegenwoordigers van de Confederated Star Systems en van de planeet Harmony. Ze hopen tot een overeenkomst te komen om samen te strijden tegen de Maril. Jake Devlin is een CSS militair en krijgt onverwachts ook de leiding over het station. Laudae Sissy is hogepriesteres van Harmony en meegekomen om de onderhandelingen te ondersteunen -- en omdat zij en Jake van elkaar houden. Maar de maatschappij op Harmony is strict gereguleerd in kastes en de versoepelingen die Sissy nastreeft, worden door andere tempelleiders tegengehouden. Ondertussen is het ruimtestation beschadigd door een schip met wezens van andere planeten, waarvan er één een agenda blijkt te hebben, die alle anderen in gevaar brengt.

Jake shrugged. Then the implication hit him hard between the eyes. "A Maril with a human autoimmune disease?" "Yep. Found some other anomalies too. I think the Maril were once human, then they tinkered with their DNA to give them avian characteristics. Now that tinkering is breaking down. I don't know why. That's why they are trying to breed with humans on the rim rather than wipe them out." Mariah Halliday, a CSS colonel, a trauma surgeon on a battleship, looked scared. "Since I got here, I've seen four species with DNA breakdown. The Squids went extinct. The Labyrinthians found a way to crossbreed to stabilize their DNA. I think they are back to a point where they can breed with their own kind again. If the female Maril in the morgue is an indicator, then her people are in big trouble for a couple of generations." "That's three." "Harmony." Jake went cold with dread. "The caste marks." "If that's the only tinkering they did, they may be okay, if they stop messing around and just let the damn things go. Otherwise...?"

Bleek deel twee te zijn van een trilogie, maar gelukkig was het ook goed te lezen zonder deel 1, Harmony, te hebben gelezen. Deel 3 Mourner wil ik wel lezen, want het verhaal was nog niet helemaal 'af'. Goeie SF; tijdens het lezen kreeg ik al een vermoeden, en het blijkt inderdaad geschreven door een vrouw -- C.F.Bentley is een pseudoniem van Irene Radford.

[incomingalbatross]

Watched the pilot ep of the new Dean Devlin and Christian Kane show (that apparently exists) with my mom. It... might be good? Hard to say from this sample size.

Set in the Philippines, complete with “please remember we’re in a tropical resort location” establishing shots.

Christian Kane is a disillusioned DEA agent invalided out for life-threatening stress/PTSD/heart problems—I’m a little unclear on the details, buthe has a heart monitor on his wrist that will conveniently beep to tell the audience when he’s Extra Dangerously Stressed.

Since this is a Christian Kane character, Stress Times are A) not always visible from his face and B) not the actual life-threatening fight scenes which he does, of course, get into.

(His character name is Alex Walker, unfortunately, which just does not suit the character to me at all. My mom and I both agreed that even if he were stuck with Alexander, he feels more like an Al.)

He came out here to retire and gets hooked into helping the local PD with a drug case. Partly he helps them because he hates Interpol and the DEA—in the good old Leverage “all large institutions are corrupt” tradition, they are shown as being at odds with the local community’s needs, and he steps up to help make a difference for said local community.

In gratitude for this and in an attempt to help him with the Traumatic Disillusionment that ended his career, the local cop partners he bonded with throw him a big neighborhood party at the end. It’s nice. Has “adopting the lonely weirdo into our community” vibes. If they keep that element up, it would be the show’s strongest selling point for me.

I am sorry to say, however, that Christian Kane’s haircut here is... bad. It’s not good.

[dtrhwithalex]

TV | Leverage (Season 2, Rewatch)

Rewatch of the second season of TNT's LEVERAGE (2008-2012), created by John Rogers and Chris Downey together with Dean Devlin and his production company Electric Entertainment.

In anticipation of the show's reboot / revival / sequel LEVERAGE: REDEMPTION coming to IMDbTV on 09 July this year, I am rewatching the original 77 episodes and writing about my favourite moments and things from each episode, season by season.

201: THE BEANTOWN BAILOUT JOB

D: DEAN DEVLIN. W: JOHN ROGERS. Original Air Date: 15 July 2009.

We here at the Rabbit Hole adore the Beantown Bailout Job very much (and by we I mean me). It is such a great season-opener and everything about it sets up the season so nicely. Also let me just say, I love the cheesy intro. I like to imagine that this plays on whatever website the clients usually end up finding the team. It would be so confusing. And wonderful.

This episode, of course, also introduces another of my favourite characters: Lt. Patrick Bonanno, State Police. And I am very sad that there is zero chance we'll ever get to see him in the reboot, since the wonderful Robert Blanche has unfortunately passed away last year. Bonanno was such a fantastic addition to this show and I love him very much. He is just brilliant in every episode he is in.

Aside from the introduction of Bonanno, Beantown is a brilliant episode for various reasons, but I wanna talk about this one most of all. John Rogers talked about this on his blog, I think -- not one member of the team can come straight out and admit that they need the others. It is the impromptu meeting at Sophie's performance that brings them together again (very much against Nate's best attempts). Only once they're at McRory's and Parker suggests stealing something to cheer up Sophie is when they all fess up and tell Nate that they want this team back together again. And then, of course, we have one of my favourite sequences in this entire show: Nate forcefully being bullied back into this family. They do exactly what he did to them in The Second David Job -- they get him to contribute knowledge to the case that they, allegedly, lack. And he knows what they're doing, of course, he's not an idiot. Well played, indeed.

I would also like to personally thank one Nadine Haders, this show's most brilliant costume designer, for every single piece of clothing she put on Christian Kane for this episode. That green sweater with the brown jeans jacket? All my love to you, Nadine. All of it. Also, uncharacteristically, Nate has some very good looks in this episode (the man looks healthy for once!) and I am unreasonably mad about it (actually, he has some very good looks this entire season).

One last thing: I would like to have a word with whoever decided to play the Andy Lange song here that Sophie's departure in The Two Live Crew Job is set to. It makes this first half of the season a circle. Who do I need to have words with? Who?

202: THE TAP-OUT JOB

D: MARC ROSKIN. W: ALBERT KIM. Original Air Date: 22 July 2009.

An absolutely amazing episode for Eliot but also very much for Sophie. They are the Conference Of Mom Friends, and I adore them very much, thank you. It is a fantastic episode for them individually, but especially also for the specific relationship these two people have. There is an amazing post floating around on this website (this one here) talking exactly about this episode and Eliot and Sophie in the role of protectors in their team, their family.

There are a few scenes here that I really like and really, most of them are about or with Eliot. I love in the briefing at the hotel that Eliot does not just dismiss Sophie's misunderstanding of wrestling, but takes the time to explain to her what the sport is about -- and she listens. We also here get a nice glimpse at the fact that Eliot teaches them certain fighting skills and self-defence techniques, which I just love so much. Just as Sophie coaches them all in their grifts, he makes sure that they all have a certain know-how in fighting and protecting themselves. It's so good.

I am also very fond of both the moment where Eliot brings Sophie to the restaurant to meet with Rucker, but also Sophie showing up at the gym at night to talk to Eliot while he's preparing for the fight against Tank. Eliot gives away so much of himself in this episode, and it is very interesting to me that the person he does this with is, continually, Sophie. The others may be on comms, and might be, for all we know, listening in, but it is Sophie he tells these things to. It's like Hardison says later in The Two Live Crew Job: "We trust Nate to make sure the plan works, we trust you (Sophie) to make sure we're all okay." While I would not necessarily call Sophie the heart of the group (that's Hardison), she is very much the emotional centre of it.

This episode is also just very lovely to see how they all take to an environment that is, for once, not big city life. Eliot takes to it immediately, which makes sense, because he probably is from a town not much different from this one. Parker, somehow, fits in immediately as well (I love her I <3 Nebraska shirt). I feel like Nate never has any issues fitting in anywhere, he just takes things as they come. It is Hardison and Sophie who have difficulties -- Sophie because she is, after all, a bit posh and needs certain standards met, and Hardison because his world of technology does not mix well with a small, rural Midwestern town ("Can't hack a hick" anyone?).

203: THE ORDER 23 JOB

D: ROD HARDY. W: CHRIS DOWNEY. Original Air Date: 29 July 2009.

I occasionally see some posts on here that call what the team does to Charles Dodgson in 512: The White Rabbit Job the worst thing the team does to a mark. I have to say, objectively, I think what they do to Eddie Maranjian in this episode is much worse. Of course, Dodgson is a good person, and Eddie is a crook, but still. Objectively? This episode is more evil.

Anyway, this episode has some fantastic moments that I adore a whole lot. I love Eliot and Hardison as cops, Sophie's act is absolutely amazing, and I have a super soft spot for both Nate teaching Parker what he is doing, and also Eliot and his side quest of helping Randy.

I am so incredibly fond of all these little moments where Parker's eventual role of Mastermind is already being planted. She always asks Nate questions, if she doesn't have a part to play in the con, she is with Nate, learning. She says it in the pilot episode already: "I'm really good at one thing, only one thing, that's it. But you, you know other things, and I can't stop doing my one thing, can't retire." And then she does her best to learn the other things Nate knows. This episode particularly, how Nate explains to her how NLP works, that what he is selling is fear. Nate is so patient with her, too. I love them both so very much.

Eliot's side quest with Randy and his abusive dad is an absolutely excellent addition to this episode. Especially after the previous Eliot-centric episode, this small thing just goes to show that, at their core, these are good people. Yes, they are criminals, the lot of them. But they are not bad people. Things like this just make me think that, it had to have been this exact combination of people Dubenich put together. Any other thief, any other hacker, and Nate would have walked away from this alone. It had to be Parker, Hardison and Eliot for this to work exactly as it did. And Eliot looking out for Randy even though they are in the middle of a con, taking his time to make sure Bob, the U.S. Marshall goes to see Randy, is exactly something that brings this point home.

Lastly, I adore that everyone shows up at the court house when Eddie goes to find his money. He knows they all conned him, but they know no one is ever going to believe him. It's a fantastic gloat scene. And I also really love that Nate explains why this works to the others: "So, here's everything you need to know about criminal law. Every crime has two elements, Actus reus, the act itself, and mens rea, Literally "The Guilty Mind." ... Now, for escape, the prisoner has to both break out of custody and show the intent to escape. ... Which brings us back to our friend Eddie and how the brain reacts to fear. In the heat of the moment Eddie didn't ask himself a simple question, who would doubt his guilty mind?"

204: THE FAIRY GODPARENTS JOB

D: JONATHAN FRAKES. W: AMY BERG. Original Air Date: 05 August 2009.

This one was Bernie Madoff inspired, if I recall correctly, who was arrested in 2008, around the time Berg, Downey and Rogers were already bouncing ideas back and forth for this season.

There is so much to love in this episode! Where to even begin. Maybe with Parker replacing Sophie at the client meeting? Or Sophie immediately heading for both popcorn and the cookie tin after the breakup? How about Parker perching on Eliot's arm rest with her food? Nate's headmaster act? Eliot as Coach Brewer (red is a fantastic colour on him, thank you Nadine)? Hipster rich newlyweds Parker and Hardison? The return of my beloved FBI fools McSweetheart and Taggert? Taggert being McSweetheart's biggest supporter in his affection for Parker? Sophie and Widmark? The actual science-sical with all these adorable kids singing about science?

So much to love. Chock-full of greatness, this episode. Also Frakes, once again, directed the hell outta this. I love this episode so very much.

One moment that does, however, absolutely win out over everything else, is the scene at Nate's apartment after Hardison and Parker meet McSweeten and Taggert again:

Eliot: One of you two can identify the gunman, right? Hardison: Oh, yeah, sure. He stopped and let me take a picture of him as I was chasing him. Eliot: Hey, you know what, man? I've been around little kids all day. I don't need to come home and do all this crap.

That line, Mr Spencer? "I don't need to come home and do all this crap"? Home? Sir, we are four episodes into the second season, and you are already calling Nate's apartment home. Honestly, that boy has been invested into this group as a family from the moment Hardison hands him a check in the pilot episode, if not earlier. And I am very much here for all of it.

205: THE THREE DAYS OF THE HUNTER JOB

D: MARC ROSKIN. W: MELISSA GLENN & JESSICA RIEDER (GRASL). Original Air Date: 12 August 2009.

This is another one of those episodes which, when I think about it, I am not entirely into, but then when I watch it, I always love it. It's a brilliant episode, but the mark rubs me in all the wrong ways and I think that's why my general reaction to this episode in theory is mostly "ew". Which I think is kind of the point, as well.

There is much to love in this episode, though. Sophie being Nate in this one, Nate being very wary of this concept and also having difficulties letting someone else take control ("If you don't mind, I would still do the 'Hardison, run it' thing" Nathan you precious little man, I love you so much). I think it's so nicely done. I mean Sophie has run cons before -- she was the Mastermind behind the First David Job, and she runs their con in the Second David Job as well -- but then she was confident, now she is going through things, on the brink of rediscovering herself for who she is. And of course, it bites her in the ass a little bit.

I absolutely adore Conspiracy Nut Hardison and his fantastic apartment. Set Design did a magnificent job here. I am so fond of Parker asking Eliot about the different things -- the council, the moon landing, Loch Ness monster -- and also very much the bit at the end where he and Hardison answer Parker's questions while he prepares food. That ending bit overall is just absolutely excellent and I love it with my whole heart. Eliot cooking for all of them in Nate's kitchen, giving Parker stuff to try, while Hardison sits there and sips his orange soda out of a wine glass. Meanwhile Nate pouring wine for Sophie, and then going over to her to make sure she is alright. For his slightly more sadistic streak in this season, Nate is so good with Sophie here. And honestly I think this conversation here is one of the reasons why Sophie feels able to leave them for a while. It is Nate's reassurance of "Whatever you need, I'm here for you" that lets her take this leave of absence.

206: THE TOP HAT JOB

D: PETER O'FALLON. W: M. SCOTT VEACH & CHRISTINE BOYLAN. Original Air Date: 19 August 2009.

I adore this episode! The fantastic Veach and Boylan on the keyboard for this one (who, I've had to find out, are both tangentially involved with my latest hyperfixation, SHADOW AND BONE -- Veach having written my favourite episode, and Boylan being married to the showrunner), which is just lovely, because they are both excellent.

First off, I would like to, once again, give all my love to Nadine Haders for that Pizza Guy outfit she put Kane in for the recon sequence. A+ costuming, thank you Nadine.

This episode has so many excellent comedic beats and a wonderful many Hardison/Eliot moments. Sophie trying to set up Nate with their client is absolutely hysterical -- especially considering that she had just been broken up with and had been urging Nate to figure out what it is that is between them since day one. I especially love her attempt at finding things Nate has in common with Jameson: "She's a scientist. And well, you're a bit nerdy, aren't you? ... And food, she works with food. Well, you eat, don't you?" Like, girl, what are you trying to do here, really?

I absolutely adore Hardison and Eliot trying to get into the server room so Hardison can access the data they are trying to get before anyone can get rid of it. Eliot hooking Parker's rope to Hardison's belt, Eliot's complete awe at Hardison's ability to remote access their mark's phone ("You can do that?" Eliot, honey, he can do so much more), the two of them wedged underneath the desk, and then, of course, Eliot's huge smile when Hardison hacks the scanner at the door with the help of his gummy frogs. I love these boys together so much, and this episode has given me so many great moments.

I am also incredibly fond of Nate's magician act. That is a brilliant role and it suits him so well. And I love how genuinely enthusiastic he is about magic.

207: THE TWO LIVE CREW JOB

D: DEAN DEVLIN. W: JOHN ROGERS & AMY BERG. Original Air Date: 26 August 2009.

This is an absolutely brilliant episode for so many different reasons. Let me get two things out of the way straight off the bat: 1) Where do I address my "Chaos For Leverage: Redemption" campaign to? and 2) Where do I address my "Apollo Robbins For Leverage: Redemption" campaign to? I want both of them back desperately!

Of course, this episode is important as a major stepping stone in Sophie's character arc. Because of Chaos and his bomb, she has to kill off one of her aliases which is the last thing that then leads to her taking a leave of absence to figure out who she is and who she wants to be. That scene in her apartment with the bomb is also just an excellent moment for the team as a family. The care with which everyone interacts with Sophie, Parker's instant pudding hack, Eliot's instructions on how defuse this situation, Sophie's immediate shift into protector mode once it becomes clear that the only real solution is to run and telling everyone to leave immediately, Nate staying behind and even when Sophie tells him to leave, waiting for her by the apartment door -- they care for each other so much.

I also really love the con-off with Starke's crew. It is so nice to see how similar yet different he and Nate are, and the same goes for the other crew members. I adore their individual confrontations a lot. Eliot's non-fight fight with Mikel Dayan, Parker's thief-off with Apollo, Hardison and Chaos' baby monitor fight. It just really highlights who our beloved characters are and what makes them them, now that we see them, metaphorically, in front of their mirror.

And then, of course, the actual heist is also just amazing. I adore that Starke chooses Nate as his alias to gain access, it is such a great move. Parker and Apollo talking in the ventilation shaft about birds is also just so lovely. And as an admirer of Eliot's arms, I am also very fond of his fight with Mikel. Good choices have been made, I appreciate all of them. The reveal at the end is also absolutely amazing. To beat them they had to save them? Brilliant.

Lastly, of course, Sophie's goodbye at the graveyard with Nate. What a spectacular moment. Also just, the visuals are so beautiful. I love the lighting here. And of course the return of Andy Lange's song, which is just perfect. I am so happy that this is the journey they decided to give Sophie when it became clear that Gina would not be able to be in the full seasons due to her pregnancy. They accommodated her so beautifully and gave Sophie such an amazing moment of character growth. This is why I love this show and the people who made it so much. All my love, to all of them.

208: THE ICE MAN JOB

D: JEREMIAH CHECHIK. W: CHRISTINE BOYLAN. Original Air Date: 02 September 2009.

We love The Ice Man Job! Another fantastic episode by one Christine Boylan who we love in this house. Our very first episode without Sophie being there, and it's a great one. I absolutely adore how they worked in moments with our favourite grifter in a way that so wonderfully accommodates Gina's pregnancy.

I absolutely adore the moments where all of them eventually end up calling Sophie. Parker, hiding underneath the bar after Nate tells her she'll be the grifter in this one, calling her mom Sophie in a panic without wanting the others to know, but still needing her advice and missing her so much. Then Eliot, calling to complain to his mom Sophie about Hardison going overboard again with the grift, needing the knowledge that his concerns are being heard and aren't unfounded, needs to hear the other protector of the family acknowledge his rightful fear that things will go sideways. And of course also Hardison, calling mom Sophie so she can pick him up from the party help him out of the mess he's made, hoping against all hope that she'll be able to help without having to involve Nate. The others both had the luxury to ask Sophie not to tell Nate -- Hardison had no other choice but to let her call it in. Lastly, Nate too, at the end, calling his wife Sophie. And honestly, I love that Sophie drops her phone into her drink after the call, because Nate is the only one not giving her what she wants to hear. The kids, all of them, called with an "I need you" and that is the one thing Nate doesn't give her.

There are many other things in this episode that I love very much. The opening briefing, Parker feeling alone on the big empty couch, trying to sit next to Eliot, but he makes her move. Nate's big DadTM moment of "Eliot, can you please sit next to Parker" and Eliot's very long-suffering oldest child answer "No! I'm sitting here now."

Then of course Eliot and Hardison's two moments -- Eliot telling Hardison "I ain't bailing your ass out" and then when he eventually does anyway, Hardison's smug joy, forcing Eliot to sort-of-hug him back at McRory's. Eliot's unsuccessful attempt to make him helping Hardison a decision forced onto him by Parker, and Parker refusing to accept the "blame" immediately. Their whole dynamic this episode is just so good. Neither Eliot nor Parker being happy with Hardison in this role (Parker's refusal to ride with him in the Ferrari), Eliot proudly watching Parker do her thing over the security camera ("Stuck it!").

Lots of love also to Pasha Lychnikoff as our main Russian goon, who is just fantastic here, our much beloved Lt. Patrick Bonanno, and also Nadine Haders for so many amazing looks, especially on Eliot.

209: THE LOST HEIR JOB

D: PETER WINTHER. W: CHRIS DOWNEY. Original Air Date: 09 September 2009.

Court-room episode, which means we have our friend Chris Downey on the keys here, and he gave us an absolutely excellent introduction for Tara Cole played by the lovely Jeri Ryan. Honestly, the more often I watch this episode, the better it gets. Tara is just so good.

Highlights of this episode include: Sophie's immediate "who died?!" when Nate shows up at her apartment in London, Hardison playing "Where is Waldo Ford," Hardison and Eliot in prison, the first appearance of Nate's lawyer alias Jimmy Papadokalis who wears brilliantly loud and obnoxious suits in outrageous colour-combinations, Hardison stalling Blanchard at court security with his keys, Nate's reveal of Ruth as Kimball's daughter (I am fascinated that he completely drops the character here -- he is just Nate now), and of course, the reveal of Tara at the end.

Honestly, this is such a magnificent episode to introduce Tara's character. We have just watched the team scramble and fuck up without Sophie, and then their next job gets more complicated because of this random lawyer who shows up. And she's so righteous and law-abiding and absolutely not someone they should be taking with them on their job. And Tara plays it perfectly. Her honest try at getting Orson to talk to them, her confusion about her "dogs", her excited smile when she gets to con Blanchard and be a bit dishonest -- it is so good. And then we get that complete 180° when the team finds her in Nate's apartment. Not just visually, but the personality. Her voice drops a bit too. Jeri fucking rocked this introduction. The reveal is so damn good.

210: THE RUNWAY JOB

D: MARC ROSKIN. W: ALBERT KIM. Original Air Date: 13 January 2010.

I have zero interest in fashion but I honest to God love every single one of these characters at fashion week. Fashion!Eliot is absolutely fantastical and I love him. Julien, my beloved. Fashion!Parker is very cute with her braid and even before she gets the model makeover she outshines every single other person at the event. Fashion!Hardison is surprisingly understated but I dig it. Tara as Caprina is also just excellent. And I absolutely, un-ironically adore Fashion!Nate. Jacques is such a character. Nate exchanged the usual "obnoxious and greasy" with "gay," slapped some would-be-French that sounds like German on top of it, and called it a character. And I love it.

I also very much love the three video calls with Sophie in this episode. The kids calling in the beginning, complaining about Tara. I absolutely adore both the "she's hot" moment and Eliot's "...and all the way to Europe?" when Sophie says Nate lets what is good for him walk out the door. Parker's little "I just miss you" before they hang up has me all the way up in my emotions every damn time. Tara calling Sophie to complain about Nate is also just excellent. The whole bit with Nate's "I'm sexy because I'm broken" thing is just *chef's kiss*. And of course Nate's call at the end. I love that Sophie hangs up on him, it is so fair, it is absolutely justified. And I think he knows that too.

So many great other moments too -- Hardison's Steven Seagal comment about Eliot's clothes, Nate's "Julien, sweetheart" and Eliot's little clap before taking the money, Nate and Parker at the mark's house, Eliot and Tara vs the Triads, Eliot and Parker at fashion week together ("It's a fashion show, not Thieves'R'Us"), and of course Tara's "For what it's worth, Sophie was right. You guys are the best I've ever seen ... But no one in the world, is as good as you think you are."

211: THE BOTTLE JOB

D: JONATHAN FRAKES. W: CHRISTINE BOYLAN. Original Air Date: 20 January 2010.

This episode has got to be one of my favourites, if I were forced to chose some. I love a bottle episode, and this one is just magnificent. Excellent client, great mark, fantastic additional characters, wonderful episode for the team. All around just, so good. Not surprising if Frakes and Boylan are at the wheel together, of course.

The addition of Cora is so lovely. I would have loved to see more of her, to be honest. She is such a great character. I love what her presence does to who we see Nate as. I adore when characters get to show new sides of themselves, it's so nice. Also, Nate's comment to Eliot about him not wanting Eliot to like Cora because she's like his niece? Most excellent.

I adore our three police officers too. Mickey, Danny and Johnny are such great additions. I really liked them. How they just went with whatever Nate was planning and in the end decided to just pretend none of this ever happened, it's just so good.

Doyle and the Liams as our villains of the week are also just fantastic. Also I just love Irish accents, it sounds so good. I love to hear it.

Other highlights of this episode include: Tara's "I'm Trish and I'm lonely", the kids going for their individual emergency funds stashed in Nate's place (they are all so fantastically in character, I love it), Nate using his dad's name as his alias, everyone stopping to see if Nate is going to succumb to the booze again, Hardison's excitement about pulling off the wire in under 2h, Hardison faking the weather, Eliot and Parker on safe duty. Also, rewatching this episode, I am absolutely 100% convinced that what Eliot is doing to distract the Liams from Tara conning Doyle, absolutely categorises as flirting. The way he throws that dart at the board and then buys them beer? Mr Spencer, sir, you are flirting with these guys.

212: THE ZANZIBAR MARKETPLACE JOB

D: JEREMIAH CHECHIK. W: MELISSA GLENN & JESSICA RIEDER (GRASL). Original Air Date: 27 January 2010.

The wonder twins with yet another magnificent episode. No surprises here. We have not just the return of Maggie but also of Sterling! We love this!!! (Seriously, I want both of them back in the reboot. I don't care that they're most closely tied to Nate. Bring them back.)

This episode has so many absolutely excellent moments as well. I love the opening sequence in the bar, with them going over possible next clients together, Nate kicking Eliot for flirting with the bartender, and then of course also Sterling walking in. The interaction Nate and Eliot have here is just fantastic.

Sterling: *walks in* Nate: Eliot, I'm gonna ask you not do do anything violent. Eliot: Wha-what are you talking about? I only use violence as an appropriate response. Sterling: Hello, Nate. Eliot: *responds appropriately*

And to think that Sterling only gets beat up here because Mark Sheppard's son was visiting the set that day and wanted to see his dad get beat up by Eliot. We stan one Sheppard Jr.

I very much love the scene where Nate and Sterling go over what they have on Lundy, and then Parker interrupting them out of nowhere, just sitting there on the counter, like she's been there forever (which she probably has). Also just, fantastic clothes on Parker, thank you Nadine. Maggie showing up here is of course also brilliant and I am very fond of Parker making Maggie a fugitive bag. It is so completely adorable. I love my girl so much.

Another favourite moment is, of course, Tara and Eliot getting Chernov to tell them where the sale of the Fabergé egg will take place. Tara not saying a damn thing, Eliot grumpily doing what Tara tells him to ("Do that thing with your eyes that scares people" / "What -- I don't know what you're talking about"), Chernov's complete unease about this whole entire situation, and then of course Tara and Eliot's other interaction:

Tara: What we imagine is always so much better than reality. Eliot, with the tiniest voice possible: Like love? Tara: *just stares at him, confused*

Just, *chef's kiss* this scene.

The scenes in the embassy are also just excellent. Tara and Nate pretending to be a couple, Nate's inability to deal with the idea of Maggie and Alexander, Maggie and Tara hysterically giggling while talking about Nate, Sterling pretending to be drunk (and incredibly gay) to get Parker access to the egg room -- brilliance, all the way through.

I adore Eliot taking charge of the situation once it becomes clear that Maggie and Nate have been taken hostage. Parker doing her magic and switching the bomb with the empty briefcase in the elevators is beautiful. Maggie kissing Nate instead of Lundy in what could have been their final moment and regretting it instantly the moment Parker shows up is excellent.

And the final scene back at McRory's is also just wonderful. The kids watching the news about Sterling with Tara ("I hate this guy" / "Now, you're part of the team"), and Nate talking with Maggie. I adore Maggie in this scene so much. Her and Nate's relationship is so lovely. We know Sophie understands how Nate ticks, but Maggie knows him so well too, still.

213: THE FUTURE JOB

D: MARC ROSKIN. W: CHRIS DOWNEY & AMY BERG. Original Air Date: 03 February 2010.

This episode is so good for so many reasons. First off, I adore Luke Perry (I'm still sad about him) even if he plays creeps like Rand in most everything I've seen him in. He was just so good. Second, Medium Tara is probably my favourite role of hers. It's a lot softer than many of the other characters she's done, and I love it. Also the costuming is just excellent.

But I want to talk about Parker most of all. The scene where Rand cold reads her is so well done. Riesgraf knocked it out of the park here. Also, I love how Nate, as soon as Rand starts approaching and doing his act, barely ever takes his eyes off her. He occasionally glances at Rand, but his attention is on Parker at all times. And it just makes me feel things.

The team coming back to Nate's to find Parker sitting on the floor in front of the couch, crying also makes me super emo. They are all so very careful with her here. Even Tara, who hasn't been with them for that long. I quite like how Eliot and Hardison choose to sit a bit away, giving her space, and Nate carefully approaches and sits closest to her. They are all so good with her here, I love them all so much. And I absolutely adore this part of the conversation:

Tara: So what do we do now? Parker: Cut off his arms. And his head. Yeah. I wanna kill him. Can we make that happen? Eliot: Yeah, I can...I mean, I could...

Also earlier, after Tara acknowledges that Rand is good at what he does, Hardison says "He should be shot." I adore how both our boys would not hesitate to end this man for hurting Parker like this. That's their girl and he went too damn far. And even though Nate suggests a way of retaliation that is less final, he isn't above hurting the man either. Because that's his girl, too:

Hardison: Nate had me rig the table with a mild electrical current. Eliot: You electrocuted him? Nate, smugly: Yes, I did. It helped sell the bit. Parker: I approve. Nate: Thanks, Parker. Eliot: No, her agreeing with you is not a good thing. Nate, whispering to Parker: Thanks.

And add to that the absolute joy each and every one of them have when fucking with Rand to fulfil Tara's predictions? *Chef's kiss.* Absolutely beautiful.

There is so much more absolutely fantastic content in this episode, but I just wanna point out the ending where they meet with the client again. Nate is so good with them here. The way he talks to Jodie about her baby and how she will see her late husband in the child, makes me cry every damn time. Just like Tara says, "Yeah, now I see why you do it," this is why this show is so damn good. It's because of this exactly. Because for one shining moment within so much suck and tragedy, there is goodness and a wrong that has been made right. They help people and it isn't just fleeting momentary relief. They change people's lives for the better. I love this fucking show so much.

214: THE THREE STRIKES JOB

D: DEAN DEVLIN. W: JOHN ROGERS. Original Air Date: 10 February 2010.

First half of the second finale! Patrick Bonanno my beloved! I get so sad every time he gets shot here. My man deserves better than this. I love Bonanno so damn much, man. I absolutely adore that Nate goes to see his family at the hospital. Like, this is a cop. The very opposite side of the law Nate and his people operate on. But he goes to see him anyway, because this is their cop. And I love that Bonanno's wife recognises Nate's name. "He wanted to buy you a drink. And then arrest you." That's just so good.

I also absolutely love Richard Kind as Brad Culpepper, the corrupt mayor. I would love to see him back in the reboot, but I doubt there'd be any reasonable explanation why on earth they'd have to see this particular mayor again. I just think Richard Kind is an absolutely fantastic actor.

Anyway, favourite moments. Hardison and Eliot at Bonanno's house is beautiful. I am so fond of how Hardison deals with law enforcement while impersonating law enforcement. He tears them down and builds them back up again, every single time. And I adore how Eliot just smiles at his antics. He crawls around on that carpet with the young cop and Eliot just stands there and smiles. I love them, guys. I really do. Parker pretending to be Brad's pregnant lover with Tara's help is also just most excellent.

And of course: Roy Chappell. Baseball Eliot, my most beloved. There is so much to love about this whole concept. Eliot's reluctance at first because he doesn't like baseball. The discovery that baseball is actually something cool and something he is good at. His absolute childlike joy at the energy drink commercial Hardison made him. His damn hair during the actual game. The sandwich! The enthusiasm about the sandwich. Hardison admitting that the sandwich thing is cool.

I also absolutely love Hardison and Parker as Beavers Fans. The badly photoshopped picture of Dean Devlin and John Rogers as the radio hosts makes me smile so much. So does hearing their voices on the show. Both Hardison and Parker's phone calls to them are also brilliant. Parker speaking Spanish? Marvelous. The two of them demonstrating the Beavers leaving? *Chef's kiss.*

The final showdown with Brad and then the FBI is also just most excellent. Nate going ballistic on Brad because of Bonanno. Hardison and Lucille. Parker giving Lucille a little kiss before they send her to explode as a distraction. Hardison quoting Spock to say goodbye to Lucille. Hardison being pissed at Nate about Lucille. And of course: Jim Sterling, Interpol. The bastard. I love him.

215: THE MALTESE FALCON JOB

D: DEAN DEVLIN. W: JOHN ROGERS. Original Air Date: 17 February 2010.

Second half of second finale! And it's a good one, too. This show has absolutely brilliant finales, lemme tell you.

What do we love about this episode? MUCH. Tara's naked bit is excellent. Eliot and Parker sharing a look after watching Tara's naked bit is even better. Parker turning on the porn channels on the hotel tv is hilarious. Eliot talking to the receptionist about the gym is hysterical ("Ah, the fitness spa. Isn't the Zen Steam Garden divine?" / "Yeah....delicious").

Nate on stairs vs Sterling in elevator is probably the pettiest thing I have ever watched on television and it is absolutely amazing. I don't think anything can ever top this as pettiest moment. It is just so good.

Sterling, of course, is always great fun. I love that he has his own little villain theme that announces him before he even enters the screen. Love a good villain theme. And I adore his moment with FBI Bob outside Brad's hotel room.

Sterling: Name's Bob, right? Bob: Yes, sir. Sterling: You've been here the whole time, Bob? Bob: Yes, sir. Sterling: And nobody's gone in or out, Bob? Bob: No, sir. Sterling: Then would you mind explaining, where the HELL THE MAYOR IS?!

Absolutely perfect.

Nate going back to his place always has me all up in my emotions. Also, I think Sterling here absolutely believes that what he is offering Nate, is good for him. That he can save him from himself or something. They were something like friends at some point, after all. And of course, Nate calling Sophie. She is, of course, unbeknownst to him, already on the way to save his ass. But he calls her and finally tells her exactly what she wanted to hear at the end of The Ice Man Job: "I need you. Not the team, me." Sir. I am emo about you.

And then of course the final con and the reveal of Sophie's return. I absolutely love that Parker's first reaction to Tara possibly betraying them was to try and throw her off the roof. That's my girl (I love Tara, but that was fair). Also just, if you pay attention on the boat scenes, you can see Sophie from as early as Kadjic hearing Nate's offer and then leading Nate and Eliot below deck. If you can pick out her hair and know the colour of her coat from the scene in the helicopter, you know that she is there. And then, below deck, you can see her so many times -- at one point essentially back to back with Nate -- before any of the characters know she's there. And can I just say, I absolutely love Nate's completely shocked face when he hears her voice. Those comedically big eyes are just excellent.

Everyone seeing Sophie again is done so well. Hardison and Eliot's confused "Sophie?" when she walks past. Eliot winking at Sophie after they free Nate. Parker hugging her immediately once her and Tara arrive on the ship. Hardison putting his hand on the small of her back as he passes by her to go down the stairs. I just love them all so much.

And lastly of course, the reveal of the plan, Nate cuffing himself to the railing and making Sterling leave his family alone. What Nate says to them always makes me so emo too: "You guys are the most honourable people I have ever met in my life. You have become my family, my only family. And I will never forget that." John Rogers, sir, we need to have some words once I get this lake out of my eyes. And I obviously can't not mention the kiss. Finally, finally Nate gets his shit together. And she slaps him and it is perfect. And then they leave and he sits down and bleeds and Sterling, for a moment, is genuinely concerned about Nate as a person and not merely about Nate as his only way to nail Kadjic.

Bob: Who the hell is this guy? Sterling: I have no idea. Nate: My name is Nate Ford. And I'm a thief.

Yes. Yes you are, you magnificent bastard.

[image taken from the electricnow website]

[eeveevie]

15. Catching the other before they fall for Bryn and Fiona, please?

falling

Fiona literally cannot with her feelings. Brynjolf’s grand romantic gesture only further complicates matters. Falling in love is inevitable, it seems.

:D play on words! :D 

Brynjolf x f!Dragonborn (Fiona)

2524 words (under a cut) | Ao3

“Never thought I’d ever see you without ol’ Bryn attached to your hip!”

Fiona’s ears perked at Vex’s teasing voice, watching as the Breton slid into the vacant seat next to her at the Flaggon bar. There was something else in her tone—a little more taunting than playful, but Fiona chose to ignore it, knowing better than to take the bait Vex was trying to lay. Instead, she motioned for Vekel to serve them another round and smiled at her Guildmate.

“And where’s your shadow? Did Devlin decide to leave you alone for once while you bathed tonight?”

Vex breathed a laugh, taking a short swig of her ale. “Only because I threatened to depart him from his most valuable jewels if he followed me to the river,” she explained, gesturing to the dagger on her belt. “Delvin is different. I don’t want his attention. You and Brynjolf on the other hand…”

“We’ve been though this before,” Fiona grumbled as she took a long sip of her drink.

“You two sure have an interesting relationship,” she grinned, obviously noting Fiona’s discomfort with the word. “We all get a kick out of watching the two of you dance around each other, flirting.”

“And?” Fiona probed, wondering where Vex was leading this conversation.

“I’m curious to know if you had any intention of…taking it seriously with him or not,” she replied.

Fiona raised a brow, lowering her tankard slightly to peer at the other blonde with skepticism. “Is this some sort of pep-talk? ‘Break-Brynjolf’s heart and I’ll kill you?’” she asked. “Or…are you jealous?”

Vex huffed in offense, rolling her eyes. “No. Most definitely not either of those things,” she began again. “I’m asking so you don’t accidentally hurt yourself.”

“Excuse me?”

“We both know Bryn’s reputation, how many women he’s—”

“Yes, we’ve been thought this before, as well!” Fiona repeated, voice curt, teeth clenched.

She liked Vex, respected the shit out of her. Hell, even called the woman a friend. But Divines—she was a stubborn bitch sometimes. Yes, Fiona was perfectly aware of Brynjolf’s repute of a ladies’ man, but she was in no position to judge, or to be jealous. He was a handsome man, with an excellent physique—whatever he wanted to do with said body was his choice. Fiona had her fair share of fun and while that had slowed since her arrival in Riften, that didn’t mean everybody she knew had to stop having sex.

“Why are you bringing this up again?” she questioned.

“Look, I’m only saying this because I like you and I want you to stick around and not be scared off by his stupidity,” Vex sighed, eyeing the contents of her tankard. “Did you ever think that maybe Brynjolf really is after one thing with you?”

“Yes,” Fiona answered, surprising Vex. “I’m not daft.”

Before she could continue to explain that it wasn’t what she truly thought, at least not recently, Vekel came by with a refill for Vex. He was shaking his head, lips poised in a pensive frown.

“Have you given any thought that perhaps ol’ Bryn has changed?” he asked.

“Pfft,” Vex waved him off as she practically inhaled her second ale.

Vekel peered at Fiona with a softer expression. “I’ve known Bryn a long time and Vex is right about one thing—we enjoy watching the two of you,” he smiled warmly and something about it that made her cheeks flush. “But because I don’t think I’ve ever seen Bryn act so…carefree. Around anyone, let alone a woman.”

“Ugh,” Vex groaned, clearly unhappy with Vekel’s sappy comments. She continued to drink.

“I also see and hear everything that happens in these Guildmember’s lives, regardless if they like it,” he made a lingering glare at Vex as she silently mocked him. “And I haven’t seen Bryn sneaking off to be with anybody since you’ve arrived. No rumors or gossip from the Bee and Barb or the bunkhouse either. Taking in the time before, that’s a considerable dry spell for him! Must account for something.”

“Sure, air out all of Bryn’s sex issues,” Vex mumbled.

“He’s not getting any younger,” Vekel continued, ignoring the other woman. “Not one’s first reason for wanting to slow down and rethink how to go about love and romance, but perhaps he’s outgrown the wild days of his youth.”

“That’s a load of horseshit and you know it,” Vex argued, face scrunched up.

Fiona meanwhile felt her gut clench at Vekel’s use of the word love. He probably didn’t even realize he had used it, but it had resonated so deep within her that the rest of their conversation fell away. All she felt was an overwhelming sense of dread. Sure, she liked Brynjolf—really liked him. She liked having his attention, his flirtations, his company, and everything in-between. But the thought of anything more, was terrifying. The thought of anything less—being reduced to just another roll in the hay? That was somehow entirely worse. What was so wrong about keeping their dynamic the way it was?  

Without another word she stood up, the sharp squeak of her barstool causing the two to stop whatever they were saying to stare at her in confusion. Fiona shook her head—she wanted to say something to fill the quiet, to offer some excuse, but her mind was so muffled that all she could do was sigh and walk away, defeated. She hoped the two wouldn’t read into her silence as she departed through to the Cistern.

It was out of habit that Fiona tried to find Brynjolf as she crossed through the walkway, her eyes darting across the waterways to spot the familiar auburn of his hair. Vex and Vekel’s words would continue to cause her turmoil until she could see him, speak to him about all of this. Either directly, or by some other means. Maybe it would put her mind at ease. Or ruin everything. The contingency plan Fiona always thought of when her anxiety flared flashed through her mind—run—but she pushed away the idea. She was past running away from her problems. Well…sort of.

Instead, all she found were the usual Guild members and Delvin, who was perched up on the counter next to the alchemy lab. He was flicking through a small notebook, lips twisting up into a smirk as he noticed Fiona approaching.

“Ah, there’s my favorite girl,” he greeted.

Fiona chuckled, shaking her head. “Your favorite? What, this week?”

Calling his bluff, Delvin copied her laugh and shut his book to give her his full attention. “Hmm, but I can tell I’m not the man you’re looking for,” he said pointedly. “Bryn isn’t around, unfortunately. Left this mornin’ on a job for Mercer.”

While Fiona tried not to react to this information, she must’ve frowned enough for Delvin to notice, his eyebrows perking up curiously. “Why? Upset he didn’t take you along? Mercer didn’t really give him the option—”

“Nothing like that,” Fiona interrupted. She understood that there were some jobs that Brynjolf had to take on his own, being the Second for the Guild. As she was still working her way through the ranks and proving her worth to the Guildmaster, she couldn’t expect to always be by his side on every job.

Delvin leaned forward, still interested. “Then what is it?”

Fiona reluctantly divulged the basics of the situation to Delvin, carefully observing his features for even the slightest hint of humor or mockery. She trusted Delvin—maybe more than anyone else in the Guild besides Brynjolf—and valued his opinion, even if he was the most lecherous of them. In the months that she had known him, he had always offered the soundest advice in a straight-forward and blunt way—something she appreciated. Hopefully now he could do the same when it came to affairs that were a little more delicate.

“Well, well,” he sighed with a grin, reaching up to scratch at his jawline. “I must say my little Vex is being quite the sweetheart looking out for you, even if she’s completely baseless.”

Fiona widened her eyes, slightly shocked. “What?”

“There’s some truth to what Vekel says,” he started. “Bryn’s been acting…I wouldn’t say strangely, just differently. A good different.” Delvin’s smile grew as he thought of his friend fondly. “I’ve known that bastard longer than anyone here. If this new side of Brynjolf is here to stay, then good.”

“Even if it makes him a big ol’ romantic softy,” Delvin continued.

That alarmed Fiona. “Delvin, do you know something?”

“Hmm?” he shrugged. “He’s been going on about doin’ something nice for you, after all the good luck you’ve given us—grain of salt dear, we were about six drinks in when this topic came up.”

Regardless, this information didn’t settle right with her. If anything, it only made her feel more anxious than before. Of all the times for Brynjolf to not be in the Cistern or Riften. But he had only just left and maybe she could track him through the forest paths—she’d always been good at that. Delvin only flashed a knowing smile as she slinked away, headed for the graveyard exit.

“And where do you think you’re going?”

Fiona paused, an unpleasant shiver crawling up her spine as Mercer slowly stepped to prevent her leaving. She faced him with a neutral expression, holding back the urge to shove him out of the way. She wasn’t sure what was wrong with the Guildmaster, but she knew that Mercer was not a man to be trusted. Her instincts hadn’t failed her yet when traveling Skyrim, but she had to be careful now that she was seeking refuge in Riften.

“I have a job from Delvin,” she lied, knowing he must’ve seen her speaking with the Breton. “Falkreath. Should be back—”

“It will have to wait,” Mercer interrupted. “I have some work for you here in the city, so you won’t be leaving.”

Fiona didn’t appreciate his tone. If only he knew that she could tear his body to shreds with one simple shout from her lips. It would be so satisfying, but ultimately her undoing. Instead, she breathed out and nodded, taking the missive from his hand.

“We’ll be watching you.”

A threat that only had Fiona feeling more conflicted than ever. She exited the Ratways into the misty evening of the Riften courtyard, eventually finding her way to the Bee and Barb. She ordered a hot meal and mulled over her limited options as she read over the list of menial tasks Mercer wanted done. By the time she was finished, she decided to spend the evening in one of the available tavern rooms. She was aggravated with Mercer, but there was that lingering feeling that while Brynjolf was away, the Cistern was not the safest place for her to be. Dragonborn or not.

It was the middle of the night when Fiona awoke, suddenly sensing that something wasn’t right. She could hear the quiet sounds of the tavern downstairs—nothing sounded amiss—no brawls, no panic, yet her heart was hammering in her chest. The room was practically pitch black, save for the sliver of light coming in through the bottom of door. Fiona squinted, noticing the light was obstructed. Something—someone was outside her door.

She exhaled and slowly began to move. Feet on the ground,she first reached for her dagger on the nightstand before silently creeping towards the door. An assassin? Would Mercer really stoop so low to remove her from the Guild? Worse thoughts wormed their way through her mind. Had destiny finally caught up to her by sending the Greybeards to fetch her away? There was a special irony in finding them more frightening than assassins.

Fiona carefully removed the chair she had wedged under the doorknob (she never trusted tavern locks) and then quietly unlocked the door. She jerked the door wide open but before she could drop back into a defensive stance a body came tumbling through the doorframe back-first with a loud yelp—a familiar body. She scrambled to catch Brynjolf, dropping her dagger, but the combined weight of his body and the sheer shock of his appearance had them toppling to the ground.

Fiona leaned herself up and looked down at him—flat on his back, wide eyed but smiling that ever-ridiculous smile. Her eyes flicked to where his hands were clutching a bunch of parchment wrapped flowers. Her chest tightened and she gulped. Her heart was racing again, this time for an entirely different reason.

“Brynjolf?”

“Help an old man up, will you lass?”

She forced a smile and pushed herself off the floor, reaching down to tug on his free hand to pull him to his feet. Simultaneously she moved to light the oil lamp on her nightstand while he closed the door. Finally, she snatched up her night-coat from the storage-chest tugging it across her shoulders much to Brynjolf’s disappointment as she covered up the exposed skin her nightgown showed. His eyes still flickered as he looked over her form, silently drinking her in.

They met halfway, standing near the foot of the bed. Fiona didn’t feel uncomfortable, per-say, just nervous. “What are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same thing,” he said. Her gaze danced across his arms where the bundle of flowers was, and he softly laughed. “I brought you these, I hope they are to your liking.”

She gasped when he handed them over, their color visible now in the light. Yellow-mountain flowers. Incredibly rare and her absolute favorite. Fiona racked her mind trying to recall when she had ever told Brynjolf about them when she was hit with a sudden wave of collected memories. Falkreath—months ago now, when they barely knew each other, and were making an effort to learn more. But they had been drinking, and she didn’t think that he was paying attention, let alone that he would remember.

“Brynjolf, I—” she breathed, overwhelmed. “I don’t know what to say.” When she looked at him again he was smiling, a mix of self-satisfaction and wonderment as he watched her reaction. She found it incredibly difficult to focus on the shine of his eyes. “This seems like quite the grand gesture, even for you, Bryn. Where did you even find them?”

“It’s a secret,” he teased. “I’ll take you there one day.”

All of Fiona’s earlier emotions came crashing down, causing an incredible ache to her chest. She blinked hard to prevent the sting of tears that threatened to develop, not wanting to cry in front of him. Not over something like this.

“What are you doing, Bryn?” she asked, bluntly. She decided direct honesty would be best this time. “Whatever it is, I like what we have now. I don’t want that to change.”

Brynjolf’s demeanor didn’t change, as if he hadn’t just been rejected—to some degree. He shifted closer, hands covering hers. She didn’t pull away.

“I think it’s a little late for that, lass.”

The worst part was that he was right.  

[musicandmood]

Ed Schrader’s Music Beat Enters Its Station to Station Era

Ed Schrader’s Music Beat Enters Its Station to Station Era

In the new Gillian Waldo-direct music video for “This Thirst,” delirium sets in as Ed Schrader and bassist Devlin Rice work the graveyard shift at a ’50s diner. It’s a bit like if Big Al from Happy Days did a bunch of drugs after the kids went home. “Who is stationed in the guest house?” Schrader sings with the eyes of a lunatic. “Switched your lock and sold the key.”  “This Thirst” and…

[sebeth]

Legion of Super-Heroes #11

Warning, Spoilers Ahead…

Legion of Super-Heroes #11, “Tenzil Kem Takes A Bite Out Of Crime”, by Tom & Mary Bierbaum, Keith Giffen, Craig Brasfield, and Al Gordon.

 The issue opens with an episode of “Mutal of Obsidian’s Wild Archaeology” starring Tenzil Kem of the Planet Bismoll.  Tenzil saves a fellow archaeologist from a mummy.

We switch to news bulletin from the Winathian Holocasting Corporation.  Citizens are urged to use extreme caution as Kivun Roxxas is thought to be in the area.

We receive an update on the wounded Legionnaires:

Believed Dead: Reep Daggle, Jo Nah

Extremely Grave Condition: Celeste Rockfish

Stable Condition: Bounty, Metk Ranzz

Allergic Reaction: Devlin O’Ryan

We return to Tenzil’s tenure as host of “Wild Archaelogy”.  Tenzil investigates the myth of “The Titan Presidents of Bismoll”: “Noble.  Dynamic. Loyal to their principles. Dedicated to democracy.  Evasive at press conferences.”

Tenzil and company are an archaeological dig in the Jersey District of Metropolis.

Tenzil claims they’ve discovered the “first known remnants of an Abraham Lincoln Manhole Cover” but is actually the giant penny from the Batcave.

Poor Tenzil has discovered a historical object of great value and has no idea!

Poor Bruce!  Mighty Gotham has degraded into a “district of Metropolis”.  I can hear Bruce’s “Nooo!” all the way in the 30th century!  

Tenzil’s team uncovers the giant playing card and the dinosaur that “confirms the Titan Presidents date back to prehistoric times”.

Professor Bob Finger heads up the dig – a nice nod to the creators of Batman.

Bob states Tenzil’s theory is “the most lame-brained, ill-informed theory I’ve heard in my entire professional life!”

Tenzil’s all “Eh, whatevs”.

Tenzil returns to the Bismollian Embassy where we discover he has a method behind the madness: He has received an encoded message from the Winathian contingent – ‘Operation: Popiscle” is a go.

It’s nice to see that the re-formed Legion, even with their limited resources, haven’t forgotten their imprisoned teammate on Earth.

The Calorie Queen, now Tenzil’s personal assistant, informs him that he has a stack of documents that still hasn’t signed itself and “the Archaelogists Society is screaming for your hide”.

Tenzil prepares for a new series: “a courtroom drama with stories that leap out of today’s headlines”.

Tenzil is one of the main characters that excelled in the “5 years later” series.  I love his dual role of wacky, bumbling fool but secretly an intelligent, scheming man.

Roxxas invades the Bloomfield Free Clinic on Winath to receive treatment for his injuries – much to the misfortune of the medical providers.

The “Fix It Brainy” list continues to expand:

The “Fix It, Brainy” List as of issue #11:

1)            Garridan’s Validus Plague

2)            Mon-El’s possession by the Time Trapper

3)            Mysa’s trauma

4)            Legionnaires wounded in Roxxas attack

Brainy has only resolved the second item on the list by this point.

We receive more extensive updates of the injured:

Mekt Ranzz:

Condition: Stable

2nd degree burns over 20% of body

Mild concussion

Right wrist fractured

Reep Daggle:

Condition: Critical

Massive blood loss

Shock

Recovery dependent upon resumption of shape-changing functions

Bounty:

Condition: Stable

Paralysis (believed temporary)

Moderate difficulty breathing

Cardiac arrhythmias subsiding

Unexplained scar tissue

No known patient records

Celeste Rockfish:

Condition: Extremely Grave

Severe cerebral lacerations and contusions

Note: Widespread cerebral hemorrhaging

Multiple skull fractures

Five broken ribs

Collapsed right lung

Massive internal hemorrhaging

No known patient records

Brainy muses over his patients: “Thank the Muses I convinced Reep to re-arrange his vital organs for defensive purposes.  Otherwise, he’d be an ex-Durlan.”

Querl wonders about Bounty: “What’s your game – what are you up to?”

Imra warns Querl that she told him to rest but now she’s going to insist.  She asks Querl if Celeste is going to make it.

“No.  I did what I could.”

Poor Querl – he’s the smartest man in the universe but not even he can overcome the limitations of the human body.

Tenzil meets with Shvaughn. We discover the reason behind Brek Banin’s imprisonment.

“And that’s why Brek’s been in jail for two years?  For holding a pep rally in a pizza hall?”

“Insurrection is a very serious crime.”

“You’re right, Officer Erin. The rule of law must be kept sacred in our pizza halls.”

Shvaughn and Tenzil use telepathic earplugs to have a secret conversation.  She warns Tenzil that Brek’s attorney and the judge are in Earthgov’s pocket.  However, Prosecutor Jakobi is fair and honest.

Circe has a fit because Tenzil has “accidently” thrown his jacket over the camera in Shvaughn’s office – preventing her from spying on the duo.

The Dominators inform Circe that they see no reason to fear “the Bismollian Buffoon”.

Shvaughn warns Tenzil to destroy the telepathic earplugs before he’s frisked on the way out. Tenzil solves the problem by eating the earplugs.

Shvaughn informs Tenzil: “They’re trying to establish the defendant’s mental competency.”

“Brek’s mental competency? Darn fool kid.  I warned him about wearing that purple costume with the fur in public.”

Brek is not thrilled with Tenzil as his lawyer.  By “not thrilled”, I mean he’s having a complete freakout.

“You?!  Represent me?  In court?!”

“I have my law degree.”

“But you’re trained in Bismollian law!  This is Earth law!”

“They’re basically very similar.”

“Really?”

“Just wherever Earth says ‘food’, insert ‘rocks’”.

Brek wonders if Earthgov will let him choose the means of execution.

Tenzil informs Brek: “Earthgov wants to put you away quietly.  My presence will mean big attention from the media – less chance of being railroaded.  Plus, if you act before midnight tonight, I’ll throw in an authentic replica Legion flight ring, absolutely free.”

Who can resist that offer?

Brek consents to Tenzil’s representation but muses to himself that the guillotine would be “kind of a classy way to go”.

Tenzil meets with Ms. Jakobi, Earthgov’s prosecutor.  In between the mutual flirtation, Jakobi warns Tenzil she can’t let Brek off unless Tenzil gives her a good reason.  And that Earthgov has moved the trial to tomorrow at 8 am: “Speedy trial and all that”.

We switch to a UPV Channel 4 News Bulletin.  We discover Khfeurb Chee Bez, aka Antennae Boy, is now a newscaster at UPV.  Antennae Boy debuted in Adventure Comics #305 – he was a failed Legion applicant.  A nice Easter egg if you recognize the character but the knowledge isn’t needed for the actual plot.  Khfeurb announces Roxxas has murdered the occupants of a medical clinic on Winath.   Roxxas’ recent spree has led to over three dozen deaths.

Tenzil’s defense of Brek is part of the new holo-series: “Tenzil For The Defense Starring Senator Tenzil Kem of the Planet Bismoll.”

Tenzil asks for a delay: “What’s the big hurry?  Polar Boy certainly isn’t going anywhere.  And if we wait, we won’t have to go head to head against the yodeling championships.  Which do very well in the ratings, as you know.”

The motion for delay is overruled because the judge has to rule on “whether Green Lanterns should be barred from Earth on Monday.”

“Strange that they’re only barred from Earth on Mondays, your honor.”

Neither the judge nor Brek appreciate Tenzil’s wit: “I don’t care what he says.  This is not worth the authentic replica flight ring.”

Tenzil’s defense consists of improvised chicanery consisting of costume changes and pie throwing.

Dirk, watching the case on a holo, feels Tenzil has no idea what he is doing and is simply stalling.

The Dominator assure Circe that the “Bismollian is useless”.  Circe’s not sure.

Tenzil confounds the judge into admitting Brek’s been denied his basic legal rights.  Prosecutor Jakobi states she has “no choice but to drop all charges”.

Tenzil, Brek, and the Calorie Queen head immediately to the Metropolis Spaceport – getting off planet is of the highest priority.  

Tenzil’s pleased they creamed the Yodeling Championships in the ratings.  Tenzil shares a kiss with Jakobi before fleeing Earth.

It’s too bad Tenzil and Brek couldn’t have kidnapped Dirk and dragged him off the planet – the man clearly needs some sense beat into him.

Holo Scene, “A Critical Look At This Week’s Entertainment”, reviews “Tenzil For The Defense”.

The issue ends with Jo being hurled through space.  Jo thinks he’s been transported to the other side of Winath – but a sign reveals he’s at the “Lyme Fields, Malden Precinct, Khundia District, The Dominion.”

Khunds and Dominators? A very bad place for Jo to be.

[ineffable-bisexual]

The moment you’ve been waiting for: Brent Spiner!!!

In my five years as a Trekkie, TNG fan, and mega Spiner fan girl with a super huge crush on an old nerdy man, I still am reeling from the fact that I met him! I spoke with him! We were in each other’s personal space!!!! This is long so it’s under the cut:

One thing I love about Brent is that he loves to talk!! And he will. His line moved soooo slow. I made quick friends with two people in front of me and the older lady said “He must be in a chatty mood today! He’s really energetic.” I soon realized what she met by energetic because he kept getting out of his chair. He moves his chair to the front of the table 1) because I think it’s easier for him and the volunteer to have room to do their thing; 2) he interacts with everyone; and 3) he’s just a big freakin’ ham and loves attention!

Also, Charles Martinet (voice of Mario) was in the booth next to him and Brent kept fuckin’ with him and making him laugh and we’re all laughing at that. At one point, Brent got up (again!!!) and walked the entire line letting everyone know that “I’m going as fast as I can. Don’t worry. You’ll be fine.” But then he took his time telling everyone that. On his way back down back to his booth, we made brief eye contact and he said to me “Hello!” and the dude next to me started fanning me with his RCCC program, jokingly saying, “Deep breaths!! Deep breaths!!”

I love my fellow nerds.

As I got closer (seemed like an eternity), I noticed how he is with kids. He is so good with kids, ya’ll! He asked them how they’re liking the con, if this was their first one, etc. He complimented their cosplays and was just so sweet to them.

The dude in front of me picked out a picture of Data for him to sign and asked why he didn’t have any Devlin Bowman pictures! The guy and I had discussed Master of Disguise and he loved the movie, too, and I said it came out when I was in college and got me through rough patches. Still does. That’s why I love it.

Brent said, “You know that’s a good idea! I’ve never had any Master of Disguise ones. I should start doing that!” So ya’ll be on the look out at future cons!!

Finally..........it was my turn.

I chose a picture of Dr. Okun because I love him and he is my lil Area 51 baby. It was a photo from 1996. He took it and looked at me and asked, “What’s your name?”

“Mysti,” I said.

“Okay, let’s see...M-I-S-” I shake my head no. “Okay, M-Y-S-T-I?”

I said, “Yep! Good job!”

He laughed and I was about to tell him that I, too, was from Texas and then suddenly he started singing!!!!!!!!!

He sang the first few lines of the love song “Misty,” and I covered my face at one point going “Oh my God! Yes!” Hence, the goofy grin in our selfie:

I admitted to him that I was secretly hoping he would sing to me because he has a lovely voice. He said thank you. Then, I finally told him I was from East Texas, he asked where did I grow up. He didn’t recognize the name of my small town but did know the town where I went to college (Nacogdoches! Go Jacks!! lol).

I asked him if his mom was okay from all the flooding and he said she was fine and didn’t have to evacuate. He said she felt bad because she didn’t have the room in her high-rise apartment to house all her friends who did have to evacuate. Then, he asked if my family was okay. I told him they were, they don’t live in the metro area but they did get a lot of flooding but didn’t have to leave. He said, “Good to hear!”

We fist-bumped and before I walked away, he noticed my pin on my lanyard. He said, “I love your pin. Wait...that’s a Data pin!” I said, “Yes, it is!” He then said, “Why don’t I have those??” I giggled (again haha) and walked away saying thank you. He gave me a wave and said, “Thank you, baby!”

I walked away with my heart full and near tears. There were people in the line looking at me with a pleasant smile on their faces. I think some of them could tell that I just met someone very dear to me. They weren’t wrong.

This was my first con ever and meeting Brent was just so amazing. The con was super fun and I spent too much money but would certainly go again!

The only thing I regret was not telling him that I love him, like I did to Weird Al, but I think he could tell, especially when I melted in front of him when I heard his beautiful voice.

Best. Day. Ever. <3

[junker-town]

The 10 dumbest mistakes from NFL Week 13, ranked

Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

There weren’t many predictable outcomes this week, except the Chargers Chargering and the Panthers getting stopped at the goal line.

Just when you think this NFL season couldn’t get weirder, a day like Sunday happens. It started off with a t-shirt beef between the Steelers and Browns. It ended with the Texans beating the Patriots for just the second time ever and the first since a meaningless Week 17 meeting 10 years ago.

In between, the Dolphins, who some thought could be a historically bad team, won their third game of 2019. The Bengals won a game, officially ending all hopes for (or dreading of) an 0-16 season. And Washington is somehow still alive in the NFC East race.

Week 13 didn’t just deliver unexpected outcomes. It also gave us some plays that were bat-fecal crazy. There was DeAndre Hopkins’ reverse option pitch to Deshaun Watson, the Dolphins’ punter-to-kicker touchdown, and the Titans’ blocked field goal turned touchdown that helped them conquer the Colts for only the fourth time in their last 23 tries.

Frequently throughout Sunday, we were all left looking like Jon Gruden during a trip to Oz:

Me thinking about how much food I've eaten since Thursday and how little I've worked out pic.twitter.com/Am9IKE3edw

— Morgan Moriarty (@Morgan_Moriarty) December 1, 2019

Luckily, we can take comfort in one constant each week in the NFL: There will always be dumb mistakes. Here are our top 10 from this Sunday:

10. Antoine Bethea couldn’t handle Allen Lazard’s 30-degree angle

Late in the first quarter, the Giants fell back into quarters coverage for a second-and-1 play against the Packers in their own territory. That put pressure on Bethea’s shoulders to handle wideout Lazard from his position near the slot.

Bethea was not ready for this pressure.

Allen Lazard really hit 'em with the ...uh, slight change in direction pic.twitter.com/SEJlxO5o5A

— Christian D'Andrea (@TrainIsland) December 1, 2019

Lazard curled off toward the post while Bethea turned the opposite way, leaving the second-year receiver wide open for a 33-yard touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers.

9. Tahir Whitehead got two penalties on the same play to give the Chiefs a first down

The Raiders didn’t have much of a chance in Kansas City after falling behind 21-0 at halftime, but they were still clinging to hope when they backed the Chiefs into a third-and-11 situation in the third quarter. Oakland needed a big play to shut down Kansas City and jump start its comeback. Whitehead was hell bent on getting it on an inside blitz.

And in the process, he gifted the Chiefs a fresh set of downs.

Tahir Whitehead with the rare offside/late hit double after the refs blow the play dead on 3rd down pic.twitter.com/lmC3749xsM

— Christian D'Andrea (@TrainIsland) December 1, 2019

Whitehead jumped offside, and his unimpeded run at Patrick Mahomes forced officials to blow the play dead. The linebacker didn’t hear that, though, and while Mahomes chucked the ball away, Whitehead shoved the QB to the turf — earning a predictable 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty that granted Kansas City a free first down. Three plays later, the Chiefs would kick a 50-yard field goal on their way to a 40-9 win.

8. Two roughing the passer penalties cost the 49ers dearly

The Ravens are the last team in the league you want to give free yards to on defense. Lamar Jackson with more opportunities is a bad time for everyone not named Lamar Jackson. And while the 49ers and Ravens combined for a fantastic game that both teams should feel good about, there were moments where San Francisco’s role players messed up big time.

In the second quarter, the 49ers made a great third-down stop, but rookie linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair was called for a deflating penalty after hitting Jackson late. That roughing the passer flag turned a likely field goal attempt into a first down. The Ravens went on to score a touchdown four plays later.

Less than 10 minutes after that, Sheldon Day was also called for roughing the passer when he went low on Jackson:

Sheldon Day gets called for RTP pic.twitter.com/lSi0194b6V

— GoatWorldSports ⚾️ (@GoatWorldSport1) December 1, 2019

Baltimore wound up kicking a field goal on the drive.

The game was eventually decided on, yup, a Ravens field goal.

7. Jacoby Brissett made some extremely backup throws

Brissett has been solid in his first year as Andrew Luck’s successor in Indianapolis. His steady presence behind center, even as his receiving corps was shredded by injury, was a major factor in his team’s presence in the playoff race.

But on Sunday, Brissett gave the football world two big reminders why he was regarded as a high-value backup and not a starter before August. The first was a high pass that saw Brissett take entirely too long to make a decision in a clean pocket, then rush a bad decision once a defender broke into his airspace.

That's our franchise safety! #TENvsIND @KB31_Era + #ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/a4h2Nq88y7

— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) December 1, 2019

That set the Titans up inside the Indianapolis red zone, where they’d settle for an easy field goal that tied the score at 17. Brissett’s second pick was equally damaging. The big-armer passer overthrew his target in double-coverage while trying to spark a comeback from a 24-17 deficit late in the fourth quarter. Logan Ryan slid over to make an easy catch, and three plays later Indianapolis trailed by 14.

Send Logan Ryan to the Pro Bowl! #TENvsIND @RealLoganRyan + #ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/GuIx4uRMfn

— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) December 1, 2019

Brissett’s two interceptions led to 10 Titans points in a pivotal AFC South matchup. Now the Colts are 6-6 and facing an uphill battle on their path to the postseason.

6. Daniel Jones kept mixing up the Packers and his own teammates in the snow

It was a snowy afternoon at MetLife Stadium. Perhaps a North Carolina native like Jones wasn’t quite used to the blustery conditions, because the rookie quarterback seemed to think the Packers’ cornerbacks were his teammates all day.

Jones was picked off three times, the first of which went right into the hands of Green Bay’s Kevin King as if he, and not Darius Slayton, had been Jones’ target:

.@King_kevvoo grabs his fourth INT of the season! #GBvsNYG | #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/CdLdeZTc1R

— Green Bay Packers (@packers) December 1, 2019

His second one even worse. It was directly to Darnell Savage, with no Giants receiver in the vicinity:

INTERCEPTION! @darnellsavage_ takes it the other way! #GBvsNYG | #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/uGMFCxgM64

— Green Bay Packers (@packers) December 1, 2019

His third pick of the game came later in the fourth quarter, and either he overthrew Slayton just enough so Tramon Williams could go up and grab it:

Go get it, @HighRizer22! #GBvsNYG | #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/pg20OVEazW

— Green Bay Packers (@packers) December 1, 2019

Or it was a perfect throw to Williams, whom Jones mistook for his own teammate.

The Giants dropped to 2-10 on the season with the loss, but at least you can chalk up some of Jones’ miscues to his inexperience. The same can’t be said for ...

5. Nick Foles threw an interception you’d expect out of a rookie

The Jaguars haven’t won a game with Nick Foles — an $88 million offseason acquisition — starting at quarterback. They did win four of the eight games sixth-round rookie Gardner Minshew started, but he was sent back to the bench when Foles returned from a shoulder injury. The logic was presumably that the 30-year-old veteran quarterback would make fewer mistakes and give the Jaguars offense some more stability.

Well ...

#Jaguars QB Nick Foles with an interception on the first drive of the game. pic.twitter.com/F0uS2Svihe

— Big Sad Country (@BigCatCountry) December 1, 2019

The Buccaneers capitalized on the turnover with a touchdown. Foles’ day got worse with a fumble on his next two drives, including one that was picked up and returned for a touchdown. After that, three consecutive three-and-out drives.

Foles was benched at halftime with the Jaguars trailing 25-0 and it’ll likely be for good. Minshew took over in the second half and suddenly the Jacksonville offense looked halfway competent again.

4. The Browns could’ve used the mysterious absent Damarious Randall

The decision to keep Randall out of action in Week 13 was never really explained by coach Freddie Kitchens. “Something that happened during the week” was the reason cited by Cleveland.com.

So it’s hard to say if it was Kitchens’ dumb mistake, or if it was Randall’s, or if it was some combination of both. What we can say is that the Browns sure could’ve used Randall on the field against the Steelers — especially after losing safety Morgan Burnett to a torn Achilles two weeks ago.

Pittsburgh’s rookie quarterback Devlin Hodges completed passes of 28, 30, 31, and 44 yards against the Cleveland secondary. Some of those throws were into traffic, but the Browns defensive backs couldn’t make a play.

That was incredible.@JamesWashington hangs on for the unreal TD catch! #HereWeGo #CLEvsPIT : CBS : NFL app // Yahoo Sports app Watch free on mobile: https://t.co/uPnyeJSIAR pic.twitter.com/uGazaZsEz0

— NFL (@NFL) December 1, 2019

The Browns had a chance to get back to .500 and climb back into playoff contention. Instead, a 20-13 loss may have ended their season. Not having Randall on the field was costly, regardless of who deserves the blame.

3. The Chargers false started twice on the most important play of their afternoon

Los Angeles trailed 20-17 with just over two minutes to play when it faced a crucial fourth-and-1 from its own 34-yard line. Gain a yard and the Chargers’ comeback chances would remain intact.

On the team’s first try, Melvin Gordon appeared to pick up the first down on a pitch, only for the play to be whistled dead thanks to a false start:

Malik Reed sympathetically patting Melvin Gordon on the head while explaining his fourth-and-1 run doesn't count because of a false start is an extremely nice way to break that news pic.twitter.com/jYSc8mCnk6

— Christian D'Andrea (@TrainIsland) December 2, 2019

That set up fourth-and-6, and it appeared the Broncos had given those five yards right back when a Denver defender jumped offside off the right side of the LA line the following play. But his neutral zone infraction came at the same time left tackle Russell Okung flinched, and since Okung was on the opposite side of the line, that meant the false start superseded any offside call.

Fortunately for Los Angeles, Mike Williams made a ridiculous play to haul in a 38-yard pass on fourth-and-11 to erase those back-to-back penalties. That led to a 46-yard Michael Badgley field goal that tied the game with just 14 seconds before the end of regulation.

Somehow, the Chargers avoided pulling a complete Chargers ... until they did.

2. Casey Hayward gave the Chargers a loss everyone knew was coming

The Broncos had two options when they got the ball back from the Chargers at their own 28 with nine seconds left in a tie game. They could kneel out the clock and play for overtime, or they could give Drew Lock, making his NFL debut, the chance to make a big play.

Denver chose the latter, and Hayward — a former All-Pro and one of LA’s top defensive backs — gave Lock all the help he needed.

here's the penalty that set up the Broncos' game-winning field goal with 3 seconds to play pic.twitter.com/9ic2KaTLNs

— Christian D'Andrea (@TrainIsland) December 2, 2019

Hayward failed to track the ball, running into intended receiver Courtland Sutton and drawing a pass interference flag that gifted the Broncos 37 crucial yards. One play later, Brandon McManus’ 53-yard field goal parted the uprights to claim a 23-20 win and send the Chargers spiraling to 4-8 on the year.

But at least this time they lost in a different way?

1. Once again, the Panthers couldn’t get the job done at the goal line

Carolina lost 29-21 to Washington, and a big reason the Panthers lost was what they did on the goal line late in the game. With 27 seconds left and trailing by eight, the Panthers had fourth-and-goal following two Christian McCaffrey stuffs and an incomplete pass. Quarterback Kyle Allen dropped back to pass and despite having Jarius Wright wiiiide open in the end zone, he took a sack.

The GIF of this play is simply hilarious:

Here’s fourth-and-the-season for the Panthers. pic.twitter.com/VresISdjTj

— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) December 1, 2019

The live version is just as incredible:

Kyle Allen had a wide open touchdown and just didn't throw it on 4th down. #Redskins win.pic.twitter.com/hGiBpS7Gvu

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) December 1, 2019

This is now the FOURTH of the Panthers’ seven losses that has ended on a goal-line stop. They also lost to the Bucs, Packers, and Saints in similar fashion. To falsely paraphrase Einstein, maybe they should stop expecting a different result.

[sekerenews]

Here Are This Year’s Winners of the Black Pencil

At this D&AD awards, several agencies were awarded the Black Pencil awards. This is a big deal seeing as a Black Pencil is D& AD’s highest and most prestigious awards, it is also one of the most difficult advertising accolades to win. On this post, we would discuss the agencies who were bestowed this great honour.

About D &AD and the D& AD Black Pencil

D&AD Pencil was created to honour the very best in design and advertising and was founded in 1962.  To win a Pencil is a great honour and can be considered a pinnacle of one's careers. The D & AD Black Pencil is award to work that’s truly groundbreaking in the feild. It is the highest accolade that D& AD has to offer and it is only awarded to work that achieves true creative excellence. In the 57-year history of D&AD, the award had only awarded 154 Black Pencils before this year’s awards. Some years no Black Pencils are not awarded. This showcases how rare and prestigious this award is in the marketing world. This year a total of six of these prestigious awards was given. This is one of the highest in the award's history, with the record standing at seven in one year.

Black Pencil Award Winners

US-based Droga5’s The Truth Is worth It campaign for The New York Times. This campaign was a big winner at the award. It took 3 Black pencils, one was for its creative agency Droga5 and the other for its production house Furlined. Apart from the most prestigious award at D &AD, they won seven Yellow Pencils (gold), four Graphite Pencils (silver) and three Wood Pencils (bronze). US-based Wieden + Kennedy’s Nike Dream Crazy campaign also won a Black Pencil. This critically acclaimed campaign has won several awards, at One Show it won 10 golds. At this year’s D& AD, it won three Yellow Pencils, one Graphite Pencil and one Wood Pencil. London-based AMV BBDO’s “Viva La Vulva” film for feminine care company Essity Australia’s BWM Dentsu for its “Project Revoice” campaign with The ALS Association. Microsoft’s Xbox Adaptive Controller, an accessibility project designed to meet the needs of gamers with limited mobility.

Big Winners at the D &AD this year:

These are the big winners at this year’s D& AD awards: Jones Knowles Ritchie, named Design Agency of the Year. Academy Films, named Production Company of the Year. Apple, named Client of the Year. Artist and stage designer Es Devlin, recipient of the President’s Award for creative excellence. Droga5, named Agency of the Year At this year’s D &AD, the United States led the world in Pencils won, with 223. Britain came in second with 158 Pencils, while Germany was third with 40. Read the full article

[tuseriesdetv]

Noticias de series de la semana: 'Grace and Frankie' renovada

Renovaciones

Netflix ha renovado Grace and Frankie por una séptima y última temporada

Movistar+ ha renovado Hierro por una segunda temporada

BBC Three ha renovado Jerk por una segunda temporada

Cancelaciones

TBS ha cancelado The Detour tras su cuarta temporada

Noticias cortas

Tucker Albrizzi (Walter) será regular en la segunda temporada de Mr. Iglesias.

La tercera temporada de Westworld tendrá ocho episodios.

Katlynn Simone (Treasure), Meta Golding (Teri), Wood Harris (Damon) y Mario (Devon) serán regulares en la sexta y última temporada de Empire.

Incorporaciones y fichajes

Netflix confirma que Gillian Anderson (The X-Files, Sex Education) será Margaret Thatcher en la cuarta temporada de The Crown.

Milo Ventimiglia (This Is Us, Heroes) interpretará al motorista de acrobacias Evel Knievel en Evel, una limited series de USA Network escrita y producida por Etan Frankel (Sorry For Your Loss).

Darren Criss (Glee, American Crime Story), Patti LuPone (Pose, Penny Dreadful) y Holland Taylor (Two and a Half Men, Mr. Mercedes) protagonizarán Hollywood, de Ryan Murphy para Netflix.

Will Poulter (The Maze Runner, Midsommar) se une a The Lord of the Rings. Se desconocen detalles.

Gary Sinise (CSI: Miami, Forrest Gump) será Robert Ellman, terapeuta familiar que ayudará a Clay (Dylan Minnette) con la ansiedad, en la cuarta y última temporada de 13 Reasons Why.

James Marsden (Westworld, X-Men), Amber Heard (Aquaman, The Danish Girl), Odessa Young (Assassination Nation) y Henry Zaga (13 Reasons Why, Trinkets) protagonizarán The Stand, la adaptación de la novela de Stephen King para CBS All Access. Serán Stu Redman, Nadine Cross, Frannie Goldsmith y Nick Andros. No se ha confirmado la participación de Whoopi Goldberg y Greg Kinnear, que estaban en conversaciones para interpretar a Madre Abigail y Glen Bateman.

Natasha McElhone (Californication, The Truman Show), Bokeem Woodbine (Fargo, Underground), Shabana Azmi (Neerja, Fire), Bentley Kalu, Natasha Culzac y Kate Kennedy se unen al reparto de Halo. McElhone interpretará a Catherine Halsey, creadora de los supersoldados Spartan, y a Cortana, la inteligencia artificial más avanzada de la historia. Woodbine y Azmi serán el corsario Soren-066 y la almirante Margaret Parangosky.

Loretta Devine (The Carmichael Show, Grey's Anatomy) será recurrente en la sexta temporada de Black-ish como Lynette, la nueva prometida de Pop (Laurence Fishburne).

Naomie Ackie (The Bisexual, Lady Macbeth) será Bonnie, una forastera con un pasado problemático y una misteriosa conexión con Alyssa, en la segunda temporada de The End of the F***ing World.

Rochelle Aytes (Mistresses, Designated Survivor) y Danika Yarosh (Heroes Reborn, Shameless) serán recurrentes en la segunda temporada de The Purge.

Tiffany Haddish (Girls Trip), Carmen Ejogo (Selma, True Detective), Blair Underwood (When They See Us), Garrett Morris (2 Broke Girls) y Kevin Carroll (The Leftovers, Snowfall) se unen a Madam C.J. Walker. Serán Lelia, hija de Sarah Breedlove (Octavia Spencer); Addie, peluquera y antigua amiga de Sarah; Chares James Walker, marido de Sarah; Cleophus, padre de Sarah; y Ransom, conserje ferroviario graduado en derecho y patentes por la Universidad de Columbia.

Kali Hawk (New Girl, Bridesmaids) se une como regular a la segunda temporada de Schooled. Será Wilma, profesora de ciencias.

Jason Johnson (The Hate U Give), Ptosha Storey (Empire), Vaughn Hebron (TiTi Do You Love Me?), Teesha Renee, Lodric Collins (Grimm), Ciera Payton (She's Gotta Have It), Taja V. Simpson, Walter Fantleroy (Grey's Anatomy), Brad Benedict (Castle), Travis Cure y Matthew Law (The Paynes) protagonizarán The Oval, la nueva serie de Tyler Perry para OWN, junto a Ed Quinn, Kron Moore, Paige Hurd y Daniel Croix Henderson.

Babou Ceesay (Dark Mon£y, National Treasure), Eve Myles (Keeping Faith, Broadchurch), Dipo Ola (Baghdad Central, Inside No. 9) y Hermione Corfield (The Halcyion) protagonizarán We Hunt Together. Serán dos detectives y dos asesinos.

Daveed Diggs (Hamilton, Snowpiercer), Wyatt Russell (Lodge 49) y Joshua Johnson-Lionel (Ray Meets Helen) protagonizarán Good Lord Bird, adaptación de la novela de James McBride, junto a Ethan Hawke. Serán Frederick Douglass, el antiguo esclavo y líder abolicionista que conoció a John Brown (Hawke) y le aconsejó que no comenzase la redada que acabaría desembocando en una guerra civil; Jeb Stuart, oficial del ejército y enemigo de Brown; y Onion, el esclavo adolescente que se convierte en miembro de la variopinta familia de Brown.

Xosha Roquemore (The Mindy Project, I'm Dying Up Here) y Alano Miller (Underground, Jane the Virgin) protagonizarán Cherish the Day, nueva serie de Ava DuVernay para OWN. Serán Gently James y Evan Fisher, pareja que se conoce y enamora en Los Ángeles.

Deborah Ayorinde (Luke Cage, True Detective) y Ashley Thomas (Salvation, Ice) protagonizarán Them: Covenant, primera temporada de la antología de Lena Waithe. Escrita por Little Marvin y ambientada en 1953, se centra en Lucky y Emory, que deciden mudarse desde North Carolina a un barrio blanco de Los Ángeles, donde fuerzas malvadas tanto reales como sobrenaturales intentarán destruirlos.

Olivia Williams (Counterpart, Dollhouse), James Norton (Grantchester, Happy Valley), Tom Riley (Da Vinci's Demons, Ill Behaviour), Nick Frost (Sick Note, Into the Badlands), Ben Chaplin (Dates, Apple Tree Yard), Ann Skelly (Red Rock, Vikings), Eleanor Tomlinson (Poldark, The White Queen), Denis O'Hare (American Horror Story, Big Little Lies), Kiran Sonia Sawar (Pure, Next of Kin), Elizabeth Berrington (Stella, Sanditon), Ella Smith (Ray & Liz, Hoff the Record), Viola Prettejohn, Anna Devlin (12 Monkeys, All the Money in the World), Pip Torrens (Preacher, The Crown), Zackary Momoh (Seven Seconds, No Offence), Amy Manson (Once Upon a Time, The White Princess), Rochelle Neil (Episodes) y Martyn Ford protagonizarán The Nevers junto a Laura Donnelly.

Ian Hart (Boardwalk Empire, Harry Potter), Tanya Moodie (A Discovery of Witches, Sherlock), Joanne Whalley (The Edge of Darkness, The White Princess) y Kerrie Hayes (Little Boy Blue, The Mill) se unen a la tercera y última temporada de Tin Star.

Anne Ramsey (Lisa) y Jerry Adler (Mr. Wicker) también volverán al revival de Mad About You.

Rufus Sewell (The Man in the High Castle, Victoria) y Kaya Scodelario (Skins, The Maze Runner) protagonizarán The Pale Horse, la adaptación de BBC One de la novela de Agatha Christie (1961). Además, estarán Bertie Carvel (Doctor Foster, Baghdad Central), Sean Pertwee (Gotham), Henry Lloyd-Hughes (Killing Eve, Indian Summers), Poppy Gilbert, Madeleine Bowyer, Ellen Robertson, Sarah Woodward, Georgina Campbell (Broadchurch, Flowers), Claire Skinner (Outnumbered, Next of Kin), Rita Tushingham (In the Flesh), Sheila Atim (Harlots) y Kathy Kiera Clarke (Derry Girls).

Pósters

    Nuevas series

Ewan McGregor (Moulin Rouge, Trainspotting) interpretará al diseñador Halston (1932-1990) en una limited series de Ryan Murphy (American Crime Story, Feud) para Netflix.

Milo Ventimiglia (This Is Us, Heroes) interpretará al motorista de acrobacias Evel Knievel en Evel, una limited series de USA Network escrita y producida por Etan Frankel (Sorry For Your Loss).

Joseph Gordon-Levitt (3rd Rock from the Sun, Inception) protagonizará, escribirá, dirigirá y producirá Mr. Corman, drama en desarrollo para Apple sobre un profesor de escuela de Los Ángeles que lidia con la madurez.

Hulu desarrolla The Testaments, adaptación de la novela secuela de The Handmaid's Tale.

Ryan Murphy (Glee, Pose) prepara una miniserie adaptación del musical A Chorus Line. Diez episodios.

HBO Europa ha encargado seis episodios de Tuff Money, comedia rumana sobre dos perdedores adorables que bromean sobre cometer el robo perfecto y se ven obligados a ejecutarlo. Creada y dirigida por Daniel Sandu (Hackerville, One Step Behind the Seraphim).

AMC trabaja en la adaptación de la novela gráfica Farmhand, de Rob Guillory, con un granjero sureño que creó una planta que es capaz de fabricar órganos humanos y salva muchas vidas. Ahora, algo siniestro ha echado raíces en su granja familiar. Producida por LaToya Morgan (Into the Badlands).

AMC desarrolla Of Two Minds, comedia negra sobre una mujer que sufre una lesión traumática en el cerebro que hace que sus dos hemisferios no se comuniquen y deberá construir una nueva forma de vida con dos cerebros en constante desacuerdo. Producida por Morgan Dover Pearl.

Showtime ha adquirido Three Women, basada en el libro de Lisa Taddeo (2019), que necesitó diez años para investigar los casos y escribir el libro. La propia Taddeo escribirá y producirá la serie, que contará la historia real de tres mujeres americanas que sufrieron reacciones públicas y/o privadas por sus deseos sexuales: Una madre en la treintena que reconecta con un amor del instituto cuando su marido rechaza afecto físico, una veinteañera que denuncia a su antiguo profesor por perseguir una relación sexual cuando ella tenía diecisiete y la dueña de un restaurante cuyo marido y socio elige sus parejas sexuales.

Amy Schumer (Inside Amy Schumer, I Feel Pretty) protagonizará, producirá, escribirá y dirigirá la comedia Love, Beth para Hulu. Diez episodios.

Amazon encarga The Banker's Wife, thriller internacional centrado en el mundo de las finanzas sobre dos mujeres que buscan respuestas tras un misterioso accidente de avión y encuentran cuentas secretas, blanqueo de dinero y una red terrorista. Basada en la novela de Cristina Alger (2018), escrita por Meredith Stiehm, creadora de Cold Case y The Bridge y guionista de Homeland o Beverly Hills, 90210, y dirigida por Lesli Linka Glatter (Homeland, Mad Men). Ocho episodios.

HBO Max encarga Made for Love, basada en la novela de Alissa Nutting (2017). Cristin Milioti (How I Met Your Mother, Fargo) interpretará a Hazel Green, una mujer que se refugia en su pueblo natal, donde viven su padre viudo y su muñeca sexual, escapando de su marido Byron Gogol, un multimillonario sociópata que le ha implantado un chip en la cabeza que le da un acceso sin precedentes a su cerebro. Escrita por Patrick Somerville (The Leftovers, Maniac) y dirigida por S.J. Clarkson (Collateral, Life on Mars).

Apple desarrolla False Flag, remake de la serie israelí. La primera temporada contaba la historia de cinco personas que se ven injustamente implicadas en un secuestro tras la desaparición del Ministro de Defensa iraní. Los boletines no paran de mostrar sus fotos y sus nombres y sus intentos de limpiar su nombre no dan frutos. Incluso el Gobierno los acusa, y están convencidos de que el Mossad, la agencia de inteligencia de su país, está tras la operación.

CBS All Access encarga The Man Who Fell to Earth, adaptación de la novela de Walter Tevis (1963) y la película protagonizada por David Bowie (1976) en la que un alienígena que llega a la Tierra en busca de agua para su planeta deberá enfrentarse a su pasado para determinar nuestro futuro. Escrita y producida por Alex Kurtzman, Jenny Lumet y John Hlavin. Kurtzman dirigirá también.

Amazon adquiere Truth Seekers, comedia sobre dos investigadores de lo paranormal que descubren y graban avistamientos en Reino Unido y los cuelgan en su canal online. Las experiencias sobrenaturales son cada vez más frecuentes y aterradoras cuando empiezan a descubrir una conspiración que podría amenazar a la raza humana. Escrita y protagonizada por Simon Pegg (Shaun of the Dead, The Boys) y Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead, Sick Note). Ocho episodios.

Danny Trejo (Machete), Franziska Schissler y Dilan Gwyn (Beyond, Da Vinci's Demons) protagonizarán Paragon, serie de ciencia ficción en la que el cielo ha desaparecido y los humanos e incluso la Muerte luchan por entrar en una pequeña parte del más allá, un lugar llamado Elysian. Trejo será Kincaid, el líder semimuerto de un grupo de parcas. Busca cadena. Siete episodios.

Viola Davis desarrolla Fast Color, adaptación de la película de 2018 con tres mujeres con superpoderes, para Amazon. Julia Hart y Jordan Horowitz, guionistas de la película, escribirán el piloto.

Amazon desarrolla la serie adaptación de Event Horizon, película de terror de 1997. Producida y dirigida por Adam Wingard (Blair Witch).

Netflix encarga Into the Night, primera serie original de Bélgica, en el que los pasajeros de un vuelo a Bruselas intentan sobrevivir cuando el Sol empieza a destruir todo lo que se cruza en su camino.

Fechas

Defending the Guilty se estrena en BBC Two el 17 de septiembre

Watchmen se estrena en HBO el 20 de octubre.

La segunda temporada de Jack Ryan llega a Amazon el 1 de noviembre

El revival de Mad About You se estrena en Spectrum el 20 de noviembre

Tráilers y promos

Limetown

The Purge - Temporada 2

Defending the Guilty

Monarca

Criminal

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia - Temporada 14

World on Fire

[tripstations]

20 of the world’s best waterfalls: readers’ tips | Travel

Winning tip: Cola de Caballo, Pyrenees, Spain

The aptly named Cola de Caballo (horsetail) cascade is the most spectacular of the many along the Arazas River in the Spanish Pyrenean Ordesa national park. Taking the GR11 upstream from the park’s entrance, a three-hour hike takes you past increasingly dramatic falls. Another kilometre beyond the Cola is the beautifully isolated Góriz mountain refuge hut, where you can enjoy some of Europe’s most unpolluted night skies. The backdrop is the brooding grandeur of Monte Perdido (Lost Mountain) looking down from its 3,300-metre peak, and often you can see giant lammergeiers (also called bearded vultures) circling. To the north, across the French border is Gavarnie, another magnificent waterfall. Alan

Aquafraggia Falls, Lombardy, Italy

Photograph: Francesco Bergamaschi/Getty Images

A couple of weeks ago we went to the Notte delle Cascate festival which sprawls around the foot of the Acquafraggia Falls in the Val Bregaglia near Chiavenna. We sampled local food and wine as we wandered ever closer to the base of the dramatic falls – two tiers and twin streams dropping 130 metres off the valley wall – and found a good viewpoint to spread our blanket on the grass, and wait. There were river pools for kids to play in and lots of pop-up bars for refreshments. All this is the build up to the exciting climax: at 10pm a squad of abseilers, their bodies outlined with lights, slowly descend the falls in the dark. Magical. Martha

Grawa, Austria

Photograph: Getty Images

The Grawa waterfall is on the Wild Water Trail in the Stubai Valley. We travelled there by bus using the Stubai Super Card. Our walking group were the only ones there on a damp, misty morning. The 85-metre-wide waterfall wasn’t even in full flow but it was an awesome, thundering spectacle. When we revisited the next day, it was transformed: a bright, sunny afternoon had framed the waterfall with blue sky and green trees and brought many people out to enjoy the show from the wooden platform and seating. Liz Young

Svartifoss, Iceland

Photograph: Getty Images

One of my most amazing experiences ever was to see the mystical Svartifoss waterfall in Iceland, in the south of Vatnajökull national park. Although this is not the biggest of the Icelandic “fosses”, the magic of the place was palpable. Magnificent octagonal basalt columns that surround Svatrifoss add something special. In the dying light of winter sun, the icy glow of falling glacier water was radiating extraordinary power. The hike to Svartifoss from the visitor centre in Skaftafell takes about 45 minutes each way. Every time I think about Svartifoss, my heart is filled with wonder. Rod L

Every week we ask our readers for recommendations from their travels. A selection of tips will be featured online and may appear in print, and the best entry each week (as chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet) wins a £200 voucher from hotels.com. To enter the latest competition visit the readers’ tips homepage

Søtefossen, Norway

Photograph: Getty Images

If, like me, you’re obsessed with waterfalls, Norway is the promised land. No other country gives more bang for your buck. Unfortunately many of Norway’s cataracts are harnessed for the country’s huge hydroelectric industry. But a hike up the Kinso River bags you four of its finest unharnessed falls culminating in Søtefossen, a giant double leap down the headwall of the Husedalen. You start in Kinsarvik: there’s a bus stop in the village and a car park at the trailhead a few kilometres up the valley. The trail climbs 666 metres, it’s strenuous but the payoff is extraordinary. Michael

Glen Maye, Isle of Man

Photograph: Mark Wallace/Alamy

A small but powerful force, Glen Maye waterfall in the Isle of Man plungesthrough a dramatic, intensely green gorge sheltered by mature woods and clothed in moss, ferns and trailing plants saturated by the river’s breath. When the river is not in full spate, the pool is an unforgettable place to swim – deep, wild, clear and exhilaratingly cold. A spirit of Manx folklore – the Cabbyl-Ushtey (Water Horse) – is said to dwell here. Glen Maye is a 10-minute drive from the western town of Peel. There’s a car park above the glen, from which you can follow the river down through the trees to the beach for a picnic. Elizabeth

Cora Linn, South Lanarkshire

Photograph: Peter Devlin/Alamy

The most magical place in Central Scotland is the Cora Linn at the Falls of Clyde after a heavy rainfall. It can be reached by walking from the historic town of New Lanark via a well-maintained woodland pathway alongside the river where badgers and otters make their home. The falls have impressed and inspired poets and writers for centuries, including Wordsworth, Coleridge, and JMW Turner. The feeling of being miles from anywhere while being midway between Scotland’s major cities is sensational. And when you catch your first sight of the falls the feeling is glorious. Moira

Mill and Whitfield Gill Force, Wensleydale, Yorkshire

Mill Gill Force. Photograph: Mike Kipling Photography/Alamy

Picturesque Askrigg in Wensleydale offers an enchanting five-mile round-trip to two fabulous but unheralded waterfalls, Mill Gill Force and Whitfield Gill Force. Park outside the church (free) and walk through backstreets and then meadows before meeting Mill Gill Beck in its wooded glade. You’ll soon be following the whooshing of the falls, descending to the first in a cavernous gully shrouded by cliffs and trees. Keep going to the even more spectacular Whitfield, before ascending out of the glen and taking a moorland track back to Askrigg, with commanding views over the dale. Refresh at the ancient and atmospheric King’s Arms, with its excellent food, ales, and friendly staff. Daniel Ashman

Baatara Gorge waterfall, Lebanon

Photograph: Alamy

The Cave of Three Bridges near Tannourine village (a 90-minute drive from Beirut) is a primordial wonder. A vertical shaft of icy melt water drops 250 metres through a limestone cave. Over the centuries the water has carved three limestone arcs across the main chamber at the end of a dizzyingly steep gorge. The curved nature of the erosion and abundance of greenery give the impression of an imagined landscape, a sublime rendering of the natural world. The Baatara Gorge can be accessed by trail from the village of Mgharet al-Ghaouaghir and offers an insight into the incredible geology of this tiny, troubled country. Gareth Roberts

Gocta Waterfall, Peru

Photograph: Getty Images

It is well worth the trek to get to this astonishing waterfall. In cloud forest at the edge of the Amazon, in the Chachapoyas region, it is the most beautiful waterfall I’ve ever seen. Locals will tell you it’s the third-highest waterfall in the world (at 771 metres) although experts dispute this because it falls in two drops and it’s rated by the World Waterfall Database as 16th-highest in the world. Whatever its standing, it’s worth the 6km trek, which takes about four hours. The route is generally well-signposted, if a little rugged in parts. It’s also free, unless you want to take up the option of hiring a horse and a guide. Tim Evans

Moconá Falls, Misiones, Argentina

Photograph: Francois-Olivier Dommergues/Alamy

These falls on the Uruguay River dividing Brazil and Argentina are often overlooked by travellers seeking the undoubted majesty of its big brother, Iguazu, 300km away. We visited Moconá Falls when staying at Don Enrique Lodge, about 50km from the falls, after a tip from our hosts. A 4WD taxi down miles of dirt tracks followed by an hour’s rib-boat trip took us to the 3km-long falls. Uniquely, the falls run the length of the river and although only about 20 metres high, they are breathtaking. Moconá translates in the Guarani language as “to swallow everything”, an entirely justified description. Not easy to reach but an unforgettable experience. Also known as the Yucumã Falls, this incredible sight can also be viewed from the Brazilian side. Paul Hammond

Snoqualmie, Washington State, US

Photograph: Getty Images

This is the 82-metre waterfall (about 30 metres taller than Niagara Falls) made famous internationally in the 1990s TV series Twin Peaks. One of the great things, beyond the sheer force of its visual splendour, is that Snoqualmie is accessible by public bus services from downtown Seattle (30 miles) for a few dollars, so you don’t need a hire car to get there. It’s less than a mile woodland hike to the base of the falls from the top (and there are other hikes there too). David Chalton

Sunwapta Falls, Jasper national park, Canada

Photograph: laurenepbath/Getty Images

This is a perfect stopover when driving on the Icefields Parkway. The 18-metre Upper Falls are easily accessed from the car park. The cascading water, partly fed by the Athabasca Glacier, is immensely powerful in spring and early summer when meltwater volumes are at peak. Walk to the centre of the high wooden footbridge that spans the gorge to appreciate the picture-perfect sight of the towering mountains in the background, and the picturesque island of trees just before the falls. Rushing water curves dramatically around both sides of the island. Sunwapta means “turbulent river” in the Stoney First Nation people’s language. A mile’s hike leads you through forest to the Lower Falls. Watch out for bears. Victoria

Kalandula Falls, Angola

Photograph: Alamy

Angola is home to one of Africa’s biggest waterfalls, the Kalendula Falls, boasting an impressive width of 410 metres and a drop of 105 metres. The thundering noise, mist and setting are overwhelming. The best way to experience the falls is by hire car from Luanda, a six-hour drive on fairly rudimentary roads through varied landscapes. Alternatively, travel by train to the regional capital, Malanje, and then drive north for an hour via Lombe and Calandula. Stay at the charming Pousada Calandula (doubles from about £150). The six rooms have incredible views (and the noise) of the waterfall. The falls are best enjoyed from the B&B’s veranda with its bar. Line Nyhagen

Ngare Ndare, Kenya

Photograph: Martin Mwaura/Alamy

Hidden in the middle of a small, community-managed forest reserve in central Kenya, Ngare Ndare is an impossibly pretty set of waterfalls perfect for swimming in. Four amazingly clear pools stretch a kilometre from a cerulean-blue pool fed by melting ice from the slopes of nearby Mount Kenya, past a couple of smaller, steeper pools with myriad jumping opportunities for adrenalin junkies, ending with the largest fall and best swimming spot. It’s a cool 4km hike through shady forest from the main gate. Take a guide – we came across elephants. Clare

Tappiya Falls, Philippines

Photograph: Getty Images

In a valley of the Cordillera mountains, the journey to the Tappiyal Falls involves making your way to the small village of Batad, among the Ifuago rice terraces, a Unesco world heritage site (390km north of Manila). Hiring a local guide costs between £8 and £16 to take you on a trek along the luscious green terraces carving along mountains before a 30-minute descent to the falls. Here, the water plummets 30 metres to a huge, refreshing pool to swim in and wash off the sweat from the hike. Tappiya’s beauty isn’t solely in the falls (stunning as they are), but the journey to get there: to the remote village, the phenomenal terraces, and the tricky descent. Laurence Britton

Nachi, Japan

Photograph: Sean Pavone/Getty Images

The Kumano Kodo pilgrim trail is actually a collection of routes 100km or so south of Osaka. They are among the best and most well-organised of Japanese hikes with wonderful traditional Japanese accommodation and food on route. The gem at the end of the Nakahechi route is the Nachi Falls which, with a drop of 133 metres, is Japan’s most spectacular cascade. Full details from the Kumano Travel Centre. John Thackray

Khe Kem, Vietnam

Photograph: Son Viet

Take a rented moped (about £7) from Con Cuông in the North Central Coast region on a meandering 20km ride through chiseled mountains, alongside rural villages to access the graceful Khe Kem waterfall. |For a £1 entry fee, visitors get access to paths with bamboo rails that guide through the undergrowth towards the foot of the cascade, where a serene pool is surrounded by natural sun-baked stone loungers. Swim directly under the flowing torrent while having your feet gently nibbled by some of Pu Mat park’s fish population. If you’re lucky, as we were, an invitation to join a picnicking local family and share in food, beers and cheers might cap this magnificent experience. Belly

Weeping Wall, Hawaii

Waialeale crater with many waterfalls and green cliffs in Kauai, Hawaii, USA. Photograph: Getty Images

If you take one helicopter trip in your lifetime, let it be around Hawaiian island Kauai. Not only will you feel transported to the opening scene of Jurassic Park, but in one sweep you will see some of the most astonishing and remote landscapes on Earth from an unforgettable vantage. The Waimea Canyon, the towering cliffs of the Nā Pali coastline, the horseshoe reef of Tunnels beach, and the Weeping Wall. Scores of rivulets thousands of feet high fall like tears directly from the misty sky. Set against the emerald background of shield volcano Mount Waialeale: a towering physical beauty from an earlier geological age, this is one of the most astounding sights on the planet. Hiking to the falls is only feasible for experienced adventurers. Sarah croudace

Whangarei Falls, North Island, New Zealand

Photograph: Chandrasekhar Velayudhan/Getty Images

There are bigger, splashier more dramatic Kiwi waterfalls but few are as photogenic as Whangarei Falls. The spectacular 27-metre drop down a basalt cliff is set in a wooded valley. There’s a wonderful loop walk around the falls among the 500-year-old native flora and fauna. The three viewing platforms, picnic spots and well-maintained paths are balanced with the sheer beauty of the place. It’s easily accessible, a 10-minute drive out of Whangarei, with plenty of free parking and toilets. Walks to the falls from the car parks range from 15 minutes to 1.5 hours. Perfect for a picnic and exploring. Phil Lines

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Richard Stott review: Unexpectedly inspiring, heart-wrenchingly moving and unquestionably funny

Richard Stott was born lopsided and years later diagnosed with Poland Sydrome  – a rare birth defect that caused his left hand, arm and chest to be underdeveloped.

As a child, he faced life-changing – and amazingly bizarre – surgery before realising his “gippy hand” was not something that would make life easy for an aspiring actor or a man in his twenties on a first date.

Wretched: A Thing of Quality sees the now 30-year-old highlight the extent of working in an industry that left Richard suffering “signs of body dysmorphia”.

The emerging (quite literally, from his own recycling bin) comedian leads audiences on a rollercoaster of emotion during his one-man theatrical comedy.

Bizarre and eccentric tales and close-to-the-bone dark jokes are interspersed with powerful, flashbacks to childhood trauma and failed auditions that highlight both Stott’s comedic skills and acting prowess.

“Hold up your hands please”, a booming voice says from the abyss, silencing the audience as the young actor reveals his pain, taking crowds back to many a failed audition before transforming into a terrified schoolboy being wheeled into surgery.

Through barrels of laughter and the odd few tears, Stott tells his audience how he eventually came to accept his differences, surprisingly, with the help of a dead stranger at Stonehenge.

1/15 The Soho Theatre

Sara Pascoe’s favourite comedy venue, and with good reason: the Soho Theatre is arguably London’s finest place to see both up-and-coming and established acts. Being a theatre, rather than a comedy club per se, expect to see full sets from individuals rather than bills with a few comics. Its three rooms host all sorts of things, from the latest Edinburgh winners to big names road-testing their latest bits. The standard is reliably excellent: even if you’ve never heard of a comedian, chances are, if they’re playing here, they’ll be worth watching.

2/15 The Comedy Store

Another old favourite, the Comedy Store benefits from being built for purpose: no other venue in London suits stand-up quite so well (and the beer isn’t too ridiculously priced, either). After starting out above a strip club in Soho, this place made its name throughout the eighties by breaking the pioneers in alternative comedy. It’s happy to host mainstream stars these days, and never struggles to draw top acts, but if you can only make one thing, try The Comedy Store Players, old pros whose improvised shows on Wednesdays and Sundays all but guarantee hilarity. Tuesday’s The Cutting Edge is best for those who like topical humour.

3/15 Old Rope at The Phoenix

Old Rope is popular with circuit veterans and newbies alike, so the weekly show usually has a mix of big names, comedy veterans and ones-to-watch. Host Tiff Stevenson leads an evening of new material – yes, lots of jokes given their test run – and it’s given its name for the noose that hangs over the stage. Ironically, this noose is a bit of a life-saver: if the new act is going badly, comics can grab the rope and fall back on old material.

4/15 Knock2bag

Always top value, the Knock2bag nights offer the chance to indulge in the odder end of the comedy spectrum: expect serious helpings of whimsy, eccentricity and surrealism. If you’re looking for something different, this is your place to go.

5/15 Monkey Business Comedy Club

A first-rate comedy club and well worth travelling for. We’d pick the Thursday night over Saturday, but you’ll get a decent show on either day. There’s a mix of big names and up-and-comers, and host Martin Besserman is a pro who’ll keep you laughing in between acts. Of which, there’s often as many as twelve a night, so you’ll get your money’s worth. If one isn’t to your taste, another promises a laugh.

6/15 Banana Cabaret Club

The Banana Cabaret Club hosts a lot of top drawer comics, and is well loved in comedy circles – in part, because they’ve been going a good thirty years and in part because of the man running things, David Vickers, whose had everyone from Eddie Izzard to Stephen K Amos performing. Stars pop-in, and comedy circuit regulars play often, but it’s also on the finest spots to see new talent . No wonder Marcus Brigstocke name-checked it as his favourite London comedy club. Besides, once the two-hour show is done (typically wrapping up around 11pm), DJs strike up and everyone dances till 2am. Splendid.

http://vivivi.co.uk/

7/15 Piccadilly Comedy Club

Hats off to the Piccadilly for keeping comedy cheap: their shows cost £10 at the most, and they do a ‘meal deal’, where you can eat at Tiger Tiger and see the show for £20 all-in. A bargain. Expect a mix of well-known TV regulars alongside the best newcomers on the scene. Line-ups are particularly well thought out here: they don’t just sling together anyone, so the nights tend to be uniformly excellent.

8/15 Leicester Square Theatre

The Leicester Square Theatre draws the big names, so expect to see top flight acts: Richard Herring hosts a weekly podcast here on Wednesdays, and the likes of Bridget Christie, Micky Flanagan and Frankie Boyle all make it a stopping point on their tours. That said, check the website for what’s upcoming – there are chance to see some under-the-radar sets too.

9/15 Live at Zédel

The excellent Brasserie Zédel – whose Bar Americain is one of the finest drinking spots in the capital – relaunched Crazy Coqs as Live At Zédel last year and following a successful first run, are launching their second season. Besides comedy – the standard is usually very decent – they also host musical theatre and drag acts. The cocktails are terrific and there’s at-table service. Eat in the restaurant beforehand (or after), too: we swung by recently and the food is as good as its ever been. Cheap, too.

10/15 Happy Mondays

This fortnightly show boasts the best new up-and-coming acts in the capital, combined with big name hosts – expect the likes of Miles Jupp, Sara Pascoe and Holly Walsh – who keep the standard up to scratch. Definitely up to par, somewhere to find your new favourite comedian.

11/15 Angel Comedy

Just how a comedy club should be: small, crowded and above a pub. Best of all, it’s free, and each night offers something different, from open-mic nights to well-known names giving their latest sets an airing. Check the website for details, but you won’t be let down – just get down early, as it fills up quickly.

12/15 Ginglik Comedy Club

Following a decade of success in Shepherd’s Bush, this comedy club has found a new home at the ever-popular Roof Gardens. Known as ‘Jimmy Carr’s favourite comedy club’, the Ginglik has had everyone from Al Murray to Robin Williams play, and is set for more success.

13/15 Laugh Out London

The likes of Stewart Lee, Reginald D Hunter and Tony Law play these nights, which gives an idea of just how decent they are. Laugh Out London always do a good job of bringing the highlights from Edinburgh festival to town, so take the chance to see who everyone’s been tweeting about.

14/15 The 99 Club

This Leicester Square club is much, much better than you might expect for a place that continually flyers. A big favourite with the Chortle Awards, it always attracts big names – it runs a little like ‘Live At The Apollo’ but on a smaller scale. There are three acts a night, and shows are fairly priced: some are as cheap as a fiver, though most will cost around £10 – £15. They’ve also got venues in Soho and Covent Garden.

15/15 Live At The Chapel

Bit of a shame that shows here are so few and far between – usually about once a month – but there’s no place more beautiful than the Union Chapel to see comedy in London. The upside is that, with so few performances, they always get the big names headlining, with unfailingly impressive support. Plus there’s usually a live band, who are fab. The atmosphere is everything.

Anthony Devlin/PA Wire

1/15 The Soho Theatre

Sara Pascoe’s favourite comedy venue, and with good reason: the Soho Theatre is arguably London’s finest place to see both up-and-coming and established acts. Being a theatre, rather than a comedy club per se, expect to see full sets from individuals rather than bills with a few comics. Its three rooms host all sorts of things, from the latest Edinburgh winners to big names road-testing their latest bits. The standard is reliably excellent: even if you’ve never heard of a comedian, chances are, if they’re playing here, they’ll be worth watching.

2/15 The Comedy Store

Another old favourite, the Comedy Store benefits from being built for purpose: no other venue in London suits stand-up quite so well (and the beer isn’t too ridiculously priced, either). After starting out above a strip club in Soho, this place made its name throughout the eighties by breaking the pioneers in alternative comedy. It’s happy to host mainstream stars these days, and never struggles to draw top acts, but if you can only make one thing, try The Comedy Store Players, old pros whose improvised shows on Wednesdays and Sundays all but guarantee hilarity. Tuesday’s The Cutting Edge is best for those who like topical humour.

3/15 Old Rope at The Phoenix

Old Rope is popular with circuit veterans and newbies alike, so the weekly show usually has a mix of big names, comedy veterans and ones-to-watch. Host Tiff Stevenson leads an evening of new material – yes, lots of jokes given their test run – and it’s given its name for the noose that hangs over the stage. Ironically, this noose is a bit of a life-saver: if the new act is going badly, comics can grab the rope and fall back on old material.

4/15 Knock2bag

Always top value, the Knock2bag nights offer the chance to indulge in the odder end of the comedy spectrum: expect serious helpings of whimsy, eccentricity and surrealism. If you’re looking for something different, this is your place to go.

5/15 Monkey Business Comedy Club

A first-rate comedy club and well worth travelling for. We’d pick the Thursday night over Saturday, but you’ll get a decent show on either day. There’s a mix of big names and up-and-comers, and host Martin Besserman is a pro who’ll keep you laughing in between acts. Of which, there’s often as many as twelve a night, so you’ll get your money’s worth. If one isn’t to your taste, another promises a laugh.

6/15 Banana Cabaret Club

The Banana Cabaret Club hosts a lot of top drawer comics, and is well loved in comedy circles – in part, because they’ve been going a good thirty years and in part because of the man running things, David Vickers, whose had everyone from Eddie Izzard to Stephen K Amos performing. Stars pop-in, and comedy circuit regulars play often, but it’s also on the finest spots to see new talent . No wonder Marcus Brigstocke name-checked it as his favourite London comedy club. Besides, once the two-hour show is done (typically wrapping up around 11pm), DJs strike up and everyone dances till 2am. Splendid.

http://vivivi.co.uk/

7/15 Piccadilly Comedy Club

Hats off to the Piccadilly for keeping comedy cheap: their shows cost £10 at the most, and they do a ‘meal deal’, where you can eat at Tiger Tiger and see the show for £20 all-in. A bargain. Expect a mix of well-known TV regulars alongside the best newcomers on the scene. Line-ups are particularly well thought out here: they don’t just sling together anyone, so the nights tend to be uniformly excellent.

8/15 Leicester Square Theatre

The Leicester Square Theatre draws the big names, so expect to see top flight acts: Richard Herring hosts a weekly podcast here on Wednesdays, and the likes of Bridget Christie, Micky Flanagan and Frankie Boyle all make it a stopping point on their tours. That said, check the website for what’s upcoming – there are chance to see some under-the-radar sets too.

9/15 Live at Zédel

The excellent Brasserie Zédel – whose Bar Americain is one of the finest drinking spots in the capital – relaunched Crazy Coqs as Live At Zédel last year and following a successful first run, are launching their second season. Besides comedy – the standard is usually very decent – they also host musical theatre and drag acts. The cocktails are terrific and there’s at-table service. Eat in the restaurant beforehand (or after), too: we swung by recently and the food is as good as its ever been. Cheap, too.

10/15 Happy Mondays

This fortnightly show boasts the best new up-and-coming acts in the capital, combined with big name hosts – expect the likes of Miles Jupp, Sara Pascoe and Holly Walsh – who keep the standard up to scratch. Definitely up to par, somewhere to find your new favourite comedian.

11/15 Angel Comedy

Just how a comedy club should be: small, crowded and above a pub. Best of all, it’s free, and each night offers something different, from open-mic nights to well-known names giving their latest sets an airing. Check the website for details, but you won’t be let down – just get down early, as it fills up quickly.

12/15 Ginglik Comedy Club

Following a decade of success in Shepherd’s Bush, this comedy club has found a new home at the ever-popular Roof Gardens. Known as ‘Jimmy Carr’s favourite comedy club’, the Ginglik has had everyone from Al Murray to Robin Williams play, and is set for more success.

13/15 Laugh Out London

The likes of Stewart Lee, Reginald D Hunter and Tony Law play these nights, which gives an idea of just how decent they are. Laugh Out London always do a good job of bringing the highlights from Edinburgh festival to town, so take the chance to see who everyone’s been tweeting about.

14/15 The 99 Club

This Leicester Square club is much, much better than you might expect for a place that continually flyers. A big favourite with the Chortle Awards, it always attracts big names – it runs a little like ‘Live At The Apollo’ but on a smaller scale. There are three acts a night, and shows are fairly priced: some are as cheap as a fiver, though most will cost around £10 – £15. They’ve also got venues in Soho and Covent Garden.

15/15 Live At The Chapel

Bit of a shame that shows here are so few and far between – usually about once a month – but there’s no place more beautiful than the Union Chapel to see comedy in London. The upside is that, with so few performances, they always get the big names headlining, with unfailingly impressive support. Plus there’s usually a live band, who are fab. The atmosphere is everything.

Anthony Devlin/PA Wire

Unexpectedly inspiring, heart-wrenchingly moving and unquestionably funny, Wretched: A Thing of Poor Quality offers a rare insight into the life of a seemingly normal bloke dealing with the callous materialism of the modern world.

Despite being one of just 40 people in London suffering Poland Syndrome – none of whom have apparently seen the show – it is oddly relatable to anyone facing difficulties in life.

Source: https://www.standard.co.uk/go/london/arts/richard-stott-review-unexpectedly-inspiring-heartwrenchingly-moving-and-unquestionably-funny-a3919796.html