#but I still have hope on the power of the Michael squad

[just-an-enby-lemon]

My weirdly specific hope for TMAGP is that we get at least one more Michael for the Michael verse.

[invisibleicewands]

Michael Sheen just performed a new World Cup speech to Wales' stars and it's somehow even better than the original

Michael Sheen has performed a fantastic new rendition of his now iconic World Cup speech to stunned Wales players at their Vale of Glamorgan training base.

Sheen's impromptu speech on sports-comedy panel show A League of Their Own earlier this month rightly went viral after he was asked by host Romesh Ranganathan to deliver a hypothetical pre-match team talk to Wales players ahead of their World Cup encounter with England.

The speech, brimming with passion and delivered with gusto, sent shivers down the spines of every Welsh man, woman and child in the land, as well as many people who aren't from this small corner of the world, which you can read about here.

Wales boss Rob Page admitted that when he first watched the initial speech from A League of Their Own, it made him "well up" and he wanted to get Sheen into camp as soon as possible. And on Monday morning, just hours after Wales were defeated by Poland at Cardiff City Stadium in the Nations League, Sheen entered the camp to deliver yet another spine-tingling new speech.

Port Talbot-born Sheen, an acting icon known for his work in The Queen, The Damned United, Twilight, Frost/Nixon and much, much more, was presented with a Wales jersey, with his name and the number 22 on the back, before he addressed the squad.

"When I did the speech on A League of Their Own, it was specifically for the England game," Sheen began. "But I couldn't come and see you and not give you something to go with.

"My song is the words I speak. So I will try and customise what I did before and give you something to take with you."

Sheen's new rendition was far broader and included nods to the Merthyr Rising and the power of the national anthem. But it was very much centred around the team having the backing of the whole nation when they take the field for that first match in Qatar.

Sheen's speech finished and it left a moment or two of stunned silence around a large conference suite at the team's Vale of Glamorgan training HQ, before rapturous applause broke out.

Sheen was then embraced by Page and Gareth Bale, who presented him with a personalised, commemorative bottle, emblazoned with the words 'Yma o Hyd', before the squad signed his shirt.

Michael Sheen's new speech in full

Yma o hyd, yma o hyd,

I hear the voices singing,

Speed your journey, bois bach,

One nation, singing with one voice,

A song of hope, a song of courage,

A victory song that floats through the valleys, like a red mist,

Rolls over the mountain tops, like crimson thunder,

A red storm is coming to the gates of Qatar,

It sparkles and crackles, with the spirit of '58 and Jimmy Murphy's boys,

It turns the pages of the history books,

And finds Rob's page, waiting, still to be written,

What would you write in there, boys?

Dare you write your names on that page?

64 years and far from home, far from the old land of our fathers,

Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau,

When you are standing there listening to that song of songs start up,

Shoulder to shoulder with the lads in this room,

Team-mates, friends, brothers, princes, all selected by the divine,

When you are standing there, side by side, and that holy song begins,

Close your eyes and feel the breath on the back of your necks,

Because that's every man, woman and child in this old land standing there with you,

At your backs, that's the people of Wales, your people,

Feel their breath quickening with yours,

Hear their blood drumming in your ears,

Pounding through your heart,

Bursting through your chest,

That's the blood of Wales, your blood, red as the ancient book of dreams,

Red as the rising flag of Merthyr,

Red as the great wall of Gwalia,

Because that's what you carry with you, boys,

Across 64 years, across half the span of the world,

It's there, on your chest,

It's there, at your back,

It's there, at your side,

They always say, we are too small, too, slow, too weak, too full of fear,

But yma o hyd, you sons of Speed,

With that red wall around us,

We are still here.

[jessethegoat]

Jesse's first article of WC 2022

it's really interesting to read, so I put it below (Athletic does have awesome articles about football and do subscribe if you can ❤️). Also his thought about Pulisic is very interesting.

I had the perfect seat. Upper deck, front row.

All around me at the sold-out Meadowlands there were people in soccer jerseys. They were singing songs and chanting. I felt like I was in Europe. I was a college student at Princeton University in 1994 when the World Cup came to the U.S. and I remember going to the hotel to pick up my tickets for the semi-final from a Princeton alum, Charlie Stillitano. The whole Italian team was sitting in the lobby drinking espressos, of course. Maldini. Costacurta. Albertini. Baggio.

These guys were my heroes. My coach at Princeton, Bob Bradley, had basically modelled us to play like AC Milan. I knew those Italian players inside and out. And then to be in the stadium watching them play against Hristo Stoitchkov and Bulgaria, to see the fanfare. It was eye-opening for me. It was exciting, the possibility of having that kind of soccer culture back home. We absolutely needed that 1994 World Cup in our country to give our sport a chance. The fact so many people were so excited about it gave us the idea that a league could be successful. It made us dream — even if I never could’ve imagined I’d be team-mates with Stoitchkov just a few years later.

This U.S. men’s national team gives me that same feeling. Inside the business of professional soccer in the U.S., the World Cup has always been a litmus test of where we are in our development of the sport in our country. Outside of the business, for the fans and the public, it’s more about the momentum and overall outlook of the sport. It’s about the potential of where we can go.

When you’re there at the World Cup, you can miss some of that big picture. I remember when Landon Donovan scored that goal against Algeria in South Africa in 2010. In the locker room, we were pumped. I remember the power and excitement of winning the group. Of mentally getting ready for the next match. But the movement back home that it created? We didn’t anticipate that. And then we saw the videos coming out of all of these celebrations in the bars back home.

That’s what the World Cup is about.

And this U.S. team has a chance to be inspiring again. That’s the best thing that can happen for our sport. How the team plays, the tactics, the performance? That’s the litmus test. But we need that momentum. We need a team that’s inspiring.

Certainly one of the talking points around the U.S. team in Qatar is that only one player on the squad (DeAndre Yedlin) has been to the World Cup. It’s a young group that doesn’t know anything about the tournament — what the rhythm is like, the pressure. They’ve played in the youth tournaments, but now they’re on the big stage. I’ve seen some of the quotes from some of the guys this week saying it hasn’t really even sunk in yet that they’re at the World Cup because I think for all of them it’s been a dream.

I know inexperience will be a factor, but I give big credit to U.S. Soccer and to Gregg Berhalter because it would have been easy to keep veteran guys such as Michael Bradley, Brad Guzan and others, players that were and are still very good players, and feel the security of: “They’ve been there. They know what it takes. They’re going to help lead us into the new phase with these young players.” But Gregg and the federation committed entirely to young players and now when you look at it, of course achieving qualification was a must given the fact we missed out in 2018, but if this group can do well in this tournament, you can use it as a springboard for 2026. It was really well done and really well thought-out and it gives us a chance to be better in 2026.

And youth doesn’t have to be a detriment.

One thing for sure is that over the years fearlessness has been the American identity. I think of the 2002 team that went to the quarter-finals; that was a big part of it. They played with total reckless abandonment and belief. That was certainly part of it for us in 2010, when you think about how we fought and battled back in games against England and Slovenia. And of course that late goal against Algeria. There is this identity of fearlessness and belief in U.S. teams, and soon we will see that in this group. They’re too young to be afraid. Too young to know any better.

And then we will see if it can be matched with clarity — in terms of roles, tactics and intensity. That’s the recipe for success in all the games, and certainly against England.

Planning out how to play in a World Cup is not easy. If I’m the manager, I’m asking myself, “All right, based on the opponent and what the games are going to require, what is necessary in the team?” We did this a lot in 2010. We looked at each game, knowing that we were going to have to have some rotation and use our entire squad the right way. We tried to predict what each game was going to look like and then which players would fit the idea of what the game was, what our match plan was going to be and what the match-ups were going to be on the day.

We would have four-hour conversations about two positions. We’d debate options for scenarios: if the game is tight, if we need a goal, if we make formation changes.

Obviously, there are players who are going to play in every game. Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams fit that category. But then you start to analyze things like: is Tim Ream the right guy for a counter-attacking team like Wales? Or is he a little bit better against England, where he knows the team, he knows all of those players and can sit a little bit deeper? He’s clever in the box defending, and then with the ball, he can make good decisions.

In 2010, in four games we wound up using everyone other than Jonathan Spector — 19 of 20 field players. And I think that’s one of the keys: figuring out how to use the arsenal of players you have. I hate talking about football and tactics like it’s a chess match, but sometimes you’re trying to analyze game by game by game. What do you expect each opponent to look like? And who are the best players to use to maximize your potential in that match?

It’s why Ream is a good match for Aaron Long on the roster. Facing Tim in the Premier League, you see he has really developed an intelligence on the pitch, a savviness and an understanding of games. Tim is incredibly good with the ball, but it’s not just that his technical ability is good, it’s that he’s a good decision-maker. When you watch him play week in and week out in the Premier League, he doesn’t make many mistakes because he’s a very intelligent player. He plays to his strengths and he’s good at that. Long has a bigger arsenal to draw on in terms of qualities and athleticism, but he doesn’t have the experience that Tim has. Now you have one player that has a little bit more athleticism and you have one player with a little bit more experience. And the balance of those two could be good.

Walker Zimmerman could be good if the game is requiring two center backs that are gonna have to defend in the box and deal with a lot of crosses and manage a lot of tight spaces and some shots and one-v-ones on the outside of the box. These are some of the decisions Gregg and his staff are going to have to make as they plan out the group.

Against Wales, the U.S. is going to see a team that sits in a low block and looks to hit them in transition with players like Daniel James and Gareth Bale. It will likely be similar against Iran. I always say the reason teams play with a low block is that it’s hard to break down. People like to criticize you when you can’t break those teams down, but when they have a low block, that’s the strategy, right? At Leeds, one of the things that we always talk about against teams like this is finishing plays with shots. We want to finish, obviously, with goals, but we say we want to finish plays with shots on frame because that’s another way to create more corners and more set-piece plays. Those can be the difference in these types of games.

Defensively, when those types of teams have a goal kick or the goalkeeper has the ball in his hands, it’s about coming a little bit deeper and inviting your opponent to try to play more. Some teams won’t bite and they go direct, then you have to be good in second-ball situations. Because at that point, if they push forward and go direct and you’re good in second-ball situations, you have created more space behind the opponent where then you can create quick combinations in midfield and look to play more vertically behind them.

One of the most important strategies, for me, when you’re playing a low block is actually losing the balls in certain areas for counter-pressing, so you can win the ball back and create chances. You have to be good at counter-pressing. Incredibly good.

You also have to be good at rest defense, which is marking the opponents while you are in possession. It is crucial to be disciplined in making sure that their players are not standing free, because the tighter you are when you lose the ball, the less you give them room to get out on the run. It requires an acute awareness that every time you lose the ball, you need complete commitment from every player to make sure that you’re running back, that you’re counter-pressing, that you’re smart about fouls, that you do not allow the team to play into the exact strategy that they want. And you have to be aware of the strategy of the opponent the entire match and understand their strengths and eliminate those possibilities.

Even on attacking set pieces, you often have to literally man-mark their transition players because a lot of times these teams want to be effective off defensive set pieces. When I’ve played Liverpool over the years, I’ve man-marked Mohamed Salah on our corner kicks. You get your fastest, most-disciplined players in those roles. You need guys that take pride in that. It’s one of the beauties of Tyler Adams. He takes pride in not allowing his defensive responsibilities to slip. And you need players that are committed to that — that are disciplined, focused, concentrated on exactly those strategies.

All of these things require a very clean and clear tactical awareness of the entire group at all times, and very clear roles on the day for what’s necessary. When you do that well, you can completely dominate the match. If you’re too loose and your awareness is not good enough, then you can look very vulnerable.

England will obviously be a match where they have the ball a little bit more, which could be good for the U.S. This is one of the things with Leeds, too. We like playing against opponents that want the ball because we’re fast, we have athleticism, we like to press, we like to play with intensity. This U.S. player pool can run. They’re young, they’re fit and they have some talent. And most of them, most importantly, are built with fearlessness. A lot of the guys are playing now in the Premier League or in the Champions League week-in and week-out. These guys know what the level of a game like that is. I think if they can be organized against the ball and in pressing, and if they can be good in set-piece situations, defensive and attacking, that will give them the best chance to get a result in that match.

The forward situation is the trickiest for the U.S., especially in a tournament like this. Berhalter likes to overload the wings and create crossing situations, and to do that you need somebody in the middle who can finish, who runs hard in the box, who knows to find space. In the games in CONCACAF when the U.S. have had a lot of possession and have been able to push teams back, they’ve been able to create chances more from that inverted winger position coming inside and creating combinations and scoring goals that way. But against better competition, I think the two ways that they’ll be looking to score will be from crossing and from transition.

Wales have some really good center backs who are strong defending in the box, and so you have to try to find overloads — creating numerical advantages in specific areas of the field — in order to get into the box.

That’s what will be important for me, whether it’s against Wales or Iran, is that we don’t just look like a bunch of attacking players standing outside the box, that we’re putting pressure on them by putting numbers inside the box. By attacking crosses, flat crosses, by creating combinations in the box, by trying to go one-v-one and get penalties. Those things will be vital and good things to watch for in those matches.

It all comes back to one idea: how can you be really dangerous to score goals? For the U.S. in this World Cup, that will be the big question: where are the goals coming from?

Maybe the answer is a simple one: Pulisic.

One of the most difficult things for me is I don’t know Christian well enough. A big part of uncovering the potential of players is uncovering the potential of the people. You have to get to know players to really unearth the potential of their personality, within what their qualities are as a player. And that’s often the fun for me of being a coach. A lot of times with me it’s young players, but that’s not always the case.

We have Rodrigo at Leeds, and he’s 31 and I’ve even had a conversation with him at one point and said it’s too bad I didn’t know him when he was 18 because I could have helped make him one of the best players in the world — I truly believe that. But in the process at Leeds, we’re still uncovering new potentials for him and he’s committed and adapted incredibly well. But to do that I’ve had to really get to know Rodrigo as a person and what makes him tick. What are his vulnerabilities? What are his insecurities? What things make him stronger? What are the things he likes?

With Christian, I don’t know him well enough, and I’ve said in the past that I would love to get to know him more because I can see that there’s so much potential there. But I often wonder how to tap into it, truly.

If we look at what Christian can bring to the U.S. at this World Cup, from a purely tactical perspective, he’s best in space. So in transition moments and when he can be on the run and use his combination of agility and speed and technical ability, that’s when he’s able to be at his best. That feeds more into the games where the U.S. are able to be a little bit more in pressing phases and are in more transition phases. We could see more of that in the England game.

The key, though, is that Christian has also got to find ways to be dynamic running off the ball in the box, not just being satisfied with wanting to get the ball wide in spaces. What I like to say to attacking players in those situations is that our good players can handle the ball in wide spaces — on the wing or in deeper spaces in the midfield. Our best players need to put themselves in dangerous spots that the other players aren’t as good in. And so that involves being more in and around the box, being in and around the center backs and using your cleverness and ability in tight spaces, using your quick first step and then obviously your finishing ability. If Pulisic can do that, the U.S. will be far more dangerous.

In just a few days, we’ll see which way it goes, but as I think about that first game, I keep coming back to that feeling I had way back in 1994 at the Meadowlands. That feeling of the potential that is there for the sport in our country.

They won’t want to talk about it right now, but in reality, this World Cup is a stepping stone for the team going into 2026. We all want to see the team do really well now, but everyone back home is looking at 2026 and imagining what this can really become when the World Cup comes back to the U.S.

It’s a foolish thing to even say out loud, but can we be contenders at home? To even say that out loud is ridiculous. But we do think this is a golden generation of players. We do think that — on pure potential — this is the best group we’ve ever had. So can they develop and grow in a way where, in three and a half years, they can be talked about as semi-finalists? Finalists?

That is the hope of what 2026 can mean.

Inside the business and outside it, too.

[honeyabyss]

Can you make the characters reacting to MC just... Swearing with alternative swear words because they feel guilty actually swearing? like, instead of F***, they say duck. And instead of sh**, they say sheep or shoot. And etc. Headcanons pls :3 Thx

I struggled a bit with this so it's pretty short, still hope you like it!

Lucifer:

"Do you have the report for Diavolo finished?"

your eyes widened in realization that the deadline was today and you didn't even notice how you 'cursed'

Lucifer just stares at you amused

he will most definitely tease you with it, watch him occasionally use your alternative swear words as well just to fluster you

at one point he will ask you as to why you're using these words as he is curious about your cute habit

will indulge you in ignoring your habit without commenting on it, but he probably will smile whenever you do it

he will absolutely threaten anyone who dares to make fun of you for this...no one is allowed to make fun of you except him

Mammon:

this boy is so confused when you out of nowhere just scream "duck", because you hit your toe at the table leg

like where? he doesn't see a duck?!

you have to explain to him that you just don't like to curse

Mammon probably won't understand why, but will instead 'translate' every time you do it

"Don't worry guys, there isn't an actual duck here...they just curse weird..."

let's be honest though, as weird as he finds it, he will probably start doing it too, it happens subconsciously, because he spends so much time around you

Leviathan:

this co-op game was so not yours, you constantly failed and felt so bad Levi was still trying his best to teach you

you got so frustrated that you let out a string of 'swear words'

that time the game over screen showed, because Levi didn't even try to play, he just stared at you

when you explain what just happened, he instantly gets it

"That's so cute!!! It fits you better than real curse words anyway!"

he'll get so weirdly invested in this, like he'll ask you to repeat the words, because he thinks you look so adorable when you 'curse'

Satan:

you had just accidentally spoiled the ending of a book to Satan and panicked, a 'swear word' slipped you

you expected Satan to be so mad at you, but instead he is really calm and looks at you as if you're the most interesting thing he ever saw

"Could you repeat that? Did you mispronounce it, because I'm sure given the situation you meant to say-"

you explain your little problem of feeling guilty and he thoughtfully nods along

this man is sweet in the weirdest way, he will try to come up with new words for you to curse with so you have more options to choose from

will tease you with it every time you say one though

Asmodeus:

you knock over the nail polish bottle Asmo is currently using and quietly 'curse' while you try to fix the mess and clean up the spilled colour

you won't be able to clean much though, because Asmo traps you in a hug, squeezing your frame while he tells you how cute that was

he won't even ask why you do it, he just accepts it as a part of your personality

"Oh sheep! Lucifer please I didn't mean to have you in the background of my latest Devilgram post really!"

he will use them now too, thinks it fits his beautiful appearance more than using foul swear words

he will hug, coo or pat your head every time you 'swear', it's just too much cuteness coming from you

Beelzebub:

you mumble one while you spill some food, which Beel instantly cleans up for you

he won't even notice it the first time, only later when it happens again and someone else points it out he as well will notice

"Oh you don't like to swear? That's alright, just use whatever you're comfortable with"

sweet boy melting your heart with his never-ending support

he won't say anything more to you 'cursing' but he will have this small smile of understanding

he will go feral if someone makes fun of you though, good luck holding him back

Belphegor:

this brat will laugh so hard, when you yell "duck" while running to RAD, because the both of you overslept

"You're such a weirdo! Just say the actual curse word, it's easy! Repeat after me: fuc-"

he gets stopped by your hand on his mouth and an angry glare

will chuckle but let it slip....for now

will say the actual curse word out loud every time you 'curse'

if it really bothers you, he will stop, but you can't take away his laughing fits, it's just way too amusing to him

Diavolo:

"Is this a human thing? Only you? That's fine, it makes you just even more special!"

you let one accidentally slip, while having tea with him and he changes the topic to curse words for the rest of the day

He is honestly interested in your reasons for feeling guilty, as he never thought of it like that, but will accept it no matter what you choose to answer or not answer in case you want to keep the reasoning to himself

when he is around you, he will make sure curse words are less used, he himself uses them rarely already, as such words aren't exactly eloquent to use as a prince, even as one of hell

he tries to stay serious when you 'curse', but sometimes he can't stop himself from chuckling

he is as well one of the 'make-new-curse-words-up'-squad, a) because he wants help you and has lots of fun trying to be creative and b) because he wants to be able to use 'swear' in front of Barbatos without him noticing (he will catch on though and scold Dia)

Barbatos:

his expressions stays the same, you aren't even sure if he noticed

is he being polite and pretends he didn't notice? Did he already know of your habit? Maybe he actually didn't notice?

whatever it is, you're conversation just keeps going as if nothing has happened

"Shoot..."

yes, Barb just whispered 'shoot' after realizing how late it already was

Barb himself has an image to uphold as a butler, but sometimes curse words aren't avoidable, so he learned to use harmless words as alternatives

he didn't react, because he simply saw it as normal

Solomon:

"Seriously? You're an exchange student in hell, having pacts with seven of the most powerful demons, but use 'sheep' istead of sh*t?"

he is more than amused, and will smirk at you every time

he will also point every 'curse' you say out, like are you sure this is the right word?

he will try to get you to curse and sees it as a game, but will stop and apologize if it makes you angry or uncomfortable

will sometimes use these words as well, but he'll emphasize the word dramatically and look you in the eyes while saying it, just to try and get a reaction from you

he doesn't really care which words you use, he'll be amused either way

Simeon:

he is actually a bit relieved, now he doesn't have to worry about you using curse words in front of his child Luke

"My little lamb use whatever words you want, the most important thing is you're comfortable with it"

prays the demons or Solomon don't rub off their bad influence on you

supports you fully, but wishes you wouldn't have to use alternatives neither

Simeon does not curse! He is an angel!...sometimes he is the very strict author Christopher Peugeot though...and that one can get stressed and might whisper a small curse word

he'll try to learn from you for those rare occasions and use your alternative 'swears'

Luke:

he probably won't get it at first, but with the way Simeon visibly tenses and relaxes after the words left your mouth, he gets curious

you explain that you feel guilty for cursing and therefore use similar sounding yet harmless words

"Well, obviously cursing isn't good! But if you only use these words..it should be okay?"

will startle Barb so hard when he yells 'duck' next time he messes up in their baking session

he will have a serious conversation with Barb, and Simeon...and probably Michael...and you will get scolded as well for teaching an angel to use these words in that way...even though you didn't mean for him to start using them

just be more careful around Luke, and he will try hard to never swear again

[adiwriting]

I’m gonna rant about this, then I’m gonna move on because I have LOVED this season and am trying to trust it’ll end as strong as it started.

But WTF are they doing with the pod squad narratively?

For starters, this entire season the plot has revolved around Max. And yet, continually, Max has little to no involvement with it. He’s sidelined for everyone else. Which would be fine enough if he wasn’t the center of the entire plot. Max was in the pod while we were finding out important information about who he is and where he comes from (you know, the whole character arc started for him last season). Then he’s woken up and it happens off screen, so we miss his reaction to it. This episode, he’s sent away from the action. I would have truly thought that this entire storyline started for Max would have ended with a Max and Jones fight scene. Both equally matched for powers because they share the same DNA… so it ultimately comes down to heart and who has more to fight for. But… that’s not looking to be the case. It doesn’t even seem like Max has the same powers as Jones even though they share genetic code and thus SHOULD. 🤔🤔🤔

Then Michael. Michael has always had telekinesis as a power. We’ve seen it. We were reminded last episode that his tk got him accused of being a demon growing up. He was abused for it. In addition he has new powers in his untapped fire abilities that, thus far, haven’t played into the plot. It makes the most narrative sense that, any task he has to prepare himself for this episode be connected to him unleashing more powerful tk he’s been suppressing his whole life… or tapping into daddy dearest’s powers with fire. Both of which would require him to overcome a believable fear and wouldn’t have come out of nowhere. But no. Instead, we just retconned his powers to give him the ability of mind control because the plot demanded somebody have those powers (which is my next point). Sanders and Michael together was great but… it doesn’t change the fact that the show just slapped that shit together for the sake of furthering the plot, Michael’s character be damned.

Which leads me to Isobel. By and large if ANY character should be able to push fully into another character’s mind to control them, it would be Isobel. And what a great way to bring her character full circle and show how much she’s grown, by confronting her own trauma in one final way. Having her use Noah’s power to fight Jones. Having her fight him and win on a mental level. Letting us see her terror at using Noah’s power would be understandable and would have completely matched her character journey thus far. She could have still been a boss ass bitch fighting Jones in a mindscape. Instead, the show decided of the three aliens, it made the most sense for Isobel to be the one going into hand to hand combat with Jones. Not Max, who would literally be facing his demons by doing so. Not Michael who is Jones son and has considered himself to be “bad” his whole life and could find resolution in victory over jones. But Isobel. Because… Feminism? That’s all I can come up with. They didn’t want to seem sexist, they wanted a cool girl power moment, so they gave a clearly Isobel power to Michael and stole Max’s big fight scene from him to give to Isobel.

Cool. It works. I guess. As a plot? It’s fine enough. But it misses so many narrative opportunities to complete character arcs that had been beautifully set up. But… such is the way with RNM sometimes. Such is the way.

Here’s hoping everything they just set up works better in the next 2 episodes than it worked tonight.

[cosmicclownboy]

hi- why don't you like Maria?

Oh lord.

Where do I even begin with Maria.

Season 1

Makes a joke about Alex's secret relationship being with Wyatt and finding it funny- (Wyatt who is an abusive racist dude who commits hate crimes and bear in mind she knows Alex was abused for being gay) IT'S GROSS.

Speaks about Alex's secret relationship guy being his home to Alex and literally feels his hopefulness because it is part of her alien ability and continues to pursue Michael in s2.

Maria (straight) outs Michael to Liz. That's not okay on any level.

When Liz tells Maria to speak to Alex before doing anything she ignores the advice and does what she wants.

She's really smug about Michael picking/pursuing her like she won.

Season 2

Pursues Michael at a funeral in front of Alex without talking to him.

Makes Michael's loved ones husband funeral about a relationship status

Slut shames a random woman who makes out with Michael when they were never exclusive

Enters a relationship with Michael where he has to be exclusive but she doesn't because she doesn't believe he could be faithful. That's reeks of harmful biphobia stereotypes.

Ignores Alex the whole time UNTIL she needs something.

When she appears at Alex's door she says they are even. AKA comparing Alex not telling her a secret that wasn't his to share to her pursuing the love of his life in front of him without any empathy and ignoring the whole time.

Bitches to Alex about Liz and wanting fuck all to do with her. Alex has to remind her Liz has a dead boyfriend and is struggling cause Maria only has Maria vision and lacks empathy for her 'best friends'.

Uses her mom's laptop to get the scope on Alex/Michael's relationship which reads 100% manipulative. She even says Michael is pushing you away and then proceeds to encourage the narrative where Michael pushes Alex away because she suddenly wants Michael. And of course Alex is supportive she recognises he lacks self worth and rolls over him.

Beginning of 2x06 she tries to set up Forlex to get Alex away from Michael. Once again manipulative.

Tries to make Alex feel guilty for being gay in 206 because when she was a kid she idealised being with him and had to come up with a whole new plan. He grew up in an abusive household you know that....It's not okay to say that. You know how much internalised homophobia he has.

When saying he's had good relationships provides only examples of relationships with women......................HE IS GAY.

Asks him if he would change being gay.......jfc.

Alex tearfully saying he dissociates with women because he clearly forced himself to out of internalised phobia, Maria takes it to mean she has a chance. She thinks she's the exception since a touch starved abuse victim liked to be touched by her in high school. That doesn't = consent.

When Alex, a whole ass Airforce Captain tells her it's unsafe to stay at the creepo's place she acts all I am feminist about it and this results in Alex being stabbed and Michael getting whacked on the head.

Earlier in the episode she whinges to Alex about Michael kissing another woman in front of her and how cruel it was and then proceeds to kiss Michael in front of Alex KNOWING how he feels for Michael.

In THAT scene it's clear she notices Michael's emotions towards Alex and is insecure about it. She uses Malex's feelings for each other to her advantage. She's chasing the fantasy of getting with Alex. These are two highly traumatised queer men who struggle to say no because they spent their lives in abusive environments.

Neither Michael or Alex were in a position to consent to sex that night Michael is concussed from a whack on the head . Alex has lost a lot of blood and is completely out of it. And neither would ever initiate that situation. Not to mention the assumption Michael would be down because he's bi is so harmful as a stereotype.

"I think she’s cool with her decision. She wanted some answers, so subconsciously there was an emotional comfort she needed. But she also had a little bit of an agenda. She needed some decisions made about the status of their relationships, so she thought, “Let’s throw everything against the wall and see where it lands.” I think she was just wondering if they made any progress on that front. She said it was OK for their feelings to be out in the open, but let’s just voice them for what they are. As we saw, Michael stepped up and was like, “No, I still love you and I’m with you.” Secretly, that’s what Maria was hoping for. By suggesting a threesome, she’s was basically telling Michael, “Make your choice… and I hope it’s me.” this is what Heather said about the scene. So not only was it coercive and such but she used her best friend like that with no care or empathy whatsoever. It's disgraceful.

The next day both Michael and Alex are confused by what the fuck happened. Alex due to his C-PTSD completely dissociates from the situation and Michael attempts to laugh it off despite him being hella confused. The only person who isn't confused is Maria who is listening to them from inside.

When Michael comes in she turns on the tears just in case he does want Alex afterwards. Bear in mind she is a psychic who can feel everything and she assumed Michael was going to go after Alex. Doesn't that say it all. SHE KNOWS MICHAEL IS IN LOVE WITH ALEX AND VICE VERSA. She does not care, because at the end of the day this is what she wants. She wants to win. She wants to treat Michael like this trophy that she can show off to people I got the great Michael Guerin not a relationship guy to date me.

When Michael wants to have emotional conversations she shuts it down for sex. The entirety of the relationship it has to be her way or the high way. She also recognises fairly on his abandonment issues and plays upon it, reads manipulative.

When Michael who has lost his mom and brother in the span of a few months asks Maria to be more careful about her abilities she doesn't listen. And ultimately breaks up with Michael when she can't get what she wants from him which is a yes man who will do what she says and isn't the idealised Michael she wants.

Season 3

Shits on Michael any chance she gets. She's so mean to him and he goes out of his way to look out for her.

Is dismissive of her own health despite the fact that everybody goes out of their way to help her. Liz is in California working on a way to help her. Kyle is risking his job.etc

Is fine with Liz, her best friend losing the love of her life to get a vision to prevent a murder. A vision she's only invested in because apparently in it she blames herself.

Is fine with Max or Kyle dealing with the guilt of her death had Michael not saved her.

Shoves Michael and belittles him because he's stronger then her. Infers he just sits on his ass and does nothing therefore does not care about anything....rude. There's also a weird superiority complex that her power is more important then Michaels or any of pod squad for that matter.

Creates a situation that is so bad that Kyle risks his doctors licence to give her adrenaline. Just take an ice bath or something there are a 1000 ways to give yourself adrenaline without risking your life and risking others.

Doesn't thank or acknowledge what Liz is doing for her honey has spent a FULL YEAR of her life trying to help and your just like yeah I'll let her soulmate die for my visions.

Emotionally guilts Isobel for not hanging out with her despite the fact she's hated her for two seasons and now has just randomly decided she wants to know......okay

This idea that Maria is suddenly lonely when she's the second of the main cast (first being Kyle) to have scenes with all the mains by Monday. Literally everyone is there at her beck and call but Maria is lonely??? IT DOESN'T ADD UP. Everyone's up her arse 9/10 how is she lonely everyone expresses concern and care for her ALL THE DAMN TIME. She's also narratively never had scenes that give the connotation that she is lonely. Michael has scenes that connotate he is lonely. Max and Alex do too. Maria has yet to have scenes that give the connotation of feeling lonely or depressed.

Maria comparing the alien siblings to her and feeling left out when she acts superior to them and they are literally siblings. Literally every character is somewhat left out with Pod Squad they've lived their lives assuming it's just them three against the world it's not a personal attack.

Maria is 1/8 alien at best so diluted genetically it doesn't show up and somehow she believes she has the capability of the aliens who are 100%. Say you have French DNA you don't expect to speak French suddenly.

This whole Maria never does wrong narrative and it's empowering that she's doing all of this just feels like a crock of shit tbh.

She reads like a 2000's movie mean girl.

All of my bullet points are why I don't like h Maria and it's not biased because I'm a so and so fan. Narratively she just wins up doing shitty things to Michael and Alex the most.

[taceolsaol]

MAG 100-106

What is even happening anymore??

Okay so in 100 we had the team taking, frankly awful, statements after Jonathan was kidnapped by The Circus.

101

Michael! Is it bad how much I love that weird creature? I mean before (and still) he’s mostly been a mystery and definitely one of the cooler monsters, but his backstory! Poor actual Michael was fucking sacrificed by Gertrude.

Seriously? I understand she was under pressure to stop the end of the world, but that was a cold hearted woman. Michael obviously respected and cared for her and she literally sacrificed him to a monster. It’s weird to hear Michael talk from the perspective of whatever he is now as separate and the same as being Michael the Assistant.

Also, him both taking this opportunity to kill Jon and offering him a better solution than The Circus. And Jon taking him up on the offer!! Then getting saved by Helen because she locked Michael out of his own door. The one time Jon was nice to a statement giver and she eventually comes back to save him as a monster (this is why we don’t burn bridges).

102

Elias is cocky as hell. I cannot believe Jon was kidnapped for a month and he just tries a casual “whoops, my bad.” And he didn’t tell anyone? I mean, I don’t think anyone would have cared except Martin (which Elias didn’t tell him because he would have cares too much <3) but still. What about Georgie? She can’t be happy because to her Jon just vanished! And Melanie with the shitty murder attempts, get it together!

The statement, although gross af, doesn’t feel insanely relevant right now. Although, I’m super jealous of the knowing other languages power.

And his talk with Martin!! They were so akward, but Jon was clearly trying. Checking in on Martin and everyone, even if he has to keep referencing it back to work. Especially him worrying about Martin giving statements! Martin was worried Jon would be jealous and instead he was just worried about his health 😭 Those stupid boys, I love them.

103

The flesh/meat statements are the worst. They aren’t that scary, but they’re disgusting.

The only other thing is Jon getting Daisy to protect the squad. He must be worried for them if he’s going to Daisy! It is fun that Jon is going out to figure out what the hell Gertrude was doing, but also this seems like a bad call.

104

Tim… oh, Tim. This poor guy has been through hell. I’m glad Martin was able to get him to talk and I really hope Tim got the “giving a statement” benefits where people feel better after. I know it was to Martin, but Martin seems to have some Eye powers or something. Obviously not like Jon, but still.

No wonder Tim is so angry about The Circus and not being told. Martin is right though, Tim hasn’t exactly been interested in what they’re researching.

I’m hoping this is a moment that gets Tim going again, because I’m really worried about him. Challenging Elias like that isn’t gonna end well, but I appreciate the passion.

105

This one was so depressing. I mean for obvious reasons. I guess a good reminder that humans can be just as bad as any of the fears all on our own.

It is so cool to have Jon casually speaking Mandarin? with the librarian. And now Jon on his way to America? He’s gonna hate that…

[july-19th-club]

Recap for Roswell: New Mexico S2E10: “American Woman”: tsela vie 

4/5 ⭐s

In “American Woman” we meet two more characters who have been oft mentioned but never seen, though only one of them turns out to (so far) not be involved in one of the many conspiracies or secret-keeping situations that envelop anyone who has ever lived, or known someone who has lived, in Roswell, ever, at any time. One of these people is Diego, the fiance Liz ghosted after a project they were working on got de-funded and she abruptly realized she only liked him when they were working together, panic-fled to her dad’s house, and started the plot of the show. 

The second is the third Manes sibling, Gregory, who is as lean as his brothers are baby-faced and, from what we see of him, significantly better-adjusted than either of them. They have a cordially estranged relationship (when the gang arrives, Alex sets about awkwardly introducing his friends until Gregory reminds him that they all went to the same high school). While Alex and Flint stayed more in their dad’s orbit well into adulthood, Gregory has distanced himself in what seems like a pretty healthy way. He now lives on a Diné rez where the boys’ mother grew up, and to which the gang has road tripped to track down more alien family history.

It’s a relief to me that there are only two major plotlines in this episode - we’ve had a lot of ones recently where the action was scattered across six separate people doing six very different things, which both made the recaps really long and made the action feel crowded. Here, things are more self-contained, and aside from a few instances of weird dialogue, it’s a strong 4-star ep. 

The road trip plot, which begins with a lot of fun Isobel bits and a general sense of excitement - we’re on our way! to learn about ourselves and share a car for hours! - becomes sober as soon as the actual learning about themselves starts to happen. Gregory has been briefed on the parts of the alien backstory that can be reasonably told to him without revealing the alienness, so he shows the siblings around town - first to Louise’s gravesite, then to visit an old man who knew her personally. There’s a little gravestone indicating a child, but that’s only half the story - because the child survived, and was adopted. 

Some of the flowers at Louise’s gravesite are the hard-to-come-by blue ones whose pollen can be used to dampen alien abilities. Of course Michael secretes some (assuming, I imagine, that he won’t have to levitate anything until he can take them out of his pocket). Hmm...little star-shaped flowers...ground stars? Like it fucking says on Maria’s preserved-flower necklace? It takes the characters far longer than you’d think to put this bit together. I can now say my theory about the DeLuca family was 100% correct. Louise, who survived the shootout, was ferried by Tripp to safety and later had a baby girl, Patricia (who would be Roy’s daughter). Patricia grows up, has a baby girl Mimi, who of course grows up to have our very own Maria. With only one alien in her family tree, Maria doesn’t flag medically as extraterrestrial, but there’s enough of Louise in her for a little bit of power. Her great-grandmother couldn’t have known how alien abilities would manifest in a human child, or alter that child’s brain. And we still don’t know why Patty was listed as having been involved in a Caulfield experiment - it’s possible that was just a coverup in order to disguise an even more dangerous truth. 

So our road trippers head home, marinating on what they’ve learned today. While the pod squad think about the past, Alex is encouraged to think about the future. There is a particular kind of stagnating hope that you learn as an adult child of an unstable or abusive parent if you haven’t completely put that parent out of your life. They have less power over you than when you were a child, so you’re able to grant them the benefit of the doubt sometimes, and maybe even try to see them as someone who can be vaguely redeemed. This is the position Alex is in. It’s a shuffle anyone with a similar upbringing will recognize intimately: really, Dad’s been a lot better lately, I mean, he sucked, no doubt about it, but he’s better than he was. Gregory illustrates the other way of coping with the dissonance: If you want to forgive him, go for it, he says, I’ll hate him for you. Neither way is right or wrong - they’re both just responses, that can be healthy or unhealthy depending on the individual. When they manage to push past that Manes machismo for a second and have a fucking hug, it feels like they both really needed it. 

Relatedly, given that we’re visiting a place with strong personal meaning for Alex, I guess I went in expecting more; knowing Jesse he can’t have been the most respectful partner for an indigenous woman, which seems like one out of many good reasons to divorce the man. But what are the boys’ relationships to this side of their family? It looks like Gregory’s the only one for whom it is a part of his daily life, but how does Alex fit it in, if at all? Did it have an impact on the fact that he specialized in codebreaking and encryption in the military? Does he speak much Navajo? Does it occupy the same comfortable-but-not-comfortable mental space as his gayness, or is it more of a positive or a negative or is he simply estranged from it? What about his gung-ho brother Flint? I know I just said that one of this episode’s strengths was the decision not to spread the focus too thin, so I guess what I’m saying is, it’s something I hope gets explored in the future, because to give it more weight in this episode would’ve meant moving Liz’s plot to avoid overcrowding. 

And Liz’s plot is even more sober than the road trip: she’s at the hospital taking her dad to his bloodwork and visiting Jenna, and ICE starts raiding the building. Despite the blatant illegality of ‘detaining people waiting for medical procedures,’ they start hauling people in, including Arturo. From there it’s a cumulative twenty minutes of screentime and several agonizing hours of plot time, Liz alternately panicking and steamrolling in her attempts to be heard, and getting roundly dismissed by people who don’t care that her dad has been a mild-mannered restaurateur for the past thirty years, or that she’s literally got his green card application docs in her purse, or that he doesn’t have his meds. If all this sounds lesson-y or pointed, it’s not. Sometimes even a soapy show needs to spend time in real life, and real life’s terrors. The ICE scare in “American Woman” is the mild, optimistic version of how this stuff works, because Jenna is there and supportive and helpful and uses her whiteness to grease wheels, and the ex-fiance shows up and has strings he can pull, and Arturo’s able to get home that same day, and he doesn’t spend the rest of the show in a concrete cell with a foil blanket and fifty other sardined-in people, or dying of treatable illness in custody. It occurs to me at some point in these proceedings that Michelle, for all the dismissive and rude things she’s said about the Ortechos over the years, absolutely knew their immigration status and never once considered reporting them. 

Just as I appreciated the slower pace, it also pays off to have most of this episode’s content be as grounded and realistic as it is terrifying or saddening. We’re gearing up for the last leg of the season here, and we’ll be in for intense, fantastical plots then; it’s smart to get our commentary on adult adoptees and childhood abuse and human rights in a quiet place where the audience will be able to appreciate it, rather than squeezed in between power battles and government kidnapping schemes. 

And the consequences of today’s two main plots do not leave us ripe for easy resolution. With Diego back in her life, and feeling like she owes him, Liz’s easy relationship with Max seems all too likely to be complicated by the realities of having a past. The stresses of not having a past are wearing away at Max’s new leaf, and he’s angsty and snappish and says he feels completely alone, which there’s no right way for Liz to take. They make up, this time, though, and Max’s jealousy towards Diego reads so admirable that I wish Isobel and Michael were here to needle him into admitting the tiniest sliver of bisexuality. 

And down in the junkyard lab, Michael and Alex have one of their heated little argumentative discussions, because (as I’ve come to consider it) they are simply too fundamentally good at challenging one another. Sometimes this is healthy, and useful - sometimes they just frustrate each other. Today, it’s the latter. Alex’s occasionally savvy investigative juices are flowing, and he wants to see what his dad would do if presented with the alien artifact. Maybe he would lead them to more artifacts - maybe even some of Nora’s work - but as Gregory reminded us, he’s been erring badly on the side of not enough caution about Jesse lately. And no matter how Michael points this out, Alex just reads it as the usual pod squad skittishness, and keeps pushing. He pushes them right into an unwinnable argument at the very root of the distrust and fear and isolation they’ve been living in all their lives, pushes hard enough to get himself pushed right back out the door...and into the waiting arms of an unseen assailant. 

At this point, one thing, to me, became clear: Alex was never meant to ‘go talk to recruits;’ as came up several times in conversation earlier in the episode, to the point where it stopped being background dialogue and became part of the viewer’s pool of potentially relevant stuff. In this case, ‘relevant’ means ‘a fiction that he probably never even questioned’ — and one that gives his captors several days before anyone will think to worry. 

LITTLE STARS ON THE GROUND

Isobel styling her hair in the milkmaid-type braid we see Louise wear a lot in the flashbacks is really a lot, for me, personally, especially since I don’t know if you can clearly see her hairstyle in the one photo they have. The idea of her doing it on accident just busts me up somehow 

Forrest, still constantly squinting in what I think he thinks is a sexy way, asks Michael if Izzy is his girlfriend. “EW?!” “Gross.” “Is that how I present?” Another mark in his disfavor if you ask me 

Michael spends much of the early episode attempting to be the buffer zone between Maria and Isobel’s sniping, and then everything gets both deadly serious and much, much funnier when it becomes clear that Izzy is Maria’s....maternal great-aunt? Something like that, anyway. 

One thing thing that confused me: in the first-season episode “Songs About Texas,” the gang meets a fake faith healer whose mom has some stories about a nonverbal woman who lived on a reservation and whose abilities the faith healer has created a mockup of for her act. I assume now that she was talking about Louise, but I didn’t get the impression that the characters have at all made this connection. 

Harry mentions noticing how Tripp has changed as a person, and Tripp expresses a sentiment Alex echoes at the end of the first season: a gradual disgust with calling oneself a good person while continuing to obey directives without question. We’re slowly getting a picture of a man who spent much of his life echoing the party line while privately working entirely against it. Within the framework of his worldview, which was undoubtedly very different from his dissenting descendant, he still attempted to form his own understanding of right and wrong. 

Trying to suss out the road trip setup: looks like Max is driving (though it’s Izzy’s car), Alex is navigating (because, although he is the smallest of the guys, he’s the one who knows where they’re going so can’t sit in the back), and Michael is crammed in with the Isobel-versus-Maria show (an attempt to keep order, but being too gangly to sit in the middle, doomed to fail). Five-to-six-person trips in minivan or hatchback-sized cars is always a recipe for bitching, no matter how much you all like each other. 

If we wanna talk lines of the episode, they go to Jeanine Mason, as the greatest fear of Liz’s life, one which she says she’s built her life around, finally hits her. 

Michael’s very awkward way of expressing to Isobel that, if she ever did want to have a kid and human procreation wasn’t an option, he would, as a non-biologically-related member of her own species, happily donate toward that goal and how genuinely touched Izzy is. Neither of them are thinking about re-populating their dying alien race, just about the fact that they might want to be parents. It’s honestly quite sweet, if a bit weird. 

[letstalkabouttvshows]

With less than 48 hours for 3x09 to hit our screens, I'll share my thoughts and hopes for Monday's episode of RNM.

Because why not, right?

Jones and Alex

Since I'm still sticking to my theory that the cosmic connection between Michael and Alex will be addressed by the end of the season (and could be all about power), especially now that Jones and Alex's paths seem bound to connect, I hope we get Jones and Alex meeting each other.

I mean, only high expectations for this particular interaction. Can you feel the angst already?

Alex is the one with access to the Lockhardt machine and he's back in Michael's life (was he ever really gone, really?). He's also Tripp's great nephew, it's more than likely for Jones to have a grudge against the Manes' family.

I still believe it's intentional that these two characters haven't met yet. And maybe, the payoff will be worth the wait.

If they don't meet in 3x09, maybe just Jones putting the pieces together of who might be the MVP at the moment.

Max

Poor, poor Max Evans, the most adored vanilla cop.

So much has changed in only a few days. You dying, Max, it's the least of your problems 😂

Max will have a lot of catching up to do and I'm hoping the writers don't take away the pod squad reuniting from us. Fill in the blanks just will not work this time.

A lot of the emotional weight of the new found family dynamic depends on the siblings actually having a moment.

Max it's the clone of Michael's father (!!!) and daddy dictator, well, he's just that, a dictator. Evil, narcissistic, jumping through bodies to be considered immortal, killer Oasian that started a freaking civil war because of power.

Phew! What a person to be a clone of.

I really need to see Max and Michael having a brother bonding moment. Because even though Max is a copy of Jones, he still is Michael's and Isobel's brother.

That will never change. I'm sure Max will need some reassurance of just that.

We need the pod squad to renew their vows to protect each other. ASAP.

Malex

Oh, will we ever be over 3x08? I think I've never rewatched a scene so many times as that last Malex one. Maybe 3x09 can give us even more Malex perfection? Here's to hoping.

I truly want Alex and Michael to keep talking and being clear about what they want when it comes to each other.

Maybe they'll agree to take things slow so they can do things right this time around. I mean, they have a ton in their plates right now. They have a machine to figure out, Max to save and Jones to stop.

It's a lot.

And when I say slow, I mean they'll be together but they will do things differently from before. Talk, date, spent time together. Talk. Did I mention talk? Because talking has proved to be the magic key for Malex realized potential.

The most likely hospital scene with Alex being sick or hurt, has everything to be interesting and compelling and one more step forward for Malex's cosmic story.

I'm excited to see what will get Alex in the hospital and more excited to see how Michael will handle the possibility of Alex being in danger now that he's trying to be less act first, think later.

Kyle

Can Kyle come back already? I miss him and his brains. Also, I want to know more about Ramos. Is he good? Is he bad? Really, what's the story there?

Well, 3x09 might as well live up to the hype considering everything that happened in the last few episodes.

We have 5 episodes until the end of the season, it's that time of getting things on the right track for the last 3.

That we may get surprised on Monday as much as we did almost a week ago.

[facelessfrey]

Roswell New Mexico - Season 3, Episode 11

Definitely not my favorite episode of the season and I continue to be super confused about many things but it had some good moments. 

While I was happy to get Rosa back this week, I hated that we lost Kyle, Alex and Maria (And Greg and Anatsa). What I hate more is that the show just straight up ignores their existence when they’re missing for an episode. Like why not have some follow up to last week and at least have Michael mention having to leave Alex to come meet everyone or something and that he’s going back to Deep Sky or some such. Or maybe he and Kyle are working on another angle or something. Maybe some explanation of where Maria is. Does she have to work? Something? I just hate that they all just don’t exist. 

Also, while I was happy to have Rosa back and involved again, I did not ever need to see Wyatt again. And I completely fail to understand the point of that whole plot tangent. And why was Kyle the only person who ever knew about the Wyatt thing if it was going to be a thing. I feel like Isobel shouldn’t have been surprised. Why don’t these people talk to each other? Sometimes people like Greg just magically know all the alien secrets because they apparently found out off screen and sometimes we get this. And this is why I’m always confused about who knows what because you never know which you’ll get. But really, I just don’t understand the point of Wyatt this season. They magically cured him of his racism so....he could make Rosa feel like she could change? Umm...that’s a bunch of bullshit. So he could distract his family so Isobel could find her sword? Pretty sure it could have been hidden literally anywhere else or the family could have not been around. So he could mail Rosa’s application? Uhh...pretty sure they could have achieved that any other way. I also like the fact that he apparently just left during those episodes he was off screen? Were they going to tell us that? I mean...it clearly doesn’t matter anyway but still...just why was Wyatt a thing at all? Sigh. 

I did at least like seeing Dallas more involved. Although that was a whole lot of exposition he was responsible for explaining, along with Jones to Liz. They have to figure out a better way to do this kind of thing than these massive info dumps late in the season. I mean this was nowhere near as bad as season 2 but still. I did at least like that Dallas wasn’t secretive about maybe needing to kill Max and just straight up told him. And I like that we at least got a tiny bit of Dallas grappling with the whole alien thing in this episode as a follow up to last week. It’d be nice if we saw Max reacting to literally anything going on. How does he feel about Dallas showing up? How does he feel about Jones being Michael’s father? Just...so many things. 

I did at least enjoy that we briefly got the og pod squad back at the end there when they were going to take down Jones. That was nice. And that they were both understanding of Michael admitting his abilities. 

Speaking of Michael, his scene with Sanders was of course my favorite of the episode. I really wish we got more of Sanders all the time. I just want more of him and more of Arturo. Give these characters their dad figures damnit. They clearly need them. Sanders was great in that scene with Michael. Also made me really wish we got that conversation Michael referenced when talking to Alex. 

I also liked the scenes with Isobel and Rosa a lot. I really do like their friendship. I hated that it was partly about Wyatt but I did enjoy Rosa’s excitement over Isobel’s new power and just them continuing to support each other. It’s lovely. 

I was kind of a bit bored by Jones laying out his past evil plans and his current ones, which meant the Liz and Heath stuff was also a bit boring. I mean it was fine but I can’t say I was gripped until everyone showed up at the end. 

Isobel looked like a badass with her sword, especially that spinny knee move. 

Jones locking them all in his mind at the end just felt a bit like they were just making up the rules as they went along but uhh...sure, I guess we’ll see where this goes. 

So for next week... 

I hope we’re done forever with this Wyatt nonsense. I hope we get everyone back and no one misses either of these episodes because I’m over that. I still wonder if that whole Maria’s vision plot is going to actually come back because I still don’t get the point of that? Will the Roswell Regiment have any further part to play or was that irrelevant too and merely there to help check some social justice boxes? Will we get to see Anatsa and Greg and get any further insight into their relationships with Isobel and Maria? Will Isobel and Anatsa finally get to kiss? Will Anatsa be a relevant character at all in the end or just randomly there? Will she be back next season? Will anyone acknowledge that Michael and Alex are together? Will Greg and Alex ever have another scene together? Same goes for Kyle and Rosa. Will we ever really find out what the fuck Deep Sky is? Will Ramos be more relevant? Will we be done with Max’s life being in jeopardy after this season? Please? Will anyone actually get killed off? Just...so many questions...

I feel like the final two episodes of a Roswell season usually feel like regular Roswell on crack so I’m a little afraid of next week but we shall see!

(Now I just have to find a way to covertly watch the episodes tuesday morning before forced family socializing...sigh...I hate this double episode thing. Such a bad week for it)

[coffee-n-bagels-comic-universe]

Major Updates to My Weird Idea (that includes my Nightside OCs)

Go check my previous post on this - HERE

This is mainly an update for @schizoauthoress , @the--blackdahlia , @spacelizardtrashboys , @enigmaticandunstable and @piratewithvigor and I personally think @nattinngrst might like this.

I went on a trip to the beach yesterday with my parents and my older brother (who I bored and annoyed with this idea and you'll see some of his influence in this here post)

Anything written in italics is meant to be taken as a joke as you read through this wall of text, sending good vibes as always, hope y'all are doing well.

The show is set in Canadian, Texas (real place: Wikipedia). I'm thinking of this show starting in the mid-to-late 90s (1996/1997).

I've managed to do several things with that weird sitcom idea, so, where to start, how about with the three potential titles:

1 - Neighbourhood Watch

2 - First Call

3 - First Round (Which my brother likes)

Here are some options for bar names, starting with the Cop bar:

1 - The Donut Hole

2 - The Roasted Hog (which my big bro suggested)

3 - The Sherriff's Outpost

And the Biker Bar:

1 - The Handlebar Inn

2 - The Steel Horse Saloon

3 - The Rebel Room

Next on the list of updates: Cast additions, character roles and (Finally after 2 days) Names for Everyone!!

I'll start with the Cop Bar's owner & staff:

Rosalina Asturias 'Rosa' (Played by Billie Martinez) an employee of the local cop bar. Didn't grow up in the town, moved here for work.

Violet Croft (Played by Eli Herne) an employee. Grew up in town, never left, has the hots for one of the guys in the local police.

Sunshine Crawford 'Sunny' (Played by Holly Di Antonio) an employee. Grew up in town, left for college and came back.

Roscoe Power 'Ross' (Played by Jimmy Hart) the loudmouth who owns the bar, grew up in town, used to be a car salesman.

Olesya Pavlovsky 'Olivia' (Played by Penelope Voronin) an employee who grew up in town and has immigrant parents, goes by 'Olivia' because she would rather you don't f*** up her actual name.

Winona Vance (Played by Sam Griffin Silver) an employee who moved here from New York, for unknown reasons, and doesn't really understand the small town, everyone knows everyone lifestyle.

Lavender Whittemore (Played by Victoria Lucifarian) an employee who grew up in England but moved to live in America, settled in Canadian, Texas due to her love of westerns.

Next: The Local Police Squad:

Sergeant Valentine Gautier 'Val' (Played by Bret Hart) recently promoted before the series begins but still on patrol duty, watches over his younger brother.

Corporal Buck Morris 'Buckshot' (Played by Davey Boy Smith) the gun loving corporal of the squad and the only one to have both 'work' and 'home' guns.

Captain Napoleon Cooper 'Crazy Cooper' / 'Captain Crazy' (Played by Jim Neidhart) the police captain, recently reassigned to Canadian, Texas as there were rumours abut him which interfered with his work in his previous location.

Officer Duke Gautier (Played by Owen Hart) the young, recently recruited brother of Sgt Gautier, often put on patrol alone to ensure less arguments, but always checked on by his brother.

Next: The Biker Bar's Staff:

Ozzy Rains (Played by Charles Wright) A biker and member of the staff who grew up just outside of town but loves his fellow staff members like family.

Brock Martel (Played by Henry Godwin) a biker and member of the staff who grew up on a local ranch and loves beer, football and the current Mayor's down-to-Earth style.

Vincent Gore 'Vinnie' (Played by Kane) the owner's son and a known fire loving 'freak' often protected by his surrogate family, the bar staff, Vinnie knows no better than 'ooh, cool looking fire' and must be restrained or have his hands swatted away to stop him burning himself trying to touch campfires.

Raven Knight (Played by Kirby Roussimoff) the only female staff member, but also the girl who does all the tough jobs when needed, has a side business of making and selling artwork, such as portraits to locals, has designed some of the bar staff's tattoos.

Harlow Gore (Played by Paul Bearer) the owner of the bar and a loving father to his son, took Murphy (Undertaker) under his wing when they first met and also treats him, and the rest of staff, like family.

Hunter King (Played by Phineas Godwin) Brock's cousin and a member of staff, taught Raven how to shoot a shotgun and his father owns a local tattoo parlour.

Sequoia Reed (Played by Rikishi) an employee and Frankie's (Yokozuna) cousin, also a surrogate cousin to Raven, having been best friends since childhood. Reed loves his job and his staff family and will defend both at any cost.

Lupe Zapatero (Played by Savio Vega) an employee at the bar and possibly the shortest member of staff, towered over by the tallest staff members but is not any less of a fighter because of his size, a former mechanic who loves nothing more than taking things apart and putting them back together while listening to metal / rock.

Murphy Graves (Played By The Undertaker) Manager of the biker bar and an excellent member of staff, has an outlaw rules vibe, as in he would say to the police "Your jurisdiction ends when you walk in my bar." Very protective of the staff, and the owner.

Frankie Wolf (Played by Yokozuna) the most relaxed and laid-back of the staff, Frankie would prefer to be in the kitchen making potential 'Culinary Masterpieces' as he would call them. Sequoia and Raven's (surrogate) cousin, views his staff mates as family.

Next: The Local Band (Named: Exoskeleton Samurai)/College Students

Quinn Thorn (Played by Jeff Hardy) the bassist to Ros' (Lita) vocals / lead Guitar and older brother Garth's (Matt) Drums, a face paint enthusiast and an English major in college who never seems to find time to study, but always has time to date somehow.

Roz Jerome (Played by Lita) the vocals and lead guitar for the band and an art major who actually studies, dating Garth (Matt) and met Quinn through him. Roz also studies Spanish and French.

Garth Thorn (Played by Matt Hardy) Quinn's older brother and the band's drummer, a major in psychology and a horror movie lover, Roz' boyfriend and almost totally devoted to her, even at the cost of his college work.

Next: The Local Townsfolk of Note:

Mayor Robert Sweet (Played by Jim Duggan) rarely seen, but apparently a good man with good ideas, helps out in volunteer projects and absolutely loves the town. Trying his hardest and people know this, and they love him. (did I meme correctly?)

Rusty Jarvis (Played by Mick Foley) the local hippie who has never left town, somehow managing to know both everything and nothing at the same town. (Very Dude Love with hints of Cactus Jack and Mankind) Does know how to fight when he needs to.

Redd Wayne (Played by 'Sycho' Sid Vicious/Justice) the local baseball/softball star, helps out at the local school/college teaching sports and likes Raven's artwork, he watches her draw when he can, runs the local little league & minor league baseball/softball games.

Earl Black (Played by Steve Austin) the most often seen regular at the biker bar, absolutely loves both the bar and the town, a hardworking guy who has befriended the entire staff (including Harlow and Vinnie) of the biker bar.

Lex Aston (Played by The Rock) a local struggling actor, teaching an acting class to pay the bills and an absolute ladies man, and for that reason he goes to the cop bar, to try and pick up one of the bartenders who works there, often favouring Rosa as she will jokingly flirt back.

Finally (for this section): The Degenerates and Their Benefactors:

Reign Yates (Played by Billy Gunn) Leon's (Road Dogg) best friend, often the getaway driver for the group and a scout for locations, often getting all the info on a place before telling Matty (H.H.H) and Dell (HBK). Often leaves town with Leon to get the heat off them. (and make out in secret)

Zelda Hooper (Played by Chyna) the only female degenerate but possibly the toughest, has a rap sheet as big as her arms, not to be trusted when around the other degenerates as she is usually the actual brains of the operation.

Matty Battle (Played by Hunter Hearst Helmsley) the co-leader of the degenerates, often protected by Zelda or Mark (Kevin Nash). does most of the talking but has the piss taken of him for his looks often by either other degenerates or locals who don't care for the degenerates.

Romeo Colombera (Played by Mike Rotundo/I.R.S) the right hand man of the mysterious benefactor, and often the lawyer for the degenerates as well as a taskmaster for them, telling them what the boss wants done and by what date.

Mark Rake (Played by Kevin Nash/Diesel) the tallest degenerate with a rap sheet as long as his leg, a former bouncer at a now closed nightclub, alongside best friend (and possibly boyfriend) Galo (Scott Hall) and now a bodyguard (when needed) for Matty and Dell (HBK, also boyfriends).

Leon Rose (Played by Road Dogg) best friend of Reign and a scout for the group alongside him. Has found every possible way to piss off other townsfolk and often in the most fights because of it, always on the police's radar for one thing or another and constantly leaving town because of it.

Galo Villalobos (Played by Scott Hall/Razor Ramon) the only (supposedly) Latino degenerate, raised in Canadian, Texas but his parents are from Cuba, Galo is a former nightclub bouncer (alongside Mark) Galo is known (for his ability to give minus fucks) as the most relaxed member of the group.

Dell Pain (Played by Shawn Michaels/HBK) the co-leader alongside Matty, a known flirt with people regardless of gender or sexuality, just to piss them off on some occasions. Dell grew up in town, knowing it like the back of his hand.

Giles Rennell (Played by Ted DiBiase) the mysterious benefactor of the group, bailing them out if needed, he stumbled across the group after seeing a police bulletin and decided to use them to cause enough chaos to guarantee a chance in the next mayoral election.

Zac Noel (Played by X-Pac) the shortest and youngest degenerate, Zac is often treated as the child of the group, being taught how to get away with crimes and trick the police into just letting him go by clerical error and tomfoolery.

Next on my list of updates: Season 1's episode list, episode titles, episode synopses, some spoilers, and the revolving door idea a bit further explained.

Series running order:

Biker bar episode

Cops on Patrol episode

Band/College Students episode

Cop bar episode (yes these are different)

Degenerates episode

(last episode of each season/series only) town meeting/town get-together (E.X: town hall meetings, the town getting together for a sports game or barbeque or restaurant opening)

1x01: Insert Coin to Start: The pilot episode of the series sees the local biker bar of Canadian, Texas installing two, brand new, arcade machines. After leaving for the night, the team finds the bar broken into and both machines missing with no evidence or possible suspects to the robbery. The team finds the machines relatively undamaged in an alleyway nearby. By the end of the episode there's still no suspects. B plot includes an argument between father and son, Harlow and Vincent which ends when Murphy gets involved.

1x02: Hot Pursuit: Newly instated chief of police Chief Cooper [Neidhart] makes changes to the patrol teams before tasking them with looking for any persons involved with (1x01)'s robbery and break-in, leading to a high speed chase later in the episode. B plot includes the squad coming to grips with the new, and much crazier, police chief.

1x03: Making Noise: Local band Exoskeleton Samurai [Team Extreme] are writing new music late at night while Roz [Lita] tries to study for a class the following day but, during a moment of quiet, they hear a break in a couple of doors down and attempt to see who it is. The group get a glimpse of Zac Noel [X-Pac] and Mark Rake [Nash] but not a full glimpse. Now aware of the local degenerates, the band try and forget about it and focus on their own lives until their apartment gets broken into when they're not there.

1x04: Donuts & Beer: The new cop bar opens on the other side of town, serving mainly (both savoury and sweet) bagels and donuts as well as beer (on tap and bottled), the fact it's slightly more risqué gets (both good and bad) attention on the place. Winona Vance [Sam] gets in a fight with Zac Noel [X-Pac] as she's locking up. Winona [Sam] being put in the hospital with a broken arm makes the rest of [Cop Bar]'s staff double down on getting justice for the near break-in.

1x05: Dirty Work: The first episode from the degenerates perspective. The degenerates are just causing general problems for the town without reason because it's fun' but it's quickly losing their interest as the heat on them rises. The end of the episode has Matty Battle [Triple H] receiving a call from 'Mister R' [DiBiase] offering him a deal.

1x06: Blue & Black: A brawl breaks out at [Biker Bar] following whispers that the people who broke in are in the building. The bikers who work at the bar threaten to hurt anyone who works for the rival bar if they try and mess with business while in the biker bar.

1x07: Captain Crazy: A rumour that the current captain was moved location and promoted to smooth over allegations that he may not be fully sane, Officer Duke Gautier [Owen] is determined to find the truth while Sergeant Valentine Gautier [Bret] and Corporal Buck Morris [Davey Boy] are determined to keep the peace and catch the local degenerates.

1x08: Broken Strings: following an argument with an ex girlfriend Quinn Thorn [Jeff] finds his guitar smashed and has to work odd jobs to buy another one (starting a potential series c plot). Garth Thorn [Matt] ends up in a fight with Galo Villalobos [Hall] which ends when Roz Jerome [Lita] smashes a table leg over the back of Galo's [Scott's] head, knocking him out and giving him over to the police.

1x09: Badges & Bottle Tops: Captain Cooper [Neidhart] stops by [cop bar] to talk with owner Roscoe Power [Jimmy Hart]. Meanwhile the Gautier boys [Owen & Bret] interrogate Galo Villalobos [Scott Hall] about what the degenerates are doing and why, getting no information about the mysterious benefactor over than he pays them a lot of money depending on what they do.

1x10: Paid off: The mysterious benefactor 'Mister R' [DiBiase] pays Galo's [Scott's] bail, getting him free for a while but side-lining him too. The benefactor remains hidden in shadow but Matty & Dell [Triple H & HBK] have a meeting with him to discuss money and the next job.

1x11: Written in Ink: the tattooed bikers on the staff encourage regular customer Earl Black [Austin] to get a skull tattoo on his back and even take him with them to the tattoo parlour they frequent, finding it to be burned to the ground with a 'freaks get lost' sign planted in the wreckage. Murphy Graves [Undertaker] dismisses the rumours that the arsonist is the fire fascinated Vincent Gore [Kane] and even gives him an alibi when the cops come looking for answers, putting blame on someone in town who knows about Vinnie's [Kane's] love of fire, which is nearly every person in town.

1x12: Sergeant Heartbreaker: Sergeant Gautier [Bret] is accused of flirting with the staff at [Cop bar] leading to a paid two day leave to get heat off of him while he's ordered to remain at home. Officer Gautier [Owen] and Corporal Morris [Davey Boy] are put on patrol together, leading to a high speed chase of Reign Yates, Leon Rose & Zelda Hooper [Gunn, Road Dogg & Chyna] after witnessing a mugging, assault and graffiti from the trio, the cops eventually lose them down a back road on private Giles Rennell's [DiBiase's] land they would need a warrant for.

1x13: Failing Grade: Quinn's [Jeff's] lack of sleep leads to him getting a fail on an test forcing him to do the semester again. Enraged by this Quinn [Jeff] considers leaving the school but is encouraged to continue following Garth [Matt] ending up in hospital following [1x12]'s assault and mugging on Garth & Roz [Matt & Lita].

1x14: Microphones & Megaphones: [cop bar]'s owner Roscoe Power [Jimmy Hart] installs a stage for local acts in the bar, leading to Violet Croft [Eli] performing later that episode (the closing of the episode into the credits) and the night before the first performance the bar is covered in graffiti, leading to a massive clean up effort from the staff and local volunteers (like Mick Foley & The Rock).

1x15: Trench Warfare: Romeo Colombera [IRS] the benefactor's [DiBiase's] right hand man and go-to lawyer gives the degenerates an list of jobs, run the police chief out of town by the end of the year, run the bikers out of town, and ensure that 'Mister R' [DiBiase] the benefactor wins the next mayoral election.

1x16: Fuelling Up: after closing up [biker bar] Raven Knight [Kirby] narrowly avoids being burned by her motorbike exploding in a ball of fire. Her boss, Harlow Gore [Bearer] tells her to take the week off, leading to her coming into the bar and sitting at the back of the bar, sketching the regular customers and having a long conversation with local sports star Redd Wayne [Sid].

1x17: Brothers in Arms: Together: the Gautier brothers [Bret & Owen] are put on patrol together leading to the arrest of Zelda, Matty & Dell [Chyna, Triple H & HBK] before the trio are bailed out, the brothers interrogate Dell Pain [HBK] (leading to a very 'basic instinct'-esque scene with Shawn in assless chaps and boxer briefs) who gives them no information on their behaviour and why they are doing the things they've done.

1x18: Night Time Fun: the band attends a college party, unknowingly with Zac Noel [X-Pac] also in attendance, leading to the trio being high and drunk and the Thorn brothers [Matt & Jeff] end up in a fight, almost being thrown out of college entirely for their actions the next morning.

1x19: Head or Hart: Violet Croft [Eli] and (officer) Duke Gautier [Owen] meet properly for the first time on a blind date, leading to them walking through the streets of Canadian, Texas at night. The date is quickly ended after Duke [Owen] spots Leon Rose [Road Dogg] spray painting [cop bar] and gives chase after handing Violet [Eli] his number.

1x20: Grunt Work: The degenerates have a group meeting about how to sabotage the town meeting, leading to Rennell [DiBiase] coming out of the shadows to lead the degenerates in a coordinated attack on the town hall. Leading to the degenerates waiting until the town meeting to begin the next day.

1x21: Town Meeting: Mayor Robert Sweet [Duggan] conducts a town meeting, leading to everyone airing their grievances with the degenerates recent spree of activity. At the end of the meeting, paint bombs hidden above the townsfolk go off all at once, covering everyone in bright, almost neon, green paint.

[lovecolibri]

I wouldn't put it past the show to have Maria encourage Malex or try psychic reading Alex's feelings again for redemption, but after s2 that level of caring from her towards either of them just legit doesn't compute in my brain. The Maria from 1x10 who was super in tune with Alex's feelings and what Michael means to him without having to be told and visibly cared about said feelings was erased completely in s2. It feels like your s3 theories require a third personality transplant. And if Michael is drinking less now, we can't even be sure how much they've seen of each other during the missing year. I mean Maria is part alien and Isobel's family but it doesn't look like she was absorbed into the pod squad at all, which I don't particularly want but is also kind of weird. Her powers seem to be strong. They tied her family to Caulfield and the crash but no one really seems to care much. She's doing reckless stuff to explore her powers but neither Liz nor Alex have been around to notice. Based on the s2 synopsis it at least looks like Alex will be too busy with Deep Sky stuff to be helping Maria like last season. It's apparently Kyle's job now. I am also hoping the introduction of her new love interest will steer her away from playing matchmaker. It shouldn't have been Alex's job last season and it's not Maria's job this season.

Yeah, my fear is that they will try to "redeem" her just by having her "help" get Malex back together or encourage one or both of them in some way. And that totally misses the point of why she even needed redemption in the first place! If they aren't going to hold her accountable for being an awful friend to Alex and an unsupportive, rude, domineering girlfriend to Michael (they won't), then I would rather they don't try and half-ass it, or sugar coat her actions by having her start to "apologize" and get told it's fine or she doesn't need to, or have her "make amends" by helping get them back together. You said it, "after s2 that level of caring from her towards either of them just legit doesn't compute". She needs to stay far, far away from both of them, and I will settle for just them not being shown on screen to be spending time with her as friends. They won't go the route of actually holding her accountable, but they don't have to go the route of making them best friends again either.

"It feels like your s3 theories require a third personality transplant. And if Michael is drinking less now, we can't even be sure how much they've seen of each other during the missing year." Yeah, I'm sure we will be getting another personality transplant for her which on the one hand is good because what c*rina was trying to do with her was...not it, but on the other hand it's not going to change or erase anything she's already done so giving her a personality transplant and trying to pretend nothing ever happened is still going to be unsatisfying. And yeah, fingers crossed Michael is spending his time doing other, genius science things instead of being at the bar and hopefully they haven't seen much of each other. I wonder if they are still including Covid as a thing that happened but is in the past which would also mean they didn't see each other which would be okay too.

"it doesn't look like she was absorbed into the pod squad at all, which I don't particularly want but is also kind of weird." I didn't even think about that (because I honestly don't care what is going on with her, and also her being part alien is dumb and doesn't make sense) but yeah it's weird that they pulled Rosa in immediately but not her. I don't want it, but you're right, it's weird. (Not as weird and cringe and Isobel saying their hatred of each other was just "sibling rivalry" as though that's born entirely of genetics and blood relation and not the result of living and growing up together, but still weird.)

"I am also hoping the introduction of her new love interest will steer her away from playing matchmaker. It shouldn't have been Alex's job last season and it's not Maria's job this season." So I had another ask that mentioned her getting a new love interest like it was a fact and apparently it's something Heather mentioned in an interview? (after her 2x06 one and on-going comments about that I blocked her tag so I missed that bit of info) So yeah hopefully that, and Mimi, and her job, and her, ya know, apparently killing herself over these visions will keep her busy enough off to the side that she'll stay away from Alex and Michael. Because no matter what, you're right it shouldn't have been Alex's job and it's sure as hell not hers, especially after last season. I'm just....Worried(TM) that they are going to try and put her with Kyle and my sweet son already has so much on his plate, he doesn't deserve that too, especially after Steph. He is already taking care of literally everyone, but who cares for the caregiver? Not another burnt out caregiver, that's for damn sure.

[neeterloveschenford]

Thoughts on RNM 3x10

Well here we are a day late and a dollar short (they’re killing me having to go in early on Wednesdays). But my lord were we blessed this week! I mean blessed and highly favored!! I can’t believe we are basically watching fanfic come to life. It’s amazing how much goodness we are getting. This is our reward for surviving last season. But I digress. Let’s talk about the best episode of this season! Let’s dive in.

Why you gotta step on Hufflepuff, Heath? Don’t you have any idea how amazing Hufflepuff is? SImmer down son.

I agree with Liz. I dislike the Longhorn tattoo too. (I am from Oklahoma afterall.) But I will not be upset seeing Max naked. He may annoy me most days, but he is a pretty pretty man. And I like how sweet he is with Liz here lately. Apparently this brush with death is making him appreciate the magnificent woman in his life. Growth. It’s a good thing. He’ll probably never completely win me over, but the more naked he is the better. (I’m a simple woman.)

Michael feeding his man! I loved this scene. I love how he just wants to take care of Alex. And I love how Alex wanted more kisses, but Michael had to show off his intelligence. Can’t have the bae thinking we’re not brilliant can we. Alex looked so put out! It was great.

So Anaste and Isobel are cute. Not gonna lie. But it’s too late for me to become invested in them this season. I think she’s just this year’s Forrest to be honest. And there is no way that they are not setting up Kybel. Just the utter joy they have in spending time together. I love them.The way Kyle looked at Isobel when she talked about helping people reminds me of the way that Alex and Max look at Michael and Liz. So I cannot see how they cannot be cosmic. And the way they support each other is fabulous. I think they will have the sweetest love story because it’s not going to be falling super hard super fast. I think Kyle is already starting to realize that he has feelings for Iz. And I think Iz will have a moment like Kyle did last season when Iz propositioned him. She’s going to pursue this relationship with Anaste, then realize she has feelings for Kyle. I can’t wait.

Dallas inadvertently teaching Isobel not to violate people’s minds makes him ok in my book. I like him. I still think Heath’s pretty boring, but we can keep Dallas. I mean, Malex’ll need someone to marry them, why not an alien preacher? And I love the fact that we are seeing him interact with Michael first. Poor Michael is probably the worst choice to stall for time. I just love seeing him try to come up with reasons why he shouldn’t leave.

Sassy Max is funny. Of course he would call it a lightsaber. Makes me wonder if he is an actual Star Wars fan, or if he’s just calling it that because that’s what Michael called the sword.

I’m thinking that we’ve had another instance of things that happen off screen. Kyle was obviously not happy to see Heath. Someone has to have told him that they think Heath was the one who attacked him. Heath had the alien mask on when we saw him, so he wouldn’t have seen his face, and the only other time we’ve seen them iAnd nteract was at Liz’s when Kyle was rubbing the vapor rub on Liz’s chest. Not the type of interaction that would make Kyle freak and lunge for his phone.

I love you Jones, but you need to keep your hands off my Kyle. He’s been through enough! Let my son go!! Also, can’t Liz find a better place to keep her bag of notes? And I’m about done with the sheriff lady. How dare! Arresting sweet Kyle. But look at him trying to protect Isobel! They’re not setting up Kybel at all! Nope.

Seriously Isobel, floating a giant smiley face is not the best way to calm someone down. She’s trying though. I love her no matter what. And Michael baby when will you listen to Alex. He’s the only one who knows how to keep his cool under pressure. Poor Dallas running away.

I love how this confrontation between Malex went compared to the last one they had in Michael’s bunker. They could so easily go down the same path they’ve always taken when they disagree. But they are committed to working things out. They are going to be such a strong couple. I am so excited to see them grow! And Michael listened!!! I’m just so proud of them. They have made so much progress!!

Another Kybel moment! They are going to make me scream if they don’t follow through with this! And you have ice powers was hilarious!!

This was a nice little Echo moment. They are not my favorite. But it was nice to see the hope blossom in Max. I don’t think he’s thought that they would find their way back to each other. So it was nice to see Liz admit that she still loves him. He has something to live for again. Good for you Max.

I still think Heath’s pretty boring. I liked the conversation with Michael and Dallas. They really bonded over their crappy childhoods. I want to see them have a great friendship. I like that they are so similar but have chosen such different paths.

Dear Liz, please learn Jones’ mannerisms. It’s really obvious to anyone that pays attention. That way you won’t have to kiss a megalomaniacal dictator next time.

I like how Kyle says he doesn’t like Max but he still wants to save him. I also really like Theo. I wouldn’t be opposed to a flashback with him in it. I’d really like to learn more about the Triad. Where does that leave Max? Did they look for Dallas back in 1947? So many questions. So many that won’t be answered. So if this equation can make Jones’ reign everlasting, does this mean that Max’s body is immortal?

Never thought I’d feel bad for that sheriff. Maybe she’s going to be like OG Valenti and end up being an ally. Or Isobel will mind scape her. I guess we’ll find out.

Kyle looks so forlorn. And Dallas picked the wrong person to tell that he might have to kill Max. I don't’ care how much smack Kyle talks, he will never let someone kill any of the pod squad. He’s just that good. I also think that the equation in the alien symbols will be something that Alex will figure out. In the OG series, Alex figured out how to translate their language. So I definitely think one of the world’s best hackers could figure it out.

And now we’re getting to the good stuff. This scene was everything I have ever wanted for these two. It was soft, sweet, loving, sexy, and hopeful. They are both so all in with this relationship. I always knew that the moment they were both on the same page, then that would be it. There is no turning back for either one of them. And the fact that they brought back cosmic and the song was chef's kiss! Alex’s face when Michael told him he was home was so emotional. They just love each other so very very much. I have cried every single time I have watched that scene. People at work the next day wanted to know why I was smiling so much. I just can’t believe that we are living in the age of Malex. And the chest kiss. But seriously, can we not let these boys have sex in a real bed? Trust me, things start to hurt after you hit 30. Their backs are not going to like them much longer if they keep this up!

So nitpicky time. There were only two small things that annoyed me in this episode. First was Dallas saying that the Lockhart machine had haunted him for 25 years. If he was 7 when he came out of the pod like the pod squad were, then they would all be 32 now. That adds on at least a year from where we are supposed to be in the timeline. Also, did Michael live with two religious nutcase families? Cause he said he was 9 when he was burned at his exorcism. But he showed Max fresh burns when they were around 13 in the season 1 flashback. I know time means nothing on this show, but if I can remember these things, surely someone on the show should be able to.

Anyhoo, that’s all I’ve got this week. I am now going to go have a small breakdown again about Malex. Hope everyone has a wonderful week! Till next time my lovelies!

[whatthehelltimespell]

Only Time Will Tell: Chapter Twenty-One

Title: Only Time Will Tell

 Chapter 21/? 

Chapter Summary: Everything seems normal until they go in the basement.

Over the next few days, Langdon did not come back to help Michael with learning how to read minds or feel other people's feelings, but Elizabeth had expected that after their small confrontation on the porch. She didn't know if Langdon had changed his mind about Christmas or not, but it was only a few days away, and she knew she wanted to do something for him.

It was true that she hadn't bought him anything; she hadn't bought Michael anything either. She thought the dinner would be enough, and she was going to enjoy having Michael help her. He'd probably like helping too because he'd be able to sample everything, especially the apple pie filling.

The morning after she and Langdon had gotten into it, she woke Michael up around eight and made a small breakfast.

"Hey, Michael?"

"Hm?" He looked up from a bite of egg and toast.

"I'm going to ask you something and I want your honest opinion. Don't just say yes because you think I want you to."

Michael put his fork down and sat up straighter.

"I was wondering how you would feel if I invited Langdon to move in here. I have space in the basement if I move around some stuff."

"He hasn't really acted like he wants to move in here."

"That is true," she admitted. "But I think part of that stems from him thinking we don't want him here. If we provide a place for him, he might start to feel wanted. I'm just wondering because we could start cleaning it out now and then on Christmas we can show him, if he still decides to come. As long as you don't overexert yourself, you can help by using your powers."

Michael perked up a little, but showed concern also, and she knew why. He didn't know if it was smart for him to use his telekinesis without Langdon being there. In fact, Langdon had told them not to, but she trusted Michael to know when too much was enough now.

"I don't mind him being here. I don't think he will hurt us."

"Neither do I. I wouldn't invite him to stay if I did." ----------

They started cleaning the basement that day, but Elizabeth had to work so it was pretty late. She also had to pick up a few crates so they could pack the stuff up first. Michael didn't have to use his powers for that at all, because nothing was too heavy.

Elizabeth was surprised by some of the stuff she found down there – like clothes she'd thought she'd left at home or lost during the move there, but also books from when she was younger and a few photo albums, mostly of her friends and some of her sister – and decided she would go through some of the stuff later. There were even a few boardgames. She'd brought them with her because she'd liked them, not really because she'd had any real thought of playing them.

Maybe now that Michael was living with her, she could teach him to play some of them. He'd probably like them. He actually put a box of games to the side when he found the one that contained boards for checkers and chess, the pieces in a bag along with them. She could play checkers okay, but she sucked at chess. She didn't have the patience for it.

"We can put the games in the closet in your room," she told Michael. "Just go through the ones that you want. Maybe we can give the rest away or something."

They continued going through the basement until around seven, and then they stopped to have dinner, which was frozen pizza. It was something easy and she knew Michael would eat it.

They watched an older movie called Monster Squad about a bunch of kids saving the world from monsters. It was one of Elizabeth's favorites from when she was a kid. Michael liked it but not as much as Harry Potter. Speaking of which, they were almost done with the third book and could soon watch the third movie.

The third movie was Elizabeth's favorite, so she hoped Michael enjoyed it. ---------- Later that night, after Elizabeth was done reading their nightly chapter, Michael brought up something he'd been wondering about since he'd agreed they should ask Langdon to stay with them.

"You won't forget about me if he says yes, will you?"

"What?"

"Well, he will need your help too. Maybe even more than me because he didn't have you to help him before and he's not used to it."

"Michael, I can help you both at the same time. And I could never forget about you."

"You'll still read to me every night?"

"Of course. We still have four books to go. We can't just stop in the middle," she teased. "We'll still talk and play games, and you'll still learn to do new things. The only thing that will be different is that Langdon will be here . . . if he decides to stay."

They had finished the last chapter of the third Harry Potter book. It had been even more drama-filled than the other two, Michael thought. Harry had found out he had a godfather, had found out that said godfather had been the reason his parents had died, and then had found out that that wasn't true at all. His friend, Ron, had had a pet rat named Scabbers, who was actually a wizard that could turn into an animal, and he had been the reason Harry's parents had been killed. It had been interesting, to say the least.

Michael still didn't like Snape or the Dursley's.

Hermione was probably his favorite. She reminded him of Elizabeth a little bit. He could see her being a Hermione when she'd gone to school, smart and clever, resourceful. So of course Hermione was his favorite.

"What's the next book about?" he asked as she got up to put the third one on his shelf.

"Well, I don't want to give anything away, but it's mostly about a tournament that's being held at Hogwarts. There are dragons and mermaids, a maze near the end."

"Dragons are awesome," Michael said. "They can shoot fire out of their mouth."

Elizabeth smiled. "I think I'll stick to dogs and cats. With my luck, I'd be the one it was shooting fire at."

Michael settled more into his bed. "What're we doing tomorrow? The basement still?"

"Probably a little bit. Not all day. We might could drop some of the stuff off at a Goodwill or something, just to get out of the house a little bit."

"That would be good."

"Okay. Good night, Michael."

"Night, Miss Elizabeth." ---------- Once Elizabeth got to her room, she read a few chapters of the Bible, a habit she had formed ever since she'd first begun to read it. It had become part of her routine to read a chapter of the current Harry Potter book to Michael and then go to her room to read the Bible to herself. Now that she knew Michael really was the Anti-Christ – or had been branded as such – she wasn't so sure him hearing the words and having them burn his ears had been in his head at all; the words might actually hurt him.

All she'd gotten from the Bible so far was that there had been just as much if not more war back in Biblical times than there was even now. It was pretty much God's people against everyone else. The wars were mostly about land matters.

There was nothing about how to defeat the entity in her house. There was also nothing about how to help Michael or Langdon. There was, however, a rule about not using witchcraft.

She wasn't sure what Michal was doing was witchcraft. He wasn't casting spells or lighting candles or doing anything outside the abilities he had been born with. It wasn't his fault he could do things other people couldn't.

What Langdon did, however, was probably witchcraft – rituals, summoning the devil – or trying to – time-traveling . . . definitely witchcraft.

It wasn't until after she'd finished reading for the night and was in the bathroom actually getting ready for bed that she began to feel the strange oppressive force that she'd come to know as the entity in her house. It wasn't with her exactly, but she could feel that it was going to become active. It wanted its presence known.

She heard a few thumps coming from near the kitchen so she went to check after she was done with her nightly routine. There was nothing wrong in the kitchen, so she wasn't sure what it was that she had heard.

"Let's not start this again," she said. "I'll even say please if it'll make you go away."

Honestly, it was late and she just wanted to sleep. She didn't receive a reply and nothing seemed out of place, so she went back to her room. She wasn't going to invite trouble in by actually challenging the thing that was haunting her house when it didn't seem to be threatening her or Michael. ---------- The next morning everything seemed normal. Elizabeth got up, fixed breakfast, waking Michael up with the smell of bacon frying. He came in, bed hair all over the place. He plopped into one of the chairs and began rubbing his eyes with the back of his hand.

"Did you sleep well?" she asked.

"I kept hearing things."

"Me too. But no one was attacked, so that's a step up."

Michael gave her a small smile that was interrupted by a fresh-out-of-bed yawn.

"What was it?" he asked.

"I don't know. I got up to check in here, but I didn't see anything that would've caused the noise."

She quickly fried up some eggs as well so they could have bacon and egg sandwiches and then put them on plates after fixing them up. She placed one of the plates in front of Michael and then one at the place she would be sitting.

"You still want to go to Good Will today?"

"Sure." He took a bite of his sandwich and began chewing. After he swallowed, he asked if they could watch the third Harry Potter movie while eating dinner that night.

"Of course," she said. "That's my favorite one."

"I like the second one the best so far," Michael said.

"Wait until you see the hippogriff. It's great."

After breakfast Elizabeth went out just to see what the weather was going to be like. There was a pretty strong breeze going, so it was a little chilly, but nothing major. She'd probably go for a jog later, once they got back from Good Will.

She went back inside, told Michael to go get dressed to go out, and then headed to the basement so she could figure out what exactly they could donate that day. When she opened the door, however, it didn't take long for her to figure out what exactly she'd been hearing the night before.

All the boxes she and Michael had filled up and set up so they could get to them easily were now toppled over and the items had been strown across the floor.

She sighed, feeling only vaguely irritated, and said, "Seriously? Why?"

Didn't the Devil have something better to do with his time? Something other than wrecking her house.

When Michael made his way downstairs, he stopped at the bottom and said, "What happened?"

"Our uninvited guest has made his presence known once again." She shook her head. "You wanna help? You can probably do it faster with your powers than if we did it by hand."

Michael nodded and grinned before stopping and scrunching up his nose. "You don't think it'll make him mad?"

"Do it because it might make him mad."

"I'm not the one he hurts when he gets mad," Michael said softly. "Are you sure?"

She nodded. "We can at least get rid of this stuff today and then he won't be able to make a mess out of it again."

There was still plenty that could be made a mess of, but at least the basement wouldn't have so much clutter once some of it was gone. ---------- Elizabeth and Michael dropped the boxes off as they had planned but they went to a nearby park instead of going straight back home. They hadn't gotten out of the house just to get out in a while – mostly because they didn't think it would be allowed, but Elizabeth was willing to test boundaries because she was pretty sure the entity in her house had already learned that Michael would never do what he wanted if she was ever actually seriously hurt by it.

There was a baseball game going on when they got to the park, but instead of sitting on the bleachers to watch they walked outside the fenced-in area. They paid attention enough to make sure a stray ball wasn't going to come over and hit one of them, but that was it.

They mostly talked about the holiday coming up. She'd already told Michael that she had never really been big on celebrating because her family had never been. Michael had only had a few Christmases to pull memories from, but he remembered presents and food but no real change of atmosphere at Constance's house.

"Did you have a Christmas tree?"

"Yeah. She put the hooks on the ornaments and helped put them on."

"Do you want a tree this year?"

Christmas was only a few days away, so it might be hard finding one, but maybe they could get a smaller one.

"I mean, it might be fun," Michael said. "But we don't have to."

She told him her idea about getting a smaller tree and he seemed okay with it, so once they'd made their way around the fence and back to the parking lot, the got in the car and started off for the store.

Elizabeth was the one who turned the radio on. Michael had never seemed to take an interest in music, but he didn't mind listening to it with her in the car.

A song by Queen came on and she began singing along with it. Michael didn't sing with her – he probably didn't know the song, to be fair – but a big smile formed on his face as he listened and watched her trying to hit notes that she couldn't.

Singing badly was worth it if it made him smile like that. ---------- Michael stuck by Elizabeth when they got to the store. He normally did that anyway, but it was busier than normal, so he stayed as close as he could get to her. Even though he got out more with Elizabeth than he had with his gramma, he still didn't like crowds. Too many people made him nervous and he wasn't sure if it had to do with his age or if he just didn't like being around all the commotion crowds usually brought.

Elizabeth seemed to know exactly where she was going, though, so at least they probably wouldn't have to be there long. The aisles were packed with people, and not all of them had the decency to park their carts on the sides. A lot of people were blocking the middle, so it was like a maze trying to make it to where they wanted to be.

They finally made it to the Christmas tree section and Elizabeth pointed out that they needed just a small tree. There were bigger ones, but Michael pointed out one that was only six feet tall and it had white lights that came with it, already attached. It wouldn't take that much work to decorate it.

Speaking of decorating, Elizabeth let him pick out a few boxes other than the normal baubles that would go on. He picked out a box of bells, a box of candy canes – real ones so they could eat them after they took them back off – and a box of Christmas themed ornaments that came with a few Santa Clauses and a few reindeer.

"Okay, so star or angel?"

Elizabeth was holding one in each hand and Michael pointed to the star. He guessed it didn't really matter. The angel kind of looked like a doll, anyway.

Elizabeth picked up a box of hooks for the ornaments once they had what they wanted.

Having everything they needed, they made their way to the front of the store so Elizabeth could pay for their things. One of the workers helped them with the tree, which was nice, and then once they had been checked through the register Michael helped her take it to the car.

Michael was surprised they didn't have a problem putting the tree box in the car, but it fit in without a problem and then the boxes of ornaments were placed on the floorboard.

"How about we decorate tonight? After dinner and the movie."

He nodded enthusiastically as he agreed that would be the perfect thing for them to do that night.

He wondered how the Christmas tree would look in the living room and where they would put it. He also wondered if Elizabeth would actually have fun doing this since she'd admitted to never really celebrating Christmas before.

[thehopefulsnowflake]

And again here are more theories and opinions about the magnus archives from my brother

The corruption is one of the "four horsemen"

War and conquest are the military ghosts, and the desolation

Famine and pestilence is the buggy bois

Death is the end, duh

The corruption is colonisation basically

Elias is against having a cat, because they are too powerful, he was very serious about this

Centipedes have a masochistic foot fetish, millipedes have a normal one, don't ask

The woman in Dead Woman Walking is just a Zombie

Is the Woman a victim of the Book of Death from MAG 70

Georgie is a ghosty hunty person

Georgie and Melanie don't seem to be afraid of anything

The Italian mountain troops would have known they were being fucked with

More undead

Reminded him sort of the Meat Men

Also reminded him of the buried on the London underground

The mysterious firing squad intrigued him, did all the men that went up the mountain come back to kill him?

Basira is Drax from gotg

She'll randomly appear and no one will know she's there until she speaks

The chuckle brothers origin story, he means Breekon and Hope

Didn't think the circus had anything to do with the stranger

Breekon and Hope are taxidermy

So they're with the stranger

The Stranger is just everything that doesn't fall under something else

The circus was it's own thing

The cult of the lightless flame is it's own thing

The people's Church of the devine host is it's own thing

The circus is just full of people who you don't know, if you do know them that's sad... He was kinda rambling at this point

Is Sarah Baldwin capable of being bored

Why was she working with Melanie?

Do you just take a liking to ghost people

Did you take them over before of after they were eaten.

The Buried is called The London underground

Is it the Fairchild's? Thinks they're about isolation

Thinks it might be a book

The pit could be an Antlion

Thought that the young woman who was eaten by the pit turned into Gertrude

The young man could be, Gerry, Martin, Salesa, young Jon, Elias.

Thinks The stranger is vanilla in terms of gods and monsters.

The stranger is the least interesting.

Thinks all the Stranger wants to do is just summon a god

For some reason he thinks the Dark should be doing more to stop them, because Rayner wouldn't want that to happen

Martin will rap battle the archive to victory, via poetry from Leitners books

The stranger could just be Lego

He's horny for Rayner, his words not mine

Mr. Sandman brought him a dream

Thinks that the Dark at least can get to their gods dimension but choose not to.

If you make everywhere dark does their god appear?

He asked what would happen if two factions tried to summon their god at the same time what would happen

Thinks that all the Avatars /Entities do the same thing.

Breekon and hope have never killed anyone

Maxwell Rayner is a time travelling shadow demon

Mr sandman is like an angry sandy from Rotg

He made this episode unnecessarily kinky

They're just summoning gods

The stranger is remarkably being left alone

Thinks there is no fighting between factions

If anything they're aided

Is the Fairchild's entity already here

Are they working with the other factions

Says he knows whats going to happen because he "knows how these things go"

The Beholding is already on this side and if another God is summoned then it will be booted

Elias killed Gertrude because she was trying to defeat the Beholding and if it was defeated he would turn into the same thing as below the Library in Alexandria

There were three versions of the unknowing that he thought of

Destroying the concept of identity, the unknowing destroys the concept of personality, individuality, and identity. Turning them into Stranger worshipping entities

The angler fish was the thing in the basement at the Taxidermy shop

Stranger just means it couldn't get any stranger

Or it's deliberate parodies of humans

Breekon and Hope were normal people

Salesa, the chuckle brothers, the meat man, the skin walkers, the taxidermist, the manquien, Not-Sasha, the architects, the circus and to some extent the witches are part of the stranger

Magnus is a stranger that took over Elias

He also thinks Elias is just Magnus who found out how to stick around for a while

But Elias isn't the archive god like he first thought

The twisted detergent is Michael's new entity

Michael is like Loki if he didn't have a brother

The stranger is the big bad

Jon is an idiot, he's a bit slow

His second theory for the unknowing is that It's just going to destroy all knowledge revolving the Elder gods, hence the unknowing, the one he thought the least likely

And third, It somehow increases their powers so that the few people that would recognise them, no longer do. Levelling up in short. Thinks it would work for every entity

Doesn't think The Unknowing would be that big of a shift

The circus and the stranger were different because the Circus dealt with the "Freak show"

Thinks Rayner isn't dead

Dust devils

Dirt zombies

Has only made the connection between the Underground, the pit and the dust storm

Was the kid in the car Michael

Was Michael always the Spiral but just really liked working with Gertrude

Michael is the Spiral, he doesn't worship anything

Elias took Gertrude from him, now he's after revenge

Jon should go chill with everyone at the Archive

Jon should have a sword

While you were busy not having a paranoid breakdown I studied the blade

Michael has a crush on Gertrude

He has a granny kink, he is obsessed with making it all kink related

Michael originally gave his powers away to be with Gertrude

Michael took on this form because he could blend in or brag

He's a monster with a thing for Gertrude

Michael wasn't the same Michael as in the tape

Just trying to trick everyone

Lynne Hammond was lying, goes in line with the church of the lightless flame but it didn't happen

Maybe she heard something similar but it didn't actually happen to her, she was just trying to get some money

He actually feels bad for Tim

Tim should run

John Smith was half telling the truth.

People are in the tunnel's but it's not a government conspiracy

Tim doesn't deserve this

You can tell Basira is used to dealing with idiots

Liked that it cut out when Robin Lennox said let me start again, it's like the archive was trying to make it stop

Thinks the archive doesn't care what is being read to it, someone should read it the Lord of the Ringd

The archive is recording the tape recorders not Elias

Get the dog out

Michael was the crying man, he wanted the dog out

He doesn't want to hurt the dog

"Gertrude why did you leave me? I'll get you one day Elias" based on his Michael granny kink theory

Brian Finlinson was the most coherent in terms of links

Thinks that the spiders were actually there, hiding whenever anyone came around

Lynne is lying, John Smith is half telling the truth, Robin Lennox saw Michael having a breakdown, Brian Finlinson was telling the truth

He didn't remember Peter Lukas ever being mentioned before

Already shipping Peter and Elias

Michael is very sensitive

The Fairchild's and the Lukas' are working together

They don't seem to have an interest in the conflict going on between everyone else

The Fairchild's were in aerospace and Lukas was the ships

Still cthulhu

Even space had a cthulhu vibe

The depth of the ocean or the isolation of space

The Lukas and the archive are working together

There are some of these guys that don't want the entities on this side

Likes the power, doesn't want the full on entities here

The Lukas and the Fairchild's are the cthulhus

They're somewhat working with the archive/the beholding

Is Elias actually a Lukas? Decided yes because he and Peter are married

How much do the Lukas have to do with the Beholding

What sort of arrangement do they have?

Nikola was supposed to be part of the circus but there is a difference between the facimalies and the circus

Thinks that the archive burning down would have no downsides for the Beholding.

They'll summon a god and gazing upon it will kill everyone, everyone dies.

As he was now halfway through the series he explained who he thought was in each of these factions

The beholding, Elias, Martin, Tim, basira, daisy, sims, melanie, sasha, Rosie, Gertrude, leitner. Sasha is caught in a time loop...

The stranger, everyone, has no limits, The maniquein, the taxidermy, the circus, skin walkers, grifters bone, breekon and Hope,  angler fish

The desolation, the cult of the lightless flame, Jims pims aka Jude Perry, Agnes,

People's Church of the divine host, Rayner, Rayner have something to do with the German crypt, Rayner Is also not dead

The diggy boys, the buried, Maggie and Gordon from the dump, dig dude from Dig, whatever was going on with the pit, and the dust storm.

Meat, no recurring. The haans that's it.

Buggy boys, spiders, Jane prentiss

Michael, the twisting deceit, the twisting deceit just is Michael, didn't exist before him

The leitners, the witches are using the books, Gérard, Mike crew,

Cthulhu collective, the lukas', the Fairchild's. Both are just isolation, the Fairchild's are all about being alone, the only time the Lukas have turned up are being alone either in space or at sea

The witches, Mary Keay, puzzle witch, have big crossover with the Leitners, they just have some of leitners books

Trevor is his own entity, is he part of the desease and corruption group

The architects, smirke, smirkes apprentice.

Jared is his own thing. Just found a self help book

It's a giant celestial orgy!

Also Came up with a random spinoff comedy again

Slowly the archive collects strange people

Michael, who is mourning Gertrude... Loudly

They found a worm in the tunnel left over from Prentiss

The worm loves gooseberries

That's Elias, we're not sure what he is

Thats the Admiral, it is a cat.... It runs the place

Rayner is sat in the corner giggling

Leitner started a microbrewery in the basement

Serves bud leitner, you can't get leitner than this

[lambourngb]

re: your tags on that one post abt plotholes in rnm: what are the plotholes that make you lose the most sleep?

(this is my main btw, my rnm blog is @curlyguerin )

Hi! Okay... strap in, because there are a lot of little and big things that wiggle into my thoughts and makes me wonder ...am I the only one who couldn't follow that plotline?

In my opinion RNM suffers more from abandoned narratives and continuity errors than plot holes I guess, since we only have 2 seasons, with at least 2 more to go I guess I can hope they come back to these issues... but: [Under the cut plus some spoilers for season 3]

Things I would like explained :

1. What did Jesse Manes fund with family money in 1x08 ? I'm guessing it was surveillance of the town and the search for more aliens that could have escaped the military in 1947-1948. The idea that Jesse funded Caulfield is just laughable to me, along with how he was able to get his Army-assigned son moved from Germany to New Mexico for 5 years and no one noticed?? Caulfield has to be separate from whatever Jesse was doing in Roswell. Clearly there is still an ACTIVE military project focused on aliens because Flint isn't AWOL, Flint also takes Noah's body to Area 51, so where was Jesse in violation of his orders (Alex's threat to Jesse in 1x08 and then shipping him to Niger)? Surveilling citizens and setting up cameras all over town?

2. Did they ever build an Air Force base on the Fosters Homestead Ranch? (1x01-1x02) ...then it's never mentioned again.

3. I am aware I am the only one who cares about this little bit, but the show seemed to set up a narrative in season 1 about the spotlight Roswell shined white victims of crimes - like Katie and Jasmine, that the town of Roswell holds quite a lot of racism regarding justice- vilifying Rosa for over 10 years, ignoring the deaths of people around Ranchero Night, and then Noah kills Wyatt Long's best friend Hank Gibbons in 1x13. I dunno, I was expecting more from Wyatt in season 2 about this than picking a fight with Michael over Mimi's missing persons sheet and showing up with a crossbow in 2x04. And like, there was a theme of people going missing in season 2!! Mimi, Jenna, the weird twins from 2x06, Charlie -- but yet, no closer scrutiny by Sheriff Valenti other than her focus on Max Evans and the story about Mexico- Like this felt not like a plot hole, but a dropped narrative -- to wrap up the fate of Racist Hank in a missing persons sheet in 2x01. To treat him weirdly like all of Noah's other victims (who were women and men of color and poor), but for a few factors like he was white, he had actual lines in the show over a couple of episodes, and he's one of the few townspeople we learn his first and last name still sticks out in my mind as strange. The Doylist explanation is the actor wasn't available for season 2, but the Watson-perspective of this is just someone the in-show universe doesn't care about ...? Okay. I will keep that in mind, and try to ignore the fact that the town of Roswell swings wildly back to caring about white victims again in 2x13 with Jesse Manes.

4. The Alighting from 1x13 - just how far away was it from happening? Noah was ready to stick a sheriff's deputy, the town event planner and Michael (who probably would be been the only one to go missing without much fanfare, except maybe by Alex) into a pod...for how long? Months? Years? What was his endgame? how did he expect to go unnoticed by the town while he waited for his alien salvation/alien UBER to arrive? Could he just mindwarp everyone into forgetting about the pod squad? Since we didn't see any alien ships show up in the six months from 1x13 to 2x13, and no further follow up by any of our heroes about what Noah was babbling about... I'm going to say this should come back into play for season 3, otherwise it's the most egregious plot hole from season 1.

5. Why did Flint want to work with Helena? Jesse had this master plan that Helena knew all about apparently but she never shares the plan with Flint? Jesse never shares this plan with Flint either? Why? As far as I can tell from the plot of season 2, Jesse takes the console piece from Alex, he was going to kill Alex to keep him out of the way, use the console to blow up civilians, he created a paper trail that pointed the finger at Max, and then when everyone knew the truth about aliens, he was going to use HIS atomizer bomb to release the toxin that Charlie had already developed for Project Shepherd to kill all the aliens.... WHY would Flint want to stop that, especially since they fight in 2x11 over how slow Jesse was moving in his plans? Other than objecting to killing Alex, why would Flint turn Alex over to Helena to blackmail Michael into building a second atomizer bomb? He should have just kept Alex out of the way until it was all over and let Jesse proceed with his plans. Flint's desire to work with Helena Ortecho remains a plot hole to me, that is explained in the most flimsy way of he thinks his dad isn't serious about killing all the aliens even though he has the means? And if he takes Alex from Jesse's control so easily, why not steal the bomb Jesse had too?

6. These are more gripes about continuity, not really plot holes, but the fact we have this loose timeline of events but it doesn't match the weather of filming.... Like Heather Hemmens looked so gorgeous in that little silk outfit in 2x01, but she's wandering outside in Dec in Roswell New Mexico looking like that. I get that it was filmed in August/Sept of 2019 but come on... so my main frustration is I have no idea what season and month is supposed to be on screen. Universe timeline says Winter but filming schedule meant it was early fall with still having the heat of summer there...then the show ends in May/June in the universe, but we all know RNM wrapped in Dec 2019/Jan 2020 so they are all bundled up in winter again.

7. Also on continuity, small things like Rosa's birthday being wrong, the fact her astrological sign isn't Pieces for either date, openly letting Greg Manes see Rosa, not seeming to care that Liz's ex-fiance hears that Rosa is alive - like i'm sure her "dead" sister came up in conversation between Liz/Diego

- the show gives us this beautiful conversation with Michael sharing his background with Alex in 1x10, but then Alex completely forgets it in 2x04 by dropping some line like "this is what you do with family" when Michael expresses confusion about a height chart. Also, on the same note- the jabs about the Library being a dive bar, also felt like a drop in continuity because Alex knows that Michael just lost his mom (1x12) , the government IS studying aliens, and his brother is in a pod, so like, he has some very valid reasons to drink if that's what he wanted to do with in his life in early season 2!! but, also he knows Michael is a genius??

- Why Alex never mentions Rosa, Isobel's blackouts/why Michael gave up UNM, or even hint about what happened with his dad in the shed during his conversation with Maria in 2x05 is also beyond bizarre to me. It was an "information" dump conversation that Alex still doesn't share all the information he has about a situation and just ends up looking kind of judgmental in my opinion.

- the truck conversation in 2x06 between Maria and Alex, why Maria prompts a girl's name when Alex says he's never been in a real relationship INSTEAD of addressing the very real elephant in the room, Michael Guerin, that they had a conversation about in 2x05- also feels like a gap in continuity.

8. Science wise- the pathogen that Charlie developed? It was supposed to be so specific that it could kill a leader of Al Quada and all of their direct descendants but leave the rest of the population unharmed. [Which um, that's a war crime, but whatever!] How was Maria affected? the DNA they had at Caulfield to develop it - like, Maria was descended from Louise and Louise lived free. The only person that pathogen SHOULD have affected was Michael (if they used Nora to base it on) Unless you're telling me that there's some protein in "alien dna" that is so specific to aliens, that no other human shares it, but also so completely undetectable that Kyle couldn't find it in Maria's blood... ? I suppose it's possible. I hope we get more explanation about that in season 3. It makes me wonder why Caulfield/Project Shepherd ever let Patty Harris go after she volunteered for some study then, and remained content to just pay her medical bills through a fake insurance company? [But also didn't flag Mimi and all the doctors that Maria took her to???]

9. Michael's hand. I'm going to reserve judgment about this, because some of my salt on this is based on season 3 promo pictures, but I really thought that moment in 2x13 when he takes off his hat, while Alex is singing, you see him without the wrapping on his hand, that maybe he found some peace with Jesse dead and demolishing the shed with Alex. But then it looks like the hand-danna is all over season 3, right up until the finale of season 3, so... was that a mistake in wardrobe AND not a beautiful moment of character growth??? I wish I could extend some grace to RNM about that, but alas... see above for why I have trust issues.

10. Perhaps I wasn't watching season 1 closely, but I thought Noah's madness was brought on by the fact he was stuck in his pod? That it was "lower class travel accommodations" and Isobel's scream at 13 got his attention? I assumed that he stayed in the pod, possessing Isobel on and off, right up until he used her body to kill Rosa in 2008, absorbing enough power to break out. So how did Noah find Jim Valenti so quickly? If it was through Isobel's memories, then why did Jim not immediately have Noah, some random alien approaching him about his recently dead daughter, hauled off to Caulfield? Jim pays $1,000 for Rosa's body, putting her in a pod [Noah's broken pod??] and stores her, waiting for...something? An alien to come along to bring her back. So did Jim know about The Savior? Why would Jim work with Noah and vice versa? Again, I'm hoping we get more about this in season 3.

11. Was there a point of keeping Alex in the Air Force? He arranges a place for them to work on bringing Max back, but I feel like anyone could have done that? Like Isobel had money, she could have rented a storage facility. All of the equipment was borrowed from the hospital, not the military. The information about 1947-1948 was from the drives decoded from Caulfield or the AAR report left by Flint in the Project Shepherd bunker (which again was decommissioned, not an active military installation). I could support the decision if it had provided some richness to the plot or some conflict within the character, neither of which really happened. Alex hacking the government and going undercover in the Air Force to protect Michael is basically fanon. I love that fanon, but alas...

12. Finally, the time jump. What year are we jumping into? 2020? 2021? Why does it make me think none of those questions above will be answered.