#but his character development is only a fun easter egg

[m0thlegs]

Honestly, this is a really strong argument.

I think people tend to overlook this ship, for one because fandom spaces tend to centre men a LOT despite being filled with majority queer people and women (and queer women), and we have the classic case of “fans of a popular mlm ship being weird and feeling the need to dismiss or demonise female characters who feel threatening to their ship that they want to uphold above all else”, nothing new here, fork found in kitchen.

But also, I don’t even think the WRITERS cared that much about Sky, what she meant, and the impact she could’ve had beyond “girl has a crush on a man, then gets fridged twice in the same show because the writers got too scared to develop her as an interesting presence or force in the story beyond her one-sided crush on a prominent male character”, because even in season 1 we were barely shown ANY characterisation for her outside of Viktor, and a lot of observations made about her have been by dedicated fans analysing the tiny details and “blink and you miss it” Easter eggs (which is shit, quite frankly. Like what can be said for the majority of season 2’s writing, Easter eggs are meant for fun side quests, they should NOT be your main source of storytelling or characterisation. I said show don’t tell, not don’t show or tell me anything at all except for frames that show up for a nanosecond. Do better). Other than that though? We had SCRAPS of her, and have mostly only been going off of fanon characterisation since the show can’t be bothered to give it to her themselves.

It’s like to them, she only existed to further his character development, and once she started to become too prominent or interesting of a presence in the story, the writers got scared and killed her off again so she wouldn’t “threaten” the relationship between two men (at least.. that’s my theory. I don’t know their exact thought process but that’s what it feels like to me, based off of what we were shown.). Which is ridiculous, it’s not like you can’t have your cake and eat it too, they could’ve been equally important pieces for Viktor’s narrative, but the writers never gave us a real reason to care about Sky (not that you shouldn’t care anyways, even if the narrative says otherwise); we were never shown much of her motivations, her goals, or a more in-depth look of her personality beyond Viktor, so a lot of fans tend to overlook her for that reason as well, since a lot of people seem to uphold the text as gospel and either can’t or refuse to use their imagination beyond that.

I’m really upset with the treatment of Sky, by both the fans and the writers. She could’ve been such an interesting piece of the story, but nobody seemed to consider that when writing the show, so we’re forced to scrape together bits and pieces and even make up our own to do her justice.

We need to abolish the "Viktor didn't care about Sky" argument. This mandela effect started somewhere god knows where but it's gotten to a point where my eyebrows do the angry bird thing every fucking time someone says it.

1. If he did hallucinate her, that's an insane level of obsession, I'm afraid. Guilt and grief are one thing, building her dream commune is something completely different. Also I'm sorry let's not pretend that guilt and grief are not inherently romantic, they are in their case. He was ready to off himself after she died. There's nothing casual or colleague like in the way Viktor treats Sky post her death. In love with the idea of her or in love with her, it doesnt really matter

2. If he didn't hallucinate her and she was indeed real, then he let her guide him and spent months upon months doing the equivalent of giggling in flowers and holding hands. He again in that case built her project for her and cared for it for her.

3. He wore Jayce's blanket with HER pin. He kept the cog AND the notebook.

Viktor loved them both, it's quite clear when you stop quivering over one ship or the other being more canon. I genuinely dont know how we are all still arguing about it or why as a matter of fact.

Why isn't he allowed to love them both?! Some people act as if THEY are Viktor and their feelings about him are the canonical ones. The rules of fandom state we award him pin of bisexuality until a canon decision is made. That's how it works. If either side doesnt like him being with either Sky or Jayce, then that's frankly an issue that needs looking in and not project onto the others.

Jayce, sky, viktor, mel, get behind me. Baby's first fandom behaviours are ensuing.

I wholeheartedly agree. I love skyvik, I wish people weren’t so crazy over ships in this fandom

[mai-komagata]

i mean we can't get away from kirk in snw

If we are supposing the "main" main characters in this ensemble show are like uhura, spock, la'an, and pike (im basing this on a-plots + prevalence in b plots), then you need to show spock and kirk becoming friends if this keeps going -- not like "oh we drink some times" buddies but like "im fucking ashamed about how much my friendship means to me if im forced to confess this under the influence of space pollen" and that is like 1 year into their 5 year mission.

Like he's taken a year to be like "confiding my its complicated relationship with my friend" level friendship with uhura. Like if you are wondering why they keep bringing kirk in its because SNW just builds on every thing even casually mentioned in TOS and well, this isn't a casually mentioned plot point. And yes, kirk hasn't interacted much with spock, yet. But if that is not the eventual purpose it should have stopped in s1e10. But they need to build him as plausibly hanging out there b/c Spock doesn't like, *seek out* people. La'an went through a journey in this season with him (and that is important for her character! And very well done!), but I'm guessing they specifically chose *him* because it gives him a foothold. Same reason they have Sam on the ship. There will be a limit to Spock's character development if Kirk isn't visiting on occasion in the next few seasons. Just like you couldn't have a Pike show without having Una around -- she is his emotional support officer. And yeah, i love all the other characters, too. I really wish we had more than 10 episodes a season. But that means there are some characters with more a-plots than others. And as long as our main characters are the ones I listed, yeah kirk will be around. But Kirk in of himself is not an a-plot or b-plot character. He is a vehicle for storytelling for the other main characters -- Pike and La'an and Uhura so far (i.e. the other main characters that aren't Spock). but ultimately the camera doesn't follow him -- he isn't himself a pov character. That is why I'm not worried about him but why he needs to be there sometimes (but not always, because he isn't integral for like... Chapel, Una's or M'benga's story. No reason to have them in their episodes).

[giveamadeuschohisownmovie]

Deadpool and Wolverine might actually be the best love letter to Marvel that I’ve seen.

On a meta level, the movie feels like it was written in response to people dismissing the Marvel properties that aren’t the MCU. The MCU is the “Sacred Timeline” while everyone else gets thrown into the trash aka the Void. Wade even tried to become an Avenger because he feels that his life doesn’t matter. Then, Wade gets a chance to join the MCU. Of course, he’s thrilled, but is then told that the rest of his universe is getting destroyed since they lost its “anchor” (aka it lost its relevance). So, Wade decides to fight for his universe.

On a surface level, you can read this movie as a criticism of the MCU in that it’s treating the only stories worth a damn as the ones coming from that universe. But I don’t think that’s the case. I mean, first off, this was made by Marvel Studios. Feige and Co had to sign off on this and a great deal of the plot stems from the Loki show. Second, the movie felt more like it was trying to say that ALL Marvel stories matter. It’s not really criticizing the MCU, it’s criticizing how audiences view the Marvel movies/shows that aren’t the MCU. The “why should I care about this movie if it doesn’t lead to the next Avengers movie” attitude.

That’s why I say this was the best love letter to Marvel I’ve seen. It’s a celebration of the company’s works, both MCU and non-MCU. You can see that from the Easter eggs, the cameos, the nods to the fandom, and the emphasis on forgotten characters getting a chance at redemption. Even the jabs at the company and fanbase feel like they come from a place of love.

But what really sold me on this movie being a love letter to Marvel was the ending. Instead of a tease to a potential De4dpool movie, it was a montage of the development of the Fox Marvel movies (I can’t say X-Men since clips of the Fantastic Four were there). On one side, it’s a touching send-off to the Fox X-Men franchise. On the other side, it felt like a reminder of why people love Marvel to begin with. It’s these people - actors, writers, directors, producers - coming together to make these entertaining stories for us, to bring the comics to life on the big screen. It’s like Ryan Reynolds was telling us to take a step back from all the conspiracy theorizing, nitpicking, and fanbase drama for a couple of hours, that we should just enjoy this Marvel movie as it is.

And it worked. It was genuinely just a fun, awesome movie to watch. If we’re using the MCU-as-a-TV-show-analogy that people love using, Deadpool and Wolverine is the 100th episode that is made dedicated to the fans and celebrating the show as a whole. It’s a fanservice movie done right, one that goes beyond just references and cameos.

[twopoppies]

Hi Gina , Do you have a category for reread fics?How can I find them

Meaning fics I’ve read more than once? I don’t think I’ve ever made one—let me see what I can do.

Hats Off To My Distant Hope by orphan_account (E, 21K) This was such a pleasure to read. The writing feels so effortless as the fic explores the deep emotions of these two characters. They’re stubborn and inarticulate and gentle and passionate and finally, finally open up to each other. I really wish I knew who wrote it because I’d love to read more of their work.

Walk That Mile by purpledaisy (E, 150K) I’ve read this one multiple times and still love it. Their bickering is so realistic, their resistance to their attraction to each other is perfect, the way the author portrays all of their weird quirks and differences but still makes it believable that they’d fall fo reach other is such fun to read….I love this fic.

my heart is breathing for this moment in time by usedtothebeach (E, 160K) Probably my absolute favorite time travel fic. I’ve read it more times than I’d like to admit, and every time I love it more. One of the things I like most is how organically the author weaves in canon events…every little moment is an easter egg without it being so obvious that it pulls you out of the fic. Anyway, this one is so moving and so absorbing, I hope you like it if you give it a try! There’s an 18K companion piece to it as well, but you’ll see the link at the appropriate time when you’re reading the main fic (and when you read the scene that breaks your heart –– in the best possible way –– come and scream at me. You’ll know which one I mean).

Our Lives, Non Fiction by @indiaalphawhiskey (E, 114K) this is, quite literally, the best fic I’ve read in years. It’s so well written, clever, funny, emotional, and sexy. Its draw you in immediately and you’ll end up falling in love with these characters before you know it. Don’t miss this one.

Never Never Never Stop for Anyone (Sheylinsonverse) by aimmyarrowshigh, spibsy (E, 10-work series, 439K)Yes, here I am again, putting this series on a list. Probably 10 people in this fandom like it as much as I do, but I don’t care. I have read all 440K words more than once, and will likely do it a few more times. Yes, it needs editing, but even so…really well written, super sexy (if you like reading BDSM and can handle Larry + someone else), and such interesting character development. One of my favorite things about this fic is how the authors differentiate between the ways the different characters inhabit their Dom and Sub personalities.

Make Your Words A Weapon by HelloAmHere (E, 36K) I love everything this author writes. This one just really hit me hard for whatever reason. Maybe it’s the way they explore Louis’ anxiety and coping mechanisms and pain and the way he pushes people away and protects himself, but also wants someone to push back just a bit and love him despite all of that. And the way Harry is the perfect foil for all of it, while also feeling like a fully developed character himself. Yeah, it’s probably all of that. Plus soul marks!

Pull Me Under by zarah5 (E, 140K) One of the very first fics I read when I came into this fandom…and I’ve read it multiple times since. Zarah’s fics hold up every time. This one has it all, great pacing, ot5 friendship, banter, super sexy smut, etc etc. Plus, Louis being super jealous of Harry’s best friend.

Into The Blue by zarah5 (E, 117K) honestly, I love all of this author’s fics, but I think this is my favorite of theirs. Louis as a flirty scuba instructor? Newly single Harry who just wants a fling? Boys living on other sides of the world who only have a few weeks together? Heartbreak. Hot af smut. OT5 friendship. Please….give me all that shit.

Faking It by TheCellarDoor (M, 46K)This one is so sweet. I loved Harry's internal monologue... his insecurities and thoughts that he'd made Louis uncomfortable because he liked, him made me cry. Louis is so soft and supportive. It’s just a lovely fic.

Remind Me Again by momentofclarity / @gaycousinlarry (E, 29K) Every sentence in this fic is so effortlessly beautiful. I love that the miscommunication between them is done in a totally realistic way. The fight and make up like real people do and that makes the angst more painful and the making up more emotional. One of my favorite authors.

And Touch Me Like You Never by runaway_train (E, 36K) I really enjoyed how this author handled Harry’s confusion and growing attraction and eventual sexuality crisis. That, along with the angst and very sexy smut, made it a really good read.

may we all have a vision now and then by momentofclarity / @gaycousinlarry (M, 4K) This author is one of my favorite writers in this fandom and everything they do is infused with so much delicacy and tenderness. I literally cried through this fic because of how wounded Harry’s character feels. Read it and then treat yourself to their whole AO3 catalogue.

Seeing Blind by zedi (E, 47K) I really liked the way this author gave a twist to both Omega Harry and Alpha Louis’ characteristics. It’s a whole lot of smut and miscommunication and, of course, a happy ending.

Shake Me Down by AGreatPerhaps12 (NR, 209K) this fic will run you through the wringer, but it’s really a great read. I really like the way the author took the boys from enemies to friends to boyfriends, and how we got to see how protective and supportive Louis became towards Harry.

smell the sea, feel the sky by @lightwoodsmagic (E, 16K) This is the perfect summer pining fic. I love that they’re adults and still the same horny, pining fools for each other and it still works. It’s just very sexy, light, and fun.

we can take the long road home by @pinkcords (E, 46K) This was absolutely gorgeous. And it made me cry, damn it. Seriously though, the writing is so beautiful. I loved the characterizations and the way they both showed their vulnerability. I loved the slow pace and the hot smut. I loved this fic.

smile in slow motion by istajmaal (E, 24K) One of my favorite Daddy kink authors, this one is lighthearted and funny while also being super sexy. Plus it’s got great Zouis friendship.

all my love was down on a frozen ground by navigator (E, 16K) This is an old one that I didn’t have bookmarked for some reason. But it’s a favorite and I love everything this author wrote. This is one of those quiet, soft fics with a bit of angst and a lot of internal monologue and gentle conversations. I don’t know, there’s something so touching about it.

Thought The Song Was Sung by 100percentsassy (E, 13K) This is both a famous/not famous and a dating app AU. Plus, older Larry. Plus an author who writes great fic. And this one is just sweet and charming and I really like this one.

the way the storms blow by rbbsbb (E, 22K) What would happen if you walked in on your best friend in the midst of an orgy? Louis finds out and it’s pretty damn hot.

we can take the long way home by eleadore (E, 27K) this one is a canon divergent future fic where Louis is a “carrier” (basically, he would be able to get pregnant) and it’s just SO good. It’s beautifully written (like everything this author does), so well-paced, and I just find the way their developing relationship is written to be so touching and realistic.

The light to guide me home by Star_Henderson / @tommosgun (E, 65K) I don’t know what it is about this fic but I’ve read it so many times and I just really love the instant chemistry, the smut is stupid hot and fuels the character growth, and even with the angst, the whole thing is just lighthearted and sexy.

Speaking of Marvels by navigator, quitter (E, 101K) This was one of the first fics I read in this fandom, but I read it again recently and had forgotten how really wonderful it is. The writing is so lovely and the characters feel so well developed. I especially loved how the authors explored how differently the two of them would respond to their relationship given the different stages of life they were in. It made the romance and the attraction and the angst feel really real.

Constant Debauchery by Blake (E, 19K) Yes, yes, I know. I’ve probably recommended this 10 times. But have you read it yet? Anyway…Edwardian setting, uni ABO (Alpha/Alpha) fic. Gorgeous mood setting, I’ve said before that it reads like an Merchant Ivory film looks…just gorgeous. There’s a similar sense of repression and uncertainty about flouting societal expectations, and a character who appears one way on the surface, but underneath is quite different. I love this one, I’ve read it a number of times.

Lightening Strikes Twice by @dinosaursmate (E, 106K) It’s not often that I read a 100+K fic multiple times, but this one is worth it. It’s one of my favorites from this author, and a favorite all around. It’s an epic love story spanning decades and massive life changes. It’s sexy and well-written, and so touching, and so fulfilling in many ways.

precious little thing by mercutionnotromeo (E, 21K) I’ve read this one so many times…it’s got it all. This time the phone sex operator is Louis, and subby Harry is just beginning to realize his daddy kink.

Good Enough to Eat by objectlesson (E, 7K) This author always does such a good job with depicting young, queer love and the way their characters experience the overwhelm of realizing they’re not straight, realizing the’ve met their Person, pining, and giving in. I love a lot of their fics, but I think this is my favorite of them. Link is to a download.

One day to believe in you by mediaville (E, 8K) another author who always hits it out of the park as far as I’m concerned. This one is super funny and then super sexy. Louis gets cursed and has to tell the truth. No matter what Harry asks him. Read it!

like a bastard on a burning sea by vashtaneradas (NR, 21K) Heartbreaking, perfect writing. So well-written that the fandom hated real-life Harry for a while after this was posted. 😅

These Roads We Stumble Down by onewasturning (E, 18K) I adore this author’s writing and I’ve read this particular one multiple times. It’s just a little melancholy and very sexy and one of those fics that reminds me why I can read about the same two people falling in love 46372 times and never tire of it.

Empty Skies by green_feelings / @greenfeelings (E, 13K) I just started re-reading this the other day and it holds up so well. This author is always a pleasure to read. Their fics just are well plotted and the characters are nicely fleshed out. I loved Perrie as Harry’s bestie, the bitterness and angst is PAINFUL, and the ending feels well earned.

Wild and Unruly by 100percentsassy, gloria_andrews (E, 124K) One of the OG classics in this fandom. If you haven’t read it yet, you’re missing out. It’s just a great, original story. Plus, cowboy Harry, city boy Louis, bad guys to hate, nail biting drama, hot af sexual chemistry and smut, and a super satisfying ending.

Love Is A Rebellious Bird by 100percentsassy, gloria_andrews (E, 135K) Everything about this fic is glorious. I’m always struck by how well the characters are fleshed out, how their behavior lines up with their backstory, how ridiculously hot the chemistry is, and how agonizing the angst is. So yes, no shocker, I cried buckets. Thank god for a happy ending.

Unbelievers by isthatyoularry (E, 137K) High school Au, footie, enemies with benefits, so much sexual tension (and just tension), and really well-developed, complex characters. Most of the conflict in this (and in the companion fic from Harry’s POV) is straight up lack of communication. But, given the age of the characters, it’s forgivable (although sometimes frustrating).

In Dreams by dolce_piccante (M, 24K) This actually might be my favorite of this author’s fics, although I know it’s definitely not the most popular. It’s just soft and romantic and sweet and I’m a sucker for tattoo artist Louis winning over slightly uptight Harry.

Your Name Is Tattooed On My Heart my mcpofife (E, 87K) I reread this one recently and it's truly delightful. The characterizations are so well done. Harry is so endearing (I cried over his heartbreak). And the smut is both hot and really emotional. Love this one.

[remusicals]

Why and how did you come up with the design of The Beard?

(your mascot of course)

Gather round, children, for a tale of Mystery, Wonder, and The Weird Stuff One Does At 2AM! Though I’m suspicious a number of you are already authorities on that last one… 🤨

Before “The Beard” became an RE staple, “The Beard” was a short horror film concocted one autumn at Ithaca College. A student-run horror film festival was fast approaching and, two days from its submission deadline, Nate and I decided we wanted to enter a film of our own.

There were traditionally only two types of horror films screened: blood-and-guts slasher extravaganzas, and arthouse shorts where capitalism and existential dread comprised the bulk of the scares. We wanted to try for a third option: something fun and shlocky, a nonlethal monster movie with a sense of humor. And so, at 2am that night, we dug through our meager costume supplies, looking for the most absurd monster mask we could find.

All we managed to summon was a familiar, shabby yellow wig.

Not only did the short perform well at the film festival (and it even got a rerelease years later on RE with a new soundtrack!), it led us to develop new concepts further exploring The Beard, such as a web game and a recurring cameo on another series. A longer sequel was even tossed around, which depicted The Beard’s origins as an escaped lab specimen, as well as his chaotic war against other destructive abominations a la ‘Freddy vs. Jason’ and ‘Alien vs. Predator.’ Though we ultimately abandoned the sequel, the character persisted.

Eventually, Singachu came along, and with it the opportunity to smuggle in some self-absorbed in-jokes and easter eggs for our newly-developed video game musical series, RANDOM ENCOUNTERS. Hiding The Beard amongst some Pokemon could easily have been a one-off oddity, but fans found this quirky creature intriguing. By his third or fourth cameo, Encounterers had become invested in The Beard and his inexplicable presence in each musical.

Aside from The Beard’s alleged obsession with watching reruns of House, concrete lore remains slim. A short featurette (“Glimpse Into The Beard”) was our sole answer to the growing questions surrounding him, providing only the barest of insight into our enigmatic mascot. After all, a timeline-hopping, multiversal entity is better suited to a flexible existence (one free of pesky concepts like “continuity” and “canon.”)

Despite having little to no apparent connection to either video games or musical numbers, The Beard has become an iconic representative of the harmless nonsense and wholesome antics RE’s videos (and community) embody. We can’t say for sure what will come next for him; only that it will most assuredly be a very random encounter. ❤️

[frayed-at-the-seams]

Favourite Trope: meeting before canon plot starts.

BL dramas where the characters either met as children or before the show plot started. (Will include spoilers for each show).

- Time of Fever.

This drama was beautiful. It portrayed two childhood friends who were separated for two years to then reunite in their late teens.

The show explores how they struggle to adjust to the new people they have become while trying to pick up where their friendship has left off. The introduction of new feelings and the personal struggles each character goes through in relation to this was explored beautifully. There was a real sense of long pining and teen awkwardness that both the actors and the cinematography displayed with effect.

It was a beautiful show that had me clutching at my plushies at frustration over the chemistry between the main characters. You get a real sense of depth in their relationship. There are many layers and history between them that just gives the show a more poignant feel.

Available on KissKH.

- Minato’s Laundromat.

I have mentioned this drama before and I will probably do so again. This is one of my favourite comfort dramas. While a bit cliche and unrealistic and clearly based off a manga, it is still a fun and capturing watch.

This show tells the story of a jaded man in his late twenties and the peace he has found running a laundromat and the young man who is pursuing him. Their dynamic is flirty, teasing and fun. The characters going through their own growth and learning about each other before they get together.

The added reveal that the main character saved the male lead from drowning as a child adds depth to the male lead’s stubborn pursuit of the main character. What was a memorable but ultimately past moment for the main character was a life changing experience for the male lead. Their first meeting before the show really adds backstory for the show plot and adds another layer to their dynamic.

Available on Viki and KissKH.

- 4 Minutes.

This show was a whirlwind of second guessing plots. With plots layered on top of one and another the reveal that the main couple met as children, an event forgotten by both of them, served to be more of an Easter egg for the viewers rather than adding much to their story.

A Easter Egg that I and other viewers ate up. It was fun to watch their interactions as children and see them unknowingly play out similar interactions as adults. Since the majority of this drama plot involved the viewers having knowledge that the characters did not have themselves, the viewers having a omnipotent view of all the interacting events, this reveal into a bit of their childhood was a spoon of sugar to sweeten us for further angst.

Still, the scene was adorable to see and it only added another layer of ‘What if’ to the plot line.

Available on KissKH.

- We Best Love.

Instead of childhood friends to lovers, this is childhood enemies to lovers. Well, one sided enemies to lovers. That just means that their chemistry was that just bit more fiery than other dramas. And I love a good enemies to lovers dynamic. Especially one with lots of history as this one had.

Even in season 2, when they have gone from e-bikes to lovers to bitter exes back to lovers again, their chemistry has a passion to it that many dramas miss. The main couple love each other so much that it angers them. They simply cannot get over each other and even when fighting and manhandling, they are gentle and sweet. As a viewer you can really feel the history between them despite them not getting to know each other on a deeper level until university. The fact that they don’t truly learn about the other properly until they’re adults means that their relationship can develop further than it would have ever done as children. It was great fun to watch.

Available on KissKH and Bilibili.

- Mr Heart.

If you want one sided unrequited love between a silent admirer and someone who doesn’t know he exists, then Mr heart is for you. Adorable and sweet. The drama starts with Jinwon being properly introduced to Sangha and as it develops the viewer gets to see their backstory from both their points of view as the characters get tangled in their marathon careers and their backgrounds.

Well made with a sweet atmosphere despite the angsty parts, it is a wholesome drama with a lovely ending.

Available one Viki and KissKH.

- I became the main role in a BL drama.

This is a short Japanese bl, only 4 episodes. Yet it had such a funny and wholesome story. The character development between the MC and the ML is so sweet and perfectly explored despite the short run time. The side characters were fun and all of it was well acted.

The reveal that they met briefly when they were teenagers is the perfect backstory for the ML’s love and devotion to the MC. He accepted him for his differences and it left a lasting impression.

This show had me laughing.

Available on Bilibili and KissKH.

- Word of Honor.

While China made this a bromance, it’s still high quality gay (with all that flirting and long pining stares, how could it not be?). I love the slow burn and the mysteries that move the plot along.

Especially the mystery behind Wen Kexing’s past. That had me hooked for the majority of the show. The revelation that he and Zhou Zishu had met as children, that their lives were always meant to be tangled together was both lovely and bittersweet for me. Their lives both full of tragedy and trauma yet they still found each other. I did cry watching this show, more than once. Yet I still love it.

Available on Netflix and Viki.

- Kiseki: Dear to me.

While the main couple meet for the first time during the canon plot. The side couple are childhood friends to lover trope, but not without angst and separation and lots of drama.

In any other setting, with any other characters their dynamic would be toxic. It’s codependent and even with the separation, they are too obsessed and wrapped up in each other. They carry a history which is clear in all of their interactions and chemistry. Even though we don’t get to see know how they met, we know that their history is tangled and caught up emotions.

It’s safe to say that the second couple stole the show for me. I wish we got more of their backstory.

Available on Viki and KissKH.

- Old Fashion Cupcake.

Another excellent 4 episode drama from Japan. This show is the love story between a 39 year old office worker and his 29 year old coworker. Since the characters are adults there is a softness that is sometimes lacking in other dramas. They are independent and do not need each other. That makes the moments of vulnerability and affection between them that much sweeter.

Their shared history and the flashback of Nozue interviewing and hiring Togawa just add more history to their bond. I love their romance and their bond. One of my favourite comfort shows.

Available on Viki and KissKH.

This took far longer than I expected. Hope you like the recommendations.

Feel free to comment any trope recommendations you want next.

[teecupangel]

I wonder if you’ve ever thought about like, a glitch or a virus in the Animus accidentally causing all the playable ancestors to become self-aware and sentient. I kind of like the idea of them realizing they’re all essentially kinda stuck in the Animus servers and then banding together to essentially blow up Abstergo. hell, maybe Desmond is the reason why they’re all sentient, something about the Apple and the Eye started doing weird things to the samples they took from him so now the ancestors have to find his consciousness!

also I am ngl I think it would be very funny for them to occasionally be able to break into each other’s simulations for various purposes. Edward popping into the American Revolutionary War to say hi to his kid and grandkid. Jacob and Evie and Henry in Constantinople. Altaïr rolling around in the Caribbean, god help this poor non-swimmer.

(and maybe once they’ve gotten him out of wherever he’s been stashed Desmond can teach these guys how to like actually get into Abstergo’s servers and start ruining their lives?)

Ooooohhh, this would be fun and, considering which company Abstergo partnered with to develop the Animus games, this could have just as easily happened because bugs had always been part of the course when it concerned the games they have published.

It might have been a flaw in the Animus game console itself, simply because they had developed a ‘console’ that either didn’t require that the user be related to the genetic memory at all (which had been necessary to stabilize and synchronize with the memories) or they had included a ‘data set’ that includes the DNA origin to stabilize and synchronize with the memories (which meant that they were dealing with a setup they had not fully checked yet (considering Black Flag’s modern day setting was set in 2013 and was released before Rogue’s modern day setting in 2014, that would mean that their Animus iteration had to have been developed and send to Abstergo Entertainment with Sample 17’s data in a year or less).

Also, also, we have seen how ‘viruses’ can interact with the Abstergo games. Liberation’s secret ending which shows the ‘scenes’ that Abstergo tried to remove so that it seemed like Aveline joined the Templar Order in the end could only be accessed by finding a specific NPC in the game in various memory blocks.

So, in this scenario, the whole ‘non-canon character’ popping into other games could have happened during development BUT the Animus game they ship was meant to copy the memory blocks that research analysts got in development so those small inconsistencies could have happened during their breaks or flat-out during a time when no one was using the Animus at all.

The easter eggs (or some fans like to call them “too unrealistic and plain fanservice”) would be included in all the copies of their specific games those games only had minor tweaks to ensure they won’t crash (and have DRMs, I guess) and lesser time for Q&A because, let’s face it, they needed to cut costs somewhere before they were shipped off to ensure they had a yearly release.

It became just a normal part of the charm of these games and Abstergo is just going “Yes, it’s meant to show that we are all connected no matter how many centuries we are from one another!” but internally there are memos going “WHY DOES THIS KEEP HAPPENING???”.

Also, also…

We should set up some kind of timeline, I guess?

Because, as far as we can be sure, the only confirmed games that Abstergo Entertainment released are the following:

Liberations (based on Liberation with Aveline) - Prior to 2013

Pirates of Nightmares (based on Black Flag with Edward) - Around 2013 (also has a movie version called Devils of the Caribbean)

Note: We do not have any confirmation that they released any games based on Shay Cormac and, honestly, with how much Shay’s defection hinged on the power of the artifact (which they had probably had to cut out since they were going for ‘realism’), any games based on Rogue would probably need a lot of cuts and edits. They might have just, you know, given up on that in the end.

Buuuuutttt we have confirmation of these games as having been published prior to Arno Dorian’s memories being checked:

Not counting the three on the bottom which we don’t really have any information about, this means that we have confirmation that the following have been released (and, in Edward’s and Aveline’s case, this could have been a re-release ala HD remastered style which Liberation did get in the PS4 era):

Altaïr

Shao Jun

Ezio (also, it’s just sooo Abstergo to go for ‘Fear and Loathing in Florence’, a reference to AC2, but use Ezio’s Brotherhood robes… soooo like Abstergo to use the Brotherhood!Ezio model)

Ratonhnhaké:ton

Aveline

Edward

BUT then you also get

Jacques De Molay

Rodrigo Borgia

Haytham Kenway

This means that if you want the Animus servers' data to be sentient then you can make at least these three Templars sentient as well if you wish to add more conflict to the entire thing.

Now, if we keep the supposed release date with the idea that they released it as Aveline → Edward → Altaïr → Shao Jun → Ezio → Ratonhnhaké:ton → HD releases (or maybe Helix is meant to be a collection like the real-world example of Ezio Trilogy or Rebels Collection)

Then what can happen is that Aveline is the first one to ‘wake up’ and she finds herself in the Caribbean, waking up on Edward’s ship. She tries to ask where she is and her appearance caused Edward to snap out of the ‘Animus control’ and gain sentient.

Then they decide to try and find out where they are via the Jackdaw, sailing her beyond the supposed walls of this place they find themselves in.

It’s during their travels and checking the strange ports (imagine lots of glitching + the entire vibe of Animus Island back in Revelations with each map turned into an island so this means that landlocked maps like Florence and Monteriggioni are now islands) that they see an Assassin taking down a target at the port before running away. They give chase and that’s how they meet Altaïr in Acre docks. Their appearance snapped Altaïr into gaining sentient but not just that…

He remembers up to his death, unlike Aveline who remembers up to her wedding night and Edward who remembers up to a night with Tessa.

No.

Altaïr knows more about where they are than he should.

And that’s when he sees it.

A figure walking the streets of Acre, walking further and further away from them, clad in white that did not belong in his time.

Altaïr gives chase and the two followed him because Altaïr knows more than them, that was for sure.

Altaïr still loses him but he feels like he knows that figure… knows it’s a man and he’s important.

He points at Edward as he says, “Important to both of us.”

But he also knows the man isn’t here in the island composed of Altaïr’s memories anymore.

And Aveline and Edward get a crash course of who they truly are (digital construct of the memories of long-dead Assassins) and where they are. The where is more confusing because Altaïr uses words like “the Animus must always be online to connect to the servers”, “this is the server that has all the data of all researched and analyzed memories”, etc but Edward just summarized it as “prison created by Templars, right?”

“In a way.”

So they board the Jackdaw to try and find an exit and to find this supposed man that was important to Altaïr and Edward.

Along the way, they docked in a port that ends with them waking up Shao Jun as she’s running away from those hunting her. She remembered that this was the memory where her mentor told her to find Ezio Auditore and Altaïr thinks he knows the name.

“But I know of a different name for him as well… Prophet. He was… He was the prophet of that man.”

Shao Jun joins them and she recognized Florence so they docked there and they find Ezio who was looking for feathers.

Ezio stares at Altaïr for a moment then he stares behind Altaïr, his eyes going wild. Altaïr immediately knew what he was looking at he quickly turned around.

This time, the figure was running the rooftops of Florence and the two gave chase, making the rest run after them.

During the chase, Ezio shouts, “Desmond!” and the figure stopped and turned around.

Before they could see his face, a flock of birds flew between them, and the man was gone.

They reached where they last saw the man and Ezio recognized it.

This… was where he and Federico wished that their lives would not change… the day before Ezio’s entire life turned upside down.

With Ezio becoming part of their crew, Ezio had the same information as Altaïr. He knows who he is, where they are, and what they truly are.

But his memories end after seeing Altaïr’s remains underneath Masyaf.

And… he also has his Apple.

Altaïr sees the Apple and realized…

He opened his pouch and, yes…

He has an Apple as well.

So Ezio joined them too and they continue to sail Jackdaw. (If you’d like Adéwalé to be sentient as well even if we have no confirmation that Abstergo profited from his memories as well, this would be a good time to do it)

This time, they get into a naval combat with an unknown ship and Edward is enjoying himself. The ship was beautiful and whoever was in command knew what they were doing.

So Edward decided to ram it and they’d all pile onto the other ship. The crew wouldn’t be able to win against 5 Assassins after all.

But the moment they rammed the ship, both of their ships began to glitch just as they hear a man with a British accent shout, “How is it you came to captain a ship, given the way you sail?”

When the glitching stopped, the Jackdaw looked like it had absorbed the other ship, creating a new ship that seemed to be a merged version of the two.

And there was an Assassin on board that they didn’t know. An Assassin holding an Apple and… he was looking to their right.

Where a lone island filled with buildings taller than any towers they had ever seen could be seen just before the horizon.

The Assassin pointed at the island and turned to face Edward as he said, “He’s waiting for us there… grandfather.”

(If you want Haytham to gain sentient, he’s in the captain’s quarters and he’d open the door a few seconds later with a splitting headache, telling Ratonhnhaké:ton his sailing is shit then stop when he sees Edward. Cue awkward family reunion)

Other Unorganized Notes:

I’m sorry I couldn’t include Jacob, Evie, and Henry, nonny. :(

This was focused on the idea that the Abstergo servers mainly have data of the published ‘games’ while the memories still being researched are in another more secured private server.

Although, considering that Arno and the Frye twins were more ‘modified’ by the Assassins, maybe they could come in as a virus before Edward and the others meet Ratonhnhaké:ton. I think it would be a change of pace if Arno and the Fryes (with Jayadeep) know more than the ‘old guards’. Hell, they could say “We hitched a ride with the virus Erudito sent to find Sample 17 because the public noticed he always makes an appearance as an NPC in all the games so the Assassins think that he’s somewhere here.” “He’s not 17. His name is Desmond.” “Right, didn’t mean to offend anybody.”

[onceuponalegendbg]

I’ve been thinking about the new Tomb Raider series and how I feel about it as a whole and… yeah I still like it.

Don’t get me wrong I have my critiques.

Pacing is a little off. This is something I’ve kind of come to expect with steaming shows since they refuse to give them more than 8 episodes nowadays. I feel like we don’t really have time to breathe between events. Some answers also seem to just fall into their lap because we gotta keep going…

But I also feel like we skipped stuff because there’s a scene where this chick in the village gives Lara her little grapple tool and they act like Lara ever interacted with this character when… she didn’t? We saw her doing some grapple stuff but Lara never even acknowledged this woman. So…? Unless I blinked and missed something.

Characters’ reactions to things also seem disproportionate. Like Jonah supposedly dies? Lara cries a little and Zip goes “oh man” in a bummed tone and that’s it. Like he just heard his bro is most likely dead and he reacts like he got told he has to go to the dentist.

I also feel like Lara gets told the same thing in every other scene about letting go and coming home. While I get that character development isn’t always linear or in an upward trajectory… I feel like they beat the audience in the head a bit with this.

The animation, while not bad, also can feel a little stilted or flat at times? Don’t get me wrong, it has some gorgeous shots and the fox spirit in particular was so crazy man! But yeah. Hopefully they’ll give them a little more budget for season 2 if we (hopefully) get it.

I freakin wanted to meet Sam, assholes!

Besides that I had a fun time. I like Lara. I like that she gets her butt kicked sometimes. I like that when she goes to pull off a maneuver the terrain or an injury will make her slip. I like that despite that she is still very competent. She’s intelligent but reckless. She tries to lone wolf things but she cares so much. I like that they let her be messy, I mean she gets possessed and she actually feeds a dude to a tiger! Like bro, that is rough.

I also enjoy the humor in this show. I laughed hard at several jokes because they took me by surprise (the Paris joke had me rolling).

Some of the fight choreography was great.

I like Jonah, Zip, and Cam. I like their dynamics with Lara.

I also appreciate that I didn’t feel lost watching this as someone who is only vaguely familiar with Tomb Raider as a franchise. Who’s Trinity? A shady organization responsible for killing Lara’s dad, got it. She took them down? Cool. Like, any Easter eggs or continuity from other TR media didn’t distract me from this show. I call that a win.

And yeah… that’s about all I can think of right now. I had fun. That’s really all I care about.

[cenorii]

Hello!

I would like to know if you think that Wesker is attracted to Rebecca? (due to the RE2 photo easter egg and RE0 Wesker Mode)

Personally I don't really believe it since he never showed actual interest in her and the both things I named are just undeveloped non canon easter eggs/fun modes (as far as i know?) but there are plenty of people that genuinely believe he's into/creeping on her and also spread it like it's a fact... So sometimes I am unsure about it

Thanks for the question!

I think the connection between Wesker and Rebecca is minimal, if only based on the reason that Rebecca is rookie and has only been in S.T.A.R.S. for about a month. We don't know how much time Wesker spent with his teams, so it's unlikely they've had many opportunities to bond. In the original version of re2, if you check Wesker's desk 50 times, you can find Rebecca's photo, but the unrealistic number of times to check suggests it's just easter egg. In the remake, the photo is on undeveloped film, which means Wesker just indifferently threw the film in the desk, and likely didn't even know the contents. The remake, is a reimagining of the original's ideas, and the fact that the photo is now on "undeveloped" film only proves that Wesker had nothing to do with the photo, and it's just a easter egg as in the original. Wesker Mode in re0 appeared in the HD remaster in 2016, a year after Revelations 2, in which Wesker was a DLC character for Mercenaries. There's no particular connection to Rebecca here, the developers simply took Wesker's model from Revelations 2 and added it to their new remaster. It's just a coincidence that Wesker's name is next to Rebecca again, he would have been put in Billy's place regardless of who the second character is here. Anyway, my conclusion is that it's not a sin to shipping Wesker with Rebecca, there's something good in every ships. But using "Wesker Mode" and the "photo in the desk" as proof of the pairing is absurd.

[kylecrane]

Dying Light: The Beast AMA 26/09

'sup.

Here I am, bringing you a bunch of the answers from today's AMA. It's not all of them since quite a few of them were either already answered in an FAQ or covered in an article. That, and I'm a picky bitch. If you want to read up on the whole session, check out the official Dying Light Discord.

I'm also not quoting all the questions entirely, gonna shorten them a bit.

Q: Do stats, upgrades, and gear carry over between The Beast save files and Dying Light 2's base game?

No, as Dying Light: The Beast is a new standalone game and the transfer of goods and progress won’t be possible between games.

That means I can't descend from the heavens and bring Junior a new shiny crowbar. Dang.

Q: Will there be open-world activities and side quests?

You can expect a number of side quests and also additional open-world activities.

Woo! I dig a map full of question marks. Tickles the brain.

Q: how is crane alive lol, he turned at the end of the following i thought?

We’re not going to spoil the fun of finding out yourself when Dying Light: The Beast launches. The new game connects the narratives of Dying Light and Dying Light 2 Stay Human and will finally answer some long-standing questions about the canonical endings of both games.

*trough gritted teeth* I'M FINE

Q: Who'll make the music?

For the Dying Light: Beast we're again collaborating with Olivier Deriviere who's already composing a new soundtrack. This time the music will represent the forested, survival-centric atmosphere of the game. You can expect something very unique and different from Olivier's previous works.

Music to my ea..r.s.. Sorry.

Q: Is The Beast running on a new/upgraded version of the DL2 engine and will those upgrades carry over into DL2?

Dying Light: The Beast uses another iteration of our in-house engine and offers numerous graphical improvements compared to the previous Dying Light projects - we focused on the details that make the world more vivid and immersive - lighting, materials and weather effects, some of these developments already are or will be introduced in Dying Light 2 Stay Human.

Q: Will we see any returning characters?

I’m sure you’re excited to see familiar faces, but we can't spoil the story for you just yet. For now, let's enjoy the fact that Kyle Crane is back, and he's back in his true form - voiced by the absolute voice acting master, Roger Craig Smith.

One standing ovation, please.

Q: Will we be able to swap from a third person to first when driving vehicles?

We’re focusing on TPP only as it allows for better environmental awareness while driving in the zombie-filled open world of The Beast.

Aw, man-

Q: To what extent will the choices the player makes matter?

For Dying Light: The Beast, we have chosen a linear story. This is a new adventure in the Dying Light series so our goal with this game is to provide a fresh and engaging story. We believe this approach will allow us to present a more immersive experience for our players.

Q: Will there be Easter Eggs?

Absolutely! There will certainly be secrets and Easter eggs to discover in Dying Light: The Beast. But revealing them now would just spoil all the fun, wouldn't it?

Getting my basket ready to do some egg hunting.

And with that, I'll blow you all some kisses and then go off to snooze land. Good Night and Good Luck.

[archoneddzs15]

Sega Mega Drive - Chameleon Kid

Title: Chameleon Kid / カメレオンキッド

Developer/Publisher: Sega Technical Institute / Nu Romantic Productions

Release date: 29 May 1992

Catalogue No.: G-4070

Genre: Action

Chameleon Kid, also known as Kid Chameleon in the West, was part of a series of games that Sega Technical Institute (the same guys behind The Ooze) published to create its own armada of recognized characters and marketable mascots that could stand up to Nintendo. In the early 1990s, marketing campaigns could have been an excuse to make bad games, but actually, it was a time of great creativity and excellence for Sega. Chameleon Kid was one of these games. Sadly, many of the fun games, and the original characters that were created, were largely put by the wayside to make room for Sonic and his pals. Chameleon Kid features impressive graphics, animation, music, and sound effects. In the 1990s, Sega really showed off not only its own creativity but the hardware potential of the Mega Drive.

The storyline is perfect for the 1990s, with a young boy venturing into a strange, virtual reality-type universe to save his peers. The game offers over 100 different levels, with quite a bit of choice involved in what levels you want to tackle. The game does not offer any passwords and while you can earn extra lives, this is a game that you will have to explore and re-explore many times over to master it. It is not an unfair challenge, but it requires patience and a willingness to explore and experiment. Your major weapon involves a cool line of special masks, which give you a special power or ability. For example, one mask looks a bit like Jason from the Friday the 13th films (not only Chameleon Kid. Namco's Splatter House series also does this as well) and gives you the ability to throw axes. Other masks allow you to climb up ways and do many other amazing things. The wide variety of different masks and multiple levels, with different paths to choose from makes this one of the most in-depth video games of the era and certainly with the most replay value.

On the downside, Chameleon Kid does not really have any major faults to it, but fully exploring, much less beating, 100+ levels is no small task. It would have been nice if there had been an easy way to save your progress after you hit the power switch. I want to say that Chameleon Kid had several Easter Egg secrets that addressed the issue, but there is something to be said (with such a long and complex game) taking into account the fact that your target audience probably has to stop playing games in order to eat, sleep, using the WC, go to school, do homework and the like.

Chameleon Kid is probably one of the longest, most complex, creative and fun, cartridge-based video games released during the 16-bit era. One of those surprise releases for the Mega Drive, at least in Japan and Asia.

[an-aussie-button-masher]

What Did You Say Your Name Was? A Quick Review of Astro Bot

   My history with Playstation stretches as far back as the classic Ratchet & Clank trilogy on the PS2, so I’ve got quite a bit of nostalgia for the earlier eras of the platform - and as a celebration of 30 years of Playstation, Astro Bot lives and breathes that nostalgia as one of the most flawlessly fun games I’ve played in years. Returning from his tech-demo playroom that was released with the PS5, Astro’s crew of 300 bots are scattered across the cosmos when the Mothership (which happens to resemble an enormous PS5) is attacked and badly damaged. Astro embarks on a grand rescue mission to find all his friends - many of whom are dressed up as various iconic characters (and some that are more obscure) from throughout all of Playstation’s legacy, such as Ratchet, Kratos, Nathan Drake, Aloy, and countless others. In this good old-fashioned platforming adventure with unique power-ups and endless collectables, let the most nostalgic rescue mission commence!

   In short, I have nothing but praise for Astro Bot. This is my Game of the Year. Somehow, it feels like a game from 2002 made with 2024 technology - colourful and varied environments, funky music, increasingly difficult platforming, and a barebones plot that’s just an excuse to collect lots of shinies along the way. Best of all, there’s no sign whatsoever of microtransactions or online requirements! I was won over by the game’s charm within the first ten minutes of playing, and almost 20 hours later it’s only gotten more fun. It almost feels weird to review a game without a single negative thing to say, but Astro Bot is just that good. My only complaint is about one or two of the more punishing challenge levels, but that’s more of a skill issue on my part than anything specifically wrong with the game itself.   It’s one long game of pointing at the screen and saying “hey, I know that character!” when you rescue bots dressed up like Knack or Sly Cooper, and excitedly wondering who you’ll find next. Astro himself is among the most adorable mascots in gaming at the moment - he even smiles and waves at you when you point him towards the camera! All those little extra animations and easter eggs make it clear that the developers had just as much fun making the game as I did playing. I would absolutely without a doubt grab any sequel Team Asobi end up making for this game, and hope little Astro is here to stay for as long as Playstation stands.   I hope you enjoyed this quick review of Astro Bot! Feedback, reblogs and likes are much appreciated, and thanks for reading!

An Aussie Button-Masher

[letmetellyouaboutmyfeels]

Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers! Spread the self-love 💞

Hello dear, that's so sweet of you to send this to me!

I admit, I did one of these just a week or so ago, so I was tempted to just let you know that. However, I realized upon reflection that I had only focused on my 9-1-1 fics, and I have written in other fandoms.

And so here we are! The five non-9-1-1 fics that I would say are my favorites, across five different fandoms.

Richie Tozier: Small Town Trash

Richie Tozier debuts his new routine after vanishing from the comedy scene.

To be honest, I think I could do this fic better five years later, but this was the time I sat down and, in spite of the fact that I was convinced I wasn't funny, wrote a stand up comedy routine (with some Easter eggs from actual comedy routines because I couldn't resist).

People actually thought this fic was funny, and enjoyed it, and this was the moment I realized that I might actually be able to pull off humor. So while I think I'm a lot better at it now, we all have to start somewhere, and I started here.

Defiance & Destiny

When Geralt of Rivia returns to England after a prolonged absence, he and Jaskier, an aspiring bard, are forced to confront the pride and prejudice that flung them apart. Meanwhile, Lady Yennefer of Vengerberg is beginning to wonder if there is more to life than being handsome, clever, and rich.

This is I think my least-popular Witcher fic, because it's very long and also has no smut, but I'm really genuinely proud of it. I have a great love for Jane Austen and worked hard to try and capture the tone and feel of her work while juggling a mashup of three different novel plots. It also puts Yennifer/Tissaia in the spotlight, a ship I love but sadly have written like, nothing for. Shame on me.

Confidence Trick

When police officer Wyatt Logan is tapped to go undercover and get information on the notorious Lucy Preston and Garcia Flynn, he expects it’ll be his toughest assignment yet. What he doesn’t expect is to fall for his marks—and the fallout that comes with it.

One of those rare fics where the inspiration and writing just flowed and the stars aligned. It's I think my best fic in this fandom, although there are a couple others that I think come close such as could twist the sinews of thy heart? and Are You Strong Enough to Stand. It's just really lovely when you feel that the fic you wrote on the page is as good as the one you pictured in your head.

Also I'm still really damn proud of the plot twist at the end. Heheheheheheh.

Untranslatable Shadows

There's only one thing worse than having to make your way through a booby-trapped dungeon, and that's making your way through a booby-trapped dungeon with Xenk Yendar. Unfortunately, that's exactly what Ed has to do to save the soul of his best friend. And extra unfortunately... Xenk might not even be the worst part of this whole thing. Nobody tell him.

I really like all of my Xedgin fics. I'm quite fond of this little ship and yes I swear I will finish the last one! I pinky promise! It was hard to choose just one of them since I actually feel they're all pretty equal in quality which is rare for me, but I ended up going with this one because I'm quite proud of how I adapted the infamous "Tomb of Horrors" dungeon for the fic. It was a lot of work going through the dungeon and deciding what to keep or remove and how to use it to support the character arcs and story, but it was also very fun and rewarding.

My Blood Will Feed Your Flowers (Your Flowers Will Soothe My Blood)

At the start of the new school year a horrifying development rattles both Enid and Wednesday and threatens big changes in their relationship. Oh and there's a serial killer running around too. Huh. Someone should probably do something about that.

Another T rated fic and another one starring some femslash! It's a miracle! This fic was a gift to a friend and was a very fun challenge for me. Writing teenagers is hard, guys. I also had to balance the horror and the humor of the TV series to nail the tone, and I tried hard to write this as if it was the second season of the show and so worked within those limitations. I like to think I succeeded, and I'm very fond of the result.

So there you have it! Five fics that might be a bit off the beaten path so to speak for most of my readers, but of which I am very fond. Thank you again for tagging me!

[i-restuff]

a personal Mario movie review from yours truly.

ok, so, I'm very natural over Mario franchise. I don't love it, but I don't hate it either. so this review is mainly from someone who is there only for the animation (also for Jack Black ofc). cool? cool. alright.

spoilers below

I'm going to be super upfront with the "good stuff", and sorta detailed with the "meh stuff". mostly because the good stuff is very self-explanatory while for the negative ones I feel like at least I should give a little bit of reason why I feel that way.

good stuff

I love the world-building, everything is very well-detailed and the environment is insanely rich

character designs? love it. they look absolutely alive and expressive

the casting. I think they're all really good???? I personally think Chris Pratt is alright too ig? I mean I kinda don't care, I was distracted with everything else in the movie. but he's fine.

Jack Black. nuff said.

I love Toad. I love Peach. DK. BROWSER??? everyone's very likable damn.

I'm obsessed with the 3d models ngl. there are times when I was focused more on the models than I was on the story. It's really distracting in a good way.

Storywise, I think it's decent but also fun!

love love love the dynamic between Mario and Luigi. Peak dynamic, really.

Such a nostalgia trip. I for one who doesn't know much about Mario had such a blast listening to all the soundtracks and looking at the itsy bitsy references and such.

obsessed with Lumalee. let em die :(

/////////////

the credit animation is super colorful I wish I could eat it.

^ I was watching this with a friend who is obsessed with Mario. there are times when he went absolutely insane and explained some stuff that I didn't know. which I think it's cool! it's crazy how there are literally easter eggs and fan service everywhere, it doesn't feel forced too. I really could see why people love it so much.

meh stuff

ok, imma be honest. I'm just gonna complained about the plot holes here,, It didn't really effect the story, but it did confuse me a bunch of times. again, this is coming from someone who doesn't know much about Mario. I might miss some stuff.

the transition when Mario/Luigi got teleported from Brooklyn to the Mushroom Kingdom. like, why? what's so special about that specific pipe?

also before that. why's Brooklyn drowning all of a sudden lmaoo. that part kinda felt forced just so Mario and Luigi had a reason to go below the sewer. it sorta makes sense I guess? but the pacing is pretty dang weird.

how does Peach know her own kind? "you're a human!". she was a literal baby when she first got to the Mushroom Kingdom

I love love love Toad character. I just don't understand his presence? I mean sure, he's bringing the comedy, but you could find the "comedy" elsewhere too. so his character is a bit useless despite him being the protector. long story short, the movie would be fine with or without him < this is how much his character matters imo.

the pacing after Mario agreed to fight with DK and then suddenly he's on the stage. tbf this isn't really a big deal? but the transition kinda bugged me.

I don't know what exactly they wanted to do with Mario and Peach relationship. do they like each other romantically? it doesn't feel like it despite being teased a few times.

my dude Luigi has to sit in the cage for how long now? kinda suck. I wanna know more about him, I wanna see him more in action.

that being said. I wish they did more with Luigi, give him something to develop on. because seeing him fighting Browser doesn't feel as rewarding as how we see Mario. all he did most of the time was get caught and sit in a cage while Mario had to go through all those bullshit. but I get it though. storytelling wise, Luigi is supposedly Mario's goal. to get him back and all that. I get that.

I can't feel sad for Mario for some reason??? (this has nothing to do with Cris Pratt btw). his supposedly "emotional" scenes didn't impact me at all. in fact, I felt awkward. I honestly don't know why though.

the final fight scene is also awkward? I mean it's cool, don't get me wrong. I think it has to do with where they're fighting? I guess imma blame Brooklyn for this.

the 80's pop songs felt out of place, but maybe that's just me.

personal rating? 7.

but I genuinely get why people love this movie.

[beyonddarkness]

Hello. As a watcher of a few drama series as well as a reader, I like how you noticed Easter eggs from season 1. Me personally, I follow character development as well as Easter eggs. (Not saying you don't.) For example, following Disa's development in season 1, one can conclude that she is a character who will fall under Sauron's influence going forward, which also, reinforces lore regarding the dwarves and hoarding. Interesting how the showrunners reinforce that she will get corrupted.

I want to add that if I go by Easter eggs alone and ignore character development, Bronwyn will be under his influence, as celebrimbor and Galadriel were, and Ar-Pharazon. However, since they will all know who he is this season, based on her character development, and not just Easter eggs, when she learns who he is, I see her leading a faction against him. Also she isn't in the lore so I wonder how much she will be a focus going forward, whereas Disa might be more likely effected.

I agree! And you bring up a very interesting topic.

I love how we can predict each character's story arc and development. The potential (and assured) tragedies and triumphs make for an enriching analytical experience. It often saddens me that not all of the characters we love will have happy endings. For example, you have beloved characters like Isildur, who dies tragically, being ensnared by the Ring. We know how vulnerable Eärien is to certain influences, so her looking into the Palantir in episode 8 does not bode well, considering Sauron can communicate through Palantiri. Theo also has an extremely dismal path ahead of him.

The Stranger is a little less predictable, and we might think it's obvious that he'll end up being good (he probably will), but there are a few indications in interviews that it's not set in stone yet, despite him saying, "I am good."

So, in Season 1 alone, every character has a pretty solid foundation from which we can predict the direction of their development, and it's really fun to talk about. You brought up Bronwyn and Disa, so let's talk a bit about them.

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Finrod's metaphor is the template we can use to determine the ending of an arc.

"Do you know why a ship floats, and a stone cannot? Because the stone sees only downward. The darkness of the water is vast and irresistible. The ship feels the darkness, as well, striving moment by moment to master her and pull her under. But the ship has a secret. For, unlike the stone, her gaze is not downward, but up, fixed upon the light that guides her, whispering of grander things than Darkness ever knew." (TROP: A Shadow of the Past)

This was used even for Gollum, whose ending was nigh certain from the beginning, although he was technically redeemable.

"He was interested in roots and beginnings; he dived into deep pools; he burrowed under trees and growing plants; he tunnelled into green mounds; and he ceased to look up at the hill-tops, or the leaves of trees, or the flowers opening in the air: his head and his eyes were downward." (FOTR: The Shadow of the Past)

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DISA

There's a lot here. I agree that she will be deceived by Sauron. I love her, but she is walking a very tight rope.

It is difficult to drive the point home without talking extensively about mithril, but I am in the middle of explaining all of the mithril stuff on my blog, so my thinking will be exposed soon.

Sauron can plant certain words in the mind, so that the speakers believe it came from their own thoughts. For example, Isildur, Gollum, and Bilbo independently describe the One Ring as being "Precious." Celebrimbor talks about "the key that unlocked the dam," "power over flesh," and a "power of the unseen world," without knowing that those are Sauron's words. Then, he continues to use words that Sauron has used before (as he fidgets with the mithril).

(1x08): Galadriel: "Those words. 'Power over flesh.' Where did you hear them?" Celebrimbor: "I... I was conferring with my smiths, I think. I... No, I believe those are my words." G: "Was Halbrand with you?" C: "What's it matter? It's over."

(1x02): Galadriel: "Your home. Where was it?" Sauron: "What's it matter? It's ashes now."

So, when Elrond turns to Disa and says...

"Go towards goodness."

...we are left with a very important question:

Will she?

Depends. Is her gaze up or down? Is she whispering the same things that Darkness whispers, or is she "whispering of grander things than Darkness ever knew?"

In episode 7, her true motivations are brought to light. She's not evil, but she is treading some dangerous territory. After Dúrin says that he failed Elrond, and it's his fault that the Elves must flee, Disa gives a very unnerving monologue:

"No. No, it isn't. [...] It's your father's. He's grown too old, too suspicious, his mind too feeble, his eyes too dim to see that no matter how many crests he hurls to the floor, one day this will be your kingdom—Dúrin IV's. Not your brother's. Not some other Dwarf-lord's. Yours. And mine. And together, we will rule this mountain and all others before our time is done."

Pause.

Now, I don't know about you, but that just raises a ton of exclamation points in my head. Do the highlighted words sound familiar?

"Against your enemy. And mine." "Together, we can save this Middle-earth." ["Save, or rule?"]

Disa is so intent on gathering mithril, that she doesn't recognize the nature of what she's saying.

She seems to genuinely care about Elrond, and the idea that he and his people will become extinct if they don't leave Middle-earth is probably distressing, especially since the Dwarves have a supposed means of saving them, and Dúrin III isn't helping.

However.

In retrospect, the apparent dependency the Elves have on mithril seems almost like an excuse for her.

Disa: "Lice-bearded, uncaring, old fool!" Dúrin: "What if he's right?" Disa: "You're not thinking of letting this happen!" Dúrin: "What choice do we have?" Disa: "You said the other Dwarf-lords were open to the proposal. If we reopen the mine ourselves, prove to them there's a safe way to gather mithril, perhaps they'd make him listen. Perhaps we could force your father's hand" (1x07).

She never mentions Elrond, or the Elves.

Also, who really likes to use Force?

"But he ruled rather by force and fear, if they might avail" (The Silmarillion: Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age).

"Supposing that's the trouble. Supposing we've been using too much force" (1x08).

But what connection could she possibly have to mithril? Why does she want it so badly?

She was the first one to find it. In episode 4, Dúrin tells Elrond, "Disa detected it during a routine gold-seaming."

The remainder of her monologue is the most revealing.

"That mithril belongs to us—to you and me. And together, one day, we are going to dig."

Keep in mind that Elrond has just been cast out of Khazad-dûm, and Dúrin and Disa believe there is no stopping the Elves from leaving Middle-earth. The only race they are concerned about now is the Dwarves. Yet, Disa is still set on obtaining mithril, and she no longer has the excuse that it's to save the entire Elven race. She emphasizes "to you and me," as if to say, "Forget the Elves. Now, it's ours."

All of this sets Disa up to be extremely vulnerable to Sauron's intriguing suggestions, if/when he comes to Khazad-dûm. I think we can compare her to Celebrimbor in a lot of ways. She's a smith, like Celebrimbor (and Sauron), and wants to make the Dwarven people prosper. But excessive ambition can lead to pride, and...

"Humility has saved entire kingdoms the proud have all but led to ruin" (Galadriel, 1x06).

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BRONWYN

We can end on a happy note.

Like Disa, Bronwyn can also be compared to Celebrimbor in some ways. Celebrimbor is an artificer, who wants to bring beauty to Middle-earth, and Bronwyn is a healer (which is what Sauron claims he wants to be). However, she is much more humble, with little ambition but for the welfare of her son and neighbors. She also has Arondir to help her in moments of despair, like in episode 5.

This season, she seemed to be very defensive of Halbrand, understandably so. Leading the Men of the Southlands was "a burden [she] never sought to take up," so having the Promised King finally appear was a tremendous relief. She did everything she could to heal his wound in episode 7 and asked Galadriel what to do with him when it continued to fester. She did not hesitate to gather provisions for the ride to Eregion, and was the first to say, "Strength to the King."

But despite her fidelity to Sauron's kingly guise, I think we can be assured that she will perceive the peril sooner or later. Let's repeat the same question as before:

Will she go towards goodness?

Depends. Is her gaze up or down? Is she whispering the same things that Darkness whispers, or is she "whispering of grander things than Darkness ever knew?"

Answer:

Theo: "Do you remember when I was little, when I used to have bad dreams?" Bronwyn: "I remember." Theo: "Do you remember what you used to say, when you would hold me in the dark?" Bronwyn: [nods] Theo: "Would you say it to me, now?" Bronwyn: "In the end, this shadow is but a small and passing thing. There is light and high beauty, forever beyond its reach. Find the light, and the shadow will not find you" (1x06).

By the time everyone knows who Sauron is (after the One Ring is forged), I can picture a dynamic like the one in Númenor between the Faithful and the Kingsmen. Bronwyn and Arondir's standing might be similar to Míriel and Elendil's. Judging by this scary piece of foreshadowing, Sauron will probably try to seduce Bronwyn in some manner. Charlie knew what he was doing when he made this face:

(note Arondir and Galadriel looming in the background lol)

Arondir would obviously NOT be too happy about that, and in episode 7, we can already see many hints of his distrust. Considering that Sauron injured himself with a wound that needed Elvish medicine (which probably required some sorcery), I wonder if Arondir witnessed something. (I can make another post on this, later.)

In any case, I don't think Bronwyn will be 'conquered.'

The lyrics of Plea to the Rocks solidly point towards where her arc is going.

Amanya fírië, alcarinquë-anyalie Nolwa mahtar Koivierya queluva rië aurenna quel-kala Laure Envinyataina Órerya siluva elerrína Kardalyaron minty-oialë Blessed death, glorious memory Brave soldier Her life will fade only upon the day light fades Golden light Renewed, her heart will shine, crowned with stars Deed of your people, remembered forever

Her death will probably be like Morwen's (Túrin's mother), in The Silmarillion:

"But Morwen said: 'Almost. I am spent. I shall go with the sun. [...]' But Húrin did not answer, and they sat beside the stone, and did not speak again; and when the sun went down Morwen sighed and clasped his hand, and was still; and Húrin knew that she had died. He looked down at her in the twilight and it seemed to him that the lines of grief and cruel hardship were smoothed away. 'She was not conquered,' he said; and he closed her eyes, and sat unmoving beside her as the night drew down" (Of the Ruin of Doriath).

[fairybenz]

✦ "a date with death" review! ✦ 

the game "a date with death" was released earlier this month on the 7th, making it a fairly new game! i had originally played the demo and fell in love, which led me to install the full version as soon as it released! (the game is completely free to play on steam!)

here is our love interest, the grim reaper! he's super cute, i know (he's my current laptop wallpaper haha)

✩ let's talk about him!

-> a basic intro to the plot of the game: you, the player, have lately been experiencing some strange things. wherever you go, tragedy nearly strikes and you have many near death experiences! you return home from work to find a program installed on your computer, and when you open it (after some reluctance), you realize it's a chatroom. inside, you are greeted by someone claiming to be the grim reaper!

-> i won't get into much more detail out of fear to accidentally spoil the game, but the story is really cool! so far i've played one run through and unlocked one ending, but i believe there are 7 possible endings, alongside an extra if you purchase the DLC!

-> the love interest, let's call him Grim, is absolutely adorable. No, like actually. He's definitely the tsundere type, but not in an overly annoying way. He teases and gets flustered often, but he's not outright mean or disrespectful with his words. in fact, he's actually really sweet.

-> also, his CHARACTER DESIGN??? dude, he's so cool. i'm obsessed. the entire artwork of the game is really nice, the artists clearly put a lot of work into it. maybe i'm biased because he's a pretty boy with white hair, but hey! i think we can all agree he's pretty good looking, haha.

✩ okay, simping aside, how's the actual GAME?

-> the game takes place between chatrooms, each of which include a series of choices the player can make to affect which ending they'll receive.

-> don't worry, the chatrooms aren't automatic and are only triggered when the player specifically chooses them to be via clicking on the laptop and opening the chatroom.

-> aside from the chatrooms, the player can interact with different aspects of their room, even following a small mini story within the game. even the laptop mainly used for chatrooms has small games and easter eggs within it. it's very cool!

-> the game also has a lot of options for character and room customization considering it's a new game. i thought it was great to see them allowing the player to choose things like body type, pronouns, and what sort of compliments they're comfortable with. it's great to see dating sims leaning into being more inclusive!

-> the dialogue itself isn't super complex or deep, but it is pretty cute and fits the characters well. a lot of internet references and jokes are made throughout, which i thought was pretty fun. i liked all the different options the player can choose from.

-> i thought the character development throughout the game, while not insane, was pretty good. it was fitting for the time that passes, and it was really nice to see. i liked seeing how the relationship between Grim and the player progresses and changes with each choice.

-> overall, it's definitely a game i'd want to play over and over just to unlock new endings, art, and cutscenes! i think the game itself is a super cute and fun idea, and i'm so happy it came out to be great now that it's fully released.

✩ final verdict: i'd definitely recommend this game to anyone looking to try out a free, super cute dating sim! there is also DLC available to purchase if you want to support the team (which is encouraged, but not necessary for the actual game to play well and be enjoyed.)

✩ let me know what you thought if you played the game! i'm happy to discuss it :) this was my first time ever writing a game review, so any tips would be appreciated for future reviews!

with that said, holland signing off!