#but jfc david

[biitchcakes]

SPIDER-WOMAN TROPES .

The Sacrifice of Hair / The Important Haircut .

To save her life and Lindsay's, Jessica must tear at own hair. Hair that we have watched grow over the last couple of years as she discovers who she is, learns what it's like to be human. What it's like to be free from Hydra's control. It goes from its natural blonde into its since signature black. It's been a part of her journey, and her literally ripping it apart here comes just two issues before her death ⸺⸺ and subsequent REBIRTH.

( the video that got me thinking about it )

[brahms4thrackett]

I AM DECEASED SIR

[spenglernot]

STORIES TELLING: NED LOWE AND THE DEATH OF POOR REPRESENTATION IN OUR FLAG MEANS DEATH

In history, Ned Lowe was one of the most sadistic and violent pirates in the early 18th century, so he’s an obvious choice for a villain for season 2, episode 6 – Calypso’s Birthday.  What is interesting is what the OFMD writers chose to do with him.

Lowe announces himself to the crew of the Revenge with great fanfare (cannon ball attack) and gets right to the point.

Ed is thoroughly unimpressed.

Cut to Ed and Stede tied up while Ned attempts to set the mood so he can monologue about why he wants to kill Ed.

Ed knows what’s coming. He is going to suffer but he still can’t be arsed to meet Ned with anything but vaguely bored dismissiveness (and Stede is happy to play along).

Up on the deck, Ned prepares the crew for his big, dramatic moment of symphonic torture.

Note that the Revenge crew is tied down, braced by vices and generally unable to protect themselves from imminent torture and possible death, but their spirits are up. They don’t seem terribly fussed.

Then Stede uses his people positive management style to happily orchestrate a worker uprising in Ned’s crew.

Ned’s crew responds instantly; severing their allegiance to Lowe and telling him off.

The crew sails away and talks profit sharing while Ned dully threatens to hunt them down.

Ned is now a prisoner of the Revenge crew and seems entirely disinterested in his own survival.

And Ned sinks to the depths, without struggling at all.

There is a lot going on in this episode: pay and labor equity direct action, gay love engagement bliss, kink humor, Stede being a hero and saving his crew by playing to his strengths, then having to decide whether to kill in cold blood and feel the consequences of that choice. Ed having one more reason to be done with piracy (while being so impressed with and fond of Stede), and then watching his man make a fraught choice and having to deal with the fallout from that. (And, damn, I haven’t even mentioned the passionate sex bit.) Anyway, back to the point.

Now for the the meta part

The Ned Lowe sequences are perfectly in keeping with OFMD’s signature blend of madcap violence, humor, and big emotional gut punches. But something about Ned Lowe just strikes me as off for this show.

Ned is seriously threatening the crews’ lives, so why don’t they take him seriously?

Why does Ned have such a boring, throwaway backstory?

Why is Ned so nonchalant about his own death; like it’s a foregone conclusion?

Why does Ned have a silver violin and silver spurs on his slip-on dress shoes?

Why is Ned sartorially monochromatic?

And then I realized who Ned reminds me of.

This guy,

Earnst Stavro Blofeld in the James Bond film Diamonds are Forever (1971)

And this guy,

Scar in Disney's The Lion King (1994).

And this guy,

Xerxes, 300 (2006).

And it sure seems like Ned Lowe isn’t just an episodic villain. He is an archetype of the one-dimensional, stereotypical queer-coded villain that has been endemic in film and television throughout history. The OFMD writers have a lot to say about what to do with this kind of character:

Don’t respect him.

Feel free to openly mock him.

Don’t let him take your joy, even though he will hurt you.

He won’t disappear on his own. You have to throw something at him (take action) to make him go away.

Once he’s in the water, he’s content to drown. He’s not into what he’s doing any more than you are.

Oh and, just to be clear,

The LGBTQIA+ community has a very long history of turning shit media into better stories. So, hey, big media, prepare to have your crap characters wrecked (improved).

Now, back to our transformative pirate show with rich, complex queer characters and a multi-layered plot that surprises me every week and makes me feel big feelings - most of all, joy.

Final thought: I do wonder if Ned Lowe is monochromatically silver as a tribute to/poke at, Hollywood and the silver screen.

This meta was written before OFMD season 2 has fully aired. No idea what’s going to happen in the finale (and I’ve generally fled social media to avoid spoilers). I’ll be back, looking at everyone’s fascinating posts after episode 8 airs.

[rainbowpopeworld]

​I would say “current mood” but it’s been with me for quite a while

[crimeandpassion]

some more saw warrior cats

other designs

[procrastiel]

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A post shared by David Tennant Daily✨ (@davidtennant.daily)

Michael: “The [prescription] sunglasses give David an exotic allure”

[captain-sunshine-11]

What if Kevin was taken in by Wymack when Kayleigh Died?

I know this AU of sorts would be build upon a lot of false hope and a lot of fucking up on the Moriyama's part if their money and lawyers couldn't keep Kevin--especially with the Perfect Court bullshit--but this is for fun and I can do whatever I want forever /lh

This was my original post on this concept and has the context but the basic premise is at the top. Anyway! This is gonna be some random building off of what I already said/how I think this would go, so, onwards!

I can't find the age of Kevin when Kayleigh died, so forgive me if this is incorrect so for sake of ease I'll place Kevin at age 8 until further notice

At this point of Kevin's life he has already been taught that Exy is the only important thing, it is second to Nothing. He is going to be Court--a part of the Perfect Court--of course it was put into gentler words for a child to grasp and understand "oh, this is going to be the rest of my life."

When he returns to Palmetto with Wymack, he is still relatively full of grief for his mom and is overwhelmed with living with this man--who he has only met a select few times during Exy Events with his mom--so Kevin has a rough time adjusting

Wymack tries to give Kevin as much space as he can give a young child but they do end up clashing a couple times. Kevin's messed up emotional state and Wymack trying to also grieve Kayleigh leads to a couple tantrums (from both of them lol) because they have problems understanding each other

They are both incredibly stubborn so a month in, they have a small fight you can only have between a grown adult and an 8 year old that leads to them both giving each other the silent treatment. By 'both' I mean Kevin, and Wymack trying to initiate but failing miserably

It isn't until Wymack makes a dinner that Kevin doesn't like that he has another conniption and yells something like "I hate you, I hate you!! / I wish I never met you!!" and runs off that Wymack decides that something has got to give.

He lets Kevin sulk for a couple minutes in his room before going after him. He talks, and Kevin listens. He cannot even remember the fight that led to this, it was so childish, but Wymack has to retain that Kevin is a child. (This is his first time having a kid, man is struggling)

Wymack is able to instate a truce and Kevin admits that, "I just really miss her."

Wymack scoops the kid into a hug and all the tension from his body disappears as he also says, "I miss her too, Kevin."

From then on, things are easier. They still have small problems but are able to work things out better than before as they learn how to exist around each other

Wymack for a long time is afraid of messing things up beyond repair, and tries to go to Bee as often as he sees fit to ask for advice. Feelings of inadequacy in his medium sized apartment and raising a kid that is not his. The conversation he had with Kayleigh on if she was having his kid and her saying no replays in his head as he doubts himself over and over again.

But Abby comes over about a year into having Kevin with him, she seems to be in awe about something.

She has seen Kevin before, plenty of times actually when Kevin first arrived and meals needed to be made by a more responsible adult (ha.), so Wymack has no idea why Abby seems so awestruck while looking at Kevin--so he tells her to spit it out. And he isn't prepared for:

"He has your nose."

Kid's faces change all the time, and as Kevin gets older even if it is a year later, he gets a bit lankier and the soon-to-be nine year old becomes more comfortable

It breaks Wymack for a little bit, having that old hope rise up again in his chest--but he decides against a paternity test. He cannot have that hope crushed again if it comes out negative.

On Kevin, he goes to a normal elementary school. He had been homeschooled previously given how often Kayleigh and the Ravens had to be moved around. In the paraphrased words of Nora, she had a sport to spread around, and she was pretty damn successful

Like everything else had been, Kevin took an adjustment period to normal public school. There is so many kids and more stimuli than he is used to seeing in a school environment.

On his first day after school he tells Wymack that he doesn't want to go back. He wouldn't give a reason at first but after some needling from a Very Concerned Wymack thinking that his kid was being bullied--Kevin just says that it is too much. Everything there was too much.

So Wymack comes up with an ultimatum, created only because he knew how smart Kevin was with retaining information from subjects he enjoyed, saying that he had to attend the rest of the week of school. And if he didn't like it, then they could look back into homeschooling.

Kevin agreed if only to prove Wymack wrong, but he couldn't. He picked up a fondness for History and when he started re-saying his teacher's lesson on the Early Origins of South Carolina (simplified for a Fourth Grader) Wymack figured correctly that there was no prying him away from school anymore.

On Exy--it is a no brainer that Kevin wants to join the Exy team and he gets in with flying colors. But this also means he begs to go to practice after homework is done and on weekends. Wymack hates his life a little when Kevin wakes him up at 9:30 AM on a Saturday for the sake of Exy

Thats all for now, let me know if ya'll want more

[stuckasmain]

I’m sure someone’s done this too

[viharistenno]

Emma and Regina are back in one scene the first time in 8 eps and it's alreeady gay.

And The Cricket Game?

"I invited her"

"I shouldn't have lashed out on you"

"I believe her."

"You can use magic?"

THIS IS ALL IN ONE FUCKING EPISODE WHAT THE HECK

[sunshowersanddandelionwine]

as a former rower, i have to give my latest brainrot seat assignments or i will EXPLODE

coxswain: the only one facing the front of the boat, the cox is arguably the most important member of the team. As such, the two main coxs are farah and horangi, who switch out depending on the need. Farah is the default cox, because she’s extremely calm under pressure, has exceptional leadership skills, and knows exactly how to get what she wants from her boat. She has never looked anything but perfectly relaxed in the stern, face focused and intense. She doesn’t have to yell or scream, but she will if necessary. Horangi, on the other hand, doesn’t cox as often but when he does, he is at an 11 at all times. He makes jokes, taunts the other boats, jeers and snarks at his rowers, and generally does a Lot. It’s not always the best strategy, especially with the wrong person in the stroke seat. But when he works? He fucking WORKS.

eight: also known as the “stroke” seat, they set the pace for the rest of the boat. They have to be steady, sure, and solid. Which is why I think Ghost fits this seat best. He doesn’t let the rush from the bow get overwhelming, he can keep a high stroke-per-minute count without burning out, and he and Farah have a rock solid connection. He sometimes swaps with König (usually when Horangi is coxing because he doesn’t jive as much with his style) but most of the time? That man is in the front

seven: SOAP. SOAP SOAP SOAP. There’s no one else I could think of to be ghost’s seat pair. And not just because I’m a ghoap girlie at heart lmao. But a good seat pair is a balance that’s hard to come by. You have to pull at the exact same time with the exact same force and movements, and soap is incredibly perceptive to ghost’s every move, and always knows without having to see his face exactly what he’s thinking. He has some rush issues, because he gets WAAAAY to into things, but ghost’s immovable pace is the perfect counterbalance

six: the first of the “engine room” middle four, six seat is a powerhouse. They bring the speed and the momentum. And I think Gaz is the perfect six. He’s a leader of the middle, but he’s not quite experienced enough to be stroke. In a few years, he’d have it in the bag for SURE. But for now? He’s got a fire in his eyes and a need to prove himself. He also loves to snipe about the “eyesore” that he’s forced to look at for the entire race.

five: ALEX! Another member of the engine room, five isn’t as focused on technique or finesse. However, it’s the heart of the boat and the core of the team. And Alex has heart in spades. He and Gaz are an amazing duo, and honestly could be a powerhouse stroke pair someday. He’s the connection between the stern four and bow four, keeping everyone in seamless sync.

four: as the middle of the boat, not a lot of people consider four seat often. Which is perfectly fine with König. He doesn’t have to have the absolute perfect technique like the outer four, he doesn’t have to lead like stern pair, and he doesn’t have to think about anything but pulling as hard as he fucking can until they cross the finish line. However, he does sometimes get swapped with Ghost whenever Horangi gets to cox. And while he’s not a fan, he doesn’t seem to mind as much when he is forced up front.

three: three doesn’t get enough love imo. In my mind, it’s the jack of all trades seat. It’s part of the engine room, but far enough to the bow where technique matters a lot, and there’s really only one person I could see doing it well. Roach is the perfect three seat - inconspicuous and seemingly underwhelming but incredibly versatile and flexible. He can also sit in any seat, regardless of whether it’s a starboard or port-side oar (like me when I still rowed! :D) and used to be Ghost’s pair until soap joined the team. He’s not upset about it at all, because three fits him much better lol

two: the bow pair are the farthest from the coxswain, and the most vital for both rush control and technique. Rush comes from the bow and bleeds into the rest of the boat. Which makes alejandro an excellent two. He doesn’t have to be as strong as the middle four (though he is still very very strong, don’t get me wrong), but his form is almost unmatched.

one: there’s only one person who has a more perfect form than Alejandro, and that’s Rudy. He’s straight out of the dreams of coaches everywhere, and often gets recruited as an example for newbie rowers to learn how to sit and how to hold onto their oars. He’s the farthest from Farah, but he is so on point with what she wants from him it’s like there’s no distance at all

price and nikolai are a former pair who moved to coaching after winning a few Olympic medals. Price deals with technique and Nikolai deals with strategy (ie when to hold back and when to open the tank)

kate and her wife are the team managers and owners

Other honorable mentions:

hesh and logan have a pair. hesh is in the stern because hes Big Brother. keegan has a single scull.

(oc warning) cash, mickey, zora, and lia have a four that's coxed by lucas. hes their Baby Brother and they can and will kill for him. ross and larkin (their coaches) look the other way because they would also kill for him.

[topaztimes]

Highkey scared to post this, but. Guys is it underage if I'm 16 and she's only lived for an hour or so

[thevqid]

i did another redactedverse as snl clips CAUSE

[spenglernot]

STORIES TELLING: ED TEACH’S JOURNEY FROM ARMOR TO AUTHENTICITY

One of the joys of watching season 2 of Our Flag Means Death is discovering the visual parallels with season 1 that add so much meaning and richness to the story. With affecting, extraordinary economy of visual storytelling, we can see the progression of Ed’s journey from choosing armor in season 1, episode 10 – Wherever You Go, There You Are, to choosing authenticity in season 2, episode 7 – Man on Fire.

[I have to point out the gorgeous cinematography here. Panning down on the left, panning up on the right. The clear resolve of S2 E7 Ed turning to ascend to the deck. I also love the timing of both shots. S2 E7 Ed is turning toward the red silk that S1 E10 Ed will release.]

S1 E10 Ed considers the red silk. The symbol of his tenderness, softness, and vulnerability.

S2 E7 Ed hoists his leathers and his firearm - his literal and symbolic armor and protection - to the edge of the deck.

S1 E10 Ed releases his tenderness, softness, and vulnerability to the sea.

S2 E7 Ed releases his armor and protection to the sea.

S1 E10 Ed throws the person who understands what he’s going through and is in a position to help him work through it in a healthy way, into the sea.

S2 E7 Ed makes breakfast-in-bed for the person with whom he shares emotional and physical intimacy. An act of care and service that strengthens his bond with Stede.

Show, don't tell doesn't seem adequate to describe these two sequences. They are masterful and say so, so much.

The double-edged sword of self-awareness

You’ve really got to give it to Ed. He’s making huge progress. Making a better choice for himself. Moving forward.

Change can be terrifying. For Ed to release that which protected him for decades is, well… it’s courageous and demonstrates hard-won self-awareness and integrity.

Of course, choosing to be authentic to yourself doesn’t translate into automatic relationship building. Understanding and communicating with other people, particularly the person you are in love with, is a related but different skill set. It is also true that, once you know that you can’t perform a persona to please other people, no matter how much you love them, you risk losing them.

Ed in the second frame, above, kills me. He knows that piracy might be the wedge that drives Stede and him apart. He is trying to share how he feels. But Stede is so enamored with finally being a successful pirate (and glowing from the best (and only) love-sex of his life) that he can't hear Ed.

I love that OFMD takes no shortcuts in matters of the heart. If these lads are going to be together for reals, they are going to have to work for it, and there is still much work to be done.

I'm looking forward to likely being simultaneously emotionally fulfilled and mentally devastated by the season 2 finale in about 30 hours.

This meta was written before OFMD season 2 has fully aired. No idea what’s going to happen in the finale (and I’ve generally fled social media to avoid spoilers). I’ll be back, looking at everyone’s fascinating posts after episode 8 airs.

[wistfully]

THE DIPLOMAT 1x06 Some Lusty Tornado What I'm trying to say is, I need you.

[whensomethingwickedcomesthisway]

there are no words to describe the SPIRITUAL experience of the david fooliverse audio

I have fucking transcended

I have left the goddamn mortal plain

do not expect me to recover from this, im gone, dead, finito, never to return

WHY IS HE SO AGGHAGGSGAHGAGHGHGAGHGHHHGGHGGHGHGHAGHSGHCFGFDGFGF

[giggly-argent]

your d//slyte posting has got me Looking at the cuties there, thinking about david rn… something delicious about wrecking airheaded self-assured prettyboys like him. his shirt is way too thin to protect from any tickles, a nice set of nails gliding over the fabric will have him yelping and jerking away! no way that little bit of exposed midriff isn't super super bad for him, and he can't stay still if his hips are even lightly grazed. more the reason to tickle him til his head is spinning and his glasses are fogged from laughter/tears :)

i just wanna destroy him with tickles so bad

Anon what if I cried at your doorstep for 5 straight hours like a cat-