#but they surely gave a good scare at the end of episode 2

[castlescrumblingdvwn]

The First Responders S2 EP 2

the ending of the first responders s2 episode 2 has left me in a state of utter disbelief where i refuse to believe what the last scene is trying to imply. keeping the dead character's name in the dark, combined with the soundtrack playing during the last few minutes, is simply a red herring to lead the viewers into believing that dojin might have unalived---is what i choose to believe, there is no way anyone can convince me that he is dead it is just not possible

[newtkelly]

Not to word vomit on you but I can't stop thinking about Oliver wanting a love story like Tarlos and how it all accidentally lined up.

Knowing that Carlos and TK were about to move in, and then Carlos made that romantic gesture and TK got scared because it was, "too good to be true."

Carlos is left, confused, puzzled and nursing a broken-heart but still just as in love. What do you mean that TK and Carlos saw a future together, one got scared at that prospect and left before Carlos was the one to leave??

What do you mean that happened after Oliver said he wanted Bucktommy to have a love story like Tarlos; where it was always going to be them?

Then you consider Oliver saying that we might see Tommy and Buck interact during a call and it'll be awkward and who can't help but think of TK and Carlos running into the furniture store and seeing each other for the first time in weeks.

Anyways, sorry to be delusional in your ask box. I'm deep within the Tarlos trenches so this is all starting to look eerily familiar lmao (it could also be Tim is out of ideas, which is most likely the case)

Please feel free to word vomit on me always, I live for it.

Receiving this ask has actually prompted me to share some thoughts that I’ve held back from sharing, just because I wasn’t sure if it was worth it to throw more speculation into the void. But this message is so lovely, and I agree with it so much and so… okay I will share some of my mixed bag of thoughts about this whole situation.

Firstly, I adore Tarlos and LS (even if I don’t post about either much), TK is my baby, and the interesting thing about them for me is that I wound up caring for them more AFTER they broke up and got back together. If Buck and Tommy’s story is formatted as a rom-com, TK and Carlos are a tragicomedy. TK, the heartbroken recovering addict thrust into an entirely new city, a new career, who doesn’t want to let himself get too close to something good because he is misery incarnate. Carlos, the hopeful hopeless romantic who sees TK and doesn’t see something that needs fixing, but someone who his love could help heal. It’s such a gorgeous story, and the symmetry of both characters shockingly losing a parent in a tragic way is painfully beautiful. I LOVE their love story.

That brings me to Oliver and Tim’s comments. Throughout the Buck and Tommy relationship, my belief that this would be Buck’s final relationship only ever wavered twice. The first time was in the immediate aftermath of their first date (I spent the whole episode thinking that Tommy was actually reintroduced to kick off the bi awakening plotline and Buck was not acquiring a boyfriend) and the second time was towards the tail end of the summer hiatus when I legitimately began to doubt Lou would want to come back given everything that transpired. Other than that, I had full faith that this was it, this was Buck getting off the “hamster wheel”—Tim’s words, not mine.

I had confidence for a few reasons. 1 – the story was always handled with care onscreen and gave us no reason to think they weren’t going to work out. 2 – the chemistry was insane, and I knew it couldn’t just be me because an entire fandom was born. Tim and tptb must have seen what we saw. 3 – the supplementary information funneled to us through articles and Tim’s social media, literally up until post-8x06 never seemed to indicate that their relationship was headed in this direction. A big part of that was the comparison to Tarlos.

In order to protect myself (should I name the list of shows, movies, couples that I’ve fixated on that wound up playing out in dissatisfying ways?), I am awfully pessimistic. The post-episode interviews, articles, + hearing a bit from LFJ and OS has me wondering if this was some mass hallucination. Did we truly cling to something good and blow it up, run with it? Was this always the plan? I’ve wondered if because S7 was so short and S8 required that other characters get the spotlight first/other stories needed to be told and wrapped, and if because of production and scheduling and whatever external reasons, did their relationship wind up having a longer life than was ever intended. Were they ever supposed to make it to six months? Were they ever supposed to make it past the fucking wedding? I have been asking myself this stuff a lot. Alternatively, did something happen that made them want to or have to part ways with LFJ? So many questions, and I’m not sure we’ll ever know.

But… then there’s the delusional side of me, and the reason I haven’t totally abandoned hope is because when I was watching 8x06 live, EVERYTHING in me told me that this is a necessary section of the rom-com formula. Even the call-backs throughout the episode made me feel like the writers are so painfully aware, and that the narrative wants these characters to be together (Miceli’s, Abby, basketball, going to the movies, calling an uber, the loft kitchen, “you’re not ready”)—the motifs were absolutely popping off. I did not think it was the end when the episode ended. I wondered when and how they would find their way back to each other to fulfill the rom-com genre, but what I did NOT expect was to open social media and see articles framing this as the end. I wasn’t surprised when I found out who wrote the articles, and listen—if they bait one side of the fandom, can’t they bait the other? I still have some hope, because at the end of the day, anything can happen with network television. Maybe this is all part of the plan, and the interviews should be taken with a grain of salt. I just don’t know.

Interviews with Tim and Oliver from day one positioned the Buck and Tommy relationship as a queer love story devoid of trauma. Okay, well… huh. From where I was sitting, there was A TON of explicitly queer trauma exposed in 8x06. Their “hurdle” is tied utterly and completely to queerness. Tommy runs because he is a gay man who doesn’t trust that his bisexual boyfriend should “settle” for him, and who would rather be alone than heartbroken, and if that truly is the last of Tommy, it has to be one of the coldest and cruelest exits we’ve ever seen on this show. Do they simply not realize how deeply traumatized both characters come off in that episode, or is it all part of the plan? If the interviews positioning this as the permanent end of bucktommy should be taken at face value, shouldn’t the other interviews that position them as a rom-com (with the formulaic third act breakup, boils and all) be taken as the truth as well? If there was some misinterpretation, why hasn’t Tim said anything—he clearly knows a lot of fans were hurt by what they watched. He must have seen the outrage—why radio silence? Did we truly blow this out of proportion? Are the wheels coming off behind the scenes? I need a tell-all at this point lol

Thank you for the lovely ask, I’ve been sitting with these thoughts all week so this was a good excuse to finally articulate them. <3

[sil3ntfr34k]

Postal dude 2 boyfriend headcanons

• Mans is RANCID but you still love him <33

• Even with how sassy and sarcastic as he is, he still has a soft spot for you. Isn't very good as showing it, but he does little things here and there to show his love for you

• Y'all probably met during one of his errands his wife made him run, bumping into each other in line while he was getting milk. He was very surprised that someone is actually talking to him and not cussing him out. Y'all chatted it up before you had to pay for your items and leave, leaving him alone once again

• He would be lying if he said he didn't follow you home like some creep to find out where you live so he could 'check-in' on you periodically

• After a handful of conversations and hang outs, he can't seem to stop thinking about you. Even while still married to his current wife, he'd still fantasize about being married to you instead

• He eventually does divorce his bitch wife so he can have a life with you. This doesn't bother the bitch anyway since she was already cheating on him with Mike J,,,

• Once you two start dating you get to see a softer, more gentle side of Dude. Where he was once a crass and inconsiderate, he has become more understanding and loving. He's surprisingly clingy!

• Before you moved in with Dude (or he moves in with you, whatever you like best) he would always hang out at your place anyway. Hell, he'd even bring over Champ just so he could have both his favorite things with him at the same time.

• (Champ is literally his son he gave birth to, no one can tell him otherwise. Sure Dude can be a little mean to Champ, but what parent doesn't get annoyed of their kids now and then??)

• If Dude moved in with you, then Champ gets upgraded to a house dog and no longer has to rough it outside since his bitch ex-wife didn't like pets. Also Dude still has his trailer and all, but it's more of a 'back-up house' or storage.

• No matter if he moved in with you or you moved in with him. he lets you decorate however you'd like. he's pretty adaptable to most environments since he moved around to a lot of different places growing up. Of course he's still messy and smells, but he tries JUST A LIL harder for you

• "Sorry babe, but my crack comes first."

• Please be understanding of this. He's been through a lot and it helps with a lot of his problems. From his chronic pains throughout his body to his schizophrenic episodes, being unsober helps him relax

• Dude is really nervous about telling you about his schizophrenia. His ex-wife always made his episodes worse by yelling at him that he's crazy or something, so he dreads having to tell you. What if you don't understand? What if you get weirded-out and leave him?? What if you start to see him as a burden?? Oh god what is he supposed to do if you want him to leave?????

• Underneath his cocky and confident facade, he's actually incredibly insecure and scared. Even just the tiniest bit of rejection or negative action from you is like this roman empire. He had stopped caring about what his ex-wife thought of him long before the divorce so nothing she did or said really affected him. But you. Your too special to him. He hangs off your every word

• Dates with him are very,,, intimate? Not in the way you might think of, more of in a 'It's just us' way. He's not exactly a people person so he doesn't want to even see other people while on a date with you

• He probably lands on something like a dinner and a show at home or playing some video games while eating all the junk food in the world together. To be fair, there's not exactly a 'nice' area in Paradise, so most couples just stay inside for things like this anyway.

• No matter what y'all end up doing, you better believe you have his undivided attention. All you got do is say the magic word ("now") and he will give it to you on a silver platter

• Even with how good of a boyfriend he seems to be, Dude is NOT Mr. Perfect. Dude has his bad habits and red-flags too.

• During heated arguments Dude can and will throw something at you, might even threaten to kill you tbh. Watch ur step bc that gun is always loaded with the safety off. Doesn't help he's trigger happy too,,,

• Dude also needs his alone time. Yesyesyes he loves you dearly, but the man still needs his space. Isn't afraid to say something like "Hey I gotta go do something, be back babe" and proceed to just lay in bed for 3 hours (Postal Dude bedrotting)

• It's very hard to get Postal Dude to open up about ANYTHING. Like, after being together for 5 years AND being engaged, your barely learning about his strange and very illegal family tree. Come to think of it, you never even knew he had parents. Yea you know he has to have a mom and dad, but you don't know if they're any good or still in his life.

• During a manic/depressive/crack-endued/schizophrenic episode, he makes it very hard for you to be there for him. He doesn't mean to do this, but it's not like can help it. To you, he's just acting-out, but to him, everyone is trying to hurt him and he's not safe anywhere. Suddenly it's like he's a totally different person, constantly running away from you and hiding. Honestly it might be best for you to just wait it out, maybe offer him some comforting words but still stay away.

• Overall, Postal Dude is a bumbling idiot who just wants to feel accepted by someone

[bluginkgo]

Another Nuzi rant. Don't mind me

Spoilers, duh

Since I've already done a quick character study/nuzi rant from N's side. Here's one from Uzi's side!

This is probably gonna be just me repeating things people have already said... again. But I love Uzi. (Just like every other character in Murder Drones, honestly.) But Liam did a wonderful job of making an angsty, emo girl, borderline maniac that we know as Uzi. Her character, to me at least, never became the annoying overdramatized and overused stereotype that follows her style. She has real reasons for being the way she is.

A loner, whose dad loves nothing but doors. School is not different, as her classmates pretty much forget about her existence on a day to day basis. No one to talk to, no one to connect with, gives her the angsty side that I absolutely adore. Because underneath all of that toughness is just a lonely little drone who was left by herself since early age. But guess who comes in and busts down those walls (literally and figuratively)?

Our good boi N! Despite their rough start, N never really gave Uzi a reason not to trust him. Their chance encounter, and a broken sensor, allowed them to have the talk that might have never happened. Their beginning might have been a lucky accident, but for the rest of the season, we can see how both sides had to work to make well... Nuzi work!

For Uzi, asking for help is like asking for a death sentence probably. After being on her own for so long, she doesn't expect anyone to help. With that information in mind, the first time she let's that wall crumble was episode 2, Heartbeat.

"Uzi, shoot! Or give it to me!"

Granted, we all know that was not our N. But in that moment, when Uzi was in an enough distressed state, she sought help in N. We all know how that ended, though. Absolute Solver took advantage of that and almost killed her, before N once again sweeped in to save her. The one and only notorious Nuzi misunderstanding was, for better or for worse, cleared up pretty quickly. Seeing as glitchproduction only has so much money at their disposal, they can't really drag this ordeal out. Personally, I'm glad that it didn't. The long drama that is just a misunderstanding after misunderstanding gets quite tedious to follow.

So, moving forward in The Promening, Uzi once again seeks out N when she's in distress. When she sees and hears about what Doll and Lizzy were gonna do, she books it to the only person she knows can help her.

N! Now don't get me wrong. Uzi, by herself is plenty strong. She's shown off her fighting and capabilities, and would have probably been able to take V on. She's taken J down before, aaaand Uzi does technically also take V down in Cabin Fever. But she still went out of her way to go find N. So they could work together and get this mess sorted out.

And then there's this. God I love Cabin Fever, and surprisingly no, not for the Falling.... for you? scene. No, I loved the entire Uzi going on murder spree because she can! The music was such a banger too. But back to Uzi. She recognizes V and briefly snaps back to her usual self. Curious isn't it? N and Uzi both tried reaching out to V, but because V is so untrusting (and we all understand why from ep 5, Home). Here Uzi tried to ask V for help... in form of N.

I find it interesting how ever since Uzi met N and V, she's been getting better at asking for help. Sure, V shot her down because, once again, V was scared. Uzi was turning into the monster that only Cyn has been capable of creating. This soon leads to N yeeting Uzi into the f*cking stratosphere and the two have a chat.

I love how the animators included Uzi hiding behind her bat wings.

Her metaphorical walls were back up. And guess who broke them yet again.

The bestest boi N! And ever since this moment, N and Uzi are way more open.

Episode 5 was taking place in N's memories. But episode 6 is where their trust and care shines. Yeah, sure, there was the hand holding. And it was a big moment! But I enjoyed the little things more. Uzi checking in on N, nodding at his little comments and jokes.

Summary: I love Nuzi. Send help they're on my mind 24/7.

[whateverisbeautiful]

♥️Reveling in Richonne - TOWL

#17: The Danger (1.02)

gif cred: @chaoticroad

In the final scenes of episode 2, we're given a glimpse of the various things that will complicate Rick and Michonn'es journey home. Richonne will have a lot of threats pointed their way, and yet it's clear who the danger will really be. Because among these concluding scenes, Ms. Dana really climbs up a platform and looks out at the CRM base like - if you ever find me and my husband in a fight with the most powerful military on the planet...help the military 💅🏽😌...

So that lovely scene between the vehicles ends with Rick and Michonne exiting separately as Rick walks out first and then Michonne. I’m sure having to part right now is no easy task for these magnets.

When Rick walked out and put on his helmet I was like Rick, remember to take a little bit of that pep out of your step lol. Cuz he’s supposed to just be scowly downtrodden Sergeant Major Grimes to the CRM, but you know he was feeling like a new man after his wife gave him life and a fresh dose of strength in that garage.

Michonne watches Rick go, likely enjoying that walk, and then she closes the door and has a subtle expression of determination on her face as she walks off. And Michonne's energy just feels like she's ready to go toe to toe with the CRM for everything they've done to her husband, her friends, and herself.

They show a video playing from Michonne’s interview as she looks right into the camera.

gif cred: @nerd4music

We just see the shoulder of a CRM member watching the video, and you already know that means trifling garbage lady Jadis has entered the chat to complicate things as she always does. 😒

And y'all, I don't care how many years it's been since I last saw that serpent on my screen, I still loathe Jadis with a passion...

Then Michonne is again walking around the CRM and A-ing it up just with her looks and walk alone.

The way Michonne is moving and observing, she looks like she should be the one the CRM answers to not Beale lol. Like she truly exudes leader vibes. (Side note: I saw people saying if Okafor had met Michonne he’d be trying to convince Michonne, the A above all As, to be his right hand in his plan and I agree 😁) 

Intercut between this is Jadis 'No Boundaries' Stokes entering Rick’s apartment and pouring herself a drink which...she tried it.

And then we cut back to Michonne and she's climbing up on a platform to get a good scope of the place.

Seeing Michonne climb on top of that thing I was like...

Cuz aren’t we supposed to be lying low and yet you’re now climbing up on that platform, skin all radiant and glowing and very likely to attract attention cuz like why is a new consignee just doing her own thing up here??? 😅

Listen, I support it cuz I will always support Michonne but I just knew she was about to have Rick stressed. One thing about Michonne is she gon' be an A. It just is what it is. 👌🏽😇

gif cred: @nerd4music

And she really does look stunning standing up on that post as she gets a better view of exactly what she’s dealing with. Michonne takes it all in with a look of fierce determination on her face, knowing that the CRM should be scared cuz they have hurt one too many people, especially people she cares about dearly, and now they gotta answer for it.

It was smart storytelling to give Michonne personal reasons to be beefing with the CRM on top of her issues with them for what they've done to Rick.

And I love how this scene is a reminder that part of what makes Richonne's love story so distinct is that Rick and Michonne really are lethal lovebirds. So Michonne Grimes is a devoted wife and a determined mother, and she's also real deadly when she wants to be. And the CRM is bound to learn that soon enough.

gif cred: @richardgrimes

Then I love the shot of her holding Nat's 'Danger' lighter. 👏🏽 And with that running theme of fire, the lighter is very fitting because again sometimes things have to burn and Michonne is not afraid to be the one to burn it down. She’s the danger.

And, I think this further confirms that Michonne and Danger were meant to have parallels as step-parents too. Also, it's just great that she has Nat’s lighter cuz it lets us know she’s going to ensure Nat fully gets his lick back against the CRM.

gif cred: @nerd4music

So after the great shot of Michonne looking like a Queen and then closing the lighter we cut to the Queen of Trash. 🙄 (Side note: while I loathe Jadis I think Pollyanna is a talented actress who has a good presence on screen. Just thought I'd clarify that because from here on out I'm whacking Jadis unabashedly👌🏽) 

Rick returns to his apartment and stops in his tracks when he sees Jadis is inside and has made herself comfortable. I hate how even Rick’s apartment doesn’t get to be a safe space for him because people just barge in at any time. 😑

gif cred: @andy-clutterbuck

Jadis says hi and apologizes for breaking in and then says she’s here cuz this is an investigation but one that she wants to keep off the books. She tells him, “Let’s continue to keep certain things between you and me as we have.” 

And then because I think Jadis might combust if she doesn’t try someone every two seconds she shows she still enjoys making Rick uncomfortable by coming on to him when she says, “It’s been awhile. You look good.” And while Jadis is very correct about that it’s still trifling as hell and Rick is so over it as he responds by looking away and rolling his eyes.

I love how Rick genuinely only responds well to flirtatiousness and acknowledgment of his looks from Michonne and Michonne alone. I once saw someone say Rick is a michonnesexual and y'all...

So then Jadis marvels at how truly amazing it is that Michonne found Rick. When she says “She found you.” that’s when Rick’s face looks shaken as he realizes Jadis knows Michonne is here.

Then Jadis, who in her own weird twisted way is like one of the biggest believers in Richonne, says, “If anyone could she could.” It's good that Jadis is at least putting some respect on Michonne’s name here with that very accurate statement, even tho she’s still ticking me off.

But it is true - if anyone was gonna find Rick even despite him being trapped in a hidden city, it would be his soulmate.

Rick steps further into the apartment and reacts like he’s ready to end Jadis right here and now. Jadis reveals she knows what really happened in the forest and that the sword was Michonne’s meaning she’s the one who slit up those soldiers. Rick looks down as he listens and realizes that for the umpteenth time, Jadis is screwing up his plans. 😪

gif cred: @andy-clutterbuck

Jadis says she’s keeping the knowledge she has off the books and just storing it in her twisted bowl-cut head. She tells Rick, “This doesn’t fall under our long-standing deal.” And then knowing full well that Michonne probably has revitalized Rick to feel like he and her can finally break free Jadis says, “You have to know that if you try to escape with her I will make sure that all those people that you love die - including a few that I like very much.”

Just when I thought I couldn’t root for Jadis' demise any harder than I already was she says this. 😑 Had me watching like...

Rick reacts to the threat with worry in his eyes as he approaches and Jadis stands up to tell Rick, “You have to know that. I’m certain that you do.” And it’s sad seeing Rick have to be pulled right back into the CRM’s propaganda that they are impossible to overcome. Jadis says she’s had to do worse things and her hands are already covered in blood so they can't get any bloodier.

Then she says she has a question to ask Rick. She apologizes for the language she's about to use and then calls back to the odd way she used to speak when she and Rick first met in season 7 when she says, “But you’ve heard a lot of language from me, yes yes yes?” Ooh that ticked me off off off y’all, cuz she’s so smug as she shatters Rick’s hope of getting him and Michonne out of here. 😡

Jadis smiles and then drops the smile as she sternly asks what Rick is doing and Rick just stares at her silently, clearly thinking “Not today, not tomorrow…

And that concludes episode 2 of TOWL. Another great episode that I thoroughly enjoyed. 👏🏽

After years of waiting for that Richonne reunion moment, it was perfection. And this ep made it ultra-clear that TOWL was about to just spoil us rotten because, in the very episode where they reunited, Richonne then has a scene between those vehicles that for me I enjoyed even more, after already adoring the initial reunion. Just gold on gold on gold. 🤩 And we still were just in the front half of the series.

It’s so fitting that Danai got praise from the media for her performance this ep cuz she knocked it out of the park conveying every emotion with such powerful sincerity. Her and Andy’s ability to bring Michonne and Rick to life is truly something special and every minute of their first scenes together as non-dream Richonne was excellent. They made it clear these two's love was still so magnetically alive and blazing. 🙌🏽😍

gif cred: @msanonships

As we now entered the middle of the miniseries - with trifling Jadis added to the mix you just knew things were only going to get more complicated. Especially because her arrival and threats usher in a very different Rick than the one who was convinced he and Michonne could get away together.

No, now Rick’s sole focus is on getting Michonne out of here alive even if it means without him. And well...we’ll see exactly how a certain Dana Bethune feels about that. 😅

During the first two riveting episodes of TOWL, Richonne spent a good chunk of it apart. From here on out they're together, but also have a lot to navigate to truly feel back together. There's a ton to unpack in these next eps, so y'all with these upcoming breakdowns...

Because TOWL's act two has everything. Humor, heartbreak, hunger, a helicopter hurl...

And most importantly, these next two episodes have a whole lot of Richonne gold. 😌👌🏽

[starguardianniom]

The Dark implications of the Paris Special ending

Ok so we all saw the special and we kind of all figured out that basically Shadybug and Claw Noir were child soldiers tasked by the Supreme with retrieving the Butterfly miraculous so that they would be "spared", right?

So, does that mean the Supreme personally contacted them, or knows where they live and their identities? Meaning that now they'll be hunted down for becoming heroes and joining the resistance? Does that means the Supreme will go after their families? Or will send other holders after them?

Does it implies that now Emonette and Emodrien will have to go underground or something?

I could see them revealing themselves to Betterfly and him to them and they would become some sort of family, as Emodrien and Gabriel are already son and father and Emodrien will most likely date Emonette.

But that could complicate things further, if Emodrien is hunted, then Gabriel isn't probably safe as a civilian now, he could be captured to keep Emodrien in line or something.

Suddently I feel their problems just got bigger now, sure Shadybug and Claw Noir now are good heroes and their powers won't kill them anymore, but well their lives are about to get changed a lot, given Shadybug's fear at going back knowing the Supreme won't like that they defected.

So it could definitely be explored again in the future maybe, given they clearly aren't done fighting.

I must wonder if the Supreme use a miraculous himself, maybe the Rabbit or Horse for instant teleportation and safety anywhere? Or the Fox to have illusions anywhere and everywhere? Or the Snake to always have second chances?

Speaking of which, why did the Supreme gave Emonette and Emodrien the miraculouses when he usually gives them to the elites he keeps close to himself? Because he couldn't afford losing said elites but 2 random, angry and bitter goth kids? Sure, no problems. He doesn't tell them that they could use their kwamis for a wish since he overrided that, and that using their powers for evil would kill them in the long run, so he probably thought that they could accomplish their missions and still die from the after effects of their miraculouses after telling them they would be spared, and well he would probably spare them simply to watch them die slowly from the misuse of their powers and gloating about it as they die or something maybe?

Emonette realised it after failing to make the wish, she was dying from her powers, and was beyond scared and sad and broken at seeing how much she's fallen. She even said that getting the Butterfly back was all they had left. We were literally watching 14 years old teenagers slowly die during most of the special, people! Give those kids all the hugs, love and protection of the world please.

But the implications are dark and evil and damn I am so scared for those kids, and also that good Gabriel.

So we need another episode with them. Heck can we have the rest of the series with them please? I need to see Emonette befriending Alya and Emodrien, Nino. Need them to be the quad squad under daddy Betterfly and stuff, being a lil happy family fighting against the corruption of the Supreme in their world.

[judesmoonbeauty]

Fairytale Final Assessment 1st Anniversary SE: Jude Jazza's POV Chapter 2 ཐིཋྀ

Fan translation only. Not 100% accurate. Please expect grammatical errors. Cybird owns everything. Feel free to re-blog, but please do NOT post my translations elsewhere.

Translation notes are marked with *** Alternate translation is marked with/// Hour Glass Banners Credit: @/natimiles ཐིཋྀ

I glared at Kate at a distance where the tips of our noses touched.

(Ha…….Really, not good.)

(Her eyes.)

Despite being pinned down and being shown the overwhelming difference in power, Kate’s eyes never gave up.

She glared at me too straight on, with a glow in them. 

(……Ah, something like this happened before.)

She was kidnapped on my birthday, and had collapsed because she didn’t leak any information about me.

When I saw her injured, my core went completely cold. 

FLASH BACK TO HIS BD STORY

Jude: As ya said, I'm threatenin’ ya now.

Jude: But ...... I could snap your neck in an instant. Besides, the people I'm dealin’ with won't even hesitate.

Jude: If you're aware that you're being pushed away, I'm sure a smart young lady would know what to do.

Kate: I would have stayed out of it if I could have.......

Jude: But?

Kate: Every time we go on a mission together or escape from a predicament, I realize various things and change.

Kate: I don't mind that kind of change in myself.

FLASH BACK ENDS

I don't remember being kind to her or taking care of her carefully.

There have been times when she looked at death.

She has learned so much that she can no longer be called a “naive young lady.”

Despite this, she is a brazen woman with annoying eyes who maintains her clean side even when she knows of dirty maliciousness.

(I know I like this girl.)

(It’s interesting to see the fighting spirit that comes from her, but…)

(If I don't kick her out now... one day...she’ll die.)

(Then, why don't I draw the line here?)

I put my hand around Kate’s neck and squeeze it tighter than I did that day.

Kate: …..Ts…….ah.

Jude: I told ya before that when your carotid artery is constricted, ya instantly can't breathe.

Jude: Are ya scared? Is it painful?

Jude: If you're going to give up here, I'll make it easy for ya, but what are ya goin’ to do?

Kate: Oh……ugh.

Jude: I can't hear anything. Could ya speak more clearly?

When I applied more force and tried to knock Kate unconscious, Kate’s arm suddenly pushed me away.

Kate: Cough….cough……

Jude: Ha, you’re so powerful.

Kate: Again, please!

Jude: ………

(This girl, really?)

After that, Kate kept coming back to fight again and again.

Perhaps Ellis couldn't bear to see it, and suggested another game, 

Even so, I still ate many episodes…..***

Kate: …….

Jude: Ha, ya look exhausted.

Jude: There's no need for me to sign the consent form. Why don't ya give up quietly and pack your things?

Kate: There's still time until today ends.

Kate: I won't give up until you sign it.

Ellis: Kate…..

(She really is a stubborn woman. There's no end to it.)

It's not that I didn't imagine this would happen.

Jude: I don't want to be with ya forever. Let's go settle the matter. 

Kate: This is the port where you manage the logistics depot, right Jude?

Jude: As ya know, we rent our warehouses to others with interest.

Jude: There was a man there who was making a living doin’ bad business.

Kate: I'm sure... something like that happened before, right?

Kate: He was using Jude's warehouse for human trafficking...a man with a bowler hat!

Ellis: That's when Kate was with Jude for the first time.

Jude: What a good memory!

Kate: I was attacked and almost killed, so even though I hate it, I will never forget it.

Kate: So, since you brought me here, you're trying to make me do something, right?

Jude: There’s a guy who has done something similar to that man in the bowler hat.

Jude: He’s got some classified documents hidden somewhere in a warehouse up ahead.

Jude: Get me those classified documents and then we'll talk. 

Kate: I’ll find the classified documents that’ll benefit you, Jude.

Kate: If I find them, will you sign it?

Jude: That’s what I’m sayin’.

Jude: I’m not patient, I’ll only wait until midnight.

Kate: I understand. Your promise is absolute.

Ellis: Kate, so you want me to follow you?

Kate: Thank you, Ellis. But this is my game, and I'll do my best on my own.

With that said, Kate ran away from the scene.

Ellis: A guy doing bad business in a warehouse who is hiding classified documents. Just like the one I killed yesterday……..

Ellis: Jude, no way!

Jude: No, of course not. There is no such person or classified document anywhere.

Jude: She’s gonna keep looking for something that's not there, and at midnight, I'm gonna call it a night.

Ellis: It's like Cinderella in bad taste.

Jude: The best fairy tale mistake.

Lighting a cigarette, I inhale the smoke deeply into my lungs, and exhale.

(Now she’s washed her hands from Crown with this.)***

(This is a happy ending. It's a lukewarm happy ending that suits her.)

He tossed the shortened cigarette to the ground and stomped it down with his foot.

The on-site supervisor came running towards me, the color of his complexion changed.

Supervisor: Mr. Jude, why are you here? I’ve been trying to contact you! 

Jude: What happened?

Supervisor: You remember that guy you sent to the lab for illegal human trafficking here before.

Ellis: Is that.….that's the guy in the bowler hat who Kate was talking about earlier, isn't it?

Supervisor: That man escaped from the lab and attacked a weapons store. He killed the clerk and stole a gun...

Supervisor: As he was escaping he said he was going to kill Jude Jazza!

Jude: ………

Supervisor: The man's goal is revenge against you. Please run away and hide yourself quickly…..

FLASH BACK

Jude: We had a contract that said you couldn't buy or sell humans, right?

Bowler Hat Man: I'm hoping you'll let me off the hook there.

Bowler Hat Man: Well, even poor people can sell at a good price.

Bowler Hat Man: It'll line your pockets and clean up this docklands cesspool that is the Port of London.

Jude: ……….

Bowler Hat Man: You, who love other people's misfortune and money, will let me off the hook, won't you?

Bowler Hat Man: If you agree, your lover will be returned to you unharmed.

FLASHBACK ENDS

(He’s seen Kate’s face.）

Jude:…..Damn, how bad can her luck be?

Supervisor: Oh, hey, Mr. Jude, where are you going?

Ellis: Jude!

Running through the bay, I opened the doors of the warehouses with a fine-tooth comb.

(……Where the hell is she?)

Then I heard a noise in one of the warehouses.

When I opened the door to the warehouse, I found-

[Previous] [Bitter End] [Premium End] [Master List]

***HELP! I could not t/l this line to save my life! It’s a simple sentence (?), but it literally said he was consuming editions. I managed to t/l it into “episodes” after a lot of research. I believe he is implying that because Kate keeps coming back to spar with him, he is comparing each fight to an episode and consuming it as his win and her loss??

*** 足 denotes leg or foot. 洗 denotes cleansed, scoured, wash. So, I decided to nix leg/foot and use hands as an alt since westerners are more familiar with that term.

[danpuff-ao3]

Thanks for the tag @cindle-writes!

"Self-rec time! What are your favorite five fics that you've written and why? After replying to this ask, feel free to pass on to five other writers to spread the love. 💗"

Tagging: @perverse-idyll @writcraft @lizzy0305 @ripeteeth @lqtraintracks @threadbearao3 and whoever else might want to play!

It was hard to narrow down, as I've written well over 100 fics in my time (most available on AO3, but I still have some secrets). This has been good to look at and think about in light of my recent writerly struggles. Gave me a nice reminder of what I love and what I've accomplished.

1.) Contempt | Devotion

I'm counting them together, since they're the same story from different perspectives. Nothing will ever top them for me. They are THE Snarry story for me. They've been my OTP for 20+ years, and those works are years and years of dedication (and devotion, ha) to this ship. It's all the feelings I've ever had about them. It's the version of them, as individuals and together, that most resonates with me.

It is, as I often say, the story of my soul. I ripped these words out of my teeth, out of my bones, and wrote them with my blood. It was an agonizing process, and one I would do again and again, because I could not be more proud of anything, and it still amazes me that I created this story. That I finally pulled it out of my soul and put it to words. All of the passion I have for them, all of my history with this ship, all of it is right there.

(Also shoutout to the other little ficlets in the series; this version of Snarry will always have my heart.)

2.) Collateral Damage

While Contempt is the Snarry of my dreams, Collateral Damage is the DRON of my dreams.

Draco and Ron are my secondary OTP, and while I could write and rewrite Snarry to death, I have a hard time revisiting Dron as the main relationship, because I feel like I put everything I had for them into this one story.

The fic is written in Draco's POV, which I loved and was such a treat. I loved exploring Draco and Ron as individuals, and as a couple, and considering them more than I ever had before. It was fun playing with some real enemies-to-lovers, and seeing it become something really passionate and loving and fun (but also angsty, because I'm ME, hello).

It's a tale of revenge and insecurity, and fooling yourself while you try to fool others. I tried to really love on Draco and Ron both, while also diving into their respective flaws, and while I already loved them, writing this fic made me love them all the more.

3.) The Curse of Anteros

Another Snarry, of course. This one is such a love story, in some ways, though there's plenty of questionable (objectionable) content there. But for me, that made it all the more romantic, this sort of love conquers all, even in the worst of scenarios. My boys survived toxicity, and a curse, and life.

It's also a concept I've played with for quite some time, inspired by a Charmed episode (which was itself inspired by a film called Ladyhawke). It was a fun exercise in watching them grow, and watching time move on, with their connection unchanged. The story spans decades, and really, I'm not sure I've written anything more romantic!

Also features art by my dear friend @mrviran which is phenomenal and I am still totally awed by what they created for this story!! It was fun inventing a creature together, too <3

4.) A Matter of Time

Another Snarry which also holds a special place in my heart. It was a unique experience of trying new things. For one, it was alternating POV, which I don't normally care for; for me it's hard to maintain flow along with maintaining character voices. But ALSO it was told in reverse chronological order, which I'd been dying to try! Also...the angst. I love it.

And the END!!!! The end kills me and I love it. </3

5.) Cruel Summer

I waffled with choosing 5, because I felt like it should be Orange Blossoms, and I think part of me was scared to put this one on the list. You know...devastating and dead dovey as it is. It's a Sirry fic, one that I'd been cooking up in my noggin' for a few years.

I wanted to play with a darker side to Sirry, and portraying a very unhealthy and troubling relationship which really only felt natural with all that Harry and Sirius had been through. I wanted to do them and the concept justice, which I really think I did, and I'm really proud of how it came out. There's more story to tell...the real story, I think, will be the aftermath, but we'll see if it ever actually comes to fruition. In the meantime, I really love this story, awful as the content is.

[blackhairandbangs]

A Little Inspiration

Bang Chan x Reader

info/masterlist

word count: 1.8K

genre: non-idol au, fluff?, cute flirty chan!!!, localmusician!chan

summary: after seeing each others open mic night performances, you and chan get together for a songwriting session

warnings: some kissing at the end, but thats really all! not proofread...

a/n: this fic came to be after the chan/jeongin 2 kids episode with black hole! that song makes an appearance in the fic:)

Every Sunday night you found yourself in the same place. For months, you and your band had been regulars at the open mic night held at a cozy downtown café. The stage, adorned with twinkling lights and a warm ambiance, served as the perfect backdrop for budding musicians like yourselves to showcase your talents.

Your group had performed a new concept last week, so today you were heading out just to take in the performances others had to offer. Upon entering the cafe, your nose is hit with the familiar scent of coffee and pastries. You glance around before finding an empty table on the side of the cafe that still gives you a good view of the stage where musicians have already been cycling through for the past hour. You tended to see a lot of familiar faces being a weekly regular, but the man who approached the stage was not one of them.

“Um…Hello everyone,” He spoke softly, tapping the mic to make sure it was on. “I’m Chris, you may know me online as CB97…�� He trailed off, checking his phone to make sure his lyrics were all in order. This was a typical practice for the performers at the open mic night. Most of the time artists were there to test out brand new works, hoping to see how the audience reacts. 

“This song is not yet titled, so if you get a vibe, come find me later on.” He seemed shy, and you wondered how that would translate to his music, but as the first few seconds of his beat came in, you couldn’t draw yourself away from his performance. His shy demeanor had completely vanished as he rapped with immense precision. 

You tapped your foot to the beat, watching the way he existed up until the end of the song, his black fluffy hair bouncing as he moved with the rhythm. As he wrapped up, the cafe gave him a generous amount of applause. Thanking everyone, he left the stage to head to his table of friends. It was crazy to you that even coming here every week, that was your first time seeing him perform. Surely you would have remembered someone as talented as that.

As the night closed, you still found yourself drawn to him and his performance, offering glances up until you checked the time, grabbing your bag to head home. You got up to leave the cafe, not before turning  back to offer one more glance at his table before heading into the breezy night and starting your walk back to your apartment. 

“Hey,” You heard, jumping a little and turning around to greet the voice. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you,” He laughed.

“No, no it’s okay…”Your voice trailed off turning around to see the man you had been so impressed with.

“You’re awfully quiet for someone who couldn't keep their eyes off me all night.”

Your cheeks flushed red, hearing such a bold comment.

“I-I’m sorry?” You spoke, a bit flustered at the confidence exuding from him. He was so shy before starting his song, you couldn't understand where this came from. He reached a hand up to scratch the back of his neck, giving a small laugh.

“That was a bit forward,” He began. “I’m Chris.” He reaches his hand out and you take it in a quick handshake. 

“Y/N,” You speak. “I really enjoyed your set tonight. Your original songs were unlike anything I’ve heard before.”

He offered you a small smile before going back to the shy person you saw before his performance. “Oh, really? Thanks, I appreciate it.” He twiddles his thumbs a bit before speaking up again, “I saw your band play last week, your vocals are insane.”

Your eyes go big. How could you have missed his presence the last time you took the stage?  “Really? Thank you! We were just doing covers, it was nothing impressive.” 

Chris gives a small laugh.

“Don’t put yourself down, it was amazing. Have you ever written an original?”

The real answer is yes. You had notebooks and paper scattered around your room all scribbled with notes in lyrics. You had written tons of songs, but the issue was that none of them felt genuine. Love songs pulled from your imagination, break up ballads based on stories your friends told. You had tons of ideas, but the stories weren’t real and therefore the songs never left the paper.

“I’ve definitely tried,” You look down, glancing between your shoes and the pavement you stood on. “Just don’t have much to pull from when it comes to… inspiration.”

Chris nods his head softly. Writing songs could be the most challenging thing if you have nowhere to pull ideas from. 

“Well if you want to get together soon, maybe we could have a little song writing workshop? I’ve been doing this a while and I’d love to see what you have so far.” He pulls out his phone, reaching out to hand it to you.

“Put your number in, I’d really like to meet up sometime,” He offers you a warm smile as you type in your information.

Earlier in the week, you and Chris had made plans to meet at your apartment. You scrambled to clean up the mess of papers scattered on the floor of your living room from the small bout of musical inspiration that hit at 1am the night before. Right as you shuffled the last of the papers onto your coffee table, there was a small knock on your door. You took a deep breath, trying to contain your nerves as you opened the door to Chruis and his guitar.

“Thank you for having me over!” Chris gave a smile as you guided him into your living room. He looked around the decorations in your living room. A drum kit in the corner, guitars on the wall. He could only assume you were in charge of hosting band practices.

“Sorry about all the papers, I thought I had something last night, but…” You trail off as Chris takes a seat on your couch and starts shuffling through the papers on your coffee table. He hums to himself, attempting to sight read the notes you had scribbled down in a sleepy haze. 

“Y/N, this is really good so far,” You walk around the table to take a seat next to him.

“You really think so? I can’t figure out a bridge… I don’t know, none of it feels genuine. I mean, how do you even write a song about something you know nothing about?” You quietly, the last part not meaning to come out. Chris furrows his brows, looking you up and down. 

“What do you mean you know nothing about? You’ve never let yourself fall in love?”

You silently shake your head, hoping he would drop the topic. This is why you never let your songs go further than the papers you shoved under your bed. Chris grabs a pencil off the table and allows himself to sink more into the couch. He gives a small sigh, starting to finally understand you a bit more. 

“Well let’s see what we can come up with,” He flips through the pages once more finding some lyrics to help you expand upon. “I really like where you were going with the star symbolism. The two stars represent our lovers, right?”

You nodded watching him chew the end of the pencil in his hand. He gives a small hum before scribbling something on the page. You glance over to see what he had written, inching yourself a little closer. 

“You know, I read somewhere that when two stars collide, the gravity from both stars can create a black hole. Black holes draw you in, it’s like being drawn into your partner deeper and deeper, even if it’s not always perfect.” He picks up his guitar, strumming out one of the chords you had marked out on the page. “Let’s go from there, ya?”

You pick up your paper and sing along to the first few lyrics to give him a feel of the melody you had in mind.

“In the dark night sky, I feel the empty space”

You continue to sing along with his strumming until you reach the chorus where you found yourself stuck last night.

“That’s about where I lost any and all inspiration,” You say with a small laugh. “I was toying with something along the lines of falling in love but it all was sounding too cheesy.”

“I fall…” He starts. “I fall… I fall into you again, into your heart,”

Your eyes grow wide and you grab the other pencil on the table.

“Yes! That’s perfect!”

Chris puts his guitar down so he could focus more on the lyrics with you. He scoots himself just a bit closer to share the paper, your shoulders now touching.

“Keep going, what else?” He encourages. 

You tap the pencil on your thigh, “I guess I can try something like ‘I fall into you again, into your heart. I just can’t pick myself up?”

Chris shakes his head a bit.

“That’s too easy, play with the metaphors a bit. What about that black hole, what else is going on in space?”

Your smile falls. You knew you were trying to take the easy way out with the lyrics, but that was all your mind could come up with. You can’t even remember the last time someone fell in love with you. 

“I have zero inspiration, I can’t.”

Chris lifts his hand to your chin, turning you to look at him. His cold touch sends a shiver down your spine and a blush to your cheeks.

“I know you have it in you, you just need to find something to be inspired by.” He looks down at your lips before looking back in your eyes, waiting for a silent approval. You bring yourself closer, your faces only inches apart.

“I-I fall into you again, into your heart,” you started to speak out the lyrics Chris had written before he closed the gap, joining your lips together. He snakes his hands down to touch your waist as you pull away slightly.

“Leaving myself to gravity,”

Chris places soft kisses on your jawline before bringing himself back up to your lips.

“I’m trapped in your space again, there’s nothing I can do…”

You deepen the kiss after letting him add on to the lyrics. You bring your arms up to wrap around his neck so there is virtually no space between you two. You could feel the spark between you two as your lips danced together. The space that tears apart the night sky, we can’t stop.

Chris breaks the kiss, leaning his forehead against yours, “Swirling up the vast emptiness, we will shine”

You smile, feeling something you don’t think you have ever felt before. 

“I think we make a good songwriting team,” he laughs, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. He couldn't look away from the blush that deepened on your face. The way you looked mesmerized him the very first time he saw you perform.

“I think maybe we both just needed a little inspiration.”

a/n: happy new year my lovelies!! i hope you enjoyed some localmusician!chan :) this fic was honestly so self indulgent, i'm in a band and something about this whole situation just makes me melt my goodness!!!

send some asks and requests!! my inbox is lonely:(

[delusionalblfan]

as i expected throughout the whole episode i was so tense and with teary eyes. the whole damn episode. but i literally bawled my eyes out in three moments. the three of them made me stop watching to catch a breath and to just think about life and choices and stuff. i was so into them i felt sick to my stomach

1. when Babe kissed Babe's forehead three times, it got to me more than the whole scene of Babe realising Charlie was dead. it was so tender, full of regret of untold words, it was what Babe regretted not doing to Charlie before the race. it was a goodbye. it was a 'i cannot live without you'. a 'i respect and love you so much for everything you've done for me', a 'i do not deserve you', a 'you do not deserve this'. i felt it all. it was a detail that made all the difference to me and of which i am very thankful for. it was what my emotions needed to really make me go 'no! this is happening' and make me crumble

2. Babe alone at home with Charlie's gloves while reminiscing their times together. he remembered their first meeting as expected. but then he remembered moments that Charlie made him feel special, told him he is special, irrevocably and unconditionally told him he is the reason he ever tried to stop Tony. Babe knows that what Charlie has been doing is not for his own self, but for Babe. this moment Babe is feeling so much pain and so much guilt and it's palpable. and it's as if he feels like the gloves are the only good thing he gave to Charlie and he wants to hold on to them. he needs a physical thing to hold on to, given he doesn't have Charlie. he wants to keep the thing he gave to Charlie and thinks he likes the most. he wants to keep what he saw in Charlie's eyes was what he was most proud of. (Babe, news to you: you are it. you are what Charlie most wanted, most loved and most wanted to show off. you are what makes Charlie happy. you)

3. Alan and Dean's scene (PHENOMENAL) what a moment. seeing Sailub and Lee's emotions so raw that they are physically feeling it. that's the feeling i got. the hurting in their voices made me go crazy. i lost myself there. and i got the whole moment. Dean always felt like the outsider, haven't found his place and used that to self-pity, never spoke about it until recently and only now is doing something to not live in the shadows, but unfortunately by doing wrong decisions. they are family (remembering these men have no blood relatives, they are each others family and that's as valid as blood relatives. it's Family) i am sure they would support him if he decided to find his place somewhere on the racing world. but he was so desperate he decided to do it by siding with the person that has done most harm to his family members, and by harming a family member (i know nothing about mechanics, but he said it, he did want to scare Charlie so he would give up racing, so Dean was willing to make Charlie get into an accident to scare him). and Alan was so hurt. and i bet i know some traits of him so he must be thinking 'this is happening again within my family, the family i started, the people i sworn to protect, i must not be monitoring their feelings well, where did i do wrong, i definitely did something wrong'. but at the same time he knew Dean did a very bad thing, the was so hurt with Dean and so disappointed. and to make the (right!) choice of calling the police on a family member must be so hard. they will not be family like before. the trust was broken. and realising that this is the end, the way they physically gave up and bended. Alan grabbing him like he wants to embrace him still! i believe they get each other's point of view, but Dean was already so hurt by all these years (this boy has a fucking inner saboteur!) and false accusations but shattered by the fact that Alan could in fact, but to his eyes only now, show love towards him and Alan was so hurt that a family member hurt another family member (again) and still very regretful for what he could have done… this is unequivocally a breakup and it was very real and hurtful to watch

[mayasdeluca]

Could you rate Marina scenes but only.from s7.

Ik it wasnt perfect and kinda rushed but we had so many cute stuff

Sorry for the delay! This took some time and I'm still not sure of my ranking because some of these were tough. We did get some great scenes despite them ultimately doing Marina dirty in Season 7 IMO. A lot of stuff brushed under the rug/put in wordless montages that was really frustrating after waiting so long for certain storylines to wrap up and come to fruition but this is how I would rank them.

This would be my top 5 and then the rest under the cut:

7x04: truth or scared scene. so good. finally got to hear them express their fears to one another. (crazy how they all ended up becoming reality during the season) and then of course the cuddling scene at the end and carina sleeping in maya’s neck like we all knew she did <3 lovely to see and bonus that it was directed by Stefania.

2. 7x05: in maya’s bunk. top tier. everything about this scene is perfect. carina waiting for maya while wearing her sfd clothes. liam there. maya freaking out when she sees carina’s bloody shirt. carina having to tell maya she can’t get pregnant and maya immediately wanting to fix it and suggesting her eggs. maya finally speaking italian to her wife. i’m so glad we got this and in the 100th episode makes it even more meaningful <3

3. 7x10: we’re pregnant. two babies. i love this scene even if i wish we got more of an initial reaction to them finally seeing each other after all the wildfire stress. but the payoff of carina finally getting to tell maya she’s pregnant was beautiful and so special. the spinning kiss parallel to their proposal scene felt meaningful also. they finally had their moment <3

4. 7x09: i’d rather focus on my hot wife. 10/10 great scene. the foreshadowing of this is definitely evil but it's probably the sexiest thing we got of the season and didn't disappoint. Danielle and Stefania truly delivered as they always do when getting the material.

5. 7x01: Hi little Liam. We’d like to be your moms. I love this scene. Maya being the one to suggest adoption, saying they can still have their plans to get pregnant, listing all the reasons it makes sense for them. Carina being so happy and the way Maya looks at her at the end as Carina is looking at Liam and Liam looking up at both of them. I’ll always wish we got more of the beginning stages of Marina bringing Liam home from the hospital/introducing him to the team etc. but this scene was really good. The start of them finally becoming moms <3

Now the rest. I don't know if the 7x09 cliffhanger technically counts because they don't interact in it but I have to shout it out/put it close to the top because it's still so beautifully done and intertwined both of them together in such an amazing way. Just such a shame that they didn't pay it off that well.

6. 7x09: scene in kitchen. mutual i love you’s finally, the ultrasound picture on the fridge, maya wearing the jacket she wore when they first met. another great scene that gave us so many good things.

7. 7x05: FaceTime maya carina liam. super cute. we got probie and babe and maya in her class A’s. 

8. 7x08: opening montage scene of ivf process/embryo transfer. loved this scene, glad we got to see some of it on tv for once that just involved the two of them. i think out of all their wordless montage scenes in the season, this is the one that actually made sense to be a montage but some of us were so frustrated with them already having a lot of those scenes already that we wished there was dialogue. but i think it was nice seeing the process being done, the way they were looking at each other with complete heart eyes, maya holding carina’s hand every step of the way and then carina explaining things to maya on the ultrasound photo. and i love that it was the first scene of the episode. and then the transition to them at the clinic and maya being all protective of carina moving heavy things? 10/10

9. 7x07: scene in the beginning with liam is adorable. maya testing carina for her meeting about the lawsuit, maya and liam both crying and carina comforting them both. all it was missing was a kiss of some sort, don’t know why they didn’t add that. also carina calling herself mommy felt wrong

10. 7x04: getting locked out of the house. peak comedy. carina saying she wants to fight. love seeing them bicker like an old married couple lol "i’m married to maya bishop, of course my car is locked"

11. 7x06: at the clinic. maya being all smitten at the idea of carina being pregnant. i’m so glad we at least got this since we never got to see maya around a pregnant carina…we were so robbed of that

12. 7x08: over protective maya about the embryo transfer at the clinic and wanting carina to take it easy…adorable. the little bits we got of her being that way since we didn’t get to see it while carina was actually pregnant but i love that carina also reassures her she’s fine and still capable of doing things.

13. 7x09: in the tent, worried wives and ‘see you at home’ short but sweet

14. 7x09: texting scene. lasagna mention. super cute and bonus carina/liam cuteness 

15. 7x06: joe’s bar. annoyed they cut the kiss which was a theme this season but i really liked this scene. maya being a cute yapper while carina amusingly listens to her wife and them talking about mason and their parents and bringing it back to them having their own kids. carina telling maya she’s going to be a good mom…it was just a cute married domestic scene at their place.

16. 7x01: talking about getting house. Carina saying ‘your apartment’ stings even if I get she’s saying it because of the bad memories. seeing Carina with Liam in the beginning and Maya saying she did everything she could to save his bio mom was cute. our house. our home. this scene is cute but the fact that they didn’t just let them kiss properly is annoying and then we got the awkward angle instead. 

17. 7x08: in the lounge talking about liam and the bio dad. love how carina leans into maya’s chest and maya kisses the top of her head. wish it wasn’t so quick but it was a nice scene

18. 7x02: Carina getting sued: Maya being supportive of Carina from the jump was cute and the little touches throughout the scene was so them. and Maya basically making sure everything was taken care of and leading the way once they got the call to get Liam? my heart

19. 7x04: discussing attachment parenting and their different styles. i found this scene to be very interesting and to hear maya's POV of why she felt the way she did and it made sense for her stance to be what it was while carina felt the opposite. thought it was nice to hear them talk about it in a healthy way despite them disagreeing.

20. 7x04: the fight in liam’s room. lots of mixed feelings with this scene. i know people think Carina always pushes Maya too hard but i also think she should be able to talk about the tough things with her wife at times. it shouldn’t just be a ‘therapy’ thing when Carina is just trying to figure out where Maya is coming from. it’s also interesting to me how Maya always goes to bring up Carina’s father whenever she gets confronted with something by Carina, i wish that was something that was addressed. i also understand Maya is still working on herself and so getting defensive and walking out is still something she does and i don’t blame her for that. but part of me does wish we would have gotten to see them grow from this as it was already a step in the right direction after the fighting in season 3 (and we all know how maya handled that) but to finally get to see them ‘fight’ and discuss something without Maya walking away. 

21. 7x08: marina walking into the engagement party and telling the team about being on track to adopt liam. glad we got this moment and the team being happy for them. 

22. 7x02: Marina Clinic Scenes (I’m just grouping them altogether as one since they weren’t technically alone for any of them but still had some moments) love the look Carina gives Maya when she says “That’s what I said” about never having kids. Carina helping Maya with her gown, seeing them work together to figure out the illness the woman had, it was nice seeing them work together in that element like that (though i still think it was a missed opportunity for them to deal with a contagious situation and one of them catching something/worrying about liam but there was already a lot going on plus the suing situation at the end)

23. 7x04: Maya with the drill in the beginning. Carina with liam was adorable but it felt a little forced that Carina just couldn’t get a diaper herself lol

24. 7x07: end scene. having the box hit Maya’s boobs so they can’t kiss? stupid and unnecessary. only good things were the hand holding and amore mio. the double standards between all the couples sex scenes were trash as we’ve all said. 

25. 7x10: the flash forwards. idk if these count but they were fine. Maya’s showing them both giving birth was unexpected but i am glad we got the vision of carina giving birth to their baby. Carina’s only showing some weirdly placed photoshoot was underwhelming though.

26. 7x02: bringing Liam to the station…the fact that this was just a wordless montage really upsets me. I think this moment deserved way more. I get that it was Jack’s moment/episode but Marina had been waiting for this for so long and we deserved to see them excited and having the team excited with dialogue that they were finally bringing their baby home with them. 

27. 7x03: montage scene(s) - if these even count…I think we all know how ridiculous it was that this it the only content they got in the Pride episode and while it was sweet seeing the three of them in their new home and getting to dance and have their moment as a family…they deserved so much better and so much more. 

[phantom-of-the-501st]

Thoughts on TBB 3x15

Here we go... one last time

SPOILERS BELOW THE CUT

Honestly thought I was going to be late to the episode but I actually work up at 8:01 am today so I am just a couple mins behind everyone else.

Am I prepared? Absolutely not.

Well that's an ominous noise. Always a good way to start 😰

The Kiner soundtrack is popping off as usual

I just need Hemlock to die

Indispensable? I'm not sure about that, mate. A lot of people have realised the Empire don't need them and I'm fairly certain you are on the list of people who can be ditched

Hahahahahaha the way the droid just starts looming behind her is kinda hilarious

OMEGA'S THEME 😭

Wrecker, bud, be careful...

Look at Omega sneaking around. She's so grown up! 🥲

ZILLOBEAST TIME

"Because that's exactly what I'd do" He's such a proud mum

THE WAY THE TROOPERS COME FLYING OUT OF THE FOG

"Clone Force 99 died with Tech`' well there goes my heart. I think this also explains why we haven't really heard the Batch theme since season 2. That theme was for CF 99 and if that doesn't truly exist anymore...

"It's what I deserve" CROSSHAIR DON'T DO THIS TO ME

"Echo's handiwork or Omega's?" "Omega's." I'M DYING

Omega's theme in this soundtrack is just 🤌

Oh great. We have a whole group of Clone Xs to contend with.

I just need all of the Batch together so that we can get the theme. I know I said earlier that we probably never got it because of a lack of Tech but I still stand by the fact that we deserve to hear it one last time.

These CX soldiers almost feel like a parallel to the Batch. One slightly larger, more hand-to-hand combat oriented soldier, one who fights with blades, a sniper, ONE WHO IS VERY TECH SAVVY 👀

WRECKER AAAAAAHHHH THIS IS NOT GOOD

NOT THE HAND

WTF?!

HELP

NO

THIS IS NOT GOOD 😰

Fuuuuuccckkk Echo's seen them down

"Causing chaos, Havoc 5?" HE'S STILL MAKING QUIPS IN THIS SITUATION I LOVE HIM

"Hey, kid. And... other kids." PLEASE 😭

"We'll meet you there" YOU BETTER DO

Echo and Omega teaming up is everything I ever needed ❤️‍🩹

Hemlock needs to die a slow, painful death

ECHO'S SPEECH FEELS LIKE THE SPEECH HE AND FIVES GAVE DURING THE ATTCK ON KAMINO I FEEL SICK

Rampart looking sus...

This feels like this isn't going as terribly as it could be and that scares me

Aw ☹️ bye, Nala Se. I never really loved you but it's sad to see you go

HAHAHAHAHA FUCK YOU, RAMPART

AAAAAAAHHHH ECHO GOT STABBED

You know what I said 2 seconds ago about it not being terrible? I think I spoke too soon...

YES WRECKER

I'm not liking the position Echo is stuck in rn. That stresses me out 😥

We're not exactly in top form but hey, an attempt is being made

ECHO BE CAREFUL

Soooo... I get the feeling CX-2 isn't Tech...

AW NO SCORCH

FUCK YES!!! Bye Hemlock 👋

THE LOOK ON CROSSHAIR'S FACE WHEN SHE HUGS HIM AAAAAHHHH

Tarkin is not going to be a happy bunny

Oop we got a Project Stardust mention

THE SHOW ENDING WITH THEM ON PABU??? LIKE AN ACTUAL SOMEWHAT HAPPY ENDING???

I'm crying

Actually sobbing

That shot of them all sat by the tree 😭😭😭

A FUCKING EPILOGUE KMN

I can't breath

SHE REMINDS ME OF PHEE AAAAHHH

GONKY!!! 🥹

OLD HUNTER?!

Omega is joining the Rebellion? 🥺

Crosshair, Hunter and Wrecker all got to live to an old age in relative peace I'm in so many tears rn

Okay but if Echo isn't with the others at this point then where is he??? PLEASE TELL ME HE'S STILL AROUND

TECH'S GOGGLES?!

I'm not okay on any level

Okay, so overall, I'm relatively satisfied with the ending. I also cried about as much as I would have done if they all died so my emotions are still all over the place. Do I think every question we had came to a satisfying conclusion? Not quite. But I think we tied up enough loose ends for me to be content.

And I'm happy they got a somewhat happy ending. Knowing that they get to live a life in relative peace makes me happy, and we know that Hunter, Wrecker and Crosshair at least make it another few years. Omega joining the Rebellion also seems apt. As an Echo girly I unfortunately don't feel quite as secure with where we left off. I don't have the same level of closure that I do with the others because we know that around this point in time, he isn't with Rex. But he also isn't with the Batch either. I hope we get to see more of him in future projects because I don't quite feel satisfied with this being the end of his story. He's doing too much for it to stop there.

Also... we were wrong about Tech. The level of delusion we carried throughout this season, my god. 😭 But it means I'm confused by some of their choices. The way they focused on being savvy with technology, the way he moves being similar to Tech, FUCKING DOMICILE??? Like, they have to have known that we would all go that way with our theories so why??? If it wasn't him they why was he written the way he was? I refuse to believe everything we thought was purely out of delusion. Does this mean I have issues with the way Tech's story ended? Yes. But overall I think the show wrapped up fairly well.

I'll try and drop some more thoughts later down the line once I've pulled myself together a bit, but for now I can say that I am content. Completely satisfied? Not really, but definitely content.

[samwinchesterswifu]

Contagious pt. 2 (Sam Winchester x Read Smut Series)

Requested: No

Season 2 x Episode 1

Warnings: slow burn, slight kink if you squint your eyes.

Song Inspiration: This series is going to have a lot of song inspo, but the main one is "Contagious" by Trapt

MINORS DNI

A/N: I thought this would be a good way to continue the series. I may end up doing little episodes here and there, but honestly not sure how far im gunna take this. Would love some feed back on this!

Word Count: 2500

Summary: All four of them just had gotten into a car wreck, Deans in a medical coma, Sam is all over the place, but finally, he gives her a taste of what she wants.

  It has been an extremely long year. Joining the boys on a man hunt for their father John. Encountering everything they could think of. From almost dying to a wendigo, to playing guess who with a shapeshifter, bugs, a spooky dead doctor, and being reminded why people are truly just terrible. Watching Dean help an old lover, only to watch him make the same mistake Sam made just a few years ago. It was exhausting. On top the constant killing of the bad guys, Sam gave her major whiplash. There’d be moments where he would show his younger self again. Show her signs that maybe he was ready to experience all the love the two of them shared again. Only to be gone in an instant whenever the demon was brought up. Sam wanted revenge. She couldn’t blame him. Hell, if something tried to kill Sam, her dagger would be through the monster’s heart within minutes. She just felt like a second choice. A back up plan. That was until they had gotten into a wreck.

Her and Sam were sitting in the front seat. While the two of them were left uninjured, just a few cuts and bruises. Dean was in a coma. John was recovering in a separate hospital room. Sam was obviously distant. Worried and pacing back and forth between John’s room and Dean’s. She sat and kept John company. To help distract her from the possibility of potentially losing someone she called her family. 

Sam had come to check up on John once again before disappearing down the hall. She was looking down at her hands. Going over the small scar that Sam had accidentally created during their first kiss. His pocketknife had slipped from his pocket where her hands were placed. Making a clean cut through her skin. John cleared his throat, making her look up at him. He smiled.

“I remember that cut,” Johns deep voice rumbled through his empty room.

“Sam was so worried you would get an infection and was so scared of getting in trouble with Hank.” He chuckled lowly.

“That boy is terrified of your father.”

She grinned at his statement. But was quickly replaced.

“He’s still in love with you kid,” sincerity was behind his voice, but it was hard to believe.

“I doubt that John.” She sighed.

“Every time he comes in here, checking on me, he’s also clocking you.” John had a grin on his face that made it seem like he was proud of Sam.

“What do you mean?” She asks.

“He’s checking up on you to make sure you don’t also randomly collapse. He’s worried enough about Dean, but if you went under? He’d freak.”

A small smile tugged at her lips. Hopefully John was right. Suddenly, Sam was at John’s room, tears brimming his eyes and he looked panicked.

“It’s Dean!” He practically yelled.

She quickly got up from her chair and rushed with Sam to Dean’s room where the machine was beeping and the doctors were trying to save him. His heart had stopped, and she could see Sam was close to ripping apart in stress. Finally, the doctors were able to save him. She dared not lay a hand on Sam. After what happened prior, she was afraid.

They both returned to John’s room. He asks questions about what happened. Reassuring Sam that things where gunna be okay. Sam twiddles with his fingers nervously. A deep sigh left his lips. There was clearly something on his mind.

“Dad?” Sam pipes up. 

John grunted in response.

“It felt like Dean was there.” Sam’s eyes kept darting between her and John. Like he was a scared kid about to be ridiculed by John.

Huh?

“What are you talking about kid?” John’s attention was attracted.

“Like, Dean was there. Out of ear shot. Is that possible?” Sam was still twiddling with his thumbs.

“Anything’s possible son.” John looked at her as if to say, “Has this kid gone insane?”

Sam shook his head. Another few minutes of silence Sam stood up. His head peaked down to look at her. There was hope in his eyes.

“Can I talk to you?” Sam was nervous again. His voice quivered like he was cold.

All she could do was muster up a nod.

Getting up, she gave John a quick glance, him grinning back at her.

Sam pulls her away from John’s room. His fingers felt like hot stones on her skin. Her heart rate increased rapidly to the point she could practically hear it in her ears. Sam had pulled her away into a small little hallway. Making it seem as if he didn’t want anyone to bother them.

“You think I’m crazy,” he sighs.

“What?” She was completely confused.

“You didn’t say anything. You typically have some witty response to shoot back at me.” Sam returned to a scared puppy. That’s all he ever was. A scared puppy.

“I’m just trying to process everything right now Sam. It’s been a hell of a year.” Her voice was laced with bitterness. It was enough to make Sam cowardly.

“I know.” His eyes looked glossy as if he was getting ready to cry.

“Sammy,” she sighed.

It was like it was a repeated event of when they first “got back” together.

“It’s highly possible that Dean’s spirit is running around. I just don’t know how we would communicate with him.” Sam’s gaze softened; it was a similar look when he was thinking.

“That’s it!” Sam exclaimed. Making her jump at this sudden boom of his voice.

“What?” Again, she was lost.

“A Ouija board!” Sam was practically bouncing on his heels.

She groaned at his words.

“Sam come on. You know we don’t mess with those things! Dean would be furious!” She shook her head. She truly couldn’t believe his words.

Sam started to walk away from her. Not uttering a word.

“Where are you going!” She shouts after him.

“Keep dad company!” Sam responded.

She scoffed. Winchesters.

Instead of returning to John’s room, she heads to Dean’s. Her heart hurt seeing him hooked to all the wires. She sits in the chair next to his bed, just studying him. A long sigh left her lips and her head fell into her hands. Taking a deep breath, she began speaking. Hoping that Dean wouldn’t actually be able to hear what she had to say, even though he was right behind her in his ghostly form. 

“Dean,” her voice cracked and was close to tears. 

“I don’t know how much longer I can do this with Sam.” She shook her head, a few tears slipping down her cheeks. 

“I love him, I love your brother so damn much, I always have,” She took another pause as footsteps approached. 

Sam rounded the corner into Dean’s room, a bit taken aback that she was present. Holding a paper bag, he overall just looked confused. 

“Are you okay?” He asked as he began to sit on the floor in front of Dean’s bed. 

“Fine,” she was sharp with her words, and the younger Winchester flinched at her tone. 

She rose from her chair, joining beside him. He pulled out the board and another groan left her lips.

“Dean is going to kill you.” He let out a small laugh and nodded in agreement. 

Quickly setting up the board, he looked at her for a second. A wave of concern and sincerity washed over his eyes. His hand began to raise, but was put down almost as fast. He seemed hesitant, which has become more often these days.

“Are you sure you’re okay?”  Sam's voice was sweet, laced with honey enough to get her drunk off of it, but she had to remain composure. 

All she could do was muster up a nod. He sighed in response as he turned his attention towards the board. 

Sam placed his fingers on the planchette, looking at her and waiting for her to do the same. She mirrorod his movements, nodding that she was ready. Sam took another deep breath.

“Dean, are you with us?” Sam asked, a few moments of silence, then the planchette started to move towards ‘yes’. 

He let out an excited squeak. Which was too cute beyond words. 

“What is keeping you away, is there a case?” Sam asked, and the planchette moved back to ‘yes’. 

“Do you know what it is?” Sam asked. 

The planchette began to move over the letters REAP. 

A small ‘huh’ left Sam’s lips. 

The planchette began to move again, without a question asked. Her heart rate began to increase, afraid of what Dean had in mind. The planchette moved over the letters LOVE. Both her and Sam’s heads snapped towards another. A look of confusion falling over both of them. 

“What are you saying Dean?” She asked. 

LOVEBIRDS.

A wave of heat rose to her cheeks. He was listening to her rant after all. Sam shuffled in his place awkwardly. It was one of the things she loved about him. He’s been awkward ever since he was a kid. Another grunt left Sam and he turned back to the planchette. 

“Is the reaper after you?” Sam asked, trying to get rid of the tension. 

The planchette moved back to ‘yes’. 

Sam rose from his position, and began to pace back and forth. 

“Sam, Dean will be fine,” she says as she rises to meet him. 

“I know, I’m just worried.” He stopped pacing and his eyes raised in the way he got about when having a bright idea in his head. 

“Wait! I’ll go ask Dad, stay here,” Sam says leaving the room. 

Completely lost into what was going on, she sat back down in the chair next to Dean’s bed. Cursing at the old brother for the trick he pulled. Sam returned back to Dean’s room, holding John’s infamous journal in his hands. He begins reading aloud the page about reapers. 

“Can I sit next to him?” Sam asks through his puppy dog eyes. 

She nods, standing toe to toe to Sam. Before switching spots, Sam reaches out to her. Hesitantly grabbing her hand, and lacing his fingers with her. He gives it a tight squeeze, as if he was afraid that she was gonna slip away from him. Slowly, Sam lowers his face towards her. Panic arose in her heart. Why was he doing this now? When Dean was in a coma? Before Sam’s lips connected with hers, Dean jolted up from his drug induced coma. The two pulled apart, trying to act like nothing was about to happen. 

“What happened?” Dean asked, his brows furrowed as his eyes darted between the two.

Sam looked at her pleadingly, as if to tell her not to say anything. She gives him a small grin. 

“I uhm, I need to go uhm, do something really fast.” She says, darting out of the room.

Walking towards the courtyard of the hospital looking to get some fresh air, She finds a wooden bench to sit at, and takes a few moments to breathe. Thoughts were rushing through her head as tears welled in her eyes. There was no warning, Sam has such a mind of his own that it was whiplash all the time. Her heart stung at his actions. While yes, it felt like he was getting better, that he was trusting her again, leaning on her again, it just felt manufactured. 

The door to the courtyard opened, and John walked out. A concerned smile tight on his face. He joins her, placing a hand on her that rested on her thigh. All of the emotions became too much. John pulled her into his side as the tears began to flow. Her sobs echoed off the brick walls. John rubs the side of her arm in the hopes of bringing comfort. After a few moments, and she was able to recollect herself, John excuses himself, explaining that he needed to go see the boys. She wasn’t able to really respond. 

She takes at least a bit to gather herself and prepare to see Sam again. Walking towards the area where their rooms were, She is pushed aside by rushing nurses and a doctor. Following them back towards Dean’s room. Sam stood out in the hallway, his fingers deep in his hair. He looked up for a moment, eyes connecting with hers. His eyes were saying more than what he was able to mumble. She rushes to his side as he begins to fall apart. Catching his slumped body in attempts to help console. She was able to finally see what was going on. John laid still in the hallway, hearing them call out the time of death. She knew then that things were definitely going to change between them. Not only did she have to help pick up the pieces after Jess, but now the same with the death of his father.  But it wasn’t a burden to her. 

Things finally settled down and they were preparing to leave the hospital. A hunter's funeral was in the plans for John. Before leaving the hospital, Sam pulls her off into another side corridor, away from the eyes of Dean. 

Within a swift movement, a hand was placed on her hip, another came up to caress her cheek. Sam applies enough pressure on her hip to push her flat against the wall. Butterflies swarmed in her stomach. She watched Sam’s eyes as they darted between her own eyes and lips. A small ‘fuck it’ fell from Sam and he crashed his lips with hers. The kiss was harmonious. His lips felt smooth like he still took care of his hygiene just how he did when they were kids. The hand that was placed on her hip came to engulf her other cheek. As he did this, Sam became more aggressive with his kiss. Their bodies became completely flushed together. He broke their contact, and dipped his head to her neck. Placing small kisses and nibbling softly, he reaches a certain spot that he knows drives her crazy. He bites down hard on that area, sucking slightly. A small gasp of pleasure escapes her lips and she could feel Sam’s hard-on bulge against her thigh. Suddenly, a small knock attracted both of their attention, only to realize it was a doctor going into a patient’s room. Looking back at each other, they held a smile. She wasn’t sure what was going through his brain. His dad just died for christ sake. But maybe he was looking for familiarity with what was unknown right now. 

Dean calls out their name, making both of them sigh. Rounding the corners, Dean stops looking through the other rooms as soon as he spots them. 

“Come on you too,” Dean motions towards him. 

Nodding, they both begin to follow him. Sam places his hand on the little bit of her back, guiding her through the halls. Hopefully, Sammy was coming back to her.

[lawofnamesmedia]

All things end. Remember us. Thoughts on making Arcadia, CA

This was written as a thread for twitter, so the formatting is... exciting.

I spent ~a month trying to write out something about the end of Arcadia, CA that I could read aloud, and add to the episode. I wanted to use my actual, real /voice/ to talk about the experience of this show, & how important and wonderful it's been. I failed utterly. So. Thread.

Arcadia was the very first AD I attempted to make. I'd done audio content before, & a little bit of script writing, but nothing like this. I, uh, also had barely /listened/ to any ADs. The project really was just diving into something thinking I'd figure it out as I went.

That meant I did everything "wrong"-- I cast /long/ before the show was written, wrote as we went, added & /changed/ characters mid-stream, failed to have any sort of outline for the first ...2 years... & overall just... did not follow best practices. At all.

But. Even with all that. We made something beautiful. & genuinely /good./ We told a story that is by-and-large cohesive & coherent, & mostly wraps up all its plotlines & character arcs. A story that is /brilliantly/ acted w/ fucking /stunning/ sound design.

Actors. All of you. I cannot express how much I've enjoyed working with you, nor how fantastic the work you've done is. You ran with me on all my weird tangents & ideas, and some of the best things in the story are ones /you/ brought to it.

@satyrofstrategy-- finding & casting you was random chance, & a stroke of luck that I'm pretty sure shaped my entire existence as an AD creator. Getting you to perform Shakespearean monologues as a quasi-human ~ * actor * ~ has been a highlight. Also, your villain monologue in the finale!

Vanessa- the notes you hit from the very /first/ recording session as a well-meaning mom who very much as Her Own Issues... You never let Holly be /just/ Niko's mom. Even from the audience's limited POV, she had depth. I kind of wish I'd gotten to play with it more, tbh.

Corvyn- Karin was one of the characters who changed a lot in response to the actor. For me, some of the best bits were when she finally hit the wall & couldn't be Entirely Rational Mom. Your voice when she was trying /so hard/ to stay level but FUCKING STRESSED.

Thomas- Wil's story changed SO MUCH, & you took it all in stride. Going from goofy sidekick to antagonist to villain to redemption arc... he couldn't have been in the hands of a better VA. Thank you. So much. (& thanks for the easter egg for him in the stinger ; ) )

Speaking of changing character stories, Rue! I brought you in as love interest & suddenly you're 2 characters in one. Every recording with Purchaser & Elliot afdl;fdashla. I swear, you didn't even blink when I asked about maybe, uh, being faerie possessed?

@superhumanfoods rolled in 1/2 way thru the story & fundamentally altered its course. Your ability to echo other characters' delivery & the just. Baffling /sweetness/ that is Thomas... & also your fucking comedic timing... & how you jumped in with both feet... Thank you.

Cailen- you love Lia at least as much as I do, & it shows in every second of your performance. You are a fucking consummate professional, & staggeringly skilled actor. I loved your willingness to interpret lines in ways that fit her better. I don't think you ever got it wrong.

(Also, I dearly want to include a clip of them speaking in their natural accent at some point, because despite recording for four damn years, I /never/ got over hearing them go from English accent ((specifically regional but I /cannot/ remember)) to American by way of Alaska.)

Izzy is another actor whose switch from natural accent to character voice made me yell & scare the cats. Your performance as Delphine was /breathtaking/ & often really fucking unsettling. Her playing off Cyrus is some of the most horror-aligned content in the show & it rules.

Nick's take on Camren took a character that was supposed to be a fairly flat 2D bully & gave him this unexpected sweetness & vulnerability. It changed his (& the whole) story for the better. His story became one about how even the "popular" kids holding on for dear life.

Thank you to all the people who took on one- or two-off roles. Especially Daniel who reprized Mr. Sudsworth on basically no notice, & added another terrible father to Arcadia's roster, of a completely different flavor than the others.

...ok. Now I get to try to put into words how much mek & Erik's participation in this project has meant.

mek- on top of Niko being written specifically to & /for/ you, you are responsible for this show being what it is, & /how/ it is.

I'd originally planned to record this all asynch. You suggested trying to do it together over voice, & that was such a formative thing that I can't even imagine having done it another way. Niko's dialog may be largely my internal monologue, but it /always/ comes in your voice.

Your willingness to see this through with me, to record at a moment's notice, to help me sort through plotting problems, & to provide impeccable performances over, & over, & over for /four years/ has been the backbone of this show. There is no other voice I could have written for

& no other person that could have played Niko. Period. You let him be the protagonist, AND the audience stand-in POV. You let his /childishness/ shine through when it needed to, but never deprived him of agency or engagement. You showed his /growth/.

(& you pointed it out when I was losing track of his story in the others.) The fact that I can write his dialog almost without thinking is a testament to the consistency of your characterization and performance, and it's wonderful.

I would not have been brave enough to attempt something like this if you hadn't been cheering me on to try it. & I sure as hell wouldn't have kept going if you hadn't been so good at it I needed to know what was going to happen.a Thank you so, so much.

Lord, Erik how do I even /start/ yelling about you? I barely even /asked/ you when we started working on Arcadia, & now you have how many editing/sound designing credits?? The fact that you jumped in with me & said you'd figure it out as we went... I love you.

Your work on this show is so god damn good. Honestly, it /started/ good, & just got better. You produced an episode /every two weeks/ for 4 years with, what? a half-dozen delayed episodes in that /entire time/??????? And they're all /good/!!

More than that, though, you cheered me (& the show) on at every step. God knows I had more than a few crises of faith, & every time you encouraged me to keep going. You got excited about successes, & yelled right alongside me when good things happened.

I am /joyful/ getting to make things with you. Proud & grateful that you wanted to, & /keep/ wanting to. I am so damn spoiled to work with other editors, b/c you can take my "can there be a cricket tantrum here?" sound design notes and make works of art.

There literally would be no show without you. Not just because I'm not a good enough editor, but because you made the process of creating Arcadia so, so good, and fulfilling. I love you a lot. Thank you.

I'll end by saying that listening to the finale, I've realized that this story is /mine./ It's entirely wrapped up in how I think, & feel, & experience the world. Very honestly, it's a show that got made so I could listen to it.

I am thrilled & proud other people wanted to too.

Editing to add

(Fucking hell, this is what I get for copying & pasting from a Discord thread while in a zoom staff meeting.)

Rhys came in with like... 9 episodes to go, & ran away with the character such that they got written in even more so I could keep hearing them. You approached endless alliteration with absolute aplomb, & went from "maternal" to educational to fucking terrifying seemlessly.

I /also/ ended up writing more Mr. Baldwin so I could hear SJ be fucking terrifying too. The perfect god damn hateable man. But still charismatic & believable as a "community leader." ALSO the switch to Baldwin/Purchaser made me yell out loud.

I had no intention of adding characters beyond what I'd started with, but then Elliot. & Thomas. & Mr. Baldwin. & the Curator. ...hell, even the Monarch himself was an unexpected addition. I was so worried I'd end up with a Cast of Thousands that weren't needed, just b/c.

But every character (& actor!) added was such a net positive, & improved the show in very specific and direct ways that only that character (& actor!) could have done. I'm glad I took the risk. And even more glad you-all agreed to come onboard.

(Ok. that's the pre-written thread. from here on, it's off the cuff emotion. I'm sorry.)

[ben-talks-art]

Transformers Prime's use of morals

One of the things I love about Transformers Prime (among many) is the way it tackles the theme of kindness and honor vs. fear and selfishness.

This version of Optimus is by far one of the nicest, kindest, most gentle takes on the character of any Transformer media, while also being strong of mind, strong of body, and strong of will.

He's the kind of guy that always keeps the focus on doing the right thing, but is also mature enough to KNOW how to do the right thing properly, without recklessly letting his emotions cause harm to others around him.

He knows the importance of being kind, but he also knows the importance of making sure the people he cares about are safe, and he's great at balancing the two sides.

And something that this show does really, really well, is showcasing why this mindset is important.

In one episode of season 1, one of the Autobots gets injected with a chemical that causes him to act recklessly and eventually starts picking a fight with Optimus, claiming that his "niceness" are causing more harm than good, and that if he was a real leader he would have ended Megatron by now.

But here's the funny thing... Starting season 2, Optimus had a bit of a character regression where he started to worry about Megatron's actions after he injured one of the human allies, Raphael.

That led to him trying more directly to actually take advantage of situations to really end Megatron... And each time he did that, it always blew up in his face.

In the season 1 finale, Optimus tries to get revenge for Raph and challenges Megatron to a showdown, which he loses, and almost causes the autobots to losing their leader.

In fact, watching the series again, you notice that Optimus never really gets that many wins against Megatron on a 1 on 1, so I really don't know what the hell he was thinking.

Not to mention, at the time they were fighting, Unicron (an even bigger evil than Megs) was waking up and causing chaos, and they needed to team up with Megatron to stop him, so even if Optimus did kill him, the Earth would have been destroyed.

In season 2, Optimus has a chance to end Megs after finding him injured from a battle with a beetle bot, but when he gets ready to do it, several enemy soldiers under Dreadwing's command show up to help him.

Optimus makes a deal with Dread to allow Megs to live and allow to take him back to the base. Dreadwing accepts and leaves with Megatron while the bots fight the rest of the soldiers.

If Optimus had killed Megatron right there, Dreadwing would have just ordered all the enemies that had their guns pointed right at the bots to shoot on sight, while he himself would shoot as well.

But, because they made the deal, the bots got time to get out of the line of fire, re-organize themselves, and be better prepared to fight. Even better with the fact Dreadwing himself was removed from the battle since he had to aid Megatron.

On top of that, this helped build up Dreadwing's character to show him that Optimus was a bot of honor while Megatron was not, a piece of character development that came back later in the series when he decided to betray the Cons and gave the Autobots a device that they needed to turn the tides of the war.

We also had an episode where the cons manage to bring their ship to life, which results in the ship turning on Megatron (which is really funny to me).

Optimus sees this as a chance to try and take down the Decepticons for good in their moment of distress, but end up almost getting defeated instead, as the ship proves to be even better prepared to deal with enemies than the cons themselves.

The season keeps showing more and more that Optimus is seriously trying to end the war as soon and as fast as he can ever since what happened to Raphael.

This all builds up to the eventual moment when the bots obtain their "I win" button, the Starsaber, a weapon that massively shifts the tide of the battle in the good guy's side.

This moment scares Megatron so much, all added to the several scenes building up to Optimus' new attitude, that it pushes the big bad to get his own "I win" sword.

The two eventually clash, and, again, because Megatron never loses in a 1 on 1 with Optimus, he beats him and destroys the Starsaber, putting the bots at an even bigger disadvantage than ever.

What I'm trying to say here is that, basically, a lot of times when the good guys start to act like bad guys, trying to take the easy way out, trying to act on revenge, trying to be more cruel... they get punished for it.

I'm mostly focusing on Optimus but this honestly goes for all the characters.

In an episode where the bots find Arachnid and Megatron, Arcee abandons the team to try get revenge on Arachnid, and nearly gets herself killed. The only reason she survived was because Starscream of all things came to save her to pay a debt.

Wheeljack on one episode tried to get revenge on a bug that harmed Bulkhead, and, again, almost got himself killed. Luckily, one of the human allies used his ship to kill the bug, but that only reinforced Megatron's growing interest on focusing on the humans to get to the Autobots, a plan that starts building up through the season once he realizes how much the humans help the bots, which results in them being used as hostages in the season finale.

Meanwhile, moments that show the bots having mercy and being kind actually pay back in positive ways.

In season 1, one of the humans has a chance to kill Megatron, but he refuses because he says Optimus wouldn't do that.

And like it was said before, allowing Megs to live came back in the season finale where he helped take down Unicron.

Transformers Prime has several small moments building up to messages of the futility of cruelty and the importance of kindness and reason... And that's impressive when this whole thing is based on the idea of robots beating up each other.

Heck in the big final battle, the Autobos' medic, the guy that is known for fixing others and not for fighting, manages to take out the Decepticon's strongest fighter, and he does that just by talking to him and making him realize he shouldn't fight for Megatron.

Or in the movie, where the big bad himself, Megatron, becomes imprisoned at the mercy of Unicron, and gets tortured so much that he decides to give up on the life of hurting others.

I love how several seeds have been planted throughout the whole show to make sure it never betrayed its themes and messages.

I'm aware that behind the scenes there were several struggles involving budget, cuts, change of plans, and so on, but I'm glad to see that in the end, the characters and story arcs stayed true to what mattered the most.

I love this show!

[atouchofireland]

Since I want some things to really change, and I know many other things have to within an adaptation, I have been trying to predict rather than speculate for s3 of Bridgerton after having read book 4 a while ago and following s3 of Bridgerton recently.

I just want to speculate on information from the book & show, using photo stills, the trailer and their book. And I really can't tell if the "unmasking LW" plot will be part of the story, or if that drama with Cressida and Colin knowing was shifted to Eloise entirely. I do really want the Pen & Lady D bonding to still happen though!

Semi-predictions:

Ep 1: Colin returns from abroad, Pen is snubbed by Eloise at an outdoor occasion (and possibly Colin). She sets up her whole new wardrobe she debuts at the ball. Colin asks her to dance and Pen says no (rmb), Penelope is mocked by Cressida (possibly dress torn) after seeing her buddy up with Eloise, Pen heads outside leading to the famous sneak peek. After that ball, Pen feels alone and more determined than ever to marry.

Ep 2: Colin goes to the Featherington garden to apologize to Penelope and she remains sure of herself, let's him know she needs to take a husband and he offers to help. Then (the succession of these events are kinda fuzzy) the two promenade for suitors, Pen is embarrassing/embarrassed, they go to that fair where he reassures her in the tent, then she asks for "dating help" basically. They're in the B family drawing room... in the middle of the day... ALONE, practicing flirting- Hence the freak out at the end of the sneak peek. He gets her to hide/to the study and the HAND INJURY SCENE occurs in some capacity. Important things that would transfer: Colin is thinking "Why am I so desperate to kiss this hot woman in front of me??" and Pen asks for a kiss.

Now, here's where I think it differs based on all the promo: Pen immediately takes it back/Colin refuses on account of her honor. THEN, they go to the ball where Pen is wearing the cute snowflake necklace and they're laughing. Colin realizes suitors still aren't really courting Penelope/maybe he is accidentally scaring them away. SO, in his guilt, he agrees to kiss her but it has to be later that night in private. (He might not tell her this, but just decide this then show up and tell her, then kiss her) This would be the chin-hold in the garden still.

Ep3: Oof so here's where things take some turns, based on spoilers of sequence of events and certain scenes. In my head, the episode starts with the confirmed dream of C & P in the garden, and instead of the more chaste kiss he most likely gave her in Ep 2, he goes a little... more feral. And that leads to the clip of him shooting up in bed. There's an event in one of the houses where Pen meets Debling. Then, the outdoor festival where the boys are pulling ropes and something goes wrong leading to the Pen & Debling super close in public still. From screeners, this ep is apparently another time Colin is with sex workers BUT this time is different and he can't get it up. The is a ball (of course) and Pen dances with Debling, Colin's sad and broody.

Ep4: Gotta be honest, feel like this episode was shown the least in the trailer, obviously for good reason. So, in the book Pen doesn't have a suitor so this narrative shift a lot of the Polin stuff I think. I believe this is the episode with the scene of Colin asking his mother if friendship is the best foundation for love. And my kind of out-there prediction is that: Colin confesses he has some feelings, Debling tries to propose, Pen is overwhelmed and doesn't accept, Colin rushes out after her and..... the CARRIAGE SCENE happens and the cliffhanger is him proposing.

I believe the second half will be a lot about the tension with Eloise, the families learning of and accepting the engagement, Colin maybe finding out about LW, and Colin finding himself and his passions.