#considering everyone and their mother has made an episode concerning her

[greendomine]

everytime i rewatch the Time Squad episode abt lewis and clark an angel gets their wings🤍

[rosemariad]

SUPERNATURAL SEASON 15 - final season - part 1 - i finally made it to the bitter end

Jack’s dead :/ and it does seem like the hunts (at least from the earlier seasons) 😓😱 have been undone as we see some familiar ghosts and some new ones running around trying to kill the helpless townspeople nearby. Sam & Dean try to do some damage control after a new demon swoops in to bail them out of the overrun graveyard. Sam manages to convince the local sheriff about getting everyone evacuated into a nearby high school that will conveniently be out of range for a spell Belphegor proposes to contain the bloodthirsty ghosts.

Meanwhile Sam’s starting to feel the consequences of his attempted God assassination (only you Sam — fitting considering what He wanted you to become) as a wound appears on his shoulder that’s probably not gonna heal. Cas certainly can’t do anything about.

Side note - I guess Jack ain’t getting a funeral huh 😒

While Dean mothers his baby bro at the end of the premiere episode, he momentarily laments how futile his life feels while Sam tries to keep the hope alive that they’ll find some way out of the mother of all shitstorms they’re in right now as for one of the final arcs of the show the brothers take on God Himself in rebellion for the lives He made them live? ����🏽‍♀️

Cas finds some time with Dean later in 15x02 after Dean made it clear that he’s still super steamed about Castiel dropping the ball where Jack & Mary are concerned. But he’s not just mad about last season.

Dean’s pissed about the whole show (as he should be considering how his story ends) cuz it’s clear to Dean that their lives were never their own, as God had been pulling the strings the whole time, trapping the Winchesters in a maze to more or less see what Sam and Dean would do with the roles bestowed upon them. And where they are now, the position God has put them in, it all seems so…pointless. Dean thought he was fighting the good fight, but probably feels no different than a puppet. As he put it, he’s a hamster in a wheel and he’s been running this whole time— going absolutely nowhere. So Dean does what he does best and projects his feelings onto the person he’s talking to that can conveniently relate to what Dean is going through himself and make it seem like it’s just them - this time it just happens to be Cas.

But Cas tries to get through to Dean by pointing out 1 very super important thing.

Which I think is important cuz sure Chuck wanted Sam & dean to be these rough & tough boys who kick ass, fuck chicks and drink tons of liquor, but Cas was never part of the overall plan. God probably kept bringing him back from the dead just so that the Winchesters had a useful ally (which may be why Cas has at times never felt like he belonged with Dean [and/or Sam] and felt his friendship with the brothers was contingent on his utility) but Cas wasn’t supposed to have the profound bond he does with Dean. So even though these 2 are on the outs (forgive him, Dean you stubborn dumbass), their relationship is still a rebellion, an aberration, this unplanned, unforeseen thing that God can’t control (or doesn’t bother to as He doesn’t see it as much of a threat, after all the deal Cas made with the Empty still stands 🤬)

Kevin’s back! I should be happy but apparently he’s been condemned - of course he is. Let’s make him suffer as much as possible😡. No one got done dirtier than this kid. Not Adam, not Charlie, not the Harvelles. Adam had Michael. The Harvelles got each other. Charlie (I hope) found peace. But Kevin died alone, he died young and he never got peace. NEVER.

Are these like super ghosts or something because Rowena just sat back and let them threaten her?

And ghosts can consume each other? Kevin almost became part of…jack the ripper? 🤦🏾‍♀️

God went to see Amara, who’s been chillaxing in Reno with a personal masseuse and is surprised to see her bro. When did they part ways?

Sam apparently did do some damage to God even though the aim was to kill Him. When God touches His wound, Sam feels that. Amara ditches her brother when she realizes the true reason of his visit. She makes it clear she’s done playing by His rules.

Man, she is so dead.

Amara mentioned she was trapped…is God stuck in this one universe cuz of the flesh wound? Oooooooo.

Meanwhile, with some teamwork Rowena & Dean defeat the ghost we’ve been following in these first 2 episodes BUT cuz of what God has unleashed there’s plenty more where they came from. They keep coming.

So this ghost-apocalypse is the last major end of days crap? Little early in the season so I'm sure there will be other shenanigans. But definitely On theme for supernatural. Ghost hunting was their bread and butter once upon a time.

Rowena tells the guys that they’re screwed as it’s only a matter of time before the warding breaks down and millions/billions of ghosts get their tons of flesh from all the unlucky humans lying in wait to be massacred.

Dean’s willing to fight with his 1 shotgun and finite supply of bullets 🤣🤣🤣🤣 like boy sit down.

He calls Chuck a fanboy, like uh Dean that fanboy is the master & creator of the universe. He made you! If anyone gets the last word, it’s Him.

On a positive note, where there’s billions of souls in Hell, there’s trillions in Heaven. So in this universe more people go to Heaven than Hell. That’s nice ☺️

Anyway, dean puts Cas on grunt work - that motherfucker 🤬. He doesn’t even ask, he just orders Cas to go with Belphegor and retrieve the horn/staff/whatever from hell they need, and he knows Cas will go because he has to know right? That Cas is entirely devoted to him (cuz Cas is in lurv-) just cuz you love him Cas doesn’t mean you let dean push you around. Stand up for yourself!

Cas does the Dean thing and projects HIS feelings when speaking to the demon, saying that Sam & Dean are just using Belphegor and they don’t actually like him 😭🥺😓

I’m loving the Cas moments in this episode, he kills some random demon, then has to sing to open a box 🤣 we should’ve seen that whole part 🤣 too bad a new demon baddie is interfering just as Cas gets the box open.

Belphegor reveals his plot 😒, he aims to do what Cas did at the end of season 6 but with Hell’s souls instead of Purgatory. No Leviathans this time I hope.

Lol Rowena & Sam are holding hands lemme stop 🤣

Cas WTF are you waiting for move it! Don’t get trapped in hell!

He stays just long enough to hand Belphegor his own ass, all in Jack’s corpse and the body is smote a 2nd time 😭

Chuck really hates Cas doesn’t he? Just keeps punishing this poor angel man - payback for how many times he’s broken the rules.

Rowena comes up with plan B, by ripping out her resurrection doohickey and declares that she must sacrifice herself to take down all the ghosts running around, throwing herself into hell and trapping the souls with her where they belong. She says she’s not doing this to save the world, only because she knows that Sam is the one who was meant to kill her. I guess she’s tired of waiting for her own demise.

Rowena, we hardly knew ye…dies to become queen of Hell like her son before her 🤣 well things sorta worked out for her didn’t they? Too bad her son is lost & forgotten to time. And her grandson is in…Heaven? 🤷🏽‍♀️

I think she died the most noble death on the show. She took her fate into her own hands and sacrificed herself for the greater good and…it WASN’T in vain. What she did, actually worked.

Why you gotta take shit out on sexy baby Cas? You know he feels bad about what happened. And then you're astonished to see him walk away. I feel like that pissed Dean off more. How much tongue lashing is the angel supposed to take dumbass? You can only talk shit to him so much before he decides to walk away like duh.

I don’t think Dean doesn’t care though. He wouldn’t be so upset if he didn’t care. If he truly didn’t care, he’d just straight kill Cas with an angel blade. I think Dean regretted what he said when he said it but was too proud to take it back. Every time I see Cas walk away I hear will you leave me now by Chicago.

Sam is dreaming about becoming the evil Chuck envisioned and killing his brother. We got a flash of that in 15x02 no?

Ugh veggie bacon. I’m sorry its just…ugh. I can’t eat any fake meat. Does things to my throat…anyway.

Dean calls himself the meat man 🤣 ofc he does. He should listen to Sam though, meat man means…other things 😈

Becky’s alive, and finally found that special someone. They have kids together?! But they look too old to be hers (she was single less than 8 years ago?) maybe she’s a stepmom. But I guess it’s a father-children trip so Becky’s left alone and chuck visits her. While she’s still a die hard SPN fan, she’s channeled that energy into making merch and selling it on Etsy. I think in the real world she might get sued but hey yay for her.

Becky still thinks Chuck is just a prophet 😅 I'm glad she regrets what she did to Sam in 7x08. and she’s kept up with her fan-fiction (hopefully she stopped the Wincest smut - #brothersnotlovers)

While the brothers are off solving a monster of the week case, with a bit of a twist (one of the high school kids is a vamp and his parents were trying to help him get away with murder and food by way of his classmates), Chuck tries to get Becky back on the bandwagon like she used to be — I'm glad Becky stood up for herself though. But she also inspires Chuck to start writing again and even though his rough draft left much to be desired (subtle, as much could be said about how the show has been lol, I'm pretty sure folks have said the same things Becky was saying in one form or another), his second draft horrifies Becky

Makes you wonder what she read? Anything to do with vampires and some rebar??? 🤨

Too bad she and her whole family die though. I say die cuz there’s no way we’re ever gonna see them again.

It just doesn’t pay to be a fan huh…

It’s adorable that think Sam & Dean think they’re ‘free’, that Chuck is gone. Do they really not understand? God is God. He’s not done until He says He’s done. it’s been made clear He’s not done til the brothers kill each other. So on another case, they start to see that (why didn’t you ask about Cas, Sam? Hm?) in the form of 2 brothers - spoiler alert, they’re werewolves. When the story ends in inevitable murder-suicide, the plot twist emerges as the young blonde is revealed to be Lilith incarnate. She’s returned (thanks to Chuck) as a…messenger? She came for the new fancy gun God made for the Winchesters last season. When she fucks them up, Dean convinces her to run off with him in a bullshit lie/surrender tactic to get Lilith away from Sam. When the brothers try to escape, Lilith stops them, correctly assumes the gun is in the glovebox of the Impala & proceeds to destroy the gun right in front of the guys.

Back in the bunker (where’s Cas gone? Sam tried to reach him yet again) the brothers ruminate over how extra shitty their situation is. That gun wasn’t gonna help you.

It would’ve been cool if at this point the brothers realize they can take the fight to God in a new way. Not rebellion specifically and certainly not violence (they have no weapon to kill Him with). God made the Winchesters in his image, as rooting, tooting badass hunters who drink, fight & fuck their way across the continental US of A. So, stop doing that. Stop the drinking (and the eating of bad junk food it’s not good for you and it’s starting to show Dean you’re basically 40 now), stop the meaningless fighting and as for the fucking lol…maybe Sam finds someone to settle down with and Dean dares to explore his sexuality…with a certain angel …who’s totally in love with — wishful thinking though. Right?

So while Sam tries to track God, (HA!) and Lilith, Dean’s hunkered down in his room & eating his feelings 😔 the poor unfortunate soul is just beaten down from all the misfortune since its been made clear there’s no fucking hope.

CAS is back! Yay! And he’s gone…fishing? If only he took Dean with him but that whole situation is fucked…just like Dean’s life 🤣😭 he stumbles his way into a case while renting a place in the town he’s holed up in, and ends up having to call Dean when the sheriff demands to talk to Castiel’s FBI supervisor. Oof. That was rough, but Dean only mentions that Sam was trying to reach out and to check his messages. And he warned cas about Chuck.

How convenient that Rowena wrote down all the magic she’d done. And of course Rowena was working on a spell that could be applied to Eileen instead of motherfucking Kevin, who’s been dead for way fucking longer 🤬🤬🤬

While Eileen & Sam get reacquainted Dean runs off to Texas on a lead for a new case, and he just seems so depressed. It could just be me & the doom and gloom of the final season and all but the smiles don’t match the eyes you know? And Dean bullshits with the best of them. He runs into an old pal who suckers him into some singing but all the reminiscing on old times can’t make the plot twist hurt less. The reason Lee quit hunting is he found a money making monster - all it requires is continuous human sacrifice. So Dean kills the monster and then he kills his old bestie after Lee says his monologue about how pointless the fight is.

While Dean has his Texas adventure Cas returns (with no mention of his latest fallout with Dean - does Sam even know about their spat???) To work on Sam’s wound as he thinks it can help lead them to Chuck. All Cas manages to do is make Sam worse 🤦🏾‍♀️ He has to reach out to former MoL contact Sergei who comes to the bunker after Cas makes a super direct threat on his life. Pretty sure the angel was motivated not to further enrage Dean (if Dean were to discover Cas endangered his precious Sammy’s life) but Sergei makes even worse & tries to bargain for a key to Death’s library? Huh. Wonder if that’ll come in play later…🙄

Cas claps back tho as he expected Sergei to scheme and had Alt-Bobby follow Sergei’s relative (and here I thought he was bullshitting about being with his niece when he took Castiel’s call) so Sergei realizes he’s beat and puts Sam back the way the Moose was. But Sergei’s trick was useful for Sam in 1 regard as the younger Winchester got some insight into Chuck’s recent happenings.

Dean rushes back to his baby bro for an awkward run in with Cas who asserts Sam’s ok (now). I laugh when Sam tells the others they can beat God. Like, He’s omnipresent, He’s probably listening to you right now…do they not realize that?

Meanwhile the big G.O.D. Went to some casino to rig a slot machine to win every single time in the midst of countless corpses, sparing only 1 woman to serve him cocktails while he plays. So…what was the purpose of all this, to show how far God has fallen? Dude, just like have Him decimate a country or something. Sink some islands. Like real end of days shit! Weak…pfft.

Dean brings forth the demon tablet (honestly they fucked up destroying the angel tablet, that one would’ve made more sense) and they make some weak argument that because God made these tablets it was for the intent in case the demons and angels (and Leviathan or are we not gonna bring them up, they were the first ones we got a tablet on) went out of control — and bullshit! Lilith is basically God’s goon at this point as we see her and Michael have a quick chat in some diner where Adam is FINALLY, FINALLY out of the godforsaken Cage. My. Lord. It literally took the boy a decade to be free (sort of, he’s still stuck with Michael but doesn’t seem to hate it so much). Kid’s got a great attitude after the last 10 (human) years he’s had to live through.

The winchesters bring Donatello back to translate the tablet they have and he finds some notes BUT God intercedes, speaking through the prophet like a puppet, proving my exact point - Chuck is constantly watching these dudes whenever the fuck he wants. He just doesn’t take them seriously. It’s like they’re taking the most powerful entity in existence and reducing him to a general Big Bad. Like don’t have God just threaten. Make Him do shit! Shit that makes you jump and scream and go 😱

Anyway - ugh I love how Cas & Dean are still on the outs but when Dean had to bleed for a spell Cas is willing to heal him 🥺 and Dean lets him 🥺

Rowena can see the tension, picks it up right away and merely asserts that Dean & Cas have to fix it, makes sure Sam’s outta earshot too, since she figures Sam is out of the loop (and she figured right!)

Since it’s clear to the guys that Michael got out of the cage (FINALLY!) we get to see Adam eat a burger (he hasn’t lost his love for them I see😂😂 and the good vibe is ruined when Lilith approaches the archangel and he smites her out of existence (thank goodness) then makes the awed humans at the diner forget what they saw. Cas lures Michael into an angel trap (the holy fire circle) and the Winchesters give mike the 411 but Michael turns it around on them and makes the brothers face Adam.

This kid seriously has the best attitude ever! Like if he wanted to kill them, who would blame him? I sure wouldn’t. But he certainly doesn’t forgive them (so he says). But Michael won’t hear how bad God has become. It’s not until Cas shows him clips from the past couple of years that Michael to accept the reality of the situation.

Not Cas saying Luci was right 🤣

So Michael hands over a spell that may seal God away in a cage and pops open a door to purgatory so Team Destiel can acquire the final ingredient. Yay! But God lured Eileen (and Sam who she brought with him, probably like Chuck wanted) into a trap and takes them back to the casino (why a casino though, honestly?)

Chuck reveals that Eileen is back because of Him as Sam did exactly as God ordained. As if that was a surprise - He ain’t the master & creator of the universe for nothing. He’s about to torture Sam But Eileen tries to sneak call Dean so big bro can know what’s up but Chuck (breaks?) tosses the phone away, ending the call. Dean’s about to run over to Sam like the mama bird he is but Cas stops him.

Yes, speak up for yourself Cas – tell Dean what it is! I'm loving the tension/drama though 😏

But Chuck does reveal that he can’t see Sam because it was Sam who shot him? He mentioned Sam specifically, so he can only watch Dean? Or is it that wherever Sam is he can’t observe??? Then what was that power play with Donatello about?! (Make it make sense writers)

Sam calls out Chuck for being a BITCH - actually Eileen does and for her trouble Chuck makes her a torture puppet and has her gouge Sam while Chuck gets to watch. So petty.

Chuck then says that there is a chance Team Free Will can defeat Him - so long as Dean & Cas don’t fuck up — they’re screwed. And chuck starts to show sam glimpses of the supposed future.

Hasn’t sam been getting more visions of fratricide throughout this season? Per Chuck, they’re moments from other universes where Sam & Dean succumbed to their fates and fratricidal tendencies.

Sam & Dean become vampires (AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA), Jody & Bobby kill Sam, Dean drains Jody - that suuuuuuucks (hehe, get it?)

No that seriously sucked.

Not Cas taking on the mark to seal away God! He’d be helping to fulfill the future Sam saw, no!

Oh thank God, Sam, by dropping the ball (orb) you avoided the very grim future for Cas.

About that FINAL Destiel scene: https://www.tumblr.com/rosemariad/761296693532803072/the-bitter-end-spn-15x18-despair-about-that

About the SERIES FINALE EPISODE ‘CARRY ON’ 15x20 https://www.tumblr.com/rosemariad/761299089485889536/supernatural-season-15-the-bitter-end-series

[lotrlocked]

Confessions from a Hater (who is willing to be wrong)

Ok listen. I was feeling so mid about about this whole show. I’m 33 and have been a fan of Anne Rice since I was 14. Because of how damn dramatic the text is, you can expect the people who love it to match that freak. What I mean to say is that many of us are super haters of anything that deviates from the word of our Problematic Queen, Anne Rice in a particularly passionate way that only us elitist hipster goths can be.

Yes we know we are this way, deep down, we know. Anyway. I went into this show with a lemon shoved my ass about how it wasn’t going to live up to my expectations, no matter how much I publicly claimed I was ‘going into watching it with an open mind’; as I did not want to seem too overly concerned about the show.

I watched it, blank faced, giving half hearted replies about it but generally trying to forget the shows existence after the end of the first season. I considered not watching the second season at all but I thought, eh what the hell? I’ll admit I was bored in the first few episodes but then episode seven happened.

The spirit of Anne Rice was there in that episode ya’ll.

Oh my god though. This was art. People, This was one of the most beautifully gothic things I’ve ever seen. The depth of character and acting from everyone on that stage was incredible.

While of course Claudia’s death scene was different, the agency they gave her there and the love story they built with Madeline was incredible in this show. She had Louis bottomless of love and Lestat’s indomandable passion. I could not look away from the screen. I believed I was watching vampires putting on a trial play.

“My coven is Claudia” oh my GOD. That’s all she ever wanted, to be put first. To be loved first.

All season Santiago has stood out. The second he appeared, I could not take my eyes off of him. His hate that others are doing things he cannot allow himself to do. I want his backstory. The was he said “We’re monsters”. chills.

Louis. Oh messy, too human, Louis. I wasn’t sure about him in particular this whole time. I need to rewatch and give Jacob Anderson an actual fair viewing. He’s so elegant even in the depths of his pain. This is a vampire who feels too much.

And then my love….Lestat has always been one of my very favorite character, ever. No could ever be him I thought. Then, Sam Reid. Sam Reid is Lestat. He looked through the screen and snatched my soul in the only the way book Lestat ever could. I truly believe that’s how Anne would have wanted him to be. The way he moves, the arrogance, the beauty. This is the vampire who will wake Akasha, the mother of all vampires. God, the way he moved through the audience. ‘Where lies their disgust now?’ His voice. He’s amazing. That’s an Emmy worthy performance.

“You can’t script a hurricane” holy shit

I’m glad there is one more episode but I almost wish the ended it there for the hook of that tension and horror and made us wait.

I felt the fear, the love, the horror. My god they felt like actual vampires so much more and real than us mere mortals.

I will rewatch all of this.

[whoawardwinchester]

A Winchester Chronicle (c5)

Please consider liking, commenting, and reblogging. It fuels the creativity and lets me know you're enjoying my hard work.

Summary: Y/N returns to the "Supernatural" set, where the director welcomes her back and introduces new health policies to support the cast and crew. Filming for the "Monster Movie" episode showcases the undeniable chemistry between Y/N and Jensen, captivating everyone on set. Despite her recent challenges, Y/N feels a renewed sense of belonging and purpose. The chapter ends with a hopeful outlook, highlighting the strong bond and trust between Y/N and Jensen.

Pairing: Jensen Ackles x Female Reader

Content Warning: (subject to change per chapter as this series is written) rough sex, reference to PCOS and Endo, arguments, tension, angst and physical violence. Smut, fluff. Readers are advised to proceed with caution due to these themes and scenes.

Rating: 18+ for the whole series.

This is a work of fiction. There is no hate for anyone in real life.

If you want to be added to the tag list for this series, just let me know! Also be sure to tell me how I'm doing or request anything related to Jensen/Dean!

Taglist: @nancymcl @perpetualabsurdity @hobby27

Masterlist

Chapter 5: Has reference to Episode 5 'Monster Movie'

You lie in the hospital bed, the sterile scent of antiseptic lingering in the air. Pain still radiates from the surgery site, but it's dulled by the medication coursing through your veins. As you stare at the ceiling, your thoughts drift between Dee and your mother. Just as you begin to lose yourself in the haze of it all, a familiar face appears at the door.

Jensen steps into the room, his presence immediately soothing. He approaches with a tentative smile, concern etched in his eyes. “Hey,” he says softly, pulling a chair up beside your bed. “How are you feeling?”

You try to muster a smile. “Better, I guess. Still a bit out of it. Did you sleep well?.”

He nods, taking your hand in his. “ I guess. I had some issues with my room key. I’ve been worried about you. We all have. Jared said the set’s not the same without us.”

His words bring a lump to your throat. “I miss it too. But... things have been so overwhelming lately.”

Jensen squeezes your hand gently. “I know. And I hate to add to that, but I need you to come back. I mean how is Dean going to survive without Raven? ” He joked.

You look at him, searching his eyes for sincerity. “Jensen, I don’t know if I can go back. Not yet. There’s so much I need to sort out, especially with my mom and everything that happened with Dee.”

He nods, understanding. “I get it. You need to take care of yourself first.”

Tears well up in your eyes as you reflect on his words. The set had always been more than just a job. It was a second home, a family. And yet, the turmoil in your personal life made it hard to see that clearly.

“Jensen,” you begin, your voice trembling, “I need stability. I need to know that things will be different, that Dee won’t be an issue anymore.”

He leans closer, his expression earnest. “I’ve talked with Dee. She will never apologize, but she told me in not so great words that she hopes we enjoy each other.”

You take a deep breath, feeling a small sense of relief. “Thank you. That means a lot.”

Jensen smiles, the tension in his shoulders easing. “Of course. Get some rest.”

His words resonate deep within you, offering a glimmer of hope. As you lie back against the pillows, you realize that maybe, just maybe, you can find your way back to the place you love, surrounded by people who genuinely care for you.

As the days pass slowly in the hospital room, Jensen remains a constant presence by your side, his unwavering support a source of comfort. He spends hours talking to you, sharing updates about the cast and how the director is driving him crazy, reminding you of how much you’re missed.

“Enough about the set, for now. Can I ask you something?” Jensen climbs into your hospital bed to hold you close to him. “Of course.” You say, shifting to embrace him, wincing a little. “Careful. You don’t have to move.” He supports you more. “Why did your mom say that your husband wouldn’t have stood up for you?” He asks, dropping his chin to the top of your head. “My husband was great, truly. But he wasn’t one for conflict… unless it was fighting with me.” Your eyes saddened as you said it. You hated putting him down, especially since he couldn’t be there to defend himself, but you could never not be transparent. “He did everything my mom asked of him, even if it meant crossing boundaries in our relationship.” “Why did you stay?” He asked, raising your chin up to look at him. His eyes were studying you now. “I couldn’t go home. I knew it then and I should've known it this time. I had no money of my own, no support, and three kids who depended on me.” You said embarrassed. The weight of your words made your stomach sink. “It was actually a fight we had the night the accident happened.” He was silent, unsure of what to say. All Jensen could do was embrace you with his body as much as he could. “I think he was on his way to take the kids to his parents’ house. He just packed them up after we all went to bed and left…” You added. The memory pushing at your throat distorts your voice. “Why? Over a disagreement?” Jensen asked. “Because my mom put it in his head that I was only homeschooling because I wanted to take them from him, even though we both felt that homeschooling was right for all of them… They struggled with ADHD, just like I did. I was happy to give them more of a chance to learn at their own pace, to embrace their “superpower” instead of shutting it down like my mom did for me.” You said, getting angry again. “‘Shut it down?’” He asked. “She sent me to this boarding school in Europe in the middle of BFE. It looked sketchy in the pamphlets, but I agreed to go just to get away from her. I thought the distance would have helped but it was only worse over there. There were a total of 5 girls, and they abused us all. When I called to come home, my mom obliged, but began telling me how selfish I was. Everything was always my fault, speak when spoken to, don’t go outside, don’t go out with friends… It was so bad, I found myself wishing I was back at that boarding school.” You rambled, sitting up, in pain. “The physical pain was easier to heal from.” “Shhhhh. Let me get a nurse.” Jensen got up, concern dawned on his face. A nurse came in and asked you about your pain, adding, “Sorry I’m late, miss, we are short staffed tonight.” She administered some medicine in your IV and left. The effects hit almost immediately. “Lay back, babe. Forget everything. You’re safe.” Jensen helped you down to your pillow, stroking your hair from your face. The last thing you heard before you fell asleep was, “For as long as I live, You’ll always be safe.”

The next afternoon, Jensen steps out to make a phone call. When he returns, there's a determined look on his face. He sits down beside you, taking your hand. "I talked to the director," he says. " He said that he can accommodate your absence in the face of a medical emergency, funding and filming won’t cease, but you’d have to agree to come back."

“I still don’t know yet. I don’t even have an end date from here.” You said, taking his hand. “I’m sorry.” 

The hospital staff come and go, checking your vitals and ensuring you’re comfortable. Each visit reminds you of the support network you had back on set. The betrayal by Dee, the harsh words from your mother—it all feels like a distant storm, getting to know Jensen and him understanding your background makes you feel like you can move forward. Now it was just about getting out of the hospital and finding the right time to tell Jensen you’d try again even though you weren’t completely sold.

Late one night, as the hospital falls into a hushed silence, your mother arrives. Jensen is asleep in the chair beside your bed, his hand still entwined with yours. Your mother's presence fills the room with an oppressive tension. She approaches your bed, her expression cold and disapproving.

"Y/N," she begins, her voice low and sharp, "You better not be thinking of leaving once you’ve healed. You need to realize what a mistake that would be. If you continue down this path, you can forget about any inheritance. You’ll have nothing."

Her words cut deep, reopening old wounds. You feel a mix of anger and despair, the familiar sting of her disapproval weighing heavily on you. Before you can respond, Jensen stirs, his eyes fluttering open. He takes in the scene, his expression darkening as he overhears your mother's harsh ultimatum.

"Mrs. Y/L/N," Jensen says, his voice firm as he stands from his chair, "I think it’s time for you to leave."

Your mother glares at him, her lips pressed into a thin line. "This is a family matter. It’s none of your business."

Jensen stands, placing himself between you and your mother. "Y/N is my family. She doesn’t need this right now."

Tears prick at your eyes as you watch the confrontation unfold. You feel a surge of gratitude for Jensen’s unwavering support. "Jen," you say, your voice steady despite the turmoil inside, "I’m going back with you. The only mistake was ever thinging I still possibly have a home here. My home was buried 14 months ago…” “No, you do, it’s wherever we are, together. And a happier home; a SAFE home, it will always be.” He places a hand on your thigh, as he looks from you to your mother.

Your mother’s expression falters for a moment before hardening again. "You’re making a mistake," she hisses, but she turns and leaves the room without another word.

As the door closes behind her, you let out a shaky breath. Jensen turns to you, his eyes softening. "You deserve to be happy, but are you absolutely sure about your decision?"

You nod, feeling a sense of relief and determination. "So do you. I… have never been more sure about wanting to be with someone in my life than when I was with my kids. But are YOU sure you want to be with me? With these… problems?" Doubts creeping into your brain about your physical insecurities, as you motion toward your IV. “It’s a lot, Jen. And it’s not going away…”

He smiles, his hand finding yours again. "I don’t know how I’ve lived in my life without you. Every day since I saw you walk into that casting call, I’ve thought about you. You are my happiness.I’ll call set tomorrow with the news."

He kisses your head and lays beside you, both drifting to sleep.

A week later, a doctor came to see you. “Good morning Ms. Y/L/N. I have great news, you get to break out of here today.” He said writing down some last vitals and smiling at you and Jensen. “Oh thank God. If I stayed any longer, you’d be treating me for bed sores and boredom.” You joke, sitting up. The nurse, Doctor, and Jensen all laughed. “I just need to see your incision site and ask you a few questions and then we can get you the discharge papers.” The doctor said, putting on gloves. “Okay. Hey, Jensen, could you go grab some coffee?” You asked sheepishly as you laid back preparing for the doctor to lift your gown. “I’m sorry Miss, the Cafe doesn’t open for another hour.” The nurse said as Jensen nodded at you, silently understanding your request. “I can still step out.” He leaned over to kiss your head before he walked out of the room. Everything looked great and went so smoothly as the doctor checked you over, asked about your pain, and if you had support at home. They got you discharged within the hour. Jensen secured a car and you both made your way to the hotel. The hotel lobby buzzes with quiet activity as you and Jensen step inside, the warmth of the interior contrasting sharply with the cool Seattle night air. You’ve never been in a place as fancy as this. Jensen guides you to the front desk, his hand reassuringly placed at the small of your back. The receptionist greets you both with a practiced smile.

"Welcome back, Mr. Ackles," she says, handing over a room key. "Here is your extra keycard for your lady friend."

Jensen nods, taking the keycard and offering a smile in return. "Thank you.”

You follow him to the elevator, the anticipation between you crackling like static electricity. When the elevator doors close, Jensen turns to you, his eyes dark with a mixture of desire and affection. "I’m glad you’re here," he murmurs, his voice low and intimate. He pulls you close to him, his lips crashing into yours. You drop your bag and wrap your hand around his neck, and kiss him back.

The elevator dings, interrupting the moment as you reach the third floor. You both chuckle as an old couple clears their throat to replace you on the elevator. Jensen leads the way down the hallway to room 312 taking your hand, sliding the keycard into the lock. The light flashes red. He frowns, tries again, but the result is the same.

"This has been happening a lot here," he says, his tone exasperated yet controlled. He leads you back to the front desk, this time taking the stairs. “Oh no. It’s not working again?” The receptionist asked. Jensen nods. Moments later, she returns with new keycards, but they too fail to unlock the door.

"This is ridiculous," Jensen mutters, running a hand through his hair. You both go back to the lobby where he waves the keycard at the receptionist, “No workie…” He said sarcastically. She calls for the manager. The manager, a middle-aged man with a harried look, follows you and Jensen back to the room. He tries the master key, but it also fails.

"My key no work, the door is no good," the manager says apologetically. "I have maintenance come in morning and, uh, break it down."

Jensen, visibly frustrated, turns to the manager. "So, you're saying the door has to be broken in and you can’t do it until morning?"

"Uh, yes, sir."

"Cool, stand back." Jensen steps forward and, with a swift, powerful kick, forces the door open. He grabs his bags from the room and turns to the manager. "We couldn’t wait until morning. Please get us a new suite with working keys."

You watch in awe, your heart racing. There’s something undeniably attractive about his take-charge attitude. Your face flushes with heat as your body tingles with lust. The manager stammers an apology and scurries off to arrange a new room. Jensen turns to you, a sheepish grin on his face. "What?"

You laugh softly, shaking your head. "That was... impressive." You tucked your hair behind your ear, shyly. He picks you up on his back and grabs both of bags. “What are you doing?” you whispered in his ear. “I can’t have you tired yet, princess. The day has just begun.” He swaggers away following the manager. 

Within minutes, you’re settled into a new suite, the door securely closed behind you. The room is spacious and elegant, a perfect retreat after the chaos of the hospital and the confrontation with your mother. As soon as you’re alone, the tension that’s been building between you and Jensen snaps. He pulls you into his arms, his lips capturing yours in a passionate kiss. He pauses, looking at you. “I wasn’t thinking. Are you ok? Do you need anything? I should have thought…” He looked concerned and apologetic. “Jensen.” You interrupt him. “I’m fine.” You put a finger to his lips to get him to stop talking. “The only words that should be coming out of your mouth is...” You ran your hand down to his pants, firmly grasping his erection. He groaned, his eyes flashing to your hand and back to your face. “THAT.” You bit your lip in reaction. 

He took no time in removing your clothes and you removing his. There was no gentleness in his demeanor, but you knew that if he went to far, he’d stop immediately. You had no care about your insecurities tonight. All you knew was that you wanted Jensen and you wanted him now. “Jen…” you began, placing your small hands on his shoulders through a break in kissing. “No.” He looked at you sternly. “No words, remember. Show me.” He picked you up and you entwined with fierce kisses again, moaning at the feeling. You leaned back toward the bed, as he still held you, catching yourself on your hands. He lowered you in sync with your movements and you pulled him on top of you. He spread your legs with one swift movement of his and was teasing you with anticipation. You couldn’t wait for him. He wanted you to show him, you were going to show him. You locked your right leg over his left and flipped him over, climbing on top of him. It was no easy feat, but you were determined. He growled at the sight of you on top, immediately caressing your body. He worked his way from your hips to your breasts, sending goosebumps all over. You took his hand and pushed it to your throat, lightly squeezing the sides to set the pressure. He sat up looking at your face, as you slid his cock inside you. A gasp escaped your mouth and you reared your head up at the length of him completely inside you. He brought your face to his by guiding you with his hand still on your neck. He nipped at your lips and then licked the side of your neck down to your breasts that were now fully bouncing as you gave into the pleasure. “Jensen. I’m… about to… BABE!” you screamed, wrapping both hands around his at your neck for stability as you rode out the orgasm. He took it all in. When you finished, he brought you closer to him again, face on his. His strong hand is a little more firm on your neck now. “You shouldn’t have come yet. You’re not done, baby. You’re going to come all night for me.” His voice was a deep octave. You felt tingles in your gut all over again as his green eyes pierced yours. You wriggle under the grasp he has on you, smiling seductively. “So are you.” You whispered, biting your lip. The night becomes a blur of silent words and shared rough intimacies, the outside world fading away as you explore the depths of your connection. The first light of dawn filters through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. You lie nestled against Jensen, your heart full and your body pleasantly exhausted. You just opened your eyes glancing at the clock, remembering that you have a flight to catch in just under an hour. “We’re going to miss the flight!!” 

You scramble out of bed, hastily dressing and gathering your things. Jensen moves with equal urgency, his usual calm demeanor momentarily replaced with frantic energy. "We’re cutting it close," he mutters, glancing at his watch.

You race to the airport, the minutes ticking away too quickly. The security lines are mercifully short, but the gate was a hefty run away, and you make it just as the staff begins to close it. You both flash your boarding passes, breathless and relieved, and hurry onto the plane.

Once you’re seated, you exchange a look with Jensen, a shared giggle that speaks volumes about the night you’ve had. The plane takes off, and as it reaches cruising altitude. You catch Jensen looking at you out of the corner of your eye and you tuck your hair behind your ear and you pretend not to have noticed him. “What are you doing to me… woman.” He whispered playfully shifting in his seat. “Whatever do you mean Mr. Ackles?” You joked back. Doing it again, this time looking him in the eyes. He brought you in for a kiss. "Meet me in the bathroom in three minutes." You said through closed teeth, just low enough for only him to hear.

Jensen’s eyes light up with a mix of surprise and excitement. He nods, and you make your way down the aisle, trying to appear casual. A few minutes later, he joins you in the cramped bathroom. “Well, this seemed like a better idea before I saw the condition of this place.” You said glancing around the small bathroom, disappointed. The toilet cover was cracked, toilet paper strewn about, making the whole thing feel dirty. “We should wait.” You added. Jensen looks around, equally as disappointed, and then picks you up. “Well, at least let me help you.” He said lightly scratching down your back as you hang on to him with your legs wrapped around his waist. You no longer cared about the state of the bathroom. “MMM, no. Let’s do this.” You both started kissing frantically without much room to manuever, when a jolt of turbulence makes you both slam against the door. It breaks open and you both fall out, Jensen breaking the fall but causing loud crash none the less. Everyone turned in their seats to see what happened. He helped you up saying loud enough for others to hear, “Oh, I didn’t realize there was someone in there. Excuse me.” He winked at you. You played along. “No worries. Be careful, the seat is cracked.” You added as you headed back to your seat, your face filling with a little twinge of embarrassment. He went back into the bathroom for a few minutes and met you back at his seat, taking your hand in his as he sat down. “Are you ok?” He asked, chuckling. “Yes. My dignity isn’t, but I’m fine.” You giggled, putting your forehead to his. “Are you?” You added. “I’m perfect. Tired, but perfect.” He said leaning his seat back a little. “Get some rest.” You kissed his forehead and put in your headphones, leaning back, as well. The plane touches down, and you both disembark, the exhaustion of your sleepless night tempered by the excitement of returning to the set. Some of the familiar faces of the cast and crew greet you with smiles and hugs once you get there, welcoming you back with genuine warmth.

The director gathers you and Jensen for a brief meeting, his expression serious but kind. "Welcome back, Y/N. We’re glad to have you with us again. We’ve made some changes to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being. Let’s make sure we take care of each other."

“I’m truly sorry for all of the trouble I’ve caused. I promise you’ll never have any issue like this happen from me again.” You said, taking the director’s hands in yours. “I’m just glad you’re well. It’s all forgotten now. Are you up for filming a little today?” He said tapping your hands with his. “Let’s do it!” you said, already walking toward the costume trailer.

You step onto the set of "Supernatural," after hair and makeup, the familiar sights and sounds greeting you like old friends. The hustle and bustle of crew members setting up equipment, the quiet murmur of actors reviewing their lines, and the comforting smell of coffee wafting from the craft services table—all of it feels like coming home.

Jensen walks beside you, his presence a steadying force. He catches the eye of the director, who nods in acknowledgment before calling for everyone's attention.

"Alright, everyone, gather around," the director says, his voice carrying a note of authority mingled with warmth. The cast and crew form a loose circle, their expressions curious and attentive. "First, I want to welcome Y/N back. We're thrilled to have you with us again."

A wave of applause and cheers erupts, filling you with a rush of gratitude. You smile, nodding your thanks as the director continues. "We’ve made some updates to our policies to address medical emergencies on set. It’s important that we take care of each other, so we’ll be conducting regular health check-ins and ensuring that emergency contacts and medical information are up to date for everyone."

The crew murmurs their agreement, and you feel a sense of support and solidarity wrapping around you like a warm blanket. This is a family, you realize, one that looks out for each other no matter what. The set is transformed into a black-and-white homage to classic horror films for the Season 4, Episode 5 shoot, "Monster Movie." The atmosphere crackles with energy as you and Jensen prepare for your scene. You adjust your costume, a vintage outfit that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time, while Jensen, dressed as Dean, exudes a rugged charm.

The director gives the signal, and the cameras start rolling. Dean has just been drugged and taken to ‘Dracula’s Castle’, bound to a table after changed into a traditional Oktoberfest outfit. Dean: Oh, come on. (He wakes up glancing at his situation. Looks around studying the room with worry on his face as he find a large portrait on the wall of a woman.)

Dracula: (entering the room) She is beautiful, no? Bride number three front he first film. She never got the acclaim that she deserved. (He walked to her portrait, stroking her face on the wall.) Which is why I chose her shape, her form to move among the mortals unnoticed, to listen to the cricket songs of the living. (He looks at Dean)

Dean looks confused as he takes in his words. Dracula: That is when I discovered my bride had been reborn in this century. Dean: (chuckling as Dracula looks at him in a how-dare-you way) I can’t get over what pumpkin-pie-eyed, crazy son of a bitch you really are. (Dracula walks creepily at him, clearly offended.) You’re not Dracula! You get that, right? Or even if you think you are Dracula, what the hell is up with the Mummy?! Dracula: (Closer to Dean as he finished his question, punches Dean in the face.) I AM ALL MONSTERS! (holds a hand up in defiance, glaring at Dean. Dean shakes his head as he takes the punch) Dean: Life ain’t a movie you sorry sack of…. (Dracula punches Dean again.) AAH. Dracula: (glaring at Dean) Life is small, meager, messy. (Walks away) The movies are grand, simple, elegant. I have chosen elegance. (holds out his cape to either side of him) Dean: (looking at him like he’s stupid) You think “elegance” is really the word for what you did to Marissa or Rick Deacon or any of the OTHERS?! Dracula: (wraps his cape like a bat) But of course. It is a Monster Movie, after all. Dean: You do realize what happens at the END of every Monster Movie? Dracula: Ah. But this movie is MINE. (Dean looks worried again) And in it, the monster… WINSSSS.The monster get the girllll. (Walking creepily to switches on the wall) And the hero, he’s… electrocuted. (Laughs evilly) and tonight, Jonathan Harker, you will be my hero. (Reaches for the switch)

Dean: Wait, Wait, Wait, Wait. (Chuckles nervously) (Dracula continues reaching slowly, watching Dean as he grapples with getting free of the table in anticipation of being hurt) (Doorbell rings and Dracula stops just before he was to grab the switch) Dracula: Please, excuse me. (He opens the door and Sam is there dressed as a Pizza Delivery man) Good evening. Sam: Uh… (looking at Dracula concerned) Pizza Delivery (holds up some pies in reference) Dracula: (looking smug) Ah, you’ve brought a repast. Excellent. Continue to be of such service and your life will be spared. Sam: (Pretending to look annoyed, chewing gum) Uh-huh. (walks into the room to set down the pies and keep distracting Dracula) That’ll be $15.50… (He turns so that Dracula can’t see who sneaks into the ‘Castle’ behind him)

Dracula: (looking concerned at the pizza) Tell me.. Sam: Yeah? Dracula: Is there garlic on this pizza? 

Sam: (monotoned and annoyed) I don’t know. Did you order garlic? Dracula: (looks disgusted) No. Sam: Then no. Look mister, I got four other deliveries to make. You wanna just pay me so I can go? Dracula: Of course. Yes. But I have a coupon. Scene cuts to Dean still bound to the table. Dean: (still trying to break out notices that someone is coming back, thinking it’s Dracula)

Raven is holding up a gun, stalking down the staircase into the room, after scanning to see if it’s clear, she lowers her weapon and races to Dean, who looks relieved at the sight of her. Raven: Well, this is kinky. (She winks and starts pulling at his constraints)

Dean: Oh, thank god. Just in the nick of time. That guy was about to Frankenstien me. (realizes what she said) Wait, really? (they stop trying to break him out and look at each other seductively) 

Raven: (continues to break him out. As Dean stands up.) Remind me later to buy you a suit like this, handsome. (she looks him up and down) Dean: SHUT UP. (he points at her as she chuckles and hands him a knife) Raven: (imitating a song as he walks toward the door) Talk dirty to me. Dean is supposed to keep walking and Raven follows him out, but the piece of improv that you just did, set Jensen ablaze. He turned back around and scooped you up so fast, you didn’t know what was happening. His mouth met yours as he backed you both up to the table he was just on, feeling you up in the process. The scene pans over to the doorway where Sam is standing in his Pizza outfit, holding up a gun. Disgust creeps on his face as he sees what’s unfolding. Sam: AHEM. (he clears his throat)

Raven and Dean turn around and stand quietly. Sam: Raven, you were taking too long, let’s go. (he motions towards the door) Dean: Always a cock block, Sammy. (he pushes him a little as he stalks by, Raven following apologetically behind him) Sam: yeah, well it’s certainly not on purpose, Dean. Remind me to drown those visions from my brain, later. (He says as he trails after them, cutting the scene).

The intensity of your combine improv moment was so electric, that it drew everyone’s focus. The crew watched in rapt attention, the connection between you and Jensen so vivid it’s almost tangible. You can see it in their faces, the realization that this is more than just acting���this was chemistry in its purest form.

"Cut!" the director calls, his face splitting into a wide grin. "That was fantastic! This is chemistry, folks!"

The crew erupts in applause, and you share a look with Jensen, a silent acknowledgment of the bond you’ve forged. It’s more than just a professional connection; it’s something deeper, something that resonates with every word and gesture.

As the day winds down and the set begins to clear, you take a moment to help clean up.Jensen comes up beside you, his presence comforting and steady. "You did great today," he says, his eyes full of warmth.

"Thanks," you reply, feeling a swell of gratitude. "I couldn’t have done it without you."

He smiles, the kind that reaches his eyes and makes you feel like everything is going to be okay. "So, kinky, huh?" He smirks.

You laugh. “Yeah, about that… Want to go finish what you started?” You pulled him by the shirt closer to you, swaying a little. “What I started? If my memory holds true, you started it on the plane this morning.” He said, thinking and laughing. “I mean, if you don’t want to…” You shrugged, playfully pushing him away. “Just say that.” You turned away from him. He wrapped you in his arms from behind as you squealed a little. “Jensen!” His voice in your ear, warm, and comforting. “I certainly didn’t say THAT.” And he picked you up and walked to his trailer. “But, I don’t know that I’ll last too long tonight.” He chuckled. “Me, either.” You agreed. Both laughing as he shut the door. 

This is your home now, and with Jensen by your side, you’re ready to face whatever comes next.

[phantomoftheorpheum]

In my opinion, there were plot holes in the season that are really off-putting. But I also think the writers were just really unwise about their narrative time. With 2 episodes less than the first season, they did not balance their characters and storylines well.

I’m flabbergasted about the amount of time that was spent on the love triangle (I refuse to waste anymore brain power complaining about.. all of that). We could have had less of that in favor of:

- Giving Mouse a real storyline > making Ash more prominent, giving her grandmother an actual purpose or just cutting the character all together.

- Showing us the character development that they only tell us Greg has gone through.

- Follow through with Imogen’s mental health, hallucinations scares, and concerns for her child’s safety that were only relevant in the first half of the season.

- Make redemption house even more sinister and/or show characters like Kelly, Henry, or Greg noticing everyone around them becoming obsessed with Spooky Spaghetti. It would’ve been so easy to permanently write out Henry by making him one of Wes’/BR’s followers but of course they didn’t do that.

- Show at least a little bit of conflict between Mrs Langsberry and Tabby’s mom - opposing mothers defending the reputation of their children. Although I will say, this might have made it too obvious.

- Maybe even including more conflict by not waiting until the last episode to finally accuse each others partners.

Just some thoughts :P

I agree! I think the biggest issue with this season was the reduced runtime (I don't know if that was at all due to the writer's strike, but I hope they get an absolute minimum of 10 episodes if they do a third season), and the mismanagement of the time that they did have.

To address some of your points specifically- I also felt Mouse was super sidelined this season (yes, she is technically the person most intent on solving the mystery, but she's basically just around to info-dump at everyone else, not have any personal growth), and Ash was barely present. I was particularly disappointed by this, because I knew the actor's billing had been upgraded, so I thought we'd get noticeably more Ash.

Greg's redemption arc, if you can really call it that, since it seemed to skip the crucial "oh, he's questioning his ways and changing" part felt super rushed (as did Kelly's turn from 2x06-2x08). I think they did film more of it (since we know of some cut stuff), but since it didn't make it to the screen, it felt very strange that Faran suddenly liked Greg (I'm not saying they played it like she's in love with him or anything, but I feel like they skipped the middle bit between "he annoys the hell out of her and she really dislikes him" to "he's apologized and now they're hooking up,"). It was just too fast.

I definitely expected Imogen's mental health to ultimately play a bigger role than it did, considering how much time they spent on it.

It is hard to believe Mrs. Beasley, Pastor Malachi, Kelly, Greg, (and presumably Henry, since they never reveal him as an antagonist) didn't notice that there was an entire additional cult in their cult.

The scene where all the girls started bickering about their SOs was one of my favorites from the finale. It felt so realistic that they wouldn't all just be on board with these new people they don't know at all (and most of them didn't interact with the new love interests that weren't their own almost at all) and assume they're all great. It was refreshing to see the girls disagree and take a few jabs at each other, because while I love them supporting each other, those moments of coming together feel like they mean less when they're all just always on the same page.

As a writer and creator myself, I understand that it is much easier to criticize than it is to create, but one of the big advantages of collaboration is that theoretically you have a lot of people looking at your work with a critical and constructive eye and shaping the story into the best version of itself. This season felt like it really could have used some editing and refining (in the writing process, before you even get to the film editing) to streamline the storylines and not get too bogged down in areas that don't pay off.

To leave things on a high note- I really did have fun watching the show this season & trying to puzzle things out. I just feel there were some pretty glaring flaws, as well.

[captainimfangirling]

The Boys Season 4 Episodes 1-3

Warning: Spoilers

To be honest I'm glad they're showing the bad side of Frenchie and Starlight. Like I said since the beginning all of them are not innocent. They made mistakes in the past and will in the future. The show isn't about who is innocent and who is not. It's showing that everyone and everything has issues. Nobody is innocent.

Frenchie & Kimiko

I ship them so I'm pissed at them giving Frenchie a lover, I don't give a sh*t if it's a man. But you know what it's a good story line to show that Frenchie has done really f*cked up sh*t and he needs to sort out his issues and save himself before he tries saving Kimiko. Kimiko also has to save herself before she can be with Frenchie.

Starlight

I love the actress but she messed up her face. She looks older. Anyway I don't think there's not that much interesting about her so far besides her and her followers. She's just the opposite of Homelander and Hughie is her non supe boyfriend. Also I like that she was a bully as a child because it shows that she isn't perfect.

Mother's Milk

I honestly thought they changed actors but yeah it's the same guy only he's very skinny. Anyway it's interesting that M.M. is taking more of a leadership role. I can't wait to see how that plays out the rest of the season. Also I love how they didn't sh*t on Todd making him the worst person ever like I expected. Janine loved him and Monique loved the D. Basically it shows that even a good person that everyone loves can fall into all that political bullsh*t.

Hughie

Poor baby I just wanna hug him. He's very loyal to Butcher because he feels Butcher was loyal to him (I mean Butcher considers not being loyal but he does the right thing at the end). I'm glad they brought in his mother because it really shows why he gets attached to people very fast and how he tried to keep Starlight safe even though it was unwillingly. He doesn't want to lose anyone.

Butcher

Like I've always said he is an ahole but he always does the right thing at the end. Yes he has done a lot of bad things but he's not an evil person. I think he sees Becca in Ryan and that's why he wants to save him. Plus he made a promise to Becca.

Ryan

Poor little guy not only is he being manipulated by Homelander but Homelander is basically becoming co-dependent on him. Homelander is more concerned about being good enough for Ryan so that he doesn't get abandoned than he is about giving Ryan what he needs. Ryan of course is attached to Butcher because Butcher is his mothers husband plus I think he sees good in Butcher even though Butcher doesn't see it in himself. Good thing that he's slowly starting to see Homelander for what he is. Not all hope is lost.

A-Train

As you know I never liked A-Train but I'm starting to now. I love that it took the 4th season to get him on The Boys side and they didn't do it the 2nd season because now he has so much character development. Now he understands how f*cked up the things he did and how he can make it right becoming a true superhero turning into something his family can be proud of. I also hope he gives a sincere apologize not only Hughie but to Robin's family.

Black Noir= Original & Noir= fake one

Does this guy have any powers? Anyway, I'm not sure how I feel. I mean I love that we got to hear the actor talk but I'm disappointed they didn't go the evil clone route. I hope that Noir becomes so obsessed with becoming Black Noir that he basically becomes evil because that's what he saw Black Noir as (a ruthless killing machine) and he never learns the other side of him (Black Noir being a sensitive and scared man). Basically in his head Noir becomes the real Black Noir because he's so obsessed and forgets his true identity. Actually if learns about what Solider Boy did to Black Noir I think it would be so cool if he tries to kill Solider Boy for what he did to Black Noir (aka him).

The Deep

Remember when I said they need to kill his character off? I kind of still feel this way but I do appreciate we actually go to hear the octopus talk. I wonder if the octopus will get upset he cheated on her with Sage but she probably wont because I think I remember last season Deep said she was poly.

Homelander

OMG he's going back to the "bad room"?! I wonder who was that lady in the flashback. Maybe just a worker or maybe someone his considered his mother for a little while (until he accidentally killed her). Like I've said before Homelander has abandonment issues so anything he likes or love he holds onto it. Like Sage. He likes her deep down so he chaining her to him by forcing her to be in The Seven. I would even say he likes Butcher because he's the only one who stood up to him and that's why he kept him alive for so long.

Firecracker

She for sure is a parody of those female right wing YouTubers and Rob Benedict is a parody of her followers. lmao I honestly still cannot unsee Rob Benedict's dick and him eating out his own ass. I'm just glad I didn't recognize him at first because I don't think I would unsee it when I watch Supernatural.

Neuman

At first I didn't care much about her but I'm starting to think she not only wants to make Stan proud but deep down also create a safe world for her daughter. I love that even she cannot kill Hughie because she cares for him too much.

Rob Singer

It's really cool seeing another Supernatural actor Jim Beaver as Robert Singer. Not sure how I feel like his character yet but I'm on his side over Neuman.

Kessler

I love seeing Jeffery Dean Morgan I'm not just a fan of him from Supernatural but I'm not sure how I feel about his character yet. He is close friends with Butcher which doesn't necessarily mean a good thing.

Also I'm shocked (but not really) that the Almond Joy girl was killed.

[alaffy]

Riverdale 7x12 - After the Fall (spoilers)

There are eight episodes left. I just wanted to point that out. Eight episodes and we get...this. Going to possibly be my shortest recap ever.

Ethel is cleared of killing the Milkman and she's no longer a suspect in her parents murder. She's forced to go back with Alice, who starts to treat her like she's her daughter (as if Ethel hasn't been through enough). She and Jughead are told by the councilor that the Milkman was insane transient. Not even the principal swallows that bs. Ethel wants to work with Jughead and create a sequel to the Milkman story. Pep comics editor doesn't want the attention. Ethel explains to Jughead (in an actually decent scene) that she wants to do the story because everyone is telling her how to think and feel about her parents murder and she wants to tell her story. They change the idea to a mailman. Pep editor knows that everyone will come for them, but decides it's time to fight the system.

Betty and Veronica break into the Pembrook and secretly live in the apartment. They have a sleepover with Kevin and Clay. Then, a day or so later, they have an intimate talk about how horrible their families are (which, true); promise not to become their parents; and talk about how happy Kevin and Clay are. Which turns into talking about experimenting with other women, which turns into them almost kissing. However, they're stopped by Mary Andrews who, long story short, knew something was wrong when she overheard the two girls talking earlier in the episode. When she finds out that the girls have been rejected by their mothers, Mary shames Hermione (off screen) and Alice into taking them back. Mary has strange, strange powers. Anyway, the girls seem to be considering a relationship with one another. To be clear, I don't have a problem with Beronica and wouldn't mind seeing Beronica, but I doubt this will last more then an episode or two, so it's just kind of...meh.

The boys basketball team is without a Captain as Julien is in a coma. Reggie is blamed for the accident by Clifford, who wants Reggie off the team. Archie is made captain of the team, but he just wants to write poetry. Cheryl wants to take care of her brother and not worry about cheerleading, but Clifford threatens to harm Cheryl. And it's this point we should remember that Clifford is the only parent in this show that has effectively and ruthlessly killed one his own children, so...

Anyway, long story short, Clifford seems to be close to getting rid of Reggie. But Archie, and the team, say if Reggie isn't made captain; they'll walk. Clifford mentions that he doesn't like being threatened (which, again, actually is concerning with this character); but Reggie is made Captain. Julien wakes up from his coma. Reggie wins the game. Clifford is pissed. Yadda, yadda, yadda, something about a storm coming.

And, again, we only have eight episodes after this.

[millicentthecat]

Summary of The Acolyte (first four episodes)

For people who want to read fic but don't want to watch the show, here is a summary of the as-yet aired episodes of The Acolyte, the new Star Wars show set in the Old Republic (before the prequels.) Spoilers follow.

The first episode opens with a sequence where a woman (the acolyte) tracks Jedi Master Indara to a bar. There's a fight and sad music plays as the woman kills Indara. This woman then awakes in her bed, implying the previous scene was a dream. Her name is Osha.

Osha lost her parents at age 8 and was shepherded into the Jedi order. She left and became a mecnik (mechanic) for hire. Yord, her old friend from the Jedi Order, has tracked her down. We see him use scary threats of force on the trade feds and it's played as scary. Yord questions Osha about the murder, which it turns out, really happened.

"You really think it's possible I killed a Jedi?" Osha asks.

"It doesn't matter what I think," Yord says. Typical Jedi engagement with critical thinking.

Dramatic music plays as Osha is carted away: we're clearly supposed to care about her, because she has a cute little droid who likes her. In the next scene we see a Jedi teacher with younglings at the temple. His name is Sol. Master Vernestra comes in and discusses the murder with him: swift justice is advised. "An example must be made." He reluctantly agrees.

Cut to Osha inside a prison cell. A parasite is being used to subdue violent criminals. It's horrific. The other criminals ask Osha if she wants to escape with them but she declines, claiming she has faith in the Jedi. There's an action scene where the transport crash lands on the ice planet Carlac.

Sol takes a small team of Jedi to hunt down Osha, despite the fact that he seems to be struggling with feelings of "attachment" to her, which he is supressing. On Carlac, Osha follows a ghost of her dead twin sister--another scene which is implied to be just a dream. When apprehended, Osha tells Sol that "Mae (the twin) is alive." He says, "I believe you."

In the final scene, a vader-like stranger is seen talking to a character who could be Osha but is strongly implied to be her twin, Mae. "The Jedi have a dream they believe everyone shares. An acolyte kills the dream," they say.

In episode two, Revenge / Justice, the acolyte attacks another Jedi but fails. Meanwhile Osha is camped with Sol, Yord, and their Padawan Jecki, on ice planet Carlac. Over holomessage, Jedi Master Vernestra instructs this team to investigate the failed attack. They arrive too late as the Acolyte has convinced Jedi Master Torbin to drink poison.

Sol defers to the Padawan's plan: sending OSHA to talk to the apothecary (Qimir) on her home planet. They plan to ambush Mae there but she escapes with Qimir to Khofar.

Episode 3 is a flashback to Brendok, the planet where Mae and Osha were living at age 8. They live with a very restrictive, religious group of "witches." Osha is rebellious and exploring her individuality but Mae is content to be with her family. The witches have been hunted and persecuted; they live in exile because "some would consider our power dark."

Jedi come to the planet and express concern that children are being raised there. They try to convince Osha to leave, and Osha wants to. Mae doesn't want to, but the Jedi do try to take her against her will. This is very much played as Totally Fine and Within the Rights of the Jedi, with none of the horror Mae or her mother are feeling depicted with any sympathy (no musical cues, closeups on their crying faces, etc.) Mae starts a fire and threatens to kill Osha for wanting to leave with the Jedi. There is no insight into Mae's thought process, so it seems bizarre and irrational. The story is centering Sol and Osha, in terms of POV.

Osha's mother does get to say: "this isn't about good or bad, this is about power and who is allowed to use it." If you don't know the line, it's copied almost word for word from something Voldemort says in the first Harry Potter novel, which is probably a coincidence. Neoliberal copaganda only has so many tricks.

All of the witches on Brendok including Mae are massacred by the "fire," and Sol escapes with Osha.

Episode 4 returns to the present and follows both teams - Mae and Qimir, versus Sol, Osha, Jecki, and Yord - through the forests of Khofar as they hunt for a wookie Jedi (Kelnacca). Mae betrays Qimir and her master, planning to turn herself in to the Jedi. She discovers Kelnacca dead, already murdered by her master. The episode ends with the Jedi and the dark Master posed against one another, lightsabers ready.

Some predictions for future episodes: Sol hinted there was more to the story of Brendok than Osha knows, so it would make narrative sense to reveal that the Jedi were indeed responsible for the massacre/fire. However, Sol in particular has been depicted as calm, rational, and caring, and a friend to Osha, though he does manipulate her in episode 4 to convince her to join the team.

I would not say the story is Jedi Critical yet because Mae herself is not Jedi Critical yet, nor is Sol. Also, the story full expects us to accept that the Jedi allowed Osha to leave her training and abandon the Order to become a mecnik, at will, which is not consistent with what we know about the Jedi Order. There are no coalitions amongst the dark side and Mae confesses to fearing her Master will kill her if she disobeys.

[xxblackintruderxx]

Ruki Makino Analysis

So one of my favorite youtubers is making a retrospect on digimon tamers currently and his latest one is based on one of the best episodes in the show. His name is Rusty Cheeseknife and I’ll link the video in question below.

Episode 6 does a very good job in giving us a point of view of what Ruki’s daily life looks like. It also gives us an understanding of why she is the way she is pretty early on, so we get a lot of character development throughout the show for her. We are shown she doesn’t have a father figure in her life, which is easy to speculate that it is one of the reasons she shuts herself out from the rest of the world. We also know she resents her mother and doesn’t want to be anything like her, shown from how she dresses and doesn’t want to stay home a majority of the time. Both of these are important for the audience to have a grasp on Ruki’s behavior during the first arc of the show.

I never really gave much thought to Ruki’s character other then what is presented to us. I didn’t have the urge to speculate anything that can be in the form of headcanons or theories despite her being my favorite tamer in all of digimon. Rusty Cheeseknife gave me a better perspective of her character in his video that I’m very surprised I never realized it sooner. He mentions how Ruki dresses the way she does not only because of her mother, but because of her father’s absence as well. It may also have something to do with the fact that the girl wants nothing to with being feminine, perhaps leading her to want to become her own male role model. She doesn’t get along with any of the male characters for a long period of time and only seems to mostly connect with Renamon and Juri who are female. Calumon is also an exception who can be associated with something feminine, and is able to get along with Ruki fairly easily. 

This all seems obvious to everyone else, but I never took to consideration how much not having a male role model to look up to can effect Ruki. I always assumed her cold behavior and distance from others was because of her mother’s treatment of her and not much else. She is shown to think about her father and how much she takes for granted that he is still alive, compared to Juri who lost her mother. Rusty Cheeseknife brings up Impmon in the video of course, considering how he is first introduced in episode 6. He mentions how Renamon and Impmon’s interactions are the best in the season, which I highly agree. Impmon is only in the episode for a few minutes and already presents himself very important for Renamon’s own character development. After watching this well thought out retrospective, I don’t think Renamon is the only one who is heavily effected by his existence. One of the few characters Ruki hasn’t been cold to in the show is Impmon, or at least hasn’t told him anything that isn’t true.

During the fight with Indramon, Ruki was shown to be very concerned for Impmon’s safety while he was being thrashed around. Someone who she barely has any interaction at all, which is later explored with her explaining she has a strong urge to protect others who can’t help themselves. It’s clear that he is her first experience with these feelings and comes to terms with them when she goes with Renamon to save him from being stuck in the digital world. Impmon and Renamon have a lot in common with both wanting to be acknowledged and accepted, which leads to Impmon’s own character development when he uses his digivolution to protect others. This is similar to how Renamon and Ruki use Sakuyamon to protect the ones they love. Based on Impmon and Renamon’s relationship, Ruki would most likely spend a lot more time with him if the story did progress. He shares similar struggles to her digimon partner, and it is Renamon who is the first person to make him want to change for the better from her kindness alone. He is the first digimon Ruki has shown compassion for, and made her want to change for the better for herself and her friends.

Whether this was Konaka’s intent or not, it just proves that Impmon was important to her life the same as it was Renamon’s. They all wanted acceptance for who they were, not for what everyone else wanted them to be. I really wish we got to explore this idea even further and have the two have more scenes together after Impmon realized the error of his ways. In later episodes, Impmon’s behavior shifts completely when he interacts with his tamers and even Jen’s sensei or otherwise know as a complete stranger. It’s a clever way to show us that he was always putting on an act to hide what he assumed was weakness. Ruki was also putting on an act to build walls around her to protect her from the outside world. He truly has the potential to be one of the first (male) role models for Ruki because of the similar struggles of wanting to be seen for what’s on the inside rather than the outside. Impmon is presented to be the only (male) character who has the chance to really connect with her and be something she can admire even as an adult. He’s much more eccentric then any of the other digimon, which is probably what Ruki and Renamon were drawn to in the first place. He’s also the most human-like with the way he speaks and behaves. It makes it easy for Ruki to relate to him, and Renamon to be interested and stick around from their meetings alone with each other that lingers in her head afterwards.

It’s true that other characters such as Takato, Jen, and Ryo have a lot of redeeming qualities that Ruki can look up to. However, Impmon to me just seems like he’s the only one she could really appreciate and see herself in. It’s important for someone to relate to who they look up to so their accomplishments seem achievable. Juri forgave Impmon for what he’s done despite killing her partner because of his desperation to do what’s right. It’s possible Ruki admires his actions, doing whatever it takes to have a chance to be a good person.

Make sure to go check out Rusty Cheeseknife! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQjY7LjfVdA

[lmelodie]

The Santa Clauses Season 2

It's here! And I have access to it, and all of my drably splintery thoughts on the first two episodes.

As an FYI, all my reviews are gonna be hella spoilery so I'll be doing all the reviewing under read mores and under the tags #TSCS spoilers and #Review2

Oh boy unsolicited thoughts HERE WE GO!

Episode 1:

I gotta say, Fluffy is not a bad character in this so far. Christmas Churros are a gold mine and I'm surprised no one has tried to capitalize on that yet.

Scott immediately assuming that Carol was going to kill Gary says a lot about the both of them and their dynamic that I wish was consistent. I love the idea that Carol is down for murder, keep that in cowards!

I have zero idea why Scott is so uptight about Riley keeping this secret when you literally gave EVERYONE IN THE WORLD MAGIC SNOW GLOBES. Nobody here is doing a good job of keeping any of this secret! No one!

And not the North Pole having a Gaslighting Department. Thats, just actually so funny to me. And you bet your sweet ass that Jack frequents that department, he might be employed there!

And once again to reiterate, these songs breaks are just NOT it. As someone who usually love musicals! The songs are mid at most and are just shoehorned into the most random places. Idk, still not vibing.

But Betty and Noel? STILL TOP TIER. I'll talk about them more in a bit, but they are literally perfect. The Blueprint. Betty and Noel get no notes from me. They made cardboard cutouts of each other's faces, like come on! They're cute as SHIT.

Mad Santa lore? Its aight. I appreciate the franchise trying to carve out its own lore after more than 15 years of inactivity. Its decent lore! For the world that it exists in at least. It's just not my personal cup of tea, and I don't see myself utilizing it in my own stories. But I appreciate that it is there.

And you cannot tell me that Jack hasn't tried to team up with Mad Santa before. It just seems like something he would do to, noticing that there was a Santa getting a bad rep and he could feasibly swoop in and break down the institution.

I wanna imagine he went up to him like, so I've heard you've been trying to subjugate a people. Here's my resume, I am all for murder, I do work well with gnomes, consider me. And then he got promptly ghosted.

Episode 2:

Bro the training vest is made out of St. Nicks robe?? What ISNT made out of that robe??? Isn't that like...an important artifact? I would assume it would be if it has that much Christmas magic in it. Why do we keep cutting it up and using it to make things? Is there any of it left?? Does it regenerate its own fabric??? None of these questions will ever be provided answers, I'm sure.

YO ITS MY BOY CUPID!!! LET'S GOOOOOOOO!!!!

Fucking LOVE Cupid! He's just as great as I remember! And because he had so little screen time, he didn't get too butchered!

And I like how he lists only specific Legends that are concerned with the succession. Implying in universe that Father Time and Tooth either think Cal is a good choice, or simply don't give a shit. And i love that for them.

But Cupid does list Sandy, EB and Mother Nature as people who do care. And we already know that were gonna get confirmed Sandy and EB cameos later, so I'm gonna CROSS MY FINGERS SO HARD for a possible Mother Nature cameo at some point. I just want her to lay down the LAW that's all I ask!

Let's how about, leave the puberty topic, out of this series entirely? Wish that whole miscommunication. DIDNT happen.

But we do have WITCH SANDRA!! This was the only possible choice for her, go off queen! Lucy and Sandra with the clasping hands meme: Teenage Girl with Magic Witch Powers. This was the best possible turn for her character, love that for you babe!

As I suspected, Befana in these episodes is a peach yet again. Fucking love Befana, no notes for her either, she's always great.

BUT LET'S TALK ABOUT NOEL AND BETTY!? and how they gave them the most romantic, whirlwind love story of the century? How they met was so FUCKING CUTE! Romeo and Juliet can pack it up! Because THEY are just better!

Betty really took one look at Noel and went, Tee hee, giggle, twirls hair, kicks feet. And I love that for her!

[kawaiilizzie]

Happy Birthday Shion!

I’ve been discussing birthdays for my characters with Tale of @tokuteasings​ and settled on today being Shion’s birthday. So, in honor of her, have some short and sweet fluff centering on her celebrating with Kaede and everyone else.

Warnings: None really aside from implied spoilers for Saber up to episode 35.

Mother’s Day didn’t seem like a big deal to Shion. Except for helping her friends at college pick out gifts for their own moms. She knew she would really feel the love when she becomes a mother herself, so she wasn’t really bothered by it.

However, the day to celebrate mothers also meant that her birthday, just three days after Mother’s Day, was around the corner. Shion considered herself lucky it was only one week after the birthday of her beloved princess Kaede on the ninth of May.

The last few days have been insane. She thought. I wonder if Kae-chan and the others had time to prepare for my birthday after what the Sword of Logos’ deluded leader tried to pull off if at all.

Luckily for her, any concerns she had disappeared when she entered the Northern Base and was greeted with party poppers going off around her, covering her in confetti and streamers.

“Happy birthday Shion!” Everyone shouted together, clapping their hands and cheering.

“Y-You guys remembered!” She laughed, removing confetti and streamers off herself.

“Of course we did, Shion-chan.” Kaede said with a smile, putting a silver tiara on her head. “We would never forget.”

“Here you go Shion! I had it made special just for you~” Mei said, holding out a delicious looking cake, a single candle glowing on top of it, and decorated with large pink roses made of icing and a chocolate plague reading Happy birthday Shion!

“Now, blow out your candle and make a wish!” Touma told her, holding out his phone along with Kaede to take a picture of the moment. Shion nodded, and blew out the candle, Homura and Naoto cheering and everyone else clapping when she did.

“Congratulations, Espada.” Sophia said with a gentle smile.

Shion returned the smile. “Thank you, Sophia.”

“Here, let me take this before something happens to it and we can’t eat any of it.” Tetsuo offered, taking the cake away with Naoto following him cheerfully.

Kaede walked up to Shion, holding out a bouquet of flowers consisting of red and pink roses, white lilies, and sunflowers. “Here, I picked out the flowers myself.”

“Thanks, Kae-chan.” Shion said, taking the bouquet from her. “The Shindais are on Rider duty to keep an eye on Master Logos, right?”

“Yeah. Should he make a move, they’ll let us know.” Kaede confirmed. “For now, your happiness is essential.”

Shion blushed pink at being acknowledged as important by her roommate. This felt a lot like the fairytales she loved as a child. She imagined Kaede looking at her lovingly, dressed in a beautiful white and pink dress fit for a princess, herself in a similar fairytale dress. She has been planning to confess her feelings for a while now, and she intends to tell Kaede soon.

“Kaede, everyone is waiting for you and the birthday girl.” Yukina called out, snapping Shion out of her thoughts.

“We’ll share the photos with Kento and Yamina later.” Raito added. “Hopefully seeing you guys happy will convince them that there is hope.”

“Alright, come on Shion-chan, time to cut your cake!” Kaede told her, holding out a hand to Shion.

Shion accepted her hand and held it tightly as the two went to join the others for a celebratory toast and food.

[kittensthemagnificent]

The 100 Rewatch 2023 (S1x01)

- Wow, the pilot is so bad. 

- Bellamy’s hair bro, wtf 😭

- I think this episode highlights something that the show struggles with throughout the series. There are so many good ideas and themes in the show, but they aren’t always properly executed. 

- I wish we could have seen more positive interactions between Bellamy and Octavia before their relationship starts to fall apart, especially since their relationship is a huge plotline in the entire show. 

- I also wish that we could see more of the Ark before the main plotline begins. I want to see how the Ark works instead of being told by Clarke at the beginning. 

- It’s interesting seeing the beginning of Bellamy’s character arc again. He’s pissed at the Ark for killing his mother and locking Octavia up. He’s also terrified he’ll be killed when everyone on the Ark gets sent down. So he takes over as a leader of the group, but only for selfish reasons (revenge and to avoid being killed). Later, that gradually changes as he grows to care about the people he’s leading.

- My goodness, I missed the gang. 

- I love the scene where Wells asks how the two of them are going to grab food for a hundred, and Finn just walks over and grabs Jasper and Monty

- This show is really, really good at moral dilemmas. I love the whole plotline on the Ark about reducing population. There’s an interesting conflict in moral values highlighted by Kane and Abby. Kane is cold and is only concerned with keeping the human race alive, and will do so at any cost. But he’s not concerned with power; he genuinely believes he’s doing the right thing, and that he’s the only one around willing to make difficult decisions to keep everyone alive. Abby also wants to keep the human race alive, but she has a more empathetic approach. She doesn’t just consider the outcome, she considers the impact each decision will have leading to the outcome. They’re the perfect example of whether or not the ends justify the means, and there isn’t a clear cut answer in the situation. 

- Abby is my favorite character in S1. It’s sad how her character goes downhill from there (imo).  - Man, they made earth beautiful. I loved the glow in the dark plants and the blue butterflies. I wish we could have seen more of that throughout the show. 

[suspendingtime]

Alright, should we talk about it?

Part of the mirroring above that stings the most from a Kate pov is that she's literally walking away from Mary and Edwina and into nothing.

[long ramble incoming]

Like, in Anthony's he's walking towards a massive family estate and his 6 siblings (cause Hyacinth was still a foetus behind him). Which isn't to make their emotional suffering a competition, and declare one a winner; just a difference observed. Of course he's going through unimaginable pain and panic as he's just watched his father die, but I'm gonna be Kate centric right now 'cause the post made this particular difference hit me.

So, just remembering that Mary and Ed were the only family she had in the country (and perhaps even the world, that she knew of... we really don't know 'cause they never explicitly tell us about her potential extended family in India - I can only assume 'Appa' and 'Amma' didn't just appear out of thin air). And up to this point Mary has been pretty blind to what's going on with Kate; so to her everything's been 'as it should be' regarding any feelings between Kate/Anthony/Edwina. Until Kate dropped that bangle, which caused Anthony to brandish his undying obsession/devotion to Kate in front of everyone at the altar (which Mary inexplicably seems to not recognise in the moment, or have words to Anthony about afterwards). Then they all run to this room and she hears what Edwina is saying, and before even asking any questions herself, she rebukes Kate straight away.

Mary, who was just about to try and recommend a cup of tea to Edwina after she fled the altar (demonstrating once again that she didn't fully register what had just happened). Then she quickly finds vim to banish Kate to anywhere else... where did she actually expect Kate to go exactly, I don't know.

So we have Kate who is; in an unknown place, surrounded by mostly unknown people, feeling abandoned (yet again), blaming herself already. Then we get to watch her sob (yet again), on the floor of a closet this time, casting her own mother's bangles aside. Utterly alone, in multiple ways (until Anthony finds her).

Then we get the cherry on top that after all this Mary doesn't, at any point, seek her out. When Kate finally goes back to talk to Edwina, she's told that Mary has 'gone for some air' (…um, wouldn't that be a good time to go find Kate and find out a little more about what's going on, all the signs you've missed, perhaps why she has 'kept so much' from you). Mary does reappear of course, when it's time to speak to the Queen, and I think that's the last time we see her in this episode? And I don't think we see Kate again until just before that final altar scene.

They didn't show or elude to any secret Kate/Mary meetings that day. When Kate gets the note to go back to the church she's sat in a non closet room. So we have to assume that after her talk with Edwina, she's just been hanging out and not hiding away. So she's been accessible that whole time. So Mary just didn't consider a quick 5 mins to see what was going on with her. I get that she probably was more immediately concerned with the child who had fled the altar... but all day, she didn't find a few minutes to check that Kate was still in existence, or even to get another perspective out of pure curiosity. But she found time to go for a walk.

AND THEN IN E8 SHE WONDERS WHY KATE MIGHT NOT FEEL LIKE SHE HAD THE RIGHT TO BE LOVED?

AAAAAHHHHHHHHH!! I can't even talk about the 'try the lily soap' comment in E7, or the whole coma situation that was used to bypass any real confrontation of the Sharma family dynamic. Or the whole desperation to find Edwina another suitor immediately, making them parade around along with the whole family and pretend everything was fine (am I the only one who thinks that was kinda cruel, especially as that desperation is probably part of what got Ed to latch on to Anthony so quick in the first place, I get the scandal avoidance panic but damn).

But yeah, what the user above said... Eh, I didn't even touch on all the points I had in my head when I started typing. 😅 But this is already too long now, and there's TOO much to say and weigh up. And it's all probably been said before, if you got this far, I hope you enjoyed the extended rambling ramble (and forgive me if I'm misremembering any points from E6).

* DEEP EXHALE *

S02E03 | S02E06

Request by @queen-i

[paradisetemporarilymisplaced]

So I was being a basic bitch the other day and listening to my true crime podcasts when it occurred to me just how suspicious Nile’s “death” would look to everyone not in the Guard, leading me to a train of thought that, 2200 words later, absolutely got away from me but I can’t let go so I’m inflicting it on all of you!

To set the stage, we know the movie takes place over approximately a week. Here’s what happens to Nile from the military’s point of view:

She dies is very seriously injured

She heals without a scratch

Just before she’s supposed to be shipped out to Germany, she vanishes, leaving two men concussed (and presumably reporting being knocked out by a woman with short hair wearing civilian clothes)

She goes AWOL for several days

They get word from the CIA that she is to be reported killed in action (details unclear)

So, at the beginning of this very weird week, the USMC has to tell Nile’s family of her death critical injury. What her family was told depends on how long she was dead – a Google search tells me that family will be notified in person within 8 hours of a soldier’s death, but we don’t know how long her first death lasted. For an injury, however, they’d get a phone call to notify them and the unit would arrange for them to visit as soon as the soldier is transferred out of a combat zone. Like I remember when I was in high school, a guy from my church who was a Marine was really seriously injured in a helicopter crash in Iraq and from what I could tell, his parents were told immediately and were flown out to Germany to see him, so it stands to reason that Nile’s family would have been informed relatively quickly after her throat was slashed, one way or another.

And then, she goes AWOL. Her family would be notified while the USMC tried to figure out where she went, not least because the military would want to know if she’s contacted them. (And it’s possible that her family may have been on the way to Germany to see her since we know that’s where she was supposed to go!) So for several days:

Nile’s mom and brother have no idea where she is

They know she was seriously injured and most certainly should not have been moving around on her own

They can’t get a hold of her

The military can’t tell them anything

And the next thing they know for sure is that she was “killed in action.” After being injured and vanishing into thin air. And they presumably cannot produce her body or any concrete evidence of her death. In any case, something sketchy is going on, so they’re like. SMELLS LIKE A MILITARY COVERUP.

In a surprise to probably no one, there is a well-documented legacy of mysterious US military deaths, particularly of women of color (TW for sexual assault in these links). The cases of LaVena Johnson and Vanessa Guillenin particular have made national news because of their families’ persistence in seeking justice. Likewise, Nile is a Black woman, and her mom and brother are most certainly hypercognizant of (a) state violence against Black people and (b) these high-profile cases of suspicious military deaths. So her family are seriously side-eyeing the situation, knowing that (a) the military has a serious incentive (and a documented history) of covering up things that make them look bad and (b) nothing about Nile’s disappearance and supposed death are adding up.

And Andy’s right. Nile does come from warriors. And you know who else does? Her brother.

Don’t get me wrong. Nile’s mom would absolutely not back down. She’d know something was up and want to get to the bottom of it. But based on what I know about Gen X parents (mine), they’re not the most technologically savvy. Like they can use the internet, but they didn’t grow up with it the way we young millennials and Gen Z did. So Nile’s brother takes the lead. And what do zillennials do best?

Social media.

Nile’s brother starts going hard on any site he can, trying to get the word out to see if anyone knows what happened to his sister. He starts a Reddit thread. He starts a Facebook group. He reaches out to the media and true crime bloggers and podcasters à la Sarah Turney, getting loud and being a general nuisance in hopes of getting some answers. He gets his friends and Nile’s friends involved. Maybe eventually Dizzy, Jay, and others from Nile’s unit hear about it and reach out, telling him what they saw and how weird it all was. He’s drumming up interest, and soon “Nile Freeman” becomes a household name (at least among the true crime fans).

Copley is, of course, trying his best, but at this point there is just so much that it’s impossible for him to scrub everything. Sure, he can erase new footage of Nile and the Guard, but what can he do about Reddit threads and podcast episodes that are speculating something weird has happened? Maybe he could hack the sites and shut those things down, but honestly, that’s the last thing he’d want to do, because that only adds weight to the theory that Nile’s disappearance is a military coverup. So eventually he has to tell Andy what’s going on.

Andy, obviously, does not take the news well. However, she is also completely computer illiterate, because that’s Booker’s job and he’s the only one who ever bothered to learn what the internet is in any meaningful way. (She probably calls Booker for advice, and for the record, I think Booker would have no qualms about shutting down conspiracy threads, tinhats be damned, but Copley is too concerned about the consequences. He’s ex-CIA for crying out loud, he knows how it’ll look if they scrub every mention of Nile’s name from the internet.) Maybe she confers with Joe and Nicky but, let’s be honest, they’d be equally unhelpful. So at this point, she knows they have to bring in Nile.

But the thing about Nile is that she, too, knows how to use the internet (duh). Aside from her being a young millennial/digital native, we know from the cave scene where she’s giving Booker suggestions on how to track Copley that she clearly is even more computer savvy than the average person. And for that reason she almost definitely took over the day-to-day tech stuff after Booker’s exile. So I think it would be foolish to expect her to be unaware of what’s happening. She’s not contacting her family or posting on the message boards or anything, but she knows what’s up. So Copley and the team probably sit her down to “break the news,” but we know the girl does not have a poker face (see: literally shooting herself in the foot and not being able to play it cool whatsoever) and cracks immediately, telling them she’s seen everything about her case – she’s not interacting with any of it, she certainly didn’t instigate anything, but she knows. (And she is so goddamn proud of her brother.)

At this point, I’d like to pause and consider Nile’s role in the overall narrative of this movie. She’s set up as a foil to Andy, obviously, but she’s also a foil to Booker. Booker, who, like Andy, is a serious pessimist, but who, unlike Andy, still has very fresh memories and trauma associated with being the new kid, which have destroyed him. In his mind (and Andy’s), if Nile communicates with her family, she’ll become just like him in a century or two – bitter, alone, and stuck with her grief and memories of watching her family die and knowing they died resenting her. It’s a small sample size, but this is the only experience they have to go off of.

But it doesn’t have to be like that.

There’s been a lot of discussion of TOG being a fundamentally queer movie – a group of people brought together because of something inherent about themselves that is different, that must be hidden, that causes others to hate, fear, and reject them. Booker’s backstory is the archetypal traumatic “coming out” story – his family learns who he is, hate him for it, and attempt to cast him out of their lives. He’s stuck with his trauma, his pain, his loss, and it consumes him.

But what if Nile’s family would be the opposite? What if her “coming out” to them as immortal is met with acceptance, love, celebration? What if her family is just overjoyed to have her back, and they don’t care what the circumstances are? I'm reminded of this incredible post from @shitty-old-guard-deaths a while back, where Nile’s mother hits Booker with a frying pan because “my baby let me believe she was dead for FIVE YEARS based on your bad advice???” (which may or may not have inspired this whole tangent). Nile takes the advice of someone who did the same thing she wants to do because she doesn’t want to risk her family’s rejection. She wants the good memories with her family and is afraid that showing them her true self will bring her unbearable pain, forever replacing those memories. But, with high risk comes high reward.

Anyway. Nile and the team are trying to come up with a plan for how to handle this whole thing, but she’s not really participating because she’s too afraid to hope. Until finally, quickly, so she doesn’t lose her nerve, she suggests she reach out to them, knowing that, realistically, that’s the only solution before things snowball even further out of control. The team is shocked, but realize that she has a point. They decide that Copley should actually be the first point of contact, posing as a US government official to talk with them and test the waters.

So Copley goes to Nile’s family’s house to talk with her mom and brother. They’re probably distrustful and apprehensive, but nonetheless secretly ecstatic that their work has paid off. They talk and review all of the information that they’ve collected, including testimonials from the people on Nile’s base and recent sightings (along with photos) of Nile (with the same three people) over the last few years that people have sent them but they haven’t posted publicly. At this point, Copley’s like, yeah this is about to blow up, we gotta put our cards on the table. He convinces them to come with him to some safe house/black site/whatever he can get that is technologically impenetrable (I’m picturing them in like, an interrogation room at a police station kind of deal), takes their phones, locks the doors, and brings in Nile.

What follows is the most delightful reunion scene of all time, bringing Joe, Nicky, and even Andy to tears as they watch and listen from outside the room. With Copley’s help, Nile tells her mom and brother about her immortality and what’s been going on since she died (within reason, of course), and they are thrilled. They don’t understand why (because no one does) but they don’t question it and they see it as a gift from God – she’s been resurrected, she will live, and she has a purpose. Her mother and brother are so happy to see her again and are willing to agree with pretty much anything to stay in her life as long as they can.

So. They set up some complicated agreement (they bring in the other three for support/intimidation as needed) setting the terms of their relationship. They swear Nile’s family to secrecy, maybe bringing up the lab to show how high the stakes are, and they readily agree. They come up with some cover story for Nile’s brother to share on the message boards (maybe that the government has opened an investigation but because it’s an open case he has to shut it all down? Tells people to direct their tips somewhere else? Something to that effect). There’s still speculation, of course, but without Nile’s brother at the helm providing the energy, the hype dies down as news stories are wont to do without any movement. And Nile’s family goes to work for the team. The experience has taught them that Copley can’t possibly do everything himself, especially when it comes to social media, so Nile’s brother takes the lead on the day-to-day tracking/social media while Copley and her mom focus on finding jobs and scrubbing their traces afterward.

So there you have it: Nile gets to integrate her biological family into her found family and spend the rest of their lives with them as it should be, Copley gets some badly needed help managing the reality of social media, the team finally has a positive narrative surrounding outsiders Knowing About Them AND about interacting with people from their previous life, and the audience gets the happy ending to this very lovely and very queer story to counteract the pain associated with Booker’s family.

Plus, you know, I’m a sucker for both a good government conspiracy theory and for Nile getting every good thing she deserves.

[queenshelby]

My Friend’s Father (Part Five)

Pairing: Cillian Murphy x Reader

Warning: Age Gap, Mild Sexual References

Words: 1,848

Notes:

I have decided to make this into a series.

Alright, no judgment. This was a dream of mine and I felt like I had to write it down. Everyone in this Fic is over the age of 18 and this Fic is in no way based on Cillian’s real family life. It’s pure filth.

 *************************

YOUR POV

Two weeks had passed since you visited your friend Denise in Dublin and it was time for the annual Galway Arts Festival.

Denise had been working on a photography project for the past year and had been nominated for a student award in Galway as part of which ten of her photographs were being displayed during the Arts Festival.

Whilst, as you had expected, Cillian didn’t contact you, you knew that he would be there to support his daughter. Being an artist himself, he was very proud of her and her work and he supported her projects not only mentally but also financially with the caveat that she would finish her degree at Trinity College.

Unlike him, he didn’t want her to drop out of university even though she hated it and you certainly understood his reasoning.

Contrary to Denise, you had no creative bone in your body. You enjoyed art and theatre, but weren’t an artist or performer yourself. Instead, you were an A Grade Law Student who had become rather bored in Galway and had recently applied for a scholarship to Oxford University.

Reading was your passion and you had always been known as a geek. In school, you were the girl that no one liked, nerdy, not interested in fashion or social media and wearing braces, which, luckily, had been removed three years ago.

You were shy and it was only for Denise that you came out of your shell. She was popular in school, mostly due to her name, but also because she was generally confident and, over the years, she helped you gain confidence especially after you had left high school.

But, today, you knew you would be questioning your gained confidence once again since, first of all, you would be seeing Cillian again and the truth was that you couldn’t stop thinking about him in an intimate way and, secondly, you were featured completely naked on some of Denise’s photographs.

Whilst the photographs were artistic and not sexual in any way and your most intimate part wasn’t visible on them, it bothered you knowing that people you disliked would see you so vulnerable and you couldn’t remember why you had agreed to being photographed like that.

The other woman who Denise chose to photograph was Amalie. She was 23 and had been Denise’s friend for a while as well but, unlike you, she began modelling professionally when she was just 16. You all went to the same private school together and, clearly, her lifestyle had been largely financed by her parents. She always wore expensive clothes and had no interest in pursuing a career other than modelling, which barely sustained her lifestyle considering the few small jobs she got.

***

Just as you served your last cup of coffee to an elderly lady sitting in the corner of the café you were working at, you saw Denise, Amalie and two other friends of Denise walk in.

‘Hey guys, take a seat. I will be right with you. I am just about to finish my shift’ you said as you hung up your apron.

‘Please tell me you will get changed before the Gallery opening tonight?’ Amalie asked somewhat weirdly and you couldn’t help but roll your eyes as you sat down at the table with her, Denise and the others before ordering some coffees for yourselves.

‘No, I thought I would go like this’ you said sarcastically, looking down at your coffee-stained clothes.

‘I bought a dress for tonight’ you then said, after Amalie didn’t seem to sense your sarcasm.

‘Right’ she then said as she flicked through Instagram and you simply looked at Denise who shrug her shoulders.

‘What are you looking for?’ you asked curiously as her eyes seemed to be glued to her phone.

‘She is looking to find more photos of my dad and Laura Jennings’ Denise said, rolling her eyes.

‘Laura Jennings, as in the actress?’ you asked, causing Amalie to nod.

‘Yes, apparently they have been dating’ Amalie then confirmed, causing you to swallow harshly. You knew that you shouldn’t care but you couldn’t help it. Knowing that Cillian was seeing someone made you feel ill.  

‘And you care about that why?’ you then asked Amalie after an uncomfortable shiver ran down your spine.

‘Apparently, just like you, Amalie thinks my dad is a DILF’ Denise huffed out before telling you how disgusting you all were.

‘Well, he is though…he is super hot’ Amalie then joked before carrying on. ‘And I don’t understand how you don’t know about Laura Jennings and whether this is true or not. You need to find out’ Amalie then said but Denise simply shook her head.

‘My father doesn’t share this sort of stuff with me and I certainly don’t want to know about his sex life, thank you very much. In so far as I am concerned, he doesn’t have sex, ever…yuck! Also, I would appreciate if you could not talk about my dad anymore, please. It grosses me out’ Denise said and you knew that, all of this had become a common occurrence ever since the day the first episode of Peaky Blinders aired on BBC, a show which Denise refuses to watch herself because of the heavy sexual content and a show which you, only a week ago, had begun to binge watch.

Cillian’s POV

When Cillian walked into the basement after you had left, he immediately saw the small folded up note you had left him but, reading it, made him somewhat uncomfortable.

He was torn about what to do with it and certainly knew that he should ignore it. He couldn’t see you again even if he wanted to.

The fact that you were 23 years younger than him and that you were his daughter’s best friend made it all wrong and highly inappropriate and he didn’t know what had gotten into him in the first place when he gave into you.

He had never felt attracted towards you in any sort of way until that last visit which was the first time had seen you since you and your family had moved away.

You changed in many ways and he wasn’t sure what it was that he liked about you. But what he knew was that it was more than just sexual attraction, which was usually something he knew how to supress.

With that in mind, he placed your note into his wallet and decided to ignore it for now. But he couldn’t quite bring himself to throw it out.

***

With his bags packed it was time for him to return to Manchester and resume filming of the final season of Peaky Blinders.

The first week of filming went well and Cillian decided to spend the weekend with his friend, fellow actress Laura Jennings. Cillian and her had developed a friend with benefits sort of relationship. No strings attached and no feelings involved. After his divorce from Denise’s mother, he wasn’t ready for anything else and Laura would certainly not have been the type of woman he would have wanted a relationship with in the first place.

Unlike him, she wasn’t press shy and, whilst they kept their arrangement a secret as best as they could, she was otherwise quite active on social media.

Cillian, on the other hand, only maintained a private Instagram account with the sole purpose of being able to check on his children. Whilst they were adults, he was still worried about them, especially Denise who had recently gotten herself in a lot of trouble after distancing herself from this Jeremy boy.

***

‘Another wine?’ Laura asked as Cillian was relaxing on top of the doonas, wearing nothing but his black Calvin Klein briefs, after they had spent the last hour doing exactly what friends with benefits would do after not having seen each other for over two weeks due to busy filming schedules.

‘Yes please…thanks’ he responded as he reached for his phone after a notification had popped up.

It was his daughter Denise who had posted on Instagram and, since she hadn’t posted for a while, he decided to check it out, hoping that she wasn’t with Jeremy again.

To his surprise, three new pictures of Denise and her friends showed up when he opened the APP and, one of them, there was you.

In the picture, you were wearing accompanied by a man in his late twenties, wearing a suit while you were wearing a dark blue dress and he couldn’t help but wonder who the man by your side was.

You looked simply stunning, with your hair long and open and your shoulders exposed. You were wearing only a little bit of make up and showed your beautiful smile.  

‘There you go Mr Murphy’ Laura then said as she returned to the bedroom with another glass of wine, pulling Cillian’s phone out of his hand and climbing on top of him.

‘Round Two?’ she then asked eagerly as she reached for another condom, but Cillian’s thoughts were elsewhere entirely.

‘Maybe tomorrow, I am tired. It has been a long week, sorry’ he explained, causing Laura to pout with disappointment.

But the second round never eventuated as Cillian left Laura’s house the following morning to drive back to Manchester to resume filming.

On his way back to Manchester, he called his daughter Denise to check on her and while he did, he enquired about your companion on the Instagram posts.

‘Why do you want to know?’ Denise asked somewhat confused but Cillian played it cool.

‘He looks familiar, that’s all. Didn’t he go to your school?’ he then asked, playing dumb.

‘Oh god no, he is 29. His name is Connor and he is an accountant. Y/N wouldn’t date anyone our age. You know she isn’t a normal 21-year-old’ Denise joked, referring to your nerdiness and intellect.

‘Apparently not’ Cillian chuckled before asking another question about the stranger on the picture. ‘So, they are dating?’ he asked.

‘I think they went on two or three dates or something. Why do you care?’ Denise asked.

‘No reason. I was just wondering’ Cillian confirmed before changing the topic.

   Tag List:

@lilymurphy03@deefigs @theflamecrystal @desperate-and-broken @weepingstudentfishhorse @livinginfantaxy @rosey1981 @atomicsoulcollecto @peakyboyslover @nerdy4itall@elenavampire21 @hanster1998@mariapaiva13 @fairypitou @harry-is-your-sunflower @zozeebo @lauren-raines-x @kasaikawa @littlewierdalien @sad-huffle-nerd @theflamecrystal @peakymalfoyscullymulder @themissthang@0ghostwriter0 @stylescanbeatmyback @1-800-peakyblinders @datewithgianni @momoneymolife @ntmynouis @lilymurphy03 @mcntsee@cloudofdisney@missymurphy1985 @peakymalfoyscullymulder @otterly-fey @janelongxox @uchihacumdump @basiclassy @being-worthy @chaotic-bean-of-smolness @margoo0 @chocolatehalo @vhscillian @ysmmsy @littlewierdalien @crazymar15  @stickyknightflowerbailiff @im-constantly-fangirling @goldensunflowe-r  @tellingyouastory  @captivatedbycillianmurphy​  @namelesslosers​  @littlewhiterose​  @ttzamara​  @ttzamara @cilleveryone  ​

@peaky-cillian​

@severewobblerlightdragon​  @ysmmsy​  

[utilitycaster]

Okay! Finished the episode, here’s some slightly longer thoughts on the discussion about bringing in Trent, which I think the second half of the episode made much clearer for everyone!

First: Fjord bringing it up makes sense in-character! I’ve mentioned this before but Fjord is a person who is fairly intelligent and pragmatic, and knows in-universe he’s not very insightful, so he tends to ask people questions, even ones that seem obvious or ones that seem a little bit rude or overstepping, because he’d rather have a real statement than try to go off faulty assumptions. We’ve seen this before with him talking to Beau about her father, Caleb about Trent earlier on (a couple times in fact), to Trent and to Astrid at the dinner, and to Jester last week about her mother. It’s usually a nonjudgmental, real question: how do you feel and what do you want to do, because this is your choice, not mine, and I trust your decision (when it’s asked of his friends); and it sets up an opportunity for the more insightful of the group to intuit something from an answer from enemies.

The twist was Caleb entertaining it, which was honestly most surprising to me not in the initial conversation, but later when he was the one who brought it up at the outpost even after Essek indicated concern in the message. Caleb’s motivation was answered - this is an opportunity, perhaps, to kill two birds with one stone.

It still feels like a lot from Caleb, honestly, particularly after the last two episodes, but what’s notable is it doesn’t feel self-destructive to me. I think it comes down to two things. First, Caleb has his own doubts about surviving the fight, not in a self-destructive way, just realistically. He may indeed see this as his last chance, in a way; not a way to even the scales but at least a way to achieve what he feels to be his purpose. Which I think is really interesting, because it’s answering a great question: is saving the world enough? For Caleb, saving the world by keeping the status quo is not.

The second one, I suspect, is equally practical. If Trent is with them, it’s a risk, but it means he’s not devoting much attention to Marion or the Brenattos.

I think what makes this exchange really interesting to me is we know Caleb and Fjord have a lot of similarities in how they see and interact with the world, but were shaped by very different upbringings, and it’s maybe one of the first times we’ve seen such brutal, unemotional pragmatism from both sides. I think do Beau asking Caleb to consider the psychological toll was a necessary reality check because it can get easy to ignore one’s own feelings in that “whatever it takes” mindset Caleb was in. But I think everyone involved was just trying to consider all the options and complications while granting Caleb ultimate veto power.