#episode 8 ali wasn't fucking around

[um-weird-flex-but-ok]

[kazz-brekker]

hotd episode 8 thoughts

hmmm. i remember reading an interview with the writers of this show before the season dropped where they lowkey threw shade at hbo and very heavily implied that having 8 episodes rather than 10 was not their choice and i can very much feel that with this episode

it felt a lot more like a penultimate episode of a season rather than the season finale. all of that set-up with the marching armies at the end of the episode really felt more like a "and next week, a big battle!" kind of thing rather than a "in 2 years, you'll see a big battle!"

why is this show acting like the war is only just starting…we saw named characters toasting each other 4 episodes ago…

i was otto hightower-baited! i saw the name rhys ifans in the opening credits and went !!!!! only for a single shot him in the last minute of the episode, i feel robbed!

i did find tyland lannister's visit to the triarchy very funny. no bureaucrat in the history of westeroes has ever suffered like this man. also sharako lohar was DEFINITELY hitting on him, you cannot convince me otherwise

as someone perpetually annoyed that in game of thrones daario naharis has brown hair rather than blue i appreciate that the tyroshi sailors had dyed hair

the aegon-larys alliance really become one of the unexpected highlights of the second half of this season. they're going on their little essos vacation together!

god rhaena you deserved so much better this season and so much more screentime. we should have seen more of you and jeyne arryn!

entertained to see that ulf is quickly becoming that coworker that no one likes

rhaenyra. girl. i love you but please stop with this bloodless warfare thing. you have six dragons on your side, stop hesitating about using them!

all of those soldiers standing around in the background clearly eavesdropping on criston and gwayne's argument was very funny

kind of loving all this insecurity about his parentage they're giving jace, it's nice to have some conflict with his character

i liked the little dragon heads on rhaenyra's dress at the dinner with the dragonseeds

alys rivers sitting on the edge of daemon's bed like his own personal sleep paralysis demon made me chuckle a bit

his final weirwood vision was such blatant fanservice but as a fan of daenerys and bloodraven i can't be that mad about it

can someone check on that portion of the fandom that used to ship helaena and aemond, i feel like they're not doing so hot right now after those scenes

i did think it was strange that helaena could so clearly communicate aemond's death to him when she had such a hard time doing so with her other visions in the past? but perhaps nothing clarifies your sinister visions of the future like being mad at your sibling

i was really happy that rhaenyra and daemon reunited! i've missed matt smith and emma d'arcy having scenes together this season a lot. plus, i know their relationship is all kinds of fucked-up but i just loved seeing them speak in high valyrian to each other again. and it's always nice to see daemon kneel before his wife

glad that alyn got to really chew out corlys on his failures as a father, that's been a long time coming

i wasn't expecting rhaenyra and alicent to have another scene together this season but ngl it was kind of fun, emma d'arcy and olivia cooke really just eat up every scene they have with each other

plus the reversal of their dynamic from the episode 3 meeting was interesting, with rhaenyra being very unyielding and alicent being desperate to connect

i enjoyed seeing rhaenyra be mean to alicent, especially the whole "son for a son" thing. yes, rhaenyra! alicent's son killed yours! please be mad about it, you deserve it!

i just feel like the end of this seaon lacked the punch that season 1 had, it felt more like a little showcase of all the fun stuff that was coming rather than definitive cliffhanger. i mean, c'mon, we don't even get to see the fall of king's landing????

[lockwoodsmouse]

An Official lockwoodsmouse Review of Netflix’s Lockwood & Co.

spoilers... duh

Context: This is coming from someone who is an avid fan of the books, and has been for 6 years. I’ve read them over and over and know many lines by heart. 

Okay, let's start...

SOUNDTRACK: 10/10 

I swear I almost passed out when A Forest by the Cure started playing in Episode 2. That’s seriously one of my favorite songs ever and fit the vibe perfectly. I also love the instrumental soundtrack! I’ve been streaming it a lot. I watched the episodes with closed captions, so I knew all the titles of the songs they included in the show. If you are interested, I have my L&Co. playlist linked on my blog. The ending section includes songs that were on the show (excluding the official soundtrack instrumentals) but most of it is just songs I associate with the vibe/characters/events. 

CGI: 9/10

I don’t really have much to say here, the ghosts were about what I imagined them to be in my head, and I have to say, the Wythburn Mill ghost creeped me out quite a bit. 

PACING: 8/10

Like many of us, I would have appreciated more detail being given to the Combe Carey Hall case. That section felt rushed, but the second half (The Whispering Skull bit) felt just fine. I think if we just had one more episode dedicated to Combe Carey (9 episodes instead of 8) it would have been better. There also wasn't a lot of suspense, and the Red Room/Screaming Staircase didn’t seem like a big deal. Also, Lockwood unraveling the Fairfax mystery is just too good in the book! The show underscores how clever and pensive he is during those parts.

LUCY: 10/10

Oh my gosh. Ruby Stokes. She knocked it out of the house with her depiction of Lucy. She’s smart, feisty, moody, quick-tempered, vulnerable, anxious, and empathetic all at once. I really love seeing Lucy’s flaws, honestly. In the later seasons (FINGERS CROSSED GUYS), I really hope to see more of her strength/finesse with her rapier. I also like how it focused more on her mental health, and it’s clear that she feels safe in her new home, but is still hurting inside. I also love the backstory we get with Norrie. In the books, Lucy seems to deal with some internalized misogyny and some of that is definitely cleared up when she had such a close female friend. ALSO ANGST!!! wowie

*side note: those polaroid pictures of her and Norrie are the absolute cutest

*extra side note: SHE SAYS FUCK!!! GOOD FOR HER!!! 

*extra extra side note: I love how they gave her blue as her primary color! It suits her.

LOCKWOOD: 10/10

Cameron Chapman was AMAZING. He really did well with his depiction of Lockwood, and if you watch any interview with him in it, he’s just hilarious. He’s cooly detached, just like he is in the books, and the suit/coat he wears is EXACTLY how I pictured it. One of the highlights for me was the panic attack scene after Winkman’s auction. This scene was so good that I wish it was in the books! It’s such a great detail and adds more vulnerability/dimension to his character. 

GEORGE: 10/10

Ah, George. The lovable oddball we all adore. Ali Hadji-Heshmati captures George’s awkwardness and nerdy tendencies perfectly. He has kind of a quiet leadership, and I love his dynamic with the rest of the team. That scene where him and Lucy were bonding over pizza was the absolute cutest. True to the books, he is kind of the comic relief, but it doesn't feel overdone. 

Give me more domestic scenes where George is wearing an apron. 

LOCKLYLE: 10/10

Oh my. I was swooning. I had to watch all the episodes when my roommate was in class because every time there was a tender moment it was accompanied by a lot of squeaking and flapping around on my end. Anyways... One of my favorite scenes was the one where Lockwood bandages up Lucy’s injured hand (I’m such a sucker for tender hand holding and this show DID NOT DISAPPOINT). I know people are saying that it did feel a little rushed, but in my opinion, they were like this all the time in the books and Lucy was just really oblivious for a while. I love their dynamic so much and even all the scenes where they were fighting felt very much like you’d expect. ALSO WE GET JEALOUS LOCKWOOD OMG. I know some people think the Kipps/Lucy thing was weird, but it honestly could have been the same in the books, but Lucy is just (again) oblivious. 

SKULL: 6/10

I really like the design of the skull’s jar, as well as the apparition itself. It’s exactly how I imagined. However, the skull from the books is so much more sassy, evil, and wise. That didn’t really come through in the show, but maybe they’re holding back for future seasons? I really liked the skull’s insights on the team in the book, as well as his clever wit, creative insults, and sass. Now that the characters can swear, this allows the skull so much more room for creative jibes. 

honorable mention: GHOST LAMPS!!! 10000/10! we are all obsessed and rightfully so.

CONCLUSION: I will defend this show with my life. I love it so much. 

p.s. if u read through all this, I <3 u. hope u enjoyed my nerdy ramblings.

[deadsnothere]

Brian send help.

Synopsis - Alias goes to Cynthia's house halfway through the fall ball to talk to her dad. It ends up turning out in her favor, it just takes a bit of..kiss- CONVINCING.

WARNINGS!! - Gays-?

Masterlist

Request - No but i am working on two request now.

Word count - 1.5k 😨

Speak Ali! - I've had this started since the episode i just finished it now!! (i'm dying-) Taglist anyone?

“If you need something tonight kid- I may be Cynthia's dad but I've been there for your entire life, I’ll be here for you now.”

In my yellow dress with a pink ladies jacket across my shoulders, I almost wanted to die. The fall ball sucked ass, and it's still going!- I walked into Cynthia trying to make out with my brother..Ya know- for once I thought I was winning! 'He's the big brother' Jones says- ‘He doesn't have to take care of the girls.’ said Jones. And now he's won the girl- and I'm still taking care of Jones' kids.

So I’m standing outside of Cynthia's town house, waiting for her dad to open the door.

And when Brian does (after four hours) he’s quick to rush me in. “Kid- are you ok?” he patted my back, taking a beer out of the fridge and handing it to me. “...She kissed Anthony..” He nodded knowingly, rubbing my back as I opened the bottle of beer with my mouth. “And you're jealous?” When I looked over to him, mouth opened in shock, he laughed at me. “Alias, When someone is in love with my daughter..I can tell.” He shrugged his shoulders, leaning back onto the counter. “And you're not weirded out?” it was a scary thing, being gay in this town, or time- fuck the USA it sucks here.

Brian raised both eyebrows and had to hold back a laugh. “I was doing crack in the 40’s a year before I got Cynthia's mother pregnant. I only sobered up and went to rehab to take care of Cynthia.” Eyebrows furrowed and mouth wide open, I looked up to him, shocked. “You were doing crack?!” He busted out laughing. “Yeah! Everyone did crack back then- I don't remember most of my teen years. But there was a boy who made me feel better than any girl had.” I pushed the pink ladies jacket off my shoulders and placed it on the counter, turning around and chugging the entire beer (no matter how disgusting it is) and throwing it away in the makeshift trash can they have.

“Yeah- uh, don't do that- no more for you. But what I'm saying is I know how you feel, growing up like this- In times like this..it's not going to end well, I'm sure you and Cynthia will figure it out- Now I know she said she was going to stay at yours tonight and she just might. So you stay here tonight.” Sighing, I leaned my head back onto the cabinets. “Thanks dad. I appreciate it.” he looked down at his watch concerned at the fact it was getting close to 8, when he had to leave for work.

(I'm starting to think he knew she would come home..)

Brian ruffled my hair and shooed me over to the couch. “There’s reefer in the top drawer if you really need it, just don't smoke it all and only do it here.” He put a blanket over me and grabbed his keys from the holder. “Don't die! We can talk more in the morning but I have to go to work.” I nodded and he turned the TV on as he left. “Bye dad.” - “Bye Kid!” As soon as the door shut I wasn't sure what to do. There was nothing interesting on, so I just went to sleep, I was tired anyways.

–

“Alias, what the fuck are you doing here?” A voice was tapping me awake. “Huh-” Cynthia was standing over me, a jacket over her shoulders, shoes off, and a bottle of beer in her hand. “Alias, what are you doing here?! Shy guy has been looking for you-” I rolled my eyes and stood up, picking up my shoes and messily buckling them back on. “I don't know and at this point I don't care-” I was on my way out when she stopped me. “Alias what is up with you!” I let in a shaky breath, my hands were clenched and my knees were weak.

I took a second breath in, because one was not enough for this BULLSHIT, and spoke. “What is up with me? You never showed one minute of interest in my brother and now that I was going to the ball with Andrew as friends- he's your boyfriend!” She looked at me shocked, like we hadn't kissed before. “I've always liked your brother!-” I let out a dead chuckle. “Oh, dont fuck with me Zdunowski. I'm not stupid, You’re not in love with him! You were just- stupid, I don't know?!” She looked at me with her eyebrows furrowed and mouth open. “Why are you here, Alias?” I looked her in the eye this time, I'm not doing this like a pussy. I took my hand back, started to dust off her dress and placed a hand on her face.

“Because I'm in love with you, and for some reason I just love to hurt myself.” I sighed and sped walked out of the door, trying to slam it shut but she stopped it before I could. I was half way down the hallway by the time she got me again. She grabbed onto my hands, spinning me around, watching me trip, and getting dragged down with me. We were very close, her breathing was unsteady, our hearts matched beats. And once I finally had the balls, Our lips were sealed like a secret. Her hands grabbed my waist and she got as close as she could, even if it was awkward. It felt like heaven, if heaven was two teenage girls kissing in a hallway. “I- I love you too, I’ve been in love with you since we were 10- And for the last 6 years i've been convincing myself i loved Shy Guy not you but...I- i just..can I please kiss you more, please?” When I nodded she dipped down again, kissing me more. And more, and more! everyone of them, felt different, felt like a different emotions. Confusion, burning, love, yearning. everything a person could feel in just a few kisses.

We ran back into the home and shut the door behind us. My back was pressed into the door while Cynthia was skillfully untying my dress and kissing me at the same time. It felt so real, my vision isn't blurry and my body didn't feel fake. She was quick to start leaving hickeys down my neck, it made me giggle at first but the more bite marks she left the more I was glad my dress was already untied. She dragged me into her room, but her demeanor changed when she sat me on the bed and closed her door. “Here, take these clothes-” it wasn't in an annoyed manner, but she wasn't willing to look at me. “Cynthia what's wrong?-" She was changing out of her own dress now. Her hands slowly took off her dress and stockings. Changed them for pajama pants and a wife beater that made my face red, showing off her arms, built from all the car work she does.

Cynthia finally paying attention to me again, placed her hands on my cheeks. “I was forcing myself on your brother just an hour ago- and now I don't know-...I feel like an asshole for not chasing after you.” I smiled at her, kissing the palm of her hand. “You kinda are-” “Alias!” “What it's the truth!- I'm not gonna lie to you. But, I'll at least give you a chance to make it up to me.” I stood up from the bed and let my dress fall from my shoulders, gracefully. Cynthia was quick to help me out of it. She unclasped my bra and took it off for me, kissing the distance of my shoulders, and up my neck. She pushed my shorts off my hips, and got on her knees in front of me. Kissed along my hips for a few seconds before stopping right in front of my lace underwear.

“Please..” She looked desperate in front of me. I almost felt bad for saying no, but I didn't feel like it. I lent down and kissed her temple. “I..don't feel like it- i'm sorry..i just really want to sleep-” Cynthia was quick to pop up, standing on her feet again. “No! No it's ok, it's ok I'm fine to go to sleep!” She kissed my temple and picked up her shirt, putting it over my head and helping me find the arm holes. Finally, she dragged me to her bed, laid me down, and pulled her blanket onto me, falling asleep next to me. I've spent so long wishing for this, and now here I am.

Cynthia was laid down beside me in her bed, with all of my fingers and toes. no bullshit reason just, Love. And fuck was Brian right, I am in love with his daughter.

The more Cynthia grabbed onto my waist and pushed her head into my neck. The more I knew I was ready for whatever conversation brian was going to have with me in the morning about what kind of relationship with his daughter, although I'm not sure about that myself.

[winged-fool]

Would you please write a summary for this episode?

Always my friend!

Let me start by saying this had the potential to be a fun campy filler episode but because it's this show with these writers, we didn't get that.

Okay so it starts off with Liz being rushed into Deep Sky and everyone basically dismissing Michael as a viable alien scientist and lamenting that Kyle isn't there. It was Very Rude because Michael even started doubting himself and is further proof of why we need Alex because he ALWAYS hypes Michael up and believes in him but whatever.

Isobel decides to mindscape Liz and Max insists on going too so they go in, there are cowboys all around the Pony and Isobel calls out to one of the cowboys in the shadows on a horse where Liz Ortecho is and then they shoot her and kidnap Max. Isobel is forced out of the mindscape and Max stays behind

Rosa is like I'm going to call someone and then boom Heath shows up and is the "former adversary" that is going to help them. Which if they were going to bring Heath back how come they didn't idk MENTION him for 8 fucking eps?? Anyway, turns out he's been at med school in New York and he and Rosa have been bonding because she needed someone to help her with her alien powers and didn't ask Liz or Kyle because she didn't want to look weak in front of them. It kind of seemed like there might have been something romantic brewing between them but Rosa said he wasn't her boyfriend and he made another love confession to Dallas, but idk still unclear...

It cuts to Liz waking up in the mindscape and she's the sheriff and she realizes that she's in the mindscape and based on her own symptoms she's dying. Arturo shows up and he's the retired sheriff and calls himself Deputy Machete which was cute.

She goes to a saloon? maybe? where Maria is singing and then when she's done Liz (with Rosa) go ask her to go to the backroom and she takes them. Michael is playing poker with someone while Sanders is acting like a lookout? Liz approaches the table and it's Clyde that Michael's playing so she's like I bet you Max's location if Michael wins and he's like deal but I want that ring that's in your pocket and it was the engagement ring Max got from Arturo in ep 1. Michael wins but Clyde flips the table over and is like psych! I can't give you Max and then runs out of the saloon.

Other shit happens and then Liz goes to confront who has Max and surprise! It's evil!Liz looking hot and making great points! She's like Max is always holding us back, he can't even look after himself, he gave up his powers, he sucks, he's going to force us into a life of mediocrity. So true bestie! POP 👏🏼 OFF 👏🏼

She fails at getting Max back and then gathers everyone (Arturo, Rosa, Maria, Michael, Sanders, and Heath) and is like I need to face my evil side with my whole family (which somehow includes Sanders who she's literally never shared a scene with?? And Heath who she seemingly forgot about until this convenient scene??). So they go and they fail because a million Clydes keep popping up and killing everyone.

Just as Liz is ready to give up Ali (Shiri) shows up which she had a scene earlier but whatever who cares, and shoots evil Liz. Oh and back in the real world Isobel is feeling sad about keeping Kyle away and Maria gives her love advice blah blah blah

I missed the end of the episode because I had to go deal with a mouse in my apartment but I guess evil Liz came out of the mindscape (which awesome) and Maria and Michael shared a fireside chat (boooo). The promo showed that Michael and Kyle are going to team up to look for Alex next week.

[whaleofatjme1920]

Gmorn Elsie! Finals are nearly over and i wanted to check in on you and update on the stuff ive been doing other then frying my brain on how reptiles function.

I watched squid game till episode 6 and im planning too finish it soon (hopefully today) and just, ali and seong gi hun-

*screams*

I also had to stop doing kooltober because evidently i had no time to draw, anymore and i never really opened social media except youtube to wind down

But other then that, i really didnt do anything, how are you doing? Hows the essay?

Hi! It’s around 8:40 pm here. Nice to see you again. How are finals going for you?? and Squid Game!! i wasn't expecting myself to get as hooked on it as I did! I loved it so much, binged it all in one night and cried A LOT. It's so good though. My favorites are Sang Woo, Ali, Gi-Hun. Not saying the last people,,, spoiler territory,,,,,,,,,,,,,

I'm still doing your inktober so your vision is getting fufilled in a different way. honestly no shame in stopping challenges I am 5 seconds to imploding at all moments.

Here’s a pic of,,,, some of the things I need to do within the remaining few weeks??

I’m still filling it up. Anyways, I turned in two 5 page essays this weekend. One yesterday, one an hour or so ago. Honestly just me procrastinating while a friend was here staying with me.

Ngl, I'm starting to compartmentalize all the work I have to do and it looks a lot worse than it is?? However, my multiculturalism class might legitimately jeopardize my internship approval and that's not cash money. The professor is actually off the walls insane and it's my fault for not checking rate my professor. 2 of my group members aren't showing up so that fucks up the rest of our projects??? I consider myself extremely on top of my work, and they make me ANTSY.

There's a lot more BS but y'all don't need that from me.

Regardless, it's really nice to see you again <3