#frances o’connor

[periodtdramas]

emma mackey out on the wiley windy moors as emily brontë in ‘emily’, 2022

[oldcountrybear1955]

GQ France January 2010 - Ryan Kennedy - Photographed by Keiron O’Connor

[sportsallover]

Wait, did Ben pull for Felix yesterday? That’s the team spirit I like!!

[recycledmoviecostumes]

This stunning Edwardian gown is a wonderful example of how lighting choices can change the way we view a garment in different productions.   The dress was initially seen on Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary Crawley in the first season of 𝑫𝒐𝒘𝒏𝒕𝒐𝒏 𝑨𝒃𝒃𝒆𝒚 in 2010, where it appeared quite green. It was recycled for use in 2014 in the season two finale of 𝑴𝒓. 𝑺𝒆𝒍𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒈𝒆, where it looked a bit more blue on Frances O’Connor as Rose Selfridge.   What’s your favorite 𝑫𝒐𝒘𝒏𝒕𝒐𝒏 𝑨𝒃𝒃𝒆𝒚 costume? Comment below or on our website and let us know! Bit.ly/VicEd184    

[lilithsaintcrow]

“Purchasing jabots in the United States, though, proved challenging: “Nobody in those days made judicial white collars for women,” Justice O’Connor remembered. “I discovered that the only places you could get them would be in England or France.”"

[filmreveries]

Emily (2022) dir. Frances O’Connor

[mindblowingscience]

The researchers say that suggests grief could be a risk factor for cardiac events.

The study, published in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine, demonstrates an association between grief severity and elevated systolic blood pressure response.

The idea of “dying of a broken heart,” which can happen following the loss of a loved one, was the motivation for the research, says senior author Mary-Frances O’Connor, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Arizona who specializes in grief.

Increased risk of mortality after the death of a loved one has long been documented in epidemiological studies. For the new study, which included 59 participants that had lost a close loved one in the past year, O’Connor and colleagues looked at blood pressure as a possible contributing factor.

Continue Reading

[msweebyness]

Weeby, Sparky, and Artzy’s Code Names Guide!!!

Hey, y’all! This is a helpful little tool for you guys! Whenever we’re talking about characters in the context of our AU’s, we use code names to distinguish! Here’s a guide to those! @artzychic27 @imsparky2002

Updates will be added as new content is released!

KEY:

Class of Heroes

Class of Villainy

Monstrous Youths

Ghoul Squad

DC/Arkham

Marvel

MiracOlympus

Animal AU

Akuma AU

BATRACULOUS

LaNd BeFoRe TiMe Au

Barbie AU

(Extras: Were!(Name)= WereMiraculous, Phantom!(Name)= Phantoms of Paris, Shady!(Name)= Shadyverse)

CHARACTERS:

Marinette: Marilan, Mari De Vil, Maridoll, Marideath, Iron Gal, Jestress, Heranette, Maribug, Miss Fortune, LADYBUG BAT, Princess Mariliese, DuCkYnEtTe

Adrien: Adripunzel, Jafardrien, Average Adrien, Haydrien, AdriQuin, Thunder, Zeusdrien, AdriCat, Chat Blanc, CAT BAT, JulAdrien

Alya: TiAlya, YzAlya, SpectrAlya, Alynis, Whirlwind, Enigma, ThemAlya, Alyfox, Lady WiFi, REPORTER BAT, Alyarinne

Nino: Fairy GodBro, Honest Nino, FrankenNino, Nino Jekyll, Mr. Marvel, Mudslide, DioNyno, Shellno, Bubbler, SONIC BAT

Chloe: Chloéstasia, Lady Chloe, Chloepatra, Chlophaba, Diamond Demon, Dagger, Chlolios, ChloBee, Queen Wasp, Chloetta, CHARISMA BAT

Sabrina: Sabrinocchio, Madame Sabrina, Zombrina, Invisibrina, Duality, Miss-Appear, Hestibrina, SabriHound, Vanisher, SUPPORT BAT

Max: Maxiro, Maxdrome, Max Steam, Maxtian, Nuit Panther, Max Luthor, AtheMax, Ponyax, Gamer, TECH BAT

Kim: Kimules, Kimton, WereKim, Kimzilla, Croc King, Spider-Bro, PoseiKim, MonKim, Dark Cupid, Prince Kimiel, POWER BAT

Alix: Aladdix, Alix Khan, Alix Gorgon, Winlix, Caracal, Widow, Hermlix, Bunlix, Timebreaker, PenelAlix, SPEED BAT, CeRaLiX

Mylene: Snow Mylene, Mylensula, MyLeaf, Mylentasma, Nightmare Weaver, Bullseye, DeMylenter, Mousylene, Horrificator, Rolene, EMPATHY BAT

Ivan: QuasiIvan, Ivan Oogie, Ivan Bumble, Ivan Kong, Venom Bringer, Capitaine France, HephIvan, Oxvan, Stoneheart, Prince AntonIvan, STRENGTH BAT

Rose: Roselle, QRC (Queen Rose Candy), SkeleRose, Rose Frankenteen, Thorn, Miss Marvelous, AphroRose, Rose Piggy, Princess Fragrance, Rosiana, PeTrOsE, LOVE BAT

Juleka: JuleBeast, Juleficent, Draculeka, Jubella, Feline Shadow, Doctor Odd, Julemis, JuleClaw, Reflekta, Julexa, STEALTH BAT, ChOmPlEkA

Nathaniel: Sleeping Nath, Nath of Hearts, Nath Goyle, Nathra, Colossus, Rage, Nathdes, Goathaniel, Evillustrator, Nathpunzel, ARTIST BAT, NaThFoOt

Marc: MarcElsa, King Marc, MothMarc, Marcoyle, Myzan’r, Discord, Marcsephone, Marckerel, Reverser, Prince StefMarc, SpArC, WRITER BAT

Zoe: CinderZoe, Zoe of the Southern Isles, NeferZoe, Rouge, Inevitable, Zolene, ZoWasp, Sole Crusher, Princess Zonika, PUNK BAT

Luka: Maestro Luka, DiabLuka, VampLuka, DracuLuka, Shadow, Chi Punch, ApolLuka, Snakeka, Silencer, MUSIC BAT

Kagami: Kagamerida, Kagami Yu, DracoGami, Kagami Hollow, Naginata, Kamakiri Kānjo, KagamAres, Komodogami, Riposte, PRECISION BAT

Ondine: AriOndine, LeOnDine, Ondine Blue, LagoOndine, Sea Enchantress, Shield Maiden, Onditrite, HerOndine, Syren, Ondette, SWIMMER BAT

Aurore: BlueRore, MimRore, Astrarore, Whirlpool, Geode, Zephrore, Swanrore, WEATHER BAT

Mireille: Miremba, Mireides, SliMireille, Echo, Multiply, Boreille, Mireillnguin, MOON BAT

Jean: Jeanzco, Jeanatoa, OperJean, Spellbound, Mariner, ThalJean, Jeacaw, SONG BAT

Lacey: Lacey Bell, Lacey Gothel, Flamecey, Wildmorph, Lightning Run, Nikecey, Cheecey, PARKOUR BAT

Denise: Demolition Denise, Doctor Cabello, Denisquatch, Wonderer, Battlemonger, Gaianise, Bisonise, BUFF BAT

Simon: Simon Pan, Minister O’Connor, SiClops, Speedster, Crimson Warlock, SimOuranos, Simval,TECHNO BAT

Cosette: Robette, Cosettewether, CosetTaur, Voltage, Deathcall, Irisette, Aidette, Hedgette, INCOGNITO BAT

Ismael: IsmaGenie, IsmaScar, IsmaCat, Krypto-Kid, Bizarre, IsmaPan, Ismacoon, MAGIC BAT

Reshma: Reshmabela, Reshma Hook, Spider Resh, Sapphire Beetle, Lady Oc, Nyxma, Reshmaphant, GEM BAT

Austin A: Austin LeBouff, Austin Whistler, Austin Gorgon, Star Quartz, They, Ausglaia, PeacAustin, GLAM BAT

Austin B: Austin Deavor, Austin McSkirmish, Austin Trollson, Roulette, Mystic, Mnemostin, Austicoot, BAT BITE

Austin Q: Austin of Motanui, Prince Austin, Austin Screams, Cosmic Lord, Mako, Tethstin, Sealstin, SHARK BAT

Austin T: JasAustin, Sheriff Austin, Austin Grim, Jade Lantern, Lunar Soldier, Ausmonia, Deerstin, BAKE BAT

DJ: Collector, DJ Cipher, GJ, DJche, Malleable, Trash Panda, HyDJ, PRANK BAT

Spinelli: Spinelli Bunchoy, Spinelli De Spell, Spinellisk, E Voila, Uomo di Sabia, Terpsinelli, Spinellupine, GRACE BAT

Victoria: Lightning LaSalle, Vicnifico, Mertoria, Inferno, Electra, Anantoria, Vicko, HOOP BAT

Gerard: GerEVE, Dr. Grundlershmirtz, Marsh Gerard, Voltaic, Professor Chill, Coerard, Chimprard, GENIUS BAT

Mindy: Mindy P. Sullivan, Mindy Sanderson, MindOgre, Buteos, They-Hunk, PolyhyMindy, Mindary, HARMONY BAT

Gia: Sergeant Griswold, Gigo, Jersey Gia, Peridot Shot, Blizzard, GiAlke, Giagle, G.I. BAT

Mason: Agent M, Emperor Mason, Mason Bogie, Emperor, Ms. Extraordinary, Daskalson, Guinea Mason, INFO BAT

Rochelle: Clopchelle, Rocifer, Gnomechelle, Artemis, Chief, Rocheme, Molechelle, BLACKMAIL BAT

Lotta: Launchpad Jameson, Peg Leg Lotta, Faunta, Power Up, Harbinger, Lotbe, SquirreLotta, STUNT BAT

Kendra: Kendralice, Kaadra, Yowdra, Groove, Green Imp, Kendrotus, Lemundra, UPSIDE DOWN BAT

Ayesha: Ladyesha, Zhan Ayesha, AyeshAngel, Heavenly, Rainbow Surfer, Euprosesha, Lionsha, SPIRIT BAT

Dot: Dot Thatch, Professor Dotigan, InvisiDot, Badass, Speck, Cliot, Dothog, SECRETARY BAT

Petra: Petra Porter, Petra Ratcliffe, Petracorn, Karma, Rascal, IaPetra, Petrobie, SKETCH BAT

Roxie: Roxgara, The Huntrex, Rocksie, Stellar, Infinite, Nemoxie, Rhinoxie, REBEL BAT

Anthony: SalAnthony, Anthony Boggs, DaemAnthony, Umbra, Bloodsucker, Anthonatos, Bathony, SHADOW BAT

Candace: Miss Candace, Lord Candace, Conjuring Candace, Equilibrium, Saber, Candomia, Canzelle, CHEER BAT

Eri: Eri Skellington, Queen Eri, KitsEri, Hex, Amethyst Witch, HecatEri, RavEri, MACABRE BAT

Staci: Rayci, Hoppci, Snakeci, See-You, The Master, StacErebus, Pandaci, COMBAT BAT

Margo: Fix-it Margo, Captain Margo, CalaMargo, Vanquisher, Fury, MargEos, Polar Margo, CRAFT BAT

Brecken: Brecken Hood, BrEd, Brecken Horseman, Oak, Multiple, Cybelecken, Bullcken, CRITTER BAT

Soo-Yeon: Soo-Lin Lee, Soo-Ffee, Dokk-Yeon, Blood Bro, Magnetite, Soo-Eurus, Soo-Raffe, SNIPER BAT

Parker: Parker Hopps, Parker Loveberry, Pondker, K.O., Ares, ParKratos, ParkWolf, SOLDIER BAT

Aggie: GoGo Findlay, Agg'Du, Faegie, Platinum Tide, Specter, Atëgie, Aggiegator, SKATER BAT

Mona: Tow Mona, Chick Truffaut, Gryphona, Hurricane, Mind Warp, Monapheus, Slothna, DIRECTOR BAT

Evie: Evie Poppins, Princess Evy, SirEvie, Lady Mars, Screech, EratEvie, Eviegale, MELODY BAT

Eloise: Eloislin, E.L.O.I.S.E., Roboise, Liz, Illuminate, Metoise, Armadilloise, MATH BAT

Anais: Anais Lemon, Yokais, Batnais, Gear, Critter, UrAnais, Owlnais, SCIENCE BAT

Jesse: Prince Jesse, JessEel, MAPT Jesse, The Weeping Boy, Jessemene, Midnight, MalevoLyricist, JesSheep, MANAGER BAT

Missy: Flounssy, MisShark, MAPT Missy, Rancor, Quick Fire, Misclepius, Lissy the Unicorn, Sharkssy, DIVER BAT

Lila: Lila De La Cruz, Lila Porter, Harpy Lila, Hell-La, Cerebral Queen, Mind Bend, LiEris, Foxla

Felix: Casslix, Felix Darling, Jack O’Ripper

Jess: Jessahontas, Deputy Jess, ThunderJess, Akicita Igmu, Grey Bat, Jesslanta, GREEN LANTERN

Fei: Fei Shang, Feisper, Chai Jun, Sonar, Feipolyta, BEAST GIRL

Socqueline: Socquelinace, Miss Soklinebryglk, Buzz, Socquelinacles, SPIDER-GIRL

Aeon: AEON-E, Deputy Aeon, A.E.O.N.(Adaptive EmotioIntelligent Organization Network), Swarm, Holo, Princess Aeon of Sparta, VISION

Lucien: Prince Lucien, HercLucien, Lucien Van Helsing, Gal-Yant, Vengeance, ZeLucien

Emani: Yosemite Pulateur, Emani White, Spyware, Violet Influence, Dolmani

Sasha: Sasha Oogie, Sasha Bumble, Frostbite, Eilethasha, Crystallight

Kiran: KirAnna, Prince Kiran, MothKiran, Aura, HypKiran, Sandboy

Bustier: Calinora, Fairyline, Empoustier, Witch Caline, Miss Mystery, Gorgana, Lachestier, Zombizou

Mendeliev: Yendeliev Sid, Fairy Godteacher, Headless Mendeliev, Witch Olga, Ant-Woman, The Professor, Atrodeliev, Kwami Buster

Winters: Winterfiki, Enchanters, Aswanters, Professor Polymorph, Threaded Thespian, Clothers

Grotke: Grotmore, Alonzo G. Muntz, GroTiger, Soulshock, Nocturne

Leave your thoughts in the comments and reblogs!

[knightofleo]

1993 MTV VMAs Kurt Cobain, Frances Bean Cobain, Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, RuPaul, Courtney Love, Sinead O’Connor

[tylernation]

Wednesday Season 2 cast update.

Australian actress Frances O’Connor has joined the cast of season 2 alongside Steve Buscemi, Thandie Newton, Joanna Lumley, Haley Joel Osment, and Billie Piper. Guys, I’m hoping she plays Francoise Galpin.

[lakeviewacademynews]

03 / 08 / 2017

📢 Announcement: Student Council & Class Presidents meeting report: August Missions & Expeditions List Revealed!

With the start of the school year begins the monthly program of Missions & Expeditions that will be assigned to all students! After the Class Presidents meeting on the 1st of August, they’ve revealed that this month features 3 missions with 2 of them estimated to lead to expeditions. The missions are as follows:

- 15/08 Beauty and the Beast

While the story has been very thoroughly explored already, some aspects of its curse linger heavily in the area of France around Lakeview Academy. It’s a popular story among newer students and one we haven’t checked on in over ten years. The fieldwork is simple and close to home. There will be no expedition into Lake Gate during this mission.

After the Student Council meeting, leading this mission has been assigned to Ashley Martin; class president of Advanced Education year 3, as we need someone who can take responsibility for their less experienced peers.

*The members of the mission team are:*

Imogen Silverthorne - Basis Education Year 3

Silas Cyprus - Basis Education Year 3

Vega de la Cruz - Basis Education Year 1

—

- 21/08 The Boy Who Drew Cats

Note: This mission is likely to lead into an expedition.

This story finds its roots in Japanese fairy tales. Drawings on walls coming to life is not a new concept, but stories like this one have been leaking to our shore more often in the last few months. Compiling an essay on the effects of these artefacts within and outside of Lake Gate is the primary goal of this mission. Preliminary research within Japan may also be necessary.

After the Student Council meeting, leading this mission has been assigned to Aster Bellrose; Advanced Education year 1, and is an excellent opportunity for him to prove his skills during his first attempt at leading a mission.

*The members of the mission team are:*

Lei M. Flynn - Basis Education Year 3

Quinton Martin - Basis Education Year 4

Ashley Jones Taylors - Advanced Education Year 1

—

- 21/26 The Necklace of Princess Fiorimonde

Note: This mission is likely to lead into an expedition.

An artefact story like this one requires extensive research to gain an idea pertaining to its location. It may require preliminary expedition to the United Kingdom, and the Student Council has been working on getting permission to enter the Clocktower Gate to investigate further.

After the Student Council meeting, leading this mission has been assigned to Mei [Doe]; Advanced Education year 2, who we believe will be able to keep a cool head and remain organised in a new environment.

*The members of the mission team are:*

Noa Irving - Advanced Education Year 3

Arthur S. Bailey - Advanced Education Year 3

Saoirse Williams - Advanced Education Year 1

—

We hope that the assigned students are able to return before 12/09, as that is the date of the Lakeview Masquerade this year. More information regarding that will be revealed in the future!

Alice O’Connor — Lakeview Academy News

[oldcountrybear1955]

GQ France January 2010 - Ryan Kennedy - Photographed by Keiron O’Connor

[sportsallover]

Ben O’Connor wears really well the béret! Did not expect that of an Australian

[arcielee]

Dancing in the Dark

Tom Bennett x OFC Summary: War is spilling over Europe and a route is being created to help POWs escape occupied France. Sometimes love does not last forever, but lasts long enough. Warnings: Smut/NSFW later on, some misogyny cause it’s the 1940s

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 - ende

Chapter 3

Dr. Webster O’Connor made sure to donate blood every fifty-six days, without fail, since his arrival to the hospital one year prior. He knew his O-negative blood type was imperative and shortages were now rampant across Europe with the Blitzkrieg. He tried to coax Bennett, but his words of duty and honor were all but ignored until the promise of a cookie enticed him, since all sweets were rationed for those who donated. 

Tom had been relocated to a back room where the occupants were mostly amputees recovering, a luxury as it was considered to be the silent wing of the busy hospital. They were laid up in the beds, waiting for the nurse on duty to arrive. 

Webster noticed Tom’s cheeky grin and how Vera ignored his expression, how his eyes washed over her and the blush in her pale features responded to his steady gaze. She then looked at him and her eyebrow lifted. “Is this where your business will be held?” Her tone was dry, as always. 

“Miss Vera,” Webster replied with good humor. “My ears may be failing me, but I swear you just teased me.” 

She rolled her eyes, suppressing her smile, and grabbed for some cotton swabs and alcohol. “I feel I must repeat myself with you, but I find your humor…” she faltered for the word. “Eigenartig.”

“Ah,” he kept his smile. “Peculiar.”

“Teaching the kraut English?” She froze as she remembered Tom in the bed behind her. He wore clean, knitted long johns and a shirt, with his blonde locks tousled and his perpetual smirk on his lips. “Does your charity know no end, Webster?”  

He closed his eyes, his voice annoyed. “Sit and be quiet, Tom. Let the good nurse do her job.” 

Vera grit her teeth as she finished taping down the needle in the doctor’s arm, checking the line so the blood would not clot. She then turned to face him, his face aglow with her undivided attention and wearing a confident grin. “Move over,” her voice commanded, knowing all too well that a polite ask would get her nowhere with him. 

His grin spread, showing the dimpled lines of his cheeks. “Yes, missus,” his eyes glinted as he shifted over and allowed her to sit close. He extended his arm across her lap, her hands cool to touch as she found a vein and then she reached for a new cotton swab. She could feel him peering at her, noticing his grin fading. “That cunt did a number on you,” he mussed, his eyes now looking over the damage to the left side of her face. “No honor amongst Nazis.” 

Webster was alert to his words. “Wait, you saw who did this to her?” 

“She managed it without fuss, though,” Tom continued, with a hint of admiration. “Not a tear from this one and then she threw back whatever German nonsense, making them turn tail and run off.” 

“It is done and over,” was all she could manage, a blush creeping onto her cheeks as she prodded to find a vein. She avoided his eyes, finding his intense look made her heart flutter in her chest and she needed her focus to be on the needle in her hand. “There will be a prick-” and she was quick to find the vein, reaching for the medical tape. “I will be back,” she promised, standing up and taking care to move his arm.

“I’ll be waiting,” his fixed stare almost unnerved her, keeping the color to her cheeks when he added, “I’ll even share my cookie with you,” his smile sly. 

Vera excused herself and left the room, her hands rubbing her cheeks as she walked away from them. Tom cocked his head, watching as she exited. “Does she ever smile?” He broke his eyes away and looked at Webster, who was watching him with his eyebrow raised. “I feel like I am getting hints of it sometimes…” 

“I see you aren’t as adamant about leaving as you were before.”

Tom sneered, “Naw, I am grabbing this cookie and leaving when it’s done. Though, I might linger if she wants to share it with me-”

“What are you gonna do without help?” He interrupted, ignoring his comment. “Everyone is now a prisoner of war and you think you can, what? Have a cookie and walk out the door?” 

“I’ll think of something,” Tom looked forward, pursing his lips. 

“But what if I could help you?” When Webster saw he caught his interest, he leaned towards him and lowered his voice. “But this will need to be done quick and you must do as you are told, because if we can get this figured out, well, it wouldn’t be just you we can save.” 

His jaw clenched for a moment. “Alright, alright,” Tom watched as his blood snaked through and dripped into the glass bottle. “What do you need from me, then?” 

In another part of the hospital, Vera busied herself with menial tasks, desperate to find anything so she could forget the piercing eyes of Bennett. She jumped at the soft tap to her shoulder and turned to see Henriette. “The linen?” She asked her, her voice soft. Vera paused at the bed she was making and then said, “I am preparing for any more that may come.”

Henriette hummed in response, a small smile to her face as she stepped to the other side, helping tuck the sheets in the corners. “I believe Webster may have found someone who is willing,” her voice was still soft, for her ears alone. “You will need to leave us soon,” Vera watched her as she spoke. “Tonight, you should prepare a bag with the understanding that you will not return.” 

She stared at the bed, her jaw tight with the instructions. “Yes,” she said, her voice thin, and then she looked up at Henriette. “You will stay here?” 

Henriette nodded. “I will stay and I will help Webster, but you must go. Major Lieber will be in tomorrow,” she hesitated. “You should come in for the later shift, through the back entrance where the ambulances come. Webster will have everything together and will know more as to where you will meet with Lyam.” 

“Henriette?”

She looked at Vera and saw her struggle to find the words that sat behind her glassy green eyes. Henriette reached for her hand to give a gentle squeeze and they remained quiet as they finished making the bed. 

-----

“Bennett,” Vera said, staring at the doctor. 

“Yes,” he nodded, looking through his desk. “He has agreed to accompany you and see if there is a legitimate route we can set up–”

“No one else, only him?” She asked, cutting through his words. 

Dr. O’Connor cleared his throat. “Well, yes. He was very passionate about leaving a few weeks back and I thought he would be the best to ask.”

Her eyes narrowed on him. “Very well,” she began. “I do not believe you, Webster, but we are now out of time.” She reached into her purse to retrieve a small, leather bound journal and grabbed a pen from his desk. “So, what am I to do?”

He repeated what Henriette told her earlier, only advising to pack for a very long walk. Vera felt her throat tighten as she listened and noted his instructions, realizing she would miss the obnoxious American, but she trusted that if they were successful, she would not lose touch. 

That night, Vera entered the small room she was renting from a sweet, older couple. She did not have a lot that she brought to Paris and would pack even less in her knapsack: her papers, the valid and the forge, extra socks with a change of clothes, a locket with a picture of her folks, and a few books she considered her comfort reads. 

She then pulled up a loose floorboard to retrieve a cigar box where she had been storing a combination of currencies, both British and franc. She set aside her rent, along with a letter penned to explain her sudden departure to her landlords, and then tucked the rest into her bag. 

Morning finally came after a fitful night; Vera climbed down the stairs and visited with the couple, who of course invited her in for a small breakfast, engaging with their smiles and polite conversation. She was careful to drop that she would be working late at the hospital, to prolong them noticing her sudden disappearance. In the early evening, she dressed into her nursing uniform once more and tucked her boots into her lunch tin to carry inconspicuously with her knapsack.

She made her familiar walk towards the hospital, taking in the vision of Paris with her steps. A sadness washed over as she saw the wave of red banners to showcase the Third Reich’s takeover of the city. It was a somber scene, as she saw the Frenchmen and women walking and trying their best to ignore the bolts of red fabric that flapped in the breeze.

She grieved for the city as her steps brought her around to the back entrance and she slipped into the hospital, spotting Jacques ahead and standing in front of a door. When he spotted her, he grabbed her arm and pulled her towards the supply room. “Webster gave me these to give to him, but I cannot deal with him anymore,” his dark eyes flashed with anger.  “I pity your journey, il est tellement agaçant.” 

He is so annoying.

She sighed as he placed the clothes into her arms and opened the door for her. She looked to see Bennett standing in his briefs and white tank top, unaffected by her stare; he was not embarrassed and his lips curled upwards. “Oh, love, I was just getting ready to see you,” his tone cheeky. 

Vera grew red and walked towards him, pressing the clothes against his hard chest. “Change quickly,” she said. “We must hurry.” “What the fuck do call this outfit?” He scoffed, holding out the clothes. “This your revenge?” “This is what is available,” she hissed, setting down her bag and she began to unbutton her uniform. 

He noticed immediately. “How does this work that as I dress, you undress?”

She did not answer and refused to make eye contact, her fingers fumbling to remove her dress. His eyes were unabashed as they washed over her figure in a slip, admiring the soft silk against her ivory skin. Her uniform slipped from her grasp and he was quick to bend down and pick it up for her, holding onto still even after her fingers grasped the fabric. 

“I will take that,” she said, breaking the moment and folding the dress. 

Vera turned to pull her change of clothes and she felt him press closer, but he did not touch her; his presence was enough to elicit another deep blush that rolled from her cheeks, to her neck and chest. “Do not forget the coat,” she said without facing him. “It will be chilly.” 

She could hear him move and the bustle of fabric as he began to dress. “Coat’s fine and all, but won’t you’ll be there to keep me warm?”

Vera grit her teeth, “Bennett–”

“It’s Tom.”

She turned to face him, fastening the last button of her plain blouse, and saw him watching her. The pants were a size too big and hung at his narrow waist, his shirt a mint green that he had yet to button up; she saw his defined chest peeking beneath the white tank he wore. Tom watched her for a reaction, waiting for her to acknowledge what he said, while Vera struggled to find her tongue. 

“I am not kraut,” she finally spoke. “My name is Vera.”

His signature grin returned. “It’s a very lovely name.” 

She focused to pull her knitted skirt on, her hand reaching behind to fasten it and she heard him step forward. “May I?” He leaned forward to peer at her and she gave a small nod. His breath tickled the back of her neck and shoulders as his hands pinched the top and he was slow to bring up the zipper. When he was done, she turned to face him and saw his brow scrunch with the same concern, bringing his hand to gently touch her chin. “The bruising has gotten darker. Do you have any powder?” 

Her head tilted at his question and he gave a short laugh. “Before you thinking me a puff, I have a sister,” he explained. “I know things.” 

“I do not have any makeup left,” she confessed.

“Makes sense,” his grin returned. “Pretty girls like you don’t require much, do they?”  He seemed pleased with the new shade of red to her cheeks. Tom clipped his suspenders to his pants and gave a slight grimace when he pulled the one up his left shoulder. “All right, what’s the plan, Vera?” 

She grabbed her knapsack and pulled the sleeve of his coat to follow her. They made a roundabout way towards the main lobby and began to descend the staircase. Ahead, she spotted Lyam with his same cheerful disposition and still using the cane. “Did you not heal?” She blurted and he laughed.

“Miss Vera, your demeanor remains the same,” he smiled beneath his silver beard, his eyes looking over them both. “The cane has them assuming I am no threat, so I have chosen to keep this accessory.” He then reached into his pea coat to retrieve two gold bands and held them, palm up. “Webster mentioned it was a couple, so we will use this to avoid bringing any attention to us as we move. Put these on.” 

She looked skeptical. “What plan is this?” 

Lyam tsked and his ice blue eyes sparkled. “Where is your sense? Act like lovers, it will make it less likely to attract any unwanted attention.”

Tom raised an eyebrow as he slipped on his band, taking the other one and reaching for her hand. “May I, Mrs. Bennett?” His tone teased Vera.

“Tom Bennett is dead,” her reply was dry, earning another good natured chuckle from Lyam.

“Only by name, but you’re my missus either way,” Tom slipped the ring onto her finger and when she tried to pull back, he held his grip and brought her knuckles to his lips. 

She choked on a response and Lyam smiled with his words, “I see why you refused to leave the hospital.” And he continued before she could correct him. “Right now, I am your father-in-law and you two will play husband and wife. We will make our way through the city and stop in Massy for the rest of the night, continuing early the next day.” “On foot?” Tom asked.

“We have no other option,” he tapped his cane. “You’re young, you’ll be fine.”

Lyam pushed open the door and the evening crisp air breezed through; he stepped to walk out on the cobblestone streets that line Paris. “C’mon,” Tom said to her, holding his palm out. “You heard the man.” 

Her fingers curled around his own and she liked the warmth of his palm. His arm stiffened to bring her closer to his side, turning his head to whisper in her ear, “I won’t bite you,” and with a devilish grin added, “unless you be wanting me too.”

“Tom–” her tone was warning, but she could not hide her smile in time.

He had missed it, his eyes focused on what was ahead of them. “No, love,” he reached to touch the back of her head, tucking her face into the nape of his neck and placed a phantom kiss on her cheek. 

She could smell the soap on his skin and how it complimented his natural musk, but the sound of booted footsteps pulled her away. She shifted her focus on the idle conversation being held by the passing soldiers, relieved to know they had not been noticed. “I didn’t want them thinking I did this to you,” he said in her ear before she pulled back. Vera peered at him and he gestured to her jawline. 

She shook her head. “You would not do that,” she said with a factual tone and he looked at her. “Unless I be wanting you too.” She finished, mocking his accent.

A grin spread until the dimples peaked on his cheeks. “You know, Vera, you are actually funny.”

She smirked and kept with his pace, ignoring the soft chuckle of Lyam ahead of them. They were fortunate to not cross any more soldiers, but she held onto his hand, lacing her fingers between his own and he ran his thumb along the back of her hand as they walked. Lyam guided them to avoid major streets and which allowed them to enjoy the dusk that rolled over the quieter parts of Paris, the man made lights flickering on to give the city a warm glow. 

Their steps led them to a residence where a smiling woman answered and gave a kiss to Lyam. She welcomed them inside, her exchange only in French, and Lyam turned to them to translate. “Your room is down the hall, to the left and the toilette across from it,” he smiled at them. “Sleep well, for tomorrow is a big walk,” and he gave them a time to meet for breakfast. 

The room was plain, but cozy, and Vera noticed right away that there was just the one bed, along with a dresser and a small vanity with a velvet stool tucked beneath. She felt Tom lean onto her shoulder. “This works since we’re married and all.” She looked at him to see his same cheeky smile splayed on his face.

“You can clean up first,” she said, stepping inside the room and setting her knapsack down on the bed. 

He stepped backwards, his hands grabbed onto the doorframe and he leaned forward to offer, “Sure you don’t wish to join me?” He was quick to duck out as she grabbed and chucked a decorative pillow from the bed towards him, but he had already closed the door.

He is insufferable, she thought, her cheeks still red from his invitation. He is arrogant and cocky… but he was willing to attempt this route and give hope for the other prisoners in the hospital beds. Her mind fluttered to his gentle touch from when he tucked her into his shoulder and his words, I didn’t want them thinking I did this to you. Despite his arrogance, he had moments of genuine kindness, as opposed to his usual bravado. 

With a sigh, she stepped towards the vanity and began to remove the few pins for her hair, allowing her dark curls to spill on her shoulders. She wondered if the doctor had pushed Tom to agree to this, as part of his American humor.  It does not matter why he came along, she decided. Vera knew she must remain focused on the task at hand, something she would repeat as many times as she was able. 

“It’s all yours, love.” 

Vera turned to see him shirtless and towel drying his locks, a slight curl to the usual wave. She pressed her clean undergarments to her chest and walked past him, closing the door and seeing her reflection in the bathroom mirror, her complexion flushed yet again. 

She was quick to shower and was standing in the small bathroom wearing just her undergarments. She had not thought to bring a nightdress along and, for a moment, debated to walk back into the room and grab her silk slip. He would still see you, she thought. Does war really demand modesty? With an exhale, she pushed the door open and was relieved to see him lying on the bed, already asleep.   

Her bare feet padded the hardwood floors as she crept to put away her items and reached to retrieve her journal, hunched over the dresser to notate the route taken. She then took care to lower herself onto the mattress; the bedframe creaked but he slept soundly, his damp locks clinging to his forehead. She laid on her side to face him, her arm curled beneath her head, and watched Tom as he slept, his steady breathing lulling her to sleep. 

It felt like her eyes were closed for a moment when she felt a slight jerk. The room was much darker, but the moonlight poured through the windows to highlight the room; she looked to see Tom, his fists balled at his sides and his jaw clenched, ticking as the muscles jumped, with beads of sweat on his forehead. 

A night terror, she realized and pushed herself up, reaching to lay her hand on his chest, her other hand gentle to touch his grip. “Tom, Tom,” her voice was soft, repeating his name. “Tom, wake up, you are okay.” She was able to bring his palm to rest on her chest, her other hand feeling his accelerated heart rate.  

With a sharp exhale, his eyes opened wide, flitting around to see her hand pressed to his heart and noticing she held onto his other hand; under his palm, he could feel her heart fluttering with her deep breaths. “W-what,” he struggled for the word. 

Her voice was kind. “You had a nightmare.” 

He looked pale, but forced a performative smirk. “Christ,” he began, trying to steady his tone. “I am becoming crazy like my dad.”

“Did he serve?”

“Yeah,” he scoffed. “In the last ‘great war.’ Now he’s a pacifist, rallying men to see the error of violent resolutions.” 

“It’s okay–” she tried, but he ripped his hand from her hold.

“I’m not looking for pity,” his eyes darkened.

“I was not implying that you were,” Vera returned. “My dad had night terrors that would wake up the household. Sometimes my mutter would try and wake him, but she…” she stopped, unwilling to bring to light the fault within her own family. “I found he responded well to his name being repeated and me holding his hand. I had thought… you needed to feel something real?”

“Like a heartbeat?” He asked, his brow raised.

It sounded stupid spoken out loud, so she remained quiet. 

He pushed himself up, resting his back against the headboard and his free hand raked through his locks. “Thank you,” he mumbled. “I… sometimes have dreams that I am back onboard the Exeter, but I am not as lucky as I had been originally.” 

“He was the same,” Vera said, pushing to cross her legs beneath her. “He called it ‘survivor’s guilt’ but he carried it with him everywhere.” She paused. “How are you feeling now? I could go get you some water–”

His hand reached to grasp onto her forearm, keeping her from leaving the mattress. “I would prefer it if you stayed,” his eyes only then roamed and noticed what she was wearing, their realization simultaneous. “Missus, you can hardly just leave dressed like this anyway-” 

“I would have put on clothes!” She snapped, trying to pull away. “Forgive my ill planning and forgetting mein nachthemd.”

“Don’t regress to the Motherland tongue just cause you’re embarrassed,” he grinned in return. “But go ahead and stand, so I can appreciate the view more.” 

Her face burned and instead she pulled at the sheets to crawl back underneath, the billow from her exaggerated coverup blocked her view of him, but when the sheet settled around her form, Tom shifted on his side and his hand reached to touch her jaw. “Tom, what are you–” and he closed the space, allowing his mouth to find hers and cut off her question with his gentle kiss.

His lips were warm and Tom took his time, his fingers curled into her hair and gripped the back of her neck, pressing his body on top of her own. Her hands touched his chest, his other hand gripped the soft flesh of her hip as he opened his mouth to deepen their kiss.

She was breathless as he moved to her jaw, kissing her neck, goosebumps rippling over her body from his touch. “Tom,” she gasped for breath. “Wait, what is happening?” “I don’t know what you call it, but we call it a kiss,” he replied with a devilish grin, nuzzling into her neck. “You were helping me feel something real…” 

“No, I did not mean for-” 

Tom stopped all together, sensing her sudden hesitation. “Christ, I would never force myself on anyone,” and he fell back into his pillow, his arm up and under his head. “What happened? Were you raped?” 

She pulled away, creating space between them. “You… have a foul mouth,” she snapped and he only shrugged in agreement. Vera fell back to the pillow and rolled to face away, curling beneath the sheets and shutting her eyes to sleep. 

----

previous | Chapter 4

[stahlop]

Once Upon a Time 4x06 "Family Business" Review

We learn a little more about the Snow Queen’s plans and about her past with Emma. And apparently Belle and Anna knew each other but Belle has kept it a secret from Elsa because she’s ashamed that she wanted her memories more than saving a girl she’d just met. So apparently shame is a big deterrent in not helping save Anna this time too. 

Summary: The Snow Queen leads our heroes on a chase so they can see that she actually cared for Emma at one point. In the past, Belle can’t remember how her mother died in an Ogre attack, so she goes to Arendelle to visit the Rock Trolls and meets Princess Anna who is looking for information on her Aunt Ingrid.

Opening: Ice Cream Truck

New Characters:

Belle’s Mother (Colette): First off, I really thought Belle’s mother would get more air time in this episode, considering she’s played by Frances O’Connor (known for Mansfield Park, AI, The Importance of Being Earnest), but alas, she’s killed off pretty quickly. We do see where Belle gets her love of reading from, as they both try to get priceless books out of the library before the Ogre attacks them. They end up hiding under a table, and I’m confused about how he finds them. Does he hear them, because it was established that Ogres were blind back in Lady of the Lake. However he figured out where they were, Colette does not end up making it through the attack.

Character Observations:

Belle: In the past, Belle and her mother are attacked in their library by an Ogre. I get that there are priceless books in there (or in Belle’s case, the book that she remembers her mother first reading to her), but Ogres are attacking. You can come back for the books once they leave! Belle and her mother get trapped under a table and the last thing Belle remembers is the Ogre lifting the table off them and yelling in their faces. Belle awakens to find her mother is dead and she can’t remember how she died (I’m guessing an Ogre killed her). Belle is insistent in trying to recover her memories, but her father doesn’t think that’s a good idea. She tells him about magical beings who can restore memories, but he brings up the whole ‘All magic comes with a price’ line and tells her she is not to leave. Belle makes up her mind to go to Arendelle anyway, where she meets Anna at Oaken’s. Anna also happens to be going to see the Rock Trolls, so they decide to go together. They discuss the fact that they both lost their mothers, and when Anna slips trying to get up the mountain, Belle discovers the hat box (that she stole from Rumple in The Apprentice). Anna won’t give much away to Belle about the evil wizard she stole it from, just tells her she hopes she never meets him. Well, Anna, maybe if you’d given Belle a hint, she wouldn’t be married to him now! Somehow, despite the fact that they could barely make it up the first rock, they get to the top to the Rock Trolls. Grand Pabbie pulls the memory from Belle’s consciousness and puts it in a stone which he tells her to brew in tea at the place where she lost her memory (nice plot point so she can’t brew it right away), and when she drinks the tea she’ll remember what happened to her mother. On the way back down the mountain they get caught up in a storm. Anna is convinced it’s her Aunt Ingrid. When Belle asks what she’s going to do about it, Anna pulls out the hat box again and says she’s going to take her aunt’s magic. And that’s when a big gust of wind comes, knocking the memory stone out of Belle’s hand, and knocking Anna off the trail so she’s hanging off the edge of the mountain. Belle tries to go for the stone first, but it’s knocked off the edge and shatters. Then she tries to get Anna, but Anna falls. Belle witnesses the Snow Queen poof Anna away. Belle returns home and tells her father she didn’t find what she was looking for and her trip was a huge mistake. Maurice finally tells Belle what happened. That her mother stood in the path of the Ogre while the guards pulled Belle to safety, and her mother was killed before the guards could get back. Maurice tells her the war isn’t going well, and Belle suggests calling upon a powerful wizard she read about (not putting together that this might be the same wizard Anna was warning her about). Maurice knows who she is talking about and doesn’t want to call him, but Belle thinks it’s their only choice so they can win the war and so she can be a hero like her mother.

Meanwhile, in Storybrooke, Belle is keeping a secret that she knew Anna back in their realm. Elsa wants to research Arendelle in the library with Belle, which is making her very uncomfortable. Elsa starts having a crisis of faith about finding Anna, but Belle tells her she will find Anna, but she looks very guilty about the whole thing. Belle decides the best thing to do is go to the Snow Queen’s hideout, and ‘commands’ Rumple to take her to her lair using the dagger. When they get there, Rumple tells Belle that the Snow Queen isn’t there, but she’s okay with that. She’s looking for the hat to strip someone of their powers! Too bad she doesn’t know Rumple hid it away at the shop, would’ve saved her a trip. Rumple wonders why Belle is helping a stranger. She gives him the excuse that a hero always helps people. She makes Rumple keep watch while she goes inside to look for the hat box. Instead, she hears someone calling for her from behind a covered mirror. When she takes the sheet off, it’s her reflection, but it tells her things she doesn’t want to hear. Basically, all her insecurities, like that Rumple doesn’t really trust her and he didn’t give her the real dagger (listen to the mirror, Belle). Rumple comes in, warning Bell they have to leave since the Snow Queen is coming. She lashes out and cuts him with the dagger before he poofs them back to the shop. Belle starts to believe what mirror Belle said about the dagger, since she had commanded Rumple to stay outside. He gets around that by saying she said to keep watch, and since the Snow Queen was coming back, he was allowed to go in and get her. Belle breaks down when she sees she has cut him and tells him all the awful things the mirror told her. Rumple assures her none of it is true. Belle confesses that Anna is missing because of her and feels guilty for using the dagger on Rumple. She doesn’t think she’s worthy of his love. Oh, lord, if only Belle knew how it’s Rumple who isn’t worthy of her love with all of his lies, manipulation, and deceit. She then spreads on the guilt even thicker by apologizing for keeping this secret, since she knows Rumple would never keep a secret from her. UGH! Belle finally confesses to Elsa about knowing Anna and how the Snow Queen captured her. Belle tells Emma, Elsa, and Killian about the mirror. Rumple has told her that it will be used for the Spell of Shattered Sight, turning the whole town on one another.

Emma: She shows everyone the video of the Snow Queen as her foster mother. Henry suggests looking for her ice cream truck to either find her or find clues. They end up finding it out by the Merry Men’s camp. Robin wants to talk to Regina, but she rebuffs him. Emma tells her she could have been nicer, but Regina tells her to stay out of it and is upset she has to deal with her and Killian making eyes at each other. Emma protests this, but then Killian definitely makes eyes at her. Once inside the truck, neither Regina nor Killian notice the lock on the freezer (how did these two last so long as villains when they don’t even notice details?). Killian uses his hook to break the lock and they find a file on Emma inside, starting from the article on how she was found on the side of the road. Emma looks through the file and discovers she stayed with the Snow Queen for six months, the longest she’d ever stayed anywhere. Killian asks if she’s okay, but she just tells him it was a long time ago, prompting a conversation about the fact that Killian was once a child about 200 years ago. Emma realizes that the Snow Queen has kept old art projects and essays and a card Emma wrote to her, and that someone doesn’t do that unless they care about you. They also discover a scroll with Arendelle writing on it. Back at the sheriff’s station, Elsa has discovered that the Snow Queen is her aunt. She and Emma look at the family tree and discover another sister that Killian thinks looks just like Emma (I really don’t see that except for the fact that she is blonde). Elsa sees the scroll and translates it. It basically says that Emma is the Savior and will become Ingrid’s (the Snow Queen) sister. Belle comes in letting them know about the mirror and the Shattered Sight spell, and Emma and Elsa figure out that they’ll be the only two left that aren’t affected so the Snow Queen can have her family.

Ingrid/The Snow Queen: Anna is introduced to Ingrid who let’s Anna know that the reason she doesn’t know her is because she was put in an urn by people who didn’t understand her. She shows Anna that she also has the same powers as Elsa and that it runs in the family. We don’t see Ingrid again until Anna is on her way back from the Rock Trolls. Ingrid creates a storm that results in Anna falling off a mountain. Ingrid steals the hat box from Anna before poofing them back to the castle. Ingrid has Anna locked in a cell in the dungeons of the castle. She accuses Anna of wanting to strip Elsa of her powers with the hat. Anna claims she wasn’t going to use it on Elsa, but that their parents were. Anna then reveals that the Rock Trolls told her she had another sister and Ingrid gets very angry. Anna asks what Ingrid wants. Ingrid says she wanted a family that would embrace her for who she was, but she doesn’t think Anna can be part of that family since she has nothing in common with her and Elsa. She will have to find someone else to take Anna’s place.

Rumple seeks out the Snow Queen and lets her know Emma is on to her. The Snow Queen tells him that Emma didn’t discover anything she didn’t want her to discover. She goes head to head with Rumple which is pretty fantastic. He doesn’t scare her like he does most others. She tells him to stay out of her way, Later, after Belle has glimpsed the mirror, Rumple comes back to confront the Snow Queen about it. They posture and threaten each other again: Rumple telling her she better now hurt anyone he loves with her plans and the Snow Queen claiming she can’t make any guarantees. Rumple shows her that he has the hat and the Snow Queen shows fear for the first time.

Anna: She comes back from Misthaven and lies to Elsa about what she’s found out. She notices there are no flurries or any of Elsa’s normal icy behaviors happening. Elsa excitedly introduces Anna to their Aunt Ingrid and Anna immediately goes into disbelieving mode. She immediately goes to Kristoff and tells him that she doesn’t trust Ingrid. She claims to be a good judge of character, but Kristoff calls her out on that as she almost married Hans after 10 minutes. Anna doesn’t understand why there isn’t any record of Ingrid anywhere, so she wants to visit the Rock Trolls to find out about her. She also tells Kristoff that she didn’t tell Elsa what she found out on her trip. Unfortunately, Ingrid has been listening to their conversation. Anna runs into Belle at Oaken’s and since they are going to the same place, invites her to come with her to visit the Rock Trolls. Anna asks Grand Pabbie about Ingrid and he tells her that her mother actually had two sisters, and they were quite close. But then one day Ingrid and their other sister, Helga, vanished, so the royal family asked the Rock Trolls to make everyone forget them. This makes Anna think Ingrid is a liar because she didn’t tell them about this (um, wasn’t she trapped in an urn until recently), and needs to get back to the castle fast. Ingrid causes a storm and imprisons Anna, telling her she can’t be part of their family because she is the outsider.

Questions:

Why are they wondering how the Snow Queen got to our world? My first thought would be a magic bean since we’ve seen them several times at this point. I know they were supposed to be gone, but that obviously wasn’t true.

What is up with Belle’s traveling outfit? It’s a short skirt that has that caveman-like cut and knee-high stockings! And it’s white! Plus she’s in full make up. 

Can someone please explain why Emma was moved around in foster care so much that six months was the longest she was anywhere? Isn’t the point of foster care to find a family to take them in so their life isn’t disrupted so much? No wonder Emma is the way she is if she was moved from family to family so much she couldn’t ever form any bonds.

Once again, what is up with Belle’s Storybrooke outfit? She’s going to infiltrate the Snow Queen’s lair in a short skirt and knee high boots (I mean, they are fur lined, but still)?

Ingrid told Anna she’d been trapped in an urn, so why would Anna think she knew anything about her family erasing everyone’s memories?

Who’s voice is coming from the mirror before Belle takes the cover off. It’s not speaking in Belle’s normal accent.

So, did Colette and Belle somehow get up when the Ogre pulled the table off of them? Maurice says her mother stood up to the Ogre, but they’d been lying under a table. 

Why was Belle so worried about the Ogres reaching the road? They’d already been to the castle.

Where did this prophecy come from? Most prophecies aren’t so literal.

Observations:

The first book Belle’s mother ever read to her was called Her Handsome Hero.

Belle is wearing her blue movie dress. We saw her wear this in Rumple’s castle in Skin Deep. I had assumed that it had been something Rumple had given her since she didn’t bring anything with her, but maybe Rumple magicked her belongings to the castle at some point.

If this were real life, Anna would be so dead, or at least have multiple broken bones after falling off the mountain.

Rumple looks into the Snow Queen’s mirror and nothing happens.

The Snow Queen’s plan to use a mirror for the Spell of Shattered Sight comes directly from the Hans Christian Anderson story The Snow Queen. Although it is not her mirror that shatters, but the devil’s mirror. Read the tale here.

The false eyelashes on Belle are over the top this episode.

Timeline Issues:

Emma says she’s 13, maybe 14 in the video, but it’s supposed to be 1998, and in the fall. Emma was born in 1983, so that would make her 15, maybe 14 if it’s still the beginning of October.

If Anna met Belle before Belle met Rumple, then how old must she be now? Belle lived with Rumple, probably for at least a year (despite the short time we saw in Skin Deep and Lacey), and then she went on the adventure with Mulan to find the Yaoguai in The Outsider, and then she was captured by the Evil Queen and imprisoned for about 2 ½ years according to the hash marks in her cell in that we saw in Queen of Hearts. We know Elsa was trapped in the urn (although we don’t know how), but it had to have happened before Snow and Charming met, as it came through the time portal with Emma and Killian during There’s No Place Like Home, and as we saw, Belle was still Rumplestiltskin’s maid at this time. Assuming Arendelle wasn’t part of the curse (which, it shouldn’t be since it wasn’t part of the Enchanted Forest), at least 35 years must have passed from what we just saw.

So the Snow Queen apparently cared about Emma, but what happened for Emma to leave and the Snow Queen make her forget? How did she get to our land if not by my theory of a magic bean? The Snow Queen is planning to tear the town apart just so she can get Emma and Elsa to become her sisters, and Rumple is being a conniving ass as usual.

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[greatrunner]

Emily (2022), and when a dramatization is just bad

So, I watched this movie about Emily Bronte on Amazon Prime, called Emily (to its blandness). I was really looking forward to just watching a period piece ‘biopic’ about the Bronte sisters, because, despite their fame in the lit world, it’s weird that there’s so little about them in visual media.

From what I actually knew about the Bronte sisters prior to watching this (”a sister trio of writers, cool!”), what’s publicly available about them via documentaries and historians, I figure you’d have to try real, real hard to fuck up a dramatization about them.

And it’s to that end, I should’ve never underestimated director Frances O’Connor’s abilities, because, whew, lord, Emily was hot garbage on a sweltering day.

I really started thinking about how much the film (and novel) romance genre is informed by women’s particular brand of misogyny and sexism. You’ll see [white] women go on and on about sexism from men, especially in media. And not to discredit that, but, I’m honestly beginning to think it’s overcompensation.

No one throws women under the bus quite like other women.

Emily depicts the second best known Bronte sister as “so misunderstood” by her family, but especially by her sister Charlotte Bronte - who is depicted like the stuffy, uncool competitor of another man’s affections, with little to no interest in writing and imagination.

Anne Bronte is basically a background extra with little to no dialog who crumbles under the peer pressure of Charlotte who despises Emily’s need to turn every situation into an opportunity for storytelling.

Like, this film’s beef with Charlotte Bronte, and disinterest in Anne Bronte, is baffling. I come here for sister vibes, and instead I get Mean Girls. The fuck.

Emily Bronte is the embodiment of “not like the other girls”. She hangs with the boys, she smokes, drinks, she has a thinly veiled incestuous relationship with her brother, Branwell Bronte, and fucks generically hot priests (Oliver Jackson Cohen in maybe one the less inspired roles of his career).

Emily Bronte could not be any more of the 21st century white woman’s idea of the “cool girl who reads dark academia” if O’Connor taped the description on actress Emma Mackey’s head.

I can’t stress how much priority this film puts on male characters vs female characters as Emily Bronte’s choice of satellites. And as a justification for why she wrote Wuthering Heights, it’s boringly embarrassing.

Comparatively, Emily makes 2007′s Becoming Jane (starring Anne Hathaway as Jane Austen with a struggle accent) look like an Oscar winning drama (spoilers: I like that movie). Jane, at the very least, isn’t interested in the vilification or minimization of other female characters (that aren’t Professor McGonagall), even as it charts an equally fictionalized (or speculative) romance between Austen and James MacAvoy’s  Thomas Lefroy (one that argues he was key in making her writing hit different).

While it’s clearly influenced by Joe Wright’s Pride and Prejudice (2005), Jane Austen’s relationships with her family, particularly her sister, matter in her story arc in the same way Elizabeth Bennett’s do in the aforementioned film. There’s sense of balance, however dramatized Austen’s story became for that film for the sake of a romance plot.

Comparatively, Emily depicts the Bronte family, sans her brother, as obstacles (if they aren’t nonevents) to her indulgences because they’re “oh, so ashamed of her proclivities”. Additionally, I just don’t care about Oliver Jackson-Cohen’s William Weightwright. Nigga is boring. I’d sooner believe Bly Manor’s Peter Quint (Jackson-Cohen, again) was a Healthcliff and homeboy was inspired by whole another ‘gothic lit’ author (Henry James).

For lack of a better word, I really hated this movie. There’s the argument that if you know next to nothing about the Bronte sisters that you might enjoy it. But even on that level, there’s a lot about the storytelling that is bland, and outright hateful imho.

Anyway, I hated everything (except maybe the score, which, as other have said, is overbearing for no rasin). It can die in a fire and be lost to the void of history.