#genuinely like a top 5 moment when it comes to the OG series

[nugatorysheep]

Moments in Steven Universe that live in my head rent fucking free

[shinygoku]

very intrigued to see what you think of Henry!!! ^v^ (character ask!)

Another day, another Big Green! (The others are Piccolo and Thunderbird 2 lmao)

First impression

"Green ver of that one big creepy dude" (Look, when I was Babby I saw a Gordon picture somewhere that minorly spooked me lmao)

Impression now

Ahh, Henry! In some ways, very much like Duck! Green, long nose, popular with the fans and I'm here like Yeah he's a good fixture of the series lol

Ok well, maybe I should disclaim that he's not one of my favourites, which is partly as I guess it's a bit hard to nail down his personality.

His, for lack of a better term, Illness Arc is fascinating and oddly Real for a series about machinery. Something's genuinely amiss with him, but the lack of a clear cause (at least, to the other engines, who presumably don't know he was built from stolen, incomplete plans and the logical issues that would arise from that) and his frequent complaints turn the other characters off wanting to hear about it, thinking he's exaggerating. Then the Welsh Coal stopgap is found! Then the very next story he has a horrible crash but it was a blessing in disguise because then he's rebuilt as a Black 5 and his health issues are gone forever! (ain't we envious of machines now?) Until Lazy Writer Disease sets in Meta-wise, but more on that later.

I think it's safe to say that it's Entry Level RWS Knowledge to know Awdry's frustrations with the character, and it is kind of hilarious how much he tried to write him out, and iirc Henry wound up with the most appearances and 'his' book has 5 stories instead of the uniform 4 for some reason. But it seems it takes further Lazy Corporate Mandates to actually write him out in BwBa which really sucks and is doing such an iconic lad horribly dirty.

Pictured: Henry as seen by Awdry/Mattel, who are about to just shove him out of the story with varying degrees of success.

Well yeah, for me I can't really settle on an opinion because he never seems to have anything solid after the Rebuild. He's kind of the nicer one out of the Terrible Trio, but sometimes he's as bitchy and obnoxious as Gordon without prompting. He seems to be pretty unlucky and sometimes his misfortunes are self inflicted, but they don't commit to this bit. He gets his (in)famous forest, much to Awdry's chagrin, but it does offer a nice gentler side to him. He also seems to be the main Fast Freight engine, particularly more Fish shipments, but this doesn't really inform his character. He all too often feels like a Spare, Green Gordon who's less full of himself (but still gets boughts of Envy and inflated self importance, like Tenders for Henry), and that's a shame because this nebulous lack of anything concrete seems to be why Bad TatMR Writing diagnosed him with Need Welsh Coal again for quite a long time (dunno if that only changed when Mattel/Brenner came in or not). But then the US dub makes him sound like w--dy all-n and that's the worst treatment of all! I kind of understand the temptation to make him the resident worrier but HUUURGHGHH NOT LIKE THAT

So yeah, the better characterization of him needs to strike a good balance of him being ...I guess a Gentle Giant, who enjoys nature and maybe is a smidge prone to bouts of feeling jealous. Maybe catches the engine version of colds more than the others because the early morning runs in the freezing air? I dunno, I'm trying to combine several traits that have been in Henry but never seemed to stick. But done properly, I could really get behind a nice, faceted character like that~

Favourite moment

It feels a bit mean to say, but it's due to the strength of the episode itself with the fantastic visuals, godly music and shocking drama (with a nice bonus of Correct Head Codes!) that put Flying Kipper at the top of this list!

Another part of this ep, is the beginning where the Driver is saying "Don't tell Gordon, but if you pull this nicely, the Fat Controller may let you pull the Express!". Like, that really squeezes my heart, because his driver is rooting for him, the prospect of a better regarded job is floating there, and knowing what eventually happens, it's like... oof! But in a good way.

...Also I think that must have been something Awdry added after deciding not to kill him off because having that bit and for it to all go up in flames would have made children and me extremely upset and he would have been buried under letters of complaint from angry mothers of the time.

Idea for a story

Other than the overly simple and grimdark "he was in fact killed that day" type coma inducers, I suppose the Two Henries theory being explored could offer some interesting interactions.

Like, what if the Henry who rolls back into The Big Station is instantly accepted and in fact, liked more than og Henry? What if the other engines instead couldn't fully relax around him? Were his memories perfect? Too Perfect?

And what would happen if OG Henry were later discovered... (and in what condition?) Dun Dun Dun dododo Dun!

The thing is, it is hard to really explore this because it's innately such a dark, heavy concept. I don't enjoy the 'Authoritarian Hellscape" lameass interpretation by normies. I like my silly workcom on the rails with warm fuzzies and funny antics, thank you very much!

Unpopular opinion

Some of his faces (even before the worsening first inflicted by Magic Railroad) are pretty weird looking! Maybe cause his forehead is so huge and smooth, but maybe just the odd mouth shapes. I like the variety, but they aren’t what I’d call cute... I find myself thinking ‘Moon Face’ looking at him [even with the lack of craters lmao] and oops I think I missed the weirdest grin of all, but here’s a small sample anyway

Favourite relationship

Not a favourite, per say, but some of the more friction-ish interactions he has with Thomas or Percy are pretty funny. With Thomas’ immortal flippant disregard to viaduct safety, Percy retorting that engines with Proper Funnels do, in fact, need scarves, something Henry wouldn’t know about, and that Henry somehow manages to dismiss Bill and Ben, a feat Gordon needs to take notes from. Even the Something in the Air exchange with Thomas, which isn’t really stellar writing just has a funny lame argument vibe.

For some nice Wholesome interaction, Bear is hands down the winner! Easy pick maybe, and it makes me wonder if Bear’s complete absence in the TVS is part of the downward spiral because he’d offer a lot more Plotlines.... hmmm...!

Favourite headcanon

Other than the universal fandom acceptance that He Digs Nature, Baby is the notion I’ve seen a few times that his “fear” of the rain, or what it would do to his paint, isn’t actually why he stopped in the tunnel, and it had more to do with his mechanical failure and/or him having something of a nervous breakdown. He does come across as something of an ass if you take the episode at face value, but there having a secret deeper meaning is way more interesting 👀

[chuckaf]

Chuck Fic Rec List: Updated

So my fic rec post was in my notifs again the other day, and I noticed a while back that the formatting on the post has gotten all messed up and it’s also had like three reblog additions to it anyway meaning there are three versions out there lol. so, I wanted to do another list of chuck fic recs! I’ll keep the other one up still, so I’m not gonna repeat every fic here, just some I really recommend. I’m also adding the fic summaries, which I didn’t on the old post, and some more of my own opinions so, buckle up for a long post!

Chuck Versus the Steampunk Chronicles | Steampunk.Chuckster

1896. A world powered by steam, where humans and machines coexist, and airships are the fashionable mode of transport. The US Empire's deepest and darkest secrets arrive at Chuck Bartowski's doorstep. Have they fallen into the wrong hands? Or will the inventor prove his mettle, even while he's forced to hide from the very people he's protecting? AU, ongoing chronicle, Charah.

A genuinely incredible AU story, with an entire crafted world and universe, so detailed it frequently blows my mind. There is heart and family and infuriatingly brilliant slow-burn, plus a buttload of danger and super fun historical/steampunk action. Oh how I LOVE it.

Chuck vs the Charade | somedeepmystery

When computer nerd Chuck Bartowski returns home to an empty apartment and a dead girlfriend he finds himself embroiled in a deadly game of espionage and deceit. Everyone around him is playing a part to get what they want and when he starts falling for the new woman in his life, he can't help but wonder if he can trust her or if she's the one he should fear the most.

An action and twist-filled AU based on the movie Charade, which is just such a brilliant fic concept I absolutely adored it from the start.

Two Sides of the Same Coin | dettiot

When you're a spy, there's all kinds of occupational hazards when you work with another spy. For Sarah Walker, though, one mission becomes a life-changing experience. Because working with Charles Carmichael leads to protecting Chuck Bartowski.

The first time I read this fic my mind was just blown to its genius. Such a brilliant interpretation of what the Intersect and its concepts set up in the show could be, and ooooof the Chuck/Sarah interactions, my HEART. Related to it, its companion piece:

A Flip of the Coin | dettiot

What made Charles Carmichael agree to become Chuck Bartowski? Well, to start, it wasn't as much of a change as you'd think. A companion to the early chapters of Two Sides of the Same Coin from Carmichael's perspective.

Chuck vs The Butterfly Effect | n7agentbartowski

Chuck Bartowski is a normal guy who just hit rock bottom. No girlfriend, no career and no super computer stuck inside his head. It isn't until Chuck meets a gorgeous stranger on the beach that he begins to think his life is about to change for the better. An AU Chuck fic without the Intersect. "Change one thing and it changes everything."

I said it on the OG post, but this story has one of my top 5 Chuck/Sarah fic meetings. So funny, so... very Chuck. The story is a little angsty overall, but a great read.

Chuck vs the Rogue Spy | Crumby

When a rogue spy from Chuck Bartowski's past shows up to help him during his first solo mission, Chuck hopes that he'll finally find out what happened to Sarah Walker. Post-S2 AU.

There’s a lot of Season 3 fix-it fics out there, which I don’t usually read bc I actually love season 3 lol, but this one’s a good one! A twisty deviation from canon, but still feels really true to character.

Chuck Versus the Nerds Rewrite | Steampunk.Chuckster and David Carner

What happens when two nerds talk endless hours about their favorite TV show? A new take on the show you know, but with the flair, twists, and turns you've come to expect from Steampunk . Chuckster and david . carner. Somewhat canon. Charah.

As the summary says, a different take on the show, which honestly makes a couple changes I would too, but also adds a bunch of fun twists and plots that make it totally new and fresh. Seeing Chuck and Sarah’s thoughts in the more canon sections is just delicious, too.

The Trapped Assassin | SarahsSupplyCloset

After a mission goes awry, the CIA's most lethal assassin is ordered to take vacation while her superiors figure out what to do with her. But when she meets a disarming tourist, their immediate connection only adds to her disillusionment with the agency and her career. Will he be enough for her to finally take the plunge and leave the only life she's ever known? Charah AU

A warning for the very justified M rating if you don’t like that sort of thing, but this is definitely a plot-heavy fic, too. A really neat Sarah-heavy AU, with a whole lotta Chuck/Sarah fancy French vacationy goodness.

Chuck vs the Second Chance | malamoo

AU from mid-season 2 and onwards. Chuck and Sarah part ways only to be reunited years later. COMPLETE.

Literal, crying-at-my-screen angst. Not even a super happy ending. But a brilliantly written, part-reflective/flashback fic, exploring what would’ve happened if Chuck and Sarah’s relationship really was an assignment all along-- and the aftermath. It’s heartbreaking. But if you want a little heartbreak, this is your fic.

Ready at Your Hand | dettiot

In the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, a Catholic plot against the queen comes to the attention of spymaster Sir Francis Walsingham. To protect Elizabeth, he develops an unusual plan: hide the passing of intelligence between two agents by a false romance. When Lady Sarah Walker and Chuck Carmichael meet, though, their pretend flirtation becomes much more.

I love Chuck fic for the very reason that it’s inspired such adventurous and totally unique AUs. Here’s some Elizabethan fake-dating Chuck and Sarah! They have to be so Proper, it’s like that hand moment from Pride and Prejudice but Elizabethan and times a billion. The pining!!

Sarah Versus Getting Married | Steampunk.Chuckster

Sarah Walker is getting married. Canon. Charah.

I’d recommend all of SC’s fics if I had the room, and I’m already recommending a ton sksks but most of my fic recs are AUs, and this one isn’t! It’s canon, and covers some of in the gap in 4x24, with Sarah just before the wedding itself. Super sweet, heart-tugging, brilliant.

A Chuckmas Carol | Mikki13

A new twist to Dickens' beloved "A Christmas Carol". When Sarah begins to shut out the world around her, three spirits come to show her the error of her ways. Season 3 AU.

Another Season 3 AU, this one written pre-series so it definitely doesn’t fit to canon, but it’s still wonderfully rich in character depth and angst and it also made me cry. Plus, festive!

Chuck Versus Thin Ice | Steampunk.Chuckster

On the doorstep of the Olympics, top American curler Sarah Walker has lost her mixed doubles partner and her boyfriend in one fell swoop. Her coaches throw newbie Team U.S.A. curler Chuck Bartowski onto her team and thrust them into the Olympics, hanging America's curling hopes on two people who only have a short amount of time to learn to trust one another. Charah AU.

Do you like curling? Or the Winter Olympics? It doesn’t really matter because somehow this fic made me extremely invested in both of those things, as well as Chuck and Sarah and them being INSUFFERABLE. Catch me now knowing a ton about curling thanks to this fic.

Walker’s Eleven | Moonlight Pilot

Not the same plot as the movie. Sarah Walker never got out of the con game or became a spy, and now she's on her final con. What happens when true love and betrayal get added to the mix? Twists, turns, and Jeffster!

Con!Sarah always interests me, and this fic is full of her. Lotta con plot, lotta Chuck and Sarah.

The Detective and the Tech Guy | thecharleses

Sarah Walker is a Pinkerton detective. Chuck Bartowski is an electronics genius. They wouldn't have met except for a case of mistaken identity and murder. Will the detective and the tech guy solve the mystery, distracted by the riddle in their own hearts? An homage to The Thin Man film series. Formerly co-written by Steampunk . Chuckster and dettiot, now ONLY Steampunk . Chuckster.

Everyone in this fic is so damn cool. There are so many martinis. But also great heart and family and like, standing up for who you love, and later also Chuck with Baby Clara content which frankly the show robbed us of. Also, PI!Sarah!!!

Gravity | Poetic4U

AU. Sarah makes a decision that altered her life forever.

This is just a one-shot, which many of these stories are not, so a good one if you don’t fancy a big read! Just because it’s short, though, doesn’t mean it’s lacking; a really awesome what-if AU, and heavy on the Chuck and Sarah.

A Yuletie Tale | Steampunk.Chuckster

Sarah Walker was dumped the day before Christmas Eve, and her Plus One at her work’s annual Christmas Eve Soiree is now officially a Plus Zero. Her best friend Ellie Bartowski has a solution to her problem, and Sarah finds she isn’t quite as sure about it as Ellie is. AU Christmas Charah.

I’m particularly in love with this fic because, instead of beginning with a meet-cute, it involves Chuck and Sarah already two years into a friendship-- Sarah is Ellie’s best friend. And she’s been crushing harrrd on Ellie’s brother. Also Chuck is in a tux. It’s pretty.

Set, Spike, Dive! | Frea O’Scanlin

Chuck never expected to even make it to the Olympics. Everything is working against him: he's too tall for a diver, too inexperienced for a medal, too much of a wildcard to really make his mark. But an unexpected meeting at the airport, some intriguing new friends, and a whirlwind romance on the sand just might set up London 2012 as the time of Chuck Bartowski's life.

A London 2012 AU, because why not. This is just a fun Olympic-y ride!

OTP (One True Pairing) Prompts | David Carner

A series of Prompts I found online about different times and places in Chuck and Sarah's life. Mostly AU, mostly one-shots. I assume mostly fluff, but I might get deep. I doubt it, it's me. Charah...ALWAYS (It says complete, but if an idea strikes me...)

If you’re not so into long stories, this fic is perfect. Individual set-ups and stories, all Chuck and Sarah, and all super cute. You could dip in and out and just pick a scenario you enjoy.

Chuck vs The Frontier | ninjaVanish

AU: Chuck was enjoying a simple life as a 19th century watchmaker until an encounter with a beautiful Secret Service agent thrust him into a world of intrigue and adventure he never wanted. But then, with Agent Walker around, it can't be all bad, can it?

This fic gets props for being historically-set but still including the Intersect. Again, a historical AU, so the pining!! the need to be Proper!!! But besides all that, there’s a lot of action fun as well.

Chuck Versus The Crosswalk: Remastered | WvonB

Will a last minute mission help our two favorite characters finally get together? This is the remastered version of my first story.

The original version of this fic is on my first list; this is the updated version! It’s not a complete AU, instead a story that diverges from canon, so if you’re more into canon characters and setting than a new AU scenario, this is a great fic for that.

Little Girls, Paper Wreaths, and Choc Chip Cookies | DanaPAH

Very AU: Sarah Walker is a single mother whose Christmas spirit needs a boost after a tough divorce. She isn't quite ready to go looking for romance, but her little daughter's affection for their new neighbor may lure it right to her doorstep, anyway.

An incredibly sweet AU one-shot where Chuck and Sarah are new neighbours, and Sarah has a super cute little girl. So much sweetness and love and hope. I love this fic so much it literally led me to write my own neighbour-kid-AU, so, not to toot my own horn but I’ll link it here anyway.

May Your Walls Know Joy | halfachance

Looking for a fresh start after some tough times, Sarah and her three-year-old daughter move to LA. When they meet a sweet curly-haired nerd who lives next door, though, Sarah realizes they might just find more happiness than they'd ever imagined, if only her past doesn't catch up to her first. AU.

It’s what the summary says; if you wanna read, feel free!

Chuck vs the Sound of Music | quistie64

AU. Chuck, nerd extraordinaire, is a man with seven children and Sarah must protect them all from Fulcrum's evil designs. Warning: there will be singing.

I mean. Not much mystery as to the concept with that title and summary lol, but this is a super fun, soft ride with a lotta sweetness, and yes, singing.

Just Two People | David Carner

Meet Sarah Walker PhD, Psychologist, specializing in personality traits. Meet Chuck Bartowski, man who has left THE electronic company of 2020. When Burton Consultants tries to figure out what is wrong with the morale of Orion Industries, what happens when a guy named Chuck meets a woman named Sarah. I'll give you a hint, it's me writing.

David’s done something pretty special with this fic. It’s Chuck and Sarah centric, but very much an ensemble piece, too, with a lot of Team Bartowski and other familiar faces throughout.

Chuck Versus the Con Game | Steampunk.Chuckster

AU. Chuck and Sarah are partners in the con game. It's an existence wrought with danger and violence. Every day could be their last. Every mission could be the end of the line.

This is where I freak out SC and declare this fic the reason I ever got hooked on Chuck fic and then wrote Chuck fic, and the reason I still love it today but. that is true lol. Just so. so good. It’s also written with the chapters out of chronological order, which is super fun from a reading perspective. But con!Sarah AND con!Chuck?? Best. The kind of fic you will be thinking about for days (if not, y’know, years).

As you can tell by the repeats, I highly recommend just about anything by Steampunk.Chuckster, dettiot, or David Carner, but there are a TON of amazing Chuck fics and authors out there. I’ve never known a writing community so wildly creative-- there are so many unique AUs and canon explorations and story concepts that this show has manifested, and it’s all so much fun.

Most of the Chuck fic community is still over on FFN rather than AO3, so if any of these whet your appetite, feel free to have a browse there for more stories. I’m sure you’ll find something great. Personally, all the incredible writing there has also led me to write a buttload; I’m at halfachance on FFN, so if you see any of my stuff or wanna chat fic, feel free to message me there or here.

Happy reading, folks!

[cdt12345]

I just finished answering one of these and now I wanna know yours. Top 10 straight OTPs?

1.) Ben and Leslie - Parks and Recreation

If this was my OTPs list, they’d be second after Gallavich, but since this is straight couples, they have to be my number one. Amy Poehler and Adam Scott had great chemistry. Adam Scott played a lot of creepy/bad guys before this. So, when he showed up in Pawnee, I didn’t know what to make of him when he came in at the end of season 2. Pretty quickly I realized I was not only going to love the character of Ben Wyatt but we finally found Leslie Knope’s perfect match! I’ll never forget the moment I knew I was going to ship them. It was at the Freddy Spaghetti concert when Ben helped Leslie after he was against doing the concert in the first place. As soon as I saw Ben give Leslie that look as she walked away, I knew I was all in with this ship. That’s all it took! Leslie finally met someone who got her, admired her, was in awe of her, and was so supportive of her and her ambitions. They were both willing to put their jobs at risk by making their relationship known. And if you know Leslie Knope, her job is her life. Leslie’s love for Ben’s butt is also something I loved. Their love for each other is so beautiful and one of my favorite things about this amazing show.

2.) Ava and Boyd - Justified

Joelle Carter and Walton Goggins did amazing work together onscreen. Ava and Boyd Crowder did not have the most conventional start to their romantic relationship, seeing as Ava was married to Boyd’s brother. For me, that is a deal-breaker! I know they’re not blood relatives but it’s still weird to me when in-laws get together. In the pilot, we learn Ava has just killed her husband in self-defense and Boyd was supposed to be killed off in that episode. The powers that be, loved both Joelle and Walton so much they brought them back for more and they were series regulars for the rest of the series run. To keep Ava part of the storyline, they had Boyd staying at Ava’s house in season 2. It all evolved from there. I had no intention of shipping these two during season 1, but by season 2, I was all about Ava and Boyd getting together. They were the true definition of a power couple. They even had matching bullet scares on their chest! They stood side by side as a strong force against anyone who tried to overpower them or intimidate them in their growing criminal enterprise. Boyd really saw Ava, treated her with respect, and saw her as his equal. They had a long history, even went to the same high school together. I always love a couple who has known each other since they were kids. I never thought I would root for current or former in-laws, but it was hard not to fall in love with them.

3.) Jess and Nick - New Girl

I knew I was going to ship them from the very first episode. They are everything I love in a good ship, complete opposites who bring out the best in each other, who are also friends. Over the years, any time Jess would describe her perfect man, she was always describing Nick without realizing it. Once she was asked what her dream guy would be, and she said Walter Matthau in Grumpy Old Men and Nick fits that perfectly. He really is like a grumpy old man. There was nothing these two wouldn’t do for each other. One example of this was when Jess burns her finger on a cigarette lighter in the car and Nick puts his finger in the cigarette lighter so they would be in the same amount of pain. Who even does that?! I was so happy when they finally had their first kiss and when they officially got together. Those are some of my favorite episodes when they were finally dating. Any time they dated anyone else it became even more clear how much better they are together. They never fit with anyone else as well as they fit together. They really were perfect for each other.

4.) Corey and Topanga - Boy Meets World

Corey and Topanga are the OG’s of childhood sweethearts on TV. They’ve known each other their whole lives and were very believable in their genuine love for each other. It’s not always easy to believe that people who get married that young can make it work, but these two always seemed to defy those odds. They got married during their sophomore year of college. Today I would be like whoa that’s too soon to get married! But they felt so right together, I believe I would still think they made the right choice. I may be biased because I grew up watching this show and I was even younger than them at that time, but it always felt like they were meant to be. I still remember what a big deal their wedding was. My friends and I were so excited about that episode. They clearly did do the right thing because the show came back as Girl Meets World, which was more focused on their daughter than them, so of course, I wasn’t planning on watching all that. The only good thing to come out of that reboot, for me, was to get confirmation that Corey and Topanga were still together and had two kids. 

5.) Arnold and Helga - Hey Arnold!

This was a very one-sided crush on Helga’s part for years! This was another show I grew up on. I shipped them so hard because Helga was obsessively in love with Arnold. It definitely wasn’t a healthy obsession, but she really loved him. It was hard not to root for her. She fell in love with him when he was the first to notice her and be nice to her on their first day of preschool. A part of me could identify with her at that time in my life. I was in 5th grade and was experiencing my first love too. She was always so mean to Arnold because she was terrified for anyone to even suspect she had a major crush on him. The best way to describe Arnold is through Helga’s own words, he’s “a funny little football-headed kid with a good heart but no sense of reality”. Helga was realistic and tough but very poetic and sweet in private. In 2017, when Hey Arnold! The Jungle Movie came out, I was really hoping she would finally come clean with Arnold about her feelings. It FINALLY happened! That was 21 years in the making. Talk about slow burn!

6.) Tiffani and Jake - California Dreams

Jake and Tiffani are one of my very first ships ever. They were high school students who were in a band called California Dreams together. They were like night and day. She was the surfer type, who was positive, sunny, and friendly. Whereas Jake was a biker type who scared everyone. They were even too scared to let him audition for the band. He played guitar and would sometimes sing and write some of their songs. He wasn’t the main singer of the band, but he would sing every once in a while. She played the bass and would sometimes sing too. They did have a breakup that was heartbreaking for me. He dated their friend Lorena for a short time, and it felt so forced and didn’t work at all. Again, I could be biased because I love Jake and Tiffani, but Jake himself and Lorena realized they didn’t work either. That’s when Jake realized he was still very much in love with Tiffani, and they got back together. This show also had the best theme song ever! I sing it every single time I hear it and when I do hear it, it’s stuck in my head all day.

7.) Monica and Chandler - Friends

I always preferred Monica and Chandler over Ross and Rachel. They were never on and off like Ross and Rachel, which would get tiresome. We never had to deal with that with Monica and Chandler. Obviously, they are friends and know each other so well that it was easy for them to get through anything because of it.

8.) Castle and Beckett - Castle

Richard Castle and Kate Beckett had amazing chemistry, even after the actors themselves were no longer getting along behind the scenes. I am amazed at how they were still able to be so believable at being very much in love with each other. Castle, a best-selling mystery novelist, and Beckett, a New York City homicide detective. Castle is inspired by Beckett and she becomes his muse for a new book he is writing. Castle uses his connections with the mayor to force the police to let him shadow Beckett. Their personalities clash in the beginning but they soon find their groove and become friends and great partners at solving crimes. The will they, won’t they was excruciating at times but paid off when they finally got together.

9.) Sabrina and Harvey - Sabrina The Teenage Witch

Sabrina and Harvey were such a cute couple. I already went into this show knowing they were meant to be because of the Sabrina comic books. Harvey was always the boyfriend. So, when Harvey left the show after season 4, I was surprised and saddened. Especially, since Harvey had finally learned about her powers. He did guest star in season 5 but was brought back for the last two seasons. I really loved when he came back because Sabrina and Harvey’s relationship was so much better after he knew about her powers. They didn’t get back together and were only friends but whenever things got complicated, he was there to help her now that he knew she was a witch. She didn’t have to hide who she really was or lie to him anymore and I really loved how that changed their relationship. Sabrina was dating someone else at this time and was going to marry this other guy, but she doesn’t go through with it. For once I can actually say Sabrina and Harvey are soulmates and really mean it! Remember she is a witch and has a soul stone and Harvey was given one too. Harvey is waiting for Sabrina outside the church when she comes out and they kiss. Their soul stones drop to the ground and fit perfectly at 12:36pm, the exact time they first met seven years ago.Then they drive off together in his motorcycle.

10.) Kelly and Zack - Saved by The Bell

Who didn’t grow up in the 90′s and wasn’t shipping Zack and Kelly? I thought they were the most gorgeous couple I had ever seen. Saved by The Bell: The College Years wasn’t a great show, but I was happy to see Zack and Kelly went to the same college, and eventually, we got to see them get married in a TV movie with Saved by The Bell: Wedding in Las Vegas.

[starryeyed-spacegirl]

Types of Girls: Star Trek Edition

PLEASE NOTE: I’ve omitted characters from shows I haven’t seen yet and/or don’t know enough about to create a mood for. If you have anything you’d like to add for ladies from Next Gen, DS9, or any other boss babes I happened to miss, please feel free to do so! :) 

Original Series:

Uhura- The OG. Type 2. Breaks every stereotype. Trailblazer. Fierce eyeliner. Keeps them boys IN LINE. This girl can *sing*. Humble friend. Spunky AF. Gets things done, and looks fabulous while doing it. A big tease. Groovy icon. The friend we all aspire to be. Doesn’t need to take credit. INSPIRATION. Great interpersonal communication. Major vintage vibes. The one who works to keep everyone on task. Hufflepuff.

SPECTRUM (SAY MY NAME)- Florence + The Machine

Voyager:

Janeway- Wears the pants in the relationship. Type 2. Strong leader. Capable. Empathetic. “Do no harm but take no shit”. Best work is done on the fly. Really knows how to pull off those mom jeans. The one you want calling the shots. Patience of a saint. Coffee fiend. Major Tired ™ vibes. Savior complex. Makes everyone feel cared for and useful. Always in your corner. Master of *Emphatic eye roll*. Gryffindor.

WHISTLE (WHILE YOU WORK IT)- Katy Tiz

B’Elanna- The She Hulk. Type 4. Takes no shit. Gets things done. Literally does whatever she wants. Strong. Low-key depressed. Big fan of fighting. Feels unworthy, and always trying to be better. Polarizing personality. Looks like she can kill you, actually can kill you. Not subtle (Like, at all). Bold. Quick to anger, but quick to apologize. Doesn’t care if you don’t like her. Always searching for her place in the world. Really hard on herself. Vintage rock and roll t-shirts. Gryffindor through and through.

WHATEVER IT TAKES- Imagine Dragons

Seven of Nine- *Precise*. Type 1. A little OCD. Utilitarian, but still killing it in the fashion game. Thrives on order. Workaholic. Will tell you like it is. Isn’t afraid of pushing buttons. Socially awkward. Deals with stress by working or cleaning. Has mastered the no-make-up make-up look. Solid integrity. Knows every worst case scenario. Has great skin. Their own worst critic. Perfect sleep schedule. Never a hair out of place. Ravenclaw. 

STRESSED OUT- Twenty One Pilots

Enterprise:

T’Pol- SARCASM QUEEN. Type 5. Thinks she’s smarter than you, definitely is smarter than you. Doesn’t like showoffs. Vegan. Easily annoyed. Loves a good accent. Resting b-face. Encourages everyone to do yoga and meditation. Likes leaving people guessing. Really into crop tops and low rise jeans. Emotionally repressed ™. Can dish it out but not take it back. Very by the book. Was probably emo in high school. Guilty pleasure: cheesy rom-coms. Takes minimalism to the next level. Candle obsession. Ravenclaw. 

JOGA- Bjork

Hoshi- “I did not sign up for this”. Type 6. Easily frightened. Looks like a cinnamon roll, is actually a cinnamon roll. Legitimately loves learning. High anxiety. Sweetly naive. Tends to overreact. The baby of the friend group. Strength of character. Anime fiend. Bookworm. Major teacher vibes. Language nerd. Has to be dragged into adventures. Safety first! Can be a brat sometimes, but has a good heart. *Kawaii*. Ravenpuff.

MY FUTURE- Billie Eilish

Reboot:

Uhura- Sassy pants. Type 8. “Has a talented tongue”. Ultimate mom friend. Isn’t afraid to tell it like it is. Will take care of you even if you won’t. Can be super bossy. THAT WINGED LINER THOUGH. Genuinely just living her best life. Douchebag meter very accurate. Asks for what she wants. Is right like 99% of the time (And will rub it in your face). Accepting of everyone. Gives people space to be and grow. Knows her own worth. Knows how to have a good time. Solid Gryffinpuff.

RUN THE WORLD (GIRLS)- Beyonce

Jaylah- INDEPENDENT. Type 8. Knows her own strengths and weaknesses. Highly intuitive. Clever as they come. Goes with the flow. Can sense a good person when they meet them. A little high-key ™. Everything is a competition. Starving for knowledge. Blunt but not mean. Street style on point. Can be a tad bit aggressive. Protective of self. Objective thinker. Wants to go everywhere and do everything. Master of the no plan plan. Best case Slytherin. 

GENIUS- LSD feat. Sia, Diplo, Labrinth

Discovery:

Burnham- Kills it all day every day. Type 5. The ultimate devil’s advocate. Takes on every responsibility, even if it isn’t hers. COOL. Will do whatever it takes to get a job done, even if it hurts. Mysterious. Has thick walls, but once you make it through she loves you deeply. Reliable. Calm outside, tempest inside. Not very in tune with her emotions. Loves to question authority. A realist. Blunt. Trusts in facts. Boldly goes. Strong rebel vibes. Verbal processor. Prefers to be alone. Slytherin.

WHEN THE MOMENT COMES- Mia Dyson

(BONUS: HIGH HOPES- Panic! At the Disco)

Tilly- Solid gold. Type 7. ADHD. “Science is so f-ing cool”. Can make friends with anyone, anywhere, anytime. Legitimate ray of sunshine. Off the charts smart. Nothing gets her down. Thinks faster than her mouth moves. Enthusiastic. Maybe never sleeps, ever. Wins best hair award ™. Friend you must protect at all costs. Ride or die BFF. The one you call when you need a shoulder to cry on. No filter (None). Strong wing-woman vibes. Please don’t give her espresso. The most Hufflepuffy Hufflepuff to ever Huffle.

GIRL ON FIRE- Alicia Keys

(BONUS SONG: SPACE ODDITY- David Bowie)

Mirror Georgiou- “The Man”. Type 8. A wolf not even trying to hide she’s a wolf. Ambitious is too weak of a word... Scary clever. Subtext is everything. The one you go for fashion advice. If it sounds like she’s threatening you, she is. Has major soft spots for her friends, but would never admit it. Words sharp as knives. Competitive AF. Laughs in the face of danger. Intimidated by nothing. Sexy and she knows it. Can and will destroy you if you hurt her friends. Not afraid to use all her assets. Wins every argument. Slytherin to the MAX.

BAD REPUTATION- Joan Jett

[rizahawkais]

rank your fave hp ladies!

hello anon! my ranking is below w my reasonings!

12. Nymphadora Tonks

she is literally just cool and awesome and really funny in the books!

11. Narcissa Malfoy

i will be honest. i have no idea why i love narcissa. i think it has something to do with her maternal instinct and she is actually a good person just looking out for her family. but, i can never put my finger on it.

10. Bellatrix Lestrange

I know she’s a villain. But, the way HBC plays her. chef’s kiss She is such a great and fun villain. Like I root for her death and all but I will always love to see her on the screen or read about her.

9. Queenie Goldstein

Queenie is absolutely adorable and so lovable! She reminds me a lot of myself as someone who tries their best to always be kind and gets upset when I upset others. She is so so so sweet and she slays me !

8. Fleur Delacour

I think I adore Fleur so much because of her growth. In the beginning of GOF she was just the female champion. She was just pretty. But, throughout she became a sister and someone who was obviously not just a ditsy girl. I also loved her part in the DH where she helped Harry. In case, you couldn’t tell I love minor characters and she is just one of the best ones!

7. Hermione Granger

How can one not love Hermione?! She is the one who taught me being smart is not something I should hide and be proud of it. Hermione is also taught me not to take shit from men. In the golden trio, she is the most powerful and there is no doubt about that.

6. Cho Chang

I love Cho Chang! Even though, I am a Hinny/Linny shipper, she is still one of my favorites for sure. I will forever wish that we got more of her other than a love interest but that doesn’t change how cool I think she is. She’s a female seeker on the Ravenclaw team and I was always just fascinated by her. I wish we got more from her and maybe a different name but at least now I know that JKR isn’t exactly reliable in the woke area.

5. Padma Patil

I’m a slut for minor characters! Shoot me! Maybe, I love Padma for the wrong reasons (Afshan Azad is GORGEOUS) but as a South Asian (bengali, padma is obviously indian but the actress too is bengali) she is one of the characters with so much potential lost! I have always wished we got more of the Gryffindors in Harry’s year besides the golden trio. We lost the chance the chance to see Harry’s found family other than the Weasleys. But, anyways I don’t have my copy of the books with me at the moment, but I have loved her since POA and her relationship with Trelawney was heartwarming. Whilst reading GOF and hearing that she was Ron’s date I was so excited for more of her. But, obviously we know what happened there. So, I think I love her for her lost potential and the fact that I’ll always want more of her! To me, she was witty but kind and loving and I adored that.

4. Ginny Weasley

GINNY WEASLEY HOW I LOVE THEE. If you go through my ginny weasley tag you will see that each post is also tagged the OG BAD BITCH. Simply, because she is. And Harry Potter was my first ever fandom. Yes, book ginny is different than movie ginny, but they are both still lovable to me in their fearlessness and sass. The fact that he brothers are scared of her proved to me she got the best parts of her mother and she’s not afraid of being absolutely badass.

3. Minerva McGonagall

This choice does not need to be explained. People who don’t love her are just simply ✨wrong✨

2. Leta Lestrange

Yes, I only had Leta for one movie where she wasn’t even a lead and no book to read along with it. But, THE COMPLEXITY IN HER CHARACTER!! She’s also played by Zoe Kravitz who I ADORE. But, not the point. I genuinely love how much a good person she is lowkey. She tries to come off as cruel and careless but it’s only to hide how broken she is inside. AND THERE IS ALSO NO WAY THOSE KIDS AT HOGWARTS DIDN’T USE HER SKIN COLOR AS A REASON TO FUEL THEIR HATE FOR HER. She feels guilt for her actions and feels she deserves her mistreatment in turn hurting herself even more. But, I see you Leta and I recognize you and you deserve love and happiness! :)

1. Luna Lovegood

She should have been there from the start (or since COS)!! Luna is such a fun character. I know for most of the fandom it’s either they don’t like her or they love her bc of her eccentrics but I am part of the latter. The HP series is a dark series. Luna represents dark and light so well. She had a dark part past but she pushes through it to only spread light and good things and positivity. And I can’t help but love her for it. She is unapologetically herself and not caring that she is considered “Loony” to everyone. And she’s so comfortable being the odd one out that it’s so inspiring and she has and always will have a special place in my heart.

AHAHA SO I’M GONNA START MY TOP 12 HP LADIES GIF MEME ON MY BLOG NOW SO THANKS FOR THIS!!

[monkey-network]

Good Stuff ~ 7 of the Season: Steven Universe Future

WARNING: Almond milk is better. Thank you, take care where you be, and enjoy.

Peace Out, Show

So Steven Universe is over, and I’m a little relieved. If I had to face another year of crits and simps barking about how this anime salvaged or ruined their lives, I would’ve started practicing my hangman somersault. “Enough with the cynicism, Monkey, how was the final season?” Pretty good, all things considered. It isn’t like season 5 which was just not good, but it had its downs with trying to make me think all the suffering and drama was entertaining... it wasn’t. With that said, here are the TOP 7 best final episodes of Steven Universe Future. Seven, because it’s lucky. Here We Go...

7. Why So Blue

Am I just putting this on the list because I like Lapis? Yes. The fight scene was shit, but again I love how low-key it all was, it took its time for the most part. We got to see Lapis’s progression even when she hardly interacted with any other character in the series, and to me had a great message of understanding the strength that comes in pacifism. Not a memorable episode, but I guess it’s as great of a send off episode for Lazuli as I’m gonna get.

6. Volleyball

The one gripe I have with this episode is when Steven apparently couldn’t cancel the rejuvenation process when they listened to him in the first place, and he needed to go all the way back to the foyer to switch it off? Why didn’t he try breaking open the shell with his Super Saiyan strength? It doesn’t kill an otherwise lovely episode centered on Pink Pearl and OG Pearl. It was surprising that Steven was the cause of the problem and the ending with Omega Pearl is one of my favorites this season.

5. Snow Day

This episode somewhat is what I wanted SU Future to be more of. Some fun with a more worn out Steven learning to look on the bright side of his life finally moving forward. The fanservice was cheeky and it felt like the cast was actually having a good time with it. That’s all I can really say, it was fun and I wish the season was more like this.

4. Fragments/Everything’s Fine

In truth, I only like this episode because Fragments introduced us to Chad Steven, which is the best Steven ever. Makes me wish he was the final boss instead of Corrupt!Steven And Everything’s Fine because most of it had Chad Steven and is also genuinely hilarious. I hardly laugh with a Steven Universe episode, but this actually slayed me. I mean it, it is the funniest episode in the whole series and Zach Callison helped that tenfold with his performance. Both are brought down by their endings, but both had Chad Steven and that’s enough for me.

3. In Dreams

You probably noticing a pattern with this list because honestly, the less focused on Steven’s melodramatic fuckshit stack, the better the episode. Not to say this episode isn’t centered around Steven’s pressuring anxieties, but this episode knew not to make it the focal point. It’s generally about Steven and Peridot’s bromance and how their venture is affecting Steven’s long term insecurity. It reminds me of a good MLP episode where the issue doesn’t get in the way of fun. Additionally this has a satisfying ending with a great resolution. Plus it’s about Peridot. Enough said.

2. Homeworld Bound

Spinel was in the episode, she was great, and I don’t think I need to explain myself. So I’m not...

1. The Future

I always promise myself with these lists, “No finales because that’s unfair towards the whole season.” But I’ll give some leeway this time since after that wack conflict of a previous episode, it was just nice seeing Steven finally pick himself up with those he loves and take an actual step towards a new life. This has some parallel to MLP’s final episode in terms of plot and this had just as good an effect. It’s sadly hilarious that Steven just figured out therapy nor hasn’t been arrested for his rampaging, but if everyone is happy, then I’m happy, you feel me? Goodbyes are made and as much as criticize this show, I can’t be mad at an ending like this.

Last sentence is how I can best describe Future in general. Future throws a lot of wrenches in the canon, for better and worse, but I appreciate it for trying either way. Had some good moments. I have my issues with it, but I can’t be all that mad at it. I’m tired of SU, yeah, but after all is said and done, this series will always be a gem to me. And that is that... on that.

[thoughtfulpaperback]

SPOILERS!!!

Charmed 02x02 Review

Y'all part of me just can't. Like the excitement and energy over this last episode is too much to keep inside. I am super ready to burst and super excited for episode 3. But I am just gonna say that overall I thought this episode was superb 8/10 only because I am saving my 9 and 10. But if I could I'd give it a 9 out of ten. There was only like a couple things I was nitpicky about and it's pretty standard tv logic stuff that most people overlook so dont come at me for it. So I am just gonna start like I always do except I cant just pick 3 likes and dislikes so I am just gonna list my likes some of the nitpicks and then some episode highlights.

SPOILERS AHEAD

Things I liked:

1. Hacy development

So no secret I am a hacy fan and I pretty much love any hacy content the show will give us but I really thought the show did so well this episode.

Originally, I thought the show was going to explore Macy's feelings through Dark!Harry, and in a way they have revealed them using Dark!Harry (Season 1 ended with us not sure if Macy felt anything for Harry, but knowing he had some feelings for her). I was worried there may be less hacy moments because they would keep most of the interaction between Dark!Harry and Macy. Even had me scared that Macy may be falling for Dark!Harry and not Harry proper. But no, they gave us Genuine Hacy.

The awkwardness of the interactions after the dream. That car ride was hilarious with the map and the radio (harry is still super at comedic relief in club and in car)

Harry's concern over having done something wrong

The looks when checking each other out.

Making each other laugh and encouraging each other.

Harry trying to save that witch and Macy being concerned by what it would

"I know Harry"

I mean it wasn't just tension. There was some fluff thrown in. Harry telling her to celebrate the victories and looking at her proudly. Which brings me to item 2.

2) I love what rupert does with his eyes between the two Harrys. Real harry (as macy put it) is so harmless looking. Those puppy eyes are adorable and rupert makes sure to have then turned up all the way when being real harry.

The only time Dark!harry makes soft eyes (well sort of) is the first time we see him with Macy, the initial moment in episode 1, and then when Maggie goes for a hug in this episode. He is just so taken off guard by the affection that his pretending-to-be-Harry-face slips and his eyes kind of go wide and they arent so narrowed and focused. Which makes me think he has not been hugged often or at all . . . That's sad. Then the switch when Maggie backs away. The eyes narrow again and he gets all mean. Just love that rupert can do things like that to give both characters distinctive enough feels that you can tell that dark!harry is acting.

3) Mel and Maggie bonding

So I really do hope that we get some Macy and Mel bonding, but I am happy anytime the show can deepen the bonds between the sisters. Maggie and Mel have a bit of a complicated relationship even though they grew up together. I mean especially from this episode we see and remember that Mel was the big sister for most of her life. She protected Maggie and seems to have acted like a second parent. It is sad that there dad really just turned out to be a bad dad. No reason behind it no, issues with Marisol other than apparently the ones he created on his own (which I will get into on my nitpicks). The fact this was just a loss for Maggie, and not just a loss as in she was the only one to feel something when Ray died but a loss of memories she thought she had and an idea of who her dad (a piece of her past), was sad but it actually gave us further insight into mel and Maggie's dynamics. First season we knew the rift between mel and Maggie was over Mel's obsession with and Mel's expectations of how Maggie should have acted and behaved. I think a lot of us chalked it up to Mel being controlling and having the oldest child attitude, but I think now we see there is more there. Mel seems to have spent a lot of time protecting Maggie and biting her tongue about certain aspects of thier lives and in a sense making sacrifices for her. So it makes sense she would expect the same from Maggie, but at the same time Maggie didnt know, and even if she did thise were Mel's choices and Maggie doesnt owe her anything for them.

Knowing that we can see how it is so easy for riffs to form between them which make the start of this season make more sense to me. Because Maggie wants to live her life and is a trusting and positive person. Mel expects a certain level of loyalty and commitment and has a different idea of what that looks like compared to Maggie. On top of there general personality differences it makes sense they all that would culminate into a rocky relationship prone to communication difficulties and tifs. But I love that they are starting to acknowledge those things and rebuild. Last season it was them just getting over feeling abandoned by each other after the death of Marisol. This exposed deeper roots of the initial rift. I liked that.

4) I love that the Maggie and Mel still have Magic and even though though the active powers are gone they arent defenseless. They just need to be resourceful. I actually like this a lot and I feel gives the writers a lot of room to play with creative ways for the ladies to save other witches.

5) demon lore!!!! Okay so while season 1 seems mostly thrown out the lore actually explains season 1 demons better.

One of the issues I had was that there did not seem to be a synchronized front with the demons and they never explained why even though Alistair claimed to be a hotshot the only people he had working for him was his family.

In the OG in first season before lore got expanded) demons and witches werent organized. Demons sort of acted on thier own for thier own purposes and witches seem mostly solitary except for occasional get togethers on important events. Later on in the series demons got an organization system (triad) then later one ruler (the source of all evil). Witches seem mostly solitary except for now the elders who assigned white lighters watched over them and placed rules on magic. I dont think people really remember the drastic shift in lore and the plot holes OG had because we generally liked the places it was going. So I am kinda on that page fro the reboot.

It flipped the script. Witches are or were the organized bunch both self ruling and ruling over the magical community. Demons were at war with each other and all had different agendas so makes sense that the Caines were mostly on thier own.

I like this idea of there being different general types of demons and a hierarchy. I do wonder if that will limit then in the long run, but assuming they can be creative with the categories they have defined I am not too worried. I am excited to get more info on demons now.

6) the new love interests. I love Mel's new love interest. So different from Mel and her previous love interests. I reserve judgment until we get more interaction but I am liking her so far. Jordan is interesting I am actually liking the build up of thier relationship and will be nice to see maggie start off slow and make friends with him first. I wasnt a huge parkerita fan but I did not dislike the ship. But one of my general blehs is love at first site between teens. The way parker and Maggie began was just off putting to me but they were nice together when they were together honestly. This will be a good venture into perhaps an adult relationship or at least on that doesnt begin with as much drama. That said she is dead and will have to hide her identity from him soo....

Now on to the nitpicks:

1) Ray's characterization.

Okay so I dont mind that Ray turned out to be just a crap dad. It happens. But there are things we know that Ray probably didnt that makes us wonder why marisol even got with him and married him.

A) we know Marisol continued an affair throughout her marriage to Ray. Even assuming Ray was just a crap husband and father, why did marisol get with him and marry him if he was so good at alienating everyone he met. I wouldnt think he was just a one night stand that Marisol decided she would have to marry after getting pregnant. I would think she would be above that.

B) did he even know about magic. Was his whole relationship and life with Marisol and the girls just based on secrets, ignorance, and not being around?

I mean for B it is fine if it was I just would like to know for sure what it was versus just guessing. But I assume like Maggie I am just gonna have to move on from this

2) the house lights and the job application.

Okay how does the house have power and and water without the city noticing? How can maggie apply for a job with no social security number? I mean I assume because she is dead she cant use her real info. Or she could but wouldnt that make it easy for demons who may think to infiltrate government records to find them? I mean this is a nitpick and can be explained away by Magic, but still it was on my mind.

3) the mysterious figure at the end. Okay y'all, I assume it is Dark!Harry. But the more I thought about it, the more I got angry that they didnt show his face. Basically, that is leaving room that it could be someone else like one of the other new love interests or someone we havent met yet. I dont like that. If it is Dark!Harry we've already met him and know he is after the girls so most likely would be working with the demons. So showing him wouldnt be a big deal. But keeping the figure hidden means leaving that door of possibilites open. This has me paranoid now. Again nitpick. I'll get over it. Some people might like that.

Episode Highlights:

Comic relief Harry. Getting knocked down when orbing into the club and not being able to hold a map.

"I'll put a hex on you."

"I'm formidable!" You tell him!

Harry's wonky orbing in general. so confused so turned about.

Maggie being able to tell that Dark!Harry was not Harry. "Those are Harry's charges and family you cant fool them ya creep!!!"

Invisible mel putting a shovel to the side of Dark!Harry's face. "Yess!!!!"

Harry's puppy dog eyes when Macy says all she needs is a look to know who the real Harry is

[khalifaalsuwaid1]

Drag Race Winners Ranked

I should start out by stating two things:

1) This is not a “least favorite to favorite” list. If it were, these would be in a completely different order. I’m ranking the queens based on their runs on the seasons they won in, the queens they were up against, and their overall C.U.N.T.

2) These are my opinions, and mine only. If you disagree, fantastic! People have different opinions, it’s what makes us human.

Edit: Updated with our Season 10 winner, Aquaria!

13) Trixie Mattel

Trixie isn’t a bad or mediocre queen by any means, despite undoubtedly being the most undeserving Drag Race winner as of yet. If it weren’t for All Stars 3′s (one of the most disappointing, soulless Drag Race seasons, but that’s another post entirely) ridiculously flawed jury twist, where previously eliminated queens decide the top two All Stars, and BenDeLaCreme eliminating herself, she wouldn’t have won. Her performance on All Stars 3 was mediocre in the first half of the season, but she turned it out in the second half. There were, however, other queens that did much better than her throughout the season, and were solid all the way through. I think Trixie’s great, but her win felt extremely anticlimactic, and it wasn’t really her fault.

12) Sasha Velour

“Four challenge wins, four challenge wins..

Then the finale comes and the crowned queen is?…”

Sasha is a great queen. She’s intellectual, artsy, unique, annoyingly endearing with her history lessons that pop out of seemingly nowhere, and her run on Season 9 was relatively great, landing in the bottom once and never having to lip sync for her life. She’s winner material through and through. Why is she this low on the list, you might ask? Two words: Shea Couleé.

Let’s be honest, Season 9 was Shea’s season. She won four challenges, a record which she shared with two queens at the time, Sharon Needles and Alaska Thunderfuck (AS2), both of whom won their respective seasons. Even the editors weren’t expecting Sasha to win, since Shea was very clearly getting the winner’s edit. Season 9 felt like Season 8 most of the way through in terms of how obvious the winner was. “There’s no way in hell Shea isn’t winning this” the majority of people thought. Then it happened. In one of the most iconic moments in the show’s history, rose petals came flooding out of Sasha’s wig during her lip sync against Shea, and it all came crashing down.

“It’s not right but it’s okay” was the perfect final lip sync song, indeed.

11) Violet Chachki

This is where things get tough, because from here on out, I genuinely believe every single winner deserved the title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar.”

Oh, Season 7. Such a great cast wasted on a stupid amount of acting challenges. It’s a shame Violet never got the chance to REALLY shine during the non-runway parts of the season, because she’s a fantastic queen. Interestingly, her best moment came from an episode of Season 8, not 7. At the end of Season 8′s crowning episode, she came out wearing what is, in my humble opinion, the best thing to walk down a runway in the entirety of the series, stealing the three finalists of Season 8′s thunder.

She might not have always been at the top during the challenges in her season, and she can come off a bit rude, but when it came to the runway, she never under-delivered. Being up against, in the words of Trixie Mattel, “a partially sedated twink from Brooklyn” might have helped her win the crown, though. Ginger Minj was stiff competition, but in the end, Violet prevailed. Thank God she did, because she gave us one of the most iconic moments of Season 8, one which I’m obviously still not over.

10) Tyra Sanchez

Let’s get this out of the way: No, Raven was not robbed.

Look, Tyra can be mean-spirited, hateful and rude. Tyra on Season 2 was, in all honesty, a bitch. But you know what? She fucking deserved the crown. Her reasoning behind being a bitch was that she was focused on winning the season, and while I’m not sure if that’s true or not, she definitely slayed the game. Tyra delivered in almost every single episode of her season, and has her fair share of iconic moments (”DIS GROOB IS FOR MAH GIRLS” remains one of my favorite Drag Race moments ever!) She unfortunately gets a lot of unwarranted hate from “fans” of the show for “robbing” Raven of her crown and being a bitch.

Being nice is great and all, but Tyra showed us that you don’t have to be Miss Congeniality to be America’s Next Drag Superstar.

Unfortunately, Tyra has lost her way recently. It’s extremely unfortunate, because she’s extremely beautiful and talented.

9) Chad Michaels

I’m going to try my best not to reference The Hunger Games during this section.

If there’s one thing the Drag Race fanbase can universally agree on, it’s that All Stars 1 is objectively the worst season of Drag Race ever, because of its oh-my-god-this-is-so-stupid-who-thought-this-was-a-good-idea teams twist. This is why Chad’s win is usually swept under the rug in the community, but in all honesty, I’m just glad Chad won something.

During Chad’s run on Season 4, he showed us how a professional drag queen acts, dresses and talks. If it weren’t for Sharon Needles, Chad would have probably won the season. There’s really not much else to say other than Chad was a really polished queen that deserved to win something, even it was the worst season of a great show.

8) Bebe Zahara Benet

Dubbed “The Lost Season,” Season 1 of Drag Race is kind of a mess. The best kind, of course. The budget was paper thin, they had that awful vaseline filter throughout the whole thing, and nobody knew what they were doing. Not Ru, not the producers and definitely not the contestants. In a way, Season 2 was actually the first season of Drag Race, whereas Season 1 felt like an elaborate pitch. There was no “Snatch Game,” a challenge that would become a staple in the series, for example.

However, Season 1 has something later seasons lack in a major way: genuineness. The contestants of Season 1 didn’t really come in with catchphrases prepared, or cared how “fans” would harass them on social media. They were a bunch of men in wigs having fun. One of those contestants, Bebe, really stood out. Born in Cameroon, as she likes to remind us (she really, really likes to remind us) she had and still has a sense of presence none of the other contestants on the show have. When she walks on stage, you really feel like a Queen is walking down the runway. To this day, she is the sole queen that gives off those vibes.

She is sadly always forgotten, despite having a stellar run on Season 1 and being the OG winner. Thankfully, All Star 3, where she had another great run, put her back on the radar. May she never be forgotten again. Cameroooon!

7) Aquaria

In all of my years watching Drag Race, I’ve never done a complete 180 on a Ru Girl as hard and fast as I did on Aquaria. Rewatching her “Meet the Queens” video, I still have no idea why she presented herself the way she did. Going into the Season, I saw Aquaria as a bratty look Queen that was extremely full of herself, and to be quite honest, the first few episodes didn’t change my viewpoint.

As the season went on, however, she started to show her true self. Aquaria went from a brat to a sweet, awkwardly endearing dork, and I loved every single microsecond of it.

I’ve failed to mention her runway looks, which were nothing short of excellent. Every time she walked out on the runway, all you saw was polish from head to toe. Her Mermaid, Hats Incredible and Evil Twin looks are absolutely breathtaking. Her performance in the challenges was just as good. If you had told me Aquaria would win Snatch Game at the beginning of the Season, I would have laughed in your face. But she did. Week after week, she defied expectations and was always full of surprises.

She didn’t deserve the crown, the crown was deserved by her. It truly is the dawning of the Age of Aquaria.

6) Bob the Drag Queen

I’m paraphrasing, but Thorgy Thor, a contestant on Season 8 of Drag Race, said something along the lines of knowing she wasn’t going to win when she saw Bob walk into the werkroom for the first time in an interview.

Season 8, perhaps more than any season of Drag Race, had the most predictable winner, and yet, nobody was really mad about it. The reason being is that Bob deserved every single fake jewel on that crown. Season 8 had a fantastic cast, but Bob was so much better than the rest of them, it bordered on being unfair. You could sense that the moment he walked into the werkroom.

Fashion and Makeup is where Bob usually faltered, but more than made up for it by being absolutely hilarious in acting challenges, killing Snatch Game, and all around just being a good sport.

There’s this thing about Bob that other winners lack but I can’t quite put my finger on it. He feels…”Real,” I guess? I don’t really know how to put it into words, but whenever Bob talks, he exudes friendliness, whereas most of the other winners have an “aura” around them. It makes him very, very special.

5) Jinkx Monsoon

Everyone loves a good underdog story!

For the first half of her season, Jinkx mostly flew under the radar, despite constantly doing great in challenges. The other queens started realizing that she was a threat around halfway point of the season, when it was a little too late to be able to do something about it.

Because of this, Rolaskatox, a clique created by Roxxxy Andrews, Alaska Thunderfuck, and Detox Icunt, started going ham on Jinkx, bullying and hating on her every time she did as much as draw a breath. It felt very similar to Season 3′s “Heathers vs. Boogers,” except this time, “Boogers” was made up of one person. Seeing Jinkx take them down one by one felt fantastic and oh, so satisfying.

Jinkx, out of all the winners, is probably the nicest and most innocent one. She’s kind and completely unbothered by any kind of drama whatsoever. She marches to the sound of her own drum, and it’s honestly so refreshing.

4) Raja Gemini

Raja gets major props for winning hands-down, the most difficult season of Drag Race yet. Queens frequently say that Drag Race is the “Olympics of Drag,” and rightfully so (Yara Sofia wouldn’t have broken down during a lip sync if it weren’t. Season 3 in particular was pretty bad.) But other than that, Raja served some of the most creative and iconic looks to ever grace the runway. Her Marie Antoinette and Native American looks, I imagine, are engraved in everyone’s minds because of how beautiful they were. Her drag is extremely different than everyone else, especially than the ones that were on her season.

She also gets props for beating Manila Luzon, who is undoubtedly the most talented runner-up in the show’s herstory.

To this day, Raja still delivers some of the most gag-worthy looks to come out of Ru girls, and managed to stay relevant by being the co-host of “Fashion Photo Ruview,” a show where she and Season 2′s Raven Toot and Boot looks from episodes of Drag Race.

3) Sharon Needles

When Sharon walked down the post-apocalypse runway dressed up as a half zombie, half mummy thing, with blood pouring out of her mouth, she made an impact on the entirety of drag. Up until that point, drag, especially on Drag Race, hadn’t gone there.

This is why Sharon is celebrated, because she showed everyone that drag wasn’t just about looking fishy, pretty or anything of the sort. Drag can be spooky, disgusting and horrifying. I don’t believe Sharon invented this kind of drag, but she certainly brought it to the forefront. I honestly believe that Dragula, another drag competition, would not exist had Sharon not won Season 4.

She was also a part of one of the best Drag Race storylines, if not the best: Sharon vs Phi Phi. No matter how hard the show tries, it just can’t replicate the legendary rivalry between those two girls. Sharon obviously prevailed at the end, but it was a story for the ages.

2) Alaska Thunderfuck 5000

I’m going to say something a bit controversial here: Alaska isn’t really one of my favorite queens. She comes off as a bit of a perfectionist, something I personally despise. Why is she this high on the list, then?

As I stated at the beginning, this isn’t a “least favorite to favorite” list. It’s a list based on queens’ strength, and I struggle to find someone as unapologetically talented as Alaska.

She is, in my opinion, the most well-rounded queen in the show’s herstory. She can act, sing, lipsync, serve looks, read…I could go on. She’s the epitome of “Jack-of-all-trades, master of all.” She absolutely swept the floor during All Stars 2. Yes, it might’ve been rigged for her, but even if it weren’t, she’d still easily sweep the floor and win.

She’s also a Drag Race superfan, and will probably get any sort of reference you throw at her.

1) Bianca Del Rio

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I mean, was there really any other choice? We’ve reached a point where I personally believe we’re never getting a winner as good as Bianca, and a season as good as Season 6 of Drag Race, and I’m at peace with that.

Bianca is the living embodiment of C.U.N.T. She’s charismatic as all hell, unique and unlike any other queen, can and will read a bitch whenever she gets the chance to, and she’s out-of-this-world talented.

She sailed through her season, never landing in the bottom 3. Just like Bob, everyone knew Bianca was going to win the moment she walked in, but nobody cared because it just felt right.

It felt right.

[wazafam]

For the past five years, the residents of Bravo's Summer House have invaded the easternmost tip of Long Island, NY to escape the hustle and bustle of work-week Manhattan. In season 5, filmed during the pandemic, they're sequestering together for the whole summer, amping up the tension and heightening the outbursts.

RELATED: Summer House: Where To Find The Cast On Instagram (Season 5)

Since the reality show premiered in 2017, the cast has changed some, but the drama has remained the same. Of course, a number of these up-and-coming professionals stand out from the rest, if only to prove that even with youth and beauty, the struggle can still be real.

10 Luke Gulbranson

He may be the worst of the best, but Luke brought inter-house dating/two-timing into the mix as well as an argument that was one tequila shot away from turning into a brawl. OG cast member Kyle Cooke took umbrage with the Northern Minnesota native's treatment of women, as he'd been playing both Hannah Berner and newbie Ciara Miller. (Ciara didn't take the bait, but Hannah fell hook, line, and sinker.)

The thing is though, Luke is a working actor, most recently appearing alongside Kaley Cuoco in HBO Max's The Flight Attendant, so it's hard to know if his cad-like behavior is genuine or if he's "auditioning."

9 Lauren Wirkus

The now married (since June of 2020 as well as expecting) identical twin of Ashley, brought the confidence of a person who knew someone always had her back. Housemate Carl Radke had no chance when he was in a relationship with Lauren because when they'd have a fight, he'd end up being double-teamed by the Wirkus Circus.

She left the series after season 2, but while Lauren was in the house, she made her presence known, such as when she smashed a cake in Carl's face, or in season 2 when Lauren stepped back and gave the floor to Ashley who smashed a watermelon on it to make known their twin anger at Carl.

8 Stephen McGee

Thus far the only representative of the LGBTQ community, he brought attention to the struggle of trying to balance living his life as an openly gay man (dating Travis) and getting along with his conservative southern family.

In seasons 1 & 2, the event planner was a bit of a pot-stirrer. Giving off a very nice and almost innocent vibe, Stephen appeared to be someone to whom people felt safe in confiding. However, he'd turn around and expose those secrets the minute he felt left out or angered, such as when Stephen got fed up with Carl's treatment of BFF Lauren and revealed Carl's little-known same-sex romantic encounter.

7 Ciara Miller

As with The Real Housewives of New York, Bravo rightly decided it was time to add a POC to the all-white cast. The Atlanta native was introduced as a friend of Luke's, but because of her confidence, broke free of the association and created her own identity and friendships.

RELATED: Summer House: Ciara Miller's Age, Net Worth, Instagram, Job & More

Ciara, although a part-time model, brings a bit of gravitas to the show via her profession as an ICU nurse who was on the frontline of the COVID-19 relief efforts. Because she likely saw real-life drama in her professional life, she doesn't need it in her personal life, keeping her head while those around her are losing theirs.

6 Paige DeSorbo

The native New Yorker and fashion influencer (her bedroom at the summer house looks like a giant walk-in closet) has emerged from the crowd as the voice of reason, and like Ciara has managed to stay above the fray, presumably because she has a non-cast member boyfriend, Perry, hence no on-premises entanglements.

Paige has also evolved into the role of in-house counsel/therapist, intervening to advise, negotiate and point out when there's enough blame to go around. Because no one is perfect, she's been known to stir the pot when someone gets on her bad side.

5 Amanda Batula

When we first met Amanda she was Kyle's beleaguered girlfriend. Even though they were in a committed relationship, he saw no reason to stop seeing other women--especially after drinking too much, which seemed to be every waking moment of the weekend.

Because of that, the guest-cum-cast member had chronic Resting Cry Face, as she often screamed at him. But there's nothing like a long-awaited engagement ring to say all's forgiven. Amanda is very self-assured in her relationship, coming to Kyle's defense against anyone who "comes after my man," and recently left her full-time position as a graphic designer to become the Creative, Branding and Marketing head of Loverboy, a hard teas and craft cocktails venture started by Kyle. Their wedding has been postponed more than once.

4 Hannah Berner

No one can take a conversation from zero to 60 like this roommate. The podcast host (Berning in Hell and the new Giggly Squad with pal Paige) is the epitome of free-spiritedness and has made no secret that she's not just looking for love but looking to be loved. Perhaps now that, on season 5, Hannah has gotten over Luke by getting under new guy (now fiance) Des Bishop, she will calm down.

Unfortunately, this co-host of Bravo's Chat Room is often hard to like because she constantly starts fights--especially with Kyle. The phrase "hurt people, hurt people" comes to mind when it comes to this young woman who, even when smiling, seems rather sad.

3 Carl Radke

They say life doesn't give you more than you can handle. If this is true, then Carl can handle a lot. His brother passed away, his parents' marriage failed and left his mother devastated and using her son as her sounding board, and the sales professional lost his job. On top of all that he had to come to terms with his escalated drinking. Those who recall his earlier season relationship with Lauren, and more recently with current housemates Paige and Lindsay Hubbard, know that as a boyfriend, it'll be awhile before he's ready to settle down.

RELATED: Summer House: Why Some Fans Aren't Happy That Carl Radke Quit Alcohol

Although Carl seems determined to get his life under control, beginning with his position working for Kyle running Sales and Business Development for Loverboy, there is a deep emotion that could be construed as anger under the surface, evidenced by the fight between Kyle and Luke, which had bystander Carl the first to lunge at Luke fist raised.

2 Lindsay Hubbard

Piece of work is a phrase that comes to mind when talking about this blonde bombshell with brains to match. Lindsay is ambitious and business-savvy, and not one to hold back when something's on her mind. She's at once an older sister/advisor to the house's younger female squad, yet when it comes to romance needs a mentor of her own.

Over the seasons we've seen this alpha female have the same confrontation with former cast member/lover Everett, current cast mate/former lover Carl, and current boyfriend Stephen that goes something like: "You should kiss the ground I walk on; You should only focus on me; You should make 'me' a sandwich." There's a fine line between having high standards as to how you want to be treated and wanting to be treated like a Disney Princess. Lindsay seems to be standing on it.

1 Kyle Cooke

This guy is the gift that keeps on giving. The hard-partying entrepreneur has kept it interesting from the pilot by always finding a way to make it all about him. The quintessential Peter Pan, the 38-year-old is everybody's big brother, yet can be the most immature person in the room, unaware that his frat boy days are behind him.

Kyle seems to be one of those people who cannot be confined, hence he chooses to accept the risk of being an entrepreneur rather than work a 9-to-5, and why it took awhile to remain loyal to Amanda, whom he proposed to in season 3 (2019). The couple has yet to marry, citing the global health pandemic as the reason. Although this was probably a factor, Amanda might secretly suspect what viewers have known all along: she might want to wait until Kyle grows up.

NEXT: Winter House: How The Reality Show Will Be Different From Summer House

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