#his diversity in roles is insane

[veriken]

ROWOON | EXTRAORDINARY YOU | EP.4

[rawliverandgoronspice]

anyways, still deeply invested into my read of Ganondorf being an immense bully to children partially because, in a way, he rationalizes that putting children through the grinder is baaaasically kind of helping them to grow up faster, in a throwing you into the river to teach you how to swim kind of way, and if they can't handle the grinder, they were weak and it's on them and they can either suck it up and try harder, or get wrecked and die

and obviously that says absolutely nothing about how his own upbringing may have been handled, right twinrova, nor anything about how he may have buried a profound bitterness about the fact he was never really allowed a childhood of his own, and it's not fair others, especially hylians, get to spend their own carefree.

of course not.

[nolongerexistingsadcatface]

Ok yes America hating the cold is funny (eh) BUT. have you considered that I like the imagery of an America sitting alone in the forest in the bleak mid-winter landscape of an east coast woods, all alone in both body and mind, agonizing over her seeming doom to be stuck in the throes of loneliness for all eternity?

[oshygoshy]

what instruments hq characters would play in a regular concert band setting (coming from an unbiased! fair! reasonable! flute player)

word count - 1,728 words

warnings - none besides band kid energy :( also no proofread

a/n - in honor of marching season starting again. thank god i'm never doing that again, but hopefully i can nail my upcoming audition!! i am NOT open to discussion and critiques btw my word is absolute law. (lol just jokes and if you have any suggestions to add pls let me know i will happily add them in)

picc/flute - usually the best behaved kids (force of habit bc they sit next to the conductor so they have to be on their best behavior). for the most part pretty nice, but they definitely are the biggest gossipers...WILL talk abt anything and everything. from the weather to the crazy ex that your stand partner blocked but can't shut up abt. there's always someone in the section who just has everything in their bag - gum (which we can't even chew in band??), hand sanitizer, vaseline, aquaphor, lotion, etc. definitely the most blind and deaf group bc of how out of tune we always are, and how many ledger lines are in the music. usually chill for the most part, but there's always That One Player that is way to snotty and stuck up abt band like bro chill out u don't need to be so competitive. chaotic good. 

SUGA and is able to talk some mad shit and is highkey deaf (same) but is a wonderful role model for the younger section members. SUNAAA this mf is always on his phone in rehearsal and gets in trouble for it,  shirabu💀💀 takes chair auditions way too seriously and side eyes his stand partner too much 

clarinet - section that has the most amount of stereotypical "band kids" but honestly pretty nice. most of them are hard workers and studious? competition is pretty tough in such a huge section so they are kinda tryhards. not too introverted but not like super loud or anything. a really "in the middle" section i would say, and def one of the most diverse sections bc it has so many members in it. firsts definitely are  always on their a game in terms of music and academics, but the further back u go in rows, the more chatty and chaotic they get. neutral good. 

tsukki and yams omfg..tsukki is def clarinet 1 and yams clarinet 2 (but grinding so he can sit next to tsukki next year), maddog (ok doesn't really fit at all but i think it's hilarious imaging him as clarinet), yahaba (which does fit), kunimi, futakuchi (and those 4 whisper so much in the back), aran BUT i feel like he plays sax for jazz and prefers sax more, would play sax in concert too but competition is STIFF so just plays clarinet, kenma and he's in the back and super unassuming, always on his phone playing a game in between reps, komori and he's first clarinet and is perfect and the conductor loves him 

double reeds (bassoon, oboe, eng horn, i'm putting bari clarinet in here except i don't think it's technically a double reed) - SOOO KIND AND STUDIOUS AND PRETTY. everyone wants to be them or their friend. i've literally never had a band interaction with anyone from the double reed section. always appreciate any gossip, and since they're friends with so many ppl, they kinda know everyone's business but they keep it to themselves. also highkey cracked at their instruments for no reason like there is not that much competition in a regular band, they're just sexy like that. lawful good. 

asahi (bari clari) (also always underestimates how much air it takes to play contra and hates it), YACCHI (oboe), kiyoko (bassoon, sits next to yacchi and they're constantly exchanging gossip with each other in between reps), akaashi (bassoon, literally in the center of band and everyone can look at him and get a crush) 

saxes (soprano [does anyone even like playing the metal clarinet let's be fr], alto, tenor, bari) - ok if you're good at the sax you're INSANELY. GOOD. it's so competitive bc there's so few spots in a concert band setting so if you want to get a high chair placement u gotta grind ur ass off. definitely some of the biggest try hards in the band, even moreso than the clarinets, and also academically they're like always in all advanced classes and shit for no reason. lowkey kind of cocky and full of themselves but u kinda let it slide bc they're so insanely good it's kinda warranted yk? pretty introverted and keep to themselves, but never exclude anyone. lowkey has the most rizz out of all the sections, but they don't try to be charismatic they just kinda are and everyone kinda hates them for it. lawful neutral. 

kuroo...he gives such alto vibes sorry for the slander. i feel like yaku too bc they're constantly competing with each other? maybe bari? lol the instrument is like as big as him. kai is the chill tenor in between them that try's to break up verbal fights before the conductor notices, DAISHOU him and kuroo has been competing for first chair since 5th grade

trumpet - convinced they're the main character (they have repeating staccato 8th notes) like PLS lower ur volume. kinda cocky but this time it isn't warranted bc they're not as good as the saxes. firsts are CONSTANTLY trying to see who can go higher during warmups and it pisses everyone else off but we all reluctantly tolerate their presence...bc when they DO have the melody they kinda slay (albeit a bit sharp). pretty extroverted and nice with such enjoyable energy like u kinda can't help but become friends with at least some of them. when the rest of the concert band first saw the jazz band play, everyone kind of got a small crush on the lead trumpet player bc he was that good (hahah not me nooo never aha). neutral chaotic. 

hinata...except this time he is the main character. inuoka, miya atsumu, oikawa!! technically he should be in the next section with kags, but oikawa fits trump jazz lead too much (also never made all state...sorry not sorry), mattsun and hanamaki and they're the biggest chatters (the conductor hates them), BOKUTO he's so loud but we all love him, hoshiumi

french horn - the It Girl of the band. horn is one of if not the hardest wind instruments to learn. a sharp learning curve fs, but a good horn player is GOOD. insanely freaking good. and also critical in any concert setting and has such a beautiful sound when played correctly. when not played well though...since there's so few horns already in a band, it's really hard to let others in ur section carry you. so if you're not good...everyone can kinda tell. thing is, saxophone is different bc there's so few chairs, but it's at least an easy instrument to play (hard to get good at tho) but horn is just hard period. get grinding or face the embarrassment. tbh kinda secluded, really only talked amongst themselves and the saxes bc they had similar parts and sat next to each other. i never once interacted with a horn player. neutral good.

kageyama (except he's good duh), sakusa (also very good), hirugami (he never looks happy whenever he gets solos tho and nobody knows why..?)

trombone - oh dear...ok i lied THEYRE the most band kid-ish of all the band kids, not the clarinets. pretty nice and funny, loud and never shut up like the trumpets and they get away with it bc they sit in the last row. not bad people at all, they just kinda act like ur younger siblings sometimes, not like kids in ur age range. not as charming as the trumpets, but instead have this childlike innocence to them so u just wanna pinch their cheeks or something. pitch is a huge issue, and anything rhythmically harder than like a couple 16ths and they can't tongue it clearly, but u applaud them for trying. chaotic chaotic. 

koganegawa, TANAKA AND NOYA AS STAND PARTNERS OMG they're constantly disturbing the rehearsals bc they laugh too loud, yamamoto, lev 

euph/tuba - technically 2 different instruments i know, but i'm running out of ideas and combined their section total is like 5 ok cut me some slack. actually so sweet and nice, they have no enemies like the double reeds, but this time they're like isolated in the back row :( so they kinda only talk with each other and sometimes the trombones. even tho they also sit in the back the most they do is whisper quietly amongst themselves, WHEN THE CONDUCTOR ISNT TALKING TO THEM. bless their hearts. theyre always in the background of every piece, and a regular audience member doesn't really notice them, but anyone who plays an instrument knows they're the most important part of the band. always the root of the chord, almost always keep the pulse with quarter or eighths, everyone tunes to the tuba. classic, standard, we love them. i fear one day they're going to absolutely snap and go crazy tho bc at the end of the day, they're still a brass player sitting all the way in the back, which is a lawless land. lawful chaotic. 

daichi, ushijima, kita, aone (it's just the unassuming defensive players lol), miya osamu!! always ready to fight his brother right before a concert

percussion - what...goes on back there? nobody's quite sure, except for them and the occasional trombone player sitting in front of them. they're constantly running around trying to get to their instruments in time, and they always make it somehow. always the tightest sections rhythmically, i swear they can sight read anything perfectly and have it performance ready by the 2nd day. friendly with everyone else, but they're lowkey like a cult bc they spend so much time together with drumline camp, band camp, etc. by far the crowd favorite during parades, pep rallies, etc. but they never let it go to their heads. always have matching section shirts and hats and whatnot on dress up days and it's so cute, but their hats are always crazy like giant squid plushies and ikea bucket hats and whatnot. neutral chaotic everyoje loves them for it.

tendou (he has the squid hat) (also nobody believes him when he says he doesn't know how to read rhythms but it's true, he highkey doesn't know how to subdivide and guesses everything but is always pretty accurate), iwa (he goes shirtless in band camp and everyone is audibly drooling), semi (on drumkit for jazz but also does concert to keep his rhythms sharp), ofc jack of all trades, master of none konoha since u have to play so many different instruments

[gloomwitchwrites]

141 as Dark Brotherhood members?👀

I'm playing through the quest line and this just popped into my head😅

OKAY. OKAY OKAY OKAY. You're making me insane with this. Do you understand?? Firstly, the Dark Brotherhood, Thieves Guild, and Dragonborn quest lines are some of my favorite in the entire game.

I'm going to answer this in two ways. The first, members of 141 as actual members of the Dark Brotherhood. So, like who would be who. And the second, them as individuals within the Brotherhood and what their roles would be.

As characters:

John Price: Arnbjorn (it's the old man energy)

Simon "Ghost" Riley: Gabriella (it's the sarcasm, pet spider, and knife play)

John "Soap" MacTavish: Babette (it's the energy, and the alchemy-brewing potions and explosives)

Kyle "Gaz" Garrick: Veezara (it's the willingness to help other teammates)

As members (general):

John Price: not the leader (let's be real here; Laswell is Astrid and Astrid is Laswell minus the betrayal bit). He just spends all his time herding the newbies and corralling those already initiated.

Simon "Ghost" Riley: he's the one you want to go to hone your knife-throwing skills. His kills are always quick and quiet.

John "Soap" MacTavish: gives lots of unsolicited advice, fairly friendly to new members, and is always willing to create fiery diversions.

Kyle "Gaz" Garrick: he's the one you go to for contracts. In the beginning, he wishes you luck but doesn't think you'll make much for yourself. Warms up to you once you bring in money.

[artsimpourtzi]

Whats your take?

1. A supporting role is not lesser than a lead role. They fulfill different functions in a story, but they are both necessary. And from an actor’s perspective, there’s a reason why character actors are generally revered.

All that to say, I don’t understand why anyone being offered a supporting role is taken as a slight.

2. Nolan usually centers his movies on white people, that’s a fact. You could make the case that various roles in his movies as written did not mandate a white lead, and I agree, but given we have zero context as to the current story I just can’t make that judgment. Let alone the wider discussion of whether it’s that simple to cast a POC in a role without any changes to the story, especially if that story is rooted in current or past reality and not a sci-fi setting (and even there, there is the matter of what is serving as inspiration - see dune).

What I won’t criticize is the stories he chooses to tell, because I find it much worse when white creators try to tell stories they’re clearly not equipped to tell. The issue is to make space and opportunities for creators of more diverse backgrounds, not for white creators to suck the life out of stories that are not their own. If someone proves they can, that’s awesome, but we can agree that many cases have proven they weren’t up to the task.

3. Being offended on behalf of someone who clearly doesn’t see a problem will always be baffling to me. Z (and Lupita though for different reasons and perhaps not to the same degree) are at a level that they have the option to do whatever they want. Treating those choices as something they had to accept because they don’t have options but is probably not what they want is insane.

[brokenheartedtheologian]

Reviews of all 8 Bridgerton Books (contains spoilers)

The TV show has more dramatic subplots and diversity, but the books have more emotional realism.

The Duke and I (Daphne's Story): In the TV series, Simon's choice to deny Daphne children (even to the point of being willing to die in a duel to avoid having kids) seems arbitrary, pointless, and dickish. In the book series, where you can get more inside the main character's heads, it all makes sense. His real fear is repeating the cycle of trauma and abusing his children the way his father abused him. Daphne convinces him he will be kind and loving to a stuttering child should he ever have one, and that's how the business gets resolved. This is the most touching scene of the book, and it's a crime they left it out of the TV series.

The Viscount Who Loved Me (Anthony's Story): Surprisingly, the TV series dealt with Anthony's dead dad trauma more meaningfully than the book did! The book mostly dwells on Anthony's illogical conviction that he will die before he grows older than his father. Whereas the TV show vividly depicts how traumatized he was by his mother's grief and how he was thrust into the role of parenting his siblings and his mother. In the TV show, Anthony's fear of love makes way more sense, as he associates true love with the insane grief and depression his mother experienced. In the book, that is just much less clear. However, I give the book points for keeping the relationship between Kate and her sister completely loving and drama-free, with no rivalry over Anthony (I'm not a big fan of altar-dumping scenes or pitting women against each other).

An Offer from a Gentleman (Benedict's Story): This was my least favorite book in the series by far, it's a retelling of Cinderella (never my favorite fairytale) with Benedict as Prince Charming. But Benedict pressures Sophie/Cinderella to become his mistress in some rather rape-y ways before they get to the happy ending. It makes Benedict utterly unlikeable. This is the only book in the series to deal with themes of class, since Sophie is a bastard who works as a housemaid due to her evil stepmother (which is why Benedict thinks she is mistress rather than wife material). The the way the book deals with class themes in profoundly unsatisfying, since they never critique the actual injustice of the class system, and in the end Sophie is only able to marry Benedict due to the big reveal of her having aristocratic blood from the wrong side of the sheets. This book is trash. I would burn it, and I just hope the TV series find a way to redeem this horrible story by replacing classist rapist Benedict with the fun bisexual polyamorous Benedict we've seen earlier in the TV series.

Romancing Mr. Bridgerton (Colin's Story): The TV series created reasons for Colin to have legitimate beef against Lady Whistledown, which are simply not part of the book series. So when Colin discovers Lady Whistledown's identity in the books, the only thing he has to navigate is the jealousy he has about her being a better writer than him. This jealousy he overcomes relatively quickly, and he makes a grand announcement as a supportive gesture which is even more romantic than his behavior in the TV series. Their character development arcs seem more natural without the extra drama the TV show inserts for the sake of suspense. I love Colin x Penelope so much, I like their story slightly more in the books, but the sexy actors of course add a lot to the story with their acting skills, so it's maybe a tie?

To Sir Phillip, With Love (Eloise's Story): I had a love-hate relationship with this book. Love: their courtship starting with letters. Hate: The letters seem to just cover trivial things so it's unclear where the attraction is coming from. Love: Eloise running off to meet him in person after exchanging letters a year (olden-times online dating). Hate: Sir Phillip making occasional misogynist comments and Eloise (bewilderingly) not caring. Love: Sir Phillip recovering from the trauma of having his wife be severely depressed for years and then commit suicide. Hate: Eloise rushing into a relationship hastily with a severely traumatized man with red flags, just because he is sexy. Love: The relationship between Eloise and Sir Phillip's children. Hate: Her brothers forcing her to marry him because she was seeing him without a chaperone. (In God's name, why? Why was this a necessary element of the book?! The romance would have felt much better without adding this gratuitous non-consensual element). A+ for second marriage and stepmother themes and D- for Eloise inexplicably losing her feminism and pride (which, to be fair, was more a characteristic of her TV self than her book self). I have no fucking idea how they will adapt it to make it more consistent with Eloise's TV character. But it's cool the TV series did an early intro of Sir Phillip Crane.

When He Was Wicked (Francesca's Story): Francesca's husband dies and four years later she falls in love with her best friend / husband's cousin. They both feel very guilty about the relationship because it feels like cheating (even though it is not cheating because original spouse is dead). Overall, this book feels like a way for us to have sex scenes that indulge our cheating fetish without the emotional strain of actually disapproving of the characters for cheating. The discussion of grief is more shallow than I would have wished. I can't help but wonder if the TV adaptation will remove the death and have the guilt/angst be around polyamorous bisexual relationships. Michaela will be better than Michael I think (Michael verbally abuses his valet, who is clearly terrified of him, every time his love life goes poorly). I personally think if a man abuses his valet, he'll abuse his wife, and find Michael by far the least plausible of the happy endings as a result. I hope the TV series having a female version of him ends up taking away some of the jerkitude.

It's In His Kiss (Hyacinth's Story): Okay, this may be my favorite of the series, though perhaps it is tied with Colin's story because Whistledown reveal. But Hyacinth is definitely my favorite of the siblings, and I love the big deal they make about her being a miniature Lady Danbury. I also adore the mother-daughter relationship stuff in here, how much Violet support's Hyacinth's independence but also encourages her to be vulnerable and take emotional risks. The "you're afraid to flirt with gentlemen you might actually like because that opens you to rejection" speech was chef's kiss!!! I also like the return of the "being free from abusive father" theme we get with the male lead. Abusive fathers was handled even better than it was in Simon/Daphne's story.

On the Way to the Wedding (Gregory's Story): It seems the author is a bit worried we might be getting bored with the regular rounds of sex, kissing, and falling in love, so she throws in some treason and gun fights to spice it up. It feels like a different genre from the other books because of the action drama elements. Still, I'm a fan of the wholesome female friendship and the (finally) satiring the "love at first sight," trope (though she plenty utilized the "love at first sight" trope in Benedict's story, wtf!) It's also fun to see Kate be a matron.

How many grandchildren does Violet Bridgerton end up with? Like a hundred?

Overall Ratings

Colin, Hyacinth: A+ for interpersonal chemistry and helping each other grow as people:

Anthony: A- but would totally be A+ if Anthony was not an unlikeable dick who did not deserve happiness

Daphne, Gregory: B+ for good-hearted Bridgertons helping love interest overcome family/abuse/neglect and personal issues.

Eloise, Francesca: C+ the sex scenes were well written but why would they settle for misogynists. I am not willing to give a pass just because this is period literature

Benedict: F because classism and not bothering with consent is really not sexy and how could you spoil wonderful TV Benedict for me.

Let's hope the TV series removed the problematic bullshit as well as adding the queer and interracial romance! The books do have more emotional realism since they've removed the need for unnecessary drama, but overall, the TV series is winning. What a surprise! I usually like books better than TV.

[eri-pl]

Finwë and Miriel (but the other one)

So, let's start with Miriel. And i don't mean the ?erinde one. I mean Tar-Miriel.

To make my context clear: I have a strong (canon-compatibile, unsure if it's canon-based) assumption that her "marriage" was just political. Whether Ar-Pharazon was evil-but-not-this-kind-of-evil, not into her, or believed that having children decreases a person's lifespan (sounds like something the Numenorians would believe very much)… I don't know, but the result is that he never did anything remotely sexual towards her.

So, tar-Miriel is dethroned, powerless and forced to see her (rightfully hers to rule) country throwing itself into an abbyss, led by a power-hungry madman and his (even more power-hungry) demonic advisor.

What I love about is is that, contrary to other tragic women in the Legendarium, this has nothing to do with her femininity.

This is a tragedy which as well could be written with a king (make the king young and switch the "marriage" to "adoption"...). It has nothing to do with her sexuality, with love, with her as mother and it only formally has things to do with her as a wife.

It's a great fresh thing after Miriel "died in childbirth, marriage issues" Therinde, or Nerdanel "my husband and sons won't listen to me" the Wise (or a lot of other Noldorin wives with the same problem), Andreth "I'm more interested in my 20-year-old heartbreak than with the literally most insane foreshadowing in all the legendarium", and others. Even Morwen has a big part of her tragedy centered around her role as mother.

I'm not saying those are bad writing. But I love to have some variety of what the tragedy is about. And tar-Miriel (at least in my reading) does it. (+ Maybe some other women which I forgot.)

Finwë is the opposite: his whole tragedy is about him as a husband (twice), and as a father, and then he dies helplessly to be grieved by his son. Those are elements common for female characters, I would say. And I love it.

Seriously, there is no single problem, no single event since coming to Aman where Finwë is not in the context of his family. No political opponents to him as the king (unless they have a problem with how he treats his sons). No hobbies (except raising Feanor). Nothing.

Finwë has a lot of "protagonist's mother" energy. Sure, he does have a name (only one though, and it seems a bit like a title), but otherwise he's got no qualities that aren't centered on Feanor. And he dies without dealing any damage to his murderer.

Again, I'm not saying that all, or even many, male characters need to be like this, but it's nice to have diversity.

[spookybluebirdcupcake]

So I'm just getting through more 9-1-1 Lone Star and I wanted to share some of my 9-1-1 related thoughts

(I've watched to the end of season 7 on the main show though I do know some spoilers for season 8) and just at the end of season 2 of Lone Star)

1 (a). I am not a Buddie fan. If it happens like sure I wouldn't HATE it, but I don't want it to happen and my headcanon is that Eddie could actually be ace (I'm ace and I love platonic relationships in media so I'd love to see that!) I also don't hate Buck/Tommy but I am very confused by that episode where Buck spends all his time trying to get Eddie's attention and ends up saying he wants Tommy's and idk their relationship is just weird... my fav Buck relationship was actually with Taylor and I'm kinda mad they didn't last tbh.

1 (b). The writers of this show have no idea how to make characters start relationships. I love Bobby and Athena but the way they got together was so random. Buck and Abbie was a weird storyline/couple. Eddie doesn't know how to talk to women so I'll give them points for being able to use that as to why him getting into a relationship with someone is weird. TK and Carlos also kinda weird how it just sorta happens out of nowhere??? This show just doesn't know how to organically start a couple 😂 I do love the couples once they are established though because they are all just amazing!

2 (a). Judd and Grace are my fav 9-1-1 couple followed closely by Chim and Maddie. The difference is Chim carries Maddie but Judd and Grace carry each other... but it is also kinda fair given Maddie's trauma that she would need a bit more help. Chim is still a saint though. He was my first favourite character when watching season 1.

2 (b). The Boston episode and the Saving Grace episodes are 2 of my favs that focus on those couples and I feel like i haven't seen either of them get as much love as they should.

3. Eddie is my fav character and I am not even slightly sorry about the amount of posts I have in my queue of him 😂

4. Characters I thought I would hate but ended up loving: Eddie, Judd, and Mateo. I did start the main show being very frustrated by Hen - they did her dirty to begin with - but I never actually disliked her. I never liked Abbie and I was glad she didn't stick around - replacing her role in the show with Maddie was the best decision they could have made!

5. I miss so many characters that are no longer in there. I want May to come back so badly! And I did hear the actor wasn't a great dude but Michael was such a fun character!

6. The tsunami storyline was the best 3 episodes of 9-1-1 and you will never convince me otherwise. The power outage is in 2nd place though because those episodes were also insane!

7. Seasons 3-5 were the best, 6 and 7 had me losing interest and I'm honestly scared to start season 8 because I don't want it to be as bad as season 7

8. The crossover episode in Lone Star should have been a 3 episode arc and/or I would have loved them to have done more crossovers. I understand why they couldn't/why it wouldn't make sense but I still wish it could have happened.

9. I don't like Lone Star as much as the main show yet, but the end of season 2 has picked up a lot so I really hope it stays at this level! I love the diverse cast and feel like there are so many stories that could be told with these people.

10. Marjan and Eddie would be such a power duo if they worked at the same fire house and I would absolutely have loved to have seen that... I'm not super into fan fiction but I would read the shit outta that! I was so excited for them in the crossover ep but I feel like they weren't given enough time/story to really do anything fun. But I feel like that about all the characters being paired up in that episode which brings me back to number 8 😂

I probably have more I can add to this but that's all I can think of right now..

[stealerofthe2ndbraincell]

I think the funniest thing to me about The Understudy is why the misdirection involved (to me at least) works so well.

It makes such a show of the story it's "retelling" that you really don't notice how different it is until the very end.

(this is a long, tired ramble btw. Underrated episode <3)

A major aspect of Macbeth is how, despite the obvious involvement and influence of the Witches and Lady Macbeth, he is ultimately the one who makes the decision to kill Duncan and continue to act and kill afterwards. He made the active choice to murder.

The Understudy originally presents itself as a "retelling" (?) of the Shakespearean Macbeth story through through a theatre group performing that very play. Jim, as the understudy to Tony's Macbeth, is meant to embody the Macbeth to Tony's King Duncan. Jim even appears to have similar visions/hallucinations throughout (I don't know what to really call those). His fiancée and fellow understudy Laura takes the role of Lady Macbeth (both literally and figuratively).

However, our Jim, unlike Macbeth, never makes that act. He remains pretty passive throughout the whole story.

Everything by the end of Act II seems to suggest that things are going to play out the way of Macbeth. Laura and Jim's situation is established, (their financial position, the upcoming wedding and their desire to take that main lead) and the seed of violence has been planted by Laura, similar to Lady Macbeth herself.

Even Act III seems to follow that narrative, with the "King Duncan" character of Tony (ironically playing Macbeth) being taken down from his role of authority - with Tony having his juice spiked with vodka and unable to perform.

Laura offers Jim the dagger, now being seen as bloody by Jim....

....And he doesn't take it. He doesn't do anything and eventually Tony takes it back

Jim soon gets another opportunity to take the lead and make Tony rest, as encouraged by Laura. Once again, Jim panics, refuses to act, which lets Tony go back on stage (although that does lead to Tony's ultimate downfall).

This rejection of the spotlight, despite wanting it, is an active diversion from the original Macbeth story. Although his lack of action does mean Tony is put out of commission, he never actually makes the conscious decision to harm him unlike Macbeth.

This consistent passivity of his also keeps that point of conflict between him and Laura's own ambition, which includes possibly my favourite interaction in the episode.

"I'm there if they want me"

"What!? Stuck in the corner of the room, like a television on standby?"

"Yes."

Jim is essentially the anti-Macbeth. Whereas Macbeth seems to want more than what he already has, Jim is not only seen as much lower in that social area than Macbeth ever was, but he is content that way. He wants the lead role Tony has, but also has zero want to push for it, especially not as much as Laura would want from him.

Then the scene cuts and Tony, too injured to perform, is replaced by Jim. His understudy gets the lead. Macbeth takes the crown from Duncan. And he never did anything to get it.

The closest Jim ever does to making an active choice is rejecting dinner with Laura (admittedly in a pretty prick-ish way but still), before thanking her for getting him the role in the first place implying he thought she caused Tony's accident, which is an opinion he openly states near the end.

In his version of the story, Lady Macbeth is the one that killed Duncan. Or at least that's what Jim believes.

Up to the final act, whilst there have been these cracks here and there, the episode still seemingly follows the Macbeth narrative structure.

Then Kirstie gets involved at the very end and any pretense is dropped entirely.

(side note: this whole final scene is such an underrated unnerving bit. Rosie Cavaliero is insanely good)

Arguably, although the notion of it being a direct Macbeth retelling is destroyed by now, Jim learning about Laura's suicide seems to parallel the scene where Macbeth is informed of his wife's suicide also (even though Laura and Jim were no longer together, which may parallel the emotional distance between Lady Macbeth and Macbeth at that point in the play). However, once again, our Macbeth doesn't act. Kirstie says her piece, reveals she stole Laura's ring, kisses him, leaves and all Jim really does is go back on stage.

I should note that, although this scene is Kirstie casually confessing to her involvement throughout the timeline of this episode, she isn't a fully reliable source of information.

A way this can be seen is through how she seems to speak for both Laura after her death and for Jim.

"Looking after Tony is the price I pay for what I did. Just as Laura's death is the price you pay".

"That was nothing to do with me"

"I know it wasn't. Your career had to come first. You told her that"

Jim never did that. That whole previous scene was pretty douche-y of him but by the end he clearly shows the appreciation for what he thought Laura did for him - getting him this role.

Whilst we can't be sure that Kirstie is referring to the scene just beforehand (as they seem to have broken up between scenes), judging by the content of that scene and the lack of immediate animosity from Jim in regards to Laura throughout that scene and how unaware he was of her fate, I doubt what Kirstie says is true.

Kirstie not only assumes Laura's motivations and speaks for her but she places the responsibility on him for his inaction on the same level as own active choice to harm Tony.

Essentially, Jim's lack of action being unlike the point of Macbeth as an underrated bit of foreshadowing for how The Understudy diverts from and completely flips the Macbeth play on it's head, but the obvious parallels in character and story beat act as a good misdirection from this.

(One question I do have is what is up Jim? His visions, which only occur when he seems to picture himself in the role of Macbeth, don't amount to a conclusion besides that misdirection and expanding on his own anxieties about taking up the lead role. But, in the context of the episode itself, what was up with that?)

[geminison]

modern-ish things I would like to show dishonored characters

I got inspired by this lovely post by @dogg-teethh and kinda made my own thing but with dishonored protagonists and some side characters so, low and behold

Daud

blues music in general, he would enjoy brooding while listening, and Fleetwood Mac

thriller movies, can't abide the mysteries so would be glued to the screen until the very end. would get mad if it ends on unexplainable cliffhanger

radio dramas, something to fill the silence while doing paperwork

antidepressants, no comments

rope bondage, but not in a sexual way (yeah, I've seen it in ff and thought, yep, seems like his thing)

Corvo

90s fashion, a bit awkward but appealing somehow?

David Bowie, that's so specific? complex and diverse but funky

takeout food, he doesn't really cook, has terrible eating behavior and just plainly starvs when there no food around, so that would be helpful

absurdism, whole "acceptance without humility" thing? i dunno

Lord of the Rings, a small hero with a great burden and greater stakes, it would resonate

Emily

punk rock, 80s pop, industrial and Corvo would also show her "Rebel Rebel", she would vibe with it

Satoshi Kon's movies, great female characters and a bit of insanity

comics, variety of styles and stories to tell! she did enjoy drawing while she was younger, maybe it would inspire her to pick a pencil again

asian cuisine, a lot of different flavours, I wonder how she would like it

marine biology, so much info about whales and other weird ocean creatures, again little Emily would be so happy

headphones, she would feel even cooler while jumping from one roof to another and kicking asses

Billie

airplanes, speed, freedom and views! you are already a captain of the ship, time to tame the sky!

anarchism, yeah, fuck the government!

family therapy, grab your old man by the hand and fucking go, you need it, it wouldn't be easy but please

Killing Eve

heavy metal music and jazz, Emily and Corvo approve. Daud, well, tolerates, it's a bit too much for him

Outsider

video games, all kinds of it!

DnD, especially GM role, you don't have to be a god to feel a little bit like one, and he also has this dramatic side it would def suite him

sci-fi and horror genres

techno, ambient and modern classical music

programming and hacking, he's a nosy young man, he'd like to know all your secrets, and it's just fun ehehe

Delilah

big fashion shows for stylish and powerful lady

therapy, again, no comments

expensive cars that people own and don't drive

Florence + the Machine and MARINA

iPad, Apple pencil and some software for drawing digitally

social media

[destinyc1020]

can we even put tom and timothee in the same category though, I feel like there very different and I feel timothee has now found the perfect balance which I feel tom really hasnt

Tom can bring people to theatres and insanely popular like r+j sold out within two hours and of course spiderman but outside of spiderman the quality of the projects are more miss than they are hit and really struggles with finding good scripts or working with directors. Timothee while a vastly different journey and its not until recently he found blockbuster success hes no doubt a draw while simulataneoulsy still working on quality projects and working with the best directors and also having found a ton of success in independent film world even something like bones and all while finacially poor I would say the genre is more to blame at least it was a good movie, with great performances and critically successful whereas cherry and chaos walking were bombs but horrendously awful films.

I feel timmy has found the perfect balance and knows how to pick roles that suit him whereas tom is financially successful but a little iffy if his name attracts the best directors or stars tbh.

Though I do think his move to theatre is great perfect for him especially a well known play like r+j and jamie llyod and a opportunity tp hone your craft.

Ohhhh....here we go yet again....

*Checks date on Calendar*

Yup.... Every 10 days, I swear....we get SOME variation of the usual "Worried about Tom's Career" ask.

🤦🏾‍♀️

Anon, I think you and other fans who constantly worry about Tom's career need to realize that actors all have different journeys in the industry. Every actor doesn't have to do EXACTLY what their acting peer is doing, nor do they have to have the same exact path?? 🥴

whereas cherry and chaos walking were bombs but horrendously awful films.

HOLD UP..... Now, I'll give you "Chaos Walking" (which...in Tom's defense, was supposed to be released YEARS before it actually came out, and he signed on to that project early in his career), BUT "Cherry"?? 🥴 I don't care what anyone says, "Cherry" was NOT an "horrendously awful" film. Was it maybe not your cup of tea? Okay... sure. Was the narration throughout the film unnecessary? Okay....yes. But let's get REAL here. Both Tom and Ciara acted their butts off in that film. I feel like Tom really transformed himself in that film, and played a drug addict extremely WELL. That was the first film where I was like: "Geez man...you're an AWESOME actor!" That car scene!?? Like, come on. That was peak acting right there.

I feel timmy has found the perfect balance and knows how to pick roles that suit him whereas tom is financially successful but a little iffy if his name attracts the best directors or stars tbh.

Tom has worked with awesome directors. He's about to work with Paul King on the FA biopic, JUST like Timmy worked with him on "Wonka". Tom has also worked with Akiva Goldsman on TCR who's also famously known for films such as "A Beautiful Mind", "The Da Vinci Code", "A Time to Kill".....all AWESOME films.

How come it is, when Timmy does something, it's amazing, but when Tom does the very same thing, it's: "Idk...kinda iffy!" 🤔

Some of you all are letting Film Twitter run your minds instead of thinking for yourselves.

Have I liked EVERY single project that Tom has chosen to do? No... Not necessarily.... But I would put Tom's diverse filmography over Timothee's at the current moment, because Tom has at least shown me that he can play a wide range of characters and roles. He's gone from Arvin in TDATT, to Ian Lightfoot in "Onward".

Timmy is a decent actor (don't get me wrong!), and he's done great work over the years... But Tom has done more DIVERSE work imo. Timmy is just now starting to branch out and do blockbusters, children's films, etc (things that Tom has already been doing for years).... Just saying! 🤷🏾‍♀️

Actors don't have to follow one set path. They can go in and out from whatever filming roles they wish. Tom doesn't have to follow the same path as Timmy or any other actor out here. Most actors just focus on their OWN work, and admire the work of others that they personally appreciate. But it's not some competition.

I definitely think Timmy getting nominated for an Oscar at such a young age definitely put his name on the map for a lot of directors and such. Just being nominated for massive awards helps a LOT. You don't even have to win.

One day, Tom will be accepting an award for "Best Actor", and he will have all of Film Twitter eating their words.

I personally can't wait for that day lol 😊

[aliusfrater]

didn't talk about 6.02 a whole lot in my post about souless!sam's car but i just rewatched some of it and it's making me insane. so. dean's usage of sam's car can also be connected to the narrative's synonymy of masculinity and hunting. if to not hunt is narratively portrayed as a divergence from masculinity then the motherly role dean takes on when taking care of the shapeshifter baby sam had picked up on his hunt is evident of his diverging role from a patriarch within his and sam's relationship, which is inherently identifiable with hunting, and is both connected to, as well as facilities sam's own diversion from his non-role within the structure. when sam's new relationship with hunting, which narratively changes his perceivable masculinity, is considered along with dean's presently more liminal relationship with hunting, the push and pull factors relating to their comparative differences in masculinity is what facilitates the patriarchal structural shift within this episode. and this does ultimately become evidence for sam's soullessness (less so for dean and more so for the audience) and is encapsulated within the metaphorical representation of sam having his own car.

dean's liminality as represented by his conflict about beginning to hunt again is also a super important topic to me because it's something that had been previously represented in sam only. it's a large part of my interpretation of sam within this allegorical patriarchal structure and is, i think, largely responsible for his non-role as narratively portrayed within his more nuanced masculinity—a large part of this nuance being both the dynamics of sam and dean's codependency as well as sam's more personal push-and-pull relationship with hunting. it's very crucial to note that this aspect of sam's relationship with hunting and its implications originates from the apprehension to hunting that's presented within his very first episode after his period of clarity from everything that hunting represents—the cycle of abuse, sam and dean's codependency, familial rot—while at college and while in a relationship with jessica. the same is mirrored within dean's year off hunting within suburbia; this is his version of sam's time at stanford and there are even explicit rejections of the cycle of abuse ("[...] but my dad was exactly like this. all the time. it's scaring the hell out of me.") that thematically mirrors sam's rejection of these parts of what hunting represents with his independence. sam's own helping along in getting dean to realise how his actions in trying to keep his family safe are simply facilitating said cycles also point to sam's contextually soulless rejection of his and dean's codependency; he stresses the inherent inability to keep the family dean has while hunting or having the mental state of one with the overarching episodic connotation that dean cannot remain within this liminality, that he has to choose between suburbia and hunting:

it's also important to note that, in the end, it's lisa that pushes dean back into the life, just as it was jessica's death that had thrown sam back into hunting.

[brookly1469]

FOR ALL DOUGH HATERS

Dough from Inanimate Insanity might not be the flashiest character in the animated series, but to dismiss him as the "worst character" overlooks his subtle charm and unique contributions to the show. Let's dive into why Dough deserves more credit than he typically receives.

Firstly, Dough’s appearance is distinct yet simple, embodying a tan ball of cookie and pizza dough. His squishy texture and messy nature give him a tactile and somewhat endearing quality. Despite his basic appearance, Dough manages to stand out through his interactions and role within the Grand Slams team.

In terms of personality, Dough is often portrayed as bland and apathetic, contrasting sharply with his alleged sister, Bow, who exudes enthusiasm. This stark contrast, however, is precisely what makes Dough an intriguing character. While he may appear dull at first glance, his penchant for rhyming and his tendency to mimic Bow’s actions add layers to his character. His self-awareness of his own pointlessness, especially after his untimely demise by being eaten by Yin-Yang, suggests a deeper contemplation of existential themes within the confines of a cartoon character.

The voice acting by Taylor Grodin also adds depth to Dough’s character, capturing his monotone yet occasionally expressive delivery that reflects his laid-back attitude and occasional moments of introspection. This subtle vocal portrayal complements Dough’s personality, enhancing his role in the narrative rather than detracting from it.

It’s important to note Dough’s development throughout the series. Despite being eliminated early on, his presence as a ghost in Purgatory Mansion keeps him relevant in the storyline. His interactions with other characters, particularly with Bow, continue to influence the dynamics within the show, showcasing his enduring impact beyond his initial elimination.

In terms of fan reception, Dough might not be the most popular character, but he has carved out a niche following among viewers who appreciate his understated humor and unique quirks. His role as a counterpart to Bow and his occasional moments of surprising insight make him a more nuanced character than he’s often given credit for.

Critically, Dough serves as a reminder that every character in a series contributes to its overall fabric. While he may not be the central focus or the most dynamic personality, his presence enriches the ensemble cast and adds diversity to the interactions and storylines.

Ultimately, labeling Dough as the "worst character" overlooks the intentional design choices and narrative contributions that he brings to Inanimate Insanity. His journey from being a contestant to a ghost and his ongoing influence on other characters illustrate his significance within the series’ universe.

In conclusion, Dough’s character in Inanimate Insanity is a testament to the show’s ability to create multifaceted and memorable personalities, even among characters who might initially appear simplistic or unassuming. His role as a quiet observer with occasional bursts of unexpected depth challenges viewers to reconsider what makes a character truly impactful within a narrative framework. Thus, Dough stands as a compelling example of why characters should be judged not solely by their surface traits, but by the layers of complexity and narrative contributions they bring to the story.

[sydneyofalltrades]

okay bc @toooliix can’t let me have peace, y’all get the complete comprehensive dream roles list

(yes this was an old draft FUCK OFF)

trust me this is very long so if you don’t wanna see it just skip it 😭

1. jane doe/penny lamb from ride the cyclone

reasons why i want to play this character:

she’s ghostly and silly and deep

her song is fucking AMAZING

i wanna be a scary baby girliepop doll head

could i play her?: i can sing tbojd effortlessly and i’m a pretty decent actor. i may be poc but what’s that to a doll’s head

what’s stopping me?: i’m a teenager with absolutely no community theater doing this show

2. ricky potts from ride the cyclone

reasons why i want to play this character:

HE IS LITERALLY GENDER?? LOOK AT HIM

singing space age bachelor man every night would definitely heal some gender dysphoria i have

he’s a scrunkly goober who wears a super sparkly costume

i am genuinely an irl ricky (without the disability)

could i play him?: i can sing space age bachelor man and i’m masculine enough?

what’s stopping me?: afab and not physically disabled (i’m neurodivergent but no physical disability and i would never want to mischaracterize him)

3. noel gruber from ride the cyclone:

reasons why i want to play this character:

he is. my favorite.

he and i are lost souls

gender?? like hello??

could i play him?: i can sing his song and act his part. but i have very little confidence in my gender fluidity

what’s stopping me?: lack of confidence. and also afab

4. veronica sawyer from heathers the musical:

reasons why i want to play this character:

my dream role since i first got into musicals

she makes me feel confident in my own horrible love life and bad decisions

she’s a badass. point blank

could i play her?: DEFINITELY! gimme a day to learn the script and two hours for choreo and i will be ronnie sawyer

what’s stopping me?: lack of practice, money, and genuine resources

5. jason dean from heathers the musical

OKAY HEAR ME OUT

reasons why i want to play this character:

gay gay homosexual gay

genderbent jd means toxic yuri which is always appreciated

a sapphic meant to be yours would genuinely break me so why not be the one to do it?

could i play him?: even with being genderbent, i think i could give it a shot! his insane spiral might be challenging to play out but i love challenges!

what’s stopping me?: afab, lack of genderblind productions, broke as a bitch

6. whizzer brown from falsettos (specifically the 2016 revival)

reasons why i want to play this character:

HIS CONFIDENCE?? makes me skyrocket honestly

andrew rannells. that’s it

honestly would be interested in taking a gender blind take on him

could i play him?: with a binder, proper choreo, and a decent haircut sure! i surprisingly fit in the range and he’s been a dream role forever! i would do the show in the original script because his story is best told the way he is

what’s stopping me?: afab. also not jewish and couldn’t think of mischaracterizing

7. super swing from six the musical

reasons why i want to play this character:

any role in six has been a dream since i was 13! so why not dream bigger and want to cover ALL SIX!

since every queen is so diverse, i wanna have the chance to express myself in them all because honestly that would be phenomenal

in case i must reassure you, i actually can sing. and six the musical is my favorite to sing on occasion so i’m prepared

could i play this role?: in a couple years with a little experience under my belt maybe! super swings are becoming less and less of a need in theater so i’m not sure but one can hope

what’s stopping me?: too young, no super swings in the US

8. christine canigula from be more chill

reasons why i want to play this character:

christine is just like me! a neurodivergent theater lover!

she’s a ball of energy and a ray of sunshine, who wouldn’t want to play her?

i actually see myself in christine, and she’s an independent and kind and funny character i’d like to reshape

could i play her?: um? YES! no script needed, i can just jump right into it without delay, it would be fun and i have her memorized to a t

what’s stopping me?: no experience or opportunities

9. the s.q.u.i.p. from be more chill

another hear me out, y’all

reasons why i want to play this character:

gender. that’s it. it’s so gender

the pitiful children has been my favorite song from bmc the moment i first listened to it, if i could perform it once, it would be a dream

i’m an oldest sibling, i can boss people around without remorse

could i play it?: ALSO YES? lemme learn the five sentences of japanese and i will jump right in without fail. i actually have several of my own thoughts about performing as the s.q.u.i.p.

what’s stopping me?: afab (it looks like keanu reeves and i.. don’t), no experience, probably would be too excited

10. eurydice from hadestown

reasons why i want to play this character:

she’s my comfort character and her songs are so solemn and beautiful

always a pleasure being a leading lady, and having a mainly poc take on a character is always amazing

eurydice is such a complex character and i’d love to portray that

could i play her?: i’m really confident in my abilities! i sang a cover of flowers you can check out here, and it’s always fun getting to sing her lines in my room.

what’s stopping me?: well. money. and lack of experience

and that’s pretty much all of them! so there you have it!

[cellphishthekaiju]

Crackpot Theorycrafting: Prince Orpheus is the son of Gith and Zerthimon

I know I'm quite 'late' putting this out but I needed to let it ruminate for a while longer. To preface, there's very little evidence in Baldur's Gate 3 and even Dungeons & Dragons lore, as a whole about who Orpheus's father/sire was... so this theory is almost entirely conjecture and brainrot.

Don't take it as anything solid, this is just the ramblings of a lunatic with nothing better to do with her time.

Also, (obvious) spoiler warning cause it mainly uses stuff from Baldur's Gate 3's story. Most information is sourced from The Forgotten Realms wiki as it's the most 'decent' source of D&D info for me to find relatively quickly and be accurate.

Anyway, on with the show.

Baldur's Gate 3 establishes some 'certain' things about Orpheus's connection and role within the githyanki lore (and D&D lore) as it is nowadays.

For those who are not in the know, the 'gith' were a slave race to the Illithid Empire but thanks to the strength and collaboration of Gith, Zerthimon and Vlaakith, they fought and gained their independence and brought the Illithid Empire to its knees but were soon wrecked by a civil war, called the Proclamation of Two Skies, that tore the gith race into two distinct factions/culture; the Githyanki (gith who followed Gith and Vlaakith) and the Githzerai (gith who followed Zerthimon).

The first time you meet Orpheus, some interesting things are immediately noticeable about him, starting with the gith himself(ignoring the infernal chains, that's a different story). Orpheus exhibits attire, body art, and a beard that is characteristic of the Githzerai and even his in-game class is that of a Monk (as well as his honor guard). What's this have to do with his relation to Zerthimon?

Githyanki don't look and dress like this and, to be honest, Orpheus's whole 'drip' looks more like Githzerai 5e art than Githyank art.

However, Orpheus identifies himself, quite confidently, as a Githyanki (and BG3 gives further 'evidence' of this through some of the endings, when he departs on a red dragon), so I suspect he never actually spent time with the Githzerai yet has chosen to embody the philosophies of an important role model... which had to be Zerthimon, before the civil war. Very flimsy proof of fatherhood, I know, but it makes sense in my deranged mind.

But Lae'zel says githyanki reproduce asexually. Sure... as far as she knows. We have no real 'facts' if the information Lae'zel was taught (all controlled by Vlaakith, mind you) was right, wrong, or only partially correct. Perhaps they can but if that was their 'primary' form of reproduction, I feel like the githyanki would be nowhere near as diverse-looking people as we see them... but that's just applying logic for the sake of my own headcanon.

Anyway, given that we have no real confirmation of event timelines, I also assume Vlaakith I is the one who imprisoned Orpheus in the Astral Prism after he rebelled against her in retaliation for trading Gith to Tiamat. (a slate inside the prism itself states Vlaakith I was the one who commissioned it's construction and, assumedly, the shackles as well, given their infernal design), which would suggest Orpheus was around/existed before or during the civil war, at least. There's not reason I can think of Vlaakith, any of the Vlaakith's would permit him to persist to threaten her reign plus his useful ability served her greatly.

Well, I hope ya'll enjoyed my insane rambling. If you'd like more, just let me know. I'm always open to suggestions (doesn't even have to be BG3 related).