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kavuyi · 6 years ago

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6th February 2016

Just when I thought it would be all rosy.

Nothing good lasts forever.

Neither does love or peace.

Something always comes up to destroy everything built back to the shambles it was always supposed to be. This is fate. The shambles are all that should be left no matter how hard one tries to rebuild. The foundation is weak so everything else is weak.

Today, the something that comes to break my home comes in form of a woman called Cynthia. I look at her name flashing on Chinyama’s phone. It’s as if she knows when I’m happy and too comfortable in my marriage. She shows up from nowhere to ruin everything. Back to square one. Should I pick up or not?

No.

I don’t need to pick up. I’m not one of those wives -the kind that watches over her husband and answers every call he gets. No. Chinyama will find the missed call when he leaves he bathroom, and he does, I’ll be waiting for the look on his face as he picks up his phone.

Not today Cynthia.

I put his phone back under his pillow and wait. I can’t go back to sleep anymore. She has my mind in knots like she always has. She has a hold on my husband that even I can’t explain. What if she used juju* on him and he can’t seem to have the guts to let her go because of that. Gosh. I shouldnt be thinking like this. No. God is on my side.

“No form of juju shall prosper against my husband.” I whisper.

But if she’s calling him, then does that mean he never ended it with her or she’s calling him for a baby come back. Maybe I should have picked up and asked her what she wanted. If she needs help then talking to me wouldn’t be a bad thing right. I hate this feeling, the feeling of helplessness. I turn and lie on my back. How many times have I faced the ceiling deep in thoughts over what Chinyama was doing with that vile woman. I can’t become that woman again. No.

I hear his phone ring. I sit up and quickly reach under his pillow and grab it. Her name flashes on his screen again. She is relentless. She will never stop. She needs to know her place. Right now. I look at the bathroom door and back at the ringing phone.

Chinyama be damned but this has to end. Today.

“Hello.” I answer.

Silence. Is she surprised? Is she worried that her man is with his wife? Is she angry her man’s wife is answering the phone? Well, silence won’t take me anywhere, I won’t last all day in silence.

“This is Chinyama’s phone” I continue.

“Can I please speak to Chinyama?”

Hearing her voice takes me back to the time I found out about her. The times I would lose it and resort to the bottle. Her voice would taunt me into thinking I had lost my husband. I did.

“Hello?” She asks.

“Cynthia, this is Mable. Chinyama is bathing. I’ll have him call you back as soon as he is free.” I respond.

Silence. I can hear her breathing. She hasn’t cut the line yet. Probably weighing her options right now. To call him back later or to wait for him to call her. I’m certain she will call him back. That’s the kind of woman she is. I hate that I know that about her. Who am I?

“Thank you Mable. Please tell him it’s urgent. Have a great day.” She says slowly.

She cuts the line. Just like that. No arguments. No insults back and forth. Nothing. Aren’t we maturing?

The bathroom door opens and Chinyama walks into the bedroom humming, with a towel around his waist.

“Good morning my beaut……”

He looks at me, his phone in my hand and the rest of his sentence dies on his lips. I meet his eyes and I give him a smile. He does not smile back.

“Cynthia called. She said it’s urgent. Call. Her. Back.”

I place his phone on his pillow and push the bed covers off of me exposing my nakedness. Let him call her back with the image of me naked and walking away from him. I get off the bed and walk confidently towards the bathroom.

“Mable.” He starts.

I lift my hand to silence him.

“Call. Her. Back. We don’t want her feeling neglected do we?” I respond.

I don’t want to hear his excuse. If I do I might say something I’ll regret one day. Or I’ll hit him with anything.

No words need to be said this time.

To think I stopped talking to Isaac and only to have this thrown back in my face. Again. Men.

Nothing lasts forever.

Not even a week.

********

Me:

I could beat her up.

Find thugs for you and send them to her house and beat her up so.

Foolishness.

Sampa:

Yoli you are certainly not helping Mable here with that talk.

Me:

That is helping her. That woman has no sense of pride for herself, sleeping with a married man like it’s in fashion.

Mable:

Men suck.

I swear they suck.

Oh my gosh. I don’t even want to think about this anymore.

Sampa:

That Cynthia woman has some nerve no.

Like who calls a married man that early in the morning.

No respect.

Like if you’re helping him cheat then call him after 12.

Thandiwe:

Some side pieces also. How unnecessary.

Omg Mable I’m so sorry ayi.

Elo ninshi the man apologised and was trying to make it up to you.

Mable:

That’s what hurts you know.

Sampa:

Iye Mable.

Mable:

I don’t know what to think.

Me:

What did you do after? After you told him.

Mable:

What was I to do?

I didn’t talk to him again. He left the house.

Took the kids with him.

I didn’t know he left.

Plus I was supposed to take the kids to the movies. Now I don’t know.

Maybe she just genuinely needed his help.

Me:

Or maybe he’s scared of you.

As he should be.

Wife. Cook. Owner of the kitchen. Knives at her disposal.

Mable:

But iwe. Lol Kaya.

But what if she really needed his help.

And I’m here acting like shit.

Sampa:

Are you seriously taking blame for what has happened today?

Are you going to feel better if he tells you she was calling because she had a problem?

Mable:

No.

Sampa:

Exactly.

Mami that was your husband’s mistress for a long time.

I don’t blame you for wanting to think things through

Have you called him yet at least?

Mable:

And say what?

Have you gone to see your hule.

I’m too stressed ayi.

I’m not calling him.

Think I’ve acted clingy enough now.

Sampa:

Iwe he’s your husband.

Call him.

Talk to him

Mable:

No.

I won’t.

I was too angry earlier. Maybe I’m not over it yet.

Sampa:

I’m thinking he’s near home waiting for you to call him.

Call him.

He’s worried and scared you will lose it

Mable:

And maybe I should yes.

Thandiwe:

Sampa:

Me:

Yes.

Mable:

Okay I won’t lose it.

I’ll call him.

After an hour or two.

Let him die in worry first.

Sampa:

Don’t do this.

Talk to your husband and behave yes?

Do it now.

Mable:

No.

You know what I deserve a day of drinking. Or night.

I have been behaving with my drinks.

The effort? All down the drain now.

We need to meet up.

Today.

Sampa:

We shouldn’t be encouraging this.

Mable:

We should.

Sampa:

Alright, I have vodka and rum in the house.

You guys can come over to my place.

Someone bring chicken and sausage.

Though I think we shall need more alcohol to be honest.

And junk food

Me:

I’m bringing the whiskey

Ya’ll and your weird drinks.

I’ll bring the chicken.

Thandiwe:

I’ll bring the sausage.

I will also bring a bottle of wine though I am a sober bitch.

Make sure there is juice though.

Mable:

Wine from me. Two bottles.

No three. Or four.

But won’t Sangu be angry with a random chill like that.

Sampa:

Well Sangu has forgotten he has a home so I’m gonna use this home to chill with my girls.

Ya’ll better be here by 14 hours ka

Dress nice

Mable:

Cool

Manje dress nice iyo. Are we dressing nice for some man we do not know about?

Your cousin maybe? Is he coming to town?

Me:

Iye. I’m wearing sweat pants.

See ya.

Sampa:

You’re so weird Mable.

And no my brother is not coming to town.

You never know what might happen afterwards.

Sonia:

Imwe early in the morning and you are planning a beer fest.

I had to to catch up on your messages.

Lol

I am still in bed sleeping.

I’ll be there. 14 Hours sharp.

I am bringing myself only and my chef skills.

Me:

You seriously want to impress a bunch of dunk women with your cooking skills.

Ah Sonia.

Bring food from your fridge.

*******

This man is going to be the death of my nerves. I need to concentrate on…

Sonia:

I’ll cook.

No left overs Yolanda.

Thandiwe:

Goodie.

I can’t wait.

Sampa:

Cool. Be on time ladies.

Especially you Yolanda.

Me:

Fine…

I close my eyes and let the feel of his hands squeezing my bare ass linger on my mind.

“Hmmm.” I groan.

At this rate I won’t be able to finish reading my messages. I open my eyes and scroll through unread my message list.

Mr Forty:

Lady.

You are amazing. I swear you just blow my mind away

My body feels loved. His lips on my back, I do not know what the man is doing but it feels amazing. What is it about his tongue I wonder. His teeth graze the skin on my shoulder and I giggle, I imagine his lips breaking into a smile. Ohh this man….

Mr Forty:

If I had known you missed me that much that night I would have shown up everyday I let you keep me away.

I can’t stop thinking about you

I believe I am glowing. He is not done and I am glowing. I might glow for the next one week at this rate. His lips trail up my back to my neck, his hands following behind.

Mr Forty:

What is about you that makes me lose my mind?

I feel like a lost man without you.

What have you done to me?

Yolanda, you are the best thing that’s ever happened to me.

I want to see you tonight.

Dinner?

Drinks?

I smile.

“I swear you need to get off that phone.” His voice whispers.

His lips on my neck, I giggle in response. I feel his smile against my skin. I know it’s an attractive smile. He does not stop kissing my neck. I do not stop him. I want more. Just not yet…

So many messages to read….

“Get off that phone Yolanda.”

“But I have messages coming in. I have to read them. Right now.”

His hand reaches out and grabs my phone out of hands.

“Wait. Wait.” I laugh as I turn to face him, hoping the panic in my eyes isn’t evident.

“No. No. No.” He responds. “No phone for you.”

“Just wait a second….”

I breathe a sigh of relief when I notice the dark screen. Locked. He looks at me then the phone and shakes his head.

“Hiding something Ms Chipeta?” He asks.

“No Mr Jere.”

“Then you can read the messages in an hour.” He says and proceeds to place the phone on his side of bedside table, far from my reach. Now he has my attention.

“An hour huh?” I ask.

“I’m approximating.”

“That it’s gonna last that long? Too short don’t you think?” I ask, placing my hand over my exposed breast, feigning shock.

“Come here.” He says.

His hand snakes around my waist, pulls me to his side. He turns onto his side, his face close to mine. I take in his brown eyes, the thick eyebrows that seem to perfect to be on a man’s face, the square jaw, dark beard that frames the lips that gave my skin chills minutes ago.

“I am trying to make it up to you….” He laughs.

“It’s not like you had a choice last night when you showed up.” I cut him off.

“Uhhhh okay fine. Still making it up to you.”

“You showed up out of the blue. You knew you had me wondering.”

Out of the blue. That’s the right phrase. Masulani showed up looking all tired in his blue suit, leaning against my door with an unopened bottle of Blue Label in his hands as a peace offering. He got me on the bottle; and maybe with the apology that followed even though he didn’t explain why he did what he did.

“That’s not the point.” He whispers

“Then what is it?”

“I’m trying to make it up to you and you think that gadget is more important than this.”

He pulls me closer still, till my breasts meet his chest, my leg over his hip. His hand goes to my cheek, caressing it’s way to the back of neck. His eyes take every part of my face in. A smile breaks on his lips.

“You see if you had hair I would be pushing it off your face.” He whispers. “Don’t get me wrong, your cut is attractive. And I definitely need to meet your barber maybe.”

I laugh, “Well if you like hair, then I am sorry. This lady is never keeping it.” I respond.

“You are one sexy woman Yolanda.”

“I know.”

We keep silent, our eyes on each other, hunger is his eyes, maybe in mine. Hearts beating so fast. No words need to be said anymore. We both know where this is going.

And then he kisses me, all thoughts about incoming messages slip off the silk sheets and out of the bedroom.

**********

I smile as I place my phone on the table. I grab my mug of coffee, the scent of coffee hits my nose and I close my eyes. What I need every morning. Today will be….

“I will be home slightly late. I just hope the hospital won’t be as bad today.”

I open my eyes and look at Sangu over my coffee mug and shrug. For a man that comes home late and wakes up early he definitely looks as fresh as a man who had enough hours of sleep.

“It’s really been a mess…..” He continues.

Fresh enough to drag back to bed. I stare at his dark blue shirt and pants, is it necessary he dresses smartly to the hospital everyday I wonder. Is there someone else he’s trying to impress? Where are my thoughts leading me? He places his hands in his pockets and looks at me.

“What?” I ask

“Nothing. You are silent.”

“I am not silent. I heard you.”

“Okay. If you say so.”

Well this is awkward.

“I will call you.” He continues.

As if. He actually believes he will.

“Okay. Cool.”

“I will make sure I call you.” He continues.

I wish I could roll my eyes at his statement. Men and their fake promises.

“Hmm.” I respond as the hot coffee scalds my tongue.

I place my coffee mug on the table behind me as I scrape my teeth over the burnt area on my tongue.

“Are you okay?” He asks, closing the space between us.

“Yeah. I am fine.” I respond quickly.

“You sure?”

“Uh yeah. Oh I forgot to tell you, the ladies will be coming over today. In the afternoon anyway. For drinks. Guess we have things to catch up on.”

“Oh. Enjoy yourselves.” He responds.

“Was there something you wanted to do at home?” I ask. “Figured if you’re going to be working for most of the day then I can have them over.”

“No. No. No. It is okay. I will call to ask if you guys are done before I come home.”

“Okay.”

“If you’re not I might visit mum instead. She is super excited about the birthday party. Planning stuff. Might help her out.”

“Great. Have an amazing day then.”

“You too.”

We look at each other for a few seconds more and he turns around and walks out of the kitchen.

No kiss goodbye.

Not even a hug.

*********

“Gosh Mable. Surely you can’t gobble down a glass of wine as if it’s water.” I say loud enough for her to hear me.

Mable turns around and flashes me a wide smile. For a woman with marital issues she sure does know how to hide them. “All out” are the words I would use to describe Mable right now. The woman took my dress nice words to heart because the back revealing red lace dress she has on hugs her in the right places. Definitely angry. She turns around, giving me her exposed back as she continues to pour herself wine in her wine glass – still shocked she carried her own huge glass.

“I will drink to my husband’s mistakes. My foolishness and stupidity for trusting him.” She says.

“What if he is innocent?” I ask.

She turns around with a frown on her beautiful face as she thinks for her answer. Yes. What if her husband is innocent and she is busy punishing him for nothing?

“What if he’s not?” She asks.

“Is that the best you could up with as a response. Wow.” I respond.

“But to be honest what if he’s not?”

“I’ve told you this countless times Mable. That man loves you. To death. He adores you and the babies.”

“I know he loves his kids. They are his.” She says, rolling her eyes. “This is why we have so many bitter women out there in the world.”

“But Mable. Men suck at love, commitment and everything sugar and nice in this world. Literally.” I argue.

“It’s not supposed to be like that though. We are married. What if we got married too early? What if we are not meant to stay together?”

“After over nine years? Girl…. After all that time you guys realise this? Come on. I know you two are the real deal.”

Mable shakes her head, picks up her full glass of white wine from the kitchen table and smiles.

“I have definitely missed you.” She says to the glass.

I roll my eyes and walk towards her, grab the glass out of her hands before she takes a sip of the liquid. She pouts in my direction but makes no move to grab the glass back as I walk towards the sink.

“You are not drinking until you call that husband of yours and make it right.” I tell her. “He’s probably somewhere with the kids crying right now.”

“Chinyama does not cry hun.” She says as a matter of fact.

She gives me a smile and a wink.

“Gosh Mable. Get your head out of the gutter hun.” I laugh. “You need to talk to him either way.”

“But I can talk to him when I get home.” She argues.

“No. Do it now. Repair the damage now.”

“What damage? Why do I have to do it? Why can’t he call me and explain the situation himself? Why must I always work to save my marriage while he plays with it.”

“Because you are psycho.”

“But it’s his fault I am psycho.”

“Men will be men hun. Now go and call him. Please. I hate seeing you resort to alcohol as a means to happiness.”

She shakes her head and sighs.

“Fine. For you I will call him. By force. He better be thanking his lucky stars.”

“Aww I know you want to call him. Don’t be difficult about it.”

“I will call him. Right now.” She says uninterested.

“Awesome.”

I lift the glass of wine to my lips and take a sip of the chilled wine.

“I like this wine.” I tell her. “I will take this wine I think. And I will keep the glass. Thank you very much.”

She laughs as she reaches for her handbag and takes her phone out. Finally some progress. A door knock sounds and I blow Mable a kiss before heading out of the kitchen.

The other ladies are here.

Time for the fun to begin.

**********

I hear more voices fill up the silence in the house. The rest of the ladies are finally here. I need to be joining them instead of calling a man who doesn’t value the principle of marriage.

Even better, I could have been with Isaac.

Isaac.

I could have been with Isaac. I should have been with him. Gosh. I don’t even know if he will ever talk to me again. If he will ever want to. I don’t even know if he is okay. I hate Chinyama and the mess he wants to put me through. Even after dealing with it I am still facing it.

If I cut the line now then maybe I can still talk to him when I get home drunk and not in the mood for the excuses he has lined up. If I just…..

“Mable. Hello.”

Hearing his voice renders me speechless momentarily What am I supposed to say now? How are you? Where are you? Where is Cynthia? What? I should not have listened to Sampa and called the man.

“Mable.”

“Hi.” I respond.

“Hey.”

“Are the kids okay?”

Definitely not asking if he is okay. Probably will try and guilt trip me into feeling bad that I went over the top with my reaction.

“Yeah. They are great. We are at Kapalu’s.”

“Great.”

Silence. I should not have called him. Do I have make conversation now? Chinyama knows not try and make small talk in case I get angry. It’s always up to me. Pleading.

“What’s happening there?” I ask.

“Nothing. Just visiting. Figured you could use some rest and I will have the kids for the day.”

Rest. Rest being accepting that Cynthia called and moving on from it.

“The kids are having fun already. Don’t worry.”

How selfless.

“Thank you.”

“Are you okay?” He asks slowly.

I know he’s asking if we are okay. If everything is fine. If I have calmed down and forgiven him. Again.

“I am great. I am with my girls.”

“Oh. Okay.”

“Yeah.”

“How are they?”

“They are all great. Having lunch and drinks. Discussing what plagues women on this planet.”

He chuckles, he knows I’m being serious. Men are what’s wrong with women on this planet.

“Well enjoy yourselves. Have a blast.” He says.

“Thank you.”

“Should I wait up for you?”

The question hangs in the air for some seconds with me deciding what will be the best answer. Lie or not lie is the question and I know not which is my final decision.

“Mable are you there?”

“Yes.”

“Should I wait up for you?”

*********

“Oh my gosh… Are you finally showing Thandiwe?”

I roll my eyes at Sampa and sigh. This is pushing it now. Surely this shouldn’t be a big deal again.

“That’s exactly what I said when I saw her.” Yolanda says excitedly. “Her bun is growing.”

“Oh come on.” I argue.

“Look at you. Your ass looks big too.” Yolanda responds. “Even your breasts. Can I play with them. I’m jealous.”

She reaches out to grab them and I slap her hands away, she pulls away laughing.

“You are crazy.” I tell her.

“And you’re bigger.” She responds

“I swear she looks bigger than the last time I saw her. Especially around her waist area. Do you see it?” Sonia says pointing at my abdomen.

“Guys. I am not really showing. It’s not that bad.” I argue. “At least not yet.”

“Oh mama yes it is. You are showing. Finally.” Sampa says. “Though I swear I don’t know why you’re wearing jeans. It’s bad for you no?”

“You guys are bullies. I am perfectly fine. Calm down.” I respond.

“Yes you are.” Sampa squeals

She gives me a hug and a kiss before she proceeds to hug the others. Sampa is right. In fact they all are. Seems like I am already showing I am with child. I noticed it as well after much convincing and trying to push my tummy back in. James noticed it too and while he seems over the moon about the sight, I however am lost with the possibility of weight gain, flat breasts and stretch marks. I will look ugly.

“Did all of you drive here?” Sampa asks.

“No. James dropped me off.” I respond. “I swear it’s irritating.”

James’s excuse for dropping me off didn’t make sense to me. He didn’t want me driving alone. Plus with the thought of our “girly chill” ending late he didn’t want me driving at night alone. Protect the baby. Overly caring I think. This pregnancy will surely get me doing nothing in no time if James has his way. If bed rest was an option he would chain me to the bed.

“I drove alone.” Yolanda answers. “None of these friends wanted to pick me up.”

“I offered you said no.” Sonia responds.

“You were too early.” Yolanda pouts.

“You has a man over. That’s it.” Sonia laughs.

“Here.” I tell Sampa as I hand her my grocery bags. “Wine. And the other things I said I would get. Plus extras.”

“Awesome. You’re a darling Thandiwe. Who else has something for me?” Sampa asks.

The other ladies proceed to hand her a few more grocery bags.

“Great. Thank you guys.” Sampa responds. “I need to place this in the kitchen. You all know where the living room. Please head there.”

“Where is Sangu?” Sonia asks

“Working. Doctors never stop to rest.” Sampa answers.

“I don’t know about you guys but I need to start drinking right now.” Yolanda says aloud. “It’s time for me to start. Whiskey.”

“I will bring everything to the living room. No worries.” Sampa responds happily. “Make yourselves comfortable.”

“Where is Mable?” Sonia asks. “Didn’t see her car. Surely she can not be late for this.”

“You wish. She’s in the kitchen. On the phone.” Sampa starts. “Chinyama.”

“Ohhh, how is that going?” I ask. “She losing it yet?”

“Actually no. She’s in a better mood than I expected to be honest. She will be joining us as soon as she’s done.”

“Cool.” I respond.

“Head to the living room. I’ll find all of you there.”

Sampa walks away towards the kitchen while the rest of us head to the living room.

“Oooh this is ridiculously beautiful.” Yolanda screams ahead of me. “I swear I could so live this life.”

I roll my eyes.

********

If I had my way I would be in bed. Right now.

Getting kisses and everything else my body needs. I have to call him. Soon. Or should I wait for him to call me? I need to get him off my mind. This instant. My eyes meet Thandiwe’s and she sticks her tongue out at me.

“So, Than…di…we…. Now that we believe you are pregnant when are we finding out if you’re carrying a human baby or a machine?” I ask

“Yolanda…” Sonia chides.

Thandiwe looks at me, and the saying if looks could kill comes to mind. She can’t take a joke anymore. Gosh. I am grateful she is sitting across from me in the living room. Then again one never knows, Thandiwe might jump the glass table in the middle and grab my neck.

“What?” I ask. “Don’t look at me like that. I’m sorry.”

“Yolanda can you let Thandiwe be?” Sonia asks.

I laugh. She knows I mean well. And so does Thandiwe. Thandiwe actually looks amazing even though she’s probably squeezing the baby to death in her jeans. She’s probably still holding onto her clothes hoping she can still make the look work. Soon enough she will need a new wardrobe.

“Don’t listen to Yolanda. We are all happy you are showing love.” Sonia says to Thandiwe. “I can’t wait to see they little thing. So excited.”

Thandiwe smiles, at last.

“It’s scary though.” She says. “It’s a human being inside. Growing. Freaks me out. And to think I will going for my first ultrasound scan next week freaks me out guys.”

“Awwwww. So awesome. Life at its finest yes?” Sonia answers.

“You’re gonna be an awesome mother Thandiwe.” I tell her.

“Thank you.” She responds. “Plus I have all of you to help me out.”

Thandiwe’s eyes well up with tears. Oh my. She’s going to cry. Right here? Right now? What happened to the diva queen? Oh no. She sniffs and laughs.

“I am a mess.” She laughs. “Don’t mind the tears. They are happy tears.”

We laugh, I watch her wipe her tears away. It’s an overwhelming experience for her.

“Drinks for everybody!!”

Sampa walks into the living room, tray in her hands, glasses filled with liquid. Finally. Mable walks in behind her, glass of white wine in her hands.

“Hello ladies!!” Mable exclaims.

“Hey.” Sonia, Thandiwe and I answer.

“I missed you guys.” She says loudly.

Sampa places the tray on the glass table and quickly walks out of the living room. Mable sits down next to me, blowing me and the others a kiss. I move to the edge of the sofa and grab the nearest glass off the tray. Bingo. My drink. I take a sip and sigh in bliss. My day will be perfect.

“We missed you too mama. Are you okay?” Thandiwe asks. “Is all alright in the world of marital bliss.”

“I’m okay.” Mable responds.

“Chinyama? Is he alive?” I ask.

Mable laughs and looks at me. “Unfortunately he is. Ya’ll think I’m crazy.”

“You are crazy. You talked to him?” Sonia asks

“I have. I have. But gosh I’m so angry.” She responds. “I’m trying to understand it all. Wherever. It will be fine. He will explain this shit.”

“Poor man.” Thandiwe says. “Knowing you he is in for the shit of his life.”

“You’re supporting him?” Mable asks

“No. Never. I hate him too.” Thandiwe laughs.

We can never hate Chinyama. We can complain about him but we can never hate him. Mable and him have been through too much and we, as her friends respect him. He’s done a lot for Mable that most men would have to chosen to run away from. Granted Chinyama does some crazy things but we still love them both. Together. So I know for a fact Mable and him will make it through whatever is going on right now. I reach out and pat Mable’s shoulder.

“It will be okay. He will change by the whip.” I tell Mable.

“What are you guys talking about?” A breathless Sampa says as she walks in.

“Men. And their drama.” Mable responds.

She takes a gulp of her drink and rolls her eyes. Sampa places another tray on the table with bowls of crisps, corn puffs and salted nuts.

“You would think I deserve this nonsense. But I dont. What is it that I did wrong? My husband does not respect me or our marriage.” She says.

“Maybe he does. And Cynthia is just trying to make him think otherwise.” Sonia says.

“I hate them both. Having a mistress that never leaves. Sharing a man and all his attention.”

We all keep silent. Finally she lets it out.”

“I wish I could beat her up. Or him.” She continues.

“Men are trash.”Men are trash hun.” Sampa says. “I wholeheartedly agree with you. You know what’s worse? Being uncertain about a relationship. Look at my relationship. I have no idea where I stand anymore. I feel as feel I’m arguing with Sangu and yet we have had no fight since he came back.” Sampa says.

“Dude still acting up?” Sonia asks

“It’s worse. I don’t know whats going on with him. What if he’s cheating?” Sampa asks. “What if he has no idea as to how to break up with me? And I’m here praying we work. If he’s still thinking about the baby thing then maybe we need to break up.”

“It’s better than deciding if your man’s mother is worth the relationship or not.” Sonia responds.

“I swear I hope I never go through any of the problems you’re going through.” I start. “I feel sad for all of you. You deserve all the happiness in the world.”

Gosh they all have drama. Except Thandiwe. Either way the drama revolves around men. Men are difficult all the time and yet I have two men in my bed getting from them what I need.

“If I had a chance to relive my life I would probably be like you.” Mable tells me.

“Me?” I ask. “Like me? Sleeping with two bosses from the same company?”

Their shocked faces make me laugh.

“I swear Yolanda you always have the most drama among all of us.” Sampa says. “How do you sleep with two bosses? Which one is this one now? Is the old man still around?”

I smile at them. Their eyes look at me each of their face telling me they want to know more.

“The old man is still around.” I tell them. “Very much around. Pleasure for grabs.”

“He’s married.” Sonia says shocked.

“So. Men love the idea of having the wife and the mistress.” I say quickly. “But not yours Mable. He loves you too much. And not yours Thandiwe.”

Mable laughs. “Did you just talk about married men and leave mine out?”

“Yes I did.” I laugh.

“So who is the other man you’re sleeping with? A board member? Director?” Sampa asks.

“Well his name is Masulani. He’s like a hottie. Plus he’s my supervisor.”

“Eish Yolanda. You sleeping with your immediate boss?” Thandiwe asks.

My smile is an answer enough.

“What if you get caught?” Thandiwe asks. “Or what if the men find out. Men talk.”

“Well then it’s happened.” I respond.

“See, I wish I had her life. Fun all day.” Mable says. “I swear I need to face that stupid man and his Cynthia.”

“You can.” Yolanda says

“Don’t encourage her Yoli.” Thandiwe argues.

“Chinyama, Cynthia and my choice of whip.” Mable responds.

“You’re gonna beat him?” asks a shocked Sampa.

“Maybe.” Mable responds.

“She’s joking.” Sonia laughs as she looks at Sampa.

“Oh. Okay.” Sampa responds. “We never know with you Mable.”

We all look at her and she laughs.

“I’m a nice wife. You guys know I am. And I am different. Surely at this point in my life what’s the worst thing I can do? Follow her again? Throw him out or maybe cheat on him?”

“Oohhh find you a nice tough man to hold you and put you to bed.” I squeal.

Just like Masulani did last night when he showed up. Gosh.

“You’re right Yolanda.” Mable says. “I could cheat on him. Make him feel the way I did. Only fair.”

“Do it.” I urge her.

“Gosh Yolanda. You’re so bad for Mable. Period.” Sonia laughs. “Don’t do it Mable. You have kids remember. Stay with Chinyama for them.”

“Exactly. I agree with Sonia. You don’t need to destroy their lives.” Sampa adds.

“I will die a bitter woman.” Mable responds.

“A drunk bitter old woman.” I respond

And we laugh.

To be continued…….

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shewhowalkswithunicorns-blog · 8 years ago

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Longing

Morning had set heavily over the Shire, and with it, came the work and bustle. Many hobbits- both male and female bustled around the town, shopping, working, and just enjoying the simple pleasures of life that laid out before them.

“Azalea, stop daydreaming.” An elderly, feminine voice called out, stirring the young hobbit from her thoughts. Azalea Primrose Took had been watching the usual morning scene out the window of Yolanda Puddlefoot’s hobbit hole.

“Yes, ma’am.” The younger hobbit remarked returning her gaze to her book, studying over the history lesson that Yolanda had provided her today. Though this hobbit was of age, Yolanda had taken it as a personal mission to educate her the best she could. She had a feeling unlike the rest of the lot here, this one might just need it.

“Yolanda?” The sunflowered color haired hobbit called out softly as she casted her blue and violet eyes to the woman, once again distracted from her studies. “What do you suppose Rivendell is like now?”

The elderly woman, with hair turning the palest hue of snow, pondered over this, as she set her tea kettle over the fire. “I have heard rumors, but nothing more, my child.” She remarked, as she picked up the fire poker that had rested against the stone hearth and stoked the embers.

“I have heard it is but merely a shadow of it’s former glory, and I have heard it doesn’t exist there anymore.” Yolanda replied shuffling over to the hobbit, gently patting her golden curls as a warm expression shone in her ageless eyes. “There is but one way to know for sure what has happened to it, no?”

“And yet, how would that be?” Azalea pressed, tilting her head as her curiosity took root, replacing her normal bright and cheery disposition. Yolanda had her attention in full now.

“That, my dear, Azalea, would be for you to go and find it!” She laughed, her matronly stature warmed with her mirth.

This brought a giggle from the young hobbit, clearly amused by what Yolanda was suggesting. “Yolanda, that’s so silly, a hobbit like me… going on an adventure to find Rivendell? It’s simply…” She trailed off, biting her plump, rosy, lower lip. She had often had dreams at night embarking on a grand adventure… but she was not alone. These dreams had turned into daydreams, often leading the hobbit to be spacy when she really needed to be down to Earth.

“Yet, I know what burns in your heart, it is the same desire that burned in your grandfather’s, do not give up on it-” Yolanda had began to advise when there was an urgent rapping on her door.

“Azalea!! … Azalea!! Are you here?!” A high pitched but definitely feminine voice called out from the other side of the door, all the while they still rapped on the door!

“Yes, yes, Saffron! I am here!” Azalea laughed, hopping to her feet as she quickly went to answer Yolanda’s door before her friend worn out the exterior of the door.

Standing on the other side of the door was a lady, very close to her own age, a friend she had since they were both little babes. “Saffron Brown!” Azalea laughed, hugging her friend who stood just a few inches shorter than her.

“Azalea!” Saffron remarked, her voice high like a songbirds. “You ARE coming to the town dance tonight right?! I know you are not playing with the band, so I was hoping you might come and keep me company??” The smaller hobbit pleaded as she bounced from one foot to the other, upsetting her dark chocolate curls in bounces.

Azalea shook her head, a smile gracing her lips at her friends antics, though she knew it displeased Yolanda to have her time interrupted. “Of course I will Silly-Saffy, I wouldn’t miss it for the world… say, how about we spend the lunch hour discussing what we might wear?” She offered, tapping her thumb thoughtfully against her lower lip.

Naturally this offer made Saffron all the more giddy at the aspect of girl time. “Yes yes! Perhaps… Ms. Puddlefoot would be as so kind to let you out for early lunch? You will be in need of as much energy as you can claim for this evening?”

Yolanda watched as the two girls turned on her, dogging her with their best puppy-eyed pouts. “Fine! Fine!” She finally caved, waving them off knowing she’d never get the end of it if she had not let them go. Plus, what could it hurt? There was always tomorrow for Azalea to finish her lesson!

With that notion passed, the two friends quickly hustled out out of Yolanda’s home, and out into the bright sunlight. It was a welcome sensation feeling the sun warm their tanned skins.

“Where do you want to go for lunch?” Saffron inquired, as they walked down the bank that lead into the heart of the town. This hobbit with her striking brown hair, had beautiful blue eyes… yet, despite this, she was unable to catch a suitor… or even garnier attention. Azalea suspected it might be because they were inseparable for the most part.

“How about we hit Thornburrow’s pub?” She offered to Saffron, thinking perhaps this pub might be a good place. Thornburrow’s was known for it’s porkpies, the best in the entire Shire! Not to mention one could get a side of biscuits doused liberally with Raspberry jam, or jam of one’s choice.

Saffron seemed to ponder over this for a moment, before nodding. “I could definitely go for some roasted chicken with some cheese, oh and an apple tart too!” She remarked wholeheartedly, almost salivating at the thought of the delicious food that awaited them!

The walk to the beloved pub was short, but lively with talk of this evening, and their hopes for what it held. They were seated, at a booth by the window much to Azalea’s joy, and were waited on promptly.

Their afternoon was uneventful. The girls bonded over a feast of a lunch, savoring each and every carefully prepared bite. When they finished the main dishes, they took a small break to let the food settle before a dessert of apple tarts were brought out. With dollops of fresh cream, either girl felt as if they had dined like a princess.

With full bellies, and hearts full of joy, they started the trek back to Azalea’s home. Azalea’s home was settled a bit… out of the way, as her Grandfather had liked his privacy after he returned to the Shire from his adventures. It was from him her father had inherited this handsome little hole.

The home was nestled into the side of the hill facing away from town, and with that, had a spectacular view of the valley. Heading inside, they were greeted with the warmth and coziness her mama had crafted for them with the way she had decorated.

“Welcome home Azalea, and Hullo, Saffron… how long has it been since we seen each other?” Azalea’s father, Tassilo, asked, mischief sparkling in his eyes. “Oh, I do believe it was yesterday!”

“Well, Mr. Took!” Saffron remarked with a bubbly laugh, her cheeks reddening at the teasing Azalea’s father was known for. “I can hardly say that should be a surprise, your daughter DOES kidnap me regularly!” She chimed, only to be playfully nudged in the ribs by her “captor”. “Haha, I mean she IS my best friend, you know?”

“Oh I know, Little Saffron, it has been this way since you were both in diapers… both of you getting into trouble.” Tassilo laughed shaking his head at the memory of these two bright, spritely ladies as the toddlers they had once been. “I assume you two will participate in tonight’s follies?”

“Ohh yes Papa, you know I love to go, I try to never miss it… the music simply calls me.” Azalea remarked, a dreamy expression settling on her fair features. “Play in the band or be on the square dancing… you know it always calls me.”

A soft giggle could be heard when Azalea admitted this almost wistfully. “You know, it almost sounds like you are being courted by the music!” She teased her friend, as she grabbed her by the hand and tugged her back to her room.

Azalea’s room was spacious, tidy, and clean. While Azalea did like some spontaneity, she didn’t like it when it came to the organization of her room- or… house. That was one thing she was indeed good at, keeping house. Then again, her mother had trained her since she was a youngun, to make for a good housewife! Ohhh the skills in gardening, knowledge of washing clothes and crafting them, the patience to keep house, and budding skills in cooking!

Yet, her mama never taught her how to dance.. That seemed to come naturally, along with her love of music!

“I was thinking perhaps something purple for me, and pink for you?” Saffron mused as she wandered over to her friend’s wardrobe. Truth be told, she had already picked out her own outfit, she just liked “dressing” her friend.

“You know I love pink… but don’t you think it might be too flashy?” Azalea inquired as she joined her friend, pulling out a vibrant yellow dress, admiring the daisy embroidery on it.

“Heaven’s no! Everyone else will be wearing yellows and greens, what is wrong with standing out?!” Saffron scoffed, tsking her friend as she pulled out a lovely soft pink dress. The dress was made of a soft, lightweight summer fabric, and had been embroidered with a simple and pretty design. “I think this, with a necklace and maybe some hair ribbons would be beautiful…”

Letting go of the yellow dress, Azalea turned to see the dress her friend had picked… She had to admit, it was lovely, and one of her favorites out of her entire wardrobe.

“How can I say no?” She gushed, taking the dress from Saffron and laying it out over her bed. She gently smoothed the beautiful fabric out, taking a moment to admire the beautiful embroidery work done on it. It was a feast for the eyes, she felt, and a wonderful to feel each and every little stitch under her fingertips.

“Sooo, what are you two ladies doing?” A male voice boomed from the doorway, catching both of the girl’s attention, clearly startled!

“Ohh… Kal, it’s just you.” Saffron remarked with a sigh of relief, clearly at ease seeing it was their lissome friend, the final member to this trio. He was a handsome fellow, this Kalimac Sandheaver, with hair the color of night, and dark green eyes.

“Perhaps, but it is your pal, who has a date, and what about you ladies?” Kal teased, a wicked grin curling upon his lips, forcing his cherubic like cheeks to rise. “Or… are my two comrades going together this time?”

“Sort of… yes?” Azalea laughed, running forth to greet him with a hug, while Saffron armed herself with a pillow. “Yes, we’re going together… but not

… Though I am starting to think I might need to play matchmaker for Silly-Saffy!” Azalea laughed, turning just in time to dodge a pillow.

“Well, what about you, huh? I don’t see you with anyone on your arm!” Saffron huffed, clearly embarrassed by the fact she hadn’t a suitor yet. “Or are hobbits just not your fancy..?”

The young, blonde hobbit girl was caught off guard by this question. “Well… I guess that’s because I dream of someone… And, I’m kind of waiting for them to come.” Azalea remarked scratching her head, realizing how silly that sounded.

Kal raised a brow hearing his friend’s odd predicament. “You’re going to wait on a dream?”

Blushing, Azalea looked between her two friends and the incredulous looks on their faces. “Yes… I’ve dreamt about them several times… no one else will do but her.” She whispered, looking down to her hair tufted feet, feeling a bit hurt by the way they looked at her.

Sad thing was… this woman in her dreams, she had never gotten to see her face, hear her voice… but the way she held her, touched her, it spoke volumes… and this was what she was going to wait for. “This is what I want to do, and I just can’t settle for anyone else… it wouldn’t be fair to them!”

“I get it girl, we just worry about you…” Saffron remarked moving to hug their pained friend, still a bit alarmed that she was in love with a dream. “Just… don’t wait around forever okay?”

Azalea pulled away from Saffron, shaking her head. “You just don’t know… you don’t understand.. But it’s okay, let’s just get ready for tonight?” She offered with a smile, wanting to change the topic.

“Ohhh yes, here we are sitting like a bunch of hens!” Saffron gasped, getting up to quickly push Kal out. “We’ll see you later, Kal!” She ushered as she shut the door behind him.

Now with their male friend gone, Azalea bid goodbye to Saffron whom rushed home to get ready herself. Now alone, with only her own heavy thoughts, and the memories of her dreams to keep her company as she dressed.

She came to stand in front of her mirror, seeing her reflection standing there in that pink dress, a slight bit of makeup applied, just enough to accent her natural beauty. She quickly fixed her hair, putting in some pink ribbons, before looking herself over once more before deciding this was good enough.

Stepping back, she looked to her window letting out a soft sigh. “I know you are out there… Please come for me soon.” She pleaded softly, before she turned and left her room, heading into the night.

Drawing her cloak around her tiny frame tighter, she looked up to the sky, watching the millions of stars twinkling brightly with promise. “I’m counting on you.” She whispered softly as she began the journey into the town square.

Walking alone with only the light of the lamps, she found her mind moving from her melancholy thoughts and to tonight, and the possible fun she might have with Saffron, losing herself to the music. Hustling along, she finally came to the town square, hearing the music wafting lively through the air.

A smile broke across her face seeing the town lit up warmly by candle light. Hobbits of all ages were out tonight, dancing as if tonight was some significant holiday, and not just another weekend day. It was a welcoming sight, to see all the people she knew here, escaping the average hustle and bustle of their everyday life, and enjoying a night of partying.

“Azalea!” A voice giggled loudly from the crowd, and from amidst the throng of the dancers, Saffron appeared, grabbing her friend’s hands. “C’mon! Let’s go dance!!” How could Azalea say no to that?

Following her friend’s lead, she melded in with the crowd, letting the music take her, fill her with it’s joy. She moved, her feet light as the clouds that dotted the night sky, the very picture of exuberance. The small hobbit was in her natural element. In joy.

The next few hours she enjoyed to the fullest, dancing until she was worn and tired. She eventually joined Saffron on the sidelines who had tired before her. They sat and watched Kal, dancing to a slow song with his date, a lovely little hobbit girl whom he had just started courting.

“They really make a cute couple don’t they?” Saffron broke the silence, her tone wistful, clearly wishing for what they had. “One day we’ll have someone sweet on us too, won’t we Azalea?”

Azalea had gazed up to the stars once more, lost in thought. Somewhere, her person was under this same sky, perhaps looking to the sky too. “Yes, we will, it’s just a matter of time, I promise.”

Laughing, Saffron hugged her friend. “We should head home.. It’s time for lover’s now.” She whispered, to which the blonde hobbit agreed.

Standing up, the two bid Kal, and others goodnight before they set off for home. For a while the two walked together, talking quietly about their hopes for their destined suitors.

“Good night Azzie, I’ll see soon.” Saffron bid her goodnight before she turned onto the lane that lead to her home. Waving goodbye, Azalea watched her friend walk off until she was just a shadow among many before she continued on her own way.

The walk home left her to her thoughts, which kept her company even to the point she changed into a nightgown in the safety of her own room. Walking to her window, she finally shut the pane, casting one last longing glance in it’s direction before she crawled into bed.

As soon as her head hit her pillow, slumber embraced her, luring her to a long night of dreams. In the realm of her dreams, she finally found her lover once more, being engulfed into their arms, held tightly to her body as if she was fragile and a delicate treasure…

The hobbit’s body visibly relaxed. Even if this was how she had to have her for the moment, she would be grateful for this much… It was only until she met her in person. She knew it would be one day soon… Very soon.

#hobbitlife #what did i do #wow i wrote something #azalea #she's dreaming of someone #lotr #lotr fanfic

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aion-rsa · 5 years ago

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Stargirl Season Finale Ending Explained and Unanswered Questions

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This article contains Stargirl spoilers.

Stargirl has been one of the few good things about 2020. Smart, impressively crafted, and full of heart, the newest addition to The CW superhero roster has been bringing us some much needed joy. Sadly, the season has ended, but it finished on a high note with an action-packed and emotional episode that tied up some loose ends, had a few shocking surprises, and opened up a lot of potential for the already announced second season that will air exclusively on The CW. Check out our review for a full rundown of the awesome episode, but we’re here to breakdown that wild ending, all those stingers, and answer some of the most burning questions that “Stars & S.T.R.I.P.E. Part Two” left us with.

The Justice Society of America Rises Again

It’s hard to end a debut season that’s been as stunning as Stargirl but somehow the creative team did it. There were a whole bunch of amazing moments in this episode but let’s focus on that third act that really began when the kids got into the tunnels underneath Blue Valley High. This finale really did a great job of giving everyone their own full arc which satisfied as well as left them with something to achieve or look forward to next season.

Let’s start with the outlier, Cindy Burman. The daughter of Dragon King got her revenge as she killed her father, unintentionally helping Shining Knight before heading off to battle Courtney.

Cindy’s attack led to Yolanda having a reckoning of her own as she had to head further into the tunnels and saw an unexpected face. Henry King Jr.’s arc was one of my favorite things about this season so I was blown away when one of the Dragon King’s minions was revealed to be the teen who we thought died earlier this season. After the heartbreaking moment where it was revealed that it was actually Brainwave attempting to use Yolanda’s love for Henry as a way to get her to betray her friends, the young girl made a choice driven by fear, anger, and hate, slitting his throat and watching him bleed out in the same place he killed his son. It’s a stark moment and one that reflects a change in Yolanda, and contrasts an equally important moment for Rick.

Stargirl: Who are the Justice Society Members?

By Mike Cecchini

Before we get to that, though, Courtney and Yolanda reunite and the former blows up the satellite that was projecting Brainwave’s signal. With the world seemingly saved, there are two immediate problems: Solomon Grundy and Barbara who’s been kidnapped by Icicle. Rick wants to take care of the first issue, and after saving Pat from the monster and sending him to save Barb, Rick begins the vengeful beatdown he’s been dreaming of for so long.

But when it comes to striking the final blow on the creature that killed his parents, he can’t actually do it. Earlier in the episode we saw Yolanda begging him not to kill only to commit a murder herself, and yet here Rick decides to show mercy to Grundy, shocking himself and finding a different kind of closure.

With Barb at the mercy of Jordan, Pat and Courtney turn up just in time. And after a dramatic rooftop showdown, Jordan is defeated by an unexpected assist from Mike saving the day. With the Dragon defeated, Shining Knight heads off to find the Seven Soldiers of Victory and the rest of the new JSA settles back into their daily lives before we hit a couple of killer stingers which we’ll get into later as the real ending of the show is all about Courtney realizing that Pat is the father she wanted all along.

The pair share a heartwarming scene where Court gives her sidekick and stepdad the gift that she held onto for so long for her biological father, and in a lovely moment it’s revealed to be a “World’s Greatest Dad” mug. Brec Bassinger and Luke Wilson have been at the heart of the series all along and this is a lovely, quiet moment that acknowledges that as well as cementing their relationship before they head out on a magical snow-capped flight. So with all of that said, let’s get into where this leaves the roster of heroes and rogues and what it all means.

Is Icicle Really Dead?

This is the obvious question that we’re left with after Mike ran over the leader of the ISA while he was in the process of transforming, leading to him being shattered in the street. It seems like a pretty un-comeback-from-able death, but the fact that Jordan can manipulate water means there’s a chance that he’s just dribbled into the drains of Blue Valley, ready to either plan his revenge or head to the labs of the late Dragon King in an attempt to put himself back together.

We know that the Injustice Society is filled with villains who should be dead and Jordan did promise that he would succeed in his nefarious plan to “fix” America, so maybe he’ll be back for Stargirl season 2…

Could Mike Really Join the JSA?

After successfully demolishing Jordan just as he was about to freeze his sister, Mike asks whether his heroic moment means that he can join the JSA. It’s a funny moment that also hints at some possibilities for the future of Pat Dugan’s son. While in the comics he never had an official superhero mantle, that could definitely change here.

But if Geoff Johns and co. continue to be inspired by the comic book series that introduced readers to Stargirl and her family–as well as giving the two-part season finale its name–then his role could be deeply connected to another shocking moment of “Stars & S.T.R.I.P.E. Part Two” and the fate of another team member.

What About S.T.R.I.P.E.?

During his epic fight with Solomon Grundy, S.T.R.I.P.E. was decimated. The giant monster ripped off the impressive mech’s legs and beat him with his own arm. It was a brutal display of strength from Grundy and left S.T.R.I.P.E. in a state of disrepair.

Seeing as Pat built the rad machine himself and we see S.T.R.I.P.E. return at the end, we know he’ll be okay. But the big thing to note here is who will help him. Season one has done a great job of seeding Mike as a potential sidekick to Pat and Courtney, especially with his clear prowess for science and invention. In the comics Mike does go on to help his father fix and innovate S.T.R.I.P.E. so after the events of the finale it seems likely we’ll see that thread brought into the sophomore outing of the series.

Where Did the Gambler Go?

Seeing as the Gambler is the only member of the ISA without powers, he did a pretty great job at getting out of Blue Valley and apparently surviving. Thanks to Beth’s brilliant thinking, he no longer has millions of dollars to rebuild his life which means his options are few and his taste for vengeance will be heightened.

If we look to the comics there’s a chance that Steven Sharpe could settle down as when he disappeared off the map before he had a family and then ended up killing himself after losing all his money in Vegas. Of course, that could also hint that maybe due to Beth and Chuck donating all of his money to charity we may never see the Gambler again. Perhaps his financial loss may have been too much? Or he may just be far too scared to continue without his super powered colleagues who have all perished? For now his fate is unclear.

How Will Beth Fix Chuck?

There were plenty of heartbreaking moments this week but high up there was Beth’s grief over Chuck. The A.I. representation of the original Doctor Mid-Nite has become a friend, confidant, and sidekick for the lonely young girl, and Beth’s relationship with the goggles he inhabits has been a highlight of the season. But when Jordan destroys them with his ice powers it seems like the connection and power of Doctor Mid-Nite may be no more.

The truth is that Beth is Doctor Mid-Nite with or without the goggles, but the big question here is how she’ll come to realize that. Perhaps it will be by fixing the unique tool herself or by discovering another artifact or memory bank that Chuck left behind. Either way, we’re sure that Beth will continue her reign as the hero.

Will Yolanda Go Rogue?

Though she likely saved her friends and the town of Blue Valley–and potentially America–with her actions, killing Brainwave was still a moment that will haunt the hero. Despite the fact that the episode ended with Courtney and the new JSA sitting together, Yolanda was set apart, distracted and alone. There’s a good chance that whatever happens next season we may see her split with her young and hopeful cohorts, especially after Rick refused to kill Grundy and Courtney’s horrified response to Yolanda’s killing.

I don’t believe that Yolanda will go full villain but her experiences with Brainwave could encourage a more hard line vigilante stance that might not fit with the cleancut JSA.

Who Was That in the Injustice Society’s lair?

Well, well, well. If you’ve been wondering who’s going to take over from the now defunct Injustice Society, look no further than that strange top-hatted figure who appeared in the ISA lair at the end of the finale. In the fourth episode there was a really quick reference to a rogue known as the Shade who betrayed the ISA and it looks like from this stinger that the Shade is back in Blue Valley.

Stargirl Villains: A Guide to the Injustice Society

By Rosie Knight

So who are they? Well, in the comics the character debuted in a 1942 Flash Comics issue and was portrayed as an enigmatic man with a magical cane that could control shadows. But the version that we’re most likely seeing here is the ageless Victorian immortal who played a key role in Stargirl writer/producer James Robinson’s 1994 run on Starman.

In that series the character is less of a villain and more of a roguish anti-hero who will switch sides whenever it suits him. There’s plenty to take from the Shade’s appearance but the most interesting aspect is the definitely supernatural nature of the character and the demon-filled, era-spanning world that he inhabits. It seems like a drastic shift in tone from the nostalgic Americana of the first season and does seem to hint at a darker and more magic-filled followup.

It’s also important to note that during his time on Justice League of America Robinson wrote in a story about the Shade being possessed by a powerful spirit known as Eclipso, who also (sort of) popped up in the finale with the help of none other than Cindy Burman.

Who or What is Eclipso?

Ahhh, this is the kind of question I live for. Even in an age where we have a JSA team on prime time TV made up of teenage girls and a Harley Quinn series that regularly features Kite Man, Eclipso is a capital D deep cut inclusion. And there are a few exciting ways that they could go with the late stage reveal that Cindy has discovered “the Heart of Darkness” gem where the immortal supervillain is trapped. She found it in the easter-egg-filled basement of The Wizard’s home.

Now in the comics, Eclipso is a supernatural character based on the concept of wrath and more specifically the Angel of Vengeance. That immediately fits Cindy’s current mindset as we know she’s on a mission to destroy everything that Blue Valley has to offer. I mean, she killed her own father but was equally as eager to kill Courtney and stop the Justice Society.

Stargirl: The History of Shining Knight

By Rosie Knight

Eclipso has manifested in many hosts in the DC Universe, but the one that seems most relevant here is Jean Loring, nee Palmer, who’s probably most well known as the murderer in Identity Crisis. Just like Cindy, Jean discovered the gem which housed Eclipso and was later possessed by him and given his powers. We know that Cindy is desperate to become a super villain and will stop at nothing to do it, meaning that she would likely try and harness the evil spirit to achieve her goals.

The other interesting thing to note here is this could also be a backdoor way of Stargirl introducing another lesser-known DC hero to the young cast. In certain parts of Eclipso canon it was the Princess of House Amethyst who imprisoned him in the gem. Now DC has been doing a push on bringing the teenage fantasy heroine to the screen, so if Eclipso gets loose in Blue Valley maybe Amethyst will have to leave Gemworld and head to our world to help out?

We wrote in much more detail about the history of Eclipso and what he could mean for Stargirl Season 2 right here.

Starman’s Alive???

This was easily the episode’s biggest reveal and leads to some of the most complex theorizing as well as some deep cut but necessary explanations. So in the world of Stargirl, Sylvester Pemberton is alive and well, which comes as a huge shock because we thought that we saw him die a decade ago at the hands of the Injustice Society. There’s always the chance that this is some kind of Clayface/shape-shifter scenario, but if not it leads to some really interesting questions and will bring to light something that a lot of comic book fans have been wondering.

See, in the comics Sylvester Pemberton was the Star-Spangled Kid but he was never actually Starman. The mantle he took on after retiring as the young hero was Skyman. The real comic book Starman was Ted Knight who was followed by his brother David and later by Ted’s son Jack. There have been other heroes who have used the name Starman but none have been Sylvester Pemberton.

It’ll be interesting to see just how the show combines these two disparate narratives now that Pemberton is potentially back in the picture. In the comics he does team up with Stargirl at one point, which could be echoed here. But it feels like this might be more of an arc for Pat who has spent his life dealing with the ramifications of a death that might not have actually happened at all. So what is Starman hiding? Where has he been? And most importantly of all for Courtney, is he going to want his Cosmic Staff back?

We’ll have to wait to find out the answers to all of these questions and the fates of our lovely teenage heroes, but whatever comes next we cannot wait for the return of our favorite new superhero show!

You can watch all of Stargirl season one on DC Universe or The CW app right now!

The post Stargirl Season Finale Ending Explained and Unanswered Questions appeared first on Den of Geek.

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girlgainsbourger · 7 years ago

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Hold on fast to living

New to this (again). I’ve been apprehensive to start a new outlet because my writing and creative skills are slowly diminishing (with age) and my life is pretty mediocre these days. Plus there’s this whole “starting anew/ clean slate” feeling that’s terrifying because my obsessive-compulsive mind is too afraid to miss out the smallest detail so I’d rather not document anything esp on my journal since I fear committing mistakes the most and that prevents me from doing anything. Marc Johns once shared that he makes his own journals (as in he binds them himself) so he doesn’t feel regretful of whatever he had written and Emma Watson said someone told her that there’s nothing more intimidating than a blank canvas, which is true. Sometimes that’s what makes me give up writing and/or doing things altogether. On the other hand, not being able to chronicle my thoughts, inspirations, discoveries and misadventures makes me sad. I don’t remember any of the mundane things I laughed at during the Christmas season which was one of the best moments of my life. I’m starting to forget what happened when I threw my boyfriend (I call him Johnny online) his very first prom. I don’t have a list of songs that changed my life in 2016 so I don’t know where to send my thank you notes to. Now (well not exactly now, it has become a recurring thought) I realized that I’m writing for myself, so writing bad entries is ok and shouldn’t feel like homework. That it’s far more important that I remember certain periods, feelings or strange magic (as I, my sister and our homie, Tavi like to call it) rather than worrying whether I sound fancy or intellectual (something I won’t ever be anyway cos I’m always grammatically incorrect). That I should keep writing despite the normality of my life because that's the only way I'll get better at writing, plus whoelse is going to log all the times I rewatch Roswell? That I should stop writing as if I’m writing for an audience and just be completely honest with myself because this is my space. That it’s ok to allow myself to write bad, cringey poetry because I can see myself develop from it and at least I have something to look back on and laugh at in the future. I realized that if I didn’t write, or try to, I wouldn’t be able to encapsulate important adulting moments, silly conversations, filmy feelings, sartorial choices, bathroom epiphanies, etc. I realized that in order for me to let of of the perpetual fear/ anxiety of creating/ writing something, I should just describe things as I see them. Less is more and just being sincere and honest about the things I write about often leads to a product of inspiring and inspired writing.

There are so many things I regret not being able to write about because I was either too lazy or too “in the moment and now it’s too late to write about it cos time has passed”. So here’s a list of some 2016-2017 things I can write from memory:

- Sitting on the curb outside 7/11 with my sister Hanna after an outdoor movie (it was Matilda), listening to Crowded House’s Don’t Dream It’s Over on loudspeaker

- The electric feel of meeting Johnny for the first time after months of unbearable yearning, like the by way of the green line bus scene on the Royal Tenenbaums. How gawky it was. How unadulterated it was. Thinking about it today, from this gradual mediocrity, still makes me cry.

- Watching Gainsbourg: vie heroïque again after the last time (2011?) and regaining my fondness for Klimt, Baudelaire and Aznavour, knowing the difference between Rimbaud and Molière and how the scene with Yolanda Moreau, underrated French actress btw, made me emotional. I paused the film, listened to Fréhel for a while, and tears started rolling down like end credits. The world, c’est si bon.

- Reading Toast on the bus ride home one night and The Hottest State in a local cafe, looking up from time to time in hopes that someone would find me as interesting as Sarah. But there’s always no one there.

- I remember getting on a bus cos I was leaving for school in a town 7 hours away from my home. My dad just got off after helping me get settled and I started crying. A few seconds later, he climbed back up cos I left my hat and he sees me a wreck so he sat beside me for a few minutes, sharing a sad-comfortable silence.

- Discussing ideas and the future with my cousin Lowil over mac n cheese. I told him I just want to make art for a living but I seem to have forgotten how. That when I try to make something, it’s always crap and since I feel like I have a good critical eye and can easily tell good from bad, I figured my feelings about my own work must be true. He then replied that it’s just overwhelming feelings of self-doubt and that I just have to keep practicing and eventually the persistence will pay off.

- Breakfast with my family in our garden, feeling like a scene from Vicky Christina Barcelona or Tortilla Soup or that life pondering conversation lunch scene from Before Midnight. Everything was fresh like a citrus fruit.

- My friendship with Aida leveled up when we started opening up to each other about our depression and finding peace in each other’s consolation

- Virtually watched the Gilmore Girls reboot with Aida and I remembered most of it was disappointment (what was up with that 20-minute musical scene that felt like 14 hours) and the next day, we watched the last episode, Fall, and Reflecting Light started playing and it’s as if Aida’s hand reached out of the screen, grabbing mine and things were better for a while. This is our life, and if everything else crumbles, at least we have this.

- Crying at a club whilst I was dancing with Rosie on her last night in the country because I don’t want this but I’ll miss her

- Dancing to Neil Young’s Harvest Moon with Carlo was bewitching. A lilting reminder that despite the persistent mediocrity, “I’m still in love with you, I wanna see you dance again.”

- My excitement on September and watching Practical Magic almost every day, to welcome October, made me feel immortal

- Going to Hongkong with my sister, Hanna, and all I can remember is catching our breath, sitting in an alley with our egg tarts in Central and laughing at our ludicrous travel decisions

- Sitting in history class and my instructor started to sound like the grownups in Charlie Brown, a lump in my throat and on the verge of crying because I know and I was certain that school isn’t for me and continues to be the bane of my existence

- A wave of depression so intense it made me sit on the floor of my balcony at 3am listening to Crash Into Me

- Throwing a bachelorette (party of four) for my sister, Inky. Her best friend posed as her stripper because we’re too much of a wimp to get a real stripper and I’ve never seen her laugh so much before. We went out for drinks after and had an intense and honest conversation despite the godawful ambiance and waited for our guy friends to pick us up. All I remember about it now was the tumble and tangle of limbs but it was one of the best moments of my 2017

- Growing closer to my sisters. I don’t know how, I don’t know when BUT HERE WE ARE

- Listening to the entire Dreamin' Wild album by Donnie & Joe Emerson on vinyl. Johnny bought it for me as a Christmas present and I know he saved up for it for a while

- Welcoming 2017 with a studio 70s roller disco party and I can never write about this because it was everything

- The first week of January, Johnny so openly talked to me about how much he hates his work and that he doesn’t know what to do and we just sat on the bed and I played Billy Joel’s James and we started bawling like babies. A week after that, he finally left his job

- Right now, listening to Paul Simon sing American Tune, muting the people around me, eating the last of my cake. I realize we’re nearing towards the end of February and I’m still not beginning

I promise to try to update this more, whether if it's a bad movie review, the usual list of things or just a moodboard of inspiration. But I'd forgive myself if I didn't.

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girl-gainsbourg · 7 years ago

Text

Hold on fast to living

New to this (again). I’ve been apprehensive to start a new outlet because my writing and creative skills are slowly diminishing (with age) and my life is pretty mediocre these days. Plus there’s this whole “starting anew/clean slate” feeling that’s terrifying because my obsessive-compulsive mind is too afraid to miss out the smallest detail so I’d rather not document anything esp on my journal since I fear committing mistakes the most and that prevents me from doing anything. Marc Johns once shared that he makes his own journals (as in he binds them himself) so he doesn’t feel regretful of whatever he had written and Emma Watson said someone told her that there’s nothing more intimidating than a blank canvas, which is true. Sometimes that’s what makes me give up writing and/or doing things altogether. On the other hand, not being able to chronicle my thoughts, inspirations, discoveries and misadventures makes me sadder. I don’t remember any of the silly things I laughed at during the Christmas season which was one of the best moments of my life; I’m starting to forget what happened when I threw my boyfriend (I call him Johnny online) his very first prom; I don’t have a list of songs that changed my life in 2016 so I don’t know where to send my thank you notes to. Now (well not exactly now but it has become a recurring thought) I realized that I’m writing for myself, so writing bad entries is ok and shouldn’t feel like homework. That it’s far more important that I remember certain periods, feelings or strange magic (as I, my sister and our homie, Tavi like to call it) rather than worrying whether I sound fancy or intellectual (something I won’t ever be anyway cos I’m always grammatically incorrect). That I should keep writing despite the normality of my life because that's the only way I'll get better at it, plus whoelse is going to log all the times I rewatch Roswell? That I should stop writing as if I’m writing for an audience and just be completely honest with myself because this is my space (not yours, Bethany). That it’s ok to allow myself to write bad, cringey poetry because I can see myself develop from it and at least I have something to look back on and laugh at in the future. I realized that if I didn’t write, or try to, I wouldn’t be able to encapsulate important adulting moments, silly conversations, filmy feelings, sartorial choices, bathroom epiphanies, etc. I realized that in order for me to let go of the perpetual fear/ anxiety of creating/ writing something, I should just describe things as I see them. Less is more and just being sincere and honest about the things I write about often leads to a product of inspiring and inspired writing.

- Sitting on the curb outside 7/11 with my sister Hanna after an outdoor movie (it was Matilda), listening to Crowded House’s Don’t Dream It’s Over on loudspeaker

- My friendship with Aida leveled up when we started opening up to each other about our depression and finding peace in each other’s consolation

- Crying at a club whilst I was dancing with Rosie on her last night in the country because I don’t want this but I’ll miss her

- Dancing to Neil Young’s Harvest Moon with Carlo was bewitching. A lilting reminder that despite the persistent mediocrity, “I’m still in love with you, I wanna see you dance again.”

- My excitement on September and watching Practical Magic almost every day, to welcome October, made me feel immortal

- Going to Hongkong with my sister, Hanna, and all I can remember is catching our breath, sitting in an alley with our egg tarts in Central and laughing at our ludicrous travel decisions

- A wave of depression so intense it made me sit on the floor of my balcony at 3am listening to Crash Into Me

- Throwing a bachelorette (party of four) for my sister, Inky. Her best friend posed as her stripper because we’re too much of a wimp to get a real one and I’ve never seen her laugh as much as she did before. We went out for drinks after and had an intense and honest conversation despite the godawful ambiance and waited for our friends to pick us up. All I remember about it now was the tumble and tangle of limbs but it was one of the best moments of my 2017 tbfh

- Growing closer to my sisters. I don’t know how, I don’t know when BUT HERE WE ARE

- Listening to the entire Dreamin' Wild album by Donnie & Joe Emerson on vinyl. Johnny bought it for me as a Christmas present and I know he saved up for it for a while and that makes my mouth quiver

- Welcoming 2017 with a studio 70s roller disco party and I can never write about this because it was everything

- The first week of January, Johnny so openly talked to me about how much he hates his work and that he doesn’t know what to do with his life anymore and we just sat on the bed sharing an understanding and I played Billy Joel’s James and we started bawling like babies. A week after that, he finally left his job

- When I watched this conversation between RuPaul and Oprah that literally changed my life. It’s like they sat down and recorded a self-help audiobook

- Right now, listening to Paul Simon sing American Tune, muting the people around me, eating the last of my cake. I realize we’re nearing towards the end of February and I’m still not beginning

I promise to try to update this more, whether if it's a bad movie review, the usual list or just a moodboard of inspiration. But I'd forgive myself if I didn't.

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aion-rsa · 5 years ago

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Stargirl Episode 13 Review: Stars & S.T.R.I.P.E. Part Two

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This STARGIRL review contains spoilers.

Stargirl Episode 13

Stargirl’s first season, on the whole, is one of the strongest ever attempted in the DC television universe. There’s so much to love about this series, from its sunny, optimistic vibe and charming characters to its willingness to push boundaries, trust its audience, and make bold storytelling decisions. That its Season 1 finale doesn’t entirely stick the landing is probably expected – honestly, most of the Arrowverse shows never do finales terribly well anyway – but the emotional moments are as top-notch as ever, and “Stars & S.T.R.I.P.E. Part Two” does a decent enough job of tying up loose ends and putting some intriguing new pieces in place for Season 2.

The sudden return of Joel McHale’s Sylvester Pemberton will probably drive the bulk of conversation following this episode – whether he’s the real Starman, back from the (presumed) dead, a brainwashed clone or something else entirely – but, honestly, all I want to do is talk about the emotional impact from those scenes in which Courtney refers to herself as Pat’s daughter and it breaks through his Brainwave-conditioning.

Stargirl’s first season is Courtney Whitmore’s superhero origin story, but it’s also Pat Dugan’s too. And that moment is so darn earned and so satisfying and just, everything it needed to be. Again, this is the kind of thing that makes watching superhero stories so worth it, and why we stick with this genre even when it can sometimes feel like it does nothing but churn out clunkers. (See also: Yolanda’s sudden turn to the dark side, but we’ll get to that in a minute.)

Stargirl: The History of Shining Knight

By Rosie Knight

Stargirl Episode 12 Review: Stars & S.T.R.I.P.E. Part One

By Lacy Baugher

To be fair, I’d probably be more interested in Sylvester’s apparent return if it had happened before Courtney realized Starman wasn’t her father. But there’s an equally interesting emotional tug-of-war in the offing for Pat, who will doubtless have to choose between the life – and BFF – he had before, and his new status as a simultaneous sidekick and dad.

The finale picks up right where “Stars & S.T.R.I.P.E Part One” left off, with the adults of Blue Valley paralyzed by Brainwave’s rip-off Cerebro machine. Thanks to some clever hacking by Beth, they free Pat and Justin from the mind control just in time for the much-hyped face-off between the new Justice Society and the old Injustice Society that we’ve been waiting all season to see. As such, the fight scene between both groups is honestly great, feeling both epic and immediate all at the same time. The show pulls out all the stops for this final confrontation, unleashing Solomon Grundy, putting Jordan Mahkent in the middle of the action for the first time, and giving Justin the chance to get medieval on the Dragon King.

Though, in the most entertaining surprise of the show, it’s Cindy who offs her father, stabbing him through the chest as payback for keeping her in an underground dungeon for the past few episodes. To say I am excited for her rise as the new leader of the ISA next season is perhaps the understatement of the year.

Here’s hoping she fares better than Jordan, who gets the most ignominious supervillain ending possible, shattered into pieces in his ice form by none other than…Mike Dugan, driving Justin’s truck. The show’s sudden dedication to clearing the board of the ISA parents is interesting, as it looks as though Cindy, Isaiah, and probably Cameron now that he’s a vengeance legacy himself will be stepping into the supervillain void their parents have left behind. There’s something to be said for giving the teen JSA some rivals that are closer to their age group – the optics of Brainwave’s treatment of Courtney have always been fairly gross – but the show will certainly miss Neil Jackson, who was its most skilled performer at making his ISA leader feel both wildly evil and fully human.

In other news, it’s possible that Yolanda Montez has suddenly become Stargirl’s most controversial hero, slitting the throat of a boy who looked like the one she used to love, all the while knowing he was actually his supervillain father, Brainwave. Her decision is certainly understandable – Brainwave was a monster who killed his own child, planned to aid in the murder of millions more, and certainly would have done the same to her and all her friends if given the chance. But watching Yolanda mercilessly kill someone who looked like Henry was incredibly jarring, and definitely seems like the kind of character shift that will – or should, at least – have lasting ramifications for her going forward.

Particularly given the fact that something like four scenes prior, we saw her telling Rick how wrong it was to kill in the name of vengeance. Yolanda, it must be noted, it also the only member of the JSA that appears to be demonstrably religious, which adds another layer to her decision to commit an act she would clearly view as a grievous sin. Will she tell Courtney and her friends what really happened to Brainwave? Or will it fester insider her until she makes some sort of dramatic and dangerous error?

The Yolanda twist is even more interesting when contrasted against Rick’s decision to spare Solomon Grundy after weeks of insisting he’d kill him as soon as he got the chance. It’s the first moment where he’s truly behaved like a hero, and swallowed the rage that’s powered him through virtually every other moment of the season. It’s a choice that, for once, actually made Rick feel interesting, even if it’s not entirely clear that the show did the work necessary to get his character to this point. To be fair, the same could possibly be said of Yolanda, but at least we’ve seen her struggling with her grief over Henry’s death and her guilt and anger over how their relationship ended.

Where Stargirl goes from here is anyone’s guess – the show is headed to The CW exclusively for its second season, which may or may not have the budget to pull off some of the extended fight and special effects sequences we saw this year. (Though, truly, The Flash pulls off some stuff that can look comparable when it tries.) But whether or not that’s the case doesn’t really matter – the wonder of Stargirl isn’t its fight sequences, it’s its heart. Bring on Season 2.

The post Stargirl Episode 13 Review: Stars & S.T.R.I.P.E. Part Two appeared first on Den of Geek.

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aion-rsa · 5 years ago

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Stargirl Episode 11 Review: Shining Knight

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This STARGIRL review contains spoilers.

Stargirl Episode 11

The idea that heroes can come from anywhere isn’t exactly a new theme in comic book movies and television. We can all wear the mask, right? Or wield the sword. Or the staff, or the hammer, if we’re worthy of it.

Stargirl has vaguely touched on this theme already – after all, it’s not like Yolanda or Beth are exactly legacy heroes or anything, and Henry King still chose the light in spite of who his father is. But the trope has never played out so directly and so heart-wrenchingly as it does in “Shining Knight,” an emotional hour that sees Courtney meet her father, who isn’t Starman.

Instead, Sam Kurtis is a run-of-the-mill deadbeat, a man who pays lip service to the idea of finally getting to know the daughter he abandoned, but only until he manages to coax her into surrendering her beloved antique locket, which he wants to sell. Sam tells Courtney it’ll help him establish his life in Los Angeles so that she can come to visit – but we all know there’s little chance she’ll ever see him again. It’s the way of men like this, after all: She has nothing else of value left to give him, and therefore she likely has no value to him.

For Courtney, the revelation of her father’s identity is devastating. At least if her dad was Starman, it gives a meaning to the gaping hole that the absence of her father left in her life, as well to everything she’s doing right now. She’s not putting on a costume and risking the lives of her friends for fun, she’s honoring the legacy of the father she never knew and trying to get justice for his death. If her true dad is just some random who didn’t care enough to stick around because he was lazy or bored, then that’s an entirely different story. It means he just didn’t love her enough to stay.

How Stargirl Tackles Generational Trauma With Brainwave, Jr.

By Rosie Knight

Stargirl: Who Are the Seven Soldiers of Victory?

By Mike Cecchini

Thank goodness for Pat Dugan, who offers himself up as a convenient target for Courtney’s rage and disappointment over Sam’s general existence, only to find that what she needs from him is simply what he’s always offered: His pure, unfettered belief in her. And a really big hug.

Confession time: I cried during this episode, and I’m not ashamed. Perhaps it’s partly because I’m also the daughter of a disappointing man like Sam, so Courtney’s complex reaction to him felt brutally realistic to me. But it’s also because we so rarely get to see men like Pat on television, particularly on superhero shows like this. He’s not particularly strong or tough. He’s not a great fighter, and even though he’s built a giant robot out of car parts he’s always going to be a sidekick instead of a leader. But he’s still a hero anyway – because of what’s in his heart.

Also, watching Pat punch Sam in the face was one of the most utterly satisfying moments of this entire season, and it had nothing to do with the Justice Society or deep cut supervillains. (Honestly, I only wish he’d taken the locket back too.)

Brec Bassinger and Luke Wilson have always been the emotional center of this show, but as the storylines of Stargirl’s first season have gotten more complicated, we’ve had less time for their relationship, or even for scenes that just feature the two of them together. But despite that, the pair knock this episode out of the park together. Bassinger seems to contain a dozen conflicting emotions at once: Anger, despair, desperation, fear. Who is she if she’s not Stargirl? If she’s not Starman’s daughter? Why would the Cosmic Staff ever choose her, when her own father didn’t?

Bassinger’s teary delivery of “It doesn’t want me anymore” here is heartbreakingly good, as is Wilson’s calm, level-headed certainty that Courtney has always been worthy despite her mistakes. That the staff itself responds – choosing Courtney by glowing brightly enough to blow the lights out in her basement and bring a knight to her side – is a moment that’s only possible in the best kind of comic book adaptation. This is why we watch this stuff, folks. This, right here.

For all that this is an episode named “Shining Knight,” Justin the Janitor is largely an afterthought in it. Sure, Stargirl finally confirms out loud what many viewers have known for weeks – that Justin is Shining Knight, one of the Seven Soldiers of Victory who used to fight alongside Pat and Starman before the advent of the original Justice Society. Now, his memory is fuzzy and full of gaps, but his story about how he arrived in Blue Valley references dragons enough times that it seems like a likely guess that whatever has happened to him is tied to Dr. Ito’s brainwashing methods. Will Courtney’s staff be able to help him reclaim his lost time?

Stargirl also deserves bonus points for folding Barbara so seamlessly into the story here. Whereas last week she was ready to bolt from Blue Valley for good, she now seems more conflicted. Your mileage may vary on whether or not it’s a moral good for a mother to consider letting her teenager fight a deadly group of grown men just because a special staff glows for her, but the fact that the show is actually allowing the character to wrestle with this issue is a good thing. Barbara isn’t an obstacle to Courtney’s superhero journey – or she shouldn’t be, at least – and the story works better with her as a real and meaningful part of it. (Now, if only the same could be said for Mike….)

The post Stargirl Episode 11 Review: Shining Knight appeared first on Den of Geek.

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aion-rsa · 5 years ago

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How Stargirl Tackles Generational Trauma With Brainwave, Jr.

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This article contains Stargirl spoilers. Don’t read if you aren’t caught up to episode 10.

Whether we want to be or not, we are all defined in some part by our parents; by their love or their lack of it, by the trauma they suffered or the compassion they were shown, and by the simple question of whether or not they were present in our lives at all.

Despite its superhero trappings, Stargirl is a series shaped by these experiences, with each member of the young cast struggling to deal with the legacy that their parents have left them. Courtney Whitmore is stuck between the reality of her father abandoning her and the fantasy that he might have died a noble death. Cindy Burman will go to any lengths–even murder–to gain the respect of the man who raised her. Rick is defined solely by his grief and mourning over his parents’ deaths. Beth’s own relationship with her mom and dad left her isolated from her own peers. Yolanda’s own family shunned her due to her own abuse, but this in turn inspired her to embrace her role as Wildcat. And that’s before we even get into the fact that Blue Valley’s parents are predominantly supervillains.

There is one story, though, that defines this conflict between our own personhood and our parents. It was a heartbreaking journey that spent time to create a truly conflicted tragic hero out of a flawed young man who in the newest episode ultimately made the right choice and paid for it with his life. Henry King Jr. was the only son of the supervillain known as Brainwave. Early on, the teen superhero series set him up as a potential antagonist for the burgeoning Justice Society. But as the season moved forward, Henry Jr. was at the heart of one of Stargirl‘s biggest thematic arcs: can we ever move past the horrors of what our parents have done?

Anyone who’s read DC’s Stars & S.T.R.I.P.E. comics might have an inkling that Courtney is hurtling towards her own reckoning with her parents, but as Brec Bassinger’s titular heroine has forged forward with her fight for justice, Jake Austin Walker has been crafting a heartbreaking and emotive performance that pays off beautifully in “Brainwave Jr.” Struggling to contain his own developing telepathic powers while also dealing with his father’s sudden comatose state, Henry Jr. was more of a background character until the last few episodes, with all signs pointing towards him becoming a villain. He was partially responsible for sharing Yolanda’s photos around school and making her a social pariah, he had a violent temper that often saw him bullying those around him, and, of course, his father is an evil supervillain.

Despite all of that, Walker brought a level of humility and compassion to the character which hinted at his ultimate role as Stargirl‘s tragic hero. Henry Jr. seemed like he was supposed to be unlikeable but I never managed to dislike him. In fact, the more I learned about his father and his cruelty as well as his apparent deep regret about what happened to Yolanda I began to hope he’d lead Blue Valley’s villain kids in an uprising against their parents. While that didn’t quite happen, the latest episode did allow us to see Henry Jr. show the kind of bravery it takes to do the right thing even when you know that it might be the last thing that you ever do.

Many of us have taken the time to try to save our parents, both figuratively and literally. Children are often left to try and make the best of carers who are lost to addiction or save those who are in abusive relationships. It’s a tough reversal of roles that’s far more regular of an occurrence than anyone admits, and in Stargirl the weight of that responsibility was showcased in a brutal way.

Stargirl: Who is the Dragon King?

By Rosie Knight

With Henry Jr. sure that his father could be better and was truly more than Brainwave, he saved his friends and stood in front of the man he loved, begging him to reconsider his actions. His belief that the person who had never done anything but hurt him had the capacity to change gave Henry the strength to ask his father to do just that. But sadly for Henry Jr., his father couldn’t make that sacrifice and instead sacrificed his own son simply to make a point. But even in his last moments, Henry Jr. refused to let his father and his cruelty win, telling his friends, “You were right, people are good, don’t let this change that.”

It was a devastating moment that opened up a bigger question for Stargirl, not just how do we live in the shadows of our parents but how do we survive them? Can we really escape their trauma and abuse? Their failings and fury?

In Henry’s case the answer was ultimately no, but his spirit and sacrifice broke the cycle of horror that his father had tried to instill in him to continue. There was a power in Walker’s performance that not only moved me but left an indelible impact on the show. It’ll be a shame to see him leave, but there’s another famous father who needs a son who can show him the way; we’d just have to jump over to DC’s chief competition at Marvel to see it.

Walker’s performance has been one of my favorite things about this season, and even before I began to care about Henry Jr. I had noticed that Walker bought exactly the mix of arrogance, sweetness, and blistering anger that a perfect Harry Osborn needs. I can’t help but constantly fancast–it is my curse–but as Henry’s arc moved forward I became more and more sure of Walker being the best possible bit of casting for the vital Spider-Man character.

It’s not just that he looks like the iconic Marvel character but Henry Jr. also shares the trauma of Peter Parker’s best friend: a tormented relationship with his father whose love he desperately grasps for. The difference here, of course, is that Henry ultimately chose his friends over the man who had hurt him. Despite that, there is plenty here to argue that Walker has the chops and ingenuity to take on the role of the son of Green Goblin if the MCU decides to go down that well-trodden road.

Even if this is the last superpowered role that Walker takes on, it was a powerful one and added layers of depth and gravitas that the sometimes light and silly show needs. It’ll be interesting to see the impact that this loss has on the gang and potentially Brainwave as we move towards the season finale and the inevitable battle between good and evil that Blue Valley is headed for.

The post How Stargirl Tackles Generational Trauma With Brainwave, Jr. appeared first on Den of Geek.

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