#i just mean we gotta support our favorite characters/actors

[fantasticalleigh]

thoughts about the new rey movie and people’s reactions to the announcement

i was gonna reblog a post about this and just slide my opinion in the tags but it’s getting to be an essay so i think it warrants its own post

i’m not trying to attack anybody with this but this has been rampant since the announcement and i have thoughts:

i understand and share in the opinion that ben solo is a wasted character and that he (and TROS and the sequel trilogy in general) was severely mishandled, and i would not be sorry to see more of him. adam was one of the best things about this new trilogy. i was hardly a star wars fan until the day i went to see TFA on opening day. that experience was something i’ll never forget and i fell in love with kylo/ben and rey from the second they both appeared on screen during their respective intros. without them i don’t think i would enjoy SW the way i do now.

i’m so happy for daisy to have this new opportunity to continue rey’s story. She deserves it.

And before you chime in--yes, Ben deserves for his story to be continued, too. No one’s ever really gone, and all that. if he comes back i will be screaming on the way to the theaters with the rest of you.

but i have seen so many people state outright since the announcement that they refuse to watch the movie if ben isn’t coming back.

i understand that sentiment, i do--none of us want to get burned again TROS-style. we want to see the dyad together and alive and happy. we want lucasfilms to get a friggin grip and just--DO BETTER.

and remember, this is my opinion, but it rubs me the wrong way when people say they won’t watch the movie without ben (and i’ve seen it said over and over and over both here and on instagram) because it’s sort of implying that rey has no value without ben, like she is not interesting enough on her own.

now i don’t actually believe that’s what people mean when they say that (at least, not everybody) but that’s the feeling i get from it. i love rey and ben equally and so i’ll take any new content with them in it, even if they aren’t together. will it hurt? will it be bittersweet? yeah. but imagine if the new rey movie gets a really low turnout and then disney execs look at the numbers and go ‘hmm--let’s not do that again’ and then a new possible trilogy is cancelled or any chance we get of maybe a dyad reunion is also gone. bc we all know the mouse listens to money above all.

i love rey. i think she’s a great character who has just as much potential as ben and i can’t wait to see what she can do in a film where she’s top billing (until they throw in a mark hamill cameo because we all know he’ll be in it to some degree) but my point still stands. and daisy is a great actress who brought such depth to rey that i’m so excited to see her return and i can’t wait to see her as rey again.

do i still have a tiny bit of hope that it will be better this time and that ben will return? yes. i’m not gonna lie about it. this clown makeup is tattooed on. but it’s a cautious hope and i’m trying not to feed too much into it, because the reality is that it’s rey who’s back and i love her so i’m going to support her because i think she’s interesting and compelling on her own, just as she was in TFA before she ever met Kylo/Ben.

[daswithoucri]

This is in response to @theinvisibledavis talking about (misogynistic) people attacking Kat, because they don't like Earth (as well as other female characters), and how they think that "the writing of the shows are bad"

Let me start with this: Before TSAMS and LAES, I haven't watched anything in a long time. Because personally, I am not a big fan of TV series, nor do I watch a lot of movies. But these shows and their characters have captured me. I have watched every single sams video this year, during a time span of about half a year (And let me tell you, my mental health was down the drain earlier this year. A day, where I could watch 12 videos in a row, felt just amazing to me. I am now in a much better and stable state. And TSBS has always been there along the way, as a means of comfort.) .

Now I am doing the same with LAES, and I am not any less interested in it. Their videos make me laugh my guts out, make me bawl my eyes out, or simply just let me relax and calm down after a long day at work. And it's all for free! With practically an unlimited amount of content! I, for a fact, know that I am not gonna run out of new videos to watch anytime soon. They upload daily after all! I am 100% sure, that I have still about 2 years worth left to watch. And with the continues uploads, it's probably more like 4 or even 5 years. And it's all just at the grasp of our hands! All of it!

I can't imagine how much blood, sweat and tears the actors must have put into their channels. This takes so much dedication, we can't even imagine the stress they must and have been going through, to make these shows and this fandom a reality! So we all must be grateful for their hard work. What is a few minutes of entertainment for us, is hours of work for them. We need to be thankful and show our support. It's the least that we can do.

So thank you Kat, Davis, Reed, Matt and all the other VAs of other shows that I haven't gotten to know yet. Thank you for your dedication to my and many other people's favourite shows. ❤

And @queenkatluv, if you ever read this: I hope you are okay and that your mental health hasn't taken too much of a blow from all the unnecessary hate, or that you will quickly recover from it. It must be difficult, but try to not take their mean words to heart. I don't have to listen to what they say, nor will I ever, because I know from the beginning on, that what they say is simply not fact. I don't really interact with the fandom, but they gotta be just the vocal minority. I'm sure the majority loves you and Earth.

You are amazing! Your acting is amazing! Your characters are amazing! Your writing is amazing! You deserve to rest well and take it easy. Eat your favorite meal as much as you wish. Have a nice bubble bath, or take a walk in nature if you prefer. Or both! Spend time with those that do you good. You deserve it all times infinity, because you are simply just amazing.

Earth is always so kind, helpful and empathetic towards others. What would she say to you? I'm sure you'll know, because you know her the best.

(Oh an by the way, the quality of The Vampire's Bride is chef's kiss to me. It's like a TV show, but the good kind.)

[cutegirlmayra]

Doing this while on a double-16 hour shift. Meaning, I did 16's yesterday and today, so if my writing seems really off, you know now why XD

I've been struggling with writing for some time now. I've been trying to heal and work on other things, but thank you so much--My Cuties--for your patience with me.

I always am inspired by your support, and your passionate memory of me and my works.

I'm so glad I could inspire you. Stay tuned!

PROMPTS ARE SHUTDOWN FOREVER. Sorry for your loss :'( Finishing the ones already submitted during the event due date. None are to be accepted henceforth and forever more! I gotta write my own stories again, sorry XD Life is but all work~ (Sang like, 'Life is but a dream'.)

Prompt:

Fabrics. Buttons. Can’t forget the soft stuff is the outer layer. Oh! Sewing! Finally!

I was so excited to get this going! I put it straight up to my mirror, overlapping my body to make sure the proportions were right.

I often made sweaters for Penguins, but if I’m being truly honest, I haven’t really tested myself properly with forging my own clothes!

“I will conquer this contest!” I held up my arms to the ceiling, as though declaring my intentions with sound, purposeful might!

After all, the winner gets to meet the voice actor for my favorite little pupper! His voice is so cute when he barks on the new show they just aired, and everyone wants to dress up as a version of him!

Looking online, though… It seems there’s a lot of people who judge ridiculously for these competitions… I felt a little embarrassed… but I ended up asking Sticks for some advice.

She’s really good at… umm… should I call it, ‘Makeshifting’ stuff?

I think that’s appropriate. It’ll suffice.

Sticks, of course, couldn’t keep a secret for the life of her. I was asking the Walrus mother about some patchwork questions when I heard a BURST of laughter coming from our favorite Burger place…

Now I was really mad..!

I squandered my entrance with hasty, stomping footsteps as my cheek kept puffing up to ridiculous heights of anger.

I stopped only to square up as Sticks was showing my prototype cosplay of my favorite Pup to our friends, who were mocking it as I had feared the judges would as well.

But… But I had to win that one on one time with that Voice Actor!

“Enough!” I stomped my foot down again and threw my arms down. That really made them flinch, they were so… So..! 

My fist shook in rage. It rose up… and I… I regret it, but I couldn’t keep my emotions from blowing up.

“You’re all so self-absorbed sometimes!”

The silence was deafening.

I felt my eyes welling up, but I wouldn’t dare release tears to their mockery.

I stormed past Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails to rip the Pup costume out of Sticks’s hands… she was standing up on a table, the others sitting at another one to watch as though an audience to my hard work being treated like a child’s art and crafts hung on the fridge…

I wanted so much more than that for this costume,... and looking at it, my rage turned to disappointment… mostly in myself.

I just wanted to meet my favorite character’s voice actor… Or at least, get a chance to take pictures and… and…

I saw the fake fur growing darker in spots… water falling from my eyes.

I threw my face into the fuzz and raced away, the little prototype face of the pup still forever dorky and adorable, as though trying to comfort me…

Back at home, I heard a knock on the door, and ignored the pitiful cries of my friends… before looking up from leaning my head over the armrest of the couch to see they were all just watching me from my bare and open window.

I sighed, letting them in.

They were adorable!!!!

They actually spent the time to all make Puppy costumes! We’d all be so cute going to the convention they were hosting for the World Championships of my favorite puppy game, that I almost lost it in my excitement!

We all then worked together to perfect our cosplays, looking up tutorials–as recommended of Tails–and Knuckles doing the heavy-lifting bargaining sales by fighting old ladies for our supplies at the one craft store in the village.

Sonic was speedy with needlework, though it wasn’t the finest, he practiced and pricked his finger all night to perfect it. He admitted he felt a little weird doing the hobby, but you know what?

I saw him practicing with yarns in knitting! Haha! I think he found something he actually really likes! Now that he’s got the whole ‘hand-eye’ coordination nailed down flat.

I winked at him, and he smiled to me. For the first time in a long time, I was reminded why I loved him so much.

I blushed when he asked me, still minding his own business with his cosplay gluing of silly eyeballs that bounced around for the project. “Why do you want to win so bad at this costume contest, anyway, Ames? We could have all just gone to support you in winning the championship.”

“Emm… I think Eggman’s gonna enter it. I would much prefer the prize of-” I suddenly halted and put my face into the paw that I was working on, making sure the fluff was getting stuffed into it correctly. “Quality time with the Voice Actor!”

“H-Huh?” Sonic suddenly stopped working but I was buried deep in soft toe-pads~

My literal dream~!

“Hehe. He’s my favorite.” I pulled out only to hear the heavy fabric of his cosplay slide off the couch from Sonic’s lap.

“Hmm?” But when I turned to look at him, he had sped off, and I wasn’t sure what that was about…

My best guess? He was probably antsy from putting in so much work while staying in one place for too long. He needed to stretch his legs, I get it.

It was then that I noticed… his Pup Costume was actually the best friend of my Puppy’s! I was so happy to see which Puppy he picked!

I wonder… did he watch the show? I thought him and Knuckles called it a bore when I tried to watch it with them. Sticks just thinks the convention is a conspiracy to drain creatively suffering artists of all their pocketbooks while feeding them government distractions from what was really going on in their lives… but everyone already knew and accepted that, so I didn’t bother discussing it further.

However, Tails and me were all about that sweet, sweet lore~

Tails had some fun theories! He was playing the Grand Grandpa German Shepard character that was only found within the television series, having some CRAZY theories that he was actually a wizard.

I think the new collectible line of their pieces for the game is going to eventually come out with him, not just as a toy, but they’re waiting for the big season finale coming up before they drop it, I think.

Finally, we had all gotten our cosplays ready, and taking a fun picture really quick, we entered the convention as Sticks immediately began a protest soapbox performance in the corner of the giant building.

Not surprising anyone… she got a huge following, who wanted to add her to their social medias, but she thought that meant scuba diving into her personal life and breaching her security, making her rear up like a cat’s back hairs and hiss them away, running from her new adoring fans.

Knuckles was the giant Saint Bernard Pup, and immediately got stepped every few steps he took for a picture. He lifted up fans and seemed to really soak in all the attention! In fact, I think he even mentioned that maybe the show and game wasn’t all that bad! I was proud of him for opening up his… uh… well, what was surely there of his big noggin’ brain to other possibilities of what was defined as ‘cool’.

Tails was already debating with fans about rumors, leaks, and got really sucked into the collectible Puppy Piece Bobbleheads that were there. Extremely limited editions, and although he told me he wasn’t about that life, he clearly got thrown into the puppy void vortex of their advertisement and ranking pool.

I hope he got a rare rainbow or reverse holo. I hear those skins are rare.

I suddenly felt a hand grasp mine and gasped, turning around to see… Sonic?

I was almost certain everyone had dispersed… but seeing him still here… it brought a warm smile to my anxious heart.

“You… You’re gonna come to the contest with me?” I beamed, trying to hold my excitement in at his sweet gesture.

“Why else would I wear this costume?” He shrugged, trying to play it cool, but I loved his shyness.

Evvvveeennn if it got a little annoying sometimes… because he really ought to learn how to express himself better.

Sigh, for another day~

“Oh! There he is!” I pointed to the man of the hour! The admiration of my tiny little heart beating like a true Puppy Fan! “There he isss!!!” I shook Sonic, careful to not mess up his cosplay, but incredibly overjoyed as I jumped on differing legs, back and forth, swinging my oversized onesie I made from scratch to and fro.

“It’s Marks Dan Barkman! His yips and growls are so profound! His whines and gruffy huffs are to die for! And his howl!!!!” I held up my hands to my idol, not realizing…

Sonic had let go of my hand long ago…

I was so distracted, but quickly reached back to grab Sonic’s arm and drag him over to the sign up table.

“Dave?” I was surprised to see him working the stand.

He shrugged, “Eh, it’s a job.” He breathily stated as though exasperated, pulling out a baton and whacking some eager fans hands away from the participation sheet. “ONE AT A TIME!” He hollered, then sighed and sat back down, handing me the paper.

“Here you… uh… go. Just sign here… here… sign your soul over here… Your individual property rights… name and number… social security… thank you, you may proceed.”

After I just filled out the necessities, I rushed to the stage’s stairs and looked back at Sonic.

He looked… for some reason, shaken up.

I smiled warmly to him, rushing back over and giving him a hug. “I know it’s a lot of people and the smell is atrocious…” I gagged a little, then pulled away, “But it really means the world to me that you’re supporting me, Sonic!”

I couldn’t read his expression.

I just gave him a sweet, close-eyed smile and raced up the stairs!

I did a cute little improv, walking around as the fans cheered for me. It was amazing!

Since I liked doing a little writing on the side… I decided to perform and even shook my bum to make the puppy tail, fashioned with springs, to wiggle wildly, which was a signature for the pupper.

They all went ballistic with the detail and fine-finishing of my cosplay! And I actually won!

I was so excited, my fists were up by my face, and I got to stand. In. front. Of. “MARKS. HEHEHEHE. DAN. HAHAHAH. BARKMAN.” I almost fainted, but he was so charming and caught me, pulling me back to him.

“Haha, you’re a sweet one! What’s your name, little pup?”

I practically died.

“Amy Rose! Heheh~ I’m your biggest fan!”

I heard something like a howl or whine from the crowd, but the impression didn’t sound anything like a puppy character I knew, and it followed by a snap of something, but I couldn’t see from the spotlights on the stage.

“Well, to the victor the spoils!” He did some impressions that I literally did back, barking and yipping in little ‘quotes’ from the show, which was mostly just puppies as the crowd mimicked us back.

However, went he went down to kiss my cosplay puppy’s nose…

“THAT’S IT.” Sonic raced up from the crowd, shook out my arm–summoning the Piko Piko Hammer–and went to-

ATTACK MY FAVORITE VA STAR?!

“Sonic! What are you doing!?” I grabbed his arms as they were pulled back, ready to overhead slam and spike my favorite voice actor through the wooden stage!

“This is not a fighting game!” I cried out, pulling him back, “We do not smash our brother puppers here!”

The security, like hounds to a rabbit, suddenly swarmed over us and when their pack of matted hairballs dispersed, my Piko Piko Hammer had a single zip-tie around its handle.

I gasped, “You got my hammer securitified!” I gasped, letting him go as he hobbled a second and looked at the ‘clearly not helping’ single zip-tie on the stem.

“H-huh?”

“Weapons aren’t allowed at the convention, idiot!” A fan heckled from the crowd.

“O-Oh.” Sonic lowered it a bit, then pointed accusingly to Mr. Barkman. “This old geezer was trying to kiss you, though!”

The crowd, including myself, were aghast with gasps at such disrespect.

“How dare you!” I whipped the Piko Piko Hammer from his grasp and went to bonk him, but the convention security whistled, I looked over with Sonic, and we both lowered the hammer as he cleared his throat.

“Ohh!!! He was gonna give my Puppy cosplay a kiss on the nose!” I pointed to the hoodie of my detailed and perfectly chubby puppy onesie cosplay, as Sonic suddenly seemed greatly embarrassed by his misunderstanding.

“B-But… I’m your hero, Amy!”

The crowd, as is typical of drama alluring their starved minds for entertainment, suddenly sat back against their seats, as though respectful spectators of the new ‘series’ they were now willingly participating in with their full, judging, and undivided attention.

“... Sonic?” I lowered the hammer as it fell to the ground, crashing through the wood and showing just how strong it actually was.

“We’re not paying for that.” On his phone, Dave the Intern just scrolled and didn’t even bother to look up, “My contract doesn’t specify anything more than being here.”

“You… You called him your favorite!” Sonic looked away, being more vulnerable than I was normally used to…

“This is so in-character.” I heard someone whisper.

“Yeah, they’re best friends, after all.”

It was then I realized… They all thought we were performing a skit!

I sighed in relief, they weren’t judging us…

I put a hand to my heart, “My pupper brother…” I stated, and in the language of the pooches, confessed my undying love of Sonic The Hedgehog.

While all Sonic could hear was intermediate barking, the audience pulled out tissues and began to blow their noses or wipe their eyes at my speech of profound, unyielding fidelity to my pupper brother.

Although my yips, barks, whimpers, and yowling howls were all emotionally gripping in the very character of my favorite puppy character, I was actually speaking from my heart, referring to Sonic as the greatest friend I’ve ever known.

“... Amy… What?” He held up a hand, “I’m supposed to be getting all this…” He gestured to me, “Weird animal noises… stuff?”

I laughed, “Oh, Sonic. I’m just saying you’re my number one idol! No one can compare to you!” I jumped into his arms, and the crowd all sounded off with ‘Awww~’.

Mr. Barkman started the claps, and I did get his signature and picture in the end!

However… We were now wholly in a compromised situation… as one fan suddenly spoke out.

“Wait… Sonic? And Amy Rose?”, “Heeeyy… How did Sonic pull out her Hammer from Hammerspace?”, “No, no. He didn’t ‘pull it out’.” He did the bunny ears.

I knew that voice, and Sonic looked like he was having PTSD flashbacks from hearing it, too.

Mark the Tapir… Sonic’s proclaimed ‘number one’ fan…

“Clearly,” He made himself the leading voice on the ‘debate’ now. “The simple action of ‘shaking’ Amy’s hand out triggered the reaction of the hammer. Simple as that.”

“Nuh-uh!” A little girl suddenly poked her head up from the crowd, being now on her father’s shoulders, “Only Amy can summon her hammer! And how was he able to wield it? What triggers it, anyway?”

“Uhhh…” I slowly brought Sonic towards the stairs, also reaching back to paw the air for Mr. Barkman’s arm, not wanting to lose my ‘one-on-one’ time with the celebrity, still. “This is gonna get gnarly…” I warned, but it was too late…

“What if it’s an imposter Amy Rose? Amy Rose is a common name and surname. Plus, it could be meta. A cosplay WITHIN a cosplay!”

“What if the contest was rigged just to promote a new Sonic convention!?”

“I thought the power of Love triggered Amy’s hammer! That’s why she has such strong emotions!”

“Isn’t her hammer heavy? How could he hold it over his head?”, “Hang on, her hammer is REPEATEDLY shown to change in size. She can manifest it anyway she wants!”, “If that were true, how come it’s also shown that the bigger her emotions, the bigger and more powerful the hammer gets?”, “Is it one hammer or many? Can she duel-weild!?”

I began to try and covertly hide herself, while also getting Sonic to pose with our elaborate cosplays to take more videos and do impressions with Barkman, sneaking out as the fans went ballistic.

“Thank you, everyone, for not having me go alone.” I smiled at my friends when we all were getting the overly expensive food at the convention, getting ready to go home.

“But… But how did Sonic manage to hold your hammer, Amy? Did you just… summon it cause he clearly wanted you to?” Tails was, unfortunately, sucked into the lore debate just as promptly as his white tote bags also clearly showed his new obsession with rare pieces of a specific merch having crept in unwillingly.

The environment can get to people, sometimes…

I laughed, “It’s a secret~” Winking to them.

Sticks groaned, having gone full incognito now, slurping her overpriced drink. “It’s clearly cause Amy’s got muscle memory. Sonic’s seen her summon the hammer a thousand times. He shook her hand, she noticed what she wanted, and honestly, whenever has our Amy denied Sonic anything? They fight alongside each other all the time, it’s clearly just that she indulged him after realizing what he wanted from the shaking and she just–did it.” Sticks tried to explain.

I blushed though,... the real reason wasn’t just because I felt ‘trained’ or ‘condition’ to summon my hammer and trust Sonic had a reason…

It was… because…

He grabbed my arm with such firm haste, shaking my arm as though wanting my attention more than anything else in that moment…

Now that I knew he was jealous… My heart, in that moment, only knew that it was racing with how speedily he came to my side.

Without really thinking about it, my hammer came out.

Sonic wouldn’t know my secret… but everyone who heard my heartfelt pooch language cries would know the truth…

At least, they should.

Twas the startlement of love that summoned my hammer~ From the get-go, that’s how it’s always worked~

Since I first met Sonic, I wanted to get stronger, and the Hammer came from that feeling, I think.

To be closer to him…

“... Isn’t the hammer just a meme off a children’s toy?”

Everyone looked at Sonic.

Especially me, in disappointment.

I summoned it and went to bonk him lightly on the head when I suddenly heard a whistle blow and the pack of clouded fluff from security glomped me again!

Luckily, my cosplay was easily fixed at the nearby ‘Cosplay Medic’ Stand, so I wasn’t too upset. They did confiscate my Piko Piko Hammer, but I simply ‘poof’ed it back into my hand when leaving the convention.

My other hand… was occupied by Sonic, as we tagged behind the team so no one saw us…

Aww!~ He really is so shy! Ah…

I looked behind him, “Barkman… You… You can go back to work or… I don’t know, go home now?”

Barkman looked a little lost, but nodded, sheepishly rubbing the back of his head and waving us farewell.

“You know, I bet even Voice Actors miss hanging out with their friends. They live busy lives.” I nodded.

“That, or he really is a creep with his fans.” This time, nothing could stop my hammer from colliding with Sonic’s big, handsome, and FAT spiky head!

“No one. Not even you, Sonic The Hedgehog, disrespect Marks Dan Barkman!” This time, I think he laughed after saying, ‘Ouch! Amy..!’ because he knew I would do the same to anyone speaking ill of him, too. ^^

[thefringespod]

Howdy wanderers! It is once again the most audiodrama of Sundays which means its time for my #AudioDramaSunday round up!

Starting off with the season premiere of @innbetween I'm already in love with these Lowlifes and cannot wait to see what schemes they get up to

Tore through season 2 of @thenightpost and am currently halfway through season 3. This show never goes where I expect it to and I'm still not recovered from the season 2 finale it was WILD (affectionate). I cant wait to finish up season 3 and scream <3

First new Technomancy Project episode of the year was this week and GODS it was incredible. You know a battle is well crafted when the emotional weight makes you forget a character is immortal

This isn't an audiodrama but I have to shout out the naming of the year on My Brother, My Brother, and Me because I laughed til I cried. Happy Twenty Fungalore: He heard your wish

Back to audiodramas! New @somewhereohio was stellar as always

I was texting @totcoc0a as Nadia Did ThingsTM because I was NOT ready for that. It was a great episode and I can't wait to see what dipshit teen shenanigans get undercut by the HorrorsTM next

These past 2 weeks of @woebegonepod episodes are some of my favorites in the whole show. My beloved Outlaw Ty returned this week and then David Ault proceeded to make me cry over this British cowboy. If yall aren't listening to woe.begone you gotta start its phenomenal

There was a late Christmas-y treat from @amongthestackspodcast this week! They got some INCREDIBLE voice actors from around the audiodrama world to do a reading of A Christmas Carol and it was marvelous. There are some familiar faces from the Fringes in there as well <3

Episode 1 of @souloperatorpod releases to the public TOMORROW!!! I've listened to episode 1 and y'all. It's so fucking good you're going to be blown away. Tot's writing and voice acting are just phenomenal (Tot GET LOVED IDIOT) and the set up for the show is so good

Here on the Fringes we're about to reach the halfway point of the show!! Supporters got access to this week's episode last night; if you want to join them, check out patreon.com/PineTreePods

And over on @forgedbondspod we have put out our official cast announcement!!!! I'm so excited about this of these wonderful people who are involved and can't wait for you to hear what they're working on

That's all for this week!! There are some exciting things coming this year and I can't wait to continue working on them and sharing them with yall <3

[piko-power]

This sucks.

First animators and the animation industry, and now this.

The writers and the writing community are getting pushed aside all for some phoney baloney next generation of mankind.

The animators and animation were treated like a joke for so long all because some Oscar winning bitches thought it was for kids, even though it really isn't. It's for everyone. And it's been like that since literally forever.

Hell, even some movies and shows made for a younger audience like My Little Pony have huge praise, love and support from human beings of all ages.

Don't pretend shows like Futurama, Primal, Bob's Burgers, Inside Job, ect. don't exist because their animated. If done right, an animated show for adults can be outstanding. Sadly, there are some that are kind of try-hards (Swearing and sexual jokes every ten seconds or whatever) that is just becomes a mediocre, or worse, terrible show, that it might just prove someone's dumbass theory that animation is for kids and kids only.

Again, not fucking true.

My two favorite animated shows, both targeted at different audiences, are DuckTales and Futurama. I love their characters, the stories, the comedy, the drama, the music, but I especially love the animation.

DuckTales may have been made for a TV-Y7 audience, but the people who worked on it made it for anyone to enjoy, wether it's kids, adults, or fans of the original DuckTales show. It was made for ANYONE.

Just like every other "kids" show, anyone is allowed to enjoy it and scream their heads off over the coolest and craziest thing they ever seen on Gravity Falls or cry tears of joy when Luz and Amity are together in The Owl House.

Also, animators are fucking awesome and talented and even though it is hard work, it's what they love doing and it's what brings our favorite shows and movies to life.

Every day I think about any movie or show that has 3D animation, 2D animation, stop-motion, ect. and just go "Damn, that was the coolest thing I've ever seen in my life." Even though it was only, like, five seconds of animation of Sonic blinking and smiling.

Animation and animators deserve lots of support and love every day because of these great shows and movies.

But do you know who else made these shows and movies happen? Another group of talented humans that made them to begin with? That no media can live without?

Writers.

If you're gonna make something come to life in the wonderful world of animation, you gotta write and story.

Figure out the characters and what should happen in the third act.

Keep track of the story as the show goes on and write down the funniest one-liners Dewey had ever said.

You can't have literally any animated media without writers. No. Not just animated media. EVERY. SINGLE. MOVIE, OR, OR VIDEO GAME, THAT HAS EVER EXISTED.

These guys? Right here? Mean the whole world to me.

Even if it's fanfic writers, they are so goddamn amazing.

They are responsible for your favorite franchises. I can tell you right now that the world would be gone to shit without writers.

I write stories as well and let me tell you, it's also hard work, but dammnit I love it.

Writers and the writing community are one of a kind and they are extremely important. And just like animators, they are talented and love what they do.

But despite all of that, H*llywood has other ideas.

Ideas that should never light up even the cheapest of light bulbs.

Mother. Fucking. AI.

AI, also known as Artificial Intelligence (Doubt they have any tho) are the scum of the earth. For some time it was used for art, writing and even used for cartoon voices.

By the way, that's fucking theft.

There are literally real human beings who can draw for you, write for you, voice act for you, (By the way voice actors are also my whole world and I would be nothing without them) but you'd rather choose AI to do all of that for you??

I AM APPALLED.

Why would we even use AI at all when human beings, with a mouth, a brain and hands are RIGHT HERE?!?!

I DON'T CARE IF IT'S QUICK AND EASY THAT IS THEFT AND YOU KNOW IT!

YOU ARE TAKING AWAY A HUMAN'S TALENT'S OPPORTUNITY TO SHINE JUST FOR A STUPID ROBOT!

AND REPLACING REAL ARISTS AND WRITERS AND ACTORS TOO!

Also, some AI voice memes (Sonic btw) almost got an voice actor in trouble for something THEY HAVE NEVER SAID. Yeah. A robot almost got someone in trouble. That is really bad.

AI art and writing and theft and straight up plagiarism. And AI voices are theft as well. Imagine using an AI voice of someone who passed?

Do you know how fucking awful that sounds??

Yet today, people are still using this trash and worst of all, Hollywood is in on it too.

That is absolutely insulting and hateful towards artists and writers of all kinds.

I thought we were done treating talented humans with a heart like shit.

I thought we were done.

I thought we were fucking done.

I am tired of amazing artists and writers, especially writers, being pushed to the ground and being replaced with AI. I wish artists and writers don't have to suffer like this. They deserve better.

They deserve so much love right now.

These awesome people have no right to be treated like this. They are people too. They have feelings, and you are hurting them. Saying your using AI to write is literally saying that the writers are useless and you don't need them anymore.

You made them believe that.

That's why their on fucking strike.

Writers want justice. Writers want goddamn justice and you're not giving them that, all because you think AI is the short cut.

You can't even do anything now that their on strike, but the worst part? I have a feeling you're gonna keep using it anyway after this is all over.

Is that right? Do you still wanna be a piece of shit to these real talented creators, after all these messages we kept shoving down your throats?

I know I sound harsh but sometimes raising my voice is the only way for you to listen. But I know damn well your gonna keep ignoring me, ignoring us, so we're gonna raise our voices higher.

I wish AI never existed so that way these wonderful artists, animators, writers and voice actors would never be forgotten. I don't want them to be forgotten.

I mean it when I say they changed my life.

When I was a kid, I watched all of the bonus material from the movies I've seen. All of the movies. Something about watching all these behind the scene footages from artists and actor just makes me so happy.

All these people made all of our favorite movies and shows, even though it took them a long time to make, but they were having a blast making them. They wanted to make something special for the audiences, and they never stopped.

Especially when I watch interviews and I just have this fuzzy feeling that working on a movie or show in any role is such an amazing feeling. It inspires me to write to begin with.

I love hearing people's thoughts on the media they worked on and how it made them feel to see audiences loving the thing they were involved in. Makes me emotional every time.

In fact, there's one person who I absolutely adored for a few years and loved his works from beginning to end.

His name is Ben Schwartz.

Not only he's an actor but he's also a writer. He is so funny and sweet and just an amazing person. He is incredible and talented and always got that smile on his face.

He's the spirit of optimism in my opinion. He inspired me the most. To keep going.

And also? He's on strike too!

He is a writer so of course he's on strike and I am forever proud of him.

I am also proud of everyone who is on strike right now.

To the animators, writers and actors everywhere: Never stop fighting.

Even when the strike is over, for the love of God don't stop fighting.

You guys are kicking ass right now and you are making your voice heard, loud and proud.

I am so, so proud of all of you!

You deserve all the support, respect and love for the rest of your life for what you are doing!

Never stop doing what you love and keep going!

You got this!

To all the writers, animators and voice actors out there fighting for their voice: You are not alone and we love you!

✊NEVER STOP FIGHTING!! ✊

[stormyoceans]

Would love to get a mork centred garage friend group for lt. Like in not me. Do you have any actors in mind for this maybe. Satang would be a good choice me thinks

ANON THIS IS SUCH A GREAT IDEA I LOVE IT!!!!!! in the trailer mork does say "i usually take care of my drunken friends" so im all for giving him a whole garage gang!!!!! also namtan's character can't be the only one to deal with mork being absolutely smitten with day, she needs some emotional support too!!!!

not gonna lie, as soon as you asked me about possible actors for this my brain went PAPANG AS GARAGE DADDY 2.0 LET'S GOOOOO!!!!!!! but that's because i love him and i may be a little bit biased towards him and i would like to see him work with jimmysea one day. in the end, though, i tried to pick actors that didn't already star in not me, just because i felt like it would be a little redundant, so here's a brief presentation of my dream garage gang aka the perfect excuse to throw some of my favorite people together!!!!

so of course we have jimmy as our main man mork and namtan as his bestie. i haven't really come up with a lot of headcanons about them, mostly because i just wanna wait for the series, but i like to think they've known each other since high school and maybe even tried to date once before realizing they're much better off as friends.

then we have guy sivakorn and tu tontawan playing siblings. their parents died in a car accident when tu was very young so guy has been working multiple jobs to take care of her and give her a better future. unfortunately this often puts them at odds with each other because tu feels like guy is pushing her to live the life he wants while disregarding her own wishes. when they end up fighting she often hides at mork's garage and helps him out with the cars. mork has a huge soft spot for her even if he likes to lament about how sarcastic and impolite she is. he is the only person (other than satang) who knows about her crush on namtan. however mork's also very good friend with guy and they often go out to drink together and share their troubles, though guy often ends up smashed and mork has to carry him home.

last but not least we have satang kittiphop and thor thinnaphan (with this exact hairstyle, yes). i LOVE satang so im more than happy to add him in this!!!! he is tu's best friend which means he spends most of his time trying to keep her out of troubles and hanging out at mork's garage too. he's also a big sports fan and day has been a big inspiration for him, so the first time he sees day at mork's garage he completely freaks out (maybe day eventually introduces him to ohm's character and they become a thing who knows). thor on the other hand is mork's and namtan's other friend from high school. gotta be honest i can't come up with clear headcanons for him since i don't have details for mork and namtan either, but i wanted him in this SO HE'S GONNA BE IN THIS.

[captain-lessship]

I want to say something: we always should separate the characters from the actors because simply: it’s their job. And a current situation is a perfect example of why we always should. I have always been in the position that if you write for a character with a shit actor, you shouldn’t feel bad about it but you need to make it crystal clear that you don’t support or condone what the actor says/does. But now that I am, by technicality , one of those authors, I am having a mild moral crisis about it so I am going to do what I said all authors in my position should:

Danny Masterson is a fucking piece of garbage.

When a public figure finally gets what they had coming, it’s wonderful. Danny Masterson, a shit person who hid behind fame, money and a fucked curtain of a rich man’s religion that will protect you as long as you cash a hefty check, is getting what he had coming:

30 years away from the general public.

It is what he deserved for what he did to those women. While this sentencing will never undo what he put those women through, he will be punished and therefore send the message that they’ll get you eventually no matter who you are. They got him.

Now, like some Steven Hyde lovers that I have talked to, I can’t help but feel a sense guilt. He did his crimes while playing our favorite burnout which is extremely saddening to know and uses that role to gain a sort of respect that would deter most people from saying anything against him.

I love that 70s Show. A lot of life lessons were learned from that show.

Red taught me that you can be a sarcastic shit and mean well.

Kitty taught me that love can’t fix everything but it can give you the motivation to fix something.

Eric taught me that there is some extraordinary in being exceptionally ordinary.

Donna taught me that you show chase your dream cause no one else is gonna do it for you.

Fez taught me that no matter where I go I can find friends and by relation, a tidbit of happiness.

Jackie taught me that you gotta love yourself first and run into your own arms.

Kelso taught me that damn, that could be anybody. Jk, he taught me that it’s good to like how you look.

Then there’s Hyde. Hyde is now a difficult situation. Because he used to be the epitome of self-reliance. But now, he’s a well crafted guise that was designed, like all characters of a series, to become well known and thus, gain a type of influence and love.

I know damn well that actors are there to play a role and cash a check but it will never not amaze me that someone can lie so well. Danny Masterson is the guy Steven Hyde would beat the shit out of. Like Johnny Depp said, “With any part you play, there is a certain amount of yourself in it. There has to be, otherwise it's just not acting. It's lying.”

So I am completely comfortable in saying that, by that quote, Danny is a fucking liar and should rot.

I will always strive for my readers comfort so I need to know now, would it upset you all if I ever wrote for Steven Hyde? I will not be hurt by the outcome of the poll so do not let that skew your answers.

[gra-sonas]

Your character is definitely a fan favorite, what has playing him taught you? Michael Vlamis: It’s taught me that I am enough. I believe, as an actor or any type of artist, you cannot reach your full potential until you’re able to fully expose yourself. When I first started acting, I always tried to be what I thought the character was or what the writers wanted. Now, I understand that I do not have to be anything other than myself. That doesn’t mean I don’t morph from character to character, but it does mean that I am fully comfortable exposing myself through each character. What feels right for me under the given circumstances of each character, is right– for me. And that’s a beautiful feeling.

What does the fan response to Michael mean to you and is there something you hope fans learn from him? The fan response has taught me that all the work, struggle, and adversity I faced to get to the point where I got to play Michael Guerin, was worth it. While, yes, the fan response is based off great writing, directing, and leadership from our showrunner, Chris Hollier, it also has to do a lot with what I put into it and that is such a rewarding feeling. If fans learn anything from my character, I hope it’s that it’s okay to be yourself. We all struggle, we all have our doubts, we all feel small sometimes, but hey, that’s okay. You just gotta embrace yourself and keep doing your best. Guerin is a mess at times, but he never gives up and that’s most important.

You’re also part of a fan favorite ship, what is your personal favorite aspect of Malex? Tyler Blackburn. He’s a gem. Working with him is everything. He makes my job so much easier. Malex stands for hope in my eyes and for not being afraid to let the world know who you are. I’m so proud of the fact that we inspire so many people out there to be themselves and honest with their loved ones.

What did you enjoy most about getting to do a time jump in season three? Pretending Covid was over! Ha, I’m kind of kidding, but at the same time, it was so nice to go to work and exist in a world where Covid was over. Obviously, when they yell cut, it’s back on, but for those few minutes the camera is rolling, everything was normal. Okay, not normal, but you get it.

Which of Michael’s relationships are your personal favorites? Are there any dynamic you’d like to explore further for him? Tyler, of course, but I also love his relationship with Lily and Jeanine. I’ve always gravitated towards strong women and there aren’t many more badass than those two. I feel loved, supported, and challenged when I work with them.

When you look back at filming season three, is there a specific memory that stands out to you as a really special moment? Maybe the final two episodes. The show put me through the wringer, I got my ass kicked. Guerin loves getting his ass kicked, haha! When you’re on set for 14 hours getting tossed all over the place, you look around and think, “How did I get here?” How did I get this wonderful opportunity to do what I love? And that feeling, makes you want to get up and get tossed again or in my case, stabbed or stapled again, ha! The hard work is all worth it when you think about what it took to get to where you are.

What can you tease in regards to season four? Michael Guerin learns more about his home planet and he absolutely loves every second of it.

What was your reaction when you found out the storyline or read the scripts for the fourth season? I was excited to welcome some new characters! The latest character additions are really adding to Michael’s desire to discover who he truly is and where he comes from.

Are there any dream storylines you have for Michael that you’d love to see done on the show in the future? Honestly, no. Michael Guerin gets all the storylines! I think back on one of my favorite films, GOOD WILL HUNTING, and how Mat Damon’s character was so layered and got to do it all. I feel that way for Guerin. I’m very lucky.

[absolutebl]

This Week in BL

May 2021 Wk 3

Being a highly subjective assessment of one tiny corner of the interwebs.

It’s a cray cray Friday when Vietnam gets its eng subs up before GMMTV Thailand. What alter-reality are we in? Well, the Vietnamese offerings are better right now anyway. (Oooo, feel that burn.) 

Ongoing Series - Thai

Top Secret Together Ep 2 - pulping it up in the best possible way. Sure sound and production values are pants, and in classic Thai fashion the editing in post is exacerbating (rather than fixing) pacing issues, but it’s still CUTE AF. I don’t even mind the added university storyline, because they’ve got good chemistry (and a confident gay fresher after a panicked gay hazer is an old favorite... what can I say, SOTUS was my first love). We aren’t spending too much time with any one couple, so it’s weighted a lot better than Brothers was, but also character development is slow. 

Siew Sum Noi Ep 2 - Unfortunately, it’s just too hard to find, plus no subs. I’m dropping it in the hopes it comes back on my radar some day. 

Y-Destiny Ep 8 - (Thurs) It’s rough having a ghost boyfriend, half your friends are scared, the other half think you’re crazy, and kissing shortens your lifespan. This was a cute couple even if I wasn’t wild about the surrounding story. 

Close Friend Ep 5: (Dear My Star/JimmyTommy) - about high school penpals. It had to rely entirely on voice over work as the actors only meet face to face at the end. It’s a good thing they are appealing screen presences on their own, with good vocal control. It’s hard to imagine any other BL pair carrying this kinda plot. It’s by far my favorite of the series so far, and I’m not even a big JimmyTommy fan. 

Fish Upon The Sky Ep 7 - no subs. Do we care? Not really. Because we have... 

Nitiman Ep 3 - currently my favorite out of Thailand. It’s the university Thai BL i’ve been waiting for since... when was the last good one? My Engineer? Yowza. Anyway we got: head on my shoulder, baby is a floppy drunk (but still wants to be in control), proximity alert, boyfriend’s closet, seme gets seriously jelly, and a cute twist on feeding him. There’s something fun and complex about Jin’s character. He’s not a panicked bi. He knows exactly what’s going on, he just hasn’t decided if he wants Bb or not. He clearly enjoys being looked after, the compliments, and the attention, but he’s not sure if he’s going to like what happens if he gives in. I like that twist on the usual tsundere uke archetype a lot, cautious rather than willfully obtuse or freaked out. We can see Jin realizing in stages: I like this person, I like that they like me, I like the romantic attentiveness. But in the background is... do I actually want to f*k him? It’s a dynamic we don’t often see on BL. 

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

HIStory 4: Close To You (Taiwan) Ep 10 fin - the most ridiculous show using BLs worst tropes in a sort of weird smoothie of bitter greens and too ripe banana. The ending was the sappiest cheesiest thing ever, like cheese syrup tapped from the cheese tree. So of course I loved it, but I’m pretty sure I giggled through all the bits meant to be profound. Because, in the end, to tolerate this show at all, you just can’t take ANY of it seriously. RECOMMENDED (with some SERIOUS reservations and trigger warnings.) Full review here. 

Be Loved in House: I Do (Taiwan) Ep 1-2 - I don’t mind a damaged seme character but this one is a bit weird for me. Like creepy Cheese in the Trap level weird. On the bright side, the story has given our tsundere uke good motivation for his angst and great existing friendships, loyalty, and likability. Plus I’m invested in the cafe owner/innocent puppy side dishes. So if it’s only the seme character I’m not jiving with, and he’s the most established actor, it should all turn out fine. I believe in you, Taiwanese BL. 

Papa & Daddy (Taiwan) Ep 6 fin - speaking of belief. This such a good show but they gave us a cliffhanger ending. Now we must hope against hope for season two. That’s never guaranteed with Taiwan tho. So, I’m docking a few points and saying, RECOMMENDED so long as you realize it’s a cliffhanger. 

Love is Science? (Taiwan) Ep 1-9 (BL subplot) - this is a good het romance, but the fact that the BL subplot is a beautifully acted disaster bi + confident gay means you’re hearing about it whether you want to or not. Plus they just added in some GL! Come on! I gotta support Taiwan normalizing queer to this extent. They are fighting the good fight and if I also have to watch a career lady and her much younger softest straight boi get it on, too? Twist my arm with that service sub subtext. Go on Taiwan, TWIST IT. It’s on Viki. Join the revolution.   * Incidentally if you actually like the D/s het dynamic of this show, I highly recommend Japanese Kimi wa Petto - career woman keeps a hot young dancer boy as a pet. Oh yes, an actual pet, that IS the pitch. Never doubt Japan when kink is on the line. It’s also on Viki. Go get your kink on, thank me later. (If it helps: That was not a request.)  

Most Peaceful Place 2 (Vietnam) Ep 2 (AKA 5) - love triangles aren’t my thing, but if you’re gonna do it short form, by all means bring in the lead’s other BL pairing so the chemistry is on point. Now I've no idea who I want him to end up with. Can’t they just be in a poly triad? 

My Lascivious Boss (Vietnam) Ep 7 - I’m still enjoying it a lot. It’s still unabashedly queer and the tension is ramping up. We now have secret identity, blackmail, femme fatale, faen fatale, and incoming seme confrontation. Best of all, the series is still airing, which makes it longer than any other Vietnamese BL I’ve seen (aside from Tein Bromance - which is just too weird to count). 

Gossip - Thai BL 

SEVEN PROJECT TEASERS

No one is entirely sure what Studio Wabi Sabi’s Seven Project/7Project will entail. 

It might be like Close Friend (1 episode per couple, no linking), 

or Y-Destiny (2 episodes per couple, loosely linked), 

or The En of Love (4 episodes per couple, linked but independent consecutive stories). 

They’re giving the couple’s arcs separate titles. So each one would be what? Seven Project: Once Upon a Time or the like? We’re in Taiwanese title territory people and NO ONE WANTS TO GO THERE. Anygay... 

Once Upon a Time is the BounPrem (og UWMA) anchor story, and seems to be the most dramatic and likely saddest. These two can handle most of what’s thrown at them at this juncture, so it should be good. 

Vs Love is a BoomPeak (og Make it Right) university vehicle. Since I thought Boom was done with our nonsense, I couldn’t be more thrilled and surprised this pair is doing another show together. I don’t think either of them are the greatest actors but I find Peak very endearing and Boom charismatic on screen, so I’ll watch. 

Would You be My Love is the hotly anticipated SantaEarth launch. They’re a (cultivated) IRL ship and Earth is an established BL actor. They have great chemistry and high energy so this could be lots of fun. 

We are also getting a GL from this series from established BL actresses Samantha and Pineare. Nothing teased yet on that, but I’m looking forward to this installment the most. Also curious to see how the ladies handle the branding and promo side, not to mention the culture. (Thailand variety shows gonna force *girls* to play the Pepero game?) 

Secret Crush on You upcoming Thai BL with no release date, co-produced by and featuring (but NOT staring) Saint and directed by Cheewin (sigh) with all fresh faces. (Previously known as Stalker the series.) It looks like pure pulp and I’m not wild about the plot but could be better than expected as it’s adapted from a novel. Cheewin is an okay director when he has an actual story to follow. 

Don’t Say No the series. Coming from the producers of TharnType this is the JaFirst vehicle many have been waiting for. Friends to lovers + a good boy/bad boy pairing on a sports romance foundation. It’s basketball so they tapped Meen as well (he’s semi-pro). The bad news? You get one guess as to who is writing the darn thing? Yep it’s MAME. So, ya know, expect some slam dunk kidnapping, a light dribbling of rape, and me turning into a basketcase. AKA... 

Will I have to live blog this series in order to survive it? That seems to be the only way I can. So probably. Which means the bad sports puns will continue. Look, if I’m suffering, SO ARE YOU! 

Rumors of a new YinWar vehicle The Best Story (mini series) coming in July. Also rumors that their previously announced Love Mechanics (full length series) has either been delayed, is facing money issues, or is moving studios, or all three. 

Breaking News 

DELAYED (I’m talking these three off the watch list until we get new airing dates) 

Love Area’s release was pushed out but it got a trailer. 

Golden Blood was supposed to drop Weds but comments in MDL report that it is delayed due to C19.  

Love’s Outlet (Taiwan) is supposed to have started a 50 episode run (only 3-5 min each, what utter nonsense). Sadly, this delay is due to a surge in cases in Taiwan which was doing so well, but also doesn’t have many inoculations. 

Bad Buddy has started workshopping at GMMTV actual. 

Kang Insoo’s BTS for Nobleman Ryu’s Wedding is SO FLIPPING CUTE. You have to watch it. Trust me, I don’t rec behind the scenes stuff often. 

Next Week Looks Like This: 

Some shows may be listed later than actual air date for International accessibility reasons.

Upcoming 2021 BL master post here.

Links to watch are provided when possible, ask in a comment if I missed something.

[popwasabi]

“Who are you?” The scene that defines Chadwick Boseman’s legacy

Yesterday, the world lost a bright and promising, burgeoning talent in Chadwick Boseman.

I had wondered privately for a while if something was wrong with him, as others had as well online, as he appeared increasingly sicker with each interview he gave over the last two years. I thought maybe I had been looking too much into it, not wanting to jump to conclusions about who he was but now gravely we all know why.

The much too young star of films such as “42,” “Marshall,” and of course, “Black Panther” had been fighting a largely private battle with colon cancer for four years.

It was devastating hearing this news yesterday, the man who undeniably left behind a legacy of playing prominent black heroes, both historical and fictional, passed away just as he was starting to truly hit it big. When you begin to realize the man was dealing with cancer as he performed physically demanding roles in the MCU you begin to see the character and determination of a man unwilling to quit in the face of true adversity.

But he clearly wasn’t just doing it for himself when he continued making and promoting NINE more movies despite his diagnosis, afterall no one would’ve blamed the guy for taking it easy these past four years. He’s had many scenes that define his legacy over his all too short career but I feel it can really be summed up in one particular moment from by far his most famous film; “Black Panther.”

Those who know me or have read my work know that I have a fairly cynical relationship with the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While I would not say most of them are “bad” per se, I would say a ton of them are largely interchangeable action comedies with pretty straightforward messages about good vs evil for general audiences. They are largely popcorn escapism and though there is nothing technically wrong with that, I was starved for an MCU film that was sincere about its story finally and had something real to say.

Enter “Black Panther” in early 2018.

“Black Panther” was everything I had long been waiting for in the MCU; a film with a real sense of vision and theme, a killer soundtrack, great supporting characters, a complicated and nuanced villain, and a story that didn’t feel the need to add a joke after every single scene like more typical MCU movies. The tip of that spear of course was Chadwick, who had already proved to be a great Black Panther in one of the few other sincere Marvel flicks “Civil War.” His natural charisma, physicality, and dramatic presence in this role made him a huge standout in frankly the best ensemble cast of any superhero movie ever.

The scene that truly sums up not just the mark “Black Panther” left on Hollywood but Chadwick’s own legacy comes at the very end though (the first of three, of course. It’s an MCU movie, afterall).

T’Challa has defeated his usurper cousin Erik Killmonger, his rule restored in Wakanda but clearly a changed man from the story’s beginning as he reckons with the complicated legacy of his father. He travels to Oakland, the birthplace of Killmonger, with his sister Shuri who he explains the crime committed by their father in this place and how it set off the events of the story. He turns to Shuri, tells her that he has decided to help this afflicted community by creating a Wakandan outreach center for the youth to give them a new hope in life. As he says this he decloaks their ship nearby, surprising the youth already in the area who are immediately in awe of it. One of the kids turns to T’Challa, smiling, a sense of inspiration and intrigue brewing inside, and asks “Who are you?” to which the young King simply smiles, then the credits roll.

It’s a simple scene but it truly speaks to the impact left behind by Chadwick and the importance of representation. 

“Black Panther” is hardly the first starring vehicle for a black man, it’s not even the first black super hero movie but what it made it different is it was the first blockbuster to truly lean unapologetically into its African identity to focus on the inspiration of a story centered around that culture. It showed Hollywood that an action blockbuster not just centered on a black star but centered on African culture had vast widespread appeal.

White kids will never have a shortage of white superheroes to grow up with on the big screen; a diverse palette of Supermans, Spider-mans, Captain Americas, and shit we’re even getting our sixth new Batman actor since 1989 soon. But Chadwick gave black kids their first real Superman of their own. 

In the years since this came out, I have seen the influence, at times, firsthand among the youth. I work part-time as a kids martial arts instructor and each Halloween party we’ve held I’ve seen a few more T’Challas among the costumes represented. When I ask kids, black, white, or Asian, what their favorite superhero is, it always warms my heart to see a kid light up when they say “BLACK PANTHER!”

(Seriously, cute AF)

This goes beyond just my anecdotal observations of course; the film grossed a billion dollars, and there are countless videos online of kids yelling “Wakanda forever!” at the top of their lungs while rocking a Black Panther suit or reciting one of the movie’s memorable lines. It’s beautiful because it speaks to that last scene’s key message; inspiration.

Growing up myself, as a half Asian American, there weren’t a ton of role models who looked like me to take inspiration from. I didn’t really understand how much this could affect me until I finally did start seeing people like myself occupy positions of influence. I didn’t start caring for baseball until I saw a slugger named Hideki Matsui smash a couple dingers in a Yankees’ uniform in the early 2000s. I didn’t care much for martial arts, outside my very early youth, until I witnessed a half Japanese Brazilian named Lyoto Machida KO Thiago Silva at UFC 94 in 2009. I didn’t care much for soccer until a striker named Keisuke Honda played out of his mind in the early rounds of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Sometimes you gotta see something happen in order to believe and be inspired by it and it’s easier to visualize it when you see someone who looks like you do it. That’s what representation means and why it’s important.

It’s easy for white America to dismiss the need for representation in media when theirs is so saturated in the culture everyday. Cries of “wHaT aBoUt wHiTe HiStORy mOnTH?!” delivered unironically while their history is proudly given front seat consideration in all forms of media, film, and influence every day. This is why it drives me so crazy when a white person tells me “representation isn’t important” because apparently, they “don’t need it.”

Well motherfucker, of course you don’t need it. You fucking got yours already!

(What every non-white person wants to say when confronted with this tired, out of touch argument...)

“Black Panther” delivered a superhero that not only black children could be proud of and love but someone they could draw inspiration from. Kids are going to want to become film directors cause of this movie, actors, stuntmen, martial artists, scientists, engineers, and so many other different things that the world of Wakanda proudly showcases and it’s all thanks to Chadwick’s leading man performance that made it possible.

Some jokes I’ve heard frequently on the internet is that Chadwick was on somewhat of a quest to play every major black role in story-telling history, what with performances as Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall, James Brown, and of course Black Panther. But I think his 2018 speech at his Alma Mater of Howard really explains why he kept looking to play these major positive black roles.

(I encourage you to listen to the whole thing but the part that’s important here begins at 21:55)

Hollywood likes to pigeon hole certain demographics of people (aka non-white) to play stereotypical roles forever until they are proven to be lucrative in different ways (Qualified Immunity of film-making if you will…). Black people largely could mostly play thugs and drug dealers, Latinx can only be gang bosses and poor servants and gardeners, Asians are either kung fu masters or some other offensive perpetual foreigner. And in worst cases no role at all, instead whitewashed for general audiences (aka white folk). 

Chadwick took a stand that the color of his skin did not define who Hollywood narrowly believed he could perform as and set out to play characters and people who could inspire a new generation of African Americans and show the rest of the country that they were more than a stereotype.

When that young kid in that final scene asks, “Who are you?” and T’Challa smiles its because he knows he’s already changing hearts and minds for the future, just as Chadwick did playing this truly inspirational role.

“Black Panther” is not a perfect movie. I could discuss the ways it could’ve been better and even, less problematic in parts on a different day, but the legacy it leaves behind is one that’s undeniably positive and Chadwick was able to make that a reality. Perhaps he understood that if the world knew his diagnosis it would blunt the impact of “Black Panther’s” release, that if little kids and African Americans alike knew their superhero was already dying it would mar the film’s positivity and influence. I can’t speak for the dead obviously, and in no way am I saying one should just push through a cancer diagnosis and keep it secret, but I can see Chadwick understanding what it would mean for the audience if they just believed for as long as possible that they would have their king of Wakanda forever.

As Robert Downey Jr. said on social media last night “He leveled the playing field while fighting for his life.”

Though I will never know him personally, by most measures Chadwick seemed to be exactly the kind of hero he showed up to be on the big screen and his legacy will ultimately be that of one who looked to inspire others, particularly the next generation until his final breath. If that doesn’t make him a hero, I don’t know what does.

Rest in power, King. Wakanda Forever…

(Via BossLogic)

[chaos-and-recover]

I am married to someone with an intense, if only midsized, fanbase. Parasocial relationships have been a part of our lives since long before it was a buzzword. It is weirdly fascinating to us, but sometimes a bit frightening. Now that it is the buzzword of the hour, seeing it misattributed is one of our pet peeves. I have seen people claim any amount of interaction on the fan's end is "pick me" (although fan interaction is necessary for his job) or claim that him utilizing social media makes him more culpable for forcing parasocial relationships on the fans because of power imbalances. If he is obvious about promoting something, though, it doesn't go over well because audiences don't want to feel like their being advertised to. Parasocial relationships are sometimes hurtful and scary on our end. 1) There was a woman who had been following his career since the 90s, when he wasn't as well known. She would often send him letters, gifts. Within the past 5 years something changed. I don't know why, but she suddenly began to consider him a boyfriend of sorts. He had never responded to these letters. I discovered she had been catfishing me under my private, locked social media accounts under a fake name, pretending to be someone I knew from high school. He blocked her on all social media. She harassed his coworkers until they blocked her too. A friend of mine said she went on TikTok to brag about how overly sensitive celebrities will block if you call them out for not being better than regular people. Meanwhile, we got a letter from her last year begging for him to forgive whatever she did that offended him. 2) 15ish years ago, in a magazine interview, my husband states his fave color. 2 years ago, I was having lunch with a friend, without my husband. A younger woman approached the table. She asksnif my husband was around and I said that he wasn't. Immediately her tone and expression changed to something nasty. She asked if I would at least give him a painting she had done of him. It was all done in various shades of the same color. I commented on this and she sneered at me with; "It's his fave color." I am still trying to be polite at this point and casually go; "Oh is it?" and she ery rudely snaps that I am his wife and I don't know his fave color like SHE does, so I have had it and say, assertively that I've had enough and she needs to leave. I gave it to my husband and told him the encounter. He laughed about it and said that it wasn't his fave color anymore. I had never thought to ask about his fave color because it just didn't seem important to either of us. He had never asked mine. Her twitter handle was on the painting so I looked it up. Her and a few friends were discussing the incident, using my first and last initials and my husband's first. They were discussing how clearly they know him deeper than I do, that he must secretly hate me if his own wife doesn't understand him like she does, and she altered the story so that she had seen him there earlier so I was clearly lying and that she had timidly approached the table and I had screamed at her that the color was ugly. I don't watch his interviews unless he specifically asks me to, because this is like listening in on someone's work meeting. This has been misconstrued by "fans" that I don't support him. I absolutely do, 200%, probably more than they support their husband's jobs, but watching his interviews isnt how i support him. I support him in our home, in our phone calls, in other ways he appreciates in our personal lives. Parasocial relationships are absolutely fine, until people start to believe they aren't in one, or that it is somehow more substantial than personal relationships the celebrities have with their loved ones. They truly think that they can Sherlock Holmes someone enough to truly know them better than the ones who actually know them in real life. (Sorry if you got this multiple times. Tumblr said it didnt send my ask.)

(Same anon from before) What fans need to understand is that parasocial relationships are good. It is fine to be a fan of someone, support their career, analyze them and write fanfiction and draw fanart of them or their characters. This is how my husband keeps his job, this is completely normal fan behavior. It isnt bad for the sake of existing. But they need to be aware that it is parasocial. I think the problem doesn't lie with parasocial relationships so much as when those in the relationship aren't aware that it is parasocial. Those who are aware of it being parasocial aren't the ones claiming that I do not know my husband but that they do or sending him love letters thinking their in a relationship with him. Those who know it is parasocial know that there is a difference between him answering questions in an interview (after being coached by a professional on how to appear and how to speak, and going into it knowing 90% of the questions) and having a conversation when there aren't cameras around, behind closed door. There is a difference between remembering a list of favorite things and watching someone enjoy those things in the moment every day in person. You just HAVE to be aware that they ARE parasocial.

First of all I gotta say I'm SUPER curious who you are (obviously you don't have to tell me!)! I've heard and seen things like what you described happen in several different fandoms of varying popularity, and I'm sorry you have to deal with that. But you're 100% right, engaging in regular fandom behaviour is perfectly normal, even interacting with creators/actors/musicians/whoever on social media (or in person if you meet them). It's HOW you interact with them. You need to both have your own and respect their boundaries.

I'm a fan of a couple 80s/90s boybands, as you just... ARE as an elder millennial lmao, and I can understand how easy it is as a young teen to go too far and cross boundaries because you just don't have the life experience or really, emotional regulation to interact with your idols in a normal way. But I've seen that now carry on well into adulthood, the things grown-ass women TO THIS DAY say about the wives of some of these band members is shocking (maybe not to you though since you've lived it!). I've had several conversations where I've had to remind people that literally every interaction they've had with these people at official meet & greets and stuff, even to an extent their interactions on social media, it's like the famous-person equivalent of Customer Service Voice. They're working! Of course they're nice to you when you paid like $500 to talk to them for thirty seconds! It doesn't mean you're friends!

(Not shaming paid M&Gs, I've done them, I'd do them again, it's an opportunity my 13 year old self never thought she'd had but like... I'm not secretly dating a Backstreet Boy because I met them for five seconds, y'know?)

Anyway yeah... all this to say, you're right. Parasocial relationships are a natural part of fandom and they're FINE and GOOD you just gotta respect boundaries.

[marvelslut16]

Your usual?

Pairing: Jack Castello x reader

Synopsis: (Y/N) is a waitress at a diner down the street from Ace studios. Many aspiring actors and actresses end up there each day after being rejected. But she becomes friends with one of her regulars, Jack Castello. She falls in love with him over many cups of coffee, but will he love her back, especially since she’s only a waitress?

Word count: 2,232

Warnings: (Y/N)’s parents and best friend are assholes. Like one swear word I think. A slight sexual innuendo. 

A/n: I didn’t expect so many of you guys to like my last Jack fic! Thank you guys so much for the support, it means the world to me. Truthfully, I have a love hate with this fic, but I hope you guys like it more than I do lmao.  Obviously this spoils the plot of the show.

You worked in a little diner down the street from Ace studios, it was made from the body of an old metro dining car. Respectively named crossroads diner, you had to wonder if there was a double meaning. Alex, the owner, swears that it's named after railroad crossings; but it made you think about the whispers about men and women selling their souls to make it big here in Hollywoodland. You didn’t dwell on the name too much, it paid good money and you got good tips. So every day you wake up and put on your uniform: a blue collared dress, sensible black heels, and a little white apron.

You get a rush of customers right after noon everyday, dejected men and women in their late twenties and early thirties fill the diner. You had lots of regulars, aspiring actors and actresses coming to eat their sorrows away and drown in bottomless coffee when they don’t get picked to be a walk on. But by far, your favorite regular was Jack Castello. He always ordered a cup of coffee- black, and a cheeseburger with a side of fries. 

Jack Castello the owner of the biggest most beautiful blue eyes to ever exist. He’s so bright eyed and bushy tailed that you envy him, the joy the smallest things in this town can spark. Even though you aren’t supposed to, it's bad for business and your tips, you always find time to steal away and talk to him when he stops in. If he flashed you those blue puppy dog eyes, you swear you’d do whatever the man asked you to.

It had been months since Jack had last come in, every day you would watch the door and hope he would enter. But he never did, you wondered how he was, what he was up to these days. So when the bell jingled alerting you that another customer had entered the diner, you didn’t even bother to hope. Your coworker's infant was sick so you picked up her shift for her, so you had been on your feet for close to twelve hours now, you just wanted every customer to leave. But then you looked up and saw those bright blue eyes, and could quite literally feel your spirits rise as you smiled at Jack. 

“Well look who finally came back to visit me,” you grin, leaning on the counter that stood between you two. He had brought a friend with him tonight, who was smiling at the interaction between you and Jack. They took seats at the bar top, Jack didn’t bother to pick up one of the menus. 

“It’s been a while,” he gave you a soft smile, as you grabbed the fresh pot of coffee from behind you to pour him a cup. He just grins at you for a minute before his friend clears his throat, causing Jack to turn and smile at the man. “This is my buddy, Archie.”

“Pleasure to meet you sweetheart,” you smile politely as you shake the man's hand. “What can I get you tonight?” you lean across the counter pulling out your notepad for his order. 

“I’ll have a coffee too,” he glances at Jack who is already halfway done with his cup. You laugh, grabbing another cup for Archie before topping Jack’s off. “But other than that I’m not sure, Whatcha’ getting Jack?”

“Probably his usual, an american sizzler with a side of  hot chips?” he grins and nods at you, those big blue eyes practically glowing in excitement that you remembered what he likes. 

“It’s a cheeseburger and fries,” Jack clarifies, even though Archie had already known. You hide a smile of amusement behind your own cup of coffee as Archie gives you a look that screams are you kidding me. 

“I’ll take the same,” he says before smiling at you. 

“Great, that should be up shortly,” you grin at both men. You quickly take the note to the chef, before filling other patrons drinks. 

You don't get back over to Archie and Jack until their food is done, much to your disappointment. Luckily, most of the other customers had left so you could stay and chat with them. Jack explains, between large bites, that he became a contract player at Ace studios and that’s why he hadn’t come in in weeks. 

“Wow sugar!” you grin so wide that it hurts your face, ignoring the fact that he left a few months out of his explanation. “That’s fantastic! Something tells me you’re gonna make it big!” 

“Archie sold a script and I’m auditioning for the lead!” he practically bounces in his seat, and one glance at the silver ring on his finger reminds you that you have to ignore the way your heart flutters. 

“That's amazing! Both of you!” you turn to look at Archie now. “So what’s the script?”

“It’s about Peg Entwistle,” his face lights up as he talks, making it obvious that he truly loves writing. “The British woman who jumped off the hollywoodland sign after she got cut from the movie she was in.”

“Oh wow, that sounds interesting,” you give Archie a sad smile. “Sad, but interesting. About being an outsider,” it comes out as more of a statement than a question.

“Yeah,” Archie nods. “So tell me, (Y/N), what brought you to Hollywoodland?”

“Well, I was doing community theater with my friend back home when a talent scout approached us,” you admit for the first time, lifting a weight you didn’t know you had, off your shoulders. “He wanted the two of us to come out here, audition for pictures together. He said we had great chemistry, and liked our banter.” 

“You never told me this,” there's sadness in Jack’s eyes and you can’t figure out why, it’s not something you go around telling people.

“You two are the first people I’ve told,” you try to reassure him. “Anyway, my parents didn’t want me coming out here, they said that I would never make it. I had saved up enough money to buy a one way ticket, and had enough left over for my friend and I to split rent for a few months. My parents parting words to me were not to crawl back to them when I got rejected.”

“What happened?” Jack is leaning forward, completely invested in your story. You blink back tears at the horrid memories of the fight with your parents, and then your friend abandoning you. 

“My parents were right. I wasn’t good enough for this town, sugar. My friend is a contract player now, she’s getting pretty famous too. The moment she knew she was good, the moment people started to treat her differently because she became this larger than life character the studio made her out to be, was the moment she started treating me like shit and left me. So now I’m a lonely struggling waitress, that’s the reality of this town.”

“I’m so sorry,” Archie’s voice drips with sympathy and empathy. 

“Thanks,” you smile, but it comes out as more of a grimace. 

“You should audition for Peg!” Jack practically shouts. 

“Oh no, my acting days are way behind me,” he seems to deflate at your words. “Anyway, slice of apple pie?” you gesture behind you to the last two pieces of pie left on the serving platter. 

“You know me so well,” Jack beams at you, blue eyes round and happy again. Making your heart flutter yet again. 

“Well I have to, gotta keep my favorite customer coming back,” your smile and tone are borderline flirtatious, and so is the way you lean across the bar top to get closer to him. 

Jack gulps as his eyes flick down to your lips, acutely aware of how close to two of you actually are. Archie smirks into his almost empty coffee mug, trying not to laugh at Jack’s reaction to you. Before Jack can lean forward and close the distance between you, something he was talking himself into doing, you pull away and grab the last two slices of pie for the men. 

You run to the kitchen to grab the bowl of homemade whipped cream, just because they put it in cans now didn’t mean the diner used them. There was no way they would taste as good. You put a giant dollop on Jack’s slice, knowing how much he loves the rich topping. You offer Archie some, giving him a dollop about the same size as his friends. There was a spoonful left in the bowl, quickly checking to make sure your boss and the cook weren’t around, you devour it. You look Jack directly in the eyes as you slowly lick the fluffy cream from the spoon. He chokes on his pie and goes red in the face as he watches you. This time Archie can’t hold back his laugh. 

“You okay sugar?” you feign innocence.

It had been months since that night in the diner. Jack hasn't come in since. You read in the paper that he was cast as the love interest in the movie, now entitled Meg and following an African American woman. “Good for him,” you murmur to yourself, happy that someone with so much talent and passion got the role. That Jack got it.

“Good afternoon (Y/N),” Archie’s grabs your attention from the counter you had been cleaning.

“Hey sweetheart,” your heart falls a little when you see that the tall dark haired man next to him isn’t Jack. This man is larger, has broader shoulders, seems like he’s all brawn. “Who’s this?”

“This is Rock,” you watch the way Archie’s hand caresses Rock’s shoulder after he gave it a pat during the introduction. “He’s an actor.”

“Nice to meet ya,” you smile at how flustered the larger man gets when you lean in close to him. “What can I get you both?”

“Two of Jack’s usual,” Archie answers, Rock just sits there, still flustered. 

“Comin’ right up,” you pour them coffee and head off with their order. 

“He’s getting a divorce,” Archie tells you as you set their food down.

“Huh?” you ask, trying to get the hope bubbling in your gut to simmer down. 

“Jack and his wife, she was cheating on him,” you gasp at the news. 

“Is he okay?” your brow creases in concern.

“Yeah, he’s hurting, but he’ll be okay,” Archie sounds so sure of himself. “He wasn’t in love with her anymore, don’t think he ever was.” 

“Give him my best,” you smile sadly. “And I hope your romantic endeavors fare better than Jacks,” you give Archie a knowing look, winking at the writer.  

More months pass without Jack or Archie stopping in. You read in the papers that there's a romance blossoming between Jack and up and comer Claire Woods. You held back tears, you never would have worked anyway. You were just a waitress, Jack was always going to end up with someone better, someone as talented as him. 

Bing Crosby’s silky smooth voice plays from the jukebox in the back corner, filling the entire diner with his words. It was early yet, the rush from the studio hasn’t come in yet. The bell jingles, you go to welcome the customer when your eyes meet familiar blue ones. 

“Jack?” you ask softly, shocked that he’s there. You quickly pour a cup of coffee for him, it’s sitting on the counter before he gets to his seat. “Your usual?”

“Not today,” you look up from your pad, shocked by his words. “I’m here for a date.”

“When will she get here?” you put on a fake smile, hopefully masking your hurt. 

“I don’t have a date, I need one,” he says confidently. “For Meg’s premiere.” 

“What about someone from the movie?” you ask, wondering why he came to talk to you about this. 

“No, no one from Meg,” nervousness swims in those deep pools of blue. “So will you go with me?”

“Me?” you ask, accidentally dropping your pad of paper. 

“Yeah you,” he gives you a dopey smile. “I really like you (Y/N), and I want you to be my date.”

“But-” your mouth opens and closes like a fish. “I-I thought you were with Claire, that’s what the paper said.”

“Claire is my friend,” Jack hops onto the counter and slides over to the inside, so he’s standing directly in front of you. His hand comes up to caress your cheek, you can’t help but lean into his large warm palm. “I only have eyes for you.”

“I like you too, Jack,” he leans down, finally capturing your lips with his. The rest of the world fades away, all you can focus on is how soft and plump his lips are. After months and months of pining, you finally got to kiss him!

“So you’ll go with me?” he asks between more kisses. 

“Of course!” you pull him back to you by the collar of his shirt. 

“You have to audition for my next picture,” Jack's blue eyes are loving and sincere. 

“I’ll think about it.” 

“Now that I have my date,” the pad of his thumb soft and soothing as it slides over your cheekbone. “I’m kinda hungry.”

“I’ll get you your usual, sugar,” you peck his lips one last time before shooing him back to the other side of the counter.

forever tags: @crimson-knuckled-queen​ @rexorangecouny​

people who were interested in me writing for Jack: @elleclairez​ @antoouu​ @dianaothemyscira​  @senethmamandi​ @daughterofthesunanditsangels​ @writeroutoftime​

[365days365movies]

January 14, 2021: GoldenEye (1995) (Part 1)

He’s suave. He’s sophisticated. He’s spy. He’s...

The late, great Sean Connery. 

Ignoring the less then savory aspects of his personality (AKA the Barbara Walters interview...both of them), Connery is undoubtedly the most famous Scottish actor of all time. Sorry, Whovians, I love David Tennant, too. But Connery’s got him beat. He’s been in so many iconic films and roles, his influence is undeniable. But most famous of all is his turn as Agent 007, the man himself, James Bond.

I’ve seen all of Connery’s original Bond films (not counting Never Say Never Again), and my favorite is Goldfinger, in case you were wondering. But outside of that...I haven’t seen any Bond movies. Since him, the character’s been played by David Niven, George Lazenby (now THAT’S an interesting story, lemme tell you), Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, and the two I’ll be looking at this month: Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig.

I’ll be looking at Brosnan tomorrow, in Casino Royale. But today, I’m looking at arguably the third most-famous Bond, Pierce Brosnan, in one of the most famous modern Bond movies, GoldenEye.

Also, yeah, never played the game I KNOW IT WAS A ‘90S CLASSIC I WASN’T ALLOWED TO HAVE VIDEO GAMES. 

So, what to expect from a Bond film? Well, I’ve got a checklist here, hold on...HERE we go:

Gadgets

Girls

Good-for-Nothings

...Good music?

I’m feeling a little alliterative of late. But, yeah, looking for the Bond Girl, looking for cool gadgets, looking for dastardly villains, and listening for the theme song for the film. Got my list set, and expectations are set to Connery levels. Let’s do this, shall we?

Recap

We start at a dam in Russia. Bond James Bond (Pierce Brosnan) is infiltrating the dam, and we get our gadgets checked off right away, as he whips out an acetylene torch. He barges in on a guy in the bathroom (rude, and awkward), then meets up with Alec, AKA Agent 006 (Sean “he dies, he’s the villain, or he’s the villain who dies” Bean).

Yeah, calling it now, Alec here’s gonna die, or he’s the villain, or he’s the villain who’s gonna die. It’s Sean Bean. More importantly, it’s Sean Bean in the ‘90s. There are very few options for him. Anyway, the Russians try to stop them from blowing up the plant, and...well, Alec’s being held hostage. Yyyyyyup. And he gets shot?

I don’t know how...but I’m betting that he’s still the villain. He’s Sean Bean. C’mon. He doesn’t die this early in a movie.

The unambiguously evil Russian general (hey, the Cold War just ended) almost get Bond, but he escapes in typical Bond fashion. They chase after him, and Bond chases an airplane. How, do you ask? I WILL FUCKING SHOW YOU HOW.

WHAT??? WHAT??? Physics just broke, and Issac Newton just tunneled to China. And then the facility blows up.

And THEN the opening begins. Let’s hear the Bond song and check out the opening.

...WOW. Just...I mean...OK, so Bond songs. From the first Bond movie, Dr. No, up until the one before this one, Licence to Kill, the intros were designed and directed by Maurice Binder. They were all composed of silhouetted women, often against colorful backgrounds, and almost always nude or skimpily dressed. There would often be themes or objects seen in the film itself, and sometimes actual scenes, often projected onto women themselves. They all definitely had a similar feel and style. And then, Binder sadly passed away in 1991.

Enter Daniel Kleinman. This is Kleinman’s first take, and this is also the first movie to use CGI. While it’s not terribly obvious or gaudy in the film proper, Kleinman uses this new technology to make this intro SURREAL AS HELL. It expresses the film’s connection to the fall of Soviet Russia, and a post-Cold War society. And is does that in a pretty obvious, if abstract and dramatic, manner. And honestly, on retospect...yeah. It definitely works. Even the song, which is sung by Tina Turner and written by Bono (yes, really), works well by itself, and in my opinion, better when with the actual film. So, crazy and weird as this sequence it...kinda grew on me. I like it! Weird, but I like it a lot.

We cut to nine years later, with Bond taking a woman on a drive/race on a cliffside highway with...well, there’s our Bond girl! This is Famke Jannsen, playing...Xenia Onatopp.

Yes. Really. Oh boy. We aren’t being even slightly subtle about this, huh.

The woman in the car demands him to stop, and they make out, as one would expect. That night, he heads to a party, as James Bond does. At the party, James enters a card game with Xenia. Again...as James Bond does. This is immediately followed by him hitting on Xenia, ordering a vodka martini (shaken not stirred), introducing himself as “Bond, James Bond,” commenting on the Bond Girl’s name, and saying suave shit. 

HOLY SHIT THAT SENTENCE ALONE HAPPENED WITHIN 1 MINUTE OF SCREEN TIME

Look, movie, when you got a Bond...you gotta space that shit out. Ration it a little bit, not front load all of it WITHIN FIVE MINUTES AFTER THE OPENING’S FINISHED. It’s like giving someone a beer, and then they EAT THE FRIDGE.

Jesus. OK, Miss Moneypenny (Samantha...Bond, that’s neat!) gives Bond some information, tells him not to have sex with Xenia until they tell him to (yes, really), and then say’s that she trusts he’ll say…”On-a-Topp of things.”

YES. REALLY.

Speaking of Xenia, she’s with an Admiral, having the most TERRIFYING sex I’ve ever seen in a movie. And I’m legit not sure if he survived after it. Like, real talk, it was...frightening. Somebody steals his ID, real nonchalant like, and we cut to the next morning, after his maybe-death? James makes it onto the yacht the next morning (they were on a yacht, by the way), planning on getting some information.

Meanwhile, the ID is used by...someone...to get into a leader of global military leaders. Pretty sure the Admiral got Kegel’d to death; not even joking, it’s a real possibility, and I am shaken AND stirred. And so was the Admiral.

See? Toldja.

Looks like their unveiling a new tactical helicopter, the Tiger. However, the pilots are shot by Xenia and someone else, and they take their place, stealing the helicopter. Bond tries to stop it...even though there’s literally no way he could’ve known they were going to steal the helicopter? I mean, I guess you could assume that, but...I dunno, it’s a stretch.

Meanwhile, in Siberia, a group of radar analysts or some such, where we meet Boris (Alan Cumming, who I feel like I never see play an actual Welsh person...or in a good movie) and Natalya (Izabella Scorupco). Boris is a thirsty computer nerd who hacks the US government for fun (because ‘90s nerds in movies were basically only this), and Natalya puts up with him.

The Tiger helicopter arrives, carrying Xenia and the General (Gottfried John, by the way) from the dam 9 years ago. They show up here, seeking something. Xenia shoots up the place, killing everybody except Natalya (and maybe Boris, since we didn’t see him die). Xenia, by the way, appears to be a straight sadist, enjoying inflicting pain on unsuspecting victims. The two leave, getting what they came for.

London! James Bond returns to MI6 headquarters, and meets his secretary Miss Moneypenny, who calls him the fuck OUT. She is my favorite character now.

MI6 has intercepted a distress call from the station in Siberia, and found the helicopter. The mission is heard by both Bond and M (Dame Judi Dench herself, pre-Cats). Meanwhile, the base in Siberia is hit an electromagnetic pulse originating from an orbiting satellite, which causes EVERYTHING to explode. Pretty sure that’s not what EMPs do, but why not? Suspension of disbelief. 

Natalya’s still alive in there, by the way. And she’s not having a great day. You know those work days, right? Your coworkers are all dead, your equipment and office space explode, you’re trapped in a burning building, two American jets get hit by an EMP and crash into the building. Mondays, amirite?

And in case literally everything didn’t make it clear by now, this is a Cold War movie, taking place after the Cold War was concluded. See, the McGuffin for this film (it’s a Bond film, it’s kind of a requirement) is Project GoldenEye, a nuclear weapon meant to detonate in the upper atmosphere, creating an EMP. The weapon was developed during the Cold War, and has now been stolen by the Janus Crime Syndicate, whose heads include Xenia Onatopp. General Ourmunov is also suspected to be a part of it.

This information all comes out during an exposition speech, as is standard for a Bond movie. But after that speech...OH...OH, it’s so good. See, up until now, Miss Moneypenny was really the only major female recurring supporting character in Bond’s life. But we’ve flipped the script, having M played by Dame Judi Dench. And lemme tell ya...what follows is Dench REAMING BOND THE FUCK OUT. And it’s glorious.

Mind changed, M is now my favorite character. She tells him what’s what, then gives him his mission: get GoldenEye back.

We finally get our big gadgets showcase, as we see...Q (Desmond Llewelyn)! First introduced in From Russia With Love in 1963, Q is the MI6’s spy gadget man, and has been played by Llewelyn since then! He’s the only remaining cast member from the original Connery films, and it’s awesome to see him here! He’s been in more James Bond movies than anyone else, at 17. Sadly, he died in 1999, but it’s still cool to see him! We get cool gadgets, of course, including a pen grenade, a car with missiles behind the headlights, a leather belt with a grapple, a LOT of shit in the background, and a missile hidden in a leg cast and wheelchair. This is such a funny sequence, and absolutely the best scene in the movie so far, holy shit. More of THAT, please.

Meanwhile, in St. Petersburg, the General finds out that Natalya is alive, as well as Boris being missing. Calling it now, he’s been taken by Janus, or he’s working with them. Bond arrives and meets up with CIA Agent Jack Wade (Joe Don Baker), whom I also really like. He’s had enough of Bond’s spy bullshit, and he cuts to the point. He also identifies himself by showing a rose tattoo with the name of his ex-wife, Muffy. Yes, really.

Bond meets up with a Russian gangster whom he has a...pre-existing relationship with. Apparently, he shot him in the knee, then slept with his wife. You stay classy, Jimmy. You stay classy. This man is Valentin Zukovsky (Robbie Coltrane), an ex-KGB agent and current gang leader. He tells him that the head of Janus is descended from Cossacks, a group of Russians that worked for the Nazis in World War II.

Natalya finds a way to contact Boris over the internet, who tells her to trust no one, and sets up a meeting with her at a church. This is, of course, a trap, as Boris is working with Janus. Xenia, for her part as a Bond Girl, does her duty and finds James to have sex with. Xenia, it should be noted, is ABSOLUTELY THE FREAKIEST of the Bond Girls. Like, Goddamn is she kinky, you have no idea. Like...is this sex or a fight scene? The film genuinely can’t decide.

Bond forces Xenia to take him to the head of Janus, who’s in a Soviet statuary of some kind. And who’s waiting there but…

Yup. Called it.

See you (and Sean “died, but didn’t die, and is a villain, but is still gonna die” Bean) in Part 2!

[spnreactions]

15x18: Despair

Ahhhhh. 

Alright guys. I’m so pumped, but also so scared, because I couldn’t watch it live, and my mom and I are about to watch it on the app, but all of my friends sent me spoiler free reactions and I’m kind of freaking out now that I know how much they were dying. 

BUT ANYWAYS. 

Let’s do this. 

WAIT WAIT WAIT! 

That...that parallel...IS CAS GONNA FINALLY TELL THEM ABOUT HIS DEAL??!! 

MY POOR BABY AHHHH!!!! 

HE BETTER BE OKAY!!!! 

ARE THEY GONNA SHOW THE SPEECH??!! 

Oh boo. They didn’t show the speech. 

STOOOOOP! 

JUST RESOLVE IT ALREADY!! 

“Now.” 

Cas omg that’s not gonna help. I love you and I know you’re panicking, but no. That’s like when I’m having an anxiety attack and people are like “just calm down”. But anyways. 

Dean is panicking again OMG!! It’s nice to see him openly caring about his son again! <3 <3 <3 

I’m still a little upset with him, but that’s a good start. 

Jack noooo baby! We’re not doing that! 

Awww baby. :’( :’( :’( :’( :’(

“Don’t let me hurt you.” I’M ALREADY ABOUT TO CRY OH MY GOD! :’( :’( 

“We’re not giving up on you.” THERE’S THE DEAN I KNOW AND LOVE!! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 

BILLIE GO AWAY!!! 

Okay actually save Jack. 

But also SHUT UP! 

Yeah? And? 

HEY! NOT NICE!! 

It was SAVED because of them! Shut up! 

Cas is so desperate omg. :’( :’( :’( :’( 

UMMMMMMM

WHERE DID HE GO??!! 

They’re all so worried ahhhh.

IS THAT THE EMPTY??!! 

Noooooo no no no no. 

That’s bad. 

No likey. 

..........

...........!!!!

NO!!!

NO NO NO!!! 

PLEASE TELL ME THAT WASN’T REAL!!! 

PLEASE TELL ME THEY’RE GONNA FIX THAT!! 

I WASN’T EXPECTING THAT SO SOON NO!!! 

Their faces. :’( :’( :’(

...maybe? That’s a good thing, right? RIGHT?! 

God, I hate her so much, but da** Lisa Berry is good at playing the villain. 

Really? WONDER WHY!! 

Haha me too Dean. 

...they keep saying “not without being summoned” in regards to the Empty and it’s making me nervous. 

...oh. 

Frick. 

Just give it back if it means getting Jack back. 

TELL HER OFF SAM!! 

Ugh. Her sass is so good and I hate it but I love it. 

BILLIE SCREW YOU!!! 

LEAVE THEM ALONE!! JUST LET OUR FAMILY BE HAPPY!!! 

OH THANK GOD HE’S ALIVE!! 

I WAS HOPING!! 

And I kind of figured, but a part of me was nervous, okay? 

BABY! <3 <3 <3 

...oh no. 

Big uh-oh. 

BABY RUN!!! 

I DON’T KNOW WHERE, BUT RUN!!! 

RUN!!! 

RUN RUN RUN!!! 

HURRY UP BOYS!!!

JACK IS IN DANGER HURRY THE FRICK UP!!! 

HA!!! 

YAAAAS SAM!!! 

We be petty in this house. 

...okay AND??!! 

YAAAASSSS DEAN!!! I LOVE MY PROTECTIVE DAD DEAN AGAIN YAAAAAY!!!! 

NO NO NO NO NOOOO! LEAVE MY BABY ALONE!!! 

STOP IT!!! 

BILLIE HURRY UP!!! 

“Interesting”??? WHAT DOES THAT MEAN??!! 

OH THANK GOD! 

...that was close. 

Ummm...no. 

We’re not doing that. 

YAAAAASSSSSSS DEAN!!!! 

THAT’S MY BABY!!!! 

THAT’S THE DEAN I KNOW AND LOVE!!! I’VE MISSED YOU!!! 

YOU ARE OFFICIALLY FORGIVEN DEAN WINCHESTER!!! 

YOU ARE BACK TO SECOND FAVORITE FOR THAT MOVE RIGHT THERE!!! 

FREAKING YES!!! 

I LOVE THIS FAMILY!!! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 

Awww...Jack. :’( 

Cas running right over to him. 

Most of Cas’s lines so far have been “Jack” oof. XD :’( <3 <3 <3 

Okay so...this is...kind of a good thing, right? Like, obviously, Billie is still an issue, and obviously, Chuck is still an issue, but the FAMILY is TOGETHER again!! This is GOOD!! Why are my friends so upset about this episode?? What could possibly happen? (Anything. Anything could happen. Why would I even ask that?) 

Wow. That’s an awesome camera shot.  <3 

The smoothness of that omg I love them.  

YES DEAN!!! 

I FORGIVE YOU!! SAM FORGIVES YOU!!! <3 <3 <3 

ALL BETTER!!! I FORGIVE EVERYONE!! THIS IS GOOD!! <3 <3 <3 

(I mean, he still kind of owes Jack an apology, but, like, based on his character, everything he just did for Jack was his biggest way of saying sorry. <3 <3) 

HE SNAPPED OUT OF IT BECAUSE OF YOU SAM! 

Also it’s true. 

OMG EVEN BETTER CAMERA SHOT NOW THAT THEY’RE BOTH IN IT!! <3 <3 <3 <3 

It’s okay! Because YOU GUYS are the heavy hitters! 

“To somehow.” <3 <3 <3 <3 

THAT SHOT! I CAN’T GET OVER IT!! <3 <3 <3 

...hoh boy. 

Billie is MAAAD. 

...no likey. 

AHHHH. 

HAVE I MENTIONED LISA BERRY IS REALLY GOOD AT PLAYING THE VILLAIN??!! 

CAUSE SHE’S REALLY GOOD AT PLAYING THE VILLAIN!!

OMG MY GIIIIIRL!!! <3 <3 <3 

AWWW!! SHE FOUND A GIRLFRIEND!!! 

THIS IS SO CUTE OMG!!! 

I know it’s AU!Charlie, but STILL!! <3 <3 <3 

“Like a date.” A date only hunters could do lol. 

I love it. <3 <3 

They’re the cutest omg. <3 <3 

“Rubbery trash eggs.” I LOVE HER!! XD XD <3 <3 

...what the...

...did she just...vanish?? 

....???? 

NOOO POOR CHARLIE!! She finally had another relationship! GOD DA**IT!! 

...poor Charlie. :’( :’( :’( 

I remember Stevie from the second episode of this season. I didn’t remember her name though. 

Awww...Charlie. 

...they don’t seem that surprised. Uh-oh...

...poor Charlie. :’( :’( :’( :’( 

SHE DESERVES A GOOD LIFE GOSH DARNAT!! 

Awww... <3 <3 

MY BABY LOOKS SO SAD!!! 

OMG THAT BANTER WAS ADORABLE!! XD XD <3 <3 <3 

PROMO PIC!! THESE ADORABLE LITTLE BOIS!! <3 <3 <3 

Awww...baby. :’( :’( :’( 

Baby it’s okay. We’d rather have you here, we promise. 

He’s choking up oh my goodness Alex how dare you be such a good actor. 

BABY YOU’RE HERE FOR US!! YOU’RE HERE FOR YOUR FAMILY!! <3 <3 

YAAAASSS CAS!!! 

“We care about you because you’re you.” OH MY GOD I’M GONNA CRY THAT’S SUCH A GOOD LINE!!! <3 <3 <3 <3 

Jack that should’ve made you smile so much more than it did please stop beating yourself up you deserve happiness and love and they’re giving it to you because they love you gosh darnat. :’( <3 

...awww...

YOU CAN BE THERE!! THAT’S ALL THAT MATTERS!! 

AWWW!!! :’( :’( :’( 

“Me too.” AND THEN WITH THE HAND ON THE SHOULDER AHHH!!! <3 <3 <3 

They need to hug. 

Hug please. 

Dangat. 

That’s okay. I’ll still take that. Good scene. 

HA!

Well, okay, Sam. Don’t sugarcoat it. 

Okay but, like, gotta be honest...I don’t think it’s Billie. Cause...these people are vanishing just like Becky did...like Chuck made her. 

Charlie... :’( :’( :’( :’( 

Charlie no! It’s not like that. 

:’( :’( :’( :’( :’( 

...no likey. 

NO NO NO NO NOOOO!!! 

She has to be fine. 

GO GO GO!!!

My ending has Sam ending up with Eileen at the end. She better not be dead. 

Oh thank goodness. That’s a text thread. Good. 

But, like...if people are vanishing, what do they do? How do they protect her? 

....it’s gonna stop isn’t it.

FRICK!!

NO NO NO NO NO!!!

NO!!!

DA**IT!!!

IS THIS GONNA KEEP HAPPENING??!! 

IS THIS WHAT MY FRIENDS WERE TALKING ABOUT??!! 

THE WAY DEAN JUST REVS IT AND SPEEDS UP OMG. <3 <3 <3 <3 

Please Eileen...please let it be a fluke. 

...she’s not standing there. 

It’s not a fluke. :’( :’( :’( :’( 

HER BACKGROUND IS SAM OH MY GOD!! 

THEY WERE MEANT TO BE TOGETHER!! :’( :’( <3 <3 <3 <3 

GOD DA**IT SUPERNATURAL!! :’( :’( :’( :’( 

...poor Sam. :’( :’( :’( :’( :’( :’( 

Dean’s little supportive “Sammy” oh my god. 

Oh my god Sam. :’( :’( :’( :’( 

I’m crying already ahhh. :’( :’( :’( 

Sam you’re so strong omg you poor thing. :’( :’( :’( 

HE DESERVES A GOOD LIFE TOO GOSH DARNAT!!

WAIT NO!! DON’T SPLIT THE PARTY!! BAD THINGS ALWAYS HAPPEN WHEN YOU SPLIT THE PARTY!!! 

Okay that’s awesome though. 

But also don’t split the party. 

Well frick. 

OOH!! DOES THIS MEAN WE’RE GONNA GET SOME GOOD OLD DEAN AND CAS CONTENT? CAUSE THAT’S BEEN LACKING RECENTLY! 

Oh frick. Something is SOO gonna go wrong, with a hug like that. 

But also DEAN GIVING HIS BRO A SUPPORTIVE HUG OMG I LOVE IT!!! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 

And Sam just leaning into it because he totally needs it but he’s trying not to break down but also that’s such a beautiful, subtle thing and I love it. <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 

That little look and nod just made a tear slip down my cheek (as if I wasn’t already blurry-eyed and crying). 

“Let’s go reap a reaper.” PROMO LINE!! <3 <3 <3 <3 

DONNA!! <3 <3 <3 <3 

Sam being a protective dad and being distracted by checking in on his son I love it. <3 <3 

I love my three protective dads in this it’s adorable. 

DUDE!!! 

JACK DRIVE BABY!!! 

OMG SAM I LOVE YOU FOR DOING THAT!!! 

HE’S DOING WHAT HE KNOWS WILL DISTRACT HIM AND CHEER HIM UP BECAUSE IT’S WHAT HE DID WITH DEAN AND GIVES HIM SOMETHING TO DO OMG IT’S SO CUTE I LOVE IT!!! <3 <3 <3 <3 

Whoa. That music change. That was intense. 

NICE SHOT OF DEAN!! <3 <3 <3 <3 

GO DEAN AND CAS GO! 

“Hiya kid.” “Hey.” So soft omg. <3 <3 <3 <3 

Awww baby... 

THAT HUG!!! 

IT WAS IN THE PROMO!!! 

AWWW DONNA!!! :’( :’( :’( <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 

THEY BETTER BE OKAY!!! 

I’M GONNA BE REALLY MAD IF THEY’RE NOT OKAY!!! 

“Anything you need.” I freaking love Donna. She’s such an under-appreciated character. <3 <3 

MY GIRL! <3 <3 

YAAAASSS CHARLIE!! <3 <3 <3 

Poor thing...

But also I love you and I’m proud of you. 

God all of my favorite characters are suffering and losing so much I hate it. :’( :’( :’( :’( 

JUST LIKE BACK IN S14!!! 

Ha! Bobby omg. XD XD 

No. 

It probably won’t given our luck. 

Awww Sam.... :’( 

...there are kids in there. 

...which definitely means it isn’t gonna work. 

But I’m gonna be optimistic and let myself get crushed anyways. 

Awww Donna.... 

Awww Jack..... :’( 

UMMMMMM

....what?? 

What just happened?? 

That is so not cool. 

That is completely against everything Jack is what? 

No. 

Not okay. 

Don’t tell me he destroys anything he touches now. 

I don’t know how that would’ve happened. 

But no. 

....uh oh. 

That’s too easy. 

Run boys. 

OH MY GOD DID SHE JUST--

OH MY GOD SHE JUST--

“Hello boys.” HOLY FRICK I’M WHEEZING HOW DARE SHE MAKE ME LAUGH!! XD XD 

HA! 

GET HER DEAN! 

But also run because this is too easy. 

EEEEEE!! I DIG A BADA** DEAN!!! 

God she’s such a good villain, but also screw you Billie!! 

PROMO SCENE!!! 

DEAN HURRY!!!! 

YES!!!!

GO DEAN!!!!

GET HER!!!

IT’S CHUCK!!! 

I FREAKING KNEW IT!!! 

...dangat. 

We can’t do anything about that....

PROMO SCENE!!

SYMBOLS ARE GONNA LIGHT UP! 

YEP! I WAS RIGHT! 

I over-analyze those promos way too much lol. 

Wait...for what? 

It has to be! 

NOOOO. No likey. 

FRICK! 

DANGAT! 

I KNEW IT! 

NO NO NOOOO!!! 

OH MY GOD NO! 

THIS WAS IN THE PROMO! 

CHARLIE NOOOOO!!!! :’( :’( :’( 

BOBBY. NO!!!!

WE’RE LOSING EVERYBODY NOOO!!!

Oh no. 

No no no no no. 

Not Donna. 

Don’t you dare. 

Tell me it’s not true. 

NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! :’( :’( :’( :’( :’( :’( 

HA! 

WELL TAKE THAT BILLIE!! 

ATTABOY DEAN!!! 

Wait nooooooo. 

That’s bad! 

Nope nope nope. 

Run you two. 

OMG that little moment. 

Cas stepped protectively in front of Dean, and then Dean immediately pulled him back and out of harms way. <3 <3 <3 

PROMO! 

BILLIE IS SCARY AHHH!! 

RUN YOU GUYS!!! 

Good call. 

But also how do you run from a cosmic entity??

Oh my god...

Jack’s face... 

Sam’s face...

:’( :’( :’( :’( :’( :’( 

DOES THIS MEAN JODY AND THE GIRLS ARE GONE TOO??!! 

OH GOD I DON’T WANNA THINK ABOUT THAT. 

Dean talking to himself. <3 

HEY!!!

STOP THAT!!! 

PROTECTIVE CAS! <3 <3 <3 <3 

BILLIE GO AWAY!!! NO ONE LIKES YOU!! 

SCREW YOU BILLIE!!! 

YEAH IT DOES, AND IT BETTER F**ING STAY THAT WAY!!! 

HA! 

YES CAS! WAY TO GET HIM OUT OF THERE! <3 <3 <3 

“I’ve got you.” <3 <3 <3 <3 

PROMO!

No. 

It’s never time. 

Shut up Billie. 

NO! 

LEAVE THEM ALONE! 

YES CAS!! 

SO PROTECTIVE I LOVE IT!! <3 <3 <3 <3 

YES CAS!!! WAY TO GO YOU AMAZING ANGEL YOU!!! 

...uh oh. 

PROMO! 

....no likey. 

Come on you two...you can do this. 

YES CAS! <3 

Dean...don’t do that to yourself. :’( :’( :’( :’( 

Not now baby. We need you. You need to be strong. You can do this. 

Awww Dean. :’( :’( :’( :’( 

I feel a big emotional scene coming. 

PROMO OMG NOOO! 

Dean honey. :’( :’( :’( :’( :’( 

Dean. :’( :’( :’( :’( :’( 

Cas’s look...

Dean’s so sad. :’( :’( :’( 

CAS HAS AN IDEA!!! 

The Empty??

Oh wait...

Is he...

HE’S GONNA TELL HIM!!

WAIT!!

WAIT HOLD ON A SECOND!!

WHAT ARE YOU THINKING CAS??!!

Dean’s face...

..........!!!!!

WAIT A MINUTE!!

WAIT!

A!

MINUTE!!

IS THIS DESTIEL??!!

IS! THIS?! DESTIEL?! 

OH MY GOD I’M GONNA CRY!! THE WAY HIS VOICE IS CRACKING!! 

OH MY GOD OH MY GOD OH MY GOD I’M CRYING!!! :’( :’( :’( :’( :’( :’( 

MISHA’S ACTING RIGHT NOW OMG!!! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 

OH MY GOD CAS OH MY GOD MISHA OH MY GOD OH MY GOD OH MY GOD!! 

“You raise your little brother for love.” :’( :’( :’( :’( :’( :’( <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 

OH MY GOD CAS!!! :’( :’( :’( <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 

....my reactions might wind up getting slim because I’m really starting to cry.... :’( :’( :’( :’( 

“Because of you.” :’( :’( :’( <3 <3 <3 <3 

“You changed me, Dean.” <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 

WAIT NOOO!!! CAS NOOOO!!! DON’T DO IT!! :’( :’( :’( :’(

HOLY FRICK!!!

HOLY FRICK HOLY FRICK HOLY FRICK!!! 

GUYS!!!! 

IT FINALLY HAPPENED!!! 

DESTIEL JUST BECAME CANON!!! 

“I love you.” <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 

“The one thing I want, it’s something I can’t have.” <3 <3 <3 

THAT IS DESTIEL PEOPLE!! 

IT IS CANON!!! 

TWELVE YEARS!!! 

AND DESTIEL IS CANON!!!! 

I CAN’T BELIEVE IT OH MY GOD THIS IS AMAZING!!

WAIT NO NO NO I TAKE THAT BACK I DON’T LIKE WHERE THIS IS GOING!!!

“Don’t do this, Cas.” :’( :’( :’( :’( :’( 

OH MY GOD NOOOOO!!!! 

THE HANDPRINT!!!! :’( :’( :’( :’( 

WTF!!! 

OH MY GOD!!!!

....

I can’t...

I can’t type...

I’m hyperventilating.

There are tears just streaming. 

WTF??!! 

DID THEY SERIOUSLY JUST INFINITY WAR THIS SH**??!! 

ARE YOU F***ING KIDDING ME??!! 

YOU HIT ME WITH CAS??!! 

AND THEN THIS??!! 

I can’t type...

.....

HOLY. 

FRICK. 

Just so we’re clear. 

I am writing this review portion. 

A good two hours after watching that episode. 

And I’m still crying. 

Even thinking about everything that just happened. 

What. 

The. 

F**k. 

WTF WAS THAT??!! 

DID THEY JUST--

DID THEY ACTUALLY--

*SCREAMS* 

Okay, let me try this again, and I’m gonna try extra hard not to burst into tears this time. 

That. 

Was. 

Epic. 

Oh my god. 

Between all of the s**t that’s going down in the world (and yes, I saw all the memes), THIS was the LAST thing I was expecting. 

DESTIEL.

IS.

CANON. 

CAS.

IS.

DEAD.

GUYS!!!

SERIOUSLY HELP!!! 

I...I can’t even process. 

Destiel is canon. 

Supernatural is Avengers: Infinity War. 

Jack destroys anything he touches. 

And meanwhile, Nevada is still counting votes, and Putin stepped down. 

Man. This is a day.  

Everything hurts. 

And I’m still crying. 

Okay. 

Despite all of the emotional trauma that this has caused, I’m going to try really hard to analyze this episode like I usually do. 

Let me just start with: wow. 

The cinematography in this was incredible, and Richard Speight’s acting was genius. Everything about this episode--visuals, music, set, everything--was just so brilliantly done and flowed so beautifully together. The scene changes, the transitions, the build-up of tension--it was beautiful. 

They hit those emotions right from the start, in big ways and subtle ways. Between putting beloved characters in danger, to killing some of them off entirely, to little hugs and smiles and words spoken, I was just as shaky and teary-eyed as I was last week. 

And all of it--all of it--culminated into one of the most beautiful scenes that this show has ever created. The amount of raw emotion that was in that Destiel scene was beautiful. The facial expressions of Cas and Dean were so clearly conveying how they felt--how deep Cas’s love truly was, and how scared and confused Dean was. The script. Those lines. The delivery. All of it put meticulously together, piece by piece, in a terrifying, emotional, tension-filled sequence that made something happen that the show has needed for years.

We finally got Destiel. 

And then to have it ripped away, just like that, because Cas was finally happy. Cas was finally happy because he told Dean how he felt, and because he could go out doing the one thing he’d always wanted to do--love him so much that he had to save him. 

Holy. 

Freaking. 

Cow. 

Look.

I was not a Destiel shipper from Day 1, okay? I wasn’t. I always saw their relationship as a brotherhood, and a friendship, and a special bond. 

But as the years went on, and I continued re-watching old episodes and comparing them to new ones, I started to see the Destiel relationship for what it was. 

And let me tell you right now: this scene? This was the final icing on the cake. 

If you didn’t already see the Destiel, then this...this should’ve done it. 

Because wow.

And while we’re talking about “wow”...

Misha Collins. 

Misha. 

F***ing. 

Collins. 

Holy god almighty. 

That was an INCREDIBLE acting moment. 

That was an Oscar-winning, Emmy-winning, stardom performance from a true legend. 

The way he conveyed all of that raw emotion, and the way the tears fell as he just let it all out. Every pronunciation fo every word was so deliberate and done in just the right way. 

And to end it all with the most satisfied, happiest look as his character gave his life for the man he loved. 

As he pushed his lover away and left a bloody handprint behind. 

Misha F***ing Collins is a F***ing Rockstar. 

Holy sh**. 

That could not have a been a better ending for Castiel. 

All of the parallels, and all of the callbacks, and everything that has happened between Cas and Dean came to a head in that very moment. 

And as much as I cried, and as much as I will still be crying for a long, long time...

It was beautiful. 

Then, after all of that, to just top it all off with everyone disappearing, Infinity War style, and to end on that scene of Dean crying, head in his hands, on the floor, weeping, his only remnant of his lost love staining his shoulder. 

And Sam and Jack, just staring into the nothingness that is the rest of the world before staring at each other, lost, and confused, worried that the rest of their family is dead and gone and they’re the only ones left. 

I have no words. 

I cannot describe how incredibly horrifying, and hurtful, and emotional, and beautiful that entire episode was. 

From start to finish, it was a true masterpiece. And I cannot say that enough. 

With two episodes left, I have no idea where this is going to take us next. 

I don’t know if Cas is going to come back. 

I have a feeling he isn’t. Not with an ending like that. At least, not in a way we might expect. 

But I do think we’ll get a resolution to the Destiel moment. I think Dean will have a moment where he wishes he could’ve had the courage to say it back, or a moment where all we see is him grieving, just as Sam grieves Eileen. 

And I wonder if, when all is said and done, Cas will come back in some other way--in heaven, or in dreams, or in some form. Because that would be a good way to do it, in my opinion.

But beyond that, I don’t know what’s next for Sam and Dean and Jack. 

I have a feeling that, like Infinity War (I’m sorry, but that’s totally what it reminded me of), not everyone will stay dead. My hope is that they’ll be brought back somehow. After all, that’s what our boys are all about, right?

But honestly, I don’t know anymore. 

Any theories I had about the deaths of future characters or the survival of others was thrown out the window by Cas’s death in this episode, and honestly, I’m going to be crying about that for the foreseeable future. I’ll never get over it, but at the same time, I won’t even not love it, because it was perfect, and with it came Destiel. 

That’s honestly all I can say. The tears are still falling, and my heart is still aching, but god da**it, that was a good episode. 

My Rating: 25/10 (These numbers are just going to keep getting higher and higher, aren’t they? I probably should’ve started lower...) 

P.S. I honest to god am still trying to process all this, so I’ll react to the promo tomorrow night. <3 

[couldbeasong]

1-60 for the ask meme

Ope sorry I did not see this until today. I think I know the one? If it’s not the one you meant just lmk lol

1. Selfie?

You can have this picrew but I wish to be unperceived.

2. What would you name your future kids?

For female names I like: Harmony, Slyvia, Edelweiss, Bethany, and Opal

For male names I like: Uriah, Aiden, Kai, Levi, and Luke

3. Do you miss anyone?

My grandpa and Midnight (old dog)

4. What are you looking forward to?

Going on vacation in a few weeks, the end of the semester, and seeing @calligraphywitch tomorrow

5. Is there anyone who can always make you smile?

@calligraphywitch and my other girlfriend. They’re hilarious lmao

6. Is it hard for you to get over someone?

Romantically? Not really. You kinda gotta just accept it and move on. In the past, always being like: this will never work because of reason xyz helps.

Friendship wise? Absolutely. It depends a lot on the emotional investment I put into the relationship, but I find myself still missing people I haven’t talked to since High School or Middle School.

7. What was your life like last year?

It was weird being a freshman in college and trying to survive. I had a lot of family problems going on along with one of my best friends from High School being on her death bed for a while. A bit of a crisis of faith as well. But we survived, God willing! I miss pre-pandemic times tho

8. Have you ever cried because you were so annoyed?

Ask my brother. I’m sure there’s been an instance.

9. Who did you last see in person?

My grandma across the room from me!

10. Are you good at hiding your feelings?

I hide them so well I can’t even find them!

I like to pretend they aren’t there and repress them a lot but idk if I’m good at hiding them from others per say.

11. Are you listening to music right now?

I’m in a zoom meeting for class, so I guess my professor's voice?

12. What is something you want right now?

Freedom

13. How do you feel right now?

Kinda tired, kinda nauseous, kinda bored. Idk I probably need to drink some water.

14. When was the last time someone of the opposite sex hugged you?

Uhhhh idk about a week ago? My last hug was probably a week ago too XD

15. Personality description

I like to think I’m funny

16. Have you ever wanted to tell someone something but you didn’t?

I work in customer service- everyday (:

17. Opinion on insecurities.

Everyone is insecure about something. It’s kinda fascinating how even though all of humanity is exactly the same (in terms of our struggles and insecurities, we don’t vary) we still judge others for having them. Confidence is seen as a virtue and the most attainable goal. Society profits off of your insecurities tho so be aware of what they are and don’t let yourself be scammed.

18. Do you miss how things were a year ago?

Certain aspects perhaps. But 2019 is gone. It performed and then it left. It can’t hurt us or help us anymore. There’s little use in dwelling on that and wishing for 2020 to be 2019.

19. Have you ever been to New York?

No, but I swear Ima go one day and see a show on Broadway.

20. What is your favorite song at the moment?

I have like three I’m cycling between rn

When You’re Home from In the Heights

Wake Up by Jenny Owen Youngs

Together by For King and Country

21. Age and birthday?

Old enough to know better and October

22. Description of crush.

He’s super great and super intelligent, not to mention super in love with God. Frankly, he deserves better than me. I gotta lot of self-improvement that needs to happen, but we’ll see what happens XD

23. Fear(s)

Heights, drowning, spiders, super dark streets and rooms, not being good enough

24. Height

5′5″ respectfully

25. Role model

It’s changed through the various stages of my life. Rn tho a few of my Christian online friends

26. Idol(s)

I mean I stan Brian David Gilbert, but I don’t idolize him lol

27. Things I hate

Cheesecake, sickly sweet stuff, when someone grabs the receipt out of the printer even though it’s way more effort for them to do so than for me just to hand it to them and it throws me off of my rhythm, fudge

28. I’ll love you if…

You exist (and even not then because fictional characters just hit different lol)

29. Favorite film(s)

Tangled, Ella Enchanted, Enchanted, Howls Moving Castle, Princess, and the Pauper

30. Favorite tv show(s)

Brooklynn 99, Parks and Recreation, Ouran High School Host Club, My Hero Academia, and Bojack Horseman (I’m going through a phase with it rn lol)

31. 3 random facts

Blue is my favorite color, I own almost nothing in blue, people are better at identifying members of their own race better than members of other races.

32. Are your friends mainly girls or guys?

Girls- they’re easier to talk to and approach. Tho I stan and love my guy friends. They are kings.

33. Something you want to learn

Everything? Idk I have an insatiable desire to learn and it switches. Consistently, I want to learn how to make my own clothes, play either piano, guitar, or violin, and detail cars.

34. Most embarrassing moment

Uggg I’m not talking about it and neither is @calligraphywitch

35. Favorite subject

I really enjoyed Statistics as much as I have hated it. My all-time favorite class I have ever taken tho was AP US Literature

36. 3 dreams you want to fulfill?

Graduate grad school, get married, travel overseas

37. Favorite actor/actress

uhhh probably Chris Pratt or anyone who was on Parks and Recreation. Tho Broadway actors, I love Christian Borle

38. Favorite comedian(s)

John Mulaney

39. Favorite sport(s)

I miss playing softball and volleyball so prolly those

40. Favorite memory

There are too many to count. But usually, involve good conversations under the stars after 2 AM.

41. Relationship status

Have a picrew of my sister and me. Keep scrolling and mind ya business (jk ily anon)

42. Favorite book(s)

The Bible lol but fictional book wise, I will always love the Warrior Cats series. Red Queen was pretty lit. The Hourglass Door gave me a love for time travel aus lol. And Library Wars is near and dear to my heart.

43. Favorite song ever

You can’t ask me thisssss

Idk Hope is what we crave by For King and Country

44. Age you get mistaken for

24-30 it depends on the context

45. How you found out about your idol

@calligraphywitch

46. What my last text message says

No xD not disney

47. Turn-ons

When you have a musical playing and the end of one song is the start of another so they bleed into each other. CHILLS or when a line of poetry just expresses how someone feels. OR when different parts harmonize just right

48. Turn-offs

When my computer deletes my homework right before it’s done

49. Where I want to be right now

In a little cabin in the woods

50. Favorite picture of your idol

51. Starsign

Scorpio

52. Something I’m talented at

Reading peoples emotions

53. 5 things that make me happy

Music, Friends, Deep Conversations, Hugs, and God

54. Something that's worrying me at the moment

So much to do so much to see

55. Tumblr friends

Friends and mutuals include:

@calligraphywitch @an-assortment-of-forks @repentance-brings-healing @synthetic-blanket-hairs @loneallegiance @boywiththewand @knightof-cups @a-lil-strawberry @linkedwolf @indygo @obnoxioushair

There’s plenty more than that and I love you all ^^

56. Favorite food(s)

Tacos, Crab Ragoons, Salty Foods, RICE

57. Favorite animal(s)

Wolves and cats

58. Description of my best friend

Artistic, beautiful, supportive, hardworking. She is hilarious and an amazing person. There’s so much to the many reasons I love her I just can’t do it in words

59. Why I joined tumblr

Back in the 7th grade, my friends all had one and helped set me up with one. And that’s that.

60. Ask me anything you want

You want nothing ig lol if you want to submit one I can answer it still

[jumukus]

A3! Event: Starring Party ‘Stories of ‘24′ 2′ Translation

Let’s watch the video messages from everyone! p.s. the words in italic mean they’re taken from the video.

Citron: Hello, I'm Citron~! I played Tennis Saionji in Spring Troupe's sixth play "Harugaoka Quartet".

Izumi: It's Enis Saionji!

Citron: Oops, I said it wrong.

Banri: We're going hard right from the start, huh.

Citron: So I'm the first one!

Kazunari: I compiled the videos in reverse order.

Citron: I had a lot of fun when my turn to be the lead actor finally came. After all, I was merely an extra in our first play. I thought I was being bullied!

Tsuzuru: That's because you couldn't even say your lines, duh!

Citron: I was really happy to be able to perform my favorite violin-themed play with my beloved troupe members.

It's all thanks to Tsuzuru. I appreciate it.

Tsuzuru: I didn't do anything special…

Citron: I'll have him rewrite "RomiJuli" script and make Friar Laurence the lead at this rate!

Tsuzuru: Hey, hold it right there!

Citron: In my "spring," I'm not alone. I'm with everyone. Let's keep traveling the world through various plays!

Chikage: I'm not sure whether to feel moved or to laugh.

Itaru: That's Citron for you.

Masumi: He's the same as ever.

Sakuya: Let's keep performing together, Citron-san!

Muku: Eh, um, ah, uhhh…!

Yuki: You're too nervous.

Misumi: Hang in there~!

Izumi: Muku-kun, calm down.

Muku: Y-Yes!

Uhh… I'm Muku Sakisaka. I played Florence in Summer Troupe's sixth play "Floral Prince".

This play is really, really precious to me, since I've got to play my dream role, a prince.

I didn't have any confidence at first. But thanks to everyone in the Summer Troupe who supported and encouraged me, my dream came true on the stage.

I could take on the lead role because I've been rehearsing together with them ever since I joined this troupe, not only in this play.

Kyu-chan has known about my dream since we were kids, and standing onstage with him as the semi-lead was reassuring. Thank you.

Kumon: Me too, thank you!

Muku: I'll continue to work hard to become an ideal prince. Please take care of me!

Misumi: I'm sure Muku can become all types of princes~!

Yuki: Anyway, your standard of an ideal prince seems to be high.

Kazunari: I think Mukkun is already princely enough~.

Tenma: Good luck.

Muku: Yup!

Juza: I'm Juza Hyodo, portraying Blood in Autumn Troupe's sixth play "Fallen Blood".

Since this play marked the first time I took on the lead role, it made me think about a lot of things, like my potential as an actor and my goal.

I still don't know how far I can go, and how I'm supposed to be as an actor now. I still can't decide on that.

But one thing for sure, I'll continue to live my life on the stage. I'll break my butt to tell the life of the characters entrusted to me.

In order to do that, I'll move forward to polish my acting. It doesn't matter whether I'm clumsy or slow. I'm going to do it.

The video Omi-san took at the time has become my precious treasure. Thanks.

Omi: Glad the video was helpful.

Juza: I'll re-watch the video over and over again whenever I hit a wallーー.

Except Settsu's part.

Banri: You bastard!

Taichi: Ahaha!

Sakyo: God, don't be sloppy.

Azami: But that's just so like Juza-san.

Hisoka: Hisoka Mikage, playing Liam in Winter Troupe's sixth play "Risky Game".

...What should I say?

Izumi: Anything is fine, like how you felt when you got chosen as the lead role or any memorable moments.

Hisoka: Lead role, huh… I've got so many lines.

Tasuku: Hey. After all that, and that's what you've got to say?

Tsumugi: That's just like Hisoka-kun.

Hisoka: But I've got to remember something precious because of this play. Thanks to everyone… I was able to meet someone important to me once again.

Homare: Good for you, Hisoka-kun.

Hisoka: I'll continue to live as actor Hisoka Mikage, together with them…

Azuma: Yeap. Let's keep working together.

Guy: I look forward to seeing Hisoka Mikage's acting in the future.

Itaru: I'm Itaru Chigasaki. I played Lancelot in Spring Troupe's fifth play "Knight of Round IV THE STAGE".

I think it'll take around an hour for me to talk about Kniroun. Is that okay?

Izumi: Please make it short!

Itaru: Got it.

Back then, I have never ever imagined becoming Lancelot from my favorite Kniroun game.

Even though I had issues with the gap between my ideal Lancelot and the reality during our rehearsals, I had fun.

After all, I've got to play the game with everyone… I had so much fun I wanted to tell my younger self about it.

A new installment is gonna be released soon, so I'll continue to devote myself to conquering the games.

Tsuzuru: Please devote yourself to our plays!

Masumi: He doesn't grow at all.

Citron: Itaru is Itaru!

Sakuya: Let's play together again!

Itaru: Speaking of which, senpai, how many hours is your total playtime?

Chikage: ...It's a secret.

Itaru: Come on, isn't it fine to spill it now?

Chikage: I have too many save files to count.

Itaru: Seriously?

Citron: What an admirable addict!

Kazunari: Heya, Kazunari Miyoshi here! I played Kiichi in Summer Troupe's fifth play "SHI★NO★BI Misadventuring".

Leading a play was not an easy task, but I had a lot of fun~. All six of us drew togetherーwe made so many memories.

I had a blast doing action scenes with Sumi!

Misumi: Me too~!

Kazunari: I've gotta admit there was pressure in becoming the starring actor, so I'm glad I learned how hard it is to be one.

Because of that, I've come to understand further how everyone feels when they're chosen to be the starring actors!

I'll continue to be your perfect support!

By the way, I've come to cherish my passion for both acting and art even more through this play.

I don't wanna give up either. I don't wanna settle on one. I'll succeed in both. With that said, please continue to take care of me!

Muku: Likewise!

Kumon: I'll be in your care too!

Yuki: I won't lose to you.

Tenma: I'll be stricter during our rehearsals.

Kazunari: Go easy on me on that one!

Misumi: Let's do action scenes together again!

Taichi: I'm Taichi Nanao, playing Chan in Autumn Troupe's fifth play "Fire Up, Mantou Fist!"

I felt complicated back when I was chosen to be the lead actor for this play. It sure made me happy, but I wasn't sure whether I was good enoughーー.

No, this isn't good. Lemme do it one more time! Please cut this part out!

Taichi: They didn't cut this out…!

Banri: They keep this one, huh.

Taichi: Umm, I was so happy and pumped up to be the starring actor. I might make mistakes in certain parts, but I had fun!

I'm so lucky I could lead a play as Autumn Troupe's Taichi Nanao.

I'll keep working hard so that I won't embarrass everyone in Autumn Troupe. I'll be an actor that can make everyone proud!

I'm aiming to be the star performer of Autumn Troupe!

Sakyo: What a thing to say.

Banri: Bring it on.

Juza: I won't lose.

Taichi: Ugh… I should've just settled with the fourth best actor, after all.

Azami: It's too early to give up.

Omi: Haha, let's do our best together.

Tasuku: I'm Tasuku Takato, playing Musashi Miyamoto in Winter Troupe's fifth play "Die by the Sword".

This wasn't my first time leading a play, but I've got to admit it felt kind of different when I did it as a member of MANKAI Company's Winter Troupe.

Through this play, I've got the chance to think about the reason why I'm in this troupe, and what kind of an actor I'm supposed to be.

I'll keep going as an actor of Winter Troupe, Takato Tasuku.

After all, performing with my fellow Winter Troupe members has become an important thing to me.

I don't know what will happen in the future, but I'm going to carefully determine what kind of an actor I'll be.

Azuma: Fufu, you're so stiff.

Guy: It was a very Takato-like message.

Homare: I've got to hand it to Tasuku-kun. He's strict with himself when it comes to acting.

Hisoka: Totally different from Arisu.

Homare: I don't want to hear that from you.

Tsumugi: Guess I need to think about how I should be as an actor too.

Chikage: I'm Chikage Utsuki. I portrayed Oz in Spring Troupe's fourth play "The Wonderful Charlatan of Oz".

My recollection of the play, huh… the only thing I remember is that I've caused troubles.

I've also given you so much trouble that time, director-san.

Izumi: No, it's okay.

Chikage: But well, I'm going to make up for it.

Izumi: It's alright. You don't have to.

Citron: Let's go eat Yakiniku! Chikage will treat us.

Tsuzuru: Sounds great.

Masumi: Let’s invite all troupe members.

Chikage: I got attacked right away, huh.

Chikage: Back when I just entered the troupe, I’ve never thought I’d stay this long.

Nor have I thought I’d spend my days with these feelings…

Since this troupe has become a place where I’ve got a precious family, I need to treasure it. I’ll be in your care.

Sakuya: The same goes for me!

Itaru: I look forward to the yakiniku.

Izumi: I’m fine with curry too!

Chikage: Alright, alright.

Kumon: I’m Kumon Hyodo, playing Souta Akiyama in Summer Troupe’s fourth play “First Crush Baseball”!

First Crush Baseball is the first play I ever performed and the first play I ever led. I was so clueless at first.

But because everyone taught and supported me, I was able to go on until our final performance.

The fact that I could stand on the stage without collapsing until the end made me so happy…

Thanks to this play, I've gained confidence from the fact I could accomplish something.

This is all thanks to everyone in Summer Troupe who accepted me. I’m glad I joined Summer Troupe. I love you all!

Misumi: I love Kumon too!

Kazunari: Me too, me too!

Yuki: But well, your current acting is better than that time.

Tenma: That’s right. You’ve greatly improved.

Kumon: Seriously!? Yeeaaay! I’ll work harder!

Muku: Let’s do our best together!

Azami: I’m Azami Izumida, portraying Abel in Autumn Troupe’s fourth play “DEAD/UNDEAD”.

Back when I ran away from home, I never would have thought I’d perform onstage. But well, I had a blast beating up shitty Sakyo on the stage.

Sakyo: ...Hey.

Azami: I got to do makeup to my heart’s content, and now I feel like I really could go on living with makeup for the rest of my life.

I’m glad I joined this theater troupe. There’s a lot of interesting people here, and I never run out of people to use as guinea pigs when I want to test my new makeup.

I’ll study makeup more and improve my acting.

Banri: Yo, good luck with that.

Juza: I expect a lot from you.

Omi: Ever since this play, our stage photos look nicer than before. It’s all thanks to you, Azami.

Taichi: I’ve become cooler thanks to your makeup too, A-chan!

Sakyo: Putting makeup aside, you still have a lot to learn in acting.

Azami: Shaddup.

Guy: My name is Guy. I played Phantom in Winter Troupe’s fourth play “Le Fantôme de l' Opéra”.

Back when I stood on the stage, I thought I was just going with the flow. But now that I think about it again, everything went as Citronia intended.

Citron: Of course it did.

Guy: I’ve got to know the things Citronia deemed precious after coming to this country and joining this theater troupe.

I myself was able to regain my precious memories and take off the armor that has restrained me for so long.

And as I spend my days here, I continue to discover new sides of myself.

Strangely enough, I don’t hate this. Rather, I want to keep enjoying these changes.

Tsumugi: You were an android at first, right.

Guy: Yes. That was what I believed.

Tasuku: Those days felt like an eternity ago.

Hisoka: ...You’ve changed.

Homare: Yes, and in a good way.

Azuma: You’ve become more human now. That’s great.

Citron: He’s still as hopeless as ever, though.

Guy: I’ll do my best.

Tsuzuru: I’m Tsuzuru Minagi, playing Luke in Spring Troupe’s third play “A Clockwork Heart”.

This play, which I led, was the most unforgettable play for me. Everything is etched deep in my heart, including my self-reflection.

Itaru: Dude, you spoke freaking smoothly in this one.

Masumi: Unbelievable.

Chikage: Were you reading notes?

Tsuzuru: Ughーー.

Izumi: They got you.

Tsuzuru: At the time, I looked back at the reason why I wanted to write scripts and do theater in the first place.

I’d like to keep doing my best in both script writing and acting without throwing away my beginner’s spirit.

And even though I got swayed a lot by my co-lead Citron, he saved me in an unexpected time and place. I appreciate it.

I can’t thank you enough. I look forward to continuing working with you all.

Citron: Same here!

Sakuya: You two are the best pair from Spring Troupe!

Misumi: Hello, I’m Misumi Ikaruga. I played Sky in Summer Troupe’s third play “Captain Sky Pirates”.

You see~ I found 54 triangles during this play~!

Tenma: You sure remember that kind of thing well, huh!

Yuki: What a waste of memorizing skill.

Misumi: Among the triangles I found that time, the one I like the most was the big triangle we saw in the night sky.

Ever since I joined this theater troupe, I found lots of precious triangles. I want to let grandpa know about it one day.

Kazunari: You still have more and more triangles to add to your collection.

Muku: Let’s collect so many triangles you can’t even count them!

Kumon: I’ll help you find them!

Misumi: Yup~! Let’s go find lots of triangles~!

Sakyo: I’m Sakyo Furuichi, portraying Ginji Kazama in Autumn Troupe’s third play “Tales of Chivalry: Ginji the Wanderer”.

I couldn’t stop thinking it was too late for me to be the lead actor, but I’ve gotta admit, I learned a lot at the time. Furthermore, I once again realized I’m still lacking experience.

I’m gonna keep on learning very seriously, shamelessly and move forward.

Banri: Oh shit, so scary, what a scary man.

Azami: So childish.

Sakyo: Age and experience don’t matter on the stage. This is a serious fight. Prepare yourself.

Juza: Bring it on.

Taichi: Somehow, that part just now sounded like a criminal declaration!

Omi: His statement sure is powerful.

Azuma: I’m Azuma Yukishiro, playing Reo Kuto in Winter Troupe’s third play “Nocturnality”.

I can't say I got especially attached to the play just because I played the lead role, but I felt the bond between Winter Troupe members got stronger at that time.

I could take a step forward thanks to Tasuku. I'm glad we performed this play.

Tasuku: I didn't do anything special… I just thought it was necessary for the play.

Homare: So it has something to do with the play in the end.

Hisoka: What a theater fool.

Azuma: But that's just how Tasuku really is.

Tsumugi: Yes, even his dishonest side.

Azuma: Compared to that time, with Guy joining us, the Winter Troupe is changing little by little.

I think this is a nice change, though. I feel at ease with you guys. Look forward to continuing working with you.

Tsumugi: Same here.

Guy: I'll be in your care.

Masumi: I'm Masumi Usui, playing Alice in Spring Troupe's second play "Boy Alice in Wonderland".

….

Izumi: Masumi-kun, the camera is over here! Look here!

Masumi: But I want to look at you…

Izumi: ...I'll move, then.

Masumi: Can I express my feelings for you?

Izumi: I rather have you express your feelings towards the play!

Masumi: ...Itaru was annoying.

Itaru: Heeey.

Masumi: We took a long time to finish rehearsing.

Tsuzuru: That was because you kept trying to impress the director and criticized us too much!

Masumi: Itaru was annoying.

Chikage: You must have been really annoying at that time.

Itaru: …

Masumi: But I think the play turned out great.

Izumi: Yes, I feel the same.

Sakuya: I think so too!

Masumi: My acting has gotten better since that time. I'll continue to improve so much you can't even take your eyes off me. Keep looking at me and me only.

Citron: He kept staring at the director the whole time!

Tsuzuru: That's Masumi for ya.

Yuki: I'm Yuki Rurikawa, portraying Shiro in Summer Troupe's second play "The Adventure for Sardines".

The thing I remember the most during this play was that I caused everyone's troubles, since I struggled to juggle between my position as the lead actor and the costume designer.

Kazunari helped me a lot.

Kazunari: It's no biggie~!

Yuki: But compared to that time, I've grown now.

I mean, it's thanks to the events at the time that I'm now able to balance acting and costume making well.

I only started acting because I wanted to get feedback for the costumes I made, but now I genuinely find acting fun.

I find it fun to stand onstage and produce a play together with everyone. It's a different kind of fun from making costumes.

I've learned a lot of things by doing both, so I won't settle on just one and continue doing them all.

Kumon: Let's continue working together~!

Muku: Let's do our best together!

Misumi: I love Yuki's costumes!

Tenma: Well, your acting has certainly gotten better since that time.

Yuki: You're still as arrogant as ever though.

Tenma: What!?

Omi: I'm Omi Fushimi. I played Wolf in Autumn Troupe's second play "Stranger".

It feels rather embarrassing to have someone shoot me when I've always been the one filming.

For me, this play means much more than just being the play that I led.

It's hard to put it into words, but…

This play made me, who's always been looking at the past, face forward and walk towards the future.

Now, I plan to chase the dream that my friend gave me for my own sake.

Taichi: Good for you, Omi-kun!

Omi: Thanks for your help that time.

Taichi: Your welcome!

Sakyo: Fushimi broke out of his shell during this play.

Banri: His acting changed a lot. I still remember it.

Juza: It was stimulating.

Omi: Haha. I hope I can grow further than that time.

Homare: I'm Homare Arisugawa. I played Tooru Sagishima in Winter Troupe's second play "The Master Likes a Mystery".

For me, the most unforgettable thing during this play was definitely my grandmother's watch.

I feel like this watch gave me the opportunity to be able to touch everyone's hearts little by little.

Especially Hisoka-kun. I never thought he'd do something for the sake of other people, and not just marshmallows.

Hisoka: It's because Arisu was hopeless.

Homare: You're right, I won't deny it. You helped me out back then.

Homare: This play turned out great because of Hisoka-kun and everyone.

Unlike poems, a play is something that you create with other people. It's too difficult for me alone, but that's what makes it very interesting.

No matter how many times I experienced it, I've never gotten tired of it. I think it's a wonderful thing.

Oh! I've found some poem inspiration. Ahemーー.

(video shuts down abruptly)

Guy: Oh, the video got cut.

Homare: Why did you cut off that part!?

Izumi: Huh? That's weird. There must be some technical issues…

Tasuku: He was going off topic, anyway. Perfect timing.

Homare: But that was part of my video message!

Tsumugi: Please let me hear it after this.

Azuma: I’d like to hear it too.

Homare: All right! I shall organize a recitation later, then.

< ‘Stories of 24′ 1 | Masterlist | ‘Stories of 24′ 3 >