#i love beach eps done right though

[writingforfun0714]

Spoilers for Bad Batch S2 E13: Pabu

I definitely expected more from this episode. That’s not to say I think it’s bad. The music was great, the setting/background animation was beautiful and I actually enjoyed the slight Phee development we get. However, this is the 13th ep this season. I definitely think this ep would’ve been better if it was shown earlier in the season so we could focus more on what was already set up.

I wasn’t sure about Phee at first, but after this episode, she’s really started to grow on me and her character really highlights the differences between her and Cid and how they’ve treated the Batch.

I liked that they sort of made her more into ‘Indiana Jones’ instead of just a regular ‘pirate’ since she goes after artifacts important to the refugees of Pabu.

I also liked Phee’s niece Lyana and loved the friendship between her and Omega.

However, I’ve noticed the writing is…lacking. It was very easy for me to predict what was gonna happen and I thought it was a little….idk, it seemed very 🙄 that the Batch just happen to get to this planet when they have a tsunami, something they haven’t had for 30yrs. 30yrs. And all of a sudden they just have one the day CF99 arrives? Nah man…that just felt like lazy writing. I understand that it would’ve happened sooner or later but I just feel like we’re too late into the season to pull that kind of stunt (I probably wouldn’t have minded if this was the 4th or 5th ep).

But again, it was very predictable throughout the episode. The villagers would be accepting, a problem comes up and CF99 have to save the day (and Omega/Lyana). I knew throughout that whole scene with the tide taking them out that nothing bad would happen to them and there was no suspense. I liked the domestic scenes but really, nothing seemed to advance anything that was set up.

We’ve gotten a Zillobeast set up with Rex/Echo, Crosshair shooting Nolan/getting experimented on, and Lama Su ratting on Omega. That all seemed super important and we get a beach day ep. The writing is very jarring going from a whole bunch of different topics and it makes the episodes disconnect.

I understand this is a sort of ‘calm before the storm’ type of set up but it’s so late into the season. This set up would’ve worked as the midway point.

I like the fluff/domestic stuff, but I had expected something more serious/high stakes this late into S2.

Also I’m a little upset w/ Shep’s design. He’s clearly taken inspiration by island natives. His skin is a nice dark tan and his features aren’t too sharp. Sound familiar? This is what the clone template/model should’ve looked like. I’m not saying Shep looks exactly like Temuera Morrison, but Shep’s design definitely looks closer to him than the current clone model (the ‘reg’ model).

The introduction of Shep seemed like a slap in the face to all fans that care about the whitewashing (of clones specifically) cuz it proves the animators can do rounder, darker features and instead we get white guy clones. I like Shep’s character, he seems really nice and caring towards everyone, but his design really upset me.

So overall the setting was beautiful and the music was amazing, but the actual plot was very predictable and had no suspense at all (for me).

[alkesims]

You know what the advantage is of taking an entire year to make this? Having it done for The Sims 2's 20th birthday – and, in 5 months, The Sims's 25th!

(ReShade off on the right.)

@philosimy's marvelous Old Town neighbourhood provided the base and the inspiration, and you should go put some respect on their hard work before you download this. It might even be what you came here looking for in the first place!

Their post has all the info you'll need about the SC4 terrain this neighbourhood was built on, and a list of the CC you'll need to use it:

Numenor: Maxis ‘Lost & Found’ #9: Waterfall & River

Criquette:

Lush (Temperate) Road DR & Neighborhood Road Transparency Fix

Road bridges set

Ultimate railway set

Haut-gothique: Age of Empires 3 conversions - part 1

Psychosims: Maxis Lost & Found - Plesiosaur

The good news is that that's all the CC you'll need to use the version with built lots. The bad news is that you'll need Ultimate Collection or all EPs and SPs to make everything work the way it was made. The even worse news is that it can't be perfectly 1:1 or as-is functional, but every lot is as close as I could get to how they appear in The Sims 1 Complete Collection. Basically, do a pass with your own CC and you'll make it nice.

DOWNLOAD (SFS)

To install:

Check your Documents\EA Games\The Sims 2\Neighborhoods folder to ensure it does not already contain a folder called “B407.” If it does, you will have to delete that neighbourhood to make room for this one.

Download and unpack OldTown2.rar.

Place the folder inside (named “B407”) in your Documents\EA Games\The Sims 2\Neighborhoods folder.

Start your game and play.

None of the lots in this neighbourhood have been so much as touched by a Sim to reduce game-breaking issues. It is free of the Super Duper Hug Bug. The neighbourhood itself contains no parts that will break your game. Unfortunately, it does include the default Townies, as the original did, and @creesims found memory issues among them. Some decorations may not appear in your game as advertised in this post, depending on your mix of default replacements and object fixes.

If you're only looking for individual lots, they're in the same SimFileShare folder as the neighbourhood and are 100% CC-free. I'll be making posts with caps and details for each one. I won't be making TS1 Sims to go in them, though; many others have done a better job than I could. Have fun finding or making your own.

So, not a perfect conversion. This is partially due to the self-imposed no-CC requirement, and partially due to the very nature of the differences between Sims 1 and 2. If you have an intuition of how Sims 1 looks, you'll notice:

Spiral stairs in odd positions and longer linear stairs.

A lack of curved stairs.

Wide blank spaces between the contents of a beach lot and its shoreline.

Different distances between buildings on a lot or between a building and the edge of a lot.

Differently-shaped shorelines and bodies of water.

Different terrain shapes and paints.

Fences that occupy the edge of a tile rather than the tile itself.

I can't change the above because they are foundational differences between the two games. The below, however, are stylistic choices that you should absolutely trash and redo with your own game:

Foundations and decks replacing floors.

Incongruous build and buy items.

Empty shopping and game space in community lots.

Mod-Related Notes:

The only mod compatibility issue will be with road default replacements. This hood requires Criquette's to work (see CC list above).

Voeille's Seawater: lots with or near water need a pool tile or two added to work properly.

Some community lots contain career reward objects or similar hidden items. You do not need any CC for these to appear on the lots.

However, in order for lot visitors to use the microphones, you'll need lamare's community lot mic fix.

If you know of a collection of 1t2 CC, I'd love to link it here.

Individual Lot Posts:

The Sims

2 Sim Lane (SFS, 2024-09-21)

3 Sim Lane (SFS, 2024-09-28)

5 Sim Lane (SFS, 2024-10-05)

6 Sim Lane (SFS, 2024-10-12)

7 Sim Lane (SFS, 2024-10-19)

10 Sim Lane (SFS, 2024-10-26)

Livin' Large

1 Sim Lane (SFS, 2024-11-02)

7 Sim Lane (SFS, 2024-11-09)

9 Sim Lane (SFS, 2024-11-16)

Hot Date

Hedman's Hideaway, 21 Wright Way (SFS, 2024-11-23)

Cory's Place, 22 Wright Way (SFS, 2024-11-30)

Wrensday's, 24 Wright Way (SFS, 2024-12-07)

Solana Towne Centre, 25 Main Street (SFS, 2024-12-14)

Landgraab Mall, 26 Main Street (SFS, 2024-12-21)

Old Farm Square, 27 Main Street (SFS, 2024-12-28)

Barrett's Boardwalk, 28 Main Street (SFS, 2025-01-04)

SimCity Beach, 29 Main Street (SFS, 2025-01-11)

Crumplebottom Memorial Park, 30 Main Street (SFS, 2025-01-18)

Vacation

Alpine Preserve, 40 Old Volcano Way (SFS, 2025-01-25)

Penguin Acres Campground, 41 Old Volcano Way (SFS, 2025-02-01)

Al Pine's Winter Wonderland, 42 Old Volcano Way (SFS, 2025-02-08)

Bear Essentials Lodge, 43 Lagoon Moon Road (SFS, 2025-02-15)

Ranger's Ranch Campground, 44 Lagoon Moon Road (SFS, 2025-02-22)

Wren's Fens National Park, 45 Lagoon Moon Road (SFS, 2025-03-01)

Reclaimed Public Beach, 46 Lagoon Moon Road (SFS, 2025-03-08)

Sunset Beach, 47 Lagoon Moon Road (SFS, 2025-03-15)

Palazzo Palms Hotel, 48 Lagoon Moon Road (SFS, 2025-03-22)

Unleashed

The Blackpoint Cottage, 53 Ingleside Drive (SFS, 2025-03-29)

The Walden Estate, 54 Ridge Road (SFS, 2025-04-05)

The Porte Rouge Villa, 55 Ingleside Drive (SFS, 2025-04-12)

56 Ingleside Drive (SFS, 2025-04-19)

The Somerset Home, 57 Ingleside Drive (SFS, 2025-04-26)

SimCentral Park, 58 Ingleside Drive (SFS, 2025-05-03)

The Sunflower Home, 59 Ingleside Drive (SFS, 2025-05-10)

The Meadowlark Home, 60 Happy Trail (SFS, 2025-05-17)

Custer's Market, 61 Happy Trail (SFS, 2025-05-24)

The Oak Villa, 62 Old Farm Circle (SFS, 2025-05-31)

63 Gunter Goth Highway (SFS, 2025-06-07)

The Morris Cottage, 64 Gunter Goth Highway (SFS, 2025-06-14)

The Appleview Farm, 66 Gunter Goth Highway (SFS, 2025-06-21)

The Vanilla Home, 68 First Avenue (SFS, 2025-06-28)

The Charming Family, 69 First Avenue (SFS, 2025-07-05)

Pet Paradise!, 70 Elm Street (SFS, 2025-07-12)

Old Town Quarter, 71 Elm Street (SFS, 2025-07-19)

Sidewalk Walkabout, 72 Elm Street (SFS, 2025-04-01)

McArthur Square, 73 Elm Street (SFS, 2025-07-26)

Lake Barrett, 74 Maple Street (SFS, 2025-08-02)

The Gothic Quarter, 75 Maple Street (SFS, 2025-08-09)

76 Gunter Goth Highway (SFS, 2025-08-16)

77 Maple Street (SFS, 2025-08-23)

The Courtyard Villa, 78 Maple Street (SFS, 2025-08-30)

The Mango Manor, 80 Crumplebottom Court (SFS, 2025-09-06)

Superstar

KWLW Studios, 81 Sunrise Boulevard (SFS, 2025-09-13)

Fairchild Film Studios, 82 Sunrise Boulevard (SFS, 2025-09-20)

Meeker Studios, 83 Sunrise Boulevard (SFS, 2025-09-27)

Midlock Multiplex, 84 Studio Town Drive (SFS, 2025-10-04)

Studio Town Center, 85 Studio Town Drive (SFS, 2025-10-11)

Buckingham Galleries, 86 Studio Town Drive (SFS, 2025-10-18)

Music for the Eyes Inc., 87 Studio Town Drive (SFS, 2025-10-25)

Cameron's Lounge, 88 Studio Town Drive (SFS, 2025-11-01)

The Gast District, 89 Studio Town Drive (SFS, 2025-11-08)

Makin' Magic

EverAfter Oaks, 90 Creepy Hollow (SFS, 2025-11-15)

Alfred's B & B, 91 Creepy Hollow (SFS, 2025-11-22)

Old Man Lum's, 92 Creepy Hollow (SFS, 2025-11-29)

A Spooktacular Spot, 93 Calamity Forest (SFS, 2025-12-06)

Vernon's Vault, 94 Calamity Forest (SFS, 2025-12-13)

Coldwind Meadow, 95 Calamity Forest (SFS, 2025-12-20)

Clowntastic Land, 96 Calamity Forest (SFS, 2025-12-27)

Serra Glen, 97 Calamity Forest (SFS, 2026-01-03)

Forest Edge Camp, 98 Calamity Forest (SFS, 2026-01-10)

[magadauthan]

Ep 22: Alternative

Day 22 of @trigun98watchparty - wherein we begin the endgame of the series.

DISCLAIMER: I have done my best to keep these recaps somewhat free of Vash/Meryl squeaking, but um... it's going to get worse from here on out. I apologize in advance.

I just love them okay

--Vash wears his sunglasses at night...

--Jokes aside, he's feeling terrible enough to be drinking by himself. Vash drinks plenty throughout the series, but it's a social activity, not a coping mechanism. Vash is in full-on can't-see-his-eyes hiding-from-everything Stampede mode.

--Vash has certainly figured out by now that WW and Knives are connected. He's not bothering to dissemble to WW about knowing that he has to face down his brother to get the killing to stop. The game is: who is leading whom, at this point in the story? Vash is letting himself be led, but that does not mean he is following.

--Meryl is very, very worried. Look at her little face peeking out.

--Everyone looks relaxed in the car, despite all the horrific things that just happened. Maybe they had a beach day. < / shameless plug for fluffy nonsense >

--Is there anything cuter than WW and Milly happily flirting with one another? THERE IS NOT.

--In my head, WW made Vash sit in the back seat so he could 1. have a nice time with Milly and 2. harass both Vash and Meryl about their emotional constipation at the same time. So very third grade.

--Meryl smiles at WW and Milly bantering, and she'd like to do the same to cheer Vash up, but she can't admit she does and she knows how very upset Vash actually is. She lets it go.

--Milly knows how to handle kids. She's good.

--Meryl sees the facade start to crack and goofs with Vash to help it along. Get it, girl! (she grabs his hand here, d'awwwww.) She drops her inclination to fuss at WW after Vash starts smiling a real smile, even if it means they might go without later. His sunglasses are still on, though.

--I have never understood Meryl's recipe.

--Someone's smiling again, watching her. WW notices and twits Vash about it. Vash acknowledges... and takes his sunglasses off before going off to pester Meryl, because he wants attention. And she sasses right back at him. I know flirts when I see 'em and that was a flirt.

--It looks like Vash might be getting the smallest of breaks. The kids are peaceful and fed. He takes joy from watching the girls tuck everyone in. It's a tiny moment he can take comfort from, at a time where the walls are closing in.

--Good grief, Midvalley's schnoz would make Alain Prost jealous.

--Walk without rhythm, and you won't attract the worm. Who brought the thumper?

--WW's face when Vash won't let him kill the sandworms either is fantastic.

--nice running in slo-mo. that boy is all leg.

--Zazie's re-imagining is one of the best developments in Tristamp. They are so much better a character. Granted, the anime didn't have a lot to go by. (the brushing teeth line is funny, but srsly, is now a good time for funny? I don't think so)

--It's unclear whether Vash knows that WW knows who / what Zazie is. From WW's perspective, he's offed a GHG, who are (in his eyes) not redeemable, because all of them are working for the same cause. Zazie isn't human. They had Vash cornered. Had a gun to Meryl's head. Were threatening Milly with the sandworms. WW was going to shoot. He shot and killed a GHG. Knives' henchman. Legato's pawn.

...But everyone else's eyes, he's killed a child. In Milly's eyes. WW, who protects children, always. Was Vash getting through to Zazie? Was it even possible?

He'll never know. He didn't think there was an alternative.

--WW has had Vash upset with him before, but this time he deliberately went against Vash's creed. And, he's not entirely wrong. With his superhuman abilities, Vash might have been able to wiggle his way out of yet another life-and-death situation. Ordinary people might not have the luxury of choice.

[alicent-archive]

HOTD S2 Teaser Trailer Thoughts

🚨 Spoilers for the teaser trailer if you haven’t already seen it 🚨

The first shot of Rhaenyra grieving for Luke near the ocean was…heartbreaking. She’s looking at the waves that swallowed her boy.

I assume Otto’s voiceover was him discussing what happened to Luke, rip.

Aegon walking into the throne room wearing Sunfyre embroidery? We love to see it. Tom is going to serve so hard this season.

The Hightower banners ahhhhh !

Alicent, the absolute love of my life is looking… grim as hell 😭.

Criston, what have they done to your hair? I actually didn’t recognise it was him until I re-watched the trailer, like that’s how FOUL it first looked. He’s definitely serving in the military but he’s not serving looks.

Aegon on the Iron Throne was so strange after only seeing Viserys on it for an entire season.

Rhaenyra with the dragon embroidery on her shoulders; Emma looks amazing omg.

I’m preeeeeety sure Alicent is in the Sept when she blows out the candle. I think you can see all the wax on the stone slab in the bottom right corner.

I’ll be very interested what aspect of the Seven she’ll be praying to. And this time, of course, she’ll be praying without a certain platinum blonde.

I’m also pretty sure that’s Seasmoke as well! Yes, my boi has returned!

Aemond (apparently) approaching the throne, I wonder if this is after Storms End; you can see it’s raining and thundering in the glass panes.

Alicent is by the LAKE?! Olivia must have been hooting and hollering that she’s finally left Watford. It’s actually really strange seeing her in a new location, like it feels so unreal after seeing Alicent in the Red Keep for an entire season.

Seasmoke again, my boi is on the beach. I hope we can finally get some close ups on the goofy boy because I cannot keep surviving off grainy images.

Dragonpit shot nice nice.

Helaena during the funeral not nice not nice. That shot is so beautiful though. Phia you are spectacular.

That old man touching Alicent WILL be appropriately dragged to filth by me when that ep airs.

Blood and Cheese I wish you both a very pleasant DIE.

VHAGAR is back bitches!!!

-

Overall, I’m very excited. My expectations for what they’ll do to TG is not optimistic at ALL, but at least everyone will look very hot.

[becauseimanicequeen]

Hey, Ice Queen!

I saw your post on your bad taste in QLs and loved it. I've watched most of them and guess I've got bad taste too. *proud*

I'm wondering what your favorite ships are, though. Actor pairings in particular.

Have a nice day!

Hi, Anon.

The only ships I like are those I see from the beach five minutes from my house.

I know this might be an anticlimactic answer, but it’s an honest one.

I don’t participate in shipping culture because it’s just not my thing. It’s never been my thing. Not even in the Twilight era in my teens.

Are there pairings I like more than others? Sure. But I don’t mind if they go their separate ways and work with other actors. Sometimes I even feel like some pairings are holding themselves back and should split so they can develop their craft. But I’m aware that my perspective is from a more artistic one (I’m an artist) and that I usually value the craft more than popularity (or cuteness or whatever the reason is for people shipping bl actors together).

In other words, my favorites tend to be actors who can act, regardless of pairings. My favorites are ACTORS, not actors, if you get what I mean.

So, let me steer your nice ask onto a more actor-focused path, and I will try to answer it the best I can (but from my non-shipper perspective). (My memory is fucked, so these are the ones I remember off the top of my head right now.) They’re in no particular order, btw.

First Kanaphan

First has chemistry with everyone. EVERYONE. This man could have a rock as a partner and still have more chemistry than the periodic table. He’s an ACTOR, so much so it seems to be a part of his DNA.

He’s currently in a pairing with Khaotung (whom I also love) and they have great chemistry. But, again, First can be paired with anyone (he had more chemistry with Up Poompat in two 3-ish min ads than many pairings have in a whole 12 ep series). And I would probably be the first one in line to watch him act with others in QLs, if that ever happens again.

Khaotung Thanawat

Khaotung portrays emotions really well, which is why I love him. Not every actor can do that but Khao does it like he’s never done anything else in his entire life. That’s an ACTOR right there!

He and First are two of the few actors who can make me cry with their portrayal of emotions. And if an actor can make me cry (since I’m an ice queen who usually doesn’t), that actor will always have a special place in my heart.

Up Poompat

The ACTOR Up is! This man eats complex characters for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And let’s not forget the snacks in between.

Up is the reason I kept watching Step By Step, he’s the reason I loved Lovely Writer, and just like First, he can have chemistry with anyone. Not to forget that he took ownership of my soul less than a full episode into My Stand-In (which is currently airing).

Fluke Natouch

Another great ACTOR. I’ve loved him in everything I’ve seen him in (even in Shadow, even though Shadow was pretty shitty). I especially loved him in Red Wine in the Dark Night (what’s better than be gay, do crime?) and I would love to see him in more complex roles like this because I know he can handle it.

Gun Atthaphan

Gun is another versatile ACTOR that I love with my whole ice-cold heart. I’ve seen him in more stuff than just pure BLs and know that he, just like Up, eats complex characters every meal.

Considering my current profile pic, you know my favorite series is Not Me, and one of the reasons for that is Gun. He didn’t just play one character in that series, but two. Twins, who were completely different! But you still knew exactly who was whom just by looking at Gun. That’s how great his acting was (and is).

With all that said…

Max Nattapol and Tul Pakorn

If I ever were to board a ship, it would be Max and Tul's. But that’s only based on how desperately I want Transplant. And their chemistry, obviously. And Max fisting his hands in Tul’s hair. But, I wouldn’t be unhealthy about it…

Much…

I’m sure I’ll remember more actors I love as soon as I hit publish on this. But, at least this is a start for now.

Thanks for your ask.

[bengiyo]

The Eighth Sense Eps 5 & 6 Stray Thoughts

Last week, Ae Ri and Yoon Woon moved to MVP statuses in this show for the earnest friendships they're building or built with Ji Hyun and Jae Won respectively. Tae Hyung continues to be a pain in my ass as he and all the friends try to force Jae Won back with Eun Ji. Eun Ji is also aiming to end up on the same list as Plern Pleng with her behavior at the bar and grill Ji Hyun works at. Finally, Ji Hyun continues to rewire Jae Won with his directness and kindness. The chemistry and tension between the two of them is compelling.

Episode 5

Ae Ri is being shady. I love it.

Of course they would reference one of the few Park Chan-Wook films I haven't seen. Now I need to rush off to watch I'm a Cyborg, But That's Okay (2006).

I don't normally celebrate delinquency, but I also think Ji Hyun needs to live a little bit.

Yoon Won is a real one for making sure they properly lie to their teacher.

Oh look at Jae Won looking back.

I love Ae Ri. Ji Hyun needed a friend to push him to try new things. This shopping trip is fun. She's also right that he should stop being so self-conscious.

I am also like Ji Hyun when we need to take all these photos of food.

All this stress about a phone call is taking me back. Still, even on the phone you can feel the energy between these two.

I want Yoon Won to roast Tae Hyung more.

Ji Hyun better be careful about the honorifics in front of the seniors.

Whoa, what was it about the mention of a sibling that sent Jae Won over the edge like that. Ji Hyun reacted quickly to steady him.

I always get worried when characters binge drink. Did Jae Won have a sibling die or get disowned for failing to live up to the family standard?

I hate Tae Hyung. Why can't he take care of his "friend"?

Oh, there's a likely-dead, beloved little brother. That's especially sad. I really hope the brother didn't drown.

"Kids only go to the beach to get hot or to heal."

Episode 6

Jae Won needs to relax a bit for sure.

Ji Hyun is cute. I would also give him things. However, I would not plug free USB sticks into anything.

Jae Won how you just gonna claim him as your boyfriend to a stranger like that? Love the confidence though!

Love that he gave them a trot songs mix.

Jae Won being coy with Ji Hyun about essentially wooing him is strangely charming.

Ji Hyun is the most valid boy in all of BL for not wanting to have sand making him itchy.

Oh, are we sharing boy scout trauma now? I don't think I want to share mine on Tumblr.

This getting-to-know-each-other beach date is very well done.

Ah, the zoom in as Jae Won starts to reveal his truths worked really well.

We need to teach Ji Hyun that dick is abundant and low in value. I ain't sleeping exposed on the beach like this for any man.

I see this show wants to challenge the Eclipse with getting closer while pretending to sleep.

I'm really liking both leads and their characters a lot.

This kiss was difficult to film, but I really like the dialogue exchange with it.

Cuddling as foreplay? In my BL?? More likely than you think!

That bed scene was very sensual. I enjoyed it.

Oh, please don't leave us in limbo like this for a week!!

This show is incredible. Truly a special show airing right now. Feels like the Korean response to ITSAY and reminds me of other favorites from queer cinema.

[feuqueerfire]

Love Sea + Special Live Blogging

I was pretty invested in Prapai/Sky in Love In The Air even when I was frustrated by their storyline, so I'm really curious to see how this show is for them. I know bits and pieces of this show (writer with a writer's block, puppy Fort..., a side GL that everybody was annoyed with and that apparently didn't get resolution?) and I'm curious to see how it goes, I think I've seen generally good reception even if people think the story's a bit of a mess.

I'm watching this right now because I have a week of iQiyi free VIP, though I'm sure that I'll have to just note the timestamps of NC scenes and watch those later, not trying to watch it all on the subway lol

Ep 1 (Aug 22) - Chapter 1: Love Begins with the Flick of a Pen

watching their inital interaction like :D ^-^

oh, Ja! I didn't know he was in this, is it a cameo or a recurring side character?

lmao crying at the nong trying to relay his P'Mut's coolness to Tongrak

but also I hope so badly that Mut is younger than Rak by a couple years plsssss I know in LITA Prapai was older than Sky but I feel like their dynamic would be even more delicious if the age gap is like their irl one

Mut is known and beloved across the island

ahh they're really leaning into the cat Rak thing. and we've got dog Mut coming up hehe

oh yeah, I also heard something about the skin tone comments, especially in the earlier episodes. (though it seems like it's meant to be funny/satire and not actually serious here)

The Vi and Mook beginning shenanigans are kinda cute, sad to know that they apparently don't get resolved and aren't well-liked

ah, Rak's gotta have sex to write about sex lol

a dramatic reaction to Mut going into the water early on in the series to hint at trauma but also to get the couple close even though they're not in their relationship journey to do it on their own yet. but yknow what? it worked on me. they're cute

After watching this episode, I must say... how tragic to me that Peat's surgery changed some key features of his face that make him look quite different (to me at least) because I really like Peat's face and look here. At least we'll always have his face in LITA and here (glad he didn't get it done before this show). but maybe that's just me because I've seen other people talk about how it was money well spent lol

the cinematography is so pretty, gorgeous island and beach, I wish I could go to Thailand bruh. and I'm giddy watching FortPeat-MutRak, they're so good as a pair fr.

Ep 2 (Aug 23) - Chapter 2: Echoes Across the Endless Blue

I watched the sex scene before going to sleep last night because I was like I'm gonna have to skip this when watching the episode on my commute to work, might as well watch it now. However, I only watched a few minutes of this on my commute, so I didn't even get to the NC scene to skip it.

I stopped around the time Rak started sucking on Mut's finger lol

As usual, I'm kinda disgusted by all this licking and tongue but somehow I can handle a lot more with this pair than in general

Fort looks sooo cute at Mut being all confused and annoyed about sitting on Rak's bed instead of having sex while Rak writes

Unfortunately I am nothing if not an enjoyer of someone making their crush run around and do errands and chores for them so I like VieMook for now, even though Vee is rude and entitled and thoughtless - that kinda comes with this trope territory. I'm more worried about them apparently not getting resolved by the end

The money and buying Mut think is a repeating theme

Woof!

the forehead kiss from Vie didn't actually do anything for me hm

not this lmfao. and Mut being dense like "what hurts?"

ah, Mut's estranged from his father, disowned since he was 15 years old. His dad has a boat but it looks like a regular-looking boat, not a rich ppl one

Palm calls Mut Phi just in a general familiar way right? Not actual familial way.

Why did Rak jump off to do diving without informing Mut when just a day or two ago he got scared when Mut jumped off the boat without telling him... smh

oh, in this trauma flashback where he's consoling his crying pregnant friend, Rak/Peats looks like Sky a lot

I think Fort reminds me a little tiny bit of Park Gunwook

[Linguistics] Mut -> Rak: Khun. Rak about himself with Mut: Chan. Rak -> Mut: Nai

Ep 3 (Aug 24)

I like learning more about the rumours Vie faces as a female lead and how she’s faking being unaware of them + how she was doing the “oh don’t you know I’m a fragile female lead” schtick with Mook

Oh, Rak has an older sister

and his dad is hanging around presumably for money

rude as fuck Rak omg though I get he doesn't wanna do whatever Mut's planning

not the paid boyfriendship while on the island

fake dating girlfriends? well not right now it seems but maybe in the future

"Possessive of my owner too. In case you didn't know" is so akldsfjlkasdfjlk;ajdsf l;kjasdf

a little coral education

ah, Vie's forcing the fake gf thing on Mook. rip. "rumoured to be boobing my way to the top" is so funny though

Vie saying "I'm not bi" and Mook probably thinking she's straight but just has fake gf but Vie likely means she's a lesbian

environmentalist Mut

"If I'm a good boy, could you use your mouth on me next time?" i'm sooaklsdfjalksdjf

omg why is the "stay on the island" convo so good and like emotional considering we're on ep 3. it reveals so much about the characters though, the way Rak's desperate to be asked and Mut's so afraid of asking

not Mut crying omg

aw, Rak has to go even though he said he'd stay

I'm nervous about them going back to the city because people said they liked the island episodes but not the city ones. hmm

Ep 4 (Aug 24) - Ch 4: From Seaside to Skyline

"If you can't bear to say goodbye, just buy and take the guy with you" lol

they really are doing the money and sex thing hmm

poor Mook lmfao they can't stop talking about fucking, these menaces. i'm torn between she's too naive/prudish vs you actually shouldn't have to hear about your boss's sex life at work

a whole contract goddamn and the clause of it ending whenever Rak wants which like yknow obviously it should end when either party wants but there should be like a "but you still get living expenses for 1 more month afterward to sort yourself out/figure out new income" or whatever

I can't read Mut right now. is he annoyed? frustrated? feels disrespected? still into it?

sugar daddy sugar baby i would actually be cringing so hard usually but yknow what... here it's somehow ok even though it's (purposefully?) a little uncomfortable

I don't fully understand their relationship because the asking to stay and island stuff was so full of emotion but now it's like contracts and money and also apparently Only Sex No Feelings (from Rak at least)

Vie/Mook are cute here

Ep 5 (Aug 25)

the thing with the making your crush run around doing errands thing is that there’s supposed to be a breaking point where the person actually listens to their crush’s complaints and hurts or whatever. whereas it's ep 5 and Vie is still ordering Mook around

damn, so much drama with Prin. and apparently everybody in their family is obsessed with men lol. it was actually an interesting argument because Prin was clearly getting to Rak and somehow... Rak and Prin are similar?

ah, the changing room talk is good

Ep 6 (Aug 25/26)

more of Ram’s backstory and Mut’s understanding

I like it when the supposed “top” and “bottom” in different ships are friends (Kom and Mut) bc it sometimes feels like only the semes can be friends with each other and the ukes with each other lol

aw pouty jealous babies lol

childish fight lolll

Rak going to Vie after the fight is so cute. he knows that Mut caring about him feels fucking fantastic and that he’s also got too much of an ego to say sorry

Vie needs to just grow a backbone and decide to confess to Mook or smth because there’s gotta be a limit to the manipulation smh

Meena is so funny lol

damn, is Mut supposed to tell little child Meena that Rak paid for Mut's company?

finally the blowjob that Mut's been asking for for like 3? eps already. also Rak putting Mut's hand on his head multiple times was killing me omg

oh that's crazy, face fucking in my thai bl

oh, Vie speaks French?

Ep 7 (Aug 27)

I have no patience for the Prin drama

oh Boss and Noeul cameo

can’t they see that Rak’s glass is full while the glass in front of Prin is empty and it’d be difficult for Rak to reach for it?

The Boy Next World is a novel within Love Sea? ah, so Boss Noeul are also actors within this show who will be adapting TBNW as well as in real life (they’re filming right now i think?)

9-10 years age diff? lol i thought like 4-5

Ep 8 (Aug 27)

“That’s fiction. This is real life. Don’t mix them up.” Mame @ us lol

Prin and Rak’s dad teaming up how annoying

So Meena’s 13 (she really gives like 9/10), Mut is 20-21, Rak is ~30

we literally have “practicing lines” + kiss for acting trope for the lesbians oh my god. and you’re telling me they don’t get resolved after this kiss? are you kidding. also i feel like people were doing too much with the “they’re so annoying i skip the gl side plot” bc we’ve def had worse/more boring/more annoying side BL couples but alsoooo I don't understand this couple and why Vie hasn't already come clean/confessed/apologized for making Mook do all the things.

yeah Mut going along to have a chat with the dad was indeed a waste of your time and you shouldn’t have done it

the dad killed some Uncle Doctor???

Ep 9 (Aug 28)

oh my iQiyi VIP is over (~12 hours ago) but my downloaded episodes are still here? I should’ve downloaded more stuff if I’d known.

I was finding typing out Uncle Doctor a bit funny but once I heard them say Na Maw, it reminded me that in Bangla too I might call somebody Daktar-Auntie/Dentist-Uncle etc lol

nooo Rak begging on his knees in front of his dad for Mut

Kwon doesn’t seem to think that he dad actually killed Doctor Uncle but rather just took credit of an accident the doctor was in

oh yes I’ve seen multiple gifsets of Mut beating the shit of the dad after the contract is torn. “You took off my collar, are you ready to face me?”

it’s November now and apparently Mut’s been here for a couple months

Ep 10 (Aug 28)

I can watch my downloaded thing even after ~20 hours later.

bit over 1h20 minutes

Ah, they’ve gotta deal with this being a whole contract thing and Rak not being ready to face his feelings

It’s a little satisfying to see Mut be harsh with Rak at the beach after he’s just taken so many insults from Rak

I took a break and have ~25 minutes left and I think it's been a day since my VIP expired and I can't access the downloads anymore.

cute enough ending

Overall:

Mahasamut and Park Gunwook are not the same, they don't have the same personalities, but some of Mut's puppy behaviours and general mannerisms... also his age gap relationship with an older person... cute round face with built body... oh man.

Anyway.

A fine enough show, I think the dynamic and characters were interesting and the show/relationships threads were good for the main couple, especially the class difference rich/poor conversations and how their dynamic evolved. I think my SkyPrapai might still be my preferred FortPeat roles, which again makes no sense, but this one was a welcome addition, especially because during LITA I kept thinking Sky should've been the older one while Pai was supposed to be a younger puppy. On that note, thank you forever for all the puppy/dog Mut.

Unlike most people who were so over the side-GL, I was actually quite into Vie/Mook (esp because they have some tropes I enjoy, such as celeb/non-celeb and one person makes their crush do chores/errands) and kept hoping for... something to happen, for their dynamic to progress. Was there a scene of them making up cut in the last episode or something?? They didn't get a proper ending, which is sad. Vie was also such a good friend to Rak, I don't know why she was such a terror with Mook and then never progressed past it.

Loved Meena, what a cutie.

The drama of it was... okay, I guess. I get why Rak's father was such a menace (greedy bastard) but why was Prin doing all that beyond just jealousy? I do agree with the general consensus that the island episodes were better.

I keep debating 6 or 6.5 but I'll go with 6 for now because the show's writing was wobbly at some places + I didn't really get brainworms.

Rating: 6/10

Special (Aug 29)

So are Vie and Mook just supposedly dating now? Or like what?

wait, it's so fun that Rak's the one trying to do the "ooh can I get a little kiss" thing because in BL dynamics, I'd expect Mut to be the one pulling that while Rak's like noooo as if they don't fuck on the regular

It's cute to see Rak try hard with the speaking his feelings + doing things for Mut like making breakfast. a reciprocal relationship

Vie and Mook are so cute when they're clear about this being flirting or whatever

gorgeous, gorgeous girls of the world

more dog references

I'm gonna ignore Vie saying that about Mook drinking. their kiss is good though, their ep 10 kiss was also good

I love whiny4whiny when Rak's whining about wanting AC when camping vs Mut's whining that it'll ruin the experience

A cute special overall. It's about Rak and Mut's progress and lives together in the future and how they've met each other in the middle rather than random drama. Vie and Mook are cute too, it makes me sad that their story wasn't given a proper conclusion in the original series. Also, I wanna go on vacation so bad.

Rating: 6/10

[watchingblsnowandforever]

No. No. NO. This can not be happening. The one thing I was most afraid of. The dreaded cliffhanger (quite literal in this case). I'm going through the 5 stages of BL grief help. And I've already reached de Nile T~T

When i first realized that Bad Buddy and ATOTS would air back-to-back, I had an inkling that something like this might happen. Because it's P'Aof. But now my brain is this close to 'killstabrip rinse and repeat' mode.

I was thinking of not watching today's episode because of the exam tomorrow, and for once, i regret not listening to the logical part of my brain.

Anyways what's done is done.

Let's move on.

I loved today's episode, and *maybe* Our Skyy has made me like ATOTS more than i originally did so bonus.

I have a lot of favourite scenes from today.

The waterfall scene where they play in the water. It's a throwback to the beach scenes from BBS. I like the similarities; in the beach, they'd escaped from their friends and family and really enjoyed themselves with each other for the first time, when their love was just starting to bloom. Here, they are already very much in love and in a secure relationship, but it's also away from their friends, a small haven just for themselves. They still enjoy each other's company and playing with each other. The ost song plays in the background, but the lines that are highlighted are "I hope you are not bored; Looking at this same old face." which just emphasizes the point that their love is still going strong.

The sleeping together scene – after the mosquito net kiss (still smiling from that) – loved the short tickling moment because it reminded me so much of the BTS of when Pat hugs Pran from behind as he plays the Thai xylophone and in real life, Nanon is trying so hard to not laugh. Loved even more the "You're an Architecture student, right? Haven't you wondered how much shaking this house can withstand?". We all know what that meant, right? (If you don't, it's nothing sweetie, just boring old people stuff. Be a child as long as you can.) Pran's reaction cracked me up but also made me want to wrap them both up in a blanket and hug them. Yeah, I'm weird like that. Also, Pran's "No, i don't want to know. I'm not curious." – of course you don't want to know, Pran, of course.

I love that they managed to fit in a song by Nanon. It was a pretty good song, too. I also really liked how fast Pran's expressions changed when Pat arrived. Saying this for probably the millionth time, but Nanon is an amazing (Off Jumpol's voice) actor.

The Pat and Hona (Chief) waking up shirtless together scene. It. Was. Hilarious. I am never ever forgetting it. Them being like: my boyfriend is going to kill me. And yeah, they probably would if they came to know. I liked the reference to PatPran ep 11 when Pran asked how many points he got out of 10. And Pat realizing it's not his faen just by the hand made me a little soft. Also liked the reference to the rangers' t-shirt that Hona had first offered to Tian. Though the first thing that came to mind after seeing it was "Tian and Pran are going to be so jealous when they (mis)understand what the t-shirt means". Ya'll have ruined my innocence so you need to suffer too.

The watch made a comeback! So happy. I really wanna know how Pran will react when Pat gives back the watch. I have a hunch to what Pat will say when he does.

As for the preview, I'm happy (and a teeny tiny bit skeptical) about Hona & Pat's and Tian & Pran's growing friendship.

[Unmute :D Do NOT repost; I'll do more than find you]

I have neither time nor energy to make more than this one clip today, but if i find the energy and motivation on Saturday (i will have literally no time tomorrow), be sure I'll make a lot of clips (at least 4 or 5). If you have any requests in the meantime, feel free to send them through my asks!

[kittyprincessofcats]

RWBY Volume 9 Ep 1 - A  Place of Particular Concern

I wanted to make this post before episode 2, but oh well - in my defense, I was sick. (I also haven’t watched episode 2 yet, so for me it still is “before”.)

I’ll try to be brief as well and just write down the stuff I really want to say. Don’t know if I’ll make a post like this for every episode either, depends on whether I’ll feel up for it. (Likely not, but I wanted to do it this time.)

- First things first: Aaah, RWBY is finally back! For me this is actually a first-time experience too, since I didn’t get into RWBY until Volume 8 was already almost over. (If I remember right the last few eps of Vol 8 were the first ones I actually watched “live” (or well, with a week’s delay)).

- As a whole, I’m a lot more relaxed about Volume 9 than I was about late Volume 8 (or than I am about Volume 10). Because we’re taking this detour in the Ever After (a good choice imo, since RWBY has so many characters by now that it can get a bit overwhelming), and the only named characters here are Team RWBY, Jaune, and Neo, I don’t have as much to get anxious about. My only faves here who could get hurt are Team RWBY, and since they’re the main characters I think they’ll be fine. My other faves are either not in the void (Cinder, Salem, Ilia) or already dead (Penny... don’t touch me I’m still not over it), so I think this volume is going to be comparatively easy on my nerves (now watch me eat my words as Team RWBY goes through hell...). (My little sisters’ faves are Jaune and Neo respectively, so I’ll see how they like this volume...)

- I wonder who the mysterious narrator in the beginning is. Well, we’ll find out. (But the last time we had a “mysterious narrator” she turned out to be very important, so...)

- Love how it wastes no time throwing us back into the Vol 8 ending from Ruby’s POV.

- Who’s voice is that calling “Ruby!” when she wakes up at the beach? Is that still Penny? Sounds more like Yang to me, but I’m really not sure.

- The two suns made me think of Star Wars.

- I love Little. (And I also like that Ruby being kind to a little mouse even while she’s going through a lot herself is what ends up freeing Weiss and Blake from the mice. Kindness is good and all that.)

- Interesting to know that cartoons exist on Remnant. Makes sense, though, they have TVs and all after all...

- Bit sad we didn’t get to see Weiss and Blake’s reunion. Also, is this the first time they’ve said the name “Gambol Shroud” out loud in the show?

- The way Weiss tells Blake “I’m really glad you’re okay”... Yeah, until just now she thought all of her teammates were dead. And she’s clearly still processing that Penny’s dead for real.

- Weiss cheering Blake on when she’s trying to get her weapon is adorable.

- Love how Ruby nudges her shoulder to wake Little up.

- “I can be your trusty guide” -> cut to them falling asleep. I love Little.

- “I don’t know if anyone else fell, no.” Oh, I just remembered again that none of Team RWBY know that Jaune is down here, too. They won’t look for him because they don’t know he’s here. And they might not run into him, either. So, what if they just straight up don’t meet him? I’ve even seen theories they might leave the Ever After without him since they don’t know... oh boy, I think something interesting is definitely in store for Jaune this volume.

- The Jabberwalker is terrifying and we definitely haven’t seen the last of them.

- That moment when Ruby wants to join the fight but the realizes she doesn’t have Crescent Rose anymore... yeah, based on the intro as well, I wonder if it’ll maybe take a while - maybe even the whole volume? - until Ruby gets Crescent Rose back.

- “I said I wasn’t done with you yet!” Oh... shout out to Barbara for how she voiced this line. Also, I’ve said it before: Yang is so badass. Thinks she’s dead, only has one arm, still goes afte the Jabberwalker.

- “Dammit! You weren’t supposed to be here!” The way her voice breaks here, oh gosh... Yang just wanted to protect Ruby, she was ready to sacrifice herself for Ruby, and to see now that it didn’t work as Ruby and the others still fell... let me give Yang a hug. (They might also have to talk about those self-sacrificial tendencies, because while I get the “protective big sister instinct” - you’re important too, Yang.)

- “If you thought we wouldn’t come for you, then you must have forgotten who raised me.” When I first heard this line, I thought Ruby meant Tai (and Summer) by this, but then I saw people say that she meant that Yang raised her and gosh... that’s both even sweeter and even more heartbreaking. (But also, Ruby... you didn’t actually “come for” Yang, you though she was dead and then you all fell into the void by accident. Not saying you wouldn’t have come for her if you’d known, but that’s not quite what happened.)

- I’ll be squeeling about that Bumbleby tackle-hug for the next few weeks, thanks for asking. The way Blake says “Yang” so softly, the way Yang touches her head and smiles... it’s perfect. Everything I wanted for their reunion and more.

(Also, I don’t want to get into negativity too much here, but it’s astounding how I’ve already seen the dumbest discourse ever over this scene. “Yang should have hugged Ruby instead; why would she care about someone more than her sister?” and similarly braindead takes... like WTF? Yang and Ruby literally had a really sweet sisterly moment right before this. Yang and Ruby have hugged before. Like, what kind of a braindead take is this? Are people who have siblings not allowed to also have significant others or other people they love and care about? Honestly, it’s just straight-up homophobia, let’s call it what it is. If this hug had happend between, say... Ren and Nora, after one of them thought the other was dead, literally no one would be grasping at straws to find something to complain about. No one would be calling it “ship baiting” or throwing fits. If it doesn’t bother you when it’s a man and a woman, but it does when it’s two women or two men - that’s homophobia. And a lot of the haters also seem to go down the whole “but it’s not canon” rabbithole and like... yes, it is. Just because Blake and Yang haven’t kissed or confessed their feelings out loud yet doesn’t make them not canon. They’re canonically in love, that much is explicitly clear. Deal with it or leave.)

- I like the build-up to Weiss telling everyone what happened (rule of 3 - when Blake and then later Ruby ask, she keeps saying they have to find Yang first and she’s not letting herself really process it either. But when they’re finally all together, Weiss finally allows herself to cry and tell them.

- Okay, time to let out my inner Nuts and Dolts shipper: WOW. The fact that Ruby just straight-up faints when she hears that Penny died. The fact that Weiss didn’t even finish speaking and Ruby already fainted... I’m so here for it! Look, I’m still heartbroken (and still in denial, hoping they’ll bring her back a second time), but if I have to deal with half of my ship being dead, then I at least want to see the other half have the most intense reaction possible to it. I want Ruby to grieve, I want Ruby to go through hell, I want her to just not be normal about this on any level. The intro already tells us that this is the “Ruby is depressed” volume, but I want that to be at least in large parts because of her grief for Penny. Ruby thought she’d lost Penny once, then she got her back, got even closer with her, fell in love with her, went through all of that trouble in Volume 8 to save her from the virus, only to find out she died anyways... yeah, I want Ruby to suffer about it and I’m so glad we’re getting that. (And in my perfect shipper-wish-fullfilment version I want Ruby to have some sort of “I loved her” line when talking about Penny later.)

- I like that Weiss left out Jaune’s exact role in Penny’s death and phrased it as “Jaune tried to help, but she sacrificed herself”. It’s not a lie and Weiss is being a good friend to Jaune by deciding that that part isn’t hers to tell. That being said, I want Ruby to go absolutely ballistic on Jaune when she finds out. I want her to blame Jaune, I want there to be a fight with tears and emotions and rage, I want it all. (To be clear, I’m not blaming Jaune, but I want Ruby to. Like I said, I want Ruby to not be normal about this. Let Ruby go apeshit over losing the girl she loves.)

- So wait, Ruby fainted and they just let her lie there? (Okay, to be fair, we don’t see what happend while she was out.)

- Okay, so Team RWBY currently don’t know that Jaune fell, that Salem has the relic, or how everyone in vacuo is doing. Weiss still saw Winter become the winter maiden and most people get to vacuo though, right? 

- Side-note, what about all the random citizens who fell into the void when Cinder set off that first explosion? Team RWBY knows about them - are they going to at least try and save them too, or is this supposed to be a “they’re background characters, so let’s hope the viewers have forgotten about them” thing?

- Oh, I have feelings about Yang asking Ruby if she’s alright and Ruby brushing it off to talk about Neo instead. I hope WBY will realize that Ruby’s going through it right now.

- Yay for Blake taking charge and coming up with a plan. She’s come so far.

- Yang thought she was dead... don’t touch me.

- “I think we’re in a fairytale.” Oh, lovely line to end the first episode on.

Now for the opening:

- Love the song, first of all!

- That opening shot of Jaune and Neo! Jaune still with the broken sword and tears... Yeah, he’s not going to have a good time this volume either. Likely there’s going to be a lot of wrestling with guilt over Penny. Also, as some people have pointed out, there are quite a few parallels between Jaune and Neo. They’ve both lost someone they love (Pyrrha and Roman), they’re both keeping a tragic keepsake of that person (Pyrrha’s red fabric and Roman’s hat), they both (arguably for Jaune?) want revenge for that person’s death... yeah, will be interesting to see if this volume does anything with that.

- That montage of everyone growing more confident while Ruby receeds and becomes more depressed, the part where it’s just Ruby crying, then that montage of everyone else walking and getting faster while Ruby walks behind and gets slower and slower and hangs her head... Yeah, this is “Ruby has depression” -  the volume, and I’m really looking forward to that for several reasons. First of all because I feel like Ruby is ironically one of the less developed characters on the show and I can’t wait for her to finally have the time to get that development. (This is another reason why I think it was a good call to have a smaller cast this this volume.) And secondly because I’ve been struggling with what’s likely depression and I think seeing that represented in a show I like would feel really healing.

- I would have never noticed the “no 11th hour” thing with Jaune on my own - props to all of you for picking up on that!

- Well that part with Ruby on the bridge isn’t creepy at all.

- Neo’s sitting behind a table sipping tea while wearing Roman’s hat and that’s when it hit me that she’s the mad hatter. Brilliant!

- Also, I wouldn’t have picked up on Jaune being the white rabbit (who’s always too late!) myself, but I love it. Also, this is another parallel between him and Neo and I wonder what their stories will have to do with each other this volume.

- Also interesting how we see both Ruby and Neo turning into... was her name Alyx? - well, our Alice, “the girl who fell through the world”, you know who I mean. Just like Jaune and Neo have parallels, Ruby has paralles with both of them as well (she’s also just lost the redhead she loves and might also keep a tragic keepsake of Penny’s).

Okay, one personal prediction I want to make: So far, every one of the last RWBY volumes had one character in particular stand out and steal the show for me, my “fave of the volume”, so to speak. For Volume 5 it was Ilia, for Volume 6 it was Salem, for Volume 7 it was Penny, and for Volume 8 it was Cinder. And based on the first episode and opening I think that for Volume 9 it’s going to be Ruby. That whole going through depression and mourning Penny thing... yeah, I think Ruby is who I’ll feel for the most here and I’m ready for it. Make this her volume, she deserves it. (I definitely also hope for some amazing Bumbleby moments, tough.)

I am apparently incapable of writing “short” posts.

[anukulee]

Choices

A/N: As you can see I got inspired by pov: you are hiding among humans using a modern name(y/n)but Loki recognized you and Kingdoms at war || EP:01 || POV Loki x y/n. I choose to take some of the best things about them and change them up. So with that in mind, get ready for the young and cunning goddess OC, whose name may be based on Athena's daughter in Percy Jackson. 

Loki Odinson was a god with many plans, for whenever things looked like they wouldn't work out for him, he would switch tactics. To him, switching tactics ensured that he was never caught, and he could continue doing as he pleased. He would be lying if he said stabbing Thor in unique, yet obvious ways didn't amuse him greatly. Considering it a playful part of their brotherly nature, as Loki never hit anywhere he knew Thor wouldn't quickly recover from. Yet what Loki was about to do would be far different than his usual tactics, and more traitorous than anything even he could imagine. But it had to be done, through Loki loved Thor dearly, he knew if Thor was on the throne things wouldn't end well. For while his Thor had always been gifted in the field of combat, and knew a decent amount of strategy. Thor preferred to go in and figure things out as he went. Something he knew wouldn't work as well if Thor ever became king. None of it helped by the fact that their father Odin was no different, he preferred to conquer, and only peace talk as a last result. Loki knew if things continued this way the nine realms might be in pieces before Thor could even gain the throne. He had heard the word of conflict stirring on all sides even amongst the allies and not just in Jotunheim. Through Jotunheim was as of now the most pressing issue, for frost giants weren't one to wait once stirred something Odin did almost every time despite Loki's protests. It was for this very reason that Loki set to change everything, for soon Odin will fail whether it be through peaceful matters or not. Loki didn't particularly care, for as long as he got the throne and the nine realms would remain in one piece that is what mattered to Loki as Loki waited for her to arrive.

Her being Annabeth Chaser goddess of trickery and wisdom. Though she was at least 50 years younger than Loki. Yet despite her younger age, she was still said to have been wise even though she was young. As it was even rumored she was the daughter of the greek god Athena, though if so Loki wondered why Athena would've been so far rather than reside in Midgard. Something he didn't particularly voice, not wanting to anger the gods, as tensions were already high not helped by Odin. Yet from what he had heard Annabeth didn't seem particularly favor Odin something that Loki was very much into and the very reason Loki had gone much searching to narrow down her location. Not to mention why Loki was standing near a deserted beach somewhere in Midgard, where Heimdall couldn't see him, and was wearing full Asgardian armor. As he awaited his soon-to-be visitor, he figured she wouldn't wait long to come to him as long as he played his cards right.

The first thing he felt was a change in the wind and a sense that someone was watching him. Upon feeling this Loki let a small smile begin to tug on his lips. Looks like she's here, let the games begin he thought. "There is no need for you to hide, for I already know you are watching me." There was no reply to this declaration so Loki choose to say something else. "You think you can hide from me? When I can already see you."

 "Oh can you," a voice called out.

 Perfect Loki thought as he opened his mouth to say his next words. "I can my dear, for someone such as yourself you should work on your sneaking tactics."

 "Really how can you see through my spell?"

"I never said spell, you were the one who said that."

 "Oh?"

 "Yes, because all I knew was you were here somewhere, you could've been hiding in the trees for all I could've known."

 "I see well then I suppose there is no use in hiding if you can already see me."

 "I suppose so."

 At this Loki soon found himself faced with a goddess with hair as golden as a halo that the Midgardians claim adores angels, eyes as cloudy as the grayest of days, and she wore her own set of formal attire. "You are quite clever aren't you?"

 "Well, you did fall for my bluff."

 "I did, didn't I?"

 "Indeed you did ha ha," Loki said with a grin directed toward Annabeth.

 "Now would you enlighten me on who you are?”

 “Me,” Loki asked pointing a finger at himself as if he was confused.

 “Yes, who else?”

 “I see through may I ask why you might want to know my name?”

 “Well, I would like to be enlightened on the name of the man who managed to lie to me."

 "Perhaps, but first I would like something."

 "Oh, and what might that be?"

 "Your name."

 "Nice try, but I am afraid I won't be playing that game."

 "What game," Loki asked facing innocence.

 "The game where we pretend we don't already know each other names."

 "Who says we do know each other names? Considering you have yet to tell me your name."

 "I could say the same to you."

 "No need to be modest. I know you aren't mortal."

 "You do?"

 "A mere mortal wouldn't be able to sneak up on someone like me."

 "Mere mortal?"

 "Yes."

 "So are you saying that you aren't a mortal?"

 "I am afraid not my lady and this means the likes of them wouldn't be able to sneak up on one such as me."

 "Is that so."

 "Yes and with that in mind that can only make you a goddess or Asgardian."

 "If you know so much then feel free to enlighten me."

 "Gladly I know you aren't Asgardian for Heimdell would never allow one to sneak by without Odin knowing."

 "And you can?"

 "I have my ways. My lady or should I call you Annabeth goddess of trickery and wisdom? Rumored daughter of Athena. Said to be almost unmatched in both mind and wit, badass in the arena, princess of the best strategies we've seen, and most of all not a fan of Odin."

 "I see. So you know who I am."

 At this Loki let out a smile as he had something else to voice. "Just as I am guessing you know who I am."

 "Do I, mysterious man or should I say Loki Odinson?"

 "So you know."

 "But of course, it only took me mere moments to figure it out. I have only heard rumors of you."

 "I see."

 "Through it makes me wonder why you the god of mischief, lies, and second son of Odin would be here to see me."

 "I believe we have a mutual goal."

 "Oh, will you care to enlighten me on such a matter?"

”Here I thought you were clever my dear perhaps I have overestimated you.”

 “Or maybe I would rather hear it from you.”

 “If you wish it then I suppose I shall reveal my reasons for coming.”

 “Good.”

 “Now you have a distaste for my father do you not?"

 "I will not speak ill of Odin, especially in front of his son, but I will say I am not his biggest fan. Though I don't see what that has to do with me."

 "Simply my lady, I require your assistance on a matter."

 "Oh, and what would that be?"

 "To ensure the nine realms hold up despite my father's ruling and instance that my older brother be protector and king."

 "And you don't want that do you young Odinson?"

 "You speak as if you are older than me."

 "Aren’t I," Annabeth asked her brow going up as if she was trying to see what Loki would say.

 "No, though you aren't much younger than me."

 "Correct. So you are the son of Odin."

 "Not by choice."

 "Seeing as you are here I hope you intend to try and show me why I should take your offer?"

 "Simple you wish for Odin not to be ruler, and I wish the same."

 "And if he isn't who shall take the throne?"

 "Me of course."

 "You think you can do it?"

 "Not alone of course."

 "Is that so? Then who would you choose," Annabeth asked getting more curious about what he meant. Not knowing she was playing into Loki's hands.

 "You of course."

 "Me?"

 "Not one of those royals?"

"No, you would be far better as a queen."

 "Would I?"

 "You would."

 "So none of those young maidens or perhaps young men interest you?"

 "I'm afraid they prefer my brother over the likes of me. I am the trickster god after all," Loki said with a hand gesture before walking around Annabeth.

 "I see, but how will I know you are loyal to me? You are after all like me a trickster."

 "I will do whatever you wish for me to prove my loyalty."

At this, a small smile began to grace Annabeth's lips. "Say I believe you. If you are so loyal then you should have no problem kneeling for me."

She is interesting, how fun this shall be he thought. "As you wish my darling," Loki said as he got down and kneeled before her.

 "Well then I suppose we might have an alliance, but..."

 "But what?"

 "I want you to swear loyalty to me and only me."

 "Is that all you wish?"

 "Yes and ensure that you won't betray me."

 "If that is what you want then you shall have it," Loki said before taking another knee and taking Annabeth's hands into his. "Annabeth, soon to be the queen of the nine realms and Asgard, I swear to you on this day my undying fidelity to you and only you." As he stood up slowly, but not without leaving a kiss on her hand. "Is that all you wish my darling?"

 "Pet names already?"

 "You are to be my wife if things work out are you not?"

 "Yes."

 "Then I see no problem with this. As it is a way to prepare for our future."

 "Oh, you think I would fall for you?"

 "Who says you haven't already?"

 "Confidence aren't you?"

 "I am nothing, but confident especially around you my dear." 

"I see."

 "So what do you say my darling, partners in both love and loyalty," he said offering his hand in a shake.

 "I suppose so. Though don't get confident on the lover's part," Annabeth said taking the shake despite her thoughts telling her not to. Though she did pull him close as her mouth hovered near his ear. "If you betray me, son of Odinson trust that you will pay."

 "I have no doubt darling, so shall we?"

 "Fine, tell me your plan Odinson."

 "Loki please consider what we are about to go through. Not to mention what we might be one day."

 "Fine, but betray me and I will..."

 "Kill me, trust me you wouldn't be the first one to say that."

 "I wouldn't expect any less from you."

 "Nor you my darling, now as for my plan this is only the beginning though I think," Loki said before he started to explain. Something that Annabeth listened to closely. Little did both of them know at the time that this would only be the start of their partnership both in love and loyalty. Through those are stories for another universe, through know that despite everything that happens and Loki's tendency for betrayal, he never betrayed her, for as long as he was together with her everything else would fall in their wake, and that was all that mattered to him and her as time would soon reveal. But as mentioned before those are tales for another universe, through together Annabeth and Loki were forces to be feared as king and queen of the nine realms, and that is all that matters at least right now.

A/N: I was trying to think of a name for a goddess of wisdom and I thought why not use Annabeth and play into Athena? I didn't want to use Athena because as far as I know, she doesn't particular show much romantic interest in men. So I thought I shouldn't force her to. Thus why I made Annabeth her perhaps daughter though she is younger than Loki she is just as wise. Can you blame her considering her mother? I will say that the greek and Norse gods are present. Seeing as in Thor's Love and Thunder Zesus made his appearance. In my idea, they reside different areas, Norse takes the US and some other countries, while Zesus mostly take Europe countries. Asia I think would be neutral and both sides can be there so yeah that was just my thought process seeing as I used two edits to write this.  Through a peak into Loki's and Annabeth's future, she will eventually fall for him, though it will take much time and planning. Loki will succeed in overthrowing Odin especially when it is found out Odin stole a child and a whole lot of other things. The people not caring as long as it's not Odin or Hela. So yeah that isn't to say it wasn't long and fought. I think the avengers will still assemble perhaps with Loki visiting Earth for a little break thinking he and Annabeth won't be seen. But Odin being the man he is like Loki is trying to invade, and all of that. But let us just say it might not play out like it did in the movies. Especially when Odin might take Odin to sleep after Loki finds out he is adopted and talks things out. Thor will either back down or has no interest in the throne more forced on him than anything. Though I will say Hela will come but it won't be as bad as Ragnork. So yeah that is what happens and with that in mind, I hope you all enjoyed this little one-shot. I bid you all farewell until my next shot. 

[andthebubbles]

heartstopper 3x02

aaaah so this ep .. parts of it felt like i wasn't the target audience, which is fine, i'm not, really!!! (like, that last convo with nick and his aunt, it was heavy-handed but that's probably what 16 y/os need to hear)

hayley atwell coming out of nowhere skjfngkfg but is she a psychiatrist or psychologist... am always suspicious of media not getting this right

kinda awkward that nick was even on that trip skjfgnkfg like what is he even doing there

charlie's dad serving up the most unappetising looking dry chicken breast!!! yeah i'd struggle to eat that too. everything else on the plate looked better though, why can't he season chicken like he seasoned those veggies

i LOVE tori, i think she's one of my fave characters (along with tara and darcy)

feeling sorry for isaac, i relate a lil bit (being left out, feeling grossed out by lovey dovey-ness)

btw. WHO DOESN'T PASSWORD THEIR LAPTOP SKJFNGKJFGN

also more people need to learn alt+tab i guess?? hskjdfk

i feel like there was one more tech thing that made me 👀 but i can't remember what it is now

oh yeah, the teachers were pretty cute lmao

btw. gcse results get handed out in person??? whaaa. okay well i can't remember how we got our SC results but hmm... HSC was definitely online. anyway, hecc, that must be kinda awful to open up your results in a room with everyone else and if you did badly that'd feel horrible

so, darcy didn't take the 'i need space' as rejection. whew. her gran's rather lovely in fact. and she drives a mini lol. i need her tinkering with it and servicing it in the garage pls

btw the ... idk what it was, but that final scene on the beach, it felt like ~we have to wait till nick is done with his prescribed monologue, then i can hug him even though he's already obviously upset from like sentence no. 2 (or whatever)~ skjfgnkfjgn

okay if i think of any more i'll add it later but now i want a roast dinner, sigh XD

oh! that shot of jb (or i should say, jack maddox) on insta stories :3 halp

and here's a shot of the roast dinner. nom nom it's HUNGRY HOURS

[idealisticrealism]

TCL 3x12 thoughts

Lol look I got there in the end. I actually wrote this in June but intended to do a read through before posting... then got on a plane and promptly forgot about the entire thing til now haha.

But here it is anyway, a very belated 3x12 recap with a random assortment of my thoughts about the finale.

Ugh poor Thony, seeing a woman in a blonde wig and green shirt playing with Luca and having that split second of thinking it was somehow Nadia, only to instantly know it was impossible. It must have felt like she was being haunted by Nadia’s ghost ugh, and no wonder she immediately goes and downs a huge glass of whiskey

Are we sure Ramona’s been cured of the lead poisoning? Bc her plan to ‘eliminate’ the Feds is ridiculously irrational. Jorge offers her a perfect, clever solution and yet she turns him down because ‘Derek’ wants her to take out the Feds. Who the hell is this guy? Is he the one who suggested she set Jorge up to be her fall guy, or did she come up with that on her own? So much for ‘family’ being everything to her– Jorge was everything to her until he started outgrowing her and defying her, and now she wants to move on to Violeta, to take her and mold her and make her into a copy of herself, and if she has to get Jorge out of the way to make that happen, she will

On one hand, dumping Nadia’s body on Russo’s doorstep is so awful, but on the other, I’m actually kinda glad that Ramona did that? I’m glad she was delivered directly into the hands of someone who would genuinely mourn her loss, who would treat her body with care and respect, rather than her body being just left in the desert to rot. By sending this ‘message’, Ramona ensured that Nadia could be cremated and reunited with Arman, and that means so much to me. (Yes I haveindeed  made myself cry multiple times wondering about what is going to happen to both of their ashes now– I had a fic idea of Thony asking Jorge to take her to Curacao to spread their ashes together on some beautiful beach somewhere, to honour them the way they deserve. Ughh.). 

Also I just realised that as far as the FBI knew, the last Thony saw of Nadia was when she escaped from Jeremy’s lair. They just think that Nadia tried to make a run for it and that Ramona found her, killed her, and dumped her. Even when Thony’s van shows up with the blood in it, they would probably have assumed Ramona had the van stolen and used in the transport of the body to point the finger at Thony. But idk, it seems like Thony tells the Feds the truth of what happened at some point anyway.

Omg Chris banging on the door was so stressful, what if ICE was still there?? Like yes Camila needed treatment for her infection, but not so urgently to risk her (and himself, and all those other people) being deported!! And then him having to fight his way out?? Like damn son you got your protective instincts from your mama. It must have been such a relief to see her in that kitchen– remember he’s only 16! He’s in way over his head, and then his mum appears and protects him like she’s done his whole life. Honestly though MVP of this ep goes to the chef who immediately clocks the situation and tosses the carrots on the floor– what an ally! Love it.

“If you can’t do your job, I’m gonna do it” I really love how Thony talks to Feds haha. Zero respect given, which is exactly as it should be. It must feel familiar for Thony to hear the Feds going after the right-hand man rather than the head of the crime organisation yet again– just like with Hayak and Arman, it was only her stepping in that prevented Arman from bearing the brunt of the FBI while Hayak walked free, and now she’s trying to do the same for Jorge. The conversation between her and Jorge in the warehouse is definitely similar to the one she had with Arman in his office in 1x10 (aka where she was trying to convince a man she cares about to save both himself and her by turning on his boss) though with two major differences: one, Arman already knew about her involvement with the Feds, so rather than feeling betrayed, he felt worried for her; and two, he was already in love with her, so she was more important to him than Hayak. Jorge cares for Thony, but in this moment he’s reeling not only from the news of Nadia’s murder at Ramona’s hands, but also the realisation that someone he trusted and let into his home helped bring the FBI down on him, and now she also drops this bomb that the person he’s closest to in the world intends to betray him and ruin his life? Poor guy is definitely in a much harder situation than Arman ‘Protect Thony At All Costs’ Morales. I love that despite his opposition to Thony’s claims, Jorge still ends up making a plan to keep Violeta safe, because clearly some part of him knows that Thony is telling the truth, that she is genuinely trying to protect him and his family as well as her own. Truly hilarious that he’s like ‘nope no way I’m going to have a meeting with the Fed’ and she’s like ‘yeah you are’ and literally the next scene is him coming to her house to meet with Jeremy haha. Again, definitely very reminiscent of 1x10 when Arman meets with Garrett for her. I could totally understand some viewers being annoyed by the similarities and calling it repetitive writing, but I think it’s actually kind of cool to see her getting caught in the same situations repeatedly, because it really demonstrates the theme of how Thony walks the line between light and dark, good and evil, law and crime… she is the bridge between the two, never quite able to escape one or the other, instead always pulled back in, always balancing it out. But ugh anyway I’m not over when Jeremy asks Jorge “Which side do you want to be on?” and Jorge turns and looks at Thony. Hers. He wants to be on her team– not part of Ramona’s crazy empire, not a FBI rat, but the team of morally grey parents doing whatever it takes to keep their kid safe. Yaaaass.

And then later the similarities to the heist with Arman appear again when we realise Jorge used the FBI to get the fingerprint, allowing him access to what he wanted– just like Arman using the FBI sting to steal Hayak’s money. With Arman, though, she had the trust in him to know that he would protect her no matter what. She can’t trust Jorge like that, not yet… but maybe one day. I appreciate that even after the trauma of what just happened with Ramona being arrested, Jorge goes to Thony and puts an arm around her, the two of them united, each other’s stable ground as their worlds crumble around them. I love that they walk out together, the survivors, and he tells her that not only is she safe from repercussions from the cartel, but that there’s also a place for her within his new empire if she wants it. I love her answer, quoting Arman and how he used his power to protect the ones he loved, whereas Ramona used that power to hurt others… and how she wants to do things her own way. To me, her way is using power to protect those who don’t have the power to protect themselves– her family, yes, but also the vulnerable, the undocumented, the poor and sick and disabled, the people that the system leaves behind or even persecutes. The fact she’s even alive right now is a gift from both Arman and Garrett, and she’s not going to waste it. She’s going to make it count by helping as many as she can, because every life she betters honours those who gave theirs for her. 

Jorge bringing Violeta to Teresa… omg I can’t. First, it shows he really heard and listened to Thony, and that he truly doesn’t trust Ramona to be the one to raise Violeta. But ugh I was so hoping we could see Eduardo meet Violeta… I would have loved seeing him be all sweet with her, then share a wordless nod of understanding with Jorge, like a sign that their family might just begin to heal… but still, I loved that Teresa was immediately ready to go up against Ramona to protect Violeta. She couldn’t prevent her son from being pulled into the world of crime, but maybe she could save Violeta from the same fate, and that makes me wanna cry a bit 

Would using a 16 year old personally connected to Thony’s family to identify criminals really work, in like a legal sense? Also how likely would she, a ‘lowly’ worker, have been to have actually seen the boss guys? Meh idc I’ll roll with it

Thony was so terrified about Ramona finding out about her helping Nadia, so sure she would kill her for it, and yet Ramona’s response is literally like ‘eh couldn’t blame Thony for defying me, she’s not a killer’ lol. And then later at the gala she is pleased with Thony simply for confirming her own suspicions about Jeremy, which they really didn’t need Thony for anyway? They clocked him as a Fed themselves just from the way he was acting lol, but whatevs, it gave Thony an excuse to be there and for us to enjoy that white dress lol

“She’s never going to tell you anything! She’s too smart!/ “Well I got you to tell me you were mixed up with Sin Cara”  Yeah Jeremy, she told you that when she was half in shock after you guys both nearly got violently murdered (during which she literally saved your life btw), and also after like 2 weeks of you manipulating her when she was at her most vulnerable, and grieving the man she loved? Her slipping up once in that high-stress situation is not the same as you smooth-talking Ramona for 5 minutes buddy. Also, fuck you. And lol your attempt really didn’t go the way you hoped, did it? Ran away with your tail between your legs lol. Can’t believe Thony actually goes to the effort of saving your dumbass life, again!! You better pay her back for that one or I swear

“Let’s burn it to the ground” loved the inclusion of this line between Fi and Thony, given the conversation between Jorge and Nadia at the wake of wanting to burn everything down after losing the loves of their lives. Looks like it’s a sentiment that they all share

Ngl I enjoyed Jorge coming up to Thony immediately when she arrived at the gala, not only telling her she ‘cleans up well’ (lol punny) but the little moment of camaraderie they share with an almost-joke about Ramona planning to bury her in the dress– they both know the risk they’re facing but they’re facing it together, and that makes it just a fraction less horrific. I wonder if Ramona questions why Thony and Jorge are sticking together all night? Maybe she just assumes Thony feels safer around him, which I suppose would be true haha

Literally how does Jorge get all the way from the gala to their underground bunker and back in time????? Some TV magic happening there for sure lol

Thony and Ramona’s showdown on the roof is kinda funny… like how did Thony know to go up there? How did she walk around with that gun without being noticed? But no matter. And ugh Thony shaking and crying as she tells Ramona she deserves to die for Nadia and Arman… my creys. Plus it was definitely satisfying to see Ramona realise that Thony and Jorge had allied against her (which was her own fault! If she hadn’t betrayed him, he never would have betrayed her! Consequences, baby!). I do appreciate that Jorge told the FBI exactly where to find her, saving Thony from having to take Ramona out and then potentially go to jail for her murder… though  it would be very cool if in S4 Ramona somehow weasels her way out of prison, and so Thony has no choice to take the matter into her own hands once and for all– for herself, for Nadia, and for Arman. 

Haha awww the family all at home, celebrating, doing karaoke? My heart. “How about a love song for you and Camila, Chris?” lollll Jaz is such a little sister and I love it. JD suggesting Beyonce for him and Luca, Thony and Fi looking relaxed and happy, Chris getting his kiss and Luca accidentally cockblocking…. This family deserves to have some simple happiness after everything they’ve been through! 

“Not this time” oh Thony, you know that escaping ~the life~ is not so easy… like Arman told you a long time ago, once you’re in, you’re in… Looks like Derek will be an issue for both Thony and Jorge to have to contend with next season. Tbh I thought that this final scene could have been shot better though, like instead of Thony’s “Not this time” and then a cut to black, they should have had her say that and then walk away, and the camera pans past the phone (which stops ringing and goes dark) and follows her to the lounge where we see her rejoin the festivities with a grin on her face, choosing joy and light in defiance of the dark that’s trying to pull her back in. But nvm I guess lol, sadly the writers don’t consult me on this stuff so it’ll just have to stay in my head haha

[happymeishappylife]

Favorite Albums of 2022

1. Holy Fvck by Demi Lovato

Favorite Songs: Substance, Eat Me, Freak (ft. YUNGBLUD), Skin of My Teeth, 29, City of Angels, Dead Friends I really appreciate the change in sound and the vulnerability that Demi has continued to show in music. While I can’t relate to their experiences, hearing them be so open and honest about the things in their life that have changed them, affected them, and troubled them is so incredibly moving and something I always gravitate towards so I found this album exciting. Plus as I’m getting into harder rock these days, the sound is soooo good and the beats and riffs they has to capture that style is so well done. Plus their voice is so incredible to match with it that I love it. They were great in concert too!

2. Midnights by Taylor Swift

Favorite Songs: Lavender Haze, Anti-Hero, Snow On The Beach (ft. Lana Del Ray), You’re On Your Own Kid, Midnight Rain, Mastermind, Would’ve Could’ve Should’ve To me this was such a perfect follow up to Folklore and Evermore with the same sort of sound and storytelling, but adding in that signature Jack Antonoff synths and styles made this album fantastic. Plus I appreciate again the open honesty and vulnerability of that late night reflections that Taylor takes us on in this album. It makes for a fantastic mix of calm, soothing, and also reflective. Can’t wait to her live for the first time net year.

3. Mercury Act 2 by Imagine Dragons

Favorite Songs: Bones, Sharks, I Don’t Like Myself, Take it Easy, Waves, Ferris Wheel, Sirens, Continual (ft. Cory Henry) I appreciated Part 1 of this album, but Part 2 really got me hooked more and made me feel like I was bag in the days of the first couple albums with the more lively pop/rock songs like Bones and Sharks, but again a great further reflection on the mental health and struggles we all went through, but especially the parts of Dan Reynolds that he has always been open about. Putting Part 1 and Part 2 together also feels like one big album and sound and isn’t disconnected so to me this was a great follow up and it was nice to get new music from them 2 years in a row. Can’t wait to see what happens next.

4. Anthem by Flogging Molly

Favorite Songs: These Times Have Got Me Drinking, A Song of Liberty, Life Begins and Ends (But Never Fails), The Croppy Boy ‘98, This Road of Mine, These Are the Days I love this band so much and getting to see them again live this year was a treat and always is. But considering how many years its been since we’ve had new music, not only was this album a great surprise but honestly the whole album is amazing and sounds great. There isn’t a single song I don’t like and it just is that good old Irish rock that I love so much with the same old Flogging Molly sound I’ve loved for all these years. Plus having a song like A Song of Liberty come out right around the start of the Ukranian War which they dedicated to Ukraine helped to feel connected to that fight and feeling we all have of wanting to be free.

5. Viva Las Vengeance by Panic! At the Disco

Favorite Songs: Viva Las Vengeance, Middle of a Breakup, Don’t Let the Light Go Out, God Killed Rock and Roll, All by Yourself, Do it to Death I was so excited to get a new Panic album, but I’ll admit, this one didn’t quite hook me as hard as Death of a Bachelor or Pray for the Wicked and that’s because this was trying out a new style. And I think he achieved exactly what he was going for with that fun 70s/80s classic rock sound. Most songs are a bop and fun to dance to, plus live the solos are great and his voice is better than ever. I honestly don’t know how he did it multiple nights. But I do miss some of those more punk rock sounds and lyrics though he still did those in concert too.

6. Love Ep by Jake Wesley Rogers

Favorite Songs: Call it Love, Lavender Forever, Modern Love, Hindsight Until I saw Panic in concert, I had never heard of Jake Wesley Rogers, but wow! This guy was amazing live and his aesthetic and flare reminds me of Elton John and Billy Joel, with just as rich a voice. But also because he is openly gay, his songs about his life even sometimes describing harder times are so uplifting and so inspiring that I can’t wait to follow his career. I’m also going to see him on his first headlining tour next year and can’t wait to be back in that feeling. Definitely highly recommend!

7. Let Yourself Free by Fitz and the Tantrums

Favorite Songs: Good Intentions, Sway, Let Yourself Free, Moneymaker, Good Nights, Steppin’ On Me Whenever I want a good pick me up and also a chance to just dance, I never can go wrong with Fitz and the Tantrums and this album really was a perfect addition to my music. Sway I played all summer and its catchy lyrics and sounds are always something that lifts my mood, but the whole album is meant to truly live up to its title of let yourself free, have a great time, and just have fun.

8. Paper Cuts by Mandey Harvey

Favorite Songs: Masterpiece, Bought Myself Roses, Hold on Me, Something I Can Feel, Ritual, Slow Motion I’ve followed Mandy ever since she appeared on AGT because her story was so moving and I thought that even as someone who lost her hearing, her music and her voice were still fantastic. This album not only proved that, but was uplifting because most of it was about not giving up on yourself and loving yourself no matter what is going on in your life your struggles because you are worth it. And that is absolutely beautiful and a message I think we all need sometimes.

9. Give me the Future + Dreams of the Past by Bastille

Favorite Songs: Revolution, Hope For the Future, Remind Me, Dancing in the Dark, Thelma + Louise, No Bad Days, Back to the Future, Shut Off the Lights When the first part of this album came out, Give Me the Future, I liked the vibe and the theme of the album a lot. I think Bastille does very well with this dystopian fatalistic romance vibe they have going that’s open about the terribleness of modern age and yet still understands how we all still have to live and enjoy technology. And because of that it makes you just want to run away and enjoy your life, ignore the awfulness around you to remind you there is still light in the world if you find the right people.

10. Human Overboad by James and the Shame

Favorite Songs: Believe Me, Give a Damn, Where We’re Going, Only Thing, In Vain, Fruit, Old Letters Let’s be clear, I am not a country fan and I’ve never grown up with any religion. But surprisingly, I really found this album great to listen to and I’m so fascinated by the topic of spiritual deconstruction that I felt that this expression of it was a great story and opening into someone’s life and the struggles they are going through to figure out what’s next. And especially since this is Rhett McLaughlin from GMM, I was so impressed by the seriousness of it seeing as on their show both he and Link are pretty goofy. I’m curious if he’ll do another, but really I loved this album and it’s story a lot.

Notable Mentions:

11. 22 Make by Oh Wonder 12. Elsewhere by Set if Off 13. There and Back Again by Eric Nam 14. AM Gold by Train 15. Cleanse by Joywave 16. Forever Chemicals by Quiet Hollers 17. Higher by Michael Buble

[magnumdays]

Magnum PI - 4.17 - ‘Remember Me Tomorrow’ review

This ep. was sure hard to find! So glad we got such a great community helping each other out with getting access (@vix-has-arrived sure saved the day today!). But that’s why the review is a bit late!

What I loved most about this episode:

Higgins & Ella being adorable.

Drunk-ish Magnum teasing Higgy on the phone.

Rick & Suzie and Rick being all “I’ll just be there for her on her terms” which really is the sweetest thing.

Magnum helping the old guy set up a video call and reassuring him! The rest of their interactions were nice too, but this last one was my fave! 

But I loved all of it, really such a feel good episode and I’m not even mad we only had like two tiny Magnum/Higgins interactions because the rest was so good and their moments, short as they were, were super them. 

Nor did I miss the Ferrari or not getting too many outdoors scenes (well, I’d have loved some beach vibes as it snow here yesterday and spring is def. not in the air here in Sweden!) It was a bit of a different episode, and while different sometimes is just don’t do it for me, this worked really well (for me at least).

(I wonder if this was supposed to be Jay’s episode to direct though, because he’s got separate scenes from everyone? but then something changed with the other director and they had to switch? Because he directed next week’s right?)

Anyways, the episode really tugged on my heartstrings. I’m a sucker for throwing a kid in the mix and Ella was just such a a sweetheart (and might be wearing my Miggy-colored glasses but couldn’t she totally low-key be mistaken for Juliet and Magnum’s daughter?)

So, yeah, they had me just by adding the cute kid with a sad story. Also her dad... 

 I was worried he’d ask for Juliet’s phone number there at the end (and I’d want him to have it and take her out even though we’ve been there and done with Ethan but I liked him and I liked that Dad felt like more of a real person in one episode than E did for most of his time on the show.)

Also, here I think they were really clever in how they had Higgins be all “I’d have thrown myself into a case to not have to deal with the fact that I was dying and leaving my loved ones behind” during this end bit. It was true, sweet and I think really helpful for the dad to hear. Also a reminder on how she deals with emotions...

Backing up a little, the case was kind of interesting even if it was more about the interactions between Higgy and Ella and the motive and ending was a bit... odd and sudden. 

Like lady has affair with guy, decides to be with him she’s going to kill his whole family because he won’t leave his wife, does the deed with a totally traceable gun, then he comes home and is horrified and thus she kills him too. Then she has enough presence of mind to grab stuff to make it look like a robbery but is dumb enough to dump stolen stuff + the gun like close enough another neighbor, who sees and takes it? Her husband, whose gun it was, is not suspicious at all of his gun being missing and also dose not realize she’s gone totally cray-cray and killed 3 people? Or he did notice and that’s why they’re divorced? 

Then, after having kept this all secret for five years and not gotten caught, Higgy coming to ask about the affair, rather than lie some more, she knocks Juliet out and then decides to end her own life as well as Higgy’s by turning the stove on and just letting the gas poison them? Like IDK, this lady is not very consistent in how she kills folks. Also, why not lie and send Juliet on her merry way and then run? Or kill herself in a smarter way? Or kill Higgy for reals? Or leave her to be poisoned while she runs off to escape the police? It just felt a tad bit like weird and inconsistent. 

Also poor Higgy’s head!

(frying pan - and that sound effect of pan vs. head... like brain surgery next if that was real life. And then carbon monoxide poisoning? Higgy had a rough day.) 

I might have preferred some more clues. Or like maybe Ella having some sort of revelation instead of it just being who the gun belonged to. It was very...we have 4 minutes left, let’s wrap this up of them.

(Also, I’m assuming no one called Magnum about the whole Higgy not picking up while with the killer because I feel like he’d have had feels if that had happened. I would have loved to have seen his reaction to it though...)

Loved him being all  Fun Higgins and Sweet Higgins (also we got Fun Magnum and Sweet/Sharing Magnum). Side note: Sometimes I remember to be impressed by actors, like we see acting so much on TV and stuff it feels like a ‘normal’ thing, but Jay being low-key drunk-happy-teasing and that actually translating - I’m impressed. Because playing drunk-ish but not plastered is hard (I’ve attempted it with mediocre success.)

I do have one question - Ella’s mom died two years ago - how did the neighbor have pen smudges on his hand still? Or was it just Juliet seeing he was left handed and he just always have pen smudges? Who writes by hand anymore enough to have pen smudges? IDK, I was just a little like ‘wait what?’ at this point.

(That is a pen smudge on his hand right?? I guess maybe they changed the timeline or something? Perhaps the arrival of the letter originally was meant to be what made Ella investigate again?)

Magnum bringing the old guy a steak - that’s my boy! Old people get terrible food at most places so that really would be a kind and appreciated thing to do.

I wonder if the old guy is the funeral we’re getting next week? Or someone else is kicking the bucket?

(They’re very...diplomatic about the Vietnam war aren’t they.)

As previously mentioned, I did like Suzie not being all “let’s play happy family” as soon a she got back. I mean she’s not wrong, their kid should come first, even if you know, maybe she should have gone with like a ‘we need to focus on figuring out how to be parents before we figure our feelings out’ because like the logic of if we never start we can never end/break up...yeah, I guess, sure, but also not? 

We shall see where it goes, but I do feel quite sure about my prediction of a dramatic finale baby birth. I would love like a kidnapped/in trouble Magnum and Suzie and the rest of the gang teaming up to get them back and we get another Rick/Juliet moment (or possibly one where they both kind of go off the deep end thinking their person is dead. We know they both have those tendencies.)

Last thing. Anyone know what happened to Jay’s arm?

He’s got a pretty serious “band-aid” and no one mentions it in-show but I noticed so, just thought I’d ask since I know some of you keep more track of the actors than I do!

[whyamistillwatchingtheseshows]

This is a 2 part response to this meta by @dancinbutterfly and yes, it's a tad all over the place and I might be repeating myself...Anyway, here we go:

Part 1

After reading this meta, I kept seeing posts about how some of us want VegasPete to go on the war path. How so very Vegas to enact a path of death like Ares, the god of war. Although, beside Vegas is Aphrodite the goddess of love. Anyway…VP go on this path of destruction, but it is to dismantle the whole Kingdom? What would this accomplish besides relinquishing control to them? So, yes VP take over as one mafia family/clan? No major clan. No minor clan. No in house divide. No more Capulet and Montague shit. And by doing so it frees KinnPorsche. Kinn, of course, would combat this. Porsche however is both a barricade, a guard, a moat, a shield as the head of the minor family and getting to Kinn is now nigh impossible because Porsche stands there in defense (and I noticed post repsonses to this meta about how Porsche is a Queen and the Queen cannot emulate the Knight, but Porsche however much is a Knight still) which I totally agree with).

Porsche is the stronghold in front of the Kingdom.

However, if Porsche is increasingly still suspect of Korn and even his mother then he’d consider working with Vegas? Basically, Vegas along with Pete pulls a Hamlet (yeah I'm thinking of another Shakes play). It’ll look like nothing has changed because it is Vegas being Vegas, right (and ironically, like a Hamlet, he is acting through the guise of a grieving son)? Also, Korn or most likely Kinn would try to leverage Pete, hoping he could stop this act from happening, but nope. Sorry, any allegiance or loyalty the rook had to the so-called main family is most likely being excised because of his increasing love for Vegas (then if they leveraged so far as Grandma, you’ll be eaten by Aphrodite’s wrath). And Vegas, he will do Ares’s dirty work, but he will keep a vow in this act. So as he said to Porsche once before, “I won’t let anything happen to Pete." And this time it’s heavier because he knows that Pete will follow. And so as with information that’s surfaced, there is no chance in hell Porsche is shooting Pete. Porsche is already shrouded in darkness; not sure he’d stoop that low.

Yet I could see another play within a play to make it look deadly serious.

Do I hate that Porsche would probably have to do all of this behind Kinn’s back? Absolutely. Something concrete must be shown to Kinn regarding this family competition and how it has been so wrong, and your father trapped you into the responsibility of it making sure you’d see no way out (so Korn keeps his Kingdom and legacy intact). Like idk…what exactly makes Kinn finally see and start to fill in the hollowness created by Korn? But he must be carefully shown that all Korn has done is a sheer manipulation and maybe it’s high time, Kinn thinks about a different life that’s still with Porsche, who just so happens to have a perfectly set up dream waiting on a beach. However, as this meta (linking again because I love it) says and I paraphrase, Kinn may have made his choice. He’s heir of the main family and he might even continue that way if Porsche walked away. However, he was inches away (ep 13) from considering leaving this life, choosing Porsche and willing to try a life apart from his family legacy? Yet currently Korn has/had too many gambits. Though, I’d like to think Porsche and Vegas creating a seemingly deadly serious play within a play (and by extension Pete) would make for a delicious gambit that outsmarts the master manipulator (which also kind of means love comes back to bite Korn in the ass!) Only problem is still Namphueng’s moves in this, if she has any. Does she help dismantle the kingdom or does she want it? Considering, we believe a female character could be written into the show much better after her sloppy/weird introduction. Plus, if they continued with KinnPorsche, I do know what I’m speculating is probably a rather impossible direction of where this story could be headed. Wouldn't VegasPete be the perfect device to oust Korn?

It would seem like Porsche's only move.

Part 2

Now, I'm not versed in chess and what power the pieces necessarily have, but I think from other shows (and perhaps irl) we can see how Kingdoms work? Speaking from my soul here, a lot of this made me think of the stories behind the Fire Emblem video games. Divided territory. A Kingdom. An Empire. An Alliance. Knights. Mercenaries. Really though, the KP world probably does act more like a Capulet and Montague thing, but instead of two different royal families constantly at each other's throats, this is an in house divide?

So...really after reading the meta, you bet I can adapt to this chess metaphor. Also, this meta (and thank you again for writing it) answered my question: WHY KINN AS HEIR? 

I hadn't taken into account any of the others being too emotional (Tankhun, Kim and Vegas). Then it got me thinking aside and perhaps a little off base. As I type this out, I don’t know how to feel about Korn’s move to show “mercy” to Vegas. Isn’t this what Pete believed would happen? Which kind of falls into that thing about Korn creating a surface presence of sorts, only revealing what he wants so you (in this case one of his rooks, Pete) fills in the rest of it? To Pete, Korn has made himself look like the "merciful" type but doled out punishments not directly from him are also the norm?

So...Pete believed that if Vegas had turned himself in, Korn would be merciful. Ironically, it turned out that way right in front of him, but also right after Korn mows down Gun which is really of no consequence (after all he was the one in the wrong, ambushing the major family yet so is Vegas). If Korn was being “merciful” in a way towards Kinn and Porsche, then why couldn’t he be merciful to Vegas and in effect to Pete's decision to follow his heart (because Vegas not dying is literally why Pete gets to fulfill his decision)? Granted, it is a conflicting decision to make…a prime example of trying to remain loyal in servitude of the Kingdom or making your own choice. A matter of the heart, and of course, I’m content with Pete making this decision, but it feels like another leash? Not that Korn has any CARE to kill Vegas? Like he has the convoluted, manipulative reasons, but does he CARE to, as if doing it would be and has always been such an easy thing to do? And it could've been by Korn's own hand, but Vegas eventually becomes outnumbered. Plus, do you think if Korn killed Vegas (even with this strange animosity fettering between them) Kinn would raise an eyebrow or no?

But why take the time since his nephews are no longer a choice (and have never been a choice to lead) by killing Gun? It’s just, in the middle of all of this, I want to believe that Pete can no longer be a piece to move. He resigned and because of who his heart is following this rook took himself off the board? But the “take care of him” seems like a loosely veiled gambit. The gambit being played is whether Korn thinks he has kept Pete on the board as the way to keep Vegas on the leash, which he may not have had to bother creating because Vegas was ready to end himself, but why would Korn care about that? He doesn’t care about the emotional downfall, but perhaps counted on it?

Yet by telling Pete, to "take care of him" Korn thinks it is a way to keep the rook (and essentially have Vegas “controlled”) and he makes himself look merciful to Pete but at the same time this is very much Pete’s choice? And by it very much being the rook's choice it has consequences for Korn later on? And maybe this comes from me thinking that Vegas could have a later down the road reaction? I don’t know…but I too believe that Korn is not omniscient except perhaps in knowing all he needed to about the Queen piece (Porsche).  How much did he know about Pete and Vegas? It just feels intriguing to me that Porsche tells Vegas to take care of Pete and then Korn tells Pete to take care of Vegas.  Both statements seem to come from different reasoning and intentions?

Also, I’d always thought Pete would eventually become a Queen in this game too (however, this thought might be in favor of the d/s VP dynamic)? Coincidentally, that’d mean I believe Vegas could be King but by the rules of Korn’s game that’s nigh impossible. Then there's the idea of Vegas and Pete being out of the game entirely which could in effect make Vegas more dangerous (and be part of Korn’s mistake in trying to keep his power in whatever way he wants)? And we can already see what Pete my maybe Queen can do especially in a blind rage. Could that be quelled in a more calculated sense? That Pete, in defense of Vegas, would consider who he is facing this time? Then maybe Pete is stuck as a rook, perhaps more like a perpetual Knight who will now defend Vegas entirely? Like he ain’t playing no games anymore whether he is on Korn’s chess board. The stark, defiant Knight basically born from the “I’m just following my heart” and is no longer choosing to serve the Kingdom. Pete could also be the kind of Knight who has become a mercenary so to speak. Vegas and Pete (plus Macau) if off the chess board, are now mercenaries with an extreme and latching loyalty to their newly created unit?

Meaning Pete would have wavering (if any at all) loyalties towards the main family (because most of the time mercenaries act of their own choices) which contrasts with Porsche being used as the Queen to check the White King. Meaning Pete cannot be as easily manipulated especially if he’s off the chess board? Sure, Pete probably wouldn’t rampage against them without fully “justified” reasons in his mind because at this point (as Korn wanted), it’s going against Kinn and Porsche not Korn (which none of them have considered to do except maybe Kim?). Really I think what's underestimated is how nearly excised Pete's loyalty to the main family is becoming just because he's falling in love with Vegas? And this is an intriguing question I just now asked in this, because you mentioned that Kinn won't back out of this life. Kinn has made his choice to be the heir and he wouldn't walk away even if Porsche walked away. Yet Pete (a lowly rook/knight) is essentially walking away but towards someone Korn didn't have to be "merciful" towards but seemingly was.

The pool scene was literally right after resigning and trying to stop Vegas from killing himself and when he succeeds and then watches it ripped away from him (yeah, in that moment blind rage makes sense). Pete believes the main family has always been "merciful" enough in this type of world and probably towards the minor family most of the time. Plus, towards his grandmother apparently enough to the point KINN can make phone calls to her. Tankhun sends men to her house? Dependent on the situation, we'd all want grandmothers or anyone close to us unknown to even the main family. Which obviously is not possible, in this line of work, since all the connections this family has and so they would know almost every detail about you and even make it their aim to do just that as you're "hired" on. Yet it’s merciful because we protect her, and you work for us. A life for a life.

At this point, I make no sense or so it feels like it and I supposed I went heavy on the Vegas Pete of this rather than a whole picture? It just feels odd. Even if they are mercenaries off the chess board (technically now capable of their own choices, which is also something Kim has been doing??) it would always feel like a shadow. They know where Grandma lives, and even with Pete resigning and Vegas’s “function” in the family being excised, it’s not as if they really escaped, but maybe just a tad more than Kinn and Porsche? And I know that Kinn and Porsche are not actively seeking punishment towards them, especially Vegas. Fact is, they’re taking care of them which technically keeps Vegas and Pete chess board adjacent…but in the end, it feels so dirty to think about Korn’s line, “history is written by the victor” and then there's also the nagging bit of it all, which is the fact that Korn would NEVER “relinquish” power so easily. Has he relinquished or just delegated power and as we’ve seen he simply moved the pieces? Porsche being the piece he had been missing to start the game, but had to alter the game along the way because of the falling in love part he couldn’t really predict (for both couples)? Still think the love part on all fronts (familial or romantic) can come back and bite Korn in the ass?

Maybe this is too simple but as I was watching the last episode and when Korn did shoot Gun, I went...okay, now this whole scheme REALLY only looks like an elaborate way to assassinate your brother and establish the legacy you can easily manipulate.

It feels like Korn wants to keep everything in place and he has. Maintain power, but shoulder less of the responsibility? Nothing seems taken out on him. It's always Kinn did this. Kinn did that. Tankhun did this. Kim this. Chan this. Nothing ever mentioned of orders from the higher source though we know Chan does act most of the time for the higher source, and we do see the orders given to Kinn...but somehow Korn delegates often enough, making sure the source of the blame, punishment etc is never reflected on him yet it's all him? Which in an effect is why Pete could see him as "merciful?"

Sure, Porsche and Kinn are for the most part on the same page, but it's still the Battle of the Two Families (and really naming it that does feel very Capulet and Montague)? Since, I kept thinking of R & J, Mercutio's one line popped up and remember he was caught in the house divide plus by love:

A plague o' both your houses

They have made worms meat of me...

Yet figuratively speaking one could say it's already made worms meat of Porsche (consider the comment in this meta about Porsche looking as if he aged 10 years from a month of this) and its has since an early age made worms meat of Kinn, his brother and cousins (even the men working for them), but Kinn has yet to see or doesn't want to see that his father is actually manipulating everything for some reason?

In Korn's mind, there's actually no dismantling of this Kingdom. As long as Korn has control/power round and round it goes so Kinn and by extension Porsche are callously caught inside this Kingdom- no, not caught, handed the responsibility of it.

Then there’s Porsche's Mom which is the bigger mystery, I suppose.

So...basically there is enough to continue this story. Yet, not so sure it'd go any of the direction I've typed out here. Personally, as I mentioned in Part 1, I do think it'd be plausible to see Porsche and Vegas (plus Pete) create a play within a play that looks so deadly serious especially if the story portrayed Porsche as increasingly suspicious of Korn.

[medusinestories]

 And the rewatch continues...

Black Sails, II (S1ep02)

- Back to Breaking Billy. Damn, he looks so shell-shocked by what he did. He... LIED to the crew. I think a lot of viewers don’t see how this is a big deal in a world of thieving lying bastards which make up about 95% of the cast, but it’s a huge deal to Billy. Later in the ep, Gates tries to brush it off, telling Billy that it’s for the good of the crew (and, well, he may be right - the crew is already trying to spend gold they don’t have yet). I also love that Gates opens with “I’ve always been straight with you”... Why yes you have, except when you didn’t tell him about Flint’s plans. And Billy knows this, deep down he must know that he comes second to Flint in Gates’ list of priorities.

- Randall and his “we don’t like thieves, this is what happens to thieves” (at this point crew members are pissing on Singleton’s corpse)... the way he looks at Silver, nearly like he knows. Also a foreshadowing of the “he’s a thief!” dialogue. Also, why on earth didn’t Gates search Silver? He’s the only man on Parrish’s crew that didn’t get searched. Either Silver was extremely lucky, or something happened between them to distract Gates (is this a request for silvergates fanfic? yes).

- Silver taking one look at Flint's face and belly-flopping into the sea... CLASSIC. Billy running after him, he seems to be able to handle. Flint looking right at him... PANIC!

- Anyhow there’s a lot of things in this episode that reveal bits of Silver’s identity. He thinks incredibly fast, hard to tell if he’s thinking on his feet or applying techniques he’s already used (I suspect the latter), but he manages to vanish on the beach, from the brothel (after nearly losing an eye) and in the wrecks. But then he goes and does something halfway decent when he sees Max being throttled by Vane and asks Idelle for a weapon. I wasn’t sure if it was for self-protection or what, but since Max is gesturing at him not to do anything, he actually seems fully prepared to go in and save her as had been previously discussed.

- We see a lot of Vane in this episode, and a lot of different facets. He’s surprisingly cautious when Rackham puts the “we get info on the Urca” plan to him, and his attempts to argue calmly with Eleanor show quite a lot of (awkward) restraint. And then there’s the brutality against Max, which also seems to come from a place of paranoia (and probably jealousy?). But above all, it’s interesting that while Vane’s name strikes fear in the heart of people, like Flint, also like Flint, he doesn’t truly have control over his men and their brutish behaviour. Also, very much like Flint, he wants things done his way, as demonstrated by him killing off the messenger Silver sends to fetch the pearls. I also found it nice (for Vane) that when Rackham falls into the sea, Vane actually stops to check that Rackham is okay before going after Silver again.

- Max. I have to admit, she’s one of the characters that still leaves me the most mystified on a rewatch. She gestures to Silver not to intervene when Vane is throttling her, even though she has no leverage and no idea whether he’ll actually leave her alive or not... why? Max Accepting To Endure Pain will come up again in the next few eps (ugh :-/ ) and I still have trouble understanding what motivates her. Is it pride? A fierce will to be free/independent? I get that she doesn’t trust Eleanor and refuses to be protected by the same person who basically stabbed her in the back. But she goes several steps further into pure recklessness and I don’t really get it. Your insights/comments on this are welcome!

- That said, her begging Eleanor to run away with her and give up Nassau, “we can be free together”, well that’s pretty much what John “all I want is to be free” Silver would like from Madi by the end of S4, isn’t it?

- I kind of wonder whether Silver wasn’t hoping to be captured by Flint. I mean, he was probably hoping to manage to escape, but getting caught by Flint was apparently what he considered his second best option, since he calls Vane “the madman”. It’s pretty interesting how he’s already decided that Flint and his crew are better than Vane. I can only imagine that the difference is that while he’s seen Flint commit a really disgusting murder on another pirate, Silver thinks it’s not as bad as Vane who killed a beggar and threatened to kill Max. (that or he’s already fascinated by Flint, of course)

- I just love the little bits of vulnerability you see in Flint in this episode. His talk with Eleanor, where he’s slouching and exhausting, and instead of explaining why he wants Nassau specifically, tells the story about Odysseus and the oar. And then at the end we see him watching his men having fun in the camp before he leaves to see Miranda. The moment he’s back in this familiar environment and she tells him to get his boots off and she’ll boil some water and he just... crumples. A+ acting and just brilliant.

- So we hear that Richard has been bribing the Lord Proprietor for years. We know that Lord Alfred was the proprietor. Now I kind of wonder whether the killing of Alfred Hamilton is recent, and whether this is why the navy's coming in now that he’s gone.