#i'm not even gonna talk about their chemistry on screen

[jenniesban]

Okay, season 3

I found it tiring and repetitive. didn't need 10 episodes. 8 was enough. just like previous seasons.  

Carmen in this maniac episode was almost insufferable to watch. Everybody on here was waiting for him to be down, but the writers could’ve done better, and Christopher Storer could’ve shown us better.

First of all, his relationship with Claire wasn't that deep. I know it's all in Carmy’s head, the way he visualizes her etc, and yes I have a high degree of myopia, but this was not shown in s2. It makes me mad watching this lack of commitment with his partner and sister in an opening business.

I care about Camy, and it’s so tragic that he can’t get out of this cycle of abuse. but I’m a human, and sometimes I really wanna beat him. I know he's trying, but this man needs to take his head off his ass asap. Showing his situation with one hundred flashbacks was monotonous to watch. 

About Sydney, I’m so mad how they wrote her this season. Are they gonna end this show without showing us a center episode of her??? this season was a perfect moment to develop ONE OF THE LEAD CHARACTER OF THE SHOW!!!

My girl was passing for so much and alone, but the writers were like, nah, let’s show bad comedy with the Faks instead. Put a woman to babysit Carmen and Richie, two grown-up men for the entire season, it’s insane. (she's so much better than me)

I love Sydney so much, and we know she would rather get a shot than talk about her private life with anyone, but I need her to fight. I need her to speak. The panic attack scene breaks my heart, I don't think is all carmy's fault. It was a mix of everything. Fear of the future, insecure about everything, thinking about her found family and the possibility of losing them, starting a new business all over again (when she spoke on s2 that she didn't have in her to try again), fear of failure again. But I wish they had shown it better from her pov. They should have improved this part. 

I ended this season with a bitter feeling. It’s not a good writing job to have ten episodes of preparation to be resolved in the future. 

(And since Christopher Storer likes Taylor Swift so much, he should take all this hate train and enter his reputation era, and give us a better script in s4. #i think the bear is gonna finish in s4, so lets be productive and finish the show in a good way. please, all this with Joana Calo by his side, let her write!)

I loved Tina’s episode (thank god Ayo directed the best one), ice chips were insanely good. Abby Elliott and Jaime Lee Curtis!!!!!111!1 and the first episode was so well edited and directed. i love those actors very much so, they are so talented.

[911-ls-whats-your-emergency]

I am honestly so happy with Buck/Tommy. Not because I don't want Buddie endgame anymore - that's still my dream. But because the payoff will be so much richer (and honestly more believable for the casual fan) than if they go from "straight" to bi Buck to Buddie in a few episodes.

And so far, Tommy's character is GREAT! He has chemistry with both Eddie & Buck and based on his delivery of "MY attention?" he seems to be the most aware of the potential for Buddie out of the three of them. So yeah he's gonna take the opportunity to kiss Buck when it's offered (who wouldn't??) and probably a lot more than that and he's gonna be able to walk Buck through this new thing with some confidence so that if/when Buddie does come about, it can be more about the emotions.

They've honestly set him up to potentially be Eddie's queer guru as well - or even just given us someone who Eddie can talk about on screen about Buck, which has been rare in the past. And since Tommy seems aware of the Buck/Eddie of it all from the beginning, I'm hopeful he won't be the love interest who has to put on a brave face while being tossed aside for no reason in favor of the main pairing (a trope I hate) but rather he can be like "yeah I always knew this was coming but I wanted to have some fun in the meantime".

Also now that they confirmed Season 8, I want it to be slowwwww. I want everyone in the 911 universe to be rooting for them before they're even fully aware. I want every fan, not just the tumblr buddie community, to be screaming at their TV "JUST KISS ALREADY" every time Buddie is on screen. And then when they finally do, we can all die happy :) because love is love and these two deserve each other in the best way possible.

[scented-morker]

Enha when their actress partner films with a hot actor

jealous boyfriend enha! established relationship, actress reader, 1164 words, requested!!

Heeseung

He pretends he's not phased at all

He knows you love him obviously, you spend like four hours a week crying and telling him how pretty he is and how much he means to you

But that was before he knew it was THE Song Kang

"Baby, he's literally the prettiest person ever!"

"You think he's prettier than me?" You pout

"Don't ask questions you don't want to know the answer to"

Homeboy is SWEATING watching you guys film

Literally saying a hallelujah when there's no romance between your characters

But when you come back and tell him he was right that it was the prettiest person ever he gets mad about it

LIKE YOU SAID IT FIRST ???!

But he wants to be the only boy you think is pretty 😔

Won't let you escape his grasp for the next week

Jay

Listen he likes to act all confident, but deep down he is a little bit insecure about his looks

So when you tell him you're filming with one of the actors who made "worlds most beautiful" list

😐 he is not impressed

On the outside he's all "oh that's cool"

But on the inside he's screaming crying throwing up

Wears the outfits he knows make you weak the whole week leading up to it

I'm talking turtle necks, rolled sleeves, rings, all of it 😵‍💫

His masterplan is working, and you get so affectionate you don't even want to leave him to film

He lowkey feels so silly about being jealous when on a film break you bring your costar over and introduce him to "the love of my life Jay"

Jake

Literally SO POUTY

"Noooo, baby do you haveee to??"

Acts like it's the worst thing to ever happen

"What if you just quit your job as an actress?? I can take care of you!! I'll pay for everything!! You'll never have to work again!"

"Jake, I like my job"

"But I thought you LOVED me!"

Insists on going with you to set (also leaves a hickey on you that your makeup artist is very mad about 😭)

You have to ignore him the whole time you're filming because you know he's making those injured puppy dog eyes and you just can't handle it

He literally is hanging out with the actor during one of his breaks tho so ???

He's all "yeah bro you're awesome" so you think it's all good now

But then you go over to them and he gives you the most mind melting, earth shattering, blush inducing kiss ever right in front of your coworker

You will never recover

Sunghoon

Tells you he's more attractive than the other guy 🤪

You tell him because you want to be open and warn him

But he's all "okay and? He's not better than me, why should I be worried?"

You're like wow my boyfriend is so mature and cool

But you realize very quickly that he is, indeed, worried

"Hey y/n, be honest. Do you prefer blondes or brunettes?"

"Hey y/n, do you think idols or actors would make better husbands?"

"Hey y/n, do you think onscreen chemistry ever transfers off screen?"

"I prefer whatever color is currently on your head, you over anyone of any profession, and I wouldn't know because I don't need to worry about that seeing as how I'm in a very happy relationship."

He grumbles at your answers, mad you caught on

He's not one for pda but he does bring you a bouquet and your favorite drink to the film sight <3

Sunoo

The guy was one of his favorite actors!!

He was so so excited for you to work with him, until he found out he was your love interest 😐

"YOURE GONNA KISS ANOTHER MAN?!?"

"Sun, he's married." 😒

"YEAH UNTIL HE FALLS IN LOVE WITH YOU AND GETS A DIVORCE!"

He boycotts the actors other shows 😭 whenever you guys hang out and watch dramas together he'll turn it off if the guy comes on screen

Eventually gives up on drama nights and makes you watch a bunch of enhypen performance videos instead

"Wahhh he's so handsome! Even more handsome then that actor, don't you think?"

"Yes Sun, you're way more handsome."

He's fishing for compliments but you don't care, willing to give him all the reassurances you have

You think he's gotten over it by the time filming comes up

But lo and behold... he's sent you an entire coffee truck with pictures of the two of you and messages about your relationship 😭

Jungwon

He wants SO BADLY to be okay with it 🥹

He was so supportive, celebrating with you when you first got the role and now coming to every filming that you have

Except he's noticed the slowly developing love story between you and the hottest guy on the show

So when you get the script for episode ten and read it to him he knows it's coming

"Oh, so you're like... gonna kiss someone else?"

You literally want to burst into tears, he's so precious and he looks like a little sad cat and just- 😭😭😭

"Yeah, but we've both been very open that we have partners! His girlfriend is on set all the time too! And you can totally be there when we film it!"

He shudders, "I'm not sure I want to"

But he goes anyway, and you introduce him to your costars partner

So now they're standing together, making small talk and looking away every time they say action

"I'm gonna need a drink," she mumbled after her boyfriend has to get his makeup fixed because of your lipstick on him

"Yeah, me too"

Riki

Listen, he is your number one fan

He’s seen every episode and won’t let you read him the script because he wants to find out with everyone else

He checks Twitter about it all the time too

So when soompi reports that there’s a new, very attractive guy on set— he sees it immediately

“Hey ynie~ can I come to filming with you?”

You’re so suprised, because he never wants to come with you

“Really? You’re not freaking out about it being spoiled for you?”

“I just want to be with you 🤷🏻‍♀️” he says it so nonchalantly like you’re not literally turning into mush because of it

“Okay!”

So fast forward, your hair and makeup is done, costume on, and you’re finally getting ready to film

You’re on set while the scene before you is shooting, and your boyfriend lets out a gasp

“Who is that shirtless man over there?”

You look over and shrug, explaining the new character

“Why is he shirtless??” Man is so fixated on this

“He’s always like that.”

“WHAT?”

There’s been a shirtless actor walking around you all days of the week and you hadn’t said anything

Steps up the pda immediately, holding your hand during off times and loudly cheering for you during shooting

By the end EVERYONE knew you were dating

[joeys-babe]

Joey B Imagines: Everybody Loves Somebody

————————————————————————-

Summary: When your first argument with Joe turns into one of the biggest relationship milestones.

Warnings: Angst, fluff

Pairing: Joe Burrow x reader

Imagine Universe: Into The Mystic

A/N: More high school Joe and y/n for V-DAY!! You and Joe have been together for 4 months. The argument is mentioned in this previous fic, so if it feels familiar, that's why!

————————————————————————-

April, 2015

For the first time this school year, I didn't want to go to school. I didn't want to go to first period. I didn't want to sit in chemistry. I didn't want to see Joe.

We've been together for four months now, and having Joe as my boyfriend and built-in best friend has been amazing.

Most days after school, we'd go to each other's houses. Alternating every day.

We became inseparable. Experiencing teenagehood with each other.

Yesterday, though, we got into our first argument, and it was over something completely stupid.

I was over at Joe’s house, sitting on his bed as he played video games on the floor.

He hadn't spoken a word to me since we had gotten here. and I had been there for almost two hours.

——

“Joey.” - you

He didn't answer.

“Joey.” - you repeated, a little louder

Again, I was met with silence. Feeling fed up, I crawled off of his bed and walked over to where he was.

“Joseph Lee.” - you tapped his shoulder

All he did was look up at me with a smile and winked before looking back at his screen.

Okay, I'm done.

I grabbed my backpack off of the floor and slung it over my shoulder before walking towards his door and pushing it open.

“y/n?” - Joe

I heard the sound of headphones and a controller hitting the floor before loud footsteps followed behind me.

“Where are you going?” - Joe

Without saying a word, I walked into the living room towards the front door.

“Leaving so soon?” - Robin

“Yeah, sorry. Just getting a little bored.” - you

I flashed Joe a petty smile, to which he gave me a confused look back.

“Oh… well, get home safe! Joe, would you walk her to her car?” - Robin

“I was going to.” - Joe nodded

Not waiting on Joe, I said my goodbyes and opened the front door. I walked to my car at a fast pace.

“Baby… what's going on? Are you mad? Did I do something?” - Joe

“First of all, don't ‘baby’ me, Joseph. Secondly, yes, I'm mad. Thirdly, you didn't do something. It’s more that you did absolutely nothing.” - you

“I'm not following.” - Joe

“Of course, you aren't. All you follow are those stupid video games.” - you

“Oh, I see what this is about. You're mad that I was playing games.” - Joe

“No, you idiot! I couldn't care less if you played those games.” - you

“Aye, calm down. Just come back inside, and we can talk this out. If I did something that upset you, I'd like to know so that I can fix it.” - Joe

“Now you want to talk?!” - you

I grabbed my keys out of my purse and started unlocking my car.

“y/n, if you're gonna leave, at least gimme a kiss, please?” - Joe

After looking at him for a few seconds, I rolled my eyes and got into my car, slamming the door in his face before driving off.

——

After begrudgingly getting ready for school, I slowly drove to the building and walked inside.

When I walked into the chem room, Joe’s stuff was in his seat, but he wasn't.

I sat down at my usual spot and fiddled with my pencil, anxiously dreading Joe showing up.

When he finally did, it was right before the late bell rang.

Joe sat down without saying anything, but I could tell he was itching to get something off of his chest.

“Uhm, I know you're mad at me, but can I ask you something?” - Joe

I nodded my head without even looking at him.

“Yesterday, when you left, that wasn't you breaking up with me, right?” - Joe

After almost choking on my saliva, I turned to see his sad face full of seriousness.

“What? No! Of course not. You're still my boyfriend, and it was just a little argument. I'm so sorry if you thought I was leaving you.” - you

“It's okay… I'm just glad I was wrong because… never mind.” - Joe

“No, what is it?” - you

“It's not important.” - Joe

Except it really really was.

Later in class, Joe couldn't stop thinking about what he almost said because he wanted to say it so badly. He was just worried you didn't feel the same.

After thinking about it for way longer than he should've, Joe found a way to maybe get over his worries.

I watched Joe rip out a small piece of paper from his notebook and turn his back to me so I couldn't see what he was writing.

Soon, he scooted the piece of paper upside down over to me.

When I flipped it over, butterflies swarmed in my stomach.

In Joe’s handwriting was something that made me know I was going to keep this piece of paper forever.

I love you.

Looking up at Joe’s smiling face, his cheeks were blushed like mine, and I couldn't help but grin.

When the teacher wasn't looking, I leaned in close to Joe’s ear.

“I love you too.” - you

And Joe would be the only person you'd ever romantically tell that to.

————————————————————————-

Authors note: SO CUTE. SURPRISE VDAY FIC.

Request for this fic;

Hope you enjoyed! 🤍🤍

[bo0tleg]

GEMS MY FRIEND SAID WATCHING 'TOP GUN: MAVERICK' FOR THE FIRST TIME:

"The jacket! The famous jacket that pulls women, pulls men, pulls the world!"

"Oh look how hot~ he looks on that motorcicle. He's even pracing his ass!"

(Maverick, on screen: "Well... He's not here yet.") The mans madness has begun."

"MAVERICK DON'T DIE YOU STILL NEED TO HAVE YOUR GAY ROMANCE!"

"He lasted two months at Top Gun? HA. He probably was a bigger piece of work than the students."

"From what I can tell, Maverick tamed Iceman. In the first one he was the little annoying bitch and Maverick saw a challenge."

"I mean, at least these two (Penny and Mav) have chemistry. They hooked up in a plane, after all."

"Iceman solves his problems, Iceman keeps his job, what a simp. That's dog behavior."

"Maverick doesn't look likes he's flirting with her, he's just confused. His confused face looks like his flirting face, and people assume. I know this because people do it to me."

"Yeah, he's kinda like that one Olívia Rodrigo song that she gets confused when she sees her ex... What was it again?" ('bad Idea right?' by Olivia Rodrigo)

"I like him (Bob)! He's pathetic like me!"

"Oooohhh they're (Phoenix and Bob) gonna be besties! I can feel it."

(When Phoenix racks Rooster with the cue) "OHOHOHOOOO I LIKE HER ALREADY."

(Didn't notice Hangman taking Bob's cue, I relayed the information) "Aaaahhh don't steal Bob's cue. Bob's cool, Bob's nice."

(After rewinding the scene) "NO, NO, NO! WHO IS THAT? NOBODY CAN STEAL BOB'S CUE! I don't like him (Hangman)."

(Hangman, on screen: Bradshaw! As I live and breathe!) *Slowly turns towards me with dead eyes*

"That's not enemies to lovers, that's just enemies."

"With just this scene, I can tell this guy (Hangman) comes and goes. 'Sometimes I flirt with you, sometimes I hate you.' He's like a tsudere."

"Oh, got it. Phoenix is adopted into the man's group. She's a bro."

"I wouldn't say that they're his support system, but those two are the people that know him the best. Hangman is paying attention because he wants to be the best and needs to defeat Rooster. Phoenix is demonstrating a more sibling like worry."

"Hondo is like Mavericks babysitter."

"Oh. Oh, now Mav's flirting with her."

(Following the 'Baby on Board' comment) "Don't talk shit about Bob! I don't like Hangman."

"Maverick is like a step father to Rooster. Not in the 'HAHA I FUCKED YOUR MOM' kind of way, but in the way that he helped raise him."

"Where is Iceman? I'm here for the two of them, I don't give a fuck about Aeronautics."

"I think Ice and Maverick had a long relationship, but they're not together anymore. They maintained a friendship, but their lives probably went in different directions. I'd say they were together for 10, maybe 20 years."

('I ain't worried' by OneRepublic starts playing) "This song is from 2022? OH MY GOD THE SCENE"

"DON'T PLAY AROUND WITH GRANDPA!"

*Started chanting "BOB! BOB! BOB!" When he got picked up*

*Eeriely quiet during the bird strike, until Maverick starts talking to Rooster* "OH THEY'RE NOT DEAD. THEY COULDN'T HAVE KILLED BOB! IF THEY KILLED BOB I WOULD STOP AND NEVER WATCH TOP GUN EVER AGAIN!"

"Definitely 20 years. Ice is probably the only person Mav actually loved. Like, not a fling?" "Yeah, probably." "He's been with lots of women, and men, but Iceman is the only person he was ever in love with– maybe still is."

"I think his (Ice's) wife knows. That's probably why she recognizes Mav and is kind of friends with him." "That's probably why she just let him go up to see Ice." "YEAH GO AHEAD, FUCK MY HUSBAND!"

"It's pretty easy to notice that Snowman– No, ICEman."

"That is the face of a man who just lost the love of his life."

"Damn, the mans a beast. If It was me I'd already have cried, alone, in a room absolutely destroyed, never to come out again."

"He's got nobody, dude! I just want his step child to come back, because If he doesn't that man's gonna kill himself!"

"Why does it always have to have a romantic ending. Just leave him with his adoptive son. Go away."

"They (Penny and Mav) aren't going to end up together."

"I have a theory! Fanboy is obsessed with women! Cus he's 'Fanboy'." "But wouldn't he be called Simp, then?" "Ah, then he's obsessed with men." "... simp can be for men too."

"There's gonna be a Top Gun Three? Who's it gonna be about? It ain't gonna be Maverick, that man has a foot in the grave already."

"Bob is my favorite in the second movie. I have no favorites in the first one because everybody is very macho and very gay, and that's boring."

[melanieph321]

You and Jude met a few days before going to SGP for international duty in a club or something.

You guys click right away and there’s so much chemistry and you end up spending the whoooooole night together, you have breakfast in bed the morning after and off he goes to SGP. You start texting and there’s more attraction between you two and he keep saying that he can’t stop thinking about you and it’s the same for you.

He invites you to the first friendly with Brazil and you don’t know if it’s appropriate going as families and partners will be there and ofc his parents.

You end up going and he introduces you as his friend but most of the guys know each one of his friends and they had never heard of you so they know there’s more, same for his parents as they catch you talking deep and they notice his soft look for you.

This is so good! 😭

SEVEN DAYS OF REQUESTS (DAY 4)

Jude Bellingham x Reader - Capture Me Part 1/2

Part 2

Enjoy!

You had always been passionate about photography, and as a photography student, you were always on the lookout for opportunities to hone your skills and earn some extra money. So when your teacher asked you to help her out with a shoot, you did not hesitate to take the job. However, when she gave you the adress to where the shoot would be happening, you had to read the text message twice, one time out loud,  just to make sure that you hadn't gotten it wrong.

"Wembley Stadium?" You frowned. "What the fuck am I doing at Wembley Stadium?"

Turns out that your teacher had a life outside of teaching university kids how to adjust their lenses. Apparently she owned her own model agency that specialized in Sports photography, hence today's job - shooting England's national men's football team ahead of their fixture against Brazil.

You were a bit nervous at first. You had never photographed for a sporting event before. Thankfully your teacher put you on portrait duty whilst she took care of capturing the players in action. It turned out to be a really fun shoot. One of the best gigs you've ever gotten. The football players were a fun and energetic bunch, and they were eager to show off their skills and personalities to your camera. Some of them were constantly moving around, striking poses even though you didn't ask them to. It was helpful at times but not always.

Despite the chaos, the football players were incredibly friendly and curious about you and your job. You found yourself laughing and joking with the players, all of them except for one.

"Is this gonna take all day, or what?" Said Jude Bellingham. He was called in to stand behind your camera but seemed a bit on the edge to.

"Just chill out, Jude, she'll just be a minute." Said one of his teamsmates, telling him off. Jude took it as a joke, though. "Yeah, but you lot get to go to lunch already whilst I'm still stuck here."

You had just gotten to readjusting the lighting but was immediately struck by his confidence and charisma. However, you were determined to focus on your work rather than letting his cocky demeanor distract you.

You snapped a shot.

"Hey?"

Jude had his eyes closed in that one so you snapped another shot.

"Hey, I wasn't ready."

You snapped another shot. And another.

"For fuck sakes...Now I know you're joking with me."

You ignored him, eyes narrowed at your laptop screen.

"Fascinating." You muttered.

Jude frowned.  "What is?" 

Looking at your computer screen you couldn't help but notice the way the light reflected off his muscles and the way Judes smile lit up his entire face.

"Is something wrong?"

You looked up. Jude was looking at you with a bit of concern in his eyes. Heat rose to your face. "No. Of course not."

"Oh. Okay." He nodded. "So am I done?"

"No."

"No?"

"No. It's just..." You were blushing now. Blushing like a fool. "I meant to say that you are really photogenic."

"And what does that mean. That I'm hot?"

"No, and yes." You laughed, avoiding snorting like a pig. "I guess you can say that you're photos are good looking, but it's more about the fact that you are totally made to be behind the camera." You said, cringing internally.

"Aren't you the one behind the camera?" Jude smirked.

You shook your head. A sign to hold back on the compliments towards a guy who probably gets them everyday.

"But you are." He said, still with his eyes curiously checking you out.

"I am what?"

"Technically you are the one behind the camera not me."

You sighed. "Yes, maybe I am."

He smiled, having proven his point.

It was a sweet moment. A brief moment that you share with Jude, where the two of you were shyly glancing at each other, not really saying anything. Nevertheless, the shoot continued with Jude posing behind the camera, showing of the men's football kit for this year.

Despite his initial arrogance, Jude turned out to be a lot of fun to work with, and you found yourself enjoying the shoot more than you expected. Perhaps that's what led you to take up his offer when he asked....

"So are you having lunch with us or...?"

"Um...I don't know?" You said, not sure if your teacher mentioned that lunch would be included today.

"Come on." Jude waved. "I'm sure the guys can spare you a sausage."

"Thanks Jude, that's really sweet of you." But you had yet packed away all of your photography tools. They were supposed to be loaded onto your teachers van and taken back to her agency. "I don't think I'm gonna make it to lunch, I still have a job to do."

"Okay." He said, crossing his arms as he leaned against the door frame. "If not lunch, how about dinner?"

"Pardon?"

He smiled at your reaction. "I'm asking you to dinner. Are you free tonight?"

You frowned. "Do you even know my name?"

"Do I have to?"

You rolled your eyes.

"Fine." He sighed. "I'm Jude Bellingham, what's your name?" He offered you a hand.

You took it and shook it firmly. "It's Y/N."

His eyes widened in suprise, a slight twitch in the corner of his lips. "Hello Y/N, are you free to go out to dinner with me tonight?"

"No."

"Oh, come on."

You laughed. "Fine. But nothing fancy."

"Why not?" He frowned.

"Why not? Don't people follow you with cameras everywhere you go? I don't want to be a part of that."

"Too bad." He shrugged. "I've been told that that I'm very photogenic."

"Shut up." You laughed and shoved him out of the room, shouting: "I'll leave my number with the people at the ticket outlet!"

"Alright, talk to you later Y/N."

"Bye, Jude."

Part 2

[absolutebl]

Do you have any recent recommendations for JBL TaiwanBL and KBL? Been rewatching only bls from 2021 2022 and I feel like I'm out of the loop for the more recent ones.

Maybe something from this year or late last year?

Great JBL, TaBL, and KBL from 2023 & first half 2024

asker added:

Genre = mostly anything. But pls avoid homophobic trauma (like Jazz for Two).

Fair. Okay here we go!

2023 Recs!

I picked mostly 9s and 10s for you with a few 8s I felt specifically might suit your taste.

I Cannot Reach You AKA Kimi ni wa Todokanai

Japan Netflix

This classic friends-to-lovers BL is everything Japan does best. Angsty. Emo. Aching. Driven by real thirst. Yamato is deeply in love with his childhood bestie, Kakeru, and has been for ages, unable to hide his ungainly damaging high school need. He wants Kakeru in every way possible and it oozes off of the screen. Kakeru is silly and a little simple, but not frenetic or overly camp about it. He is earnest, and genuinely wants to keep Yamato in his life which means giving a romance (and gayness) a fair chance. We watch him realize his affection and what form it can take in a truly authentic way. This show was impossibly kind to both of its lead characters and I felt almost honored that I got to watch something so lovely and rare play out on my screen.

Our Dating Sim

Korea Viki

This is a perfect short form KBL, an office set reunion romance featuring geeks that really suits 8 eps with no fluff and no chaff. Just comforting and yummy. I adored every aspect from the casting to the pristinely simple premise to the quietly smooth execution. Sure it’s low stakes, but that makes it high domesticity and extremely warm and gentle. This is a fuzzy blanket of a story - a cozy BL. It lives in my rewatch pile and you know what’s best about it? Every single episode is in that pile. There’s no skipping with this one, it might be good natured and calmly sweet but it’s tight and the pacing is excellent.

I don't hand out 10/10 often (over 700 BLs watched, stil don't hvae 10 10/10s yet), these both got that from me in 2023. I consider both of them perfect BLs.

My Personal Weatherman AKA Taikan Yoho

Japan Gaga

This style of live action yaoi really only works from Japan. Basically: boys who fell in love in college end up living together but both are so repressed they actually don't realize they're in love. It's higher heat than we usually get from Japan's HEA stuff, and that part is also very well done, but it leaned into the "why don't they just talk for fuck's sake?" trope which is only exacerbated into undiluted frustration by the fact that they're already fucking. It's great, but watching requires more patience than usual, even for Japan.

Our Dining Table AKA Bokura no Shokutaku

Japan Gaga

A lonely salaryman (+ talented cook) gets accidentally adopted by a college kid and his little brother. I was always gonna love this show if they stuck to the original yaoi (which is very dear to my heart). And they did! Paralleling it almost exactly. It’s a quiet & cozy little parable of found family alleviating loneliness. Possibly too slow for some but definitely high up there for me as the best of what Japan can do with softness (like Restart After Come Back Home). It’s only flaw (if I dare say such a thing) is that it is not really “romantic.” Lovely & sweet but the romance beats are being used to build a family relationship, not just couple intimacy, but that's OK with me. This is a very safe show for anyone to watch.

Jun and Jun

Korea Viki

A delightful office romance about an ex-idol who joins cubical life only to find his new boss is his first love. Others boys are sniffing around too. Operative word being "sniffing" as much of this romance involves smell. With a snappy (sometimes even raunchy) script, enjoyable sides, a pretty as peaches cast, and descent chemistry this show made up for in style what it lacked in substance. I like fluff. I loved this. I smiled every moment I was watching. With tons of rewatch potential (especially the last few eps), my only caution is this is for fans of the BL genre only, I don’t think it’ll work for anyone else.

Love Tractor

Korea iQIYI

Most of this country-set BL had me feral for the beautiful broken city boy and his hot young farmer. Hyung romance, puppy/cat pairing, open frankness meets jaded reserve, language play, water hose frolicking, only one bed, just all my favorite tropes. This show was basically a light-weight Restart After Come Back Home and I’m not even slightly mad about that. But (and you knew there was a “but” comg) something about the cringe of the final 2 eps and the impermanence of the ending (both of which highlight the fact that ultimately these 2 are I’ll-suited: too different and too far apart) left me with the feeling that they probably won’t last as a couple. However, in this case, rare for me, I forgive it this finale for my love of the rest.

The New Employee

Korea Viki

So good, SO QUEER, so soft, a near pitch perfect office BL with conflict derived from that setting. Also found family and a lesbian bestie. Sweet & innocent (and out) Seung Hyun scores the office internship of his dreams. On his first day at work he gets into it with his cool reserved (and also v gay) boss. As you do. Frankly? This is what I wanted from this new crop of office set KBLs ALL ALONG. Rainbow rice cakes forever! Directed by queer activist Kim Jho Gwang Soo (Just Friends?) partly set in the same neighbourhood as the To My Star house. Gotta love WATCHA (Semantic Error, Light on Me).

Unintentional Love Story

Korea iQIYI

OMG the plot, forced into a totally understandable betrayal, falling in love despite himself, put into a corner he can't get out of, the AGONY, the eyes EMOTING at us in PAIN A boy who just lost his job due to faked corruption charges accidentally discovers his ex-boss's favorite artist, now a recluse. Evil manager offers him his job back if he can convince the artist to rejoin society. Instead, they fall in love. I found the artist a bit stiff and reserved but Gongchan (maknae of B1A4) is a fucking GIFT - he carried this show (which I do not expect from the idol element). He was lumous with extraordinarily expressive eyes, just drown in the emoting abyss. The external conflict, social tension and pressure is complex and beautifully executed, plus Korea gave us legit side dishes (NOT a love triangle, hally-fucking-luya). I’m not sure on rewatchability, and it didn’t whip me into a verbal frenzy the way some KBLs do, but it still gets a solid 9/10 for those damn eyes alone.

A Breeze of Love

Korea iQIYI

Tsundere insomniac grump reunited with his sunshine jock ex (human sleeping pill) who now hates him. Basketball is also involved. While the simplicity of a reunion plot makes this more cohesive than most KBLs, it is a tad stiff and slow, never managing to lift itself out of "pretty and pretty enjoyable" - I liked it but I don’t think I’m going to remember much about it. 

Bon Appetit

Korea iQIYI

Romance between an office worker the man from his past next door who cooks well. It was very sweet and cute tale of food as love in the All the Liquors family of KBL. I’m not wild about it, I did enjoy it, I was happy to have it show up on my dash, but ultimately it will simply become one of the KBL crowd.

Why R U?

(Korean adaptation of Thai original) iQIYI

Korea decided to remake, of all possible Thai BLs, Why RU? And that is exactly what we got: a short form, clean & pretty, slightly confusing, uneven chemistry, all the same tropes KBL that kind of cliff-noted the original but with none of the heat or complex relationship dynamics. I just … what world is this? Because it is BOTH bizarro land, and EXACTLY what I expected. How do I rate it? In the end I have to go back to simple questions: did I like it, would I rewatch it, and would I recommend it? Yes. Probably. And probably not. What the actual hell?

It did, however win my best kiss of 2023 which is why it's on this list.

Stay By My Side

Taiwan Viki

I wanted to pick SOMETHING from Taiwan but my other two options both had lots of trauma in them. So I'm going with this one.

This show was an interesting take on the "ghost boyfriend" trope. About a boy who is tormented by hearing the dead, except when he is around one other boy - desperation+proximity = love. Unfortunately, the story was erratic and waffled about. While the leads turned in solid performances and the sappy domesticity was off the charts, it never really had the strength of the narrative convictions such a strong concept should have supplied. Highly rewatchable and enjoyable for that sappy domesticity but not a whole lot more. Still I always give extra credit for the diabetes-inducing sugar content and rewatch capacity.

And some suggestions from 2024

I'm only suggesting stuff that has finished it's run and isn't currently airing.

Although I Love You and You AKA Sukiyanen Kedo Do Yaro ka

Japan Gaga

The promise of this show, younger cook courts older divorced office worker, should have been my catnip. I mean if someone pitched this to me in an elevator I would have downloaded it by the second storey. Unfortunately, it did not exactly fulfill that promise, not in the way I'd hoped. Did I still enjoy the ride, yes, but I feel just a little let down.

Living With Him AKA Kare no Iru Seikatsu

Japan Gaga

Kindly Ryota goes to uni and ends up rooming with his former childhood bestie, Kazuhito. Kazuhito doesn’t have a girlfriend for, as it turns out, cute roommate reasons. Same director as Old Fashion Cupcake, the framing is gorgeous and it is a stylish piece. As a friends to lovers cohabitation narrative this was a classic 2000s sweet yaoi. I enjoy that kind of tradition out of Japan even if it (and the characters) come off as a little slow as a result. Still, it's nice to get a traditional BL out of Japan that is satisfying, not slapstick, AND did not hurt us.

[kirikeijii]

𝐂𝐨-𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬

Movie star ! Toge Inumaki x Movie star ! Reader SMAU

Chapter 1 - Trending Hangout Sesh

Prolouge - Auditions Prev← → Chapter 2 - The First Week on Set

Synopsis: You saw a job offer for a new upcoming movie —Jujutsu Kaisen 0— starring some of the most famous actors: Satoru Gojo, Suguru Geto, Yuta Okkutsu, and Maki Zenin. The requirement for the character's personality was a match made in heaven. The character was perky, smiley, talkative, in short, a ball of energy. In contrast to your character: a quiet and observant role was played by Toge Inumaki, your character's love interest. To get the chemistry on screen you had to spend time with him. Despite his character personality, he was the complete opposite on set. The world watches the two of you do interviews and vlogs about the upcoming movie. The world watches you fall in love with each other without even knowing yourselves. At some point, the world knows how whipped you are for each other except for the two of you.

Inumaki, Toge: 2:29pm

Kugisaki, Name 2:53pm

Inumaki, Toge 2:55pm

Kugisaki, Name and Inumaki, Toge 6:50pm.

You sat at the top of the stairs, the foot that only had a sock on laid on top of your other leg. 10 minutes later you heard steps up the stairs and then you were met with the white-haired boy. "Took you long enough."

"I'm sorry, I had to climb up 4 flights of stairs." He narrowed his eyes making you laugh. "C'mon, give me your foot." He kneeled.

"No- I can do it." you tried taking the shoe from him. "It's fine, c'mon." You hopped on one foot, hands on the railing as he slipped your shoe on. You felt yourself smiling and secretly taking a picture immediately posting it, head in the clouds. You quickly caught on to what you were doing.

Trying to cancel the post, you accidentally pressed the post button unknowingly. "Done! C'mon, I'll show you my brainrot collection." He smiled evilly making you giggle. "That's not true, right?" You asked him walking into the elevator. You grew concerned when he didn't answer. "Toge? It's not true, right?"

30 minutes later you arrived at his apartment and to your surprise he was neat and clean with it. "Wow, I didn't think your apartment was this clean." You looked around. He had games, trophies, anime figures, and his merch displayed. "Why, because I'm a boy?" He peaked through the entrance door. You thought for a bit then agreed to what he said. "Fair enough." He shrugged.

"So, what'd you wanna do?" You ask him. "We could order food, we could get to know each other and study our lines." He smiled at you while pouring a glass of water in the small open-concept kitchen. "Y-yeah, I'd like that." You smiled back before cringing at your stuttering.

Your talk with him went on for 30 more minutes when he started to get tons of notifications. "Sorry, I just need to check this." His mouth formed a thin line while he looked at his phone, you could see his eyebrows furrow. "What's wrong?" You asked him. His mouth was still a thin line, and he showed you his phone. Your face went pale with what you saw.

"I can explain." You gulped. "Okay, so when you tied my shoes, I thought you looked really cute, and my hand acted on its own taking the picture and almost posting it. But then I went back to reality and I thought I drafted the post because I didn't look at it after. So. . . I'm very sorry, I'll explain everything to your mana. . ger? Are you okay. . ?" You rambled making your eyebrows furrow.

"Yeah, yeah, it's fine. Be careful next time?" He smiled at you softly. You immediately nodded at his response. "Anyway, I need to go to the bathroom. Nature's calling." He whispered the last part. "Toge, ew. I'm literally eating." You scoffed in disgust. "Mmm, I'm gonna shit so hard-"

"Please, stop?!" after that, it's just random gibberish about how he's gonna use the bathroom and you telling him to stop. Okay, he wasn't actually going to shit. He just wanted to fanboy about the fact that you called him cute while looking through the thread of your Twitter.

ᯓ★You actually pressed draft but then you butt-posted the whole thing. Haha, suffer.

ᯓ★Your PR manager messaged you 76 times over the past hour about the post.

ᯓ★Inumaki told Yuuta about what you did and Yuuta is kicking his feet for Inumaki.

ᯓ★You spent the night at Inumaki's and left at 3am so no paparazzi came at you with questions.

ᯓ★Thank you for reading<3 | Masterlist

ᯓ★Tags: @sophiasrant @dazqa @anqelkoz @walllflowerrrsss

[hikarielizabethbloom]

Ok, I'm gonna talk briefly about the kiss of discord. 😂

I've read about the kiss before watching the ep, so from some of the reactions I thought it was going to be a passionate kiss at the end of ep with some 'ohhh' moments from both of them.

Imagine my surprise when the kiss happened, anticlimacticly (is this even a word?), in the beginning of ep, it lasted 2 secs, there was no passion, and was followed by Galadriel's wtaf face. And it meant so little that the characters went on with their life so easily that I forgot about it in the next scene.

Now, the controversial opinion 😂. I liked it. Yes, they could have done it without it but who cares. It was intimate, it was affectionate. It was clearly a kiss between two people who love each other deeply. I didn't feel anything romantic and the interviews with both Morfydd and Robert confirmed it. So...

Edit: the writers are really lucky and doomed because Morfyyd has so much chemistry with everyone on screen that she could've kissed anyone and I would be like 'ok, yeah. That kind of make sense' 🤷‍♀️

[respectthepetty]

GMMTV 2024 Part 2 - Hot Tops

I did this for the first part, so I'm following up with the second part. I still have no Midnight Museum 2 or gym bros BL (why?!!!!!), and I'm excluding Ossan's Love and ReVamp since we knew those were coming, but, honestly, this list could have just been one show, and if you know me, you already know what it is . . .

#1 - The Heart Killers

I'm a JoongDunk fan first, and a human second. My troublesome tykes get to be gay and do crime, this might be a Jojo show, and they get to chill next to FirstKhao.

This isn't a gym bros BL, but somehow, I still won! Who do I look at first? Khao and Joong playing criminal brothers? Dunk being a mechanic? First being a tattoo artist? Not only am I getting a YinWar heist BL this year, but now this?! The chemistry is going to be 100%, and for this gift from the BL gods, I'm watching TWO shows on my Pride Petty Watch because I. Have. Been. Blessed.

#2 - Us

Sing was looking fine with his hair, and his body, and his presence, so for me to see him in all his beauty and still scream for him to get the fuck off my screen so I could focus on the ladies means THIS IS GONNA BE GOOD! I'm still holding petty grudges against Emi for the character she played in 609 Bedtime Story and Intern in My Heart, but the second she told her boyfriend's sister to come closer . . . *bites knuckles*

#3 - Heart that Skips a Beat

I'm shocked. I am fully invested in watching this idol love story knowing damn well I hate singing and dancing in my shows. And yet, somehow, this three-minute trailer convinced me that this wasn't just an average One Direction fanfic. No. This is about to be gold-tier fanfic storytelling. These boys aren't living in the BL bubble, but in actual this-shit-is-about-to-have-consequences-for-everyone reality. Plus, it appears to be color-coded, so bring me my idols!

Honorable Mention - Hide & Sis

Jan, drenched in blood?

Yes.

Everything Else

Talking shit about any of the others is pointless because I'm going to watch them all anyway, at least the queer ones that is, so I'm just gonna write that my beef with JittiRain, who got two shows this time around, and Krist is still as strong as ever even though Be My Favorite, which was with both of them, was a great show.

But there was a lot of pink in Sweet Tooth, Good Dentist

And I like Perth x Chimon.

So whatevs. I'll be here. Watching.

[cushfuddled]

I wish I didn't hate Ed and Stede but here we are I guess

I didn't have time to put a section about this in my review (since it would add another ten minutes onto a fifty minute video hhhhh) but I just gotta take a second and vent about how much I dislike Stede and Ed in season two.

When I watched season two for the first time, I assumed I didn't ship Gentlebeard anymore because I'd...I dunno...gotten bored of the ship or whatever. But when I went back to rewatch season one, I was immediately sucked back into the Ed/Stede jet engine. I loved them through the finale, up until around the middle of season two...at which point I became totally disinterested again.

Even going back through season one clips for this review...the chemistry is soooo strong for me. The only time I got that feeling from season two was like, from the mermaid scene and the finger-stacking scene.

And I honestly think my disinterest stems from the fact that I can't stand Ed and Stede as characters anymore. They're dicks in season one, but ANNOYING dicks in season two, and I guess I just...don't ship characters who make me want to tear my hair out.

In season two, Ed behaves like a petulant five year old with a gun. It's so "say sorry to your friend right now!" "I don't wanna! :(" followed by a stint in the time out chair and a mumbled non-apology. For all of season two, Ed behaves like a spoiled brat, and I really can't stand it.

My friend pointed out that Ed is in a position where he needs to reparent himself. His emotional development likely stopped around the time he killed his dad (when he was still a kid). No one modeled healthy behavior and emotional regulation for Ed past the age of...maybe fifteen? So of course he's gonna behave like a kid. It's gonna be a long road for Ed to learn these regulating strategies as an adult, and I guess...hhhhhh.

None of Ed's trauma excuses Ed from torturing and traumatizing his crew. It feels shitty to find a deeply traumatized character's behavior "annoying," but...I mean. I say this as someone who's experienced suicide ideation myself: Ed isn't real, and I'm not Ed's friend, and so I don't really feel obligated to extend patience and understanding to a fictional construct when that construct spends 90% of his screen time behaving like a stuck up, self-obsessed, capricious, whiny, murderous asshole.

Add season-two-Stede to the mix and CHRIST...Stede—like Ed—was always a dick, but the way he encouraged Lucius to divulge his trauma only to react with cartoonish disgust, cower like a cornered animal, and then flee while begging Lucius to be quiet...

Then Stede decides to veto the crew's decision to ban Ed—their abuser—from the ship ("talk it through as a crew" my ass)...? Oh, and gotta love how Stede-"I've been the cause of death. It changes you"-Bonnet sets a guy on fucking fire and laughs, then kills a bunch of English soldiers with nary a backward glance. Okay. Would've loved some kind of exploration re: that major heel turn, but fine. And then Ed and Stede stand over Izzy's grave—the (mutilated) body of their dear friend and crewmate—and their combined eulogy amounts to "He was tense. Very tense." "Yeah, he was a fucking nightmare. What a guy." How endearing. Season two turned these two bastards (affectionate) into bastards (derogatory) for me and I'm still salty about it. God DAMMIT.

[khaopybara]

Missing R4Y hard rn so I decided to torture myself and watch the ChristineMae reaction vid for ep 7. There’s no eng captions yet but no words are needed for the ending scene of that episode, they were in tears and i was in tears too 😭. Their goodbye still gets me every time.

Also recently i went down a R4Y rabbit hole and discovered that Christine had to drop out of the show due to health issues but was able to come back before filming started and the video of the team doing a surprise reveal for Mae of who the new four was gonna be and then in walks Christine and they’re both crying and of course i was crying 😭. This show causes me to do a lot of crying

Anyways yea…..

-🤫

hi, 🤫 anon, so, what the fuck?!

i'll admit i wasn't aware there were reaction videos for r4y, though I should have at least assumed since most gls/bls do film them. if anyone is interested in watching by the way, here's the link for the episode anon is talking about.

which brings me to the next topic, what the actual fuck? this is random tuesday and you come with pain at my door, ridiculous. but also, look at them, right?

and can i also just point out that they comforted each other bc in scene wa was telling four, "even if you can't remember me, it's okay. i will always be your natural satellite orbiting around you," which, honestly? such a tearjerker from the moment it happened. it's so sad how they separate.

this information about chris dropping out because of health issues makes my brain tingle because it doesn't sound like something i hadn't heard, so maybe i knew about it, but didn't know it was related to christine and r4y. i'm actually very glad christine and mae got paired up, they have good chemistry and are so sweet to each other, too. i can't wait to have them working together again, mae especially, i need her in my screen again, she's such a good actress.

[myall6793]

DUDE I'M KINDA PISSED AND I NEED TO TALK ABT THIS.

SO SINCE THE FANS RUINED MADISON AND RUDY'S FRIENDSHIP IN 2020, THINGS HAVE BEEN WEIRDDDDD.

Like I know people say they're friends irl and they just don't post anymore, but until I SEE that, I just can't believe it.

Like Jiara in S1 was so natural, it was sooo fun and it felt good.

But now that they've kinda been forced together in season 3 & 4, it feels just that, FORCED.

Like there's all of this natural couple stuff that should be happening, that's just not, and I can feel the awkwardness through the screen.

I feel like it's awkward for Madison and Rudy, and therefore we're not getting those small unscripted moments like we were getting in S1-S2.

Even with John B & Sarah, we're still occasionally getting those small moments where John B puts his arm around Sarah to comfort her or when he longingly looks at her in a scene.

Through the whole break-up of the actors, they kept it professional and played their roles. It doesn't FEEL awkward.

But with Jiara, it's honestly hard to believe they're even dating BECAUSE WE'RE NOT GETTING THOSE SMALL MOMENTS.

And that's no fault to Madison or Rudy, it just is what it is and I'm simply making a statement.

Like there's so many moments that the natural couple stuff I'm talking about could've happened, and just didn't.

Such as:

1. After Kiara nearly drowned after diving looking for the amulet, and they got back on the boat, HE COULD'VE HELD HER AND COMFORTED HER AS SHE WAS COUGHING AND RECOVERING. Also, when they had the bends. I read a fic of that scene rewritten and it was SO JJ to still hold her and make sure she's okay even though he's in pain too. WHY DIDN'T WE SEE THAT????

2. When she was sleeping in the chair, he could've put his arm around her. (I think maybe he was sleeping too though... So!)

3. After the turtles got run over by Ruthie & Topper, JJ COULD'VE HUGGED HIS GIRL SEEING THAT SHE WAS UPSET. LIKE SHE WAS NEARLY CRYING AND HE JUST WALKED HEXT TO HER AS THEY WERE GOING BACK TO THE TWINKIE.

4. When JJ needed someone to read the cursive for him in the letter he got from Mr. Generette, HE COULD'VE ASKED HIS GIRLFRIEND, like in season 2 when Pope got the letter from Denmark, and Kie read the cursive. I get that it played out for the plot for Luke to read it to him, BUT STILL.

IT'S STUFF LIKE THAT THAT MAKES THEIR RELATIONSHIP UNBELIEVABLE AND AWKWARD.

THERE'S NOOOOO CHEMISTRY. THE CHEMISTRY IS DEAD, GONE, & BURIED.

And I know it's too late, what's done is done and there absolutely is no time to change anymore relationships, but I just can't help but kind of wish Jiara never happened if I knew it was gonna be like this.

I'm a Kiara defender until I die, and people bash her for John B in S1, Pope in S1-S2 and then JJ S3-S4, and because the writers made it that way, her hopping into another relationship or something would just seem more rushed than it already seems.

I kinda just want my girl to be ON HER OWN. She deserves to be happy without being with anyone.

And if I was her, I would've dropped him SEASONS AGO because he has done nothing but piss me off in S4. (totally unrelated to this rant)

Anyway, thanks for listening to (reading) my ted talk. 😁✨

[victimsofyaoipoll]

Round 1

Propaganda Under Cut

Mel Medarda

she is the richest woman in piltover who left her family because she didn't agree with the way they did things (conquering and murdering). she sponsors jayce and viktor, and courts jayce, which makes people upset because, you know, jayvik. she and viktor are CANONICALLY parallels with much of their imagery mirroring the other's and they are literally the same height. and people are so weird and misogynist and racist about her. they argue she is manipulating jayce and doesn't actually love him. i am cognitively disabled and cannot explain things well, but, she is so fucking shouldered

Black woman who has a romantic arc with one of the main characters Jayce. Jayce has a best friend called Viktor and their relationship is pretty important plot wise, shown as a direct contrast to his relationship with Mel even though only one is canonically sexual/romantic. So naturally fandom as the transformative safe haven it is villainized Mel horribly coming up with theories about how instead of being a complex morally grey character she's actually evil and just wants to seduce Jayce for Evil Reasons. Since they couldn't use her as a supportive female friend with no personality, others just ignored her existence entirely or acted like Jayce would ditch her for Viktor. Majority of m/m shippers will reduce her down to her relationship with Jayce and an obstacle in the way of JayVik, ironically writing her as a far worse and less complex version of the character we get on screen. The misogyny reeks and combined with the racism? It's a pretty bad case. Only slightly mitigated due to the fact that the main characters of the show are women (and the lead is a lesbian) so thankfully the male focus of fandom is lessened as opposed to filling almost every inch. Still awful to try and search for good Mel content, godspeed girlies with taste.

She's one of the most interesting characters on the show, a rich politician, smart and beautiful and has a really complicated and intriguing relationship with the city's golden boy inventor. unfortunately golden boy has a sickly twink science partner so she gets sidetracked SO BAD

Juno

She's honestly a way deeper character than people give her credit for, her arc is that of acceptance and being true to your heart despite what society thinks of you. Oh yeah and for the record she doesn't stand in the way of Lougosi because of her crush on Legoshi because I honestly think that she was more in love with the idea of being in a same species relationship than she was with Legoshi himself. I'm talking about the part where she falls for Louis and struggles with the knowledge that if she actually pursues him she's gonna be seen as a freak and never reach the social status she strives for. There's a lot to discuss with her character arc but NOOOO let's all just laugh at how she gets no bitches because Beastars fans see Juno as a joke. (I'm not mad I'm not mad it's fine it's fine)

shes cool but she doesnt have good chemistry with her canon love interest and therefore the fandom chalks her up to having no personality whatsoever. they see her as either an obstacle or a sex object basically

Done dirty by the writers and fandom alike

[thosewildcharms]

I listened to Danai's interview on the Hollywood reporter podcast where she talked about how her and Andy would rehearse every chance they got for episode 4, including their weekends off on zoom when she'd go back to Brooklyn and he'd stay in New Jersey. If Sunday is truly the end for Rick and Michonne's story then I'm gonna need them to work in something else together. Because their dedication to their characters and the fans to work even on their days off is the kind of actors I want to watch on screen. And the episode showed just how much that dedication paid off. I cant believe the last episode is almost here 😔

perfectly said! I haven't listened to that interview so I wasnt aware that they did all of that. thank you so much for sharing!

I agree, we're so lucky to have people so dedicated and talented and intelligent telling this story because the result has been incredible. I honestly think it would kind of be a shame if they didn't work together again, even if just from a producing and/or writing standpoint, because they clearly not only have onscreen chemistry but creative chemistry as well. they seem to collaborate well and have great instincts, especially danai! if they do work together again, whatever it is they choose to do, they can preemptively take my money because I really think they create magic together.

I'm both sad and relieved that the last episode is almost here. of course I'll miss them but I'm also so happy they seem to be getting a good send-off and are (potentially) free from twd because honestly idk if I can handle this kind of stress again lol I just want them to be happy and safe forever, and as long as they give me that, these handful of episodes are a gift. couldn't ask for more.

[rist-ix]

The sparxshipping teasing from Iginio got me wondering.... if we ever did get canon sparxshipping explored, whether in a reboot or new adaptation, how would you like it for it to be done?

I'm gonna try to answer both of these in one post cause they overlap a little, but first of all thank you!

Buckle up fellas I'm bringing discourse.

This is gonna be a bit of an unpopular opinion I think, and it’s that I don’t want sparxshipping to be canon at all.

Feel free to get the pitchforks, but until then imma talk. I have villainships that I think not only add something to the overall plot, they kind of define it too. Reylo for examples, with its themes of redemption, masks and compassion, or Darklina and how important their relationship is to the war and Grisha oppression, or Lotor and Allura with its symbolism of breaking the cycle of abuse, making peace, reclaiming a heritage thought lost and so on.

To put it very briskly: an established Sparxshipping relationship adds nothing to the plot. It would have to be a plot of its own, and while there are tons of fascinating plot threads you could weave back into Domino, Bloom's family and the war before the Fall, it is simply, plainly, and rightfully so not the story Winx Club is telling.

Winx Club, at its core, is about the girls and their friendship. That is the show I love, and that is the show I am invested in. Fanfiction is a separate thing, I’ll get into that later. But canon, commercially produced and globally aired Winx Club is what we are talking about now. And the one defining truth of Winx Club is that it’s about the Winx. Their boyfriends are the side note, the Kens to their Barbies, to cement them as the cool popular teenagers younger kids are supposed to see them as. If Bloom and Valtor had a lasting serious relationship, Valtor would inevitably have to be shoved into that category as well, and that would ruin the entire appeal of him.

To boil it down even more: if sparxshipping were canon, either Winx Club would have to shift away from its intrinsic premise and formula, or Valtor would have to be diminished beyond recognition. So my longstanding opinion has always been: don’t make sparxshipping canon. Just don’t.

What I, personally, would do if I were ever to gain access to the mythical and likely overcrowded writing room at Rainbow SpA, is this:

Tease the fuck out of it.

Lean into their fucked up little hate-obsession. Every time they share the screen they have to be radiating unresolved sexual tension. Their chemistry has to be so off-the-charts it sparks a million fanfics before the season even ends. If there aren’t so many crappy amv's set to angsty Taylor swift songs it brings down the YouTube servers by midnight you have failed. Because canon is bound to certain limits, but fanfiction is NOT. The goal of any show should be to create something that will awaken an inescapable need to build on it, to continue where it left off, or to wonder but-what-if? To make people text incoherent keysmashes to their fandom buddies with shaky hands in the middle of the night and be unable to sleep until they’ve confirmed their buddy has seen it too.

I would want to see Bloom go fully I-have-lost-sight-of-everything-but-revenge until her friends manage to pull her back, I would want them to fight so vehemently the structures around them collapse and they don’t even notice. They should be in situations where they are UNDENIABLY going to die if they fight on and they still do it, they literally CANNOT stop, they don’t care to. To the point that everyone around them is seriously concerned and talking about their terrifying obsession with each other, more or less out in the open. And after a season full of epic fight scenes, high stake conflicts and frankly obscene tension between them, I would want Bloom to kill him.

Straight up.

Give her that moment of calm self assurance, at peace and perfectly in control, while Valtor tries to gaslight-gatekeep-girlboss his way out of this, contrasting the way her support network and genuine, unconditional friendships strengthen her while Valtor, who is always sabotaging everyone around him, is forced to confront his own powerlessness in the face of the power that created him. His manipulation attempts have nothing to latch on to. They have one last exchange where Valtor is visibly furious at her denial of him / his own failure — to really drive home that this is Bloom's triumph — but the last words they exchange are cordial. Maybe a comment at her growth, or a warning about his mothers, or another way to foreshadow future threats — if he couldn’t defeat her, no one should. He ends on a high note, but he does end, and it’s at Bloom's hands. She retakes the corrupted spark into the Flame she is guarding, and that is that.

And then, and this is important. He fucking haunts her for the entire next story arc. The next season, the next two seasons maybe, because she has learned a fuck ton of things from him and it is really, really difficult to move on knowing everything she does, knowing everything he implied or hinted at, or simply knowing so many really, really cruel ways to get her way now, which isn’t who she wants to be, but it would be easy, quick and effective for the greater good, right?

Boom, character conflict for the next season established, lots of potential for future flashbacks or visions, Valtor stays on his high horse of forever-the-juiciest-fucking-villain-of-the-franchise and the story can move on.

The End

Cue three decades of mind-blowing fanfiction. We all say Thank you Rainbow and cry ourselves to sleep thinking about what could have been.