#i'm not sure where this plot thread goes from here just that it gets even more shitpost

[lackofspace]

Hey! this has been on my head for a while, so I'm just gonna leave it here and hope that it leaves my mind :)

ps: I wrote this really fast, I did not check for misspellings at all, english is not my first language and it's my first time writing anything!!! so please thread lightly lol

birdflash where they've been friends so long that Wally has known Dick's and Bruce's id's before most of the rest of the family were even adopted, close enough that when Wally 'retires' and goes to college he still recieves texts from Dick's siblings asking for help with cases or homework when Dick himself isn't available and so, we come to our plot

Bruce is getting married (to whom is up to you) and while Wally sees himself as a close family friend he doesn't get an invite, which, in his mind it's fine since well it's Bruce Wayne/Batman it'll probably be a really small lowkey thing only family and some friends and he's honestly not upset at all until he's hanging out in the Manor a couple of weeks before the wedding with Jason and Damian that it comes up

'Did you get fitted today?' Jason asks Damian, he's typing in his phone slanted over a armchair in the corner of the library

'Yes, although I do not see the need for another suit' He's in front of Wally with his physics homework open in the room's coffe table, 'Father seems to think we are all heathens who cannot keep a suit intact for more than a night' the comment clearly a jab

'Ah yes, I'm sorry mister prim and proper, it was not my intention to inconvenience you' Jason rolls his eyes still glued to his phone

'What about you, Wallace? Do you have a suit? Do make sure you get an approval from Alfred, the ceremony will be an informal one but he would hate the family photos not looking proper because of your two sizes bigger attire' Damian says not even looking up from his notebook

'Well then Alfred will be happy to hear he does not have to worry because I'm not coming' He responds laughing a bit

And that makes them both look up in sync with matching glares that make Wally jump a bit

'Why ever not? Do you have prior arrangements? I understand if that's the case but surely they can be postponed?' Damian frowns

'Is it college stuff? The wedding is going to be on a sunday, no way it's college, you're a nerd so there's also no way you can't skip having to study for a test for one day' Jason remarks, he's sitting up now phone forgotten

Wally is surprised with how much his absence at the wedding seems to annoy them

'It's nothing like that guys, I just didn't get an invitation, I figured your dad is doing a lowkey thing and there's not going to be many guests so I get it, I'm not mad or anything' He says in a tone that seems to be to placate them and he does not understand why

'But I swear I'm not upset! Don't tell your dad, I don't want to cause any trouble for the preparations and I'm sure everything will be beautiful' he spills the words quickly before they can interrupt him

'You were not invited?' Damian says face contorting into a frown even more

'Uh yeah, Uncle Barry and Aunt Iris got one, it wasn't metioned I could come and I swear I wasn't- am not! upset but, I asked Donna if she was invited and she said that she was, through Diana, so I guessed that if Barry and Iris' invitation didn't mention anything then... yeah' he says shrugging

'What the hell?' Jason exclaims picking up his phone and texting someone 'Did you only ask Donna?'

'Yeah?' Wally says, unsure

'Roy is coming too' Jason tells him

'Oh?' Wally doesn't know if that's supposed to make him feel better

'I invited him, dipshit, we were all granted plus ones, even the demon brat is bringing someone'

'They are coming as a friend' Damian remarks glaring 'Richard should have communicated you sooner'

'Uh well maybe Dick is bringing someone else?' and if until now nothing about the situation had particularly made him sad, this thought springing in to his head and out his mouth made his hands ache because of course, of course he was just another among many in love with the absolute sun that was Dick Grayson

While they remained friends Wally had made his feelings known sometime ago, the rejection had hit hard but it was true that their friendship was more important so they tried to keep as they were, unfortunately communication became strained and they didn't hang out as much that with college and Wally's feelings between them and so it escaped Wally why his siblings thought that he would be Dick's plus one for a wedding, his father's wedding no less

'This is important, maybe he thought bringing me might be weird?' This is not where Wally thought his impromptu tutoring session/hang out was going to go, he feels somehow like he's in the wrong for not getting an invitation with the way they are looking at him

'Bruce didn't send invites to those he knew were coming anyway' Jason states 'Dickhead was supposed to invite you'

'I'm sorry...? but he didn't, guys let's forget about this ok? I'm sure Dick has his reasons, the ceremony is going to look amazing and you guys can show me pictures later, how about that?' trying to end the subject less they discover why he does not appear at the manor unannounced anymore and why he chose a university so far away

that's kind all I have in me ya'll, this was mostly trying to show how much Dick and Wally are so involved in each other's lives that they become a package deal to everyone else, the story is supposed to go: batgossip and confusion since they know Dick is in fact in L O V E with Wally and bat siblings scheming while birdflash pine, ANGST!!! (the whole reason I wrote this honestly, I love angst and requited unrequited feelings), feelings realization and their happy ever after weeks later when Wally shows up as Dick's plus one

[shadowgast-recs-weekly]

Works in Progress Recs

This week, we've got nine (nein) works in progress to ring in the new year with! Check them out beneath the cut, and as always (but especially for works in progress) - if you like them, be sure to let the author know!

A Favor Accepted by Samjoinedthereconcorps (211727, General)

Reccer's Content Notes: Graphic Depictions of Violence

Picks up after canon right after the Essek reveal, Essek goes to Rumblecusp with the Mighty Nein and works to earn back their trust. Feelings with Caleb ensue.

Reccer says: The slow burn for the two builds up off of what has been shown in canon but viewed through a Shadowgast lens, making the characterizations feel grounded and accurate. The Mighty Nein dynamic and how the bring Essek into their fold is just great :)

Re-sublimity by OMGitsgreen (18505, Mature)

Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

What happens when one who should be long dead is suddenly once again in front of you? Their voice, their face, even seemingly their morals and inclinations? A Shadowgast Jupiter Ascending AU, where Caleb while visiting the planet of Roshona with the Nein for spaceship repairs learns his existence itself proves astronomically impossible odds: a true Recurrence.

Reccer says: I'm StreetwiseFool on Ao3. I have ADORED this work for the years since it's latest update. I will adore it evermore. Please give it love, as I yearn for that final chapter. It takes the most fun concepts from the (not so great) film where derives its au plot and makes it SO heartrenchingly shadowgast and spectacular. There's whump, there's affection, all of the Nein are wonderfully done here. Plus I love how they adapted the film's worldbuilding to Exandria's and vice versa. My heart broke in the best way and you can't help but fervently wonder how it'll all play out as you read. I hope the author sees this and knows no matter finished or unfinished I'll love this work forever. I'm stoked for the chance to recommend it.

Wizard Brunch by RainbowBard (25485, Mature)

Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Essek gets a mysterious message from a stranger asking if he wants to join him for brunch.

Reccer says: I love this. The idea of Essek meeting and hanging out with Gilmore is something that should happen all of the time.

Fortune's Favor (Fortune's Fools) by Flashhwing (30289, Teen)

Reccer's Content Notes: Choose Not to Warn

Essek gets stuck in the past and meets the M9 while they are still disorganised hot messes. Artagan is along for the ride.

Reccer says: It was probably the first Shadowgast and M9 fic I read and it set the tone.

the golden thread around your neck whispered visions of my undoing by MarsBar2019 (191412, Explicit)

Reccer's Content Notes: Choose Not to Warn

Caleb Widogast does not belong here.

Reccer says: The best sort of plotty smut.

Soak me in your sin by witches_chant (12712, Explicit)

Reccer's Content Notes: Dubcon/Consensual Non Consent

When Essek and Caleb confess that they have had secret, slightly exotifying fantasies about each other, they decide to test it out in role-play. The indulgent weekend brings them closer together, and reveals new layers of both their sexuality and darkness.

Reccer says: Delicious cnc rp between Caleb and Essek!

Cascade Effect by firefright (6867, Teen)

Reccer's Content Notes: Omegaverse

Essek follows the Nein into Aeor, where the already daunting task of saving the world is further complicated by yet another twist in his and Caleb's fractured relationship.

Reccer says: Always here for some good omegaverse! A wonderful take on how Essek and Caleb's relationship has become strained after the exposure of Essek’s lies.

Temporal Shunt (The Art of Vanishing in Place) by Inanerial (43419, Mature)

Reccer's Content Notes: Graphic Depictions of Violence

Essek struggles with past trauma and his eating disorder

Reccer says: A wonderful look into a possible Thelyss family dynamic that takes into account the religious trauma Essek might have experienced. The food struggle is real and handled very well.

The Kitchen Sink by mousecookie (17126, Mature)

Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Modern AU - Caleb has many odd jobs, which means he keeps accidentally running into supermodel Essek Thelyss, who is concerned Caleb might be following him (he’s not)

Reccer says: Very cute and scratches multiple ‘modern AU’ tropes at once (coffee shop, superstar, museum curator, etc)

This is one of our weekly communally-generated shadowgast rec lists. Every week we announce a new theme and allow anyone to submit a fic recommendation. 

And hey, anyone includes you!

Next week, we'll be featuring BDSM!

Any fics coming to mind? Well, then use this form to submit!

[charmac]

"Caution on scene where Dennis sho[ws/ots] video footage of him masturbating a dog & [w/t]hen Dennis holds up a Tupperware container."

I've been wondering if the "him" in this sentence does not actually refer to Dennis (could be Cricket or a new character?). Because wouldn't it say, "..video footage of him masturbating a dog & [w/t]hen HE holds up a Tupperware container." Idk I feel like it's phrased a bit weirdly. But maybe I'm clutching ar straws because I'm struggling to envision a situation in which Dennis would willingly do that (and film it??). He doesn't even like dogs! 😂

I definitely went there as well!

The grammar being wrong really hinges on if it says “when” or “then”. I initially thought it said then, which means it would be strange to repeat Dennis as the subject of a continuing sentence, but if it says “when”, it’s indicative of this being two different shots, hence the re-establishment of Dennis would make sense. (i.e. Page 26 has two scenes, this is a warning of Dennis in scene X where he does the dog, and Dennis in scene Y where he shows the Tupperware container.) If it is one scene, though, stating Dennis twice is odd.

In either case, I think the real ability to interpret this from a grammatical stand point comes down to me (and probably everyone here?) being completely unfamiliar with how FX gives their Practices & Standards Notes to Rob for Sunny...

If the volume of notes is so great that they break it down related to each character (Frank, for example, cos this seems like something they’d soo put Danny through), it would make sense that they’d only name a character who is not the subject of the note. So maybe the heading says “Frank” and then goes by page for each action and warning, using the pronoun to refer to the main subject and naming the other characters in the scene…

But.. are there a ton of notes for Sunny? I mean, you’d maybe think so based on the content of the show, but this is FX, you can do way more here than you can on network TV so they’d likely be subject to fewer notes. In which case it would just be points from the script, by page broadly, and the pronoun “he” would really have to refer to Dennis in a stand-alone paragraph.

So while the grammar does strike me as possibly indicative of greater missing context, it really might just be the result of Sunny being on FX for 20 years now, and communication like this ending up casual and a little rushed. (Like, there’s clearly a missing “the” before the word “scene”, I’m not sure the person writing this even proofread lmfao)

It’s definitely an interesting thread to pull on, though! Dennis does hate dogs pretty consistently. Orchestrating and presenting something like this but not being/refusing to be the one to actually get his hands dirty seems more on-par with his character… but context is definitely gonna be everything here.

And I do wanna reiterate how clear Glenn and Charlie have made it to me (and in podcasts recently) that they really do care about the character’s motivations, and in 16 especially forward, they’re prioritising characterisation over slotting their characters into a role for sake of the plot. If something seems so blatantly out of character, I have faith the context will make it make sense. It’s Sunny, so maybe it will be gross and abhorrent, but it really won’t be out of character.

[narujenreacts]

Will Murder Drones get a Season 2?

Alrighty. So, after GLITCH's post yesterday of Digital Circus that also mentioned "We're also working hard on Murder Drones & will be releasing final episodes soon!", which sent a lot of the fandom (including yours truly) into a panic that this meant these are the final episodes for the SERIES and not the 1st season. However, that felt off to me since GLITCH has been promoting MD as Season 1 and not a short series, which, if it had always intended to be only 8 episodes, it would've been. That's just how it goes in the industry for online series. And I believe GLITCH wouldn't make that kind of mistake in marketing. It'd be different too if it was only promoted as Season 1 for the teaser, but it's been that way up until that Digital Circus post. Hell, here are some of the things Kevin and Liam said during GlitchX:

"I remember when we were coming up with the, uh, this is like way before when, you know, Murder Drones was really, like we were really going for a smaller, smaller show-" - Kevin

"The whole oil thing that was getting set up in the pilot, that was gonna be like a MASSIVE sort of plot thread throughout the season." - Kevin

"Because in terms of importance to kind of where I want the story to go, it just ended up being less relevant." - Liam

"We, um, did the opposite of that. I think the series as it progressed, which I think is - it is intentional, I would say. We have gone from, I think, supremely silly to supremely kind of self-serious." - Liam

"There's so many dog easter eggs if you go and watch through the entire season." - Kevin

"We are announcing the finale of the season." - Kevin

With everything they said, none of it sounds like Murder Drones was intended to be a single season series. Now, this leaves two questions myself and I'm sure some of you have, "Why haven't they announced a S2 yet then and why are they barely posting MD?" I decided to enter analyzation mode and went digging through GLITCH's Twitter and YouTube. What I found was that this isn't GLITCH's first time handling their series like this.

Meta Runner Season 1 (Animated Movie Cut) was released on Aug 28, 2020 and in the description Season 2 was immediately announced since they already had it done.

Meta Runner Season 2 - EP 1: Hard Reset released Oct 16, 2020. The final episode for S2, "EP 10: Fatal Error" was released Dec 18, 2020 and there was no mention of the 3rd and final season.

Want to know when they announced it? Not until Nov 29, 2021. Over a YEAR later.

And before that they barely posted anything of MR. At first it was Sunset Paradise, and then once that series was about to conclude they started posting about MD. A lot. Way more than they have for DC. And when they announced S3 for MR they didn't even mention it was the series finale! That wasn't announced until May 6, 2022, 6 months after S3 was even announced.

However, once they did they made it VERY clear it was the final season. 99% of their posts of MR after that mentioned it was the final season.

So, to conclude my thoughts. I don't think we should be worried. I wouldn't suggest getting our hopes up TOO high, because despite GLITCH handling MD the same way they did MR, there's always the chance MD doesn't get a second season. That way we're not deeply disappointed if it doesn't, but after looking into it I personally feel a lot more confident MD will get a S2. Just be prepared that if GLITCH doesn't say anything, it could be up to a year before they do, but if MR fans could hold out for as long as they did, we can too. Don't forget either GLITCH isn't only working on the first season of DC. They're also working on the pilot for Gaslight District.

[greenthena]

The Eldritch Ball or Aziraphale's Macabre Danse

I'm a huge sucker for dark classical music (I'm using the term "classical" broadly, not referring to the specific period. Music-y folks, please forgive.) As such, Saint-Saëns's "Danse Macabre" is one of my all time favorite pieces. It's spooky. It's intentionally dissonant. It's even got a jump scare! Like, literally, the perfect piece of music.

The story behind "Danse Macabre" goes like this: Each Halloween at midnight, Death enters the graveyard with a fiddle. As he plays, the skeletons rise from the ground and dance through the cemetery, resurrected by Death's power and possessed by his instrument.

In S2 E3, the Bentley plays "Danse Macabre" as Aziraphale drives up to Edinburgh. "What do we do? We play classical music that stays classical music." (And the Bentley listens to him! Because the Bentley is an expression of Crowley's subconscious and wants to please him and make him happy...and I'm sure you can find lots of excellent metas to that end. Or maybe you have another theory about why the Bentley is so pliant toward the angel? I'd love to hear it. But that's not what I'm talking about right now. I'm just getting distracted.)

Why is this song so perfect for a bit of subtle foreshadowing and repeated metaphor? So glad you asked. I have reasons. And evidence. Please, peruse my wares.

In the A Plot of this episode, Aziraphale travels to Scotland to visit a pub called The Resurrectionist. (Ya know, like Death? Like how Death resurrects people in the song? Okay, just wanted to really hit that nail into the coffin.) The pub is, of course, named for a certain Mr. (not Dr., he's a surgeon) Dalrymple, whom Crowley and Aziraphale meet in the accompanying flashback minisode entitled (you'll never guess) "The Resurrectionist." The minisode plot involves Crowley and his the angel encountering young Elspeth, a grave robber who, like Death, releases the bodies of the deceased from their earthly bonds of soil and stone. My interpretation is that Elspeth becomes Death incarnate, first in the process of using her instrument (her shovel) to resurrect the dead, and later when she inadvertently brings about the literal death of her partner, Wee Morag. Rather than allow Wee Morag's body to turn to dust in the ground, Elspeth "resurrects" her, selling her body to Dr. Dalrymple (sorry, Mr. Dalrymple, he's a surgeon, not a doctor), who will use Wee Morag's body for research, which will in turn save the lives of countless others by furthering the field of medicine. A form of resurrection, indeed. There's also the plot thread of Crowley and Aziraphale providing Elspeth with a nest egg to escape the cycle of poverty into which she has been born. This, too, is another form of re-birth. Or, say it with me, resurrection. Alright, you're getting it now.

Okay, now I get to delve into the fun stuff. Let's talk about that cotillion ball, shall we? You know, that danse party where Aziraphale persuades all the shopkeepers on Whickber street to attend a Jane Austen-style ball?

I personally refer to this whole fiasco experience as the Eldritch Ball. On the surface, it seems fairly innocent. The shopkeepers need a little bit of encouragement to attend the Whickber Street monthly meeting, but the angel manages to convince everyone to join with the help of some coercion-via-bribery. When they show up, they're transmuted into Austen-esque characters, from their clothes, to their speech patterns, even to some extent, their perception of reality. This is where it starts to get a little uncomfortable if you peel back the layers. Mrs. Sandwich can't talk about what she does for a living, which is a great comedy bit, but also demonstrates that her speech is being significantly censored and altered by an outside force. With the exception of Mr. Brown (hidden agendas here, Neil? I honestly don't know), all the shopkeepers find themselves in new, slightly-period-appropriate garments. What's really weird, though, is that no one notices the changes. When the dancing begins, to the music of Mr. Anderson's piano and an accompanying string quartet (strings...as in violins...as in fiddles. Remember Death's fiddle?), Nina appears to be the only one who realizes that something is off.

Maggie: This is something new.

Nina: This is something completely bonkers. Are we...? Why is everyone talking like they've escaped from Pride and Prejudice?

Maggie: Just getting into the spirit of things, I suppose.

Nina: The spirit of what things? This is meant to be the shopkeeper association monthly meeting.

Maggie: Hmm. Yes. Now that you put it like that...

Nina: Are we dancing?

Maggie: Yes.

Nina: Did you ever learn the steps to this dance?

Maggie: It's just what we do, isn't it?

Nina: No. No, it isn't. This is something mad. This is their [Crowley & Azirapahle's] fault. They're doing this.

Something is definitely mad. One might even say it's macabre. Aziraphale has become Death the Resurrectionist. He has lured the shopkeepers of Whickber Street through a portal (as Death leads his flock from the world of the dead to the world of the living.) Aziraphale's instrument is his clipboard and pen, held almost as one might hold a fiddle and bow, as he invites the various shopkeepers to the monthly meeting. Once they all arrive, he miraculously gives them new clothes (as Death knits together the bones of the dead), and then proceeds to control their bodies and minds, as though they are merely marionettes. They dance and speak in the way Aziraphale imagines, fulfilling his fantasy of a perfect Jane Austen-style ball (quite literally, the Danse Macabre.)

The shopkeepers have become the dead and Aziraphale controls them until the spell is broken--or rather until the window is broken.

To be honest, I don't think Aziraphale is really aware of how much he is able to transfigure his environment, including the humans who happen to be close by. Or, at least, I don't believe he does any of this with ill intent. He's just a bit blind to anything outside his fixation of wooing Crowley, at the moment. As a result, he creates a situation that is profoundly problematic and unnatural. Just like the dead in the graveyard have no agency when Death plays his fiddle, the Whickber Street shopkeepers are possessed by Aziraphale's intricate romantic fantasy and must dance as long as the music plays.

It is, in fact, only when the music stops, that the shopkeepers begin to realize that something is most certainly weird. The diagetic music (Mr. Anderson & Co.) abruptly cuts off when an approaching demon horde tosses a brick through the bookshop window. Now the spell, or in this case, miracle, begins to break down. While the shopkeepers still appear to be somewhat under the influence of Aziraphale's persuasive aura, a few of them glance down at their clothes in confusion and look around the bookshop, as though waking from a dream. And at this point, after a little finagling, Crowley escorts the humans out of the bookshop and out of Aziraphale's Danse Macabre.

Once the demons attack the bookshop Aziraphale's influence on his surroundings really starts to deteriorate. Throughout the season, he's been able to structure and manipulate reality (sometimes with Crowley's help) to suit his needs: protecting Gabriel, altering the Bentley, organizing the Ball, etc. But once the bookshop, his safe space, has been breached, he loses control of the situation. From this point in the narrative, nothing goes according to Aziraphale's plan. Aziraphale wants to protect Jimbriel, but the former archangel insists on giving himself over to the demons. Crowley leaves and Aziraphale has to defend the bookshop on his own, when he'd expected Crowley to come right back and save him. While defending the bookshop, Aziraphale reaches his "last" resort not once, but twice: first allowing Nina and Maggie to use his books (!!!) as weapons and then blowing up his halo in a last ditch effort to fend off the invaders. This was not on the agenda for today!

Things just continue to go downhill from there, Aziraphale losing all control of the situation. And by the time the Final Fifteen wraps up, the angel has lost his bookshop and possibly his most important relationship. By the end of the season, Aziraphale is no longer Death the Resurrectionist, the manipulator and puppeteer. Now the angel has become the puppet, dancing to Heaven's music.

[porcupine-girl]

Please watch Super Star Academy.

I'm going through my Twitter and saving threadfics and individual tweets I don't want to lose before I delete it all, and I discovered a thread I did when my sister and I were about 1/3 of the way through our watch of Super Star Academy - which is, unironically, my favorite show ever.

So I am reposting this thread here for posterity, and in the hopes that maybe it will get one or two more people to watch this magical, incredible show:

----------

My sister @ bitter_tea and I are watching Super Star Academy, a 2016 vehicle for the guys in X-NINE, Xiao Zhan’s boy band. This will be a thread of why you should drop everything and watch this show, which is on YouTube.

First, the basics: SSA is a… College? But could be high school? For teens with superpowers. The superpowers are determined by your zodiac sign (Virgo Leo etc, not Chinese zodiac). Our protagonist is a girl who’s a Virgo but doesn’t think she has powers.

Ok first off, in the second episode we suddenly leave the school and go into some telenovela shit where some guy is dying and his son has to be born a Leo to take over the company. Rumor is the kid was stillborn two months early.

Then his wife goes and… causes a car accident that doesn’t kill some other super baby and somehow she steals a baby but we’re not sure where she got the stolen baby? But it’s not the car accident baby bc we saw that one saved by its dad???

Then her dying husband names the stolen baby and THAT is the point where you realize this whole thing has been a flashback bc he gives the stolen baby XZ’s character’s name so he is Stolen Baby but somehow his mom was using an iPad back in like 1996.

So XZ is Stolen Baby and the leader of one of two rival gangs in the school. They are both gangs of rich kids, but his gang is the preps and the other one is the punks, which you can tell bc a) they have a rock band and play at the extracurriculars fair

b) The leader has blue hair and c) they go around proclaiming themselves to be punks

At one point the two gangs go head-to-head in a croquet match. Which is… the school’s main sport? Now we’re getting into what kind of show you’re actually watching here.

Also the croquet trophy is MADE OF CHOCOLATE and Protagonist Girl accidentally eats it during the match. No one notices of course, even though she’s sitting there in front of the entire full bleachers.

So Protag Girl doesn’t think she has powers, right? But the school principal happens to eat at the noodle shop she & her uncle run & the noodles she serves him move in funny shapes so he decides she does have powers and gives her an admission letter.

Which he sets right down on a lit stove.

When she points out that it’s burning, he whips another admission letter out of his jacket because he goes everywhere prepared to admit ten new students to his school.

Speaking of her uncle, at one point he’s like “remember what I told you happened to your parents?” And she recounts a story about them meeting on a boat and then her father dying when it sank and he’s like “yeah I lied that’s the plot of Titanic.”

When Protag Girl gets to the school, she’s taken to the Clothing Department, an upscale clothing store where all the students can pick out five outfits and two dresses. Ah, don’t we all remember our first trip to the college clothing department.

Then you never see anyone wear anything but the school uniform or a croquet uniform ever again. No idea where the evening gowns on display at the clothing department went.

But you see, it was a vital scene because this is where PG meets XZ! Because she accidentally goes into his personal dressing room and of course neither of them notices they’re right next to each other separated by only a thin screen until they put on each other’s pants.

So from then on she yells about him being a pervert every time she sees him but he’s the rich popular croquet gang leader so no one believes her, which is fair because she’s wrong.

Side note: I just realized that calling Protagonist Girl PG has the potential to be confusing because that is, in fact, my name. That’s ok, though, because I think it will just make this thread feel more authentic to the incomprehensibility of the show.

PG, you eventually learn, was saved by a little boy her age when she was about 10. She was hanging from a cliff for Reasons and he moved a big rock and pulled her up. He gave her his school badge (of the SSA elementary school) and she gave him her embroidered hankie.

At one point she becomes convinced that it was Blue-Haired Punk. He makes it very clear that it wasn’t him because He Is Punk and Punks Don’t Save People Apparently. But she continues to accost him several more times as if she thinks he’s just forgotten.

Each time she confronts him makes less sense than the last, which is great.

At one point she is walking home in the rain and some Asshole In A Sports Car splashes her with water. Then backs up and does it again. Then is revealed to be XZ and (in all apparent sincerity) is like “oh sorry I didn’t see you” even though he backed up to splash her again.

This matters bc he loans her some clothes. Later, she tries to return them and he’s like “ew no now that someone else touched them I don’t want them.” So she pokes him in the shoulder to make him take off his current shirt. Whatever you think he’s wearing under it you’re wrong.

(Unless you’ve seen this scene)

He is revealed to be wearing a Powerpuff Girls t-shirt. So she pokes that and he has to take THAT off. Luckily though this show is family-friendly so instead of XZ’s chest this reveals…

Another Powerpuff Girls t-shirt!

He and the principal were in the same Boy Scout troop and are prepared for all eventualities.

Meanwhile PG is making friends with a nice boy who is from her same poor neighborhood.We’ll call him Boy Next Door. I worry about BND because clearly she’s gonna end up with XZ but they’re leaning on PG/BND pretty hard so either he’s gonna get his ❤️ broken or he’s secretly evil.

He is in Regular classes instead of Elite classes and I have no idea what that means because I don’t think it ever actually tells us. He has super powers though? And I think PG is in Elite even though her powers still haven’t manifested?? And she’s not richer than him either.

So he’s not in class with her so she has to sit between her only two other friends, who are bf/gf and spend all class literally making kissy faces at each other. They literally say something like “oh yeah we do nothing but this deal with it.”

There a Big Competition coming up! PG has no idea what really is so neither do we. But one of the Mean Girls (who I haven’t even talked about) tricks her into signing up.

Which is terrible! Because once you’re signed up you CANNOT UN-SIGN-UP!! It’s not clear what the consequences are if you drop out, you just can’t.

At this point my husband said something like “oh, it’s the Triwizard Tournament” and we were like oh yeah haha but THEN the principal goes to announce who will actually be competing…

And this is determined by a glowing orb that spits out the names of some of the people who signed up. She is not chosen… but THEN… after it has spit out the number of people it’s supposed to spit out… it spits out another one! And it’s PG!!!!! Dun dun DUNNNNNNN

So now we’re sitting there yelling at the TV “Cheng Zhi’er didja putya name intha goblet o’fiyah!!!”

(That is her actual name, not Protagonist Girl.)

Side note about those Mean Girls: One of them believes herself to be XZ’s girlfriend but as time goes on it is looking increasingly unlikely that he is aware of this.

Also the product placement puts Wolong Nuts to shame. Everyone drinks these blue and pink drinks and at one point the Punk Gang is drinking them and Blue Hair is like “let’s pretend we’re doing an ad” or something &they all start smiling at the camera & extolling its virtues.

Then later there’s a whole comedy of errors I won’t get into with a pizza but the end result is that BND winds up sitting in PG’s noodle shop with some middle-aged lady he doesn’t know. They start talking about how awkward it is and then suddenly she’s like

“Well if it’s going to be awkward, let’s sell these backpacks instead” and turns to the camera to sell us whatever brand of backpack he’s wearing.

One night she goes into this room with a sign on it that clearly says it’s like a study lounge or something that belongs to XZ’s gang. Who have their own study lounge I guess. There are chess boards all over the place?

He comes in and she’s like “what are you doing here?” and I said to the tv “well it does belong to his gang” and he’s like “uh it belongs to my gang.” Through some contrived contrivances they wind up leaning over a desk almost-kissing.

Then somehow (this might not happen til they leave the lounge? I forget) she realizes he has her old handkerchief so HE was the kid who saved her. But she doesn’t like him now so she demands he give it back and then she chases him like… all night long or something

Like she’s still chasing him when it’s light out AND he’s changed clothes.

Then somehow she gets the handkerchief but somehow he’s replaced it with a FAKE HANDKERCHIEF that has some other phrase on it. Kids these days and their handkerchiefs!

In an earlier scene, her uncle is shown knitting in the noodle shop and the pattern in his knitting changes from ? to !! so we’re theorizing that XZ has the same needlecraft-changing superpower as her uncle.

Anyhow we’ve only watched like 8 episodes out of I think 30 (they’re very short though) and I’ve only covered like half the completely unhinged things that have happened so far. Much of what I haven’t explained is because I don’t actually understand wtf is happening.

It’s basically the best show ever produced, you should all watch it.

Now PG’s uncle is drunk-knitting over his shoulder

Also at one point in the middle of an episode, when we haven’t seen the uncle in several episodes, it randomly cuts to him knocking his glass of orange juice down and yelling “oh! My orange juice!” with absolutely no context or explanation and then they never speak of it again.

Also-also the bad guys put PG in a burlap sack, then XZ saves her and proceeds to use her (in the burlap sack) to hit the bad guys.

Basically this show just keeps getting better.

Oh! I forgot! The bad guys attacked XZ with Sissy Boxing and gave him orchid fingers! Don’t ask me to explain, you now know as much as I do.

[danganronpasurvivoraskblog]

Dangancember 2024 - Danganronpa Top 24 Class Trials - Number 4: Danganronpa 2 Case 6

//Oh shit! OH SHIT! INCOMING HATERS! ABORT RANKING! ABORT RANKING-!

//GAH! GET OUT! AAAH! Fuck...! Gah...Okay...Okay fuck...Phew...Woah...Alright...

//Look...I fucking KNOW! Okay!?

//I'm not expecting to get RIDICULOUS levels of hate for this, but I am more aware than anyone that having ANY of the final trials THIS HIGH on the list. Especially since I have already said myself that they all have the same problems. And Danganronpa 2's final trial is FAR from exempt of these..

//This final trial often gets labeled as overrated by some fans, who argue it’s too flashy, too convoluted, or too dependent on high-stakes melodrama. It's still anime as fuck, its super long, it's super difficult so suddenly, and it's a massive plot dump. I will deny none of this.

//HOWEVER, I don't know what it is about this case specifically, but the more I look back on this trial, the more I LIKE it!

//We're in what I think is basically the S-Tier of this list. Even if this trial isn't S, it's still the top of A. And the defining factor that decides which of these cases gets this high up is "Which of these Class Trial do I like revisiting the most?" And this is definitely one of them, and I will gladly die on that hill.

//This case takes everything Danganronpa is known for; over-the-top twists, ridiculous logic battles, and moral dilemmas that make you question your own sanity; and cranks it up to eleven. Yes, you’re solving a murder while simultaneously wrestling with existential dread and facing down a genocidal AI.

//Yes, it’s bonkers, and yet for me, it works. Every wild revelation feels like it’s been carefully building from the beginning, paying off countless threads in ways that are surprising but satisfying.

//And that's it really. This is a SATISFYING CONCLUSION. Case 5 isn’t just a great finale; it perfectly captures what Danganronpa does best: mixing absurdity and sincerity into a neon-soaked cocktail of despair and hope.

//Unlike the first game’s ending, which leans heavily on Makoto Naegi’s generic optimism, or V3’s finale, which breaks the fourth wall so hard it practically demolishes the entire franchise, Danganronpa 2’s ending feels emotionally complete.

//And here's why:

//Let’s break down the key issues that this trial, and, let’s be honest, all Danganronpa final trials, tend to suffer from. First up, the obvious one: length.

//This trial is long, no doubt about it. But compared to some of its peers, it’s downright modest. V3’s final trial feels like a four-hour debate marathon, and Another 2’s third trial drags so much it feels like it got lost in a time loop. By comparison, Danganronpa 2’s finale uses its time well.

//Sure, it’s a commitment, but it’s packed with so many high-stakes moments and engaging revelations that I'm rarely looking at the clock. In fact, there are only four trials in the entire series that kept me glued to my seat from start to finish, and this one’s comfortably in that elite category, with the other three being the three trials above this one. Every topic of discussion felt purposeful, and I was never bored, which is more than I can say for some of its peers.

//Next is the dreaded plot dump problem.

//Let’s face it: of all the final trials, this one might be the guiltiest of shoving exposition down your throat. Junko Enoshima is less of an inquisitor here and more of an overly dramatic history professor, dumping lore at every opportunity like she’s trying to hit a word count on her evil dissertation. Unlike the first game’s finale, where she taunts you into piecing things together yourself, this trial often skips the mystery and goes straight to the lecture hall.

//But...at least that plot is GOOD.

//The revelations about the island, the survivors, and the Future Foundation are some of the most fascinating lore drops in the entire franchise. Sure, it’s a lot to take in, but it’s delivered with enough flair to keep me invested, and that’s a big part of why I’m still hooked on this series today.

//The next issue? The ridiculous difficulty spikes.

//This trial hits you with an "Improved" Hangman’s Gambit right out of the gate, which is ironic because the only thing it improves is your blood pressure.

//Let’s not sugarcoat it, "Improved" Hangman’s Gambit is a nightmare minigame in every trial it infects, and this one is no exception. But once you push through that, the rest of the challenges strike a much better balance.

//Take it away ProZD.

//Sure, it’s tough, but unlike some trials where the difficulty feels like a punishment for daring to play, this one leans into "frustrating yet fair" territory. It’s challenging enough to keep you on your toes without making you want to chuck your controller out the window.

//And finally, the most meme-worthy complaint: the anime-esque absurdity of the villains’ defeat.

//Let’s not kid ourselves, this trial goes full Saturday morning cartoon by the end. Hajime literally turns into a golden-haired Super Saiyan and screams “FUTURE!” at Junko until she dies.

//It’s so over the top that it should derail the entire mood. And yet… it doesn’t. At least not for me.

//Instead, it feels triumphant, cathartic, and downright epic. Because even with it, the survivors still face an incredibly personal and difficult choice, confront their inner demons, and ultimately earn their victory. Sure, it’s a bit campy, but that doesn’t diminish the emotional weight of the ending. It’s goofy, it’s dramatic, it’s everything Danganronpa is, and honestly, I loved every second of it.

//These are still ultimately nitpicks that go against this trial and stop it from being one of my absolute favourites, even though it is a Top Tier spectacle for me. And I have one more big, pretty standout issue with this case, before I get into the stuff that I actually love about it.

//The Investigation segment...SUCKS!

//Unlike most of the final trials of the Danganronpa series, the actual "Daily Life" segment of this chapter is pretty long and full of detail and dialogue before the investigation starts. Which makes sense, considering what this trial comes off the back of.

//This chapter hits hard emotionally, coming fresh off the deaths of Chiaki and Nagito, arguably two of the most important and beloved characters in the game.

//Or at least, it should hit hard...if it weren’t so mind-bogglingly CONFUSING!

//At this point, the game fully commits to the twist that the island is actually a virtual reality simulation, and things spiral into absolute chaos. The world starts glitching like it’s running on a bootleg copy of Windows XP. Dead characters suddenly reappear, casually hanging around like nothing happened, and nobody seems to notice or care.

//I spent the first half of this chapter feeling like I’d walked into the wrong save file. It’s only when you enter the locked building that things start to click...or, rather, don’t click...because the weirdness keeps escalating.

//Monokuma, ever the fan of recycling his own shtick, drops a familiar ultimatum: "Solve all the mysteries and decide whether to leave or not." Then, boom, investigation time.

//Now, don’t get me wrong: unraveling the mysteries of the island and the Future Foundation is undeniably cool. But this investigation? Easily one of my least favorites in the series.

//Why? Because the glitches ramp up to such a dizzying degree that I felt like I was trapped in a bad fever dream.

//One moment I’m in the school, and the next I’m teleporting across random locations like that one scene in Guardians of the Galaxy 2 where they're jumping through several space time holes, and it feels EQUALLY AS PAINFUL as it looks!

//And don’t even get me started on the moment the entire world literally flips upside down. Yes, I get it, game, you’re driving home the point that we’re in a simulation. But do you have to give me vertigo while you’re at it!? It’s like they sat in a meeting and said, "What if we made the player understand the story by making them insanely fucking motion sick!"

//Well, mission accomplished, I guess!

//TLDR; This is NOT an investigation. It's an incredibly nauseatic FETCH QUEST.

//The clues themselves also aren't that interesting until you actually get in the trial, and it does open very well with the obvious twist, but we'll get to that. The only clue that stood out to me immediately, and that kind of interested me from the get go, was the fact that Hiyoko looks very different OUTSIDE the sim than she does INSIDE.

//And that's more of just a cool graphic, not necessarily anything that shocked me.

//But even though the investigation is a pile of dog shite, the character dynamics we see, and the way these dynamics carry on into the trial itself, is amazing. This trial not only has some of the best moments for the characters in this game, but vastly improves upon characters that we've already seen.

//Halfway through this trial, Hajime and his fellow survivors are joined by Makoto, Kyoko, and the real Byakuya. And even though their involvement here isn't THAT consequencial, it's still great to see them all back.

//Speaking of Hajime...

//I fucking LOVE Hajime!

//I mentioned earlier how heavily Shuichi is involved in the final conflict of Danganronpa V3, and I also briefly touched on how important Makoto is to the final showdown of the first game. However, I feel like I really missed the mark by not giving Hajime enough credit for how deeply he’s tied into the greater conflict of Danganronpa 2.

//This is, of course, entirely my personal opinion, but I believe Hajime plays a more central role in the story’s conflict than either Shuichi or Makoto. I just love the way Hajime reacts to the insane revelations during the final trial.

//The moment that stands out the most is when Junko casually drops the bombshell that Hajime is actually a fabricated personality of Izuru Kamukura. While the other characters are going to wake up and, you know, probably turn into supervillains, Hajime’s fate is way worse...he's going to be completely erased and vanish forever. As soon as this information hits him, he doesn’t just panic like you’d expect; he has a full-blown identity crisis.

//Hajime’s been struggling with his sense of self throughout the entire game, but this is the point where his existential meltdown reaches DEFCON 1. His anguished screams and his heartbreaking willingness to just give up and live in a world where everything repeats itself are gut-wrenching. Watching him go through this is honestly painful, and I find myself empathizing with him more than any of the other protagonists.

//This, I think, is the reason Hajime stands out to me. It’s not just about his struggle, it’s how human he is in his struggle. And holy shit if Johnny Yong Bosch's voice acting doesn't sell this:

//These two moments in particular are the best parts of his traumatic breakdown ^^^

//But Hajime isn’t the only character who stands out here.

//Alongside the returning gang from DR1, there’s also Junko, who, surprise, surprise, is once again the villain.

//Now, I get it, some might find it a little tiresome that Junko is back as the mastermind, but I honestly think this is her best appearance in the whole series. I mentioned this when discussing the final case of the first game, but while Junko’s twist as the mastermind is certainly cool, her over-the-top, goofy persona kind of makes it hard to take her seriously as the main villain.

//In Danganronpa 2, however, when we encounter her as an AI counterpart, it’s a whole different story.

//Junko Enoshima’s role in Danganronpa 2 is one of the rare instances where a returning villain improves drastically in their execution, and it all comes down to how her presence is expanded and her actions take on a life of their own, literally and figuratively.

//She’s still got that signature cartoonish vibe, and she does still do the very sudden personality shifting, but now her tone is laced with a level of sadism and menace that feels downright chilling.

//It’s as if she’s crossed a line, and in this game, she’s not just the silly, chaotic villain we’ve seen before. She really feels like a true THREAT!

//Especially since her motivations, and what she actually hopes to achieve THIS TIME, are different from the stakes in DR1. Different in the sense that they feel SO much higher, and as a result, Junko feels like more of a monster.

//Junko is essentially trying to secure her posthumous victory by corrupting the Neo World Program and plunging the remaining members of the Future Foundation into despair, as well as take over the vegetable bodies of the people who died in DR2, and "Junko-fy" all of mankind, just as the tragedy is dying down.

//This makes her appear more threatening and influential compared to her more confined role as the mastermind of the Killing School Life in the first game.

//And there are more reasons than just this. Since Junko is already dead by the time Goodbye Despair begins, she becomes less of a direct antagonist and more of a haunting legacy, a force of despair that refuses to fade away. This shift gives her a mythic quality, as her influence looms over every event in the story, showcasing her obsession with cementing her place in history as an eternal agent of chaos. It’s no longer just about what she’s doing now, it’s about how far-reaching and inescapable her madness truly is.

//One of the reasons Junko shines brighter, or darker, rather, in Danganronpa 2 is the freedom her AI form grants her. Stripped of the limitations of her physical body, Junko fully leans into her larger-than-life persona, appearing in absurd and exaggerated digital forms.

//This form really advocates the idea that Junko is a living virus rather than a person. Her essence infects the virtual world, just as it infected the real world with Despair, in ways that make her feel omnipresent and almost godlike.

//This also allows her to interact with the cast in visually dynamic, surreal ways that simply weren’t possible in the more grounded setting of the first game. And as ridiculous as it is, the imagery of an absolutely HUGE AS FUCK Junko NEVER gets old.

//What really sets her apart in Danganronpa 2, though, is her personal connection to Class 77. These aren’t just random students she’s toying with; they’re the very people she manipulated, broke, and used as weapons during the Tragedy. She’s not merely taunting them, she’s forcing them to confront the darkest parts of themselves, the memories she erased, and the atrocities they committed under her influence.

//This makes her presence not only more menacing but deeply personal. The stakes feel higher because the conflict directly ties into the characters’ own identities and sense of guilt. Compared to the first game, where Junko’s relationship with Class 78 felt more detached and her villainy relied on spectacle rather than emotional stakes, her dynamic with Class 77 is far more engaging.

//What seals the deal is the eventual defiance of Class 77. When they choose to stand against Junko and reclaim their identities, it’s not just a victory over her philosophy, but it’s a victory over the very Despair she’s weaponized against them. This resolution gives her role in Goodbye Despair a sense of narrative closure that the first game didn’t quite achieve.

//She’s still the same chaotic, cartoony Junko, but here, her sadistic edge and personal ties to the cast create a version of her that feels more terrifying, more compelling, and, dare I say it, more entertaining than ever. It’s a much darker take on her character, and in this context, she’s far more convincing as the mastermind pulling the strings behind the scenes. It's a subtle shift that makes her presence feel less like a punchline and more like the horrifying force she was always meant to be.

//But I think that's mostly it for the outside context, and to cap this off, let's talk about the nitty-gritty details of the trial itself. I am sorry, but I will be repeating some of my previous points, just to cover them.

//But before diving into the labyrinthine twists and emotional sucker punches of Danganronpa 2's final trial, let’s start with one of the most hilariously sadistic Monokuma moments in the entire series. It's a subtle moment that doesn't last for very long, but it's a good sign right from the get go with the way that this trial treats it's most obvious plot twist right out of the gate in a way that is very entertaining.

//Right at the beginning of the trial, Monokuma insists that everyone clarify one simple truth: the entire world they’ve been living in is a virtual reality. But instead of letting this revelation sink in gracefully, Monokuma drives it home with comedic precision.

//Every time someone tries to refute or question this revelation, he cuts them off with a deadpan repetition of "Because it’s a game!" over and over, reusing the same voice line for maximum effect. It’s like he’s saying, "This is the truth, and I am not debating this with you. Accept it, move on, or fucking die."

//It’s the kind of humor that is both maddening and brilliant, encapsulating Monokuma’s trademark blend of sadism and absurdity.

//Now let’s get to the meat of this trial: the twists. And oh, are there twists.

//First, as already established several times already, there’s the reveal that the world you’ve been inhabiting for the entire game isn’t even real. It’s a simulation.

//It's a very obvious twist if you'd bothered to pay ANY attention to the chapter, but that fact alone is a mind-blower. But the pièce de résistance is what comes next: the realization that the "World Ender," the ominous, evil-sounding organization you’ve been trained to despise and aim to destroy, are actually the good guys, and Chiaki and Monomi were working for them.

//The Future Foundation, the supposed villains of this story, are the heroes. And the bad guys? That would be…YOU! The very characters you’ve spent hours befriending and rooting for!

//I'm just gonna come straight out and say it: The Remnants of Despair are my ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE PLOT TWIST in this ENTIRE SERIES.

//Only two twists rival it for me: The Tragedy in Game 1, and the Protag switch in Game 3.

//When I first played this, I entered the final chapters with the mindset of a righteous avenger, ready to bring down the dastardly Future Foundation. But as the truth unraveled, I distinctly remember thinking, "Wait, what? We’re the bad guys? The organization trying to save the world isn’t evil, and we were the problem all along? What the actual hell is happening here!?"

//I just love how it flips the narrative on its head and forces you to confront a deeply uncomfortable truth: the characters you’ve grown attached to were once Junko Enoshima’s most loyal disciples, the infamous Remnants of Despair.

//Before, obviously, Danganronpa 3 went and ruined any tension and emotion we could have with that twist.

//But ignoring it, it's still great!

//Danganronpa 2 explains that the cast of characters were brainwashed into becoming Junko’s pawns of destruction. The simulation you’ve been playing through was created by the Future Foundation, including Makoto, Kyoko, and Byakuya from the first game, to rehabilitate them by erasing their memories and allowing them to live in a paradise free of Despair.

//The twist becomes even more gut-wrenching when it’s revealed that the killing game wasn’t part of the plan. It happened because an AI version of Junko was uploaded into the simulation, hijacking the entire system. Because she planned to take over the Remnant's bodies, and turn every person in Japan/the world, like her. Into Despair.

//Classic Junko plot, sure, and I know that a lot of you might disagree with the notion that this is the best twist, because some could argue that it is presented as so violent, it creates plot holes.

//What I mean specifically is the part where the Remnants salvaged Junko's corpse after the end of Game 1, and replaced their body parts with hers...

//...Also Mikan fucked it?

//But the problem there is that it creates a plot hole because Junko's body was crushed at the end of the execution, so there'd be no body to salvage.

//But the reason why I excuse it personally is because this is a plot hole OF A PLOT HOLE. Junko's execution had her going through every death trap she'd created in Danganronpa 1, all of which had killed the characters on their own. I know Junko is OP, but there's no way she's any more durable than Mondo, or any of the other characters who died here. Any one of these could have killed her at any point, and it made no sense that she survived all of them.

//And even putting that aside, assuming this IS a plot hole, it's not enough to ruin my enjoyment of the trial. Let me break it down for everybody:

//At the beginning of Danganronpa 2, the characters are portrayed as hapless victims trapped in a sadistic killing game. This setup fosters sympathy and camaraderie, much like the cast of the first game. However, the final twist subverts this perception entirely, revealing that these characters were not innocent victims but villains responsible for unspeakable atrocities as members of Junko Enoshima's Remnants of Despair.

//The stark contrast between their apparent innocence and their horrific past actions under Junko’s influence is nothing short of awesome, in a terrifying way, leaving an indelible mark. But this reveal isn’t just shocking for its content; it also serves as a brutal demonstration of Junko’s unparalleled ability to manipulate people into despair.

//The twist ties back to the catastrophic events of Danganronpa 1, Junko’s masterstroke of spreading despair globally. Here, the game goes further, showcasing the devastating depth of her evil by illustrating how she corrupted even the brightest students of Hope’s Peak Academy.

//And Danganronpa 3 enforces this idea, with Class 77 being quite possibly the most integral class to the school at the time, especially with the bond they form with Chiaki and Chisa, and how ripping that away from them was enough to completely break them.

//It's still not great, but I understand the basic implications at least.

//It’s a chilling reminder that Despair is insidious, capable of twisting even the most virtuous intentions into darkness. Junko’s role as the ultimate antagonist is cemented, her terrifying legacy casting a long shadow over the entire series.

//The twist also recontextualizes everything we’ve seen about the characters up to that point. Suddenly, Gundham’s theatrical fascination with death, Fuyuhiko’s violent streak and harsh demeanor, Nagito’s unhinged obsession with hope, and, most importantly, Mikan’s terrifying breakdown in Chapter 3 take on new, darker meanings.

//What were once quirky personality traits or personal flaws are revealed as remnants of their time as Junko’s followers. This added layer of depth makes the twist even more effective, turning each character into a tragic figure grappling with the scars of their past.

//Nagito, in particular, stands out as a character whose behavior becomes infinitely more complex in light of the reveal, especially because he learns the truth right before the trial in Chapter 4. His obsessive pursuit of Hope and simultaneous disdain for Despair now reads as deeply self-aware.

//He knows they are the Remnants of Despair, and he hates himself and his peers for it, and the way that this duality kind of mirrors the player's own conflicting feelings about the cast post-reveal, adding emotional weight to an already loaded twist. It adds an element of method to Nagito's madness.

//Moreover, the twist reinforces Danganronpa's overarching themes of Hope and Despair in ways that, I would argue, the first game didn’t quite achieve.

//The fact that the Remnants of Despair were once Hope’s Peak Academy’s shining symbols of hope adds a layer of profound tragedy. And their journey to reclaim their humanity and hope serves as a microcosm of the broader struggle between these two forces that defines the series. This isn’t just about saving the world, it’s about saving themselves.

//This thematic resonance ties directly into what makes the twist so powerful: it doesn’t just set the stakes for the trial, it sets the stakes for the entire Danganronpa series. The twist paves the way for an emotional and poignant redemption arc for the cast. Despite their horrifying past actions, these characters are given the chance to prove they are more than their despair. This struggle resonates deeply, emphasizing themes of growth, forgiveness, and the ability to move past one’s darkest moments.

//It’s why it’s such a shame we never got a spin-off series exploring the Remnants’ lives after the events of Danganronpa 3. I would have much rather watched THAT anime.

//Seriously, Mod Freeze and Mod Poi, thank you for doing the fandom’s work on this front.

//The integration of the Neo World Program into this twist is another stroke of subtle brilliance. What initially seemed like little more than a sci-fi backdrop for the killing game gains profound significance.

//The program isn’t just a high-tech gimmick, it’s a lifeline, a tool designed to erase despair and offer these characters a second chance. The twist aligns seamlessly with the game’s science-fiction elements, grounding the shocking reveal in a way that feels both logical and emotionally resonant.

//But above all else, what truly elevates this twist, though, are two key aspects: The juxtaposition of innocence and guilt, and the reinforcement of hope as a deliberate choice.

//The game plays on the player’s affection for the cast, built over hours of shared experiences, only to reveal their horrifying pasts. It forces one to grapple with complex questions about identity, culpability, and redemption. Can we separate who they are now from who they were under Junko’s influence? Should they be forgiven, and, more importantly, can they forgive themselves?

//By the end of the game, the characters confront these questions head-on. Rather than succumbing to Despair or clinging to a hollow version of Hope imposed by others, they choose to forge their own path forward.

//Hajime’s declaration that only they can decide their futures is a defining moment, encapsulating the game’s core message: Hope isn’t something you’re born with or handed, it’s something you actively choose. And this decision is all the more powerful because of the twist. It reaffirms the series’ ultimate thesis: Hope, like Despair, is a choice, but one that requires courage and conviction.

//It's just...very powerful. In almost every regard.

//However...it does fall a LITTLE flat in one regard for me. Not nearly enough to ruin it, because I do still LOVE this part of the twist, but it's something that we've already talked about, and something that I feel I need to share my concerns over.

//It's how Hajime, who was revealed to be a Reserve Student, slots into this whole thing.

//This is by far the most horrifying aspect of this twist, and one that really works for it, but the reality is that even though Junko ran this whole Killing Game, the fact is due to her AI status, she could not have done it by herself. After all, someone had to actually get her INTO the Neo World for her to host the Killing Game in the first place.

//Naturally, the big question arises: who uploaded this digital Junko? Enter the grand crescendo of this twist—the person responsible for all of this chaos is none other than…Hajime himself.

//But, of course, it’s more complicated than that. Hajime wasn’t acting as himself...It's revealed in this trial that Hajime wasn't just a random Reserve Course student, and there's a reason why he turned out to be the only survivor. He was, in actuality, Izuru Kamukura, an emotionless superhuman created by Hope’s Peak Academy to embody "Ultimate hope."

//As we later see in DR3, Junko and Mukuro manipulated Izuru, flipping him to the side of despair and effectively kickstarting the apocalypse. The revelation that the character you’ve been playing as is not only part of the problem but the problem is one of the darkest and most compelling twists in the series.

//Now, for starters, I want to say that I really like how well this twist slots into the greater lore of Danganronpa, and Izuru is a well-deserved part of the franchise.

//The Hope Cultivation Plan, and what Hope's Peak's Steering Committee actually DID to Hajime, hits like a ton of bricks because it completely flips everything you think you know about this guy, the school that this entire franchise is BASED ON, and even the concept of "Hope" itself, as well as the idea of Hope itself.

//Hajime, the seemingly ordinary and relatable protagonist, turns out to have undergone a horrifying transformation to become Izuru Kamukura, a superhuman "Ultimate Hope" with every talent imaginable. It strips away the idea that Hajime was just a regular guy thrust into extraordinary circumstances, and instead, his backstory reveals that he was a victim of Hope's Peak's ruthless experiments, sacrificing his entire identity for a twisted ideal of perfection. It's tragic, unsettling, and is especially harsh in the way that this was Hajime's "Hope" for the world, and Hope's Peak EXPLOITED him for it, so what does that Hope really mean?

//This twist also pulls back the curtain on Hope's Peak Academy, exposing its darker side. Up until this point, Hope's Peak is painted as a prestigious school that nurtures the best and brightest, but the Izuru Kamukura Project shows that it’s anything but noble.

//The school literally erased Hajime’s personality, emotions, and memories to create a living symbol of hope; and didn't tell him they were going to do that. And it feels like a process that feels more like something out of a dystopian horror story than a prestigious institution.

//It reframes Hope's Peak as a place driven not by ideals of nurturing talent but by exploitation and control, highlighting the hypocrisy of its mission.

//What makes it greater is that Junko even has a sick as fuck line in this trial that perfectly summarizes this, and how Hope can be dangerous in the way that what people actually define AS Hope, can easily turn out to be another person's (in this case, every other person EVER'S) Despair, and it's this line:

"Do you reaaaaaally hafta sacrifice yourselves to protect the world in the first place? What if the world's hope is different from your hope? Even if the world is happy, it's meaningless if you aren't happy."

//And not only does Makoto not have an immediate response to this line, but Hajime's later actions prove her to be RIGHT. And I feel like not a lot of people realize that this is the very basis that the Kamukura Project was founded on.

//The ENTIRE REASON Hope's Peak was founded was to create Izuru. Because they thought that he would be the Hope of the world. But Junko turned him into the world's Despair instead, and it was very easy because of Hope's Peak's moral corruption.

//The thing they saw as "Hope" was not what the rest of the world saw.

//What makes this twist even more impactful is how it recontextualizes the entire "Hope vs Despair" conflict in the series. Izuru, as the "Ultimate Hope," is depicted as so indifferent and detached that he ultimately finds no value in either ideal.

//This shows that striving for absolute hope can be just as damaging and dehumanizing as falling into despair. It adds a layer of nuance to the series’ central theme, suggesting that extreme ideals, no matter how well-intentioned, can lead to monstrous outcomes.

//And this twist, while not the most standard way to end a character arc, is the perfect cherry on top of Hajime's identity crisis arc.

//He starts as someone insecure about his lack of talent, someone who envies the Ultimates around him, and really falls into depression upon learning that he never had one in the first place.

//But then learning that he was surgically altered into a talent-filled, emotionless being makes his journey to reclaim his identity and humanity all the more powerful. Because he GOT the talent that he sought; just at the cost of everything else.

//By choosing to reject Izuru’s detached worldview and embrace the messy, imperfect reality of being Hajime Hinata, he shows that true strength doesn’t come from talent or perfection but from accepting and valuing yourself as you are. It’s an almighty aspect of a twist that deepens the story’s themes and makes Hajime’s eventual triumph over despair even more meaningful.

//And it's also largely thanks to Chiaki that Hajime was able to overcome this. And if there's one thing that I can credit Danganronpa 3 on, it's what they actually did with the dynamic between Izuru and Chiaki, and how it laid the groundwork for this resolution...PERFECTLY.

//Chiaki Nanami wasn’t just the heart of Class 77. She was also the pivotal force that led to the group’s victory in Danganronpa 2. And I cannot understate that the only reason they managed to attain this victory is because she broke the barriers to speak to Hajime one last time.

//I'm one of very few people who think that as a character, Chiaki is...KIND OF overrated. But just because she's overrated, that doesn't mean she's a bad character. And she IS important to the game. It's just not easy to see how until a lot later into it.

//Even after her tragic death in the Neo World Program, Chiaki's impact lingered. As the AI created to guide her classmates toward hope, she became the catalyst for their redemption. Her steady support, unwavering kindness, and ability to see the best in others made her a beacon of hope in a situation engineered to breed Despair.

//It’s no exaggeration to say that without Chiaki’s influence, the Remnants of Despair might never have found the strength to reclaim their humanity.

//And that doubles for real Chiaki in her brief interaction with Izuru in DR3.

//Junko made Izuru see the power of how Despair affected him, despite his boredom, and how it went against his preconcieved notions. But it was Chiaki's determination, willingness to keep going, and the love and Hope she had for people, despite the fact that she was facing a cruel and absolutely miserable death, that made him rethink things. That made him see the benefits in both sides.

//Had this scene not happened, Izuru would not have been such a neutrally aligned character in the end. He would have been just a straight-up monster of a villain.

//Which, if you think about it, is basically what Utsuro is. Utsuro didn't have a Chiaki. He never saw the benefits or the power of Hope. He was in Despair his whole life, and even after it. But this meant something to Izuru. The tears that showed Hajime was still somewhere in there, meant something.

//Izuru in tandem, Chiaki’s relationship with Hajime is particularly critical, both to the story of Danganronpa 2 and the broader series. From the moment they met, Chiaki believed in Hajime, even when he struggled to believe in himself.

//It obviously did not end well, but that was no fault of Chiaki's own.

//This bond between these two wasn’t just one of mutual respect and understanding, it was a reminder of the power of genuine connection, something the Danganronpa series constantly emphasizes. Hajime’s eventual deevolution into Izuru, and then his reclamation of himself as Hajime, is deeply rooted in the strength he drew from his connection with Chiaki.

//Furthermore, Chiaki didn’t just push Hajime to become the leader the group needed. She showed all of Class 77 that they could rise above their Despair by supporting each other. Her presence as an AI was a guiding force during the trials, and her ultimate sacrifice demonstrated what it meant to choose hope, even in the face of overwhelming odds. When Hajime rallied the group in the final moments of the game, it was as much a tribute to Chiaki as it was a declaration of their collective strength.

//Chiaki and Hajime’s story ripples across the series in profound ways. In Danganronpa 3, her role as a real person solidifies her influence. As the one classmate who never gave in to Despair, Chiaki became a symbol of hope not just for Class 77 but for the audience as well.

//Her loss was devastating, yet it was her memory that ultimately pushed Hajime and the others to fight for a better future. Chiaki wasn’t just a character; she was the embodiment of what Danganronpa is all about. The idea that even in the darkest times, Hope can find a way to shine.

//So with all of this to say, why is this still my least favourite part of the twist?

//It's largely because of Izuru himself, not because of what Hajime goes through, or because of Chiaki's connection to both him and Hajime.

//Do you know how long it takes to beat Danganronpa 2 on average?

//It takes, on average, 32.5 hours.

//Do you know how much screentime and attention Izuru is given in this game?

//Not including the repeat of the scene on the boat with Nagito that we see first from Izuru's perspective, and then from Nagito's, he's ON SCREEN for a total of around 2.5 minutes.

//Doing the math, and putting that into perspective for all of you, that means that Izuru is in Danganronpa 2 for roughly 0.13% of its full runtime.

//And by the way. Izuru first becomes a CONCEPT in THIS CHAPTER! He's not brought up, or eluded to, at ANY OTHER POINT in the game, besides one photograph of the original headmaster that he's named after. Something that has NOTHING to do with Izuru himself.

//Which means that in the main series, this is ALL OF HIS SCREENTIME!

//Danganronpa finale's have a tendency to randomly introduce plot points that never happened before. V3-6 is bad with it as well, especially because it shows a cutscene from earlier in the game that straight up DIDN'T HAPPEN.

//However, as mind-bogglingly terrifying as the Hope Cultivation Plan is, it is by far the WORST OFFENDER of this idea.

//And what makes it even worse is that a screentime that is THAT LIMITED means that Izuru does not get a chance to be an actual character.

//Danganronpa 3, Talent Development Plan, and Summer Camp later try to reprimand this by making Izuru an actual central character...Emphasis on TRIED.

//Okay, to be fair, in the bonus games, I do love seeing Izuru try to establish his own identity by interacting with Chiaki and co. However, it feels very ironic to me that the character who's catchphrase is "How Boring..." ends up being...really boring.

//At least as a character. As a concept, he's BRILLIANT. But as a character, he's nothing, and that's the whole point.

//This is what I was saying when I was talking about Utsuro before. Even though they are equally as stoic, Utsuro has a pretty well-structured personality, and backstory that makes him sympathetic. But Izuru is so one-dimensional, being a being comprised entirely of talent and nothing else, that he's just a function in the grand scheme of things.

//Utsuro is also present for only one trial, but he is in it for FAR LONGER than Izuru is, and he was foreshadowed MUCH better. The hints are, granted, very subtle, but they are still THERE. If you play DRA a second time, you will NOTICE them.

//Not with Izuru and the Hope Cultivation Plan. There's absolutely NOTHING for them.

//Izuru is one of those characters who feels like he should be compelling, but in practice, he falls flat because he’s so detached and lifeless that it’s hard to care about him. The idea of a person who’s been stripped of their identity and turned into a superhuman is fascinating on paper, but Izuru’s execution leaves a lot to be desired.

//He spends most of his time standing around, delivering cryptic one-liners, or just looking bored. While his apathy is supposed to be a reflection of the emptiness of ultimate talent, it ends up making him feel more like a plot device than an actual character.

//One of the biggest problems with Izuru is that he lacks agency or personal stakes in the story. He exists primarily as a shadow of Hajime’s past and a foil to Junko's chaos, but he doesn’t have any strong desires or goals of his own.

//His indifference to both Hope and Despair, how he's experienced the power of both sides though Junko and Chiaki respectively, might be thematically relevant, but it robs him of any drive or personality that would make him engaging. Even his interactions with Junko in the anime, which could have been a clash of two intellectual giants, come off as underwhelming because he just doesn’t seem to care about anything.

//Put simply, it’s hard to invest in a character who doesn’t invest in themselves.

//Another issue is that Izuru’s overpowered nature makes him unrelatable. He’s described as having every talent imaginable, to the point that nothing challenges or excites him. Again, to reiterate, this makes him feel less like a person and more like a concept, and concepts don’t make for compelling characters on their own.

//Even when he does take action, like helping to orchestrate the Tragedy, it feels hollow because his motives are so abstract. There’s no emotional weight behind his actions, so it’s hard to feel anything for him as a character.

//Ultimately, Izuru ends up being more of a plot twist delivery system than a fully realized individual.

//Granted, he is a FANTASTIC plot delivery system, but he’s there to show the dark side of Hope’s Peak Academy and to highlight Hajime’s journey of self-acceptance, and doesn’t stand on his own. Without a personal arc, meaningful relationships, or even a shred of humanity to ground him, he feels more like a missed opportunity than a compelling addition to the cast.

//He is INSANELY COOL as a concept.

//But JUST as a concept.

//Still, as I said, this doesn't stop the Remnant twist from being fantastic. If anything, it serves to double down on how fucked the situation is for the characters. It's the perfect way to pull it off a second time, just as impactful, if not moreso, from the way the first game did it.

//I just love that the game pulls NO punches in showing just how far gone the Remnants of Despair were under Junko’s influence. They didn’t just spread chaos and destruction; they mutilated themselves, committed unspeakable atrocities, and yes, there’s even an implication that some of them…had sexual inclinations toward Junko’s corpse.

//I mean, that one was probably Mikan mostly, given what we know about her now, but it could have been more than just her...

//It’s grotesque, horrifying, and deeply unsettling. A STARK contrast to the lovable, quirky personalities you’ve come to know over the course of the game. So while some aspects of this backstory strain believability, the sheer audacity of these revelations makes them unforgettable, and insanely entertaining.

//So after all of this, let's end it by talking about how the trial ends.

//The solution to defeating Junko isn’t choosing hope or despair. It’s rejecting both and forging your own future. It’s a thematic mic drop for the game, aligning perfectly with its sub-theme of learning from past mistakes and embracing personal growth.

//However, the way this idea is portrayed is peak anime absurdity. Hajime, now back in control of his identity, goes full-on Super Saiyan, screaming the word “Future!” at the top of his lungs until everyone agrees with him and Junko is silenced.

//It’s over-the-top, it’s ridiculous, it's...honestly kind of dumb, and it’s hard to take seriously. But somehow, it still sort of works.

//The sheer silliness of the moment doesn’t detract from its emotional impact; if anything, it makes the victory sweeter by providing a cathartic, if laughable, resolution to a deeply harrowing story.

//And Junko's defeat here is a lot more satisfying than it is in Game 1. Unlike with then, you actually feel like you've beaten her once and for all, and this wasn't part of her grand master plan; especially because in order to beat Junko in a conflict that settles on Hope and Despair, finding a way out that doesn't necessarily aquait to either, is the perfect way to end it.

//So...yeah...This is my fourth favourite trial in the series, and absolutely my favourite ending.

//Despite its occasional reliance on exposition dumps and its plot holes , the final trial of Game 2 is a masterclass in storytelling twists and emotional payoff. It takes the series’ penchant for high-stakes drama and amps it up to eleven, delivering a finale that is equal parts disturbing, thought-provoking, and outrageously entertaining.

//The blend of personal stakes, thematic depth, and anime absurdity cements this trial as one of the franchise’s most memorable moments.

//God bless you Danganronpa 2.

[goldenthreadstories]

Rules & Muse List!!!

{ HELLO! Welcome to my blog, I'm Seras or Klemmie. Nice to meet ya! Below is my muse list and my rules for mobile navigations! }

RULES

1.) Hey everyone, my name is Seras but I do go by Klemmie! I am nonbinary & my pronouns are they/them or she/her, I prefer they/them though! I am of age at 29 years old and have been RPing since about 2010, over a whole decade! Due to my age there might be NSFW on this blog at times but it will always be under a read more and tagged. On this subject, most muses are of age or have a verse where they are, please be aware of this and all main verse ages for my muses are on their bios on the character page.

2.) I am working a job which I usually only have a couple days off in the week and most evenings free. However activity and replies may be slow or low due to the nature of this being a multi-muse blog and my energy levels on any day. I will do my best to pop in at least once or twice a week with the intentions of queuing up any replies that I owe and once in a blue moon do I reply quickly and without queuing. I am also going to be selective on who I RP with at times so this blog is semi-selective, but if I am following you I am interested in writing with you!

3.) I am good with a mix of jumping into things without a plot; such as memes, open starters, random things are good. But sometimes I prefer plotting, even if only a little bit, especially when it comes to a pre-established relationship that isn’t the canon between two characters; this includes children of muses. I am okay with writing with said muses but I would like to have a bit of plotting to this as my version of the muse or muses as parents in question is not the one canon to yours as such, I need to make sure I know whats going on or all your gonna get from my muse is either ’ I have no kids ’ or i dont believe you, so i tend to avoid that if no prior communication has happened before hand! I do also like screaming about plots that both parties might want to do and discuss between us to work out a possible thread idea?

4.) This blog is multi-fandom, verse and ship. Meaning all threads even if tagged as in the same verse for a muse are their own story and thread between our muses, this includes for relationships, unless its a story that has been discussed and plotted between all involved. We are also Crossover-friendly here! I love mashing up fandoms and seeing what happens!

5.) As stated in my first ruling, NSFW themes and topics may be present, if I feel that the topic, even if it’s gore and not sexual nsfw, is too heavy or unsafe to just have out on display I will always put it under a read more and tagged the triggers like; tw;______

6.) Continuing with the point above, I will not tolerate certain things like underage sexual content or abuse or any nsfw content with minors - this goes for muns & muses and hanging, if you are ever unsure of anything please ask me. This is also a if I ever forget or don’t tag something that is a trigger for you please just message me and I will tag them accordingly.

7.) Unless your muse has some supernatural abilities or in my muse’s canon knows things about them, please don’t use information that is like their weaknesses and things like that in our threads until my muse reveals them or it is revealed in a thread, I class this as meta rping/writing/gaming?? and it’s no fun???

8.) I’m okay with multiple writing styles, I don’t have the need for anyone to match my length in replies, I know I can get lengthy at times, but as long as it’s more than one sentence or is appropriate for the type of thread we are writing together, because sometimes even I just want to do shorter threads, though I do prefer more written and longer ones.

9.) I’m more into story driven threads, ones that develop my muses and yours hopefully, ones that develop a chemistry and relationship between them. These are the kinds of threads I prefer.

10.) I’m open to all plots and relationships, just come hit me up and let’s see what we can come up with!!!

11.) For shipping I am a shipper of chemistry, I am here for the development. But if you feel like our muses are beginning to develop something, please message me and we can talk. I am always up for shippy things and all relationships, I prefer them to be developed and chemistry based. I will not force anything onto anyone if they feel like something isn’t there.

12.) I’m no biggie on spelling, grammar is also not too much of an issue, but a clear grammar is preferred. As long as I can read and understand it for a reply we are good. If I am having trouble I will ask you to clarify.

13.) When sending in an ask, please specify a muse, one thing on my anxiety is when I get an ask without some specifying, sometimes I will throw someone randomly if I can but if not I get anxious about it, so unless you state one or that its for any muse I will not answer it, unless I know you & muse or muses well enough to know who it’s from or I have come and asked you to clear up who it was for.

14.) OOC =/= IC. I will not tone down my muses for anyone, but I don’t agree with their morals and choices all the time. OOC is not the same as IC.

15.) I have a habit of forgetting to reply to threads, if it’s been more than a week since I have replied, give me a poke. I may have forgotten or lost muse, this doesn’t mean we can start more threads and get back to it.

16.) Cool with anon asks & M!As. That’s all folks! Hope that we can write something together soon!

MUSE LIST

Sora Ryuu // the weaver of stories // fandomless oc // bio

Orion // demi-demon travelling trickster // fandomless oc // bio

Torin Nayru // triforce of wisdom // loz oc // bio

Emery Din // triforce of power // loz oc // bio

Leon Farore // triforce of courage // loz oc // bio

Elliot Snow || Hades // fashionly god of the underworld // headcannon based // bio 

Beetlejuice // ghost with the most // canon-divergent // bio

Dean Winchester // hunter and older brother // canon-divergent // bio 

Merlin // worlds most powerful warlock yet big dummy // canon-divergent // bio 

Link // dutiful knight and silent hero // canon & slightly divergent // bio

Zelda // princess of wise knowledge // canon & slightly divergent // bio 

Revali // prideful heart of the rito // canon-divergent // bio

Roxas // a heart of a nobody // canon-divergent // bio

Mark // grumpy end of the world survivor // resident enis markiplier // bio 

Edward Elric // shortfused alchemist // canon divergent // bio

Alphonse Elric // fullmetal heart // canon divergent // bio

Thirteenth Doctor // tinkering protector of earth // canon divergent // bio

Fizzarolli // lil clown imp guy // canon divergent // bio

Yusuke Kitagawa // flourishing artist of the phantom thieves // canon divergent // bio

Wheatley // Charismatic idiot android core // canon divergent // bio

[inkblackorchid]

Found some energy again and now I feel a burning need to go back and talk about the Jack/Carly dark signer duel because, in all honesty, I think this may be the best of the dark signer duels, full stop. At the very least, it easily makes the top three in terms of stakes, character dynamics, and sheer drama. But what I really feel the need to talk about is what this duel does for Jack's character because I feel like there's a lot to unpack here. Long post ahead.

So, first off, I freely admit that I dunk a lot on Jack, and I can't help but feel like that's partially the point of his character during the early parts of the show. He's a standoffish, overly proud guy who comes across as kind of a dick, he betrayed Yusei and stole from him, and both our protagonist and we as the audience are being given every reason to not hate him, precisely, but to at the very least want to see him go down. His ego is so massively bloated and the way he constantly goes on about thinking he's a better duellist than Yusei makes you root for his downfall at the Fortune Cup. Considering he's the rival character, I think this is all perfect. I eagerly anticipate Jack getting his butt handed back to him on a silver platter every time, and it works great.

That said, this characterisation would get a little stale if they'd tried to run with it the whole show, I think, which is why I'm glad they didn't. However, that doesn't mean I don't have my gripes with where they went with Jack. This is obviously my personal opinion and no one's pressured to agree with me, and I speak from a standpoint of nothing but love for this show because I just adore it with all its quirks, crazy bits, and, occasionally, dropped plot threads. The only reason I even feel such an urge to post about this in the first place is because I love this show to pieces, which is why I like to turn the bits that didn't work for me over in my mind, allowing me to imagine where things could have gone instead. Jack is, for the most part, a good character who has a good spot in the narrative, but I do feel that he looses a few things from the third season onward that previously made him extra compelling in the first and second season. But I'm not here to talk about season three and cyborg shenanigans just yet.

Instead, let's talk about the dark signers arc. Because this arc gives us such an interesting perspective on Jack. He starts the whole season out by suffering his greatest defeat at the hands of Yusei, in public, before a crowd that was as good as convinced he'd win—as convinced as he himself was. And it's an intriguing spot for him because he's been standing on this pedestal the entire time, and then Yusei just comes in and knocks it right out from under his feet. Jack may not be an overly emotional character, but he is, indubitably, at his lowest point after he loses in the Fortune Cup.

Enter Carly, who couldn't be much more different from Jack if she actively tried. (Although they do share some very interesting core aspects.) She provides us with an immediate, stark contrast to Jack that shines a light on both their most prominent character traits by letting them bounce off one another. Jack's stoic and cold, Carly's bubbly and energetic. Jack's proud and self-assured, Carly's a bit awkward and stumbles occasionally. However, both of them are driven and stubborn. They both want to prove themselves, you could even argue that they share the same goal: Make more of their lives. Except, Jack technically achieved that goal and now plummeted back down, whereas Carly's still chasing it.

What interests me even more, though, is how Jack acts around Carly, because I think if you showed someone only Fortune Cup Jack and then told this person that the same character would later fall in love with an awkward reporter girl who's constantly on the brink of getting fired and uses her deck mainly for fortune-telling, they would not be very inclined to believe you. Sure, he's still standoffish and proud, but the fact alone that he immediately tolerates Carly's presence, to the point of duelling together with her without much issue? Fortune Cup Jack would never.

Carly has such a profound impact on Jack as a person, it's extremely compelling to watch every time. At this low point where he is after Yusei defeats him, she catches him and gives him a new perspective that allows him to finally see himself as something other than King of turbo duels, and not only that, she also softly takes him down a peg and gets him to see that his belief that every person has to stand for themselves, that bonds to other people are useless and only a hindrance, was wrong, that no man is an island. I really wanna highlight this because in a show where this exact message is the main philosophy of Yusei, the protagonist, one might have expected him to teach Jack that. But he doesn't. Carly does. Jack even confirms as much himself.

And what makes this hit even harder is that he doesn't simply tell this to Carly herself, he reaffirms it in the duel against Goodwin, too, knowing well that the man himself, Yusei, and Crow can hear. I have to put this exchange here because it drives me insane:

The thing is, if this were Fortune Cup Jack, Goodwin would be right on the money here. But no-longer-King Jack? Post-Carly Jack?

(Can I also say that my brain starts short-circuiting every time I hear Jack literally confirm, with his own damned words, that he loved Carly? Because he did!!! That's canon!!!!!)

People (and those people absolutely include me) often talk about how much of a disservice cutting her out of the story later did to Carly, but you know what? As far as I'm concerned, it also did a disservice to Jack. Here, at the end of the DS arc, we have Jack with a nice bit of character development, with a lesson learned, setting out for a new path in life. And then what do they do for the pre-WRGP and WRGP arc? Basically reset his arc two thirds of the way and pretend he has to learn this exact thing again. Sure, he lives together with Yusei and Crow later, meaning he at least tolerates the whole "bonds" thing, but in comparison to the Jack up here, it feels a bit... off. Not to speak of the later episodes where they act like Jack has to relearn how to do teamwork from scratch for the WRGP, even though he is shown right in this final dark signer duel, playing perfectly on the same wavelength with his foster brothers. (Though the fake Jack episode is still good on its own, don't get me wrong; it's just questionable whether they really needed to make Jack learn the same lesson twice instead of giving him a different focus later.) Not to speak of the fact that turning Carly into a glorified cardboard cutout later essentially cuts him off from any further, interesting interactions with her that could dig into the deeper aspects of the character. Because whether you ship these two or not, I don't think anyone can deny that Carly shone a light on Jack's character that no other person in canon managed to. So I will forever lament how Carly was axed post DS arc, but honestly, Jack also suffered from the sudden change in Carly's writing.

I like to imagine all the scenarios we could have gotten if they'd decided to follow through with this character development for Jack, or, hell, if they'd simply decided to properly work through everything that happened between Carly and Jack. We could have gotten Jack really coming to terms with what it means to tread the new path he chose for himself. We could have gotten him maybe not apologise (I don't think he's the kind of guy to apologise, lmao), but at the very least talk to Yusei and maybe Crow about his betrayal. And I mean, Kiryu got to remember being a dark signer later, so why didn't Carly? There was so much untapped potential for dear, sweet Carly coming to terms with her violent actions while being guided by Aslla Piscu there, and Jack could have been central to that, in a sort of returning-the-favour way. Or, if they had to push him back almost to square one, they could have made that a plot point. Have Carly remark on his strange demeanour. Have them bounce off each other again, figuring out where they stand with each other and with themselves.

It just feels like there was a lot of character writing there that could have been great but was never even considered. And in the end, this hinders both Jack's and Carly's journey.

As far as their previous dynamic and dark signer duel is concerned, though? That is Jack at his absolute best for me.

[ewingstan]

6.8 felt like a big point in the story for me. So it seems like a good point to update my overall impressions on Breakthrough:

I think Victoria is a strong protagonist. That said, Wildbow's strength is character arcs focusing on the protagonists slowly but surely deciding to sacrifice their selfhood in order to make the bastards pay. Victoria already lost her selfhood and got it back, and while its probably too early to really get a sense of it, I don't have any clear expectations of what her arc could be.

Rain has had some of the best writing I've seen from Wildbow and his story has been incredibly engaging. But I don't think I understand Victoria's leap to "he's taken big steps towards becoming a hero" stance. He defended himself against a bunch of people who were trying to kill him. Mama Mathers was gonna send people after him, his clustermates were out for blood, he didn't have a safe group anymore except for Breakthrough (who wanted to fight the guys trying to kill him) and March. Obviously he was gonna help fight, it was his best and only chance to save himself. We haven't really seen him have a chance to do something truly heroic for someone else yet. We probably shouldn't; as much as I like Rain, a recovering Christian Identity member really shouldn't be given a position as a cop.

I'm more excited to see where Kenzie goes than any other character right now (I know her ending isn't great, but we can have good times until then right?) She has the most interesting relationships with every other character and has such an unusual perspective on everything that she consistently elevates any scene she's in.

I know we're still early in but it weirds me out how we still know so little about Chris. He's got an interesting if seemingly hard-to-narrativize powerset, he has a lot of active threads out, and he's gotten my favorite line so far:

(yeah i know its corny. It's still extremely my shit). But we still know pretty much nothing about him besides 1) gets along well with Kenzie and 2) is weirdly eager to throw himself into battle. We knew more about Alec even by this point in Worm. What's this guy's deal?

(I know some of this guy's deal. I don't yet know how we get from here to what I know about this guy's deal).

I feel like Tristan and Byron have been waylaid by the plot for the last few chapters, but I want to get more of them, which I'll take as a good sign.

Ashley is usually the most entertaining character in any scene. Her whole deal is catnip to me. I still think her wanting to go to prison is bullshit.

Sveta is a very fun and engaging character who is clearly meant to be overly naive, but at the same time I feel like the text ends up justifying her opinions too often. The paragon do-gooder voice shouldn't be right too often in a parahumans book, it ends up with too many thematic contradictions between it and Worm. Yeah, her being the moral voice does give her a chance to come out and plainly say the underlying thesis of the work:

But there's still weird issues. The big one for me is still the "Ashley and Rain should turn themselves in" being treated mostly as true; Sveta is treated as naiive for this, but only for believing the justice system is complete enough to process them, not for the belief that "serving time" is a necessary part of cleansing oneself of sin. I mean, Amy going to the birdcage was depicted as useless self-flagellation and running away from responsibility! Taylor doing jailtime was a game she had to go along with to flimsily justify her inclusion on the Wards! Wildbow obviously has put active thought into the theoretical and practical shortcomings of the justice system beforehand, why is it suddenly being sanctified? I'd chalk it down to just being Victoria and Sveta's perspective, but literally nothing is pushing back on it besides Kenzie and Ashley is going out of her way and characterization to agree with it. And I know I'm not gonna get a satisfying answer to this because its one of the things that people bring up as an archetypal problem with Ward, but at the same time I can't just accept "fuck you its ward" as a satisfying explanation! I need answers John! What were you doing with this!

[markiafc]

so it’s been on my mind since u mentioned having hopes for where the spn plot goes, if you haven’t posted them already i would loveee love to hear your thoughts 👀

i've tried answering this off-and-on, then got really busy, then forgot what i was thinking of when i left that comment about possible ends for sammy winchester. i said it when i was watching s2, you sent me this ask when i was watching s3, and i'm answering it now while over halfway into s4.

the bottom line is exactly like what the show is foreshadowing: all the psychic stuff and/or demon blood stuff is only going to escalate, and inevitably, reach a destructive peak wherein sam is no longer himself. he's going to hurt people. or maybe that doesn't happen, but the dark power feels so overwhelming and painful it scars him deeply. forever.

it's primarily because i was so taken by s1e9 home, when sammy first starts having intense and violent visions about his childhood home + s1e14 nightmare where sam connects with the other psychic boy who was abused by his father and uncle. and the sinister nature and origin of their powers starts to really take shape.

at the time, i didn't have all the details i have now - the sordid history between yellow-eyes and the winchester family and the demon blood feeding. i just love the narrative thread where...... there's a really scary, bad, and evil force/agent out there. you've been hurt by it, likely when you were very young. and now you're older, that dark touch manifests as the preternatural.

summer sons' andrew blur, who is a very important person to me, can fall under this umbrella pretty nicely. sammy's blood-feeding reveal.... that was huge for me, it validated the comparisons i made in my head between s1 sammy and andrew. andrew's ghost shit, his ambiguously ominous powers, his connection with the gothic-but-real. (spoilers..?) it stems from him being 12 and forcefully fed human blood. it inducts him into the blood owner's cursed family. the way that metaphor was in summer sons, i connect to spn and sammy. it's not a one-to-one of course, one story just enriches the other and my readings of both.

the other part of this is that sammy winchester is... also like star wars' anakin skywalker. ruby makes a similar reference in s4e9, "sam going dark side", was super exciting for me because it's how i've understood his arc too! he's framed as the evil brother, dean the good brother a la anakin, obi-wan, etc.

and, i mean. anakin's moral character deteriorates, he is increasingly accosted by horrific visions, he's so isolated and pained, he seeks the guidance of the devil. and then vaders out. andrew ultimately secures a better ending for himself, but the road is rough. similar deal, fucked up powers, violent visions and dreams that wound his psyche and his body. he gives in more and more to that dark feeling inside him, can't stop tapping into that power. in another world, one that i think about a lot, it leads to andrew committing suicide. that's the trajectory of it i think, his awful spiral. but his intervention arrives and things change.

i don't know how sam's arc is going to wrap up at the end of s5. but i know more or less the themes, the feelings involved with his narrative because i've been here before. so far i'm getting what i want - sammy playing peekaboo with his demon blood & associated qualities. back and forth with ruby, arguing with dean about it. the visual of sweat + migraines + nosebleeds. the sick and twisted pleasure it gives him to perform these little mind tricks.

i hope it blows up in his face. i hope it wrecks him completely, maybe even beyond repair. i hope sam becomes the biggest, baddest fucker in demon town to a brother who's been to hell. and they argue at each other about it a ton. everyone knows something very bad is waiting to happen to sammy winchester, and i sure hope it does......!!!!!

[billpottsismygf]

The Church on Ruby Road (spoilers)

Oh my god! I absolutely loved that! Ncuti Gatwa is phenomenal. He's got so much presence right from the start, and there were some lovely little Doctor-ish quirks that he got across very nicely. I particularly liked his disdain for the Goblins' supposed time travel, him loving the name Lulubelle and the way he rattled off his police interview answers (though the bit about the proposal was perhaps a little too Sherlock). On a sadder note, his 'maybe I'm the bad luck' line was also delivered really well.

Ruby Sunday is pretty cool too, though I'm not quite as sold on her yet. Millie Gibson's performance felt just a trifle stilted to me, but I hope that goes away as she relaxes into the role. I loved her family, especially her gran. It's so nice to have a wider companion family like this again. We got it a bit with Yaz (and sort of Ryan and Graham), but I hope we get to see a bit more of this lot!

I wasn't sure what I was going to think of the Goblins, but I really like the alternative physics time travel thing they have going on with the language of luck. The Doctor's line about learning the vocabulary of rope was great; some real 'resonating concrete' vibes. But yes, the Goblins were fun and interesting. I don't know if they'll become anything particularly iconic, but not every villain needs to be.

The musical number was enormous fun. Obviously the first part was released ahead of time, but the Doctor and Ruby launching into a second part was unexpected and fantastic. Ncuti has a damn good voice. There have been questions about whether a musical episode of the show could work before, and I'm definitely here for it if there's ever a plan to give us more than just one song! Ruby's own ability to sing (improvisationally!) was also quite nicely set up with her being in a band.

Perhaps the best part of the episode was when Ruby was taken out of time. Her mum being a far more jaded and unhappy person, with even the lighting getting dimmer, was incredibly effective. Her declaring she was happy alone with tears in her eyes, the Doctor also crying, really got me. Ncuti's performance throughout that as well gave me a lot of faith in what's to come (not that I needed any, given what I've seen of him in Sex Education). (That 'then why are you crying' also had more than a hint of Amy crying for Rory.)

I have to mention the timeless child stuff. As with what he did with the flux in Wild Blue Yonder, I'm over the moon that RTD is taking things from the last era and actually doing stuff with it. I know there will be people angry about it because they expected him to retcon the whole thing, but I far prefer this approach. Granted, I never minded the timeless child stuff that much (unlike the flux), but it was really effective having the Doctor actually bring up the fact that he doesn't know where he's from. I wonder if RTD is planning to do anything more with it, or if it will just be used as character and relationship building material.

Smaller stuff:

We got another mavity mention, so is this just here to stay or is it part of a longer arc?

The way the gloves work didn't make sense to me. The way the Doctor explained them was as if the weight just shifted to the glove (which makes sense for making balancing and gripping easier), but if that's the case where does the extra weight come from when pulling the rope down? Oh well, I'll just imagine they're magic weight deletion/creation devices and move on with my life.

That spike through the Goblin King at the end was brutal! I'm surprised they were allowed to show it. No blood or anything, I suppose, but still!

Ruby's mother (we presume) was somehow still walking away after the Doctor's whole escapade with the Goblins. Bad directing (I might have bought it if she were much further away on a long road) or an indication of more at play? Either way, presumably this isn't the last of that plot thread!

What the hell is going on with Mrs Flood? When she was watching the Doctor towards the end, I thought it was pretty strange, and then in the mid-credits sequence I started to wonder if she was something more than she seemed. Then came the look to camera and her line about TARDISes… Technically, this could be a weird little moment a la Feast of Steven, but it seems more likely something else is at play. The Toymaker could bend the rules of reality, so perhaps she could be part of the legions he mentioned, able to break the fourth wall at will. We shall see, I suppose!

[draconicfool]

A Splash of Red Amid the Snow: Plot Relevance

So before we get into this I'm going to preface that this is sort of going to canonize how I have Eros refer to characters in threads that don't involve them, such as the Express Crew, Natasha, the Overworld characters, and Sampo. I am not ever going to make other people adhere to these and we can build our own sort of 'first meetings' and what not. The only person who's interpretation of a character is actively being factored into here is @dreamscapesalesstore's interpretation of Sampo just because we've more or less discussed these losers at length, making Doc a sort of main/affiliate here oop

It's important to note that Eros' understanding of events come first and foremost from Sampo, given the two are the only Masked Fools on Jarilo-VI, it helps to keep each other informed, after all. When Sampo disappears from the original altercation with the Silvermane Guards on the Snow Plains, it's down to the Bahre Family Clinic that he goes. There's a need to get a 'check up' with those water works he likes to play. Using it as an excuse to apprise one of the two resident doctors on their new visitors. Even if Eros' response is that such things are 'going to cause a real mess.'

For awhile Eros is more like a lingering figure within the story rather than an actual character you interact with. The first time he's seen would be outside Natasha's clinic, talking with a few of the miners. Somebody you could more or less miss, but can interact with all the same, mostly since this appearance is during the hide and seek game with the Moles. If interacted with, he merely gives a laugh and tells the trailblazers "C'n't say that I have. They're real slippery ones, those Moles~." And then he's gone by the time the next cutscene is done.

With a minor change in the approach to finding Sampo once he's in the Underworld, one can find him with Eros before the cutscene where he takes you to find Seele and Bronya. Prior to them both realizing they have onlookers, the crew can hear the two arguing. Or more so, Eros scolding Sampo. The conversation has Sampo more or less just doing the puppy dog hand wringing while the doctor chews him out. "Why didn't y'call me? Y'have a phone y'know! Y'text me whenever y'get m'shipments in! Y'could've said more th'n jus' 'oh there are some strangers on th'planet'! But noooo instead y'drag these four down here and Nat and I are gonna have t'clean up th' mess--!" His attention turns to the Express Crew and he tries and fails to give them a reassuring smile. "Looks like y'have company, Koski. Stop by th' clinic when y'er done. We ain't finished speakin' jus' yet." Which then in turn transitions to the usual cutscene.

The next time that we see Eros is in going to Svarog's with Sampo. It's important to note that the pair at least seems to be on friendlier terms than when last they were seen. Though when asked about why he's joined- and who he even is- the response is thus. "Well, someone's gotta keep an eye and make sure y'all don't end up hurtin' if somethin' goes wrong. Might as well be th' only other doctor in Boulder Town." To which there is a resounding response from Sampo of "See~? The doc just loves me sooo much he'd never leave me hanging!" After there is a momentary black screen and a 'Yeowch!' from the con-man. "'m not gonna tell Oleg 'no' when he asks me t' help. There's enough goin' on 'round here without bigger disasters comin' b'cause y'all didn't have a a capable medical on hand."

When arriving at the Robot Settlement, Eros will make mention that he's got a 'different kind' of certification, but he unfortunately can't use it to help them get in. Due to setting up a make-shift clinic in the Settlement that he frequents from time to time, he can more or less come and go as he pleases to see Svarog and Clara. Mostly because he runs check ups on the young girl when he can, and keeping the Boss apprised of the health of both her and any of the Scavengers is rather important. Though, seeing as its always been just him, he can't exactly bring in other people, let alone outsiders.

When Sampo disappears to go and find Natasha, Eros does not go with him, but confronts Svarog with the others. Before the battle ensues he simply whispers a "'m sorry sweet pea" to Clara before the combat.

After this, Eros is not seen again until before going to the Overworld. This is my own personal little 'push this in here cuz I need there to be more reason for him to exist' really. Sampo makes mention that 'before going to the Overworld, we should really see the doc. I bet he has all sorts of things he'd like if I picked up' which would thusly introduce the Bahre Family Clinic as a place that can be gone to similarly to Natasha's. It is, more or less, a little detour since Sampo doesn't join the Trailblazers inside and would be found back where he was with Oleg prior. Upon entering, the conversation will prompt with: Sampo said we should see if you needed anything. "Typical of him t' have someone else come in and talk t' me about it...that idiot, I swear." > Well you do seem like you're upset with him "I wouldn't be so upset if that man learned t' actually send a text! Honestly, standin' a guy up...tha's jus' plain rude..." > Standing up..? "Tha's- neither here nor there! Jus' tell im t' bring me good news!"

After this, he can of course be interacted with once more which would prompt a 'Did y'need somethin' else, sugar?' and a '> I wanted to ask you a few things, actually.' Which lead into various different prompts and things that can be asked. > Tell me about Sampo Koski "Tch, y'wanna hear about him? He's a pain in th' neck if ever there was one! Always comin' t' me cryin' over somethin'. Oh, doc, I got shot by one of th' guards t'day. Oh, doc, 'm comin' down with th' sniffles. Oh, doc, I scraped m'knee runnin' from Wildfire!" He groans audibly. And then, there's a soft sigh. "He's a good guy, helpful. Jus' knows how t' push all th' wrong buttons." > Tell me about Natasha "Nat's good people. Plenty of people ask if 'm upset she set up a clinic when she moved t' Boulder Town, but I say th' more th' better, y'know? M'Daddy used t' say that many hands make light work." He laughs at this. "So, needless t' say th' other doctor who happens t' lead wildfire? She's a good friend." > Tell me about yourself "Me? Shucks, there ain't really much t' tell there. 'm jus' y'er local doctor. Lived here all m'life jus' me and Daddy. Took over th' family business, y'know. Nothin' special at all."

When returning to Sampo to ask questions, there is of course, a 'Tell me about Eros' option "Y'know you could have asked the doc himself if you wanted to know more about him. Unless you want the dirt, in that case... It'll cost you." With his stupid hand rubbing animation. "Just kidding! I don't need to get on the bad side of one of the only two doctors in the Underworld. For such a little guy, he sure packs a punch..." Pathetic little whiny sigh- [this is courtesy of Doc so ty Doc <3]

After all is said and done, Eros can be checked in on before going to see Natasha for the re-opening. He'll be found in the clinic as he was the last time you spoke, though there will be miner NPCs due to everything that's been going on. Prompting a conversation will give you this: "Y'all really did it! Oh, I thought Koski was lyin' through his teeth! Oh, this s'amazin'! I really c'n't believe that we're gonna be able t' see th' surface again." He puts a hand over his heart, looking back at one of the framed pictures over his fireplace. "D'ya hear that, Daddy? S'finally happenin'. Oh, what I wouldn't give if y'could see it." And then he turns back towards the Trailblazer. "Tell Nat I'll see y'all at the 'celebration.' However much that ends up bein'."

He can be seen after Bronya's speech with Pela and the kids, but doesn't partake much in the conversation. He is, of course, pleased as ever to get in a picture. He says that it 'shows how much he's grown.'

And given that I've gone into his Companion Mission and his relevance as it relates to Jolted Awake From a Winter's Dream, that's really all that I can put in as of right now. There'll be more if we/when we go back to Jarilo-VI and I do want to sort of think of a 'canon reveal' to him being a Masked Fool as we've gotten for Sampo and Sparkle but I think that would come later than the first encounter with him- despite the fact his join team lines sort of give that away.

Thank you for reading my insane ramblings of 'Rat's favorite time: inserting my oc into canon shit' <3

[venus-is-thinking]

Disventure Camp All Stars Power Ranking (Round 14 - Venus)

Recap: Gabby's Elimination (1/8 pts)

(Total: 9/17 points acquired)

"Anyways, here's my best shot! I fully expect this to be my worst week this season! 1: Gabby"

photos taken seconds before disaster

Okay, in my defense, there was no vote out! I actually initially had Gabby and Grett at 4 and 5 instead of 1 and 2, but I moved them to the top after writing out my logic because I thought it was so impossible for them to be voted out at the current moment. But, surprise, no vote out! So now I lose. Very sad.

(I am losing so hard to @accirax please save me)

The good news is, it only goes up from here! 1/8 is the absolute worst I can do this season from this point on! It's only going up from here, baby!

In all seriousness, I do feel a lot better about power rankings moving forwards, because we actually have plot threads that can lead to eliminations. My guess is that the devs kinda fucked up and left themselves without good grounds for an elimination, so they bought themselves time with the weird twist. Oh well.

Into the rankings!

1: Grett

Haha... surely nothing will... go wrong...

Okay but seriously, if they double elim Grett and Gabby back to back, with Gabby's being kinda BS (and likely being part of why people would eliminate Grett), I'm gonna be, like, mad-mad. Besides, it'd be EXTREMELY fucked up to have Grett finally realize she has a friend in Gabby, have Gabby get eliminated just because, have her say she's finally feeling like herself again in the trailer, and then eliminate her immediately, probably as a stray fire because she's kind of between alliances and has no allies. Like... please don't.

I am choosing to believe that Gabby and Yul were eliminated back to back so that Grett can learn to play entirely for herself and start healing! Be yourself! Maybe be a little villainous again, for fun! Become the finalist we all know you can be!

(Please. I am begging.)

2: Riya

I think Riya's cooking SOMETHING up that goes beyond this episode.

Namely, her alliance with Ally. I think that this episode is where we're going to see that have some plot relevance. I don't really see how that backfires on Riya immediately, unless the plot is just going in the direction of "Ally says no and Riya pays the price for scheming." That's pretty boring, though, and it doesn't leave you many options other than a total decimation of the remaining villains.

I think it's time for Riya to get some payoff! I feel like most of the stuff she's done this season (other than be part of the villains alliance as a second in command to Alec) hasn't gone very far, so I'm excited for her to start having seeds she planted bear fruit.

3: Jake

For the record, I do think Jake is becoming mortal. He's been making enough forward progress that his arc could feel satisfying if it got cut off here. He and Aiden are fully on good terms, and he's pushing Connor to take initiative in figuring things out in his relationship with Riya. That's a sign of major growth.

The major unresolved thread he currently has is with Ally. Given that I think this episode will show Ally flipping on the other heroes, I think Jake could be in danger if she decides she wants to get rid of Jake. It could be some kind of message to Jake about understanding that even if he changes, his past actions have consequences.

Except, I don't super feel like that's the message they're trying to send with Jake? I feel like Jake is going to come out of this decently triumphant, showing that if you really give it your all to change, you'll be rewarded. I'm obviously biased as someone who believes Jake is going to win this season, but I do believe that for a concrete reason.

Either way, I think Jake is still one of the unlikelier boots this episode. The only real reason I can think of to kick him specifically is to make Ally happy, but I feel like if Ally flips, she'd be open to voting any of the other heroes. Even if she has a greater personal distaste for Jake, she literally told us last episode that she doesn't feel like she has particular allegiance to any of the heroes. So, Jake might continue on his winner trajectory, even if Ally flips.

4: Ally

I think Ally getting booted is a definite possibility. Every once in a while, alliances will decide to just cancel a perceived swing voter and move forward on their own.

However, the biggest issue with this is that I don't think anyone in the heroes' alliance currently expects Ally to flip. I don't really get why they'd target her when it seems like they think they have the majority.

The main way I see Ally getting booted is if she makes it REALLY obvious she intends to flip, but Grett "flips" too, making it Ally/Alec/Riya vs. Jake/Aiden/Connor/Grett. Still, I don't know that you target Ally in that situation as opposed to Alec or Riya. Presumably, at least one of the two should be not-immune.

I don't really see Ally going down here, though, because I feel like she's kicking off a new part of her arc. She's been obsessed with how people see her, to the extent that she's been sticking with the "heroes" alliance just so she can have the title of "hero" rub off on her. If she's finally starting to do things for herself instead, like she said last episode, that may mean she's playing to win, including by siding with the villains so that she's higher in the pecking order of her own alliance. Especially considering no one should WANT to take Alec to the end with them, Ally would hypothetically be Riya's late game #1, which is a major shift for her.

So, basically, I don't really think Ally is going home. She's just got too much potential left to explore.

5: Alec

For the record, I'm still a major "Alec has more episodes left in him" truther. I don't think he's going to get eliminated here. I just really think it's gonna be one of the last two people on the list. Pray for me.

But, y'know, all the usual stuff. Alec is a major threat strategically and in challenges, his alliance is in the decided minority at this point, a lot of people would be willing to vote for him, etc. etc.

I don't personally see a lot of reason to boot him this episode specifically (he wasn't especially featured in the trailer and he was kinda quiet last episode too), and I think Alec has been a major enough player this season that they kinda HAVE to give him a proper elimination rather than the players going "oh guess it's time to get rid of Alec." That's just me, though.

6: Aiden

I've BEEN putting Aiden towards the bottom of my power rankings for a while, and I don't intend to stop now. He's still, in my opinion, the more expendable counterpart to Jake this season, and as the numbers thin out, the likelihood we keep both of them for much longer feels low.

Aiden has already been a finalist. He's had a lot less of a character arc, considering he already got so much focus in Season 2. He's the last cyan left; not sure if that's good or bad for him, but it does mean that a lot of the relationships he had prior to Jake this season have been eliminated. It would make enough sense to get rid of him here, and I think it'd feel justified enough.

Riya has been beefing with him all season, which is enough to make him some level of target to her. He's also close enough to Jake that, if Jake wins immunity or something, I could see him being Ally's top pick, too.

It just makes sense as an option to me, so here we are.

7: Connor

I don't know about everyone else, but Connor's speech at the end of last episode was raising MAJOR death flags for me and Accirax. Connor is finally getting that focus I've been waiting for. That means he's mortal!

Connor is still dealing with the consequences of having been the villains' target for a pretty long time. If Ally's flipping means that the villains get to take their shot at whichever hero, it would stand to reason that they'd pick the guy they've been picking for every vote since he reentered the game.

Plus, if Connor gets more focus this episode, I could see him going out here. It's possible he's got more character to arc, but I think a satisfying case could be made for him leaving the game because Riya targeted him and accepting that if he's not comfortable with Riya being someone who acts like a villain to the cameras, no matter how nice she is offscreen, that it might be best to get some space. After all, he joined the game to get her to "come crawling back" or whatever it is Jake said last episode. Maybe that means it's best if he taps out of the game and does some serious soul searching before talking to Riya again (possibly in the losers' motel episode).

I could see Connor going farther, but at the same time, I don't really think they'd want to make him a finalist (or at least a winner) considering he was eliminated. Sure, Survivor did it in Edge of Extinction, but that wasn't scripted, and the audience wasn't very happy about it. If the writers had the option not to let the fifth boot win the season or get super far, I think it's the more satisfying option.

[readingaway]

Danielle Babbles About Books - Elantris by Brandon Sanderson

What made you want to read this book? - After reading the first couple Mistborn books, I decided that I wanted to actually crawl through the cosmere after years of resistance, and followed a reading order list by someone I follow. So I finished the first Mistborn trilogy and then read this and was blown away.

What elements stood out to you most? - In many ways this is such an atypical plot for high fantasy. Taken all in, it's not that atypical but it is a much, for lack of a better word, quieter plot. Even then it was compelling and made me think and I really enjoyed the characters.

Some other thoughts - So religion and Utah authors... with any author who was or is very religious or came out of a religious background it not only can't be avoided, but ends up woven into anything. (A recent interview with Shannon Hale in the SL Tribune goes into this a bit.) And I'm not talking about subliminal messaging or anything since the main conflict in this book is a religious one. I could probably get into a deeper analysis on this book, and I'm sure that there's been an essay submitted at BYU (possibly in one of Branderson's creative writing classes) about this or any of Branderson's books and mormon doctrine. What I see most is how clearly Branderson is interested in religion: what do different groups believe in terms of numbers of gods, types of gods, types of godly powers, purpose of gods, limits of gods, various religious practices and rituals. I don't necessarily like some of the choices he makes ex the gender roles and "safe hand" thing in the Stormlight Archive could be "ah look gender divides are silly so here's a world where they're different from ours" while these gender roles still are almost the same as in real life western culture, only with some extra strictures (the difference in food) and then there's the whole "safe hand" thing again. But that's a different series in the cosmere.

Now on a different thread in the same fabric, the Branderson and religion thing does highlight something in the fantasy genre. It's pretty common for authors creating fantasy worlds to invent some religions for their characters, and I know I've seen it talked about once or twice that these religions are typically half-baked, clearly just Catholicism with maybe some extra gods or different gendered gods and the characters almost never interact with that religion. (*pause to look at GRRM.*) And for all I know this may be how people from some religious denominations actually live their lives. (Protestants? Some protestants? I know a lot of evangelical sects are intense.) You sorta believe in god but it doesn't take up much of your day (Or maybe it has to do with what is dominant in the culture. The religion that the majority are technically a part of is normal and just sort of set dressing and nobody really thinks about it.) And characters who are devoted to their faith or whose faith requires a lot from them, like in real life, in terms of rituals or sacrifices (like dietary restrictions/ codes, daily prayers, a day of worship that doesn't coincide with the majority's day of worship, etc) are portrayed as being strange and limited, or unhappy, or a villain. So in that respect I appreciate this aspect of the cosmere where religion and these supernatural powers play such a huge role.

[bloodgulchblog]

googling suggests that Brian Reed was the lead writer for Halo 4... what specifically about the story of H4 makes him the villain? It's been a year or so since I've played h4 so the details beyond the broad strokes have been forgotten.

that said i will agree he's the villain for halo 5 that story is Not Great TM

(i just like hearing your opinions on stuff and am totally not trying to mine ideas for what might be changed in a post halo-3 rewrite because i do love the covenant civil war aspects of 4. or the implications that there has to have been one because conflict drives narratives)

Thanks.

Full disclosure, I really don't know what was going on behind the scenes on Halo 4 or 5 and the most I can do is offer rampant speculation, usually based on my biases and very little evidence.

My impressions are these:

Halo has always always had trouble on story, mostly around having strong leadership and a definite idea of where everything is going. There are too many stakeholders with ideas and teams have struggled to get to unified ideas and then to have enough time to implement what they finalize. This was true during Bungie days and definitely feels like it's been true during 343. (I'm more confident on what I say about 1-3 because I actually have a book with a lot of old interview details that speaks to that.)

They'll build up a lot of interesting stuff around the games, even though my opinions on the quality of that stuff vary widely. I had problems with Halo 4, but the stuff that was coming out around 4 where you had multiple stories interweaving touching each others' threads... that was interesting! That was neat! And they got Greg Bear to write three whole novels for us!!! Fuck Karen Traviss, but like... dude!!!!

...And then the campaign was just. What we got. Don't get me wrong, there are things in Halo 4's campaign that are cool and interesting, but like... there will always remain a part of me that is still pissed that they killed Cortana.

Full stop.

I accept new Halo lore as it comes to me and try to do my best to take my lumps and integrate even things that I don't like, but I am still mad that they killed Cortana in the first place and have never really stopped being that.

....Anyway. I'm getting sidetracked.

Aside from CE, which was intended to be self-contained and thus is pretty straightforward and ends with a clear conclusion, Halo game plots have never really been necessarily good. That is just the nature of the beast. Halo 2 ends on a massive cliffhanger because they literally could not finish putting the whole story they wanted to in that game. Halo 3 is a mess because everyone was so violently burned out from Halo 2 that the leadership problem was even worse.

[Suspicious silence re: Reach goes here because I still can't motivate myself to replay Reach]

Halo 4 falls very flat for me with some things that were good and mostly other things that I had to make my peace with and come to be okay with. I will grouse about things, but we've Halo cycled our way around to a lot of people (including me) acknowledging that not everything about Halo 4 was horrible.

(I guess my big things that piss me off about it are: Cortana, as discussed, wasting the Didact, and the weird fucking pivot on Catherine Halsey's character.)

Anyway, Brian Reed. My comment there was kind of a flippant attempt to respond to something I wasn't sure how to feel about, but here's what I got:

Reed wasn't actually the lead writer on 4, that was Christopher Schlerf. I don't know much about either of these people! But after Schlerf left, Reed was the lead writer on 5 and did a lot of work on the comics (that I still haven't read because blah blah blah my usual excuses.)

It's hard for me to pick out what exactly I think his fingerprints are in different parts of Halo, because I don't know the guy or his work particularly well. I'm better at identifying what I think (no guarantees I'm right) was Staten back in early Halo because I've seen enough solo work from him to kind of know what I think he liked, and I've seen enough of Frank O'Connor talking about stuff in interviews to (rightly or wrongly) blame a couple specific Chief things I hate on him, but I don't have that with Reed.

However, I have read Reed's short story in the Fractures anthology. Opinions may vary on this, nobody's gotta agree with me, but I really had to pause with myself after reading Rossbach's World because... it was thoughtful?

So looking at Reed, who had to take over for another lead writer and try to come up with a following act for Halo 4... I still hate Halo 5. A lot. But like, I get it. Of course it feels like a weird pivot hail Mary to find something to focus on, because it was.

I think it was stupid and I hated it, but I do have some sympathy for the pressure on the person who ended up taking the fall for it. Anything where you are working for a highly opinionated nerd audience with tons of pressure is going to be very difficult.

I feel like they should've borne out the Forerunner story threads instead of pivoting to the Created, and maybe gotten to those ideas after the plate was clear. I also think Cortana deserved to live. (If you want to see what inspired some of my thoughts about that, you should look into Bungie's previous series: Marathon. But it has been too long since I personally dug around in Marathon for me to be terribly helpful about it anymore.)

...But I also think that Reed is just a dude who had a job and produced a story I really don't like. I've heard he's been pretty much harassed off the face of the internet? And like... nothing is worth that, man.

People with more insight and background details about what was going on actively might have more information than I do and better reasons to hate him, but I was really really checked out of Halo for the better part of a decade and I'm honestly pretty soft when it comes down to it.