#i'm on s4e11 now

[cinematicnomad]

i've been doing a deep cleaning of my apt today while watching mad men s4 so this has been a pretty successful day tbh.

[aromacaque]

Quick S5 Analysis and Theory

I AM GOING TO RAMBLE ANALYSIS BECAUSE THEY ARE DRIVING ME CRAZY

I cannot stop thinking about the way Wukong reacts to Macaque when he goes "oh no 'gee thanks for saving me macaque!...'" cause if this were before the S5E2, he would have snapped back at him, like he always does.

We know Macaque does this solely to rile Wukong up. It's how we're introduced to his character in S1E9 and he does it throughout the series. This is why he did it here too (or at least partially), BUT WUKONG DOESN'T TAKE THE BAIT THIS TIME.

While he's obviously still reeling from seeing the memory of their fight he was forced to watch,

you can still see that, for a split second, Wukong almost does snap back, but he instantly rethinks that and decides to be passive

Macaque, again, pokes at him trying to get a reaction, but this time Wukong doesn't even think about snapping back. He simply responds casually/lightly (before then realizing that MK is in danger)

This tells us possibly two really important things

Macaque sacrificing himself in S5E2 was a turning point for Wukong's perception of him. An increase in personal trust/faith/etc.

2. Seeing the memory of their fight made him rethink his behavior toward Macaque

For the rest of the season, they don't get a lot of moments because of, well, Everything, but we see Wukong is not only more willing to show concern for his wellbeing, but also seems to be more open/emotionally vulnerable in front of him than before (in little moments, anyway).

Granted that has been building up since S4E11, arguably before that but I'm not going to deep dive analyze season 3. He's being more communicative with Macaque in S5E1 about MK too. In other words, not completely shutting him out or pushing him away, which seems like their natural progression from S4E11 as well.

All of that being said, this brings me to The Scene. Which I am completely normal about because there's so much to unpack about it and I am so normal about that. Evidently.

First of all, they wanted to hold hands during their final moments. MK and Macaque are the two most important people in Wukong's life, I feel like that speaks for itself.

BUT it's Wukong who reaches out here.

This is Wukong's first major attempt to bridge the gap between them, at least in such a direct way. In my opinion, it's almost a wordless forgiveness on top of acknowledging how Macaque has changed and improved himself, as well as his reciprocation of that behavior. He wants to fix their relationship too, just as he has seen Macaque willing to do the same.

This moment being interrupted was actually a good thing. It's a good visual reminder that, despite them both wanting to reconcile, they aren't Quite there yet. There's still a lot left unsaid between these two, most importantly Macaque's death. (I'LL GET TO THAT. HOLD THAT IN YOUR BRAIN)

For macaque, this moment has another important meaning.

AND NOW I GET TO TALK ABOUT ONE OF MY FAVORITE WRITING TOOLS HELLO PARALLELS!!!!

In S2E7 we are introduced to this shot of Wukong on a pedestal over Macaque, turning his back on him and abandoning him. This is firmly established in that episode as one of the main reasons Macaque resents Wukong.

He is also portrayed as above him, subsequently nodding at Macaque feeling inferior to him.

In S4E11, we actually watch how this dynamic destroys their friendship. It is a MAJOR reason for their falling out. Macaque feels neglected, overlooked, ignored. Promises are broken and trust is lost. To him, Wukong is selfish, self-righteous, egotistical, uncaring, etc.

Obviously we as the audience are aware Macaque has a rather skewed perception of Wukong that seems to be influenced by his projection of his own insecurities, but that is a whole other analysis for a different time.

In S5E10, this shot is paralleled. Visually demonstrating that Wukong isn't forgetting about him this time. He looks for him. Macaque is being considered in a way he had previously believed was lacking in their friendship.

Not only that, but they are on level ground. Balanced and equal.

Macaque is reluctant to reach back out. His trust in Wukong is practically non-existent, has been for a while (understandably), so it's a little hard for him, but he reciprocates because, like Wukong, he's acknowledging that he has changed. He wants to try to fix this too.

TO RECAP!

They know they both want to fix things

They can see and have acknowledged changes in their behavior on both sides

Wukong seems to be less prone to arguing back, which will most likely make Macaque less likely to try and provoke him. All in all, they will be more civil with each other and most likely argue much less.

They are being held back by things left unsaid.

WHICH LEADS ME TOO...

WHERE DOES THIS LEAD THEM IN S6?

The obvious is they need to address Macaque's death. If they don't do it in this season it's bad writing and they are dragging it out for too long. It's the obvious natural progression here.

This is where they will have an actual, long overdue constructive conversation. It is literally singlehandedly the only thing preventing them from reconciling at this point.

Now, the problem, is how this would happen. Because we all know neither of them are going to randomly apologize out of nowhere. It's gonna take something to push them into that direction. And that should be how it happens otherwise it'd most likely feel forced in the script.

WHICH BRINGS ME TO A THEORY. A GAME THEO-

I'm not going to get into the nitty-gritty details of this particular theory, but just know that I am a firm believer in the "Macaque was consumed by his own powers and that's what killed him" theory. I do think Wukong played a substantial role in his death, enough for Macaque to reasonably believe Wukong killed him, but ultimately it was less Wukong directly killing him and more indirectly causing it and not saving him.

That being said, Wukong and Macaque's relationship is a major subplot in this show with a considerable amount of focus. They have been slowly building to their inevitable mending relationship since Macaque's first episode, which means that they're going to want to reach that climax in a pivotal emotional moment. Not a random conversation smacked into an episode.

And what is going to be plot-relevant next season??

MACAQUE'S CHAOS POWERS.

S5 built up to Macaque being an established member of the group

(Also the VO here being "change can be terrifying" is absolutely foreshadowing to some degree)

Now, there's also something else I need to address. Macaque has gone out of his way 3 separate times, 4 if you count the LBD fight, to save Wukong. On the other hand, Wukong obviously cares about Macaque, but ultimately hasn't had many opportunities or reasons to try to save him specifically.

With all of those details in mind, I think Wukong will need to take direct action by either saving him/protecting him/etc. because I think it would be a high-stakes moment that inevitably kickstarts an apology/conversation between them. Maybe it's something that reminds Wukong of their fight or that macaque can die (hence the chaos powers potentially harming Macaque in some manner or maybe a potential difficulty controlling them reminds Wukong of their fight, something along these lines).

Why this route?

Macaque has regained Wukong's trust. He basically says as much in S5E2. And while it's fairly obvious with Macaque's behavior and choices that he has learned from his past mistakes and is working on his faults, he definitely needs to acknowledge his wrongdoings. However, I think that would naturally happen during any conversation they may have (or the aftermath) regarding his death and their feelings.

That leaves Wukong because he made a promise to Macaque that they’d spend eternity together and that he would protect him and their home. A promise he broke multiple times and has not made up for yet. He needs to mend that and make it right to solidly regain Macaque's trust in order to reconcile.

[kncrowder88]

I am rewatching House. On S4E11 "Frozen" and I guess I should have listened to those episode better.

So, a near twelve years ago, I managed to slam my toe into this divider on a basketball court. Course, being me, I figured I jammed my toe for the umpteenth millionth time in my life. Whats another stubbed or jammed toe? It will recover after a bit. Meanwhile, it's black and purple and everyone around me is insisting it's broken.

Spoilers, it's broken.

So, I end up being sent to the hospital because I'm stubborn and insisting it doesn't hurt can't be broken. Others gotta step in and pull a "just go" for me. I get x-rays. Sit around, chill about, get told it's broken .... and repeatedly bend my toe insisting it can't be it doesn't hurt.

Now, I say all this because I just spent this whole ep watching this woman go through House trying to figure out what is wrong with her ..... only for her toe to be broken and she immediately pulled a it doesn't even hurt.

Mind you, this episode came out mere years before I broke my toe.

[lasting-through-the-feels]

Christmas Episodes

Usually I'd make a page for this on my tumblr site through the browser for this but this way I can access it through mobile a little easier.

I don't feel like making a whole list now so I'm literally just listing and adding whenever I feel like it

Adventure Time

S3E19&20

S7E14

American Horror Story

S1E12

S2E8

S8E7

S10E6

Amphibia

S3E9

Big City Greens

S2E4

S3E20

Shortsmas (holiday special premiered during S3)

Codename: Kids Next Door

S5E1

Danny Phantom

S2E10

Doctor Who

S7E16

Hailey's On It!

S1E20

How I Met Your Mother

S2E11

S4E11

S6E12

S7E12

S8E10-12

Kim Possible

S2E16

Pose

S1E3

Schitt's Creek

S4E13

The Simpsons

S18E9

S19E9

S22E8

Summer Camp Island

S2E17

[tothelasthoursofmylife]

S4E11: Season 4 is over!!!!!

I should have put out more candles. Whyyyyy. This is so not cute of you, Cloverworks!!!!

Also, my brother sent me this message today pretty much unprompted. And he was right, unfortunately orz

"No McMillan too."

BUT AT LEAST!!!

It's them!! AND THEY SPEAK GERMAN!!!!!

And I think it's perfectly fine?? I could understand it well, and the wording/grammar was perfect. The "hunt is more fun..." bit was the only part I very slightly struggled with but hey, they are in Bavaria. They speak German very differently down there than what I'm used to.

Anyway, I hope this continues, and we get more actually spoken German next season. That would be so much fun. It would also solve the little mystery of my second favourite panel of the entire manga. (Cloverworks can't rob me of that one at least, I hope.) Right now, the panel below is perfectly stupid because "Halt" and "Stop" is "Halt" and "Stopp" in German with virtually no difference in pronunciation.

My little theory is that Wolfram actually said "Stehengeblieben!!" (stand still) or so, even if it's the wordiest choice of them all.

But first, they need to actually announce Season 5 orz. Because they haven't done that yet!!! I fear they're making us wait until Anime Expo or something.

On another note, the girl is dead. Rip, again. But with a glow-up this time.

Also, I'm not sure but doesn't her name on the locket look a bit odd??

The o/a looks a bit mangled (and it's attached to the u very weirdly), like a messed-up little heart.

It did not look like that in BoC btw; the ou looks perfectly normal there.

Cloudia? Claudia? No, Cl♡udia.

I might need to go to sleep. Yes...

[starry-mist]

S4e11 thoughts:

I can appreciate what the episode is trying to do. It's a very obvious homage to James Bond. I just feel like it tries too hard.

We have Bond (Charlie), Bond Girl (Trina), Moneypenny (Sarah), Q (Jesse), M (Joe), and an actual character named M who gets the very obvious line about MI-6 just in case the audience has somehow missed that THIS IS JUST A JAMES BOND STORY DONE HUDSON & REX STYLE.

Of all the places they could have chosen, they went with Hamilton? Seriously? I would have gone with Toronto. I know the whole trick was to have Rex jump through the O in the Hamilton sign, but I can confirm that Toronto has one of those two, with three O options...maybe a triple jump?

However, as I'm writing this, I'm remembering that they actually didn't film all that many scenes in Hamilton itself. The interior shots (both the Hall of Heroes and the fancy restaurant) were both filmed at The Rooms in St. John's. The absence of Toronto's recognizable skyline would have been pretty obvious with those huge windows. Hamilton's scenery isn't all that distinctive, and parts of it could resemble St. John's if you squint (hilly in some areas, and close to a large body of water.)

Charlie and Sarah in fancy dress but in separate places is a crime. I said what I said.

The introduction of Michael worked in this episode, the "she's not just that into you" vibes did not. It was a little too quick to hit that so hard. But given Andrew Bushell likely had limited availability, I'll chalk it up to them needing to move that story along within the time they had him.

Also the very obvious Sarah hiding Michael from the team... *cough* Charlie *cough*...it becomes even more obvious in episode 12, but anyway. Has apparently met her other friends, but she hasn't told her parents about him, and he's yet to meet the coworkers who are basically family...this was when I started to think our lovely Plot Device was toast.

When Joe asks Jesse about the report on the Iris Cross case, I feel the tiniest tease of season continuity, and I'm totally imagining that Jesse and Sarah share a quick glance and headcanoning that they covered for Charlie after that case and just go with it, okay?

Also, Joe. Quit shitting on Jesse. We're supposed to have passed that phase.

Trina. Your flirting skills suck.

(Charlie, so do yours.)

Look, irritating as I found it at the time, I am not going to begrudge Charlie a little fling, nor will I hold it against Sarah to be stepping into the dating world. These two have each been (presumably) single for a while. They deserve a little action. (Obviously I'd have preferred that action to be with each other, but...for now, let them have their fun.)

I expected Michael to be taller, blonder, and with just a hint of scruff. But seriously, track the development of his facial hair over his few appearances. There's a definite Charlie-esque trajectory.

I had always fixated on there being some sort of reason why the camera panned down to Sarah's phone as she puts it in her purse, but I could never figure out why it was important. Tonight I finally realized it's because she was checking for a message from Charlie. Duh.

To this day I can’t watch the scene where Charlie “pumps Rex’s stomach.” Cool that Sherri Davis is there, though, maybe to keep Diesel comfortable?

The contrast between Charlie losing his shit, and Rex basically being like “quit it, dumbass, I saved the day," as he casually trots back in after the bomb goes off amuses me.

And finally, on the subject of the awkward mess that is that ending kiss with Trina...Rex is judging you, Charlie. That whine says it all.

I'm still trying to manifest a "Charlie actually got Trina pregnant, then she turns up dead and he finds out he has a kid and oooh drama" storyline, but I feel like this isn't that kind of show. Might work in a fic someday though.

Anyway, I guess the episodes I like less somehow get the novel-length posts...Objectively, this is actually a pretty good episode, it just doesn't do it for me.

[blairsanne]

DFP Actors August: Simon Prast

NZ actors tend to end up in a lot of the same shows over the years it seems. I have a lot of fun spotting familiar faces, so I thought this would be a fun and silly little project, seeing which actors have repeatedly been in things that Deano was also in (not necessarily alongside). Just a bit of trivia. Enjoy!

Shortland Street (1996/1995-1996)

Dean played Nurse Harry Martin in 1996. Simon played Nurse Paul Churchill in 1995-1996.

Once again I don't have any stills of the other person on Shortland Street. Ugh, sorry. If anyone has any I'll update this!

Xena: Warrior Princess (1996,2000/1995)

Dean played two roles: Homer/Orion - S1E13 “Athens City Academy of the Performing Bards” Wiglaf - S6E9 “Return of the Valkyrie”

Simon played Nemos - S1E4 "Cradle of Hope"

Hercules: The Legendary Journeys (1995-1998/1995-1996)

Dean played a few different characters on this show: Iloran - S1E12 “The Gauntlet” Young Iolaus - S4E3 “Regrets… I’ve Had a Few”, S4E11 “Medea Culpa” and S4E20 “Twilight”. Ruun - S4E7 “Prodigal Sister”

Simon played two roles: First Soldier - S2E3 "What's in a Name?" Patronius - S2E21 "The Wedding of Alcmene"

When Love Comes (1998)

Dean played Mark, a young man who is mixed up with some people who don't take very good care of him, doing what he needs to get by. He also writes poetry/lyrics. Simon played Stephen, Mark's (slightly older) lover. Their relationship is complicated but ultimately seems to be on a healthier track by the end of the movie.

Ahh, I felt weirdly nostalgic pulling stills for this one. I think I need to rewatch it soon. They're both so young!

Serial Killers (2004)

Dean played Andrew, the actor for "Dr. Gilligan" on the in-universe soap opera ‘Heart of Hearts’ in all 7 episodes. Simon played Patrick, the actor for "Dr. Harrington" on the in-universe soap opera 'Heart of Hearts' in all 7 episodes.

These two are both hilarious on this show.

Go Girls (2009/2010-2011)

Dean plays Marco in 2 episodes, S1E2 & S1E11. Simon played Jeffrey Duff in 10 episodes, S2E3-S3E4.

Hillary (2016)

Dean played George Lowe (in all 6 episodes). Simon played "Society Chairman" in episode 2 "Louise".

The Brokenwood Mysteries (2018/2022)

Dean played Barnaby Buchanan in S5E4 "The Dark Angel". Simon played Gordon Godley in S8E1 "From the Cradle to the Grave" (the same episode Joel Tobeck is in!).

Both of their episodes were written by Tim Balme!

Under the Vines (2022)

Dean played Griffin in 5 out of the 6 episodes in S1. Simon played Rupert Shaw in episode 6.

If I am remembering correctly, Rupert comes to the vineyard after giving it a glowing review because of some arm twisting from Griffin...?

-

"The other Simon". I gotta say Simon Mead was originally "the other Simon" to me but now I'm not sure, haha.

That's all I have on these two - did I miss anything?

[jetlaggingbehind]

Whooo I really am writing that bulleted list about mistholme s4e11 bc owie! under the cut:

Throughout this I'm going to continue to call guide guide even if that's not technically its name, mostly cause it proved too confusing for me to keep track of after a while, ill probably get used to it eventually tho

Starting off easy with the interdepartmental turmoil lol

Retrieval bro why u gotta be so rude

'does the guide get a vote' I MEAN YOU'D THINK SO AFTER ALL THIS TIME LMAO

The wish engine is just so wild man though I do think what you wish for and what you get will be very different, especially when you consider what it did when asked to not exist

Research's resentment is palpable D:

Side note I like her va's voice it is very nice :)

what I wouldn't give for a qna episode during a season break with all the vas

The museum is really struggling to keep itself together after everything nowadays, u gotta wonder what it's like for the patrons lol

Tbh this was such a plot heavy episode but it didn't feel full of exposition, which is great

Lmao ma'am did you forget abt the recording you requested??

Idk if we already knew that restoration is called diana, but either way neat!

Damn it retrieval you've jinxed it

Here we start the emotional damage :'(

Beast kinda forgot abt its curator story and I didn't notice until I relistened 😫

IT'S SO SUS HERE HELP

The guide puts so much trust in beast and it hurts me so much that it's misplaced get guide some more non abusive friends 2022

the voice actingggggg u can hear guides fear it's so aghhhhh

'Won't be happening anytime soon' AAAAAA???????

He broke out the villain speech O_o

OH DANG

OH DANG

IT'S NAME IS MISTHOLME

IT'S THE WHOLE MUSEUM

HELP

AGHFJDDJKGKVKDKDKJSEFCH

HOW DARE YOU APOLOGISE U ASS

'you just see a beast' IT SAID YOU WERE ITS FRIEND HOW COULD YOU

THE FACT THAT GUIDES DEHUMANISATION OF ITSELF WAS THE CRUX OF THE PROBLEM BECAUSE IT DIDINT THINK IT HAD A NAME OR MEANINGFUL IDENTITY HURTS SO MUCH

IT MADE AN IDENTITY FOR ITSELF WITHOUT KNOWING AND HAD IT RIPPED AWAY BY BEAST PAINNNNN

IT'S TAKEN CONTROL OF GUIDE AAAAAAAGH

IT'S 'FRIEND' IS THE MAN WITH THE VOICE?????????

(though I have to say that switching TMWTV's gender was a genius move in making me be completely blindsided by this reveal bc I hadn't even considered him a possibility..... dang it's just so smart)

also im so angy that we started off w an antagonistic character, thought it had some good in it, then it turns out it actually was antagonistic... emotional turmoil :’(

Stares at the beast backstory episode that is now also a TMWTV backstory episode

*flashbacks to hello jon apologies for the deception*

(was it a reference? It would make me laugh through the pain it it actually was)

It's completely loyal to TMWTV..... it knows what it's doing is wrong and is still doing it???

me, sobbing: beast you absolute bitch we all trusted you we thought you were cool

OOH I DON'T LIKE HOW BEAST HAS CONTROL OF GUIDE AND TECHNICALLY BY EXTENSION THE ENTIRE MUSEUM

IT KILLED EAGLE OH LAWD

IT'S GONNA KILL THE REST OF THE TEAM TOO AAAAAAA

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?? THAT BEAST GAVE GUIDE PERMISSION TO SPEAK AND IT DIDN'T SAY ANYTHING??????

(probably it was in shock understandable tbh)

WE THOUGH THIS WHOLE BUNCH OF PPL WERE GONNA BE PART OF THE FUTURE ENSEMBLE CAST HOW DARE IT

End notes:

obviously this bodes terribly for the museum– beast literally having guide under its complete control is absolutely horrible, which gets worse when you consider how much information guide holds since it straight up knows restorations and eagles names for starters. adding in how its only just become considered anything close to a colleague/friend to the triple r departments, this whole situation is gonna give it even more trust issues

both plots were built on heavily, on one hand narrative wise this was a phenomenal episode, on the other hand me very sad D':

also this season is spelling 'IRRESOLUTIO', presumably irresolution. foreboding 😬

[nyssavex]

i love lexie grey

[baroldspaghet]

I wish they'd known Scorpion was being canceled so they could have ended the story at S4E11. I've decided to stop now because everything feels wrapped up in a bow very nicely at the moment and I'm told the real ending sucks.