#i've always loved alan davies

[emotinalsupportturtle]

Jonathan Creek 2x03

[panelshowsource]

rather than who you would like to see on the next taskmaster series, who do you think will be on it? like just your predictions or any inklings you may have!

anon if you're still around then you'll know i really took my time with this hahaha so sorry! i hope anyone reading this takes it as just a bit of fun and nbd, who knows who we'll get or who alex & the network have in mind! i'm answering thoughtfully (bc i always feel guilty not to 😩 so sorry this is long lol) but it's really just fun!!

i will say, of the more recent-ish series, i did get a few right!!! krishnan guru-murthy, nicola coughlan, alan davies, judi love, sue perkins, john robins, and joanne mcnally were people i just knew would eventually be on if the show could get their schedules right, and i was also certain sarah millican and dara ó briain would be asked — though not necessarily that they'd actually agree. when you have a level of seniority and esteem, the "it's such a great opportunity" aspect of the show isn't such a draw 😅 for some reason i feel SO PROUD about guessing nicola! i was just WAITING and wish sooooo much she had done a full series 😭😭😭 (how fun would saoirse-monica jackson be too!)

anyways, as for people who haven't been on yet — and this isn't to say i want them all to be, just that i think it's likeliest they have been asked or will be asked; i talked about who i want to see a little while ago here — it's important to consider the casting 'roles' the network has in mind when working with the producers to form a series, so i will keep that in mind too!

established comedian, typically a straight white man over 40: bill bailey, vic reeves, harry hill, geoff norcott, kevin bridges, adam buxton, ade edmondson, paul whitehouse (tommy tiernan? god i feel bad for not saying ed byrne but why do i feel like he's not gonna make it in the next few series? i'm on the fence with nick helm — unless he's friends with alex, then his chances go up significantly imo — and tom allen for some reason, and i feel like john bishop is almost too much of an ask?)

fresh talent comedian, typically a man under 40: rhys james, huge davies, ahir shah, darren harriott would be my top guesses but tbh any of the semi-recent edinburgh comedy award finalists are good bets as a majority of the winners from the last ~10 years have been on the series + throwing out tom rosenthal (i know he's not fresh fresh and also mostly an actor)...and, like, jazz emu?...just because if taskmaster know how much its audience adores weird little white twinks then they'll cast them

female or non-binary comedian: 100% sarah keyworth + harriet kemsley, maisie adam, jess fostekew, suzi ruffell. i've shifted away from betting on cariad lloyd and catherine bohart for some reason... (joanne was my no.1 lady bet for the last like 4 series hahaha)

non-comedian: this is very, very hard to predict because between comedy actors, non-comedy actors, tv presenters, news people, reality & social media stars... the potential predictions are just so endless! logically, the most likely is an established actor with a lot of comedy connections (think sally phillips, lolly adefope, liza tarbuck, sian gibson, daisy may cooper, susan wokoma; this category is where tm gets quite a few of its female contestants): matt holness, kevin eldon, amanda abbington, tom davis, sharon horgan, kathy burke, georgia tennant (also friends w alex?), su pollard, tom basden, apparently anyone from the cast of ghosts, and so on and so on and so on... + i'll also throw out maggie aderin-pocock as a serious contender + i really feel like one of the spice girls will be on new years treat

friend of alex: john robins was the prediction for the past few series, so just worth keeping in mind other people in this circle include elis james, matthew crosby, tom neenan, and so on

freebie answers because alex/greg have mentioned them before: jack dee, lorraine kelly, joanna lumley (i want jennifer saunders SO BAD give us an epic series w both ade and jen pleaseeee tm gods!!!!)

complete wild card bets that are either my instincts kicking in or my bias taking over: limmy, adam buxton, paddy mcguinness, diane morgan, daniel sloss, joel dommett, jess hynes, spencer jones??, alasdair beckett-king or josh pugh + if suzy izzard wasn't doing a big nyc show i'd say that's a good guess if only bc you know greg & alex grew up big fans

did i mention too many people?? if i had to put my money behind a single person it would be either ahir shah or sarah keyworth

these are almost all of my fr big heavy hitters when it comes to placing bets! but there are of course so many people i didn't name who i could totally see on either a main series or the ny treat — so many people just make sense and that's the beauty of taskmaster!!

[fanaticsnail]

I remember you mentioned having a Mihawk playlist, and the way you manage to find songs that perfectly fit the vibes of your fics and enhance the reading experience is one of the things I love about your writing

So I was wondering if you could share some of the songs on your playlist? Or even some songs that you associate with certain characters/tropes/scenarios?

I always love it when you send me asks, @sexc-snail.

I absolutely DO have a Mihawk playlist. I share the playlist construction with another creator on Tumblr who I love, cherish and adore: @sordidmusings. We add to it as we write, recommend songs as they come to us to help with words in works.

I could get into a long, long rant about music so I will add a page break here ❤. Lots of song recs to follow for the OPLA cast so far.

I am a violinist; have been playing for 25 years this year (I AM GETTING OLD, JEEPERS CREEPERS). Music is a great, passionate love affair for me and I adore learning about songs and pieces new and old. Here are some recommendations for songs and vibes I associate with the characters and the tropes.

I never add lyrics to my fics so the readers can visualize their own favourite melodies where they see fit, but I do have tunes in mind when I write them. The only fic I've really centralised a song about is the "You Should Be Sad" Mihawk fic I wrote a while back and the Koby series I'm writing.

Here are some song recommendations: all songs are Spotify linked. Enjoy a peek into my madness.

For the Characters

Luffy:

Long Way Home: Walk off the Earth, Lindsay Stirling

Following the Sun: SUPER-Hi, NEEKA

La Isla Bonita: Madonna

Zoro

Work Song: Hozier

Promise: Voyager

Cold Shot: Stevie Ray Vaughan

Sanji

Love Story: Indila

Know You Girls: Franz Ferdinand

Family Line: Conan Grey

Nami (She gets four, because she's amazing and I love her)

Runaway: Aurora

My Mother Told Me: NATI, Cullen Vance, Jonny Stewart

Outside: Ellie Golding, Calvin Harris

Queen of the Kings: Alessandra

Usopp

Mechanical Instinct: Aviators

The Higher Ground: Red Hot Chili Peppers

Eastside: Benny Blanco, Halsey, Khalid

Buggy

Be Your Shadow: The Wombats

Gasoline: Halsey

I Wanna Be Your Slave: Maneskin

Shanks:

The One that Got Away: The Civil Wars

Atlantis: Seafret

Barton Hollow: The Civil Wars

Mihawk

Seven Nation Army: Postmodern Jukebox

My Heart With You: The Rescues

The Snake: Lana Lubany

Koby (He also gets four, because he deserves only good things, and because Morgan Davies is Aussie like me)

Grieve No More: Patty Gurdy

Siuil A Run: Ella Roberts

Mad World: Jasmine Thompson

Again: Flyleaf

Helmeppo

Fighter: Christina Aguilera

Torn: Natalie Imbruglia

Elastic Heart: Sia

Garp

Sharp Dressed Man: ZZ Top

Under a Violet Moon: Blackmores Night

Billie Jean: The Civil Wars

For the Tropes

Unrequitted Love (My all time favourite thing)

Wrecking Ball: Beth

Can't Help Falling in Love: Tommee Profitt, Brooke

I Found: Amber Run

Comptine d'un autre ete l'apres-midi: Yann Tierson

Derniere Danse: Indila

Only in my Mind: Kenya Grace

Over and Over: Three Days Grace

Broken Pieces: Apocalyptica Lacey

Too Close: Alex Clare

Stupid Heart: Sorana

Enemies to Lovers

FMLYHM: Sether

Closer: NIN

Hella Good: No Doubt

Play With Fire: Sam Tinnesz, Yacht Money

Why'd You Only Ever Call Me When You're High: Arctic Monkeys

For when they give into their feelings:

Surrender: Natalie Taylor

As the World Caves In: Sarah Cothran

Freeze You Out: Marina Kaye

Say Yes To Heaven: Lana Del Rey

For when they give up but feelings are still there

Lose you to love me: Selena Gomez

Liar: Camilla Cabello

Darkside: Alan Walker

Say My Name: David Guetta, Bebe Rexha, J Balvin

Only Love Can Hurt Like This: Paloma Faith

I See Red: Everybody Loves an Outlaw

If you made it this far, thank you. This was a labour of love. Happy listening ❤

[witchthewriter]

@spider-silk. ✧˚.⋆

𝐏𝐎𝐓𝐂

𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒄𝒓𝒊𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏

𝑰 𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑬𝒍𝒊𝒛𝒂𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒉, 𝑱𝒂𝒄𝒌 & 𝑾𝒊𝒍𝒍… okay so look.

You said you were poly and this is the first time I've had the opportunity to ship someone who is poly. I completely believe being in a relationship with three other people would work. Especially because of your species in this world.

𝑺𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒔

A mermaid, living in the depths of the ocean with your sisters. Sharp teeth and clawed nails; you eat those who get too close.

But curiosity always got the better of you. Wanting to know the life on land, but never wanting to go too far from the sea. The pirate life is perfect for you and your partners.

𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒏𝒔

The four of you work because living in piracy ... doesn't have rules. With Elizabeth as the Pirate King, Will as ... well Davy Jones, and Jack being as infamous as he is - you're all powerful individuals.

And because of that, you have your indepence but know that you always come back to each other.

With Elizabeth, it's like fire; a passion, a heat, a yearning. She is so adventurous, that you cannot help but follow her ship.

Will is as easy as swimming. Such a calming personality, you feel like there's not a problem in the world with him.

And Jack ... oh Jack Sparrow. Like a forbidden fruit you cannot help but pluck.

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈

First Kiss by Howard Shore

Kingdom Dance by Alan Menken

True North by Joseph Trapanese

𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔

Opposites Attract

Home Is Wherever You Are

Makes A Mess (Jack) x Cleans The Mess (Will) x Is A Mess (You) x Has To Re-Clean The Mess Because It Wan't Done Properly The First Time (Elizabeth)

𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆

Defying Expectations

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒗𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖

𝑾𝒊𝒍𝒍: He loves that you two can open up and be yourselves together. There's no pressure to put on a certain face, or act a certain way. There's just each other, connecting. 𝑱𝒂𝒄𝒌: Loves your free-spirit. He finds similarities in you and he feels like you're both a lover and a great friend. 𝑬𝒍𝒊𝒛𝒂𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒉: Loves your rebellious spirit. But also loves that you want to be close to her - it makes her feel needed. And that makes her feel invincible.

𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅

Tia Dalma! You've become absolutely best friends; ever since you started doing business with her. It's because you're both creatures of the sea. Having an affinity for water, for waves, the ocean deep.

𝑾𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒉 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆

A mix of Will and Elizabeth - honorable, dutiful, but rebellious and daring. You have strong loyalty and great knowledge of many things. Sometimes you surprise yourself with what you know.

𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒑𝒆𝒕

Just as dangerous as your pet, you seem to have a connection. It was made once you dominated the creature - let it know that you are the monster in these waters.

𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐃

𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒄𝒓𝒊𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏

𝑰 𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑨𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑹𝒉𝒂𝒆𝒏𝒚𝒓𝒂! The bridge between the two when things became rocky; you didn't let the women go down different roads. Alicent is a good match because you're both intellectual - you have brilliant games of chess. Whereas Rhaenyra loves your passion. You walk to the beat of your own drum, and that's something Rhaenyra mirrors.

𝑺𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒔

You are 𝑽𝒂𝒍𝒚𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒏, fully by your parents. With dark purple eyes and silver-white hair.

𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒏𝒔

No one but the three of you know about the relationship. No one would accept it. So you hide it. Use it as being close in friendship. And everyone buys it.

Travel to Dragonstone and that's where you can find solace in being together. Without the formality of being at court.

Alicent is more of a listener, where Rhaenyra loves to talk. You're moreso in the middle. But love when Rhaenyra rants.

Rhaenyra loves braiding both your and Alicent's hair. Once Otto chastised Alicent for it and ever since then had to re-do her hair before seeing her father.

Alicent doesn't want to fly on dragon back, so it's just you and Rhaenyra in the air. Chasing each other around, laughing and carrying on as Valyrians do.

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈

Fire In The Water by Feist

Would That I by Hozier

The Wedding by Bear McCreary

𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔

Moon (You) x Eclipse (Alicent) x Sun (Rhaenyra)

The Impulsive (Rhaenyra) x The Hyperactive (You) x The Unheeded Voice of Reason (Alicent)

Soulmates Sometimes Come In Threes

𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆

Friends to Lovers

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒗𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖

𝑨𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕: Your analytical mind - she loves when you play games together. She feels like you're a worthy opponent. Rhaenyra isn't one for those type of games. She doesn't like all the rules.

𝑹𝒉𝒂𝒆𝒏𝒚𝒓𝒂: Your creativity astounds her. Inspires her even. She loves when you think outside the box, it makes her feel less alone.

𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅

Your dragon is your best friend in all honesty. You love spending time with her; flying but also just being near her. No other dragon rider has that kind of connection with their mount. You see her for the being she is. With a mind of her own, a beating heart and want for freedom.

𝑾𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒉 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆

A mix of Rhaenyra, Harwin and Helaena. Creative, enduring, kind, opinionated. Your love for adventure but also the little things. Like to be looked after.

𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒑𝒆𝒕

𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒎𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝑫𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒇𝒚𝒓𝒆! Known for her blue scales and maternal nature, she is both loving and full of fire. Said to be the mother of Dany's three dragons, Dreamfyre was also the mount of Rhaena Targaryen (the granddaughter of Aegon the Conquorer) and Helaena Targaryen, the Queen of Westeros.

𝐆𝐎𝐓

𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒄𝒓𝒊𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏

𝑰 𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑫𝒂𝒏𝒚! She would absolutely defend you with her life. Adore you, love you, give you whatever you need - hell whatever whim you want! She would definitely use her abilities as Queen to get you anything. When it comes to you, she is completely at your defence.

𝑺𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒔

𝑶𝒇 𝑶𝒍𝒅 𝑽𝒂𝒍𝒚𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒏 𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕... with the purple eyes you weren't a completely obviously to the eye that you herald from Old Valyria. In her your hair there is a thick stripe of white, that you can cover up if you wish.

𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒏𝒔

Loves to 'baby' you. Definitely gives you the Princess treatment. Wants you always to be comfortable and wanting for nothing. Puts your wellness before her own.

When you found each other, it was like fate ... destiny. The world made sense. Dany felt less alone. She wasn't the only person with purple eyes and the afinity to ride dragons.

It was a wonder seeing her children for the first time. The beasts were magnificent, and to this day they still are. It never gets old seeing them. Their size, the way they're shaped, their scales and how they're always warm. The constant ... rumbling that can be heard when near them.

Has a few guards to protect you whenever you're without her. They are your sworn protectors - because if anything happens to you, then she will kill them.

Loves being you jewellery, all sorts - from everywhere you go. Like this. And this. And this.

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈

Scotland by the BBC Symphony Orchestra

The Train by James Newton

Romantic Flight by John Powell

𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔

Found Family

Like Calls To Like

 Tragic Past x Ray of Light (goes both ways)

𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆

Legacy & Legend

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒗𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖

Dany loves your intellect and intelligence. You teach her things that she wouldn't know without you. She finds you absolutely fascinating. One who is truly wise; even if you don't see it for yourself.

𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅

Missandei is your best friend. You're like sisters; you rely on her for a second opinion on everything. And have actually taken her flying on dragon back.

��𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒉 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆

I think you're a mix of Sansa, Arya and Pod. Curious, rebellious, helpful, caring, loving and protective of those you care about. Maybe you say you like being alone but you do get lonely.

𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒑𝒆𝒕

𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒎𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝑽𝒊𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒏! The gentlest out of the three. You two would have a bond so unbreakable that people think you can talk telepathically. He understands you and you him. Both wanting love, and easily showing it to one another.

Where you go, he follows. And if he cannot fit in the room, you can find him either on the rooftop; waiting for you, or in the field outside your bedroom window.

He cannot sleep at night if you haven't given him a kiss goodnight.

[noel-fielding-web-page]

Can you name any favorites whose age is significantly younger than Noel?

I had this question before. I had only few guys. Now my choice is changing, so I can name at least 10 persons :)

John Robins

Born 04/05/1982

I found out about him from Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled, then Mock The Week and Taskmaster, of course. He's the 17th series winner! Lovely guy and looks adorable. I like this type of people. Probably, he doesn't look as extraordinary as Noel, but he has a positive energy that can make me love him. I think, he's a nice guy :) Also, he's a fan of Queen! I respect him for that! I really like classic rock legends!

Joe Lycett

Born 05/07/1988

One of my very first favorites after Noel! Always smiling and laughing dummy ;) I've been interested in this guy for the years. As Noel, Joe never aspired to be just a comedian on the stage. Every year he changed himself in a different ways. I'm absolutely not surprising that it's difficult to recognize a once modest boy in current Lycett. That makes it cool and unique! He's actually great!

Ed Gamble

Born 10/03/1986

Mock The Week star, Taskmaster winner and podcast host. I didn't even knew that Ed had a problem with the weight. Now he looks just awesome! Sexy, beautiful, funny and always positive guy!

Joey Page

Born 12/05/1985

Yes, I still remember and like him. He debuted in Never Mind The Buzzcocks and Luxury Comedy (2010-2011). Probably, he's not a big celebrity, but he's still cool. I like watching his podcasats "Got A Problem Mate" Interesting and hilarious :)

Chris Ramsey

Born 03/08/1986

Another lovely comedian that I discovered from Never Mind The Buzzcocks. He's beautiful and always laughing man. Also he's a great host. One of the longtime favorites :)

Aisling Bea

Born 16/03/1984

Irish female comedian with original voice. She is beautiful and interesting person. Started like her after Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Taskmaster, QI and Big Fat Quiz :)

Sam Campbell

Born 19/09/1991

He was a guest in Never Mind The Buzzcocks in Noel's team. I'm usually not remembering the persons that I've never knew. Then he took a part and win in Taskmaster. Funny, trolly and creative guy :)

Jack Whitehall

Born 07/07/1988

Love him in ALOTO (A League Of Their Own) Also he was amazing host in Never Mind The Buzzcocks :)

Joanne McNally

Born 07/05/1983

The newest for me. It's an Irish stand-up comedian, writer, and actress. McNally was the co-host of Republic of Telly for RTÉ and has also appeared on The Late Late Show, The Afternoon Show, Ireland AM, Two Tube, and The Commute for RTÉ. As well as segments on RTÉ 2fm, McNally co-hosts a podcast called My Therapist Ghosted Me with Vogue Williams. 2nd place of Taskmaster. Beautiful and funny girl :)

Rosie Jones

Born 26/06/1990

Rosie is no average girl. She was born with congenital paralysis, but instead of letting it hold her back, she embraced it as a unique part of who she is. It's like her quirky trademark. She's incredibly gifted and has a great sense of humor. Plus, she's pretty adorable :)

Sophie Willan

Born 21/10/1987

English actress, narrator, writer and comedian. She has won two BAFTAs for her television sitcom Alma's Not Normal. Also one of the craziest Taskmaster contestants :)

Olga Koch

Born 01/09/1992

Russian-British stand-up comedian, writer, and actress. Found out about her from Mock The Week. She's so loud! But still funny :)

Thanks for asking ;) x

[brw]

idk if you have already answered this, but what is your favored avengers lineup/lineups?

Definitely late 70s / early 80s Avengers, just because so many of my faves are there.

(art by darryl young)

It's good! I find it very satisfying to read because a lot of stuff set up in the 60s and through the 70s feels like it comes to a head in this era, to varying levels of success but I really enjoy reading this era.

Other than that, love the Busiek Avengers, and you'll notice familiar faces at the lineup.

(alan davis)

Basically, teams with Wanda and Vision and Hank and Janet are always going to rank highly for me, because those two dynamics always feel so integral to the Avengers for me. But I like the little rotating cast these series' both have, with a core group but then a few randoms that phase in and out, like Jocasta and Sam and Carol and Justice and Firestar, it makes things feel more dynamic and I love seeing the dynamics they build in their short tenures.

I've been enjoying the MacKay run, although I've been missing the soap opera intensity that Vision and Wanda, Hank and Janet would bring with them to comics, but here's hoping Ororo joining and Thor exiting with help shake some of those things up a little bit. I want my milestone marriages and infedelity, damnit!

[amazing-spiderling]

So, for the ask thing, share a favorite thing with me, tell me all about it ^^

Hey, friend! Sorry for taking so long with these asks, I've been busy busy irl. :)

Soooo I'll tell you about my favorite comic artist! It's Alan Davis, who has been giving us the gift or some of the most graceful figures to show up on a comic book page.

His figures always capture movement and flow in a lovely way, and he has a knack for drawing different body types and facial expressions that are frankly elegant. This isn't the overly complicated linework of a lot of modern artists- but it still conveys so much. I fell in love with his artwork in the 90's while reading Excalibur, where I also fell in love with Nightcrawler, because in addition to being a great artist, Davis was also a great writer who showed the character a lot of care and respect.

As the years soldiered on and coloring techniques and technology became more advanced, Davis' art only looked more gorgeous.

The added glow of light brings another dimension of warmth to the illustrations that makes them SING, wouldn't you agree?

I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Davis at a convention one year (and get a sketch for myself) and he was very sweet and took some time to chat with me while he drew. The illustration of Nightcrawler I got is one of my favorite pieces of artwork that I own. :)

[jadelotusflower]

2023 Roundup - books read

Fiction

The Neverending Story - Michael Ende (re-read)

The Heavens - Sandra Newman

Shadow and Bone - Leigh Bardugo

Siege and Storm - Leigh Bardugo

Ruin and Rising - Leigh Bardugo

Monkey - Wu Chen'en (translation: Arthur Waley)

A Thousand Ships - Natalie Haynes

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes - Suzanne Collins (re-read)

The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins (re-read)

Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins (re-read)

Mockingjay - Suzanne Collins (re-read)

Non-Fiction

Madly, Deeply: The Alan Rickman Diaries - Alan Rickman

The Ninth Life of a Diamond Miner - Grace Tame

The Story of Alice: Lewis Carroll and the Secret History of Wonderland - Robert Douglas-Fairhurst

I'm Not Fine, Thanks - Wil Anderson

Finding Me - Viola Davis

Maybe I Don't Belong Here: A Memoir of Race, Identity, Breakdown, and Recovery - David Harewood

Ask a Historian: 50 Surprising Answers to Things You Always Wanted to Know - Greg Jenner

A Million Years in a Day: A Curious History of Daily Life - Greg Jenner

Legends of the Fire Spirits: Jinn and Genies from Arabia to Zanzibar - Robert Lebling

The Hero with a Thousand Faces - Joseph Campbell

The Heroine with 1001 Faces - Maria Tatar

Waxing On: The Karate Kid and Me - Ralph Macchio

The Novel Project: A Step-by-Step Guide to your Novel, Memoir or Biography - Graeme Simsion

Catch and Kill: Lies, Spies, and a Conspiracy to Protect Predators - Ronan Farrow

Pandora's Jar: Woman in the Greek Myths - Natalie Haynes

Killers of the Flower Moon: Oil, Money, Murder, and the birth of the FBI - David Grann

That makes 11 fiction and 16 non-fiction so 27 total.

I really didn't get to read as much as I wanted this year, but I did finally get around to the Shadow and Bone trilogy (and was surprised just how different the show ended up being to the third book especially) - the rest of the Grishaverse is on the to read list for 2024. After seeing The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes film (in contrast, a very faithful adaptation) I also revisited the books and do think they hold up as among the best of the YA genre.

It was the year of non-fiction for me, and really, the year of the memoir. I do love an actor's memoir in particular.

On the history front, Greg Jenner was a pleasing discovery, I do enjoy the irreverent tone and unique approach - I also recommend his history podcast You're Dead to Me.

On the true crime front, Catch and Kill was a hugely compelling (but confronting and infuriating) look back at Farrow's reporting of the Harvey Weinstein scandal, showing just how deeply the rot in the entertainment and media industry goes to foster and protect predators. Killers of the Flower Moon was an interesting read after seeing the film, although I was surprised at how much the book focused on Tom White and played as a whodunnit as opposed to the film's reframing of the story.

As for my one true love, myth and legend, I've gone back to Campbell as it's a foundational (if problematic) work before exploring alternate takes - The Heroine with 1001 Faces had some interesting ideas about the role of female archetypes in fiction, and Pandora's Jar was a compelling examination on the women in Greek myth specifically. That made be seek out Haynes's fiction work A Thousand Ships which explores the aftermath of the Trojan War from the female perspective and while I enjoyed that overall, it didn't quite hit the heights I wanted it to. Still, her novel about Medusa is on the to-read list.

Pretty much everyone I know bought me books for Christmas this year, so here's to a productive 2024!

[tellthemeerkatsitsfine]

i've started watching the last leg because you speak so highly of it, and i'm obsessed. my current thoughts are:

-you're right, adam hills would be amazing on taskmaster. -i cannot believe they had boris johnson on. like. i saw it happen and yet its so bizarre to me. -adam and alex doing impersonations of josh made me choke on my sandwich laughing why are impressions of him always so funny -i've only seen josh on taskmaster and hypothetical, but the more i find out about him the more it feels like im looking in a mirror (english, short, unruly hair, scared of balloons, wearer of plaid shirts, strange hand gestures, sits on one foot etc) -adams many attempts at accents never cease to amuse me. i think my favourite so far is "i'm absolutely devasted... and slightly south african" from the greek financial crisis bit. -live shows normally make me anxious because you cant cut out awkward moments but i genuinely love when you can hear one of them (usually alex tbh) still giggling at a joke in the background even when they move onto another section. -i feel like now they've definitely gotten into their stride but i do miss the early series "what the hell are we doing" vibes (i really want to watch the og 2012 series but i get the impression that thats lost forever.) -i spent five series waiting for the sofa's awkwardly positioned armrest to catch someone out, thanks alan davies i knew i could rely on you to comically sit on thin air

sorry this is so long, i've completely fallen in love with this show and i feel like i could go on forever. anyway basically yeah thank you so much for making this show accessible and talking about it because now my entertainment is sorted for at least the next month.

This is an absolutely lovely message, thank you for writing it! First of all, never apologize for dropping something like this in my inbox (or ask box, or whatever). If you like something I like, I love hearing about that! If you like something like that and it’s because my blog got you into it, telling me that gives me all the fun of getting to talk about things I like, plus I love knowing this blog is helpful in spreading good things! Genuinely, that’s awesome.

Also, just in general, I am the last person to whom anyone should apologize for writing something that's too long. Every once in a while I'll see a post on Tumblr that's tagged "long post" and is shorter than my average one, and I remember that I was not built for the Twitter generation. I actually work as an editor in real life, where I make sure all writing is tightened up and concise, and then I come on here and do not give one fuck about that. I love seeing others do the same.

- With Franke Boyle already cast, Adam Hills may have moved into the number one spot as my dream Taskmaster contestant. Not because he’s my very favourite comedian who’s never done Taskmaster (I mean he’s up there, just not quite number one), but because of all the comedians who’ve never done Taskmaster, I think he has the personality that would be most suited for the format. And by “personality suited to the format”, I mean obsessively competitive, with a penchant for showing off at every opportunity.

- It’s hard for me to justify how much I enjoyed their Boris Johnson interview, because I realize that’s an actual issue. “Comedy washing” politicians by putting them on entertainment shows that make them seem more fun and palpable, and to raise their public profile. Boris Johnson in particular did a bunch of that for he rose through political ranks, the big one being Have I Got News For You. My best justification for The Last Leg’s Boris Johnson interview is that they were only in their second season when they had him on, a weird late-night talk show that hadn’t gained traction yet, so they can’t have contributed much to his publicity. But still, it’s something they’re guilty of in general at times. With other members of Boris Johnson’s family, and Sayeeda Warsi, Alastair Campbell, a few others. Now that I think about it I guess the interview that Alex Brooker did with Nick Clegg in 2015 counts as that, even though I thought that entire interview was very well done and I enjoyed watching it.

Disclaimer aside, the Boris Johnson episode was really interesting, though. Really weird that they got him on when they were so new to it, new enough so he raised their profile more than they raised his, which is kind of a defense from comedy washing. I loved watching the three hosts find different ways of responding to him. Adam Hills getting excited about the opportunity to try to show off journalism skills, which he sort of did okay but then messed up a few times. Josh Widdicombe just awkwardly looking from one of them to the other, like he couldn’t believe it was happening. And Alex Brooker just entertained that the man with funny hair from TV was in the room with them.

The Nick Clegg one was done better. I enjoyed the tension between the politician trying to seem fun among comedians, and the comedians trying to be intellectual enough to justify having the Deputy Prime Minister on their show, and both sides clearly having no confidence in their ability to do that to the other side’s standards. But Adam pulled him into some good back-and-forth, successfully hit a couple of things that he’d swung at and missed in the Boris Johnson episodes (to use a sort of clumsy sports analogy). And when they sat down for the actual interview, I thought Alex did a genuinely good job of asking questions well and making him respond properly. It’s still probably not good that it happened. But it did, and it doesn’t add to any damage done if you or I watch those episodes now and enjoy them. I don’t think Nick Clegg is exactly poised to make a big comeback on the strength of how human and engaging he seemed on that one episode of The Last Leg in 2015, and any comebacks from Johnson will not be fueled by that.

- Okay, sorry about the above paragraphs, I did not mean to go negative in a post about a show that I, by and large, very very much like. Josh Widdicombe impressions! Josh Widdicombe impressions are funny and do not in any way contribute to the collapse of British civilization! Have you seen this compilation of Josh Widdicombe impressions, put together by someone on Reddit? It’s really entertaining. Adam’s entire repertoire of Josh impressions consists of putting a hand on his hip and saying “Pret a Manger”, it’s great.

- The number of weird little things about Josh Widdicombe is a bit amazing. The leg sitting thing combined with the hand gestures. The inability to sing or do accents, but sometimes he gives it a go. The fear of anything that makes a noise. The plaid shirts are lesbian appropriation that I do not mind one bit. By which I mean it turns out my sexual orientation is "mainly attracted to women, can make an exception for men who look enough like lesbians".

- All of Adam Hills’ accents end up a bit South African, no matter how they start. Including when he’s imitating Australian people, and does a weird thing where he sounds like an English person pretending to have an Australian accent, and it still ends up South African. Also great.

- The element of their show being live does add to it at times. Especially in early episodes, when none of them were quite used to it yet. I used to be unnerved by how often it would feel like Josh was making eye contact with me, until I realized there was a screen right above the camera that showed what it was filming, and he kept self-consciously using it as a mirror. Fucking adorable. I mean all of those early episodes were adorable. Just Adam Hills desperately trying to capitalize on this chance of finally getting his own show and wanting to make it run smoothly and well, and Baby Josh and Baby Alex pretty much spent the first eight-ish seasons just like:

Oh, and I love how much Alex Brooker's inability to stop laughing on cue it on display in the live format. Which is also on display in this compilation, by that same Reddit person, which I'm sure you'd like if you haven't seen it. Highlights how sometimes a joke will just completely take Alex apart, and he doesn't seem to have a lot of control over how fast he puts himself back together, which can be a problem when Adam's trying to read the next autocue bit so the show can stay on schedule.

I've looked around for the London 2012 episodes before, and they may be lost to history. I am glad the Rio 2016 episodes were out there, though. Those are some of my favourite episodes of the whole show, they were all on top form during the actual Paralympics. It's too bad they had to change things for Tokyo; I hope they get to go to Paris and do that again.

- I miss the awkward impractical sofa. I hoped they'd have it back by now, having switched to a much more reasonable seating arrangement during COVID. Go back to being weird and impractical, guys.

Again, I'm really glad you've enjoyed it! This show has its ups and downs, and legitimate criticisms of it (from the same criticisms that could be leveled at any light entertainment/talk show that can be formulaic at times, to some more serious stuff, I was really unhappy with their post-queen death episode), but my God, it is so much fun! I just really, really like all three of those people, and that can carry the show through just about anything. Positive aspects of the show can also range from the lighthearted (three comedians with very good chemistry having fun together) to something deeper (they make fun of people lauding Important Disability Representation, and rightly so because there's a lot of inspiration porn bullshit that needs undercutting, but also, it is genuinely important disability representation, drawing attention to para sport athletes who otherwise wouldn't have mainstream coverage, and once in a blue moon we get genuinely touching moments related to that). The Last Leg at its best is this genre of TV show at its best.

Again, thanks for that, I will always be happy for an opportunity to talk about this show. And it makes me very happy to know I got someone else into it, that's awesome!

[gayness-and-mayhem]

The best (specific) QI moments:

• When Stephen and Alan swap places in series B (especially when Alan gets disappointed when Stephen knows the first answer).

• Rich Hall and Cruithne.

• When Sandi walks into the audience and sits on what is supposedly a stranger's knee to demonstrate the personal space thing only for it to turn out (to everyone's relief, especially Victoria Coren Mitchell's) that it's actually her son.

• When Sandi says fuck health and safety and does the taking the top off a champagne bottle with a sword thing.

• The Phill Jupitus Danish Ambassador/Piers Morgan phone sketch shitshow which ends in Sandi just throwing the phone into a jug of water for a question about rice (from the same episode as the champagne bottle thing).

• Basic, but "they say of the Acropolis where the Parthenon is..."

• Mein Handy (and also his Billy Connolly impressions. 'Jojoba' and 'Benjamin Netanyahu' really do come into my head at the most inappropriate moments).

[princeescaluswords]

Somewhat strange of a comment, but; every time I see someone promoting the positives of tumblr over other ‘social media’ sites, they say we don’t have influencers and I laugh. Because… well, not in the same way as others but… c’mon. We always have Head of Fandoms, and they have a lot of parallel issues with more traditional influencers. Not identical, of course, but still needs said.

Your comment isn't strange. It provides insight.

There is a powerful similarity between the most negative aspects of Internet Influencers and the negative aspects Heads of Fandom, or as I refer to them as BNF when it comes to fandoms.

The primary one for me is that both are insincere.

The public at large has realized this about certain unscrupulous Internet Influencers. We suspect that their positions and conclusions are determined by whichever product gives them the most money or whichever gets them the most clicks. We've seen the unprincipled embrace the most offensive movements because those movements bring them followers. The goal of their popularity is ... profit.

The insincerity of BNF is different. Most of them whom I have encountered do not pursue their activities for profit (I'm not sure that there is a way for a BNF to profit) and most of them aren't in it for popularity, because fandom is very much niche-oriented. Instead, they have an agenda.

I've witnessed them present themselves as explainers of what is going on in a show, as those who reveal the Easter eggs, the secret symbols, the hidden meanings. I love reading stuff like that, but I have to work to tell the difference between those who are trying to push an agenda and those who are actually trying to help their followers enjoy the show more.

For me, sincerity is easy to spot. Those who truly use meta to explore the show can admit they were wrong, and these people simply cannot. They're not interested in saying "well, obviously, it turns out that wasn't going to happen." Instead, they double down in their interpretations in light of contradictory evidence and stretch things farther and farther in order to keep their agenda intact.

From my own fandom of Teen Wolf, here are some theories that were written as obviously foreshadowed which turned out to not be true at all.

There was no mirror verse

Stiles was not the final sacrifice, the true leader, or the real lynchpin of the story

There was no Schism based on differing philosophies

Stiles (save for his brief possession) was not something

Scott was not Anakin Skywalker, the final big bad

Deaton was not the secret source of all evil

Beacon Hills does not belong to the Hales

All these theories were expounded upon with the trappings of convince yet scant evidence, but the predictions were made. And yet, when they didn't come true, the BNF never admitted that they had been wrong. Instead, suddenly the entire show became Scott's unreliable narration, or Jeff Davis was held at gunpoint until he changed his writing, or MTV somehow didn't want popular characters to have a greater role, or something else equally unlikely. They were never simply wrong.

And that obvious contradiction doesn't matter to them because it was never about exploring the mysteries of the show or enhancing the experience of other viewers in the first place. It was about pushing their agenda.

In the Teen Wolf fandom's case, it was about convincing everyone that the show should be about white men.

You can tell that by what doesn't exist. I've never read any in-depth meta from any of these BNF explaining why the text of the show was presented in the way that it was. For example, if we're supposed to grow suspicious of Alan Deaton after season 1, why doesn't any character ever look into his past? Why isn't there a single scene where his motivations are hinted at? And if it's only in the present in the t-shirt colors and posters on the wall, why isn't there a consistent agreement among the BNF as to what it could be?

Because the goal of the meta wasn't exploration -- it was promotion. Among those pushing the Pro-White-Male-Millionaire-Serial-Killer Agenda, Peter Hale couldn't be the bad guy the show repeatedly laid out that he was, indeed, "a ruthless con man who always has a devious plan to hurt everyone around him" (The fact that the show had to come out and lampshade that directly never ceases to amuse me.), it had to be someone else's fault, and as Deaton didn't fit their agenda on the centering of white men, he was a target of opportunity. It didn't matter that the only time Deaton interfered with Peter was to protect the lead protagonist and tell Derek that Peter would be weakened by his resurrection ritual and not to trust him. It was something they could use to promote their agenda.

The problem, of course, is much like the way Influencers are hired to push certain products regardless of ethical considerations, BNF push agendas regardless of ethical considerations. Both of them rely on their audiences 'voluntary participation' to justify these actions.

It's the same process put to different ends.

[neil-neil-orange-peel]

Rick or Richie

Alan and Sarah,Alan and Piers or Ally and Richie Mitch or Kevin Black Adder or The New Statesman George,Toby,Domo or Dad (Man Down)

Ello!

Probably Rick. I love Richie, I've watched Bottom countless times, I think his character has a lot of angles to be explored from, but Rick is Rick is Rick, y'know?

Alan and Sarah methinks. They're just a match made in hell and it's horrifyingly delightful. Plus, Sarah is one of the few people who can best Alan.

Kevin definitely. I love Rik for doing Mitch, what an ally, but obviously Mitch himself is a dick so Kevin all the way!

Once again, can't decide on that one. 😂

Tricky. Rik as a dad is always wholesome, even a trickster dad like Richard Davies. I think I'm gonna go with Toby because when I watched Clair de Lune I just remember finding how unlike most of Rik's characters he was very memorable. He's sweet. ❤️

Thanks for the ask!

[jimintomystery]

I've been reading Captain Britain comics from the 70s and 80s, and one of the things that really surprised me was the introduction of Meggan. All I knew about the character was what I'd seen on the occasional cover of Excalibur, and she just struck me as a two-dimenional pretty superheroine. As it turns out, she was introduced as a sort of monster girl, with batlike wings and fur and antennae. More importantly, that original version has so much personality.

I always figured Meggan was some fairy princess from Barbie World or something, but it turns out she's the daughter of Travelers, who had to keep her hidden in the back of their van because of her appearance. She spent more time watching TV than interacting with people, and then she was separated from her family by...well, bad shit went down, it's complicated. The upshot is that she's lived a hard life, but she has this scrappy, upbeat style. She's the down-to-earth kid sister among a cast of stuffy socialites, aliens, special agents, and other weirdos. And Alan Davis seems to love using her unusual features to draw a wide range of facial expressions, which really brings her to life.

I like this version of Meggan a lot, but it didn't last. About a year and a half after her first appearance, she has a "coming of age" moment where her shapeshifting powers finally produce her "final form" as a beautiful woman. So suddenly Davis is more concerned with making her look more conventionally attractive than the other women in the comic (a tall order), and presenting her as a stock love interest for Captain Britain. The rough-around-the-edges scamp I liked is still in there, but it's not quite the same.

I would have preferred if Meggan's evolution had retained more of the shape of her face, or at least her goofy grin. You could do a story where she decides to reclaim her "real" look, but I think we're about 36 years too late for anything like that. Oh well. At least I got to see a side of her I never expected to find.

[noel-fielding-web-page]

Is your top of the favourites still the same?

No. It will never be the same. As I told before, I was extremely disappointed in James Acaster, coz his jokes about Noel were awful, so he’s not in the top of my favourites anymore. I know that it was just for the show, but he gone too far this time. I’m not going to remove my posts with him, even with Noel behind, but I’m still offended for him. That’s why my top looks like that now (he’s not even in top 20!)

Noel is upper than all this tops!

Top 20 after Noel Fielding

1. Dave Brown

Played Bollo the gorilla in The Mighty Boosh. I love his photo works. And I think he’s a great guy, no worse than Noel. Yeah, he probably doesn’t look so extraordinary, but still awesome :) x

2. Joe Lycett

I have told already that I luved him after Taskmaster. He's actually lovely, smiling boy. I'm really enjoying watching the shows with him. Yes, he looks silly sometimes. But it makes him adorable. And he looks pretty :)

3. Sean Hughes

This man was the first reason why I started watching Never Mind The Buzzcocks, before I found out about Noel. I'm genuinly cried when he passed away, was depressed quite a long time. Now I calmed already. I still luv him and rewatching old shows where he took a part with a light nostalgy. I think he was a nice person.

4. Alan Davies

Looking at Alan on QI, I always thought that he is a big kid. Always laughing, joking around and laughs contagiously, being dummy :) Then I watched his show As Yet Untitled. Quite comfortable and soft dude. This show made me to change opinion about Alan in better way, so now he's my favourite.

5. Simon Le Bon

True legend! Strong voice, looking gorgeous and having a great sence of humour! It's a frontman of my favourite band Duran Duran. I was Duranie before Noel. Being Duranie I found out about Never Mind The Buzzcocks where Simon took a part. Then it become my favourite show! And I still in love with this band <3

6. Rhod Gilbert

When I seen him in NMTB first time, he seemed too rough and angry. Then he took a role as permanent host of the final BBC series. I was wrong, he is a nice guy, just brutal ;) Although he couldn't rise the show, he's still great!

7. Phill Jupitus

I've never been his fan. But I still respect him for a long time being on Never Mind The Buzzcocks. This show could be cancelled much shorter if he would leave it behind.

8. Brian Cox (Professor)

I'm not a fan of the scient, but this guy is not just a Professor! He also a great actor! Entire The Universe musical explains everything! All you need is just to watch it to realize how wonderful is it! <;3

9. Ed Gamble

I found out about this pretty guy from Mock The Week. He is so positive and funny, always laughing :D Sometimes being rough a bit, but still very nice. My interest to him become stronger after Taskmaster and then after The Great British Bake Off and also I like his podcasts :)

10. Ed Byrne

Another Ed that I started interest in after Mock The Week. It's an Irish crazy comedian. He can be mad as hell then say anything unusual and laughing hard. They are obviously good friends with Dara O'Brain :) Their tandem was a classic. I'm not a fan of the show, but I will miss it (BBC axed it), still very nice <3

11. Lliana Bird

I respect this woman first of all for Noel! She gave him a big support that helped him to be alive now. It's a big love! Who knows full story, will guess what I mean! It's not just a beautiful lady!

12. Aisling Bea

Irish female comedian with original voice. She is beautiful and interesting person. Started like her after QI and Big Fat Quiz :)

13. Chris Ramsey

One of the fewest celebrities that I like firstly for the laugh and beauty :D Started to love him after Never Mind The Buzzcocks

14. Eddie Izzard

Interesting drag comedian. He likes dressing as a female, but still staying a man. Started interest after his tandem with Noel in Big Fat Quiz.

15. Kevin Scott Richardson

It’s the oldest member of Backstreet Boys. When I was younger, he was my favourite. And I still like him. He still looks beautiful and young :)

16. Greg Davies

I always respected him, from the first season of Taskmaster. But after that reviving of NMTB, there were some rumours that he helped the Sky team with that! And now he’s on my top!

17. Ricky Wilson

During the period when I was Duranie, I found out about Kaiser Chiefs. I didn't knew anything about them at all, but their lead singer Ricky Wilson interested me. He was a little chubby then and his voice was similar with young Simon Le Bon. It was the song I Predict Riot. Then I found information about him and realized that there is nothing in common between these two singers. Years later, Ricky lost weight and became a handsome man. But for me, he's always been cool. I like him :)

18. Lee Mack

True legend of Would I Lie To You! But I stareted respect him much earlier! Whe he hosted NMTB! I'm surprising, how the hell he didn't become a permanent host??? He would be amazing! His legendary "BAATMAAN!" explains all :D

19. Paul Foot

Not quite fan, but he’s so damn hilarious! I’d be happy to see him in NMTB again, obviously in Noel’s team. They’re both worth each other :)

20. Martin Kemp

I can’t say that I’m a fan of Spandau Ballet, but after the last Never Mind The Buzzcocks without Noel there, Martin Kemp was the one adequate guest. He didn’t make dirty jokes about Noel or anyone else and was unbelievably polite. So I liked him and started to respect. Quite deserved!

[apicturewithasmile]

Alan Davies as Roland White in “Whites” | episode 6

“What happened to you? You used to have passion. You’d get to excited being in that kitchen every minute of every day.” “Well, I used to have a life, Bib, and used to have a wife and a house. I was young. Now look at me. What do you see?” “A much older man with ladies’ hair.”

[dream-beyond-the-fantasy]

I've always wondered, is there any Quartermaine-Cassadine family connection or history? Because they are two of GHs core families, where if you were to look at Spencer's-Quartermaines, the Spencer-Cassadine clan, and the Quartermaine-Corinthos, the connections/relationships and history is prominent.

Actually, yes.  One of Mikkos Cassadine’s brothers, Tony, was romantically involved with/engaged to Alexandria “Alex” Quartermaine, Edward’s niece.  Both died in 1981 when they walked in the ice chamber of Mikkos’ weather machine.  Nikolas Cassadine was married to Emily Bowen-Quartermaine, Alan’s adopted daughter.  Both of Mikkos Cassadine’s illegitimate daughters Alexis Davis (born Natasha Alexandra Mikkosovna Cassadine, raised as Alexis Davidovitch) and Kristina Cassadine were both involved with Ned Quartermaine (formerly Ashton).  Alexis actually left Ned at the altar.  Even though Alexis’ middle daughter Kristina is a Corinthos, Ned originally said he was the father in order to protect the child from Sonny and mob violence, which killed the original Kristina.  For about the first year of life, Kristina Davis was raised as a Q in the mansion.  Alexis had lost custody after killing Luis Alcazar and faking DID, so she posed as the Q butler.  Sam McCall, a Cassadine via  mom Alexis, married two Quartermaine heirs: twins Jason Morgan and Andrew “Drew” Cain.  She had children by both, Danny (Jason) and Emily Scout (Drew).  Stefan Cassadine fell in love with Chloe Morgan, a Quartermaine cousin (actually a distant to Q matriarch Lila) and one of Ned’s wives, who was murdered by his brother Stavros.  As for non-romantic Quartermaine/Cassadine connections, I think Helena Cassadine coerced Tracy Quartermaine into working with her at one point.