#interesting episode quite unique

[wingheadshellhead]

Steve Rogers & Tony Stark in Avengers Assemble 1.25 "The Final Showdown"

[isonachiumbu0]

Characters' handwriting in rise (in episode order)!

"Mystic mayhem". Splinter's handwriting is very unique and cool! Love how angular it is, his "o"s are more like triangles

"Origami Tsunami". It's not shown who wrote these signs (multiple turtles?). We see mikey put the "paper on sale" sign up but we don't see him write it. However, after gathering all the samples of the turtles' handwriting, i couldn't find one of leo's and this sloppiness doesn't quite match donnie's, raph's or mikey's, so i'm inclined to say this is leo's handwriting

"Shell in a Cell". Donnie's signature. Donnie writes in cursive in "origami tsunami" too

"Stuck on you". Raph's consistently shown to write in all caps. Also he wrote this on his right palm. Is raph left handed? But! In "pizza puffs" raph writes with his right hand. Maybe raph's ambidextrous orrrrr the artists just forgot

"Pizza Pit". Mikey's handwriting. His letters are offset. How interesting! Mikey writes in all caps in "bullhop" but a bit neater

"Warren & hypno, sitting in a tree". I LOVE that we can see this evolution of april's handwriting through the years, or at least her signature, from elementary school to highschool. I also love that we see her without her jacket

This list of shown handwriting is far from comprehensive, unfortunately, but handwriting is a great opportunity for characterization that i think's often overlooked. Idk if the crew sat down and chose unique handwriting styles for each character but that'd be cool if they did! I noticed most of the handwriting in rise is all caps across characters

[ednygmasbowlerhat]

the leverage ot3 is so amazing because each pair within it has its own unique and fascinating dynamic and then all 3 together have a third fascinating dynamic so the character depth is so good.

like parker and hardison have their adorable dynamic that gets tons of attention in the show so i don't think i have to explain but if i do, they are super playful with each other and so loving and romantic and hardison is always calling parker pet names and it's fucking adorable.

then you have parker and elliot, who are the two most emotionally stunted on the team, but something about being the two people who aren't "good" like the rest of the team (like basically the whole conversation they have while stuck in that like ice cave in the mountain climbing episode) is super deep. also, especially in redemption, i love how even though they pardison are not canonically dating eliot, parker is always including him in their future plans, like elliot will also get robot bodies with parker and hardison, etc. etc. like this is particularly sticking out to me in the most recent leverage redemption episode (the swipe right job) when parker is going on a rant about dating apps and elliot goes "we're in trouble" (about their covers getting blown on a job) and parker's like "no me you and hardison are fine" like hello did she just acknowledge that they're dating? more to the point though, i love how we see parker and elliot just hanging out and having like real, honest conversations, especially in redemption. i also love how they clearly spend time together outside of work - like the sheer number of parker and elliot noodle incidents is insane.

next up: elliot and hardison. holy shit they are so iconic. they are the big guy smart guy duo and it plays out in such a sweet way in their relationship. like even though he acts all exasperated, hardison really softens elliot up, for example, elliot complaining about the lucille song but then joining in in the first contact job. and then, at the same time, elliot helps hardison be tougher, think his really great speech in the rundown job where he convinces hardison that he is capable of stopping the terrorist attack and he like grabs the back of his neck and stares him right in the eye like he's donating his aura or something. but at the same time as encouraging him to be tough, elliot is still super overprotective of hardison, like when he instinctively grabs hardison and steadies him when he steps on the mine in that same episode, and i think that's so cute. speaking of the rundown job, the way that elliot and hardison are supportive of each other both in like a serious way and like a funny flirty way. as far as serious, in that episode, we have elliot literally jumping for joy when hardison figures out the sos car thing in time, and then of course as far as flirty and funny, you have the handshake when they're both staring at how hot parker is dodging lasers. btw the fact that they have a handshake too is just like the definition of their dynamic. i love it.

finally, all three together is super interesting because of how all of these dynamics come together. elliot is the scary looking dog who could fuck you up but is actually quite sweet and would rather nap with you on the couch. parker is the cat who takes a while to warm up to you but once she does she is super loving and sweet. and hardison is their genius golden retriever who is like the heart of the group and is always bothering the other two to play with him but secretly they love it. and they work together so well because they play off of each other's strengths and compensate for each other's weaknesses. it's just so fucking amazing ot3 5ever.

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

even more tlm references

Part 1 (Episodes 1 + 2) / Part 2 (Episode 3) / This post covers Episodes 4 + 5, as well as references from the event boys' voice lines and vignettes (since those have also been unlocked now)!

OH MY GOD. Rook says he enjoyed a bath in the hotel's bathhouse. He and Malleus comment on the beautiful interior of it, mentioning a shell-themed bathtub and a carving of a fish. THEY'RE LITERALLY DESCRIBING THE BATHHOUSE THAT ARIEL WASHED IN???

While at an outdoor market, we spot a lady in a white dress secured with a rope. Jade explains that it is a fashion style unique to the Sunshine Lands. By simply changing the way you wrap the cloth and rope, you can make many different looks! This fashion originated from repurposing the cloth used to make sails and rope.

This might just be me buggin’ but 😳 Jade says the Coral Sea has high biodiversity, meaning when those animals and plants decay, they add a lot of minerals and nutrients that enrich the water. This makes rich, imami sea salt. I wonder if this is a reference to??? How the sea Ariel comes from is also very colorful and biodiverse, as we see in Under the Sea.

At the outdoor market, Malleus spots forks of a strange shape. These, Jade explains, are actually combs in the shape of forks. There is a legend about a mermaid that combed her hair with a fork because she had recently come to land, and at a time when her people and humans knew little of each other. She would go on to have a happy marriage. This is of course a reference to Ariel using a fork to comb her hair at dinner🍴(Jade also mentions the Atlantics Memorial Museum from book 3!! They have a replica of the fork the mermaid used on display.)

The market also has stuff salvaged from sunken ships! There’s precious antiques and things of value, but also tons of junk that can be refurbished or polished back up and made reusable again. This has to be a reference to Ariel’s grotto full of items collected from sunken ships!!! She has many things here, some useful, some not, but all interesting to her.

The people of the Sunshine Lands love song and music! An example, Jade gives is playing the flute on ships and the coast. You know who plays a flute??? ERIC. We see him playing one when Ariel sees him for the first time, as well as right before he spots Vanessa on the beach.

There are lots of clothes hung up to dry in the strong sun. There’s a scene in TLM where the maids of Eric’s castle are doing laundry!! Sebastian gets caught up in it.

The groom apparently works on ships and is quite familiar with the sea… LIKE ERIC.

The cove is the same as the one Eric and Ariel went in for Kiss the Girl!! Look at this neat new background and how they’ve nicely decorated it!!

The Eternity Float starts off with the groom gushing about the “first time [he] heard [the bride’s] name”. Definitely a callback to Eric guessing Ariel’s name on the rowboat 😭

Rook makes a thick fog by firing fire at water. Fog??? Like… THE FOG ON THE BEACH WHEN VANESSA APPEARS AND ENCHANTS ERIC?!!!!!?!?!

Riddle thinks to launch barrels at the bride and groom! This makes me think of when Ariel used a barrel to help herself catch up with the wedding ship departing with Eric on it.

Jade and Riddle get into a magic fight that produces fireworks. The couple reminiscence on the time they saw fireworks together. Fireworks appear over Eric’s ship on the night Ariel sees Eric for the first time!!

Malleus creates a mighty tornado with his wind magic. Is this maybe a reference to the powerful storm Ursula summons when she has all the powers of the sea at her disposal?!

THE BRiDE AND GRoOM ARE LITERALLY ArIEL AND ERiCCCCC (Side note: Jade leaping in his merform fr reminds me of that fucking leaping dolphin meme 🐬 which is funny because his fandom emoji IS the dolphin!)

The bride saves the groom by swimming with him to safety…! Like how Ariel rescued Eric after the storm at the start of the film!

Jade successfully capsizes their rowboat!! Similar shot to what appears in the film.

The event ends on a similar shot as the film too!!! 😭 The sea… the ship drifting out on it… the rainbow appearing… Even the font they use to write “The End” is similar to the font used for TLM title. This is setting off all kinds of nostalgia alarms for meeeeeeee 🌈

In Rook’s vignette, he and Malleus go fishing but catch nothing. Right as they’re about to leave, something snags on the line—and they fish up a fragment of a statue. They hear from a local that there is a sunken ship nearby, so it’s common to catch stuff from it. Rook is amused and wonders if the fragment once used to be part of a man with a strong will. This has GOTTA be talking about the statue of Eric that got busted up.

In Malleus’s vignettes, he practices maintaining balance while rowing. I don't think this refers to anything specific in TLM, but I'm thinking maybe it could refer to the scene where Eric's men are in those lifeboats during the storm and trying to keep afloat in the rough waves??

He has a voice line saying he would like to play violin at a wedding (and in the Sunshine Lands, they often take place on boats). We can see one of Eric's crewmates playing a fiddle on the night Ariel sees him for the first time!

Malleus also has a voice line about how they are many sunken ships at the bottom of the sea. This is pretty non-specific, but I'm sure all of us remember the film opening scene with Ariel exploring a sunken ship.

In Riddle’s vignettes, he mentions that a horse's demeanor can change depending on the handler. Then an incident occurs in which a horse gets spooked and runs off without anyone in its carriage; Riddle and Rook chase after it and are able to get in the carriage. With Riddle at the helm, they're able to get the horse to leap over a valley. THIS A NOD TO HOW WHEN ARIEL TOOK THE REINS TO THE CARRIAGE... and then she and Eric bolted off... AND THEN SHE GOT THE HORSE TO LEAP OVER A GAP.

In one of Jade's voice lines, he talks about how he used to look at the city longingly from the waters. JUST LIKE ARIEL... JUST LIKE ARIEL AS SHE SINGS PART OF YOUR WORLD REPRISE ON THAT ROCK AND THE WATER GOES SPLASH!!!!!!!

Finally!! In Jade’s vignettes, a storefront sells items imported from merfolk. Items include seaweed for fortune telling, musical instruments, and accessory cases made from shells, and seahorses with anemones on their heads. This calls to mind the general seashell accessories of the merfolk, musical instruments used in Under the Sea and the concert scenes, and Ursula's little potion ingredients cabinet + skrungly clients/prisoners.

He tells a tale of how he got caught in a whirlpool while chasing after something shiny that had fallen into the sea. Could this be a reference to Eric using glowing under the water to try and attack Ursula?? asjdhasdsalid I MIGHT BE OVERTHINKING THIS ONE AND IT'S NOTHING

Jade ends his vignettes by mentioning there may come a day where he “returns to the sea”… THE LITTLE MERMAID 2: RETURN TO THE SEA?!?!!

[danmeidiaries]

Ranking Cdramas

I've seen 10 cdramas and I decided to rank them all. If the cdrama is based on a book, I will only be taking the drama into account and I will not be including donghuas in this particular ranking. These are all my personal opinions but I would love to hear some others! Let me know if you agree or disagree.

10. 'Love Game in Eastern Fantasy'

Plot: After a rough day at work and being disappointed by her favorite author's latest web novel, Ling Miaomiao finds herself transported into the story as the villainous Lin Yu destined to meet a miserable fate at the hands of the protagonist's brother Mu Sheng. Tasked with making Mu Sheng fall in love with her 100% in order to return home, Ling Miaomiao tries to change the novel's original tragic ending.

Episode Count: 32

As a Scum Villain fan, I love a good transmigration plotline. This show had all the potential and the first half is excellent. However, after they get to the Capital, it all starts to unravel and although there's still a few funny scenes and some great action, it's nowhere near as good as the first half of the show.

5/10

9. The Story of Yanxi Palace

Plot: Historical drama about the rise of Wei Yingluo (the Qianlong Emperor's Third Empress) in the imperial harem. Beginning as a palace maid investigating the murder of her elder sister, Wei Yingluo must learn to naviagte the machinations of Qianlong's consorts as they all vie for favor and power within the palace.

Episode Count: 90

The first cdrama I ever watched. Wei Yingluo is an excellent protagonist and the show has many intriguing mysteries and plot lines. The long episode count does mean that some of the middle has a lot of filler, but there is a lot to enjoy in this fun show. Although there is a love triangle element, I really enjoy Qianlong and Wei Yingluo's interactions as they have a very atypical love story.

7.5/10

8. A Familiar Stranger

Summary: Painter Shi Qi is forcibly face-swapped with the Prime Minister's daughter Shen Qin who doesn't want to go through with her arranged marriage.

Episode Count: 18 (10-12 minutes each)

This webdrama available on YouTube has an intriguing plotline and some great chemistry between the leads. However, in an exact opposite problem to Yanxi Palace, the short episode count and length leave some things unexplored that could have been interesting in a longer show.

7.8/10

7. Guardian

Summary: In Haixing, the SID led by Zhao Yunlan investigate mysterious deaths related to a subterranean alien species known as Dixingrens who possess powerful unique abilities. As cases become more frequent, Shen Wei, a professor at the university, seems to have some kind of connection to them.

Episode Count: 40

This might ruffle some feathers. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Guardian and Zhao Yunlan and Shen Wei are one of the best cdrama couples out there. (Chu Shuzhi and Guo Changcheng also have a cute side relationship), but i think the amount of censorship and having to rework parts of the novel ended up harming the cohesiveness of the show's over-arching narrative. Still a great show and the final stretch of episodes are some of my favorites in cdrama overall.

8/10

6. Till the End of the Moon

Summary: To save the world from the Devil God Tantai Jin, Li Susu travels back 500 years to when he was human with the task of killing him and preventing him from becoming a devil god. Unexpectedly awakening as Tantai Jin's abusive wife Ye Xiwu, the two begin to develop real feelings towards one another.

Episode Count: 40

Now we're getting into the home stretch of cdramas I genuinely don't have any issues with and it's just coming down to personal preference. The chemistry is amazing, the CGI is the best I've ever seen in a cdrama, the plotline is masterfully done. But by god these biches need to work on their communication issues and misunderstanding plotlines make me want to claw my face off (there's quite a few).

8.5/10

5. Love Between Fairy and Devil

Summary: Xiao Lanhua, a low-ranking flower fairy in Shuiyuntan accidentally and unknowingly frees Dongfang Qingcang, the Moon Supreme devil god imprisoned 10,000 years ago. After a bond is formed where Dongfang QIngcang can feel all of her physical and emotional pain, he is forced to keep her safe as he tries to work out how to break it.

Episode Count: 36

Another show with fantastic chemistry between the leads, a villain reveal I genuinely didn't see coming, and has some of the funniest and most tragic scenes I've ever seen. Did I cry watching this show - yes. Unashamedly. Dylan Wang is too good of an actor. And I'm a sucker for a good Hades x Persephone romance.

8.8/10

4. Fangs of Fortune

Summary: 8 years after attacking the Demon Hunting Bureau, the demon Zhu Yan shows up on the doorstep asking to work together with them.

Episode Count: 34 + Bonus Episode

This show has something for everyone. Great CGI, bisexual polycule (or GL and BL, or just het) vibes, a great story and some of the best stunt work and action choreography I've ever seen. I wish there were more episodes and that it had fully committed to the ZYC + ZYZ angle.

9/10

3. Justice in the Dark (ongoing - could jump in the rankings dramatically if the ending sticks the landing)

Summary: In the futuristic Xinzhou City, 1.3% of the population are affected by a radiation caused genetic defect that leaves them unable to empathise. These 'Apaths' are considered prone to criminal behaviour and their crimes are investigated by Luo Weizhao's Special Investigation Division (SID). Pei Su, a young millionaire at odds with Luo Weizhao due to events in their past becomes connected to a series of unusual crimes with thematic ties to classic literature read aloud by a mysterious broadcaster.

Episode Count: 30 (25 aired as of this post)

Thank you Japan for releasing the rest of the episodes. Excellent chemistry between the two lead, the cases are all fascinating and I'm a sucker for a good literary reference. If this show sticks the landing with the finale it could very well jump to number 1 on this list. I can't wait to see how this show concludes.

9.5/10

2. Word of Honor

Summary: Former assassin Zhou Zishu quits the Window of Heaven and goes into hiding. With only a few years left to live, he plans to live out the rest of his days alone until he meets Wen Kexing - a mysterious man who sees through his disguise and proceeds to follow him everywhere he goes.

Episode Count: 36 + Bonus episode

Insane chemistry, great stunt choreo and a great story. The show that made everyone say "hey, doesn't China have censorship???" This show was meant to have 45 episodes originally (cut down to 36) and it does show a bit in the second half, but Wen Kexing and Zhou Zishu are my 2nd favorite cdrama couple for a reason.

9.5/10

The Untamed

Summary: 16 years after his widely celebrated death, demonic cultivator Wei Wuxian is suddenly resurrected in a new body. After reuniting with Lan Wangji, a man from his first life, the two work together to solve the mysteries of the present and the past.

Episode Count: 50

The one, the only. The TV show that changed my life. PERFECTION. Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji remain my favorite cdrama couple ever. The directions this show took altered my brain chemistry and changed my outlook on so many things. The gold standard of cdramas.

10/10

Reminder: These are all my personal opinions but I'd love to hear other people's!

[distracted-and-diffused]

In my favorite part of my favorite scene with the Cat King, the Cat King doesn’t have any lines, and his reactions are only shown through the movement of his eyelashes and the tilt of his head and the pulse of his cheek. You may think I’m talking about the kiss in Episode 08 — I’m not, though.

In each Cat King scene, the Cat King has a moment where he triumphs, often with a self-congratulatory flourish. And then that moment twists on him and he finds that in some way — usually quite unexpected by himself — he has also failed. The difference between those two states is fascinating to me each time.

The moments leading up to the triumph are all strategy and posturing, but each time the Cat King figures out that he has messed up in some way, his reaction reveals that there are other things that he didn’t plan for. Things that he cares about that he didn’t acknowledge to himself. Things that he didn’t realize were at risk. And those revelations are conveyed not through dialogue, but through the emotions flickering across the Cat King’s face.

Episode 04’s triumph is much softer and subtler than the others, with that “you never, ever, ever have to pretend with me” moment, trailing off as the Cat King looks into Edwin’s eyes. But when Edwin pulls back, says he’s ashamed, and looks down briefly, the Cat King looks down, too. When he says “it’s selfish”, the Cat King tightens his jaw and swallows as though he’s holding back an argument. And when Edwin asks if the Cat King has “any more damnable spells” we see both; the Cat King looks down and shakes his head briefly, then swallows yet again.

It’s a moment of frustration and regret, and whether that regret has solely to do with Edwin’s chosen responses or whether it touches on the Cat King’s own recent actions (or both) is entirely up to the viewer to interpret. But it’s a complicated moment — a unique moment in which we can see the Cat King holding himself back — and that’s why that particular moment is my favorite to think about, even if it’s brief and wordless and takes place in just a sliver of the frame.

I am so, so glad that we got to see Lukas Gage as the Cat King, because he does such a skillful job with the contrasts in the Cat King's character. Those contrasts make the character for me, even when they’re a bit unsettling.

The Cat King is handsome and charming and has an ugly tantrum in the middle of the woods while wearing a sequined jacket. He postures and positions himself like he’s all-knowing, but we get these glimpses that indicate that the Cat King doesn’t always know himself as well as he should. He’s graceful and self-assured and perfectly cat-like — and is still utterly surprised when his heart falls on its face.

It’s the sum of all of these that make him so interesting, and I think it’s unlikely that all of these many facets would shine so clearly — and in such a short amount of screen time! — without the strength of Lukas Gage’s performance.

[timeagainreviews]

My Wish for the World of Doctor Who

Does anyone find it funny that the only aspect of season two that Tharries didn’t spoil was his cameo? I’ve been bombarded with thumbnails of the Rani and leaks about Omega since before episode one aired. But this? Radio silence. Those NDAs are no joke. Jokes aside, I think it’s lovely that they gave him a cameo. He very clearly loves the show. Plus it gives me hope. If a fairly popular YouTuber can nab a spot on the show, then maybe a barely noticed Tumblr blogger could one day set up the microphones for a Big Finish Torchwood audio. A girl can dream. I like to aim big. Speaking of aiming big, how about that penultimate episode? They really swung for the bleachers, right? Sure, why not? 

I’m not apathetic, it’s just hard to write about the first half of a two-parter. And while Davies has delivered one of the more solid seasons of Doctor Who that the show has seen in years, he hasn’t completely gained back the goodwill he lost with the lacklustre “Empire of Death.” While yours truly was more forgiving, many were left deflated by an ending that didn’t quite deliver. While I enjoyed “Wish World,” it’s with a pensive anticipation. There are things I would love to see Davies do, but this is his story, not mine. I would like to think he has more planned than “Gallifrey is back, baybee!” But I wonder how far he plans to take this new shake-up to the Doctor’s reality. Will he make broad strokes, or will he pull back just shy of anything substantial? Are we forging into the great unknown or breaking things and putting them back to the status quo? 

When I say substantial, I need you to remember what kind of fan I am. I like Doctor Who weird. I don’t want Davies to “undo the Timeless Children,” or anything so mundane. I want Davies to break Doctor Who so that people stop trying to place it in such rigid constraints. I want Davies to free Doctor Who from the binds of canon. I would love to plunge Doctor Who back into the realm of mystery promised by its title. Doctor Who isn’t the kind of show to really focus on hard facts. Can you name the different Cyberman ships? What was the name of the ridge where the War Doctor carved “No More” into a wall with a laser gun? How many times has the Doctor been 900 years old? None of these things matter to the type of story Doctor Who is. Doctor Who is unique in that its strength is what kills other shows- change. My hope is that Russell T Davies will push Doctor Who further into the realm of fluidity. I want the definition of Doctor Who to expand, not shrink.

Leading into this episode, I was most anticipating Archie Panjabi’s portrayal as the Rani. We have already seen Mrs Flood and can retroactively think of her as the Rani. But we had hardly met our new Rani before the credits rolled last week. I had a good feeling about Archie from the get-go. She has a regality about her. When I saw the photos of her “Wish World” appearance on the Doctor Who socials, I was starting to feel hopeful that they would nail the character. Her deep red coat with the gold studded shoulder pads was giving Kate O’Mara. I’ve always admired the Rani’s penchant for authoritarian power clothes. She looks smart with just a hint of dominatrix. The glimpses of her sonic syringe had me yearning for the toy. I love a good 1:1 replica, and that thing is begging to be electroplated and shipped to my house. My boyfriend better watch out because when that thing arrives, my inner Rani will unleash. She looks the part, she has the toys. So far, so good.

The episode opens in Bavaria, 1865, with the Rani visiting the seventh son of a seventh son of a seventh son. This relates back to the old folklore belief that any seventh consecutive son’s seventh consecutive son will be like a wizard. But if that wizard should then go on to have a seventh son, that son would then be a sorcerer, a sort of font of magic. As I had wondered last week, the Rani seems interested in exploiting magic as she has exploited science. Considering the Toymaker’s accent and Bavaria, I expected this baby to be related to him somehow, especially when the baby is used to turn a woman into flower petals. Not since Billy the Butcher have I seen a character wield a baby like a weapon with such finesse. The Rani kisses wishes off the baby’s head, reducing people to farm animals. The baby’s six brothers are instantly transformed into a flock of mallards. They really should have ducked. Sorry, I really quack myself up. In truth, it’s some cold shit to essentially kill those children. They sand the edges down by making them ducks, but it’s ruthless. Very Rani.

Pulling from the Steven Moffat playbook of starting the second half of a cliff-hanger in a completely different location, we find the Doctor and Belinda awaking in bed together. The room is mid-century modern kitsch. The Doctor (who is going as John Smith) and Belinda kiss one another good morning, and they set about their day. The aesthetics of the ‘50s nuclear family are the perfect backdrop for a story about a fictional world that doesn’t hold up to scrutiny. The Doctor, in his finest John Steed apparel, kisses his fake wife and his Space Baby Poppy goodbye. But reality can’t fully preserve itself, so slips happen as cups fall through tables. Not even Ruby's appearance at the Smiths’ door can shake the Doctor from this waking dream. The stifling fiction of this reality forces people into roles they were never meant to play. They are the invention of an idyllic megalomaniac who thinks men are men, women are women, the poor and disabled don’t exist, and that everything should be bright and sunny all the time. Who do we know that fits that description?

Conrad’s introduction reminded me a lot of George Orwell’s “1984” with Conrad acting as Big Brother. During his constant updates on television, Conrad must reestablish the lie of a world not in step with reality. If Conrad stops concentrating on this fantasy, reality has a shitty way of creeping back in with major consequences, such as flooding. I was amused by the choice to model Conrad’s Doctor Who story book on a Harry Potter book. Whether or not it was intentional, it rings true for a guy who seeks to limit the spectrum of human sexuality and gender. Did anyone else notice the author of the book was I. M. Foreman, like Susan? Interesting. Furthering the 1984 associations, we get Shirley and Ruby (and of course, Tharries) filling the role of the proles. And as Winston wrote “If there is hope, it lies in the proles.” Since Conrad doesn’t consider disabled people as valid, they’re essentially a blind spot in his worldview. Consequently, this provides a lot of agency for them to move about unnoticed. A rebellion is forming right under his nose.

This ragtag rebellion is comprised mostly of people with disabilities. However, Ruby is brought into the fold. Possibly due to her proximity to Conrad, Ruby can see through his facade. It’s revealed that after expressing doubts about Conrad, Ruby is turned in to the thought police by her own mother. Carla is cracking me up at this point. She’s such a traitor! This marks the third time in one reality or another where Carla has completely abandoned Ruby. I’m reminded of Rory Williams and his penchant for dying. I don’t truly believe Carla is a bad mum. It's just funny that a woman who fosters many children’s most consistent character trait is abandonment. After Ruby escapes capture, she is brought into the fold by Shirley. After vetting Ruby, they show her a UNIT tablet from before reality shifted. Ruby doesn’t recognise the device but it feels familiar. In their world, phones are still things attached to the wall, like the one Carla used to betray Ruby. With this tablet, they’re able to pinpoint Conrad’s location during his transmissions. We’ve yet to discover if and how that will come into play.

I liked that this group of outcasts were diverse, but one aspect I found weird was that they were all so young. This isn’t to say that they didn’t breach the topic of ageism. Mel’s status as a single older woman makes her invisible in her own right. But it would have been nice to see some older people in the ranks of the rebellion. It reminded me of “Alien Romulus”, which felt very aimed toward young people. Compare the cast of “Alien,” where the ages of the crew were varied. Call me out of touch, but I don’t understand this modern inclination to appeal to young people by assuming they can’t identify with older, if not elderly, characters. I got into Twin Peaks as a teenager, and that show is full of old people. Some of my favourite Doctors are old people. It’s not a huge issue, I simply find it strange. This episode has its share of elderly representation with Mel, Mrs Flood, and Susan Triad. But it feels out of step to say a group of disabled people are capable of fighting a rebellion while leaving out the elderly. Like I said, it’s not a huge issue, just weird.

John Smith works at UNIT- Unified National Insurance Team. It’s the same UNIT tower but in a completely separate line of work. Susan Triad is back in her “The Devil’s Chord” attire. Colonel Ibrahim has traded his tactical gear for a work-appropriate suit and tie. It’s like the set of Mad Men, except there’s a giant shipping box containing the Vlinx. While at work, John Smith experiences a couple of different slips. First, when he refers to Ibrahim as beautiful, something in Conrad’s world that a man should never say about another man. And again, when wondering who the Rani is as she flies her bone scooter up to a skeletal tower à la the Wicked Witch of the West. I mused last week that the Rani is too scrupulous to squabble with past incarnations as to who is in charge. However, even that narrative is beginning to show cracks in the presence of reality. While Mrs Flood may have sprung Conrad out of his cell, she and he have found themselves trapped in their own respective circumstances. The jailor and the prisoner are both left to rot while the Rani is free to do as she pleases. But what is she doing?

One thought that has remained with me since “Wish World” is, why would the Rani wish to bring back Time Lord society? To what end would the Rani benefit from resurrecting Gallifrey? Historically, the Rani has been labelled a “Renegade Time Lord,” alongside the Doctor and the Master. She wasn’t exactly in high standing with the Time Lords. And yet, within her palace is a giant Seal of Rassilon. This leads me to believe it’s not entirely about resurrecting the Time Lords, her dear friends. This feels more like her positioning herself to rule over the Time Lords. In the same way that she wouldn’t revere the Time Lords, I have a hard time imagining she holds any warmth toward Omega. Omega feels more like a means to an end; another source of power for her to manipulate. Going by the preview for next week’s episode, it sounds like she plans to use Omega’s body to rebuild Gallifrey. It's mythic in scale, drawing parallels to Norse mythology where the world was created from the body of a dead frost giant.

The Rani’s bone palace is a perplexing location. I don’t fully understand why her tower and its sentinels needed to be made of bone, but perhaps we will get an explanation next week. Or perhaps its just some weird shit Davies thought would look cool. Which, it does. Though it is amusing that while forming this fortress, the Rani saw fit to include a little bone kitchenette where Mrs Flood can make Conrad’s sandwiches. I did wonder if this palace was actually the Rani’s TARDIS, but that doesn’t explain the sentinels. If they aren’t her TARDIS, where is it? Historically, the Rani has always had a cool TARDIS. I would love a peek inside a modern version. We know she can travel in time as she was in Bavaria, so I expect to see it at some point. Unlike the Doctor’s TARDIS, the chameleon circuit still works, so it could be hiding in plain sight.

John Smith continues struggling with doubt when Conrad’s transmission is disrupted by Rogue contacting the Doctor from a Hell dimension called green screen. If you’ll recall from last year, I’m a Rogue girlie, so I was very excited to see him again. Belinda calls the thought police on John after finding him slipping cups through the dinner table. However, this is all part of the Rani’s plan. She brings the Doctor and Belinda back to her palace under the pretence of thought crimes. But it’s just an excuse for the Rani to exposit her entire plan to the Doctor. For a moment, I felt something in the pit of my stomach akin to worry. It was beginning to feel like the Master talking at the Thirteenth Doctor while she stood around doing nothing. But Davies smartly draws attention to this, informing us that the exposition is the point. The Rani intended for the Doctor to see through her ruse. She needed the power of a Time Lord’s doubt to undo reality. She needed Conrad to create a reality so unrealistic that only a red-pilled Broganite like himself could imagine it. Both he and the Doctor are merely pawns in the Rani’s quest to break apart reality so that she may find Omega underneath.

What Davies has done is essentially given himself the license to rewrite the mythology of Doctor Who. When he puts the world back into place, he can essentially reshape it. He has said recently that Gallifreyan lore will be rewritten. For my money, Gallifreyan lore has always been a bit shit anyway, so I’m fairly open to the prospect. Furthermore, in the aftermath of the Chibnall era, Doctor Who’s entire narrative has felt murky. Is the First Doctor just a fob watched version of the Fugitive Doctor who only thinks he grew up on Gallifrey? If so, whose leg did Clara grab? Who slept in the Doctor’s crib? So far, Davies has remained a bit vague on the situation, which has left many in the fandom waiting for the proverbial other shoe to drop. As I said above, I’m not looking for Davies to undo the Timeless Children, but some clarity would be nice. There are, however, some interesting context clues that could indicate which direction Davies might take the narrative.

The language over the Doctor’s origins has recently sided more on the Time Lord from Gallifrey aspect over the Timeless Child from wherever aspect of the narrative. They even refer to Omega as the first of the Time Lords. While yes, you could say that it takes more than the Timeless Child’s regeneration to make a Time Lord, it is a rather decisive way to say it, don’t you think? Furthermore, something that stuck out to me was the montage of classic Doctor’s faces, particularly the order in which they are presented. Unlike “Rogue,” which gave us a random assortment of the Doctor’s previous faces, we’re given the Doctors in chronological order. Or are we? We start with the First Doctor, William Hartnell, but shouldn’t we be starting with Jo Martin? Instead, Jo Martin is slipped in between Thirteen and Fourteen. But the War Doctor is placed in chronological order, not by his appearance. Had he been listed by his appearance, he would have been slotted between Eleven and Twelve, but here he’s shown between Eight and Nine. Perhaps because it pertains to the Doctor’s memory, they are presented in the order in which the Doctor remembers these incarnations. It’s not as though the War Doctor was forgotten by the Doctor. It may be nothing, but it's interesting that the show seems to be gravitating toward the traditional form of the narrative while still embracing aspects of the new narrative. It’s this sort of thing that makes me think we will see a kind of amalgam of the two.

The aspect of the story which stood out the most to me was Poppy. Why is Poppy here? And more importantly, what does the Doctor mean when he says Poppy is real? What implications does that have on the story? One thing we never did learn in “Space Babies” was who was making the Space Babies and why. Was the Rani attempting to create new Gallifreyans? Is that why they talk? Are any of the Space Babies going to grow up to be Susan? Is Poppy the Timeless Child? Is Susan secretly the Timeless Child? I have a hard time imagining children on Gallifrey. Specifically, new Time Lord children. I can picture the Doctor as a kid. I can picture the scarlet-clad children running in the 50th anniversary special. But I have a hard time imagining the Time Lords as reproductive. So much so that the Doctor has been alive for millennia and is only recently getting comfortable with the concept. Though I do find it funny that the closer the Doctor gets to embracing romance and sexuality, the less he mentions his age. My point, however, is that I don’t take Time Lords to be the type to reproduce. And not in that “genetic looms as canon” manner, or even asexuality, but rather in that “removed from the mundanity of having a body” sort of way. My thought of Time Lord society is that a large portion of Time Lords were dead on their feet. Ineffective and affected. Effete to a fault. They would definitely grow Space Babies.

Sadly, one of my predictions about Doctor Who has not come true. Mrs Flood is not some storytelling god with the ability to cancel Doctor Who. Fears of cancellation weren’t the most brazen of marketing gimmicks, but rather a harsh possibility. It’s a real shame when you consider Doctor Who is currently on an uptick in quality, but so was the Cartmel era and they still took it off the air. Something I think Davies could have done better was to reassert the narrative when he returned. There were large portions of the fandom who wanted to see him erase the Timeless Children from the show completely. Some fans were afraid he would do just that. Meanwhile, I found myself somewhere in the middle where I simply wanted him to make it work. His desire to please everyone has left a lot of people unhappy. Because of this, next week’s episode feels pivotal. Will Davies finally let the proverbial other shoe drop? I’d like to hope that Davies is improving the sandbox. I’m hoping that he will use this reality disruption as a chance at a clean slate. Marvel shook up continuity with Battleworld, why can’t Doctor Who do it?

I hope that Davies has more in store than sensationalism. Perhaps a surprise regeneration replacing Ncuti Gatwa with Billie Piper would get people to tune in next year. But a bit of clarity in the wake of the disastrous Chibnall era would help retain said audience. I don’t just want spectacle from this finale, I want a statement of intent. Davies has danced around these concepts long enough. In the same manner, it’s up to us as fans to remember to watch next week. Because this could be it for Doctor Who proper. Do you really want the last Doctor Who you watch to be “The War Between the Land and the Sea”? Of course you don’t. That’s why I’m going to the theatre next week to watch the episode. That’s why I rewatch the episodes on iPlayer. We need to show up so people know we still love Doctor Who. Who knows if ratings still mean what they meant in the pre-streaming era? Probably not. Let’s not put it to the test. Unless, of course, you think Doctor Who should have some downtime. I get that the current era may not be your cuppa, but Doctor Who can’t change if it doesn’t exist.

[bibibbon]

TBHX and the disposability of man pt2

Here is part 1

Even though it is just the beginning of Yang cheng's story, the theme of disposability within a flawed society seems to strengthen within the story.

Episode 5 begins with the death of Yang cheng's parents and the plan for them to quite literally sell him. To buy something implies to later dispose of it later on when it's out of use or when it becomes obsolete and we see this language being used towards a literal human child.

On a visual note, you can also interpret this scene as Yang cheng's parents, who are now dead, symbolising that they are obsolete with a small Yang cheng whom still holds value alive and next to them.

When Yang cheng grows up and becomes an E-soul actor, he is now in his prime use and has to differentiate himself from the other E-souls. In a world of a million actors, you can easily be disposed of over and over because another actor can replace you and play the role you serve to society. This is best seen in the E-soul actor competition with all of these actors playing the role of E-soul any of them can be him and become him physically speaking however, no one will ever fully know or understand the true E-soul and his motives and no one will fully discard of their core to become a blank slate.

The battle between the two E-souls and the publics reaction it is really interesting, and I think hammers down on this theme. Even with Original E-soul serving the people for 34 years, he can be easily disposable in the publics eyes simply because they find the younger E-soul much more reliable, attractive, and a breath of fresh air. As long as there is someone with the hero name of E-soul who is eye candy and does what the public wants the people will hold them to a favourable standard until they grow old, tarnished and lose their uniqueness being replaced by another copy of them in the grand capitalist machine.

Yang chengs story ends with him becoming a puppet to Uncle rocks wishes and replacing the original E-soul. The public doesn't care, it was live and broadcasted that one of the E-souls lost their lives and that their trust values merged but as long as there was the concept and abstract idea of a quick electricity hero named E-soul the people will dehumanise and worship the hero even if he killed another man on live television.

While the battle of two E-souls and Yang chengs story is one way the story illustrates the theme of disposability another way the story does this is through the two nameless characters that uncle Rock uses as puppets to inact his plan.

I don't remember the show ever disclosing these two names, and I think that adds a lot to how the show refuses to humanise them in a way. The same goes for Yang chengs parents they are nameless people who lived lives and were killed. They were puppets in a capitalist system that only benefits the elites. We are introduced to these two, and right from the get-go, we are shown that they have money problems and will do anything for money even if it means kidnapping someone. They might sound repulsed at the idea, but they're willing to do anything for survival, and we see this happening multiple times, whether that be them kidnapping little pomelo or killing shang chao they're willing to be puppets and play the role that society has given them if it means there is a chance at an escape or survival.

I think this is why it's so distressing when we find out that they were essentially puppets there to further push along and benefit Uncle Rock, who needed them for Yang chengs story and when they become obsolete they suffer the same twisted fate as Yang chengs parents : death by drowning in cement.

Two people killed, no one cares for them, no one will look for them and no one will know the truth because while they might have their names in prison on paper they were killed trying to escape a system that immediately discards of useless powerless cogs.

[koneko48]

The Queer Reading of HxH

I’ve read and re-read Hunter x Hunter at least 46 times, and I always come back to the same conclusion: HxH is a queer manga.

First of all, this post is just the first part of my analysis, so I’ll be posting the rest on my account later ;P

1. fan service in shonen manga ૮꒰◞ ˕ ◟ ྀི꒱ა

1. Fan service in shonen manga

In the shonen industry, fan service is super common — and it's usually aimed at straight guys. You know the drill: women and girls with boobs bigger than my future, who serve no purpose other than being love interests, random nude scenes for no reason, super sexualized outfits… The thing is, these manga are traditionally made for an exclusively straight male audience, so they often end up being sexist or ignoring the existence of complex female characters altogether.

2. Fan service in hxh ? ¯_(- > -)_/¯

So, is there fan service in HxH? The answer is yes. Like most other shonen series, Hunter x Hunter does include fan service — but in a very… unique way.

While reading Yoshihiro Togashi’s work (the mastermind behind the manga), I realized something wild: the fan service is almost entirely male. Nope, not a joke!

There are tons of shirtless dudes in HxH — really, it’s everywhere. But if you’re looking for even one nude woman? Good luck. I haven’t found a single one. And when I say fan service, I’m not kidding!

Hisoka, for example, (besides wearing heels) is very "provocative" — that's what people would say about him if he were a woman.

Hisoka at his prime.

And don’t even get me started on Killua, who made me so jealous because when I was 12, I didn’t have a six-pack… (╥﹏╥)

Bro’s supposed to be younger than me, help!

Besides the sexualization, female characters are actually quite well represented in the manga, as well as in both anime adaptations (1999 and 2011). Take Biscuit Krueger for example, Gon and Killua’s Nen teacher. At first, we’re led to believe she’s a cute little girl — very kawaii (probably a nod to Togashi’s wife’s manga, Sailor Moon). But a few episodes later, we see her true form: she’s actually 57 years old and can transform into a bodybuilder whenever she wants. Biscuit is known to be very strong and uses Nen like no one else, since she even taught it to her students. Remember after her transformation in front of one of the three Boomers, Boomer #3 asked her why she hid her true form from people, to which she replied that she was very self-conscious about her body (I’ve never seen that in any other manga in my life) and that it wouldn’t be a secret technique otherwise.

Anyway, besides Biscuit, I have plenty of other female characters in mind, like Morena Prudo, who is insolent, mean, wants to kill everyone, very intelligent and doesn’t hide it, and scares men, etc. Or Senritsu / Melody (I really like Melody), who literally has baldness and works as a bodyguard in the mafia. And then there’s Teta, who has a square-shaped head (I cried when I saw her design ✧｡٩(ˊᗜˋ )و✧*｡) and teaches Nen to the biggest antagonist in the story, which requires great mental strength, and who doesn’t hesitate to shoot him dead cold in the head.

3. Oh I almost fgt ! Kurapika ! ‧₊˚🕷‧₊˚

His case is quite funny since we don’t actually know if Kurapika is a girl or a boy. At first glance, if you watched the English version or any non-Japanese one, you’d be sure he’s a boy... But if, like me, you have the IQ of a rock and when you first read about Kurapika, you thought she was a girl because he wears a dress and has long hair, then concluded he was a boy after googling… well, Google lied to us! In reality, we DO NOT know Kurapika’s gender. In the manga, he uses "watashi wa," a very rare pronoun in everyday language because it’s gender-neutral. On top of that, Togashi (he’s insanely talented) has never stated anything about it. Conclusion: I have no freaking idea and honestly, I don’t care. Maybe he's non-binary...

Ultimate conclusion of my whole post: It’s clear that Togashi didn’t create HxH for a straight male gaze (no one will talk about the reactions me and my friends had when we saw Hisoka half-naked).

ദ്ദി ˉ͈̀꒳ˉ͈́ )✧

Coming soon: "LGBT Characters in HxH" 🌈 (yeah, I put a rainbow)

[leverreestvide]

I love how the relationships between the character are so varied and unique in Black butler.

For example if we take into account the relation between Ciel and Sullivan we can find many interesting things.

(Careful this contains SPOILERS FROM THE MANGA)

Their friendship develops casually, there's really no obligation or particular convenience (because Ciel understand that Sullivan doesn't know what's happening in reality and on the other hand Sieglinde just wants to learn everything she can).

To me they are kinda kindred spirits. Children who where put in terrible situation by adults around them but try to break free of their control with intelligence and wits. Sullivan was born with great intelligence, so from a young age she was brought up to become a genius able to create weapons for the army. Ciel grew up to be a help to R!Ciel or substitute to the Phantomhive. Also from Ciel side I think that Sullivan is also a person that helps him confront his past, she's the only one who knows really about his condition and is quite able to understand and be empathetic towards him.

An example of the empathy in their bond is actually in this week's episode. Here Ciel helps Sullivan escape her hell by making her understand the truth and giving her a choice for the future, which to me is all Ciel would ever ask for.

He's really understanding of Sullivan troubles and tries to help her as much as he can *yes in HIS way*. Which is still Sullivan best option to keep on living.

Also the fact that he gets genuinely angry at all the deception Sieglinde was put through and hits us with the iconic: "Children are not a tool for their parents to use".

Because the one thing Ciel had was loving parents, even if not for long, who cared about his desires and ambition without trying to use him for their personal gain. So seeing how Sieglinde is treated by her mother just disgusts him so much he isn't able to withstand anymore of that woman ramblings and wants to get Sieglinde to somewhere safe, where she can use her intelligence in whatever way she likes.

He really treasures her person and Sieglinde thinks just as highly of him. Making their bond not only special but also unique, in Ciel relationship at least, since it is the only almost equal one.

I just really like their bond and their ways of communicating with one another. 💙💚

((I should mention that this is not a ship post, is just how I view their relationship in canon))

[blacktabbygames]

What’s been the biggest change in Scarlet hollow from its design concept/beta script to how it is now?

I can think of quite a few! • In the earliest concept stages of Episode 1, you met EVERY romance option on the way to the woods. A bit of a quest with Stella to get everything you needed. This felt very "game-y" and a slog to write, so we instead chose to introduce characters one-by-one over the course of the next few episodes. I want to say Wayne originally didn't show up in episode 1 either!

• There was originally going to be a worst of both worlds Fourth Option for the major decisions (i.e. losing gretchen and duke in episode 1.) Scrapped because it was unfun, went against our core design philosophy (no wrong choices) and would be a ton of extra work for something people would just re-load and undo anyway!

• In the first draft of Episode 2, originally it was Stella who went deeper into the mines, thrilled at the chance to finally film Tommyknockers. Becka would make Alexis stay behind because "chasing after ghosts for youtube clout" was super lame, and Street Smart players would be able to convince her that it was cool actually. When the collapse happens, you would have to choose between going out of a *closer* exit, or going back after them. It was sloppy and not good. I believe discovering the carving in the mines was also optional in that draft! The whole situation made Stella, IMO, Too Much™, so we did a rewrite.

• The ghost hunt in Episode 3 was originally more of an active puzzle where you'd have to go back and forth between different rooms until you actually pieced everything together. This was: 1.) Not very fun* 2.) Hard to write 3.) Again it violated the no-wrong answers thing. Likewise, if there was no real consequence to getting things wrong, it would just be solvable via brute force. Much more compelling to leave folks with lingering questions and have them piece things together on their own.

*One of our longstanding rules of writing is that if something isn't fun or interesting for you to make, it isn't going to be fun or interesting in other people. Cut it and move on. I genuinely think this mentality is a large part of our Secret Sauce™ as a studio. • Avery was originally not a romance option and also a total dweeb instead of hot. Now they're a total dweeb (confident version) AND hot.

• We scrapped an alternate version of the clinic in episode 4 where a romanced Kaneeka would accompany you — we even did a bunch of unique art for it which you can find in the game files. Can you guess why it was cut? (IT WAS NOT FUN (also it felt like her presence undermined so much of what makes the clinic interesting — there was too much familiarity with her there. Too much comfort. We wanted players to be more uncomfortable!))

[bumblingbabooshka]

Tuvok & Seven co-parenting the borg children should've been real and canon like it is in my heart. It makes sense that Seven suggests Neelix as a good possible caregiver but with how ready Tuvok was to take responsibility for Tressa in 'Innocence' it seems to me like such a wasted opportunity that he doesn't really seem involved at all with the Borg children. With my ha-ha glasses on, there's comedic potential in their dynamic and I think certain people on the ship would hint that it might be the catalyst for a romance but there is 0 romance between them. They're both such proud, I'm-better-than-you type people and I know they'd have strong opinions on how to raise the Borg children that sometimes conflict. 'My Ex-Borg Drone is an Honor Student' type PTA parents. The potential for Tuvok being the (comparatively) more easygoing one is also quite funny. Also, with my sincerity goggles on, I can easily imagine Seven becoming overwhelmed with the sudden responsibility of caring for four children. I understand that everyone on Voyager sort of cares for all the children but Seven is placed as their primary guardian/mother-figure which is a lot to put on someone who's only been fully sentient for a few years herself. Just learned how to eat solid foods semi-recently and now she's a single mom? I think there could be an episode where Seven is clearly struggling with managing four children, her own work duties, her desire to be alone/pursue her own interests, and everyone's expectations for her (womanhood, humanity etc). No one's behind malicious but it's a lot of critiques coming from all sides. Then one evening she's working in astrometrics before someone...B'Elanna? Comes in for some work thing and is like "So, how did the bedtime story go?" because the kids were excited for Seven to read them to sleep and Seven's like I Have To Go Right Now so she rushes to the cargo bay expecting to see a lot of disappointed faces but instead Tuvok's in there, reading aloud. Tuvok gestures for her to stay quiet and finishes the last line. Mezoti, the last clinger-on, finally lets herself regenerate. Seven and Tuvok talk in his quarters about how difficult Seven's been finding the task of essentially raising four kids because I think she'd put a lot pressure on herself because of her personality + Janeway's expectations since she was the one who said Seven should be their guardian. I also think she'd be bewildered by not being able to do this 'task' efficiently. Tuvok talks about how he also found the experience of being a father difficult and bewildering, and he only had one child at the start. He encourages Seven to rely even more on others, that it won't make anyone think less of her for "not being able to handle it" and gives examples from his own life. He makes a point to tell her about how Janeway also helped from time to time - covering his shift or picking up one of his kids etc, to show Seven that he doesn't believe Janeway wants her to try to do everything alone. Seven thinks about this for the night. The next day, in the mess hall, she suggests in front of everyone "We should raise the children together. As a unit." Tuvok's confused. Seven says she noticed a lot of responsibility was shared between Tuvok and his wife. A parental unit. It also leaves the children with another primary caregiver in case one of them dies. ("Dies?" Mezoti asks so Tuvok pulls Seven away). Tuvok tries to explain that he meant more 'it takes a village' (in his Vulcan way) but Seven is like "You like the children. You've raised children. You are reliable. You are more knowledgeable in certain aspects of this general process while I possess superior knowledge of their unique ex-Borg needs. You told me to rely on others. The children can't stop talking about story time. Are you in?" and Tuvok, somewhat dazed, agrees. Seven says Good. Then she leaves. Tom claps Tuvok on the shoulder. "Congratulations, Dad!"

[verloonati]

okay thought on lucky day

went into this ep with bad expectations because i liked season 1/14 but the frictionless dynamic of the doctor and ruby never really did it for me and it's no wonder 73 yards was my favourite episode, because ruby was really given the chance to shine. making lucky day a doctor lite episode was for sure the good choice, although it's disappointing that it's a belinda lite episode as well

the fact that it's a doctor lite gives it a very unique vibe. the podcast and social media stuff is as always a little on the nose, but managed better than in other instances

the shreek is kind of a nothingburger, but like. its only purpose is to be a generic scary monster and it does that quite well

hell yeah for the trauma. as I said, i feel like ruby really pops as a character alone, and the episode adressing her trauma responses and anxiety induced by being in constant fear for her life it finally gives her the conflict she needed

ruby should really stop going to small village pubs

the twist manages to be pretty good because the red flags conrad raises so far can all be interpreted as "oh he's kind of an adam mitchell mixed with an elton pope" so him and his friends being legally distinct infowars really works. the first half building up ruby and conrad's relationship also helps really feeling betrayed but never compromising on presenting conrad as a loser. him putting on his own merch during his little stunt is a really funny detail as well

Biggest fault of the episode is modern UNIT's presentation. yeah actually maybe military half secret organization that captures alien and sci fi tech are bad actually. the swelling music when they come and the fact that their only opposants are made to be far-right agitators feels disingenuous. Really hopes War between the Land and the Sea does better with it, because like yeah of course Kate goes a little overboard later, but the narrative never really adresses that actually yeah maybe there is some problems with a supra legal army that allows itself the right to be the "right hands" to hoard technology that would absolutely change the face of the world. Really giving torchwood: the story continues: among us vibes in the fact that you can't use your semi-secret alien tech and prisoners hoarding organization as a basis to make a political point if you're not willing to engage with the politics of what having such an organization means

Trinity wells is baaaaaaack, but at the cost of making her a far-right news anchor. but you know what, she would fucking say that

this a very funny resolution to a problem but for once the commentary is on the nose but the cartoonishly villainy/arrogant/stupid way of talking is actually realist.

Interesting choice to make this week's asshole the reason the doctor knows about belinda, but i'm relieved that it's not some pantheon or super secret important old woman nonsense.

for once the mrs flood cameo actually interacts with the plot, still anxious to see where it's going tho

[aliceslanguagediaries]

❁ My favourite French podcasts for intermediate and advanced learners (B1-C1) ❁

(I really love using podcasts for language immersion and I owe a huge amount of my french progress to these, so I hope they’re helpful to someone else too!)

1.

This one is hugely popular, and for a good reason! I would credit this podcast (and the free transcriptions) with about half of my progress from intermediate to advanced. A really great feature is translations/explanations for difficult words in the transcription.

2.

I love the topics in this one, it’s very unique and thought-provoking (and often philosophical) while also not being too difficult. (I believe that all of the interview episodes come with transcripts also)

3.

Transcripts also available for free! I like the conversational style and there’s a huge range of important topics relating to french culture, social issues, travel etc.

4.

I feel like everyone knows this one? But I love it, it’s really fun

5.

Maybe a little easier than the others mentioned as she speaks quite slowly, but again a huge range of topics and clear explanations of grammar and vocabulary!

6.

Very interesting topics, especially the history episodes

7.

I think everyone knows her YouTube channel, but her podcast is really great too!

8.

Probably the easiest one on the list!

9.

This is actually aimed at natives so I put it last, but it’s perfect for anyone with an advanced level who is interested in language learning :)

[yeryeryea]

8 underrated eremika fanfics that I think definitely deserve way more recognition, appreciation, and love:

🤍 Anamnesis by Karizard (@karizard-ao3)

I've reread this a few times and it gave me a sci-fi movie vibe based on those romance, humor elements, and family scenes. It's rare to see Mikasa as a fuckgirl and Eren being the absolute wife guy ever (trust me, it's really sweet). The idea that every au of eremika has them deeply loving each other is so appealing, I love them and can easily imagine their lives when I'm dozing off lol. And I literally screamed when canon Eren appears! Imagine if this were a Netflix series, just picture the trailer with Eren's titan roar as one of the episodes even if it's just a quick black screen for one second. It would totally hype everyone up!

🤍 ocho by AphoticW

It's very sweet and I think Eremika in this au has the healthiest relationship ever! And for the first time I can actually accept jeankasa while reading. It was really refreshing and gave me a new perspective on their dynamic, something I didn't expect to enjoy as much as I did when I saw the title. It really caught me off guard in the best way possible.

🤍 My Emotional Kaleidoscope by On_kamis_green_earth

It's hard to find a mature fanfic that includes the topics I'm interested in, like addiction and its effects. There aren't many fluffy moments in this au but there are very realistic problems that really make you think. I was hooked right after the first chapter. It feels so raw and real, unlike the typical dramatic fanfics that can feel a bit too far removed from the harsh realities of life (yes I'm talking about DF lol). I love how it dives into deep emotional themes without sugarcoating anything. The complexity of the characters really stands out and keeps me engaged throughout.

🤍 see you later (the series) by sinigangsta (@sinigangsta-ao3)

This is a great series about canon eremika! The way it explores their bond is so genuine and heartfelt. I love how it delves into the everyday moments of their life and shows their connection. It's not just about the big moments but the little things that make their relationship so endearing. And there's smut! Plenty of them :) Lots of steamy moments that really add to the chemistry.

🤍 i can't think of anything funny to say by miriamika

[Still updating] It's hilarious and brings a fresh twist with its unique 1950s time setting. The humor is spot-on, and the fun mix of comedy and nostalgia had me laughing out loud while also appreciating the content. I really hope the author comes back one day to give us more!

🤍 Porcelain Menial by cxcassi (@cxcassii)

[Still updating] To say it's sexy, hot, sultry, passionate, or anything else is seriously an understatement! I love how Eren's character shifts from being kinda casual with his intentions to completely serious when they finally sleep together lol. It's like watching him evolve. This is definitely a fanfic people should check out and I'm waiting for more! Can't wait to see where it goes next!

🤍 The U and I in Security by Shining TEA

[Still updating] I don't think there's any other eremika fanfic that sets them up as security guards! It's hilarious, not just between eremika but literally between everyone. It's kind of a slow burn, but each chapter just keeps getting better. I was literally cracking up during their soccer game! Also, Eren tries to deny, or should I say, can't quite figure out his feelings in the cutest way, and it was so amazing. I hope the author updates soon!

🤍 Gangsta's Paradise by Drift1607

The criminal x cop relationship actually reminded me of Zootopia. I just realized it's kind of like an ‘old’ fanfic but I've reread it a few times now. Eren in this au is so funny and refreshing, unlike other aus where he's more serious or something, his lines had me laughing nonstop. But just a heads up, there's a bit of ereannie smut in one of the chapters (😿), but I'm sure it's still a great fanfic that's definitely worth reading! It's fun and full of personality, so if you like a unique spin on their dynamic, you'll love it.

[columboposting]

Obviously and rightfully everyone is going insane about the Nandermo stuff in the new WWDITS episode, but something I would like to briefly talk about is the Laszlo & Colin Robinson & The Monster plotline and the way it mirrors Season 4. Because like, the way Laszlo was treating the Monster -- viewing him as a science experiement first and foremost, forcing him to rotely memorize and recite facts instead of doing things that actually interest him, making him dance for the entertainment of others -- is the way that he treated Baby Colin! Baby Colin was a scientific experiment! He made him dance on the nightclub stage! He took away his fairytales and replaced them with dusty historical tomes!And while we can all see that this is terrible parenting, that was never something the show was seriously interested in reckoning with. I mean, Guillermo was there to say "hey this is fucked up," but that's his job on a good day, and in the end the plotline more positions Laszlo as a loving but misguided parent than an outright shitty one. Which, for the record, I do think is fine -- it's a comedy show about weirdo vampires with a weirdo vampire moral code, the show wouldn't be better if it cancelled Laszlo and I can sort of pretend that Laszlo and Baby Colin's relationship was healthy because it makes for better drama, y'know? (I mean, I literally just posted fic about their relationship that Kind of Ignores the fact that from a normal person's perspective Laszlo wasn't a very good father, lol)

But suddenly in this episode, Colin Robinson is there mediating that relationship and pointing out all the ways it is harmful to Laszlo's dependent. He looks at the way Laszlo treats the Monster and says, "Hey, this guy is not a dancing monkey. This guy is not a regurgitator of fun facts. This guy is not a scientific experiment. He is a person, and he loves you, and you're hurting him." And, of course, though neither the show nor Colin Robinson are capable of pointing it out, Colin Robinson would be the one to know these things better than anyone else, because he has quite literally been in the Monster's position before. Colin Robinson, as Laszlo's (former) son, is uniquely positioned by the narrative to call out the way Laszlo is treating his current son. And the fact that, in the end, Laszlo came to see things Colin Robinson's way feels quite meaningful to me -- he has been saved from continuing to make the same mistakes he made with the Boy as with the Monster, and can now more forward as a better, more caring parent. If "Laszlo's Father" was sort of relitigating Season 4 from Laszlo's perspective, "The Promotion" is doing the same from Baby Colin's, though much more implicitly. Good shit!!!!!