#millarh

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My favourite oh-no-there's-only-one-bed scenario is whatever the fuck happened in broadchurch

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Miller and Hardy on a Case

Ellie, worried: Sir, how long has it been since you’ve slept?

Alec, gazing hysterically at the crime board: I don’t know - two, three days? It doesn’t matter. I don’t need sleep; I need answers, Millarh!

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Broadchurch bothers #1

I want Ellie to revert to her maiden name so that she can break free of the title “Mrs. Miller,” but I can’t bear to lose Hardy yelling “MILLAHR” in a heavy Scottish accent.

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Broadchurch 3x01 reaction’d [aired 2/27/17] *spoilers*

Non-spoiler summary: a) I called Alec and Ellie married 10 times in one episode, b) Ellie is still mama bear c) the cinnamon roll meme is definitely in full force d) the episode rates 10/10 Millarhs! 

The establishing shot is always that beach, agggggh, the gravitas!

I love how Miller’s first line is to sass her DS colleague for leaving Trish on the steps. Classic, true to character.

“This is my colleague Alec Hardy” WE ARE OFF TO A FANTASTIC START! Head first into an investigation and they are still partners, yes!

FIRST NAME BASIS IS EVERYTHING, and compassionate Hardy! Ellie is rubbing off on him. MARRIED.

Ellie emotionally avoiding her dad after her mum died - Hardy’s rubbing off on her too. MARRIED.

I love the look Alec and Ellie share once Trish is in the car. It’s the perfect ‘caption this.’

Alec can drive now, GOLD STAR!

“I’m going to take a mouth swab and the reason we do this is so that we can get you a cuppa tea.” Mama Miller.

How does Alec know that Ellie’s dad is still staying over? Are they - no, not possible. But they talk like a married couple.

The way Alec closes the distance with Ellie in the hallway of the medical center, aggh great blocking.

When Miller shares her home address with the victim to loosen her up, I thought when Hardy glanced at her he was both impressed and protective. I think Miller is getting a bit too personal.

Casting note - They picked an actress with super expressive eyes to play Trish, wow!

The way Hardy glances at Miller with concern when she hears Trish crying and grimaces - MARRIED.

Alec’s first instinct: stink-eye the neighbors in suspicion.

Miller sending Hardy off on cue to make a cup of tea / changes the tone, so Alec can get a look around / and he complies instinctively - MARRIED

“He [Hardy] makes a really strong cuppa tea, must have smoked and killed his taste buds- I quite like the way he makes it. Don’t tell him.” MARRIED.

Miller scolds Hardy for being investigative and nosy before making the tea, every time. Apparently since we’ve last seen them, they’ve worked together long enough that Ellie knows Alec’s pattern. It’s great!

Trish: “Came home, laid down, thought it would go away” - literally me after all work days.

Miller and Hardy bagging evidence together almost look like doing house chores. It’s like candy.

“How far away is this place [the party]” haha, quintessential ‘are we there yet.’ Very true to Alec form.

OMG, the Hardy death stare when Trish calls Ellie 2 secs after they leave her home, like she’s avoiding her life through work: surprise -> concern -> anger -> reprimand -> concern -> bewilderment -> frustration -> concern all instantaneous. Followed by “Call me anytime” -> are you f���ing kidding me! - face 

Hardy scolds Miller for giving out her number for the third time, comprising herself! He knows her pattern! Great / MARRIED!

First MILLARH of the season! 24:13. Followed by a barrage of bullets monologue. “Are you keeping count?” “Yes,” “If I’m so annoying, why did you come back?” “Don’t start.” M-A-R-R-I-E-D! Seriously since we last saw them they must be in a relationship and moved in together. JK - but probably.

No little shops (DW crossover reference). Sorry 10.

“It’s a Goody bar, I keep them in there for Fred” / “how long has that been in there?” / “I don’t care. Do you want half?” / “No.” Okay, really now? You are hitting me on the back of the head with how obviously married.

“This is DI Hardy at Axehampton House, we have a possible crime scene.” So it begins!!!

Of course Beth is going to be the crisis manager for Trish. It’s all tied together in a small town, and it’s only episode 1! 

“God Sake Mark! / Sorry Paul.” Who says Broadchurch isn’t a comedy?

Hardy being sassy with Miller’s ex-interest Brian. Jealously? So obviously MARRIED.

Hardy complaining to the crime techs about inconvenience - perfectly Scottish.

THE BEST MEMEABLE MOMENT: Alec ‘shitface’ Hardy backing down Ed Burnett the shopkeeper - “Can you make this quick? / No.” (Looks like they could kill you, is actually a cinnamon roll) vs. Ed being sassy to Miller and her responding with class through gritted teeth, holding back the shitkicker within. (looks like a cinnamon, but could actually kill you). The ship that just fits.

Miller has not had enough coffee to handle Katie the non-compassionate-incompetent-note-taker.

The hell? Why does Miller still answer the phone as Mrs?!

Tom being mortified over lewd material at school gives me LIFE, but Ellie being harsh with him about being Joe’s son does not sit well with me. That pressure is going to create conflict later in the season. Clearly Ellie’s worried about the world prejudging Tom because of Joe’s crime, which is why she says “you have to be better [than other teenagers]” (projecting - because that’s the aching standard that she holds herself to at work - AKA overachiever pouring out all her time to cases and victims) and also subliminally I think Miller is also concerned with the world judging her ability to keep the family together (ie: not accepting pity). But of course Tom will read neither subtexts and will actually believe, like a silly teenager, that his mum is actually worried about him becoming like his father, which is probably the furthest thing from her mind right up there with how old her Goody bars are. Dammit.

Dad!Hardy gives me LIFE.

Well that husband seems guilty as sin!

Suspicious condom wrapper of suspicion!

The Latimer’s separated gives me heartache!

Well I guess Hardy and Miller have not moved in together, but can I just say my cheap kick is Hardy in reading glasses up at 2AM answering the door for Miller, who for once in life has come to his home with her hair down? Love.

“What the hell are you doing here [subtext: after dark, alone]? / Was passing, saw your light on / half way up a hill at two in the morning?! / I drove here hoping you were up, don’t be a twat about it.” Living separately but MARRIED.

Overall rating: 10/10 Millarhs!

[mantra4ia]

Broadchurch 3x07 Reaction’d *spoilers* [aired 4/10]

Non spoilers: 8/10 Millarhs! (Because that cliffhanger)

Me: Sees thumbnail of the episode with Mark in it. Also me: HE LIVES!!!!!!!!!!!

Miller: “We work together. Whatever is going on in your life effects me too.” EUREKA, we’ve got it!

Miller: [about Daisy] “Take her ticket, tear it up, put it in your pocket, off to work. Done. I can [do it].” / Hardy: “No. NO. NO!” Best good cop bad cop moment of the episode.

I love how Ellie doesn’t even ask if Hardy made a piece of toast for her or only for himself, she just takes one. Character Evolution.

“Please tell me you’re not the future.” BEST ONE LINER goes to Maggie

Scratch that, 10 seconds later, Hardy: “Police (midst of traffic to a chorus of horns), shut up!” bumps out Maggie for top billing.

That Hardy tirade!  I am living! “I deal with murders, and brutal thugs, and sex offenders and I win!” David, your time lord is showing! / “Don’t imagine for a second, I’ll break a sweat getting you in line.” “You wee babies” “I will cut your tiny little cocks off” / Are you threatening us? / “No son, I’m instructing you!” Dad!Hardy proudest moment of the season.

He tore up the ticket! Thank you Miller, thank you Hardy! All my dreams.

Hardy: “I’m too nice to people” / Me: I never thought I’d hear that from a Scot / Miller: her face look like she sucked on a lemon.

Spyware! You CREEP! You sad sack! Ian, I hope your daughter calls you a wanker and kicks you in the shins for being such an insecure infant!

Maggie ripping into Caroline with a two finger salute - long overdue yet totally worth the wait! Slash those tires, petal!!!

Dear Jim “I’ve got better options” Atwood: I hope the next time you feel like frolicking in the woods, a bear sees you and thinks “Oh, he looks like a good option!”

Oh man, that walk brings back memories of Danny’s reenactment march.

 Bloody cliffhanger!

Post episode thoughts: So it’s Clive?!? Or are they going to pull some Mark Latimer style misdirection?

Also, I have a small problem with Beth, specifically Beth’s dialogue with Paul. “There’s no room for me and my grief…which is just as alive…but I deal with it.” It’s a true-to-character, valid feeling. And Mark has done things that rate from erratic to foolhardy. But let’s get real here. Three years ago, Mark was doing his best to move on and raise his brand new baby girl, and you were angry about that. Yet even though you were still railing, and grieving, and breaking down, to the point where you didn’t even want another child, he stood by and waded it out. Now, he’s going through delayed grief while you’ve already found the tools to manage yours, and you’re angry about that too. Is there anything that you’re not angry with Mark for? How can you have so much empathy for the crisis of other people, but not those closest to you? 

Mark’s in the same sink hole now that Beth was three years ago right after Dan was killed, and he stuck it out. Even if she can’t do the same, I can’t believe that she doesn’t recognize that’s her being contrary and dishonest with herself.

[mantra4ia]

Broadchurch 3x02 Reaction’d *spoilers* [aired 3/6/17]

Non spoilers: “Totally” awesome episode. 9/10 Millarhs, I wasn’t a fan of the cliffhanger. (Warning: foul language, spoilers, and mature content ahead)

Hardy brought Miller coffee without being asked or cajoled, this is astonishing.

Miller beat Hardy to the investigation scene #beginningsofaworkaholic

Bloody hell. DC Incompetent note-taker Hartford strikes again. Astute observer, shit at filtering her verbal diarrhea: “it’s a Hamlet not a town.”

Best quote: Miller, referencing Leo “ I’m never in the mood for swaggery little shits .”

Runner up: Hardy, referencing Leo “I think this boy has affected your optimistic disposition, Miller.”

That was by far the most memorable repetitive use of the word ‘totally’ that I’ve heard in my humble existence coming from a bearded DI Hardy where you would expect it from a valley girl. #callyourDad #son

I love how Beth and Ellie are chatting about illicit sexual paraphernalia like teenage school girls, I’m glad their friendship has healed all the stronger after the shitstorm of the first two series.

Well I can’t say “whisk” without laughing now, thanks for that Broadchurch. Who says its not a comedy?

Duty of care - awwwww, Capaldi moment.

“Victim vs client” I really appreciate that bit of dialogue, especially because it’s Beth who makes that distinction knowing what it’s like to be on the receiving end of violence, which mirrors what Ellie says to DC Hartford.

Woah woah woah woah woah, since when did Hardy flip the arsehole switch?! I get that sexual violence cases get under his skin because he’s out of his element, and they’re not the same methodology as murders, and it literally scares him to a degree he’s more unnerved than he can admit. I understand that this is personally troubling for him with a teenage daughter. I get that it’s professionally eerie to him as potential for another Sandbrook that could tarnish him, or worse tarnish Miller’s conscience if someone else were to be hurt during the ongoing investigation (which is what I think he’s sub-textually genuinely concerned about when he snaps all over Ellie), but for Christ sake, eat a bloody snickers! Since when does he get off calling Miller’s life / POV ‘easy’ especially personally knowing all she’s gone through? Return of the resting shitface.

Trish’s husband must also be part of the SF brigade. I find it fascinating how, after he admitted to being hammered at Cathy’s party, the one thing he does remember after his own name are how many men Trish chatted up. Already blaming the victim and casting character aspersions and it’s only episode 2? Unbelievable. That on top of ‘was [Trish] drunk’ by DC Incompetent Note-taker. “Intoxicated Harlot” does not fly with me! This is malevolent foreshadowing, I can feel it. So it’s not okay for your wife to flirt, and potentially have relations with other men, you can openly admit to having a girlfriend while still married? Wanker.

So we’ve gone from “worst cops in Britain” club to “single parents” club eh? Put that on a t-shirt and in a gif.

You know, there is a simpler solution to the whole single parent conundrum you two...C’mon.

“I feel murderous.” God, I forgot how much I love Maggie. I hope her boss gets fired by the end of this series and Maggie takes her job. Kittens. Inane.

“Thank you Katie / she sets my teeth on edge / Really? You hide it so well.” Exhibit B: Alec and Ellle - married. I suppose we must get a fresh character to aggravate Miller, now that she and Hardy have fallen in to grouchy rhythm.

For heaven’s sake - white wine, gin tonics, and tequila shots don’t mix Trish! Miller and Hardy have their work cut out for them building this case, especially if Trish won’t admit who she slept with. Where’s my favorite prosecution solicitor Jocelyn Knight to suss out the truth when I need her? #don’tsayItoldyouso

Dammit DC Snarky Incompetence, if you comprise this investigation by tipping off a suspect (Ed) I swear to almighty god I will have your eye out!

YOU CAN’T END AN EPISODE THAT WAY! What even is this?!

Overall: 9/10 Millarhs! Because that ending was cracked, and I would have liked to see a bit more Reverend Paul in the episode.

Post episode speculation: Why would Trish not name the partner she had sex with on Saturday morning before Cathy’s party / the attack? I don’t buy the ‘we met online’ thing any more than Hardy does, it seems like a slapdash distraction. a) Trish doesn’t seem to bothered by having an affair, since there’s no love lost between her and her husband, but maybe she’s protecting her partner’s anonymity if he’s married or high profile in the community. Maybe Cathy’s husband? b) Perhaps Trish was protecting a considerably younger-but-of-age partner because it’s embarrassing for her, or he might be acquainted with Trish’s daughter and she doesn’t want that to come out. c) There could be some truth to Trish’s statement, the person she had sex with might only be a casual one-night stand that she didn’t know well, but they might unknowingly have a mutual acquaintance that could be adversely affected by the relation coming to light. d) Trish may have recognized her fling in attendance at the party and been caught off guard.

Or I could just admit I don’t have a single clue. I’m just hoping Tom and Daisy don’t get involved in this mess.

PS: At the risk of ruining a perfectly good thing when Hardy yells “Miller” in a heavy Scottish accent, I want to know what Ellie’s maiden name is, because I want her to finally be free of Joe.

[mantra4ia]

Broadchurch 3x08 Reaction’d *spoilers* [aired 4/17/16]

Non spoilers: 11/10 Millarhs! Yes, yes the show finally went there. All stops shattered. Just send them all the BAFTAs.

Pre-episode thoughts: I am not ready, I will never be ready, why is this happening, what did I do to deserve this? If Law and Order and NCSI can have ridiculous longevity, why can’t I have more Miller & Hardy? [spoilers and some profanity ahead]

The “Pull over” line is perfect. Now I have to remix it with Sherlock and From Dusk till Dawn.

Oh for f---’s sake, don’t split up! Nothing good ever happens when the protagonists split up.

Miller: “do you think [Ed’s telling the truth?” / DC Hartford: “I just don’t know anymore.” / Me: Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve just witnessed an historic full circle. Miller just pulled a Hardy, Hartford just pulled a Miller, and I feel as though the torch has been passed and Ellie needs that DI promotion now!

Changing my bets: money is on swaggery young shit with the laundry now.

Hardy: “I still enjoy those moments when some cocky bastard trashes his own alibi without realizing it.” ME TOO Hardy, me too

Hardy: “I’ll fiddle with that too” I have never laughed so hard! When Hardy/ Tennant delivers those lines with a a straight face, I’m convinced Broadchurch wants to be a comedy instead of a crime drama.

“I have sat across from you in all these interviews, I’ve listened to every word, watched your reactions, I’ve studied your body language and I think there’s still something you are not telling us...and I can’t for the life of me understand why.” I’ll be honest, I heard not a word of that, I was distracted by David’s brilliant facial expressions.

OMG - I knew one of the Broadchurchers was a ‘witness,’ but never for the life of me would I have thought Ed. Nice writing Chibnall, drop hints that make us suspect the what, and then throw a curveball of who and how.

Ed: “I failed her” Me: MAN, is that a blow to the head!

3x01 Miller “ He [Hardy] makes a really strong cuppa tea, must have smoked and killed his taste buds” vs 3x08 Hardy: “It’s times like these  I wish I still smoked” / Miller: “I knew you smoked.” Soft touch, very smooth.

Ellie drinking a disgusting energy drink during a case (which she probably got from Tom) is now canon. Fan life is good!

“Very good Miller, you should do this for a living.” Millarh count, check.

SWAGGERY LITTLE SHIT! God I love wish fulfillment.

Hardy “You have a moral and legal duty to tell us the truth!” (spittle flying everywhere in a distracting fashion) Go on Hardy, stitch him up!

Oh no, what if Clive’s son had Clive’s phone?

SHIT, IT WAS HIS CLIVE’s SON AND SWAGGERY!

Leo: “I’m letting you borrow her” “She does what she’s told” “Not too good, she’s supposed to save that for me” / Me: Oh Ellie, take a hammer to town on this wee boy. Drop kick his a-- into the middle of next week. Please, please, make my year. Hardy can help!

“Do as you’re told” NOOOOOO! You did not just poison that Doctor Who line for me Chibnall. I will destroy you!

Clive: “Say it was me.” OH come on, someone stop punching me with every line! Stop punching me with the theme of parents and children. First Ellie and Tom “You have to be better than your dad,” then Trish and Ian and their daughter, where she is actually better and more mature than Ian. And Hardy and Daisy where he would burn the world for here. And then Clive and Michael, where Clive tries to become a better man and nearly burns down his whole world for his son. THIS IS GOING TO END ME!

I could have 60 more minutes of Ellie across the table from Leo Humphreys in the box just burning him to ash and still want more. It’s Miller’s world and we all just live in it with the sole purpose of giving Olivia Colman her rightful accolades.

“I didn’t ask, is that rude?” Light his world on fire, please.

“I didn’t want to get greedy / I go everywhere equipped.” For as much as I detest the character of Leo Humphries, I have so much respect for that actor Chris Mason. To handle such heavy material takes commitment. But what really drove it home for me was when he talked about grooming Michael. “He seemed lonely, I thought this might help...it’s beautiful.” He made us believe it. He did NOT.Miss.A.Single.Beat.

PS: this seems inconsequential compared to Trish’s storyline, but I love what this episode meant for the Latimer family. All those feelings finally brought to the surface, and yet despite it all, still love. Still that couch, still Beth falling asleep on Mark. It’s a great portrayal of how complex love and family love is.

PPS: “I’m going to start my own youtube channel.” EVERY PRAISE Maggie, I’m subscribing right now.

I KNEW IT. From the first scene with Maggie and Paul together this series, I knew she would get people into that church.

Miller: “We could go to the pub” / Hardy: “Nah.” / Me: Way to NEVER break character, even in the end. Also Me: But I need a hug!

“See you tomorrow” - the most hopeful line in all creation.

“Let us all consider how we may spur one another on (Hebrews 10:24) ...All any of us really want are Love and Good Deeds.”

Post Episode thoughts: Am I disappointed? Yes on a couple of fronts, though that doesn’t lessen my joy with the episode. 

Why hasn’t Ellie gotten a promotion, or at least public recognition for her work yet? The finale would have been perfect for that.

I’m annoyed that we didn’t see Clive’s wife’s reaction to her son being charged, because I would have liked to draw some parallels there. 

I’m annoyed that we got dialogue between Hardy and Daisy, but no dialogue between Tom and Ellie. (again, a missed parallel opportunity, I needed some closure / perspective on all the mother-son angst between them)

I’m gutted that the Hardy hug that I wanted him to share with Miller ended up being shared with Daisy. Albeit, Hardy and Daisy hugging and Daisy saying how proud she is of her dad, that was fitting, right and beautiful. 

I’m annoyed that most of the central characters are scattering to the winds to continue leading rich and wonderful lives that we’ll never get to see. I suppose it’s that way with any show realistically, but it strings because these characters are so alive and I’m so invested. 

I’m wrecked that the last shot of Miller and Hardy were them walking in opposite directions of one another (I wanted the ending scene with both of them on that bench, framed in shot). I felt personally affronted that he didn’t go out to the pub for a drink with Ellie (and/or presumably the team). If anything, if he can’t go out for a drink because he still isn’t fully acclimated to Broadchurch despite giving in and being part of the town and not hating it, then he should have at least pulled out a concealed flask (don’t tell me that’s not in character, it absolutely is) and offered it to Miller. Still, I’m hopeful. I waiver back and forth between BroTP and OTP shipping Miller and Hardy as a non-nuclear family; that said, I’m glad that their relationship, whatever it is or would be, is allowed to develop organically and not in a box with a label and a heavy writer’s hand, and the finale was no different. Even though they go farther and not closer in the same shot, they still from first to last episode, are learning more and more about each other. Hardy is staying, and Miller will ‘see him tomorrow.’ In perspective of many other central characters parting or leaving, that promise is all the more powerful. Though the shot separates them, Hardy and Miller are still standing and still together. That significance is not lost on me. 

At the core of it, I’m heart broken that there’s still so much to know, so many unexplored opportunities that could easily fill another season. I know we needed to do footwork to catch the guilty party, but there aren’t enough hours in the series to properly do that and catch all the character relationships that I want! I don’t need everything wrapped in a neat bow, I want things left to dream about. But I want, on screen and therefore canon, more backstory with Miller and her dad, more Daisy and Chloe together in school now that the Hardy family are official Broadchurchers, Paul giving Tom a last talking to before he leaves town that helps them both, DC Hartford back on the next case with more discernment / Miller-ism. All these normal, non case related snapshots that could have/ would have been, but aren’t. To know that if I want them I have to write them myself makes me weep.

I don’t think I’ll see such a emphatic, compelling ensemble of actors for quite some time, but I’m alright with that. Great actors are abundant, great actors coming together in the right parts, in harmony: that’s a rare, special thing that is a privilege to behold. This is what TV should be. Thank you, past and present, to the entire cast of Broadchurch! It’s been an honor.