#monk season 4 ep 1

[stottlemonk-moments]

Stottlemonk Moments:

Monk s04ep01: "Mr. Monk and the Other Detective"

[sunnydaleherald]

The Sunnydale Herald Newsletter, Wednesday, November 20

Tara smiles, turns to put down the gift and hang up her coat. BUFFY: Besides, I'm definitely not ready to, to... TARA: (turns back) Come out. BUFFY: (smiles) Yeah. I'm all ... stay-inny.

~~Older and Far Away~~

[Drabbles & Short Fiction]

BtVS Double Drabble: Living Weapon by badly_knitted (Drusilla, Spike, PG)

Got a Photograph, Picture of by tigerf00d (Spike/reader, unrated)

Stack It by tigerf00d (Spike/reader, unrated)

[Chaptered Fiction]

BUFFY SUMMERS IN PRYTHIAN - Ch. 1-12 by Scandalous_Geek_Love9r Own] (Buffy, A Court of Thorns and Roses xover, M) COMPLETE!

Sunnydale's Incubus - ch. 1 by SaintGreenz (Buffy, Faith, Naruto xover, M)

Carol of a missing lipstick - ch. 1 by rossshin (Buffy/Spike, G)

True Love Won't Desert You - ch. 6 by CheekyKitten (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

The Metamorphosis of Moonlit Shadows: - ch. 2 by SlayrGrl (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

The Big Bad...Poodle? - ch. 4 by EnchantedWillow (Buffy/Spike, R)

Mysterious Destinies - ch. 22 by EnchantedWillow (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

Masquerade - ch. 4 by Holly (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

The Office Hellmouth - ch. 4 by Willow25 (Buffy/Spike, R)

Rewind Love - ch. 8 by Blade Redwind (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

Why Me? - ch. 15 by JoeB (Buffy, Lilo and Stitch xover, FR7)

Love Can't Fix Us - ch. 6 by calikocat (Xander centered, multi xover, FR18)

Poetry Professor - ch. 6 by Desicat (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

[Images, Audio & Video]

Diorama video and photos: Another Buffyverse mini scene, of the front part of the Magic Box ✨by thegothicalice (Willow, Tara, worksafe)

Gifset: Cordelia Chase + Outfits (Season 3) by clarkgriffon (Cordelia, worksafe)

Gifset: Chaotic Fred 😜🤪😝 Requested by Anonymous by sulietsexual (Fred, worksafe)

Gifset: iwryfanficmarathon's 20th anniversary bangel + locations ↳ sunnydale's high school by ptieuca (Buffy/Angel, worksafe)

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[Reviews & Recaps]

VIDEO: Main Characters We Secretly Want To Be [briefly 2:50 to 3:50] by Smosh

PODCAST: Episode 81: This Years Girl & Who Are You? by Gym Was Cancelled: A Buffy Podcast

[Fandom Discussions]

Can we cut the BtVS writers some slack? by violettathepiratequeen

Meme: [ancient god] by paperpuzzles

s3/4 faith wants so badly to scream at buffy and willow YOU'RE JUST LIKE ME! by faithandbuffy

What If: Drusilla didn't go to Sunnydale by nightshade and others

Angels Fetishes updated by November and AlphaFoxtrot

Starting the comics? Help! by OliveBelly

You're All Wrong About "Kick His Ass" by Prometheus321

Faith's arc and her relationship with The Mayor is one of the best arcs I've ever seen on TV by Cailly_Brard7

If you could "fix" [BTVS] Season 4, what changes would you make? by shukii89

It’s really disturbing to think that if the monks had never sent Dawn to Buffy… by mavelits

Appreciation post: Xander dancing with Buffy when she was feeling down by mavelits

How can we make vampires appear even more evil? Oh, I know... [Disharmony ep] by cowboy_mouth

Roger and Trish Burkle appreciation post [Fred's parents] by WhatEvenIsATangelo

If Robin Williams had played a demon/villain on Buffy or Angel... [BTVS thread] by AndrewHeard

Characters that never (or barely) interact that would have been cool or interesting to see? by daleSnitterman_

Which movie did Buffy borrow from the best? by sKullsHavezzz

What two characters from Buffy and any other property would you like to meet? by VisibleCoat995

[Articles, Interviews, and Other News]

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[mr-stottlemonk]

I've been meaning to do a re-watch of Monk, what with the series getting added to Netflix Brazil late this month!

I remember it being very episodic, not having that much on an overarching plot...Which episodes would you recommend to get back in the flow of the show?

Love your blog BTW! 💜

hi dear :3 first off thank you hehe, i quite enjoy running this blog <3!!!

it's very exciting that monk is making a comeback isn't it!! and yeah, i totally get what you mean by episodic. it gets a bit repetitve sometimes - but i find that its easier to watch the show 1-2 episodes per week cause binging it won't turn out so well.

i definitely recommend s2 (episodes 05, 07, 09, 11, 16)

if youre looking for something a bit more 'dark' themed i recommend: season 6, most of the eps are pretty good but i particularly feel episodes 03, 04, 07, 11, 12 and especially 15 and 16 are great.

but overall, personally, season 3 and 6 are quite big favorites of mine, i tend to re-watch those episodes over and over ( ´ ꒳ ` ) so i would say most of season 3 as well!

season 4 has a beloved episode i think quite a lot of us love (and youve probably seen the art for): episode 05!!

season 7 is a bit iffy... i think the one i enjoyed most there was episodes 02 and 13.

season 8 is good too! better than what they gave us in season 7. but its the last season so :").

but i do promise the character writing does improve as the show goes on and that the plot does come together as you get closer to the ending seasons.

i hope i didn't ramble off gosh...

have a good day dear, thank you for the ask <33!!

(ps: i would definitely recommend the pilot episode too, but you can totally skip that. it just has a few favorite moments of mine lolol.)

[erielake]

tag people you'd like to get to know better!

tagged by @hylfystt <3

LAST SONG: moderation - florence + the machine feeling very personally relieved that it wasn't a doja or a grimes song bc those problematic girlies have unfortunately been on repeat lately 😔

CURRENTLY WATCHING: like three shows at once lmfao. Actually, actually watching - fargo season 4 (but I've had like no free time for any television so i've stopped at like ep four) constantly rewatching true detective season 1 as background noise ((comfort television)) and LMFAO. monk 😔

THREE SHIPS: girl, these are all gonna be ocxcanon ships (sorry girl i simply do not care! :D) jackie/danse - girl im so crazy for this one yall. i love u danse your so pathetic and such a loser and jackie you are also pathetic but in such a different way. florence/alistair - I AM MENTALLY ILL about them. she is so fucked in the head and he makes her feel normal. she would die for him. he'd like her to live for him instead ough OUGH. zosia/iron bull - okay. newest ship. but i've got the iron bull brainrot 🥴 (the halsin to bull pipeline is so real, and I'm the only one that it's ever happened to.) she's mean. Like SO mean. he thinks that's really hot :)

FAVORITE COLOR: blue <3 (but like pale, baby blue)

CURRENTLY CONSUMING: watered down cranberry juice + black tea with honey

FIRST SHIP: katniss/peeta. frankly just reread thg for some school stuff and i am still SO normal about them. like. regular.

PLACE OF BIRTH: new york (state -- i am not cool enough to be a 'new yorker')

CURRENT LOCATION: buffalo <3

RELATIONSHIP STATUS: single (and entering my femcel era) <- THIS IS A JOKE.

LAST MOVIE: i'm not even gonna lie to you i think the last movie i watched in full was fnaf(?) in october? (crazy) NO that's a lie. nightcrawler actually.

CURRENTLY WORKING ON: girl u know it's larkin

tagging: @lavampira @gwaha @leondaltons @thirtybythirty @brazilianauntie <3

[hugthepanda12]

Bobo rant

Ok, @narvana27 this one’s for you coz I’ve mustered up some motivation to finally write some analyses just like you or @medeaminte​

This one will cover our beautiful Brazillian boy Raimundo Pedrosa. Some spoilers are inevitable to mention, but the main focus is on the episode titled ‘The Return of Master Monk Guan’.

1.1 short synopsis of the episode:

Master Fung, seeing how the forces of evil grew in power, decides to send monks to another temple for their training. It turns out the new master that is destined to teach them is Master Monk Guan. 

As for his methods, they are surprisingly cruel. Our heroes are not allowed to take breaks or even ASK QUESTIONS! Guan becomes that horrible general in military school who likes when cadets are blindly following his orders and train to the point they collapse due to severe exhaustion. 

Rai, of course, sees that the way Guan treats his students is unfair and stands up for the rest. Which ends up bad for him. Guan punishes him with additional training and what is worse humiliates him through giving him insulting nicknames! Later on, the audience learns that this disrespectful behaviour of Master Guan was intentional. What is more, Raimundo knows about it as well. It was a part of the agreement between them, reached off screen without the knowledge of the other monks. The main goal of such a strategy was to lure Hannibal Roy Bean out of his hiding, let him believe Rai is ready to turn to the Heylin side (again) and snatch the Treasure of the Blind Swordsman from his little evil vines. 

As the episode reaches its end, this plan as well ends in success. Bean is mad as hell and promises Raimundo that he’ll pay for it. Yeah, yeah happy ending. Cool. Rai gets one of the Spears of Guan as a gift for a succesfull colaboration with Master Monk Guan bla blah 

BUT!

Even if it was all the play on Guan and Rai’s part throughout the whole episode, in my opionion Guan was too harsh anyway. I get it. He had to be plausible, but man... Rai literally cried when he banished him from the temple!  

And this is an issue I wanted to talk about. 

1.2. Let’s look at all ‘nicknames’ Guan came up with for Raimundo. 

1. Young prince 2. bobo

3. someone dark, ruthless, shady, rebelious

I WANT TO PROVE RAI. IS. NOT. ANY OF THESE. 

1.2.1.The insult ‘young prince’ (or princess) is often used when a young person is too lazy to finish chores or he/she is not willing to do them at all. Maybe it was Raimundo in s01, although he had never said ‘no’ to master Fung. He just wanted to go easy way, like swiping the dirt under the sofa instead of getting rid of it in a proper way. But mind you, it is season 3 and this boy has changed a lot. Sometimes you don’t have to work hard to get your task done. All it takes is an adequate situation assessment and good organisation of your work.

 It looks as if Guan just doesn’t get it. Just like how vital breaks are in order to rise productivity. 

Rai made a right decision to stop training and lay on the grass. He knows what’s good for him and he stands by this intention to REST. Life is not ALWAYS about saving the world. He’s just a kid. Just like Omi, Kimiko or Clay. He’s defending his boundaries, but it appears no one’s respecting that choice. 

1.2.2. What about Bobo? Up to this day I thought that Guan wanted to underline that Rai acts like a clown, so he gave him a clown name. However, I came across this site. And guess. Bobo in Portuguese means ‘silly.’

And my question is: Did Guan know? Hmm!? Did you know about it, Guan? If yes, I’m very disappointed in you. ‘Silly little clown boy’ - this is what Rai is? No, it’s not like he was the only one brave enough to fight Mala Mala Jong... or EVEN OMI when he turned heylin!

It’s not like he has feelings or something... He’s the fun guy! Always chill! Not allowed to cry! His purpose is to entertain the rest, righ?

NO. Rai is not only a capable warrior but also a very dedicated friend, who can sacrifice ANYTHING in order to save the rest. Let’s ennumerate how many people he saved throughout the series. People who live near the vulcano in Brazil, that Lady who turned out to be the Bird of Paradise.... OMI. The rest of his team a couple of times... 

And what is more, every encounter TAUGHT HIM SOMETHING or had left some scars. He was possessed by Wuya, got beat up, and constantly he is accused of having EVIL TENDENCIES. What? Because ONE TIME he betrayed them? And that betrayal was justified because he felt hella ineadequate? 

But yeah, Guan. Go on. He is just silly to get all the punches for the team. It’s not like he isn’t bothered when the forces of evil are victorious.

Not at all. 

1.2.3. Ok, I agree Rai is rebelious, but as I mentioned earlier - HE HAS REASONS to be that way. He feels something is wrong - he exclaims why this is wrong and tries to FIX IT with the help or without it. The thing is, in s1-2 prefers facing problems alone due to that inadequacy he’s often reminded of by his peers. It’s sad to see that monks never realised Raimundo feels that way. Luckily, in season 3 Rai grew as a character. He displays more and more leader characteristics. He comes up with better strategy and is ore connected to his friends. As a result their cooperation during fights is on a higher level, just like in the last showdown in that alternate timeline. 

DARK, RUTHLESS, SHADY. - those are lies and I won’t comment on that

He can be ruthless only if someone hurts his family and friends. They’re gonna pay for that. Respect Rai for that. 

2. My opinion on  ‘ The Return of Master Monk Guan’

2.1. Guan’s behaviour - this post is about it. Just wanted to add he is very inconsistent as a character and writers probably had no idea how to write him so they just randomly threw him to some plot points in order to give episodes smooth flow between scenes. 

But yeah in that particular ep Guan is a jerk. First kidnapping Dojo, then overworking children only to kick out the most responsible one outta his temple with numerous sculptures of him, Dashi and replicas of his fav spear.

2.2 Monks’ behaviour - wanted to help, turned out bad. Omi as always was questioning Rai’s value and laughed at him bc of his new nicknames. Very mature of the chosen one, really. 

2.3 My review

This episode was good because:

1. It's rai-centered

2. He put to use that clever brain of his and gave master Guan the idea how to retrieve the most powerful wu from Bean

3. He can KICK ASS, only refuses to use that against his friends. 4. good preparation for cheeseball to reconsider he's NOT ALWAYS THE BEST and should be aware of Raimundo's skills

2.4. Summary

Raimundo Pedrosa has one of the best character developments in animation history but most importantly he is the complete opposite of those things the other characters tell him he is. He learns from his mistakes and utilises the knowledge for his benefit to protect what he believes is right. He’s very compassionate young man, who can do great things and he WILL with guidance of his temple family.

But most importantly, he well deserved the position of the Xiaolin Leader. His name is not Bobo. Only Raimundo Pedrosa. Good friend, leader, warrior, the future hope for making the world a better place. 

[masc-of-mandragora]

I think watching early 60s doctor who in seasons doesn’t make sense

the show was barely off air in the middle, and the starts/ends of series don’t coincide with any big changes

I instead propose categorising them in chunks of 25ish episodes, at least until the daleks’ master plan:

Season 1a (26 eps) An Unearthly Child (1) 100,000 BC (3) The Daleks (7) Inside the Spaceship (2) Marco Polo (7) The Keys of Marinus (6)

The end of The Keys of Marinus is the second to end without a cliffhanger and ends with the departure of Altos and Sabetha, who are both sort of quasi-companions for the final story. I think we get a sort of consistent arc here of Ian and Barbara coming to terms with their situation and the Doctor growing to look past his prejudices when it comes to humans.

Season 1b (25 eps) The Aztecs (4) The Sensorites (6) The Reign of Terror (6) Planet of Giants (3) The Dalek Invasion of Earth (6)

The Dalek Invasion of Earth has such series finale vibes and The Aztecs feels like a much stronger opener than Planet of Giants was - I think it suits being in the middle of a series much better. Season 2a (26 eps) The Rescue (2) The Romans (4) The Web Planet (6) The Crusade (4) The Space Museum (4) The Chase (6)

Now the Ian, Barbara and Vicki dynamic gets its own series, starting with her rescue and ending with their departure. I don’t like The Chase much, but it’s such a classic series finale story, especially with Dalekmania. Season 2b (25 eps) The Time Meddler (4) Galaxy 4 (4) Mission to the Unknown (1) The Myth Makers (4) The Daleks' Master Plan (12)

And to round off the trio of Dalek finales, this is a whopper, but Vicki’s departure marks a good midpoint of the series here (maybe with a mid-series break, who knows) with a great cliffhanger of Steven’s injury and the mysterious goings-on from Mission the Unknown. Plus we get the lovely coincidence of the Monk appearing in the premiere and finale of this chunk.

I haven’t seen beyond the master plan yet, but I don’t think this works quite as neatly moving further forward. But it’s great how each one is 25/26 episodes long, 1b, 2a and 2b get big Dalek finales and most cast changes happen at the end of a series or in the middle.

[jenniferstolzer]

Babylon 5 Rewatch ep 2.20 The Long, Twilight Struggle

Sheridan and Delenn receive an invitation to Epsilon III where Draal pledges the Great Machine to the campaign against the Shadows. Meanwhile Londo commits his Shadow allies to one more attack against the Narn, allowing the Centauri to commit war crimes and end the Narn conflict.

Things I like about The Long Twilight Struggle

1, An energy fluctuation happens on the planet and Corwin turns to his coworkers like “There’s something happening. Contact Commander Ivanova” then the camera drifts to a private quarters. A shower is running. We see the steam as we coast slowly toward the bathroom for a tasteful near nude shot of Claudia Chris—NOPE Bruce Boxleitner. I CACKLED.

2, Draal is great and I love him. It worked out that Sheridan is new here to get a refresher on who Draal is and what’s going on with the Great Machine. Also the Great Machine making him younger is a good way to explain why he’s Herman Munster now. I’m guessing he’ll stay young and vibrant until he disintegrates like the last guy.

3, I appreciate seeing Londo’s true colors in his conversation with Refa. He’s tired, both from the trip to Centauri Prime and of all the war and darkness he’s involved himself in. He’s also still mourning Ursa Jaddo from Knives which was a nice callback considering he had a significant moment of doubt and regret in that episode, and it’s good to be reminded that he’s not totally sold on what’s going on right now. It’s also nice that he’s against the mass drivers at the outset but is convinced to go with Refa’s plan because he considers the glorification of his people more important than himself or anything else. He talks himself into doing something truly horrendous, but it’s wrong and his face knows its wrong. And then Refa makes him watch, when he fully intended to hide from what he’s done. Gguhh the pain is wonderful.

4, Watching this in a rewatch hurts so bad. Like Franklin gives G’Kar a warning about the Centauri’s interest in homeworld. There’s the possibility he can stop it.

5, Delenn and Sheridan go down to Epsilon III she is acting super cocky and in control because she wants to impress her crush, even using clever colorful English phrases. Everyone remembers Abasfrigginlutely Damnit. Oh Delenn….

6, Sheridan looks at the inside of the Great Machine and is like  “Lord, I may not go home” and I laughed b/c it looks like Tron in there.

7. The jump-kicking Centauri.

8, The mass drivers really are the most disgusting move. To devastate a civilian population from space is the ultimate ranged weapon. What could they possibly do? Watching Londo watch it happen is peak drama because as disgusted as he is watching, you know he’s as disgusted with himself in facilitating it. The drama is there but also horror on a level few shows can communicate, that of self-horror. The moment earlier where it was established and Londo still had a concept of right and wrong even as he was dealing with the Shadows is pulling full weight here. At the beginning of this season he was a buffoon struggling to stay afloat, in the middle of the season he finds the power and respect he wanted but loses the trust and friendship of the station in the process, and here at the culmination of his choices he sees what he was really willing to sell his soul for. He could have remained powerless and kept his sense of self, but instead he chose advancement and learned to hate what he’s become. It’s just staggering.

9, G’Kar is also pulling full weight in this episode. He’s prepared to go back to Narn, be with his family, and die among his people but he is the only member of the Kha’Ri not on homeworld and being so, he is an in credibly valuable asset for the race now that surrender is unavoidable. The tears in his eyes when asking for sanctuary are soul crushing, and the horror and shame he’s feeling is an inversion of Londo’s… powerlessness and being suppressed despite knowing he could do more verses being powerful and regretting it.

10, The Centauri terms of surrender are so cruel. It’s the turn of a knife that’s already been plunged to the hilt and Sheridan coming in to yank the dagger back an inch like a badass is extremely galvanizing and give Delenn grounds to commit the Rangers to him later in the episode. Also something I want to note about this scene that I think is even more important than Sheridan being a hero, it’s G’Kar sitting in his normal spot in complete despair, enduring Londo’s terms. Londo is dressed in every decoration and medal he’s ever owned, screaming at the top of his lungs like being the loudest makes him the rightest, yet G’Kar is silent. Londo demands G’Kar be removed from the council chambers like an invader. Sheridan replies by recounting the request for sanctuary, resulting on the two fighting over G’Kar’s head, but no one calls the bailiff to come get him. No one except Londo tells him he needs to go. They give G’Kar the chance to move. Even Kosh waits to see what he’s going to do. Will he attack? Will he scream and cry? No. He stands and with every ounce of self control he contains, delivers one of the greatest axefalls in television history.

“No dictator, no invader can hold an imprisoned population by force of arms forever. There is no greater power in the universe than the need for freedom. Against that power, governments and tyrants and armies cannot stand. The Centauri learned this lesson once, we will teach it to them again. Though it take a thousand years, we will be free.”

11, AND THATS NOT EVEN THE END OF THE EPISODE! I can’t believe this wasn’t a two-parter with everything that’s happened in this one half an hour of screentime. Sheridan essentially tells G’Kar he’s on his side in this war. He offers G’Kar his hand as an ally, and G’Kar considers it saying; “The last time I offered someone my hand, we were at war 24 hrs later” He pauses to make you wonder if he’s lost the ability to trust, then shakes with Sheridan and the look on his face tells something completely different. He still believes he’ll be at war very shortly, but he’s hoping for it. He’s counting on it.

12, Finally we get the introduction of the Rangers and the only thing that can kind of fit on my “Liked less” list. I like this just fine, but there’s something about Delenn who is in charge of a secret sect of warrior monks pledged to side with the Vorlons against the Shadows, turning the control of those monks over to Sheridan without fully introducing him to their existence. To be fair, she gives him partial control and doesn’t hand it over to him, removing herself from the field and I know having watched the rest of the show that she still is the sole figure in charge of the Rangers and is more accurately pledging herself and those in her service to Sheridan’s cause… but the way they read in this episode it looks like she’s giving Sheridan the reins. The next episode is KIND OF dealing with this with the inquisitor, but in general I think we could have avoided a lot of nonsense if she just phrased her pledge more accurately.

13, And this leads me to a theory… that Babylon5 was labeled their best hope for piece, but really it was built specifically as a neutral ground for the staging of the Shadow war. It really is Babylon 5, as in a replacement for Babylon 4 which was used as a warbase. This is why the Minbari co-founded the station, this is why it ends in fire at the end of everything. It’s existence is specifically tied to the the return of the shadows and the drama and diplomacy of the Narns, Centauri, Telepaths, Earthdome, etc etc are events of the universe that happen to occur there. Wihtout the Shadow War, there’d be no Babylon 5, and without Babylon 5 the universe would not continue.

14.

Finally.

The ARMY OF LIGHT

I got teary-eyed

Things I liked Less about The Long Twilight Struggle

The Delenn thing. But we’ll get back to that next episode. And that’s it.

This episode is truly one of the greatest and most emotionally wrenching pieces of television ever created. It’s a silly scifi show with rubber masks that dares to delve deeper beneath the skin than anything else I’ve seen. We see the horror and depravity of war, but we also see the people turned inside out by it and what colors they are within. Ten out of ten. Thanks for breaking my heart. This is why I had to take pause on my rewatch to prepare.

oh by the way @gin-007 and I are resuming our rewatch from 2019.

and I’m putting all these eps up on @b5picanep as well if you want to go back to see previous episodes. 

[storydays]

Season 1, ep 4, p2

You and Bolin walked up to Korra, who was petting Naga's belly. "Hello, fellow teammate!" She looked up and smiled slightly. "Oh, hey Bolin." Nevermore and Pabu ran off together playing happily. "Missed you at practice this week." Bolin continued awkwardly. "Yeah, sorry about that." Korra turned towards Naga, who continued to wag her tail happily. "Aw it's all right. We're probably out of the tournament anyway. Unless some money miraculously drops out of the sky by tomorrow. Anyway, reason I came by was to give you this. Ta-da!" 

He held out a pretty red rose and a cupcake wrapped up neatly in a plastic bag. "Wow, thanks. What's this for?" She wondered. Bolin's eyes widen from where he was currently handing you a (favorite treat) and a yellow rose. "Uh...oh, I can't remember now. Oh, yeah, now I remember. You guys saved me from Amon." He smiled happily like a puppy who earned a treat. 

"Oh that? It was no big deal." she shrugged it off, while you rolled your eyes, gently watering the flower in your hand.  " 'No big deal?' Are you serious? I was totally freaking out when he was coming at me with his creepy mask, all: 'I will take away your bending forever.' I mean that is scary stuff. I still can't sleep well." He sighed, sitting next to Korra on the steps who hummed.

Your (e/c) eyes narrow at her suspicious behavior. "Delivery for Avatar Korra." You all turned to the stringy man. "Tarrlok sends his compliments and urges you to reconsider his offer." He smiled pleasantly. "Tell him I haven't changed my mind." "Yes Avatar Korra. Oh, Councilman (Y/N)? You have a letter from Waterbender Master Katara." "O-Oh, thanks!" The man bowed and left Air Temple Island. "Whose this Tarrlok guy? Is he bothering you? Huh, 'cause I could have a word with him." Bolin threatened. 

"Heh, no. It's not like that. He's just some old guy who works with Tenzin and (Y/N) on the council." Korra laughed at Bolin's goofy nature. "Oh good. Good, that's better. I like that better." Bolin rubbed his hands together, making you raise an eyebrow curiously, before shrugging it off. You sat next to Korra and opened Gran Gran's letter. 

'Dear (Y/N), 

                         It sounds like your ESP powers are starting to show. Do not worry, all will be explained when you come visit me. Take care of  yourself.

                                                                                   Love, Gran Gran.'

You sighed, making your bangs puff slightly. Typical: elders seemed to like talking in riddles. "Everything okay?" Korra wondered. "Yeah, just some Grandmother Grandson stuff. Nothing to worry about." You smiled before you all yelped when Nevermore and Pabu rolled by squealing, and nipping each other. "Ah, Bolin! Help me!" The two of you raced over to your respective animals who were very aggressive and unusually angry with each other.

"Hey, what's wrong girl? This isn't like you." You frowned, as Nevermore pouted. Bolin laughed uneasily. "It's like their siblings, huh, (Y/N)?" He laughed sheepishly, tending to Pabu's wounds. You chuckled dryly,  wrapping Nevermore's wing, while sending Bolin an amused look. "Reminds me of when we first started training together for pro-bending." The Earthbender had the nerve to grin impishly. "Wait, what happened the first time?" Korra asked curiously. "Well.." 

*Flashback*

You step sided an Earth disk and a burst of flames before sweeping underneath their feet with ice cold water. You then took off your blindfold, walked over to the side of the arena to see your teammates and friends frowning and pouting (in Bolin's case) up at you. "How?" Mako said blankly, looking more serious than a 10 year old should. It's been two years since they became a family with the pro bending gym. You've still had a ways to go before you fully knocked down Mako's walls, but he's slowly warming up to you. 

You laughed, jumping down before hanging on one of the lower beams by your knees, near the boys. "I'm the grandson of Waterbender Katara, who is friends with the Greatest Earthbender of All Time. I've learned a few things, Mako."  The brothers then smirked at each other, before they began splashing you, and eventually Mako pulled you into the water and you joined into the fun, acting like a child instead of an adult for once. 

The three of you were so busy having fun, you didn't even notice Aunt Kya and the gym owner smiling at the three of you. "This will be good for the three of them." He said quietly, Kya placing her hand on her hip, loving how happy you looked, being around children your own age. 

"Yes, it will." 

*End Flashback*

"And that's how we our first training session went." You laugh softly, eyes closed in memory. "Ahh,  seems like yesterday that happened." Bolin hummed, running a hand over Pabu's back. "Yeah, and look how far we've come. Interesting, huh, Korra?" Your eyes met hers. "Yeah, sounds like fun." She smiled at you. "Well, I've got to get going, I need to see what Mako wants to do for dinner. See you guys at practice, next week!" He waved with Pabu chattering at Nevermore. 

"Yeah, see ya." You waved before turning to study Korra. "What?" She asked, feeling defensive. "Nothing, Avatar. I'm going to go check on Ikki, I owe her a story. Catch ya later." You waved backwards, leaving the Water Tribe girl alone. Nevermore flew up and away to play with some of the bisions. 

*10 minutes later*

You found Ikki and Meelo playing in a Sato Mobile, chattering away to Tenzin. "Beeeeeeep! Beep, beep, beep!" she exclaimed, Meelo repeating her. "Beep, beep." "Nice ride." you whistled, looking at the gift tag. "Ugh, Tarrlok is annoyingly frustrating." Your Uncle hummed, agreeing with you. "Yes, he is. Have you seen Korra, nephew?" "Yes, Uncle. She was heading towards  the ying yang training grounds..." He started to walk away before he stopped. "(Y/N), are you..doing all right?" He asked hesitatingly. 

"I-," you looked at your curious cousins before smiling unconvincingly at the airbending master. "Yes, Uncle. I'm fine. However, I'm worried about Korra. Could you--" "Do not worry. I will talk to her." He smiled at you before leaving. Meelo pulled back his arm with a (favorite flavor) pie, and began to throw it at you but yelped when it was suddenly thrown back into his face. Ikki began giggling wildly, before she yelped as she was suddenly thrown into the air and began throwing air back at you. 

"You two brats are sneaky, but guess what?" You all were suddenly drenched in water, and Meelo was all muddy. "I'm sneakier." Pema was laughing from where she was standing next to a giggling Jinora, and a few Air Acolytes were laughing at the scene. You merely blinked and held your arms out to catch Ikki bridal style. "Aw, Mommy! We were playing! We're still in the middle of a prank war." Meelo pouted, running up to the group of women. 

"Yes, dear, you can do your prank war later, it's bath night." At the word of, "bath," Meelo tried to run, but was grabbed by his ankle with a water hand, and was hanging upside down in front of you. "(Y/N), I hate to be a bother but would you--" "Say no more, Auntie." You set Ikki down, and she left with some of the Acolytes, before you grabbed Meelo, slung him over your shoulder and then began walking to the men's dorms. 

"But (Y/N)! I don't want to take a bath!! Baths are gross, and how can the ladies love my natural self if--" the airbending rugrat yelped when he was suddenly in warm water, without clothes. He spat water at you, and glared at you. You were smirking, your hair tied up, your normal clothes gone, and you were wearing swimming shorts. 

"Well, Meelo, let me tell you something about women," you leaned down be face to with him as he leaned in excitedly. "Ladies don't like stinky brats." You booped his nose with suds, and laughed softly as he exclaimed. "(Y/N)!" He giggled as you rubbed his bald head with his washcloth. "Seriously though, little cousin. Women like men who take care of themselves, which includes taking baths or showers regularly." 

Meelo closed his eyes as he sighed happily. He liked bath time with you; you make bath time fun. "How do you know that?" He asked curiously. You froze before rinsing the mud off his body. "My mom used to tell my dad that when I was younger." He turned around to face you with curiosity on his face. 

You didn't talk about Aunt Lotus, your mother very often. In fact,nobody did. You smiled at Meelo. "I'll tell you a story about my mom later, okay? I got to get ready for my shower." You drained the water, and dried off the little monk. "Go get dressed, and I'll join for dinner soon." He ran off, and you ran warm water, before locking the door and sighing as the water ran over your sore body.

It's been 10 years since your mother passed away, and her birthday was coming closer, and it never got any easier. You usually shut yourself away on certain days concerning your mother, and tried to forget about the pain you were feeling. You refused to cry because your mother wouldn't have wanted that. 

After all, you were always her strong solider.  

*Crunch*

You blinked, bringing your trembling hand to your chest, and hissed as warm water ran over your now bloody and bruised knuckles. So trapped in your thoughts, you didn't realize your knuckle was in motion until you were staring at bloody water. Sighing in annoyance, you let your hair cover your sight. "Damn it." 

*20 minutes later*

You walked to the courtyard, a towel on your wet hair. Knuckles wrapped in fresh pristine white bandages, slippers on your feet,  sweatpants loose on your hips, tank top clinging to your skin. On your wrists, two Northern Water Tribe bracelets. You leaned against  a column underneath Korra, watching Ikki and Jinora play a game. You both perked up to see Tarrlok's assistant run up. 

"Avatar Korra, I have something for you!" Annoyed, Korra jumped down. "It doesn't matter how many gifts Tarrlok sends." She used the Earth to turn him around before kicking him in the butt. "I'm not joining his task force!" "Sheesh, Korra." You laughed into your hand. "It's not a gift. It's an invitation." He pulled out said paper. "To what?" asked the blue eyed Avatar, snatching the invitation. 

"Tarrlok is throwing a gala in your honor. All of Republic City's shakers and movers will be there. The Councilman humble requests your attendance. You as well, Councilman (Y/N)." You rolled your eyes, before accepting the invitation. "Fine." you and the girls laughed as Neo growled at the assistant to leave. "Yeah, see ya there, dude." You shook your head as Neo sat down for Jinora and Ikki to rub his belly. 

*The next night*

Jinora, Ikki,Meelo laughed seeing how amazing the party looked. You trailed behind Korra and your Uncle Tenzin. "I-I can't believe this is all for me." Korra breathed. "I'm not sure what Tarrlok's plotting, but keep your guard up. It's not like him to throw a party just for the fun of it." "Uncle's right, Tarrlok is sneaky as a snake." They turned to you snacking on a pig in a blanket, with a handful of other treats, in your hand.

Your hair was half up, half down, complete with a few blue beads here and there.  "Wow, (Y/N), you've cleaned up pretty good." Korra complimented, stealing one of your treats. "So glad you could make it, Avatar Korra. If you'll excuse us, the city awaits its hero." Tarrlok smirked, urging Korra to follow him. You stuck your tongue out childishly, before laughing when you notice what Meelo was doing. 

"Uh, Uncle?" You outright laughed as Tenzin rushed to get his son. "Meelo, no!" He gasped, turning blue. "That is not a toilet! Oh, dear." He sighed, rushing over to grab his son, clearly embarrassed. "Hey, (Y/N)." You turned around to see Asami, with her arm hooked with Mako's, and Bolin trailing behind. Korra stood next to you, with an annoyed look on her face. "This us my daughter, Asami." Hiroshi introduced. 

"It's lovely to meet you. Mako's told me so much about you." Korra crossed her arms. 'Oh, no.' "Really? Because he hasn't mentioned you at all. How did you two meet?" Korra asked, snappily. "Oh, Asami ran him down with her motorbike." You said, casually. "What? Are you okay?" Korra's mood switch, as she turned to the firebender. 

Ohhhh. You realized why she was acting like that, and you felt a smirk creeping to your face. 'This is going to be fun.'  "I'm fine, more than fine. Mr Sato agreed to sponsor our team. We're back in the tournament!" Mako grinned when Bolin wrapped his arm around his brother with an even bigger grin. "Isn't that great?" "Yeah, terrific." Korra's face dropped.

The whole team thing was still sore between the four of you. After all, the Fire Ferrets was your team, you were the one that created the team! 

"Chief Beifong, I believe you and Avatar Korra have already met." Tarrlok said slyly. "Just because the city's throwing you this big to-do, don't think you're something special. You've done absolutely nothing to deserve this." She said, narrowing her eyes and walking away. Korra looked down, discouraged. "Eh, don't mind her, Korra. She's just grumpy because this is interrupting her self care time." You grinned at Korra who smiled weakly. "Thanks for trying, (Y/N)." She walked away. 

Tarrlok led her to the stairs where the press was waiting for her. "I've got one more question, Miss." "Hold up, hold up!" The reporters chattered but stopped when a voice spoke up. "Avatar Korra, you witnessed Amon take away people's bending first hand." "Uh, no. Councilman (Y/N) did, I was busy dealing with some of his goons." You grumbled under your breath as you hid behind your Aunt Lin. 

"How much of a danger does he present to the citizens of Republic City?" "A real danger." "Then why haven't you or Councilman (Y/N) joined Tarrlok's task force?" "Why do people keep bringing me into this?" You hissed to your Aunt Lin who in turn laughed quietly. "Aren't you going to help her?." Lin questioned. "No, she needs to learn to deal with the press. It's part of being apart of the lime light." You said, chewing on a candy stick. 

 "As the Avatar, shouldn't you be going after Amon?" "Well, I--" Korra tried to explain, but the same reporter continued to question her. "Why are you backing away from this fight?" "What? No! I've never backed away from anything in my life." Korra defended. 

"You promised to serve this city. Are you going back on that promise?" "Do you think pro bending is more important than than fighting the revolution?" "How do you think Avatar Aang would've handled this?" "Are you afraid of Amon?" 

"I"M NOT AFRAID OF ANYONE!" She shouted, as you finally came from behind Lin.  "If the city needs me,then we'll join Tarrlok's task force, and help fight Amon." You scowled and glared at Tarrlok. "There's your headline, folks." Cameras flashed and questions echoed through the building, as you felt your blood boil. You watched Tarrlok wink at a certain reporter and realized it was a trap. 

You followed the reporter, and grabbed him by his neck. He yelped and was shaking when he came to face to face with you. "So, what did Tarrlok bribe you with?" You demanded, while he played with his fingers before finally talking. "I will tell you everything I know, but it's not much."

*The next day* 

"My fellow task force deputies, tonight we will execute a raid on an underground chi-blocker training camp located in the dragon's flats borough. According to my sources, there is a cellar underneath this bookstore, where equalists train chi-blocking in secret." You were kneeling next to Korra but sat on top of the truck, more there as backup and for medical knowledge. You bent water to the next teammate. 

"Get ready, anddddddd now." You said boredly, waving your hand as the task force attacked. You watched Korra run after two Chi blockers, and sighed. You ran after her, seeing no one was injured. Korra fell on the floor, and gasped sharply as someone fell down and tried to attack her. You used ice to trap him, and freezing the other behind you. "Oh, nice timing. Thanks (Y/N)." You helped her up, and gave a lopsided grin. 

"Of course,friend. Let's go." She smiled as you lead them out, pulling your gloves tighter over your hands, keeping your distance away from Tarrlok, but staying close to Korra. 

At the moment, she was too unstable to keep her guard up for much longer. 

*At the pro bending gym* 

"No Korra for practice again?" Bolin asked. "Doesn't look like it. " Mako sighed, reading his newspaper. You were currently practicing some similar movements to make your agility smoother. You tuned into the radio, "Avatar Korra and Councilman (Y/N)  have bravely answered the call to action. With the three of us leading the charge Republic City has nothing to fear from Amon, and the Equalists. Question for the Avatar: Amon remains at large. Why have you failed to locate him?" 

Korra's voice came over the radio. "You want to know why? Because Amon is hiding in the shadows like a coward. Amon, I challenge you to a duel. No task force, no chi blockers, just the two of us, tonight at midnight, on Avatar Aang Memorial Island. Let's cut to the chase and settle this thing...if you're man enough to face me." With that the radio turned off. You pinched the bridge of your nose, steaming mad. 

"Ugh....this girl."

*That night* 

You were sitting on the ladder, watching Korra wrap up the rope from the pier. "Korra, this is madness." Your uncle's voice stated from behind you. Korra's dark blue eyes snapped to the airbending master. "Don't try to stop me, and don't follow me. I have to face Amon, alone." You studied her movements, ignoring the adults arguing behind you. "This is all your doing." Uncle snapped at Tarrlok. "I've tried talking her out of it too, but she's made up her mind." Tarrlok defended himself., giving Korra the opportunity to zoom away.  

"No Uncle. " Everyone turned to look at you, but you kept your gaze on the water changing color below you. "This is something Korra needs to do, or she will never understand." "Understand what, Nephew?" Tenzin asked curiously.

You looked up at the stars, determination in your eyes. 

"That is is okay, not to be okay." 

"(Y/N) is right. And if anything truly goes wrong, I have a fleet of airships ready to swoop down." Tarrlok said, attempting to re-assure Tenzin. You leaned down to allow your hand to feel the coolness of the water, and suddenly you weren't leaning on the pier, waiting for Korra. You were in a vision, great. 

*Vision*

You opened your eyes to see a young child running through luscious green gardens. The child was tearing up, until he finally collapsed on the ground. Your vision cleared to see a younger you, about 10 years younger. It was raining down hard, and the tiny you was soaked to the bone, and stiffled your sobs. "(Y/N), where are you?" "Son? Come out!"  you simply curled up tighter, clutching your head. 

You heard footsteps stop near you, and a breath of relief. "Oh, (Y/N), there you are." You looked up to see Uncle Tenzin standing there, with a warm blanket. He knelt down and opened the blanket, silently urging you to run into his arms. He grunted when you tackled him, and clung to him with a vice grip. Tenzin sighed softly, running a hand through your hair as you shook in his arms. 

"Nephew, it's okay to not be okay." He murmured. "No, not for me. I just have to be  strong. I just have to." 

*End vision*

You opened your eyes and jumped into the air, opening your glider, and taking off. "Uncle, let's go!" He followed you, soon the two of you were flying around looking for a sign of where Korra was. You went higher, and landed near an opening,  before seeing Korra crying into your Uncle's chest. "You were right. I've been scared this whole time. I-I've never felt like this before,and Tenzin, I don't know what to do." she sobbed.

"Admitting that you're afraid is one of the first, but most difficult part of healing." Tenzin's voice echoed through the tunnel. You leaned against the wall, waiting for them to step out.

'She'll be okay.'

[cheesomaru]

To the whole thing about Mary Sues, I just quickly looked it up and gathered definitions.

This one article really goes into depth, telling both sides of a Mary Sue. I skimmed over it and it basically said what the definitions below will say. However, I’ll leave the link to anyone who wants to read it.

https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/MarySue

Moving on, here are several definitions from different users that explain what a Mary Sue and its’ male counterpart is.

Looking at this, yes, Towa does fit some (even if it’s loosely) criteria of what is a Mary Sue.

But realize that multiple times, the show has pointed out Towa’s various flaws as well.

• Towa being naive.

1. Giving Riku the pearl

2. Relating Homaru’s obsession with addiction to a cellphone

3. Trusting Riku after he gave her the sword that got her captured by the Shogun.

Note: Albeit, all the girls are 14 so they are allowed to be naive since they have room to grow (which may be what season 2 shows). Yes there was barely any character growth in season 1, but we can’t say there won’t be any in season 2 to completely say this part is 100% true.

• The battles

1. Towa may have defeated Kyuki, but she never killed her. Riku was actually the one to kill Kyuki.

Note: This happens because either Towa is too kind, or still hasn’t been able to master her powers. The show has also repeated Towa being too kind in the Feudal Era is a flaw that she should correct, quickly.

2. In every fight, Towa isn’t the only one to attack an enemy. And/or defeat them in one blow. Normally all the girls attack said enemy together to find its weakness, and using their wit find a way to kill them. I will agree though, Towa is typically the one who deals the final blow (minus some cases; Kyuki, Yotsume, Homura, the Pond Demon, etc.)

3. When fighting Kirinmaru for the first time, none of the girls managed to do anything. They were all beaten down, (Towa only managing to scratch Kirinmaru’s face after she got pissed) not being able to defeat him. Sesshomaru was the one to step in and stop the battle.

Note: One of the criteria for a Mary Sue is that she gains mastery of her powers within a short time. And she is able to defeat the op characters of the series with little to no effort. That’s not the case here. But yes, there are instances were Towa can easily manage to do something that Setsuna or Moroha may have taken years to learn (absorb demon energy, manifest her demon energy, use her demon energy to bind, etc.) Another thing, Towa can’t use her dog demon abilities, such as sniffing like Setsuna or Moroha can, right away. Overtime she does learn how to (ep. 1 she’s only able to sniff out Mei because she cries; after ep. 3/4 in the Feudal Era, Towa isn’t able to detect demons because she doesn’t know how; ep. 18 is when Towa learns how to sniff out demon energy (wind scar type of situation)).

4. In the second fight against Kirinmaru (ep. 24), not only is Towa able to go full demon, so is Moroha. There’s a double standard here if you’re judging one character and not the other.

Note: (Speculation) This could be explained because of where the battle took place. In the previous ep. we saw Moroha do an attack only for Toga’s ashes/dirt negate it. It could also work by calming the girls’ demon blood.

Now I’ll move on to some of the other traits a Mary Sue is suppose to have.

• Connections

Here is where it gets a bit iffy since it can go both ways. But let’s start with the definition of unconditional love. It’s defined “as affection without any limitations, or love without conditions.”

1. The Higurashi family would obviously love Towa since they raised her, or grew up with her in Mei’s case.

2. Setsuna didn’t like Towa at the start; she even tried to kill her (ep. 2). Only with time did their relationship grow.

3. Kirinmaru is, in my opinion, neither here or there. He is portrayed as the villain but it’s complicated since he doesn’t act as hostile as the other villains of the show towards the girls or Towa. After ep. 24, he seems like a crazy uncle trying to teach the girls a lesson. And that’s plural, as in girls. Not just Towa.

4. OG cast. Even if the interactions with them are limited, Towa doesn’t receive unconditional love or anything from them the very second they meet. Every character is just nice and polite, as even one of us would be with a stranger. Heck, Inukimi whether she likes the girls or not doesn’t show it and specifically said “I don’t care about them.” So many antis cheered about this and made memes (ep. 23).

5. Riku was portrayed as a mysterious, sort of villain-like character throughout most of the season. He approached Towa out of curiousity and maybe evil intentions. But after talking with her, he was left curious. Towa just piqued his interest. Only after whatever episode it was did Riku express he liked Towa (be it later platonic or romantic).

6. The Reiwa Era bullies can definitely be painted as enemies as they harmed Towa and tried to hurt her family. But that doesn’t necessary portray them as evil in books (since evil is more wicked), as they are just bullies due to their own insecurities. Either way, this is a type of connection so I’m listing it.

7. Zero and the Perils are portrayed as evil, yes. Because they are the various enemies/villains of the story. If we didn’t have them, there would be no story. But with the Perils, not all of them wanted to kill the girls right away just for being Sesshomaru/Inuyasha’s daughters. They just wanted to kill the girls, because they stood in their way. Konton was just lounging, enjoying his view until the girls came to kick him out. Totetsu was eating monks, the girls just stepped in to protect Hisui’s father. Both Konton and Totetsu stated they didn’t even know who the girls were.

Note 1: Don’t anyone start with the comment “that would have been for the best.” What’s done is done. You can give your opinions and views, but that’s not going to erase Yashahime from the internet.

Note 2: Out of the Perils, Kyuki was the only one who tried to kill the girls off the bat. Tokotsu is unknown since we never saw that first battle between him and Moroha.

Now this one isn’t mentioned all the time in every definition, but it does pop up at times. And that is the.....

• Tragic backstory from either abuse, abandonment, or etc.

Towa has none of that. Her only backstory is being separated from her sister. I’m sorry, but that’s not even tragic due to her having the Higurashi family accept and take care of her right away. She wasn’t even negatively affected mentally, emotionally, or physically by this.

Now this is getting rather long so I’ll stop it here. But all in all, Towa is not 100% a Mary Sue.

But if anyone wants to keep saying it that, go ahead and by all means counter this. Please provide examples to since that would definitely help make the Mary Sue case.

Either way, thanks for taking the time to read as it got particularly long ^^”.

Wow!  I hope that Mary Sue!anon sees this, because I am not very well qualified in laying it all out like this! I think if Mary Sue!anon wants to reply, its best they do so on your blog.

I agree I don’t think Towa is a Mary Sue either. She has a lot of battle shonen protagonist traits for sure!

[stottlemonk-moments]

Stottlemonk Moments:

Monk s04ep01: "Mr. Monk and the Other Detective"

[sunnydaleherald]

The Sunnydale Herald Newsletter, Thursday, March 25

Buffy: So Maggie sends me down into the sewers with one of those blasto guns and the next thing I know it's raining monsters. Xander: Hallelujah. Buffy: And then this gate slams down behind me and I-I try to use the gun but it goes pfft. Giles: You're saying that Maggie Walsh set you up? Buffy: That's exactly what I'm saying. She sent me on a one way recon. Spike: Got to hand it to you, Goldilocks - you do have bleeding tragic taste in men. I've got a cousin married to a regurgitating Frovlax demon that's got better instincts than you. Buffy: What does my taste in men have to do with this?

~~Goodbye Iowa~~

The Sunnydale Herald is looking for a few new editors! Contributing to the Herald is a great way to get your Buffy on! For more information, drop us an ask on Tumblr or contact thenewbuzwuzz on LJ or DW!

[Drabbles & Short Fiction]

post script (don’t you miss me?) (Spike, Spike's cousin/regurgitating Frovlax demon, other canon ships, M) by chasingfictions

They Can Never Know (Spike/Buffy, G) by TheSigyn

Kennedy, the accidental hero (Willow/Kennedy, T) by Bl4ckHunter

The Winchesters pounce on the Trio (crossover with Supernatural, Buffy, Warren, Jonathan, Andrew, Spike, T) by Bl4ckHunter

[Chaptered Fiction]

Competitive Teamwork series, Part 2: Conspiracy Vision (Doyle, Buffy/Angel, T) by InsaneTrollLogic

Anything She Wants To, Chapter 1 (Giles/Buffy, M) by ElleV

I've Loved You So Long, Chapter 71 (crossover with Supernatural, Buffy/Dean, FR18) by superslayer

[Images, Audio & Video]

Icons: BTVS/ATS - Various (Harmony, Faith, Giles, Spike, Angel, Willow, Xander, Wesley, Riley, Illyria, Buffy/Angel, Willow/Xander, worksafe) by spikesredqueen

Artwork: boys night :) (Angelus x Spike, worksafe) by sunnyhellcalifornia (crabuncle)

Artwork: Illyria sketchbook piece (worksafe) by spikesbuffybot

Artwork: Spike (worksafe) by railroadz

Comic: The Hero of Three Faces (crossover with Sherlock, Buffy, Dawn, worksafe) by heroofthreefaces (Paul Gadzikowski)

Artwork: Faith - outfit meme (worksafe) by tothetoonandback

Artwork: Reboot Buffy (Buffy, worksafe) by Brendan

Artwork: The gift (Buffy, worksafe) by Koniguen

Artwork: Principal Flutie drawing (worksafe) by GamingGreyhound

[Reviews & Recaps]

[I've pitched BtVS before, but let me give it another try; I am begging you to watch this show] by livlepretre

Welcome to the Hellmouth and The Harvest by stinkybuttbags

First time viewer’s thoughts on season 3 by spicynoodles4

Bad episodes that nobody talks about enough by indigenous_bean

Most underrated Buffy eps? by FairlyFreaksome

Funniest season? by DannyWestbrook97

PODCAST: Still Pretty 149. Lessons (S7.01)

[Recs/ISO]

Buffy ficlet "Springtime" by badly_knitted recced by petzipellepingo

Rec request: laurensshitpost seeks fics where angel draws/sketches spike

Reacting to Reactions – BtVS S3 by Stoney

[Fandom Discussions]

I know the Buffy writers know what a good redemption arc is because they’re doing it for Willow…. Meanwhile, with Spike... by rainandscarves

How ats characters would celebrate their s/o’s Birthday by prose-for-hire

How btvs characters would celebrate their s/o’s Birthday by prose-for-hire

Re: What do you think of genderfluid!Buffy? How do you think would the Scooby Gang and Angel react? by council-of-readers

Dawn & Spike friendship is EXTREMELY good actually by calamitys-child

angel the series’s relationship to btvs [Star Trek comparison] by roadhouseendgame

Angel's “Awakening” Fantasy (cont'd) by LemonBanana, Faded90

Discussion of the finale of "The Gift" (cont'd) by whatdBuffyDo, DeadlyDuo, GothicBuffy, and others

Are vampires "serial killers"? (cont'd) by Clavus

Favorite characters ranked: part 1, part 2 (villains), part 3, part 4, part 5, part 6, part 7, part 8, part 9 by Scuffleboard, paranormalcomstudent, Laedrin, Koniguen, Ronnoc527, brutusjudass, halloqueen1017, vsrcosmetics, rabenstolz

Random Thought [Did the monks know of Spike and see him as of vital importance?] by queensleazy

How do you interpret the "soul lore" in the Buffyverse? by interband96

Poll: What would you most like to see? A total reboot or a continuation or a next generation…? at BuffyForums Twitter account

Submit a link to be included in the newsletter!

[tigerstripes-and-leopardspots]

You asked for this

This post is directed at @kamechan98 ( @vague-and-aloof ).

You wanted recommendations, I can give you recommendations.

Now, because I don’t want to ruin what you have planned for your story, I want to keep my real page of headcanons on hold for a bit. But I think you might find inspiration from this one too.

I made a comment on one of your earlier chapters about how you should take a look at season 11 of So You Think You Can Dance, the season Ricky Ubeda appeared in.

When I first started to interest myself in the world of CATS, along the line I found myself in a binge-watching rabbit hole. I watched the boot of the 2016 Broadway Revival and watched through the entire “What’s New Pussycat?” behind the scenes series. After that, I looked up the actors who played my two favorite cats in the revival. Once I found out the actor of Mistoffelees, Ricky, was a contestant and winner of season 11 of SYTYCD, I went on to watch the whole season.

That is what brought me to this. A list of routines from season 11 with Ricky in them, and a short explenation of how I’m imagining they could mean or how they can take place in your story.

I have a full on Google Doc of this info but I figured I should post it here cause I can’t add videos on google. But here I can at least add a link. They are all screen recorded by the way, so many of them don’t have great quality and are a little out of sync.

The routines of Season 11 of So You Think You Can Dance and what they are in this story.

Template explained

_____________________________ Ep. X - Episode-title

Song Title - Artist (Opening if the routine was the opening number of the episode)

Style: Dance genre

In the Show (How it’s presented in SYTYCD)

Dancer(s): The people who danced the piece in the show (SYTYCD) Story: The story/idea behind the piece the real choreographer had.

In JAFJC (Shortened for ‘In Jellicle Arts for Jellicle Cats’)

Dancer(s): A CATS character who I imagine dancing this piece. Story: What I see the piece could symbolize for either of the characters or if this specific dance is performed sometime in the story.

Video: Link to a video of the routine. -------------------------------------------------

Not every part of the template is shown in all of the listed routines and that’s either because I don’t have enough info about the routine or I don’t have any idea what I want to put there.

The routines are listed in order of appearance on the show. Which means they absolutely do not have to appear in this order in your story.

It’s mostly Ricky’s routines. The only ones he isn’t in is two group routines and one normal routine. Munkustrap almost acts as the role of Travis Wall as the choreographer. Demeter sometimes acts as the role of Sonya Tayeh as a choreographer as well, if she isn’t dancing one of Munku’s (Travis’) routines or choreographed pieces Sonya didn’t make.

P.S. Travis Wall and Sony Tayeh are two of SYTYCD’s most known and beloved choreographers.

The Episode titles are all bolded and every routine ends with an italicised link. If any routine describtion appears without a bolded episode title, it means they appear in the same episode as the routine above it.

___________________________________ Ep. 4 - Audition week in Atlanta, Georgia Us Against the World - Coldplay

Style: Contemporary

In the Show

Original Dancer: Ricky Ubeda Story: Ricky’s first audition. Ricky created this piece for his mother as a way to thank her for being by his side through everything. 

In JAFJC

Dancer: Mistoffelees Story: One of Mistoffelees’ pieces he choreographed himself as a way to cope with his magic without using it. He made the piece for his sister Victoria, in the same way, Ricky made it for his mother. 

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rSrn6z9fYfLLt_PrC_kjpJn-vUusxqQR/view

__________________ Ep. 5 - Callback week

Skin and Bones - David J. Roch

Style: Contemporary

In the Show

Original Dancer: Ricky Ubeda Story: N/A

In JAFJC

Dancer: Mistoffelees Story: Another one of Mistoffelees’ vent routines. This is one of his more emotional pieces. Represents how Mistoffelees acted in the beginning of the story in a big dip of depression. Repressing his magic and any emotions that can cause him to lose control. An empty shell. Just skin and bones.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HfsM6cJ3i8YLMyhHYc-KmqMiSpVZzloo/view 

___________________ Ep. 6 - Meet the Top 20

Stalker Ha - Kingdom (Opening)

Style: Jazz

In the Show

Dancers: Season 11’s top 20

In JAFJC

Dancers: Jellicle Students

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1K1-z9v-DMvIsuA2lqrLxuYzn2mNSjSLE/view

---------------------------------- Vow - Mieke van Hoek & Meredith Monk

Style: Contemporary

In the Show

Dancers: Ricky Ubeda & Jessica Richens Story: It’s the ultimate connection. It’s more than just love, it’s a necessity. They need each other to survive.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Mistoffelees & Victoria Story: The dance symbolizes the strong bond between the twins who had to grow up together with a secret such as Mistoffelees’ magic. Victoria has been his only form of support. It’s a Vow to keep each other safe.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1diliXkvcLE3jA0XvfQ7tSkMSx5FPx0HU/view

_____________________ Ep 7. - Week 1

New York, New York - On the Town 2014 Cast (Opening)

Style: Broadway

In the Show

Dancers: Season 11’s top 20 Story: The reason why this was in the show is because the winner of this season would be given a spot to appear in the 2014 revival of the Broadway musical ‘On the Town’ as part of the price package. This song is one of the opening songs in the musical.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Jellice Students

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1p14H7FZelCBJSUDxZF-I87c2t20t_oSN/view

------------------------------ Oh Darling - Gossling

Style: Contemporary

In the Show

Dancers: Ricky Ubeda & Valerie Rocky Story: The one that got away. She’s a mess without him so this is her plea to get him back.

In JAFJC 

Dancers: Mistoffelees & Victoria Story: Even if they have the promise of looking out for each other, Mistoffeles’ stubbornness and habit to shut others out can get in the way of that. He doesn’t want to be a bother to other cats and is willing to give up his own happiness.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S0lvSNc45NXPNl9GSVJv9c5mEzQikxUq/view

_____________________ Ep. 8 - Week 2

How It’s Done - District 78 (Opening)

Style: Hip Hop

In the Show

Dancers: Season 11’s Top 18  Story: It’s a chess match.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Jellice Students

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JCW1bmX9rW7Kk7U7mf48gUSutrxDYKGG/view

---------------------------------------- I Won’t Give Up - Jason Mraz

Style: Ballroom - Viennese Waltz

In the Show

Dancers: Ricky Ubeda & Valerie Rockey Story: The Vienesse Waltz is one of the oldest and most romantic ballroom dances.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Mistoffelees & Victoria Story: It’s considered a romantic dance style. But for the twins, the song’s lyrics play more to their strings. “I Won’t Give Up”. Victoria is not going to give up on her brother and his wishes. It’s her open welcome to the new school and to her circle of friends. They perform this waltz at a business dinner hosted by the Deuteronomy’s as a form to promote the school.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DZI6jDeywpnHnDiPFKnFn6JERostY2vw/view

_____________________ Ep. 9 - Week 3

Take Me to the River - Annie Lennox & Heff Moraes (Opening)

Style: Jazz

In the Show

Dancers: Season 11’s Top 16 Story: In my interpretation, it’s a group of sirens/huldras luring in a group of men into a river.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Jellicle Students

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qLIAIsBO1HDrYlC7164kGzlvXCePvCLt/view

---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dilliwaali Girlfriend - Arijit Singh & Sunidhi Chauhan

Style: Bollywood

In the Show

Dancers: Ricky Ubeda & Valerie Rocky Story: A Bollywood guy is infatuated by a Bollywood girl.

In JAFJC

Dancer: Mistoffelees & ??

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1w2GjLSSqj-yfL5JgCIRiFyK-_4VYEZ-0/view

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- These two group routines both appear in the same video

So Broken LIVE - Björk

Style: Contemporary

In the Show

Dancers: Half of season 11’s top 16 Story: A group of broken souls in their weakest moment. 

In JAFJC

Dancers: Jellice Students Story: Demeter choreographed this piece and had the help of Jellicle’s freshmen to bring it to life.

---------------------------------------- Love Runs Out - OneRepublic

Style: Jazz

In the Show

Dancers: Half of season 11’s top 16 (incl. Ricky) Story: A group of outlaws who are trying to escape the city.

In JAFJC:

Dancers: Jellice students (incl. Mistoffelees) Story: Munkustrap choreographed this piece and had the help of the Jellice freshmen to bring it to life.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qFbc1OxOlOLCqOWIEGyjTehv1zWb7NhF/view  Reminder: They’re both in the same video.

______________ Ep. 10 - Week 4

Last Moment - Christophe Filippi (Opening)

Style: Contemporary

In the Show

Dancers: Season 11’s Top 14 Story: Someone has ascended to heaven.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Mistoffelees and Jellicle students Story: A cat has ascended to the Heaviside layer. It could also symbolize the Jellicle’s welcoming Mistoffelees to their school.

Video https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cx2Ew0mdqRn0tHtaYirzLLgHM-_PlJx6/view

---------------------------------------- Like Real People Do - Hozier

Style: Contemporary

In the Show

Dancers: Jessica Richens & Casey Askew Story: They’re in love.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Victoria & Plato Story: They’re in love, Munk! Let them be!

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/15KFG6w985xfNN6coFn-JomrYimN04PiP/view

------------------------------------------------------ Turn Down for What - DJ Snake, Lil Jon

Style: Hip Hop

In the Show

Dancers: Ricky Ubeda & Valerie Rockey Story: A witch doctor is trying to bring his voodoo doll to life.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Mistoffelees & ?? Story: What would happen if Mistoffelees lost control of his magic like Macavity?

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KgwSnAr0F1-i8zhPdBgBxm33Od1JBhyw/view

-------------------------------------- My Immortal - Evanescence

Style: Contemporary

In the Show

Dancers: Season 11’s top 7 girls Story: Strong women dancing together.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Seven of Jellicle Art’s freshmen queens. Story: Demeter choreographed this piece for the queens as a form to break the ice with their classmates.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lIhuiY_Ldoyguw4ThtkKHcZtv92Zcg89/view

------------------ Wave - Beck

Style: Contemporary

In the Show

Dancers: Season 11’s top 7 boys Story: They are the lost souls of the city. They’re creatures isolated in the water.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Seven of Jellicle Art’s freshmen toms. Story: Munkustrap choreographed this piece for the toms as a form to break the ice with their classmates.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-RhNPM8EPzPEjczwKTugAmyeCig1DAAx/view

______________ Ep. 11 - Week 5

Bang Bang - Jessie J & Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj (Opening)

Style: Hip Hop

In the Show

Dancers: Season 11’s top 10 Story: Takes place at a very colorful saloon.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Jemima, Electra, Etcetera, Victoria, Rumpleteazer, Tumblebrutus, Pouncival, Mungojerrie, Mistoffelees, and Plato Story: Munkustrap gave ten cats free rein to choreograph a piece. He regrets this a little later once they drag Misto and Victoria along.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GtngV-rK1fNMMGsKMTIHSFgcl8w6aRt0/view

-------------------------------------------- Bossa Nova Baby - Elvis Presley

Style: Rockabilly Jazz

In the Show

Dancers: Ricky Ubeda & All-star Lauren Froderman Story: A party where Ricky celebrates his reach to the top 10.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Mistoffelees & Demeter?

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/123MufOUJYTuGz-HGb58XpZ9f8P6VcH3w/view

______________ Ep. 12 - Week 6

A Place With No Name - Michael Jackson (Opening)

Style: Hip Hop

In the Show

Dancers: Season 11’s top 8 Story: N/A

In JAFJC

Dancers: Jellicle Students

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1--XPI94Vny-aY13wcisLvinpbjvxd-pO/view

--------------------------------- Smile - Michael Jackson

Style: Contemporary

In the Show

Dancers: Ricky Ubeda & All-star Jaimie Goodwin Story: Having that best friend that picks you up when you’re down that makes you realize that life isn’t so bad and you have so many things to smile about. Ricky is the positive light for Jaimie.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Mistoffelees & Demeter Story: One thing Mistoffelees have in common with the senior Demeter is that Macavity has influenced their lives in one way or another. Demeter shares the story to Mistoffelees that she used to be in a relationship with him that turned abusive. She fears for his return to this day. She is the second cat (after Tugger) Mistoffelees shares his magic secret to and explains how he’s been forced to keep it contained in fear of being associated with Macavity. This dance piece shows they’re not alone on their journey to find themselves again.

P.S. Munkustrap choreographed this piece as a love letter to Demeter.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fYoisJakIpoScDqfC85EBjSUsimYXy0n/view

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Hægt, Kemur Ljósið (eng; Slowly, Comes the Light) - Ólafur Arnalds

Style: Contemporary

In the Show

Dancer: Ricky Ubeda Story: One of Ricky’s solos

In JAFJC

Dancer: Mistoffelees Story: One of Mistoffelees’ happier solo pieces.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16eV-9bzaEbyhqrfqQzWJBNKGcJicKW8z/view

______________ Ep. 13 - Week 7

Hide (Tropkillaz Remix) [feat. Childish Gambino & Aynzli Jones] - N.A.S.A. (Opening)

Style: Hip Hop

In the Show

Dancers: Season 11’s top 6 Story: They are rave DJ’s

In JAFJC

Dancers in the Story: Jellice students

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1w3F_v738SCGRnGVRPj7wNioEjOD9g2Rc/view

------------------------------------------------------------- I’ve Got the World on a String - Frank Sinatra

Style: Broadway

In the Show

Dancers: Ricky Ubeda & Valerie Rockey Story: A technicolor dream.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Mistoffelees & Victoria Story: It’s once again one of the routines that look romantic but it’s just two siblings gushing to each other about their crushes. “Can’t you see I’m in love?” Mistoffelees has developed feelings for Tugger at this point.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jSMx2OSLJXXygc1gsHR-1QV7EXpPS9kw/view

--------------------------------- Dare (La la la) - Shakira

Style: Ballroom, Cha-cha-cha

In the Show

Dancers: Ricky Ubeda & All-star Anya Garnis Story: Ricky is embracing his Cuban roots.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Mistoffelees & Bombalurina Story: The routine that had everyone floored. Bombalurina is a beast of a Queen on the dance floor and always seems to steal the attention whenever she dances with a partner or in a group. The only cat who’s managed to match her intensity is Tugger because of their long history together. But in this routine, Mistoffelees shocks everyone by his ability to lead Bomba in a way that rivals Tuggers. Especially since he’s only ‘dabbled’ in ballroom dancing before. Seeing Tugger’s reaction is one hell of a driving force as well.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XWrlivoMrSOB5DjdHOrbPBOF5dMj5HUM/view

-------------------------------------------------- My Tears Are Becoming a Sea - M83

Style: Contemporary

In the Show

Dancer: Ricky Ubeda Story: N/A

In JAFJC

Dancer: Mistoffelees Story: Another one Mistoffelees’ vent routines to tire himself out with so his magic doesn’t run amok.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fqdKDWW12BF0dVRler7F1wVYEjLKxqLZ/view

_______________________________ Ep. 14 - Week 8, Performance Finale

Wind Beneath My Wings - RyanDan (Opening)

Style: Contemporary

In the Show

Dancers: Season 11’s Finalists, the Top 4 Story: Love is love.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Mistoffelees, Tugger and two lesbian queens Story: Tugger struggles a little with this routine since he’s not the best contemporary dancer in the school. But after some encouragement, explaining and hardcore training with Misto, Munk, and the two queens, it becomes one of the most memorable routines in Jellicle Art’s history.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10IrWsojMNhfK1Fvd7sw4R_1ZcwAPHw6f/view

------------------------------------------ Voices of Savannah - DJ Chus

Style: African Jazz

In the Show

Dancers: Ricky Ubeda & Valerie Rocky Story: It’s a race between two wild animals.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Mistoffelees & Cassandra? Story: The exotic cats of Jellicle Arts help Misto bring out his wild side.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s-1uq1f02T9VyS9MrQhWiZCPh0PSmFRy/view

------------------------------- F For You - Disclosure

Style: Jazz

In the Show

Dancers: Ricky Ubeda and Jessica Richens Story: Shows off the best Ricky and Jessica have to offer.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Mistoffelees & ??

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1A7ZPwBnBOsHaQwidB0C8dLrZo4V054e1/view

---------------------------------- The Antidote - District 78

Style: Hip Hop

In the Show

Dancers: Ricky Ubeda & Zack Everhart Story: The king of diamonds and king of cloves are battling it out.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Mistoffelees & Pounce or Tumble or Plato Story: The rowdy toms bring Misto out of his comfort zone.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KUesOuzhjZU-lp9HTzi8NLzD4B78Npx_/view

---------------------------------- Not About Angels - Birdy

Style: Contemporary

In the Show

Dancers: Ricky Ubeda & All-star Kathryn McCormick Story: Ricky has hit rock bottom and Kathryn is an angel on earth. He needs saving and she is that person that changes everything for him.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Mistoffelees & Victoria Story: Being a magical cat who has been forced to suppress his magic almost all his life, it’s not unusual that the thought of ending it all has crossed Mistoffelees’ mind more than once. But Victoria has always been the light and love that saved him from his darkest times. It gets Mistoffelees to fight for the life he didn’t get to have.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ocUAgSo1rcaKTO-5kqGbDiGdnMRq7NMD/view

---------------------------------------- Skin & Bones - David J. Roch

Style: Contemporary

In the Show

Dancer: Ricky Ubeda Story: N/A

In JAFJC

Dancer: Mistoffelees Story: The same vent routine from before but refined. Now it’s more of a ‘I’ve finally found myself’ kind off feeling to it. No longer is Mistoffelees afraid to show who he is.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pOP4SpLoEp0eDT3O6WKViVYG30h5WcHc/view

__________________ Ep. 15 - Finale Week

Doctor Jazz - Jelly Roll Morton & Gregory Hines (Opening)

Style: Broadway

In the Show

Dancers: The reunion of Season 11’s top 20 Story: Just a Top 20 reunion

In JAFJC

Dancers: Jellicle Students Story: Could be the opening to an end of the year showcase. The seniors are supposed to use this to show off what they’ve learned these years as Jellicle Arts students, whether they’re performing or has directed/choreographed any of the pieces shown in this showcase.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nww9Jts7eOEF7yDAPb7HtFl4PTN-HlRb/view

--------------------------------------------------- Sweet Disposition - The Temper Trap

Style: A mix of hip hop and jazz

In the Show

Dancers: Season 11’s top 10 and the All-stars Story: Even the smallest act of care for another person is like a drop of water. It will make ripples throughout the pond. A group of strangers at a train station come together little by little, by one act of kindness to another. Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. That’s all whoever has.

In JAFJC

Dancers: Ten of Jellicle art’s freshmen with ten upperclassmen. Story: It’s the students themselves with no help from the teachers that put this performance together to show the world how anybody can care.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/13sBS7080RM2OXahgk0tnaD65N0JTTVKo/view

BONUS!

_____________________________ Season 12, Ep. 14 - Week 6

Let’s Face the Music and Dance - Nat King Cole

Style: Broadway

In the Show

Dancer(s): Jaja Vankova and All-star Ricky Ubeda Story: A smooth-talking mobster and his feisty wife get arrested and thrown into a holding cell. She is furious and all he cares about is getting one last dance in before they’re both convicted.  

In JAFJC (Shortened for ‘In Jellicle Arts for Jellicle Cats’)

Dancer(s): ??? and Mistoffelees Story: An alternate retelling of the tale of Growltiger and Griddlebone

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liQmyx2mxJE

There you have it.

A few parts of my template is missing on a couple of them as I mentioned. They are mostly the story ideas that I don’t have enough info on or I don’t know what to put there myself. As are some characters who I do not know would fit the best in them.

Apologies in advance if it’s difficult to read. I myself have impared vision and tried my best to make it as easy as possible for me to read it.

Hope this helps and good luck in your writing.

/ @tigerstripes-and-leopardspots aka @tigertail94​

Update: I tried to change the format to make it easier to understand. The difference is I seperated the differences of the show and the story idea so they’re not mixed together. Cause that’s something I noticed when I read this again. Plus I’ve added some more story ideas in both the ‘Skin and Bones’ entries. I’ll try and update this template as soon as I get more ideas.

Update 2: I added the routine of when Ricky appeared as an all-star in season 12. It was easier to find a link to this routine as the whole piece, including rehearsal footage and judges comments, already exist on youtube.

[duckuwu]

hi i'm thinking i want to get into critical role but i have no idea where to start - each ep on youtube is like 3-4 hrs long and there are 90+ episodes in a campaign... do people watch entire episodes?? entire campaigns??? into whatever gay thing is happening w ashely johnson, if that's useful. thank you thank you for any guidance you can send my way

Hi, so, I don't know when you sent this because Tumblr is really crap with notifications these days.

The majority of Critters agree that people who want to start the journey of Critical Role should start with Season 2. Here's the playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1tiwbzkOjQxD0jjAE7PsWoaCrs0EkBH2

The main reasons for starting with Season 2 is that the cast is starting out with new characters and figuring out how they work, so you get to understand how/who the characters are in a more organic fashion. It's also got a better production value due to them working out all/most the issues during Season 1. (The beginning of Season 1 is really rough, which is a main part of why people *don't* recommend starting there, because some people aren't really willing to look past that.)

But, for you, the main reason to start with Season 2 is the characters. The cast learned a lot from Season 1. And while Season 1 was their home game that turned into a show, it was also the first time ever playing D&D for most of them so they didn't really know the potential of what could be done. In Season 1 the actors grew in the game but also with the community and got to see a lot of the things their community was looking for. The representation they were hoping for. The actors are family and allies and representation means a whole lot to them, and though they cannot change who they are (and we wouldn't ask them to) they recognized that visually they appear a certain way.

So. Season 2. They got to start anew, keeping in mind the things they learned, they wanted to help provide representation for. There's multiple things, but specifically per your ask... You've got Yasha, a buff goddess of chaos with a dark past and a lost wife, played by Ashley Johnson. (Ashley comes in and out of the season, mostly out, for a long bit of time because she was filming Blindspot. But they eventually worked things out so that she could be back with the skwad every Thursday and its become so much better.) You've also got Beau, a nerdy badass monk with dark skin and the charm to woo ALL the ladies, played by Marisha Ray. And although Ashley isn't in every episode, Marisha is. (I think she's only ever missed once? If that.) And Marisha brings such great representation and understanding to the role. (And while I'm still on the topic of representation, they've made it a point that (when they have guest stars) they bring on people of color because they recognize how pale they are. (Though Matt has always filled his worlds full of characters of all colors, shapes, sizes, genders and sexuality.)

It's a lot to take on, 3-4+ hours every Thursday night *and* there's 99 episodes to take on. (Good news, they're currently stopped at 99 because of this dumb ass virus, so it's easier to catch up!) But it's so worth it, it really is. Not only is the acting and the storytelling so full of depth and emotion, but it's being done by a group of people who genuinely care so much and have so so much compassion.

Matt ends every show with the statement: don't forget to love each other. And that's at the core of everything they do, in the show and outside of the show. And *that's* why it's worth all the effort of the hours it takes to watch it all.

I do have to warn you though, once you join us, you'll start buying more dice than anyone really should.

[caerdroia]

fandom tag game

rules: pick five (5) shows, then answer the following questions.

thanks for the tag @devilsss-dyke :-)!

my five shows:

doctor who

star trek

good omens

the adventure zone

the good place

who is your favorite character in #2? 

D A T A

who is your least favorite character in #1? 

uuuuhhhhhhh i think all of the characters have really interesting arcs (except for the women of moffat. moffat can go choke. but im not listing those characters as my least favorite, because i tend to enjoy them when presented in fan content created by people who drink respect women juice). i guess i’d say the monk just because of what he did in To The Death. but i also think he was a pretty captivating character?? how do you choose..

what is your favorite episode of #4?

i’m not sure i can choose a single episode (mostly because i’ve forgotten what happens in each ep) but i absolutely adore the stolen century arc😭

what is your favorite season of #5? 

hrm, season three? i feel like that’s where chidi and eleanor’s relationship really made an impact on me. it was also just a great season to see how they navigated their Second Chance...idk i love tgp bruv

what is your favorite episode of #3? 

the firrrrrst. it’s so good! and of course the 30 minute cold open of ep 3....smh

what is your favorite episode of #5? 

honestly the Very Last Episode is so good...it makes me absolutely bawl but in the best possible way

how long have you watched #1? 

since 2005! i kinda fell out of it around 11, and i fell back in when jodie was announced as 13 loooooool

how did you become interested in #3? 

I knew DT was gonna be in it like a year before it came out and i decided to read the book because the energy of the trailer seemed like something i’d dig. my brother was a big proponent of gomens too because he loves pterry hahah

who is your favorite actor in #4? 

griffin mcelroy and his 2000 npcs who all sound the same

which do you prefer, #1, #2, or #5? 

doctored who.....

which show have you seen more episodes of, #1 or #3? 

i mean percentage wise, i’ve seen 100% of good omens while i absolutely have Not seen 100% of dw....but yes, i have seen More Than Six Episodes of doctor who

if you could be anyone from #4, who would you be? 

m. magic brian

would a crossover between #3 and #4 work? 

taz amnesty but the apocalypse they’re trying to avert is good omens based

pair two characters in #1 who would make an unlikely but strangely okay couple? 

charley pollard and rose tyler...i think that charley ends up in 2008 london (don’t ask how) and she becomes best friends with rose and they fall in love. ALSO martha/eight is the only ship actually. eight adores martha and also in human nature john smith isnt a racist piece of shit because one of the fundamental truths of eight is that he loves martha 😤

overall, which show has the better storyline, #3 or #5? 

honestly? i’m going with the good place. there’s just more personal and immediate relevance in the story they tell and the individual stories and growth of the characters. 

which show has better theme music, #2 or #4? 

OK LISTEN....tng intro is litchrally so iconic and good......but the diversity of taz themes.....bruv....everyone say thank you griffin 

tagging @mothdogs @paintedvanilla @dykeangel @i-run-a-trash-blog @nicheandaccurate if y’all wanna!

[yfere]

Shipping Calculus! Live updates from C2E64

They say that fire exposes a person’s priorities, but we here at the lab believe that a gaggle of overly friendly moaning demons can also do the trick. Thank you to @softazelma, @fyeahthominho, and @alarnia for helping with data entry! Masterpost here.

+500 to The Mighty Nein/Totally Not Anachronisms. Beau invented the phrase “Don’t shoot the messenger,” and also ravioli, with her hidden chef talent. Caleb, having wheeled and dealed with the rich assholes of the Empire, naturally invented the game of golf during his year at the Academy. And Moro watched only half of the first season of Stranger Things. Don’t spoil her, okay?

+150 to Caleb/Astrid/Eodwulf “FOR FUTURE REFERENCE, JESTER, I’ll have you know that Eodwulf who I have never mentioned to you and who was not mentioned in the letter was buff and muscular and strong and so talented whoops that’s not even a physical description anymore but did I mention he was impressive? So if Marion Lavorre meets a black haired blue eyed incredibly eligible and attractive and gifted heartthrob of a man that’s the one you’re looking for BEWARE.” Okay, Caleb. Gone are the days of being content with all the love being directed at Astrid, I see. All right.

+0 to Jester/Beau Well, if an indirect kiss involves drinking from the same water glass, is it an indirect flirt if you both flirt with the same person? Moro became the unlikely receptacle of both these gal’s affections this episode, between Beau’s loud and enthusiastic appreciation of Moro’s criminal hustle, and Jester making sure Moro knows that Jester thinks she’s cute (and that she’ll kill her for lying to them). Beau as usual hyping up Jester’s awesomeness to everyone (in this case Caduceus) who will listen. Shockingly, this episode Beau seems to have acquired the ability to actually fool Jester into thinking she’s fine, which resulted in point loss and meant Caleb instead had to pick up the slack to gracefully get some help for the poor beat up monk. (For him, that’s +6 to Caleb/Faking Injury for Friendship)

-30 to Fjord/Shortcuts Just as when Captain of the Ball-Eater, Fjord is ALL ABOUT running into clear danger if it means shaving one or two days off of a trip. Into the eye of the storm! Into Ground Zero of the Calamity! We care for speed here, not safety!

+18 to Caleb/Jester and speaking of Caleb having a Thing for strong people, how he continues to single out Jester as the Strongest Woman, who even is Yasha, which creates a perfect combination of #ItPaysToBeADamselInDistress and #LovesToBeAKnightInShiningArmor between the two of them, as Caleb begs for assistance getting a horse on his moorbounder of COURSE Jester can do this alone, Jester squashing Caleb adorably and staying there for….a length of time while at Moro’s (I guess Caleb is the type to have people sit on his face huh), and Caleb very effectively pulling his “Oh no, I am so weak and delicate I must have a fainting couch to rest upon for a spell” to Jester’s delighted crowing over how weak he is. Caleb as usual thinking Jester’s out-of-the-box thinking with an aerial view is The Best Thing Ever. Jester wanting to get in on the Healing Caleb Action Caduceus has been hogging with a Cure Wounds, what do you mean Fjord is injured too? (#ItReallyDoesPayToBeADamselInDistress). Caleb’s Worrywarting directed at full strength at Marion Lavorre. +4 to Yasha/Cockblocking for Jester bringing Yasha in on the horse moving action. Point loss for Caleb’s Worrywarting creating Jester Worrying and making her lose sleep. Nein! Not okay!

+17 to Beau/Yasha because as we all know mutilating corpses with Beau is a sure way to her big gooey heart. Also, Beau adopting a Striking Pose after striking the enemy dead, and the Gay Power of that alone probably making Yasha’s rage drop, as she struggles to pick her jaw up off the floor and reorient towards combat.

-10 to The Mighty Nein/The Neighbors as they apparently carry a couplea severed heads in plain view all across town on their way to the Xhorhaus before storing them. According to the local Mighty Nein Neighborhood Watch, this is only the third or fourth weirdest thing they’ve done.

+24 to Caleb/Caduceus as Caduceus continues as always to think Caleb is the solution to all problems always with his cool magic and his alarms, though +5 to Cockblocking for both Jester and Beau who tragically remind him that there are other people out there who can also do things. The slip into nearly calling Caleb “Mr. Clay” instead of “Mr. Caleb” is of note, and someone needs to investigate what he’s been writing in those hearts in his journal pronto. Caduceus making Caleb his #1 priority in battle, #ItPaysToBeADamselInDistress, with his ray of enfeeblement, healing, attacks, and physically standing over the wizard in a defensive stance to protect him! Batting away attacking bats (while Caleb crawls around collecting guano!). Points taken away because poor Caduceus forgets for a moment that the next brightest thing after his own pink hair is Caleb’s. It’s still romantic if you’re saving people from trouble you sent their way, right? Right? Points gained for asking if Caleb is okay after the fight, and for them both being very dark, between advocating for decapitation and threatening Moro and her employee with decapitation, simmer down a second Caleb.

+10 to Caleb/Vulture Culture. Between Frumpkin’s new shape and getting Those Good Spell Components, our dear Caleb, covered once more in gore and shit and Death, is his happiest self. Hopefully he didn’t ruin his new fancy threads.

+2 to Beau/Hosting as Beau practices Manners and Decorum with a “no, sir” to the attacking demons (#CustomerService). Some mixed messages by following this up with pummeling them to death, but An Effort Was Made.

+4 to Caduceus/Nature as he found a new mushroom! Which will definitely not be a bad mushroom in any way.

+90 to Caleb/Cat-Shaped Creatures. There’s the usual spying Frumpkin rigmarole, but it says something about your love for cats when you’re willing to forgive, nay, even love, suspiciously dog-like behavior of gross licking for affection—so long as it’s coming from a cat. Caleb cleverly disposing of troublesome corpses and feeding his favorite members of the M9 at the same time. Caleb also adorably taking Jannick out for a little run on the Fields of Death, and all the Moorbounders coming in clutch as fighting machines (with some wonderful light-based assistance from Caleb, Support Catster Extraordinare), and somehow remaining unscathed during battle.

+45 to Fjord/Jester. Lips. Made. Contact. With. A. Cheek. That is very cheeky of you Fjord, if I do say so myself. Jessie is said, not once but twice, and Jester gets to be her true #LovesToBeAKnightInShiningArmor self as she saves Fjord repeatedly by murdering the demons attacking him, only getting slightly annoyed that he gets in trouble immediately after she saves him the first time. Seriously though, the amount of Goopy Feelings Jester has for saving this poor man….well, #ItPaysToBeADamselInDistress. Point loss for poor Jester failing to look as cool as the knights in the novels as she falls flat on her face with the handaxe strike, but she makes up for it by pounding the creature to death with her spiritual weapon instead, that was totally intentional. Point gains for Fjord being very Pleased with anything and everything Jester got up to, Jester pumping up Fjord’s accent and impersonation skills, contributing to Corpse Interrogation with her own Disguise Self, and the Excellence that was the fake Insta-Death spell the two of them threatened Moro with.

-8 to Nott/Yeza “Tell Veth I love her” does not make up for fucking ditching your husband without a word, Nott, you absolute asshole. Please talk to your spouse.

+13 to Caleb/Fjord/Jester In another great week for this triad, they all prove to be Excellent at Delivering Deceptive Threats, though Caleb is as per usual a little too serious about his contributions (though the other two are uh a bit more on the serious side as well this is a Bloodthirsty Throuple) The Epic Triangle Of Saving Each Other, as Jester rescues Fjord and Fjord hustles to rescue Caleb, followed by Jester’s healing action. Fjord taking joy in Jester falling on top of Caleb, and the both of them being very good about letting the Totally Actually Injured And Not At All Faking dramatic wizard take a short rest for Beau.

+1 to Fjord/Caleb. Most of their points this week were more applicable to Caleb/Fjord./Jester, but the instant “Moro, you got to die” when Caleb Can’t-Switch-Tasks Assassin Wizard suggests it is still very fun. Fjord sort of leaps to Caleb’s suggestions this episode, the ultimate yes-and-man.

+6 to Fjord/Detective Work as he steers the party clear of the Bad Tar Pits, they might have landed in quite a sticky situation otherwise

+20 to Critters/Detective Work, as the cast very loudly run through the Totally Natural Conclusion to the clues provided in the last ep, they Definitely Solved This Themselves, they had No Help From The Internet.

+14 to Fjord/Caduceus. Fjord offers to “loom” over Caduceus’ shoulder and points out that he looks “fleek” like damn, Caduceus, the boy is making an effort for you! As usual they are On The Same Wavelength and good cop/bad cop Moro and co. like pros, no discussion or even a conspiratorial glance required, they know what the jig is before anyone else. Fjord advocating for sending Moro money because that was Caduceus’ plan, no one is allowed to argue. Also being excellent interrogators of corpses together. Fjord is a huge fan of Caduceus’ magical food powers, #MagicalCrush, would “not turn down” Caduceus’ healing, and he kills some bats Cads was slapping around. Unfortunately without the bats Caduceus proceeds to slap a bunch of points out of the ship by saying he “doesn’t care.” That is cold.

+7 to Jester/Caduceus as they do a little awkward dance on the steps to make it around each other, and spending hours annoying everyone else in the party by talking about Cleric Things. Caduceus being impressed over Jester totally lying about being able to talk to dead horses, and Jester going wild over HOW COOL the Corpse Interrogation was. The Clerics Cuddling for comfort when the enemies first attack, since that was definitely what Jester and Caduceus were doing no questions here. Points taken away because Jester’s enthusiasm for Corpse Interrogation sort of glosses over how Caduceus “feels dirty” over the whole affair, they are apparently not too compatible in this area.

-5 to Nott/Yasha as Nott makes a sincere and successful effort to apologize to Yasha for sticking her like a pincushion and trying to be Nice and Supportive with memory games to help Yasha remember the “drow.” But points are drained away into the negatives as Nott goes a little too hard with the interrogation over Yasha having potentially killed people to make orphans (“that’s a cool name” and “Orphie” is terrible and does not make up for this nonsense), and Yasha’s well-received but still terrible allowance of Nott’s alcoholic predilections. They are a wonderful trainwreck to watch.

-20 to The Mighty Nein/Names. As of right now, there appears to be one (1) member of the Mighty Nein in Caduceus Clay who did not at some point either change their name or have some type of Name Angst over what someone else has named them. Though making faces at ‘Ducey might come to count for something, in time.

+11 to Nott/Jester Speaking of Disguise Self Shenanigans, how Nott is the Moro to Jester’s invisible bugbear, making them the logical pairing of the Corpse Interrogation Caper. Jester’s adorable confusion over her nickname being “Little Sapphire” which leads to Nott instantly screeching about how beautiful and perfect Jester is, that lovable dumbass. Nott using the word “shiny” to describe Jester, which seems technically a little odd but says loads about Nott’s affection for the gal, as this is the #1 lover of Shiny Valuable Things in the party speaking.

+8 to Jester/Yasha as Yasha in her sweet soft way also points out how Jester is very pretty and brings up Fluffernutter as a potential badass name that some of the people in her tribe might have been named for. Jester, for her part, directing Worrywarting in Yasha’s direction over how she was recognized and trying to give Yasha control over what they do next and what Yasha wants, though dear Yasha who cannot assert herself to save her life only manages to tentatively say she wants to know what’s going on before saying she’ll do whatever the group wants. (They! Want! What! You! Want! Yasha!)

-6 to Jester/Curtains, which surprisingly don’t taste as good to tieflings as they do to moths. Further experimentation required to determine how delicious they are to goblins, firbolgs, half orcs, aasimar and humans.

-101,019.01 to Critters/Child Poverty. TAKE THAT, CHILD POVERTY! This is how much was raised at the end of the stream, and a deserved kick in the face to all Child Poverty ships everywhere #AntiChildPoverty

[noramachwitz]

i wrote a giant review post and i thought i’d keep the momentum going so here’s a giant review on skam nl under a read more

okay so i have to say i loved s1 and i think nl did one of (maybe even the) best versions of s1 i love isa so much and i loved the girl squad and i was super exicted to see their version of s2 since noah/liv were the only version that i didn’t dislike in s1 and i hate to say it but ... i find s2 pretty underwhelming. and i have for a while. i’m still keeping up with it but honestly i’m having some (kinda big) problems with the way it’s written

(and needless to say these are all my opinions and you can disagree it’s fine etc.)

what it boils down to are these points:

1) plot driven - this season is SO plot driven it drives me mad. somehow the entire plot just happens /to/ liv (and i’m not talking about the SA here of course but everything that happens before that) and somehow almost every decision she does make and where they’d finally show her having some agency is off screen?? i keep feeling like everything that happens happens because it’s the next step in the story and there’s little transition imo?? i feel like i always see plot point a then plot point b but a lot of the times i don’t know what actually happened to lead from one to the other for example i still don’t freaking know why liv actually went on a date with him?? or noah saying his brother can’t be trusted but then still believing him. i just feel like liv and noah both as characters just don’t fit into the way they’re going about this story

2) noah - i think noah as a character had a ton of potential to be really insteresting and different but ... NL changed the vibes around him completely and you have this artsy painter dude who seems quite charming and doesn’t take himself too seriously (which monk portrays perfectly ngl) but they just completely failed to adjust the story so it fits his character better. instead noah (in my opinion i’m very sorry lmao) actually behaves more like OG william than most other williams. he acts the same way, he justifies his actions the same way, he even says a lot of the exact same lines and ... why?? why not fully embrance those vibes and actually change the story as a consequence?? i remember soo many people in the fandom saying they can’t see noah beating up someone and it’s true i agreed but then it happened anyway and these moments just KEPT HAPPENING where i couldn’t see him doing something but he did anyway and i just don’t understand why.

so instead of changing things that were easy to change and would make noah better than william they change things that are unnecessary which leads me to one of the biggest plot devices i’ve ever seen: the death of noah’s mum. when i first realised that noah’s mum dies during this season i was actually pretty excited bc i thought they’d use that to explore him as a character more but!! no it was just a two week plot device to guilt trip liv?? and almost every clip we got during that time was just liv feeling guilty and guiltier and her staring at her phone constantly until she ends up at the wake and we find out actually noah wasn’t even close with her and it didn’t really affect him?? and it hasn’t been mentioned since either??? WHY!! instead of giving noah and liv a solid base for a relationship and use that time to idk get to know each other more and like just to talk it just feels to me like they took the easy way out writing wise

also it’s literally the penultimate episode and noah has had ZERO character development and we still know very little about him but we’re still supposed to be rooting for him and liv?? how am i supposed to do that when he’s so underwritten?? this is all such a shame goddamn it

3) time management/pacing - i have no idea if it’s because i binged s1 or not but you can tell so hard with s2 that they’re on a time limit and it always confuses me what they end up coosing to spend time on. prime example: the sleepover clip. we spend 3 whole minutes (yes i checked) with liv going around that wake having that weird conversation that literally adds nothing to anything and then she finally sees noah we see them sit next to each other and listen to a record and ... then liv talks to ralph on the phone and it just cuts to them getting ready for bed like why spend so much time on unnecessary stuff in the beginning and then when there are finally opportunities for development they’ve got no more time left!!!

in general when there finally is a moment of tension or conflict the clip usually ends and we have to wait a whole day or even 2 for another clip and it just really makes me wish we’d get less of these quiet moments (and while they’re definitely necessary too i just feel like nl actually has way too many of them) and just give us more plot movement instead so we can actually get somewhere. this is less of a problem if you only watch whole eps but since this is skam and real time narrative it just doesn’t work for me.

4) conversations - the lack of converstions REAL conversations between noah and liv is sooo frustrating to me. they’ve basically only had ONE real conversation so far and that was when liv broke up with him. that was the first time they actually /talk/ to each other and ... okay i know everybody keeps saying NL is prioritising liv since it’s her own season and that it’s about her and not her realtionship with noah but i mean that relationship is a big part of her story?? and i still don’t know why liv actually likes noah, i don’t know how she realised that she loves him and we haven’t actually like ... seen them bond??

the conversation i did actually really like was the one between liv and esra when she asks if esra has ever been in love but i was just kinda like where did that come from?? they’d made out twice at that point and that was it?? i guess this ties in with the fact that it’s just plot driven which means i don’t necessarily get a character’s motivations since they explore the plot and not the characters themselves. the other actual conversation was the one liv had with engel but there for me it was another case of Where Did That Come From you know? like engel gives liv this whole thing about how she’s scared of chaos which is true but from a storytelling point of view there was nothing to like ... trigger that realisation? i mean of course theoretically i know that the girls are all close friends and just know each other well but when you tell a story (even if it’s skam that’s based in realism and believability) you need buildup to things and i feel like that something that really lacks in skam nl

5) in general - to me personally it just feels a lot like nl shies away from proper conflict a lot because resolving it would take time which they don’t have but that means they don’t build proper tension that drives the plot forward. and i actually have the same problem with s2 in the OG as well don’t get me wrong but i feel like that’s something they could change but haven’t because nl just?? idk seems scared of changing too much?? they change the characters but not the plot but why? who knows, i sure don’t and it’s not they way i enjoy a story being told

okay to end this whole thing on a more positive note lmao here’s some thing i actually do like about this season:

soundtrack is a+ as always nl is good at that

the cinematography and general aesthetic is just ... so pretty (but ngl i feel like that sometimes comes at a cost of substance)

the girl squad! although i can’t say it’s the best as many other people do because i never would have thought iman missing would be this noticeable but for me it throws off the entire dynamic?? anyway but i do like them

esra!! she’s so great

i just love isa

okay that’s all