#multi-layered television

[weaversweek]

Josh Must Win

To the competitors, a contest of who your favourite is amongst the other contestants.

To the celebrities manipulating events, a challenge of psychology and intuition.

To the astute viewer, a lesson in some of the techniques producers use to manipulate reality telly.

How real is reality television? When you see something, how has it been manipulated? Grimmy and his gang did it in a light-hearted way; do other shows have their own agenda?

Plus, a look at the claim that The 1% Club is television's biggest game show (it's not, unless you're using a particularly arbitrary definition of "game show". But The 1% Club is very good telly - and sometimes proper drama.)

[sugrhigh]

BOY NEXT DOOR 4 - ( c.s )

part three

summary- you and your roommates live beside a bunch of senior hockey players, one of them being the infamous team captain chris sturniolo. he’s effortlessly flirty and undeniably attractive, but he’s also a pain in your ass. you find that you have to fight between lust and hatred as you finally get to know the boy next door, whether you want to or not.

warnings- cursing, slightly suggestive MEOW

neighbor/hockey!chris x fem!reader

a/n: PART FOUR! i promise u guys are not ready for what’s coming next 🫨 thank u to everyone who’s been reading along i love u all so very much!! my inbox is always open and i hope ur having a wonderful day (also doesn’t that first pic look so much like chris i screamed)

@cutenote @mattybsbitch @mattsmunch @breeloveschris @l9vesick @bb-1s-blog @sturnifyed @julessspoetry @annamcdonalds67 @beijhe @gnxosblog @braindead4l @hearts4matty @orangeypepsi @luckistar-posts @angelworldspost @ponyosturniolo @rainyenthusiastdaze @cupidsword @sturnvvz @wurlibydominicfike @mattswrld @yoursopretty15 @poopydroopt @latinasforchrizz @bernardsleftbootycheek @trilliwarner @hearts4chris @rubyjaneaxx @reallykaz @sturnlvrs

“wow, someone looks extra hot tonight.” cassidy comments as she walks into your room, which is laughable coming from her.

she’s an angel, literally glowing in her multi-colored halter. you swear you shop at the same places, and yet she somehow always finds the gems.

“god, says you.” you joke, unable to keep a straight face as you stand up from your desk.

but you’re all done up too, dressed in a red tube top and some black jeans that flare out a little, hugging your hips just right. and yeah, you’re a bit smug knowing that you’re going to chris’s party looking extra great, but you embrace the post-pregame confidence.

“are you sure you want to go? we really don’t have to.” cass asks as you pass by her into the upstairs hallway.

“i mean, why not? i can never turn down free alcohol.” you shrug, and it’s part of the truth.

paying for yourself at the bar is never as fun, and the chances of somebody buying your drinks is usually slim. plus it’s on shithead’s tab tonight, which makes it that much sweeter.

“i totally agree. i just…” her smile falters a little, and she sighs, “i just don’t want you to get hurt or anything.”

it makes you pause, hearing her say that. you’d ended up talking to both of your roommates after chris came knocking on your bedroom door, and they’d been rightfully wary of his excuse.

but her words kind of confirm your worries; that chris is someone to be feared, someone to keep at a distance. like you won’t be able to resist the charm.

like you’ll fall.

“he can’t hurt me if i don’t let him.” you reply, and you’re not sure if you’re trying to convince her or yourself.

“okay, i won’t push it. i know you’re tough, but i can’t help but check in.” cass nods at you before you head down the stairs.

“i appreciate it, but i’m good, so let’s go get bombed.” you’re grinning again, still buzzing from the two drinks you’d finished while doing your makeup.

ramona is already downstairs, bopping along to the beat of the music she has playing on the tv. she’s midway through a shot of tequila as you round the corner to the kitchen, swallowing so she can bite down on a slice of lime with her free hand.

you and cassidy both chuckle at the grimace that passes over her face.

“you ready party animal?” cass teases.

“always.” she replies once she’s calm, placing the tiny glass into the sink before screwing the cap back onto the bottle of alcohol.

each of you shove your old beat up shoes onto your feet, and mona turns off the television seconds after. you can still feel the bass vibrating, but you know it’s coming from the house beside you, which makes your heart jump into your throat.

you walk out the door, one behind the other like a row of ducks as you trample through the thin layer of snow from a few days prior.

tonight, you can tell chris has his own mix on, because you recognize the yeat song that’s currently playing. you’ve always liked his taste more than the others.

you’ll never admit that to him, though.

it’s way louder now that you’re up close, and you can literally feel the party raging. ramona leads the pack, stepping inside and swinging the door open for the rest of you.

the darkness swallows you once you step inside, but your eyes adjust quickly. you recognize some people as you shift through the crowd, regulars who are usually here and a couple of guys on the team.

you try not to look for chris, instead choosing to focus on the back of ramona’s head while you guys shuffle to the kitchen for drinks. there’s a few people chatting as you step through the archway, one of them being ben. his sandy blonde hair is pushed away from his face, and he smiles at your arrival.

“hey there neighbors!” he greets each of you guys with a side hug, clearly already drunk even though it’s only eleven.

you just thank god he set his cup down, because you know he would have spilled it all over.

“benjamin, always a pleasure.” cassidy laughs at his slightly sloppy demeanor.

“chris is gonna be really happy.” ben shoots a smirk your direction, and you roll your eyes, opting to move to the bottles of cheap vodka on the counter.

“i really don’t care.” you snark, pouring a hefty bit of alcohol into your cup before setting the handle back down.

“feisty tonight, woah!” he holds his hands up in surrender.

your friends follow close behind, making their own drinks and pouring them equally as strong.

“where’s your girl, benny? haven’t seen her around in a minute.” ramona asks with a small smile, clearly trying to change the subject.

“she’s out at the bar. girls night or something.” ben shrugs as you add some sprite to your drink and take a sip.

it’s extremely bitter even with the mixer, but you choke it down and deal with the burn. you’re still not tipsy enough, so you’re playing catch-up to try and reach the level you want to be at.

mona nods at this as she slides back up next to you, cassidy joining moments later when she’s done making her drink.

“well, tell her to come around soon, i miss her.” she requests.

“i miss her too, i’ll pass the message along.” ben points a finger at her like he’s locking in a promise, loopy grin morphing his features.

“alright, we’re going to dance, but i’m sure we’ll see you later.” cass waves her free hand goodbye before you all make your way back into the masses, shoving your way into the living room.

it’s pretty packed tonight, as usual, and a sheen layer of sweat already covers your skin. you run a hand through your hair while cassidy meshes into the crowd, making enough room for you guys to move around.

bodies bump against yours as you all dance to the music together, sipping your drinks and laughing at each other’s silly moves. you swear you’ve seen connor now too, and yet you still haven’t spotted chris.

you suppose this is a good thing, because the sensation of being inebriated is only just beginning to wash over your body, and you don’t want to deal with him sober.

so you dance, and drink, and dance and drink some more, letting the hazy lights illuminate you as you bop around with your friends.

you’re knocking back the last of your fifth beverage of the night when you feel someone come up behind you, hand snaking to hold your waist gently. your first assumption is chris, and your heart leaps into your throat, but you’re wrong.

it’s a guy you don’t recognize. his black tapered hair is a mess on his head as he gazes at you hungrily.

“dance with me?” he asks over the music.

cassidy and ramona are seconds away from stepping in, but you shake your head at them to indicate you’re fine. for once, you don’t really mind being hit on, especially because he’s kind of cute and you’re definitely drunk.

it’s not like it means anything anyways.

so you back up slightly, his front flush against your spine as you move your hips, rolling them into his own.

your friends grin devilishly as the two of you sway together, so close it almost feels like you’re one person. his hand presses flat against your stomach, holding you so he can feel the friction of your ass grinding against him.

you swear it’s only been a second before the crowd parts slightly, revealing a pissed-off looking chris as he barrels his way past the other people in the living room. his eyes are ablaze, and he yanks you away from the mystery man the second he’s close enough.

“get lost, jamie.” he snaps at the boy you were with, whose eyes are wide in fear now.

he must be an underclassman then, because he scurries away instantly, too scared to stand his ground against the captain of the team and the host of the party.

“what the fuck, chris? i was having fun.” you cross your arms over your chest, slurring ever so slightly as you glare at him.

he doesn’t respond to this; instead, his chest heaves like he just ran a marathon, and his dark gaze trails up and down your body. he grabs your wrist and tugs you toward the staircase without a reply.

your friends watch in awe as he drags you away, though neither of them bother to interfere. they’re swallowed by the swarm moments later, and your stomach flips at the fact that they’re gone.

it’s just you and him now.

the foyer blurs by as you reach the stairs, and you nearly stumble trying to keep up with his pace. you’ve only just made it to the privacy of the upstairs hall when chris drops your arm, whirling around to face you.

“what is wrong with you?”

your mouth falls open slightly at his tone, at how animalistic he looks standing before you, blocking you against the wall. his white shirt is unbuttoned slightly, and you can smell that fucking dior on him.

“what the hell does that mean?” you retaliate, already flushed in anger.

“i didn’t even know you could dance like that, let alone with my teammate.” chris snarls.

“everyone can dance, and i had no idea he was on the team. it’s not like you were talking to me anyways.” you stand your ground, meeting his judgmental gaze head on.

“did you want me to?”

“i mean, you’re the one who invited me to this stupid party, so i kind of expected to at least see you.” you tell him truthfully, and you know it’s the alcohol talking now.

“one second you hate me and the next you’re angry i’m not giving you attention. i can’t figure you out, and it drives me fucking crazy.” he continues to stare down at you in frustration, glancing between your eyes and your lips.

you hate how fast your heart is slamming against your ribcage. every time he’s this close to you it’s like the air is sucked out of the room. you can’t even breathe.

“why did you really pull me away, chris?” you ask quietly.

you already know the answer, but you want to hear him say it out loud for once.

“because you should only be moving that pretty ass of yours against me.” his voice is low, and he takes a step forward.

you cancel out his movement, completely backed up against the wall now. he can’t help but let his eyes roam down to your chest, to your exposed cleavage.

you’ve been taunting him all night, though you weren’t even aware. chris has just been watching you in your element, staying to himself and letting you do your thing with your friends for a bit.

after his last conversation with you he felt like maybe he should back off, but then seeing you with somebody else was even worse. it shouldn’t be this way, he shouldn’t be so fucking obsessed so soon.

but you’re looking at him with those wide eyes, soft lips parted, and there’s no way to resist. one hand travels to the back of your neck and the other grabs at your waist, pulling you into his own hips as he smashes his mouth to yours.

it’s somehow even more passionate than the first time, messy and rough, how you both like it most. chris bites down on your bottom lip as he pulls away a minute later, kissing your cheek and jaw, then down your neck.

his cold fingers make their way underneath the hem of your shirt as you feel his teeth close down on the sensitive skin. a strangled moan escapes your mouth before you can bite it back.

“i like that sound a lot, princess.” he says into your ear before his lips focus on that hollow sweet spot you love so much.

you know he’s going to leave a mark, but it feels so good you don’t care. yet you choke down the whimper you feel crawling up, unwilling to give him the satisfaction of hearing how much you like it.

“c’mon, i know you want to.” he mumbles against your throat, and you can literally feel him smirking.

arrogant bastard. two can play at this game.

you put your hands on his chest so you can drive him backwards into the opposite wall. he’s surprised by you taking the lead, and you press your body flat against his, connecting your mouths roughly once more.

chris’s hands roam to grip your ass, a delicious pressure that you shouldn’t enjoy so much. your fingers nimbly travel to the waist of his jeans, and you feel his body tense under your touch.

you can’t help but grin into his lips as you move your hand lower, underneath the band of his boxers, grazing the warm skin of his hip tantalizingly slow.

you shift your focus to his own neck, sucking harshly and running your tongue over his skin until you finally hear him groan, a noise that you relish. his fingers dig into your flesh harder, and you can feel him grind against your thigh.

but you already got what you wanted, so you break away and take a step backwards. the shock on chris’s face after your abrupt departure is clear, his lips raw and hair tousled.

“and you had the nerve to imply that i’m the one who wanted this.” you smile and shake your head, making a move toward the stairs.

“you’re seriously just going to leave?” he asks in disbelief, which makes you turn.

“what did you think was going to happen, chris?” you smirk, tucking a stray hair behind your ear before swiping your thumb along your bottom lip.

his own mouth slowly turns up as he stares at you with a certain kind of ferocity in his eyes, adjusting his shirt and running a hand through his messy hair.

“nothing, i guess. but whatever we didn’t get to will happen eventually, you know.”

“no, it won’t.” you reply, a bit too quickly to be convincing.

“i think it will. who knows, maybe next time you’ll let me use my mouth somewhere else.” chris says lowly, hand ghosting across your hip as he passes by you, looking over his shoulder at you with an expression of self-satisfaction.

then he heads back down the stairs, vanishing around the corner like nothing had even happened.

days ago you were swearing up and down that you’d never kiss him again, that nothing would happen. and now you’re standing alone in his house while the music thumps, knees weak and breathing heavy with a hickey on your neck.

the scariest part of all is that you’re still craving more, even though you don’t want to.

[spenglernot]

STORIES TELLING: NED LOWE AND THE DEATH OF POOR REPRESENTATION IN OUR FLAG MEANS DEATH

In history, Ned Lowe was one of the most sadistic and violent pirates in the early 18th century, so he’s an obvious choice for a villain for season 2, episode 6 – Calypso’s Birthday.  What is interesting is what the OFMD writers chose to do with him.

Lowe announces himself to the crew of the Revenge with great fanfare (cannon ball attack) and gets right to the point.

Ed is thoroughly unimpressed.

Cut to Ed and Stede tied up while Ned attempts to set the mood so he can monologue about why he wants to kill Ed.

Ed knows what’s coming. He is going to suffer but he still can’t be arsed to meet Ned with anything but vaguely bored dismissiveness (and Stede is happy to play along).

Up on the deck, Ned prepares the crew for his big, dramatic moment of symphonic torture.

Note that the Revenge crew is tied down, braced by vices and generally unable to protect themselves from imminent torture and possible death, but their spirits are up. They don’t seem terribly fussed.

Then Stede uses his people positive management style to happily orchestrate a worker uprising in Ned’s crew.

Ned’s crew responds instantly; severing their allegiance to Lowe and telling him off.

The crew sails away and talks profit sharing while Ned dully threatens to hunt them down.

Ned is now a prisoner of the Revenge crew and seems entirely disinterested in his own survival.

And Ned sinks to the depths, without struggling at all.

There is a lot going on in this episode: pay and labor equity direct action, gay love engagement bliss, kink humor, Stede being a hero and saving his crew by playing to his strengths, then having to decide whether to kill in cold blood and feel the consequences of that choice. Ed having one more reason to be done with piracy (while being so impressed with and fond of Stede), and then watching his man make a fraught choice and having to deal with the fallout from that. (And, damn, I haven’t even mentioned the passionate sex bit.) Anyway, back to the point.

Now for the the meta part

The Ned Lowe sequences are perfectly in keeping with OFMD’s signature blend of madcap violence, humor, and big emotional gut punches. But something about Ned Lowe just strikes me as off for this show.

Ned is seriously threatening the crews’ lives, so why don’t they take him seriously?

Why does Ned have such a boring, throwaway backstory?

Why is Ned so nonchalant about his own death; like it’s a foregone conclusion?

Why does Ned have a silver violin and silver spurs on his slip-on dress shoes?

Why is Ned sartorially monochromatic?

And then I realized who Ned reminds me of.

This guy,

Earnst Stavro Blofeld in the James Bond film Diamonds are Forever (1971)

And this guy,

Scar in Disney's The Lion King (1994).

And this guy,

Xerxes, 300 (2006).

And it sure seems like Ned Lowe isn’t just an episodic villain. He is an archetype of the one-dimensional, stereotypical queer-coded villain that has been endemic in film and television throughout history. The OFMD writers have a lot to say about what to do with this kind of character:

Don’t respect him.

Feel free to openly mock him.

Don’t let him take your joy, even though he will hurt you.

He won’t disappear on his own. You have to throw something at him (take action) to make him go away.

Once he’s in the water, he’s content to drown. He’s not into what he’s doing any more than you are.

Oh and, just to be clear,

The LGBTQIA+ community has a very long history of turning shit media into better stories. So, hey, big media, prepare to have your crap characters wrecked (improved).

Now, back to our transformative pirate show with rich, complex queer characters and a multi-layered plot that surprises me every week and makes me feel big feelings - most of all, joy.

Final thought: I do wonder if Ned Lowe is monochromatically silver as a tribute to/poke at, Hollywood and the silver screen.

This meta was written before OFMD season 2 has fully aired. No idea what’s going to happen in the finale (and I’ve generally fled social media to avoid spoilers). I’ll be back, looking at everyone’s fascinating posts after episode 8 airs.

[andypantsx3]

TODOROKI SHOUTO : MASTERLIST

please be respectful! do not repost, plagiarize, translate, or otherwise share on other platforms. all my reader characters are fem + afab unless otherwise specified. please see individual fic posts for nsfw ratings and other warnings!

shouto writing tag | universal masterlist

MULTI-CHAPTER

ready or knot (est. 24K) : in progress

Todoroki Shouto is so unsettlingly beautiful, you’re certain he has to be an omega. That is, until a chance encounter with a pushy alpha reveals you were incredibly mistaken—and the surprises don’t stop there. Shouto's suddenly mystifying behavior adds another layer of complexity to an already confusing inter-agency investigation. It would be so much easier to figure things out—and suppress your growing feelings—if only Shouto would stop being so strangely attentive to you...

something in the water (est. 24K) : in progress

As a future marine biologist, you’ve scored big on your final internship: a summer in the tropics, researching the waters off the coast of a lush, sunny island. But what you thought would be all beach days and piña coladas turns out to be the revelation of a lifetime when you haul in a handsome merprince, and discover not everything in these waters is quite as it seems.

fingerprints (38K) : complete

When you’re outed as pro hero Shouto’s soulmate on national television, there are really only two sensible things for you to do: blame someone else and run.

vested interest (19.5K) : complete

You’d just thought Shouto was absent minded, accidentally leaving behind a jacket or a sweater or his vest. You didn’t realize this was a thing. (In which Todoroki Shouto—despite his quirk—has zero chill, and uses his clothes to ward off other men.)

if i could keep cool (20K) : complete

A villain attacks Shouto Todoroki’s apartment and kidnaps what he apparently believes to be Todoroki’s secret lover. The bad news—for both you and the villain in question—is that you’re just there to clean the place. That’s how it starts.

[smutty one shot follow on: say the word and you know i'll follow]

Deceiving the Duke (30K) : complete

When Camie Utsushimi elopes on the eve of her society debut, scandal threatens to destroy the family’s prospects. It’s up to you, a lady’s maid, to impersonate Camie throughout the Season, long enough that her elder sister can make a match. The only trouble? Lord Shouto Todoroki is also intent on making a match—and that match, quite impossibly, appears to involve you.

in cinders (25K) : complete

You’re just trying to fairy godmother your best friend into a happily ever after. If only the prince would stop hanging around and cooperate. (A Cinderella AU)

when i make you mine (24K) : complete In order to placate your anxious mother, you agree to return to your hometown to participate in a mating run—knowing full well that betas rarely get chased, never mind betas nearly old enough to age out of the practice. You’ve decided to treat it like a vacation, a chance to visit with your childhood friends, the mating run itself a nice relaxing hike. All in all it’s a solid plan—until alpha Todoroki Shouto, your best friend's little brother, steps in and blows it all to pieces.

conspire (13K) : complete

Shouto Todoroki had definitely only asked you out in order to ward off his horde of interested suitors. So why does he keep actually taking you out on suspiciously realistic dates?

subtle (4.5K) : complete

Someone leaves chocolates on your desk. You’re determined to track down the sender, certain it’s a mistake, and Shouto Todoroki makes himself as unhelpful as possible.

demon prince au (various): ongoing

Things seem to going well with the prince of hell you've accidentally taken home. Until a surprise visitor makes an appearance, and Shouto must take action to stake his claim on you.

ONE SHOTS

mr. tokyo beat hottest hero (3.8K)

Shouto finds out he’s hot. He swiftly uses this knowledge against you.

on ice (2.6K)

Your pro hero boyfriend ices you to the counter and has his way with you.

pretty boy (4.1K)

You have strong feelings about Shouto’s scar. Shouto finds them…surprising.

slip (2.5K) - gn!reader

No one knows who the villain Shouto really is, or what he wants with Endeavor. All you know is that you never should have drawn his notice.

just my (blood) type (5.3K)

The real Halloween treat was how sinfully handsome Todoroki Shouto looked in his vampire costume. But that wouldn’t be enough to save him from the petty wrath of one drunk lobster. (In which you suffer deeply, wingwoman a friend, and pick a fight with the hottest boy at UA.)

loads of fun (2.8K) - gn!reader

After moving into your first apartment together, Shouto seems more amorous than ever. You're not sure why—but when he comes home to you doing a load of laundry, more than your clothes are about to get tumbled.

home, safe, yours (2K) - gn!reader

After a rough day, you take care of your pro hero boyfriend.

happy edgings (1K)

Shouto discovers a new concept and quickly sets about mastering it. You either benefit or suffer, depending on how you look at it.

confetti confessions (2.3K)

A slight misunderstanding at Shouto’s birthday party achieves unexpected results. 

in any universe (1.7K) - gn!reader

Shouto is the prince of an alien species that mates for life—which surely has absolutely nothing to do with you, the little human cadet deployed with the treaty party to his planet.

if you let me (2.2K)

Disguised as a eunuch in the imperial palace, a mistake on your part leads to your unmasking before the prince. By rights it should mean your death, but Prince Shouto seems to have another plan in mind...

balm (2.2K) - gn!reader

You help rub down your boyfriend's muscles after a grueling shift. And then, a little more.

damage (1.6K)

When you get hit by a quirk, Shouto gets protective. Idiocy ensues.

peony for your thoughts (2.1K) - gn!reader

Florist AU: You enter Shouto’s flower shop, and leave with a little bit more than you expected.

say the word and you know i’ll follow (3.3K)

While moving in with Shouto, you get caught up reliving the scene of his confession. Quite literally.

[a smutty one shot sequel to if i could keep cool]

DRABBLES + PROMPT FICLETS

a/b/o au (0.5K)

You think Todoroki Shouto is so pretty he has to be an omega. You quickly find out you are very, very wrong.

dragon au drabble series (various lengths)

You accidentally bring home a dragonling one day. He grows up...possessive.

seven minutes in heaven (1K)

Shouto is unfamiliar with a well-known game.

todobakureader domestic fluff (1K)

The sound of muffled arguing in the kitchen wakes you up on Saturday morning.

turn the heat up (0.7K)

On a lazy afternoon, your boyfriend Shouto is up to no good.

priceless (0.8K)

You get weird around all the expensive things in Shouto's apartment. Shouto shows you what's truly priceless to him.

kabedon (1.7K)

Shouto learns what kabedonning is. You benefit.

wrong address (0.6K)

A mistake leads pro hero Shouto to your door. You promptly embarrass yourself.

attention (0.6K)

“You’re going to regret that, sweetheart.”

melt (1K)

“What? Does that feel good?”

drunk shouto (0.7K)

Shouto gets handsy when he's drunk.

pet names (0.3K)

Shouto figures out you like pet names and sets about abusing his newfound power.

marked up (0.7K)

Shouto goes little shit mode. You (and Class A) suffer.

[gaysails]

The Wire is an American crime drama television series created and primarily written by American author and former police reporter David Simon . . . Set and produced in Baltimore, Maryland, The Wire introduces a different institution of the city and its relationship to law enforcement in each season while retaining characters and advancing storylines from previous seasons. The five subjects are, in chronological order; the illegal drug trade, the port system, the city government and bureaucracy, education and schools, and the print news medium. . .

Simon has said that despite its framing as a crime drama, the show is "really about the American city, and about how we live together. It's about how institutions have an effect on individuals. Whether one is a cop, a longshoreman, a drug dealer, a politician, a judge or a lawyer, all are ultimately compromised and must contend with whatever institution to which they are committed."[5]

The Wire is lauded for its literary themes, its uncommonly accurate exploration of society and politics, and its realistic portrayal of urban life. During its original run, the series received only average ratings and never won any major television awards, but it is now often cited as one of the greatest shows in the history of television.[6]

. . .

Salon has described the show as novelistic in structure, with a greater depth of writing and plotting than other crime shows.[27]

Each season of The Wire consists of 10 to 13 episodes that form several multi-layered narratives. Simon chose this structure with an eye towards long story arcs that draw in viewers, resulting in a more satisfying payoff. He uses the metaphor of a visual novel in several interviews,[7][48] describing each episode as a chapter, and has also commented that this allows a fuller exploration of the show's themes in time not spent on plot development.[5]

. . .

"We are not selling hope, or audience gratification, or cheap victories with this show. The Wire is making an argument about what institutions—bureaucracies, criminal enterprises, the cultures of addiction, raw capitalism even—do to individuals. It is not designed purely as an entertainment. It is, I'm afraid, a somewhat angry show.[52]"

[hunter470]

Ok aspiring writers, do not use this show as a roadmap on how to craft good coherent stories.

In my opinion, this show has failed at a lot of the basics for a good television drama, which should includes several key writing elements:

1. **Compelling Characters**: Well-developed, multi-dimensional characters that audiences can connect with or be intrigued by. Their motivations, flaws, and development arcs are crucial. The audience needs to see themselves in the characters. Don’t create characters that audience members connect with and then throw them aside for no reason.

2. **Engaging Plot**: A strong, coherent storyline that captures viewers' attention. This includes a clear structure with rising action, climax, and resolution, often incorporating twists and turns. Follow through is key. You have to make it make sense. Story beats are important. It’s not enough to just string together a bunch of ideas that sound good on paper with no plan. Have a plan on how you will move things forward.

3. **Conflict**: Central conflicts drive the narrative forward. These can be internal (within a character) or external (between characters or against societal issues). Conflict is essential but conflict for the sake of conflict with no resolution is wasting your audience’s time. Viewers want closure and leaving them to wonder what happened or why didn’t the character do this or that is confusing and frustrating.

4. **Themes**: Exploring universal themes like love, betrayal, morality, and redemption adds depth and resonates with viewers on a personal level. Find a way to connect to your viewers. If you want to tell a compelling LGBTQ story then don’t use stereotypes that will alienate your audience.

5. **Dialogue**: Natural, engaging dialogue that reflects the characters' personalities and advances the plot. Good dialogue can also reveal relationships and tensions between characters. Use dialogue that makes sense for the character. Having a character making random comments out of character is confusing.

6. **Pacing**: A well-measured rhythm that maintains audience interest, balancing moments of high tension with quieter, reflective scenes.

7. **Setting**: A well-defined world that supports the story, whether it's realistic or fantastical. The setting can significantly influence the mood and tone of the drama.

8. **Character Development**: Characters should evolve over time, reflecting their experiences and the events of the story. This growth or decline can be a focal point of the narrative. Having a character stagnate or continually make the same bad choices is the kiss of death and boring. The audience wants to see progress.

9. **Subplots**: Secondary storylines that complement the main plot can enrich the narrative and provide additional layers to character relationships and themes. Don’t leave your characters out on their own island. Find a way to bring them together to share their lives and experiences. No one wants to watch two characters on their own with no interaction with the other key people in their lives.

10. **Visual Storytelling**: While primarily written, good television dramas consider how visual elements—such as cinematography, lighting, and editing—enhance the storytelling.

These elements work together to create a captivating and emotionally resonant viewing experience.

Anyway, just my two cents. Take it or leave it.

Happy writing!

[historicity-was-already-taken]

History Blog recs

One of my Very Specific interests over the last...idk 10 years, has been reading blogs about the A Song of Ice and Fire series, by historians. I'm not sure what it is about those books: the complex, multi-layered narrative, the author's claim to work creatively with real world history, the micro-arguments contained in every arc, or what, but historians have the most FASCINATING shit to say about those books.*

I've learned so much about the logistics of civilization, the intellectual history of leadership theory, the history of subsistence agriculture, the type of agriculture needed to sustain societies of a certain size, the evolution of military theory, etc from this very specific, Historians Engage With ASOIAF and its Television Adaptations genre of blog.

There is, of course, the late great Steven Attewell's @racefortheironthrone, but I recently discovered this gem: A Collection of Unmitigated Pedantry by Dr. Bret C. Devereaux. I just finished his series analyzing, problematizing, and ultimately debunking George RR Martin's claim that the Dothraki "were actually fashioned as an amalgam of a number of steppe and plains cultures… Mongols and Huns, certainly, but also Alans, Sioux, Cheyenne, and various other Amerindian tribes… seasoned with a dash of pure fantasy."

In Part IV, he writes:

... declaring that the Dothraki really do reflect the real world (I cannot stress that enough) cultures of the Plains Native Americans or Eurasian Steppe Nomads is not merely a lie, but it is an irresponsible lie that can do real harm to real people in the real world. And that irresponsible lie has been accepted by Martin’s fans; he has done a grave disservice to his own fans by lying to them in this way. And of course the worst of it is that the lie – backed by the vast apparatus that is HBO prestige television – will have more reach and more enduring influence than this or any number of historical ‘debunking’ essays. It will befuddle the valiant efforts of teachers in their classrooms (and yes, I frequently encounter students hindered by bad pop-pseudo-history they believe to be true; it is often devilishly hard to get students to leave those preconceptions behind), it will plague efforts to educate the public about these cultures of their histories. And it will probably, in the long run, hurt the real descendants of nomads.

Which just. I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT. Y'all know how deeply concerned I am a. with the outsize influence the entertainment industry has on memory; and b. how little that industry gives a shit about responsible use of its own power. So like, this is my shit. I'm still exploring this blog and it is a TREASURE TROVE.

*I do not include myself in that grouping. My thoughts are like: BUT WHICH ONES ARE THE JEWS DANY IS MY UNPROBLEMATIC QWEEN/AZOR AHAI/PRINCE THAT WAS PROMISED/STALLION THAT'S GONNA MOUNT THE WORLD/ETC I CAN'T WAIT TIL SANSA SHOWS HERSELF IS DANY GONNA BURN IT ALL DOWN AND EMERGE FROM THE FLAMES LIKE THAT ELMO GIF IS ARYA GOING TO RIDE A WOLF WOW I DON'T CARE ABOUT BRAN I THINK THE RHOYNAR ARE THE JEWS WHERE IS THE GODDAMN FUCKING WINDS OF WINTER

**Also, I never watched more than 2 episodes of the show. I hated how it added in sexual violence and nudity for no reason when there was already PLENTY of that in the text, most of it with narrative purpose. But then I read the books because it was 2012 and I wanted to keep up with pop culture.

[walkergirlsposts]

I know her flying monkeys are going to report back to mommy but I don't care. I had to show you guys another totally unbiased review from a hater.

Ah yes,the usual "huffing and puffing" which there was none of. How I know you're bullshitting? You say this EVERY TIME!!! 🤣🤣

"They made his character a total dick." Erm, did you not read his character arc??? HE WAS SUPPOSED TO PLAY A DICK WHO RUFFLES SOME FEATHERS. He wasn't there to make friends!!! Yes, cynifer, he WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A JACKASS, did you not read???? That means he did his job if that's what you thought. 🤣🤣"Nothing compelling, nothing multi-layered." Yep. Totally unbiased review.

My review - Cynifer, stop watching television. You don't understand shit. 🤣🤣🤣No wonder you ship the driest ship ever.

[mutant-what-not]

The Soupy Sales Show was a beloved and zany children's television program that brought joy to audiences in the 1950s, '60s, and '70s. Hosted by Soupy Sales, the show became famous for its slapstick comedy, frequent pie-in-the-face gags, and unforgettable puppet characters, including Pookie the Lion.

Pookie the Lion was one of Soupy's most iconic puppet co-stars, characterized by his laid-back demeanor and quick wit. Unlike traditional lion characters, Pookie had a smooth, jazzy personality and often delivered clever, deadpan lines that added humor and charm to the show. He sometimes communicated through hip, pre-recorded phrases or bursts of jazz music that gave him a unique and sophisticated flair compared to typical children's show puppets.

Soupy Sales, with his energetic and improvisational style, created a show that appealed to both children and adults. His interactions with Pookie and other puppets like White Fang (the "meanest dog in the world") and Black Tooth (the "nicest dog in the world") showcased his ability to engage with his audience through humor, silliness, and spontaneity.

The Soupy Sales Show became a cultural phenomenon, and characters like Pookie the Lion cemented their place in television history. Soupy's humor, often with subtle jokes aimed at adults, created a multi-layered experience that remains fondly remembered by fans.

credit: Old TV Show Hall Of

Fame

[slayingfiction]

The 7-Act Story Structure

The 7-Act Story Structure is a sophisticated framework that allows for an expansive exploration of narrative complexity and character development. It’s particularly well-suited for epic tales and multi-layered stories, providing ample space for twists, turns, and deep dives into the psyche of its characters. This structure can be broken down into seven parts: Introduction, Initial Conflict, Expansion, Complication, Climax, Falling Action, and Resolution.

Act 1: Introduction introduces the story’s world, characters, and the initial hint of conflict.

Act 2: Initial Conflict sets the story in motion with a conflict that drives the narrative forward.

Act 3: Expansion broadens the scope of the story, introducing new challenges and subplots.

Act 4: Complication adds complexity to the narrative, deepening the conflicts and testing the characters.

Act 5: Climax is the highest point of tension, where the main conflicts come to a head.

Act 6: Falling Action begins to resolve the conflicts, leading towards a conclusion but still offering twists or revelations.

Act 7: Resolution ties up all loose ends, resolves remaining conflicts, and concludes the story, providing a satisfying end to the epic journey.

The 7-Act Structure is designed to accommodate an intricate narrative with multiple layers of conflict and character development. It's particularly effective for long-form storytelling, such as in novels, film series, or television series, where the story's depth and complexity can be fully explored over time.

This structure allows for a detailed exploration of the characters' internal and external journeys, offering writers the flexibility to introduce and resolve multiple subplots. The additional acts beyond the traditional 5-Act structure provide space for more significant character development, plot twists, and thematic depth, making the story more engaging and immersive.

The 7-Act Structure is best used in stories that require a vast canvas, such as epic fantasies, intricate mysteries, or complex dramas. It suits narratives that are too complex for the 3-Act or 5-Act structures due to their scope and the depth of the world-building involved. The extended framework facilitates a gradual buildup and more nuanced resolution of the story's many elements, allowing audiences to become more deeply invested in the characters and the story world.

In comparison to the 3-Act and 5-Act structures, the 7-Act structure is ideal for stories where the narrative's breadth and complexity are paramount, and the writer wishes to guide the audience through a more elaborate and detailed experience. It's the structure of choice for epic storytelling, where the journey through the narrative's many layers is as crucial as the final destination.

Happy Writing!

See Slaying Fiction for more fun posts!

[accio-victuuri]

"Zanghai Zhuan" first concept poster ; Xiao Zhan determines the world and pursues truth and justice

The drama tells the story of Zhinu, the son of Zheng Kuaiduo, the Imperial Supervisor of the Great Yong Kingdom, who was burdened with a blood feud and later returned to the capital under the pseudonym Zanghai. With integrity, wisdom, tenacity, hard work, and the acquired construction skills and stratagem techniques, he became wise and intelligent along the way. Traitors and sycophants will be punished. This is a legendary costume masterpiece rich in revenge and conspiracy elements.

This official concept poster cleverly borrows elements from the shadow play in the story. The male protagonist stands in front of the curtain. The dragon and tiger behind the curtain not only metaphorize the treacherous waves and clouds above the court, but also imply the power and harm of the enemy. insidious.

There seems to be a huge disparity in strength between the two sides, but the calm expression of the male protagonist reveals that he is by no means as weak and easy to defeat as he seems. Can he control his own destiny and succeed in revenge, or is he being manipulated by the chess player? The poster vaguely reveals the unpredictable content settings of the play, and the plot development is full of suspense.

In the drama, the male protagonist Zanghai is played by young actor Xiao Zhan. He is loved by the audience for his outstanding acting skills and unique charm. He has appeared in popular works such as "Where Dreams Begin", "Sunshine By My Side" and "Yuguyao". There are wonderful performances in the series. This time he plays the role of Zang Hai, who has been carefully planned. His appearance is very suitable for the image of a fresh and handsome young man. How he will interpret Zang Hai's multi-faceted charm full of strategies and hidden edge is worth looking forward to.

The creators behind the scenes lay the foundation for quality. The plot is both exciting and deep

"Zanghai Zhuan" has received widespread attention from both the industry and outside the industry since its preparation period. In addition to the popular and capable cast, the show has also assembled a number of domestic gold medal creators, laying a solid foundation for content quality. Chief director Zheng Xiaolong has directed many well-received hits such as "Golden Wedding", "The Legend of Zhen Huan", "Red Sorghum" and "The Legend of Mi Yue". He is a national director in the hearts of countless audiences. Director Cao Yiwen graduated from the Film School of the University of Southern California in the United States. He has unique insights and innovations in character creation and story description. He has directed TV series such as "First Encounter, Last Separation" and so on. We look forward to this new industry director creating a unique experience for the audience. This is a legendary work of ancient costume that has both a youthful perspective and profound expressions. Young screenwriter Zhao Liuyi is good at describing delicate emotions and weaving stories with strong plots. His representative film and television works include "Sand Sea" and "Restart: Thunder in the Extreme Sea". Under the overall control of director Zheng Xiaolong, the gold medal team has joined forces to strive to achieve greater success and produce a high-quality masterpiece that is popular and well-known.

It is worth mentioning that the drama has innovative expressions that coexist with pleasure and depth at the content level. In terms of the story, the protagonist Zanghai becomes an official in order to avenge his hatred, and goes around the court to find the truth and pursue justice. In the thrilling and step-by-step game of wits, the story progresses layer by layer. In terms of core setting, the play integrates the responsibility and thinking about the righteousness of the family and the country into the protagonist's personal growth. In the process of uncovering the truth, the pattern of life is gradually opened up, from blindly seeking revenge to caring about the world, and completing the transformation and growth.

Today, the show has officially started shooting, and we look forward to meeting the audience soon!

article source

[dustedmagazine]

Love Child — Never Meant To Be (1988-1993) (12XU)

Love Child brings the detuned roar of Dinosaur, the nervy agitation of the Feelies, the arch literacy of Pavement, the barbed sugar of the Throwing Muses, shifting sound and style from song to song. This compilation spans the brief career of the New York City noise-punk-lofi outfit, with cuts from a debut 7”, both early 1990s full-lengths and unreleased and radio tracks. It’s an absolute riot from start to finish, even if it’s hard to get a grip on what Love Child was at its core.

The band came together in the late 1980s, when Will Baum, Rebecca Odes and Alan Licht were still students at Vassar. Licht, of course, later made a name as a critic and noise-minimalist. His work with Love Child overlapped with Blue Humans and slightly preceded turns with Run On and the Pacific Ocean. His collaborations with Jandek and Loren Connors took place later, in the second half of the 1990s.

The earliest cuts here come from a 1990 single, the brash, ragged-bassed “Sofa” (memorialized here in Love Child’s only video) and the vaguely “Summertime Blues”-ish “Crocus” (with its indelible line, “My mom threw me out until I get some pants that fit/She just don’t approve of my strange kind of wit.” ) Both balance garage-rock minimalism with a bursts of noise. “Sofa” intersperses catchy, kicky girl-boy choruses with blasts of unfettered guitar squall.

The first full-length, Okay, came on Homestead in 1991. Its tracks take up a large portion of this compilation, which is fine because they bang pretty hard, especially the multi-voiced “Diane” and “Fortune Cookie” which blends the pure blasting amp noise of J. Mascis , the yelping angst of Television and the clanking post-punk bass sounds of, say, Gods Gift. But other cuts run towards jangle pop, notably “He’s So Sensitive” a lofi girl group garage rocker featuring Odes on lead vocal. The other album, Witchcraft, followed a year later, also on Homestead. It’s a bit smoother, a bit more melodic, a bit more reliant on Odes’ buzzy, dreamy vocals. “AAA/XXX” is almost dream pop, though sharp guitar slashes prop up the verse, while “Something Cruel” jangles lyrically for a seconds before cranking up to pogo speed.

Additional, previously unreleased material bookends the album. “Asking for It,” from a 1992 Peel Session comes first, layering bratty, confrontational punk on wild eruptions of near rockabilly guitar; an oozing, sludgy noise interval bisects the cut. “Greedy,” another song from the same session exults in feedback and loose harmonies, tough and vulnerable at the same time. There are also a couple of cuts from a KSPC show, including the dreaming, droning, guitar-led “All Is Loneliness” with its shades of VU. That track was recorded in 1993, near the end of this evanescent outfit’s run, and it hints at other directions that they might have taken if they had persisted. Still no use mourning what never happened. There’s plenty to celebrate here without it.

Jennifer Kelly

[callahanisms]

lights! camera! action!

in honor of hotd’s golden globe win, have just this random shitpost of an au for the hotd cast.

aka. movie star au! (i also saw someone edit ewan to be aemond on the red carpet so that also inspired me)

anyways where do you see yourself, or your oc, fitting in this au? i’d love to know!!

ser criston cole

say hello to ser criston! or just cris, as you’ve come to call him. a stuntman making his acting debut in the new drama, house of the dragon. compared to his stoic persona, he is very goofy. laughs a lot and can never do one take. being serious is not his forte which only makes his acting chops a lot more impressive. he also laughs when he’s nervous and he’s constantly nervous around the more experienced people. doing combat scenes with him is super fun and he always makes sure his costars, and even you, are alright. does his own stunts. formerly worked on the game of thrones show (according to rumors at least).

“the princess rhaenyra is brazen and relentless. a spider who, haha. spiders. a spider who strings and sucks her prey dry. hahaha. i’m so sorry guys. can i get some water please?”

daemon targaryen

daemon is an experienced actor with a lot of films under his belt. however, he’s most prominently known to have starred in lots of b movies, particularly of the horror genre. he’s given his characters depth but the critical reception has really shrouded his talent. house of the dragon, then, is proof that he can act. and, most importantly, that he’s a good actor. he acts with professionalism and enjoys spending time with his costars outside of work. he does have a loyal following that are willing to watch anything he is in but also, he’s been single for a long time. dating just isn’t in his mind until he meets you.

“that was a really great shoot today. anyways, (y/n), do you want to join me and the others to grab some food? we’re all quite hungry and want to wish the children goodbye and good luck on future projects. kind of sad they’re leaving.”

rhaenyra targaryen

rhaenyra targaryen is a famed stage actor. outside of theatre and drag, they are not well known. house of the dragon signifies their serious television debut. rhaenyra is queer, using they/she pronouns, and presents masc outside of the show. they bring a unique perspective to their character and are well respected in the theatre and drag scene. they got into performing through drag and was even featured on a reality show for a brief time. they become a queer icon once making their television debut and can’t be any happier with their success.

“are those chocolate covered almonds? can i have one (y/n)?...thanks! say, there’s something i want to try with my character. spare me a minute so i can run it by you?...you’re the best!”

alicent hightower

alicent has quite the filmography to brag about. she’s been an actress since she was a child, thus she has as many films under her belt as daemon despite the latter being much older than her and having more experience. she is especially known from her role on a teen show as the sweet protagonist (who everyone eventually got fed up with after 8 seasons of no character growth). so playing a complex character like alicent lets her show off her acting chops while also metaphorically shedding her image as the good teenage girl. you can find her hanging out with rhaenyra or yourself.

“what made me want to take this role? well, it was a chance to grow, you know. and such a devoted mother, wife, woman, has layers to it. it just goes deeper than what i have done during most of my career. and to bring this woman to life is such a great honor.”

aegon targaryen

aegon targaryen is the leading man with a lot of fans and a role in an ongoing multi-movie franchise. a chris evans, if you will. his most notable role is as a righteous man, someone so morally upstanding. so to play someone like aegon provides him with a challenge. he loves the new material and to finally be something different! he’s also very much like criston, always cracking up during his lines and making jokes. he’s always bringing refreshments to set for everyone and there are nothing but good things said about him.

“oh wow. did you get me a smoothie (y/n)? you didn’t have to, y’know. i don’t mind getting you stuff....oh, you just wanted to? you are very sweet. maybe we can go grab some food after this shoot is done.”

aemond targaryen

the newbie. he’s only acted in soap operas and dramas but he blows up after his debut on house of the dragon. aemond becomes probably one of the most popular actors after his debut. his inexperience makes him nervous and after the takes are done, he’s always apologizing and asking if his costars are okay (like with luke). he’s mostly played sweethearts in his roles, so his character is a new change of pace. sometimes, he does need a pep talk from you because it is very intimidating to be working around such experienced actors and actresses like rhaenyra and alicent!

“i am so sorry if i was too aggressive. are you alright?...okay thank god! i was worried that i had pushed it too far....it was a good take? oh wow! thank you so much for the compliment (y/n)!”

helaena targaryen

the it-girl and a rising new talent, helaena is the hottest new actress. she rose to prominence with rom coms and many people feared she would be categorized as a rom com actress from then on out. however, helaena is not one for formulas! she starred in a tv series that went against her rom com image and a dramatic film that had critics praising her for weeks on end. house of the dragon is one of her many endeavors to expand her craft. she is also on the more famous side compared to some of her other costars and has a large social media following, hailed as a style icon.

“(y/n), you want to take a picture with me on the iron throne?...cool! weirdly enough, this is very comfortable....oh, are you cold? here, you can have my jacket. it gets quite chilly on the sound stage.”

jacaerys velaryon

jace has dipped his toes into acting, mostly in comedies because his comedic timing is amazing. but his primary source of income is as a model and a musician. he’s written a few songs solo and heads a punk band. house of the dragon represents his dramatic debut. and a lot of his fans don’t recognize him at first when he comes on screen until they look at the credits. nevertheless, he brings in new fans for his band and his numbers on social media sky rocket. he is a bit of a goofball like aegon and has a large storage of memes for the groupchats.

“hey (y/n), (y/n). why did the bike fall over? because it’s two tired! hahaha, sorry, sorry. i will stop telling you corny jokes. i know you secretly love them.”

[rfswitchart]

☁️ ⇢ what made you choose your username?

🥐 ⇢ name one internet reference that will always make you laugh 

🦷 ⇢ share some personal wisdom or a life hack you swear on

Ok, so... -My username is because I chose the penname R.F. Switch for my actual series (Themis the Catgirl.) R.F. are my actual initials, switch could relate to transitioning, and an RF Switch is a small adapter that connected old video game consoles to televisions. It in itself is a multi-layered pun of sorts. I add art to the end of it to make it distinct from everyone else because, while I don't do it as much as I should, I do draw things. Not well, but I'm still learning.

-If you mention Homestar Runner in front of me, not only will I laugh, I will either start quoting it in character voices, or I will sing secret song as Homestar.

-When my grandmother was just about to pass, she told me "don't mourn for me. I don't want to see you crying over me. If you want to honor me and my life, LIVE. Find a person to love you, have children, get a house... whatever you need to do, live your life and be happy." Those words really stuck with me because she's right. People who have died wouldn't want you to be upset and live a life of grief, they'd want you to be happy and to live your life to the fullest. I hope that was good wisdom for all of you.

[raisinchallah]

you know i think actually i can explain what i find so jarring about season 6 it feels like a collapse of the multi genre approach to xena like before season 6 the rome episodes constituted their own set style that left them distinct highly operatic drama pieces that broke up the regular modes of seasons 2-5 but in season 6 which has the fascinating dual running theme of both the withdrawal of rome its fall from total power but also the total synthesis of rome into the main world of xena not constituting its own weird disconnected bubble of time and space the style of the rome episodes kind of subsumes the entire season so there is no longer any genre delineation amazon episodes and rome episodes are no longer a specific subset the amazon episodes are now also the operatic war movie episodes the implementation of christianity utilizes many of the similar stylistic elements of the rome episodes which makes quite a lot of sense with the implications they are close to a christian rome by path of vengeance you can see quite a similarity between heart of darkness and the god you know in some ways everything feels like event television obviously there are still comedy episodes which do break up the high octane drama of the rest of the season but they are mostly focused on like layers of meta so removed from the rest of the show which is i guess if the everything is peak drama in the drama episodes the comedy episodes almost all being disconnected meta work is the end point of where the comedy episode evolution was going since mid season 3 but i do feel like something has been lost without the fluid movement between different styles leaving us with only two modes drama or comedy that never shall meet again

[ncisfranchise-source]

The NCIS franchise has continued its dynasty, striking more gold with NCIS: Origins.

In fact, the compelling prequel has scored a full-season order, to my absolute delight, at a time when the television landscape and its offerings seem bleak.

But the thing about Origins is that it doesn’t feel like Gibbs’ show at all.

And shockingly, that’s the best thing about it.

The series manages to utilize the stalwart, most renowned character of the NCIS universe, Gibbs, as a Trojan Horse to tell Mike Franks’ story, and I love every damn second of it.

Make no mistake — it’s Gibbs’ story, and Austin Stowell is sublime as a young Gibbs.

But while it’s Gibbs’ story, it’s undeniably Mike Franks’ show.

Franks is the very heart of NCIS: Origins, and there isn’t a single scene that man doesn’t steal.

Mike Franks was always a fan-favorite character in the original series.

His relationship with Gibbs was unique and one of the best dynamics the series has ever produced.

Thanks to NCIS: Origins, we can totally understand why.

The series gives us context for one of the franchise’s best mentorships, and knowing that Franks was there in the aftermath of the most devastating time in Gibbs’ life certainly makes sense for their close bond.

The truth is that without Mike Franks, Gibbs and the legacy that Gibbs left behind on NCIS would not exist.

So much of what we know and love about this staple character in the franchise is due to this gruff but kind-hearted man who opened the door and allowed Gibbs to step into his eventual legacy.

And the series earning the name NCIS: Origins initially felt like a misfire.

But in hindsight, now that we’re a few episodes in, “Origins” is a perfectly clever title for this series.

Because it’s about the origins of NCIS and Gibbs, sure, but it broadens the scope of what the series can explore as it carries on into a multi-season run.

And I desperately need this series to have a few seasons under its belt buckle.

But it especially can focus more on Franks, which the series has done thus far.

It’s like they lured us in with Gibbs’ story and sucker-punched us with Mike Franks’ chronicles and his origin story, one that can last a while in the time frame of NCIS: Origins.

We know Mike Franks’ fate in the original series, but what’s lovely about Origins is that he’s suspended in time because of the era the series is fixated on.

This means we get to deep-dive into this character and unpeel all of these layers.

He was more than just this snarky, sharp-witted curmudgeon — an old dog who still could learn a few tricks.

And NCIS: Origins gets to tell that story and is doing so beautifully.

Kyle Schmid is splendid as a young Mike Franks.

He is so eerily fabulous at capturing all the nuances and mannerisms of his predecessor, Muse Watson, that it should be studied.

Franks is rough around the edges and doesn’t have anything remotely close to a filler, but he has such a big damn heart that shines through in such a way that it reiterates what I mentioned above: Mike Franks is the heart of this prequel.

NCIS: Origins is fascinating because it is surprisingly effusive as a series.

Two of the most deceptively stoic, pinnacle of masculinity characters in the franchise helm an evocative series that isn’t afraid to show how strong men can still feel.

And they feel everything, not just anger or aggression.

He’s a passionate man, and the series fixates on this well in every episode as it applies to all aspects of his life.

It showcases his passion, romanticism, reverence, and softness through his relationship with Tish.

We see it in cases with NCIS: Origins Season 1 Episode 5 serving as a strong example of how far he goes and how emotionally invested he can get on the job.

But most importantly and consistently, we see it with his team and how someone who is supremely fucked up in his own way, too, does whatever it takes to protect his people and ensure that they’re okay.

Few seem to grasp his fondness and admiration for Gibbs and why he’s willing to take the risk of allowing a grieving man who, to most, seems like an open wound and danger to himself and potentially others to join his team.

Sure, NCIS: Origins Season 1 Episode 1 teased that an underdeveloped Lala is somehow at the center of this story — someone Gibbs never spoke about in all the time we’ve known him.

And the implication is that this story is very much meant to be about her.

But we have yet to see that.

What we have seen is that the most charismatic, multilayered, and sexiest mustachioed man since This Is Us‘ Jack Pearson has been at the center of everything.

Via Franks, we get the best insight into Gibbs’ state of mind in some of the most exhilarating and least toxic, albeit subtle, depictions of brotherhood and male camaraderie presently on air.

And it’s via Franks that we get some of the best interpersonal conflicts — I eagerly await the series to explore further how he and Vera’s relationship became so strained.

It’s easy to imagine that part of that is due to the realistic but forgivable political incorrectness that has him simultaneously revering and slighting the strong women surrounding him.

Through Franks, we get some of the most endearing moments and touching dynamics, too.

I don’t know where NCIS: Origins intends to go this season (and the many hopeful seasons to come).

I am curious how they’ll expand their focus amongst the team and explore various characters and their respective stories.

But I do know that while NCIS: Origins lured me in with the promise of exploring Gibbs (and is delivering on that), Mike Franks is why I return week after week.

NCIS: Origins belongs to Mike Franks, and I love every second of that.