#now next time it's the penultimate episode and i am so stressed

[nemossubmarine]

Knights of the Night Sky #20

This episode was a bit shorter one, bridging the gap between Underdark and our group’s final destination, the Divine Realm. Let’s see how they fared as planewalkers, shall we?

Before there’s any planewalking to be had, there’s few more things our heroes want to do at the HQ before they go.

Kasbir writes some letters, in case he doesn’t make it. One addressed to his ship’s captain and the other to Mairin, asking her to deliver his body to the captain to be buried at sea.

Jeff and Dophina also write home, but much more pleasant letters.

Jeff also has another chat with Adam. He asks whether he’d like to go to Lloth and give away his sun parts as well, as he is no more of a fan of the sun god than Jeff is.

Adam declines, saying he wants to hold onto all the pieces of him that still remain after all these years.

Jeff is also a bit worried that Adam seems to be keeping mostly to himself so he introduces him to the bugbear family that was relocated by our heroes near the HQ.

Then it’s off we go! Reane picks our heroes up and as only Jeff has any idea on how the planar system even works, Reane explains a bit.

The idea is to travel through not only the planes of this universe, but the multiple almost infinite parallel universes and their planar systems as well.

This basically means, that Reane will drop our heroes off in a plane, they’ll have to move a bit, and then go to the next portal.

Luckily Jeff asks, if there’s a chance they’ll be separated, bc Reane would not have explained it, but yeah, that happens most likely.

But Reane takes some hair from all of our heroes to make sure they can keep track of them, and then it’s off we go!

Dophina and Jeff appear in a very simple plane, where everything just happens opposite, so they walk backward and find their portal and move on.

Kendrick and Kasbir find themselves atop a world made out of trees entirely. There’s not much chances for them to move forward, so they move downward.

They locate the portal alongside the trunk farther down, but unluckily miscalculate their jump and fall off the trees, landing in some moss far far below.

They find some moss people, which offer them tea, but communicating with them proves troublesome.

Luckily Reane comes to pick them up.

Reane and Lutharin appear in a giant beehive. They get swarmed by bees. Before the bees get to do anything, Lutharin casts sunbeam, and subsequently turns into a potted plant. Reane manages to get both of them through the portal though.

Jeff appears in a completely empty place made out of rock. The only noticeable thing really is the fact that the athmosphere is heavy and the gravity is so great he can’t move. Luckily he knows a spell which allows him to fuse himself into the rock, and thus the whole planet, and transform it as he pleases. He uses this skill to move himself, and also shape the planet into a dick, cos why not, I guess.

Dophina and a potted plant appear in a world completely underwater. Dophina tries to get forward, but gets caught up in a current and thrown into the surface. The air of this plane turns out to be not for breathing, so she goes back under and tries to reach the portal she sees.

Meanwhile the potted plant turns back into Lutharin, who also gets swept up by the currents.

He and Dophina rejoin, though they appear to have lost the portal.

They find a cave underwater where someone had built a portal of some sort. Dophina activates it and they step on through.

Jeff appears in a world which is made completely out of shadows, ready to attack him. He throws a fireball, and runs into its circle of light, before the shadows manage to grab him.

Jeff, Dophina and Kasbir appear in a world where there’s no land at all, they are simply floating in air.

Dophina manages to do some air-swimming much better than she ever did water-swimming, and Jeff uses flying spell to get him and Kasbir moving.

Kendrick and Lutharin appear into a ruins of a city in some strange world. When they move out of the ruins they notice dozens of hooded figures erasing the ruins.

When the figures notice them, they tell them to move on, since it is not yet their time to deleted.

So Kendrick and Lutharin move on, concluding that these are the same sweepers that had been killing people in their universe, just doing their job.

Kendrick, Jeff and Kasbir appear in the middle of a battlefield, a desperate struggle between a city of people and a horde of undead. Also someone’s magical woopsie-daisies (not naming names, but it was Kendrick) gives everyone in the armies a cold margarita.

Jeff drinks his drink and also takes the paper umbrella from it with him, and they move on.

Lutharin and Dophina appear in a grand library of some sorts. It appears to be overseen by Fate, despite the fact that they left him at the HQ as well.

He complains about people not knocking, and then points the portal out to them.

Kendrick and Dophina appear in Hell. Literally. Dophina discovers a hidden talent, namely that she can now speak Abyssal.

They meet with this lovely giant devil named Barbatos, who, very graciously lets them pass, but says that they’ll meet again.

Lutharin and Kasbir appear in someone’s (presumably magical) purse. Kasbir takes some time to get some loot, before they move on.

Jeff appears in some kind of a desert world. He wanders around a bit, but there’s no portal in sight.

He does notice a figure of a person disappearing behind a dune, and uses his arcane eye to follow that person.

The person disappears but there’s foot steps than Jeff follows with the eye.

Meanwhile our other friends appear and find Jeff, who tells them about what he’s doing.

The footsteps end at an old tree where a portal has opened.

Lutharin takes Jeff and rushes there, in case the portal closes up.

The others follow, slightly behind.

The portal they come to doesn’t appear to be similar to the portals Reane has been leaving.

Jeff notices that there’s a symbol of Fharlanghn on the tree, so he tells Lutharin the portal is ok and hops through.

Lutharin waits for the others to catch up, before they follow Jeff.

Jeff appears at a very empty looking plane, where he finds Reane, who is very surprised to see him.

Apparently things went a bit tits up on Reane’s end and they thought that they lost our heroes forever.

Jeff looks around the place for any sign of the person who did the footsteps, though Reane claims they didn’t see anyone.

He notices a mysterious hooded figures holding a traveller’s stick in the distance.

As he approaches the figure turns to smile at him, and disappears.

The four others join this plane. Reane says that they consider their part of the deal done, and they’ll probably fuck off to another universe completely now.

They tell our heroes to rest, and then they’ll push them through to their destination. The Divine Realm.

Two more sessions to go! :O

[tbhwhocaresanymore]

Nancy Drew 2x4

You know what Odette Lamar really said “FUCK justice I choose to kill the very nosy teenagers” and that is honestly so valid of her

Also was it just me or was that product placement at the beginning with the water bottle so jarring like please never do that again

God I knew from the fucking getgo that the dybbuk box would not work on the Aglaeca, and I was thinking it would break but I was expecting the Aglaeca to break out, I didn’t think she’d just go ahead and blow it up. That being said the whole thing with the sand being what can hurt her was honestly pretty ingenious, and I am officially counting down the hours until the next episode. Yeah I said hours

Also they have all written obituaries? GUYS. You still have like 24 whole hours left this is not the time for quitting. And I cannot believe the writers really brought Lisbeth back just to do her dirty like that, like I was not the biggest fan of their relationship but my GOD what a way to end things. The entire time I was screaming at Bess “go into the restaurant!” and then she DIDN’T. Like no Bess you’re not a coward but I’m still going to shake you. You straight up ghosted (ha) your gf in front of her parents. She deserved better.

Speaking of people whom I kind of want to shake: how is that Aristotle guy Hannah’s assistant? Also who is he? He can’t be not important with a name like Aristotle. I’m betting he killed or kills somebody and will be a big bad at some point, or at least a minor villain. He will be some form of bad is my point, and let the record show I called it first.

I had two favorite parts this episode, and they relate to each other so let’s see what they were shall we?

One of them, no surprise, the Ace and Carson and Ryan road trip. I was about to die. Carson is a bear and Ryan just cannot or will not stop poking him in the eye with a very short stick, and Ace is the wilderness survival guard waving a sign that says “PUT DOWN THE STICK.” And then their little bonding ‘how to be a father’ moment at the gas station was the definition of precious. Carson saying no, he really had no idea Ryan was the father and was trying to honor Lucy, teaching him how to talk to Nancy. Ryan’s character growth is going to be hard-earned and well-won and I cannot wait to see the kind of man he turns into. We caught a glimpse of it, when he was with Nancy after. Admitting he would’ve had no idea what to do with her as a kid and that he still has no idea what to do now? Figuring out the music puzzle, when he was so proud to be able to keep up with his genius daughter who takes after her mother, and so proud of Nancy. And her admitting she had a “mild interest” in having a relationship with him? Tears.

My other favorite part comes as a direct result of Ryan helping Nancy. One of the perks of this show will always be when Amateur Sleuth Nancy DrewTM really just gets to unleash her truly unrivaled brain power for the purposes of solving a mystery. Memorizing the letters, working out the cipher, going to the church, then the confession box, finding the letters and the necklace. My girl cannot be beaten.

Also I cannot believe they made Odette like six times more tragic by making her gay and having her be torn away from her lady love like what gave them the right. And shoutout to Agnes Marvin, who in the late 1700s, had everything to lose and nothing to gain by attempting to go against her very powerful husband and get justice for a dead woman. Hermione Lodge could never

As far as George and Nick go, it is no secret I do not typically see a whole lot of chemistry from them. I am normally able to overlook it in favor of commenting on the good writing. HOWEVER. This episode changed all that. Their talk at the end, George stressing about Jessie and Nick reassuring her, and him needing George to know that somebody loves her? Sweetest moment yet we’ve seen this season, possibly one of the sweetest in the show so far.

That scene at the end? With the box and Aglaeca? Oooooooh Lordy. I was wound tighter than a two dollar watch, I had the volume unreasonably high, the lights were off, my nerves were frayed, I was set. AND I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED. The Aglaeca slowly rising out of the sea as she recognizes the necklace, reaching for it, her hand changing, seeing her true reflection in the mirror. And then like overcoming the ghostly temptation and being furious. Nancy making an appeal directly to Odette, bypassing the Aglaeca. THE AGLAECA BLOWING UP THE VERY EXPENSIVE DYBBUK BOX. No shit you guys I cannot believe she just exploded a multimillion dollar historical treasure. AND THEN THE SAND TURNED INTO SEAWEED AND STARTED TO CHOKE HER AND SHE FELL BACK BENEATH THE WAVES. “And if we can hurt her...” “Maybe we can kill her.” BRUH

This episode did everything a penultimate season finale (as it was intended to be) is supposed to do, I can only IMAGINE how next week will deliver.

And now, because I am me, and I have read the books: Time for DREWSON. God that scene after George kind of yells at Nancy, where Nick talks about how he likes to learn how things work. Nancy realizes this is, again, something about Nick she had no idea existed, he reminds her she never asked. You know what I want? PINING. Not on Nick’s behalf, he just confessed his love to George and all that. I want to see NANCY pining. Because the fact that their relationship did not work out was a mutual thing, but Nancy was the driving force. I want Nancy to (as they become friends) fall deeper and deeper in love with him, and know that she lost him and can’t get him back, and very bitterly regret it. I want her to suffer in silence for like at least a good ten episodes before anyone even notices.

Well only six days twenty hours and twenty-five minutes left, see you next week for 2x5, The Drowned Woman.

Oh and one last thing before I go.

WRITERS

WHERE THE FUCK IS LUCY SABLE

[kyemeruthie]

Halloween weekend

It was a different kind of "scare" for me this year. I had to face to the "ghosts" of assignments past as we head on the penultimate month for 2021.

***

Day 2 - October 30

A bit of a lazy Saturday. I woke up late, enjoyed breakfast and then tried to read the assignments due. I got as far as understanding what to do and trying to look for a large dataset for our BI class. Ended up watching episodes from Mr. Sunshine. I'm near the end of the series so I am more intrigued about how it would all turn out. This is one of those shows I refrained from reading episode guides, shows how much invested I am in this historical drama.

I changed my exercise routine to a dance workout. Probably more enjoyable than just doing mountain climbers and jumping jacks. It was indeed. I completed a 40-minute Just Dance 2020 pop song playlist in sweat mode. Reached 4500 steps too. Not bad for burning the calories.

We had chicken parm and potato salad for dinner. I don't understand why we have bigger meals at night compared to our light lunch. Anyway, always grateful for free food. At 7PM, I got to join our small group and by 12MN, sleep time.

***

Day 3 - October 31

Woke up late again. I opened my laptop to look for our church online service but was sidetracked by a comment yet again from the usual "elders" who "attack" my Facebook posts about Philippine politics. I placed them in parentheses because the elders are actually church members whom I respect but quite weirded out times by their political opinions. The attacks are either snarky comments or super-long rebuttals to my statuses. I often get tired reading them so I choose to disengage. On this particular morning, I chose a bit of "violence." I replied to the elder's comment and debunked the whole logic of his assumptions. He later on clarified his position, but I am already drained mentally so I just ok'd it. Did this before and after the Sunday Service. Sorry, Lord.

Anyway, the service was ok. I failed to join Sunday School. While eating lunch, I tried talking to myself into doing the BI assignment. I promised to do it after watching some episodes of Big Bang Theory. Ended up finishing the 3rd season and reaching halfway the 4th. Way to go, self.

Parents called and they were planning to visit my aunts in Laguna then swing a short visit to the graves of lolo and lola. Undas is eerily different today than before. I actually like this holiday. It's a laidback and less stressful family reunion than Christmas. Ehh, but covid changed that. We used to play patintero with my younger cousins at the cemetery or explore colorful graves at Laloma. Gatherings are not allowed for Undas since last year. I wonder how the dead are faring now that their usually festive days are not around the corner?

Watched some behind the scenes of the SMTown Halloween, tried to write assignment stuff again, then after the parents called for our nightly devotion, slept.

***

Day 4 - November 1

Undas. No classes. Spent the rest of the day writing Part A of our BI assignment. I am still internally complaining at the tediousness of this class requirement. I don't understand why we have to do lab assignments then written assignments then simulation assignments, and finally an exam in the end. It's taking too much of my time away from equally important stuff to learn. Anyway, I'd still do it. So here goes.

I finished part A by end of day's work. Danced all the stress away with another pop playlist from JD 2021. Yesterday, I did the Kpop playlist. I am still a stiff dancer, hand-feet coordination be damned. But I'm really enjoying it. Looking for other playlists to dance in the next several days.

No rice for lunch or dinner. At night, I watched this documentary about Hillsong Hell from 60Minutes Australia. I've always wondered how fellow Christians feel when these kinds of scandals break out. I feel outrage at the system especially those church authorities who are not doing anything. It takes a lot of courage to speak against injustice and the only thing we can do is be silent. Hay. What the pastor interviewed in the docu said was right: when Jesus sees injustice, he stops everything he's doing, reaches out to the oppressed and does everything to make it right. The church isn't doing anything like that. And I've heard the same stories from other churches. I hope nothing like that happens in our church, and if it were, then I pray that we do what Jesus would rightfully do.

After that docu, I resumed my Mr. Sunshine binge. I'm almost at the tailend, episode 21. Last three. I want a happy ending but I guess the fact that Go Ae-sin reminds herself that the three English words she first learned were "gun," "glory," and "sad ending," then we should expect the same. This is really topnotch drama. I hope we can do the same in the PH. Full review once I finish it.

Slept at 12MN yet again. Tomorrow's swab day. Also, BI classes. Akk. Hehe.

[stonerbughead]

Maria watches friday night lights (#35)

5x12 baby, helpppp how are we already at the penultimate episode (already, i say, after dragging this first-ever watch out basically as long as humanly possible L O L why am i like this)

my reactions / recap / flailing under the cut

I see that Tyra is literally the preview photo so I’m already like OH SHITTTT

Tami coming home from the airport with potentially life-altering news...and Eric is asleep in front of the TV on the couch, clearly trying to wait up for her, my heart.

AHHH Julie’s home??? A surprise? This is so fucking cute! The ending vibes are definitely here.

Omg Tim are you good, baby? Is he throwing his bed out of the trailer? Damn he clearly has so much trauma from prison.

Damn NBC 8 is pulling up, that’s how you know it’s State. “It’s State, Levi, get used to it.” “No, I’ll NEVER get used to it!” Lmao i love Levi.

WOW look at Luke trying to set up childcare so moms can participate in a hearing about school funding! GO OFF KING

Omg i almost forgot Mindy was pregnant again. Billy’s so excited...oh fuck, TWINS? They’re gonna be so broke forever. Mindy is as horrified as I would be lmao

Oh shit, here we go...Tami’s finally telling Eric about the job offer...and admitting she wants it!!! AHH

“We’d have to move to Philadelphia.” “We live in Texas. Honey, Texas...is where our friends and family are. Texas is where I work, Texas is where I have my job.” Weren’t y’all just thinking about moving to Florida like two episodes ago? I smell a double standard, sir!

Ugh Eric is shutting down. “I can’t talk about this right now.” BISH

“How many times have we moved before for your job?” MMHMM that’s right, Eric! You look shell-shocked but you need to take that in, sit with it!

Tim Riggins behind the bar is hot. Just an observation.

Ugh, the tension between poor Tim and Billy. Tim’s gonna go to Alaska?! WOW did not see that plan coming!

“What the hell are you gonna do, sleep with a bunch of woodchucks?” BILLY WHAT LMAO

“You’re gonna leave Texas?” “YES.” I love the drama in both these back to back conversations about the thought of Leaving Texas.

Broken dryer, Jess, I’ve been there. Like right now, we have a broken dryer in our apartment. Ooh, Vince coming and finding her and being gentle!

Aw poor Jess. “I finally found a coach who was open-minded enough to let me in and not laugh at me. He lets me shadow him and teach me how to be a coach, and now they’re gonna take it all away.” These poor kids.

VINCE: “We won’t let that happen.” MY HEART. I love them.

Wow, Luke’s being sold a low-tier football program, isn’t he? “We just got a Costco, and a brand new movie theater in the town.” yikes.

How is a reporter asking Eric “are you worried he’s taking on too much?” about a teenage boy. Like, how do they know this much about Vince’s life? Texas football culture will forever amaze me, even after watching almost the entire series.

“We haven’t even scratched the surface of what Vince Howard can do.” AWWW my heart! Eric is such a good coach.

Oh wow, the East Dillon Lions vs. Dillon Panthers funding debate!!! Did they send a Booster Club representative here to Buddy’s door to shake him down? “There’s gonna be a lot of changes.” Like what IS THIS?

“Vince Howard is gonna be a Panther.” This is... A Lot. “That chair at the head of the table is waiting on you.”

Oh nooooo Tim getting physical with a customer.

“I’ve been waiting five minutes for my drink.” FAMILIAR VOICE IN THE CORNER??? “Hey there, jailbird.” It’s Tyra, and she has long brown hair! I dig it! I dig this reunion!

Aw, Eric coming home and immediately apologizing to Tami for earlier.

Tami’s being realistic that if the Lions lose, their economic situation is in jeopardy—so a good job offer on the table is something to consider!

“So you’re routing against us?” OMG and there’s a moment when Tami thinks he’s referring to them but then realizes he’s referring to “oh, the team?” jfc “You and I, or us the Lions. Of course.”

“You know what, I’ve been a coach’s wife for 18 years. Every decision we’ve made has been based on your coaching career.” LIFE BEYOND FOOTBALL OH SHIT

Oh God Eric’s getting up with the keys???? Come on, dude! This is not cool! There are so many colleges and high schools in Pennsylvania! I promise they play football there!

Omg did Tyra just tell Tim about the twins since he refused to really talk to Billy?

Aw Tyra wrote to him in prison? That’s sweet.

Awww Mindy’s literally having a breakdown about not having enough space, and not being able to handle three kids. These poor babes. And the football team’s fate hinges on this because of the assistant coach’s salary...fucking crazy

Ooh now Buddy’s trying to hype Eric up on the Panther-Lions Superteam they’re gonna create.

Aw the whole fam at Billy and Mindy’s—Tyra, Becky, even Mama Collette.

“He’s got some stupid idea he’s gonna go to Alaska and work on a pipeline.” Well, when someone comes to prison and tells you they’ll actually let someone who has to check the felony box work a job with decent wages, yeah. God, the prison industrial complex sucks. Feeds the most vulnerable people into the shittiest jobs.

Julie outside of the Saracen home? Awww. Has she seen him since that romantic Chicago good-bye?

Luke, listen to Becky!! “I’d really appreciate if you put down the wrench and listen to me.” YES GURL

“That’s not real. You are! And I just think there’s been a lot of misunderstandings.” “Well, that’s really pretty you should put it in a love poem.” “Are you kidding me? Go to hell!” yeah, correct answer, Becky! These teens are under so much STRESS! The DRAMA!

Omg all these grown men screaming at the town hall meeting about football i cannot

Ewww these classist fucks. “Some of us on this side of town happen to own our houses.” Eat the rich.

Why the fuck is Billy writing a fucking speech while driving? And he’s surprised he swerved? Sir…

Aw poor Eric with pain in his eyes telling Billy he can’t be definitive about his job security...I mean, yeah.

Aw, Luke coming into the bar while Tim is working after...that talk with Becky…

“You and Becky...are you in love with her?” Tim looks so amused. “Are you serious?” “...Yeah. “No, I’m not in love with Becky. I care about her.” THANK YOU BOYS AND GIRLS CAN BE FRIENDS. Is this not what Becky tried to tell you last night? “I’ve been there a few times when nobody else was, but that’s about it.”

Aw Luke is so similar to Tim rn! Not “feeling it” from the school that wants him, even tho he loves football!

“You’re going to state, yeah? Nothing’s gonna beat that.” “Play it that way. Play it like it’s the last time you’re ever gonna lace up.” Some iconic Tim Riggins lines here!

“We were at the meeting last night, but we don’t want to argue or yell, we just want to give you our thoughts.” MY HEART i love Vince and Jess. “Well, that’ll be refreshing.” LOL after all these grown ass men were screaming over each other

“Was it really that bad?” “If you’re asking if I was raped in prison, Tyra, the answer’s no.” LOSING IT at this exchange lmao

“Tim Riggins, what the hell is going on with you?” that’s the question!

Oh shit is Tyra just finding out that Tim took the fall for Billy now...fuck

“He had a wife, a family. I had the chance to give him something, to give Stevie something we never had. To give him his father.” Damn, the look on Tyra’s face. She knows all too well why he did what he did even tho it fucked him up :( THE EMOTION. THE PAIN!

Damn they’re announcing the decision on the Dillon teams *before* state?

“What are you hoping for?” loaded question, Julie! “I hope that the Lions get to stay put, and I hope that I get to be Dean of Admissions at Braemore College.” awww yeah you do deserve it all, Tami.

Oh wow all these people from both teams standing in the street, drinking and talking and waiting for the decision with “i was living in a devil’s town” playing??? THIS SHOW.

I feel for the dude who has to address this town about this decision.

Anddd there it is, they eliminated the East Dillon program. The rich kids cheering for their victory in front of the poor kids mourning the end of the program they fought to make better is so fucking tacky.

And omg now they have to play state?

“Let me tell you something, you’re gonna be the star quarterback of the Dillon panthers next year, and you’re gonna shine.” OH this hug between Eric and Vince! “See you at practice tomorrow.” Again, the reminder that these people gotta play a *state championship*! wild

“We need to talk.” BUDDY WHAT?

Aw Julie and Tyra hanging out and there are Panthers screaming out of cars. “Welcome back to Dillon.” “No place like it.” Oh, this warms my heart.

I love this exchange: “You know, it’s kind of like this drug. When you get outside of it, you see it for what it really is. But when you’re in it, it seems like there’s no other possible reality.” “It’s a hard place to shake.” “Yeah...I didn’t see that one coming.”

“Whatever happened with you and Matty?” SAME, TYRA, SAME. “We’re good. I mean, we still talk every now and then. He went to Chicago. I went to visit him awhile back, and...I don’t really know what we are or aren’t or…” INTRIGUE. “I kind of just really miss him.” “Life’s harder when you really love someone.” Awwww. I loved that scene so much.

Wow, Buddy and Eric are talking at the Panthers field?

Oh, Buddy’s trying to sell him on winning the championship and then going to the Panthers to coach along with Vince….

“I can never come back to this school and coach. Never.” I mean, FAIR.

“Three rings in six years. That’s history. No one’s ever done that. You’ve got everything you want.” Yeah, Buddy, but does Tami get what she wants in that scenario?

Lol i love all the East Dillon Lions drunk on the field, like seasons’ past with teams past…

“Alright I’m taking a piece of grass home.” LOL TINK

To State and to Coach Taylor, huh? Sounds familiar. And Buddy Jr. is puking. Lmao.

“Just make sure you’re really okay with losing him.” YES Tyra! As much as Billy has majorly fucked up, i agree with her that the idea of the Riggins brothers losing each other when they ONLY had each other for so long...it makes my heart sad.

Oh shit are Tim and Tyra about to kiss? I almost forgot they were together back when this whole show started! “Please don’t go.” DAMNNN

Wow what a scene. Eric comes home with his news that he could have “everything” and Tami replies, “I’ll say to you what you haven’t had the grace to say to me: congratulations, Eric.

“I want you to take me someplace.” “Where?” “I’ll tell you when we’re on the way.” This is really cute! Also Tyra is so hot damn gurl i see you!

Aw Vince shooting his shot, yes! “What about you and me?” “I was really proud of how hard you tried. Thank you.”

“You already have two strikes against you.” “Jess, I was born with two strikes against me.” LOL SO TRUE. and aw what a hug!

Tyra took him to his land, didn’t she??? “Alaska, Tim?” He’s SMILING. Is that Texas Forever vibes i’m seeing here?

AH, Matt is home with a Christmas tree to see his grandma!!! She’s so excited!!

Aw she forgot his dad’s dead? “Did you say it was Christmas?” Oh this is so sad.

Why are Buddy and the Panthers coach standing at the Taylors’ front door like fucking cops late at night? This football program is sinister at times.

“Eighteen years.” Yeah, Tami. And then she turns it back on: “Can I get you two anything? Iced tea, water?” and FADE TO BLACK.

Damn!! What an amazing set-up for a series finale I’ve heard only good things about!!! AHHHH

[tjkiahgb]

Episode Recap: 3.19, “A Moving Day”

Can you believe we only have 50 or so minutes of content left with this show?

I want to love every single one of them and not take any for granted. Each minute feels truly precious.

Never mind.

Folks... we got ourselves a Toast-Off!

Cyrus has brought Jonah, Buffy, and Andi together to make toast. I wish I had more here, but that’s the extent of it.

Jonah presents his toast first. It’s burnt.

Andi says toasters are the trickiest appliance in the kitchen, which is true. Sure, anybody can figure out how to put the bread in, but when it comes time to select between the settings of Light, Medium, and Dark, too many people just twist the dial all the way past dark to Burnt to a Crisp. Avoid that setting. That’s where most people get tripped up.

Jonah advises Cyrus to not eat his burnt bread, and Cyrus agrees.

Buffy presents her toast, which is more like the concept of toast.

Buffy claims it wasn’t fair because Jonah was using the toaster. To think, if only Jonah had used the toaster less, both he and Buffy could’ve made decent toast and been in the running to win... I don’t know, something. I really don’t know what we’re doing here.

Anyway, because Jonah sabotaged both his and Buffy’s chance to win the Toast-Off, Andi can walk away with the competition if she’s just made a piece of non-ruined toast.

And, of course, Andi went extra and made some kind of toast chicken coop.

Seems like an easy win, but Cyrus can’t declare it thus until he’s had a taste.

He thinks it’s pretty good, but there’s a flavor on it he can’t place. What is that, he asks.

Cyrus spits it out as Jonah and Buffy chuckle about one of their friends almost poisoning their other friend.

I guess it was only right to get one last random cold open in before the show ended. Here’s to the nonsense cold opens: the Toast-Offs, the extended oral hygiene montages, the projects for school about eggs, the bad coffees made, the phone chargers stolen, the games of Scrabble played, the times the Mack family argued about what to eat or what to watch or who stole clothes from whom. Oh, random nonsense cold opens, you were always... there, and we shall sometimes remember you.

49 or so minutes left. Each one from here on out? Truly precious.

At Celia’s, Celia has gathered her family around to do an aggressively large jigsaw puzzle.

Frankly, I’m a bit worried for her. This puzzle size is the type you buy when you want to make a statement: No, I don’t have anything better to do and no, I don’t plan on leaving the house for the next week! This puzzle is my life now.

Bex comes walking in, finishing a phone conversation. She tells the family she won something. The family guesses what she won, but they don’t come anywhere close to the right answer, which is a free meal cooked by famous chef Raoul Ricci. No one’s heard of Raoul Ricci, not even Celia, which you might think would tip them off that something’s afoot here, but no one seems interested in digging for the truth.

Even a quick Google search would’ve told them that something was wrong, as it seems the only known Raoul Ricci is an Italian dentist.

Or, as they call them in Rome, a dentista.

Anyway, Bex explains, through a long and bewildering story, Raoul Ricci was famous and had restaurants, but then he didn’t want to have restaurants anymore, so he left to be a hermit.

Andi’s like...

...oh, can we keep him?

Bex explains the prize is that he’s going to cook for them. They just have to go out into the forest and find him. Once they do, though, he’s going to make them the meal of a lifetime.

I can’t stress enough how shady this sounds. There’s a 75% chance this ends with Raoul Ricci chasing the Macks through the woods in some kind of “Most Dangerous Game” type scenario.

Bowie and Andi are in. Celia’s like, this sounds like an awful pain.

Bex warns her if she doesn’t go, the whole family is going to “rhapsodize” about this meal forever. Quick question: where does Bex get off? Just dropping rhapsodize in a sentence like that? Who does she think she is? I’m offended for Celia and I’m offended for us.

Celia is still not interested, despite the threats of rhapsodization, so Bex turns to Andi and Bowie for help. They basically say they’re not going to do puzzle-time with Celia unless she goes with them to the woods, so she relents, with one condition.

A puzzle so big it causes you mental anguish just thinking about it. It ain’t a real puzzle unless your fingers are bleeding by the end.

Meanwhile, Cyrus, Buffy, and Jonah walk around, somewhere, and talk about that “thing” they all have tomorrow. Jonah’s worried he won’t be able to make the thing because his family is moving. Cyrus and Buffy agree to help him move, but Jonah asks Buffy if she will be able to, given her foot and all.

Buffy’s like, of course I can...

Okay, but I’m pretty sure a strong gust of wind could lift Cyrus. I would require stronger proof. Jonah, however, doesn’t need to see more than that minor show of strength, and agrees to let them help.

The next day, the Mack family is all loaded up in Celia’s SUV that we’re seeing for the first time this entire series in the penultimate episode. Celia goes through a long series of things to get ready to leave: moving seats, checking mirrors, putting on gloves, searching for sunglasses. It’s agonizing.

Eventually Celia puts on her suit of knight armor and night-vision goggles and chugs an entire large coffee and she’s ready to operate a motor vehicle.

I do want to warn her though, she should make sure all those production lights and reflectors are moved out of the way before she starts driving.

Wouldn’t want to run over one of the crew members.

Celia drives off. They head for the mountains.

And in a hurry, too. Celia seems to be doing at least 80 on these winding mountain roads.

Me? I’d be worried about ice or sudden hazards or taking a turn too fast, but I guess the Macks trust Celia’s driving ability more than I trust my own.

The Macks all sing songs and make jokes and-- OH MY GOD!

LOOK OUT FOR THAT BUS!

THEY’RE BOTH DOING 70 ON A TWO LANE MOUNTAIN ROAD AND HEADING RIGHT FOR EACH OTHER!

IS EVERY DRIVER IN THIS TOWN MAD?!

The family survives that hairpin turn, though, and makes it up to Mount Washington, named, of course, after America’s most famous obelisk.

Bex leads them onto the trail at Panther’s Hollow, which naturally leads Celia to ask if there are panthers around. Bowie’s like, no, no. Well, maybe one.

And then he scares the hell out of an already nervous elderly woman.

Everyone has a good laugh about it and they set off walking to find the hermit.

Then we get about twelve minutes of footage of the Mack family walking through the woods. I’m not going to include screencaps. I’m just adding that for posterity’s sake.

Over at the storage unit the Beck family rented to put all their stuff in, Cyrus and Buffy help Jonah move said stuff into trucks.

Cyrus comes across a crate of old VHS tapes and DVDs and screams when he sees their contents.

He calls Buffy over to show her.

It’s Judy Bartholomew!

Who’s Judy Bartholomew? She’s an old workout video lady who became a meme. Cyrus feels like he has to show Buffy the video, so he pulls out his phone.

They both have a good laugh about it. Cyrus is surprised to learn she’s real. He’s like, I can’t believe how big a fan Jonah’s mom is. She must be to have the entire Judy Bart collection like this.

Then Jonah’s mom shows up and she’s like, hey Jojobear, can I finally meet your friends? The ones you’ve been good friends with for like a year and a half now and that you won’t let me be around for some reason?

She walks over to Cyrus and Buffy who are shocked to see the Judy Bartholomew standing right in front of them.

Jonah’s like, yeah, it’s her.

Honestly, I’m impressed Jonah’s been able to hide his mom from his friends for this long. Did they never hang out around his family? Did she never come to pick him up from some place?

And doesn’t she wonder who his friends are? When he’d talk about the stuff they’d done together, would she just sit there going, “Oh, that sounds nice, Jonah. Sure would like to meet some of your friends one of these days.” And would Jonah be like, “Uh huh, yeah, you should,” and then he’d just continue putting it off for 15 months? Just kept kicking that can down the road?

Anyway, I still appreciate the show broaching this subject. Media so often lacks in representation of children whose parents have become internet memes.

Back out in the woods, the Macks walk through the woods. All but Bex grow restless. They ask her for proof that she knows where she’s going, like a map.

This doesn’t make them feel comforted.

Bowie pulls Bex aside and asks her what’s really going on. Bex is like, you trust me, right? Bowie says of course. Bex is like, okay, good, back into the forest we go and she walks off.

Bowie tells Andi and Celia it will all be worth it, like a liar, and they start another walking through the woods montage. Bex carries Andi. Bowie carries Celia.

This episode has more characters carrying other characters than any other episode the show has done.

Back at the storage unit, Judy Bart teaches Cyrus and Buffy how to trot.

She’s doing like this locomotion move, very simple.

Cyrus is like, AM I DOING IT?!

As he twists his body back and forth and throws his arms out.

Like, no, man. You can’t tell that what you’re doing is nothing like what Judy is doing? That it’s like, almost the opposite of what she’s doing?

Judy tells Jonah to show them how to do it, so Jonah steps up and does a whole dance routine that I’m also not sure is what Judy was doing.

But it looked good and had a nice finish, so whatever.

Jonah says he’s been doing that since he was six and it’s permanently ingrained in his head now like so many childhood scars.

Then Judy’s like, hey, didn’t you kids have to be in the mountains right about now? And they’re like, oh yeah, we have to get changed and get to the mountains, so they leave her in the storage unit.

Speaking of the mountains, the Macks find rocks.

They collapse on the rocks.

Bex is like, no, don’t sit on rocks now! We almost made it. The family doesn’t want to believe her, but she convinces them it’s true. She leads them around the bend where they find a fancy set up and...

Cyrus?

You see, Cyrus, for three years now, has been posing as celebrity chef Raoul Ricci and sneaking off to the mountains to prepare three course meals for random tourists.

No, wait.

Buffy appears from out of nowhere and this whole thing reeks of a setup.

How in the world did these two get up here so fast from the storage facility? Helicopter?

Andi’s like, what is going on? Where is the hermit I was promised?

Bex tells everyone there’s no hermit. This was all made up to trick everyone into going to the mountains. Bowie asks why.

Bowie’s like, oh, is that back on?

Cyrus and Buffy bring them rings and flowers.

Bowie’s says finally and they embrace.

They all head for a gazebo.

Jonah plays Bowie’s song, “You Girl”, on the guitar.

Andi walks Bex to Bowie.

The two take each other’s hands as the officiant begins doing his officianting.

Where did he come from, too? Did Jonah and Buffy and Cyrus ride up here with him? Carpool?

The wedding goes as weddings do. You know, rings and stuff. Bex and Bowie are about to kiss when--

Everyone looks around trying to figure out whose phone that is before Andi realizes it’s hers. She shuts it off and the music and kissing starts again.

They complete the kiss this time.

Bex is like, I know... it’s been a lot. Thanks for not fleeing.

Later, Bex and Bowie delight in calling each other husband and wife. Everyone is sort of shocked it actually finally happened.

The Mack family (the ones we’re still counting) share a hug.

That night, Cyrus shows Andi the Judy Bart videos and then he brags that they spent the day with her. Jonah says he introduced her to them. Andi doesn’t believe he knows her, but Jonah’s like, yeah, I do.

Andi’s stunned. She feels bad, but, in fairness to Andi, it’s super weird that Jonah kept her hidden this long anyway, especially from Andi of all people. She couldn’t be expected to make that guess.

Jonah’s like, don’t feel bad, the whole thing is funny. He used to be embarrassed about it but he’s over it. Andi says she can’t wait to meet her. And then they talk about meeting Jonah’s dad. Buffy makes a joke about his dad being one of the hairy guys from the workout video and Jonah’s like, yeah, he is.

Everyone sits around thinking about this for a second before they all decide Jonah’s joking.

He’s not.

I don’t know what makes them think Jonah has suddenly acquired a subtle sense of humor. Jonah’s idea of jokes are jump scaring Andi and “S’less.” You really think he’s got a level of clever beneath all that that he’s been hiding for a year and a half as if it was his mother?

Jonah leaves without saying another word.

Can I just take a quick second to try to piece together the history of the Beck family, because I find it fascinating.

So, sometime in the 1980s/early 1990s (I assume based on the fashion), Judy Bartholomew makes it big as a workout video star. Jonah’s father, Mr. Beck, is hired at some point to be a background guy in one of her videos.

I assume this is where they meet and fall in love. Later, they get married and have Jonah.

In the years that follow, Jonah’s dad undergoes a full-body transformation, getting buff and changing hairstyles and retires from the workout video business to coach little league, and, I guess, control the finances of the Judy Bartholomew workout empire.

Eventually, Jonah’s dad invests the Judy Bartholomew fortune unwisely, and the family loses their house, and they’re homeless until very recently when he gets a new job. Doing what? I have no idea. I can’t begin to assume what his area of expertise is.

I guess my question is this: does any child in this town have a quiet, average family? Buffy’s mom spends half her life in foreign countries doing work for the military and Buffy’s family is still somehow the most normal of the group’s.

Later, Andi wanders off from the group and checks her phone. That call earlier? It was from SAVA.

The school left her a voicemail. Andi listens to it and gets sad, but I don’t think in the “rejected from a school” way.

Plus, I don’t think schools call you just to tell you to screw off. “Hi, this is Caroline from SAVA. Is this Andi Mack? Okay, great. Just calling to tell you you weren’t good enough to get into our school. Have a nice evening.”

Bex and Bowie sneak up on Andi and scare her.

God, this poor girl must live in constant fear. Why is everyone always doing this to her?

As the episode ends, Bex and Bowie talk about how happy they are right now. Andi says she is, too.

Though, as TJ would say, “Tell your face.”

Speaking of TJ...

Aww, this is the last time I get to be excited about seeing TJ in the scenes from the next episode.

One more to go, people. One more.

[dragons-bones]

The White Vault Season Three Roundup

Posting this as the tenth and final episode of the season is now in public release!

So I listened to the early release of the season finale on Saturday, screamed a lot, and immediately sat down and re-listened to the whole season. The following post is being put behind a read more for both length and season-wide (finale included) spoilers and includes discussion and theorizing for season four, which Travis confirmed is the penultimate season. (IS IT OCTOBER YET.) Please DO NOT READ until you listen to the finale!

First and foremost, I was originally a little concerned that season three would end up hitting all of the same story beats as the first two seasons without anything new, particularly on the matter of the mystery: lots of puzzle pieces that still don't quite fit together. Arguably we still don't have any clear answers...but we have a lot more pieces that I think we're seeing the overall shape. There is definitely some sort of centuries-and-continents-spanning conspiracy, one dedicated to keeping the shadow monster(s) and totem monsters fed, or appeased, or something, along with the people and civilization that revolves around these creatures. We don't know the why, we don't know the how, but I am personally surprisingly at ease with not having anything answered at this point--honestly I am having an incredible amount of fun speculating in my own mind and reading other fans' takes on tumblr and reddit. Travis and Katie confirming we have a fourth and fifth season to finish telling the story gives me a lot of confidence, particularly since season four is going to take a vastly different tack than the first three seasons.

The Documentarian confirms in the opening of episode one that she had come into possession of the information she presents to whom we knew as of episode five to be Graham "Fuck You I Have A Shotgun" Casner just a few days ago. Episode ten confirms that the events of season three literally occurred within the last few weeks and Dr. Zhou "Fuck You I Have A Frying Pan" Liu, Dr. Josepha Guerrero, and Simon "Fuck You I Am Getting Off This Mountain If I Have To Tobogan Down It" Hall may still be alive up in the caves. I am practically frothing at the mouth with excitement because this really raises the stakes for next season, and while I'm more than certain the entire cast isn't making it out alive...enough might. And in this situation: the dangers are known by both the rescue party and the scientists; and the scientists are the kind who might be able to begin putting our puzzle pieces together, along with whatever the Documentarian acquires elsewhere.

I want to give an especial shoutout to Peter Lewis as Graham Casner. I remember when I first listened to The White Vault, I was a bit uncertain about his voicework: he has a very deliberate, almost stilted-sounding delivery as Graham. His performance really clicked for me when we got the segue ways of him narrating Russian journal entries into an English translation: his Russian, to my ear, sounds very smooth with no hesitation. My thought is, English isn't Graham's first language, and his measured way of speaking is how he ensures he organizes his thoughts properly to be understood. And just--his performance this season was SO GOOD. Especially in the finale, he sounded so raw and angry and just a little bit broken over the discovery that the body Dr. Liu and Dr. Guerrero found truly wasn't Dr. Ureta (I thought, in episode nine, that they're comment of "that's not Dr. Ureta" was more a metaphoric "that's not her anymore" based on what they knew of Simon's experience so far), but Rosa. Like. Holy shit. 10/10 Peter Lewis, godDAMN.

(Aside: props to all the voice actors this season. We really heard them come into their stride as the season progressed, but special props to: Danilo Battistini as Lucas, who showcased Lucas’s descent into (religious fervor inspired?) madness; Eric Nelsen as Simon, who got saddled with a lot of the technical archaeological talk and made it sound natural (really evident when you listen to the bloopers); and Diane Casanova as Eva, who did a fantastic job showing her dealing with the stress of the situation while still remaining snarky and defiant.)

And now to Rosa--who was, unquestionably, my favorite member of the Fristed expedition, so I was, in fact, yelling like a mad thing while my heart went icy and broken when the body was identified as hers. So, I remember reading in a post-episode speculation thread on reddit earlier in the season that maybe the tunnels between Svalbard and Patagonia were connected and this was the same shadow monster as the Fristed team encountered. I thought this was particularly far-fetched bullshit, but, uh apparently not? Good job, fellow speculator! You called it! Perhaps they're not physically connected (that stretches my suspension of disbelief beyond the breaking point, considering Svalbard and Patagonia are on literal opposite ends of the planet), but maybe it's a space-time distortion, and the deep caves between Svalbard and Patagonia (and Heilongjiang Province in northeastern China, and wherever else this strange civilization has pockets of activity) are linked via supernatural means. And a space-time distortion would explain why to Graham, it didn't seem too much time had passed for him in the tunnels before he found a way out, even though it was weeks if not months before he was located.

(Brief side note: definitely the Svalbard totem monster that got him, that strange walrus-like entity with the super-elongated phalanges. Also features in Artifact. That totem monster scares me and scares me deeply.)

So does this mean the shadow monster at Fristed and Piedra are the same, able to travel between locations depending on which ones have people near them? (SPOILER FOR ARTIFACT: it's implied there's more than one and they can "travel" via the totem animal artifacts END SPOILER) Does this mean we might see "Jonas" again? Oooooh, two shadow monsters, das bad, das really bad.

(Another brief side note, since I didn't do an episode nine roundup: the dark part of my mind that loves the creepy horror elements of this podcast was overjoyed at being slam-dunked right into the fucked-up-edness of the return of the still-beating heart and teeth in a stone box. Just. Good shit, lots of nightmares, jumping at shadows that night, S U P E R B.

...Wait, Rosa's is the first body actually found, even though we know the shadow monster killed her. Karina's, Walter's, and Carito's bodies never showed up, and we know their hearts and teeth ended up in the stone boxes. Does that mean Rosa's didn't? Is there specific significance to this?)

The sites do seem to be very different: China was a mountain village, most of the village open air with their private ritual rooms carved into the mountainside; Svalbard's might be under a glacier, and is an entire underground village, with its ritual sites buried beneath it; and Patagonia is less a proper village and more a winding system of living quarters and open public/ritual spaces. Svalbard is also currently the only one (that we know of, we have no information about the interior of the China site) using teeth to pave its stairs so, uh, take that as you will.

Teeth appear a lot. I have a thing about teeth, and yet The White Vault doesn't ping it? It's rather strange.

RAIMY. RAIMY YOU GO GET YOUR MAN. PROUD OF YOU, PLEASE DON'T DIE. (Honestly, though, I get the feeling if the shadow monster breathes anywhere in the general vicinity of Raimy, Simon will go batshit and beat the thing to death himself. He is injured but he is pissed.)

I continue to have low expectations about Eva's survival. That she got off the mountain is a surprise--stalked by the shadow monster, perhaps hoping she lures more people to the caves?--and that her 'infection' (excuse me as I continue to have flashbacks to Jane Prentiss in TMA Season One and cry uncontrollably because oh my gooooooooood) hasn't, y'know, gotten properly ugly yet. But goddamn I love her spirit, I love that she's so determined to get the rest of the team out. I WANT her to survive, but all the clues are pointing at REALLY BAD SHIT happening to her.

I remain deeply curious about whether or not Dr. Ureta’s previous trip to the Patagonia site is what primed her to be the first victim of the Piedra team. This might very well be something we don’t ever receive a proper answer to--sometimes some mysteries remain so, after all--but I do find it telling that we have very little of her personal thoughts, unlike the other members of the team (aside, of course, from Lucas).

Dr. Guerrero remains the loose end for me: Simon and Dr. Liu have both shown an utter lack of fucks to give about not letting this monster have them, but Dr. Guerrero was so tunnel-visioned on the science of the find that we notes and thoughts we have her don’t give us a conclusive enough picture about what to expect going forward. But we might end up surprised.

I’m very interested to see what Maheer and Dragana bring to the table: Maheer is obviously the Documentarian’s man because of a very nice paycheck, and Graham’s grumbling about Dragana’s prodding for details has me on alert mostly because Graham is my guy and he deserves a fucking nap and a vacation for all the shit he’s had to deal with.

The White Vault: Iluka is coming up this month on Patreon; I’m willing to bet this is what the Documentarian is preoccupied with while Graham and the rescue team head into the mountains. I’m really curious to see whether or not this might have anything to do with the events of the short Acquisition? I feel we’re due for that to come into play...

There is just. So much. So damn much.

IS IT OCTOBER YEEEEEEET.

[ettadunham]

A Buffy rewatch 7x21 End of Days

aka excali-scythe

We did it, guys! We made it to the last season! Also, hello if you’re new, and stumbled upon this without context. As usual, these impromptu text posts are the product of my fevered mind as I rant about the episode I just watched for an hour (okay, sometimes perhaps two). Anything goes!

And today’s is the penultimate episode! Of the entire show!! Let’s talk some (controversial?) feelings.

End of Days is really the set up part one of the series finale that is Chosen. As such, I feel like this might be the perfect place for me to try and gather my thoughts and feelings on the season here, and maybe discuss other overall thoughts about the show with the next one.

I’ve actually been talking a lot about season 7 throughout these posts, and what stayed consistent throughout that ever since episode 7 was a feeling of… letdown, I guess. While re-watching seasons that have been previously my least favorites of the show (mainly season 4 and 6) led to me re-examining and appreciating those a lot more, my experience with season 7 in the year of our lord 2019 was less… positive.

And I’ve been struggling to pinpoint my reasons for that, but I think it comes down to the characters and their development (or lack of), more than anything.

The characters and their journeys is easily one of my favorite things about the show. And this season starts off strong, setting up some intriguing material for Buffy, Anya and Willow in particular, and then it’s just… nothing.

Well, not nothing, but we do the bare minimum. The show gets consumed by its season arc, and even when we’re doing one-off episodes, they do more callbacks to previous seasons to appeal to our nostalgia, than build on the actual character stuff.

The only exception is probably Spike, and that’s just another sore point for me. I thought I had mixed feelings about Spike without a soul, but Spike with a soul? No. I don’t want your garbage.

The episode that put me over the edge here was Lies My Parents Told Me, of course. Spike’s response to the reveal that he killed Robin’s mom is very Spike-like, but what pissed me off, was the show’s narrative presenting his argument as the ‘right’ one. Like… no. No. Robin was in the wrong, but Spike refusing to even apologize for what he’s done in the past is not a fucking revelation. Give me a break.

Do you know which character’s inner life I could’ve used more of in this season though? Buffy.

No, seriously, we get a sort of outsider perspective of Buffy for most of it, and we barely follow her through the arc she’s taking and the motivations behind it. And we really needed to spend more time on this, especially to get us through to Empty Places.

Like, why does Buffy have suddenly complete faith in Spike, but is super distant and maybe even distrustful of everyone else? I don’t know, but I kinda hate it.

So… yeah. Season 7 as a whole might actually be my least favorite when it comes to ranking. I do kind of want to give it the benefit of the doubt. I plan on doing a more traditional, binge-type rewatch of the show once I finish this one, and my opinions might change once I give it yet another shot.

Nevertheless, despite all these complaints about the season as a whole, I think it’s hard to argue that Chosen is an excellent closer for it and the show alike. And since End of Days is essentially part one of that finale, there’s plenty of shine to inherit.

These episodes read as good-byes to all the characters, and it’s hard not to get swept up in that. I even like Buffy and Spike in this one, and we’ve already established that at this point, that’s pretty much a miracle.

But with Buffy being back with the Scoobies, and no longer isolated in order to connect her with Spike, I can appreciate the honesty and take-no-bullshit attitude of their interaction. They put things out in the open and re-affirm to each other, that yeah, this is real. But there’s no commitment, especially on Buffy’s part. “Does it have to mean something?”

Buffy also says this gem of a line, which I’m predictably gonna leave here with you:

BUFFY:  “I am tired of defensiveness and weird, mixed signals. I have Faith for that.”

Again, subtext, what’s a subtext?

I just like the scene between Buffy and Faith too, and how Faith finally feels like she can relate to Buffy. And this line from Faith: “It feels like like it's mine – I guess that means it's yours.” Just how loaded is that???

Buffy’s quick to stand up for Faith with the Potentials as well, stressing that what happened wasn’t her fault. It’s good stuff. It’s some real good stuff.

BUFFY:  “I guess everyone’s alone.”

Buffy and Xander also has this sweet interaction where Buffy has a whole speech about how much he means to her, except… We really are just pretending that Empty Places didn’t happen, huh. No resolution, we’re just ignoring it.

But that’s sort of a conceit that you have to get used to in order to enjoy these episodes. This is about what happened in the previous 144 episodes, it doesn’t always follow up on the micro level the story we’re telling with this particular season.

Speaking of Xander, his subplot in this episode is a bit… weird? He chloroforms Dawn and essentially kidnaps her, because Buffy wants her out of town to protect her, and when she wakes up, she tazes him back to turn around the car. So… good for them?

Their conversation also tries to fill in the Miss Kitty Fantastico-shaped hole that’s been plaguing the show for seasons now, by implying that she was the victim of a crossbow accident, and nooooooooooooo! Not Miss Kitty Fantastico!!!!

On the other end of the story meanwhile, we’re briefly introduced to the concept of Guardians, which I’m still a bit murky on? I guess we just wanted to end the show on a theme that’s about women watching over other women, as opposed to the whole patriarchal Watcher hierarchy. A group that also seems to advocate for change over maintaining the status quo, if we consider what the scythe’s power can be used for.

And then Angel shows up to cheer Buffy on as she fights Caleb, they kiss, and we end on the most pointless cliffhanger with Spike watching it happen.

Is this really the note that we’re gonna be ending the episode on, leading up to our series finale? Really? Really?

Sigh. Well, okay. Be like that.

[theasiantvshipper-blog]

The Shadowhunters 3x20 “City of Glass” Theories and Predictions- Dark Clary Storyline

Alas! The penultimate episode of the season is here, not withstanding the 2-hour series finale following it and I can’t wait to see how this debauchery of a season plays out. I’d like to think the TV Movie finale will redeem what the writers have failed to achieve this entire season, so here’s hoping. 

I will make my predictions based on the material made available to all of us via Episode Promo, Episode Stills, Teasers and BTS photos from the Cast and Crew. And I will do so in a per story arc/plot line basis so it’s much easier to digest. Also Tumblr, might not let me publish it if it’s too long. 

Quick Recap:

Magnus has his magic back, thanks to the brilliantly executed plot line of Asmodeus swooping in like the “father” (sure) that he is or should have been. We see you Asmodaddy, you’re still up to no good.

Sizzy is at boiling point this episode, can someone please give us the kiss already and be done with it. The entire fandom has been waiting for this and prolonging it any further is just going to lose its steam. Trust me, blue balls never looked good on anyone. Especially, not Simon. 

Dark Clary and Team Evil- welp, this is my least favorite arc of the season. Like y’all just couldn’t make do without making those racy scenes of Clace and Jonathan, cant you? Jesus.

Malec- how many times do I have to stress that this arc needs to be wrapped up, stat! The angst behind this arc is borderline psychopathic and it’s not very healthy. These writers have a thing for angst and we totally get it but that doesnt mean we’re here for it, every single episode. Y’all must be tripping.

Now on to the episode preview:

City of Glass- with a title like this, everyone is bound to have high expectations. This is after all an iconic book in what should have been a trilogy of CC. Why they named the episode such still baffles me given that they are already in the Heavenly Fire arc. But hey, we have Aku Cinta Kamu this week and that didn’t have anything to do with Malec breaking up, so there’s that. 

My best guess is they are taking some elements from the City of Glass book (namely, the attack on Idris by the demons etc) while keeping in line with the Heavenly Fire arc (Jonathan and his unending quest for the Morningstar sword to end the Shadow world). So we might be seeing a crossover of sorts but in the subtlest of ways, I hope. The first arc they will close might be the Dark Clary/Jonathan arc first: 

With the Glorious sword already forged, Jace, Alec, Izzy, Simon and Luke are back at the war table to devise a plan to save Clary from Jonathan and that means, they need to stab her with the Glorious sword in order to free her. Prior to this, we have Meliorn visiting the Institute to meet with Alec and Jace, probably to form an unlikely alliance with them or to blame them for what happened to their Queen, either way, Meliorn will prove to be useful to them in tracking Clonathan’s whereabouts and the sword. 

Meanwhile, back at the evil lair (wherever that maybe); we know that Clonathan has the Seelie Queen, and that conniving bitch has the Morningstar Sword, so the only way to the sword is through the Queen. I could think of only 2 ways this scene ends, but first let’s address the fact that in the episode promo, Clary is seen beating the shit out of the Seelie Queen (because that’s how they make the baddies talk these days, right?). With that in mind, I’m guessing they can either kill the Queen (which they can’t) or the Queen will form an alliance with Clonathan creating a more formidable Team Evil in the works. Or she could just use the sword as a bargaining chip for her life, that works too. Convenient and practical and she won’t get killed. Oh that woman, always so clever. 

The retrieval of the sword is successful (because how else are they going to open the rift to Edom, right?) but Jace and Izzy arrive just in time to stop them from doing anything stupid (as if opening a rift to Edom isnt stupid enough). And let me guess, the location of the sword will be in Idris/Alicante.

So they go into battle with Dark Clary and her line: “i told you what will happen if you got in my way again” (as if Jace ever took your threat seriously, biscuit). So Morningstar Sword vs Glorious Sword (Clary vs Izzy) and Jace vs Jonathan, I wonder how that will play out. I guess the answer is pretty obvious, Clary gets stabbed by the sword, severing her ties to Jonathan and bringing her old self back. Which pisses off Jonathan and he launches into this even darker path to destruction, way to go adding fuel to the fire guys! There’s a good chance both swords won’t be destroyed yet at this point because one is needed to open the rift to Edom and another to kill off Jonathan. 

With Clary and the squad back in Idris, this arc is now officially closed to give way for Jonathan’s main arc: Destruction of the Shadow World aka Hell on Earth. With the Seelie Queen as his new ally (I maybe wrong), Jonathan is even more determined to kill them all, and make Clary her Queen. I am choosing to ignore the promo that shows Clary and Jonathan almost kissing (and while that is a part of the City of Glass book canon), I just can’t bring myself to appreciate it on-screen. 

On to the next arc, shall we? 

[tanaka-asuka-san]

I’m watching so many anime this season! Geeze. 10 anime is gonna take some work to keep up with every week. Whew. Here’s my watch list if anyone is interested!

Yuru Camp is by far my favorite so far and honestly I don’t think that’s gonna change. It’s adorable, fun, and has some really great scenery shots. Someone take me camping when it’s chilly outside! I’ll love you forever!

Violet Evergarden is up next! I’ve been waiting for this show for quite a while now. Ever since I saw the PV for it months and months ago I’ve been wanting it to air. Needless to say episode 1 was not a letdown. Dat animation...

Darling in the FRANXX is next. I saw some promotional stuff for this one just before the season started and when I found out it was made by TRIGGER I was in. Zero Two is pretty great so far.

Continuing from last season we have Mahoutsukai no Yome. I fell in love with the animation for this one as soon as I saw it. It is sweet when it needs to be and fairly tense other times. Can’t wait to see what we get in the second half.

Next up is Märchen Mädchen. This one is one of the few I may end up dropping at some point. I enjoyed the first episode and it was cute and all, but I wasn’t 100% grabbed by it like I was by the others so far. We will see. Also there’s no gifs of this one yet wtf?

Breaking the halfway point we have Kokkoku. This is one I just happened to see on a list of upcoming anime and decided to check out. I really liked the first episode and am excited to see where it goes from here.

The next one was recommended to me by @abyssal-one-riful, Mitsuboshi Colors. It’s cute, fun, and perfect to watch after a lot of tense stressful anime. We need more cute shows to to break up the edgy monotony anime falls into sometimes.

Toji No Miko is up next. This one I saw in the list of airing anime on Crunchyroll and decided to give a go. So far I like the animation. The fights have been quick and rather to the point which I honestly like. It’s nice to see an anime not have painfully drawn out fighting sequences. 

The penultimate anime on my watch list is Sora yori mo Tooi Basho. This is another one that I found on Crunchroll. A girl wants to do more than just go through her school career and meets another girl who is going to go to Antarctica to find out what happened to her mom. It’s cute and interesting.

And last but not least we have Citrus. I saw this one making some waves because anytime an anime comes out where there’s lesbians in it people tend to talk about it. So far it’s fairly cute albeit a bit lewd in some places. Personally I think I’ll keep up with it as long as it doesn’t go down the “hey straight guys here’s gay girls to oggle and drool over.” And it seems so far like it won’t do that. 

I am also watching RWBY currently but I believe that ends next week so I’m gonna count it as part of last season with a bit of rollover.

[rkroyalsurvival-blog]

Time until the finale winds down ever quicker, minute after minute disappearing into thin air, until the tension of the production staff becomes a very physical thing felt by all. Worst of all, is the cloud of oppressive stress emanating from the Royal CEO, the man all growls and caffeine-loaded as he enters into the Seocho theatre venue like a thunderstorm. Something is off, worrisome-- yet not even the head producer dares to question it as So Jisub drags out his chair from under the table and sinks down onto it.

“Is Yejin here yet?” Jisub snaps out coolly, and the producer jumps in place, paling.

“Getting her makeup on now--”

“Baekhyun? Kangjoon?”

“Also getting ready.” A usually composed man, the producer’s hand is visibly trembling as he lays down the script for the day’s filming in front of Jisub, the latter who looks at it without another word. Taking this as a signal to continue, the producer rattles off the schedule for the day: assessing the performances one by one with the introductions done by the MCs, the elimination and finally the sorting of the two final groups--

“That’s fine.” Jisub cuts the man off with a sharp movement of his hand. He sips at the cooling coffee he holds in his hand and nods towards the figure of Han Yejin, who approaches the table with a polite smile. Thanking the producer for his time, the CEO switches his attention to his talent, who greets him with the familiar warmth of long-time colleagues. “You ready for today?” he questions pointedly.

Yejin smiles brightly, her brown eyes sparkling with the charm she’s known for by all. “You bet.”

Episode start.

“For your next challenge, you will be individually acting out scenes to test your chemistry and performance on camera. As idols, releasing MVs for every comeback is a must and more than one of you will be asked to act in scenes that lend credibility to the song’s story.”

Scenes from the last episode serve to refresh a viewer’s mind of the penultimate challenge; after this there is just one performance left that decides the fate of the final ten girls. The expressions of the contestants as they learn the news is a mixture of dismay and also of relief-- relief that it’s almost over, and dismay that this will be the true ending. Some will have to return back to the companies they’ve taken flight from, and others still will have to linger in the hallways of Royal, their envious eyes tracking the progress of those who have defeated them to take the coveted positions of Luxe’s girl group.

It’s enough pressure to cope with that even So Jisub feels grateful he doesn’t have to endure it himself. Imagine, an elimination show for CEOs. He smiles in amusement, chuckling quietly at the thought even as the camera’s attention focuses elsewhere: specifically, on the well-dressed trio standing to the far left of the stage’s floor. Lights shine down upon them, flattering the handsome faces of Seo Kangjoon and Byun Baekhyun as they stand to either side of the beautiful Royal senior, Han Yejin.

“Welcome to Royal Survival!” she greets the camera with professional flair, all smiles and glancing at both of her co-hosts with acted warmth. “I’m your host, Han Yejin, and I’m joined by--” The boys introduce themselves one by one and So Jisub’s smiles fondly as he looks proudly at these three. Jewels, all of them; one already polished and the other two with so much potential. 

“Without further ado,” Kangjoon begins, “We will introduce the first two contestants!” He and Han Yejin do so, announcing that Ahn Hyojin and Jegal Seoyoung are the first to come to the stage to receive their individual feedback. A second, central camera hones in on the two girls and the director speaks through the earpiece in Jisub’s ear to signal him to begin.

“First of all, I must congratulate you two -- and all of you -- for your professional behavior on the set,” Jisub starts off. “Based on my supervision and also after speaking with Noh Jihoon personally, who had nothing to say but kind things regarding your work ethic, I’m proud of what I’ve seen out of all of you so far. It’s exactly the kind of behavior I expect of future professionals in this industry. Now, with that being said...” The CEO gestures towards the large screen set up behind the girls, where a clip from Elly’s filming appears, ready to be played. “... Let’s see how you did.”

The chosen scene for Elly is the breakup one, in which the audience sees Noh Jihoon partnered up with her, his expression full of confused dismay as the couple begins to yell and fight. The music of “One Spring Day” complements the edited clip but all eyes are on Elly as she bursts into tears after an explosive confrontation and falls to the floor, huddled and sobbing.  The emotions come through clearly and everyone is quiet as Jisub resumes control of attention. “Elly, truthfully… anyone on set could see that particular scene affected you greatly,” he says gently. “I don’t know what personal experience leads to a breakdown like that but, to be called truly acting, it’s better if you are able to separate yourself from the character instead of roleplaying as yourself, as Elly, up there on screen. Still…” He smiles warmly. “I am pleased with this performance. You did well to convey the heartbreak and we all felt it, I’m sure.”

Jegal Seoyoung is up next and Jisub watches critically as the scene unfolds of her gentle moments along with Jihoon as couple. Hugging him, fluttering her eyelashes eyes at him-- all are expressions designed to make the heart flutter, so long as they aren’t perceived as artificial. “Pretty,” Jisub concedes to her. He taps the end of his pen thoughtfully against the surface of the table. “However, Seoyoung, the problem with being too expressive is… funnily, being too expressive. When you were looking at Jihoon and it went to a close-up, your expression went unfocused on him-- which makes one wonder if you were thinking of someone else at the time. Substitution acting is fine but, even with that style, being present in that scene with your fellow actor is beyond important. Chemistry will certainly fade if you’re not connecting with your partner behind the camera. Keep that in mind.”

Jisub dismisses both and leaves it up to Yejin and Baekhyun to introduce the next pair as Jo Eunae and Jung Soojung. The two girls come on stage and the same pattern unfolds as before: watching the scenes before critique is given to each individually. For Eunae’s breakup scene with Jihoon, the CEO’s expression isn’t entirely pleased as the scene concludes on the large screen. He takes a moment to collect his thoughts before saying simply, “Don’t take it too hard, Eunae, since acting is not an easy talent for everyone. For most people, honestly. You did your best and that’s all anyone can ask for.”

For Soojung, the CEO’s mood doesn’t improve in the least. He watches the Soojung on screen’s passive face as she packs her clothes in the suitcase and finds his heart not moving at all to it in reaction. It’s discouraging and he sighs deeply in response. “Soojung…” Jisub calls out, not unkindly, “Like Eunae, this doesn’t seem to be natural ability for you. Truthfully, I wasn’t expecting prodigy-level acting out of any of you but to lack such presence even on camera… is worrisome.” He leaves it at that, leaning back in his seat and dismissing both girls back to their lines before signaling to the MCs to move on.

“A tough run so far, but will there be a winner among the flowers?” Baekhyun asks brightly as he introduces the next pair as Kim Seolhyun and Lee Jihyun. The favoritism of the Royal crew is perceivable as Kangjoon joins in with his own scripted lines, “I think we’re about to see some strong contenders here, Baekhyun! Let’s watch and see.”

If anything, Jisub’s stern expression stays that way as Seolhyun’s scenes are brought up on screen. For his own company trainees, the judgment is a lot tougher, as their acting abilities reflect on Royal’s training capabilities. Elly and Seoyoung had done fine enough, but these two, Seolhyun and Jihyun, had even more to prove to the audience. Seolhyun is up first and Jisub watches impassively as she endures the pain of the breakup scene. Her charisma is as strong as ever but, for the first time, the CEO finds himself disappointed. “It’d be better if you’d actually cried there,” he points out wryly, at the end of the scene. “Overall, not bad, but nobody's gonna believe you lost the love of your life there if you don’t put any real emotions behind it. Look at Elly back there. She lost someone or something and even if it wasn’t Jihoon, we could all see that.”

Jihyun is up next and Jisub finds himself immersed in the breakup scene she portrays on the screen. Her eyes fill up with tears and the CEO feels his own chest getting tight as he watches her mouth the words ‘Please don’t go.’ “Ah, Jihyun, you’re a tough one,” he muses quietly, afterwards. “It’s easy to forget I’m watching an idol on screen when I watch you up there -- the real definition of acting. You did well and I’m content with this. Excellent.”

Yejin uplifts the mood with a smile and a solo introduction of the next two, her favoritism also clear for Royal’s loyal family. Soohyun is shown to her strengths with the cheerful couple scene and Jisub finds himself smiling naturally as he perceives her youthful excitement. She is a pro at acting like herself and it’s a refreshing change from the heavy emotional drama of all the scenes before. “Scenes like this suit you, Soohyun,” he compliments her honestly. “I didn’t think the same of the breakup scene when I was watching you perform on set but… if we were to take this scene alone, I’d say you did a very fine job. I’m pleased.”

Next up is Manoban Lisa and the CEO watches, with growing pleasure, to see her interpretation of the couple scene with Noh Jihoon. There’s visible happiness in her eyes, and a realness of chemistry with Jihoon that had been noticeably lacking in the previous couple scenes. His nod of approval is genuine as the clip concludes. “Well done, Lisa. The best so far. You have some experience in acting already, I take it?” Facts he already knows, of course, but for the benefit of the watching audience, he capitalizes on her strengths. “You’re making my choice very difficult these days… the true wildcard of the bunch.” He smiles at her and that signals to Kangjoon to pick up his cue to continue.

“Now, everyone, we’re almost there!” Kangjoon says enthusiastically. Yejin joins him with an enthusiastic cheer and Baekhyun, too, as all three of them pick one last name to say aloud. Yejin chooses to announce Nam Dawon, Kangjoon chooses Park Chaeyoung, and finally Baekhyun calls for Yang Jiwon to join the others on the stage.

Dawon’s clip is shown first and all watch her on the large screen as she does her best to muster up an emotional performance for the breakup scene. But, like Seoyoung, even as the intent for sincerity is given, it does not translate into a perfect execution. Dawon being one of Jisub’s favorites, he is nevertheless disappointed, albeit not surprised to see this. “As I said before, I didn’t expect any of you to be prodigies at acting right off the bat. Especially when you’re paired up with someone who is a true professional.” Jisub offers up Dawon a compassionate smile. “This isn’t your strength, Dawon, but there’s always things to improve on. It was a good try.”

Rose and Jiwon are the final scenes to be shown to him and Jisub watches both breakup scenes with a typical discerning gaze for critique. What he sees in these scenes, however, takes him aback more than he expects. Rather than acting ability, it’s sincerity that’s portrayed in these scenes and steals his breath away. What could the girls have been thinking about when they huddle down like that and cry so desperately hard? He isn’t one to take a vested interest in his trainees’ personal lives but this has the CEO momentarily concerned, enough for him to make a mental note to have his staff check in on them after the show. If he’s noticed the details in their performances, it’s more than possible the audience will have caught onto it as well. Something he does not want to see talked about on netizen main pages.

 “I can say this has been quite the rollercoaster,” he says aloud, at last. The approving smile on his face says it all as he looks at Jiwon and Rose in turn. “Both of you did extremely well with this. A bit unpolished, the two of you, but we all were expecting that. Still, I’m impressed with you -- and the rest of you -- who didn’t hold back personally with this challenge. Had I suggested this early on, I can only wonder how many of you would have been too shy to show me some real displays of emotion. In the end, many of you gave yourselves to this challenge admirably and it shows. Job well done.”

“Now, I have made my decision.” He had been thinking of eliminations long and hard during the feedback sessions, the thought formulating in his mind and honed down only by the girls’ performances that he’d been witness to before and after this one’s performance. “I’ve said it plenty before and I’ll say it again: You all have done so well to make it this far and I’m proud of each and every one of you. However, now that we are so close to the finale, I must become even more exacting about what I’m looking for in the members of Luxe. This elimination tonight was not solely based on this challenge alone but about things overall--- the group dynamic, your participation in challenges, your relationships with the other girls… all of this mattered.” When the girls are gathered and all lined up on stage, So Jisub locks eyes with Jung Soojung. “Soojung, you will be the one to leave tonight. Thank you for being such a strong competitor all this time. I look forward to seeing how you grow under Baek Jiyoung’s wings again.”

The MCs take over once again, smoothing over the eruption of feelings on stage that result over the elimination result as Yejin speaks up calmly. “There’s just one episode left, right, sajangnim?” she asks brightly and So Jisub nods in acknowledgement. She continues, “What can we expect from it?”

“The girls who are left standing on stage with you will have one more chance to prove themselves to me,” he announces for everyone to hear. The camera focuses directly on his expressionless face as Jisub goes on to explain: “I will now split you into two groups but the catch is -- no one here is in Major or Minor any longer. In my opinion, all of you have ascended to the Major category and all of you have an equal chance to debut in the Luxe I envision. I have divided you now based on who I believe you match up with best and these will be the groups I will consider in the finale as the final Luxe. Of course, a plot twist can always be expected,” he adds on with an amused smile. “Someone truly outstanding may make it into the group no matter which team they’re on now.”

“Your groups are as follows,” Jisub continues. “Group A will be Yang Jiwon, Jo Eunae, Lee Jihyun, Manoban Lalisa, and Lee Soohyun, while Group B will be Park Chaeyoung, Jegal Seoyoung, Kim Seolhyun, Ahn Hyojin, and Nam Dawon.”

End of episode.

EPISODE 7 and 8, Writing Prompt:

Congratulations on reaching the finale episode! It’s been a long, emotional ride and we’ve almost reached the conclusion, thank goodness! You will only have one writing prompt as a result of Episode 7, as Episode 8 will be a reflection of these performances, a recap of everything that’s happened over the show so far and, finally, the best of all -- the results for who will get to debut in Royal’s new girl group, Luxe!

So Jisub has separated the girls into two groups and each group is now expected to perform one group song individually, as well as all ten contestants participating in a full-group ensemble performance to surprise the audience in the last episode. The requirements are as follows:

Group A: Yang Jiwon, Jo Eunae, Lee Jihyun, Manoban Lalisa, Lee Soohyun will be performing to Minx’s “Why Did You Come to My House?”

Group B: Park Chaeyoung, Jegal Seoyoung, Kim Seolhyun, Ahn Hyojin, Nam Dawon. will be performing to Playback’s “Want You to Say”

* As a full ten-member group, you will perform to Nine Muse’s Wild.

In the individual group performances, you may decide as a group on your wardrobe and part distribution with the sole exception of the main rappers. Elly and Eunae must take on the full rap verses provided in the songs. Choreography for all three songs will be provided to you by Yoo Jaekyung and you will be allowed to organize with her the schedule for group rehearsals during the week. Remember, you will only have ONE week to do this. For the full ensemble “Wild” performance, the girls will be asked to wear the original costumes seen in the reference video. Part distribution for the ensemble will be at your discretion but, it should go without saying, play to your strengths!

For this episode’s writing opportunities:

Required: write a 300+ word performance solo about your individual group performance only.

Optional: write a 300+ word preparation solo about preparing for the group performances, whether individual or the ensemble performance. Costume fittings, rehearsals, etc.

Optional: write a 300+ interview solo about your muse reflecting on the entirety of the show so far. You will schedule a time with a producer to oversee this, in which they will provide your muse with a hand-held camera and one hour of film time to talk about whatever you’d like to for the finale. You may choose any location that you wish for this interview - feel free to be creative!

The reward for writing the required solo is +5 SKILL POINTS TO BE DISTRIBUTED AS YOU WISH, +10 CHARISMA POINTS, and +5 DEBUT points, as well earning +1 week of a related PERFORMANCE achievement. Additionally, all girls will automatically receive +1 week VARIETY achievement for being present during Episode 7. Point forms will always be due the Wednesday after a deadline passes; this means for Episode 7, verification forms should be submitted after the Activity Check post on Wednesday, December 6th. These form dates have been added to the writing schedule, so refer to it periodically to make sure everything is being submitted on time!

ROYAL SURVIVAL EPISODE 7 (for the Dec 6th form)

[ x ]  *one 300+ word performance solo

+5 ____ POINTS

+10 CHARISMA POINTS

+ 5 DEBUT POINTS

+1 WK PERFORMANCE ACHIEVEMENT (CURRENT LEVEL + NUMBER OF TIMES TAKEN)

+1 WK VARIETY ACHIEVEMENT (CURRENT LEVEL + NUMBER OF TIMES TAKEN)

+ NEW DEBUT POINTS TOTAL:

The deadline for all solos is midnight EST at the end of December 3rd, and please tag each solo with #royalsurvival7. If you have any questions, feel free to send them to the Royal Survival inbox!

For the Royal MCs, Byun Baekhyun and Seo Kangjoon, you may use this episode as the proof post of your participation in this event. Please provide this verification form along with your usual workshop forms for the December 6th activity check.

ROYAL SURVIVAL EPISODE 7 (for the Dec 6th form)

[ x ]  * link to this post

+10 CHARISMA POINTS

+ 2 DEBUT POINTS

+1 WK RADIO/TV HOSTING (CURRENT LEVEL + NUMBER OF TIMES TAKEN)

+ NEW DEBUT POINTS TOTAL:

[floggingink]

Riverdale: “Chapter Twelve: Anatomy of a Murder”

this is the penultimate episode of Riverdale, I can’t believe this is happening, I’m frothing at the mouth

Veronica was rich: “We’re not talking about the Vogue closet here, B.” the sheer fabulous gall of Veronica is—is exhilarating. “It’s not the Met ball.” this is the trailer of the man she just BURGLED

Archie > Dawson: the same goes for Archie’s newfound, forthright belief in truth, justice, and the American way: “My dad will know what to do.” isn’t Archie on Jughead’s side the greatest thing you’ve ever seen? isn’t this BETTER than inexplicably outing him as the son of a trans-Canadian mobster? isn’t this BETTER than letting the Mongol hordes swarm into his house in the middle of Jughead’s birthday party? isn’t this the BEST THING EVER?

the Andrews have some truly calm nature scene reproductions hanging on their walls

Please protect Betty: Betty, who does not know where Jughead is, is close, CLOSE to strangling Alice: “MOM, no, we JUST told you.” “MOM. YOU were the one ASKED Veronica to break IN.”

Certified pedigree: the dynamics among the four parents: “ALICE.”

Archie looks quite nice, in his own dopey soft bro way, with his dress shirt untucked under his blazer, and his Converses

Fred’s comment how “FP may have ruined Jughead’s life” puts into words something awful

our girl Betty wears ankle-cut sky blue Polo Ralph Lauren socks to bed. to, you know, go with her boxers

the female gaze: Archie is so stressed that he’s put a shirt on

I love the dumb thing people on TV do when they text and then use that person’s name in the message, or sign off with their name, as if the receiver doesn’t know who they themselves are or don’t have their friend in their contacts and would be getting such a text anonymously: I’m sure there’s something like “Meet me at 8 - Blair” a thousand times on Gossip Girl, you know

God, that show was terrible

HOWEVER, Betty very sweetly capitalizes “Arch” but not “jughead,” which is extremely realistic and she’s nervous right now so “Arch” is for emphasis, okay

his friends going behind his back, his father arrested for murder, and the family trailer torn to pieces, Drama Prince Jughead Jones goes straight to THE BUS STATION to get a TRAIN TICKET to go to OHIO

then has a moment of Type-B forethought and calls ahead

his slow, delayed delivery of “I...got a bus ticket...to Toledo” betrays his TERROR at committing to this weirdness and being potentially rejected

he’s rejected

by his mother

can’t sleep in the bus terminal!!! REJECTED

Veronica’s shimmery silky blue pajama set

“Pack a bag, just in case”: what would Veronica put in an emergency overnight bag? character study prompt

Gay?!:  Archie has YET ANOTHER brainwave and leads them to the bus station, and I don’t care how long the delay is until he learns he was right, he just missed Jughead by a half-hour, HE WAS RIGHT. Archie is basically Jughead’s Sam Spade

I like the run-around of missing and finding Jughead, which serves no purpose other than passing time tensely and demonstrating that Archie can think of things and Veronica can think of things

the implied conversation Betty and Archie had wherein they live next to each other and can run somewhere quickly together and that there was “no time” to wait for Veronica to get over there

Jughead eats: Jughead, in his sorrows, ordered a very hot cup of coffee

Fwoopy hair is the best hair: and plopped his hat on the tabletop, out of exhaustion

his ANGUISHED WHISPER, “What are you talking about?” Jughead, honestly, this child, JUGHEAD

BRILLIANCE having FP lie about stealing the murder files to cement his innocence. obviously he couldn’t have murdered Jason because he’s been arrested for murdering Jason and this would betray television. but Keller’s like, “You broke into my house?” and FP is like...someone broke into this shit’s house and I have to fucking say yes to this? Did I fucking kidnap the fucking Lindbergh baby too? What the fuck?

Veronica put her Homecoming jacket back on? round of applause for Veronica

Jughead STARING at his father being LED AWAY in HANDCUFFS having CONFESSED TO MURDER YEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSS

the WOOOOOM. WOOOOOM. soundtrack is very Dust Brothers’ Fight Club

the Blossom breakfast spread is NICE. waffles, lots of mixed berries, raspberry mimosas or something, like, waffles, WAFFLES!!!

Cheryl is either wearing a massive choker or else her sweater itself has metallic studs on the high neck, with a spider pin ON TOP OF THEM, like an insane Elizabethan lady

Polly’s aborted “He killed Jason? Not…” is like—WAY too dangerous! Jesus, Polly!

Penelope’s black blouse with the red poppy print is the most normal mom-thing she’s ever worn

Clifford Blossom was ALLOWED to sit with FP in the interrogation room? I have never seen THAT on Law & Order

Archie at lunch that day is in a tight, bright blue Henley like Steve Rogers wears under his Captain America suit in The Avengers

Archie is also eating some sort of vanilla pudding in a cup

SECRET HOLDING HANDS!!!!!!

Jughead walking into the cafeteria is the stuff of legends, but there’s a girl sitting at one of the tables as he walks past, and she’s in a denim romper with a lavender pastel turtleneck and a curly bob and a pink smokey eye and she must be SEEN to be believed

Cheryl’s sheaths: Cheryl is wearing a red high-waisted miniskirt, cropped black sweater, off-black hose, red velvet leg warmers, shiny red pumps

remember how Cheryl ruined his birthday party like last week and now he’s coming up to her to apologize for something he didn’t do?

CLASSIC!!!!! CLASSIC!!!! WALLOPING on the chest of a boy who only tangentially did the Bad Thing as he stands there and takes it out of STOIC GUILT

you think Cheryl “knows” FP didn’t do it and decides to pity-guilt-love-hate slap the shit out of Jughead anyway? I have a lot of feelings about Cheryl and Jughead that I didn’t know I had, especially in the wake of RAS’s “two sides of the same coin” tweet. the operatic tragedies of their lives are so parallel, or at least perpendicular, that honestly they’re going to be intertwined, as emotional empathetic humans, for the rest of their Riverdale lives. Jughead’s tragedy sleeps on the floor and Cheryl’s is luxurious terror and ABSOLUTELY SILENT dinner parties with honey-glazed hams, but really if you rebrand Jughead from the “son of a local gang leader” to an “heir to a Mafia family,” you almost create a Cheryl. look, he wears a hat, she wears a lot of red. they’re both odd. they’re obsessed not with murder, but with Jason’s murder. they’re obsessed with themselves. they crave spectacle, drama, gossip, and they trust no one, and they know they are alone, because they’ve isolated themselves and no one quite speaks their language. and they’re fixated on the Cooper girls. CHERYL AND JUG

it all comes to a sadomasochistic head, anyway, luridly, really greatly, with Cheryl beating the hell out of Jughead’s chest, as the Drama Ho just stands there and clearly plans on standing there until Cheryl stops

Archie HAULS her off of him like Moose HAULED Jughead off of Reggie

“He was apologizing! He didn’t do anything wrong!”

Cheryl’s a psychopath: “I barely touched him,” says Cheryl, as Jughead’s mouth bleeds

it took twelve episodes for Jughead to call someone “a dick”

honestly my favorite Jughead moment of the night is the way he stops walking and rubs the inside corner of his eye, out of fucks to give, a little repeating Jughead tic, perfectly timed

just as Jughead told Betty she was the only thing holding her family together, right now frankly Betty is holding the Joneses together too

What damn high school in America: the Bee certainly knew to call Mr. Andrews specifically to talk to about Jughead

“Well, can we call? The school board?” PRECIOUS ARCHIE. there’s always someone else he can try and talk to. always another recourse. it might be dumb as fuck but he is out there trying

“Good thing mom’s a lawyer!” Archie’s Step Two is his father adopting Jughead Jones. I am throttling wild animals for Archie rn

Archie’s voice cracks at “Jug.” after Jughead says he’s sleeping in the garage

Jughead is sleeping in the GARAGE. when was the last time he slept in a real bed? literally years?

Mädchen Amick, MÄDCHEN AMICK: Alice is clearly thrilled at possibly getting to shoot someone

I want it on the record that I said “He WAS a Blossom” right BEFORE Hal said it and thus should receive screenwriting royalties from the CW

Betty has to tell everyone she’s a Blossom by blood now. she has to go to Archie and tell him she’s related to Cheryl. she has to tell Jughead. over the next couple of days, I’m going to try and imagine Jughead’s reaction

These students are legally children: remember the pilot of Riverdale? where Betty’s biggest problem was that her mom didn’t want her to be a cheerleader? look now, children. poisoned milkshakes. Jughead Jones in a white tank top. Catholic pregnancy asylums. football drug mules. psychologically astute references to Romeo and Juliet. the concept of a “Dark Betty.” a symbolic pearl necklace, of familial blackmail. murder, over maple syrup. and incest: so much incest that we thought it was going to be one kind of incest, but it turned out that that incest was just a red herring and the actual incest was this other incest

Thornhill has some incredible glass windows inside the foyer. like some Tiffany Deco shit. am I making this up? yes. it’s nice glass~

Best costume bit: Polly’s pajamas are black with a white bow print, because Polly

bit rich of any hypothetical Riverdale character to cite their family as the “mentally stable” family

Alice has a butterfly pin on her trench coat that she just keeps there, or else she tosses it on en route, Hal driving furiously

“Nothing could be more purely Blossom than those babies.” OOOOOOOOOOOH MY GOOOOOOOOOOODDDDDDD SHE SAID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Every triangle has three corners, every triangle has three sides: Polly is HORRIFIED, she is no longer carrying “her boyfriend’s babies,” she is now carrying “intra-Blossom spawn”

Cliff trots out the third cousins/“Jane Austen people did this all the time” defense, “Tutankhamun’s mother was also his aunt,” “This is why Alexei had hemophilia”

actually I think Polly and Jason (and Cheryl, and Betty) are second cousins, if they share the same great-grandparents. the number of G’s is the number of cousins

the look on Penelope’s face when she grabbed Betty and tried her last “You’ve made a mistake” move and Betty DOESN’T look taken aback in the least

Jughead at Pop’s after he got some sleep has turned the corner from utter despair to channeling his pain into quips, all is back to normal: “Don’t forget that pesky confession.”

his morbid, defensive flippancy grosses Archie out, as it did in the second episode

Jughead reading the list of his father’s sins aloud, starting to cry

the pervasive blues and greys inside the cell

FP still dressed in his T-shirt and flannel, lounging on his cot like some possibility, some paralyzing tarot card of Jughead’s future

Fifth period is AP English: clearly what cuts deepest for Jug was his father only reading his writing to see what he thought about the murder, TENDER CHILD

FP yells at him! this propels Jughead across the floor! FP stands to join him at the bars! dynamic emoting, blocking!

“I’m sorry I got caught. We done?” is FP’s version of the thing, I don’t even know where it’s from, like a little boy trying to get his dog that he loves to run away from him: “Go! Go on! Get out of here! GET OUT OF HERE YOU STUPID DOG I LOVE.”

the miniscule instant between his father telling him never to come back and him saying “Got it,” Jughead is figuring some SHIT OUT! this boy should be bathed in overcast blue Pacific Northwest lighting all the time, because it makes his astrological beauty marks stand out and his lips look violet like he’s drowned and Jughead should always look a little post-mortem, like a little consumptive, a little ill. The Ring had really good cinematography, okay

the frankly Ingmar Bergman shot of FP bearing down on Jughead with the prison bar perfectly bisecting his face

Kevin coming through at Joaquin’s interrogation! already better at this than his dad!

Jason LITERALLY wore that all-white outfit for his “running through the woods tf out of here” errand, Jesus, the Blossoms

Kevin, choking back tears: “You. Are a criminal.” yeah, you knew this, Kev

Jughead doubts it: THANK YOU, JUGHEAD IS FINALLY TALKING TO BETTY AGAIN FOR REAL, THANK GOD, HOLY GOD LET’S ALL GET BACK TOGETHER HERE GUYS

good JESUS Mustang’s corpse covered in like infected needle marks and shit???? but we can’t say “abortion” in this time slot???

unexpected touching moment of Archie starting to cry in his dad’s truck, overwhelmed by the awfulness of seeing a dead body, a local motel

honestly it’s about time Hermione Lodge dramatically collapsed into tears

Sixth Period is Intro to Film: OH YOU KNOW JOAQUIN’S ON A BUS TO SAN JUNIPERO

Gay.: nice kiss too boys!!!!!! Joaquin is getting out of town before FP has him killed from prison

Cheryl’s pins: the brooch clasped at Penelope’s throat over her deep purple blouse is old school

Cheryl’s hair: the perfect coil of red hair over her left shoulder is BACK

something about Cheryl calling them “mommy” and “daddy” and “Jay-Jay” is like so self-aware-ed-ly infantilizing and treading-on-glass and pretending there’s like a status quo to the hierarchy of their family and it’s how careful Cheryl has to be navigating her house and how she like adores her Blossomity yet fears the Blossoms, YOU KNOW? CHERYL? GOD?

Penelope is going to dissociate at this fireplace until she is forced out of it

uuummmmnnnnn honestly when Penelope purred “So many questions, Cheryl,” I thought Cheryl was officially going to be killed

I missed you, Murder Board

Penelope hauling Cheryl out in the squelchy mud to the big red barn, speaking of The Ring

“The police found another dead body.” “Okay, maybe not that.”

okay, so FP told Joaquin to leave for his own safety from...other people. turns out FP is kind of decent

I’ve seen Brick like thirty times: there are officially tears of overstimulating in Jughead’s eyes as their flashlight beams all highlight “Jason”

Jughead has moved on to the “acceptance” stage of processing his father’s guilt, which in turn cements Betty’s doubt into refusal

“Betty, this is weird.” no, this is PERFECT

Veronica is confused but game, Jughead looks politely interested

Summer + Blair = Veronica: Veronica, chiming in: “Or my Mont Blanc.”

the Blossom corpse: Sad Breakfast Club were some nervous children watching the snuff tape, but I’m willing to be they were not as nervous AS ME WATCHING THEM WATCH THE SNUFF TAPE, SPEAKING OF THE RING

I also like the in-character blocking of the way they sat and took it in: Veronica leans forward, Archie and Betty are very still, Jughead has his hands steepled in front of his mouth, Betty’s eyes water

Veronica, again the Queen of Bedside Empathy, finally bursts her dam and starts to cry, Archie puts his hand on Jughead’s shoulder in soft bro comfort

I’m writing a scene where it’s gay.: BETTY TELLS CHERYL THE PHONE CALLS ARE COMING FROM INSIDE HER HOUSE

I WAS ONE TENSE BITCH WHILE CHERYL WALKED DOWN HER STAIRCASE

Riverdale absolutely delivered with the extreme close-up of Cheryl’s Realizing Eyes, like the extreme close-up of Betty’s Realizing Eyes at Homecoming, her spidery black mascara and pink smokey eye, the single tear

Cheryl FOR REAL descends this staircase like the most tragic betrayed princess, like a Tudor queen, walking to her death, of all time, ever, if only Jughead could see this

Mother and Father are apparently eating salad and rolls without her

there are truly no words to totally encompass the magnanimous drama, the scope, the lurid horrifying beauty, the undiluted essence of Riverdale, Riverdale in one cosmic blip, one instant of true art grasped from the void that is Cheryl standing at her mother’s side and saying “You did a bad thing, daddy.”

more surprising to me than the fact that Clifford did it is the fact that Penelope didn’t know

LOL turns out FP was being a great father all along! but he was doing it in the most FP way possible!!!!! by going to prison LOLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!

was Clifford Blossom going to SHOOT JUGHEAD IN THE FACE? aiight, you’d have to find him first, dude

“My dad was protecting me from a monster.”

WHAT IS JUGHEAD SAYING TO SHERIFF KELLER, TELL ME

Mary Andrews picks up her bag and walks out into the mist like the priest at the end of The Exorcist

the TOTEMIC MASTERPIECE of Penelope and Cheryl, mother and daughter, at their staggered heights, pointing simultaneously towards the fucking barn

“Damn good coffee”: Clifford committed suicide old school, like Penelope’s brooch, he didn’t shoot himself in the mouth, okay, he hanged himself on a barrel full of syrup & drugs. RIP the OG Riverdale gangster

NEXT WEEK: Archie punches the snow!!!!!!!!!

[brimahandjohn]

25 Things Korean Dramas Taught Me

I'm relatively new to the world of Korean dramas, but I landed with a splash. With a few dramas under my belt, I thought it was time to share my two cents. Here are things I've learnt applied to real life(ish/sorta)

happily addicted at this point

1. If you're cute, two men will chase after you... one will often tell you your ugly though. 

 2. Other girls will hate you (bully you) for not being pretty enough for their leading men 

Don't they know its what's inside that counts? Gahhh!

 3. Perseverance. Never give up on getting your man...

No love is true till it withstands the test of time, side chicks, evil moms, dads, siblings... literally

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 4. Bullying is severe...

Oh what i'd give for our heroine to throw a knock out punch just once

 5. If you have another man chasing you,  go with him. The road to getting your leading man is treacherous.

I suffer from serious Second Lead Syndrome... the second lead is always the better man, but he's forever stuck in the friendzone! GAAHHHH! 

Okay, Young Do treated her worse, but what can I say? Them eyebrowssssss

 6. Mother in laws aren't your friend. You're never good enough for her son

Tell a lie, some mother in laws have been great... so that's a bit of a most times but not always.

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7. The scene isn't dramatic enough till you've seen it from a minimum of 5 different angles

Cut to close up- cut to aerial - long shot - close up again - now extreme close up cos we need to see the beads of sweat - finally dum dum dum... slow motion

 8. The leading man will forcefully grab your hand and pull for a hug at least 3x in the drama

whilst you walk away in extreme slow motion of course... I mean you're really trying to get away from him inni? Yhh...sure...

 9. The ditzyer the female the better

I know I said this already, but I mean, can we get more strong don't care about nothing female leads...

K! I spoke too soon, I've since discovered super strong female characters... but "playful kiss" will always have the most annoying first lead everrr!

 10. Your childhood love is always better the second time round as adults.

Your love isn't true unless you've met and had a moment at some point in your childhood... I mean how else would it be destiny?

11. Get you a chaebol and ghost

Oppa saranghaeyo... Lordt knows I need me a Chaebol

 12. Somehow, He always shows up to fight the bad guys just in the nick of time.

logistics for why... At this point I don't even question it anymore. *Que knock out punch from leading man in 5,4,3...*

 13. Revenge and Love are the only reasons.

Because why else...

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14. "Healer" was amazing.

Lordttt! The way Ji Chang-Wook switched it up from nerd to badass so effortlessly... I wasn't ready for all those facial expressions.

 15. Betrayal is a given...

What's a drama without betrayal tbh...

 16. If he doesn't give you a piggyback at some point, he doesn't love you.

Soju and a piggyback... recipes for a mess!

 17. Someone always denies their feelings till the last hour

Like... I know, he knows, they know...why don't you knoww... then we get a sweeping confession likee... Lardttt! so much angst!

 18. There's always another heffer who's tottally out of your league tryna win your man's heart.

tbh, I wouldn't even compete... like plis, have him... the stress she puts you through is too much mehn - Not too mention everyone is already ridiculously attractive. plis plis, lemme just stay in my lane.

19. Everything is fate or destiny.

Coincidence? What is that in dramaland...More like an irrevoqable power drawing us together because we're meant to be... durh 

 20. There's always a white man playing some sort of business man. - he's usually a bad actor.

I'm not here for them tbh... why's english the language of authority and intelligence? *speaks in english to prove how awesome I am* -_- 

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21. Everything happens in the penultimate episode. All the episodes prior are just build up. The last two minutes of an episode are the craziest though! So you can't help but binge watch. 

That penultimate episode usually has you hanging at the edge of your seat... my heart can't handle it tbh

 22. If your man doesn't cry at least once, does he really love you?

Girl, you better poke him and force a few tears out. Real men cry b!

 23. Diversity isn't really a thing... I screamed when I saw my first black character with lines!!

Yoooo!!! Moorim school had me gornnn, I was like "yasss gwarnn black man".

However, it's awesome how integrated and open the world is becoming! One step at a time.

 24. Melodramas are the next best thing after fairy tales

I've replaced my Fairy tale happy ending obsession with Melos...good guys win, baddies get shut down fi dead.

I should specify this whole list is practically only about melos... that's all I watch, I'll update it when I branch out...lol

 25. Get ready for a rollercoaster of angst, bitterness and tears (happy and sad tears btw)

If you're anything like me, you get invested the moment the leads open their mouths. Which means every slap, water throw and hardship stings. I still dislike some actors for evil roles they've played in the past.

Added a couple more, because damn... I need you to feel me!

But then some moments make it all worth ittttt...the fangirling never ends

ha! you must have thought I was done...

Finally..."There's a world outside your window"... 

Who'd have thought I'd love Korean dramas as much as this... the stories, the actors, the humour, even the shade... I'm bout ready to hit up Seoul like "where the partaaaay at"

Before I drop the mic, I wonder if anyone can guess my favourite dramas and actors from the gifs alone? LOL! 

I wrote this list when I first started my addiction (around April 2016). Having found it again whilst rummaging through my drafts - the land of forgotten posts lol - I realise it's slightly outdated. I've since learnt new things, so I should update it (maybe, oneday, we'll see).

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[samdukewieland]

Stuck Inside Media Diary Week 8

Something that’s been nice about going back through Mad Men has been re-reading/re-visiting old Sepinwall recaps on the episodes. I read him religiously throughout high school and college, amongst others, but have since drifted from the recap on shows, for no good reason. Probably because there’s generally a podcast I can just listen to rather than read something (jock at heart-sorry ¯\_(ツ)_/¯). This supposed to be a lesson in “go back and experience stuff from your high school years?” man, I don’t know; the venn diagram of things I did in high school and the things I do now is not small (or is it not big? What’s the best way to convey a lot of similarities with a venn diagram, size-wise). 

Sunday, May 10 (Mother’s Day)

The Third Man, Reed 1949

I was not super digging this while I was watching, it was late when I started watching it and it’s not slow exactly, but I was real curious how egg-zacktly Orson Wells was going to fit into the picture. Mysteries! I tells ya. Anyway, I’ve been stewing in it and realized, “huh, I think I actually like this movie quite a bit.” I think the Britishness, while not in your face, was secretly chipping away at my brain, already war-torn by tiredhead and then having a second wave of dry, British storytelling. Pretty good li’l picture (you could say that about movies in the 40′s-this isn’t uncommon).

Top Chef, Season 17 episode 4

This was done in an attempt to help my mom catch back up with Top Chef, which somewhat moved the needle, but I don’t think an episode (on her end) has been watched since. Mother’s Day: ruined.

Mad Men, “Tea Leaves”

My mom also watched this one with me, only because she just happened to be in the room. Her biggest hurdle with this show and her refusal to watch it is based solely on the fact that phones are ringing “all the time” and that “no one ever answers them.” Hard to refute it. She seemed mildly entertained by this episode, considering she had close to zero context for what was going on, thought that it was Ginsburg’s debut episode played some part into that. Pretty disorienting episode to be thrown into, what with the whole....Fat Betty thing (I was going to say “elephant in the room of Betty” but that just seemed cruel and trying too hard to try and be clever. An interesting, though ultimately aimless direction to take Betty this season and everyone involved kind of knows it.

The Last Dance, Parts 7 & 8

That this was the penultimate week of new Jordan doc created an unusual energy around the episodes, which were exciting in their own right as they went over his father’s murder, his baseball career and returning to basketball. But the thing that induced the most goosebumps was the “cliffhanger” (I am a moron) showdown between the Bulls and Pacers. 

Monday, May 11

Icarus, Fogel 2017 [as of now this is available on Netflix]

Kinda nice going into a documentary knowing hints of what it’s about and trying to figure out when it transitions to being about “X” but then you slowly realize you misremembered that information your friend Tommy told you and are surprised that it becomes about the Russian state (very possible I am misusing that term; just trying to sound smarter than I actually am). I don’t watch or know enough about documentaries to confidently state what’s a good one and what’s a great one-I think this one received some kind of critical backlash after it won Best Documentary, which happens. There’s definitely an intellectual superiority to saying you think less of a documentary that either wins that award or a lot of people like (in this case, both!). It’s engaging and accessible (another thing snobs hate) and has a misdirect that doesn’t blind side you; I don’t even care about the Olympics, but I felt sucked in.

Monty Python: Almost The Truth (Lawyers Cut), “The Much Funnier Second Episode - The Parrot Sketch - Flying Circus Included”

This one had more focus on the influence Flying Circus had on writers/comedians who were watching it at the time as kids (primarily). Lotta dudes. I can not stress how there are few things less appealing than hearing Russell Brand describing why Monty Python was funny (this was very much made in 2009).

Mad Men, “Mystery Date”

Some more Sopranos karaoke, though constructed a little bit better this time. This is also the episode that decides to flesh out Dawn (Don’s secretary, a joke that is never not funny) a little bit more, however Mad Men only does this when there’s “something to be said” about being black, which didn’t look great in 2012 and *flips through pages of notes* nope, still doesn’t look good here either. I suppose an argument you could bring up that is awfully flimsy is that they didn’t want to paint themselves into a Nikki and Paulo situation, in terms of never actually caring about digging deeper into Dawn’s story. I dunno man, I’m not trying to cast stones here.

Tuesday, May 12

The Taking Of Pelham One, Two, Three, Sargent 1974

What a white whale this movie’s been for me and brother, it feels good to have finally caught it. It’s insanely cool to go into a movie not knowing that it’s the 1974 version of Inside Man with a little bit of Dog Day Afternoon spliced in (pre-DDA mind you). This movie is packed with so many sarcastic assholes all working together in the same place, I loved it! I loved this movie! Cataloged in my brain as a Stop-Down-And-Watch if it’s on cable. However, my biggest gripe here is that Walter Matthau’s character is named “Zach,” a name that has never once been mistook for Walter Matthau’s; like there’s no way that they had Matthau casted before they came up with his name.

Mad Men, “Signal 30″

Beginning of the end of having any remote kind of sympathy for Pete Campbell. Hitting on high schoolers and shit. He wants so badly to be what he considers to be the best version of himself and will never be there.

Parks And Recreation, “The Set-Up”

Don’t know what it was about this particular viewing, but it landed better than it ever has this time around. Usually when I watch it, Arnett is so distracting and a much different energy than the show has created, but I don’t think I’ve ever laughed as hard watching this one as I did on this Tuesday morning. 

Wednesday, May 13

California Split, Altman 1974 [as of now this is available on Prime]

Hell yeh. Another movie I’ve been trying to see for a couple of years now, but feels nearly impossible to come across or find (note: to be fair, I have never checked to rent digitally, because I just don’t do that really ever, feels weird I don’t know why) and I found out on Tuesday night that it was put on Amazon Prime almost unceremoniously. I am by no means a gambler, so I have no idea if this is a good gambling movie, but it’s an incredible relationship and addiction movie. My introduction to Elliott Gould was Ocean’s Eleven where he is the opposite and still the same as the characters he played in the 70′s. The man has a debilitating incapacity to be effortlessly cool, even in a movie that he co-stars in with George Segal. I loved this movie.

Mad Men, “Far Away Places”, “At The Codfish Bowl”, “Lady Lazurus”

A great highlight of Don realizing he’s made a huge mistake marrying a 26-year-old. A great highlight of Roger Sterling is great with kids (and their grandmothers!). A great highlight of “Tomorrow Never Knows” fucking rules and uh, maybe wondering if Alexis Bledel is good? (certainly Rory Gilmore is good and it might’ve just been a “choice” to play this character so wooden, especially with what we know comes later on in the season)

Thursday, May 14

Cape Fear, Scorsese 1991

Apparently Spielberg was supposed to do this originally, but thought it was too violent and threw it over to Marty to get Schindler’s back from him (imagine trading those properties amongst yer friends-incredible). What’s real strange here is that he did’t give this to De Palma (I guess because it would’ve been in the wake of Bonfire), but it doesn’t really matter because Marty just goes and makes his version of a De Palma movie. It’s weird! However, when I wasn’t thinking about all of those things and being amazed at how much overt gore there was (overt for a Scorsese movie), I was shocked at the music I associate most with Sidewhow Bob (hold for Gilbert & Sullivan) is actually Max Cady’s music; like I knew that it was just Cape Fear but I had no idea it was just Cape Fear. 

Mad Men, “Dark Shadows”

Can’t go a season without a Don is actually Dick Whitman story/episode. That’s about it.

Friday, May 15

Becoming Mike Nichols, McGarth 2016 [as of now this is available on HBO]

This saved me a lot of time in the long run, should I ever read that new(ish) biography on Mike Nichols. It’s a pretty cut and dry interview focused purely on the prologue of Mike Nichols’s career, that’s a lot more interesting if you’re a theatre kid who doesn’t despise theatre kids (you know the type). Honestly, I was most engaged once Jack O’Brien pivoted towards his directing career outside of the theatre. Also gonna expose my ass here and say I didn’t realize Elaine May was that Elaine May-might’ve been a better interview if it was between two people who’re on equal level rather than a guy trying to kiss Mike Nichols’s and a bunch of theatre kids’ asses.

Mad Men, “Christmas Waltz”

This episode only exists to help punctuate how awful the next episode is, but damn if it’s not weirdly great. The Paul/Harry reunion was such a weird reunion, but only because it reminds you of how much time has passed since the beginning of this show (1960) to when it takes place now (1966); the total shift in aesthetic and thinking is massive, but it never feels shoehorned in.

Top Chef, Season 17 episode 9

Colicchio is pretty adamant about not having past challenges affect the decision of the current week’s choice in terms of sending someone home, but Melissa probably should’ve gone home this week if that were the case. They obviously weren’t going to after kicking Kevin off last week and Malarkey making the least offensive dish of the bottom 3. Melissa’s a front runner, same as Kevin was and you can’t have a competition where Malarkey is on but two frontrunners are kicked off back-to-back weeks (even if it was Kevin falling on his sword). Love Lee Anne, been with her since season 1 and hate to see her go, but she’s bigger than Top Chef-this is a loss that doesn’t make me think less of her.

Saturday, May 16

Notes On An American Film Director At Work, Mekas 2008 [as of now this is available on Vimeo]

I don’t know what to call this, honestly. It’s a videos of Martin Scorsese directing The Departed and it’s kind of fascinating. There are no sit down interviews, but snippets of conversations that you’re just thrown into the middle of. It could be that I just love him so much, but it was reaffirming to see that he (appears to be) is like a genuinely nice person. I don’t read about behind the scenes/making of’s, but I don’t really think he’s got any kind of reputation for being some kind of tyrant on set and this proves it (if he needs that proof for any kind of reason). It is one of those things though where watching actors, uh, act feels kina silly-apologies to Leo DiCaprio.

Mad Men, “The Other Woman”, “Commissions And Fees”, “The Phantom” [season 5 finale], “The Doorway” [season 6 premier], “Collaborators”

An incredibly harrowing stretch of episodes for Mad Men, maybe the best set-up for a finale the show has. The awfulness of the position they thrust Joan into and that Don is the only clear objector to this, be it that he only cares enough about the company is heartbreaking. Christina Hendricks wears so much disappointment and contempt on her face so well and that what happens is sandwiched between those interactions with Don is incredible. And awful. As is Lane’s suicide in the office (I still remember watching this episode for the first time when it aired and it’s as depressing now all these years later as it was back then; Lane and Bodie are probably my top-2 most upsetting television deaths that come to mind). Though it all seems worth it, despite how depressing it might be, for that scene between Peggy and Don where she resigns, an incredible parallel to Megan’s. I’m glad it wasn’t, but if they wanted to series wrap on Peggy there, they could’ve and it would’ve felt so incredibly earned, which you can see through both of those characters trying their hardest to choke down tears through a conversation smothered in so much understood in the unsaid. Now welcome, Bob Benson! (for the life of me, I can’t figure out if they introduce Bob like this intentionally, because it’s so fucking funny in how out of synch it is with everything else going on in the show)

Apocalypse Now, Coppola 1979 [as of now this is available on HBO]

It was either during my sophomore or junior year of high school when I became absolutely enamored with trying to watch this movie. I had built it up to such great heights in my head for whatever reason (I was very concerned with appearing knowledgeable about things like “important movies” and that this didn’t win best picture whatever year it was nominated fueled that fire even more ((I was also very concerned with being outraged over something like this)). I vaguely remember squeezing it in on a school night, but didn’t try and sneak it upstairs to my room to watch, like I tried to get this almost 3½ hour movie in under a reasonable bed time for a high schooler (I definitely didn’t have one, but I remember getting kind of dirty looks around the house if I was still hanging out past 10:30). So it was basically self-inflicted homework at that point, so I remember saying that I liked it, but I don’t know if I honestly believed it. And then that just gets all shaken up in your dumb high school brain that’s already trying it’s best to be super contrarian that you start believing that Apocalypse Now maybe sucks or at the very least isn’t as good as Hearts Of Darkness (a movie you won’t see for another 8 years). I had not watched this movie in its entirety since high school, and I knew all the big beats going into re-watching this, but it might as well have been that I had never seen it before. Man. I was a dumb as hell high schooler. This movie is electric and looks beautiful and I’m so glad that I never watched it all before this and decided to revisit it and I’m now furious at myself for letting the opportunity pass to not see it in theatres when it was remastered last year. 

The Adventures Of Tintin, Spielberg 2011 [as of now this is available on Netflix]

I was reading the oral history of Fury Road earlier that day and it got me really jonsing to watch Fury Road. For my mental health’s sake, I decided to not double feature Apocalypse Now and Fury Road, but rather Apocalypse Now and The Adventures Of Tintin. People of a certain generation really hate this movie and I kind of get it, but this movie rules. There’s maybe two sequences in it that I’d feel unashamed for putting up in the Spielberg Hall Of Fame.

[zillowcondo]

This & That: August 18, 2017

Books

—The Bettencourt Affair: The World’s Richest Woman and the Scandal That Rocked Paris by Tom Sancton

After listening to an interview on NPR with the author of The Bettencourt Affair, Tom Sancton, I became intrigued with the true story of the heiress of L’Oreal, Liliane Bettencourt. While this was not a sexual scandal, this story is certainly full of scandal and intrigue, and it is all set in France.

—Destination Simple: everyday rituals for a Slower Life by Brooke McAlary

If your schedule seems overwhelmingly busy, but necessary for the life you wish to live, author Brooke McAlary shares tips and ideas for bringing more control into the everyday, thus reducing your stress. As we look to fall and a shift in schedules, this may just be the book to make a smooth transition and keep your stress low.

Cookbook

—Graze: Inspiration for Small Plates and Meandering Meals by Suzanne Lenzer 

While this cookbook will bring the discussion to the forefront, what the best way to eat throughout the day is, what the author is actually providing readers with is multiple ways to entertain well with small plates that pair well with each other. The casual, yet delicious entertainment opportunities can sometimes be overwhelming to plan when it comes to the best food to offer. But this cookbook will be your guide for easy planning and scrumptious nibbles for your guests (and you!).

Film

—Diana: 7 Days That Shook the World

Over the weekend, I sat down and viewed Diana: 7 Days That Shook the World on Netflix. As a young American who was just about to leave home for college when I learned of Diana’s death, I do remember the shock, but I had no perspective of the depth as it occurred during the seven days following her death in the United Kingdom. If you are curious, want to see new footage previously not seen or simply want an engaging documentary of one of the most well-known and tragic events of the late twentieth century, be sure to check it out.

Francophile Find

—My Part-Time Paris Life: How Running Away Brought Me Home by Lisa Anselmo

A memoir depicting a woman’s journey following the loss of her mother to breast cancer, join Lisa Anselmo as she ventures to Paris, buys a small apartment and seeks her purpose all the while letting go of playing it safe.

—Justine LeConte

More than a few readers have emailed me recommending Justine LeConte’s YouTube channel, and once you have a look, you will understand why. Full of episodes on just about any French topic you might be curious about, Justine offers her expertise in the beauty and modeling business as well as the credibility of actually being French to guide those of us who look to the effortlessly French women for inspiration.

Podcast

—SuperSoul Conversations

Last week Oprah announced her SuperSoul Conversations are now available in a podcast format. The conversations viewers have seen and enjoyed on OWN’s Super Soul Sundays can now be enjoyed as you travel, walk the dogs, work in the garden or relax doing as you please. Brené Brown’s two part conversation was my first episode, and I look forward to many more.

Shopping

—Emerson Fry Indigo Polka Dot slip dress

Summer isn’t over yet, Emerson Fry would have us know, and with this playful 100% modal slip dress, enjoy wearing it on your upcoming Labor Day holiday or purchase now and have it ready for next spring/summer, as it is a classic hue and timeless print.

—Gabrielle perfume

Released tomorrow on Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s birthday, I am most curious to try the scent of jasmine, ylang-ylang, orange blossom as well as a glimpse of grass tuberose in Chanel’s new perfume, Gabrielle. I will be sure to give it a try next week while in Portland and will be sure to report back.

  ~recipe for Mint Chocolate with Caramelized Cocoa Nibs~

The weekend welcomes the penultimate day before the solar eclipse on Monday. As I live in central Oregon, we are becoming even more inundated with eclipse followers and the celestial curious. Now, this is not a bad thing, but it certainly makes for a unique experience, one of which we won’t witness again for quite some time. So, what is one to do? Embrace it, which we will do in our own way.

No, we won’t be heading to the totality zone (is that what’s it’s called? . . . Nope – it’s the zone of totality), but as someone who had only just been born when the last similar eclipse occurred (1979), I am looking forward to making it memorable in my own small way.

On another note, if you are in the middle of curating or editing your capsule wardrobe, on Thursday morning, be sure to tune in to KATU (the show airs live online, so you can view wherever you live) at 9 am and view AM Northwest (AMNW) as I have been invited to share with viewers my own capsule wardrobe and share tips on how to curate your own.

Now to the weekend! I do hope you have a lovely few days as August winds down. Below are a handful of articles you might enjoy, and until Monday, bonne journée.

~We can do it, yet we can! 5 Ways to Speak French Fearlessly

~If you have plans to visit Avignon, France, save this article – 10 Great Restaurant and Bars in Avignon . . . one is even situated in an old bookshop.

~A French podcast I am looking forward to diving into . . . The Earful Tower

~10 Things to Remember When Everything Seems Out of Reach

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This & That: August 18, 2017 published first on http://ift.tt/2pewpEF

[bellabooks]

“Pretty Little Liars” recap S7 Ep19: Farewell my lovely

Previously on Pretty Little Liars, everyone enjoyed a sex montage and Aria got caught black-hoodied by her friends. Now it’s the penultimate episode, and all the pieces are moving into place for the grand finale. Detective Tanner is on the phone, demanding that a judge wake up and sign off arrest warrants for all the Liars. She looks at their previous mugshots spread out on her desk (how many times have they been arrested by now? Do they get one of those punch cards like at Yogurtland? 5th arrest is free?). Where is my DoorDash order?! I’m starving! Meanwhile, Aria finds Archer’s body in her trunk and simultaneously gets pulled over by a cop. She locks her keys in the trunk, but the cop is determined to help her out. He rocks the trunk back and forth, and is able to unlatch it, but is distracted by a call on his radio. Aria manages to sneak the keys out and slam the trunk shut, and the cop lets her go. The Liars gather together, where Caleb tells them that Mona has stolen the game. Everyone assumes that this means she is A.D. and they make plans to take her down…everyone except for Hanna that is, who remains ride or die for her BFF. Spencer is distracted by another wine bottle message from Mary Drake, while Ezra throws a mantrum because the Liars are still icing out Aria. He tells them that they’ve all made mistakes (like spying on teenagers for a book) and they must learn to live with them. Ugh, Ezra no one cares what you think!  I mean, we’ve all seduced minors, stalked their friends, and recorded their conversations for the purposes of publishing the great American novel, am I right? No? Just me?   Is he seriously mansplaining the plot of this show to us?   Meanwhile, Aria is speeding along, having a full-on conversation with the dead body in the trunk. A few weeks of playing for the A team and Aria is coming apart at the seams. She decides that the only thing to do is go straight to the police station and confess to the murder. She walks towards the station when she is tackled by Ezra, who refuses to let her go down. He tells her she’s sacrificed enough for her friends, because he knows so much about sacrifice clearly. He also tells her that he knows how to dispose of a body, because he has a master’s degree in American Literature. LOL forever. They go back to the trunk, but of course the body is already gone. Mona comes home with take-out to find the game has been stolen from her. In its place is a note telling her to meet at the Two Crows Café for some pie. Caleb and Hanna watch her leave her apartment, but instead of confronting her, they decide to tail her. Someone broke into your home and stole your game but FREE PIE!   Spencer shows up at the Lost Woods Resort, where Mary Drake has returned with one last goodbye gift: she’s giving Ali and Spencer joint custody of the resort, which they can sell or mortgage to pay for the lawyers they will surely need once they get arrested. Mary wishes there was more she could do to help, and sneaks off into the night. We then zoom across town to Emily and Ali’s Couch of Romance and Feelings, where they talk about their impending arrest. Ali is worried about what will happen to their baby if they both go to jail, and is terrified that the baby will be passed around foster homes and asylums like some kind of Charlotte or Spencer. Emily assures her that she didn’t come this far only to see it all get taken away, and promises to protect them. They kiss as A.D. leaks some sort of gas into the house.  Does it smell like a gas leak in here? Between the stress and the pregnancy, I’m basically a human whoopee cushion at this point, babe Haleb continues to surveil Mona at the diner, and Spencer rolls up to join them. They speculate over who could be meeting with Mona, and they remember that this same café was Mona’s alibi for the night of Charlotte’s murder. Spencer also calls out Haleb for arguing like an old married couple, when in fact they got married just a few hours ago. While Spencer fills Hanna in on the Lost Woods, Caleb walks right into the diner and sits down with Mona. He then EATS HER PIE and tries to bring her to the police, but Mona refuses, telling him that someone stole the game from her. Someone is ALWAYS stealing the game from her, just like there has always been someone playing with their lives. Mona hits the ladies room before they leave, which is of course when she makes her great escape. I ONLY throw my pie for Hanna Marin and NO ONE else!   Spencer and Haleb investigate the bathroom, where they find a false wall that leads to a secret underground passage. Caleb won’t let Hanna into the passage, but has no problem with Spencer joining him and they walk down the creepy staircase together. It’s all very Nancy Drew and I’m into it. Caleb, didn’t you know that every ladies room has a secret doorway leading to lesbian Narnia?!   Remember a million years ago when we had that flash forward of the Liars in Ali’s classroom, telling her she had to run? Whelp, it looks like the writers remembered it too, because here we are: Ali is writing different versions of her name on a chalkboard (including Alison DiLaurentis-Fields aww) when the Liars rush in telling her to run. A zombified Archer reaches out through a wall to grab her, when suddenly Emily wakes up: it was all her dream! She wakes up Ali, and they see the board game has returned. The phone lights up and plays a video clip of Ali from the kissing rock as a wee little Liar saying they’re out of time. A girl has no name   Caleb and Spencer spelunk their way through the secret passageway, and discuss the tragedy of Mona Vanderwaal: always the puppet and never the strings. Caleb tells her that he got married, and tries to apologize to her, and Spencer punches him in the arm and tells him to never be sorry they boned…and never forget it. I’m pretty sure no one would forget sleeping with Spencer Hastings, but sure, whatever. Ezria and Emison meet up and Ali apologizes to Aria for icing her out. She tells her that she doesn’t want to be the bitchy Ali of days past, and everyone is friends again. Hanna makes her way to the town church, and sees someone tossing flower petals from the belfry. Hanna climbs up the tower to find Mona in cosplay as Nerdy Mona, complete with glasses and a dorky sweater set. She has completely regressed and seems to think that Hanna is Charlotte. We FLASHBACK to the night Charlotte was murdered: she and Mona are facing off in the bell tower. Mona tells Charlotte that she may have fooled Ali/the courts/the world into believing she’s rehabilitated, but Mona still thinks she’s a psychopath. She promises to put a stop to Charlotte, but Charlotte just laughs at her and mocks her, telling Mona that the Liars will never love her or accept her into the fold.  Is this it? Is Charna finally happening?  It’s VanderMarin or nothing!   Charlotte tells her that everything they’ve suffered through will seem like a picnic compared to what’s coming, and Mona sticks a screwdriver in her back and forces her to the edge of the window. She tells Charlotte to jump or she will push her out, but Charlotte just laughs and tells Mona she doesn’t have the guts. Mona relents, and Charlotte attacks her. They fight in the bell tower until Charlotte’s head smashes into an exposed beam and she crumples. We FLASH FORWARD and Mona, still in a fugue state, tries to toss Hanna from the bell tower thinking she’s Charlotte. Spencer and Caleb arrive in time to save her, and they want to bring Mona to the cops since she killed Charlotte. Hanna refuses to throw her mentally ill BFF to the wolves, and decides to bring her home. They walk downstairs and find the remaining puzzle pieces hanging from their car window. The Liars convene and decide to call Dr. Sullivan (callback!) to help Mona out of her fugue state. Hanna refuses to turn her over to the police, because she’s worried that the Mona she loves will be gone forever. They assemble the puzzle pieces which reveal a ghostly face (Archer’s?) and the phone lights up with a “Congrats!” message. The Liars watch as a Pokemon Go-style avatar strolls across the board game to Aunt Carol’s house. They realize where Archer’s body is: in the empty grave marked Charles. It’s no Mewtwo, but I guess it’ll do   Everyone drives over to the grave, shovels in tow, ready to dig up the body. Aria stops them when she realizes that A) this is clearly a trap and B) the Liars fall for it every single time. She says that the game is now over, and they no longer have to play it. They can stop digging their own damn graves already and reject feeling scared and out of control. They all agree, when a giant construction digger rolls up and Det. Tanner pops out to arrest them all. Spencer, FFS drop that shovel already! The Liars are brought into custody and preparedfor the worst…until the look through the one-way glass and see Tanner with Mary Drake. Mary confesses to murdering her sister AND Archer. She lays out a logical timeline and motive of why she worked with Archer, and her anger at his deceit. She is falling on her sword to protect her daughter, her niece, and their friends. Tanner frees the Liars, and just like that it’s all over. She still suspects the Liars of being involved in something shady, but for now she is content to take the win. Spencer looks sadly on as Mary is arrested, and Mary gives her the classic Liars symbol as a farewell. Better lock it in your pocket, taking this one to Litchfield Women’s prison   Back home, Hanna apologizes to Mona for re-introducing her to the game and causing her to relapse. Mona tells her that she just wanted to feel needed and my heart breaks. The sun rises, the church bells ring, and the board game powers down. The game is over, the Liars are free, and there’s only one mystery left: who is A.D.? In the final scene we see A.D. behind the wheel, driving off into the sunset. Tune in next week, for the two-hour series finale of this crazypants show. Who will be A.D.? Is it Jenna? Lucas? Dr. Sullivan? Tweet me your A.D. theories @ChelseaProcrast http://dlvr.it/PPWRyk