#obviously the whole score is EXCELLENT and i love it

[alt-ernativewonderland]

when the dead boy detectives score gets released and the full song from the hug scene in episode 5 isn't included

[gabessquishytum]

OMG Gabe that art gave me a brain worm!!!

SEX PROFESSOR HOB

Okay, so, he also used to be a history professor, but since he quit that, he's picked up a... somewhat strange hobby. Okay, officially, he tutors students who struggle in History and English. But he's mostly known for having a thing for younger people and he fucks almost all of his students at least once, giving them the time of their life, teaching them a whole lot of new skills, and leaving them wondering if they'll ever have a partner as good as Hob or they are ruined forever.

Just an older guy Hob picking up students. No coercion needed, he's not a creep, they are all interested. Only a few people seek him out for his teaching skills, the rest are there for his sex skills.

Fkajjsjdjjejd do you get me? I'm this idea fried my last Braincell.

- 🚒 (send emergency services pls)

So obviously this ask came in over a month ago but I KNOW 🚒 anon was talking about this art in particular ("twink gets emotional and cries after creampie" is truly one of the sentences of all time btw). And I too have no braincells left!

I love the idea that Hob has almost made it into a career at this point. Yeah he technically advertises his services as a tutor for history and english lit, but 1) his reputation is absolutely more for his sex than his teaching and 2) even the students who don't know about the sex thing initially soon end up falling for him. Some people have their doubts initially - Hob is older, he's not quite model material despite his gorgeous looks, he's kind of a nerd... but there's just something about him. The young people who come to him for homework help soon end up tripping into Hob’s arms and allowing him to ravish them. Who's the say those excellent orgasms don't also benefit the students exam results!

I particularly like the idea of uptight, overachieving student Dream coming to Hob for history tutoring (he wants to score full marks in his next test, he's a perfectionist). He has no idea what he's about to walk into! Before he knows it, he's staring at Hob’s lips, blushing over the older man's obvious flirting, dressing more provocatively in order to try and catch Hob’s attention...... his history test is the last thing on his mind.

Hob quickly grows attached to skinny, anxious, highly strung Dream. He never gets bored of the noises his sweet boy makes, how he FINALLY lets go of all his worries and spreads his legs. Hob might just have to keep this one all to himself - he can't bear the idea of someone else making Dream cry and cum! Plus, Hob has so much more to teach him...

[justanotherdayintejamas]

Tejamas Pokedex - Felitzli

So you've let your Tabbirasa run around in the night. It will most likely evolve into this striking form!

These Dark/Rock type miniature apex predators range in size but generally do not grow taller than a Kantonian Persian. They are best suited for those with a nocturnal lifestyle, as they are most active at night. During the day they seek out sunny spots not just for comfort, but to aid the growing of their mossy cloak.

The moss helps hide their scent, visually camouflage them from predators and prey, and softens their footsteps even further than their paw pads already do.

This makes them incredibly stealthy, hence why they often take the role of hunters/providers for their wild colonies. While they prefer ambush, they can be incredibly strong in outright fights due to their robust build, and obsidian blades.

Domesticated ones can be very friendly, but friend or foe can all end up getting a few cuts if their hands are misplaced.

This is expressed in their signature ability: Jagged Hide. The damage functions similarly to Rough Skin or Rocky Helmet, but can be caused by either Dealing or Taking physical hits, though unlike those the damage is not guaranteed with every hit.

This Pokemon also has a signature move Brittle Fang, a physically damaging Rock Type Move that after use lowers the Pokemon's attack by one stage.

In trade, Shards of obsidian are left in the opponent, causing chip damage over time.

In order to maintain their blades, Felitzli are often seen rubbing them on rocks and other hard surfaces, the markings left behind also serve as territorial signposts.

Trainers should take care when letting their own Felitzli rub mark them or their possessions. With the correct precautions, participating in blade care can be an excellent bonding experience for Trainer and Pokemon. Without it...it can easily become an unbonding experience.

Artist Note: Trying something new!

I wanted to get the Pokedex pages started, so I'm going to be doing that and putting the New vs Old down below.

Fun Fact! Felitzli is the fakemon that required the least amount of tweaking from the first design so far. Heres V1 vs V2

And as a bonus here's the first version of the shiny! The more subtle colors in the final one are the result of layering the original colors with the shiny below.

Also it's probably obvious but for this evolution, but I was going for the vibe of a miniature jaguar, cause that's what my black cats are to me. This whole Pokemon family (and the region honestly) are based on my experiences with the animals I've shared my life with.

I love the idea of these guys rubbing and flipping on their backs and scoring the ground the way our black cats roll in the dirt of our farm. This design is also how I learned about Green Obsidian, which is Such a cool stone.

Both Shinies obviously pull more from regular or purple obsidian.

I also drew inspiration from Mesoamerican statues, and carvings. I wanted this Pokemon to invoke the feeling of one of those statues come to life, while still wearing the stone as armor with the moss that grew on it.

[frownyalfred]

I am hoping you can help me better understand something about my Zach Snyder feelings, because I know you have enjoyed his work.

I have conflicting feelings and I THINK it comes down to a different imagery language and some unnamed thing in his storytelling. It's mostly the unnamed thing I'm trying to ID.

When I describe broadly the plots, character motivation (obviously as I understand them), and events, I find myself very interested in his movies and what they have to say. Then I rewatch and I don't feel the same way. It feels dark (desaturation or whatever that filter is called), overly dramatic in a way that feels cartoonist or silly instead of meaningful, or boring and slow. There are some engaging moments some that are action some that are pretty or funny. However, few that move/engage me.

I know people often love or hate Snyder but I mostly feel his movies exist, have a few interesting elements but overall if they weren't about characters I was interested in, I just wouldn't watch. I don't hate or love it. I don't think it's the greatest or the worst.

Example of a storytelling concept that I get and liked in theory but not execution. The Martha, why did you say that name moment. Snyder is connecting Bruce to Clark's "humanity" in a way that hits Bruce in a place where he is always vulnerable and is primal/basic. When people mock this scene I have the urge to defend because I understand (in my way) what he was going for, but I can't because at no point in watching or rewatching that scene do I feel that. Even though he rehashed the Wayne's death in the beginning, then connects back to it during their fight about what his parent's taught Bruce. It still FEELS out of place and "falsely" dramatic.

That's all I can think to give as an example and not make this longer (sorry this is long). But if my descriptions click something for you as a writer and fan of Snyder, please let me know. I just don't know what it is about his storytelling and it's annoying to not understand why there is this disconnect.

Thank you for your patience, if you even get thru this, LOL.

I'm not a film major and I am definitely no expert, but I've been thinking about this ask. I agree with a lot of what you brought up, though it is hard to describe what that exact disconnect is with Snyder's films, and you'll get a million different opinions depending on who you ask.

To me, Snyder's DC films always feel like movies that were excellent plots on paper wrapped around a series of interesting and awe-inducing visuals and scores. There are scenes he does well -- one of my favorites being the initial scene in BVS where Bruce runs into the Battle of Metropolis -- almost because they feel like a separate, isolated moment in his script. There are scenes that drag, exposition dump, and feel dark and strange.

There seems to be a disconnect between him, the writer, and him, the director. He's good at both, don't get me wrong -- but there's something missing in between.

People on reddit will tell you the problem with BVS, at the end of the day, is all the plot holes or the cheesy dialogue. I mostly disagree. Especially after seeing Oppenheimer recently, I think Snyder struggles with building and maintaining the pace of his plot and the emotions he's trying to cultivate in his viewers. Continuity is key -- scenes building up on each other, revealing new layers of meaning and importance, leaving viewers guessing only on the least-obvious plot points.

He has all the pieces -- decent dialogue, powerhouse actors, amazing CGI, a script most people wouldn't laugh at on paper -- but they don't quite form a whole.

I did a quick review of some the things I like about BVS, thinking through this ask, and I think it's pretty revealing that most of those things are pieces, not overall themes.

The Battle of Metropolis flashback

Ben Affleck visually as Bruce Wayne

Lex's scenes with the Senator

The score

Kryptonite/Training scene

Lex's entry into Zod's ship

Diana

Bruce at the fundraiser

Warehouse fight scene

Alfred's dialogue

Lakehouse shots

Knightmare scene

As for the Martha scene, my inclination is that it's rarely out of place or strange when written correctly. In fics, I've seen it done very well. But Snyder doesn't use it for what it is -- a climax of Bruce Wayne's anger and misguided actions -- because he never truly brought the viewer all the way along with Bruce.

TL;DR: I don't know either. But I agree and commiserate with you on this. I still enjoy watching BVS and other Snyder films, but seeing other films -- especially Nolan's, which I'm not saying are theoretically better -- makes the difference very jarring.

[deepfriedpaddymayne]

who, in your massively correct opinion, is the hottest sas boy? i can never tell if i think they're hot or i want to steal their gender

anon. before i start answering this, I need you to know that I went at this the most ridiculous way possible. just so you know, before you embark upon this journey.

imagine you are me. and you are a lesbian. and you think everyone on rogue heroes looks like Some Guy. and then you get this question. you might come up with an idea, make a joke, and move on.

OR.

you could choose to apply the scientific method. objectively quantify hotness in the Objective opinion of a lesbian. except, obviously, hotness depends on a series of factors - just because someone is attractive, it doesn't mean that they are Hot, you get me? you gotta keep their personality into account, too. AND on top of all of that, we need to account for gender envy. so you do what I did. and you open excel. and you start grading the boys depending on fuckability, dateability, and whether or not you want their gender. cool, now you have an Objective, Correct Answer. because obviously everyone's opinions on attractiveness are subjective and therefore all valid, BUT my subjective intepretation IS a little more correct than other people's. anyway, you have done all this. you have your answer. except you also have a visual memory and don't love numbers. and you might choose to chart it all out.

if, for some godforsaken reason, you had followed all of these steps, then you would find yourself with something like this.

and you would conclude that, if we exclude gender envy that might skew results, the hottest Rogue Heroes boy is Eoin McGonigal. which is ironic, considering he's in the cold, cold ground now.

I'm actually putting a cut here not to clog everyone's dash with this, but here are some little explanations on why I gave my score and clarifying some slightly confusing things about the chart:

Everyone is listed by surname to make sure they were all identifiable without clogging up the chart too much.

I do think most of them look, like. Fine. not, like, fiiiiiiine, they do genuinely just look. like some guys. half of them I wouldn't look at twice if I met them in tesco, you get me? anyway. I stared at so many pictures of these men trying to determine if they were fuckable. I think I am losing my mind.

Jordan, Cooper, and Stirling are actually all on the same point, they are just vaguely scattered around to make the labels readable. I had to install a whole new r package for this.

now the fun part. my completely Objective and Correct Judgment on each boy

-Stirling - his swagless looks and cringefail personality might have captivated Eve, but they are not enough for me. he looks mostly average, but he gets extra points because I am an Unusual Nose enjoyer

-Paddy - with all of my love for him he also does just look normal in my opinion (very pretty eyes, though). like, he looks good, but in a pretty normal way. and then on top of that there is his personality. (both of his scores turn into 10s if you have the highly specific brand of mental illness that Augustin and Eoin both have. get better soon pal)

-Lewes - Jock would absolutely make the best boyfriend out of the main trio, this is basically canon. he's also kind of pretty in a haunted doll way but again I do think he looks mostly Fine.

-Riley - not sure how to justify why his scores are so high tbh. but he seems very confident which is kind of attractive, I guess? also no idea why I want his gender. but I DO.

-Almonds - I just KNOW that Almonds would be such a kind and caring boyfriend. I had originally given him a 7 for fuckability but then I realised that if I was a gay man I would be all over his bear charms in a matter of seconds.

-Reg - Reg gets extra points for being kind of a malewife and also his massive tits but other than that I do think he's pretty average. I would be his friend though. I think he'd be a big lesbian ally in the same way Thor is.

-Kershaw - his fuckability is that high because he exclusively joined the SAS cause he loves killing fascists so my friends and I have an ongoing joke that he fucks like a freight train. that's it.

-Wee Johnny - a little Too Blond for my taste. also, I am sorry, but he is VERY young and I think at the point in life he's at, he'd be a little too self centred to be a good boyfriend. that said my man looks like a he/him lesbian and I'd steal his gender like a fae if I could.

-Fraser - I just KNOW he'd be the kindest, most gentle boyfriend on the planet. absolute sweetheart of a man. that said, he does just look like your run of the mill twink.

-Sadler - really don't know what it is about his odd as hell vibes that makes him so fuckable to me but there is SOMETHING. that said those odd as hell vibes do probably make him into a Not Ideal boyfriend.

-Eoin - I'm sorry, he's got it all. he cooks? he's sweet and understanding but can also be a bit of a little shit? buff but not massive? gets dimples when he smiles? AND he's got freckles and curly hair and an Unusual nose? he's literally perfect and undefeated winner of this contest. rest in peace sweet prince

-Augustin - he has very pretty eyes and face but his lankyness and weirdass way of moving (affectionate) does bring his fuckability score down a little. he's also Insane and while I do think he's very good at hiding it, you would eventually notice while you are dating him and go "huh!" (this, once again, does not apply if you are Paddy). oh that said I don't know what it is about his weird skinny puppetlike limbs that's so gender to me but. yah.

-Bergé - gonna be honest here, he's only included because I felt bad about Augustin being the only Frenchie on there. I like his moustache and his funky hat.

[come-rain-come-shine]

(jesuis-assez): Okay, my blog is not primary and I -- this is me. This is my fate 🤣

Sending some good vibes through an ask 😊

If you had complete control of what direction s7 would take, what storylines would you write?

I completely understand your pain, @jesuis-assez!! This is my side blog, too, so when I send an anonymous ask and sign it, I feel like a serial killer or something. 🤣🤣 Like, you have to believe me! It's me behind the shades!

This is a great question. I tend not to make predictions of where the show is going or get too attached to my own ideas, because that way, I don't get disappointed when things turn out differently. But, let's indulge in where I would choose to take season 7!

Lucy gets a big career win of some kind. She excels at undercover work, so it could be a prestigious assignment that she kicks ass at. Maybe she discovers a new path besides detective that she loves. Maybe Primm bursts into flames and the other examiners retroactively restore justice to the world and fix her score. After watching her get trampled on for practically all of season 6, I just need my girl to win one!!

A super evil part of me wants someone to start flirting with Lucy, because I really want to know how Tim would react to this at this point in their relationship. He would know that he has NO RIGHT to tell her who to date, so I don't think he would confront her about it. But I think it would make his stomach churn to see a huge reminder of the fact that he threw her away and they are only just starting to reconcile as friends. That being said, I really don't think Lucy is ready to be in another relationship after having her heart completely shattered by the person she thought she was going to be with forever, so this is me thinking out loud more than wishing or hoping.

Tim goes back to Metro, because him being back in Lucy's chain of command makes my heart hurt when I think of them trying to get back together. With Mad Dog dead and the good work Tim's done for and with Metro since he got kicked off, I think Pine would take him back.

Obviously, Chenford reconciles, but only after a whole lot of thoughtful and respectful showing up on Tim's part and communicating on both their parts. My best friend and I have been in deep discussions about at what point in the season they might get back together. I am hoping somewhere in the range of 7x03 to 7x05. (Like, haven't we suffered enough? Please give us back Chenford. Please.)

Nolan and Bailey foster another kid found at a crime scene, or maybe a house fire. I liked where they were going with them fostering Anna, so I would be happy if they took in another kid in need, and then this time, fostered to adopt.

I would like a storyline in which Angela and Wesley are forced to name their baby daughter, please. Maybe we don't know her name yet because they've just been calling her "hey, you" this whole time .......

I think I would like a return to Aaron and Celina's friendship. Before season 6, I know a lot of people were saying that they wouldn't mind if Aaron and Celina were played either romantically or platonically, and I agreed. I think they're going to stay friends, and I would love more scenes with them having a good time together.

Once Chenford gets back together, they decide to move in together, and Lucy gives her apartment to Celina.

In the words of Eric Winter, "Tim's mom!!!!!!!!" My best friend and I have spent ages discussing what we think is up with Tim's mom, and I would like to see that play out on screen.

I kind of want a return to the idea of Grey retiring. I think it was last seriously discussed in season 3, but correct me if I'm wrong. I feel like it was brought up a lot more in the earlier seasons, and he's only gotten older, so it would make sense to circle back to this idea. I would hate to lose his character, though.

More Luna! I loved the increased inclusion of her in season 6.

That's about what I got. Thanks for the ask!

[ambrosiustheunknown]

I just went through your whole blog and liked and reblogged most stuff (sorry about that) but I really liked your character analysis of Regulus and Snape, I would love it if you would do one of Barty (you obviously don't have to but I saw you wanted suggestions of more)

Barty Crouch Jr - Character Analysis

I was SO excited when I got this so THANK YOU!!! The notifications aren't a problem and are actually appreciated. Okay, let's break down his character.

Was born 1962-1963

Sirius Black states in Goblet of Fire that Barty's father didn't pay any attention to Barty, implying neglect

His mother dearly loved Barty

We don't know much about his early/Hogwarts life, other than the fact that he achieved 12 O.W.L.s, causing some fans to think he was a Ravenclaw, although he is still popularly headcanoned as a Slytherin

Joined the DE's in his later teens

After Voldemort's first defeat, he, along with the Lestranges, went to Alice and Frank Longbottom's place of residence, supposedly torturing them to insanity

All four were arrested, although at different times, and are brought to trial by Barty's father

Barty insisted on his innocence, pleading to all in attendance to be cleared of all charges by claiming he didn't participate

Barty's father (who was head of the law enforcement) sentenced him to life in Azkaban when Barty was around 19

In 1982 (a year after Barty was put into Azkaban), Barty and his mother were ailing

His mother convinced Crouch Snr to polyjuice her into Barty as she was dying so they could trade places and Barty could escape

Barty was nursed back to healthy by his father and their house-elf, Winky

Barty was then placed under Imperius and and hid him under an invisibility cloak for 12 years, only being given occasional rewards for 'good behavior'

During the Quidditch World Cup, Barty was hidden and imperiused, taken only because Winky convinced his father

During the attack, Barty escaped and cast Morsmordre, although he was found by his father and re-imperiused

Barty was found by Voldemort and freed, then going on to act as Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody for Harry Potter's fourth year while keeping the real Moody in a trunk

He killed his father

At the end of the year he was exposed and given the Dementors Kiss on-sight

While we don't know much about Barty's early childhood, much of the fandom agrees that the signs point to a childhood of neglect, with only his mother and house-elves to care for him, and I'm inclined to agree. I believe that he was in Ravenclaw due to his excellent O.W.L scores and the fact that - going by his father's behavior and status - he most likely would have been disowned or snubbed as a Slytherin. He's never mentioned to have strong relations with anyone other than Voldemort, which leads me to believe that due to his fathers neglect, he heard about Voldemort, thought joining would greatly anger his father, and later found a mentor and father figure in Voldemort, with no one to stop him. I believe that this newfound attention lead to an intense loyalty and even love that we see very clearly in canon. I don't think he was insane before his conviction, but after Azkaban and 12 years of abuse (and yes, being imperiused and hidden for 12 years is abuse), he was certainly teetering the edge of sanity, most likely only being held together by his desire for revenge, his high intelligence, and loyalty to Voldemort.

Overall, Barty is a highly-intelligent, calculative, possibly sadistic, yet traumatized and insanely loyal character. I believe he had a potential to be a good person. His father most likely wasn't around to teach Barty morals, and we know little about his mother, so the first person to gain Barty's loyalty taught him his morals, and that was Voldemort. I believe that Barty Crouch Jr is a bad person, but a misunderstood one, who was far more intelligent than he was ever given credit for. He was almost definitely a rebellious teen in order to gain attention, but was a mostly-blank slate due to never receiving it from really anyone, up until he met Voldemort. Outside of canon, I enjoy Barty's fanon personality a lot and think that's it's fairly accurate, although he was probably a little less insane and impulsive as the fandom makes him out to be. He also most likely wasn't friends with Regulus Black, Evan Rosier, Pandora Rosier, and Dorcas Meadowes, although I love the dynamics lol.

Credit to the Harry Potter Wiki for providing me with information. If I got anything wrong or missed anything then feel free to let me know! If anyone want's any more character analysis I am SO happy to give them! I have two other analysis' posted if anyone is interested! Stay safe, drink water, and don't give your undying loyalty to a genocidal maniac! :D

[goalsyoudontake]

Anyway I overall thought it was a very strong game. Obviously with two good teams you can't dominate (lol) the whole game, but I liked how much discipline we showed, like we didn't get into any senseless fight (which I love but there are times for everything).

The defense was amazing. Bob as always was amazing too. We did a good job recovering the puck in the middle and obviously we scored goals.

On to the next one!!!

(on another note I do think the other team made a mistake pulling their goalie, and I thought they weren't going to do it because our PK had proven excellent all through the game. But like thanks!)

[pizacat72]

what are your thoughts on tlk1, tlk2 and tlg? how much do you like each of them?

ooh good question!!! lemme see here. putting this under a keep reading bc it long

TLK is definitely far and away the best out of all of em. God the visuals!!! Each shot is a definite masterpiece. Each scene vitally important to the film as a whole. The best scenes in the movie imo are Mufasa and Simba roughhousing and Mufasa's ghost speaking to Simba. Each emotional beat in those scenes just hits me in the feels every fucking time. Oh, and the music. It's simply impossible to discuss TLK without the music! Each song number is catchy and fun. The Circle of Life sets my soul on fire every fucking time. I Just Can't Wait to Be King and Hakuna Matata are my fucking anthems. Can You Feel the Love Tonight is sweet and romantic, with the funny bits with Timon and Pumbaa being the cherry on top. Even tho Be Prepared is my least favorite song in the movie, that doesn't mean it's a bad song. It's only my least favorite bc I don't resonate with it as much but it's still one hell of a banger. Also this movie arguably has the most recognizable leitmotifs ever. Mufasa's leitmotif is grand, majestic, and tragic when he dies. Simba's leitmotif is hope filled, inspiring, and awesome, especially at the end of the movie. The musical score is amazing. We Are All Connected, Kings of the Past, and The Rightful King are easily my top 3 movie score pieces of all time. I just. There's so much to unpack and I just aaaaaaaa it's my very favorite movie of all time!!!

While TLK2 obviously isn't at quite the same level, it's still a worthy sequel in its own right. The animation is still pretty good, the characters are fairly solid and the music is still mostly catchy as hell (that said, Upendi is definitely the cheesiest song in the whole movie and I definitely could do without it). I think Adult Simba's characterization is the strongest without a doubt here. Matthew Broderick's enraged shout of "Exile!" gets me every time. He's still wrestling with being like his father. Oh and Kiara is arguably my favorite TLK female character of all time and is probably my second favorite TLK character next to Cub Simba. Her compassion and wisdom really draw parallels with that of her grandfather and I headcanon that she sort of felt his presence guiding her as she fell in love with Kovu. Oh, He Lives in You and We Are One are my favorite songs of the movie. There's a spirituality to them that I really can't ignore (i'm a bit reluctant to go into my spiritual beliefs on tumblr bc of religious trauma and also i think i'll probably get lambasted haha).

TLG is a mixed bag for me. The chemistry between the characters in the first two seasons was pretty solid. The music is excellent as always, Zuka Zama being my favorite. The antagonists were pretty awesome too, especially Reirei. God, I love her. I also really appreciate that this show doesn't forget about its side characters and most of them make at least two appearences in the show, which I do appreciate. I also liked the little parallel shot references to TLK (in a youtube video seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3s0EYqMIR58&t=13s). However, Simba's characterization here really bugged me. Especially in the Savannah Summit episode where he basically tells Kion that he ruined it. He feels more like Kion's boss than his father. While I am able to headcanon that as him throwing himself into his royal duties to protect his family, I do wish he had at least a slight bit of chill. I also was bugged about Kiara wanting to be queen, which kind of skewed her desire to not be queen in TLK2 but honestly, I kind of chalk that up to writers forgetting her previous characterization briefly. Oh and ZURI. I fucking hate Zuri. Whose fucking idea was it to give a lion cub eyeshadow? She's irritating, unbearable, and simply unlikeable. I used to hate Tiifu but The Underground Adventure redeemed her in my eyes so she's cool with me now. Also, not a huge fan of Kion talking to Mufasa so easily. I just think it kind of ruins the whole mystique and majesty about the Lions of the Past. Season 3 was also pretty rough but I think I've complained about TLG too much already so I'll stop for now.

(gonna make a separate post about TLK 1.5 bc that movie is probably the best TLK sequel imo but yeah haha)

[thetarttfuldickhead]

Theres is an excellent gif set in the jamie tag at the moment of people acknowledging Jamie's abuse and its got me thinking back to Man City when Ted sees. That look on Jamie's face I never know how to read it. Defiance? Accusation that Ted sent him back to that? Resignation? Desperation?

Ah, this is a tough one. I don’t know that I know either, nonny, but let me think out loud for a bit and we’ll see what we’ll see.

First things first (and this might be an unpopular opinion): I don’t like to think that Jamie has a horrible time with Manchester City in general. Yes, his dad is there and he is obviously a fucking nightmare, but as far as we know Tartt Sr. is still a presence when Jamie’s with Richmond, even if he doesn’t come out to see the games. Admittedly, he does love his club more than he does his son, but he’s still invested in having a professionall footballer for a kid and I don’t think he’d let go of that claim to fame just because Jamie plays for a team other than City. I can see him watching the matches at a pub with his mates, you know, bragging loudly about everything he thinks Jamie does right, and then texting or calling to berate Jamie for everything he did wrong.

Of course, we don’t know that that’s the case, but consider the fact that when Jamie wants to get away from his dad, he doesn’t make a push to switch clubs or to go on another loan: he ditches football altogether to go on a reality show. And sure, we don’t know that Jamie didn’t try go somewhere else first either; it’s not an easy thing to do when you’re under contract, so maybe the TV bit was a last desperate option when everything else failed. However, he did seem eager to return to City when he was voted of Lust Conquers All, so yeah, I just don’t think he hated being in Manchester, and consequently I don’t think he’s upset with Ted for sending him back to that per se. We’ll get back to that in a bit.

Turning to the actual scene, this is what Jamie looks like in the beginning of it, before his dad starts throwing shoes and Jamie notices Ted:

This really breaks my heart. Jamie looks so young and so sad here. Not initially fearful, I’d say, but just so very dejected and resigned. He did a good and unselfish and useful thing but is immediately robbed of his joy and rightful pride in that because his father has nothing but scorn for anything less than “scoring a winner”. Reminds me of nothing so much as a little kid who’s spent a lot of time crafting something quite complicated for your birthday and is so excited to show you, only for you to complain about the visible glue or whatever. (Doesn’t necessarily mean that Jamie’s after his father’s approval, by the way, just that his father sucks all joy out of what should have been a triumphant moment for Jamie and ruins it for him.)

And then asshole of the year gets in Jamie’s face and Jamie catches sight of Ted:

Jamie does look rather angry and/or accusing here (and yeah, the quality of the picture is exceptionally meh – Apple TV doesn’t really make it easy for me to grab screenshots on my PC, I’m right annoyed about it). However, and as previously stated, I don’t think Jamie’s angry with Ted for sending him back to this, because I think that this kept happening at Richmond too (albeit not usually physically).

But if I’m right, what’s with the dark glare, Jamie? Well, even if I don’t believe Jamie was necessarily upset about having to return to Manchester in general, I think he was very upset about being sent away (as he perceived it) after making an effort to do better. He took Keeley’s advice and did what Ted wanted him to do and opened up in front of the whole team (which was quite brave of him) – and still he got sent away. I can’t help but think it must have made him feel tricked and made a fool out of. (Which to my mind explains why he goes a little bit extra assholish afterwards.)

And now here he is again, having followed Ted Lasso’s advice in making the extra pass, and all that gets him is being yelled at. So that’s the accusation, I think: “I did what you taught me to do, and this is what I fucking get for it.”

(He also gets a little green toy soldier and a kind note, and that’s so hugely important for his continued journey. Jamie, as we know, responds well to positive reinforcement.)

Huh. I didn’t know this was what I’d land on when I started writing this, but I do love to hash things out in text so thank you so much for this ask, nonny! I had fun! Not sure how convincing it’ll be to you, and I have a feeling this is one of them things I might well change my mind about later down the road, but for now this is my take on it. If you have other ideas, feel free to hit me with them.

For reference, I believe nonny is referring to this amazing gif set.

[fleetwood-cheese]

Phantom Thief outfit breakdown: pt 6

This is a continuation of my previous post and series regarding my opinions on the phantom thieves' metaverse costumes, prompted by a poll by @waywardsalt. I will like all of these together as they're finished.

Akechi - Ann - Makoto - Sumire - Futaba - Akechi 2

Next Up: Yusuke! Heads up, we're getting to the point were I have significantly less in the way of changes, so from here on out it might primarily be analysis over direct tweaks.

In my opinion, Yusuke has a very solid design, but it's not a stand-out one to me. I think some of the other costumes are worse but, also more memorable, so this one rides the line of being good but not flashy enough to stand out in the way others do. I think this actually works well for Yusuke though, as his eccentric and larger than life personality easily shine through and draw attention instead.

The key ideas behind this outfit seems to be to take a simplistic, elegant, and streamlined approach to match Yusuke's frugal upbringing and artistic sensibilities, with traditional Japanese influences to accent it. His mask is an excellent example of this, clearly being an homage to not only kitsune mythology, but the dramatic masks of kabuki, which in turn ties into the way Goemon is clearly designed with the elaborate costumes and dynamic swagger of aragoto, or rough-style, kabuki male leads.

My biggest gripe with the outfit is the tail; I love its inclusion to further accentuate the kitsune inspiration, but I think it could be executed better. The current way its attached, with the metal end clipped to the sash, just screams middle school furry tail to me in the tackiest way. No shade to furries (Yusuke would probably find them fascinating and delightful), but it's not working for this outfit. I think the key to making it look better is to de-emphasize its point of attachment, and make it look like a more natural part of the whole costume and the sash instead of something clipped on at the last minute.

I also think the sash itself could be improved upon; its a good pop of color, but sort of shapeless. I would do this one of two ways: either make it more rope-like, to tie with the dramatic tasuki of his persona, or by making it more obviously similar to the obi belt of traditional kimonos, which are smoother and tied tighter than the sash present on the outfit now. Obi's are also tied in the back with a variety of different knots, depending on how secure it needs to be, which could help with the tail attachment; it also would add an additional traditional touch to the ensemble.

I think the distribution of pops of color, such as the shocking neon blue of the gloves, blue stripes on the sash, and red ribbon of the tail, do a good job of breaking up the navy blue and white palette of the suit and white motorcycle boots (interesting choice, considering Makoto is the one with the literal motorcycle persona). However, I do think it would have been nice to see slightly more color accents throughout in a subtle way, perhaps by making the silver of the zipper more prominent? Nothing flashy, just something small to break the color block up a little more. I also think that Goemon's distinct black and white geometric patterning could have been incorporated, but I'm not sure how.

If you wanted a bigger change, you could open the ends of the sleeves up to resemble kimono robes or add a haori instead of the kind of ridiculously puffed sleeves, but I think this is really necessary and is probably more of me wanting the samurai/ronin aesthetic than anything substantial.

Overall, Yusuke's costume runs a middle ground: good enough to not be noticeably bad, but not flashy enough to compete with some of the more elaborate thief costumes. It's good, its just not wowing me and letting his personality do the talking. I have this one 5th place out of 10 and an overall score of 7/10!

[mariana-oconnor]

The Stockbroker's Clerk pt 1

I don't know if the title of this one just never stuck in my mind, or if I have never read it. It's not the most inspiring title ACD has ever written, so maybe I just forgot about it.

...which saw Holmes and I leave the comforts of London to visit the city of Birmingham...

Oh hey! It's Brum. That's kind of cool. If I did read this as a kid it probably wouldn't have meant much because I'd been to London but I hadn't been to Birmingham. However, now having spent a not insignificant portion of my life living not too far from Birmingham and a year working there (for no money, ask me my opinions on unpaid internships, I dare you), this definitely means more to me. I'm not super familiar with Birmingham, but I am familiar-ish.

Shortly after my marriage I had bought a connection in the Paddington district. Old Mr. Farquhar, from whom I purchased it, had at one time an excellent general practice; but his age, and an affliction of the nature of St. Vitus's dance from which he suffered, had very much thinned it.

Not to try to deskchair diagnose or anything, but does Old Mr Farquhar have Parkinsons? Is that what he's saying? I guess there are probably other illnesses that manifest as involuntary motion, but that was where my brain went.

The public not unnaturally goes on the principle that he who would heal others must himself be whole, and looks askance at the curative powers of the man whose own case is beyond the reach of his drugs.

Yeah, this sucks. I mean, surely if your doctor's still alive they must be doing something right. Also, this reminds me of that old brainteaser about the two barbers in town. Do you go to the one with the good haircut or the one with the bad haircut. Obviously the one with the bad haircut because he doesn't cut his own hair. Doesn't really work for doctors, I suppose, but that was my immediate thought.

I heard a ring at the bell, followed by the high, somewhat strident tones of my old companion's voice.

Oh wow. Holmes came to Watson. On his own two feet. He didn't just send a letter. Watson didn't show up on the doorstep of 221B at a loose end because his wife was visiting her 'mother'. Holmes actually walked right into Watson's house.

And inquires after their health. He is doing all the socially correct things. He is getting an excellent score in being a house guest.

“To-day, for example?” “Yes, to-day, if you like.” “And as far off as Birmingham?”

I actually went and looked at a Bradshaw's guide to look this up, because I was interested in knowing how quick a train to Birmingham was in the 1890s. About 3 and a half hours, apparently. These days the fastest train from London Euston to Birmingham New Street is about an hour and a quarter. If HS2 (ugh) ever gets finished, they say it will take 49 minutes. But yeah, 3 and a half hours is a bit of a trek for a spontaneous trip (in the UK, I know in the US you think that's a perfectly normal amount of time to travel to get breakfast, but these stories are set in the UK so I'm keeping my UK expectations glasses on.)

“I perceive that you have been unwell lately. Summer colds are always a little trying.”

Holmes hasn't seen his bff in a little while and needs to show off. Perfectly fair.

“I am afraid that I rather give myself away when I explain,” said he. “Results without causes are much more impressive. You are ready to come to Birmingham, then?”

Hence why he hasn't explained why he's going to Birmingham. I love that Holmes is always eager to show off his working and teach Watson, but then we often get this little 'oh, I shouldn't have explained, it's so much more impressive if it's a mystery' moment afterwards.

“Ah! Then you got hold of the best of the two.” “I think I did. But how do you know?” “By the steps, my boy. Yours are worn three inches deeper than his."

I was confused by this because I was thinking 'surely the best one is the one with the best doctor, so that's more on Watson than the building.' Then I realised that Holmes is talking from Watson's perspective, so the best one is the one that came with the most patients. So yeah. Pre-NHS medicine was wild. 'Oh a new doctor just bought my practice, so you're his patient now. Also he believes in Miasma theory. Good lu-u-uck. Toodles!'

The man whom I found myself facing was a well built, fresh-complexioned young fellow, with a frank, honest face and a slight, crisp, yellow mustache. He wore a very shiny top hat and a neat suit of sober black, which made him look what he was—a smart young City man, of the class who have been labeled cockneys, but who give us our crack volunteer regiments, and who turn out more fine athletes and sportsmen than any body of men in these islands.

A yellow moustache and a shiny top hat. That's very distinctive.

Getting a bit condescending and classist again at the end there, Watson.

a half-comical distress

Dude. 'Guy looks so sad I almost laughed' is such a thing to say. Is this supposed to indicate that some of his distress is exaggerated, or is Watson just laughing at him for showing emotions? I guess it's not very stiff-upper-lip of him, what what.

"It is a case, Watson, which may prove to have something in it, or may prove to have nothing, but which, at least, presents those unusual and outré features which are as dear to you as they are to me."

Holmes is really there saying right in front of this guy that his case is so weird he just had to tell his friend. This is so unprofessional, I'm laughing.

Imagine someone coming to you with a problem that's really upsetting them, and as soon as you hear it you're like, 'we have to get my bff' and then after you've dragged your friend in as well you say ''OK, so bestie, this might be pointless, but it might be super weird, and I know you love the weird ones. Listen to this."

Oh god... Watson is like one of those nurses who posts weird cases on tiktok. He really is. Oh no. Now I've thought that I can't unthink it. No!

“The worst of the story is,” said he, “that I show myself up as such a confounded fool. Of course it may work out all right, and I don't see that I could have done otherwise; but if I have lost my crib and get nothing in exchange I shall feel what a soft Johnnie I have been."

OK, so when ACD said cockney he meant 'hold my beer, I'm doing slang.' Right, gotcha. This is going to be a thing.

Also, I love this man already. This is such a me thought process. I hope he doesn't turn out to be a dick. I will feel so betrayed.

I'm not going to quote the entire next passage, my tl;dr summary of it is:

Mr Pycroft used to work for a company that had a financial crisis and had to let him go. He got a good reference, but because so many people were let go, they were all trying to get the same jobs. He's running out of money and applying to every job he can find, but no luck. He saw an ad for a job at literally The Best Company, but they only accepted applications by post, and he got the job. And he's getting a 33% rise on his last job.-

I'm already getting bad vibes about this. 'only apply by post'?? No in person interview? Job seems too good to be true? Getting paid more than in his previous job when clearly there's so much competition for jobs at the moment that they wouldn't need to do that to attract applicants?

"...up came my landlady with a card which had “Arthur Pinner, Financial Agent,” printed upon it."

If he has it on a card then it must be true.

“‘Well,’ said he, ‘the fact is that I have heard some really extraordinary stories about your financial ability. You remember Parker, who used to be Coxon's manager? He can never say enough about it.’"

Look, my company gives me security training like... constantly. I have seen so many videos about phishing and spear phishing and smishing and all other ishings that some of it was bound to stick and this. CLASSIC fraud technique. Name drop someone official that the mark will know? Classic. Establishes a false connection and a false sense of authenticity. Oh well, if he knows Parker he must be alright.

Also, appealing to Mr Pycroft's ego... this is absolutely and totally not a scam. Can't you see how he's got 'Not a Scam' written on his forehead?

“‘Now that shows real application!’ he cried. ‘That is the way to prosper! You won't mind my testing you, will you? Let me see. How are Ayrshires?’ “‘A hundred and six and a quarter to a hundred and five and seven-eighths.’ “‘And New Zealand consolidated?’“

Yeah, he doesn't know what any of those things are. He's not checking anything. He's just asking you questions to seem real and like he knows stuff. He doesn't know anything.

"'My boy, my boy, you are very much too good to be a clerk at Mawson's!’"

Oh boy... is there a scam within a scam happening here? Like, I was already suspicious about the job he got at Mawson's, and now there's another layer to it? What convoluted webs are being woven here.

“‘Ha, ha! I think I would risk a little sporting flutter that you don't go there at all.’"

Ah, well that explains the answer to 'what's going to happen when he turns up to a job that doesn't exist.'

“‘No, sir. By that day you will be the business manager of the Franco-Midland Hardware Company, Limited, with a hundred and thirty-four branches in the towns and villages of France, not counting one in Brussels and one in San Remo.’ “This took my breath away. ‘I never heard of it,’ said I."

“‘I must be frank with you,’ said I. ‘Mawson only gives me two hundred, but Mawson is safe. Now, really, I know so little about your company that—’ “‘Ah, smart, smart!’ he cried, in a kind of ecstasy of delight. ‘You are the very man for us. You are not to be talked over, and quite right, too. Now, here's a note for a hundred pounds, and if you think that we can do business you may just slip it into your pocket as an advance upon your salary.’

Aaaaaaand there's the convincer.

Oh boy. Mr Pycroft was being smart about the thing and then they come in with the £100 note and he's lost.

“We picked him out of the gutter, and he won't leave us so easily.” Those were his very words.’ “‘The impudent scoundrel!’ I cried. ‘I've never so much as seen him in my life."

Yes, that does seem weird, doesn't it. Why would a person you have never met who offered you a good job be so insulting about you? Hmm.

“It was a quarter of an hour before my time, but I thought that would make no difference. 126b was a passage between two large shops, which led to a winding stone stair, from which there were many flats, let as offices to companies or professional men. The names of the occupants were painted at the bottom on the wall, but there was no such name as the Franco-Midland Hardware Company, Limited."

I just have this image of Leverage in my head of Sophie talking through the comms to Nate:

"We have a problem."

"What kind of a problem?"

"He's early."

"What do you mean he's early? He's not supposed to be here for another fifteen minutes, the sign's not up! Hardison isn't in position!"

"Well, I suppose when you convinced him this job was important you convinced him a bit too well, Nate. I told you 500 a year was too much."

"He wouldn't have quit Mawson's for less."

"Well now he's fifteen minutes early and he's looking at the companies in the building and We're. Not. On. There."

"Stall him!"

"I'll do what I can, but even I can't convince a man he's seen a sign that doesn't exist."

"Yes you can."

"Well yes, but I shouldn't have to. And that was an entirely different situation, Nate. You know that... You've got five minutes."

"Give me ten."

“‘This is a directory of Paris,’ said he, ‘with the trades after the names of the people. I want you to take it home with you, and to mark off all the hardware sellers, with their addresses. It would be of the greatest use to me to have them.’"

Well, at least it's not copying out the encyclopaedia Britannica this time? And this time the dumb task at least seems partially relevant.

But unlike Mr Jabez Wilson, whose shop was next to a bank, Mr Pycroft here doesn't own property, so why would anyone need to get him out of the house? Especially all the way to Birmingham? Obviously there's got to be a lot of money involved as they gave him £100 as a convincer. (About £10,300 in today's money). That's a hell of a lot to toss away on a whim. There has to be a massive payout.

"'Don't overwork yourself. A couple of hours at Day's Music Hall in the evening would do you no harm after your labors.’ He laughed as he spoke, and I saw with a thrill that his second tooth upon the left-hand side had been very badly stuffed with gold.” Sherlock Holmes rubbed his hands with delight, and I stared with astonishment at our client.

I've got to assume that this means Holmes recognises the tooth (It's a very distinctive tooth) and that's why he's so excited about dentistry.

Also, getting the impression that this work is not very urgent.

“You may well look surprised, Dr. Watson; but it is this way,” said he: “When I was speaking to the other chap in London, at the time that he laughed at my not going to Mawson's, I happened to notice that his tooth was stuffed in this very identical fashion. [...] I could not doubt that it was the same man."

Oooh, yeah. That makes sense. It also implies we're working with a single antagonist rather than a crew. Unless all the other members of the crew are either easily recognisable criminals or just terrible at acting. But it being the same guy totally makes sense.

"Why had he sent me from London to Birmingham? Why had he got there before me? And why had he written a letter from himself to himself?"

I mean... I honestly don't have a clue about this one. Clearly there must be money involved, or else giving away £100 would be ridiculous. All that Mr Pycroft has done so far is go to Birmingham and read through lists of French retailers. It's got him away from London.

UNLESS... the job offer from Mawson's was real? I mean, it had red flags all over it. But if they're planning to do some sort of stockmarket crime with the Best Stockbroker in London then convincing him not to go to work and then sending an imposter in would work. And there is at least one other person involved, but they were needed to pretend to be him. That seems to be the only logical explanation at the moment. So he really did get a job at the best place in town without an interview?

Sending him all the way to Birmingham seems a little excessive, but I guess he'd know all the other places in town and Birmingham is the next biggest city in the country. Finance is pretty centralised in the UK, and I can't imagine that was different in the Victorian era.

Mawson's needs a better hiring policy, though, if that's the case. First they don't even know if the person who turns up is the person they hired. Second, someone managed to get information about a new hire from them before that new hire even had their first day.

If that's not the case, and the Mawson's job was also fraudulent as I initially believed, then I have no clue what's going on.

[askthekirbysquad]

So, I finished the Magolor Epilogue yesterday! Thoughts Time, and also time for some notes on how I'm gonna work it into this blog's continuity, given its ending.

I won't be tagging this post with any spoiler tags, but I will throw the rest of this under a cut in case anyone else was late to the game like I was! ...And also because it's Long dgdgshs

First off, the mode itself was excellent! It might be my favourite of the "play as someone other than Kirby" modes now. I like the whole collection aspect and upgrading Magolor's abilities a lot (along with all the little things he has to say about it—Magolor likes puns confirmed! Which makes sense. Yet another way to harmlessly annoy his friends lmao), and I definitely strongly prefer the combo mechanic as a way of determining score over the time attacks that Metaknightmare, Dededetour, and such have. ...And I do also just adore Magolor and playing as him dhdhshf (though I love Meta Knight too!)

Getting Platinum ranks on Electricky Dooter and Hydriath was absolute hell though. I have no idea why those two bosses specifically took so many damn tries, but they did.

As for plot stuff, it's cute that they tied stuff in with the Kirby Clash games and offered a bit more of a backstory behind the Gem Apples. And also given the newly added conversation that you get from collecting all 120 Energy Spheres in Extra Mode, it's nice to see him follow through on what he told Kirby and actually set up a shop (even if in doing so he becomes more evil than he ever was before by forcing Microtransactions upon us). I also loved getting to see the origin/creation of Magolor's Ultra Sword attack from Star Allies in the battle against the Master Crown!

But! The ending also causes some slight issues for this blog's continuity, given that here, Magolor is chilling at Dedede's Castle with everyone else. And obviously, I'm not gonna change that.

I've got multiple ideas on how I could adjust things to make everything work! I haven't decided on which one to go with yet.

My initial thought was to create a timeline split. Instead of going to the Kirby Clash universe, this blog's Magolor was sent to somewhere in the main series' timeline (along with the Gem Apple still, of course). Halcandra was my first idea, since that would work best with my original plans for him that I think I've mentioned in an old ask (Magolor talks to Landia, who tells him a bit of what they know about the Master Crown. They also banish him from Halcandra for his crimes, but allow him to take the Lor with him as long as it agrees to it (which it does!)). And then from there, Magolor warps to Dream Land using the Lor Starcutter.

I could see the Epilogue's extra level being a pathway back to Dream Land/Planet Popstar, given the presence of Waddle Dees and (more importantly, since maybe there were Waddle Dees in the other Epilogue levels that I've forgotten about) the fact that Magolor is going through a lot of the Another Dimension Sphere Doomer sections from the Story Mode, which are connected to Popstar and Halcandra. So I could see that being the way Magolor gets back home. Maybe he decided to stick around in Another Dimension for a little while longer instead of taking the portal into the Clash universe? So he could gather more magic energy and fully restore his powers before leaving (so that, say, he's not permanently stuck without infinite flight). And eventually he discovers the extra stage, which takes him back to Popstar. He never does learn what was on the other side of that portal that appeared after he destroyed the Master Crown, and sure, he wonders about it from time to time, but ultimately, he's with his friends now and right where he wants to be.

The problem with Magolor being transported directly to Popstar, though, is that he wouldn't have the Lor with him anymore. ...Well, technically he would get it back once Merry Magoland happens (since I'm treating that as part of the continuity for this blog rather than an alternate universe), when it shows up at the amusement park like «HELLO MAGOLOR. COOL PLACE YOU HAVE GOT HERE.» dgdgdshf. But I have Merry Magoland set as the latest thing happening in this blog's timeline, taking place sometime after Forgotten Land, so Magolor and the Lor would have only recently reunited.

But I guess, given that the extra stage has the Another Dimension Sphere Doomer Story Mode sections (I Do Not Know What To Call Them, I'm sorry dhdhshf) from both Popstar and Halcandra, it might be fine to just say he followed the pathway and the portal at the end took him to Halcandra instead! And then once again, he got the Lor back from Landia since it was willing to accompany him, and then they went back to Popstar so Magolor could make up for what he did to Kirby and the gang (and also because he was exiled from Halcandra).

The other option would be to say that Magolor did go to the Kirby Clash universe, but eventually made it back to Dream Land later on. Since I mean, it's now canon that Magolor goes to Kirby Clash after Return to Dream Land, but there's also the already established canon that Magolor makes it back to Popstar since he's playable in Star Allies. So either there's a timeline split, or Magolor leaves the Kirby Clash universe sometime after its story is complete (...which. I've never finished either of the Kirby Clash games actually dhdhshf).

Magolor does mention that he could potentially warp to other worlds if he upgraded his Dimensional Vanish beyond the in-game maximum, and while that could certainly be exaggeration on his part, that could also be the way he gets home? He managed to further power up his warping abilities during his time in the Kirby Clash universe, and once he's no longer needed there, he decides to use those new powers to go find Popstar (and Halcandra?), which he succeeds in doing in time for Star Allies to take place.

Or alternatively, maybe Kirby summoned him home in Star Allies? If the Dream Rod is able to reach Dark Meta Knight from within the Mirror World and Ribbon from over on Ripple Star, then why not grab Magolor from the Kirby Clash universe too? Plus, I do have to admit, that would make for a pretty cute reunion scene, because Kirby wanted Magolor back and specifically tried to summon him, even after all of the horrible stuff he did.

I dunno! I'm sort of leaning toward the first idea (this blog's Magolor never goes to the Kirby Clash universe at all, spending longer in Another Dimension until he eventually goes through the extra postgame stage, which leads him to a portal to Halcandra), but I still haven't fully decided. Going with the second option (Magolor still gets transported to the Clash universe, but eventually gets summoned back to the main series' universe by Kirby in Star Allies) would mean that he isn't present for the events of Triple Deluxe or Planet Robobot, but I guess that isn't necessarily a bad thing? It'd mean I wouldn't have to decide what he was doing during those times and why he wasn't helping Kirby, since he'd be busy in the Kirby Clash universe. ...But at the same time, for Robobot specifically, I think it'd be funny for Magolor to be there and be torn between going "ooooooh cool tech 👀" and "hey can you guys maybe not destroy Popstar please" dhdgdfhshdhfs

[rainbowsky]

I thought you might be interested in reading some reviews from 'non-fan' film viewers about the controversy over the Douban ratings for Hidden Blade.

How much is "Hidden Blade" worth? Douban gave "Hidden Blade" a score of 6.8, with one-star and two-star ratings accounting for 20%. I carefully read hundreds of one-star and two-star negative reviews, and none of them were serious, and even lacked evaluation of the movie itself. The black actors who came up first accounted for the vast majority of negative reviews. These evaluations are clearly counterintuitive. Tony Leung has no acting skills? Zhou Xun has no acting skills? Huang Lei has no acting skills? Wang Yibo has no acting skills? Is it unconscionable to lie?

Especially for those who haven't watched the movies, and who started playing black Wang Yibo and have no acting skills, can they finish watching the movies and talk about specific plots. In fact, after watching "Hidden Blade", as long as you keep your conscience in your stomach, you will know that the young actor Wang Yibo not only has acting skills, but with the blessing of director Cheng Er, it is possible to win the best newcomer award at some film festivals. This young actor not only has acting skills, but is already one of the best actors of his age.

And director Cheng Er, what level is he? Everyone knows it. From "Border Situation" to "Romantic Disappearance History", which one is not nominated for numerous awards at major film festivals? Obviously, the film festival owes Cheng Er a best director. And this "Hidden Blade", I personally think, at least in domestic film festivals, it is possible to win the big prize. Isn't it a matter of conscience to give such an excellent movie one or two stars? Our excellent Chinese movies can't be ruined like this, can they?

I give the movie "Hidden Blade" a 9.

(source)

At present, I have watched "Manjianghong", "Wandering Earth 2" and "Hidden Blade". All three films are excellent. Both "Manjianghong" and "Wandering Earth 2" have received matching ratings and box office. Today I mainly want to talk about "Hidden Blade".

Because of the countless negative reviews on the Internet, I was about to give up watching the movie, but because I loved the first two films directed by Cheng Er, I bought the ticket with the mentality of trying it out. This movie meets all my expectations for a perfect movie. It’s meaningless without a single shot or line in the whole film. Of course, the film has a certain viewing threshold. At the beginning, many plots will be suspicious. Is this necessary? It’s even a little confusing or incomprehensible. Until the end, all the metaphors will be unraveled, and then you will start to think about it, and want to go back and watch it again. The last time I had this extreme movie-watching experience was "Heart Labyrinth" and "Looking The Missing Guest" and "The Witness in Pursuit".

Douban has not yet opened a score yet. Seeing very polarized reviews, there are many one-star negative reviews. I guess the ratings of the movie will not be too high at the beginning, but this is definitely a movie that is currently seriously underestimated. I look forward to word-of-mouth and box office counterattack.

Make a prediction it will win a prize.

(source)

[eeclare]

Bob’s Burgers bedrooms

I downloaded Toca Life World and made the Belcher’s bedrooms with my own little twists to them. I reimagined some of it and I hope you guys like it!

Starting off with Tina:

Some classic horse paraphernalia (I imagine the brown horse is Chariot from the equestranauts)

I put walkie talkies in all the Belcher kids’ bedrooms because I like to imagine that they communicate with each other past their bedtime

Tina would 100% have those glow in the dark stars on her walls all throughout high school. Change my mind

I think she would have bought into that vines on the walls trend that was all over Tik tok for a while. She thinks they look classy

I also added a lil cameo of the cat treats that Tina and Gene eat in that one episode lol I headcannon that they still snack on them from time to time

There’s also a box of chocolates and a little teddy bear holding a heart, I just think that she either received them from someone (Zeke, J-Ju, whoever you want) or she’s saving them to give to someone else

Shoutout to the composition notebook on her desk for her erotic friendfiction

And because this is a headcannon for teenaged Tina’s bedroom, I gave her a mirror and some fancy looking moisturizer. I don’t think she wears much makeup (if any at all) but I do think she takes skincare VERY seriously

Gene:

Gene’s room is MESSY

Like I love him but he’s a total slob

I think that he would have some of those LED lights, but only because Louise wanted them first but her room was too small for the whole roll

Like in Tina’s room, I gave him the cat food to snack on

I also think that Gene is a sweaty boy and therefore has a fan on 24/7

Burger and ketchup plushies!

So. Many. Snacks.

I gave him a kiddie radio and a regular boombox as well as a synthesizer (I couldn’t find any keyboards that’s my bad)

He also has a walkie talkie so he can “walkie and talkie with his favourite sisters”

I also added a music score!

The posters are kinda miscellaneous, they didn’t have any music based ones but I think that “bulko” character would be one that Gene is rlly into

Ofc I added a baseball in there as well. I think that even though he never excelled at the sport and isn’t a sport person in general, he still just likes to have the ball around. Maybe as a stim toy maybe not who knows

Louise:

Louise was my favourite room to put together! I just find that she and I have/had similar rooms growing up and I just relate to her on that level

I gave her the loft bed with the desk underneath because obviously. She has one. But I chose this one specifically because I think that it’s very her.

I think she added the caution tape because it’s “the next best thing besides barbed wire”

And ofc the stickers to add some ✨personality✨

Louise got really into the LED craze of 2020 and hence, got some for Christmas or something like that

But her room *cough* closet *cough* is too teeny tiny for the full roll so she had to share the rest of it with Gene

I added horror movie posters next to her bed because there are SO many instances in the show where she just talks about horror films and I think she gets REALLY into them when she gets older

She still uses crayons. Sue her

Ofc I also gave her a walkie talkie. She’s literally the reason the Belcher kids have them in the first place

The one poster in a frame reminds me of that one onion poster she has in her room in the show. I still don’t understand the significance of the poster but I think it deserves to be added

The green frog on her bed is supposed to represent Kuchi Kopi

And all the other weird looking toys are her collectables!

And I have to address the lady bug in the room. I think that she got that as a lil baby and just grew so emotionally attached to it that she can’t bear to get rid of it. She rides it around the apartment when she’s bored

I also tried to imitate her spiral carpet and even though there is no spiral I think the colour is spot on

Bob and Linda:

Linda 100% made all of the design choices in their bedroom

Ik that canonically they don’t have a window but shhhhhh

I think that they would have two carpets because Linda always complains that her feet get cold when she’s getting ready in the mornings

And she let Bob pick the colour of it (the red one)

Linda found that tapestry at a flea market and “Isn’t it just DARLING Bobby”

BUT it smelled like cigarettes for sooooo long she almost got rid of it

Almost.

Linda is a candle gurly. If she goes to the store and sees a candle she HAS to have it, especially if it smells good

She also got rlly into the holistic medicine industry for a while, hence the salt lamp

She thinks it looks fancy and rustic at the same time

Bob picked out the framed picture and he’s so proud of himself

“Did you know that IM the one that picked that? And now it’s hanging in our room”

They have white sheets because Linda likes to feel like she’s in a hotel

Bob actually is an avid reader. Well, mostly.

He reads but he doesn’t really READ, you know?

But he always tries to read a little before bed so he keeps his current books on his nightstand (at least since the events of the episode where he and Linda sleep apart)

Those are my headcannons for the Blecher bedrooms! I’m thinking of doing an MLP version too but we’ll see. I’ve also been thinking of doing a Mr. Frond and Gayle bedroom because in my mind they stay together forever lol who knows

[rhpsdys]

ok actually here's my d&d bard rant because i wrote five ic things today && now i'm allowed to ramble.

historically, && by definition, bards are poets. not musicians. poets. yet in pop culture, they're more heavily associated with music than anything else. toh is guilty of this too. && that's okay! i've talked about how orpheus is a classic example of an ancient bard, && he is a musician. but first && foremost, it's important to acknowledge that music is not the core of bard culture, so having d&d bards be musicians by default (though there are exceptions && ways around this) is a little annoying. but like — that's not the part that bothers me, really. i love the music aspect, i believe there's something inherently magic about music, && having an instrument be a bard's spellcasting focus is brilliant.

the thing that i really don't like is the fact that bards are stereotyped as charming, outgoing, flirtatious people who might as well as "seduction" as a skill check option for how often they're expected to seduce npcs. i was having this conversation with a musician friend the other day, who isn't much of a d&d person, && when i explained this aspect of bard charcters to him he was like "no classical musician i know is like that". && obviously not all bards are classical musicians (like raine is), but it just.... misses the point?

bards are storytellers, which is the one thing you will see me say over && over again on this blog. that is at the core. whether that storytelling is through music, or poetry, or acting, or writing, or any sort of oral presentation or performance... there are a million ways to be a bard, && the only trait that should necessary for a bard build is being able to stir people's emotions. whether that's through a mastery of language (arguably more important) or a rousing musical performance, those are the only requirements. so yeah, make sure charisma is your highest ability score, but charisma can look very different from person to person. it's not just a way to assess how outgoing you are. deception && intimidation are charisma skills, too.

a bard can give a rousing speech but be awful at one-on-one conversation. they can be a powerful writer, recording the events of history for future generations, but have a horrible memory && be unable to recite a story around a campfire. they might write beautiful sonnets, but can't eloquently declare their love face to face. or a bard can be an incredibly talented musician who can cast powerful magic && move an audience to tears, but have horrible stage fright, like a certain someone we know && love.

the point is, not every bard should have to be the party glue, the flirtatious comic relief, or the outgoing conversationalist. expecting that to be their primary function completely ignores what is means to be a bard.

so what do i think an accurate d&d bard build looks like?

charisma as highest score, ideally with intelligence as the next highest. proficiency or expertise (level depending) in history, arcana, persuasion, && either performance or deception.

but eros! you say, why isn't performance a requirement? well, because not every bard has to be a skilled performer to be a bard. we've established this. i think deception is a good alternative, because of how bards can come off as weak && unassuming, && that can be used to their advantage to get in && out of situations. but honestly, you could replace those with any other skill of your choice.

ironically, i think the bard colleges do an excellent job of breaking down the different ways bards can function, which is why i think this stereotype comes from popular interpretations in gameplay && not the players' handbook itself. that's a whole other post, so i won't get into it too much, but i think picking a college is key to determining the kind of bard you want to be, && your personality should reflect that. i wish the colleges had slightly different mechanics too... but again, that's another post.

the bard spell list is also another post, but this is where i think toh thrives && d&d... misses out. i also think that's why bard stereotypes are made through roleplay narrative && personality rather than class abilities, because their magic isn't all that specific to bard culture.

ummmm anyway this got so long but tl;dr i would love to overhaul the bard class in d&d so i'll probably do that for fun later. stay tuned for a post on the colleges && spell list at a later time.