#oh right you didn't tell me anything

[stateofspoon]

LPT: blow your nose

first of all why didn't anyone tell me how much my quality of life would improve if i just blew my nose first thing when i wake up in the morning—is that what being neurotypical is like?? just magically knowing you need to blow your nose and doing it???

i am 30 somehow.

[vynnyal]

Finally finishing totk

[prosebushpatch]

Okay so I recently, finally, watched Wish and I have some thoughts. Overall, not as bad as everyone makes it out to be, but still has a lot of fundamental story problems and I've got to get them off of my chest. I'll mostly be focused on Magnifico because I think his motivations and arc largely represent the problem with the overall theme.

Okay so my biggest problem with Magnifico is his motivation. His tragic backstory. How on earth does he go from losing his whole family to thinking, the only way he can prevent that from happening again is to grant wishes? The logic doesn't track. It almost makes sense in his creating a kingdom where he protects everyone and "doesn't even charge rent," but it does not make sense with his wish granting. Having a great need to be control to make sure he doesn't lose anyone ever again can be a compelling motivation for a villain, where we see lines crossed that don't justify the intent, but in the movie, he's too self-absorbed to seem to have any actual care for the people of Rosas.

I think if the motivation was changed to something like Magnifico had once been a bright-eyed, enthusiastic wish granter who blindly believed all wishes were good but learned the hard way that that wasn't true could have been a better fit for the overall goal of the movie. Imagine that he granted a wish for a wicked person who used that wish to hurt others, or if Magnifico granted a wish but that wish ended up ruining the person's life because what they wanted wasn't what they needed (i.e. Remember The Princess and the Frog? Dig a little deeper) and that person could have went after Magnifico and blamed him for their troubles (harkening back to We Don't Talk about Bruno). This would be an understandable tragic backstory for Magnifico, and better explain why he's so careful about the wishes he grants. And, perhaps the reason he keeps the wishes he doesn't want to grant is to keep the people in his kingdom docile. No one will be angry with him for not granting their wishes if he makes them forget them and lose that drive and motivation, which makes more sense than the unexplained hording them like he does in the movie? Why does he keep them in the movie other than admiring the wishes? It doesn't make sense to me.

This would give Asha more of a reason to oppose him, if it's shown how his desire to not get hurt or to inadvertently cause hurt turned into a paranoia where he drains people of wishes to fly or play music that inspires others. And, as a side note, we need to see more of how Rosas is a kingdom of people who lack drive and motivation, where only those younger than 18 have that special part of them that inspires them to chase after a dream (something that Astor Rhymemaster touched on). Because that's the point of wishes, right? That's the point of the entire Disney canon. A dream is a wish your heart makes. That star can only get you so far, it takes hard work and determination. It's wanting something better in life, it's dreaming of leaving behind all you know to chase after a tangible light. It's finding a new dream, it's finding a new wish as you grow and learn about yourself and the world.

I don't think the movie Wish understood what makes wishes so important in Disney stories. You know what wishes do? They ignite change. It's not about getting what you want, it's about finding the courage to chase after something better. Ariel wants to be where the people are, but really she wants to be somewhere where others are willing to understand her and in the end, she finds that and makes amends with her father, who finally is willing to see her for who she is. Rapunzel wants to see the lights, and that desire pushes her to leave a tower she's been trapped in her whole life, learning that the world is not as cruel and cold as her abusive mother told her. Cinderella wants to go to the ball, to dance with people who treat her as a person and not a servant of cinders and ash. That wish is granted by a fairy godmother and gives her a hope that is worth fighting for, a hope that helps her reclaim what is rightfully hers; a glass slipper that fits only her and the love that comes with it.

Wishes inspire change. The movie should have been about that. Magnifico could have been right, that some wishes inspire negative change that can drag down multiple people. The kingdom of Rosas could have been so placid because change is scary. Maybe Magnifico could have convinced people, after taking their wish, that it wasn't worth it. Maybe the wish ceremonies could have changed so it wasn't portrayed as some sort of lottery everyone looks forward to, but Magnifico would grant wishes on the spot if he decided they were good and worthwhile, and he would lock away the wishes that would cause trouble and tribulations. 18 year olds could be enthusiastic to give him their wishes, thinking they were surely good and worth granting, only to forget their wish and be told that their wish would have only brought about their unhappiness, this would have justified a more solemn tone in the kingdom, setting up a world where people are mostly downtrodden, thinking their wishes are bad and pointless and they're better off without them. Imagine Cinderella or Rapunzel being told their wishes weren't good, reinforcing all the things their abusive families tell them, taking away that hope and courage to find something better for themselves.

Here's where the true conflict could come in. Asha could be onto this from the beginning, and her opening song could have been about this concern that the people who didn't get their wishes granted aren't willing to try at all. (Because, after all, why doesn't Sabino play music at all? Having that taken from him would take so much joy and creative expression from his life!) But why does Asha know something is amiss?

Simon.

Imagine that Magnifico has a strict rule not to ever share your wish with another person because then it wouldn't come true. It makes sense with our own superstitions, and then makes it so that no one knows anyone else's wishes. Maybe your best friend changes so drastically after giving up their wish, but you believe, like everyone else, that their wish would have only caused suffering. What can you do about it? Well what if Simon told Asha about his wish? What if Asha knew his wish wasn't dangerous and couldn't imagine a way that it could go wrong? That would give her a reason to doubt Magnifico and put more emphasis on how Simon has lost his drive like all the other adults in the kingdom. And it can also emphasize in the end that sharing your wishes and dreams with others can be a powerful thing. Just the act of sharing your dreams can inspire others to go after their own, and they can give you the encouragement to chase your wish too. Wishes inspire change, love gives you the courage to make it happen.

Imagine if the star boy used to be a human, who wished to help others and lost his humanity to do it. Imagine his wish confirms Magnifico's belief, that wishes cause suffering because star boy lost his tether to earth and is separated from the people he loves. Imagine how he foils Asha who also wants to grant everyone's wishes. Imagine him ensuring she doesn't make the same mistake he did while she gives him a reason to change again, to anchor himself to humanity again because he loves her enough not to leave for forever.

Imagine the movie confirming that, yes, change is scary. Chasing your dreams won't always make things better. You might fail more than you succeed and some wishes cannot coincide with each other, leading to grief and strife. But some wishes are worth it. Sometimes, chasing after something better and failing is worth leaving a worse situation. Sometimes taking that chance is worth it, and, like in all fairy tales, if you are kind and generous and act with love, that will make all the difference in the end.

Also, I know everyone wished for a Magnifico and Amaya evil power couple, but imagine if Magnifico was truly in love with Amaya, as he is in the movie, but that love is eventually his undoing. Like Amaya leaps in front of Asha, and Magnifico stops or redirects his attack because she's the one thing he loves more than himself and that is the weakness that Asha and co can take advantage of. Imagine Amaya keeping Magnifico in the mirror and he gets to dote on her from his imprisonment for forever. I'm just saying. At least 30 sickos like me would be into that. Imagine the depth it would give to the themes of love and change and wishing and how acts of love make all the difference.

Alright, I'll get off my soap box. I just really wish Wish could have been stronger because these fairy tales Disney is famous for matter. They really do. But the movie feels too stale and shallow and too much of a cash grab that knows the outline of a disney musical, but is unable to understand the heart of why they work.

[archerstreet]

can someone tell me how to keep going if your hardwork does pay off but you don't feel anything when you achieve your goal just relief and numb again

[cometcon]

[Messages I sent to my friend last night for when I find out if I'm right or not as I continue watching this show. PLEASE DO NOT GIVE ME ANY SPOILERS. I WANT THE SHOW TO REVEAL IT AS CORRECT OR INCORRECT.]

Listen. I'm in Season 2 of Monk and I need to write this down to you because I'm calling it now and I don't think you want to watch this so it should be fine if I'm right:

RANDY KILLED TRUDY

I'M LIKE 80% SURE OF IT

They've dropped TWO extremely subtle hints and this show isn't always the most subtle in its set up and pay off [so with the vibe I'm getting from what I think I'm noticing I feel like they want it to be there so you can go back and see it again later but are intentionally drawing as little attention to it as possible so you hopefully don't figure it out early but also if you do you'll feel really smart for having engaged with the show] .(I much prefer that to telling me everything though so it's mostly ok).

One: Randy mentioned back in Season One that he joined the police department 4 years ago. At that time in the story, it was 4 years ago that Trudy died to PLASTIC BOMBS UNDER HER SEAT. [The reason why I clocked this as important is that the show has been consistently training us as the audience to never ignore a seemingly off-hand remark using times, dates, number of years, locations or anything like that whatsoever because 99.99999999% of the time it's relevant and gets used by Monk (sometimes others but usually Monk) to crack the episodical cases. I'm telling you now I'm 99.99999999% sure that wasn't an off-hand comment that doesn't actually matter any more than any other comment like that has ever been in any episode to that point or after it. It means something. They've taught me it means something so I really hope that pays off.]

ok it might be three actually I just realised something from another character not just Randy

Two: I'm now watching Season Two and Monk was talking to another character and they have him tell her that the car bombs were plastic bombs and that he feels guilty because he's sure they were meant for him. This isn't the first time this show mentioned car bombs, but it is the first time I remember them being identified specifically as plastic bombs.

Three: The very next episode - the one I'm currently on - is dealing with a series of murders using PLASTIC BOMBS.

GUESS WHAT RANDY JUST SAID

Ok ok so relevant dialogue leading up to it:

Monk: "What do we have?"

Captain Leland: "Mail bomb. An ounce and a half of plastique with a magnesium charge."

Randy (looking a little excited which wouldn't be unusual in normal circumstances for his character but is extra sus here given my existing sus): "There were two triggers-- a chemical detonator wired to the wrapping, and a motion detector. So when you opened it and moved it-- boom."

Cap. Leland: "Not hard to make.”

AND RANDY, this cheeky smug little fuckwit, GUESS WHAT HE SAYS NEXT????

"Crude and unpredictable actually."

YOU SMUG LITTLE PIECE OF SHIT MOTHERFUCKER I SEE WHAT YOU DID THERE YOU SNEAKY LITTLE SONNOVA FUCKING BITCH

I'M GUNNING FOR HIM. I'M GUNNING FOR RANDY. FUCKING LITTLE WEASLEY SHIT.

Also you know there's that whole thing where some killers like to insert themselves into the investigation where possible as part of the thrill/try to head the cops off etc. It's a real life phenomenon. And if Randy is the type of character I've been thinking he is then he's a) very good at putting on the unthreatening bumbling dumbass assistant role which hello Felix archetype but without the competence angle to begin with, and b) he's exactly the type of person to insert himself into the police department Monk works with to see the damage he did to Monk with the bombs and revel in it, as well as stay close enough to gain trust with the department and Monk to know what's going on, but probably also to keep feeding his ego that even Adrian Monk can't figure out that Randy did it.

Basically imagine Felix [Red vs Blue] if he had no game or rizz and you have the underlying character I'm picking up from Randy.

(And if I'm right then a) I'm going to scream so loud the neighbours might call in a welfare check for me and b) jesus mother fucking christ his actor is amazing at playing a character-within-a-character, goddamn. Every kudo on Earth to him.)

[I haven't managed to watch past the Playboy episode yet because unfortunately I have a life and I can't bingewatch constantly until It's revealed whatever happened to Trudy but you can bet your arse I'm going back in as soon as possible because I'm so excited to find out if I'm seeing shit or if I'm seeing shit I'm both supposed to and not supposed to see. Goddamn I've missed getting to use my brain while watching media.]

************************************************

UPDATE: I just started Season 3 and I started my other best friend on Monk too last night so they're getting in on the drama. XD

We'll see how this season goes. They're ramping up the Trudy plot lately so my money is on this season for some kind of reveal. Crossing my fingers. It has to be Randy. Look at that weasely little face. Piece of shit.

Also said best friend I'm messaging in the screnshots above saw the individual scene where that dialogue is from I was freaking out about earlier. And they pointed out he looks really dressed up and they don't think it's because of his 'girlfriend.' They think it's because he was excited as fuck to be doing a bombing case similar to what he did (but inferior in his eyes of course) and he dressed up for it. Fucking smug little prick.

****************************************************

UPDATE: I finished the first episode of Season Three and I'm calling BULLSHIT. NO. NOT ALLOWED. B u l l s h i t. I'M STILL GUNNING FOR YOU RANDY YOU FUCKING PRICK I KNOW YOU DID IT I KNOW IT I FEEL IT IN MY LEFT ANKLE FUCK YOU. MY ANKLE DEMANDS YOUR TWO-FACED BACKSTABBING WIFE-BOMBING BLOOD, DO YOU HEAR ME????

****************************************************

UPDATE:

S3 Ep7.

There's a LOT more focus on Randy lately and it's making me itch.

Sharona just made a joke about Randy blowing up his 'girlfriend.'

Yeah that's not the only girl he blew up, Sharona, you watch. I know it was him. I can fucking smell it from here even through that cologne. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...

Mini Update: Ok so Crystal's real. One thing he didn't lie about but wow there's a lot of focus on making Randy adorable. I'm not buying it. It's set up to make his evil nature feel all the more like a vicious betrayal, I tell you!!!!

****************************************************

UPDATE: I miss whoever chose to write Monk as capable of lying and emotional intelligence. It was refreshing. Yeah they see-sawed occasionally but they seem to have decided to drop what made him refreshing as an Autistic-coded character (holding out hope they'll see-saw back again since they seem to retcon whether or not he's capable of and comfortable with lying and emotional intelligence based on whoever is writing at the time). I'm tired of all the cis het white men who are Hollywood-Autistic and are socially inept bcause that's what Allistics see as the defining trait of Autism and not like literally the million other things it can be plus we are capable of learning and masking, so I'd like to see more of that which we did a lot of the time in earlier seasons (not always the masking but he'd definitely navigated most social interactions perfectly fine aside from his 'OCD' moments). I also miss Sharona and the way they wrote her off in the show was weird and kind of lazy. I wish they'd just paid her actress what she asked; it was probably perfectly reasonable and she was fucking epic.

[cryolyst]

~

[leapinarmadillo]

my review of Moonwalk: hot mess. ★★★.

[silverwash]

@conjuringink

“Alright, alright!! Just let go of me...!!!”  Tartah squirms as best he can to wrest the man’s hands from his shoulders.  He tries not to make a scene, but this isn’t the most ideal scenario to be placed in.  Tartah does know him, although given the circumstances, he is not the most enthused to see him here.  Of all available options, depending on Qifrey most of all doesn’t imbue him with the most confidence.

“Jeez, I’m not helpless, you know.”  He can manage fine!  He’s done his best thus far!!  He would love to prove it, but it’s like Qifrey has a sixth sense to any potential harm to young witches-in-training.  He barely gave Tartah any time.  Still, he has his own place to stay, so it’s not like he’s stuck with Qifrey.  Silver linings, or something of the sort. He just needs to brace himself for whatever kind of overbearing nonsense he's about to be thrown into.

[angorwhosebabyisthis]

[pericky; a look into ricky's head during their meeting.]

---

"I'm glad you came, I wasn't sure you would." The wine pours, the sound of it drowning out the missing word in that sentence: back.

Of course, is the response, and the part of Ricky that's spent twenty years tearing itself apart to understand why vibrates with relief. It doesn't matter anymore. Of course, of course, he thinks giddily along with the words. He never needed to wonder why Pericles wasn't coming back in the first place; he was always going to.

I'm happy you invited me, and of course he thinks again. A lifetime of pretending he wasn't always going to either falls away. However harsh and lonely the world has been, all's right with it again; and the shy voice of the boy inside him that he's tried so hard to kill says, so quietly, I missed you.

[bisexualgenderfemme]

genuinely & seriously WILL block you w/o hesitation if u believe terfs & transphobes hate trans women "because they're men" & not "because they are a kind of woman they're allowed to hate". (&/ the perceived transgression of the feminine with masculine)

transmisoginy is real, it has ruined the lives of women I love, it has led to transfemicide, & harassment campaigns at a level cis men simply DO NOT EXPERIENCE & NEVER WILL.

& beyond that, if you think (or imply) trans women have privilege over others, or male socialization or whatever I honestly think you should kys. or at the very least hand ur local trans woman $1k

[19catsncounting]

Therapy isn't enough I need the CW to go back and re-film Season 11 to prove that Lucifer could have been saved if Michael didn't abandon him like Dean refused to abandon Sam.

[loftwinglullaby]

wow thank you so much

[archerstreet]

hey god if you've created someone for me can you introduce me to them sooner? i kinda need them now

[dawei-s]

Close to my grandma's age when she had my dad literally wtf

[italictext]

Hurray!! My sister came out to my mum as bi/pan and told ma she had a girlfriend and it went well! She's not 100% supportive but we'll get there

[vargaslovinghours]

In case it was ever a question