#oh their family will be mended by the end of the season

[cerealbishh]

"Thank you, Jake."

"Always, brother."

[ninjatrashpanda]

Season Eight Episode 1 Write-Up

Okay, so, I watched 8X01 for the fourth time now and decided to do a little write up, because why not, right?

In general, I really, really enjoyed it! Probably my favorite Season Premiere episode to date! There’s a few things I’m not too big on, but for the most part, a solid start to the season! This is long, so beware of the cut! To get into more detail:

1. Gerrard

Probably unpopular opinion, but I kinda like him? In the “Love to Hate” kind of way? I just think he’s so ridiculously over the top evil that it’s kind of funny if that makes sense? Like what do you mean his response to everything is “UnSaTiSfAcToRy; DO IT AGAIN!” What do you mean he flips his lid at Eddie over organic fruit leather while he has construction under way??? Letting them run laps around the station until Buck pukes??? “Have fun with it.”???

Compared to what he was like in Season 2, I honestly think Gerrard’s kinda fun, in his own messed up way. About the closest we get to that Gerrard is that he apparently takes credit for Buck’s ideas after reprimanding him. Even comparable actions, in particular putting his dirty boots up on the truck Hen was just cleaning in “Hen Begins” vs spitting on the floor after Chim mopped it in this episode come across as overly petty here, while in Season 2, he seemed much more malicious to me. 

We even see him have some Standardstm. He calls Buck by that nickname, actually shows concern about Buck not wearing his bee hood, and generally seems to actively try and get everyone out alive. The fact that they actively show some of his less evil qualities imo lends credit to the theory that they might give him a redemption arc. It wouldn’t be the first time someone overtly, over-the-top awful would get one. (Gloria anybody?) Do I want one? No. I don’t. I didn’t like that Gloria got one, and I’d be annoyed by Gerrard getting one. But with this show, it very much is a possibility. 

2. The Dennis Jenkins situation

Okay. So. There’s been some…minor controversy on my dash about this. I’ve seen both the take that Athena is the most evil piece of dirt for arresting Dennis, and I’ve seen people agree with Athena that he should be behind bars forever. (Both are hyperbolic, of course.)

And frankly, I think people are much too black and white about this. Yes, Dennis turning his life around and doing good for thirty years should count for something. Yes, he should still be held accountable for literally murdering somebody. Like, I don’t care that Emmet was a police officer. I don’t think that should matter in court in any way. But a life was brutally ended by Dennis’ hand. A family was torn apart. That Emmett shaped hole in Athena’s and Mrs. Washington’s hearts? That’s never gonna be fully mended, no matter how Dennis gets punished, but to just tell them that they will never get closure and are evil for expecting it? That’s not something I’ll ever support.

Ideally, Dennis’ efforts would be acknowledged in court, and he’d get a heavily reduced sentence, maybe with a chance for parole or house arrest, so he can still be with his family. Hell, I think the deal he struck with the feds to get out is perfectly fine, actually! But to say that he never should’ve gotten punished at all for doing something as horrific as murder is insane to me.

Because yes, for Dennis it was a horrible mistake. For Athena and Mrs. Washington, it was much, much more.

Oh, and because I know this is gonna come up: Yes, I think Amir would’ve been justified in reporting Bobby and how his involvement in the fire was swept under the rug. 100%. I actually think he’s a bigger man than me, because if I was in his shoes, I probably would have.

3. The Highway Call

This is our first look at the actual bees, and as a massive entomophobe, this whoooooole sequence is a huge nightmare to me. But let’s talk!

First, the poor driver who gets stung to death with nobody even giving a shit. I know it’s realistic, and that Julie and Reyla and everybody else have other things to worry about, but every time the show does something like this, I’m like “This nameless, practically faceless character had a family in-universe! He probably had a spouse and kids or siblings or parents or niblings or something that think he’s just doing a routine 22 million killer bees transport, only to later find out he was stung to death and they will never, ever see him again!”

So yeah, sometimes I think I might be overthinking the weewoo show lol.

Getting back on track, I do love the tension with Julie and Reyla! I know people have criticized Julia not closing the AC vents right away, but I actually think forgetting or just not thinking about that is, well, realistic. I assure you, I would not have thought of that either.

Similarly, them only having one EpiPen doesn’t seem like such a stretch to me either. Epi’s come in packs of two, sure, but they’re also expensive as hell and I sure couldn’t afford to casually replace one, even if I picked up the generic store brand. I assume that they picked up a two-pack, one was used previously, so one was left over.

Or maybe the writers didn’t think that much about it and just decided to only have one Epi because drama 🙂

Also, I’m not sure if you could actually get a second dose out of a cracked open EpiPen. Frankly, it sounds really dangerous to just mess with medicine like that.

I will not talk about the second driver and how he had a shit ton of bees in his throat, that image haunted me in my nightmares, thank you. “Why do I taste honey?” makes zero sense, but know what, it was a quality line anyway.

Which brings us to Buck having some random ass knowledge about beekeeping for some reason (Are we surprised? No, no we aren’t.) and saving the day by blowing smoke on the bees to calm them down. Buck is a Gud Boi and we all appreciate and love him 💖 Also, he gets to be a freaky bug boy again by becoming friends with one of the bees that can now join the tapeworm and the maggot. It was adorable.

As it stands, this whole thing was a great sequence! The action was good, the scenes in the car were tense (Even though realistically I knew the kid at the very least would be okay. This show doesn’t kill kids unless they’re Bobby’s.) and you just kinda can’t stop the triumphant smile on your face when they finally get Julie and Reyla out of the car. It’s just a really well done scene.

Also, Buck saying “It’s a bee-nado” you will always be famous 💖

4. Bobby’s new gig

So we don’t see Bobby all that much this episode, but I think that’s fine. I feel like the back half of Season Seven was very, very Bobby heavy, so being a little lighter on him in favor of other characters is a good thing, as much as he is my favorite character.

So, Technical Advisor Bobby is basically just Fire Marshal Buck and LAFD Liaison Eddie all over again. It’s a new job that doesn’t fulfill him, and he’s miserable, and he wants back. Outside of the actor guy very clearly wanting to get into Bobby’s pants, I honestly can’t really say anything else yet about this? IDK, we really just got two establishing scenes for that storyline, not really anything of substance yet.

5. Han-Wilson Family Scene

I love it. I love that they all have dinner together. HenMaddie hug save me, save me HenMaddie hug.

Also, uh, sorry not sorry, I understand why people are upset by the HP reference, but like…it makes sense why they picked it. Harry Potter is still a highly recognizable and popular brand with both adults and kids, never mind the multimedia aspect of it. Books, illustrated versions of them, movies, video games���I’m surprised there aren’t graphic novels, honestly. Name dropping it has no GA member scratching their heads wondering what it is the way, say, The Hunger Games would. Additionally, as much as it sucks, a lot of people don’t know that Rowling is awful. Like, genuinely, I don’t know anybody irl who knows what a witch (no pun intended) that woman is.

Also, 9-1-1 referencing Harry Potter literally just one day before Maggie Smith passed away is…uh…

But with that tangent out of the way, the conflict between Hen and Chim (and maybe Karen and Maddie) is set up very well! Both Chim’s comment earlier that he has two kids to come home to, as well as sharing the HP obsession with Mara shows us that he’s getting too attached, and Hen notices it too. I’m genuinely curious how that plays out because I honestly can’t see the two of them actually fight in any way. The closest we got was Hen randomly deciding that she doesn’t want Maddie and Chim to get married (which was weird, like wtf was that about???) in Season Six. I’m looking forward to how this is gonna play out!

6. The Birthday Party: Tevan

I have a lot to say about the Eddie and Chris of it all, so let’s focus on Themtm first.

So, when Lou posted his trailer door four hours before the premiere, I, like many of us, cheered and yelled and scratched at the walls. I was elated, I was ecstatic and I couldn’t wait to see his beautiful face on my screen.

And behold, when I did see him, I cheered and yelled and scratched at the walls again. It’s my (and Buck’s and all of our’s really) Emotional Support Tommy. My Emotional Support Tommy is back with me and I can finally be happy again! I’m not gonna lie, there were a few times during hiatus when the bestie boos almost got to me, but pretty much always bounced back fast. There was no way he wouldn’t be here. I still, as mentioned before, cheered and yelled and scratched at the walls.

So, not only are Theytm back, they’re also adorable and cute and fluffy and I want them to be happy forever and ever. “Has anyone ever told you that you’re a vision in a cone” has single handedly cured my depression. The fact that Buck was absolutely leaning in for a kiss right after has me giddy. The way they’re in each other’s personal space like that!

Also, background Tommy with the balloon he fails to blow up and later with the cupcakes (Why did he get them? Why does Tommy seem to always have cake???) was just *Chef’s kiss*!

7. The Birthday Party: Diaz Family Drama (courtesy of Edmundo, make no mistake!)

Okay. So. Right off the bat, if you’re one of the crazy people who think Eddie is the poor widdle victim here and that Chris is a brat or should get over himself, signal me so I can block you or better, just block me yourself. There is no universe where Chris is in the wrong for not wanting to be around Eddie. Not when Eddie has traumatized him several times over.

To recap: Eddie has abandoned Chris twice when he was just a baby. Yes, Chris doesn’t remember it directly, but we know from the Season Seven Premiere that he’s getting old enough to recontextualize the things in his past. He stopped romanticizing Shannon and saw her leaving as the abandonment that it was. He found it in himself to forgive her after reading her letter, but he knows that she did abandon him, and he probably at least theorizes that it had to do with his CP.

Knowing this, it’s easy to extrapolate that he might have some thoughts about Eddie being in the army, too. Not as strongly maybe because after coming back the second time, Eddie stayed behind and never left again, but I’m absolutely sure that knowing he was diagnosed when he was around two and knowing that Eddie left for his second tour around the same time makes the gears in his head turn.

Next up, the careless way Eddie handles his relationships with Ana and Marisol. He throws himself into both relationships without abandon and seemingly introduces Chris to them right away, which is…uh, not the best thing to do? More so with Ana when Chris wasn’t even ten yet, but still very much so with Marisol later. 

Eddie encourages Chris to grow close to them, because of his misguided attempt at giving him a mother (which is problematic on its own), watches him get attached and then breaks off the relationship (with Ana) or cheats (on Marisol). Eddie shows no regard to how this affects Chris, and it directly influences him into thinking that women always leave. 

It also seems that Eddie never tries working through the shooting with Chris. Which actually makes sense, because Eddie doesn’t work through the shooting himself. This of course results in Chris realizing that his dead isn’t immortal and could, in fact, die at any moment, resulting in him going haywire during Christmas in Season Five.

And then we’re at the really big enchilada. Eddie brings a woman that looks like an exact copy of Christopher’s dead mother into their house, has a quick roleplaying session with her, and then either embraces or kisses her, the show itself seems to not know what it wants to go with. Chris literally thinks she’s his mom for a second! And for the record, Eddie didn’t apologize to Chris. Not out loud on screen, there’s no mention that he did, etc.

So, Christopher Diaz, 13, a teenager, decides to call his grandparents and asks them if he can live with them. Which, yes, is fair. I wouldn’t want to be around Eddie either. Like, wtf, why would I after that??? If you think Chris should be forced to stay in that house, then you don’t care about him, period. Staying there was not an option, and neither was Buck’s place. Buck came in and immediately made excuses for Eddie instead of acknowledging that Chris was hurting and that Eddie was at fault. Sorry not sorry, but both of them failed Christopher in this situation.

And apparently surprisingly for some people, Ramon and Helena didn’t. They picked up the phone at 2am, jumped on a plane instantly, respected that Christopher asked them not to call Eddie, and generally did the right thing: Prioritize the traumatized child, not the parent who caused this whole mess in the first place.

Yes, Chris moving to Texas for the time being was valid and the right choice, because that’s what Chris wanted. I know this fandom refuses to acknowledge (is too ableist to acknowledge?) that Chris is not a seven-year-old little kid anymore, but a growing teen (He presumably started high school this year!) who has his own life, his own thoughts and opinions, and who can make his own choices.

So, coming back to 8X01, the video call. No, Chris is not a brat for rolling his eyes (which he may not even have done in the first place, it might have been his CP), he’s not a little meany pants for not talking to the father who fucked him up who seemingly isn’t making an effort in fixing himself yet, and he isn’t obligated to spend his birthday with someone he doesn’t want to speak with.

Eddie is not a bad father. He isn't. But he screwed up royaly here, and it's on him to fix this.

Christopher Diaz is valid. And that’s the end of it.

Moving on to Helena, she is, in fact, doing everything right. She makes sure Chris has a social life, she shows that she knows his interests and encourages them (pool club, thinking about getting a pool for themselves), and clearly attempts to keep up communication between Chris and Eddie. I frankly don’t see the malice people claim is there. Helena is nothing but a wonderful grandmother in this episode. Even her not moving the laptop closer to the party is actually very much a good thing, because once again, Christopher does not want his father there! No, Eddie doesn’t get to override Chris because he feels bad. Shut the fuck up.

I’m looking forward to how this storyline moves along, and I hope they keep the conflict as Chris centric as it is now. If they actually make Chris apologize at the end, I will scream. Just…good God, this is all Eddie’s fault, don’t mess it up, Tim!

8. Perfume Party

So the general stupidity of everyone involved aside (a perfume party when you know there’s a super swarm of bees on the loose??? You don’t see or hear that the tent is covered in them???), this is really fun! I like that Tori isn’t a horrible boss and that she actually really cares about Sheila! We don’t really see that often on this show lol.

I love that they included that bit about the bees staying over water if you dive in. Like, bees aren’t aggressive by nature (normal bees at least…), but boy do they hold a grudge!

Once again, Buck shows that he can think on his feet with the perfume trick, which might set him up to maybe become lieutenant later this season? I think it’s too early for him to do captain, but I think lieutenant makes a lot of sense imo.

Eddie running from the bees was comedy gold, which everyone has already said (also wtf was the trailer doing trying to use that face with the more dramatic tone?)

All in all, a great, fun scene with nice interactions. Gerrard calling Buck “Buck” and showing concern over him not wearing his bee hood was a surprising showing of depth from him.

9. Athena and Dennis

I’m torn between simping for Athena being a badass and banging my head against the table because she’s abusing her power again. Like, putting that guy in the trunk? Badass? Yes. An abuse of power? Yes.

Also, is it just me or is this kinda like the cartel storyline all over again? idk

The rest of what we get from Athena for the rest of the episode is just set up for the next one, so, uh, honestly not much to say here? I think?

10. What the fuck just happened?

So, I've no real life experiences with the kind of dissociation Buck seems to go through here, but @asraindarkness wrote a super interesting bit about him hearing Eddie's voice in particular here. I really recommend reading through it.

Which leads us to Buck saving Gerrard (or not) from that sawblade. Which...yeah, was pretty cool. Idk, I don't know what to say here, I'm just curious how this leads to the two of them playing golf lmao.

Aaaand that's kind of it. It's a great beginning to the Season, like I said before, and I'm genuinely curious to where this all leads. If you actually read through all this, thank you for experiencing my crazy ramblings lmao.

[spaceorphan18]

The Lady Whistledown Papers : 1x08 After the Rain (Part 1)

Welcome back, Gentle Readers, to The Lady Whistledown Papers, where I’m taking an in-depth look at Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton’s character arcs and romance within the show Bridgerton!

For previous issues, follow tag : The Lady Whistledown Papers

Last episode of Season 1 - let's do this!

Family Time

These big family scenes are some of my favorite - mostly because there's usually so much going on during them, and everyone gets a beat. Anthony's sulking (and throwing groundwork for Season 2); Gregory and Hyacinth are bantering, Benedict and Eloise are hyping up the Lady Whistledown plot, and Colin's in the background pouring over his maps, because after all the drama he is peacing outta there.

Violet enters exclaiming that Francesca will be returning (because it's the finale and we should try to have all 8 in the same room again). Colin snarks that she can update them on how great not being in London is. Glad to see Colin's continuing to add humor back in his life, but oh man is he ready to be anywhere but there.

Also, Violet recounts all the drama of the season from Daphne and Simon to Anthony and Siena, though she fascinatingly does not mention Marina.

Penelope and Marina

Meanwhile, back at the Featherington Estate, Penelope goes to check in on Marina. She is fine after her bout with the tea -- but now thinks she's magically cured herself of pregnancy. Ah, the medical information of the 19th century. Poor girl.

Penelope isn't so sure, but she really knows nothing about medicine anyway, so she kind of just lets it go.

Penelope then remarks that Marina caused 'quite a flutter'. And it's interesting - despite some of the friction that was caused between the two of them, I still believe that Penelope still likes Marina, in general, and while it's clear Marina is anxious to return home, I do think Penelope will miss her being around - she did add a little spice to their day.

I have to wonder, too, if Penelope does feels slight guilt for causing such a tizzy herself? But then, I don't think she does. I think she believes she did the right thing -- but still feels awkward about it with Marina.

Marina then apologies for the whole ordeal. And I do think she's sincere here. She did what she thought was best and in her own self interests to protect herself and an unborn child. And now that she thinks it's all over, she can go back to being her again.

Marina goes on to say that Penelope was right - that Colin is a good man with a good heart, and I mean -- the pride in Pen's eyes. She's almost bashful about it, but she's like - I know how good he is. I've seen it for years. Thank you for acknowledging that. It's a fascinating little look that isn't about her at all - but about someone else seeing what she does in him.

Marina then goes on to somewhat try to mend a cruelty. She doesn't have to say the next part, she could have left it at -- Colin is a good dude. But she makes it a point to acknowledge that not only is Penelope good to him, but that some day Colin will notice her. And, like, this is incredibly kind. Marina went out of her way to destroy all of Pen's hope for her own personal gain. And, maybe as an apology, or maybe as something she genuinely senses, she's restoring some of Pen's hope.

And, of course, this works as narrative foreshadowing. The show is taking a moment to say -- hey, the real love story is between these two idiots who are bumbling along on their road to each other. We're not there yet - but we're getting there. And I love that.

The scene ends with the arrival of Sir Phillip Crane, and this is where the narrative shifts. The story of Colin and Marina is done, and Marina is going to continue on with her own story into a new (and final) part. One in which Penelope really doesn't have anything to do - now that the Polin portion of the storyline is done (in relation to Marina).

Sir Phillip Crane

I really like how Penelope is kind of taking a caring and protective stance here. She and Marina are on the same side again, and while Penelope really doesn't have anything to do in this scene - she's poised as Marina's ally. She's holding Marina's hand, and has her back, and wants to make sure she's okay -- while also shooting Crane some very watchful looks.

Also, somewhat of an aside, since it isn't directly related to Penelope, we learn that George died on the battlefield, and Marina leaves -- and we get a genuinely emotional moment for Marina. And I think it helps frame her entire story, if you go back and watch it again. Marina encased her own feelings, her own heartache, her own heart. She did do everything she did out of self preservation, because she felt she was truly and utterly alone. And upon learning that George hadn't forsaken her -- she just breaks down and is able to grieve and it's a really powerful moment. I don't agree with Marina's choices, and I think it would have been a terrible thing if she and Colin had gotten married -- but I also understand her and her choices and I think she's a rather complicated character, too.

I do appreciate that this show does have more depth to it than just pretty people having sex on the stairs. There's a lot of emotional complexity in the Marina story line.

[This scene takes place six-ish minutes later, but I thought I'd lump it all together.]

Penelope is in the background here, so it gives me a minute to ponder about something... Phillip Crane is the male protagonist of book 5. Which is Eloise's book. And, I just wonder if this is really the show paying the long game here with Eloise's story? Or if they decided to just do something different? I have no idea! Marina dies from depression and attempts on her own life in the book -- and I would hate to see this character, whom we've grown to like meet that fate. Not to mention, show Eloise is sooo different than her book counterpart, it's hard to imagine her falling in love with this guy. It's all so weird. I really don't know what they're going to do with it.

Penelope has a couple of interesting reactions in this scene, however. The first being when Marina says that she cannot marry Crane because she does not love him. And Penelope is kind of nodding along in agreement here. Because she isn't there for her mother's assertion that you should just marry for the status and security of it. She does believe in love, and believes one should marry for that reason.

The other look, it's dark, and I can't quite get a read on it. But it's when Marina is telling Portia off -- stating that she's done with lies and deception and thinking that now that she's without a child she can be true to herself again. And I wonder if Penelope is somewhat envious of her gumption. How much would she like to stand up to her own mother but can't? But also - how much she feels she can't be her true self and has to use Lady Whistledown to express it? Idk what the intention of the look is supposed to be, but I do think it lends credence to the fact that Penelope is a deeply complex character, too, one whose motivations are not black or white, either.

And... that's where I'm stopping for now. :)

[lmk-oc-competition]

LMK OC COMPETITION - ROUND 1

click to see full image

Cháolíu belongs to @mysticmonkiee

Purple Child belongs to @marokra

Learn more about them below the cut!

Cháolíu:

Cháoliú is a fifteen year old kid who has absolutely no idea on how to control his powers. He's supposed to be able to wield water at his will—but whenever he tries, it's either a tiny droplet, or a flood. Cháoliú eventually meets Aether, after running away due to a 'coincidentally' water-related incident back at home. Cháoliú tends to not use his ability, but when he does, he always feels something nag at him in the back of his mind...

Purple Child:

Purple Child is Red Son’s twin sister, only a couple minutes older than him. With a quick wit and even quicker eye, you’d never guess that she’s considered the weaker of the two. When they were born, most of the magic funneled into Red Son with the Samadhi Fire, resulting in Purple getting next to nothing. As time went on and their father got trapped under the mountain, Purple began to find herself in the shadow of the oh-so-great Red Son, the mechanic, the powerful one, the most promising heir. He seemed to be everything Princess Iron Fan wanted, while Purple was… thrown aside. All but discarded. (What do you mean her view is skewed? She is 100% looking at all the facts and definitely not noticing that her brother was also neglected, shhhh) Cue the resentment buildup! Purple resorted to one-upping Red Son at any given opportunity, doing just about anything to gain any attention from her mother, but it only served to strain her relationship with Red Son, all but destroying it. So, she made up in other ways. Desperately tried to become in the image of a perfect daughter, so much so that she lost herself along the way.

Once season 2 rolls around, she realizes that what she’s doing will get her absolutely nowhere, especially given how she is under even more pressure with her father being freed. So, she devised a perfect, 100% foolproof plan—to track down the rings of Samadhi and claim the fire for herself. We all know how this ends, she fails miserably, even if she does launch her plans as soon as she realizes that the heroes are attempting to steal the rings themselves. She then decides that her best course of action is to befriend Mei, because the Samadhi fire can’t be that hard to pry from her right? Wrong! She starts genuinely enjoying Mei’s company and likes her as a person and loses sight of her original plans! Oh nooooooo! Anyways, a bit of a skill issue on her part. This throws Purple into situations she absolutely hates (having to fight LBD side by side with the people she’d rather die than associate with), however, this whole ordeal makes her realize her worth isn’t based on how she can serve her parents and she proceeds to ditch all previous plans, get her crap together, and attempt to mend her relationship with her brother. They’re on better terms nowadays. This doesn’t fix all of the problems obviously, but it’s definitely better than what it once was. She even picked up writing again! The Demon Bull family has problems man.

TLDR: Purple is Red Son’s twin sister. She has severe mommy and daddy issues that are pretty much solved by being the front line for an end of the world scenario and also because she realized that she is most definitely traumatized.

[valenschmidt]

Ok so this is how the Buddie canon timeline works in my brain:

8A: Eddie has a moment of introspection and realizes he's gay in Texas... He starts remembering his past and all the things he repressed over the years with his parents and how he probably idealized his relationship with Shannon because she was his friend and he loved her and finally moves on while also talking to Chris and mending their relationship (with Chris also getting to understand his dad a little bit more... that he is human and makes mistakes and all the things he went through). While having this realization at the same time he realizes he might be in love with his very amazing, kind, supportive golden retriever best friend but he CAN'T cause Buck is a man and he's not ready but oh he loves him as easy as breathing

Meanwhile Buck keeps dating Tommy but realizes along the way that Tommy is not a good match for him and doesn't really listen to him or understand and breaks up with him because he's not what he wants. He wants to feel loved, and respected and valued in his relationship.

8B: We get Eddie newly out as a gay man (with a lot of happy tears and hugs from the firefam) and Eddie tiptoeing into the dating pool of men because he doesn't want to tell Buck because he's afraid of hurting him and losing him like he hurt Shannon because of how terrible he is as a husband and a boyfriend while also still freaking out a bit about the interested in men thing but it's getting better (Bonus points if we get Eddie being flirted on by a man on a call and him getting all flustered while Buck boils with rage and doesnt understand why) and Eddie realizes that his type in men are pretty much Buck lookalikes and the fact that he will never be able to date another man. Buck is it for him

On the other hand we have Buck... realizing that he doesn't want to date around anymore. That he doesn't care to get to know anyone and he's tired. He wants a family. He wants kids. He WANTS. And then one day while he's at Eddie's house he has his Oh moment while watching Eddie and Chis interact and he thinks. "This is what I've been looking for. They are my family" but freaks out completely because Eddie's his best friend and doesn't want to lose him because of his stupid feelings for him

This realizations get them to be really awkward around eachother and very distant to the point the other notices and thinks the other realized about their feelings... This culminates with an emergency where they get trapped or very close to getting really hurt with a confession in the season finale (which in a perfect world ends on a cliffhanger where we don't know what happens next - with the emergency and the confession)

9A: We pick up right from where we left of and we get our big emergency. By the end of it we get the other to admit their own feelings and we get Buddie canon in ep 3 with a kiss in Eddie's kitchen and we get to see their relationship develop

I CAN'T HANDLE A TIME JUMP ON THEIR RELATIONSHIP I JUST CANT

The rest of 9A is Buddie secret relationship ❤️

That's it... Thanks for coming to my TED talk

[vettelinyourarea]

kid in love - oliver bearman

genre: fluff

warning: english is not my first language

word count: 799

inspired by kid in love by shawn mendes

definitely a shorter fict, but i had a lot of fun writing it.

feel free to give me a feedback!

and i know that we just met

and maybe this is dumb

but it feels like there was something from the moment that we touched

Ollie met you for the first time through a mutual friend. He remembers that moment very clearly, as if it just happened five minutes ago. It was in the small bookstore you family owned. And no, Ollie is not the biggest reader, but he surely spends a lot of time in the bookstore just so he could talk to you.

He still remembers how soft your hand was when you shake his hand for the first time. Olli was not a believer of ‘love at the first sight’ or anything of that sort, but he surely felt his breath got taken away when he first hear your voice saying his name.

“Hi Ollie, nice to meet you.”

the way you’re lighting up the room

caught the corner of my eye

we can both sneak out the back door

we don’t have to say goodbye

it was a few months after Ollie got introduced to you when he finally gather up some courage to ask you to hang out. The first time he went out with you, he insisted that it wasn’t a date or anything like that. Well, he tried to convince himself that anyway.

He invited you to go to the aquarium after he noticed how much love you have for sea creatures. Listening to your ramble about them makes himself happy even though he doesn’t understand much.

Ollie can confirm that the moment he saw your eyes lit up when you entered the aquarium area, that was the moment he finally admitted to himself that he had fall for you, hard. The way your eyes sparkled underneath the aquarium light makes him unable to look at anything but you. The way you smiled and thank him for taking you there makes Ollie realized he never wants to say goodbye to you at the end of the day.

“Do you want to go grab some dinner first?”

maybe i’m just a kid in love

maybe i’m just a kid in love oh, baby

if this is what it’s like falling in love

then i don’t ever wanna grow up

Okay, maybe it was a bit of an exaggeration when he called you to be the best thing that ever happened to him in his whole entire life. Afterall, he just turned 18 a couple of months ago. But that doesn’t mean what he said wasn’t true.

For Ollie, falling for you comes naturally. He loves everything about you. He will listens to anything you said even though he doesn’t understand any of it, he will watch over you anytime, he would sacrifice anything in his life if it meant you’re living happily.

Both of you are just two cluelessly in love. But oh, how much Ollie wish not to grow up if this is how it feels to be a kid in love.

if you’re feeling kinda crazy

turn down the lights

we can take our time

do whatever you like

Ollie also remembers the moment he asked you to be his girlfriend. It was midnight, you were reading a book while he finished his essay. He remembers the soft music playing on the background and a couple of scented candles lit up on the kitchen counter, making the scene feels very romantic.

“Can I be your boyfriend?” he had asked, mentally scolding himself right after. Because who the hell said that? He had thought

“What?” you asked, pretty surprised by his sudden outburst. How could you not? You were literally shoving down an entire bowl of popcorn into your mouth when he asked you that, seemingly out of nowhere.

“Will you be my girlfriend?” he finally asked correctly with a blush coloring his cheek.

You don’t need to be asked thrice and a full confession to accept him.

you make me feel like i got it all

and you make me feel like i’m just a kid in love

you make me feel like i got it all

and you make me feel like i don’t ever wanna grow up

Being in a relationship with you is way better than what Ollie had ever dreamed of. You are always there for him. You were there when he finished his F3 season. You were there when it was announced that he will be joining F2 for the next season.

Ollie is also there on every step of your life. He was there when you graduated high school. He was also there right next to you when you opened your offer letter from your dream university

With you on every step of his journey, Ollie was sure that he will always be a kid in love and how he wish to never grow up.

[kiirotoao]

Can we talk about Mileven for a minute. Another reason I don't buy their romantic relationship is the fact that most of their one on ones as a romantic couple (S3) are comedic and not very serious. Where are the deep conversations and when are we ever shown how much they understand each other... post (S2). It's almost like once they started dating they became a joke? Yes they have a few sweet moments but it's also scripted to be laughable. (S4) never showed them having a honest deep convo resolving issues and growing romantically. It could happen in (S5) but at this point I don't see the emotional romantic draw.

And then there is Byler to compare it to, where most of their one on ones are much much more serious, deep, heartfelt, with actual evidence of understanding and talks involving their feelings (which Mike seems to not have an issue with unlike his plot in S4 with El). This, mind you, happens to some degree in every season with Will. If Mike just sees Will as his best friend, why is he so serious about Will especially alone together. Even best friends are more casual then this.

Also a side note. The (S3) Mileven straight stereotype of the 'lazy, lying, clueless boy' dating the 'girl who is playing hard to get to teach her boyfriend a lesson' troupe is icky and makes me want El to find her power solo and Mike to remember that the old Mike (who has a special will voice) is a much better person and boyfriend. Thoughts?

Damn! Well said, dear anon!! I couldn’t agree more.

To anyone who says anything along the lines of ‘oh, Mleven can’t be broken up, they’ve been building up this whole time!’ Or ‘here’s the slow burn everyone wanted,’ or ‘Mike and El have grown so much even after fighting,’ I really don’t understand how any of that is founded. I totally agree and I feel like their relationship has been rather unserious. Even in the most serious love-centered topics of support (s1), connection (s2), breakups (s3), and expression (s4), it’s really interesting to me how their relationship has consistently lacked depth.

Despite dealing with some of the most important aspects of strong relationships, they aren’t close enough to showing, providing, or proving to have one. Mike supports El in season 1 as she does him, protecting and aiding each other with their strengths. But… so does everyone in that season to each other? The only difference is that Mike sheltered El which is very sweet, but not inherently romantic.

Then there’s season 2, which I must confess - I think that their reunion scene at the end of the season remains one of the sweetest moments on the show. Ever. It’s raw and emotional, and this was the closest thing we got to something romantic. But what shoots it down is the fact that their emotion was due to forced separation and Mike’s very real complex grief which gets completely glossed over in the show. So, I don’t know. It’s tricky. So are they romantic yet? They get virtually no time together. It’s a no for me.

And oh yeah, season 3 was the peak of unserious-ness. I also don’t enjoy that trope of ‘the boy chasing the girl who just doesn’t get it yet and she snubs him until the very end’ kind of energy. I swear that that stuff is littered in family-friendly movies usually as comedic relief, and Mike and El just barely made that trope more serious at the very least. Their breakup is dramatized and humorous, and the way that it’s mended still makes me chuckle. Mike offers her M&Ms, compliments her looks, they smile at each other, and suddenly they’re all good again? Yeah, that’s not very clear romance to me. All season long, they keep resisting each other. Mike lashes out to everyone and declares that he loves El but can’t say it to her face, and El has Max’s words tattooed on her heart that she keeps asserting that she deserves trust. The two just don’t quite reach each other that season. The second that I heard Hopper say that they’ve only been kissing all Summer long without complaining about them talking, I knew that I was not going to be invested in their relationship this season.

And so season 4 was truly the nail in the coffin, the final turning point. They’re not only shallow in making up, they’re shallow in being together. El isn’t honest with Mike about her time in Lenora, how she’s spent it, the people she’s met, the fun she’s truly having. Mike snaps about Will being disinterested, so it’s pretty clear that he was dishonest about his true feelings that day, too. And the most telling part is that he’s not mad at El. He’s mad at Will.

I think that what the writers have done is craft something so deeply intricate and hidden with Mike and Will to the point of confusion in much of the audience today. Will has always been a buffer of affection for Mike. In season 1 he’s the one they’re searching for. In season 2, he’s the one that Mike protects. In season 3, he’s the true breakup that Mike fights for. In season 4, he’s the listening ear and bleeding heart that Mike relies on. Their love only gets stronger and stronger whereas Mike and El are simply loving under the guise of physical closeness. I seriously think that that’s all that they have for each other.

That hug sequence at the end of season 4 really shocked me, because when I saw Mike and El hugging (not to mention that shot with Will right between them) I thought that it was sweet, but then suddenly Will and El are hugging, the siblings who are absolutely platonic, and it felt more emotional than Mike and El’s embrace. So not only are Mike and El visually equated to a platonic relationship, but their bond doesn’t even hold the same weight as the sibling-hood of Will and El.

It’s just wild to me that people don’t see it. I think that Byler is made abundantly clear for us to root for. The crazy together scene did it for me the first time I saw it. It was and still is one of my favorite scenes ever because it’s the total package. Closeness? Check. Honesty? Check. Hurt/comfort? Check. Matching, nerdy Halloween outfits? Check. The lack of anyone or anything else to distract them? Check. The crazy together scene is a marker of their relationship, and it never, ever dies.

Even though they fight, where are they years later? They’ve gone through supernatural and personal troubles together, and they’re still by each other’s side. “Friends. Best friends.” The same at heart. They promise to support each other, they reconnect, they come back from every breakup, and they readily express things on their minds and hearts. They’re there for each other and tell each other things that no other boys in the party have told each other.

Mike and El try to understand each other, they do, and sometimes it’s just trying that’s enough, but on a truly intimate level, that’s bullshit. Mike and Will have everything that they need and want for each other, and there’s no going through hoops to get it besides internalized homophobia. Which I very well think can be reasonably addressed next season.

So yep. Byler is endgame.

[bekkachaos]

BRIDGERTON THOUGHTS PRT 1 !

Okay so I've got me some thoughts about season 3 and I'm just going to get them all out, please come talk to me and tell me if I'm wrong, if I'm right or just make incoherent noises at me.

If you don't want Bridgerton season 3 part 2 spoilers it's time to look away!

Imma start with just Polin then do another post for the rest, this is too long 😅

Okay, so I'll start with the music, I'm sure we all knew POV was going to be during the mirror scene and oh my god it did not disappoint. It was perfect.

Then we've got yellow, now I knew, I knew, this would be their wedding song. It had to be their wedding song. I was ready to boycott if yellow was not their wedding song (this is a lie but that's how confident I was) and it was so goddamn sweet with him looking at her coming down the aisle and she looked so beautiful!

And let's not even talk about you belong with me when they're dancing. Let's not even talk about it.

The Portia and Colin scene was perfect. Everything about it was perfect and you won't change my mind.

I really loved that we got a lot of parallels and nods to the things that Portia has done for her family and the things that Penelope has done as Lady Whistledown, and that it finally allowed them to be closer because Penelope has spent all this time thinking her mother doesn't care about her and that she's vapid but then by the end she realises that they aren't all that different and it really mends the gap there.

It was kind of sad for Colin when he was showing Penelope their new house and she just wasn't getting as excited as him. But then him telling her that he loves her right after defending her honour was so beautiful and just made my heart do little flippies.

And like obviously I've got to mention the mirror scene. I've got to mention it. I've just got to do it. It was so soft and loving and Colin just spouting his feelings was the most wonderful thing and they did it so beautifully with the way that they changed the camera and it went from voice over to him talking real time.

Unpinning her hair? Why the fuck did I find that so romantic?

And I love that they kept her self-conscious and he just kept telling her that she didn't need to be because he loved everything about her and he found her so beautiful, and then he undressed her so slowly and I love her little cover up because it showed how nervous she was.

But can I just say? Lie down? Lie down?? Damn okay Colin. Yes sir right on that.

And then him undressing just as slowly and her watching him and my god the little noise when he took off his breeches, her face was so cute the whole time I can't even tell you how adorable and perfect it was!

And I love how much it nodded to the book in the dialogue and her asking him to tell her what to do.

The whole scene was just so tender and real and it felt so different to the other love scenes that we've had in the previous seasons, which were very much driven by passion. Even Daphne and Simon in season 1. Where there was that vulnerability it was different, he had already told her how she could feel pleasure whereas this is all new for Penelope, and Colin just made sure she was okay the whole time, made sure she wanted it, and the way they were able to smile and laugh... It was so comfortable and sweet and simply incredible!

The dancing in the church was just so cute and throwing in the line about him not being punished as a child was such a good book callback

Kinda glad Colin found out the way he did in the book, but fucking ouch!

The silence that came after? Fucking heartbreaking. But Portia and Violet noticing and wondering wtf happened was actually kinda funny, I like them together.

The wedding was incredible obviously, but also it felt wrong to go from the silence to such sweetness and then back to Colin literally sleeping on a tiny ass couch? Like WHY?

Also we were deprived of Colin and Pen waking up in bed together and being soft and sweet and laughing and just generally being so fucking in love?? If I don't get that at least once in season 4 I will riot!

imma make a part 2 this is so long!

[mephinomaly]

[TL] The Occasional Family TLC

Summary: Ritsu wants some attention, and Kaoru suggests he pays his brother a visit. Reluctantly, he does under the guise of passing along a message from Kaoru.

Character(s): Ritsu, Kaoru, Rei

Season: Winter

Location: Café Cinnamon

Ritsu: Yaawnnn, hng… so tired.

(The only time all of Knights were available was early in the morning so I had to get up early…)

(Everyone but me had somewhere to be afterwards, leaving me on my own. They’re all heartless.)

(I have plans in the afternoon so if I go back to sleep, I probably won’t wake back up again…)

But I’m soooo tired. Haa~...Maa-kun, help mee~

-that's what I texted him but he didn’t reply…? Oh yeah, didn’t he say he was busy with a photoshoot all day?

Even though I need to be cared for right now? Maa-kun’s a cheater~

…Maybe I’ll give up and go back to sleep.

Kaoru: I was wondering who was grumbling. What are you doing here, Ritsu-kun?

Ritsu: Ah, Kaoru-san. Finally, someone’s come to look after me~♪

Kaoru: Come to look after you…? Sorry but I’m not your guy.

I have somewhere to be after this so once I’ve finished my coffee, I need to head off.

Ritsu: Ehh~, don’t say things like that and just pay more attention to meee Kaoru-san~

Spoil me more. Spoil me like you’ve never spoiled someone before~...

Kaoru: You’re more needy than usual and you’re really begging, huh. What’s up?

Ritsu: I actually got up early yet no one congratulated me for it?

Now I’m struggling not to fall back asleep. I’ve been betrayed. I’m still waiting for my praise.

Kaoru: What an adorable reason~.

Then I’ll give you what you need. Good boy, well done on waking up early~♪

Ritsu: Nn~, that’s the stuff ♪ That’s the sort of praise I want. It would be so good if Kaoru-san was my brother…

Kaoru: I’m pretty sure Rei-kun would praise you too for working so hard.

Ritsu: Um, who is “Rei”? I’ve never heard of that person before. My onii-chan’s name is Kaoru.

Kaoru: Don’t joke around like that, okay? If Rei-kun heard, he'd burst into tears.

Ritsu: Yeah I know. But If I texted anija about it, it would create an even bigger problem.

He’d flood my inbox like he’s commenting on a video.

Kaoru: Probably. But considering it’s Rei-kun, he’d probably call you.

Ritsu: Yeah and I’d block him if he did. He’s not my brother but I’m still scared.

Kaoru: Haha…Well, Rei-kun’s used to being ignored. But I thought your relationship was on the mend after what happened during Operetta.

Ritsu: It’ll be embarrassing if I let him get too comfortable.

Anyway, Kaoru-san’s used to me acting like this anyway…

Kaoru: Yeah I guess but you should show Rei-kun some affection every once in a while.

He’s trying his best, so wouldn’t it be good to reward him for that?

Ritsu: ...

Kaoru: I’ve got it. Do you think you could pass on a message for me?

Ritsu: Ehh~. Isn’t that what HoldHands is for?

Kaoru: That doesn’t matter. And I think Rei-kun would much rather hear it from his cute younger brother ♪

Ritsu: I’m not a bootlicker. How troublesome~...

Kaoru: Please. If you have enough time to take a nap here, you can surely deliver a message for me?

Ritsu: ...Sigh, fine. I’ll sleep wherever I am, just so you know…

Kaoru: Thank you Ritsu-kun ♪

Well, I’ve got to go in a few moments.

I didn’t see Rei-kun when I went to the office earlier, so he’s probably sleeping at the dorms. It’s still early after all.

Ritsu: Okay. What am I telling him?

Location: Rei, Eichi, and Aira's dorm room

Rei: Well I never. To think the first thing I’d see when I awake would be sweet Ritsu ♪ If the day ended right now, I’d be happy.

Come hither, my lovely cute angel~! Come rest upon my lap~♪

Ritsu: No, I'm okay. More importantly, are your roommates not in?

Rei: Mhm. Tenshouin-kun and Shiratori-kun both did not return to the dorms last night. Now you can spoil me to your heart’s content~.

Ritsu: Ah, lucky me.

Rei: Say something more! If you act so uninterested you’ll hurt my feelings~

Ritsu: You’re annoying as usual. Just so you know, I’m not planning on staying long.

I’m just here to deliver a message from Kaoru-san.

Rei: Kaoru-kun? Has there been a change of plan?

Ritsu: You have a meeting about some program you’ll be in tonight, right? The meeting place has changed. Kaoru-san will tell you where later.

Rei: Ah, I see. Thank you for telling me. Then Ritsu, come here.

I must praise you for being a good, good boy for me ♪

Ritsu: How many times do I have to tell you to stop with the “good boy”? Are you so old your ears have started to rot?

Jesus, I didn’t even do much. Besides, Kaoru-san’s already given me all the TLC I need.

Rei: Fumu. I’m a little confused as to why Kaoru-kun sent you to tell me.

Surely there’s something more to it? It’s unlike you to come all this way just for that.

Ritsu: ...

Rei: You’re always welcome to come talk to me, cute Ritsu. Never hesitate to come and find your oniichan ♪

Ritsu: …Uhuh. You’re reading too much into things. I just came to deliver a message for him.

Rei: Well that doesn’t seem to be true. To go out of your way for one singular message is not very Ritsu of you.

Ritsu: You’re beyond saving, you senile old man. Can’t you just accept that that’s all there is to it?

Rei: Umu. If you insist, I suppose I’m misunderstanding.

Ritsu: …Well, even if there was another reason… which there isn’t, by the way.

That reason would be that it’s early in the morning and I was sent to deliver a message that totally could have been sent via Holdhands.

Rei: Huh…? Sorry…? W-what do you mean?

Ritsu: My loser brother’s complimentary service has run out~.

Yaawn, mm… this sucks. I can’t stop yawning so I’m going back to my room for a nap. Bye~.

Rei: ...Service?

So… could it be true that…Ritsu came to see me for the sake of…seeing me…!?

W-wait, my sweet Ritsu. If you want to take a nap you can here! We can share a bed!

I’m begging you! Let me love you with all my body, Ritsuu!

[byleriscanon713by]

So I might be reading too far into this but I took the duffers funko pop thing and sorted it

Code:

Yellow- friend pairings

Green: romantic pairings

Blue: familial pairings

Red: not currently present

Okay so we’ll get into the friendship parings first.

So I think will and robin will get to have a fun friendship this season. I think they prob want robin to hang out with someone other than Steve and Nancy so will and her would bond well since they’re both part of the lgbtq+ community. I also think there’s potential for her to help in the buildup for byler. i also see a lot of potential for Mike and Lucas to kind of mend their friendships that’s always been a little rocky throughout the seasons. I think they’ll get some (not a large amount) of interaction together to kind of mend their holes throughout the seasons. I also have seen the theory that Lucas will be integral in helping Mike realize his feelings for Mike which is possible. It’s 50/50 but I do think Lucas may just say something unintentionally that triggers Mike into being like “oh god I’m a homosexual.” (Even tho he probably ALR knows that from the ending of season 3)

The Dustin/Johnathan/Nancy/Steve pairing is interesting and I think it’s gonna be a great quartet thing-a-ma-bobber. So we know Dustin and Steve are joined at the hip and Nancy and Johnathan are also super close so they’ll def stick together. However we’ve also seen previs’ of steve and Johnathan having a conversation in episode 1 of st5 so I think the two of them will become friends. There was also a previs from episode 5 I believe and it looks like they’re in the upside down and you could see Dustin in the passenger seat of a car and Nancy and Johnathan in the back. I think it’d be weird for Dustin to just casually be hanging w/ Nancy and Johnathan so I bet Steve is driving. Also, we know Eleven is gonna be an integral part of the series and so is Will, so the four of them kind of are on the outskirts a little. They’ll prob have a more separate storyline where they’re discovering things unrelated to the core problem. Now why would robin and Lucas not be with that group? Well Lucas just lost max so I think he might need some separation time from that group and he might want to rekindle with mike and will cuz he was kind of distant with them in season 4. I think Robin may be with that group part time, but I also think she may take up some sort of fondness for Will where she wants to protect him (especially if he’s susceptible to vecna) Also if Will is susceptible to Vecna, Lucas has seen Max get vecnad and saved her the first time so he might have that instinct to “I need to save Will since I didn’t save Max.” Robin may be there because she’s the one who discovered the whole music thing and she may want to be wills lesbian protector idk. And obvious mike would want to be there but we’ll get into that later.

Now why did I put Steve/Nancy/Jonathan in green? I think they’re gonna be a love triangle. Not the love triangle where they all date, but just the fact that Steve and Johnathan are both obviously pining over Nancy. As much as I hate admitting it, I think stancy is endgame with the way they set them up in st4. I also think there’s a large possibility of Johnathan well… perishing. I’ve seen a lot of people saying “omg stonathan” cuz they saw Steve and Johnathan touching heads in that photo but I am skeptical of stonathan ever happening. I think they’ll be friends, but I think the head touching could still meaning there’s some head butting over Nancy going on. They both love her so I do think they’ll both have romantic moments throughout the season with her. Idk. That love triangle is quite a mystery. Let’s get into the best ship: Byler! I believe Byler is endgame and I could go on for probably eight hours about all the proof and all the queer coding they’ve gone through. Now why do I think byler is a logical thing going to happen in a straight to the point way? Well you saw Mike at the end of st4 when Will was talking abt feeling Vecna. Mike looked terrified. Mike has that instinct of needing to protect Will, and I think as st4 went on Mike started gaining it back and releasing el didn’t love him as much and that will was the one who needed him. The duffers have also teased a lot about circling back to the og relationships and dynamics from st1, but they’ve also said a lot of it is based on st2. Now in st2 Mike was practically attached to Will since he was possessed by the mid flayer. I am 100% sure Will is going to be under Vecnas trance and I’m pretty sure that’ll happen early in the season. I think once Mike sees that he’ll snap right back into his protector mode and be joined to Will for the rest of the season. From there, the potential of the painting being recalled and basically them confessing their love is quite obvious. I’m not gonna get too into byler here but it you love hearing about byler you should follow me cuz I post about them a lot :) (Also if your a st account or like any fandom I’m interested in I’ll prob follow u back and stalk ur page cuz I adore reading yalls theories and fics and ahhhh)

Now let’s get into the familial relationship!!! I forgot to circle Joyce and hopper in green but that’s okay cuz they’re endgame and it’s obvious. Now since Joyce lost hopper for so long and it took so much tension building over the seasons for them to get together, I think they’ll be partnered up again. They typically are anyways. I think Eleven will also be with them. I think Eleven is going to break up with Mike and become her own character. Now I think eleven is going to die at the end of the season by using all her powers and instead of fainting, destroying the upside down for good and killing herself in the process. I think it’s a full circle but also depressing and plausible ending for her. It’s very likely. This season I think they’re going to focus on her character. In every season her character has either been based on her powers or on being mikes girlfriend. I think her having time with Hoppet and Joyce will give her some good character qualities and depth that we haven’t seen. She’s also reeling from the death of Max and I feel she’ll just want some space (especially from what we see at the end of st4) However she also misses Hopper cuz he was the primary influence in her life and personally I think he loves her more than anymore. She wants to makeup for the lost time with him. Also wherever hopper is Joyce will be too, especially since she’s always had that kind of motherly dynamic towards El (and she is her mom now technically.) I’m just so excited for el to finally get to be her own person.

Lastly I think Max will be MIA for a while. I think that she will come back but not until later. She may help fight Vecna from inside his mind, but I doubt she will truly not come back till Eleven is able to kill vecna. Not seeing Sadie sink in this season much would kill me cuz I love her, but it’s realistic.

Anyways thank you so much for reading this super long rant!!! Reblog and add your opinions cuz I would die to see them. Like I love hearing new theories!

[vervaincircle]

https://www.tumblr.com/nikkiruncks/766520461558431744/send-me-a-character-and-ill-do-this

Bonnie <3

wait i don't even remember reblogging this, omg

but i am happy to do it 🥺

Sexuality Headcanon: bi ❤️ we didn't quite get a tiny confirmation of it like we did with rebekah and hope, but i still think we were kind of close with bonora. it makes me so happy that kat tried so hard to get them to happen and so pissed that they fumbled it (especially for b*nenzo, because i don't like that ship). anyway, i'm gonna rewrite tvd so elena leaves the salvatores for bonnie and they escape them together Gender Headcanon: does this apply to only basic gender identity or are we also talking anything gender adjacent, even clothes?

cis, she/her. but also headcanon that bonnie and elena shared clothes sometimes and had a similar style until bonnie started as a practicing witch and then she incorporated witchier aspects to her style. kind of like a stevie nicks vibe

this is not supported by the show at all— just in my head. they tried to give bonnie some boho type fashion in season 1, but i wasn’t a fan of what they picked and i like this idea of her sort of having this more normcore style back when she repressed the idea of witchcraft (because of rudy), but then as she grew into herself it bled into her clothing choice as well

A ship I have with said character: bonora ❤️

A BROTP I have with said character: the writers fumbled the fuck out of it and made him her opp, but stefonnie would've been cute. also this is cheating because i also ship it, but her scenes with nora were so funny. even without the romantic element they had good chemistry there 😭 when they were making fun of mary louise in the car. also out of the trio i prefer bonnie and elena (obviously), even though their writing was also butchered. it did still make me cry when they reunited at the end. also i think she and jo deserved to have more interactions, considering a lot of the things they went through (especially where kai was concerned) were parallels. also they would've bonded over sheila being like family

A NOTP I have with said character: i hate b*nenzo. i hated enzo as a character because he was aimless, had the most bizarre plots and then it felt like they just shoved him with her because they didn't know what to do with him 😭 i also just don't think they have much chemistry. she deserved better than a consolation prize and their entire storyline was just weird and bad imo. the show suffered from that thing where they couldn't let actors go. i'm pretty sure someone told me they wouldn't let him go because ian threatened to quit if they did, though. which is insane

A random headcanon: one of the only ways bonnie can find comfort in her magic is to connect with nature more than witch spirits. during the show she had to do a lot of things that upset a lot of spirits, and then there was the expression... i think it's safe to say she mended things, at least with her own bloodline, by the finale. and a lot of this happening to her was the writers' hard-on for needlessly punishing bonnie, tbh. but anyway, i think she likes nature magic the most. like i bet she has a garden (i'm still gonna say she plays guitar even without enzo because it's hot) and she uses green witchcraft to take care of her plants. also josie is a plant gay and i feel like she got it from aunt bonnie

also, speaking of, post show she would definitely be a big part of josie and lizzie's lives General Opinion over said character: she's my favorite part of tvd, next to elena and jo (and the gemini coven in general really). i really wish they had expanded on the bennett lore instead of only mentioning them when they had to shoe in background info about the plot. she unfortunately suffered a lot from the show being more centered on the guys, as well. but with what we did have (and what we have in fanon) she's so??? the strongest character hands down and the most beautiful person, like nora said :( and oh my god in season 7 and 8 when they let her sense of humor shine and put her more front and center. needed more

[mimiri22-6]

oh yeah

I finlly watched Monkie Kid. Been meaning to for years, but kind of forgot it existed at some point. It was Amazing, in All terms of the word. Kind of perfect timing actually since season 4 was made 'available(?)' this year(idk how airing works for the show in gen yet).

I just really wanted to say, Several times while watching, even just in the first season, *deep breath* MK HAS 2 DADS!!! WOOOOO!!! Like it's not even subtext or implied!!! It was straight up Stated!!! In! The! Most! Recent! Season! HOLY SHIT IT'S SO FUCKING GOOD!!!

Holy shit Red Son! I was So prepared to go through some kind of redemption arc for him and him leaving his verbally abusive demon family, BUT NO! NO HOLY SHIT! THE DEMON FAMILY IS SO SOFT FOR EACHOTHER! OMG! I WAS NOT EXPECTING TO LOVE THEM!

Spider Queen and her goons, is it weird I kind of ship her w the Scorpion Demon? Idk, when that ep happend the first person I thought to be her companion was the Spider Queen.

Lady Bone Demon; I Loved hating her at first, how dare she give MK more insecurities, but now I just Love her. Like that final scene w her?! Lifechanging. This show really, like really, said 'everyone is the hero of their own story'. And they said it twice to really get it across!

The most recent season, AH, holy shit. EVERYONE IS THE HERO OF THEIR OWN STORY! It's True!!

Mai and Mk are NEVER gonna be an item and they touched on it in the first freaking season like, nahnahnah, we aren't like that. People w opposite genders Can be bffs with no undertones! I AM SO FUCKING HAPPY! SVTFOE COULD NEVER!

Mai is badass girl without Being the badass girl that everyone has to coment on how she's a badass everytime shes a badass!! FUCKING THANK YOU!

Monkie King is complex w a complex past and people that hate him for reasonable reasons. Mistakes were made, miscomunication without cringing, just Actual Miscomunication where both parties don't show their full hand. Holy Shit Macaque!

Macaque was So good! Once again I thought he was just gonna be another villain that was 'betrayed' by Sun Wukong. And Yeah! He Was! Or he Really thought he was and then Wukong doesn't try to mend their relationship. Leaving it to fester and Hurt. BUT MACAQUE IS STILL A SWEETHEART WHAT WHY HOW?!!?! My fucking god I love him.

Every Character Has Layers! Sunny has ptsd, Pigsy is actually the heart of the group, Tang isn't just a scared bookworm, Mai isn't just tough, Mk smiles to hide the pain, Sun Wukong has set fire to so many bridges in persute for immortality, Macaque helps the gang So many times over, DBK loves his wife and son unconditionally, Lady Iron Fan loves her husband and son to the point that she preotects her son from a possessed dbk, Red Son Also helps the gang several times over, Spider Queen wanted to be a good queen even if she wasn't, LBD was doing what she though was right, Azure was taking down a Tyrant to save Multiple Planes, No One Was Flat!

NO MISSES! Every ep I was Ready fo More!

Mk, holy shit, Mk. I could project onto this kid until the end of time. He's open for trans headcannons, he has so many dads and mentors, so many adults to turn to for different things, he's legitimately afraid he's not enough and previous enemies Stick w him. He Thinks 20 miles an hour, he has adhd, not in cannon but Very implied, can't focus, thinks outside the box, no one is Surprised when he has a good plan, no one is surprised when he Succeeds. He Does take time to think his next moves when he Needs to. He gets Angry. He's insecure, he's Developing. He's Actually different from his s1 conterpart, but he's also Exactly the Same. No Matter What, Despite Everything, He's Still MK. I don't think I've Ever encountered a character that that rings So True with. Despite everything, it's still you. What has to change and Can change Has Changed, but he's still hyperactive, he's always been a bit sad inside, but he's still putting on a smile to lighten the mood, he's still trying to help people.

This Entire essay started because I just wanted to say the pig and the glasses guy are so gay for eachother it's barely even subtext, there is no heterosexual explaination for so many of their interactions. Now I have this. -_-

tldr; Monkie Kid is one of the best shows I've Ever watched. And every ep is only 10 minutes long! How did they manage that?!

P.S. 4 final things

They/Them Prissy Bird(I screamed for a solid minute when I realised they so clearly went by they/them pronouns)

Tang is ace af

Red Son has Two Hands and I am So on Board w that mentality. I love himb so much. Finally, a poly ship where I don't just want to Really close a triangle. I can picture it So well in my brain, Please tell me I'm not the only one w this mentality

I love this show so fking much I just thought I'd let you know again

[neverendingcomplaints]

Oh boy.

Bridgerton, how did you do it? How is it possible to cram in that many more side-stories?

There were at least NINE this season.

NINE.

That's ridiculous. And it took away from Penelope and Colin imo. Colin had all of 1 episode to go through the emotions of finding out your wife's been writing gossip about you and your family and then forgive her. Eloise and Penelope had like, a scene or 2 to mend their friendship after being icy for some time. And Penelope and her family dynamic weren't given justice either.

I actually like the first 4 episodes, just feel like there was a serious traffic jam trying to tie all these things up (did they?) before the end.

To be generous, they could keep Francesca, Eloise, the Featherington-Solicitor business and Benedict. FOUR. Solid and clean. Violet didn't need a love interest this season, the Will stuff could've waited, Lady Danbury's beef with her brother was weird and the Anthony and Kate stuff could've been 2-3 quick episode appearances (no more than 10-15 mins on them unless in service of furthering along Polin). The Cressida herself stuff was interesting and I'd love to see them try to give her a little spin-off story of her own like Queen Charlotte - I liked what they were doing with her until the end where they were just like, "Meh f* it - back to 2D you go!"

And on top of that, I saw a YouTube video where someone went in on the fashion this season and I agree with that too. Just...what is going on? Get it together!

Penelope and Colin deserved better.

[fubukinorris]

Trending Moments, Season 1, Episode 2

Episode 2: The Visionary

Episode Airing | Previous | Next

✎ summary: In an era where it's uncommon for women to wear pants, how will small-town seamstress (l/n) (y/n) realize her dream of designing pants for women?

The next afternoon comes, and you arrive on time for Azuki Hanyu's fashion show. You notice that the items on the boutique's first floor have been removed, replaced by chairs lined up on both sides of the room. You take your seat on the second row as promised, watching the models walk down the spiral staircase from the second floor. They strike a few poses to show off their new dresses.

After the finale, as the model wearing the silk evening gown you mended walks off the stage, Hanyu heads out to thank the audience. He says his usual thanks for arriving at the fashion show as well as saying his appreciation. The guests stand up and applaud enthusiastically for at least three minutes straight. The guests congratulate Hanyu one by one even after the show ended.

You wait politely until they finish before approaching him. "Congratulations, Hanyu-san. The show was a great success."

"Well now, look who it is!" Hanyu lets out a laugh. "The clever girl who came to my rescue in my hour of need!" He says as he takes two glasses of red wine from the server's tray and passes one to you. "Cheers!"

"Cheers." You both clink glasses before taking your small sip. Hanyu is obviously still very excited and downs his glass in one swallow. "Tell me, young (l/n). Where did you acquire such delicate needlework skills?" How have I never met you before?" He asks you.

"Oh, I'm not from Star City." You answer him. "I was born and raised in the Red District, and I would help my mother mend clothing." You look down at your glass. "When my parents died, I was sent to my grandparents. I learned the needlework skills from them, and also from the Sano Family."

Hanyu nods in approval. "No ordinary seamstress could do what you have done. You have extraordinary talent."

"I had a lot of practice." You simply say. "I did help mend the clothing and comforters. And to top it off, my grandpa would always say 'No work, no food'."

"Great designers must first be great tailors. You have completed the prerequisites." Hanyu complements. You just look up at him, nodding. You were pretty good with a needle and thread, as well as sewing machines. "But I don't want to sew for someone else for the rest of my life. I have my own design ideas." You tell him.

Hanyu's smile disappears, but he has an eyebrow raised. "Do you, now? Go on."

You take deep breaths in your mind before saying this as calmly as possible. "I want to design formal pants for women."

Hanyu frowns. "Come again?"

You take a deep breath again. "I want to make ladies' pants. I want them to have the option of wearing dresses or pants when they leave the house."

Hanyu puts down his glass on a nearby table. "I must be feeling tipsy..."

You didn't let that faze you. "Dresses are beautiful, but they're... not really a convenient option for every situation. When women work in the fields, they have tie their dresses in a bulky knot to make sure there's no stain and such. When women take long train rides they have to keep their legs closed the whole time, even if it's uncomfortable."

You were determined to let Hanyu see this through. "Even in war, female soldiers are forced to wear skirts. Don't we want them to run faster when the bullets are flying?"

You let your thoughts spill out in one breath. You look at Hanyu nervously when you were finished speaking. You were hoping that this one opportunity would work. Every fashion brand turned you down every time you would speak of making women's pants.

Hanyu's mouth twists into a mocking smile. "Oh please, modern women already live in the best possible era. Since the end of the war seven years ago, both hemlines and sleeves have been shortened like never before." He takes another glass of wine from one of the trays. "Women can even dance in clubs like men, showing off their calves and arms. If anyone tried that thirty years ago, they would've been arrested."

"I know that women have a little more freedom than they used to when it comes to clothing, but I think they can have even more freedom." You added.

Hanyu scoffs. "Only women who do hard labor wear overalls like men. Why don't you ask another woman?" Or do they want to wear pretty little dresses while they bake pretty little cakes and drink pretty little glasses of chilled orange juice?"

You felt uncomfortable with his mockery, but you were standing your ground. "That's why I want to design beautiful pants. Pants as beautiful as dresses. And I'm not saying every women has to wear them, but they should be given the option."

Hanyu examines you without saying a word. Finally, he speaks, "May I ask what's your current job?"

You felt your heart sank. "I'm a singer at the Mad Rabbit."

"When given the choice of a sexy dress and a modest pair of pants... women won't want the pants. Men won't want the women to wear pants, either." Hanyu shakes his head, disappointed. "To think, just an hour ago I was still wondering why on earth a girl with your skills wasn't already working in the fashion industry. It turns out it's not because you don't want to, but because you can't." He sneers. "You're an amateur who doesn't understand the market."

'This is the same as every other time.' You tried to keep your chin up, but it was hard to do so when the result you wanted didn't happen again. You feel your heart plunge, drowning in the heavy atmosphere of the room.

"Time to wake up, daydreamer." Hanyu flicks your forehead. "This little chat is over."

You hold your forehead as Hanyu leaves to talk with the rest of the staff. Seeing as you don't have any reason to stay, you leave the studio, dejected.

You didn't know how you managed to get to the Red Rabbit, but when you did you manage to put on a clean set of clothes. Your simple, layered top with golden embroidery of the sleeves along with your handmade pants made you feel slightly better, but you were still disappointed.

"Start rehearsing, (y/n)," You hear Dormouse say once you finish dressing up. "Don't cause any more trouble tonight."

"...okay." You say, letting out a sigh.

"If you screw up again--" "You'll dock me a week's pay." You cut him off, knowing the consequence. Dormouse only smiles mockingly, patting your shoulder. "I'm glad you know that. Now get going!"

You watch dormouse walking away satisfied as you slump down on the couch. "(y/n)?" You look up in seeing Emma, her arms crossed as she looks at you worriedly. "Why do you look ten years older than you did yesterday?" She asks you.

You look away. "Mitsuya got me a chance to meet the Azuki Hanyu. Do you know about him?"

"Of course I know him." Emma rolls her eyes. "He's the only one with tinted glasses whose dresses cost two houses."

"I told him about my design concept about women's pants, but he just..." You trail off, not wanting to say anything further.

Emma laughs. "I thought you got used to rejection long ago."

"Emma, it's not funny." You look up at her again, showing a look of discomfort.

Emma sighs. "Okay, okay. No more jokes. Please get up, sweetheart..." She shows a look of concern.

"I'm so tired." You admit.

"You have to get up." Emma says sternly. You give in, standing up listlessly. The blond only hugs you gently, smelling her rose perform as she pats your back. "First, stand back up as soon as you can when you fall." She starts to say, comforting you. "Second, no matter what happens... you'll always have me by your side."

"Emma..." You mood lightens, smiling at her comforting words.

"Good." Emma laughs a little, breaking the hug. "Now let's talk about you getting married."

"Come again?" You look at her, surprised.

"I've been thinking about this a lot." Emma puts her hands on her waist. "You can't sing here anymore. Dormouse is just squeezing the life out of us just for a few more tips. I don't mind staying up all night, but that's not the case for you."

You didn't like where this was going. "So...?"

"So, I'm finding you a wonderful husband. He'll keep you fed and you can design all the pants you want." Emma says casually.

You shake your head. "Emma, I'm not interested in your marks."

"(y/n), you still remember how unhappy our parents were, right?" Emma asks you. You look back on it, remembering the looks on your parents' faces... they loved each other a lot, but they were struggling. Which led them to numerous arguments and eventually... well, their passing.

"I can stay single for the rest of my life if I have to." You say coolly. "I won't spend my life with someone unless I really love them. No matter how poor I am, I can always earn enough money to buy fabric."

Emma shakes her head, but she was smiling. "You're losing your voice, but you're still going on about your cloth, scissors, and sewing machine."

"Of course!" You exclaim. "Fashion is my passion!"

You let out a cough at that. Emma pats your back, helping you breathe. "Forget it, I don't want to argue with you. Go back to your loft and rest. I'll tell Dormouse you're taking the day off."

You walk back down to your small loft downtown Star City, where rent is cheapest. The roof leaks and the power goes out all the time, but you put a lot of effort into decorating the place.

You bought yourself a secondhand table, a secondhand sewing machine, and a lamp with a hole in the shade at the flea market. Some of your old design drafts were pasted over the hole in the lampshade. Whenever you would turn on the lamp, your designs for women's pants are illuminated.

'How do I describe my feelings...? Have I finally suffered so many disappointments that I have given up? Is this peaceful feeling... resignation...?'

Your thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. You reach the door in less than five steps. You only see a familiar lilac-hair male, wearing his pajamas. "How did it go with Hanyu-san?" He asks you.

"Terribly." You answer dryly.

"...sorry." Mitsuya pats your back. "Do you... do you want to talk about it?"

You let Mitsuya inside of your loft, and you begin to tell him about Azuki Hanyu's criticism and how Emma is trying to find a customer to marry you. Mitsuya just listens attentively, and only speaks when you finish. "What do you think of Emma's plan?"

"In our society, most women would choose a suitable marriage partner as soon as possible... only poor women go out to work." You say bitterly. "But I'm not marrying some random man and become his dependent... I'm afraid that designing and making clothes will just be playing house to him."

"Emma knows you won't consider her suggestion. I know that, too." Mitsuya says.

"What... what do you mean?" You ask, looking at him.

Mitsuya stares back at you. "Emma called to tell me about you. Don't get mad at her for saying things like that. She's just worried about you." He pats your back. "And I'm here to listen. Maybe you can vent some of your frustration on me."

"I know." You smile a little. "No one cares more about me than you and Isadora."

"Take this." Mitsuya hands you a train ticket. You look at him, surprised. "A train ticket to Sapphire Island?"

"Like Emma said, you can't continue working at the Mad Rabbit." Mitsuya advises. "It pays well, but at the cost your energy. You don't have enough time to focus on designing. And it's taking a toll on your health. It's not worth it."

"I know that, but why would I go to Sapphire Island?" You ask curiously.

"You need a vacation." Mitsuya says with a smile.

"That word isn't in my dictionary, Mitsuya." You tell him.

"You can add it in now." Mitsuya persuaded. "A monotonous life... it traps people inside it. It's like a transparent box. You can't see it, but it suffocates you just the same." He urges you to keep the train ticket in your hands. "Friends help friends get free of the box whenever they can."

"This vacation will cost me half a year's savings." You say, shaking your head.

"You said you wanted to visit this island, since it's where art is originated." Mitsuya reminded. "Don't worry about the money, I've already paid the hotel through an agent."

"Where... did you get the money?" You eye him suspiciously.

Mitsuya shakes his head. "Don't worry about that. All you have to do is enjoy your vacation and get some inspiration. When you're fully relaxed and inspired, come back and get a new job."

You stare at the ticket before looking back at Mitsuya. You had to admit, Mitsuya has a convincing way with words. But he was right. If you lose your health and dreams... you wouldn't have anything left. Not to mention that you know Mitsuya is frugal. He either borrowed money or asked for an advance on his salary. Besides, it would be selfish to use his means of sustenance.

"I'll take the vacation." You tell him. "But, I insist on paying it for myself."

Mitsuya laughs a little. "Fine. I respect your wishes. And remember," He then pulls you into a hug. "You're not a daydreamer. You're a visionary."

You hug him back. Mitsuya normally smelled of paint, but this time he smelled of cinnamon-scented perfume. When he pulls away, he pats your head. "Have a good night's sleep."

Once Mitsuya leaves the room, you grip the train ticket lightly and cheer yourself on.

This visionary is going to Sapphire Island!

[mylittleredgirl]

[and the rest of the post!]

...... but her circumstances have recently changed.

by cutting frank out of her life (both because she wants a future he's not offering and because she wants to punish him; i have plenty of thoughts about that too), she has eliminated her only source of friendly human contact. she and frank bonded over being hated by everyone else! they encouraged that in each other! but now... she’s all alone.

hawkeye is now in the business of making digs on frank's behalf, and that's another social avenue closed off. she was becoming friendly with both hawkeye and b.j. — they're the first people she told about her engagement! — but (largely because of how clueless and obnoxious she was in that episode) frank got the swamp rats in the divorce, so to speak.

so she's lonely to the point of distress, but she's so boxed-in by her inflexible belief in power structures and has been terrorizing everyone since we met her, so she can't easily walk that back without... abandoning her hold on those power structures long enough to apologize (which i noticed she doesn't do in this episode, but when in her whole life would she have ever seen an authority figure apologize?). and taking a cheese grater to her ego, because it's not like people are going to immediately embrace her, so she'll deal with rejection while she tries to change.

and what if they make fun of her to her face instead of behind her back — which is worse??

i find it telling that they call her 'hot lips' when she's not around — and i'm sure she knows they do. in the script, the act one tent scene is much longer, and the nurses debrief the O.R. shitshow and then drag margaret for a page and a half before she arrives:

and then on-screen, when mary jo tries to protect gaynor (the one on the top bunk with dark hair):

sorry for the gazillion caps; i swear this is actually the readers' digest version oh my god

having this episode right after "lt. radar o'reilly" is such a brilliant accident, because dear sweet radar just put words to the tragedy and loneliness of military success. radar was jealous of the officers in theory, but is so much happier back among the grunts, because it's better to take disrespect and abuse from above together than to take it from below while isolated and alone.

from season 5 "lt. radar o'reilly":

which is exactly what's happening here!! margaret has wanted this promotion all her life, but she probably didn't picture having it in the middle of nowhere. she has no family waiting at home for her at night, no peers she can relate to, not even a terrible boyfriend in her tent anymore. she barely knows her absent fiancé; would she dare send him an honest letter about her day that isn't all sunshine and idealized presentation?

so with all that, whether or not she deserves it, i love that the nurses offer her an olive branch at the end.

earlier, margaret started the professional reconciliation by finally allying herself with the nurses and protecting them in front of colonel potter. it's long overdue; up until now, we have only seen variations of the opening O.R. scene, where she criticizes them in public instead of rising to their defense. this part of their dynamic is entirely on her to mend — no one else can help her.

and then, later...

the nurses are far more emotionally aware than she is. this is the best possible move they could make — it defuses another potential standoff, and it's their way of thanking margaret for letting baker off the hook. it shouldn't have to be up to them to change the culture and improve their relationship with their supervisor, but they're honestly more capable of it. and it's very sweet how margaret immediately responds.

the nurses are all adult women who value their social connection with each other, and they recognize someone in distress who doesn't really know how to initiate kindness, and took a chance to show her. <3 <3

i hope this improves things for everyone! i think it will! and i definitely hope margaret thinks long and hard about all this, because if she lets it, it could really change her life.

tl;dr: poorly socialized feral cat domesticated by the mortifying ordeal of being known and one (1) cup of terrible army coffee.

[i reblogged the tumblr post where i found the script here.]

i know some of you have been pressing your faces to the glass waiting for me to see this one in particular SO i saw "the nurses" the other night and am still thinking about it!!

i love love love it when characters get pushed to a point where you can almost see their childhood selves pop out, like are they even talking about what's happening right now? or are their 12-year-old hearts just screaming?? i love that margaret's outburst is both irrational (the hostile work environment is coming from inside the house; i was yelling at my tv "baby it's your fault!!!") and so so honest.

[this turned into a bit of a character thesis, so not only is there a readmore, there will also be a reblog soon with the rest of the post because i maxed out the image limit!]

this whole time, margaret has treated her subordinates with a heavy hand because she thinks it's the right and fair thing to do. the rules say this is how it works!

she maintains a high standard of excellence in brutal circumstances, but she's also reactive, moody, and unforgiving. she's often shown on the edge of losing control and authority, she inflames situations by overreacting, and the thing she punishes most egregiously is disrespect (toward frank, toward the army, toward herself). she intentionally underlines the distance between herself and the other nurses at every turn.

from season 3 "there's nothing like a nurse": [all IDs in alt]

really, everything she thinks and does comes from a place of "they're not supposed to like me," but the childish part of her that is completely unable to see her own behavior is confused and hurt because "i'm just doing my job so why don’t they like me???"

it's her job to maintain discipline, but especially here in 4077-land, she doesn't have to lead with the whip. henry was beloved because he was an overly permissive clown, which will never be her speed, but colonel potter has all the same training as she does. he's loved and respected as the Good Regular Army Guy because he leads with discernment and mutual respect.

it's easier for him. he's more experienced, he's respected and supported from above and below, and he has a calm temperament — which isn't nothing.

from season 4 "the interview":

whether she's aware of this as a problem or not, we at home can see how margaret's inability to control her emotional reactivity causes her as much grief as her inability to control other people.

if she were capable of laughing off small slights, hawkeye and trapper wouldn't have used her as a chew toy so much, and henry might have taken her real concerns more seriously if they weren't lost in the noise of daily fits, you know? she rarely started it, so i'm not blaming her for the hostile chaos circus of seasons 1-3, but i am saying she would have had a better time if she knew how to take a few deep breaths.

this description from the script, after the near-brawl in the nurses' tent in act one, is basically her character thesis statement:

and here, when she's reacting fully emotionally, the truth comes out! the reason that she won't be flexible and show compassion to the nurses isn't because of the rules, but because they're mean to her!!

that's obviously a very bad place to lead from. she has enormous institutional power over them, including controlling their freedom of movement, but she feels like all the other girls in school are hanging out together and they hate her. because they are! and they do! the fight in act one boils over when they make fun of her hair, and that sent all of them back to middle school.

and in many ways, that's where margaret's emotional maturity is stuck (which is, i think, why i find her so endearing). she can't see herself. she knows they don't like her, trust her, or want her around, but she doesn't understand how she dug this hole herself, or how to get out of it.

to add insult to jealous injury, one of the nurses (mary jo, who gets between margaret and baker to stop the fight and takes care of the others in different ways) is margaret's age, and the others look to her as their chosen leader and personal support.

and i'm sure margaret had NO IDEA this was the messy truth until she heard it come out of her mouth.

and her emotionally breaking on the "one lousy cup of coffee" in particular…

i wonder, how often does some version of that first tent scene happen? does she deliver their assignments every night? she walks in already defensive, they immediately stop laughing, and then... she either finds a reason to scold them or they ice her out until she leaves. (and they probably start laughing again as soon as she does!)

from her perspective, when she arrived for the dreaded sleepover and they turned out the lights the minute she walked in, it's like they cancelled the nightly coffee klatch just to avoid spending one social minute with her.

i also think the nurses are right when they assumed that she wouldn't have accepted an invitation to hang out with them (and might even have snapped at them for being inappropriate for asking). she doesn't cross that emotional line, even when she should — she didn't know gaynor was spiraling after losing so many patients in a row, and didn't respond compassionately when she learned.

has she ever invited them for coffee or a friendly chat? no.

...... but her circumstances have recently changed.

[reblog coming soon with the rest of it!]

[femininomen0n]

oh i’d love to hear your thoughts on season 3! idm you going off topic from my the point of my ask haha it’s always nice to have discussions with people ^^

- 🌟 (so you can identify me jdhdjsj)

(and YES! i know!!! it’s so irritating to see people act like not living a luxurious life = bad ending or the end of the world. like… that’s so– there’s smth so “ew” about that sort of thinking. why can’t one of the leads forgo her comfy aristocratic lifestyle to become a working woman? i feel like they’d be that couple that runs the print shop together and focus on printing radical papers ugh! the perfect story for their characters)

okay, first allow me to apologize for how long it’s taken me to answer this! i won’t bore you with the details, but it’s been one thing after another (heat exhaustion, family stuff, went away with my friend for a few days, etc) so i’ve only just had the time to think about your ask.

anyway, i have mixed feelings about this season. there were things i loved— cressida and eloise, fran, john, and michaela, the featherington family— but so much of it was… lackluster. i’m going to dump my thoughts below; i’ll try (and fail) to keep each point brief!

i’ll start with the low-hanging fruit: the makeup and costumes were all over the place- most of the outfits looked cheap, ugly or both, and don’t even get me started on the acrylic nails. i miss eloise's spencer jackets (save us, sophie canale, save us!)

daphne’s not my favorite character, but i was surprised by how much i felt her absence this season. the show shines brightest when it focuses on the families, but without her everything felt a bit… emptier.

they massively underutilized benedict this season, which was a bummer, since luke t is a true talent. at least the finale (seemingly) set him up to lead s4!

re: benedict, i kept waiting for him to interact more with eloise, but it never came! she was clearly struggling this season (quieter, less rebellious, rejecting her previous interests) and i find it hard to believe that benedict wouldn’t pick up on that at all. instead the show chose to push the colin and eloise relationship, which i wasn’t a fan of. there was nothing inherently wrong with it, but it paled in comparison to ben and eloise and felt a little out of nowhere for me.

i liked polin’s dynamic in s1 and s2. though i preferred (and continue to prefer) other characters/couples, i was looking forward to their story. unfortunately, it fell flat for me. they were sold as a friends-to-lovers story, but i found that angle hard to believe. colin’s whole fake-charming persona was uncomfortable to watch- it may have been that way on purpose, but it just didn't land with me.

so much of the cast- part 2 eloise in particular- behaved incredibly OOC for the sake of the happily-ever-after. rushed, unearned happily-ever-afters aren't a new problem for this show, but it was especially apparent this season because penelope's actions as whistledown were by far the most impactful on both the main cast and the wider ton.

i also hated that the show framed penelope’s inability to let go of the column as a feminist choice. while penelope’s business acumen is impressive, whistledown is ultimately a gossip rag that wields the ton’s baked-in misogyny as a weapon. many of the women (and men) that penelope targeted did nothing to harm her. i wasn't crazy about it on a symbolic level either. whistledown was penelope's outlet when her personal life got to be too much; a real "hurt people hurt people" situation. i didn't find her choice to continue with whistledown (instead of turning over a new leaf by, say, writing novels) empowering, i found it sad. she's married to the love of her life, she’s a mother, she's mended her relationships with her family, and she's still attached to the gossip column that she has used to ruin lives and reputations. it's not a good ending for anyone.

and that’s about it! thanks for letting me chatter :)