#one episode the whole plan was to just kidnap some kids | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

antianakin · 6 months ago

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I watched that scene in V for Vendetta when V kills Delia, and it occurred to me that there isn't quite the same scene throughout TBB S3. Despite the heavy redemption themes for Crosshair and Emerie, I don't think I heard either of them directly acknowledge their wrongs and apologise to their (live) victims. I didn't hear Crosshair admit fault for shooting Wrecker on Kamino, trying to incinerate the squad on Bracca, or kidnapping Hunter and using him as bait. Never mind to Howzer for his squad's arrest and death in captivity, or the people of Ryloth for his assassination of Orn Free Taa. Or to the next of kin of at least two women I remembered he killed during his Imperial service.

I never heard Emerie apologise for using the kids and clones as pincushions to draw blood, abducting and imprisoning them. Has everyone forgotten that she was there regularly while Crosshair was strapped to the bed and being experimented on?

The point is that while both characters did heel-face turns and performed deeds to atone for their pasts, the lack of apology is deafening. Howzer was portrayed as the asshole for not seeing Crosshair's heel-face turn because it should have been ''obvious'' how Crosshair treats Omega. I see it as the characters who should have broken the fourth wall and read the script to bypass the drama that would have occurred if an apology had been forthcoming. The "hard" part was done; Crosshair lost his hand; what more do you idiots want? I would have chalked it to the cancellation had I not seen something similar running around Season 1...

It's one of those aspects that gnaws at me with Disney Star Wars. What I call the externalisation of evil, paired with the lack of accountability. Evil happens because people were forced or duped to act on its behalf, but because these people are not "true" believers (as seen by their redemption), they need not be held accountable for their actions while serving evil. Their acts in service of the "superior good" balance the scales and bypass the need for accountability.

And for a "kids" show lauded as the most "adult" of the TCW-era animation, I have to ask, is this really the lesson to teach kids? Because in real life, no one can read your mind and hear your apology mentally. And some can fake it and be unrepentant in the end. The victims of your wrongdoing have the right to confront you, hear your apology, and decide to absolve or condemn you. "I am not here for what you hoped to do. I am here for what you did"- V

"Is it meaningless to apologise? Never I'm so sorry" - Delia's last words to V

I find myself less upset about Emerie because Emerie was introduced so late that not only do we not see her doing anything THAT horrific, but there wouldn't have been a lot of time to really work through any kind of redemption arc for her. Within her first few episodes, we do see her soften towards Omega a bit, so they DO set up that Emerie isn't all she appears to be which allows for her to have stronger reactions to things like the Force sensitive children in the vault later.

My issue with Emerie, which is likely partially due to the cancellation cutting off some of what they might have planned to do with her, is that we have ZERO EXPLANATION for her. Why does she exist, was she just a defective clone who came out female and so the Kaminoans sent her away or did one of them intentionally try to create a female clone for some reason? Why did they send her to Hemlock, how was Hemlock connected with the Kaminoans to begin with and connected SO early that he was able to acquire a clone before the Jedi and the Republic even knew they existed? Why did Hemlock accept her and what has he been doing TO her this whole time? What is her relationship with being a clone if she was presumably separated from the rest of them for her entire life and not necessarily raised as a clone the same way as even TBB would've been? How does this impact her relationship with the clone prisoners on Tantiss as well as Hemlock?

Her redemption arc feels both half-assed and like... just half-assed enough because Emerie is basically a blank slate the whole time. We don't know anything about her or her motivations for anything and so there's nothing to really make me feel like her quicker change of heart goes against anything we know about her. She's never shown to be particularly unkind or malicious, just... somewhat disconnected from the clone prisoners and inclined to just accept that Hemlock's work is necessary. Because we know so little about her aside from that she's been with Hemlock since she was extremely young, it works for me that she's mostly just kind-of disconnected about the things he's doing to the other clones until she manages to make a personal connection that sort-of changes her perspective. She does not personally capture or hurt anyone to my memory, she never seems to be intentionally trying to cause pain to anybody, there's no malicious intent behind her actions that she has to work around and make up for. There's not even any real prejudice and anger towards the clones themselves that is causing her to be okay with what Hemlock is doing to them. So just her recognizing that a change NEEDS to be made is enough for me with Emerie, I don't feel like I needed more of an apology in order for her "redemption arc" to make sense because she's barely a fleshed out character as it is.

Crosshair on the other hand, DID owe an apology to a lot of people. I HATE the way they handled his interactions with the rest of the squad and with Howzer in particular. I HATE the way HOWZER has to apologize and Crosshair never does. It's fucked up and wrong and such a badly done redemption arc and I honestly can't even blame that on the cancellation because it's early enough in the season that they likely already had that built in before they had to make any changes. There's also already been TWO SEASONS before this to build up to Crosshair's change of heart that I think got mishandled as well. He got so little screen time in season two that his change of heart that turns him against the Empire doesn't feel believable to me at all.

My biggest issue with BOTH of these characters and the way their stories were handled was the distance from the ACTUAL CLONES.

This is an issue I've had with the show from the beginning. It's billed as a show about clones, but the main characters are SO separated and distant from the real clones that none of their development really has anything to do with the clones and it makes it feel like it never really WAS a clone story at all. Crosshair's story would've been more compelling if it had been about his bigotry towards the clones and his development had come specifically from learning they were good people and he was wrong about them. Emerie and Omega's stories should've been about them finally being able to connect to the other clones that they'd been forced away from their whole lives and figuring out what it truly means to BE a clone. The Bad Batch's story would've been more compelling if it had had more focus on what was actually happening to the clones immediately after Order 66 and the desperation and tragedy of trying to save them in a world that cares about them even less than it used to.

Instead, Crosshair's story seems to be about realizing the Empire sees him, PERSONALLY, as expendable and THAT'S what makes him realize it's bad. The fact that the Empire sees him as no different than the other clones doesn't really allow him to see the CLONES in a different light or connect to them better, it just destroys his loyalty to the Empire because he's not considered special anymore. Emerie only turns against the Empire after she sees what's happening with the Force sensitive children, the torture and captivity of the clones doesn't seem to bother her at all. Omega's development for the last two seasons has had nothing to do with her identity as a clone and a lot more with her identity as a "soldier". Echo is the only character with any real connection to the other clones and the moment he starts to voice that, he gets written off and becomes a recurring cameo character instead of a regular main ensemble member. The moment he decides to more fully be a part of a clone-centric storyline, he can't be a part of the Bad Batch's story because the Bad Batch is inherently NOT A CLONE STORY.

And this is the biggest problem with this show. It's selling itself as a clone story and not actually following through on it and it causes this weird dissonance within the narrative because I don't think this show ever truly knew what story it was telling. It hurts every single one of the characters.

This show would've been a LOT better if they had just let it be a story about, say, four random bounty hunters who worked as a team. Or even, god help me, four Mandalorians from different clans or houses or whatever who are BARELY managing to stay civil with each other. It would've made the stories with Crosshair and Emerie feel a LOT easier to stomach because we aren't sitting there wondering why they aren't reacting to what's happening to the other clones around them. It might've made the stories easier to WRITE, too, because they wouldn't have had to keep trying to force a connection between these characters and the clones that so clearly just isn't there.

Maybe these "redemption arcs" would've been better done and made more sense if these characters weren't clones.

But then again I remember how well done Ventress and Kallus's "redemption arcs" were and I think that maybe it wouldn't have mattered at all.

#star wars #clone troopers #anti tbb #tbb critical #crosshair critical #anti crosshair #emerie critical #anti emerie

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upslapmeal · 5 months ago

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Space Babies

Ok so I've been hopeless at doing my usual Episode Thoughts during s14 but if I don't get them posted before the finale then I never will. SO. the next few days will be a trip down memory lane to a whole 6 weeks ago before I'm off to the cinema on friday night!

here we goooo

no cold open we’re going straight in babes (heh)

I know we had it last ep but I do love a good seeing-the-tardis-for-the-first-time face

‘I’m the doctor’ yes you are!!

man I wasn’t a huge fan of 15's theme just hearing on its own in the concert but hearing it in context with him it works SO well

‘kinda posh’

‘they used titles’ and then i kidnapped a couple of teachers, told one to drop the 'Foreman' and the rest is history

ngl I've totally lost track of the gallifrey sitch

the master was going to blow it up then he didn't then the Doctor was going to then some guy stayed behind instead and then flux??

whatever we're back to last-of-my-kind square one

this is gallifrey theme my beloved how I have missed you

Martha and Bill yelling I told you so in the distance about the butterfly

‘Rubathon Blue of the 57th hemisphere hatchlings’ good to know I've got my Ruby tag sorted early doors!

anyway alien companion when

ooh they're going for a flying tardis

love fifteens energy!!

‘most of the universe is knackered babes’

‘the question is why did I run’ Doctor running is a key part of your whole deal. you know this right

‘yet again push the button’………when was the first time

(I have since learned there was meant to be a song on the jukebox that tied to this...would have been nice to see the jukebox being used. and also would have made these comments make sense)

…..baby looms?

‘food????? they’re not tomatoes!!’ lmao Fifteen is SO outraged

oh Ruby’s getting an End of the World moment <3

‘no boss or rent or taxes’ yeah forget time and space travel, NOW Ruby's thinking she's gotta get in on this

oh that baby is unsettling

oh no that baby mouth does not match that voice

‘mummy and daddy are here!’ Ruby and Fifteen: 😬

it's so weird having fairly confident small child voices paired with very vacant baby faces

.....do these babies have nappies? that they change??

aww you can really see Ruby is used to kids, lifetime as a foster sister <3

ok Captain Poppy is the only voice so far that kinda works

‘oh popsicle’ naww Fifteen is so sweet with them

Fifteen and Poppy are so cute!!

also lol I love RTD going hard with the timeless child at every opportunity

‘nappies are changed at 1800h’ ok well that explains that

Ruby: ‘I didn’t mean to scare you ��’ Fifteen: 'hey kids it's the BOGEYMAN!!!!!!' Ruby: 😠

ok listen. I know this is not it. but the boots and the length of the trousers.......Ruby's mum kinda looks like Thirteen

oh that's very much a hug-is-a-way-to-hide-your-face hug there

‘that’s the fate of every refugee, you have to physically turn up on someone’s shore’

Eric and the world’s most tiny and useless sword

‘a crock of waste product'

‘nice plan but what now' Ruby hon. this was your plan

you can really tell Ruby is used to looking after kids

‘don’t you touch them you illegitimate person’

FLAMETHROWER BABIES

oh Fifteen knows Ruby’s a keeper

‘oh babes…space babes’ lol Fifteen's just here to have fun (space) baby

‘it’s snot’ ‘it’s not’ the beauty of the english langauge

‘it is one of your children!!’ :(

even the (space) babies think that death by airlock disintegration a bit much

awooooooo!

I guess seeing the doctor save the bogey monster made them less scared??

appreciate RTD's commitment to getting some good fart work in both his first series of this show lol

but what will happen to the monster on the new planet??

like sure it's their sibling but.....does it know that?

‘I’m very very happy’ says the baby with the most sorrowful eyes I’ve ever seen

tardis key!!

Ruby letting 15 into the tardis <3

RIP Carla Sunday's kitchen ceiling

first a crack and now this......at least the Doctor's giving the local plasterer good work

‘what the blinking flip’ Cherry Sunday's got a nanny filter on her

‘tell your mum not to slap me’ Thirteen got off light with Yaz’s mum

now when are we meeting the timelord called The Saggy Sheet??

the Doc's just going around giving their name willy nilly now lmao

as it should be I never enjoyed their name being a Big Mystery

kinda wish we got to see Ruby's family react to learning more about the Doctor!

hmmmm the dna scan is giving me v s6 vibes (derogatory)

Well that was a weird one, but since when hasn't DW been weird! Ngl it took me watching a second time to enjoy it a bit more because I was just SO thrown off by the baby voices lmao, but it was just generally a fun time, nothing too serious and just a chance to see a bit more of Fifteen and Ruby's dynamic! And it did tie in nicely to the ideas of Ruby and the Doctor both being abandoned, Ruby being a foster sister and the Doctor being the last of their kind. Two baby episodes in a row is enough for me though, glad it looks like next ep is baby-free, space or otherwise 😅

#I'm going to rewatch a few more of the eps before posting the notes for them #it took me a few eps to get back into the rhythm of taking notes while watching so I'll be able to pad them out a bit #also might rewatch with TDC as ep 4? see if that changes how it fits in with the series as a whole #space babies #doctor who #fifteenth doctor #ruby sunday #ramblings

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fazbearedits · 8 months ago

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Okay so I know I keep posting about Nicky but still I think you all need to realize how terrifying it was when I first saw him in episode 6 so I need you to put yourself in his shoes:imagine you are either getting brainwashed by some cryptic bird thing (the guest) or getting traumatized by the thing (the shadow man) if you don’t play with it to the point where your fucking insane and the only other emotion you express is raw fear with the only thing you can cope with is a creepy sack with a stitched smile which is the only way you know how to technically be happy.reminder the only time Nicky smiles is when he finds his mask and is also extremely terrified of mr Peterson as well as I don’t think the thing or guest would want Nicky to stay even I think literally encouraging him to leave probably and says sorry all the time probably being told by the thing or the guest to open the door with Aaron on the other side but mr Peterson always catching him.Just a reminder he was down there for only 2 MONTHS and everyone thought he ran away since he does it all the time and even if he did escape on his own no one would believe him even if Trinity gave a alibi because the reason mr Peterson never harmed any of the kids or passed his property line until Aaron was freed in episode 6 is because his whole plan was to make Nicky look like the bad guy and making up lies about him while mr Peterson put on the whole “widow who lost his kids” act,making every adult lose trust in Nicky viewing him as some “crazy kid” while being a loner and bullied even before and even AFTER you were kidnapped (probably most likely being bullied by finch and other kids) and even coming back to school after going through the most traumatizing experience in your life just to probably get called “crazy” by other kids (hell even Nicky’s own PARENTS probably didn’t believe him about mr Peterson) and still getting harassed by the guest and the thing after all this happened and having some connection to a whether station your kidnapper’s brother died at years ago by the hands of your principal (who bullied mr Peterson but still didn’t believe you and talks shit about you to other families)YOUR FUCKING MAYOR,your local baker and even a police officer

#hello neighbor #hello neighbor welcome to raven brooks #nicky roth #now can y’all see why I love Nicky so much #and that’s not even all of it

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dreamii-krybaby · 7 days ago

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Some things regarding my “Sanctimonious Saint” Murder Drones AU (placeholder tittle for now)

-Everyone calls Yeva “Creepy old hag” or “Red eyes witch/hag” or “Witch”. Yeva couldn’t care any less tho.

-Yeva never plans to kill Uzi, in fact, she won’t go after WD’s who are teens. But she does hurt Uzi when she gets too carried away with her revenge obsession

-Yeva has developed a very twisted form of maternal affection towards Uzi. She wants to “protect” her and get her patched but cannot get over the idea of Uzi being friends with the DD’s. Uzi is the only one who matters most to Yeva (and her family ofc) due to many reasons (Uzi has the AS and is Nori’s kid, Yeva sees Doll in her,etc). Yeva is probably willing to kidnap Uzi for her “safety”. Perhaps at some point she accidentally call’s Uzi, “Doll”.

-Instead of missing young girls, Khan and some of his coworkers notice some of their members going missing bc they no longer show up for gin rummy

-Just because I can and am a simp, Yeva will wear a nice lil dress on the prom episode, if she is gonna fuck shit up, she is gonna do it while looking pretty.

-I just realized Uzi could perfectly kick Yeva in the face like with Doll in canon and that’s hilarious.

-In EP3 N saves Uzi from Doll’s attack, but in this AU it’s Uzi who saves N from Yeva’s attack. Which makes it even better as in EP7 N returns the favor by saving Uzi (while being possessed by Cyn) from the pickaxe attack

-Sorry Dizzy fans, Lizzy and Doll are barely close in this AU. And in this AU it’s Lizzy who comes with the idea of inviting V to be prom queen just for fun, no backstabbing from her part. And V just wins bc she is just pretty. Yeva overhears this plan and takes advantage of the situation to enact revenge

-Yeva also deflects some bullets by literally blocking them with a knife she created out of thin air.

-Yeva accidentally chops Uzi’s arm when Uzi to shield N from her attack, callback to Yeva chopping Nori’s arm in EP7. This makes Yeva get stunned for a second, making her vulnerable during the fight.

-Khan is still a bit of a dumbass but after the whole prom thing he becomes super wary of Yeva and of Uzi’s safety. Its not the same dealing with a teenager who can hurt your kid than full grown adult who knows so much more than you being able to hurt your kid

-Khan is somewhat terrified of Yeva but still puts up (at best as he can) a fight against Yeva when she decides to break into his house to get the keybug from Uzi,and it’s the commotion that makes Uzi stop focusing on the whole “matrix memory recovery mission” only to Yeva appear in front of her. Uzi and Yeva also argue and fight for the keybug.

-Yeva despises Khan for his incompetence but she hasn’t killed him yet because she doesn’t want to leave Uzi as an orphan and bc he is lucky that he is Nori’s husband. And Khan is terrified yet pissed at Yeva for literally killing his co-workers and hurting her child and probably traumatizing her even more

-In EP3, Doll legit kills 2 workers for literally standing in her way, but Yeva in this AU simply shoves them away with the AS. Her moral code is much more clear or strict

-idk why but my stupid brain keeps imagining her having a hand crafted Scythe, and Nori having a gothic umbrella that has a hidden dagger and works as a literal gun.

#murder drones #murder drones yeva #yeva murder drones #yeva md #md yeva #md uzi doorman #uzi doorman md #murder drones uzi doorman #uzi doorman murder drones #uzi doorman #uzi md #md uzi #murder drones uzi #uzi murder drones #murder drones au

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happyk44 · 2 years ago

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No but Miri getting kidnapped by people hoping to ransom her off in exchange for Rei's non-existent oil baron money.

Rei and Kazuki are freaking out, Kazuki is drawing up an extremely elaborate plan to save her while having an absolute meltdown, and Rei is stockpiling guns, and then right before they leave, they open the door to find Miri right there because she was such a fucking hassle the kidnappers just dumped her back off. Like she kept escaping her bindings to play hide and seek and they have no idea how. She kept touching stuff and accidentally releasing their traps back on them. She wouldn't stop talking and screamed bloody murder when no one was paying attention to her.

Episode ends with the group of men agreeing to never kidnap a child again, it's just not worth it, and then their front door kicks down to show Rei with a whole ass rocket launcher or some other flashy shit, going, "don't touch my kid" before he wastes them.

#something stupid and comedic so when she gets kidnapped for reals at the end of the show it's incredibly painful and we all cry #happy's babblings #buddy daddies #happy talks buddy daddies

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evewritingsteve · 2 years ago

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wrong place, wrong time

jesse pinkman x reader warnings: kidnapping, normal breaking bad stuff

summary: You are Lydia's daughter, and just so happen to be kidnapped by Mike. Takes place in the episode before they do the train heist

note: not my best but i needed to get this concept out of my head, enjoy xx

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“Well Lydia, we’ve got the kid so I suggest you come out of hiding and talk this out like the adults we are. You got 4 hours to get over here or little miss y/n gets to meet an unpleasant end. Your choice.” You hear the man hang up the phone, sighing a little. “Well y/n, let’s hope your mother has a little empathy for her secret daughter.”

You’d reply, and say you weren’t really a secret, just the result of a teen pregnancy, but the gag in your mouth unfortunately stifled any smart remarks. Maybe it was for the best, you didn’t have the best danger meter. Opening your mouth would probably get you hurt.

But you weren’t hurt, surprisingly, despite the circumstances. Being kidnapped automatically brought your brain to violence, but so far, they hadn’t been overly rough. Certainly not nice, but no harm had been done. You thanked whoever was listening for that. You were hoping this was all for ransom, that your mom would pay, you’d walk out of this fine, and this whole thing would be a terrific story to take back to graduate school.

Hopefully.

You were bound to a chair, rope chafing your arms and legs. You wiggled again, hoping for some give. From what you gathered about the kidnappers, they were old as shit. One sounded too anxious and the other just sounded annoyed. At first you had been terrified, but as the adrenaline wore off you felt yourself growing more annoyed than anything.

You’d been in the chair for hours, and the phone call the first man made was one of the first times you had heard them speak in hours. You were bored. You’d think being kidnapped would be more action and less anxious waiting. Not that you were complaining.

You hear a door open and steps making their way closer.

“Yo who the fuck is this?” A younger male voice cuts through the silence.

Another one? Jesus.

“Change of plans,” the annoyed older man speaks and you desperately try to see through the cloth covering your eyes. “Can’t find Lydia but her daughter was there so now here we are.”

“Her daughter? What yo we’re fucking kidnapping random people now?”

“Jessie!” The anxious one yells and the room goes silent.

“Both of you, outside, now.”

So the younger one was Jessie. You definitely weren’t supposed to know that. You hear them leave and somehow the silence is scarier now than when they were in the room. You close your eyes. God mom, you better have a ransom money stash.

“What the hell was that? Saying Jessie’s name? You’re going to get us caught Walter!” Mike jabs his finger into Walt’s chest, fuming.

“I didn’t ask to kidnap an innocent college student Mike! This- this is insane! What are we doing?”

“Yeah what are we doing?” Jessie throws his hands up, still clueless.

“Lydia planted that tracker on the methylamine. When I went to her house to have a little talk Lydia was gone. She knew I was onto her and decided to run, but her daughter just so happened to be there. I’ve dealt with Lydia before. She’s skittish. So we take her daughter to get her to come talk to us so we can put an end to this ordeal.”

“So what, this chick is our hostage now or what?”

“Yes Jesse. As soon as Lydia gets here we’ll cut her loose and deal with the real problem. The kid is just collateral that we have to deal with now. As long as she doesn’t see our faces this doesn’t have to end with anybody’s death but Lydia’s. Capisce?”

“Fuck. Alright I guess.” Jessie puts his hands on his head, following Mike when he gestures for them to go back in.

When they open the door, they all stop. Lydia was already there, undoing the last rope holding you to the chair. You both stop and look up when you hear the door, slightly panicked.

So much for the blind.

“Mike what the hell? My daughter?” Lydia stands, helping you do the same. Your eyes are wide as you scan the 3 men’s faces, growing more confused by the minute. Your mom knew these people? What the fuck is she involved with?

The one that you’re going to assume is Mike, makes his way over to your mom, grabbing her arm and throwing her on to the chair you were previously occupying, dragging her and the chair to a nearby table. You jump out of the way, Mike ignoring your mom’s protests, pulling out handcuffs and locking her to the table.

“You,” He points at you, grabbing the gun on his waistband, “Stand next to her and don’t move or I swear it’ll be your last.”

You make your way over, giving your mom a questioning and slightly terrified look.

“Jesus Lydia you just had to make this harder on me.”

“Mike we can talk this out but let my daughter go. I didn’t plant that tracker, I swear to God, she knows nothing of this just please, let her leave.”

“Mom-”

“She’s seen our faces, Mike, we can’t just let her go with that information!” The other older man speaks up. The younger one puts his head in his hands. It seemed clear to you that he was dragged into this, and for some reason that put you at ease a bit. They all begin to argue with each other, and you glance at your mom again.

“She’ll get on a plane right now.”

They all pause.

“She’s doing graduate school abroad, she can get on a plane right now and be out of the country in a few hours. Please Mike, she barely knows anything right now, definitely not enough to put you guys away. Just, please Mike.”

“Mom I can’t leave yo-”

“Shut up Lydia.” Mike thinks for a while. He didn’t want to kill you. He saw his granddaughter in you and knows he would never forgive himself if he had to kill you to save himself. It was risky, but something told him you really wouldn’t say anything.

“Alright Lydia. We’ll take her to the airport. But you need to understand one thing,” he turns to you, “I have people everywhere y/n. The second you open your mouth, I’ll know. And then it’s game over for you and everyone you love.”

You think of your little sister and suddenly realize you’re going to have to take this to the grave. Not that you even knew the entire story, it felt like you walked into the middle of a show and missed all the important parts. But still. Silence was the only answer.

You simply nod your head in response.

“Jessie, I would like you to take this young lady to the airport, buy yourself a ticket so you can wait at the gate with her and make sure she gets on the plane. Come back here after. Lydia, you’re gonna make a little call for us.” Mike tosses Jessie the keys, along with a pair of handcuffs.

“Are these for her?” He gestures to the handcuffs and then to me. If it weren’t for the situation at hand, you might have blushed.

Mike gives him a look and Jessie almost rolls his eyes. “Alright man shit.”

He makes his way over to you, mumbling an apology that confuses you even more. It seemed like Mike was the only serious one here, the other two almost acted like they were hostages too. You feel the handcuffs tighten, and you give your mom a final glance.

“Mom?”

“It’ll be okay I’ll call okay?” A pit sits in your stomach at the expression on her face, so you try to give her a small smile, not trusting your voice. You really hope she didn’t get herself into something she can’t control. Jessie gives you a small nudge and you can’t fight the tears that fill your eyes.

Once you’re in the car, Jesse says something about the handcuffs looking suspicious and takes them off. You grab at your wrists and flinch as the car is locked from the inside. At this point reality was setting in hard. Now that your safety seemed more or less intact, you were nauseous over the thought of your mom still down there for God knows what.

The car starts moving and your breathing becomes shallow. Jesse takes notice and steals a glance at you.

“Hey, it’s gonna be alright okay?” It didn’t even sound like he believed his own words.

“What the fuck.” Is all you can reply. “What the actual fuck?” You laugh a little, about to go into hysterics over the entire thing.

Jessie looks at you, even more concerned. He had been through some shit and the only time he laughed was when he was really about to lose it. You're trying to control your breathing, and he feels bad, but he can’t help but notice how pretty you are. He can’t believe that you somehow got wrapped into this. It didn’t seem right. He feels horrible.

At this point you're no longer laughing, just sniffling and trying to stop yourself from sobbing.

“What are they going to do to my mom?” You look at Jessie. You were never close with your mom, she was distant and cold but always provided for you. She was your mom at the end of the day. Despite being in boarding schools most of your childhood, she was always there when you came home to visit. She couldn’t just be taken from you like that. “What about my sister? What will she do?”

“You have a sister?” He sounds surprised. You faintly wonder if you should just shut your mouth, and not volunteer anymore information, but some part of you feels like Jessie isn’t going to use this information maliciously. Still, you don’t respond.

“Listen, I promise nothing will happen to your mom.”

“How can you possibly promise that?”

He goes silent and you realize that he probably can’t make that promise.

The rest of the car ride is silent and you spend some of it observing him. He seems almost shy, despite the rough exterior and style he possesses. For a split second, you wonder if, in different circumstances, you two would have crossed paths and been friends. Maybe flirted. The reasonable part of your brain stomps that out, and politely reminds you that he was somehow involved in your kidnapping.

The car rolls to a stop at the drop off spot. Once again, you’re confused.

“Don’t you have to come in with me? You can’t park here.”

He looks at you, slightly startled. He half expected you to jump out of the car and run to the nearest security guard. He spent half the ride preparing for his life to be over because of the pretty daughter of a criminal. “Oh, uh, I guess I didn’t think of that.”

You stare at him for a beat.

“I won’t run to tell anyone. Honestly getting out of America as soon as I can sounds nice right now for what it’s worth.”

He turns in the driver's seat, fully looking at you for the first time.

“I know.”

“You believe me?”

“I’m a shit kidnapper huh?”

Despite the situation, you find yourself laughing a little.

“Sort of.”

You both sit for a minute until he raises a hand to scratch his head sheepishly. “Look uh, you can just go. I think it’ll be weird if I buy a ticket and don’t get on the plane.”

You looked at him, shocked that he was actually agreeing to let you go.

“Oh, okay,” you go to open the door, pausing to look at him one last time. “For what it’s worth, I don’t think you’re a real bad guy. It just seems like you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time.” You give him a small smile, leaving without waiting for a response.

You run across the street, nearly missing an impatient car. You feel like you’re on autopilot as you step through the automatic doors, trying to find the nearest help desk to book a flight. Your brain was in override, trying to make sense of everything that happened. You only hoped that once you landed, your mom would answer the phone and everything would be okay.

You almost gave in when you saw a security personnel walking by, but thought of Jessie. You couldn’t explain it, but you knew going to the authorities would somehow cause more harm than good. You only hoped that Jessie’s sincerity was real.

Jessie watched as you ran to the doors, seeming more dazed than scared like he imagined you should be. He didn’t understand your final words to him, he was implicated in your fucking kidnapping for fucks sake. But there you were, saying that he wasn’t a bad guy. A car honked behind him, pulling him from his thoughts. He put the car in gear, making his way back to the shitshow he really didn’t want a part of.

He picks his phone up when he hears the familiar ringtone.

“Yo.”

“Jessie, is she gone?”

“Yeah, we’re good. What’s going on?”

“We have to rob a train.”

Oh fuck.

reblog, like, tell your momma (aka me)

#breaking bad x reader #jesse pinkman x reader #jesse pinkman #x reader #breaking bad #mike erhmantraut #walter white #kidnapping tw #jesse pinkman imagine #jesse x reader #breaking bad fanfiction #evewritingsteve

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tobiasdrake · 5 months ago

Text

Digimon Adventure 01x20 - Perfect-Stage Evolution! MetalGreymon / The Earthquake of MetalGreymon

Previously on Digimon Adventure: Taichi goofing around in the middle of a raid quest got the party wiped and caused Sora to be left behind in the raid dungeon to fend for herself. Sora furiously told Taichi to uninstall, while Koushiro offered some gentle correction for his behavior.

Now Sora's in the custody of one unbeatable Perfect-stage Digimon with another (Strongest in Konoyo!) hunting for her head in the same building. And we have to get in the middle of that. Go team!

The kids take another night to camp out and plan their next move. We join them eating dinner and discussing what to do about Sora and Nanomon.

Koushiro's over in the shortcut tunnel analyzing the layout of the pyramid. They've also sent Takeru to eat with the Digimon while Taichi, Yamato, Jou, and Mimi have grown-up discussions about Sora's fate.

Narrator: Everyone in the group wanted to save Sora and Piyomon. However.... Jou: We don't know where they are. There's nothing we can do but wait for Nanomon to make his move. Taichi: But what if he hurts Sora while we're sitting around waiting!? Yamato: Nanomon's goal is to defeat Etemon. Maybe if we beat Etemon first, he'll let her go. Mimi: But we lost to him before.... (Pan over to Takeru and the Digimon, who are all clearly listening in on the conversation) Takeru: Make sure you all eat well so you're ready to fight at any moment!

Sure. Sure. All we have to do is fucking defeat Etemon to save Sora. Piece of cake. She'll be back before we know it.

Tentomon handles our narration for the dub. This is fairly standard fare, as the dub usually has a character offer a brief recap snippet at the start of an episode. The narrator in the original usually doesn't, however, so this is rare on their side.

Tentomon: When Datamon was unable to get his revenge on Etemon, he kidnapped Sora and Biyomon and took off! Joe: We don't have a clue where to start looking for him. Besides, we could all end up dead! Or worse! Tai: What if Datamon does something to harm Sora while we sit here on our butts! Matt: Look, Tai, he's already beaten our brains out once! What makes you think he won't do it again!? We need to come up with a plan before we go anywhere! Mimi: This is more depressing than a soap opera.... (Pan over to Takeru and the Digimon, who are all clearly listening in on the conversation) T.K.: We'd better get some sleep. I'll stay next to you guys just in case any of you get scared.

Holy shit, the dub changed Joe's line to add a death mention. Speaking of rarities....

The whole topic of conversation, however, is changed significantly. The original is on-point about everyone's positions. Jou wants to wait for Nanomon to emerge, Taichi wants to do something even if he doesn't know what, Yamato diplomatically wants to give Nanomon what he wants and then he'll let Sora go, and Mimi accurately points out that fighting Etemon is a fool's endeavor. Takeru isn't allowed to contribute but urges the Digimon to be ready for whatever the plan ends up being.

In the dub, they aren't so much trying to make a plan as they are discussing whether or not to start discussing trying to make a plan. Matt gets it the worst; Not only is his idea swapped out for just butting heads with Tai, but he also suggests that it was Datamon that kicked everyone's asses last episode? Which is not how that went down.

Once Takeru and the Digimon are asleep, Taichi expresses his regrets for how everything went down.

Taichi: If I'd just gone to save Sora back there.... Jou: Quit blaming yourself! We couldn't help her either. Yamato: There must be something we can do. Koushiro: (emerging from the shortcut tunnel) EVERYONE!!! I've figured it out!

The others return inside the shortcut tunnel to review Koushiro's findings. Takeru also joins them so I guess Koushiro's shouting woke him up. We cut to the projection of the pyramid he showed us before.

Koushiro: Nanomon only pretended to escape somewhere. In truth, he hasn't gone far at all. Yamato: Then.... Taichi: Is he still inside the pyramid!? Koushiro: Yes. I've found a hidden room that exists underneath the pyramid, in its deepest depths. There's no doubt that Nanomon and Sora are there. Jou: He's hiding right under Etemon's nose.

This is all more or less the same in the dub, except that the Jou's last line is worked into Izzy's explanation so that Joe can lay down a quip instead.

Izzy: I've discovered that, way down below the pyramid, there's a secret room. And I just know that's where he's holding them. He's found the perfect hiding place right under Etemon's nose. Joe: Not a bad place, as long as he isn't sneezing.

Gross, Joe. But also metaphorically apt, so points for that.

Approaching the map, Taichi utters:

Taichi: Sora is here.... Everyone, I know this will be dangerous but I want to do whatever it takes to save Sora. So-- Yamato: We know, Taichi. We feel the same. Mimi: Sora-san's a close friend to everyone here! Takeru: Let's save her together! Taichi: (fondly) Everyone....

Now that we know where Sora is, the team agrees: We're going in.

This is a big hoorah moment in the dub, but it's tonally different.

Tai: There's gotta be a way in. I don't care what I've gotta do, I'm gonna find that room! And I'm gonna bring Sora back! Guys, I totally understand if you'd rather wait here. Matt: Enough with the guilt trip; I'm comin' with ya! Mimi: Remember the old saying, Tai: There's no 'I' in 'Team'. T.K.: Can I come too if I'm brave? Tai: Alright, then! Now LET'S! GO! GET! SORA!!!

Tonal shift. In the original, everyone takes turns expressing their feelings about Sora. The emphasis is on how much she means to the whole group. The dub makes it about the mission, and everyone's eagerness to be a part of it. None of that feelings stuff.

Sora wakes up, finding herself strapped to a table. It's unclear what she's waking up from since she was awake and screaming when Nanomon dragged her away, but she has regained consciousness. Up above her, Piyomon is strapped to the wall with similar restraints. She's still out.

All Sora says in this bit are reaction noises and one "Piyomon!". The dub fills it with dialogue.

Sora: Have I been dreaming? This isn't my bedroom; Where am I? BIYOMON!!! IT ISN'T A DREAM!!! NOOOOOOO!!!

Dub Sora was so disoriented she forgot she was even in the Digital World at all.

In front of her is a computer console, where Nanomon's busying himself.

Nanomon: It's best not to struggle. Piyomon is only unconscious. I need her to defeat Etemon for me. Sora: Defeat Etemon? Too bad for you; Piyomon can't evolve without me! Nanomon: Oh, I'm not planning to use you.

Ominous! In the dub:

Datamon: Don't be alarmed, my dear! She's simply exhausted from all the excitement. She'll be fine when I use her in my plan to destroy Etemon. Sora: Biyomon can't Digivolve without me and I'd rather be stuck in a sewer full of rats than help you! Datamon: Good, then! I'll remember you said that.

"Exhausted from all the excitement". Datamon's really good at selective word choice. That's such an innocuous way to say "I hit her really hard with a pane of glass."

I also really like "I'll remember you said that" as a segue into this next bit. He's fucking pre-emptively victim-blaming Sora for what he's about to do to her. What a dick!

Glancing over, Sora sees an identical table to the one she's on. Nanomon punches keys at the console, and Sora's table runs a scanner over her. Then, on the other table, data begins to form into shape.

Sora: HUH!?!? Nanomon: It's copying you. Sora: Eh!? Nanomon: None of you have drawn out the power of your Crests at all. That's why I'll use this copy of you to draw out that power.

You know, I don't think this plan of Nanomon's is very good. He thinks he can do a better job of activating the Crest than the kids have done, but... Like....

We don't know this yet but Sora's Crest is Love. I think Nanomon would have a hard time producing a great gesture of Love from his Copy Sora. This plan was doomed from the outset. He should have grabbed Koushiro.

As he speaks, he reveals a mechanical arm from the console with Sora's Crest in hand.

Sora: My Crest! So you had it! You coward! You can't win on your own, so you're going to take someone else's power!

He brings up another mechanical arm from the console, holding Sora's Tag, and slots the Crest into place.

Sora: My Tag too!? Nanomon: When I fought Etemon before, I lost most of my memories in the process. Those memories will never return. The only thing I can do now is exact revenge on Etemon! By any means necessary!

Here we see the rage in Nanomon's heart, and understand him a bit better. He repaired himself but not everything can fully come back. He's lost his entire identity, his whole sense of self. Etemon took them from him when he broke Nanomon and made his broken shell administrator of the Dark Network. All he has left is his rage.

The dub seems confused as to what Nanomon's plan here is.

Sora: Hey, what's happening over there? Datamon: Relax; I'm just making a copy of you. Sora: Wha--!? Datamon: You see, I believe Biyomon's power has nothing to do with you, my dear... (Datamon reveals a mechanical arm with Sora's Crest) Datamon: ...but rather whoever happens to be in possession of that fancy Digivice you so proudly wear. Sora: You will never be able to command Biyomon! Datamon: Perhaps not. But we'll see if an exact replica of you can! Sora: This just can't be happening! (Datamon brings up the second arm with the Tag and slots in the Crest) Sora: I could be wrong. Datamon: When I fought the beast before, Etemon destroyed all of my memory circuits except for those of the fight. From that moment on, I vowed I'd have my revenge and I will have it with the help of your Digi-Partner! But enough of this small talk already, my dear. The moment of truth has arrived!

Okay. This all sucks.

First off, let's talk about Datamon's plan. He theorizes that Biyomon's power doesn't come from Sora at all. Anyone who has Sora's Digivice in their possession can command Biyomon to fight Etemon. Anyone at all. Sora is an unnecessary piece of this equation.

That is why he... Needs... To make... A copy of Sora. ...okay, man.

Then, as he's boasting about "It's actually the DIGIVICE that her power comes from", he uses the console to bring up... a Crest. Which is. Not a Digivice.

In fact, he never even mentions the Crest. The entire concept of using Crests to achieve a Digivolution beyond Champion-stage never enters the conversation at all. The Crest that we keep focusing on (because it's what we're talking about in the original) is utterly unrelated to the topic being discussed.

The way he talks makes it sound like he just wants to use Sora's Digivice to fling Birdramon at Etemon, because. Like. That will work, sure.

Finally, he ends by shrieking, "THE MOMENT OF TRUTH HAS ARRIVED". But. Nothing. Is happening. The copy's still got a long way to go before it's complete. The kids are preparing to assault the pyramid, but he doesn't know that's happening nor does it help his plan in any way. What the fuck is he talking about?

This scene got butchered.

Outside, Tentomon scouts the pyramid while the kids stay in the shortcut tunnel and plan their re-infiltration. Upon his return, Koushiro projects a map with red dots for each of the Monochromon and Tyrannomon guarding the perimeter, based on what Tentomon saw.

Koushiro: As you can see here, this is how Digimon are currently positioned around the pyramid's vicinity. It will be impossible to sneak inside. Yamato: That's why we'll be acting as decoys. Tentomon: Correct. Jou: While we pull the enemy away with our diversionary tactics, Taichi and Agumon will use that opportunity to invade the pyramid. Understood? Taichi: (nod) Mm! Koushiro, you'll guide me on the way, right? Koushiro: Right, but.... Taichi: What's wrong? Something bad? Koushiro: We need to go through this hidden passageway to reach the room, but there's an electrified wall, just like the place Nanomon was in before. (Taichi flashes back on the wall he couldn't pass through before. However, he steels himself.) Taichi: This time, I'll save Sora.

You can feel how they've grown since their assault on Infinity Mountain, when the battle plan for Devimon was basically just "Get 'im".

In the dub, Joe's line is directed at Tai directly.

Joe: Now, Tai: When the enemy starts chasing after us, you and Agumon have got to get inside that pyramid quickly, without being seen by anyone. Got it? Tai: (nod) Mmhmm. You do have directions for me, don't you? Izzy: Yeah; Just one more thing. Tai: How come I want to throw up every time you say "One more thing"?

After Tai's flashback, they also again slightly alter his line so it's about the mission, not about Sora.

Tai: I don't care what the wall is; I'm going through!

You got this, buddy!

As the sun comes up, the kids cluster at the mouth of the sphinx and say their parting sentiments for each other.

Jou: Rescuing Sora is our top priority. Don't engage in any unnecessary fighting if you can help it. Taichi: Right. Koushiro: You guys avoid doing anything reckless too. If Etemon shows up, we'll understand if you retreat. Yamato: Understood. Did you hear that, Takeru? Takeru: Yeah! Mimi: Let's all come back here safely. Group: Right!

Jou and Taichi's exchange here parallels their first infiltration, where Taichi was a lot more flippant and dismissive towards Jou's instruction. It's the same instruction given even in the same context: Rescue mission, don't start fights. But this time, Taichi takes it with straight-faced seriousness.

In the dub, Joe's first line is reframed to be more resentful of Tai's behavior last episode.

Joe: Now try not to do anything stupid and stay out of unnecessary trouble, Tai. Remember: The important thing is saving Sora. Tai: Right. Izzy: And you guys try not to do anything stupid either, Matt. If you run into Etemon, just turn around and run the other way. Matt: You got that, T.K.? T.K.: Yeah! Mimi: Whoever doesn't come back alive is gonna be in a lot of trouble, got it?

Y'know, that's fair. Being pissy at Tai specifically is an entirely valid response.

Once the plan's made, the kids mobilize. Taking up multiple positions around the perimeter of the pyramid, Jou and Yamato move into position to attack.

(I have no idea where they found that, especially on such short notice.)

Since the dub still wants to present Tai as the leader, they add in extra dialogue to have him barking orders during setup.

Tai: If this plan works, everybody has to get their part exactly right! Gomamon: They're coming out of the pyramid.... Tai: TAKE COVER, EVERYONE!!! BATTLE POSITIONS!!!

What does Gomamon think is coming out of the pyramid? The Monochromon and Tyrannomon are forming a guard perimeter around the pyramid. They're too small to go in and out. Is he talking about the Gazimon? What the hell is he trying to scout right now?

Jou and Yamato move into separate positions to launch the attack. Meanwhile, Taichi, Takeru, Koushiro, and Mimi use a yellow sheet to camouflage themselves against the desert sand.

Mimi: (lays the sheet over everyone) Taichi: Thank you. ... Taichi: (whispers) Sora....

This is the sort of small exchange that wouldn't be notable if the dub didn't. Fucking. Weaponize it against Mimi.

Mimi: (lays the sheet over everyone) Tai: Thanks, Mimi. Mimi: You're welcome-- Tai: (hisses) Get down!

As rewriting scenes to be at Mimi's expense go, this is fairly minor. But. Y'know. The overarching trend of anti-Mimi gags makes it irk me.

Once everyone's in position, the assault begins. Ikkakumon opens fire with Harpoon Vulcan, pummeling the walls of the pyramid with his missiles.

The missiles pull attention from the Gazimon in the command center and wake Etemon. He is not pleased to have his sleep so rudely interrupted.

As expected, the Gazimon emerge from the pyramid and mobilize their forces to counterattack. Rallying the Monochromon and Tyrannomon, the Gazimon lead a charge against Ikkakumon.

But the kids were waiting for that. Ikkakumon lets off one last Harpoon Vulcan straight into the advancing crowd before retreating, at which point Yamato and Garurumon emerge for a flanking burst of Fox Fire.

They target the five Gazimon in the center, firing off one shot into them before scurrying away themselves. Furious, the Gazimon split their forces in half to pursue Garurumon and Ikkakumon both.

Note: In the original, when Etemon's forces launch their counterattack, Jou says:

Jou: Th-They're coming.

Then, once they get in close, he commands:

Jou: Retreat!

He orders that in a strong voice that indicates this is all part of the plan. And, indeed, it is; He's trying to pull forces away and open up Yamato to flank.

In the dub, these lines are presented as:

Joe: Alright, be brave.... Joe: Maybe tomorrow!

Which implies this was not the plan and Joe simply fled out of cowardice. Thanks, I hate it.

Inside the pyramid, Etemon's puzzled by the hit-and-runs.

Gazimon: The Chosen Children are running away! Etemon: Rrrrgh, what is going on!? What are they planning!? (to Gazimon) Have you determined where Nanomon fled to yet? Gazimon: I-I'm sorry, sir! Nanomon seems to have messed with the network, so its search functions have greatly destabilized. Etemon: Never mind. If you ever find him, contact me immediately. Gazimon: Etemon-sama? Etemon: I'm going to deal with these nuisances I see in front of me.

Etemon emerge from the pyramid, leaping onto the top of his trailer and setting the Monochrome in motion. He roars into the distance:

Etemon: I'll settle things with you today!

Riding off atop his trailer to join the fray, Etemon doesn't notice the Taichi, Koushiro, Mimi, and Takeru still hiding under their camo sheet. As he leaves, Taichi utters a silent hope for the decoy team before he and Koushiro begin their infiltration.

Taichi: Please get away safely. ... Let's go, Koushiro! Koushiro: Right. Mimi: Be careful! Taichi: Yeah! (runs off)

In the dub:

Tai: I hope Joe and Matt make it okay. Come on, Izzy, let's move out! Izzy: Roger. Mimi: He forgot his name! Tai: WE'LL BE BACK!!!

XD "He forgot his name" got me.

Taichi and Koushiro return to the secret passage, descending into the pyramid's depths.

Koushiro: Be careful. Some passageways may have been blocked by the fighting yesterday.

Sure enough, they round a corner and come upon a collapsed section of passageway.

Koushiro: We'll have to leave this hidden passage temporarily.

While Koushiro planned for this, Izzy's surprised to see parts of the pyramid damaged.

Izzy: So far, so good. This is the right way, I'm sure. Tai: (rounds the corner) The passage is blocked! Agumon: It's a dead end! Izzy: Not necessarily. Why don't we try that door over there?

Izzy makes it sounds like we're just winging it through the pyramid. Are you sure you know which way we're going?

Taichi peeks out through the false wall to make sure the coast is clear, then he and Koushiro emerge and scurry down the hall. However, a security camera nearly catches them, alerting one of the Gazimon in the command center to their presence.

Gazimon 1: (gets a glimpse of Taichi and Koushiro disappearing around a corner) Hmm? Did something just show up on the monitor? Gazimon 2: Could be your imagination. Gazimon 1: Maybe... (starts pressing keys)

The dub brings out more workplace resentment for the Gazimon.

Gazimon 1: (gets a glimpse of Taichi and Koushiro disappearing around a corner) Hey, did you notice anything on the middle monitor? Gazimon 2: Yeah! You're attracting flies again. Gazimon 1: Huh. (starts pressing keys)

I want a workplace sitcom about Etemon and his Gazimon.

Out in the desert, backup moves into position for both sides. Mimi and Palmon leave their cover to join the battle, instructing Takeru to stay hidden.

But Etemon arrives, catching up to Jou's position. He lets off a shot of his Dark Spirits into his own battle line, sending the Monochromon, Tyrannomon, and Gazimon flying.

Etemon: You're all in my way. Move! Jou: E-ETEMON!!! Etemon: I will personally defeat the Chosen Children.

Now would be a good time to fall back.

Note: This time the dub calls Dark Spirits by the name Summon the Dark Network. It's gotten longer.

In stark contrast to his previous dub-added cowardice, this time Joe is made flippant and bold.

Etemon: Aw, you're becomin' a nuisance, son. Joe: Of course! It's because I'm a teenager. Etemon: I have to admit, it's been a lot of fun toyin' with ya but now playtime's over. It's the end of the line for you and your goat, bay-beh!

Nobody tell Joe that he's actually one year shy of officially being a teenager.

Also, goat? He thinks Ikkakumon is a goat? I genuinely don't know if that's the dub being weird or a reference I'm not getting.

Down in his Nanomon's lab, progress on the counterfeit Sora is coming along well.

Nanomon: Those children are perceptive. It seems they've figured out where we are. Sora: Then those earthquakes.... Nanomon: There's a battle going on outside. Some children have entered the pyramid in the confusion. Hmph... I won't let them interfere! Sora: Taichi....

Up in the command center, the kids are made by the Gazimon too. The one that spotted them rolls back the footage, showing the other Gazimon what he saw: The two kids emerging from the hidden passage and rounding the corner, clear as day.

Gazimon 1: BAHHH!!! Look! I knew it! The Chosen Children! Gazimon 2: Shit, when did they get here!?

We are just about out of time.

In the dub:

Gazimon 1: See? Look! I caught them on tape! You said it was fliiiies! Gazimon 2: Fast-forward!

Something about the accusatory and hurt way he reads the line, "You said it was flies!" cracks me up. XD They clearly didn't know what to have the second Gazimon say, though.

Out in the desert, true to his word, Etemon engages the children himself.

He chases down Ikkakumon, lobbing a Dark Spirits ahead that just misses. This forces Ikkakumon to turn, but Etemon moves to intercept.

Garurumon jumps Etemon from behind with a Fox Fire, but Etemon quickly dodges away from it. Togemon comes in at a third angle, surrounding Etemon and unloading her Chiku-Chiku Bang Bang. Etemon parries each and every one of her rapid-fire needles.

Etemon: I see you're showing up one after another. Aren't there more of you? Where are they hiding. Yamato: We don't need to tell you!

The dub chooses now to experiment with using the opening theme as a roaring ass-kicking tune to amp up how badass we are, like what the original does with Show Me Your Brave Heart. Right now. In this fight we are losing badly.

Etemon: Was that the best you got? I've seen sharper needles in Granny's knittin' bag! Joe: (wailing) I think we need a new plan!

The kids press the attack. Etemon catches Garurumon by the tail and tossing him. Ikkakumon body slams Etemon; Etemon softens him up with belly punches, then hoists him into the air and throws him in the pile next to Garurumon.

Togemon unloads another Chiku-Chiku Bang Bang. This time, Etemon snatches her needles out of the air, catching them between his fingers and toes. He returns them to sender, impaling them into Togemon and laying her out.

Etemon: I was a little off-guard yesterday. You won't escape this time.

Whipping out a microphone, Etemon hits them with Love Serenade to reduce the Partner Digimon back to Child-stage. The dub, of usual, has a great little dity, part of which gets drowned out by the kids shouting the names of their Digimon in alarm.

Etemon: I'd like to close the show with a tune that's currently #1 on the charts; It goes something like this. (Etemon starts singing) Etemon: ~My little daaaarlin'! / You think you're swell, you think you're cool! / But if I'm not the one-- (unintelligible) YEAH!!! (Etemon finishes singing) Etemon: And don't forget to tip your waitress!

Aww, Etemon demands consideration towards the hard-working and underpaid staff of the service industry! Maybe he's not such a bad king after all.

With the Digimon down, Etemon finishes them all off with Dark--

Gazimon: (loudspeaker) ETEMON-SAMA!!! TROUBLE!!! THE OTHER CHOSEN CHILDREN ARE INVADING THE PYRAMID!!! Etemon: WHAT!?!? ...why would they do that? (considers) Does this mean that Nanomon is still in the pyramid? (turning to the defeated children) Is that it!?!?

Etemon: EHHH!?!? HANG ON!!! WHERE DID YOU GO!?!? ANSWER MY QUESTION!!!

Yeah, no. They peaced out while you were contemplating Nanomon. They are in the wind.

Etemon: Hmph. They won't be able to fight for a while in their current state anyway. I'LL ENJOY HURTING YOU LATER!!!

In the dub:

Gazimon: (loudspeaker) Etemon! I've discovered the whereabouts of the other children, sir! They are inside the pyramid. Etemon: Why would they be, unless Datamon were still inside the pyramid. Datamon's smarter than I thought, but not nearly as smart as me! (Etemon turns around and sees no one there) Etemon: Huh? Now where did all those others go!? What's a legend gotta do to keep an audience around here, bay-beh!? Well, it doesn't matter. I'll just destroy the ones in the pyramid first, and then I'll come back for the rest of them later, uh-huh-huh!

They dumbed this gag down. It's not the same without Etemon pathetically screaming "ANSWER MY QUESTION!!!" at the uncaring sands.

The Gazimon are played as clueless and trying to be helpful rather than reporting a crisis.

As Etemon and his trailer roll out, the kids reveal how their vanishing trick was performed.

Left to their own devices, Takeru and Tokomon sprinted all the way out here with the yellow sheet.

Yamato: You really helped out, Takeru. Takeru: Tokomon helped too. Jou: Thank you, Tokomon! Tokomon: Ehehehe! Yamato: But Taichi and the others.... Mimi: I'm sure they're in the middle of saving Sora-san right now.

Nothing more the decoy team can do now. Etemon's on his way back to base and he knows he's been had. It's in Taichi and Koushiro's hands now.

That T.K. saved everyone goes unexplained in the dub.

Matt: He's got a lot of anger. T.K.: And he sure gets mad easily! Group: (laughs) Joe: At least we can still laugh about it. Matt: But what about Tai? Mimi: Oh, that's right. Something tells me he's not laughing right about now!

Call it a hunch.

Inside the pyramid, a blaring alarm sends Gazimon scurrying down the corridors. Taichi and Koushiro lurk inside a hidden passage, trying to find an opening for the next stretch of their detour.

Tentomon: I guess they know we're here. Koushiro: Just when we've almost made it. When you turn right, the wall directly ahead of you is the passageway to Nanomon's room. Taichi: Damn....

He doesn't get much time to be upset, as something coming through the ceiling above indicates they need to move now.

Taichi and Koushiro flee into the main corridor with Etemon hot on their heels.

Etemon: Found you! Tell me where Nanomon is. Koushiro: Taichi-san! Tentomon and I will try to hold him back. Hurry and save Sora-san!

Tentomon evolves, but the roaring music of Show Me Your Brave Heart does not strike up. He evolves in silence, with no musical backing at all. This is not a moment of triumph. This is desperation.

In the dub, they play the normal Evolution theme as usual for all Evolutions in this episode.

Taichi enters the hidden passage and descends into the final tunnel. But the firewall is waiting for him, just like Koushiro said it would be.

Taichi: She's on the other side. (A long moment of hesitation, as Taichi gathers finds his determination) Agumon: (steps forward) I'll go first. Taichi: Wait, Agumon. Agumon: Taichi? Taichi: I'll go. There's something very precious to me on the other side of this wall. Agumon: Sora? Taichi: Right, but not just Sora. For me, there's something else that's very precious over there, that I lost yesterday. Agumon: Taichi... YOU CAN DO THIS, TAICHI!!! FIND YOUR COURAGE!!!

Agumon hits the nail on the head. The thing that's so precious to Taichi, the thing waiting beyond this wall, the thing that the firewall took from him yesterday... is his yuuki. His courage, his boldness, his nerve. His will to act.

In the dub:

Tai: Oh, great! Agumon: An electric wall! I can break through it, Tai-- Tai: Wait, I'll do it, Agumon. Agumon: Are you sure? Tai: Not exactly. But if I don't do this on my own, right here, right now? I may never be able to do it! A man must face himself before he can face his enemies. Agumon: I think I understand, Tai. GO FOR IT!!! I know you can do it!

May never be able to do what? Walk through the hidden passage of an electrified firewall? Because I don't think this is an experience you can expect to encounter again.

The dub's resistance to the sentimental and emotional sides of these characters has now resulted in Tai having to spout random platitudes in what's meant to be the culminating moment of his character journey in this arc. Again, this just sucks. It's bad.

Letting out a roaring kiai, Taichi reaches for the firewall and plunges his hand through it. Passing through the opening harmlessly. He doesn't see it but in this moment, something awakens.

At which point Etemon crashes through the wall, pinning Kabuterimon by his arms. Agumon evolves to fight and this time, the opening chords of Show Me Your Brave Heart do fire up. It doesn't go into the full song, but enough to show that this evolution is more hopeful than the last.

While Greymon hangs back as the last line of defense against Etemon, Taichi enters Nanomon's lab.

Taichi finds Nanomon waiting with the counterfeit Sora.

Taichi: Sora! (runs towards her) Piyomon: THAT ONE'S FAKE!!!

Piyomon calling out to Taichi pulls his attention to the side of the room, where he sees the real Sora and Piyomon shackled down.

Piyomon: He made a copy of Sora! Sora: Taichi! Taichi: S-Sora!? Nanomon: I've just completed the copy. Now, if I give it the holy device and Crest, it will become the real one. Taichi: That won't happen!

Taichi runs over and snatches Sora's stuff away from the console's mechanical arms. Somehow, Nanomon did not anticipate that and can only whine in shock.

Nanomon: WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?!? Taichi: These belong to Sora! Nanomon: If you give those to her, you'll ruin my plan!

He's so utterly blindsided by this obvious move. I honestly think Nanomon expected Taichi to be like, "OHHHH okay now I get what you were doing here. Sweet. Great plan. Carry on!"

He's been sitting here at his console like, "It's fine. Once I explain my plan, the kids will be thrilled to have my new Sora with them. She's an upgrade, really." In his defense, he has no memories. He doesn't know what it's like to feel things that aren't vindictive rage.

Thinking quickly, Nanomon opens up a void beneath Sora, plunging her into a dark abyss. Fortunately, while he's erasing the floor, he also erases the table she's strapped to. This makes it possible for Taichi to fling himself at the edge and catch her by the wrist.

Taichi: What is this? Nanomon: It's the main source of the evil powers that make up Etemon's network. Anything that falls in there will be absorbed by the darkness. It won't leave a scrap of you behind.

Nanomon approaches the pit, reaching out and grabbing Taichi and Sora's arms to separate them.

Nanomon: I have no use for the original! Time to dispose of you! Sora: (heart-wrenching sobs of sheer terror) Piyomon: SORA!!! SORAAAAAA!!! Nanomon: If you don't want her to die, return the holy device and Crest to me! Taichi: Quit talking nonsense! I came here to save Sora!

In the dub:

Datamon: And since I have no more use for the original, I'll simply get rid of it. Sora: (heart-wrenching sobs of sheer terror) Biyomon: TAI!!! THE CREST!!! Datamon: Yes, the Crest is the means by which you can save the maiden's life! If you give it to me immediately. Tai: Yeah!? Why don't you go tell Etemon your sad story because WE'RE NOT INTERESTED!!!

Was Biyomon telling Tai to trade the Crest back to Datamon? If she'd shouted about the Digivice, that'd be one thing. But the Crest?

Datamon pounces on that like he's villainously reinterpreting something she said, but... What else could Tai or Sora do with the Crest? Datamon's interpretation is the only one that makes sense.

Rather than give them back, Taichi fucking drops them. Because boldness. Letting go of the Digivice and Crest, he lets them fall into the pit, where Sora catches them.

Nanomon: IMPOSSIBLE!!! Sora: (catch; determined) Taichi....

Dub Tai takes this opportunity to taunt.

Tai: Sora, catch! Datamon: NO, WAIT!!! Tai: Not scared, are you, Datamon!?

Piyomon evolves into Birdramon, breaking free from the wall and retrieving Taichi and Sora from the pit. This time Show Me Your Brave Heart kicks up a longer snippet, though the vocals still don't come in.

Out in the passage, Etemon has his back against the firewall. He proudly goads Greymon and Kabuterimon.

Etemon: Come on, try and attack me from any angle!

Birdramon attacks from the rear angle, coming through the wall and collapsing the entire firewall on top of Etemon. He shrieks as its current courses through him.

Dub Etemon delivers the taunt as:

Etemon: Don't you worry, kiddies; I'll play with ya!

Which doesn't segue as funnily into his subsequent electrocution than "Attack me from any angle, c'mon!"

Greymon: Taichi! Koushiro: Sora-san! Sora: Sorry for worrying everyone! Taichi: Let's get out of here, everyone!

In the dub, Tai's line is:

Tai: Hey, here come the others!

Tai, we are in the sub-subbasement. How can you see that?

Outside, the decoy team races for the pyramid. The infiltration team explodes through the wall, joining the others. Mission complete.

While the kids make their exit, Etemon gets up and goes deeper, cornering Nanomon in his lab. He walks in to find Nanomon deleting his now-useless Copy Sora.

Etemon: My, my. Playing with dolls in a place like this? The children escaped me again, but at least I'll deal with you here. Give yourself up, Nanomon. Nanomon: Hmph!

Nanomon erases the entire floor, attempting to plunge himself and Etemon into the Dark Network core together. Etemon leaps for the console and grabs on, but Nanomon grabs him by the ankle.

Nanomon: YOU'RE COMING WITH ME!!! Etemon: LET GO!!! I refuse to commit shinju with you!

The subtitle up there says "die" but there's more to it than that. Shinju is, specifically, the act of people bound by love committing suicide together so they can be with each other in Heaven. Even when his life is under unbelievable threat, Etemon remains a flippant bastard.

Nanomon fires his Plug Bomb, but he shoots it down at the network instead of up at Etemon.

Etemon: Where are you aiming? Still got some crossed wires? Nanomon: You're mistaken if you think that was an ordinary Plug Bomb. They contained a computer virus that amasses the evil powers into a concentrated, growing ball!

It probably goes without saying that the shinju bit doesn't translate well into English. And also the dub team absolutely would not have translated it even if it did. That is the darkest joke to appear in the show thus far.

So. Yeah. This is the least surprising line ever to be cut from the show.

Etemon: Now it's time for me to dismantle you in the same way you dismantled your little playmate, you miserable pile of bolts! Datamon: The door! (Datamon opens the floor, forcing Etemon to jump to the console and Datamon to grab his ankle) Etemon: WHOA!!! Whoa, let go! Let go! Datamon: If I'm going down, you're coming down with me into the black pit. Just try these! (Datamon shoots his Plug Bomb) Etemon: Now I'm not gonna tell you again: Let go of me or I'm gonna open you up like a can of beans! Datamon: Those were computer viruses I dropped into the Black Pit. It will keep growing and absorb all the dark energy of our cosmos - Including yours, fool! Etemon: You know how I hate bugs!

Plus side, "I'm gonna open you up like a can of beans" is a good line. XD

While Etemon uses all of his strength to cling to the console, various Monochromon and Tyrannomon are dragged in from outside. They fall into the Network core, disintegrating into pixels on contact. Before long, Etemon loses his grip. He and Nanomon plunge in together. Nanomon disintegrates, while Etemon is dragged down into the cables intact.

Outside, the kids continue their retreat unimpeded while Etemon's forces are dragged in all around them.

(I guess they have no evil powers to amass so they're fine.)

Jou: What's happening!? Koushiro: Whatever it is, it's our chance to escape! Takeru: LOOK AT THE PYRAMID!!! Taichi: What... What's happening...?

The kids stop and turn around, watching the pyramid and all of Etemon's forces implode into a singularity of darkness. Then a wicked laugh suddenly crosses the desert.

Now merged with the Dark Network itself, Etemon rises into the air from the space where the pyramid once stood.

Etemon: I won't be defeated from the likes of this! Nanomon chose to end himself; The rest of you are next!

Again, they may have to depict Datamon's choices onscreen but the dub really doesn't want to talk about them.

Etemon: HAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Alright, now, let me see a show of hands: How many of y'all actually missed me, huh? I told you I'd come back and take my revenge on you. You didn't believe me, did ya!?

Birdramon and Kabuterimon unload on him, but their Meteor Wing and Mega Blaster disintegrate on contact with the core.

Etemon: Ahh, that's enough to loosen up my stiff shoulders. Let me repay you.

In the dub:

Etemon: Hey, that was pretty good! I'd give it a 9.6. Now then, you ready for a fastball!? BYAGH!!!

Etemon fires back with Dark Spirits - or, in the dub, Byagh. His first shot grazes the pair and keeps going, slamming into a distant hillside. It bursts into a singularity that begins consuming the surrounding area. His second shot hits the Sphinx, erasing the kids' exit point.

Mimi: Ahh! The Sphinx! Koushiro: There's nowhere left to run. Sora: If he keeps this up, he'll mess up the whole world! Jou: But there's no way we can beat him!

The dub avoids mentioning that our retreat path is gone, but still retains the hopeless vibe.

Mimi: Ahh! The Sphinx melted! Izzy: Melting doesn't even begin to describe it! Sora: We've tried everything! Nothing can stop him! I guess this is the end! Joe: I was hoping to skip algebra class but not like this!

Algebra gets a bum rap; I had a lot of fun at it. You will too, Jou. You seem the type.

It's at this point that Taichi sees his shining Crest inside his shirt and realizes.

Taichi: No. We still have one option left. Let's go, Greymon! Greymon: Understood, Taichi!

Without waiting for the others to catch his meaning, Taichi runs forward to engage Etemon, holding his glowing Crest aloft.

Etemon: WAHAHAHA!!! You still have yuuki!? Taichi: I won't run away! Ever!

Etemon's first line can be (and gets) translated to "Still wanna fight?" but it's important to note that he mockingly questions Taichi's yuuki. It's the same word that the show uses for Taichi's Crest once they're established: Yuuki no Monshou, which gets translated to Crest of Courage.

He's setting up an ironic comeuppance, as Taichi not only has yuuki but is about to beat Etemon's ass with his yuuki.

Takeru: Look there! Taichi-san's Crest! Mimi: It's glowing! Taichi-san's Crest is glowing! Etemon: Heh! I'm telling you, it's hopeless!

Etemon slams a Dark Spirits into Greymon's face, laying him flat.

Taichi: DON'T GIVE UP, GREYMON!!! Greymon: Taichi, your yuuki... I can feel its power surging through my body! GREYMON CHOU-SHINKAAAAAA!!!

Taichi's yuuki surges through his Crest and sends Greymon through chou-shinka or Super Evolution into MetalGreymon.

In the dub:

Etemon: Well, lookit here, sports fans! A new batter steps to the plate Tai: I'm not afraid of you, you big blowhard! Come down here and fight like a 'mon! Mimi: Tai, what are you doing!? You don't stand a chance! Etemon: Hey, you are brave! I like that! (Etemon lobs a Dark Spirits into Greymon, without calling the attack anything) Tai: Don't worry, Greymon! I'm staying with you! Greymon: Tai! Your courage is giving me even greater strength! I can Digivolve!

Nobody else seems to notice that Tai's Crest is glowing like a beacon in this version. Etemon gets the "Hey, you are brave!" which is probably meant to ironically set up Greymon's evolution, similar to the yuuki line in the original.

While evolving to Perfect-stage is called Chou Shinka or Super Evolution in the original, the dub just calls it Digivolving.

While the kids gawk in awe, the narrator gives us a rundown. MetalGreymon is a Perfect-stage Vaccine-type Cyborg Digimon.

Jou: Th-This is.... Yamato: The Crest's power! Narrator: MetalGreymon. A Perfect-stage Digimon whose modified body is used as both a weapon and armor in battle. The destructive force of his special attack, Giga Destroyer, is incredible! Taichi: This is Greymon's true evolution!

The dub puts in a commercial break after MetalGreymon's evolution. To compensate, they splice in repeat footage of Etemon emerging from the pyramid to reintroduce what's happening.

Etemon: Ahahahahaha!!! Well, lookie here! A fully-evolved Digimon! Well, I can handle him too. Just watch me, kids! Joe: MetalGreymon? Matt: It was the power from the Crest! Tentomon: MetalGreymon uses his own body as a weapon during battle. His most lethal instrument is the Geeja(sic) Destroyer! Tai: ETEMON IS EVERYBODY'S ENEMY!!! USE THE POWER OF THE CREST!!!

He already did that, Tai. That's how he became MetalGreymon. Also, there's that "fully-evolved" again.

Etemon remains unimpressed with MetalGreymon.

Etemon: Just because you evolved further, that doesn't mean you can win against me! (hurls a Dark Spirits at MetalGreymon) MetalGreymon: (slashes the orb to pieces with his metal claw) Etemon: What!? Taichi: MetalGreymon!

MetalGreymon charges forward, headbutting the Network mass. The hit offends Etemon.

Etemon: The nerve of you! I'll crush you!

In the dub, both Etemon and Tai ramble a bit here.

Etemon: What's with ya? Is there no end to your stupidity? Well maybe I can put an end to it for ya. Ha! (Etemon lobs a Dark Spirits at MetalGreymon, who cuts it to pieces) Etemon: Well, it was just a joke! Tai: FINISH HIM NOW WHILE WE HAVE THE POWER!!! Etemon: Noooo! Back off, bay-beh! (MetalGreymon headbutts the Network mass) Etemon: Ow! What's the matter with you!? Don't you know the rules!? There's no headbutting allowed!

It's honestly cathartic to see how much more freaked out Etemon gets in this version. He's basically word-vomiting out of panic.

Then MetalGreymon begins to glow with a mass of accumulated light.

Mimi: MetalGreymon is glowing! Takeru: The light's energy.... Tokomon: It's holy power!

That, of course, isn't allowed in the dub. No holiness allowed. Fortunately, they have a readily available excuse to explain the sacred glow.

Mimi: He's glowing! I wish my hair could do that! T.K.: It's the Crest Power! Etemon: NOOO!!! Don't destroy me! I've got too much talent!

Sort of, but no. It's holy energy. It's the power Angemon pulled out of the seven Digivices and massed together to hurl at Devimon. The light of evolution itself, which plays directly into the show's overarching storyling.

Glowing with holy power, MetalGreymon opens his chestplate to fire his signature attack: Giga Destroyer.

Despite claiming 40 seconds ago that this move is called Geeja(sic) Destroyer, Dub MetalGreymon calls it as Giga Blaster.

Unlike previous attacks, which disintegrated on contact, Etemon's holy-powered Giga Destroyer breaks through the eradication field, slams into the network cables, and detonates. The blast destabilizes Etemon's network mass, turning it into a singularity like the ones his Dark Spirits attacks were creating and pulling him into it.

Etemon: I-It hit!?!? I'm a big star! WHY HERE!?!?

Etemon vanishes, consumed by the singularity.

(Nanomon's revenge is complete.)

Surprisingly, the dub says "die" again.

Etemon: Noooo! You must not defeat me! I'm just too important to diiiiiiie....

However, this victory is not without cost. As the singularity grows, it pulls in Taichi and MetalGreymon as well.

The kids left behind scream Taichi's name into the void, but as the singularity stabilizes and finally closes, there's no trace left of him.

He's in another place.

Taichi: This is....

Then we close on that startling cliffhanger. Etemon is dead (probably). The first Super Evolution has been unlocked. And somehow, against all reason, Taichi has gone home. And taken Koromon with him.

Assessment: I stand by what I said before, that this would all be more effective if we hadn't just watched Taichi fall only to rise again immediately before he fell only to rise again. I did not remember how repetitive the Etemon arc managed to be in only six episodes.

Nonetheless, the emergence of MetalGreymon is a thrilling payoff. The final boss fight of an arc is always hype, and this was no exception.

Sad we didn't get to see more done with Copy Sora. What a concept to suddenly pull back on and dumpster without ever letting it do anything. Honestly, Nanomon's ability to make Copy Children is interesting enough to sustain a whole arc by itself.

The dub... Yeah, no, this was another low-effort hack job. The dub's always been hit or miss but they really threw quality-control out the window with the Nanomon two-parter.

There are a few scenes that are basically perfect. Captures everything from the original that needed capturing, in their own voice. But for this episode, the dub's lows are incredibly low.

#digimon #digimon adventure #revisiting digimon adventure #revisiting digimon

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alyssacat013 · 3 months ago

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Sooooo I’ve now watched episode 7 of season 2 of Twin Peaks. I wasn’t planning on making another post so soon. I figured I’d make an update every 4-5 episodes, but this one was too big not to get its own post.

You see I watched episode 6 last night before I went to bed and then had to get up the next morning and pack because I was going on a flight so I wrote my last update at the airport terminal while waiting for my flight to board and then decided to watch episode 7 on my flight (it was a short flight-only an hour) since I had downloaded the episodes on my iPad and wow I was not expecting anything that happened. After the episode ended I was in shock the rest of the flight and the car ride home. I literally stared at the screen with my mouth wide open.

Quickly before I talk about the REVEAL, I’ll discuss a couple other important things that happened this episode. In this episode we find that Harold committed suicide and also ripped up Laura’s diary although Cooper was able to piece some of it back together. Also, we find out that Ben Horne and Laura had a relationship of sort and he says that he loved her, which like what, seems like many people were in love with this girl. This then leads to Ben getting arrested for suspicion that he killed Laura which I honestly knew right away it was definitely not him. Also, this episode at the end we find out that Catherine has been the Japanese business man in disguise this whole time, which I honestly was not expecting that, interested in what her end goal is I’m assuming something to screw over Ben.

Okay, NOW let’s get to the ending. Last episode we found out that Bob was hiding as/inhabiting someone and that this person was frequently at the Great Northern Hotel, well now it’s been revealed that Bob is actually Laura’s dad, Leland!!!!!! The mirror reveal scene was so chilling and such a great reveal. Also, the subsequent murder of poor Maddy afterwards was so horrific and disturbing. Like the cuts between Leland dancing with Maddy and Bob biting and kissing her were so creepy. The whole surreal dreamlike quality of the scene, with the bar singer’s voice intercut with Maddy’s screams made an unforgettable scene.

Also, looking back it’s crazy how everything makes sense now with this reveal. Like Leland works for Ben Horne so of course he’s at the Great Northern Hotel a lot. Also, it makes sense why Leland said he remembered Bob as a kid living in a white home next to them and yet there was no record of Bob ever living there. Also, it makes sense why Laura’s mom and Maddy were the only two people who had those visions of Bob because they were living with him. Also, I’m now sure it was Bob/Leland who shot Cooper and probably attacked Dr Jacoby because both of those incident were from a man wearing all black with black leather gloves and we see Leland in an all black outfit with leather gloves when he kills Jacques. Also, it makes sense why Laura has been haunted by Bob since she was a child because he’s been her Dad the whole time! No wonder poor Laura was so messed up when she got older she was living with a monster her whole life. It also makes sense why when Laura and Ronette were kidnapped and tortured that Ronette was able to escape. They mention in the show that the reason they think Ronette escaped was because Bob was so intently focused on Laura for some reason that he didn’t notice Ronette escaping and now we know why. Also, I guess this explains why his hair went suddenly white overnight for no reason.

Honestly, this reveal was the most heartbreaking outcome because that means Laura got killed and tortured and r*ped by her own Dad. It’s too horrific to even process. Also, Leland seemed so sweet and kind and just a poor man struggling with grief that this reveal was like a shot to the heart. I’m honestly still in somewhat disbelief over it and I’m equally desperate to continue the show while also being scared to. I’m so curious what impact Maddy’s death will have and if we’ll see more of Bob now that we know who he is and how are Cooper and Truman going to figure it out.

Anyway, this episode was incredible and this show is incredible and I can’t wait to see what comes next.

#twin peaks #twin peaks spoilers #twin peaks season 2 #twin peaks season 2 episode 7 #agent dale cooper #dale cooper #sheriff harry truman #harry truman #laura palmer #leland palmer

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liminalmemories21 · 6 months ago

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Tag Game Tuesday: 911 Lone Star Fandom Edition

Tagged by @ladytessa74. Thank you!

When did you first start watching Lone Star? Who or what introduced you to the show?

What is time? Okay, so I have competing memories about this. I want to say we started watching 911 OG because of the pandemic. But, I also have vivid memories of watching Lonestar from episode 1 because it was a 911 spinoff. And, given when Lonestar started those are incompatible memories.

Which is to say I think we must have started watching 911 OG earlier than I remember.

Which season is your favorite?

Season 2. When they're really getting to know each other, and figure out how to talk to each other. I really love how they handled the whole farmer's market thing - Carlos telling TK about what coming out was like for him, and TK actually listening.

Who is your favorite character? (Bonus: If you answered TK or Carlos, who is your favorite besides them?)

Hard to choose, but I think a toss up between Judd and Grace. I just really love their marriage, and how much faith and trust they have in each other, and how much they just clearly love and like each other. Also, Judd's got a great kind of exasperated older brother energy, and his voice has a fantastic cadence to write.

Top five episodes. Go!

I am also terrible at remembering episode numbers. So.

the one with the farmer's market

the entire Marjan episode last season

the kidnapping arc - I love getting to see Carlos be smart about being a detective

the one with the kidnapped kid (my father-in-law more or less), because see above about watching Carlos be smart, and actually recognized for it this time

the Gwyn's death/airplane falling out of the sky episode - because everyone was so good in that episode, and you could feel how much everything ached, and I liked getting to see a glimpse of TK's relationship with his mother.

If you could pick any character to be given a "begins" episode, who would it be and what would that episode look like?

Paul. I know we've gotten hints, but I'd love to know more about why he picked firefighting, and what pushed him to leave Chicago in the end.

Also, Nancy, because we know almost nothing about her.

What is a scenario or storyline that you would like to see in season 5?

I'd like a chance to see TK be good at his job - we know he is because we've been told he is, but I don't feel like we've gotten to see it much.

I'd like a Halloween episode - small children in adorable costumes, and crazy calls, and so much teasing between the team about candy and costumes.

Also, I'd really like the show to remember that TK has a step-father(ish) type person, and a brother.

What do you think is going on in this still?

I mean, realistically I think it's probably nothing that any of us can guess. But, I think it looks like Carlos is doing something that TK doesn't want him to - either still pursuing his father's murderer, or agreeing to do something for work that scares TK (undercover?).

We all know about the elusive 5x05 spicy scene that has been teased, so what is your prediction for how it could possibly top 1x02?

I have no words for how much I want lazy making out on the couch that turns into something hotter and heavier. I want low soundtrack so you can hear the way fabric shifts together, and the couch squeaks a little under their weight. I want Carlos's hand gripping TK's hip (think the kiss from Some Kind of Wonderful - the way Eric Stoltz's hand just flexes on her hip, like he can't help himself).

I want them home, and comfortable with each other, but still so hot for each other.

Where was the Tarlos honeymoon in your mind?

Well, apparently they went to a resort somewhere? Given how much Carlos apparently dislikes traveling, we can only imagine the lengths TK had to go to persuade him of that. But, I think Owen and the Andrea upgraded their reservation to apologize for kind of taking over the wedding planning.

I think it wasn't quite what they imagined - because how could it be - but it was what they needed, a chance to be away, to be together, to regroup, and grieve, and not have to try and do it in front of anyone else. I think for the first few days Carlos tried to make it perfect, the way it was supposed to have been, and TK kept trying to say, it doesn't have to be that. And eventually Carlos let himself believe TK and took the time to really process what he lost - not just his father, but the potential for the relationship they were just starting to rebuild.

Shoutout one of your favorite fan creations.

I really liked the themed recc lists that @welcometololaland started. I always love a good recc list, and I like ones that come with summaries and personal endorsements.

tagging @carlos-tk, @chicgeekgirl89, @rmd-writes, @welcometololaland, and @jesuisici33

#tag game #911 lonestar

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captainhysunstuff · 1 year ago

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I think that was the first time I've seen you draw any of the Wammy boys, and it makes me want to know your headcanons for them, either inside our universe or just in general.

Henh, I draw them from time to time. Probably not in the last few months, but... every once in a while~. ^__^U Oh boy, for as long as I've been in this fandom, I don't think I've ever really put my thoughts/headcanons about them into solid words before. I'll try to make this not a disorganized mess:

Mello

I feel like his rivalry with Near gives him a sense of purpose. A goal to strive for. Whenever he has a set goal, he goes for it 120%. That try hard attitude is exactly what holds him back though. Being so laser focused may stress him out and cause him to overlook things and make more mistakes or ignore simpler solutions. He forgets to take breaks, and his fatigue creates more problems, particularly with schoolwork.

We only get one glimpse of him "off the clock" where he's playing soccer/football with his classmates (and laughs after clocking someone in the head with the ball, lol). That one instance tells me that he might have a slightly mean sense of humor (he's also seen pulling some kid's hair and Roger makes him let go of them), but of course the kid was okay and he knew it. If he had actually seriously hurt someone while joking around, I'm not sure if he'd just laugh it off. Probably try to say it wasn't a big deal, but still keep an ear out to make sure so-and-so was really okay. Very tsundere. I may be giving canon!Mello too much credit, lol. Although, he does express that he didn't want to kill Soichiro in the end. The kidnappings were horrible scare tactics, but he made sure that they would be returned alive if the demands were met (fuck his mafia crew though, *snort*).

He'd be more openly caring with people he, well, cares about. Matt as an obvious canon example. I think it's very telling that Matt isn't present during the Mafia arc. Mello leaves the orphanage alone, and he doesn't seek Matt out until after his base blows up. So, he strikes me as someone who wants to deal with his own problems by himself and not drag anyone he cares about into his personal drama. The mafia and kidnappees are just tools to him, but anyone close is out of the question unless the situation is dire. Matt was probably the only person he could reliably contact at that point (he does contact and crash at Lidner's place for a while, but surely he had to have recovered somewhere after the blast before he could get back into the action). How he expresses regret over Matt dying while being part of his plan emphasizes this sentiment.

A character I really associate him with is Amethyst from Steven Universe, especially if I want to think of how he'd be without the pressure of that rivalry, and even with it. Amethyst has the kind of humor that can come off as callous that I'd think Mello would have. What really shines for me is their shared inferiority complex and how they deal with them. I see a lot of Mello's view on his rivalry with Near during Amethyst's arc concerning her conflicts with Jasper. Neglecting personal time to have fun because the complex is weighing her down and making her try harder and become a more toxic person to be around ("Who has time for any of that when Jasper is out there?!"). Her anguish at doing so much to get better and it never being enough to get what she wants ("I can't win... No matter what I do, no matter how hard I work..."). The whole episode "Reformed" where Amethyst keeps trying to make a form that Garnet (whom I associate with L) would approve of by comparing herself to and emulating other gems. Telling people to "stay out of it" when they try to interfere or stop her from doing something drastic. The difference being that she gets positive results when she finally opens up and allows people to help her achieve her goals and not hyperfixate anymore. By the time Mello finally reaches out for help and realizes that he needs to put aside his animosity towards Near to ultimately stop Kira, it's essentially too late for a happy ending.

The only aspect where this character comparison falls apart a bit is with how lazy Amethyst can be (not bubbling the Desert Glass pillow despite living right next to a sandy beach, not being trusted to catch a monster hiding in her room). However, my counterargument is that we don't really see Mello in his downtime outside of that soccer game just chilling. Also, I'd like to reference L's "monster speech" about studying even though they don't really care about grades. It shows Near there, but I think it applies to all three of them, and Mello's only trying so hard specifically to beat Near first and foremost, not because he wants to study and get smarter for a future career ("All that practice stuff is no fun.").

Matt

Hmm... He's a malleable character to me, and that's pretty cool. He seems like a "go with the flow" kinda guy. Tell him to do something, and he'll be like, "Yeah, sure. Let me save my game first." I sort of accept whatever the fandom wants him to be in the moment, no matter what it is. The fact that he's the third smartest at Wammy's tells me that he's an effortlessly smart guy. Maybe he's good at memorization and can visually remember the answers to test questions without having to study that hard (like how I was at school, lol). Maybe not come up with the answer on the spot, but if you put something in front of him, he could go, "Oh, right," and correctly answer it. He has a little characterization in the manga, but I only just recently finished reading it, his scenes included. He really only seems to be part of the Kira case to help Mello and that's it. He doesn't seem too interested in the case itself, but Mello asked for his help, and he said, "Sure, dude. I'll try." Thus, it's why we see him gripe about how much work Mello's making him do, getting sidetracked by how cute Misa is, and speculating whether or not Mogi's her boyfriend, lol. Just a chill dude overall.

His chillness makes me think that ordinarily he'd keep to himself. Probably not to the extent that Near does, but if left alone, he is more than happy staying alone. He minds his own business, thus why he doesn't dissuade Mello from his rivalry or stop him from leaving Wammy's House (not that anyone could stop Mello from doing anything). But if someone extends an invitation, he'll accept it and try his best.

Also, "Mail" is pronounced "Mile." According to the Wiki, the katakana is written as "ma-i-ru." If it was "mail," it would be "me-i-ru" or "me--ru" I believe (henh, the his name would be close to Mel). Correct me if I'm wrong, but it's "mile" for me, and it ain't changin'.

Near

The first phrase I think of whenever I think of Near is "little shit~." XD I say that in an entirely affectionate way of course. Although, that "little shit" attitude only comes out when he's actively engaged with someone else. Not necessarily hostile, but definitely a little condescending, and it's very easy for him to rub people the wrong way. Perhaps he knows he has this effect on people, either intentionally or not, and this is why he keeps to himself and declines invitations to hang out? He probably doesn't even like being around people (he judges people very harshly in the manga). Maybe even mildly misanthropic. He might resent that he's co-dependent and has to rely on people on the daily when he gets older and leaves Wammy's House.

The reason he has the best grades at Wammy's is because he can fully focus on the tests and assignments he takes and doesn't make many technical mistakes. Makes me wonder if he's a slow test taker or exactly a mid-speed test taker? Or maybe he's effortlessly fast? Then, Mello wants to be fast, too, and that causes Mello to make more mistakes due to rushing when he could probably get better grades if he took his time?

It's very hard for me to talk about Near without bringing Mello into the picture. Their rivalry is such a focal point with their characters in the story. The rivalry is almost completely one sided in my opinion, but Near probably encourages it because he thinks Mello needs that goal. So, every once in a while, he'll make remark or do something that will purposely annoy Mello, reigniting that fire under his ass to make Near eat his dust. In the harsh judgment vein, he believes Mello's identity has been shaped around the competition and that he'd be lost without it. Kind of like how Near canonically becomes a bit despondent after the Kira case ends: taking the L mantle, but just going through the motions. Detective work doesn't seem like his passion; he was just groomed for it and is good at it. He'd be more than content to just lie around, making card castles and play single-player games all day. Maybe an occasional visit from respected company, but they'd better leave in a timely manner or be relatively unobtrusive, lol.

EDIT: Also worth mentioning, I have a ridiculous headcanon where Near has psychic powers in the anime. Thank the anime’s short hand in how he singles out Mikami as X-Kira by making his eyes glow and the room spin. I stand by that he blew up a guy’s head with his mind in the Re:Light special. Hey, if Beyond Birthday being born with shinigami eyes is canon, why not humans with psychic powers? Wammy’s is good at finding these eccentricities~.

Mello and Near's Tactics

I really do love how the narrative intention seemed to be that after Light defeated L, L was essentially split into two people with those two extremes amplified to 11. It creates a pincer attack around Light: Mello aggressively hitting the Task Force from the outside, putting traumatic emotional stress on them, and Near poking and prodding away from the inside trying to gradually create a mutiny against Light while acting like he's working alongside them. Mello brings the fear and pressure (and suspense in that he's just floating around doing who knows what after the raid), and Near seeds the doubt and inner unrest. When mashed together, they wouldn't make L exactly, but a being/team more effective and terrifying than L (surpass him together, indeed). Lord help their Watari, lol.

I suppose those are my thoughts on the main three in a decently sized nutshell. Feel free to say I'm wrong or unfounded. I'm no expert with these characters, so hopefully my headcanons and interpretations don't piss anyone off too much. ^__^

#asks and answers #Death Note #Wammy's House #Mello #Mihael Keehl #Matt #Mail Jeevas #Near #Nate River #my headcanons #dreamfilleddonuts #rivalries mutinies and chillness #ARE these headcanons or am I just stating the obvious sometimes? lol I don't know #long post

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