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eirian-houpe · 1 month ago

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WiP Wednesday (Part 1 - Active)

It has been a LONG time since I did one of these. So here is a list of my incomplete fics on AO3 and their summaries for fics that are actively on my 'to do' list. They are listed in the order they appear on my works list.

Dies Irae: A strange man confronts Doctor Belle French after one of her lectures and claims to need her help. He also claims to know that she is troubled, and can offer her protection. When events transpire that lead Belle to take up that offer, a desperate search begins to find a series of ancient artifacts, and Belle and her friends - both old and new - face increasing danger as they try to secure the artifacts for the powers of good before they can fall into very wrong hands, and possibly threaten every living thing in Storybrooke and beyond!

Secret of the Seas: Belle and Ruby take a much needed vacation, treating themselves to a fourteen day cruise. Jefferson is Head Miixologist aboard the ship, Secret of the Seas, and Gold is Deck Nine Supervisor, and amid much flirting, and false starts, holiday romances and forbidden loves ensue. Written from the Rumbelle Bingo prompts: Bed sharing, Vulnerability, Jefferson, Pesky Royals, Roses.

Time's Curse: Never fall in love - such is the admonition given to Rumplestiltskin. Blue sees fit to interfere with his plan to reach a world without magic by sending him there herself so that he can pursue his quest to find his son, but he is not alone in this world without magic, nor does it appear that he is entirely free to live his life as he would wish. In the course of his seemingly fruitless search for Baelfire, Rumplestiltskin takes a job as a history teacher at an exclusive private school, and there meets Isabelle - the French teacher. All of a sudden that interdiction against falling in love seems to be really important.

Not Yours to Keep: While grieving the loss of the fourteenth Cleon, the younger brother he loved as a son, Day seeks distraction in the company of a new concubine from the Gossamer Court. No one could have predicted the events that follow - nor the way in which Cleon XIII decides to deal with the situation.

No Saving Throw: Eddie saves Chrissy not once, but twice - doesn't seem to matter to his reputation nor to the threat of arrest, Carver and his cronies see to that. This is an angst ridden reworking of Stranger Things season 4 (and maybe beyond) if Chrissy had lived.

Laer o Faen: A near fatal encounter with the Serpents of the North leaves Greenwood the Great's queen with but one choice, one that cost her own life, but she makes a promise to her beloved King, born of a love that has already lasted through more than an age of Middle Earth, and remains the only hope to warm a heart fallen behind a wall of despair. (Mingled Movie/book canon, the span of the entire story takes in events from the 1st - 4th Ages of Middle Earth.)

Tuesday: When you go poking around in time, you might sometimes find that it pushes back, as Nick Rush finds out… the hard way.

The Mansion on the Edge of Town: Jefferson suddenly awakens, cursed with two lives in his head in a land without magic, and worse still he is separated from his beloved Grace. He vows to himself that he will bring Grace home, and sets out to spite Regina in any way he can. Along the way he discovers that his old, and dear friend and master, Rumplestiltskin, is still in the thrall of the curse, and that the woman he knows Rumple loves - even if his friend will not admit it - is nowhere to be found... Until, one day, Belle arrives in Storybrooke, and Jefferson knows that to reunite himself with Grace he must first ensure that his two most precious friends awaken and find true love - for only then can the curse be broken for all.

The story is set in the same 'verse as The Library Beneath the Clock Tower, and could be considered a sequel of sorts.

Modern Wonders: Revenge, they say, is a dish best served cold, and when Regina casts Rumple's Dark Curse, just a few words here and there creates Storybrooke in a very different place, with a very different atmosphere, and very different issues to deal with. Alliances and enmity permeate the lives of the citizens of Storybrooke, (and beyond), as they tiptoe around the various dangers they face every day. Who is awake? How can they break the curse within a curse? And what of the power struggles rife both within, and outside of Storybrooke itself.

The Pawn Shop on Main Street: Gold is suddenly awakened from the curse, not by the fail-safe that he programmed into his mind, but by the unexpected presence of his long lost maid, with whom he fell in love well before Regina cast his Dark Curse, Rumplestiltskin must now find a way past Belle's disbelief and fear. She is still under the influence of the curse. With the help of his dear - his oldest - friend, Gold seeks a way past obstacles so that he can rekindle the love which he rejected back in the Dark Castle.

The story is set in the same 'verse as The Library Beneath the Clock Tower, and could be considered a sequel of sorts.

#WIP Wednesday #Active WIPs

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therummesoccupied · 7 months ago

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FANG THE HUNTER, ISSUE #3 - THOUGHTS

Issue #4 comes out tonight at midnight for me, so now is literally my last opportunity to write this post before it comes out. Better late than never, I suppose.

Firstly, my thoughts on the art. Everything continues to be really solid here, but there are a few particularly clever bits I'd like to point out.

I really like this bit here where they use the highlights on Eggman's glasses to indicate him squinting.

I also love this whole page. Somewhat predictable of me, as I've spoken at length about how much I adore level design architecture showing up in these comic stories. I really wish we'd get more of these Classic Zone-style sets in the Modern Stories.

There're some points where everything looks a little... flat? But it's not really an issue, just a little awkward if you're really looking for it. Fits the cartoony Classic aesthetic, though.

The story here continues to deliver, and even surprise in some ways. We get a really nice scene of Eggman using deadly force to coerce the Hooligans into doing a free job for him.

I like this a lot because, in IDW, there's always been sort of a tonal divide between the Classic and Modern eras - with Classic being more light-hearted and comedic while Modern tends to be more plot-driven and intense - and it sort of comes to a head with Eggman. Often, Classic Eggman feels... whimpier? than his Modern counterpart to me?

I dunno, it's really that "It was very rude and hurt my feelings" line in Seasons of Chaos and the fact that he keeps all his robots with personalities around in Dr. Eggman's Birthday. Not to say this is bad, but then you compare it to Modern Eggman, who is just an absolute bastard a lot of the time and they don't entirely feel like the same character. So it's nice to see a little glimmer of that Modern ruthlessness here, with Eggman concerned about his territory and threatening to just murder Fang, Bean, and Bark if they don't work for him. He's Evil, I like it.

I also love this little Sonic & Tails scene here:

I believe I mentioned back in my Issue #1 thoughts post that I like Sonic to be a little bit immature, and man, that's just on full display here. The frustrated pacing, the little outburst, the pouting. I like Impatient Sonic! More, please!

We also get a surprising amount of competence out of Fang here.

Really, Fang has been great for this whole arc - which you'd hope would be the case, given that it's his arc, after all. Seeing him gather evidence and make an informed conclusion really lends to the idea that he's every ounce as skilled a Hunter as he claims to be. It's this kind of thing that makes me Very Sad that the Hooligans aren't allowed to appear in Modern stories, because an IDW Hooligans vs. Chaotix story would be so much fun. They're such great parallels to one another. That being said...

We do get another allusion to the Hooligans splitting up after this job is complete.

At this point, I'm pretty sure it's going to happen. Issue 4 is probably going to end with these three sadly going their separate ways. This will help lead us into Sonic Superstars, in which Fang is all by his lonesome once more.

Speaking of the lead-in to Sonic Superstars, let's talk about the plot twist. Ohhhhhhh boy, the plot twist. If you read My Big, Dumb Post About Sonic Timelines, you know I have some things to say about that.

MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD - BE WARNED

Near the end of the Issue, Fang infiltrates the rogue Hard Boiled Heavies' teleporting flagship and tracks down the item powering it. After all the buildup, the fabled eighth Chaos Emerald is revealed to be:

The Warp Topaz.

This is kind of huge because, since its introduction, the Warp Topaz has always been treated as a Modern Exclusive Plot Device. When we first see it, Dr. Starline is carrying it, and by that point he claims to have been studying it for years. Already this leaves us brimming with questions about how it got to be in his possession after this.

Beyond that, however, there are some implications.

See, like I said in my Issue 1 post, this isn't the first time an eighth Chaos Emerald has been brought up. In Sonic the Fighters/Sonic Championship - which is, incidentally, the first game to feature Bark and Bean - there are mysteriously eight Chaos Emeralds you have to collect to get the good ending. This is the first and only game to feature more than seven, and that was probably because it was created before the franchise had much in the way of worldbuilding under its belt.

Still, since that point, the lore has always been very firm: There are only seven Chaos Emeralds. And it is never, ever explained why Championship had eight. It's never even addressed. Nobody seems to remember it.

Which is interesting because, years after this story takes place, we hear Dr. Starline warn of the dangers of running too much energy through the Warp Topaz, only for Sonic and Silver to run the full, limitless power of all seven Chaos Emeralds through it, and what happens?

Sonic is flung into another dimension without his memory.

Because of this, we know that the Warp Topaz can not only warp time and space, but also the memories of those in its proximity. So why does nobody remember the eighth Chaos Emerald in Sonic Championship?

This could be a stretch, but my theory is that it wasn't a Chaos Emerald at all, but the Warp Topaz.

If you want, you can take it a step further, too. Fang was present for the events of Sonic Championship, and he's the one hellbent on tracking the eighth Emerald down. Yet, when asked how he knows about it, he never gives a straight answer.

It's possible that he can't say where he heard about the eighth Emerald, because he doesn't remember.

Now, I said before - This has some big implications to me concerning the Sonic Timeline. SEGA has been insistent recently that all Classic stories from (Classic Sonic's perspective of) Generations onward take place in the Modern Characters' past, but that doesn't make sense because none of the Modern Characters remember them, right? So the only reasonable explanation is a Zelda-style Split Timeline, right? But SEGA keeps saying there is no Split Timeline, so how does that work?

But what if we had a plot device - a plot device with evidence that these characters have run into multiple times before - a plot device that has been shown to be able to warp the memories of those who come in contact with it?

Heck, this actually made me notice that, back in the main series, the Phantom Ruby made Eggman lose his memory!

I know I'm swimming in some deep headcanon waters, here, but with this, Ian Flynn and SEGA may have finally, finally brought me around on the Unified Sonic Timeline, operating off of the idea that the reason the Modern Characters don't remember certain things from the Classic Era is because of exposure to the memory-warping properties of the Phantom Ruby and the Warp Topaz!

You can actually take this a step further and use it to justify all kinds of headcanons and inconsistencies. Two versions of one game with significant differences between them like Generations or Colors? Pick your favorite, the other is a fabrication brought on by Phantom Ruby or Warp Topaz memory shenanigans! You really like a game, but its position within the canon is dubious because it never gets brought up in main-series material? Congratulations, you can now safely consider the game canon - The Warp Topaz just made everyone forget!

I have no idea if this was an intentional move on Flynn's part, but if it is, it is actually genius. So many questions that I now no longer care whether or not they get answered because I can just go "Eh. It was probably the Warp Topaz."

I know this can only be stretched so far. I know there's a point where you just can't make excuses for shoddy or inconsistent writing. But at least in terms of everything that has existed in the Sonic universe up to this point, I'm really happy there is some version of an explanation for me to cling onto.

Heck, Sonic Boom could be canon now! Amy mentions Sticks in Frontiers! Why is everything so weird and different in the Boom continuity? The whole thing is portrayed the way Sticks remembers it after having her memory altered by the Warp Topaz!

Anyway, I'm not asking anyone to hop on board this theory. I just think it's neat, and the fact that I even get to have my fun with it at all has made me extremely grateful for the Fang the Hunter miniseries, and easily secured it as one of my favorite arcs in the comic.

#sonic the hedgehog #sega #sonic #idw sonic #fang the hunter #headcanon #theory #ian flynn

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spacelessbian · 1 year ago

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Black Mirror season 6

Ok, a bit more about this season. Episode by episode. Spoilers for everything.

#1 Joan is Awful. Probably the most Black Mirror-ish from the entire season. I really enjoyed the onion twist at the end, I just wished we could see more layers of realities (surely they could have hired like two more actresses for this). The ending itself tho... I don’t know, it’s just weirdly sweet, I expected a twist to the very end telling us this is still not a reality. Oh well.

#2 Loch Henry. Visually awesome, athmosphere was great, I love me a bit of Scotland. The twist was predictable and I got to that conclusion very early in the episode. That’s not a bad thing in itself, I liked the ending nevertheless. Not much technology but at least it’s a critique of media and true crime specifically.

#3 Beyond the Sea. I agree with what someone else said here - why not just have gay sex and form a polycule? I loved the look of the space station, I have no idea why we are in the 60′s, but okay I guess. I liked the nod to Charles Manson and cults of that time. It was quite unexpected.

#4 Mazey Day. The least interesting and the least like Black Mirror. Definitely the worst episode of this season. The characters are flat af, the twist is just stupid and there is literally no message. Also, Netflix, you liars, you did not film this in the Czech Republic (who did the Czech dialogues? someone’s cousin who works in IT?).

#5 Demon 79. I liked this one a lot, despite it not resembling Black Mirror much and despite not having any technology whatsoever. I love the actress (Anjana Vasan, she was in one season of Killing Eve and starred in We Are Lady Parts, a miniseries about a British muslim girl punk band, do recommed!) and her dynamic with the demon was very fun. I liked the 70′s look, including the coloring, I loved the music (obviously), just a good watch overall.

The season is good, I enjoyed myself, but it is definitely different from previous ones. I would recommend it (maybe skip episode 4).

#black mirror #black mirror season 6

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dorianepin · 1 year ago

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crazy to think that oscar has literally been a rookie for the past 4 years like the last time he was a returning driver to a series was with mfing r-ace. been thinking about how next year is going to become a real yardstick in measuring his growth potential which is honestly just wild because it's been so long since we've seen him actually grow season-to-season within the same team structure & competitive environment......... yes prema f3 to prema f2 is about as consistent as you can get and there are so many more variables in f1 but even so i feel like much of the discussion around him these days is strictly >"well the race pace is a measure of tyre management and track familiarity and nothing more!" but then it's also a question of quantitatively how much of the pace deficit will be annulled through accruing this experience and how much is just the gap in raw race speed beyond predictive measures... and of course when compared against (ARGUABLY) a top-3 driver on the grid i don't even expect this to be observable after simply one year but i guess what's interesting is that he's often been regarded as a "complete package" who attains success through well-rounded race management and i'm like... well that is good in that there is less mental coaching required for him but also limiting in that he's already closer to his maximum potential than someone rougher around the edges might be.

ngl it kills me how pirelli's tyres blowing up in qatar indirectly gave him the best pr ever by leveling the field off so much deg-wise lol... and then that inversely made people way more critical of his performance in austin when i think it was actually a really good weekend by rookie-dnf standards because 1) he was managing to finetune his weaknesses session-by-session despite the physical challenges of the track surfacing and sprint formatting constraints and then 2) he still held on pretty well after the oco contact in the main race.......... the one thing i'll say about op's racecraft is that imo he's been showing some really solid defense lately and he is usually in the right when it comes to racing inchidents it's just a matter of developing awareness of when it's best to engage in this stubbornness and knowing who is most prone to going bowling on the grid lol. lando is so keenly avoidant and purposeful/conservative in his overtakes (mxc red flag restart great example) but this too is something i think will come with time. (in this case specifically because i think oscar is mentally smart and shrewd enough to pick up on the same awareness)

only 3(.5) races left......... i continuously am just so ??? at the fan rating binary because i really do believe that even "bad" weekends like austin have their own personal highs and then the "good" weekends like suzuka need to be equally contextualized but i suppose that is not as fun as (waves vaguely at reddit wank). i just want [] total points and 4 p[] in championship and i will be happy <3 fun that oscar pretty much has p9 locked down at this point... wish the gap were closer to 63 but it's also already mildly embarrassing for him that he's all the way down in p8 lol this year's been rough for him huh.

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voteformightyclocks · 2 years ago

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Mandalorian Season 3: Episode Ranking

WHOO! It's that time again! Vote For Mighty Clocks comes back from the dead in order to write a very different post from anything he's ever posted before! Let's get into the episode ranking, and be warned, there will be spoilers for Season 3!

Episode 3: The Convert. I know this is a controversial first pick, but The Convert added so much depth to the galaxy, gave us a peek into Doctor Pershing's mind, an idea of how the Imperial Remnant managed to continue operating, and just so much juicy lore, as well as a predictable yet epic cliffhanger

Episode 7: The Spies. This one makes the high end of the list for much the same reason as The Convert. A lot of lore and depth was added here. The sacrifice of Paz Vizla was emotional, and the cliffhanger made us fear that no one, not even Din Djarin himself, was safe. It was everything we needed to save The Mandalorian. I only wish the finale lived up to the cliffhanger of The Spies...

Episode 2: The Mines of Mandalore. This is where I start to lose interest in Season 3 to be honest. The Mines of Mandalore was another great episode in my opinion, with all the lore and references presented, however in order for this to truly work, it needed strong context. That's where Episode 4 needed to pick up, and unfortunately it failed. Otherwise, this would have been much more impressive

Episode 1: The Apostate. At the time, I criticized it by saying it sacrificed itself for Season 3. It felt more like buildup than an actual, real episode. Looking back, I stand corrected. It was the most sane episode out of all we got, it left an open ended future for the show, and it's not like I wasn't excited to watch it. It held the individualistic nature of Din Djarin while keeping the political intrigue that comes with Mandalorians. The rest of the series needed to learn those same lessons. Even then, however, I'd be lying if I said The Apostate was what I wanted out of The Mandalorian

Episode 8: The Return. Look. This episode was garbage. But it was visually stunning garbage with amazing fights. Moff Gideon felt wasted, destroying the Darksaber was a mistake, they kinda cheated the sacrifice Din Djarin, Bo-Katan, and Grogu made, and as cute as it was, the whole adoption thing was basically Lucasfilm trying to bribe us into liking Season 3. BUT, aside from all that, the visuals were gorgeous, the setup for Season 4 was brilliant, and the show did a great job of reminding us how weak Grogu actually is. We needed to be reminded of that, especially since he's been shown as capable ever since Season 2

Episode 5: The Pirate. This story was kinda bland, and had a setup that ended up being completely ignored, however it's saving grace was the Mandalorian siege on Nevarro against the pirates. It was awesome!

Episode 4: The Foundling. This episode was just bland and lacked memorability. It's only silver lining is Bo-Katan doubting her beliefs. I hate Bo-Katan as a character, and yet I loved her in this episode

Episode 6: Guns For Hire. This episode was...cringe at best, and incredibly frustrating at worst. Grogu was adorable and I loved seeing Jack Black in Star Wars, however absolutely nothing about this episode screamed "Star Wars" beyond that. It relied too much on celebrity cameos and fanservice to truly be what any nerd wanted. This was an episode designed solely to keep casual fans interested in the show, and as a nerd, I found the episode as a whole to be insulting

This is where I abruptly end the post with no real elaboration

#the mandalorian #mandalorian season 3 #mandalorian spoilers #din djarin #bo katan #grogu #mandalorian season 2 #star wars #lucasfilm #darksaber #moff gideon #paz vizla #nevarro

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rs3471055 · 3 months ago

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Colour Trading Apps: A New Wave in Predictive Gaming

The world of trading is expanding beyond traditional financial markets with the rise of Colour Trading Apps. These innovative platforms offer a unique spin on trading by focusing on predicting outcomes based on colors rather than stocks, commodities, or currencies. Colour Trading Apps combine the excitement of speculative trading with the simplicity of color-based predictions, making them a fresh and engaging alternative for both seasoned traders and newcomers. This article explores what Colour Trading Apps are, how they work, and why they might be the right choice for your trading activities.

What Are Colour Trading Apps?

Colour Trading Apps are mobile applications that allow users to place bets or make predictions based on colors. Instead of analyzing financial data and market trends, users choose colors they believe will be selected in various trading rounds. The outcome is determined by random selection, and users receive feedback on their predictions in real-time. These apps often include gamified elements to enhance the experience, making trading both fun and interactive.

Key Features of Colour Trading Apps

1. User-Friendly Interface

Most Colour Trading Apps are designed with simplicity in mind. They feature intuitive interfaces that make it easy for users to navigate, select colors, and place bets. The straightforward design ensures that users can quickly get started without a steep learning curve.

2. Real-Time Results

One of the highlights of Colour Trading Apps is the provision of instant feedback. Users receive immediate results on their color predictions, which keeps the trading experience engaging and dynamic.

3. Interactive and Gamified Elements

Many Colour Trading Apps incorporate gamified features such as animations, interactive color selections, and bonus rounds. These elements add an extra layer of fun and excitement to the trading process, enhancing user engagement.

4. Secure Transactions

Reputable Colour Trading Apps prioritize user security. They use encryption and secure payment methods to protect personal and financial information, ensuring a safe trading environment.

5. Variety of Colours

The apps typically offer a range of colors to choose from, providing users with numerous options and keeping the trading experience fresh and varied.

6. Customer Support

Good customer support is essential for resolving any issues or answering questions. Colour Trading Apps generally offer support through channels like live chat or email, ensuring that users can get help when needed.

How Colour Trading Apps Work

Using a Colour Trading App involves a few simple steps:

1. Download and Install

Get the App: Download the Colour Trading App from the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or a trusted APK source if it’s not available in app stores.

Install: Follow the installation instructions to set up the app on your mobile device.

2. Create an Account

Sign Up: Register by providing your personal details such as name, email address, and sometimes phone number. Some apps may require identity verification.

3. Deposit Funds

Add Money: Deposit funds into your account using available payment options like credit/debit cards or e-wallets.

4. Choose Colours

Select: In each trading round, choose from a list of colors. Your prediction will be based on which color you think will be selected.

5. Place Bets

Wager: Enter the amount you wish to bet on your chosen color. The app will show potential returns based on your stake.

6. Await Outcomes

Random Selection: The app uses a random process to select a color. You will receive immediate feedback on whether your prediction was correct.

7. Review and Withdraw

Check Results: View the results of your trades and your account balance. You can withdraw your winnings or continue trading.

Why Choose Colour Trading Apps?

1. Innovative and Fun

Colour Trading Apps offer a novel approach to trading that is both entertaining and engaging. The combination of color predictions and gamified elements makes the experience enjoyable and different from traditional trading platforms.

**2. Accessible to All

With their simple mechanics and user-friendly design, Colour Trading Apps are accessible to both beginners and experienced traders. The focus on colors rather than complex financial data makes the app easy to understand and use.

**3. Low Stakes

Unlike traditional trading, which often requires significant investment, Colour Trading Apps typically involve lower stakes. This makes them a more approachable option for those who prefer to trade with smaller amounts.

**4. Real-Time Engagement

The immediate feedback on color predictions keeps users engaged and provides a sense of excitement with each trading round.

Tips for Using Colour Trading Apps

**1. Start Small

If you’re new to colour trading, begin with small bets to get accustomed to the app and its features. This helps you learn how the app works without risking large amounts of money.

**2. Set a Budget

Establish a budget for your trading activities and stick to it. Avoid spending more than you can afford to lose, and be mindful of your overall expenditure.

**3. Understand the Rules

Familiarize yourself with the app’s rules, payout structure, and any associated fees. Knowing how the app operates will help you make informed decisions.

**4. Play Responsibly

Treat the Colour Trading App as a form of entertainment rather than a primary income source. Set limits on your playtime and spending to maintain a balanced approach.

**5. Keep the App Updated

Regularly update the app to benefit from the latest features and security improvements. Keeping the app updated ensures optimal performance and a better user experience.

Conclusion

Colour Trading Apps offer a refreshing alternative to traditional trading by focusing on color predictions. With their user-friendly design, engaging features, and secure transactions, these apps provide an innovative and enjoyable trading experience. Whether you’re looking for a fun way to engage with trading or seeking a new approach to speculative activities, Colour Trading Apps present a unique and exciting option. By following the tips provided, you can enhance your trading experience and make the most of this novel platform.

#service

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kylesvariouslistsandstuff · 1 year ago

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The Next Animated Blockbuster Heavies, CONTINUED...

A little while ago, I made this post. A sort of culmination to my retrospective on Top 10 animated features at the box office over the years...

Three of the movies I listed and made predictions for, all 2023 movies, came out...

THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE unsurprisingly put up a hell of a fight, making $1.361 billion at the worldwide box office. This places it, currently, at #3. Behind THE LION KING (2019) and FROZEN II...

SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE opened pretty big, and had some solid legs from there, but that picture was definitely more frontloaded than MARIO was. Overseas, it did okay at best, not matching its domestic total. Still, $690m+, excellent.

WISH is not going to make all that much... Not the heavy it could've been, like director Chris Buck's two FROZEN movies...

So, 2023 is pretty much over, unless MIGRATION really surprises. But I don't see that happening. $500-600m maximum, methinks. Possibly SING numbers. A leggy Christmas season movie, but not among the biggest ever. Why would I expect that out of a modest duck picture?

Some delays happened, too, between back then (early 2023) and now.

KUNG FU PANDA 4, INSIDE OUT 2, and DESPICABLE ME 4 are next, as BEYOND THE SPIDER-VERSE was delayed indefinitely due to it being faaaar from ready for a 3/29/2024 release a little after the release of ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE. Like, it was very clear that the two movies were NOT in production in tandem.

My guess is that the third SPIDER-VERSE movie debuts sometime in 2025. At the earliest... 2026 seems likelier now, which is fair. We waited about 4 1/2 years between INTO and ACROSS, so...

The other 2024 movie that I thought had a shot at getting into the Top 10 is the sequel/prequel to the #1 movie itself, THE LION KING (2019). MUFASA: THE LION KING recently vacated the summer for the holidays, as it now opens December 20, 2024... While I don't really see this movie making anywhere near what the first one did, it's still possible? Maybe? I dunno, I think it performs similarly to ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS and MALEFICENT 2, a follow-up to a remake that I don't think too many folks were clamoring for.

That rounds out 2024... I think INSIDE OUT 2 is the likeliest candidate of those four movies to make the most moolah. Maybe not take home "highest earning animated movie" champion status, but the biggest of the year period... and DESPICABLE ME 4 has a very good shot at it considering how many years it had been since the last mainline movie, and how well MINIONS: THE RISE OF GRU did. Heck, the long gap between KUNG FU PANDA 3 and 4 could really boost KUNG FU PANDA 4 as well. Characters/stories people love, long wait for the new one, the kids who loved them being nostalgic, etc.

Who knows, like I said in the earlier piece, maybe there will be some surprises along the way? Watch, THE GARFIELD MOVIE ends up breaking the Top 10... I mean, I don't see why not? Garfield is a god, a titan whose power we just cannot comprehend. This may be to the 2004 live-action/CG GARFIELD movie with Bill Murray what the SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE was to the 1993 SUPER MARIO BROS. film. Certainly having "The Movie" in the title and the picture being all-animated solidifies that! GARFIELD the comic strip debuted in 1978, 45 years ago. That predates Mario's first appearance as "Jumpman" in DONKEY KONG by three years... You could argue Garfield is older than that, even. Jim Davis debuted Garfield in JON, essentially an early version of GARFIELD that run from 1976 to early 1978 in a single Indiana newspaper. Okay, so I'm largely being facetious here, I don't think THE GARFIELD MOVIE cracks a billion... But who the heck knows! A movie like THE WILD ROBOT or the next WDAS movie could do it, haha.

However, I think a lot of the Q3 and Q4 animated films could be up in the air, release date-wise, should the animation strike happen when the Animation Guild contract is up.

2025 is a little spottier. A few movies have concrete release dates, none of them I feel really have a clear shot at the big billion and the Top 10. 2026 is just some dates without titles. Still too early in the game...

So, we do know that the likes of SHREK 5, ZOOTOPIA 2, FROZEN III, and TOY STORY 5 are on the horizon. Entries in beloved franchises, some of which whose movies are on the Top 10 or are very close to the Top 10. It's also obvious that a SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE sequel *will* happen, and possibly just obliterate the first one in sales.

THE LION KING (2019) is at #1, FROZEN II is #2, FROZEN is #4. The first MINIONS is #6, TOY STORY 4 is #7, TOY STORY 3 is #8, DESPICABLE ME 3 is #9, ZOOTOPIA is #11...

FINDING DORY is at #10, and there seem to be no plans for another one of those Pixar fish movies at the moment. Ditto THE INCREDIBLES, as INCREDIBLES 2 is #5... But you just know they'll happen, because Disney likes money, and if TOY STORY 5 can exist despite how both 3 & 4 ended... Yeah, there will be a FINDING Somebody 3 movie and an INCREDIBLES 3, and they're sure to tear up the box office.

But again, something that isn't a sequel to a beloved favorite could make a splash. After all, Walt Disney Animation Studios got the big billion out of FROZEN and ZOOTOPIA individually. Both movies were not expected to do anywhere near as well as they did. I remember, back in mid-to-late 2013, that the scuttlebutt was that FROZEN would be lucky to make TANGLED numbers... And that ZOOTOPIA looked like some "CHICKEN LITTLE/DreamWorks" thing.

Sometimes Pixar got close with a not-sequel. FINDING NEMO back in 2003 - without the aid of 3D/IMAX/premium formats and with much lower tickets prices compared to now and a smaller international market - nearly made $870m on its initial run. INSIDE OUT and COCO were big 800s, too. Most Pixar originals hover around $600-750m on a good day. The likes of THE INCREDIBLES, RATATOUILLE, and UP. You know.

Outside of Disney and Pixar, you've got Illumination, whose biggest original movie was THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS, which made over $800m worldwide. No original since got there, though SING did pretty great for itself. I'm not sure where MIGRATION can land, but who knows. Is the public gung-ho for funny ducks at the moment? You can never guess where the zeitgeist will be. Only when the movie comes out, you find out.

DreamWorks' highest-earning not-sequel movie is KUNG FU PANDA, which made over $630m worldwide back in 2008. No 3D, no IMAX, lower ticket prices, adjusts to something a lot bigger today I reckon. Behind that is THE CROODS, which made $580m+ in 2013, and then MADAGASCAR, which made $530m+ in 2005, and then THE BOSS BABY made $520m+ in 2017. Nothing after BOSS BABY did that kind of money: Not ABOMINABLE, and certainly not the post-Omicron BAD GUYS. Maybe THE WILD ROBOT, from Chris Sanders - who directed THE CROODS and HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON as you likely already know, becomes the studio's next big not-sequel smash hit.

Sony Animation's biggest not-sequel was THE SMURFS with $560m+. INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE, for an all-animated film, is second at $380m+. No original movies are on their theatrical slate at the moment. FIXED is finished and rated by the MPA, but is without a release date nor any indication of where it'll play: Streaming or theaters? K-POP DEMON HUNTERS is to be a Netflix release. Everything else, like BUBBLE, TUT, TAO, etc.? Up in the air.

Paramount Animation, can't say. All of their not-sequels went belly-up or got re-routed to streaming/VOD: THE LITTLE PRINCE got offloaded to Netflix, WONDER PARK bombed hard in 2019, RUMBLE, UNDER THE BOARDWALK and THE TIGER'S APPRENTICE all skipped a wide theatrical release. No not-sequel movie has a release date, the only things close to that are still parts of franchises: TRANSFORMERS ONE, THE SMURF MOVIE, the untitled AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER movie, etc.

So, we gotta see where everything's at by the middle of next year... But I'll be curious to see how KUNG FU PANDA 4, THE GARFIELD MOVIE, INSIDE OUT 2, and DESPICABLE ME 4 - the movies that I think are guaranteed to meet their release dates - will do.

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elliepassmore · 1 year ago

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Before the Devil Knows You’re Here review

4/5 stars Recommended if you like: American folklore, spooky stories, Faustian bargains, dual POVs Big thanks to Netgalley, Peachtree Teen, and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review! This is a nice, quick read full of Faustian bargains and bits of American folklore. The book has elements of homesteading life, Johnny Appleseed, and Paul Bunyan (though this is less obvious/prominent), while also being unique and a good amount of spooky elements. I think I saw an American Gods comparison somewhere and I definitely get that comp. I hesitate to call this Gothic, I don't quite get those vibes, but it's still a good autumn/spooky season read. I definitely wanted more spookiness though. The creepy birds and the ghost town were great elements and I wish they and more things like them were explored more in the book. One of the things I find interesting about this book is the associations and symbolism, and the layers there are within a single motif. Apples are a pretty big part of this story and serve as a source of fear and longing and poison and salvation, at different points. Along with their different associations, apples in this book also have symbolism relevant to other stories and traditions. While not native to the Americas, apples are a very 'American' fruit, which ties them in nicely to the other folkloric themes of the book, and has the double appeal of being a fruit already used in fairytales as a poisoned fruit. Beyond that, in Judeo-Christian tradition apples are connected to the themes of temptation, sin, and the devil. These multitudinous layers add to the symbolism in the story and help to cultivate a specific narrative within the story. Catalina seems like the practical one in her little family. She worries over food and farming while her Pa gets easily distracted and her brother's big heart has him nursing mice with broken legs back to health in the middle of winter. At the same time, Catalina is a poet and so has at least some romanticism when she looks at the world, even if that romanticism is melancholy. That combination of practicality and romanticism serves Catalina well as she goes after the Man of Sap. Catalina is also very loyal to her family and willing to do anything to save her brother, as evinced by chasing after the Man of Sap, among other things. I do wish we got to see more of Catalina's poetry and love of books. She's largely distracted by life and then her quest to save her brother, so I understand why she isn't writing much, but I wanted to feel more about her poetry than I did. The other POV in the story is John and it's clear from the get-go that John = Man of Sap. He tells his story about how he became the Man of Sap while Catalina's story is set in the present. John is by no means a sympathetic character, even when he's human, even as a younger teen. That being said, it's clear John has true regret for the things he's done and the way his life has turned out, so there was a part of me that felt sympathy toward him at the end of the book, and I'm glad he was kind of able to get the ending he wanted. In general I wanted more emotions in the story. Catalina just kind of accepts, moves on, accepts, moves on, ad infinitum, and I wanted to see a bigger emotional reaction to anything. She's distraught over losing her brother, but I didn't really feel that, and while she falls in love with Paul, I didn't really feel that either (also they've known each other for like a week, if that). John, on the other hand, actually displays a good bit of emotionality, though his feelings are pretty negative. There were a couple of twists in this book, some of which were more predictable than others. There were two really big twists, one that I saw coming and one that I didn't, that I really liked. One of these things relates to John's story, and I did kind of see it coming, but I still really liked seeing it come to fruition and how it played out. The other has to do with Catalina and resolved much faster than I would've liked. It was an intriguing setup and while it happened at the 90% mark, so clearly there wasn't much left of the book, I think there was a lot of promise that could've been executed on and it almost felt like the resolution was sped up as a result of editing or something rather than the author's decision. Nevertheless, I liked both twists and enjoyed what they brought to the book. Overall, this is a quick read that combines American folklore with Faustian bargains and a young poet's love for her family. I do wish there were more emotions in the book and that perhaps it was a bit longer to explore the end of the book, but it's a good autumnal read.

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sheacouleecametoslay · 2 years ago

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All Stars 5 (2020)

And I continue to be disillusioned by the All-Stars series! The main issue with AS3 and AS4 was the twists and the controversial finales, but the casting was solid enough to elevate their rankings. AS5 doesn't have those issues. Instead, the cast just doesn't feel like an All-Stars cast, no disrespect. I was pretty meh on Cracker and Mayhem during Season 10, and somewhat neutral on Blair as well. Meanwhile, India only had one memorable on Season 3, and it wasn't even her moment. Mariah was also an unexpected pick, but she's underrated. Still, she was an early out again. I was hyped to see Ongina back after all these years, but she bombed every challenge. Derrick could've been the villain again but she was out first. Which just left Shea, Jujubee and Alexis to root for. IDC about Cracker's track record, she was beyond annoying. The season felt uneventful too? AS5 was lacking in iconic, memorable moments. Alexis got into drama with multiple queens, Derrick and India had a fight, and Jujubee talked about her cats. That's about it really. The premiere and the Snatch Game are the best episodes; the rest were forgettable. The final 4 was so boring after Alexis was gone. And Untucked was pure filler. Mayhem/Juju/Blair talking about their addictions was a nice moment though. But yeah, AS5 saw the return of Untucked to All-Stars, which seems unnecessary because the deliberation scenes in the main episodes ARE Untucked. AS5 just didn't feel like a high-stakes competition either? There was literally two quitters. No shock eliminations. A predictable winner. And the final 3 was predictable too, since they were only 3 to win a challenge aside from India. The lack of a returnee competition also contributed to the uneventful feeling. Although having said that, there was no reason to bring Ongina, Mayhem or India back into the game, so maybe it was for the best. So AS5 introduced the All-Stars new format, because of how poorly the Naomi voting Manila incident was received. From now on, everybody casts a vote, and there will be one challenge “winner” each week. Said challenge winner will face a mystery Lip Sync Assassin. If the top All-Star wins the lip sync, they individually decide who goes home. If the LSA wins the lip sync, the group vote reigns supreme. But aside from Yvie, the LSAs weren't really trying this season. The lip syncs wouldn't have changed any of the outcomes either. And aside from Alexis and Mayhem voting Shea that one time, the votes were cast fairly this season. Side note: some of the LSAs must've been for storyline reasons, like Morgan during Mayhem's elimination, and Vanjie when Alexis almost got out. The other major twist introduced this season was that, starting from the final 6, if you're not the challenge winner, you're up for elimination. Which is both ridiculous and unfair. Episode 7 also ended with a twist, where Ru got a phone call, which segued into the eliminated queens hiding behind a glory hole in the finale. As for the challenges, they were mostly lackluster. I'd say the girl groups were the best one. The Snatch Game top 3 made me laugh so much; but the bottom 3 and that awkward almost kiss between Ru and JBC... yeah. And what annoys me about the Talent Show judging is that they reward self-referential jokes, callbacks, and catchphrases. I want to see unique talents. Moreover, nobody was funny in “SheMZ”. The hotel challenge was boring - it was a failed attempt to recreate the clubs challenge from AS4. The Ball was okay, but I've never really liked those voiceovers. The stand-up routines could've been stronger. And the “Clap Back” Ru-mix was missing something too. They didn't even show the queens working on their verses... I heard this season was supposed to have a New School vs Old School theme, since the cast is evenly divided that way. But we never saw that rivalry. I kinda wish we had. Instead, we had Derrick vs India (which I enjoyed but it only lasted one episode), the Cracker vs Blair/Mayhem stuff (which was whatever), and the Alexis drama. Her and Shea having to work together was funny. And India's accusation against Alexis became a huge ordeal. It even spilled into the next episode, after India was gone. It cost Alexis a potential finale spot. And we didn't know which side to believe until the finale. I'm glad the eliminated queens returned to give that closure.

Queens Ranking: 10. Miz Cracker Cracker had THE most forced confessionals: the constant screaming (ugh), the props, the heavy breathing, the mind blown effect, the twerking, the unnecessary body movements, the corny lines, the “I hate her” about Shea. Cracker was trying WAY too hard. She even screamed in the Werk Room during the sewing challenge. It's like she wanted to avoid her Season 10 perfectionism so bad. Plus she was so concerned about avoiding a negative perception with the girls. But, like Mayhem said, it didn't come off sincere. And that negative perception persisted anyways. Blair/Mayhem didn't like working with her. She felt misunderstood. One episode, Cracker announced she was up all night because she wanted to write Ongina's name in whiteout, as if this was some hardship for her. And she proceeded to lecture Ongina about believing in herself. Like WTF? All she did was made Ongina feel bad. Then she guiltily changed her tune upon seeing Ongina give up. While next episode, Cracker said her intentions were good, it just came out wrong; while Alexis called her out for apologizing too late and calling it a mistake. Then, after Cracker listed off the queens she respected, Alexis asked why she was omitted, and Cracker rephrased what she meant. Next, Cracker accused Blair of plotting to get her out because of Alexis's comment. And lastly, she sounded like an asshole when she sabotaged everyone in the stand-up order. Cracker was so unenjoyable to watch this season. In the competition: I kept Cracker's Ball win - she had the best construction, and the second best country cousin character. But not the other two. In “SheMZ”, she had the pill bottle, the Photoshop and the slapping jokes. While in the stand-up routine, she started slow saving the best jokes for the end (“humility and love”). But Cracker's comedy was too stiff and calculated for me. Otherwise, she went for self-referential comedy in the Talent Show. She did sexual innuendos for her “I'm In Love” verse, featuring tight choreo. She had the phone bit in the hotel challenge. She showed her identity in “Clap Back”, but sang too fast. And of course, she gave the driest and most unfunny Lady Gaga impression in Snatch Game, and mistakenly responded to Alexis's prompt. Two of Cracker's lip syncs were forgettable as well, and “Make Me Feel” didn't match the vibe of the song. She had the head poke thing in “Where Have You Been” I guess. Her best runways were the 3-in-1 cocoon and the plague doctor pre-reveal. 9. India Ferrah We're stretching the term All-Star here. India probably had the most to prove, but she pulled a Roxxxy Andrews without the fun Rudemption arc. Her confessionals were bland. She snapped in that episode 3 deliberation. And while she did bring the drama, she came off too smug; like her energy turned me off. First she corrected Derrick (I was fired! Your partner did an act mocking me! My insult wasn't directed at her!) Then she informed Shea of Alexis and Mayhem's “campaign” and stuck to that story despite Alexis's denial. But the truth finally came out at the finale, where Mayhem backed Alexis up, and India admitted the “campaign” happened after the votes were cast. So basically she misrepresented the situation. India's timing was too convenient and no one backed her up on it. She told Shea when she was about to be booted. All it did was ruin her friend's chances. Otherwise, India copied someone's entrance look again (shady production). She wanted her celeb crush to be her fiance lol. She made Alexis the choreo leader when Alexis didn't understand why. She talked about her shoplifting past. And she apologized to Derrick in the finale. In the competition: India gave it her all in the Talent Show with the choreo and she made a funny reference to the Mimi incident. No one was ever beating Yvie in that lip sync though. All of India's subsequent bottoms were deserved. Her “I'm In Love” lyrics were basic and that “I felt very attacked” scream was unpleasant. She barely talked in the hotel challenge, except for an awkward golden shower joke. Then in “SheMZ”, she licked a donut and peed broken glass... yeah. While in Snatch Game, she gave one creepy impression of Jeffree Star. Also, her 3-in-1 look was just one look. I didn't like her camo runway either. 8. Mayhem Miller Mayhem “The Drama” Miller lacked fierceness and boldness for me. Sure, she kept giving facial reactions in confessional, and her confessionals weren't bland (“but somebody HMM wants it her way”). She was in generally good spirits too (“I'm still here bitch *screams*”). And her impersonation of Ongina was funny. But she was so passive about leaving. She refused to campaign against India and ultimately voted herself. Only for India to throw her under the bus next episode. Mayhem was so loyal to India for what? Otherwise, Mayhem wanted to rectify playing it too safe on Season 10. She gleefully accepted an alliance with India. She was floored and took it personally that her friend Juju voted her. She got annoyed at Cracker during a team challenge. She didn't believe Cracker's reasoning on the Ongina thing. She voted Shea because she thought that was the plan... lol? And she had an emotional Untucked moment about her drinking, and later talked about her arrests. In the competition: Mayhem had a rough start. She went soft in the Reading, then mumbled during her Talent Show song. It was my least favourite performance of the night. But after that, her “I'm In Love” verse was about Mr Rogers, which was funny. She was also in the top for the hotel challenge. And I didn't think Mayhem was that bad in “SheMZ”? She paused at one point and I didn't understand the whole licking thing, but I thought she gave more effort than others. Still, Mayhem's runways were basic this season. Her 3-in-1 look lacked variety. Weird, since she was one of the top fashion queens of Season 10. 7. Blair St. Clair Falls into the bland/neutral feelings tier. Blair showed she had Nerve towards the end, but she lacked Charisma for me. I also kept forgetting she was on the show. Her confessionals were sometimes whiny (“I promise America I'm not a young bitchy girl I'm fun”; that groan before Snatch Game). Or kinda forced (“Mr cameraman show me my mark; hold my hand and guide me gently”; that cough at Cracker's running order). Or she said confusing things like “what if we're going to voting polls?” Alexis also called her entrance cocky. In Blair's intro, she promised that “I've finally gone through puberty... well almost” and that she's a “strong independent bitch” now. Later on, Blair pitched to the final 4 that wins shouldn't matter (lol). She also talked about her DUI. She mimicked the choreo during the finale, as if she was still competing lol. And she had some tensions with Cracker, calling her difficult and questioning their friendship. Blair tried to smooth things over with Cracker during the plotting accusations though. But she was later upset when Cracker considered her bottom 2. In the competition: Blair was the most forgettable in the Talent Show, but she impressed the next 2 weeks. She had some cannibalism wordplay in her Hannibal Lecter “I'm In Love” verse, and her choreo stole the spotlight. Then she was a solid actress in the hotel advert, even if her room wasn't my fave. Blair struggled after that though. Her “SheMZ” character was annoyingly whiny. She seemed awkward as Ellen DeGeneres in Snatch Game (“Squawk to keep warm” HUH?). Also, her country cousin jokes weren't that clever, and her second look was just some fabric draped over her. Then she kept flipping her notebook during the stand-up routine. Blair was one of the top runway queens this season though – her magenta skin, her 3-in-1, her camo butterflies, and her gender-bending prom queen. 6. Ongina Finally Ongina returned!... and it was a disappointment. She completely psyched herself out after the Reading challenge, worrying if she could still compete in the modern era. The nerves got the best of her. And I think Cracker's unwarranted “lecture” got to her too (“and 3rd there's no 3rd because just STFU already!”) Then Ongina broke down during the episode 2 deliberation, saying she deserved to go home. She even voted for herself. Still, Ongina was having fun in the premiere. She kept giggling at herself. She joked with Derrick: “are you talented enough to do it”. And she was nosy about the India/ Derrick drama lol. In the competition: I didn't understand the point of Ongina's Talent Show act... it was just some basic dancing and reveals to a RuPaul medley. She had an amazing entrance look though, and I liked her feathery runway. But Ongina's “reads” in the Reading mini-challenge weren't reads or jokes. And her “I'm In Love” verse was lacking, but she was sick while recording it. 5. Derrick Barry Derrick leaving first was a misstep by production. The India drama was the best part of the premiere! Derrick went all-in on India during the Reading challenge. Then she gossiped with Ongina and Juju about it. Then she fought with India (India was fired! She called my partner “a pig in a wig”!) Then during deliberation, she acted fake nice to India to stay. Derrick was also delusional, telling the girls “I could've slayed it as Britney and won”, while crying in confessional about how hard it is to not be seen as Britney. Derrick came back wanting to prove she can do more than Britney, but that entrance was Britney. Still, Derrick was funny in her one episode (“maybe she's all good with giving fake hugs”; “you were also quick to finish on your season”; “I think you being here is going to make you feel more validated”). While at the finale, she “relicked” in the drama. In the competition: Derrick's multitude of Talent Show impressions were cringe. The idea was better than the execution. Her finale dress wasn't Britney though! 4. Alexis Mateo Alexis's inclusion benefitted the season. She came back as a confident veteran aiming to win (“it's Alexis world and the rest is f**king parking”). And she was brutally honest. She told Derrick “I thought you were doing Britney the entire time”. She criticized Cracker over the Ongina thing. She continued to poke at Cracker with “so you don't respect me?” and "it's easier for you to just talk there". Shea thought Alexis was unnecessarily butting in, but Cracker was being shady listing off the queens she respected. I'm also not sure if Alexis meant to imply that Mayhem/Blair were plotting against Cracker. Anyways, Alexis's main drama came from voting Shea. Her reasoning was to save her friends, but India claimed otherwise. Alexis gave a logical counterpoint to that, saying a campaign can't be 2 people, and the edit never showed her campaigning. Because of these events, Alexis felt betrayed by India, and gave a frosty voting confessional: “you're a liar and this is why Derrick don't like you”. I mean, this stunt ruined Alexis's game, and with the new twist, her only path was to win challenges. It didn't matter who was right, the doubt was in people's minds. Otherwise, Alexis had fun moments like: wanting Daddy Yankee to grab her like a microphone; “this bitch is into eating people? And she's that skinny?”; not knowing what camo is; blurting out “gosh I need to have sex” to break the tension. That said, it did feel like Alexis was giving others a hard time for things. In the competition: Alexis did well, but not enough to win. She came off as a professional entertainer in the Talent Show, but I'm over these dance numbers. Her Daddy Yankee verse in “I'm In Love” was great, but she barely moved. She was fine in “SheMZ, but talked over Shea. She was hilarious in Snatch Game, especially when she roasted Cracker and India. It's probably my fave Alexis performance ever. But she kept repeating “you didn't see that one coming”. Her kiddy pool Ball look was ridiculous, but her character wasn't the best and the look was basic. She also played off that spray can mishap well in the hotel challenge. My fave Alexis runways were the camo and prom queen ones. Least fave was the circus 3-in-1. 3. Mariah Paris Balenciaga Mariah, with her many surnames, provides an underrated presence: “I wish I could've done this [vote] to a jackass”; “is she doing the Finding Dory whale call?”; “I coulda went out there in lizard skin, girl who is pu**y pink?”; “I know y'all spent the coin but I spent the mint bitch”; “my tear ducts have turned into raisins”. I also laughed when she ruined the other team's paint job. And when she took her fanny pack and left. And when was displeased at Mayhem quitting for India (“girl you just met this hoe”). Her TV persona came off natural. She was pretty honest with her opinions. And she told Cracker that she enjoyed working with her, when some other girls were getting on Cracker's case. I don't like Cracker, but that was a nice moment. In the competition: Mariah should've won the Talent Show – she voiced an important message and communicated it in an artistic way. But I guess dancing to your catchphrases is what the judges prefer. She also "went there" in the Reading challenge with the rose petals. Unfortunately, Mariah couldn't stay at that level. She looked “out of it” during her “I'm In Love” performance. Then in the hotel challenge, she made jokes about rattan furniture and girthy meats that didn't land. She also talked over Cracker at one point. Her 3-in-1 look wasn't my fave either. She looked pretty in the skin runway though. 2. Shea Couleé We all knew Shea was winning All-Stars from the second she agreed to it. It's Chad and Alaska all over again, who I don't agree were “robbed” on their seasons, but Shea lost to a new twist. Speaking of, her main storyline on AS5 was about how the rose petals affected her. Even though Juju was my fave, Shea outdid her in the finale, so I'm fine with it. Sure, Shea was hoping to cruise straight to the crown, and she acted like Alexis had such AUDICITY to vote her instead of India. She also took Cracker's side during the Cracker/Alexis confrontation (“bitch who was talking to you?”). But I get why Shea felt bitter and uneasy towards Alexis. Alexis based her vote on friendships. What if she kept doing that? And India was just playing into Shea's paranoia that was already there. I loved when Shea threw Alexis's remark back at her though: “So you didn't think that I worked hard?”. Otherwise, Shea had chances to play it strategically this season (like keeping Ongina or booting Alexis), but kept it fair. She was charming (“I know you've all missed me but it's okay”; “but were you surprised? Haha”). She helped the other queens during the sewing challenge. She had emotional moment with Ru about her dad and sister's passing. And she didn't take India's tea at face value, she had a group chat. In the competition: Shea had her ups and downs. She brought some pole dancing to the Talent Show. She ate with her “I'm In Love” verse. She was hilarious as Flavor Flav in Snatch Game (“roses are red, buses is yellow”). And her stand-up routine was consistent. But Shea was flat in the hotel challenge (“picture it”). And her “bitchy” character in “SheMZ” was whatever. Her wedding dress in the Ball was rough-looking too, but her country character had that “She Already Done Had Her Chips” joke. In the finale, Shea's “Clap Back” verse wasn't her best, but her choreo slayed. And she definitely won the “Make Me Feel” lip sync with her robot thing. Between that and her dance moves in “Neutron Dance”, Shea redeemed herself in the lip syncs. “Open Your Heart” was forgettable though. As for her runways, the skin one was a wow moment. I also liked her camo watering can. The colourful 3-in-1 was a lot though; as was the rose petal prom queen. 1. Jujubee “Gimme the crown RuPaul can I have the crown please?”; “I am the pu**y staircase”; “RuPaul what the f**k?; “If I put $20,000 in an IRA Roth, do you know how much money that is? $20,000 in an IRA Roth”; “John Stamos ahh ohh Greek yogourt”; “second language my ass”; “I could vote for Shea to leave ooh is this strategy bitch”; “what's going through my mind right now is ohh I miss my cats, they don't judge me, they do, but they have to live with me”; “it's like a Juju sandwich with two pieces of white bread... I'm aroused”; “WTF is backyard eleganza? I don't have a backyard”; “how do you unregister to vote?”; “her eyes... where do I buy eyes like that?”; “hey Ru it's Juju are you there? are you still gonna make us vote?”; “surprise! you gotta take a pink pill and a shot in the butt”; “I would wear it to the supermarket and shop for canned beans”. Juju's confessionals served stoner thoughts energy and I was living for it. I mean, she'd ramble about her cats while choosing a lipstick. She showed her cat pics in confessional at one point. She darted her eyes back and forth during the Cracker/Blair conflict and called it hot. She started a pillow fight at the final 3. She wanted an Alaskan themed hotel. And she fussed over not getting an India note. But on a serious note, Juju's sobriety story was a nice moment. And she came off perceptive. In the competition: Maybe it's just me, but Juju should've pulled a Ben/Manila. She was my fave in the Reading challenge. Her Talent Show singing was passionate. Her “I'm In Love” verse was smooth. She 1000% won the hotel challenge – the grandma mentions, the live mosquitoes, the "exotic" fruit. Her and Cracker were the only good ones in “SheMZ” (the Laganja pic!) She was hilarious as Eartha Kitt in Snatch Game (“sensually walk to the thermostat”; “... pick my cuz I love you”; “I am convincing you”). She had my favourite country cousin character (“Amberrrr”) but the watermelon outfit cost her the win. I didn't think her stand-up was that bad either; it was just the shoulders joke that didn't land. Her “Clap Back” verse felt generic and lacked bite though. And her “Juice” lip sync was disappointing for someone who survived 5 lip syncs previously. My fave Juju runways were the skin one, the prom queen, the freak, and her finale outfit. Favourite entrance look: Ongina Challenge ranking: 1. “I'm In Love” Girl Groups 2. Snatch Game Of Love 3. Talent Show 4. Backyard Ball 5. Stand-up routine 6. “Clap Back” (Ru-mix) (Shea > Cracker > Jujubee) 7. Hotel design (nearly fell asleep) 8. “SheMZ” (Improv) Lip Sync ranking: 1. India Ferrah vs Yvie Oddly ("Livin La Vida Loca") (Yvie is insane) 2. Miz Cracker vs Morgan McMichaels ("Where Have You Been") 3. Shea Couleé vs Alyssa Edwards ("Neutron Dance") (Shea was solid/Alyssa could've done more) 4. Top 3 Lip Sync ("Make Me Feel") 5. Miz Cracker vs Roxxxy Andrews ("One Last Time") (Roxxxy's reveal is the only memorable part and it didn't even match the lyrics) 6. Shea Couleé vs Vanessa Vanjie Mateo ("Open Your Heart") (Shea underwhelming/Vanjie shaking too much /cool camera work though) 7. Jujubee vs Monét X Change ("Juice") 8. Miz Cracker vs Kennedy Davenport ("Fancy") Those last 3 are all pretty boring. While the first 3 are the only ones where everyone involved was trying... Season ranking so far: 9 > 5 > 6 > 11 > AS2 > 4 > 10 > 2 > 7 > AS3 > AS4 > 3 > 8 > 12 > 1 > AS5 > AS1

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dreamwreaver · 1 year ago

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Am I the only person who liked early seasons gabriel as a character and thought that he would eventually be redeemed (like Chloe thanks to plenty of humanizing moments sprinkled in mostly during s2) but like... by losing? I know Keith Silverstein the English va for gabriel actually acknowledged at a con that he wanted to see what would happen with the whole gabenath situation if emilie were to come back.

So it's not like it was unknown that they had a thing planned for this and it seemed to (like a lot of things in the early seasons) set up the parallels between the lovesquare and villainsquare? Like it came to a head in the ladybug episode where ladybug and hawkmoth have the other's partner captured and are demanding for their safe release only for mayura and chat noir to tell their partners don't worry about them take down the threat? But both main hero and main villain throw away their biggest chance of victory yet to save this person they have feelings for and the audience KNOWS they have feelings for?

I'm just wondering what happened between season 3 and whatever the other two seasons are. Because they're very much not the same show. I once predicted season 3 would be Gabriel's last as the main villain if only because season 3 would 1. Show a lot more mayura than it did, and 2. Because of the repeated use with very little recovery time Nathalie would at some point not be able to sustain a transformation for very long therefore revealing herself to the heroes on accident and hawkmoth being exposed by proxy because who else would Nathalie dedicate this much of her time, energy, and life for if not gabriel? I expected Gabriel to win at some point, but by winning he would lose. The wish that he wanted to make would come at losing either his son, the only thing both he and emilie would ever put over themselves, or nathalie, the woman he fell in love with without ever realizing it. And in doing so realize his mistake. Gimmi being a concept at all was not a thing, so it was reasonable to assume he would attempt to use the wish and wish for the universe before his previous one to be restored. Or whatever power was summoned would tell him what the cost was and he would realize it wasn't worth it.

I just... I liked gabriel. I liked that he was complex, simple, a total drama queen and a stoic man. As much as I hate gorizilla and the idea of him possibly letting his son die, at least before the stupid sentimonster thing was made canon it was a test that didn't break my suspension of disbelief. This is the guy that the same season akumatized a baby and decided to stick with it. But whoever the guy is in season 4 and beyond; that's not gabriel Agreste. For as much as I liked the original gabe, I never wanted him to win. I wanted him to become better, and by better I mean less shitty. I had a low bar of expectations for gabriel and any possible redemption arc but season five just dug in under it. The bar was on the ground and they STILL failed to meet it.

I just... I am with you, the fandom has changed, and I don't like that those who I feel fundamentally misunderstand what made people like gabriel Agreste as a character are parroting what is truly dangerous lessons and attitudes are filling the circles

Feels like I only reblog criticism in this fandom these days, and that's not really what I wanted to do. The problem is, the unchallenged toxic messages and the Gabrielcore ideology of late-stage S5 were just so intertwined with the central events and... really everything that now defines post-S5 canon... that I often don't feel comfortable just browsing the fandom for fun stuff anymore because it's a minefield of That.

A lot of people in the fandom are significantly hostile towards those of us who were hurt by the canonized abuse apologia, too, as if we're just too stupid to understand [insert justification used by countless IRL abusers], or we're just being difficult and "salty" for the heck of it.

I kinda just wish that we might eventually get a sub-fandom that just divorced canon after it turned sour, and will focus on the earlier canon and divergence AUs that we actually enjoyed.

#ml s5 criticism #ml writing criticism #ml critical #ml fandom criticism #gabriel agreste

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sevensoulmates · 5 years ago

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I want budfdie to become canon but I cant imagine how because I honestly cant see buck making the first move cause hes confident but I dont think he would risk ruining what him eddie and chris currently have and the same with eddie tbh

See now that’s where the show can get creative. Make it interesting. Don’t make it so straight forward as a simple confession and boom we done. The nitty gritty is where this romance shit sucks me in.

We’ve seen that the show is not above quick fixes when it comes to romance. We’ve seen Bathena happen over the course of 1 episode. We saw Madney happen over the course of half of season 2. We saw Buck/Abby start and end over the course of 1 season. Depending on when the show decides to make them get together, it’ll definitely be the longest it took for them to set up a couple.

If you really want me to talk about I personally would LIKE to see it all go down (and not necessarily 100% how I predict it will go down), you can read under the cut.

If we’re talking wish-fulfillment, I would like there to be something that comes up that changes the buckley-diaz family dynamic (like a love interest? or a new baby?) Suddenly Buck’s attention is not completely on Eddie/Christopher. Or maybe Buck is forced to not spend as much time with them if Eddie is the one with a love interest. Whatever way, something happens and the dynamic they’ve come to build and love has to change. And not-a-one of them likes it. At all. It feels off. It feels fractured. It feels incomplete. It’s just not right but they can’t figure out why.

Then I would like something to happen that makes Buck realize his feelings are romantic. Not sure what. Could be a near death experience, could be a buckley-diaz family moment, could be a love interest jealousy, etc. Something happens, Buck now realizes his feelings but keeps it quiet. Buck’s abandonment issues are likely to really shine due to this. Don’t tell Eddie your feelings, because rejection will literally mean losing the two most important people in his life.

Then, I would like for the story to progress with Eddie learning to let Christopher be an independent person, and Eddie learning how to be the Eddie’s who entire identity isn’t Christopher’s Father. I would like him to seek Buck out more for one on one time that doesn’t involve Christopher. This could be clouded by things going on in the background like a love interest, or whatever dramatic things are happening with work (ie. like the lawsuit/street-fighting arcs this season). But Eddie starts to find himself needing and wanting Buck even more now that he’s trying to figure himself out outside of his role of Father. And then whether or not they have a love interest happening on the side, or any other dramatic things, I just want them to WANT to be in each other’s presence so much that they are fighting to carve time out together.

And then I would like something to happen in one of two ways:

1.) maybe something exceptionally funny happens, like a crazy stupid call, or something with Christopher, or maybe Buck and Eddie babysitting Baby Madney and something funny happens, etc, anyway they’re busting up laughing, just enjoying themselves so completely in each other’s presence, that they both naturally lean into a kiss. OR

2.) something big happens work related. another near-death experience. something triggering for one or both of them. or maybe failing to save someone and it hits them hard. And they just naturally seek out comfort from the other, and in that comfort, find themselves kissing.

I truly don’t think the show will have them doing much verbal confessing to start out with. I think it will be something physical like a kiss, that will force them into needing to figure out what they are to each other. This might lead them to seek out a separate love interest (man or woman), or it might lead them to distancing themselves for a time. But because they’ve come to find that they need the other so badly in their lives, they can’t just avoid each other. Last time they were this separated Eddie fell into street-fighting. So, they decide to slowly see where things might be able to go with them. No telling anyone. No letting it effect work. No letting it effect Christopher. If one or both of them feel that it might not work out romantically, then they both mutually agree to going back to being best friends who are still always there for each other and always there for Chris.

AND THEN, once they DO decide to tell people. I want to see some drama happen on the work related front. I do not want them to just slide back on into work easy peasy. I want there to be ramifications, perhaps consequences having to do with fraternization (I’m pretty sure I read this in a fic somewhere). I don’t want it to be as easy as “okay sign these papers we gucci now”. I want there to be an adjustment period where they are now forced to fight for their relationship on a professional front as well, not just a personal one. I want them to have to show that ‘hey we can be professional as work partners at work while still being romantic partners outside of work’.

And this doesn’t have to all happen over the course of 1 season (like season 4). Could happen over the course of multiple. I’m pretty sure this formula has been done somewhere in some fics, idk man. I’m not a procedural show writer, but these are some general thoughts I have about them potentially getting together in a way that’s both in character and could actually be plausible.

Along the way some other things I would like to see happening on the buckley-diaz family front:

a throw back to the grocery store scene involving an apology on eddie’s end and an actual discussion of buck’s feelings of abandonment as well as eddie’s.

pointed differences between buck being a father to chris vs. an uncle to madney baby

eddie actually learning of buck’s past

soft hugs, warm kisses

someone acknowledging buck, eddie and chris as their own family unit

chris and buck individual bonding moments

acknowledgement of buck being chris’s other father

chris having more moments of friendship with the other firefam kids specifically denny and harry. I want them to be bffs.

#buddie #buck x eddie #911 fox #predictions and wishes for season 4 and beyond #answer #Anonymous

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woodsfae · 2 years ago

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Babylon 5 s01e18: A Voice in the Wilderness Part I

First Previous

A multi-parter! I'm guessing this is a season finale! edit: tisn’t

A Minbari is showing up right away, so I'm further guessing I'll get to see some more of Delenn!

And some Talia Winters! Hope springs eternal for some glances and meaning-laden touches between her and Susan! Garibaldi, don't lurk in elevators waiting for her. :|

LOVE ME SOME 90'S CGI. Also love me some sci-fi techno-babble, some mysterious energy surges from previously docile planets, and really everything they have going on so far.

It is highly interesting that both Delenn and Londo assume the energy came from present or past life forms.

"What better way to go out than advancing scientific knowledge" Quite so, but also I’m with Ivanova.

This scientist, Doctor Tasaki, is also the type of sci-fi guy I like!

Alas, for I wish to quote basically every bit of Delenn and Londo's dialogue here, but I shan't, so go watch it!

Will Londo ever listen? His death-vision is of him strangling G'Kar to death, so he has no reason to dampen his anger and every reason to keep it stoked. The future strangling awaits!

Delenn has been visited by New Minbari, Draal. I feel like that name has been mentioned before, but can't quite place it.

It's so human that the Mars Colony wants to be independent. And very Western Societal that they aren't being allowed to go their own way after a century of agitating for independence.

(male #4): "Help me. Help me." [funky hologram of a nonhuman]

Number 4 of what?! The subtitles do very odd things sometimes.

"A half truth is the worst kind of lie," worst? idk, but a kind of lie? From a certain point of view, and rich coming from someone who basically only speaks in half truths to the humans, hah.

Minbari are also plagued with murmurs of facism, discontent, desire for control over public good. Draal is thinking of going to the sea, which sounds like suicide? It feels suitable for the Minbari, to seek somewhere to do good before choosing a way and place to die.

Man, Talia is hostile to Garibaldi right now and it seems like he's been harassing her beyond waiting for her in one transport tube. Bad Garibaldi. :| And he wants her help contacting someone he once wanted to marry. How romantic, asking someone you've been lightly stalking to help contact someone you ghosted instead of marrying.

It seems actually risky, asking anyone, even a telepath, on Babylon 5 to sneak your unauthorized message through PsiCorps relays. PsiCorps fucking haaaates Babylon 5 right now. It does remind me that I really want to know more answers to my psicorps questions, such as: how's Talia's telekinesis coming along? Is she a highly level telepath since her ex lobbed a shitload of power at her? Where is Jason hanging out nowadays? When do I get to see Bester again?!

Planetary attack! It does seem like there was life on this planet once, and it was advanced enough that their planet-to-lower-space automatic missiles still work.

Ivanova has more great lines, and has remained in her advanced threat stage: she now gives explicit threats, such as lung-ripping, instead of leaving it up to the threatee's imagination.

Londo is very into talking about his wives like a particularly unfunny boomer dude shittalking his wife who couldn't legally divorce him for the first half of their marriage, and had no resources to do so for the last half.

A scary vision of (male #4) (unlabeled by the subtitles this appearance) for Londo! Gonna comfortably predict it's some long-dead person from the planet B5 orbits.

Ivanova loves away missions, and seems like Sinclair is almost giddy to be away from a station for a bit. They're good buddies, and I love this for them.

Mars PsiCorps will search Garibaldi's ex's name in the wounded list (implies there's no dead), but won't confirm their location to any non-PsiCorps by linking him into Mars' communications. Logical. And I like the PCC relay telepath.

There are so many safety precautions Sinclair and Ivanova didn't take, but it's cool, there's a sick technological hub!

There is no way. NO WAY. That the Hokey Pokey is the human lullaby of choice in 2258 or for several generation preceding it. Londo's information has got to be bad, or the Hokey Pokey undergoes a bizarre surge in popularity.

I do love seeing nonhumans speaking to each other without a human there. It has happened only rarely in the show, and then it's usually very brief, and between an ambassador and their aide. This whole little chat was delightful.

Danger in the underground technological hub! They're cut off from their ship and saw (male #4) one again. Same hologram and message, and it just appeared in front of a little horror vignette of a an alien posed like the vitruvian man diagram, and he's alive.

"Help me. Help me, or your people - all of your people - will die."

Listen to the Vitruvian Alien, y'all. I don't know that "unhook him from the machine without asking," is the greatest idea, which Ivanova agrees with, under the Russian habit of listing one's stupidities while undertaking a foolish course of action.

Wow, they've unhooked him and made it into space and everything, only for a huge ship to come through the jump point and for the cliffhanger to work on me spectacularly well! Due to the cliffhanger and two-parteryness, I've decided to two-parts-in-one this.

Babylon 5 s01e19: A Voice in the Wilderness Part II

The big ship is an earth starship here to take control of "the situation," I'm assuming the suddenly weapons-possessing planet.

Second time being relieved of duty for Sinclair this season, but this time it's an order from the office of planetary security. The Captain thinks all the alien races will want to go down to the planet and seize the tech on it.

Sinclair is out-and-out denying the order. I guess a mere Captain isn't as impressive or imminently threatening as the last one.

Police Brutality is a thing that exists and it's what you're doing Michael Garibaldi. Even so, character development, come quickly.

"get" captain pierce to "accept" shared jurisdiction "for now?" Based on Sinclair's argument - that the president gave him express orders and has not countermanded them to Sinclair himself - I'd say Pierce shouldn't have to be convinced. Sinclair is still running the show, but the show might explode along with the planet. Imminently.

Fusion reactors are some pretty cool tech, that they might blow up the entire station makes them some pretty terrifying tech.

The Vitruvian Alien must be able to send projections of themself or their voice as an ability, since it just happened to Draal.

"What am I supposed to do?" Michael you're supposed to not beat civilians on the station. Especially not a.) while wearing your uniform and b.) using the threat of your position to influence bystanders to not intervene.

Cryptic but also straightforward message to Draal from the alien. Don't approach the planet without the heart, or it blows.

Sinclair's threat to fire on Captain Pierce's launch works. But another ship, that kinda looks like a basalt formation, pops in and scans them blindingly. This is an exciting two parter. Aliens! Super powerful! Here to chill! Well, to live on the planet. Or else.

Vitruvian Alien says they're not cool to take the planet, yeah the planet will blow up, but can't tell them how to stop it because they’re ancient, has been willingly hooked into the machine to guard the planet for five hundred years, and is dying.

Delenn and Draal both deduced that Vitruvian Alien wanted Draal to be the next heart, or wanted to communicate that Draal has the abilit to be.

Londo is a former military commander! He's going to fly Draal down to the planet, and it seems like Draal is planning to be the next heart required of the planet, and Londo is planning on cheerfully facing the possibility of dying along the way.

Londo's such a daredevil pilot that Ivanova, who doesn't know who's in the transport heading to the surface, is impressed. Glad to know a little more of Londo, other than alcoholism and affairs.

Bad Alien ship can split into multiples! And they also look like little basalt formations. Very cool aesthetic.

Oh, Delenn went too! Garibaldi is hilariously confused about following the miscreants down, only to find two ambassadors, the Vitruvian Alien, and Delenn's friend.

Handy dandy air bubble.

Is Draal going to be a friend for Babylon 5? Friendly DraalPlanet would be cool. How long do Minbari live? He thinks he would have centuries to explore.

DraalPlanet: "[the planet] does not belong to you. It belongs to itself, and to the future."

The Babylon 5 Council are being trusted to safeguard the planet, but any ships that go to the surface will be shot down. Regardless, Bad Aliens are heading for the planet, but only for a few seconds before Draal zaps them.

Delenn is comforted by the Vitruvian Alien. "It is a wonder. He will see all the tomorrows, hear all the songs, touch the edge of the universe with his thoughts." Draal is now Vitruvian Draal. It doesn't really seem like he's going to be communicative though, so probably no DraalPlanet friend.

Did the President of earth put the fear of himself into Captain Pierce?

Garibaldi's ex is alive, but wounded, but they weren't informed till communications opened back up. No PsiCorps aid seems to hve been involved at all. It's not exactly out of character that Garibaldi wanted to get back together with his ex, he doesn't seem too devastated that she's married and pregnant.

Delenn is absolutely right that Sinclair would have tried to be the person who became the new Vitruvian Alien. I would like her around saying cryptic things more. She, like Lennier, elevates the performances and likeability of everyone she's around. Londo was positively pleasant this episode! Perhaps it's a Minbari trait, since I also loved Mayan (I want to see her again!) the poet.

#90s cgi #babylon 5 #woodsfae gif #woodsfae b5

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tampire · 7 years ago

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We’ll make this city our’s as we burn it to the ground.

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ohbae-me · 4 years ago

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I don't even CARE if his family background is a predictable and overused cliche I am going to TREASURE him and ADORE him and ALSO DO YOU THINK HE CARES SO MUCH ABOUT THE BROTHERS BECAUSE HE CAN RELATE TO THEIR DADDY ISSUES PLUS THEY'RE LIKE THE ONLY ONES HE HAS BEEN ABLE TO TALK TO OTHER THAN HIS DAD, BARBATOS, AND THE CASTLE STAFF

And Barbatos TT man I wish we could ask him and receive an honest answer how he feels about working for Diavolo. It's so fucking predictable that he's gonna say he likes working for him and all but I really want to think, for the angst, that he wishes he didn't have to. I mean, Diavolo was this sad lonely kid who he happened to end up talking to and it clearly took quite a bit of convincing to get him to serve him, so he clearly didn't just want to go that far so soon. I wonder if over time he just forgot to care about his own being, maybe he doesn't even know how he feels about Diavolo anymore beyond his mechanical response to say he does.

But man the earlier years of working for Diavolo must have been tough, no matter how he feels now. Having to suddenly take care of this kid who hasn't spoken to more than 20 people max his entire life, not only that but a kid who has to become the demon king and could possibly not become the king because he fucked up in raising him, having to handle that so suddenly was probably traumatic for him no matter how you look at it. It's worse that Diavolo can't even really be put at fault for it. He was desperate for company, he had to have connection, and he was a kid. He didn't know how he was supposed to react to loneliness or any other problem for that matter.

Fuck. Fuck I've been waiting so long for even the tiniest back story for Barbatos so that I could over analyze it this is so sudden I could sit here for hours talking about the possibilities

SAME HOLY FUCKS SAAMMEE

Diavolo grew up with no motherly love or affection from his father by the sounds of it, yet he is still so precious and kind! I am super curious to know more about his childhood and background with Barbatos. Is he that kind because he was so desperate for people to be close to? Did this lead to his decision in uniting realms? Like if you tell him you love him in this latest lesson, he is much more overjoyed than the others it seems. Is it not something he has heard often before? The brothers all had each other even before they fell, but Dia has only really had Barbatos?

Now I am not the biggest fan of Barbatos, there is just simply not enough for me to go off of for him in the game but I definitely expected a different reason for how he came to serve Diavolo. I'm also curious why he's so devoted now.

Barbatos intrigues me cause the two people he trusts the most are Dia and Solomon and I just find that to be such an odd combo?

I also want to know if Barb has any connection to Dias father previously? Is that why he felt so compelled to ensure he served the future demon king?

But Diavolo is like a precious golden lab who is just so happy and genuine all the time I have completely fallen for him in this last lesson lmao I'm sad there is only 4 lessons left to go in the season!!!

I'm excited to see how the angels will factor in now?? So much Michael/Raphael bits have been sprinkled in and I'm dying to know more?!!!

#obey me #obey me spoilers #om spoilers #lord diavolo #barbatos #sheptalks #obey me lesson 56

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magnumdays · 4 years ago

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Magnum PI 3.13 - Cry Murder review

I’m not sure I need to say something about this episode. I mean you all saw it. It was just good. Frankly all of season 3 serves a ‘Atta girl’. You're going above and beyond. And this episode... pure gold!

Seriously I had to think for like 5 minutes for something to put on my 'like less' points because this was fantastic (and that one thing was ‘where my Ferrari? I luv Ferrari, me wanna see rarrri’ uhm yeah, my brain is part fluffy baby mush currently, you have been warned this review might be a tad bit off)!

Every moment was on point. We got 2 adorable story-lines and a good case.

Because it’s the least exciting and I’m feeling contrary, let’s talk about the case first. Because this could the start of a beautiful and lucrative friendship...

You see some insurance companies have “recovery specialists” inhouse and some hire PIs for bigger claims / stolen stuff / prove their clients are lying. Insurance companies, as mentioned on the show, also have money. Like lots. (Trust me, I worked as a temp at an insurance company and the money they throw around is ridiculous.)

If the show was smart they could have this lady be regularly brining them cases to do with weird insurance stuff. It could make for some pretty interesting conflict further down the line too because they’re helping the fat cats suddenly rather than the underdogs.

(I’d also like to point out that they actually stopped/ revealed a planed insurance fraud so they should still get paid a chunk for that, different firms have different policies but they should get more than their daily rate + expenses. Just saying.)

Also I want more of the cute insurance chick looking at Magnum all 'he’s fine' and Higgy not liking it. Seriously, if Ethan is going to stick around into season 4 Magnum needs a faux love interest too.

#wearenotpleased

Even though this episode wasn’t very case focused, what we got was fun and a little twisty and just a good backdrop for the rest of the stuff. Of course they had to throw in a murder but still PI appropriate. I wish they’d do more smaller cases where no one dies or a million dollars is missing (more kind of Burn Notice inspired) where maybe the cops can’t help because the case isn’t ‘serious enough’ but is still ruining the person’s life.

Next up is Magnum getting his finger stuck in the mouse trap, telling Higgy about his pet mouse and then at the ends Juliet giving Magnum a mouse! Roberto the II! Does it get more adorable? IDK.

I love how Higgy is trying. She’s not quite sure how to express herself or how do thing always because she’s so out of practice and probably never had to before (quite the Magnum makes her want to) but she really cares so much even though she’s piss poor at expressing it sometimes.

Them talking about wanting kids themselves was just... come on! Don’t make me want babies ever after for these two anymore than I already do! Also two instances of Magnum/Higgy being mistaken for a couple and this lady thinking the baby is theirs? If season 7 don’t end with these idiots married and expecting a baby I will seriously strangle someone.

Other golden nuggets in this episode

Juliet singing and playing peekaboo on the phone.

Hiapo’s mom being “they seem like a really nice couple”

(”Not a couple?” #shook.)

TC + Rick being the cutest with the baby! Rick making a baby carrier thing from a backpack? It was just so perfect! As good as shopping cart for a stroller!

Magnum and Juliet actually being out of breath after running (!!)

(because authentic! But must have been totally weird to film because how do you fake being out of breath? Run a block before each shoot?)

and the heart-eyes. So many heart-eye moments this episode.

The whole gang saying they want to keep being part of Hiapo's life and then more heart-eyes!

I really do hope we get to see Hiapo in the next season, even just for a minute. Same with Roberto the Mouse. But they have been a lot better with continuity and bringing things back so maybe!

Yeah. This was possibly one of my favorite episodes of late. It was also on my wish list for season 3 (a baby/kid episode)!

Only minus I got for today is the fact that title is a little lackluster and I missed the Ferrari (but the Porsche is nice too!). I'd love to have a scene of Magnum trying to put the baby seat in the Ferrari and Higgy being all. "That's not going to work." (fic idea...)

Also next week promo is kind of vague and the summary (“A psychic hires Magnum and Higgins to prevent a murder she claims to have foreseen... ....and Higgins struggles with whether or not to tell Ethan the truth about her past”) makes me think we’ll get at scene or two with Ethan but let’s pray we’ll get mostly our faves bickering about psychics, how predicting the future is impossible and them talking about whether she should or not tell Ethan about her spy life!

I wonder if she really will, because next week is the second to last of the episode (OMG only 2 more episodes of Magnum this season? How will I survive?). If she is supposed to ride off into the sunset with Ethan (or start to and then change her mind?) they can’t really have him be all that upset about it? Not that I think he would but maybe it would throw him for a bit of a curve ball since I figure Richard would be one of the things she told him about...

Also wondering how it will come up? I’m picturing them walking along a dark street after a nice dinner and a guy tries to rob them (at gun point) and Higgy does a ninja move and takes his gun and is all “run along now before I shoot you” while Ethan does a Surprised Pikachu face. Then Magnum calls with a case and she’s like “Um, gotta go, we’ll talk about this later alright?” #IGotMyPrioritiesStraight

Last thing, bummer about the MacGyver cancelation. Selfishly (because while I like MacGyver, Magnum is my baby) I’m thinking this ups the odds of Magnum getting season 4 (and it does look kind of hopeful from what I was seeing on insta/twitter from someone higher ups, right?) I still signed the petition for season 6 for MacGyver because they deserve at least a last half season to wrap it up nicely!

#magnum pi #miggy #magnum pi 3.13 #cry murder #pure gold #favorite episode #Thomas Magnum #Juliet higgins X Thomas Magnum #baby #juliet higgins #the baby episode

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