#regulus black being a baddie

[daemyra-writes]

what about a bartylus au where kreacher disobeys regulus in the cave and last minute saves him.

panicked, kreacher takes him to the only place where he knows regulus would feel safe and it’s barty crouch jr’s place, but then voldemort finds out about regulus defecting and puts the word out to his followers to find regulus.

evan risks his own neck by tipping barty crouch jr off (because he knows if regulus went into hiding, barty would go with him). evan knows he wouldn’t be able to flee with them because 2 defected DE’s is bad enough, let alone 3. so he stays, knowing he can slip information to them from the inside. oo, spy evan??

so, together bartylus flee to france with what little amount of savings they have and find a small cottage in a remote area. barty who hides them with the fidelius charm (i imagine pandora would have offered to be the secret keeper) while regulus recovers and they plot to hunt down the rest of the horcruxes.

bartylus who make a home in france, even after the war is won. barty crouch jr who learns to speak french. regulus who then gets a muggle job at the local bakery and brings home fresh pastries and bread every day. maybe they also eventually get married ??

anyway. bartylus 💗🫶🏻

[cookihearts]

[biquinntile]

Regulus Black's Patronus

if you hc, something different I totally respect it. I know I've seen a lot of folks pick a lion, with him being named after the brightest star in Leo, but I'd like to give my arguments for why I think that isn't the case. I will be using wizard in a gender neutral sense since the Old Hag didn't want us to have a gender neutral term for magic-user smdh

Firstly, it's very hard to not associate the lion with Gryffindor, and I think that an important part of Regulus as a character is the fact that he is a Slytherin. Our leading Slytherins have this running theme of redemption and forgiveness. Regulus's story was really brought up during Draco's time as a Death Eater apprentice or whatever, when Draco was battling with his morals and his duty and his fear. It was supposed to be this parallel because Regulus was the same age when he was recruited into the Genocide Gang. Like, I cannot stress enough how important it is to his character that he was a Slytherin, he was a Death Eater, he was from an elite pureblooded family who were no strangers to dark arts let me tell you that. He had no reason to question his beliefs, to rock the boat, to step to the Baddest Baddie of the time, especially when I'm sure Regulus knew better than anyone what he was capable. Let's remember that not every Death Eater had a dark mark...but Regulus did. And he did it anyway, knowing he could and would day. He did it like a Slytherin too, using trickery and telling no one. Working in darkness. Kreacher was the only being for over a decade that even knew how he'd really died. Tell me that's not a Slytherin at work smdh. And thank Merlin for his Slytherin work ethic. All this to say I loathe any implication that Regulus should have been in Gryffindor or he would have been in another world. He was a Slytherin AND a good person. That's who Regulus was.

Secondly, I think a very important detail about Regulus is the contrast between him and Sirius. The House of Black is a well-known, established family of pureblooded wizards, predominantly Slytherin to boot. They're the elite, the wealthy, and their family's reputation holds a weight in wizard society. People know who the Blacks are, and Walburga and Orion aren't exactly great parents, if how they deal with Sirius shows us anything. I might be drawing too much from my own experience with a judgmental and strict household of dickhead parents, but while some's reaction to a toxic and strict household was to rebel and fight back and go toe to toe with their parents, like Sirius, I felt I related more to Regulus. Being as perfect as you can, never disagree, figure out how to do what they want before they even ask so they can never get upset and mistreat you. Regulus is obeying where Sirius would break the rules, despite them both being able to acknowledge that the rules are broken and/or wrong. They were too different to be able to understand each other, both attributing the other's reaction to a gluttony for misery. Regulus, to me, represents a person that had their entire life laid out in front of them by his family, and yet his final moment is about choice, his ability to decide for himself what he believes is right and wrong. For me, I feel like him being in Slytherin is important because he would have believed that the Sorting Hat decided for him because he was from the Black family, but we all know that the Sorting Hat gives suggestions more than anything. He chose to be a Slytherin the same way that Sirius chose Gryffindor, but they couldn't understand each other's choices. Are you seeing what I'm seeing? Brothers turned strangers by the hands of Fate, molded by their experiences without any understanding of what the other person was making. It's devastating.

Thirdly, I'm sure you're thinking, "Okay, tough guy. So his patronus isn't a lion! So what is it then?" Honestly, I'll sign on to anyone who has evidence for why. Patronuses actually tell you a decent amount of information about what kind of wizard you're dealing with. I think his would be a fox because the fox embodies a lot of the more positive qualities of a Slytherin: cunning, quick wit, mysterious. There's a playful mischief there, which is what I imagine Regulus has when he starts getting comfortable, smoking weed in Barty Crouch Jr.'s basement, you know what I mean? I also have this really strong headcanon that Regulus and Sirius were very close before Sirius went to Hogwarts, but with Sirius gone and absorbed in his new Gryffindor friends, Regulus spends those two years hanging out with Kreacher and getting deeper in the pureblood propaganda his parents spit out, driving a huge wedge between them...but before all that, I like to imagine that Sirius used to try to comfort and protect Regulus from the shittier parts of their family, and I imagine that he'd open up the big windows and tell Regulus stories using the constellations, something they both grew up connected to by their family's tradition. I think that Sirius would not have paid attention to all the stories though, and I could see him grabbing from whatever stories he could remember. I like to imagine him telling the story of the Fox and the Hound, unlikely friends, that go up against Narcissus, the flower that was obsessed with its own reflection or The Banshee, the angry mother that would scream until your ears bled. Silly stories told slightly different by Sirius's embellishments and stitching in things he'd forgotten. I don't know it's a soft headcanon but apparently strong enough that I am here making this post, advocating for his patronus to be a fox. So. there's that.

All this to say, don't listen to me if you don't want to! Believe whatever you like, none of this is real. I just kinda wanted to organize my thoughts about it because I've been thinking about him for a long time, and I feel very strongly about this...clearly...lmao

[marauders-but-chaotix]

how i imagine a Regulus Black girl

enjoys astronomy and always looking out for the moon and stars

loves greek mythology for the drama happening

really good in historic subjects

enjoys a bit of company when reading but wears noise-cancelling earphones when doing so

has hundreds of unfinished notebooks

music in maximum volume all the time

is the youngest sibling but is also the high expectation kid of the family

likes to be on her own but is really scared of feeling really alone one day

sleep procrastination of course

acts like a baddie but deep down really craves attention

creates playlists every week

pinterest>>>>

loves a deep scrub bath every now and then

their music tastes is so specific yet so broad and they know it's superior but being on aux is horrible

want validation but want to feel free of it at the same time

night owl but actually also likes the day sometimes on specific parameters

(not my pictures (told you I'm a pinterest wh0re ;)))

[mangomonk]

*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚ requests are open! ˚*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚

at the moment, i only write for

regulus black

sirius black

remus lupin

james potter (maybe?)

i don't currently write smut, but am happy to write angst, fluff, slice of life, etc..

i'm more inclined to write non-generic female!reader/ocs namely because a lot of my writing currently draws from my fics, which centers around southeast asian baddies (as one myself mwah).

i'm just testing the waters right now and playing things by ear, so i'd love to take any requests, but ask for patience and that you're as descriptive as possible with your requests. the more interesting/detailed your request, the more likely i'll write it (that being said, i work full time and already know i won't be able to fulfill every request). i love hearing new ideas esp because i'm in a writer's rut at the moment, so would love to hear about what you're thinking about! let's chat!!

please do not repost or translate!

[youcantbesirius]

WHEN WE WERE YOUNG | S. B.

Pairing: Sirius Black x reader, platonic Regulus Black x reader

Warnings: swearing, plot changes, character death

Y/h - your house

Sirius watched the y/h halfblood witch sit on the table in the courtyard taking a crispy stick from her Hufflepuff friend putting it in between her lips imitating smoking. And as she let the puff of imaginary smoke go a smile broke on her lips as her shoulders shook likely. Her laugh was one of the most contagious things ever. The way you wheezed in bits of your laughter made even the coldest person crack up.

As your eyes met his, his world seemed to stop. He was loosening his tie seemingly short for breath. You, on the other hand, hopped off graciously and hopped over to the young Gryffindor wrapping your arms around him.

"Sirius! Long time no see" you chuckled as you swayed him from side to side.

"Hi..." he chuckled resting his chin on top of your head.

It was quite funny how the noble heir of the Black family was with the halfblood witch. Yet, it made perfect sense. Your mother was a nanny for the Black brothers. And you were simply there, helping her make some money after she was cast out of the pureblood community for being with a muggle.

Walburga and Orion were hard people. But they paid no attention as long as you were doing what you were told. (Depending on your house) They were, however, very pleased that Slytherin got such a talent. And then your mom found better job at the ministry and your time with the Blacks was over. Regulus and Sirius were your best friends and not being able to see them much was painful.

"I haven't seen you much since the sorting ceremony..." you stated in concern. You knew better than anyone what it must be like for him.

"Yes...I, you know how my parents are" Sirius's hands found yours. Both of you, touch starved kids found solace in your hand holding.

"To the dogs with them as my mum would say" you scoffed looking deep into his eyes "you know I am always there for you, both my mum and I are" and he nodded at your statement smiling softly.

As a friendly, defying in spite attitude, you showed that your attitude was very different than the most. You didn't have to be talented at divination to forsee what type of person would you become.

And the years went by, you were still very much the same, if not even harder. Many things happened, you matured quickly and with it stress came. Sirius and you drifted apart a bit. You were a bad girl of your own and he was a bad boy of his own. The only person who truly knew you inside out other than him was Regulus Black, your guardian angel.

"Lay off the alcohol, y/n/n" Regulus took the bottle from your hands handing it to your Hufflepuff best friend to take.

"I need to let loose, Reg, I need to..." you were leaning your forehead against his chest struggling to stand.

"I know..." he looked around catching the sight of his womanizer brother. Sirius's face, even though tipsy, held so much concern.

In a few quick steps he approached them, ditching his previous conquest. His hand landed on the small of your back as he turned to his brother.

"What's wrong?" Sirius looked down at his friend who was struggling.

"Her mother was hurt, bad this time" Regulus whispered.

"Shit..." Sirius closed his eyes.

"Well, that is the wonder of being an auror, never home, never there but it brings money and might leave your kid an orphan" you spoke bitterly.

And for that reason Sirius decided the Potters were better choice. They had money and he would only burden your mom, not to mention his parents would kill you both if you were to take him in.

"Fucking hell..." Sirius moved the hair away from your face that was still resting on Regulus.

"Let's take her to her dorm" he said to Regulus.

Next morning was probably the worst. Your head seemed like it was about to explode. You shifted on your bed only to meet the eyes of your amused dorm mate.

"I could not believe it when Black brothers brought you up. Like I wasn't so surprised seeing Regulus, but Sirius too. Damn baddie" she chuckled as you silently rubbed your face.

Hogsmeade day, you thought. You cleaned yourself up, ditching your uniform and grabbed your leather jacket. Your rock style was very much refreshing to the school. Tight grey jeans, chain, baggy tucked in t shirt with some random band you loved and of course your black leather jacket. You did your makeup to hide the evidence of last night and decided it was time. So upon arriving you sat on the table in Hogsmeade park, your feet resting on the bench, a cigarette in between your lips to so desperately calm yourself.

Once cheerful, now surrounded by darkness of your aura, still touch starved in desperate need of love. You thought about your life. Of the goals you wanted to reach.

"Pads, I don't think it is a good idea" you could hear panicked Remus.

"Yeah, what if she throws hex at us" the squealing voice didn't help your migraine.

"I know her, Wormtail. She wouldn't" you heard Sirius's annoyed voice.

"Come on guys, what is the worst that could happen" James Potter said.

"Well, I am not sure if this is upgrade from when we were young or a downgrade. Your looks are definitely upgrade" Sirius smiled causing you to raise a brow.

"Are you flirting with me, dear Sirius?" You spoke even though cigarette was still between your lips, shuffling through your pockets to find that bloody lighter.

But Sirius beat you to it, lighting it for you.

"Thanks" you took a puff and looked at the group.

"We need your help" Sirius spoke taking your free hand in his. And just like when you two were young, you felt calmer, but there was something new. Adrenaline rush surged through your body.

"With what?" You took the cigarette out of your mouth looking at the rest of them, your eyes only meeting James's who quickly dropped the eye contact.

It happened with most of the boys. The only two that were able to maintain it, Black brothers.

"W-we heard you are outstanding with nonverbal magic and we need you to help us" Peter, you assumed, spoke but quickly hid behind Sirius as you looked at him.

"Peter, I don't shoot laser nor hexes out of my eyes, I won't hurt you" you stated annoyed.

"I suppose it has something to do with your problem, Rem" you looked at the boy who looked up at you in shock.

"How do you know?" He asked nearing closer to you.

"Animagus, mum thought it would be safer for me. Accidentally saw you guys on my run" you shrugged.

"Did you speak to anyone about it?" James asked.

"Do I look dumb to you? Of course not, your secret is safe with me, Rem" you looked at him and he met your look.

"Thank you so much" he smiled.

"What is your animagus?" Sirius asked "I am hurt you did not tell me"

"You weren't talking that much to me, lover boy. To answer your question it is (your patronus animal or your favorite animal)"

"Nice" James smiled.

As you were about to light another cigarette a hand quickly pulled it out of your mouth and you faced annoyed Regulus.

"No more for today" he scolded earning a laugh from his brother.

"Do we have a deal, (nickname used for your animagus form)?" He asked you as the boys began to leave.

"Mhm, meet me in the library after lunch" you winked at him and for a second you could swear you saw Sirius Black blush.

It was the last year. You and Reg drifted this time, due to his affiliation. Not that you did care about that, bit his excuse was "I am doing this to keep you safe, damn it!"

It was a painful goodbye that still tasted salty. The news of his death brought you more pain that anything ever did. But his heroic act was what brought Voldemort to be defeated and not be a threat ever again. As a part of the Order, your new friends, the Marauders and Lily and well Snape, it was funny how you two became friends. You sat both him and Lily down, locked them in a room, much to James's dismay until they sorted it out. You were in 12 Grimmauld place preparing to leave.

"Stay..." Sirius took your hands "Please..." he looked down at you, at your softly lips.

"Okay..." you whispered looking up at him licking your lips a bit.

"Can I-?" He gulped earning your quick nod.

"Yeah?" And it was the best kiss you ever had in your life, with your childhood friend, crush and the only man besides Reg, that you felt peace.

"Took you two long enough" is all you could hear Kreacher mutter.

Kreacher and you were close. Not only because of Regulus, but you would not let him overdo himself and would send him to rest.

You chuckled at the remark looking up at Sirius.

"Glad to have your blessing, Kreacher" he smiled at the muttering house elf who went to his chamber.

"Now that we are alone..." Sirius smiled leaning back in to give you a long kiss.

"You are insatiable, Sirius" you giggled.

"Don't pretend you don't like it " he cornered you against the table lifting you up on it.

Your love was very affectionate, full of touching, almost like you were attached to a hip. That is why ever since you were younger you were comfort for each other, you were safe haven, you were made for each other.

And after years, there you stood with him watching your children run around with your godson Harry, laughing at James who ran after them trying to get them inside to eat. You looked at Lily who was shaking her head.

"Remus and Severus will be here soon" she notified.

"Good. Haven't seen my touch starved, sarcastic friend in a while" you gave Lily a look making her chuckle.

"Hugs for Severus and chocolate for Remus it is then"

You got old together, had many memories you decided to store. The funniest being you becoming grandparents. Sirius broke into a fit of sobs seeing his first grandchild.

"See dad, now you represent your initals S.O.B." your son Regulus teased.

"Shut up" Sirius hiccup looking at the little princess of the Black family.

"Maybe her dad won't be as protective as her grandfather will be" your daughter Arabella laughed.

"Oh no boys until 20!" Sirius hugged you as you laughed at him.

"Tsk, you are in position to talk you womanizer" you teased.

"See! I AM! Because I know boys are scumbags, I speak from experience!" He said.

"What if she likes girls Sirius?" You teased.

"Same goes, you were a bad girl!" He attacked your cheeks with kisses earning an ew from your children

"WHEN WE WERE YOUNG!" you protested.

[fedonciadale]

1. I don't know if this is a stupid question, but what's a meta ? 2. I saw your recent comment on @niffizle 's fic that you hated Cursed Child. Why ? I'm a mudblood when it comes to the HP series as I've only watched the films. I have no opinion on CC, so I'd like to know yours. 3. Dramione is a grave I fell into 2 years ago, from which I'm still unable to dig myself out. So I vowed to not get sucked into any other ship, so I started on Perks just for Dhr, but you've done it, I've fallen for PN

Hi there!

1. It’s not a stupid question. When I first joined tumblr I had no idea what it means. Meta is a bit of a vague notion. It derives from ‘meta analysis’ and that would actually only mean a certain kind of analysis that is about overarching themes or something. Say something like “The ‘not like other girls’ trope in modern Children’s literature” could have a chapter on ‘Harry Potter’. Fandom uses it far more loosely. In fandom context meta is any thoughts, ramblings, analysis, research on characters, tropes etc. that does research on the text and shows we enjoy. For example I wrote something about ‘Did Draco deserve a redemption’ and I used evidence from the text, tropes etc. to argue that at the very least there were some tropes that JKR used that could have worked within a redemption arc (like the parallel to Regulus Black). That would be a meta. I could also write a meta on how Harry in his PoV really does not realize when people are in love (and deduce that Seamus and Dean were a couple since 6th year and that Harry just never realized). Usually metas are done to explore characters or even more important to try to guess where the plot will go. Naturally unfinished books or series induce more metas. I’ve been part of the GoT/ASOIAF fandom for quite a while and they write huge amount of metas (at least the corner I’m in). HP fandom is not so interested in metas. The reason is probably because the books are finished. Imagine something like everyone doing their own posts instead of submitting their takes to @dramionediscussion or the Harry Potter confession blog and making huge posts. Still there are some metas on subjects that are still hotly debated (Severus Snape for example. the fandom will never be of one mind about him).

2. Actually, I gobbled up CC when it first came out. It was after all hyped up.  And there are some things I like. I like that Draco Malfoy is not the baddie (although he is far from redeemed) and I certainly like that he says that he enjoys being bossed around by Hermione (the only really good quote). And Scorpius is just the nicest kid ever. There are several things I do not like about it though. a) Harry is such a shitty father in CC. The man who told his son in the epilogue that it’s totally o.k. if he gets sorted into Slytherin is suddenly not o.k. with that? Mildly rejects his son because of his friendship with Scorpius? Draco is a far better father in CC. b) Astoria (who is nothing more than a blank slate really) is killed off off screen before the play to give Draco man pain. And in a magical world she somehow contracted an incurable blood curse? c) they jump between several timelines and in each timeline Hermione is with Ron or alone and in the one she is alone she is still in love with Ron and very very bitter, while Ron is with Padma or Lavender (I honestly don’t remember). And then Ron is a shitty husband to Hermione in the original timeline and in the end they just reconcile without Ron having to do any work? I mean I never vibed with Romione, but I saw it coming, but to reduce Hermione to a lovesick puppy was just too much for me. d) Draco doesn’t even get a real redemption. Supposedly he sheds his blood purist beliefs (and seeing Scorpius this is even somewhat believable) but he was still married to a pureblooded wife, he still does research on dark artefacts and as far as we know he did nothing to atone for his role in the war save moping about how unfair it is that everyone judges him (that is a bit exaggerated of course). Actually Harry and him sort of get along during the play, because they have to save their sons. O.k. and now e) what is to me the original sin of The Cursed Child: Voldemort has a child with Bellatrix. Not only does the timeline not work really, but it violates about every trope that is important in fantasy. Villains who want immortality do not get children. It’s either children or immortality. It is an unspoken rule that someone who cheats his way to immortality and commits sins to get there cannot have children. Period. Also I’ll never be rid of the idea that Voldemort and Bellatrix had sex. Yikes. Double Yikes.

So to sum it up. To me Cursed Child is fanfiction and it is only about five on a scale of one to ten. I’ve read better fanfic.

3. Glad you like Perks and glad I’ve converted you to Paneville. I always feel good when I convert people to a ship! It’s a really good ship, in my humble opinion, and I don’t understand why it’s a rarepair. Slytherdor for the win! YEAH!  And don’t try to dig yourself out from the Dramione hole. It’s a nice place. lol! I still have so many ideas for fics!

(btw, next chapter of Perks is up!)

Thanks for the ask!

[ao3feed-jily]

Right Where You Left Me

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/3nGH8I5

by prongsandpads

Ok hi this is my first ever fic I'm posting. I do have something really big in the works yet but I'm hesitant to start posting it in case i need to change some details, so for now, here's a lighthearted marauders fic (at least I think it'll be lighthearted. Not sure how far I'll go with it yet) from baddie Mary Macdonalds POV. I will letcha know if I decide to go ahead and make it canon compliant.

May end up being a Mary/Regulus fic which I know is very uncommon and sounds weird but if Jegulus can work so can this lmao. I love them both on their own so I will love them together too.

Background Jily, Wolfstar and Dorlene

7th year marauders.

***I DO NOT SUPPORT JK ROWLING OR HER BELIEFS***

Words: 2092, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English

Fandoms: Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Categories: F/M

Characters: Marlene McKinnon, Mary Macdonald, Lily Evans Potter, Peter Pettigrew, Sirius Black, James Potter, Remus Lupin, Albus Dumbledore, Euphemia Potter, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, Dorcas Meadowes, Regulus Black

Relationships: James Potter/Lily Evans Potter, Sirius Black/Remus Lupin, Marlene McKinnon/Dorcas Meadowes, Regulus Black/Mary Macdonald

Additional Tags: POV Mary Macdonald, Marauders Era (Harry Potter), Sirius Black & James Potter Friendship, Minor Sirius Black/Remus Lupin

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/3nGH8I5

[stina-is-a-punk-rocker]

disney’s ‘the hunchback of notre dame’, early 2000s kid nostalgia, and other midnight musings

“What the fuck, Stina? I thought this was a blog for book reviews!” you say.

“Books, amongst other things. Hence the -ish suffix,” I say. “And all my mediocre ‘reviews’ are hit-or-miss in terms of engagement, so I’m pretty much free to post whatever the fuck I want.”

I toss my head. My hair whacks me in the face.

The first time I watched Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame was been circa 2006, in the ‘movie room’ of my preschool, huddled around a CRT TV with the rest of my five-year-old classmates. Not much about the film particularly stood out to me at the age.

Fast-forward fifteen years later; I’m cooped up in quarantine, hundreds of thousands of miles away from that first viewing. I’m living my best life, rejoicing in my introverted tendencies and having a laugh at the expense of all the suffering extroverts. I haven’t moved from my bed all day, except for the bare necessities, and I’m bingeing YouTube videos. All is well.

I discovered Lindsay Ellis’s channel quite recently- embarrassingly enough, through her videos on Omegaverse and the whole Addison Cain fiasco. I stumbled down the rabbit-hole of her channel, and here I am, a few dozen videos later, and I find her one on this film.

Which, of course, led me to want to re-watch the film, with the eyes and mind (supposedly) of an adult. And it went far beyond and above my expectations.

The film is dark, much darker than the average Disney film of today- not just thematically, but the graphics too. Except for the first parts with the Festival of Fools and the last scene, the rest seems to have a dark filter put over it all. Obviously, given its themes (I’m pulling these out of my arse; I’m a STEM major and I have zero to no knowledge about film) of freedom and equality, acceptance of those different from us, corruption and lust- all that good shit, in other words- you can’t exactly have sunshine and rainbows. But it’s such a stark contrast from what I’ve been accustomed to from Disney; Frozen has Hans about to decapitate Elsa, but the background remains bright and light; Simba sobbing next to Mufasa’s body in The Lion King is heart-wrenching, but a few scenes later, we have an anthropomorphic meerkat-boar duo singing about eating bugs and farting and all that classy stuff, so it’s not as traumatizing.

The themes are a lot more on-the-nose than a lot of other kids’ movies (forgive me if I err, I am aged and forgetful)- cue la Esmeralda saying, “What do they have against people who are different, anyway?”- you get what’s essentially the same ‘accept others regardless of their differences’, ‘prejudice is bad’ morals from, say, Zootopia, but having given the main characters fursuits makes it less obvious than in this movie.

(Or maybe I’m just a dumbass. I have no elaborate notes for this; I’m high on sugar and deprived of sleep so I might be spewing bullshit.)

Admittedly, the resolution is a bit… unrealistic. The citizens of Paris = sheep, essentially; they go from throwing fruit in Quasimodo’s face because the guards started it, to helping defeat them. Maybe there’s something about mob mentality in there, but I find it hard to believe that people who showed up to watch Esmeralda burn to death were suddenly totally cool with not getting what they didn’t pay for. But then again, this is a Disney movie, and you can’t make kids too cynical too early on. Let them have their innocence and ‘people will be with the heroes in times of peril because humanity is inherently good!’ before they realize that humanity kinda fuckin’ sucks.

The characters are some of the most human from those I’ve seen in Disney (other honorable mentions: the main characters of The Emperor’s New Groove, Moana, Tangled, Anna from Frozen). Quasimodo’s the main character (lol DUH, will I ever say anything not obvious?), and he’s so lovable, but not without flaws- he’s biased against gypsies in the beginning because Frollo’s the literal scum of the earth. To borrow from the K-pop fans’ dictionary: UwU he’s so pure!

Esmeralda sparks a bit of controversy because she’s another POC leading lady from a Disney film of the 90’s (a list including Jasmine, and, sigh- Pocahontas) who’s markedly more sexualized than the white Disney princesses. It’s not something I particularly noticed nor cared about until I saw it being brought up- I mean, the woman shows a bit of cleavage and then dances for a couple of seconds- but. I’m just putting that out there.

She’s an empowering heroine without having to belt in in your face (not me making a dig at Naomi Scott’s Jasmine from the Aladdin live action film), and I also love how her role in taking down the Big Bad doesn’t have to do with her ‘power of seduction’ (the scene in the animated Aladdin film where Jasmine kissed Jafar truly traumatized me as a kid).

Phoebus is… well, he exists. Kind of a Regulus Black archetype, but not exactly. The guy on the bad side who turns good and all is forgiven. Well, at least it’s not the ‘her love made him a better man’ trope. And he is a good guy. Even if he did spend a considerable amount of his adult years on the side of the bad guys.

Systemic oppression? Nah, it’s one or two corrupt baddies. But again, it’s a Disney film, we need everything to work out for the good guys in the end.

Let’s get the gargoyles out of the way. To reference Lindsay Ellis’s video (she’s a lot smarter than I am and breaks this down better than I ever could): yes, the comedy’s oft ill-timed and inappropriate… for an adult audience. And the primary demographic of Disney films, especially princess ones (obviously Esmeralda isn’t a princess, nor does she marry into royalty, nor is she included in the group of princesses in the dumpster fire that is Ralph Breaks the Internet, but I had a book imaginatively titled ‘Disney Princess Stories’ as a kid that included Esmeralda’s story alongside Belle’s and Ariel’s, so I’m calling her a princess), are kids. And kids love fart jokes.

Additionally, I have a theory-that-is-not-really-a-theory-but-a-pretty-obvious-thing-that-happens that the gargoyles are figments of Quasimodo’s imagination, and the, at times crass and ridiculous things they say are just the voices in Quasimodo’s head (THIS IS OBVIOUS, STINA, YOU HAVEN’T STUMBLED ACROSS A STARTLING NEW REVELATION); maybe what he imagines normal townspeople to act like.

And then we have Judge Judy Chrissy Teigen Frollo. This dude is the embodiment of pure evil. He’s bigoted and rapey and abusive and one of Disney’s most successful villains- even better than Mother Gothel, who previously held the crown. It’s rare that a villain genuinely terrifies me, especially a cartoon one. Frollo, unlike your typical fairytale antagonist who wants power/fame/fortune/to overthrow Olympus, is far more sinister; driven from deep-rooted hatred instead of plain greed. He’s so much closer to people in positions of power and authority even in the modern world, and that element of reality makes him so much better as an antagonist instead of a literal sheep who hates carnivores (seriously, Disney, enough with the twist villains- they’re not working out).

Also, Hellfire slaps. In fact, the entire soundtrack does.

Speaking about Hellfire, I love the contrast between that and Heaven’s Light; how Esmeralda is viewed by Frollo (an object to possess, “Destroy Esmeralda, and let her taste the fires of hell; or else, let her be mine and mine alone”) as opposed to Quasimodo (someone with free will, “I dare to dream that she might even care for me”).

Another argument brought up, and admittedly one I had as a child was, ‘but if the whole point of the movie is acceptance and love as opposed to lust, why didn’t Quasimodo get the girl?’ Which, years later, I realize is an extremely misogynistic way to look at it. As Princess Jasmine said four years before The Hunchback was released, she is not a prize to be won. Quasimodo is Frollo’s antithesis; he lets Esmeralda choose, and she chose Phoebus. And Quasimodo accepted that, because he is good and kind and sweet and loving. Severus Snape, take note.

On a sidenote, I’m always kind of caught out of left field when the plot in films moves really fast- I’m really not a movie-watching type; I prefer to read, and books usually indicate how much time passes from one main plot point to another, and there are little slice-of-life, filler parts that tie in to character development and moving the plot forward, but at a snail’s pace. So, whenever I’m watching a movie and it’s one important event after another, I usually haven’t had enough of a refractory period to process it.

Let’s pretend that I segued smoothly into the next part of this (already tedious and long drawn out) review.

The Hunchback is the darkest film I’ve ever seen come out from Disney. Re-watching it as an adult made me pause every so often and wonder why the hell I wasn’t traumatized by it as a kid. I mean, the whole movie kicks off with Frollo about to throw an infant down a well. And then there’s that horrifying shot of the stone renditions of the Israelite kings on the church walls. Frollo falls to his death into fire. I mean, good riddance, but still. I guess it’s because the kids’ shows of today are awfully censored and polished so kids don’t have nightmares forevermore.

Update: tried to watch The Hunchback of Notre Dame 2. Exited just as fast as I clicked on it. Disney sequels really ain’t shit (yes, I’m looking at you, Frozen 2).

[manage-mischief]

Regulus Black and the Darkest Shadows: Chapter 11

Read on AO3 or FF.net 

Summary: Kreacher returns…

Author’s Note: Thanks to everyone who has reviewed! You all are the best! I’m pretty sure you all know what’s coming in this chapter, but I hope you enjoy regardless! For excerpts/asks/requests, follow @manage-mischief on tumblr. Thanks to @leahstypewriter for being a fabulous beta reader!

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

Chapter 11: Everything Changes

January 11th, 1979

The next evening, Regulus lounged lazily in the living room, waiting for his parents to get home from work. His arm was thrown carelessly over his forehead as he listened to the quiet popping of the fire. A loud CRACK suddenly ripped through the air. Regulus fell off of the sofa in surprise.

Swearing, he pushed himself to his feet and searched for the source of the noise. In the corner of the room, Regulus saw a small, shivering thing covered in a tea towel. Kreacher. Confused, Regulus approached the elf slowly and kneeled before him. “Kreacher?” Regulus said gently. Kreacher flinched when Regulus placed a hand on his bony shoulder. “What’s wrong?”

The elf turned his head towards Regulus, and peaked an eye out from behind his hands, which were covering his face. “D-d-dead. Army of the dead. Didn’t know Kreacher could escape. Didn’t know Master Regulus had asked Kreacher to come back.” The elf stuttered. Regulus felt cold and empty. He had been so happy to have survived his encounter with Voldemort that he hadn’t even stopped to think about Kreacher’s safety. What an idiot! How could Regulus think for a second that his loyal elf would be safe with that monster? No one was safe! Not with Him.

Carefully, Regulus gathered Kreacher in his arms and brought him to his bedroom. He laid the quivering elf on his bed, and covered him in blankets. Regulus poured Kreacher a glass of water from the jug on the windowsill. Kreacher gulped it down greedily. Regulus poured him some more. “R-Regulus is too kind to Kreacher.”

“Nonsense,” Regulus said, “I am so, so sorry I let you go with him, Kreacher. I-I didn’t know He would hurt you.” Regulus’s excuse sounded feeble, but Kreacher seemed to appreciate the words.

“No. Kreacher wanted to help. Kreacher wanted to make sure the Dark Lord was pleased with Regulus. Regulus was worried. Regulus is in danger. Kreacher heard Narcissa say. Kreacher doesn’t want Regulus to get hurt.”

Regulus was surprised at the elf’s astute assessment of his current predicament. He hadn’t even noticed that Kreacher had been in the room during him and Cissa’s conversation. That made him feel worse. “Kreacher…can you…can you tell me what happened?”

Kreacher’s golf-ball eyes filled with tears. “Kreacher went with the Dark Lord. The Dark Lord took Kreacher to a cave.”

“A cave?”

“Yes. A cave. An underwater cave. Kreacher and the Dark Lord had to swim to find it.”

“And what was in the cave, Kreacher?” Regulus’s mind was racing. Why had Voldemort need his elf to take a trip to a cave in the middle of the ocean?

“Kreacher and the Dark Lord entered a cavern. Kreacher had to cut his hand to open it.” The elf held up his right hand, which, sure enough, had a long gash running across the palm.

“Here, let me fix that.” Regulus carefully took the elf’s tiny hand in his own and began waving his wand and muttering healing incantations. The cut stitched itself back together before their eyes.

“Kreacher thanks you, Regulus. You are the kindest of all of his masters,” said the elf.

“What happened next, Kreacher?”

“The cavern wall fell away, and Kreacher and the Dark Lord entered a larger cavern, with a lake.”

“A lake? In a cavern? In an underwater cave that you have to cut yourself to enter?” Regulus questioned. None of the elf’s tale was making any sense.

Kreacher nodded. “Yes. And then the Dark Lord conjured a boat, and rowed him and Kreacher across the lake, to a tiny island. There was a basin on the island, filled with black liquid. The Dark Lord order Kreacher to drink.” The elf began shaking again. Regulus was furious—at Voldemort for hurting his elf, and at himself, for once again being a coward and doing nothing to stop the pain and misery that Voldemort had caused. Regulus placed a comforting hand on Kreacher’s shoulder. “What was in the basin, Kreacher?”

Kreacher took a shaky breath. “Kreacher does not know. But, it made Kreacher see and feel terrible things. Terrible. Kreacher was afraid. But the Dark Lord ordered him to drink until the basin was empty, so Kreacher continued.  And then, when Kreacher was finished, the Dark Lord laughed and placed a locket at the bottom of the basin, and then filled it back up and rowed away.”

“He left you there?”

“He rowed away and Kreacher was so thirsty and there was no water. Kreacher tried to drink from the lake, but…but they pulled him in.” He locked eyes with Regulus. “They-they pulled Kreacher into the lake.” Kreacher broke down in sobs once more.

Regulus’s vision went red with fury. He attempted to steady his voice as he pressed Kreacher for more information. “How did you escape?”

Kreacher regarded the young wizard. “Regulus told Kreacher to come back,” he said, matter-of-factly. “So Kreacher came back.”

“You were able to Apparate out of the cave?”

“No wizard would be able to. But for an elf, it was easy. You told Kreacher to come back when the Dark Lord was finished with him, so Kreacher did as he was told.”

Regulus stared incredulously. None of this made any sense. “Did the Dark Lord say anything to you, Kreacher? Anything at all? Did he tell you why you were there?”

“He told Kreacher that he was testing his defenses,” said Kreacher, “and when he left Kreacher on the island, he apologized.”

“He apologized?”

“He said, ‘I am sorry, dear elf, but I must sacrifice your life this day, so that I may live forever,’” Kreacher said in a perfect imitation of Voldemort’s voice. The hairs on the back of Regulus’s neck stood on end.

“So that I may live forever…”

But what had Voldemort meant? No magic could make someone live forever, no matter how powerful. And if such a power did exist, Regulus certainly had never heard of it. However, if it were possible, if Voldemort had somehow discovered such a power…Regulus’s stomach turned at the thought. If Voldemort could live forever, then they were all doomed. If he couldn’t die, he couldn’t be beaten. He thought of Sirius and his Order of the Phoenix. He thought of Des and the Muggles who had raised her. Of Broderick, the intelligent, understanding Muggleborn. And selfishly, he considered his own life. If Voldemort couldn’t die, none of them would ever be free.

---

The first day of classes after the winter holidays had hardly been remarkable. Regulus felt like a zombie, dragging through the hours, longing for sleep. But he couldn’t sleep. He wouldn’t. Not until he knew what exactly Voldemort was up to, and how exactly to stop him. Since he had heard Kreacher’s tale, Regulus had spent every waking moment researching dark magic, hoping to uncover the secret. So far, he had found nothing. Besides the Philosopher’s Stone, which was apparently safely hidden somewhere with its creator Nicholas Flamel, there seemed to be no way to ensure immortality.

But what did the locket have to do with it? Regulus had asked himself this same question hundreds of times in the past weeks. When he closed his eyes at night, the scene of the lake that Kreacher had described haunted his dreams. Ultimately, these nightmares would force him awake in the early hours of morning, during which he would start his day’s research anew.

After he had finished his last class of the day, Regulus headed towards the library, determined to continue working. Pulling out several books from the restricted section, he set up camp at a table and began to read.

After an indeterminate amount of time, Regulus became vaguely aware of someone sliding into the seat next to him. When he looked up, he found Des staring at him, concerned. “You missed dinner,” she said.

“I did? Wow. Times flies.” Regulus turned his attention back to his book. In a flash, Des flicked her wand and the book slammed shut. “What was that for?” he exclaimed, frantically searching for his lost place. “I was reading that!”

“What’s going on, Regulus?” Des crossed her arms over her chest. “You look like you haven’t slept in a year! And now you’re avoiding us! Is this because of what happened before the holidays? Are you…have you gone back to him?” Regulus could sense hurt behind the tough façade she was presenting.

“No! No! Nothing like that at all! I haven’t gone back. It’s sort of the opposite, actually…And I missed you, Des.  All of you,” he added. She looked relieved.

“Ok, so, you’re not back with the baddies. That’s good. But something’s bothering you?”

“It’s just…I…I can’t say right now.” He glanced furtively around the library. There were too many prying ears.

Des rolled her eyes. “You know, the fact that you’re acting like you don’t want to tell me just makes me want to know more.”

Regulus hesitated. He opened and closed his mouth, trying to work out a believable lie. Unfortunately for him, his companion was not easily fooled.

Des cocked her head to the side, analyzing him. “You’re really not going to talk, are you? Merlin, Reg, if I didn’t know you better, I’d think you murdered someone.” She narrowed her eyes. “Wait, you didn’t…”

“No!” Regulus cried, forgetting he was in the library. He earned himself a few dirty looks from some of the more devoted students. A loud SHHHHHHH echoed from beyond the bookshelves, courtesy of Madame Pince. Regulus blushed. “No,” he whispered. “I didn’t kill anyone, Merlin, Des!”

“I’m sorry, but with all that’s going on in this bloody world right now, you never know.” she spread her hands defensively. “Ok, so, you didn’t kill anyone, and you haven’t gone back to…you know…so, what is it?”

“You just don’t give up, do you?”

“Not when my friend is in trouble.” Des shook her head defiantly. “And you, mate, are clearly in some kind of trouble.”

Regulus put his head in his hands. “I just can’t say! It’s too dangerous. I want to tell you, but I can’t!”

Des bit her lip, deep in thought. Her eyebrows scrunched together quizzically. “There’s a Hogsmeade trip this weekend,” she said, after a beat.

“Ok…?” Regulus replied, suspiciously. This seemed like an odd time to change the subject.

“I know the last time we all went to Hogsmeade was…hectic…but, I know a place where we can talk without any other prying ears. If you want to talk,” she cautiously suggested.

If Regulus was being completely honest with himself, this was not the type of trip to Hogsmeade he would have preferred to be taking with Des. But, he felt he could trust her. At least, partially. There was no way he could reveal everything he knew. It would be too dangerous for her, as she would likely want to get involved. No. This was definitely a journey Regulus had to undertake alone. Still, perhaps, Des would have valuable insights. “Alright,” he agreed. She smiled softly.

“Perfect. Meet me in the Great Hall for breakfast Saturday. We’ll go from there,” Des said, making her way to exit the library. “Oh, and Reg?” she called back to him. “Try and get some sleep. You look like a vampire with a hangover.” Regulus chuckled before returning to his studies.

[cookihearts]

[aion-rsa]

Harry Potter: What an HBO Max TV Series Could Be About

https://www.denofgeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/harry-potter-movies.png?w=400&h=400&crop=1&resize=400%2C400

The only real magic left in this world is intellectual property and its nigh supernatural ability to print money. With media conglomerates prioritizing their streaming services, beloved IPs have never been more valuable in garnering interest, sign-ups, and subscriptions for streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max. WarnerMedia, the owner of the lattermost streaming service, also holds the rights to the Harry Potter IP, and of course they want to conjure up ideas to bring the world of The Boy Who Lived to television.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, a Harry Potter live-action TV series is in early development at HBO Max, with the streaming service having “early-stage exploratory meetings” with writers for potential ideas. “There are no Harry Potter series in development at the studio or on the streaming platform,” HBO Max and Warner Bros said in a statement, but once again, you’d have to be as thick as Cornelius Fudge to believe they aren’t doing their darndest to extend that Galleons-filled universe.

There are loads of avenues a potential Harry Potter TV series could go down. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them has proven that Harry Potter fans will embrace different characters and time-periods and there’s plenty of in-universe history to explore. With that in mind, here’s some ideas we’d love to see tackled by a Harry Potter television series.

Harry Potter: The Complete Story

This is probably the most controversial idea. To some, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson are the definitive Harry, Ron, and Hermione and recasting their parts is considered sacrilege. However, Radcliffe seems to know that it’s an inevitability, telling IGN: “It will be interesting to see how long those films stay… it feels like there’s a sacredness around them at the moment, but that’ll go, the shine will wear off at some point. It’ll be interesting if they reboot them and just do the films again or do a series; I’m fascinated to watch.”

A series seems to be the only thing that could really capture all of the details found in the original seven book series. With 10 hour-long episodes a season, a TV series could be the most faithful adaptation of the books, covering everything that the films left out like S.P.E.W., Peeves, and lots and lots of Quidditch. Some may think it’s too soon to rehash the entire saga, while others would love to see nitty-gritty details get their shine.

The Marauders

A TV series following the exploits of James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew during their mischievous years at Hogwarts during the First Wizarding War seems like the idea most ripe for exploration. While the third book in the series, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, featured a lot of exposition about the old gang and their relationships with each other, the films left a lot of the Marauders story to be implied. There would be plenty of time to feature younger versions of fan-favorite characters like Severus Snape and under-explored heroes like the Longbottoms, and the series could roll right into their graduation, the Order of the Phoenix, and that fateful Halloween night in 1981.

Riddle (or the First Wizarding War)

Speaking of the First Wizarding War, a fully-fleshed out origin story for the most notorious wizard of all-time could be a gripping miniseries. While most of Tom Marvolo  Riddle’s transformation into Voldemort was explored in the Harry Potter book series and subsequent films, a TV series could dive deeper, showing his time at Hogwarts and his use of the Chamber of Secrets, the murder of Hepzibah Smith, the gathering of the Death Eaters, and his recruitment of the outcasted creatures like Giants. The series could also give POV to characters important to Voldemort’s story, like Regulus Black, Severus Snape, and Lucious Malfoy. 

House of Black

An anthology series could explore one of the Wizarding World’s most notable families, the Blacks. As one of the largest, oldest, and wealthiest pure-blooded wizarding families in Great Britain, there are countless stories that could be told about all of the powerful wizards, both good and bad, from the Black family. The potential to play in different time periods and countries is definitely a draw, and writers would have the ability to create their own stories. Each episode could feature a different story about a different Black family member, but why stop with just the Black family? Maybe there could be a series about the Sacred Twenty-Eight, the twenty-eight British families that were still “truly pure-blood” by the 1930s, and all of the ways that the families overlapped, fought, and loved.

Aurors

There’s a reason that Harry becomes an Auror when he’s older, and that’s because the idea of an Auror is extremely badass. In the Wizarding World, Aurors are highly trained law enforcement officials responsible for policing the magical and keeping the peace in the Wizarding World. In Britain, Aurors are trained to investigate crimes related to the Dark Art and are often called “Dark Wizard catchers.” A crime procedural set in the Harry Potter universe? Sign us up! 

Read more

Movies

Harry Potter Movie Streaming Guide: Where to Watch Online

By Kayti Burt

Movies

All Harry Potter Movies to Stream on Peacock This Fall

By Alec Bojalad

We know there have to be baddies other than Voldemort and Death Eaters up to no good, so a series could explore all of the nefarious things that people are using magic for and the folks tasked with stopping them. Training is supposedly rigorous, so maybe our story begins with a new recruit. Hell, maybe this series is just a magical version of Training Day. Wait, isn’t that what that horrible Netflix movie Bright was supposed to be about? Damn, well there’s still plenty of potential here for an action-packed TV series.

Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Let’s do an American coming-of-age high school series set in the Harry Potter universe! After spending so much time at Hogwarts, I’m sure fans would love to see what wizarding school is really like across the pond. Known for being the least elitist of all of the Wizarding Schools, an Ilvermorny-set series could expand on some of the class issues that the new Saved by the Bell reboot on Peacock is tackling. 

Ilvermorny also has a rich history and a series could highlight the story of founder Isolt Sayre, her “No-Maj” husband James Steward and their struggle against Isolt’s evil aunt Gormlaith Gaunt. With so much known about the Wizarding World in the U.K., perhaps a new Harry Potter property could flesh out the Wizarding World in North America.

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With so much lore and so many expanded-universe stories still left to tell on screen, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is ripe for further expansion. Have an idea for a Wizarding series? Let us know in the comments!

The post Harry Potter: What an HBO Max TV Series Could Be About appeared first on Den of Geek.

from Den of Geek https://ift.tt/3a1tF66

[ao3feed-snape]

Right Where You Left Me

read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/3nGH8I5

by prongsandpads

Ok hi this is my first ever fic I'm posting. I do have something really big in the works yet but I'm hesitant to start posting it in case i need to change some details, so for now, here's a lighthearted marauders fic (at least I think it'll be lighthearted. Not sure how far I'll go with it yet) from baddie Mary Macdonalds POV. I will letcha know if I decide to go ahead and make it canon compliant.

May end up being a Mary/Regulus fic which I know is very uncommon and sounds weird but if Jegulus can work so can this lmao. I love them both on their own so I will love them together too.

Background Jily, Wolfstar and Dorlene

7th year marauders.

***I DO NOT SUPPORT JK ROWLING OR HER BELIEFS***

Words: 2092, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English

Fandoms: Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling

Rating: General Audiences

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Categories: F/M

Characters: Marlene McKinnon, Mary Macdonald, Lily Evans Potter, Peter Pettigrew, Sirius Black, James Potter, Remus Lupin, Albus Dumbledore, Euphemia Potter, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, Dorcas Meadowes, Regulus Black

Relationships: James Potter/Lily Evans Potter, Sirius Black/Remus Lupin, Marlene McKinnon/Dorcas Meadowes, Regulus Black/Mary Macdonald

Additional Tags: POV Mary Macdonald, Marauders Era (Harry Potter), Sirius Black & James Potter Friendship, Minor Sirius Black/Remus Lupin

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/3nGH8I5

[furederiko]

As one self-centered figure leaves the show, an oddball another enters to take his place. Kyuranger's 21st episode closes the curtain for a scorpion, and opens one for a legendary bird...

- With the way things ended last week, this episode throws us directly into the fight against Scorpio. Thanks to that, Scorpius Orange and Ursa Minor Skyblue get the chance to showcase their super moves "Antares Impact" and "Polaris Impact" using Kyu the Weapon's Spear mode (yes, both of them!). Leo Red tags along with his "Regulus Impact", but he certainly feels like the third wheel here. LOL. - But as I said, Scorpio is a Menaster, so he's still way too powerful for them to deal with. Not to mention, the venom in Stinger's body is starting to seep in. They were lucky enough that Scorpio's 'Rider Kick' isn't giving them instant sudden-death, but they urgently need more backup. But... how? Draco Commander, Chamaeleon Green, and Dorado Yellow are having their hands full with the two giants leftovers. While wounded-Naga and Balance are stuck at the Orion babysi... I mean with a paralyzed Garu and Raptor. Can't believe I'm saying this, but for a team with the most active members in Super Sentai history... the show's actually running out of one! - Cue the dramatic entrance of... CHAMP!!! Yes, the one and only fighting robot Champ. We did see his eyes lit up last week, but who would've thought he would arrive just in time to save the three from doom, right? And awwww.... Stinger is all mopey-mopey about it! He even calls him 'Partner'. But the best part of his rebirth: his memory is still intact! So much for making such a big deal out of it before, huh? Naah, I'm kidding. Even if that opens up more plot development, it's more emotionally uplifting this way. NOTE: Ignoring how Champ was able to 'teleport' across galaxies (it can still be explained easily, with the assumption he has been awake for much longer than was shown), this scene was still logically flawed. Why? The position of the Kyu the Weapon Axe he threw, did NOT match his point of entrance! Not just that, if you put the episode on slow-motion, a camera staff was briefly seen throwing the object too! Ouch... - Seriously though, it's SOOO good seeing Taurus Black in action again. I actually gets carried away somehow *sobs*. It's 4 against 1 now, so more advantages to the Kyurangers. And that seems to be the case, because Scorpio is... defeated! Evil big brother no more! I've read many people question why it doesn't require all Kyurangers to do this. But I'd gladly argue that it's the strength of bond and teamwork that does the wonder here. Particularly between Stinger and Champ, since this works as some sort of closure to their personal arcs. A fact that is neatly presented through the whole action sequence, and is only made full circle with Scorpius Oranger delivering the final blow using Taurus Black's Axe. A minor but truly meaningful touch! - Of course, we get a dramatic heart-to-heart dying message between the Scorpius System Bros. Scorpio acknowledges his little brother's strength, while Stinger says that he's only gotten this far by aspiring to be like how his big brother was in the past. Aaawwww... the feels. In the end, Scorpio is just the case of... bad blood, huh? It is melancholically serenaded with what I assume to be Stinger's character ballad, performed by his actor. Does this mean we'll be getting different song for each member? Cool! - Unfortunately, what comes next is the part that kind of rubs me off the wrong way. In his last moments, Scorpio has a massive sudden change of personality! He absorbs all of Stinger's venom, hands over the Kyu Globes he had stolen, reveals the key to stopping all of the activated Consumarz, heroically takes Don Armage's attack to protect Stinger and his friends (yes, big baddie finally reveals himself in front of the Kyuranger), and even dies saying "I'm glad... I could protect you one last time" towards Stinger. Is this the same guy who couldn't care less and wanted to sacrifice his own brother for his selfish goal? Hmmmm. His end suddenly feels... somewhat predictable, and sort of ruins the emotional moment for me. One might argue it's basically an act of redemption for him. But I would actually prefered him to go out as a jerk, swallowing that massive ego and pride of his along the way. Oh well... being killed by Don Armage kind of serves that point, I guess. NOTE: Here's an interesting fact. We don't exactly see Scorpio's death on screen! Meaning the show pretty much can revive him later on, in the case they even need to for twist purposes. Who knows, probably for that V-Cinema for Stinger? Perhaps you can catch some hints from the teaser trailer... - With Stinger's arc put into a wrap in just 10 minutes in, what happens in the next 14 minutes then (including ending song and previews)? Well, those nasty planet-sucking Consumarz of course! They need to be put down right away, otherwise it's doomsday for Earth. But Orion is also under attack, meaning the gang back there are more stuck than ever to provide a help. Commander Xiao departs with Hammy and Spada to aide them, so once again, we're left with Stinger, Champ, Kotarou and now-fourth-wheel Lucky. What can they do? - Don't wait until next episode... just combine Puppis, Vela, and Carina to form #89 Argo Kyu Globe right away! LOL. In a cool but sadly brief and bad CG sequence, Lucky uses the neat-looking Bronze-Colored-with-actual-Miniature-Ship Kyu Globe, and summons the glorious massive Legendary Battleship. I wonder how fans would react if it turns out to be the famous "Gokai-Galleon" instead? Hmmmm... - Inside the ship (where Lucky properly utilizes the Shining Kyu Globe as... flashlight! XD), the team discovers a cold-sleep hibernation capsule in the center. Wait a sec, why does this setting look familiar? Is TOEI reusing the church and also those Eyecon capsule from "Kamen Rider Ghost"? Anyways... ignoring Champ's warning, the kids (Kotarou and... Lucky XD) unlock it and awaken... a man covered in... hair! HUH? Is that supposed to be body hair? Human or a Beast? Wow, now this is what I call... a hairy entrance. No facial hairs though, so rather inconsistent. - "The Legend Begins" and... ugh, "Holy moly" is this guy's tagline. He just wakes up, but already so... full of himself. Seeing the team transforms into Kyurangers (hillariously) clears up the misunderstanding among them, and the man of mystery changes tone as soon he sees that. And by tone, that's because he also has an interesting dumb-sounding vocal tone that matches his dumb-expressions. LOL. He introduces himself as the Earth-born and raised Legendary Savior, Tsurugi Ootori (played by Keisuke Minami). He literally 'burns' most of his hair for a rather pointless shirtless fan-service, and utilizes his weapon the Phoenix Blade & Phoenix Shield to use the power of #12 Phoenix Kyu Globe. Using it to transform into... Space Bu-star Phoenix Soldier! - So the Argo is... nothing important? The secret weapon is... HIM? And well, would you look at that, he DOES take/shut down all those Consumarz... singlehandedly. Including "Phoenix End"-ing the giant controller one, and delivering the (hopefully) final blow to persistent assassin Madako. Before walking away rather... awkwardly. Wow... one weird guy is gone, another certainly takes his place *smh*. - As usual, the new member is excessively overpowered during its debut. But with all the boasting talk about 'Legend', is Tsurugi really a stuff of one? A TRUE living legend? Or could this be just TOEI's sneaky way to let us know, that... I don't know, he's going to be member using the Legendary Figure-based Kyu Globes from now on? I mean, just look what he's secretly hiding in his hand... that's the Herakles Kyu Globe!!! Hold on... could that be the actual source of his tremendous display of power? Is he truly... weak then? Something's fishy about this guy. I wonder how the Kyurangers will react to this truth? The story of another day... - While Stinger pays tribute to his big brother, the others are having celebratory party for Champ's return. Kotarou shows off his creation, Stinger's plushie! He also reveals a 'dark secret' to the team: The other plushies were made by Stinger (lies... sweet lies. They are made by Bandai! XD). He did so in order for Champ to not get lonely during repair. Aaaaaw! Gotta love that "Scorpius System warriors... do their best work with needles." excuse too! Comedy gold. Looks like we're going to see a totally different side from Stinger from now on. Underneath his cool and silent outlook... he's nothing but a pure softie inside! Cementing his role as the tsundere of the group. LOL. One, two, three... Mooooo!!! XD Quick personal opinion time! This time for the new member to the series. Here goes: - Over-Time uses 'Ohtori' for his last name, but since I'm not fond of using 'H' for vowel elongation in romaji, I'll go with 'Ootori' instead. Both literally means the same anyway. 'Ootori' means 'Giant Bird / Phoenix', while 'Tsurugi' means Sword. So his full name means 'Phoenix Sword'... referring directly to his transformation devices. Yes... TOEI definitely is NOT trying to be subtle about it. - Also, sharing a striking similarity to Time Fire, Tsurugi/Phoenix Soldier is apparently the show's official '6th ranger'. This is evidenced by the fact that unlike Xiao or Kotarou, he's not a big part of the Summer movie. - Why Phoenix? Mythology-wise, it fits the theme of death and rebirth that seems to be the highlight of this entire episode. But since we know that Kyuranger is not-so-subtly inspired by "Star Wars", I wouldn't be surprised if it's actually a nod to the space opera's Phoenix Squadron. - I dig his design, because it sets him up a bit... different and tactical-based compared to the other Kyurangers. Once again, just like Time Fire. His helmet in particular, reminds me of Magi Red who is also Phoenix-based. Shinken Pink and KingRanger shared similar shape too. I do wonder why they have to go with another Red though, instead of going with another shade like Crimson or say... Vermillion (Vermillion Bird or Suzaku, is many times linked to Phoenix). Is it because the show's pulling another Time Fire plot? I hope this will be firmly explained in the future. - As for the actor? When it was first rumored that Keisuke Minami is portraying Tsurugi, I... wasn't quite sure about it. Now that I've seen him in action, well... it's rather mixed-bag for me. I DO like that he portrays the weird oddball style of his character nicely. One that easily reminded me of Utsusemimaru, who is also a soldier lost in time. But I sure wished he worked out or bulked up a little for that gratituous shirtless scene. I don't know, he looked rather... out of shape. That it came off rather... unappealing/embarassing for me, even if it makes sense, being a sleep for hundred of years and all. Of course, that's just me nitpicking about body-types. Then again, he also looks uncomfortable in that trench-coat too. Hmmm... - Another song was played during Tsurugi's debut, but unlike the one on Stinger's moment, this one wasn't sung by Minami. It was confirmed to be sung by Shinichi Ishihara, the singer to that rousing uplifting opening theme to "Kyukyu Sentai GogoFive". Minami himself is a singer and musical actor himself. So considering the high likeliness of this show to have a Character Song Album, expect to hear him belting out his vocal sooner or later.

Overall: If you're thinking "Maaan, this episode should've been divided into two separate ones", then well you're definitely NOT alone. I'm totally in agreement with you. Some of its moments felt rushed, and it had too much stuff going on... that this recap-view probably got way longer than it's supposed too. But instead of playing the blame game, I have a pretty good idea why TOEI ended cramping these two major storylines into one episode. One word: GOLF. Yes, blame it on Golf! Unlike Kamen Rider and Precure that won't be affected, Super Sentai is forced to undergo another break next week. All the while TOEI and Bandai have had a fixed long plan for July to be Phoenix Soldier's grand debut. Postponing his appearance in the show until the 3rd week, would've easily ruined that momentum (affecting merchandise sale along the way). Hence why there's a sense of disconnect between the two halves of this episode. I can imagine the editing staff had to cut several part of the scenes and compact two episodes worth into one. Sure, shuffling several plots in one episode can't be considered new in Kyuranger. Yet this one had a strange flow to it, an emotional disjoint that felt like it's missing pieces of the puzzle somehow. That's how I see it, at the very least. Thankfully, albeit resulting a heavy and crowded sensation as a whole, the various parts worked generally well and served their purposes. Stinger received a well-suited closure with Scorpio, that involved Champ and Kotarou. Argo Navis has been revived, and Earth was (temporarily) saved thanks to it. And Tsurugi certainly made one heck of an impression, while alluding mysteries and doubts for future episodes to explore. Next week: Tsurugi v. Spada: Dawn of Raptor? Mecha Argo debuts! PS: In case my words above weren't clear enough, Episode 22 of Kyuranger will not air next week, and will instead arrive on July 23rd. This inevitably reduced the number of episodes in total. The series will now be 49 episodes at most (with the assumption it won't air on Year End/New Year, and there aren't any other delays in the coming months). And I wasn't kidding when I hinted that Super Sentai gets sacrificed over and over again. I'm guessing THIS is the main reason why TOEI has decided to change its time slot. Too bad it won't be in effect until October though. Otherwise, we wouldn't have lost 2 episodes already!

Episode 21 Score: 7,8 out of 10

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All images are screencaptured from the series, provided by the FanSubber Over-Time. "Uchu Sentai Kyuranger" is produced by TOEI, and airs every Sunday on TV-Asahi. Credits and copyrights belong to their respective owners.