#season 7 is still in production and airing

[911bts]

What do we know abt season 8 so far?

That it's happening.

[mjbarrosart]

My Dragon Prince Boards season 7, episode 702

The time has finally come for me to talk about my boards for the last season of the Dragon Prince! Wow, time flies!

To be honest season 7 was such a hard season to make. Telling a good story is always a challenge, but ending one, oof! that is an herculean job!

I remeber everyone being super stressed during the production of this season, because time was always in short supply, and it is really hard to produce great art with little time, haha.

Also, I think that after a year and a half working non stop doing boards for the show, most of us where starting to feel exhausted, and you can see it on my boards, they are much less polished than usual.

But, no matter the context and circumstances, we always try to deliver the best we can and tell the ending of this arc in the most satisfactory way possible.

Lets start with my sequences. First one is the one with Ezran's council in the Banther Lodge.

This one starts with the little exchange between Soren and Corvus, I really like these two. I think they grew on me as a duo during my time in the show. Soren was already one of my favorites, but by the end of season 7, Corvus and Soren was a top pair for me, too.

I think that, whatever you think their relationship is, physical touch is a thing between this two, they are always touching each other, there is some vulnerability that they allow with each other that is endearing.

If you read my comments about my boards in season 6, one of the things I was talking about is how sometimes the expressions we draw in boards don't translate that well to the final animation (This happens in a lot of shows, and it's because of limitation on the face rig of the characters, nothing related to the talent of our crew, because they are all super talented) This little shot is another case, I wanted Callum to feel like "Oh boy, shit is hitting the fan!"

I think this scene is mostly about the conflict between points of view, Callum and Rayla wanting for Ezran to free (and forgive) Runaan as soon as possible, while Ezran is struggling with his emotions. It's a hard one.

To be honest I understand Ezran 100% and I know that the right thing for him would be eventually to forgive Runaan, but is not something that could happen inmediatly. Grieve and angry are feelings that can get poisonus really easily, and they need time to heal and allow perspective.

I think Ralyla made the wrong choice bringing Runaan to Katolis.

Anyway, I wanted to play this sequence (and the next one) a little as a power play between the brothers. There are two forces pulling Callum rigth now, and the tension is growing because of it. I like this shot, I think, is cool.

My next sequence is the continuation of the Banther Lodge Council scene. Rayla is out of the building right now, and Callum is deeply distracted.

But we start with a little coment of comedy with Soren "testing" the bread. This shot ended flipped, but the idea is still the same, I am glad the keept the moment of Soren putting the bread on his mouth, haha.

Again this scene mix two trains of though or conflicts together, in one hand you have Ezran trying to figure out how to lead his people in a way that makes sure a tragedy like the burning of Katolis doesn't happen again. And in the other hand the struggle between Callum loyalties, and his inhability to be what Ezran needs him to be right now.

This is not hate to Callum, I think that his desicions are pretty ok taking in consideration that is he still a teeneager. But I feel that he gets tunnel vision when things are related to Rayla, and he failed miserably as a brother and member of the council during this time.

While I think Callum is right, Ezran should forgive Runaan, he should be there to provide love and support to his brother, and advice and perspective to his king. Space for Ezran to come to the conclusion that forgivenes is the right path.

Anyway, I had this gesture boarded with Ezran hitting the air, but they ended adding the cup there for him to toss. I don't know how I feel about it, It's fine (specially if you talke into consideration that the Anya pick up the cup and give it back to Ezran) but feels a little off to me. Not sure why, tho.

I like Anya and Ezran relationship. I think I would appreciate it if she also took the place that Callum was failing to fulfill and gave some space to Ezran to grieve and process his sadness in a more intimate level. Like as friends more than as "heads of state". But anyway, she is cool, I am glad Ezran had someone as his side during this time.

I remember that one of the instructions I got for this sequence was to make sure that Ezran feels like a mob boss. Hahaha. Funny, tho. But besides that, I think that something that I was glad to see and board was Ezran taking more action and having more agency.

Maybe we can disagree with his point of view, but it was great to finally see him taking the reins of the kingdom, being active and assertive with his actions.

My last two sequences in this episode were the talk of Callum and Ezran close to the fireplace. I think this was an instance of Callum trying to be Ezran brother, giving him support and love and helping him to see the erron of his ways.

BUT, and this is a big but, I feel that all of this feels empty and, from Ezran point of view, manipulative; because after this talk Callum right away decides not only to "betray" Ezran but also to leave him alone. And that was not pretty wise of him, imo.

It is always a pleasure to draw any character making a suspicious face, hahaha "I don't trust you":

I think during the first part of the talk, the sibilings are on pretty opposite sides, there is a rift between them, and it is hard to close. But then there is more space for vulnerability and trust.

I think a really significant momen is for Ezran to remove his crown. "I am not talking as the king, but as your brother" kind of moment. Humanizes him a lot and shows the sincerity of his words.

He is confesing here, how he is tired, how this dury felt on his shoulders even when he was not ready for it, and how much he is trying to carry the burden, but oh boy, how heavy is the crown!

And I feel that this is the part when Callum made a mistake. Instead of listen to him, to recognize his pain, to offer his aid and support, some kind of "you don't need to do this alone" kind of thing, he brings the topic back to Runaan.

And then he shots the shot: "You forgave Zubeia" And ouch! I mean, he is right, that is something that Ezran did, but I don't think this is the moment to bring it. But again, the conflict here is that none of them can see the other right now. Callum is too worried about Rayla and Runaan, and Ezran is too hurt and overwheelmed.

And I wanted to make the shift clear, so Callum literally points fingers at Ezran. He demands action, he expect his brother to do what he wants him to do, not what Ezran needs to do. In an ideal world there would be a trial for Runaan, one where we can hear both parties, where Ezran can express his feelings his doubts and grieve, that could end in him finding forgivenes in his heart.

But it is not an ideal world. Things are falling apart, and the struggles between the needs and wants of characters are in conflict. So, people make bad decisions. That is good writing if you ask me.

Then Zym intervines, he wants Ezran to forgive Runaan, not for the same reasons than Callum, tho.

I think in Zym's mind is more an attempt to get "the old Ezran back". So Callum and Zym try to make their point together. I wanted to paint it as if Zym has this naive approach to the stituation, while Callum is a little more manipulative (I don't think that on porpouse) being like "look, even Zym agrees" failing to see why Zym is agreeing. I think the sin of Callum in all this episode is blindness (or tunel vision as we said before)

And kinda works. Not because Ezran is ready to forgive, but because I feel that there is something inside Ezran that thinks like Zym too. That maybe there is a way to go back to be like he was before.

And that is the thing, pain and grieve change you, and accept that change is part of growing up. Aaravos talk about that a lot this season. So there is a little truce, a moment of "maybe" from Ezran. I really like to draw this two together.

Sadly this moment gets interrupted by Soren asking for help. And from here is downhill. I think Callum's actions after this point did not help at all to Ezran to heal or change his mind.

The fact that Callum decided to leave probably made Ezran wound worst, and any hope that this conversation could bring for the brothes to get back together gets shattered.

Great setting up of their conflict for this season, imo.

Well that was my work for 702. Thanks for reading this brickwall of text! Hope you like this! And feel free to ask if you have questions about the storyboard process!

See you for 705 boards soon!

[pharawee]

I usually don't do yearly recaps because my memory sucks December is one of the busiest months for me and I'm lucky if I get to gif at all but this year I thought I'd take a look at all of the gifsets I did in 2024 and see which shows, pairings and moments I liked the most.

✨FAV BLS OF 2024

1000 Years Old: 2024 was supposed to be the year of vampire BL (going by all the announcements and pilot trailers) but in the end only this one aired (edit: wait, I forgot about OMG! Vampire to protect myself 🥴) - and it was neither spicy nor particularly spooky. Instead, it was all heart and quirkiness and when it was over I cried for a week because of the bittersweet ending.

Playboyy: This show is truly a masterpiece, with layers of subtext and social commentary. Also, it's fun and camp and sexy and ridiculous. I'm so glad it's going to get a second season.

Caged Again: How come that a little show about a penguin and a panther is legit one of the best - if not THE BEST - Thai BL of the year?

Knock Knock, Boys: I came for Best and Seng and Pak but then Almond and Latte bewitched me body and soul. Kongthup now owns me.

Every You, Every Me: I don't know what I was expecting (well, okay, a whole lot of Mick & Top - which is exactly what I got) but it surely wasn't crying my eyes out for two episodes right in the middle of the show.

Spare Me Your Mercy: Long awaited and currently still airing - I actually love this show a lot because it reminds me of all the detective dramas (esp Endeavour and Grantchester) I used to binge. Morse but make it queer is actually all I ever wanted.

7 Days Before Valentine: This show's depth and artistry and stageplay-like character absolutely blew me away.

I Saw You in My Dream: WeTV absolutely blew it out of the water this year with their many diverse productions, and this unassuming and charming little show with a supernatural twist (love me one of those!) was no exception.

Monster Next Door: Big Thanakorn in his first main role with his first acting partner in an extremely fun and all around lovely Kongthup/WeTV production. And I just love how nuanced it was when they could have just stuck with the whole introvert/extrovert cliché.

✨FAV PAIRINGS OF 2024

Hope x Save (Jack & Joker): These two completely took me by surprise, especially because I had such an intense reaction to Pee Phiravich's character in La Pluie. I had originally set my eyes on PromMark and while I definitely ate up their crumbs, HopeSave just checked all of my boxes: morally grey antagonists (at least for a while there), doomed by the narrative (until they actually got their happy ending, yay!) and ride and die for each other.

Pete x Kenta (Pit Babe): I'll be a PeteKenta truther until the day I die (see all of the checkboxes above), and if Change2561 didn't subscribe to the branded pair model, they'd agree with me. As things are I'm actually kind of meh about Pit Babe 2. I bet KentaKim won't have knives at each other's throats!! (PeteWay is delicious though.)

Prom x Nont (Playboyy): Uhhh, that's a lot of the same checked boxes. So maybe I have a type. Thanks 2024 for making me realise. Also, I hope these two make each other worse in season 2 (before they get their HEA because ultimately I'm vanilla like that).

Latte x Almond (Knock Knock, Boys!): Oh God, these two. I was prepared to be ride or die for Thanwa and Peak but then LatteAlmond barged in with a pink sex toy and it was over for me. They just have so much heart and so much sincerity between them (and while their dynamics are different in Caged Again I'm really enjoying Nokia and Jaonine there too for pretty much the same reason + their incredible comedic timing).

X x Namping (Every Me, Every You): It's probably a good thing we got these two for two episodes only because we might not have survived a whole 8 or 10 or even 12 episodes of them. Plus, the anthology-like character of the series made a sad ending possible in the first place, and I really appreciate it - even if it almost destroyed me.

✨FAV MOMENTS OF 2024

Twins: For a moment there we had FrameRyan and it was beautiful.

The Sign: Chalothorn stole the whole show for me and then when he inexplicably vanished I kind of stopped watching. Whoops.

Deep Night: I have seen the throuple light thanks to SeijiPanKen.

The Rebound: Frank Thanatsaran's acting (but also that scene...) overshadowing pretty much everything else (and now he's with Star Hunter which... you know... ehnnnn 🥲)

To Be Continued: Fluke Pongsapat and Junior Khajbhunditt starring in a way underrated 8-episode netflix show with one of the most beautiful love scenes ever, and I've been wanting more of them ever since.

Two Worlds: Kongthup giveth and Kongthup taketh away (aka for one and a half episodes I had Phupha and Khram and now I will never know peace).

Century of Love: Offroad Kantapon as a sultry fox spirit.

Sunset x Vibes: When Star Hunter remembered Fong and JJ exist and then they stole the whole entire show (there really wasn't much to steal though...).

The Sign: Whatever was going on between Heng Asavarid and Nat Sakdatorn in this scene BUT I NEED MORE (pls Idolfactory I'm begging you release Heng from his solo actor prison).

Two Worlds: Kongthup choosing violence by giving Pak and Mon one of the spiciest love scenes of the year.

The Rebound: THESE TWO (boxes checked!! But also I need more Nammon in my life).

Kidnap: GMMTV's strategic placement of Papang in a suit.

The Hidden Moon: Whenever that tiny low-budget show got surprisingly deep and artsy (and also spicy).

My Stand-In: When I watched a whole show for one (1) character that wasn't really a character at all. Oh, the tragedy of it all (and yes, I'm still scared of Ming).

Pit Babe: When I made several posts about the Pit Babe novel but then I actually ended up loving the villains more than the main characters. I'm watching Pit Babe 2 for them and them only. Winner of my heart here I come!

Aaand that's it, my first ever yearly (Thai) BL recap - which actually ended up way longer than planned (guess my memory isn't as bad as I thought. Then again, I had my gifs to fall back on).

2024 was an amazingly diverse year for Thai QL (along with the wonderful news of marriage equality in Thailand finally becoming a reality) and looking back I now realise (not that I was ever seriously worried) that gmmtv's monopoly is actually way more of a blessing than a curse because not only did it cause WeTV to heavily invest in their own productions, it also leaves more than enough room for innovation and creativity via smaller and indie companies (along with the truly big players finally paying more attention - see: Spare Me Your Mercy). Innovation which in turn enriches gmmtv's portfolio as well (judging by their line-up for 2025 the years to come). In short: the Thai BL ecosystem is truly thriving.

And with that, may 2025 be even queerer than 2024 with tons of marriage proposals and actual marriages (PorschArm here we go!), and a favourite little (or in gmmtv's case not so little lmao) BL niche for everyone.

I hope you had as much fun with BL in 2024 as I had. I really appreciate everyone's commentary posts and meta and fanart and gifsets and tag games and reaction posts, even if I didn't spend as much time on my dashboard this year as I wanted to. I'm so glad tumblr BL fandom exists. ILU guys. Only the bestest and kindest things for you in 2025!🌈✨

[twig-tea]

2024 BL/GL/QL Round-Up Post

Since I did this last year, I thought for posterity I'd post another reflection on everything I watched that completed in 2024. For me, that means anything that started in 2023 but the last episode was in 2024 is on this list, but anything that was still be airing after 31 December 2024 11:59 my time (EST) is not on this list, even if the bulk of the show did air in 2024.

A few stats:

[The image is TL;DR for what follows lol]

I watched ~150 discrete pieces of new QL content in 2024 (series/films) that I tracked [It gets complicated with specials and split seasons but I did my best to be consistent]; plus 10 things that I would consider "adjacent". For contrast, I listed 110 pieces of discrete content in 2023; that's a 45% increase year over year!

This clocked in at an est. 900 hours of new BL/GL and adjacent content (up from ~600 in 2023--which also tells us that the content I tracked was a little longer overall because that's a full 50% increase in terms of hours spent).

The new content I watched came from 9 different countries [same as 2023]: (Cambodia [1], Philippines [2, down from 3], Hong Kong [1], Japan [32, up from 18 in 2023], Korea [20; was 19], Myanmar [2, up from 1], Taiwan [12, up from 6], Thailand [75; up from 56], Vietnam [4, down from 7]), China [5], and then 3 joint effort productions from Thailand/Korea [2] and Thailand/Taiwan [1]

This means just under ~47% of the content I watched on this list is from Thailand [close to the 50% in 2023]

So many more shows had multiple or varied distributions this year, but like last year ~85% of my content was on 3 platforms: YouTube [38%; down from 40%], GaGaOoLaLa [30%; up from 23%] and iQIYI [17%; down from 21%] Note: I'm in Canada and my access routes are sometimes affected by that.

As unbelievable as it sounds with all that, I did actually drop shows this year! I dropped 9 shows, which is I think more than I've dropped in my entire previous 20+ years watching queer asian media combined (that might be an exaggeration but I do really hate dropping shows); 4 Thai, 3 Filipino, 1 Taiwanese and 1 Japanese (listed at the very bottom of this post if you want to be messy). I didn't track any dropped shows in 2023.

And if you're wondering how many shows there are in the world in total, I am aware of an additional 11 shows I just did not have time to even start (2 from Cambodia, 4 from the Philippines, 3 from Thailand, and 1 each from Korea and Myanmar). That does not include the vertical short reels that I didn't track this year--see @ellsieee 's tracking post for these--as well as several GL shorts from JPC media YouTube channel and Sastra film app YouTube channel that I just have not had time to try or even keep track of, though I do peek in on them to see if there's anything that looks particularly good, and I do always link these folks in my GL round-ups.

All of this doesn't include re-watches or catching up on old shows, or non-QL queer media, or non-queer media (the hets sometimes do deserve rights); but does include films as well as shows.

I hope you all appreciate that with this much content, and with my general brand of being unable to make decisions, I really struggled to narrow down a top 10 list. What follows is the best I could do lol

Top 25 QLs I'd Recommend From This Year:

[Links are self-indulgently to what I thought was the most relevant post I'd made this year relevant to that series/media, mostly spoiler-free pitches]

She Loves to Cook and She Loves to Eat S2 (Tsukutabe) [GL]

Love in the Big City

Love For Love's Sake

Tadaima Okaeri [anime]

Ossan no pantsu ga nandatte ii janai ka (Oppan)

Marahuyo Project

Knock Knock Boys

Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo

Love is Like a Poison (Doku koi)

Ossan's Love Returns

Twilight out of Focus [anime]

At 25:00 in Akasaka

Cooking Crush

Cherry Magic [anime]

Cherry Magic Thailand

Takara no Vidro

Soul Sisters / Twin Rabbits [GL]

Perfect Propose

Unknown the series

Paradise of Thorns [film]

Blue Canvas of Youthful Days

The Secret of Us [GL]

Mr Mitsuya's Planned Feeding (Mitsuya-Sensei)

The Time of Fever

A Man Who Defies the World of BL S3

I tried to put these in some kind of order but honestly if you asked me to rank them the numbering would change all the time and I would combust. The ones I liked best are closer to the top of this list. I also debated back and forth on whether Paradise of Thorns counts as QL so many times. But in the end I decided the main character was queer and queer romance of a sort was at the heart of the drama, so I've left it in this list even though technically it should probably sit with the 'adjacent's.

Worth noting that though only ~20% of the content I watched was from Japan, ~45% of my favourites were from Japan.

+5 notable pulp offerings worth mentioning:

Bagan Beginning (Myanmar)

City of Stars (Thailand)

Gym Affairs (China)

To the Ex Who Hated Me (Korea, GL)

Under the Oak Tree (Vietnam)

I think I'll do a top 10 GL post separately since we had enough content to warrant a top 10 (yay!) but this is already long enough. I just want to take a second to acknowledge that this year was so much better than in 2023 when I didn't feel like I could recommend any of the new GL shows. Thank you content creators for better and more GL in 2024, please keep that energy for 2025!

Bonus: Not a QL but worth calling out:

How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies (Thai film)

I saw both this and Paradise of Thorns in theatres during the Toronto International Film Festival and they were both so powerful! Extremely different tones but they surprisingly hit on similar themes, and very beautifully filmed. HTMMBGD was a complicated film filled with very rounded and complex characters, and I still think about it all the time. Very excited for more folks to have access to both of these soon.

Sidenote: The fact that I watched 45% more shows in 2024 than I did in 2023 and still managed to keep my rec list to 30 (*cough1cough*) does seem to back up the general feeling that though we had more content, we didn't have a proportional rise in good content. I do want to crunch those numbers in another post.

Double Plus Bonus: Best Older QL Content I watched for the first time in 2024:

Life as a Girl / Joshi-teki Seikatsu (Japan, 2018; I'm so sad I missed out on this one for so long due to misinfo, it is fantastic! Thanks to @so-much-yet-to-learn for helping propel me to this one)

Iron Ladies (Thailand, 2000; thank you for the rec, @happypotato48)

Nacchan's Secret / Himitsu no Nacchan (Japan, 2023; thank you @furritsubs for making this watch possible)

Can I Buy Your Love From a Vending Machine / Sono Koi, Jihanki de Kaemasuka? (Japan, 2023; thanks to @nicks-den for making this watch possible)

I Fell In Love with the Villainness (Japan, 2023; watched because of a convo with @pilanthitasanilaphat)

Doi Boy (Thailand, 2023; this one I had on my list and just had to work up the energy to watch, but it was a beautiful film and I'm glad I did)

BL Metamorphosis (Japan, 2022; another thank you to @furritsubs)

Dear Dad (India, 2016; thanks to @neuroticbookworm for the rec!)

Salty Blue / Kakenuketara, Umi (Japan, 2023, thank you again @nicks-den!)

[I can't believe I forgot this at first] The Miracle of Teddy Bear (Thailand, 2022, thanks for going on that journey and writing great meta with me and for calling me out for forgetting @lurkingshan!)

There is so much good content in the world and despite my best efforts I haven't seen everything! So grateful to the fansubbers and people who write about past shows so that those of us who missed them the first time still get a chance to see them.

In terms of my output based on all this input, I continued not lurking this year, and have enjoyed it very much; see my Top 10 posts from 2024 here as well as the content I linked in my recommended shows above--going through the process of adding those links really highlighted to me how much more I've written this year, and how much more motivated I am to write about shows I love. It's no surprise I had dedicated posts for most of my top shows! To highlight a few specific projects this year that I'm proud of, I participated in the Love in the Big City Book Club read and watch-alongs organized by @lurkingshan, which was such a fun project that I am grateful for, and I started my GL Odds and Ends posts (tagged with #gl recs) that I am still feeling out but am really enjoying seeing the impact whenever someone watches a show because they found out about it through one of my posts. I also made an appearance on several episodes of @the-conversation-pod and had an incredible time trying out different things in a quarterly 'Dispatch' and having some really rich conversations with @bengiyo and @shortpplfedup. I love this corner of tumblr that we've carved out for ourselves as a QL watching community, and I just want to say to everyone I've interacted with in 2024: Thank you, and wish good things for you all in 2025!

Full list of 2024 shows under the cut for anyone curious! [Mostly in order it completed but may be slightly off--if a special aired immediately after the final episode I only list them as one thing and count the airing of the special as the end date, for example].

Bagan Beginning

Love Senior the Series

After SunDown

VIP Only

Twins the Series

Last Twilight

Night Dream the Series

My Universe

Bake Me Please special episode

Sahara Sensei to Tori Kun / Mr Sahara and Toki-kun

Love for Love's Sake

7 Days Before Valentine

Happy Ending

PitBabe the series

For Him the series

Cooking Crush

The Sign

Chaser Game W

Playboyy the series

Perfect Propose

Ossan's Love Returns

Tsukuritai Onna to Tabetai Onna S2 / She Loves to Cook and She Loves to Eat

Cherry Magic Th

Dead Friend Forever

Sukidoya / Although I Love You and You / Sukiyaken kedo dou yaroka?

Healing Thingyan

Love You in Every Multiverse

Cherry Magic (anime)

Please Teach Me

Anti Reset

Jazz for Two

Blank the Series

A Secretly Love

To Be Continued the series

Love is Better the Second time around / Koi wo Surunara Nidome ga Joto

City of Stars

Sea You Soon

Human Too

Man Who Defies the World of BL s3

Gray Shelter / Gray Currents / Grey Current

Gym Affairs

1000 Years Old the Series

Love is Like a Cat

To the Ex Who Hated Me

Lady Boy Friends the series

Deep Night the series + Special Episode

Unknown the series

Memory in the Letter

You are My Star

Lonely Girls

Boys Be Brave / Roommates / I Can't Confess

Blossom Campus

Two Worlds

VIP Only special episode

Pray In Love

I Fell In Love with My Male Best Friend

Friend With Benefit

Stay By My Side special episode

23.5

You Made My Day

Living With Him

City Boy Log pt3

Anti-Reset special episode

The Time of Huan Nan

Xiao Xiang Yi Jiu

Inverse Identity

At 25:00 in Akasaka

Only Boo!

Tadaima Okaeri

Love Bully (Club Friday)

Blank the Series S2

Marahuyo Project

The Two of Us

Blue Boys

OMG Vampire!

My Stand-In

We Are the series

Ossan no pantsu ga nandatte ii janai ka / Oppan

Wandee Goodday

Under the Oak Tree

The Rebound

Love Enemy

Love in the Apocalypse

Bad Guy

My Marvellous Dream is You/ Dream the Series

Century of Love

Knock Knock Boys

Be Your Star

Meet You at the Blossom

BOYTOY

The Secret of Us

Ayaka is in love with Hiroko / Ayaka-chan wa Hiroko-sempai ni koi shiteru

My Love Mix-Up!

This Love Doesn't Have Long Beans

Love Sea the series

Cosmetic Playlover

City Boy Log s4

Sunset Vibes

Mr Mitsuya's Planned Feeding

Takara no Vidro / Takara's Treasure

Paradise of Thorns

I Hear the Sunspot

The Time of Fever / when your temperature reaches my fingertips

4 Minutes The Trainee

Twilight out of Focus

Happy of the End

The On1y One

Live in Love

Heaven'sxCandy

The Two of Us s2

Addicted Heroin

I Saw You In My Dream

Monster Next Door

Our Golden Times

Affair

First Note of Love

Battle of the Writers

Reverse 4 U

Unlock Your Love

Chaser Game W s2

Let free the Curse of Taekwondo

Uncle Unknown

The Hidden Moon the series

Love in the Big City [the series]

Smells Like Green Spirit

Red Whisper

Eccentric Romance/PT is Love

My Damn Business

Apple My Love

Dominant Yakuza and Wimpy Corporate Slave

The Nipple Talk

Kidnap the series

Every You Every Me

Jack & Joker

People Come Later

Blue Canvas of Youthful Days

The Loyal Pin

Let's Eat Together Aki and Haru 2

Love is Like a Poison / doku koi: doku mo sugireba koi to naru

Bad Guy My Boss

Haunted Hearts

Seoul Blues

The Renovation

Love Sick 2024

Love in the Big City [the film]

Spare Me Your Mercy / Euthanasia

Soul Sisters / Twin Rabbits

My Hot Butch Roommate

Whisper Me a Love Song / Sasayaku you ni koi wo utau

Boys' Christmas

Bonus: FuFuKnows bi-weekly shorts [every other week they post a short film, almost always a QL storyline; there were 23 in 2024]

And those QL-adjacent shows I mentioned [these are all adapted from QL media or starred QL actors or were part of a QL franchise but did not have a canon queer romance at the core of its storytelling]:

The Spirealm

Close Friend 3 - Soju Bomb

How to Make a Million Before Grandma Dies

Man Suang

High School Return Of A Gangster / I, a Gangster, Became a High Schooler

Kimi to Yukite Saku: Shinsengumi Seishunroku

Hoshikuzu Telepath

A Balloon's Landing

Peaceful Property

My Strawberry Film

The shows I dropped:

Time the series

Beside You

Sugar Dog Life

The Whisperer

Kiseki in Tokyo

Q18

Sky Valley

The Fate Trap

Dear Miss Becky

And as a shout-out in penance, the shows I had on my list to get to but haven't yet watched:

A Blue Sky (Cambodia)

Ending Friend (Cambodia)

Pretty Boys (Philippines - requires an access fee on VivaMax+)

Oh My Boo (Philippines)

The Perfect Heartbreak (Philippines)

Where I found You (Philippines)

My_ the series (Myanmar)

What's In My Bag (Korean GL - requires an access fee on Vimeo)

Complicated (Thai)

Club Friday: Hot Love Issue (Thai)

2nd Chance (Thai; not to be confused with Second Chance, this was a smaller 3-episode short series from this year)

Thank you for reading!

[markantonys]

new casting!! and interesting little details in the character blurbs:

nothing unexpected for faile, melaine, or rhuarc, but brief discussion on bair and melindhra below!

firstly, it sounds like bair has absorbed amys. it makes sense to consolidate wise ones, but given that amys was always kinda our "main" wise one, i wasn't expecting her to be the one axed!

naturally, my first thought was: sir that was my emotional support older aiel throuple :( i'm bummed! and also surprised since amys/rhuarc/lian seemed like an obvious Surprise Tool To Help Us Later re: showing how aiel polyamory works. but we could still get an example aiel polycule even if no amys! just put any 3 aiel together and it's fine. or maybe bair subs in for amys here too. (although if so it would be doubly odd to name the merged character bair instead of amys since the character would be like 90% amys 10% bair. maybe amys is too similar a name to some other character i'm not thinking of atm and that's the only reason they went with bair instead.)

the mention of bair as the "eldest" wise one could also hint at no sorilea in showverse, unless it only means that bair is the eldest wise one we have this season and sorilea could still be introduced later. but i don't think there's a specific need for sorilea, so i wouldn't be surprised at all if she never shows up. we're starting to get to the portion of the series where RJ went crazy with supporting characters and the show can have one character swallow up like 7 other characters at once lmao

second, the biggest change here is melindhra's backstory as a malkieri survivor. seems like a sign that we might start digging more into lan as his own character this season, which would be nice! and @butterflydm noted that if show!aiel have taken in some malkieri, that would explain why the aiel are such big fans of lan in a more concrete way than we get in the books.

now the question: what about mat? a couple of options.

melindhra is a 2-season character and mat joins up with rand's crew by the end of s3, then gets involved with and betrayed by melindhra in s4.

the betrayal story gets transposed onto lan instead, either this season or in s4 (highly doubt they'd have a romantic involvement, or at least not one that lan reciprocates, so it could instead be a platonic connection over their homeland)

as of now, i'd lean towards #2 feeling more likely since it would keep melindhra a more focused character, just having her stick with lan narratively/emotionally instead of ALSO being involved with mat. there's also the tuon of it all; mat is going to need a loooot of time to develop his endgame romance in a way that's believable (sideeyes the books), so depending on when tuon gets introduced, we may not have time for mat to be dicking around with non-endgame love interests (not that i'd expect him to be actively romancing tuon by s4, but still, IF they meet in tanchico in s3, it might be better to keep mat single and available and thinking about her in s4 to get that long-ass journey to believable endgame love started).

oh and finally, i took note of this blurb about the show at the end of the press release, in the context of the alleged rumors reddit loves to be hysterical about, that amazon is waiting until s3 airs to decide the show's future:

obviously amazon is going to highly talk up their own show in an official press release, but still, this doesn't sound like the kinds of things they would say about a show they're on the fence about continuing! it's worded in a way that feels like they consider WOT a long-term investment and in company with ROP and fallout. so i think that if those rumors are true (who knows if they are), it's more likely that the decision they're weighing isn't whether or not to greenlight s4, but rather how many total seasons they want to shoot for, and then s4 production kickoff would naturally be tied up with that because rafe & co can't start writing s4 without knowing whether it's the penultimate season, the halfway point, or somewhere in between.

[absolutebl]

This Week in BL - Well... at lease we have Wandee & Stand-in?

Organized, in each category, with ones I'm enjoying most at the top.

May 2024 Wk 4

Ongoing Series - Thai

Wandee Godday (Sat YT) ep 4 of 12 - The geept is strong with this one AKA Yak CAN flirt. Wandee now knows he isn’t the only one with a crush on someone else. AND YET they are SO DAMN CUTE together. I do wonder sometime if Yak is running a counter con with Dee pretending to have a crush on Taem. Meanwhile, mad props on the HPV vax public service! Good for them!!! Now that's my kind of product placement. I do have a feeling the sad bit with these two is gonna be VERY sad and last longer than we like. 

My Stand-In (Thai Fri iQIYI) ep 5 of 12 eps - It’s a riveting show. Pleasant? No. Riveting? Yes. Tiny crumbs for Ming’s assistant. Joe is best boy. That is all. I LOVE this show.

We Are (Weds iQIYI) ep 8 of 16 - TOO MANY SOUND EFFECTS. Omg get your fingers off those buttons you computer wanking sound dude (you know it’s a dude) what tf do you think this is? Lovely Writer? Also, they left ALL their drinks! Can you not walk and drink at the same time in a BL? Meanwhile not much happened that hadn’t already happened AKA bit of a filler ep. That said, the friendship group stuff is glorious!!! Also this brand of super gentle flirting suits PondPhuwin better than any of their prior rolls. It reminds me of how much I think they suit a historical. There is a gentle dignity to these two. 

Only Boo! (Sun YouTube) ep 7 of 12 - I love how kindly the turn down was. But most of the dancing stuff was dull. I don’t know I just find the actor playing Kang pretty vacant of appeal I guess. 

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

At 25:00 in Akasaka AKA 25 Ji Akasaka de (Japan Thurs Gaga) ep 6 of 10 - As is not uncommon with JBL I’m being to get frustrated with Yuki the Uke. Sigh. I’m probably gonna stay that way for several episodes given the pacing of this show. 

Living With Him AKA Kare no Iru Seikatsu (Japan Thurs Gaga) ep 7 of 10 - Also frustrating. Willful misunderstanding. We got us some running of the gays but boy is this drawn out. 

Blossom Campus (Korea Thurs Gaga & iQIYI) ep 3-4 of 6 - The puppy is a bit too much sunshine innocent for me. And the professor is a bit creepy. I don't know, I'm not loving this one like I want to.

It's airing but...

You Made My Day (Thai YT) ep 1 of 5 - mini series staring the I Will Knock You couple Tar & Bom, started but I couldn't find it. I also didn't try very hard.

The Time of Fever AKA Unintentional Love Story 2 (Korea movie) trailer released to Korean theaters 5/25. HoTae & DongHee, side couple from Unintentional Love Story are back! Same actors, same character names. I love them. I NEED TO SEE THIS. How?

OMG Vampire (Thai Sun ????) ep 2 of 10 - yeah I can't find it.

In case you missed it

Crossing my fandoms moment, major Kpop blog ran the following: OMEGA X Hangyeom Talks Jazz For Two, Brotherhood, And More With KpopStarz

Tis the season of remakes? Both Addicted Heroin (August, my love!) and My Love Mix-Up (G4!) are coming from Thailand. I am very excited to see both. I love a Thai remake, often more than the original.

Next Week Looks Like This:

Upcoming BLs for 2024 are listed here. This list is not kept updated, so please leave a comment if you know something new or RP with additions.

May Releases

VBL (Taiwan) is releasing 4 'Special Episode' epilogues to their 4 2023 shows every Friday this month on Gagaoolala, Viki & Viu. Not sure on search terms or how to find these. (Or, frankly, if we need them.)

5/10 – You Are Mine

5/17 – VIP Only

5/24 – Stay By My Side

5/31 – Anti Reset

5/28 My Biker 2 (Thai movie YT?) - trailer

5/30 Knock Knock Boys (Thai Thurs WeTV & Gaga) - I do love Best and I'm interested in seeing him in a new pairing. That said, I'm not wild about Seng. Still, this looks like a chaotic pulpy mess, I'm looking forward to wallowing in it one way or another.

5/31 The Time of Huannan (Taiwan movie) - May not be BL

THIS WEEK’S BEST MOMENTS

All Wandee Gooday.

Icky no longer allows screen shots or there would have been a bunch from Stand-in.

(Last week)

Streaming services are listed by how I (usually) watch, which is with a USA based IP, and often offset by a day because time zones are a pain.

The tag BLigade: @doorajar @solitaryandwandering @my-rose-tinted-glasses @babymbbatinygirl @babymbbatinygirl @isisanna-blog @mmastertheone @pickletrip @aliceisathome @urikawa-miyuki @tokillamonger @sunflower-positiiivity

@rocketturtle4 @blglplus @anythinggoesintheshire @everlightly @renafire @mestizashinrin @bl-bam-beyond @small-dark-and-delicious @saezurumurmurs

Sigh, Tumblr in it's infinate wisdom doesn't like too many tags.

There's these tricks, remember:

[the-most-humble-blog]

10 Things That Make No Sense - But We Accept Anyway

Life is full of absurdities—things we just go along with even though they defy all logic. From tipping culture to daylight savings time, society seems to operate on a shared agreement that we’ll just smile, nod, and pretend these things are totally normal. But let’s break the silence. Here are 10 things that make absolutely no sense—but for some reason, we all accept them anyway.

1. Tipping Culture

Ah yes, tipping. Why do we pay extra for services that people are already being paid to perform? And why does the guilt hit hardest when the little iPad flips around, and the barista stares at you while you decide if making your $6 latte deserves another $2?

Why It Makes No Sense:

Why not just pay service workers a livable wage instead of making customers do financial gymnastics?

Why does tipping vary so much by country? (Ever tried tipping in Japan? Prepare for awkward refusals.)

2. Credit Scores

“Want to borrow money? First, prove you don’t need it.” The credit score system is basically the adult version of a trust fall—but instead of falling into someone’s arms, you fall into debt.

Why It Makes No Sense:

A late payment from 7 years ago can haunt you like a bad ex.

Closing a credit card hurts your score because… you’re too responsible?

The formula is so secretive that even experts just shrug and hope for the best.

3. Daylight Savings Time

Twice a year, we collectively agree to mess up everyone’s sleep schedule for no good reason. “Spring forward, fall back” sounds cute until you’re driving to work in the dark, questioning your life choices.

Why It Makes No Sense:

Originally meant to save energy, but studies show it doesn’t actually work anymore.

Farmers (often blamed for DST) don’t even like it.

Why are we still pretending this is necessary in 2025?

4. The Price of Bottled Water

We’re literally paying for water. WATER. The thing that falls from the sky and comes out of taps for (almost) free. Yet somehow, paying $3 for “artisanal spring water” in a plastic bottle feels normal.

Why It Makes No Sense:

It’s 1000x the price of tap water and often the exact same thing in a fancier package.

Why does “alkaline” or “purified” make it taste the same but sound more expensive?

5. Streaming Service Overload

“Cut the cord,” they said. “It’ll be cheaper,” they said. Now you’re subscribed to 7 different streaming platforms, paying more than cable ever cost, and half the time you can’t find what you want to watch.

Why It Makes No Sense:

Why can’t one service just have everything? (Looking at you, Disney+ and Netflix.)

The “new” season you’ve been waiting for? It’s on a platform you didn’t even know existed.

6. “Convenience Fees”

Oh, so you want me to pay extra for the convenience of doing all the work myself online? Whether it’s concert tickets or paying your bills, these fees are the ultimate slap in the face.

Why It Makes No Sense:

You’re charging me extra for using a system that saves you time and money?

How is this legal, and why are we all okay with it?

7. College Textbook Prices

College tuition is bad enough, but then they hit you with a $300 textbook… that you’ll only use once. And don’t even think about buying a used copy because this edition has two new sentences.

Why It Makes No Sense:

Most of the “new editions” are just rearranged paragraphs.

Why do professors require books they wrote themselves? Double-dipping much?

8. “Shrinkflation”

You’re not imagining it—your favorite snacks really are smaller than they used to be. And no, it’s not because your hands got bigger. Shrinkflation is when companies reduce product sizes but keep the price the same (or higher).

Why It Makes No Sense:

Why are chip bags 70% air?

How did a “family-sized” box of cereal become single-serve?

9. Influencer Culture

We used to idolize astronauts and scientists. Now, we’re giving millions of followers to people whose biggest accomplishment is being hot on Instagram. And somehow, they’re the ones living in mansions while the rest of us struggle to pay rent.

Why It Makes No Sense:

Why do we buy $40 candles just because someone we don’t know said it “smells like confidence”?

Why do influencers get free stuff… even though they can already afford it?

10. Luxury Brands Selling Ugly Stuff

Why are we spending thousands of dollars on stuff that looks like it came from a middle school art project? Balenciaga sells $1,500 trash bags. Gucci made dirty sneakers that cost $870. And Crocs, well… they just exist.

Why It Makes No Sense:

The more absurd it looks, the higher the price tag.

Who decided that expensive = fashionable?

Conclusion

We’re all guilty of going along with things that make zero sense because, well, that’s just how the world works. But maybe it’s time to start asking questions—or at least laughing at the absurdity of it all.

What’s something you’ve accepted as “normal” even though it makes no sense? Let’s hear it in the comments!

[bl-bracket]

Congrats to Jin Guangyao from The Untamed for winning Poorest Little Meow Meow in a BL Season 2!!!!

Wow what a final match! And what a bracket overall! This bracket was extra special since it was the first rematch bracket so far, as Poorest Little Meow Meow was the very first bracket I ever hosted here!!!

Because of that, I've got some fun statisitics for y'all to show how much this project has grown and changed over the past year and a half!

In Season 1, there were 16 contestants. From those 16, 14 were eligible to be resubmitted (Wei Wuxian was not since he won and Xie Lan was not since it was later decided to not include him since the live action version is still in production limbo). From those 14, 7 were featured in this bracket.

Now out of the 64 contestants, 29 were from shows that had not yet aired at the time of the original bracket.

When it came to average votes, in Season 1 there was an average of 83.2 votes per round. In Season 2, the average jumped to 202.5 with the prelims averaging at 162.2, the loser bracket averaging at 159.1, and the main bracket averaging at 280.9. That's crazy to me! This competition has grown so much over time and I've had so much fun with it every step of the way!

Now with the stats out of the way, I'd like to also crown our Loser Bracket Winner: Vegas from Kinnporsche!

He also came in second place during Season 1! Poor Vegas, always the bridesmaid, never the bride when it comes to winning poorest little meow meow!

Keep an eye out for our extra special Poorest Little Meow Meow Of All Time Round, where Wei Wuxian and Jin Guangyao will battle it out! Also coming up will be our bonus round: Poorest Little Meow Meow NOT From A BL, as well as the poll for the next bracket topic!

Thank you all again for playing along and participating! I'm very grateful that I get to run silly little competitions on tumblr and have so many people also be interested in them!!!

[cbrownjc]

Hello :) I was wondering if we ever got confirmation about which books Rolin is interested in focusing this adaptation on? I know that they'll probably take elements from most (if not all) VC books, but if they're aiming at 7-8 seasons with some books taking multiple seasons to adapt, they're going to have to pick and choose which books to really dig into.

I was also thinking about production. I've seen people talk about how we'll need to wait another 1.5-2 years between seasons and I kinda doubt that? I feel like we'll start speeding things up and getting a new season every year, mostly because I just can't see them go for 12+ years of production on this show. Very few shows nowadays go more than 10 years, and if they really want to do 7-8 seasons I can't see how they'll manage that with 1.5 to 2 years in between each season. I understand they're in for the long haul with the Immortal Universe but...that's very long in the modern drama landscape.

Honestly I am mostly just hoping to get new seasons more frequently and also be able to see their full vision realized because the longer it goes on the higher the chance they'll run into issues like actor availability, leadership changes that could impact renewals, budget restrictions, etc. What do you think?

Hello!

Okay, first to answer the production question. Now, while many shows rarely go past 10 years wrt production of them, that is really dependent on their Season count. Game of Thrones, for example, only ran for 8 Seasons, and production only lasted 8 years as well.

The Walking Dead ran for 11 Seasons and was produced over 12 years.

AMC has said in the past (or, at least, Rolin Jones has said that AMC has said) that they wanted 10 Seasons for IWTV. RJ, however, has been consistent in saying he has an 8 Season plan.

So whether the show continues on for at least 2 more years after Rolin's 8 Season plan is up in the air right now and we should just focus on, at most, getting 8 Seasons, Which yes, I think will take over the course of 8-9 years to film.

Because I think starting with Season 3, the wait and production times will decrease over time. Remember, the strikes threw a bit of a wrench into things. But what also did regarding Season 2 was that it's clear that Rolin and the writing staff didn't start actually writing Season 2 until AMC had officially greenlit Season 2 back in September of 2022. That is why shooting for Season 2 couldn't start in the fall of 2022, there were no scripts broken, let alone written yet!

And then, once the scripts were done, they still had to start pre-production stuff, such as location scouting, figuring out which sets needed to be built, etc.

So shooting for Season 2 could only start shooting when it did because it was the earliest they could get all that done once they were given a renewal notice.

I think things are very different when it comes to Season 3 because I think, even if the show hadn't already been quietly renewed for Season 3 before it was officially announced, RJ and the other writers were already breaking and writing the scripts for Season 3 starting either just before or while Season 2 was airing. And so given that writing time, plus the fact that they probably don't have to do as much location scouting (since many of those locations were already found in Season 2) pre-production will likely take less time.

I think filming will begin in late October, meaning we'd get an October 2025 release date. Which I think will be the standard release window going forward with each new season and why the wait will be another long one again, but that will also give the production staff and actors breathing room after they are done filming a season before going into the next one.

So for that reason, I can see production of the show lasting 9-10 years, but that is because of the extra 1/2 year gaps between the filming and airing of Season 2 and the one I feel we are going to get for Season 3.

As well as the fact that I think when they get to Queen of the Damned, that will be a true split-season like the one Breaking Bad got for its final season. That show had Season 5, Part 1, and Season 5, Part 2. Because even though this past season was called "Season 2" externally, you can see by the episode numbers that internally, what this really was was "Season 1, Part 2."

Anyway, as to the books being adapted -- and not just having elements taken from them -- Rolin has said for sure we are getting IWTV (which we just finished), The Vampire Lestat (Season 3), Queen of the Damned (which is where he spoke about it being so epic and grand a story that they will probably have to split the season in order to tell it all) and Tale of the Body Theif (which he confirmed after Season 2 was finished that they were beginning to already set up for). He also mentioned at Comic-Con in 2022 that Prince Lestat would be adapted.

Also, while RJ talked about the book The Vampire Armand being important, he's never said it would get its own separate adaptation, which honestly makes sense. Because of the way that book is told, you can just interweave elements of it when you want to focus on Armand's backstory, or even just do a stand-alone episode here and there dedicated to parts of it. It really isn't the kind of book you do a full season on IMO.

So yeah. The books that we know for sure are getting their own, full adaptations per RJ so far are IWTV, TVL, QotD, TotBT, and PL.

I can see them throwing elements of books like Memnoch, TVA, and Blood and Gold into it all, but I don't know if they'll get their own full-season adaptations. As I said, I don't think TVA will. And I don't think B&G will either, as I see it just like TVA -- you adapt elements of it during a season, maybe even full sections of it for a flashback episode or so during a season, but it doesn't get its own full stand-alone season.

The same goes for Merrick, since they already did Louis' suicide attempt and Louis seems to be moving forward from his despair and grief regarding Claudia -- so that even if Lestat did fall into his post-Memnoch coma in the show, I'm not sure this Louis would attempt to end his life again over that loss. (Even more so after this Louis also got that letter from Lestat in the past, telling Louis to please live on in the event of his death.)

I have no idea if they are seriously going to ever do Blackwood Farm or Blood Canticle. Neither book has ever been mentioned, even in passing. Plus, they kind of depend on what and where Mayfair Witches is at or has going on at the time and well, that show . . . 😅

Oh! And they might be looking to adapt the whole Prince Lestat trilogy, but I don't remember if RJ has talked about adapting the whole trilogy -- meaning the entirety of each book -- or just the full first book and then elements from the other two. (Because I do think it's clear that, if anything, we'll get the Loustat ballroom dance from Blood Communion in the final season of the show).

So yeah, I think that this is what we're looking at for the next few years, book adaptation-wise.

[brian-in-finance]

Inside Written In My Heart’s Blood • Part 1 of 3

🧵Outlander_Starz: I think I speak for all of us when I say Episode 715, "Written in My Own Heart's Blood," tore all our guts out.

Join me for a behind-the-scenes look at this monumental episode, named after Diana Gabaldon's book, while we wait for the season finale, airing January 17.

First off, did everyone spot the familiar faces in this week's opening titles? 👀

🧵Outlander_Starz: This episode was directed by Joss Agnew, who also directed the big battle episodes in Season 7, Part 1: Episodes 708 and 709. I'm declaring him our official war expert and wow, did he deliver!

Let's talk about Claire. This episode, the Costume Department had to craft an ensemble that not only looked good, but served the heart-breaking story as well.

Caitríona Balfe was a fan as well, saying, "To me, this costume — the linen waistcoat and jacket when she's in the field hospital — screams practicality but it also looks cool. That, to me, is just very Claire."

Claire's costume for the Battle of Monmouth took quite a lot of thought because it had to do many things.

We were filming outside in Scotland in January and February, so we had to make sure Caitriona was going to stay dry and warm enough to be comfortable acting, but it also had to be a costume that she had a lot of freedom of movement in.

Within the story, we wanted to see certain aspects of her journey through color, like the progression of her being wounded, to let the audience see how serious it was. So, I chose pale colors, natural fabrics, and dyes that were ideal to show blood but would not look totally impractical for her position triaging soldiers. — TRISHA BIGGAR, COSTUME DESIGNER

🧵Outlander_Starz: Speaking of costumes, can we hear some commotion for Jamie's uniform? Our JAMMF is now a Brigadier General with the official get-up to match.

The iconic blue and buff colors match the Continental General's uniform worn by Washington himself, while the red sash identifies Jamie's rank as Brigadier General.

We have to talk about the general's uniform. It's a beautiful blue and cream-colored American outfit... but I don't think Jamie really is a man that is comfortable in that kind of clothing. He would much rather be in his loose fitting kilt in the Highlands of Scotland. For him to be buttoned up and wearing a sash, a very fancy outfit, is not really him.

Like in Paris, he can integrate into society, but he's most comfortable when he's in his kilt. — SAM HEUGHAN, JAMIE FRASER

🧵Outlander_Starz: This episode introduced a brand new set, the Tennent Church, which had interiors in the studio and exteriors on location.

The Old Tennent Church is actually a very real church that still exists today that was indeed used as a hospital during the 1778 Battle of Monmouth.

The season ends, set wise, with the Tennent Church exterior and interior. It's a glorious thing. The first thing I did was look up historical archives to discover that the Tennent Church was, in fact, a real place and found what it looked like. I wanted to be quite faithful to that.

There's a respect you have to give these moments of historical significance that Outlander does so well, to portray them close to how they are. It was a decision I made to not reinvent Tennent Church, but to give an accurate representation of it. We've tweaked some things to suit our action, but essentially, we were faithful to it, and that was a joy. — MIKE GUNN, PRODUCTION DESIGNER

Inside Written In My Heart’s Blood • Part 1

Threads 🧵

Remember… this costume — the linen waistcoat and jacket when she's in the field hospital — screams practicality but it also looks cool. That, to me, is just very Claire. — Caitríona Balfe

[my-rose-tinted-glasses]

Happy New Year! I've been writing too many recaps lately so this will be brief. Anyway as usual, spoilers and opinions below, read at your own risk.

QL - Currently Watching

🇹🇭 Caged Again [9/10] - I don't think the poachers escaping and going after them again was necessary, and it certainly wasn't well executed.

🇯🇵 Call Me by No-Name [1/8] - I love the visuals, it's all very deliberate, with the lighting , the colours and all the lines. I'm intrigued about no-name and the scheherazade of it all. She must be running from something, or someone. Probably the second. 🇹🇭 Fourever You [15/16] - I don't know why I'm still watching. I really don't.

🇨🇳 I'll Turn Around This Time [1/6] - Very nice production, I really like the visuals. The first episode spanned 3 months so it was a lot but I think it was well paced. Time loop has begun so I expect a lot of heartache. Curious about this one. 🇯🇵Miseinen [9/10] - I think some of the changes they made from the source material really didn't help the story in the second half of the show. And this last episode just felt like they were more focused on continuing the visual metaphors than to actually move the story forward in a way that made sense. I'm kinda disappointed tbh.

🇹🇭 Ossan's Love Th [2/12] - I'm having so much fun. Smitten Mix is my favourite Mix, and I'm loving seeing Earth do something different. I actually like the Boss, I think the show is doing a good job balancing the more excentric side with the professional. That moment on the roof when he and Moo went from fighting to professional mode was well done.

🇹🇭 Perfect 10 Liners [14/24] - I adore them.

🇹🇭 Sangmin Dinneaw [3/8] - This show just went full on bonkers. I mean, this whole episode was crazy. I don't even know what to say. The hotel manager is not funny, I can't stand her. The mains are cute but I don't know if I'm gonna stick with this one.

🇹🇼 See Your Love [11/13] - It's like watching two shows in one. On one side we have the most endearing couple. They are completely in love with each other and helping each other through their individual issues. And the other...I don't really know what's happening.

🇹🇭 The Boy Next World [4/10] - Ok, so we all agree that Cir is just more than a little insane, like probably because of that mother, and not really from a parallel universe, and has probably been stalking watching Phu from afar since that day in the classroom, right? Great.

🇹🇭 The Heart Killers [9/12] - I'm still watching quietly.

🇹🇭 ThamePo [7/12] - They are so charming and earnest. And Est is too beautiful for this world. But also...

🇯🇵 When It Rains, It Pours [1/7] - I'm very curious. I really like the setup, it feels grown up. Also I'm curious if the gay couple, is actually a couple, or if maybe they were once but now they stayed together for convenience or some other reason. We'll see.

🇹🇭 Your Sky [11/12] - Hia and Real need to get on with it. Lee and Ghlai need their own show. Teerak and Fah continue to be the most lovable couple in all the land.

QL - Finished

🇯🇵Love in the Air Koi - I appreciated the condensed stories, with less filler and the parallel kidnappings. And I preferred this version of the second couple.

🇯🇵 Love is a Poison - I adore them. Shiba is such a fascinating and original character. The actors did an incredible job, and I could watch them be battle husbands for 5 more seasons. Oh and the succulents. I will miss them most of all.

🇹🇭 My Stand-In - Final thoughts here.

🇹🇭 Spare Me Your Mercy - It's interesting in the context of euthanasia but not much else. The crime part of this was messy and the romance was practically not existent or otherwise not believable.

Others - Watched

🇹🇭High School Frenemy | 🇨🇳Fangs of Fortune | 🇯🇵Lion no Kakurega |🇰🇷 Squid Game 2

Coming in January: 05/01 - 🇹🇭 The Boy Next world 06/01 - 🇹🇭Ossan's Love Thailand 09/01 - 🇯🇵 When it Rains, It Pours - 🇯🇵 Call Me by No-Name 15/01 - 🇹🇼 Impression of Youth

I've finished my yearly recap by country. Korea | Thailand | Japan. I hope you all have the most wonderful year. As usual my ask box is open. 💜

[911bts]

What We Know: Season 7

7x01 - “Abandoned ‘Ships”

Writer(s): Tim Minear

Director: John J Gray

Air Date: March 14, 2024

Production Code: 701

Synopsis: Athena and Bobby set off on their honeymoon cruise, but when duty calls, their vacation is put on hold. Meanwhile, a fighter jet traps a civilian, and an unusual incident leaves a couple stuck together.

Stills: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

7x02 - "Rock the Boat"

Writer(s): Lyndsey Beaulieu & Juan Carlos Coto

Director: Brad Buecker

Air Date: March 21, 2024

Production Code: 702

Synopsis: The disastrous cruise continues when Bobby and Athena respond to the ship’s explosion, racing to aid injured passengers. Meanwhile, Hen questions her instincts in a life-taking call and grows concerned about Athena and Bobby’s whereabouts.

Stills: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5

7x03 - "Capsized"

Writer(s): Lyndsey Beaulieu & Juan Carlos Coto

Director: Brad Buecker

Air Date: March 28, 2024

Production Code: 703

Synopsis: With each moment becoming critical as the ship is flipped upside down, Athena and Bobby take charge, seeking methods for rescue while navigating efforts to guide survivors to safety. Meanwhile, Hen defies protocols in her search for Bobby and Athena.

Stills: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5

7x04 - "Buck, Bothered and Bewildered"

Writer(s): Andrew Meyers & Bradley Marques

Director: Chad Lowe

Air Date: April 4, 2024

Production Code: 704

Synopsis: Upon her return to shore, Athena’s son, Harry, finds himself in trouble with the law. Meanwhile, Buck grows envious as Eddie forms a close bond with someone else, and the 118 rescue a woman who’s stuck on receiving a rose at an iconic mansion.

Stills: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6

7x05 - "You Don't Know Me "

Writer(s): Lyndsey Beaulieu & Taylor Wong

Director: Brenna Malloy

Air Date: April 11, 2024

Production Code: 705

Synopsis: Hen and Karen welcome a new addition to their family, while a call unfolds involving a person’s limb that’s taken on a mind of its own. Meanwhile, Eddie and Marisol take a closer look at their relationship, and Buck navigates his new feelings.

Stills: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

7x06 - "There Goes The Groom"

Writer(s): Tim Minear & Nicole Barraza Keim

Director: John J Gray

Air Date: May 2, 2024

Production Code: 706

Synopsis: After years of anticipation, Maddie and Chimney’s long-awaited wedding day arrives. However, when the groom mysteriously vanishes, the 118 races against time to ensure he doesn’t miss the most crucial day of his life.

Stills: part 1, part 2

7x07 - "Ghost of a Second Chance"

Writer(s): Taylor Wong (probably)

Director:

Air Date: May 9, 2023

Production Code: 707

Synopsis: Maddie and Athena investigate a case surrounding an abducted mother and child as Hen and Karen learn more about Mara’s family history. Meanwhile, Eddie grapples with unresolved feelings for someone from his past.

Stills:

7x08 - "Step Nine"

Writer(s): Juan Carlos Coto & Bradley Marques

Director: John J Gray (probably)

Air Date: May 16, 2024

Production Code:

Synopsis:

Stills:

7x09 - "Ashes, Ashes"

Writer(s):

Director:

Air Date: May 23, 2024

Production Code:

Synopsis:

Stills:

7x10 - "All Fall Down"

Writer(s):

Director:

Air Date: May 30, 2024

Production Code:

Synopsis:

Stills:

[kikimurphys]

The Wrap Party (Part 7)

“Oat flat white?” you asked, handing him his coffee.

“Right here,” he replied, taking it from you with a nod of thanks. “And you?” he asked as he sipped his drink.

“Almond vanilla latte,” you said, holding up your cup before taking a sip. A contented hum escaped you. “Mmm, this is nice,” you mused, casting a glance back at the cozy coffee shop.

The two of you strolled around the bustling market, weaving through the crowd as you picked up ingredients for the roasted beef and salad Cillian promised to make. Along the way, you grabbed a few essentials to stock his kitchen—something it sorely needed.

He wore sunglasses, a subtle attempt to keep a low profile, though you still caught a few curious glances from passersby. Walking side by side, you found yourselves chatting about food preferences and habits, the conversation flowing easily.

“You should always buy local,” you lectured playfully, holding up a bunch of fresh tomatoes. “Store-bought ones are so lame.”

He smirked, clearly amused. “I usually just shop online and have everything delivered, but I can see your point. There’s definitely a difference between fruit cut in a plastic box and something freshly picked.”

You grinned, pleased with his concession. “The other day, I was in such a rush I grabbed blueberries from the store, and I swear, they were awful. Big, sour, and just... wrong. Nothing like these,” you said, gesturing toward a small crate of plump, vibrant blueberries.

Cillian smirked, picking one from the crate and popping it into his mouth. “Alright, you’ve sold me. Let’s grab some. Anything else you want to convert me on before we head back?”

“You’ll thank me later,” you teased, tossing the blueberries into your basket alongside fresh herbs, tomatoes, and a loaf of crusty bread. With coffees in hand, the two of you made your way back to his apartment, arms full of fresh groceries and stomachs rumbling with anticipation.

Back at his apartment, the smell of roasted beef filled the air, mingling with the fresh herbs and citrus he’d tossed into the salad. The two of you sat at the small dining table, your glasses of wine catching the afternoon light streaming through the windows.

“This is incredible,” you said, gesturing toward your plate with your fork. “I wasn’t expecting you to be such a good cook.”

“Well,” he began, leaning back in his chair with a playful smirk, “I’ve picked up a few things here and there. But it’s easier when you’ve got someone to impress.”

You rolled your eyes but couldn’t help the blush creeping up your neck. “Flattery and food? Dangerous combination.”

The conversation flowed easily as you finished your meal, laughing over anecdotes and sharing little snippets of your lives. It felt natural—no awkward pauses, no overthinking. Just two people enjoying each other’s company.

“So,” he asked as he topped off your wine glass, “what are you working on now? Fashion Week’s over, isn’t it?”

You nodded, swirling the wine in your glass. “It is, yeah. Award season’s ramping up, though, so there are a few styling gigs coming through. Nothing concrete yet, but it keeps me busy.”

“Sounds chaotic,” he mused, resting his chin on his hand. “And exciting.”

“What about you? What’s on the docket?”

He grinned, leaning forward slightly. “I’m starting production for the 28 Days Later sequel in September.”

Your eyes widened in excitement. “Wait, that’s really happening? I’d heard rumors, but nothing official!”

“Top secret,” he said with mock seriousness, pressing a finger to his lips.

You laughed, shaking your head. “I actually saw 28 Days Later a few years after it came out. There was this tiny theater on Sixth Street, right near my neighborhood. I went there all the time, even when I didn’t have enough money. The old man at the ticket booth would just let me in. They always played older or lesser-known movies... well, lesser-known in America, at least.”

“Not many of those theaters left now, huh?” he said, a touch of nostalgia in his voice.

“No, not anymore. That one was magical, though. I have such good memories there,” you replied, your tone softening.

“Sounds like the kind of place where the experience is more about the vibe than the film itself,” he mused, leaning back in his chair.

“Exactly.” You smiled. “Not that your film wasn’t great—don’t get me wrong. 28 Days Later scared the hell out of me. I spent the whole night convinced zombies were going to crash through my window.”

“Good,” he said with mock seriousness, his lips twitching into a smirk. “That means we did our job.”

You leaned forward, smirking as you popped a cube of cheese into your mouth. “The scene in the beginning was the most memorable, though,” you teased, your eyes glinting with mischief.

Cillian’s ears turned a faint shade of pink as he leaned back in his chair, an embarrassed laugh escaping him. “I knew this was coming,” he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.

You tilted your head, feigning innocence. “What? I’m just saying it was... bold. Definitely made an impression.”

“Bold,” he repeated, shaking his head. “That’s one way to put it.”

“Well, it’s not every day you see the lead actor stark naked in the first five minutes,” you teased, grinning. “Very... committed to the craft.”

“Alright, alright,” he said, holding up a hand to stop you, though he couldn’t hide the amused smile tugging at his lips. “Let’s not dwell on my, uh, debut in that particular scene.”

You laughed, leaning back in your chair. “I’m just saying, it takes guts. And you pulled it off.”

“Thanks, I think,” he replied, his tone playful. “Though now I feel like I owe you an apology for traumatizing you with zombies and nudity.”

“Oh, please,” you said, rolling your eyes. “I was like 16. That movie was the coolest thing I’d ever seen.”

Cillian chuckled, shaking his head. “16, huh? I didn’t think my naked arse was appropriate viewing for teenagers.”

You smirked, taking a sip of your wine. “It wasn’t anything I hadn’t seen before... but it was memorable. Let’s leave it at that.”

He let out a soft laugh, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “Fair enough.”

When the meal was ready, the two of you carried your plates to the table and sat down to eat. The roasted beef was tender, the salad fresh, and the conversation flowed as naturally as ever.

“So,” he began after a few bites, leaning back in his chair. “When did you move here? To Dublin, I mean.”

You swallowed, taking a moment before answering. “I moved from the States when I was 18,” you said, poking at your salad with your fork. “Landed in London first. I’ve always been a bit... artistic, I guess. Started making a living out of it there—freelance stuff mostly.”

His gaze softened, and he nodded for you to continue.

“I stayed in London for a while, but then I got this offer for a film project here in Dublin. It was exciting, you know? A chance to do something new. So I packed up and moved here.” You paused, a faint shadow crossing your face. “Then the pandemic hit, and the whole thing got cancelled. No movie, no work... it was tough. But I survived.”

Cillian frowned slightly, clearly absorbing the weight of your words. “That couldn’t have been easy.”

You shrugged, offering a small smile. “Nothing about life is easy, really. But you figure it out. And Dublin’s been good to me, in its own way.”

He tilted his head, studying you. “So, no university for you?”

“No,” you said, shaking your head. “Not for me. But I’ve learned a lot from life—probably more than I would’ve in a classroom.”

He nodded thoughtfully. “Fair point. Life has a way of teaching us, doesn’t it?”

“Absolutely,” you replied, taking another bite of your food.

Cillian leaned forward slightly, resting his chin on his hand. “And Ireland? How do you like it so far?”

You chuckled softly, glancing out the window at the overcast sky. “It’s lovely... depressing, but lovely.”

He laughed, his smile wide and genuine. “Depressing, huh? That’s fair. The weather doesn’t help much, does it?”

“No, it doesn’t. vitamin d supplements have been my best friends since i got here” you laughed, noding “But the people make up for it. And the landscapes... they’re incredible.”

He raised his glass in a mock toast. “To our depressing but lovely Ireland, then.”

“To Ireland,” you echoed, clinking your glass against his.

After finishing your meal, you both settled on the couch, glasses of wine in hand. The iconic black-and-white skyline of Manhattan flickered on the TV screen as you snuggled into Cillian's side, your head resting comfortably in the crook of his neck. His arm wrapped securely around you, his fingers idly tracing patterns on your arm.

“Is it bad that I’ve never seen this all the way through?” you murmured, taking a sip of wine.

He chuckled softly, the sound rumbling through his chest. “Not at all. I don’t think I’ve ever stayed awake long enough to finish it myself.”

You smiled, settling deeper into him. The quiet ambiance of the movie and the warmth of the wine created a perfect cocoon of relaxation. But not even 15 minutes in, your focus began to shift—not to the screen, but to each other.

His fingers, which had been lazily stroking your arm, began to linger. You turned your head slightly, catching his gaze. The way he looked at you made your breath hitch—a mix of tenderness and an undeniable heat.

“Come here,” he whispered, his voice low and inviting.

Before you knew it, he was hovering over you, his lips brushing against yours in a kiss that started soft and exploratory but quickly grew hungrier. His hands slid down your body, skimming over the borrowed sweatshirt you were wearing and resting on the waistband of the sweatpants he had loaned you earlier.

“These looked good on you,” he murmured against your lips, his voice thick with desire. “But I think I like them better off.”

With that, he slowly peeled the sweatpants down your legs, his touch deliberate, teasing. His hand moved to cup your face, tilting it gently as he captured your lips in another deep, unhurried kiss. Your fingers gripped his shoulders, anchoring yourself to him, feeling the warmth of his body pressing against yours.

Breaking the kiss for a moment, he pulled back slightly, his gaze intense and smoldering as it swept over you. His lips curled into the faintest smile before his hand traced a slow, deliberate line with a single finger—from your parted lips, down the curve of your neck, and to the valley between your breasts.

The sensation left a trail of fire on your skin, and your breathing hitched as his finger continued its languid journey, stopping just above your pulsing core. He leaned down, his lips brushing against yours again, soft and tantalizing, as his hand hovered, teasingly close but not quite touching.

“Aw, fuck,” you whispered, your back arching involuntarily as he slid a finger inside you, the slow, deliberate motion igniting every nerve in your body. The heat between you grew unbearable as he curled it just right, pulling a soft moan from your lips.

He withdrew his hand, and you whimpered at the loss. Bringing his fingers to your lips, he tilted his head slightly, his gaze dark and commanding. “Open your mouth,” he instructed, his voice low and dripping with desire.

Without hesitation, you obeyed, parting your lips as he slid his fingers inside. Your tongue swirled around them as you sucked, maintaining eye contact, your gaze filled with need. His breath hitched, a sharp exhale betraying the effect you had on him.

“Good girl,” he murmured, his tone rough, the words sending shivers through your body. He leaned down, his lips trailing hot kisses along your neck, each one followed by a gentle nibble that left your skin tingling.

His fingers moved with devastating precision, slipping in and out of you at a rhythm that felt maddeningly perfect. Each curl of his fingers found that spot inside you that made you gasp, your hips bucking into his hand, desperate for more. His thumb pressed against your clit, moving in tight circles that sent waves of heat rippling through your core.

Your hands gripped his shoulders as your breathing turned ragged, the pleasure building with every calculated motion. “Cillian,” you moaned, your voice trembling as your body teetered on the edge.

“That’s it,” he coaxed, his lips brushing against your ear, his breath hot and enticing. “Let go for me, love. I’ve got you.”

The combination of his filthy words and the relentless rhythm of his fingers drove you higher and higher until you shattered, your release crashing over you like a tidal wave. You cried out his name, your body trembling as he worked you through the aftershocks, his movements slowing only when he felt you relax beneath him.

He kissed you softly, his lips a tender contrast to the intensity of the moment, and when he finally withdrew his hand, he brought his fingers to his lips, tasting you with a satisfied hum. "Sweet as ever," he murmured, his eyes locked on yours, a sly grin playing at his lips.

tags:

@mamawiggers1980 @xsweetcatastrophe @galactict3a @thistheivyseason @cillianmurphyvevo @sweetcheesecakesblog @cillianmurphyfanatic @meadowshelby

[k-s-morgan]

Hey K, have you seen the controversy around Hugh Dancy’s answers to hannigram-related questions at the Fan expo? Some fans are mad saying he’s a Hannigram denier but I’ve been in this fandom for 11 years now and honestly, reading his answers, he’s still saying the same stuff he always did though? So I’m a bit confused as to why people are angry with his answers?

He always acknowledged they loved each other, that it was a romance, but platonic. Also, I think he’s got a very British sense of humor and is sarcastic and ironic a lot and was never really into discussing hannigram as an openly gay romance, but more so because he is a literal guy in the way he communicates. Tons of Brits are like that. Especially actors, they’re not keen on doing fan service or saying what people like to hear. Mads on the other hand, loves enticing the audience and talking about Hannigram the way they want to hear.

All in all, maybe it’s bc some of these people are new to the fandom, but I literally think that this was just Hugh being Hugh and he gave mostly the same responses as he’s done in the past. It’s a mix of his sense of humor and the tone of the fan expo which is light and not necessarily a proper interview where he’d be more serious and give long answers.

Overall, what do you think?

Hi! Yes, I know a lot of people were unhappy with Hugh's responses - I'm not watching the fandom as closely as I used to, but I'm still keeping an eye on it.

I agree with you in that I heard nothing new. In my opinion, the problem lies in the reputation of 'Hannibal' fandom. We're known as a (mostly) cozy place where the biggest M/M ship is canon and actively supported by cast, writers, and the director. They all said so many wonderful things over the years, things that keep being repeated and are taken as a fandom Bible.

That's why people might still be unpleasantly surprised when they hear Hugh's reserved, distant replies, or Mads' weirdly shallow answers, or Bryan's ideas that are all over the place.

The truth is, ten years separate these people from their work. Hugh in particular hasn't even seen S3 as a complete product, at least from what I lasted heard. Besides, they all have been inconsistent even when the show was airing - Hugh has an interesting habit of saying different things depending on what kind of interview he's giving and who he's with. As an example, in the commentary to S3, he agreed with Bryan that Will was jealous of Bedelia and snapping at her because of it, but then later, he said Will disliked Bedelia for basically being a bad person, with jealousy being unrelated to it.

I'll be the first person to admit that some of Hugh's (and others') answers make no sense or contradict the show, but over the years, I got very used to it, to the point where it doesn't faze me any longer.

Hugh thinks it would take Will 7 season to fall in love with Hannibal, even though 7 seasons haven't been in the plans for over a decade (as Bryan has settled on 5 ages ago), and Will's silence to Bedelia's question and his further choices clearly meant to show he reciprocates? Ok. Hugh things Will's feelings for Hannibal are unrelated to his feelings regarding his own darkness? Fine - at least he acknowledged Will is dark because sometimes there are some denials about it. He thinks Will's decision to betray Jack and Alana and get a bunch of innocent people killed has nothing to do with his love for Hannibal? Lol, but all right.

I don't believe S4 will ever happen. Now, if it's announced, and then I keep hearing the stuff I really don't like, I might get worried, but as it is, I just save the things I agree with and ignore the rest :D The show is over, and we are all invited to come up with our own version of Will and Hannibal's future life. I'm also absolutely certain that we, passionate fans, know the show much, much better than people who were involved in it a decade ago. I mean, if I finished writing a fic 2 years ago, then a reader who just read it will probably know it better than I do at this point. It's natural.

Also, during this reunion, so many wonderful things were said, too. About Hannibal inviting Molly 'for dinner' and Will describing him as a 'therapist' to her, Hannibal urging Will to lose at least a dog or two out of the thousand when they are on the run, Will being annoyed by Hannibal's fussy kitchen habits, etc.

Basically, I don't think we heard anything new or bad. Some answers might have been frustrating, but the good still tops the bad, in my opinion - and the bad isn't all that relevant.

[feroshgirlsims]

Chapter 9.7 - 50 Shades of Enchantment

MIKO

Miko valiantly holds it together while she cleans off her face and tries to salvage her ruined clothes.

What if they deducted the cost of that woman’s outfit from Miko’s paycheck?

Damn it, what if they fired her?

She strips her blouse off, realizing it's destroyed, and embarrassingly, starts to cry.

Pull yourself together. Those are sim thoughts, the voice reminds her.

I am a sim, Miko thinks back. 

You’re not. And if you keep moving through the world like you are, it is going to cost you.

Shaking, Miko leaves the bathroom and grabs a seat on a bench outside, hoping the fresh air will help her feel less hopeless.

“Hey,” Emmett calls out as he walks up to the store, “I come bearing gifts of sustenance. How’s your…” He trails off, finally taking notice of her clothes and facial expression. 

“This shit permanently stains, in case you’re wondering,” Miko replies in greeting. 

“Tough day?” Emmett takes a seat next to her and sets the delivery bag down at her feet. 

“I screwed up. Immediately.” Miko explains what happened with Miriam and the potion. “I’m sorry you vouched for me, and I fucked it up.”

Emmett seems unconcerned. “Did you hurt yourself?”

“Only my pride,” Miko replies wryly. “And my $5 simoleon blouse. But I guess that’s what I get for acting like a sim.”

As soon as the words are out of her mouth, Miko stills. “Um, that was weird. I don’t know why I said that.” She laughs nervously, fighting the urge to explain that she doesn’t even know what “acting like a sim” means except that a voice in her head keeps yelling at her about it.

“I should go,” she gets to her feet. “Thanks for lunch. It might be my first and last one at this job.”

Emmett chuckles. “I think you’ll figure it out. For what it’s worth, I don’t think what you said is weird. And there’s nothing wrong with trusting your intuition.”

“Is that what we’re calling the rude voice inside my head?” Miko jokes.

“We all have that. Some are ruder than others. I’m sure they mean well, though.”

It’s the combination of his half-crooked smile and his ability to joke about something that actually plagues her that has Miko pressing a kiss to his cheek.

“Call me when your shift is over,” he says. “I don’t live too far from here. I’ll drive you back to campus.”

After downing her lunch and cleaning her face up, Miko heads back inside to find Gemma counting out cash at the register. 

“What happened back there?” she demands. “Elixirs and Brews prides itself on its service and products.”

Remind her about Miriam’s election plans, the voice hisses.

Miko has every intention of giving Gemma a whole different explanation, but then she thinks about Emmett’s advice. Her intuition is rude, but has it ever been wrong? 

No, I haven’t.

Resisting the urge to roll her eyes at herself, Miko squares her shoulders. “Miriam kept talking about the big party she was planning for the election season once they finished the addition.”

“And you were so distracted that you ruined a basic recipe that we all learn in high school?” Gemma narrows her eyes. “She’ll have bad luck for weeks after that blowback.”

Before the voice in her head can say anything, Miko warms to her strategy and gives Gemma an exaggerated wink. “Guess that’s gonna put a damper on her influence. Maybe even take her out of the running.”

Gemma lets out a surprised laugh. “I knew I liked you! I tell you what, in thanks for your service today, why don’t you head home early?”

Miko doesn’t need to be told that twice. She grabs her stuff and texts Emmett. When he pulls up, she climbs into the car.

“Your day improved?” he asks.

“Hell yes,” she shoots him a sideways look. “So, what do you know about the Charm Family?”

“A lot. The Charms and Pollocks go way back, all the way to Britechester’s Class of 1895.” He looks pleased. “What made you ask that question?”

Miko shrugs. “Just following my intuition.”

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(Part 7 of 8)

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[emiko-matsui]

wait but which goes wrong play had the most miatakes fr 😭

Ah, let's make a fun little list, shall we!!

11. Cornley Drama Festival

A surprise to no one probably we have our lowest one here. Can't be that many mistakes when it isn't scripted, right? Well, wrong, but each part of the Cornley Drama Festival had 64 mistakes. Counted them individually because it would be unfair to add them up

10. 90 Degrees

A surprise to many! This was one of the most guessed episodes for MOST mistakes. If the set hadn't been built sideways it would've been Cornley's most successful episode of all fucking time. 90 Degrees is coming in with a motherfucking whooping record of only 77 mistakes

9. The Lodge

Also a shockingly low amount of mistakes, but worry not, we've already reached the hundreds! A very sweet episode with only 108 mistakes. Yes, again, a record breaking low for the society. They actually seem quite professional at this end of the list comparing to the other...

8. Harper's Locket

Yes, now we're onto the good stuff... Our mistake counter is up to 110 mistakes as Harper's Locker airs and it's only gonna get better (worse)! Still quite nice!

7. The Spirit of Christmas

Classic episode and very run of the mill mistake counter. Many mistakes, disastrous show, very fun! 116 mistakes that could've been slashed in half if they'd used prop alcohol for Robert.

6. The Most Lamentable

Halfway there and we're coming in with a fan favourite! Just beating The Spirit of Christmas with a single mistake we have a nice and round 117 over here. Feels like it should've been more, but we're gonna have some surprise spots on this list...

5. A Trial To Watch

Beating season 2's fan favourite with, once again, only one more mistake, is season 1's fan favourite, A Trial To Watch! 118 mistakes, and rightly suspected, Dennis stands for most of them! I love you, Dennis.

4. The Pilot (Not The Pilot)

Of course The Pilot (Not The Pilot) is up here amongst the best (worst!) episodes, it's one of the all time classics. Standing proud with 119 mistakes it is rightfully one of the best (worst) episodes they've done

3. The Nativity

And here we are with the episode that made Robert finally perform his coup. The Nativity. And, all credit where credit is due, it was, at the time, Chris' worst production thus far that prompted Robert to go for the successful coup. 120 mistakes.

2. There Is No Escape

There Is No Escape truly for the Cornley Drama Society. Probably the biggest shocker here, because when I did this poll almost nobody guessed this episode. Chris got back his title as director and then immediately went and did his worst performance yet. Even worse than the episode that got him couped! 123 mistakes!

1. Summer Once Again

Here we finally are... Yes, ignoring the number two spot, you were right. Of fucking course Summer Once Again had the most mistakes! Robert couped and did the worst job they've ever done! And it's not even close! The previous like 7 episodes have been like a mistake or two more than the previous. Chris' worst episode is 123 mistakes and Robert, always vying to outdo Chris, barrels down the door with 142 mistakes.