#simply cannot articulate how much I need to watch the eps

[sol-arium126]

DO YOU GUYS SEE THE VISION

i need it to be Jan 6 9:00 PM EST so bad 😭

[nashvilledreams]

My Naya, my Snixxx, my Bee. I legitimately can not imagine this world without you.

7 years ago today, she and I were together in London when we found out about Cory. We were so far away, but I was so thankful that we had each other. A week ago today we were talking about running away to Hawaii. This doesn’t make sense. And I know it probably never will.

She was so independent and strong and the idea of her not being here is something I cannot comprehend. She was the single most quick-witted person I’ve ever met, with a steel-trap memory that could recall the most forgettable conversations from a decade ago verbatim. The amount of times she would memorize all of those crazy monologues on Glee the morning of and would never ever mess up during the scene… I mean, she was clearly more talented than the rest of us. She was the most talented person I’ve ever known. There is nothing she couldn’t do and I’m furious we won’t get to see more.

I’m thankful for all the ways in which she made me a better person. She taught me how to advocate for myself and to speak up for the things and people that were important to me, always. I’m thankful for the times I grew an ab muscle from laughing so hard at something she said. I’m thankful she became like family. I’m thankful that my dad happened to have met her weeks before I did and when I got Glee, he told me to “look out for a girl named Naya because she seemed nice.” Well dad, she was nice and she became one of my favorite people ever.

If you were fortunate enough to have known her, you’ll know that her most natural talent of all was being a mother. The way that she loved her boy, it was truly Naya at her most peaceful. I’m thankful that Naya got that beautiful little boy back on that boat. I’m thankful he will have a strong family around him to protect him and tell him about his incredible mom.

I just hope more than anything that her family is given the space and time to come to terms with this. For having such tiny body, Naya had such a gigantic presence, a void that will now be felt by all of us - those of us who knew her personally and the millions of you who loved her through your TVs. I love you, Bee.

My favorite duet partner. I love you. I miss you. I don’t have words right now, just lots of feelings. Rest In Peace Angel, and know that your family will never have to worry about anything.

We started out as the closest friends and then like all new things, we went through a bit of a rocky phase. However, we stuck by each other’s side and created the most beautiful friendship built out of love and understanding. The last I had the chance to see you in person, I had left oranges outside our home for you to take. I wanted to say hi through the window but my phone didn’t ring when you called (which it never does, f*cking T-Mobile), so instead you and Josey left two succulents on our doorstep as a thank you. I planted those succulents and I look at them everyday and think of you. I still listen to your EP on repeat because from the moment I heard it, it struck me and I always wished the world knew more of your voice. You sent me over 5 dozen SnapChat videos when you and Josey woke up in the morning and I kick myself that I didn’t save one of them. You always shared recipes and I admired your love for food. We vowed to spend every Easter together, even though Covid stole this last one from us. You are and always will be the strongest and most resilient human being I know, and I vowed to carry that with me as I continue to live my life. 

You constantly taught me lessons about grief, about beauty and poise, about being strong, resilient and about not giving a fuck (but still somehow respectful). Yet, the utmost important lesson I learned most of all from you was being a consistent and loving friend. You were the first to check in, the first to ask questions, the first to listen..you cherished our friendship and I never took that for granted. 

We never took photos together because we mutually hated taking pictures...our relationship meant more than proof. I have countless pictures of our babies playing, because we shared that kind of pride and joy. So I’m showing the world a photo of our little goof balls for you, because I know that meant more than anything and they remind me of you and I. I speak to you everyday because I know you’re still with me and even though I’m feeling greedy that we don’t get more time together, I cherish every moment we had and hold it close to my heart.

There are no words and yet so many things I want to say, I don't believe I'll ever be able to articulate exactly what I feel but... Naya, you were a ⚡️ force and everyone who got to be around you knew it and felt the light and joy you exuded when you walked into a room. You shined on stage and screen and radiated with love behind closed doors. 

I was lucky enough to share so many laughs, martinis and secrets with you. I can not believe I took for granted that you'd always be here. Our friendship went in waves as life happens and we grow, so I will not look back and regret but know I love you and promise to help the legacy of your talent, humor, light and loyalty live on. 

You are so loved. You deserved the world and we will make sure Josey and your family feel that everyday. I miss you already.

She was bold. She was outrageous. She was a LOT of fun.⁣

Naya made me laugh like no one else on that set. I always said it while we were working together and I’ve maintained it ever since. Her playful, wicked sense of humor never ceased to bring a smile to my face.⁣

She played by her own rules and was in a class of her own. She had a brashness about her that I couldn’t help but be enchanted by. I also always loved her voice, and savored every chance I got to hear her sing. I think she had more talent than we would have ever been able to see.⁣

I was constantly moved by the degree to which she took care of her family, and how she looked out for her friends. She showed up for me on numerous occasions where she didn’t have to, and I was always so grateful for her friendship then, as I certainly am now.⁣

And even as I sit here, struggling to comprehend, gutted beyond description- the very thought of her cracks me up and still brings a smile to my face. That was Naya’s gift. And it's a gift that will never go away. ⁣

Rest in peace you wild, hilarious, beautiful angel.

How can you convey all your love and respect for someone in one post? How can you summarize a decade of friendship and laughter with words alone? If you were friends with Naya Rivera, you simply can’t. Her brilliance and humor were unmatched. Her beauty and talent were otherworldly. She spoke truth to power with poise and fearlessness. She could turn a bad day into a great day with a single remark. She inspired and uplifted people without even trying. Being close to her was both a badge of honor and a suit of armor. Naya was truly one of a kind, and she always will be. 💔 Sending all my love to her wonderful family and her beautiful son.

Dear Naya, 

I’m failing miserably to process this news. I always imagined old future senior moments where we would hear your infectious laughter down the hall knowing that our funny bone was in for a treat. To many people, myself included, you were the life of the party. Not only able to rock when fun was to be had after a long day but that shining friend that was always willing to listen, offer sympathy, perspective and at times, give much needed levity to any situation. 

You were a beast on the show. I admired you as I watched you nail multi page monologues that you learned moments before and pour your heart into every performance with an energy that had that snicks special written all over it. Our deep conversations about life inbetween scenes are some of my favorite moments with you. Getting to hear about your hopes and dreams for the future and with Josey’s arrival, ‘Your greatest success’ I was so happy to see your dream turn into reality. 

You deserved more. I’m so sorry but you deserved more. You gave life your all and I hope all the good that you have given to the world will be returned in abundance when you reunite with our brother in the heavenly skies. I’m so grateful for our memories. We will make sure to keep your legacy and spirit alive so Josey will grow up to know the incredible woman you were. Love you, Naya. You are already missed. Eternally. 

-HSJ

Naya and I fell into stride with such ease, she was my first friend and ally on our show. In the pilot, our characters came and went with such swiftness. Our enthusiasm brimmed with all of the unknown. We tried to grasp what the other cast members must be feeling as we were working in such separate manners. We dared to dream. What if this show worked? Wouldn’t that be something? Something was brimming, it was palpable. And thank god it worked. Naya’s magnetic talent was going to be unleashed, we just didn’t know it yet. ⁣⁣

I’ve been revisiting Naya’s performances on our show and it has brought me great joy. To work with her was a gift. There was a great deal to absorb - her work ethic, her fearlessness, her talent - supreme. Naya had a laugh that would envelop you and hold you captive. She was mesmerizing. That twinkle in her eye, her luminous smile. Naya lead with truth, humor, wit. I loved her for all of these reasons. ⁣⁣

I loved her sense of curiosity and wanderlust. I was lucky enough to be her travel partner for some of my most favorite adventures. As I write this, I’m grinning with swelling memories of a spontenaous 36 hour excursion - one might even say diversion - to Paris. With Naya, everything was possible and would often simply unfold before us, almost magically.⁣⁣

On this particular jaunt, within ten minutes of checking into our hotel, we found ourselves strolling the halls of L'École des Beaux-Arts, sipping wine from paper cups with students showcasing their latest work. It was fantastic. We were united in our commitment to discovery. And there was always a list of cleverly curated ideas in Naya’s back pocket, should we need it. ⁣⁣

I cannot make sense of this tremendous loss. I will hold onto her and these memories for the rest of time, alongside our Glee family. Please hold space for her, her family, her beautiful boy. ⁣⁣

In absolute, loving memory.

Naya The world is at such a loss and I am truly heartbroken. I still remember the day I met you. You Walked straight up to me, grabbed me by the face and drug me around until I met every single person on set, introducing me as “new booty”. You were one of the first people who made me feel like family when others saw me as an outsider. I didn’t know then that you would become my family and that’s just who you were to everyone.. A Mother, Sister, Daughter and most of all a friend. Your massive heart and bright spark is what carried our entire show, when at times we all felt like giving up. 

You always showed up for me when I needed some wisdom or was down and just needed someone to talk to. You took care of everyone around you in a way that was so warm and comforting and you sure knew how to throw a hell of a party! 

I always admired your bravery and passion to fight for what’s right even when it seemed like you were up against the world. Your spirit is contagious and you continue to make everyone you have touched a better and stronger person by knowing you. 

My favorite part of glee was getting to watch you perform and shine up close every day. You really were the pulse of that show. Anyone who was blessed enough to see and experience your raw talent knows it to be true. You’re one of the smartest and most gifted people I have ever met. There is no one like you and there never will be.

You have changed peoples lives all around the world and you continue to change mine forever. I will never forget your love and kindness. Thank you for sharing your spirit Angel.

I will miss you always. I Love you Naya

For the last 7 years the 13th of July has shattered our hearts beyond repair. There aren’t enough words to describe the pain we are feeling, we are truly heartbroken at the loss of @nayarivera .

Naya, Cory loved you so so much. He cherished your friendship more than you will ever know. From the laughs you shared, to the strength you gave him when he needed it the most. Cory truly adored you. He was in awe of your incredible talent, the way you gave everything you had to each performance; the slap in the auditorium was one of his favourite stories to share. You once said Cory was like a member of your family; you will always be a part of ours. We’ll carry you in our hearts forever. We miss you. Friends reunited for eternity.

We send all our love and strength to your beautiful boy, your family, friends and fans 💔🐻💔

[apprenticemages]

What’s this? Published on time? With screenshots and reasonably fully worked out thoughts and everything? What is the world coming to?

It’s my thoughts on this week’s shows, plus mid-season gut check time!  Hit the break and let’s talk!

The shows that I am watching are in bold, shows my wife and I are watching together are in bold italics.  Question marks denote shows not watched yet (during the premiere weeks), and strikethrough marks dropped shows.

For those that haven’t seen it before (mostly because I’ve been lax the last few seasons), it’s time for the mid-season gut check.  This is when I take a close look at what I’m watching to make sure I’m actually enjoying it and getting something out of it…  As opposed to watching out of habit and being unhappy each week.  Yeah, “grumpy old man” is part of my brand, but nobody really wants to read all that week after week.

3D Kanojo / Real Girl Ep 7

We pick up right where we cliffhangered last week – with Iroha watching Tsuyu as he converses with Ayado.   And she’s pissed, and jealous.  Interesting how she feels that she lacks the right to impose her demands on Tsuyu.  (And unsurprising how Ishino keeps egging her on.)

Yeah, Ishino is kinda self centered when it come affairs of heart…

Sorry for the crappy screenie, but HiDive has… a crappy POS idiosyncratic UI.

But when Iroha sees Ayado being bullied, her intrinsic kindness comes to the fore…  And she learns of Ayado as a person, rather than a threat.  Ayado’s feeling that she doesn’t belong in and shouldn’t intrude on the friend group coalescing around Tsuyu and Iroha nicely echoes Tsuyu’s own feelings at the start of the series.  And also highlights how he’s starting to take the whole situation for granted.  Pride goeth before a fall?

Along the way, Itou (he of the cat ear hat) and Ayado discover…  a certain spark with each other.  (As if things couldn’t get more complicated.)

The final segment…  Everyone’s going camping and except for Iroha (who seems genuinely interested), each is joining in for their own selfish reasons.  It’s going to be interesting to see what happens when they collide.

Midseason thoughts:  It’s not the best high school romance ever…  and it could seriously do with a couple more editing and smoothing passes…  But despite that, it’s realistic and enjoyable.  Keeper.

Comic Girls Ep 6

I wasn’t to thrilled with the first segment, as it relied too much on Kaos-chan being an incompetent fraidy cat.  Consistent with her characterization, yeah.  But that doesn’t mean I have to like it.

I did enjoy the second half…  I liked how the theme of connecting with fans echoed with Ruki’s experience back in Ep 4.  Plus any plotline that gives Best Girl Tsubasa screentime gets a thumbs up from me.

Midseason thoughts:  I have my problems with how they portray Kaos-chan, particularly her lack of development and progress – but I’m liking the senpai pair.  (Particularly Tsubasa!)  So….  Keeper.

Crossing Time Ep 6

Too weird and pointless for words this week.

Midseason thoughts: If it wasn’t a low investment short, I’d be dropping it.

Cutie Honey Universe Ep 6

Panther Claw finally makes a serious move – a full frontal assault on Honey’s school with the intent of drawing her out, running her down, and seizing the whatever-it-is device.  Pretty much everyone who isn’t Honey dies.  Cliffhanger.

One problem though.

Despite the seriousness and all the final battle tropes…  I simply didn’t care.  They haven’t put in the effort to give a reason to care.  I mean, Honey goes on about her friends, but she’s barely interacted with them at all.  She’s pissed about the destruction of the school, but so far as they’ve shown it was just an out-of-the-way place where she was stashed to keep her away from Panther Claw.

Yeah, Cutie Honey has been a real mess from day one.  I wanted to enjoy it, but I just can’t.

Midseason thoughts: Dropped.

Hinamatsuri Ep 6

https://twitter.com/RemyFool/status/995531016453275648

An exchange of tweets after this week’s episode…

The first part, watching Nitta try to introduce Hina to his family was funny as hell.  They’ve certainly got his number, and seem to take his (err…) gradual approach to the truth in stride.

The second half…  defined by tears.  Anzu crying as she was separated from the mean of the homeless camp, who’ve become her family.  (I almost typed “surrogate family”, but that’s not right is it?)  The men of the homeless camp crying over the same separation.  Anzu’s tears, first as she struggles to accept that it’s OK for her to be in a better situation – and of happiness when she accepts it.

And last, but not least, my tears.  With all the emotions flying around (in both halves), this episode was (as Remy said) was a real gut punch.   And equally, very realistic.   Hinamatsuri has been consistently good…  But this week, they produced a true standout.

Midseason thoughts:  Hina and Hitomi’s standalone segments have varied from decent to very good…  But Anzu’s story has been consistently excellent.  OMG, are you kidding me?  KEEPER.

Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits / Kakuriyo no Yadomeshi Ep 7

Moonflower is not making any money – and Tenshin-ya’s Chief Accountant makes it very clear that if Aoi can’t turn things around then he’ll shut her down.  Very, very worried and needing to work very hard – she wanders off on a pseudo date with the Master.  Which is about par for the course for Kakuriyo…  Aoi spends a lot of time wandering off and doing other things rather than concentrating on what’s in front of her.  Also she has pretty much no spine for actually telling the Master to piss off because she has work to do…  But suddenly gains a spine when he speaks of marriage.

Speaking of gaining and losing something – that was this week’s animation glitch.  Aoi kept drifting on and off model.  Not a background detail this time…  the main freakin’ character.

Anyhow, with pretty much no effort on her own part and with the deus ex machina intervention of a guest at the inn and some kind of spirit – Moonflower is suddenly a happening joint.  And Aoi is summed to a command performance, cooking for the King of the spirit world and his human wife.  (Heh?  Looks like Aoi isn’t the only one.)

And is there anyone in the spirit world without a Shiro story?  That old dude certainly got around.

Anyhow, after this week I’m so done with Kakuriyo.   My wife still wants to watch, which means I’ll probably keep watching…  But unless there’s a vast change in quality or plotline I will no longer be reviewing it.

Midseason thoughts: Technically dropped.

My Hero Academia 3 /  Boku no Hero Academia 3 Ep 6 (Ep 44) Honestly, as the credits rolled, I was left with more questions than answers…  What exactly is the endgame for the League of Villains?  How did this attack further their goal of drawing out and destroying All Might?  What is goth girl going to do with that blood?

And what do they hope to gain by kidnapping Bakugo?  Maybe they, like a lot of viewers, think he can be turned to evil.  My answer to this?  Wrong, wrong, Wrongitty, WRONG!!

Next to Deku, Bakugo is the character with the most clearly articulated and consistent goal.  He wants to be be the Number One Hero.  Period.  It will take a great deal to sway him, even temporarily, from that goal.  That being said, he’s also one very smart cookie – in his own way as smart and resourceful as Deku.  I won’t rule out temporary cooperation with the villains.

Tsuyu is cool and deserves her status as fan favorite – but there’s nothing like watching Ochako in full on badass mode.  More please!

Speaking of Ochako, I love the creative uses of her power. Sure, sure – Deku came up with the idea of making them weightless (and presumably inertialess) so Tsyu could catapult them… But the flawless execution was all Ochako.

Midseason thoughts:  HeroAca is its own thing…  And as this season is (once again) going to be two cour, as good as it is I know it’s just getting going.  Keeper.  As if there was any doubt.

Rokuhoudou Yotsuiro Biyori Ep 5

The first few episodes showed promise as a nicely done slice-of-life with decent characterization.  Episode 3 was particularly interesting in this respect, as it gave hints that Kyousi had ghosts of some kind in his past.  (Something also hinted at in the OP.)

Eps 4-5 however, dropped into a pretty bland formula…  Customer has a problem, the boys help him out.

Midseason thoughts: Until I peeked ahead at ep 6, I thought it was going to be dropped.  But for now, it’s on double secret probation.  I’m going to still be watching, but it won’t take much to push it over the precipice.

Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online – Ep 5.5 Refrain

What the actual H*ll?  A recap episode?  A recap episode! Fer goshsakes, WHY?

My feelings on seeing this was a recap episode…

Supposedly, this was planned and not a sign of production problems…  But I simply cannot grasp what the purpose was.  I guess some of Pito’s snarky commentary was not entirely bad, but otherwise this was a waste of time for all involved.

The very end of the silly ass post credits was intriguing though…  Why is the next episode titled “SAO Loser”?

Midseason thoughts: Against my better judgement, I’ll keep watching.  Keeper.

Tada-kun wa Koi wo Shinai / Tada Never Falls in Love Ep 6

Charles-sama (Theresa-hime‘s intended) shows up unexpectedly…  No, wait, scratch that.  It’s made pretty clear that Charles-sama is hot and heavy in pursuit of Theresa-hime, but she doesn’t actually appear to have any feelings for him.

That non-reciprocation may be pretty important…

When he meets the photo club, he quickly charms other members of the cast.  (And does so again at the family coffee-house.)  To me, it didn’t really appear forced.  He laid it on pretty heavy, but it appeared to be genuine.  And he’s a smart cookie, immediately picking up that Class Rep is actually HINA.  (And classy, by not pointing it out.)

I’m not really sold on the back half of the episode though…  Being trapped together in the rain and the dark is certainly a romantic situation, but there’s no actual romance between Tada and Theresa-hime.  There’s some kind of feeling there, certainly, but not romance.  Either the show is incompetent, or there’s something more subtle going on here.

Midseason thoughts:  Mostly harmless.  Keeper.

Uma Musume: Pretty Derby Ep 8

This week’s carrots…  When Trainer-san is paying for a feast to celebrate Silence coming home from the hospital – carrots are definitely on the menu.

A lot of time skipping covering Silence Suzuka’s recovery…  Also showing just how devoted Spe-chan is to Silence.  And how this is slowly and subtly distancing her from the other girls.  This comes to a head when Spe-chan comes in second to Grass Wonder in a race…  And Grass Wonder is righteously pissed because she doesn’t think she won fair and square.  She (correctly) thinks Spe-chan wasn’t giving it her best because she was more concerned with Silence than running for herself.

Which is something a recurring theme in Umamusume…  The girls perform their best when their running ‘inside their heads’ – concentrating on their own goals and the joy of the sport.  Get distracted, and you’re done for.  The notable exception here is Silence herself – we still haven’t been inside her head during a race, or at all for that matter.  She remains a calm, considerate, kind enigma.  In some ways, she a more interesting character than MC-chan.  While this is undoubtedly Spe’s story, I hope we dig deeper into Silence’s story.

The end of the episode, Spe is heartbroken over losing, heartbroken over dissapointing Grass Wonder, and heartbroken over losing sight of her goal to become the best horse girl.  Trainer-san is an absolute jackwagon for once again making it out to be Spe’s fault…  Really, it’s his fault for being a useless lump of flesh.  If the girls are doing well, it’s in spite of him more than because of him.

Midseason thoughts:  Heaven help me and I can’t explain why – but I’m staying the course. Keeper.

Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku Ep 5

Hate to say it, but this week’s ep was pretty weak.  We’ve all seen the “mistaken identity” and “not actually a threat/romantic rival” schtick done too many times before for such a weakly executed sequence to carry much weight.  In the same way, having the everyone act like Naoya was some kind of odd-man-out just didn’t feel right…  especially after it was made clear (to the characters) that he knew that his brother was a game otaku.

Wotakoi has varied in quality all season, and this wasn’t one of the better episodes.

Midseason thoughts:  Despite the occasional unevenness, this is actually a decent show. Keeper.

=========

And there you have it – my thoughts this week.  What’s staying, and what’s getting the ol’ heave-ho.  How did your week go?  Any shows you’re dropping in midstream?

Drop a reply and let’s chat!

Spring 2018 – Week 6 & the mid season gut check. What's this? Published on time? With screenshots and reasonably fully worked out thoughts and everything? What is the world coming to?