#since this is J-Dog's character and he has the most say in how he develops

[internetgiraffekid1673]

I did say I was playing Wizard101 WITH J-Dog.

This is his theurgist Benny FeignRite! The peanut butter to Melody's jelly, the star to her moon and the yin to her yang.

Benny is an antisocial bookworm who is severely sleep deprived and too tired to care anymore. Unlike Melody, who is mean because she's insensitive to others' feelings, Benny is mean because he doesn't have enough energy to have a filter.

Basically, he's seriously channeling EraserHead from MHA.

Link to my wizard Melody Right Here

@givemethesleep ! I am blaming you that we're back into this game and having so much fun. Thanks pookie.

[moonlight-coffeebean-147]

Doodles featuring @twistedtummies2 ft. Usagi. Or as I like to call it… late night doodles to distract myself from how I’m being boiled alive in my apartment/hj (The boiler’s being garbage)

1. Not much to say other than it’s just based on a meme 😂 And I love Smitty’s confused face here

2 & 3

It’s super funny drawing Elias as dog images 😂 Especially with the second which I felt goes perfectly with that part in Chapter two of his introduction story. There is a third one that is still a w.i.p. But I might finish it. Btw…. At this point I’m basically gonna be known as the “Elias artist” aren’t I? 😂/lh

4. I was originally gonna do all of your Twisted ocs… but I need to at least try to sleep it’s like 3 AM 😭. Plus to me it’d be poetic for me since these four were the characters that were the most developed and I grew the most familiar with when I first discovered your page. With this I added how I drew their eyes… since I’m trying to practice with eye style variety. Technical details:

Nakoda: I’ve actually doodled him once in one of my sketchbooks before. And he was actually fairly easy to draw, I’ve had ocs that had similar hair to him before. And… I have plenty of ocs who are just as flirtatious as he is and have made the exact look I drew him with 😂

Billy: Other than Elias… he was the easiest to draw and figure out how he’d work in my style. I was at first worried about his hair since it was my first time drawing his kind of hairstyle and I’m not that used to drawing short hair. But it actually worked out. It also helped that he’s similar to one of my own giant ocs in terms of personality. Fun fact, to the point where I almost thought he had freckles… which is a trait on my oc… but he doesn’t so… 👌

Elias: Is it obvious who my favorite is 😭

Reno: ……I’m just gonna say it. His hair SUCKED to draw 😭😂 I don’t know if it’s because I’m tired… the heat was getting to me.. or what… but his hair was not working out. Like with Billy I’ve at least drawn hair similar to his in the past… with Reno it was like the first time I’ve ever drawn that hairstyle in general. Even now I’m still not that happy with it… even in the first doodle. Like bruh I just 🥲I know that’s probably just me being over critical of myself since this does count as fanart of someone’s ocs, not just that, but someone who I admire the work of, believe me my years of participating in Art Fight has familiarized me with that feeling but just….. don’t be an artist guys 😭/j. Maybe when I do the others I’ll redo him.

5. ….Usagi going through how I feel right now

Don’t know who’s next to her… could be any of the pred lads… Insert “Twisted Wonderland isn’t an Otome Game” joke here. Though I do think this could be an interesting Vore concept… being so hot and just done that even the idea of being in a warm stomach is just… “bruh can you not?” 😂. Btw… this is how Usagi acts when their in one of her moods… a lot more snappy, sarcastic, and blunt with their wording…. I wish your bois good luck with that. Also fact about Usagi is that they literally have trouble finding pjs their size since she’s a frail little thing.

Also fair warning to all the Vore enthusiasts.. it’s not necessarily a big kink for me, hell it’s why safe Vore is in the neutral section of my pinned post so in turn….. I don’t take it seriously. I very much make a lot more jokes and memes involving it.

6. To end things off… this

Death stare Usagi. Is not something to be messed with. They may be small… but they will bite and is legitimately terrifying sometimes.

Would like to know reactions to not even just Usagi, the Prefect in general making this face 😂

Anyways that’s all from me for tonight…. Or morning technically lol

Moon signing off… wish me luck in this heat. Art is hard

[thelextheluthor]

Ok, so I want to really go in depth with Mary Jayne's character because while I'm really obsessed with Thomas and Varian's relationship, she's an amazing character and I love her.

So, when Mary Jayne first appears, it's a direct contrast of the previous scene. We got a glimpse of one side of the story- refugees fleeing, but also finding a safe (enough) place- one of the many realities of what it's like to be living through the Holocaust and WWII. Then it cuts to her- well-dressed white woman walking her dog, arriving at a nice restaurant.

Mary Jayne is playing a part: naive, care-free American girl who's here with Daddy's money- the most interesting thing about her. And she plays it well, not just in the scene, but throughout the story. It's not just a facade for strangers to look at, though. She says it herself- she's the bank of the operation. And others throughout the story reinforce that belief.

But she's so much more then that. Even in the first scene with her, the one at the restaurant, we see how much she cares about not just saving the intellectuals, which is what the ERC is about, but helping everyone. Far before Varian even considers illegitimate exit visas, Mary Jayne is already paying for stowaways.

Within the first five minutes, we see how much she's doing. She's stealing bread, she's giving away the clothes off her back, writing contact information, paying off Lionel, distributing food at the hotel. Mary Jayne Gold is a mask- but as the viewers, we get to see how that mask comes off and she's just herself.

And as the story progresses, she only does more for others. Even after her father cuts her off, she's selling everything she owns to keep the committee afloat- which, is pretty sad, not just because if the materialistic value of her items, but because as we see far too often, being "the bank" of the ERC is the only thing she thinks she's good at, the only worth that she brings to everyone.

But we know that's not true, and she proves that so many times without realizing it. When she joins Thomas as a spy for the British, especially, is a real turning point for her character development, I believe. Nothing of what she's doing for the British is involving money, but she's helping. Even later when she screws up with the British POWs shes finding a way to fix it, and while she has help with it, she's a leader.

And I do believe that she gets more comfortable with the fact that she does have value to the operation-which personally, makes it heartbreaking for me to see how everyone reacts to the failed plan to get the POWs to Spain. Because they've all messed up. As Varian said, there's no blueprint for what they're doing. This is especially true for her, when the whole time the expectancy for her is either to go back home to Chicago or be a bystander to whatever's going on. But she's not willing to let herself be the bystander, she has to be in the front lines with the rest of them.

I also love how Albert and Thomas aren't afraid to show her that she has worth. Thomas especially, because while her relationship with Albert is deeper, Thomas isn't her love interest, there's nothing going on, and I personally love seeing healthy platonic relationships between men and women. And yes, Varian and Mary Jayne have a sort of sibling relationship, and they probably have more in common as theyre both American with families (technically speaking) waiting for them to return home, and they've known each other for longer, but her friendship with Thomas is just. It's everything to me. He's the one who recommends her to Margaux- who helps her use her facade, who also shows her that she is doing a good thing for a good cause and her actions are directly helping others- and he sees her for who she is since the beginning. They click immediately, when she speaks of the Villa Air-Bell as an option for the refugees, and he, to Varian's dismay, not only agrees, but says he's comfortable with danger. They have strong best friend vibes I just- !!!!!!!!!! I love them ok.

Anyway yeah MJ is a badass and underappreciated thanx for coming to my TedTalk. I'd probably say more but believe it or not I do go to sleep sometimes.

[creatingnikki]

Start Up

This was the first k-drama where I legit thought that the 2nd male lead was actually the first male lead until half-way through the show. While I do really like Nam Do-San’s character, I think  Han Ji-Pyeong made me feel WAY more. Especially in terms of the romantic chemistry. 

In the beginning, I was so satisfied with the show. But then I think somewhere around the 12th or 13th episode I started to get bored and disappointed. I think that’s mainly because halmeoni suddenly became a side side character and even Ji-Pyeong didn’t have as much screen time. I also feel like there were some sub-plots that were highly unnecessary because they weren’t fleshed out well and felt disconnected like the friend’s brother who died and he wanted revenge, the whole Alex California 3 year time-jump thing. Like that really slowed down the show and made me go ???  The finale however redeemed the show for me!

There were solid side characters in this k-drama, something I generally appreciate about k-dramas as a whole. The character development was also solid and sweet. I think the one that most touched me was Seo/Won In-Jae’s character development. 

I found more depth in her character than even Seo Dal Mi’s. I loved how she changed her name and then visited her grandmother because she just couldn’t do that before it. I get it. I really do. I think we all take our time to do the things we should/want to and that’s completely okay.

Which brings me to the point that Seo Dal Mi, especially towards the second half, felt like a very basic character. I think she was perhaps the only one who didn’t have much development. I honestly didn’t even find her and Nam Do San’s romance to be great or swoon-worthy. 

The most touching connection for me in this kdrama was  Han Ji-Pyeong and halmeoni’s. Like OH MY GOD. Whether it was when he was a child or even as an adult, their scenes made me cry.

 It was the most wholesome, sincere relationship in the entire show! Whether it was her taking him in and thinking he would rob her money in the shop or him thinking that she gave away his investment profits to her son - and both of them being wrong. The scene at the bus station where she gives him a new pair of shoes and tells him only to contact him when he is upset/alone/ill. 

The fact that she calls him good boy. Ahhhhhh. EVERY bit of it. Like even in the finale when she goes to his house and breaks down when she recognises he is sad + lonely I couldn’t stop my tears!!!!! It’s like he can be his true self with halmeoni.

And can I just ramble on about Ji-Pyeong? Firstly his dimples. I can’t deal. 

Secondly his acting. Thirdly his dialogue and his character arc. The way he was so smart in investing and work. The way he could give real feedback and the way he could be honest with Nam Do-San at the end. Aso the fact that he asked him to stop feeling inferior - ahhhhh. Someone really needed to tell Do-San to feel confident and enough and the fact that Ji-Pyeong did that meanth EVERYTHING. Everything about Ji-Pyeong had my heart! His conversations with Yeong-Shila and his drunk moments. And everything in between. I am really heartbroken that he ended up alone. To be honest, by the end of it I really wanted him to end up with In-Jae. I think they as a couple would surprise all of us. 

I know this may be a controversial opinion but both In-Jae and Ji-Pyeong were such strong characters and I feel like they would have easily overpowered the actual first leads (individually and together) if some more attention was paid to them. Which is probably why it wasn’t? But I feel like had the writers of the show leaned more into these two characters. They were smart, mature, emotionally more complex and that’s probably one of my major disappointments with Start-Up. 

But anyhooo, I really appreciated that the last scene was Nam Do-San and Seo Dal-Mi walking to their investor meeting and not their wedding scene. Because yaaaas power couple! I also love how her being the CEO didn’t make Do-San feel inferior or have some sexist ego complex. 

Talking about other side characters I really appreciated Seo Dal Mi’s mom’s redemption. It warmed my heart. I loved how Nam DO San’s father at the end put up the Samsan Tech sign board in the living room and said that the next time he thinks his son is doing something he doesn’t approve of he will look at it 3 times and wait it out/support him? Jung Sa-Ha and Lee Chul-San’s romance appealed to me a lot more than the leads’ romance - no kidding. 

Some of my FAVOURITE scenes were between Nam Do-San and Ji-Pyeong. Like in one of the first few episodes when they are at that conference/party where Nam Do-San shows up as a hot-shot entrepreneur for Dal-Mi and then the two guys move aside to show that they are talking and know each other and Do-San is like what do we talk about? ANd Ji-Pyeong is like let’s just recite the national anthem! I DIED. And then at the end when he invests in Cheonymyeong and they shake hands, how initially Ji-Pyeong only shakes with his two fingers. They both individually and together were beautiful. 

Also can I just say how cool I found the founder and CEO of sandbox just struck me as the COOLEST woman? She’s the kind of person I’d want as my mentor and friend if I was starting a business. And Dal Mi-s father’s backstory is just so very s ad with him finally getting an investment but also like dying the very same day. Sandbox really feels in some way his legacy? 

And I also low-key found the relation between Ji-Pyeong and park Dong-Chun endearing. Like ho Dong-Chun aways recommends all these lovely start ups that aren’t really profitable but he just cannot resist it! And how Ji-Pyeong finally personally invests in the start up for kids who leave orphanages at 18 in the end :’) I was waiting for him to finally personally invest in something like this because he’s rich and he can and I loved it. More than the investing, his meeting with the CEO of that start up was funny and how he wasn’t harsh towards him and how also said he wants a few kids that he can mentor! My heart!

Nam Do-San. I love how he had SO many insecurities because I have always associated that with the female leads whether in kdramas or just generally in the world of fiction. And the fact that he didn’t have any toxic or abusive outlets for his issues is what made me adore him. The friendship between him and his two developer friends was also very heartwarming.

I did really like the business and entrepreneurship aspect of the show like how thye tried to include concepts like the J curve and why you should be a majority shareholder in your own business and what investors look for and stuff. Ofc I would have LOVED it to be more heavy on that aspect but I get that for the general viewership that probably wouldn’t have worked. 

One of the most striking things about Start Up was the relationship between the two sisters. I can’t tell you how much I was digging the fact that neither of them, especially Won In-Jae (at the time) tried to backstab or fuck things up for the other. Even though they had been away for a decade and clearly had made opposite choices in picking their parents and hence a lot of their life, they didn’t once sabotage the other. In fact, they were always concerned about the other when it really came down to it. And them reuniting and working together was a highlight for me. 

This is one of the few kdramas that got the finale done so beautifully. But since Ji-Pyeong’s 2020 life wasn’t really shown to us this is how I’m narrating it in my head. He and In-Jae get together and are this smart power-couple who can open up with each other and be soft and adorable. He also has formed meaningful connections with two kids who left the orphanage and their connection is as wholesome as his and halmeoni's. He and In-Jae live  together in his apartment facing Han River and keep cutely arguing over start up ideas and companies to invest in. Now any time he looks at Seo Dal Mi and Do San he feels friendly affection and this sort of protective vibe. He found some super eye specialist and got halmeoni's eye sight fixed. Her corn dog shop became a huge franchise cos plot twist In Jae and Dal Mi's mother is actually v strategic in business growth.

[skateboarding-poet]

For the character ask request, hope you don't mind me sending a few over from A3... but: Taichi Nanao, Homare Arisugawa, Sakuya Sakuma, and Kazunari Miyoshi 🌸

Oooh y'all love Sakuya so muchhhh okay I'll do all of them

Also tagging @emilycollins00 so you can see this

Lmao this is gonna be a bit long

Taichi

What I love about them: Taichi's whole vibe is what I aim to have for myself. He'e so cool but at the same time he seems like a person that makes you comfortable just by being near you. He's amazing and I want to be the same

What I hate about them: nothing. There's nothing to hate about Taichi Nanao.

Favorite Moment/Quote: I really enjoy Sakuya and Taichi's event chats, they somehow click so well during those, and they're some of my fave interactions of Taichi with members outside of his troupe

What I would like to see more focus on: Taichi's skating. He is a skater but there's barely any focus on that in canon, so I'd love to see more of itttttttt

What I would like to see less focus on: His association with dogs. Taichi is more than a dog boy and half of the puppy pair k thanks.

Favorite pairing with: SAKUTAITEN, no doubt about it. I just love the dynamic between these three, it's impossible for me to find sth else.

Favorite friendship: the Banri and Taichi duo is underestimated. They have so much chaotic potential. Also I want Taichi and Tasuku as a duo to be more explored

NOTP: om*tai is an absolute no from me. I know there are worse options but this one just... Please no.

Favorite headcanon: Taichi is the resident go-to guy when you want to dye your hair, especially in the middle of the night. It's because he often dyes his hair late at night since he often forgets to do it until right before going to bed. Lmao I love him sm.

Homare

What I love about them: How he is himself so unapologetically. No matter what you say about his "weird" personality or his poetry, he still goes on like nothing happens.

What I hate about them: lmao I feel like anyone who looks forward to what I have to say about anyone for this one will be so disappointed. I have nothing

Favorite Moment/Quote: act 1 episode 4 is a perfect example of how Homare did the most work for the Winter Troupe in the very beginnings. Everyone came around and started contributing just as much, don't get me wrong, but all I'm saying is that at the beginning Homare wanted then to get closer and did his best, even when he didn't succed the first time.

What I would like to see more focus on: idk if this fits here but m a n I need another Homare lead it's been bong enough leebur pls

What I would like to see less focus on: hmm idk

Favorite pairing with: AzuHoma

Favorite friendship: Tenma and Homare are such an entertaining duo and I care them

NOTP: hmm nothing in particular (excluding the obvious adult×child pairings, which applies for everyone)

Favorite headcanon: Homare cuts his own hair bcs he doesn't like anyone touch his hair/face/head. I can't remember where I saw this one but yes so much yes.

Sakuya

What I love about them: His strenght. Sakuya went through so much and is still his happy, cheerful self. He decided to forgive everyone in his life who wronged him and now he is happy with his true family. Just ejfnrirjeidjeos he's so admirable.

What I hate about them: his character writing💖 come on leebur do better

Favorite Moment/Quote: it's part of act 3 2/2 and I don't want to spoil anything so💖

What I would like to see more focus on: HIS STRUGGLES. IT'S OKAY TO OPEN UP DUDE. PLS.

What I would like to see less focus on: his nice and naive side was lowkey turned into an uwu baby thing which I don't really like. He is not a child. In a3 jpn he even is 20 y/o.

Favorite pairing with: sakutaiten lmao would you espect anything else from me at this point

Favorite friendship: so many. So Many. Sakuya and anyone from his troupe. Sakuya and Misumi. Sakuya and Sakyo. Sakuya and Banri. Sakuya and Tsumugi. Sakuya and Homare 😭

NOTP: nothing really.

Favorite headcanon: SAKUYA PLAYS THE UKULELE AND HE HAS A PINK ONE FILLED WITH STICKERS AND IT WAS A GIFT FROM THE SPRING TROUPE AFTER THEY HEARD HE WANTED TO TRY LEARNING FOR A WHILE AND AND AND AND

Kazunari

What I love about them: I relate to his tendecy to be a people pleaser. It's very comforting.

What I hate about them: his mankai memory sprite. He looks like he is about to punch me /j /j /j

Favorite Moment/Quote: the whole Shinobi story event is so amazing. It's a very important part in Kazunari's development and the fact that the Summer Troupe is so strongky tied to it is just heartwarming

What I would like to see more focus on: I'd like to see more of him being like a mature figure for others to get advice from. I feel like with him being so casual and seemingly carefree he might be taken for granted sometimes

What I would like to see less focus on: hmm nothing in particular

Favorite pairing with: MisuKazu

Favorite friendship: hmm the puppy pair is pretty neat, but also Kazunari and Tsumugi. They sure are quite a funny pair lmao

NOTP: nothing in particular

Favorite headcanon: oooooo ambidextrous Kazunari ooooooo

Character ask meme

[curious-menace]

ABC of Arkham Scarecrow U-Z

A-E here  F-J here !  K-O Here P-T here  U-Z here 

U: Underdog : have they been bullied? have they bullied anyone? have they been physically attacked by a bully? have they ever been doubted?  have they surprised people with being good at something?

Jonathan has been bullied practically his entire life, even as Scarecrow  the other rogues tended to poke fun at him. No one believed he had it in him to pull off what he did on halloween. I'm sure in a moment of singular clarity, he even doubted himself for a second. Yes, he’s attacked many of his bullies, his patients in the asylum and blackgate serving as stand-ins for his childhood tormentors. Unlike riddler he never put in the effort to track most of them down so he makes do with surrogates. Unfortunately that old adage of the abused becoming the abuser became more and more true over the years. He’s not as much of a bully as Riddler but he’s still pretty cruel and always seems to punch down when the opportunity presents itself. 

I like to think his most surprising talent is his musical prowess. He's able to turn his hands to most instruments, particularly the violin and piano. Everything, except the clarinet. He hates the clarinet. 

V: Vomit:do they vomit often?do they get lots of stomach aches? are they good at comforting someone ill? what do they like as far as comfort goes? do they burp, cough, or hiccup most when nauseous? when vomiting?

Gross as it is he probably does throw up quite often. You can hear him from a mile away making horrible burping and retching noises when he’s sick like the boomer from left for dead. It's really not helping the whole zombie comparison he’s got going on. If he’s nauseous he does a sort of hiccup burp and his stomach makes a lot of whining noises. Or maybe that's just him tryna breathe.

Since he can't chew his food properly, swallowing huge chunks of food and expecting his stomach to do the work has led to a lot of stomach aches and unplanned trips to the bathroom to get rid of what little food he actually eats.

No, he’s very unnerving when he’s trying to comfort people. He used to be a doctor so he can prescribe the medicinal kind of comfort, maybe share some of his strong whiskey if you're in pain but he’s really not good at hugs or back rubs. You know that gif of someone stroking a sick person's back with a broom? That's him. To be honest he's just as bad at being comforted; he just sort of whines and complains like he’s dying even if he just has a cold. 

W: Water:do they drink enough water? have they learned to swim? Do they like to swim? Can they dive? can they swim without holding their nose?

Surprisingly, yes he does drink a lot of water. Water gives him that full feeling in his stomach that means he can go longer without eating. No to the rest of the answers unfortunately. He did learn as a child, his family presumably hired tutors for him but ever since the incident with croc he’s developed somewhat of an aversion to water. Don't dare call it a phobia within earshot of him mind you, he will go off on one. 

X: Xylophone-What is their favorite genre of music? Do they have a favorite song?Do they have a favorite band/artist/singer?  Can they sing well? Can they rap?

I don't think he likes a particular genre, he just sort of listens to whatever sounds good on the radio or some stuff from his past. Maybe Johnny cash? Some volbeat? He likes ost’s from movies like Halloween’s tubular bells or the exorcist theme. He used to be able to sing a little (kinda like Johnny Cash oddly enough) but now his vocal cords are so damaged he’s hardly able to talk some days. If he took lessons, maybe talked with a speech therapist maybe he could get back to that. No he can't rap, but he does speak in rhyme sometimes when he's in full Scarecrow mode.

Y: You: how old were you when you created them?what inspired you to create them? were they different when they were first created? Do you enjoy writing them more than other characters? what’s your favorite thing about them?

Obviously I didn't create Scarecrow, if I did I would be having some stern words with DC right about now. I first started to like him when I played Arkham Asylum for the first time, roughly 2013 or thereabouts. I bought arkham knight when it came out in 2015 and that's when the love really took off. I love most incarnations of Scarecrow but arkham verse and btas are my favorites. 

I do enjoy writing for Scarecrow, although I run a riddler blog right now I'm fixated on Scarecrow so I'm writing him most often. I think my favorite thing about him is the same thing i love about the other batman villains, his depth as a character. He can just be a spooky bad guy or you can spend days going deeper and deeper into his motivations, his reasoning and all the pain the character carries. Like a lot of people, I can see myself in Scarecrow and while I deeply empathise with someone who has been abused and traumatised, this doesn't mean I condone what he does. 

Except for shooting robin, he was 100% in the right.

And btas Scarecrow did nothing wrong, don't @ me. 

Z: Zebra:what’s their favorite animal? Do they like animals? cats or dogs? What's their dream pet?  Do they have any pets at the moment?

He likes certain animals for their creep factor; spiders, snakes, scorpions etc but Crows are probably his favorite, ignoring the fact they can't really be domesticated . most animals are just...well Lab rats to him, regardless of species. That's not to say he doesn't like them, but only when they can be useful to him. I doubt he’d be purposefully cruel to them the way he is to people, but sacrifices need to be made.  I feel like he might have allergies but he does have a preference for cats because they make good lap warmers and much like him, only give and receive affection on their own terms. I think his dream pet might be some sort of nightmare animal from the nth dimension, like a xenomorph but house broken. He’d settle for some sort of hell hound in a pinch. 

Uh well, no “pets” as such. He has the crows but they aren't really pets, more like they follow him because sometimes he has corn in his pockets. I don't think he can really look after things that need feeding every day, himself included.

so arkham scarecrow is currently living rent free in my 1 braincel. i will absolutely keep writing him because i am having too much fun. 

[queen-of-my-goofball-army]

Favorite Voice Actors

For those of you that know me, you know that my number one special interest is cartoons and the people that voice my favorite characters. Studying my heroes and watching them in interviews became a favorite pass time of mine. A lot of my friends thought that it was really weird and they stopped talking to me because of it. For a long time before I got diagnosed as having aspergers I talked forever about it. I think that both bored and confused people. For me, I love voice acting because anybody can be anything. You can watch a show and years later be like I know that voice it’s insert name here if you’re like me. True, certain actors have something that is brought to every character (I can think of one prime example later on down the list) but it is always about the heart that they put into their characters. 

10. Charlie Adler: I’ll admit that I am mostly a fan of him due to the amount of work that he has done and the quantity. This man was the voice of Cow, Chicken and Big Red guy in Cow and Chicken. True, this show was past my time (and if it wasn’t I feel like it would get the Fairly OddParents treatment where my parents would forbid me to watch it.) When I listened to his episode of Talkin’ Toons I found his story’s really interesting and compelling. I can only imagine how much work and effort went into all of his characters in that show. To develop one character is one thing but to be able to switch between them like a deck of cards is a completely different thing. I did however watch a lot of Brandy and Mr. Whiskers when I was younger!! Growing up with that show and hearing him play Mr. Whiskers brought me a lot of joy when I was sick at home and for that I will always be a huge fan of his voice and his work. 

9. Jim Cummings. If I were to say that one voice actor had a ton of versatility it would probably be him. I was a major Tigger fan when I was growing up. Not just that but I loved Raymond when Princess and The Frog came out. He is actually my mom’s favorite voice actor. But I also loved CatDog when I would see that on reruns, I grew to love Darkwing Duck and countless other shows that he leant his voice to. Studying voice acting and the people that do it has led to me finding some things out that I would rather not. Especially when I found that he wasn’t actually the nicest person in real life. But, to me that doesn’t matter when it comes to this list. He is here because so many of his characters made my childhood just a little bit happier. When I was thinking about favorite voice actors I considered two things, personality and character content. This one is here just for character content. 

8. Bob Bergen: I reblogged a post a long time ago with this man at the helm. What he can do every time I see him do it blows my mind. Bob has been the voice of Porky Pig since pretty much Tiny Toons back in the early 90′s. He has stated that there have been some others but when I think Porky this is the name that comes along with it. Watching him do his thing is something that continually blows my mind. Listening to his life story on Rob Paulsen’s podcast Talkin’ Toons is something that inspired me more than anything. It’s this story of persistence and resilience from a young age. He is one of the few voice actors that actually got to talk with Mel Blanc when he was fourteen. I love his genuine heart and the ability that he has to jump into his character full force. Porky was a big portion of my childhood and I grew up laughing at his “silly” stutter. It wasn’t until I got older and learned that the stutter is an actual art form that I learned something entirely different. 

7. Richard Horvitz: Most of you that know me might be surprised at this rather seemingly low placement for somebody that I greatly admire. I mean he was Invader Zim and Billy from Billy and Mandy for crying out loud!! I just bought a print for the man but really when I thought about it, he hasn’t really inspired me as much as my top six have. I love his sense of humor and his love of musical theater but he hasn’t taught me anything life altering. I think that he is hands down the funniest voice actor in Hollywood. I could listen to him make jokes forever and just talk in his voice but at the same time he is so other worldly and knows so much about the craft that it inspired me that way. He is as most of his fans joke “the dad voice actor” complete with dad jokes. I love Invader Zim so much, the show has helped me through a lot of loneliness and emotional moments in my life reminding me to keep laughing at life’s craziness. I also love Moxxie from Helluva Boss. All in all Richard is a fabulous man and actor. He has helped me figure out the kind of person that I wanted to be and I owe him a lot of laughter hours. 

6. Greg Cipes: Can I talk about probably my OG hero for voice acting? When I was six I spent a lot of time in front of the television watching the original Teen Titans. My favorite character was Beast Boy his character that he played. When I say that BB changed the way that I think about my life that is not an exaggeration. He was one of the first characters that made me laugh so hard my stomach hurt. Growing up I had to fight people for his validation. It seemed like nobody loved him as much as I did. Cut to me in middle school I’m a bit more grownup and I start channel flipping. I wind up on Nickelodeon and see the reboot of Ninja Turtles. I figure I’ll watch it and see what all the hype is about. I hear Mikey open his mouth and instantly I get this rush of my childhood coming back. It was one of the first times that I made the connection between voice actor and character. Greg taught me so much vicariously through his character. He taught me about fun and laughter, about the importance of feeling lonely doesn’t mean that you’re alone in the world and even if you’re the goofball that doesn’t mean that’s all you have to be. The fact that he is such a relaxed and genuine person only adds to the admiration of this vegan beach bum. 

5. Corey Burton: This is a very personal hero of mine. It’s one that I hold very close to me because of one thing. As far as I know, there have been very few voice actors on the autism spectrum. Corey is the only one that I have ever found. He’s the man that actually surpassed every expectation and said screw live performing it makes me anxious I’m going to get my experience through something that I know I’m good at radio. So he does radio and becomes really good at that. Then he goes to cartoons. He does Dale in Chip And Dale Rescue Rangers with a certain feminine icon of mine. He gets Ludwig Von Drake and has been that voice actor since the original DuckTales. Then he hits the peak, he was Mole in Atlantis Lost Empire a big budget Disney movie. I am so often inspired by my top six favorite voice actors. They are the ones that took me by the figurative hand and told me hey you can do get through whatever it is that you are struggling with. It just takes a little bit of laughter through the bad times, and an optimistic attitude that things will slowly but surely get better. Corey was the one that actually got himself to the top of the mountain and got to say that he did it. I admire that about him so much because for a while I thought to myself “Hey, he did it so can I”. 

4. J Michael Tatum: In terms of anime voice actors, even though I love a great many, only one has ever remained of legend status. It comes yet again with a rather personal story. I was 17, lost and a little bit confused. I knew that I was ace but I had no idea how to tell my parents. It was around this time when I was getting back into anime due to Yuri On Ice, Space Dandy and Princess Jellyfish. I decide what the hell I’m going to watch some panels of my favorite voice actors for anime haven’t done that since I was thirteen. I had always loved Tatum as Kyoya Ootori in Ouran High School Host Club and France in Hetalia but other than that I didn’t know very much about him. I looked up panels for him and came across one for Florida Anime Con filmed that year. In it, he talked about being gay a lot. It implanted a seed that would inspire me. If he could be out and proud then why was I stoping myself? It might sound silly or stupid to some but to me it changed everything. From that moment on I loved everything Tatum. It led me to discover my love for Rei in Free, Okabe in Stein’s Gate and many other countless roles of his. 

3. Tom Kenny: This man right here, he is the OG voice actor special interest of mine. He is the first name that I remember hearing because he did so much for Nickelodeon showing children how he did his most iconic voice. Who is that iconic voice you may ask yourself? Well it’s Spongebob flipping patties Squarepants. If that alone doesn’t put him at this spot then I don’t know what does. Like so many children in the early 200s I spent a good chunk of my childhood with me and my parents on the couch and this show on the television screen. You want to talk about legacy? This man voiced his way into the hearts of millions of children across the united states. I remember the first time I saw his actual face. I was flipping through channels and I saw this man on Nickelodeon. He had a goofy smile on his face and I figured what the hell I’ll give this a watch even though it’s not a cartoon. Then he started talking he introduced himself as Tom Kenny. Then he starts doing Spongebob. My five year old mind was blown. I never forgot his name ever since. Every time I would watch Teen Titans and Mambo would be on that episode I would be like “Oh that’s Spongebob’s voice actor”. It was that moment that changed everything for me. I have never looked back from my main special interest ever since. He has helped me through so much. Whether he be my favorite exorbitant yellow sponge, or Dog on CatDog, or Lazlo on Camp Lazlo part of me will always be with Tom Kenny. Keep making children happy Tom you’ve been doing a great job so far. 

2. Tress MacNeille: Hoo boy this is a big one for me. For those of you that haven’t ever been around here before and don’t know the name of my character on my icon her name is Dot Warner (the Warner sister) and this is her voice actress. I hope that she changes your life and inspires you as much as she has mine. When I was nine I had an incredible fourth grade teacher. She showed us Yakko’s Nations Of The World for geography class. She also encouraged us to watch the rest of the show because it was full of educational songs and humor. I went home that day with on thought in mind. I wanted to watch the rest of that series. I go home and I make one distinction, hey that Warner sister I can kind of talk like her a little bit if I try hard enough. It was a little bit harder back in those days and I talk a lot more like her now with the reboot out in the world. This is the first and only impression I can do. I can do Dot and that’s it. And to me that was what mattered I didn’t need to be able to do anybody else. There aren’t a whole lot of woman voice actress’s that can keep working. All we have is Tara Strong, Cree Summer and the one and only goddess Tress MacNeille. Tress has helped me out so much in my life. I have never been the most confident person alive but from a young age hearing her absolutely smack down the actors of her brother’s in the show (Rob Paulsen and Jess Harnell) something about that inspired me. It was around this point in my life that I learned I can speak my mind and just not give a hoot if anybody feels the same way that I do. I can make my opinions known to other people. I was sixteen when I made that discovery and Tress was there for me all the way cheering me on in her Dot voice.  I owe a lot to her and I wish that she was more active on social media so that I could have the opportunity to thank her for everything that she has done vicariously for me. 

1. Rob Paulsen: If you were surprised by this, we probably haven’t talked before. At least not extensively because my dog do I love this man!! He has inspired me more than any other and he is not just my favorite voice actor but I consider him my ultimate hero in life. Where do I even start with him? There have been so many moments where I’ve fallen in love with one of his characters. I suppose one should start at the beginning. As I mentioned with Tress, my introduction through Animaniacs was Yakko’s Nations Of The World. This moment it changed everything for me because this was the first time that I could actually remember seeing Rob do a role. Yakko was the first cartoon character to actually make an impact on me. It was the first time that I ever loved a character that deeply. It was also the first time I ever made my own character to pair up with a canon character not even knowing that I was doing it. Ever since then a part of me has known okay that’s what Rob talks like. Now thanks to Tom Kenny I can recognize him in other places. And recognize him I did. From there I found that he was Carl on Jimmy Neutron, Mark Chang my favorite character on Fairly OddParents and countless other roles that we could be here all day for. As I mentioned, I was in middle school when the 2012 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were originally airing. When I watched that first episode, Donatello sounded really familiar to me. So I waited to the end credits only to find out that holy hell that was Rob!! The same person that played my favorite fast talking older brother. I found out about his fight with cancer a few years after it happened. This is when he went from favorite voice actor to hero legend status. He fought his way out of hell so that he could continue to sing “United States, Canada, Mexico, Panama, Heidi, Jamaica, Peru” until the end of his days. Reading his book changed my life forever as it gave me insight to not just the man who made me laugh, cry and cry laughing listening to his podcast but that same man had a whole ass heart and soul that he put into every character that he did. I find it really hard to explain what he means to me. He’s my hero, the one that made me laugh when I was a sad and lonely elementary schooler and the one that continues to bring me back to my childhood every time I see him in a show. I don’t feel the compulsion to give strangers hugs very often but if I ever met Rob I don’t think that I would be able to stop myself from giving a hug and just telling him thank you. Thank you for making my childhood and the childhoods of countless others much better than they would have been without you. 

And that’s it folks!! Whew that’s a lot of me rambling but I feel a bit better now. Finals preparation week has officially started for me and I just wanted to give myself this big ol’ boost of serotonin before I went into it.     

[helpinghanikan]

Steve Rogers A-Z

Steve rogers NSFW A-Z head cannons 

A = Aftercare (What they’re like after sex)

Just like anyone it takes a second for the world to come back to him. As you are different levels of stamina he’s usually the first to start moving. The first to get some water, setting a glass next to your head and the first ask how you were doing. Chuckling at whatever you say or sound you make.

B = Body part (Their favorite body part of theirs and also their partner’s)

On You; your thighs. Something he can use as a pillow when sitting or to gently squeeze without thinking. They’re the first thing he thinks to grab when the hugging becomes something more. No matter how many times he reaches past your backside, he’d never get tired of your sounds at being lifted.

On himself; Has to be his hair. Whether it be his beard or the short blonde on his head, there are few things greater than having your fingers through it. Whether from tugging or pulling to just a causal run through after a shower. Feeling your nails on his scalp was the closest to a primal romantic gesture that could be done in public.

C = Cum (Anything to do with cum basically… I’m a disgusting person)

Being from a time where Birth control was in another playing field, he’s more careful then others might be. Cumming outside of you, even with condoms or anal. The only exception being oral, where it was all fair game.

D = Dirty Secret (Pretty self-explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs)

It’s those little bruises that decorate you randomly. Not exactly the hickeys (although they are in the category) but the faded marks on your arms and legs. He’s never directly pointed them out to you but watches them as you move. Even when covered with clothes he’s knows they are there. His own little secret he’d only share with you.

He’d never purposely mark you like that. But sometimes, more often than not, his strength gets away from him in the moment. Leaving almost hand prints on your hips, bite marks you’re your shoulders and breasts. Enjoying these marks was teetering into an area he had yet to explore. It was best to look into the abyss, but he wasn’t ready to jump in.

E = Experience (How experienced are they? Do they know what they’re doing?)

Definitely not the virgin the team mocks but isn’t the horn-dog the fans like to think. With a cautious hand you take the lead at first, smiling down at him until he gets that look. That I got this, look.

“How does it feel?” Has never been asked so much. No matter how many times, or ways he always asks some variation of the question. “Is this okay?” He asks, either waiting for a reply in your voice or the moan that comes with the movement.

F = Favorite Position 

Unless verbally stated you will always end up on your back. The build and build up putting his hands behind your knees. Pushing them up against your chest, blue eyes looking down as his strength holds you steady.

It’s a stretch on your body at first. Groans and moans coming more from the bending then from anything else. Settling you into a place where every bit of your feels pulled and knocked like an arrow. Feeling yourself being pulled and pulled until there’s a release.

G = Goofy (Are they more serious in the moment, or are they humorous, etc)

There’s humor only at the beginning, when he’s asking if it’s alright and you laugh at his manners. After it’s pretty straight forward, no laughing jokes and no real talking. He’s more of a silent force then one you joke around with.

H = Hair (How well-groomed are they, does the carpet match the drapes, etc.)

He keeps it tidy. Leaving enough hair but sticking to the grooming habits the war has taught him.

I = Intimacy (How are they during the moment, romantic aspect…) 

It’s a tender intimacy that controls the entire session. There’s no candles or roses (except for special occasion) but you can feel it, see it, in his actions. Kisses and touches start soft between compliments to butter you up. His forehead pressing against yours after that first, long, kiss.

After that it’s in his look. How he holds your gave and only shuts them away when he reaches his own brink.

J = Jack Off (Masturbation headcanon)

It’s more of a boredom thing then an actual need. When on long missions alone, or just when you’re busy and there’s nothing on TV, what’s the harm in rubbing one out?

K = Kink (One or more of their kinks)

His voice is something that’s been with him for his entire life. Even as a little guy he had a voice that made people listen. At least, until they realized who was speaking. With his upgraded body it took it to another level.

The command kink was something that developed quickly. Starting when you asked, “What do you want me to do?”. A slightly tilted head, almost looking down at you, he now tells you to get on your knees.

L = Location (Favourite places to do the do)

Steve hasn’t had a home since that Brooklyn apartment way back when. He’s lived places, many places but the closest to having his own space was with you. Whether it be a shared apartment, hotel room or anywhere that has a lock and you in it.

 M = Motivation (What turns them on, gets them going)

Either in the morning or at the end of the day. Where there’s no waiting messages, no emails or calls looking for attention. There’s nothing other than the two of you and a hard surface.

But, those moments are fragile. A ringing phone or the smallest charm can ruin the entire mood. Ensuring that, whoever was on the other end, was going to get the annoyed voice of either a captain or his woman.

N = NO (Something they wouldn’t do, turn offs)

Public. The farthest he would go with an audience was having you on his lap. And even then it was just for comfort, easier to keep a hand on those thighs, then for anything sexual. That you feel anything when sliding back into his lap is nothing more than accident.

O = Oral (Preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc)

He’d put a hand to your cheek when you’d start to slide down. Asking if you’d rather go first. Depending on your reaction he would take your place.

Old habits die hard, it would seem. Preferring to go down on you instead of receiving. It’s arguably where his real experience shines. With the use of his fingers all you hand do is grab the sheets or cover your mouth. These reactions making a smile come to his lips.  

P = Pace (Are they fats and rough? Slow and sensual? etc.)

It takes control on his part to keep from hurting you. More than once he’s gotten too into it. Leaving actual hand prints on your hips, each of the fast thrusts was like your insides were being punched. The first time you’ve ever had to use the safe word.

Since then he always starts slow. Only speeding up when it feels right and even then it’s done with control. It’s only when your safety isn’t at risk that he lets himself go loose.

Q = Quickie (Their opinions on quickies rather than proper sex, how often, etc.)

Sex, to Steve, was more of a reward then a simple physical reaction. That being said, when the opportunity shows itself, he has nothing against knocking one out. Easier to just go down on each other then penetration.  

R = Risk (Are they game to experiment, do they take risks, etc.)

After realizing his strength could be just as harmful as useful in a sexual situation he treads lightly. If anyone were to be tied up it would be him, if anyone was held down it’d be you (albeit gently) and the moment is likely to be ruined by needing a conversation before going any farther.

S = Stamina (How many rounds can they go for, how long do they last…)

Pressing over your worn-out body he’d kiss the side of your face, then your neck. Non-verbally asking for ‘just one more round’. Groaning but nodding your head he takes your hips. Pulling them back and up into position.

As a man with never ending stamina it shouldn’t be surprising that he can last longer than most. In the same vein he can go more rounds then those same other people. The real question is, can you keep up?

I can tell you for free that the answer is no.

T = Toy (Do they own toys? Do they use them? On a partner or themselves?)

Any toys would be things bought of curiosity or something you have brought in. More than once you’d find him googling things. His eyebrows knit together in the same manner they were when planning.

U = Unfair (how much they like to tease)

Steve was never one for teasing in bed. The moment a “please,” comes from your lips he’s put under your spell. Determined to do everything that would satisfy your brief begging.

On the other hand everything about Steve begged to be taught patience. There are few greater privileges then seeing Captain America in a state of babbling. Eyes rolling back and begs for you to keep going.

V = Volume (How loud they are, what sounds they make)

Growing up in apartments and spending time in tents teaches one be quiet. Most noises come from deep within his throat; whether clenching his teeth or from biting down on you.

You’d have to coax the sounds out of him. Going back into the teasing that can only be relieved by his sounds coming out more than they could. The sound of your name being chanted and praised like a prayer is something the world should hear. But it was only for you.

W = Wild Card (Get a random headcanon for the character of your choice)

It’s a secret that he take to his grave, but Steve will do everything to avoid any accidental pregnancies The serum altered him, cured his diseases and made more than a healthy human could ever be. But he never asked whether it would change his genetics.

It’d be too much of a gamble to pass any of his cured ailments onto the next generation. As much as he would love to see a little him, a little you, he couldn’t do that. He’s not that selfish.

X = X-Ray (Let’s see what’s going on in those pants)

Make as many jokes about steroids as you want but this didn’t affect that area. At eight inches it’s not the focus of these sexual encounters.

Y = Yearning (How high is their sex drive?)

It’s not something he’d focus on throughout the day. Instead focusing on seeing you again rather what would be done when he sees you.

It’s almost as if he remembers the possibilities after seeing you. Dropping little hints when your alone that he’s ready to go, only if you were, though. That his hand has been sliding up and up your thigh since getting home just happens to be a coincidence.

Z = ZZZ (… how quickly they fall asleep afterwards)

You’ll be out of it long before he does. A few times you’ve managed your eyes open as he settled down beside you. His chest would slow, and his breathing would deepen, but he’d still be awake enough to rub his fingers over your skin.

Watching his face and a small smile would appear, only pretending to sleep but wanting to give you the validation.

[snivellussnoop]

Fanfiction Year in Review

thanks to @glowstar826 for the tag! I am honored to hear that my looking up to you was your proudest moment of the year, and I’m glad to say this is still very much the case. here’s my response:

Fics completed in the order of which they were completed:

There are just a few of these since most of what I write is novel-length, but here are the little things I did!

He Wished a Lot of Things - AO3 | Wattpad

The Memory Cabinet of an Alchemist - AO3 | Wattpad

Fics updated this year in the order of which they were published:

Philophobe - AO3 | Wattpad

Arrested Development: An Unnecessary Continuation - AO3 | Wattpad

Delocaponum - AO3 | Wattpad

Number of words written:

roughly 200,000. terrifying.

Most popular fic:

On Wattpad: Not Gay! (please don’t read this. I mean I’m not going to stop you but when I plead like this I am solemnly warning you)

On AO3: He Wished a Lot of Things

Personal favorite:

Delocaponum, with He Wished a Lot of Things as an honorable mention.

Favorite scene:

in Delocaponum, I love writing the banter between the characters. one of my favorite parts so far was in chapter IV: A Warm Unwelcome when Severus is trying to get Remus out of his office after making fun of his monthly “predicament” by giving him a tampon, and Remus keeps ignoring his warnings as he verbally lists a multitude of crimes that he sarcastically is asking Snape not to commit while he’s away. It eventually ends in Severus calling him a slut and finally getting the door to shut.

A close second to this is from chapter VII: Charming Consultations when Snape goes to see Flitwick, who is overenthusiastic about his presence. Severus reminds him not to treat it like the coming of Jesus Christ, but Filius ignores him and congratulates him on being hired (although not specifying that this was the reason for congratulations), and Snape asks, “For what? The coming of Christ?”.

Something that challenged me:

My addition to Arrested Development challenged me a lot because I had to adopt the humor and writing style they achieved in the show, which is incredibly difficult to embody, especially in book form. I grew so much and am still growing thanks to my decision to write this.

Delocaponum also is a challenge as a whole. The chapters are longer than I’ve ever written before, the plot is slower, the writing style is richer, and it’s supposed to be canon-compliant, which has led to a lot of study on the plot points of Snape and Lupin’s lives in the eighties, along with researching the dates of full moons and planning accordingly. This work also plays a lot with grief, growth and healing, which can be difficult to harness all at once, but it’s going well and I’m constantly adapting to be able to write it as well as I can.

A part of writing I’m proud of:

(Delocaponum, chapter VII: Charming Consultations)

“He spent all of last night lying insomnolent, urging himself to just go to sleep, beseeching his own instincts to let him alone and leave him to fall into his own dreams. But he couldn't do it. Thoughts kept running around him, hissing against his ears in the fashion of the unforgiving snake like which he himself is described. Hypotheses. Dubiety. Complete uncertainty. And all this, inopportunely, orbiting tight round the memory of Remus Lupin standing out in the rain, and the sensation of his hand laying itself gently on his unsheltered shoulder.

He's decided that he shouldn't be letting this affect him in such a way. Absolutely so.

He's decided that he shouldn't remember Remus going out of his way to make him tea the way Albus said he liked it, or the pleas to offer him assisting services in compensation for some very free Wolfsbane. He won't pay any notice to how he likes Bruce Springsteen and house plants and accents his entire home with greens and reds. He won't think any longer about his soft handwriting on half of the bottles in his classroom, or how all of his suits and vests are tailored in colors that match each possible shade a leaf revolves through, green and dark mustard and deep mahogany and many, many browns.”

A comment that touched me:

All of them touched me. Really.

Something that inspired my writing:

The Picture of Dorian Gray, J. Edgar, my secret Pinterest boards, Gregory Alan Isakov, the different hues and shades of brown, George Orwell — specifically 1984, nature and seasons, Sweeney Todd, The Hobbit, Knives Out, Braiding Sweetgrass, Hello from the Magic Tavern, Ozark, Steven Wilson, a collection of old vinyl records my grandfather gave me a few months ago, David Bowie, The Phantom of the Opera, the dynamic between myself and this girl that I’m either in love with romantically or platonically (I legitimately cannot tell as I’m ace and the lines are blurred as hell), The Mysterious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, unisex first names, The Imitation Game, Latin roots, mythology, and lots and lots of Shakespeare.

My proudest moment:

calculating all my works together and finding out that I’ve written close to 350,000 words in the last two years. i also feel incredibly rewarded when i finish a long writing project. the longer i’ve worked on it, the better i feel when it ends.

My writing goals this year:

Finish as much as I can with the busy time I have. I hope to finish Philophobe at least, and ADAUC next. Delocaponum I’m hoping to get out as quickly as I can, although this may take the rest of the year or longer.

Tags:

I’m pretty new to the writing community of tumblr so I don’t know any people off the top of my head that write and haven’t been tagged already. if you see this and would like to participate, please have a go! indirectly, i’m tagging whoever is reading that wants to join in.

[joonietonin]

Ethan Ramsey's Character Development:

Something that I'm really impressed with from today's chapter is Ethan's character development. I think it's one of the best character buildings in all of the Choices stories. Let's discuss.

In an earlier post about a month ago, I mentioned Ethan's characteristics. A serious, brooding, handsome doctor. Much senior to MC and the other interns. Has no real family. The closest person he'd call as family is probably Naveen followed by his dog Jenner. Has been a lone wolf since time immemorial. The only stable romantic relationship he ever had was an on again, off again fling which saw its closure when Harper became chief. He has never had anybody take care of him, so much that he does not expect anything remotely caring from even the closest of friends. Then comes, MC (my MC is female, pronouns: she/her) , slowly but surely she breaks Ethan's steel walls and gets to know him. It did take a lot of effort for MC to really get to know Ethan because Ethan right here, is a tough nut, won't crack easily. But with a lot of patience, admiration and of course, love, MC broke the walls Ethan thought were unbreakable. Then again, it would be wrong to give MC all credit because Ethan Ramsey, the grumpy asshole who wouldn't think twice before getting angry at an intern, didn't just magically fall head over heels for this one wide eyed intern right? He opened up to her because at one point, MC was the only person Ethan could even claim as a friend. MC went beyond the books to treat her patients and that is why Ethan always found MC to be an extraordinary doctor. But more than that, MC was always there for Ethan. Even during the times when he wasn't there for her, she held onto him. Ethan still cannot figure out how she did it. How can a person have so much faith in him when he himself has lost all hope? That part of her will perhaps always be a mystery to him. But what's beautiful is that Ethan finally realises that he isn't alone and that MC wants to be there for him even if he doesn't need someone to care for him.

I love how Ethan says,"I don't need you to take care of me, MC." It's almost as if he's giving her that one free pass to leave him and walk away just like most other people in his life have. What's beautiful is that once MC says,"No? But it sure looks like you do." - he doesn't shut her down. No witty remark or a rude gesture to tell her that's she's wrong and that he, in fact, does not need her to take care of him. This scene mirrors the time in the hospital when Ethan found out Naveen was really dying and closed the door on MC and shut her away from him. That scene in the one of the previous chapters, clearly helps us see how far Ethan has come. From shutting her away to finally accepting that she's here to stay and even though he won't straight up admit it, he likes, no, loves her presence in his life. His words and actions mimic his feelings. "Well.. if it's the doctor's orders." Him leaning in to MC's touch and relishing it but never once telling her to stop or go away, unlike the other times in the past where he does give into her touch but let's her go after a point. As MC says, "Let me take care of you.." the amount of reverence in her words melts his heart. Here's where we see a completely new side of Ethan. The side that finally knows better than to push MC away. The side that accepts the fact that there is someone who willingly cares for him and that he would do anything to keep her in his life. Accepting defeat is hard for Ethan, but he does not see this as a defeat of his willpower, he sees this as a new chapter in his life where rather than struggling and pushing people away, he let's them care for him. It's hard for him to accept that love and care but it's beautiful that he's trying. "Well.. if you insist." No comebacks, no retorts, no 'i don't need your care', but one 4 words that convey that he does need her and he's ready to open up to her. Ethan J Ramsey, the first time in 36 years, does not feel defeated by someone breaking his walls down, he feels liberated because he knows that the person who broke those walls down will be there for him no matter what.

Next up, is the scene where MC concocts her secret miracle hangover cure. Now, even a few chapters ago, Ethan wouldn't have dared to try something like that. He would've passed a few snarky remarks and refused to accept whatever weird concoction MC created. But now, Ethan is open to her and the possibilities that come along as he (kind of?) pursues a relationship with MC (I know nothing is official but come on, they're straight up married lmao) His snarky remarks are back but he watches with wonder as MC mixes, well, my MC mixed coffee with apples and ghost peppers and he was shocked to say the least. Yet what really made me smile was he poured a little for MC saying,"You're going on this journey with me. Bottoms up." Now, I'm not one for reaching but Ethan's statement is almost a foreshadowing of him letting his guard down in front of MC. It's as if he let's her know that they're in this together from now on whether it includes drinking an abomination of a hangover cure or saving his mentor from a deadly bacterial infection. His statement may seem assertive but it actually has a lot of meaning attached to it, if we dig a little deeper. Again, character development at it's finest.

Next, let's talk about the scene where he looks at the picture of Naveen and feels like he can't face his mentor again. He thinks he gave up on his mentor during a time of need. Forgiveness has always been a complicated concept to Ethan. Forgiving others is hard for him but what's even harder is forgiving himself. This scene was really meaningful because no matter which option your MC selects to comfort him, MC does it with a certain level of calmness but there's no sugarcoating. "Forgive yourself...or don't. It's doesn't matter. What matters is that your friend needs you. Forgiveness can wait." And that's exactly what Ethan needed. He did not need anybody to sugarcoat it to him and tell him to forgive himself. He needed someone to make him realise that he still had time to set things right and that there were bigger things in question than him forgiving himself. That's how MC is different from the regular people.. people who would've jumped at the opportunity to suck up to Ethan. But, not MC. That's what makes her different. She gives it to him as it is but she does it with care and comfort.

Then, there's the kiss. When MC kisses him, he questions her, "What was that for?" "For luck.",she says. Absolutely thrilling to see that Ethan, for the first time, chooses to be the one who asks for more, rather, takes his share of more. Ethan lets her know,"In that case, to pull this off, I'm gonna need a lot more luck." He kisses her fervently, again and again, letting her know that he wants this and he isn't afraid of asking what he wants anymore. Another interaction that completely made me smile like an idiot was where Ethan says, "I would apologize but.. I can't say I'm sorry for that." Much unlike his previous behaviour where he would not dare to act on his feelings and even if he did he'd write it off as a mistake. But now, he feels different. He isn't sorry for asking what he wants and getting it. Poetic cinema. 😏💯 Also, the scene where he tells MC not to tell anything about them to Naveen and MC thinks it's because he's embarrassed of her, but then he corrects her,"Nothing of that sort.. I just don't want to give the man the satisfaction of knowing he was right about us." I giggled! He's honestly so in love (too soon? Nah, I don't think so) and to think he's actually accepting the fact that he does like MC a lot, like Naveen had predicted! I love one (1) married couple. :') ❤️

Lastly, I'll quickly analyse the scene where MC hugs Ethan from behind and let's him know that he's "Ethan freaking Ramsey." What's monumental in this scene is that Ethan (FINALLY) let's her know his middle name. "Jonah. My middle name. Ethan Jonah Ramsey. But I guess, freaking works too." This scene might seem like a fun comic relief but it's actually so beautiful considering the fact that MC has always been someone curious to know more about Ethan and in the past it has always been her pushing answers out of Ethan, be it testing out the new fMRI machine or going to retrieve a little frog soft toy or hanging out at a cafe.. it's always MC who asks the questions and Ethan responds to them even if he isn't very comfortable at sharing those parts of his life. But this scene right here is so meaningful because this time around, Ethan slips a detail about himself on his own. He wants MC to know him, every little part of him. :') ❤️

Last but not the least, Ethan being there for MC for her trial. He knows that MC has many friends who are in all support of her. He knows that even if he didn't show up and stayed to take care of Naveen, MC wouldn't question a thing. But he promised her that he'd be there. "Do you want me there?" "Yes." "Then I'll be there." He promised her last chapter that he'd be there and there he was. He knew she had plenty of people to take care of her but he also wanted her to know that he was there for her too, just like she was for him. And he wasn't going anywhere. Him telling MC to stay strong and have faith is such a beautiful parallel considering it was MC who told him the same thing just a few hours ago. And most importantly, like I said, Ethan Ramsey would never sit in peace knowing he could do something to avoid MC's possible license suspension. "I might not be able to testify for you.. but believe me, I'm not out of tricks, either." Like I had said in an earlier post, Ethan will have a big role to play in MC's trial. It will be interesting to see how the finale unfolds. I think MC won't lose her license. But that's for next week. For now, let's just relish the fact that Dr. Ethan Jonah Ramsey is changing and this is one change that I'm so very happy with! :')

P.S.- He's also already head over heels in love with MC and they're a whole ass married couple, I won't take no for an answer. Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk. ;)

[hotheadhero]

Valentine’s Day Affection Alphabet, Remainder

I didn’t get many asks, and I don’t want to waste all this writing, so here we go!

It’s very long by nature of how few asks I got lol, so only the first answer appears above the cut.

A   :   AFFECTION.   how does your muse show affection?

Vocally and physically. Vocally generally comes first. Caspar is generally very upfront with his emotions and attentions, at least until he starts wondering if his own feelings start wandering into romantic territory. However, he's something of a motor-mouth, so if the topic starts unrelated but then veers towards the romantic, you might find he actually has entertained the idea of spending his entire life with you, of traveling with you to see all the things or fighting side by side with you forever. Call him out on it, though, and he will get embarrassed, possibly to the point of trying vainly to deny it.

B   :   BOUQUET.   does your muse like flowers? which ones are their favorite?

Floral adornments are canonically one of Caspar’s disliked gifts. Something something too girly, I suppose? Or they’re too fragile and he’ll either ruin or neglect them. He understands the sentiment behind them if given them as a gift and does have a reasonable(?) eye for giving them if he must (question mark because the flowers he gave Celica and Hubert were not the most positively received, but the ones he gave Lyn for instance were better thought out), but otherwise will nearly never think of them at all. If you must give him a flower, at least make it big and/or multicolored and/or dramatically shaped. Maybe then it’ll hold his interest for longer than it takes him to put it in a vase and forget about it.

D   :   DATE.   what is your muse’s ideal date? where / who with / etc?

Spending time with his significant other, especially if it involves traveling, doing something new, or enjoying nature. He lives for the energy, but a peaceful day/night out in the landscape is a great little diversion. Emphasis on “diversion” as a temporary thing: Caspar would hate “taking it easy” and sitting back doing nothing for life. I feel like his idea of a good retirement (from war) is to become village protector or commander of a decent- (but not army-) sized group - anything with diverse and colorful terrain (or at least a big sprawling field) and lots to do. Crowds fuel him, be they friends, classmates, coworkers, students, children, or what have you. He’ll even take rivals too. Favorite known places to settle down probably include Bergliez (of course), Enbarr, or Deirdru. He could do Fhirdiad too, but Faerghus is cold; thus, that city is probably lowest on his faves list. I think I kinda got off-track here, but this is also a developing area for us. x)

F   :   FLIRT.   is your muse good at flirting? how do they flirt?

No, or accidentally only. Caspar can’t even recognize when someone is flirting at him (everything feels like getting teased instead, it seems XD), but he can be a competent smooth talker when the mood strikes him (do I need to name the same two supports again?). he also seems to be a pretty quick learner in this regard, though the only actual support I have for this is Living on a Prayer--everywhere else he does anything overtly romantic/sensual is when he and the partner are already in an established relationship, I think. (Still gotta work up enough prequel to justify that infamous kabedon, lol.)

G   :   GIFT.   is your muse good at gift - giving or do they struggle to get it right?

Caspar does try, but sometimes he forgets to ask point-blank/enough about other people’s likes (and dislikes) and so has to fall back on what he’s figured or guessed about the person through other interactions. His gifts are usually well-received, or at least he doesn’t want to tell me about any instances in which he’s given a bad gift. (Sometimes he leans on me to get a little extra info XD Hi Inigo.) Beware the prank gift, though - those can be horrid(ly entertaining and/or high-effort). See every Midsommar water-bucket prank, his high-effort prank to Azura, or his infamous one to Lorenz.

H   :   HEART.   is your muse quick or slow to give their heart away?

In an explicitly romantic context, Caspar is both slow and quick to give away his heart and to just one person, mostly because he can’t seem to tell when someone is being romantic with him most times or when he is falling in love with them. It probably happens sooner than he realizes or initially acknowledges. However, he’s loyal to a fault regarding his friends; and the more comfortable he is with someone, the more likely it is he’ll seek them out or spend hours of the day with them (currently, Linhardt is the biggest benefactor here). Spend enough time with them, and you may well be the one he subconsciously gives his heart to~

J   :   JEALOUSY.   does your muse get jealous in a relationship?

Highly subject to change given Caspar doesn’t have an established relationship in TOA canon right now (both relationships he does have are currently marked as war phase AU), but yes, he gets jealous. As with any other distressing topic (e.g. his dad’s involvement in Petra’s dad’s death), he tends to keep his jealousy to himself (though it leaks out in the way his behavior around especially his partner and possibly everything else is a bit hastier and angrier) until forced (term used liberally) to confess. Based on LoP and slightly on his lines upon being denied transferring classes or being killed in battle, following confession to the object of his jealousy, his thoughts would be largely if not entirely self-destructive: I wasn’t good enough; I was never good enough; will I ever be good enough for anything if I couldn’t be good enough for them? Having not further explored this topic previously, I feel like this sense of inadequacy is the single most likely thing to take all the wind out of his sails: He’ll live simply by going through the motions of it; his once-bright eyes will be dull; and good luck getting him out of his funk by any means other than helping him find a new reason to go on. Duty might not cut it at this point; he might need something more personal.

K   :   KISS.   is your muse a good kisser? why / why not?

I only think he’s not good at kissing. Apparently Caspar has other ideas. In all seriousness, though, he’ll be incredibly awkward at it the first few times around (see Amy’s and Hilda’s first kisses), but he’s a quick learner with a great memory for the physical and kinesthetic. He may just surprise you with his boldness...

L   :   LOVE.   who does your muse love?

Depends both on the verse and on either how well I can build him towards it or how quickly he realizes, on his own or with the partner’s help, that he’s in love. ... Typically when I think about this sort of thing, the pre- and post-established relationship parts are the first thing that occur to me; buildup/courtship/etc. are a giant blank. Currently, he loves Linhardt in CF and Hilda in VW. He/I haven’t made any effort to build any other potentially romantic relationships with him yet, but based off game events, but there are about half a dozen possibilities among in-game characters throughout the houses, and I can’t exclude transfer students either.

O   :   ODE.   does your muse have a way with words?

Linhardt seems to think so XD Caspar will never win any awards for prettiness of prose or voice, but he’ll always tell it like it is: simply, honestly, and straightforward. He’s too blunt to deal in poetry (let alone manipulation by any means other than puppy-dog eyes), but he has his moments, usually when he’s channeling his magnificent insight, trying to cheer someone up. Far more common for him to have different moments entirely though... aka put his entire foot in his mouth, even when he’s trying to console a friend.

P   :   PARTNER.   what does your muse look for in a partner? looks / personality?

Also subjective, but let’s see... Caspar would want someone who will put up with him even if he gets a little wild at times. Someone who won’t mind him protecting them (though he won’t say no to someone who can protect themselves either, given his usual favored activities and line of work). Someone who won’t tie him down with expectations he can’t meet or rules he must abide by, who lets him live as he wants and even join him on this crazy ride of coupled life. Someone who understands him, even when he doesn’t understand himself, who will be there when he needs them most. As far as appearances, though, I can’t tell if Caspar has a type. Every one of his most likely love interests look so different...

Q   :   QUESTION.   would your muse ask the big question or expect their partner to?

I can’t tell, but I suspect that since “the question” (of marriage, presumably) comes well after a confession of love, Caspar, being the passionate and high-energy dork he is, would pop the question first. Then again, he knows this is a big decision and doesn’t want to mess this up, so he’ll probably take a while to figure out the “perfect way” to say it... which may well result in some of his pensiveness showing on his face, his partner inquiring after its source, and him bum-rushing (after putting up less resistance than he’d like) into blurting out “the question” and forgoing all his elaborate plans. XD

R   :   ROMANCE.   is your muse a romantic or a cynic?

Given those extremes, definitely a romantic. He has a storybook vision of how love is supposed to go and an overactive imagination to magnify it further. It’s as easy for Caspar to run his mouth on this topic as any other, and he gets actively embarrassed when caught baring his romantic notions like a sap, e.g. with Shamir (most blatantly) or Dorothea (when her teasing catches him off-guard because his imagination ran ahead of her). He can be a cynic in some regards... but none of them relate to romance.

S   :   SWEETHEART.   did your muse have a childhood sweetheart?

Hard to say. Most everybody gets coded as various levels of friend, so whether Caspar realizes if “bestest friend ever” actually means “childhood sweetheart” is a mystery. That said, the only person who might qualify as that is Linhardt...

U   :   UNREQUITED.   has your muse had their heart broken?

Currently, he’s too oblivious/naive in love to have had his heart broken. Not a difficult feat to accomplish when everyone is a “friend” until they tell him otherwise. Once he gets into a relationship, long-term jealousy and any other egregious breach, e.g. spending way too much time with somebody else clear up to cheating on him. is highly likely to do it to him.

V   :   VALENTINE.   how does your muse feel about valentine’s day?

“Candy!!! Oh, I guess couples are kissing too. Bit weird that they’re doing it out in public, but that’s their right, I suppose. I wonder if I’ll ever have someone to kiss like that?”

W  :   WEDDING.   would your muse get married? why / why not?

Having not previously thought on this topic... He would, readily. However, if his partner isn’t up for traveling all over the place, he might end up being a bit of an absentee spouse or parent. Most likely sin would be giving his loved ones too many “things” instead of himself/his time for making memories - and that would be almost entirely by accident, since he wouldn’t even think that he’s doing it (or at least the over-gifting) wrong unless prompted by his spouse.

X   :   XOXO.   does your muse use / like pet names?

Maybe? Not really? If he does, he only tends to use shortened versions of their names (e.g. Lin instead of Linhardt) rather than something more creative (e.g. honey/dear), but not everybody’s names can be so conveniently shortened (e.g. Hilda), and he always uses everybody’s full name (or title, e.g. Father not Dad) in-game. It’s a pretty good step up if he makes and uses a nickname on you. That said, in the manakete!AU I have with Linhardt, he’ll actively refer to him as “tyke”, “kid”, or “child” because that’s what he looked like to him when they first met as humans.

Y   :   YOURS.   does your muse get protective easily?

Oh boy. In the short and “monogamous” term, Caspar will protect any part of his partner that needs protecting - mind, body (or part), soul, honor, you name it. He would offer to walk his spouse home at night or worry after their safety if they’re gone from him too long (being a military child + a morning person, I imagine Caspar is good with time and probably not above setting time limits/a curfew if need be). In a broader sense - Caspar is used to being the brave, strong, upbeat one, the rock to which drowning souls can cling to, the shield behind which everyone else can take refuge. He is, emotionally and physically, a protector; he knows that an unshakable confidence and faith are as effective as a stout body in keeping others safe. According to LoP, his protective streak can and does run all the way out to sacrificing himself for his friends - he can’t stand the thought of things going the other way around. I need to explore this further, but some combination of heroic notions, his father’s stories/actions/fate (especially in non-CF routes), and a well-buried worthlessness/inferiority complex from having never lived up to his father’s precise ideals for him and/or having always worked so hard for so little recognition (see: Julian’s existence, his failure to inherit his family’s title anywhere outside of CF except when marrying Annette, and a teatime line (“They say hard work pays off, but I don’t think that’s always true”)) quite clearly make him think he’s expendable. Caspar hardly ever expresses such negative thoughts and in keeping with his (self-imposed) role as the army’s morale-booster, he’ll put a positive spin even on his own gnawing thoughts. There’s one post in LoP where Caspar tries very hard to stay happy for Linhardt, even though they’ve both just vented all their fatal worries about their fates in the war. Even dying, knowing he’s doing so because he lost/bit off more than he could chew/failed, he refuses to let others worry about him. (”Don't worry about me... I always knew...losing meant death... “)

Z   :   ZZZ.   how many people has your muse slept with?

Possibly subject to change, but - no one besides whoever he commits to. After all, sleeping with anyone else usually involves casual relationships (which I can’t really see Caspar going for under most circumstances) or lying to your SO about doing it (and he explicitly hates lies).

[elizabethrobertajones]

I've been thinking about Justin Smith and John-lives-Sam. At first I was laughing because I'm sure Jared had a blast playing these ridiculous dicks ^_^ But then I thought, what's the show saying about Sam? Pseudo Steve Jobs Sam was this incredibly repressed no-family pretentious prick, and J Smith, presumably a manifestation of Sam wanting a normal family to be happy, is a Stepford husband (also repressed). Two sides of the same coin, or of a 20-face die?

I’ve also been laughing since Lawboy Sam that “we keep each other human” doesn’t even have to be literal, it’s just like, without hunting with Dean, Sam is the Worst™

I definitely don’t think it’s casting shade on Sam because there’s obviously a LOT of trauma behind Lawboy, who was an extrapolation of Sam’s career path rejecting everything he’d grown up with. Including that he has a notorious serial killer brother. I think in the first draft of the pilot Sam literally did think Dean was a serial killer, or suspected it, and he’d never been in on the secret, so though that’s canon implausible I feel like that sort of emotional background was implied by where they ended up, that perhaps at least Lawboy was rejecting the violence he was raised in but in a really extreme way. And not even in a cool fighting for world peace lawyer friends with Tahani Al-Jamil thing, but just writing off family entirely. Which is a commentary on the absolute extremes of repression Sam can and will inflict on himself, since in 1x01 he was a fair bit of the way there, complaining about his family and throwing himself into his future career full denial ahead. 

I do think though that as much as Sam is superficially the worst, most of Dean’s worst traits especially in season 1 were smoothed out by their story pretty quickly and obviously all the good development Dean’s made out of his own repression and trauma never would have happened in that world so miserable solitary hunter Dean would have been the absolute worst. Especially if he is careless enough to stay on the most wanted list and honestly he’s probably been running around with Gordon for 13 years still trying to impress him and make him think he’s cool without ever realising he is into dudes or that Gordon is the worst :P But that’s all left to speculation, as this season has had a greater focus on exploring Sam so he is actually getting the kind of attention to single him out to play multiple character variants in a short space of time so we even have data to compare, which feels like a total novelty.

(I’m in no way a bitter Sam girl or anything but Carver era just naturally leaned into Dean over Sam and Dabb era has corrected that lean and it sort of feels like suddenly we have tons of Sam exploration and Dabb era Sam is rapidly turning into one of my favourite characters ever based on a whole bunch of stuff that was completely absent since like season 7… Just don’t use this comment to validate bitter Sam stanning of the carver era even as I admit they had something of a point :P)

Anyways. Justin Smith was brilliant because he’s not technically a Sam variant because he was a conjured personality but at the same time it put Sam in that position and made it clear that Sam crumpled into it because it was easy and Cas could totally see how he ended up there, like, almost to the point of forgetting that Sam had succumbed because he was human and Cas hadn’t not done so because he was more emotionally aware after treading this storyline years earlier but rather the more obvious that Chip’s powers didn’t work on him because he’s an angel. It’s a complete have cake and eat it moment about saying this isn’t who Sam is but wow does it say something about Sam anyway. 

I think the context that Lawboy lurks under Sam’s skin helps there because that version of Sam clearly still lost Jess one way or another, and we know that Sam can do stuff like run off with Amelia, which I think seems to be the more immediate emotional parallel - maybe making a point about the sort of denial of self that Sam put himself through by cutting off hunting and looking for Kevin… Whatever motives he had for it, and however justified his emotional breakdown at that point, they kept on bugging Sam for doing it by reminding him of the “hit a dog” comment for years until Robbie sat Dean down and made him apologise in 11x11. At which point Sam was moments from morphing into Dabb era Sam, who first appeared in 11x14 by my reckoning of “who is this guy because I love him!?!” I felt there.

Exploring that territory through the brainwashing and also showing us a Sam who was from the pilot but grown up and awful, and coupled with where Dean’s been at for a while but helpfully confirmed in 14x13 to John’s face, is that Sam needs to be hunting, and definitely seems to need a romantic endgame in a way that Dean ~weirdly~ does not (*cough because he already has it cough*) despite how season 13 for him had been 100% giving him Jack as a son in a main character arc way that neither Dean or Cas got as much focus on - like, even Cas. I’m bitter about Eileen forever, moved my hopes to Rowena, but Sam has still yet to have a girlfriend who is a hunter, and something about Justin Smith really firmly tells us that Sam can’t go back to wanting the white picket fence and ever accomplish it with any authenticity to himself. But also perhaps that he still struggles, even with finally calling the Bunker home, and having a family there of all the other parts except a wife, that either this is still his perception of what marriage and endgame should/has to be or that he can’t conceptualise marriage existing in his life in the Bunker, despite the example Dean n Cas are setting in front of his nose.

He also got to see Mary briefly have John around for that family dinner but then have to let him go, for perfectly valid other reasons, but comparing it to his dream in 13x21 of the family dinner, which included all 3 generations of their family, in their non traditional set up that Dean claimed to John was what he had instead of the white picket fence, we got a weird glimpse of the nuclear family unit that SPN spends the rest of its time rejecting in favour of family not ending in blood. That wasn’t particularly framed as for Sam’s eyes but it’s definitely another example of endgames and marriage in the hunting world that he got to glimpse and the surrealty of setting the library table for a fancy sit down meal for a nuclear family instead of them stuffing their faces with pizza at the war table, which had been Sam’s dream birthday party, definitely shows there’s still conflict going on there in how family is being presented. With Dean apparently fully chill and at peace with his family life, and these examples for Sam, it’s definitely all focused on him what he ends up wanting and what he can be happy with, and what ideas he has to let go. 

(I’m not sure this is going to go anywhere this season but it’s definitely a necessary bit of psychoanalysis for Sam, who was pretty much legally dead in the wants and desires department between like 8x10 > Dabb era)

[jeremiahwasajoker]

5x01 (Year Zero): A Review

Hey guys! As you know, Gotham’s first episode of season 5 debuted on Thursday, and I AM SHOOK BEYOND BELIEF! I felt it was necessary to document my thoughts and reactions for this episode, so here I am. I wanted to gather all my thoughts on the episode in one place, just to clear my head out a bit and to share some theories and thoughts!

WARNING: This includes spoilers. If you have not seen the episode yet and want to avoid seeing any information about it, I would advise you to not look at this until you have done so. Without further ado, let’s get started!

So, first thing’s first: I want to give a shout out to Danny Cannon and Jessica Lucas. This was Danny’s last episode as an executive producer on Gotham, and the show would not be the same without him. As we all know, this is Jessica’s last episode, too, as Tabitha died. She was a strong, outstanding character that added that much pizazz to the show, and she will be deeply missed by not only me, but so many other fans who enjoyed her development and presence. 

Also, I think it’s necessary to say thank you to all the departments of design, whether it be for the costumes, cinematography, etc.  The costumes were to die for this episode! The visuals were stunning and movie-like! I can’t wait to see what else they do for these next 11 episodes coming up.

Next, I would like to review what I thought about some of the arcs of major characters and scenes that were incredible throughout Year Zero. They are in no particular order! Here we go!

“If it’s the last thing I do...”

Wow. Just wow. Erin Richards really did give me the chills with this scene. Her shouting into the camera was absolutely perfect, as we can see that she really conveyed Barbara’s grief of Tabitha’s passing in these twelve seconds. I was blown away. Not only by this scene, but even in the big fight scene that I’ll get to later. I know Barbara is not on the top of everyone’s list as their favorite, but I can say that I am so excited to see the rest of her arc. This scene really took the cake for me.

“Hope”

I would first like to say that I am a huge fan of Jim’s inspirational speeches throughout the series. This one was really a unifying moment for the GCPD, as they decided that they were going to do the best job they could, no matter what, to save the citizens of Gotham from the wrath of the villains. I think this was a really strong way to end the episode, and it makes me really hyped to see Jimbo doing the best for the citizens of the city.

The Shootout

R.I.P. Tabitha Galavan. This whole scene, whether it be Bruce sneaking in, Jim and the GCPD fighting off Penguin and his men, the struggle between Oswald and Tabitha, or even Barbara’s rage was perfect. Jessica and Robin did a phenomenal job in this scene, as they showed that there wasn’t just a feeling of vengeance between the two, as their past has been pretty rocky. Barbara’s war cry gave me the chills, along with Oswald screaming in pain after being shot in the leg. (OW! That must’ve hurt a lot). This scene will definitely go down as one of Gotham’s most iconic. 

Selina’s Suicide Attempt

This HURT so much. After hearing that she would have a suicide attempt this season, I was saddened, and assumed she would try to kill herself a different way than the way she did. I love Jeremiah so much, but the pain that Selina was going through was not worth whatever he was looking to do. Also, if she’s going to try to get revenge on him...oof. It makes me feel so conflicted! I know Camren said that this scene was one of the hardest to shoot, and I would like to say that she did an outstanding job with her performance. It made me so sad. Also, that nurse is creepy! There’s no way she’s not a Jeremiah follower in some capacity. (Look at her eyebrows!)

Ecco

A queen? She literally had the shortest scene in the episode, but shook me to my core. I was not expecting her outfit/hairstyle! I’m so used to seeing her with her hair in a bun, and I really like the look of the high ponytail for her. Also, the simplified version of the mummer costume was cool, it looks like just a leather jacket. She was so sneaky, and she doesn’t seem unhinged yet. It makes me wonder what will cause her to switch. Maybe it’s just a façade. Also, I love the jingle bells! I’m also glad she was doing work for her man, and I will say that her drawing was pretty good. Why the Jerome logo, though? I guess we’ll find out.

Since there were too many scenes for me to have the time to cover, I’ll have some honorable mentions! Edward the dog, Bruce vs. Scarecrow’s men, Scarecrow in general (he scared me), the flashforward to day 391, Bruce and Selina, Bruce and Jim, and the Riddler waking up everywhere. 

Now is the time for a few comments and questions I have for the latest episode!

Who shot down the chopper? (I’m aware that literally everyone is asking this). Okay, so we only know three people who have access to an RPG: Penguin (who it wasn’t), Zsaz, and Jeremiah. Zsaz is actually a pretty good guess, I’d say, but something tells me it might have something to do with Jeremiah. I’d doubt it would be he himself, as he is a bogeyman this season, hiding within the shadows of Gotham’s discontent. (See what I did there?) I think it was Ecco. Maybe she needs to stock up on ammo, or needs to get food for her and Mr. J. She had access to the GCPD, so maybe she heard about it there? It’s a great distraction to steal stuff from Penguin or Babs, so I think it most likely was her. Also, she is doing Jeremiah’s dirty work, so it’s not out of possibility.

Who’s the Witch? I think the witch is Ivy. I mean, she’s been confirmed for 5x02, and she would have a motive for helping Selina. How that weird nurse would know? I have no clue. I used to think that when I read the synopsis for the next episode that Ecco would be the witch, as she kinda had those vibes with the mask and cloak on, but after seeing the stills and cast for “Trespassers”,  I think it's Ivy.

Shoutout to my boy Jeremiah! I love the imagery of the map with the laughing face on it, as it kinda signifies that he’s literally ruling the city from underneath. I also love that his presence was felt throughout the episode, despite not being there for any of it in person. He’s going to be such an amazing villain this season, I just know it.

Who was the lady calling Jim? I heard things about a Theresa Walker this season, and apparently she has a big impact on the plot. Jamie Murray (who apparently plays her) was listed as one of the guest stars, but we didn’t see anything that had to do with her. Maybe it was her calling Jim? I don’t know. 

If I had to sum up the episode with one Jeremiah Valeska mood, it would be:

I’m very happy with how this episode turned out! 

What a strong way to start out the season. I know that I’ve seen most of the footage in Year Zero in trailers, stills, etc., but it still blew me away. My parents were also very impressed, and really amazed with how the episode turned out. (Which also made me happy!) I really can’t wait for next week. 

Thank you for reading this! I hope you all had a wonderful time watching, too! I think I’m going to do one of these for each one that comes out. I’m so excited for the rest of the season! I hope you enjoyed!

[azusalog]

The Musical Touken Ranbu : Story Asks

So, I saw on my Tumblr dashboard a survey about our opinions and feelings towards Toumyu franchise’s stories and I wanted to answer it. You can find the survey here. Thanks to @rz-jocelyn !

Next, I will answer Song Asks !

1. How did you get into the Musical Touken Ranbu franchise ? What was your first impression of it ?

First, I only knew TKRB through Hanamaru anime, and I remember I didn’t watch it to the end, because there were too much characters with too complicate names, and no real storyline (I discovered next there is one, with Yasusada development). With that, during my very first travel in Japan, I entered a anime goodies shop, and there was a DMM Nitro+ event, because of the 10th anniversary of the studio, with some Dramatical Murder goods, and TKRB as well. I bought some of both, because even if I didn’t know TKRB very well, I had already some attachment to it.

Then, it was last year, during a japanese exposition (Japan Expo) in my town, I saw the Toumyu stand with some live outfits, and I remembered right away I saw once TKRB has musical. And since I was once a J-pop fan, I couldn’t ignore that. So, during my travel in Japan last year, just after Japan Expo, with the rest of money I had at the end of the trip, I bought Tsuwamono triple CD (though I hadn’t listen any song yet !). Then, I came back home, I listened it, and I searched for Toumyu shows. When I found them, I began with Atsukashiyama, and I was « Oh my gosh, this is so cool ! », though sometimes I thought the storyline was a little slow (for example, Imanotsurugi’s scenes. Sorry >_<). Then I watched other musicals, in the right order : Bakumatsu, Mihotose (which I loved a lot because it was so emotional), Tsuwamono (my fav), etc. And I quickly slipped in TKRB hell. Far enough to pull my best friend into it too.

My only regret was I couldn’t see AtsuIbun team’s live at Japan Expo because I was working this day ToT

2. Rank the musicals from the one with the storyline you liked the most to the one with the storyline you liked the least. Why have you chosen to rank them in this order ?

Musical : Tsuwamono > Mihotose > Atsukashiyama 2018 > Atsukashiyama > Musubi > Bakumatsu

SRS & more : SRS16 > SRS17 > SRS18 > Itsukushima

Musical explanation : Tsuwamono was my fav right away, maybe because I listened a bit the songs before to watch the show. I watch it in last, because I wanted to watch the musicals in the order of release, and though I didn’t know Higekiri and Hizamaru yet (I didn’t play the game at that time and I hadn’t watch Zoku Hanamaru yet), I discovered them there, and I loved them right away. I already loved Mikazuki, and the show showed him under a new light. The story was, in my opinion, more complex than the others and it’s why it’s my fav.

Then, there is Mihotose. I cried a lot watching it, especially at the end, and there is my ultimate fav Toudan (Nikkari) in it, so I couldn’t help to like the show o// There were less fights, but more character development, especially Ishikirimaru and a bit Ookurikara.

AtsuIbun 2018, then, because there is the hypothesis Mikazuki acted before the storyline to push Yasuhira to kill Yoshitsune (you can see the lotus flower during the first song, which is a Tsuwamono’s song). I loved that, because it reminds me the loop in Tousute, and now, the fact that Toumyu’s Mikazuki lived a similar things is very high. Poor him ToT he isn’t my fav anymore because Nikkari and Kasen are above him, but I like him a lot. For all of this, I prefer AtsuIbun 2018 than AtsuIbun 2015.

I liked Musubi, the story is quite good, but somehow, I’m not found of it. I like the fact Mutsunokami killed Hijikata to relieve Izuminokami and Horikawa’s soul, I like all about Mutsunokami in it, his energy, his joy and how he didn’t mind when Izuminokami is wrong about him. But that’s all. I don’t really know how to explain it, I like Musubi, but not a lot (you can see it because I don’t talk a lot about the storyline). Just, I really dislike when all the Shinsengumi’s swords cried at the end, when Hijikata died. It’s far too much

And finally Bakumatsu. The storyline is good, I can’t tell the contrary, but I’m not a Shinsengumi’s fan. I like Izuminokami a lot, and Horikawa as well, but when I watched the show for the first time, I was very neutral towards the others. Yasusada annoyed me already because of Hanamaru and in the show I hated is glossy lips xD Sorry, I watched the show only once, and I don’t really remember what it happened.

SRS & more explanation : I will make it shorter it, don’t worry ! My fav SRS is 2017 I think, though I like a lot 2018 because of so much things in it, but if I keep only the storyline, I think the best is 2016. The battle between the two teams is very good, funny and interesting, while in the others, we only have a story telling game and a matsuri battle. There is no real storyline in them. Itsukushima hasn’t either, only a picture of praying in a sacred place.

3. Storyline that you would change ? Why ?

I don’t know at all, because I don’t know what to put instead. Maybe I would change Musubi to add more Kane’s character development about his feelings towards Mutsu. I mean, at the beginning he hates him, and despite the fact that Mutsu killed Hijikata, we don’t have a proper dialogue between Kane and Mutsu after this. Does Kane still hate Mutsu or not ? Does he begin to understand him ? We could say he doesn’t, because he still argues with him in SRS18. What a pity D:

4. Favorite scene or moment ? Why ?

Ah, there are so much scenes I love, it’s hard to choose only one ! Okay, I will pick some of them.

First, there is the departure scene in AtsuIbun (2015 and 2018). It’s so funny when all the Sanjou did so much useless things, with Mika who drinked his tea, Kogi who chased after his hair like a dog after his tail, Imano and Iwato who played together… I laugh so hard each time I watch it !

I also love the little moment when, in Tsuwamono, Kogi didn’t agree with how Mika split the team in two. « Why you chose to split like this ? Why am I not with you ? » « Kogitsunemaru-dono, don’t tell me… ! » I like a lot this BL implied, because I’m a fujoshi >//o//<

The last one is during SRS17, at the end, when Nikkari came to tell a ghost story, and he told his own story instead. But he couldn’t finish it, because of Imanotsurugi and Ishikirimaru, and they ended to sing « Te no Hira », while they hold each other hands, with Imanotsurugi between them like if he pictured the spiritual world which links Nikkari and Ishikirimaru together. Gnnff my heart… <3

5. Least favorite scene or moment ? Why ?

When Toudans are going crazy to want to meet their former master, without consider the mission, like Yasusada and Imanotsurugi did… At least, Imano was cute and happy when he discovered Yoshitsune was alive, so I can deal with it, but Yasusada is a big NO. Sorry for those who like him.

6. Scene or moment that you would change ? Why ?

Why do you ask me to change so much things ? I don’t want to change anything in Toumyu xD Even what I don’t like ! Well, okay, I will answer. The only scene I would change is when Ishikirimaru and Nikkari were talking together in Mihotose, during the mission (when Ishi apologies because he said once if Nikkari isn’t a sacred sword, it’s because he killed a child), I would like a deeper development about Nikkari. I think, for him, his nature is like a complex, though he looks like to really accept it and manages to live with it. He doesn’t mind when others consider him as a ghost sword, but a complex is a deep thing hidden inside of us, and a few words can’t just make it vanish. At the end of the scene, Nikkari smiled and said Ieyasu couldn’t become a god without help, so he joined the family, but his complex is still there, I think. I need something more detailed about it.

7. Which storyline would you want to see adapted in future musicals ?

I would like to see a storyline in modern era, for example. Maybe when swords will interact with modern people, who could ask why they are dressed like this, or why they hold swords, etc. I think it could be interesting !

Moreover, more History about Nikkari will be really fine o// (okay, it’s because I love him so much, sorry ! :D) We could have a real character development, maybe we could see his former master slays the ghosts with the ootachi who was Nikkari before to be a wakizashi. And if the HRA attacked the samurai before it killed the ghosts, how Nikkari would have react ? If he didn’t kill the ghost, he could be a completly different person, and maybe Ishikirimaru (I want he is there) could try to correct History in order to make Nikkari who he usually is.

8. Favorite Musical Touken Ranbu character ? Why ? How is the musical version of him different from how he is portrayed in the game and other media ?

Nikkari. I love him whatever the version. In the musical, he is portrayed cuter than in the anime or in the game. He could make cute moves and it makes my heart squeeshed so hard >//o//< I love too how he could looks scary because he doesn’t blink at all sometimes and he has a monotone voice, just like a ghost. I think he is pictured more like a normal person in the anime (but with some eccentric moments though).

9. Least favorite Musical Touken Ranbu character ? Why ? How is the musical version of him different from how he is portrayed in the game and other media ?

Nagasone, but I don’t dislike him more in Toumyu than in the other media. It’s just I’m not found of the character, though sometimes I can think he is cool or cute with Hachisuka or Mutsu (in Musubi and SRS18), but that’s all. I’m very neutral towards him.

10. The Top 3 actors whom you like best and whose portrayal of their character you like best.

T3 best actors : Sakiyama Tsubasa > Kuroba Mario > Kitazono Ryo

I don’t really know the actors beside Tsubasa and Mario since I read some translations of their blog (thanks to the translators ^-^). Tsubasa is really, really cute, and I love how found he is of TKRB and his own character.

T3 best portrayals : Oota Motohiro (Sengo) > Araki Hirofumi (Nikkari) > Oohira Shunya (Imanotsurugi)

All the actors do a great job, but when I see some moves of them sometimes, I think they worked a lot to understand the character and bring it to life.

11. The Top 3 actors whom you least like and whose portrayal of their character you least like.

There are a lot of actors I don’t know at all, but the only one I can say I’m not sure if I like him or not is Araki Hirofumi. Sometimes, he looks so much like a bad guy ToT But the fact is, I can’t say if I dislike him or not because I don’t know him well and personally, I named him here only considering his appearance.

Then, there is no-one I don’t like the portray in Toumyu. I think all the actors are very good and well chosen for them. Now, it only depends on if we like the character or not.

PS : I’m sorry, Araki-san, to named you here ToT

12. A Touken Danshi character that you would like to see in future musicals ? Why ?

Kasen Kanesada ! I want to see him interacts with his brother, and I think the character suits very well to musicals. The best is Kasen and Shokudaikiri together, of course ^o^ But since Osafune swords appeared in Tousute and Kasen is in Tousute too, I think it’s only a dream 

I would like to see Hotarumaru too, but, again, I think it would be impossible to portray him on stage, because he is a child with an ootachi on his back… Though he is so cute…

Then, I think Kotegiri Gou suits a lot for Toumyu, because he talked about modern sing and dance in his recollection with Kasen.

13. An actor you would like to see in future musicals ? Why ?

Shokudaikiri’s actor in Tousute is a so good singer, I would like he portrays him in Toumyu too ! And with Kasen as well ! If Wada Takuma is a good singer, I’ll take him too, if not, I’m fine with another actor, like they did with Ookurikara and Mikazuki.

14. Favorite in-story Touken Danshi pair/trio/quartet dynamics ? Why ?

Ah, again, it’s really hard choose only one. Here are several ones :

Higekiri/Hizamaru pair. I love their dynamics, how Hige always forget his brother’s name, but sometimes he picks the right one, and how Hiza wants to make his brother proud and be valuable for him. I also love how Hiza is very reliable though he is the young brother and how Hige is a free-wheeler (like a Sanjou !).

Nikkari/Ishikirimaru pair. Of course ! I’m an IshiKari fan, after all. I like their friendship, the fact they are linked to spiritual world. They are really different, but they really like each other. Ishi always thinks to Nikkari, to add him in the dynamics (like in SRS18, when he decided to join him in matsuri battle). I like them a lot ^-^

Mikazuki/Kogitsunemaru pair. Mikazuki is like a king, or a queen, with so much power, and with something like a etheral presence. He seems to be, to live, to watch upon and beyond the world, and that makes him act strangely sometimes. Kogi is like a valet. He watches on Mika in the darkness, behind him, so Mika can’t see it (but he sees it !), and he tries to understand him and watch on what Mika does. They are really different, it’s why Kogi sometimes doesn’t understand Mika and why they fight each other in Tsuwamono. Each time Kogi tries to understand Mika, Mika keeps things in his heart because he is watching to far. I’m waiting for the time he will be honest with Kogi. For me, their relationship is like a fate love ^-^

15. Least favorite in-story Touken Danshi pair/trio/quartet dynamics ? Why ?

Maybe Shinsengumi’s swords ? Kiyomitsu with the Sanjou was really fine, but all the Shinsengumi’s swords was too much for me. I’m not found of this storyline, not found of Nagasone nor Hachisuka (even though I’m able to like him in SRS), not found of Yasusada in Bakumatsu. They are too much versed in fight and in honor, but I’m not mad with it, after all, they are Shinsengumi’s swords.

16. Favourite in-story overall Touken Danshi group dynamics ? Why ?

Sanjou. I like all of them, Imanotsurugi and Iwatooshi’s energy and cheerfulness, Ishikirimaru’s calmness and peaceful personality, KogiMika pair (with Kogi who always calls back Mika, who wants to do what he wants). They look very close, and they always watch upon each other.

And we could add to them Higekiri, since he could have been smithed by Sanjou too, and Hizamaru, since he is his brother. What a lovely group, there ^o^

17. Least favorite in-story overall Touken Danshi group dynamics ? Why ?

Nobunaga’s swords. I’m not found about Nobunaga in TKRB, because there are so much Toudans who speak about him, there are several stage who speak about him, and a movie now. Enough with Nobunaga D: I know, he is one of the most liked historical people in Japan, but there are already too much things about him. Because of that, I don’t really like Nobunaga’s swords dynamics. Though I like Hasebe, Souza, Yagen and the others as well, when they don’t talk about him. When they talk about Nobunaga, it’s like a dramatical dialogue which isn’t really a dialogue because no-one wants to talk about him. Meh.

18. Based on the existing characters in the Musical Touken Ranbu franchise, who would you select to be on your dream Touken Ranbu 6-swords team ?

Nikkari Aoe, Ishikirimaru, Kasen Kanesada, Izuminokami Kanesada, Mutsunokami Yoshiyuki, Gokotai.

They aren’t really the strongers of their types but I like them a lot. I can’t pick Kasen without his brother, and Kane without Mutsu (BECAUSE I SHIP THEM). I can’t pick Nikkari without Ishikirimaru (for the same reason), and Gokotai is so cute ^o^

In my dream team, they are all kiwame. Great job, everyone !

19. Favorite Human character ? Why ?

Hashiba Masanobu Sorry, sorry, it’s an OC xD

I don't really have a favorite, but I like Gohei and his story. I wants to learn how to fight in order to be able to protect his sister, but even with that, he couldn't save her. He lost all his family because of war...

20. Favorite overall Human team dynamics ? Why ?

Well, it’s strange, because I don’t like the dynamics of their swords, but my favorite Human team is the Shinsengumi, I think. I like their relationship, how they care about each other, their jokes, etc.

21. Favorite Touken Danshi-Human character dynamics ? Why ?

I really like the relationship between Mikazuki and Yasuhira in Tsuwamono. Mikazuki came a lot to visit him, and he said Yasuhira and him are similar (though I don't understand why). He has a lot of respect for him, and some feelings as well, we can see it when they made their farewells. They are on the verge to cry. I would like a deeper development about them ^-^

22. Least favorite Touken Danshi-Human character dynamics ? Why ?

I don't know at all, I skip.

23. Favorite quote(s) and/or character dialogue from the musicals ?

I think one of the dialogues I like the most is, during Musubi, when Tomoe asks to Horikawa if Retrogrades are swords with no story. Horikawa says he doesn't have to think to this, without really answer the question, and I like that kind of dramatical mindfuck.

24. Quote(s) and/or character dialogue from the game that ou would liked to see adapted in the musicals ?

I would like to see the recollection n°49, when Kotegiri says to Kasen he wants to sing and dance in the modern style. It suits very well to Toumyu, especially during live !

25. What is you overall opinion of the Musical Touken Ranbu franchise ? Has your opinion changed from your first impression ?

I love Toumyu. I like the characters, the stories, the songs. The stories aren't as complex as in Tousute, so the both stage are complementary. The screenplay is always very good, and the fights as well. I like the fact they make concerts every year (SRS) to gather all the characters, it's the best way to enjoy a lot of songs and their dynamics as a group.

My opinion didn't change a lot, I'm just now more into it, and I know well the characters and the stories.

[haroldgross]

New Post has been published on Harold Gross: The 5a.m. Critic

New Post has been published on http://literaryends.com/hgblog/oscars-2019-final-call/

Oscars 2019 - Final Call

Since the nominations, there have been a slew of awards given out that may or may not be predictive. The Annies, The Eddies, PGA, Art Directors Guild, SAG-AFTRA, Directors Guild, BAFTA.

I will say it is one heck of an open field in a lot of categories, which is exciting. It speaks to a volume of talent. Of course, this also means a lot of people who are really good at what they do will not be going home with statuettes. But that’s the biz.

THE MAJOR AWARDS

Actress in a Leading Role

Yalitza Aparicio, Roma Glenn Close, The Wife Olivia Colman, The Favourite Lady Gaga, A Star Is Born Melissa McCarthy, Can You Ever Forgive Me?

This is one of those rare times where I wouldn’t be upset by any one of these people winning. They were all great performances, and all very different. To my mind, it is between Colman and Close. But McCarthy was also excellent and Aparaicio may have some momentum (and was a wild card for me in terms of getting on the list). And, of course, Gaga. Close has yet to win, so that may get her votes, but Colman’s performance is just so funny and powerful, it may win the day…and her movie was much better received.

My choice: Glen Close Likely win: Olivia Colman

Actor in a Leading Role

Christian Bale, Vice Bradley Cooper, A Star Is Born Willem Dafoe, At Eternity’s Gate Rami Malek, Bohemian Rhapsody Viggo Mortensen, Green Book

This is by no means a lock for Bale, but he so disappears into his role that it is astonishing. I am not a huge Bale fan, but he had me utterly mesmerized and not even able to see him under all that makeup. In terms of the field, only Dafoe’s name surprised me, though that last slot was somewhat open.

My choice: Christian Bale Likely win: Christian Bale

Actor in a Supporting Role

Mahershala Ali, Green Book Adam Driver, BlacKkKlansman Sam Elliott, A Star Is Born Richard E. Grant, Can You Ever Forgive Me? Sam Rockwell, Vice

Supporting roles are hard to pin some times. These were all good performances, though I think Elliott isn’t necessarily to the same level (and I didn’t expect him on the list over Chalamet), nor was Rockwell’s performance that brilliant, though it did win me over as it went on. But Mahershala Ali was incredibly affecting and Richard Grant, equally so, but with much less screen time. That said, Green Book is hitting headwinds due to aspects unrelated to the movie…but which are likely to affect its chances in any category. And while Driver is excellent, the character just never really got to fully develop for me.

My choice: Mahershala Ali Likely win: Richard E. Grant

Actress in a Supporting Role

Amy Adams, Vice Marina de Tavira, Roma Regina King, If Beale Street Could Talk Emma Stone, The Favourite Rachel Weisz, The Favourite

This is a brutal field. Stone and Weisz should have to mud wrestle for the win here and that is likely going to split the vote. Tavira was solid, but it wasn’t break-through and I was surprised to see her here rather than Clare Foy. Adams was also really good, but felt in the background most of the time…even though she really wasn’t.

My choice: Rachel Weisz (but only because I had to pick one) Likely win:  Regina King

Adapted Screenplay

The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, Joel Coen & Ethan Coen BlacKkKlansman, Charlie Wachtel & David Rabinowitz and Kevin Willmott & Spike Lee Can You Ever Forgive Me?,  Nicole Holofcener and Jeff Whitty If Beale Street Could Talk, Barry Jenkins A Star Is Born, Eric Roth and Bradley Cooper & Will Fetters

Again, so much to consider here. BlacKkKlansman was a great movie, but, like Green Book, it remade the facts freely. Which is fine, but that is being used as a wedge against Green Book, so not sure how to parse that effect. Star is Born is a great reinvention of the story, but it isn’t brilliant, however entertaining. I am surprised that Black Panther didn’t make it on, even though I didn’t think it should. I’m still behind on the other two at present, but hope to close that gap…but in the meantime I can make some guesses.

My choice: Can You Ever Forgive Me? Likely win:  If Beale Street Could Talk

Original Screenplay

The Favourite, Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara First Reformed, Paul Schrader Green Book, Nick Vallelonga, Brian Currie, Peter Farrelly Roma, Alfonso Cuarón Vice, Adam McKay

Another interesting field. Green Book was one of the best films I saw this year. It was unexpected and complete. Favourite is hugely popular and darkly funny, but I think flawed. Was expecting Stan & Ollie and Eight Grade over Roma and First Reformed, but that was a tight race. However, of the remaining choices, Roma’s script is just too spare in comparison and Vice a bit too political and nauseating, while First Reformed is just too dark. So…

My choice: Green Book Likely win:  The Favourite

Cinematography

Cold War, Lukasz Zal The Favourite, Robbie Ryan Never Look Away, Caleb Deschanel Roma, Alfonso Cuarón A Star Is Born, Matthew Libatique

Roma for me. Hands down just a beautifully shot film. The others are nice as well, but Cuarón’s use of the camera was just brilliant and the result gorgeous.

My choice: Roma Likely win: Roma

Directing

Spike Lee, BlacKkKlansman Pawel Pawlikowski, Cold War Yorgos Lanthimos, The Favourite Alfonso Cuarón, Roma Adam McKay, Vice

I’d have said this was Lanthimos’s to lose if it weren’t for the ending of his latest film. It is a brilliant bit of satire; just not a perfect one for me and some of the movie just doesn’t fit well together. Roma is brilliant on so many levels, but a bit self-indulgent in its direction. Vice is great, but mostly about the editing and script (and some performances). BlacKkKlansman, however, is really all about the performances, keeping you engaged without making you turn away. Lee had the hardest task and executed it well…and it’s been years since he’s had a shot.

My choice: Spike Lee Likely win: Spike Lee (though it may well go to Lanthimos)

Best Picture

Black Panther BlacKkKlansman Bohemian Rhapsody The Favourite Green Book Roma A Star Is Born Vice

I don’t even know what this category means anymore. Is it by what’s popular, what’s fun, what’s brave, what took the most skills? So, crap shoot.

My choice: Green Book Likely win: Roma

THE NEXT TIER AWARDS

Animated Feature Film

Incredibles 2 Isle of Dogs Mirai Ralph Breaks the Internet Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

Nothing in the intervening time between nomination and tonight have changed my opinions. Add to that its near sweep at The Annies and Spider-Man should walk away with this award.

My choice: Spider-Man Likely win: Spider-Man

Foreign Language Film

Capernaum (Lebanon) Cold War (Poland) Never Look Away (Germany) Roma (Mexico) Shoplifters (Japan)

Shoplifters would have been my early bet here, but Roma is truly a great film and has huge momentum and a ton of noms. Those who have no interest in voting for it for Best Pic are likely to balance that by voting for it here. It may well cost Roma as Best Pic ultimately that the safety valve exists.

Likely Win: Roma

Documentary Feature

Free Solo Hale County This Morning, This Evening Minding the Gap Of Fathers and Sons RBG

How Won’t You Be My Neighbor and Three Identical Strangers missed this list, I don’t understand. However, this is the field we have to work with. But I’ll also admit I’ve not seen the majority of the nominees. Given the current state of politics, however, I’m going with our SCOTUS rep.

My Choice: RBG Likely Win: RBG

Documentary Short Subject

Black Sheep (The Guardian) End Game (Netflix) Lifeboat A Night at the Garden (Field of Vision) Period. End Of Sentence

Likely Win: no clue yet

Animated Short Film

Animal Behaviour Bao (Disney) Late Afternoon One Small Step Weekends

Likely Win: no clue yet

Live Action Short Film

Detainment Fauve (H264 Distribution) Marguerite (H264 Distribution) Mother Skin

Likely Win: no clue yet

THE TECHNICAL AWARDS

Production Design (production; set)

Black Panther, Hannah Beachler; Jay Hart The Favourite, Fiona Crombie; Alice Felton First Man, Nathan Crowley; Kathy Lucas Mary Poppins Returns, John Myhre; Gordon Sim Roma, Eugenio Caballero; Bárbara Enríquez

My choice: Black Panther Likely win: Mary Poppins Returns

Costume Design

The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, Mary Zophres Black Panther, Ruth Carter The Favourite, Sandy Powell Mary Poppins Returns, Sandy Powell Mary Queen of Scots, Alexandra Byrne

Period pieces abound in this list, but so do some inventive futures.

My choice: Black Panther Likely win: The Favourite (though Mary Poppins could sweep in)

Film Editing

BlacKkKlansman, Barry Alexander Brown Bohemian Rhapsody, John Ottman The Favourite, Yorgos Mavropsaridis Green Book, Patrick J. Don Vito Vice, Hank Corwin

I’ll say again, all of these films have solid editing, but only one lived and died by its edits: Vice. However. Vice wasn’t even nominated for an Eddie this year, so the fact that Bohemian Rhapsody and The Favourite won there wasn’t much help.  And, of course, this is one of those which could become either part of a sweep or a consolation prize. But I’m sticking to my guns on this one. From a story-telling point of view, I didn’t think either of the Eddie winners came close the impact editing had for the remaining nominees. And of those, Vice was the only one to use the craft to enhance the story rather than to just shock or move it along.

My Choice:  Vice Likely win: Vice

Original Score

Black Panther, Ludwig Goransson BlacKkKlansman, Terence Blanchard If Beale Street Could Talk, Nicholas Britell Isle of Dogs, Alexandre Desplat Mary Poppins Returns, Marc Shaiman

If old-school Hollywood wins out, Mary Poppins will be a runaway. It is certainly one of the more classic and evident scores in the field, and complex while trying to maintain and reflect on the original. Music certainly pushed along the tale in Isle of Dogs in an engaging, if repetitive, way, and the others were more subtly supported.

Likely win: Mary Poppins Returns

Original Song

“All The Stars” — Black Panther “I’ll Fight” — RBG “The Place Where Lost Things Go” — Mary Poppins Returns “Shallow” — A Star Is Born “When A Cowboy Trades His Spurs For Wings” — The Ballad of Buster Scruggs

There is only one song here that has any traction to my mind.  It isn’t perfect (and story-wise it shouldn’t be) but just try to get it out of your head.

Likely Win: Shallow

Visual Effects

Avengers: Infinity War Christopher Robin First Man Ready Player One Solo: A Star Wars Story

Despite the wealth of blockbusters here, one is infinitely better than the rest in scope and seamlessness…

Likely win: Avengers: Infinity War

Makeup and Hairstyling

Border,  Göran Lundström and Pamela Goldammer Mary Queen of Scots, Jenny Shircore, Marc Pilcher and Jessica Brooks Vice, Greg Cannom, Kate Biscoe and Patricia DeHaney

Typically, I’d stay the period piece would get this hands-down, but Vice has magic in its blood with its makeup and hair, completely remaking its actors and capturing the period perfectly.

Likely win: Vice

Sound Editing

Black Panther Bohemian Rhapsody First Man A Quiet Place Roma

My choice: A Quiet Place Likely win: Bohemian Rhapsody

Sound Mixing

Black Panther Bohemian Rhapsody First Man Roma A Star Is Born

My choice: Bohemian Rhapsody Likely win: Bohemian Rhapsody

[shirlleycoyle]

Public Records Reveal Backstory of NSA’s Children’s Coloring Book

In January 2016, I wrote a saga about my attempts to learn more about the National Security Agency’s “Cryptokids Fun Book,” a website and coloring book that features cartoon characters like Crypto Cat, Decipher Dog, and their various spook animal friends, who exist to teach kids about cryptography and working at the NSA. At the time, the NSA told me that it would take at least four years for it to respond to my Freedom of Information Act request about how it got made.

In the years since, a handful of people have asked what ever came of the FOIA request—it is now five years later, after all. In something of a FOIA miracle, the NSA took “just” two years and a few months to process and return my FOIA, though it did redact lots of the things I asked for and did not include a budget for the Cryptokids series. I got a response in October 2017, but unfortunately missed it until a staffer at the Electronic Frontier Foundation emailed me this week and asked what happened to the FOIA. I checked my files and, to my surprise, saw that I had indeed gotten a response. Muckrock’s JPat Brown has also written several times about his own saga trying to procure documents related to CryptoKids; he has been able to get several documents I wasn’t able to, and I got several documents he didn’t. This story is based on documents from both FOIA requests.

The agency says that the program was paid for by the National Cryptographic Museum (which I went to in 2013 for one of my first articles for Motherboard), which it says is not technically a part of the NSA and is thus not subject to FOIA responses from the NSA.

The documents reveal that the CryptoKids were originally conceived of by the NSA’s “Corporate Communications Strategy Group,” according to an unclassified presentation that said the project was designed to be launched on November 1, 2005 in order to beef up the NSA’s “Kids” section, which was largely ignore during a 2004 website redesign. The strategy document reveals that, unfortunately, the CryptoKids are indeed “fictional.”

“In the interest of time, the redesign team focused most of its attention on the Agency’s missions and core messages, but did produce a modest Kids’ Page in conjunction with the launch,” the strategy document says of the 2004 redesign. “Since that time, the team has worked with personnel throughout the Agency to develop seven fictional characters to represent each of the Agency’s main missions and major skill communities.”

The “objectives” of the program state that the NSA hoped to “inspire future generations of code makers and codebreakers,” “provide students with information on the NSA/CSS’ educational programs and future employment opportunities,” and to “provide students with a high-tech and interesting resource for researching America’s rich cryptological heritage and learning about NSA.” The document also shows that NSA employees with children who had attended previous NSA events were the first to be introduced to the CryptoKids. Information about the CryptoKids was disseminated internally over the course of a week, with one animal introduced per day, beginning with Crypto Cat and culminating in what were likely highly-anticipated reveals of T. Top turtle and Rosetta Stone (a fox, “Rosie” for short).

The program overview also reveals that the NSA had a pretty extensive press rollout plan that included many Maryland and Washington, D.C.-based local and national publications, as well as a series of kids’ publications including Boy’s Life, Nickelodeon, J-14, Sports Illustrated for Kids, Teen People, Cosmo Girl, and Highlights. The document stated that it would provide interviews to media interviews with the (again, fictional) characters “as requested.”

In 2010, five years after the release of the original CryptoKids release, the NSA invented some new characters, called Cy and Cindi, the “Cyber Twins,” who are cat-like creatures that the NSA claims “love everything ‘cyber.’” The documents provided by the NSA about the Cyber Twins are more specific than the creation documents for the earlier crew and show both the levels of approval were needed and some at least a little internal strife among NSA employees about What Their Deal would be.

“Both are world travelers, taking turns accompanying their Dad (a computer scientist for the U.S. Army) on his business trips around the world,” the NSA publicly proclaims. The twins’ mom, meanwhile, “is an engineer for the U.S. government.” The FOIA documents are true in a way; Cy and Cindi’s parents do indeed work for the U.S. government, but Cy and Cindi are not real. They were fabricated by the NSA’s Messaging and Public Affairs division (an office called “DN”) and were subject to various rounds of approval by public relations professionals, redacted NSA higher ups, lawyers, and classification review professionals. The person asking for permission to release these cats into the wild proclaimed in an email that a software program used to share classified information within the agency was a “stupid tool” after a failed document attachment attempt in which the cats’ coloring book pages and description were labeled “FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY.”

“In coordination for cyber security awareness month, DN has developed new Crypto Kids to go on nsa.gov,” a “corporate communications” professional within the agency wrote in a 2010 email. “Please review the bios and graphics as soon as possible.” The email claims that a redacted NSA “chief” had approved the cats’ design, and that “corp comms has also reviewed and finds it consistently with Agency messaging and approved for posting to nsa.gov.”

A classification review written in comic sans font by someone at the agency determined that the Crypto Twins had been “reviewed for classification and public dissemination” and decided that the cats had been “UNCLASSIFIED” and “APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE.” The person doing the review had estimated that the classification review process might take up to 25 days but ultimately—and perhaps hastily—made a “FINAL DETERMINATION” in less than two hours.

An NSA lawyer had some sort of problem with the level of detail in the twins' bio, which was redacted in the documents. The flack working on the case explained in response that she was only sending through an introductory bio and that the twins would "have more in-depth back stories once we have time to develop."

"Well, that is MUCH better!," the lawyer responded. "Thank you! We have no other concerns."

Public Records Reveal Backstory of NSA’s Children’s Coloring Book syndicated from https://triviaqaweb.wordpress.com/feed/