#so i ended up caving and watched the new ep

[wltsquareih]

Random shinazugawa doodles after today :[

[ozarkthedog]

𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐀𝐜𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬

summary: Declan introduces you to a friend.

pairing: Declan O’Hara x afab!reader / Rupert Campbell Black

warnings: 18+ mdni. filth. unspecified age gap. oral sex (m). Declan calls the shots. fingering. edging. no m/m. slight anal play. dirty talk. squirting. rough sex. Rupert pushing the boundaries aka he’s a menace. cuckhold of sorts. male masturbation. cream pie. light, barely there after care. ep 8 spoilers. w.c: 2.4k

author’s note: i'm a Declan girlie but I had to write something feat. Rupert.

𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭 ⋅ 𝐅𝐢𝐜 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐬 ⋅ 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭

Soft golden rays bleed through the aged windows of the O'Hara estate. Its owner, Declan, sits comfortably on a worn chair in the middle of his study. Books and papers litter the room, even on the small sofa adjacent to the chair. As the fireplace crackles, the bright orange flames warm your skin as you kneel naked between your employer's thighs.

Declan groans as he feeds you his cock. His thighs widen, as much as his unzipped trousers will allow, on the tattered chair, giving you more room to swallow him down. His heart beats steadily under his lush brown sweater as you suckle his cock while looking up at him under your lashes.

Declan enjoyed times like these when the house was empty, and he got you all to himself. With Maud gone, leaving everything to Taggie was unfair, so he caved and hired a housekeeper. Little did he realize he'd fall head over heels for you.

You both took your time dancing around one another like nervous teenagers at a school dance. Harmless flirting and late-night conversations over the meals you'd cook for him led to Declan taking matters into his own hands.

He was used to control. He enjoyed it, really. The power felt comfortable, and he had no issue wielding it.

Declan was still on edge one day after a trifling day at Coriniuim. His usual soak and cig in the tub wasn't helping. The radio was blasting ear-aching songs, and the water was getting too cold too fast, but that all changed when you walked in on him with an armful of fresh towels.

He took a chance, one that could've ended with him locked up, but you didn't run. You followed his dubious commands and let him exert his dominance, allowing him to reign over you.

Since then, you two have been inseparable.

"Ah, right on time," Declan notes, looking at the clock perched on the mantle in his study as the large front door creaks open.

Declan mentioned inviting a friend over earlier in the day, but you didn't think he meant now.

The sight of your wide doe eyes makes his gut fervently twist. He's always appreciated someone yearning after what was his, especially an individual so well-loved by the women of Rutshire.

"Don' stop, Love," Declan instructs. His Irish accent dips low as he curls a solid hand around your head when you start to draw back. Your wary, garbled sounds vibrate Declan's cock eliciting a hiss from his lips. He sends you a pensive look and keeps you locked as the steps draw near. "You know I like people ta watch, but I wan' to try somethin' new."

Your heart lodges in your throat. Declan had divulged this kink not long after the two of you began dating. It was harmless fun flirting with other men while Declan observed from the shadows like a deviant; the journalist grew feral until he could no longer hold himself back, scurrying off with you in his arms, leaving the poor target in a stupor.

No one could ever come close to Declan; you never want them to.

"I seem to have come at a rather inconvenient time, have I not?" A pondering English baritone fills the room.

Rupert Campbell Black.

With arms crossed, the affluent man leans on the rustic doorframe. He catches your uneasy gaze with a cheeky smile, prompting a wildfire in your belly.

Declan shakes his head, his thick mustache ticking excitedly, "Not at all. Come in."

You try to move again, but Declan doesn't budge an inch. Your brows knot in confusion as your hands fly to cover your exposed bits as best you can.

"Say hello, ta Rupert, Swee'heart," Declan instructs, his dark chestnut eyes alight with devilry.

Your gaze trails from the man's supple leather loafers and pressed lined slacks to the sepia colored dress shirt that exposes a svelte chest as the top two buttons are undone. Rupert oozes high society and overt confidence, the kind of man you'd go dumb even looking at.

"My, my, where has Declan been hiding you?" Rupert croons. His azure orbs fixate with dark intrigue at your naked, shivering form.

As you greet Declan's neighbor, a slight garbled noise barely registers to the men. Tauntingly, Rupert leans over and puts a hand behind his ear, "Sorry, Angel. What was that?"

Your belly flips, and butterflies flutter carelessly in the wake of being so degraded. Still, your cunt produces a wave of arousal and clenches around nothing.

Knowing he doesn't have much patience, you chance another look at Declan and wish you hadn't. His white teeth bared, and his lips pulled back into a light sneer, like a wolf facing down prey, waiting for you to heed his command.

Declan bites back a moan at the hedonic sensation of you stringing together a messy greeting for the affluent man.

Rupert snickers. "Aren't you cute."

"Thatta' girl." He praises before thrusting his length into your throat and cutting off your air.

He waits for a beat, relishing in the watery glaze that coats your eyes and how your chest heaves. Fidgety hands dig into his darkened slacks, knocking the loose ends of his belt. Drool spills down your chin and settles at the base of his cock.

"Ya know ya waited too long ta give Rupert a warm welcome." He fumes, his expression twisting lightly with displeasure.   

With a soft growl, Declan eases his grip. You fall back on your heels, a blight, coughing up spittle and trying to suck down fresh air at the same time.

"Might I say, you've got a real treasure here," Rupert leers down at your messy face and spit-soaked breasts that make your nipples shine in the light. "Lovely to meet your acquaintance."

"Though' you migh' like a taste." Declan offers, looking up at Rupert like you weren't perched at their feet, anxiously awaiting their next move.

"Would I ever." A Cheshire grin tugs at Rupert's lips. He makes a show of folding his button-down sleeves over his muscular forearms as he stalks around you.

Declan beckons you with the tilt of his head, "C'mere, Love. I ain't done wit' your mouth."

You sniffle before taking your place between his knees once more. Declan can sense your worry as Rupert traces a finger down your spine while he crouches behind you. "Don' worry abou' him. He won' do anythin' out of line."

Declan taps his bulbous crown against your swollen lips, drawing your attention away from the blue-eyed beau. His sturdy thighs are a protective shield, enveloping you like a fortress from harm.

As curious fingers tickle your sticky thighs, your lips part with a gasp, allowing Declan to thrust into your warm, wet mouth.

"Jesus Christ, she's soaked." Rupert husks as he softly skims your glistening folds. Your cunt throbs from his unfamiliar touch, coursing a frightening spark of arousal up your spine.

"She's not 'ad much experience." Declan hisses as his crown breaches the tight confines of your throat. Your hand tugs at the thick base that's peppered with dark curls, fingers barely overlapping, pumping in time with his languid thrusts across your tongue.

"You don't say." The Englishman trails off, no doubt thinking of all the crude ways he could defile you.

As you start a slow rhythm, bouncing your head up and down Declan's cock, making the older man unashamedly moan, Rupert swipes his fingers across your seam and gathers all your shiny slick, drawing it up to your clit before lazily circling the tender bud.

Bright lights erupt under your eyelids. Blood rushes south, pooling in your core, heightening your suffocating lust as your body bends to his will.

"Ah ah, Angel." Rupert tsks, grabbing hold of your wriggling hips. His grasp keeps you stock still, unable to evade his voracious touch.

The pads of Declan's fingers press into your scalp as a soft warning. "Be good ta Rupert."

Being pushed and pulled between the two older men was agony of the luscious kind. You only knew of Declan's touch, the succulent highs and lows. The amorous sublime.

A gentle hand glides over your ass before massaging the plump cheek. Your frantic cries are a mumbled mess as you're pushed higher and higher into the pleasurable abyss from Rupert's caress.

He winds two fingers into your core, cursing from your tightness, and splays his dexterous digits along your walls. His thumb lands square on your clit, swiping back and forth with prowess. "So sweet and responsive. Such a good girl." he curls his fingers along your walls, drawing pathetic noises from your chest.

Your body rolls like waves, back and forth between the two men. Rupert's teeth sink into the tender skin of your ass before a gentle tongue soothes the marks and trails down the valley of your cheeks, causing you to choke around Declan's cock.

A wad of spit lands directly on your rosebud just before a wicked tongue ravishes the tight, untouched hole.

Your belly drops at his vulgar touch. No one ever touched you there before. A heavy wave of arousal slips from your cunt as you fight the urgent need for release. Rupert moans hungrily as he laps the rim of your ass.

Your incessant wriggling alerts Declan to Rupert's perverted actions.

"What'd I say, ya daft cunt?" Declan fumes. His mustache twitches as he shoots daggers at the man posed behind you.

Rupert swirls his tongue one final time before leaving your rosebud with a loud pop. "Sorry, chap. I forgot you haven't filled all her holes yet." The tug of his lips says otherwise.

Declan mumbles under his breath and leans back in his chair, focusing on you. "What'a fuckin' sight," he grunts, yanking your tear-coated face off his girth. His large hand completely cups the side of your face, making you feel like a doll with glossy, swollen lips as he stares at you like a man possessed.

Rupert twists his wrist, and your eyes grow wide as saucers. The need to come moves to the forefront of your mind. Declan can tell you're fighting, doing everything you can to hold back as you're slowly dragged to the edge.

Your jaw goes slack, and eyelids flutter; you're willing to endure any repercussions for coming without approval, but then Declan stamps your orgasm out just as quickly as it started.

"No, no, no. Don' be greedy," he tsks, shoving your dumbstruck face back down onto his length.

With Declan's cock stretching your lips and drooling pre cum over your taste buds and Rupert curling his fingers into the spongy spot behind your clit, your nerves scream for release.

The insides of your thighs are soaked, slick from want and a need held so close yet so far away. A soft cry falls from your spit-stained lips as Declan snatches your head off his cock and curves a large hand under your chin, holding you like a precious piece of art.

His opaque orbs sweep across your face, wild and feral; he's on the edge of breaking but holds steady like the stubborn man he is.

"Come on, Declan, let the girl come," Rupert implores to the stoic man holding captive your utmost pleasure.

The corner of Declan's lips tilts. He knows what'll happen. He can see it in your face, how truly gone you are, how nearly close the dam is to breaking.

"Go on, show 'im what he's missin', Swee'heart." Declan encourages, finally allowing you the taste you've wanted all this time.

Your body writhes in their combined hold with unkempt ecstasy as a ravenous cry fills the large study. You come like a geyser, locking like a vice around Rupert's fingers, forcing a curse from his lips as you coat his wrist and trousers with your creamy release.

"Jesus-" Rupert moans, dark and depraved, watching with rabid fascination as your core pulses in time to the beat of his heart.

Declan gathers you into his arms, away from the still man, propping your knees on either side of his thighs. "Sit on the couch and watch," he orders a dumbstruck Rupert before easing you down on his swollen cock.

A whimper catches in your throat from the obscene stretch as his girth widens your channel for the first time that day. Declan grabs your ass and steadily bounces you on his length, helping you rise and fall since your legs have turned to jelly.

"Gone so dumb, ya can' even move," Declan mocks. Coarse whiskers chafe your skin as he nibbles your chin, pouring filthy praises against your jaw, "Still so tight. Maybe two cocks'll do the trick," he drives his girth into your exhausted body. "Wan' your pretty cunt gapin' fa' me."

The seam of his brown sweater grazes your clit on every thrust; the fibers are soft yet overstimulating, your body boils, on the verge of combusting, and there's nothing you can do.  

A low moan catches your attention, dragging you from your frenzied state. As you turn your head to find the strange noise, you see Rupert with his swollen cock in his hand, barely out of his trousers. His cock weeps, the bulbous tip pulsing red, while he sucks your juices off his glistening fingers like a man starved for days.

His animalistic gaze bores into where you and Declan connect. You can imagine how obscene it is. Declan's sticky balls thwap immorally against your ass. Sticky sounds bounce off the walls as he draws more slick from your core, staining the base of his cock in a creamy ring.

Rupert's eyes flit to yours. You silently mouth his name, playing with the man who's used the women of Rutshire like a kid with infinite toys. The subtle action pushes the posh man over the edge.

Biting his knuckles, Rupert spills over his other set with a ragged string of grunts. The image sets off a chain reaction. You follow suit, crying as you come around Declan's cock, and dragging your other half with you. Declan's thick brows furrow, groaning his ecstasy as he fills you with ropes of white.

The three of you gradually come down from the hedonistic scene. Your hearts beat to their natural rhythm as the birds outside sing a dusk setting song.

"T'was lovely to meet you, Angel," Rupert flirts, cleaning his cock with a handkerchief before tucking himself into his trousers. "Hope to see you again real soon."

"Fuck off, Rupert," Declan quips, jutting his chin toward the door.

Rupert sends you a wink before rounding the couch and exits with the fattest smile you've ever seen.

Declan mumbles under his breath and curls his arms around you. He tucks your head under his chin, letting you unwind comfortably before the crackling fire.

"Was that okay, Swee'heart?" Declan's asks with softened eyes.

With a satisfied sigh, you snuggle deeper into his hold, seeking the warmth and protective embrace he can only give. "More than."

feel free to scream at me -> 💌

reblogs & comments are extremely appreciated! follow @ozzieslibrary for new fic updates!

[sarah-yyy]

what is war of faith about? is it worth a watch apart from just wang yibo(being gay?)? and where should i watch it?

you were all expecting me to do this so okay let's see how many others i can drag down this shenlai (i think this is the ship name we've settled on?? i have seen many 沈来之笔 tags on ao3 so i'm assuming that's what the chinese fandom has settled on) hole.

what: republican era communist spy drama (finance bros edition) // completed // 38 eps, roughly 40 mins each where: iqiyi (standard disclaimer that i don’t watch with subs so i don’t speak to the quality of eng subs) why: *chanting* yibo yibo yibo yibo yib- wang yang?? xiansheng???? i'll preface by saying i don't watch many republican era shows - it's really just not my thing, like even zhu yilong couldn't make me watch one and that's saying a lot, but i did finish and quite enjoy this one!! extremely strong cast on this show, and the story moved fast enough and had enough action in it that it kept my attention.

meet my boy wei ruolai:

ruolai is from a v humble family, worked hard to put himself through night school but is having trouble stepping foot into the finance world because he has no money, no connections, no diploma (the school is holding off on issuing him one because he's from a communist-stronghold province 😪). he's working several jobs to make ends meet in shanghai when he decides to interview for a job at the central bank.

he aces his entrance test! ofc he does! ruolai is a bit of a whiz with numbers, and is very very very determined to get the job - the place could be on goddamn fire for all he cares, he'll finish his goddamn test and get this goddamn job even if it kills him.

his performance gains him the attention of shen tunan:

xiansheng!! 😍💖💕

chief of the central bank, The Guy™ of the finance and banking industry in shanghai. extremely attractive in a suit. 100% dilf certified.

xiansheng takes a shine on ruolai, but ends up not being able to hire ruolai despite his excellence because, again, ruolai is from a communist-stronghold province, and they don't want to take any chances with him possibly having communist ties.

does that set ruolai back?? no. my boy sneaks into a party that shen tunan is holding at his mansion, and convinces shen tunan to hire him by essentially picking apart shen tunan's ~secret strategies~ that he's uncovered just by following the finance news and making smart deductions 🥺💚

shen tunan caves and personally hires ruolai as his PA, and begins mentoring him and teaching him the ways of the banking industry.

the show is mostly about ruolai's growth in the central bank and the shift of his political beliefs, centred around the kmt and communist party's conflict in that era. the premise of the show is fairly simple - most republican era dramas move in the same direction. this one was well-written, had a solid cast, and beautifully shot.

the development of stn and wrl's relationship in this show was good! it's v shippable, if that's something that is important to you. ngl, i did stay through till the end because these two were so interesting.

we have proud teacher shen tunan who is so so proud of his boy and takes ruolai suit-shopping and tells him how special he is :

starry-eyed disciple wei ruolai who would literally do anything for shen tunan:

he really does mean it when he says that. he gets tortured and thrown in goddamn jail for shen tunan, and he just bears it all and doesn't let himself react in any manner that could harm shen tunan.

i started this strictly for yibo, and had no expectations that i would enjoy it, but guys...........wang yang is 🥵🔥 in this as shen tunan, and this ship just.......sails itself. what else was i supposed to do except go three hundred different levels of ahhhhhhhhh over them.

ANYWAY. strong rec. like at least 8.5/10. even if you're just in it for yibo (who is EXCELLENT in this, the whump scenes are incredible), or if you just want to ship shenlai, the payoff is strong in this.

[unforth]

So it hasn't come up on tunglr much but since early August my daughter (age 6) has been super into Naruto, and while I'm not always in the room when she watches, I've still seem several hundred episodes. And I'd also previously read maybe 20 manga volumes, so it wasn't new to me. Anyway, that's all backstory, not the point.

In general I've resisted the SasuNaru shipping vibes, but in the episodes we're watching this morning (the end of the 5-ep 力 arc) there was this moment when Naruto's like "I get this strong to protect the people I care about!" And it was like. 1 second of one image of Iruka sensei, 1 second of one image of Sakura (who he thinks he's in love with!), 1 second of one image of Hinata (who he knows is in love with him and *we* know he ends up marrying!), and then a solid 30 seconds and 5 different shots of Sasuke and like.

Gay. Giving me flashbacks to the Xuanwu cave Wangxian montage in the Untamed levels of gay.

Fine, I guess I'm sold.

🤣

[rose-of-pollux]

My MFU episode recs

Since everyone else is doing this; as others have said, most episodes are worth seeing, but here are my absolute faves--

The Shark Affair -- probably my favorite episode of all time, Napoleon and Illya are on two separate missions that converge and pit them against a modern-day pirate.

The Project Strigas Affair -- you'll be playing the "Hey, it's that guy!" game all though this ep. Also Illya is in a ridiculous disguise and Napoleon still finds time to flirt with him.

The Fiddlesticks Affair -- SO. MUCH. DRAMA.

The Mad, Mad Tea Party Affair -- so much insanity, plus that lovely shot of Napoleon and Illya in the elevator shaft with their suitjackets off (one of my more notable "I may be ace, but dang" moments).

The Secret Sceptre Affair -- the clips that @justabigoldnerd has been posting should tell you all you need to know about this ep.

The Never-Never Affair -- what do you get when you take Napoleon and Illya and add in Agent 99, the Joker, and Mr. Slate from The Flintstones? This ep.

The Love Affair -- Eddie Albert plays a convincing villain and invokes Napoleon's wrath when it appears he's killed Illya. Also Madame Leota/Maleficent (Eleanor Audley) has a cameo

The Gazebo in the Maze Affair -- Napoleon embarks on a quest save his beloved Illya from a vengeful squire... with mixed results, but that's why we love this show.

Alexander the Greater Affair 1&2 -- there's a lot going on here, but that's what makes it great

The Foxes and Hounds Affair -- Robert Vaughn, David McCallum, AND Vincent Price all in the same room together--need I say more?

The Virtue Affair -- more mutual lifesaving with a ton of drama

The Bat Cave Affair -- ...there's a lot going on here, just watch it 😆

The Pop Art Affair -- modern art and killer foam

The Off-Broadway Affair -- yet another "Hey, it's that guy/gal!" episode, ft Lamb Chop, Scrappy-Doo, and General Burkhalter all in the same room with Napoleon and Illya. Also the closest MFU gets to a musical episode. ALSO more mutual lifesaving and, somehow, Napoleon and Illya still find time to have a date in a Turkish bath.

The Suburbia Affair -- very little I can add to what others have said about this ep, other than this: I am convinced that the overdubbed "Mother" at Illya that Robert Vaughn was forced to do was covering up a "Dear" that the censors refused to let air. In my heart, it was "Dear." Kudos to Robert for making it so obvious it was an overdub; it's like he knew what the fans wanted.

The Matterhorn Affair -- Yes, it's mostly ridiculous, but Napoleon and Illya's ice-cream date at the end makes it worth it

The Hot Number Affair -- we get this, enough said:

The Summit-Five Affair -- ANGST and a beautiful showcasing of Illya's undying loyalty to Napoleon.

The 'J' for Judas Affair -- this is an interesting one, a sort of look into what happens when the duo initially fails a mission and then have to pick up the pieces.

The Prince of Darkness Affair 1 & 2 -- ft. a new evil organization, Napoleon in disguise, and Illya finding Napoleon's disguise more attractive than he expected

The Deadly Quest Affair -- more undying loyalty!

The Gurnius Affair -- there's A LOT going on here

The Maze Affair -- More angst! More devotion!

The Deep Six Affair -- You gotta watch it for the ending. You gotta.

[sidecharactersdomatter]

Thoughts I had during TGCF S2 Ep 8

Starting this week, I’ll be finishing my TGCF S2 Reactions!

Now here we go!

Previously on TGCF…

-That’s a lot of Orcs

-Man, I’m surprised none of Qi Rong’s lackeys are noticing disguised!Xie Lian and Hua Cheng and are like, “What?  I don’t remember the boss hiring ghosts more eye catching than we are.”

-“Oh?  Would you like me to do that?”  That delivery was awesome and it got Xie Lian adorably flustered!

-They have fangs!

-XL, you stopped two guys in a sword fight in Ep 5 you’ll still come out on top

-That’s the only quality he respects

-They’re still blending in

-That’s a lot of humans

-Baby Guzi!!!

-A new disguise!!!

-He’s returned

-Xie Lian looks great as a mortal in disguise

-There’s like 20 of them

-I’m surprised another lackey is noticing disguised Xie Lian and San Lang at the end of line and says, “Hey, I don’t remember capturing those last two.  Shouldn’t we tie ‘em up with the other humans?” And then the other ghost just goes “Nah, our king we’ll be pleased with two more for his feast.”

-That creepy odd flute music

-Aw baby Guzi

-Whoever did this track, props

-He touched his hand!!!

-He’s writing hanzi!

-San Lang understood! 

-San Lang’s still savoring the touch!

-Now San Lang has a message too!

-In other words he just wrote, “Heads up”

-*Content Warning for Accidental and unintentional Cannibalism*

-Gross

-That ain’t meat jerky

-Thank you San Lang

-That music keeps getting creepier as they travel deeper

-His throne room

-Ugh that ain’t chili

-San Lang’s enraged!

-That Xie Lian statue

-Oh no that statue was beaten in the past!

-They took their anger out on a young man who tried to help

-And here he is!

-He knows him

-That green oni mask

-Thank you Hua Cheng and E Ming!

-Aand there’s a backup chorus

-I think ‘Murderize’ disappointed every English Major watching this Episode

-Thank you Pei Xiu!

-I think he just wanted to be left in peace

-My eyes widened as Qi Rong swore like a really bad sailor

-Gross Qi Rong, that’s disgusting this guy’s officially worse than Koh the face stealer

-Man, I don’t think we’ve heard Feng Xin swear a lot until the previous episode 

-San Lang’s controlling his anger

-I wouldn’t want to be massaged by ancient Chinese orcs

-Xuan Ji got mentioned

-It’s official, Qi Rong supports Women’s wrongs

-RIP Xiao Ying, Pengtou not so much

-Qi Rong roasted the heck outta almost every Heavenly Official shown so far in the series

-I think Hua Cheng’s already better than Qi Rong

-He’s trying to cause drama between the martial gods

-His legs are propped up on Stone!XL’s bowing head

-The Dragon floor relief

-‘Pei Fling’’s an accurate nickname

-That one orc selecting a new human: Eenie, meanie, meinie, That guy

-Oh no Baby Guzi!

-Nyoom! Gotta go fast! - Basically Hua Cheng

-Literally the lackey that focused on XL and HC: I told you we should’ve tied those two guys back with the others! (This quote was inspired by one of Catwoman’s Henchmen in a cold opening of an episode in Batman: The Brave and the Bold and that same henchman said, “I told you we should’ve taken his utility belt!”)

-He caught the statue!

-And the statue’s gently placed on the ground

-Doll!Qianqiu moved!

-They’ve got more cave trolls!

-His eyes glowed

-Gotta go fast again!

-His head’s in an iron grip!

-Dang, literally 0 seconds after Qi Rong asked for help and got faceplanted into the ground by Hua Cheng sent all of his armed lackeys fleeing into the cave.  Dude really has the dumbest henchmen in the series

-Guzi’s Dad’s last action of selflessness was protecting his own son

-XL saved Baby Guzi!

-You gotta love Bad Cop!Hua Cheng

-Parental Xie Lian!

-Dude if I were you I’d keep the kid with me at all times, not that I want to be parent whatsoever

-Move over MCU Loki

-Qi Rong low key has the same pathetic energy as Prince John did in Disney’s Robin Hood

-“And then there’s me.  Smiling, as I end your damn life!” Preach Hua Cheng

-Right in front of his own statue

-There goes the Oni Mask

-Ugh purple lipstick and Xie Lian had better cosmetics in S1 EPs 1-3

8 down! 4 Eps left to go!

[notfreetoday]

China's censorship of Justice in the Dark - some FAQ

photo cr @ 白夜飛行家 on weibo

Also known as The Abyss/Mo Du/Silent Reading (link goes to a great carrd made by a Mo Du fan) by Priest, the same author who brought us Guardian. The show was dropped on Youku China on the 18th of February and is now on Youku International (VIP needed from ep 3 onwards). 8 episodes have been released. There is no official release schedule yet, though the rumour is 5 episodes every Saturday at 10am China time. Total of 30 episodes, ending on the 11th of March (Yes rumours are this specific).

The English subs are AI generated, and they are not great. I hope they improve the subs as the show gains traction. (I watch on the China ver of the app, but I'll post any egregarious subbing errors if I come across them)

Changes made from the novel

The title, character names and premise has been changed. The ages of the some of the side characters/victims have also been changed. It's clear that scenes have been re-edited and re-dubbed, because some dialogue doesn't match the lip movements (WOH flashbacks anyone?) This is all to get pass censorship. A lot of the story, including the dialogue, has been preserved, and the changes aren't jarring.

Seems like there was a lot of uproar regarding the changes?

The show has been trending on weibo every day since it dropped, for good and bad reasons. Many book fans were upset with the changes on Day 1 and didn't bother watching pass the introduction of the premise, and there were complaints about the suitability of the actors' looks. By Day 2 the comments turned to "hey this isn't so bad??" And now everyone is just badgering youku for the next few episodes, cause they've literally released nothing else about the show since they dropped the episodes.

Has the story been sacrificed to pass censorship?

After watching 8 ep, I don't believe so. The novel covers sociopathy and the darkness of humanity - the show uses a "nuclear accident" as a reason for "genetic changes" in 1.3% of the population - causing these people to lose the ability to empathise with others. This is actually a very smart move because by blaming everything on a fictional, genetic mutation, the show can actually get away with showing the darker, more questionable parts of humanity, without having to censor it too much. The first case of the show mentions drugs and even has a short clip that heavily implies someone seizing from an overdose (you'll miss it if you aren't paying attention). There are underaged victims, and if they continue in this vein there will be more trigger warning worthy scenes from the book included. These things just don't get shown or talked about in c dramas - even if we don't talk about the BL, it's pretty crazy they managed to get this stuff out after the recent censorship changes.

Is the BL still.... there?

There are 8 episodes out so far and to me, it's working. We're not talking WOH level of chemistry here, but ep 3 onwards is when our CP starts paying more attention to each other. There is more than enough "candy" to find if you know what you're looking for. That said, it is not and will never be BL, just an adaptation.

Ok what am I looking for?

Glad you asked! Take for example the show's name change - from 深渊 (shen yuan) to 光•渊 (guang • yuan).

深 - deep 渊 - deep (often referring to a pool, so a deep dark pool, like in a cave) Shen Yuan comes from the novel and is translated as The Abyss, and represents Fei Du (Pei Su in the show)

光 - bright light Guang•Yuan is not a proper term by itself - it's a mash up of the words for bright light and deep pool. The light represents Luo Wenzhou (Luo Weizhao in the show), the one beam of light that penetrates Fei Du's darkness. Hence the English name "Justice in the Dark" is a pretty good translation.

The new names of the characters are Pei Su 裴溯 and Luo Weizhao 骆为昭. See the last character of each name? Su has the radical 月, for Moon in it, and Zhao has the radical ���, for Sun in it. The moon is considered Yin, and the sun is Yang. Together, they are Yin and Yang.

Hey maybe you think that's pushing it, but welcome to the life of a BL adaptation fan 🤣🤣

[theenbynightingale]

CLONE HIGH (2023) EP. 8 SPOILERS

Okay, I know I’m opening up myself to a bunch of arguing but like... We need to have a talk. I should preface this by saying I’m not a die hard fan of Clone High. I only caved into watching the original series a few days before the reboot dropped despite hearing about it for years. I think they’re both good but I have my problems with both.

But I wanna talk about Topher Bus, a Christopher Columbus clone in a Gen Z world. He’s kind of taken over the role of Ghandi as Abe’s best friend in the revival, since the creators don’t want to bring him back unless they know they’re gonna be able to make more seasons. He hasn’t had a lot of screen time or development because the abundance of characters in this version. However, him becoming somewhat close with Abe has resulted in some fans shipping them.

So imagine their surprise when Topher tries to blackmail (or white leverage) Abe at the end of the final episode because he is attracted to Joan as well. I’ve seen so many people actually get angry about this. Many found themselves disappointed that Topher wasn’t straight or that he’d do something so terrible to Abe.

To which I say... Why would you expect anything else from this guy?

Topher’s whole thing was that he was an asshole who tried way too hard to convince people he’s progressive or an ally or “woke”, a term he unironically uses. He goes on and on about how he’s looking out for poc and women because he’s just trying to survive in a world that has flat out rejected his clone father.

“But he has a ‘Everyone is Welcome Here’ rainbow flag in his room!” Yeah, he does. He also has a co-exist poster, too. Good for him. Except there’s also a poster that says “Not a paid activist”. It’s a front! That’s the point! 

“But he keeps trying to drill it into everyone’s heads that he’s straight, like a closeted person!” Yes, he does. But it’s not just closeted people who do that. I went to a Catholic school and I also live in the real world. I’ve seen dudes be afraid to drink tea or hug because it might make them look “gay” or “feminine” or whatever bullshit.

“The way he said he liked Joan and white women in general was so exaggerated that he must be forcing himself to say it!” This is Clone High! Everything in this show is so exaggerated. From the very beginning, it’s been a parody of teen satires. It was created by the duo that would go on to make Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, 21 Jump Street and The LEGO Movie. This is their style.

“The episode would have been better if he blackmailed Abe into not confessing to Joan because he had a crush on Abe.” So you’re saying you would have liked the episode more if Topher had gone “Abe, the reason I almost got you molested by a teacher was because I’m in love with you”? I need you to realize how fucked that is.

Topher is a weasly little shit who tries to convince everyone how progressive he is when he’s actually a total asshole. That was the point. Y’all thinking he was in love with Abe or that he had Abe’s best intentions at heart just means that it worked. You took the bait. I’m not saying shipping Tophabe would be immoral (okay maybe after the whole statutory rape thing but that’s just for right now). There’s a solid chance that their friendship could be salvaged after this. I certainly never thought I’d ship Cleo with anyone but know she and Frida are my OTP. But you gotta stop pretending that this character is someone he isn’t.

I might delete this because I’m just trying to get my feelings out. I’m not calling anyone stupid or whiny just because they got upset by the new episodes. (Shoutout to my boy, @warcrimetime​. Sorry they took JoanFK from you so soon). This is just another case of me getting annoyed by people calling queerbait just because a ship didn’t become canon and me getting everything out of my system. (But also, if Joan does see Topher’s blackmail and her reaction is anger at Abe and not “HOLY SHIT YOU WERE MOLESTED?!” then that would actually be legit bad writing).

TL;DR:

Although, maybe I’m just not upset because I got Kahlopatra and you guys lost your OTP and I just don’t understand, I dunno. 

[tortugatalks]

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗞 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝘄 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗦/𝗢𝘀!|ᴴᶜˢ

a.n. the birds of paradise episode has become one of my all time favs! new comfort ep unlocked. like?!?! its seriously so wholesome :')

𓆉 gender neutral reader

𓆉 established romantic relationship

𓆉 no warnings! just fluff

Martin Kratt

━ literally dances every dance known to man more like attempts to and when i say he goes ham, he goes HAM.

━ his confidence is super contagious, so even if you're not that strong of a dancer, it will. not. MATTER. he will pull you in for a funky dance and you'll both lose yourselves in it, music booming. you guys receive some noise complaints here and there, but it's not like you can actually hear the rest of the gang sooo (unless the crew turns off the music to get your guys' attention, but more often than not, they cave in and end up joining you two instead <3)

━ ever seen those movie bits where ppl dance in their pjs and slide across the floor? yeah, thats the vibe! doesn't matter where you two are, if you're itching for a good dance, consider it done! many moments of you two trying to crack each other up included. it always involves some form of laughter and lots of tugging each other by the arms.

━ very affectionate in the way he dances and loves picking you up and and swinging you around to the rhythm. try to break free all you want, mans gets all chuckly and squeezes you tight!

━ dancing with him is an experience and he'll do anything to have you enjoy yourself!! won't hesitate to be overly cheesy in his advances if it means he gets to see you have fun.

Chris Kratt

━ gets so so sooo into it! he busts some moves so earnestly that he ends up tripping over his own feet more than 90% of the time and drags you down to the ground with him.

━ encourages you to let loose and does this thing where he tries to imitate your own dance moves. you've impressed him with your own moves that he can't help but want to replicate em! it derails into a competition of who can do the most impressive dance.

━ if there's room for it, mans will swing, leap and do all these flips that have him crashing literally everywhere. he gets a little shy about it—he was trying to stun you with his super cool moves after all—but he's quick to pick himself up and get back on his feet!

━ the nerd just adores it when you two dance similarly to creatures you've encountered in your adventures. blue footed boobies? peacock spiders? grebes? you've done it all!

━ makes jokes about "courting" you despite already being in a relationship with you, but c'mon, nobody can resist playing along with his shenanigans! it's not everyday you get to see him shimmy like this, so take full advantage of it!

Aviva Corcovado

━ admits with a light chortle that she isn't the most confident or talented dancer and to not expect much from her in the field of choreography, but literally no one cares about how "good" she can dance—she deserves to let her hair down and have herself a jammy jam!

━ if you're like her, prepare for lots of giggles as you two try to learn how to dance. eventually, the aspect of actually "learning" some moves is long gone as you two end up doing whatever comes to mind and just roll with it!

━ she feels very comfortable in her skin around you, so if you do happen to know how to dance, encourage her maximum level! it makes her feel so relieved that you wholeheartedly accept this quirk of hers that she gradually learns to not take herself so seriously! she loves showing off, so there'll definitely be moments where she'll exclaim "watch this!" before performing her own little dance move.

━ put on music like cumbias, urbano latino, tropipop or pop romanticona and she gets all giddy inside! she absolutely loves spinning, so please do take her by the hand and give her as many twirls as she'd like!

━ once shes reached the point where she's become sure of herself, she does this cute little thing where she pretends she's only met you now for the first time in forever as she asks for your hand to dance <3

Koki

━ the ultimate dancing queen!! enjoys making up her own dance moves on the spot and it's always the most sensational thing ever. the execution is so smooth that all her moves seem legit!

━ if you two were to dance a song made for two, you better believe she'll be the one taking the lead! very cheeky in the way she dips you out of nowhere. she thrives off being spontaneous on the dance floor and shaking her groove thing!

━ cheers you on as you dance to the sound of your own beat. she claps, whistles, woo's—the whole shabang! she's extremely adamant on making you feel goated with the sauce <3

━ the type to get a hold of absolutely anything, use it as a microphone and belt out the lyrics with you. she goes full throttle with it as if it were a real performance and for a while you two believe it to be true!

━ it's a heavy workout every time that whenever you're both done with dancing, you two just lean on each other's backs as you slowly fall to the ground, heavy breaths and all. compliment her; tease her about how she's got quite the happy feet and she'll chuckle out an airy "shut up" <3

Jimmy Z

━ chair dancing! chair dancing!! chair dancing!!!

━ it usually starts out with him listening to some bops on his headphones and telling you to take a listen. all it takes is you tapping your feet or bopping your head for him to disconnect his headset and blast the music out loud for the both of you to hear!

━ before you know it, you two are swirling in your own chairs—hovering literally everywhere and anywhere. a mixture of "whoas!" and laughter boom from wall to wall as you shimmy and wiggle in your respective seats.

━ loves doing this thing where you meet each other half way, outstretch your hands to each other and lunge yourselves around hq! sometimes your hands slip from each other and you're practically squealing like little kids, excitedly trying to come into contact again.

━ sure, you may bump into some walls and tech, but it's never enough to actually hurt you. mercy to anyone who happens to need something 'cause they'll literally have to zoom in zig zags to avoid a collision with either of you.

[valenxizaw245]

So, the new AvA ep

This is gonna have spoilers

In a Discord server I'm in, @ilikemarshmallows, @tumbleblunder and me have chatted for a bit about the new squad of baddies in this ep, and so we came up with some funny names for them

Note: these are names that I personally will use for them, no one is obligated to use these names, specially because the last one is very silly

Knock

Alan said in the AvG reacts that this is the guy from the pixel animation of the guy vs the door. Marsh found said video

And Tumble thought Knock would be a funny name because that's what this guy does. Knock knock

Cave

Pretty straightfoward. Looks like a cave painting. And then there's the whole Spearing the Rhino and the weapons they use. Also naming them Hunter would be too predictable for my taste but that's just me

Sign

This guy has "sign" written all over them. Not only do they reference a bathroom sign, they reference a lot of different signs, so it stuck

Now prepare for a very silly one

Matrix T. S.

Okay so you can absolutely tell DJ calling this guy "Agent Smith" rubbed off on us

As I was watching the AvG Reacts, I actually decided to google Agent Smith out of curiosity

I was actually impressed by how similar those glasses are to the glasses that the agents from the Matrix use (I never watched the movie)

Literally the same glasses

So Tumble decided to call them "Matrix"

BUT THEN

Marsh suggested "Toggle" and it was actually a pretty big brain suggestion

eye-ing that last definition

And "Agent Smith" is still a funny name (thanks DJ)

Matrix Toggle Smith

This one does their taxes so they have an actual last name lol

I'm actually curious what the AvA community will default to regarding their names. Until then, is gonna be hard to find a good tag for them

Meanwhile I am using these. You can use them too if you want :P

I don't know how to end posts

[literali1110]

6x06 Thoughts

(these are my live thoughts as i was watching, with some later thoughts/clarifications added)

Tamara's moving out? Great [Listen, I like Tamara, but I think it's weird Tim and Lucy are always hanging out over there when she has a roommate] Although the timing is not great. Bet Lucy feels like everyone is leaving her Tim caved to Angela pretty quick Boo 😂 Angela doesn't even want to know why or how he lied? Ok they're sticking to the same story as last week Oh wait there's more? I love these BFFs together again It's like the last 2 seasons never happened 😂 Tim is bad at this 😂

(Del Monte has gotten mean. And corrupt?)

The rest of Tim's story is even worse 😭 So why is he doing the same thing now that he did wrong back then? To protect himself? [i didn't love that the backstory was about how Tim ended up risking his squad to keep his job. perhaps that is just how he is telling it because he feels so guilty? idk. and it's one thing if he comes clean but...he doesn't. and he's doing the exact same thing this episode - not going through proper channels and putting people at risk to supposedly save his job?]

Ray cloned the gps and is going after Lucy?! Omg she deserves to be furious at him Done being the good girlfriend 🔥 [loved this scene - and I think it made sense, they know due to the job they won't always be able to tell each other everything but that doesn't mean they can't help each other] Woah they caught Ray super fast 😂 [I thought there would be more to this dock scene] Woah interesting editing skipping to him in the interrogation room Why is Tim lying?? I am veryyyyy confused I fear this has ruined Tim's character for me [ok i still love tim but it was not clear to me why he lied and why he didn't try to right his wrongs - both in the past and present]

(Undercover nyla ❤️) (Celina better not be moving in with Lucy [but i bet she is]) (Whyyy do we need a baby Nolan) (It's a little weird this is how they brought Jackson's dad back?? and he seems perfectly fine)

We got a hug But where is the apologyyyy Okay so he lied to protect her and Lopez - and his job - and she's ok with it?? Did she make him lie? And now he's the one mad at her? This makes no sense And now HE'S breaking up with HER?? Oh! He did say I'm sorry 🙃 Is this because he doesn't believe he's good enough for her or he blames her for why he had to lie? Ohh she's not taking this from him, good for her Of course this is happening in the parking lot 😂😭

(Yuck why are we ending with this scene)

Okay so without the rest of the context of the new Tim backstory and how we got to this breakup, I actually really like the last scene and am excited for what comes next. I guess I kind of wish they had done something like this before they even got together - Olicity S3 parallel, anyone? - because these issues existed for Tim even before now.

Also I think it would have been helpful if they didn't just skip to Tim lying, and they would have explained the plan/why he was doing this/what had been agreed upon between him, Angela and Lucy. Because until she said it I didn't think she would agree with that plan and I still don't really understand why Tim wouldn't come clean - except if it's to protect Lucy (and Angela).

And at first I was thinking what Lucy said - so you lie to me to protect me and then you break up with me because you had to lie? that's messed up - but I don't think that's why he actually broke up with her. He broke up with her because he's feeling really guilty and he doesn't feel like he's good enough for her.

And the 'I know, I know' (remember when we held on to each 'I know' we got?) - he knows he's wrong and he's hurting her so that gives me some hope. So basically I have some empathy for Tim here and understand why he felt he had to break up with her but I still think he should have come clean. And I feel for Lucy too of course, she's just had thing after thing be piled onto her.

The promo for next ep is crazy. I'm excited to see Tim do some self reflection and healing. But this is going to be the third Tim heavy episode in a row. So when are we getting our Lucy arc?? Unless they're trying to make her even more alone for hers? And either Melissa is really good not giving out spoilers, or else they're really not going to resolve a bunch of stuff this season that we thought they would... :( Look I'm still processing this all but bottom line, I'm not mad about the breakup. Those scenes were super emotional and good and it just means we get another "getting together"/makeup scene down the line. And I would say this has significantly raised our chances of getting another sex scene! 😏

[newmusickarl]

5-9’s Album of the Month Podcast – latest episode out now!

The latest episode of the 5-9 Album of the Month Podcast is here and it’s a bit of a sad one as 5-9 Editor Andrew Belt was unable to join us! So this time around it’s just me and Mama Mañana Records' Kiley Larsen reviewing five high profile album releases from the past month in music, ultimately naming one as our Album of the Month at the end of the discussion.

For our June 2024 episode, it was John Grant’s synth-soaked majesty on The Art of the Lie that took home the coveted Album of the Month title. For our latest episode, we look back at five big releases from July and the albums vying for recognition this time around are:

King of the Mischievous South Vol. 2 by Denzel Curry

Django’s High by Future Utopia (Poll winner, thanks for voting!)

As Above, So Below by Highly Suspect

Harmonics by Joe Goddard

HEAVY JELLY by SOFT PLAY

If you want to listen to this or any previous episodes simply follow the links below, but also be sure to follow 5-9 Blog on Instagram, Twitter and now YouTube for more news and polls relating to the podcast.

Listen on Spotify here

Watch, like and subscribe to our YouTube channel here

Album & EP Recommendations

Wild God by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

Let’s face it, Nick Cave doesn’t make bad records. However, even by his incredibly high standards across his illustrious career, his recent work has been truly exceptional, towering bodies of work. Fuelled by unimaginable tragedy, grief and loss, albums Skeleton Tree and Ghosteen rank among my favourite albums of the last decade, listening experiences that are beautiful yet emotionally devastating. His last album with just him and Warren Ellis, Carnage, was no slouch either, finishing in my Top 10 of the year back in 2021. Now both have reunited with the full Bad Seeds ensemble, and new album Wild God continues their recent hot streak.

Emerging out of the vast darkness, their eighteenth studio album is a much brighter and more joyous experience compared to its predecessors. Filled with uplifting, string-drenched arrangements, some of which include none other than Radiohead’s Colin Greenwood on bass duties, the lyrics also find Cave in a much more optimistic mindset. It all makes for another endlessly captivating listen, with Joy the real standout in the first half, as Cave’s poetic lyrics are spun across a mostly minimal, piano-led composition. However, the finest moments for me are in the back half, with the gospel cries and stomps of Conversion, the operatic and ghostly Cinnamon Horses and standout single Long Dark Night a particularly incredible trio.

Once again, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds have crafted one of the finest albums I’ve listened to all year. Impactful and stunningly orchestrated, it’s another stirring collection of songs that will keep you absorbed across countless repeated listens.

Listen here

I Lay Down My Life For You by JPEGMAFIA

Another album that has quickly become one of my favourites of the year, NY-rapper JPEGMAFIA has followed up his sensational collaborative album with Danny Brown, 2023’s Scaring The Hoes, with arguably his strongest solo outing to date.

It’s a rap record but with punk rock energy, with most of the tracks here under the three-minute mark and plenty of heavy guitars powering the sonics. JPEG uses the record’s frantic pace to jump wildly between each bold idea, with the production never anything less than stellar. Collaborating with the likes of Flume and Kenny Beats on the production front, he also pulls in other current rap superstars like Vince Staples and Denzel Curry to lend a few bars too. It all makes for a thrilling wall-to-wall listen but if I’m to pick out just a couple of highlights, it’s the metal-charged SAN MIEDO and string-tinged experimentation of Exmilitary.

Colliding fast and furious bars with heavy punk, noise rock and industrial influences, all in mesmerising fashion, this is without a doubt the rap record of the year for me so far.

Listen here

No Name by Jack White

Another man who rarely disappoints, guitar maestro and all-round modern legend Jack White returned recently with a surprise new album. Initially stealth releasing on vinyl towards the end of July, the record officially released to streaming platforms and critical fanfare at the beginning of August. While I may not agree with the consensus that this is his best solo outing to date, there’s no denying that this is another fun and mightily impressive release.

You see while some critics have found White’s solo discography to be quite patchy, I’ve actually been a big fan of his output over the last 12 years. Blunderbuss and Lazaretto both boasted songs that could be dubbed as instant rock classics, Boarding House Reach was wild but always fascinating in its experimentation, and the duo of Fear of The Dawn and Entering Heaven Alive showed that White’s songwriting shone through, whether plugged or unplugged.

With No Name, for me, what we ultimately get is more of what White has already done before and proved he can do previously. That said, the lo-fi production and fuzzy rock riffs still sound terrific, especially on tracks like Old Scratch Blues, Archbishop Harold Holmes, What’s The Rumpus and Terminal Archenemy Ending. So, while it lacks anything new or revolutionary and brings with it an air of safe familiarity, there is no denying that White can still rock out. If you’re a fan of his previous work, you’ll still find plenty here to enjoy.

Listen here

Lagos Paris London EP by Yannis & The Yaw

And finally on the EPs front, Yannis Philippakis of Foals finally released his long awaited first solo project, Lagos Paris London. A dazzling, collaborative five track EP featuring the late-great Nigerian drummer Tony Allen, the EP is as vibrant and sonically adventurous as the globe-trotting title would suggest. While Yannis brings his signature guitar grooves to the table, some soaring string arrangements, jazz-like horns and Allen’s Afrobeat-style drums ensure the project always has a different feel to anything under the Foals banner.

Whilst the whole EP is well worth 20 minutes of your time, it is Rain Can’t Reach Us and Clementine that particularly stand out for me.

Listen here

Also well worth checking out:

DAYS BEFORE RODEO by Travis Scott

Imaginal Disk by Magdalena Bay

True Magic by Salute

This World Fucking Sucks by Cassyette

A Firmer Hand by Hamish Hawk

Participation Trophy by China Bears

Heartbreak Town EP by GIRLBAND!

Song Recommendations

The Emptiness Machine by LINKIN PARK

It’s been quite the month for big comebacks, hasn’t it?!

First came the colossal news that the Gallagher brothers would finally be reforming Oasis for a huge 2025 tour, before Linkin Park also made their long-awaited return, announcing new album From Zero will be dropping this November. The Emptiness Machine is the first taste of that new record and their first single to feature new vocalist, Emily Armstrong.

Emily’s arrival into the band has certainly caused controversy, with her links to Scientology already a hot topic amongst fans. While that debate will continue for the foreseeable, what is clear from this single and the band’s return livestream performance is that Emily certainly has the vocal capabilities needed to front the iconic, much-loved band. While of course no-one could fully replace the late-great Chester Bennington, I am glad to have Linkin Park back making music once again.

Listen to The Emptiness Machine here

Watch the livestream performance back here

All You Children by Jamie XX featuring The Avalanches

A late contender for song of the summer, this huge collaboration between Jamie XX and The Avalanches was on heavy repeat for me towards the end of August. Propelled by an infectious tribal beat that will just make you want to get up and dance, it’s left me hugely hyped for Jamie’s new album In Waves dropping in a few weeks’ time.

Listen here

He by Hayden Thorpe

Another album I cannot wait for dropping at the end of September, Hayden Thorpe’s adaptation of Robert Macfarlane’s book Ness will also soon be here. With book and album both inspired by Orford Ness in Suffolk, He is the ultra-groovy second single from the project. Featuring an endlessly fascinating arrangement that even includes a sackbut (a 15th century early trombone) and a spinet (a small 17th century harpsichord), Hayden's unique songcraft shines through once again.

Listen here

A Landlord’s Death by One True Pairing

And Hayden is not the only Wild Beasts alumni to be releasing new music this year. A month later in October, Tom Fleming will also be releasing his second solo album, Endless Rain. Working with acclaimed producer John ‘Spud’ Murphy, the singles so far have suggested a much more traditional and folk-inspired sound compared to his solo debut. A Landlord’s Death continues this hypothesis, featuring some stomping acoustic riffs, wild strings and a catchy chorus.

Listen here

Sick Of The Blues by Porridge Radio

Another album due for release in October, indie rockers Porridge Radio will be returning with their new opus, Clouds In The Sky They Will Always Be There For Me. Sick of the Blues is the closing track for the project but also the album’s first teaser single, finding frontwoman Dana Margolin in an apathetic mood as raw rock riffs build and erupt around her.

Listen here

Straight To Heart by ALT BLK ERA

From MOBO and Heavy Music Award nominations to storming festival sets at the likes of Glastonbury and Download, there is absolutely no stopping ALT BLK ERA’s momentum right now. Now with their highly-anticipated debut album Rave Immortal due for release in January, the alternative sister duo have released the second taste of the upcoming record. The synth-soaked track highlights the continuing maturity of their songwriting, with Straight To Heart seeing Nyrobi open up and reflect on her agonising battles with chronic illness.

Listen here

Nothing Compares To Nineteen by Fiona-Lee

Another one of the UK’s most promising emerging voices, singer-songwriter Fiona-Lee has recently returned with her second-ever single. A hugely emotive track, it was written in the wake of Fiona tragically losing a lifelong friend after he took his own life. Recalling her struggles with anxiety, grief and depression, along with conversations with her father on mental health, it’s another hard-hitting single that absolutely soars.

Listen here

Split Lip by Dolores Forever

One of my other favourite new music discoveries in 2024, I’ve had the pleasure of catching indie-pop duo Dolores Forever twice over this summer’s festival season. With their debut album finally dropping at the end of September, Split Lip is one of the latest singles taken from the project and a song that really stood out in their live performances. Hugely anthemic amidst captivating vocal harmonies and shimmering synths, this upcoming record is slowly shaping up to be one of the best debuts of the year.

Listen here

One Day by Hallworth

Released at the end of August, singer-songwriter Hallworth also recently released her heartfelt new single, One Day. Inspired by the Netflix movie of the same name and written while she was in Nashville, it’s a stirring track about her struggles with a long-distance relationship. With Hallworth’s own tender vocals at the fore, it’s a gorgeously laidback love song that will have you hitting the repeat button.

Listen here

Never Meant by Iron & Wine / For Sure by Ethel Cain

And finally, this year marks the 25th anniversary of one of my favourite albums of all time and a seminal work that still inspires countless musicians today – American Football’s self-titled debut. To mark the occasion, the band are releasing a remastered version of the original record, along with a brand new covers version.

The first two of these covers have been revealed and they are both unsurprisingly stunning. Firstly, American singer-songwriter Samuel Ervin Beam transforms the iconic Never Meant into a wonderful, folky lullaby, reminiscent of Bon Iver. Then, the much beloved Ethel Cain has turned the haunting For Sure into a near 10-minute moment of beauty and ethereal transcendence.

If all the covers are to this standard, with more cuts from the likes of Manchester Orchestra and Blondshell still to come, this project could be something very special.

Listen to Never Meant by Iron & Wine here

Listen to For Sure by Ethel Cain here

Also worth checking out:

Ego by Halsey

You by Ktlyle

JACKIN’ THE SYSTEM by NOISY

Tonight, Tonight (Smashing Pumpkins Cover) by Snail Mail

Hometown Edge by Kele

Bright Lights by The Killers

HERE WE GO! by Lil Nas X

Find The Way by Peggy Gou

SO WHAT by Confidence Man

SilverCane by Corinne Bailey Rae

REMINDER: If you use Apple Music, you can also keep up-to-date with all my favourite 2024 tracks through my Best of 2024 playlist. Constantly updated throughout the year with songs I enjoy, it is then finalised into a Top 100 Songs of the Year in December.Add the Best of 2024 playlist to your library here

[amelikos]

Some character notes and episode notes for HZ071, writing them down for future reference.

The episode starts with the trio and Friede reaching the Crystal Pool, which is said to be a place where one can meet those who've passed on. While Friede searches the area with Cap to find Briar, a Milokallos appears from the pond, turns into a Ghost Terastal type and attacks the trio. The three of them eventually come up with a strategy to counter Milokallos and the battle ends with Achigator and Milokallos singing at each other happily.

Friede eventually comes back with Briar, who gets excited over meeting Terapagos. She says she's already met one before, and explains that she is currently compiling her research into a book. She leads everyone to her tent area and everyone helps her set up the tables, chairs, and fire. Roy asks her if she has a partner Pokemon, but Briar says she was so focused on her research that she never found a partner of her own, which is something Dot can relate to.

They eventually explain everything to Briar: Terapagos, Lucius, the Six Heroes Rakua... While Briar doesn't know anything about Rakua beyond recalling the name from an old history book, she thinks Lucius must have met Terapagos somewhere just like Heather did. Briar explains that Heather is her ancestor and the first researcher who recorded the name "Terapagos". Her dream is to solve the mysteries of Terapagos and prove Heather was right. She shows the original version of the Scarlet Book to Liko and the others, and proceeds to explain Heather's story. He was a novelist and a natural history researcher who was selected to participate in the Area Zero expedition. As they reached the crater's depths, the expedition team found a cave full of shining jewels. Heather met Terapagos and many other mysterious Pokemon in Area Zero. Heather guessed that the Terastal waves guided those Pokemon there, though his book ended up being dismissed as a mere occult story which no one believed. Briar reaffirms her desire to prove Heather right by solving Terapagos's mysteries. Liko relates to that as she is traveling to uncover the mysteries of Lucius and Rakua, which her grandmother told her about. Liko shows Diana's adventure log and Lucius's memoirs to Briar. Everyone exchanges further information and speculation as they learn that Terapagos's special form is called the Terastal Forme, which is probably triggered by an impetus of some kind (meeting Rayquaza, the Rakurium). Briar also learns of the Rakurium from Friede but doesn't know anything about it. Having so many things to learn about excites her further as a researcher.

At night, Briar leads everyone to the Crystal Pool as she speculates that Terapagos must have memories of being with Lucius. However, nothing happens. Meanwhile, Basagiri is watching from afar. The following morning, they bid farewell to Briar and promise they'd meet again. Back to the ship, Liko and the others explain what happened to everyone else. Despite not having new leads, Liko says she was happy to meet and learn about people who are like her grandmother and the Rising Volt Tacklers. While Friede explains that their next goal is to look for the remaining Six Heroes, Dot is recording footage of Pokemon in Suiryoku Town. She comes across a Hisui Guardie and ends up following it. She meets its trainer, Sazare. Dot asks her if she knows anything about Basagiri and ends up accepting Sazare's challenge to get more information. Welcamo learns a new move through the battle and Dot defeats Sazare. Dot brings Sazare back to the ship to tell everyone that she met Basagiri and the episode ends on Sazare introducing herself to the crew.

--

Lots of information in this ep. It was written by Dai Sato, aka the lead writer for Horizons. His last screenplay was HZ046. I really could feel Dai Sato's writing through the ep because of Liko's narration and monologues. I loved her narration and the way it felt like she was recounting a story. Also, the banter and dialogues between the Rising Volt Tacklers as well as the casual lines and moments showing more of the characters felt on point for this writer too. I hope he writes more episodes this chapter.

Pokemon moments I liked: Terapagos hiding behind Nyarote for protection when Briar was chasing him around (very important). Nyarote protecting the baby sibling of the group is very cute to me, especially knowing that Nyarote has her jealous moments sometimes over the other Pokemon getting too much attention from Liko. I love Terapagos having two big sisters with Nyarote and Tebrim. Another Nyarote related moment I found cute was her playing yoyo with Murdock's Iwanko back in the Brave Asagi. Nyarote and Iwanko have been getting along ever since Liko boarded the ship in HZ002, so I like that this is a consistent thing.

Both battles were fine. I liked that the trio is learning to work together in battles, all three of them. I think it'll prove useful later in the arc if they face the Explorers again.

Casual Friede moment I liked: when he told the trio he would look for Briar and told them to rest in the meantime. Being casually thoughtful like it's the most obvious thing in the world. He is too much :/

Something I also found interesting is that Briar doesn't have a partner Pokemon. In the Pokemon world, where it's almost expected that everyone has a Pokemon or battles, I find it very refreshing to see a character like Briar, who was so focused on something else, that she never found the timing to get her own partner (it's also amusing to think that she went to the Crystal Pool, where a Pokemon like Milokallos could attack her, and didn't have any Pokemon to defend herself... she is fearless). While I like the symbolism of what a specific Pokemon means for a specific characters in Horizons (such as Spinel having a friendship evolution as his main partner.. also very important), I also like the meaning behind a lack of partner for a character. It reminds me that I found it compelling that Friede only ever had Lizardon for most of his life, and he met Cap as an adult which changed his life in new ways. It's a different kind of relationship than meeting a Pokemon as a kid. I think it's neat. I also liked that Dot could relate to Briar's talk and thought about how similar they were, since she was so focused on studying and researching Pokemon in her own way. Except Dot had Welcamo/Kuwassu to watch over her. Kuwassu chose Dot as his partner, and he waited until she was ready to consider him her partner too.. Also, Dot going outside by herself to record stuff was so good. She is exploring the outside world on her own terms.

Also, the thematic connections between Liko and Briar who are two characters walking in the footsteps of their ancestors in order to find out the truth/prove something. (Lucius isn't confirmed in plain words to be Liko's ancestor, but hopefully they finally leave it to rest this chapter and make the characters in-universe realize it.) The themes of characters learning from the past, people from the past leaving legacies behind, people in the present picking everything up (dreams, findings, emotions) and adding their own interpretations and answers and finding themselves through studying the past... it's so good.

I didn't complete the SV games yet, so having information and history revealed was cool. Still neat that Horizons uses these things for its own story. The implications I found most interesting: Lucius possibly reading Heather's Scarlet Book which is how he learned the name "Terapagos", and the possibility that Lucius might still be alive since he didn't appear at the Crystal Pool. The former is especially compelling to me because it might imply that Lucius was interested in things no one believed in and sought them out during his adventures with Gibeon and his friend. I'm also curious about the relationship between the Six Heroes and Terapagos, and the explanation behind Terapagos's transformation in different forms. I also liked that Roy pointed out that Terapagos transformed in Terastal Forme when Rayquaza was around (the fact he made this connection shows further that he learned to pay attention and come to his own conclusions).

Also, grateful for that gratuitous moment showing Spinel being unhinged in HZ064 when Liko recalled the time Terapagos transformed in Terastal Forme. They did this for me.

[bookgeekgrrl]

My media this week (6-12 Oct 2024)

clyde you were the mvp of this entire series

📚 STUFF I READ 📚

🥰 Every Door Opens (notoska) - Part 1 of We Made Ourselves - 74K, post WS angsty slow burn getting together fic - very delicious

🥰 Melt Into, Melt Until (notoska) - Part 2 of We Made Ourselves - 79K, stucky, post-getting together, lots & lots of slooooooow sex (positive) (very positive)

🥰 The Blood Contract (ikft) - 75K, Suits vampire AU - author's description: "What if we did Suits but half the characters were vampires for no discernible reason? What if that ended up changing very little … Because nothing screams satire like a bunch of lawyers who are also vampires." - great worldbuilding. first in a series but does stand alone

😍 A Man Takes His Sadness Down to the River (The Consolation of Philosophy) series - parts 1-3 (dorian_burberrycanary) - first 3 fics in a series of 4 works (40K out of 151K total) - a marvelous stucky post-EG/TFATWS fix it (knowledge of TFATWS canon not required)

💖💖 +136K of shorter fic so shout out to these I really loved 💖💖

Unorthodox (LearnedFoot) - Suits: Mike/Harvey, 6K - enjoyable alt-meeting AU

Something Else When I See You (emchant3d) - MCU: shrunkyclunks, 5K - 🔥🔥🔥

Normal (LearnedFoot) - Suits: Mike/Harvey, 9K - amnesia fic just never gets old!

Bon Voyage (spqr) - Doctor Odyssey: Max/Avery/Tristan, 11K - been fervently hoping someone would write this OT3 since ep 1 aired. Truly blessed this writer (one of my faves) took it on.

📺 STUFF I WATCHED 📺

In Deep: Life at the Bottom of the Ocean With Dr. Sarah McAnulty - Session 4

Dr. Odyssey - s1, e3

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds - s1, e1-2

The Sam Sanders Show - Sasheer Zamata on Queerness, Witches, and Disney

Handsome - Drew Barrymore asks about bats in caves

Handsome - Pretty Little Episode #8

The Sam Sanders Show - Monét X Change: Drag, Politics, and Opera

Dirty Laundry - s4, e5

Gastronauts - s1, e1

Elementary - s2, e9-19

🎧 PODCASTS 🎧

Pop Culture Happy Hour - A Different Man

Code Switch - Ask Code Switch: Is it a preference or fetish?

Wait Wait… Don't Tell Me! - Dear Wait Wait: How do I keep my kid from biting people?

Vibe Check - The Vibe Coven

The Sporkful - How Cascatelli Ended Up In A German Museum

Pop Culture Happy Hour - SNL, Late Night, And The Election

⭐ Pop Culture Happy Hour - Pop Culture Pumpkin Spice Lattes: Basic But We Love It

Death, Sex & Money - Bonus: Two Sex Columnists on Tapping into Turn-Ons

Pop Culture Happy Hour - Saturday Night And What's Making Us Happy

Dear Prudence - I Spread A Rumor That Alienated My Friends and Mentor. Help!

Dear Prudence - Prudie Plus: My Partner is Kind, Generous…and a Trump Voter. Help!

It's Been a Minute - Is the free speech debate dead? Plus, the devil! Smart Podcast, Trashy Books - 636. Swordcrossed Cozy Romantasy with Freya Marske

⭐ Today, Explained - Pennies don’t make cents

99% Invisible - Christiania

Ologies - Momiology (MUMMIFICATION) with Kara Cooney & Salima Ikram

Re: Dracula - October 11: Freedom of Soul

Sibling Rivalry - The One About Diddy

It's Been a Minute - The SMACKDOWN: Techno vs. Aaliyah vs. Motown

🎶 MUSIC 🎶

Juliana Hatfield covers

[merrysithmas]

Spock & medicine part III

so adding on to my multi-part Spock&Medicine metas and their intersection with Spock&Dr McCoy and how Spock's friendship with Bones eventually helps heal his medical trauma (see my other metas) i want to point out my favorite Spock & Bones moment in TOS during the episode "All Our Yesterdays".

Kirk, Spock, and McCoy are sent to different periods of time through a portal - Kirk to the 17th century where he is accused of witchcraft (go off feminist king tbh) and Spock & Bones are jettisoned to the neolithic days together.

Spock reverts to an early primitive Vulcan, feeling extreme troglodyte levels of protectiveness, anger, rage, and possesiveness until McCoy points out what is happening to him. McCoy on the other hand, being human, succumbs to the frigid ice age weather and eventually begins to die.

After much pondering their impossible situation with Bones on the verge of death, and encapsulated within an endearing cocoon of fur blankets (the touching handiwork of Spock), Spock laments to their Lady-of-the-Week counterpart that there is nothing he can do for his friend... "Unfortunately, he is the doctor, and not I."

His words within the context of the scene are deeply touching.

He is helpless watching Bones come down with hypothermia, and in all his genius and unparalleled intellect, he cannot help him, cannot think of a way out of their hopeless situation, cannot offer any medical aid... and comes to feel the desperation (in his regressed state) and horror that must rip through all the families of McCoy's patients... utter devastation in the face of inevitable death and then... the relief at seeing a doctor, seeing help, seeing hope.

And he has none of that.

His doctor is very much on the losing end.

In this penultimate ep to Season 3 of the cut-short TOS series it's the closest we get to see to a resolution between their animosity until the films (where Spock gives Bones his katra).

Spock in this scene, finally understanding the importance of McCoy's work and the good it does, understanding his deep love for his friend, and understanding he has no means by which to help him despite all his posturing through the years, despite his annoyance with McCoy, his frustration with McCoy's field of medicine, with McCoy's determined emotionalism... in that cold empty cave lost in the entrails of time Spock mourns the fact the only one who can help McCoy is now was... McCoy.

And he feels woeful and guilty for his mockery.

Who has helped Bones all these years as he tirelessly helps others? Who steadies him as he weed through the pain and agonies of his patients to rip up the roots of their sickness and hopefully leave new, tender soil?

Spock may not have had decent or ethical medical treatment in the past (as evidenced by early TOS and confirmed by Disco and SNW), but he grows to love and respect a man who has dedicated his life to helping others through that very discipline he reviles. He sees someone who would help anyone - even, and especially, Spock.

And it is heartbreaking to watch that Spock is left pondering that sad sorrow.

That he can do nothing but watch as this man, who could save everyone but himself, withers away beneath his hands.

Probably the first time in his life Spock wishes he had a doctor or nurse to help him.

[inhumanetrash]

Maaaaaannn sorry for bothering you but now that I finished watching the new Earthspark eps I wonder what will happen to Mandroid. I don't like that man but it is still interesting to think about what will happen to him in the end.

Like, would he change his body to fully Cybertronian??

Would he become a horrible amalgamation Silas style??

Would he change his mind but notice that it is too late and he is no longer human??

Or would he die with still a little of his humanity inside of him?'

Whatever happens, I will draw it 🙄

But maybe do you have an idea or theory???

I keep thinking about this too 😩

And ur not bothering me I love talking about earthspark lmao

I feel like the fully cybertronian thing is likely to happen as we see him be pretty much reliant on energon & his body is pretty much deteriorating. And before that he mentioned he isn’t exactly human but is somewhat similar to the terrans. So maybe he will eventually start becoming a robot,although that would be painful and I’m pretty sure it would be too graphic lol

Maybe eventually his fleshy body gives up and he will somehow live as a robot. Like,,avatars in Avatar the blue cat people where his real body won’t have to work for him to operate a robot avatar of some sort

I don’t think he’s gonna go Silas style because a building hasn’t fallen on top of him (yet) and GHOST’s tech seems more advanced than MECH’s. Also,having a villain be experimented on as a revenge doesn’t feel like something earthspark would do as it seems to handle death,even of the villains,,respectfully

I really do hope he has a redemption arc because- if megs got it then my man Meridian could get it too.

I don’t want this to happen but it would be likely for him to be the villain that changes at the critical point and dies anyways because they sacrificed themselves. I want to see him fight Croft lol

Also,to the redemption arc,I think there’s potential with him and Alex. Like,, there’s some personal connection,stronger on Meridian’s side so maybe Alex would bet through to him. And heck, Twich was willing to forgive him so maybe he could be forgiven.

I just got the horrible though that maybe something regarding the thing that possessed the bear could happen to him. Like,, him merging himself with it (I hope not tho)

In my perfect AU he’ll redeem himself and get a cottage and live a peaceful life/hj

Generally on the topic of Mandroids human and robotic side,in the first episodes he mentioned how he is also techniorganic but probably wants to study terrans to find out more about himself (hinting that he might now have wanted to be technkkrganic)

Maybe he’ll fall into the emberstone cave and get reborn or something to do with the all spark

But whatever happens to him I’ll stand by his side/hj

Maybe he’ll chose the better evil- eventually work against ghost but still dislike transformers