#that with all his dangling threads that would tie up not only his arc but everyone else's?

[eriexplosion]

If they wanted us to accept Tech's death all they had to do was actually kill him! Since he has instead fallen into the clouds and 90% of the time the only thing that ever gets referred to is his "sacrifice" and his "loss" while every other dead character just gets called dead, I will simply think he's likely to come back in whatever comes next. We have a lot to do in this era, why can't he come back? Nothing is keeping him dead.

One of my friends (who loves Bad Batch but isn't quite as obsessed as I am 😂) just asked me why I'm so dead set on believing Tech is alive, especially since I've never had an issue before in accepting character deaths.

My response: If the show's creators truly always intended for Tech to be dead and season 3 was seriously the best they could do to honor Tech's sacrifice under those circumstances, I would have a very hard time forgiving that; so, in order to keep crediting the show for its brilliance and enjoying season 3 at all, I have to believe he's meant to be alive.

If season 3 had properly acknowledged and honored Tech's sacrifice, I would have accepted him as being dead. Since the season instead seemingly went out of its way to ignore every opportunity they had to address it in a satisfying way, I just can't accept his death as being anything other than "presumed."

Besides, I'm happier when I believe Tech survived, so here we are 😅

[sungbeam]

𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐧

prince!ji changmin x f!reader (slight juyeon x reader)

1.0k words, my emotional support royalty au, high-key historical au, lots of not-dialogue, literally i don't think swan song will ever fully see the light of day but i love it a little too much to keep her buried

a/n: this is serpent & dove's partner,, except i set the stage for a villain arc bc who doesn't love a villain arc

The moment Ji Changmin stopped wishing to be a part of the family was the one wherein you made your debut into society. There were rules to the royal court, rules that Changmin had long since been schooled in. There were boxes he was placed within, boundaries he was not meant to cross, but there were few invisible, unspoken hierarchies that were always enforced that he had to pick out on his own.

He was only eighteen when he found your familiar eyes, shining in glazed-over discomfort, as you curtsied low at the top of the stairs and made your descent. An official had announced your arrival at the door, and he already spied the dance card dangling from your wrist.

Unspoken Rule One: Bastard children never got first pick.

The main ballroom of the palace was decorated immaculately for this year's debutante ball. Heavy silks embroidered in fine, gold thread were draped from the crystalline window panes; the chandeliers glistened with beads of light like fiery embers; the dance floor was polished and his suit was tight. He couldn't remember tying his tie on so tightly, but the way you looked tonight made him want to break form and loosen the grip of his collar around his neck.

He had never seen you in such tightly laced garb, and he had never seen you so nervous. You, Yn Ln, beloved middle child of the phoenix-represented Ln family—the phoenix a symbol of how generations of your family long ago had risen from the ashes of destitution to the mighty lordship of its current day and age. Your good name automatically thrust you into the limelight, whether you liked it or not.

You were eighteen years old, same as Changmin. You had asked your handmaiden to lace your corset up a little tighter, opting for the one that was made specifically for occasions such as these. It had not been your choice to don the dark, blood red brocade for tonight's festivities—it had been your mother's. You hadn't realized your family even cared to show off their middle child, but you supposed if they could ship you off as quickly as possible, it would be one less daughter to pay attention to.

Unspoken Rule Two: Daughters never got to choose.

It was difficult to not meet his eyes—the pair that you recognized so easily from the academy. The pair you often found yourself staring into as they laughed, as they pondered, as they brooded. He was beautiful, the kind of strength that wasn't brutish, but softer. He was a snake amongst wolves, perhaps the predator that no one ever saw coming.

Your dance card was empty, but his name seared itself into each slot, stealing away each dance like he had stolen a bit of you after all this time. (Or maybe all of you. You wouldn't have minded if that were the case.)

It wouldn't have been appropriate if he left his place from the dais first. It definitely would not have been appropriate if he had left the dais before every other girl was introduced. The room was full of chaperones and young men eyeing their prospects as they filed in, one by one.

(A room of hungry wolves encasing the pack of sheep who had waltzed in, bedazzled and smiling.)

You knew the game though, and you figured two negatives would have to make a positive. Right? That was how it could work. That was the loophole you and Changmin had concocted all those late nights spent in the academy library, tucked away in the corner of the myths and legends aisle, huddled together, conspiring a way to come out of this alive.

Not just alive, but together.

Unspoken Rule Three: Watch out for the wolves.

You were already on your way toward his side of the dais. The half prince was beautiful, but he was only second in line. He had half the blood of royalty; how many would seek him out first?

And there was a spike of hope in your heart. It singed through your glazed expression and made the corners of your cherry-stained lips turn upward in that sickening feeling of hope.

Eyes pinned to the other, you could see the glee in his own expression. It was going to work. This would work how you'd planned, how you'd hoped, how you'd schemed and mapped. You two knew the food chain better than anyone else—it simply had to.

But the room fell quiet as a form stepped before you, blocking your view of the second prince. He was just as beautiful as his half brother, the gold crown seated upon his raven locks a beacon of pride and power. He had kind eyes, a pair you weren't as familiar with, but knew well enough. His suit was tailored perfectly to his body, his smile gracious and almost shy.

"Lady Yn," Crown Prince Juyeon said to you as you dropped into a curtsey and he, a bow, "may I have the honor of stealing your first dance?"

The room was silent. You swore your heart beat thundered against the golden walls of the ballroom.

You couldn't say no. Not to the crown prince. Not in front of everyone.

Perhaps there were things you and Changmin hadn't taken into account.

Unspoken Rule Four: The Crown Prince always gets what he wants.

By some miracle, you found your voice and fitted your quivering, gloved hand into his. "Of course, Your Royal Highness. It would be my honor."

And as Prince Juyeon led you to the polished marble dance floor, you stole a glance behind you at the dais. The second prince stood frozen on his platform, his form never having broken. But in the split second you looked back at him, you couldn't mistake the flash of a promise in those dark eyes you'd fallen so deeply into all these years.

It was a promise… at least, that was what you had thought, as you plastered a smile on your face and let Juyeon lead you through dance after dance. But you should have known better than to think so little of Ji Changmin.

a/n: me taking back my blog bc i can post what i want right :')

tbz m.list

permanent taglist: @flwoie @vatterie @seomisaho @hqrana @ja4hyvn @tinkerbell460 @kaaimins @hyunjaespresent-deobi @otterly-fey @zzoguri @floatingpluto @winterchimez @ethereal-engene @gyulfriend @polarisjisung @jaehunnyy @shakalakaboomboo @loveliestfelix @sodafy @zhaixiaowen @leaz-kpop-life @amourdsr @pxppxrminty @kqyutie @sseastar-main @kxthleen14 @fluorescentloves @mosviqu @justalildumpling @jaerisdiction @super-btstrash-posts @jundundun @http-gyu @mvvnsseul @outrologist @vernonburger @maessseongs

[addermoray]

Tim Drake: Civilian Life

As many of you know, Tim Drake is my favorite comic book character and has been for decades. And being the long time fan that I am, I hate to see my boy's wheels spinning. But I also hate to see writers try to advance him to places he really shouldn't be going.

Some of you may have read previous posts I've made about the character and know that I agree with the thoroughly ingrained concept that, in the future, Tim will become Batman, despite not wanting to be, out of obligation and doing the job will make him miserable.

Why would I want to inflict this kind of suffering on my favorite character? Because it's the only route that has ever made sense for him. Tim's entire character, his entire reason for becoming Robin in the first place, has been stepping up because someone had to, despite never wanting to be that someone.

His other defining character trait is his loyalty to the people close to him. Not just the Batfamily, but the original Young Justice as well. When Tower of Babel happened, the team got nervous about Tim doing the same to them and he swore he could never treat his friends that way. Years later

Your first instinct might be to say he went back on his word. But you'll notice that his list includes not one single member of his Young Justice team.

Why do I bring this up in a post about what I would do with Tim Drake if given free reign at DC? We'll get there.

The answer to the question, by the way, is that I would do one last story arc tying up loose ends as Robin and then I would have him move on...

To civilian life.

Tim was never meant to stay a super hero. It is a tragedy, in universe, that he's done it as long as he has. And the day he comes back to be Batman because someone has to will always be some distance in the future. So one final story line. One last long string of triumphs before he hangs up his cape (except, ya know, for big giant crossover stories where it's all hands on deck) and is sidelined into the background of the DCU.

Sidelined, but not removed.

Because while I'd take him out of active hero duty, there are a bunch of dangling threads that would make for a beautiful bow to keep him in the loop while off of the front lines.

Tim Drake's mother was killed. And then his father was killed. But he has a Step-Mother that survived, vanishing from the story. As did the failing, but not failed, Drake Industries.

Let's bring those back. The final chapter of Tim Drake's final story as an active super hero would be reconnecting with Dana-Winters Drake. After her mental crisis, following her husband's death, she was able to recover. Tim had been helping, but keeping his distance. His being a hero has gotten enough of his parents killed. The company he inherited? He gave to her once she was fit to take it, expecting her to sell it.

Instead, she brought it back from the brink, never taking it public.

Tim, finally putting his super heroics behind him, can at last feel safe reuniting with her.

Flash forward and Tim's got a role in what was his father's company. Not in charge of it, why would he ever want to take that from his stepmom? But he runs his own division and has full autonomy. Over the years there have been many companies purporting to provide aid to super heroes. The problem is that they were all inevitably revealed to be evil ploys, run by villains, or taken over by greedy fat cats.

But what if there was one that was guaranteed to be trustworthy?

From equipment, to safe houses, to access to medical and psychiatric professionals, Drake Industries has you covered. And, of course, the first people we see Tim, in a suit and tie instead of a cape and mask, extending these services to are his old team.

And with this being the new status quo, Tim is still around to be used in stories and is freed up to take a background role that can have him appear in any number of books, not just bat and Young Justice books. Like Nightwing and Oracle before him, he becomes a major player in the DCU overall. But he's also finally living the life he wanted to, balancing his sense of obligation with at last being free from the rooftops.

[tothestarsandbackmoved]

Rant about interstellar

i have before but ill do it again!

interstellar touches me for many many reasons.

first off, the entire premise and setting and the world building in it. the dust storms, the failing crops. the protagonist does say at one point- "humanity was born on earth. they were never meant to stay here" and that just,,, hits me you know? presently we've seen the emergence of no human exploration besides the probes and the ISS. there are plans but the same curiosity just seems dead. interstellar stretches that and shows us what would happen when human curiosity and the desire to explore would die. we'd kill everyone on the planet and soon starve ourselves. the blights- the illnesses- the dead medicare- that's a very bleak future, but a very real one. the movie does both its part about scaring the viewer about it- as well as giving us hope about wormholes and quantum data and singularities and how we'd save ourselves. you can see that the old generation is talking about their days and how better or worse it would be. in the end, on the cooper satellites, you see the interviews being played- and it really breaks me. that was a generation that thought it was the end. the end of human life. the final descent and that was it. and then they see the five dimensions and getting lifted and their lives are essentially turned around. this isn't just the older people though. we see that the gen z then, like cooper's son have also mostly been brought up to *live*. we see that he tries to get into school and actually get into uni and find a job in one of the remaining sectors of the world which still offer something other than farm corn- raise family. You see that the teachers also say this? they teach them to fight blights and sustain crops because they’re losing more and more to disease each year. Humanity’s slowly being packed up and demolished and they aren’t seeing it coming. at all.

then there’s the quote which is recurring throughout the movie:

“do not go gentle into the good night”

the professor says this all the time. as they’re leaving- his last few dying words- as they’re preparing. and you know what? i’ll say it. this is where the next important theme comes in. Desperation. When he initially sends them out- he hasn’t solved gravity yet, and he knows he never will. Not without the quantum data from a black hole- something again, he can never get. Which is why he implies that there’s a Plan B and cooper can see murphy again (this is also very important- scroll down for this). He breaks all their trust- and he knows he’ll die before seeing the end of the mission- and you can’t die with guilt, not really. He knows that he can’t be held accountable because he’s dead. He’s well aware that his plan is a hail mary- and it wouldn’t have worked anyways. He’s counting on Plan B, and that’s all there is to it. He uses the quote as a reminder to himself- because he’s torn too. He isn’t inherently evil, at all. He’s the precarious thread the entire mission dangles by- but he’s willing to risk that too. He’ll be long, long dead before humanity dies- or moves- and this is his last try.

Now for the second part of this quote. As I talked about before- the quote feels more like a reminder to himself- and not actually something that inspires hope in the crewmates. But ironically, it ends up becoming what guides murph. As the professor is dying, she tells him “you’ve been doing this with both your arms tied behind your back”- that’s actually when she finds out about his whole plan. This is the failure of the professor- but at the same time, it becomes the moment he passes the torch to murph. The professor died, knowingly sending his own daughter into the reaches of space. He prioritized his need to save humanity over the love for his own daughter. But, murph isn’t like that. When she finds out about this, she remembers the promise her dad made to her.

“I’ll be back when you’re the age I am now”

and now, she knows he’s lied. But he hasn’t done it on purpose. and she understands that. She makes it HER goal that they don’t go gentle into the good night. She knows that this is probably futile, but she’s going to try. and she’s not going to try thinking that she’ll probably fail- like the professor did (in resignation for plan B)- she’s going to try to bring cooper back.

Third, coming back to desperation. A bold, bold act of desperation is what dr mann did. (I have some qualms about the actor playing estranged astronauts- anyways). Him sending out that sensor- knowing that it will bring humans back to him, while simultaneously jeopardizing the entire mission, and possibly the fate of humanity. He knows what he has done- but he has gone insane alone- and he’d betray his entire cause to see a human face again. This movie really says something about what humans are willing to do. On one hand, you have a woman who singlehandedly saves them all- for human love, and on the other, a man who is willing to commit genocide (that’s what i think it is, dont ask) to see someone else. He messes up everything, deliberately, and goes from “the greatest and bravest man to walk the earth” to a “cold and desperate villain”. This theme has a lot to do with what is happening right now too. Forgive the activism, but we do have people who knowingly exploit and burn and ravage the earth, for their own good- and they’re insane to the point that they genuinely can’t see right from wrong. Sure, you could argue that he was motivated by the need to preserve your own life. But if you give his cause *any* context, you see how wrong he is. This is flailing human desperation, pure and simple.

Now, approaching the themes that actually make it as good as it is. Dr Brand is easily my favourite character in the movie. We get to see her as a brilliant scientist initially, and her arc- is perfect, honestly. For example, take the wormhole handshake- as their going through interdimensional space- where time isn’t linear and your brain gets fried if you try to comprehend it- she recognizes a *being* in that space. If you recall that scene, she reaches out, and meets *them*- someone she knows is otherworldly and entirely above humans (we later learn it is Cooper in the matrix- and i have things to say about that too) and makes contact. She suggests, as both a human- and a scientist- that it may be love that transcends dimensions. She makes first contact with beings that may be their salvation- or destruction- and i think that is definitely the peak of human existence.

She argues that love may be what connected the crew to higher dimensions, and I'll dare to say that she’s right. Love is what made Cooper try to contact murph. Love is what made them dare to save humans. Love was what got her there. She tells them to go to Edmund's planet- not just because she loves him, but because she also makes relevant points AND her gut. It might be stretching it to say that was why she was right- but it is worth introspection. Dr Brand represents the best of humanity and she does carry it, doesn’t she? She settles on the planet for ‘the long nap’ in the end. She tries to save everyone- like on the mountain planet- and she loves. She hopes and she trusts and is unwaveringly honest and courageous. This could become a Dr Brand stan blog for all I care.

Moving on

We have the ‘them’. These are the mysterious threads that tie all parts of the movie together. A black hole to a little girl’s bookshelf. Worlds galaxies apart. A very important thing to note here is that the characters recognize that this is humanity, just very, very far out. And most importantly, wise. This is a civilization who has surpassed the ordinary dimensions, and *mortal* time. They could’ve easily saved all of humanity and given them the planet they were looking for. But their entire ineffable plan, and only putting things where they were needed- was what made them greater than just someone who helps others. Only being able to get binary signals through an intergalactic wormhole, building bookshelves that become a huge metaphor for humanity trying to claw at knowledge- and actually slowly pushing the books forward. The ‘them’ weren’t ordinary humans at all. They definitely hinted and gave me a brief, fickle glance beyond what humans could be- raw possibilities.

Then, we have cooper. This makes it hard to write for him- and do his character justice- but I will try. His character, essentially, is brought down to selflessness, love, a brutal, brutal sense of humour- and the courage- the heavy, heavy courage to sacrifice himself. He’s also the polar opposite of what Dr mann stands for. 

His first important point- in my opinion- is when the movie is starting. I didn’t walk in expecting this from him, not really. You see a dying earth- and this man is (alone in his fight, NASA doesn’t count yet) fighting the system alone. He fights for his son, tries for his father in law, and then the most important relationship- his daughter. He’s seeing an earth where not even *children* are curious, or willing, or interested in anything greater. He sees this in his daughter, though. Hence, the bookshelf- the gravity, and the plain curiosity. 

I’ll dare to say that at this point, humanity’s a dying, dying flame. And what he sees in his daughter, what we see in his daughter, is a rebirth of potential. She has the human spark, so to speak. He sees that, and he makes promises, and is willing to bring the world to its knees to protect her. And he knows he might not be there when Murph burns strong, and bright, and becomes the saviour of humanity- but he hopes.  An important element is the promise, which I mentioned earlier, but it defines their relationship. The promise that he’ll be back when they’re the same age. They both know that it’s not true. They can see the lie, but that promise also empowers them to do what they did when their paths diverge.

Cooper goes to Mann's planet with the vague hope that he’ll be back in time. Murph does most of what she does because she thinks that it’ll bring her father back. Even towards the end, when Cooper willingly jumps into gargantua, a supermassive black hole- which is the literal heart of darkness, he does it in the attempt to save his daughter, and hopes she can get the quantum data at the cost of his life. 

About Murph, we mostly see her through the eyes of Cooper in the beginning. A curious and lovable and stubborn tween who just wants to grow up with her dad and do their science experiments. Her perseverance is phenomenal- she loses her dad despite her warnings and asking- and realizes that her loss is something undefinable, but there. In a way, she grows to understand both her responsibility and her part to play, and why her father did what he did. The ‘ghost’ is another plot device- a mysterious figure who messes with the gravity and knocks her books down. And she sees a message there. She tells him about ‘don’t go’ and i can’t begin to describe how beautifully poetic and heartbreaking it is that they realize the significance of that at the same time, and how it ties together. It is hard for me to fathom that scene really- cooper is in an interdimensional matrix, inside a supermassive black hole, and he tries to tell his daughter two things. (a) trying to stop himself from going out and on the mission, which he knows is deemed to fail and (b) sending the quantum data, because that is what mattered in the end, anyways. The ghost comes full circle- and also says what he had to say, when it was most important. And for those who’ve seen the movie, i just really have to put this quote out there:

‘It was you. It was always you. You were my ghost, dad’

And in that, the movie completes itself. It talks about unfailing love, the peak and fall of humanity, and the potential of curiosity.

In this essay I will...

[aaronmaurer]

TV I Liked in 2020

Every year I reflect on the pop culture I enjoyed and put it in some sort of order.

Was there ever a year more unpredictably tailor-made for peak TV than 2020? Lockdowns/quarantines/stay-at-home orders meant a lot more time at home and the occasion to check out new and old favorites. (I recognize that if you’re lucky enough to have kids or roommates or a S.O., your amount of actual downtime may have been wildly different). While the pandemic resulted in production delays and truncated seasons for many shows, the continued streaming-era trends of limited series and 8-13 episode seasons mean that a lot of great and satisfying storytelling still made its way to the screen. As always, I in no way lay any claims to “best-ness” or completeness – this is just a list of the shows that brought me the most joy and escapism in a tough year and therefore might be worth putting on your radar.

10 Favorites

10. The Right Stuff: Season 1 (Disney+)

As a space program enthusiast, even I had to wonder, does the world really need another retelling of NASA’s early days? Especially since Tom Wolfe’s book has already been adapted as the riveting and iconoclastic Philip Kaufman film of the same name? While some may disagree, I find that this Disney+ series does justify its existence by focusing more on the relationships of the astronauts and their personal lives than the technical science (which may be partially attributable to budget limitations?). The series is kind of like Mad Men but with NASA instead of advertising (and real people, of course), so if that sounds intriguing, I encourage you to give it a whirl.

9. Fargo: Season 4 (FX)

As a big fan of Noah Hawley’s Coen Brothers pastiche/crime anthology series, I was somewhat let down by this latest season. Drawing its influence primarily from the likes of gangster drama Miller’s Crossing – one of the Coens’ least comedic/idiosyncratic efforts – this season is more straightforward than its predecessors and includes a lot of characters and plot-threads that never quite cohere. That said, it is still amongst the year’s most ambitious television with another stacked cast, and the (more-or-less) standalone episode “East/West” is enough to make the season worthwhile.

8. The Last Dance (ESPN)

Ostensibly a 10-episode documentary about the 1990s Chicago Bulls’ sixth and final NBA Championship run, The Last Dance actually broadens that scope to survey the entire history of Michael Jordan and coach Phil Jackson’s careers with the team. Cleverly structured with twin narratives that chart that final season as well as an earlier timeframe, each episode also shifts the spotlight to a different person, which provides focus and variety throughout the series. And frankly, it’s also just an incredible ride to relive the Jordan era and bask in his immeasurable talent and charisma – while also getting a snapshot of his outsized ego and vices (though he had sign-off on everything, so it’s not exactly a warts-and-all telling).

7. The Queen’s Gambit (Netflix)

This miniseries adaptation of the Walter Tevis coming-of-age novel about a chess prodigy and her various addictions is compulsively watchable and avoids the bloat of many other streaming series (both in running time and number of episodes). The 1960s production design is stunning and the performances, including Anya Taylor-Joy in the lead role, are convincing and compelling.

6. The Great: Season 1 (hulu)

Much like his screenplay for The Favourite, Tony McNamara’s series about Catherine the Great rewrites history with a thoroughly modern and irreverent sensibility (see also: Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette). Elle Fanning brings a winning charm and strength to the title role and Nicholas Hoult is riotously entertaining as her absurdly clueless and ribald husband, Emperor Peter III. Its 10-episodes occasionally tilt into repetitiveness, but when the ride is this fun, why complain? Huzzah!

  5. Dispatches From Elsewhere (AMC)

A limited (but possibly anthology-to-be?) series from creator/writer/director/actor Jason Segal, Dispatches From Elsewhere is a beautiful and creative affirmation of life and celebration of humanity. The first 9 episodes form a fulfilling and complete arc, while the tenth branches into fourth wall-breaking meta territory, which may be a bridge too far for some (but is certainly ambitious if nothing else). Either way, it’s a movingly realized portrait of honesty, vulnerability and empathy, and I highly recommend visiting whenever it inevitably makes its way to Netflix, or elsewhere…

4. What We Do in the Shadows: Season 2 (FX)

The second season of WWDITS is more self-assured and expansive than the first, extending a premise I loved from its antecedent film – but was skeptical could be sustained – to new and reinvigorated (after)life. Each episode packs plenty of laughs, but for my money, there is no better encapsulation of the series’ potential and Matt Berry’s comic genius than “On The Run,” which guest-stars Mark Hamill and features Laszlo’s alter ego Jackie Daytona, regular human bartender.

3. Ted Lasso: Season 1 (AppleTV+)

Much more than your average fish-out-of-water comedy, Jason Sudeikis’ Ted Lasso is a brilliant tribute to humaneness, decency, emotional intelligence and good coaching – not just on the field. The fact that its backdrop is English Premier League Soccer is just gravy (even if that’s not necessarily represented 100% proficiently). A true surprise and gem of the year.

2. Mrs. America (hulu)

This FX miniseries explores the women’s liberation movement and fight for the Equal Rights Amendment in the 1970s and its opposition by conservative women including Phyllis Schlafly. One of the most ingenious aspects of the series is centering each episode on a different character, which rotates the point of view and helps things from getting same-y. With a slate of directors including Ryan Bowden and Anna Fleck (Half-Nelson, Sugar, Captain Marvel) and an A-List cast including Cate Blanchett, Rose Byrne, Uzo Aduba, Sarah Paulson, Margo Martindale, Tracey Ulman and Elizabeth Banks, its quality is right up there with anything on the big screen. And its message remains (sadly) relevant as ever in our current era.

1. The Good Place: Season 4 (NBC)

It was tempting to omit The Good Place this year or shunt it to a side category since only the final 4 episodes aired in 2020, but that would have been disingenuous. This show is one of my all-time favorites and it ended perfectly. The series finale is a representative mix of absurdist humor and tear-jerking emotion, built on themes of morality, self-improvement, community and humanity. (And this last run of eps also includes a pretty fantastic Timothy Olyphant/Justified quasi-crossover.) Now that the entire series is available to stream on Netflix (or purchase in a nice Blu-ray set), it’s a perfect time to revisit the Good Place, or check it out for the first time if you’ve never had the pleasure.

5 of the Best Things I Caught Up With

Anne With An E (Netflix/CBC)

Another example of classic literature I had no prior knowledge of (see also Little Women and Emma), this Netflix/CBC adaptation of Anne of Green Gables was strongly recommended by several friends so I finally gave it a shot. While this is apparently slightly more grown-up than the source material, it’s not overly grimdark or self-serious but rather humane and heartfelt, expanding the story’s scope to include Black and First Nations peoples in early 1800s Canada, among other identities and themes. It has sadly been canceled, but the three seasons that exist are heart-warming and life-affirming storytelling. Fingers crossed that someday we’ll be gifted with a follow-up movie or two to tie up some of the dangling threads.

Better Call Saul (AMC)

I liked Breaking Bad, but I didn’t have much interest in an extended “Breaking Bad Universe,” as much as I appreciate star Bob Odenkirk’s multitalents. Multiple recommendations and lockdown finally provided me the opportunity to catch up on this prequel series and I’m glad I did. Just as expertly plotted and acted as its predecessor, the series follows Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman on his own journey to disrepute but really makes it hard not to root for his redemption (even as you know that’s not where this story ends).

Joe Pera Talks With You (Adult Swim)

It’s hard to really describe the deadpan and oddly soothing humor of comedian Joe Pera whose persona, in the series at least, combines something like the earnestness of Mr. Rogers with the calm enthusiasm of Bob Ross. Sharing his knowledge on the likes of how to get the best bite out of your breakfast combo, growing a bean arch and this amazing song “Baba O’Reilly” by the Who – have you heard it?!? – Pera provides arch comfort that remains solidly on the side of sincerity. The surprise special he released during lockdown, “Relaxing Old Footage with Joe Pera,” was a true gift in the middle of a strange and isolated year.

The Mandalorian (Disney+)

One of the few recent Star Wars properties that lives up to its potential, the adventures of Mando and Grogu is a real thrill-ride of a series with outstanding production values (you definitely want to check out the behind-the-scenes documentary series if you haven’t). I personally prefer the first season, appreciating its Western-influenced vibes and somewhat-more-siloed story. The back half of the second season veers a little too much into fan service and video game-y plotting IMHO but still has several excellent episodes on offer, especially the Timothy Olyphant-infused energy of premiere “The Marshall” and stunning cinematography of “The Jedi.” And, you know, Grogu.

The Tick (Amazon Prime)

I’ve been a fan of the Tick since the character’s Fox cartoon and indie comic book days and also loved the short-lived Patrick Warburton series from 2001. I was skeptical about this Amazon Prime reboot, especially upon seeing the pilot episode’s off-putting costumes. Finally gaining access to Prime this year, I decided to catch up and it gets quite good!, especially in Season 2. First, the costumes are upgraded; second, Peter Serafinowicz’s initially shaky characterization improves; and third, it begins to come into its own identity. The only real issue is yet another premature cancellation for the property, meaning Season 2’s tease of interdimensional alien Thrakkorzog will never be fulfilled. 😢

Bonus! 5 More Honorable Mentions:

City So Real (National Geographic)

The Good Lord Bird (Showtime)

How To with John Wilson: Season 1 (HBO)

Kidding: Season 2 (Showtime)

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy Vs The Reverend (Netflix)

[rebelsofshield]

Star Wars Poe Dameron: Free Fall- Review

Star Wars Poe Dameron: Free Fall makes the best of a bad storytelling decision and turns in a refreshingly entertaining, if not entirely successful, young adult novel.

(Review contains minor spoilers)

It’s been several years since Poe’s mother, Shara Bey, passed. Now a young man, the son of two rebellion heroes finds himself yearning for his place in the world and seeking out adventure and high adrenaline experiences. Much to the chagrin of his father, Kes Dameron, Poe has become a bit of a trouble maker on the forest moon of Yavin IV often coming into conflict with local law enforcement. When Poe is presented with a new life in the form of the Spice Runners of Kijimi, he jumps at the chance for an escape from the doldrums of his current life. Along with his new friend Zorii, Poe launches himself full on into a life of crime and in the process sets off the unraveling of a galactic conspiracy.

I think it’s fair to say that the revelations of Poe Dameron’s past in The Rise of Skywalker were an almost universally disliked storytelling decision. Lore hounds were frustrated by the washing away of years’ worth of shows, comics, and novels for a new, confusing backstory. Fans of the character were upset by both the seeming erasure of Poe’s hinted at queerness and also the deeply problematic decision to make the series’ first major Latino hero have a history in drug smuggling. There’s also just the added annoyance that the sequel trilogy’s smart mouthed and cocksure pilot was connected all the more to the specter of Han Solo. No matter how cute Babu Frik proved or how badass Kerri Russell’s Zorii Bliss appeared, almost no one walked out of Kijimi happy.

Alex Segura is saddled with unenviable task of cleaning up the mess. Star Wars Poe Dameron: Free Fall has to find a way to not only fit in this period of the titular character’s life with the existing timeline, but somehow navigate the storytelling minefield the plot twist gave. For what it’s worth, Segura does an admirable enough job with what is given and Free Fall ends up being an enjoyably twisty crime saga that finds joy and pathos despite the fraught nature of its source material.

Segura writes Poe as the sum of all of his parts. He’s a caring and empathetic individual who has little patience for injustice on any level. He also has a wild and restless side to him. Dealing with the grief of losing his mother and wanting to live up to the heroic adventures of both his parents, Poe has a proclivity to launching himself into situations that are over his head but also thinking on his feet for explosive results. It’s a faithful interpretation of the character even if the general feeling of wanderlust that Poe starts the novel with can’t help but feel like well-worn territory for Star Wars protagonists.

As for how Segura manages to tie this all together with the existing material? He more or less tries his best to connect Poe’s childhood to his spice running adventures and eventually setting himself up to join the New Republic at the end. If anything, it’s this final transitionary period that feels the most shortchanged. This is very much the story of Poe’s time with the criminals of Kijimi and isn’t very much interested in whatever connective tissue may come afterwards. It’s a tad frustrating as the novel feels like it ends rather quickly with many potential plot threads and character arcs left dangling.

The Spice Runners themselves are a complicated subject matter. As a veteran writer of crime fiction, Segura’s narrative of different jockeying factions, daring heists and escapes, and the cat and mouse game of galactic cops and robbers is a blast. There are twists a plenty and Segura’s action scenes aren’t afraid of diving into the dirty details of these unsavory individuals.

There’s a bit of confusion however about the Spice Runners themselves. While it’s been firmly established throughout Star Wars canon that spice is a type of drug, Free Fall more or less ignores this idea. The fact that Poe’s allies are part of a major drug smuggling ring is never once brought up. In a way, this avoids the problematic aspects raised by The Rise of Skywalker, but it also leaves a general amount of confusion on the part of the reader. For those unfamiliar with Star Wars canon, it’s not exactly clear what the Spice Runners do besides all manner of various galactic thievery and skullduggery. For the initiated, it just seems odd that Poe would be unaware of this aspect of the organization or that it would never come in conversation. Segura essentially was handed a lose-lose story concept and he opted for the least problematic route even if it would be damaging for the story in the process.

It’s lucky then that the Spice Runner narrative proves so entertaining. This is in no small part due to the presence of Zorrii. Segura makes Zorrii an intriguingly enigmatic young woman that has a past wrapped in secrets and a flexible morality. Her story, primarily told second hand through Poe, carries much of the conflict of the narrative and it is thoroughly compelling. In fact, one can’t help but wonder if Free Fall may have been better served by a story that centered on Zorrii in full and featured Poe as a prominent supporting character.

Above all, Free Fall is simply a fun read. It’s filled with small but compelling characters, a crime mystery that proves exciting and surprising, and snappy, witty prose that crackles along with energy. It’s one of the rare Star Wars books that succeeds despite of its source material and not because of it. It will never not be a shame that this was a novel that had to be saddled with the storytelling sins of The Rise of Skywalker, but Segura has made an enjoyable enough adventure out of the mess.

Score: B-

[squidpro-quo]

AN: PROLOGUE|| Part 1 || Part 2     Pardon the tardiness! Here’s my words as part of the Pandora’s Tears au, Kaito’s POV

By now Kaito’s used to the exhaustion, the weariness dragging at his bones and rattling his lungs with every heaving cough, while the timer on his life ticks away ever so patiently. It’s a race against time and his own life, a gamble that he plays against himself while he burns away his hours and days on the chance to have more in his future than a finish line at only twenty-five. His chips are down on red, the life-saving red that will be his prize if he comes out alive, if he makes it out without dying. Because his demise can come from a bullet, or from his own body. 

But the cold wind on the rooftop is bracing and he doesn’t have time to waste on those kinds of thoughts right now, not when he’s holding himself together by the knot of his tie and the threads of his cape. KID has no earthly troubles holding him, he’s not shackled to death by any kind of burden; the fact that KID survived his father proves that. That’s the kind of immortality he’s looking for, though in a more permanent fashion. 

The High Tide Hotel looks serene from outside, hiding the frantic anthill of activity that has taken over its corridors and main ballroom. It’s a beautiful building, expensive and situated next to a park that livens up the block with its colorful bouquet of leaves in the prime of fall. He’s not a fan of their theme, too much emphasis on the sea for him to appreciate the high quality of the place, but it’s doubtless as good a place as any to find what he’s looking for.

It’s almost too easy to infiltrate the police squad on guard around the gem and Kaito slips in unnoticed, reporting for duty late due to illness. His wheezing breaths are entirely authentic, but he reigns it back in just enough to be kept on the task force; there was no point to displaying his weakness this early on, especially when they’ll eventually realize it was him. Nakamori’s face if he ever found out—with his characteristic gasping surprise—that the dying boy next door is the same one he’d been ordering his officers to dogpile on at every opportunity, would be priceless. 

“Be alert!” Protect the Song of the Sea at all costs!” Nakamori yells from just a few feet away, jaw clenched tight as he stalks the tiled room with brisk steps. “Get into your positions, men! KID will appear soon, so make sure to keep an eye out!” 

It’s just too easy. Kaito smirks, standing at attention alongside the rest with his arms held conveniently behind his back. After how many times that’s aided him in him in a heist, you’d think the police would take notice and change their tune, but instead it keeps giving him the perfect place to pull off his tricks. Flicking his wrist, the smoke bombs drop into his palm with a quiet click he disguises with a discreet, but noisy, cough. He counts down the seconds as he works the smooth marbles between his fingers idly in the meantime.

Three.

 One almost drops from his grip when a shot of pain spasms down his arm. 

Two.

Letting go, he breathes a short sigh of relief as his muscles don’t protest the movement and the smoke bombs roll away down the row in gentle arcs. He’s in the clear. 

One.

Smoke blossoms from the marbles in plumes of violet, hiding the aquariums displayed along the walls as well as the other officers, both of which he’s very glad about. While the squads scramble out of the way of the sleeping gas, he makes a beeline for the jewel, a satisfied smirk spreading across his face. These were the moments he lived for now, the anticipation on the edge of success was the only drug that worked on his condition, even if it was a placebo that did nothing but give him the impression of hope until it wore off. 

The Song of the Sea, pale blue and heavier than he expects, dangles from his fist as he races past Nakamori with a quick tip of his hat and rushes up the stairs. In the past, he’d been faster during these chases, able to jump the gap and run the distances that left the task force panting and him still grinning from above. But now he’s joined them in feeling the burn of his breaths as he skids around a corner, his cape swirling behind him in his wake like a riptide drawing the officers after him. They certainly have a better chance of catching him now than they did before. 

Nevertheless, he reaches the cafe at the top of the hotel with no one else in sight, vacated a short while ago to leave the lights off and the room bathed in moonlight. Holding it up, he tilts the Song of the Sea this way and that in an effort to exhaust every possible angle that it could be hiding inside, but comes up empty regardless. And there’s the crash from the brief high, the reality of another failure settling on his shoulders and he stares out the window, past the beautiful view of the brightly lit city. His mother is meant to report in tonight, some paltry reassurances on her own search and the answers she’s chasing too, and he’ll smile as usual, wave off her apologies for her absence and hope that perhaps next time he sees her he’ll have the solution in his palm. 

“Hand it over.” 

Kaito doesn’t turn immediately, tossing the Song of the Sea into the air idly and thinking over Snake’s offer. The click behind him doesn’t put him on edge either, it feels like an empty promise when he knows death is growing inside him already. 

“It’s not what you’re looking for, I’ll tell you that much.” 

“Hand it over,” Snake repeats, making Kaito glance over his shoulder to meet the man’s glare.

“I’ve already told you, did you not listen?” He doesn’t have the patience for this tonight, not after the disappointment that’s reared its head yet again. He’s had fewer encounters with Snake than he can count on one hand, all of them lasting not much longer than the initial question and a vehement refusal, but he has no interest in continuing the conversation today either. 

“The shard. Hand it over.” 

But that gives him pause. 

“Shard?” Kaito searches his memory, the scraps of paper left in his father’s study and the meager amounts of research he’s managed to scrounge up from irreputable sources. The implications send his mind spinning, trying to make sense of what he knows so far. 

“Of Pandora. We know you have it, stolen twenty years ago.” 

Struggling to maintain his mask of indifference, Kaito twirls the Song of the Sea between his fingers as he searches for how to answer that kind of accusation. Pandora in pieces had never crossed his mind and it seems unlikely, considering the uncharacteristic nature of the gem itself. If it could grant immortality, would it not also be logical for it to keep its whole form ad infinitum? 

 His silence stretches too long, it seems, for Snake and the gun in his hand swerves to aim at his chest. A second before the trigger twitches, the sound of footsteps rings from down one of the service halls that the hotel staff utilizes for expedited efficiency. 

“Get this floor surrounded! No one leaves until I’ve dealt with them myself.” Nakamori’s voice is a welcome relief from the confusion clouding Kaito’s thoughts and he throws himself to the side as the sound of a gunshot rings out a moment too late. He rolls to his feet, the movement slowed by his lingering exhaustion from the stairs and the revelation that had shaken him not a minute before. 

“We’ll have it, one way o r another,” Snake threatens, his last words swallowed by Nakamori’s continued shouts. 

“Guard the exits! Pair up, no one goes alone!” But despite the familiar cadence of the vigorous yelling, Kaito can hear the slightest scratch of static underneath the voice’s register, not to mention the dear Inspector’s never thought to pair his officers up in the two years that they’ve been playing inept cat and the vanishing mouse. 

Straightening up as Nakamori’s approach reaches the entrance to the hotel cafe, he stifles a groan at the way his bones protest the motion. 

“Eavesdropping, are we detective? I would think conversations between thieves and assassins are private business,” he says, proud of the way his voice still retains the usual smooth ease of KID’s teasing despite his weariness with the night. “What brings you here, so late to tonight’s game?”

|| Part 4 || 

[katieskarlette]

Before the Storm:  A Reaction Post

I just finished binge-reading the latest WoW novel, and I have thoughts.  Quite a few of them, actually.  So here goes.

Short non-spoilery version:   Game tie-in novels are never going to be high literature, but for what it was, I really enjoyed this book.  I know Golden’s name has been mud around this neck of the internet lately, so this probably isn’t a popular opinion.  The contrast between Anduin and Sylvanas as leaders--and as people--was interesting to see, and the questions about how the living and the undead can (or should) interact were incredibly poignant.  There was only one significant lore development (at the very end, regarding a new variety of undead) that is easy to catch up on via a quick summary, so it’s not a mandatory read to understand Battle For Azeroth.  But as a character study and a fleshing-out of the world and how various issues stand going into the new expansion, it was a enjoyable read.  If you’re a fan of Anduin, Sylvanas, Genn, Calia, or goblins, definitely check it out.

Spoilers (as well as a mention of real-life death/grief) below.

I think sometimes fandom marinates in an echo chamber and, because of how seldom new canon material is released, we assume that because Blizzard isn’t releasing a weekly short story they’re letting unresolved plot threads dangle and fester.  Sometimes they do, granted, but there were an awful lot of things addressed (or at least mentioned) in this book that fandom has been wondering/worrying/complaining/speculating about:

The leadership void among the Darkspear.  The impact of losing so many soldiers and supplies in the war with the Legion.  What’s been going on in the Undercity while Sylvanas is away doing Warchief stuff.  The fact that none of the Horde leaders have families.  The reaction of the Cenarion Circle to their losses in Silithus.  The unpopularity of Gallywix among his own people.  The confusion and cross-faction misunderstandings about the disastrous battle of the Broken Shore.  The tension and lost trust after Genn Greymane and Admiral Rogers’ shenanigans at the start of Stormheim’s storyline.  Moira’s son not being a baby anymore.  The unresolved issues between Moira and Magni.  Velen’s grief over his son.  The fact that Tess and Mia Greymane exist.  Theramore.  Calia’s claim to the throne of Lordaeron.  The long-lasting impact of the Cataclysm.  The mixed opinions among the Horde about the way the goblins terraformed Azshara.  Kalec and Jaina’s relationship.  Lore from the priest order hall.  And yes, the fact that Anduin needs an heir.

I’m not saying all these things are settled or developed, or handled in ways I necessarily agree with, but it’s good to be reminded that Blizzard hasn’t forgotten about any of these elements.  (Wrathion, on the other hand...  Sigh.  Don’t get me started.  Suffice it to say he’s not even alluded to in the book.  Onyxia does get a passing mention in relation to how her scheming impacted the Wrynns.)

Anyway, moving on to the main theme of the book:  life, death, and all the corpse-gray areas in between.

It was hard to read sometimes because of how raw the emotions were and how hard the questions were that it asked.  I’m not sure that it would have the same impact on someone who has never grieved the death of a loved one, but for me it was quite emotional.  I got misty-eyed in several places.  

I found myself imagining what it would be like to see my much-beloved grandmother (who, by the time she died, was as hunched, emaciated and discolored as any Forsaken, although that’s not how I try to remember her) standing across a field from me.  To be able to speak to her again, tell her how much I love and miss her, to tell her what I’ve been doing in the last fifteen years...yet to see her as a withered, pungent, unnatural husk, to know she’d been denied the rest of the grave...  Faced with that choice, I don’t know how I would react.  I’m glad I never will--for a lot of reasons!

The book never said that Anduin imagined himself facing either of his parents under such circumstances, but I’m sure he must have.  (I mean, not that there was anything left of Varian to turn undead, but hypothetically speaking.)  Anduin’s a very empathetic person, and his own grief over his father was still so raw.  It certainly affected Genn, who I thought was written very well. 

I’ve never been a fan of the Forsaken, because their dark, mean-spirited, nihilistic outlook and the corpse/bone aesthetic don’t appeal to me. (It doesn’t in other contexts, either.  Give me cute jack o’ lanterns and chubby-cheeked ghosts for Halloween decorations, and skip the plastic tombstones and cardboard skeletons, please.)  This book gave a lot of insight into what it would be like to be undead, without the need for sleep, cut off from any living friends/relatives, with a body that’s slowly wearing out without the ability to heal or do physical therapy, knowing that you are repulsive and smelly to others, making the most of second chances while also perhaps yearning for the peace of true death, and being acutely aware of how fragile you really are.  It made the Forsaken more sympathetic and (excuse the pun) fleshed out.

I was also quite pleased to see acknowledgement of Forsaken who aren’t emotionless, gibbering eeeevil.  My lone, seldom-played undead alt, a lowbie priest, is that kind of a character:  holding onto the Light even though it now is painful to use, and refusing to stoop to being a monster just because she’s a walking corpse.  That wasn’t a viewpoint that was really highlighted in canon before.  (Of course, that means my little priest would be out there on the Arathi plain with a bunch of black arrows sticking out of her right now, so...)

I was disappointed that the book never mentioned Anduin bringing Elsie’s body back to Stormwind to bury beside Wyll.  I’m going to assume he did, because geez.

I still don’t know where they’re going with the new Light-infused variety of undead, but we’re not really supposed to.  It’s just a teaser and cliffhanger.  There’s a lot of story potential, anyway.  We’ll see.  I’m glad they didn’t remove Calia from the story completely, at least.

Speaking of cliffhangers, if that adorable gnome/goblin couple didn’t survive, I’m going to be majorly bummed out.  It was also interesting to know that goblins and gnomes can get married in canon.  Presumably other cross-species relationships can be made legal, too.

Anyone who’s emotionally invested in the Menethil dynasty has sure had a rollercoaster of ups and downs lately.  Yay, Calia’s finally in game!  Noooo, she’s not interested in claiming her throne!  Yay, she’s interested after all!  Nooooo, she’s dead!  Yay, she’s...undead?  And she's totally cool with the idea that Lordaeron belongs to the Forsaken?  (Which, I mean, it does, but it’s surprising to have her think that.  So many forum threads about this stuff suddenly became obsolete...)  And there’s a slim chance that her daughter is either undead or still alive out there somehow?  WHAAAAAAT? 

Oh yeah, she secretly got married to a footman, had a kid, escaped the Scourge, lived in Southshore for years under an assumed identity, and then presumably lost her husband and daughter when the town got Blighted (yet she’s okay with the Forsaken???), but we didn’t see the bodies so heaven only knows what plot twist could come of that.  

On one hand (the Watsonian one) it’s a tragic, awful thing for her to have gone through and I felt really bad for her.  On the other hand (the Doylist one), did she really need more tragic, awful backstory?  No.  No, she really did not.  It seemed like overkill, which makes me suspect they’re seeding a plot thread for the future.  Meh.  Hey, if she lived in Southshore, did she know the Rogers family?  Would Admiral Catherine Rogers recognize her as whatever her fake identity was?

On a related note, you’ve got Anduin who in the past was always like, “OMG noooo don’t compare me to Arthas!” and now is like, “Okay, Calia, I’m officially adopting you as my new big sister.”  Oh, the irony...

I should address the rainbow-striped elephant in the room:  There is no LGBTQIA+ representation in the book.  Anduin is specifically mentioned as having been attracted to the female dwarf Aerin, and he expects to fall in love with a woman someday.  Personally, I‘ve headcanoned him as bi, perhaps leaning a bit ace, while always expecting Blizz to have him marry a woman.  I do sympathize with those who had hoped that he might be canonically gay, and I strongly agree that Warcraft badly needs more representation in that regard.  In this book alone, it would have been so easy to have that blacksmith bringing a helmet as a gift to his long-lost Forsaken husband instead of friend.  But we also need a major Warcraft character to be unequivocally LGBT.  It’s way, way past time.  Get on it, Blizzard.

[Edited to add:  I almost forgot, another kind of representation I wish they had explored was that of physical disability.  As convenient as Anduin’s Magic Lie-and-Bad-Idea-Detecting Bones are, why couldn’t he have had some negative lasting effects of being crushed by the Divine Bell?  Chronic aches, maybe a limp at least?  Loss of a limb, even?  There is a narrative to be explored there, and as someone with a close family member who suffers from chronic pain and limited mobility it would be refreshing to see that kind of thing addressed.]

Moving on, I’ve never cared for Valeera Sanguinar that much, but I did like how she’s set up as Anduin’s super secret spy.  I wonder if she gets to wear pants now.

Big ol’ meanie Sylvanas made Baine and Anduin stop being pen pals.  *pout*  I loved how Magni called her “lassie,” though.  That takes balls of diamond, to be sure...

Speaking of the banshee queen, I tried very hard to read between the lines to see what their long-term plans are for her.  Just because the last line of the book is Anduin proclaiming that she’s beyond saving, that doesn’t mean they aren’t going to try to pull off some kind of redemption arc.  If anything it just draws our attention to the question.  

Is Anduin right?  A big part of his plot arc lately is how he’s finding his way, making mistakes and learning from them.  Could he be wrong about Sylvanas?  He saw potential for good in Garrosh that never developed, so it’s not impossible that he could find compassion for Sylvanas someday...if she shows remorse and a desire to change.  And that’s an “if” bigger than the sword sticking out of Silithus.

I didn’t see any signs of her wrestling with her conscience.  If anything, the emphasis on how some Forsaken do still have feelings (besides hatred, bitterness, and anger) condemned her all the more by comparison.  Yet she does regret Vol’jin’s death, and she did respect him.  And her feelings were definitely hurt by her sisters’ responses to her, and you have to have feelings to have them be hurt.  But her lack of remorse for any of the vicious, heartless things she does, combined with her new penchant for killing her own people, doesn’t bode well for her to have a change of heart any time soon.

I also kept a close eye on Nathanos.  In his short story they made a point of saying that his senses were sharper with his new body, and that he felt a pang of regret for the first time since his death.  That could simply be an indication of his renewed state, or it could be a tiny sliver of foreshadowing that he’s not 100% on board with Sylvanas’ plotting.  Then again, that was set before Legion, and he spent all of Stormheim frantically trying to find her, and worrying about her, and just generally not being remotely subtle about how much he cares for her.  Heh.  Then again, he can care about her (in whatever way the undead feel such bonds, that is) and still think she’s going too far with her ideas about the valkyr, raising more Forsaken, keeping them up and functioning indefinitely without the release of true death, etc.  Interesting potential for conflict there, as well.

I don’t know that I even want to see a Sylvanas redemption arc, but it’s fun to try guessing what Blizzard has planned.  And such a plot twist would alleviate some of the “Didn’t we just do this same ‘overthrow a bad warchief’ plot with Garrosh?” syndrome, and allow them to keep around one of the franchise’s most recognizable characters.

I was also relieved to find no evidence that Anduin is being corrupted by the Old Gods, Azerite, or anything else.  He’s true to himself and the Light, as always.  I appreciate characters who stubbornly insist that there is good in (almost) everyone, despite living in a world that does its best to beat that optimism out of them.  It’s not blind idealism or naivete; it’s faith and its own kind of strength.

Sylvanas and Anduin are fascinating foils for each other.  The stark contrast between a young king who is still finding his place and a bitter, scarred, centuries-old queen, someone who comes to understand that death is not always the enemy versus someone who digs in her heels and refuses to accept it, someone who wants his people to be happy versus someone who kills them for not agreeing with her...  It’s intriguing.

Was it the best book ever?  No.  Did I enjoy reading it?  Yes.  Is it absolutely necessary to read in order to understand the story going into the next expansion?  Nah.  Would it have been a lot better with Wrathion in it somehow?  Of course.  ;)

And that’s my two cents.  (Er, well, judging by how long this post got, more like $2.50.)

[themyskira]

Wonder Woman #50 postmortem: “You know how strident Wonder Woman fans can be”

I want to cap off my readthrough of this unmitigated shitshow with a look at a recent interview James Robinson did with Newsarama, reflecting back on his twenty-issue Wonder Woman run.

I’m doing this for two reasons: One, because having read the full run and formed my own impressions (and, dare I say, some rather strident opinions), I genuinely do think it can be interesting to see what the writer has to say about it, what they were trying to achieve with it and, looking back, how they feel about the run.

And two, because having read what Robinson has to say, HOOBOY, I HAVE A FEW THOUGHTS OF MY OWN.

Newsarama: James, the one through-line of your entire run is Wonder Woman's twin brother, Jason. I know he was the motivation for you working on this book. Did you know the whole story before you started? Or did this story evolve as you wrote it?

James Robinson: I knew to a degree. As you said, I was specifically asked to pay off the gigantic plot point that Geoff Johns had left at the end of "Darkseid War." So it was always part of my plan.

Are. You. FUCKING. KIDDING ME.

The entire premise of this run. The wholesale derailment of Wondy’s Rebirth story. The rampant shredding of her newly-established Rebirth backstory. Sidelining Diana for the better part of a year in favour of a repulsive twin brother and some shit with Darkseid.

ALL OF THAT.

Served no wider purpose.

Was not intended to build towards some Rebirth metaplot or contribute to an overarching Justice League story.

Was mandated, in fact, for no other reason than that Geoff motherfucking Johns wanted to TIE UP A DANGLING PLOT THREAD FROM TWO-YEAR-OLD CROSSOVER.

He goes on.

Originally, I was going to be on it for a shorter period of time. I had originally planned to be on it for about eight issues, I think. And then when I was getting the twice-monthly book in on time (which is tough; they really beat you up), they asked me to stay on.

There are better, more eloquent arguments against the fortnightly publishing schedule — which is incredibly punishing for creators and prioritises quantity ahead of quality — but none, perhaps, are more simple or succinct than James Robinson got to write twenty issues of Wonder Woman because he got his scripts in on time.

And that gave me more time to develop Jason and play with him more.

I was careful to make sure it wasn't only about Jason, however. I was already getting crap from social media about how this is Wonder Woman's book and she should be the center of attention at all time. You know how strident Wonder Woman fans can be.

Well, that’s an interesting and thoroughly disingenuous interpretation of the critique.

The criticism was not that Wondy must be “the centre of attention at all times”, and therefore Robinson was wrong to spend any time developing any character other than her.

It was that Robinson turned Diana into such a passive, reactive — and, frankly, incompetent — character that she became barely necessary to the story at all. You could remove her from most of the issues in the Darkseid arc without affecting the progression of the plot at all, because she never does anything.

Yes, I got irate when Diana would routinely show up in six or seven pages of an issue, if she appeared at all. Funny thing, when I pick up a book titled Wonder Woman, I expect to occasionally see some actual WONDER WOMAN.

But that was the symptom rather than the problem. Because even when Diana was on the page, she was absent from the story.

And part of this is also about the characters Robinson chose to focus on instead of Wondy: Jason, Grail and Darkseid. Three characters that a lot of fans weren’t interested in, didn’t like and frankly resented having shoehorned into Wondy’s story. True, Robinson may have been asked to include them in the story, but it was his choice to prioritise them over Diana, and it was his writing that shaped Jason into such an odious character (something he confirms in the interview: Johns came up with the idea, he says, but “Most of who the character is now is stuff that I've actually come up with.”)

Put it this way: I didn’t see anybody complaining in December 2016 when Greg Rucka devoted an entire issue to Barbara Minerva’s backstory, did you?

But oh, I’m sorry, was that too strident for you?

Nrama: During your run, you tied into several events that were going on elsewhere in the DC Universe. Even this current story arc ties into Dark Nights: Metal and involves the Justice League. Was that a goal, to make Jason part of the greater DCU?

Robinson: Yes. I always do that stuff, though. I always try to tie into bigger stories. Whether it was my stuff at DC or what I did at Marvel, like Fantastic Four and Invaders and what-not, I always enjoy that about comic book universes. I like when writers try to embrace the whole place.

Here’s the thing about this.

I like the sandbox nature of a shared universe. I’m not a fan of event tie-ins, which have a tendency to derail the stories of individual books in order to aggressively market some company-wide crossover that I couldn’t care less about, but I like that there’s this whole wider world of heroes and villains and settings and mythologies that writers can draw on and play with. And you can tell some really cool stories out of the collision of those different mythologies and characters — think Phil Jimenez’s ‘Gods of Gotham’, for instance, where the Wonderfam and the Batfam are forced to team up when some of Batman’s most powerful rogues are possessed by Ares’ children.

That’s not the way Robinson loops the wider DCU into his stories, or at least it wasn’t in Wonder Woman.

Robinson goes for insider references, often obscure ones, of the sort that will only make sense to people who’ve been reading the same comics as him over the past three decades.

In WW #33, he introduced and then immediately killed off a rebooted version of the Atomic Knights in a four-page sequence that added nothing to the plot.

In WW #42, he featured a flashback to Jason fighting the Deep Six, a group of Jack Kirby villains. Ostensibly this is framed as a set-up by Grail to orchestrate her first meeting with Jason, but Robinson milks it to crack jokes about Kirby’s 1970s dialogue — and if you’re not familiar with the characters (as I wasn’t), their inclusion makes little sense.

In the same issue, Robinson also works in the Wild Huntsman… apparently for no other reason than to amuse himself… and again, if you don’t know who he is, you’ll have no idea why Grail is trying so hard to kill him or why you should care.

And then there’s the Metal tie-in.

Like I said, I don’t like event tie-ins, but it is possible to make them work. G. Willow Wilson’s Ms Marvel has been looped into a number of crossover events over the course of its life, and while I’d prefer that clusterfucks like Civil War II stayed the hell away from Kamala and her pals, Wilson has done an effective job of using these events as a springboard for some really interesting personal conflicts and character work. There’s no extra required reading for these stories; she gives you everything you need to know, so those who aren’t following the event aren’t at a disadvantage.

Robinson gives you nothing.

This is how he links the Dark Gods’ story into Metal:

Diana [narration]: Could I really have summoned this? When we wielded the Tenth Metal against Barbatos, it had the ability to wish thoughts into reality.* Ed. note: * See Dark Nights: Metal #6! — Chris

And a couple of pages later —

Karnell [narration]: ...our beautiful world — which you regard as the ‘Dark Multiverse’ — we see as a paradise… where we were more than even gods to our worshippers… we were everything!

I didn’t read Metal and I’m not planning to. That’s not a value judgement, it’s just not something that sparks my interest.

But it means I don’t know who the bloody hell Barbatos is, and I’ve never heard of the Tenth Metal. I don’t know what the Dark Multiverse is, or how it works, or how it differs from the regular multiverse. When Robinson says Diana made an inadvertent wish while she was wielding this Tenth Metal, I don’t know if he’s picking up on a story point in Metal that I need to read up on.

So right off the bat, Robinson has alienated anybody who isn’t familiar with the event comic he’s drawing from.

And what infuriates me is that at the same time as he was doing all this, Robinson was getting muddled by Wonder Woman’s continuity, conflating superseded New 52 canon with (contradictory) Rebirth canon, inadvertently retconning things and failing even to keep his own narrative consistent. I’d argue he needed to spend less time making references to other comics and more time making sure he understood the one he was writing.

Robinson: [...] what I've always loved about Wonder Woman is her strength. Even when she was in that phase in the white costume, where she didn't have her powers, she had great strength.

Oh, you mean this era?

The era where Diana lost not only her powers, but all of her training and skills? Where she became a weepy, insecure romantic heroine, reliant on men to guide and save her from her own inexperience and her uncontrollable female emotionality? The era where she was constantly crying over her latest rugged love interests? That awesome era?

(Also misogynistic, racist and homophobic as fuuuuuck, but that’s another discussion.)

One of the reasons that era ended was because Gloria Steinham [sic] said, "Hey, she's Wonder Woman! She's a superhero and you've taken away her powers!"

But I actually thought her lacking powers was like saying, I don't need them to be a strong woman. And I think that was almost a more powerful message. I was surprised Ms. Steinem didn't get that, to be quite honest with you.

This is a characterisation of Steinem’s role in that period of Wondy’s history that I’ve seen before (always from men in the comics field), and it’s never sit well with me. It carries an unpleasant shade of gatekeeping.

The implication is that Steinem’s feelings about Wonder Woman (a character had loved since childhood) were less valid or even flat-out incorrect because she hadn’t read the right comics, that she was an ignorant outsider who ruined a good thing by coming in with a political agenda and trying to make Wonder Woman about feminism, that she didn’t have a right to complain about the comic because she wasn’t a ‘real’ fan.

And what Robinson doesn’t mention, as critics of Steinem and Ms. Magazine’s lobbying for a return to the classic Wondy rarely do, is that this campaign was set against a backdrop of unimpressive sales numbers and a struggle over the new direction that eventually gave rise to an ambitious and quite likely divisive ‘women’s lib’ arc written by African-American sci-fi writer Samuel R. Delany, which was intended to culminate in Diana triumphing over a group of male thugs attempting to shut down an abortion clinic run by women surgeons.

I have no doubt that Steinem played an important role in the way events panned out, but I’m also not surprised the ‘women’s lib’ arc never made it past its first issue.

(It was a truly dreadful first issue, btw, though the whole story behind it and what Delany was trying to do with it is fascinating.)

But that didn’t stop DC from kicking off Wondy’s superpowered return with the murder of a composite character representing Steinem and female DC editor Dorothy Woolfolk (whose name had previously been floated as editor for the book).

Then as now, Steinem got blamed by the gatekeepers for daring to interfere with Wonder Woman.

Nrama: Do you think Jason picked up some of her strength over the course of his story arc during your run?

Robinson: I think so, at least at the beginning as he was starting to develop. Now, technically, I suppose he's more powerful than her in that he has the power of their father Zeus and the power of storms and air control and things like that.

I like the fact that when he's given this armor, he realizes that his sister should have gotten it.

And he knows that the powers he has do not make him the better hero.

He knows his sister is the better hero.

So by the end of it, he just wants to be worthy of her, which I think was a nice character arc for him.

I can see how Robinson tried to achieve this character arc, but I wouldn’t call it anything close to a success.

Jason started as a deeply, deeply unlikeable character. He’s deeply selfish and emotionally immature. He doesn’t think about the consequences of his actions, mostly because he’s only ever concerned about how things affect him. When he learns about the mother he never met, when his adoptive father vanishes, every time Hercules leaves on one of his journeys, as he follows his twin sister’s heroics through the media — his thoughts are never about them and what they’re doing, or how they’re feeling, or if they’re okay. It’s always about how they’ve failed him, wronged him, abandoned him.

When we first meet him, he is helping goddamn Darkseid to systematically murder his own siblings. And it’s not because he’s being mind-controlled, or elaborately manipulated into believing that Darkseid is the good guy. It’s because he hates the guts out of Diana, the sister he’s never met, because he believes he’s entitled to the life that she has, and he wants to kill her for it.

If you want to get your readers past all that, you need one hell of a redemptive arc, and that’s one thing Jason never gets.

Because what happens next, after Jason gets an attack of conscience and switches sides, is that he freeloads off Diana, trashes her house, guilt trips her when she tries to set boundaries, and then when, heroism and glory don’t immediately come easily to him, runs away from home in the middle of the night.

The next time we see him is when he returns with the armour and a personality change. He’s still inexperienced, brash, impulsive and annoying, but that’s more or less the extent of it — he’s no longer the thoroughly objectionable character we saw in his first seven issues, and there’s no real explanation for the change.

Really, the vast majority of Jason’s character development takes place in the space between his disappearing at the end of WW #40 and reappearing at the end of WW #41.

Nrama: Wonder Woman #50 definitely feels like it's an ending to your time on Jason's character, and even his time in the book.

Robinson: It definitely has an element of finality to it, but Jason can be there for other writers, or indeed me, if I ever got to write him again.

Excuse me? If you ever got to what now?

Nrama: Is that a hint?

Robinson: I do enjoy writing him. I have this vague fantasy of one day doing a story and calling the comic Jason's Quest, which is an old DC title.

But no one's asked me so far and probably won't. So it's just something in my mind right now.

please, dear god in heaven, please let it stay there.

[zibizuba]

Here’s How Your Favorite Canceled TV Shows Were Really Supposed To End

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There’s a danger each TV lover takes when letting a brand new present into their hearts, and that’s the probability that they are going to be canceled after only one season and even worse… canceled earlier than they’ve the chance to complete their respective tales, leaving meant finales for canceled reveals accumulating mud on a author’s laborious drive.

Shows are canceled for a myriad of causes – stars depart, rankings drop, and the like – and sadly, it means devoted viewers won’t ever get to learn the way these canceled TV reveals had been supposed to finish.

Followers of reveals lengthy gone should be annoyed a long time after this system was canceled. Happily, there are showrunners and inventive executives who had been equally disenchanted over the cancellations, so that they have determined to share with followers what would have occurred within the TV finales you’ll by no means see.

So with none additional ado, listed below are among the most notable TV reveals that didn’t get to stay as much as their full potential, and the way the meant finales for these canceled reveals would have introduced the reveals to their natural conclusions.

  Firefly

How It Ended: The present ended simply as River turned a full-fledged member of the Firefly crew, seemingly hinting on the additional continued adventures of Mal and his household within the years to return. The follow-up movie, Serenity, tried to tie up plenty of storylines by killing off some key characters and delving additional into among the Alliance’s very disastrous errors.

How They Wished It To Finish: The present’s second season would have included the pay off of several of the first season’s subplots. Adam Baldwin’s Jayne would lastly get to pilot his personal ship alongside the Firefly. Wash (RIP) and Zoe would have had a toddler, as proven in comics created after the present went off air. There would have additionally been some additional growth of Inara and Mal’s relationship, which might have been attention-grabbing to see unfold, as Inara would have confirmed that she is terminally ailing in Season 2.

The Final Man On Earth

How It Ended: The existential dramedy had a behavior of ending episodes on cliffhangers, so when the present was unexpectedly canceled in May 2018 after Season 4, followers had been left questioning what occurred to Tandy and the gang. The final episode ends with Tandy and his pals surrounded by one thing they least anticipated: folks in fuel masks.

How They Wished It To Finish: In an interview with Vulture, star and author Will Forte revealed the brand new survivors entered the bunker shortly after the virus began. Forte says the group had “some sort of medical or scientist who knew, ‘At this sure level, the virus will probably be dormant. You’ll be protected to get again out.” This savvy group would then quarantine Tandy and co., terrified the virus remains to be lively of their methods.

The brand new group are proper to be afraid: Forte says his group is resistant to the virus, however they’re carriers. The virus spreads quickly, after which it’s simply the six of them once more.

Veronica Mars

How It Ended: The present ended simply as Kristen Bell’s titular detective was relegated to being an outcast at her college as soon as once more. Seeds of a romantic reunion between her and her ex, Logan had been planted as effectively. A few of this was wrapped up within the subsequent movie that was made years later, however followers by no means actually received to see the remainder of Veronica’s school profession play out.

How They Wished It To Finish: Regardless of Veronica turning into a lawyer within the follow-up movie, creator Rob Thomas has said that the unique plan was to ship her to an FBI coaching college within the fourth season. This fashion the stakes would have been raised over again, and Veronica would have needed to grow to be used to a wholly new atmosphere.

Agent Carter

How It Ended: Agent Carter ended its second season with Peggy and Agent Sousa lastly hooking up, however left a complete lot unanswered as effectively. That included the destiny of Jack Thompson and the place precisely Bridget Regan’s Dottie Underwood might have been hiding out at.

How They Wished It To Finish: Talking with THR, government producer Michele Fazekas teased how Peggy and Sousa’s relationship would have performed into the present’s third season story, together with the chance Dottie’s inevitable return sooner or later down the road:

“We’re definitely not saying that that is undoubtedly who Peggy Carter finally ends up marrying. They established in Captain America: The Winter Soldier that she finally ends up getting married sooner or later down the road. I might have an interest to see Peggy in a relationship. She doesn’t seem to be a girl who would simply kiss a man like that and issues wouldn’t change. She’s dedicated to attempting to truly be in a relationship with Sousa.

We are going to put Bridget Regan in as many episodes as she desires to be in. She has like two different jobs. [Laughs] However I do know she has mentioned that she has now put it into her contract that she will be able to work on Agent Carter each time it suits into her schedule. So we are going to use her as a lot as we will.”

My So-Referred to as Life

How It Ended: My So-Referred to as Life ended on such a cliffhanger second stuffed with pure heartache: Claire Danes’ Angela determined to trip off into the sundown with Jordan Catalano, regardless of understanding that Brian was the one who wrote Jordan’s so-called love letter to her. It’s a second that has left followers speaking for many years since its unique airing.

How They Wished It To Finish: Creator Winnie Holzman revealed to Elle how the present’s second season was presupposed to have picked up the place the collection finale left off:

“I pictured a scenario the place Angela and Jordan are an merchandise, Delia and Brian are an merchandise, and Angela and Brian are consistently trying to one another for recommendation and assist with their respective dysfunctional relationships.”

The second season would have additionally included Sharon getting pregnant and Mr. Katimski’s standing as a homosexual man being revealed to the entire college. So sure, there would have loads of teen drama nonetheless to go round.

Freaks and Geeks

How It Ended: Freaks and Geeks ended on a notable cliffhanger, with Lindsay Weir (Linda Cardellini) ditching an educational summit to observe The Grateful Lifeless on the highway together with her pals… with out telling any of her members of the family.

How They Wished It To Finish: Creator Paul Feig revealed the destiny of each character from the present back in 2012, a lot to followers’ delight. Lindsay was going to grow to be a efficiency artist Greenwich Village after highschool, after which transfer into grownup world as a human rights lawyer. As well as, Sam would have grow to be a member of Drama Membership, Neal would have gone into Swing Choir, Invoice would have reworked right into a jock, Daniel would find yourself in jail, and Nick would enlist within the Military.

Pushing Daisies

How It Ended: Pushing Daisies was by no means supposed to finish with its second season finale, which might clarify why so many plot threads had been by no means absolutely resolved. As a substitute, the collection ended with a significant twist, as Ned lastly let Charlotte enter again into her Aunts’ lives once more.

How They Wished It To Finish: Whereas talking with SyFy, creator Bryan Fuller revealed what the unique plans had been for the present’s third season:

“We’ve arced it out. The dangling threads from the collection with Chuck’s father and Ned’s father and the pocket watches are all handled, not secondarily, however there’s a complete new story that occurs when there’s a flash flood within the cemetery and all of the our bodies wash previous Ned, and it’s Ned versus a thousand corpses.”

Hannibal

How It Ended: Hannibal ended on a literal cliffhanger with its third season finale, as Will and Hannibal lastly labored to finish one homicide collectively… earlier than Will then despatched the pair hurtling off a cliff’s edge. And identical to that, the fates of each Hannibal and Will had been despatched into query as soon as once more.

How They Wished It To Finish: Along with explaining how Will and Hannibal might need survived their fall, creator Bryan Fuller revealed that Hannibal’s fourth season would have additional explored the impact that Hannibal’s cannibalistic life-style had on Gillian Anderson’s Bedelia. Followers would have seen the payoff of Hannibal’s promise to Alana, with the latter then working with Margot to dismantle the entire Verger slaughterhouses:

“It definitely was going to be part of season 4, and I truly was actually enthusiastic about exploring the Margot/Alana relationship and the way they had been going to dismantle the entire Verger slaughterhouses and switch them humane. She was going to utterly undo the evils of her household with Alana, like a Joan Crawford sitting at PepsiCo’s desk saying “don’t f*ck with me, fellas.” I used to be actually enthusiastic about that story for Alana and Margot and seeing extra of them, and likewise seeing what it could be like for them to appreciate that Hannibal is likely to be coming again into their orbit.”

Carnivàle

How It Ended: Carnivale ended on some severely ominous notes, as Ben and Brother Justin had been each left fatally injured from their climactic confrontation. Sofie went to the darkish facet, and the present gave the impression to be hinting on the doable finish of the world nonetheless to return. Sadly, viewers didn’t get to see any apocalyptic motion.

How They Wished It To Finish: Creator Daniel Knauf said there was originally a five-season plan for the short-lived HBO collection. This included Ben ultimately re-assembling the entire favourite carnival members collectively to struggle the rising menace that was Brother Justin on the finish of the fourth season. However, in case that wasn’t sufficient, the fifth season would have then handled Ben attempting to forestall the creation of atomic weapons:

“In Ben’s thoughts, detonation of the atom bomb is the tip of the world. What he doesn’t understand is that it’s simply the tip of his world… However he’s misinterpreted it. He thinks he’s saving the world, however what he learns earlier than the tip is that, “I’ve to let this occur, as a result of if I don’t let this occur, mankind will stay in a state of adolescence.” He learns that’s actually why Sofie is known as the Omega. She is the one feminine, the final Avatar. What it’s all main as much as is 2 Avatars, she and Ben having this youngster. They really must sacrifice this youngster within the blast.”

Pitch

How It Ended: This breakout sports activities drama ended on an enormous cliffhanger, as Ginny (Kylie Bunbury) suffered an arm harm, which resulted in her going to the hospital. Followers by no means received to study the extent of her harm, although, or how Ginny’s profession could be affected by it sooner or later.

How They Wished It To Finish: Showrunner Kevin Falls advised THR that the present’s second season would have revolved round Ginny coming back from her harm and beginning work throughout Spring Coaching the next season:

“We need to begin with Spring Coaching and that first day you arrive at camp. There are 4 or 5 months between the tip of the season and Spring Coaching when numerous private issues occur to gamers – accidents, surgical procedures, marriages, adjustments within the groups, firing of managers. Who’s at Spring Coaching? Who didn’t come again? Who was traded?”

Completely satisfied Endings

How It Ended: Regardless of being one of the beloved comedies on the air on the time, Completely satisfied Endingsby no means made it to its fourth season. As a substitute, the collection ended with Alex and Dave breaking apart and the principle crew dancing to Stevie Marvel at a marriage.

How They Wished It To Finish: Creator David Caspe revealed to TVLine that the present’s fourth season doubtless would have targeted on the event of a relationship between Dave and Alex:

“We needed to have them break up in an amicable manner so we may return to telling Dave’s courting tales in a manner that was extra critical, or Alex courting and what that may imply for the group in a manner that was extra even-handed. Would Penny have been a part of that? Perhaps. I believe we might have wanted to regroup as a result of Penny and Alex are so shut and that relationship is so essential they usually’ve recognized one another their complete lives… We’d have needed to deal with that. And perhaps we might have, I’m unsure.”

Felicity

How It Ended: In one of many weirdest TV twists ever, Felicity’s remaining episodes concerned the titular character going again in time one 12 months to attempt to change the long run, to the place she had chosen Noel over Ben. However when her actions outcome within the dying of a beloved one and irrevocable adjustments to a few of her pals’ lives, she decides to return to her earlier, unaltered current timeline.

How They Wished It To Finish: J.J. Abrams’ original ending for Felicity was all the time for her to finish up proud of Ben. However when the present was picked up for 5 extra episodes after that ending was filmed and accomplished, Abrams and co. concocted that unusual time journey plot to attempt to draw out 5 episodes’ price of extra rigidity and uncertainty.

Bored To Demise

How It Ended: This beloved stoner comedy ended its run on HBO in such a zany manner that’s all-too-fitting for the present: Jason Schwartzman’s character, Jonathan, realized he’d been sleeping along with his half-sister (Isla Fisher), neither of them understanding they had been in any manner associated.

How They Wished It To Finish: Whereas followers might by no means know definitively how the respective tales of Bored to Demise‘s characters had been going to finish, creator Jonathan Ames did reveal how the collection’ remaining revelation would have performed into its fourth season:

“I don’t need folks to suppose he wouldn’t inform her. He desires to inform her, however he was simply weakened in that second. And the concept that they’re siblings is so summary, as a result of he didn’t develop up together with her. It’s laborious for him to conceptualize. So he kisses her within the second, however I needed that final shot to reflect his confusion, so it’s spinning — virtually like the beginning of the season when he’s on the circle with the knives. It’s vertigo. However within the subsequent season, I used to be going to place her in a sanitarium. She was going to have a complete breakdown. And in case Isla Fisher wasn’t obtainable, I’d simply want that one shot of her on a bench or in Switzerland, for her incest treatment.”

Associated

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[nightwingism]

New Comic Book Day!

October 11, 2017

Trying something new here, and i’m gonna start reviewing comics that I pick up at my local comic store, which may or not be Nightwing related. I figured this is something different, gives me something to do, and I just think it’d be fun. But enough about the why, let’s get into the comics!

Spoiler Alert

1. Action Comics #989

Part three of the Oz Effect! I figure this is gonna be weird starting a review right in the middle of so many comics, but recapping is a real thing. Anyways, this comic kept the action flowing, not so much of a one-on-one dialogue anymore, and we get to see Jor-El in action! The ending was a giant cliff-hanger and I can’t tell if they are supposed to be the LoSH or not. But this interaction between Jor-El and Jon, heck even with Lois are remarkable, and is something I never knew I wanted to see in a comic until now. Though, thus far this story-arc has been very dialogue heavy, and not very action packed. This biggest reveal isn't even the fact that Oz was Jor-El, but the fact that Oz wasn’t Ozymandias, which in retrospect was a little far-fetched and too on the nose. Anyways, I’m excited for the next issue, and excited for the ramifications of this story.

2. Wonder Woman #32

Part two of the Children of the Gods! The previous issue was mainly from Hercules point of view, serving as the primary narrator of the story, and of his death. This time around, Wonder Woman was front and center. I wasn’t expecting too much from his comic to be honest, ever since Rucka left my excitement has dwindled. But Robinson isn’t a bad writer, and I trust the guy to do these comics well. Jason was revealed at the end of the issue, which i was actually very surprised of, and I thought he was gonna be saved till later. But he’s here, very cut like David’s Michelangelo’s. I’m curious to see how his story unfolds, and what kind of role he’ll play in the future of Wonder Woman comics, if he survives this story that is.

3. Mister Miracle #3

This was probably my most excited new comic that came out this week. If you do not know, I love Tom King’s writing. It’s a slow burn type of writing that excels in large overarching stories, like a novel. The way this story is unfolding is getting me excited. Because you KNOW there is something more going on in the story than what is stated. The way it started, how quickly things went downhill, the way the characters talk to each other. Conspiracy theory is that whatever pills he took is actually making him hallucinate this whole thing. But I feel like that is too simple of an answer, and I feel like King will play into the Jesus = Mister Miracle symbolism, with Highfather = God and Darkseid = the Devil. The way Kirby intended it. I’ve also really enjoy the flow of the comic, with the action sequences and the more down-time. In this kind of comic, it’s strange, which plays perfectly with the outlandish nature of the Fourth World. I’m really excited for the next issue, and the rest of the series.

4. Detective Comics #966

Part two of A Lonely Place of Living! I honestly did not see this comic unraveling the way it did, and I’m actually really excited for it. It’s a mix of the Geoff Johns “Titans of Tomorrow” storyline with a Back to the Future kind of vibe. The reveal of “Who the hell is Conner” was so heartbreaking. I’ve wrote a dream pitch for how I’d bring Conner, and the rest of the Young Justice team, back into the mainstay DC Universe, and thus far, it can still go through. Future Tim plays into Present Tim’s thoughts, and addresses them how Tim would probably address himself. I love when time paradoxes play out in the “I know what you’re thinking, because I thought the same things when I was you listening to me.” way. It gives the audience the idea that time is a fixed predetermined path that can’t be wavered from. But we all know that not to be true. We know Present Tim will somehow find a way to beat himself, even though Past-Future Tim couldn’t beat Future Tim. That didn’t make sense. Oh well. I’ve enjoyed this story, and series really so far, and I’m glad Tynion is on this series, being the 90s fan he is, bringing in all those fascinating characters back into the fold, arguably the best time to be a Batman Fan.

5. Red Hood and the Outlaws #15

Part two of Bizarro Reborn! So I haven’t actually read the first part of this comic, with the last RHatO comic I read, besides the annual, was issue 11. So I’m behind. But I can extrapolate the idea that Bizarro came back due to Lex Luther, granting him super intelligence, much to the dismay of his teammates. But it seems to be a temporary thing. I don’t know why the Belfry team thought it was some kind of an attack, or why they are fighting Red Hood at all, but they are. I would have thought Bruce would have told everyone that Jason was on their side. But I just remembered that Jason has to work outside the family on a normal basis, to “infiltrate the bad guys” for Bruce. I think Jason is the last member of Batman Inc, which is very ironic. Artemis is in the story, still great chemistry with the team, and I still really like the idea of this Dark Trinity, it’s execution has been so awesome since day one, and I can’t believe I’m actually excited for the next issue.

6. Batgirls and the Birds of Prey #15

Part one of Manslaughter! Finally a comic that is just beginning it’s story arc. Whew. The Benson sisters have been doing a great job in this comic thus far, giving us great characterization for the main three, and most of their guest stars. This story serves as a “gathering of the troops” setup. We address the problem, identify it, and then gather some people to counter it. The problem is that there is some disease that can potentially kill all the men, which is something, as a man myself, find hilarious and fitting for this comic. Every character has their own reason for trying to fight the disease, with Dinah having Ollie, Babs having her Dad, Helena with Dick, Selina with Bruce, Harley with the Joker (so she can kill him herself), and Poison Ivy just because she wanted to (basically), the rest of the Gotham squad, which includes Batwoman, Spoiler, Orphan and Gotham Girl (whom I’m glad is getting screen time), and last but not least Wonder Woman herself. I think this story is going to be a fun girl-power story, and I’m curious to see who is behind this dastardly attack, and what their motive is.

7. Dark Knights: Metal #3

If Mister Miracle was my most excited story, this is my second. Metal and all of it’s tie ins have been such a treat. It’s a Batman centric story, without shoving in a Bat-God into our face. The threats are on the planetary level, and it’s gonna take everyone to save the world, even bringing in people who haven't been seen in comics in ages. Dick, Clark and Damian have a moment together, that is very in character for everyone, something I respect Snyder for doing so far. The subtly in this comic is mind boggling , how many hints were left behind in Snyder’s past comics, and just in the series alone. I don’t really care too much about the other Batmen though, and am only really curious about what the heck The Batman Who Laughs deal is. Snyder and Capullo are literal Rock-stars in this series, and I’m cheering for an encore -- which may come when this is all over.

8. The Amazing Spider-Man #789

The Fall of Parker! Spinning out from Marvel Legacy and Secret Empire is a more status quo Spider-Man, but with a twist. People love Spider-Man, as much as New Yorkers can, but hate Peter Parker. It’s an interesting twist on such a simple and main staple in the Spider-Man mythos. I’ve always been a fan of the “Down on his luck, penny to his name” Parker, who was street level but with the drive and passion for the big league. With the previous run, I felt like it was just Ironman with a Spider-Man costume on, but now this is some good old fashion comics. I like his relationship with Bobbi, and I think the two are cute together, but I hope Harry and MJ make their return to the supporting cast. The art is also phenomenal, but what can you expect when Stuart Immonen is providing. Even though there wasn’t much of a villain, or a story being told. It kind of seemed like a one-shot to me, with dangling threads that can be picked up later.

9. Daredevil #27

Part two of the Land of the Blind! Not get caught up with Marvel Legacy, Charles Soule continues his fantastic run of Daredevil. Last we saw, Matt was tracking down his once partner, once blinded and once friend, Blindspot. It was all a trap! This story serves as a “secret origins” of Blindspot, as we see his transition from the farm lifestyle in China, to moving to the city, to the United States. This story takes place over days, weeks, and we can see the passage of time from the look on Matt’s face, and his ever growing beard. I really like this twist, and that it was Charles himself to do the twist, and I’m very curious to know if this was his plan all along, or if it was just something he came up with in recent times. Whatever it is, the main thing I can say about this comic is that I love that the red costume is back, and the fact that Ron Garney is providing art. His style compliments the story of daredevil so well, I’d love to see him do a Nightwing book. I’m hoping that Charles continues this fantastic run when he makes the transition to the Legacy side of Marvel.

10.  Runaways #2

When they announced that they were making a show about the runaways, I was very curious on many things. One of the things though, was not who the hell are the runaways. I actually read the original series, and I was up to the moon when they announced that this series was coming back. The story, thus far, has been very dialogue heavy, with action sequences being either in flashbacks or just not present. I don’t mind it too much, since they really have to explain a lot to all the new readers who are jumping on due to the announcement of the show, I just hope it picks up soon with the action, and it seems it will with the glowy cat eyes following Molly. And I was a little curious on why we didn’t get a shot of Molly’s grandma, maybe there is something up with that too. Whatever the case is, I’m enjoying this series so far, and hope the next issue fills the action void that I crave.

11. Defenders #6

Part One of Kingpins of New York! Technically this is part of Marvel Legacy, but it’s weird since Matt is still wearing his black suit, when he has already switched to the red one in his main series, which takes place before Daredevil legacy does. But this issue itself is really just the end of the previous arc, so it doesn’t really seem like the beginning of a new arc. I enjoyed the court scene, and the banter between Daredevil and Luke Cage, especially Luke’s comment that “he knows a thing or two about the law” to DD. I hope he reveals his identity to the team again soon, as I think it gives the team a much more grounded approach. Less flashy superheroes, and more of just street vigilantes. Men and women. I don’t really know why Black Cat is so heavily featured, when I feel like she doesn’t serve too much to the story, but she’s there. I just think BMB likes writing her ever since his Superior Spider-Man run. But that can be brushed aside with his characterization of the main team, something I look at with these team books. I like the idea of the Kingpin being a “Defenders” bad guy, with the addition to Spider-Man of course. Maybe in season 2 of the Defenders? Anyone? Anyone?

[redwhale]

The Curious Case of Chekov’s Thomas Hamilton.

Thomas (2x03): The new world is a gift, Lieutenant. A sacred opportunity to right our wrongs and begin a new - and I do not want my family's plot in it to be the reason for its fall. ...well, about that, Thomas.... I hate to say it.... Miranda (1x07): This path you're on, it doesn't lead where you think it does. If he were here, he'd agree with me!

The following is a stupidly, stupidly long prolonged ramble about the whos/whats/potential hows on the justification for a Thomas Hamilton return, one that originally came about after I started doing a series rewatch. There are lot of questions, and not a lot of answers, but I decided typing it out was probably better than zoning out in the vegetables section of the supermarket again, trying to puzzle out the great mystery of Chekov's Thomas Hamilton... which embarrassingly did happen. Twice. Once whilst staring at pumpkins.

Wherefore art thou, Mr Hamilton?

The following relevant quote is something @flinthamilton​ cleverly picked up on some time ago, which has been my soothing madness mantra ever since -

Thomas (2x01): They say it started with a man named Henry Avery, who sailed into the port of Nassau, bribed the colonial Governor to look past his sins, and camped his crew upon the beach -  and thus began the pirate issue on New Providence Island. Where and when will it all end - I suppose that's where you and I come into the story.

Even prior to the great Thomas Hamilton Unified Meltdown of 4x04, like with a lot of viewers, there was an odd ambiguity to Thomas' death that I could never shake. Thomas' death is a story within a story, first told to us via Richard Guthrie, and only ever glossed over with no true specifics outside of the implication from Guthrie that Thomas had committed suicide. Hilariously, nearly every leading character on the show has been thought to be dead at some point, with Madi, Silver, and the Walrus joining the club as of S4. (Didn’t the Walrus die twice?) I thought the ambiguity in regards to Thomas' demise was odd, but had come to terms with it by the end of S2, outside of the actual reasoning why Lord Hamilton was travelling under an assumed name.

...then comes along S3, with Flint being haunted by Miranda and Mistress Death in his day/dreams. I'd initially assumed the lack of Thomas was due to a scheduling conflict with Rupert Penry Jones, but there is an almost bizarre lack of Thomas mention throughout the dreams, which easily could have been worked around with the odd bit of dialogue to compensate for the lack of actor availability. I know some viewers were concerned the lack of Thomas was done in response to some of the homophobic backlash from S2. Considering Thomas is very much not forgotten for the rest of S3, with Flint nearly in tears in two occasions over his memory, I don't know if that was entirely the case. Miranda's comment in Flint's dream is still surprising, and in retrospect, could have meant more than one person alongside of Silver's valuable companionship for Flint:

Miranda (3x05): You can't see it yet, can you? You are not alone.

On the assumption Thomas will show up at the end of the series, seeing Thomas interact with Flint in Flint's dreams would lessen the punch significantly. We've seen Thomas and McGraw interacting in flashbacks. We saw Miranda Barlow and Captain Flint interacting for a season, and then with S2, were introduced to the Miranda Hamilton and James McGraw that came before. Understandably, considering Thomas’ currently dead status, we have not seen the dynamic change between Thomas and McGraw of the flashbacks to Thomas with the Flint of the present. A conversation between Thomas and Flint, even in a dream, would come with a lot of baggage on Flint's behalf that would be odd not to mention - forgiveness, penance, loss, legacy. You couldn't have Flint and Thomas in a dream sequence without discussing at least some of those aspects of Flint, and it would again lessen the later emotional punch significantly if Thomas were to return, and then rehash the same issues in person. It would be a bigger emotional punch to see Thomas and James together for the first time since the flashbacks as the men they both now are after a decade, as opposed to Flashback!Thomas interacting with Flint in a dream. Just visually, there is quite a shocking difference between James McGraw and Captain ‘Walter White’ Flint of S3/4. (Walter Flint. Captain White.)

Again, it's not like the showrunners were handwaving in S3 how much Thomas had meant to Flint. Mentions of Thomas and his legacy are a big part of the Flint and Rogers meet and greet on the beach, with Flint blinking back tears over Rogers’ queries. He's in a similar state explaining Thomas' story to Silver in 3x10, with Silver wanting to know who Flint is really fighting this war for. Even as of 4x04, the loss of Thomas - even a decade later - is still a very, very raw wound for Flint.

...I will also never get over how darkly funny it is for Flint to show up on the beach, ready to grind Rogers under his heel, and Rogers mic-drops the name of Lord Thomas Hamilton. You see all of Flint's bravdo evaporate in a moment.

Silver getting very specific knowledge re: Thomas and his fate in 3x10 was interesting, too, as Silver could have gotten a glossed over version and it would have worked just as well. Silver needed to learn of Thomas' actual name for whatever reason. Regardless of whether the estate mentioned by Max plays into Silver's backstory or is linked to Thomas, that knowledge (and potentially using it against/or as a catalyst for Flint) from the previous season has already come into play in some form.

Silver (4x04): I see. But that wasn't really what I asked, was it? Assume, that his father was just as dark as you say, but was unable to murder his own son. Assume he found a way to secret Thomas away from London -

Flint: He didn't.

Silver: Would you trade this war to make it so?

When it comes to Black Sails, I feel like the devil is always in the details.

Outside the continual narrative thread of Thomas' mentions throughout the series, the unexplained oddity of Lord Hamilton travelling under an assumed name is still unexplained. In S1, we learn of the Maria Aleyne, but we don't know who/what/why. In S2, we learned it was Lord Alfred Hamilton, travelling under an assumed name. We now know the who/what/why for Flint's and Miranda's actions, but we still don't know why Alfred was travelling secretly. If he was visiting Peter, it still seems odd that he would do so under an assumed name. Lord Hamilton's power was absolute - who would he have to fear? He could have taken a big ship, and would have high enough status that he surely could have been protected by the Navy against the pirate threat, but instead, everything was done in secrecy.

It took until the final season for the extended Guthrie family to come into play, and that's been a narrative thread since back in S1. With the dangling 'north of Spanish Florida' thread, there's also the fact that Abigail was sent to Savannah by Peter, the very same place that Flint is supposed to end up pre-Treasure Island. The pieces have all been laid out, and have to come together somewhere - though I can't imagine anything coming to pass before 4x10. Not a lot of time to tie up loose ends, either! There's also another reason why I think Thomas needs to come back to resolve Flint's arc. Interestingly, in 2x08, Flint is concerned about judgement from Peter for the things he has done. ('Not of Nassau, but of me, and the man I have become.') If Flint was so devastated at the thought of Thomas disagreeing with his choices in S1 - and it took a Thomas-like rhetoric from Eleanor to drag him from his stupor - the ultimate, agonizing judgement of Flint would be from Thomas himself.

Silver (4x04): If we assume, that we are on the verge of some impossible victory here, a truly significant thing - that we assume that is real, and here for the taking , wouldn't you trade it all to have Thomas Hamilton back again?

Flint: ...I think if he knew how close we were to the victory he gave his life to achieve, he wouldn't want me to.

I'm assuming that by the end of the series, for better or worse, we'll have a true answer from Flint re: Thomas and the war. Thomas vs. Thomas' legacy. Silver has had the same question posed to him via circumstance, and chose Madi. We’ve since seen Max choose Anne. Flint doesn't have to make a decision like Silver or Max with Thomas dead, and can justify his actions all he wants to himself.

On a boring pacing note, I’ve been surprised that the big Skeleton Island/cache Silver/Flint stressful emotional climax seems to be in 4x09, and not the finale itself. 4x08 almost felt like the penultimate episode, leading into a finale. All of this is to say that it looks like there is time for a further resolution to Flint’s arc, and that it seems like finale emotional battle for Flint will be choices regarding the war itself, and not the cache.

How’s the weather north of Spanish Florida?

You don't do an absolutely ludicrously specific exposition dump and then don't come back to it in some form to resolve it, especially on Black Sails! What's more, the set up for the subplot happens in 4x02, with Max dropping the first hint of it to Silver.

Max (4x02): I am tempted to put the sword to you and your men both and bury this story for good, but what am I, if I spend my days pleading for a return to civility and then do dark things under the cover of night. So you will remain in my custody until I can find a place far from here to deposit you. You will be gone, but you will live.

...I also like the nice 'bury this story for good' metaphor. Black Sails loves a good story metaphor.

The odd little narrative thread once again comes up in 4x04, with Silver very unsubtly bringing it up again with Max. Regardless if the whole 'north of Spanish Florida' mention relates ultimately to Silver's backstory or to Thomas himself, Max's mention of sending Silver away was subtle and in passing in the first place that it need not be brought up again unless there is to be pay-off later. It really doesn't need to be talked about at all - she didn't want to kill him, so she'd send him away, the show has more important plot points to worry about. We don't need to know why as the audience, unless it is plot relevant later. It actually feels quite clunky on rewatches - Silver needs to get the information for the plot, but the conversation flow for how he gets it is pretty transparent.

Max (4x04): When Anne was recruiting spies in Port Royal, she met a man with an estate in the wilderness, north of Spanish Florida. A reform minded man, who uses convicts as laborers - convicts he solicits from prisons in England, where their treatment is far less humane. This man, we were told, found it profitable to offer his services to wealthy families, some of the most prominent in London on occasion, who needed to make troublesome family members disappear. Cared for, tended to, but never to be seen or heard from again.

There is so much information dumped here! a) A location - north of Spanish Florida, possibly near Savannah, and comparatively close to Charlestown. b) A reform minded man. c) The use of convicts as laborers, who had previously been treated badly. d) The biggest stand is the line about offering services to wealthy prominent families from London with troublesome family members that need to disappear. If Max wanted to send Silver away, there is absolutely no need to bring the ‘services to wealthy familes, some of the most prominent in London’ into it, as mentioning sending Silver away to be a laborer would have been enough. The show is intentionally - and a tad clumsly - invoking Thomas’ circumstance for the audience. Or a possible Silver backstory, just to cover my ass. e) We also have the implication that these troublesome family members would be found in good condition, to hand wave away in advance why those that lived there would most likely be in a fairly healthy state, hopefully both of mind and body.

As mentioned above, with the Guthrie family subplot finally coming into play in S4, there are very little narrative threads that get started on Black Sails that don't get finished. As of 4x08, we had Idelle bring up Charlotte! Regardless how it all relates to Thomas, the narrative thread of the man north of Spanish Florida certainly was a big one.

Troublesome Family Member Hideaway Camp for Rich Londonites.

Depending on Peter's role in all this, and what degree of guilt over his part in what Alfred Hamilton had done to Thomas, I can't see why it wouldn't be probable that Thomas wouldn't have ended up at the estate. I also can't imagine there would be many men offering this kind of service in the first place, let alone so comparatively close to where Peter Ashe resided, so it's again not very improbable Thomas could have ended up there. In the end, it might be a good enough justification to get Flint there - hey, there's an estate that takes in the troubled family members of rich Londonites, and what a coincidence, it isn't ludicrously far away from Charlestown! Lord Hamilton could have taken Thomas there without Peter's knowledge, but surely it would be more likely that Peter was the one to suggest it. Peter can alleviate his guilt somewhat in regards to the whole proceedings, as Thomas is free from Bethlem, and yet still keep Lord Hamilton placated. After Lord Hamilton drops off Thomas - or visits Thomas at a later date - Flint then boards the Maria Aleyne, and kills him. Was Thomas ever in Bethlem in the first place? Was Alfred Hamilton horrified at his treatment, that when Peter offered a potential out for Thomas, he took it? After what Thomas had been through, there would be no way to release him back into London society - it would have made the Hamiltons look even worse.

I'm quite curious about the man who runs said estate. How long he's been doing it, why he's been doing it, etc. Ha, maybe he's the connection to Silver's mysterious backstory! From a few paragraphs ago, the emphasis on 'tended to, cared for' by Max in her exposition is interesting. On the hypothetical Flint finds Thomas, it does tell the audience in advance why Thomas might be found in good and healthy condition, and also (hopefully) of a sound mind. I'm curious about the freedom of those at the estate. Are they in cells? Do they have more autonomy? Is it heavily guarded, or do the prisoners have more autonomy?

One negative is that with Lord Hamilton dead all those years, wouldn’t Peter have had Thomas released? Surely Thomas would know his father had died. It depends who is footing the bills in the Hamilton family, I suppose. With Lord Hamilton’s death, maybe Thomas now had the autonomy to leave, but chose not to do so.

Who needs enemies, when you can have a friend like Peter Ashe?

Flint (2x10): What was the truth, my lord? Why did you betray those closest to you all those years ago? Was it really so small and vile as a bribe? The promise of lording over other men in this place? Or were you simply too weak to say no, too cowardly to do the harder thing and preserve your decency. Tell me It was the latter. Tell me this is all happening because of your cowardice. I could accept that. I might forgive that. ...I s'pose there is my answer. Even in this moment, alone with a condemned man, you are unable to speak the truth.

It's interesting that in Peter's final moments, Flint is still aware he's being lied to.

I go back and forth whether Peter had any inkling that McGraw had become Flint. The news of Thomas' death would have come to Miranda whilst they were living on Nassau. I guess contact would have broken between Miranda/McGraw and Peter sometime after the fact. When Alfred Hamilton was killed by Captain Flint, who also made his home on Nassau, it surely wouldn’t have been that hard to put two and two together, even if Ashe had no concrete proof. For my part, I feel like Peter had considered it a possibility, but hadn't known for sure until Miranda and Flint arrived in Charlestown. There was also the time period of how quickly Flint had appeared after McGraw had arrived on Nassau that Peter seemed incredulous about, which was explained by Flint.

Peter gets very defensive, very quick at the implication he hadn't done right by Thomas.

Miranda (2x09): Tell me, sir, when does the truth about your sins come to light?

Peter: You know nothing of my sins!

---

Peter: Were you there when I visited Thomas at the hospital, to confess my signs and heard him offer his full and true forgiveness? He knew I had no choice in the matter!

Miranda: No choice-!

Peter: A hard choice. Made under great duress, but with the intent to make the least awful outcome. You wish to return to civilization - that's what civilization is!

It's funny, in a television series with a lot of characters that have done horrible things out of necessity or defence, Peter's character is still one I can never truly get a handle on, which is a compliment to both the writing and the actor. I think Peter's intentions were initially good, before greed and fear at the threat of Alfred Hamilton's reach overrode those good intentions. I wonder if McGraw's return from Nassau with the loss of the governor's family was the last straw. If there was some compassion there, and fondness for his friendship with Thomas, I imagine he would have eaten away at Peter - judging by his explosive dialogue, it did. Whether he did something about this guilt is the next question.

Also, the 'least awful outcome' still seems absolutely horrific when Thomas ended up in Bethlem. Somewhat less horrific if he ended up cared for at an estate, but still an ultimately cruel treatment of a man whose only crime was to help others and change the status quo.

As I rambled on above, with north of Spanish Florida comparatively being so close to Charlestown, surely Peter must have known of the estate. Did he create the place himself, and find a man to run it? Was it because he'd heard good things about the reform minded man that he could offer the knowledge to Alfred, to alleviate some of their guilt about the treatment of Thomas? Was it just an estate Thomas was staying at that ultimately became something more?

The following point likely means very little, because if someone is trying to kill me, I'd be telling them to wait, too! Regardless, it is backed into a corner with Flint loose, loss of power, hands up, that Peter pleads, "Wait, James -" before he is stabbed, before everyone's favorite Nation of Thieves cue plays. After that, Peter says no more, and is resigned. If Peter has knowledge of Thomas, it's a final 'fuck you' to Flint to let the knowledge die with him.

Peter(2x09): You and I will sail to London together, then you will stand up and tell your story.

The main negative I can see with Peter knowing Thomas was alive was, after visiting Nassau with Flint, he was going to take him to England to reveal the true story of James McGraw. Whilst Peter no longer has the threat of Alfred Hamilton hanging over his head, it's not unlikely that Thomas wouldn't hear about the Flint reveal eventually, unless the estate he is being held in is very restricted and lacking in news from the outside world. I can't imagine he wouldn't be furious at Peter when he found out about McGraw's judgement, especially if it led to McGraw/Flint being hanged.

The Reform-Minded Man of Mystery.

With the reveal of Thomas wanting to pardon the pirate of Nassau in 2x04, the reformation aspect of Thomas' character particularly apparent, especially with his interactions with McGraw, Alfred Hamilton, and the introduction of Peter Ashe.

Thomas: They're men!

McGraw: They're traitors to the crown!

Thomas: What difference does that make?

McGraw: Makes some difference to the crown-!

Thomas: Just answer me this - would it work?

Excerpts from later in 2x04 with Thomas' dialogue to Alfred:

'I want to put them to work. Tilling, harvesting, coopering, building, smithing, fishing.'

'I intend to secure them pardons. A blanket amnesty for any man that would accept it, in exchange for his allegiance, renunciation of violence, and his labor.'

'This is the solution most likely to lead to our desired result, and it also has the virtue of being the right thing to do.'

'If you do not forgive men their sins, then your father will not forgive your sins!'

Thomas, later at his salon(2x04): Absolution. A clean slate for those wanting to accept it. -- I am committed to this end, but it is a long road, and I will need your help to see it through.

Even after 2x05, when it is revealed of the horrors that occurred in Nassau with the Governor's family, Thomas still doesn't give up on the pirates of Nassau.

Thomas (2x05): The men responsible for this crime deserve to be punished, but we cannot, we must not, allow their actions to condemn the rest.

As @flinthamilton​ pointed out, specifying the 'reform minded man' in Max's exposition dump is very interesting. Going back and note taking the episodes, I was surprise how constant reform and forgiveness was thematically in all of Thomas' dialogue. I'd always knew there was that element to his character, but there was very much more of an emphasis that I'd previously considered. If the man running the estate isn't Thomas, it's ironic that he is 'cared for' by a man with similar motivations.

The comparative vicinity of the estate to Charlestown is circumspect, even if Thomas is kept there, not as the man who runs it. On the hypothetical he's the reform minded man, there are a lot of interesting what-ifs. Did Lord Hamilton buy the estate, did Peter? Was Thomas kept there for awhile, before he thought of some way to stop others suffering similar fates? Taking money from prominent families would cover the cost of running the estate, and pay for the former convicts to be treated well.

It's also fitting that while Thomas couldn't reform and pardon the pirates of Nassau, he was potentially able to help men from England in similar positions. Potentially, Thomas wasn't able to carry out what he'd originally intended, but he was still able to continue his work in another way. Flint desperately tried to carry out Thomas' dream, but it is now above just saving Nassau and going to war with civilization itself.

As a semi-negative to the point, if Thomas was the 'reform minded man', he would have had the autonomy to have met Anne at Port Royal. Considering Port Royal's proximity, one would assume at one point he would have surely gone to Nassau, unless the wound was too raw. I suppose it depends on what he thought the fates of James and Miranda were? If they were told Thomas was dead, I assume he was spun a similar tale. If Thomas didn't know where they were, he could have gone to Nassau and asked around for James McGraw and Miranda Hamilton, but never realizing who James and Miranda now were. It could be probable, as I think they were only known to Nassau as Captain Flint and Mrs Barlow. Did anyone know of their first names outside of each other? Surely someone? Gates? Eleanor? It also depends on where Miranda chose the name 'Barlow' from. If it was her maiden name, Thomas would recognize it. Of course, Thomas could have known they were there all along and chose not to see them, but I can’t really picture that, either, unless he had a lot of guilt about what had happened.

I also can't picture Thomas holding men against their will, maybe more so the troublesome family members than the former convicts. It wouldn't fit for Thomas, and if he'd spent any time in Bethlem at all, surely couldn't do the same thing to another? Maybe there is consent by those that are brought there? It's funny, there is a lot of various ways it could have all come together, but Thomas being the reform minded man Max spoke of is the most intriguing for me of all.

Mr Ashford, I presume?

Peter(4x09):  Abigail, I've made arrangements for you to be shuttled to Savannah today. You'll be taken to Mr Ashford's house.

---

Thomas(2x04): He'll be arriving n less than 2hrs.

James: I'm sorry? Who?

Thomas: The fourth Earl of Ashbourne, Lord Proprietor to the Carolina Colony including the Bahama Islands, and Peer of the Realm - Lord Alfred Hamilton, my father.

Thank you to @flintstruestlove and the ASOIAF forum for floating the idea that Thomas could be Mr Ashford in the first place, and thanks to @flintsredhair​​ for noting that Lord Hamilton was the Earl of Ashbourne, which is a connection to Thomas.

Mr Ashford is certainly an intriguing one, as he was a friend of Peter's that they bothered to give a name, and chose yet another name for a character in Black Sails involving the word 'ash'. He's also someone that Peter found reasonable to send Abigail to in a time of crisis, a Mr Ashford that lives in Savannah....

To be corny and reachy as hell, but ash is also what remains after a fire. To keep the corny/reachy motif running, said fire could have been started by steel ‘n flint. Flint himself being associated with fire is (understandably) a constant motif throughout the series. Even just as of 4x07, Rackham says the Guthries can’t be blamed for wanting Flint dead, as ‘Flint will stop at nothing until the entire West Indies are ablaze.’ It’s probably a lot of reaching, but when it’s all said and done, maybe only ‘ash’ will remain?

...if nothing else, ha, there are quite a few names with ‘ash’ in Black Sails! Like, a lot.

The abrupt disappearance of Abigail Ashe from Black Sails was understandable at the time considering Flint departed Charlestown, but also still feels very jolting considering the amount of time spent to build her as a character. Ultimately, Mr Ashford could in fact be the name of the reform minded man, and not of Thomas. Either way, Thomas and Abigail could potentially be in the vicinity of his each other, and Abigail is in our favorite ominous place ever, Savannah.

To Forgive, But Not To Forget.

I don't want to go into this topic too much, as it's a whole prolonged conversation entirely, but I've seen the odd sentiment that if Flint finds Thomas, Thomas wouldn't want anything to do with him after what Flint has done. That Thomas would want Flint dead. I’ve also seen the odd comment that Thomas would take revenge against Flint himself. Of all of the characters on the show, it has been emphasised over and over again what kind of person Thomas was - hence the whole 'reform minded man' section above. Of course, Thomas wouldn't have stayed completely stagnant as a person during that time, and that the experiences that he went through wouldn’t have affected him - but his capacity for acceptance and forgiveness seems to be a continually emphasised core element to his character. Even with the pirates killing the governor's family, Thomas didn't want the rest of the pirates of Nassau to be tarred with the same brush. (Thomas 2x05: The men responsible for this crime deserve to be punished. But we cannot, we must not allow their actions to condemn the rest.) I always think Thomas is trapped between being a realist and an idealist - he knows the reality of the situation, but wants to push forward anyway in the hope of more. Heartbreakingly, as we saw in 4x08, Flint very, very much carried on his mantle.

Thomas (2x04): If you do not forgive men their sins, than your father will not forgive your sins!

Miranda (2x06): I had a very different life before I came here, a life I shared with my husband. He was a special man, a man of ideas, about the world, about the order of things. Writers, artists, men of science - they'd fill our drawing room night after night to talk and argue. Sometimes just to listen to him. In some ways he was like you, a shepherd to his flock. He would have loved to have met you. Me? You think I can play devil's advocate! Thomas would have played that game with you from dusk until dawn. And everything you hold sacred, he'd leave in tatters. Not from malice or hate, but from love. From a desire to see the yoke of shame lifted from your shoulders.

If there is any character to give Flint some solace or a pardon (ha) at the end of it all, it is more than probable it would be Thomas. Like Miranda and McGraw to Flint, Thomas would have very much changed over the decade, but they were still the same people under it all. From what we've seen and heard of Thomas, and from what has been emphasised over and over again in dialogue, I honestly cannot imagine he'd dismiss Flint so easily as others have considered. It may not be all sunshine and roses, and I would be fascinated to hear Thomas' thoughts on his father and Peter Ashe. Again, Thomas' worst crime was that he wanted to change the status quo and help others, but I imagine he'd also have guilt about being his drive and actions being the catalyst for having Miranda and James sent away.  

A touch of Greek Tragedy.

I've seen people mention that Thomas returning would be too much of a happy ending for Flint. Even if Flint is reunited with Thomas, in some aspects it is even more cruel than if Thomas had stayed dead. For one, Flint has to confront the choices he's made in Thomas' absence upon coming face to face with the man himself. Just consider everything Flint and Miranda suffered for and fought for, thinking Thomas was dead. If it is revealed that Thomas is alive, and potentially so close and accessible the whole time? The guilt, the regret, and the frustration would be monstorous. That's not even considering everyone that suffered and was sacrificed as a proxy of Flint's agony and drive for Thomas and Nassau - the crew, Mr Gates, etc. There is an added punch by just going to Charlestown before Miranda's death, they would have sailed passed the general area on the way. Thomas being alive gives us both a satisfying ending for Flint, but also a deeply tragic one, befitting of the Greek tragedy/poem parallels Black Sails makes throughout.

As Max tries to come to grips with in 4x05: It wasn't supposed to end like this. How could we all have sacrificed so much, and none of us has anything to show for it?

Flint and Miranda fought for and sacrificed so much, and Miranda died because of it, with ultimately very little for Flint to show of it. For Flint to have to come to terms with that, whilst dealing with the fact that Thomas was alive all along? It won't be easy. What they fought for wasn’t for nothing, mind you, as it was Flint and Miranda trying desperately to survive, trying to hold onto Thomas' ideals whilst dealing with the anger and grief over what had befallen them all. But, goddam if that isn't going to hurt for Flint regardless.

[doctorwhonews]

Torchwood: Aliens Among Us - Part 2

Latest Review: Written By: Christopher Cooper, Mac Rogers, Janine H Jones, Tim Foley Directed By: Scott Handcock Cast: John Barrowman (Captain Jack Harkness), Alexandria Riley (Ng), Paul Clayton (Mr Colchester), Sam Béart (Orr), Jonny Green (Tyler Steele), Kai Owen (Rhys Williams), Tom Price (Sgt. Andy Davidson), Eve Myles (Gwen Cooper), Murray Melvin (Bilis Manger), Rachel Atkins (Ro-Jedda), Ramon Tikaram (Colin Colchester-Price), Ewan Bailey (Duncan), Kerry Joy Stewart (Maddy), Diveen Henry (Sandra), Ellie Heydon (Andrea), Marilyn Le Conte (Patricia), Luke Rhodri (Rowan), Charlotte O'Leary (Poppy), Sacha Dhawan (Hasan), Sarah Annis (P.C. Nicki Owen), Rick Yale (Lorry Driver), Laura Dalgleish (Newsreader), Kristy Phillips (Stacey), Aly Cruickshank (Student), Richard Elfyn (Takeaway Man), Sanee Raval (Xander) ​Released by Big Finish Productions - October 2017 After an eclectic opening boxset pitting its titular team of ‘secret’ agents up against sentient hotels, vengeful brides, increasingly destructive terrorist cells and an extraterrestrial gangster newly appointed as Cardiff’s mayor, what could Big Finish possibly have up its sleeve next for their self-proclaimed fifth season of Torchwood? That’s a fair question, and with Aliens Among Us – Part 2 comes the adrenaline-fuelled, alien STD-carrying answer. “Love Rat”: If James Goss’ brilliantly-named sophomore instalment of Season Five, “Aliens & Sex & Chips & Gravy”, didn’t seem enough like a quintessential Torchwood outing, then “Love Rat” more than fits the bill. From its unashamedly risqué opening moments, involving Captain Jack’s not-so-romantic run-in with an unknown courter, to its hilariously absurd consequences witnessed throughout the hour, “Love Rat” is about as adult, gag-ridden and downright ridiculous as the show’s ever been under Big Finish’s stewardship. As one would expect at this point, though, the play’s ever-delightfully energetic cast take the increasingly bonkers events depicted here in their stride, with John Barrowman naturally relishing the opportunity to transform Jack into the ultimate sexual provocateur for one hour only, while Eve Myles’ bemused Gwen and Jonny Green’s stern yet susceptible PR agent Tyler both suffer the consequences with gut-wrenchingly comedic results. Those hoping for scribe Chris Cooper to push on with Season Five’s underlying secret invasion plot arc might need to take a chill pill here, since barring a cameo or two from Rachel Atkins’ still gloriously malevolent arch-foe Ro-Jedda, there’s little in the way of narrative substance or deep thematic exploration to be found amidst all the coital antics. But even so, complaining seems churlish when, by letting its hair down for once, one of Doctor Who’s darkest offshoots to date offers up such a constantly entertaining hour as this. “A Kill to a View”: That said, anyone concerned that Torchwood’s latest run might follow the traditional US TV model – and indeed arguably Miracle Day’s approach – of marginalising any major plot arcs until its final instalment, especially as we reach its halfway point, can breathe easy as they stick on Aliens Among Us’ sixth chapter. As teased by his familiar silhouette gracing Part 2’s cover, Season One antagonist Bilis Manger has returned to wreak havoc upon the lives of the Torchwood team, his intentions no less sinister than before. Murray Melvin, true to form, once again injects this mysterious adversary with all the understated menace and enigmatic omniscience for which fans knew and loved him back in 2007. It’s thanks to his accomplished performance that as Bilis adopts the role of a kindly Caretaker at the tower block where Mr. Colchester and his partner have coincidentally moved in of late, listeners can’t help but perch themselves at the edge of their seat in nervous anticipation of the turbulent conflict and inevitable tragedies to come. Placing Colchester centre-stage doesn’t do “Kill” any harm either, affording Paul Clayton’s constantly courageous yet endearingly vulnerable – and, thanks to his rather unique work-life balance, multi-faceted – civil servant with some much-needed development, as he realises to a harrowing extent the devastating personal consequences which come with taking the deadliest career path available to Welsh job-seekers. How this compelling character arc will resolve itself by season’s end remains to be seen, but we’re just as curious to see this develop as we are to discover what ominous teases of another old foe’s arrival portend for the second half of Season Five. “Zero Hour”: And what of Ro-Jedda’s doubtless sinister machinations behind-the-scenes? Evidently unwilling to allow Aliens Among Us to lose the gratifying plot momentum gained by Episode 6, Janine H. Jones dives headfirst into this mystery via a topical tale of exploitable employees forced to work inhumane hours just to earn a living. Enter Tyler Steele, whose work at the mayor’s office – and intrigue at noticing the peculiar habits of a delivery worker – sets him on a collision course with the unsettling truths behind Cardiff’s otherwise welcome upsurge in employment rates. Just as Green’s undeniably flawed wannabe journalist served as our entryway back into the covert, casualty-laden world of Torchwood in the season premiere, “Changes Everything”, so too does “Zero Hour” offer listeners the opportunity to experience the latest weekly threat to the Welsh capital’s fragile sanctity from the perspective of a relative outsider, as Tyler soon finds himself in treacherous waters with little-to-no help available from Gwen while she tackles toddler troubles or Jack while he investigates matters further afield. Thus we’re afforded a far deeper insight into a morally complex rogue who’ll cross almost any line to survive, yet shows visible dismay at witnessing his city on the brink of societal collapse. Meanwhile Gwen’s familial woes at home highlight another ongoing character arc which could so easily get forgotten amidst all of Part 2’s other hi-jinks – namely her possession by a still ambiguous alien entity driving Mrs. and Mr. Cooper further apart by the day. No doubt tensions will come to a head in the final four episodes of Season Five due for release next February, but it’s rather frustrating how frequently such a pivotal journey for one of the show’s longest standing protagonists ends up side-lined so as to allow other plot threads to breathe. At this rate, the true feisty heroine whom Myles usually portrays to great effect might not re-surface for most of the run, a crying shame given how Aliens Among Us supposedly marks Torchwood’s triumphant full-scale comeback. “The Empty Hand”: Last but by no means least, Aliens’ second mid-season finale takes the underlying political messages seeded within the previous seven episodes and amplifies them tenfold, namely by bringing ideas such as #BlackLivesMatter and hate crime to the fore as Sergeant Andy Davidson appears to gun down an innocuous immigrant worker in cold blood. As ever in a series whose mother show straddles the line between sci-fi and fantasy, there’s far more than meets the eye in this instance, but the increasingly relevant issues at hand lend “The Empty Hand” a greater sense of moral gravitas than most Torchwood romps can muster. Writer Tim Foley admirably never trivialises his weighty subject matter, allowing his characters to discuss the implications of Andy’s actions at length and affording Tom Price’s oft-befuddled police officer a long overdue extra layer of moral nuance in the process. Thankfully, though, he’s similarly aware that such intricate discussion points can scarcely receive closure over the course of a single one-hour drama, his focus primarily on how the Torchwood team’s struggle to resolve what soon becomes a citywide crisis feeds into Ro-Jedda’s long-term game-plan, and – after a belated intervention from the eternal Time Agent – the lengths to which Jack will go to protect humanity at all costs. Any fan will attest that the latter thematic strand has often proved a narrative goldmine for the series, particularly as Children of Earth drove the man who’d bested gas-mask zombies, Daleks and the son of Satan himself to take the life of his own grandson in the process. Similar to how that fateful decision carried major ramifications for Jack’s role in Miracle Day, so too do the actions taken here by the once and future Face of Boe indicate that life at the Hub might never truly be the same again. Of course, anyone who’s finished the boxset will know a further crucial reason why Part 3 promises to potentially uproot our understanding of Torchwood’s past, presence and future, and anyone who hasn’t will need to pick Part 2 up to discover as much for themselves. Speaking of which, in case it’s not already glaringly obvious by now, Aliens Among Us is fast shaping up as one of Torchwood’s finest hours to date, making the series a must-listen for any devotees who’ve longed for the show’s return to TV. It’s safe to say that Season Five has a hell of a lot of dangling plot threads to tie up in Part 3, from Gwen and Rhys’ fractured relationship to Ro-Jedda’s endgame to that plot twist awaiting listeners at the end of “Empty Hand”, but based on the opening two-thirds of Season Five, finding out how events reach their climax will doubtless prove one of the biggest early highlights of next year. February 2018 is apparently where everything changes, and we’re certainly ready. http://reviews.doctorwhonews.net/2017/10/torchwood_aliens_among_us_part_2.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=tumblr

[invisible-mirror]

Final Verdict on NBC’s “Kings“

I enjoyed this show quite a bit more than I thought I would. Even given the travesty that was Sebastian Stan’s character (more on that in a second), some of the other characters really shone.

Thoughts on characters:

Ian McShane did an amazing job. His King Silas is complex and compelling and probably could have carried the whole show single-handedly. All the kudos here.

I also really enjoyed Queen Rose. You can’t often make me like the “will do anything and kill anyone to protect the family honor” type, but those types often seem to be using their children’s welfare as an excuse to pursue personal gain, whereas Rose I think genuinely places her children’s welfare first (even if she and the children tend to have diametrically opposed ideas regarding what constitutes their welfare). Plus she’s scary competent. And had the added benefit of not killing anyone I’d grown attached to, I guess.

Michelle is pretty solid, too. It just took me two-thirds of the series to realize it, because a major component of her backstory wasn’t revealed until Episode 8, and some of her actions made zero sense without it.

I'm thinking even Jack could have been an interesting character if only he’d had a different name this whole time. Like, I dunno, “Ishbaal”, or maybe something ending in “Lannister.” Towards the end he seemed to be developing a passing acquaintance with, well, the whole concept of a moral code, which makes me wonder if they started him off in a bad place with an eye toward a redemptive arc. Not that it matters at this point.

I can see why there’s significant overlap between this fandom and Stucky fandom, because part of me thinks the writers may have legit confused David with Captain America. Or maybe Samwise Gamgee. Or a border collie with Stockholm Syndrome. But the story wouldn’t have worked as well otherwise, and the Bible does somewhat try to pass him off that way. So eh, sure.

Was Macaulay Culkin’s entire purpose to stand around looking creepy and making the audience uncomfortable? If so, nicely done.

Excellent comic relief in the form of the two palace guards.

I did not expect King Abaddon. I guess maybe he’s supposed to be the king Saul spared against God’s orders? Interesting scenes, though.

Reverend Samuels... was more or less what I expected, honestly. Bit more human, maybe. At least in the beginning.

Other thoughts:

The dialog is weird. It’s not quite modern and not quite archaic, and in retrospect it’s what gave me the initial impression that the show’s writing was going to be actively horrible. But the lines are delivered convincingly enough (see above: great acting) that you just kinda get used to the phrasing.

What a downer ending, though. It wasn’t even dramatically bad, just kind of... deflating. I guess they assumed they’d get a Season 2 and were free to leave some threads dangling.

Lots of fun Easter eggs for those who know the original story. Moreso in the beginning, before the plot really builds up steam and the butterfly effect (ha!) starts turning small deviations from canon into a virtually unrecognizable story. Even in the finale, though, I could tie one or two events back to specific verses.

The NBC app is not so bad, after all.  You just have to unplug and restart the TV before each use, and then start the app from the Details menu instead of the main screen shortcut. Then it works about 90% of the time.

^The first sentence of that last bullet point was sarcasm. Seriously, NBC?

[rebelsofshield]

Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge: Black Spire- Review

Delilah S. Dawson takes us to the biggest city on the edge of the galaxy in Black Spire, a fun if mostly unremarkable Star Wars adventure.

(Review contains minor spoilers)

The Resistance is in disarray. Still recovering from their devastating losses following their flight form D’Qar and the Battle of Crait, Leia Organa is in desperate need of allies, shelter, and resources to fend off the onslaught of the First Order warmachine. As different agents are dispersed throughout the galaxy, Leia turns to spy Vi Moradi to search for a new home base for the Resistance. Vi is soon dispatched to the remote world of Batuu, an ancient smugglers stop on the way to the Unknown Regions. However, she is not alone, Leia has also assigned former First Order leader, Cardinal, now going by his birth name of Archex along on the mission as well. Together the two must learn to work together while also making sense of the culture and landscape of Batuu. To make matters worse, they aren’t the only ones interested in the planet as the First Order has come to stake its claim as well.

As I mentioned in my review of A Crash of Fate, the entire idea of a publishing initiative for Galaxy’s Edge is an inspired concept even if the larger marketing ploy is obvious from the get-go. Making Batuu such a lived in environment as a landscape and also a focal point of a specific time in the Star Wars narrative adds a specific flair to a theme park that makes it feel like a key point in the legacy of the franchise. (I’m sure when I finally get to visit I’ll really get to appreciate all of this. *Grumble grumble*)

So far, the success and failure of these Galaxy’s Edge tie-ins has mostly been connected to just how closely they feel beholden to the park themselves. The Marvel Galaxy’s Edge comic was at its strongest when it used Dok-Ondar’s shop, a location at the Disney land, as a spring board to tell an anthology of different stories. Young adult novel, A Crash of Fate, suffered because it felt like its plot at times was controlled by the need to function as a tour of the different attractions available. Black Spire mostly avoids this by telling a character focused story that just so happens to take place in and around a Disney park.

One of the joys of the original Star Wars Expanded Universe was seeing repeat Star Wars authors find their individual niches of interest in the galaxy far, far away and having them evolve over different series and titles. If you read an Aaron Allston book you knew that you were going to get a story that ultimately connected back to the pilots of Rogue Squadron. Karen Traviss couldn’t write a Star Wars novel that wasn’t in some way about Mandalore. Timothy Zahn was always orbiting his famous Thrawn trilogy in some fashion or another. It added a sense of personality and continuity to the process and incentivized following different writers through their tenure in the franchise.

In this way, Black Spire is at times most enjoyable as a sort of spiritual successor to 2017’s Mad Max-esque villain origin, Phasma. Delilah S. Dawson returns after her 2017 debut and in a way it’s not surprising that many of the dangling plot threads from her first work return here. While Vi Moradi was a given seeing as she actually is running around the real world Galaxy’s Edge for fan meet and greets and intrigue, it is a pleasant surprise to see so many different threads from Phasma recur here, in particular, the continued arc of fallen First Order leader, Archex, formerly Captain Cardinal.

It’s from this that Dawson draws much of her drama and emotion. While Phasma did end with the two as circumstantial allies, Vi suffered extended physical and emotional torture at the hands of Archex, a man she now must trust and rely upon. Similarly, Archex is still coming to terms with his deprogramming from the First Order’s fascist doctrine while also coping with his own physical injuries inflicted by Phasma. Dawson navigates this space well and with surprising emotional maturity by both parties. Both characters are committed to the cause and are willing to work with one another, but at times the sins and scars, literal and metaphorical, from the past can’t help but bubble to the surface. It makes for an emotionally compelling dramatic throughline and Black Spire is at its best in these moments, when Dawson’s interest and care for these two lost and broken souls is at its most apparent.

As a whole though, there is a more general sense of playfulness and fun to Black Spire than one would expect from the author of a book as brutal and malevolent as Phasma. Dawson is quick to interject lots of humor both into the dialogue and to the prose itself and there is a general feeling of good heartedness to the adventure and action even when the stakes are high. Much of this comes from the surprisingly endearing ensemble of recruits that are drawn into Vi’s cause throughout the narrative, each bringing their own personality and skills to the team, if not always escaping from the general Star Wars archetypes they seem to inhabit. Dawson sometimes lays it on a bit thick with the affection and comedy, but it overall makes for a refreshing change of pace and creates an impressive tonal balancing act.

Where Black Spire struggles is in general pacing and plot. Much of the first half of the novel is spent getting Vi and her team acquainted with the land of Batuu, and while the parameters of the mission keep this from feeling like a tourist trip, it can’t help but drag along for some time. Reading about Vi’s work schedule and her relationships with the various shop keeps only carries the reader so far before the need for a larger threat or conflict is needed. While there is a certain excitement at getting to understand the Force worship behind Savi’s salvage shop or understand the role that the crime lord Oga has over the outpost, the early half of the novel’s episodic nature and lack of direction does eventually overstay its welcome.

Luckily once the First Order arrives on planet in the search of Vi and Archex, Black Spire makes a concerted turn towards the dramatic. Raising the stakes for Vi and her team adds a significant shot in the arm and the novel flies through its second half with a series of escapes, schemes, and showdowns. It never quite strays too far away from the kind of entertaining adventure that one would expect from a Galaxy’s Edge property, but Dawson is unafraid to dive a little further into the emotional impact the fighting has on its heroes or the consequences of joining up with a galactic war effort.

As a whole, Black Spire proves entertaining, fun, and populated by colorful and interesting characters. It does take a while for the ride to get going and it doesn’t linger as long as one might hope, but it makes for an enjoyable read all the same. If you do see yourself on the way to the planet of Batuu in the near future, you could do much worse than picking up this book to pass the time on your voyage to Galaxy’s Edge.

Score: B-

[zibizuba]

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There’s a danger each TV lover takes when letting a brand new present into their hearts, and that’s the probability that they are going to be canceled after only one season and even worse… canceled earlier than they’ve the chance to complete their respective tales, leaving meant finales for canceled reveals accumulating mud on a author’s laborious drive.

Shows are canceled for a myriad of causes – stars depart, rankings drop, and the like – and sadly, it means devoted viewers won’t ever get to learn the way these canceled TV reveals had been supposed to finish.

Followers of reveals lengthy gone should be annoyed a long time after this system was canceled. Happily, there are showrunners and inventive executives who had been equally disenchanted over the cancellations, so that they have determined to share with followers what would have occurred within the TV finales you’ll by no means see.

So with none additional ado, listed below are among the most notable TV reveals that didn’t get to stay as much as their full potential, and the way the meant finales for these canceled reveals would have introduced the reveals to their natural conclusions.

  Firefly

How It Ended: The present ended simply as River turned a full-fledged member of the Firefly crew, seemingly hinting on the additional continued adventures of Mal and his household within the years to return. The follow-up movie, Serenity, tried to tie up plenty of storylines by killing off some key characters and delving additional into among the Alliance’s very disastrous errors.

How They Wished It To Finish: The present’s second season would have included the pay off of several of the first season’s subplots. Adam Baldwin’s Jayne would lastly get to pilot his personal ship alongside the Firefly. Wash (RIP) and Zoe would have had a toddler, as proven in comics created after the present went off air. There would have additionally been some additional growth of Inara and Mal’s relationship, which might have been attention-grabbing to see unfold, as Inara would have confirmed that she is terminally ailing in Season 2.

The Final Man On Earth

How It Ended: The existential dramedy had a behavior of ending episodes on cliffhangers, so when the present was unexpectedly canceled in May 2018 after Season 4, followers had been left questioning what occurred to Tandy and the gang. The final episode ends with Tandy and his pals surrounded by one thing they least anticipated: folks in fuel masks.

How They Wished It To Finish: In an interview with Vulture, star and author Will Forte revealed the brand new survivors entered the bunker shortly after the virus began. Forte says the group had “some sort of medical or scientist who knew, ‘At this sure level, the virus will probably be dormant. You’ll be protected to get again out.” This savvy group would then quarantine Tandy and co., terrified the virus remains to be lively of their methods.

The brand new group are proper to be afraid: Forte says his group is resistant to the virus, however they’re carriers. The virus spreads quickly, after which it’s simply the six of them once more.

Veronica Mars

How It Ended: The present ended simply as Kristen Bell’s titular detective was relegated to being an outcast at her college as soon as once more. Seeds of a romantic reunion between her and her ex, Logan had been planted as effectively. A few of this was wrapped up within the subsequent movie that was made years later, however followers by no means actually received to see the remainder of Veronica’s school profession play out.

How They Wished It To Finish: Regardless of Veronica turning into a lawyer within the follow-up movie, creator Rob Thomas has said that the unique plan was to ship her to an FBI coaching college within the fourth season. This fashion the stakes would have been raised over again, and Veronica would have needed to grow to be used to a wholly new atmosphere.

Agent Carter

How It Ended: Agent Carter ended its second season with Peggy and Agent Sousa lastly hooking up, however left a complete lot unanswered as effectively. That included the destiny of Jack Thompson and the place precisely Bridget Regan’s Dottie Underwood might have been hiding out at.

How They Wished It To Finish: Talking with THR, government producer Michele Fazekas teased how Peggy and Sousa’s relationship would have performed into the present’s third season story, together with the chance Dottie’s inevitable return sooner or later down the road:

“We’re definitely not saying that that is undoubtedly who Peggy Carter finally ends up marrying. They established in Captain America: The Winter Soldier that she finally ends up getting married sooner or later down the road. I might have an interest to see Peggy in a relationship. She doesn’t seem to be a girl who would simply kiss a man like that and issues wouldn’t change. She’s dedicated to attempting to truly be in a relationship with Sousa.

We are going to put Bridget Regan in as many episodes as she desires to be in. She has like two different jobs. [Laughs] However I do know she has mentioned that she has now put it into her contract that she will be able to work on Agent Carter each time it suits into her schedule. So we are going to use her as a lot as we will.”

My So-Referred to as Life

How It Ended: My So-Referred to as Life ended on such a cliffhanger second stuffed with pure heartache: Claire Danes’ Angela determined to trip off into the sundown with Jordan Catalano, regardless of understanding that Brian was the one who wrote Jordan’s so-called love letter to her. It’s a second that has left followers speaking for many years since its unique airing.

How They Wished It To Finish: Creator Winnie Holzman revealed to Elle how the present’s second season was presupposed to have picked up the place the collection finale left off:

“I pictured a scenario the place Angela and Jordan are an merchandise, Delia and Brian are an merchandise, and Angela and Brian are consistently trying to one another for recommendation and assist with their respective dysfunctional relationships.”

The second season would have additionally included Sharon getting pregnant and Mr. Katimski’s standing as a homosexual man being revealed to the entire college. So sure, there would have loads of teen drama nonetheless to go round.

Freaks and Geeks

How It Ended: Freaks and Geeks ended on a notable cliffhanger, with Lindsay Weir (Linda Cardellini) ditching an educational summit to observe The Grateful Lifeless on the highway together with her pals… with out telling any of her members of the family.

How They Wished It To Finish: Creator Paul Feig revealed the destiny of each character from the present back in 2012, a lot to followers’ delight. Lindsay was going to grow to be a efficiency artist Greenwich Village after highschool, after which transfer into grownup world as a human rights lawyer. As well as, Sam would have grow to be a member of Drama Membership, Neal would have gone into Swing Choir, Invoice would have reworked right into a jock, Daniel would find yourself in jail, and Nick would enlist within the Military.

Pushing Daisies

How It Ended: Pushing Daisies was by no means supposed to finish with its second season finale, which might clarify why so many plot threads had been by no means absolutely resolved. As a substitute, the collection ended with a significant twist, as Ned lastly let Charlotte enter again into her Aunts’ lives once more.

How They Wished It To Finish: Whereas talking with SyFy, creator Bryan Fuller revealed what the unique plans had been for the present’s third season:

“We’ve arced it out. The dangling threads from the collection with Chuck’s father and Ned’s father and the pocket watches are all handled, not secondarily, however there’s a complete new story that occurs when there’s a flash flood within the cemetery and all of the our bodies wash previous Ned, and it’s Ned versus a thousand corpses.”

Hannibal

How It Ended: Hannibal ended on a literal cliffhanger with its third season finale, as Will and Hannibal lastly labored to finish one homicide collectively… earlier than Will then despatched the pair hurtling off a cliff’s edge. And identical to that, the fates of each Hannibal and Will had been despatched into query as soon as once more.

How They Wished It To Finish: Along with explaining how Will and Hannibal might need survived their fall, creator Bryan Fuller revealed that Hannibal’s fourth season would have additional explored the impact that Hannibal’s cannibalistic life-style had on Gillian Anderson’s Bedelia. Followers would have seen the payoff of Hannibal’s promise to Alana, with the latter then working with Margot to dismantle the entire Verger slaughterhouses:

“It definitely was going to be part of season 4, and I truly was actually enthusiastic about exploring the Margot/Alana relationship and the way they had been going to dismantle the entire Verger slaughterhouses and switch them humane. She was going to utterly undo the evils of her household with Alana, like a Joan Crawford sitting at PepsiCo’s desk saying “don’t f*ck with me, fellas.” I used to be actually enthusiastic about that story for Alana and Margot and seeing extra of them, and likewise seeing what it could be like for them to appreciate that Hannibal is likely to be coming again into their orbit.”

Carnivàle

How It Ended: Carnivale ended on some severely ominous notes, as Ben and Brother Justin had been each left fatally injured from their climactic confrontation. Sofie went to the darkish facet, and the present gave the impression to be hinting on the doable finish of the world nonetheless to return. Sadly, viewers didn’t get to see any apocalyptic motion.

How They Wished It To Finish: Creator Daniel Knauf said there was originally a five-season plan for the short-lived HBO collection. This included Ben ultimately re-assembling the entire favourite carnival members collectively to struggle the rising menace that was Brother Justin on the finish of the fourth season. However, in case that wasn’t sufficient, the fifth season would have then handled Ben attempting to forestall the creation of atomic weapons:

“In Ben’s thoughts, detonation of the atom bomb is the tip of the world. What he doesn’t understand is that it’s simply the tip of his world… However he’s misinterpreted it. He thinks he’s saving the world, however what he learns earlier than the tip is that, “I’ve to let this occur, as a result of if I don’t let this occur, mankind will stay in a state of adolescence.” He learns that’s actually why Sofie is known as the Omega. She is the one feminine, the final Avatar. What it’s all main as much as is 2 Avatars, she and Ben having this youngster. They really must sacrifice this youngster within the blast.”

Pitch

How It Ended: This breakout sports activities drama ended on an enormous cliffhanger, as Ginny (Kylie Bunbury) suffered an arm harm, which resulted in her going to the hospital. Followers by no means received to study the extent of her harm, although, or how Ginny’s profession could be affected by it sooner or later.

How They Wished It To Finish: Showrunner Kevin Falls advised THR that the present’s second season would have revolved round Ginny coming back from her harm and beginning work throughout Spring Coaching the next season:

“We need to begin with Spring Coaching and that first day you arrive at camp. There are 4 or 5 months between the tip of the season and Spring Coaching when numerous private issues occur to gamers – accidents, surgical procedures, marriages, adjustments within the groups, firing of managers. Who’s at Spring Coaching? Who didn’t come again? Who was traded?”

Completely satisfied Endings

How It Ended: Regardless of being one of the beloved comedies on the air on the time, Completely satisfied Endingsby no means made it to its fourth season. As a substitute, the collection ended with Alex and Dave breaking apart and the principle crew dancing to Stevie Marvel at a marriage.

How They Wished It To Finish: Creator David Caspe revealed to TVLine that the present’s fourth season doubtless would have targeted on the event of a relationship between Dave and Alex:

“We needed to have them break up in an amicable manner so we may return to telling Dave’s courting tales in a manner that was extra critical, or Alex courting and what that may imply for the group in a manner that was extra even-handed. Would Penny have been a part of that? Perhaps. I believe we might have wanted to regroup as a result of Penny and Alex are so shut and that relationship is so essential they usually’ve recognized one another their complete lives… We’d have needed to deal with that. And perhaps we might have, I’m unsure.”

Felicity

How It Ended: In one of many weirdest TV twists ever, Felicity’s remaining episodes concerned the titular character going again in time one 12 months to attempt to change the long run, to the place she had chosen Noel over Ben. However when her actions outcome within the dying of a beloved one and irrevocable adjustments to a few of her pals’ lives, she decides to return to her earlier, unaltered current timeline.

How They Wished It To Finish: J.J. Abrams’ original ending for Felicity was all the time for her to finish up proud of Ben. However when the present was picked up for 5 extra episodes after that ending was filmed and accomplished, Abrams and co. concocted that unusual time journey plot to attempt to draw out 5 episodes’ price of extra rigidity and uncertainty.

Bored To Demise

How It Ended: This beloved stoner comedy ended its run on HBO in such a zany manner that’s all-too-fitting for the present: Jason Schwartzman’s character, Jonathan, realized he’d been sleeping along with his half-sister (Isla Fisher), neither of them understanding they had been in any manner associated.

How They Wished It To Finish: Whereas followers might by no means know definitively how the respective tales of Bored to Demise‘s characters had been going to finish, creator Jonathan Ames did reveal how the collection’ remaining revelation would have performed into its fourth season:

“I don’t need folks to suppose he wouldn’t inform her. He desires to inform her, however he was simply weakened in that second. And the concept that they’re siblings is so summary, as a result of he didn’t develop up together with her. It’s laborious for him to conceptualize. So he kisses her within the second, however I needed that final shot to reflect his confusion, so it’s spinning — virtually like the beginning of the season when he’s on the circle with the knives. It’s vertigo. However within the subsequent season, I used to be going to place her in a sanitarium. She was going to have a complete breakdown. And in case Isla Fisher wasn’t obtainable, I’d simply want that one shot of her on a bench or in Switzerland, for her incest treatment.”

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