#that's a completely different thing and far more valid to me to be disappointed by that

[queenerdloser]

okay a personal pet peeve of mine is when people mark down their rating of a book because the book didn't end up being what they thought it would be from the blurb. that's a you problem, friend. that's a marketing problem. whether or not the book matches what you imagined it would be in your head before you read it has little to no bearing on if the book is good or not. rate it on that not on whether or not it matched what you pictured it would be when you picked it up.

[akookminsupporter]

I think I'm going to get cancelled for this.

Perhaps my most honest opinion as a Jikooker so far.

Something that has always bothered me about Jikookers is how they hold Jungkook to different standards than Jimin. I’ve often seen more than one person criticize Jungkook for something he did or didn’t do—whether it’s for looking at Tae in a certain way, saying something nice to him, or not doing something —while similar behaviours by Jimin are overlooked. Jimin has always been close to Tae; we’ve often seen them cuddling or saying sweet things to each other. Tae even told Jimin that he “likes him the most.” Yet, for some reason, Jimin’s actions don’t seem to provoke similar criticism or disappointment among Jikookers, who often view Jimin and Tae’s friendship as perfectly acceptable and even celebrated because, of course, Jimin and Tae are friends! Soulmates! And that’s great! That’s how it should be. But if Jungkook were to do any of these things, the world would end. How could Jungkook possibly do that? It obviously means he doesn’t care about Jimin, that they’re not close, etc., etc.

Jungkook is the one who has to make grand gestures. He has to be special with Jimin ALL THE TIME, and not just that—he has to be special by the standards of their supposed fans; otherwise, it doesn’t count. Jimin can reach for the moon for Jungkook, and many wouldn’t care. It wouldn’t mean much. Jungkook has to reach for the sun for Jimin for people to “believe” that he cares about him. And to believe jikook is at least really close.

Jungkook can’t be sassy with Jimin; he can’t push him, and he can’t say no to him because poor Jimin! It means Jungkook doesn’t care about him. But Jimin can do these things, and no one says anything. Jimin can hit Jungkook or be sassy with him, right? Because Jimin is “delicate”? So it’s not the same. Do you know how incredibly offensive that is? And the worst part is that many of you don’t even realize it! And I’m sure that after reading this, many will insult me, block me, or unfollow me because, how dare I? I can already imagine some saying that I’m defending Jungkook and that I don’t care about Jimin, completely missing my point.

You validate the possibility of Jikook being real based on what Jungkook does or says—or doesn’t do or say.

And that’s the “fear” many of you have with the upcoming episodes of the show. You don’t care if VMin declare their love in an episode; you don’t care if you see Jimin and Jungkook together cuddling on the bed, because if Jungkook interacts with Tae in any way, that will cancel out any interaction he has had or will have with Jimin.

Why, for many of you, do the interactions Jungkook has with Tae carry more weight than those he has with Jimin? Why do the interactions Jungkook has with Tae carry more weight than those Jimin has with Tae? Why do we have to weigh the interactions of three people who know each other far better than any of us?

And yes, I know you’ll excuse yourselves with, “The problem is the subgroup…” but why does what they say have to hold any validity? Their opinion, like ours, doesn’t influence anything those three men do, and by this point, that should be obvious to everyone. Haters can say what they want; it won’t change anything. Don’t pay attention to what they say. Just report, block, and ignore as necessary, and enjoy the show. Enjoy what Jimin and Jungkook decide to share with us. And if they want to share their friendship with Tae, ANOTHER MEMBER OF BTS, well, great!

Do you know why the subgroup has never stopped invading our spaces, saying whatever nonsense they come up with? Because they know it bothers many of you or us. Jimin, Jungkook, and Tae might never know what’s said on social media, and that doesn’t matter to the subgroup because their real target is us.

I’ve always said that for tkk to be real, it depends on Jikook not being real. Meanwhile, Jikook only depends on Jimin and Jungkook to be real. The subgroup knows this, but for some reason, they believe that by getting rid of Jikookers, they would get rid of Jikook. That’s not how it works, but that’s how they see it. That’s why they attack us ALL THE TIME.

So, stop with the PENDEJADAS. Because everything I’ve seen is just that, PENDEJADAS. At the end of the day, we don’t know these three men, and if nothing between them seems to be going wrong, we need to respect that, no matter what the HATERS say.

And I’m not going to be hypocritical and claim that I’ve never side-eyed some of the things Tae has done involving Jimin and Jungkook together, but that doesn’t mean I hate him or blame him for anything. Yet, that’s exactly what many of you are doing. Some openly admit it, while others pretend not to. You often start your explanations or opinions with, “I don’t hate Tae, but…”—and that “but” negates the beginning of the sentence.

And that makes all this sadder because much of what I’ve said here applies to the subgroup, and nothing would embarrass me more than reading or hearing that the subgroup and we are the same.

[pharawee]

Maybe it's because I don't mind unhappy or open endings, or maybe it's because I had no expectations whatsoever beyond being entertained, or maybe it's because I enjoy detective fiction a lot...

But I genuinely liked Spare Me Your Mercy beginning to end. I enjoyed the characters and the presentations of their struggles, flaws and convictions, and I also don't think that it's a mark of bad writing or narrative structuring when characters are unbending and stand by said convictions. I like how the outcome was inevitable pretty much from the beginning because every character was on a set trajectory. And I also liked how the "big bad" was unveiled/dealt with way before the show was over because Boss was never the real obstacle anyway.

Spare Me Your Mercy was never going to be a romantic thriller driven by character development, and personally I feel it's a bit unfair to judge the show by the standards of a completely different genre. To me it was a morality tale/crime thriller and imo it did a very good job in that regard. Plus, if you take Thai censorship laws/conventions into account it was never going to openly support Kan's approach to euthanasia. It was always going to end with the status quo being upheld. They went about as far as they could, given that this is a mainstream production aired nationally on television. I actually find it very refreshing that they tackled this topic at all, and I really appreciate that they were incredibly nuanced throughout all of it, from the inclusion of a living will (which is indeed a topic that surprisingly few people even know about) to the monk's approach, but also how it showed that loved ones too have every right and the room to disagree.

Because euthanasia shouldn't ever an easy topic. It should be discussed, always, even in countries like Switzerland and the Netherlands where it's already legal.

(This is also ultimately why I sided with Tiu/Wasan instead of Kan because, yeah, Kan did consensually ease the suffering of a lot of people and we as the audience know that he has the highest of moral standards - which is exactly why it's better to channel all of this into starting the democratic process of legalising it. Kan meant well, and maybe Kan was right, but you only need to look to Orn and Boss to see how easy these things go off the rails. Hell, even Kan slipped when he shot Boss in the back, and you can't justify that one at all.)

Plus, in the end I do think that Kan manipulated Wasan as much (or imo even more) as it was the other way around. To me a relationship based on so many fundamental lies was never going to be possible - which also explains the dissonance in their (romantic) behaviour. Attraction is easy (which is why I don't think it's far-fetched at all that they fell for each other) but sometimes love alone just isn't enough.

I won't begrudge anyone their dislike of the show or its characters. I think it's very valid especially given the sensitive nature of what euthanasia should and shouldn't be. It's just that I read so many disappointed and negative takes on the ending of the show in the past 24 hours that I wanted to add my own - and like I said, personally I enjoyed myself a lot (even if it's of course not a perfect show and there certainly are some details that feel very hamfisted and even harmful and stereotypical). To me, it's a well-made and narratively sound piece of television with interesting characters and an entertaining story, and I'm glad we finally got a good genre BL offering in the form of queer detective fiction.

[batlleonafc]

(It's google translate so there probably are some errors)

You won the 2024 Alain Gilles Trophy ahead of Guerschon Yabusele, Mathias Lessort and Victor Wembanyama. What does this ranking mean to you? I can't believe it! They are great players and I am a fan. After the disappointment of the Olympic Games final, I really felt how much we moved people, how much they were inspired. Even today, people talk to me about that match. It touches me. It was really my goal to make France proud during the Olympic Games. Are you aware that your tears at the end of the final were one of the most memorable images of the Games? I didn't expect that. Plus, when you're in the game, you don't think about anything else. Throughout the competition, I tried to avoid any distractions around me. Whether positive or negative. It was when I was able to breathe and understand what we had just accomplished that I realized. And it was an important moment for women's basketball I think. The attention around us meant that we were able to leave a mark on people, offer them souvenirs. The Olympic campaign is what allowed you to win the Alain Gilles Trophy while your club season was difficult... The season was complicated with Lyon. I had personal problems. However, I was having a good season and I was disappointed to leave because I knew that the team needed me (19.9 pts, 6.8 rbds, 3.9 pds in only 11 matches). But there are more important things than basketball in life. The Games were a second chance to play in front of the French public. It probably changed the perception of my year. I won't only keep bad memories of it. You have made many sacrifices, particularly with regard to your WNBA career, to prioritize the French team since 2021. Do your two Olympic medals validate these choices? I didn't need to validate these choices with others. For me, it was validated from the beginning. Since my first match with Les Bleues. Really. It was my dream. But I'm still happy that people understand my choices. And that they realize that basketball exists outside the United States. Open your eyes. What I experienced at the Games are things that you only experience once in a lifetime. After two Olympic medals and a European silver medal, do you still have the flame to continue your investment with Les Bleues? We still haven't won anything! So of course. I'm happy and proud of our results. But I want more. On the other hand, right now, I'm focused on Fenerbahçe. There are five trophies to win. I already have one. That's what I'm thinking about. You insisted on your desire to change French mentalities, particularly with regard to ambition, the will to win. Do you think you have achieved this? It's always a work in progress. But with the new generation of players, when I saw the faces of my teammates after the final, when I saw the families, it reassured me for the future. When we lost in the Euro final or in the semi-final of the Games, I had the feeling that we were saying to ourselves: it's going to be okay, we'll see at the next competition. The feeling after the United States was completely different. I feel that this group really believes that we can be the best team in the world. I saw Leila Lacan cry. I saw Dominique Malonga's family who were just waiting for gold. You have to have this feeling of being the best team to win gold. After Paris 2024, Los Angeles 2028 is looming. Are the Games in the United States a prospect that particularly motivates you? I know it can be special. But it's in four years. It's too far away. I work step by step. Fenerbahçe. The November window with the French team. 2028? Let's start with November 2024. To become European champion in 2025? I want to be champion of everything!

[maylovessyou]

Part 2 - nightmare

Sooo... Finally the 2nd part, I've been a week abroad and didn't have much time to write, as soon as I got back home I finished this part, I strongly believe there will be like at least 3 more and as always I hope you all enjoy it very much! Reposts are really appreciated!!

Tw: afab, cursing/fowl language, name calling, tell me if I missed any

Word count: 1,550

He just stays there, a smirk imprinted on his face "so that's what you think of me, Honigbiene?" He asks tilting his head.

You quickly turn around facing him with fear in your eyes "I... Uhm.." you stutter, ashamed of what he's heard.

"I'll snap your back in half if I ever hear you talking about me like that, kleine Hure." He threatens through gritted teeth.

"I... I'm sorry, König.. just..." You try to explain yourself tho you couldn't find any valid reason.*

He looks at you with nothing but apathy on his face and walks away, grabs the lighter and cigarettes on the counter and rushes outside to have a smoke. You look at him both perplexed and angry, why would he take *your* cigarettes without asking? Or even caring?

You try to ignore it and run after him to get your stuff back. When you get outside you find him lighting a cigarette and looking at you with a smirk.

"What do you want, Hure?" He growls. "I'm not a whore, if anything you're the one that fucks every living thing." You spat back at him, his face contorting into a pissed frown.

"Watch your tongue before I'll cut it off." His words harsh as ever, tho their effect on you is minimal, after all this time how could it be any other way? Yea?

You get back inside, forgetting about your belongings and most of all ignoring him.

You take out your phone and look for something to make for dinner, somehow, somehow, you still manage to have a soft stop for his wellbeing, and that only.

You find some sort of pizza pockets that you think you'll like so you start making them, by the time you've finished baking them it's become 7pm.

You plate them on the table and look for him, first in the living room, then outside, then his room. Nowhere to be found.

"The cunt left?" You ask yourself aloud shaking your head in disappointment and turning around to get the cutlery, only to find him there, grabbing you by your nape.

"What did I tell you about calling me names? Huh?" He yells, the height difference, force and brutality different and age difference makes you shiver from fear. Hatred leaking eyes pierce through you, leaving you tremble.

"Answer, Honigbiene." He yells again, your eyes widening.

"I... I was just worried... Yea.. worried." You babble, trying to sound convincing.

His grip loosens though he keeps your eyes fixated on him. "No one taught you manners? Useless bitch." He looks down on you, almost feeling disgusted.

You quickly wiggle off his grasp and just look at him, rubbing where he left a sore mark. "I was calling you to eat. Just trying to be gentle. But you're clearly not worth it." You said feeling repulsed by him and going to your room, just as far as you can from that monster of a man.

König, on the other hand, took it more easy. It was fun to mess with you, make you feel bad, sad, angry, make you cry. He simply sat on a chair and ate the food you made, like nothing had just happened.

After an hour or so he comes up to your door "I like ya cooking, who taught you?" He grunts, feeling like an animal.

You hear his voice, oh you do, but you also don't do or say anything. Complete silence. Ignorance too.

"Hey I'm talking to you, Honigbiene." He scowls, your avoidance pissing him off.

"Go away." You whisper, just enough for him to hear. And hopefully do as said.

But he doesn't. Why would he? He's the man right? He got the pants. So he bangs on your door, hard. "Open up, ja?" He smirks, thinking he's having control over you, but still, you don't say anything.

After some time he decided he's had enough, so what's better than just breaking in? Knocking down the door? Easy. The first thing that comes to his mind tho isn't to break down the door, maybe you didn't lock it, right? Right? Right.

He simply wiggles the knob and boom! He's inside. Your figure way smaller than him, any size is smaller than him. Just a little mouse hunted by the cat. No, a tiger in this case.

You stay there, scrunched up by the headboard, your phone and headphones by your side. "Go out." You whisper, the fear that König instills in you has no words capable of describing. "Please.." you add, you're voice sounding weaker than usual.

"What? The little girl's gonna cry now?" He says in a mocking, degrading tone, not caring to pick his words correctly.

You just look at him, speechless, scared, fragile even. Only a moment after you take your gaze off him, looking down at where your knees and chest meet, trying to ignore your now flooded waterlines.

König just looks at you, the pathetic state you're in, feeling nothing but superiority. "Look at me when I speak." He demands, his voice stern as always, but you're unable to. Certainly not when you're on the verge of tears.

You slightly raise your head up, enough for your eyes to meet his, and then you see him. A wide smirk plastered on his face, the bastard enjoying the torture he's giving you.

"Don't cry now. I bet you've gotten hurt in worse ways, Honigbiene." He tries to sound sympathetic and cover the mock in his voice, of course, he doesn't succeed.

"Please just leave.." you plead once again, you're voice shaking and lips quivering, eyelids becoming heavier by the second.

He looks at you up and down one last time before exiting the room, closing the door with a loud slam.

Night falls and you're still in your bed, drenched in tears of fear and broken heart, not because of him directly, but because of the way he treats you. You've done everything you could to make this agonizing stay a little less hard, but he hasn't put any effort, no, on the other hand he has just gotten worse and worse.

At around 1am you decide to get up and take a shower, refresh yourself, get something under the teeth, hopefully be alone. At least now.

And you do so, after you've finished showering you just walk down to the kitchen and heat out the leftovers of the dinner you cooked, careless to get dressed. After all, you were sure you were alone.

You take the plate and sit at the table, slowly eating the food and sipping water, the headache you've had until now slowly vanishing.

After finishing you rub your eyes and slightly stretch, "this is a nightmare... A very big, tall and strong nightmare." You say to yourself, your head resting in your palms.

"As if you were a dream." You hear a voice say right behind you.

Taglist: @Lillumrorum , @captainsarcasmandsass , @attractivesteaminghunkofflesh69 , @notyoursweetcat

[yakuzabrainrotlive]

I have started Like A Dragon! I've actually already made it to chapter 5.

Why hadn't I made a post already, then?

Well, there's no sugar-coated way to put this so... let's just rip off the bandaid now.

I haven't really enjoyed myself playing this game this far. Yet. Maybe I will at some point. But for now I honestly just haven't had much to say in terms of what's happened in the plot besides the beginning. I don't hate the game, it's just that it hasn't been able to really hook me in yet.

I'll keep going since I've heard this game is one of the generally more loved ones in the franchise. And I know RGG loves its slow burn.

I hate to be a Negative Nancy, but I wanna be totally honest. I doubt y'all would want me to lie about how I feel about the game.

More about all that right at the end of the post. I will list my positives and negatives when it comes to this game (and talk about the battle system) down there.

I know this type of thing is common in RPGs, but I like it all the same. Neat little game mechanic. There's quite a few different ones here, but it's cool.

An interesting background for a main character. Yeah, being an orphan is more than common. But being raised by the employess in a soapland and the townsfolk around him? That's really out there - in a good way.

This was very sad. Ichi lost 15 years of his life to the joint and got nothing in return. The shock and disappointment on his face when he was released and there was just. No one waiting for him.

And after that, all that awaited him was just... betrayal. That's just brutal. I fully understand why Ichiban went into Total Denial Mode for a while; it must have been a totally incomprehensible and shocking situation.

-He got out of prison after 15 years and where he expected to find his family waiting for him, he found nobody. AND he suddenly had the freedom of choosing what to do, when to do it and where to go after 15 years. That can be scary.

-He witnessed how much the world and general society had changed in his absence and probably felt very confused.

-He saw his home totally wrecked and abandoned.

And now his mentor and beloved patriarch, the one who saved his life. The man he would have happily been ready to die for at any moment. That man had changed completely and acted like he didn't know Ichiban.

Yeah... the denial, frustration and desperation are totally valid.

Oh dear. Well, Kiryu wasn't there anymore, the Tojo upper brass kept changing and there was constant conflict within the clan itself. It was just a matter of time before Omi would take advantage of the situation.

I hope Majima and Daigo are okay. Or at least alive ;-;

*Faint sounds of Majima cackling in the distance*

Oops. Majima better hope Ichi doesn't find out who the driver was lmao. I feel bad for Ichiban, but I also love how this single random idea of Majima's still has these consequences that are brought up, even after all this time.

God bless Nanba. He's a sweetheart. That's all I can say about him. I also kinda like Adachi. I'm not attached to these side characters yet, but they're neat. I think they'll grow on me eventually, it's just that I tend to be slow when it comes to becoming attached to new characters.

Legends say that if you pull this bat out, Shinada will appear in front of you and ask for some money....

I did play through the whole soapland thing and then some. I don't have much to say 😭. We do have a woman fighting with us, finally after all this time! #Girlboss

I would honestly happily die for Nancy. No questions asked.

OKAY UHH POSITIVES AND NEGATIVES.

Positives:

-Ichiban

-Interesting premise

-The different jobs satisfy my hyper-optimizing, excel-sheet-making, micromanaging self

-Funny enemy titles like "Piss Wizard"

-Free full heal spots my beloveds❤️

-Voice acting (in the Japanese dub at least) is excellent

-Substories have been fun!

Negatives:

-EXP yield is... not optimal; grinding takes FOREVER unless you go fight higher-level people than yourself, but then the battles can take ages. Job exp grinding especially feels about as pleasant as pulling teeth.

Am I supposed to grind in this game?? I've started to wonder about that since it's such a slow process. I have absolutely no idea. Have I missed a thing that helps exp gain??

-Unless you get lucky with the ability to find treasure, money yield can be tight at times, too. Which is rough, considering the cost of gear with 4 team members (and probably backup members later).

-The premise is cool, but the stuff I've played through in terms of the plot after leaving Kamurocho hasn't been very interesting to me this far (early-to-mid chapter 5) :/

-Substories don't give you EXP 😭

How about the elephant in the room - the battle system?

Well. I'll come out with it straight away; I'm very, VERY picky when it comes to turn-based combat. Shin Megami Tensei and Persona have unfortunately spoiled me too much, so this game had some unfairly MASSIVE boots to fill. And it didn't quite fill them. My bar is way too high and I acknowledge that 100%.

I get that they didn't want to make the system completely "passive" by just having to select moves and it all going smoothly from here. But I dislike the timing-based quick time stuff in the middle of attacks and perfect guard. I can pull off the attack dmg boost thing most of the time, but perfect guard is just... it feels way more difficult to pull off than Tiger Drop in any previous game. It's very frustrating. I frankly feel stupid, having this difficult a time with it.

Grinding is further hindered by spread moves being kind of unreliable - if the enemies are spread out, you're only hitting a single foe. For now. Maybe there will be better moves later on.

Idk if it's just me, but characters' MP pools feel very limited compared to the cost of the moves combined with how little damage you do at times? Maybe it's just the fact that I'm in the earlier parts of the game, but I feel like I have to be replenishing MP constantly.

I like how all the different types of gear can have additional special effects. It's neat.

All in all the battle system feels... very laborius. I can work with it! Absolutely. I'm just not the biggest fan.

God, I wish I could just gush about this game and sing its praises, but that's not happening yet by a long shot. This far? Maybe a 6-6.5/10. I hope my opinion changes for the better as I progress; I really wanna love it as much as other fans seem to.

[rainparadefromhell]

Okay, I wasn't going to go in on this but I didn't expect people to be so sad over the spoilers, to be honest. I see people really disappointed in both Ben and Devi as I once again, completely understand both sides.

I will be talking about s4 spoilers so if you don't want to see that you should probably stop reading now.

First thing I'd like to say is that I am just another person on the internet with an opinion and I could be very wrong about all of this. This is just my personal view of things and it doesn't make anyone else's any less valid.

I think the biggest thing that confuses people is actually the one I'm most excited to see happen in season 4. I really disliked how they handled the cheating in season 2. Devi's apologies seemed like they were over a stolen pen, not cheating on someone. I did think the second apology was sincere, I just think it should have been a whole conversation.

I believe that season 4 will be focused on unravelling of all of Ben and Devi's traumas, which is a big task and will result in messy emotions, anger, lashing out and suffering. As much as I like the show's approach to trauma and Dr. Ryan scenes, we don't actually see the characters explore that with one another. It is all very internal. The confusion comes, I believe, from the well crafted pov episodes that allow us to know how Ben and Devi are feeling. We know so much about their inner struggles but here's the thing - they don't.

Yes, Devi knows that she hurt Ben in the past but she doesn't know how that feeds into his insecurites and abandonment issues. She doesn't know how much that has actually affected him.

Because she broke his heart.

She broke his heart and she doesn't know that.

And yeah, Ben knows that rejecting her in the way that he did wasn't the best way to deal with the situation but he doesn't know that the reason why Devi is so attached to him is because he accepts and wants all of her. It means comfort. It is a love language. All of this seems obvious to us, people that are more mature and grown. But not to two traumatized kids that are trying to understand relationship dynamics. Ben and Devi both have a pretty good understanding of their own feelings towards relationships - Devi in season 3 ("What if no one ever loves me because I am too much?") and Ben in season 2 ("But it isn't real. What you and I have is").

Because what if no one ever loves her and here is Ben Gross who likes her personality, who will miss her. What if no one ever loves her and here is Ben Gross saying that he needs something easier and simpler with another girl.

And what if what they have is real until Devi pulls back. And here is Devi Vishwakumar telling him that first times are always a bit weird and they can try again. She can be that for him.

Ugh, my children are really hard to defend sometimes.

Devi's season 2 is gonna be Ben's season 4 and i know some people will probably not like it but I think this is really important for him and I don't think it makes him regress as a character. I think it is good that he recognizes that they can both take things too far because they make each other feel so much. But I don't think that he actually wants something simpler and I have a feeling he will realize that later in the season.

I also thought that bringing Margot into all of this will just be a repeat of Aneesa's character but I don't think that anymore. Ben and Aneesa were fundamentally really different people who couldn't understand each other while Ben and Margot are much more in tune with one another. Margot was and is important for Ben's development because she helped him relax and try new things. I love Ben and Devi but sometimes they can really reinforce each other's bad behaviors.

This is just a repeat of what I said in my last post but just having love for someone is not enough. Strenghtening the positive effects they have on each other and building trust is what they need now. They need communication and time. They need friendship but also a certain perspective which requires space from one another. They need all of it, all of the messiness because they are complicated but ultimately extremely realistic characters.

Because what if what they have is real and what if a relationship you have with someone is so important you challenge everything you know about yourself. Over and over again until you get it right.

What if what they have is real?

[witheredoffherwitch]

i don't like where these leaks are heading...especially the part where daeron would be cut from the show. they're going to divide his book plot between aemond and helaena which will validate #those shippers. i will be honest that the show did give hints to a romance between them, but when the alys leaked audition was released i completely thought they scrapped that idea entirely. this is a HUGE change so if this happens, anything can happen. the characters and the plot will be wildly different...most specially aemond. to me it seems they're cutting him to give way for helaena. and sure i agree that it would be good for a mother to get her revenge but aemond would be divided between harrenhal and the reach. this leaves no room for alysmond to develop or happen. it only opens up room for helaena to be the one who has some connection with alys if alys has seer powers too and not aemond. i now fear that they're really making #that ship to happen because it would give aemond and helaena a good reason to commit war crimes and the revenge on daemon to make more sense. another concern is that they'll cut alys and aemond's son because this would mean he already has son who died and was relevant for the greens motivations. they'll just exciuse it because everything ends with aegon the younger's coronation.

i hate thinking about this at all but those writers would like drama like this. i just hope those leaks are dead wrong but these leakers have been reliable thus far

Hi nonnie,

I'm at odds with most of the opinions expressed here. This will be a lengthy post, so buckle up:

First, I don't think the show provided any significant hints about the Helaemond ship. People are citing two instances to back up this claim - the first one is of baby Aemond talking about fulfilling his duty, had his mother betrothed Helaena to him instead of Aegon. The second one is in episode 9 where the older Aemond busts out this incredible line of dialogue: "I am next in line for throne. Should they come looking for me, I intend to be found." Both of these scenes were set up to establish Aemond's primary characteristics which alligns with him being duty-bound all while having great ambitions for the throne. Now, why would Aemond assume that he was next in line for throne when Jaeherys exists? And to that I offer *in D&D's voice*: AeMonD kINd oF fOrGoT aBoUt HIs NepHeWS!

It's a writing discrepancy and you will find many such inconsistencies throughout the series. Right from Laenor's age in episode 1 to episode 5, Alicent warning Aegon in episode 6 and then acting shocked when Otto says the same thing in episode 9, Luke acting self-conscious about his 'bastard' status in episode 8 only to laugh in the face of someone he maimed shortly after; and many more. Most characters have some major inconsistencies that can be attributed to post production rewrites and editing.

It's possible I'm mistaken, but it looks like people generally scoff at this ship beyond Twitter and Tumblr. On Reddit, the majority of comments are cynical or dismissive towards this pairing. Even those who think it might actually be canon have voiced their disappointment with the theory. In response to you mentioning the changes being made in the show, I completely agree - they are not favorable to TG fans. It appears that the narrative is now being heavily biased towards Rhaenyra's side, with the introduction of Dyana and the potential omission of Daeron from the storyline. None of these developments are positive!

Now with Daeron's storyline, I am sure it will be divided between Aemond, Gwayne and Cole in the chance that he is absent from the show. But I am confused as to which arc do you think will be adopted by Helaena here. I don't think they will have her fighting actively besides her brothers in the show either. They may have changed Rhaenyra's character development in Season 1 to make us think that may happen, but I am not sure about Helaena. She's a dreamer: she might serve a larger purpose later when it comes to predicting the Dance or even the possible demise of House Targaryen as they've already introduced Aegon's dream in the show. Other than that, I don't think she'll take part in any battle strategy.

Now this is obviously my point of view but once again, I am open to discussion. If anyone has taken the time to read through this post and wants to share their opinion, please feel free to contribute.

That's all! 🤗

[super-hero-confessions]

I love film as an art form. I really do. I love how much work actors and actresses, writers, directors, VFX artists, and everyone put into it and I would love to see more people appreciate the work that goes into creating film and television as an art form. (The same goes for comics and books too.)

It's not just one person that goes into it. It is a massive team of people that come together and work long hours chipping away at bits and pieces they create, making sure everything fits together until the final piece is completed. It is often well over 100 different voices being spoken in little ways all at once and I find that incredibly moving and beautiful.

Granted, I do wish the industry (and fans especially) were better. The writers strikes and VFX artists treatment should be evidence enough of this (I am still sorely disappointed that there were actually "fans" who complained about these things because it put a delay on their favorite show. These are people's lives we're talking about and that's not a joke.) Money could be better distributed. If a single actor were to accept just a 1,000,000 less from say, a 15 million dollars paycheck—with an average of 276 people who work on a film, that is an additional roughly 3,623 dollars that could be allocated and divided towards every single other person putting work into the film being produced. This is not to say that actors and actresses do not work hard and don't deserve the pay; but the reason they are paid so well at all is because they have much better unions.

For a business so lucrative as the film industry, it is asinine what some of those putting countless hours and effort into these projects get paid by comparison. I wish more people could understand this. Furthermore, I wish more people could understand the creative perspective and just how much work needs to go into this thing that gives so many of us something to enjoy.

Tumblr as I've seen kind of struggles with this idea. And to be fair, this isn't the only place I've seen that. In all honesty, proper criticism isn't a subject that is well taught unless you take a course that actually centers on objective critique.

Allow me to explain.

Contrary to popular belief, not all criticism is valid.

All opinions are valid but criticism is not an opinion, or rather, it should not be an opinion or opinion based. That's far too subjective and restrictive for what can or can't be successful in terms of art—because art and opinions of people vary so wildly it's just not going to be coherent enough to be sound judgement. Art is meant to be free and this method of judging through personal feelings would deny this.

Genuine and valid criticism is generally devoid of personal preference and opinions. It has little to nothing to do with whether or not the piece suits you or you like it or not as a consumer. (Which is often where I see the confusion come from. Many fandoms I've come across will judge a story based on whether or not they liked or disliked things portrayed or the direction it took when this has nothing to do with the critical success or failure of the story. Whether I "like" a piece of art or not cannot define whether it is "good" or "bad" and this misunderstanding of critique is incredibly widespread.)

Critical success of a story is based on a very simple criteria. That is:

1.) What is the creator's goal or intent?

2.) Was this accomplished?

If the answer is yes, then critically, the work is successful or "good". There is unfortunately often a struggle in understanding creative works (especially when people are not educated in light of critique) but to boil it down; if a creative's goal was simply to make and tell a story and it succeeds in doing that whether popular or not and whether people like it or not, then objectively—through a critical eye, the work was well made and fulfilled the goal it set before itself.

And there are other questions involved in critique as well, ones that take it deeper for a more intensive and thourough dissection of the art. Things like literary technique and execution for writings, principles and elements of design for more traditional art—but again, these are things that are identifiable through an objective lens and they do not involve public or personal opinions regarding the work in question.

If the work accomplishes what it sets out to do; then whether you agree with this goal or not, the work has in fact succeeded.

I see so many complaints across fandoms that are discouraging to say the least. The latest on my mind is "The Boys" as an overabundance of people (especially those interacting with any darker media and art forms) will give their personal opinions and label them as critique while simultaneously completely missing the point of both critique and the story. The story itself is quite clear in its intentions and the themes it wants to convey. Objectively, whether you agree with the execution and themes or not, it succeeds in its goals and is quite well made.

Garth Ennis as a writer is quite incredible. His work is certainly not for everyone, but whether you like it or not he will rip your emotions out of you and access every possible feeling you can have on the emotional spectrum through his work. This is part of why his work is so controversial but it's also something that many many writers struggle to and often could not hope to accomplish anywhere near such a magnitude.

And in truth, this is often the goal of art and artists. To make you "feel".

Honestly? I really just wish more people could understand art and artists, and appreciate them through this lens. It's just so disheartening to see people complain about what is tantamount to not understanding the art or the artist—or why art is made at all. In other words, these people do not support artistic freedom if it means art that is not personally tailored to their likes and dislikes gets created. Whether in the industry or outside of it (especially those that make peanuts comparatively. I once saw someone complain about how they wouldn't feel bad for the writers in the industry because of the type of money the industry makes which is just. I'm sorry, it's just so completely tone deaf and ludicrous that I still can't understand how anyone can come to this conclusion.) artists—of all types, deserve this very basic appreciation and respect, whether we like their work or not.

We're human too. And yes, I know, sometimes we're a little weird. But sometimes it's because we also tend to see life through a different lens than those around us. Sometimes we just want to share that view. Sometimes we want to warn people before it's too late. Sometimes we are too late. Sometimes we just feel like pouring out our feelings into something more tangible. All of these are things even artists within larger industries feel. We're still just people and we work just as hard as anyone on our own craft. I hope it's not too much to ask people keep this in mind.

I think, in a way, that may be the only thing we've ever consistently asked for.

Thanks for reading if you made it all the way through. 💜

[placeinthisworld]

i am relating to SO much of what im reading on ur blog rn. do not get me wrong - i LOVE ttpd and love taylor. it's kind of one of those things that's like "always have, always will." im always going to be so grateful for her work and this community, and as i said - i AM loving the music rn!

BUT. she feels different, and feels so far away. i know we are not owed her time or attention, but when you've built your entire brand on fan connection and being "different" than any other celebrity in that regards, it's going to feel off and unexpected when it suddenly stops with no explanation. most of her little interaction is on tiktok, which is half the time not with actual fans, but rather anyone who uses her song in the background (which a lot of times is influencers!) ppl say "yeah but now she does so much more for us" .... yeah... so many new THINGS to buy.

i also think she's at a place where she KNOWS she is on top of the world rn (good for her!) but it has come with a complex - she knows now she doesnt NEED to be close with her fans, doesnt NEED to use her platform for good, doesnt NEED to take constructive criticism - because the gp likes her enough to where she doesn't even need a strong centralized fanbase. as of rn, no opposition can make a dent in her fame or income and she knows it. and it feels icky, and honestly makes her feel less human (which is interesting, because the ttpd is imo some of the most raw humanlike work)

the new social circle is off too. i dont hate travis, and i was happy for her, but have come to like him less and less since realizing he's a bit sleazy and is kind of only liberal for pay. he's publicly made r*pe jokes and xenophobic comments in the past couple years (NOT from 15 year old tweets! recent!) his dad is also super transphobic and mahomes brother is a charged SAer yet taylor gallavants w both of them. travis just seems like an oaf and while im glad she had something more easy and fun, it's telling that there's been a lack of backlash towards him when he's exhibited the same behavior as matty and the only things taylor could write ab him were sports and high school references. i hate to even touch on her personal life like this but god forbid this is a forever thing :/ omg this is a lot but yeah im glad we're having this convo

yup!! bestie your feelings are so valid and i feel very very similarly about everything!!

she knows she doesn’t need to appeal to a niche audience of tween girls anymore. she knows she’s beyond that. fate worked its magic and now she’s america’s it girl without any of drama of having to censor her work. and while yes i’m very proud and happy for her, you’re exactly right, she’s more than happy to continue to push things for us to buy in order to feel close to her. she’s already established a group of life long fans by those who she’s interacted with, invited to things, sent money too etc. so she really doesn’t have to do anything else besides make more music and have the world speculate about her personal life. at the end of the day she just feels sooooo disconnected to us now, compared to how we used to have it at least.

ugh i knew icky meathead was sleazy without even needing taylor to bring him into the limelight but now everyone and their mom is obsessed and up his ass too. EVEN with all those gross things about him (we all saw the recent commencement speech excuse 🤢) he’s definitely democratic for pay. i definitely don’t think he’s gonna stick around forever, either he’ll fuck up and get caught w another girl or she’ll get bored of his ass (speculating that this is a legit relationship and not PR at least lol) she’s a girl that needs a new boy every now and then i fear.

generally i’m just disappointed in her now in a lot of aspects. but completely disconnecting from the world, acting like a whole ass genocide is not actively happening, only ever promoting of talking about herself or her own work just seems so bland and selfish. she’s mentioned voting like what, twice this year? in generic ghost written sentences on an IG story?

[eggs-can-draw]

Shuichi in chapter 4 does make me a bit upset but honestly I’m more understanding

The au:

He in his mind just met kokichi a few weeks ago, he does know him from before, doesn’t know they have know eachother since they were like toddlers, all he knows and sees is someone who is compulsively lying and after chapter 4 led someone to kill and be executed, show sympathy, then completely just wipe it off there face and replace it with apathy

Of course even in canon lying could be used as a defense mechanism, and his lying in the au to protect the fact he remembers and in the au kokichi is suffering fr but shuichi doesn’t know that

Sorry if that was wrong it’s just how I see the situation I also feel bad because shuichi had to accuse gonta or else they would all die, and I didn’t want him to be Executed just like kaito I really wanted to believe he didn’t do it but shuichi had to expose the killer. And because he’s finding the truth lol e kaede wanted he’s hurting the people around him, he is killing people for the truth (which makes me think of more things) and losing his support system who might I add has a hero complex that makes him ignore his own problems

I just think it’s a really complicated situation and feel like sometime people blame one charcter and of course that blame can be valid but your also seeing there actions in an impossible situation were every one is in the right and wrong

Sorry again just my thoughs on it, don’t think anyone’s to blame or a bad person

WELL THIS IS LATE!! Wanna preface my answer with the disclaimer that I wasn't and I'm still not Mad at Shuichi for what he said, it was a heated moment and you can tell that Kokichi was actively trying to antagonize his peers and well. He got to face the consequences of that yknow? I am/was disappointed in Shuichi, but I still understand/understood his actions. Also Shuichi's situation in ch4 was so fucking sad oh my goodness. All Of That followed by the Shit Show that was ch5 good golly. ok so let's get into AU TERRITORY RUBS MY LITTLE HANDS EVILLY. Using this as a small excuse to infodump about In Game Shuichi because I have THOUGHTS. I think that Shuichi has A Theory that something is up, (This is Kyoko I-Full-On-Dipped-For-A-Whole-Ass-Chapter-Because-I-Smelled-Bull-Shit Kirigiri's kid, he's got a nose for sniffing out bs) but it's not something that he's really thinking too had about until ch3, when Kaede and Rantaro come back acting a bit Different and hopping between helping Kokichi get away with a lie or calling him out on them the second they spill out of his mouth (implying they know his tells a little better than they used to, they underestimated how much of an overthinker the SHSL Detective can be) it kinda lost his attention upon watching them die again, and all the things going on in ch4 and 5 (regretted not looking into it later tho lmao, bit of a misstep on his part looking back, "I could have gotten us out sooner, we didn't have to go through that" type beat) Shuichi picks up on Kokichi's tells a little faster than canon but doesn't act on it because the Logical side of his brain points out that a Gut Instinct isnt enough to call out what could totally be the truth yknow? A brain that's been lied to and a gut that Fucking Knows having an internal conflict so he chooses not to act. Sorry that this got so far away from the main topic, you're pretty spot on for Shu tho

[lenievi]

Do you recommend SNW? I’ve been trying to get into it because I like Gia Sandhu and enjoyed some episodes like The Elysian Kingdom. But I’m finding it hard to like what they did with Spock. I like Chapel as a character but Sp@pel isn’t my thing even though Gene Roddenberry wanted it to be canon. (Roddenberry apparently wanted Spock to be a Byronic character who circled between Uhura and Chapel before finally settling on the latter.)

Ok, I’m sorry, but first… people call it SPAPEL? This is the first time I’m seeing it lol took me a moment, anyway…

I’m probably not the best person to ask because I’m not watching Star Trek for… Star Trek? My favourite Star Trek is Discovery which is apparently not Star Trek at all to most people, so…

I think that overall SNW is a good series, but the focus on romance is, quite frankly, disappointing. (You can call me a hypocrite if you want, since I’m all into Kirk/La'an, but I still maintain that Kirk should not be in this show at all at this point - or only as an AU version of himself, since that’s fun - but since he is in it, well, I’m going to enjoy him - since I do like Wesley’s portrayal - and ship him with La'an.)

What is also disappointing is the focus on Spock. Again, I’m not going to pretend that I didn’t enjoy Spock’s journey in the first season, but I would prefer it if romance wasn’t the focus, and Spock was featured way less and other characters more. I have enjoyed Spock a bit less in s2, but I… enjoy Spock overall less even when I watch TOS; he’s just not my primary focus atm

I like La'an, I like M'Benga, I like Una, Uhura, Hemmer, Kirk, I enjoy Pelia, I like Pike when he doesn’t cook, so there is plenty to focus on for me (watching TV is about characters for me).

There are things I’m disappointed with (that are mainly: where are my strange new worlds? LOL), but I try not to dwell on them (except complaining every week about how Una was underutilized again lol), because they don’t really hold me back from enjoying what the writers are offering.

I don’t mind Spock/Chapel. I quite like them tbh; I’m interested in where it’ll go or rather how it gets there. (At this point, I’m most interested in “Is Chapel going to leave the Enterprise and the show at the end of the season?” because I feel that’s where it’s heading atm I don’t want it to happen, but I started to wonder because of Korby…)

I’m just very easy to please tbh and that’s why I don’t recommend things to people (I’m the kind of a person who will tell you that Star Trek V: The Final Frontier is the best TOS movie lol and it is my favourite~) I’m just lucky, so far, that SNW is matching my expectations and even validates some of my TOS readings and various headcanon. Doesn’t mean I wouldn’t want some things to be different, but I’m not the one writing the show.

I do like SNW, even though my reaction to episode 5 last week might suggest otherwise lol The comedy aspect just didn’t work for me… I’ll probably change my opinion after I rewatch it in a few months though.

also, I didn’t like The Elysian Kingdom when it aired, even though I cried at the end. I liked it more when I rewatched it in preparation for s2, but it still isn’t anywhere near my fave episodes. (I checked my rewatch ranking - based strictly on my enjoyment, not how good the episode is - and I put the episode as second to last, so… we might actually have different taste, so my opinion might be completely irrelevant to you…)

[fraugremlinreads]

Why Women Have Better Sex Under Socialism, And Other Arguments for Economic Independence - Kristen R. Ghodsee

⭐⭐

Just Prefacing this Review- These are mostly just thoughts on topics as they came.

I have a overwhelming criticisms that i cannot stop thinking about and must jot down.

Ghodsee prefaces this book by stating its not an actual thesis or anything and just something informative and entertaining to read, so there is that to consider, but my criticisms of her logic are still valid nonetheless and make me cautious of her more official works.

A prominent issue with Ghodsee is that she is a very individualistically minded person who prioritizes autonomy over all else, it seems, who opposes collectivist ideals, yet wants to argue for socialism, which stands against her own ideals. She is sympathetic to socialism and its aims, but views its main factor, being a collective, as a negative.

All in all, I am kind of disappointed at how often I have seen this book referenced by leftists and i have to ask,,,, did any of you actually read this?

In the beginning of her book, she discusses the negatives of state socialism/the USSR, and she talks about rape and SA and other women's issues that were prevalent. This was the first red flag I experienced that made me weary of this author. Rather than starting with her criticism of being a collective, as you usually do when listing grievance's, you start with the least severe and lead down to the more severe, but Ghodsee lists the collective nature of socialist states as a last, after rape, which is very very weird but also misses the point of socialism?

She also thinks that the Nordic model is socialist, or at least mistakenly references it every time she wants to talk about "socialism done right"

Ghodsee criticizes that Housework is an exploitation of women whereas women must perform this labor for free and with very little compensation (if any) while also, under capitalism, selling her sex to men to have her basic needs met.

Of course, it is true that partners with no fear of dependency can have better relationships, Ghodsee ends up re-affirming the lack of respect for housework, going so far as to imply a woman to be privldged if she works herself to death BUT her husband makes dinner. Ghodsee does not want being a homemaker to be disconnected from sex and respected as a valid and appreciated service offered to the community or your household. She wants being a homemaker to be disconnected from sex and wants both parents to perform both paid and unpaid labor (with the women in particular persuing "girlboss" careers,

Ghodsee attempts to make a point in many cases, but completely misses the mark despite claiming to be intersectional. She talks about how women preferred to work under the USSR, but doesnt talk about the differences between the two economic systems that could lead to this mindset to begin with.

Under the two economic systems, there is a different mindset or theory of how employment would function. Under capitalism, with higher competition and exploitation, the work environment can be taxing, hazardous and low security/flexibility. While as, under socialism, the general idea is that there will be better work conditions, livable salaries and more flexibility. Of course someone would prefer to work under those conditions as opposed to capitalist conditions (assuming anyone even has those conditions. it depends entirely on the pool of her sources for this segment as there was already a lot of issues in the USSR, with disorganization and other issues in the workplace)

It is just another example of her saying a few things and then creating a bias conclusion to fit her narrative. None of her evidence really supports her argument, she is just preposing that it does prematurely.

And she construes this to be that because Socialist women worked happily, women who do not want to have a capitalist career are denying themselves of a fulfilling life (a fulfilling life she later calls privileged when a woman writes to her that her life was so stressful she didn't even have time to have sex with her husband, the entire premise of the book was better sex under socialism? yet it seems she keeps talking about how actually women were having just about the same level of sex under capitalism or less? CURIOUS)

Rather than actually delving into some interesting topics and actually talking about how socialism could improve our relationships, Ghodsee spends about 90% of the book listing off anecdote's of women and men she knew under capitalism doing things she doesn't like, one of them being such a go getter career girl boss that she was making basically 9USD in a year and this was inspiring to Ghodsee, apparently, or she talks about all of the powerful female figures under the USSR.

Apparently. Ghodsee thinks that the path to great sex is just female representation in politics and working yourself to death?

Because thats all Ghodsee cares about. This isnt an argument for how economics affects our love lives. Its an argument for why women should be economically independent from men and dismantle the patriarchy because sex under our current system is transactional. Okay, cool.

>Ghodsee doesnt talk about how normalizing house-roles as a valid and respectful path can help both parents to make more in depth decisions on a personalized model in their relationships.

>Ghodsee doesnt talk about how a proper work-life balance with fullfiling hobbies and holidays that are not monitized can lead to more fullfiling relationships and life experiences.

>Ghodsee doesnt talk about how disconecting from individualism and economic incentives and transactional relationships in general can improve interpersonal relationships for a more fullfiling life experience.

Ghodsee doesnt talk really about anything to do with relationships in a meaningful way. She mostly just talks about casual sex and hedonistic values as a net positive and how women should just pursue careers. thats it.

The book could be summed up in a single chapter; Capitalism sex bad. Women who work their own jobs aren't enslaved by men and therefore relationships with men better. Women should be politicians, and also I prematurely celebrated Hillary Clinton being elected and was so excited for my daughter to have a female role model (yikes)

Small jib but; If you were ok with Hillary Clinton, maybe you should move to Germany! We might be getting a queer female chancellor soon if the AfD gets majority!!! (this is a far right party, btw.) maybe your daughter can look up to her instead?

Oh, of course, there is also this bit about biological sexism where Ghodsee implies that maybe the world would be a better place with females in power over men, and i cant help but wonder if she is alright. Like, how can you ever be happy in a heterosexual relationship if you genuinely believe women are inherently more moral than men? I cannot imagine loving a man if i believed this.

Capitalism Between the Sheets: On Sex II is the only time she actually starts to talk about interpersonal relationships and how the economic system can affect them. Women work with no discrimination = better sex, but this gets ruined by her lamenting on open relationships and sex with benefits and stuff... and it just gets weird. Capitalism = monogomy and Socialism = the potential for non-monogamy (Ghodsee seems very anti-monogomy the more I read her but maybe this is a stretch?)

It is really difficult to follow her views on monogomy because she seems overly antagonistic to it as a concept as opposed to it in practice. I agree that the current het.cis model of relationships is very flawed and problematic, but you cannot dismiss the validity of concepts just because of its system of practice. People can be mono or poly if they want to, but it is a very serious life decision with long term consequences and commitments. Being poly has more commitment and is more complex than being mono.

Now, if Ghodsee was actually competent at putting together a good argument for how the economic system affects interpersonal relationships, then she could very easily create a great argument for how the current structure complicates our perception of polygamy and what policies and social change we could inact to make it more viable. But no. she does not do this, because in this chapter, she does the age old "oh well its actually very complex and we just dont understand it well BUT did you know in the ussr there was platonic lesbianism" or something like that. I have no idea.

FINALLY. on page 134. finally. we talk about the book title. Better Sex under Socialism? This refers specifically to a study on the DDR. the studies apparently show that Eastern German women experienced more orgasms than their Western counterpart. This was probably the most interesting part of the book.

(My husbands family is from the DDR so it will be fun to discuss her opinions here with him since he is also a socialist and has some pros and cons of the DDR himself.)

but of course. Ghodsee has her bias, but I really do not care to mention them anymore because this review would be too long if i nitpicked everything she says. We have already established she is a liberal so there is no point. She does not want socialism.

[dcarsi-95]

Ideas for FNAF-Based Story

I’ve had this idea for probably less than a year now about making a story inspired by the Five Nights at Freddy’s franchise, as well as by Welcome to DreamWorld, a video story arch series on YouTube also inspired by FNAF made by YouTuber Rainbott, whose videos I definitely recommend checking out, as I find their story also mighty interesting.

Now, of course, this story of mine I’ve been thinking of making goes by the name of Fantazmoland, and it broadly focuses on one of the founders of this theme park called Fantazmoland experimenting on human souls and putting them into inanimate objects to give them life, and while the rest of the plot may be strongly inspired specifically by Five Nights at Freddy’s: Security Breach, I picture it going on an otherwise pretty original path, and I intend to elaborate on it more in a following post.

Recently, however, I’ve been having this other FNAF-based story idea that bears a plot structure pretty similar to the first three FNAF games, mostly games 1 and 3, as well as an element or two from Sister Location, as I’ll elaborate on in a little bit, and it’s probably not as original as I intend Fantazmoland to be, though I’ve thought of a few twists, and I’m not quite sure if I’m going to incorporate it into my Fantazmoland story or just make it a separate story of its own, but I’m hoping you guys can help me out with a little advice and/or some suggestions, and I mostly came up with it as a sort of coping mechanism.

You see, the idea for this latter story came to me not long after having watched this episode of the Roxanne Wolf and Gregory Show, and for those who aren’t familiar with it, it’s a VRchat video series in which Roxanne Wolf and Gregory share a YouTube channel and have many adventures, and in which Roxanne has assumed the role as Gregory’s adoptive mother as of more or less somewhere around the latter half of last year.

Now, as you may have already found by now, in that specific episode I’ve just mentioned, Roxanne briefly alludes to Gregory of a past instance in which she’d once tried to…*gulp*…eviscerate him; now, I don’t know exactly when this happened, as I haven’t seen all of the episodes so far—and I’ve struggling to work up the nerve to watch the ones prior to one in which she’d finally repaired after having been shattered—or for what reason (but if any of you are already familiar with this series, feel free to inform me), despite playing the role as Gregory’s adoptive mother, though I’d initially presumed that it’d happened somewhere during her shattered phase, where she was lacking emotions as well as any motherly feelings she held for Gregory that had been induced by a maternity chip that was then lost after she got shattered — but, of course, any episodes I’d watched taking place after she got repaired make to mention of such evisceration, and instead mention a completely different thing she’d done to Gregory during her shattered phase which I won’t waste time elaborating on, but was, in my opinion, not quite as bad as trying to gruesomely murder your surrogate child.

Regardless, I still found it pretty whack to think that Roxanne would stoop to such a low as to murder a child just because she lacked a maternity chip and didn’t perceive herself as a mother figure to Gregory, and wouldn’t have expected such a thing before. Even Glamrock Freddy in Roxanne’s apology episode expresses his surprise and disappointment towards Shattered Roxy’s actions towards Greogory (though, of course, he wasn’t referring to any attempts at murdering or disemboweling Gregory), stating that he “felt like Gregory was a safe one, and that [Roxanne] would never do anything to him, maternity chip or not.” And while this isn’t the case, as you’ve most likely have already seen by now, I’d sometimes picture Roxanne excusing herself in saying that she’d “never been a big fan of kids,” not that it’s any valid or justifiable excuse for attempting cold-blooded murder.

With that in mind, I’ve also then tried to imagine how she might’ve tried to resume a “normal” life if she actually had succeeded in murdering Gregory, trying to resume her usual routine of performing in front of other children, only to then think to herself, “Ugh, great! I now have to deal with more snot-nosed brats” and that it might then lead to something of a child-murder spree probably not at all too dissimilar to when William Afton had murdered all those children in earlier FNAF games.

So, as a sufferer of OCD, and thusly often facing frequent torment from such thoughts, I’d come up with a story that kinda goes along pretty similar lines, focussing on a serial child-murderer born from being stuck in a position where she’s forced to attend/cater to/deal with children for most of the time despite having a strong distaste for children; this murder spree, of course, being catalyzed possibly from having first murdered a child or a couple or so children under her especial care, more or less essentially holding the role as children to her, be they biologically born to her or adoptive.

Now, of course, unlike my Joe the Slasher story idea, this isn’t simply about a serial killer murdering multiple kids; there’s an additional twist to it, also. I’ve pictured the souls of the children this story’s focal killer had murdered come back to haunt her and seek revenge against her. So far, the structure of this here story seems more or less kind of a rip-off of the FNAF franchise (especially FNAF 1, 3, and Sister Location), as I’ve pictured it involving the children’s spirits possessing animatronics, mannequins, or other anthropoid figures resident to whatever establishment our main villain works at, probably killing other employees therein as they mistake said employees for their murderer, as she most likely had her face hidden with some sort of mask or something while she’d killed those kids in order to hide her identity, and said murderer ultimately facing a death not unlike that of William Afton when he became Springtrap, and likely also coming back in sequels in a very similar fashion also.

However, I’ve tried to add some tweaks and more or less original twists to my story in attempt to make it less of a FNAF-ripoff.

For starters, our main villain is female, and whereas William Afton was English/British, I’ve considered making my villain possibly French if not American; in which case I’ve even picked out a name for her: Guadalupe Moreau, often called “Lupe” for short. And while I know Guadalupe is more of a Spanish name than a French one, I figured it can be excused considering how Spain and France are pretty close neighbors anyway — plus, “Lupe” sounds pretty similar to the French word for wolf, loup (masculine-tense, anyway…), making a bit of a nod towards Roxanne Wolf as inspiration for this character. I’d also pictured Lupe taking on the disguise of a mascot character who is also a wolf, sorta like how William Afton had taken on the disguise of Spring Bonnie when he was murdering those children.

Also, even though I’ve pictured her as having an aforementioned strong distaste for children, I’ve also thought that that might not have always been the case, and that she might’ve even started out as a more enthusiastic mother (or, at least, enthusiastic on becoming a mother, if she hadn’t been one already) before attaining postpartum depression after giving birth to a couple of kids, which later drives her to murder them, and then later a kid or two of hers she may’ve adopted some time earlier.

I’ve also strongly considered giving her the distinguishing feature of having heterochromatic eyes, with one being blue and the other green, and possibly even having a twin sister who also has heterochromatic eyes but colored in a reverse order to those of Lupe’s — not exactly sure what this twin sister’s role would be in the story, though I’ve had the vague concept of Lupe impersonating her after possibly eliminating her one way or another, this kinda taking inspiration from the “Miracle Child” episode of the Harmony and Horror video series made by another YouTuber by the name of Battington.

As to what role or occupation Lupe plays in the establishment the story takes place in, I’ve been indecisive as to whether it be as an entertainer for the kids if not some music performer like Roxy (but then what might be the point in the animatronics there?) or at least some sort of attendee to the kids, or possibly being the founder of the establishment alongside her possible sister, much like how William Afton was the founder of Fazbear Entertainment.

Secondly, the setting for the story might not necessarily be at a pizzeria, but maybe instead some sort of burger joint, though I’ve lately been having the idea that it may be a daycare, having gotten that idea from a video my YouTuber cha.momilie called Barbara’s Daycare, in which case I’ve come to strongly lean towards the idea of Lupe being its founder, having at least once been an aspiring mother herself at the time of the daycare’s founding.

Thirdly, if it helps, it the story might not even have that analogue horror plot structure where its a bunch of fragments one has to piece together in the right way and the big reveal comes later, and may instead be related completely through Lupe’s perspective — or maybe the story does come with some puzzle pieces that can be put together.

I guess it doesn’t matter too much if it’s a bit similar to FNAF, because it’s not like I necessarily intend to profit off of it; it’s just harmless fun and a therapeutic way to cope with my troubling thoughts concerning Roxanne Wolf in that one YouTube video series.

So, any thoughts or suggestions for this story from you guys? Please leave a comment and let me know. I’ll be introducing more concepts to this in later posts.

[therossgarden]

I mean, to me it seems that Ozai’s characterization is slightly different in the live action, which is valid considering that it’s own thing with influences from the cartoon. I feel like Ozai’s characterization is what makes everything in his kids different.

If feels like Ozai’s character is more sly, more willing to make a great man out of Zuko instead of deeming him worthless from day 1.

Watching the scenes from the past, we can see Ozai testing Zuko during the war council. And while burning his face, it almost seems like he’s disappointed and sad. Of course, it might be an aspect of his manipulative character, and I might be mistaken, but the expression gave me that sensation.

And later, when he visits Zuko, he is disappointed, but he also looks like he wants Zuko to understand, to reply “I’m sorry, it won’t happen again” and to change, it feels like Ozai wants to teach him a lesson and move on. It’s only when Zuko says that “the weak must be given the chance to grow” or something (sorry I watched it in my native language), THAT’s when Ozai looks like he is fully disappointed and disgusted. It’s as if he has completely lost all hope in his child to do better. THAT’s when Ozai tells him that he’s banished.

You see, OG Ozai would’ve never given Zuko this much agency. We all know he didn’t even think he was his son at some point in the comics, and that’s when he started to mistreat him. OG Ozai would’ve visited Zuko only to taunt him. Live action Ozai visited him to let him know why he did what he did, and when his son replied in a way he didn’t like, he snapped.

Both are abusive fathers, but OG Ozai feels like a full narcissist and sadistic, Live Action Ozai feels like an evil manipulator, that’s it.

Ozai’s characterization is different, and therefore so is Zuko’s upbringing.

OG Zuko refused to fight because his father never believed in him, and wanted to show him respect by refusing to fight. Live action Zuko is treated like an heir growing up, still abused and mistreated, but slightly less. And he shows respect to his father by refusing to finish the fight.

In both versions of Zuko there’s that kindness, theres that willingness to make his father proud, there’s Ursa. But the two Zuko are different.

OG Zuko was more carefree, and therefore thought that surrending would be enough for his father to stop. And at the beginning of ATLA, he is constantly mad, constantly mistreating Iroh and being far more like Ozai wants him to be.

LA Zuko is more mature (still a 13/14 yo kid, but far less carefree than OG), because his training and studies is more evident. He fought because he was trained to do so, but still stopped and avoided hitting his father, which is what made him get his scar. During the live action, Zuko is far less angry towards Iroh, he’s only frustrated because of the avatar and his crew. He thinks Ozai wouldn’t want his troops to be bullies. He’s different from the rest of his family.

OG Zuko didn’t fight like his father wanted, and became angry and started snapping at everyone. LA Zuko is more… focused, mature, calm. Which isn’t a bad thing for him, because he’s still great. But something is different.

His upbringing is different.

Which brings us to my main point.

It’s not out of character for Zuko to fight. It’s completely in character. It’s simply not for the Zuko we grew up with. It works perfectly fine with the new Zuko.

And regarding the new Azula, she is what came before book two. She gets to be petty as much as she was during the first season.

Also, Azula wasn’t Ozai’s favourite from the beginning like in the OG version, she became it when Zuko was banished. She said it herself, she has worked hard for what Zuko was supposed to have in the past years.

And Ozai playing with her mind and her response makes her the true favourite only at the end of the series. When Ozai pushed Zuko, he fell. When Ozai pushed Azula, she bit back.

Concluding this, our fire siblings feel different because they are, because their father is different. They’re all valid, just not the same we grew up with.

And this is merely another indication that the live action is its own thing, and should not be judged because of its faithfulness to the OG.

sorry i will be having straight up NO CHILL about this WHY DID ZUKO FIGHT OZAI ??? JUST SO DALLAS LIU COULD SHOW OFF HIS ACRO SKILLS ??? I'M SORRY I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT ZUKOS REFUSAL TO DUEL HIS FATHER WAS AN IMPORTANT PART OF HIS CHARACTER OR SOMETHING BUT I GUESS I WAS WRONG

[fatedtime]

the point of fate is not to be mythologically accurate. it’s literally never been the point, ever. it’s hard-baked into the lore, where rumor and superstition are far more important to how a servant manifests than actual historical fact. the point of fate is to use mythology as a base to creating cool/thematically interesting characters that have sick-ass anime battles against each other, along with conveying narratives about the fundamental worth of humanity.

you can make arguments that specific characters don’t do the job of being interesting because of how they’re written, which is fair! you can also make the argument that certain characters should be more accurate because their representation in particular matters due to their relative obscurity or their status as real people (especially if said person in some way experienced disenfranchisement in their life.) these are both valid points worthy of criticism, and i have my own disappointments with fate’s approach to certain topics due to this, especially in cases where it feels like the actual presentation runs counter to the narrative of the original in a way that feels offensive.

but in the grand scheme of things, ‘x thing sucks because it’s not historically accurate’ is a ridiculous statement to make about fate, because the franchise frankly doesn’t give a shit. this isn’t a flaw, it just isn’t the interest of the narrative. it’s like complaining that cubism sucks because the cow doesn’t look like a realistic cow, which is hilariously missing the point of the art-form. from the very beginning, the series has never been about getting everything factually ‘right’.

‘mistakes’ or ‘inaccuracies’ also aren’t necessarily due to a lack of education, like i’ve seen detractors of the series claim, but are instead more likely due to having other priorities which don’t happen to line up with ‘accuracy’. immediately attributing lack of education to personal distaste for a design choice is honestly in poor taste itself. insulting someone’s intelligence leads to bad faith media criticism.  it’s equivalent to saying salvador dalí sucks at anatomy when really he just wants to draw some fucked up little guys.

not every piece of media has the priorities you might have, and just because it’s not catered to you doesn’t mean it’s bad or that the person who created it is stupid/lazy. hell, monetary factors certainly come into play as well -- i’m sure there were choices that were specifically made to make a character ‘sell better’, because ultimately people want to eat. it takes talent to create characters that someone will fall in love with, and even if you don’t fall in love with them, they might just be someone else’s treasured, important blorbo. the plot point that doesn’t aesthetically appeal to you might be exactly catered to someone else, and that’s a completely different issue than writing quality or the education level of the creators.

this post is me defending hans christian anderson being a fucked up little alcoholic and gods being space aliens, by the way, not antisemitism or putting children in bikinis. fuck that shit.