#the fosters 3x01

[deafchild2000]

Since it's Halloween 2024, that means that Rafael is/was turning 14 years old today!

Rafael's Halloween Birthday Bash

So, considering last night was a full moon, I can say we are in the clear!

Anyhoo: Me and @ambroselaveau90 love to talk about Legacies and what we would have done if we wrote the show. So, yeah, we envision how things go and just roll from there.

And for those who are confused: Harmony is my OC for the TVD Universe! Check out Inheritance!

Now, a while back, we were coinciding the 2020 Full Moon with Legacies (which was 2 aka absolute hell for the werewolves), and here's what happened:

Setting: Season 2, before the Prison World Arc

Rafael's birthday is discovered to be on October 31st. Everyone knew he was born in October, but Harmony Mikaelson Kenner was surprised to find out it was that particular date.

Turns out, it wasn't something he informed because his former foster families tended to forget or not care (with maybe one showing minimum effort!)

Learning this, Harmony decided to throw him a birthday party at the Old Mill with Landon's help. Rafael - knowing she won't take no for an answer - reluctantly accepted this.

However, in the midst of the beginning stages of her plan, the school is called to an assembly, which much to her disappointment, was called by Lizzie.

It got worse: With leftover funds, Lizzie is planning an IMMENSE Halloween Bash that "makes the Great Hall in Hogwarts look like decorations from Dollar Tree!"

Angry because this meant Rafael's birthday would be ignored, Harmony stands up, stalks towards Lizzie, and chews her out in the process while causing the room to quake in anger. Lizzie dismisses why Harmony would be against it until she blurts out that it's Rafael's birthday - which causes all eyes to go to Rafael (who looks away in embarrassment).

Hearing this, Lizzie feels a bit of shame for not knowing this (and silently blames her spies) but tries to excuse that maybe Rafael wouldn't mind otherwise he would have said something sooner. Harmony doesn't take this well and it results in a screaming match with shocking tremors throughout the out school until Rafael gets in-between them and stops it before the school collapses in itself!

While a bit pissed at Harmony for spilling the beans, he knows it was done unintentionally with pure devotion. So, he calls a truce: Combine both their ideas and make it a Halloween Birthday Bash (presents optional). He's never had a good birthday anyway, except for Landon and his late girlfriend, Cassie.

The girls shake on the truce (with students now looking to Rafael as a God and debating what to give him now that he saved the school!)

To be fair, no one said the girls had to work together, but a frustrated Harmony wreaked earthquakes throughout the school trying.

As far as planning goes: The colors for Halloween (orange, black, purple, etc) were okay. Flying pumpkin lanterns was a must, though whether they're carved or not was a tight vote! Harmony got Kaleb officially on board to be a major part of the band, which switched between DJ and live entertainment. (She asked him if he would mind dressing up like Stevie Wonder and singing "Superstitious" & he was already rehearsing!)

The biggest arguments had been about the cake (size, shape, flavor).

Rafael is being vague in helping, which is good and bad because as much as Harmony wants to go to town with it, she wants to cater to Rafael.

Next was the music choices. While getting Kaleb on board was a bonus, what's appropriate for a Halloween bash has many, many selections to choose from.

Next is food and decorations, which follows a theme and that's left unsaid and in the care of Alyssa and Josie.

At some point, it gets too much and Rafael yells at Harmony...who just stands silently and slams the clipboard containing everything she planned into his chest before walking away (leaving her hurt and him feeling like an ass).

Hearing that Lizzie's going to be in charge of planning everything from now on, Landon and a pissed Alyssa go to Rafael, who's hiding in the Old Mill with Harmony's clipboard. After some biting comments from the witch, Rafael reveals he's overwhelmed because his birthday signifies the day he was given up for adoption...and the last good birthday he had by his adopted parents before he died. They died in an accident the night of his tenth birthday and it haunts him. Add in foster care and the times his birthday with unanswered, Cassie and Landon were the only ones to low key celebrate it. Then here Harmony comes, trying to make it the biggest event of the century and it just...overwhelms him.

Alyssa stands quietly before she calmly chews him out:

Alyssa: Really? Because you had bad things and unattentive people place a dark shadow on the most important day of your life, it means it's cursed or something? I swear I don't know how you dated Harmony at all if you don't know her at this point. Look, I can go at this several ways, but I'll be clinical. Harmony was born after her kidnapped mother's labor was induced by witches who wanted to sacrifice her and Hope and on that very same day, her mother was killed. If not for their blood, she would've stay dead! Then, because of her dick of a dad, her mother - who already lost the first 6 months of her life sending her away to protect her and then only was reunited with her for 2 months - was cursed to be stuck in wolf form and missed her first birthday. The next 5 years were traveling around the country and she met people who had it better and worse than her. Add in the fact she was tortured and well, her 8th birthday was more of a distraction than a happy event. But then, she lives in the city where her family has caused people irreversible damage. She realizes she's white, privileged and if she can bring people joy, she can do it. Do you see Hope planning this? No, because Harmony can't help but think of others, even on her special day! If anything, you have to make it special when she forgets! But you wanna know what she did for my birthday? She had my favorite food made, pulled out my favorite movies, and decked out the Old Mill to look like a tented theatre. She's not doing to win a popularity contest or something! She's doing this because she wants to, putting all her energy into this. After all, it's a friend who she truly cares about, even after he hurt her. And you're also in the wrong because you should have told her this sooner! She may be a Seer, but she has enough self-control that she won't force it from you. You have to tell her. She wouldn't have fought with Lizzie over this and just convinced the school pack to sneak away to celebrate it! But you just sat back and got angry when all she's doing, all she's ever wanted to do, was give people who didn't have it as good as her something amazing to look back on. It's hard some days to see her as selfish because she's too busy giving herself for others! This (points to the clipboard) is for YOU! The werewolf born on Halloween, who's lost people as the world beat him down, who now has a place with friends who understand him with his brother by his side, who she wants to have a goddamn great birthday because simply he deserves it! It's the least the world can give him. And from what you told us since the world rarely lets that happen, then Harmony will make it happen! Look, I'm not saying this to guilt-trip you, I'm just telling you to look at how far you've come, look at what Harmony has done for you, and accept this rare gift of someone planning the celebration of your life. Because you are cared for and loved and if you weren't born, someone would feel your loss. Despite your tragedies, you are someone's reason to keep going and that's enough to celebrate."

Alyssa walks away, leaving an impression on the boys.

Landon: I never thought I see her that passionate before. Make me kinda understand why she's Harmony's best friend.

Rafael: Yeah (looks back at the clipboard)

Harmony's list: Decorations?✔ Flying pumpkin (carved)?✔ Levitating food platters?✔ Food and snack bar?✔ Red punch and animal blood distinguished?✔ Music setlist?✔ 90s Halloween themes from movies?✔ Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' Ninja Rap on the setlist?✔ Convincing the pack to dress as the Turtles and do the dance? (Pending) Cake?❌ Rafael's preference?❌ Cake size?❌ Rafael's costume preference?❌ Asking Nekkie to bring Cassie back for a night? (Pending)...

The list went on and on and Rafael realize just why Harmony's been tailing him and why she was putting the effort into his birthday. And she was seriously considering bringing his ex back for his birthday!? He didn't like the Necromancer, but he found Harmony amusing, so a favor like that?

Rafael: I need to talk to Harmony.

Rafael looks all over for Harmony until he realizes she's at her dorm. He knocks but when she opens it before he gets a word out, she slams it in his face! Can't say he didn't deserve it.

He kept knocking, but once he heard Citizen Soldier blaring and he had no choice but to talk loudly to explain himself. He explained the day of his birth, his adoptive parents dying, the neglect he experienced on his birthday, the fact that Landon and Cassie were the last time he had a not-so-bad birthday before he killed Cassie, and how he had always thought his birthday had been cursed. Like he didn't deserve to even celebrate it. But then he lists off all the things from Harmony's clipboard and once he got to Cassie, he choked up because that was when he knew just how much she must've cared to ask the freakin' Necromancer a favor just to make his day special! And he apologizes for blowing up at her when all she was trying to do was something great for him that not a lot of people did before.

He hears the music stop and looks to see Harmony open the door, a bit teary-eyed, and pulls him in. She asks him why he just didn't tell her and he replies it was because he knew once she put her mind to something, it was hard to stop. A miscommunication on both their parts, though he still should have spoken up before she put all that effort in. He asks her if she would have brought Cassie back, to which she responds that she would and now she's getting ideas to add his late adoptive parents in for closure!

For the first time, he smiles at the thought and realizes he didn't deserve her. He tells her not to, he made peace with their deaths a long time ago.

Out of nowhere, Harmony started spouting out facts: "Did you know you're one of few babies born on Halloween? In October, there's a massive decline in childbirth on Halloween leading some to believe expectant mothers somehow consciously withhold their labors to avoid the negative perceptions Halloween carries for their babies. And take away that fact that you were, did you know it's most unlikely you would've been born on Halloween at all? Or did you know that October babies are more likely to be good at sports? And even have the potential for the presidency? Did you know you are most likely to live to see your 100th birthday? That you are likely born with a healthy heart and good mental health? Well, I say 50/50 to those two if you hadn't gone through hell."

Rafael: (shocked yet smiles) No, I didn't know that.

Harmony: (smiles) "Anyways, as unlikely as the event was, you are a Halloween baby, which means special perks. Like you're a Scorpio, so that means you're prone to bouts of passion and intense bouts of determination, loyal, dependable, creative, and just instinctively a good leader, however, you're also prone to being a mischief-maker and short-tempered, especially on Halloween which counteracts with the boost of loyalty you'll get. Now, you also share a few birthdays with Willow Smith, Christopher Columbus (ooooh, I am so sorry about that!), Robert Van Winkles aka Vanilla Ice (Rafael: No wonder you capitalized on the Ninja Rap!/Harmony: Shut up!) Oh, and Peter Jackson, whom you and Landon have to thank for directing the LOTR trilogy!"

Rafael: (laughs) Okay, so is that all the fun stuff?

Harmony: (mock gasps) Oh, not even close! There's the extra special stuff that comes with being born on Samhain!

Rafael: (Eyes widen) Oh, I pray you do not mean-

Harmony: Did you know babies born on Halloween have Second Sight aka the ability to see spirits? (Smirks)

Rafael: (groans) That was the first thing I expected to come out of your mouth.

Harmony: (laughs) Oh, if you had been born normal, I have no doubt that would have been as far into our world as you would've gotten! But there's more to it! Yes, It's one of the facts, being able to communicate with spirits, but Second Sight is kinda like seeing into the future, like what I am supposed to do if I wasn't Girl, Interrupted, and it's sudden. Like a piece of knowledge just appears in your mind, no matter how small. Speaking of which, you are also immune to evil spirits, another perk point! Did you know you could read dreams as well? And do you wanna know the best one of all?

Rafael: What?

Harmony: Babies born on Samhain were thought to be the next kings and knights.😏

They spend hours checking everything off Harmony's clipboard (Cake? Chocolate but gooey, velvet texture to make it look bloody? Cassie? Not happening. Rafael's costume? Already decided but nothing ninja turtle or werewolf related.)

By the next day, Harmony was surprised to hear Lizzie and Josie were having a tough time. Turns out Alyssa was having a bit too much fun making sure everything about Rafael's side of things could only be answered by Harmony herself.

Speaking of the witch, Rafael went to her dorm to thank her for helping him see the bigger picture with Harmony and his birthday. A bit snarky accepting it, Alyssa said instead of thanks, she wanted the simple favor of debuting something she'd been working on during the party. Something that would "make Lizzie ruin her costume with cake".

As much as Rafael was confused by her motives, he gave Alyssa his blessing to debut whatever the hell she was planning. Part of him really wanted to warn Harmony and Lizzie, but the last time he did something stupid, he got hex bags all over the place and a heartbroken/pissed tribrid.

Then came the actual day, which he shouldn't have let his guard down.

First, he wake up to a skeleton sleeping beside him (and gave Landon hell for it by chasing him around school when he found him!)

Then, he opened his door to a lot of presents. As in half could only fill up the entire room and would take days to go through (turns out keeping Lizzie and Harmony from fighting made him some type of saviour.)

Next, he got so many birthdays and well wishes from his classmates.

His breakfast was flapjacks that looked very much like a werewolf.

He was allowed to help put up the decorations (but only bare minimum, Lizzie's idea), but was ultimately either outside picking up the bonfire (clearly Harmony's idea) or inside his room, to be called upon for the big night.

Landon was the one who escorts him to the party where MG announces his arrival. (Cue a scene in which Kaleb is singing "Superstitious" on the piano)

Costumes: Landon as a player from Squid Games, Harmony as a Witch (black, pointy hat and colorful costume), Hope as an Angel, MG as Michael Jackson from Thriller, Kaleb as Stevie Wonders, Josie as Wednesday Addams and Lizzie as Carrie White on prom night (before the pig blood)

The party went underway as it continued into the night, but not without a few hiccups. Some of the punch spilled on others (someone had a bright idea to say the labels were switched) and the food was fantastic and his favorites. Songs like Thriller (followed by an epic dance battle between Kaleb and MG) followed by other 90s and 2000s Halloween songs. By the time the cake came out, Rafael was floored. The cake had a graveyard theme with the coating brown and black with "bones" sticking out...and was HUGE! It was 5 layers high, but big enough that the school could get seconds and thirds if they wanted. He had to climb a podium to reach the spaced-out candles on top (lit with a small fire spell, no less)

The entire school gathers around as they sang "Happy Birthday" cheerfully, if not eerily. Hauntingly.

Rafael blew and took out all the candles in one blow (he suspects they were enchanted to do so but doesn't care.)

By the time, the song ended, all of the lights cut off, except for the starry illusion on the ceiling.

Rafael didn't know what was going on and he could hear Harmony and Lizzie getting ready to search out the source of the issue when suddenly a low, haunting tone started to play around them:

"Come little children

I'll take thee away

Into a land of enchantment

Come little children

The time's come to play

Here in my garden of shadows..."

Following the music, the students followed the singing as it continues to pick up. Slowly, the lanterns started to light up again overhead as they passed them.

The school found themselves back in the Grand Hall and looked up as the lanterns were lit up bright enough for them to see Alyssa, dressed as a witch renaissance style, with a broom in hand....standing on the baluster overlooking the entire school!

A few students look like they're about to move forward as Alyssa sang sang the last verse:

"Come little children

I'll take thee away

Into a land of enchantment

Come little children

The time's come to play

Here in my garden of shadows."

And with that, jumped off the baluster, causing everyone to scream out in front...

Only...

Lizzie's jaw dropped and the third serving of cake fell on her dress, a red smear falling on it.

Harmony's expression was that of from shock to an incredibly wide, shit-eating grin!

Lizzie: She didn't...

Harmony: (incredibly smug) Oh, fuck yeah she did!

Right before everyone, right up in the air, Alyssa was safe....riding a flying broomstick!

Alyssa: (smirking) Happy birthday, Rafael.

Alyssa threw back her head and let out a loud, cackling laughter that scared the shit out of everyone and she held the head of the broom before taking off around the room!

Rafael, looking at the display that he was told was impossible on his first day at Salvatore, now understood why she asks to make her debut.

She had brought flying broomsticks back into the modern-day!

He turned to see, as Alyssa had promised, Lizzie's jaw dropped and ruined her dress with cake. Harmony looked like she was seeing prepared to start hero-worshipping any minute as she hyped up and cheered as her best friend flew above the room.

Alyssa leaned to the side as she dipped and snatched Harmony's black, pointing witch hat off her head before sitting upright and winking at her before putting it on.

Rafael watched the spectacle with awe but realized quickly that Alyssa didn't have enough room.

Rafael: (shouting) Get to the field! Head to the field!

Kaleb must've known what he was doing as he started to go the same, prompting everyone to head outside, opening the back doors. The crowd rushed out, parting ways as Alyssa flew between them and shot out into the night sky.

Alyssa looking down to see everyone pouring out to cheer her on, pulled out a vial from her dress pocket and threw it at the unlit bonfire, and yelled "Phasmotas Incendia!"

The bonfire exploded and sparks shoot out into the sky before becoming a busting display of fireworks!

Watching the fireworks light up and the almost euphoric joy in the atmosphere, Rafael didn't notice Harmony until she judged him in the side.

Harmony: (smiles) So...can you say you had a bad birthday?

Rafael: (showing his pearly whites in his smile) I can say that I never had a bad birthday EVER again! (Hugs her tightly)

Cue in the far out distance, Alyssa flying across the bright moon on her broomstick and cackling happily into the night.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN 👻 🎃 & HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RAFAEL WAITHE 🎉 🎂

Bonus:

Alaric wakes up the next day, completely hungover from the red punch (at least he hoped that it was punch) and opens his buzzing phone to see pictures of the party trending all over social media from Facebook to Twitter to Instagram and very unsettling pictures and articles of a witch flying all over Mystic Falls. Chucking his phone to the side, he buried his head undercover and went back to sleep before he could even begin starting his day doing damage control.

[sunflowerdigs]

So, my initial speculation around Eddie and Buck was that Eddie would have a three part arc at the start of s8 (kind of - it would kick off at the end of 8x01, like the tsunami kicked off at the end of 3x01, and the meat of it would be 8x02 - 8x03), at the end of which he and Chris would reconnect enough that Eddie would be able to turn his focus inward for a self-discovery arc in 8x04-8x06 (so, Chris wouldn't come home just yet, but they'd at least be talking).

I never posted my thoughts around Bobby and Hen, but I figured that 8x01 - 8x03 would be similar for them in that by 8x03 their situations would be partially resolved, with the full resolution set to play out in 8x04 - 8x06 (maybe even with a lawsuit). So, by 8x03, Bobby would be temporarily reinstated while Gerrard is suspended pending investigation, and Hen and Karen would have Mara back as a foster and would be restarting their aborted adoption process.

Ortiz and Gerrard seem to go together, so I imagine they'll both be defeated by the 8x04 - 8x06 arc. They're such major villains that I just can't imagine 911 running their arcs alongside the season-opening major disaster. There could be separate legal arcs, one for Ortiz (Henren adoption process) and one for Gerrard (major lawsuit against the LAFD). Or, because Mara will be back in Henren's home and that was the major story conflict in that plotline, it's possible that they'll speedrun the adoption and focus mainly on Gerrard. But I think Hen and Chim are going to team up to make sure that Gerrard can never come back, and that's going to take much harsher legal action than the complaints from their first go-round with him.

Simultaneously, I think Eddie will have a self-discovery arc that will resolve in 8x06, and Buck will start an arc in 8x05 that will probably end at 8x07 or 8x08. Not sure what it might be, honestly, but I suspect it'll delve back into those abandonment issues.

[sunnydaleherald]

The Sunnydale Herald Newsletter, Friday, July 26th

JINX: We have found that the signs of the alignment are moving faster than expected. GLORY: (primping in mirror) Meaning? JINX: If you are to use the key, you must act quickly. GLORY: Fine. (puts mirror down) I have been cooling my heels in this crappy little town long enough. (lies down on bed) Sunnydale's got too many demons and not enough retail outlets.

~~Checkpoint~~

[Drabbles & Short Fiction]

The Uncanny Valley by aadler (Giles, OC Slayer, PG)

rainbow horses by Anonymous (Fred/Faith, E)

Lock the Doors and Close the Blinds by MadeInGold (Angel/Spike, E)

Just One Person by Cornerofmadness (Giles/Jenny, T)

Theatre AU for Fuffy! by juanabaloo

[Chaptered Fiction]

Methos' Home for Wayward Youths, Chapter 14 by shadeshifter (Faith, multiple crossovers, T)

I Need A Bad Idea, Chapter 47 by Skyson (Buffy/Giles, E)

Through the Looking Glass, Chapter 2 by shadeshifter (Lindsey, multiple crossovers, G)

Gemini, Chapter 10 by BuildMeUpButtercup_x (Buffy/Angel, M)

Never Let Me Down Again, Chapter 11 by BuildMeUpButtercup_x (Buffy/Angel, M)

Buffy the Vampire Slayer And Her Gay Foster Dads, Chapter 2 by Quordle (Buffy, MASH crossover, T)

In the Company of Witches and Slayers: Chapter 112 by VladimirHarkonnen (TheLightdancer) (Willow/Tara, E)

The Family Business, Chapter 27 by lou1spr1nce (Ensemble, multiple crossovers, T)

Hungry Like the Wolf, Chapter 1 by fleetfootedfox (Buffy/Giles, E)

The Watcher, Chapter 21 by In Mortal (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

Tale as Old as Time, Chapter 9 by honeygirl51885 (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

A Blackcap's Song, Chapter 4 by Murray (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

Lost in Desolation, Chapter 1 by Melme1325 (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

Jack Of All Trades, Taskmaster Of Every One, Chapter 9 by Greywizard (Ensemble, Marvel crossover, FR18)

Aegis, Chapter 12 by dogbertcarroll (Xander, DC crossover, FR15)

Dawn Before the Sun: The Doomsman’s Daughter, Chapter 11 by Luna (Dawn, Lord of the Rings crossover, FR15)

[Images, Audio & Video]

Artwork: Giles by MayorLinguistic (worksafe)

Artwork: Buffy by captain-peroxid3 (worksafe)

Artwork: Drusilla by captain-peroxid3 (worksafe)

Artwork: Spike by alessandra-estrella (worksafe)

Animation: walk through the fire (BTVS) PMV Slideshow by Rita Vixen

Fanvid: Buffy summers MV || Control || Seasons 1-6 by cupcakexmeow

Fanvid: Drusilla - Thursday Girl by TheOverLookedOne

Vidlet: Buffy & Spike - Revolution 0 by TheOverLookedOne

Fanvid: Willow & Oz - Sweetest Part by TheOverLookedOne

Fanvid: Buffy Summers - All I Want by TheOverLookedOne

Fanvid: Dawn Summers - Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl by TheOverLookedOne

Fanvid: Place We Were Made - Buffy the Vampire Slayer Edit by TheOverLookedOne

Fanvid: Buffy The Vampire Slayer - Nobody's home by Dancer1991

Fanvid: Taylor Swift - Willow (Buffy's version) by Pages by Brandon

Fanvid: Buffy and Angel - Whispered Promises (with Lyrics and Arabic subtitle) by Vision Dream Media

Fanvid: Buffy The Vampire Slayer 3x01 "Anne" Opening Credits - "Quasimodo" [4K] by charmingslayer

Fanvid: loml [buffy + angel] by Aurora Edits

Fanvid: Gorgeous [Spike + Buffy HUMOR] by Aurora Edits

Fanvid: SpikexBuffy - save me - Bmike by Shaquille Mccoy

Fanvid: Buffy the Vampire Slayer AMV - Young Grow Old by MalechiFrFx

Fanvid: Buffy & Spike - A Man of His Word by Buffy & Spike Channel

[Reviews & Recaps]

About to have a go at Buffy for the og Xbox. What do you think of the game? by Trashooze

Video: Buffy Review - 5x22 The Gift by Reverse Angle

Video: Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 4 - Episode 4 Review: Fear, Itself by The Cheshire Kiwi

Video: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Season Four, Episode Twenty-Two: Restless by Slayed! The Buffyverse Revisited Podcast

Podcast: Once more with feeling - 5x22The Gift (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) by Nerd Subculture Podcast

Video: Lessons-Slayer Sunday by Jane Talks Buffy

Podcast: Buffy 2.10 What's My Line Part 2 by Once More: A Rewatch Podcast

[Community Announcements]

Challenge: Spike gets a collar from his dom by yanamorgan

[Fandom Discussions]

[Marcie Ross and Lorraine Ross] by coraniaid

Almost anything you read on Tumblr about stuff that happened behind the scenes by coraniaid

Willow's magic arc in S7 by Girl4Music

Who else besides Spike has committed SA on Buffy [or others]? by greensaplinggrace

If Xander hadn’t lied to Buffy and told her that Willow said to kick Angel’s ass Buffy wouldn’t have run away by nicnacsnonsense

When Buffy learned about Jenny’s death, she probably thought at some point about her last interaction with her by redhatmeg

If I rewrite Buffy the Vampire Slayer, I would have Angel stick to his guns about not dating Buffy by agirlinsearchof

It really should have been Xander standing up to that dude creeping on Buffy while unconscious by agirlinsearchof

I will never shut up about Willow bringing Buffy back to life by duckwnoeyes

Overshadowed by controversy continued by The Whirlwind and Stoney

Rewatch thoughts and questions continued by multiple posters

Is Spike really prone to jealousy? continued by multiple posters

Is Connor more like Dawn or Faith? by Other_Thing_2551

The only ensouled vampire in the world…. by ginime_

Would Angel have stuck around forever? by sKullsHavezzz

The buddy comedy we deserved! [Xander and Spike] by TeddyKGB1

Is season 5 underestimated? by fabe1haft

Seeing red [Willow] by Samleb93

Why would Ben agree to meet Buffy in Spiral by CleanUpOnAisle10

Who do you want to be? by Lastaria

Did Dawn presence make Joyce a better mom? by LilLadyStorytime

How much are the characters "responsible"? by jogaforacont

The Mayor is the only 'Big Bad' I found legitimately terrifying by SplendoriaPlum

Giles is a terrible librarian by Sorry-Personality594

Newbie watching season 2 lol by Substantial_Tax5577

What's the most saddest episode in BtVS? by OptionNo1672

buffy vs glory the gift by brian5mbv

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[purpleplaid17]

Jess Watches // Thu 27 June // Day 273 Synopses & Favourite Scenes & Poll

911 (with mum) 7x09 Ashes, Ashes

The 118 are presented with the Medal of Valor for their work on the cruise ship rescue. Hen and Karen encounter an unforeseen hurdle in their foster care journey. Eddie's emotional affair develops further.

I'll be at the buffet table with Ravi, ignoring all the other batshit storylines as I shyly wave to Ms Falcón.

Fallout 1x06 The Trap

What happens when the ranchers have more power than the Sheriff?

What's good for the Goosey is good for the (propa)ganda.

The Bear 3x01 Tomorrow

The next day and the days that led to it.

A food lovers delight. My only consistent complaint about this show is that each episode doesn't come with a tasting menu. Let me try it, please.

[nachosncheeze]

so i put a tagramble (oop pls forgive me?????) but i'm too verbose and it cut me off so just to add the concluding thoughts were

i like this kind of thing both bc it forces me to really think outside my la la la not listening box which is honestly fantastic for my writing

and it's JUST PLAIN INTERESTING besides

so thank you thank you for writing and sharing and now resharing 😍

I got a PM on fanfiction.net asking what I thought of the ending.

This is what I ended up rambling in response, and it’s so damn long that I figured I might as well make it a blog post.

Please note that I really don’t want people to keep telling me reasons that Jane must have lived. In my heart, I don’t believe that Jane lived. You can keep giving me reasons, but it’s not going to change what my gut reaction is. So I would really prefer it if any responses to this didn’t tell me no one leaves bodies in Times Square, or anything like that. The American foster system would never let Jane the ex-terrorist foster any children, either, if you want to go into realism territory - and definitely not within a year of applying…

Anyway, with that said, I really am happy that so many people are happy with the ending. There were a lot of scenes that I liked in it, and that I can find squee in. But overall, I’m just see-sawing between underwhelmed and downright depressed, and this is why:

Keep reading

[lovecolibri]

SaL anon here my friend, only mildly hung over but still severely disappointed, just coming into your inbox to share my random finale complaints that have been stockpiling.

Already been said many times but why Marisol again?? Just why??

You know what the awkwardness of the daddy talk reminded me of?? Remember in RNM 3x01 when Alex came back and told Forest "a man has needs" or some shit and we all collectively cringed away from our screens?? Its was sooo weirdly out of place and character and that's exactly what the dinner scene is. Also notably written by a former showrunner who won't stop fucking up storylines at every opportunity.

How exactly is the Chris leaving BS supposed to last more than like, 1 week tops??? When Helena (and Ramon) tried to take him 7 years ago and get their redo he was just a kid, but now he's a teenager whose been raised by Eddie Diaz. Not saying he's ready for college or to make his own housing decisions or anything 🙄, but his personality and preferences are not going to change much. He's not the moldable little kid anymore, and the moment Helena realizes that and Chris realizes that's what they wanted him for wouldn't jump on the next flight?? I know there's so much about that arc that's utter nonsense but did the writers put any thought into the characters at all??

Anyway, I probably should do my job for a few hours before I go completely off the rails, hope your own recovery is going well!!

Hey bestie! If it seems like you haven't heard from me all day, that's because I girlbossed too close to the post limit sun reblogging every petty, irritated, frustrated, what-in-the-actual-fuck-was-that post. I scheduled a bunch too do drop after the doors open on the post limit jail cells, this one among them.

I'm sitting here with my twisted peach tea, fresh off of work and a trip to the store (it was awful and full of people and only one lane open that could sell alcohol, AND they didn't have the honeycomb ice cream I specifically went there to get and try out with my earl grey tea ice cream because the universe hates me), just still so SO frustrated that once again they let KR swoop in at the last minute and snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in the finale. Not even anything Buddie related, just in making literally ANY storyline all season have a good narrative payoff that felt like we went somewhere. Even the most watchable part of the episode (the Mara reunion) fell flat because we didn't see Hen and Karen putting up the fight they set up with the councilwoman, and Maddie and Chim had time all season to talk about maybe having another child, or fostering to make them able to swoop in at the last minute make sense but instead it just came out of the blue! (And don't get me started on the whole "this lesbian couple can't have a kid but the straight couple runs into no issues despite Chim being involved on scene in the death of the councilwoman's son).

ANYWAY. Let's talk about your bullet points please, because I have THOUGHTS.

1/3. Marisol was literally less than useless and if they HAD to avoid an off-screen hiatus breakup (they didn't need to, no one remembered her, it would have been fine) they easily could have ditched her in 7x05 and it would have affected absolutely nothing.

IMAGINE Buck is the one taking Chris to the movies and walks in on "Shannon" and Eddie? We get some Buddie angst with them having to talk out what happened because Buck was worried before but now he's WORRIED, and we could have gotten a more heartfelt resolution with Chris by allowing Eddie and Chris to have one single conversation this whole season, and maybe deciding together to go to therapy in a couple weeks when he gets back from his pre-planned summer vacation to Texas.

Then start s8 with Chris having delayed coming back all summer, and Ramon and Helena facilitating getting him into camps and stuff so he "couldn't" come back and Eddie starting to get fed up and maybe being ready to go to Texas himself to get Chris when whatever disaster the opening is strikes. Cue Chris seeing it on the news and panicking and demanding to go home and see his dad. It would be satisfying to watch, and would tug on the heartstrings without ripping them out for no good goddamn reason and punishing Eddie so severely while also NOT actually dealing with his issues about Shannon!! *screams into pillow* If we never see or hear about her again it will be too soon. They have drug this out past the point of any purpose and it needs to be put to fucking rest, 25ft down so it can't crawl back up. Doused in holy water just in case.

It really feels like they had a plan for Buck with the whole Natalia thing fizzling out and breaking up which I actually am glad we didn't see because as this season proved, it is LONG past time to leave Buck withering away in unfulfilling relationships he don't know how he got into in the first place, but once that was gone he got the coming out bit and....nothing much else all season and even that was one episode and then a couple minutes of screentime sprinkled throuout that used those precious seconds to show us how incredibly ill-matched they are. While Eddie, who was SUPPOSED to have the coming out arc (that was maybe more in-depth and planned to ACTUALLY deal with the Shannon of it all), was also left with a "well what do we do with him now" arc. Spoiler alert, it was NOT THIS. So no, I don't think they had the time in the shortened time frame they had to put literally ANY thought into what to do with these characters.

Point 2. My friend. Not only are you EXACTLY right about the tonal issue matching that cringe AF scene from RNM, but I will raise you that, AND everything about 2x06, including fandom swooping in to claim everyone who didn't fall all over themselves about that scene being amazing was a) homophobic and b) puritanical, pearl-cultching, and uneducated. Oh! and c) just needs to learn how to fucking multi-ship and be happy with whatever is on screen because it couldn't POSSIBLY be better, and you should just accept it now. 😒😒😒

It's gonna be a loooooong fucking hiatus but here's hoping Timmy got all the Lone Star brainworms out and can not just pack a punch in the disaster opening (RIP to everyone who didn't like the cruise ship disaster, I had a great time and it was the best opening in YEARS), but can actually follow through on storylines and emotional beats all season. And maybe get more calls??? On the weewoo show?? It was always and issue on LS too which I thought was Rob Lowe syndrome an all the "Owen things firefighting is boring" stuff but maybe it's budget constraints? Yo! ABC! Give us the cash for good emergencies! And of course, they need to get Kristen the FUCK out of the writers room. Please, literally ANY cop show out there, we are literally BEGGING you to take her off our hands!

Bright side, I have been working on my Countdowns fic (I posted a little bit last week and I want to try and work on it more now that all my shows are on hiatus), and while *I* may be the worlds slowest writer, I just know the Buddie fandom is going to come through with some BANGER canon-fix-it fics. So cheers to that, and lets pray the muse smiles on me astronaut!Buck/medic!Eddie so I can actually contribute something. I'm gonna go make a flatbread spinach and artichoke pizza, watch something, literally ANYTHING else, and oggle my d20 Bad Kids dice that arrived today, my Ayda pin, and my Jawbone quote mug and not think about 911 for a little bit. (until I'm allowed out of post-limit jail and can go back to being a petty bench on main).

Take a breath, we can get through this hiatus together! At least we know we have Oliver and Ryan on our side, so let's make some Buddie content for them to send to each other to help THEM through this rough time.

[caymansgifs]

Katherine McNamara as Ekaterina / Kat in The Fosters, 3x01.

3x01 | 3x02 | 3x04

[goodtroubledaily]

[blackcinderella1]

Good Trouble 3x01 “Capoeira” Promo Pics Part #2

[forthewholefamily]

The world self-diagnosing 2020 so far

[younger-tvland]

I heard somebody was leaving for college today so...

Excellent!

[landonkirbyappreciation]

The way people really try to say that Landon hasn't had any development since season 1 baffles me. Like the only season we didn't see any of Landons development was season 3 and I don't even want to get started on that bc I would just make myself mad. Season 1 with Landon with see this struggling kid trying to find his place in the world. To trying to figure who and what he is. All while trying to do what's best for his brother. And probably a few other things I might be missing. Season 2 we see him start to step up a bit more when it comes to monsters. At one point he was even willing to get possessed by the oui and then killed just to stop it. To being willing to live his life alone being chased by monsters. And wanting to learn how to fight to help Hope with everything. And then THREE times he was willing to give up his life to save everyone. Once in 3x01 so the Necromancer couldn't get what he wanted. In 4x01 when he asked Alaric to kill him if it meant stopping malivore. And I think this one would have been the worst bc he would've been alone in the darkness forever never getting to see anyone he loved ever again. And then in 4x04 he did give up his life(not that any of the ungrateful asses at the school care). And I love Landon more than anything but even I don't think season 1 Landon would have done any of that.

But to me it feels like people are associating development with powers. Which I find really annoying don't get me wrong I want his powers back too but again different story. So needless to say I just really dislike whenever I see someone say Landon hasn't had any development since season 1 bc that's just not the case. But maybe that's just me, Idk if anyone else sees the way I do. Lol but all I can do is hope that there's other people who see it that way too.

I completely agree. And “see” being the key word when it comes to not seeing Landon’s development in s3 because, from what we know, he had the most development in s3. We know that he learned to fight monsters and defend himself all on his own, he survived all of that, that’s a ton of development, but we didn’t get to see it. It’s the writers’ fault for choosing not to show any of it and for continuing to ignore it now as if it never happened, and for what? Who knows, but I won’t get into that either because I already talk about it all the time and will be forever livid about it... But even if you don’t count that, when you look at where Landon started to where he is now, he started out as a foster kid who had no idea who he really was or anything about the supernatural world, to then finding out about the supernatural world and being thrown into it, finding out where he comes from, that he’s a phoenix and his father is the villain, then helping protect the school from monsters multiple times, saving others, activating some of his powers, and ultimately saving everyone by sacrificing himself and doing it willingly. And now he’s been helping how many people find peace. So how does all that happen with no development? And all the other ways he’s developed each season too. Like you said, in s1, he was trying to find a place to belong and then he found Hope and a place he could stay with his brother. Even though it ultimately ended up being the wrong place for them, he felt as if he found a home for a time and got to find some happiness while there with Hope. And him being with Hope, he used to not be as honest as a way to protect himself, and knowing Hope, he came to value honesty the way he does now. And he’s become an even better person and pushed himself more because of her and the way he’s wanted to take some of the weight off her shoulders. He wanted to help with the monsters and protect the school, which he did by using his smarts. Then of course there was him finding out that he’s a phoenix and about Malivore and everything that came with that. And then all you said about s2 as well, he got even more involved when it came to getting rid of monsters, and was willing to hurt/sacrifice himself multiple times in order to help. He was able to handle himself more. And also trying to learn how to fight at one point, like you said. And he activated more powers, he came to feel more capable. He saved Lizzie (twice), Hope, and Dorian in s2. And then yeah, he was willing to give up his life those three times for everyone else! And I agree that 4x01 and what he was willing to do would have been the biggest sacrifice because he was willing to doom himself to a fate far worse than death imo by being trapped forever in darkness. Yet that was what he wanted for Hope’s sake. And he still ended up giving up everything for people who don’t even give a crap, and then says he didn’t regret it either.

And idk, I feel like in s1, if it was for Raf or Hope, Landon would’ve definitely made those kind of sacrifices. But I think that otherwise, he would’ve been more hesitant to sacrifice himself like that. I think that throughout the show he’s become much more self sacrificing, which is not a good thing in many ways. I think being at the school has been very damaging to him and his mental health and how he thinks of himself and his worth because of how he’s been treated. In the beginning, he stood up for himself more and I don’t think he would have been quite as willing and ready to give up his life. I think if he knew other people would be hurt if he didn’t, he would, but I think it would be harder for him to do that. But him being at the school, he’s become almost too willing to hurt himself and sacrifice himself to the point that it’s not healthy imo, but I won’t get any more into that because it’s a whole other subject. But on the plus side and when it comes to his development, I think that throughout the show he’s become stronger and more brave and selfless and ready to do the right thing. I mean, I think that he’s always been all of those things, but I think he’s become even more so over the seasons. And he’s gained an even greater desire to do good and save others. So yeah, there’s definitely been development and if people can’t see it, they’re not really paying attention to the show, or Landon as a character, anyway.

And I think you’re right, I think people do associate development with powers, which bugs me too. And I think they also place too much value on powers in the show as well. Because for sure, I really want Landon’s powers back too, but I don’t think that’s the most important thing when it comes to his character and his growth. Like this is why I’m more concerned about them exploring his development from last season, that happened without his powers. Because even though I obviously want his powers back, I know he’ll surely get them at some point. It’s sort of inevitable and I can wait longer for that if it meant them actually showing his growth from last season that they’re ignoring. Because I’m worried they’re just gonna keep ignoring it and give him back his powers, and all the focus will be on that while the rest is forgotten. When imo, I think the development from last season would be more important because that growth is gonna be there with or without his powers. And I’m just laughing because I seriously thought that was gonna be one of the main reasons why they took his powers away in the first place. To give him more growth without them, and to show just how strong and capable he is without any supernatural abilities and that that’s not the most important thing, just like Hope said. With the way Landon has been called weak and less capable and that he can’t be a hero because of his lack of powers, I thought s3 was gonna be the biggest way of them showing how untrue that is and that Landon is the opposite of weak and incapable (since people have apparently not grasped it yet), but nope! 🙄 So what exactly was the point of them taking his powers away if they’re not gonna show his development without them and if it’s not gonna serve Landon’s individual storyline? I guess we’ll never know.

Anyway, sorry for rambling and making this response super long. But yeah, I feel the same way as you. It’s real irritating to see people saying Landon has had no development when it’s so obviously not true. So you’re definitely not alone in feeling that way!

[ryder616]

4, 5, 10 for the aos asks :)

thank you for asking!

4 - Favorite Scenes

May doing quick work of Russo and his agents, then strolling on the bus covered in blood like it's just another Tuesday (1x13)

Daisy's confrontation with Ward in the diner in Nothing Personal. The follow-up on the Bus, too.

Daisy meeting Cal for the first time and everything with them in that episode. (2x10)

Terrigenesis #1

Jiaying teaching Daisy to move the mountain. (2x17)

"I'm the guy who kills Gordon"

Daisy entering the frame in her then new superhero outfit in 3x01 while her theme plays.

"You did good, Tremors. You did good" (3x02)

Andrew and May in Hawaii, before everything went wrong.

Simmons pleading with Fitz to "just let [Hydra] kill her" to make sure "It" could not return from Maveth.

The Spy's goodbye for Huntingbird.

Daisy's power exit from the Playground in 3x17 (very cathartic to watch after... things).

Mack hugging Daisy after Lash had freed her from Hive.

Robbie and Daisy meeting for the first time and of course immediately fighting because that's the rule when superheroes meet for the first time, in case anyone had forgotten it's a comic book show 😁

Robbie telling Gabe the story of the Rider while Daisy is there for him, a silent comforting presence.

Skimmons' very special way of discerning humans from robots and planning their escape. (4x15)

Daisy making scrap parts out of LMDs. (4x15)

Daisy refusing the illusion of happiness Aida offers her (and the sassing that precedes it). (4x18)

Terrigenesis #2 (the first one is fantastic, but Trip dies and she's terrified. This one, she's smirking, welcomes it and May made it happen. It can hardly get better).

Coulson making the speech on tv in the Framework. The revolution is televised, after all.🤭

Robbie hanging out with Daisy while she's working to build a backdoor for Mackelena in the Framework: "But I'm here now and that's good" -- "That is good" 😍

"This must be the coolest we've ever looked" (5x01)

May cutting through the BS, destroying the odium (worst. plan. ever) and probably saving the world.

Mack hugging Daisy after she's back from the Search for Fitz.

Director Macklemore 😂

Sousa: "Some of my favorite people are people like you" Me: high five, Chief!

All the May&Daisy hugs, all the Coulson&Daisy hugs, all the Mack&Daisy hugs.

Most of the fights and most of the sass.

5 - Favorite Quotes:

"With great power comes...a ton of weird crap you are not prepared to deal with"

"Usually, one person doesn't have the solution. But 100 people with 1% of the solution? That'll get it done. I think that's beautiful. Pieces solving a puzzle."

"Being different can mean making a difference"

"Fight back. That's how you move on. Take control of your life again."

"[the end justifies the means, right?] The only people who say that are the people doing bad things."

10 - Favorite Headcanons:

Popular Daisy fanons, like running away from the foster system and the Russian hacker being a girl.

Coulson is a foodie (but that's pretty much canon). Mackelena are the best cooks alongside Coulson. Robbie is also pretty good in the kitchen. May isn't that bad, really. It's just that when she makes food, it is usually for practical purposes, something you need to do to survive, not for fun and pleasure. So, it's just kind of bland and uninspired.

At some point, Daisy visited Italy again without anything bad happening to her and had a nice time (this is important to me, ok 😁).

One of Daisy's favorite album growing up was American Idiot by Green Day.

Both her and May are cat people. They may not know it or think so, but I can tell.

Elena has a scrapbook of caricatures of all her teammates and more serious portraits as well. Because she was taking or teaching art classes and the show kind of forgot but I didn't.

Inhumans, having been genetically engineered to be weapons, have, to different degrees, a physical advantage over the average human and are more resilient. Because Daisy walks off beatings and hits that should put her out of commission for a while and sometimes it bothers me. Also, that's how it is in the comics so 🤷‍♀️

Daisy always keeps a tight hold on the full scope of her powers, especially so after Hive, and it takes extreme circumstances for her to consciously loosen it.

The reason for the prolonged fight vs Malick wasn't just stalling for #TeamEmpathy. Daisy was using his quakes to charge herself up for extra mojo in order to destroy the fleet. Like in 4x08, when she had all that energy built up from absorbing the earthquakes and had to jump high up in the sky to discharge it safely. This time she did it on purpose and discharged it...unsafely (I mean, maybe that's what they were going for in canon, but if it was, it's not very clear is it?)

Flint finally ate tacos and discovered they are way too spicy for him (they were eating pellets in the lighthouse, I'm thinking those were kinda bland and tasteless), much to Mack's dismay. He falls in love with various types of risotto instead.

AoS favorite asks

[neveradiva]

can you do 18 19 28 37!

18. Most underrated character in the series?

CHLOE. CRUZ.

19. Best heartbreaking moment?

Oh gosh, there are so many. The entirety of 3x01 - "Always". And the speech Severide gives at Benny's funeral.

28. Which character(s) would you want to best friends with?

Literally all of them. I feel like Stella would be an especially fun person to be friends with, though.

37. Are you closing down the bar with Severide and Casey or watching Netflix and drinking wine with Kidd, Foster and Brett?

I'm 100% watching Netflix and drinking wine with Kidd, Foster, and Brett.

[forbescaroline]

top 100 favorite female characters: #22. mariana adams foster (the fosters/good trouble) I’m not just some selfish bitch ya know.”

[littlespoonevan]

just finished season four. i literally feel deranged. i already knew exactly what was gonna happen in the last two episodes and i STILL feel unhinged. oh my god

like!!! please please get maddie some help (which i am fully confident that chimney will but it still hurts to see her hurting); send bobby and athena to couples therapy; i did actually quite like hen and karen’s storyline as foster parents this season and i hope we get to see more of that

but eddie. oh my god eddie. i wish we could see his recovery but based on what i’ve been seeing on tumblr that isn’t super likely to happen. i just. i cannot believe what i just watched

and then the fucking CHANGING HIS WILL??? WHAT??? that’s not rly normal best friend behavior that’s like. i don’t even fucking know kind of behavior

so yeah. unhinged. this is incomprehensible —new 911 watcher

I HAD MORE THOUGHTS. why does carla tell eddie to make sure he’s following his heart and not christopher’s. what does that even MEAN. literally how could that be interpreted in any other way than “you have feelings for someone else who is not ana and you should follow up on that” and who else could it possibly be but buck? fuck i am losing my MIND —new 911 watcher

ahh omg anon, you finished it!!! honestly i watched those last few eps almost two months ago and i still feel unhinged lol

i definitely think maddie's ppd storyline is one that will be carried into next season so hopefully we'll see a lot more of that. and honestly i would kill for bobby and athena to dig into their problems more too!

as for everything eddie related.......I Know. the absolute chaos 911 unleashed in those last two episodes was incomprehensible, you're right. for what it's worth re: eddie's recovery i think people jumped the gun way too much about us getting nothing bc of the time jump at the end of the ep but like, even if he's back to work at the beginning of s5 and we don't see the immediate recovery, at the very least i'm expecting them to reference it.

tbh i'm envisioning something similar to buck's storyline in 3x01 like maybe eddie's only just back to work and struggling to adjust bc his recovery doesn't end when his shoulder is healed y'know!! while we don't always get the immediate aftermath for the characters, none of their traumas have ever been completely forgotten (buck's leg carries through half of s3, maddie's trauma with doug comes back in s3, bobby's alcoholism comes up multiple times including the s4 finale, chimney and the rebar are addressed again at the beginning of s2, even hen brings up evelyn and the ambulance crash in the crossover)

so i'm not too worried even though i would've killed for seeing him get through the first few weeks of everything. but tv shows love a good old time jump :/

but carla's line..............honestly out of every single thing 911 has done that was the one thing that made me stop and go, "wait we're dOING THIS?????????" people had theorised about it for weeks and i never expected it to actually happen. and you're so right!!!! the phrasing really does suggest there's someone else eddie wants and i don't know what to do with that!!!! @ tim you better address this in s5 ok i have questions

anyway i hope you had fun watching, anon, bc i loved hearing your thoughts throughout! :D