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whitewolfofwinterfell · 6 years ago

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Since I'm in a Buffyverse mood: what are your rankings of the AtS and BtVS seasons from favourite to least favourite? :) Also, could you talk a little bit more about why you like AtS more than BtVS? I have an idea that the people who prefer AtS is because they like the character Angel more than Buffy, but I could be wrong though.

Yay! Thanks for sending this in, lovely, I always love discussing these topics with you :)

Wow, this is a tricky one to answer since I like all the seasons for different reasons, but from most to least favourite seasons it goes as follows (although they are subject to change):

1. ATS season 3

2. ATS season 2

3. BTVS season 2

4. ATS season 1

5. BTVS season 3

6. ATS season 5

7. BTVS season 5

8. ATS season 4

9. BTVS season 1

10. BTVS season 4

11. BTVS season 6

12. BTVS season 7

Damn, that was even harder than I thought it would be haha. I wasn’t sure if you wanted a little explanation for my ranking, but for now I’ll leave it as it is and you can let me know if you want to know why I’ve chosen this order :)

As for the reason I like ATS more than BTVS, it’s for a lot of reasons that go way beyond simply preferring Angel over Buffy (although that is a tiny part of the reason for me). @sulietsexual has actually already written a bloomin’ amazing meta explaining why she prefers ATS over BTVS, which you can read here. In that she really explains all my thoughts about this topic, so my own explanation might parrot some of what she says a little, but here we go.

On a basic level, I prefer ATS because I enjoy watching it more than BTVS. When I first watched BTVS I stopped watching after a few episodes because I really didn’t like it. A few months later I decided to give it another try, but I still didn’t enjoy it and didn’t really get into it until part way through season 2. With ATS, I fell in love with it from the very first episode (which could be because by the time I watched ATS I was already familiar with the Buffyverse whereas when I first watched BTVS, I was trying to adapt to an entirely new show, which I’m not very good at. Hence why I watch the same shows over and over again haha). I love the style of ATS visually, the opening theme is kick ass (I prefer it to BTVS, although both have kick ass opening themes which get you so pumped for the episode), the characters are great, the premise is interesting and the dynamics/relationships are fantastic. I do think that the age I watched the shows has also influenced my opinions. I didn’t grow up watching either show (unlike most BTVS fans who have watched it as a child), so I don’t have any nostalgic attachments which lead me to favour one over the other and I’ve experienced both shows as an adult. I watched BTVS when I was 19 and ATS at 24, so I think that definitely plays a part in why I prefer ATS. ATS just speaks to me in terms of the place where I am in my life right now and is very relatable to me in a lot of ways, which I’ll come back to again later.

The characters are most definitely a significant part of the reason I prefer ATS. Liking Angel more as a lead than Buffy is only a small part of that, because I love both characters. As you may know from reading my other metas, I’m a very character-orientated person and well-written, complex and lovable characters are what makes or breaks a show for me. ATS appeals to me so much because its characters are so damn good and the character arcs are compelling. Every character on ATS has amazing development, including the minor characters. This means, that even for characters that I don’t particularly like, I’m still able to enjoy them because of how well written they are. Faith, who is a fan favourite, has incredible episodes on ATS (some might argue even better than the ones she has on BTVS), which really take her character to new places and beautifully develop her redemption arc. Similarly, Spike has an incredible season on ATS which provides him with wonderful development. And Faith and Spike are two of many Buffyverse characters who have fantastic arcs on ATS (and in most cases better than what they had on ATS, particularly in the case of Cordelia and Wesley). Although I appreciate all of the characters on BTVS I don’t actively like them or enjoy their arcs as much as I do with the characters on ATS. I think that’s mostly because ATS does a better job at giving all of its characters focus and being consistent in their characterisation. Like, there’s honestly not a single character on ATS who isn’t fully developed. In comparison, BTVS is very, very Buffy-centric often at the detriment of the other characters. For example, Willow’s characterisation is very inconsistent, and characters like Tara and Oz have very flat characterisation, although they’re both very sweet and likeable.

I also find ATS a lot more emotionally effective than BTVS, in terms of the positive and negative emotions I experience whilst watching. Both shows explore very complex and emotional themes and issues, whilst injecting a decent amount of comedy in there too, but ATS hits the nail on the head a lot more for me in all these areas (likely because I’m more emotionally invested in the characters). Arcs like Darla’s in seasons 2 and 3, Wesley’s betrayal of Angel, Connor’s kidnapping (Connor’s entire arc, for that matter) and Fred’s death are so hard-hitting and heartbreaking. The emotion involved in the relationships between the characters also speaks to my heart much more than the relationships on BTVS. Both shows have great relationships, but the complexities of relationships like Angel and Darla, Angel and Connor, Wesley and Cordelia, Wesley, Cordy and Gunn (one of my favourite threesomes) etc. are all so beautifully developed and authentic.On the flip side, ATS is also funnier to me than BTVS. Once again, both shows have their witty one-liners and comedy gold moments, but ATS has funny moments in every single episode and actually makes me laugh out loud multiple times. The delivery and timing of the comedic moments perfectly weaves into the episodes, and the combination of personalities on ATS creates a very humorous atmosphere which perfectly off-sets the more serious tones of the show.

The final main reason I prefer ATS is because I enjoy the tone and themes of the show more. There’s the general assumption that ATS is more of an adult show than BTVS, and I don’t necessarily agree with that because although BTVS is set in a high school during the first three seasons, it explores very complex issues relating to adulthood, particularly in the later seasons. However, there is something about ATS that feels more mature than BTVS, if that’s even the right word? BTVS feels like it’s primarily about good overcoming evil, which although is a good theme, is very common and overdone in television. ATS, on the other hand, is about fighting for what you believe in no matter what and choosing to fight despite knowing the odds are stacked against you and that you might not win in the end. When you watch the finales of both shows you see these two core themes shining through brighter than ever, and they sit in contrast to one another. But that core theme of ATS appeals more to me because it’s more complex and it feels more human. In reality, there is no happily ever after, there’s never an end to the fight and it’s futile to go through life with a specific end goal in sight because when does it end? Where do we set that end goal? We shouldn’t live our lives seeking a particular reward for our hard work or efforts, because that’s hollow and not really what life is about. It’s easy for me to sit here now and think, “If I work really hard one day I can buy a house” and it’ll be a good motivator for me for a number of years, it’ll encourage me to keep working when I’m at my lowest ebb. But when I have that house what next? It might feel damn good for that first day when I have the keys in my hand and all the furniture is moved in, but life won’t have changed, I’m going to be the exact same person I was before I had that house and if my only goal and drive has been to get that house, what do I do now? What’s my purpose and drive now? Life means something different for everyone, but for me, it’s not about achieving a particular vision or end goal 5 or 10 or 20 years down the line, life is an ongoing experience and journey, where I need to fight in the face of adversity, always do my best, be humble and kind and understand that there is no reward at the ‘end’. There’s ongoing rewards and moments of joys dotted in between the bad days and low moods, and it’s about not letting those bad days/low moods define your entire life and getting stuck in them. I guess this comes back around to what I mentioned near the start, about how I personally relate to ATS on a deep level, because I find that core message inspirational and it’s given me an entirely new perspective on life, that I feel has benefited me a lot.

Phew! That got really deep for a minute there, sorry! But yeah, in a nutshell (a rather nutshell lmao) that’s why I prefer ATS over BTVS. Thanks for sending this in again, I love any excuse to discuss this stuff :)

#answered #my meta #ats meta #btvs meta #slayers-every-one-of-us

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deepsharkfestival · 2 years ago

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5 Things Everyone Gets Wrong About pengobatan vitalitas medan

A fast Preamble:™

I was spinning this post close to in my head for what amounted to many brain-frozen times right before I could "place-pen-to-paper"... or in my situation, right before I could "set-clumsy-sausage-sized-finger-to-keyboard-that-requirements-a-significant-clean"...

... oh oh, as usual I digress... what I indicate is, I actually was not positive how to put in writing this without having insulting anybody on the "more mature-adult" community - yeah yeah, Okay, people today the same as myself - woteva... !!

In any case, I took the bull through the horns, stayed true to myself and easily stuck to the truth of my "toughness education" problem, and although it's directed for the erm, as an example, "maturer era", this straightforward previous adage (my major information listed here) applies, on the younger, the center-aged plus the elderly...

"Utilize it OR Eliminate IT"

Cutting Into the Chase:

Dr. Walter Bortz, MD, suggests this:

"Practically almost everything we are taught about getting older is Completely wrong... We now are aware that a really suit overall body of 70 could be the same as a reasonably match system of 30."

I absolutely concur and even more say:

"Energy coaching is certainly not restricted solely to your area in the youthful... a lot of our much more senior Guys and women are reaping the many benefits of hitting the weights and retaining their strength and vitality, perfectly into their aged age..!"

I Certainly do practise what I preach... to get a minimal 3 times weekly, in some cases five or six, I work-out for thirty to 40 minutes or so, working with absolutely nothing but a cheap exercise mat and an old set of cost-free-weights - a little set of simple dumb-bells... and at almost 55 several years of age, I am as strong and as energetic as a lot of individuals I understand that are 50 % my age.

Hey, I'm not discussing the fanatical muscle mass-headed, "that-fellas-acquired-even bigger-biceps-than-my-thighs" or "you will find-no-breasts-remaining-on-that-chick", "thirty-hrs-just about every-working day-in-the-fitness center", "check-out-my-abs", iron-pumping physique-setting up (phew)... no, I'm referring to essential power instruction that keeps you toned and restricted and in physically good form well into your previous age.

The Main Dilemma...

Expanding more mature IS Certainly Inescapable, que sera, these is daily life and hohum... and character dictates that we have to decelerate somewhat and mellow out... for Many of us though, escalating more mature is far even worse and is focused on the things they (WRONGLY) BELIEVE is inevitable i.e. entire loss of strength and vitality proved by The truth that they can't walk much or have anything at all heavier than a small bag of groceries...

... given that they're Purported to get weak and frail...

... mainly because That is what Culture (especially the youthful) EXPECTS of them...

What a pile of hog-wash... nothing at all may be even further from the truth... Until you experience a seriously debilitating ailment or disorder - through which case you Unquestionably need to seek out clinical tips prior to commencing any type of training software, then there is Certainly absolutely nothing to prevent any of you "seniors" from staying as sturdy and as energetic as you are able to possibly be.

Loss of power and vitality as you age is because of loss of muscle mass mass and muscle mass tone, bone strength and suppleness... and only because of 1 rationale... LAZYNESS... very simple..!

You only really need to think and keep in mind that when young, as a normal healthy person, all of us stroll, operate, soar, play Activity, climb, lift and shift things - at operate and at Enjoy... we're Lively, we are sturdy, energetic and chock-packed with vitality... it is the "vitality-circle" of existence, the more you need to do, the stronger and much more energetic you come to be, the more you do...

"Utilize it... "

... then time, everyday living and peer or social expectancy acquire their toll... you will find fewer Bodily exertion, less strolling, much less lifting and carrying, (Substantially) additional sitting down on our butt for (Substantially) lengthier periods of time... This can be the "lazy-circle" of lifetime, the greater you don't do, the weaker and fewer energetic you come to be, the more you don't do...

"... OR Reduce IT..!"

Not surprisingly that currently being explained, I might similar to to indicate at this point, in defense of us "more mature-adults", that becoming lazy is not the sole domain from the aged... sadly, in the trendy period of satellite Tv set, the WWW, the likes of Participate in Station or X-Box and easy junk foods, the "lazy-bug" is likewise taking it's toll over the youthful...

... so beware youngster, you are gonna get outdated way ahead of your time and efforts if you keep up that "junk" Way of living..!

Many of the Positives...

It has been agreed for quite some time, and verified by lots of specialists during that time, that just a couple typical short periods - as little as two times each week, of sunshine toughness-coaching routines coupled with a little bit of Mild "yoga" and/or "cardio" is still effective and Tremendous-helpful while you become old... you may become a geriatric Super-Person, or Tremendous-Female - effectively at least you would Really feel like 1 anyway..!

I'm referring to the type of physical exercise that is correctly powerful for men and ladies of any age, that when performed often and of course effectively, strengthens bones as well as muscle... which subsequently maintains energy, Strength, overall vitality, mobility and equilibrium, and The most crucial point while you become old - your 'independence'..!

It gets all the more positive still... energy instruction can (and infrequently does) extremely proficiently reduce the aches, pains and unpleasant disorders of many different ailments:

- Again suffering (been there, done that..!) - strengthens again and abdominal muscles for The great of the backbone... I do know this by means of 1st-hand encounter.

- Osteoporosis - maintains and/or boosts bone density for enhanced posture and balance.

- Arthritis - cuts down stiffness and pain leading to amplified flexibility.

- Diabetic issues - enhances blood oxygenation for improved glycemic Regulate.

- Surplus pounds - extra fat is burned and changed with muscle mass as your metabolism improves.

- Depression - (been there, completed that too..!) - the act of "performing" after which you can looking at the effects in a fairly small time-interval, boosts self-esteem and increases the state of mind.

How - The fundamentals...

My single, primary piece of recommendation in your case in this article, Is that this: 1 Tiny STEP AT A TIME... If you have not applied weights or weight devices right before, or it's been a very long time because you have, get started incredibly gradually and really gentle and afterwards slowly build up as the weeks go by... just trust me when I show you that in this case, endurance seriously is usually a advantage... when you go full tilt at this too quickly, with no mastering the movements and/or the breathing tactics, man you will harm - all over..!

I am aware - been there, completed that too..!

Oh and by the way, "cost-free-weights" are definitely the smartest thing to utilize, rather then the "multi-health club" equipment type of gadgets that you're going to usually discover at most gyms today - in the event you go to a health club just look around in the significant body weight trainers and you will discover they use very few with the devices but a lot of free of charge-weights.

There are lots of educational institutions of assumed regarding the precise methodology i.e. the motion for every muscle mass or the established and the quantity of rep's - which is repetitions, that you must do to for maximum advantage... you really need to check about and uncover what suits you and what is easily the most cozy for you...

... but remember to not be much too comfy - you must place in a few work, get some sweat functioning down the crack within your butt (gross..!) and ache a little Once you end.

My technique I take advantage of for myself is something I've designed more than a great a few years of demo, error and practise... It can be relatively straightforward but very productive... and I've taught it to Other folks to great result - and yep, that features Significantly more mature people today and those with detrimental well being problems... it hasn't did not impress nevertheless..!

I don't use extravagant equipment or procedures, just a little list of dumb-bells whilst wearing my rattiest t-shirt, shorts and education footwear... maybe some monitor-fit pants in winter and frequently no shoes whatsoever all through summer months and I do everything inside the comfort and ease of my own residence.

You could be different and you could possibly, a minimum of at the outset, have to have the guidance of a personal trainer or a friend or maybe a enable group at at your local fitness center - for me these days, I choose training initial thing each morning, in solitude even though Hearing tunes or some information on the radio... I have a tendency to use enough time to replicate on what I need to attain during the class of the approaching working day...

... and be careful who you get to guide you - a nicely-this means but inept individual trainer or manual could damage you just as conveniently as you might hurt on your own.

I am not going to go into my actual methodology here simply because While I comprehend it as straightforward, it will nonetheless get an entire heap of in depth conveying and lots of writing in addition to a entire pile of proper shots etc., so you could potentially see precise examples... that is all data for another day Or possibly even for the entire training course that I intend developing in the not-too-distant upcoming - we will see..!

Suffice to convey, just get available and Go searching... try out some different things right until you discover the tactic that suits you, Never be in the hurry to get "buff" and bear in mind, This is certainly like another pastime - "practise helps make ideal..!"

A Final Anecdote

It is not All people's "cup-o-tea" as it normally takes a little exertion, and that is just high-quality and understood - It truly is your life and it's essential to do what ever 'blows your hair back again'... BUT... it doesn't matter your age, you truly Really should be producing power instruction a regular routine so you keep your toughness, your vitality and also your independence, for that longest doable time...

For the massive Rewards it can offer you, it essentially can take up amazingly minimal time, a median Aceh M Sulaeman half an hour a few periods a week is all you require - honestly, the amount of hours do you might want to commit in front of the Television or on Facebook..?

* * *

To brighten your mood before you go, how concerning this amusing minimal ditty from Kenn Nesbitt:

I went into the gymnasium.

I lifted a weight.

My muscles bought bigger.

It felt genuinely terrific.

I hoisted A further,

a heavier a person.

I obtained even more robust.

I assumed it had been fun.

I wandered outdoors the place

I bent a steel bar.

I pulled up a park bench

and carried a car.

I picked up a truck

after which got down to try out

to spice up a large building

I spotted close by.

So now I'm in jail, with

my muscles to thank.

I almost certainly shouldn't have

held up that financial institution.

* * *

The twelve advantages of sufficient Vitamin D3 (CHOLECALCIFEROL) are conveniently discovered from the professional medical literature. These Positive aspects show up in plenty of unique places that it might be assumed the scientific studies are legitimate.

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sarcasticorgasms · 1 year ago

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Re: the coffee theory and how it relates to the above

look. there's no way the coffee meant nothing. they drew SO much attention to it. and yes, magicians often use misdirection so you don't see them palming the card or hiding the bullet in their mouth or whatever! the coffee, whether or not it's a misdirection, is something. I don't believe that it fully brainwashed aziraphale- that doesn't ring true to me. but watching the scene again a couple times raised several more red flags. a) zira doesn't drink coffee - he drinks hot chocolate and tea. b) he's pretty reticent to leave crowley and hear metatron out, he obviously still doesn't trust heaven. they really make a meal out of metatron giving zira the coffee. what super doesn't make sense to me is why he ordered it with oat milk and almond syrup instead of just like. almond milk and almond syrup? there are a lot of weird choices around the coffee. we cannot ignore the significance of the coffee.

reasons why i think it's a misdirection: too much attention drawn to it. it's in the episode description, it gets like 2 minutes of screen time, he repeats the coffee order to aziraphale slowly, mentions a "jigger" of almond syrup which is definitely more than just the pump we heard him order. it could definitely be drawing our focus so we don't notice something else

reasons why i don't think it's a misdirection (or maybe its a double misdirection!): too many weird things happening around the coffee scenes. the give me death line, zira's discomfort around metatron and reluctance to drink the coffee, the almost cartoonishly villainous theme that plays as metatron glares back at crowley while leading zira out of the bookshop to chat, zira's continuing reluctance after the chat on the street, he gives an anxious smile when he replies "i don't know what to say," after metatron tells him to take all the time he needs, the weird leading suggestion metatron says after, "well then, go tell your friend the good news." (assuming that the 'good news' refers to zira being offered a place in heaven again, zira being able to make crowley an angel again, or the promotion to supreme archangel and not zira actually agreeing the take the job).

do i think the coffee was drugged? not in the way that would completely change his behaviour. but it could have made him slightly more obedient, slightly more suggestible. aziraphale is pretty easily manipulated, and what metatron is offering, specifically about reinstating crowley as an angel, the opportunity to protect his love, is enticing on its own. i agree that if zira was fully drugged and mind controlled it would cheapen his decision, but i dont think that's what happened. i think aziraphale is still victim to religious trauma and the cult-like institute of heaven. but i think maybe, the coffee had something in it to be more... readily agreeable? impulsive? he seems a little less aware of the possible repercussions of his actions, like he's lost some of his inhibitions. he barely takes a minute to process the offer before telling crowley. when metatron comes back and tells him that they should go, zira seems to go back to being hesitant, saying again "what about my bookshop," and he's looking somewhere off screen- its not really out the window, its not towards the door? it kind of looks like he's glancing at his desk. definitely weird behavior all around. its like he's realizing that everything's happened very fast, that he's regretting his decision- he even says "I think I-" before cutting himself off- maybe "I think I'm making a mistake" or "I think I've changed my mind"? he looks panicked.

i dont think you make entirely out of the blue decisions when you're tipsy or drunk- you just act quicker on your thoughts because you're not really thinking about the consequences- and that's the vibe i got from zira. not drugged, not wasted, not even drunk- just ever so slightly impaired.

call me crazy but i REALLY enjoyed the ending of good omens s2! (spoilers below the cut)

OKAY crowley points this out when he tells gabriel to jump out the window, but aziraphale didnt actually witness heaven's direct cruelty to him, didnt experience first hand how willing they were to throw him away and kill him the second he disagreed with them. crowley, however, did. we dont know if they ever told each other exactly what happened, or if crowley ever told zira that gabriel had said "just shut your stupid mouth and die already." it clearly lasted with crowley, he remembers the exact words.

the choice neil made for aziraphale to not yet fully understand that "good guys" and "bad guys" arent accurate depictions of heaven and hell makes sense when you realize that he's never received the reality of being punished by them. crowley isn't naive though, he's been through this more than once, has witnessed the cult like mentality of heaven and hell and tried to help aziraphale escape. he's always tried to help zira come to his own conclusions, and usually, he at least comes to an understanding (poor people DO have less opportunities, and you're helping science!). you can feel his desperation when hes asking his angel to leave with him, both in season 1 and season 2. but that resignation in his eyes when he realizes that zira is still stuck in the cult of heaven, still cant really see in shades of grey- he knows that nothing he says or does will change zira's mind; the only thing that will change his mind is seeing first hand the cruelty and lack of compassion from heaven towards aziraphale himself.

there were so many amazing moments where they showed the lack of knowledge from heaven. the rule that they're not to visit earth, not to know too much (or anything, it seems) about humans. because someone in heaven knows that access to knowledge makes you smarter, makes you curious, makes you ask questions. whether or not thats the decision of god, or of metatron remains to be seen. but one person being in charge, who's clearly clueless but pretends to know what god wants, is classic cult leader shit. people who follow along without question, who assume that their will is good- that's what the angels are. its hard to truly hate them when you realize that they're all under the same thumb. that scene when uriel asks the metatron if they've done something wrong was kind of heart breaking, they're just children playing a game they were never told all the rules to.

what makes crowley so fascinating as a character is that he's curious, he asks questions. he's not good, he's not bad, he's just... himself. honestly, he's more human than demon in his choices. what he said about following hell as far as he can, so he can stay on his own side is just perfect- and yeah, lonely. and i cant even imagine how lonely he feels now. im obsessed with how we're shown his attempts at changing aziraphale's mind - something about him being the one to encourage aziraphale to try human food, something about him inviting aziraphale to Edinburgh to show him how poverty forces you to make morally questionable choices, that not everything is black and white - idk. it's subtle, it's allowing him to come to the same conclusion on his own, it makes me want to shovel aquarium gravel into my mouth

aziraphale, when he's away from heaven's influence, is much more morally grey, he's more himself, he's happier. but as soon as his superiors are around, he loses all sense of self. he automatically assumed he was going to fall for lying to the other angels and not killing innocent children. he knows better than to ask questions, he KNOWS that what he's asked to do is sometimes wrong, but he has this cognitive dissonance he cant get past- heaven asks him to do things that are bad, but heaven isnt bad. heaven is always good, so what theyre asking must not be bad. but, killing children is pretty objectively bad. he cant kill children. but its god's will, so he has to, it must be good. but its not. and round and round it goes. he's never actually been punished by heaven firsthand, and i think once he sees close up that heaven's will isn't necessarily god's will, and that god's will is not always benevolent, he'll realize. he'll realize that you cant always change things from the inside, that there's a systematic issue that can only be solved by dismantling the institution. god i hope season 3 is dismantling heaven.

all in all i love this ending i am SUCH a sucker for escaping cult stories (nimona and she-ra, nd stevenson i love u). like your whole life you are so sure that you're doing the right thing, and then someone comes along and turns everything upside down and asks you questions, forces you to ask questions, and you can't help but defend where you came from, surely there has to be some mistake, if you could just talk to someone higher up you're sure you could clear this whole misunderstanding up, and then that higher up tell you point blank that they know what theyre doing, they know that innocent people are getting hurt. you witness their violence firsthand, and its intentional, its directed towards YOU. because you dared to ask if what we're doing is really the right thing. and that's when you finally understand.

#this is of course after reading the massive google doc #that ariaste made- with some compelling arguments #but! i dont agree that the writing is hacky in some places. some people just talk like weirdos

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mysticdragon3md3 · 7 years ago

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I have a weird relationship with Horror. I hate being scared, but I love symbolism that resonates with angsty internal turmoil.

When I was little, I used to peruse the horror genre aisle, every time we visited the video store, even though I hated how the horror genre would make me scared. I just wanted to see surrealist art. I didn't know that's what it was at the time, but those 1980's movie covers sure were going for that.

And even now, I'll watch clips from horror movies and listen to video essays analyzing their themes, but I won't watch horror movies themselves. That is not my idea of a good time. I don't want that experience of being afraid. I want that discussion of horrifying themes.

Right now, I'm listening to the soundtrack of Bloodborne. I know it's supposed to fill you will existential dread, and the setting is dripping with traditional Gothic spookiness, but the game's very design puts you in an empowered position. Not like Devil May Cry 3, but with that rally mechanic, I can see how it's so easy to just get carried away with the bloodlust for battle, that the in-game story's themes warn against. It becomes an actual experience felt by the audience, vs just an idea described to us. I love that about videogames. And I love that Bloodborne makes me feel more afraid of myself than of whatever monsters or existential dread is lurking around the game. ...Or maybe it's because I fear the monsters lurking around, that I've tricked myself into that bloodthirsty, fight-hungry mentality, as a distraction and denial. Well played, game. Well played. ^-^ Either way, when I hear that tense music, pumping my adrenaline, instead of feeling the adrenaline rush towards fear, the adrenaline instead gets diverted towards an over-eagerness to fight...and get carried away with it, even to madness. And it's intoxicating. ^_~

I mean, this is what I want to feel from Horror. I don't want to feel afraid and unable to sleep at night because of the dark. I want to consider tough issues of the psyche and face the things that are relegated to the Shadows (Jungian Shadows). I'd much rather revel in existential horrors, internal dissonance, and generally go "mad", than feel afraid. But so many of these dissonant issues are primarily delivered through Horror movies that focus more on feeling Fear than dissonance.

I'm fine with relating to stories about Becoming a monster. It's much more my taste than identifying with the experience of running from monsters.

I wonder why my tastes are like this.

I wonder if it has anything to do with my completely different affinity for Cthulhu. I keep hearing how some Lovecraft fans hate cute-ified Cthulhu plushies, because "you're supposed to be afraid of it". But afraid of what? The unknown? The feeling of being an insignificant speck in the universe? Maybe I've been exposed to too many Eastern philosophies or something, but I think those are things to be embraced. I HUG my plushie Cthulhu! (Mostly because I like cephalopods and think tentacles and spiders are delicately elegant and cute---) But also because I think there is value in embracing the fact that humanity is not the center of the universe. On the one hand, it gives the feeling that there are many amazing things out there, so fascinating that it is beyond human comprehension; the universe is so full of wonder waiting to be discovered. And on the other hand, the niche aspect of human experience makes it feel unique and emphasizes the significance that our human experiences have for us humans. I think that difference from other beings beyond, even transcendent from us, is a reason to be proud of our unique differences. ...But then, with the Cthulhu mythos created by a xenophobe, I suppose it makes sense why Lovecraft tinges the discovery of things beyond and superior to humanity as an intimidation and offense, rather than just a fascination. And after finding Bloodborne was actually about Cthulhu, I am fascinated. ^__^

#weird rambling #for my own records #fandom posterity #please ignore my idiocy #bloodborne #horror genre #symbolism #metaphor #cthulhu #existential dread #processing thoughts #confused with myself

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agent-85 · 8 years ago

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Hi! So I'm really late ^^' but I just saw the ep and what a deception... I got messages before telling me how awesome it was and I really don't get it. I mean the lmd arc was amazing with how FS was pushed to the front and their story was build up perfectly for them to have their win and save everyone for once and not just used as support. And again writers messed up everything with the cheapest twist ever with LMD!Fitz and make it a Daisy moment, she always hijack storyline, I can't stand it(1)

(2) anymore. After the will-thing, then the fact the FS were mostly put aside from the hive storyline at the end again for daisy, then this... I don't understand the writing decision in this show, they just aim for "shocking" twists at the expense of the story. Ironically I hated the Ghost rider storyline and was saved by 4x08 from quiting and now I loved this arc and 4x15 makes me want to quit... Maybe the hiatus is a good thing at the end. Sorry its looks like a rant, but its just deception.:)

They there, anon!

I gotta say, I completely disagree. I think this last episode is easily one of the top five in the series, if not in the top three. But everyone has their own opinion, of course!

But @consoledacup explained this pretty well in this post. So let me just add to that! Sometimes things don’t happen the way we expect them to, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Yes, I agree that it would have been cool to see FitzSimmons save the world together! And you’re right that they set up FitzSimmons perfectly for this arc. But I don’t think this was a deception. A twist, sure, but a fair one. They also set it up pretty well that Fitz could be an LMD, which is why half the fandom called it ahead of time. Jemma was the only one who COULDN’T have been the LMD, because she was with Davis and had an alibi. Everyone else was alone at some point. Also, just the way it was shot, we tracked her, she was the first to get to the meeting place, etc.

So going into the episode, I felt the chances of Fitz being an LMD were 50/50. And, I mean, there’s no way that Radcliffe was not going out of his way to grab Fitz. Fitz is a son figure to him, as well as his greatest threat. Now he has him, and Fitz can’t hurt him. Best possible scenario for Radcliffe.

So, I mean, it really could have gone either way, but here’s why this way isn’t cheap: it made sense and felt true to character.

The main problems with 3A are the logical inconsistencies/plot holes (Will hates science but is an astronaut and therefore a scientist, Will should be like 40 at least, the Hive we meet on Maveth isn’t close to the one on Earth, Jemma has PTSD and then not and then does, etc.) and then they took the love triangle thing WAY too far (which took away Jemma’s agency and made Fitz a martyr). Jemma wasn’t just out of character, she was a different character every episode of every scene depending on what they needed. I mean, retroactively giving her a crush on Ward? Come on. We don’t need her to be portrayed as a person who falls for whomever happens to save her.

In contrast, Jemma (and Fitz) have been very consistent in 4B. Jemma has been loving and supportive while still admitting that Fitz made mistakes. She’s against Fitz looking into AIDA, but she is still reasonable and changes her mind when Fitz explains what’s going on. Before and after she finds out, she’s on Fitz’s side, trying to help him through Radcliffe’s betrayal as best as she can. Meanwhile, Fitz sees that he let Racliffe manipulate him, and he feels more and more guilty about his contribution as things get worse. How great is it that he has Jemma still by his side! Still reassuring him! Telling him that he’s good, and whatever happens, they’ll fix it together.

Now, that Fitz has been kidnapped, it’s up to Jemma to pick up the pieces. I’m super excited to see that, because it’s the opposite of what happened in 3A. Jemma is determined, she’s in charge, and she’s going to get her man. What she’s doing lines up with the person she’s been since season one, and I feel like it’s about time! Jemma is brave and selfless, and it;s about time she gets to actually be that on screen, for goodness sake. She gets the short end of the stick so many times! And since I was disappointed that Fitz almost went to another dimension and Jemma didn’t even know about it until after, I am pumped to see Jemma go into action this time.

As for Daisy, I didn’t see it that way. I think Daisy and Jemma were pretty equally heroic on this one, each playing to their strengths. And I mean, that whole conversation between them is just Daist telling Jemma how great she is and how much she and Fitz to belong together. When I watched it for the first time, and Daisy starts saying that there’s one thing she knows for sure, I expected her to talk about duty, or honor, or being the shield. Instead, she tells Jemma that she wants Jemma and Fitz to get their happy ending, and she’s willing to fight for it. I mean, Daisy is focused in FitzSimmons! That’s pretty significant.

I believe that Agents of SHIELD is best as an ensemble show, so I hate it when it turns into The Daisy Show. Not because I don’t like Daisy, but because every single character is just as great as she is, and they all have fantastic chemistry with each other, and I like to see the bounce off each other. You take ANY two main characters, literally ANY two, and you lock them up in a room together, and you get something amazing. I don’t care if it’s Coulson and Bobbi, or May and Mack, or what. This cast and these characters are fantastic. So, this episode, you basically get Daisy and Jemma locked in a room, and it’s probably one of the best scenes of a pretty great episode. I loved it! I love their friendship!

And yes, you’re right to say that FitzSimmons HAVE been set aside for Daisy before. It HAS been The Daisy Show before. So I understand where you’re coming from. BUT! They are going into this as equal partners. They’re going to save the team together. And already, we see that Jemma has her mission, and Daisy has hers. They’re both in something of a pickle, and they’ll have to figure their way out. If they were together, Daisy might overshadow Jemma, but since they’re apart, it’s looking like they’ll both get their chance to shine. Again, I’m super excited.

And I mean, I admit that they could easily mess this up. I don’t want Space Boyfriend 2.0, for example, That would be a mistake and a waste of time. (The girl in the limo, BTW, is either Agnes or his mother. If you look, it’s an older woman’s hand. I highly doubt that it’s a love interest.) I don’t want Daisy to take over. And let me tell you, Jemma better not make some guy do all the saving for her, because then I will be pretty upset.

There are definitely reasons to be wary, anon. But so far they’ve been very careful and consistent with setting it up, and if they just continue on their own path, it’s going to be amazing. I’m trying to not get my hopes up too high, but I’m not going to criticize the writers for making a mistake they haven’t made yet.

I understand that everyone reacts differently to the same story! There’s no better example of that than when I went to NYCC and saw a 4x03 before it aired, an anon asked me if there was Philinda in the episode, and I honestly didn’t remember. And there’s actually quite a bit of Philinda in it! But I wasn’t looking for Philinda, I was looking for FitzSimmons, so I missed it. I’m sure a Philinda shipper wouldn’t have missed it! So, we all watch the show and see different things, and that’s how we know that we’re not robots. So I respect your take on the episode, anon. I hope I was able to let you see it from my point of view.

#Jemma deserves better #And I hope she's going to get it!#Meta of Agent 85 #Anons of Agent 85 #Answers of Agent 85

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marvelandponder · 11 months ago

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Commentary on the commentary continues!

"The start and end of this chapter is mirrored. It’s right there in the title card. The big twist, I just didn’t see it." "her body is rebelling against her, it didn’t listen." Heavy foreshadowing that we don't know is foreshadowing is my jam

Flash confirmed for goodest of boys. But he has some stiff competition who may also be the goodest

"They stumped me on the word castling" - Look up what castling is. I haven't seen anybody catch this so I'm giving it away as a freebie: Castling, in chess, refers to the move where your King and the rook (royal castle) switch places

TACTICAL BREATHING!! ::pumps fist victoriously:: It helps!!

"[Flash and Sunset] both sorta understand each other in this way." Yeah, they do that. Fun fact: Flash has known Sunset the longest aside from Princess Celestia so, make of that what you will!

Vermin could kick the Bone Hydra's many asses. Or singular ass

G: “Would you jump into the mouth of a basilisk if all your friends did?” T: “Well, if they got out and the basilisk spit did wonders for their general complexion and confidence, then yeah I guess I would.” An exchange between Gloriosa and Timber, I presume

That horse statue could be the real cause of everyone's problems all along

Amusing somebody who actually knows what they're talking about is the highest honour. That's also fabulously interesting, to think about what makes a place significant - in magical terms or otherwise!

"Well she didn’t really mention much of the shakes since around the time Twilight came out, save for when Timber went in." You're right! Sunset did stop shaking as much after she did some breathing and held her girlfriend's hand. Don't let her try to convince you she ain't soft

Nothing concerning here, nope!

And yes, can confirm, her body language was absolutely because she subconsciously missed having a hand to hold. I feel like we may have chatted about this once but Sunset's love language might be touch - which only makes the fact that her powers are dependent on touch that much more significant

Rarity would absolutely make her something warm and fabulous! Applejack has made Rarity more practical over the years. And yeah, Sunset's leather jacket is like her security blanket. Just looks a lot cooler than walking around high school with a blankie

I feel like Solstice does a good job putting people at ease, yeah - he's been afraid for a long time! He wouldn't want that for them! But he definitely doesn't go to church. He used to worry he would burn in there until proven otherwise, but he's still not fond

As I may have said in the sports chapter - I went to a sports high school. I'm roasting sports schools out of love

"Combining the concerned pseudo-parent and rebellious teenager is a recipe for a glorious disaster named Sombra" He's got many sides to him! Protective Dad and terrifying monster could in fact be the same side

"Just like 'mom' used to make~" Aww, yeah - they had a private chef staff for most everything else, but the Princess brewed Sunset teas herself

Solstice has so many opinions about beverages!!

"I anticipate foreshadowing here." Me? Never.....

Okay, 1) Who says you're not Marvel Prime? I might be Marvel Beta! 2) Why, yes, it is good to know about immediate danger :D for reasons!

Bevin made some cool ass choices with the art, yeah!! Very noir!

"I’ll admit I don’t know what that thing is in the right side of the first pic and left side of the second pic." You're seeing a shot-reverse-shot. That's the other person's arm!

"Can’t take this fore-shadow-ing." :D

"Solstice is no longer acting. He’s never had the chance to actually be his true self until an opportunity like this presented itself." Damn, well-said! Exceedingly true!!

End of part I indeed!! The fact that chapter 11 needed to be split in 2 delights me - we've only just begun!

EftD Chapter 11 – The Devil in Canterlot High Part 1

I’d just like to say. What the fuck.

Also, this commentary in particular had me doublebacking a lot, so I’m doing it acknowledging that I know the Chapter's end. Also I’m remembering so many actual terms for the literary devices used but alas, I’ll leave the accuracy be for the time being. Also I decided to break this one up so it’s not the tumblr equivalent of 17 Word Doc pages in a row.

Sunset Shimmer shivered from head to toe and couldn’t hide it even if she tried. And she tried. If she could at all avoid her friends seeing her like this, she would. It came in spasmodic spurts, with only seconds of control in between, starting from her legs or arms and rocking up to her core. She took in shallow, longing-to-be-deep breaths to steady herself, but, as if to rebel against her, her body didn’t listen.

First off, great start really sets the mood for the rest of the time Sunset’s going to be here. Absolutely dead-on with how it goes. The start and end of this chapter is mirrored. It’s right there in the title card. The big twist, I just didn’t see it. Even more obvious since we haven’t been seeing Sunset without something filtering her true feelings and self! But now, right there with that paragraph and the end of that first sentence – her body is rebelling against her, it didn’t listen. It can’t listen because it’s under Sombra’s control. Or soon will be.

It made her love them for trying—seriously, on a level she’d only thought possible recently—

AH!

Time spent with her favourite boys - even in totally-not-really-therapy-wink-wink - is working!

“... and I guess, I dunno, I just want to help so bad…”

GOODEST OF BOYS

He’s good. I think we’ll finally have this solved.”

I initially read this as “He’s good at being a therapist”, but I also like seeing how it could be interpreted as “He’s just genuinely a good guy”, which he is!

Flash stared at her for a second, the reels rewinding in his head almost so viscerally she could hear the sputtered squeal, and then he smiled. “Oh. I got third. They stumped me on the word castling because I thought it had an e in there somewhere, but I was super proud I could be so brave. My dad took me out for ice cream afterwards.”

A cutie mark origin story if there was one for this Flash! And just another thing to note. Even though Sunset genuinely seems cold, it’s also symbolic of her fear.

Sometimes the Princess would even let her sit on the throne.

;~;

Flash took that as a permission slip to start monologuing aloud about tactical breathing: in for 4, hold for 4, out for 4, hold for 4. Of course, the music nerd in him counted it out like a 2/4 time signature. He even performed a demonstration of what that might look like, breathing to a beat of his own making.

Ngl, a while back I started reading this chapter. Then some shit happened, and I had to drive alone for 2 hours. It was a very emotional drive, and my adrenaline had me much more awake than I needed, but my mind came back to this bit. Kept me calm and kept my driving safe. Thank you for this <3.

Sunset let him. She thought she’d managed this breathing thing pretty well on her own all these years, she didn’t need a How to Guide. While the shakes didn’t stop entirely, she managed to calm them down to a level she hoped wouldn’t be perceptible.

I’m glad Sunset did let him, instead of saying to his face that she didn’t need a how-to guide. They both sorta understand each other in this way. Flash literally just said he wants to help so bad, but Sunset also didn’t want to be perceived as not being okay. Much more didn’t want anyone to say it out loud. So, he’s helping by telling her how to breathe when you have nerves but not pointing out directly that she seems nervous. Saying things out loud just hits so much harder. Guess that’s part of the point of therapy!

The door hung open after her like the toothy maw of a basilisk salivating strands of venom and ready to devour a fresh victim whole.

Speaking of perception… she’s really not perceiving this as a good thing lol. Cold shaking, shaking in fear like a helpless little mouse. And an actual mouse. NOT a ‘Tiny Vermin’. There’s a reason that boss is up a level after the Bone Hydra.

And Sunset would have been happy to continue staring off into the middle-distance, unreachable, but then, Timber Spruce slapped his hands on his knees, got up from his chair, and said, “You know what? Why not? Let’s get magical. I’ve got a few things to say.”

Sunset looked up then to see Timber send her a tired smirk before disappearing.

Absolute shocker. And absolutely love the way Timber went about this. Sometimes you just gotta dive right into the deep end to get used to the water. And of course, seeing all your friends jump in and then come out fine and in a good mood and the like, and you’re all that more likely to cave to the pressure. Timber especially so since he likes to also feel part of the Rainbooms.

“Would you jump into the mouth of a basilisk if all your friends did?”

“Well, if they got out and the basilisk spit did wonders for their general complexion and confidence, then yeah I guess I would.”

What would he say about her in there? What were they talking about? Closing the portal won’t take long. Ray and Scruffles need me to bring them, I’d have to get them first. If I close the portal, is that it? Could anyone open it again? Would the connection be severed? Would the crack in the sky disappear? What happens here when it’s gone?

She’s still on that?! Not even her girlfriend could convince her otherwise?!

Sunset knew with a cold certainty from her lectures and studies on the Roots of Magic that there was always a source. An origin, a cause.

I do not like that this certainty in particular is cold. Especially not with all the other ‘cold’ things going on. Also, I bet the origin is that damn horse statue in front of City Hall!

…(similar to the human economy, Sunset Shimmer understood little to nothing of human geography—and now she likely never would) ...

As a human geographer who also happens to be human, I find this very humourous. I do NOT recommend searching what I mean, it’s a rabbit hole of confusion and questioning as to geography’s place in academia (but fuck almost all of those Ivy League Universities, you know what university DOES include Geography among one of its VERY FEW master’s and doctorate programs? THE UNITED NATIONS UNIVERSITY! Guess actually helping people across the world through an interdisciplinary approach towards natural disasters under a changing climate isn't top of mind for them. Yes I'm bitter.)

Also would be funny if Sunset pursued geography as a result of going to NR (which apparently was important to military officer training in WW2).

This also makes the idea of ��significant places of sorcery and love” especially interesting to me as a human geographer. We look into the human relationship with space, which we end up calling “place’. We assign value to it when we have this relationship, including emotional value. But these places can have different identities and values depending on the who its relating to.

What goes into those places of sorcery and love? If we think back to the Perfect Pear in the pony episodes, that is an example of assigning emotional value to a place. A place of love, where sorcery emerged, where these powerful interactions of two lovers, forbidden to be with each other but still so committed to being there anyway that they develop a place that was unique to them. But is there any place we’ve seen that could be classified as such in the human realm? Nightfall Reach certainly seems old, perhaps old enough to be classified so. And with Friendship being a core tenet, maybe there’s something there.

There’s likely something around Canterlot High, and that statue. Clearly the statue itself is imbued with magic. But did anything with strong enough love or sorcery exist in that space before the school did? Did it have to? So many relationships made, broken, by so many students coming in and out of that place, connected to a mirror. What other value might have been assigned here, and by whom?

In a small, cold place, she almost found herself excited for them. You go, girls. You’re going to be amazing.

OOF

She didn’t so much as say a word to her girlfriend or Flash before Timber appeared in front of her, hand outstretched.

Damn, I can’t even imagine what Twilight must be thinking after all that. It’s even worse knowing the first conversation after this will be through Sombra.

Sunset flinched and looked to her girlfriend, who sat beside her and, at some point, had taken Sunset’s hand, maybe to steady it. The little circles she revolved with her thumb stopped short.

Awwwwww!

Well she didn’t really mention much of the shakes since around the time Twilight came out, save for when Timber went in.

Solstice emerged from the office and his eyes billowed a ghastly gas-like steam. The crackle of it startled Flash in particular who ripped out of his seat, but neither Twilight nor Timber reacted.

Okay so, a bit of a development! Totally not at all concerning. Also totally not concerning that Twi and Tim are not concerned. sweats

Solstice waited for her like the ferryman at the perilous banks of the River Styx, lantern and steady smile at the ready.

Mouth of Styx starts playing

Sunset walking into hell, to face Hades himself.

Heart walloping against the confines of her ribcage, Sunset had to admit comfortable sounded so nice. Trying to stabilize one of her clammy hands with its partner, she nodded, mumbling, “Yeah, okay. Sure.”

Wow, really missing Twi’s hand, huh?

That made him smile, teeth pale like a full-moon in the shadow of night. Combined with his still demonically slitted eyes, Sunset fought the thought that Solstice looked almost animalistic and focused instead on the gentleness of his voice. “You can zip up your jacket, my dear, I don’t want you to freeze.”

Aaaahhh! Very werewolf-like. Indeed. I can see it be an apt metaphor for Solstice and his condition. The style and grace of the Sombra persona feeling more like a vampire, but the challenge of having something deep inside of you changing and turning you into a monster is something all too familiar for Sunset. The human realm has its own myths and legends, but she likely experienced so many of those myths made real back in Equestria. And, having dressed up like one for Halloween partly being the reason for her perceiving him this way. Or maybe its more of a Jekyll and Hyde thing.

“Tcht. No, see, I’d be offended. It’s kind of my look, so...” She gestured down to her open leather jacket in open rebellion.

Sunset’s willing to freeze before changing her look? Rarity will be so proud. Or disappointed since she could probably make it still warm while being fashionable.

Still, it’s a nice touch – Sunset’s here in her first counselling appointment, where it’s supposed to be a safe space to let yourself be comfortable enough to be honest with yourself and your feelings and the like. Where you can take off that figurative armour, literal in the case of Sunset and her rebellious identity, also being rebellious to the idea of counselling.

“Oh! Yes, that has to be frightfully frigid.”

I don’t like the implied tone here. Yes, the weather inside is frightful, but the other side of Sombra is so very much ALSO frightful. Maybe though, the fire inside that Solstice sets for the students’ souls will be so delightful.

She drank him in in full. It helped her own nerves to see the big bad opponent she was up against wore loafers like he was late for church service, wore his button-down not quite tucked into his belted slacks, and smelled like a coffee shop if it also used a wood stove. “Huh. You actually can’t feel cold?”

The BIG BAD… Churchgoer? More like wolf in sheep’s clothing. With Solstice being like that, it must’ve done both Flash and Timber a lot of good. A safe haven in a cold cold blizzard who emanates the woodsy-ness the latter likes, but speaks so very kindly, as the former would appreciate.

“Heaven knows the central heating could use an upgrade with me around to challenge it, but well. Public school.”

Okay so they can afford the special sports stuff but not heating?! I well… yeah no, that tracks.

But Solstice caught that. “Really, are you sure about your jacket? I wouldn’t want you to catch a cold in my office, I’d never forgive myself.” Sunset’s eyes went for a spin. “Think I’ll find a way to survive your office.”

laughing nervously

Solstice paused long enough to stare at her jacket’s zipper, as if tempted to zip it up himself. If he had telepathy or the sheer force of will, all bets might have been off. With the steam still billowing off his demonic eyes, he looked much angrier about it than he probably actually was. Or maybe it really did vex him that much, Sunset couldn’t say.

Combining the concerned pseudo-parent and rebellious teenager is a recipe for a glorious disaster named Sombra as he feeds on the anger from feeling a lack of control (or what I thought was anger, but is actually fear for her well-being).

Either way, he moved toward the kettle and basket of cookies. “Alright, it’s your decision. But speaking of dire choices: Can I at least get you anything? A hot beverage to keep warm?

Nothing like a hot beverage! Although I think that there should be a better word to define hot beverages than just “hot beverage”. I’ve been trying to get “café drinks” going here and there, but in this day and age? That can mean anything.

Sunset doubted the school counsellor would readily give her access to the type of beverage she really wanted to get through this. Fire down the throat always kept her warm, in a manner of speaking (especially if it was Nectar of the Gods, Sunset’s favourite Equestrian liquor; she’d never forget sneaking her first taste from the pools of Mount Olympus while on diplomatic missions with the Princess. Good times). She shifted on the plump couch cushion. “Tea’s good, if you have any. Camelmile?”

Who wouldn't want some Nectar of the Gods? I'm sure there'll be some at the coronation.

Whenever Sunset had an upset stomach⁠—her codeword for nervousness or feeling upset, honestly⁠—as a filly, Princess Celestia brewed her excellent tea. Trottingham chai, Zebrafrican rooibos, even a nice Griffonstonian oolong after a long day. It got to the point the sound of the kettle boiling in the hearth was enough to ease any irritation.

Just like 'mom' used to make~

Nodding, Solstice smiled around his own shoulder, back at her, setting up the mugs, not unlike a bartender.

Ah yes, the bartender, discount therapist!

His little wooden stirring stick whisked the cup in an erratic fashion. “Warping the minds of the youth with their overpriced... cake coffee. Oh, it sounds delicious, but what you’ve really gone and done is ruined a perfectly good pot of coffee and convinced swarms of innocent teenagers they’ve bought themselves a luxury item!”

He grumbled more into his own mug as he sipped to avoid an overflow before realizing; he swallowed his mutterings down with his coffee. “I have… a lot of feelings about beverages. Wine especially. But I suppose the point was that it’s nice to know I’m not the only ex-career student here.”

Recently I’ve come to appreciate whisky. I enjoyed it before, sure, but now I understand that among the connoisseurs, the best whisky is the one you like, and that includes whiskey ;)

But that does bring me to another observation – Sunset mentioned alcohol in her head before Solstice said it out loud. Foreshadowing about getting in her head? Or is it another point about how much they actually have in common?

It’s wild seeing how much coffee has really taken off though. I see a lot of similarities between wine and coffee connoisseurs. The sheer difference in variety of tastes based on where it’s grown and the conditions that gave rise to it – it’s terroir - and how it’s processed or even what you add to it in each minuscule amount.

Each student technically is a product of their own terroir. Even though the students are all different, they’re also similar in so many ways – that’s why they can empathize with each other despite those different experiences. But of course, with a unique terroir, it’ll get harder and harder to have an accurate read on knowing how someone else is feeling. As a geographer once said, "everything is related to everything else, but near things are more related than distant things." People who grew up in one place have much more in common than someone from a different place depending on what's available to them: the culture there, foods available, cost of things in the community, etc. But the processing of the coffee bean or the wine changes that too! As it goes through its life cycle, it started out somewhere, like all its neighbours, but slowly changed along the way as new experiences shaped it, and shaped the person.

And that’s why its important for someone like Solstice to be there. He talks to them and gets into the finer notes and details of people, even with the added sugar. His comment about cake coffee makes me believe he dislikes it because he dislikes how the uniqueness of each cup getting drowned out and taken away by fads among teens, making it harder for them to be open and honest with each other if all they're concerned with is the fad. Cause if you're not open and honest, how can you have an open and honest relationship with one another? With Sunset’s “look”, she’s dressed up like a mocha and refuses to let him or anyone else really know the core of what’s there. All that sugar added drowns out what makes everyone unique and beautiful in their own way. Unless you're a coffee connoisseur among coffee connoisseurs.

That and he's worried about them being manipulated.

“That’s true. I apologize. I don’t know. Call it an educated guess, then,” he told her, carrying over her mug. “Maturity is usually hard-won, much like degrees and education. Or forgiveness.” Solstice offered a smile as he gave her the drink. “Your friends speak very highly of you, Sunset. Your story is something of a legend around here. You are.”

Well at least Sunset has the forgiveness thing under her belt. The former she could get no problem! Just gotta figure out what that will be.

“…I don’t do well with heights, not a fan.”

I anticipate foreshadowing here.

Would it be dramatic to say I’ve got a fear phobia? Sunset thought. “I’ve got a fear phobia. Only thing I fear is fear itself, you know? So if you’re wondering about your eyes, it’s cool, don’t worry about it. I’m not afraid of you.”

Sombra likes to be dramatic and uses fear as his primary weapon. If he’s not fear itself, then I don’t know what is for ya, Sunny.

“I’ll do my best to help you achieve that, then.” Solstice handed her a waiver of some sort, complete with clipboard and pen. “Everything you say here is completely confidential. The only exceptions to that are if I’m required to disclose case-relevant details in a court of law, or, and this is important, if you pose an immediate danger to yourself or others. At which point, I would contact the proper authorities for safety reasons.”

…

The authorities? Celestia, Flash’s dad would kill me if he knew I planned to leave Flash behind again. If Chief Magnus murders me, Flash might find out I’m leaving and try to stop me. “No.”

Including this part so specifically, leads me to believe the reason is twofold:

1. Our most glorious author, Marvel Prime, is presenting the reader with an accurate portrayal of the processes of going to therapy, based on her own knowledge and experience. This in turn, is also useful to anyone reading this in terms of knowing what to expect if they go in.

2. Foreshadowing. The callback back to good ol Detective Daddy-o, Flash Magnus, who probably has a case on her, and just needs a little bit more to bring it to court. The other element of “this is important”, is not just for her, but for the reader to remember. Because she gets body swapped again, she will ultimately pose said immediate danger to herself and others. Also, who knows if “proper authorities” can actually mean Princess Twilight and the crew bringing in some magic-ass kickin’. Seems like the proper authority to me.

Not that she had any plans on re-terrorizing the school or putting everyone’s lives in danger, but Sunset could almost hear the cell-doors clanking shut in front of her.

Wonderfully brought together with the art right in this section too! The shadow of the blinds making it look all too much like cell-doors. Signing her name? Signing her confession…. DUN DUN DUUUN.

“Oh-ho, no. Nope. We’re not doing this, no,” Sunset said, arms barred across her chest like a luxurious stay at the Tartarus Juvenile Detention Centre. “I’m not here to talk about me, I’m here to help my friends change back.”

And prison references continue! It all comes back together. All the Greek mythology references, combined with the justice system, coming together into that – the Tartarus Juvenile Detention Centre being the reason for the references and how this all feels, that she’s ultimately a bad friend and bad person, even if she’s not going to terrorize the school again not that she’ll have any say in that though. But also this whole thing could just be in of itself another way to foreshadow just that. Either way, she’s venturing through Hades to save her friends, but is willing to stay there if it means making things right.

Y’know it also kinda feels like Solstice is gonna pull out the ol’ Rorschach tests.

“Tell me what you see?”

Sunset proceeds to see either her kissing Twi, her strangling Timber, or Celestia disappointed in her.

Arms crossed. Sunset took in air just to sigh it back out like sand dragged back into the sea.

AND IT STILL MAKES YOUR FEET GRAINY. THERE’S ALWAYS A LIL BIT LEFT BEHIND IN YOUR SANDAL.

And a stop to say it’s lovely seeing this second picture right after. Solstice just across from the ‘imprisoned’ Sunset, showing the source of the cell-door imagery. Again, I’m no artist, but I feel like there’s a number of contrasts and comparisons to be seen here.

First, I’ll admit I don’t know what that thing is in the right side of the first pic and left side of the second pic. BUT It does connect the two – the way its coloured and the angle it’s on.

Second, the difference in line styling with each picture – the one feat. Sunset is softer, more rounded, wavy, especially when the shadow-prison-bars hit Sunset herself. Notably, the only parts of Solstice that are rounded are the two that are most influenced by Sombra.

Third, the way these two come together. It’s literally shadow prison bars. AND that’s what curves around Sunset. Her tea’s steam curves and is reminiscent of her hair, but curves towards Solstice. The parts of Solstice influenced by Sombra are his hair and his breath. They’re mimicking her – again a sort of foreshadowing, and also almost soul-like (yes I'm thinking Danny Phantom). Oh yeah also it’s like, half his face literally covered in shadow too. But not just any shadow, a shadow that reflects the Yin-Yang symbol – the darkness in the light, and the light in the darkness.

“Yes, precisely!” He leaned forward to the edge of his seat. “But the exact effect is dependent on you! Anyone can feel love for their friends, or joy, anger, fear—really, I believe you’re right, the intensity of your emotions correlates to the intensity of your magic. But if the power comes from you directly, it’s also my belief that exactly how it manifests is related to your individual psychology. Who you are, what those emotions mean to you personally.”

Okay, don’t like how he ended on fear there. Can’t take this fore-shadow-ing.

If Solstice’s individual personality affects how his magic manifests, does that mean his initial fear, perhaps fear of his father, helped make it what it is now? Would his guilt manifest differently, since that seems to be strong with him? Or maybe guilt is simply the aftermath of fear having been realized.

A stupid giggle bubbled to the surface. “I’ve had theories for years,” Solstice near-squealed, his eyes flickering back to their regular green, if only momentarily, and back again. “It wasn’t until I came here to help you students that I had any way of observing other samples besides myself! And the most marvelous part is I may have guided the students towards the answers, but they’re the ones to figure it out! And now they can learn to harness those powers for good! Emotional therapy meets magical theory!”

And here we see an example of it all playing out. Sunset mentioned acting as your true self as a form of creating strong emotions – and Solstice is no longer acting. He’s never had the chance to actually be his true self until an opportunity like this presented itself. He’s always had to act on stage, act a certain way in front of his dad, find this niche interest and be unable to share it, and he’s had to act like everything’s okay in order to not induce anxiety in anyone else, which would make him feel worse. He’s had to filter and mute himself. And thus, him acting as his true self allows him to regain control of his whole, true self back from Sombra. Allows him to be powered by magic through something stronger than fear. For now.

And that's the end of Part 1 of this chapter's commentary!

#Empathy for the Devil #EftD #I'll rebloop Part II tomorrow!!#I'm so thrilled you have no idea!!

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