#they definitely made it for scott and kip too though

[evermore118]

i know for a fact the girlies in the game changers universe go off with their edits of Ilya and Shane to the alchemy when ottawa wins the stanley cup

[edutainer2022]

11- Tell me a ship you love and a ship you hate

@mrmustachious Thanks for the ask. Ooooh, dangerous waters, as, I'm sure, I have quite unpopular or unconventional opinions on ships in Thunderfandom (TAG-verse). But here goes nothing. If it earns me unfollows - so be it.

A caveat, though: the Thunderbirds are foremost about brothers' and father-sons' relationships for me, so I'm a lot more open to ideas of 'ships' on the periphery of those primary relationships, than I would normally be in a different fandom.

Caveat #2: I know what headcanons and elements of fanon I subscribe to and don't. Those are my personal opinions exclusively. The fanon/fic-canon I don't agree with may or may not be a deal breaker for me to read (or keep reading) a story, mostly it depends if the characters in question are explored in depth.

Ships I like. I appears, Scott Tracy is the only character in the long range of my Tall, Dark and Emotionally Compromised favorites, whom I quite liberally multiship. I would usually stick to an OTP. Since my go-to OTP for Scott is peace of mind, laying down his burdens, knowing he's enough and knowing he's loved (by Dad, mostly) without having to martyr himself to earn it, I go a little more loose in the ship department.

Scott and Kayo make sense to me on many levels. I still remember the time there were 1,5 Scayo fics in the days of TAG run and I was parched, waiting for an update. I actually think they're the kind of ship that would end up together years down the line, even having pursued other relationships and/or marriages. He's the Sun, she's the Shadow.

That said, I can see merit in what the canon wheeled out or hinted at for Scott - Jane Carter the pilot, Marion (this one actually has ample dramatic and comedic potential, where I'm concerned - I'm glad they brought Marion back to showcase Scott). I think one of TAG's creators identified her as a potential LI for Scott in S3, so I'm rolling with that - 10 Things I Hate About You, and all. Pure fic territory, but journalist Kat, Lemaire's wife, Professor Qawrk and Havoc are fun to explore as well. For various reasons. Heck, so are Tyco Reeves and Cameron the Shakleton Guard. People meet Scott - people get inspired by Scott - people get a thing for Scott and kinda carry a torch. That leaves a vast untapped potential for Scott and the Mechanic. I don't personally ship them, but the ground to be covered from resentment to respect to a working relationship/friendship is quite fertile.

I am not sure I'm opposed to the idea of Scott and Penelope having been an on again-off again sort of thing when they were younger. Now it's just a really fond friendship.

I'm also mostly fine with the ideas the show kinda put on the table for John and Virgil - Ridley and Cass. Cass in particular, as I think she ticks many boxes Virgil would need to seek in a relationship (any relationship, not only romantic). I know the fandom generally dislikes Ridley and John/Ridley (or John/anyone) - I don't. The show went for it in no uncertain terms, all Tracy boys definitely have a thing for strong, capable, assertive (and slightly reckless) women. I always wondered if Virgil and Kip Harris could be explored - in a May-December "impossible" sort of way (maybe one-sided).

Going underwater in TB2 really, really made me give Virgil and Penny a long, hard look. I really enjoyed their rapport and banter. The sweet Lumberjack may be awkward eating cookies in a castle, but he's a man of fine arts and music. That's more of Penelope's scene. But I wouldn't want unrequited love or anguish over "brotherly code" for Virgil - he deserves being the first choice. Then again, maybe Penelope too deserves to not feel shackled by obligation to Gordon's undying and unwavering devotion. Either way - Legends of the Fall territory, very unlikely to end mess-free.

I'm rather amused by several ship options for Brains - Moffie, Tycho Reeves, the Mechanic.

The mother of his five sons is, of course, Jeff's one true love, but I am not exactly against the idea of him growing closer to Col. Casey (especially after his return, as the now adult boys pursue their own personal lives more). I've read a fic to that effect and... life is a complicated thing. Especially life after so many losses. If anyone is gonna understand and respect the love he has for his children and for his late wife, and be fiercely protective of his family, that gotta be Casey. I'd read more about their friendship (or something deeper).

Ships I don't like. Well, foremost, I gotta say there's A LOT (sometimes contradictory or mutually exclusive things) I would read in fic, if the characters are done justice or some facets of character/conflict are explored in a fascinating way. Some of these things I would file as "that totally happened, headcanon accepted" , some would go "oh, I can see that!", some go "huh? Never would have thought that, but hey...". Some things make sense only in the coordinates and for versions of characters established in a particular story.

Some things keep not making sense to me even after I gave them a lot of thought and have read a lot of excellent exploration of them in fic. Like Gordon and Penelope. I don't ship them. I exist. They ARE the canon pairing and part of the plot, of course. I don't ship them with anyone else, not really. They will live happily ever after. Well, realistically, I can't help but see them as a trainwreck waiting to happen, as the long-distance honeymoon (highschool) stage of romance is over, but it was not a very realistic story to begin with. There's that, as far as my willing engagement with this ship is concerned. I got fascinated by them in Tunnels of Time and am rather vexed how the show went about actually bringing them together, eventually. I understand it's an "opposites attract" trope, I understand they went for "Princess and the Scoundrel", or "couples' costumes are kinda cute" (since Penelope is all of a sudden in the aquatic rescue business now), but... I just don't see it doing justice to Gordon and his journey to maturity (and I'm kinda annoyed with the loyal page/lapdog vibe, sorry). In my experience it never ends well when ALL parties in a relationship think in earnest one is out of the other's league and agree which one. I've read remarkable explorations of Penny's emotional journey, or their mutual journey in fic to make it more captivating but... that's just too much heavy cognitive lifting for me for the two characters I relate least of all in the story overall. I don't actively seek to read fic with their pairing, and if it's a default in other stories, I appreciate it and read through/around it to the parts more focused on other family relationships and dynamics.

It used to be a rather popular fanon ship in early TAG fandom, but I don't really dig Virgil and Brains. It has nothing to do with headcanons on any characters' sexualities, but mostly to do with character dynamics the way I read it. Virgil's "fatal flaw" is lack of confidence and pursuit of approval, and so is Brain's. So to me, there're not enough complimentary or contrasting aspects these characters can bring to the table in a relationship to build each other up (unless Virgil is depicted confident, assertive and suave, which is... an OOC Virgil). Their working dynamics could be quite fascinating. I know some of my followers ship them... Well, these are my personal opinions. I mostly do with Virgil/Brains in fic what I do with Pen and Ink - appreciate them as an established fact of this story version and quietly read around them to other relationships and dynamics (if I like the overall story and want to engage with it, regardless of the ship).

Another popular fanon ship that I don't quite get is Virgil and Kayo. Well, I can SEE it - they're remarkably hot individuals. I can see Virgil falling in love (bless him). I've seen it explored along interesting avenues in fic, but I have to make a conscious effort to suspend disbelief. There's just not enough in their interactions and characterization in the show for me to get the vibe. I dunno... Maybe I can see Kayo going along with Virgil's crush (the boi is precious and breathtakingly handsome), but then withdraw because he's "too good and pure for her"? I dunno... Lots of heartbreak for Virgil. Don't wanna a heartbroken Virgil.

Which brings us to my, probably, only no-fly ship zone - OC ships. If there's a Tracy Brother/OC ship on the tin... I may test the waters, but am very unlikely to engage or read further. Sadly, I am yet to see OC ships with the boys that are not tumbling their way headfirst into Mary Sue/Gary Stu Bella Swan wish fulfillment territory. Except for, maybe, a couple of dramatic, painful "past relationship" stories for the boys. I read A LOT of fic (for fun and for research). I give many stories many chances, but I am yet to be proven wrong in my initial assumption. Do I have secret bosom OC ships in the bottom drawer of my Thunderheadcanons? Of course. Would I wanna read it, fully aware of the demerits and limitations of OC ship as a genre? No, thank you. To each their own, of course.

[hedwigstalons]

SpaceBear - bit 4 (end)

So this has finally reached the end (for now).  I will probably return to these precious babies at some point because the SpaceBear ship is just glorious.

Huge thanks to @willow-salix for naming this ship and for massive amounts of help in pulling this to some sort of conclusion.  

Bit 1 is here, Bit 2 , Bit 3

Bit 4

The shamefaced pair trailed down to the kitchen after Scott, like condemned prisoners following behind their jailor who led them in stony silence.  As if having big brother walk in on them hadn’t been bad enough he had stood there, tall and imposing in the doorway, waiting while discarded clothes were found and reclaimed.  Despite all the times he’d changed in front of his brothers Alan had never felt more naked and exposed even though he had still been half dressed.

Entering the lower level of the villa they found the table all set, Virgil and Gordon already seated and staring hungrily at empty plates.  The warm smells coming coming from the kitchen module were actually pretty good for a change although Alan wasn’t too sure he had much of an appetite any more.

“You’re late, boys.  Now hurry up and wash your hands then you can help me carry over the dishes, I made the others wait for you.”

With a quick chorus of “Sorry Grandma” and “Sorry Mrs Tracy” the pair hurried over to the sink to get washed up while Scott headed back to his place at the table.

“I really shouldn’t have to send Scott to fetch you, you know,” Sally scolded.  “I’d have thought after spending all day at the Expo you would have had enough of playing games.  Never mind, you’re here now so we can get started.”

She hustled them about, setting them to ferrying the serving dishes over to the table where they were eagerly pounced upon by Gordon and Virgil.  Scott was more reserved but she put it down to a tough day in the office, TI business was a necessary evil for him and he was often a little bit muted after a day stuck in a suit.  

Once everyone had had a chance to load their plates, and the initial babble of conversation between those who weren’t privy to the scene in Alan’s bedroom had faded as eating took priority, Scott finally broke his silence, his words falling like lead.  “So, when were you going to tell us?“  Walking in on his baby brother had come as something of a shock, Alan had been his responsibility for so long it was sometimes hard to accept that the kid he had taken custody of was growing up.  It probably didn’t help matters that the other party was Brandon.  He tolerated Brandon’s presence, mostly because he had been persuaded how good it was for Alan to have a friend outside the family, but the vlogger was definitely more worldly than his brother and preceded by a reputation that Scott did not approve of.  His protective instincts had been ignited and right now he was wishing he’d followed his gut and kept Brandon away from the island.

Alan shifted uncomfortably in his seat.  He’d barely had time to come to terms with things himself and he and Brandon hadn’t actually got as far as defining what they were before giving in to their physical wants.

"Tell us what?” Virgil put down his fork and looked between his oldest and youngest brothers, Scott was radiating animosity and Alan looked nervous as hell.   

“Alan and Brandon here have been getting a little up close and personal." 

"Lighten up Scott, it was one kiss.  You make it sound like the end of the world”

Scott had been expecting an answer but he hadn’t been expecting it to come from Gordon.  “What do you mean ‘one kiss’?  It’s a damn sight more than that."  

Confusion reigned supreme on Gordon’s face.  "No, it wasn’t.  I saw the footage.”

“What footage?  What are you on about Gords?”  The question was low and threatening and Gordon found himself swallowing nervously despite having a pretty clear conscious for once.

“The Expo of course, what are you on about?”

“I just caught these two,” the words were spat with more force than was strictly necessary as Scott waved vaguely in the direction of Alan and Brandon, “fooling around in Alan’s room.  Now what’s this about the Expo?”  The pair in question were subjected to the full force of the Commander’s stare; Scott knew he was coming across as intimidating and probably overreacting but after a day spent examining share prices and and listening to market forecasts he was in no mood to be dealing with unexpected surprises. 

“That was all my fault, Scott,” Brandon stammered.  “I kinda got carried away with all the cameras there and surprised Alan, he…he had nothing to do with it.”

“Hmm,” Scott frowned, not missing the slight shift in movement that suggested Alan had grasped Brandon’s hand under the table or the grateful look Brandon shot him in response; it was a show of unity he hadn’t expected.  “That doesn’t make it any better.”  He reached up and activated his comm “Come in Thunderbird Five, I’ve got a job for you.”

“What is it, Scott?” the missing sibling popped into being via the nearest holoprojector, looking puzzled at being summoned.

“I need you to go through the footage from the Expo Alan went to.  You might need to do some damage limitation.”

“Uh, okay.  Are you going to give me a clue what I’m looking for?”

“Oh I think you’ll know when you see it.”

“FAB.”  The slightly puzzled Space Monitor winked out of existence as the link was cut.

Knowing that John was dealing with whatever had happened at the Expo, and taking Gordon’s lack of concern over the footage as a sign that whatever had been caught on film wasn’t too major, Scott focussed his attention back on the unhappy couple.

“So is this serious between you or what?”  

The tension between oldest and youngest was palpable.  Alan licked his lips nervously, trying to work out how to phrase things and desperately wishing there wasn’t such an audience as all eyes turned towards him.  Was it serious?  Was Brandon his boyfriend now?  He certainly knew what he wanted it to be.  

“Yeah, yeah it is.”  Brandon had cut in before he had the chance to answer, giving Alan’s hand a reassuring squeeze at the same time.  This time it was Alan giving Brandon the grateful look; he knew how hard it was to face up to Scott when he got like this.  

"Well I think it’s great, honey,” Grandma stepped in, giving Scott a brief warning look that clearly said the interrogation was over before turning her attention on the new couple.  “Hey, maybe you can come on a double date with me and Kip.”  She knew Scott had to get whatever concerns he had out of his system but his attitude needed keeping in check.  This was meant to be a nice family dinner after all.

“Ewww, Grandma!” Alan exclaimed.

“Don’t worry, I’m only messing with you.  I wouldn’t want any of you boys along anyway, it might cramp my style.”  She winked at Alan, causing him to shudder.  “Now will someone pass me those bread rolls, I’m hungry.”

The meal passed in relative normality after that although the oldest and youngest brothers ate barely a fraction of their usual portion.  Alan’s stomach was still in knots and he could only pick at his food while Scott was obviously still brooding but with Grandma giving her seal of approval any further discussions of Alan and Brandon’s fledgling relationship were clearly off limits.  

Mostly off limits.  Alan knew the silence from Scott was too good to last.

“Virgil, I’m going to need you to have a talk with Alan and Brandon after dinner.”  While he might not like the idea of his baby brother having anything that even remotely resembled a sex life he had to accept that this was a likely progression.  He would be failing in his duty if he didn’t make sure the couple went into this with their eyes open but same sex relationships were outside his personal realm of experience, hence calling on his next in line.  

“Huh, what about?”  Virgil looked up from his plate, he was far less bothered than Scott about the whole situation and wasn’t too sure what else there was to discuss.

“Alan.  And Brandon."  Scott gave his brother a pointed look. 

Virgil’s brow furrowed in confusion before realisation hit.  "Oh, right, couple stuff.  Really though Scott the rules aren’t any different just cos it’s a guy, but sure I’ll talk to them."  

Alan wanted the ground to swallow him up and he could feel the rising blush creeping towards his ears.  He could not believe this was happening.  He wasn’t completely clueless on the facts of life and Brandon definitely wasn’t.  To make matters worse Gordon was grinning like a Cheshire cat at the prospect, probably thinking up his own contributions Alan suspected.

"Really, it’s okay, we’re good.” Feeling the discomfort radiating off of Alan, Brandon tried to ward Virgil off.

“Oh no,” Virgil smirked, although to Brandon the look seemed vaguely reminiscent of a shark circling its prey, “if you intend to be involved with my little brother we are definitely going to talk.”

“Grandma, is this really necessary?” Alan tried to appeal to the one person who he thought he could count on as an ally.

“Actually dear, I’m with your brothers on this one.  Now if everyone’s finished I’ve got some jobs I want to do.  Gordon, can you give me a hand please, I’ve got some boxes I want shifting.”  She knew she wouldn’t be able to persuade Scott to leave but she could at least take some of the pressure off the situation.

The aquanaut grimaced but knew better to disobey.  Much as it would have been fun to watch Alan squirm he knew his Grandma was deliberately giving the others space; two big brothers was more than enough for Alan to be dealing with and Virgil would stop Scott from going overboard.  Anyways, he could impart his worldly wisdom any time he fancied grossing his brother out.

With Gordon and Grandma out the way a heavy silence settled over the table.  Scott was still radiating animosity and the attitude was starting to bug Virgil.  So what if Scott wasn’t a fan of Brandon?  Alan obviously was and if the feeling was mutual who was he to get in their way.  He took a sip of his water and waited for Scott to say something but Scott had evidently decided it was all on him now.  He cleared his throat.

“Now I don’t know what the pair of you have been getting up to, and to be honest I don’t want to know, but if you two are now an item there are some ground rules you need to follow.  Alan, you have a lock on your bedroom door, I suggest you start using it.  Brandon, whenever you stay over there will be a guest room for you as normal; it’s up to the pair of you if you use it but it’s there.”

“Now I don’t think…” Scott tried to butt in but Virgil cut him off.  If big brother was going to pass the buck on anything that wasn’t strictly hetero then he could keep his mouth shut for the moment.  And anyway, Virgil thought, Scott was a hypocrite.  He could well remember Scott’s own early forays into the world of dating which had started far earlier than Alan’s.

“No, Scott.  Alan not a kid any more and neither is Brandon.  I don’t want them to feel like they need to sneak around and neither do I want to barge in on anything.  Or have you forgotten how many times I had to cover for you or come up with some excuse to keep Dad out of wherever you’d chosen to mess around with your latest squeeze?”  Once he was satisfied that there would be no more interruptions he turned back to Alan and Brandon. “Now judging from the way Scott here has decided to drag me into all this I guess things have already started getting pretty physical between the two of you.”  Alan didn’t think it was possible to sink any lower in his seat but he tried.  “Now there are only two rules but they are absolutely non-negotiable.  Firstly, if you choose to go that far, you always use protection.  You have no excuse not to, there is always a stock in the cabinet in the infirmary, just make a note on the pharmacy order if supplies are running low.  And secondly, you do not do anything that you aren’t both wholly comfortable with.  You always check the other person is happy and if either of you want to stop at any point you stop.  Oh, and Brandon, if you dare hurt my little brother I personally know of at least 6 ravines where you could have a very convincing accident.“

Once Virgil had said his piece Scott launched in again, mostly about not broadcasting everything about their lives to the public or splashing it all over the vlog.  It was a request the pair happily agreed to; Alan wasn’t keen on the idea of navigating life with Bradon in front of millions of viewers and Brandon felt like he would have agreed to anything if it meant being able to get away from the combined force of Tracys one and two.

When they were finally released from their lecture Alan and Brandon fled back to the sanctuary of Alan’s room.  Alan clicked the lock into place behind them; still a bit shaky after the ordeal at dinner it wasn’t that he was in the mood to continue where they left off, more that he didn’t want to be on the receiving end of any more rules or advice from the family, well meant or otherwise.  

Brandon climbed up onto the bed and sat up against the wall, resting his forearms on drawn up knees.  “Man, Scott was like, so intense and boy I do not want to go piss off Virg, I used to think he was the soft one but I kinda think he scares me more than Scott.  Are your family always this extreme?”

“Yeah, sorry, they can get a little over protective sometime.  You do know Virgil was joking about the ravines, right?” 

“Right,” Brandon looked like he wasn’t wholly convinced though.  “Just as well I like living life on the edge.  Always be extreme and all that.”

“Were you alright with what they said, about not putting stuff about us out on your vlog?”

“Well clips with you or your brothers in already get 30% more views, think of the ratings.”

“Brandon!”

“Relax Alan.  No cameras, no clips.  I don’t have to put everything about me online and I don’t want to.  The media, well, you’ve seen how it can chew you up and spit you out and I don’t want to do anything that could hurt you.”  

Brandon patted the bed and Alan responded to the invitation.  He climbed into the gap between Brandon’s legs and settled his back against Brandon’s chest, feeling a slight thrill as warm arms circled round him in a gentle hug.  This was a side to Brandon that was rarely seen, a softer, gentler, more serious side that was at odds with the carefully curated persona of the Bear.  

As Alan’s weight settled comfortably back against him, the smaller form cocooned by his own slightly taller frame, Brandon felt luckier than he had done in a long time.  Alan wasn’t what would normally be considered his type, not if the string of conquests behind him was anything to go by, but there was something about the young Thunderbird with his raw and open honesty that had Brandon craving more than a quick fling.  There was a connection he’d never felt with anyone else before and he made a sincere and silent promise to look after the man who had first welcomed him into his life and his family and then invited him a step further into his heart.

He didn’t know if this would be a forever thing but he did know he was grateful for the chance to try, the chance to prove that he could be more than just a jackass pulling stunts for the cameras.  There was something about Alan, nestled comfortably against him like a puzzle piece where he had drifted off to sleep half way through a movie, that gave him a feeling of deep contentment and he dropped a gentle kiss onto the slumbering head beside him.  Commitment had never been on his radar before, uncomplicated fun was more his usual style, but this was different; a relationship to be explored slowly at whatever pace Alan felt comfortable with and if that meant starting off with movie nights punctuated by tentative kisses, well, he was happy to go along with that.   

-FIN-

[sonatanotwo]

SO! Imma talk more about Flame Out... More coherently this time. XDb

Yeah, I like... re-read my original post and realized a bunch of my typing wasn’t even really readable... in my defense, it was 4am and I was on a rather old and slow tablet. XDDD

Oops.

ANYHOO. Let’s try this again. :D With caps and stuff this time. 8Db

I am still all GOSH THIS EPISODE. And still all super OMG SEE? I KNEW IT. I said Virgil was a giant, lovable, cute, dork. So adorkable, my gosh. (I also have never really gone into detail, but I kinda headcanoned Virgil could get shy and stuff around like girls he likes and such. I never spoke much of it since I didn’t really have much in the way of evidence WHY I thought he might act that way... WELL. THANK YOU, EPISODE. I feel like this really could be a thing now. XDDD)

Boy, his brothers must not have paid any attention ever to his bookshelves if he has books and even an action figure of Kip. XDa

So, of course, I’m wondering when/how Virgil found out about Kip. Did Kip know Jeff? Seemed like it, given him noting Virgil looked like their Dad (Which I’m like OMG YES, to. People say Scott looks like Jeff, but my gosh, look at Virgil and Jeff in TOS. There is even more resemblance there, eyebrows, set of the eyes, nose, cheeks (chin and dimples are then more what Scott got.) Gosh, I can’t wait to see what TAG! Jeff will look like.) in a way that seemed more than just knowing a little about Jeff to feel Virgil was ‘a chip off the old block.’ (Man, this ep was so chock full of oldish and very American sayings. XD)

Did Jeff introduce Virgil to the guy’s existence? =Oa

BUT yeah, as I tried to type, but mangled... It’s exciting and interesting that it seems like Virgil had influence on him doing what he does well beyond simply his father. Obviously Kip was a huge one! And someone who does more what Virgil does than what, from what we can tell, Jeff probably did. Jeff’s about technology and space, but Virgil is definitely more mechanical, engineering and stuff like fires and explosives etc. *chinhands*

Man, it could potentially even fit together nicely... If it was even older teen Virgil who found out about him... if he still went to college in Denver... I mean, Colorado is still VERY the westerny. (I lived an hour south of Denver for 7 years. XD So, yeah. XD) LMao Maybe that’s where he got the action figure. XDa Man, I wonder where Kip was meant to be from... it was definitely a southern accent---don’t think quite Texas... at least, not some parts of it. (...Oh, his actor was a UK one. GOSH. I wouldn’t have guessed THAT. XD Same person who’s played the balloon Dad and Dr. Peck XD)

ANYHOO.

Side note... did anyone notice Grandma when she descends into the seating area?

LOOK AT HER, smoothing her hair. XDDD Man, I missed Grandma. <3

I flailed a lot about Virg being ambidextrous, so I won’t flail much again. Just a little. <3

...TANGENT TIME.

It’s always interesting to see how things have been moved or outright changed. I keep wondering if they have a second Tracy Island or are they able to film where they display the house for the tour? o.Oa THINGS I WONDER when I see changes. ( But yeah. Look at the shelves here:

Then here’s in EOS:

Then this old shot from the website, where clearly it was a WIP or something, cause books are falling off and backwards. lol

Just... interesting. XD From what I can see, it was the same setup as EOS in season 2 as well, but yeah. The books have changed in S3 and that one statue on the top there has gone completely MIA. (Also can actually JUST make out the spine of one of the books! =O Bottom shelf, far left... It appears to say “Catching Fire” ...which could possibly be Hunger Games reference, since I gather that’s the name of book 2? lolol I’m sure all those books are references. lmao)

Also that one statue over near the pool table?

I was pretttty sure it was Mozart.

WELL.

NOT ANYMORE. Thiiiiink it MIGHT be Aristotle? Bye Mozart. ;A; The other statue is gone too. Sadness. And yeah, these books have been changed up too. I wonder why. =Oa Well. If it isn’t a secondary set anyways. 

In fact that whole side is a bit different (other than being shot at a different angle XD)

ANYHOOOOOOOOOO... wow that really was a heck of a tangent.

Uh.

Where was I. 

RIGHT.

Oh gosh, Virgil, you are too cute. That look he’s giving, Scott, gosh. XD That’s a pleading look if I ever saw one.

I just love how it looks like Gordon is plotting Virgil’s utter DOOM...

...Then doesn’t actually do anything, since Virgil is embarrassing himself without any help what-so-ever. XD Poor, poor Virgil. He must have been kicking himself. (The “I’m meant to be helping you!” line definitely suggests it. lol)

BUT I JUST. It’s so strange even in a way to see Virg just... absolutely freeze up.

Since Virgil like... so rarely loses his cool. Man... I wonder how he’ll react to seeing Jeff again. =Oa

Man, does Kip not board aircraft much? Most do have wheels, Kip. Even the GDF flyers do. XDa Taxi-ing is a thing they do. lololol Though I suppose TB2′s are sorta hidden...ish.

Poor Virg. YOU KNOW, this might be the first time a note about Virgil that was in the annual might’ve actually sorta been a thing. =Oa It said sometimes he forgot his own strength... We’ve really never seen it used in any way, making it seem like a bit of out-of-date marketing. (Especially since being an artist and piano player, Virg is pretty good at being gentle. ^.^) But a distracted Virgil can seemingly cause some problems lolol

Gosh, I laugh at Gordon’s line still all ‘I’m not messing with them, they’re messing with me!’ lolol

And Virgil finally pulls himself together. \o/

I just really like how Kip’s leaning on TB2′s dash there to look out the windshield.

...I also really like how Kip’s stubble looks...

Like, gosh, this season so far has had some really nice new character models.

AND THEN KIP JUST PULLS OUT SOME OLD SCHOOL TNT. lmaoooo

Remember, Virg is their demolition specialist... he uses explosives, but he doesn’t just carry around random sticks of TNT. lolol AND they just kinda ran away from a HUGE explosion and gas. And. Kip had this. On him.

...

Yeah.

I’m with Virgil here.

AND YOU CAN JUST SEE IT IN HIS FACE. I look up to you and I trust you...

But those are sticks of dynamite right there and they could have exploded earlier.

CONFLICTED FEELINGS HERE.

Ugh, can I just side note that the animators are doing so amazing in general this season so far? Just all the faces and emotions Virgil goes through in this sequence alone. GOSH.

Aww Virg. He wants to do the thing.

“I’m meant to be helping you...” ...Yeah, he’s feelin’ bad for being a wee bit useless earlier, I think. 

AND...

That face. ;A; He doesn’t want to say it and seems to be guilty for thinking it. I mean, and Virgil knows better cause I mean... GRANDMA and all. BUT STILL, he feels like he should still. ;A;a

Ugh this isn’t nearly all the faces he even makes. SO many feels.

“By not getting blown up?”

He’s still totally thinking about the dynamite.

:>

ANYTHING. My heart. 

My heart, guys. Just. Look at this sweetheart. Look how lovely and everything he is. I knew what I was talking about all this time!

GRANDMA! ...you know, I have a feeling she really might be the Grandma type who’d go and whip out baby photos. She is so unbothered at embarrassing her grandsons. XDDDD I do so love her.

OKAY. TIME FOR ANOTHER MOMENT OF ANIMATION APPRECIATION. RUNS. They’ve been animating them REALLY well so far this season too. Sometimes we’ve seen Virgil’s run be a litttle, uh, stiff. But his run down to the seating area earlier and this... Very nice. +o+b

You can really feel the weight and all the motion has such nice follow through and stuff. Just. Hrrrg. It’s good guys.

Oh my goodness, eyes. VIRGIL. ;A;

Of course, Kip’s fine and Virgil assumes the pose he borrowed from his puppet counterpart. X3b

OKAY, ANOTHER THING ABOUT THIS SEASON... animation errors have been so few and far between... they’ve got John in the loop and their IR insignia’s are properly glowing.

A+ Also some very nice texturing and stuff on the truck.

Nothing really. Just it was a nice cap. *chinhands*

Oh Grandma, your boys oh so love you. Virgil’s face. ahahaha but he’s asking. XD

And Gordon’s backing him up. Aww Gordo. <3 Like I said, I love my Big Brotp, but these two have a place in my heart too. ^.^

“Just do us a favour? Leave the dynamite at home.”

He was really thinking about that. XD

This is a dinner I wish we could see. lololol

Is this my longest episode post ever? ...it might be. It won’t surprise me if it is.

UM.

CONGRATS IF YOU MADE IT THIS FAR. :DDD

SO. Now to wait for who knows how long. o.o; I’m kinda wondering if they’ll break the season into three parts... 9/9/8 (or 9/8/9) It would make the waits between possibly smaller... I guess we’ll see. =Oa Hopefully won’t be too long, especially with their teaser. lol

I’m on the fence about who it is, except no, I REALLY don’t think it’s Kyrano. It’s all in the accents... Kayo and the Hood are decidedly from the UK so I rather doubt Kyrano would have a decidedly American one. lol That just would seem... odd. Part of me is wondering if it’s Jeff, but obviously it’s a bit... not rich enough to seem quite like Jeff, although it is pretty heavily radio distorted, but still. Erf. It also might be a bit TOO accented compared to the boys... ANYHOO, I guess we’ll see, anyways.

SO YEAH. Uh. tl;dr? I LIKED THIS EP A LOT AND VIRG IS ADORBS. 8Db

(Boy, I hope this’ll actually post and not error or something...)

[soundcheckentertainment]

The last time Dierks Bentley came to Ottawa was in December 2014. For that show he brought Tim Hicks and Randy Houser…it was also the first show we ever covered at the Canadian Tire Centre. That show was amazing… last night, however, was something that, when it was over, made me sit in awe asking #WhatTheHell did I just witness.

Jon Pardi

Jon Pardi at Canadian Tire Centre – photo credit: Scott Martin Visuals

The show started out with Jon Pardi, although it was a shorter set than he had when we saw him in Kingston with Kip Moore, it didn’t take Jon long to get the, near sellout, crowd fired up and energised with his up tempo, toe tapping, make you wanna get up and dance, songs. From his hits “Head over Boots” and “Up All Night” to the title track of his sophomore studio album “California Sunrise” it was clear that Ottawa was in for one heck of a night if the rest of the lineup came out as strong as Jon did.

Cole Swindell

Cole Swindell at Canadian Tire Centre – photo credit: Scott Martin Visuals

Following Jon was an artist that I have had on my concert bucket list for a number of years, Cole Swindell. By the reaction of the crowd when Cole took to the stage it was clear that everyone in that building felt the same was as me.  I had high hopes for Cole and I’m so thrilled that he did not disappoint. Cole came out swinging wearing his trademark Georgia State baseball cap (yes it’s GS not CS as many seem to think). Having now seen Dierks 4 times (Boots and Hearts twice and CTC twice) I was there for Cole.

Cole Swindell at Canadian Tire Centre – photo credit: Scott Martin Visuals

Cole Swindell is definitely on my wish list for Boots and Hearts or RBC Bluesfest or any other festival I attend that has country music because last night’s set just wasn’t enough. From “Chillin It” and the ultimate break-up song “Ain’t Worth the Whiskey” to “Middle of a Memory”.  The massive audience, likely the largest on their Ontario tour to date, humbled Cole who at one point stopped and said to the crowd “As an artist, a songwriter and a performer this is the kind of crowd you dream of performing in front of!” He was visibly touched by the crowd’s response to “Middle of a Memory” and thanked them for allowing him to be part of their memories that night.

Cole Swindell at Canadian Tire Centre – photo credit: Scott Martin Visuals

Prior to finding success as a performer Cole was a songwriter and has written hit songs for some of today’s top country stars. As he was getting ready to wrap up his show Cole took the audience through a medley of some of his most recognizable hits as a songwriter which included the songs “Get Me Some of That” which he wrote for Thomas Rhett, “Rollercoaster” which he wrote for Luke Bryan and “This is How we Roll” which he wrote for Florida Georgia Line.

Cole Swindell at Canadian Tire Centre – photo credit: Scott Martin Visuals

Cole wrapped up the night with his uber emotional “You Should Be Here” which made the Canadian Tire Centre light up with thousands of cell phone lights and, I’m certain, left very few dry eyes in the house as Cole sang the song in front of a slide show dedicated to his late father who, at the end of the song, Cole proclaimed “should be here to see this”.

Dierks Bentley

Dierks Bentley at Canadian Tire Centre – photo credit: Scott Martin Visuals

Dierks Bentley took to the stage next and boy let me tell you over the next, almost two hours, the audience was in for a mega treat. I don’t know if the current political state in the USA played a part in it but wow this was by far the strongest, and most passionate, I’ve ever seen Dierks Bentley.

Dierks Bentley at Canadian Tire Centre – photo credit: Scott Martin Visuals

Kicking the party off with “Up on the Ridge” the show was a thrill ride from start to finish fully loaded with monster hits like “Tip it On Back”, the always fun “5-1-5-0” the thought provoking “It’s Different for Girls” (minus Elle King) and of course his powerful single “I Hold On”, the video montage for this song ended with a tribute to his best friend, and touring partner for much of his career, Jake, the dog, who passed away late last year.

Dierks Bentley at Canadian Tire Centre – photo credit: Scott Martin Visuals

Midway through the show, as is customary for Dierks, he brought Jon Pardi back out on stage. Dierks’ crew presented Jon with a, flower adorned, pink microphone stand. Pardi jokingly jumped into a chorus of Prince’s “Purple Rain” before the two started taking about George Strait and then performing a duet of Strait’s 1973 hit “Amarillo by Morning”.  Following the duet Bentley jumped into his latest single “Black” which he followed with the pumped up “Feel That Fire” after which he took a short dash through the crowd to the far stage platform. Hey thanked the fans that had seats at the back of the arena telling them “this would be incredibly awkward if you guys wouldn’t be here because I’d be standing here talking to myself.”

Even Dierks seemed taken aback by the crowd, at one point he said to the crowd “I’m nervous, we’ve been coming up here since 2003 but we’ve never played in front of this many people.”

Dierks Bentley at Canadian Tire Centre – photo credit: Scott Martin Visuals

Bentley briefly touched on the state of the world politically telling the crowd that “Now more than ever we should never take for granted the freedoms we have!” which lead into the perfect song, “Home”.  The message in this song speaks volumes with everything that’s going on in the USA right now. Lyrics like: “Free, nothing feels like free. Though it sometimes means we don’t get along. Cause same, no we’re not the same but that’s what makes us strong.” The song closes with the words “It’s been a long, hard ride and I won’t lose hope. This is still the place that we all call home!”

One thing was certain, Dierks loved his two appearances, so far, at Boots and Hearts. On more than one occasion he talked about his love for the event that he appeared at this past summer in in 2013. “This feels like Boots and Hearts, its such a fun festival.” Something tells me we haven’t seen the last of him at the annual event and based on the crowd response last night I have a feeling he’d be welcomed back with open arms.

Dierks Bentley at Canadian Tire Centre – photo credit: Scott Martin Visuals

The show moved back to the mainstage where Cole Swindell returned to perform his latest single “Flatliners”, which also features Dierks Bentley. Our friend Tim Hicks got a mention in “What was I Thinking”, the crowd roared when they heard Tim’s name. The main show ended, much like it did in 2014, with Dierks going “Sideways”. By this time it was already 11pm, most shows that come to Ottawa are wrapped up long before and here Dierks was still ramping up for his grand finale…and what a finale it would be too!

The stage lights lit up in the shape of a plane and every one of the estimated 10,000 fans in attendance knew what was coming and Dierks didn’t disappoint. There was video footage of Dierks in the cockpit of an airplane and then suddenly with a bright flash of light the nose of an airplane appeared on centre stage with Bentley at the controls. This was the start of a 12 minute party which saw Cole, Jon and members of the audience join Dierks on the stage.

Gotta hand it to @dierksbentley he took his show up 14 notches since the #risertour! Here's a taste of the #WTHTour grand finale! #WeLoveLive #ottawa

A video posted by Sound Check Entertainment (@soundcheckentertainment) on Jan 28, 2017 at 8:21pm PST

What a show. Definitely jacked up 14 notches from the last time Dierks was in town and I’m already looking forward to the next time.

Dierks and the boys head to London tonight before jetting off to Western Canada for a few shows before returning home and wrapping up the tour in the Las Vegas this March.

For more coverage from Saturday night’s concert visit us on social media and don’t forget to enter our Boots and Hearts ticket contest here.

For information on Dierks’ What The Hell Tour and where it’s headed next and how to get tickets visit www.dierks.com

More photos

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Jon Pardi at Canadian Tire Centre – photo credit: Scott Martin Visuals

Jon Pardi at Canadian Tire Centre – photo credit: Scott Martin Visuals

Jon Pardi at Canadian Tire Centre – photo credit: Scott Martin Visuals

Jon Pardi at Canadian Tire Centre – photo credit: Scott Martin Visuals

Jon Pardi at Canadian Tire Centre – photo credit: Scott Martin Visuals

Dierks Bentley at Canadian Tire Centre – photo credit: Scott Martin Visuals

Dierks Bentley at Canadian Tire Centre – photo credit: Scott Martin Visuals

Dierks Bentley at Canadian Tire Centre – photo credit: Scott Martin Visuals

Dierks Bentley at Canadian Tire Centre – photo credit: Scott Martin Visuals

Dierks Bentley at Canadian Tire Centre – photo credit: Scott Martin Visuals

Dierks Bentley at Canadian Tire Centre – photo credit: Scott Martin Visuals

Dierks Bentley at Canadian Tire Centre – photo credit: Scott Martin Visuals

Dierks Bentley at Canadian Tire Centre – photo credit: Scott Martin Visuals

Cole Swindell at Canadian Tire Centre – photo credit: Scott Martin Visuals

Cole Swindell at Canadian Tire Centre – photo credit: Scott Martin Visuals

Cole Swindell at Canadian Tire Centre – photo credit: Scott Martin Visuals

Cole Swindell at Canadian Tire Centre – photo credit: Scott Martin Visuals

Cole Swindell at Canadian Tire Centre – photo credit: Scott Martin Visuals

Cole Swindell at Canadian Tire Centre – photo credit: Scott Martin Visuals

Cole Swindell at Canadian Tire Centre – photo credit: Scott Martin Visuals

Cole Swindell at Canadian Tire Centre – photo credit: Scott Martin Visuals

Cole Swindell at Canadian Tire Centre – photo credit: Scott Martin Visuals

Cole Swindell at Canadian Tire Centre – photo credit: Scott Martin Visuals

Dierks Bentley explodes into a packed Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa The last time Dierks Bentley came to Ottawa was in December 2014. For that show he brought Tim Hicks and Randy Houser...it was also the first show we ever covered at the Canadian Tire Centre.