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emletish-fish · 3 years

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Robby and Johnny in season 4 (how I would fix Johnny’s character arc to make it more coherent with the wider themes of the season and his narrative arc structure)

For the record - I love the hug scene. It was beautifully written and astoundingly well acted, and due to Billy and Tanner’s chemistry together, they sold it. It’s a scene so hopeful and healing that it elevates the entire final epsiode and makes me excited to see what happens next with these two in season 5. Johnny’s not magically a better father and all is not forgiven, but my god is this a very good start of what will hopefully be something better between these two. So I see this as a fresh starting point, rather than a culmination of an arc for these two this season.

Robby needed a hug and to be vulnerable so badly after the AVT, and the fact that he was able to reach out to his father and recieve love and acceptance and absolution and comfort at his lowest point ever, will always be one of the most beautiful moments in this series. Johnny’s soft lil smile at being able to comfort Robby is the second most beautiful.

Because for Robby, his over-arching 4 season arc isn’t about power, or philosophy. Robby didn’t want a trophy. He just wanted a mentor/ father figure who loved him as he was (and when he couldn’t find it, he tried to be it). In this moment, he got that love and acceptance he’s been yearning for, and from his real father. which is lovely.

BUT

but

oh but wouldn’t it have been great if this was also a culmination of a joint story-arc on Johnny’s side as well. If I cried actual tears in this, I would have sobbed like a baby and gone wailing into the woods if Johnny’s side of this story matched Robby’s for depth. it would have leant this moment so much more gravitas and taken from beautiful to the fucking epic level. it would have been perfect television.

And it just takes a little tweaking to make Johnny’s story more coherent, and make this moment more earned on his side too.

While Robby’s character arc this season is some of the strongest writing this show’s produced, Johnny’s writing was literally all over the place this season. Like, they did not seem to know what to do with him, and he was reduced to a reactive, rather than an active character until the final few eps - which given the fact that Johnny is such a pivotal character and has previously been a super active force in driving the action - felt like a weird choice writing-wise. They made him retread the same tired jealousy themes without doing anything NEW with it, which was frustrating. honestly I’d like the fix the whole daniel and Johnny shenanagins too, but that will have to be a different post.

I dont mind Johnny screwing up, but I do need him to learn. Johnny has grown in the prior three seasons and did learn from his mistakes. It was always a dance of two steps forward, one step back, occassionally a fall into a gigantic gaping pit of depression, climb back out, two steps forward, one step back with this dude. It was a rocky road, but there was progress - but season four had him act less evolved than he was in ace degenerate - all for unnecessary drama. It was a really jarring character regression.

It took me until ep sevenish to realise what Johnny’s arc was even about (and that’s something that should be obvious from about ep 1 or 2.)

Now I’ve seen the whole thing - Johnny’s storyline is about fatherhood. It was about how he can grow into the role when he has no positive examples. It’s about the inherent tension he feels when his relationship with his students merges between Sensei and Dad (because several kids look to him as a father figure and sometimes he does okay and sometimes he fails miserably and once in a blue moon, he's actually great).

If his story is about fatherhood his relationship with Robby is crucial to get right. instead of a lot of indifference and then a mad panic to stuff the back three eps with Dad trauma, concern for Robby’s safety leading Johnny to recklessly put himself in great physical danger, and a drunken breakdown, all to show he cares - that could have been apparent from the start, in a way that enhanced the narrative arcs around it. I wrote a post about Hawk’s arc and how it could be improved while still keeping the story beats the same here. I would imagine that Hawk’s enhanced arc is happening co-currently with this, so I recommend reading that post too.

If I were to fix Johnny’s arc, using the same story beats and just adding a few extra scenes, I would do this.

Ep 1 - attempt 1 and rejection.

Okay, just considering what happened at the end of Season 3. Johnny left Robby with a violent abuser, Johnny saw his son drop his tough-guy-I-don't-need-you-I-don't-want-you-act, nearly cry and say he blamed himself for Johnny never being around. and Johnny hurt Robby physically.

(This one I think is especially huge because it ties into so much of johnny’s self loathing, and all of his anxieties about fatherhood. Robby never wanted to be like Johnny, but Johnny never wanted to be abusive like his father figures, Sid and Kreese. Given that fact that even in season 1, where Robby loves to list Johnny's faults and failures, because he's lashing out and hurting, the very worst thing he can say about Johnny is that he wasn't around, not that he was abusive. neglectful but not violent. I don't think Johnny has ever come close to raising his hand to Robby. Johnny accidentally hurting Robby was absolutely devastating last season. Johnny was truly horrified at himself).

And Robby is angry.

With that kinda set up, ignoring the relationship between Robby and Johnny til ep four is weird. Also Robby's living situation was never clear this season (when did he move in with Shannon again?????). Both those problems could be solved by a short scene in the first episode. Episode one has a 'talk is cheap amd actions speak louder than words when it comes to atoning for past misdeeds'. It's the start of the season. it shows what went down last season did have a profound impact on Johnny and he’s gonna try. It’s perfect ep for Johnny to first try showing Robby with actions that he cares.

The living situation thing has to be dealt with, because Robby is technically homeless and Johnny is his parent. Johnny, fresh off telling Hawk “Actions speak louder than words”, decides to do SOMETHING practical to help Robby and begin to make amends.

He would seek Robby out, at some point before Robby’s confrontation with Kreese. In fact, I would place it right at the start. Robby being ‘late coming back into the dojo’ would be because he was seeing his father. If I had my way, I would have had Robby accept an invite to breakfast out of hunger/morbid curiosity. And he would tell Johnny that’s exactly why he’s there. I'm just hungry. I dont give a shit what you have to say. Johnny would say that he wants to help Robby, and he can’t keep living in the dojo, kreese is dangerous. He’d ask for Robby to hear him out - but Robby is ANGRY and he’s right to be. He’d go for the jugular, and say something like “Why, you going to shove me face first into more lockers if I don’t listen?”

I want Robby to be savage here, and for Johnny to feel the weight of his guilt. Johnny drops the subject of trying to explain to Robby, but still gives his offer of practical help. Robby obviously doesn’t want to be anywhere near Johnny at that point, or daniel, but he can’t keep living in the dojo, because kreese is dangerous and will just use him as a pawn until he’s no longer useful. (this would then tie into his conversation with Kreese later that day).

Robby will scoff in disbelief that Johnny cares about his living situation, and be like whatya going to do about it. Johnny would at this point offer money to pay for a motel room and groceries, so at least Robby has enough to money to have a roof over his head and food and isn’t completely dependant on Kreese. He’d ask when Shannon was getting out. Robby would say she was getting out next week, (Implying that his time living with on a dojo floor/motel would be short). Johnny would give Robby enough money to last him until he’s with his mom again. Robby would get angry and say something like just giving me X amount of dollars doesn’t make you my Dad, call him a pathetic loser (for bonus points), and then take the money anyway, saying something like “It’s all you have to give”.

Which is a direct hit, a real double whammy - because isn’t that exactly what Johnny said to Sid.

I would imply that scrounging the money together for Robby has been a finacial hit for Johnny somewhere else in the episode. He's emptied his account or he's sold his TV to Lyle, etc. He's given up something for Robby's safety.

Scene 2 attempt 2 and rejection in ep 4.

personally, I would give less space to the jealousy plot, the endless stupid montage, and the weird rivalry over styles (have them disagree philosophically over things that matter. See my Hawk fix it ideas for what these would be). The weird rivalry/jealousy took up way to much time. Like still keep the story beats, but trim the fact and use the extra time to expand on the conversation between Robby and Johnny in this episode.

You know, a lot of the doorstop conversation can stay. The setting and the way it ends I would tweak.

But Robby saying he doesn't trust anyone anymore, and he's smarter and better than Johnny, so he wont be fooled or tricked or used, and He's in control now. That his deepest, most wretched fear is being anything like Johnny. The kind of knowing, understanding and gentle admonishment that Johnny shows at the start of this conversation (because he knows how it is in CK) and his inability to articulate why Cobra Kai is poison, just that it is. The way he acknowledges that Robby DOESN'T KNOW what he's in for coupled with the way Robby immediately shuts that down with an abrupt I Know Enough!

All that is great. That can stay.

I would change the setting and the ending of that conversation.

I'd have them meet up at the same cafe/diner. I'd give them 'a place' this season, to have these conversations. I would love it to be Sal's (where Johnny was for his first grand failure as a father, and the place that clearly makes him very nostalgic for Robby, but a cute, little ice-cream eating one. He doesn't know how to deal with the big, complicated and angry boy Robby's grown into. But he's trying ... At least in this reworking).

So yeah, they've been meeting up in Sals. I'd establish that Robby is now staying with Shannon and Johnny paying child support again with a simple 'How's your Mom? She getting my checks?'

I would imply they have been seeing eachother a few times. They aren't happy meetings. They're dysfunctional as all hell and they all end with Robby storming off. But Johnny keeps showing up. (umm... I just wish the writers could Let Robby be the one who leaves for once? Let him set the terms of these meetings. Let Johnny be the one who approaches him at the start and do some emotional labour). I have Johnny ask why Robby called him down, and wonder if it was just to call him a useless loser over a milkshake again, implying past meetings and milkshakes.

Robby would announce that he called this meeting to get Hawk to stop bullying Kenny, and the conversation can preceed as it. After hearing Robby really begin to double down on the Croba Kai stuff, I’d NOT have Johnny just get bored of the conversation and close the door in his son’s face (WTF show. who was that joker. these two are emotional mascochists for eachother. They’re conversations aren’t ever ‘cold’ or disinterested. they are both highkey dramatic and emotional about each other.)

Instead, I would have Johnny ask Robby why he was so into Cobra Kai. It’s not really his style.

Robby would scoff in disbelief that Johnny would know anything about him, his style, his likes and dislikes (fair hit, there.)

Johnny would rephrase and say, fine it’s not your fight. So why you getting so involved if you don’t want to be a pawn.

Robby would shrug and give him not much to work with, and turn it back on Johnny and say ‘Maybe I love karate now. You always cared more about Cobra Kai than me. Maybe I’m seeing what all teh fuss is about. ’ He’d say this like it is a sad fact, because it’s how he genuinely feels.

Johnny would insist he actually does care, and he doesn’t want to fight Robby.

This would give Robby an opportunity to go for the jugular again. (Look Robby has a lot of justifiable anger that he needs to let out towards Johnny, and it would make that end hug all the sweeter if they had high stakes shakespearen level drama between them instead of... lazy writing.

I’d have Robby give Johnny an ultimatium. “Prove. Dissolve your dojo. Stop helping Mr Larusso. If you don’t want to fight me.. then dont fight me. Show me I’m more important to you that somw stupid karate war. Prove it.”

But Johnny can’t, given every thing that is at stake. But Robby would take that as proof that Johnny doesn’t care, and he would be the one to storm off.

I go by the rule of three; let Robby storm away from Johnny three times, which would make his decision to go towards Johnny at the end more impactful.

Cue the drive-in show down, the Miyagi-do trick and the fucked up revenge of Hawk getting violated/shaved. And Johnny taking the Eagle Fangs out of Miyagi do.

Moment 1:

This isn’t a whole scene, but just a little moment in epsiode six after hawk gets shaved.

I'd have Robby find out about the Dojo Dissolution through Kyler being Kyler. Kyler's getting into this war and enemies and no mercy stuff, and he's crowing about what he found out at school. CK has had massive win, because that loser pulled Rhea and his other losers out of Sam's dad's dojo and it's all because of Robby.

Oh Robby. He'd have this moment of brief but incredible hope, where he thinks his Dad did that for hi.

Then Nope, they split because of what happened to Hawk and Robby's savage plan.

I would then have Kyler be full-on sadistic Kyler. Let Kyler show Robby both the full extent of what a bullying douchebag he is and also make Robby uncomfortable with the magnitude of what he's just done.

Robby was the only kid who never participated in any kind of bullying until this season. He was the last pure one. And he went from never bullying anyone, to orchestrating a physical assault of someone and a complete violation of their bodily autonomy.

What Robby did was fucked up, and it should be treated as such by the narrative. Because for the first time in Robby's life he was deliberately cruel to another kid. Robby is so kind-hearted that this action SHOULD deeply affect him.

So I'd have Robby hear Kyler laughing about how Hawk's too scared to come out of his house, how without the hair Kyler and co. can go back to calling him lip cause of his fucked-up lip. Hey remember the good old days when we used to make him cry everyday? Those days are back, baby. They say he's quit karate. He's too freaked out ever fight again -

the vibe would be very “well done Robby. You've completely destroyed another person. No mercy. Here's your cruelty badge from the fucked up boy scouts.” Kyler's praise fills Robby with a deep sense of shame and guilt.

But as a result of his conversation with Robby, and Robby explicitly saying that Johnny made him feel like karate was more important that his welfare, Johnny will take two steps forward with Hawk. (see my fixing hawk’s arc using the same story beats for more details). It’s all the things he wanted to say to Robby that Robby wouldn’t accept. So Hawk obviously a stand-in replacement goldfish here, but these are words that he needs to hear too. (and Johnny using child surrogate stand-ins to help him work through his shit with Robby would have been a wonderful on-going theme this season).

Johnny would check on Hawk, and be much more sensitive to his mental state. He would make it clear to Hawk that he, as a person, matters to Johnny more than a stupid karate war, and take the fact that Hawk wants to quit graciously. He will take Hawk’s well-being seriously. When Hawk starts on his self-loathing, how he deserves this because of what he did, it will strike a chord in Johnny. He’ll think of himself as a teen, and of Robby now). He’ll tell Hawk that, yeah, he fucked up before, but he didn’t not deserve what happened. (The way Hawk’s narrative treats the non-consensual violation of his sense of self as a good thing is not my cup of tea).

Johnny would validate Hawk and affirm Hawk and remind him that he’s still a badass even without the hair. dumbo didn’t need his feather to fly. etc. It’s a sweet meeting and Hawk feels a little better afterwards.

Scene 3 - the final attempt and the final rejection.

After Johnny sees Hawk and Robby sees Daniel, I would find some space in the episode to have Robby and Johnny meet a Sal’s one last time. Johnny called the meeting this time, and Robby has come along out of morbid curiosity and also he’s still high of telling Daniel to get bent. He's wanting to reject his other father figure too.

Side note: What the hell Daniel? you only approach the kid when you might need to use him? Way to make the kid’s trauma, confusion and misdeeds ALL ABOUT YOU, Larusso. The way Daniel automatically assumes that Robby is a bad person now while saying he doesn’t judge him??

(Honestly, the way every single kid in Miyagi-do treated Robby this season was awful. He stood up for all of you and you made it clear you were only his friends when he was useful to you. Everyone turned their back on him in juvie, and no one reach out and now they’re all acting like he’s evil, without even trying to understand what he’s going through. No wonder Robby chose cobra kai. At least Tory likes him as a person. like Jeez Miyagi-dos. Miguel had so much less judgement of Robby and he was on opposite sides the whole time and was nearly killed by him.)

Daniel offers Robby no way back to the ‘good side’ and scolds him for being on ‘the bad side.’ That said Daniel’s arc is all about his own trauma, so that fact that he makes this meeting with Robby all about him fits and the scene afterwards with Terry is spectacular in a chilling kinda way. So I kinda love it.

But I would have loved it if Johnny also reached out to Robby, because he saw what happened to Hawk, and tbh it actually is really fucked up that Robby did that. But Johnny’s coming from a place of concern, because what he dreaded is happening to Robby and he's got the fatherhood arc.

They’d start talking about the new rules, and Robby is kinda hoping his Dad will do a simmilar ‘come back to us’ pitch so he can tell him to get bent too. Johnny doesn't give a crap about the rules (queue snarky comment from Robby about his Dad fighting dirty in the AVT in 84). But Johnny isn’t here to talk about the tournament , or ask Robby back. he does assume Robby is nervous though.

I’d have an almost ‘light’ moment, where Johnny expresses that he’s sure Robby will do great because he was a badass last year. (Robby will do some internal screaming at praise and be so annoyed at himself). Robby will boast that they have Tory too, so Cobra Kai is going to win, and wipe the floor with all the losers. No mercy.

Johnny will be worried, but he's also losing patience and he's more direct. He'll ask if thats Robby talking or Kreese. He'll mention that Robby said he was too smart to fall for the bullshit and he was the one in control.

Robby will insist he is in control.

Johnny will say something in frustration like "Oh yeah, just like you were in control and had five your buddies hold a kid down by his neck while he screamed. You were in complete control then? That's who you are now? I thought you were meant to be better than me?" - as a call back to their previous conversation.

None of daniel's faux "I don't judge you" while obviously judging him. Johnny is upfront that he disapproves. And Robby does not react well to Johnny trying to play 'disapproving dad' now. His unresolved feelings of shame regarding shaving Hawk make him extra defensive. Johnny reacts badly partly because being restrained by his neck is a massive trauma button for this guy, and the idea that robby did that to some other kid freaks him out, partly because he is losing patience and partly because it really is starting to see hopeless. He's actually tried over several months to get through to Robby without any success. So they both lash out.

It goes as well as you'd expect.

I’d have Johnny say something like “Really, cause you're doing the same sort of screwed up shit I used to do in high school. I tormented Daniel and now I know it wasn't right, but back then...”

(This also serves the purpose of finally acknowlegding in Cobra Kai that Johnny is aware that what he did to Daniel back in ‘84 was fucked up. He might not be able to apologise to Daniel yet for it, but at least we all know that Johnny is aware that he was in the wrong and paves the way for to realise that he is also partly to blame for the current situation with Daniel and their failure to work together. it’s not all big mean daniel’s fault, Johnny).

Robby hates the comparison and the idea that they’re simmilar in any way. his greatest fear is being like his dad, so this conversation is driving him bananas.

Robby will be all like :”No, it’s a totally different situation. You were an asshole to MR Larusso. But Hawk got what was coming to him. He messed with one of us, so then he had to pay.” and isn’t that just Young!Johnny to a T.

Then I’d bring in some dialogue from their reconciliation later, to give that scene more context. I’d have Johnny say in frustation that talking to Robby is “like looking in a mirror.” Direct hit to both their feelings of self-loathing there. and an homage to the way their stories reflect each other.

But that’s the final straw for Robby. he goes off that Dad can’t blame him when Johnny has never been there for Robby, ever. And Mr Larusso was for a bit but then Dad ruined Miyagi-do for him as well, and then Robby’s life went to shit. (this is not exactly true. Daniel’s temper ruined Miyagi-do for Robby, but to Robby’s POV, he was kicked out because of his Dad.) Robby will say that Johnny can’t blame him for Hawk when Robby blames Johnny for every single bad thing in his life. (bring in that blame bit of their reconciliation dialogue) Robby would then say “I never want to talk to you again. We're done. Let me go my own way from now on. “

Johnny finally gives up in this fix-it, because this conversation was awful for both of them and he feels like it’s pointless to try and get through to Robby right now. He’s tried, and he only made it worse. “If thats what you really want. I’ll leave you alone.”

And that is the end of their Sal’s meetings/breakfasts together.

Moment 2 - Keep in mind, Johnny trying to reconnect with Robby is happening right in front of Miguel's salad. I'd definitely have Miguel be aware that Johnny goes to see him after seeing hawk, and have the jealousy and inadequacy Miguel feels become obvious then. Johnny’s attempts with Robby are one of the things ‘making it weird’ for Miguel.

Johnny’s failure with Robby would make his accompany made scramble to ‘fix it’ with Miguel a little more poignant, and it would give added weight to his confession to Miguel that he doesn;t think he can fix his relationship with Robby anymore, because Robby doesn’t want anything to do with him. (but once again. this is implying that Johnny does want to be involved with Robby and it’s only because of Robby’s rejection that he’s not - and this plants another little jealousy seed for Miguel. the growing idea that he is the replacement gold-fish. the stand in son.)

Moment 3 I would have a brief shot of Robby going past Sal’s, looking in window, seeing their booth empty. So he takes this as confirmation that his Dad has officially given up on him. but there is longing in his gaze too. because even though it was dysfunctional, for once he’d had his Dad’s complete attention.

Scene 4 Eli and Robby confrontation at the Prom or afterparty.

This scene would drive both their narrative arcs forward, and add a dollop of the Daddy issues and failed attempts at atonement to Robby’s otherwise splendid evening. See my hawk post for more details on Hawk’s side of this equation.

I would have Robby bump into someone in the drinks line. He doesn’t realise it’s Eli until the other boy turns around (because of the hair change), so he’s polite and says ‘sorry’. Eli is offended because sorry isn’t enough. he’d be all indignant. “Oh, you’re sorry?!” etc. Queue Kyler and Docuhebags sweeping in to give Robby ‘back-up’ and give Hawk a hard time. Robby can see how ugly their bullying really is close up.

Hawk balls his hands into fists, and they make fun of him for not swinging at them. Hawk, now in Miyagi do, will be like “my karate is for self-defense only. And it’s so much like Robby in juvie, not wanting to fight but being forced to because people would not leave him alone.

A bit of Robby’s old Miyagi side comes out and he diffuses the situation with his charm and his smarts and sends Kyler and co packing, thus putting a stop to them bullying Hawk temporarily. He doesn’t apologise exactly, but he’ll say something along the lines of ‘oh, it was just a bit of hazing. hair grows back. We were just messing around. no hard feelings.’ trying to both minimise the assualt to assuage his own guilt, and partly to try explain himself to Hawk.

I would, in this fix it, not have Eli/Hawk totally regress into being a complete timid doormat. He is genuinely trying to embrace Miyagi-do for Demetri (not Mr Larusso), but he still has a lot of fight left in him. He knows how to ‘fight smart’ and look for weakness from Kreese.

(Robby, I’m so sorry, but you Daddy issues are so obviously that they are visible from space.)

Hawk wants to do the Daniel special, of striking back without raising a fist, so he can claim the moral high ground. so he’d come for Robby’s Daddy issues like a WWII howizter.

He’d say something like “Yeah, Sensei Lawrence says I never needed the hair to be a badass anyway. He told me he thinks I’m awesome, and accepts me just as I am. So that was nice to hear. Your Dad’s been really supportive to me. He’s even okay with me joining Miyagi-do, if I think it’s the right fit for me. Mr Larusso’s been really understanding and Miyagi-do is really helping me find inner peace. You might like to try it sometime, Robby.”

For extra bonus points, Hawk could gently pat Robby on the shoulder and say something I like “I forgive you. I know how you have to prove yourself over in Cobra Kai, and I think maybe you just need to be shown a better way, and learn how to have mercy.”

Ding Ding Ding. Hawk hit on Robby’s issues with his Daddy, his replacement daddy in Mr Larusso, the fact that he is occupying Robby’s old place of pride as the Miyagi good guy and supplanted him , all while ‘accepting’ his apology. They just need to be shown a better way used to be Robby’s line, and now Hawk’s taken it and weaponised Miyagi passivity against Robby. highlighting the fact taht Robby has been cast out and rejected by all the Miyagi-dos, but they will accept Hawk in their midst.

It would also hint that while Robby has been raging at Johnny and pushing him away wall season, secretly he longs to have the support and acceptance that his Dad freely gives to Miguel and now Hawk.

Robby would show how this breaks his heart for a brief second before he covers it and storms off. Hawk would repeat Robby’s words back to him. ‘no hard feelings’ - but he would also have a split second of looking perturbed that he had been such a dick, and hurt someone so bad without even throwing a punch.

Robby’s jealousy would flare up, and while he couldn’t attack Hawk - he lashes out at Miguel in the fight by the pool. - and that would be the source behind his extreme anger when he points out to Miguel that he is the replacement goldfish and Johnny only wants him because he can’t have Robby.

Oh my god, it’s a like a reverse of the school fight, she doesn’t love you she loves me thing that Miguel said to Robby, only twice as devastaing because Johnny was the one they were fighting over all the time.

I would also let Hawk have a moment with Demetri and discuss the nature of Miyagi pasifism, because he’s still trying to understand. He’ll ask something like, is it fighting dirty if you say literally the meanest thing you can think of saying to someone, because you know it will crush them emotionally - but you don’t raise you hand to them.

Demetri will shrug and be like ‘Mr Larusso says as long as we don’t strike first, anything goes’. Because that is Daniel’s vibe this season.

Hawk will look a little regretful at being so unrelentingly mean to Robby. Sure he didn’t hit him, but what he did was equally as dickish, and I’d like him to reflect on it.

This scene would add so much weight and nuance to Robby and Hawk’s fight in the AVT. And gives Hawk more dignity and agency in how own story, and show that he actually is taking something from the Miygai teachings, while questioning Daniel’s methods and interpretations of those teachings.

While also showing that Robby, at his core, is still a kind-hearted person who does feel bad when he harms someone.

(honestly, what was with all the Miyagi-dos acting like he was suddenly satan? Robby spent most of the season chilling with Tory and being a big brother to Kenny. The worst thing he did was shave hawk. and that didn’t even effect any MD kids.)

Robby’s failed attempt to make amends with Hawk would mirror Anthony genuinely trying to apologise to Kenny at the AVT and being unsuccessful. It would also fuel his determination to still act respectful and fight fair during their AVT match, because he doesn’t want to prove all the MDs and Hawk right about him.

-0-

Johnny’s side of ep 8 can stay unchanged. I actually loved the implication that Johnny and Shannon are on better terms. Shannon can sense when something is really off with a guy and Terry Silver’s over the top gifts of the suit and the car to her son have sent off all her alarm bells.

She goes to Johnny, and because he’s not home and he doesn’t have a phone - she just waits. How long did she wait to talk to him. and She seems sure that Johnny will be able to do something to help/ keep the creep away from Robby.

And Johnny does - or tries to, at least.

This scene showed that Johnny and Shannon, while completely hopeless, do genuinely love their kid and can try work together to help him.

Johnny, aware of a problem with Robby, having an immediate ill-thought out emotional response, rushing off with a half-cocked plan and no forethought, and putting himself in a pyshically dangerous situation before an emotionally dangerous one (trying to talk to Robby again? Nah, easier to wander blithely into this incredibly obvious trap set by a psychopath). This Johnny is a welcome relief. this is what I’m talking about. Complete disaster ma with no plan, but he actually does care.

note: Silver is obviously fishing for weaknesses, just like we saw hawk do earlier. and Johnny and Robby’s biggest weakness is often each other. and both those predators zeroed in on that.

extra note: The silver kreese Johnny fucked up thing in the old dojo was interesting on so many levels, but especially the level where Silver wonders why Kreese sent him after Daniel back in ‘85, when Johnny was the one who ‘betrayed him’ and left Cobra Kai, and Johnny’s departure made all the other students leave too (on account of that little strangulation issues).

Silver’s assumption that Kreese wants to beat Johnny to a pulp/to death (lets face it, neither of these men are great at restraint) for the crime of betraying his father figure - and Kreese is resulting discomfort. I haven’t quite figured out what was going on, but damn it was compelling.

worried note: Silver sure does love kicking a lawrence, and the fact that he used the exact same moves on Johnny and robby sends me insane.

The I love you/ I love you Robby scene fucking took me out. that can stay too.

-0-

The AVT

Honestly, I wouldn’t change that much. The way Johnny and Robby could not stop staring at each other. Like Robby was so over-the-top in the first AVT with the constant staring, but now it’s happening on both sides.

I would have Silver give Kreese a questioning look/hard time when he returns from talking to Johnny in the hallway, and Kreese get defensive. Silver will make some off hand comment about how Kreese still can’t be mad about what he did to Johnny the other night.

Robby is right there, and will wonder what they did to his Dad. he’s getting more disillusioned and vocal in his questions. Silver will same something about how the lessons he taught Robby can be used everyday. He was merely conducting an excerise looking for a weakness in their opponent. I would then have him put an hand on Robby’s shoulder posessively and eye-ball Johnny like the creepy mofo he is. Johnny’s reaction is predicatbly devastated.

Johnny and Robby have been having staring competitions all day, and he’s a cluey kid. so I’d want him to put it together, that despite all his assertions that he was in control and he was choosing his own way and he wasn’t anyone’s pawn - in the end he still was. He’s been used as a chess peice against his father but Kreese and Silver without even being aware of it.

But that is just one extra ingredient in the horrible-no-good-day of disillusionment for Robby. oh, Robby. I felt for him so much in the AVT. They way his sweatbands looked like manacles - like he’d chained himself through a series of crappy decisions, thinking he was making himself free and powerful and finding what ‘worked’, but in the end he was just being trapped in a no-win situation and used and discarded - again.

I would have Robby’s reaction shot when Miguel collapses and cries out for Johnny. Look, I think Robby was perfectly content hating Miguel and not feeling guilty when it looked like Miguel had fully recovered and was living the perfect life. But I think it would be another thing all together, for Robby to be reminded that he has actually caused a devastaing and still on-going, (potentially life-long) injury. Seeing Miguel writhing in pain and knowing that he was ultimately the cause should have affected Robby. and it’s another extra ingredient in his horrible day.

Lastly, I would have Robby also see how gentle Daniel and Johnny are with Sam after she loses. Sam gets comforted by both of them. I’d have Robby here his Dad say something like “it doesnt matter who wins or loses, the point is you did your best and you were a total badass. You kept going even after an elbow to the eye, and if you can get through that, you cam get through anything.”

Poor Robby, - how bad did he want that comfort that Sam was getting?

Enough to follow his Dad, and for the first time after a seaon of actively pushing Johnny away, Robby reaches out. then we’d have our hug scene.

I feel like if we’d gotten an extra handful of scenes, their whole hug would have been off the charts. It doesn’t need much changing, just four scenes and a few extra moments and reactions shots. And that is what I would do to ‘fix’ Johnny’s arc so it drove the other characters forward, while still working with the same story beats.

Edit to add: I have now started a fic based on this concept.

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imgonnagetkilledbynutstink · 2 years

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hi hello its me autistic lord arum anon, first off the holiday ep made me cry bc i felt so seen with the way that he did not understand the tension and when he had to ask if rilla was okay and asked for feedback. LITERALLY ME. made my bf listen to it so they could understand where im coming from.

i think he mimcs the keeps songs as vocal stims, and i wonder if he has a certain kind of plant that feels the best to him, and he uses it for comfort when stressed.

I also think he loves rules, like the laws of nature and monster hierarchy, and any changes to the routine are hard for him. I'd be curious to see where the eps go from here, and how he learns to express love in a more socially acceptable way/if there is a kind of wedding in the future!

-💚

The idea of him copying the keeps songs 😭. The wedding thing stresses me out cause Rilla has made points about it being harder then it looks but if they figure it out im so down. I love seeing how much Damien and Rilla seem to love how Arum sees things so differently from them. And the scene where Arum and Damien are talking about purpose and how Damien doesnt always understand Arum's work but he understands what it means to him feels like it goes hand in hand with "i dont always understand you but i understand what makes you happy". Also i didnt listen to the holiday epsiode but i think i certainly will now

#tpp #the penumbra podcast #the second citadel #lord arum

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alemonyoyo · 3 years

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General Headcanons About The Main 4:

Please send requests these are really fun to do. I’ll do whatever! And I’m bored asf so.... Yea!

General Headcanons about Stan, Kyle, Cartman and Kenny:

- Stan is the tallest and he always has been. He doesn’t get teased for it but he does feel weird sometimes for being so much taller than his friends. It makes him good at certain sports though!

- Kenny is next in height order, very very average height. He wishes he was super tall so he could get chicks to fly to him, little does he know they don’t really care about that too much, keep your chin up Kenny!

- Cartman is next (yes I made Kyle the shortest). Cartman is also pretty average in height, being only a centimetre or two below Kenny. Eric doesn’t care about his height. He can always wear these things if he needed to sprout a little taller.

- Kyle is short. Reeeaaaally short. He gets bullied for it a lot, only from Cartman though. Kyle hates being short and he stuffs his boots with extra socks to appear a little taller.

- Despite the way he acts, Cartman is actually very smart. Not at school, more with analytics. I feel he’d be excellent at reading people, and would be a far more excellent and practical problem solver if it weren’t for his sadistic nature.

- Kenny is the best at sports. This is based on no evidence whatsoever, I just like the idea. He is particularly good at swimming.

- Kenny and Cartman love musicals and hide their love for them from Stan and Kyle- They sing the songs from the musicals together in their free time when Stan and Kyle are off doing insane shit. If Cartman can convince his mum, he’ll be able to snag tickets to whatever is remotely near town musical-wise and bring Kenny with him.

- There is that one epsiode where Kenny was going to die and Cartman says something along the lines of “Stan and Kyle are kinda best friends. I always considered us best friends.” (Not exact quote) At least within their group, I consider this a very adorable idea- And, atleast in the more recent episodes I have seen, it has atleast some ground to stand on- They are besties ok. Comfort BROTP- Kenny tends to laugh more around Cartman and he tolerates a lot of his jokes far more than other people.

- OK WAIT I WANNA TALK ABOUT THEM MORE I MIGHT MAKE A SEPARATE POST ABOUT THAT HAH

- Kyle is good at ice skating and in the really cold months around Christmas he’ll go with Stan and attempt to teach him. Stan is hopeless- so he has to hold his hands or arms to steady him.

- Outside of the main group, Cartman’s favourite person is Craig. I noticed he talks about how cool Craig is all the time, maybe a small crush? Who knows!

- Outside of the main group, Kenny’s favourite person is obviously Butters??? I mean come on guys- He literally invited him to boardgame night? That is the highest HONOUR!

- Outside of the main group, Kyle’s favourite person is Jimmy (no this is not just because I ship them... ok it absolutely is shush-). He likes him because he isn’t serious and acts as a foil for Kyle’s sometimes stubborn behaviour. He also isn’t extremely offensive with his jokes and is quite empathetic. Kyle comes to him to destress when Stan isn’t available. And sometimes even if he is. I like to think the two became closer after the whole Leslie fiasco.

- Outside of the main group, Stan’s favourite person is Wendy- Yes, I know- But seriously. She IS. No other explanation other than me projecting my needs for them to have a better relationship onto my headcanons.

- Out of everyone in the group, Kenny is the most popular! He knows everyone in his grade and is often invited to many different gatherings with many different groups. He seems so nice and chill, it’s hard to believe anyone couldn’t like him. And he also has so much free time-

- Kyle is covered in freckles, I just think his face is speckled lightly with them-

- Stan and Kenny are tan. Kenny especially-

- The most musically talented of the group is Cartman, and he has a decent voice but he always purposefully makes it sound like shit. (You know how some people do that, yes you do.)

- Stan’s room is cluttered with collections of random shit. Bottle caps, paper cranes made from napkins, unused bendy straws. He repurposes them into little trinkets

If you liked these please send in requests! It feels so cool to have some and I really like doing these!

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onetimetwotimesthreetimess · 2 years

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Can we please talk about how Carlos is the most beautiful and supportive partner to Tk? Like he doesn’t drink because he wants to support his sobriety, he cooks amazing meals for him, he will literally stop what his doing if Tk doesn’t feel good and he is all about communication. That whole episode with Cooper just solidified for me just how amazing Carlos is. The fact he stopped doing his Yoga because Tk felt restless and focused all his attention on him. THEN even though he was a bit jealous that Tk was going to Cooper instead of him, he put it all aside because he knew that’s what Tk needed. Not to mention him moving them into a beautiful home, making it comfortable for both of them because it was something Tk was so apprehensive about.

I mean are you fucking serious? Could he get anymore sexy? I think that’s one of Carlos’ most attractive qualities, how much he cares for the people he loves. He’s got this authoritative cop vibe but when it comes to Tk he is just sooooo soft 🥺

Me likey, a lot.

(*side note: they need to do the ‘hey baby’ thing more because…..yes)

^^^^

I don’t know what more can I add to this because it’s perfect and you’re right, Carlos Reyes is perfect.

Carlos’s character arc is so beautiful and important to me like they show this guy who seems like he is very composed and has all his shit together. But then there’s 2.04 and 2.08 and you see that’s actually not true. He’s a very complex character with his own issues and traumas. He’s a control freak and he doesn’t do well with situations where he can’t help which we dan see again and again in S3.

I didn’t think I would love the breakup storyline initially but I did. I think the reasons were very realistic. Carlos is a control freak and TK is somebody who runs away when shit gets tough. They specifically addressed that thing this season which I think was great.

3x13 is actually my favorite epsiode bevause it showed a healthy portrayal of a relationship. TK stated that Carlos can’t be his everything and while Carlos had difficulty accepting it initially- he did realise that TK was righr by the end which is a great character developmenr.

P.S. food and touch beinf his love language is my favorite thing and yes they need to do the “hey baby” thing more. It’s never enough ekwhwkwkwn)

#tk strand #carlos reyes #Tarlos #911 lonestar

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100percentshipper · 3 years

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alright so i do think it was kind of shitty for laura to be so shitty to bradley about not being out and suggest that she come out the way she was suggesting (both so publicly when she obviously wasn’t even comfortable with it herself and as a career move that might be seen as insincere anyways). when bradley went in to stella’s office i had to hide under my blankets because i really did not want her to do it in that way, but then i think the fact that she couldn’t hurt even more because that was really relatable. there’s also the possibility that she was less secretive about being into women in her previous life, but she was literally just thrown into global celebrity less than a year ago and that must be scary. i also thought it was kinda annoying that laura was implying that there would only be advantages career wise to coming out, especially on a relatively politically neutral morning show, but the whole series is kind of a mess all around (even though i love it) so i guess that’s to be expected. as amazing as julianna is i don’t really trust laura, but here’s hoping it all works out either with the two of them or just for brad in general in the end.

I totally agree that a lot of what Laura is doing is not cool. She's basically gaslighting Bradley by telling her that her feelings are not valid and she's doing it because she wants a girlfriend on her terms. She's also revealed that she finds it totally okay to leverage things like sexuality for a career move and showed little compassion for Bradley in the last epsiode when she was very publicly outed, so yeah, I don't trust Laura either and I think that Bradley is being set up for heartache. She is a delightful puppy who is clearly falling for this woman and she's ignoring the major red flags. Alex was correct to warn Bradley away from Laura and whatever their beef is, I think Laura is not going to come off well when the truth comes out. (II also don't think that Laura's character is meant to be a long term relationship for Bradley. Laura's role in the character arc is so that Bradly is outted in a very public way so that the fall out of it can be explored as well as screw Alex over with the Mitch/Alex sleeping together thing in the book (which may very well be true). Ultimately I expect that Laura will exit by the end of the season having wraught a lot of damage. Perhaps she'll get humanized somewhat through a narrative that shows how that world likes to pit successful women against each other but she is one of the major 'bad guys' of the season imo.

What I would love to see is more Alex and Bradley interaction. It was one of the things I loved about season 1, their fraught relationship was so fun to watch and, being a shipper, I absolutely would love them to be some kind of endgame as lovers or (more realistically because who am I kidding) as friends. They've been building the Corey/Bradley tension throughout the series so far, so I would have guessed they're endgame over Alex (or Laura) and Bradley, however I also fully expect that Bradley will ultimately find out that it is Cory who outed her and I don't think their relationship could recover from that. I would not be sad because omg Bradley deserves so much better than him or Laura... and I guess Alex too, if I'm being honest.

I'm curious to see where they take it. They keep talking about some major twist happening so perhaps I am dead wrong on all of this.

#The Morning Show #Bradley Cooper #Laura Peterson #Alex Levy

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crime-in-the-hov-lane · 3 years

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Okay I know that "send me headcanon asks" post was a month ago, but. If you have Goemon headcanons please please please share, I am all ears!

Always!! Thank you for this ask!

Goemon ship headcanons: - My read of the Lupin gang polycule is that Goemon and Jigen are boyfriends, Goemon and Fujiko are...idk, some kind of very close romantic sorta thing that they don't really put a label on, and Lupin is Goemon's "my best friend and also my boyfriend's boyfriend who I am Very Protective Of and Care Deeply About." - Goemon is in general a very private person about romance - as opposed to Lupin's kind of "great! everyone I'm dating is dating each other, we should all go on dates together!" kind of attitude, Goemon is more the type to spend time one-on-one with his partners. He's a pretty different person when he's in private with each member of the gang. He's generally pretty restrained when all four of them are together, but when Lupin's hanging out in the living room of the hideout he'll catch the sound of Goemon and Jigen cackling together behind their closed door about some private joke, or Goemon and Fujiko talking softly in way more cutesy affectionate tones than he'll ever admit to in public. - Goemon and Jigen got together pretty immediately after Lupin recruited Goemon to join the crew. (I think Jigen has basically had it bad for Goemon literally since the first time they dueled) My view of how this went (which I'll maybe write a fic about at some point) is that Lupin saw Goemon and was into him and decided that he was going to try to work the same "seduce a guy who's trying to assassinate you and get him to join your heist crew and become your boyfriend instead" magic that he worked on Jigen on him. But before Lupin even gets a chance to make a pass at Goemon, Jigen comes to him like "hey boss, so me 'n the new samurai guy we picked up have been banging for the past week, and I think I'm falling for him, is that cool with you?" and Lupin's just like "afsgdfghkjlkl;kj HOW?? I'm supposed to be the suave one!!" - It took Goemon a longer time to get comfy with Fujiko, but once he did, she is especially is really good at getting Goemon to let his guard down and talks him into doing all sorts of cute mundane date activities that he'd never admit to liking around Jigen and Lupin. He is way more relaxed about his uptight samurai stuff around her than anyone else since he suspects that she really recognizes (more than anyone else in the gang) how much he's really putting on an act all the time - and she makes him feel comfortable about just wanting to have fun. (this headcanon mostly informed by those three seconds in the part II Austrailia epsiode where you see them going surfing together while Lupin and Jigen are away)

Totally dumb Goemon headcanons: - Goemon does not know how to drive a car or almost any other vehicle, but he can pilot a helicopter. Once, Lupin asked him where he learned to pilot a helicopter and he responded "training" and refused to elaborate. - relatedly, Goemon likes to ride in the exact middle of the back seat of the car, or on top of the roof because he gets carsick

Another random Goemon thought I have is that I really wanna see more of Goemon and Zenigata interacting in canon, I love the idea that actually don't have very much of a personal reason to have antagonism with each other (other than vaguely that Goemon helps Lupin steal things, because it's not even like Goemon is even that into stealing stuff, and he doesn't get his kicks deliberately trying to rile up Zenigata the way Lupin and Jigen and Fujiko do) and that whenever they're alone together without the rest of the gang they're just vaguely polite and awkward with each other. Anyways yes, please always feel free to ask me for heacanons, maybe if someone bugs me to I'll even post my entire polycule relationship conspiracy board chart, lmao

#lupin iii #goemon #heacanons #I love this kiddo thank you for giving me the chance to ramble about him #maybe the real reason that he can drive a helicopter is that it's basically a big spinny sword blade

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fayeimara · 4 years

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Meant To Be Series || One For Every Billion

1. Operation: Meet Shiratorizawa

*Both written and SMAU parts this epsiode*

You hear the familiar sound as you open the door and look inside the gym. The Shiratorizawa campus is definitely impressive but nothing feels more familiar than walking into a strange gym filled with mostly strangers. Back home or a world away, volleyball is the same, perfect sport.

"Y/nnnnnn!"

You're smiling wide before you even lock eyes with your favourite redhead. "Tendou!"

Your greeting is muffled in a bear hug to beat all bear hugs and you can't help but laugh as you wrap your arms around your cousin's best friend.

"I am glad you could make it." Toshi is standing behind Tendou with a small smile and you pull away to give him a hug too.

"Let us introduce you to coach first, and then you can meet the others."

"Sounds good!"

The three of you walk over to the side where a small elderly man is scowling at the players on the court and when Toshi introduces you, you follow what you know of polite customs here and bow at the waist in greeting, "Thank you for having me!"

"I hear you play as a setter for a premier league."

Yeah, Tendou and Toshi weren't lying about his intimidating demeanor, but you're unfazed. You've dealt with some like him and they're good leaders in their own way.

"Yes, sir."

"You're quite short for your age."

You blink. You're pretty sure you're the average height for girls your age. You're definitely on or above average in your league even though you're not as tall as your hitters. Okay, cheeky, it is.

"Yes, sir. I hear that sometimes from opponents before we play. Not so much after a game, however, if at all." Tendou starts chuckling only to muffle it when the coach's sharp gaze locks onto him for a moment before focusing back on the court.

"Is that so." He finally looks over, making eye contact and drawing out the silence for a few quiet seconds. "Well, height isn't critical for a setter, though it's an asset."

"Yes, sir." You have to bite the inside of your cheek so you don't push it. You're aware of his status and tenure, after all. To someone like him, kids your age with a little cheeky boldness and confidence can be surprising and impressive. Too much is disrespectful and you're still a guest here at the end of the day.

He looks back at the team and you do startle a bit when he barks out, "Did I say it was time for a break?!"

Looking over to the court, you finally realize the practice game has all but stopped. You meet several wide eyed, disbelieving stares before they jolt back into motion.

Tendou and Toshi leave you there to rejoin their teammates with a grimace and a nod, respectively. You just smile blandly and take a seat next to their coach.

-x-x-x-

By the time Coach Washijo blows the whistle for the end of their practice, you've got a clipboard on your lap with notes and the begrudging respect of the ornery man beside you. Yes, you know your shit when it comes to volleyball and you didn't hesitate to use your knowledge to impress. You have a feeling he'll be taking a look at the link you wrote down to your national games at some point given the observations you pointed out. Mission: Success.

As the boys are grabbing water and towels and gathering around, Coach locks eyes with you once again to study you as you smile politely back at him, waiting for what he's chewing over. "You can visit again."

And then he stands to address his team before heading over to his office and leave them to clean up.

You look away from his retreating figure and, oh my, that's a lot of eyes on you. Why do athletes look so pretty? You smile wider and stand to introduce yourself, "Hello. I'm L/n, Y/n, Toshi's cousin. Nice to meet you all and thank you for having me here for this practice."

You bow and they start stuttering and speaking over each other while Tendou laughs, knowing you're also teasing a little. They're clearly flustered so it takes the edge of your own nerves and your smile relaxes into something a little easier.

"Wow.. that was.. different. I've never seen anyone interact with Coach like that." You look over to an ash haired boy, oh hello- "I'm Eita Semi. Nice to meet you.”

He sounds a little brusque.. hmm. He's their setter and knowing Toshi and Tendou...

"Semi-san, your sets... they really show your love for volleyball."

His mouth drops, hopefully in surprise, but you also hope you didn't say anything too forward? You know it's pretty different here and some things like feelings aren't used as carelessly in conversation but.. he's blushing. Oh no.

You try to correct, just in case, "I mean, I hope it's not presumptuous or inappropriate to say! I'm lucky to call myself a setter too, so from one to another, I just wanted to say I can see how much fun you have and it's inspiring!"

Okay, now Tendou is literally dying of laughter, bent over grabbing his stomach but you can see his face and yeah, he literally looks like the emoji that's crying with laughter. And- what?! Even Toshi is smiling a little, he knows that under your calm and playful exterior there's an impulsive, reckless storm.

Semi raises his hand up to the back of his head and you swear he's full on blushing. Okay, yeah, no, you're good. It might sound cruel but when you see people more embarrassed or flustered than you, usually, you find your own equilibrium steadies in response.

"That's- uh- thanks! I hear you're incredible. I mean, as a setter. I- Thanks."

The rest of the team has been looking on and slowly amusement and excitement is like a wave that slides across their features. One of his teammates hits Semi across the back, knocking him forward a bit, while teasing him about compliments from a pretty girl. But you politely pretend not to hear and focus on some of the other members as they start asking you about yourself and answering your return questions about each of them.

I think we can call Operation: Meet Shiratorizawa a success, you think, happily satisfied with the people your dear cousin has to call his teammates and friends.

Prev | Next

Masterlist

Behind The Scenes!

-Toshi is not directly related to Y/n but they might as well be brother and sister for how close they are

-He’s actually her (bear with me, please) dad’s brother’s sister-in-law’s son : Her uncle’s wife is an Ushijima - so her aunt by marriage is sister to Toshi’s mom.. I’m sorry, am I making any sense?

-Their mutual cousins will appear in the story, you’ve already seen their profiles in Family Matters: Kazuya, Akira, and Akari

-Tendou has known Y/n as long as he’s known Toshi and treats her like a cross between best friend and older brother, which means he’s sometimes mean, always teasing, and he will smack, cut, bury a bitch if they hurt her

A/N: Two things.. 1) I absolutely love Ushijima, I find he's seriously underrated. Although I guess I’m guilty here too because he’s Y/n’s family instead of a love interest 😔 If anyone ever wants to see a Toshi fic, let me know, I’ll do my best to work on his characterization 2) CHARACTERIZATION... guys, I’ve wondered this with all the HQ characters I’ve incorporated so far, but.. I don’t know if I’m hitting anywhere close to what they might actually be like in the scenarios I put them in?? So I apologize in advance, and profusely, for all the HQ characters that turn out not quite.. the way they should lol. The writing kinda sorta maybe gets away from me all the time 😅

I lied, there's a third.. I know I've made several posts on days that I've posted so far, and while I do hope to be consistent with a steady couple posts a week (particularly concerning this fic, or rather, not including other fics and stuff I might decide to post as I get more comfortable here), I may not always be able to deliver the same amount of content as I a) am still slowly getting a handle on the social media aspect and how to smoothly deliver it; and b) catch up to where I'm at in the story. So I just want you all to know, I really appreciate your patience with me <3

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watchinglikeafangirl · 3 years

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Lovely Writer Epsiode 8 - analysis

I have to say, this week's episode is the best one so far because so many things got explained and the puzzlepieces suddenly find their places. It's incredible how much hidden forshadowing the other episodes contain. Every week, I sit here and find clues they placed in episode 3 or something. It's really nice and that's what good writing is about. I find the script really great because this show focuses on so many different aspects, it's literally overwhelming.

On the one hand, we have Nubsib and Gene's lovestory which mostly happens apart from all the other stuff going on. Lovely Writer makes fun of all these cheesy romances with cringey dialogue underlined with a soundtrack that doesn't fit the atmosphere in the scenes at all. Gene and Nubsib have scenes which mix all the cliches at the same time. But at the same time, their lovestory is slow and their affection for each other is not all about physical attraction because love is not about that. Of course, enjoying kissing and having sex is a normal part of a relationship but I often feel like BLs want to tell me all the other stuff happens "off screen" because the talks late at night and taking care of each other are actually way harder to write. But Lovely Writer shows us very much about all those other aspects of a relationship, for example when Gene and Nubsib talk on the phone for hours. These are relationship goals which are rarely addressed but take place way more often than making out.

On the other hand, Lovely Writer is not about a lovestory at all. They make the Thai BL industry look bad by showing the harmony on camera and during interviwes is a fassade because all this pressure and fame gets to one personally and you turn out to be the worst version of yourself. This industry basically wants the actors to sacrifice their life, their identity for entertainment. This is a very sharp critic and Lovely Writer portrays this very well. They manage to switch between lovestory and toxic film business quite well.

Lovestory in a fairytale

Last episode nubsib went to the house where Gene hid and this story continues in this episode. We all know, what happened last week, there were many gifs about it and the cuteness continues here on an even higher level.

But all this takes place somewhere far from their work with no other people around. They are in this house together and spend two day there of explorig their feelings and I guess, talking about stuff most of the time. The rooms are always flooded with daylight and it looks very cozy and warm. Their relationship went next level and they both are very happy about it, so the first half of this episode contains a lot of positive feelings and the outside is not interfering. It looks more like a lovestory in a fairytale because they are drunk on happiness and excitement. It's something new, the start of a relationship and that's a big step. In the beginning they don't face challenges and can basically live happily in this house. But of course, the fairytale has to end and they go back. The mood switches at an instant and the lighting is different because now they aren't as free any more. Before, they were in a lonely house and were free to do anything.

This sort of bright lighting returns on the balcony because there, they can't be disturbed either and are just two young people in love again. Being in love in a silly and cheesy way is also part of a relationship and it's something normal, so Gene and Nubsib have those moments too even after they are back because now we (and Gene) know it's real. It's not something that happened in a different world. It is the reality and takes place even in the normal life.

Relationship goals

Like I said, their relationship looks very natural and is not faked or forced. In fact, their romance is too good to take. They share a few kisses but it's not the kisses which make my heart melt. It's Nubsib ask for consent in those moments. It's their talks. It's the little actions for me because little actions of care and love are way cuter than just a bunch of kiss and NC scenes. That's not what I want. I only watch BLs because they are about a love despite what society might tell you is right. I'm not here for kiss scenes. In some shows, all the private scenes of the main couple contain either kissing or sex and I don't understand why. In a relationship, you like this part as well but like the person you do that with more.

So, I like Gene and Nubsib's relationship being more lovingly and honest very much because trust, loyalty and honesty are more important.

Also, we can see they are both very serious about the relationship and go all in for it. There is no angrily storming off again. There is no being mad for a whole epsiode any more. There is no annoying shyness and blushing. Both characters don't really match the cliche dynamic and I love that because stereotypes just make me sick.

Here, Gene and Nubsib have an argument and even though they get disturbed, Nubsib makes sure they will talk about it later. They will have a mature and conversation about this when they both have calmed down. And this is real. This is normal and nothing to be very scared of. It's just a little argument that will probably be solve in a few sentences.

Lovely Writer has a whole concept. We got a moment when one of them was storming off and was mad for a whole episode but they just did that to reverse it and portray it as unrealistic and unfair for the other person because this way Gene wasn't giving Nubsib any chance to apologize nor explain himself.

Oversexualization

If I'm gonna talk about the fact the love story doesn't contain a lot of kiss or NC scenes, then I need to talk about this problem here. Actually, the oversexualization of BLs is harshly criticized in this scene and I belive Gene is totally right but the thing is, it's not just the Thai BL industry and it's not just BLs. It's far more than that and I believe westernization is a part of it (that's a huge topic, I know. I will only address one tiny aspect here). I don't know very much about the eastern countries of Asia. I only know what I've seen in documentaries or on the internet, so I can't say I'm an expert at all. But from what I know and what I've seen, Eastasian societies are more closeted about relationships and sex. I'm not saying every country (please, don't be offended and feel free to correct me) and I don't know how open Thailand is about this topic but I feel like the "western" countries are more open about it. I live in Germany and here it's a topic like everything else and people tend to overshare. I feel like the countries which are that open, oversexualize very quickly because it's no difficult topic among the people. So, oversexualization happens in all film businesses of such countries and since Thai BLs have fans all over the world, they oversexualize too in order to make the people like it. The whole internet seems horny all the time, so it works and sells itself pretty good. So, Gene doesn't just call out the Thai BL industry. He basically calls out half of the world's film businesses because they all do it.

But like Hin said, that doesn't mean NC scenes should be banned or are bad. Just an overuse of such passages is the problem here because then it's not about romance any more. Then, you can call it an erotic novel. When there's one or two NC scenes and they make sense in the story, it's totally fine. The writers and authors just need to find the right balance. And since the preview looked like things will be happening, then it's just happening because the mood was right. See sex as part of bonding because relationships are basically just good friendships with some next level stuff.

Consent

People love Nubsib asking Gene for consent whenever he wants to kiss him and that's really considerate but I saw this post here and discovered Nubsib is not the king of consent at all. He's only asking for consent whenever they are alone. But not when they are with other people because he knows Gene is shy. He outs him to three people during this episode even though he said he'll wait and Gene obviously doesn't want him to do that. Afterwards, he even comforts Gene to lift the pressure but he can't deny he put this pressure on Gene in the first place. As I said, Gene is shy towards other people, Nubsib knows that and plays this card. With others, Gene won't say anything because he's too polite and also, you don't have an argument in front of others. So, Nubsib doesn't stay true to his words and is still manipulative.

Finding your soulmate

Believe it or not, but I totally see Lovely Writer fulfilling the "soulmate" trope because this episode both indicated this - more or less through words.

Nubsib tells Gene, he felt lonely all these years in America and this loneliness vanished when he saw Gene again. He had a relationship before but still felt lonely (also, I love his previous relationship doesn't matter at all. There's no jealousy or anything). This sounds like he wants to say Gene is his long awaited soulmate.

Gene was lonely as well over all these years and got used to it but as soon as he and Nubsib grow closer he's reminded of the loneliness. He doesn't accept it any more and I believe he's nearly dying inside right before he calls Nubsib. They spend two days alone and many things happen emotionallywise, so when he gets home, he feels very lonely. Nubsib reminded him what it's like to not be lonely. He became aware of the loneliness again and hates it even more now he has someone freeing him from that feeling. Even though Gene doesn't say it, I feel like they want to tell me Nubsib is his soulmate too.

Product placement

This show's product placement cracks me up everytime. The picture with this woman... what was that lmao

Why would she hold up a face mask for a picture?

Also, the spray is so misplaced... Gene was upset but Nubsib was like "at least smell good"

Nubsib: the king of comforting

#lovely writer #gene x nubsib #this episode was too good #their relationship is so pure

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tonysopranosfeverdreams · 4 years

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thoughts on the wawwa finale? ur like the only blog I follow that posts abt it so I’m curious to hear ur thoughts👀

I LOVED it. i think it is probably one of the best finales i’ve seen? Here are some assorted thoughts,. SPOILERS obviously:

-With the whole thing taking place in one evening before caitlin moves in a different sort of setting it felt really atmospheric and i think had MAJOR before sunrise vibes in the sense they were constantly racing against the clock to experience the show before dawn when they needed to go home in a really romantic cityscape and a lot of almost direct parallels in terms of some of shots and how they were framed.

-the way caitlin and fraser’s relationship unfolds is really unique imo. you have a FEW other kisses/encounters they’ve had earlier on in the show and in the episode too and they all just feel sort of forced and uncomfortable to watch and there’s a distinct. lack of feeling? so when they finally do find each other at the end it feels really really unique and tender like an inevitability,

- i also love the little hints they drop through the epsiode things are sort of shifting with how they see their relationship, like fraser glancing at their hands at the train station and how intimate and giddy they are singing together on the train. And the real happiness you feel watching those moments feels so different from how you feel when you watch them trying to hang out with other people, like you just desperately want them to go back to each other, so it’s like the way it’s filmed makes you come to the same realizations the characters do in real time. and the relief and sort of inevitability of like coming home you feel watching their performances (which are OUTSTANDING imo) in that last scene where they take off their hats and fraser kisses caitlin’s face you realize there was no other ending that would have felt good? and you’re really in that moment

-I also think its so healthy and special and unique to acknowledge that romance, at its best is an extension and just like slightly different expression of friendship, and at their core theyre the same! i’m not sure i’ve ever seen a show (esp about young people, where drama and like....weirdly tension-filled situations and dynamics are glamorized) illustrate how much love should be something comforting and tender and most of all built off just a really genuine, deep affection that comes first and foremost before any preconceived notion of romance?

-I LOVE a good gay appropriation of a typical romantic trope, so when it became clear fraser was gonna pull a running to the airport to stop the other person situation it actually felt really meaningful, esp in a show typically SO subverting of norms and devoid off cliches this one felt rly natural and special bc it was so differernt in that way

-ok so i was talking to my friend who i watch this show with and we’re pretty confident luca was imaginary? like fraser was making him up? from the extent he was like. a manic pixie dream boy extension of fraser who disappeared LITERALLY THE MOMENT he realized he only wanted to be with cait and because of sort of the general weirdness of his character’s existence in general/the fact he appeared RIGHT AFTER fraser confessed he imagined mark. this plus the fact it was caitlins last night makes it seem natural to some extent he would have regressed into a fantasy world to not deal with the pain of losing someone who was closer to him than anyone else he had ever met? but then at the end he realized their relationship even if it was fleeting or harper had to leave tomorrow was so much more valuable, and that he’d rather see the view with them for a few minutes than try and self medicate with fantasy. like it felt like a real solidification of the “right here right now” theme of the whole show, in that moment he chose reality even if it was just for a little bit because to actually experience a moment and the way you feel about someone is infinitely more important and worthwhile than escaping into fantasy to protect yourself from any hurt

- i think it’s so fuckin cool and radical how they CELEBRATE exploring and not fully having a word or label to put to cait/harper’s gender identity. like it’s something that’s encouraged and considered healthy they’re figuring it out and it’s not something that is like. tragically infused with ONLY pain or turmoil but also excitement!! and joy!! and joyful free expresssion fuck yeah!!! like it didn’t feel right or completely natural to them to fall into these different labels and that’s just fine bc it’s joyful to fuckin just express yourself and be on that journey and a lot of times it doesn’t fit into a binary or standard definition someone else made! i loved that i dont think ive seen that before in a tv show just so casually and naturally and like im full adult and felt rly inspired by it and am so happy kids have the opportunity to also maybe feel seen or like less alone because of it

- the ending reminded me SO MUCH of the florida project?? like the moment he took off through the ending was just so magical and i really really enjoyed that.

i’m sure i’m forgetting some stuff because i had. A LOT Of thoughts. but. here’s everything that came to mind Right Now

#sorry im just responding i got caught up in election stuff and forgot #Anonymous #we are who we are

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stunfiskz · 4 years

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Top 5 hatchetfield characters?

ogghhhh fuck yeah

5) sylvia,, we’ve had her for a total of one nightmare time epsiode but i’d kill and die for her

4) hidgens. he’s a stupid fucking bitch and i like him so much

3) emma. literally amazing she’s such a good character

2) lex, loml she’s so awesome

1) becky. my current biggest comfort character, absolute angel, i wish nothing but the best for this fictional character 😭

#ask #starkid #hatchetfield

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mab1905 · 4 years

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Things I needed to get off my chest, referring to the last epsiode of Supernatural.

WARNING: EVERYTHING YOU’RE ABOUT TO READ IS A PERSONAL OPINION, IF THIS FACT GETS YOU HEATED THEN GET OFF MY PROPERTY.

WARNING: (PART TWO) I USE THE WORD QU**R — UNCENSORED — AS A GENERAL TERM FOR THE LGBTQ COMUNITY, I ALSO USE IT AS A PERSONAL SEXUAL IDENTITY. IF THIS WORD TRIGGERS YOU THEN KEEP SCROLLING PAST THIS POST.

We all knew how this was going to end. Whether you’ve watched forever or stopped years ago or have never seen it but know the jist because of all the shit that’s been going around tumblr; you knew how this was going to end. And it was never going to be explicitly queer, it just wasn’t. Somehow, despite knowing that, it still hurts like a motherfucker. I’m disturbed. I’m actually disturbed. I’m disturbed as a queer man, I’m disturbed as a fan of the show, as a fan of the writers, as a fan of Misha (who is all good in my books because we all knew he put his heart and soul into that fucking confession scene despite knowing the horseshit that was gonna follow). So let me break this down.

Part One: The episode, in of itself, kinda just sucked.

The begining I liked— I thought, okay, some reminiscent stuff, they said it would be like older episodes, they’re referencing shit, they got a dog, okay sure. This is sweet. J2 knocking it out of the park with all the brotherly banter. I laughed, it was nice. The introduction of the monster was scary, an elevated classic. Some good old dean and Sam torturing the monster, I’m digging it. Going to some rusty old building, suspense where you see the monster in the background, a good time, you know? But that death scene— w o w. Now, I actually like the idea of Dean dying suddenly with something seemingly so small and trivial, (great life ends with a whisper not a scream, right?), but it was TOO sudden. It came out of nowhere in a bad way. The whole fight, them finding the monster, the brief flashback to someone from a past epsiode we had all forgotten about, it just felt so rushed. Rushed to the point where, throughout the entire death, I was just waiting for Dean to smile and say “sike.” I literally couldn’t believe it, and not because I was sad; how it happened, how it was written, was so awkward that I couldn’t believe they actually had it happen. I actually didn’t believe it until Dean’s body was burning. That’s how in shock I was. And even though Jared and Jensen were acting their asses off and doing a great job of it, it didn’t effect me emotionally at all, cause it just felt so weird, like I couldn’t take it seriously. Then that feeling lasted throughout the rest of the epsiode. Every thing that happened after that felt forced and unnatural. Like I was watching the YouTube Original knockoff of my favorite HBO show. It didn’t even end with Dean and Sam in the Impala. Them looking at the lego pieces stuck in the air vent or putting in a cassette tape and letting a NOT COVER VERSION of Wayward Son play. Why the fuck were they on a bridge.

Part Two: Cas.

It would have been almost better, if they hadn’t said anything at all. If it was just Dean and Sam for the entire epsiode and that’s it. I could have gotten behind that. But the second they made some half assed comment about moving on and sacrifice, it was fucking over. Any respect I had for this show was thrown out the window because I knew he wouldn’t be mentioned again (and I was genuinly shocked when he was). I wasn’t expecting a kiss, or for them to hold hands, or even for Dean to reciprocate at all, but that? What they fucking did? Every single bit of character development, every scene, every amazing bit of acting, all of it to feel like it was essentially thrown away with “we gotta just move past it.” We all knew it was a queer bait, we knew it from the begining, and I had prepared myself to be disappointed from the moment I started watching this show, but that just made me angry. Really truly angry. And no it’s not just a fucking TV show. It’s the longest running sci-fi show to date, it was the spec of queer representation people latched onto during their childhoods a grew up with, it is what influenced the lives of hundreds of thousands of people— and for them to essentially take the queer character that so many people had associated with and looked up to and seen themselves in and trusted and used to keep them going, and just push them aside and say that’s okay? They actually looked at that, they looked at the two lines this character who carried the entire show on his back was mentioned in, and said that’s okay? Again, I prepared for it, but to see it done so damn shamelessly, so blantanly, was just a fucking punch to the gut. Like I never truly realized how little they cared until now. I’ve been abused and bullied on the basis of my sexuality before, and it really does feel similar, certainly not as bad, but similar, because it’s coming from the exact same place in their minds. Even if they don’t truly mean to be homophobic or hurtful, that part of their brains told them this was okay to do to the people who had followed them and sung their praises for years. Well guess what. You’re done. You can leave now, thanks, but no thanks.

Part Three: Paint a Rainbow On Your Impala

I told my friend this, who has been watching the show for longer than I have, and who owns two toy model impalas: “keep your impala and paint a rainbow on it and hang it on your wall because fuck those assholes we didn’t need them to make it gay we did it ourselves.” I will not be boycotting the show entirely, and neither should you. I honestly don’t think I’ll be able to watch another full episode after this. That was it. That was really just... too fucking much. So that’s it. But I’m not going to pretend I won’t look up my favorite scenes once and a while. I’m not going to stop loving Cas, I’m not going to stop loving Misha ‘cause it’s not his fault for what the writers did. I’m gonna write a better ending in my head and read a fanfic and read metas from a few years ago and maybe make a gay crack video— because that’s the part of this that made me really happy. The queer part. The unashamed, open, diverse, amazing and wild queerness of this fandom and the development of this character. The part that the community built despite knowing the bullshit the show was putting us through. We held up this dumbass show because we had made an entire queer subculture for it to stand on. And maybe the source material is bullshit, but that’s real. That’s so fucking real and that on its own brings in enough representation for anyone too feel accepted and seen and heard. Music is very important to me, almost unmatched by anything else actually. I use it as comfort, as communication, as esacpe, as focus. I have a playlist for everything, and I have never in my life deleted a single one of them. It may seem like a small thing, but trust me it’s just one of those habits that’s built into my code and is so important to me. I was on the verge of deleting my SPN playlist, even just looking at it reminded me of how disturbed and wronged I felt. It was just so shitty and it made me feel shitty and it made anything connected to it feel shitty. But I came to the decision, that this is my fucking playlist, and Cas is our queer character, and he’s going to have lunch with the Crystal Gems and She-Rah and Deet’s dads from The Dark Crystal, and we are going to celebrate our own queerness within this community, and we are going to play “Angel With a Shotgun” SO loud and paint rainbows on our impalas and write the most passive aggressive fix-it fics we can and revel in this fandom and I will never touch another epsiode because F U C K. T H E M.

#supernatural #last episode #spn 15x20 #castiel #dean #sam #misha collins #spn #gay #lgbtq #pride #fuck em all we made it gay #queer representation

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