#this whole journey has been outstanding

[double-aa-batteries]

things about about TSC I can't stop thinking about

"hindsight was a backstabbing bitch"

curtains symbolizing jeans healing journey, how he keeps them closed at Abby's in a effort to recreate the nest in search of some normalcy, how he opens them and looks out the window his new apartment, seeking calm in his overwhelm

"I want to go home" (13) meaning evermore vs. "I want to go home" (329) meaning to his apartment with Laila, Cat and jeremy

the fact that jean's phone is probably still in Abby's freezer

Kevin "their kindness matters" Day

Neil's smile is as unsettling to everyone else as it is to him and he has so much more Nathaniel in him than he recognizes in his own pov

Jean is so similar to neil in that they're both petty, dramatic bitches who care deeply about their teammates' safety

riko and the ravens quite literally took jean's name from him (Jean-Yves, Jonny, Paris)

"[Renee's] love was so tender it looked like grief as it curled her mouth and made her eyes shine"

jean gets forehead kisses from Renee and Cat

"that creepy little goalkeeper Andrew Minyard"

jean's many nicknames for neil: tiny bastard, tedious malcontent, abominable cockroach, wretched little runaway, ignorant child, etc.

Neil took the bandage off of jeans 3 and promptly stuck it over Kevin's chess peice

"I should have let him kill you," Jean said. "Probably," Neil agreed, "but you didn't, so here we all are."

"...aside from his outstanding murder charge, there was nothing interesting about that fox"

the fact that the point of tfc was to show characters who couldn't/wouldn't/ or were unable to heal from the trauma they had faced and yet from the very beginning and without question, TSC is about jean clawing his way forward and toward healing no matter what

the cheese drawer

dadmack dialed up to 1,000 See: "i will burn this house down before I let them touch you"

bisexual jean Moreau panicking over his teammates in swimsuits and Jeremy's long legs

"He's earned the right to be arrogant"

riko couldn't bring himself to hurt wymack because he was Kevin's father and Kevin was like a brother to riko and riko has always yearned for a father's recognition

Alvarez has a motorcycle and jean didn't say no to learning how to ride it

we know next to nothing about Jeremy Knox despite having chapters in his pov (why was he in therapy? why was his dad in France? what the hell did he do at the Fall banquet his freshman year to tear his family in half?)

that being said: Jeremy Knox is a rich boy with a butler

everything about Catalina Alverez

the fact that Jeremy knox has two brothers and one of them is probably dead

"rather than force the Trojans underground for that part, they simply built steps up and over it inside the stadium" the JUXTAPOSITION

Alvarez cooks and so now does jean

we know for a fact riko subjected Kevin to "subtler cruelties" while he was in the nest

"they never should have said yes when you asked" and "I didn't ask"

"as if you can tell a girl apart from a cow on a good day"

"permission to break his face, coach?" jean asked. "denied," white said.

all of thanksgiving pt. II

"alarm looked wrong on a face born for smiling"

jean casually saying "your apologies are as useful as perfume on a frog" to Lucas

Neil's whole relationship with Jean

David "I believe we all have the choice to be better than the hands that shaped us" Wymack

Neil generally being a menace to society but especially "Neil, being the person he was, pointed at the fire hydrant adjacent to it's front bumper and said, 'thats illegal, just so you know.'"

"the cracking heat in his chest could have been his ribs snapping or his heart breaking"

[babyangelsky]

My Favorite Expressions in Love Sea Ep. 7

On a personal level this week has been a very mixed bag but I know that if nothing else got me, this show got me. It's gonna come in clutch for me every time, spider bites and potential hauntings be damned.

I. Love. It. Here.

Will I ever not take psychic damage from the expression Tongrak makes when Mahasamut tells him that he cares about him? The answer is no. It's wonderful and devastating every time.

"How would you rate me out of 10?" Mahasamut asks while Tongrak's face plots teasing and mischief.

Opening a safe shouldn't look so much like staring down the gallows but here we are. Not being able to see how Tongrak's hands were shaking in a screenshot is a blessing.

The panic and terror on this man's face when he saw the read receipt on his phone is something I never want to see again. My hatred for Rak's piece of shit sperm donor is murderous and profound. How actually fucking dare he put this look on his child's face I'm going to kill him with my bare hands.

Peat's acting is so genuinely good that it hurts me. Tongrak was trembling so much that he was struggling to put the phone away and when he gets back to his room, he practically tries to crawl into Mahasamut's skin to hide and feel safe. Look at him, he looks so tiny and scared and I want to cry.

Let us take a break from the sad with this supremely horny shot of Mook unzipping Vivi's dress. Everyone say thank you.

And pour one out for our girl, as is now a weekly custom. Vivi my girly is dying CONFESS TO HER AND MAKE OUT ABOUT IT.

"I'm not going to the event! >:(" Yes you are, mi alma, look at your face when Mook threatens to quit.

Not pictured: One (1) resigned sigh

The grumpiest kitten in the whole venue.

Tongrak: *complaining* Mahasamut: *heart eyes*

My favorite moment of the face journey Tongrak goes on when he realizes just how good Mahasamut looks and that he will be Perceived and decides to mess up his hair about it. The grumpy kitten is a jealous jellyfish.

It's the fact that Tongrak looks surprised that his fans like his books and have consumed his entire body of work. I'M GOING TO SOB.

The smile is polite and professional but the eyes are sparkly. He genuinely enjoys interacting with his fans.

The proud husband smile means everything to me.

THE LOOK OF ABSOLUTE LOATHING AND DISGUST! INCREDIBLE PHENOMENAL OUTSTANDING.

IF YA'LL THINK I'M NOT GONNA MAKE A SEPARATE POST ABOUT HOW MUCH I LOVE THIS MAN YOU'RE SO FUCKING WRONG

If I have to have this demonic nasty hell witch on my screen, at least I get to watch her face make this expression after Tongrak calls her out for imitating him because he got it right on the money and she knows it.

Tongrak and the visceral hatred in his eyes said play me another waltz I'm tired of dancing to this one.

God love you, but you look so tired.

This entire scene was more brutal to watch than the fight outside of Tongrak's house. It was obvious that something more was going on from how calmly he was speaking and how non-responsive he became toward the end of it, but look at his hands. Look at how tightly they're clenched. Maintaining his composure while Prin stuck that knife in his wounds and twisted it as viciously as she could cost him, and it would be obvious even if we hadn't already seen them fight.

Tongrak, you're my fighter. He still looks tired because he is, but he also looks like the imperious ice prince he's had to be to survive. Then the utterly dismissive way he turns and walks out and cuts eye contact?

We can barely see Nouel's smile but it's so clearly saying "bruh that's cringe".

He's not just my fighter. He's Mahasamut's fighter, too.

Do ya'll remember how Tongrak was acting when he first brought Mahasamut to live with him and Vivi was teasing him?

Look how far they've come.

I can't quite articulate how, but the way they look at each other has changed, and I don't just mean because they're being lovey in front of Vivi and Mook. There's this undercurrent of sweetness that wasn't there before, even in private. That scene way back in episode 3 where Tongrak told Mahasamut to ask him to stay on the island which had so much softness and fondness to it did not have that same something that's now present.

I'm gonna leave ya'll with that and then go take more screenshots so I can properly scream about Mahasamut. And let me know if you wanna be tagged in these weekly writeups!

[island-in-the-shadows]

I always find it so wonderfully interesting when people prefer IWTV S1 to S2 but, tbh, they're both great seasons of television.

When I saw S1 as it premiered, I consistently struggled with it. There were (and to this day are) parts of it that severely pissed me off. "A Vile Hunger..." (1x5) is still the episode I like to rewatch the least, for example. It took me watching S1 twice to totally love the show. And it's because, when I saw S1, I was holding onto the source material while I watched.

This was fucking stupid on my part, especially given I took a class on adaptation while at Uni and got the academic tools to discern what makes for a good adaptation in film terms (I've talked about other adaptations with people who are book readers first and they tend to view it way differently). Hell, I wrote a thesis on why Clueless is a great adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma regardless of the change of setting in both time and place.

But IWTV was way too personal to me, it went back to my childhood, so it was hard to let go. I did instantly love a lot of the changes. I love the time change and the change to Louis' race and background. I love that we saw more of Louis pre-vampirism and that show Louis has more complex reasons for his long term struggles whereas book Louis just seemed so whiny to me for no reason. On the other hand, I struggled with: why is it a second interview, why was Claudia SA-ed, why the DV, why is fucking Antoinette a canker sore that never leaves, why the fuck is Armand in Dubai, what the fuck is happening with this timeline? I couldn't let go and my viewing experience suffered for it.

When I sat down to watch a second time, I said, "Ok, do what you were taught and let the source go. Adaptations cannot be 1:1 due to the change in medium". And that's when things started clicking. I stopped viewing S1, and the show as a whole, as needing to use the books as a plot bible and viewed it as using them as a guidebook to function on TV terms and tell its own version of the story. It allowed me to appreciate the things I loved much more and to understand the ones I hadn't been so sure about and, even, love some of those things.

For S2, I went into it with that mentality already so I solely judged it on film/TV terms even though, having read books 1-4 and 6 and reading about the rest, I saw subtle things people with no knowledge of the source canon did not. Like when YT reactors consistently worried about Daniel being killed and I'm just filing my nails because, to those in the know, Daniel has massive plot armour. Or people being confused about Raglan James and I'm sat there like wtf does this trifling ass want? Nevertheless, I enjoyed the tale as it was told and what it was on solely TV terms.

Both season are great television but, to me, S2 just took it up a notch. Daniel Hart popped off extra hard. Carol Cutshall popped off extra hard in costuming (stg she played faves because why did Armand get more fashion slays than anyone else? ^_^). The sets went extra hard. The acting, which was already superb in S1 because this is a fucking excellent cast (Jacob, Sam, Eric, Bailey, and Delainey 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼), went harder as well because we have more players such as Ben Daniels doing the absolute MOST with Santiago, Roxane Duran being absolutely OUTSTANDING as the formidable Madeleine, and Assad Zaman stepping out from the background and giving a STUNNING performance as, to me, what's clearly the definitive Armand. To my taste, S2 is a lot less slow and I felt the pot boiling tension to the explosive ending build more keenly than in S1. And, again to my taste, the ending of S2 felt more satisfying because we have a sense of completion in Louis' journey rather than a, admittedly dope, cliffhanger. S2 has, arguably, the 3 best episodes of the show so far in "Don't Be Afraid..." (2x5) "I Could Not Prevent It" (2x7), and "And That's The End of It..." (2x8). For me, there's just no contest.

And yeah S2 isn't perfect either. The abrupt episode endings, for example, are a bit annoying---especially the end of 2x4. Yes, there's bits I would've changed a bit. (Though I will say, some book readers apparently wanted the show to include book Armand's Franken-experiments and I could very much do without it ever being included because it serves no narrative purpose other than to prolong Claudia's suffering. The show already goes hard to show Armand is a fucking asshole in other ways and it's gonna add to that in S3. We don't need that detail.) But, as a season of television, it just went the extra mile.

Still, I love that some people prefer S1. I love that they prefer S1 because it's more intimate or because it's more of a family season or because of the good Louis and Lestat moments or the good vampire family moments. Or maybe they love it for other reasons, it's all very personal.

I still think "In Throes of Increasing Wonder" is an outstanding pilot and it's one of my favourite episodes. Louis' confessional scene/the church scene is definitely one of the top moments of the show. Claudia's monologue at the end of "The Ruthless Pursuit of Blood..." still gives me goosebumps. Claudia stomping on Antoinette's fucking face and Daniel reading Louis to absolute FILTH at the end of "The Thing Lay Still" both make me clap and stomp like I'm at a concert or a sporting event.

Either way, S1 or S2, it's great TV and it deserves more love and recognition. I hope it gets it because it's truly deserving. Maybe we just need to hear our Brat Prince have his say for the uninitiated to awaken to it. S3 I have been seated since they made the call to release that teaser.

[anachilles]

For the prompts: Clegan + acceptance or redemption?

here you goooo!! two in one since they went so well together hehe. tysm for the prompts, and hope you like!! 🫶

acceptance - muse a kisses muse b’s forehead and lingers redemption - muse a holds muse b’s face together and rests their forehead against them

The baking, Algerian heat is a shock to the system when Bucky practically throws himself out of the plane's escape hatch.

It gets damn cold up there, and often isn't much better in England before they take off. If he took a second to think about it, here, the flight suit and thick, well-tailored sheepskin coat would feel uncomfortable. Constricting.

His feet are barely on the ground though, a hurried and unlingering kiss pressed into his hand and then to the wing of the plane that miraculously got them there, before he swivels back towards the empty horizon laid out before them, eyes fixed. Searching. Like he could pull Buck's plane to ground himself just by willing it so.

His crew are debriefing with the others who'd made it somewhere behind him, Blakely and Croz and all of their guys, but his mind is only in one place. It doesn't have a hope of straying anywhere else until he knows, sees with his own two eyes, feels under his own fingertips, that Buck is wheels down on the ground before them.

The wait is as agonising as the whole journey there had been, Buck having spent most of it beat to shit and trailing behind, and Bucky having spent most of it with one eye on his fort and the other on the gun he'd forcibly commandeered to help make sure it stayed in the air.

Jack Kidd joins him at one point, close enough that Bucky could feel their elbows brush where their muscles held equally rigid. If he spoke though, Bucky didn't hear him.

Eventually, Buck's fort appears, barely airborne and falling apart as it more or less limps in the direction of the airstrip. Looks like a goddamn tin can that's been shot at too many times. Bucky releases a breath he wasn't aware he'd been holding. The lump in his throat doesn't clear until they actually touch down, though, just short of the runway and with, if he's not mistaken, not a single damn working engine.

No engine fuckin' Cleven strikes again.

He barks out a laugh, smacking Jack in the process.

There are a lot of guys in their company who were outstanding pilots, as well as airmen in general, let there be no mistake about that; men Bucky trusted without question. Guys whose hands he wouldn't think twice about putting his life in if it came to it.

Only Gale Cleven could've kept that beaten up bucket of bolts in the sky, though. Likely by sheer force of his own skill, stubbornness, and incomparable ballsiness, in equal, unquantifiable measure. If he was anyone else, he and the entire crew would've been either dead or captured. By all means should've been, if you were the religious sort who figured God had a plan for us all and that you can't fight what's been divinely decided for you.

Bucky's not sure what to feel between relief, terror, anticipation, desire, and strange urge to get to his knees, hands clasped, between it all.

When he and Kidd drive out to meet them its obvious Buck's shaken, significantly enough that Bucky's able to see it so evidently in the droop of his shoulders, and the jolty, uneasy flickering of his eyes and the cut of his mouth.

They lost one of their men; Norman Smith. Radio operator. A man gets his legs blown off and it's taking all Bucky has not to fixate on a smear of blood staining the woollen lapel of Buck's jacket. That's something to feel guilty about later, though.

Buck's pacing, agitated, and Bucky follows him, a current responding to the pull of the moon as they recount their losses; take stock. It's a usual post-mission motion to grapple for, that they're at least somewhat numb to by now, or can at least kid themselves they are when the adrenaline's still pumping through their veins.

"And Curt?"

He hadn't planned on saying it, but it tears itself out of whatever corner of his chest Bucky had managed to wrangle it down into ever since it became evident that Curt's bird was going down.

Buck won't look directly at him. His gaze verges on haunted as he watches the horizon, so Bucky's left staring at his blood-spattered side profile, awaiting any answer other than what he knows somewhere deep down, lurking and sinister, to be the truth.

Buck's stumbling, tremored, vulnerable "I-I don't know..." is like a bucket of ice water over Bucky's nervous system. His spine stiffening, it's all he needs to swallow back the grief as it comes creeping in.

To fix his expression.

To crack a joke.

To desperately reach for jingoistic optimism when even that refuses to crack the other man's blank, slightly shell-shocked veneer.

"Sure, Bucky..."

Bucky can feel Buck disappearing into his head as they watch the sunset, enveloping the atmosphere around them in a sense of finality as the day closes out and they're left to regroup.

Eleven forts out of 21.

Over 100 men gone in one day.

Jack calls to them from the truck as the last of Buck's crew begin to depart for the nearby base, but Bucky waves him on, yells that they'll walk back. Buck offers no refute, and with a nod he leaves them, the remnant silence only broken by the wind rustling the weeds stubbornly poking out from the arid earth.

Now alone, some tenuous thread of control in Bucky snaps. He can't fight all that emotion burgeoning within him, threatening to choke him if he doesn't do something with it. He takes Buck by the elbow, and pulls him behind the shell of his plane, shielding them from the glaring view of the airfield and potential onlookers.

Taking Buck's face in his hands, it's like he's helping physically hold the man together, their gazes meeting in one heated, loaded moment among the storm of loss and shock and eerie quiet. Bucky brings the other man's head towards him, pressing his lips to Buck's forehead regardless of the dirt and sweat, grime and blood marring his perfect fuckin' face.

Satisfaction suffuses through his chest when he feels Buck relax, even if just a fraction, into the gesture. When he breathes out, exhaling that control and poise and clenched-jaw determination that got him here, and just lets himself be held for a moment.

When Bucky finally pulls away, he steals one last glance, before closing his eyes and letting their foreheads rest against each other, slowly starting to feel weary, the fatigue settling into his bones like an encroaching winter.

Still here. Under his fingertips.

[forpiratereasons]

Hey Darcy! I love reading all of your takes on twitter! If you felt so inclined, I would love to hear if you heard any hesitation in Stede's "No, I'm not." When Ed asked if he was having second thoughts at the end of episode 8. Are these crazy kids going to put in the work and make it? Thanks!!!

these crazy kids are gonna put in the work and make it!!!

no, i don't hear any hesitation. i know they have a lot of work to do - with themselves and with each other - and i think ed and stede know that too, because the next thing ed says is, it's a bit of a shithole, i know. he's acknowledging that there are holes in it. that it's a little shaky.

but stede says, it's a fixer upper. good bones. yeah, they have work to do but they have a a strong foundation. good bones.

i think that's just an incredibly mature end for them, even though they haven't done all the work yet. they're acknowledging that they need to do it. they are committing to trying it. they will both have to learn to put aside unhealthy coping mechanisms (running away, giving up, spiraling, etc) but they're in a better place.

i think the scene on the beach earlier cements that really. ed runs to stede. stede runs to ed. they meet in the middle. ed says i'm sorry for being such a dick - he's acknowledging wrongdoing. stede says, you're not a dick, life's a dick. he's acknowledging that ed's been dealt a super tough hand and has baggage. i love you, i love you - allowing vulnerability again, when he's put avoiding vulnerability with stede the whole season. even when he tells stede about the merman vision, he's on the other side of the bed, wholly covered, and he plays it off a little. now he's ready to put it all on the line. and stede says, i know. i know that. which is about stede saying, i know you love me even though you withdrew. i know you love me even when we make mistakes. i trust you. and ed smiles. oh, his smile is so big. loving and being loved. its not everything, but it's a start.

it's a very powerful scene that i think shorthands a lot of the discussion people were hoping to see in the finale. but i do think it's all there. it's all there in the text. they are having that conversation on so many levels, you just have to hear it.

and they decide to give up the revenge and pirating to stay on land, and of course we can assume that they had a real conversation about that, and that will put them on even footing for the first time in their relationship. it will take a great deal of the external pressures out of their relationship. it's an outstanding commitment to making it work.

i don't think it will be an easy journey per se because, well, s3 has to fill a whole season, eh? but yes. of course yes. i believe they are going to put in the work and make it work. there's still a little distance between them - i've seen complaints that they don't touch in this scene, but i think that's deliberate, that's showing you that they have work to do, but they're both there, side by side. this is a new beginning, doveys!! the sun sets on the golden age of pirates, and in series 3, a new day dawns.

[luckyshinyhunter]

Fictional characters that definitely deserved better

💪Jen Walters (She-Hulk: Attorney at law)💪

She-Hulk is one of those shows I enjoyed because of the vibes, no surprise that a bunch of dudebros were doing their usual hate on the MCU crap again, especially going after this show.

I like how the show made Jennifer relatable and likable from the start, Tatiana did such a amazingly performance as the titular character along with matching her sassiness and wit like she have in the comics.

The possibilities of She-Hulk season 2 are slim to none, but I still have hope of Jen coming back in the future.

🛩️Andy Demayo (Steven Universe)🛩️

Even though he was kinda rude in his debut episode, but honestly, you would be confused and angry too if you see a bunch of strangers in your barn.

Besides Greg and the residents at Beach City, he rarely calls out Steven's dangerously daily lifestyle with the gems and shows that he cares about his recently known nephew.

After Gem harvest, he resolved the bittered distance and continue visiting his family, even showing at Garnet's wedding.

It was kind of a waste that Future didn't give him anything important to add, he would connect and helped Steven's dilemma with the fear of change, similar to his.

Also a hilarious fun fact, Andy's VA is Carl from Aqua Teen Hunger Force.

��Splinter (TMNT 2012)🐁

Honestly one of the most tragic characters in the show, from a broken man who lost everything, to a loving and protecting father who found a new lease on life, along with a family that care for each other to the very end.

He can be strict but he does care about his family and would die fighting for them, he literally died to save them and would do it again if he have to.

Hoon Lee's electrifying portrayal speaks for itself and the critical juncture of his past that parallels him and Shredder is another reason why the show is underrated.

I hate the backlash that this character has been getting and that people are labeling him as a bad father but he's not, the show literally has moments of him caring and protecting his family from danger.

🕸️Miles Morales (Spider-Man)🕸️

Without a doubt, Miles is one of the best Spider-Man characters of all. Pretty disgusting that people are using with the whole Miles Morales is Miles Morales crap to hate on a character that brings a new meaning for a iconic role model for kids.

Into and Across the Spider-verse done a outstanding job, making Miles's personal journey and growth so emotional and inspiring.

Sucks that the third film is going to take a long time to premiere, but at least the PS4 games also give him justice and continues shining Miles.

Miles Morales will forever be one of the best Spider-man, it just sucks that some people won't accept him continuously, but in some way at least there's some people who actually respect him as a character, knowing that he is in forever will be Spider-Man and that makes it him amazing.

📋Lois Lane (My Adventures with Superman)📋

My Adventures with Superman is a show that should be talked about especially on how well written it is, the show adapted Lois very well, along with her budding romance with Clark.

I literally hated how Lois gets treated like garbage by a certain amount of people after the whole secret identity thing, the show does prove that Lois is flawed and complex in a good way, making her likable and relatable, she makes mistakes but that doesn't mean it's a bad thing, everyone does.

The latest episode of season 2 really proves that Lois is a good character, showing her empathetic past and complicated relationship with her dad.

Also, Alice Lee's fun performance as the character is just top notch, whether she's happy or sad, she just nails Lois's character without a doubt.

🧬Morty Smith (Rick and Morty)🧬

This boy has been through enough, with neglectful parents, a sister that does care about him but is focused on her own life, Rick cares sometimes, but can be a real jerk. Morty is more you can be his own person the truth is some things can be holding him back, mostly his grandfather.

I'm glad that Rick is trying to change for the better, I remember I hated the way he treated Morty thoughout the seasons whether using verbal or physical abuse, it also sucks when he tried to do something good yet the universe basically just throws it back at him like a giant middle finger.

I'm glad that the later seasons proves that Morty could be a badass and he can handle himself, but I hope when the new season drops, they find a way to handle his trauma because he deserves a hug.

🎳Wade Whipple (The Sonic franchise)🎳

The Sonic films are underrated but it's problem is that it gets dunked on, especially thanks to a so-called outside of the box thinker.

But unlike the other live action films with bland and boring human characters, the human characters in Sonic are actually likable and memorable, among them is Wade Whipple.

I really don't think he's one of the worst characters in Sonic, honestly his sister and dad deserves to be on that list.

Honestly people hate him just because he have more screen time than Knuckles but one, because it's a TV show budget and Knuckles is in the show, they are acting like he never was in the show.

Two, at least it added layers and flaws that made him even more relatable and serves a purpose to Knuckles's journey.

Like with Tom and Maddie with Sonic, his friendship with Knuckles is another core example of why Knuckles work and his actor, Adam Pally's performance was great too.

🔪Sam Carpenter (Scream 5 and 6)🔪

Sam is another character that deserves more attention and respect than before, partially thanks to her actress.

Aside her rough past and learning the dark truth about her family, Sam cares about the people she loves and isn't afraid to fight for them, even fighting her own personal demons just to do so.

Melissa Barrera is a underrated actress, though Her performance in part 5 was good, I think she was just basically outperformed by everyone else, and it didn't help that she was getting bullied and criticize by bunch of toxic fans.

Scream 6 gave Sam justice and proves that she's a badass final girl, especially thanks to the crew and cast of the films who care and was there for her but thanks to a certain company that fire her for doing the right thing, what's the point of even watching Scream 7 without her and the core four but the good thing is at least it gave her and Sam a bittersweet ending.

🐝Chloe Bourgeois (Miraculous Ladybug)🐝

This one is a completely personal rant, I used to be a fan Miraculous. But after watching the season 3 finale, I feel like the magic of the show just basically disappeared, and seasons 4 and 5 was a huge sign that the show fully gone off the rails.

I remember hating Chloe in the first season and I'm pretty sure everyone else felt the same feeling too, but season 2 actually did the the most surprising thing, actually gave her some character development.

It might be baby steps but still development, she might have been spoiled and selfish sometimes but they actually do show that she has flaws.

Malediktator was one of the best episodes of season 2, they were able to showcase Chloe's vulnerability and it prove that she can change and still be a useful ally like the other miraculous holders.

She protected her friend from getting akumatized again, she almost got Mayura's miraculous, and heck, She literally defied Hawkmoth's control, unlike the other akumatized victims, that is basically spells hero-worthy.

But of course as always, Thomas is just too spiteful and that thinks that Chloe is not just worthy and replaced her with a bland, forgettable and useless character who only exists just because she is "better" than Chloe.

It's honestly just pathetic that her corrupt father who spoils her and the literal villain of the show, who done some horrible and awful things get a redemption arc, but a literal misunderstood child doesn't, it just proves that the writer's room just don't even know how to handle character development nor redemption arcs.

It's even more sad that the film actually treats Chloe better than the show does.

The truth is whether do you like or don't like Chloe, it's possible that she can change, it's just that Thomas is the actual problem of the show, I hope one day somehow Chloe might actually get a actual chance to shine as a character again but maybe in the future it could still could happen.

[system-of-a-feather]

Man, I think it's really insane what I get to do for work right now and just genuinely that its both something I'm EXTREMELY good and a natural at in a way that is really just honestly undeniable to anyone looking and also just something that no one is even trying to deny.

For those not caught up, I was assisting in the re-opening of a youth mental health crisis center and we have recently soft opened for like two weeks ago with a cap limit of like 4 kids at a time and like the two weeks before opening, it was really apparent that the really unbothered and radical acceptance and just positive redirection skills I got from ALL the fucking therapy and processing and communication I've had to do to heal from trauma, DID, and just live a good life was SUPER essential to keeping the team from having a collective mental breakdown and falling apart

But now that we actually have kids, I'm honestly immediately getting a SUPER reputation as one of the best at building rapport, creating not only a safe but fun and motivating environment, and just really all together creating a space where kids are EXCITED to do things and are EXCITED to try things when they go back home (as we only do short term inpatient care)

And unironically all of the five kids that we've had so far have all actively communicated to my coworkers and peers that they really liked me, asking to have me in to support on CPS visits and just finding themselves specifically comfortable with sharing a lot of hard and vulnerable topics with me and just?

I'm really just being me. Like I'm really just engaging with people I would have engaged with in general online for free and curating a positive, hope providing, and kinda fun environment for people who are going through a long and hard but necessary journey has just always been just... kind of my thing?

And honestly I'm getting paid pretty well to just really be a supportive adult role model / support / aid for kids who are in crisis, had an attempt mere like VERY recently, and just help them regain a sense of stable and - if I can - uplift them to have something to look forward to while assisting the therapists in giving them skills to apply to help navigate returning home and man.

A lot of the time I leave work feeling like I just left a like... fun summer camp counseling day or hanging out with lil mentees and I really don't genuinely feel like this is real work? XD

It's so fucking insane and the fact that I genuinely think literally everyone at my work likes me? Like a lot? and even the boss that was a little toxic in early opening due to stress seems to really like me??? And I'm just like???

I'm an outstanding employee and yet I'm just out here straight VIBING man.

But like literally today, some of the other staff were just side eyeing (positively) since I was sitting in for the ACT and Meditation / Mindfulness therapy session to support since we only had one client and we were just like XD laughing and having a ball with the therapist and client despite ALSO talking about some really heavy personal topics and navigating some potentially triggering sitautions that the client themselves asked for me and the therapist to roleplay and discuss and its just?

Man like, job statisfaction 100 right now and its insane

Cause I was having an AWFUL Tuesday (refused to let it STAY awful cause I don't believe in forfeiting my day to be a "bad day" without a fight) and I was even telling my therapist, one of the things in the week I'm looking forward to is ACTUALLY going into work and part of me was like "Yeah yeah, tell yourself that, theres no way work is GENUINELY something you want to do"

But like? Genuinely? It absolutely was a great break and not even in the "something to distract myself" but just because its a structured environment where the whole task and game is to create a calm, stable, safe, supportive, and - where appropriate - fun environment.

And honestly, these kids really honestly sometimes really seem as though they've really just not had someone look at them in a while and be genuinely interested in who they are and what they are doing because like? Dude some of these kids are literally the coolest and most amazing kids around and in these two weeks alone I've been taught a lot of really awesome things during our downtimes.

It's honestly such an honor and a pleasure to be able to just sit in during a brief period of these kiddos life. Like damn.

[immergladsss]

Maria and The King of Thieves

For @incorrect-quotes-of-moonacre, thank you for all the work you put into the fandom and Moonacre Week every year ❤️

[Read on AO3]

Chapter 1:

Our story begins, as many typically do, with misfortune falling upon our protagonist and thrusting them into a new journey, irrespective of the protagonist’s feelings on the whole matter; for that is exactly how Maria Merryweather, just sixteen years of age and freshly debuted, found herself living neck deep in the countryside begging for work at the wash house. 

“I know your lot!” The head laundry maid, Mrs. Miller, said with a scowl. “You come around here looking for work, only to quit within the first day!” 

“Please I–”

“Just look at your hands! They’ve never seen a day of work. There’s no way you’re a commoner! Probably the bride of a failed elopement. I will not be having any trouble at my door.” 

“Please!” Maria all but fell on her knees as she implored. “Please just listen! Yes, I’ve been fortunate enough to not know work, but no! I'm not some runaway bride! I’m an orphan who was robbed before arriving with my family! Whatever fortune I once had has left me crawling for crumbs and I am paying for it threefold! I promise I will not cause trouble. I simply need work to afford the replacement of my stolen garments.” 

“Hmm…” The lady, Mrs. Miller, studied her. Maria was wearing a simple brown linen dress, faded with age. Her hair was hidden by a once-white bonnet, though a few light-red strands stuck out. Not many around here had red hair. There were a few families…one of which could get her into trouble, though the redheaded brother hadn't been seen in over two decades…  “What family are you from?”

“The Trotters.” 

Mrs. Miller looked over her shoulder and shouted at her workers. “Which of you is willing to teach her?”

Most of the girls looked away, finding they already had enough work to keep them busy, but one girl raised her hand. She was tall, with blonde hair slicked into a bun and bright blue eyes. “I can help her.” 

“Ah, Ms. Swann. Perfect. Come over here. This is Ms. Maria Trotter.” 

“It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Trotter. Please, call me Jane.” 

Maria’s journey began with the first of three misfortunes: her father’s unexpected passing after her debut into proper society. This unfortunate event only left her with her governess, and whatever belongings she could carry while everything else was repossessed to settle her father’s outstanding debt. A fact that brought her great shame. 

But like the highbred lady that she was, she took it with grace. She held her faith in her heart and her governess's hand for support, genuinely believing that matters would sort themselves out with time. After all, she believed herself fortunate to still have an estranged uncle generous enough to take them in. She believed their move to the countryside would simply afford them new opportunities. She believed gentlemen could be found everywhere, not just in the city, and that one day she’d find a proper suitor.  

Little did she know a second misfortune was about to befall her. Just before arriving at the gates of Moonacre Manor, they were accosted by four masked bandits, who in a matter of seconds, took all of their luggage except for the carpet bag she had carried with her inside. She wasn’t able to take a good look at them, only that they wore bowler hats, black leather garb, and darkened eyes. 

Though incredibly shaken, and feeling her resolve crack, she managed to restore her optimism at the thought that none of the bandits had managed to open their carriage. No doubt all due to her quick thinking and her handy needle that she used to slash the hand that came through her window. At least she and Ms. Heliotrope were safe and sound. 

But Maria’s silent prayers were to remain unanswered as a third misfortune came upon her. 

“I’m afraid you'll both have to find means of financing your purchases,” Her uncle, Sir Benjamin, told them during supper that night. “Unfortunately, our coffers have run dry trying to replace all that the De Noirs have stolen from us.” 

“The De Noirs?”

“Yes, I believe those were the very bandits that robbed you and your governess. Unfortunately, there is nothing to be done. Moonacre is too small and unimportant for London to care about. And Lord knows our own magistrate can barely keep order. All I can offer you is shelter and food.” 

“But I don't know how to work! I've never worked a day in my life, and I need clothes!” 

“The laundry is always in search of workers. I’m sure they’ll readily teach you, their ways. However, for your safety, you mustn’t tell anyone you're a Merryweather. With their propensity, the De Noirs are bound to kidnap you too. Present yourself as a Miller or Trotter. Those are fairly common around here.” 

And that is how she found herself the very next day, clutching a meager shilling between cracked and bleeding palms, sobbing with all her heart, outside the gates of Silverydew after her first day of work.  

Maria knew no one was meant to know her true identity. The laundry gossip informed her plenty of how dangerous the De Noirs could be, especially their leader whom they simply referred to as the king of thieves, but when Jane found her crying and handed her a freshly baked roll of bread and a small tin of salve for her hands, Maria couldn’t help herself. 

She had tried so hard to remain strong and keep up with the rest of the ladies, but it was impossible. She was weak and her entire body was in pain. She was exhausted. She was hungry. She had never felt as low as she did then. 

She tried, she really did try to maintain her resolve, but when Jane wrapped an arm around her shoulders, Maria broke and released all that she had bottled in her heart. She confessed what had transpired in her life to have driven her to such a wretched state. 

..oOo.. 

“How are you doing?” Jane asked as she came to join her at the wash bin. 

Maria was finishing her third day in the laundry house. She had learned much, but still struggled against the feelings of incompetence, the aches of her body, and her wounded pride. She sighed, “I believe I am managing. Though my arms are still threatening to desert me.” 

“It's all a con, don’t fall for it,” Jane giggled. “Do you think you could help me load this onto the carriage? The magistrate seems to be in a bit of a rush and the other girls are busy.”

“Yes, of course!” 

At the count of three, the two heaved the trunk of freshly laundered garments and carried it out into the gravel road where the carriage awaited. 

Maria glowered at the coachman who was fully aware of their efforts but refused to come down from his seat and help them. 

As they lifted the trunk to load it onto the carriage’s rack, Maria’s grip slipped, and a burr in the iron handle tore open a newly healed crack in her palm. She yelped as the trunk came crashing down. Fortunately, none of the contents spilled. 

“Careful there!” The coachman yelled, but he received no response aside from Jane’s furious glare that shut him right up.

“Goodness! Are you ok?” Jane asked, rushing to her side. 

“Yes,” Maria mumbled, wishing to hide from humiliation. She dropped her head as Jane proceeded to use her handkerchief as a wrap for her palm. “I'm so sorry. I’ll return this to you as soon as I can wash it.” 

“It happens to the best of us. Don't fret. Once, the garments I was carrying fell onto the floor and I had to wash them all over again!” 

Maria smiled sheepishly but her mind was distracted by a dash of white paint only visible on a small portion of the flat steel tyre on one of the carriage’s back wheels. “Why would someone paint their wheel?”

“What do you mean?” Jane asked, peering over Maria’s shoulder. “Strange. I don't think I’ve noticed that before. Who knows. Come now, let's get on with this.”

After that, Maria began to notice certain carriages had that same mark. She spotted it on the magistrate's carriages, on the constable’s, and on some of the farmers.

..oOo.. 

“Are you ready to leave?” Jane asked Maria, who was busy hanging someone’s night clothes to dry. They had grown quite close over the days. Jane was trustworthy, clever, and readily lent an ear without any judgment, unlike the rest of the laundry maids. The majority of them still believed her to be a runaway bride and kept a guarded distance. As though her very presence would tarnish their reputation. The only benefit to their company was the gossip. Oh, how they loved to gossip! That is how she came to learn her uncle was once engaged to a Lady Loveday De Noir. He hadn't known of her identity at the time of engagement, but he broke it off when discovered the truth, believing she was there to steal from him. 

“Don’t wait for me today,” Maria replied as she picked up another nightgown. “I need to stop by the apothecary. I've finished my salve.” 

“Alright then, I’ll see you tomorrow!” 

Maria wasn’t eager to return home. Though she had grown fond of Wrolf, Sir Benjamin’s giant Irish wolfhound, and her pony Periwinkle, an unexpected gift from her uncle, Sir Benjamin’s never ending dour mood was a constant reminder that things just weren't right. 

But she also didn't want to return too late. The few times that she had, she had arrived to the sound of melancholic piano music and her uncle’s sobs, no doubt over his failed engagement. She was fortunate her room in one of the manor’s towers was too far to hear her uncle’s cries, though she could not help but feel pity for Ms. Heliotrope whose room was on the first floor. 

At the end of her workday, she always faced the same predicament: either she returned early in the day to find him storming about the manor and cursing the De Noirs, or late in the evening to find him sobbing by the piano and wailing for Loveday. There was no neutral ground with that man, it's no wonder his engagement failed. 

As she walked to the apothecary, Maria took a moment to appreciate the town of Silverydew. It was a quaint little town, and despite their hardships and occasional dealings with theft, the people were hardy, kind, and hopeful. Children ran about the square playing games with hoops and sticks. Mothers formed groups and shared recipes or the latest news. Men huddled around the tavern, commenting on the weather and their crops or businesses. Young ladies walked around the square, arm-in-arm, giggling over the young men who watched from a distance. Yes, Silverydew was certainly a better ambiance than the desolate and rundown manor that barely stood on its foundations, especially now that the town was preparing for the Harvest Festival. 

Perhaps if her circumstances were different, she too would be as excited as the townspeople. She had an inkling her uncle would not even consider attending, much less allow her to attend unchaperoned. Though perhaps she could convince Ms. Heliotrope–that is if she wasn't too tired from tutoring the magistrate’s children or staying up late from her uncle’s incessant mourning over his life. 

Maria sighed wistfully, wishing she could do something to help her uncle and brighten his mood. She wished to restore herself and the manor to its rightful state. However, she had yet to learn what caused the great feud between the Merryweathers and the De Noirs. It seemed no one knew, or at least would not openly talk about it. 

“Oh!” Maria cried as her face came crashing against someone’s back. She was so lost in her thoughts she failed to notice the person in front of her. She would’ve fallen to the ground were it not for the strong arms of said person. “Oh, excuse me!” she yelped, disentangling herself from his arms. “I didn’t–”

Maria froze under his gaze. Dark eyes were alight with mischief as the ghost of a smile broke into a dashing grin.  “I-I’m sorry,” she finished with a bright blush as she straightened herself and took a step back.  

“I haven’t seen you around here before.” He adjusted his coat then stuffed his right hand into his pocket and with his left, awkwardly brushed his hair back. A fruitless effort as his curls bounced right back into place and casted a sultry shadow across his handsome face.

“Oh, I’ve only been here for a few weeks. I don’t make it a habit to stay out very long.” 

“Reckon you’re not missing much then. Silverydew isn't known for its nightlife,” he teased. “It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss…?”

“Trotter!” Maria chirped. “It's Maria Trotter. And your name?”

“Robin.” 

Maria didn’t miss the fact that he failed to offer her his hand which showed no sign of leaving his pocket, but she decided he had his reasons and she had more urgent matters to attend to. “It’s a pleasure to meet you as well. Now if you’ll excuse me, I'm on my way to the apothecary before it closes for the night.” 

“What a coincidence, I am too. Allow me to join you.” 

It was not a long walk, but it allowed Maria to ask her own set of questions, “I haven’t seen you around either. Do you live outside of Silverydew?”

“Yes, I live on the outskirts of the valley. I don't make it a habit of coming into town quite often.” 

“Why is that?” Maria asked. 

Robin held open the apothecary door and gestured for her to walk in first. Then he leaned over her shoulder and whispered. “As you may have learned, these townspeople busy themselves by sticking their noses in other people’s business.” 

“You must forgive them, for what else are they to do,” Maria stiffed her giggle but continued, “There’s only so much to say about the day-to-day life here.”

Robin grinned crookedly. “Reckon I can come up with a few ideas,” he said in such a way that sent her heart racing. 

“-How can I help you?” The pharmacist asked, stepping up to the counter and startling Maria, prompting her to take a step away from Robin. 

Maria cleared her throat and tried to steady her thoughts as she said. “I’m here to purchase some salve.”

“That’ll be five shillings.”

“But…last week it was three.”

“I’m sorry dear. As summer wanes, the herbs become rare, and the price goes up.” 

Maria’s heart sank and she solemnly reached for her purse, pulling out all that she had: three shillings. A wave of embarrassment washed over her. “I'll come back tomorrow then,” she muttered. 

“Now, hang on. Keep your shillings,” Robin said.  “Charge it to my account–”

“--I can’t possibly–”

“Ms. Trotter, it's fine. If it makes you feel any better, simply pay me back whenever you can.” Then turning to the shopkeeper he said, “I’ll also need three needles, a roll of surgical silk, gauze, and antiseptic.” 

It was then Maria noticed he had taken out his right hand from his pocket. It was bandaged and blood had seeped through the fabric. “Goodness, are you ok?”

“Yes,” Robin reassured. “It's a common occurrence in my line of work.” 

Maria was appalled. Granted she didn’t know much about jobs in general, but she wondered what type of work could lead to such nasty wounds. “Well then as gratitude, please allow me to stitch you up.” 

Robin did not protest when after their purchases, Maria took him by the arm, led him outside to the nearest bench, and then motioned for him to sit. He watched with rapt attention as she expertly unwrapped his hand and wiped it clean with her own handkerchief and the antiseptic. “Goodness! When did you get this? It looks feverish!” 

Robin scratched his head as he sheepishly laughed, “It was a few days ago. My mate tried to stitch me up, but clearly, he failed spectacularly. The stitches tore today on a new job.” 

Maria tutted with a shake of her head but made no further comment as she readied the suture. Unfortunately, the silk was unruly with her gloves, and she was forced to unsheathe her hands, praying he wouldn't notice their state. Then she quickly stitched the gash across the back of his hand. She was so dexterous he hardly felt the sting of pain he was normally accustomed to. 

“Incredible,” he murmured, admiring her handiwork. “That’s quite a talent you have there. I may be needing more of your services.” 

“I’ll give my regards to my governess. After all, she's the one who taught me French Needlepoint,” Maria teased. Then she hurriedly reached for her gloves but froze when his hand gently encased hers. Her breathing hitched when he raised the back of her hand to his lips, his eyes gazing into hers. Her heart skipped a beat when he placed a soft kiss upon her bare and scabbed knuckles. 

“Thank you,” he breathed into her skin before releasing her hold. 

“Y-you’re welcome,” Maria barely managed to say. She nervously slipped her gloves back on, gathered her belongings, and stood to leave. “Have a good day Mr. Robin. And thank you for the salve.” 

She hurried out of Silverydew with a fluttering heart, entirely unaware of how intensely he studied her retreat.

Maria’s mind was occupied with thoughts of Robin her entire way home. Even the melancholic piano music that could already be heard outside the manor gates could not dampen her mood, but she wasn’t quite ready to go inside just yet. Instead, she headed to the stable to brush Periwinkle. It had quickly become her favorite pastime when she needed a place to settle her mind or heart. 

She searched all over the stables looking for her brush, but it was missing. “Digweed!” She called out. “Where is Periwinkle’s brush?” 

“It’ll be in the carriage house, apologies miss!” Digweed shouted from the garden. 

“Ahh, there you are!” Maria spotted the brush on the floor near the carriage wheel. She bent over to pick it up, then her heart dropped, the wheel also had a white streak. This development was enough to wipe her mind clear of Robin and send her into a sleepless night. 

The very next day, Maria approached Jane and asked her. “Is there a pattern to the De Noir’s robberies?”

“I’m not sure honestly. At times it does seem certain people are robbed more often, but I’ve never looked into it.” 

“Has the magistrate been a victim?”

“Yes, unfortunately.” 

“What about the farmer Mr. Smith?” She listed another who had a white streak on their carriage wheel.

“Yes, all the time. The poor man has lost much on his harvests.” 

“And Mr. Johnson?” Their carriages hadn’t had the white streak. 

“Now that you mention it, no. He’s one of the fortunate few who hasn't been robbed.” 

The next two days, Maria took her journal to work, and in her free time, cataloged all the carriages with the white streak. She concluded those that were painted, were the targets for robberies. 

This perplexed Maria. If her observations were correct, the De Noirs were purposefully targeting certain people. It was not random at all. This caused Maria to feel a wave of indignation. This would mean their robberies were no longer an act of survival, but of intentional harm. How dare they! 

She just knew she had to put a stop to this. That same evening, she went to the hardware shop and bought a pint of white paint and a paintbrush with all of her earnings. Then she waited. 

She waited at the outskirts of the woods until the sun had set and a crescent moon was high in the sky, and then she got to work. She went around every carriage and cart she could access and discretely marked a back wheel with the paint. 

She finished late into the night, exhausted, but proud of herself. She happily walked home and hid her paint in Periwinkle’s stall, before heading off to bed. 

It was a few days later that she was rewarded with the fruits of her labor. Rumors were circulating about, wondering if the De Noirs were beginning to soften their ways. A few times, carriages that had been stopped were released without a single item taken. That was all the confirmation Maria needed to know that the De Noirs were not acting randomly. There was a method behind their madness. They were targeting specific people, and she was determined to get to the bottom of it. 

“You’re in a bright mood today,” Jane remarked. 

“Yes,” Maria said, scrubbing a stubborn stain on a coachman’s coat. “Yes, I believe I finally know what I am meant to do.” 

“Is that so?”

“Yes, but I can’t tell you just yet.”

…oOo… 

Robin wasn't one to visit Silveryday without reason. Due to its close association with the Merrwweathers, he could only ever go under disguise, and it was a massive inconvenience. 

But someone was thwarting his revenge. Which left him no choice. So, for the second time that week, he headed to Silverydew and straight to the hardware shop.

“Hello!” Robin called towards the back room. He didn't have to wait too long before a large burly and bearded man came out. 

“Yes, what can I do for you?”

“I need to know who’s purchased white paint in the last week or so.”

The shopkeeper was confused but told Robin all that he knew. Which unfortunately for him, wasn’t much. A customer's name wasn’t recorded unless the item was paid for in the form of credit. As a result, all he learned was that the shop had sold 10 cans of white paint, only three of which could be identifiable. 

“Thank you for your time,” Robin tossed him a coin. “I have a request though, keep note of who buys red paint.”

The only merit to visiting Silverydew was the possibility of running into the new laundry maid in town, and as luck would have it, he spotted her leaving the wash house with another maid. He frowned when he noticed that once again, she was wearing a very old dress. At one point it must have been a dark blue color, but it was now washed out to a greyish color. 

The long day had loosened her bun, and from beneath her old bonnet, curls bounced freely behind her. He watched her dry her hands on her apron, then slip on some silk gloves. 

Though she quickly learned the names of the townspeople, readily greeted them with a kind smile, and adapted to their customs, it was clear to anyone with a working brain that she was not a commoner. 

She held herself too proudly, behaved with a gracefulness that could only be taught, and spoke with words only seen in books or in sprawling cities like London. 

Even without those observations, she had admitted to having a governess and knowing French needlepoint. 

Robin followed from a distance, wondering who was to blame for the misfortune that forced her to break the softness of her hands with water and lye every day. 

When she finally parted from her friend, he snuck up to walk beside her and said, “Fancy seeing you here. It must be fate.” 

Maria nearly jumped out of her skin, then rolled her eyes in false annoyance. “Or perhaps simply the result of living in a small village.” 

“I take it you’ve lived in bigger, more crowded places?” he asked, adjusting his steps to match her pace.

 “Not a large city, but yes... Bigger than Silverydew,” she said, picking her words carefully. “How is your hand?”

“It's mended quite nicely.”

“Are you here for more sutures,” Maria said as she appraised his body, bringing about a sense of shyness he wasn't accustomed to. 

“Er- n-no,” he managed with an awkward cough. “Fortunately, no injuries today. My work has been slow recently.” 

“I’m sorry to hear that.” Maria frowned, “So if it's not an injury, what brings you here?”

Robin smiled crookedly, “Business. Though, now that I have you here, there is something I’d like to ask. There are some interesting rumors floating about you...”

“Really?” Maria asked with amusement. “Pray tell, what is this information you've gathered.” 

“They say you’re a runaway bride. Some say you’re a witch. Others say you’re a noble who has eloped with a lowly hunter and is living in the forest. Hiding from your royal family with your husband.” 

Maria could not hold her laughter. She laughed like this was the funniest thing she’d heard since arriving at Moonacre. 

“Oh dear,” she managed in between breaths. “Please tell me where my rich family is so I can beg them to take me back! I’m weary of masquerading as a commoner!” 

“So, it’s not true then?” Robin asked. They had long exited Silverydew and were now walking down the gravel road towards the outskirts of the valley. 

“No,” Maria wheezed. “Unfortunately for me, none of that is true.” 

“And the bit about the husband–”

“--Especially the bit about the husband!” Maria cackled. “Oh, do forgive me for my uncouth behavior. I-I just can't help it. Out of all the lies!”

Robin had stopped and watched her with appreciation. “I’m relieved to hear that bit is also untrue.” 

His words sent a jolt through Maria’s body, immediately ending her fit of laughter. “A-And why would that be?”

“Well, as you know. The harvest festival is in a couple of weeks. If you’re unaccounted for, I’d love to be your escort. I heard there’s a circus coming this year. What do you say?”

“A circus! Oh, I’d love to go! But I’m afraid I don’t have an answer for you just yet. You see… My guardians are incredibly overbearing, so I doubt they’ll let me go. Can I let you know next time I see you?”

“I’ll keep you to your word,” he said. Then he leaned down near her shoulder and whispered, “And if they say no, I am talented in the art of sneaking about.”

Continue Reading on AO3

@theargopriestess, @maybeamagpie, @hotpotatoburn, @stabat-mater, @bedofthistles

[pjstafford]

The X-Files: Perihelion (A Book Review)

The X-Files: Perihelion is a book scheduled for release in July 2024. It is written by Claudia Gray with Chris Carter's approval. It is published by Hyperion Avenue. I want to thank the author and publisher for an advanced digital copy of the book for review.

In writing this review, my assumption is that the readers will be fans of the X-Files who have watched through season 11. The book picks up fairly shortly after season 11 ends. THERE ARE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW! I usually try to write spoiler-free reviews but felt that, in this case, I could not review the book fully without some spoilers. I think it is important to note upfront that the book does set itself up for future books - as a new series of books.

Will fans like this book? It depends on what the potential readers' engagement and perspective is on the series. In that case, it makes sense for me to disclose that information about myself. I engage with some X-Files content daily. I am a fan of the revival seasons. I hated the cliffhanger in season 10 but loved the majority of season 11 including the ending (although I understand why some fans did not).

The book opens with Scully pregnant, Skinner in a coma, and Mulder and Scully suspended from the FBI pending an investigation. The two agents are living together to co-parent, but their relationship status is undefined and there is some new distance emotionally due to the trauma they suffered at the end of season 11. Scully has returned to medicine and Mulder is considering his next career move. What I enjoyed about this feature of the book is that the closing of the X-Files did not seem to be a disaster for either agent. What I would change about the finale of season 11 is that too much time was spent with Kersch on shutting down the X-Files. To both agents' surprise, they are called back to duty on a temporary "let's see how it goes" basis to work on one case.

The case is that pregnant women are being murdered. The unexplained paranormal aspect is that strange electrical surges are happening at the scene of each murder. This was an excellent way to get the agents reinvested in The X-Files. It hits them in their feels and the reader is drawn in as well. This case is actually wrapped up long before the book's end. In the meantime, the agents have been assigned a second case and the first case is really a clue to the second case. I won't give away too many spoilers here except to say that the second case sets up future books. It takes existing mythology and twists it with a new substitute syndicate and new characters helping the agents. I found this portion of the book to be mostly very well written. I enjoyed it up until the point where I realized it was setting up for an ongoing series. This is the area where I think readers will have to decide where they are with their engagement with The X-Files. If you are a fan who really just wants the agents to continue to solve cases and protect the world from ongoing global conspiracies and you love the thought of seeing them solve cases together, you will enjoy the book and likely the series immensely. I was there at one point. In fact, at the end of season 10, I wrote my own longer fan fic which was based on what I envisioned a new series could look like. I simply am not there any longer. I would like to see this amazing story of these agents have the outstanding ending (whether happy or not) that they deserve as iconic characters. I would like to see an ending comparable to their journey instead of beginning another journey with a whole new mythology arc. This is not to criticize the writer or fans who want more stories, but, in the end, I was disappointed by this approach.

As to the answers to the burning questions left from season 11. What I really enjoyed is that Scully and Mulder find themselves coming together while processing their grief for William/ Jackson who they both believe is dead and was never Mulder's son. They did this very much in character. Scully is also looking for answers as to why she is pregnant at an advanced age and to the health of the child still in her womb. However, there are still no answers. Scully gets a hint William is alive. Mulder gets a possible scenario of how he could still be the father, but in the end, the fact of biological or not matters less than the parental love of a child which gives them the right to grief. There is no hint the current baby is anything but healthy and yet there is a plotline related to Scully's alien DNA that doesn't rule out the child might have powers. Yet the hope that the two agents could raise a child together, which is what I liked about the season 11 ending, continues. The timespan covered in the book is not long so Scully is still pregnant at the end of the book.

There are two additional minor criticisms I have about the book which I am including here at the end for feedback on future books in the series.

I liked the way the book ended. It is the way I think most fans would want it to end. However, it was only at the end, with so many of the plot mysteries left unresolved, that I realized the book was intended to be a fuller series. It felt sudden and abrupt. What I think was needed is more of a summary of what was resolved and more of a "launch" into the next book.

Because so much of the mythology of The X-Files revival was about a virus and the new mythology includes an alien DNA mythology, I was initially concerned because no mention of the COVID virus and lockdown was discussed. Then, of course, I realized that Scully was pregnant in 2018. However, there are pop culture references to more modern times. Of course, Mulder would be a fan of Strange New Worlds - which came out in 2022. If that seems a little picky on my part, it is just that the COVID lockdown was a pretty big deal and the plotline of the novel is about a global virus. I encourage the author to clearly set the year in which the novels take place going forward and, if the series will extend past 2020, then some careful thought will have to go into how to handle this. The X-Files has always been set in the real world. It will be a challenge for the author to think about how to address the lockdown from a non-alien virus while writing books about the global contagion of an alien virus.

Thank you again for the opportunity to review.

[adventure-showdown]

What is your favourite Doctor Who story?

ROUND 1 MASTERPOST

synopses and propaganda under the cut

Solitaire

Synopsis

What if there were a game you didn't know you were playing? Where you didn't know the aim and you hadn't seen the rules?"

Charlotte Pollard arrives in a toyshop, but she doesn't know where she is — or even who she is. The mysterious owner wants to play games. He's the Celestial Toymaker, and he has already defeated the Doctor, whose essence is hidden inside a ventriloquist's doll.

The Doctor is gone. The TARDIS is lost. But the game is only just beginning...

Propaganda no propaganda submitted

Peri and the Piscon Paradox

Synopsis

The Doctor and Peri journey to Los Angeles 2009 to do battle with a Piscon. His name is Zarl, and he's a fish of utmost evil.

Zarl is going to steal all the water of Earth and sell it to the highest bidder. Or blow up the San Andreas fault. Or the planet. Or something like that. He's a bit vague on that point.

Fortunately, to stop him there's help from an unexpected source: a future version of Peri. She knows Zarl's dark secret.

But should the future Peri be on Earth at all? Something smells fishy — and it's not just Zarl.

Propaganda no propaganda submitted

The Cold Equations

Synopsis

In the remnant of a shattered satellite, far above the ruined planet Earth, Steven Taylor and Oliver Harper are dying. As time runs out, they face their pasts... and a secret long kept is revealed.

The borrowed time is elapsing, and they realise they are facing an enemy that cannot be defeated. The cold, hard facts of science.

Propaganda

Brilliant story, the first (in universe chronology) gay companion gets his coming out. Hearing the Doctor and Steven accept him easily and wholeheartedly is so heart warming. Also brilliant exploration of Steven's skills as an astronaut that the writer studied professional courses to get right. Just captures the whole tea mperfectly.(@elden-12 /@hartnellwho )

The Last Post

Synopsis

People are dying. Just a few, over a period of months... but the strange thing is that each person received a letter predicting the date and time of their death.

Throughout her time as the Doctor's assistant, Liz Shaw has been documenting these passings.

Her investigation ultimately uncovers a threat that could lead to the end of the world, but this time Liz has someone to help her.

Her mother.

Propaganda no propaganda submitted

The Scorchies

Synopsis

The Doctor, his companion Jo Grant and the Brigadier face their strangest case yet — a Saturday night TV show that has been invaded by aliens that look like puppets!

The Scorchies want to take over the world. They want to kill the Doctor. And they want to perform some outstanding showtunes. Though not necessarily in that order...

With Jo caught inside The Scorchies Show, can she save the day before the planet Earth falls victim to the dark side of light entertainment?

Propaganda

It's a very funny and dark take on evil Muppets. and the songs slap so hard. (6&7)

what the fuck happens in the scorchies. they killed the doctor dead (anonymous)

Nightshade

Synopsis

Professor Nightshade - tea time terror for all the family, and the most loved show in Britain. But Professor Nightshade's days are long over, and Edmund Trevithick is now just an unemployed actor in a retirement home, fondly remembering his past.

It's the same through the entire village of Crook Marsham - people are falling prey to their memories. At first harmlessly, and then, the bodies begin to turn up.

The Doctor and Ace arrive on the scene - but, with the Doctor planning his retirement, it may be time for Professor Nightshade to solve one last case.

Propaganda [note, both propaganda submissions mention this is a VNA, however the original nomination I got nominated it as the audio adaptation]

Moody horror that goes far beyond what you could get away with on TV. One of the best the VNAs have to offer. (anonymous)

A Dark, Moody, and down right Unsettling tale. One of the only VNAs to live up to it’s tag line of “Too broad and deep for the small screen.” (@finalpam8000 )

[444lpblue]

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End #1-4 - It was... Perfect

Episode 1 - The Journey's End Screenplay: Tomohiro Suzuki Storyboard: Keiichirou Saitou Episode Director: Ayaka Tsuji Animation Director: Reiko Nagasawa Key Animators: Junko Abe, Shin Ogasawara, Ran Kamezawa, Jun Sekiguchi, Daiki Harashina, Kanata Yanagisawa, Shinichi Yoshikawa, Xujian Li, Odashi, Keisuke Kobayashi, Shinji Ootsuka, Hayato Kakita, Toshiyuki Satou, Ayaka Tsuji, Yoshiko Matsumura, Emi Yamazaki, Kanako Yoshida, Kerorira, Kou Yoshinari

Episode 2 - It Didn't Have to Be Magic... Screenplay: Tomohiro Suzuki Storyboard: Tomoya Kitagawa Episode Director: Tomoya Kitagawa Chief Animation Director: Reiko Nagasawa Animation Director: Ayaka Minoshima Key Animators: Junko Abe, Nobuhide Kariya, Toshiyuki Satou, Harumi Takagi, Daiki Tanaka, Masaho Hori, Yutaka Minowa, Kanata Yanagisawa, Xujian Li, Fuuko Abe, Kyousuke Ootori, Takahito Sakazume, Jura, Yuka Matsumura, Yukiko Watabe, Hayato Kakita, Hiroyuki Kobashi, Jun Sekiguchi, Airi Takahashi, Daiki Harashina, Ayaka Minoshima, Kouta Mori, Shinichi Yoshikawa, Aoi Ootani, Naoki Katou, Sanae Shitaya, Shinya Segawa, Zihan Liu

Episode 3 - Killing Magic Screenplay: Tomohiro Suzuki Storyboard: Daiki Harashina Episode Director: Daiki Harashina Chief Animation Director: Reiko Nagasawa Animation Director: Daiki Harashina Key Animators: Daiki Harashina, Junko Abe, Shin Ogasawara, Mai Toda, Kanata Yanagisawa, Daisuke Shibukawa, Kou Yoshinari, Fei Hung Donghua, Hanwen Ye, Tooru Iwazawa, Honami Takeuchi, Yoshiko Matsumura, Xujian Li, Yukiko Busa, Nonno

Episode 4 - The Land Where Souls Rest Screenplay: Tomohiro Suzuki Storyboard: Yoshiaki Kawajiri Episode Director: Kento Matsui Chief Animation Director: Reiko NagasawaAnimation Director: Ayaka Tsuji Key Animators: Shin Ogasawara, Hiroyuki Kobashi, Toshiyuki Satou, Harumi Takagi, Rie Arakawa, Yuka Koiso, Masahiro Yufune, Pinqiao Hui, Norifumi Kugai, Ayaka Satou, Jun Sekiguchi, Miyuki Inoue, Shuuji Maruyama, Ryuuguu-san, Yenxin Fan

Last week was utter hell, with a new class, a new schedule, and my sleep going out of whack. I'm still trying to readjust, and let me explain why I'm mentioning all of this. Almost nothing would have motivated me to get out of my zone and type this post except for Frieren. Frieren is one of my favorite manga series. If you've talked to me about anime/manga before, you would know this. So, ever since it was announced, it has been one of my most anticipated series. To add to that, Keiichirou Saitou was announced as the director. He's a great example of an upcoming new-gen director who has excelled in everything he's been a part of. From the beautiful and abstract EDs he created for The Executioner and Her Way of Life or Boogiepop, to the mesmerizing, dreamlike episodes he directed for Sonny Boy, and the expressive, now very popular Bocchi the Rock. He was a perfect choice as a director for a series like this, and let me tell you, he delivered fully.

Just from a quick glance, you can see how the show looks. Everything is eye-catching, making it almost hard to focus on one particular element because they all just look so good, and no, it's not just the chromatic aberration causing the lack of focus. The various departments responsible for compositing, the background, and the overall color design have done an outstanding job, creating a beautiful and cohesive piece of art. Seeing someone you might consider a less experienced director pulling off such a complete and harmonious experience is incredible. In terms of design, the whole show is aesthetically pleasing. It's not the experimental work you saw in Sonny Boy; it's going in a totally different direction, like a beautiful painting that should be framed on a wall.

It works very well when paired with, you know, how Frieren is as a story. The fantasy world they are in isn't an extremely unique one. You've seen it before; it's fairly typical in that sense. But that's not truly the point. The main focus is showing the day-to-day or year-to-year life of this immortal elf girl, Frieren, and how she views time, how she remembers her past. It's not an incredibly grand adventure, but with the small lens we have on these characters, it feels like a cherished moment, something that should be captured in a photo or painting. It's beautiful in a very simple way. It's not a series made for extremely large moments, I think Frieren has always been focused on a simpler view of life, much like a painting. The smaller details of such a straightforward approach are highlighted so well. The trees in the environment, the squirrels just moving around—there's so much life in each scene. It really all comes together for me like a piece of art.

The consistency lasts through all four episodes, and the staff distribution also seems fairly good, so I expect this to continue throughout the two cours. The pacing itself is perfect. I've really enjoyed how the story has been adapted to animation so far. I believe that nowadays, many anime series have fallen into the pitfalls of adapting things too quickly to capture the interest of newer viewers early on. However, the series composition for Frieren here is excellent.

This writeup might have been shorter than most people were expecting considering how amazing the anime adaptation is and how much I love the source material, but what can really be said about except just praising? I feel like even if you don't like the source material, the anime's execution is almost undeniably good. Additionally, as I said this past week has not been kind to me so my energy is a bit drained, at first I was planning to be more specific in my write up and make points more adhering to the specifics of each episode, but I didn't really have time for that. However, I will do my best to cover every Frieren episode weekly from now on. Make no mistake this is going to be my favorite series from this year.

[tangledbea]

This sort of sprang into my mind just now so maybe it isn’t well thought out but what if Cassandra had gone with Edmund and Co. to the dark brotherhood instead of going on a nondescript journey of her own?

Cassandra never really expressed a desire or need to explore, she just wanted to fight and be recognized for her efforts. Somehow even with all the back-bending the show did to give Cass attention in S3 they still managed to give her an unfulfilling ending in my eyes. I think it would’ve been cool if she’d gone with the DK characters to help fix it after she had stolen the Moonstone and put TDB under mind control, especially since we never see her really interact with anyone from the Dark Kingdom past S2.

Cassandra could help fill the hole Quirin (had likely) left behind in manpower and could truly fulfill her dream of being a royal guard, even while outside of Corona. I feel like this would be a cute fic concept and wonder how many people have thought about a concept like this.

It's not a bad idea, but I, for one, am perfectly happy with her ending. Personally, I always felt like she went on a journey of not only finding out who she really is and what she really wants, but where she really belongs. Because Corona ain't it. She was completely unsatisfied with her life there, even at the best of times.

It would be nice if she made amends to the Dark Kingdom by helping them rebuild, but I don't personally feel like she felt like that was her place, either. After all, she's never trusted Adira and only ever faced Hector in unwarranted fights. She barely interacted with Edmund, but somehow subjecting herself to the possibility of him grilling her for information about Eugene and Rapunzel doesn't seem to me like it would be a good time for her. Cassandra is not a people person, and committing herself to hanging out with a group of people she has a shaky relationship at best with doesn't seem like an ideal "finding herself" thing.

I think part of Cassandra's problem is that she's spent her whole life trying to be what others expect her to be. She even told Eugene, "I don't have time for dreams," and even though that was a lie, it was something she believed about herself. So now that she's on her own, after everything she's experienced and done, she gets to learn who she really is, what she really wants. She kept talking about taking her destiny, but one of my complaints is that she never defines what that is. Maybe that's because she herself doesn't know.

We don't even know that she wants to be a guard anymore. That was her grand goal for her life in Corona, but she was very willing to be a warrior in Ingvaar. Cassandra wants recognition for her skills, talents, and knowledge, and she wants to not have to do what other people want her to do anymore. "Take orders," if you will. That doesn't seem like someone who would thrive in a Guard anywhere, unless she was at the top, and she certainly wouldn't be able to walk in, a stranger, at the top. She too opinionated and has seen and done too much to not look at the reason for every mission or order given. Even being a guard seems to stem from wanting to follow in her dad's footsteps and wanting a visible position that had potential for singular recognition for outstanding service. She wanted him to be proud of her and respect her, because he's her parent. And yes, weapons and combat are things that genuinely interest her, but one can be involved in those things without being a guard.

No, I'm perfectly happy with her traveling alone, finding herself, seeing what she likes to do and who she likes to be when she's not beholden to anyone.

[imfagentsworld]

The following contains spoilers of Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning part one, you have been warned.

Goodbye Mission Impossible series. Goodbye IMF team.

When I watched Dead Reckoning Part One, I was heartbroken, angry, and confused. Now a few days later, I don't have any of the above emotions, I only have infinite disappointment and feeling sorry for them, for this great series, for a group of actors who are one of the best in the world, and for those brilliant characters that the audience loves dearly.

I feel so fucking insane, How did this even occur? What the actual fuck are you doing? McQ? You're telling me this is what we've been waiting five years for?

Where is the man who can write a script with a well-conceived, plausible plot that resonates with audiences and makes them want to walk into the theater again and again? (All the people around me are saying they won't watch it again because it's heartbreaking and overlong. Box office receipts won't be low because of the dazzling stunts that will seal the mouths of people who want to give it bad reviews.)

What about not weakening one character for the sake of highlighting another?

(You mean the White Widow who became retarded to set up Grace's awesomeness? Or Ilsa, who ridiculously sacrificed her life to put Grace on the throne? The White Widow is a ruthless, highly intelligent arms dealer who trust no one. And she just casually enters a compartment with no private security. Have you forgotten how great a fighter she was in the Grand Palais in Paris? And she was instantly overpowered by a petty thief with absolutely no training. Ha, just like that. Oh, and we should thank you for interspersing a couple of giddy, goofy scenes of her, that worked. She does looked retarded and weak.

Ilsa, a world-class top agent who can kill men much stronger than her with her bare hands, who can kill Bone Doctor with a knife and beat Solomon Lane even if she's tied to a chair at first.

She's holding a sword. Using a long weapon against Gabriel's short blade. Do you have any common sense in weapons melee combat? Ilsa can cut him to pieces. But hey, don't worry, let's make Ilsa drop the long sword and spin around a couple times to get stabbed to death by Gabriel. Omg it's so smart. I don't care if Ilsa faked her death or will come back to life in MI8, you've already ruined everything.)

What about "story is king"?

（The whole movie revolves around the queen Grace and various stunts, plus the concept of AI ruling human society, and a few dry laughs. At nearly 3 hours long, it doesn't tell the story well. All the wonderful characters are completely instrumentalized. Large stretches of unnecessary dialog and stunts for the sake of stunts make the movie worse.）

Rebecca and Vanessa please don't return for the next movie, I'm shocked how you even agreed to come back to MI7? It seems like you guys think like us that they won't mess it up haphazardly. You guys exist to set someone up for greatness and your characters have been ruined. So go to a movie crew that actually values you and go work happily in a toxin free environment. I'd rather Fallout be the last in the whole series. I refuse to accept everything shown in Dead Reckoning.

You have failed to live up to the legacy and reputation that the great directors, thousands of cast and crew members have built for the series over the years. You have failed to live up to the expectations of all the IMF fans and viewers around the world. You have ruined the good characters and outstanding results you created before. You killed Ilsa and the love for this movie series in the hearts of countless audiences. That's a crime.

I wonder who will take the blame, the unknown and unrepresented Eric the old man? Or you, the man who built and destroyed everything? The cinema is dead, the last worth waiting for series is gone, and maybe that's the worst thing in this industry. Goodbye mission impossible, goodbye IMF team. When we started this journey, no one would have thought it would end this way.

[alexzalben]

PRIME VIDEO OFFICIALLY PICKS UP A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN FOR FOUR MORE EPISODES, AS A LIMITED SERIES

Release below: Prime Video today announced the renewal of A League of Their Own. The second installment is a four episode, limited series, set to premiere on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.

A League of Their Own evokes the joyful spirit of Penny Marshall's beloved classic, while widening the lens to tell the story of an entire generation of women who dreamed of playing professional baseball. The show takes a deeper look at race and sexuality, following the journey of a whole new ensemble of characters as they carve their own paths towards the field, both in the league and outside of it.

“We’re deeply proud of the work that Abbi, Will, the cast, and crew have done reimagining A League of Their Own which has produced an incredibly loyal fan base as well as achieved numerous, well-deserved recognitions and accolades,” said Vernon Sanders, head of television, Amazon and MGM Studios. “After hearing what Abbi, Will, and the writing team have planned for the new story within this wonderful series, we are excited for our fans to see what comes next.”

"Making this show and seeing the impact it has had in the world has been an incredible joy,” said Will Graham and Abbi Jacobson. “While obviously we were hoping for eleven seasons, we’re grateful to be able to continue to tell the story of these characters and this world.”

The first season of A League of Their Own received the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding New TV Series and was presented with the National Visibility Award by The Human Rights Campaign (HRC). Additionally, the series has been recognized by a number of organizations including nominations from the Film Independent Spirit Awards, the NAACP Image Awards, and the Queerties.

Maybelle Blair, 95-year-old original All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) player, will return as consultant for season 2 of the show. She continues to campaign for donations for The International Women’s Baseball Center (IWBC). Donations will help with one of the organization’s ultimate goals, breaking ground at the construction site for the center in Rockford, Illinois. The Museum and Education center will preserve the long history and impact of sports on the lives of girls and women and will include the Women’s Baseball Hall of Fame and a plaza with nine memorials honoring many who played an important role in the sport’s history. The non-profit welcomes donations to help fund the multi-phased project. Donations can be made at http://www.internationalwomensbaseballcenter.org.

[jansses]

In celebration of The Eras Tour 100th show posting my experience last 09 March 2024 at National Stadium Singapore…

💚💛💜❤️🩵🖤🩷🩶🤎🤍

I don’t know where to begin. Months have passed, and the feeling is still surreal. I don’t know how to recover from this experience—seeing my childhood dream flashback before my eyes.

 

Debut became my gateway to the world of Swiftie Lore. I vividly remember early 2007, the first time hearing your song on the radio, (TOMG) it was sad and broken but full of hope. That moment instantly became my core memory of entering your world: full of stories of heartbreaks, betrayals, and lies but, most importantly, how you're able to overcome and turn those into weapons to achieve dreams and aspirations and to be loved without any conditions.

 

Your performance of “Should’ve Said No” cements my determination to attend your concert one day, no matter what it takes. A concert I want to be in, with all your reveal, the guitars, singing in the rain, and the unstoppable headbanging, the unbreakable arc of your spines and the stare each pause and most specially the PEP talk each segment. Oh if only Friendster/Myspace could speak right now they’d tell the world the whole journey how I crave to see it live. Looking back at it, all those things I wish for came through unexpectedly, I DID.

 

Since then, I have been gatekeeping you like no other. Your exceptional talent and devotion to your fans have resonated so resoundingly that even critics, egoists, and skeptics have been unable to diminish the legacy you have forged. You are undeniably outstanding, often revered as "The Music Industry" itself. Your triumph has been unmistakable, deeply felt, and cherished by us, your loyal supporters. This moment and experience will undoubtedly form a narrative that I will recount throughout the entirety of my life.

 

This journey will delve deep into the rabbit hole of my core memory

To those reading this: never give up on your dreams. As a little boy, I achieved big dreams that I once thought impossible. This moment will always be remembered.

 

I’d like also to express my gratitude to everyone who supported me from the very beginning - warm hugs and lots of love.

Sending you lots of love and hugs, Miss Forever T-Swizzle @taylorswift @taylornation . I promise this won't be the last time I see you perform live 😊

 Swiftie 2007 Est

P.S. Please release "I’d Lie" for the TS TV Vault; minor changes - 18 instead of 17 PLEASE 😊

[feministsouthpark]

My Top 10 favorite South Park characters

Also known as the top 10 best women, bc of course from a writing standpoint the boys are written with much better understanding, but these are my top 10 characters I'd like to see more of 😊 10. Maggie Yates Ok, so the reasoning is that she's an inspiration to her husband, but she also deserves much better than him. She's better than him even in his hobbies and his job, still her fate is to be the stay-at-home housewife which i find realistic, as a lot of talented women end up this way. I'd like to see her come into her own, but that's hardly Trey's intention with the character. She'll stay our relatable housewife.

9. Sheila Broflovski In the early days of the fandom, especially because of the movie, people see her as the villain. However she is one of the best mothers in the show, even if she's overprotective helicopter parent, her kids are some of the best, and we all know it's not her husband's doing. As you can tell, I especially enjoy her Jersey backstory and the ways she overcame her past and protects her friends now.

8. Sharon Marsh She is the main example of a wife trapped in an awful marriage, which is pretty common in real life. Honestly, when she made an OnlyFans, I was like, go girl! Still, she loves and protects her children even from their father, I'd say considering the circumstances she's doing a very good job at that.

7. Laura Tucker Remember The Magic Bush? She was so real for that. She deserves any recognition and appreciation she gets for being a wonderful wife, mother and woman while being true to herself.

6. Mrs. Helen Tweak TBH For recency bias I might put her in the number four spot, since I underestimated her pretty much all these years. A month before she would be in the place of Maggie as another housewife type, but her performance in The End of Obesity was incredible, her new hair and attitude was fresh and energetic, I'M happy for her finding her independence seemengly away from her restricting husband. Can't wait to see more of her in the future! And also planning to review her past episodes in a new light after the fact.

5. Principal Victoria I wish there were a few more episodes of her even after she is not a principal anymore. She is a strong woman in her own right, her speech in Breast Cancer Show Ever alone earns her a spot on this list.

4. Liane Cartman So the fact about Liane is... She isn't as horrible as a mother as the problems with her child. She can't deal with him that's for sure, but her son is bad on levels she couldn't even imagine. She knows he is uncontrollable and still tries her hardest as a single mother to help him. As a person she is kind and sweet who doesn't deserve this much struggle and her character development over the years has been outstanding.

3. Mayor McDaniels South Park has too few major female characters. Which Trey and Matt try to compensate sometimes, and one of their greatest decisions in the 90s was that the mayor of the titular town would be a woman. She is smart, hard-working and quite possibly living through a rich emotional journey as alluded to in Tweek x Craig, with her possible deceased lover. She also has enough flaws to be funny, like her being vain and dismissive of her town sometimes.

2. Strong Woman She is feminism personified, how could I not love her? And also... Her looks and personality remind me one of my real life heroes, a teacher (the best teacher I ever had -academically speaking as well, no less- ) who introduced me to everything I stand for. I wish I could tell her how much that meant to me, I usually get reminded her through this character. Also, just in-story she is still a great teacher and her dynamic with PC Principal is flawless.

1. Harriet Biggle Not only my favorite character of the whole show, but a severly underrated one as well. She’s like a Desperate Housewives character (specifically a lot like Martha Huber) and she steals every scene she’s in, when she invites Sharon to a “school shooting”, tries to bribe the boys with video games and tries to shoot Eric in the realtor episode all while speaking in a melodic voice never fails to make me laugh. She also has an adopted son who she cares for, so we know she has a lot of heart, still, she has blatant fatphobia which makes her even funnier, I always hope she gets more focus, and am sick of how underappreciated she is as a character.