#william pretency

[kiraqueen-2]

Idk I thought this would be funny, and also, I love these two white men weee cartwheels

[ask-post-dgs2-crew]

To anyone

Thoughts on former queen Elizabeth’s passing?

Anonymous,

I weep for the life that has passed. Such a beautiful age of art, of philosophy, of theatre--the patron saint of the bard himself!! While it has been hundreds of years since our late leader Elizabeth, her impact will be felt for centuries to come, I know.

Death comes to us all, and while such a thought may be dreadful to some, he has wise words to share on such a subject, as with all others... She has gone to the undiscovered country, from whose bourn no traveler returns. To die, to sleep, no more. To sleep, perchance to dream-- and so on and so forth.

With slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,

William Petenshy

[if-you-fan-a-fire]

“CAPTURED AFTER 7 YEARS.” Toronto World. July 31, 1908. Page 6. ---- Post-office Department Punishes Man Who Committed Theft. ---- OTTAWA, July 30.-(Special.) - As a warning to others who may be similarly tempted, the post-office department is spreading broadcast the story of a man who was brought to justice seven years after committing a fraud on the postal savings bank. 

The offender was Andre Kasak of Fort William, a Hungarian, who in November, 1900, stole a savings bank pass-book of John Martan, a fellow-countryman, and proceeding to Sudbury, fraudulently declared himself to be the depositor. By forging the name of a depositor he succeeded in obtaining a cheque for $500, and also in persuading the postmaster to certify to the endorsement forged upon the cheque, so that he was able to cash it. He then fled to Europe via Sault Ste. Marie and New York, and had made good his escape before the postoffice department learned of the theft. 

The amount thus fraudulently obtained by Kasak was made good to the depositor. 

In May last the department was notifled that Kasak had returned to Fort William. He was speedily arrested, and sentenced to five years in the penitentiary.

[fallingyams]

I have work to do but this thought has been rotting away at my brain for days now and so here I am just thinking back to Sherliam's first meeting and how fascinated Liam must have been???

Think about it. William is raised around people full of lies and deception and appearances. The noblemen are all about keeping up pretences and good relations and reputation. So meeting Sherlock with his honest and brazen attitude must have been a breath of fresh air.

Sherlock picks apart his entire thought process, laying out an analysis of clues about William's habits and profession. By any standard, this might be considered somewhat rude, especially to do this to a stranger you've just met. (And Sherlock isn't humble about it either lol)

And I can't help but wonder if this is why William was so enraptured from the first moment - he manages to do it right back to Sherlock (even sniffing him) and perhaps this was the moment that he realised that he doesn't need to have his guard up around this man.

Sherlock is brutally honest and can't be bothered with pretences. (He'll pick them apart anyway)

And so, around Sherlock, perhaps for the first time in a long while, William realises that he doesn't need to put on pretences in front of him.

With Sherlock, he doesn't need to be the second son of Moriarty. He doesn't need to be the lord of crime. He doesn't need to be any of these roles that he performs from day to day.

At least in front of this refreshingly honest man, perhaps Liam feels like he can just be

himself.

[morphids]

✯ 𝙽𝙰𝚅𝙸𝙶𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽 ✯

• DAILY CLICK • RESOURCES FOR GAZA & MORE • FREE PALESTINE 🇵🇸 •

just gonna introduce myself rq so my blog has more structure, masterlist is below the cut!

❃ raya, 23, lesbian, virgo ☼, she/they, multi-fandom, arcane, legend of korra, jjk, aot, i also post my fics on ao3 under taestytaesty ❃

rules:

minors dni!!!! 18+ only it’s uncomfortable for minors to be reading my work so pls (if ur gonna read it anyway please don’t interact) also men dni, i write about lesbian sex and romance— i want this to be a sapphic safe space thank you.

no reposting or copying my fics on tumblr or other platforms.

i dont write: underage relationships/characters, teacher x student, body issues/ed’s (for my own sanity due to past issues), cnc/dubcon— thank you <3

also fuck Neil Druckmann and all zionists. disrespectfully, fascists, racists and white supremacists are not allowed on my blog.

current masterlist:

ellie williams:

linger

well, two can play that game

break up with your boyfriend

abby anderson:

well, two can play that game (pt. 2)

hange zoë:

surrender to the sea , pt. ii

false pretences

sevika:

req: sevika x hyperfixated!reader

wips:

korra x reader

vi x reader

feel free to dm or send requests <3 i dont bite unless asked :p

[anonymousredactedconfessions]

It's me the William Solaire rider again. You all do not understand. I cannot state how much I would FUCK that old man. He will see stars. I will wring him dry. Until the bed splinters into ash.

From the moment I first heard that sexy ass French accent, I knew why I was put on this earth. It is my job, and mine alone, to ride that man into submission. Show him a world he has never imagined, a world far better than whatever his mind could ever deem to create.

Philospher Gilles Deleuze once said 'Desire must be challenged because it is precisely through challenges that desire becomes desire.'

How beautifully this resonates with me, for I know exactly which desire I wish to challenge with the force of a god. The seas will roil with the force of our love making. Tectonic plates, shifting and creaking. Heavens cracking open and spilling forth holy light. Stars, hanging over us in their shimmering glory. Keep your soft, placated lovers for the warm sun and fresh flowers. I want a man willing to destroy the sky for what he loves.

I've read accounts of people contending the moral character of William Solaire, and frankly, I have no need. I did not fall in lust with the man for his kindness or his compassion. Rather, the lack there of. Let him shove his problems off onto the people around him and lay there, sprawled out in silken decadence, and sleep for all I care. I adore that man's entire psyche. The ruthlessness, the indifference, his airy nonchalance.

But I'm getting ahead of myself, dear readers. For this is no story of love, but of pure physicality. We need not discuss the ethics of a man I shall never have. We can instead delight in the knowledge that, had I the opportunity, I would make him howl like a banshee and cuckold every last wife and husband he has ever had. Such is the beauty of his self-righteousness.

And his ass.

So, I leave you thusly. Keep imagining that you should save the devil from his sins. I shall do no such thing. Should he chose to lie under me, there will be no pretence but the delicious union of soul and body. I, his absolution. And he, my righteous temptation. Flee from the grey if you wish, and rest soundly in the knowledge that I will not. I shall accept every last sinew in that man. Absorb it. Cradle him into me and make him mewl like a bitch.

Yours sincerely,

THE William Solaire Rider x

.

[txttletale]

a theme everything everything keep coming back to is the idea of overwhelming brutality and destruction being sarcastically characterized as accurate and precise: 'we can all share the crater / the roof, there was an apple on it' from airstrike on your forehead (a title that itself obviously alludes to the same contrast) obviously invoking the image of william tell's famously accurate shot to describe the song's subject, the total destruction of an apartment block by falling missiles, the absurdity of the comparison made clear by the rest of the song describing totalizing, indiscriminate destruction: 'and everything just coming through the windows / and half the street was under my nails'.

we see it again in the kids are obese with one of my favourite lines the band has ever written, 'i think i found an atom under all this debris' -- the song is clearly written from the perspective of an agent of imperial warfare in one arena or another ('nothing has a consequence while i'm ahead / with telescopic vision and some infrared', 'tell me, which iraqi warlord gets a slap on the wrist?') and so the lyric about the atom has a number of different interpretations, all similar in their inane brutality. obviously describing the aftermath of a missile strike, the 'atom' the speaker 'thinks they found' (note the blithe uncertainty!) might serve as retroactive justification for the bombing, or as a new justification for a further round of brutality (hey, there's still an atom left! better get them again!).

and this kind of apotheosizes in night of the long knives -- 'yes the bomb may be falling, if it lands where you stood / man, i know, it's a real big shame about your neighborhood'. the lackadaisical, casual phrasing makes this lament obviously disingenuous. this is a threat. this is the culmination of the idea, because here the speaker is clearly aware that the bomb that 'lands where you stood' will not just kill you, but the people you know, the world you live in. your implicit destruction prefigured as equivalent to the destruction of your home and people, prefigured as something that the perpetrator can say 'that's sad' about and never think or worry about again. unlike the other two songs, the dissonance isn't indifferent or paradoxical, it's obviously gleeful. all pretence dropped, mask off. shame about your neighborhood.

for obvious reasons i've been thinking about this running theme in EE's music a lot lately. i really like how they talk about warfare and violence in general, in sudden disruptive fragments that break apart songs and lyrics. it's true to life

[misshoneyimhome]

Hi there hunny! I am absolutely loving your writing, I feel like so many babes are hopping on the Willy hype finally!! Not sure if you’re actively looking for requests, but I am just in desperate need for a jealous, slightly angry William - like there’s any writing where he looses his cool because he’s just so laid back as a human. I think you could so do it justice, because I’m not meaning like scary angry ya know? Baby girl can’t. But I feel like as a partner and especially in the early stages he could probably come off as noncommittal or just almost too laid back about your relationship - mostly because he’s so secure about it and how he feels that he forgets you can’t read his inner monologue because he wouldn’t have you there if he wasn’t 100% sure. But maybe you try to call it off after seeing him schmooze at a team event and he like loses it out of fear and frustration at himself that you would think he’s not in it or you’re unspoken together but still not exclusive and you’re having fun at the club after a win just dancing but back at home he loses it (cue the stick breaking vid)! Either situation I would be pissed at him for being clueless but think my panties would melt off for an angry, jealous Willy because if you can get that reaction outta that man you’re in for a treat!!

Uh I’m here for it babe! 😍 angry/jealous/frustrated!Willy is just something of a kind, and I love it 😉 [I had a smilier idea a while back, in case you feel like reading this blurb - it has more jealousy 😉 (pure smut btw)]

And thank you btw, I always love people’s feedback, and requests are just so much fun - I love it when everyone shares their ideas ❤️

So, I went with more frustrated!Willy, rather than being jealous - hope that's ok; however, I do have a piece on the way, also inspired by the breaking-stick video, so hopefully, you'll enjoy that 😊

➼｡ﾟ

The Calm Before the Storm I William Nylander

4 months and 21 days.

It had been that long since you’d found yourself in what could be deemed a relationship with William Nylander.

4 months and 21 days of coffee dates, casual walks with his dogs, takeout dinners at his place, passionate, mind-blowing sex, and lazy mornings after his hockey games.

Everything appeared to be flawless – perhaps a bit too flawless.

In many ways, William stood out from your past partners; with him there was no need for pretence or maintaining a perfect front. With him, you could freely express your unique quirks and be completely yourself without hesitation.

But despite your fondness for his relaxed, natural manner, you couldn't help but notice his reluctance to delve into deep feelings or the core of your relationship.

While he'd whisper sweet nothings and lend an ear on your tougher days, he always seemed to be so composed and laid-back about everything.

And it was slowly starting to grate on your nerves.

_

Initially, you found it incredibly endearing and delightful to be in his company. His ability to shrug things off, whether it was a tough loss, a call from his brother about having a rough day, or even the chaotic traffic lately, impressed you.

"If the traffic's bad, I'll just take the subway," he'd casually remark when you'd urge him to hurry up to avoid being late again.

Or he'd say, "Yeah, it sucked that we lost, but we'll do better next time," after a defeat.

His attitude puzzled you, but in a way, you also found it incredibly amazing.

However, as your relationship with this man deepened, his seemingly calm and relaxed demeanour started feeling a bit too complacent. And now, you found yourself wanting a little clarity about your relationship.

Did it genuinely go beyond mere passing time, something romantic perhaps, or were you simply someone he enjoyed spending time with whenever he felt like it?

Undoubtedly, William was amazing. Yet, the more time you spent together, the more it seemed like this situation was somewhat one-sided.

You knew your feelings ran deep for him, so you opted to give it a bit more time, hoping he'd eventually open up.

And as the partner you wanted to portray, you agreed to accompany him to a team event.

_

The evening was meant to be a celebration, a tribute to their team's triumph.

And amid mingling with other teammates and their partners, William wore his usual bright grin and cheerful demeanour. His laughter filled the room as always, and as usual, you put on a smile and stood by his side.

At first, your concerns eased a bit when he kept an arm around your waist while engaging with managers and other club supporters.

However, as the night wore on, his touch and attention seemed to drift away, and you felt a deep stinge of disappointment.

And by your third glass of champagne, you found yourself without your date, chatting with a few of the team members' girlfriends and wives. Luckily, you had a close bond with the girls, yet your attention was drawn to something across the room – William engaging in his always so casual chatter with a small group, including a striking lady who eyed him with a certain longing, much like you would have done.

And as William didn't appear to shy away from her flirtatious gestures, your suspicions were validated.

So, with a soft sigh and a swift glance at your glass, you hastily finished your drink before slowly making your way over to William.

Taking a deep breath, you tried to gather your thoughts as you approached him.

"Hey," you gently said, offering a friendly smile. "I'm sorry, but I think I'd like to head home. You can just stay; I'll get a taxi."

William appeared puzzled by your words, but before he could respond, you swiftly exited the venue and headed towards the cloakroom.

And as you walked away, a part of you hoped he'd follow, while another part desperately needed to escape the situation as soon as possible.

But despite your determined strides to leave, William quickly caught up to you.

"Hey," he said firmly, grasping your wrist as you were about to reach for your coat. "What's wrong?"

His expression showed genuine concern at your sudden change in behaviour, his breaths becoming uneven. He couldn't comprehend what was happening, and all he felt was his heart sinking as he noticed tears welling up in your eyes.

"Will, I can't do this..." you attempted to sound confident, but your voice quivered while maintaining eye contact.

"You can’t do what, y/n? What's going on?" His confusion was evident, and you couldn't help but let out a disbelieving chuckle. How was he this oblivious to his own actions?

"I can't continue like this; I have strong feelings for you," you wanted to yell, but you kept your voice low, trying to avoid any unnecessary drama. "I thought I was more than just a fling, but it seems you don't want to be more, and I'm sorry, but I can't keep going like this..."

"What are you talking about?" William's voice rose in frustration.

He was getting slightly irked by your accusations, yet genuinely confused about what you were getting at.

"You are more than a fling!" he almost shouted.

"Then why do you always act like I’m not and like you don't fucking care about me at all?" Now you were shouting. “You always have to act so fucking cool and tough, and I can’t take it anymore – either you’re sure about us, or you’re not!”

William, his usual calm façade shattered, running his hands through his hair in frustration.

That was when it happened.

As you’d said the words, he could feel his pulse racing, his heartbeat quacking, and his unusual temper about to burst.

You thought he didn’t care…

"God, why can't you see? Shit!" He snapped, his voice filled with an uncharacteristic urgency, his eyes reflecting a storm of emotions. "I'm just... doing this without thinking! I'm not here for a fling, for fuck’s sake! I’m just not good at this, ok!"

You froze, surprised at the outburst, his words striking a chord within you. It was the first time you’d seen him lose his cool, the raw vulnerability in his eyes contrasting sharply with his usual easy-going nature.

"You think I don't care? That I'm not sure about us?" His frustration seeped through every word. Of course, he was sure about you. Otherwise, he wouldn't have held onto you like this. That wasn't his way. "I might not say it every fucking minute, but I am sure about you. It's just... I thought you knew."

Wait, what?

The air crackled with unspoken emotions. His frustration was not because of you walking away from the event or from him, but because he'd failed to express the depth of his feelings, assuming you understood without him needing to spell it out.

To him, you were everything he'd ever longed for. He'd never met anyone like you, never formed such an instant connection with anyone before.

From the moment he had laid eyes on you, you’d walked straight into his heart. And he had been set on keeping you close ever since. You had become his anchor, the true reason to how he always felt so calm and composed – knowing he had you by his side.

But he had failed. Failed to express just how much you meant to him. And now, here he stood, raising his voice at you, feeling the weight of his heartache.

Seeing you in distress tore him apart. The tears pooling in your eyes and the belief that he didn't care about you pained him deeply.

No. This wasn't right.

Releasing a deep sigh, the tension drained from his shoulders. "I should have said it more. I know… I should have made it clearer – how I felt about you."

Gradually, a sense of relief washed over you as you sensed the authenticity in his expression. And it was becoming clear to you that he struggled with verbalizing his emotions, preferring to express himself through a physical love language.

Furrowing your eyebrows in concern, you let out a deep sigh as well.

"Yeah, you should have," you spoke softly, before surrendering to the impulse, taking a step closer and wrapping your arms around his neck, pulling him in a deep kiss.

His hands instinctively wrapped around your waist, pulling you closer as he reciprocated the intensity of the kiss, fully immersed in the moment.

In that instance, a surge of emotions overwhelmed both of you, drawing you into a heated moment. Gradually, you took a few steps back, retreating deeper into the cloakroom, where William slid his hands beneath your lower back, prompting you to jump, wrapping your legs around his waist.

The kiss intensified, tongues intertwining passionately as he pressed you against the wall, your hands gently cupping his face. You surrendered to the flood of emotions, finally letting go and embracing the feelings you were both openly expressing.

As the passionate kiss escalated, you could feel your bodies heated up, your hands entwining in his semi-long blonde locks, craving for more than just the connection of your lips.

Breaking the intense kiss, both of you were left breathless, needing a moment to recover.

“Willy, take me home,” you whispered, foreheads pressed together. And your wish was his command.

[timeagainreviews]

Putting the Mid in Midnight: Wild Blue Yonder

If I were to mention the film “The Horror at Party Beach,” no one would blame you for having never heard of it. In the annals of horror history, it left minimal impact on the genre. Why then were audiences asked to sign a “fright waiver,” before being permitted to see the film? Because it was never about the audience dying of fright. It was a dare to the viewer, one almost as old as cinema itself. William Castle used to start his films with a warning to the more delicate members of the audience. Reports of people fainting during “The Exorcist,” or more recently “Terrifier 2,” create a buzz around those films. Can you survive the horror or will you wind up in the hospital? The only way to know for sure is to buy a ticket! This is why when Russell T Davies issued a warning that “Wild Blue Yonder,” was possibly too scary for the kiddies, I saw it for what it was.

While I don’t doubt there was some concern that certain children may be disturbed by the imagery and tone of last night’s episode, it feels more like Davies asking audiences to just go with it. Similarly, Davies also asked us to just go with the idea of David Tennant returning by first introducing us to Ncuti Gatwa. “This isn’t a forever thing or the show moving backwards. Just go it.” After seeing how tumultuous the fandom has been since *checks notes* 1963, it feels like Davies’ tactic to unite the fandom is to encourage them to just go with it. It also feels like Davies is riffing a little, trying new things. “Wild Blue Yonder,” is an engaging exploration of the new while also referencing some of the old. Yet despite all of its experimentation, much of it feels like familiar territory.

First and foremost, I would like to state that I admire the hell out of this episode. On the rad vs trad debate, this puts one giant foot down for rad. With that said and out of the way, we need to talk about that intro. When it comes to the race of Isaac Newton you might say the show should be educational and therefore accurate in its depiction of race. But pretty early on, Doctor Who abandoned all pretence of being educational. And more recent attempts at being educational have left us with Jodie Whittaker spouting off a Wikipedia summary about an asteroid. You could also argue that this is a different type of education. A lesson in what it feels like to see your own people played by someone white. Considering Doctor Who’s history of brownface, I’m gonna say y’all need to chill the fuck out. Just go with it.

My only issue with this scene is much like the issue I had with the Children in Need special. The humour just falls so flat for me. It was a big thud on arrival. From the Kaled anagram sequence to mavity, it just doesn’t work for me. Part of me wonders if this isn’t in part because David Tennant and Catherine Tate were never on set with Nathaniel Curtis. There was no chance of improving with improv. I mentioned last week that some of the representation stuff also felt clunky. It’s weird too because when the show isn’t actively trying to make me laugh or view trans people like myself as valid, it comes off as funny and validating. Sylvia’s tuna masala and or Donna’s love for Rose do such a better job at both, yet they’re the quieter moments of the show thus far. It’s ironic to me that the more powerful moments of the second Davies era have been understated.

It’s easy to write this overstatement off, however. Thinking back to the 50th anniversary special, Clara’s line of turning people into frogs fell flat for me at the time. Now I look back at is as kind of charming. And furthermore, these big events like Children in Need, Christmas, or anniversaries get away with a bit of excess. The humour is more broad because they expect more people to be watching. It’s a time of merriment. It’s also part of why I appreciate “Wild Blue Yonder,” so much. Davies was attempting a weirder “Midnight-esque” episode in the middle of a highly publicised media event. He knew it was a bit of an ask for some audience members. Once again, it feels like an invitation to the rest of the fandom to allow room for exploration. If Doctor Who and the fandom are currently fractured, do we really need to put it back together in the same shape? Does it even need being put back together? Why not just fill the cracks with some seeds and see what grows out of them?

Since “The Star Beast,” aired, I’ve seen some people complaining that the sonic screwdriver has become too OP. Apparently, making sonic barriers is less believable than joining two cut ends of barbed wire. While I do understand that the sonic screwdriver can be a crutch for bad writing, I also understand it to be incredibly cool. Like, I’m sorry, cool beats your need for locked doors any day. If you need absolute realism in what you watch, might I suggest the window? It’s a freaking magic wand, people. Let it be magical. Doctor Who isn’t hard sci-fi. If Doctor Who’s sci-fi were a cheese, it would be brie. It looks hard but it’s gooey at its centre. You can argue that the sonic screwdriver being capable of repairing the TARDIS is too OP, but it’s also the device which removes two major plot conveniences in this episode- the TARDIS and the sonic screwdriver.

The Doctor and Donna are doing this one without a safety net. They’ve both been pared back to who they are as people. I had a feeling going in that this episode was going to have a smaller cast. It feels like Davies taking a stab at a sort of “Heaven Sent,” narrative that dissects the Doctor and Donna. In other ways it feels like an homage to Davies' own pared-back classic “Midnight,” which has gained cult status as one of his best scripts. In the short stories of Robert Aickman, readers are often left unaware when exactly things get strange. His protagonists walk through their worlds unaware of exactly when things turned hostile until they’re in the thick of it. In the same manner, much of the opening scenes of “Wild Blue Yonder,” leave us waiting for the other shoe to drop, and when it does, you may not notice right away.

Coming directly off the tonal whiplash of the Isaac Newton scene to a scenario so dangerous that it set off the H.A.D.S. system, it’s nice that the episode eases into its weirdness. The TARDIS’ eerie recitation of the song “Wild Blue Yonder,” echoes through the air with a reminder from Wilf, via Donna, that the song is not a jolly anthem, but a declaration of war. So we sit in the mystery of this gigantic ship sitting at the edge of the universe with its shifting corridors and its slow robot, as we try to ignore the clanking sound just outside the ship. It feels a bit like Doctor Who doing a haunted house in space, but you’re not exactly sure why. It’s Amityville in Space, but good.

With no sonic or TARDIS at his disposal, the Doctor can’t just point his magic wand. Even worse, the Doctor doesn’t even have the benefit of the TARDIS’ translation circuit. Whatever language this civilization uses on their ship, it’s not one of the 57,000,000,205 languages the Doctor can speak. But one language the Doctor can speak is mathematics. The Doctor may not have his tools, but he still has his mind. Deciphering the base ten of this unknown species, the Doctor can begin piecing together what is going on in this ship. Perhaps if he can figure out why an airlock had been jettisoned in the past, it might give a clue to what is happening. If he can remove the threat from the ship, the TARDIS might return. Otherwise, he and Donna could be forever stranded on this ghost ship hovering over nothingness.

If this ship is haunted, we’re about to meet the ghosts who call this place home. The Not-Things arrive quietly. So quiet that the shot establishing two Doctors and two Donnas in separate rooms initially seemed like a bad edit. When did the two of them get split up? It’s hard to remember. But we’re pretty sure the Doctor who licked the goo on the circuit is the real deal. Tasting things to figure out what they are is a classic Tennant move. The Doctor pretending to have a bad reaction to the goo evoked the Fourth Doctor pretending to go mad with power over the Key to Time. I wonder now if that wasn’t the Doctor testing a theory in the back of his mind because Donna was feeling a bit off. The Doctor has shown in the past that he knows when his companion is compromised in some way. Last week we were given early warning signs that the Doctor was becoming increasingly wary of the Meep.

Having the characters note a fluctuation in the temperature or the line “My arms are too long,” felt right at home with things like “Don’t blink!” or “Hey, who turned out the lights?” Their visible breath as an omen of ill tidings sits comfortably next to having two shadows or marking your skin to remember the Silence. I love how Doctor Who can turn everyday things like statues, shop dummies, or seeing your breath into danger. Those are the moments for the children hiding behind the sofa. One of Doctor Who’s greatest strengths is its ability to use allegory to help children face real fears. These are the modern equivalent of Grimm’s Fairy Tales.

For a brief moment, I worried the Not-Things were going to spend the whole episode with Donkey Kong arms. While an effective and trippy visual, it would have started to look goofy after the initial shock had worn off. Watching “Return to Oz,” as an adult, I’m no longer scared of the Wheelers, but as a child they had me covering my eyes. Seeing the Doctor and Donna in these twisted forms was disturbing and creepy. I can see how this episode will stick with younger members of the audience for years. I also imagine it as future fetish fuel, but that’s unavoidable. In the words of Community’s Dean Pelton- “This better not awaken anything in me.”

Watching the Doctor and Donna drive away from these twisted angry giants reminded me of Leela and K9 fleeing guards in “The Sunmakers,” or even bits from “Terminator 2: Judgement Day.” I also got whiffs of “Sin-Eaters,” from the Titan comics line. While the sharp teeth and asymmetric contortions of the distorted Doctor and Donna do a lot to sell these monsters, it’s the performances of the actors that tip the scale. Other than the times we’re not supposed to know who is who, they feel like different characters. It started tricking my brain into thinking of the Not-Things as completely different actors.

An issue I have seen come up about the Not-Things is their special effects. If you were worried that the Disney+ money was going to make the show look too polished, worry not. While many of the shots in this episode were very good, and I love the continued use of practical effects, some of the effects of the Not-Things were a bit naff. But much like the Power Rangers effects from the acid ocean scene in “The Halloween Apocalypse,” I found it charming. The only one shot from any of these sequences that I would call bad is the shot of the Not-Thing Doctor with his head between his legs. It should have either been cut or reworked.

It’s hard to talk about the plot in this story. Mysteries are looming, but for the most part it’s a series of chases punctuated by “Invasion of the Body Snatchers,” paranoia. But that isn’t to say that the screen time is wasted. Davies uses this as an opportunity to explore the Doctor’s emotional state after the events of the Flux. Something which hadn’t seemed to affect the Doctor much since the end of “The Vanquishers.”  It’s also interesting to know Davies hasn’t forgotten that half the universe was destroyed by the Flux, as Chibnall seemed to have forgotten immediately after. A friend even texted me today saying how Davies treated the Flux more seriously than Chibnall, and I don’t disagree. I felt like he did a better job explaining what actually happened during the Flux. Perhaps it was bad writing, or perhaps I had already given up hope on the era, but I had no idea that the Flux had anything to do with the Doctor. I’m not even joking. It wasn’t even apparent how much of the universe had been destroyed until last night. I learned more about the Flux from a couple of lines of dialogue than I did from six episodes of “The Flux.”

After the Doctor and Donna suss out who is who, they manage to put a little space between them and the Not-Things first by way of a line of salt and ultimately by a glass door. It was at this point in the episode that I made the strongest connections to “Midnight.” The doppelgangers watching Donna and the Doctor’s every move, reading every thought, to mimic them perfectly was a lot like the creature on the Midnight tour shuttle. In both stories the creatures even reach a point where they begin studying their prey. Noting every minor movement and tic. In both stories, formless creatures are looking to hitch a ride in someone else’s body to wreak untold havoc elsewhere. Because of these similarities, I see this story as a spiritual sequel to “Midnight.” A sort of loving homage to the Tenth Doctor and Donna era.

The Not-Things dwelled in the vast nothingness at the edge of our universe growing to despise our boiling noisy existence. Like the song “Wild Blue Yonder,” their response to our shouting into the void is a declaration of war. They seemingly hate us for our existence. When the mystery ship arrived, they saw it as a perfect vessel to bring destruction to the universe. The Captain of this ship must have figured this out as it was she who set their demise into motion. Realising that the Not-Things have a harder time mimicking or noticing things that move slowly, the Captain set the ship’s robot on a very slow course to set the ship on self-destruct. She then threw herself out of the airlock to prevent the Not-Things from fully taking her form.

The Doctor and Donna’s discovery of the horselike Captain’s body as the source of the clanging against the ship demands a bit of discussion. In yet another clunky attempt at trans inclusion, the Doctor and Donna try and work out the pronouns of the Captain. The Doctor affirms to Donna that the Captain was a she, but gives no basis as to how he arrived at this conclusion. I find this noteworthy simply because it actually plays into a transphobic meme that says when trans people die, archaeologists will misgender us by our bones. Because by what means did the Doctor know the Captain was a she? He couldn’t even read her language. What if she was the first trans masc horse Captain? Are we really not gonna stan a horse king because of how his bones look? Obviously, I’m taking the piss. But I do feel like this illustrates the responsibility one takes on when they aim toward validating representation. A simple line to clear up how the Doctor knows this would help because otherwise, he’s just guessing with no reasoning to back it up.

Another weird aspect of this episode was the aforementioned glass door. If I had a quid for every time a Doctor Who 60th anniversary special ended with characters being separated by a glass door in a spaceship, I’d have two quid. Which isn’t a lot, but it’s weird that it’s happened twice. Also weird is that this episode marks the second time since we met the Fourteenth Doctor that the TARDIS enters a location by slamming into a wall. The first time being the Children in Need special “Destination: Skaro.” I would say this feels significant, but the TARDIS does land smoothly next to Cyber Dog at the beginning of “The Star Beast.” Another crash landing which could also mean nothing would be the TARDIS slamming into the tree that drops an apple on Isaac Newton’s head. Speaking of meaning nothing, what even was the point of that scene? Was it all to set up the mavity joke and the Doctor’s queerness? Or did it have a greater meaning? If not, they really should have just cut it all together. Perhaps air it as a minisode the day before “Wild Blue Yonder.” As an episode opener, it sticks out like a sore thumb.

After the Doctor almost escapes with the wrong Donna, the TARDIS gets a chance to show off its new ramps by using them to eject Not-Thing Donna like a middle-aged bowling ball. Our little android friend, now sped-up to real-time pushes the destruct button and takes the ship and Not-Things with it, thus finishing the Horse Captain’s brave mission to save the universe. I was sad we never really got to know the little robot. Its design reminded me a bit of Marvin the Paranoid Android from “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.” I was ready to love its personality and then mourn its sacrifice. It’s weird that in some ways, the fan theory that we would see twisted versions of the Doctor did come halfway true. Only in this version, there was no evil Matt Smith or Peter Capaldi. It’s been a bit interesting to see the fan theories come so close yet remain so far away.

Bookending the episode is another scene removed from the main storyline, only this is a book I actually want to read. Returning the TARDIS back to the Cyber Dog location where it was last seen, we get our first glimpse of Wilfred Mott since “The End of Time.” Sadly, it’s also the final time Bernard Cribbins will grace the screen of Doctor Who ever again. This brief cameo was all they were able to film before Cribbins passed away in 2022. I think it’s safe to assume that most of us got a bit teary-eyed seeing ol’ Wilf one last time. As the Fourteenth Doctor said “I loved that man.” I’ve never met a Whovian who didn’t love his character. Seeing Wilf waiting for the Doctor and Donna to return, still believing in the Doctor after all these years, is exactly how you want to remember him. An ever-loyal soldier who doesn’t leave his post. And so shall he never leave our hearts. It was bitter-sweet, but I’m so glad we got to say goodbye.

Ultimately, this episode kept me engaged throughout its entire runtime. But where it falls short of “Midnight,” is in its inability to create the same level of tension. Perhaps it has to do with the special effects revealing so much under bright lighting. There is less left to our imaginations this time around, and therefore the scares are more on the surface. This doesn’t automatically make them uninteresting, only less engaging. It reminded me at times of the special effects from the new “It,” film series. At times it was creepy and at other times it felt like something from a computer. I’m still deeply interested in the dread the Doctor felt after introducing superstition at the edge of the universe, where the rules of reality are less defined. That seems like a bigger plot point that furthers my belief that RTD plans to continue breaking Doctor Who wide open. If I were to compare the quality of “Wild Blue Yonder,” to previous Doctor Who stories, I would go with “The Idiot’s Lantern,” or maybe “Flatline.” Both of these are episodes I enjoy but they aren’t earth-shattering either. As I said in my “Eve of the 60th” article, I would settle for competent and competent was what we got. I'm still very excited for what's to come.

[musickool]

What do you think about a yandere William Foster and Evan Webber?

omggg yess! yandere william foster and evan webber au ♡ ♱ · ! ꒰ ⊹ ࣪ ˖ 𑄽୧ㅤㅤ۪ㅤㅤരㅤㅤ꒱

a biotech scientist and an architect who compartmentalise between their dual identities: the facade of doting loving fathers & husbands and their dark side as sociopathic stalkers .ᐟ

prompt #1:

yandere william foster & evan webber x reader

william, as a biotech scientist & engineer, spends a lot of his time in his private lab doing research (and surveilling you). since he knows a lot about technology, you should already know where this is going...

with his infinite knowledge and wisdom, he'd come up with an idea to create some sort of spying device so he could find more information about you, to which he harvests in a gazillion folders of files on a digital database, protected by a hefty set of blockchains. he'll know your address, where you go work, mode of transport, your name, a photographic memory of your appearance, hell, even down to the nitty gritty of knowing your personal interests. this man is completely obsessed with you, loves you more than his own wife and kids. he will know everything, and you cannot stop him.

evan's your neighbour so you know his advantages are on a all-time high. he stalks you by watching you through his own home: writing notes of things you do routinely, recording you, taking pictures. on his way to work, he stalks you in his car, slowly driving by your house or as you walk into your home. he wants you, he needs you, he has to have you. to everyone, he's the friendly ol' guy who's always willing to lend a helping hand to any advances. but his intentions are far more bleaker than that....

similar to william, he too also keeps the information on a USB, as well his notebooks, storing it away somewhere unknown. he knows every single thing about you and one day, he'll lure you into his home under the false pretence of a special dinner with him as an invite, obviously knowing full well that this will be the last time you'll be seen again.

[natequarter]

apparently william ii and edward iii don't exist in doctor who. like, not at all. they simply aren't there. given this is on a wiki which writes everything in the past tense in order to maintain the pretence of an in-universe writer... i can only conclude that they do not exist at all

[random-brushstrokes]

William Frederick Yeames - Amy Robsart (ca. 1877)

Yeames was clearly fascinated by the intrigue surrounding Amy Robsart's death and may have been familiar with Sir Walter Scott's version of the incident, as recounted in Kenilworth (1831). When the picture was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1877 he included a lengthy explanation of the work's historical background in the catalogue. This took the form of an extract from a History of Berkshire by John Aubrey (1626-97):

"Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, being the great favourite of the Queen Elizabeth, it was thought she would have made him her husband; to this end, to free himself of all obstacles, he had his wife, Amy Robsart, conveyed to the solitary house of Cumnor Hall, in Berkshire, inhabited by Anthony Forster, his servant. This same Forster, in compliance with what he well knew to be the Earl's wishes, came with others in the dead of night to the lady's bedchamber and stifled her in bed, and flung her downstairs, thereby believing the world would have thought it a mischance, and so blinded their villainy; and the morning after, with the purpose that others should know of her end, did Forster, on pretence of carrying out some behest of the Countess, bring a servant to the spot where the poor lady's body lay at the foot of the stairs."

The woman's body lies bathed in light, her cloak romantically arranged across the bottom steps of the staircase. She appears less the bruised and battered victim of a vile murder than a seductive sleeping beauty. The devious Forster leads his manservant down the back stairs from the bedroom above. The latter is clearly horrified by the sight of the dead woman, and Forster pushes him back, for fear that he might discover the actual method of her death. (source)

[saintmeghanmarkle]

More evidence of psychopathy - 'reconciliation' manifestation. They also want to crawl back inside for a number of reasons. Lets discuss. by u/ElectricalAd9212

More evidence of psychopathy - 'reconciliation' manifestation. They also want to crawl back inside for a number of reasons. Lets discuss. By now we must consider the inexhaustible sociopathy that governs the actions and minds of Markle and This One as the default.The latest outline of the direction of their 'strategy' is 'reconciliation'Via Page 6:Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Christmas gift to Charles after ‘royal racist’ storm: ‘Reconciliation’“As one well-placed source told Page Six: “Harry and Meghan’s new strategy is reconciliation.”( archive link)This reminds me of the dynamics of domestic abuse.The abuser will abuse their partner, then demand forgiveness, and claim that makes them the good party.It is psychopathic.It carries out an act of abuse, then says 'forgive me or else'It is innately a threat, because it says I will abuse you with impunity, and then offer you 'reconciliation', and if you refuse, you are responsible for my abusing you.There is no doubt that Markle and Harry, having failed in America, wish to return to the royal family and resume as if nothing happened.Living in a palace. Living with 24/7 security. Having people curtsy and bow to them.They can only do that by casting themselves as victims, and as innocents, and to portray the monarchy as reconciling with them.They want to return for obvious reasons.Markle wants to resume her royal status because she's failed in America.Harry wishes to be what he was before.Both of them wish to subvert the monarchy and destroy Catherine and William.The scenario is 'win-win' for them. They can, in their eyes, run a parallel royal court in Britain, with all the trappings of the monarchy, playing the card of various 'modernising' pretences, playing various 'woke' identity politics issues (thus directly running a political agenda and destroy the monarchy in the process)but the other thing they would be eyeing is future Netflix and books.Because the narrative would offer them stuff to sell in future, including future lucrative deals on insider information.To use a colourful metaphor, it would be like asking a cobra to come into your home and not bite you and kill you.Needless to say, it should not happen.But the point is the drama. All they have is these dramas. All that remains is to constantly wage little wars in which they are the victims, and to constantly bait and incite against William and Catherine, and hope that they can psychologically abuse King Charles with a campaign of elder abuse to make him cave to their demands. post link: https://ift.tt/K1jTmMA author: ElectricalAd9212 submitted: December 16, 2023 at 08:53PM via SaintMeghanMarkle on Reddit

[connectionterminated13]

Whatever little sane corner of William was left was demolished when his wife died and his children had to suffer for it.. William dived into his work ignoring Michael and Elizabeth. Michael took the role of responsible person and did his best to take care of Elizabeth while his father drove himself into madness.

And when they did see him it was bad... Any bit of pretence that William cared about either of them was gone.

[ask-elland-n-will]

It's been a tumultuous few days leading up to the holiday, filled with parties, cheer, warmth and happiness.

In fact, it's been quite unlike a happiness Andrew has ever known. The holidays he had experience before being happily abducted by the Abbots was nothing like what the family had shown him just in the past few days. He didn't mind being stuck with them whatsoever, and minded even less to be stuck with his favorite redhead.

Once we got a few quiet moments, he very pensively took out a small wooden and carved box, on the top - a very small fox.

He had been lost in thought over the past few months, mostly about Will. Each time his mind had wandered, he found his hands needed to be put to use as well to help him think. So he took up wittling, and each time he thought of Will, he would carve at the same time.

Carefully, he puts the gift on Will's bed for him to find when he returns from the last minute errands he and Elland had gone on.

Next to it, a note:

My Fox,

A small token to show just how often you have been on my mind these past few months. This started out as a hunk of wood, but quite like me, became something more refined and more special all because of you.

You've made this year, and this Christmas, unlike any of the others. I hope you know how special you are to me...but if you do not...open this box and a song will play for you to remind you.

Merry Christmas Fox.

Your Monty

*upon opening the box, you find a melody fills the air that sounds quite similar to this song:*

Just as expected, Andrew has no problems integrating into the Abbott's household. Will's parents must have felt that if their son brings a boy over for Christmas to stay with them the entire time, then it is not as simple as "Els crashing for a weekend" or "Allegra wants to bake something."

His mother sees Montrose and how he behaves around them: a little unsure, clearly nervous and so obviously in love with Will that she instantly knows: they need to keep that boy. And keep they do, with chats, food, celebrations, party games, meeting all and every one of Will's relatives who are always all over the Abbott manor this time of year. Invited or not, staying over in numerous guest chambers or just popping in to wish Merry Christmas. Will has the pleasure of watching Monty deal with two of his aunts that even he isn't sure are his aunts, nor if they are different people or the same witch living in two different bodies.

William's father watches Montrose and twirls his ginger moustache, hiding a smile before inviting the lad for a talk. Will isn't worried about that in the slightest. He's sure his papa might only give Andrew the slightest of scares to see if the Ravenclaw can stand up for himself with dignity. And then there would be an embrace. Will is pretty sure that it's going to be even more of a test for his crush than the stern talking. But his parents better rip that plaster off right away: Andrew will be hugged in this household whenever either of Will's parents thinks he needs a hug.

At some point, Will also has to have a talk with his parents about giving Andrew some space. He knows they must have recognized Andrew's last name and that's why they were anxious for a time before they interacted with Andrew themselves. It's not surprising, considering that they work for the Ministry and Will has heard rather unsavoury things regarding Andrew's family before. The little snake isn't even sure he wants to ever meet Andrew's father. Or brother. Andrew hasn't talked about his mother much but Will hopes that there are at least some good memories in that head of his in connection to her.

Whatever his parents heard about Andrew's family must have left an impression on them because upon the initial introduction and seeing how different Andrew is, his parents go into an obvious protective mode, spoiling the boy with attention to the point of Will hiding Monty in his wing of the manor under different pretences. Not that Mr. and Mrs. Abbott are not considerate people. But Will has a sneaking suspicion that since he is the only child and his parents always wished to have more, Andrew's presence makes them feel complete. And what better way to make sure that Andrew stays than to make sure he feels included in all the family traditions?

And so he is involved in everything the Abbotts do, from eating breakfast to riding horses. Will manages to catch only one hiccup during their happy Abbott activities, when his parents organize an ice slide one crispy snowy morning. He doesn't know why Monty clammed up and held back the entire time but he made a little note to come back to it. Later. The look in Andrew's eyes is akin to that he has whenever Will mentions something that reminds the Ravenclaw of the events from his past. The Slytherin would never push but his heart aches: he hopes that someday Andrew will see the Abbotts as his own family, too.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

William leaves the manor for half a day on Christmas Eve to go see Elland's family back in London. He's been doing it every year since they met, and both he and Elland put on a little show for de Strontiums every time. Technically, Cyrus is also a part of that but the redhead insists that he performs separately so that he has at least four people in the audience who he can surprise with his tricks. His parents more than his wizard friends but everyone knows how deep Cyrus gets into his little passion projects. Will does charm the entire room to be fireproof, of course, and for once Cyrus doesn't complain: he's had plenty of accidents as a kid to know that some injuries stay with you for the rest of your life.

The prefect floos back to an empty manor. His house-elf informs him that everyone went out for a walk since the weather is so nice, and Will smiles at the thought. Seems like his parents kept Andrew busy. He just needs to change and go find— Oh?

William instantly knows who the little box is from. The wizard sits down and takes it into his hand, brushing his fingers along the carved wood with bated breath. He didn't know Monty could do that. The little fox looks so cute that Will lets out a quiet "aww", impressed and deeply touched. Of course Monty would get him— no, make him something fox related. Not to be the one to spoil his own surprises, Will reads the note before opening the little box that he has already sworn to treasure forever and ever.

The wizard isn't sure when his eyes started to fog up but he has to stubbornly wipe the happy tears away not to let any of them fall on the parchment. This Christmas truly is unlike any other. This time last year he never even imagined being this happy. Moving past his unrequited crushes. Being with somebody who likes him back. Likes? Well, they haven't talked about it yet, but William has moved past that stage a while back. Perhaps even happier things are bound to happen this Christmas. He is sure Monty feels it as well, after meeting Will's family, after being unconditionally accepted by them as if Andrew is their own son.

Will lifts the lid of the box by the fox's cute little snout and the music indeed starts playing, perfectly Christmasy, making Will giggle and swing a little in place in rhythm to the music. Clever Monty using his clever Charms. Music touches his heart as much as the words did and Will ends up spending a few more minutes just sitting on the bed sobbing, stubbornly wiping the tears away: he is happy, why is he crying!

One of the older house-elves that has known Will since he was a baby apparates into the room with some lavender cupcakes on a plate and a fresh cup of tea. They all know what their young master needs when he is in such a state. Gestures like this one, without ever being asked, are a normal occurrence, and Will nods through tears, letting the elf go with a smile. The elf bows and says before disappearing:

"The young master should know, everyone s' gathered by The Tree outside if the young master wishes to catch up."

That's right, he came here to change! Will does so in between the cupcake bites and his Earl Grey, finding the warmest clothes he can because who likes being cold on a day like this? He will not be replying to Monty's note. Instead, Will is going to find the Ravenclaw and tell him all he thinks about him, and his sweet words, and his thoughtful present! Silly Andrew. His Monty. The one person Will loves.

[realcatalina]

You say Catherine and Henry VIII marriage already broke down in 1514. Can you give more insight to it? I still see a lot “sources” that claim they had a happy marriage for 20 years.

Btw, thanks for your great researches, I learn a lot of things through your Blog❤️

Well the claims that marriage was happy for nearly 20 years before Anne Boleyn came along are completely false.

(It's plucked out of thin air! Just as Henry's bodycount of 72,000!)

They got married in 1509. But some cracks appeared as early as 1510.

They unfortunately lost baby in January 1510, then for while thought she was carrying twins(and one lived, one died)-which turned out to be untrue...so they hurried to get pregnant again, and by May Catherine already was.

But from May? 1510 we also have incident when allegedly Henry had taken a mistress Anne Stafford, Countess of Huntingdon while Catherine was in her 'laying in' during spring time.

Now, I know this is untrue for two reasons. Firstly Catherine and Henry were sleeping together during her "laying in"-her own words confirm it, and timing of New Prince's birth, also confirms it.

(I've recently reblogged my old post about her 1st pregnancy and its aftermath, with some new insight about the dates...so maybe check that out.)

And 2ndly, Henry was probably completely innocent in this. You see, Anne Stafford was found alone in her chamber with Henry's friend Sir William Compton, her brother duke of Buckingham found them..and Compton years later put Anne Stafford in his will, gave her some lands...clearly dude was in love with her all his life.

Anne and Compton swore nothing happened between them and she had good relationship with her husband even years later. But at the moment Buckingham was livid, his sister was sent to convent(at least temporarily) and he demanded Compton to be punished and sent away from court. Henry refused to do it, and instead send from court Anne's sister Elizabeth, countess of Sussex whow as the one who snitched upon Anne and Compton. Elizabeth was one of Queen Catherine's ladies and they went along very well. So Catherine was enraged!

Maybe frustration of past few months and loss of baby, and loss of non-existent baby(which can feel to person just as bad as loosing real baby), got better of them. But Catherine and Henry had massive argument, about which even spanish ambassador was writing about. Now we don't know exactly what was said...

But some believe that not only Catherine was unhappy with Henry not punishing those who in her eyes deserved it...but that she believed Henry was not punishing Compton and punishing Elizabeth, because Compton was seeing Anne on Henry's behalf.

In other words...that Catherine accused Henry of cheating...but evidence would suggest...he didn't do it. ...And with his personality, if she indeed did so...then he'd never forget it. ...And also, who is so insecure that in less than one year of marriage accuses the other party of cheating? ...If she indeed did so, then it was nothing Henry did...at the time he was completely in love with her...but rather she projecting her own insecurities and...possibly her parents' marriage upon her own...

Now, we don't know what happened for sure...but does it sound as happy marriage to you? Even if she didn't accuse him of cheating, then they had massive argument over who stays at court, who gets punished...happy couple would talk...maybe disagree but talk about it...not shout so much that ambassador writes about it to foreign court.

Well, then for several years things went fine apart from heartbreaking loss of new years prince...

Then in 1513 Catherine lost baby not long after Flodden, and literally day after she send Henry a letter informing him that she was pregnant(and of the victory), she must have not been very far along for him to not know before that...but before that letter even got to him, their precious child was gone...and she had to keep on pretence to deal with aftermath of Flodden...and he didn't know at least for another month or two...

(I also made post about this....about Catherine's regency and this pregnancy.) And I think Henry took it badly that he wasn't informed...it's possible he returned home in late 1513 and still didn't know... But year 1514 was total wreck. They basically started arguing in January...and stopped only in November or December? after they lost another baby...and it wasn't Catherine who called truce...it was Henry.

What they argued about?

You might have heard that Catherine and Henry accepted King Ferdinand's excuses as to why he didn't attack France while he was supposed to, and instead took Navarrre...but in reality Henry accepted those excuses in 1512, but not in 1513, he hoped Ferdinand would make up for 1512 in 1513 and felt deeply betrayed when it didn't happen. Basically his ally stood him up, and he was rightfully livid about it. ...And Catherine took the brunt, it seems.

Catherine kept believing her father, stubbornly stayed loyal to her family, even when some of her friends told her not to(literally the oposite of what Spanish Princess went with), kept advocating on behalf of her father...and Henry never forgiven it. Ever.

Before, majority of political decisions Henry made he first discussed with her...and afterwards, he completely cut her off ...and Wolsey became King's main advisor.

Hence love and trust was gone from the marriage by end of 1514, and it was basically broken, on freezing point and in year 1515 many were convinced he'd set her asside. *(actually some in year 1514 already, despit eher pregnancy!)*

And tbh I think he was so mad at her...for siding with Ferdinand, that if Catherine didn't become pregnant again and didn't have a living child-Mary in 1516...I think he would have.

We'd have Great Matter ten years prior. And despite me being Catherine's fan...Yes, she was stuck in between, with her loyalty torn..., stuck in impossible situation and I sympathize with her for it...

But I don't get what she was trying to achieve by arguing with Henry in 1514 so many times, and expecting different result. It didn't help at all, on contrary it might have fanned flames of his rage. I think it suggest that she didn't know how to comunicate with Henry...when he not in that loving stage...but when he was angry.

Maybe...she never knew him like this...maybe they after that 1510 incident with Anne and Compton have never argued again...but still...I think it is essential skill in any marriage to know how to calm your spouse, how to deescalate the tention etc.

...Parr could do it, even when Henry was most paranoid and even thought of executing her, she knew what to say to him to save herself...but Queen Catherine of Aragon...aparently didn't know how...or maybe she didn't want to...maybe she felt like Henry was supposed to apologise and try come to her...

Which he did...but about same time Bessie Blount caught his eye...so maybe he yield because he felt guilty for cheating...

Of course Henry...never expected anything but full support from his spouse and had unrealistic expactations regarding Catherine's loyalty...(He had mindset "you're with me or against me", no middle ground.) Hence I think he was also a big part of problem...and he was not good orator in general, so I expect he never explained to Catherine how he felt truly and why he didn't believe Ferdinand. Maybe he did, but not in calm manner...and shouting doesn't count...

It's very unlikely he knew how to comunicate with Catherine either...and tell her...'stay out of this' in way which would work...and he deliberately broke bethrohal of his sister to Catherine's nephew and instead married her to old French King...and Catherine viewed that as betrayal...So he was definitely fanning flames too!

I know some historians like to say Catherine took Henry's side in this. That she showed him support and give cold shoulder to spanish ambassador etc. But they seem to rely on spanish sources for this...mainly Caroz. But although Caroz is usually good source on early Tudor era, Caroz found himself facing Henry's ire too(as Ferdinand's ambassador)and I think Catherine didn't give him helping hand in this(after all she received almost no help as ambassador to her father herself and was forced to swim in water filled with sharks and she argued with Henry enough as it was.)

Imo, it sound like Caroz is trying to blame Maria Salinas and Fray Diego...for his failure in convincing Henry to buy the excuse. It's likely that blaming of Salinas and Fray Diego happened just as after Ferdinand asked what his daughter was doing regarding the subject...so Caroz replied that these people were trying to make Queen's loyalty to change...(Hence-it's not my fault, it's them! Rather common behaviour in Spanish ambassadors in England imo.)

...Catherine and Henry had great potential in the beginning, but also trust issues, comunication issues, different expectations, different loyalties/views upon internationalpolitics and even in things they at beginning agreed upon, they sometimes grew apart over the years(religion)...traumas from loosing their children also would play big part in marriage deteroriating.

They needed marriage councelling...prior to Mary being born.

Basically the pink glassses went off by late 1513/early 1514, and it never went back to being loving marriage. There I said it, it was max 4 years of fairly happy marriage! Not 20! Afterwards...it was for appearence sake in my opinion and those problems they had didn't disappear just resurfaced few years later.

And make no mistake...it takes two to tango...they were both to blame for state of their marriage. It wasn't just Henry nor just Catherine, it was both of them.

Perhaps if they had more kids they'd eventually find way back together...but like this the resentment only grew...and you know the rest.