#you're either going to end up inadvertently ruining the lives of those you love or your own is going to shit

[cometblaster2070]

Since we are currently on the Ashlynn Ella brainrot, I’ve been thinking about something yk.

And like, it’s honestly so, so fucked up that when Ashlynn signed the Storybook of Legends, she did it knowing full well that she was signing her Mother’s death warrant and she couldn’t do anything about it for the sake of ‘destiny’.

Granted, yes, the book was fake; but Ashlynn did not know that when she signed. To her, this was it; this was her signing her life away due to the whims of some nonsensical tradition.

When Ashlynn Ella, who is no more than 15, signed her page in the Storybook of Legend; do you think she thought about her Mother?

When Ashlynn signed her page in the book and saw her story play out; when she saw her ‘happily ever after’, do you think she was burdened by unsurmountable guilt due to the fact that she knew that by signing, she had practically killed her own Mother?

When she saw her own last name as she picked up the quill and signed, do you think she thought about Cinderella, and how one day her Mother would die and she would one day become Cinderella; just a title. No longer Ashlynn Ella, no, simply another character repeating another story.

Do you think her Mother thought the same thing? Or her Grandmother? Or every Cinderella that came before?

How many generations of Cinderella have been forced to kill their own mothers before they put a stop to this?

[ordinaryschmuck]

What I Thought About "Knock Knock Knockin' on Hooty's Door" from The Owl House

Wow. They are really pushing it for that secret message, huh?

Anywho--Salutations, random people on the internet who certainly won’t read this! I am an Ordinary Schmuck. I write stories and reviews and draw comics and cartoons!

I think it goes without saying at this point that Season Two of The Owl House is setting itself up as a season without filler. Now, filler episodes aren't always bad. Yes, it hurts when a series turns away from the main plot for a week. But at best, they're utilized as a chance for the writers to play around with the characters and developing said characters without it relating to the overarching story. So, some people who see that consider it a bad thing that a series doesn't have that many filler episodes.

I like to call those people: F**king morons.

Don't get me wrong, I see where some of you are coming from. And I'd be willing to agree...if The Owl House was a plot-driven series. Which it's not. It is a character-driven series. Because for every plot thread and narrative that the show presents, they always relate to the characters and develop them further each time these threads get brought up. For example, look at "Knock Knock Knockin’ on Hooty's Door" (It pains me just to write that). Several narratives move forward, and it’s all done to make the characters grow. And to explain how requires going into spoilers. So keep that in mind as you continue reading.

Now, let's review, shall we?

WHAT I LIKED

Hooty: Might as well start with the character that this episode is about.

To tell you the truth, I wasn't a huge fan when I found out we're getting a Hooty-centered episode. I've grown to love him over time, but he is a comedic character that's best used in small doses. Primarily due to how his voice is grating to me (My ears are still bleeding...). With that said, I do really love his contributions in "Knock Knock Knockin' on Hooty's Door" (Seriously, there couldn't have been a less awkward title?). Hooty's antics when trying to help everyone are as hilarious as they are heartwarming. He deeply cares for his friends but just doesn't understand how his plans could do some unintended harm, which is pretty lovable if you ask me. We also get some surprisingly great insight into his character, as he feels insecure about basically being the comic relief who doesn't really do that much other than being funny. Rarely do you get that level of dimension from a comedic character, and it's even more uncommon for that to work out as well as it does here. It once again proves just how competent the writing is in this series to the point where we get an episode about Hooty, and it's funny and heartwarming instead of being annoying. And whoever is responsible for that, you're the best.

Lilith’s Letter to Hooty: I mean it when I say that I love how Lilith kept her word about her and Hooty becoming penpals. Their friendship was something I would have never expected to love, and I'm still shocked that it works so well, so seeing it continue like this just warms me to the bone. Plus, it is pretty sweet that Lilith's kind words are what inspired Hooty to do what he's done in this episode...meaning it's Lilith we should thank here--SON OF A WITCH! Even when she's gone, she's still working her way into my heart!

King going through Puberty: What?! KING IS EVOLVING!

(There, I made a Pokemon reference. Do I get my cookie now?)

Eda Keeping Herself Awake to Train Herself: I'm willing to bet a large sum of money that this has everything to with Raine getting captured last week. If Eda was still the most powerful witch in the Isles, she might have actually saved them. But she isn't, and now the love of her life is in the clutches of a tyrant planning something that could potentially be the end of everything. So I can understand Eda pushing herself to her limit to get back on top again, as I would probably do the same. It's not healthy in any way, and Eda would be doing more harm than good. But when it comes to the people you love, logic doesn't always win out in the end.

Luz Wanting to Make her Way into Amity’s Heart by Making the Echo Mouse Happy: ...That's it. I Just...I just love everything about it, ok?

This was also when I knew that I was wrong to doubt that there would be zero Lumity in this episode. I realize my follies now, and I humbly apologize.

Hooty Teaching King About Demons: This was so funny. So, so funny. Probably doesn't come as a surprise, especially since The Owl House proves itself as a comedy before, but the jokes have never hit as frequently and as hard as they did here. From Hooty getting offended by King's dance to him and Dana's insert wanting a "DNA sample," everything managed to successfully make me lose my s**t. It does come at the expense of King suffering, but I can stomach that much more than if it were Eda or Luz. And, as a bonus, we get lore about how demons work, added with another great joke of King getting in trouble with Hooty for saying he already knows this stuff. Humor isn't always the show's strong suit, but when it works, it f**king works.

King Wanting to Know What he Is: But despite how funny King's vignette was, we still get to see more of his character grow. We learn that he's frustrated now that there's this big question mark over his life now, feeling extra angry that his father "abandoned" him to leave such a present mystery. It shows the hidden resentment he has that Lilith inadvertently brought out, made even worse when King's father hasn't responded to the video yet. King hasn't really gotten that much development until "Echoes of the Past," so it's pretty cool that the writers haven't really slowed down on it. Especially when it leads to these great moments of King venting his frustrations.

King’s Shouting Powers: KING learned FUS RO DAH!

(And now that's a Pokemon reference AND a Skyrim reference. WHERE'S MY GOSH DANG COOKIE!?)

Eda’s Nightmare: If King's vignette hits you hard with the laughs, Eda's will absolutely hit you harder with the feels (never make me say "feels" unironically again). Knowing that Eda's life got thoroughly screwed over by the curse is something we could figure out on her own. But seeing just how much the curse ruined her life and tore apart relationships that mean the world to her really does a swell job at ripping apart the soul. What's even more tragic is, technically speaking, it's all sort of Eda's fault too. She kept hiding the curse, refusing to be a burden to others who would do all they could to help. If she had only been open and honest, things probably wouldn't have changed much, but they most likely would have been better than they are now.

Eda Attacked her Father as the Owl Beast: ...I don't know what I was expecting when "Keeping Up A-Fear-Ances" hinted that there was some possible tension between Eda and her father...but it definitely wasn't this.

The fact that we see blood where his eye used to be doesn't make things any happier, either.

Raine Broke Up with Eda: Before we get into anything else, let's celebrate the fact that it's now confirmed that Eda and Raine really did use to date in the past. Because this show is just f**king phenomenal with its LGBTQA+ representation!

But, seriously, this is a fantastic reveal that goes far beyond just shipping...well, sort of. It shines a new light on Eda and Raine's interactions from last week, revealing that while they're not a couple anymore, they still very much love each other. It helps make their last interaction especially tragic, as they were both on the same page now and could very well be together again. Only for them to be forced apart for the second time in a way that's much worse than the first. And I frickin' adore that this series changes the impact of one episode one week later. Again, it shows just how competent these writers are, and kudos to them for making something so...perfect.

The Moon Person: WHO THE FU--Nope. Nope! We have more than enough mystery bulls**t to deal with through CreepyLuz and Philip Wittebane, so I am PUTTING YOU ON THE BACKBURNER FOR NOW!

(They're probably nothing more than a one-off character, anyway)

The Owl Beast and Eda are Connected: Through visuals alone, we, the audience, can clue into what the curse really means. The Owl Beast doesn't want to be a part of Eda as much as she doesn't want it to be a part of her. Whether they like it or not, and they very much don't, they're stuck together. The thing is, and this is what I love the most, they still decide to make the best of their situation rather than let it ruin their lives even more. This might be the best possible turn Eda's curse could have made. It'll still affect her, and there are probably more negatives than positives, but at least now, it's not the worst thing in the world. And I feel like that's all anyone can ask when in a position like her own.

Eda's “Pretty Dream”: I don't know what emotions are toiling inside me more with this moment. Awe and wonder over how beautiful Eda's dream is, or heartbreak over the implication that she has only had nightmares since getting cursed...I'm gonna say both. Yeah, it's definitely both.

Eda’s Harpie Form: Well, fan artists are gonna have a field day with this...especially the freaks.

(You know who you are. And you're weird!)

Luz Calling Amity a “Cotton-Candy Haired Goddess”: ...Have I ever mentioned how much I love this show?

Hooty Kidnapped Amity: ...Hooty, if your stupidity wasn't charming, I would be more than willing to call the authorities over how you kidnapped a girl in your version of a knapsack and locked her in the basement. For that is going to ring SO MANY alarm bells in people's heads.

Amity and Luz Stuck in a Tunnel of Love: *Smacks lips* Mmm. The adorable awkwardness of this moment is just *chef's kiss* magnifique!

Luz being afraid of getting made fun of:

Amity’s look of hope: I mean...just...f**king--LOOK AT HER:

That is the look of a girl who, while embarrassed as hell, still is ecstatic to learn for a brief moment, everything that she is hoping for has a high chance of being real. Who, in their right mind, wouldn't go "Aw!" at something so pure and innocent?!

Luz Destroying the Tunnel of Love: This is how to effectively utilize dramatic irony. The audience can understand why Luz is tearing the place apart because she explicitly states that she's afraid of Amity rejecting her in the end. They also know that's bogus, thus making it extra painful to watch Amity's heart break more and more with each second (which is perfectly represented through Amity's expressions). You feel bad for both of them, and even worse when you know that it can easily be prevented by the simple art of communication. That's what makes it great dramatic irony. Knowing the point of view of each character results in a scene that evokes emotions in two different ways.

Hooty’s Breakdown: This was...genuinely hard to watch. Not that it was badly written, far from it. It just...hurt seeing how destroyed Hooty was when he realized he failed the people he has such an admiration for. On the upside, a wholesome moment follows soon after as the Owl House gang tries to reassure Hooty that he's done a lot of good that night. It's a pure action that shows even though Hooty gets on their nerves all the time, they still care about him...damn it. I think I'm gonna cry.

Eda’s Advice for Luz: ...Eda...You're the best.

You found out that your surrogate daughter wants to ask a girl out, and not only were you quick to deliver the best possible advice ("Just go for it!"), but you also quickly reassure her that it doesn't need to be perfect.

And you know what? That's it. Eda is the best cartoon mom! She might not technically be Luz's mom, but I don't give a s**t because she is the best!

Luz and Amity Ask Each Other Out: Shh-sh-sh-sh...

Do you hear that?

...

...

...It's the sound of dozens of Lumity fans collectively losing their s**t...and I'm one of them.

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

HOO-HOO-HOO-HOO!

IT!

IS!

CANON!

AH-HAHAHAHAHA!

HOLY S**T! Holy s**t! Holy s**t...might just be the best way I could possibly describe this! Finally, after all the waiting, speculating, and praying, THESE TWO IDIOTS FINALLY GOT TOGETHER! AND IT WAS PERFECT! I mean, it was awkward as s**t, but that's what makes it perfect! You know why? You wanna--Hey! *snaps fingers*. You want to know why? It's because they're teenagers. Of f**king course, it's going to be awkward! This is their first relationship, so there will be a lot of missteps along the way. And that, in itself, brings me to the best (second best part?) thing about it happening in episode eight of the new seasons. Most endgame couples get together in the climax or even at the end of the series. But to have them get together this early on, means there will be quite a few episodes dedicated to showing them grow as a couple.

And better than that--EVEN F**KING BETTER THAN THAT--dozens of kids are going to see these two, a realistic depiction of young love that just so happens to involve two girls, and are going to learn once and for all that there is nothing wrong with being who they are. That fact alone is f**king incredible. Yes, it sucks that season three got cut short, and we'll have even less time with Luz and Amity, but knowing how many kids have felt seen today almost makes it worth it in the end.

And if I see one mother f**ker saying this was poorly paced, I might just hunt them down for SPORT...Sorry if that was an overreaction. I'M JUST SO HAPPY! Because they're happy! Look at them. Listen to them! It's so...GAH-HAHAHA!

“They’re adorable! And deserve all the happiness!”: You're darn right, Hooty! You're darn right.

King’s Father(?) Shows Up: What the--WHAT?! They're doing this now?! Here?! After everything else?

Oh, man. What could this mean? What dynamic changes will this cause in the main cast? How could the writers fit this in during the next two episodes? And what--

Hooty Eats the Letter: ...Pfffft--HAHAHAHA!

Oh, man...I should be mad, and I wouldn't blame others if they are...but that is too much of a brilliant f**k you that I can't help but appreciate it. Bravo writers. Bravo.

WHAT I DISLIKED

...Dislikes? Dislikes? You would honestly believe that after everything I witnessed in this episode, that I would have the gull to list anything wrong with it?!

HOW DARE YOU ASSUME THAT I WOULD BE SO CALLUS TO--Actually, I do kind of have an issue with the episode's title. It's just too much of an awkward mouthful for me to get behind. I understand that the writers wanted to sneak the K into the secret message, but were there really no other titles starting with K that they couldn't come up with?

But that's just a personal issue, and in no way do I think anybody else would feel the same way. Especially with how well-written everything else is anyway.

IN CONCLUSION

"Knock Knock Knockin' on Hooty's Door" (title aside) is another A+ episode. It was hilarious, heart-wrenching, and downright adorable while keeping me entertained with every minute. I'm sure there are some issues I was willing to ignore due to how expertly written everything else was, but why bother looking for the chinks in the armor when I could just enjoy a perfect episode for being so...perfect! Some of you might be willing to disagree with me, but to that, I say: Don't knock it till you've tried it.

(Now, if you don't excuse me, I'm going to go lie down. It's...It's been a day.)

[dear-eli]

Drafting up a breakup letter to Eli. I can feel it on the horizon, just a matter of time. Might as well get some poetic phrasing out while I can.

-

Dear Eli,

The thing about our relationship is that it only works whenever the two of us are the only ones involved in it. And that is never going to fully be true, as long as Kacee and her jealousy are allowed to meddle and set restrictions, requirements, etc. on my relationship with you, enforced by ultimatums, coercion, and thinly-veiled threats. That shit isn't healthy, for ANYONE involved.

I am no good for you, and I never have been. From the very beginning, my relationship with you has always been a war of attrition - one I was always destined to lose. All I have done is cause you undue stress, and inadvertently, irrevocably damage your marriage. I don't want to do that anymore. I don't want to lose you, and I sure as hell don't want to just bend over yet again and let Kacee have her way. But I'm past the point of bending. I am breaking. I am broken. I can't do this anymore.

And it feels like cutting off a limb, or ripping my heart out of my chest, destroying my entire will to live, but I think I need to end it. Here and now. I wish I could say "we can still be friends," but even that seems impossible right now.

And I need you to know that, as much as I have tried to walk away or said that I'm done in the past, I do not take this lightly. (Actually, in retrospect, most of my "I'm done"s were really more about the situation itself, or the argument we were having, rather than our relationship as a whole - though I am fully aware that that's not how they were communicated, since that's not how they felt to me at the time. But I digress.)

I wasn't kidding when I said you've ruined me for all other men - and, frankly, almost all people regardless of gender. Our physical compatibility aside, you're also my best friend. You make me laugh even when I'm crying. Your arms are where I finally feel like I'm at home, and your skin contact is the best antidepressant I've ever encountered. I love you so fucking much, more than I know how to say. Sometimes I genuinely start to think that you were made for me, that's how perfectly aligned we are in almost everything. If soulmates exist, you are clearly one of mine.

But again: those things are only true when we are able to be alone together, when our relationship is able to be its own entity, without external forces exerting manipulation and control. And Kacee will never let that happen if she can help it. (To be clear: I'm talking about more of a live-and-let-live style of polyamory, not monogamy and/or "cowgirling" you. Not that I wouldn't be happy if I ever had you all to myself, but I could be equally as happy sharing you with someone else whom you love - as long as I, and my relationship with you, are treated with respect and consideration, instead of jealousy and contempt.)

I don't want to lose you. I never have. I'm not sure I'd be able to survive it. But it's become abundantly clear that I don't get to have you and keep you, either. I carved out a space for myself in your life but everything and everyone in it has flooded back in and forced me out. I don't want to go, but I can't stay with you.

-

Update 8/29/22:

And now you've done it again. I told you after our last blowup fight that if you were asked to leave my room and refused to do so, if you disrespected the boundaries of my personal space and my room like that again, or God forbid if you ever actually laid hands on me, that it would be over. And not only did you UNLOCK a door that was locked to KEEP YOU OUT, you came in and refused to leave and when I attempted to physically enforce my own fucking boundaries, you shoved me over, TWICE. Granted, it was onto my bed - which is all fine and good when I've consented to it, and at least it didn't cause me any actual physical harm. But I saw the rage in your eyes in that moment and the harm was done anyway. You destroyed what was left of my trust in that moment. And now, as much as I've bitched and moaned about wanting overnights with you, wanting to sleep next to you or even have the potential opportunity to be intimate with you... that's all fucking moot, because I no longer trust you. I no longer feel fucking safe with you in my room. I no longer feel fucking safe with you touching me. My only fucking comfort person in the whole world, and I can't even ask you for a fucking hug without being afraid of you now. Between that and the fucking venom in your voice when you told me to "pack [my] shit," whatever shreds of hope I might have had of being able to rebuild our relationship are fucking gone. It's over. You've made it crystal fucking clear that I am not wanted here anymore. I'm not fucking wanted anywhere. But I've seen what happens when I overstay my welcome in a place where I'm not wanted. I saw it at my dad's, I saw it twice at my mom's, I saw it with you and Kacee at the trailer. I really don't know why I expected it to be any different here.

I don't know what I ever expected to happen. Our relationship would never have worked out long-term anyway; our support needs are too incompatible. I need cities, mass transit, multiple potential places of employment. You need quiet, country, family. I need mental healthcare and education, to get back to a stable baseline of not feeling like a useless dysfunctional piece of shit, before I can even CONSIDER trying to learn sign language, because right now my brain can barely cope with English. And you need to reduce your stress and get your health issues to a manageable level before you can worry about anything like sign language, etc. And all I have done since I entered your life is manufacture more fucking stress for you, like you didn't already have too fucking much.

I can't do this anymore.