#I wish we could see more of their relationships after s3

[fuzzytadpole]

Learning to fly!

#hilda the series #hilda season 3 spoilers #hilda season 3 #art #fanart #johanna hilda #astrid hilda #I love them sm 😭 #I wish we could see more of their relationships after s3 #twig lookin a lil wonky down there lol

[cookinguptales]

*spins the meta wheel* yeah okay, let's talk about Nandor.

One of the things that's always fascinated me most about his character is the way he desperately wants change but also seems to be more terrified of it than all the other characters put together. He talks about wanting things to be different a lot, but he always sabotages anything that might really materially change his life.

Like -- this quest for love. He talks about how much he wants a partner, he wants his life to change, but what do we actually see? In s3 and the beginning of s4, he's just consistently going after women who don't really want him instead of spending time developing the relationships he already has. He dips into shallow relationship after shallow relationship because the real relationships, the ones that might actually change his life, terrify him. The best/worst of these is probably the cult dedicated to literally living in a fantasy version of the past, which like. Not really helping him beat those afraid-of-change allegations.

(You can learn all the 80s and 90s songs you want, Nandor, we both know only Guillermo is exposing you to modern pop culture! And yeah, there's more than one metaphor there...)

And then in s4, he decides he wants a wife, so he chooses one in the most haphazard way possible and makes both of their lives miserable. He is constantly changing her to make her easier for him to deal with without actually changing his life, and then he gets rid of her when he's fed up with the monster that he's created.

His whole thing with the Djinn is that he's constantly asking him to change things -- and then change them back. He wastes so many wishes on things like Marwa. I want this. No, that. No, that. No, put it all back to the way it was originally.

He does this over and over and over, and nothing seems to perturb him more than finding out that things have changed when he wasn't looking. (See: his difficulty accepting that Laszlo is creating relationships with other people, his spiraling over the big bang, etc.)

So... how does this pertain to Guillermo?

Guillermo's frustrated with Nandor at the end of s4 because Nandor likes the status quo. Things are different, are constantly changing, but Nandor refuses to acknowledge any of that. (He even mentions off-hand that he forgets Guillermo is a slayer sometimes.) Guillermo has always worked for them all under the promise of change, so you could see why this would freak him out a little. He's realizing that things will never change with Nandor because Nandor won't let them. He's so scared of change that he just straight-up ignores it and hopes it will go away -- when he's not actively trying to stop it.

Nandor, who has been making and breaking plans with an almost manic frenzy for the entire season, is finally calm at the end of s4. Why? Because he thinks that everything has gone back to normal. Marwa is gone. Freddie is gone. Guillermo is no longer talking about leaving. Those are the important ones for him, but then Colin Robinson also returns and the house is set to rights, too, so like... why should he worry?

He has no idea what he's already lost. That's what's making me crazy. He doesn't know that he's already lost everything that matters to him. But I think he suspects.

The thing is, Nandor throws himself into his books and his self-help and everything else because I think he can tell, at least on a subconscious level, that things have changed. Indelibly. He knows that Guillermo has changed, and that's probably the one kind of change that scares him more than anything else.

But despite the fact that Nandor can tell that something is up, he still keeps insisting that it's no big deal. It must be some small perceived slight or something. It can't be a huge change that Guillermo is keeping from him. No, no, he already figured that out. He managed to reel Guillermo back in with the wedding scheme. He doesn't have to worry about Guillermo straying again.

:')

He's afraid of losing Guillermo to change, so he prevents change and ignores what he can't prevent. He doesn't realize that that's exactly what's driving Guillermo away. That it's already driven Guillermo away. Nandor's put the idea of Guillermo's transformation up on a shelf, nice to look at occasionally but not a thing he really has to interact with. The theoretical option for change is there, but he doesn't have to worry about it actually affecting his life.

As always, he's attracted to it, but it also scares him. He'll make a glitter portrait of a vampiric Guillermo at his side, but he can't seem to fully get his head (and heart) around the reality of giving Guillermo that kind of power and freedom.

He's afraid that giving Guillermo that kind of power/freedom will change their relationship further, when he's finally gotten it the way he (thinks he) likes it, and he's even more afraid that if Guillermo's leash is taken off, he'll run. He spent all of s4 trying to keep Guillermo from running, but he still seems to believe down deep that he'll do it.

And... he wasn't wrong. Guillermo did go elsewhere to get his bite. But Nandor is very much the one who drove him to do it. I think that's the tragic thing, isn't it? He was so afraid of his relationship with Guillermo changing that he forced Guillermo's hand, which caused the exact kind of change that he was most afraid of. Guillermo distancing himself, Guillermo leaving, Guillermo -- well, cuckolding him, really.

I think it's fixable, but Guillermo's not the only person who's going to need to eat dirt here. He may have been the one who "cheated", from the vampires' POV, but Nandor wasn't upholding his end of the deal, either. And he's going to have to acknowledge the way Guillermo has grown and changed throughout the course of the series, stop regressing to calling him his familiar, and apologize for his own inaction. It may not be the vampiric way, but it certainly would not be the first time Nandor has thrown away vampiric customs for Guillermo.

Nandor, friend, you gotta sit back and learn to embrace change. You gotta enter the 21st century. You gotta allow your relationship with Guillermo to grow organically.

Because Guillermo's gonna change one way or another, and it's really your decision whether or not he leaves you behind. :')

#see: things I care about so much that I wrote 50k words of fanfiction about it lmao #wwdits #wwdits meta #wwdits s5 #wwdits spoilers #long post #guillermo de la cruz #nandor the relentless

[whateverisbeautiful]

♥️ Ranking Richonne

#13: I Love You (S8E14)

Ahhhh probably one of the most anticipated exchanges between Rick and Michonne, and of course, it was sensational. This scene powerfully reiterated that these soulmates truly mean the world to each other. And after seasons of communicating those special three words through every look, touch, kiss, and conversation, we finally got to hear Rick and Michonne directly say what's always been true - they love each other 🥰 Wholly, Deeply, and Forever...

This ily moment, adorably spoiled by our lovely captains 😋, is so tender and heartfelt while also being so natural and clear that these two have been verbally expressing I Love You’s for a while. 

(Side note: I know there’s often debate on Rick’s hottest season lookswise, and really you could make a great case for any season, but lemme just place my vote here for season 8 right quick. 😊 Something about Season 8 Rick was extra fine. I feel bad cuz he was in pain all season, which I truly hate to see...but Rick was looking real right even while everything was going wrong ijs. even tho I think Rick Grimes' TOWL era is about to take the cake 🤭)

Something I so love about Rick and Michonne's relationship is that whenever they go through hardship they ultimately step closer rather than apart. They always eventually close the distance, which was evident in this lovely 'I love you' scene.

And I feel grateful that after experiencing such a devastating loss of their son, Carl, (why, TWD, why? 😭) and having to go on their journeys of grief, Rick and Michonne find their way back to each other truly in this moment. It doesn’t always go that way when a couple loses a kid as we’ve seen from other characters in this very series. But for Rick and Michonne, what they have is so unbreakable that, even in the hardest storm, their love still shines through, rises above, guides, and centers them.

So reflecting on Richonne's I Love You scene will forever have me like...

There’s also a beautiful and heart-rending honorable mention scene in this ep where Rick wipes Michonne's tears and Michonne opens up with Rick (and even makes reference to her son Andre 😭) while trying to help him heal at Hilltop instead of running out and about to get away from his grief.

But Rick still has a bit of savage Rick to get out of his system, so he and Morgan go hunt down some saviors first.

(Side note: while we're talking season 8, this 100th ep kiss in the season 8 premiere also deserves a big honorable mention because...🥵🔥🔥)

When Rick returns to Hilltop after wildin out with Morgan, he’s finally gained clarity on what he needs to start focusing on and who he needs to be healing with. Which leads to him saying those three very special words to the very special woman in his life. 🤗

So the scene starts with Rick returning to his room in a clean fresh tee, showing a clean fresh start to me. (Also Rick + a white tee has been a great combo since season 1, y'all) And he finally knows it’s time to let his wife and son guide him and read Carl's letter.

Michonne enters sorta hesitant I think because when Rick and Morgan returned they def looked like they had dabbled in the dark side out in those woods, and so she might be wondering what headspace Rick's in after whatever he just did.

But the thing about magnets is they always find their way back to each other and so Rick's not grown more distant but rather more aware of how he needs to navigate this season with her.

She finds him holding the letter, and Rick first says, "Thank you." Again, I love that Rick always thanks Michonne. Like as early as when they were strangers in s3, Rick has always vocally expressed gratitude for Michonne. And, in this moment, he knows how much Michonne has been his rock during this unbearable time as well as still fighting for their son Carl and his wishes, and so Rick thanks her for it. Her presence in his life is invaluable and he knows it.

Also, I adore the shared breath they both take when he says this. #TheyAreOne. And Michonne's so relieved that Rick has arrived at this point in his grieving journey.

Then Rick says he’s sorry which is also great cuz he knows going out and handling all this alone is not how magnets do. And Michonne is so understanding when she says, "You don't have to be."

It's just more proof that she is the exact kind of loving presence Rick needs in his life because she’s so good at both accountability and empathy. (Also in 4.09, Rick tells Carl sorry, and Carl also responds with, "You don't have to be." 😭)

And then Rick, knowing how blessed he is to have Michonne love him and stand with him through it all, turns to her and so tenderly says, "I love you." Beautiful x10. 🥹✨

I love how melodic it's said. 🥰 It’s this lovely quiet moment and Rick says it truly like it is a reassuring reminder of something he has expressed to her often and feels deeply.

I love that he turns to really look her in the eyes and has this little nod and subtlest smile when he says 'I love you.' And you just know he genuinely means this. It’s so great, and I could replay it 1000 times idc. 

And Michonne really does complete the perfection when she so movingly says, "I love you too." 🥹✨

Again, you can feel how much she means this. The emotion on Rick's face, when he hears his wife say she loves him too shows that he also can feel how much they both mean this, especially as a small tear can be seen. They are everything to each other. 🥲

(Side note: One of the many reasons why I was so elated to hear Rick call Michonne his wife in that TOWL trailer (which I'm still there btw - haven't left since I first heard it 😋) is because we who love their love story of course already knew he views her as his wife (since 2016) and that he'd refer to her as that in the spinoff series, but by saying it in the trailer it showed that this isn't some big reveal they have to wait to say in the new show. Michonne has been his wife for the longest. Rick has viewed her as his wife for seasons. Their marriage is not a new TOWL development, it is an element of TWD. And scenes like this ily scene in season 8 make that crystal clear. (also I cannot wait to hear Rick call Michonne his "wife" even more and to hopefully hear Michonne call Rick her husband 😊)

I adore that we had so many moments of Rick and Michonne communicating 'I love you' to each other in different ways leading up to this point, and then this scene gifted us with the actual direct ILY exchange between them, and of course it was perfect and proof that...

I really feel confident this wasn't intended to be R&M's first time ever saying "I love you" directly either. In this scene, both of them seemed to communicate it in a way that said this is something they've said before and often. (like it feels like they don't show Michonne's facial expression upon hearing Rick say 'I love you' because this isn't a first. She's heard that man tell her this several times before 😋)

I like to think that why these season 8 'I love you's carry so much weight right here and now is because it might be the first time they've said it to each other post-losing Carl. 😭

How heartwarming is it to know that even in a sea of pain, Rick and Michonne still want each other to know that while their whole world has been changed, the one thing that hasn't changed is their love for each other. 🥹

Their love story is just heavenly. To go from staring at each other through a prison fence and thinking they’d patch her up and then she’d be gone to now declaring their love. Perfection. 🙌🏾

And ILY’s do not seem like a phrase either Rick or Michonne take lightly or would just say to anybody. For them to express this and fall in love with someone, the connection was going to have to be deep and special. And what they found with each other is the deepest love so of course they can tell each other these 3 words with ease.

And because Richonne is the gift that keeps on giving the scene doesn’t stop there. Michonne then approaches Rick and lovingly takes his face in her hands as they share a sweet kiss. 🥹

And only Richonne can make their movement after the kiss feel as passionate and intimate as the kiss itself. Cuz after finally connecting like they’ve been longing to do, Rick and Michonne stay in the moment, looking deep into each other's eyes before leaning their heads against each other with that blessed mirror giving us all the angles. 😍

I love that mirror, y'all. 😋 I'm deeming that mirror and the set designer who placed it there some Richonners cuz, baby, they knew what we needed to see...

The way Rick and Michonne touch each other is always electric, and I love that they seriously feel like one as she rests her hand on his heart and he gently moves his hand up her side. These actors are so gifted at not wasting a single moment or action because they communicate Richonne's love in every second of a scene.

(and when richonne inevitably does that signature forehead touch in TOWL, after years apart...y'all I just might ascend to the heavens right then and there 😇)

It’s also sweet the way Michonne looks at Rick before leaving for him to have this time alone to connect with his son and read the letter.

Having the scene end with Rick reading his son's letter in a whole mirror as opposed to the shattered mirror he saw himself in earlier in the ep, is lovely. And it speaks to the power of Richonne that Rick could arrive at this point, ready to slowly but surely start healing. 

“I love you” really is communicated in every Richonne scene. And while season 8 was a weak one overall, one thing it did well was illustrate the stunning strength of Rick and Michonne’s exquisite and powerful love.

And I love knowing that, thanks to TOWL, we're sure to have some more Richonne "I Love You" moments in store. #GiftThatKeepsOnGivingAndGiving 😌

#richonne #top 30 #number 13 #rick x michonne #twd 8.14 #reveling in richonne #twd towl #the ones who live

[marvel-starwarsfangirl]

"The Bad Batch" S3 Review- Spoilers

Alright guys, we made it. After 3 years of this lovely show, it has finally come to an end. I definitely plan on doing a review of the entire show and see where it fits with the other big animated shows. However, that will come after my Crosshair Character Study. For now, let's focus on S3. Like Season 2, I'd definitely say it's a solid 8.5/10 for me. Although, S2 might still be my favorite. I honestly think Rebels might be the only show that has a 9/10 final season for me. Look, I loved CW and Siege of Mandalore is phenomenal, but that Ahsoka arc was not it. The final season of TBB has so much I absolutely loved and so much I wished it handled better. So, let's jump right into it!

This season felt so different for me and I definitely know why. The story is much more plot driven than the first two. In the first two seasons, the Batch were more worried about survival and kinda just went on adventures all around the galaxy. The Empire really didn't know where they were so the stakes weren't as high. Crosshair himself was stuck in the Empire meaning he didn't focus on the Batch as much until they crossed paths with him.

S3, however, sees the Batch and Omega specifically being hunted relentlessly. They need to figure out what's going on or else they will never be free. This shift from the Batch galavanting around the galaxy to a more plot driven narrative does change things up. Looking back, I think the creative team just needed more time. S3 has so much going for it and there just isn't time to flesh out the ideas to their fullest potential. That being said, I am overall satisfied with everything they pulled off, especially Crosshair. This show has solidified him as one of my top 3 favorite SW characters and fave clone. He's so well-written and I adore him.

What I loved:

The atmosphere this season was so dark and I loved it. There was a maturity to the ideas and threat level that I honestly really appreciated. Just like Andor, TBB really demonstrates just how monstrous the Empire is. There is nothing that Palpatine won't do in order to achieve total domination and subjugation of the entire galaxy for all eternity. And Hemlock is right there beside him. That man's passion for his craft knows no bounds; it doesn't matter who's strapped to his table. It's so horrifying to think how Tantiss is probably just one of the many, many inhumane and monstrous things the Empire has running. TBB, like Andor, is peak Empire imo. If there was any doubt that this monstrosity could last as long as it did, these two shows erase it.

I also really loved the character relationships, particularly Omega and Crosshair. Their bond is so beautiful and reminiscent of ones I see in my own life. There's nothing Crosshair wouldn't do for her and it fits really neatly with who he is as a person. Omega brings out the best in him, just as she does all her brothers. This season really emphasized how much Omega's brothers have influenced her. Their lessons really come into play by the end of the season. To see her grow from a naive young girl into a mature (but still childish) teenager/pre-teen was beautiful.

Crosshair this season was everything to me. I could be here for hours talking about him. I was beyond thrilled with how they handled him. He has changed so much and this season highlights that growth in every way. Crosshair remains to be the best written character and nothing about him felt OOC. I loved his dynamics with the Batch and Omega. (The hugs were perfect)! I loved how his struggle was something he worked on the entire season; it wasn't just one and done. I love how the themes of trust were woven so perfectly into his story. Crosshair was perfect (I'll touch on the hand thing later). I couldn't have asked for more (except just give me more Crosshair. I will never be tired of him. I could watch a whole show of just him doing stuff).

I don't have a burning desire to punch Hunter anymore. Yay! But in all seriousness, I have developed a soft spot for him. As much as he got on my nerves in S1, I really do appreciate him a lot more. He does care deeply and has a lot he's struggling with.

Echo showing us why he's the ARC Trooper. Seriously, those scenes of him will always live rent free in my head.

Emerie! Really great character and very interesting.

*hides in a corner* Rampart.

The music and animation were phenomenal. Honestly, both were flawless. The music in particular moved me to tears several times. Props to the animators and Kiners because this is some of their finest work yet. That one shot of Crosshair catching CX-2's knife was outstanding.

I also loved the action, seeing the boys fight together, and final shot of the Batch + the epilogue. There is so much I adored in those moments and the rush of emotions I got each time. The epilogue was so personal and I might do a separate write up on it.

The themes of family and hope were also front and center and I loved every second of it. If anyone asks why I love TBB, it's because this is show about family more than anything. The Batch are a family and seeing them learn to be one is so beautiful. It means so much that Hunter, Wrecker, and Crosshair got to settle down together and raise Omega. It's just beautiful.

What I didn't like:

I wanted more deep convos. Whether it was because of a preference for action or time constraints, the writers just needed to have more deep character emotions and let them sink in. It's why "The Outpost" and Tech's convo with Omega are so well loved; they let us really be with the characters. I wish S3 had more of those moments because they make this show that much better. I just wanted more. And I know this show is capable of that. It sucks knowing what it could've been. So many moments could've hit more had they been given time to breathe or worked in a bit differently.

The way Tech was handled. Hats off for actually keeping him dead. I just wish we got proper closure on that 😐. Although Tech's death looms largely over the Batch, it feels like the writers brushed it off. Why didn't we get a scene of Crosshair learning what happened? I know the time skip implies they all processed Tech's death, but it still felt like something was missing. It felt like the writers expected us to also process it like the Batch and move on. Except, we're not the Batch. We don't know what went on in their heads because they're fictional. The audience relies on the writers to show us that grieving process and we don't get it. It also didn't help that it felt like they were baiting us with CX-2 at times.

Some of the plot lines being dropped for plot/time reasons. Look, I know that it's about the Batch and their journey on becoming a family. However, it felt like more was being set up and it might go no where. One thing I love about TBB in general is how it showed us how the Empire began to change the galaxy the moment Palpatine got what he wanted: total dominance. Clones began to take a stand. Talks of rebellion were already being whispered. I just hope that these storylines revolving around Rex, Riyo, and Echo don't wither away because TBB has ended. Or the Ventress thing. I know they said she'll be back but who knows when that'll happen. I also wanted to know more about the CX Program. That’s what fanfics are for, am I right?

The pacing was brutally fast. This ties into my points about the narrative being more plot driven and lack of time to fully flesh out ideas. It felt like there was almost no room to breathe at times because we jumped from plot point to plot point as each episode progressed. Don't get me wrong, TBB handled this way better than Ahsoka, but I just needed like two more episodes of the boys and Omega running around, ok?

Overall, this season just needed time.

What I am neutral on:

Scorch. Man was done dirty, but I didn't know who he was til this season. Sorry guys. Including him and not giving him anything wasn't a good idea imo though.

Crosshair's hand. I get both sides of the argument, I really do. First off, I'm a sucker for whump. I can't help it. Also, you can say that him losing his hand connects to him severing himself from Tantiss and the pain he went through. But at the same time, Crosshair's trauma isn't going to magically vanish by just chopping off his hand. If anything, it'll just add to the trauma. I applaud the writers for dealing with such a sensitive topic, but from a certain POV the hand chop is a quick fix to a storyline that could've had more substance with another season. I'm neutral on it because again, I see both sides of the argument. I think if we got more of a reaction from Cross, the situation would've been more clear (he was doing some crazy compartmentalization during the back half of the finale, let's be honest here).

Anyways, that's my review of S3 of TBB. Despite it's flaws, this little show still went out on a high note and I am very pleased with it. I love TBB with all my heart and I will hold it cherish it forever. Until next time everyone. I will still be talking about Crosshair and this show, don't worry. No matter what, I will never tire of this beautiful family ❤️

#star wars #the bad batch #tbb crosshair #tbb omega #tbb hunter #tbb wrecker #tbb tech #tbb echo #tbb season 3 #tbb spoilers

[kiirotoao]

HEYY YOUR SO PRETTY BTW AND I LOVE YOUR BLOG

the ask :

so, i wanted to get ur opinion on s3 mike. such as, what he was going through and his internalized homophobia. things like that!

maybe some things w/ him and his relationship w/ el too!

THANKS FOR ANSWERING IF U DO ANSWER :D

I’m gonna pretend that I’m fine after weeks of getting flustered just staring at this in my inbox! Thank you, anon!!! 🥺🥺 You’re making me blush! But, uh, anyways! Let’s talk about Mike Wheeler! 💙

I think that Mike in season 3 is the most interesting version of himself in the entire show because of how hidden his story becomes. In all other seasons, Mike cries openly with other people and expresses his sadness and fears over Will and El.

In season 3, though? Besides the finale, the tearful goodbyes narrated by Hopper, we never see Mike truly cry and explicitly talk through why. Sure, it can be pretty readily implied that it’s because of the Byers leaving, but we don’t hear that aloud. We don’t see exactly who’s on Mike’s mind as those cars pull away. We're left with silent and unsure stares, looks of seeming regret or something else unknown.

Season 3 is truly a huge turning point for Mike, he’s losing his girlfriend and arguably his closest friend in the Party, and it's so easily overlooked because it all happens at the very end of the final episode. Whereas El goes through hell and fights to connect to Billy and save her friends, where Max also feels the weight of his loss, where Will gets his heartbreaking scene at Castle Byers - all the Party members who are very linked to Mike get their emotional moments that season, and we know exactly why they cry.

But Mike dances around his emotions all season long. In consulting Lucas to deal with breaking up and making up with El, in trying to tell El that he loves her without ever saying it, in fighting with Will because "it's not [his] fault [Will doesn't] like girls."

Oh, Mike. I really don't think that Mike was out to hurt Will when he said that. Rather, it's a culmination of heteronormativity and the poor relationship that he has with El and trying to compensate for it. I interpret the outburst as him saying, 'it's not my fault that I'm in a relationship and you're not, so you wouldn't get it.' And by extension, Will being in a relationship would require, normatively, being with a girl.

But at the same time, for a jab that deep - I can't help but question more.

Mike could have said, "it's not my fault you don't like anyone!" or "don't bring her into this!" or even as simple as, "you wouldn't understand!" But no. Mike takes the direct train to sexuality station and brings up the fact that El is a girl. So it seems to me that Mike is very likely harboring something in his heart about why El being a girl is important for him to argue.

But we never know for sure. This moment is never addressed again due to the Mind Flayer’s sudden return. And so it’s up to us as the audience to decide what we think of Mike’s statement. And personally, as I’m sure many of you believe, too, I think that Mike is projecting and trying to hide the fact that he doesn’t like girls onto Will, pushing away his problems to someone he trusts who’s more similar to himself than he realizes.

Tied to his inability to say to El’s face that he loves her, to the fact that they've - reportedly from Hopper - kissed all Summer long with no mention of meaningful conversation, to the very surface-level relational mending his makes by calling El’s outfit “cool” and giving her candy, to the very end of the season where Mike once again denies saying that he loved El just before an open-eyed kiss and a face like this:

Mike doesn’t need to say anything about that kiss for me to know that that’s not the reaction of someone who’s perfectly happy to be back together with his ex-girlfriend. So do I wish that we had a moment of vulnerability for Mike where he expressed his heart in season 3? Yes, but his nonverbals spoke volumes.

So, yeah, I think that in season 3, Mike is very much gay, but he he acts cautiously and self-preservingly because trauma is drowning everything out.

And what is this trauma? I know that I’m working backwards, but I need to bring up that Mike was separated from El for so long in the time of season 2, and I think that that makes him so attached to her in season 3. Think about what else he says in that scene when he admits his love: “I love her and I can’t lose her again.”

As sweet as it is to be reunited to El by the end of season 2, it’s not a clean reunion for Mike. He’s in shambles when he learns that Hopper was lying to him and not letting El even tell Mike that she’s okay.

Not to mention that this isn’t his first but second time almost losing her to the monster that season.

Because of this unstable connection, I think that Mike has built a protective relationship with El, one that focuses on keeping her rather than knowing her, and we see how that all unfolds with his superficial “superhero” complex he has of her in season 4. Season 3 was just the beginning.

And so I think that Mike in season 3 stands as a version of himself that’s confused protectiveness with love. Even though he arguably behaves with that same mindset all the time, it’s at its highest during season 3 because of his never-ending insistence to help El even if she’s capable to do things by herself. Mike isn’t just clingy, he’s worried. Worried for her life. There’s no time to worry about where the problems in their relationship arise, there’s only time to fix them and go back to how they were at equilibrium - when things were normal.

Thus, Mike behaves rather stubbornly. He’s insistent and defensive, not letting a single thing slip through the cracks and risk any more hurt. In doing so, his personality is left far under the surface and unexplored. He only acts to stir up emotions rather than reflect on them, because any pausing to think will only confuse him more. He’s looking ahead, looking at the light, holding onto everything good he has with all the propriety of a 13/14-year-old who has a heart bigger than his head.

Simply put, Mike is a bit of an anti-hero this season. And I think that it's because of this that he starts to get most controversial for the audience.

I’m clearly a Mike apologist, but I genuinely don’t think that he’s out to hurt anyone when he argues with others this season. He’s just stubborn and loud about it, which can definitely be to his fault at times. But in the end, when it comes down to who he loves, I think that season 3 is the era of change, and that ending scene with Hopper’s letter paints the perfect setup for the next seasons to reveal that Mike has a lot more going on under the surface that’s causing all of this. Maybe some regrets, things he wishes he could “turn back the clock” on, regarding, say, Will and El and how he treats them platonically and romantically? Just a thought.

The question of the day for Mike in season 3 stands: is he being selfish or selfless? And I think that it’s a mix of both, blended in with some heavy confusion due to role changing (not needing to protect El) and uncertain affections (not knowing how to figure out what he has with Will).

So, yeah. All in all, I think that Mike is really closeted in season 3 and doesn’t realize it until the final episode, and I honestly love him for it. As someone who’s gone through similar hurdles of internalized homophobia as a teen, it’s really heartwarming to see him grow and figure things out, even if the journey is far from perfect. It’s a humble origin story. And if he somehow ends up being straight and Byler isn’t endgame, well. I’ll be upset at the writers, but the impact still stands.

#Mike wheeler #byler #byler analysis #mike wheeler analysis #asks my beloved <3 #Mike is my second favorite character but always first in my heart to talk about and analyze #he’s just so babygirl #THANK YOU AGAIN ANON!!! #I wanted to reply sooner but it’s Mike so I just kept going 😂

[jadeylovesmarvelxo]

Minors dni, no Vecna. ❤️

Post S3 Steve reverts back to his King Steve persona when it comes to dating. He's sick of pining after Nancy and having no luck on dates so he figures he will go back to what worked for him before.

Casual sex, no feelings. Absolutely no falling in love with any of the girls he dates or sleeps with.

Robin calls him a dingus and says he's grown far too much to just go back to being a douchebag who just hides his feelings with meaningless sex and dates that don't go anywhere.

"Dingus, it's a disaster in the making, you're absolutely going to fall in love with one of these girls"

No he wasn't. He was making a decision to not let his heart get broken again. It was bad enough with Nancy, he wasn't going through that another time.

❤️

The no strings attached relationships work out, he keeps his dates at a distance and actually enjoys being cool and suave again, making a pretty lady smile or blush just from his words.

Then he meets you. You're sweet but also have a fiesty side as he finds out from your first conversation.

He's chatting to Sandy who's hanging onto his every word when he catches your eye, your shy smile startles him out of his flirting and his heart skips a beat.

Shit that wasn't good... Sandy drags his attention back to her and he feels like he's getting back in the flow of the conversation.

"Yeah if you're done flirting Steve, I'd like to check this out" Steve blinks as he looks away from Sandy to you.

You're sweet smile is gone and you're glowering at him looking impatient.

"Uh, sorry about that. I was just... He looks to Robin for help who winks at him and simply watches what's about to happen.

Yeah, thanks Robin.

"Flirting with all the babes?" you offer and he feels himself blush. Shit, this isn't what King Steve would do.

"Saving my best lines for you honey" he wink and you look at him unimpressed. Sandy has grown bored and walked out of the store but Steve barely pays attention, he's so focused on you.

...

"If that works on anyone I'd be suprised. Can I check this out how?" you ask and he nods trying to find a way to come out of this conversation without looking like a jackass.

"So Star Wars, that's one of my favourites you know with the teddy bears and shit. Han Solo is fucking cool"

You peer up at him and there's a tiny smile on your face.

"Well, I do love them teddy bears" you emphasise and he scowls as he hears Robin hold back her laughter.

"Maybe we could watch it together" he suggests and he leans over the counter locking eyes with you. Wow you had beautiful eyes, he wished he had noticed that sooner.

"Aww well I wouldn't want the babes who come here to be deprived of your handsome face Steve" You take the video and he's left staring out after you with his mouth agape.

Robin smirks at him and he grumbles under his breath. It feels like she should have another whiteboard that tallys his unsuccessful flirting attempts.

He's earned a big zero for this one. But he knows he can turn this around. Once he turns his charm up a notch then things will be different right?

❤️

Wrong.

It turns out his charm has no effect on you whatsoever, he begins to notice you more and other ladies less and less.

He looks forward to seeing you every other day and that both excites and scares him all at the same time.

However, at one point he gets frustrated and yeah a little sad that you don't seem to like him in that way, sure you're more forthcoming now and smile at his stupid jokes but you don't like him the way he likes you.

So he flirts with a customer called Janet while you're returning a movie and talking to Robin.

He feels your eyes on him and is suprised when he sees the pain in your eyes when you look between him and Janet.

His stomach sinks and he realises he's fucked up when you mumble goodbye to Robin and rush out of the store.

Robin taps her foot impatiently and glares at him, he swallows down a lump in his throat knowing he's fucked up.

"Go! You can still catch up with her" he nods and rushes out of the store. At first he doesn't seen you but as he jogs up the street he spots you right across the road and calls your name.

You turn around and you're expression is blank but he knows that he has messed up.

"I'm sorry, he blurts out before you can say anything, I flirted with Janet because I thought you didn't like me the way I like you and that really fucking sucks because I think you're amazing. Now I realise you might just feel the same and I screwed up and I'm sorry"

You're quiet for a minute then you gently take his hand.

"You're an idiot Steve Harrington" he smiles when he sees your expression soften and the pain in your eyes melt away.

"So I've been told. Look, I like you. Would you like to go on a date?" he prays that you say yes and to his delight you do.

"Okay, one date" he sighs relieved and feels confident he can turn it into a secondnand hopefully more.

❤️

Steve's usual nonchalance and distant approach breaks down within the first couple of weeks of you two dating.

All he wants to do is get to know you better and let himself take a chance on something pretty amazing.

He doesn't want to be going from girl to girl for relationships that go nowhere.

Robin was right the whole "King Steve" shit was stupid. She was also right about him falling head over heels in love... with you.

He tries to fight it but it's like fighting a losing battle.

The first night the two of you make love is when he knows. He's lying with you in a post coital daze and you're cuddled up on his chest fast asleep.

He feels content... When he looks at you it feels like home. He can't remember ever feeling like this, he didn't even feel this way about Nancy.

"I love you" He murmurs as he strokes your hair and he's sure you won't hear him, he's sure you're too sleepy to even register what he's saying.

Then he looks down at you and you're staring up at him happily.

"I love you too Steve"

It's those three words that make Steve realise that a happy ending really is possible for him.

❤️

#steve harrington x reader #no vecna #steve harrington x y/n #steve harrington x you #steve harrington angst #steve harrington fluff

[will80sbyers]

Love is important in Will's storyline because the Duffers decided it would be... They started with the script of season 2 where Will looks at Mike and El dancing, then in s3 they made him say this and fall completely for Mike, he's jealous and heartbroken that Mike and El are together and he realized he couldn't deny his feelings for Mike anymore

THEN in season 4 his whole freaking storyline is about how he's in love with Mike

so deeply that he wants his happiness before his own happiness

so he uses his feelings to help Mike and El "fix"( AKA PUT A PRECARIOUS BAND-AID ON!!!!!) their problems.... And that brings Mike to this thing here that he was scared to say for two seasons (imo also probably because deep down,even if not consciously, he knows El is not his "destiny", Will is.)

and Will to be heartbroken and resigned to never have Mike

It's the ripping of his band-aid but at the same time Mike doesn't know he felt secure enough to say the ily only because of Will and not El and that is a big lie that will be discovered and Mike also doesn't know Will is gay...

So what's the point in keeping this up next season if not to do a "Will they, won't they"situation and keep the love triangle going? (Aka queerbaiting if it doesn't end up in byler)

Will coming out to Mike and Mike only saying "oh yeah sorry bro I love El but you're my bestie so I accept you" would be underwhelming af as a story, it could happen but it would be shitty towards Will's character for what they made him go through all these seasons to not give him a big fucking win in the finale and get him THE boy he loves with such intensity and care...

Even if him coming out alone would be important for how they wrote his story it would not be enough of a pay off for a finale, they wrote the storyline of the painting making him make that stunning speech because we had to root for them to end up together and see how Will is a better fit for Mike than El ever was...

And also El and Mike's story is stagnant and repetitive and having another season like that would be just boring, they did everything they could to ruin their relationship this season and make them look mismatched and like they don't really get each other and this was intentional, it doesn't happen randomly!!!

Mike is going to find his own match in Will, he's going to be loved exactly how he wished to be loved all his life and it will be an happy ending for the 3 of them!!!

El's priority was always family since season 1 and she has her family now, "There's MORE to life than stupid boys." is something they decided to include right after the love monologue in Eleven's story because she's not focusing on romantic love now, she doesn't love Mike like Will loves Mike it simply has not been presented to be that intense

Will is going to be completely loved and accepted for who he is and Mike will have the same with their relationship and they can make a great story writing this in, they can make history and as writers they KNOW it's the best option for a happy ending because they are the ones setting it up and writing themselves in a corner

#byler #will byers #mike wheeler #stranger things #el hopper byers #anti Mileven

[radiosummons]

There is no doubt in my mind that I am most definitely not the first person to bring this up, but after doing a quick rewatch of Hunt for Ziro (TCW, S3 EP9) I can't help but feel ... just kinda disappointed.

Granted, when I first saw this episode I had no idea who Quinlan was or what his relationship to Obi-Wan was other than he was a fellow Jedi Master who Obi-Wan considered a "bit much" (which is extremely rich coming from Obi-Wan, cause HELLO!!!).

But now knowing what I do know about Quinlan, my god, I can't help but sorta feel like they did him just the tiniest bit dirty. The episode by no means takes away my enjoyment of the character or the show, but I wish they had given him more.

I will say that there are a LOT of things I do love about this episode. For starters, the little exchange between Obi-Wan and Cody at the start of the episode is absolute gold to me. Considering that only does Obi-Wan not waste the opportunity to complain about his childhood friend, but that even Cody is already aware of Quinlan's reputation is a great way to introduce the audience to what kind of person this new Jedi is.

(My little headcanon is that Cody knows about Quinlan due to Obi-Wan going on several mini rants from his General about his "troublesome" Jedi friend, but I'd also just accept the idea that Quinlan is just that fucking infamous in the GAR lol).

It's barely even been a full minute and we already know several things about Quinlan. 1) He has a reputation for being "extra," or at the very least according to Obi-Wan's standards (which, again, fucking WILD), 2) The fact that he's late for a mission and Obi-Wan isn't the least bit surprised tells us this is pretty much the norm for him, and 3) Even the clones are aware of who Quinlan is and what kind of Jedi he is.

The scene then continues with Quinlan finally showing up for his joint mission with Obi-Wan. But because Quinlan is Quinlan, instead of just waiting for the gunship to land, the motherfucker takes the opportunity to dramatically leap and land onto the platform.

Just ... absolute perfection with this character already.

Also, the fact that he follows up said dramatic entrance by taking the time to greet Cody just automatically wins him more points in my book. I love that the TCW writers made a point to show that Quinlan despite being an "odd Jedi," also sees the clones as people. His very friendly and nonchalant way of greeting Cody could also imply--although I'm not sure this is accurate or not--that he's either 1) Already met Cody or 2) Knows about Cody (possibly through Obi-Wan) and possibly already considers him a friend, if not someone he could become friends with.

I don't even mind The Big Lebowski reference inserted into Quinlan's introduction when he nonchalantly brushes off Obi-Wan's obvious annoyance at being made to wait.

Honestly, it's kind of iconic to see someone rebuff Obi-Wan's charm with a simple "Well ... that's just your opinion, man." And knowing what I do know now about them both growing up together, it is absolutely hilarious to see Obi-Wan just silently take that response. Because he knows Quinlan, and he knows his sense of humor. So instead of trying to come up with something witty back as he usually would do with anyone else, Obi-Wan just has to quietly glare at him and refuse to rise to the bait.

The transition from Quinlan's nonchalantless to business and then back again is also fun to watch. Even while Obi-Wan is trying to direct the conversation to solely focus on their mission's purpose, Quinlan is helpfully and not so helpfully sharing what extra bit of intel he has. It's very clear that he's comfortable with Obi-Wan, in that he can slip in a bit of playfulness into what is a very serious conversation but also still keep focus. It's also fun to see Obi-Wan sort of at ease with Quinlan's way of communicating, considering he's had years of living and working alongside Quinlan.

It doesn't stop him from being exasperated at his friend's antics, though. Which is charming in itself to see. Especially when Quinlan offers Obi-Wan to be his copilot, and Obi-Wan easily resigns himself to his fate.

Anyway, I do love that the majority of the episode is an omage to Indiana Jones movies (namely, Temple of Doom), but also to gangster and crime thriller films. Which was absolutely a perfect choice for Quinlan considering that his experiences as a Shadow involved a great deal of missions infiltrating criminal undergrounds and the like.

And the grey morality that is often presence in those types of films is a great compliment to Quinlan, as he while he's still a Jedi, he doesn't hold as strictly to the etiquette and more "refined" tactics of his fellow Jedi. It's also just a nice reference to his own struggles with the Dark Side. And pairing him up with Obi-Wan--his close friend and the one responsible for helping him return to the Light--is just the perfect sort of complimentary team format that is to be expected with those films.

Also this moment:

**A totally not accurate, but very accurate summary of events**

Quinlan: KRIFF THIS DOOR!!!

Obi-Wan: Quin, you can't just barge into people's houses-

Quinlan: Sure I can. I just did.

Fucking iconic.

(As a quick side note, I do love that they took a moment to show off Quinlan's psychometry abilities. Just A+ work right there).

I do also understand that the budget was very limited for TCW (considering that they held off until S3 to debut Quinlan due to the costs of creating yet another character model) and I am very grateful that they were able to give him his own episode. But I can't help wishing we had a little more.

Especially towards the end of the episode. Quinlan just sort of goes completely mute. It is fantastic to see him fight Cad Bane (considering bounty hunters with Cad Bane's skills would be right up Quinlan's alley) and watching him investigate alongside Obi-Wan is also a lot of fun to watch. But it is odd for their banter to just sort of peter off to the point that Obi-Wan is pretty much the only person speaking for the majority of the episode's run time.

The moment where Obi-Wan and Quinlan are hanging from the cliff really sticks out to me the most in this episode. When Obi-Wan says to him "I never did enjoy hanging out with you"--while very funny and a nice reference to their friendship--I can't help but being the tiniest bit disappointed that Quinlan doesn't respond with more than a small smug smile. Granted, the fact he just smiles is funny. But Idk. I'm aware I'm just nitpicking at this point, but I would have loved to hear any sort of verbal response from Quinlan to that, no matter how minor.

I don't know if the budget was extra limited due to Quinlan's new character model being added to the episode, if Quinlan's voice actor just wasn't available to read anymore lines, what production problems may have arisen while creating the episode, or if the script simply just didn't have any other speaking lines for Quinlan. But, uh, yeah. I would have loved just a little something more from him.

Because prior to me finding out more about Quinlan over the years, my initial impression was that Quinlan and Obi-Wan were more colleagues than actual childhood friends. And not just childhood friends, but friends who had a very complicated but overall very sweet friendship despite the hardships they shared.

And I just think that's sort of a shame.

Yes, his character model does appear again in a later TCW episode (Destiny, S6, EP12), but only as a character model/easter egg. And while it did touch me that the Kenobi Show confirmed that Quinlan had survived Order 66 (yes, I did cry when that reveal happened, shut up), I still would find myself wishing we had more on screen Quinlan Vos content.

Just because Quinlan really is an amazing character and I absolutely adore his relationship with Obi-Wan and his padawan, Aayla Secura. He's genuinely a fascinating character to read about in the comics and even more so for the fact that his struggles with the Dark Side did not prevent him from continuing to be a good person.

I think what I just want more than anything is for more people to be exposed to how great Quinlan is. I'm not expecting a Quinlan centric show to up anytime in the future and I don't expect people to go out of their way to read the comics and books about yet another SW character. I just wish more people knew what a fantastic character he is. Especially his wonderful relationships with Obi-Wan and Aayla.

Tldr: I just want people to know how great Quinlan is. Also, give me baby Quinlan and Obi-Wan being the absolute chaos gremlins they are!!! Also, just more Quinlan content in general. I would love that :3

#star wars meta #quinlan vos #quinlan #tcw #the clone wars #hunt for ziro #obi wan kenobi #tcw obi wan #aayla secura #this is a longer post than my usual #but i just think he's neat #and i want more people to know #that quinlan is neat too #edited this post to include the keep reading option #just so people wouldn't have to scroll through #this admittedly quite long post #tumblr is eating my formatting #idk i'll figure it out later

[wibble-wobbegong]

little ramble about will

i wish there wasn’t such a heavy association that heroism = violence. even if that violence is for positive intent, it isn’t a requirement to becoming a hero or a savior or freeing himself from constant victimization.

will has the unique trait of never engaging in violence throughout the show. every character has a different relationship with violence and what the line is for when it needs to be used. el often reacts with violence regarding her emotions and to protect her friends. hopper will use violence to get what he wants from people. mike is adamantly against all violence unless it’s for the sake of protecting others. almost every character has some sort of line they’ll get to from when violence isn’t okay to when it is okay. will doesn’t have that. will can’t shoot the demogorgon, he offers his friendship to dart knowing he’s a creature from the UD which he’s never had a good experience with, the only time he ever actually physically hurts something is when he’s throwing fireworks at the meat flayer which is a creature he knows isn’t alive and can’t feel real pain. it’s made of dead people. he isn’t actually hurting anyone by helping take down the meat flayer.

will is steadfastly against violence to the point where he won’t even hurt living creatures he knows are dangerous. will, while struggling against the hold of the mind flayer, still feels such intense guilt about being forced to lead the demodogs to the lab that he breaks through the possession again. it takes deep emotional reactions for him to be able to do this, as we see with him only reacting to the people closest to him and through mike’s monologue. he feels guilt for what he’s done deep inside him in a way that allowed him to overcome the possession. he was struggling to recognize his own mom at this point, but he still broke through to say sorry. will’s feelings about violence run to the very core of his person, it’s something that has not changed over the entire course of the show.

will’s path to becoming a hero doesn’t mean he learns to use violence to protect others. will’s hero arc doesn’t come from protecting others or being their savior. he’s already done that, over and over and over. he tried to sacrifice himself in S2, he ignored his own feelings in S3 and embraced the feeling the MF triggered so he could warn others. he has been protecting others, just through non-violent means. him being a central victim doesn’t erase the way he has been selflessly protecting people just like how him not using violence doesn’t get rid of that fact either.

will’s path to heroism has nothing to do with violence or protecting others. what he needs to learn in order to be a hero is selfishness. he needs to learn to care about himself as much as he cares about others. he needs to learn that he doesn’t need to give up everything about himself to protect others. his life is important. his feelings are important. his safety is important beyond just henry wanting him. will doesn’t see himself as worthy of escaping this constant cycle of giving himself up to protect other people. he cares so much and he’d give up everything to keep the people he loves safe. there’s someone in this story who wants him to be this way, who benefits from his sacrifice.

if will wants to be a hero and finally escape this ever present victim-status then he needs to be selfish. there are so many important things he can achieve through this, but the most pressing one is this: henry wants him to give up. henry wants him to sacrifice himself to protect the town. henry has always been going after will because he needs him, and if will tries to give himself up because henry will leave other people alone then he will have doomed the entire world. in that act of selfless protection of others, he’s giving henry the exact weapon he needs to continue his plan. what will needs, more than anything, is to be selfish. he needs to prioritize himself. he needs to learn to love himself because he loves others.

defeating henry doesn’t come through violence either. that clearly doesn’t work, based on what we’ve been shown. henry has been subjected to violence his entire life and not once did it prevent him from ending up where he is. no attempts to kill him have worked. will needs to break through to henry’s emotions and show him the compassion he’s never experienced. he shouldn’t forgive henry, he shouldn’t say he loves henry or anything, but he should show that same kindness he’s always had within him. henry doesn’t deserve any type of redemption arc, he doesn’t deserve to be saved, but he deserves to be understood. listened to. it won’t be violence that ends henry, but will’s compassion.

everything will needs to be a hero lies in loving himself. that’s how he can protect others. that’s how he can defeat henry and free himself of his most prominent abuser. it doesn’t lie in violence but in love, and i don’t think those concepts coexist in will’s mind.

#anyway #sorry i have strong feelings about this #will byers #will analysis #this is also how we get byler endgame btw

[mirtola87]

"Tale as old as time", or how Good Omens planted a seed in my soul that's growing more and more (bettah) [2/2]

[Continues from Part 1] Then we started watching S2, and as it happens in any good mystery story, clues became evidences. Crowley and Aziraphale started laying their cards on the table. Throughout the episodes, they act more and more like an "us" and we get used to the idea that their side is a fact. No matter what happens, they will face it together, as they did more and more in the last 6.000 years of their "tale as old as time". Being a coup... ehm, "group of the two of us" without telling themselves and each other, walking on a wire. And then came the rainstorm, the canopy, Jane Austen, the ball, Beelzebub and Gabriel going off together, Nina and Maggie talking with Crowley. The moment not only the characters but the audience, too, realize that the ineffable love could be actually named and told. "Just a little change, small to say the least / Both a little scared, neither one prepared." It was pure revelation, mind-blowing and delightful. After 9 long years, I finally knew that they loved each other, that I loved them, and that I wanted them to be happy together, forever. If I could feel it so deeply, I wonder what it could have been like for Neil himself to discover that the two characters he knew so well from almost 30 years were in love with each other. And then, after 6 "quiet, gentle and romantic" episodes, exploring the evolution of the characters and their relationship and mutual influence through the time (6.000 years of bickering, longing glances and building trust in each other, "bittersweet and strange, finding you can change, learning you were wrong"), the last 15 minutes suddenly came and leave them (and us) heartbroken, as their love is told and denied in the very same moment. It was painful and devastating. And here I am now. Two months have passed since I saw S2 E6, and all that I, all that we can do is wait (and see, hopefully). But it's not, it can't be as before. Something in me has definitely changed. Or rather, it woke as if it had been long asleep. And it grows better and better. This story made me feel things I hadn't felt for years. It's making me feel love, and pain, and longing, and hope. It made me remember how great stories (amazing lies) can make you experience true, deep feelings ("true as it can be"); and it awoke my desire to tell stories and share feelings as well, a wish that had lied sleeping in the back of my mind for a long time. So yes, I am obsessed with GO, but it's not just about this story I love, it's also about me, I believe. And all the time in-between reading the book, watching S1 once, rewatching it and then watching S2 lead me to this, because things can develop and grow only with time. So I guess I should be grateful for that heartbreaking cliffhanger. If S3 had already been there for us to watch, I would have already consumed the answers I wanted. My mind would be at peace and probably none of this would have happened. Instead, I find myself full of questions (about the story, and about my life), I'm restless and eager, I'm painfully alive. And I feel like a new path, a new chapter, is opening before me. "Certain as the sun rising in the East", in the next years I'll be waiting for Neil to tell us about the "Neighbour of the Beast", and in the meantime I'll try my best to cling to that feelings as a precious gift, don't let them go, nurture them and use them for the best. There are many things I wish to thank @neil-gaiman for, but this is probably the most important so far.

#good omens #neil gaiman #terry pratchett #aziracrow #aziraphale and crowley #tale as old as time #neighbour of the beast #ineffable husbands #ineffable love #grow better #david tennant #michael sheen

[orionsangel86]

So, I'm not in the Good Omens fandom, but having seen the "controversy" over a potential sex scene (or even confirmation of a sexual relationship) and it's striking me that the "asexuals vs. other queer identities" thing used by fandom puritains is LITERALLY the classic "divide and conquer" tactic used to prevent effective unity among minorities since time immemorial. By making the different letters of the rainbow alphabet fight each other, they can never unite enough to get ANY rep, and the fandom puritains are basically doing exactly what status-quo loving studios want.

Yeah this 100%.

I may have calmed down on the salty rage after getting a good nights sleep, but if there is one thing I really can't stand its the incessant infiltration of queer spaces by puritans.

I wish more people could see that the rhetoric they are parroting around the echo chamber is just anti sex puritanical conservative bullshit and not the "call for ace representation" that they think it is.

It is very much an attempt to divide the community and turn sex positive queer folk and asexual people against each other (when actually they are the same people).

Asexuality is simply a lack of sexual attraction, it is not a complete disgust and repulsion of all things sexual to the point that you must ban the entire internet for daring to think of the word sex!

Whats so funny about this is that I am totally on board with the ace Aziracrow headcanon, but these people are claiming META ANALYSIS that might indicate any hint towards sexual desire or an interest in sex between them is somehow gross and aphobic.

I dont even think Aziracrow will be having sex in s3. Its unlikely. But if they do drop a few jokes and hints about the possibility, the last thing we need is a fandom full of puritans blowing up acting like its the end of the world because two male presenting beings might have possibly fucked.

Once you peel back the layers it does end up just looking like your run of the mill conservative christian homophobia. Fandoms must become more skilled at recognising the signs of puritanical infiltration and must start fighting back and thinking for themselves rather than following the crowd because it seems like they are "supporting ace people".

Honestly I'm tired. I've been calling out this bullshit for 8 years in fandom. It only seems to have got worse.

#good omens #purity culture #anti sex negativity #sex positivity #asexuality #queer infighting #anti purity culture #puriteens #fandom discourse #asks

[robotsandramblings]

alllrighty i'm going to go on a bit of a rant here. Episode 12's in-show reaction & aftermath of Omega being taken to Tantiss again was severely, sorely lacking. it was reduced to three sentences, with barely any emotion or discussion behind it, and it pissed me off honestly.

this got long, so i'm going to try and TLDR it: -- Bare minimum, with the "lack of emotion / emotional reactions" route, there should have been more on-screen discussion and explanation to support this. i could accept Hunter being at peace with this situation if there was [previous or newly provided] content to support this. -- BUT, it's contradictory to what we've seen in-show thus far. based on what we've seen from Hunter in S3, his lack of any emotional reaction makes NO sense to me. i'm not saying it's entirely OOC, i'm not complaining because it doesn't fit with my headcanons or wishes, i'm saying it literally doesn't fit with the narrative so far. Hunter spent several months in a stressful, desperate search for Omega, we saw on-screen how it affected him, and in the end they still never actually found Tantiss. now he's back to square one and he's just... ok with this??? it's not affecting him emotionally at all????? after we've seen plenty of him being emotional on-screen??? i'm not buying it. i truly don't think it makes sense.

- - - - - -

(now here are my original, full, lengthy analyses)

first off, i'd like to address a few posts i saw where people were accusing fans like me - fans who expected Hunter to be angry - of wanting/expecting a "toxic" or "super aggressive" version of Hunter, and/or wanting/expecting a continued "rivalry" or animosity between Hunter & Crosshair. i think i can speak for most of us when i say that is absolutely not true. some of us thought it possible that Hunter try to beat the shit out of Crosshair, or were afraid that Hunter might blame Crosshair and their relationship go backwards abit. but literally nobody here wanted either of those. so, first of all, jot that down.

what most of us were - reasonably - expecting, at bare minimum, was an emotional Hunter. angry, outraged, upset, terrified, horrified, stressed - at least one of these, or all of these. and yes, he should have been emotional in some way. if only for a brief moment.

Hunter's complete lack of reaction in E12 doesn't make any sense to me. i'm not talking about headcanons or theories or what i personally wanted to see play out, i'm talking about what we've literally seen from Hunter in-show thus far. - in terms of Tantiss: he and Wrecker spent several months stressed out, worn out, and desperate, looking for crumbs of information. and even with (assumedly) Rex and Echo helping them, they still never got anywhere close. - in terms of Omega: we all have our own opinions and headcanons about Hunter & Omega, but ultimately, what is very clearly shown on-screen is that Hunter cares deeply for Omega, and her overall safety and wellbeing has become his top priority.

And now, Omega is back on Tantiss, and Hunter is back at square one, doing this stressful, desperate, impossible search yet again. ...only worse this time, because Hunter is probably assuming they'll be increasing security on her this time around. (he might have secret hope she'll find another ally or stroke of luck, but he's not stupid enough to rely on it.)

and the writers are trying to tell me that… he's ok with all of this?? he's COMPLETELY ok with this??? this situation isn't affecting him emotionally AT ALL???? really?????

But hold on. ok. i can play devil's advocate. i can see the other explanations. "Hunter has made peace with Omega's decision." "Hunter is fully aware that Pabu would be torn apart if she didn't surrender." "Hunter trusts Omega" "Hunter trusts Crosshair" etc etc. i'm not saying those are invalid explanations - in fact, they are quite reasonable.

so why didn't the writers take a few minutes to write that into the episode?? IT'S NOT LIKE THEY DIDN'T HAVE TIME. the episode was literally only 20 minutes long.

"well the writers can't hold your hand everytime and explain every little thing" - agreed! nor should they! but if they're going to change gears like that, and have a character act so differently than expected, then they should be supporting or explaining that change in behaviour. (again, i'm not saying it's 100% OOC for Hunter, but is does contradict his previous on-screen behaviour.)

because really, you have to admit, it was WIDELY expected amongst TBB viewers - even outside tumblr - that Hunter would have a strong emotional reaction. it's not like it was a fan theory that gained popularity. we've all been watching the same show, painting a relatively similar picture of Hunter's character, and thus coming to similar expectations. and while the writers are never beholden to our expectations, if they want to subvert them without explanation, thennn it's going to look like lazy or bad writing.

Finally, i feel it worth pointing out that this is not the first time TBB writers have glossed over a highly emotional issue or conflict and refrained from having a lengthier, more emotional in-show discussion about it. which is why i finally snapped and had to have this rant. if you made it this far, thank you for reading! <3

#hunter #omega #the bad batch #star wars #bad batch spoilers #analyzingsw #i'm sorry this is so long holy shit #but i also REALLY needed to get it out of my system #im always open minded for discussions so please feel free :)

[cruciomione]

idk if anyone noticed this but i was rewatching the bear s2 with a friend (it was her first time) last night and today (we are on the last episode), and i noticed the importance of when strange currencies plays in different parts of claire and carmys relationship. the start, climax and the “end”

the (re)start

the song plays for the first time during their “meet cute” in the grocery store. from here on out this is their song/anthem.

the climax: as good as it gets

it plays after the weird high school esque party, where fireworks are set off, the cops get called, they play beer pong. the whole 9. there’s been meta written on here about how strange a bunch of people pushing 30 and probably 30 and above would have a party like this, and how it signifies carmy trying to relive the past. he never went to a party before but now he has with his dream girl his whole family approves of including mikey, and now he’s taking her to his dream project/restaurant, where they have their first kiss. all very 80s romcom

this is as good as carmy and claire’s relationship gets. or at least we see it get.

the “end” : seeds of doubt and redirection

then for the last time it plays, carmy has a panic attack about their relationship. their love song is then distorted, carmy can’t calm down thinking about her. planting seeds of doubt in his mind about their relationship ( lyric: i don’t know). carmy thinks about #someone else🫠 the music is clear, and their love song is now redirected away from claire.

technically the end (as far as we know bc s3 could do anything) was when claire overheard him in the walk in. but i don’t think we would have gotten to this point if it wasn’t for the panic attack. that really signified to me that this relationship was more like wish fulfillment/fantasy than anything based in reality or anything that is sustainable. the panic attack is the beginning of the end, whether the true end was outside that walk in or s3 if carmy apologizes for closure or if they break up again after deciding to continue their relationship. who knows

just thought this was cool. idk if anyone has talked about this. ✌🏾

#the bear #sydcarmy #tagging bc these are my people #also side note watching the bear high is really fun #especially marcus’ episode i had a blast #the bear meta

[darlenicy]

I got tagged by @rosie-love98 on this:

Tag 9 People you want to get to know better

Thank you and sorry, that it took me so long!

3 ships:

Okay, since I’m tagged on this tumblr account I’ll first go with WINX of course.

1. Driven (Darcy x Riven - Winx Club)

I’ll say it over and over again – they’re perfect. THE POTENTIAL: OMG: If Rainbow had be braver and didn’t focus SO much on Bloom, they could’ve added such an angsty storyline. They build the grounding but never made it to detail and that’s a shame. I may repeat myself, but Darcy was the first one to listen to Riven. To really listen and maybe even the first person after a long time to actually care for him. Of course, she is beautiful and she used that beauty to enchant him but what mattered in the end was that Riven finally found someone who was really interested in him. Someone who saw his ambition and talent. Someone who didn’t see the sparkly outside of perfect Sky and Brandon but who saw this man, who I bet went trough a lot to achieve the right to study at Red Fountain. Finally, someone interested in the one who trained hard to be where was and who wasn’t privileged like other people. Another thing I love about them is the trust and faith Riven had in Darcy who.. in the end destroyed that YES THANKS RAINBOW.  I mean, he never questioned her even though he knew that the Trix’ plans were evil. He did not care about that. Only for her. The betrayal must have been hard. But what about Darcy? How did she feel? Well, we never saw it but regarding her character she might be an overthinker who thinks everything through, who is afraid to show her true self. Darcy seems to be the one who is afraid of losing control and of being betrayed herself. So better destroy than get destroyed? I’m sure she opened up to Riven to some extend and got caught by her own fear of losing control and then overreacted. Maybe. Who know. But the thing is that their end came completely out of the nowhere and I wished the writers had focused a bit more on that instrad of making a cut so that another fairy had a love interest by the end of season 1. It also should have been more focus on their relationship in the following seasons. (I miss the longing stares omg. We could have so much angsty drama!) I think the end of the relationship was not easy for both of them. Darcy lost everything at the end of season 1 and I’m sure she questioned herself a lot after it. Like, what would have happened if etc. And Riven, even more broken than before. What did he think? It’s no secret, that most characters in this show need therapy but these two? Couple therapy maybe lol (now this was long, but that’s when I talk about ships haha)

2. Brella (Brandon and Stella - Winx Club)

I don’t really talk about the fairies here, but I love Brella. They are such a healthy and dynamic couple. Even as a kid I noticed how harmonic and devoted. I loved, that they got so much attention in the show and that they were the harmonic couple and not Sky and Bloom. They had the storyline in s1 I which Brandon disguised as Prince Sky and lied to her. He was afraid, that Stella would only like him as a prince. And yes, Stella might look superficial at first glance but in fact she is not. And I think she showed a lot of strength in forgiving Brandon who lied to her for a long time. She made no big deal of it even though she is a princess who could have easily married or dated a prince. But she chose Brandon. Then there is the Downland arc at the beginning of season 2 and it wouldn’t have worked with another couple. As I said, they are devoted to each other. Stella fkn jumped after him into that abyss without a second thought? Luckily they survived but then Amentia shows up and Stella almost dies because there is no sunlight in Downland. So to save her life, Brandon agrees to marry Amentia who then agrees to let Stella go. I could fangirl over this arc a lot but I won’t because it already gets too long here. Then s3 in which Stella thinks that it might be just her beauty which Brandon loves (which doesn’t make sense after what they went through) but I think the problem Stella has, is that she was always judged by her looks. She was raised to be a perfect princess and let’s face it, before she met Bloom and the Winx, she had no real friends. However back to the show, Brandon knew that Stella was transformed into that Monster but he did not care. Of course not. He was trying to help her no matter what, just to see her happy again. I won’t focus on the later seasons, because they might still have their cute moments there but after all there was too much beef going on between all the couples and I don’t consider these superficial seasons as canon so I’ll stop here. But Brella is chef’s kiss. The best Winx couple followed by Tecna and Timmy and no one can convince me otherwise.

3. Ethel Hallow x Nick Hobbes - Weirdsister College (Do they have a shipping name?)

Since it was rosie, who tagged me I think I have to take a ship which has nothing to do with Winx but which goes more in the direction of Harry Potter and The Worst Witch. And that is an easy one: Ethel Hallow x Nick Hobbes. OMG the potential, the POTENTIAL! Same as driven, they have so much unused potential even though they were on the best way to build an angsty couple with trust issues and all the drama my fangirl heart needs. I love how Nick noticed right away, that Ethel resembled him. She always played the nice and hardworking students but we all know that she was a devious bitch who used every opportunity to make Mildred look bad. And from her perspective, she did nothing wrong. It was always Mildred who stole the show by breaking the rules and being at school but was in the end the good girl who was appreciated. She always played by the rules (yeah not always but she tried her best) and was ambitious and just wanted to be the number one student, yet who interfered? Always Mildred. It’s no wonder she tried everything to get rid of her. Ethel just wanted a happy school life without interruptions. So she wasn’t innocent at all and Nick knew that. In the first episode of Weirdsister College, he immediately checked that he AND Ethel would not have a chance of passing the all-seeing-eye. He tricked Mildred so that she helped him and used that for him and Ethel to pass the ceremony. He’s the typical bad boy who took advantage of Mildred’s talent and gosh, I wished they hadn’t followed this weird storyline he has with Mildred. Because everything was already there with Ehtel: Both students who tried their best to become the top of the class, both power-driven and both unsure in the end. They have so much in common. And Ethel is, after all, the good girl who fell for the bad boy and she KNOWS that he’s doubtful. She does not trust him but is still fascinated by him. And I just love that trope, okay? Ehtel also gives me hardcore rl Darcy vibes and not, it’s not just because they have the same voice actress I Germany. They’re the dark edgy couple I live for. There could have been done so much if they gave us a second season…..It looked like they were giving up on the Mildred/Nick storyline by episode 9 which was again one big flirt of Ethel and Nick. (The potential!) This is why I hate the way they went on the last episode where it’s like “It’s only you who can save him, Mildred” bullshit. I’m doomed for loving couples the writers seem to hate. I could write an essay about them and I probably will on @yaviae somewhen.

Look at them! Ethel's side eye <3

Last song:

Seventeen by Marina

Last Movie:

Crimson Peak (And again I love the doomed couple: Lucille and Thomas, omg my loves)

Currently reading:

Schneewittchens dunkler Kuss (Snow White’s dark Kiss) by Stefanie Lasthaus

Currently watching:

World of Winx season 1

Currently drinking:

Just finished my tea (fennel <3)

Currently craving:

Inspiration! It’s Sunday and that means it’s my ff write day but I haven’t written anything. I’m so tired this weekend..

And I tag: @wtfastaroth @witch-cauany @aurora-of-the-fairies @cerisia76 @stellasolaris @alex-cold17 @no-white-dress @d-arcyky and of course @evdizav

#tagged #winx driven #winx brella #tww1998 ethel #ethel hallow #nick hobbes #weirdsister college #Spotify

[aphverse-confessions]

Hello returning Zana/ZaneChan anon here lmao.

Although I adore this pairing and would go to the ends of the earth for them, I wish we could've seen them be fleshed out more by having them date other people before they get together. Especially Zane. I feel like we could have had a neat opportunity in S3 to explore both Zane and Nana at the same time possibly developing some kind of feelings for one another and then finding other relationships to avoid said feelings. Although they're good people who have good intentions, let them make morally gray/selfish decisions about romance and the relationships in their lives! Nana dating Damien (or Dante. He could be equally interesting imo) could've been a great opportunity to explore her POV and how she handles relationships before we see her and Zane together. We could see the quirks and character flaws she has that rise up in relationships and how she tries to unhealthily cope with them in other relationships before she gets with Zane who could help her confront those problems instead of avoiding them. And vice versa for Zane! How interesting would it be to see him develop feelings for someone else (possibly Kiki?) and have him genuinely care for this other person but it's so obvious that his heart isn't fully there. And have him confront that part of himself who's so deep in denial!! Maybe this partner recognizes this part of Zane and decides to end things amicably. Although Zane would agree with the breakup, let him grieve the loss of such a deep romantic connection and grow from this experience!! Let's have good characters make flawed decisions and grow from their flaws!! And I think the mutual breakups Zane and Nana would have with their respective partners could make their eventual get-together way more investing!! Especially since Zane doesn't take rejection well! They'd care so much and so deeply for each other but they're scared to ruin a great friendship. And maybe that's why they'd have such an impulsive first kiss because they're just acting on impulse after pining for so long! Idk I think it could've been a good opportunity for some character growth (and a way to give Zane something to do in S3 aside from clinging/being an incel to Aphmau 24/7 :/)

.

#aphmau #aphblr #aphverse #aphmau confessions #aphmau mystreet #mystreet #aphmau kc #nana aphmau #zana #zanechan #zane ro'meave

[lupon]

I feel like all the Hopper and Mike parallels aren't so much about Mike being like a caretaker to El, but more about how El plays a similar role in both Hopper and Mike's life. El is someone they both care about very much, with both of them claiming their life started to mean something when they found her.

Hoppers letter: "I left some Eggos out in the woods and you came into my life. I started to feel things again. I started to feel happy."

Mike's monologue: "I feel like my life started that day we found you in the woods."

They were both struggling with the loss of someone when they found El. She gave them a new purpose, she made them feel happy when nothing else could.

Hoppers monologue: "I told myself they needed me. But that wasn't true. That's a lie, they didn't need me, I needed them."

Mike in the van: "What if after all this is over, she doesn't need me anymore? … The truth is, when I stumbled on her in the woods, she just needed someone."

Hopper and Mike BOTH needed El when they found her. Mike is scared of her not needing him because he needed her. Mike is still telling himself she needs him, even though it's becoming harder for him to ignore the fact that she doesn't. Hopper went through the same thing in s3, he wanted her to stay away from Mike and hang out with him more. He was missing the days when it was just the two of them, and when El relied more heavily on him. Hopper's letter focused so much on Mike because a lot of what he was saying could be applied to him. He’s scared of change.

Mike wishes their relationship could be like it was before, with El more dependent on him so he could feel the same happiness he did when he felt like she needed him. Hopper had the same struggle with accepting that El wasn’t going to need him forever, and she would eventually grow up and become independent. 

Hopper and Mike both have to let El go in order for her to be happy. She’ll always be a part of their lives, but they’ve both had to accept that she doesn’t need them by her side all the time anymore. She can only become the best version of herself when she lets go of the people who wanted her to stay the same. 

Hopper and Mike were El’s first guides to the world. They showed her how things work, what to eat, how to speak, and made rules for her to follow in order for her to stay hidden and safe. Everything she knew about the world came from what they told her; hence why Max said “Not Hopper, not Mike, you” because the only things she had ever liked were things they had shown her. They always wanted what was best for her, but their flaw was wanting her to stay the same person due to their own fears and insecurities. They could never show El everything she wanted to see because they still saw her as someone who needed protecting. 

Hopper accepted this in s3, he acknowledged that El was growing and changing without him, and encouraged her to keep doing so. The only thing he asked was that he wanted to always be a part of her life. He still needs her, and he probably always will. But he’s okay with her being alone and making her own rules. 

Now it’s time for Mike to do the same. 

#cheif hopper #mike wheeler #eleven #el hopper #byler #anti milkvan #mike hopper parallels #jim hopper