#4x09: progress

[alittlehurtwithyourcomfort]

The Dragon Prince Whumplist

Character: Callum (voiced by Jack DeSena)

Age Rating: TV-Y7 (FV)

Show available on Netflix

Genre: Animation, Found Family, Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Synopsis: In the magical land of Xadia, magic comes from six primal sources: the sun, moon, stars, sky, earth and ocean. When human mages create a seventh kind of magic -- dark magic -- they start capturing and harvesting the unique magical creatures they need as ingredients, which sparks a war between Xadia and the Human Kingdoms. Three kids from opposite sides of the conflict -- two princes and an elven assassin sent to kill them -- discover a secret that could change everything and decide to join forces and go on an epic journey. That trek could be their only hope of ending the war and restoring peace to both worlds. (Via Google)

Notes: This show is GOOD. If you like ATLA, you'll enjoy this. It gets progressively darker and more violent as the show goes on, so fair warning for that. The relationships between the characters are amazing, and there's also great diverse representation! I highly recommend.

TW's: Violence, mild blood/gore (audio/visual gets worse in later seasons), death, child abuse/neglect, child endangerment, emetophobia (very mild), mild torture

List Key:

bold = most whump, best whump, or favorite whump scenes

~ = a scene break

THIS LIST CONTAINS MAJOR SPOILERS FOR THE SERIES!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

1x01: sparring ~~ upset, argued 

1x02: teary-eyed, emotional goodbye ~~ knocked around, holding his head ~~ threatened

1x03: betrayed, stressed ~~ manhandled, restrained, voice taken (by magic), heavy breathing ~~ scared, gets voice back and coughing ~~ terrified, shocked and teary-eyed, out of breath

1x04: stressed ~~ held at swordpoint 

1x05: stressed

1x06: extremely worried, scared 

1x07: emotional conversation, stressed 

1x08: scared

1x09: scared, stressed 

2x01: sad, stressed

2x02: extremely emotional, sobbing ~~ grieving

2x03: grieving, worried, teary-eyed ~~ sobbing, comforted ~~ betrayed

2x04: stressed

2x05: grieving, stressed

2x06: crying

2x07: glowing eyes, passes out, concern for him ~~ helped to stand, weak

2x08: helped to walk, delirious, weak ~~ in pain, delirious, unconscious ~~ terrifying dreams ~~ concern for him ~~ struggling to breathe, concern for him

2x09: still struggling to breathe, held, concern for him, wakes up gasping

3x01: stressed

3x02: none

3x03: stressed

3x04: stressed

3x05: stressed 

3x06: emotional

3x07: out of breath, almost passes out

3x08: frustrated 

3x09: stressed ~~ choked, gasping for air  ~~ crying, terrified, almost falls

4x01: stressed ~~ startled ~~ solemn, crying 

4x02: stressed, startled 

4x03: angry ~~ solemn

4x04: angry ~~ scared, choking, half-collapsed, possessed, body puppeteered, glowing eyes ~~ still possessed, concern for him, collapsed, unconscious, held

4x05: crying, choked up ~~ emotional conversation 

4x06: stressed

4x07: emotional conversation, "i need you to kill me", talking about possession

4x08: stressed ~~ sleeping spell, weak, collapsed unconscious 

4x09: rough awakening, scared

5x01: stressed 

5x02: stressed

5x03: stressed 

5x04: terrified, worried about his aunt 

5x05: stressed 

5x06: none

5x07: half-collapsed, magical exhaustion, struggling to breathe, helped to stand, supported, concern for him ~~ tired ~~ hands chained behind his back, chin grabbed/manhandled

5x08: unconscious, chained to a pole, shaky breathing, slowly waking up, scared, threatened, electrocuted/beaten (off-screen)~~ slowly waking up, still chained, blood and bruises on his face, heavy breathing, in pain, chin grabbed/manhandled ~~ scared ~~ manhandled, hands chained behind his back, stumbling, collapsed/forced to his knees, concern for him, weak ~~ extremely worried, yelling, angry, knocked out ~~ chained, struggling, pained voice, collapsed ~~ weak, "blood freezing", choked, gasping in pain, struggling, dropped, struggling to breathe, concerned ~~ sad, concern for him, hugged, guilty 

5x09: concerned ~~ slammed into the ground, restrained 

#whump #whump community #whumplist #whump blog #whumplists #whump recs #whump list #animated whump

[kvetchinglyneurotic]

So at some point in season 3 or 4 of Black Sails, Silver basically replaces Flint as protagonist, right? I don't think there's actually a definitive place in the narrative where that shift happens, but in my mind, it's the cliffs scene in 4x09 — not when we see it in the show but when it takes place in-universe, sometime in late season 3 before they return to Nassau from the Maroon camp.

This is explicitly a scene about the construction of narratives: Flint argues that you can only truly understand someone if you know their past — in essence, that the present is the result of a progression of linear events. This idea matches how Flint's own story is presented to the audience as well as how he presents it to Silver: we're shown what happened to Thomas and later what happens to Miranda, and how those events motivate him to fight against British rule. While we learn this information about him gradually and there are some parts — for instance, whether he pushed Billy overboard — that are left ambiguous, Flint's actions are presented as part of a linear narrative in which information is sometimes concealed from the other characters but rarely from the audience.

And then on the other hand you have Silver, who rejects the idea that constructing a narrative out of the past is logical or useful. Where Flint tells true stories about his past to explain the present, Silver's stories are invented or lifted from other crew members and serve a tactical purpose (reintegrating into the crew in early season 2, preparing them for Charlestown). I don't think Flint is really won over to this philosophy, but more importantly, he doesn't win Silver over to his philosophy, and neither he nor the audience learn anything about Silver's past — and I think that's when the narrative changes hands.

When Silver becomes the main protagonist, it's not just a shift in focus but in narrative structure. His actions are often concealed both from the audience and the other characters: we don't see him send Thomas Morgan to Savannah or the conclusion to his and Flint's confrontation on the island when they happen — in fact, we don't know for sure that either one did happen — but rather hear of them as a story that Silver is telling. Similarly, the cliffs scene itself and Silver's relationship with Madi are initially hidden from the audience and then revealed later on to frame other events in the narrative, mirroring way that Silver tells stories to the crew.

#black sails #john silver #james flint

[makeitastrength]

Your top 5 favorite Chenford episodes and 5 worst Chenford episodes, because I love hearing everyone’s varying viewpoints, and yes— you walked right into it 😉

I knew this was going to be difficult, but holy crap, I didn't expect it to be that difficult! I’m glad you asked, though, because it was interesting to actually put my feelings about these episodes into words... and as it turns out, I have a lot of feelings and a lot of words. Buckle up, this is a long one!

Favorites:

2x11 Day of Death

I mean, do I really need to explain this one? It’s intense, it’s terrifying, it’s emotional, and the acting is phenomenal. I’ll never be over the fact that Tim dug her out of the ground with his bare hands and held her so tightly in the aftermath. Plus, Lucy is an absolute badass from start to finish. And then, of course, the ending scene is one of my all-time favorites. I could go on, but I think you get the point. This list is in chronological order, but if I had to actually put these in order, this episode would be #1.

4x09 Breakdown

I will forever love this episode because it digs into Tim’s backstory. Watching him slowly crumble as the episode progresses is just… I don’t want to say it’s amazing, because he’s in so much pain and it breaks my heart. But Eric acts the absolute hell out of this one, and we get a look into Tim’s childhood, which is such an integral part of who he is. But also, this episode emphasizes the depth of the Chenford relationship and, in particular, how much Tim has come to trust Lucy. When she tells him he can’t do the interrogation, he hands it off to her immediately. No protest, no questions asked. This case is deeply personal to him and he trusts her with it unquestioningly. And later, we see just how deeply he’s internalized Lucy’s slip of the tongue about the Tim tests, how that’s played into what is probably his greatest fear - that he’s anything like his father. But we also see him feeling safe enough with her to verbalize this fear. He’s as close to tears as we’ve ever seen him, and his walls are just completely gone. He’s so damn vulnerable with her, and I hate seeing him in this much pain but I love that we got this scene. And then, of course, the hug, which is my favorite of their hugs because we finally see Tim allow someone else to shoulder some of his burden.

5x01 Double Down

This is another one I probably don’t have to explain. I mean, literally everything about it is so great. We start with Lucy dreaming about their kiss and Tim being so discombobulated by it that he actually tells Angela what happened. We have the entire undercover portion in which very little is actually pretend. We have the hand hold and the completely unnecessary airplane bathroom kiss (which is so hot, oh my god; it’s definitely my favorite of their kisses). We have all the other touches (his hand on her thigh, his hands on her shoulders, her arms around his neck, I could go on). And while I’m glad they didn’t actually hook up, the fact that they both wanted it says more than any words ever could.

5x19 A Hole in the World

This is one of my favorite Rookie episodes ever, and I’ve written two fics based on this episode, so it’s possible that’s impacting my decision to place this one in the top five. But I also truly love the Chenford scenes in this one, for so many reasons. First off, I will never be over the fact that Tim got off work in the middle of the night and still came to Lucy’s apartment. And we get our first “babe” which makes me so giddy. Jumping ahead to the ending, obviously it’s awful that Tim was forced to take a life, but I do appreciate that they didn’t blow past it. We see Tim being surprisingly vulnerable in Grey’s office, which really just shows how much his walls have come down. He’s still far softer with Lucy than anyone else, but overall he’s a little softer in general now and more in tune with his emotions. And then we get worried Lucy wanting so badly to be there for him and support him through this. And lastly, we have the scene at the beginning that gives us the first little glimpse into the cracks that are forming in their relationship. Up to this point, they’ve been basking in the honeymoon period, but now for the first time we start to see how the long hours are wearing on Tim. We see how they’re struggling to balance their busy schedules and maintain the open communication that a relationship needs. And we see that their communication maybe isn’t quite so open. After all, Tim’s “we’ll figure it out” isn’t a solution. And while he’s supportive of Lucy’s efforts to make detective, we start to see signs that he’s struggling with her desire to work undercover. This sets up what will hopefully be some productive angst for these two in season 6 as they work through these issues, and I have no idea how it’s going to play out but I’m excited for the possibilities!

5x21 Going Under

I don't even know what to say about this one except just... the emotions. They're so flirty on the phone, but then shit hits the fan and it's so intense. Tim holding his breath until he sees Lucy is okay. Him being so shaken up that he nearly gets shot. Lucy calling him the moment she can. The way they cling to each other in the laundry room. The looks of concern on their faces. The hookup, of course. And once again, we see glimpses here of the issues they've been ignoring (though they do at least start to talk about it a little) and everything Tim, in particular, is suppressing. This episode tugs at my heartstrings in all the best ways.

Honorable Mentions

I know this wasn’t part of the original question, but I’m including it here because my final list of favorites turned out differently than I expected. It almost pains me to write all of this, because the episodes listed below have scenes that I absolutely love, but in the grand scheme of things, they just didn’t make the cut for a variety of reasons that I’ll do my best to explain.

1x20 Free Fall

There are so many things I love about this episode, but mostly it’s that it leaves both of them emotionally exposed. It’s the most vulnerable we’ve seen Tim with anyone other than Isabel, and we see Lucy trying her hardest to support him through the door and shedding a few tears in the process. This one was a definite contender for the top 5 but just didn't quite make it in.

2x02 The Night General

Obviously the last scene is the highlight of this episode (and is another one of my all-time favorite Chenford scenes). I really like all their scenes in this episode, though, from Lucy’s sassy editorialization of the book to their badass fight. But the audiobook scene is just… everything. I’m willing to bet no one has ever done something like that for Tim. You can see he’s just stunned in the aftermath and has no idea what to say. I remember the first time I watched it, just being amazed at the lengths Lucy would go to for him. He’s always been worth the effort for her, and I love that so much.

2x12 Now and Then

First off, I appreciate that they devoted an entire episode to Lucy’s recovery, because so many shows just move on as though nothing happened. DOD was such a traumatic event for Lucy (and, honestly, for Tim as well) and I’m glad we got to see the aftermath. We see Lucy struggling but we also see her begin to work through it with the love and support of the people around her. It's also really telling that the only person Lucy fully opens up to in this episode is Tim. She tells everyone else she's fine, but she allows herself to be vulnerable with him. We also get some insight into how Tim is faring in the aftermath. We see his feelings of helplessness as he’s forced to let Nyla take the reins, and we see how much sadness and guilt he’s harboring when Lucy asks him for a time machine. And then finally, at the end, we see him figuring out how he can be there for her… by opening up about his own trauma and using what he’s learned to offer her a new perspective. And, of course, let’s not forget him tossing back the ring and the soft smiles on their faces as he does. This is another one of my all-time favorite Chenford scenes. It's just a great episode overall, and it was really hard for me to bump this one out of the top five.

4x01 Life and Death

While I initially thought 4x01 would make the top five, I ultimately couldn’t justify it due to the limited number of Chenford scenes. Other than the hug, they don’t actually interact that much. And don’t get me wrong, I love their hug. But I’ve always felt like there was a lack of follow-up to 3x14 and this episode. It’s clear they both feel something in those moments. It’s not clear what exactly they each are feeling, or how they’re feeling about those feelings, or why they never talk about it again. I know we all have our own headcanons about this, but I just feel like it could have benefited from some follow-up insights. Without that, in the grand scheme of things it feels like a false start for them.

4x22 Day in the Hole

I so badly wanted this one to make the top five because that kiss, and the scene leading up to it, and the aftermath - it’s all just so good. Every single time I watch it I’m laughing just as much as I’m flailing. They’re so uncomfortable, and then so lost in each other, and then so stunned, and then so awkwardly dorky in the aftermath. And I will never be over how many emotions Eric manages to convey in that 5-second long hallway scene. It’s all so masterfully written and acted. But ultimately, this episode as a whole just didn’t quite make the top five.

5x10 Hit List

There’s so much to love about this episode. I love that when Tim can't decide what to wear, he just calls her. I love that despite their nerves, as soon as she answers the phone it’s clear they’re still them. I love how jittery and utterly obvious they are at the station the next day. But not once does any of this impact their work. They remain calm and focused, and Tim absolutely owns that hostage situation. And then, of course, we have their second date and their first real kiss, which is just so soft and perfectly them. The only reason this one didn’t make the cut is because the Tim and Aaron almost falling to their deaths storyline left a lot to be desired. There was so much potential there for fear or angst or really just anything other than, ultimately, a joke.

5x11 The Naked and the Dead

This is one of the most underrated episodes, I think because it’s caught between the Chenford goodness of 5x10 and 5x12. But I love it! For two people who claim to be taking it slow, they’re very much not. No, they’re not sleeping together. But they’re spending a lot of time together outside of work, and supporting each other in everything they do, and pretty effortlessly melding their lives together. And like Genny says, it’s clear why these two work so well together. We see that in action when Lucy notices Tim’s coaching style and learns why, and then just quietly steps in and takes on the role of co-coach. She doesn’t call Tim out, she doesn’t try to change his behavior. She just fills that role for him. It shows how well she knows him and understands his motivations and his fear of being anything like his father.

5x12 Death Notice

This episode really highlights the lengths to which these two will go for each other, and it’s just amazing. They always put each other first; it’s something neither of them have had before in a relationship, and I'm so glad they've finally found that with each other. And that final scene… I’ve watched it far more times than is probably healthy. It’s so fucking hot! I’m not entirely sure why, but I just couldn’t quite rationalize this one being in the top five either.

Least favorites:

Let me preface this by saying, overall I am happy with the trajectory of Chenford's relationship, and I try not to contribute to negative energy in the fandom. But no show is perfect, and this is just my opinion on the episodes I've never been a huge fan of.

1x05 The Roundup

This episode didn’t really bother me the first time around, but knowing what we now know about Tim, the way he treats Nell in this one is just… not good. I know that’s probably the point; he’s in a bad place, he’s desperate to feel closer to Isabel, which makes him desperate to win, so he bribes Nell. But never once after this episode have we seen Tim behave anything like this. Never once have we seen him hit on someone he isn’t interested in anyone. Hell, he’s usually the one getting hit on, and he never seems to know what to do about it (like… he’s so adorably awkward in those moments, and I love it). When I go back and rewatch the series now, I just cringe so much at these scenes with Nell. He literally says the words “I’m married” and then goes and flirts with her. Even with him basically at rock bottom, it just doesn’t seem in character.

4x07 Fire Fight

I’ve never liked this episode, for reasons that have nothing to do with Chenford (which is an essay I’ll have to write another day). But the more I thought about it, the more I realized I really don’t love the Chenford scenes either. While I thought the bet was fun in 4x06, in this episode it comes across as juvenile. Asking Grey to mediate, Tim complaining that it’s “not fair,” Lucy talking about the bet in the middle of a UC op. Not only are they being immature, but they’re not taking their job seriously when that’s something that both of them - but especially Tim - are always very cognizant of. And Tim never gives a reason for calling off the bet (though it could be because he’s realized it’s interfering with the job). It just… ends.

4x08 Hit and Run

It seems weird to put this one on this list when I just wrote an entire essay on 4x09 and why it’s a favorite of mine. But for as much as I love 4x09, I don't love the way we got there. I’ll preface this by saying, my opinion here is likely colored by my own personal experiences growing up with an emotionally abusive asshole of a father. So I might be more sensitive on this topic. But Lucy’s behavior in this episode really rubbed me the wrong way. I understand what they were trying to accomplish: building out Tim’s backstory and Lucy being excited to meet his sister learn more about him. But her empathy toward Tim in this episode was just… gone. It’s not even the Tim Test line that bothers me so much, because it’s clear that one was just a slip of the tongue as she was trying to make sense of what she was learning. And she instantly realizes her mistake when she sees Tim’s face. It’s the rest of it that I have a problem with, because Lucy knows. She knows from 2x12 that Tim’s dad was abusive. And yet, she's empathetic toward Genny when she learns the man is dying while apparently just completely missing the fact that Tim absolutely does not want to talk about this or think about it or have anything to do with it. And she absolutely is overstepping at the end of the episode. If someone pushed me back toward my childhood trauma the way Lucy pushes Tim in this episode, I would be really upset. Now, do I think Tim ultimately benefited from fixing his relationship with Genny? Yes. Do I think he benefited from finally getting some closure with his father in 4x09? Absolutely. Do I think it all could have been more carefully executed? Definitely. I know Lucy had his best interests at heart, but the lack of compassion shown toward Tim’s trauma in this episode is upsetting.

5x04 The Choice

This is also one of my least favorite episodes, and while I understand why the storyline had to be wrapped up quickly, it wasn’t wrapped up well. There were so many flaws (I’ll save my essay on that topic for another post as well), but it's the dynamic between Tim and Lucy that lands this one on the list. Rosalind and Caleb were traumatic for both of them, and that doesn’t get acknowledged here. In any other episode, Tim would have gently checked in with Lucy, probably more than once. I know things were still weird between them, but it doesn’t make sense to me that in this episode Tim can’t be bothered to ask how she’s doing or be more gentle with her at the end, yet in the very next episode he’s more concerned about her than himself. To me, 5x05 was proof that no matter what went down between them, they still care deeply about each other. That was completely missing from 5x04. @theflyindutchwoman wrote more about this episode recently as well, and it’s like she took the thoughts right out of my head. Couldn’t have said it better myself.

5x06 The Reckoning

This may be a controversial choice, but I don’t love the whole radio gag. Once again, to me this just feels like we’ve taken a step backwards. Tim thinking Lucy is doing it to punish him for how he treated her as a rookie, as if that wasn’t almost a year and a half ago? Makes no sense. And I know she was doing it to distract him, which… fine. But “I might be able to help you look for your radio if you tell me what’s going on.” No. Lucy knows Tim well enough to know that forcing him to talk doesn’t work. He talks when he feels comfortable and safe, not when he feels pressured. It’s why he ultimately opens up to her at the end of the episode, once she stops playing games and expresses genuine concern.

Phew! If you made it this far, thank you so much for reading my ramblings, and I'd love to hear your thoughts on my choices. Also, you should go read @queseraone and @roguetwelve’s answers to these same questions because it’s super interesting to see everyone’s thoughts!

#asked and answered #chenford #the rookie #episode analysis #oh my god this was so hard

[raayllum]

upcoming rayllum oneshots that are currently started/in progress:

it’s you and me (that’s my whole world): Opeli's pov of Rayllum's dynamic, featuring the 5x01 throne room scene and beyond. Current word count: 1.4k. Expected word count: 3-4k.

oneshot set post-s5 inspired by Dress by Taylor swift. Expected word count: 4-5k.

for the hope of it all: Callum and Rayla make it to August. Starts during early S5, then follows the approximate four weeks after the season. Expected word count: 3-4k.

Finnegrin POV of 5x08 featuring some missing scenes. May be a drabble? Expected word count: 1-2k.

Something set during their week-ish(?) period during the castle in between 4x09 and before 5x01. Expected word count: 2-3k.

#upcoming #rayllum #yes there's 5 things here and 3 of them are insp by taylor swift #vote on which one u want first lmao

[gayofthefae]

My surprise at the I love you speech was mostly sourced at my first watch casual interpretation of Byler.

Why is Mike behaving this way towards Will? Oh, he reciprocates and is being defensive about it. That would make since. The one thing is how are they gonna break down is relationship with El?...................

oh. like that.

So I really thought it was a done deal I was like "I can't see where this is going but of the two, who has a shittier arc if Mike doesn't have feelings for them. That's who he ends up with" and then was like ok that's the what I just don't know the "how" and then the next episode they GAVE ME THE HOW. So my huge confusion was that the ily speech essentially TOOK AWAY THE HOW???

The thing about that is taking away the "how" doesn't contradict the "what". I knew Byler was endgame when I believed Mike could tell El he loved her in 4x02 just as much as I did at the end of 4x09.

But it's funny because since 4x02, my thought has never been "wow, guess they aren't doing Byler!" It was "wow, guess they're taking a different route to Byler than I expected!"

It makes sense though in retrospect. In simple terms, the pieces were falling into place too early and they need to get together in season 5. (I also didn't know there was a season 5 + past seasons have never had cliff hangers so that adds to it I guess lol). I was taken aback because I understood the destination with my only apprehension being - honestly just curiosity about the path. Then they laid down a path. Then they were like "haha lol that path was unrelated! Psych!" and I was left curious "what's the path then?" with the additional question "what was that for?"

And then I remembered Cyrano and the rest is history but the POINT IS. Since believing in it, aside from occasional queerbait fear, I have never had Byler doubt based on ANYTHING in the story. Nothing in Netflix's "Stranger Things" has given me Byler doubt. I was only surprised to be wrong at how they were getting together.

I thought they were doing the "Mike notices Will overenthusiastically correcting his self-deprecation" romance trope when they were doing Cyrano so I was confused. But as I always say, they were only failing at a goal they didn't have. Was that a failure to execute that romance trope? Yes! Because they were never trying to! I may consider it doubt, actually, during the confession, but then because nothing else resolved in the season either I was like "Oh...that wasn't supposed to be it oh ok that makes more sense"

Anyway, now I know that and this is a long winded way of saying the only incorrect predictions I ever had in regards to Byler were how they would get together. From the second Byler was introduced to me as a viable option of an ending, Milkvan felt entirely illogical as an option and only proved to be moreso as the season progressed. Byler is endgame. Sometimes I'm wrong about how, but that isn't Byler doubt. It's an adjustment and then we are back, baby. The biggest proof against Byler is what I interpreted on my watch (once I realized there would be a season 5) as "a different direction to Byler than I originally thought".

#byler #stranger things #first watch

[fluffypotatey]

also. i was thinking abt ur analysis on soysauce duo’s relationship, and how macaroni and mk’s relationship has that more direct progression in terms of caring about each other/mentorship, and also that it gives me a very nice opening to talk about my favorite line in s4: “Nice tail, kid,” from macaque in 4x09.

just. like. that’s the first nice thing anybody’s said about this terrifying new monkey form, and it’s so important that macaque says it. in a past season, that would’ve been a taunt, but here it’s about as close to sincere as macaque ever gets, and how it shows that the character development from s3 has stuck, that he isn’t just here to be a dick. yaknow??? <- frantically gesturing at a red string board with the clown wig firmly fitted on

*nods at board and takes her own red strings from her pocket* yeah, yeah exactly

they're relationship is literally "hey kiddo" (derogatory) to "hey kiddo" (affectionate). every insult that Macky threw at MK in the past (which was really just a backhanded compliment), now hold sincerity and geniune compliments to it. and you know what? THEY'RE DYNAMIC ALSO FLIPPED!!!

like, if you think about it, both MK & SWK's dynamic and MK & Macky's dynamic have flipped. it's Macky now who's trying to reach out and be friendly with MK still distrustful and throwing barbs (which Makcy takes in stride bc....fair is fair tbh) and yeah 100% agree that Macadoo's comment on MK's monkey form being the 1st positive one is a big deal and super important.

the previous ones coming from:

Ink!MK, who used that form to highlight how dangerous MK is to his friends and the world and will be the catalyst to its end;

Sun Wukong, who ignored the issue and was trying to placate MK. which, to be fair, was needed because Mk was not in the right mind, but SWK's mitigation (i think is a better word bc Wukong did acknowledge but was trying not to make a big deal out of it) ended up aggravating MK further because, once again, he feels like his pain and issues are being deflected.

and MK's friends, Pigsy, Sandy, Tang, and Mei, who were also overwhelmed by the events but weren't even sure how to react to MK's new burst of power.

and then you have Macaroni, who, if we remember, was unaware of the events that just transpired (at least, i think he was unaware bc he made a joke about Wukong being a lazy ass, which would be a low blow if Macartney was aware of everything in 4x08). all Macackle gets is MK pleading at him to stop with the taunting and THEN JUST GIVES UP ON WHAT HE WAS SAYING BECAUSE HE'S EXHAUSTED AND FEELS USED AND BROKEN AND CONFUSED AND MAYBE IF MAC DOES TAUNT HIM AT LEAST ONE THING OF HIS LIFE IS TYPICAL AND-*gets taken off the stage*

*comes back but now covered in scratches and blood* sorry, uh, what was i saying?

ah yes,

the fact that it is Macandy who comments on it (he is shown to be shocked about it and knows that something is up) and just a simple "uh, you have a tail now," it's "nice tail by the way."

no questions about how it happened, no concern over what transpired. just an acknowledgment of it and a positive one which is the complete opposite of what MK's been shown because it is the part of him that is supposed to be bad and chaotic and the Harbinger. it can't bring good or be something hopeful....can it?

also, ISN'T INTERESTING HOW MACAQUE'S COMMENT ON THE TAIL IS POSITIVE AND NOT WHAT SHOULD BE ASSUMED OF MONKEY!MK'S PURPOSE JUST LIKE HOW MK'S PERSISTENCE FOR MACKY'S HELP FURTHER LED TO MACKY REALIZING THAT FATE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT AND SCREW THE THREADS DESTINY AND THE WORLD GIVES YOU AND-*gets dog-piled*

#bestie i am so sorry this response took me so long T^T #i wanted to give you a good and proper answer when my mind wasn't muddled by midterms and then it just sat here in my inbox and my guilt #BUT IT'S HERE NOW #also i was worried that i wouldn't be able to share all my thoughts on this bc it's been so long but nope #LONG POST AGAIN BITCHES MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA #semi-long but still #bone apple teeth #aka #bone appetite #or however it's spelled #lmk #lmk soysauce duo #soysauce duo #lmk mk #lmk qi xiaotian #lmk macaque #lmk six eared macaque #lmk meta #lmk analysis #maybe idk #opinion? #asks

[terriblegam2r]

- slight wwdits spoilers ahead -

After accumulating all the Nandermo press that has been released so far (and especially with Kayvan saying that “Nandor has finally come to the realization that Guillermo is his type” when talking about this upcoming season), I can say with about 95% certainty that Nandermo is going canon this season.

Not canon as in them officially getting together, but with Nandor finally realizing that he’s in love with Guillermo. It’s obviously important that he comes to that conclusion himself because progress cannot be made without him first realizing what’s been right in front of him this whole time (it’s been three whole seasons of his obliviousness, I think it’s about time the writers hurry up with this realization already lol), and I believe that it was important for him to “test” all his past wives out to help him come to that realization faster. And also with Freddie coming into the picture it was just the cherry on top and the final push that their relationship needed ultimately. The show runners are playing out the typical “ship goes their separate ways dating other people and at the end realizes what they had” trope and I am here for it (I’m also here for potential jealous!Nandor as well lol)

I think it’s going to be a while (at the end of S5 imo) until Nandermo actually becomes officially canon (because I do think Freddie is sticking around until then), but at least with this season we will finally get confirmation of Nandor’s (and Guillermo’s, even though it’s pretty obvious) true feelings towards his familiar/body-guard after years of just fan speculation.

With 4x09 and 4x10 titled “The Wedding” and “Memories” respectively, my prediction is that in 4x09, Nandor (or Marwa) will call off the wedding at the last moment and in 4x10, Nandor will finally realize his feelings for Guillermo (in reference to the title - he will recall all the times Guillermo had been kind, supportive, loyal - all around best person to fall in love with and spend eternity with). Or maybe the realization could happen in 4x08 (titled “Freddie”) because the eighth episode of each season is usually focused on their relationship and that’s when milestones happen (it could also parallel the “Gail” episode going by the title alone).

The first half of the series was about Guillermo pining over Nandor, now it’s going to be reversed for the second half, and I’m so excited to see it. This show is really their story, tbh. There’s a reason why the very first episode of the series is about their special anniversary.

#just had to get my thoughts out #I’m getting whiplash with all this press but ultimately it’s convincing me that it’s going down in the finale the more press is released #Kayvan just can’t help himself can he lol #Nandermo #wwdits #wwdits spoilers #what we do in the shadows #guillermo de la cruz #nandor the relentless

[bluestrawberrys]

Carl Grimes was suicidal:

S3-4a: After Lori’s death we see Carl slowly start to become more careless with himself i.e. running into the walker infested tombs by himself to save strangers. While the pre s4 timeskip is without conflict and with Rick spending more time with Carl as a father rather than leader gives Carl time to heal and be a kid again the beginning of season 4 quickly gets rid of that progress.

While Patricks death itself didn’t send him back on it’s own Carl wasn’t given any time to process it with having to help take care of the younger kids in quarantine, having to fend off the walkers with rick when the fence fell, before having his entire home destroyed and finding his baby sisters carrier covered in blood. 

4x09: Couldn’t bring himself to shoot Rick when he thought he’d turned, just lay down and waited knowing full well what would happen. If Rick had actually turned Carl would be dead.

s5-6: Carl continues his reckless behaviour, sneaking out of the walls, confronting Ron on his own after he just tried to kill him, luring walker Deanna to Spencer. After losing his eye he starts showing clear self-worth and self-esteem issues with him not wanting to go to hilltop and 

6x16/7x01: Carl was leaning forward in the lineup trying to get Negans attention and apart from Abraham was the only person sitting up straight and looking directly at him.

7x07: Carl had no escape plan, I don’t think he even considered trying to make one. He snuck into the sanctuary to kill negan, Carl didn’t care what happened to him as long as negan was dead. When talking to negan later that episode Carl tells negan he should kill him.

7x16: There is a deleted scene of Carl talking to Rick while they’re getting ready to fight the saviours where Carl asks Rick if he would have chopped off his arm in the clearing and whether he’s be able to right now because he might have to. Once again putting Alexandria and defeating the saviours over himself.

When Sasha was revealed to be dead Carl was the first to act, there were several people with pointing guns at him just seconds ago, who were still right behind him, while they were distracted by Sasha he’s still demonstrating a lack of concern for his own safety

s8: Carl sneaks off on his own to find Siddiq, telling no one he’s leaving let alone where he’s going, in the middle of a war let alone an apocalypse. He also shoots himself, yes he was bit but he still shot himself. 

While Chandler Riggs was recently 18 at the time of Carl’s death, season 8 takes place in May 2012, less than 2 years since s1 placing Carl’s age at 14.

This isn’t very well organised so if anyone has anything else to add feel free to reply or reblog.

#the walking dead #carl grimes #rick grimes #negan #twd

[juneandnick]

4x03 - The Crossing / 4x09 - Progress

One night, Nick visits Joseph at his home. He requires his help:

I want June to stay alive. […] You owe me.

Reluctant at first, Joseph accepts. He organizes a tedious meal worthy of a Mad Hatter's table in Alice in Wonderland, in the place where June is held in prison.

To get what he wants, to save her, he then touches a sensitive chord: Hannah.

I was hoping we could avoid this.

Safe and sound in Canada, June does not forget her first daughter. Thanks to Mark, she contacts Joseph who refuses to help. That is when Luke has an idea: Nick.

I think you should take Nichole with you.

How is he gonna say no to you if you bring him his daughter?

But Nick did not need the blackmail of seeing his daughter to help June. Because he knew she would never give up on saving Hannah from Gilead.

Source Pictures: Screenshot (by me)

#the handmaid's tale #osblaine #june osborne #nick blaine #holly blaine #luke bankole #hannah bankole #joseph lawrence #S4E03 #S4E09 #season4 #parallel

[splitscreen]

NICK BLAINE in every episode └ 4x09 — Progress | "I should have run away with you when I had the chance."

#the handmaid's tale #nick blaine #max minghella #nick in every ep #it was V hard to only pick like 5 things from this #also i lost so much time just watching this on repeat #also that third gif? #the way his face falls the second she looks away #max is brilliant and i will not be taking any questions

[hmsharmony]

MOBILE NAVIGATION:

About Fanworks (generally) Fanvids Fandoms and Ships Tags Fic Masterlist (after the cut)

Austin & Ally

One-Shots (Austin/Ally)

Make a Move ('Cause I'm Ready) -- In which Austin and Ally come up with more excuses to kiss after several failed attempts under the mistletoe, and maybe, possibly, finally get their act together. Post-"Mix Ups & Mistletoe." Rated G.

Multi-Chapter (Austin/Ally)

Speak Aloud What Until Now I've Only Sung -- It takes eleven years of bad timing, and one called off engagement, but eventually they figure it out. Austin/Ally through the years. Rated T; complete (4/4). 

Merlin

One-Shots (Arthur/Gwen)

Burnt Chicken Never Won Fair Lady -- Modern AU. As Arthur navigates cooking a dead bird while simultaneously wooing Gwen, Gwen tries to survive Arthur's attempts to impress her, an old man who really doesn't like her, and Morgana's innuendos. Rated T. Fragment of Light -- Spec fic for 4x11 (includes some spec for 4x09 and 4x10, with the airing of 4x09 rendering most of this AU). When Arthur banishes Gwen from Camelot, he must come to grips with his mistake and let go of the life he destroyed. Meanwhile, Gwen struggles with the loss of not only her future but her confidence in the future of Camelot as well. Rated T.

A Handful of Sand -- After several months of war, Uther finally decides to pursue an alliance with one of the neighboring kingdoms. But with Camelot run dry of both money and knights there is little he can offer in return … save his son. Written for Drabble Challenge #3 at ag_fics (first place). Rated G. Multa Paucis -- More than once Gaius’s words turn Gwen’s world upside down, changing her (and her relationship with Arthur) forever. Written for Drabble Challenge #2 at ag_fics (first place). Rated G. There's So Much More Than Me and You -- Her loyalty to Camelot and faith in its future knows no bounds, and it'll be her downfall. Written for the Queen of Hearts Spec!Fest. Rated T (cw: mention of possible main character death). To Bargain a Heart (or at Least a Kiss) -- Based on Colin Morgan’s interview with the 7PM Project, in which he revealed that a S3 episode begins with Arthur and Merlin taking part in a bar brawl. Arthur returns, injured, and it is Gwen, hardly amused by Arthur’s latest escapade, who tends to him. Rated G. We Are Just Breakable Girls and Boys -- Hours after Morgana's departure, Arthur and Gwen deal with the fallout and their own feelings of guilt. Spoilers for 2x12. Rated G.

One-Shots (Gen)

A Pirate's Life (is Not for Spoiled Princes) -- Set in pre-Merlin Camelot. Arthur, Morgana, and Gwen play a game of pirates. Written for the lovely mustbethursday3 for Camelot_Love's Spring Fling. Rated G. Hints of pre-Arthur/Gwen.

Spider-Man (MCU)

Multi-Chapter (Peter/MJ)

scars are souvenirs you never lose -- A boy walks into the donut shop the next day. The interaction lasts all of three minutes. And when the door closes behind Peter Parker—when Michelle feels the return of that sharp ache and constant confusion she’s lived with since November—it’s only then that she realizes. She mentions the encounter to Ned, because she's always sharing customer service stories and this is certainly one of the stranger ones. But she keeps her realization to herself—she's not sure how to tell him, not when she barely understands it herself. Because a stranger walked into the donut shop, and for three minutes, her life had made sense. MJ (and Ned) searching for answers in a post-NWH world. Rated T; complete (5/5).

someone out there who can bring me back to you -- Six months ago, Peter Parker was declared killed in action on his way back from his last mission. MJ knows it's a cover up, and nothing's going to stop her from finding out the truth--not time travel, not murder bots, and certainly not the woman MJ knows is responsible for his disappearance: Eleanor Bishop. But 14-year-old Michelle Jones-Watson? Yeah, she might complicate things. An Adam Project AU. Rated M; in progress (4/6).

#fic masterlist #mine #fanvid masterlist

[zelroy]

I just watched The Handmaid's Tale 4x09 "Progress"

#trakt

[echoapothecary]

Hi! I know it’s been a long time and that’s my fault. I was on a personal emotional roller coaster and I took some time off of the Roswell NM fandom to become engrossed in another fandom. But now I’m back and there’s so much to say. First off, really sad this is the last season. I feel like it’s such a cop out for the CE to do this. The ratings are good, they’ve always had steady ratings, and the fandom is pretty dedicated. They totally deserve at least 1 more season. That being said, I was really hopeful at the beginning of s4 that Max and Liz were gonna have a happy ending at the end of s4. I still do in fact but this most recent episode has me feeling disappointed. Idk if you’ve seen 4x09 yet so I don’t want to spoil it for you but it just feels like “why are we still on this?” I thought Liz had settled this in s3. I mean what was that big speech in 3x13 where she affirmed to Max that it didn’t have to be the science or him, that it could be both? This latest episode just unraveled that and it’s a step backwards in her character development imo. Unless it’s to serve as a bridge that will allow Liz to see with her own 2 eyes in real time the consequences to her actions. Something that hasn’t really happened yet. And that’s what definitively puts an end to her whole using alien science unethically. I get the motives are somewhat different for her this time. It’s coming out of a place of wanting to constantly keep her loved ones safe but again we’ve been down this road of what the negative implications could be and how the end does not justify the means. And that line implying that if Max out of the picture she’d already have a Nobel prize, the world would have her brilliance, and on and on. Again, didn’t Liz already settle these issues with herself last season? Didn’t she say to Max that she knew they would make it to the ocean someday? This episode just undid all that progress imo. And we also already had evil Max via Jones last season, why rehash that storyline? Even if this weren’t the last season I’d still be annoyed by this but I’m more annoyed knowing it’s the last season and they’re pulling this in the last 4 episodes.

Hiii!! Yeah so, everything you mentioned were my same issues with this episode as well! I really didn’t like the speech about how she would have been a Nobel Prize winning scientist without him and how he’s just an obstacle in her way condemning her to a life of mediocrity (ooof I really hated that line lol). Re-hashing and circling this issue over and over again is repetitive and it’s frustrating. Why are we back here when she has already said it can be him AND the science, it doesn’t have to be either/or so why is this still being brought up? Yes, we’re finally getting Liz realizing where it all stems from so… progress I guess? It feels like something she should have come to terms with two seasons ago though 🤷🏻‍♀️

#aja answers #dmercado91

[itwasjustmisplaced]

i love you thank you

#thtedit #the handmaid's tale #osblaine #june osborne #nick blaine #june x nick #4x03: the crossing #4x09: progress #4x10: wilderness #my edits #idk what they is but roll with it #also let's talk about trying to color that final scene #i absolutely died

[raayllum]

Building on something that I kinda articulated / realized while speaking aloud on my podcast the other day, I’ve already talked a lot about how S4 in particular, from a structural stand point, is very to S1, so now I want to add to that and talk about how S2 and S4 are emotionally similar to one another in terms of how they treat character progression / emotional beats and arcs, featuring the main five (Claudia, Rayla, Callum, Ezran, and Soren + Viren). 

Claudia (+ Viren)

Claudia delves definitively deeper on a darker path than before, submerged more than ever in the use of dark magic. She is unquestioningly loyal to her father (whereas in S1 and S3 she had more small moments of doubt) and her relationship with features its focus and the final severing of the tie respectively. However, both early S2 and late S4 are sure to keep a line of hope alive regarding Claudia by having her do genuinely good things even if they don’t precisely serve (or actively go against) her present goals, re: parents and gift giving. 

Viren has initial doubts regarding involvement with Aaravos (2x04, 4x02), before reaffirming and completely turning himself over to Aaravos in the season finale in terms of trust / involvement, actively choosing to sow more chaos (rather than trying politically or passively with Claudia) of his own dark magic use / accord. We also likely see the most emotional repression from Viren in S2 as he still has lingering guilt/grief over Harrow (looking at the family portrait in 2x01, retelling their story) as well as Viren actively shutting down his emotions in S4: “Get a grip” / “What good would worrying do?”

Soren

Whereas in S2 Soren is constantly going back and forth on who he wants to be - a protector or persecutor of the boys, trying to to protect his sister but ends up being protected by her, picking a fight he can’t win with a dragon - Soren in S4 is much more measured. He’s firmly integrated into Ezran’s council / found family and even bonds with Zubeia, something unthinkable to the person he was two seasons prior. Yet the ghost of magic and the undesired affect its had on the trajectory of his life, including his father, continues to haunt him. 

Rayllum (+ Rayla)

Like in S2, Rayla’s arc in S4 is largely (but not unilaterally) tied to her relationship and dynamic with Callum, both romantic and not. In season two, she’s trying at first to earn Callum’s trust and then to take care of him as he navigates some of the recent upheavals and losses in his life. In season four, she’s trying to regain his trust and figure out how she fits into his life now / how they can come back from her leaving. 

This plot line includes Callum requesting space, late night talks (2x07, 4x07), renewed understanding, more parallel looks (Callum looking away sadly after she leaves in 2x07 and likewise looking away sadly in 4x09 once she leaves) if more issues and discussions to come. The plot lines ultimately culminate in a final focused on a hug in the season finale.

Then, of course, 4x05 highlights the biggest change in Rayla we’ve seen thus far when she walks away from the drake being tormented in the forest, compared to her most notable season two scene/decision in a lot of ways to save the crashed dragon by any means necessary. Rayla hasn’t changed that much in her decision (i.e. it’s not that she doesn’t want to risk herself, but that she doesn’t want to risk the mission they’re currently on - or so she says) but it’s a stark and jarring contrast that effectively sets up something is deeply wrong and something deeply traumatic happened to her while she was gone, even if we can only currently guess. 

But like S3 Sun, I expect S5 Ocean to shine all the light on her and develop her initial Arc 2 arc to its fullest potential. 

Callum

Callum perhaps has the strongest parallel between season two and season four. I’ve touched on the similarities before in a post examining how S4 has started to finally properly foil Callum and Aaravos as characters, but it’s worth reiterating here. 2x01 and 4x01 both end with Callum reeling from a loss that he’s trying not to let get to him too much (magic and Rayla respectively) as well as how it informs his identity: “I will learn magic, it’s who I am” / “The high mage’s office - uh, my office.” 2x02 and 4x02 deal with frustration and ultimately warning signs of who to trust, as we know Claudia and Soren are up to no good just like we know deciphering the mirror will be no good, but where Claudia beats Rayla to the punch in 2x02, Rayla shows up just in time. 

2x03 and 4x03 deal with the immediate fallout of this revelation / appearance even if 2x03 provides closure, precisely because Callum is willing to talk, that 4x03 doesn’t offer either of them. Then 2x04 and 4x04 focus on travel time through a non walking transport (a ship, dragon back) that takes some departure time and Callum’s pursuit of magic having deadly consequences. Callum retreats from the storm dejected and defeated, citing, “I could have gotten Zym killed. I put us both in danger” which Aaravos taking over Callum’s body reinforces in a bigger way as we see: “I’m afraid he’ll use me to do terrible things. Or hurt people I care about” 

Then, as the post I linked above mentions, you have the parallels in which a mage chooses to shatter something important and the Callum starts spiralling regarding magic and identity afterwards. For Callum, this is the primal stone in order to hatch Zym in 1x09; for S4, this is when Aaravos shatters his mirror. This leads to Callum having a crisis of faith and being deeply concerned over his ability to contribute; first at all, and then being terrified he’ll contribute something awful, as well as being the only two seasons where Callum’s destiny and what that means is something discussed outright. 

The fact that S4 juxtaposes both Callum and Rayla’s most defining season two moments against each other, this time with cruel change and self doubt, is another very nice way they continue to have one of the primary foil relationships in the show, and indeed one of the many structural hints that the resolutions of these issues will be even more tied together than they already were in terms of the post-TTM fallout alone, which is saying something. 

Ezran

In early S2 and S4, Ezran is perhaps more tense than he’s letting on, but ultimately still very hopeful and optimistic. He isn’t cognizant of everything happening around him in spite of the signs (Callum’s grief abut Harrow, his people’s upset about Zubeia’s visit). Likewise, we see Ezran’s choice to go home to be king at the end of the season juxtaposed with the ability to leave (at the behest / support of his council) in season four, even if Ezran is even more aware of what his position as king means.

Additionally, we see that Ezran’s main fear is the same as it was when he first made the decision: being king is something even two years in, while he’s undeniably grown more comfortable with it, he still feels is a constant (understandable) curveball. 

S2 and S4 are also undoubtedly the seasons that develop Ezran and Zym’s bond the most. Last but not least is Ezran reckoning with things he feels he should have known, ways that he should be better than he is, and the grief and guilt compounding those things. 

Conclusion

Season four is an interesting mix, I think, thus, of season one and season two into its own unique blend. At the same time it’s playing catch up and getting us used to the context of everything, it’s also not dropping us into a world or with characters we’re entirely familiar with like season one. Instead, we end up with characters largely caught in the middle, the way they were in season two; changed since we last saw them in in S3 for S4, or even S1 for S2, with arcs being set up to continue further and evolve in this new stage of the story. Not much is resolved (i.e. think of Soren’s S2 arc, Ez, or Rayla’s) with season four contrarily stretching out Callum’s arc alongside his peers to be developed further, but still with their own changes, victories, and losses along the way. 

However, in the areas that season one and two offered closure, season four largely doesn’t, reflecting the core theme of the season and of the Mystery of Aaravos going forward: the story isn’t that ‘simple’ anymore. Things don’t resolve as neatly. And it’s only going to get more complicated, painful, and even more complex moving forward. 

#tdp #the dragon prince #tdp meta #analysis series #arc 1 #arc 2 #s2 #s4 #parallels #analysis #the english major strikes again #it's like poetry it rhymes #some things never change #tdp ezran #tdp viren #tdp claudia #tdp soren #tdp callum #the cycle

[riosnecktattoo]

.

#sorry i hate to be this person but submitting 4x09 for makeup #when it's the episode they actively chose not to do scars for Rio #and the makeup covering his neck tattoo was a different colour to his skin tone and very noticeable #i am slightly aghast #like plz say sike lmao #the fact they cited the stages of progression of a black eye? #there were no stages? #he got hit off screen then we saw a purple bruise for two seconds #like my guys...... #im sorry but !!!!!!!!!!!!!?!?!??!??! #gg concrit #that read like when i tried to blag my homework in high school #😂😂😂