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flutteringphalanges · 4 years

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Caught in a Riptide

Summary: After the infamous Count Dracula is discovered and taken into custody by the Jonathan Harker Foundation, former nun and now guardian to her young niece, Zoe, Agatha Van Helsing is tasked with keeping tabs on the vampire after a mishap leads to his release into modern day society. Can Agatha remain levelheaded, or will fate turn her onto a new path?

Pairing: Dracula/Agatha Van Helsing

Rated: M

Read on FFN and AO3

A/N: It's good to be back writing this story! And such a long chapter too! Thank you as always for such the lovely feedback you leave! There is a scene/dialogue between two certain characters that’s roughly based off a conversation between Trixie and Lucifer in 1x01 on Lucifer. Feedback is great loved and appreciated! I hope you enjoy it! -Jen

Chapter Two

Zoe watched her aunt through the rear view mirror as she sat in the backseat with a pout. This wasn't what she'd envisioned her night to look like. Sure, there had been pizza, but cuddling up with Agatha enjoying a Disney movie was a more ideal choice. Nevertheless she remained rather quiet as her guardian veered down the road and towards The Foundation.

"I'm sorry to drag you along." Agatha apologized, turning her head to meet the girl's stare. "But Mrs. Avery was already turning in for the night. I didn't want to ask more of her."

"Why are we going to your work?" The child inquired, tugging at the safety build as Agatha pulled into a parking space. "I thought you were done for today."

"Something came up," Agatha explained, turning the car off. "Look, it shouldn't take too long." That was a lie and she very well knew it. "You can play in the lobby on my phone. There are some games on there. You like to do those, yes? Consider it a special treat."

The young girl seemed to perk up a bit as she and the former nun exited the vehicle. Taking Zoe's hand, Agatha pulled her along considerably fast for the child's legs to keep up. Before her niece had a moment to complain, she produced her key card and slid it into the awaiting slot. It was an odd sensation, the sound of her own heart pounding so loudly she could hear it in her ears. Oh how she had waited for this moment. Dreamed of it even.

Shoes clicking against the floor, she took only a moment to pause. Agatha knelt down eye level with Zoe. She smiled warmly, but the girl didn't return the look. She'd make it up later. Maybe ice cream or something the kid liked. There'd be time later to figure that out.

"Now I need you to be good and stay here." The woman instructed, handing Zoe her unlocked phone. "If you need anything, you just ask one of the security men. I'll be right down the hallway past a few doors, okay?" She kissed her forehead and the girl scrunched her brow making a face. "I love you."

Zoe made a remark about dying from boredom, but Agatha was too focused on much greater things. Count Dracula. The Count Dracula. As she ventured deeper and deeper into the institute, she was soon met by a crowd of scientists filing into one of the lecture halls. Almost instantly, her eyes met Jack. The doctor grinned at her, pushing past the others so that they were now face to face.

"I didn't think you'd be here until the morning." He admitted, looking her over. "Where's Zoe."

"Preoccupied out front." Agatha explained, following him into the room and taking a seat in the back. "So, how much did I miss?! Where is he?!"

In the front of the room, a large screen began to descend. Agatha watched as Dr. Bloxham made her way down the aisle causing a hush to fall over the attendees. When she stepped behind the podium, the former nun took notice of the scientist's now bandaged hand.

"What happened to her?" Agatha whispered into Jack's ear.

"Dracula bit off her thumb." The doctor replied in a low voice. "And she refused to go to the hospital too. We had to take care of it here. It was...it was hard to look at."

The woman's stomach knotted at the thought. Drinking blood was one thing, but this… If anything, it only proved further evidence that the man was a monster. She settled back in her seat, watching as the video started. A morbid part of her wished she had some popcorn to go along with this film, but it wasn't exactly that kind of tape to enjoy.

"So some good did manage to come out of the loss of my thumb." Bloxham continued, pulling Agatha from her thoughts. "We managed to detain Count Dracula while he was distracted. It wasn't an easy feat, but I would like to thank those involved." A round of applause sounded and the former nun found herself clapping too.

It was a rather curious thought trying to consider how exactly they had managed to capture the creature so easily. In the back of her mind, Agatha wondered if it was possible that the vampire wanted to be taken into the Foundation's custody. Maybe even having some ulterior motive. But then again, it was a silly idea. He'd just come out of his century long comatose state after all. How would he even begin to have such plans?

"Agatha, might I have a word with you?"

The woman looked up to see that Bloxham locked eyes with her. Throwing Jack a cautionary look, she stood up and walked towards the scientist. Trying her best not to stare at her hand, Agatha focused her attention on her co-worker's face.

"I'm glad you were able to make it tonight." Bloxham admitted, motioning for the former nun to follow her. "I know you have a lot on your plate with that neie of yours. How is Zoe doing by the way?"

"She's fine, thank you." Agatha replied, giving her a half smile. "I'm sorry about your...injury."

"Don't be." The other woman chuckled. "I'd gladly give up all ten fingers if it meant capturing the bastard." She exhaled, tugging the identification card from around her neck. "Agatha, have you ever come face to face with a vampire before?" Agatha began to open her mouth to reply but Bloxham immediately cut her off with a wave of her hand. "I was only kidding."

A red beam of light glowed out of the edge of a little, white box on the door. Holding the back of her card to it, there was a click and the color turned green. Bloxham threw Agatha an overconfident smile as the entrance opened to reveal still one of the oddest rooms the woman had seen to date.

The round, intricately painted clock stretching to the near edges of the stone floor. A triangularly shaped prism-esque cell made out of thick, see through bullet proof glass. Surprisingly enough, there didn't seem to be much security around. One would expect as much all things considered. These thoughts ran through Agatha's mind as she scoped the place out. It wasn't until she saw the figure standing calmly in the center that a chill ran up her spine.

"Have you brought me dinner, Dr. Bloxham?"

Cool. Calm. Collective. Do not show emotion. Agatha followed Bloxham's lead as they entered the outside of the holding cell. Dracula's eyes never left the former nun as both women moved to stand in front of him. The scientist didn't smile as she addressed the vampire.

"Count Dracula, this is Agatha Van Helsing." She began, motioning towards the other woman. "I think you're familiar with her family?"

The way his face lit up in a mix of recognition, excitement, and menacing delight caused Agatha to feel slightly nauseated. But her curiosity again was getting the better of her. After years of yearning for this moment, it was finally opening. She'd ask Bloxham to pinch her to make sure it wasn't a dream, but that would've been inappropriate-especially since she was missing a thumb.

"Ah, a Van Helsing." Dracula smirked, taking in a deep whiff of air. "Oh, it's been so long since I've encountered one of you."

"The pleasure is all mine, Count Dracula." And she was surprised how nonchalant the words came out. "I believe our visit has been way overdue."

"At least well over a century," he agreed. "Now tell me. Whatever did happen to your dear grandfather? After we lost contact, I was rather worried."

"From what I was told, he lived a long, happy life. No thanks to you." Dracula's sneer seemed to broaden at her words. "You've caused a lot of damage, Count Dracula. Do you know where you are?"

"The Jonathan Harker Foundation I've been told." His gaze flickered over to Bloxham. "I was given a brief history lesson. And forgive me for not addressing it immediately. How is your hand, Doctor?"

"Still has the same strength to grip a stake." Bloxham remarked, pleased with her retort. "Now, if you don't mind. I'd like to show Agatha how your cell works. Just in case we are forced to take action."

"Naturally," he breathed. "Don't let me get in your way. Safety is of the utmost importance after all." There was a glimmer of mischief in his eye as he spoke, attention still drawn to the former nun. "Isn't that right, Agatha?"

Making a mental note to invest in a few more crucifixes, the two women approached a panel attached to the wall. Agatha watched as Bloxham began to fiddle with the knob and lever. Just as the scientist flipped a switch, the groaning sound of metal slats sliding against one another caused her to look up. The ceiling had opened to reveal a large hole that allowed the light from the moon to stream right into the vampire's cage. Dracula glanced upwards, seemingly unfazed by what was happening.

"I'm sure you're already aware of what this is." Bloxham spoke, motioning to the device. "But there were alterations made. If there is ever a concern, no matter how minor, of him ever endangering any of us, this can be used to release sunlight into his prison." She stared hard at Dracula. "Which would instantly incinerate him."

"An impressive invention." Dracula commented, studying his sharp nails. "I applaud you for your efforts. Now," he strode forward dangerously close to the glass. "If it's alright with you, Dr. Bloxham, I'd much enjoy some alone time with Miss Van Helsing. It's nothing personal. I'm just feeling a little...nostalgic about the family line."

As much as she didn't wish to humor him, being able to sit down and actually talk to the vampire was such a fascinating idea. Grill him. Get every ounce of what he was, what makes him tick, from his cold, dead being. But Bloxham interrupted before she could even reply.

"Agatha has other matters to attend to," the scientist said curtly. "But fear not, she'll be back eventually." Her eyes fell to Agatha, lips pressed into a thin line. "There is paperwork I need you to fill out. Some consent forms. If you wish to really be involved with this, I need to know immediately." The woman paused, then adding in a low voice as if Dracula's keen hearing couldn't pick up. "And your blood."

"My what?" Agatha's brows knitted in confusion. "Why on Earth would you need that?"

"He needs to feed," Bloxham explained. "And despite what he is and what he's done, we won't stoop to his levels...yet. We'll remain as humane as one can when dealing with a vampire." She glanced over her shoulder, noting that Dracula was still watching them hungrily. "Let's go."

Reluctantly Agatha did as she was asked. Peering back one last time at Dracula, who merely waved in response, she trailed behind Bloxham, disappearing as the door closed.

"So," Agatha began as the door hissed, locking behind them. "Why is there a lack of security present in there? Aren't you concerned about what he could do?" She knew well enough what he was capable of. The stories she'd been told from her childhood. "I don't think it's a wise decision to just leave him in there unsupervised."

"All of our doors are being monitored and we're setting up a team to take shifts." The woman replied, her pointed shoes clicking on the floor. "Mind you it's only been hours since we've captured him."

"Yes," the former nun insisted. "My point exactly as to why we need to be more thorough with keeping an eye on him."

Bloxham stopped in her tracks, pausing momentarily before rounding on her heels to face Agatha. "Look," she sighed. "I am very happy you've decided to join us. And you are a very important asset to the Foundation. But I won't have you questioning my authority or my decisions, is that clear?" It was the first time the scientist had ever spoken remotely harsh to her. "Don't take being her for granted, Miss Van Helsing. Things can easily change. And I quite like you." Once more she smiled, but it lacked any friendliness. "Shall we continue? It'd be nice for you and your niece to get home at a decent hour. Tomorrow will certainly be one for the books."

XXX

Zoe hummed loudly to herself as she kicked her feet back Agatha's now dead cell phone resting beside her on the bench. She was bored. Incredibly so. And her aunt was taking much, much longer than she promised. Had she forgotten her? Surely not. But with nothing else to do, in that moment, the little girl made a conscious decision to search the place out and locate the woman. It had to be past her bedtime-not that she really minded the minute detail.

Peeking around the corner, she noticed one of the security officers sitting at the front desk. Her eyes immediately caught sight of the key card hanging haphazardly from his pocket. It was like the game "capture the flag" in school. She just needed to be sneaky enough to snatch it off of him without being caught. That wouldn't be too hard. She was awfully good at stealing an extra cookie or two out of the jar at home when Agatha wasn't looking. This was just a really, really big jar and a funny looking cookie.

Abandoning the phone, she slipped off of the bench and made her way towards the preoccupied man. Considering her age, she was a rather bright and a crafty little thing. As the guard watched his cricket game, yelling on occasion at the tiny screen on his device, she delicately plucked the card from his person and made her way towards the doors. Hopefully Aunt Aggie wouldn't be too cross. After all, she was the one who was late.

Since the departure of the two women, Dracula had been studying the circumference of his cell looking for any weaknesses in the glass. Not to his surprise, it seemed very well made. No matter, he'd figure something out. At the sound of the doors opening once more, he turned to look in the direction half expecting to see Bloxham and Agatha again. But instead, waltzing straight into the room was a little girl.

How the child had managed to sneak past the guards undetected he wasn't quite sure. But the vampire had to admit he was rather impressed. Zoe walked confidently over to his prison, looking it over with such curiosity. His lips curved into a friendly, and yet also edging on menacing grin.

"Hello," she said cheerfully.

"Why hello yourself." He responded, eyes scanning the room half expecting an entire army to barge in. Somehow they were alone. Maybe this Foundation wasn't as well thought out as he was previously led to believe. "What, might I ask, are you doing here?"

"My baby-sitter couldn't watch me, so my Aunt Aggie brought me here." She shrugged. "I'm trying to find her. She promised we'd go home soon. But it's been hours and hours and hours…" she took a deep breath. "And hours!"

"Oh." Now things were getting interesting. "So you're Agatha Van Helsing's niece?"

"Yep." Zoe nodded her head vigorously, smiling brightly. "What's your name?"

"Dracula."

The little girl gasped and the vampire couldn't help but grin wider. "Like the vampire?" She whispered, watching him with wide eyes.

"Exactly!"

She seemed to consider this new information for a moment. Then, folding her arms over her chest, Zoe furrowed her brow in an expression of comical seriousness. "Show me your fangs."

It was his turn to be taken aback. After centuries of existence, the mere aspect of a vampire struck fear in the hearts of many. Now here stood a little girl, void of such fright, demanding to see his razor sharp teeth. So, without a reason not to do so otherwise, Dracula allowed his fangs to pop out. The girl gaped at them mesmerized.

"Cool!" She exclaimed. "Oh, and my name is Zoe by the way."

Dracula eyed her with a cocked brow. "That's a harlot's name."

Zoe tilted her head in confusion. "What's a harlot?"

He smirked as the sound of panicked footsteps drew closer and closer to the room. "Ask your aunt." The Count chuckled as an out of breath Agatha sprinted through the sliding doors. "Pleasure speaking with you, Miss Zoe."

"Zoe!"

It was almost comical how Agatha's face was etched in both concern and utter relief. Roughly tugging the girl behind her, anger flared across her features as she stared Dracula down like a mother goose protecting its offspring from a fox.

"Don't you dare talk to her!" The woman hissed, nudging Zoe back once more when the girl tried to look at Dracula again. "Don't even look at her!"

"He didn't do anything, Aunt Aggie," Zoe mumbled sheepishly. "We were just…"

"Not a word until we get into the car." Agatha said through clenched teeth. Fucking Bloxham and her fucking failed security. If a seven year old could get past the system, then a centuries old vampire could get out. "I told you to stay in the lobby! You nearly gave me a heart attack when I saw you weren't there! You don't do that to me, Zoe!"

"I'm sorry…" The little girl sniffed, rubbing a hand under her nose. "I just wanted to find you."

"Give the child some credit, Agatha. She's rather brilliant for her age." Agatha's blood began to boil as the Count crouched down, trying to get a good look at Zoe from behind the former nun. "Don't cry, dear Zoe. There is nothing wrong with being adventurous. Why, the best of us are." His gaze flickered to her aunt. "Nothing wrong at all. Right, Agatha?"

She had a few choice words to say. More like an entire novel. But Zoe was in earshot and she didn't need to deal with a call from the school because her niece repeated them. Inhaling deeply, she pushed aside the idea of staking Dracula. For now. Tomorrow when they had their proper "interview" Agatha could say what she wanted.

"Let's go home." Agatha said quietly, taking one of Zoe's hands. "You have school in the morning."

"Bye, Mr. Dracula!" The little girl waved, her mouth forming a smile once more. "It was nice meeting you!"

"Farewell, child." He nodded, smirking as Agatha threw him a dirty look. "I look forward to our next visit."

She didn't look at anyone as she pushed past those standing in her way, Zoe hurrying at her side. She was pissed. Furious. Not so much at Zoe. She was a child, after all. But Bloxham. And without a doubt Dracula. Goddamn Count Dracula. Right now her fascination and wonder about him had become rage. Fury brought on by the idea that her niece could've been injured. Or worse. Now that she really thought about it, she was pissed off at herself too. Endangering her child like that. What would her brother say?

"Am I in trouble?" Zoe asked hesitantly once they were on the road.

"No." Agatha sighed softly. "No, Zoe, you're not. I just got scared...I didn't know where you went and I was worried. I don't want you wandering off again like that, okay? Especially where I work."

"Why was that man in the triangle?" The girl inquired, looking at her aunt through the rear view mirror. "Is he in jail?"

"Sort of," the woman admitted. "He did some bad things a long time ago." Not to mention that day. Though she really didn't really feel as sorry about Bloxham's thumb now. "He's going to be in there for awhile."

"Oh." And Zoe felt silent for a moment. Just as Agatha went to pull into their driveway, she spoke up again. "Aunt Aggie?"

"Yes, baby?" The woman asked, turning her head to meet her niece's stare. "What is it?"

"What's a harlot?"

Never before had Agatha ever hit her car brakes as hard as she did that night, the squeal of her tires causing the neighbor's dog to bark loudly. Fucking Dracula.

#Dracula #Dracula 2020 #Dragatha #Agatha Van Helsing #Dracula x Agatha #Caught in a Riptide

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its-all-ineffable · 4 years

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TUA 1x01 Review: ‘We Only See Each Other At Weddings & Funerals’

The opening scene got me hooked immediately! Kudos to the young girl at the pool, she’s absolutely brilliant at conveying a sweet, innocent romance and then the fear of suddenly and unexpectedly giving birth! The girl and guy are a very cute couple, and I kinda wanna know more about them. And the concern that the guy shows when the girl doesn’t surface immediately after she’s jumped in the pool is so sweet. Also, those women in the pool are hilarious! They all scream in horror when they see the girl start to give birth in the pool and the next scene they're crowded around her, patting her hair and holding her hand! I do feel sorry for the girl though - I personally headcannon that she’s Vanya’s mother. They’re in Russia, as we can tell because they’re all speaking Russian, and Vanya is a diminutive form of the Russian (among others) name Ivan. It’s just an idea, but I like it!

Pogo’s VO (though of course, we don’t know it’s Pogo at this time) is nice - he’s got the kind of soothing and authoritative voice that makes you feel like everything’s gonna be okay. Nice bit of exposition too! ‘HE GOT SEVEN OF THEM’ hahahahaha!! Love the overdramatic text on-screen! Also, ‘Picture Book’ by The Kinks fits so nicely in this scene, the lyrics are a beautiful juxtaposition for the ‘family’ that they become and all the actors manage to walk perfectly on the beat. The swinging arms from Reginald though - every inch the pompous idiot we love to hate already! Though the nannies have some pomp and swagger too. Imagine how weird it’d be to see the Monoply man walking down the street followed by 7 women in the same outfit with prams though? The small, ridiculous moments make the series!

The intro to the siblings is one of my favourite moments in the entire series! It’s beautifully acted and edited and the music is perfect. When we see Vanya for the first time, the blue lighting she’s framed adds a sense of melancholy too the scene, and perfectly sets her up as a lonely woman and an outsider. Ahh, Tom Hopper! And his butt scratching! Love Luther’s intro, Vanya still playing the slow, melancholy music, emphasising that he’s lonely too. Bless him. As we move to Diego, bass, guitar and drums join the violin, which I love, as it gives the music a more dangerous and frantic edge to showcase what sort of person Diego is. Also, what a badass rip-off Batman with a Robin mask! Go Diego! Then we have Allison, appearing in that frankly stunning dress! The violin gets a solo her, possibly to emphasise her fame? Love how gorgeous and stylish she is. Those paps get on my nerves though, the fucking assholes. The music switches again, to a more sombre violin melody for Klaus, indicating his BAG of trauma. The music changes are very cleverly done. Also, the “I believe in you! You, not so much.” - instantly my fave!! And his outfit is on point! And, I just noticed that when the clinic worker says “Stay sober.”, Klaus just shakes his head!

Then we go back to a nice, slow violin solo, indicating loneliness. Poor Luther, stranded on the moon all alone. Though, he’s the only one that finds out about Reginald’s death directly?! The others all find out from the TV, or in Allison’s case, the paps! Who’s the favourite son?! Also, those paps? Twats! Insensitive twats! Ugh! Moving on - love the rock version of ‘The Music of the Night’ that starts playing when Klaus gets resuscitated! It works so well with the scene and his manic attitude. The way he high fives the paramedic makes me laugh every time though! I love Klaus, can you tell? A very solid introduction to Klaus’ character, to all of them in fact. The finish with Vanya’s sad sounding solo is a beautiful end to the scene. Also, when the lights go off and we have the establishing shot of the theatre, Vanya looks so small and alone. I just want to wrap her in a hug and tell her that everything will be okay. The way she says “Dad” as well, so soft and sad, gets me. Bless her tiny heart, she’s so cute! Ellen Page is such a brilliant actress, portraying sadness, loneliness and shyness at the same time.

The way they show the passage of time through the photographs is really clever - a brilliant idea! The way we see 2 pictures, then suddenly one kid is missing and we get shown the solitary painting of Five, then we see 2 more pictures, after being shown Ben’s statute? Cleverly done, and deepens the mystery of the missing numbers! Moving on again - the house is a brilliant set and so well-designed. Mom’s intro, with her staring into nothing is weird, but we know right from the get go that this is weird. Another mystery! And the actress who plays Mom is so pretty! Just had to say that! Love her outfits too!

The reunion - when everything starts to go to shit, though of course, we don’t know that yet. The way Allison is cloaked in shadow on the stairs as she comes towards Vanya - like she’s a threat? Very clever. Also, the tone that she says “You’re actually here” in, bitchy much? But, siblings I guess! I don’t know, I don’t have any. The hug is nice though, and Allison makes more of an effort to interact with Vanya than the rest of them. FUCK OFF DIEGO, with you’re “You don’t belong here!” Stop being an asshole to tiny, adorable Ellen Page! The beginning of my dislike for Number 2, I’m afraid. Sorry, Diego fans! Not happy with him atm! Allison sasses him though, go Allison! And the way she re-assures Vanya. Bless!

Luther, WTF are you doing sneaking around? Hmm. Ah, and here comes the tense brotherly banter between #1 and #2. It’s pretty funny, but you can smell the rivalry a mile away! And Luther, just forget the monocle. Forget it! Jeez! Loving Diego’s sass though, very good at low blows isn’t he? And finally, the famous book - I’d read it! Looks interesting. I kinda want to know what she says in it, don’t you? And there’s Pogo! Is it bad that when I first watched this, I wasn’t even surprised to see a walking, talking monkey reach out to hug Vanya? Welp, I feel like that says something about me. I liked him straight away, he’s so kind to Vanya and his voice is very soothing. I don’t know okay, it just is?!

The backstory isn’t exactly subtle, the whole “How long has it been since Five disappeared?”, but it works. The whole interaction between Vanya and Pogo, when they talk about Five, makes me so sad for Vanya. The way she said “I used to leave the lights on for him” tells me that they had a pretty close bond before Five up and left, even when I first watched the show. It just made me feel for Vanya’s character more, she’s so sweet and she clearly misses Five a whole lot.

They all seem to wander round the house a lot, don’t they? Memories I suppose. The flashback scene here cemented my hatred for Reginald, it takes 2 seconds to say goodnight to your kids!! Fucking dick! Also, looking at the kids breaks my heart even more - Ben and Five are looking at Reginald all hopeful, Klaus clearly knows Reginald doesn’t give a shit, leaning against the doorframe with a ‘I don’t care’ expression on his face, Vanya hiding in the background, slightly separate from the rest of them. They break my heart. Great acting from the kids btw! And the way Ben looks back at Reginald, still hoping, and Luther guides him away - aww!

And back to the present - “Where’s the cash Dad?” Klaus!! XD The gigantic, adorable smile Klaus has when he sees Allison, and he immediately goes for a hug is so sweet! I get the feeling that Klaus genuinely cares about his siblings, but he masks a lot of his true feelings. That could be interesting to explore in a fic. The hug is very tense though - Allison recoils from him and awkwardly pats his back - as if she’s too good for him? Clearly not sure how to feel about him. Klaus in this scene is great, and was already my favourite at this point when I first watched. Though Allison does snort at his jokes, so perhaps they were close once? I want more Allison and Klaus interaction is Season 2! They could be an amazing duo!

And then Luther ruins the moment, with his “Get out of his chair.” Jeez, Luther, lighten up? Also, this is the first time you’ve seen them in years and that’s your opening line? Way to go big boy. I do love Robbie in that cropped shirt though, and the coat is awesome! Allison, I see you laughing at Klaus! I see you! Also - how the hell did that box fit in his trousers?! XD I’ll leave you be Luther, ‘cause you’re taking the piss out of Diego and it’s funny. Though I’m slightly uncomfortable. Allison & Luther stare at each other with so much longing, and I just...ugh! Also, I know this whole Patrick & Claire situation is supposed to make us feel sympathy for Allison, but immediately saying “shit” when you hear that he got custody, like - don’t judge? It could be a good thing? Don’t assume that Allison didn’t do anything wrong. Sorry, just, the bias. And so begins my dislike of Luther!

The tense silence in the sitting room. Family’s, am I right? Also, Klaus steals every scene he’s in, especially in that skirt! “And here we go,” Preach Diego! Here comes the family dysfunction. Also, how does no one laugh at Klaus? Can you imagine how many bloopers there must be? C’mon Netflix, give me! The family dysfunction is strong, though. “Sober up.” - it’s not that fucking simple Luther! There’s a long hard road to sobriety, even after withdrawals, so just shut up and leave Klaus the fuck alone, yeah? You are part of the problem, the reason why Klaus is the way he is. Just...can you tell I dislike Luther a bit?

And here’s Diego, who I also dislike, but at least he actually addresses Klaus like he’s a PERSON! So, I like him slightly more. And Luther totally suspects Diego of killing their father. None of the other siblings, just Diego. You can see it in his face. “I’m just gonna go an murder mom” I love Klaus so much! XD And the way they all file out while Luther stands there like an idiot...

The whole flashback scene, to the bank, is AMAZING, all the kids are great and its a great way of showcasing all their powers (bar Klaus’) and what they had to experience. Also, we get some Five and Ben content! Yay! Five’s sass immediately endeared me too him. Poor Ben “C’mon Ben”, Jeez Luther, do you ever stop being an ass?! And there’s Kenny’s mom, running out the bank! Poor Ben again, he clearly hates his power and using it. And being covered in all that blood. Also, can we talk about Klaus leaning on Five when they get outside?! And Five lets him?! I want more Klaus and Five in Season 2 as well, pretty please? And then here comes Reginald, telling Vanya she’s not special. Great parenting strategy asshat! Also, “six children”, GET FUCKED REGGIE! That reporter made me laugh though, the “Are you concerned about the welfare of the children?” one. Nope, no he is not. Take them away from him please!

Those posters, in the hallway outside the bedrooms, fuck, they’re disturbing! G is for gouge? Fuck me. And here we are, the ‘A+L’ locket. Slightly weirded out by it. Also, love the symbolism of the siblings being scattered throughout the house all in different rooms. Shows how fractured they are at the moment.

AND NEED I SAY ANYTHING ABOUT THE MASTERPIECE THAT IS THE DANCE SCENE?!

“Daddy?” Klaus, I can’t even...XD What was with the fire extinguisher as well? Darling, I love you, but really? “Yeah, get behind us!” cough*toxic masculinity*cough! Now is not the time to try and be the alpha male Diego. Also, Klaus seems to have the most common sense - “I vote for running!” - yep, great idea! Common sense, folks, from the super high medium! Five’s entrance is pretty great though, but I’ll just say this - if it was my sibling that I hadn’t seen for 17 years? I’d be hugging him so tight, regardless whether he likes touch or not. Just saying. I like how we have Five falling right back into the family as if he were never gone, as if him being 13 isn’t a big deal, the banter is great. I also like how he doesn’t look at his siblings at all, and then he looks up for the first time since being inside, and it’s to compliment Klaus. Such a small yet sweet moment in the series. Underappreciated, I feel. Five doesn't seem like the type to give compliments often. The “Well you would if you were smarter”!XD 2nd favourite sibling, here we come! This whole kitchen scene was a great setup for the sibling dynamics.

The elusive Ben is finally mentioned again. Creepy statue though. I love the fact that they all have big black umbrellas, and then there’s Klaus, with his little plastic one with pink trim! Diego again with the impeccable comedic timing “He was a monster”. And Mom is adorable, I love her so much. Here we go with Luther & Diego again, I guess. “Who’s the alpha male? I’m the alpha male!” Jeez. AGAIN? You 2 ever even tried being nice to each other? The fight scene is pretty cool though, the choreography is really well done. I love how we see them act more like a family here too, Vanya pulling Mom back and Klaus shoving Five out the way. Adorable! Allison’s got some deadpan! Like it. Diego, why are you such a dick? Especially to Vanya? She was trying, is trying, and you just...I’m so done with you and Luther. And y’all just gonna leave Klaus out there alone? Nice. Predication...

This training scene, reinforcing how AMAZING Reginald Hargreeves is as a parent! The tattoo scene too. Poor tiny little Klaus and Allison huddled together, and Ben, Luther and Five looking so scared/nervous. The way Vanya is left out - again - and draws her own tat. These poor abused kids guys! I just wanna hug ‘em all! Also, watching your kids sleep? Not creepy at all! And back from the flashback, Vanya leaving because she keeps being treated like crap. You know in nature programmes, when the baby animals bully the runt of the litter out? Yep. Loving the way Pogo is looking out for her though, clearly he cares about her a lot. Better Dad than Reggie! And no one notices she’s gone, that’s nice.

Love the entire kitchen interaction between Five, Klaus, Diego and Allison. Family banter again! Oh wait, they did notice Vanya left, they just didn’t care? Brilliant. Great family. Also, does Diego always need to be such a prick to his sisters? Asshole. Though I like the way he treats Klaus - he lets him hitch a ride despite knowing that he could leave without him, and listens to him more than the others do. Though you can see David trying not to laugh at Rob’s ‘hippo’ line in the scene. God, he seems like so much fun!

The scene at Griddy’s is just, simply awesome. Love Agnes, she’s so sweet. Five’s fake smile has me in hysterics every time though! The tow truck driver is very nice, buying for a ‘weird kid’ he doesn’t know. The fight scene, again, is perfect, and the juxtaposition of the upbeat tune “Istanbul Not Constantinople” in the background, just...chef’s kiss! Poor Five didn’t get his coffee though. The quest for Five to have a decent cup of coffee begins! Aidan is a phenomenal actor too, absolutely brilliant! Love the tightening of his tie as he walks away, the cocky little shit!XD Poor Agnes.

The intro to Ben is funny, and cleverly placed so that it doesn’t feel forced, it just fits with the story of the episode. Also, Diego’s a dramatic bitch. But he cares about Klaus. So, we’ll see, I guess. A nice little interaction between 2 brother (3, sorry Ben!) that love each other. Nice to have a moment of the siblings being, ‘normal’, for want of a better word. Vanya and Five interaction, yay! “Rapists can cimb” - Five, no!XD Funny, but...Anyway, I like the relationship between these two. The way he comes to her and trusts her the most and lets her touch him and clean his wound. I love it. The flashback to Five hurts, because he really was just a kid then and I feel so maternal about that...I’m not the only one, right? Aidan’s phenomenal acting again. I love the cliff hanger of the world ending in 8 days. Got me hooked. Also, Van’s response is perfect - “I’ll put on a pot of coffee.” I love you Vanya! XD

Alright, I know it was long, but it’s over now. Thanks for reading all of it, if you did. I don’t know when I’ll get around to the 2nd episode, but hopefully it’ll be soon. Hope you all enjoyed my ramblings! x

#tua #the umbrella academy #the umbrella academy review #tua episode 1 #review/rant thing #hope you enjoy!

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tomeandflickcorner · 4 years

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Umbrella Academy Recap 2x02

1x01 1x02 1x03 1x04 1x05 1x06 1x07 1x08 1x09 1x10

2x01

Last week, we saw the Hargreeves Siblings tried to go back in time to stop the apocalypse from happening on Apri 1st, 2019. But in the process, they somehow got separated, with all of them landing on different dates. As a result, Number 5 discovers that, because of their staggered arrival in the 1960s, they inadvertently triggered a chain of events that led to a completely different apocalypse, this one occurring on November 25, 1963. So now, Number 5 only has 10 days to reunite his siblings and repair the damage to the timeline.

But before the episode can begin, we learn that The Handler has more lives than a cat. Not only did she survive an explosion from a grenade, not even Hazel shooting her in the head killed her. Because right when two guys working at a morgue supposedly tied to The Commission were about to cremate her body, her eyes open. This woman just won’t die! Of course, when she returns to The Commission, she learns that a lot of changes have occurred during her recovery, and that she’s now being demoted, with her old job being taken over by AJ, who is a talking fish in a jar with a robot body. (Think Minion from Megamind) The Handler is furious over this, but she’s nevertheless assigned to working a desk job. (And her rage increases when she realizes she’s been assigned to the same desk Number 5 had once occupied.)

With that out of the way, we jump back to where the last episode left off, with Luther displaying a cavalier indifference to the knowledge that they only have 10 days before the world comes to an end. Number 5 tries to talk sense into him, but Luther is not interested in anything he says. He insists that he’s got a good job now, and that the Umbrella Academy team don’t need him. He also goes on to say that if the world will end, then Vanya is clearly the one who caused it and it’s Number 5′s fault because he insisted on bringing her along. Luther also makes it clear that he’s still angry at Number 5 for essentially stranding him in time for an entire year. He then leaves Number 5 sitting there to go escort a drunken man out of the establishment, with no one noticing the drunken man dropping his wallet in the process. Number 5 then discovers the object Hazel dropped into his pocket before he was shot to death. The object is revealed to be a small box labeled ‘The Frankel Footage.’

Back at the farmhouse, Vanya is sitting and looking at the number of missing person adverts the family she’s been staying with have been putting out in the hopes that someone is out there looking for her. Her musings are interrupted when Sissy comes in, looking for her keys. It seems that Carl has been out at the bar and has gotten drunk, so he needs someone to come give him a ride home. The situation becomes complicated when Harlan enters the room, wanting his mother read him a story. Sissy tries to get him to let Vanya read to him instead, but Harlan is insistent on the matter. For him, it absolutely has to be his mother. Vanya, wanting to help, offers to go and pick up Carl for Sissy, so she can stay and read to Harlan. A grateful Sissy accepts this arrangement.

When Vanya arrives at the bar, she finds Carl nearly passed out on the side of the road. She informs him that, while Sissy still loves him, she is not happy that he’d lied to her, telling her that he was working at the office when he was really going to the bar to drink. In his drunken stupor, Carl tells Vanya how lucky she is to be given a completely blank slate, which means she can start over and be whoever she wants to be. Everyone else is stuck being who they are.

At that moment, by pure coincidence, Luther steps out of the nearby nightclub, having discovered the wallet that the drunk man dropped while being escorted out. (Wait, so the drunk guy was Carl? I completely missed that!) Immediately, he sees Vanya getting into the car to bring Carl back home and is visibly stunned. Of course, while Vanya spots Luther as well, she doesn’t recognize him due to the amnesia.

Meanwhile, Diego and Lila have just escaped the mental hospital and proceed to steal some clothes hanging out on a clothesline. Diego, at first, suggests that they go their separate ways now. After all, it might be safer for them that way, considering the authorities most likely will be looking for them together. But Lila disagrees, saying they make a good team, and that he never would have escaped from the mental hospital without her help. To prove her point, she then manages to hotwire a nearby car. This seemingly impresses Diego, who gets into the car with Lila and they drive off.

As for Allison, she and Raymond are sitting peacefully in their home watching television when the Dallas police storm their way inside. They promptly arrest Raymond for assault and battery. It seems that Mr. Mason didn’t let things go after all, which isn’t surprising in the slightest. Allison and Raymond try explaining that they were acting in self-defense, but of course it’s no use, and the police begin leading Raymond away in handcuffs. In an attempt to save her husband, Allison begins to use her powers on the cops, but Raymond stops her, telling her that everything will be alright. (Does Raymond know about Allison's power?) So Allison tearfully relents and breaks down crying as Raymond is dragged off. Of course, as horrible as this is for Raymond, this unjust arrest may have saved his life, as we see those white-haired temporal assassins from The Commission are parked across the street and had been clearly plotting to attack them before the police showed up.

The following morning, Number 5 returns to Elliot’s place, tasking him with the job of developing the Frankel Footage film that Hazel had given him. After some rambling, Elliot states that he should have the film developed in 5 to 6 hours. Of course, Number 5 then catches a snippet coming from a police radio scanner that Elliot has in his possession, announcing that inmates from the mental hospital have escaped. Immediately, he realizes that Diego has broken out, so he has to go track him down again.

Number 5 catches up to Diego while he’s in the middle of an argument with Lila over Diego’s latest attempt at stopping Lee Harvey Oswald from assassinating President Kennedy. And to Lila’s credit, despite her initial shock at seeing Number 5 teleport into the backseat, is quite accepting of his presence. Number 5 instructs Diego to forget his mission to save President Kennedy, but Diego refuses to go with his brother. Until Number 5 threatens to turn them in to a policeman who just happened to be passing by. At this, Diego relents, knowing that Number 5 was not bluffing.

Number 5 brings Diego and Lila back to Elliot’s place. The moment they arrive, Elliot comes out, aiming a rifle at them. It seems he’s managed to develop the Frankel Footage and, upon viewing it, got spooked. So he demands to know where Number 5 got the footage, also asking them if they’re enemies of the people. (He’s met with a vague response.) Anyway, Number 5 and Diego effortlessly manage to disarm Elliot and proceed to tie him up before they watch the footage for themselves. The footage turns out to be taken by an old couple, Mr. and Mrs. Frankel, who had come out to see President Kennedy during his visit to Dallas. Immediately, Diego’s interest is caught, realizing that they’re about to see live footage of President Kennedy’s assassination. When the gunshots go off, the camera naturally begins moving around randomly as Mrs. Frankel reacts to the sound of the gunshot and the panicking crowd. But as the camera footage stills, Diego and Number 5 spot something that shocks the both of them. They freeze the footage in place to get a better look and confirm what they think they’ve just seen, with Number 5 pulling the projector backwards in order to zoom in on the figure standing in the background. Sure enough, despite the blurriness, there is no mistaking the image of Reginald Hargreeves.

Right away, Diego is in full conspiracy theory mode, speculating that Reginald must have been responsible for President Kennedy’s assassination. Because why else would he be out in Dallas on that day, with an open umbrella despite the fact that it was sunny? Number 5, on the other hand, tells him not to jump to conclusions. He points out that, since Reginald had been there in Dallas at the time, they might as well go and ask him directly. (Hang on, wasn’t Number 5 working as a temporal assassin assigned to this particular moment in time? Granted he didn’t have access to the actual case file, but you’d think he’d have some idea of what was going on.) In any event, they manage to locate Reginald’s old umbrella making company in the phonebook. But before they head off (while leaving poor Elliot tied up), Diego notices Lila is unaccounted for. He finds her in Elliot’s darkroom, having a mental breakdown. It seems that watching the footage of events that are to occur 6 days from now led to her doubting her sanity, as she wound up in the mental hospital in the first place because she was seeing things. Diego is able to reassure her, telling her that sometimes, even things they can’t explain can be real. To emphasize this, he uses this whole metaphor about yogurt.

Diego and Number 5 then head off to Reginald’s umbrella factory. Number 5 had a brief moment of hesitation, since this will be the first time he’ll see Reginald in the flesh since the day he left the Umbrella Academy mansion to attempt time travel, despite Reginald insisting he wasn’t ready to time jump. Diego jokingly points out that 1963 Reginald won’t have met Number 5 yet, so he won’t be able to say ‘I told you so.’ With this said, the brothers break into the building and begin to look around. But they end up splitting up, which isn’t always the best idea. During their search of the premises, Number 5 finds a bunch of rooms filled with mannequins, which are styled to look like various models of idealistic suburban families. Which leads to him wondering what Reginald had been planning during the 1960s. At that moment, Number 5 hears strange sounds coming from the shadows. When he goes to investigate the sounds, he comes across a young chimpanzee. Yep, it’s Baby Pogo. Number 5 approaches Baby Pogo saying it’s good to see him. But Baby Pogo, it seems, isn’t able to speak yet. Instead, he scratches Number 5 and jumps out of the window, running off.

Diego, on the other hand, spots a figure that appears to be Reginald leaving the building and walking off into the foggy night. Of course, he desides to follow after him. Although, Reginald appears to have realized he was being followed and he gets the jump on Diego. After a brief fist fight, Diego briefly gets the upper hand. But he hesitates when he gets a look at Reginald’s face. Because in spite of everything, Reginald is still Diego’s father. Reginald, of course, doesn’t know who Diego is and takes advantage of his hesitation to stab Diego in the chest. He then walks off (with Baby Pogo joining him), leaving Diego lying bleeding on the ground.

Of course, the other Hargreeves Siblings have no idea any of this is going on. Especially since they have their own problems to worry about. At the police station, Allison is trying to get the desk clerk to allow her the chance to speak with Raymond, but is turned away, being told that only Raymond’s lawyer is allowed to speak with him at the moment. As Allison sits down to wait, a man named Keechie is brought into the station, having been arrested for handing out flyers without a permit. (I wasn’t aware you needed permission to do that.) Keechie is placed into a cell which, by sheer chance, happens to be the one Klaus was put into after his theft of the pickup truck last episode. Keechie is stunned and awed to see Klaus, who he clearly holds in high regard. It seems that, in the past three years that Klaus was stuck in the 1960s, he gained a bit of a reputation as some sort of prophet spreading around messages of love and peace, and frequently spouted off words of wisdom before large crowds. Although, it seems most of Klaus’ wise statements was just him reciting lines from songs that weren’t around in the 60s. Trying to get a little space between him and Keechie, Klaus moves to the other side of the cell, which leads to him getting into a conversation with Raymond, who just happens to be in the neighboring cell. (This is starting to remind me a bit of An American Tail, considering how close the Hargreeves Siblings wind up almost meeting but always just missing each other.) Of course, their conversation doesn’t get very far as Klaus is then allowed to go free, having been freed by the governor. As Klaus is escorted off, Raymond asks him if he could try speaking to the governor on their behalf, since he (and a few other people there) are being held without charges.

Sometime later, Allison finally manages to talk with Raymond. Allison apologizes to him for everything, realizing that the confrontation with Mr. Mason must have been a setup and she walked right into it. However, Raymond reassures her that she was not to blame, as the police were going to arrest him anyway as they didn’t want them causing any sort of disturbance right before President Kennedy's visit. Allison isn’t quite convinced, believing she still made things worse. But Raymond tells her that’s not true, saying she makes everything better; that she makes him better. Allison then promises that she’ll do what she can to help Raymond get out of jail. After a brief pause, though, Raymond asks Allison why she said ‘I heard a rumor’ the night before. (Ah, I guess he doesn’t know about Allison’s powers after all. That’s good. I would have been surprised if he had known.) As you might expect, Allison struggles to think of a way to explain things to him, but before she could formulate a response, a guard comes around to inform them that their time is up and Allison has to go. So Allison can only say they’ll talk about it later. As Allison leaves, she catches a glimpse of Keechie waving at her and she stops in her tracks, having spotted the words ‘Hello’ and ‘Goodbye’ tattooed onto the palms of his hands. Which are identical to the tattoos Klaus has on his hands. So of course Allison has to stop and ask him where he got those tattoos. In response, Keechie states that all children of the prophet have them. Allison has a whole ‘oh, of course’ reaction to this, realizing her brother has been up to shenanigans.

Speaking of Klaus, he breaks into some fancy looking mansion that has been seemingly vacant for some time, as white clothes are covering all the furniture. After breaking in, Klaus heads over to a couch and lies down to sleep, ignoring Ben, who is casually sitting nearby. It’s then revealed that this mansion belongs to Klaus himself, as there’s a painting of him hanging up on the wall. Though it seems Klaus is embarrassed by that paining as he doesn’t want to look at it.

While this is going on, Luther has tracked Vanya down to the farmhouse, where she’s currently playing a game of Hide-and-Seek with Harlan. Through a brief flashback, we’re given the impression that hes’s still blaming her for the death of Pogo and bringing out the April 1st apocalypse. (Okay, yeah, it was Vanya’s out-of-control powers that caused the moon to explode and all, but care to remind me why Vanya snapped and went on the warpath in the first place? Oh yeah! It was because Luther went and threw her into the soundproof room, a place that she clearly had traumatic memories of, and refused to listen to the others when they were against that plan.) Luther follows Vanya into the barn, seemingly planning on killing her with a revolver he has on hand. However, he’s thrown for a loop when he realizes that Vanya has amnesia. In a moment that pleasantly surprised me, he actually apologies to Vanya. saying he let her down when he really should have tried to help her instead. (Wait, so Luther is actually acknowledging that he was in the wrong? WOW! I’m impressed. I still don’t particularly like him, but hey! Let’s hear it for actually acknowledging your wrongdoings!) Luther goes on to tell Vanya that he doesn't know if she’s only pretending to not remember or not, but if she is faking her amnesia, then he doesn’t care, and that he understands why she’d want to start over. At that moment, however, Sissy appears on the scene, aiming a rifle at Luther and demanding to know why he’s there. Luther, in an effort to explain himself, holds out the wallet that Carl had dropped the night before. This is enough to satisfy Sissy and she lowers the rifle, telling him to just use the front door next time. With that, Luther leaves.

After Luther’s departure, Vanya is still a bit shaken up. The fact that Luther knew her name made it clear that they’d known each other once, but she just can’t remember him. Sissy offers her some comfort, saying that whoever Luther was, he was clearly not someone Vanya would normally associate with. And, since men never apologize to women, the fact that Luther would do so with Vanya was an indication that he did something really bad, and that gives her all the more reason to avoid him. Still, Vanya wishes she could remember something. To try and help Vanya out, I guess, Sissy studies Vanya’s hands, determining that she couldn’t have been a farmhand as her hands don’t show any sign of her being involved in physical labor. However, she notes that there are callouses on her fingertips. (And here, we hear the sound of a violin playing in the background, which was a really nice touch.)

As Vanya and Sissy sit there, the mood seems to shift, with them simply looking at one another briefly. But the moment ends abruptly when Sissy clears her throat, saying that it’s late and they should both get some sleep. Still, the fact remains that they may have just had an intimate moment there. (I guess this means Vanya is bisexual or something?) Vanya tries to get some sleep, but she can’t settle her mind. She suddenly starts getting flashes of a violin playing, which suggests that she’s starting to remember something. We’re not sure if she remembers everything, of course, but those memory flashes are enough to lead her to drive off in Sissy’s car, not realizing that Sissy saw her leaving.

Although, this might not be too good for Vanya to be out on her own. Those three white-haired temporal assassins are still out there. After they take over some old cat lady’s home by killing her, they receive a message from The Commission, which contains a candid picture of Vanya. Though it’s not yet clear if they’re supposed to protect her or take her out.

Closing thoughts/questions:

What’s the deal with those white-haired temporal assassins? The fact that they can bleed suggests they’re human, but so far, I don’t think they’ve uttered a single word. And they seem to be completely immune to pain, since two of them were taking turns hurling knives at each other. Are we dealing with mind controlled clones here or what?

I’m wondering if Vanya would have been better off if Luther hadn’t tracked her down. While I’m glad he actually apologized to her (because he did have plenty to apologize for), his arrival might have forced her to start remembering the things her brain was trying to block out. And if Vanya getting her memories back ruins things for her, then that’s once again on Luther. Vanya’s got a good thing going on for her. I’d feel horrible if she lost it.

I’m also really liking Raymond. Allison is so lucky to have met him! So it’s going to really stink when Allison has to go back to her own time. I’m hoping there will be a way fro them to bring Raymond with them when they go back to 2019, but at the same time, maybe that would do more harm than good. I mean, I don’t think Raymond Chestnut was any major player in the Civil Rights movement. Especially since he seems to be a fictional character made up for the show, considering I can’t find any information on him outside of the Umbrella Academy wiki. But I’m sure there are a number of pivotable people who don’t make it into the history books.

Is this the last we’ll see of The Handler? I suspect we’ll have to see her again, but who even knows?

Is Keechie going to play a major role in this season?

Apparently, Klaus is on good terms with John Connally? (I believe he was the Governor of Texas during this point in time.) How exactly did they meet? And will that friendship be important later on?

So Pogo started off as an ordinary chimpanzee. Did Reginald perform some sort of weird experiment on him? Is that how he learned to speak? After all, the Laboratory Animal Welfare Act wasn’t passed until 1966, so in 1963, Reginald probably could have done anything he liked with Baby Pogo.

#umbrella acedmy #umbrella academy 2x02 #tua

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ober-affen-geil · 5 years

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Back again guys because guess what. I cannot get enough of the tension in this show. I have already done a post on the build in the scene between Michael and Alex in the junkyard in 1x09 but I’m about to pull a George Lucas and bring you the thrilling sequel from none other than: the pilot. Buckle up. x

The thing is, 1x09 had a lot of impact because of what’s being spoken. Alex is actually making an effort to talk to Michael. At that point the only other time he had tried was in 1x02, which he had to abort halfway through because Michael hit him with a ton of feelings bricks and they ended up banging it out. In between the two scenes is a whole lot of body language and distance from each other. The junkyard is the first time Alex is able to say what he needs to; it’s the dialog that gives it so much tension.

But in the pilot we are still getting a feel for these characters. All we’ve seen between them so far is angry, bitter jibes. The last interaction Alex and Michael have before this has both of them absolutely bristling at each other (”You’re wasting your life, Guerin.” “Did it get old for you?”).

The scene in 1x01 has a lot of impact precisely because so few words are used.

We begin in this semi-private back area, and Alex is in a vulnerable position both physically and emotionally. He’s adjusting his prosthetic (probably the reason he’s alone in the first place) and looks up just in time to see a picture of his younger self skateboarding. Ouch. This is the point where Michael announces his presence. Immediately the energy between them is jarringly different from the rest of the episode.

This is the first time we’ve seen these two characters actually alone together; we can finally watch them express themselves as they would with no one else watching. And holy St. Francis, what a change is here.

Michael is in the doorway, a good distance from Alex. (Giving him space, not being aggressive.) He’s positioned so he can easily leave if he’s not welcome, but he’s also leaning on the door frame in a very casual, non-threatening way that indicates he’s ready to stay a while. x

His opening line (Nostalgia’s a bitch, huh) is for the first time commiserating with Alex rather than jabbing at him. In a scene with so little dialog, the words that are spoken carry a lot of meaning. This is a peace offering.

Alex’s line (I thought for sure when I got back from Iraq you’d be long gone) is not so much a response to Michael’s remark as an olive branch in return; a kind of apology for the “wasting your life” comment from earlier.

This is where body language really starts coming into play. (It’s always in play with Michael and Alex though, let’s be real.) Because now it’s Michael’s turn to be vulnerable. He takes Alex’s statement (which, ostensibly, is just a throwaway comment) and asks a question that cuts right to the heart of why he’s there and not picking up a random person on a nostalgia trip.

“Is that what you want?”

There it is, on a platter. “Do you want me gone?” And he can’t even look at Alex when he asks, you can see him force himself to meet Alex’s eyes for an answer, but he’s still being magnetically pulled towards Alex because Michael just can’t help himself. x

And it throws Alex. He wasn’t expecting this, not after ten years. Not after what happened the last time they were together. He knows that he carries a torch for Michael. It’s buried deep inside himself and barely allowed to give off light, but it’s still there. Michael should have moved on, he’s better than this. (He deserves better than Alex.) Yet here Michael is, pacing towards him with a steady gaze and a light that Alex knows intimately blazing in his eyes. x

All at once Alex can feel the answering glow within flare bright and hot. He didn’t anticipate this and he needs to get a handle on it; tamp it down before it gets out of control and consumes him in a way that he knows he won’t recover from. But what a lovely way to burn it would be. His answer (We’re not kids anymore) is a desperate attempt to stop this madness from going too far. Alex pauses for the next line, trying to build up enough resolve to mean what he’s saying. Everything about him is skittery and on edge. His conflict between head and heart is in his eyes; they can’t settle on a single place to look. He swallows as though his mouth is suddenly dry with all the words that he is fighting to keep in. x

Finally he forces the reasonable response out (What I want doesn’t matter).

This is the most telling and impactful line of the entire scene.

Because the thing is, Alex can’t say no to Michael. Literally he cannot keep himself away from him; Alex is moving inextricably towards Michael as though mesmerized (just as Michael is gravitating towards him) for the entire scene. He is trying, so hard, to control this before it gets out of hand because he knows, he remembers what it was to be 17 and in love with Michael Guerin, to feel his body sing with the knowledge that Michael Guerin loved him back and he cannot do that right now. It’s too much, it won’t last. And it will destroy Alex to have it taken from him again.

But he can’t look Michael in the face and lie. He can’t say he doesn’t want Michael, not when *want* is pouring out of both of them so strongly it’s almost tangible. So he tries to invoke reality as a last ditch effort.

But Michael doesn’t bend to Alex’s reality. Alex doesn’t know it now, but Michael’s very existence defies reality.

Michael has only ever had one purpose when it comes to Alex, one goal, and right now it aligns exactly with what Alex is claiming doesn’t matter. The thing is, he can see, very clearly, what it is Alex wants. He needs to be sure though, so he stops and looks one last time. x

(The fact that his eye movement was edited to perfectly line up with a musical beat in the background is a detail that is scorched into my brain.)

This is the point of no return. Michael is giving Alex a final chance to back down, to match his actions to his words. He is giving Alex room to run.

Alex doesn’t run though. He steps forward. x

And Michael breaks. The whole scene has been building to this point, Michael has been reigning himself in as much as he could since he announced his presence in the doorway. He was gauging Alex’s reactions, watching his every move for a sign that he was not wanted. All the while barely holding on to his own need to be with Alex. Any separation when they are this close is painful. He gave Alex every chance to turn him down and he can’t take it any more. x

(That cut, moving us out so we can suddenly see how close they’ve gotten to each other, took my breath away.)

Look at Michael just before he moves, that is the face of a desperate man. Alex is the closest thing Michael has ever had to a home and he has been without him, adrift, for ten years. And it shows.

He doesn’t just reach for Alex, he lunges at him and crowds into his space, trying to press as close as possible. This has all the force of a dam giving way.

This scene left me absolutely wrecked, and continues to do so every time I watch it. It has so much raw emotion in it, and to have a scene convey this much depth of character with only four lines of dialog defies credibility. Michael Vlamis and Tyler Blackburn came for us personally here and I will stop being floored by it when I am dead.

#my roswell meta #roswell new mexico #rnm #malex #michael guerin #alex manes #list #a riley special

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aroacestartrekrewatch · 4 years

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Star Trek: ToS Rewatch - 1x01 - The Man Trap

Members of the crew of the Enterprise are being stalked and murdered by a mysterious being capable of psychically disguising itself in order to extract salt from its victims.

Ace Friendliness: 5

Aro Friendliness: 7

For more info on my rating criteria check out this post.

Recap:

In the ruins of an ancient civilization on the planet M-113, Dr. Robert Crater and his wife, Nancy, are the only members of a five year archaeological survey of a number of ancient ruins on the planet. Nancy Crater was once involved romantically with Doctor McCoy, who is looking forward to seeing her again.

However, upon arriving on the planet, the landing party - made up of Dr. McCoy, Captain Kirk, and a crewman in the science division named Darnell - each see a very different woman. McCoy sees Nancy as she was when he knew her, Kirk sees Nancy as an older version of the woman McCoy sees, and Darnell makes the mistake of outright saying Nancy looks like a woman he knew on Wrigley's Pleasure Planet - presumably a sex worker - which both McCoy and Kirk take offense to. Darnell gets sent to wait outside but 'Nancy' follows after a short while and lures Darnell away to his death.

Dr. Crater finally arrives and is upset the landing party is arrived. He keeps insisting all they need are salt tablets and generally he just wants them to go away. McCoy and Kirk, however, are both insistent they follow regulations - both Dr. Crater and his wife are due physicals (and probably psych evals too, considering how little social interaction they've had these last five years). Crater eventually consents to his physical, but they're interrupted by a scream outside.

They find Nancy standing over Darnell, whose body is covered in strange circular marks, and she claims he ate a poisonous plant before she could stop him.

Meanwhile, back on the Enterprise's bridge, Commander Spock has been left in command. With so little to do at the moment, Uhura is attempting to engage the commander in conversation and flirting but to no avail, as Spock claims that Vulcans have no sense of humor. The transporter chief signals the bridge to alert the bridge to the death of a crewman. Spock acknowledges and presumably signals one of the transporter bays to transport the party up, but Uhura is concerned by Spock's lack of interest in who the dead crewman might be since it could be the Captain, as the transporter chief didn't specify.

Once McCoy does an initial examination of Darnell, he determines the cause of death wasn't poisoning; in fact, aside from the circular marks on the body, McCoy can't find anything wrong with Darnell at all. Much to Kirk's annoyance, McCoy gets lost in thought over Nancy and his unresolved feelings for her.

After a more thorough exam, McCoy is able to determine Darnell died because his body had been drained of its entire salt content.

Taking two more crewmen with them, Kirk and McCoy return to the planet to bring Dr. Crater and Nancy aboard with them until the cause of Darnell's death can be determined. However, Dr. Crater is less than receptive to this idea and runs off to find his wife. he discover Sturgeon - one of the two crewman who joined the landing party - dead with the same circular marks as Darnell and calls to Nancy, telling her he has salt for her. When she doesn't respond, he continues off to find her, leaving Sturgeon's body behind for Kirk and McCoy to find.

While separated from the Captain and McCoy, the fourth member of the landing party is lured into a trap by Nancy, who kills Crewman Green and assumes his appearance. Nancy then joins Kirk and McCoy in the guise of Green and is transported up to the ship.

Now aboard the ship, "Green" follows Yeoman Rand as she brings lunch to Lt. Sulu in the botanical lab; there's a salt shaker on the tray of food that "Green" attempts to take at one point, but Rand stops him and tells him off for following her. With the lift full, the corridors crowded, and both Rand and Sulu present in the lab (as well as the unusual reaction of one of the plants towards him), "Green" doesn't seem to feel safe taking it and eventually leaves. From there, "Green" runs into Uhura and transforms again, possibly someone from Uhura's past or a person created from bits and pieces of people she once knew. He speaks Swahili to her, much to Uhura's clear delight as she responds in the same language. But he then seems to entrance her, perhaps some aspect of the same psychic abilities that allow him to take on so many different appearances, and it's only the timely arrival of Sulu and Rand that prevents Uhura from become the salt eater's next victim. Unfortunately Crewman Barnhart is less lucky and is discovered dead by Sulu and Rand after Uhura heads to the bridge.

Taking the appearance of Nancy again, she goes to visit McCoy because she likes his strong memories of Nancy; those feelings make her feel safe. She encourages him to get some sleep and when he mentions that he has sleeping pills, she gets him some water to take them with.

Sulu and Rand come across Crewman Barnhart, whom the creature attacked before “Nancy” came to visit McCoy. Reports of Barnhart’s death lead to McCoy to be summoned. Having drugged McCoy and, presumably, used her psychic ability to persuade him to sleep, “Nancy” assumes McCoy’s form and leaves the real McCoy asleep in his quarters.

Kirk and Spock return to the planet. While Kirk attempts to reason with Dr. Crater, Spock discover's Crewman Green's dead body. Aboard the ship, they begin searching for the impostor while Kirk and Spock finally stun Crater and question him about the creature attacking the crewman.

Crater finally explains the truth about his wife Nancy. The real Nancy has been dead for nearly two years now, replaced by one of the few surviving inhabitants of the planet. Once the planet was once a lush, plentiful world, but the ancient civilization caused some kind of catastrophe that left it barren. The M-113 creature that took Nancy's place requires sodium chloride - salt - to survive, but the planet is so lacking in salt that the creature's species has nearly died away entirely. Dr. Crater clearly assumes "Nancy" is the last of its kind and compares her to the buffalo, which went extinct on Earth some time ago.

Once aboard the ship, Crater claims that he and the creature have a symbiotic relationship due to their trade of salt tablets and companionship and even notes that he can recognize the being regardless of what form it takes, clearly aware that "McCoy" is actually the creature. However, when Spock suggests they use a truth serum on Dr. Crater in order to ascertain who the creature is currently masquerading as, "McCoy" reluctantly agrees. Spock, Crater, and "McCoy" head to sickbay, but the creature murders Crater and attacks Spock, whose Vulcan physiology seems to make him unappetizing to the creature.

The creature takes Nancy's form again and returns to McCoy's quarters, seemingly torn between it's hunger for salt and a desire to seek safe refuge, which it knows McCoy can be manipulated into providing. Kirk arrives, however, armed with a phaser and salt tablets; he attempts to convince McCoy to stand clear. McCoy seems to be under the creature's psychic thrall, however, and hesitates to shoot the creature in Nancy's form even as she fights with Kirk. Spock arrives and steps into the fight, repeatedly striking "Nancy" and appealing to McCoy's sense of logic. However, the creature fights back, knocking Spock across the room and reverting to its natural form in order to use its suckers - the cause of the circular marks on its victims - on Kirk.

McCoy finally rallies himself and shoots the creature.

Later on the bridge, as the Enterprise leaves M-113 behind, Spock asks Kirk what's weighing on his mind, to which Kirk replies, "I was thinking about the buffalo."

Analysis:

There’s quite a few different plot threads throughout the episode to keep an eye on. First, there’s the friendship between Kirk and McCoy and how Kirk seeks to keep McCoy grounded in the here and now, not drifting off into the past where his feelings for Nancy were strong. Then there’s Dr. Crater, trapped in an abusive relationship and desperate to keep the secret of his wife’s death to prevent the ‘tragedy’ of the salt-eater’s extinction. And finally there’s the creature itself, a manipulative monster who only cares about feeding its need for salt and assuring itself a protector who feels nice emotions towards it.

Basically, to me the episode feels largely like its a portrayal of an abusive relationship - one where the abuser is a woman - and how difficult it can be for people who know the abuser to recognize that behavior as wrong, even when seeing it happen right in front of them. There’s also a lot to be said about the assumptions the creature makes about how it can use sex for bait.

The episode opens with lighthearted banter between Kirk and McCoy, establishing their friendship with the ease of their teasing. Darnell is the outsider here already, a junior crewman nervous to be on an away team with not one but two of his superior officers. And then Nancy shows up, looking like three different women at once, and the plot finds itself dropped into the tail end of a long running tragedy.

Imagine, for a moment, the picture of the last two years that gets painted over the course of the episode. Dr. Crater can’t remember when his wife died. Was it a year ago? Two? He’s not sure.

Maybe he ran across her body after she died... but if that’s the mottled corpse of his wife, then who was he talking to over dinner? Who did he give the salt tablets to, thinking Nancy seemed out of sorts from the heat? Did the deception over whether or not the creature was Nancy really end there or did the creature torment and gaslight him first before finally admitting the truth?

And then the first time a crew arrived with supplies after he knew what was going on... and Crater realizing he couldn't say a thing to them without risking 'Nancy' murdering the whole crew. He has to stay the quiet, silent victim, trapped in an abusive, toxic relationship because the creature assures him that if he speaks up, other people will suffer and it will be blamed on him. And perhaps, now and again, the creature did kill one of the suppliers for fun. For the sport of it. To watch Crater cringe and flounder for an explanation that would satisfy the suppliers without giving away their secret. It made him complicit in their murder after the fact so that Dr. Crater would be afraid of the very people who might be able to save him. So that the only person he could depend on was the one who ruined his life. By the time it happens to crewman Darnell, he has an excuse at the ready. The borgia planet, a deadly nightshade type plant that kills quickly. The only difference is this time the crew is that of a Starship with a supercomputer whose memory banks include an accurate accounting of the borgia plant's affects.

With the arrival of Dr. McCoy, however, ‘Nancy’ has a new potential protector. By then, the creature probably thinks of itself as Nancy to some degree, which makes Leonard’s memories of Nancy, full of vibrant recall and deep feelings, all the more appealing to the creature as a replacement for Crater’s memories and emotions, which have been tainted by the creature’s own actions and the knowledge of Nancy’s death.

(Additionally, it’s McCoy’s memories and feelings for Nancy that also make him attractive to Crater. Having been denied the right to truly grieve Nancy’s death, it’s likely that Leonard reminiscing over how Nancy used to be gives Crater a chance to memorialize her, finally, in a way he’d been unable to alone. It makes the scene where Crater keeps egging McCoy on while Kirk is subtly trying to get McCoy to shut up make more sense at any rate.)

Darnell’s death is rather senseless in the face of things, perhaps caused by the creature being unable to control their impulses but more likely a warning to Crater to keep him in line. Nancy seems well used to using sexuality as a weapon as she interacts with Darnell, seeming even pleased that he makes it so easy to lure him away. But once she chooses to leave Crater behind and heads up to the ship in the guise of Green, things begin to go wrong for the creature.

No one knows Green well enough for the creature to be confident mimicking him, he can’t simply take what he wants from Rand the way Nancy could with Carter and her various victims, and the large number of crewmen all over the place (including the ones who catcall Rand) make the creature nervous. It’s first attempt at snagging a victim after giving up on the salt shaker nearly fails when it assumes that Uhura’s fantasies are similar to its previous victims. That is, more about a sexual partner than a longing for home and an intellectual equal; notice how Uhura is at first insulted by the creature’s insinuations at first, but she becomes more at ease when he speaks in Swahili to her. Once again the ship’s large crew interrupts the creature’s attempts to hunt and its forced to release the hold it had on Uhura.

Hungry and afraid, the creature ends up retaking the familiarity of Nancy’s form and seeks out McCoy... and proceeds to drug him in order to take his place. But while being McCoy grants the creature the chance to murder Crater, it only places itself at higher risk from its recklessness.

When Kirk shows up to rescue McCoy from the creature, Leonard is suffering both from the after effects of the sleeping drugs and from the psychic manipulations of the creature, unable to tell what’s really happening in front of him because the Nancy he knew would never harm his friends. It takes Spock showing McCoy that Nancy isn’t who he thinks she is to let him break through the manipulations and see the monster beneath his loved one’s visage long enough for McCoy to save Kirk.

While the episode is interesting for being a science fiction take on the Siren lore, it’s very heavily themed episode on the dangers of abusive, toxic relationships and the dangers of isolation with these kinds of abusive people.

But wait, there’s more.

Okay, so the creature had basically one modus operandi when it came to hunting. Sexual attraction used as a baited hook to catch some tasty, tasty salty humans to eat. The episode itself is called ‘The Man Trap’ which can be seen as a kind of gross reference to the idea that all men want sex (not even remotely true) and are thus easily manipulated by that desire.

However, the episode itself shows that sex appeal isn’t really all that effective a hunting technique once aboard the ship. Uhura is insulted by the assumption she’d be automatically attracted to the man the creature presented her with, forcing the creature to switch gears to entice her with the familiarity and nostalgia of someone who also spoke Swahili. Janice is repulsed by the creature’s fixation on her and the container of salt she carried. The creature never even considers Kirk as an option for manipulating, presumably because he’s too focused on the welfare of his crew; the creature only tries to kill him because its afraid of being punished for its crimes and no longer sees a way out, but the creature never tries to lure him in as a target the way it does with Darnell or Uhura.

Additional Notes:

It’s really great to see the friendship between Rand and Sulu. Janice Rand is a character we didn’t get to see enough of in the show (the reasons for which are truly appalling) and seeing the two of them as friends is a lovely treat. It’s a friendship that likely continued beyond the Enterprise, as the last time Janice Rand’s character appears in the overall Star Trek universe is on an episode of Voyager where a flashback revealed she was part of Sulu’s crew on the Excelsior.

We also get a good look in this episode at how much the crew’s safety and security means to Kirk. He’s the first to link Darnell’s death by salt deficiency to Dr. and Nancy Crater’s insistence on getting salt tablets and even before that he wasn’t exactly impressed by the Craters attempts to explain away Darnell’s death as an accident. He clearly takes every crewman’s death as a personal failing, but is still able to feel sympathetic towards the creature despite the necessity of its death, as evidenced by his comment about the buffalo at the end of the episode. This is a Captain Kirk who sees Nancy Crater as a lovely woman who has aged well, a captain who views his duty to his ship and crew as the most important commitment in his life, and a man who greatly values his friendships. This is not the caricature that eventually found its way into pop culture. (He is, however, a character that’s easily headcanoned as being arospec, something I’ll have to discuss more at a later date.)

Ratings:

As I noted earlier, the episode’s name ‘The Man Trap’ can be seen as a kind of gross reference to the idea that all men want sex and the salt eater itself uses sexual attraction as a lure to attract its prey. The creature also uses romantic attraction in an attempt to bind a protector to itself - first with Dr. Crater and later it attempts the same thing with Dr. McCoy only to misjudge the importance of McCoy’s friendships with Kirk and Spock. There’s also Uhura’s very poorly thought out attempts to flirt with Spock that are completely shut down. (Honestly, Uhura, what gives? If you like your job, don’t pretend you don’t as a basis for flirting with a superior officer... that’s practically asking for a transfer.)

So for a rating between 0 and 10 where 10 is a very friendly episode and a 0 wouldn’t be recommended...

Ace Friendliness: 5

Aro Friendliness: 7

For more information on the episode, check out the page for The Man Trap on Memory Alpha.

If you need additional tagging for content warnings not found currently found in the tags, let me know and I’ll get those updated.

#star trek #The Man Trap #star trek rewatch #aro ace star trek rewatch #psychic manipulation #mind rape #stockholm syndrome #death #murder #catcalling #sexism #gaslighting #abuse #sex normativity #identity theft #flirting #shapeshifting #monster of the week

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nellie-elizabeth · 4 years

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His Dark Materials: Lyra's Jordan (1x01)

Oh boy! It's been a while since I've started reviewing a brand new show. I think Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy is one of the finest examples of young adult fiction that has ever been written. So when I heard there was going to be an adaptation of it, I was nervous. But I also knew there was no way it could be worse than the horrific movie, so... what are my first impressions?

Cons:

The young lady who is playing Lyra is doing a pretty darn good job, but there are spots here in this first episode where her performance feels a bit uneven. Most notably in her first scene with Asriel. I felt like she was reciting lines instead of reacting genuinely. This was the only scene where I had that problem, though, and I think overall we've got a strong leading lady on our hands.

So, the Gyptians are clearly analogues for Romani in the real world, and there's absolutely no getting around that association, no matter what we do. On the one hand, I appreciate that this world is a lot more racially diverse, that we've got black men in positions of power, that the Gyptians are not uniformly brown. But there are implications here. It reminds me of The Handmaid's Tale in some ways. They made a decision to strip away the significance of race in the story, but they can't actually fully erase it. It's early days, so maybe we'll get more of this touched on later.

The Daemons are CGI, and for the most part they're pretty good. Or, not good, precisely, but more like - not distracting. When they speak and you see their mouths move, though, that's not great. Also, I noticed that some of the characters' daemons were not really around very much in certain shots. I'm sure I just wasn't paying attention, but it seems like in the scene where Asriel is giving his presentation, I did not see an animal companion for every one of the scholars in the room. The Daemons need to just be a fact of life, ubiquitous in every scene. I also need to get more of a sense of Pan as his own character, with his own personality. I'm sure that will come with time, though.

My only other complaint is a few moments of clunky exposition, but that feels inevitable with a show like this, where you have to set up so much world building in such a short period of time. For the most part, it was done very well and didn't feel too crowded.

Pros:

So far, I'm really pleased with the general atmosphere of the show. The direction was good, the action and the tension-building was nice. I really liked Lyra and Roger running around the school and down into the crypt. That was a really cool opening scene. The world feels lived in, and the perspective remained with Lyra for the most part. It was cool to see "Lyra's Jordan," to experience this fancy and prestigious world through the eyes of a child who is familiar with it as her home.

So far, the casting seems pitch-perfect. I loved McAvoy's Lord Asriel. He's not cruel to Lyra, but he's also not at all warm towards her, in any way that she can notice. There's that moment when he carries her to bed and notices that she has hung up his postcard to her on the wall. There's tenderness there, and complex emotions for sure, and I can see that we're going to get a lot of nuance from this character, through the performance alone.

We haven't had very much time with Mrs. Coulter yet, but I'm pretty pleased so far. Her affection for Lyra is more... cunning, but we see a glimpse of her face when Lyra gives her a hug, and it shows that she too has conflicting, difficult feelings about Lyra being in her life.

While I might question how race is going to fit in with this version of the Gyptians, I really liked the scenes with them. We got to see some of their customs surrounding Daemons and coming-of-age ceremonies. We also get introduced to some characters that are going to be very important moving forward, and it was cool to lay the scene here, in Oxford, before we change settings.

There's a part of me that wishes we could stay at "home base" for longer, but I know that Lyra's journey has got to take off, and so as the episode ends, we see the Gyptians leaving, and Lyra leaving as well, with Mrs. Coulter. I'm excited to get started with the story proper, and I'm impressed by how rich and well-developed this world is, just from the first episode.

In short... so far, so good!

8/10

#review #his dark materials #his dark materials review

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darling-stay-with-me · 6 years

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So I have always kind of believed that Madison was the cause of Nick’s addiction. While I did my rewatch I kind of picked up little bits and pieces that could be interpreted as this and also to show that Nick and Madison had a very messed up relationship from the beginning.

Season 1

In 1x01 when they all go visit Nick in hospital Nick is immediately irritated by Madison’s controlling behaviour of wanting to help

“We can’t help me, none of you can help me, can you just leave me alone? Let me go”

Alicia and Madison’s conversation about whether or not to let Nick be free and do what the fuck he wants with his life

Alicia: “You can’t just ship him off to rehab, you can’t just send him away like you used to when he was young, all you can do is what Nick said.”

Madison: “I’m not cutting off your brother.”

When Travis confronted Madison about the fact that Nick might be telling the truth about what happened at the church. Madison completely disregards it. Nick isn’t telling the truth, can’t believe him.

The conversation between Madison and Travis in the truck after going to the church together

“He doesn't want to be found… Travis, he would rather sleep in that place than his own bed. I don't know if I want him to come home... I'm just tired on waiting on the phone call from the morgue”

The fact that Nick phoned Travis after killing Calvin. Didn’t want Madison there at all. Couldn’t deal with her lecturers etc

In 1x03 after Madison gives Ofelia’s mother the painkillers. Nick is pissed at Madison for doing that. Madison responds by saying that she will help him.

“I don’t need you, Mom, I need the medicine”

1x04 is fascinating to me particularly the scene where Madison hits Nick. Is this the first time that Madison has done this or is it something that has happened before

In 2x01 she talks to Chris about how she hit her father and how it ended badly for her. Maybe she is an abuse victim herself so is carrying it forward with her child

In 3x15 she kills Troy out of nowhere. Does she have an anger problem?

I have also read theories that maybe Madison killed her father out of rage as well but she has made it seem like it was self-defence.

In this particular scene (1x04) it seems like it is an anger thing. It kind of comes out of nowhere. Nick is shocked as well. Could this have happened wherever Nick relapsed?

In1x06 when Nick is in the cages he indicates that this is worse than the house which is surprising to him. How could anything be worse than living with Madison

“I am losing my mind. I thought the house was bad.”

Season 2

In 2x05 Madison tells Victor to stop using her son to do Strand’s dirty work (despite the fact Nick offered). In 2x07 Madison also tells Nick to stay away from Celia (this was justified tbh). Nick has a tendency to the opposite of what Madison tells him eg gets closer to Celia goes deeper into her faith. Probably happened when Nick was younger and began hanging out with the ‘bad crowd’ at school, Madison trying to control aspects of his life. But only making things worse.

The great quote from 2x07 “You’re talking like I am using again, I can’t talk to you when you are like this” - says a fucking lot.

In 2x08 we learn more about Nick’s father and how he was very absent in Nick’s life and how Nick was desperate to have some sort of relationship with his father. This resulted in him having to deal with Madison A LOT.

In 2x09 Madison frantically trying to find Nick saying “he always comes home” Alicia snapping some sense into her and reminding her that he left them. They have to move on.

Also in 2x09 the conversation between Madison and Strand gives more insight to Nick and his father and their mental state

“He has been slipping through my fingers the day I gave birth to him.”

“Maybe you have been holding onto tight.

“Obviously not...It is his father's darkness. If you leave them alone they head straight towards death...I keep trying to save them but they keep dying.”

In 2x11 (and onwards) Nick is literally making drugs and is not being tempted at all. He knows where the drugs are kept but hasn’t taken any for himself. Why would that be? He is away from Madison. There is no chance that he will ever see her again. Can finally live his life.

In 2x12 Madison risked EVERYTHING on the limb that Nick was around. Has this happened before? Overhears someone that might have seen him and she goes frantic trying look for him. Forgets about Alicia - Alicia also talks about how Madison had her hands full with Nick and Steven essentially abandoned her.

In 2x13 Madison explains that Steven killed himself to Alicia. Then going on to explain that Nick reminded her too much of Steven, therefore, she was more worried about him than Alicia. Her constant worrying and holding onto Nick to tight evidently did the opposite

“There is so much of your father in Nick you know, the way he could light up a room with his smile or silence it with his mood, its impossible to ignore.”

“I was always so afraid of Nick ending up like him that I…”

In 2x15 HE IS LITERALLY MAKING UP THE DRUGS FOR ALEJANDRO THE WAY HE USED TO BACK IN THE DAY, THE WAY WE SEE IN EPISODE 8 WITH GLORIA AND IS NOT TEMPTED AT ALL TO GIVE HIMSELF A QUICK SCORE WHILE HE WAS AT IT. HE LITERALLY HAD EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO DO IT AND DIDN’T.

Season 3

In 3x02 Nick finally reunited with Madison, not thrilled about it

“you don’t want me any longer than necessary you don't know what I will do.”

Alicia also talks in this episode about Nick and Madison: “My mom made allowances, like Nick’s drama was giving her purpose”

In 3x03 Madison talks to Jeremiah about Nick

“Nick’s an addict. I have spent the last 5 years waiting on a call from the morgue. The day I told him that if he left I would let him go…. Here we are.”

In 3x08 the story of Madison’s father and what she did is revealed. Shows that she is very messed up. Shows that there are mental health problems on her side of the family as well. Nick reminds Madison of her father and also her husband?

This episode, 3x14, is SO FUCKING IMPORTANT. First, he goes out to get Alicia back instead of going with his mother. When Alicia doesn't want to come back he says

“Mom is going to go crazy if I don't come back with you”,

Then when he goes back to the trading post he explains that Alicia isn’t coming back. Madison is distraught but then when Nick goes to hug her, she says this

“Thank you for being here, I don't know what I would do without you”

Then when Madison leaves the room. Nick looks at the drugs next to Ofelia and immediately fucking takes them. HE HAS BEEN SOBER FOR MONTHS NOW AND JUST HAVING TO BE AROUND MADISON BY HIMSELF WAS ENOUGH TO RELAPSE.

Then along with that when him and Troy are both high and running rampant on the streets and walking into that horde. Nick just says over and over again

“I can’t go back there, I can’t go back to her, I can’t go back to her.”

In 3x16 after Madison kills Troy. Nick really starts to question Madison’s sanity. The whole conversation is amazing.

Nick: “I think you might kill me if you didn't have a choice. So when I was using you didn't wish you would get that call Mrs Clark we have terrible news it would all be over”

Madison: “I never wished you dead, what kind of mother would that make me.”

Nick: “I don't know, honest maybe.”

Madison: “I get to make that call for you, for your sister…”

Nick: “NOT FOR ME, you always lived in that world so now you get to be who you really are”

Madison: “Fuck you”

Nick: “You are what’s dangerous”

Madison: “One day you will have no choice.”

Nick: “That’s the scary part.. one day I will have no choice coz one day you may have no choice with me”

Madison: “I would never do that”

Nick: “Unless you had to”

Madison: “Stop”

Nick: “Could you?”

Madison: “STOP”

#ftwd #fear the walking dead #this is very long apologies for that #but I find it interesting #and going to post it now because season 4 nick and Madison is real out of character #and doesnt relate to the previous three seasons of their characters

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just-whelmed · 6 years

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A Long, Rambly, Incoherent Rant Regarding TWD

!WARNING!: a lot of complaints, a lot of tangents, specific shipping of specific pairings, wishful thinking and weird ideas, probably unpopular opinions -- all up ahead.

[i just needed to get my thoughts out there; i’m not looking to fight anyone over things i think/believe/like or don’t like about the show. i’m aware my opinions are not fact, nor are they the end all, be all for the walking dead. i’m just a fan who has no one to talk to about all this junk. nothing more. ignore if you want.]

I love The Walking Dead. It’s been a huge part of my life, my family’s life, for going on 5 years now. I’ve sat down every Sunday (when the show is airing) since the season 4 premiere to watch live, I’ve argued with family members after episodes, I’ve analyzed and defended characters, spent time making stupid edits and writing fluffy fanfics and just generally thinking about this show for an admittedly unhealthy amount of time.

I’ve never liked zombie entertainment. I didn’t even want to watch this show initially, but I’d been convinced by my sister one day and so we sat down in my room and watched season 1, which we rented from a video store before it went out of business. Right away, during 1x01, I realized that this wasn’t a zombie show—it was a show about survivors. It was a show about one man waking up to a dead world and wanting nothing more than to find his family. It was about seeing all these characters with all their complexities, whether you liked them or not, trying to keep themselves afloat while anyone could die at any moment. But that was never the point. The point was to follow these characters we meet right alongside Rick and root for them to conquer the threat of the world, no matter the cost. Because amongst all the loss and sadness, there was survival and hope. That’s how I convinced my grandparents to watch, too.

And so it makes me sad, mad, frustrated, that I can barely recognize the show anymore. That I can rarely even enjoy it. Where’s the fun in watching characters you’ve cared about for years get killed off without any payoff (especially when it’s falsely promised that it’s for some type of “reason”)? Where’s the fun the show either being so predictable that it becomes stupid, or so outlandish that you have to laugh at the ridiculousness of it?

I know the common arguments, just as I know my opinions are purely my own. This is a show that’s created by a team who can do whatever they want with it. They don’t have to take the fan’s wants and desires into account (they rarely do, anyhow). They don’t have to cater to anyone. However, why should they then expect the fans to keep watching when they (Gimple) consistently flush everything we love about what made TWD what it is right now down the drain? Actions have consequences, and while yes, this is a show and what happens shouldn’t revolve around whether or not people are going to get mad, I do think TWD deserves a little more care and common sense.

And I’m in no way saying that this show should not evolve every season, that it should only be about 5 people and no one else, that threats can’t be bigger and greater or that main characters can’t eventually die. I know all these things, I accept all these things, I even like some of these things. But there’s a time, a place, and a way to do all of this, and the way it’s been done recently… it’s just frustrating.

Of course, no matter what happens on the show, someone will always complain. There’s too much plot, not enough character moments; too many character moments, not enough action; too much action, not enough plot. Etc, etc. Nothing can please everyone 100% of the time and that’s fine, but where’s the balance? Where’s the forethought? It seems like Gimple plans a season without thinking about the future of the show, and now said future is far too bleak—in terms of TWD itself and the state of how long AMC can keep this train running before it completely wrecks.

And everyone has an idea on when this started happening. For reference, my favorite seasons OVERALL are 1, 2, and 6. S3 had a lot of great episodes, but too much focus on Woodbury too suddenly. S4 had some stand out episodes, but was slow a lot of the time and had weird plot moments intertwined. S5 might be my least favorite, really, though it contains a couple of my favorite episodes in the series. The first half with all that hospital shit? No thanks, but the second half was pretty good. A lot of people disliked s6 and cite this as the season that things started to fall apart, but aside from the completely random obsession Rick had over Jessie and the fakeout dumpster with Glenn (also, Denise’s too-soon death), I think the season was strong. It had a lot of little character moments where most everyone got to shine and essentially helped change the course of the show in new and interesting ways.

Unfortunately, s7 took those changes and ran in the wrong direction. The pacing was off, half the focus was about Negan when we had three communities (two of which were extremely new) to learn about, and practically all the deaths were for shock value. (Also, the whole “blame Daryl” bullshit really blew up here in full force, stopping Negan from taking accountability for anything because he’s so ~charming~.) Now, I have a lot of individual episodes in this season that I actually really like, for various reasons (7x02, 7x03, 7x05, 7x08, 7x13, 7x14, 7x15, 7x16; obviously, 7B was better than 7A in my eyes). And there were a lot of things in the other episodes I enjoyed, too, but overall? S7 was kind of a big mess.

Why did Glenn need to die, honestly? What was the point of the dumpster bullshit if he was going to get his comic death anyways, only this time as an afterthought and therefore the exact opposite of the huge show-changing event they’d claimed it would be? Abraham dying, alongside maybe a surprise someone else, would’ve done the same damn thing that s7 showed us, except Maggie wouldn’t have lost yet another person she cares the most about, Daryl wouldn’t be persecuted for something Negan did on solely his own will, and we’d still have some fucking hope for a little bit. TWD immediately started feeling less like TWD when Glenn was killed off.

Why is Negan’s characterization so flip-floppy? He was, to me, a threat in 6x16 and 7x01, as well as 7x03, and then for the rest of the season (as well as 8a) he’s just a joke-cracking, lame ass leaning cartoon who likes to pretend he’s not coercing his “wives” into being with him and who seems so obsessed with Rick’s dick that I’m not sure how he thinks about anything else. His relationship with Carl also falls flat. Yeah, I can see maybe if he had some kind of fatherly feelings towards him, but he just seems like a sociopath. He makes fun of Carl and then apologizes when he starts to cry, only doing so to gain control. He carts Carl around to show him the workers he treats as slaves, the “wives” that are only with him because they want to avoid a worse fate, and tries to emasculate his father by propping himself up as some kind of God to his “Saviors,” as if Carl will think that’s cool. He used Carl to break Rick in 7x01 and then was ready to bash his head in during 7x16, but it’s okay because he feels bad, right? Negan is a villain who has no empathy, who makes excuses for his actions the same way his fans do; there’s nothing to make the audience connect with him in a way that even the Governor, as whiny and dumb as he was, had. His s8 tragic backstory? Cheated on his dying wife. Okay. But it’s alright because he’s funny sometimes, yeah? In my opinion, Negan is a weak villain who’s plot armor is so obvious that so much of the show has become stupid. He controls so many people and yet you’re telling me that only Dwight hates him? That no one can just freaking shoot the guy who strolls around without a care? You’re telling me that Rosita is suddenly a shit shot and hits the small surface of baseball bat instead of Negan’s forehead? You’re telling me Sasha couldn’t take the knife from the rapist in the cell and stab Negan? She was going to die anyways, so why not just do it? You’re telling me they had Daryl on the B-Team in 8x01 because… why? He had a bike to lead walkers to Sanctuary? No, it’s because he would’ve popped Negan between the eyes if he’d been in that crowd, instead of shooting out windows too many stories up to even matter. Like… not to shit on Rick’s plan, because it’s pretty clever when you take the whole thing into account, but really? They could’ve killed Negan in 8x01 and the show would have been more interesting with Simon as the new main villain.

Also, what’s the deal with introducing characters (Heath, Sherry) that suddenly just disappear? I get actors have other things going on, but then there’s literally no mention of them again. Tara finds a sheet of paper, which we have no clue what would even have to do with anything, and hopes Heath is okay. Dwight gets Sanctuary’s doctor killed so he can lie about Sherry being dead. That’s it. And then what’s the deal WITH BRINGING BACK A CHARACTER FROM SEASON 1, SOMEONE THAT COULD HAVE HAD POTENTIAL TO SHOW MORE TENSION WITHIN NEGAN’S RANK, SOMEONE WHO COULD’VE HELPED DWIGHT TURN ON THE SAVIORS AFTER RECONNECTING WITH RICK, SOMEONE WHO COULD’VE AT LEAST FILLED THE EMPTY SPACE MORGAN WILL BE LEAVING ONCE HE HOPS SHOWS, ONLY TO KILL HIM AT THE START OF THE VERY NEXT EPISODE??? The most random shit you have ever seen, right up there with scavenger freaks that talk like robots even though the apocalypse has only been around for like 2-3 years.

It really pains me to complain about a show I love so much, but maybe it’s because I have such strong feelings for it that I have to air my grievances.

But wait, there’s more!

So, sure, season 7 had a nice finale, with Sasha at least going out on her own terms and Glenn finally really being acknowledged by newly appointed leader Maggie, plus the cool visual of seeing Rick, Ezekiel, and Maggie give rousing speeches to their followers, but we then get s8.

It had a strong start. Rick’s plan is confusing and, for some reason, not fully explained when it’s the ONE thing that should be talked about. But, essentially: Rick teams up with other communities to trap Negan inside until they can no longer survive, with the threat of walkers looming, rather than outright killing anyone because he wants them to surrender. Then, with Dwight’s information, they go to every outpost to clear them of outside Saviors and to arm themselves with more weapons. His back up plan, in case something goes wrong, is to call upon the group that already betrayed them. Then, they just need to wait it out.

Except a lot of things go wrong, as they usually do, and this makes up a lot of the plot. Great! I enjoy the fact that many of our favorite characters are disagreeing. Daryl, Tara, and Morgan want revenge at all costs; Rick and Maggie are struggling with morality; Ezekiel loses nearly all of the Kingdom and needs Carol to get him steady; Jesus, the new moral compass, has taken prisoners because he’s thinking not just about the present, but also the future and what the cost of winning will do to everyone; Rosita’s learned her lesson, Michonne is on neutral ground, Carl once again won’t stay in the house, Eugene’s become an asshole as well as a coward, and Aaron is dealing with the loss of Eric (which was unnecessary, but whatever).

But within these neat little things are several problems. For one thing, Tara in s7 seemed to care about the innocent workers, even after she learned about Denise, Glenn, and Abraham. Now, she wants them all dead and is kind of manipulating the fragile state of mind that Morgan and Daryl are in. Like don’t get me wrong, crashing a truck into Sanctuary was Daryl’s big idea (and it was NOT a bad one, entirely, just morally incorrect, which he even knew and seemed to struggle with at times), but after Michonne tried to talk some sense into him and we saw that he’s once again suicidal, Tara is right there to make sure he goes through with it, just like she said Morgan was right after he had a breakdown and nearly killed Jesus. As for Eric, I get that we need casualties in war, and considering that they never developed the background characters (Tobin, Francine, etc) like they should have, Eric is the only one people would have cared enough about. It’s all about impact. (Note: If it wasn’t clear, I do not ship Aaron and Jesus on the show. I don’t read the comics, I don’t like the comics, and I don’t care if they’re a thing in them. On the show, they’ve not spoken ONE WORD to each other on screen. They’ve never interacted, which is a shitty setup if the plan is to then try and convince us later that a relationship can form there, especially if they killed Eric just for that. Why does Aaron need to be with Jesus when he was already in a perfectly loving relationship? Tom Payne said it best: it would be lazy plotting. Aaron is grieving. Give him the random baby, since Ross mentioned that he’d clung to that bit of life in the wake of losing Eric, and leave him alone.)

Now. Daryl. Obviously, he’s my favorite character, so no matter what I say it’s going to seem like I’m defending him just because. But what you don’t know about me is that I actually like to see both sides to a situation. I don’t think one character is always right or wrong, I’ll admit to anyone if something happens that I don’t agree with, and then I try to see the other side if I can. So… Daryl’s been a popular character since his first appearance. Like him or not, he’s a mainstay and a huge part of the show. Daryl has always been hot-headed, violent, and emotional. He’s also always been caring, loyal, and an outsider. In 6x16, he goes out to find and kill Dwight, despite the fact that it would probably get him killed in return. Why is he doing this? Dwight, who he’d helped in the woods, betrayed him and stole his stuff. Then, he killed Denise for no reason and showed zero remorse. Rick, Michonne, and Rosita followed him out because they cared about him and thought what he was doing was stupid. People act like Daryl is the only character who does stupid shit. Yeah, he’s not, but anyway. Instead of realizing Glenn, Michonne, and Rosita have their own minds and make their own decisions, people want to blame Daryl for them getting captured instead of blaming Dwight and the Saviors for acting on Negan’s orders. In 7x01, when everyone is in the lineup, after Abraham is murdered, Negan taunts Rosita. He’s looking for an excuse to kill someone else. He’s purposefully going around, trying to see who he can rile up. When he starts shouting at Rosita, Daryl snaps and punches him. Stupid, stupid, stupid. BUT look what happens after. The punch, which Daryl no doubt thought would get himself killed, backfires and makes Negan like him because he’s not a “bitch” like Rick. Immediately, Negan turns to Glenn, who’d already spoken out of line, and beats him to death. Aside from the fact that the writers wanted Glenn to die, if we’re looking at it in the scope of canon, do you really think it was random? Do you really think Abraham was random? Abraham, who’d straightened up as a challenge to Negan when he first went down the line? He was a threat and Eeenie Meenie Minie Mo was a farce. He picked Abraham for a reason, just as he picked Glenn—because he saw how Glenn reacted to Negan suggesting he would kill Maggie, and then with Daryl’s outburst on Rosita’s behalf he realized how much pain it would cause everyone if he killed someone else (someone who already showed strong ties to another in the ine) instead of the one who punched him. This is behavior he carries out constantly: choosing someone at random to hurt when someone else acts out because it’s cruel, because the person who defies him is doing so thinking they’re going to die, which means they’re ready to die, and killing someone else leaves that person living with pain and guilt. He tries to make Rick cut Carl’s arm off to get him to break. He was going to kill Dwight for when he, Sherry, and Tina escaped, leaving Sherry alive to ive with it. He burned Mark’s face for seeing Amber. He killed Spencer when he sucked up to him about hating Rick. He told Arat to kill someone random after Rosita shot at him. On and on. This is a pattern. Would people be less pissed if it had been Glenn who punched Negan and if someone else died in his place? Is it only Daryl (who has always been portrayed as impulsive and angry in hard situations) that elicits this reaction? It continues into season 8. Daryl goes against Rick’s plan, just like pretty much everyone else has been going against his plan, and he’s actually got sound reasoning. He wants to blow a hole into Sanctuary to let Walkers inside, furthering the threat and shortening the timeline of their surrender AFTER they’ve lost many of their Kingdom fighters. Rick cites the innocent workers and Daryl tries to make himself feel better about the plan by saying the workers could possibly escape (showing he cares, but not enough in his mindset to back down). Rick pretty much tells Daryl he cannot do it, which is a bad idea, and Daryl decides to disobey. But honestly, Rick’s plan is to recruit the trash people that betrayed them and have shown not to care about anything other than themselves, so how is Daryl’s plan, as ruthless as it is, any worse? Then, when he carries it out, with the help of Tara and Morgan, it succeeds in what he wanted it to. BUT THEN PEOPLE WANT TO BLAME THE WALKERS ROAMING OFF ON DARYL, WHEN HIS PLAN DID THE EXACT OPPOSITE. AND EVEN AFTER IT WAS STATED TWICE IN ONE EPISODE THAT EUGENE WAS AT FAULT, I STILL SAW PEOPLE BLAMING DARYL. It makes no sense. But neither does the show half the time, so whatever.

Sorry. I needed to get all that Daryl stuff off my chest.

Let me talk about Jesus for a minute.

Jesus had one of the best introductions on the show in 6x10 (which is my all-time favorite episode ever). Tom Payne is strong in the role, which, from what I understand, is quite different than the one from the comics… and that’s okay. And no matter what people say, I actually think Jesus has been characterized consistently since he’s been introduced, we’ve just seen it expanded on in unexpected ways. The issue comes with the fact that we haven’t seen enough. Gimple has underutilized him constantly, for no reason. After a good start at the end of s6, he was a background piece for a lot of s7, which is a shame since he shined whenever he was on screen. We established that Jesus is pretty much the only real fighter at Hilltop, the only scout, the only person who’s out more than he is in. But when we see him in s7, he’s just hanging around Hilltop like no big deal. If the point was for him to be there for Maggie and Sasha, then maybe more than a couple of little scenes was necessary to show that. And in 7x16? They took away his big Negan moment without giving a single fuck. That moment would’ve solidified him immediately as a member of Team Family instead of being just on the edge of it, but nope, give it to the cgi tiger (i love her, but let’s be real). And in 8a? We’ve seen his morality, his philosophy, and some of his many capabilities as a fighter, but there’s so much more to explore and I have little hope that they will in 8b, especially in the right ways. I so hope I’m wrong because I love his character and there are countless possibilities for him (one of which is a relationship with Daryl, but maybe I shouldn’t get into that. Yet).

I’ve liked a lot of little moments in 8a. I like the action, the conflict, the spotlight on multiple characters in an episode, the dynamics. But Negan’s plot armor is still around, the trash people are still around for no reason, shocking deaths are still around, and it’s exhausting. For as good as the pacing has generally been, the little details of the overall plot are convoluted.

The show that’s been about survival and hope no longer has either.

As bad as Glenn’s death was, even with the way he’d been slowly phased out before that point, Carl’s impending death is somehow worse. Carl, who was Rick’s reason for living since the start; Carl, who we’ve watched go through so much, who’s grown up so fast, who was just a kid who kept losing himself and is now a man who is capable of so much compassion; Carl, who is the future of the show, literally and figuratively. It’s all gone. For nothing.

For all the talk about “anyone can die at any moment,” no one ever really thought that Carl would be an option, and it’s precisely this reason they did it. I don’t care what excuses Gimple and Kirkman give. I really don’t. There will be no payoff for this, just acceptance from those who haven’t yet already quit. There are people who might think this is overdramatic or who don’t care or who are happy because oh how shocking or because maybe they didn’t like Carl, but this is legitimately a huge blow to the show. Not even simply because TWD is losing Carl himself, but because it’s losing everything he represents to the show and to the other characters. This is a big impact and it’s entirely negative. The trailer for 8b has Carl mentioning Lori telling him he would beat this world, which is sad and poignant, but why does it have to be? Why couldn’t she be proven right? Why does Gimple have to ruin the very foundation of the show with dumb stunts like this?

Deaths are no longer shocking or a good idea. Killing off main characters when you have so few remaining is no longer a good idea. Focusing on the horrors of their world with so few moments of happiness and love to counteract it is no longer a good idea. (How many couples on the show are there at this point?) Watching the characters we actually care about get kicked down over and over again, without getting to see them stand all the way back up, is no longer a good idea.

We have 8 episodes of the season left. A lot of things can happen, good or bad, we can only speculate right now, but based on the course season 8 has taken so far? I’m not too hopeful. We’re going to lose Carl, we’ll lose Morgan in some way since he’s crossing over to the other show, and I would be majorly surprised if Negan dies. It’s hard to be excited for whatever else might happen when most of the possibilities are disappointing. Even with Angela Kang ready to run s9, right now I feel kind of apathetic. Will she have as much control as Gimple had? Can she mend whatever else s8 breaks and create a new, interesting story with our remaining characters for s9? Or will it just be more of the same—maybe even worse—because AMC can’t get it together?

I complained about Gimple sticking far too closely to the comics during 7, which forced the show in awkward directions that it hadn’t been on track for (Spencer becoming a random douchebag for the guts death, for example), but instead of finding a middle ground between adapting and tweaking storylines from the comic for the screen and creating original ideas in s8, Gimple’s now strayed so far from not only the “source material,” but also from what the show has been and what it should.

How can it get back to its roots while becoming fresh in a way that’s actually logical and interesting? Maybe one day we’ll see. Cross your fingers.

You guys probably don’t care about my undeniably optimistic desires for the future of the show, but maybe I can list them anyway, since I’ve rambled enough as it is.

One: Get rid of Negan. As much as I love JDM and think he’s a fantastic actor, Negan’s run his course. I vote for Rick not sparing Negan, but instead sparing the workers and those like Siddiq who he would have otherwise ignored, if not for his son’s interference. If Carl wants Rick to be merciful, it should be a side effect of Negan’s death, maybe make him feel guilt about how he went about the whole thing, but don’t keep him alive. Heck, Gimple recycles plotlines so much, why not have Rick take the workers into Alexandria like he had with the Woodbury citizens? It’d make more sense than the mustache-twirly villain living while Rick’s own child dies. At least the Governor had some humanity.

Two: Slow down on the character deaths. Seriously. How many nameless Alexandrians are left? How many nonfighters at the Kingdom? Oceanside has already been touched by Negan and Rick, and while the Hilltop is currently intact, I doubt they won’t suffer some damage by the end of this season. No more main or side characters should die this season; no more mains in s9, either. There’s barely anyone left. The characters we’ve already established are what make this show worth anything.

Three: Time jump for season 9? I think the show needs it, at least a couple of years. We’ve got a new showrunner, now we need a fresh slate. If a few years pass between 8 and 9, more options for what to do with the plot will open up. (Will they do the Whisperers? Will it be some big remix, like turning Lydia into a boy for Enid, having Lydia develop a mother/daughter relationship with Carol, having no kid at all? Will Jadis live to become Alpha by finally shaving off that horrible haircut? Maybe we’ll get an original villain? Who knows.) But people will be healed up, rebuilding can be under way, and we can explore storylines for characters that could have started during the jump, making things feel natural.

How about some little things I’d love to see, but that we probably won’t? Buckle up for some major wishful thinking and maybe exit the vehicle if you aren’t on the same page as me for certain things... like desus, carzekiel, etc.

Maybe we can recycle Rick not knowing if he should lead or not, still struggling with the loss of his son and trying to live on for him and Judith. Maybe Michonne is more driven after the initial mourning of another son and takes a more active role in getting Alexandria back on its feet, since she didn’t want to leave it for the Saviors in 8x08. She and Rick are stronger together and can focus on raising Judith to know her roots, like Lori’s sacrifice and how much Carl loved her, keeping his spirit alive. Maybe they recreate the council from the prison and any new characters (Siddiq, perhaps the introduction of Magna and her crew) can be part of it, alongside the oldies like Rosita, Aaron, and Gabriel (if he survives).

Maybe Daryl has decided to stick around at Hilltop. Not only did he never fit in at Alexandria, but perhaps he feels an obligation to look after Maggie and the baby. Maybe Enid’s come into her own (with the help of Maggie and Jesus?) and can have a critical role within the group, maybe as kind of a runner like Glenn had been at the start?

Maybe Jesus is more secure in his position in the community(ies), more secure in himself, and gets a personal story… like, say, developing a relationship with Daryl. And maybe this, too, can be a new start/story for Daryl; a departure from all the self-sacrificing and depression he’s been getting these last few years. Daryl’s sexuality has been ambiguous since the beginning, basically, as we usually know or see who a character is interested in fairly quickly (Rick with Lori and then Jessie and then Michonne, Glenn and Maggie, Tara and Alisha(?) then Denise, Sasha and Bob, Abraham with Rosita and the Sasha, Eugene’s interest in Tara and Rosita, Aaron and Eric, Carl with Beth and then Enid, Jesus coming out to Maggie...). And the fact that it has continued to be ambiguous, and to be covered as some kind of mystery as of late, leads directly into a chance for one final, organic reveal. Daryl has always been a character that’s formed unique and important bonds with others. He was integral to Jesus being introduced into the show and they’ve shared some very important scenes since; plus, it’s easy to pick up on signs that Jesus might have a bit of a crush on, or is at least attracted to, Daryl. (There are so many desus scenes, shots, parallels, etc. that have already been talked about, so I won’t here, but you know. you know you know.) Showing a bond between Daryl and Jesus that turns into romance would be an interesting story, a new one for both characters, it would make sense in a myriad of ways, and it would also be groundbreaking. (Also, Daryl deserves some freaking happiness and dialogue for once, just as Jesus deserves to be pushed to the forefront, and something like this could do just that.)

Maybe Tara can make the move to Oceanside. She needs a break, some time to get herself together, and she’s closely tied to that community already… which is full of women. Give Tara a girlfriend that isn’t murdered. (Cyndie? How even old is she, I don’t know.)

Maybe Rosita can find happiness again, now that she’s more chill and humble. Her bond with Tara can be further explored. If they want to throw her into a romance like in the comic, it sure as hell isn’t going to be with Eugene (either kill in in redemption or do something other than this back and forth confliction), so how about Tara or Siddiq? Dwight seems likely, given their interactions thus far, and while I’m still salty about him I see that he’s trying to redeem himself and Rosita would be someone who would understand that. There’s also Gabriel, but I would rather see him continue to sort of mentor her.

Maybe Ezekiel can rebuild Kingdom and maintain his more active role as a King, letting his people know the drill instead of feeding them an image. Maybe Carol can be his queen, his second in command, and they can be themselves together as they know exactly who the other is. A romance between them already seems perfectly set up; we’ve seen that they clearly care for each other and have a deep connection.

I could go on, but I’m just spitballing here (and probably also revealing some things i’ve planned for my fic’s sequel so oops). There are tons of things this show could do in place of constant tragedy. Yes, deaths can still happen. People can still be shitty, walkers can still bite and eat people, that’s how it’s always been. Conflict and angst have to there. But after a war this big, with so many losses from s7 and s8, we need something else. We need to bring back that feeling of survival in the face of certain death, those little rays of hope than shine after dark times. The show needs this if it wants to be good again and not just become another thing on TV that’s wasting away.

The characters deserve better, the actors deserve better, and we deserve better.

I’m so close to quitting before we even get to what Angela might be able to do, and you don’t know how sad that makes me. It doesn’t matter that all of this is fiction; it’s such a big part of who I am at this point, and to have it screwed around with by someone who clearly doesn’t give a shit is something I still don’t understand, and I’m not even as critical about TWD as some people are! I can overlook a lot, find enjoyment in certain things that might otherwise be bad or annoying, and like… I don’t even know if I have an episode that I hate. I’m just done with wondering about what we could’ve gotten if things had gone differently. I still really wish they will, but it’s up in the air at this point.

So… Please, 8b, don’t burn that final straw. I want to tune in for s9 with real interest and investment and excitement again, not just because I’m loyal to the characters that are still standing.

Sorry.

#personal ramblings #twd #ignore this if you don't like unpopular opinions #i'm just salty i'm sorry #i need some hope and help #long post

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prettygossiphorrorfriends · 7 years

Text

Every Unanswered PLL Question from every episode

Since I think the Charles is CeCe reveal is fake, I’m going to watch the show from the beginning and see what questions I have. (Any “answers” given in Game Over, Charles are irrelevant to me because I think they’re fake). All answers given in the show will be bolded with the episode it was answered in, in parenthesis. Just a warning this is going to be long hence the show has over 100 episodes. Also, I have a lot of -A related questions that have never been confirmed. Even during Mona’s reign as -A, some things just don’t add up. I know Marlene says that everything from season 1 and until the end of season 2 is Mona and season 3 starts a new -A, but like I said, some things don’t add up.

Pilot (1x01) Spencer heard someone scream ‘that night’, who was it? Why did the Montgomery’s leave Rosewood for a year? To get away from Rosewood after Alison went missing. (2x19) Did Ezra follow/know Aria was going to be at the Hollis Bar & Grill or was he there coincidentally? Why did Hanna roll her eyes when she waved to Aria in class? Who was the blonde in Maya’s (Alison’s) room? How did Hanna start off in the crowd looking at the chaos of Alison’s house when a body was found then ended up behind Spencer and Aria (behind the crowd)? What’s the “Jenna Thing”? Alison lit a firecracker in the Cavanaugh’s garage while Jenna and her step brother, Toby, were in it. The firecracker ended up blinding Jenna. Alison told the girls to keep it a secret and they let Toby take the blame for it. (1x02)

The Jenna Thing (1x02) Who was the older boy with a girlfriend that Alison was seeing the summer of her disappearance? Ian. (1x10) If Ezra didn’t want to be in a relationship with Aria based on the fact that it’s too dangerous, why did he want her to stay in his class? Why did Jenna come back to Rosewood High? Why is Wilden so insistent on finding out what happened on the night Alison disappeared? Who did Jenna send a text to?

To Kill a Mocking Girl (1x03) Why did Toby come back to Rosewood High? Why did Wilden really question Hanna alone? Why was Toby in the girls’ locker room when he saved Emily from Ben? Who were the two blondes on Melissa’s laptop screensaver? What did Alison have on Toby that made him take the blame for the “Jenna Thing”? She saw Jenna and Toby doing it. (1x06) Who was the one pinning up Emily and Maya’s photo booth pictures on the wall?

Can You Hear Me Now? (1x04) Who put the photo booth picture in Emily’s book? Who was recording Spencer and Wren and what were they planning to do with that footage? Who wrote the letter to Aria’s mom? Who ‘cleaned’ up the mess that Wren made with the flowers? Why was Spencer so concerned about Alison’s bracelet when she found out that someone had to of been in the house and not other things like her own safety? Who wrote on Spencer’s mirror?

Reality Bites Me (1x05) Who took the video of the liars in Spencer’s room? Why did -A send the pictures of Emily and Maya to Hanna and not all the liars? Why was Jenna seeing a therapist? It was Toby’s therapist. She had a session with him to see how she felt on living with Toby again. (1x06) Did -A know that Aria didn’t have her phone or was -A texting Aria’s phone so Ezra could purposely find out?

There’s No Place Like Homecoming (1x06) What is the ‘truth’ about Toby that Jenna was talking about? Why was Jenna listening to the liars talking about her session with the therapist? What was Toby trying to tell Emily about what happened the summer of Alison’s disappearance? Toby wanted to thank Alison for getting him away from Jenna. (1x10) Who painted that there was one less person in Rosewood on the Welcome to Rosewood sign?

The Homecoming Hangover (1x07) Why did Alison visit Jenna when she was in the hospital and what did she say to her? What really happened when Toby crashed his motorcycle? Why did -A want Toby out of their way? What was -A going to do with the files from Toby’s psychiatrist?

Please, Do Talk About Me When I’m Gone (1x08) How did Alison help Jenna after her accident? Who sent Spencer the text saying they’ll be watching the dedication for Alison? Why was Alison afraid of Spencer? Why did Toby call Alison on the night she disappeared? Why is Toby being accused of killing Alison? Why did Alison tell Jason that it was Spencer who initiated the prank on Toby that actually lead to Jenna being blinded? In what ways is Jason worse than Alison? Why were Ian and Wilden at Alison’s memorial? Who made a copy of Alison’s bracelet? Who destroyed Alison’s memorial? Lucas. (1x12)

The Perfect Storm (1x09) Who put Emily’s letter to Alison in the library book? Who sent Wilden those photos of Emily at the memorial? Who sent that video of Alison to the police?

Keep Your Friends Close (1x10) Who was Alison talking to in the video? Ian. (1x10) Who sent Mona the -A text? Whose car did Alison get into the night she disappeared? Ezra (4x25) Who carved ‘Alison + Ian’ on the tree? Who wrote ‘I see you’ on Mr. Fitz’s car? Noel Khan. (1x11) Who hit Hanna with the car? Mona (2x25) What did Hanna know that she deserved to be run over by a car?

Moments Later (1x11) Why would Noel be -A? Was that really Alison visiting Hanna in the hospital? Yes (4x14) How do the liars combined know more about that night then they realize? Who and how did someone take down the tree? Who sent Emily’s mom the pictures of Emily and Maya kissing? Why did Melissa and Ian elope within a week or so of them speaking again? Why was Noel spying on Ezra? Who wrote ‘Sorry about losing my temper, my bad. Love, A’ on Hanna’s cast? Why did -A cut down the ‘Alison + Ian’ tree?

Salt Meets Wound (1x12) Who signed Alex up for the tennis clinic? Who was upstairs and outside of Hanna’s house? Who stole the money from Hanna’s house? Why was Alison so jumpy about the Hilton Head questions?

Know Your Frenemies (1x13) What were Melissa and Ian whispering about? Why was Noel there when Hanna ate those cupcakes? Who put the answers in Noel’s locker to set him up? Why did -A save Aria and Ezra’s relationship? Who was watching the liars while they were looking through Ian’s boxes? Who sent the video of Ian and Alison at the kissing rock to the liars?

Careful What U Wish 4 (1x14) Who took Spencer’s laptop and switched it with a yearbook? Why did -A want Hanna to dance with Lucas? Who deleted the video of Ian and Alison on Spencer’s laptop? Who is the shadow in the picture of Alison on Spencer’s laptop? Spencer. (1x15) Who did Ella give the black hoodie and gloves to after the dance?

If at First You Don’t Succeed, Lie, Lie Again (1x15) Who put the ticket in Hanna’s locker to give to Ella? Who messed with Ella’s car? Caleb. (1x15) Who took the photo of Alison outside of the barn? Who put Spencer’s name in the appointment book for the bracelets? Why was Jason in Maya’s room looking into Spencer’s window?

Je Suis Une Amie (1x16) Who broke the Cavanaugh’s mailbox? Who broke into the school after-hours? Caleb. (1x16) Whose things are that in the air vent at the school? Caleb. (1x16) What does the note that Toby gave to Spencer say? B.A.D. (1x17) 2.1.4. (1x17)

The New Normal (1x17) Who is Jenna buying lingerie for? Garrett. (2x07) What is 2.1.4. supposed to mean? Hotel room number. (1x19) Caleb’s locker number. (1x20) Who was Jenna talking to on the phone? Why was Jenna talking about Spencer on the phone? Why is Jenna afraid of the liars? Who called the exterminator to Hanna’s house? Did -A kill Mrs. Potter?

The Badass Seed (1x18) What did Ian give to Jenna? Who planted the trophy in the prop room? Who really pushed the girl down the stairs at the frat party? In Hanna’s dream, Alison said Noel, is this true? (7x08)

A Person of Interest (1x19) How did Jenna know she was talking to Aria in the school bathroom? Who left the bag of ice in the 214 hotel room? Who was Caleb talking to on the phone? Jenna. (1x20) Is Melissa telling the truth about why Ian was in Hilton Head? Who was the restricted number calling Emily before she saw the message from Spencer? Who recorded the liars reading the -A text?

Someone to Watch Over Me (1x20) Why did Jenna have the owl necklace that was in Caleb’s backpack? He was passing her information using it. (1x20) What was on the owl flash drive Caleb gave to Hanna? Nothing. (1x20) Why does Ian really want Spencer to run away? How did fibers from the sweater Alison was wearing ‘that night’ get onto the ‘Alison’ bracelet Spencer had?

Monsters in the End (1x21) What key is Jenna looking for? The storage room key which held the videos of the liars, Jenna and Toby. (1x21) Was Garrett tailing the liars because of his job or something else? What was the prior engagement Alison had before she met up with the liars ‘that night’? Who sent Spencer that text message? Who wrote, “Shut up or I’ll shut you up” on the wall inside the house at the festival? Who locked Spencer in the house at the festival? Who was outside of Ezra’s door?

For Whom the Bell Tolls (1x22) Why did Jenna trust Ian with getting the videos back? Who pushed Ian off the bell tower? Alison (4x25) Where did Ian’s body go? Why was Noel Kahn in the crowd outside of the church?

It’s Alive (2x01) What’s Jenna doing in the alley? Why did Jason move back into the DiLaurentis house? What did Garrett and Jenna think Jason was looking for? What’s the “Jason Thing”? When did Mona and Noel become a thing? Who broke into Ezra’s apartment? Who broke into Dr. Sullivan’s office and put Ezra’s certificate in it? Who was following Dr. Sullivan? Who was texting Melissa? Who was in Emily’s house and wiped her computer?

The Goodbye Look (2x02) When did Maya’s family move out of the DiLaurentis’ and why did Jason move in? Of all names, why did Mona call Aria, “Big A”? Who broke into Emily’s garage? Mike. (2x05) Who broke into Spencer’s house and pushed Aria? Mike. (2x05) Why did Melissa lie about being outside? Who did Melissa show the ultrasound picture to? Why is Jason replanting the yard? What did the dog find in the DiLaurentis yard?

My Name is Trouble (2x03) Who was Melissa talking to on the phone? Who was the shadow in the DiLaurentis house window? Why was Jason covering the window with newspaper? Why was Alison crying? Whose bloody gauze was in Jason’s trash bag? Who was Melissa talking to? Wren. (2x03) Who sent Emily the Danby letter? What did Wren give Melissa? Medicine and medical supplies. (2x04) Who bought Melissa’s ring at the pawn shop?

Blind Dates (2x04) Why did Melissa have a packed suitcase? Who killed Ian?

The Devil You Know (2x05) If Ian has been dead for a week, who has been texting Melissa? If Ian’s suicide note is made up of -A texts does that mean -A killed Ian? Why would Ian kill Alison? Who hired Logan Reed for the money pick up? Who left Jason that note? Jenna and Garrett (2x12) What was Melissa going to tell Spencer? Mr. Hastings was “relieved” that Alison was missing and that Melissa sent threatening messages to Alison. (2x22) Also that she lost the baby (3x04). Why did Garrett pay for Logan Reed to leave? Who projected the kissing rock video in the cemetery?

Never Letting Go (2x06) If Ian didn’t kill Alison, did -A? Who was watching Jason and Aria? Why was Mr. Hastings yelling at Mrs. DiLaurentis about Jason? Because Jason is their kid and Mr. Hastings didn't want anyone to find out. (2x19) Why was Mike really breaking into people’s homes? Where was Jason the day/night Alison disappeared? Who sabotaged the Alison memoriam at the fashion show? Who projected that A message after the fashion show? Why was Noel being sketchy about the CD?

Surface Tension (2x07) Who sent the basket to Hanna’s house? Why was there a field hockey stick buried in the Hastings backyard and who put it there? Also, why was Mr. Hastings acting sketchy about the field hockey stick? Why was Ezra keeping a close eye on Aria and Jason? Why did Mr. Hastings burn the hockey stick if it didn’t mean anything? Who injected steroids in the cream?

Save the Date (2x08) Why did Wren accept the job in Rosewood? Why was Caleb being watched by the guy in the car? He was a P.I. Caleb’s mom hired to find him. (2x09) Why were Jenna and Garrett so paranoid about the girls knowing what the murder weapon was? Who put the pain cream in Emily’s food? Who took page 5 of the autopsy report? Jenna and Garrett (2x12) Who was laying down in the morgue?

Picture This (2x09) Why was Jason all freaked out about the worker going into his shed? What’s wrong with Mike? What happened to Byron’s brother, Scott? Who took the pictures of Aria sleeping? Apparently Alison. (2x10) Why was there surveillance equipment in Jason’s shed? Why was Jenna and Garrett watching Jason and Aria? Who took that picture of Emily and Spencer in Jason’s shed?

Touched by an A-ngel (2x10) Who messed with Emily’s cereal? What is the N.A.T. Club? A club Jason, Ian, and Garrett were apart of and they video recorded people in Rosewood. (2x10) Now that we know Jason was apart of the N.A.T. Club, did Alison really take the pictures of Aria sleeping? Who gave Emily the massage? Lucas, says Mona. (4x02) Why is Jenna threatening Spencer for still looking for Alison’s killer? Were Jason and Garrett talking about the N.A.T. Club? Who was in Dr. Sullivan’s office?

I Must Confess (2x11) Why was Garrett in Jason’s house? Who was Jenna talking to on the phone? Who called Dr. Sullivan with the recording of the session with the liars? Who were the two shadows in Jason’s house? Jason and Mr. Hastings. (2x11) Who was watching Dr. Sullivan outside of her office? Why was Alison asking Hanna’s grandma about disowning family members? Why was A seeing Dr. Sullivan? Who told Dr. Sullivan to leave and where did she go? Who bugged Dr. Sullivan’s office?

Over My Dead Body (2x12) Who put the box in Spencer’s house? Who put the doll in Emily’s car? Who locked Emily in the barn? Did Alison really drag Emily out of the barn? Yes (5x05) Who set up the girls? Jenna and Garrett (2x12) Who is “Pretty Eyes”? Toby. (3x24)

The First Secret (2x13) Who is the twin story about? Who was in that creepy house? How does Jenna know who Alison is if she just moved there? Who sent Alison that text in the Halloween store? Who was in the zombie baby costume behind Alison Who sent Alison the voodoo doll? Who was watching Alison’s house? Who was in the zombie baby costume outside of Spencer’s house? Were Jenna and Mona friends after meeting at the Halloween party? If it wasn’t Noel who helped Alison with the trick, who was it? Were the people Alison made fun of dressed as the zombie baby face? Why was Lucas dressed as a zombie baby face…was he the one following Alison?

Through Many Dangers, Toils and Snares (2x14) Why was Garrett watching the liars doing community service if there were already cops there? Why were the girls fighting? They’re fake fighting to trick -A (2x14). Emily circled ‘yes’ on the board when -A asked if she wanted to make a deal, does that mean Emily knew -A was in the class? What was on Lucas’ computer? Who met Emily in the greenhouse?

A Hot Piece of ‘A’ (2x15) What were Jenna and Garrett talking about on the phone? Why is Lucas calling into the crisis hotline? Who would be in the car with Jenna? What was Lucas trying to tell Hanna on the boat? Lucas gambled and lost Caleb’s money. (2x16) How did Mona and Noel go “skinny dipping” so quickly if we just saw them at the party?

Let the Water Hold Me Down (2x16) Who was in the bathroom with Hanna? Who is Maya getting calls/texts from? Who broke into Hanna’s house? Lucas. (2x16) Where was Jenna the night Alison went missing if she wasn’t at the blind school? Who put dirt and worms in the girls’ food? Who messed with the scaffold?

Blond Leading the Blind (2x17) Why were Ian, Garrett, Jenna and Melissa in Alison’s room the night she disappeared? Why did Garrett say, “That’s weird” when opening the box in Alison’s room? Who took the picture of Spencer and Toby? Who sent Alison those notes? Why are Jenna and Noel having dinner together? Where did Toby go? Who burned the pictures of Ezra and Toby?

A Kiss Before Lying (2x18) Why did Alison need an I.D. that didn’t look like her? Why was Noel helping Maya with her phone at the Grille? Who did Jenna get to replace Caleb…is it Noel? Who sent that picture of Kate from Hanna’s phone? Kate. (2x19) Who took Mr. Hasting’s gun? Mona (2x25)

The Naked Truth (2x19) Why would Alison store the red coat at that place? Who’s phone number was in Alison’s red coat pocket? Why would Mr. Hastings risk everything to help Jason and the DiLaurentis family? Because Jason is his kid and Mr. Hastings didn't want anyone to find out. (2x19) Who was on the roof watching Hanna and Caleb? Who stole Caleb’s laptop?

CTRL:A (2x20) Why was Maya talking to Jason? Why did Alison have/hide $15,000 in cash? Who put the letter of where Aria was going to be on Byron’s car? Who was watching Emily?

Breaking the Code (2x21) Who sent Mona that -A text? Why was Garrett watching Spencer and Aria meet up with Jonah? Why was Melissa also in Alison’s room? Who was watching the liars talk about Melissa in Alison’s room? Who sent Mona the police report of Hanna? Why did Melissa ditch Spencer for Garrett? Why is Garrett going to Melissa’s doctor’s appointments with her?

Father Knows Best (2x22) Where did Maya go? What did Mr. Hastings do with the $15k in cash? He hired a P.I. to look into her disappearance. (2x22) Whose car did Maya get in at the bus station? Why was Melissa acting shady before she left? Who was watching Ella and Ashley?

Eye of the Beholder (2x23) Why did Alison talk about the girls to Duncan? Who set Jason’s house on fire? Who sent Jenna the text that Jason needed to talk to her? Who planted a Rosewood Police badge outside of Jason’s house?

If These Dolls Could Talk (2x24) Was Alison really in Spencer’s house or was she dreaming it? Did Jenna basically tell the liars that she’s not -A but she knows who - A is? What videos was Melissa talking about? Why is Jenna lying about the autopsy report page and turning on Garrett? Who was wearing the babydoll mask in the basement of the doll shop? Why are Garrett and Melissa seeing each other?

unmAsked (2x25) Who was watching the girls in the hotel room? Why was Toby talking to Dr. Sullivan? Who was Jenna meeting with? Who is the blonde girl with the red dress and gold mask? Who was Alison watching? Why was Jenna following Aria? How did -A take all of the pictures in the lair? Who is in the black swan outfit? Melissa, the outfit was left in a package outside her door with a note saying to wear it to the dance and distract Jenna or else everyone would find out that she lost the baby. (3x04) Why are Lucas, Jenna, and Black Swan talking? Why would Mona be -A? Supposedly because the liars took Hanna away from her, but…the -A texts made the liars become close. (2x25) Did Mona kill Alison? Who is apart of the -A team? Why was Mona’s timer going off on her watch? Who is the ‘we’ Mona is talking about in her head? Who killed Maya? Nate aka Lyndon. (3x12) Why is Melissa in the crowd? Who is Mona talking to?

So most of the questions from the first two seasons are legit questions I had while watching the show for the first time and still have questions about today. Like I said I still don’t believe Mona did everything during her reign, I think she had help from more than one person. The questions I have from season 3 and on will also be legit questions I had/have but I will also gear more questions toward the many, many plot holes these seasons hold. Any plot hole questions will have the ‘-‘ symbol in front of this.

It Happened ‘That Night’ (3x01) Whose car door was that? Why was Emily at Alison’s grave? Who took Alison’s remains? Who used Spencer’s phone to call Emily? Who is the unknown number that called Spencer? Why does Wren really work at Radley? What does Wren mean when he spent a life time trying to understand mental illnesses? Who was in the black hoodie in the bathroom with Aria? Who was rustling in the bushes watching Spencer at the Lostwoods Resort? Whose blue car was that? Who texted Emily? Who took the pictures of the liars and who put them into Spencer’s car?

Blood is the New Black (3x02) Who put the tooth necklace in Emily’s bag? Who is close to Spencer that has her completely fooled? Whose medical records was Garrett referring to? Why did Ezra want Emily to know that he’s sorry about Maya dying? Who is Wren’s dad? Why does it seem so hard for him to talk about Mona and mental illnesses? Who left the earring in Aria’s locker? Who was watching Aria outside of her room? -If Toby was apart of the -A team at this time…why is he telling her about Jenna’s new eye drops prescription? If earrings aren’t Meredith’s, whose are they? Why is Garrett so quiet now that Mrs. Hastings is his lawyer, what did she tell him not to say? Who was watching Ella fill out Emily’s test? Why was Jenna driving Emily? She was helping Emily by driving her home. (3x03) Who was in the red coat buying the black hoodies and gloves?

Kingdom of the Blind (3x03) What did Lucas mean by saying that Mona as -A is just the tip of the iceberg, there’s more under the surface? Does Lucas know who the new -A is? Why is Melissa cleaning the ashes from the fireplace, what did she just burn? What does Mona mean by you can’t trust family? How does Mona know about Alison’s body being dug up? Why is Lucas visiting Mona? Who told vice principal Hackett about Ella altering Emily’s grade? -If Lucas was on the -A team, wouldn’t he know that Mona is faking the whole Radley trip? If so, why is he visiting Mona to see if she really is faking it? When did Melissa really lose her baby? The day after she found Ian’s body. (3x04) What was Jenna doing at a gun store? Who is after Jenna? Why was Mona holding a queen of hearts card? Who was drinking the vodka soda?

Birds of a Feather (3x04) Why was Walden visiting Mona? Who was in California when Caleb’s mom got in the car accident? Who is Jason writing the check for? Who changed Mona’s visiting privileges?

That Girl Is Poison (3x05) Who was in the hoodie watching Garrett’s house? Why was Lucas banging on the photographer’s window? The photographer is taking his things hostage because he was developing his own pictures. (3x05) What note did Garrett write for his mom? A note letting her know he won’t give up. (3x05) Who had Emily’s jacket? Why does Jenna want the photographer to take photos of every moment? Who drugged Emily’s flask? Who put the note under Garrett’s mom’s hospital bracelet? Why does Lucas have the sleeping pills in his camera bag? Who was going through Maya’s bag and how did they get that?

The Remains of the A (3x06) Who is April Rose? It’s an antique shop. (3x06) Why does Ezra have a lot of cash? He sold his grandfather’s old car. (3x06) Who was Emily sitting next to at the diner the night she got drugged? Holden. (3x06) Why would Garrett give -A a note about an antique shop? Alison’s anklet was in there. (3x06) Who gave Alison that anklet? What party is the stamp for on Holden’s arm? Why was Ezra acting sketchy about the money in his sock drawer? Why were the cops looking for the anklet, how did they know it existed? Who sent Spencer the text? Who was looking for an apartment in Rosewood?

Crazy (3x07) Was CeCe acting like Alison or was Alison acting like CeCe? How did Jenna know Maya? Who sent Hanna the ouija board? Why is Mona more willing to talk to Aria than Hanna? How does CeCe know how Emily takes her coffee? What is Mona talking about in the children’s ward? Why did Maya have a website? Why was -A recording the conversation between Mona, Hanna, and Aria?

Stolen Kisses (3x08) -If this is the episode where Toby is fed up with Spencer’s lies and joins the -A team, how was he ‘Pretty Eyes’ last season? Why does Wren want Mona to stay in Radley instead of going to a different facility in New York? Why would Maya get in the car with Garrett? What was Maya afraid of?

The Kahn Game (3x09) Who sent the text to Hanna? Caleb. (3x09) Why is CeCe trying to talk to Jason? -If CeCe didn’t go to Rosewood High, how does she know Noel’s brother? Why was Maya and Holden at a Kahn party? What did CeCe really do with Spencer’s college application? Where was Ezra when Aria called? Why did CeCe really want Spencer and Aria at the party? Who sent Spencer the email about her application?

What Lies Beneath (3x10) Who stole Maya’s cell phone? Why was Maya staying at Noel Kahn’s house?  Why did Jenna seem scared of Nate? Who is L.J.? Lyndon James (3x12) Who locked in Emily and Hanna in Noel Kahn’s cabin? Who spray painted that -A message on the Kahn’d cabin? Who grabbed Maya?

Single Fright Female (3x11) Who put the snake in the box? Who took the knife from Maya’s bag? Who put the other earring into Paige’s bag? Who was Jenna talking about and where is she going? Why is Paige acting so shady? Who are the two -As at the jukebox?

The Lady Killer (3x12) Who sent Paige the -A text? Who was talking to Mona on the phone? Who was the -A in the rocking chair? Who made that creepy call to Emily in the cabin? Who made that call to the liars? Why does -A owe Emily? Why did Garrett look at the liars like he was guilty of something? Why is Toby apart of the -A team? To help the liars and keep Spencer safe. (3x24)

This Is a Dark Ride (3x13) Who is Mona talking to when she is painting the mask? Who is in the zombie baby costume? Garrett. (3x13) Who is the little girl at Hanna’s house? Who is the Queen of Hearts that drugged Aria? Wilden or Melissa (4x02) Who was watching Emily and Paige? Is the hockey stick that Garrett used to pretend to kill Alison the same one that Toby found in the yard? Why was Alison talking to Byron the night she disappeared? She was blackmailing him. (3x14) Who took Aria and put her in the box? Who was in the fake Caleb costume wearing the Alison mask? Mona. (4x02) Who is the Queen of Hearts that was fighting with Spencer and Paige? Wilden (4x05) Who killed Garrett? Where was Lucas without his camera? There were two people pushing the crate Aria and Garrett were in, who were they? Who did Aria stab with the screw driver? Jason. (3x14) Who put Alison’s body bag on the train? Whose hand was sticking out of the ground? Alison (4x13)

She’s Better Now (3x14) Who was the black hoodie skateboarding? Lucas. (3x14) Who put the brain in Mona’s locker? Paige and Caleb. (3x17) What did Mona whisper to Lucas? Why were Jason and Mona hugging? Why does Harold have Mona’s stuff? Who is watching Spencer and Toby? Why was Mona looking at Meredith like that? Who set the booth on fire at school? Lucas. (3x15) Who messed with that guys bike?

Mona-Mania (3x15) Who was in the basement with the liars? Lucas. (3x15) Who sent Spencer the text? Who slashed Paige’s tire? Toby. (3x15) Who was Emily chasing? Toby. (3x15) Who sent Hanna the text? Why was Mona watching Byron and who was she talking to? Who hid the Queen of Hearts and fake Caleb mask?

Misery Loves Company (3x16) Who was watching the liars in Aria’s house? If Mona isn’t calling the shots then who is? Who was the girl in the red coat watching Hanna? Who trapped Hanna at her interview? Is that really Alison in Aria’s room? Who was Melissa talking to on the phone in the flashback? Did Melissa and Alison get into it after Byron left? Did Toby want to get caught by Spencer?

Out of the Frying Pan, Into the Inferno (3x17) Who put the -A key on Spencer’s nightstand? Who is beach hottie? Who is Alison chatting with in the notebook? Who sent Spencer the text from Aria? What is Wilden talking to Emily’s mom about? Who was Alison having sex with in Cape May? Who was Paige talking to? Who was the red coat blow torching Hanna’s bobble head?

Dead to Me (3x18) Who put the postcard in Emily’s mom’s bag? Who called Ezra’s apartment and just hung up? What was Emily’s hypnosis really about? Who was the black hoodie breaking into Alison’s coffin? Who was the red coat at Alison’s grave? Who was the black hoodie buying the Whiskey?

What Becomes of the Broken-Hearted? (3x19) Who wrote on Spencer’s glasses? Who put all the bottles in front of Jason’s house and who is watching them? What were CeCe, Wilden, and Alison doing in Cape May together? What were CeCe and Melissa talking about the night Alison disappeared? Who messed with the elevator at Mr. Dilaurentis’ office? Where did Jason go? A friend’s place in Virginia. (3x20) Who were the two black hoodies playing spin the bottle?

Hot Water (3x20) Why are the girls so quick to name CeCe as red coat when they barely even know her? Who is watching the liars? Why are CeCe and Wilden talking and what about? Who was watching Spencer and Wren kiss? Who was the red coat watching Spencer? Who was the black hoodie in Spencer’s bathroom? Where is CeCe going? Why did Melissa want the video tapes more than anyone? If Melissa hated Alison, why would she be hanging out with her and CeCe and take a picture for them? Where did detective Wilden go? Jenna and Shana helped Wilden. (3x24)

Out of Sight, Out of Mind (3x21) Who is Eddie Lamb? A Radley employee. (3x22) Why did Mona have a lot of cash? Who put Wilden’s car into Hanna’s garage? -Mona said she put Wilden’s car into Hanna’s garage, but how did she if she is in the woods with Spencer and Toby playing dead? Who is texting Emily from Toby’s phone? Who is the red coat that went into the workshop? How does the guy in the workshop know Emily’s name? Who smashed Emily’s car window and put the package in Emily’s car?

Will the Circle Be Unbroken? (3x22) Who sent Hanna the text of her mom and Wilden? Who was the one messing with the visitor’s passes at Radley? Wren. (3x23) Did Alison plan on faking her death and that’s why she was writing those diaries?

I’m Your Puppet (3x23) Why was Alison’s lip bleeding in the flashback? Who was the red coat at the morgue? Who put the Alison mask on the John Doe in the morgue? Did -A set up Caleb’s dad? Yes. (3x23) Was Spencer really dancing with Alison? Why did Wren authorize a visitor’s pass for CeCe? CeCe told Wren that she could help Mona get through what she’s dealing with. (3x23) Why would Melissa tell CeCe that Mona is in Radley?

A dAngerous gAme (3x24) Whose idea was the party? Spencer. (3x24) Who is Jenna talking to on the phone? Who texted Jenna? Who did Jenna meet? Shana. (3x24) In 2x25 unmAsked, Jenna met someone at that same park, was it Shana too? Why is Melissa talking to Jenna and Shana? She sent them to the lodge to find out who the liars were meeting (4x05) Who locked the girls into the lodge? Wilden (4x05) Shana (5x01) Who set the lodge on fire? Wilden (4x05) How does Mona not know who red coat is? Did Spencer see Alison or someone in an Alison mask? Why was Jenna in the woods? Who hit Toby on the head? Who dropped their lighter by Toby? Did Alison really save them from the fire? She saved Hanna, but all the other girls were already pulled out by someone else (4x25) -If CeCe stole the game from Mona AFTER she got into Radley, who was she talking to when she said, “I did everything you asked me to,” Who got the cop car from the lake? Who sent the liars + Mona the -A text?

A Liars’ Guide to Rosewood (4x01) Why is Mona referring -A as ‘-A’ instead of herself?

A is for A-l-i-v-e (4x02) Why are Shana and Jenna afraid of Melissa? Who killed Wilden? Whose red coat was found at the lodge? If red coat was -A why would she save them from the fire? Who gave those dolls to the little girls? Who was in the burned down lodge with Spencer and Toby? Who sent Toby the message about his mom? What does Jenna think is going to happen to him? When did Wilden see Alison the night she disappeared? Why was Jessica staring at Spencer from Alison’s room? Who was the black veil at Wilden’s funeral? Who was the guy with Jenna at Wilden’s funeral?

Turn of the Shoe (4x03) Who was trying to choke Mona? Who was the person in the Dilaurentis house? Whose phone number was Tipi singing? Who is board shorts? Who took tipi from Spencer’s room?

Cat’s Cradle (4x04) Why was Melissa at the police station? Whose mask did Hanna take from Hector Lime’s shop? Melissa (4x04). Why did Melissa get a mask made? Why is Melissa asking if Spencer would protect her?

Face Time (4x05) The tin can sitting next to Dr. Palmer is the same tin can Mona brought to Radley when she visited Spencer, did Mona or someone on the -A team get to Palmer first? What blonde girl was Dr. Palmer talking about? Who drove Alison to Hector’s place? Who was telling Wilden what to do? Who took Melissa’s mask from the lake and is putting it back together?

Gamma Zeta Die (4x06) Who put the bees in Ella’s car?

Under the Gun (4x07) Why was Shana in Ravenswood? Who was driving Jenna’s car? Who is in the video of the red coat wearing an Emily mask? Whose car did -A hotwire?

Crash & Burn, Girl (4x08) Who sent Wilden the package of meat for the bbq? Why was Jenna talking with the plane guy, Nigel Wright? Who ran the car into Emily’s house?

The Guilty Girl’s Handbook (4x09) How did Spencer end up with the same tin of cookies? Who drilled holes into the floor?

Into the Deep (4x10) What were Jenna and Shana talking about? Who hit Jenna and threw her in the lake? Where was Shana when Jenna got hit? Why was Jenna afraid of CeCe Drake? Why was Mona happy to be back in Radley? Who was the red coat going into the DiLaurentis house? Who was the black hoodie playing the piano?

The Mirror Has Three Faces (4x11) Where do Wren’s loyalties lie? What things is Wren keeping from Mona? Why did Wren spell diagnosis wrong? Who was trying to see Mona in Radley? Who was Wren talking to on the phone? Why was Wren watching Hanna and Caleb? Does Mona really still hold a grudge against the liars? How did Alison get CeCe kicked out of UPenn? Who was the red coat in Alison’s room with Hanna? Why was Mrs. DiLaurentis at Radley? Alison and CeCe were messing around (4x11). -If CeCe went to Radley dressed head-to-toe in Alison’s clothing calling herself Alison…wouldn’t the Radley employees know who CeCe is because she was a patient there?? Who called in the anonymous tip that Mrs. Hastings bullied Mona into a confession? Wren (4x11). Why is Wren coloring in the coat red on the lady in the farm picture? Who was staying in the DiLaurentis basement? Who put Mrs. Marin’s shoe at Emily’s house?

Bring Down the Hoe (4x12) Who put the money in Hanna’s locker? Who put the CD in Toby’s car? Who put the stake in the holes while the girls were in the basement? Who pulled a gun on Alison? Who is CeCe talking to? Who was the red coat at the barn? Why is CeCe listening into Ezra’s apartment?

Now You See Me, Now You Don’t (4x13) Why is Wren’s house packed up, where is he going? Why is Shana at Wren’s house? Why did Shana have a packaging slip with Wren and Melissa’s name on it? Who was the red coat who was watching Ezra and Aria? Why was Shana at Mona’s house? Who took Emily? Who are the two red coats? CeCe (4x13) and Alison (5x01) Where did CeCe go? Whose lair is that? Ezra’s (4x13) Who were Shana and Mona talking about? Who is Mrs. Grunwald talking about? Who is dressed up in the gas mask costume? Ezra (4x14)

Grave New World (4x14) What was this entire episode?

Who’s in the Box? (4x15) What was Ezra and Mona’s conversation about, does she know Ezra is being shady? Mona was helping Ezra with his book to keep herself out of it (4x23) Who is Ezra’s friend out of the country? Who was the black hoodie that went into the cabin?

Love ShAck, Baby (4x16) Clearly whoever called Ashley while Ezra was there was helping him, who was it? Who took Emily’s bracelet from the kissing rock, stole the diary, and put the bracelet where the diary was?

Close Encounters (4x17) Who was in the church with Emily? Shana (4x17) Why can’t Alison trust the others? Who put the knives in Jake’s punching bag? Who broke into Shana’s locker and burned her picture?

Bite Your Tongue (4x18) Why was Mona in Aria’s room? What did Ezra need to talk about to Mona behind a closed door? the book (4x23) Who was trying to climb up Emily’s window? Who was in the school with Emily? Who was the -A in the dentist office with Hanna? One of the names on the dentist record was C. Cavanaugh, is this a relative of Toby’s?

Hot for Teacher (4x19) Who was taking pictures of Shana and Emily? Who messed with Shana? Who was the black hoodie with Wren’s prescription pads?

Shadow Play (4x20) Was anything they talked about in this episode true?

Free Fall (4x21) Who put Wren’s prescription pads in Spencer’s purse? How does Ezra know that all Spencer saw was a motorcycle helmet and a tattoo when she thought Toby was dead? Who moved the equipment and files out of the cabin basement? Who was the blonde that picked up Alison’s money? Who was the black hoodie the picked up the pages to Ezra’s book?

She’s Come Undone (4x22) Who put the pills in Spencer’s locker?

Cover for Me (4x23) Who put the dirt in Spencer’s bed? Why is Toby in London? To talk to Melissa, but that never happened because she wasn’t there (5x02) Why would Mrs. DiLaurentis be -A? Why was Mrs. Dilaurentins talking to the police? Why was Mrs. DiLaurentis in Spencer’s room? It was Mary Drake (7x14)

Unbridled (4x24) Who was watching the liars? Who put the photos in Spencer’s car? Who were the brand new clothes for in Alison’s room? CeCe? (4x25) Why was Mrs. DiLaurentis watching Spencer from Alison’s room? Where was Jason if the rehab he says he was at has been closed for 2 years? Who did Mrs. DiLaurentis give the suitcase to? Who put the bones in Spencer’s dress? -If CeCe is supposed to be -A during this time, who is the black hoodie who called the police on CeCe?

A is for Answers (4x25) Why is Noel helping Alison? Who does CeCe think killed the girl in Alison’s grave? -CeCe straight up says the person who hurt the girl in Ali’s grave is the same person who is still trying to hurt Alison…but she is the one that is currently hurting Alison. Why is Melissa really back in town? Who is Jessica talking to on the phone? What is the understanding between Mr. Hastings and Mrs. DiLaurentis? Who hit Alison in the back of the head? Who was Mrs. DiLaurentis talking to while she was burying Alison? -If Mona was really -A at the time Alison was hurt, wouldn’t she just have killed her at the hotel? What is Melissa whispering to her dad? Who was the black hoodie with the gun? Shana (5x01) How did Ezra know they were in New York on the roof? He was following Shana (5x02) Who killed Jessica? Mary Drake (7x14)

EscApe from New York (5x01) Who was on the roof of the ambulance? Who was Mona talking to? Lucas (5x01). Who is the black hoodie at the hospital and who are they talking to? Who set up all of those fake -A’s to be at the park? Why is Ezra in the police database? Why did Melissa join Mona’s get together? How did Holbrook know he was talking to Alison? Did CeCe actually go to France or was that a cover?

Whirly Girlie (5x02) Why is Jason cleaning his car out late at night? Who sent Alison the text? Mona (5x02) Who was playing Shana’s song outside of Aria’s house? Why was Jason watching Alison sleep? Why was Jason in New York? Who put Shana’s song on Aria’s iPod? Who was Mrs. DiLaurentis sending that email to? Who is Jason’s friend in Philly and what is he giving to them?

Surfing the Aftershocks (5x03) Who was Mona talking to?

Thrown from the Ride (5x04) Why is Spencer wearing a wig?

Miss Me X 100 (5x05) Who was Alison talking to in the car? Cyrus (5x10) Why is Jenna back? Why was Jenna living in New York? What is Lucas planning to do? Who was in the car following Alison? Why/how are Sydney and Jenna hanging out? Who else was meeting with Jenna, Mona, and Sydney? Who blew up Toby’s house and why? Who sent them the text? Who was in the black hoodie in the apartment?

Run Ali Run (5x06) Who is Bethany Young? Who buried Mrs. DiLaurentis and sent Alison that text? Why was Detective Tanner at Radley? Why can’t Eddie talk about Bethany to anyone, even the cops? Who sent Ezra the picture that Bethany drew? Eddie Lamb (5x06) Who put the rat in Paige’s locker? Who was choking Alison in her house? Who was the black veil giving Bethany’s parents some flowers?

The Silence of E. Lamb (5x07) Why does Mona have Noel’s notes? How does Eddie know Aria? Why does Bethany hate Mrs. DiLaurentis so much? Where was Alison going? Where did Eddie Lamb go? Hanna told Sydney they were in New York…did Sydney tell -A? Why did -A steal Mrs. Fields’ invitation?

Scream for Me (5x08) Who wrote in Alison’s sheet music? Why was Mrs. DiLaurentis taking Bethany out of Radley and gave her a horse? Who was in Hanna’s house? Noel (5x08) Why was Melissa’s riding helmet at the horse stable Emily and Spencer went to? Who locked Emily and Spencer into the horse stable? Who was the black hoodie in Spencer’s room?

March of Crimes (5x09) Who was watching Emily in the boy’s locker room? Why was Sydney dressed just like Jenna? Who messed with the eye chart? Is Sydney telling the truth about how she knows Jenna? What does Alison have on Noel that he’s willing to help her so much? Who was the guy caught for “abducting” Alison? Cyrus Petrillo (5x10) Who was the black hoodie in the eye doctor’s office?

A Dark Ali (5x10) Who called Spencer? What guy was Melissa talking to in their backyard and what did she give him? Why does Mona have a picture of Cyrus in her purse? What was Melissa recording? Why was -A folding a candy striper’s dress?

No One Here Can Love or Understand Me (5x11) Who displayed the -A message at the store with all the TVs? Is Melissa’s story true about burying Bethany? What did Aria whisper to Mona? Was it always a plan for Bethany to die? Who was watching Hanna and Caleb?

Taking This One to the Grave (5x12) Who was Mona talking to? Lucas (5x12) How did Toby become a cop in like two weeks? What did Holbrook tell Alison? Did Alison know Bethany? What abandoned barn did Alison drive to? Who was the black hoodie in front of Mona’s house? That was definitely Alison walking up Mona’s stairs, but who entered Mona’s room? Why was Alison watching Mona’s house with a smile? Was it her plan to kill Mona?

How the ‘A’ Stole Christmas (5x13) Did Mona really send that package to Hanna? Who were the two yellow dresses for? Why are Jenna and Sydney apart of Alison’s clique? Out of fear (5x13) Who is the white hooded person? CeCe (5x13) Who was Alison kissing? How long have Alison and Holbrook been together? Who is the black hoodie in Alison’s house? Who was in the zombie baby mask? Why was Mrs. DiLaurentis in the black veil outfit? Who displayed the “Merry Christmas” on the barn?

Through a Glass, Darkly (5x14) Where is Mona’s body? How was Ezra able to buy the brew?

Fresh Meat (5x15) Who put the guts in Hanna’s stuffed animal? Who locked Caleb into the kiln? Is Alison telling the truth about where she was on Thanksgiving? Yes (5x20) How does Jonny know who Spencer is? Who put the bookmark of Aria’s letter in the book at the bookstore? Who sent that note to Alison in jail?

Over a Barrel (5x16) Who printed Aria’s letter on the receipt at the brew? Who sent Aria the text about meeting at the Grille? Who unlocked Mona’s computer? Whose storage unit has Mona’s computer/bloody clothes? What is in the barrel? Who put Hanna’s name on the storage unit lease? Who is the black hoodie who broke into Holbrook’s computer?

The Bin of Sin (5x17) Who moved everything out of the storage unit? Who recorded Hanna and Caleb’s conversation? Who locked Spencer and Aria in the freezer? Who was the black hoodie that went back to the ice cream place?

Oh, What Hard Luck Stories They All Hand Me (5x18) Why did Holbrook come back and where has he been all this time? He was in a hotel room having meetings with internal affairs (5x18) Why was Holbrook mad? They suspended him with inappropriate behavior (5x18) Why did Mike visit Alison in jail? Did Lesli put that tape in Mona’s book or does she just know about it? Who was following Hanna? Holbrook (5x18) Who did Mike leave the candy for? Mona (5x20) Who was the black hoodie in Mona’s room?

Out, Damned Spot (5x19) Whose blood did Mike take? Mona (5x20) Who is Hank Mahoney and why are they calling Mike? It’s actually Cyrus and Mike gave him something in an envelope (5x19) Whose account is Mike withdrawing money from? Why is Mike creeping around Spencer’s house? Who is the black hoodie putting Hanna’s blood on Mona’s clothes?

Pretty Isn’t the Point (5x20) Who was the necklace for that Mike bought? Who put Kate’s name on the sign up sheet for the beauty pageant? Who was watching the liars? Who is the black hoodie that messed with Mike’s weights?

Bloody Hell (5x21) Why did Alison write ‘Mona’ on the table? Does Andrew know about -A? Where were Melissa and Wren really at? Who wrote ‘told everything’ under the ‘Mona’ on the table? Why is Cyrus in the hospital? Who is sending Alison the doll in an orange jumpsuit with the note? Who put the blood in Spencer’s bag? Who is Varjak? Who was in the hospital room with Cyrus?

To Plea or Not to Plea (5x22) Was Mona’s “lawyer” hired from -A? Who trashed Alison’s cell?

The Melody Lingers On (5x23) Who was talking to Alison in the personal ads? Who was playing the music from Mona’s room? Who put the anagrams in Mona’s mirror? Why was Andrew watching Mona’s house? Who broke into Mona’s house? Who played the song on the secret catcher thing in the brew? Who shredded Varjak’s papers?

I’m a Good Girl, I Am (5x24) -How could Lesli Stone and Mona have gotten close and have been texting last summer if Mona was in Radley last summer? Andrew has a cut on his hand, did he break into Mona’s house? Who put the box on the porch? Who was shooting the darts? Who pepper sprayed Mike? Did Andrew shoot the darts?

Welcome to the Dollhouse (5x25) Who kidnapped the girls? How does Peter know what Alison is capable of, did he witness something else that she did that we don’t know about? Where are the liars? Whose voice is on the intercom? Who is controlling the chimes/watching the liars? Who is Charles? Why is -A recreating a prom that already happened? Why is Melissa calling? Why is Andrew listening to Melissa and Veronica’s conversation? Why did Spencer bring up Maya? Who is in the mask? What is the significance of the apple farm?

Game On, Charles (6x01) Who is the blonde girl in the dollhouse? Sara Harvey (6x01) Who was the one who gassed the liars? Why are the girls on slabs? The were chipped (6x06) Why is Andrew the top suspect? Who called Alison’s phone? Caleb and Ezra (6x01) Did Mona carve that into the wardrobe? Who was the -A in the dollhouse and who was the -A at the Campbell’s farm?

Songs of Innocence (6x02) Why is Sara really at Emily’s house?

Songs of Experience (6x03) Who was in the room with Sara? Who was watching Alison and her family?

Don’t Look Now (6x04) Who was inside Aunt Carol’s house? Mary Drake (7x07) Who put the note in the dark room? Who was the black hoodie on the computer?

She’s No Angel (6x05) Who was the black hoodie in the junkyard? What does Lesli Stone have to do with anything? Who was the black hoodie making pink streaks for Aria’s hair?

No Stone Unturned (6x06) Why does Lesli Stone have multiple pairs of fake glasses and the dog cages?

O Brother, Where Art Thou (6x07) Who sent Jason the birthday invitation? Who is the black hoodie meeting Jason? Who set up the video of the birthday party to play in the DiLaurentis attic? Who sent the black hoodie that painting of Charles’ birthday party?

FrAmed (6x08) Who is the black hoodie and the red coat watching the art gallery? What does the Carissimi Group have to do with anything? Who switched Aria’s pictures? Why was Clark meeting with Rhys Matthews? Who was the red coat watching Ella and Ashley? Who was the black hoodie and the red coat in the limo?

Last Dance (6x09) Who sent Alison the text? Who called Alison? Who was in that red coat demon mask? Mona (6x10) Why is Rhys in the DiLaurentis house? Who was in the DiLaurentis basement? Who locked the moms in the basement?

Game Over, Charles (6x10) *DISCLAIMER* I refuse to believe the story CeCe told is true. Therefore, any “answers” given in this episode are irrelevant to me. What was in the bags taken from the Carissimi Group? -If Charles is around 12 in the flashback on the roof…how come Toby’s mom actually died a year before ‘The First Secret’? Why did Bethany want Marion dead? -CeCe straight up confirmed to Emily that she was talking to Melissa the night Ali disappeared. Why is she all of a sudden denying it? -If CeCe didn’t give Mona the plan, why did she say “I did everything you asked me to.” -If Cece’s mom was killed, why would she send the “I buried your mom just like I watched her burry you” text to Alison about her own dead mother?

Of Late I Think of Rosewood (6x11) Who killed CeCe? Mona (7x19) Charlotte’s Web (6x12) Who left flowers on CeCe’s grave? Alex? (7x20)

The Gloves Are On (6x13) Who was Sara saying goodbye to? Who sent the liars a text?

New Guys, New Lies (6x14) Who sent the liars the text of the golf club? Who took pictures of Spencer? Who sent Spencer the text? Why is Byron calling Ezra? Who sent Hanna the text? Whose storage unit is that? Who was wearing the mask?

Do Not Disturb (6x15) Who sent Hanna the text? Why did Sara really visit Alison at the school? Was Sara Harvey in the hospital room with Emily? What is Sara Harvey looking for? Who sent Emily the groceries?

Where Somebody Waits for Me (6x16) Who sent Hanna the breakfast? Who was cleaning the shocking thing?

We’ve All Got Baggage (6x17) Who was in the mask cleaning Sara’s room? Who sent Alison the text? Why is Melissa acting shady? Who sent Emily the books? Who was trying to hit Emily with the car? Who was looking at the manual and eating wedding cake?

Burn This (6x18) Who took the pictures at the wedding? What was Sara Harvey helping the police with? Who was black mailing Melissa? Who sent Spencer that text? Who started the fire?

Did You Miss Me? (6x19) Who sent Alison the flowers and card? What is in the tube? The Radley floor plan (6x19)

Hush, Hush, Sweet Liars (6x20) Who took Hanna? Who is A.D.? Alex (7x20)

Tick Tock, Bitches (7x01) No questions

Bedlam (7x02) No questions

The Talented Mr. Rollins (7x03) No questions

Hit and Run, Run, Run (7x04) Why is Jenna really back? Who is Rollins really? Archer Dunhill (7x05)

Along Comes Mary (7x05) Who changed Emily’s grade and sent her the message? What did Archer pay Jenna for? Who put Alison’s jacket in her closet? Why is Noel back?

Wanted: Dead or Alive (7x06) Who called Hanna? Who was watching Aria and Hanna in the mask? Is Jenna telling the truth about how she knows Archer and CeCe? Who is Sara trying to keep Emily safe from? Who is the cop watching Alison’s house? Who beat up Alison? Who was outside of Sara’s door? Who killed Sara Harvey? Who taped Hanna and Spencer digging up Archer?

Original G’A’ngsters (7x07) Why doesn’t Aria have a file in the cellar? Who is Mary Drake’s second child? Spencer (7x10) and Alex (7x20) How did Jessica have the photos of the liars? Who messed with Spencer’s car? Who sent the liars the text? Who blew up Jessica’s cellar? Did Noel write ‘I see you’ on the back of Spencer’s car? Why does A.D. have Aria’s file? Why did A.D. have a file for Noel?

Exes and OMGs (7x08) Why were Alison’s students wearing black hoodies? Who broke into Dr. Cochran’s office? Who left the note in Noel’s file?

The Wrath of Kahn (7x09) Whose phone did Noel throw out? Why was Noel helping out in the dollhouse? Who broke into Spencer’s house and stole the flash drive?

The Darkest Knight (7x10) Where did Noel go? Who sent the liars that text? Why is Sydney still helping Jenna? Why is Mary Drake there with Jenna and Noel? Who dragged Jenna away? Alex? (7x20)

Playtime (7x11) Who put the game board in Spencer’s barn? Who shot Spencer? Alex? (7x20) Who sent Spencer the text? Who gave Jenna the book?

These Boots Were Made for Stalking (7x12) Who did Jenna send a text to? Who locked Hanna in the shoe place? Who sent Hanna the text? Who was watching the liars?

Hold Your Piece (7x13) Who sent the police Archer’s finger?

Power Play (7x14) Who put the game board in Alison’s house? Who was Aria talking to on FaceTime? Who is the father of Alison and Emily’s baby? Wren (7x20)

In the Eye Abides the Heart (7x15) Why did A.D. use Aria’s face for the facetime? Why was Spencer talking to Wren? It was Alex (7x20) Why does Spencer want Ezra to keep quiet about talking to Wren? Because it was her twin sister Alex (7x20)

The Glove That Rocks the Cradle (7x16) Why did A.D. want Hanna to pick up the drive with the Patsy Cline song? What is the Patsy Cline song supposed to mean? How did Lucas end up with the comic book? It was sent to him (7x16) Whose hotel room was Lucas knocking on? Who is finishing the comic book?

Driving Miss Crazy (7x17) What is Mona doing at the end of the episode?

Choose or Lose (7x18) Who put the phone in The Brew for Aria? Did Mona make that call to Aria? Who put the phone in the hotel room? How did Tanner call Alison’s burner phone? Who is that in Aria’s trunk and who put it there? Archer (7x19) What is Mona doing with the game board?

Farewell, My Lovely (7x19) Who took the game out of Mona’s house and who was she going to meet? Who took Archer’s body out of Aria’s trunk?

Til DeAth Do Us PArt (7x20) What was the point of the beginning scene with Lucas dancing around the liars and Jenna on a horse? Does Melissa know about Spencer’s twin? Why does Mona have Mary and Alex Drake locked up? Why is the PLL story happening all over again? Where are the rest of the answers?

Well, there you have it folks. PLL is over. Like I stated earlier, we can all basically say, “Mona did everything in the first two seasons, CeCe did everything in the 3rd-6th season and Archer Dunhill/Alex Drake/Mary Drake did everything in the last 2 seasons,” I still would like to know who did every single thing because even in season 2, Lucas gave Emily the massage, it was during Mona’s reign as -A but she still had help and I would like to know who helped the -A’s. This post took me a long time to make. I started it after the CeCe reveal and I finished it tonight while watching the finale. (Also sorry for any typos. I tried proof reading this like a million times, but hey nobody is perfect). Enjoy!

#PLL #pretty little liars #pll questions

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jamescarstairs · 7 years

Text

Reuniting The Sky (The Colour AU) [Clary x Jace x Simon]

(this is going to go with a gifset if I get around to it) [Set kinda during 1x01]

[AO3 Link]

Clary Fray has known for a long time that her childhood best friend Simon Lewis was her soulmate. Her black and white world had always been tinted with colour as the two of them grew together to become the wonderful young adults they are. Simon Lewis has also known since he was a child that Clary was his soulmate. But neither of them decided to tell the other. They longed for the day colour seeped back into their dull black and white world. But were too scared that maybe it wasn’t the same for the other. But what would happen when they both find out they have another soulmate?

Today has been a long day, Clary thought, as she slowly walked into the cafe that Simon was patiently waiting for her in. Wearing a sad smile she walked up to him. “Give me the professors' names and I... I will end them,” Simon said sternly. “You know, with... with a scathing e-mail to the dean.” “Don’t bother,” Clary handed Simon the acceptance letter to Simon, to his amaze she started cackling with laughter. “Sad face? Really?” he laughed, as the two of them sat down for a coffee. It wasn’t the coffee Clary craved, it was the colour she would see the minute she touched Simon’s hand. She longed to see the bright colours paint the room so gradually. As an artist the idea of colours fascinated her. “I guess I should congratulate you,” Simon smiled as he leaned over and gave Clary a hug. Don’t let go, Clary thought as she watched the dull black wall turn into an array of colours. Blue, purple, and a dash of yellow. I want to stay in this world forever. Simon clung to Clary, not wanting to part from her. The warmth of her body against his made him melt, as the colours came to life around him. The two of them wondered whether or not to tell the other, or to cling to the other and never let go. You are my dream, Simon Lewis. You can give me everything I could ever ask for.

A few hours later Simon and Clary decided to go to Pandemonium with their friend Maureen, to celebrate Clary’s eighteenth birthday. The three of them had no idea if they would be able to get in with their fake IDs, Clary’s sucked more than Maureen’s and Simon’s. But they decided to give it a go anyway.

Pandemonium was packed with every type of person you could think of, and more. And this was only outside the venue. Clary impatiently stood waiting for Simon to get himself ready, and out of his bright yellow graffiti van. When suddenly a tall, blonde guy, full of tattoos walked straight into her. Clary went to yell at the guy, but that’s when she noticed...the colours. This can’t be possible. How?! Clary’s mind screamed, giving the tattooed man a confused glare. “Excuse me?” She blurted out, the tattooed man was bewildered too. Not only could she see him but he could see colours. For the first time in his life. “I-uh, you can see me?” He asked, trying not to reveal the vast colours that appeared for such a brief moment. “Well, duh,” Clary smirked. Clary’s mind went straight to denial, there was no way that she just saw a flicker of colours. Not when she had Simon. Before Clary realised the blonde man had disappeared off into the club. I have to find him, she thought. I have to know the truth.

Clary, Simon, and Maureen after what felt like hours had finally entered the club. The blonde tattooed guy was still on Clary’s mind. Colours were the least of her worries. What worried her was what could this mean. “Clary, what do you want to drink?” Simon asked, gently touching her elbow to grab her attention. The colours came flooding in. The room was a dark purple, with flashing white lights. “Anything,” she smiled, fakely. She knew Simon could tell her smile was fake. But she didn’t really care about him at this moment. She didn’t care about herself, or the colours she longed for. She cared about why this guy she just met also allowed her to experience colour. If that was what happened. “Okay,” he smiled sadly, “Maureen and I will get the drinks you just wait here,” “See you in a bit,” Maureen smiled. Clary forced herself to smile back, nodding that she would wait for them. But would she?

What was that? Jace thought. Was that really a flash of colour. He tried to shake her off. This girl that not only could see through his glamour but brought colour into his life. The most beautiful girl he’d ever seen. In both colour and black and white. Orange. That’s what he knew. She was orange, like the sun. Yet her eyes sparkled like the stars. Jace was lost in his thoughts when his best friend and parabatai, Alec Lightwood tapped him. “Jace, we have a job to do,” he shouted, over the echoing music. Jace snapped right back into it. I am a warrior. Keep your head on straight and let’s get to work. The best of his kind, Jace Wayland was knew all throughout the Shadow world. The best of the best. You don’t want to be on the wrong side of Jace Wayland, that’s what everyone thought. Jace, Alec, and along with Alec’s sister, Isabelle charged over to the place that would become a demon’s deathbed.

As Simon and Maureen got their drinks, Simon scanned Pandemonium for Clary. She had gone. Damn, Clary where are you? Simon started to panic, what if something had happened to her? He couldn’t wouldn’t let that happen. Frantically Simon started to search the whole of Pandemonium, pushing his way through the crowd but she was nowhere to be seen. He wanted to scream for her. It was if he was drowning without her. Clary was his world.

Simon wove in and out of hundreds of people, until he found an open space where he could finally breathe. Is this what they mean when they say there’s many more fish in the see, because I don’t like it. As Simon calmed his nerves he felt something hit his shoulder. As he quickly turned around he noticed colour in the people in front of him. Clary, he thought. But she wasn’t there. No one was there.

Jace stopped, this can’t be happening. He turned around frantically and stared at the mundane. The few moments of colour that he saw as he touched him, showed the beauty within this man’s eyes. Jace was flabbergasted. He didn’t know whether to hit this guy or hug him. What does this mean? First the girl he thought was the definition of sunshine, and now a guy who looked like the moon. Beautifully lonely. Just like him. There’s no way that he could have two soulmates. He didn’t deserve them, that’s what Jace had always thought. So he ran. He ran from the sun and then he ran from the moon. A lonely star doesn’t deserve the light of the moon let alone the light of the sun. Let alone them both at once. I deserve to be engulfed by darkness.

Clary searched everywhere, but she couldn’t find him. She thought maybe she should give up. Go and find Simon, why did she want to find this guy so badly? She already had someone, a perfect someone that could give her everything she dreamed of but something inside of her tugged at her telling her to not let this go. That she may need them both. Clary, Simon, and this mystery man. What could go wrong?

She saw him, she saw him standing next to Simon. Out of all the coincidences this one scared her the most. He was staring at Simon, yet Simon was acting as if he wasn’t there. What is going on? She ran, she ran towards them both, reaching to them, not wanting to let them go. But once she got there. The man was gone, and the stars went with him. “Simon, didn’t you see him?” she asked, confused. “See who, Clary? More importantly where did you go? I turned around and you were gone. I couldn’t find you. I was so scared, Clary so scared,” Simon cried, taking her into his arms. Clary couldn’t care for the colours time, and neither could Simon, the both of them where trying to figure out how they could see colour from someone other than each other. “There was a guy, he was right in front of you, Simon. He bumped into you, Simon. How could you not see him?” she explained. He bumped into you, Simon, echoed inside Simon’s mind as he clung to Clary for dear life. “There was no one there, Clary. I swear it,” he answered. Clary decided to not bring it up anymore. It would only hurt him, if she told him that he was her soulmate. A soulmate that she didn’t even know the name of.

A star shines it’s brightest in the darkness. But when a star is surrounding by sunlight and moonlight does it fade? Or does it shine brighter than ever before?

Jace wanted to run to them, he wanted to ask them how on earth this could be happening. He could see them both, from where he was standing. He knew that he shouldn’t be distracted, yet the stood there shining together. The moon and the sun. His moon and sun. They knew each other. Yet they didn’t know him. Maybe that was why he was just a lonely star, craving the light of the sun and the light of the moon. Maybe they were each other’s soulmates, and not his. Maybe a lonely star was supposed to hide in the shadow of the light. “JACE!” Alec bellowed, “Stop getting distracted, what is with you tonight?” “Nothing,” he lied. Jace hit his cheeks, making them a rosy red. The demon entered the room, that was when Jace knew it was time to get to work.

Clary saw him, out the corner of her eye. He was staring at her. No at them. “Simon, quick we need to go,” She shouted. “What about Maureen?” Simon asked, “We’ll be quick, I just, we just. Please,” She begged, as she pulled Simon through the crowd. He nodded following her course of action. Clary couldn’t think about anyone else other than Simon and this mystery man. She couldn’t care about the people she pushed out of the way as she pushed through the crowd like a bulldozer. She just knew they had to get to him.

Finally they reached the room she saw him enter, there was a curtain blocking the entrance, she pushed it open. And strolled in, Simon following in behind her. There was three of them. Two guys and a girl. The other two, were definitely related they looked like each other. But her eyes darted straight towards him. “Clary, why are we in an empty room?” Simon asked. Clary slowly turned towards him. “Simon, it’s not empty. Can’t you see them,” She whispered, “Why can’t you see them,” “The better question is how can a mundane see us?” The other guy said. “A what now?” Clary laughed. Simon was bewildered, he couldn’t understand what was going on. But he knew that there was something that he couldn’t see. And it wasn’t colours this time. “I want to know why I can see you, but my best friend can’t,” Clary demanded, “I’m Clary by the way,” “I’m Alec, that’s my sister Isabelle, and that’s Jace. Wait why am I telling you this?” Alec stated, Jace. She finally knew his name. “Mine’s Clary, and this is Simon,” She smiled. “Hi, people I can’t see,” Simon laughed, with fear and confusion. Clary noticed that Jace was avoiding eye contact with her, as if he wanted her to pretend as if he wasn’t there. But Clary wasn’t going to let that happen. She needed to know.

Once again taking Simon’s hand, she stormed them both over to Jace. Jace who was taken back by the confidence of a woman he just met. Clary was decided if this would be the best time to reveal that she experienced colour when she touched the both of them or not. “I’m Clary,” she breathed, putting out her hand, letting go of Simon’s with the other. She wanted him to shake it, so that she could be 100% sure that she did experience colours when touching him. But he wouldn’t do it. “It’s just a hand,” Slowly but surely he took it. She wasn’t wrong. The colours flooded back in so beautifully. It was different with him. With Simon she had gotten so used to experiencing colours. But with Jace it was if she was experiencing it for the first time again. His eyes were beautiful. One blue, one half blue and half brown. He had a whole universe in his eyes. A whole universe clouded by sadness. “I was right,” Clary breathed. Simon and Jace stared at her. “It’s not just Simon, I can see colours with you too,” she admitted. Both of them stood there in shock. “Clary, what are you saying? Who are you saying it too?” Simon asked. Clary noticed Jace pull something from his pocket and wave it across a tattoo on his left arm. “What in the name of...” Simon shouted, “Where did you come from?” “No time to explain that,” Jace whispered, “It’s the same for me,” “Huh?” Clary and Simon said in unison “When I touch you both, I see colours,” he admitted, a small smile on his face. “Wait, was that you before?” Simon asked, Jace looked at him weirdly. “I felt someone bump into me, and I saw a flash but no one was there.” “Yes it was me.”

Clary, Jace, and Simon stood staring at each other confused, the world around them became quiet, as if it was just the three of them. The sun, the moon, and the stars. Finally back together. Lighting up the darkness.

#clary x jace x simon #climace #shadowhunters fic #fic #sh fic #for emily #remember that gifset with the colours well this is the reason why #climace fic #clary fray #jace herondale #simon lewis #my writing

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lightwood-alec · 7 years

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TV Episodes 2017

13 Reasons Why (13) 1x01 - Tape 1, Side A 1x02 - Tape 1, Side B 1x03 - Tape 2, Side A 1x04 - Tape 2, Side B 1x05 - Tape 3, Side A 1x06 - Tape 3, Side B 1x07 - Tape 4, Side A 1x08 - Tape 4, Side B 1x09 - Tape 5, Side A 1x10 - Tape 5, Side B 1x11 - Tape 6, Side A 1x12 - Tape 6, Side B 1x13 - Tape 7, Side A 8 Out of 10 Cats (1) 20x08 - Jamali Maddix, Rick Edwards, Kate Humble & Joe Lycett (New Year’s Special) 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown (1) 12x01- Stephen Mangan, Noel Fielding, Fay Ripley & the Brett Domino Trio A League of Their Own (9) 11x11 - Christmas Special 11x12 - U.S. Road Trip 2, Part One 11x13 - U.S. Road Trip 2, Part Two 11x14 - U.S. Road Trip 2, Part Three 11x15 - U.S. Road Trip 2, Part Four 11x16 - U.S. Road Trip 2, Part Five 12x01 - Rob Beckett, Dele Ali & Stephen Mangan 12x02 - Emma Bunton, Mo Farah & Anthony Joshua 12x04 - Charlotte Dujardin, Cesc Fabregas & Romesh Ranganathan American Gods (1) 1x01 - The Bone Orchard American Horror Story: Cult (11) American Horror Story: Hotel (4) 5x07 - Flicker 5x08 - Ten Commandments Killer 5x09 - She Wants Revenge 5x10 - She Gets Revenge An Unfortunate Series of Events (1) 1x01 - The Bad Beginning: Part One And Then There Were None (1) 1x01 - Episode One Animal Kingdom (14) 1x08 - Man In 1x09 - Judas Kiss 1x10 - What Have You Done 2x01 - Eat What You Kill 2x02 - Karma 2x03 - Bleed for It 2x04 - Broken Boards 2x05 - Forgive Us Our Trespasses 2x06 - Cry Havoc 2x07 - Dig 2x08 - Grace 2x09 - Custody 2x10 - Treasure 2x11 - The Leopard Archer (2) 8x01 - Archer Dreamland: No Good Deed 8x02 - Archer Dreamland: Berenice Arrow (1) 6x08 - Crisis on Earth-X, Part 2 Atlanta (10) 1x01 - The Big Bang 1x02 - Streets on Lock 1x03 - Go for Broke 1x04 - The Streisand Effect 1x05 - Nobody Beats the Biebs 1x06 - Value 1x07 - B.A.N. 1x08 - The Club 1x09 - Juneteenth 1x10 - The Jacket Ballers (8) 1x02 - Raise Up 1x03 - Move the Chains 1x04 - Heads Will Roll 1x05 - Machete Charge 1x06 - Everything Is Everything 1x07 - Ends 1x08 - Gaslighting 1x09 - Head-On Bates Motel (3) 5x05 - Dreams Die First 5x06 - Marion 5x07 - Inseparable Big Fat Quiz of the Year (2) 1x24 - Big Fat Quiz of the Year 2016 1x25 - Big Fat Quiz of Everything 2017 Big Little Lies (7) Big Time Rush (1) 2x15 - Big Time Reality Bill Nye Saves the World (2) 1x01 - Earth Is a Hot Mess 1x02 - Tune Your Quack-o-Meter Billy on the Street (18) 1x01 - And Away We Go... 1x02 - Television is the Greatest Thing to Ever Happen to Me! 1x03 - Drunk Rich 1x04 - Can Rachel Dratch Name 20 White People in 30 Seconds? 1x05 - The Meryl Streep Showdown 1x06 - Where in the World is Scarlett Johansson’s Vagina? 1x07 - Ask an Asian! 1x08 - Are You Smarter Than a Gay Fifth Grader? 1x09 - Did You Hear Madonna Died? 1x10 - Joan Rivers Gets Quizzed in the Face 2x01 - Billy Meets Mr. Singh! 2x02 - The Lesbian Lightning Round, with Andy Cohen 2x03 - Scream for an American Girl Doll, with Will Ferrell 2x04 - It’s Spock - Do You Care?, with Zachary Quinto 2x05 - Whistleblow that Jew!, with Rashida Jones and Maya Rudolph 2x06 - It’s Debra Messing, You Gays!, with Debra Messing and Christian Borle 2x07 - Do You Think Gisele Bundchen Understands the Jokes on Portlandia?, with Nas and Ashley Benson 5x08 - Curbside Conga Line with James Corden The Blacklist (4) 4x03 - Miles McGrath (No. 65) 4x04 - Gaia (No. 81) 4x05 - The Lindquist Concern (No. 105) 4x06 - The Thrushes (No. 53) Black Sails (10) 4x01 - XXIX 4x02 - XXX 4x03 - XXXI 4x04 - XXXII 4x05 - XXXIII 4x06 - XXXIV 4x07 - XXXV 4x08 - XXXVI 4x09 - XXXVII 4x10 - XXVIII Boardwalk Empire (2) 1x04 - Anastasia 1x05 - Nights in Ballygran The Bold Type (10) Brooklyn Nine-Nine (23) 4x11 - The Fugitive, Part One 4x12 - The Fugitive, Part Two 4x13 - The Audit 4x14 - Serve & Protect 4x15 - The Last Ride 4x16 - Moo Moo 4x17 - Cop Con 4x18 - Chasing Amy 4x19 - Your Honor 4x20 - The Slaughterhouse 4x21 - The Bank Job 4x22 - Crime & Punishment 5x01 - The Big House, Pt. 1 5x02 - The Big House, Pt. 2 5x03 - Kicks 5x04 - HalloVeen 5x05 - Bad Beat 5x06 - The Venue 5x07 - Two Turkeys 5x08 - Return to Skyfire 5x09 - 99 5x10 - Game Night 5x11 - The Favor Castlevania (4) 1x01 - Witchbottle 1x02 - Necropolis 1x03 - Labyrinth 1x04 - Monument Dear White People (10) 1x01 - Chapter I 1x02 - Chapter II 1x03 - Chapter III 1x04 - Chapter IV 1x05 - Chapter V 1x06 - Chapter VI 1x07 - Chapter VII 1x08 - Chapter VIII 1x09 - Chapter IX 1x10 - Chapter X The Defenders (8) Difficult People (28) Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency (4) 1x01 - Horizons 1x02 - Lost & Found 1x03 - Rogue Wall Enthusiasts 1x04 - Watkin The Exorcist (9) 1x08 - Chapter Eight: The Griefbearers 1x09 - Chapter Nine: 162 1x10 - Chapter Ten: Three Rooms 2x01 - Janus 2x02 - Safe as Houses 2x03 - Unclean 2x04 - One for Sorrow 2x05 - There But for the Grace of God, Go I 2x06 - Darling Nikki The Flash (3) 2x04 - The Fury of Firestorm 3x17 - Duet 4x08 - Crisis on Earth-X, Part 3 Freedom Fighters: The Ray (3) 1x01 - Episode One 1x02 - Episode Two 1x03 - Episode Three Future Man (13) Game of Thrones (2) 7x06 - Beyond the Wall 7x07 - The Dragon and the Wolf The Get Down (11) 1x01 - Where There Is Ruin, There Is Hope for a Treasure 1x02 - Seek Those Who Fan Your Flames 1x03 - Darkness Is Your Candle 1x04 - Forget Safety, Be Notorious 1x05 - You Have Wings, Learn to Fly 1x06 - Raise Your Words, Not Your Voice 1x07 - Unfold Your Own Myth 1x08 - The Beat Says, This Is The Way 1x09 - One by One, Into the Dark 1x10 - Gamble Everything 1x11 - Only From Exile Can We Come Home Girl Meets World (1) 3x21 - Girl Meets Goodbye Glue (6) 1x01 - Everyone 1x02 - James/Janine 1x03 - Eli/Rob 1x04 - Tina/Dominic 1x05 - James/Rob/Cal 1x06 - Rob/Tina The Good Place (21) 1x01 - Pilot 1x02 - Flying 1x03 - Tahani Al-Jamil 1x04 - Jason Mendoza 1x05 - Category 55 Doomsday Crisis 1x06 - What We Owe to Each Other 1x07 - The Eternal Shriek 1x08 - Most Improved Player 1x09 - ...Someone Like Me as a Member 1x10 - Chidi’s Choice 1x11 - What’s My Motivation 1x12 - Mindy St. Claire 1x13 - Michael’s Gambit 2x01 - Everything Is Great! (Part 1) 2x02 - Everything Is Great! (Part 2) 2x03 - Dance Dance Resolution 2x04 - Team Cockroach 2x05 - Existential Crisis 2x06 - The Trolley Problem 2x07 - Janet and Michael 2x08 - Derek Gotham (22) 3x12 - Ghosts 3x13 - Smile Like You Mean It 3x14 - The Gentle Art of Making Enemies 3x15 - How the Riddler Got His Name 3x16 - These Delicate and Dark Obsessions 3x17 - The Primal Riddle 3x18 - Light the Wick 3x19 - All Will Be Judged 3x20 - Pretty Hate Machine 3x21 - Destiny Calling 3x22 - Heavydirtysoul 4x01 - Pax Penguina 4x02 - The Fear Reaper 4x03 - They Who Hide Behind Masks 4x04 - The Demon’s Head 4x05 - The Blade’s Path 4x06 - Hog Day Afternoon 4x07 - A Day in the Narrows 4x08 - Stop Hitting Yourself 4x09 - Let Them Eat Pie 4x10 - Things That Go Boom 4x11 - Queen Takes Knight Halt and Catch Fire (1) 3x01 - Valley of the Heart’s Delight House of Cards (13) 5x01 - Chapter 53 5x02 - Chapter 54 5x03 - Chapter 55 5x04 - Chapter 56 5x05 - Chapter 57 5x06 - Chapter 58 5x07 - Chapter 59 5x08 - Chapter 60 5x09 - Chapter 61 5x10 - Chapter 62 5x11 - Chapter 63 5x12 - Chapter 64 5x13 - Chapter 65 How to Get Away with Murder (2) 3x10 - We’re Bad People 3x11 - Not Everything's About Annalise Iron Fist (13) 1x01 - Snow Gives Way 1x02 - Shadow Hawk Takes Flight 1x03 - Rolling Thunder Cannon Punch 1x04 - Eight Diagram Dragon Palm 1x05 - Under Leaf Pluck Lotus 1x06 - Immortal Emerges From Cave 1x07 - Felling Tree With Roots 1x08 - The Blessing of Many Fractures 1x09 - The Mistress of All Agonies 1x10 - Black Tiger Steals Heart 1x11 - Lead Horse Back to Stable 1x12 - Bar the Big Boss 1x13 - Dragon Plays With Fire The IT Crowd (5) 4x03 - Something Happened 4x04 - Italian For Beginners 4x05 - Bad Boys 4x06 - Reynholm vs. Reynholm 5x01 - The Final Episode It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (10) 12x01 - The Gang Turns Black 12x02 - The Gang Goes to a Waterpark 12x03 - Old Lady House: A Situation Comedy 12x04 - Wolf Cola: A Public Relations Nightmare 12x05 - Making Dennis Reynolds a Murderer 12x06 - Hero or Hate Crime? 12x07 - PSTDee 12x08 - The Gang Tends Bar 12x09 - A Cricket’s Tale 12x10 - Dennis’ Double Life Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (30) 4x01 - February 12, 2017 (Trump vs. Truth) 4x02 - February 19, 2017 (Russia) 4x03 - February 26, 2017 (Affordable Care Act) 4x04 - March 5, 2017 (Tibet) 4x05 - March 12, 2017 (American Health Care Act) 4x06 - March 19, 2017 (United States Federal Budget) 4x07 - April 2, 2017 (Cannabis) 4x08 - April 9, 2017 (Gerrymandering) 4x09 - April 16, 2017 (2017 French Presidential Election) 4x10 - April 23, 2017 (Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner) 4x11 - May 7, 2017 (Net Neutrality) 4x12 - May 14, 2017 (Dialysis) 4x13 - May 21, 2017 (Stupid Watergate) 4x14 - June 4, 2017 (Paris Agreement) 4x15 - June 11, 2017 (UK General Elections and Brexit Negotiations) 4x16 - June 18, 2017 (Coal Mining and Bob Murray) 4x17 - June 25, 2017 (Vaccine Safety) 4x18 - July 2, 2017 (Local News and Sinclair Broadcast Group) 4x19 - July 30, 2017 (Alex Jones and InfoWars) 4x20 - August 6, 2017 (United States Border Patrol) 4x21 - August 13, 2017 (North Korea Crisis) 4x22 - August 20, 2017 (Nuclear Waste) 4x23 - September 10, 2017 (Joe Arpaio) 4x24 - September 24, 2017 (Corporate Consolidation) 4x25 - October 1, 2017 (Forensic Evidence) 4x26 - October 8, 2017 (Confederate Monuments) 4x27 - October 15, 2017 (Equifax Security Breach) 4x28 - October 29, 2017 (National Flood Insurance Program) 4x29 - November 5, 2017 (Economic Development Incentives) 4x30 - November 12, 2017 (Donald Trump’s Presidency) Legends of Tomorrow (18) 2x09 - Raiders of the Lost Art 2x10 - The Legion of Doom 2x11 - Turncoat 2x12 - Camelot/3000 2x13 - Land of the Lost 2x14 - Moonshot 2x15 - Fellowship of the Spear 2x16 - Doomworld 2x17 - Aruba 3x01 - Aruba-Con 3x02 - Freakshow 3x03 - Zari 3x04 - Phone Home 3x05 - Return of the Mack 3x06 - Helen Hunt 3x07 - Welcome to the Jungle 3x08 - Crisis on Earth-X, Part 4 3x09 - Beebo the God of War Legion (8) 1x01 - Chapter 1 1x02 - Chapter 2 1x03 - Chapter 3 1x04 - Chapter 4 1x05 - Chapter 5 1x06 - Chapter 6 1x07 - Chapter 7 1x08 - Chapter 8 The Lodge (3) 1x01 - The New Girl 1x02 - Reality Check 1x03 - Opportunities Luke Cage (6) 1x08 - Blowin’ Up the Spot 1x09 - DWYCK 1x10 - Take It Personal 1x11 - Now You’re Mine 1x12 - Soliloquy of Chaos 1x13 - You Know My Steez Master of None (5) 2x01 - The Thief 2x02 - Le Nozze 2x03 - Religion 2x04 - First Date 2x05 - The Dinner Party Making History (2) 1x01 - Pilot 1x02 - The Shot Heard Round the World Me, Myself & I (2) 1x01 - Pilot 1x02 - The First Step The Mindy Project (17) 5x08 - Hot Mess Time Machine 5x09 - Bat Mitzvah 5x10 - Take My Ex-Wife Please 5x11 - Dibs 5x12 - Mindy Lahiri Is A White Man 5x13 - Mindy’s Best Friend 5x14 - A Decent Proposal 6x01 - Is That All There Is 6x02 - A Romantical Decouplement 6x03 - May Divorce Be With You 6x04 - Leo’s Girlfriend 6x05 - Jeremy and Anna’s Meryl Streep Costume Party 6x06 - The Midwife’s Tale 6x07 - Girl Gone Wild 6x08 - Doctors Without Boundaries 6x09 - Danny in Real Life 6x10 - It Had to Be You Mr. Mercedes (3) 1x01 - Pilot 1x02 - On Your Mark 1x03 - Cloudy, With a Chance of Mayhem Mr. Robot (10) 3x01 - eps3.0_power-saver-mode.h 3x02 - eps3.1_undo.gz 3x03 - eps3.2_legacy.so 3x04 - eps3.3_metadata.par2 3x05 - eps3.4_runtime-error.r00 3x06 - eps3.5_kill-process.inc 3x07 - eps3.6_fredrick+tanya.chk 3x08 - eps3.7_dont-delete-me.ko 3x09 - eps3.8_stage3.torrent 3x10 - shutdown -r Narcos (4) 1x01 - Descenso 1x02 - The Sword of Simon Bolivar 1x03 - The Men of Always 1x04 - The Palace in Flames New Girl (1) 6x04 - Homecoming The Night Of (7) 1x02 - Part Two: Subtle Beast 1x03 - Part Three: A Dark Crate 1x04 - Part Four: The Art of War 1x05 - Part Five: The Season of the Witch 1x06 - Part Six: Samson and Delilah 1x07 - Part Seven: Ordinary Death 1x08 - Part Eight: The Call of the Wild NTSF:SD:SUV:: (22) 1x01 - One Cabeza, Two Cabeza, Three Cabeza...DEAD! 1x02 - The Birthday Party That Was Neither 1x03 - Exes and Oh-No’s! 1x04 - The Risky Business of Being Alone in Your Home 1x05 - Dolphinnegan's Wake 1x06 - Tijuana, We've Got a Problem 1x07 - Full Hauser 1x08 - Up Periscope, Down with San Diego 1x09 - Cause for ConCERN 1x10 - Piper Doesn't Live Here Anymore 1x11 - Twistin’ the Night Away 1x12 - I Left My Heart In Someone's Cooler 2x01 - 16 Hop Street 2x02 - The Real Bicycle Thief 2x03 - Sabbath-tage 2x04 - Lights, Camera, Assassination 2x05 - Time Angels 2x06 - Whack-A-Mole 2x07 - Robot Town 2x08 - Comic-Con-Flict 2x09 - The Return of Dragon Shumway 2x10 - Family Dies Powerless (9) 1x01 - Wayne or Lose 1x02 - Wayne Dream Team 1x03 - Sinking Day 1x04 - Emily Dates a Henchman 1x05 - Cold Season 1x06 - I’ma Friend You 1x07 - Van vs. Emily: Dawn of Justice 1x08 - Green Furious 1x09 - Emergency Punch-Up Preacher (8) 2x01 - On The Road 2x02 - Mumbai Sky Tower 2x03 - Damsels 2x04 - Viktor 2x05 - Dallas 2x06 - Sokosha 2x07 - Pig 2x08 - Holes Prison Break (10) 4x01 - Scylla 5x01 - Ogygia 5x02 - Kaniel Outis 5x03 - The Liar 5x04 - The Prisoner’s Dilemma 5x05 - Contingency 5x06 - Phaeacia 5x07 - Wine Dark Sea 5x08 - Progeny 5x09 - Behind the Eyes The Punisher (1) 1x01 - 3AM Queer as Folk (UK) (1) 1x01 - Episode 1 Riverdale (7) 1x01 - The River’s Edge 1x02 - A Touch of Evil 1x03 - Body Double 1x04 - The Last Picture Show 1x05 - Heart of Darkness 1x06 - Faster, Pussycats! Kill! Kill! 1x07 - In a Lonely Place Saturday Night Live (2) 42x19 - Chris Pine / LCD Soundsystem 43x03 - Kumail Nanjiani / P!nk Scream Queens (4) 2x07 - The Hand 2x08 - Rapunzel, Rapunzel 2x09 - Lovin’ the D 2x10 - Drain the Swamp Sense8 (11) 2x01 - Happy F*cking New Year 2x02 - Who Am I? 2x03 - Obligate Mutualisms 2x04 - Polyphony 2x05 - Fear Never Fixed Anything 2x06 - Isolated Above, Connected Below 2x07 - I Have No Room in My Heart for Hate 2x08 - All I Want Right Now Is One More Bullet 2x09 - What Family Actually Means 2x10 - If All the World’s a Stage, Identity Is Nothing But a Costume 2x11 - You Want a War? Shadowhunters (20) 2x01 - This Guilty Blood 2x02 - A Door Into the Dark 2x03 - Parabatai Lost 2x04 - Day of Wrath 2x05 - Dust and Shadows 2x06 - Iron Sisters 2x07 - How Are Thou Fallen 2x08 - Love Is a Devil 2x09 - Bound by Blood 2x10 - By the Light of Dawn 2x11 - Mea Maxima Culpa 2x12 - You Are Not Your Own 2x13 - Those of Demon Blood 2x14 - The Fair Folk 2x15 - A Problem of Memory 2x16 - Day of Atonement 2x17 - A Dark Reflection 2x18 - Awake, Arise, or Be Forever Fallen 2x19 - Hail and Farewell 2x20 - Beside Still Water Sherlock (3) 4x01 - The Six Thatchers 4x02 - The Lying Detective 4x03 - The Final Problem Silicon Valley (10) 4x01 - Success Failure 4x02 - Terms of Service 4x03 - Intellectual Property 4x04 - Teambuilding Exercise 4x05 - The Blood Boy 4x06 - Customer Service 4x07 - The Patent Troll 4x08 - The Keenan Vortex 4x09 - Hooli-Con 4x10 - Server Error Smallville (1) 9x06 - Crossfire Stranger Things (9) Supergirl (1) 3x08 - Crisis on Earth-X, Part 1 Superstore (3) 1x01 - Pilot 1x02 - Magazine Profile 1x03 - Shots and Salsa Teen Wolf (6) 6x11 - Said the Spider to the Fly 6x12 - Raw Talent 6x13 - After Images 6x17 - Werewolves of London 6x19 - Broken Glass 6x20 - The Wolves of War Time After Time (2) 1x01 - Pilot 1x02 - I Will Catch You Trial & Error (13) 1x01 - Chapter 1: A Big Crime in a Small Town 1x02 - Chapter 2: A Wrench in the Case 1x03 - Chapter 3: The Other Man 1x04 - Chapter 4: An Unwelcome Distraction 1x05 - Chapter 5: Right-Hand Man 1x06 - Chapter 6: Secrets & Lies 1x07 - Chapter 7: The Case Gets Big 1x08 - Chapter 8: A Change in Defense 1x09 - Chapter 9: Opening Statements 1x10 - Chapter 10: A Hostile Jury 1x11 - Chapter 11: Unusual Suspect 1x12 - Chapter 12: The Defense Rests 1x13 - Chapter 13: The Verdict The Twilight Zone (1) 3x08 - It’s A Good Life Twin Peaks (9) 2x11 - Masked Ball 2x12 - The Black Widow 2x13 - Checkmate 2x14 - Double Play 2x22 - Beyond Life and Death 3x01 - The Return, Part 1 3x02 - The Return, Part 2 3x03 - The Return, Part 3 3x04 - The Return, Part 4 Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (13) 3x01 - Kimmy Gets Divorced?! 3x02 - Kimmy’s Roommate Lemonades! 3x03 - Kimmy Can’t Help You! 3x04 - Kimmy Goes to College! 3x05 - Kimmy Steps on a Crack! 3x06 - Kimmy Is a Feminist! 3x07 - Kimmy Learns About the Weather! 3x08 - Kimmy Does a Puzzle! 3x09 - Kimmy Goes to Church! 3x10 - Kimmy Pulls Off a Heist! 3x11 - Kimmy Googles the Internet! 3x12 - Kimmy and the Trolley Problem! 3x13 - Kimmy Bites an Onion! The Vampire Diaries (2) 8x00 - Forever Yours (Retrospective Special) 8x16 - I Was Feeling Epic Veep (10) 6x01 - Omaha 6x02 - Library 6x03 - Georgia 6x04 - Justice 6x05 - Chicklet 6x06 - Qatar 6x07 - Blurb 6x08 - Judge 6x09 - A Woman First 6x10 - Groundbreaking Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later (8) When We Rise (8) 1x01 - Part I 1x02 - Part II 1x03 - Part III 1x04 - Part IV 1x05 - Part V 1x06 - Part VI 1x07 - Part VII 1x08 - Part VIII Will (7) 1x01 - The Play’s the Thing 1x02 - Cowards Die Many Times 1x03 - The Two Gentlemen 1x04 - Brave New World 1x05 - The Marriage of True Minds 1x06 - Something Wicked This Way Comes 1x07 - What Dreams May Come The Young Pope (10) 1x01 - First Episode 1x02 - Second Episode 1x03 - Third Episode 1x04 - Fourth Episode 1x05 - Fifth Episode 1x06 - Sixth Episode 1x07 - Seventh Episode 1x08 - Eighth Episode 1x09 - Ninth Episode 1x10 - Tenth Episode Total: 675 TV 2016 TV 2015 TV 2014 TV 2013 TV 2012

#tv 2017

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