#ego and insulted him and that starts big revenge run of like someone who can’t take criticism or being made to feel lesser… but you have to

[arklay]

once upon a time i liked a ship for what it was and then i saw how the fandom treated it and now i have visceral hatred towards it (harsh but not far off)

#leah.txt #normal i swear #it’s like i’m just so tired of seeing it and i think it’s cause a lot of the time people mischaracterise the characters involved so often #when talking about it and i hate it. i’m being vague cause don’t want it showing up anywhere. but like in canon the concept is so good and #so juicy even though i am not really a fan of like enemies/lovers kinda tropes. slash cause it’s more lovers to enemies but were always #technically enemies but real bonds formed on accident and that always runs deep even after the fact etc etc it’s such a good ship in concep #and then you see the fandom and go ah you’ve made it insufferable to me now. it gets reduced to just like the most i mean fandomy shit #it happens so often with me now that it’s like i need to not look at tags ever actually akdjsjsksns #so so vague but the concept of falling in love and fraternising when you shouldn’t and so many elements of you are going to betray this #person when the time comes but you can’t help falling for them and the other side being i shouldn’t be falling for this guy he’s my #superior officer but it’s like no he’s actually not and he’s a mole and he’s going to kill you all off. and then running for him when he #gets injured. that’s so. even after he tells you that you what his plans were. still caring. but like. out of anger and hurt you bruised hi #ego and insulted him and that starts big revenge run of like someone who can’t take criticism or being made to feel lesser… but you have to #hunt him down even if you still hold feelings for him he is everything you stood against and were fighting and now you’re fighting him when #you loved him. irl you know i hate this shit and betrayal and lying and all that you know this i’m just talking in fiction it’s got so many #layers. having to kill the man you once loved because he became everything he was against and he developed delusions and lost his mind. IT #HURTS. then you look at the fandom and it’s like teehee they’re just soooo gay gay homosexual and it’s like. this ship has layers. it’s lik #an onion. but okay. and it’s always just like i mean the gross people come out with the really gross fics with it but like omg it’s such a #good ship in concept with lovers becoming enemies when they shouldn’t have been lovers in the first place because it was a sort of forbidde #setting. the captain and his subordinate. captain who is actually a mole and going to betray these people who he has unintentionally formed #some bonds with. actually learning they are on opposing ends. the man they saw as fair and just and cool is a liar a manipulator a scheming #bastard who is only doing things out of self interest BUT HE GOT FEELINGS. it’s so arghghhhggggg and that’s why the criticism hits deeper #cause it’s someone he cared about and it’s so aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa #like there’s a reason it’s the most popular ship because i mean they are literally each others narrative foil lmaooo but like the fandom #just somehow makes it weird a lot and i’m 🧍🏼 why guys why #and what i mean by gross people and gross fics is what a lot of people do to villains doing to others even when they aren’t like that. you #guys are just nasty and gross and need to not share things like that <3 #i feel like it's a lot of just fetishising two men being together rather than focusing on their dynamics and characters

[artpoint420]

Melvin and the Silent Diagnosis for a Brilliantly Broken Psyche

Hypothetical Diagnosis Insecurity masked with narcissistic tendencies characterized with compulsive obsessions driven by blatant autism, and no that is not an immature insult I test extremely highly for Asperger's myself Here's the Evidence: (I will state before hand that Melvin-borg is a completely separate character in my mind, and thus will not be included in this particular theory.  Melvin decided not to turn out like him, so they are canonically separate characters) He is obviously and frequently inspired by George and Harold, but his deeply embedded fear of rejection makes him dangerously bitter, and it doesn't help that everytime he breaks out of this protective shell, he is rejected or betrayed once again. It’s important to note that while he may be high-functioning (aka: Aspergers) he is still Autistic. That’s because Asperger’s is not a form of autism- it is autism. Period. And any kind of autism or mental attypicality left untreated can develop in to many, many other severe mental disorders, or, in general, make life a metric heck ton harder and complicated than it already is. I also need to confess that I test highly positively for autism myself as well as being an INTP female (Myers-Briggs Personality Test). Not to brag, but all that combined with my naturally creative nature makes me rare af, but it also means I can't communicate or handle stress #liketheothergirls, so that has lead me to being/feeling bullied and ostracized.  I also have anxiety and depression issue which run in my family, and mild insomnia, and may or may not be relapsing into an eating disorder. Paired with psychical problems like acid reflux and severe neck tension, health, whether psychical or mental is of uttermost importance to me.  It suffices to say, autism is not easy to deal with and if not taken care for properly a person, especially if not made at least aware of what autism truly is, it can truly ruin their life. Combined with the neglectful nature of his parents (at least in the books) I and many others in this fandom truly believe Melvin is at least autistically coded. Not only does this fit the archetype of his character but it also fits the theme of the books to a TEE. At its core, CU, of all things, is a children's book series, about living your best life despite not being “normal.” Even characters like the teachers or Mr Krupp who strive for “normality” are shown to actually have deeply repressed creativity, or, in some cases, deep trauma from their own childhoods. It suffices to say that I resonate deeply with Melvin. Say what you want about him or me, I was able to relate to him the second he spoke his first line in the second book. Sorry to turn this into a long vent, but I feel it is best to use myself to support this theory as well as harder evidence, even if it is mostly a means of self-therapy. To start, we both are obsessed with school even to a detrimental degree. Ever since head-start (Pre-K but a million times better), these "book-smarts" were the first thing I ever truly excelled at. When the other kids bullied (or as I now know as teasing) me, I would lose myself in a stack of homework or a book 2-3 grades past my grade level (this is before I drew or wrote as a main hobby). Similarly, Melvin is rarely seen without a book or gadget, just like me. We both over analyze things and hide our feelings. We both have intense crushes on others but are terrified to dare express them, or do but to nothing but awkwardness. We were both science kids, and fascinated by words and/or numbers alone (I still am just in a more artistic way). We both struggle to communicate and relate to others. We both have a unusual sense of humor and are highly observant of surroundings all the while missing what’s in front of our noses. We both have interests that quickly spiral into obsessions and dropping the obsession only when sick of it. We both practice similar forms of stimming. We both not only thrive but crave control and structure with the world around us, even to the point of being "control freaks" and creating odd habits, routines, and rituals regardless of whether they are necessary or make sense. We both have an intense fear of intimacy and rejection to the point of practicing self-isolation and in some cases self harm or other unhealthy coping methods (seen with Melvin over eating sweets or over working himself. For me it’s disordered eating or self flagellation, something I have all but completely dropped but still) We also both tend to see ourselves as inferior to others and attempt to mask those feelings with a superiority complex (I feel bad for my siblings but I didn’t know what I was doing, and no it was not abusive just sibling rivalry and I’m the oldest anyway, and we are country kids and understand “rough-housing” =/= using each other as a punching bag, but accidents happen I'm sorry) We both seem to become easily overstimulated and have explosive mental and emotional breakdowns when things just . . . become too much However the harsh divide between male and female and fictional and nonfictional means we both present certain traits differently. Whereas he presents a more linear line of thinking my mind is overwhelmingly sporadic. Also, I have over sensitivities to touch and light (and sometimes certain noises, but not anything not normal? Wfk.) But maybe he does have oversensitivity but I can't think of an example off the top of my head. Enough about me however. I know Melvin and autism has been done to death.  Hell, I just did it to death.  My actual theory is more on the inner mechanisms of his mind and predicting how he will develop should the series allow for full character development. Also, similar to my Krupp theory, I will be listing his crimes out and give him a proper sentence for his age and maturity level (which will be light as I am sympathetic to his plight).   This is already getting too long, so Imma try to finally get to the point.  Characters with autism are honestly a mixed bag, sometimes there as standardized as my mystery Daddy Sherlock Holmes and other times they are as subtle as Pearl or Peridot from Steven Universe (has Rebbaca Sugar confirmed this? sorry). Honestly, it does distress me that autism is almost always used to have an evil genius character or some weird side character for brownie/ diversity points. (this makes me a bit hypocritical I guess, considering my own stories. I guess tropes are tropes for a reason) And while Dav Pilky May not be subtle with his scholastic politics or humor his one spectacular tool in his writing books has always been, when it comes to his characters, showing instead of telling. This is something I latched on to even as a kid, and I was already thinking up theories on the characters before I even knew character theories were a thing.  Like what happened to Harold's Dad (hint, hint).  Why was Harold's sister rarely used?  Does Mr Krupp actually like their comics (a now accepted theory, but not just min? And many many others I'm probably never gonna write.  It took until how long in the books to reveal George and Harold have ADHD? Before that they were simply described as being as smart as Melvin but just in different ways. Personally I feel that autism is inverted ADHD. This is an opinion I’ve recently formed so if I’m wrong bloody attack me in the comments. Anyway, Melvin presenting autism makes him the perfect foil to George and Harolds’ more sporadic antics. The only true difference between autistic folks and ADHD folks is that those with autism tend to crave a structured environment full of rules, and set goals to achieve, while such an environment is HELL to children with ADHD (aka:George and Harold). (Even though if with adults they can trust, children with ADHD thrive in structured environments if they are surrounded by adults or authority figures they can trust.)  I know some will tell me ADHD is on the spectrum, but I just learned this like actually the other day and don’t fully understand it.  My prediction is that Melvin will eventually and naturally mellow out if just because staying so high strung all the time is a huge waste of mental energy.  I know good as hell I had to.  Also, he mellowed our in the books and went from a screeching revenge exacting lil narcissistic white boi prick to a person who simply wants to pursue his interests and even helping George and Harold (selfishly, but help nonetheless). He even went from enjoying the fame and attention of hero-ing to realizing it did not fufill him. Indeed quite the opposite.  His true passion lay in solving world problems through science, and I don't think the ending for him in the books could have been any more perfect considering his character.   In the Netflix show, similar to how I think Krupp's personalities are merging, I believe that Melvin will eventually become more like his Broski alter ego (which I calmly demand more of).  Overall, given that this show needs to go back to the status quo more often than not, I don't think his core character will ever change, and it doesn't need to.  Multiple times throughout the series he's been shown to crave friendship from George and Harold, despite audibly hating him . Textbook Tsundere, I know.  He will form a friendly rivalry with George and Harold, I have almost no doubt about that, taking the season 1 finale, season 2 finale, season 3 first episode, and halloween special into consideration. (Yeah, if someone will send me clips I will give them my eternal gratefulness) To conclude, because by god this is long, Melvin is, SHOCKER, just a little kid.  A little kid who likes muffins and dolls and has big hopes and dreams.  A little kid whose love for science and unrecognized creativity is channeled into making inventions that are even more impressive than those of Professor P (sorry P).  But he is a little kid with his own needs and stuggles which at this point remain unmet.  His parents are canonically neglectful, I cannot repeat that enough times.  The effects of neglect are a hell-hole of its own regardless of growing up with undiagnosed autism.  But that's just a theory- Alright, that was a banger, I guess next up is Melvin-borg since writing this has given me some interesting ideas for him.  Let’s see how long this hyperfocus train will go!

#captain underpants #melvinsneedly #melvin #georgeandharold #george #harold #mrkrupp #davpilky #theory #cutheory #thetheorizer #thetheory #filmtheory #booktheory #tvtheory

[franklyshipping]

MASTERPOST

SERIES/DOUBLE FICS

Too Late Part 2 - SFW, Platonic, Wilford doesn’t take kindly to being humiliated, so he gets a bit of well deserved revenge. With a special appearance from the cutie that is Bim Trimmer. Ticklish Dark.

Too Late Part 1 (editing went screwy so I’m putting this here) - SFW, Platonic, Anyone with any common sense wouldn’t even think about trying to annoy Dark…and then there’s Wilford. Ticklish Wilford.

Security (Part 3) - SFW, Platonic/Slight Romantic Dark x Bim implication, Dark needs to make sure that his “senstive” secret is safe, in doing so he discovers something quite remarkable about our sweet boi Bim. Ticklish Bim.

One on one meeting (Part 4) - SFW, Platonic with Romantic undertones, Dark and Bim explore more of what they realise they both enjoy. Ticklish Bim.

Our Bond (Part 5) - SFW, Hella romantic Dark x Bim, Bim tries something bold, it's probably the boldest thing he's ever done...as a result, Dark administers some much needed consequences. Ticklish Bim.

You can't run...and you CAN'T hide (Part 6) - SFW, Romantic Dark x Bim, Bim's relentless giddiness was bound to get him in trouble...but then who doesn't love a good chase every now and then? Dark certainly doesn't mind. Ticklish Bim.

A much needed check-up (Part 1) - SFW, Platonic, Dr Iplier has been working himself way too hard so Dr Schneeplestein checks him over, and discovers something he can use to his advantage. Ticklish Dr Iplier.

Sensory therapy (Part 2) - SFW, Platonic, what starts off as a night of relaxation leads to an intense battle of stamina and resolve, Damn Dr Iplier and his short attention span. Ticklish Dr Iplier and Dr Schneeplestein.

Not standard protocol (Part 1) - SFW, Platonic, Dr Iplier allows his mischievous curiosity to run away with him as he investigates a theory about Google; he isn’t disappointed. Ticklish Google Blue.

Not standard protocol (Part 2) - SFW, Platonic, Iplier has let something slip, and Google is NOT happy about it so he believes repurcussions are in order with the help of his latest upgrade. Ticklish Dr Iplier.

STAND ALONE FICS

Over-working - SFW, Platonic, Wilford realises that he’s been putting Bim through a little bit too much…but just because he’s insulting himself, that doesn’t mean that Bim gets to join in right? Ticklish Bim.

Sleep - SFW, Romantic Driplierst, The Host’s insatiable creative mind does sometimes forget to let him sleep, but Dr Iplier is always there to remind him. Ticklish Host.

Just Breathe - SFW, Platonic/Maybe a romantic interpretation, Slight Angst with a detailed panic attack, Bim has a problem that the Host helps him through with means of words and eventual laughter. Ticklish Bim.

Don’t. Touch. The Tea - SFW, Platonic, if you touch or otherwise interfere with Bim Trimmer’s first cup of tea in the morning then you had better prapare yourself for consequences that you most likely deserve, despite how innocent your intentions may be. Ticklish Wilford.

Because I want to - SFW, Romantic Driplierst, Dr Iplier has been on his feet working all day and the Host just wanted to help, until a certain someone’s nerve endings kinda got in the way. Ticklish Dr Iplier.

There’s Always a way - SFW, Platonic with eventual romance, Dark has had enough of being denied the one person he wants. Anti. But he will certainly be creative when it comes to finally getting the results he needs. Ticklish Jack (Jacksepticeye)

You snooze you lose - SFW, Romantic Bim x Dark, Bim is a little unco-operative in the mornings, but don’t worry…Dark will soon remedy that. Ticklish Bim.

Good Different - SFW, Platonic, Angst at the beginning. Oliver, the yellow google, is having a hard time figuring out why he’s…him. Bim gives him the support he needs and then some. Ticklish Oliver.

Childish Class - SFW, Platonic, Wilford and Dark often have little verbal sparring sessions with one another, but this one takes a slightly more hysterical turn. Ticklish Dark and Wilford.

Meeting in session - SFW, Platonic, Mark should really know better than to snoop and sneak and Dark is fully prepared to remind him of why it’s not in his best interest, with a little help from his friends. Ticklish Mark (Markiplier)

His Crimson - SFW with a bit of implication, Romantic Danti/Antiseptiplier and a hint of angst. Anti just wanted to show Dark some love, and despite Dark’s not so positive thoughts about his sensitivity; Anti assures him it’s nothing but good. Ticklish Dark.

A Man in smart clothing - SFW, Platonic, Wilford only had a simple request for Dark to carry out, but his pettiness meant that Wilford had to use other means to draw out what he wanted, with a little help from Bim. Ticklish Dark.

Asking of me - SFW, Platonic, Google Blue is tired of Wilford's incessant questioning and so decides to toy with him...but Wilford Warfstache don't take shit from nobody! Ticklish Google.

Above Average - SFW, Platonic, Chase Brody thinks that his constant trying isn't good enough, if he doesn't succeed then what's the point? However, a certain glitch reminds him in his own way that things aren't as bad as they seem. Ticklish Chase.

Fuckin' Nicknames - SFW, Platonic, Anti isn't too happy with Wilford and Dark teasing him with the fan's new term for him so he goes into blanking sulk mode. Dark and Wilford soon stop him moping though. Ticklish Anti. 

A few notches - SFW, Platonic, Wilford Warfstache is being a bit more smug and self-centred than normal, so Bim feels that it is his solemn duty to teach him a bit of a lesson...something I think we can all agree is LONG overdue. Ticklish Wilford. 

Power Houses - SFW, Romantic Darkstache, Wilford was being lovely and giving Dark so care after a trying day and yet Dark just couldn't help but get cheeky. Wilford soon sorted his attitude though. Ticklish Dark.

So Sincere - SFW, Platonic, A small case of eavesdropping leads to Anti setting himself the task of making the Host laugh, the Host had no idea what he was getting himself into. Ticklish Host. 

Brother Mine - SFW, Platonic siblings, Oliver is complaining about being bored so Google Blue, like the big brother he is, makes sure to keep the cheeky sunshine ''entertained''. Ticklish Oliver (Google Yellow).

Always Watching - SFW, Platonic, Anti finds himself in a certain insatiable mood and unfortunately for our dearest Markiplier, Anti finds him and his sensitivity to be the perfect solution. Ticklish Mark (Markiplier).

Shall We Reminisce? - SFW, Platonic siblings, Wilford and Walter Warfstache are having a good time remembering the past, but then Walter has to go and be the cheeky younger brother. Hilarity ensues. Ticklish Wilford and Walter.

Real Care - SFW, Romantic Driplierst, The Host is having a hard time taking care of himself, but Iplier soon helps him and coaxes him into doing the right thing...in a kind and yet slightly torturous way. Ticklish Host.

No-One Makes Fun of my Brother - SFW, Platonic friendos, new boy on the block Crank finds himself being teased by the one and only Wilford, but a certain Antisepticeye doesn't appreciate Wilford ridiculing his new friend....so revenge ensues. Ticklish Wilford.

Halloween Spirit - SFW, Platonic, taking Anti to see a horror movie was a bad idea, he was bound to take inspiration. However, Schneeple manages to take the scary prankster down a few pegs....Ticklish Anti.

My Maid - SFW but a lil bit suggestive, Romantic Darkstache, all Wilford wanted to do was wear a nice seasonal outfit, but it just had to go and get stuck on him. He needn't worry though, Dark was more than willing to assist. Ticklish Wilford.

Style - SFW, Romantic Danti, Anti has found the perfect Halloween outfit and is eager to show his boyfriend, Dark, and remark on how it reminds him of said man. Dark is not amused, and doesn't hesitate to show Anti that. Ticklish Anti.

WEIRD RANDOM THINGS 

Sleepy Remnants - SFW, Romantic Driplierst, just a little descriptive thing without dialogue of these two lovers being drowsy and cute af. Ticklish Host.

Headcanon - Imagine if some of Mark’s egos found out you liked tickling…

Hyper Mistake - An awesome lil drabble based off a series of asks featuring a number of very lovely people who have spent time on this blog with me.

Tickle Fight - A sort of weird half-poem thingy that i did when i was half asleep.

#masterpost #mine #fics #fanfics #all fics #all fanfics #tickle fics #tickle fanfics #ego fics #ego fanfics #wow #theres a lot #this is cool #fun fun #hope you like it #luv yous

[sunlitroom]

Gotham s3e19 - The Gentle Art of Making Enemies

As I watched it, and some random observations here and there.

Previously on Gotham.

Warehouse. It's really you, Jerome!  Isabella dies. Ed wants to destroy Oswald. The cultists were promised Jerome!   They don't work for Oswald no more, and Nygma is going to die.  Jerome and Lee have a chit-chat.  Oswald receives a fake kidnapping phone call.  Jerome sends the city a message.  The power plant explodes.

As always, long post will be long - reaaally long.  There are likely to be rambling digressions. Gobblepot may appear (although I welcome all shippers and non-shippers alike :)).  There will be naked favouritism and naked not-favouritism.  Broader comments at the end on plotlines and parallels and general direction.

Jerome's followers create havoc at GCPD, brawling with cops. Jim grabs one by the throat and starts starts to punch him – demanding to know where Jerome is.

Look around - he's everywhere

Amidst all the mayhem, a fire breaks out.  The cultist laughs and yells.

Tonight Gotham is awakened.

God - I hate these guys

Oswald is walking into a trap with two henchmen, telling them ensuring Ed's safety is all that matters

(Oswald - darling - where are your brains?)

Ed walks out from the shadows.  Oswald is overcome with relief, and hugs him, asking if he’s alright.  Ed tells him he’s fine.  Oswald gushes that of course he is and asks where they are, the people who dared to think they could lay their hands on him.  Ed watches him calmly, and tells him that he’s alone.

Ha!  Oswald exclaims.  He thinks Ed escaped, and calls him a scamp. Ed coolly asks if he brought anyone else.  Oswald replies that he didn’t, and Ed promptly shoots his henchmen, before pointing the gun at Oswald.  Oswald blinks in confusion.

I don't understand

Ed smirks.  

I know.  That’s half the fun

Oswald is still confused as Ed hauls him forward, towards the wreckage of Isabella’s car.

Oswald stares, open-mouthed and starts to lie

Whatever you've heard...

Ed hits him in a fit of temper, knocking him to the floor.

Isabella was my everything, and you took her.  And now I’ve taken everything from you.  Well, almost everything.  Not your life.  That ends tonight.

Revenge Ed also seems to be trying out a Batman voice.

Gotham is burning while the Court of Owls (Katherine and Jim’s shadowy uncle) watch.  If it worsens, they’ll be forced to step in. There’s an explosion.  How much worse do these guys need it to be? Shadowy uncle says the city will bend before it breaks, and that they should give GCPD a chance.  Katherine tells him his faith in him (presumably Jim) is touching, and possibly dangerous.

Back at GCPD, Jim is hearing reports about rioting, and issues orders.  There’s still no sign of Jerome, and Harvey says there’ll be no lights until tomorrow.  Jim says that this is ordinary citizens rioting, not just the cult.  Harvey says that no-one is in charge at City Hall, and that Oswald is MIA.  He’s been missing in action virtually all season, Harvey – this isn’t news.  Jim wonders aloud what it is Jerome wants – and then remembers that Lee was the last to talk to him.

Oswald is tied to Isabella’s car.  He’s still – seemingly – reeling with confusion.

My father appeared to me - I saw him

Ed tells him that was Clayface, and then snarls at him that ghosts aren’t real.  (I wonder if a resurrected Oswald will get revenge for that one later)

Oswald is aghast when he realises what happened:

You stole my father’s remains from his grave?

Ed tells him not to worry – Elijah’s at rest now: Ed left his body in a dumpster.

(An aside – this is one of the points that makes what happens later simply implausible to me. I think Oswald could forgive a lot – but his love for his parents has been repeatedly emphasised as absolutely defining for his character.  I would argue that this would be unforgiveable in his eyes)

Oswald sobs.  He says he understands that Ed is angry – but he forgives him

Ed loses his temper and tells him to just admit.  Oswald does.

Fine - I had her killed.  You should thank me

Oswald tells Ed that they both know what would have happened.  Ed protests.  He knows what could have happened.  Could have lived a happy, normal life.  Oswald shakes his head, face twisted, insisting that Ed would have killed her like he killed Kristin and then hated himself.

(An aside – and again, what? If we’ve seen anything it’s that Oswald doesn’t really understand Ed’s pathology.  He didn’t get why he’d kept Kristin’s glasses, he blithely signed him out of Arkham, he’s never seen Ed in one of his overtly ‘split’ moments, and he sure as hell wasn’t listening when Ed was spilling his guts about his fear of hurting Isabella.  But he suddenly has a fine grasp of his psychology?  Nope.)

Ed interrupts. They’ll never know now.

Oswald pipes up, his voice small, saying that he did it for love

Ed rounds on him angrily, telling him to shut up - love is about sacrifice, about putting someone else first – but Oswald would sacrifice anyone to save his own neck, even Ed.  He then outlines a stupidly elaborate acid/rope/ice trick.

Oswald pleads that he can change – the fact he loves Ed proves it. Ed has no time for this, saying that a man facing death will say anything to save his own skin.  He claims Oswald won’t change, because he can’t.

Leaving, he essentially tells Oswald to go to hell, as Oswald yells after him.  If I hear Oswald plaintively yell ‘Ed’ one more time this season, I’m joining the rioting cultists.

GCPD, where Lee is treating the wounded while being sullenly sarcastic with Jim.  She’s multi-tasking!  When he refuses to respond to this treatment, she has a moment of realisation, and begins to act professionally again.  She remembers that Jerome talked about killing Bruce.  She calls Wayne Manor as Jim leaves.

Wayne Manor, where Bruce and Alfred light candles.  The phone rings, but they wait too long to pick up.  In the meantime, Jerome and his followers silently appear in the room. Alfred is hit in the face and drops to the ground.  Bruce kneels to see that he’s OK, and as he does, Jerome leans in:

My my.  Look how big you've gotten.

Jerome struts around, cracking jokes

Nice place you got here.  You rent?

Bruce has no time for him. Jerome bemoans his attitude

Teenagers - am I right?  I remember those days – all those exciting new ideas about killing everyone you see.

He spots the glass owl. Bruce spins a tale to save it – but Jerome smashes it anyway.

Bruce asks what he wants to do.  Jerome says killing him is the last thing he remembers wanting to do.  He wants to slit Bruce’s pretty pink throat.  Bruce plays for time, buttering up Jerome’s ego about his showmanship that night.  He then says it makes killing him here pretty disappointing.  All that build-up – the lights, the resurrection – all his flair, style, panache – for this?

He tells Jerome that he’s Bruce Wayne….

I am the ruling elite.  My company keeps Gotham running.  Killing me should mean something.

Jerome catches on.  

You're saying I need an audience.  I know you’re just buying time to make an escape – but the point’s still valid

Jerome says it’s time to get the show on the road – but Alfred can stay here and be killed.  Bruce remonstrates, but Alfred tells him to go.  Bruce tells him fiercely that he’ll see him again. Alfred tells him

Carry on, son, carry on

Jerome pulls a face at this exchange.

Strangely intimate

As he leaves, he tells his skivvies to try not to get blood on couch, he might come back for that.

Oswald screams for help. A less than bright security guard frees him while Oswald loses his temper.  It’s not the most engaging scene.  Anyway, Oswald gets away due to Ed’s weakness for Pinterest murder scenes.

Wayne Manor, where the cultists are destroying things before killing Alfred. Alfred spots Jim in the background, and starts insulting the thugs as a way of giving away their positions to Jim.  He taunts the last one in such a wonderfully British way I had to quote it:

Come on then sunshine - don't be shy - your mother wasn’t.

Jim and Alfred take them all out and head off to find Bruce.

We see a distorted and hazy circus before Jerome pulls a hood from Bruce’s head.  He watches as Bruce looks around, his face twisted in disgust at the citizens being tortured as sideshows.  Jerome says that they’ll have some fun before the main event.

GCPD – Jim tells Alfred Harvey is trying to track Bruce.  Alfred tells him how Bruce bought himself time, and remarks that Gotham has given way to bedlam again.  Harvey lists places they could be – and Jim decides on the circus.

The circus, where Bruce is being made-up as a clown.  Jerome doesn’t find him funny enough, but rectifies that by stabbing the clown painting Bruce’s face, digging his finger in the wound, and painting Bruce’s mouth with blood.

Oswald is back home, looking for Gabe to kill Ed.

Butch and Tabitha appear, and Tabitha wraps her whip around Oswald’s throat. He demands to know what they’re doing there.

(An aside - I thought it was made pretty clear that Oswald knew Ed was going after Butch as revenge for Isabella.  Butch shows up hale and hearty and Oswald still doesn’t catch on?)

Tabitha says that they’re doing whatever they want at Oswald’s house – that he’s finished. Butch wants to know where Ed is. Tabitha reminds him that Babs doesn’t want Ed dead, at which Butch snaps that he doesn’t work for Barbara Kean.

Oswald’s personality emerges for a moment as he snickers at this.  He taunts Butch, telling him to stop pretending that he’s anything but muscle. He used to be something, but those days are past.

Tabitha approaches, and helpfully reminds everyone how repugnant she is by reminiscing about how she murdered Oswald’s elderly mother, and at how all Oswald could do was hold her as she cried and bled out – and that Oswald didn’t do anything to Tabitha in retaliation.

Yet – snarls Oswald

Tabitha sneers – telling him that he had his chance.  Butch smirks in the background

(An aside – has Butch forgotten that Oswald refrained from killing Tabitha solely out of deference to his feelings?  And is he seriously OK with Tabitha’s complete unconcern for killing Gertrud – even though her death weighed on his own conscience at the time?)

Tabitha tells Oswald to stop turning them against each other.  Oswald says he won’t go anywhere with them.  Butch knocks him out, and Tabitha complains that they’ll have to carry him now.

Circus with Bruce and Jerome.  Bruce asks what the plan is behind this.  Jerome says there is none. People just want an excuse.  The mother who wants to strangle her child.  The husband who wants to stab his wife.  They can do it. 

It doesn’t matter.  It doesn’t.

(An aside - I really liked this moment.  Jerome’s voice is very quiet and calm here, and it’s more chilling than a lot of the noisier stuff.  It’s also a neat way of showing the essential divide between Bruce and Jerome - idealism vs moral nihilism)

Bruce tells him he won't get away with it.  A few dozen brainwashed idiots can’t hold the city forever.  Jerome says he knows that.  Bruce asks again what the point is.  Jerome says the normal people he sees everyday – who clean his car, make his coffee, take away the trash  - they show their true colours when the lights go out.  They all want to open his rich boy veins and bathe in his blue blood.

(An aside – I do like the theme of Gotham’s fairly maligned citizens rising up.  It was played with with the Indian Hill escapees – the notion that the way the City treated its outsiders and dispossessed would come back to haunt it, but they abandoned it early on)

Bruce says there arre good people in Gotham.  But Jerome mocks him – they’re sheep and cowards.

Face it- Gotham has no heroes

Bruce makes a meaningful face.

As Jerome takes a turn on another torture sideshow, Bruce shoves him and tells him to get on with killing him.  Jerome is outraged at his cheating, and calls him a bore.  He takes a moment to staple his face on.  Bruce asks mockingly if it hurts.  Jerome staples his wrist in response.  Bruce manages not to flinch for two – which rattles Jerome – but breaks on the third.

Jerome laughs and moves on to the  main event

Jim and co pull up at the circus.  They’re going to go in before back-up arrives.

Jerome plays ringmaster. Bruce is wheeled out – tied to a pole. Jerome is going to fire a cannon at him, tousling his hair before getting started.

Bruce glances at his handcuffs, and pulls a staple from his wrist to pick the lock

Jim and Alfred are inside. Jim fires his gun.

Detective Gordon!  Just in time for the big finish!

The strike force arrives. Brawls break out.  Jerome still lights the fuse and runs.

Bruce picks one lock, drops the staple, and has to pull another.  He manages to pick the lock, and escapes.

Oswald is at Sirens with Babs, who is gloating.  He says he underestimated her, which she attributes to her great beauty.  He says that she used Isabella’s death to turn Ed against him.  Babs tells him it wasn’t too hard.  Oswald says the plan was to destroy everything and kill him.  Babs confirms this.  Oswald says that he hopes she’ll be happy in charge.  Babs comments that most of the families are dead., and says that they don’t need Ed anymore.  Oswald says it didn’t take them long to turn on each other.  Babs said it was a limited partnership.  If Oswald helps them find Ed, then things will be better for him.  If not, they’ll simply kill him.  He seems tired and resigned.

(An aside – I don’t really know why Oswald even humours this – he knows how the underworld works. There’s no honour here – and especially not with the likes of Tabitha, who seems to live for cruelty.  He would simply be dead either way)

Jerome hunts Bruce in a hall of mirrors- saying he won't hurt him.  It is a very striking scene, and works particularly well.

You ruined my show Bruce.  Hiding’s just gonna make things worse.  

But Bruce didn't come here to hide.  He wanted Jerome to follow him.  He’s going to pay for what he’s done.

Sirens, where there’s a phone in front of Oswald.  Babs wants him to call Ed and lure him here.  It’s Babs, Tabitha’s and Butch’s time to shine.  Although who’s left to see it is anyone’s guess.

Oswald replies that he feels impelled to refuse.  Butch threatens to beat up the small man with the bad leg like it would be some big achievement.  He’d get the information in five minutes.  Tabitha claims she could do it in three.  Butch whines at her interjections, and Barbara tells them to shut up.

She tells Oswald to reconsider.  He can live to love another day.

Oswald says he’s had a realisation.  Barbara tells him that he loved Ed and he betrayed him.  Oswald says he’s not sure now that he did.  He thought he loved him because Ed had loved him like no-one had since his mother (Oswald apparently still can’t see how Ed used his mother’s memory).  But Oswald killed Isabella nonetheless.   He wasn’t capable of self-sacrifice.  He says he is now, though, and refuses to call Ed.  Barbara asks if he’d rather die.  Oswald says he would, and isn’t that crazy?

It is crazy

Ed steps out from the shadows.  Oswald realises that they’ve all been in it together all along.  Somewhere, Fish is facepalming and planning several motherly lectures.  Oswald asks Ed why?  Ed says he didn’t want to just take everything.  He wanted to take Oswald’s belief.  He wanted Oswald to betray him at the last, so Oswald would die knowing he was incapable of loving another person.

(An aside - Which is…. really just irredeemably ugly.  And given that Ed was still referring to Kristin as Miss Kringle even after being a romantic relationship with her, and got his jollies cutting up her corpse – I don’t really think he’s the authority on who’s capable of love.)

Oswald protests.  He is capable of self-sacrifice.  He showed he could change.  He smiles desperately, frantically asking if this means he passed Ed’s test.  Ed, never at his best when he’s cocked up one of his schemes and realised that he doesn’t know everything, says that he doesn’t know what this means.

(An aside – what is this nonsense?  A fourteen episode arc to tell me that Oswald has magically learned to love after some sustained gaslighting from Ed?  This is not a new facet of Oswald’s personality.  He was willing to jeopardise his position as kingpin and dance to Theo’s tune to save Gertrud’s life.  He was willing to take the fall for Theo’s murder to spare Jim Gordon’s reputation.  He was willing to live as a servant out of love for his father, who wanted him to stay with his step-family.  He was willing to be demeaned by them while still entertaining the hope that they could be a loving family.  He spared Fish’s life when she affirmed their connection. He even spared Tabitha’s life because killing her would have hurt Butch.  Oswald is plenty capable of love and self-sacrifice.

But I’m to forget the entirety of his storyline to this point and believe that Oswald is only magically capable of unselfish love now?  Fourteen episodes that stranded two of the strongest characters in a frankly silly storyline for something that wasn’t even character development. What’s the next arc going to reveal? That Jim has a bit of a temper? That Victor’s quite keen on guns?  Christ on a cracker.)

Back to the hall of mirrors. Jerome’s having more fun than he expected.  He tells Bruce they make a good team.  Bruce spits that Jerome killed Alfred.  Jerome asks if all rich kids are this close with their butlers?

When Bruce doesn’t respond, Jerome tries another tack.  He says that if Bruce wants to be a hero – then he’ll give him a fighting chance.  Man on man.  He slides a gun across the floor for Bruce, but we see a flick blade in his other hand. Jerome tries to taunt him out again – but Bruce tackles him from behind.  

They box.  Bruce wins.  He pins Jerome on the floor, punching him repeatedly. Jerome laughs and tells him to let it out.  He grabs a shard of glass from a broken mirror and is ready to plunge it into Jerome’s throat - when he catches sight of himself in the mirror.  Jerome tells him to do it.  Bruce screams in his face (just like Jim with Eduardo Flamingo) – but walks away, refusing to dance to Jerome’s tune.

Leaving the hall, he spots Alfred – still punching random cultists.  They hug, and Bruce says brokenly that he thought Alfred was dead. Jim slowly approaches, clearly relieved and moved to see Bruce is safe.

Jerome also approaches. Jim literally punches his face off. Jerome collapses.  Everyone loses their appetite for about the next month.

GCPD – Jim and Harvey say that word of Jerome's arrest is spreading.  He’ll be sent to Arkham.  Jim wonders if he should have shot him.  At the door, Lee stares for a bit then leaves.  Jim stares back.  Harvey congratulates him for having punched a man's face off, and offers to buy him breakfast.

Wayne Manor – where Alfred is cleaning up a shell-shocked Bruce’s wounds. He talks to him gently, and doesn’t push for Bruce to tell him what happened. He tells Bruce he was very proud of how he behaved, and the man he’s become.  

Bruce confesses that he wanted to kill Jerome for a moment, not out of rage alone, but because for a moment it felt like justice.  Alfred acknowledges this without judging him, and points out that Bruce didn’t kill him.  Bruce observes that there’s a fine line between justice and vengeance. Alfred says he knew where that was and didn’t cross it – and that’s the first rule.  They talk about what the training is for – which they don’t know yet. but whatever happens – he’ll need rules. Bruce states absolutely that he will not kill.  Alfred makes him repeat it.  They go to work.

Court of Owls.  Katherine is speaking.  Tonight was close.  They could have lost Gotham for good.  They will act soon, and you will be called upon.  The camera turns, and we see clone Bruce, who says he’s prepared.  Katherine asks Shady Uncle if he’s sure, and that he knows that must happen if he (presumably Jim) refuses.  He tells her that no-one refuses the court.

Jim's at his apartment, having a glass of whiskey, when Uncle Evil Guy shows up at his door. Long time, no see.

Oswald and Ed at docks (Yay – I called this!  Oswald would wind up at the docks again.  But while Jim showed him mercy, and offered him another chance – Ed will show none. I had thought initially that it might play as Ed putting him out of his misery, but it really didn’t come across like that.  It was pure vengeance and punishment.)

Oswald is begging.  He tells Ed he loves him, and he can believe that now.  He warns him that killing like this will change him.  This isn’t like any of his previous murders – passion or self-preservation.

(An aside – I don’t think Mr Leonard was either, Oswald.  And neither passion or self-preservation quite cover what Ed does afterwards in keeping trophies, or demonstrating control over the corpses.  It’s hard to tell whether I’m just supposed to believe what Oswald’s saying, or think that he is genuinely deluded in his view of how well he knows him)

Oswald says this would be the cold-blooded killing of someone he loves.  Ed reiterates that he doesn’t love Oswald.  Oswald claims that they need each other, but really – while Oswald was made very reliant on Ed, this was not the case on Ed’s part. Oswald gave him a powerful job and a fancy home – but Ed’s not emotionally dependent in the same way, although he does care to an extent.

Ed’s enraged.  He snarls that Oswald killed Isabella. Oswald tries to interrupt – but Ed talks over him.  He wants Oswald to suffer like he suffered.  Oswald will now die for killing her.

Oswald then launches into a remix of the speech Fish gave him.  I do love when we see her influence on him.  He says that he created Ed Nygma.  Ed was a nervous, jittery loser – but he sees him as he is.  Who he can still become.  He can’t do this.  Ed is impassive.  Oswald sobs and wails, asking him if he’s listening, and begging him to say something. Ed finally speaks.  When he does, there’s hurt and exhaustion alongside rage.

I loved her Oswald.  And you killed her

Ed shoots Oswald in the chest.  Oswald stares, disbelieving.  Ed pushes him into the water and watches him sink – eyes still staring, hand outstretched and pleading.

Ed looks down.  There’s satisfaction at vengeance, and perhaps some horror at the fact that he has just killed his only friend.

General Observations

Oswald/Ed/Babs/Tabitha/Butch

I’ve commented throughout on this, but some additional thoughts.

Oswald’s Fish gambit falls flat because – well – Oswald didn’t make Ed.  Ed was a work long in progress before Oswald’s appearance.  His murder of Kristen, his subsequent breakdown, and other murders had nothing to do with Oswald.  Even after their first prolonged time in each other’s company at Ed’s apartment, it’s Ed who tries – unsuccessfully – to change and mould Oswald with his ‘love makes you weak’ philosophy.  

Ed rejects Oswald on his release from Arkham.  It’s Ed who provides Oswald with moral support after Fish spares him.  When he goes to work for Oswald - it’s Ed who pulls the strings, repeatedly playing on Oswald’s grief and loneliness to make him reliant, and it’s Ed who runs all his affairs.

So this idea that Ed looked up to Oswald has just never manifested in the script for me.  They kept saying it – but I never saw evidence of how or why.  They’ve really had very little influence on each other until 3, and then again – none of that was indicative of Oswald moulding Ed.  In fact, it had become confusing that Ed still talked at all about learning from Oswald, since we never saw it, and what we did see of their behaviour didn’t reflect it.

Last I checked, Tabitha and Butch definitely wanted Ed dead.  They just let him leave the Club with Oswald and drive to the docks?  

I was expecting a lot more Machiavellian backstabbing in the Ed/Babs/Tabitha/Butch plan, which never really manifested.   I was hoping Butch might turn completely, or that Babs might try to ditch him.  Maybe we’ll get more on this when they return – but it fizzled a little here.  I have residual interest in Babs – and want to see where she goes.  I don’t give even the tiniest of fucks about Tabitha and Butch.

Jim/Jerome/Bruce

Probably the strongest part of the episode.  Jerome is endlessly entertaining, and the back and forth between him and Bruce was excellent: Bruce is all principles, whereas Jerome has none.

Jim played second fiddle to Bruce tonight – but still came off well.  He managed the deployment of officers calmly, didn’t rise to Lee’s bait, rescued Alfred, and then punched Jerome’s face off.  I’m assuming the arrival of shady uncle will see him start to address the galloping father issues we saw in his hallucination.

Thoughts? 

#Gotham Commentary #the gentle art of making enemies #gotham s3e19

[ramialkarmi]

The biggest excuses narcissists spin to keep you hooked — and why this makes them dangerous

Narcissists are very skilled liars.

They're great at spinning a web of lies to keep you hooked.

They also explain away their abusive behaviour by manipulating their partner into thinking they can't help it.

Sometimes they also shift the blame onto the partner.

You can't trust a narcissist, so the best thing to do is to break free and never look back.

Breaking up with a narcissist can be very difficult. If they aren't finished with you yet, they will plead you to stay. If you are trauma bonded to them, then their begging and false promises may well work.

It takes a great deal of strength to walk away because narcissists are such highly-skilled liars. They've been lying their whole lives, both to themselves and to others. They have an inflated sense of ego, which is a cover-up for their low self-esteem, and based on nothing but delusion.

Narcissists know exactly what tales to spin to keep you around out of shame or pity. They're so convincing in their lies, they can make their victims feel like they are going crazy.

They're also very good at coming up with excuses for their bad behaviour.

According to doctor of psychology Perpetua Neo, who works with the victims of narcissistic abuse, somebody who constantly explains away their actions without taking any responsibility may be a narcissist.

"Some of them say things like: I cannot help it, I've been so damaged, I need to drink, snort coke, whatever," Neo told Business Insider. "That's why I do that stupid behaviour, so you have to understand and forgive me. This means you have to absolve two kinds of behaviour — one the drinking or the substance abuse, and two the emotional abuse towards you."

The whole point is to make you feel guilty for questioning their motives. For example, Neo says that if any of her clients brought up the fact their narcissistic partner was being unloving, cruel, or was doing something they didn't think was appropriate, they would be met by fierce defence.

One of their favourite lines is "I'm so much better now," because victims will often find narcissists claim to have had problems in the past, such as addictions or difficult ex-partners.

Narcissists all follow a similar pattern

"They might say, for instance 'I used to be a sex addict,'" Neo said. "Or 'I used to be a sex addict and now I'm so much better.' So whenever you see them slip, they will say they couldn't help it."

They might also bring up their past, and how much of a hard life they've had. You very rarely meet a narcissist who doesn't claim to have had a difficult upbringing.

"They say 'I'm only like that because of my past,' or 'because my mother hurt me,' or 'my father is the reason I am who I am,'" Neo said. "They're always one step ahead of you."

Narcissists are also furious if you don't appreciate the tiny things they have apparently done. They expect praise for simply being a decent human being, and are insulted if they aren't congratulated at every turn.

"They say, 'don't forget that one week where I drank less. You're so ungrateful. Didn't you see me try?'" Neo said. "The changes are very piecemeal and transient, but of course the narcissist is going to blow them all up, because he thinks everything he gives is a very big deal. They see it like currency"

Some narcissists will blame their behaviour on their friends, saying it's just the culture they live in. Others will blame their partner for the behaviour, calling them crazy, and manipulating them into acting differently.

In the early days of an abusive relationship, narcissists love bomb their victims with attention and affection, while they pretend to be the best person in the world. It's only once they are sure they have hooked their partner that their true self starts to shine through.

There's no limit to their lies

Sometimes, narcissists will play an extreme pity card by telling you they have a mental health condition, and you are a bad person for not excusing them as a result.

"They might say they have a substance abuse problem because they are depressed, or because they're anxious," Neo said. "My ex pulled out this whole borderline personality diagnosis on me. Borderline people are emotionally volatile because they can't regulate their emotions. So he would say he was borderline therefore he was paranoid, therefore he didn't like me talking to other people."

Particularly twisted narcissists have also pretended to be ill to get what they want. One of Neo's clients, for example, paid for her ex-husband to live in a huge house because he told her he had cancer.

Over time, narcissists become more sophisticated because they're constantly learning tricks about how to manipulate people. That's how they can get away with such exploitation.

Ultimately, the only thing you can do is get as far away from them as possible, Neo said. You should break away as soon as you know you are with someone who is incapable of empathy, and run far away.

The best revenge you can get is to live your life, learn from the experience, and grow as a result. Finding out you are stronger and happier without them drives narcissists mad.

"Even though he tried to destroy you, you've turned the tables and instead created an awesome life courtesy of the lessons from what he did to you. That will piss him off royally," Neo said.

SEE ALSO: People downplay abuse in relationships using this simple phrase — here's why it's so damaging

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: The Navy has its own Area 51 — and it’s right in the middle of the Bahamas

#Tech Insider #Arab #Entrepreneurship #sillicon alley insider