#ej caswell defense squad

[sunset-bobby]

EJ did all of this to prove he could

Lost his gf bc he was so caught up in trying to impress his dad

and the man can’t even say i’m proud of you or even stay on the phone long enough

#ej caswell #hsmtmts #high school musical: the musical the series #hsmtmts season 3 #hsmtmts spoilers #ej caswell defense squad

[theaviatorthatcouldnotfly]

shoutout to ej caswell for:

overcoming and moving past everything that happened in season three for his own good

accepting that he was only going to be held down by his father’s unfulfillable expectations and distancing himself from him

managing to work four jobs and go to school but still attend clubs

doing things for himself and not because he feels like he needs to do things to live up to some perfect ideal

being the nerd of his new friend group <3

giving ricky the advice he’s really needed to hear since the past few seasons and guiding him through his problem

(and more or less being the backbone of the show whilst doing it because who knows what ricky would’ve done next if ej hadn’t been there to give him that tough love honestly.)

having a good conversation with gina about their breakup and just going with it when she told him about the movie

listening to miss jenn and honestly giving his take on her situation

for being everyone’s therapist and advice giver this season and just vibing with it the entire way

trying to boost ashlyn’s confidence about maddox, then helping them get together with the tree trunk he carved their names in way back when in season three when he predicted they would get together! our boy sees the future

agreeing to take the role of coach bolton when it was spontaneously offered to him on opening night and still managing to pull through with a great performance

and all in just two episodes!

gonna miss you, elton john caswell, king that you are. thank you for your service.

#ej caswell appreciation post #really fucking missed him this season and yet despite the lack of screen time he still managed to be an icon. we stan #ej caswell #hsmtmts #caswen #gina porter #ricky bowen #miss jenn #hsmtmts spoilers #ej caswell defense squad #avi rambles

[aroundthewaygirlao3]

HSMTMTS S3E7 Rant

RANT Ahead!

Why are we treating Kourtney’s anxiety and EJ’s anxiety SO differently?

Kourtney’s worried about bombing on stage, she gets a literal chorus of supportive sisters to help her climb the literal and metaphorical wall.

EJ is worried about his ENTIRE LIFE imploding, and he gets snarky comments from Ricky about how everyone knows he’s stressed, Carlos (who knows the stress of putting on a show) telling him to “just do it at night,” and literally NO ONE just taking the damn script away at the prom. Gina knew exactly where to find him after the last dance, why didn’t she go look for him DURING it? Where is the close relationship he and Ashlyn have had for years? Why is his arc just about “wow, he’s fucking up everywhere”? 

YES, EJ made mistakes. YES, he’s terrible at reaching out and asking for help. So was Kourtney. But she got support, and EJ didn’t. And I think Kourtney DESERVED the help! But why didn’t EJ?

To be clear, this isn’t about the Portwell breakup. I think Gina has some very valid points about them being in different places and feeling unsure about the future, and all those feelings are incredibly valid and real. I think they came a bit out of nowhere and wish we’d been actually addressing those issues all season instead of these GIGANTIC external factors that they keep dropping onto this couple, so it felt a bit unearned, but that part isn’t the problematic part for me.

I CAN’T get behind the way the narrative has treated EJ and diminished what HIS experience of anxiety has been time and time again.

It feels like a very gendered lens on mental health, honestly, and I’m not here for it. 

#hsmtmts #hsmtmts season 3 #ej caswell #ej caswell protection squad #ej caswell defense squad #portwell

[ohginas]

a list of things EJ Caswell deserved to hear this season. It’s really not that hard Tim.

I’m proud of you!

I understand you’re busy. I won’t pressure you to do ___.

I can see you’re under a lot of stress. How can I help you?

Your stress and anxiety are valid.

As a first time director, did an amazing job on directing the play! given how this was thrown in you last minute, with only two weeks to prepare and no supervision or guidance or help to assist you in the process, you pulled it off and did a truly exceptional job at that! You should be proud of yourself! I am proud of you!

I’m sorry you’ve been busy this summer. I can see you’re doing everything you can to try and make this work. And I appreciate that.

You are worthy and loved and always have been, regardless of what external sources say or don’t say.

You don’t need your dad’s praise or validation to prove your worthiness or competency at anything. You already have that within yourself.

Your dreams are valid and you deserve to pursue anything your heart desires, regardless of how lucrative it is

#ej caswell #hsmtmts #someone support this boy already!!!! #tell him he is loved #and worthy and valid #tim 👀👀👀 #!!!! #it’s NOT that hard #high school musical the musical the series season 3 #ej caswell defense squad #s3 #portwell #mine

[portwellbabes]

set after episode 7, directors room

Ricky walks into the directors room looking for EJ.

“Oh there you are Elton, Val is looking for you she needs to check off the “In Summer” choreo.”

Ricky gets no response from EJ, so he moves closer to him. “Hey? You good? Whats…” He notices EJ has tears stained on his cheeks and his voice shifts to a softer tone, “EJ... whats wrong?” Ricky sits next to EJ putting an arm on his shoulder as EJ wipes away his tears.

“Gina broke up with me tonight” he says without making eye contact with Ricky.

Ricky looks at him speechless. He knew that Gina and EJ were kinda tense throughout the night but he had no idea it went this far. “Oh. EJ, I…”

Ricky is cut off as EJ starts to ramble anxiously, “I’m just stupid! I’m so stupid for thinking that I could be good enough for her.”

“No EJ don’t say that”

“No it’s true!” EJ makes eye contact with Ricky before continuing, “first Nini, now Gina! I’m just, a horrible person…I’m not- I’m not worth it” he concludes feeling extremely defeated.

Ricky looks at him upset, with a pang of guilt as he realizes that he unintentionally ruined two of EJ’s most treasured relationships.

EJ looks down at his feet, smiling wryly, “I mean, I’m such a failure that I’m not even good enough for my own father to say that he’s,” he stops for a moment staring at the wall blankly, “that he’s proud of me.”

A moment of silence passes until Ricky speaks up, unable to see EJ in such a weak and vulnerable position. He’s almost shocked to see the graduate so insecure of himself. Maybe he’s not as perfect as he seems to be?

Ricky turns to face EJ. “No you know what, that is absolutely not true you are not a failure EJ, you are so worth it, you are worth so much more than you know. and you know what? If your dad and Gina can’t see that then it’s their loss, because you are so incredible EJ.” EJ looks at him through his teary eyes as Ricky rambles on with a distant smile on his face. “I mean you’re talented, you’re kind and smart, and if I’m not wrong you were voted most likely to become a hollister model” he chuckles and EJ scoffs with a smile. “I see it, Maddox sees it, Val sees it! you’re the one who can’t see it.”

“Ricky you’re just saying that”

Ricky looks at him seriously, “I’m not! and EJ you don’t need someone else to prove that you’re worth it. I get it trust me, we all need validation. But EJ, you need to believe you are worth it. and as for Gina” Ricky sighs, “if you guys really are meant to be, she will come back to you. But EJ, maybe you just need to let her go first?”

“Yeah, i guess you’re right” EJ smiles back sadly.

Ricky smirks proudly to lighten up the mood, “when am i not?”

EJ punches his arm lightly as the two laugh quietly.

“Hey, it’s kind of like in frozen when Kristoff lets Anna go to Hans and when she realizes she loves Kristoff she comes back to him!” Ricky suddenly realizes, making a perfect analogy to EJ and Gina’s relationship. However, EJ doesn’t register this, choosing to focus on the fact that for once, Ricky actually got the plot of Frozen right. EJ looks at Ricky stunned, turning his body to face him.

“You- you actually know the script?” he asks.

Ricky blinks, “I mean, you did tell me to study it,” he replies referring to a couple hours ago at the camp prom.

“And you did??”

“Yeah…?”

“I- wow… thanks Ricky”

“No, thank you. You’re the reason we’re not gonna make a fool of ourselves on national television tomorrow. You might not think so but, I do appreciate you EJ.”

Ricky stands up and walks out, giving EJ a small smile and leaving him feeling a little more confident in himself than before.

i always pictured ricky and ej having some sort of heart-to-heart conversation in s3 after they’ve finally put their differences aside. this headcanon is where i imagine ricky discovering his sexuality for the first time after realizing he’s some what attracted to ej? and where ej realizes that ricky’s not that petty junior he was at the beginning of the school year and they can actually be friends. and it kinda leaves things open ended for portwell, rina, and caswen which they could’ve explored in season 4🤪

#hsmtmts #ej caswell #ricky bowen #portwell #gina porter #caswen #matt cornett #joshua bassett #jatt #rini #gina x ej #ej x ricky #wylett #east high school #headcanon #ej deserves better #ej caswell defense squad

[caswellmendes]

my not-so-lil rant

disclaimer—this is no hate to any of the characters or actors. just me ranting about the writing of this show.

*sigh*

hi friends. it me.

i know i’m probably the 100th post you’ve seen today discussing the finale, but i just gotta get some things off my chest. 

first, i will say this. i love this show with my whole heart. and y’all know how much i love portwell. i’ve been in this ship since s1. 

but... (i’m gritting my teeth as i type this) i will gladly go into s4 excited to see rina’s story unfold like i have all the rest. if a new chapter is ahead for both of these characters, then i’ll welcome it with open arms.

but i just have an issue with how it all went down.

in what world could no one, except val, (bless you val, we love you), be there for ej when his world was upside down. 

imagine planning on spending this last summer before adulthood with your childhood friends. dreaming of summer nights at a summer camp you’d been dying to show them and the chance to just being a kid one last time.

but then, you’re not asked, but you’re literally backed into a corner and obligated to throw that all out the window and direct a full-length musical production.

imagine for a second what it would feel like to lead an entire group of distract-able, dramatic teenagers. but more than that, they’re your best friends. and you don’t want to let them down or do a mediocre job.

imagine that you only had fourteen DAYS to make sure lines were memorized, costumes were ready, sets were prepped, and musical numbers were rehearsed. 

imagine if you had a father who decided for HIMSELF what YOUR future was going to be. because for him you would be a failure doing anything else. never said he was proud of you. never asked where you wanted to go to school. never asked what your dream was. nope. it was all HIS decision and you had to live with that. sorry!

imagine finally opening your heart up again to someone new in your life. and this summer was going to be your time together, away from the drama of high school. away from the drama of home. just you two, finally being the leads and spending the whole summer together.

but too bad, the lead goes to the guy who stole your ex. and has his eyes now on your girlfriend.

then imagine that in your head, the only real hope of you ever staying with your girlfriend, your friends, your literal chosen family, was dependent on how successful this play was. you were doing it for their success and for yours.

oh and just imagine that ALL of it was going to air on TV. FOR THE WORLD TO WATCH AND JUDGE.

so yeah maybe i’d be stressed out of my mind. yeah maybe my world would probably be upside down too. maybe i’d feel every minute of my time was valuable. yeah maybe i’d be terrified out of my mind to show my girlfriend a letter determining my fate, my fate that i MYSELF wasn’t even ready or willing to accept.

but who cares right? you’re the villain. you’ve got to “take it down a notch” cause you’re ignoring your friends, you’re not allowed to try and be in two places at once, you’re lame for skipping out on hikes in the woods, you’re missing bucket-list shenanigans, you’re just too stressed.

and all your efforts were for nothing. because guess who didn’t show up for you? everyone you’re doing this for. your dad. your ex-girlfriend. your cousin. your friends. 

because apparently people think it’s justifiable to give up on others during the span of two weeks when they’re going through anxiety. pressure they didn’t ask for. stress they were trying to cope with so that you could all be successful and be TOGETHER.

oh but you’re just being your 1.0 self.

again—no hate to any characters. i just hate the way ej’s story unfolded. it boils down to the almost universal lack of support he got, and i just can’t wrap my head around it.

i just—UGH.

#ej caswell defense squad #JUSTICE FOR EJ #hsmtmtsspoilers #hsmtmts spoilers #ej caswell #matt cornett #ej #caswell #hsmtmts #high school musical the musical the series

[firefly-fez]

the complete lack of support and outright dismissal of EJ’s stress made me like literally every main character less. come on. Especially Ashlyn - what is up, homegirl, why don’t you recognise the pressure EJ is under? I thought you were close!!

#hsmtmts #ej caswell #ej caswell defense squad

[countessofravenclaw]

So I don't know how actively I will post about HSMTMTS S4... I am not very good a binging lump-released shows if I am not hugely invested. (I have better things to do)

But let me just say one thing about the teaser...

Ej saying that nothing like the wildcats does not make him a loser who can't let go of his high school years. You can still be friends with people you went to high school with, many people are. Plus he was talking about the Wildcats, not the school.

This is the moment I remind you that his dad, if not his family because we nothing of his mom, is abusive and probably has been his whole life. There is nothing wrong with holding your theatre group where you got to be yourself and do what you love and who act like family might I add, as your family. Its called found family, look it up.

#hsmtmts #So I don't wanna see anyone calling EJ a loser #Or saying that you should not be hanging around people from your highschool #I still go to the concerts out on by an art program of my alma mater #Also if Ricky would ahve said the same line in the finale when he graduates... no one would bat an eye because ''he can do no wrong'' #ej caswell defense squad #I wanna preface this by saying that no one has done this yet #But probably will #Judging by what was said during last season #We're still here and ready to protect him

[brekker-by-brekkerr]

I can totally see when everyone sees the documentary for the first time EJ’s friends all start to feel bad for not being there for him. I can totally picture Channing secretly filming EJ working on the show and being stressed. The documentary could show a different side of EJ that makes people feel sorry for him. I think this could be interesting storyline for season 4 where people start to appreciate EJ and tell him that they are proud of him after watching the documentary.

I would love it if this happens!! Like I really, really, really hope we get everyone realising how much EJ did for them and how unwell he was the whole season. Especially if they could see all the clips of him struggling. I need them to make it clear that this 18 year old with anxiety and too much pressure on him was not the villain. I need them all appreciating EJ, maybe even throwing him a party or something, and most importantly, i need them supporting him. I will never be over the fact that Val, the guest character we've had all of one season, was the only one to care about EJ and comfort him

#ej caswell #hsmtmts #hsmtmts 4 #high school musical the series #high school musical the musical the series #hsmtmts 3 #hsmtmts season 3 #elton john caswell #ej caswell defense squad

[sunset-bobby]

You know what it’s been 2 days and I’ve decided Season 4 just needs to be EJ spiraling post hs and then slowly realizing wait no I deserve better fuck this shit….we get the Scream solo and then we get happiness

and if that doesn’t happen someone better write it…fanfic writers where is my EJ fics after that finale????

#hsmtmts #high school musical: the musical the series #hsmtmts season 4 #hsmtmts season 3 #ej caswell #ej caswell defense squad

[thstarsofsilver]

“my mom was right about you… she thinks you walk on air”

ej has spoken to gina’s mother a few times before.

in fact, a few more times than even gina knows.

(or - ej is getting on the in-laws' good side early on)

mrs terri porter is captain of the ej caswell protection squad

anyone who needs a lil pro-ej portwell pick me up...this one’s for you

#userfiz #mine #fanfiction #portwel #portwell fanfic #hsmtmts #mum's the word #fizfics #high school musical the series #ej x gina #terri porter #high school musical the musical the series #gina x ej #gina porter #ej caswell #ashlyn caswell #ao3 #shameless self promo #i just...i love ej caswell so much #ej caswell defense squad

[aroundthewaygirlao3]

And now, for my obligatory EJ Caswell Defense Squad post...

WTF did they do to him?!?

What was the narrative purpose of taking a character who spent the better part of a season paralyzed by a fear of rejection to... have that fear proved correct? His girlfriend broke up with him, his father outright rejected him, and in the end, he was right that there was something between a friend he described as HIS BROTHER and a girl he loved... AGAIN?

What was the point of putting him through Duke and his dad in season 2 if THIS is what Season 3 was going to do? What on EARTH was the point? There’s no growth from here that he hasn’t already gone through, what’s the purpose to the pain? Why did the story give him a “redemption arc” through seasons 1 & 2 just to leave him... here?

EJ, you deserved so much better.

#hsmtmts #ej caswell #ej caswell defense squad #ej caswell protection squad #why can't ej catch a break

[ohginas]

I’ll never get over the fact that they discarded a relationship that had been beautifully developed for a whole season in the span of just two short weeks with the reasoning that “ej wasn’t there for gina” when literally everything he was doing that was keeping him from her were his efforts with the end goal of making a way possible to be with her. why could she not see that?? why did their relationship hang on whether he was present for her summer shenanigans or whether he told her about a letter or not? (when he clearly had external pressures thrust at him beyond his control)?? initially she didn’t even give him the chance to explain why he withheld that from her, and when he did explain himself, it didn’t resonate. we’re talking just two weeks here and she broke it off just like that

#yes I love #gina porter #but I am not happy with how this transpired #i am so upset #ej caswell #ej caswell defense squad #s3 #portwell #mine

[stilldancewithyou]

proud of you: an EJ Caswell x oc fic (sneak peek)

here is a little sneak peek of something I've been working on. just a little story in which EJ gets the love, support, and friend that he deserves. it's taking place pre-1 month later, right after camp.

this is just a sneak peek, there is an extended version of this scene and I have sooo many ideas for this story so please let me know if you like it and want to read more/what you think!

I see him before he sees me. He's walking in my direction with his head low, looking towards the ground and he doesn't seem to know or care where he's going. He looks sad and deflated and worn out. I don't think I've ever seen him look so unsure of himself and just so...miserable. Especially not after camp. I stand there like an idiot for so long trying to figure out what to say that he's the one who breaks the silence first.

"Ellie?" EJ looks up, his expression transforming into one of shock as his eyes fall on me. "Are you really here or am I dreaming?"

"Hi EJ," I smile at him, "I'm really here. I'd be happy to pinch you if you need me to."

"Oh no, that's not necessary," He says, and a smile breaks across his face but doesn't quite reach his eyes. Then he looks at me again, smiling wider. "Oh my gosh, Ellie...it's so good to see you." And the next thing I know, he's engulfing me in a big hug, and we're both laughing as he lifts me up and spins me around before setting me back down. I can't help noticing that his arms are strong and muscular, and he smells good, like cologne. I don't remember him ever wearing cologne before. "And who's this? You finally got the dog you always wanted?" He bends over to greet Darby, petting her head and scratching behind her ears. Darby excitedly leans into his hand, loving the attention, and EJ has the closest I've seen to a real smile on his face as he coos to her. "Hi puppy...you're a good girl."

"Yeah, she was kind of a bribe. My parents basically said 'you can't live in Salt Lake like you want to, so have this dog instead' and called it a compromise," I explain, rolling my eyes. "First promise you won't laugh when I tell you her name."

"I promise I will not laugh," EJ says, with a glimmer of a smirk, like he's already trying not to laugh, "okay, okay, I might laugh a little. But never at you."

"Okay," I take a deep breath and grin at him as he waits expectantly, "I call her Darby, but her name is really Ms Darbus. Like the theater teacher in High School Musical. You know how much I loved those movies when we were little, and they've always been my comfort movies."

"Oh, I know who Ms Darbus is," He says with poorly suppressed laughter, "you were obsessed. We watched them so many times I have the entire trilogy committed to memory. I'm pretty sure you made me do the sing-along so many times I know the songs better than Zac Efron."

"Don't act like you didn't enjoy it too," I giggle, bumping his shoulder with mine. "Zac Efron who? You're the only Troy for me."

"That actually means a lot, Ellie," EJ smiles, but it's sort of a sad smile, and I'm confused. "You're the only Gabriella for me, too."

"So, how was camp?" I ask, smiling at him. I'm a little surprised that he hasn't brought it up himself yet, I had thought he wouldn't be able to shut up about it he'd be so excited to tell me. Besides the obvious fact that he directed an amazing musical and how huge a deal it is that he's going to be on Disney plus, it's just his personality to be overly excited about camp and theater, and about anything he does in general.

His playfulness from moments earlier fades away, and he takes a long time to answer. "It's...a long story."

"Well, I have at least a year, so, no rush," I joke lightly, and then I smile up at him, "I watched your directorial debut on Disney+ and oh my gosh, it was amazing. I think I actually liked it better than the version I saw on Broadway last year, and you really expect me to believe that was the first show you've ever directed? You're really talented. I'm so proud of you, EJ."

He just stands there, looking at me with disbelief and swirling emotions in his eyes. He looks like he's on the verge of tears, and it makes me feel sad too.

"Are you okay, E? Did I say something wrong, or...?" I put my hand on his shoulder in what I hope is a comforting gesture.

"No, no, you're-you're fine, it's just...you're the first person who has said that. That-that you're proud of me." He barely manages to choke out the words, and his voice cracks on the last word. I move closer and pull him into a hug, and he squeezes me tight against his chest, his head resting on my shoulder. I hold him like that in silence for a long time. There are some moments that don't need words to be said. And when the right person is there with you, a million understandings and words are being felt without any being said.

#ej caswell #hsmtmts #hsmtmts 3 #hsmtmts season 3 #hsmtmts season 4 #ej caswell x oc #ej caswell x reader #ej caswell defense squad #ej caswell x original character #ej caswell fic #hsmtmts fic #my fic writing #ej caswell fanfic #this is the first piece of fic writing i've ever post on here and i'm kinda nervous #also the extended version has a longer intro that explains more and gives a lot of background on ellie and her friendship with ej #also this probably not going to be the official title i haven't decided yet #proud of you

[caswellmendes]

EJ CASWELL in HSMTMTS — “Let It Go”

#mygifs #HIS HAIR THO #tw flashing lights #ej caswell #hsmtmts #high school musical the musical the series #hsmtmts-source #elton john caswell #matt cornett #hsmtmtsnet #hsmtmtsdaily #hsmtmtsgifs #hsmtmts s4 #justice for ej caswell #ej caswell defense squad #matt #cornett #high school musical #hsm the series #userrileymatthews #userrajan #userremi #useryusi #userchristie #usertino #tusersai #hsmtmts gifs #hsmtmtsedit #ej caswell gifs #ej caswell edit

[juste-des-trucs]

Matt reaction to S4 😭 the patented Emilia face 😭

#i dont know if is a good thing or a bad thing #they cant destroy him if his not there #right? #ej caswell #matt cornett #ej caswell protection squad #ej caswell defense squad #Youtube