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dangermousie · 5 months

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2023 End of Year Post - cdrama edition

Yes, we have a lot of December left, but I don't think anything else I want to check out will air before 2024 hits (it's cdrama so caveat is - you never know.)

This is only going to cover cdramas that aired in 2023; if I watched it but it was made in a different year, it's not on the list. This was a pretty good cdrama year, all in all.

DRAMAS WATCHED

(In order of liking from least to most as opposed to pure quality; I am including if I’ve seen enough to make up my mind; yes I realize that’s inaccurate, but that’s my list)

30 legend of twin flower - Not dignifying that drama with capital letters, as the only capital that should be associated with this is capital punishment - which is what watching this feels like.

29 Dominator of Martial Gods - sounds like a bdsm gay porn title. Would probably be better acted and written if it was.

28 Beauty of Resilience - you'd need a lot of said resilience to sit through this incoherent, barely acted mess. The thing that I remember the most other than my annoyance is all the jingly-jangly head gear on JJY. Perhaps they could have sold some of them and spent the money on a better script.

27 Divine Destiny - if you think you have too many brain cells and want to get rid of some, boy do I have a drama for you!

26 Wanru’s Journey - honestly it's probably tied with SEL - I mean it's worse but it has actors who are nowhere as well known and a fraction of SEL's budget. Still, this is a big fat nope. I will not say what I think of Aoi Rupeng's "acting" or I'd have to put money in the curse jar.

25 Snow Eagle Lord - Gulinazha's stone face, nonsense plot, terrible CGI. Take your pick as to why this is terrible.

24 Scent of Time - it was uneven but fun but then that ending was dumb enough to destroy the whole thing. Show me on the doll where common sense hurt you, makers!

23 Royal Rumors - Jeremy Tsui and Meng Ziyi are utterly wasted in this nothing trifle of a drama.

22 Legend of Anle - I had high expectations but alas. This is the drama version of color beige. There is nothing offensive about it but nothing good either. Mediocre actors are mediocre, good actors become mediocre, this is just a waste of our finite time on planet earth.

21 Romance on the Farm - it's not you, it's me in action. I can see why people would like this wholesome slice of farming family life, but it's tailored to trigger every one of my "nope" opinions.

20 Back from the Brink - if I were 12, it would be my favorite thing. I am not 12.

19 Journey of Chong Zi - objectively a terrible drama with plot holes the size of Mars and a leading lady whose face has apparently frozen when the wind changed. But I am a total sucker for the trope of upright shizun falling for his demonic disciple and going mental so here we are. Objectively, garbage, subjectively my precious!

18 Love you Seven Times - just call poor Ding Yuxi "Atlas," he carried this mess so hard.

17 Blooming Days - trashy dogblood harem fight fun throwback. It's not that great (and the fact that it was shredded doesn't help) but it's probably the last gasp of that genre for the foreseeable future, so I am grading on a curve.

16 The Starry Love - a fun fantasy where the secondary OTP stole the thunder but overall a really solid fantasy xianxia romance.

15 The Longest Promise - it could have been better - the secondaries were unbearable and there was too much of them and what they did with Alen Fang's character still gives me rage fits, but the main couple was impeccable and lovely and I rooted so hard for them.

14 Chang Feng Du/Destined - visually gorgeous, solidly acted, impeccable first half. Bland as hell second half. Win some, lose some.

13 Circle of Love - this drama is a nonsense trash heap on fire. After a typhoon hit it. It was also the most entertaining, addicting drama on this whole list.

12 Hidden Love - the sole modern on this list, this story has barely any plot but it made me care about the young, decent lovers so hard.

11 Choice Husband - starts out wacky, continues with angst and blood and happy ending. I loved it, but I've always had a soft spot for melo and schemers turning devoted.

10 Pledge of Allegiance - bromance, super solid acting, visuals, a really dark take on officials and the world. Insanely underrated.

9 Provoke - a truly fun Republican revenge and love tale, showing that short format can be wonderful.

8 Gone with the Rain - some of the secondary characters are rage-inducing (hi there, cardboard boy!) but the scheming, ruthless, vulgar FL is amazing and her slowburn with her age gap general who is delighted by her out-there-ness is great!

7 Wonderland of Love - Fei Wo Si Cun goes wholesome and the result is surprisingly entertaining. Battle couple, glorious visuals, a fast paced plot. It's the first Xu Kai drama I enjoyed in years (and he plays a rare cdrama ML it would be pretty neat to pair up with in rl.)

6 My Journey to You - that ending is infuriating (and I am OK with open endings if done properly) but what a visual feast, probably the most gloriously shot drama on this list, and that's a tough competition. Also it packs a hell of a lot of couples and familial and adversarial relationships into its slim running time; assassin lady won over by a gentle man is my favorite trope and so this is extra great.

5. Till the End of the Moon - the ending is a rage-inducing disaster for me, but this drama was the most incredibly emotionally intense, visually eye popping experience. It was deeply flawed but when it was amazing, it was like nothing else in its visuals, its characters and its narratives. It took insane risks; some paid off and some did not, but it was glorious.

4. Story of Kunning Palace - I don't often care for reverse harem stories but this one was such fun - the main OTP was glorious (strong FL, unhinged ML) but honestly everything about this was just so excellently done.

3. The Ingenious One - the most adult drama on this list. Smart protagonists, intelligent plot, emotions that felt true, this is a revenge and a mystery and found family and goes into so many directions you do not expect (Su Mengyu's PTSD after his first kill - that is something you never see in dramas, definitely not prolonged and profound - not like this.) If I was to say which drama was objectively the best on this list, as opposed to favorite, it would be this.

1 (tie) Lost You Forever 1 - this is an exquisite emotional jewel of a story about damaged people moving forward, with damage always present - their past informs their present and always will. The narrative about Xiao Yao and three very different men in her life makes me think that it's an equivalent of a neutron bomb going off right before the main narrative starts and now we are watching the survivors wander in the wreckage. This is very high fantasy setting but it's one of the most emotionally human narratives out there.

1 A Journey to Love - everything I ever wanted - assassins, ride or die adult OTP with genuine believable conflicts, great and complex secondaries, beautiful fights. Oh, and yeah Liu Shi Shi domming the hell out of every man in a ten mile radius, as she should.

FAVORITE DRAMA

It's a tie between Lost You Forever Part 1 and A Journey to Love. LYF1 is a bona fide art piece but it's only part 1 and who knows if part 2 will be any good (seeing the huge ep number cut, I have my doubts) and so it's incomplete. AJTL is an old school wuxia romance with incredibly competent, adult people in love and great cast of secondaries. I can't pick.

WORST DRAMA

romance of twin flower - this is a drama that should not exist. If I could hex everyone involved with it, I would. It's a terrible, stupid, shrill, badly acted drama to start with, but where it really is catapulted into stratosphere of horror is that is took my very favorite non-danmei web novel of all time, a smart and complicated tale with incredible protagonists and turned it into that barftastic abomination. Peng Xiao Ran kept making horrible drama after horrible drama but I kept giving her a chance because of Goodbye My Princess but after this disaster, I've had to accept GMP was a fluke and she is on my "if she's in it, I am out” list. Ding Yuxi is not that far yet (his performance in Seven Lifetimes was the one thing carrying that mess afloat) but he's on freaking thin ice. Anyway, I like to pretend this drama does not exist.

FAVORITE MALE CHARACTER

It was hard because there were so many I loved this year - Deng Wei's traumatized, gentle Seventeen from LYF1 (if someone told me I'd swoon and weep for a character played by Deng Wei, I'd have told them to examine their brains asap), Liu Yuning's incredibly capable, deadly, contained Ning Yuanzhou from AJTL, Zhang Linghe's unhinged Xie Wei from SoKP, Chen Xiao's schemer with a heart Yun Xiang from TIO.

But ultimately, it couldn't be anyone else but Luo Yunxi as Tantai Jin/Demon God/Ming Ye/Cang Jiumin in Till the End of the Moon. He was everything - a demon, a saint, a martyr, a monster, a tormented abuse victim, a savior, joyful, unhinged, smart, pitiable. It was the cdrama performance of the year for me. Luo Yunxi even in a mediocre role is impressive but in a complex (series of) role(s) designed for his strengths, he is a force of nature.

FAVORITE FEMALE CHARACTER

Xiao Yao (Lost You Forever Part 1). Once again, there were runner ups - Bai Lu's smart a little evil FL in Kunning, the gloriously unhinged assassin domme Liu Shi Shi in AJTL, Esther Yu's assassin longing for a different life in MJTY etc etc etc. But Xiao Yao's damaged, difficult, very self-aware woman stole my heart. I was skeptical going in because I haven't enjoyed a Yang Zi performance in a long time, but she was the wounded beating soul of this incredible drama.

NEEDS TO BE MURDERED

Where do we start? How about all of Seventeen's (LYF1) monster family? His brother, who tortured him for years physically and emotionally to such a degree his body is a horror map and his personality is permanently altered because "mommy liked you better." Psycho mother who created a situation where the kids were going to turn on each other and "let's get my grandson raped" grandma. Where is a well-placed meteorite when you need one.

FAVORITE SHIP

Xiao Yao/Seventeen, LYF1. Yes, a ship of characters played by Yang Zi and Deng Wei is my favorite. Leave me alone, I am on my tenth helping of crow already. They are both incredibly damaged, barely functioning survivors who find what they need in the other - he finds a savior and someone who sees him as a man and rebuilds himself around her and she finds someone who will always put her first and only, and subsume himself in her. Is it healthy? No. Does it make sense for them and is it making them slowly functional? Yes.

Runner up: Ren Ruyi/Ning Yuanzhou, AJTL - two adults, so competent, so chemistry full. She has so much damage and so little normalcy but is so strong and he is oddly gentle (in between murders) and incredibly self-reflective. They are each other's mirrors and I love them.

FAVORITE SECONDARY OTP

Su Mingyu/Ke Menglan, The Ingenious One - the idealistic merchant who wants to join jianghu until he sees its horrors firsthand and a slave entertainer who wants security but decides she wants him more. They are gorgeous and glorious and wholesome and I adore them.

Runner up: Liu Gong Quan/Ming Zhu, The Ingenious One - that drama was a shippy gift, especially impressive considering it wasn't even romance-centric. He's the officer who has to bring down her treasonous father but loves her. Delicious.

Another runner up is Chao Feng/Qian Kui, the angelic good girl and the scheming bad boy in The Starry Love. They stole the drama from the main OTP for me.

NOTP

Scent of Time endgame. What the hell was even that. It made NO sense.

FAVORITE SCENE

So many good scenes this year - Tantai Jin taking apart Li Susu in prison in TTEOTM, the OTP fighting in perfect sync and insane rhythm in the gorge battle in AJTL, Chen Ruoxuan's character stopping the execution in Pledge, Yan Lin's coming of age in Kunning, the poison/antidote "gamble" in MJTY, Cang Xuan detoxing in LYF1. But I think ultimately, me being who I am, my favorite scene is Xiao Yao kissing Seventeen's damaged, scarred knee to show he is in no way inferior for her. AAAAA!

In terms of pure jaw dropping visuals tho nothing will ever beat Ming Ye’s battle against the Devil God in TTEOTM.

BIGGEST CRUSH

Ning Yuanzhou, AJTL. He's sexy as hell (that height, that way he moves in battle) but he's also so incredibly competent, so adult, so self-reflective and so attracted to a woman for her strength. He also gets whumped on the reg. Anyway, my hormones are ready.

BEST SCENE STEALER CHARACTER

Gong Yuanzhi (My Journey to You) - I loved the unhinged, brocon poison boy. He was everything. Also Yan Lin (Kunning) - talk about sunshine; I totally got why all these people felt they needed to save him.

NEEDS A SEQUEL

My Journey to You - what the HELL was that ending?

NEEDS SCISSORS TAKEN TO IT

legend of twin flower - that is, stab it with scissors like it stabbed the novel until it's dead.

TOO MANY SCISSORS TAKEN TO IT

Till the End of the Moon - they clearly cut stuff to fit into the new regs about runtime and it made the last 1/5 rather abrupt. Gimme!

TROPE THAT NEEDS TO DIE

The emperor cannot be irredeemable. WTF, China, you are a communist country!

FAVORITE TROPE WE’VE SEEN A LOT OF

This is the year of a ML who yearns to be dommed by his FL. Long may it continue.

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT

The Legend of Anle - the novel had a great plot, the cast were all actors I either enjoy a lot or somewhat and we got - whatever that soggy piece of wonderbread toast was.

BIGGEST GOOD SURPRISE

LYF1 - I only checked out to mock because nobody could explain the story to me and nobody in the cast did anything I like either ever or in years. And then I fell utterly and completely in love and had to eat so much delicious crow.

2023 DRAMAS I HAVEN’T SEEN THAT I MOST WANT TO WATCH

Ancient Love Song is the only one on that list. It looks really good, I just need to brace myself.

BEST NON-2023 DRAMA I’VE WATCHED IN 2023

The Imperial Doctoress - best slowburn and pining and glorious character development and adult leads.

MOST ANTICIPATED

Anticipating any nonaired cdrama is a mug's game but if they air, I will definitely check out all the Fox Matchmaker dramas, LYF2, JoL2 and The Last Immortal. If Prisoner of Beauty ever is allowed out of the vault (dubious), it goes on the list too.

#cdrama #lost you forever #a journey to love #till the end of the moon #my journey to you #choice husband #provoke #the starry love #the ingenious one #wonderland of love #story of kunning palace #gone with the rain

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legok9 · 1 month

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"Who's that girl" DWM 268 (1998)

So, who would have played the Doctor if she'd been a woman from the first? DWM rounds up the likely ladies …

Hermione Baddeley 1963-66 Renowned for unsympathetic roles in both Brighton Rock and the dour 'kitchen sink'-styled Room at the Top, film veteran Baddeley made an enthralling Doctor - part dragon, part slightly dotty maiden aunt. Eternal juvenile Melvyn Hayes was 'unearthly' grandson Stephen Vivian Pickles 1966-69 Although much younger, and never a lead, the versatile Pickles had been a familiar TV face for 20 years (Harpers West One, etc) before being cast as Baddeley's successor. Her sprightly, elfin Doctor had a penchant for dressing-up, like a St Trinian's tomboy who never left school

Liz Fraser 1970-74 A comic actress familiar from several Carry Ons, Fraser's initial trepidation at taking on an ostensibly serious role soon dissipated. Her bossy, big-sisterly show-off of a Doctor was best paired with dippy companion Joe Grant (later Playgirl pin-up Robin Askwith) Frances de la Tour 1974-81 Gangling, piercing-eyed Shakespearean actress de la Tour played a tweedy, louche, Bohemian Doctor part-based on Virginia Woolf. Caused a minor sensation when she married the young actor who played the second incarnation of Time Lord companion Roman — Peter Davison

Jan Francis 1982-84 Despite rumours that the next Doctor might be played by a man (former New Avenger Gareth Hunt is hotly tipped), the youngest actress yet is cast. Fresh from middlebrow thirties drama The Good Companions, Francis made for a sporty Doctor in Lottie Dod-style tennis whites Lynda Bellingham 1984-86 Known to SF fans for her role as Barbara the Butcher in an episode of Jenna's 7, Bellingham's controversial Doctor was a loud, hectoring grand-dame of the theatre. Unceremoniously 'regenerated' following the Doctor's on- (and off-) screen inquisition in the epic Trial of a Time Lady

Pauline Melville 1987-89 Virtually unknown fringe cabaret and cult comedy artiste is surprise choice for 'back to basics' Seventh Doctor. Fan fears that series will become showcase for childish high-jinks up-ended when Melville stories adopt a sombre, down-beat mood, performed with conviction and gravitas Miranda Richardson 1996 The eldest in a successful line of acting siblings, a favourite of BBC producers since high-profile lead debut in revisionist biographical drama of notorious 20th century 'villain', makes a bid for American network stardom via lavish new big-haired version of Doctor Who. Star Trek actor Alexander Siddig plays love interest Dr Brian

#doctor who #classic doctor who #8th doctor #7th doctor #6th doctor #5th doctor #4th doctor #3rd doctor #2nd doctor #1st doctor #Miranda Richardson #Pauline Melville #Lynda Bellingham #Jan Francis #Frances de la Tour #Liz Fraser #Vivian Pickles #Hermione Baddeley

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waitmyturtles · 7 months

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THE MORNING AFTER: ONLY FRIENDS, EPISODE 10 EDITION -- WHEN THE HOES CAN'T CATCH A BREAK

I wrote about the hoes yesterday in response to my reaction to the Atom/Boston scandal. But really, my thoughts on hoes not being able to catch breaks in Only Friends, I think, extends to.... maybe to this entire show itself.

I thought yesterday's episode was fantastic. The acting was SPARKLING. I finally felt like I appreciated having both First and Khaotung acting together. Good LORD, Khaotung. The scene in Sand's apartment, the wailing meditation in the rehab triage. Khaotung out-Gaipa'ed himself. Utterly amazing, and First rose to the occasion as well. I also thought Book carried himself more strongly than I had seen in previous episodes -- him and Force carried their tension well in this episode.

But I wrote to @lurkingshan yesterday -- maybe typifying myself as an international fan -- that I feel a little unsettled about the direction of where this show is either going, and/or where I thought this show was going to go.

In my ask to Shan, I indicated that through ALL of the preliminary material we had available to us about OF, from the initial promos, to Jojo and team interacting on social media, the actors and the entire artistic team dropping hints -- that I had a relatively strong sense of where this show was going.

I will be honest and selfish! I was particularly excited about a potential vision from Jojo et al that having lots of sex on the part of an individual would be a decision that would possibly NOT be judged by others. I was damn excited about potentially seeing a meditation on that. It was certainly a vibe that had been easily reached in Jojo's early work in Gay OK Bangkok.

Shan wrote in her answer to me (thank you, dear friend!) that so much has shaped and likely changed the trajectory of Only Friends from its original gestation to the current editing process. This includes observations made by Jojo et al about how the fandoms have spoken about the show on social media.

Our amazing mutual, @bengiyo Sensei, went even further in separate conversation with Shan, noting even more of the various factors that have likely impacted the original vision of this show as had been proposed to us in the fandom last fall. Ben notes that the process of a show changing trajectory within its airing time is common practice. Both Shan and Ben did not hesitate to note that the presence of the shipped pairs of FirstKhao and ForceBook -- and the influence of the large fandoms surrounding these two pairs -- has very likely impacted the Only Friends storylines, to the extent of possibly demanding that the show have more linear, monogamous, and romantic stories and conclusions than were originally expected (at least, as expected from fans like myself, who were already familiar with the boundaries that Jojo usually likes to push).

While MewTop and SandRay continue to flirt with, to toe the line of more traditionally romantic conclusions (okay, maybe not MewTop as much, I'll get there in a bit) -- I feel like I've been caught by a bit of surprise that BostonNick have also been bitten by this current romance bug.

While I really did love this episode (and I'll explain why down below in a bit, besides Khao's stellar acting), I'm just feeling.... a little saddened and bogged down that Boston's ass was handed to him like that. So, Atom lies. Cheum stands up for Atom. I cannot expect Cheum to do less in that moment as a big sis, although I have very much questioned her judgment in the past (like inviting Mew's ex to their hostel Halloween party, what the fuck).

I'm sighing with a bit of regret, because in this episode, the framing of a resolution for Boston is that Nick comes back to Boston. Boston admits to Nick he's acted like an asshole, as I screenshot above, and we know that -- filming RayMew, sleeping with Top.

But I don't know, in the summation of his saying that he's done "awful things," if he's also lumping his life of engaging in casual sex, as he unwinds to Nick. I just -- I don't want Boston judging himself for having casual sex. (To @respectthepetty's point! Let the sluts slut. Why judge?)

Don't do shitty things to your friends, for sure, but if I were your mom, Boston? Have the sex. If someone's gonna judge you, it ain't me.

Are we getting an indirect judgement against Boston’s casual sex with a resolution that Nick will come back to Boston’s life? Is the show telling us that, vis à vis Nick's return, that Boston will be redeemed by.... monogamy? Is that what Cheum's and Mew's presence at the confrontation telling us? Is Boston’s ultimate resolution that he’ll have either a relationship or an LDR with Nick?

If that’s what works for the narrative device of Boston, then — okay. I will have to trust Jojo and team with that. I do NOT want to question Boston’s reaching a point of queer joy by finding love in a relationship with Nick. If Jojo and team are telling us a story that people-judged-as-sluts can find love in a relationship, then... I wasn't expecting Only Friends to go in that somewhat puritanical direction, but I'll go with it, because I trust Jojo.

But I think I am feeling a little bummed about how we may have gotten there. Because, goddamn: for once, give me a world in which casual sex is NOT judged. For heavens' sake, Cheum and Mew. Khai and I’ll sit in the corner with tears in our eyes.

My ho heart is pining for what could have been (chaos leading to a summation judgement AGAINST monogamous purity). But, anyway. None of this is ACTUALLY resolved, I need to tell my damn self; we still have two episodes left, and I’ll stop being so mewdy about it.

The other question I have floating about this episode is: what’s Mew’s motivation to get revenge against Top NOW? If he wanted to team up with Boeing to get back at Top — narratively, that may have made more sense two or three episodes ago, no? During the last episode, we saw Mew very much teetering on the edge of what he should do. His moms LOVED Top, and they missed all of Mew’s confused signals. We ended episode 9 with Mew stating to Cheum that he thought he was still in love with Top.

I appreciate a good state of confusion. Mew might still love Top. Mew might still be damn angry at Top, too. As I’ve written before, the wise Daniel Tiger has taught my kids, and so many more, that having two or more feelings is okay.

But I’m wondering about the timing of this arc. Mew plans something out with Boeing seemingly AFTER he's chosen to resolve his issues with Top. What was it about Boeing’s presence that triggered another revenge reaction in Mew? Mew’s….already been there with revenge. With Ray. And that’s done now. I don’t think I’m clear on Mew’s motivation on revenge AGAIN. Unless? Unless... I'm rubbing my hands together....

.....unless it’s to actually just SLEEP with Boeing, because come AWN, let me get to what I actually, really LOVED about this episode.

Shan indicated in her answer to me yesterday that OF was originally supposed to be constructed with GMMTV’s stable of supporting actors — your Neos, your Marks, your Papangs, your Monds.

For me? Man, Papang’s and Mond’s ENERGY was fresh to watch. I totally squealed at the possibility of BookMond. Mond is just so…..THERE, in a “why yes, look at my manly muscular shoulders, why yes, my gym membership comes with towels and high-end shower products” kinda way.

I liked Mond’s THERE-ness. I like that plants are the new Netflix.

I liked the spice of newness and curiosity in this episode. I liked seeing supporting faces, people that we know and love in Papang and Mond, doing something bold and totally different, and I love the ideas that they bring with their characters -- that Daddy Dan is very obviously in "like" with Nick; and that Boeing is truly around to fuck some damn shit up with Top, and maybe Mew.

Am I demanding this show BE ABOUT curiosity and newness? Unfortunately, that's what turned me on in this episode, and I admittedly would loooove to see more of it as this series winds down.

No, I do not have the right to DEMAND where this show goes. Westerners demanding things of queer Asian artists is an absolute NO for me.

But I think, as I look back at the trajectory of the last few episodes, that I had hoped the show would be less about the branded pairs. I honestly didn't think Only Friends was gonna be about the shipping. I thought loose lips were gonna sink the ships, and I was standing on the beach, cheering my ass off. To see SandRay approaching change and commitment in a romantic and positive way -- the acting was PHENOMENAL, but the outcome was a little to-be-expected-for-a-BL-in-a-non-BL-show kind of way.

And as for MewTop -- while I'm confused about the timeline of Mew's vengeful waffling, should I just go ahead and expect them to get together AGAIN? I'd like to ask for contextual clarification. But, at this point, that's how I know Mew to be, so I think my answer is yes -- I will be expecting Mew and Top to get together after all of this.

As I wonder how the ships kinda took over this whole joint, I think the answer is obviously in front of my face. FirstKhao and ForceBook are the first two GMMTV ships to travel out of the continent for fan meets, with FK going to Brazil, and FB going to Italy. If storylines in a fictional drama upset the fantasies of ship fandoms that these couples may not get together in their drama commodities, GMMTV's wallets, and the fanbases, may not like that very much. If FB’s and FK’s characters don’t get together — and that has a demonstrable economic impact? Jojo and team may have no choice but to hand over some happy endings to some shipped dudes for Jojo's future at GMMTV. Jojo's had to toe lines before. We KNEW what he was indicating by putting Joss, Mild, and Tay together in certain ways in 3 Will Be Free. But he couldn't go so far as to actually show a throuple in intimacy. That would have been too much for GMMTV in 2019.

To Shan’s very apt and accurate point at the end of her answer to my ask — my hope for purely uncommodified art from the Only Friends team, art that doesn’t leverage a judgement against sex in its potentially romantic conclusions, may very well be a pipe dream. If Jojo and his team were pushed to keep the ships together -- and to create happy-ish endings for as many characters in this show as possible, AND to be forced to leverage monogamy IN those storylines -- then how can I judge the artists for needing to toe an economic line? I can't. We are damn lucky enough that Jojo makes art as progressive as Only Friends, as 3 Will Be Free, as Gay OK Bangkok. Only Friends is still a great show.

But.... there was a moment where I think more than a few of us thought that we'd see something truly experimental with the ships sinking. There may still be time to see something nuts happen. But in the end, if Jojo and team have to keep the ships sailing, I won't begrudge the artists. But I will hope that GMMTV can keep allowing for more progressively progressive art over time, maybe even for the sake of letting a ship sink every once in a while.

(Ephemerality…my hope that we’d see intrigue beyond the ships was perhaps ephemeral. But we still have two episodes left! Let’s see! @ranchthoughts @twig-tea @chickenstrangers @lurkingshan @neuroticbookworm @distant-screaming @clara-maybe-ontheroad @thatgirl4815 @slayerkitty)

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last-ofthe-starks · 2 years

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HOTD episode 8 Easter eggs and Thoughts

First of all, to me this episode was so critical as a book reader in shaping and fleshing out so much of the unsaid hatred that we are told came to pass between the blacks and the greens. It is so black and white in the books, but this show has masterfully created scenarios and moments that perfectly illustrate in only 8 episodes why the animosity is so strong, and how Viserys’ rule could unravel the way it did.

Out time jump is made evident by new actors (and Jace’s horrible haircut). Rhaenys states that it has been 6 years since she last saw Corlys so that confirms the actual time jump. We have now aged up for the last time, and these actors will carry out the rest of the season.

Viserys is literally falling apart and my word, was that good acting. Paddy started out so strong at the beginning of the episode then knocked my socks off in the last scene. In the books they did say that towards the end of Viserys’ life he was often carried around the castle in a chair like we saw. It also said that following the events covered in this episode, he never sat on the throne again. They combined a few significant moments together in this episode, which served the greater narrative without having to fill what would be years with more filler plot.

The meat and potatoes of this episode cover the politics and importance of Driftmark to the throne. What we do know, however, is that the undercurrent of everything always comes back to Viserys’ succession and the legitimacy of Rhaenyra’s children is always looming in the background. Corlys being injured calls attention to just how pivotal the Velaryon family truly is in the grand scheme of the realm. They control the sea, are a loyal ally, have fierce fighters in their ranks, and are married into the Targaryen family. With so much at stake for their House, Corlys’ brother Vaemond is attempting to make a claim for himself, which is totally warranted when you think of the circumstances. It’s a great plot device in this episode and a legitimate concern for a House that so far has received the short end of the stick in their alliance with the Targaryens.

When we see Alicent, she is sitting in place of the King discussing the matter. The first comments she makes imply she is thinking on her own, but then Otto steps in and starts to sway her in a different direction that better serves his plans once again. Otto is always threatening the war looming in the background whenever he needs to. This scenario is no different, as they want someone experienced in leading a fleet as an ally when the war following Viserys’s death inevitably comes. House Velaryon and Driftmark is threatened by Rhaenyra and her bastard children in Vaemond’s eyes - and so Otto sees this as a two birds one stone scenario. Vaemond’s accusations and argument for the claim is a way to put Rhaenyra in her place, remove her son as heir to a powerful island and people, and reinforce the accusations that her sons are not true born.

Daemon getting the clutches of eggs is another indication of time if you read the books. The clutches were described as being laid in 118 AC, a year which is also marked as the year when Rhaenyra betrothed her older sons to Rhaena and Baela.

Rhaenyra is pregnant with her third child with Daemon, and they introduce their first child Aegon and younger son Viserys. In the books, it is basically fact that naming her first son with Daemon “Aegon” was Rhaenyra’s way to slight Alicent and belittle Aegon II’s supposed claim. The people then had to distinguish between two Aegon’s, and that infuriated Alicent.

The man who greets Rhaenyra and Daemon when they arrive in Kings Landing is Lord Caswell, who is one of her few remaining supporters in the city. He was seen last when Rhaenyra was forced to carry Joffrey up the stairs to Alicent in episode 6. Book readers know that he is important later on so make a mental note of him.

Daemon sniffing Viserys’ cup to check for poison- it’s not confirmed to the viewer if it was poisoned or not but his look of suspicion to Rhaenyra says so much. Even if it isn’t poisoned, Daemon and Rhaenyra can see that these people would stoop that low if they needed to. In the books Viserys’ death was left unclear, but there was accusations of him being slowly poisoned by Alicent. By the end of the episode we see that was untrue, and in fact it appears that Viserys willed himself to death.

Alicent truly is cursed with horrible children, that is evident. But she is also a bit of a snake, leveraging her children in the eyes of the public by shaming the maid Dyana into staying quiet. She does this by paying her off, gaslighting her into secrecy, and making her drink a tea to prevent pregnancy. Alicent obviously expresses her anger over the situation as a mother, but it equally comes across like the anger of a queen mother who is afraid of her sons behavior threatening her position. She can see that her son is a horrible person to sit the throat, but she would still see him on the throne over Rhaenyra.

We can see upon Rhaenyra’s arrival that they have altered the entire feel and look of Kings Landing to reflect the faith of the seven which is a far cry from all the Targaryen paintings we saw previously. Alicent has bought into the faith and has seen the advantage is claiming she is being led by a higher power; she can use that to excuse her actions whenever she needs to.

The scene between Daemon, Rhaenyra and Alicent is incredible. Calling her out for the faith of the seven, and accusing Alicent and Otto of abusing their positions to speak for Viserys is delivered with such disdain. Daemon in particular is furious and fed up because while we know he is defending his wife, he is first and foremost Viserys’ brother. The man he has spent his entire life trying to impress and gain the love of us being kept in an almost comatose state by the very people he warmed Viserys of in episode 1.

A small detail - the Kingsguard uniforms now have the Hightower Symbol on them indicating the power the Hightowers are slowly leeching from the throne.

Jace and Luke are still so charming. But I cannot accept Jace’s hair.

Seeing Criston crispy Cole makes my blood boil. And the first look of Aemond is wonderful because he is terrifyingly unhinged.

Baela and Rhaena man, those girls are all so stunning.

Rhaenyra and Rhaenys are so great in this scene. It is reminiscent of their first conversation together when Rhaenyra is young and fiery and Rhaenys attempts to reel her in. Years have passed and Rhaenys is confronted with a Rhaenyra who has seen first hand that the realm is not easily accepting of a female heir. Secondly, Rhaenys has seen her married family sucked into the vortex and unlike their first conversation where Rhaenyra insisted she would prove Rhaenys wrong about her acceptance as heir, she is truly grasping at straws to make the situation right and retain her support.

This conversation also confirms that Rhaenys was not in on Daemon and Rhaenyra’s plot like some people suggested. Rhaenyra offering her children to wed Baela and Rhaena seems to be her only bargaining chip when her back is against the wall. She is still slowly realizing that despite her marriage to Daemon her children’s illegitimacy will plague her forever and her fathers support is being completely eliminated so long as Otto and Alicent keep him uninvolved.

Rhaenyra and Viserys’ discussing the song of ice and fire was beautiful acting by both actors but especially Emma D’Arcy. Here Rhaenyra is speaking candidly about the repercussions of Viserys naming her heir. Admitting that her life has become painful and heavy since he named her. She is burdened with this weight and her father did not set her up with a strong enough claim. Now he is about to die and her only true ally will be gone, it’s little wonder she is upset.

Viserys referring to Rhaenyra as his only child is a HUGE thing to admit. His love of Aemma is so strong that I’m his delirious state he still believes Rhaenyra to be his one true child with the woman he loved.

Viserys’ model of Kings Landing now has cobwebs over it, which is great symbolism for his rule.

The wounds on Viserys’ body are so great and Otto’s presence is clearly to show us that he is not overseeing him as a supportive heir, but only to check up on how soon his death will be. He continues to medicate him with milk of the poppy, even doing it himself. When Viserys refuses the cup, Otto can only confirm that Rhaenyra’s presence is what makes Viserys defiant and resistant to the Hightower’s influence.

Viserys showing up in the hall to put an end to Otto’s politicing was AMAZING!!! As was the looks on Otto and Vaemond’s faces when he appears in the door. Viserys has disappointed Rhaenya (and the viewer) so many times by staying silent, but this moment I was so proud of him. “I will sit the Thrown today” YEAH YOU WILL!

DAEMON HELPING VISERYS UP MADE ME CRY AND WHEN HE PUT THE CROWN OK HIS HEAD OH MY GOD. But no actually, for all those in the back who still believe all Daemon wants is the throne for himself, watch this scene again.

When Viserys brings Rhaenys up to speak I was fist pumping, oh my lord. To watch the Hightowers just LOSE was crazy because you know that shit is about to go down. When Vaemond begins to resist the Kings ruling and stands up for himself my heart was pumping. A credit to the acting in this scene because his anger was palpable. Daemon egging him on then beheading him was just insane.

Rhaenys standing in the hall while they stitched Vaemond back together was heavy. Now I know why there are no dragons in this episode, all the CGI is amazing and no doubt expensive. Rhaenys has watched her entire life fall apart over the course of the first eight episodes and who can she blame for it other than Rhaenyra and her cousin Viserys? Her refusal to help Rhaenyra in their first convo make the moment in the hall that much sweeter.

Viserys is such an optimist but seriously he is so in the dark about the reality of his house. When he removes his mask I was so saddened by his humility and his desperate attempt to fix the situation between them all. The poor guy wanted peace so badly for not just the love of his family but for the safety and security of the realm. I felt for him so terribly, Paddy was simply amazing.

Rhaenyra and Alicent are so terribly heartbreaking. But you can tell that the influences of so many others in that room will not allow them to come to pass. It is all for the sake and love of the court and Otto will not allow it to happen. Beyond that now, their soiled understanding of the children and their roles has been totally ruined and despite headway between Alicent and Rhaenyra, it’s being swiftly undone by their kids.

Jace defending his betrothed is so sad - because those two idiot Targaryen brothers are terrifyingly unstable. Jace knows Aemond is the stronger of the two and I think everyone in the room is figuring out that he is dangerously unhinged.

“Beware the beast between the boards.” Thanks Helaena we shall!

Jace dancing with Helaena shows how Rhaenyra raised him to be such a gentleman. And for one brief moment, Viserys gets what he wants and then it’s all over and the charade must end.

When the pig is presented in front of Aemond - how did I know this was going to happen. He is TERRIFYING. His face off with Daemond was a thing a beauty when you know what is to come.

They are doing a wonderful job making me question if Alicent truly wants Rhaenyra to come back or not. Their last scene together in this episode was actually very touching and came across genuine, so I’m happy for the fact that especially within Alicent, a fondness, love, what have you - it’s still there.

Promo shots it appeared that Daemon was meeting with the white worm but now we know that was actually not Daemon, but another one of her spies! Brilliant.

Alicent gives Viserys his cup to drink and begins soothing him, but he thinks he is answering Rhaenyra’s question from earlier in the episode. Viserys thinks he is speaking with Rhaenyra and answers her question. He ultimately tells Alicent of The Song of Ice and Fire thinking it is Rhaenyra - and THIS IS WHAT STARTS THE ENTIRE FUCKING SHOW THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS SCENE ARE ENORMOUS. Will discuss in detail on a later date.

When Viserys literally wills himself to death my heart was so broken, THEN he has to go and shed a single tear before his last breath and whispering “My love” when he leaves to go find Aemma in the afterlife…. Man. Paddy deserves an award for this episode, he was beyond fantastic.

#house of the dragon #hotdedit #rhaenyra targaryen #daemon targaryen #hotd #gotedit #game of thrones #hotd spoilers #daemon x rhaenyra #asoiaf #hotd spoiler #house of the dragon writing #hotd 1x08

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rad-x6-88 · 1 month

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my actual gripes with the show, based only on the first two episodes (after this im done, prommy)

thot the directing and writing was shite, as well as weird cuts that seemed incredibly clunky. in short, the artistic merit fell short. it doesn't have to be this way. maybe im too picky but this kinda stuff hampers my enjoyment every single time. the actors did a fine job, no complaints there.

too many things had the typical "cheap" look that has become so common in shows on streaming platforms. it constantly reminds me that im watching a show and it just ruins my immersion. maybe i should have watched it on low res on my laptop instead? idk

the opening scene made me feel absolutely nothing at all!

the gore didn't even feel, like, interesting. it was just "oh, okay then".

the humor was forced and weird. some parts were fun, like lucy's vault dweller personality/politeness, but then there's "haha, this guy tried to fuck that guy's chicken. please laugh!" 🤨

we already all know how i feel about the ghoul. what even was that introduction??? (or rather, re-introduction) and that shootout scene was a joke. there was no flow, nothing. the dialogue was especially stupid in that scene. and ofc, again, it all looked like such a cheap set. i dind't buy it one second. additionally, i actually feel his acting is the worst of the lot.

the bos was shitty, which is accurate and okay, but since when

a) do they brand the squires 🤨 (especially with maximus being black. wtf!)

b) are the squires literal adults who carry around "their" knight's (🤨) shit

c) do the "squires" call "their" knights "my lord?" 🤨

d) would even the shittiest most useles bos knight be scared of a yao guai????????????????????

and the whole religious aspect to it all was too much. yes, they are cultish, but not quite like that. and what was up with the voice distortion from the power armor helmet?

ofc im also not a fan of retconning/making certain things canon (im assuming that was the prydwen?) but i ciould ignore it if i genuinely enjoyed the rest

that's all i can think of rn. i wish i wasn't so bothered bc i ofc didn't expect much but i love fallout so this is all still disasppointing to me.

whatever!

im glad so many other people managed to enjoy this slop.

my mother also had fun but she has only played some parts of fo3 and knows enough not to be confused. plus she likes the music ofc. i think she's gonna keep watching and enjoy it so that's good. that's the one good thing: i had a nice little afternoon with my mother watching telly and eating junk food :D

#fallout show negative #fallout show hate #anti fallout show #(tagging if some other people want to hate with me)#(NOT tagging to protect the show enjoyers feelings 😈)

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thegreencanary · 2 years

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Exit night.

Based on this request!:

Summary: you fell asleep with your best friends and boyfriend around when nightmares from the upside down come. Only one person can calm you despite everyone who is trying.

A/N: This is my work and I don’t give anyone the permission to post it anywhere claiming to be someone else’s. I worked hard on this, if you enjoy it please interact. Requests are open.

Paring: Eddie x You (Fem!reader) featuring Best friends Robin and Steve

TW: Talk of violence, gore, upside down scary, cursing

A/N: I’m working through my requests right now! I’m sorry for the delay!

Family dinners, that’s what you called them. Once a month you insisted that everyone, Hopper and Joyce included, came out for a dinner. No one in Hawkins understood what the gang had gone through and it was a good time to get stuff out to people who could understand it. Originally it was for Billy to realize he wasn’t alone when he came back from the Starcourt incident. He’d never be the same after that but he needed to know he wasn’t alone. Slowly the dinners just turned into therapy for everyone. Eddie needed them most recently because he was still healing from the incident with the bats. You were so focused on his recovery and his healing that you didn’t realize the trauma that happened to you. You watched the love of your life get ripped to shreds and technically die. You saw the deep cuts, and you carried him to the hospital with help from Steve. You were covered head to toe in his blood as you waited to see if he was going to come back; yet you didn’t deal with any of it. Repressed emotions have a funny way of showing up.

Yawning, you cleaned up the plates from family dinner. Pretty much everyone had cleared out except for you, Robin and Steve. Eddie was taking some of the munchkins home but he was gonna come back for you soon. Steve took some of the plates for you and eyed you suspiciously. It was pretty obvious by the bags under your eyes that you hadn’t been sleeping.

“Y/N, want to stay for a movie? I brought Overboard from the store. It’s supposed to be cute or something.”

Robin handed you the VHS. You liked horror movies like the rest of the gang, but recently it was hard for you to watch them. A romantic comedy sounded a lot better.

“Eddie said he was gonna come back and pick me up…”

The movie looked really funny.

“You know you both can just stay here. Robins probably going to crash here too, right?”

Robin gave a ‘duh’ look to Steve and he motioned with his hands.

“See? Just stay and relax. Eddie won’t mind. He likes stealing my food anyways.”

True. Steve always packed the fridge really well when his parents fucked off to some random ass place. You knew he hated being alone and he loved to host. Smiling softly you simply nodded.

“Sweet! I’ll pop it in, you can just relax on the couch and mom over here will finish cleaning up.”

Steve rolled his eyes.

“At least call me Dad Jesus fucking Christ. Why am I friends with you two?”

“What did I do!?” You laughed softly. Robin just chucked a dirty napkin at him and headed to the living room to pop in the movie. You helped Steve a little bit he shooed you away from the kitchen.

“Thanks mom.” You chuckled as he spewed some profanities at you. Grabbing a big ass blanket you moved to the bigger of the three couches and curled up in the corner. Robin tossed you a pillow and winked as she started the movie. You felt a heavy presence next you you.

“Now that is a good hairstyle.” Steve mentioned about the lead actor.

“Good lord Steve.” Robin rolled her eyes and started on one of her famously long but quick rants. Something about how the mullet was so dumb looking but you couldn’t focus. Almost immediately you fell asleep, comfortable around your best friends. The warm blanket lulled you into dreamland…which is exactly where you’d been avoiding.

Recently your dreamland was the Upside Down. Often you were just running, not looking back but just pushing forward. The emptiness in your lungs burning your whole body and your legs screaming to stop; but you kept running. Tonight, you weren’t running, you were in an open field. It was a corn field that was by your apartment. You know it well, last summer the farmer decided to plant hundreds of rows of flowers instead. Eddie danced with you under the moonlight in those flowers, it’s where he told you he loved you. The first time you two admitted how much you’d fallen for each other. Now it was barren, scorched and dried out. There was…something in the middle of it. Everything in your brain told you to run, but your legs moved forward. Closer…clooooseer until you recognized something. A severed hand, with the silver rings you knew and loved so well.

“No…”

Now you were sprinting again, Passing one of his legs you tried to remain focused…until you saw it. Eddie’s head was detached from his body. A bat snaking it’s demonic tail around his neck and pulling it apart. Eddie looked at you and screamed out, causing you to scream to him.

Robin was shaking you but nothing was happening. Not even halfway through the movie you were sweating in your sleep. Your breathing was ragged and you looked pale as fuck. Steve freaked out and got cold towels to try and cool you down, but when you screamed he panicked. Robin jumped into action but nothing she was doing was bringing you back. They both got scared that even though Vecna was gone…maybe he got to you.

——————————

“See you later kiddo. Don’t forget to start your campaign for Hellfire! You won’t be a good Dungeon Master if you’re late!”

Eddie scolded Dustin as he dropped off the last kid. You’d convinced Eddie to let Dustin try and take his place in case you and Eddie ever needed to miss a Hellfire night. Will was a really good option as well, but the way Dustin pined after Eddie made him want to give the kid a chance. Driving back to Steve’s, Eddie was thinking about you. You looked exhausted at dinner tonight but anything he asked you, you just ignored it. Eddie finally felt like he was getting back to normal, the nightmares stopped and he was able to go about his days without feeling like he was being watched. He noticed you getting worse and worse.

You’d stopped spending the night with him, and most likely stopped sleeping altogether. You never talked to anyone about what happened to him. Eddie knew it took a toll on you, you saved his life but you just said you were fine. Hell, when he had his nightmares you’d sing him into a calmer sleep. He just wanted to help you but you just wouldn’t let him. The metal head found himself sighing as he thought about you. God he fucking loved you, but sometimes he felt useless.

Pulling in Eddie was whistling, thinking of date ideas to cheer you up when he heard your scream from inside. Damn near kicking down the door he found Robin over you, trying to wake you up and Steve pacing back and forth.

“What the fuck is going on!?!”

“We don’t know Eddie! She dozed off and now she’s broken out into a swear and we can’t wake her up. She’s been screaming and shaking.”

Steve opted to not tel Eddie you were screaming his name and crying. The tears had stopped but you were still panting and whispering Eddie’s name.

“Move Robin.”

“But-“

“NOW……..please.”

She glared at him for a moment, but moved. Eddie immediately situated himself behind you and wrapped you in a hug. Gently he started speaking in your ear, small whispered that only you could hear. Almost instantly at the sound of his voice, your breathing slowed. Gently, your boyfriend kissed your cheek and started singing a slow and soft version of ‘Enter Sandman’ by Metallica.

————————-

You were watching Eddie get ripped to shreds and nothing you did could save him. Every-time you reached for him a bat cut you open. Your body was exhausted but you wanted to fight, for him. Suddenly a warmth surrounded you; like the sun. You felt safe and the Upside Down became brighter, and slowly it became Hawkins. Eddie’s figure faded as his sweet voice filled your mind. The paralysis you felt began to lift and fresh air filled your lungs.

Lurching forward, you woke to strong arms holding you back. Robin and Steve looked frightened and you realized it was all a dream.

“Y/N…what the fuck was that??”

Steve was worried for you but the voice of comfort that came from behind you calmed everyone in the room.

“Not now Steve.”

Robin eyed Eddie.

“How the hell did you do that? I was shaking her for like a minute and a half.”

You chuckled weakly but snuggled closer into Eddie. He was quiet so you spoke up.

“He’s my safe space Robin. If he’s okay, I’m okay. I just needed to know he was okay.”

Steve rolled his eyes but he was happy you were okay. Robin quirked an eyebrow but let it be for the evening. Eddie whispered softly into your ear.

“We will talk about your nightmares later baby. You can’t keep acting like everything is fine.”

A heavy sigh filled the air but you knew he was right. There was an awkwardness to the air but Robin wasn’t the subtle type.

“So I’m uncomfortable now. I’m gonna play the movie so we can focus on something other than the mental breakdown that Y/N doesn’t want to talk about right now.”

You could kind of tell that Steve and Robin were upset you hadn’t trusted them with what was going on in your head. Adjusting your body, you were still attached to Eddie but you patted the seat next to you.

“Come on. When I’m ready, I’ll talk. For now I just want to be with my best friends and my boyfriend. Okay?”

Eddie smiled and kissed your cheek. He’d be here when you were ready. Steve sighed and sat on the floor in front of you and Robin sat beside you. God you had no idea where you’d be without these weirdos.

——————————————-

A/N: I hope the anon likes it!! Sorry if there are spelling errors it’s 2:50am and I’m on my phone. Thanks for the request!! ❤️❤️

#eddie survives #eddie x you #eddie munson #eddie munson x you #eddie munson x reader #eddie stranger things #stranger things #steve the hair harrington #steve harrington #robin buckley #robin stranger things #steve stranger things

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empressawesomecoolness · 5 months

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Doctor Who: The Ultimate Speedrun Marathon - 1996 TV Movie

Ok, I was warned this one was basically locked behind endless streaming paywalls or was otherwise just lost media. I was a little discouraged, so I was ready to just crack on with Series 1, but then I found the whole damn thing on YouTube. Lucky!

youtube

General Thoughts

Paul McGann was a ton of fun as the 8th Doctor! He was obviously having a ton of fun in the role, which I’m sure he must have been a fan of. He’s since retuned to the role in cameo appearances and such years later, so his infectious love of the material is apparent. I’m not sure if he was aware that his tenure as the Doctor would be relatively short, but he really makes the most of it. I also love his look! It’s a fun missing link from the campier looks of the OG Doctors into the more modern/tactical looks of the modern Doctors. I also liked the detail that his clothes were basically just a Halloween costume he stole after he woke up from his regeneration. Really clever.

Speaking of his regeneration, it was fun to see Sylvester McCoy return for an extended cameo as the 7th Doctor. I haven’t seen his Seasons yet, but I was familiar with him from The Hobbit and Sense8, so I really just like him as an actor. He’s also evidently having a lot to fun here, despite only about 20 minutes of screen time. As a newer fan, I’d say this is a great introduction to the fun of the Doctor’s personality and purpose in the modern era, as well as carrying the torch from the OGs.

I was really surprised by the setting being 1999 San Francisco, considering this is a pretty famously Anglo-centric show. It must have been a fun breath of fresh air at the time for fans, but I also enjoyed it as a new fan. It had a fun ‘90s neo-noir vibe to it that ‘90s England or some fictional future realm maybe couldn’t have gotten cross just right. (Also, idk if this is canonically the Doctor’s first visit to America, but I just found it funny that as soon as he steps out of the TARDIS onto American soil for the first time, he gets shot.)

Moving onto the Doctor’s companion this time around, we’ve got Daphne Ashbrook as Dr. Grace Holloway. She’s smart and resourceful and overall just really cool. An underrated companion, in my opinion. Her introduction in this movie is probably one of my favorite things about the franchise so far! She’s first referred to in the story as “Amazing Grace” by a fellow surgeon, followed by her having to rush into the 7th Doctor’s surgery straight from an opera house, all while still wearing her gown. Iconic.

Her relationship with the Doctor and her chemistry with Paul McGann is a ton of fun. They’re (for the most part) intellectually matched, so it’s fun to see the Doctor have a literal Dr to bounce off of. I do wish she had accepted the supernatural sci-fi truth of it all a bit sooner, cuz her having to come to terms with that takes up a good chunk of the runtime, but once she’s in the thick of it, she’s able to carry her weight. Also, idk if this is correct so feel free to correct me if I’m wrong, but Grace and the 8th Doctor appear to be the only Doctor/companion pair that are romantic with one another. idk how this aspect is liked among the fans, but I personally didn’t mind it. They’re quite cute together, so you really root for them.

Now for the villain. I know nothing of the Master so far, aside from the obvious that he’s an evil Time Lord who can also regenerate, albeit not as successfully, since the conflict of the movie is the Master trying to steal the Doctor’s lives after he uses up his own. I thought he was cool enough, and as a horror fan, his wormy-possession form reminded me a lot of Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday. I assume he’ll return as a big bad later on, but he’s a little one note here. He gets the job done, and Eric Roberts is obviously having a lot of fun chewing the evil scenery.

Favorite Moments

The Doctor’s little “these shoes fit perfectly!” was cute lol

Just one look at my blog will show anyone that I’m a massive Frankenstein fan, so the parallels drawn between the monster’s reanimation to the Doctor’s regeneration was super cool. Paul McGann also plays it really big! His “Who am I?!” dramatic moment after he comes back to life is classic monster-movie cool. Very Boris Karloff of him.

The one hospital orderly reacting to the 7th Doctor’s body disappearing by saying “You think he got up and went to a better HOSPITAL???” was so fucking funny oh my god

The look of the TARDIS’ interior appears to be carried over from how it looked for the 7th Doctor, but it fits the 8th Doctor so well. It’s like a gothic mansion, which just clicks so well with 8’s overall vibe.

The setting being at the direct turn of the millennium into Y2K was genius! It was sooo sooo cool I loved it

Paul McGann and Daphne Ashbrook are sexy as hell I need them so bad

Overall, Doctor Who 1996 is a fun and stylish entry! Highly recommend for those who haven’t seen it yet.

Now, that’s it for the 8th Doctor for the time being. Onto the modern era show, starting with Christopher Eccleston taking the reigns as #9.

#doctor who #doctor who: the ultimate speedrun marathon #doctor who 1996 #doctor who tv movie #8th doctor #paul mcgann #Youtube

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oneatlatime · 1 year

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The Warriors of Kyoshi

Two in one day, look at me go! Do not expect this rate going forward.

Before we start. I'd like to give thanks to the writers for putting the place name in the episode title. As someone who has been attempting to spell things phonetically, but has no familiarity with non-english names and has therefore screwed up many many times, I am grateful.

I really didn't notice Zuko's voice in the last episode but he's back to sounding like a muppet in this one.

My man that meditation is not working. Nor is the hair. After that burst of flame how do you have hair left?

Somehow I missed last episode that they had named the lemur. Welcome to the gang, Momo!

So this is going to be the 'Sokka faces his sexism' episode. I'm going to get really nitpicky here. Sokka says "You need to give girls space when they do their sewing" and Katara responds "What does me being a girl have to do with sewing?" Well, nothing actually! It's Katara who makes the leap and ties the two ideas together. Sokka then 100% puts his foot in his mouth (and follows through with getting his pants in his face) and I love the way Katara responds to it! Sew your own pants Sokka! But I gotta say, if Sokka had only kept his mouth shut he would have been in the clear.

"Where we're going you won't need any pants" is not a relaxing statement Aang.

Appa rocking the Justin Bieber look.

Guess Katara threw those pants harder than I thought she did. He's only got one tooth left.

'Lookit me! Lookit me! Mom are you looking? Mom did you see me? Mom are you watching? Mom did you see? Mom watch this! Mom look at me!' -Aang, while harassing the local wildlife.

Growing up in the South Pole, jumping into any body of water is absolutely insane, so yeah this tracks.

I love how Momo is the most enthusiastic watcher.

What do koi eat? There must be a lot of it here.

The fish is doing all the work!

Nessie on roids.

They caught Momo! I love how this implies that Momo carries the same status as a threat that the humans do. They don't blindfold him though. Do you think they had a bag big enough for Appa?

Yikes this is turning into an after school special. Rule of thumb: if you have to flanderize your character in order to make them objectionable enough to be a candidate for the lesson of the week, maybe that's not the right character to use to teach the lesson?

Is this Water tribe or Earth kingdom territory? The warriors are in green, but everyone else is in water tribe blue. Assuming the colour coding we've seen with fire and water extends to earth, maybe the warriors are assigned there?

Kyoshi is a place and a person. Now picturing Aangland. Also I guess the warriors are from here after all.

Aang is really good at finding ideally placed sharp edges on which to cut his ropes.

I like the game of telephone sequence and how the colours gradually change from blue to red.

Needs to eat but too tired to get up. We've all been there buddy.

Katara absolutely going for the jugular in the breakfast scene. Speaking of, Sokka's line reads in that whole scene are just beautiful. Offended and cranky, but still showing genuine appreciation for breakfast.

First time Katara's made me laugh out loud. She's spot on.

This painter's line reads are great too!

Your dance lesson? Sokka you're letting me down. You're making me want to watch the warriors beat you up. You're the best warrior in your village? You're the only warrior in your village. You won by default. (Although it must be said that he does refer to his potty break pals as warriors, so maybe he thinks of himself as the best of many).

Sokka how is your shirt staying closed? And you totally brought that on yourself.

Passed out Momo.

Oh lord AANGY?

Do you think one of those warriors could be convinced to do the Sokka treatment on Aang too? His head's getting a little big. Parallels!

Warrior lady Sookie has some very poor line readings. She's not helped by the fact that she's contrasted with Sokka, whose voice actor is probably the best in the show.

Aangy seen here being very unmonkly. The back and forth here is great.

"I got you!" Yeah Sookie he did. "You're not going to get it in one day, even I'm not that good." Maybe you aren't but Sokka is.

Nessie on roids has enough thinking skills to use his own self as a table. Well done Nessie. Don't hurt yourself.

Did the airbender forget he could airbend? He's being flung around through the AIR by Nessie. Just bend!

It's a good thing Katara is a waterbender, otherwise going into the water while wearing head to toe furs would have absolutely drowned her.

How does Katara know Zuko's name? Or recognise his ship?

How does Katara bend water out of Aangy's lungs? Doesn't she have no training at all? I feel like that could have gone horribly.

Momo includes himself in the 'girls come quickly' statement.

This has Mexican stand off vibes, as does the music. Also why are people hiding from firebenders in wooden houses?

This is why I don't like after school special plots. Sokka's been learning their technique for a couple of days and he's already better at it than Sookie. Which retroactively justifies all his patronising sexism from earlier in the episode.

Fire breakdancing is shockingly efficient. He took out three opponents while flat on the ground. Also Zuko is getting some serious air on his jumps.

That's twice now that Zuko has reacted to Aang's presence by saying "Finally."

Did Zuko happen to be carrying a bag of coal dust? Either way he's dead.

Shmymbolism!

Katara gives the single most stupid advice possible 'get inside this flammable building children!' and follows it with straight up lying to Aang's face. I'm glad he called her on it. And I'm glad she was so quick to change back to what she's been trying to tell him the whole episode (we need to LEAVE). You were right all along Katara, don't bend the truth now to make him feel better.

BIG SIGH. I don't know if this is bad writing, bad line reading, or both. It's just so corny.

So now he remembers he's an airbender. Also I hope he had some sort of air shield when he hit the water.

Roid Nessie's water breathing dragon traits coming in handy. And I thought that was just worldbuilding. That's two episodes in a row where what looked like worldbuilding was also plot. Sneaky!

Ha! They're going to rust.

Appa caught him! With his paws!

If I was the leader of Kyoshi, I gotta say I wouldn't be thanking the avatar. Thank you for luring the fire nation to our previously neutral territory and then having the decency to fix the immediate problem that caused, though long term we're still screwed. Assuming that Zuko's actions represent fire nation actions, Kyoshi's neutrality is gone and the houses no longer have roofs. Do you think the fire nation does reprisals?

So pretty.

And I've been spelling Suki incorrectly. I guess the gimme with the episode title was too good to be true. Gotta check my hubris. I need a Sokka treatment myself.

Final Thoughts

This episode ANNOYS me. First, the good:

I'm glad that the show touched on the status of avatar going to Aang's head. The first couple of episodes firmly characterised Aang as not wanting to be the avatar, but you'd have to be superhuman not to let it go to your head just a little. And Aang wouldn't be anywhere near as fun to watch if he was superhuman.

I also like that Aang explicitly verbally acknowledges that Katara was right, and that he can put into words the ways he was wrong and the lesson he learned. The lesson has a better chance of sticking if he can actually articulate it.

I like how this show is consistently sticking to actions having both good and bad consequences that can't be bended/handwaved/magic-ed away. In episode two, the flare went off and now the village at the south pole has a giant gash in it and Sokka and Katara had to leave home. In this episode, Aang stayed too long and now the village has burned down. There's no magic fix. This makes the world of the show feel real, and feel like something that's worth caring about. Actual stakes mean actual investment by the viewer is not wasted.

Katara got a turn with the brain! She was right about Sokka being a sexist jerk, right about Aang getting a big head, right about Zuko following them if they leave. I like Katara being right.

The bad:

I am not liking the direction that Aang and Katara's relationship is going. It's fine for Aang to have a little crush, and it's fine for Katara to baby him (he is younger, and judging by the ages of all the children in her village apart from her brother, Katara's been a mini-mom for a while). But it's jarring when those opposing perceptions are so blatantly juxtaposed. I think this is one of the places where the fact that I'm an adult and this show is for kids is making itself known. If I had watched this at 8 or 9 years old, I probably wouldn't have even picked up on the opposing dynamics. I can't quite articulate why it doesn't sit well with me. It just doesn't.

And now, the Sokka arc. BIG SIGH. Sokka needed to grow past his sexist tendencies. No argument there. But his sexism boils down to believing in the gendering of tasks and that said gendering has a basis in fact. That there are man things and woman things. That men ARE better at man things and women ARE better at women things, with the corresponding (though unacknowledged) belief that women are worse at man things and men are worse at woman things. Sokka was supposed to have these beliefs challenged and ultimately overturned in this episode by meeting, and being beaten up by, Suki and her warriors, women who excel at (what Sokka thinks of as) man things. Suki and her warriors do challenge the first part of Sokka's original beliefs, that being a warrior is a man thing. But after a 45 second training montage he gets the best of her.

Being a warrior seems to be Suki's full time job. We never see her out of her armour; this is her role in the village, a role she has presumably trained for for many years. And Sokka gets the best of her in the training room, and fends off Zuko after she fails to do so herself. If Sokka surpasses Suki so quickly at what she has devoted her life to, I guess being a warrior is naturally easier for men. And sure, women CAN be warriors, Sokka outright says it (although Suki kind of has to correct him as he only get halfway there), but putting aside the dialogue and looking at the action, Sokka's just better.

For that matter, given that Sokka was quite literally the only man over four years old in his village, he must have been used to seeing women fulfilling a male role. Unless his demonstrated subpar fishing skills could feed the whole village, the women were going hunting. Which is why I said he was flanderized earlier. He might want to believe in the gendering of tasks because it makes him feel manlier or more connected to his interpretation of his culture, or heck maybe it give him a sense of purpose or makes him miss his dad less, just spitballing here. But there's no way he hasn't spent every day since the men left for war seeing that belief be contradicted. And sure, he could have some cognitive dissonance going on, especially since he seems to have staked his whole identity on his manliness, but would that cognitive dissonance be enough to insult a pack of warriors to their face while tied up, then insult them even worse while they're actively practising with their weapons? I guess teenage boys have done stupider.

I'm probably reading too much into this.

The meh:

Zuko in this episode is literally just filling the villain of the week slot, and serious step down in narrative focus after the last episode, where he got a whole arc.

So I have problems with this episode. I like the avatar stuff temporarily going to Aang's head, but I don't think it redeems the rest of the episode. It won't be going on my rewatch list.

Last, totally vain complaint: this episode was nowhere near as pretty as the Southern Air Temple. That one had beautiful contrasts with blue/purple air and red/orange fire. This one is just beige.

#atla #avatar: the last airbender #the warriors of kyoshi #avatar the last airbender

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justforbooks · 11 months

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With his shrewd eyes and his forks of corn-yellow hair, Julian Sands was a natural choice to play the valiant, romantic George Emerson, who snatches a kiss from Lucy Honeychurch (Helena Bonham Carter) in a Tuscan poppy field in A Room With a View (1985). “I wanted him to be real, not a two-dimensional minor screen god,” he said. “I liked him in his lighter, sexier moments, less so when he was brooding.”

Sands, who has died aged 65 while hiking in mountains in California, was dashing in that film, but he could also project a dandyish, effete or sinister quality. He was blessed with a mellifluous voice and a lean, youthful, fine-boned face, even if, as a child, his brothers insisted he resembled a horse. (He agreed.) In James Ivory’s film of EM Forster’s novel, he was pure heart-throb material. His participation in the notorious nude bathing scene was no impediment to the picture’s success.

Prior to that, he had played the journalist Jon Swain in The Killing Fields (1984), Roland Joffé’s drama about the bloody rise of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. The picture marked the beginning of his friendship with his co-star John Malkovich. “I’d been cautioned by Roland to keep my distance from John because he was an unstable character,” Sands recalled. “And John had been told by Roland to stay away from me, because I was a refined, sensible person who didn’t want to be distracted. In fact, we bonded instantly.”

Malkovich directed Sands in a one-man show in which he read Harold Pinter’s poetry. First staged in 2011, the production had its origins in an occasion six years earlier when Pinter, suffering from oesophageal cancer, had asked Sands to read in his stead at a benefit event in St Stephen Walbrook church in the City of London. The writer “sat in the front row with his stone basilisk stare”, Sands recalled.

Not all his work was so highfalutin, and a good deal of it fell into the category of boisterous, campy fun. In Ken Russell’s Gothic (1986), he played the poet Shelley, who indulges in sex, drugs and séances with Lord Byron (Gabriel Byrne) and the future Mary Shelley (Natasha Richardson), and is prone to recite verse naked in thunderstorms.

In a similar vein but far less deranged was Impromptu (1991), which brought together other notable 19th-century figures including George Sand (Judy Davis) and Frederic Chopin (Hugh Grant). Sands, who played Franz Liszt, described it as “Carry On Composer”.

Born in Otley, West Yorkshire, he was raised in Leeds and Gargrave, near Skipton; he later described his childhood as “part conservative and part Huckleberry Finn”. His mother, Brenda, was a Tory councillor and leading light of the local amateur dramatic society, while his father, William, who left when Julian was three, was a soil analyst. Julian made his acting debut in a local pantomime at the age of eight.

At 13, he won a scholarship to Lord Wandsworth college, Hampshire. He moved to London to study at Central School of Speech and Drama, and while there became friends with Derek Jarman. He played the Devil in an extended promotional video that Jarman directed in 1979 for Marianne Faithfull’s album Broken English. The role had been intended for David Bowie, who dropped out at the eleventh hour. “You’re devilish,” Jarman told Sands. “You can play it.”

The actor’s first film appearance came in an adaptation of Peter Nichols’s stage comedy Privates on Parade (1983), starring John Cleese and Denis Quilley, from which his one line of dialogue was cut. There was more rotten luck when he won the lead in a new Tarzan movie, only for the financing to fall through. It was eventually filmed as Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes (1984), with Christopher Lambert donning the hallowed loin-cloth.

On television, he starred with Anthony Hopkins in the miniseries A Married Man (1983). In Oxford Blues (1984), he was a rower butting heads with a Las Vegas parking attendant (Rob Lowe) who has tricked his way into a place at Oriel College. He was in The Doctor and the Devils (1985), inspired by the Burke and Hare case. “I had a roll in the hay with Twiggy which took about 15 takes,” he said.

Following A Room With a View, he agreed to play the lead in Ivory’s next Forster adaptation, Maurice (1987), before abruptly dropping out and fleeing to the US. In the process, he left behind his wife, the journalist Sarah Sands (nee Harvey), who described him as “restless” and “dramatic”, and their son, Henry. “I’m not the first person to create stability and security and then dismantle it even more effectively than I created it,” the actor said.

Once in America he took on an array of film parts. In Warlock (1989), he played the son of Satan, wreaking havoc in modern-day Los Angeles. Investing this pantomime villain with lip-smacking brio, he was likened by the Washington Post to a “hell-bent Peter Pan” and nominated for best actor in the Fangoria Chainsaw awards. He reprised the role in Warlock: The Armageddon (1993).

As an entomologist in Arachnophobia (1990), he was called upon to have as many as a hundred spiders crawling all over his face. Alternating these mainstream projects with arthouse ones, he played a diplomat in pre-war Poland in Krzysztof Zanussi’s Wherever You Are … (1988) and a monk in Night Sun (1990), the Taviani brothers’ adaptation of Tolstoy’s short story Father Sergius.

For the Canadian horror director David Cronenberg, he starred in the warped and witty Naked Lunch (1991), which disproved those who had declared William S Burroughs’s original novel unfilmable. Just as outré but less accomplished was Boxing Helena (1993), directed by Jennifer Lynch, daughter of David. Sands played a surgeon who keeps a woman captive by making her a quadruple amputee.

After starring as a young classics teacher in his friend Mike Figgis’s film of Terence Rattigan’s The Browning Version (1994), Sands worked a further six times with that director, appearing in his movies even when he was an unorthodox choice for the job in hand. One example was the part of a menacing Latvian pimp in Leaving Las Vegas (1996).

Later roles include a mysteriously unblemished Phantom in Dario Argento’s version of The Phantom of the Opera (1998), Louis XIV (whom Sands described as “the first supermodel”) in Joffé’s Vatel (2000), a crime kingpin named Snakehead in the Jackie Chan vehicle The Medallion (2003), a computer security wizard in the comic caper Ocean’s Thirteen (2007), a younger version of the businessman played by Christopher Plummer in David Fincher’s take on The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (2011) and a sadistic paedophile in the gruelling wartime odyssey The Painted Bird (2019).

On television, he was a Russian entrepreneur in the fifth season of 24 (2006) and the hero’s father, Jor-El, in two episodes of the Superman spin-off Smallville (2009). For the BBC, he played two very different actors in factually based one-off specials: first Laurence Olivier in Kenneth Tynan: In Praise of Hardcore (2005), then John Le Mesurier in We’re Doomed! The Dad’s Army Story (2015).

His recent work includes Benediction, Terence Davies’s haunting study of Siegfried Sassoon, and the thriller The Survivalist (both 2021), which found him back in the company of Malkovich. One of several titles still awaiting release is the drama Double Soul (2023) starring F Murray Abraham and Paz Vega.

Sands never stopped wandering, walking, running and climbing. “I am on a perpetual Grand Tour,” he said in 2000. Asked in 2018 about his eclectic career, he explained: “I was looking for something exotic, things that took me out of myself. I think I found myself a little boring.”

He was reported missing while out in the San Gabriel mountains, north of Los Angeles, in mid-January 2023. His remains were found in June.

In 1990 he married Evgenia Citkowitz. She survives him, along with their two daughters, Imogen and Natalya, and his son.

🔔 Julian Richard Morley Sands, actor, born 4 January 1958; died circa 13 January 2023

Daily inspiration. Discover more photos at http://justforbooks.tumblr.com

#JUST FOR BOOKS #Julian Sands #in memoriam

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theatlasrealm · 2 years

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SHORT KAI HCS/SMITH TRIO HCS

—-Kai visibly Looks shorter than the rest of the ninja however he looks taller than Jay only because of his hair gel but in reality he and Jay are the same exact height

—-I said this before and I will say it again to reach kitchen cabinets or any high place kai either does one of two things :

1) airjitzu’s and sets the entire place on fire 2) becomes an Olympic gold metal gymnast

THERE IS NO INBETWEEN

—- Kai doesn’t get bothered much that cole and Zane are taller then him bc they are older… but the fact that his YOUNGER SIBLINGS are taller than him keeps him awake at night..

—-sometimes when nya or lloyd wake up in the middle of the night, scared and shaking, they go to the same person they’ve been going to all their life for nightmares: Kai

—-kai influenced/helped Lloyd a lot. And I mean a LOT, just as much as he helped nya. hair care routine? yeha kai showed Lloyd. how to deal with panic attacks? kai helps him breathe, and taught him how to handle it in case Lloyd is ever alone. Also someone else also said this btw but Lloyd’s weapon is a sword gee I wonder why

—-KAI IS THE FASHIONISTA SIBLING I REPEAT HE IS FASHIONISTA SIBLING-

nya: Kai if I was in your shoes

Kai: first of all my shoes are pieces of art second of all you shouldn’t even be in those shoes good lord we need to go shoe shopping I can’t have my dear sister walking around like that

—-guess who’s holding all the shopping bags when the trio goes shopping! Ur right it is nya and lloyd

“kai please stop we don’t need more clothes”

“lloyd, life is a runaway what do you mean we don’t need more clothes”

“kai that’s it we are going home if I have to carry one more bag-”

—--nya and Lloyd can’t hide crap from kai he just knows

Lloyd, thinking: I hate myself

“hey Lloyd u okay buddy??”

“YEAH!!”

Kai brother instinct triggered

Kai pulls out weapon: abominable hug

weapon was effective lloyd is feeling better

—-kai is a good liar/actor to most people except nya girl sees right through his facade

nya, “hey kai everything okay?”

Kai,” yeah don’t worry everything’s fine!”

nya gently hugs kai and Kai has an emotional breakdown: a sequel

—-kai,”how’s the weather up there”

nya and Lloyd,” we weren’t aware garden gnomes could talk”

—- when any one of them is sick the remaining two know exactly what to do.

Nya is sick? Give her some soup ! Give her some space! She’s independent and isn’t a fan of being taken care of (lloyd respects that!) but yk kai….Kid isn’t scared of nyas rages 💪

Lloyd is sick? give him some soup! make him laugh! hug him! Thankfully he’s smart enough to stay in bed and recover because he knows if he does that the recovery process will be faster! the real question is if kai knows that…

Kai is sick? Code red full lockdown bro is gonna go try and discover a new species while burning at a high temperature. um kai isn’t scared of nyas rages but when she yells at him for not resting while sick she’s like ten times more scarier someone save the poor boy oh look savior lloyd has arrived oh wait nope false alarm he’s yelling at Kai too

—-they all casually share hoodies, graphic tees, etc. but for Kai it looks little too big.. um…. don’t tell him that though…..

—--if things are too overwhelming for Kai he goes to nya and Lloyd. everything seems to melt away when they look up and smile at him

—-don’t insult nya or Lloyd in front of Kai or Kai’s gonna do a full sailor moon transformation and then into a VICIOUS garden gnome.

—-whenever nya’s inventions/ideas don’t work out, she gets angry and frustrated at herself due to her perfectionist nature. Kai always manages to make her feel better

“hey don’t worry nya, you have wonderful ideas and such a smart brain! you created so many things and I couldn’t have been more proud. how about we go eat a snack and then you can come finish this project later! I’ll even help!

—-Kai is really good with ‘feminine’ stuff like sewing (he probably used to stitch up ripped clothes when him and nya were kids) and hair. he knows 7384377348 different hairstyles and does nya’s hair whenever he can. he also tried to teach Lloyd but the poor kid became jumble of confusion. he managed to teach him braids though!!!

you think this is it? naw shawty I’ve got part two coming out soon.

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waitingforeddyneddy · 5 months

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Lmao I looked at the comments under my Reddit anon post. And I just wanted to respond because, lol I wasted two years?? Where?? Check my Reddit history lmfao. The last year I haven’t even been active in the Kate/anthony subs! Plus posting a comment takes all of, what, 10 seconds? I don’t live online like some people.

I said a lot of nice things about Simone that people overlook because I said I thought it was weird she wasn’t booking quickly, good lord. As for liking Siena? J did like her in s1, but I have plenty of comments stating I wouldn’t want her back for 3. I think the actress who played her did a good job 🥴. I’m not a fan of either of them, as in, I don’t follow their careers and only know about what’s posted on fauxmoi or something like that. Do I HAVE to be a super fan of Simone? Some of you guys hate JB but know his entire schedule.

As for Cynthia, what have I said about her? lol I don’t really know anything about her other than she can sing. She also had her own affair scandal, but I know little of it. She DOES have haters because, if I recall correctly, she said something off about American black women years ago. That would be something for you all to research, if you cared, which I’m sure many of you don’t. I, actually, recently spoke about how I hated how interviewers don’t being her UP when speaking about wicked.

And well, as for Ariana, yeah, I don’t like her. She sucks. And anyone who thinks she doesn’t is weird??? She literally just helped break up two marriages tf??

Also I never said JB carried the show on his back. I said I preferred his performance and I thought he was great. And I said Simone did a good job. Again, why do we have to be fans of both? You guys aren’t fans of him and I honestly am ok with that lol. My Reddit history is there for all to see, it’s strange to see people just make shit up. And yes, I am a woman for those stalking me and wondering lol.

I don’t really get why people in this fandom can’t disagree in a normal way. Not everyone will like what other people like.

listen I haven't been on reddit for many months and I don't remember having beef with a particular person because I was disgusted by pretty much the majority of people. I think I only visited BridgertonNetflix and I couldn't believe my eyes that there were so many gaslighters in the fandom who would say that we imagined Kanthony being done dirty or that downplayed what happened regarding Simone. I can't honestly say that I ever came across one of your comments so I really don't know what to think on this matter. I agree with you saying that people have to learn how to disagree politely. I appreciate you coming into my inbox with manners and for being honest about your declining interest in JB, my blog is a place to rant after all and as long as it's done on my terms, everyone is welcome, even JB fans or former JB fans.

on another note I don't want to downplay JB's talent as an actor because as much as I don't like him I can admit he's good at his job, but I think it would be fair to say that he was able to shine more because the script allowed so. What did Simone have by the scripts? Crying in rooms alone and being in a coma for the majority of the last episode? Let's remember she wasn't the sister with the central episode about her even tho it was supposed to be ALSO her story

#jonathan bailey #bridgerton fandom #asks #simone ashley

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nvzblgrrl · 6 months

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Just got done watching The Star Beast. (Details beneath cut)

It's. Definitely an episode. The actors did wonderfully with the material given but good lord, did I get a harsh reminder of what RTD's writing is like when he feels like he has Something To Say (White Cis Gay) about things. Really don't like the choice to confirm that Rose was trans by having her be deadnamed and anything to do with the lottery was... unpleasant and a misread of both Donna and the Doctor's characters. Also the choice to write 'why are you assuming the Meep's pronouns' is just... the only reason that didn't come off as actively antagonizing trans people in the audience was because the actors were able to carry it off with aplomb. That's it. Why Rusty decided 'oh, yes, this copypasta staple of transphobic "humor" totes needs to be in this ep' is beyond me.

Wilf also is a bit of a sticking point in any scene that he's mentioned in, as he takes over the entire conversation and all emotional beats end up orbiting him even when they shouldn't. Still can't get over the first talk between Donna and Sylvia having No Music at all until Wilf comes up, despite it being an emotionally weighty scene that really should have had some accompaniment. On the upside, both the fight and chase scenes are higher quality than they were back during RTD 1.0, UNIT didn't get character assassinated to the degree it did under Russell before (though I still didn't care for how they manhandled the reporter near the start), I like the Sonic Screwdriver Mime Shields well enough (and love the screen that shows what it's reading, that's got potential for a lot of things), and the Shadow Proclamation actually felt useful and interesting instead of being a brick to beat over the head of the audience like it so often was in the early days.

Donna's family has good vibes and I like that there's no verbal or emotional abuse between them like there was Before. And I really like the Doctor's clear progress with emotional communication and active interest in other people (Ten would have never helped a stranger overloaded with packages, so Fourteen doing so without prompt was very sweet). Anyway, solid 6/10 for me. The actors carry it wonderfully and it's lovely seeing David Tennant play the part of a new Doctor.

#RTD critical #Doctor Who #the star beast #fourteenth doctor #vaguing venting with nvz #contains spoilers for the ep so if you don't want to see those don't look inside

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floof-writes · 1 year

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i love when tragedies are like “the love was there. it didnt change anything. it didnt save anyone. there were just too many forces against it. but it still matters that the love was there”

-Starpeace, tumblr

This isn't my normal type of post, but I just closed my high school's production of 'Puffs, Or: Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic', and I can't stop thinking about it. This show broke me and put me back together and I don't know what to fucking do about it.

I played the role of Megan Jones, and she taught me how to be a person again. Skip straight to the next heading if you just want to know what the hell I'm talking about, otherwise, here's my Love Letter to Puffs: you deserve the world and the world doesn't deserve you, but every person reading this deserves to see this show at least once in their life.

First of all, this show is hilarious. Like, 'laugh until your stomach hurts and you can't breath and you start coughing up your sanity' hilarious. Your abs will hurt after seeing this show and your tear ducts will struggle to keep up with demand. But, despite that, or maybe because of that, it is also heartbreaking. Maybe the best kind, I think. The kind that rips your heart into pieces but then sews it back together, tells you that you have to carry on, but somehow that's worse, because hope hurts more than anything else.

And to see Puffs is one thing, but to be in it?

I don't know what to do or how to feel. For the rest of my life I will have carry this grief nestled next to my soul. The characters have the faces of people I know, and goddamn that makes it so hard to think about but just as hard not to.

I am changed, for this show. I am a different person at the other end of this nine week love-stained, obsessive hell. It found me when I was in a very vulnerable place, only halfway to healing, and picked me up and straight up told me to my Megan's face that I "shouldn't have to be alone"! Told me safety is love and loneliness is a lie we tell ourselves when we hate ourselves too much to see reason. That justice is the only pursuit that brings both self-love and heartache.

Live theatre is a powerful, powerful thing and yes, a professional recording of Puffs is available on Amazon Video and some pretty good bootlegs are up on YouTube, but if this show is open anywhere near you at a local high school, college, or community theatre, then I'm begging you to go see it in person. High school-age actors are uniquely suited to this show so don't let that make you wary!

If anyone, ever, wants to talk about Puffs, I'm more than available. PM me, ask me, tag me in your post. I don't care if you're seeing this post 2 months or 2 years or 10 years from now, if I am still on this hellsite, I will respond.

Go see Puffs. If everyone on this planet did, I think the world would be just a slightly better place.

Okay, hold on, what's Puffs?

Puffs tells us the story of a certain badger-aligned house during the seven years a certain orphan boy wizard attends a certain school of magic, plus ✨it was the 90's✨. If you can't tell, Puffs is technically a Harry Potter parody, and it very intentionally gives JKR no money and is not licensed with Warner Bros. Maybe that's a small part of why it spoke to me so much, because in the simplest terms: Puffs won custody of me in the great JKR/Fandom divorce. I really felt betrayed by JKR's transphobia and treatment of representation issues and this show was a bandaid and a kiss better for my aching, eleven year-old heart.

The story follows the Puff Wayne Hopkins, a young British orphan who was raised by his uncle in New Mexico. Wayne is the nerdiest, 90's-est kid you've ever met and well, as a fan of Star Wars and Dungeons & Dragons and Lord of the Rings, when he gets his school letter he gets this idea in his head that his life is about to become as awesome as that of the average fantasy protagonist. That he's gonna be a hero! Of course, he isn't. That's Harry. It's Harry at every single turn and Wayne and his friends are constantly being screwed over as unmentioned side characters in Harry's world-shattering and school-wrecking life, not to mention that the Puffs are the laughingstock of the school anyway, constantly failing classes and being bullied by the Snakes.

The Puffs work hard to become better but it rarely turns out. I mean, just look at Cedric, who plays a huge role in mentoring Wayne and his classmates the first act. Yikes. As the Puffs grow into their teen-hood it even gets a little spicy (in the hilariously awkward, teenage way), and eventually, they each come to understand that Puffs matter, Puffs are the best, in fact, Puffs are the "Mighty Ducks of wizards. No. The Mighty Ducks 2 of Wizards!"

#I attempted the ADHD easy reading formatting btw #that's why the colors and italics are so overboard #puffs or: seven increasingly eventful years at a certain school of magic and magic #live theatre #theatre #acting #high school theatre #character work #puffs the play #puffs #megan jones #wayne hopkins #cedric diggory #harry potter

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karin-ko · 3 months

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Life of Oharu by Kenji Mizoguchi

The film "Life of Oharu," directed by Kenji Mizoguchi, portrays the tumultuous life of a beautiful woman named Oharu.

The film portrays the societal roles of men and women during the Edo era. Regardless of a man's class or position, women were consistently viewed as possessions of men and were never regarded as equals. In such a world, Oharu, due to her exceptional beauty, finds herself manipulated by various men and repeatedly plunged into unfortunate circumstances. She lacks freedom in both love and work, with her downward spiral in life dictated entirely by the whims of men. Though fleeting moments of happiness do occur, they are often short-lived due to factors such as social status disparity or her past. It was hard to continue to watch Oharu, who stubbornly and strongly lives her life, not being rewarded while feeling the sorrow of living in a fate that repeatedly pushes her to the bottom of misfortune. Living as a woman during that era seemed incredibly challenging, and it made me unintentionally feel the joy of being able to live in the modern world. It is frightening to contemplate how a single misstep in choice due to a simple desire to live with a loved one could lead to such prolonged unhappiness.

While the film carries a profoundly tragic narrative, there are moments that elicit smiles, such as the scene where senior retainers search for a woman who meets the meticulous criteria of their lord, or when Oharu, likened to a bakeneko, mimics feline behavior. Also, scenes like the silhouette of a cat taking hair and where the face of one of the Five Hundred Rakan statues overlaps with that of Katsunosuke were particularly striking. The scene in which the man scatters money and revels extravagantly in a pleasure district where Oharu works recalled me the imagery of No-Face from "Spirited Away" dispensing gold.

The film predominantly employs long shots, allowing for seamless transitions between scenes as characters move from one location to another with the camera, maintaining continuity and enhancing realism, thereby immersing the audience in the unfolding narrative. It was as if I were watching a stage performance. There were many scenes, such as shots from under bridges and characters moving across rooms, that would not have worked unless everything was carefully calculated the meticulous coordination of character positions, camera movement, and set layout. This meticulous attention to detail facilitated a palpable sense of movement and flow, resulting in an engaging viewing experience. The structure of the story, such as the connection of the first and last scenes with flashbacks bridging, the fact that at the end of the story, Oharu takes the position of the woman who plays the shamisen midway through the story, and the out-of-focus camera direction to show Oharu's dizziness, were also good. I am amazed that they were able to create something this good at that time.

Moreover, the performances of the actors were amazing. Despite the few close-ups, their movements and expressions effectively conveyed the situations and emotions. Particularly noteworthy was the portrayal of Oharu by Kinuyo Tanaka, whose acting prowess was truly captivating. Her performance adeptly reflected Oharu's age, social status, position, and emotional state at each moment through her mannerisms, speech, voice, and expressions, and she skillfully depicted the tragic feelings of Oharu as she descended into old age, portraying her despair through facial expressions and demeanor with remarkable precision.

This film is a collaborative artistic creation of the director, cinematographer, cast, and crew, encapsulating the world of the Edo period with its cityscapes, props, traditional musical performances, puppetry, costumes, dances, hairstyles, makeup, and more. However, I do not think I have ever seen a film in which the protagonist is not rewarded until the end, with such a string of misfortunes. I can't think of any other film that leaves me with such a feeling of emptiness after watching it, even though there are no major incidents or deaths of characters that make me feel emotionally involved in the film.

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