#still not over this terrible terrible episode of television

[gabessquishytum]

I keep seeing all these ideas where Dream is famous and I wanna take it a step farther. With Dream being rockstar famous, and known for his wild temper and deeply chaotic life, he gets approached by a large Hollywood studio to star in a new reality television show. It would be him, his new manager and husband Hob, their teenage sons and a revolving door of friends, neighbors and family. They'll move him out of his posh Soho flat and into a luxury mansion in Beverly Hills. All he needs to do is sign on the dotted line.

Dream obviously thinks it's stupid. After all, he's a pretty private guy and a right asshole at times and he doesn't think he'll make good television. But Hob disagrees. It's been forever since Dream's name was last in the papers and fans are clambering for new content. Besides, they can play up their personalities for the camera and Hob wouldn't just let them run amok in their private life.

So he agrees a bit unwillingly. That is until he finds out how fun it is to lie directly to the camera, make Desire's life hell when they guest star, and ruin production by showing them how satisfied his husband is in every room of the house.

- 🤜 anon

I love the idea of an Endless reality TV show SO MUCH!!! Can you imagine the chaos?! It'd be so brilliant.

Robyn and Orpheus are in their late teens, so old enough to enjoy occasionally popping up in an episode or two - but when filming starts they get to find out exactly how protective their dad (Hob) is over their privacy. Hob has written strict boundaries into the contract with the production company so the cameras literally can't go into certain parts of the mansion, and certainly can't film the boys without at least one guardian being present. Hob would happily take the company to court and sue if they cross any lines. The same rules apply for Delirium, who is also still quite young and occasionally likes to show up in an episode.

Meanwhile Dream is basically just having a great time doing increasingly weird things. He takes baths in oat milk, claiming that its been part of his routine for years. He puts a really terrible fake tattoo on his upper thigh and walks around showing it off like it's real. He does "vocal exercises" with Orpheus as part of his "art" and Orpheus spends the whole time trying not crack up while Dream makes these awful noises.

And of course, who would forget -

Hob, holding a tiny pig: Dream Endless, come to the foyer... I have a little gift for you

Dream: oh my god is that a chicken?!

Plus the amount of times the camera has caught Hob looking thoroughly wrecked... in the kitchen covered in hickies, with his pants down in the pool area, black lipstick smeared all over his face in the bathroom... so many bits of footage have had to be cut because Dream will just drop to his knees wherever and start trying to suck Hob’s dick. He's famous, he can do what he wants!

The show is, of course, a hit. Much to Desire's chagrin. Although they are secretly hoping to get a spinoff show out of this - hopefully one where they get to slap the smug smile off Dream’s annoying face...

#🤜 anon #the sandman #dreamling #nsft

[equalseleventhirds]

"I don't understand how I'm losing," Reigen said, his hands flying over his keyboard. It was so late now—too late, maybe—if only he'd used the same technique as with the Player Killer from the beginning, he might have stood a chance, but he hadn't seriously thought he'd lose—

"Shishou," Mob said, "why is this so important? You already have second place from Twitter."

Reigen laughed, not at all nervously, and splayed a hand across his forehead. "You don't understand, Mob. The publicity from something like this, even a rematch, would do wonders for Spirits and Such. This is about business."

(He would never admit to his pride being on the line.)

"And anyway, who is this guy? A radio host? I've been on TV, you know."

Mob carefully did not bring up what had actually happened when Reigen made his television debut.

Ritsu had no such qualms. "When they exposed you as a fraud? That was publicity too, right?"

"Hey—!"

Serizawa leaned over Reigen's shoulder to see the computer screen, careful not to spill the tea he placed on the desk. "Oh, Cecil from Welcome to Night Vale? It's been a while since I listened to that, maybe I should catch up."

Reigen stared at him. "You? What? Serizawa?"

"Ah... yeah." He rubbed the back of his neck. "Back when I was... well, when I didn't leave my room much, the podcast was popular. I guess it gave a sense of... community? Feeling less alone, even when you are." He shrugged. "Plus, hearing another gay man in a show like that was comforting."

"He's gay? Canonically?" Why can't I be gay canonically?

"Sure, he got married in episode 100. It was very emotional."

"I nearly died in our chapter 100—"

-- -- -- -- --

Well, listeners, there's still a few hours left on the poll, but I'm now leading at 56%! I must say, I did not expect this, especially after Twitter users so clearly forgot—or perhaps never knew—about my Tumblr Sexyman Origins.

But, that's neither here nor there. I certainly am grateful, if a bit bemused, about all of this, but let us not forget that this is all a friendly competition. Unlike the annual War On Christmas—and let us all take a moment to remember our fallen allies against that terrible holiday foe—this is a battle of kindness. Love, even. The love we feel for Tumblr, for our favorite sexy men, for pressing a button on a meaningless internet poll. The love we feel, listeners, for each other.

And in the spirit of that love and friendliness, I figured I'd get to know my opponent a little better! A bit of googling, which of course you know means searching via every search engine but Google, what with the Town Council imposing the Google Search Tax and getting all Night Vale IP addresses shadowbanned, has led me to... oh my, listeners. I do not know who made this, but Reigen Arataka has the single most beautiful professional web page I have ever encountered. It's... words do not do it justice. I am tearing up. This... I could not make anything better myself.

A-hem. Listeners, now that I've wiped away the tears such beauty inspired in me, I can now see that Reigen's website advertises his business, one Spirits and Such Consulting. Well! We may be rivals in this moment, but I am overjoyed to learn that Reigen runs such an innovative and important business! I am nearly ashamed that, while my opponent works to make the world a better place, I, a mere community radio host, am winning the sexyman contest.

Nevertheless, we must respect the polls. Not respecting polls could get us in hot water with the Town Council, or with the demigods of numbers who lurk in the sharp edges of percentages. So since I can't hand my victory over to him, I think I'll do what I can as a community radio host, and promote Reigen Arataka's important business!

So if you're a spirit in need of counseling, a ghost in need of therapy, or an eldritch beast in need of a shoulder to cry on, head on over to Seasoning City and pay our good friend Reigen a visit! I'm sure he'll be pleased as anything to see you.

#long post #fanfiction #algie writes things #fjskdlfjdk SORRY ABOUT THIS BUT #i had to i had tooooooo #hammered this out v quickly and i am feelin v sleeby still so it's not polished but it IS funny #.......i think. i think it's funny. u kno. #anyway #sexymanotd #tumblr sexyman rematch #cecilsweep

[jennycalendar]

descending into deadlochposting on main i don't even care. this show is SO GOOD. i think the thing that really stuck with me throughout every episode is how committed it is to not fucking up women, and especially women of color, just to have a Plot Point + for Emotional Resonance!!! every woman on this show gets an ending that feels earned. (and yes that does include margaret carruthers.) there is just so much love woven into this narrative but they still manage to capture the grim miserable reality of patriarchy without EVER reducing a female character we care about to a Murder Victim or having her horrifically brutalized as an ending!!!! like holy shit, guys, it's actually fucking possible! you can create horror blended perfectly with humor and never actually fuck women over!!!

and yeah actually as a woc it felt really fucking good to watch a show where i got to see women of color (aleyna and tammy and sharelle and miranda and faye my beloved <333) just thrive and be silly and stupid and terrible and also lovable. and also, oh my god, revolutionary, NOT GET MURDERED, even though this is literally a fckin murder show!!! i said to my dad like midway through the series that i just got this sense the show understood how goddamn hard it is to watch television sometimes waiting for that character you love, who looks like you and has life experiences that resonate with you, to get killed, or to be treated like she's not important, and how dedicated it is to not just killing off women for shock value. every woman in this show mattered and had meaning and dimension.

because seriously, SO MANY INCREDIBLE WOMEN!!! abby with her perfect little haircut driving off into the sunset saying Of Course She Knows She's Right About Forensics. aleyna and her husband, her whole heart!!!! vanessa who in a lesser show would have been reduced to The Bad Woman, The Bigot, but we are shown how she has been abused and mistreated by men and how that's so informed her perspective + her genuine love for her son! sharelle who lays down the hard truths, who calls them out -- "all this civility but no fucking community" !!! miranda who learns that she doesn't want blood money from a woman who looks down on her cousin! tammy who is literally just all about that footy club the entire time even as men are being murdered and that's honestly so real of her. skye o'dwyer who perfectly captures that Emotionally Unavailable Dad energy except she's a lesbian and i love her. nadiyah who is Trying Her Best :) And Gritting Her Teeth About It :) faye who has no god damn patience for margaret carruthers and all kinds of blunt determined love for her niece and her daughter. vic who throws herself under the bus because she's just so determined to protect anyone she can after the women in this town protected her and kept her secret for so long!!! cath who parents her emotions and is definitely relentless in her guilting but also so relentless in her love. MARGARET CARRUTHERS WHO EXEMPLIFIES SHITTY RICH WHITE WOMAN. and of fucking course, the legends, the buddy-cop duo of all time, dulcie and eddie, who are just perpetually going around like this

except it's not even working because eddie chewed the leash off.

favorite show of the year by far. so so happy about it. rotating it joyfully in my brain for the next week, probably longer.

#deadloch #celia watches deadloch #deadloch spoilers #sooooorta??? in places???? #i just . hgjkdhdkjh this is such a fucking show everyone should watch it #even if we don't get a s2 just having s1 was so worth it!

[talktolwt]

I would like to focus on the music chosen for Hob Gadling's 80s sequence.

I'm extremely late to the world of The Sandman (finally binged it two weeks ago after my mother had been begging me to watch it with her and now I'm more obsessed than her) Bottom line: I'm unbelievably glad I finally watched this beautiful piece of television.

I have yet to read the comics but as for the first season, I have to say, without a doubt, my favorite episode is Chapter 6: The Sound of Her Wings. Death's 20-min segment is a beauty unto itself, but I'll be focusing on Hob's segment today. Specifically, his 80s scenes.

Considering I'm so late to this fandom and exploring all of its wondrous details and themes, excuse me if this has already been noted. I've been thinking about these details over and over but I need to get it out there in the Sandman world and hear everyone else's thoughts.

*Also excuse the terrible photos - Netflix doesn't let you screenshot and I was too lazy to get another app to let me bypass it. Please bear with my photos of my laptop screen.*

There are three songs that play throughout this sequence.

#1 - "She Drives Me Crazy" by Fine Young Cannibals

I accidentally deleted half my post mid-writing this but here I go again.

As we can see, after the breakup scene, we open up on Hob Gadling (he looks amazing in his 80s look, by the way) and this song plays.

Here are the lyrics:

I mean - where do I even start LMAO.

*Let me just give another note - regardless if you ship Dreamling romantically or not, I will be merely analyzing these lyrics as they are and how they convey Hob's feelings for Dream in general. But, I mean, the songs are THERE, the text is THERE. So do with that what you will.*

This will go for the following two songs as well, but these songs are placed with meaningful intention. Each of these offer a unique lens and dive into Hob's feelings.

I won't be annoying and over-explain anything, but the lyrics are clear I feel:

"She drives me crazy" - cough

"Things you do don't seem real" - in Hob's view, Dream literally is an enigma. Hob has no idea the capacities, the limits, and even the name of this being he meets every century.

"This waiting 'round's killing me" - well.

"Everything you say is lies" - now I wouldn't say particularly lies, but Dream does keep and omit things from Hob. Understandably, Hob would find himself in a confused limbo with Dream.

Here's the kicker:

"I won't make it on my own/No one likes to be alone." - HELLO. I mean, if this isn't the core message and pinnacle of Dream and Hob's lesson to immortality.

As Death mentions earlier in the episode, around 18:10, "Most of us will be glad for the company of a friend."

I feel I could go on forever and ever about the beauty of this episode and how well The Sound of Her Wings and Men of Good Fortune intertwine. They beautifully complement each other as stories lamenting the dichotomy of life and death, and the joys of humanity.

But essentially, Death reteaches Dream how beautiful humans can truly be, and in this pivotal moment, she says this zinger of a line. The camera was initially on Death but for THIS line, it cuts to Dream.

BECAUSE - poor Dream is definitely in need a friend.

Which is then shown to the audience by the 30-min long Hob Gadling sequence that ensues, and we see Dream's aversion to needing someone, to needing a friend.

But I digress - back to the song, and that one line about not wanting to be alone.

That is such a poignant line, because as much as Dream felt alone and needed company, so does Hob? An immortal, constantly seeing the death of others around him, his companions and family long gone, he needs someone.

Considering this 80s sequence ruminates so heavily on post-breakup feelings, Hob is missing Dream dearly. His constant in life.

I'm rambling too much, onto the next one!

#2 - "Shattered Dreams" by Johnny Hates Jazz

Time skip to perhaps a few hours later, who knows. We see Hob still waiting for Dream, alone in the pub.

Hm.

Literally what else could I say. I'm being slapped in the face with pining and angst and longing.

Here are the lyrics:

Some noteworthy lyrics:

"So much for your promises/They died the day you let me go" - this breakup man

"Caught up in a web of lies" - another lie motif

"I thought it was you/Who would stand by my side" - the theme of Dream and Hob being constants in each other's lives

"Shattered dreams" - I could scream. The title of the song. SHATTERED. DREAMS. giggling rn.

"Woke up to reality" - I think that's a very interesting line toeing between the constant references of the Waking and the Dreaming

Basically, I've been noting these evident similarities within the songs to align themselves to Dream and Hob's situation, and it's clear that the director/writers chose these songs with intent of it paralleling Dreamling.

So that makes it even more insane when lines like "From this empty heart" are meant to parallel Hob. Like.

Okay, last song.

#3 - "Keep On Moving" by Soul II Soul

This song plays as the night progresses. It's late, it's clear Dream isn't showing up, and Hob is feeling pretty final about that, and perhaps he's accepted it at this point. Dream isn't coming.

So this is where he speaks to the bartender and that scene ensues.

Here are the lyrics:

The themes of time and clocks are super prevalent within this song, and again it's once more clear how heavily this reflects and represents Hob.

Noteworthy lyrics:

"Why do people choose to live their lives this way?" - I think this also uniquely touches on the general aspect of humanity and one's reason to live/love life. Dream battles with his confusion/slight disappointment for humanity at the beginning, as he asks Death, "Why would any sensible creature crave an eternity of this?" And then Hob helps Dream realize why there's so much to live for. (24:30)

"I know the time will come today/The time will come one day"

"Walking alone in my own way" - Again this idea of walking alone and needing company.

"You'll be in my life, my life always" - Dream and Hob being constants again.

This all goes to say - Hob cares. He cares for Dream.

And I just think that's very beautiful. The magnitude with which Dream's absence means to him and how much their friendship/companionship both means to each of them. I just think their connection is a beautiful thing that I love seeing and rewatching. Wonderfully, these songs give the audience even more layered insight into this connection.

This was super long, and I apologize if I went on some tangents. But I also just couldn't help it, The Sandman is so incredibly rich in its storytelling and its connections and dynamics that I had to write this all down. I also just very much appreciate the amount of care and detail that goes into every aspect of television, and needle drops such as these three songs are no exception.

Thank you for sticking with me through this! Can't wait for season 2!

#i have more thoughts #i think i will never fully be satisfied with this post #there will always be too much to say #but wow #they CARE #there's LOVE there #genuine love #i love them #dream the endless #lord morpheus #king of dreams #hob gadling #hob #dreamling #dreamling meta #dream x hob #the sandman #music as outlets to the soul #and emotion #music #the sound of her wings #men of good fortune #i hope whoever read this enjoyed! #thank you

[wontlasttwodays]

Episode 4

Spoilers

Rick eyeing Michonne's thighs and ass. That man. Since day fucking one.

The way Michonne flicks her wrist when she says, "Poetry." Flick, swish, like her sword work. It was in the leaked scene and I've been emulating it for days.

The first time I burst into tears, Rick's trembling hand over the apartment door handle.

Rick having a panic attack connecting with Michonne again, JFC! I didn't cry the first time but because of the confession that comes later I ugly cried the second time. And I know we love Richonne smut but honestly that was so damn intimate and real I had to look away and give them some privacy.

"I can't live without you. Without you, I die."

"When I saw you I got so scared. I needed to get ahead of it."

"Knowing. Seeing that loss, I can't- I won't survive that Michonne. I just won't."

If Andrew Lincoln doesn't get acting awards for this series I will get violent. He triggered a goddamn heart condition.

When Michonne places that drawing of Carl in Rick's hand - I have only ever cried like that one other time in my life, over the cancer diagnosis of a real loved one. I could literally feel my heart breaking. It still hurts hours later. My wails didn't even make a sound, I was speechless with grief, breathless.

Danai Gurira, ladies and gentlemen. She protected her piece from AMC and brought us here.

"That's how we make it all make sense. We love on each other as hard as we can while we can."

The reason why this series is so hugely successful is because it improves the mothership, TWD. I don't even call all the themes this series weaves, the characterizations, "call backs." The series makes TWD better. It threads humanity and real love into all the silence and stoic dialogue. TWD's most character conflict season was S2 and it was quarantined from the rest of the series, they never let interpersonal and internal conflict get that externalized ever again. [Think about how terribly the scripts fumbled after Glenn died, because they were so eager to get to Negan.]

I've seen some commenters focus on how Michonne hasn't yet said "I love you" in this series. But look how Rick has said it and when he's said it in the series and in TWD, he uses the phrase as an apology. Michonne doesn't need to say it because her actions show it. Rick doesn't feel the need to say when his actions show it too.

Let's fucking go! The best couple ever written for television is on the same page again. They can do anything.

#richonne forever #sexy committed key #towl spoilers #twd towl ep4 #after waxing on about Carl whatifs last night I was not ready #I still don't forgive Gimple for that shit but I'm glad they haven't let the grief go.

[tossawary]

Needing something to play in the background during the day, I have started watching Transformers G1 and have now finished the first season. It is very funny to visit the original after getting most of my information through Fandom Osmosis and passing acquaintanceship with more recent Transformers media. I decided to start at the beginning (terrible decision, I know, I will not be changing it) because I have like 40+ hours per week that need background sound and I like studying adaptational choices over time, so I intend to progress through a bunch of Transformers shows in chronological order.

It's kind of like Star Trek: TOS (Star Trek is better) in that I find parts of it very charming, there are plenty of aspects that are even compelling in their potential, but it's also... bad. A lot of it is Very Bad, sometimes in a very funny way and sometimes in a way that is just Not Good and even Problematic. I cannot possibly recommend it.

The animation quality is understandably very low due to the context of its creation (television show from the 80s made to sell toys). I like a few of the Cybertron background paintings, but it still takes me a second to tell a lot of the characters apart, partially because there is a revolving door for supporting characters. The writing quality is even worse. The physics is all over the place. The powers and abilities are completely arbitrary. None of the science works. No one can decide what body parts the Cybertronians actually have. There is way more mind control in this show than I ever expected there to be. This is apparently an alternate universe where the Earth has various types of energy crystals. The Idiot Ball trope is flying all over the place like dodgeballs and the characters are repeatedly hitting themselves with it constantly. Some of the accents are quite silly, yeah, but it still doesn't justify how some people type them out in fanfiction.

And yet I am still mildly entertained, probably because I am already partial to both animation and space opera with robots. And I recognize enough of the characters to find these early versions of them very funny. And some parts of this extended toy commercial were very clearly Done With Love.

Megatron and Starscream are like two halves of a whole idiot. The Decepticons are incapable of not betraying each other for more than a few episodes. Except for Soundwave, who is the MVP of the Decepticons, and yet also does nothing to stop any of the drama. Both sides can just Make New Guys at any time apparently and the Dinobots should unionize. I think Optimus Prime essentially "ok boomer"ed Megatron in the second episode and it was justified. I can't believe that Shockwave didn't just straight up stage a coup or otherwise move on in 4 million years, like, man, DUMP HIS ASS already. Bumblebee has apparently always been Very Smol and Just A Little Guy. Because this is a kids show, all these giant robots are constantly calling the Mortal Enemies They Want Dead "dweebs" and "nerds" and "twerps" and it's Very Funny. And I'm just going to assume that Sparkplug is a nickname and not an adult human man's legal name.

Also, I know the reason that the human kids are in the show is so that the show can go, "Look! This could be you! Being friends with all your favorite giant robots!" But it very much comes off as the Autobots having no real context for Spike's age or squishiness, probably because their own newborns are already able to fight. And Carly's introduction involving renting scuba gear and breaking into the Decepticon base makes her look (and I mean this with bewildered affection) fucking nuts, girl.

#tossawary transformers #tf g1 #optimus prime #megatron #starscream #soundwave #bumblebee #carly witwicky #shockwave #grimlock #spike witwicky

[medicallymercury]

Tinderbox (30/12/23)

I did end up waking up super early (on accident) and watching this episode but I decided not to post my review until after it had been on TV. I've really got to start getting into writing my essays now cause I have less than two weeks even with the deadline extension but I can manage to spend 12 straight hours thinking about writing it (rotating Casualty in my microwave brain) and not even realise I've done it until my mum's alarm goes off.

Well, it was an episode, wasn't it? Sometimes Casualty gives us masterpieces of television (cough Switzerland) and sometimes Casualty gives us "what the fuck was that?" (cough Too Much, Too Young - that was a very mixed Saturday) and Tinderbox was, at least for me, pretty much in the middle. I guess I wasn't as invested as I could've been cause there wasn’t much of my faves, I'd probably be more positive if we had more of them.

Pretty busy and all over the place episode but that’s to be expected at the start of a miniseries, I guess.

Stevie my beloved, she was great in this one. Elinor Lawless is very talented!! This has got me looking forward to her own storyline even more.

I know Ryan was unpopular but I loved him as a problematic little bitch character. Shows like this sometimes need a Ryan to cause problems for everyone and he served his purpose. Like, he is terrible but it was amusing to have a terrible member of the predominantly very sweet baby nurse quartet. I’ll miss him, honestly. I don’t imagine he’ll come back since there’s a new new (I still think of the baby nurses as new) nurse joining next week.

I made this last night, he didn’t actually die but I still think it’s funny:

I really liked that final shot of Jodie, Rida and Cam together but, to quote my mum as it happened, “I feel like all three of them have wanted Ryan to get beaten up at least once before”.

I love a good family storyline, especially when the family has multiple members in the main cast cause I think it allows for more development of the relationship (gestures wildly at Jan and Teddy), and Max and Jodie were great today. Loved all their interactions. Especially loved their conversation about Max’s kidney failure and especially “I wouldn’t allow it, even if you wanted to.” “Which I don’t.” “Well at least we agree on one thing” and “I’m sorry I’m not what you expected” (!!!!!!!!!!). I think they’re more similar than either of them realises, and I love that kind of dynamic - in both my ‘main fandoms’ my favourite characters are girls whose relationships with their fathers could be described as “I’m nothing like my dad (I’m just acting exactly like him)”. There’s definitely examples of that in this episode but back in Driving Force I remember a scene where Dylan tells them that neither of them should be treating Max’s mum and they both stand there looking at him with the same expression.

I expected that knowing the Teddy infidelity arc will happen would affect how I watch the show and when Paige and Jodie were treating the same patient I was 👁️👁️ the whole time. Whatever, I’ll get over it (hhhhhhh).

Sah was in this but so barely that the credits didn’t actually include Arin, which is weird to me.

I will say I think Casualty has been on weird pacing recently. I’d blame the miniseries format but it feels like there has been some storylines that are too long-running without saying anything new (FAITH) and other ones that get dropped too quickly without enough time to actually go into the ideas they implied were happening.

I think it was a good start to the new series but I would’ve liked them to cut the Faith stuff and have something actually happening with the paramedics instead.

Yes, I know complaining about Faith is beating a dead horse. However, in continuing to write her and this storyline, the writers have invented a dead horse beating machine to keep beating the dead horse perpetually. It goes on endlessly and has absolutely nothing new to say. And while some storylines have been getting these rushed and incomplete conclusions, Casualty had an opportunity to give the Faith storyline a conclusion with her going to rehab and staying there and then they didn’t. Tired of it. Also, not to be mean to the presumably overwhelmed Holby HR department but why would they ask Faith of Drug Theft Fame to come back??? This is why your hospital is like this, your hiring practices are terrible.

#cas ep: tinderbox #bbc casualty #casualty #shoelace fandom #stevie nash #ryan firth #jodie whyte #max cristie #eh vaguely: #teddy gowan #sah brockner #paige allcott #as always #anti faith cadogan

[missmeinyourbones]

all these people think love’s for show, but i would die for you in secret  ｡･:*:☆

reiner braun x reader | wc: 0.9k | L’s FOLKLORE event

“People believe this? No one actually kisses like that.”

The couple (if you can even call them that) on the screen before you presses their lips together in a picture-perfect scene. No bad angles, awkward nose bumping, or spit strings to be found—they feverishly make out with one another with movie tier excellence. 

You liked to spend your Friday nights curled up on the couch with a bowl of popcorn, watching the popular cheesy dating show for the hell of it. Granted, it was entertaining and drama-filled—all you could ask for in a television program to unwind your week with. 

However, your boyfriend decided to join you for this week’s episode, and it’s safe to say that he is absolutely horrified with the concept playing out before him.

“Oh and look, what a coincidence! There’s just an orchestra casually playing in the middle of a field! Totally unplanned and romantically natural,” Reiner heaves with sarcasm as you sit curled into his side beneath the blanket. 

“Shhhh! It’s just a show,” you remind him with a light smack on the chest, “they have to make it dramatic and extravagant, y’know, for the watch factor.”

“It’s ridiculous,” he mutters beneath his breath, though his eyes are still glued to the show in front of him.  

The two of you enjoy the commercial break in a comfortable silence, before the show returns back with a different setting. The man sits solemnly on a balcony, looking terrible distraught and ominous, as he pines over two completely different women. 

Practically on the edge of your seat, you can’t wait to see the drama unfold with the eventual decision he makes. He begins to explain how his relationship with one of the women is light and easy, while the other is much more sensitive and dense and—

“Can I tell you something?”

Your boyfriend’s voice suddenly vibrates over the volume of the television, interrupting the contestant’s juicy monologue. You swallow back the sigh of aggravation that begs to crawl from your throat. It tastes like a reminder to never invite Reiner over to watch this show, ever again. 

You lightly sigh, “Something tells me you’re going to, regardless of my answer.”

Reiner chuckles at your slight irritation, knowing how invested you get in the drama of the show, “Oh come on, baby. At least pretend to play along.”

“Fine,” you grumble into his shirt, eyes still fixated on the show before you, “enlighten me.”

“All these people think love’s for show, almost like it’s a game or competition.”

It is, you want to quip. It’s a dating show, built for entertainment and boosted for exploitation, of course it’s like a game. Regardless, you let your lover continue his thought on the matter. 

“It just feels so fake to me,” he borderline whines. “The whole ‘date 10 people at once and whoever makes it to the end wins a proposal’ mindset can’t actually work, right?”

Your boyfriend, forever the sensitive lover, almost seems genuinely upset with the silliness of the show’s ways. The tiny crease between his furrowed brows is one you recognize of true annoyance, one you often see when he’s frustrated with something. 

“Nah,” you reassure his distraught thoughts, “half of these couples don’t even last long enough to see an actual wedding.”

“So you agree with me,” he slightly turns his body towards you, which shifts your frame that leans on his, “you don’t think it’s real love?”

You earnestly nod against his arm, hoping to ease his worries on the meaningless manner. “Most of the time it’s just a lot of amplified infatuation, yes.”

“Thank you,” he smirks with victory, as if you ever disagreed with him in the first place. You decide to let him have his nonexistent win when you feel him relax back into the couch. 

“Real love is different,” he declares, matter-of-factly.

“I’d hope so,” you quip with a tease, grateful his mini hissy-fit is over, “but what makes you say that?”

“I’d never have to do this shit with you,” he points to the television screen, where the same man from before now anxiously awaits for one of his girlfriends to meet him for a date that could make-or-break their relationship. 

Reiner continues as the scene plays out, “I’d die for you in secret. I wouldn’t have to go on national television and cry about other women before deciding to propose to you.”

His words are oddly intimate—rough around the edges, sure, but still genuine and sweet beneath it all. With your attention now glued to him and the show’s plot now long forgotten, you admire your lover’s profile as his gaze remains on the television. 

“And here this guy is, debating his love life in the middle of a field of roses.”

His comment makes you laugh, a light and mindless one that allows Reiner’s smile to meet his eyes. He rests his head on yours as the show cuts to commercial once more. 

“No one’s dying for anyone,” you remind him with a grin, “and I wouldn’t ask you to do any of the crazy things these people do, for the record.”

A kiss lands on your temple before you feel his hand gently squeeze your side. Reiner goes back on his word at your unexpected confession.

“I mean, I’d do them if you asked...it just wouldn’t be televised.”

#reiner braun #reiner x reader #reiner braun x reader #reiner fic #reiner braun fic #reiner fluff #reiner braun fluff #reiner drabble #reiner braun drabble #L’s FOLKLORE event!

[protagonistpolling]

PROTAGONIST POLLING

Why should you vote for either of these characters?

Why should you vote for the Baudelaires? (1)

"Three Orphans whose parents perished in a terrible fire, and have to struggle through A Series of Unfortunate Events (a phrase which here means "escaping the villainous Count Olaf, who is after their family's fortune") over 13 books, one film, and 25 episodes of television. Violet solves things with the power of inventions and engineering, Klaus solves things with the power of books and knowledge, and Sunny solves things by just biting them (she's only a baby, after all). Their combined skills, along with their determination and resourcefulness, get them through many difficult situations, until they are, inevitably, thrown straight into the next one..."

"All: are orphans, rich with no money access, being chased by a crazy pedo actor uncle with a gang of nobodies who want the money, really god damn smart, parents were part of a secret organization, almost everyone dies at some point, traumatized, are barely teenagers Sunny: the tiny little menace, teeth can cut through rock in seconds, almost bit a metal finger off and almost took the hand with, the dumbest but, is still a baby, has her own language, is on par with her siblings Klaus: the smartest menace but the least menacing, would somehow extend the IQ scale, siblings have to carry because he is such a pussy, makes plan A (always fails) and helps plan B Violet: the oldest menace, is plan B, *puts hair up* is now able to think of the perfect machine for the problem (but not in the way that makes you think "that's not possible")"

Why should you vote for Laios? (1)

"hes so freaking weird i love him. he loves monsters and he has wanted to eat them his entire life and he took the chance when i could. he makes exposition fun (infodumping)"

#tournament poll #poll2023 #violet baudelaire #sunny baudelaire #klaus baudelaire #laios touden #a series of unfortunate events #asoue #dungeon meshi #delicious in dungeon #dunmeshi

[sznofthesticks]

How did YOU get into 911ls rachel? 👀

if you could write one episode of season 5, what would it include? (back atcha)

what is your favorite cuisine and one food in that cuisine you hate; and what is your LEAST favorite cuisine and one food in that cuisine you LOVE

what's your favorite pastime/hobby outside of fandom? (back atcha)

what is your favorite season 👀 is it... winter... *shot*

more photos of cats please! 🥰

How did YOU get into 911ls rachel? 👀

okay so i started with OG 911, i watched from the very beginning when season one aired until season 5 and just became uninteresting (season 5 was... bad...) but rewatched spring 2023 because my sister wanted to watch it. and enjoyed it much more that time around. and then over the summer i was sick and couldnt leave my house for a week so i decided to watch lone star AND MY LIFE WAS FOREVER ALTERED. (i realize im a very late fan pls forgive me)

i was hesitant to watch lone star because some people in the OG 911 fandom are very mean towards this show and it's fans. (i've distanced myself from those people. i adore this show and have met the loveliest people on here because of this show.)

if you could write one episode of season 5, what would it include?

okay this is gonna be all over the place. marjan has a comphet realization and does some self discovery and we get some sapphic rep from her. not saying they have to make her have a girlfriend, but just some realization and being an openly queer, muslim, female firefighter in texas would be EVERYTHING to me.

nancy backstory. i've written a little about my thoughts on her backstory and want to write more. but i say she comes from a rich, influential family, but they're distant to her and put alot of pressure on her growing up and her sister is the only one she stays in contact with.

for tarlos. let them fuck nasty. (okay i realize we can't have that on network television).

realistics. carlos gets injured on the job or while trying to solve gabriel's murder and we get him in a coma in a hospital bed and tk is anxious and crying by his bedside (WE DESERVE IT. CARLOS HAS BEEN IN THAT SPOT TWICE. IT'S TK'S TURN)

what is your favorite cuisine and one food in that cuisine you hate; and what is your LEAST favorite cuisine and one food in that cuisine you LOVE

okay, so fair warning. white woman, who grew up in a small town, and still lives in that small town. and my mom was a terrible cook. im slowly trying to immerse myself in foods from other cultures now that im an adult. but there is not an option for restaurants of anything other than americanized chinese and theres no ethnic grocery options here either, so i try my best. and i feel like finding recipes is so hard. i never know what to look for as a beginner.

i really don't know if this counts as a cuisine, but my aunt always cooked Pennsylvania Dutch foods (which is kind of a derivative of german so that i guess?) but my least favorite of that would be scrapple or pickled beet eggs. both are 🤢

since that probably doesn't count, italian. i love chicken/eggplant parm or lemon risotto (im probably offending so many italians rn)

i can't say i have a least favorite cuisine? i'll say the one i've least delved into. i hope this doesn't upset you, but .... indian ... I KNOW IM SORRY. I REALLY WANT TO TRY MORE THO I NEED TO FIND SOME BEGINNER RECIPES TO TRY AND HOPE I CAN FIND THE INGREDIENTS HERE. but i do loveeeee chicken tikka masala and garlic naan. like the most basic answer. im so so sorry tessa. :(

what's your favorite pastime/hobby outside of fandom?

i love music and everything about it. i go with my sister to live events quite a bit. we love concerts but also going to sporting events. mostly football and baseball!

what is your favorite season 👀 is it... winter... *shot*

hahahah. fall! i miss real fall, like when i was younger. now it just goes from being super hot to cold. not much fall anymore. :( as much as i hate living in a rural area, its beautiful here in the fall <3

more photos of cats please! 🥰

okay it’s mostly pepper because she’s attached at my hip and puffy is more independent lol

#asks #ladytessa74

[kazz-brekker]

hotd episode 8 thoughts

boy! this family really never can have a funky good time together without something happening, can they? (i say as a distraction from my immense emotional pain)

rhaenys you may never have been queen of westeros but you are queen to ME.

really liked the bits of daemon and rhaenyra’s life married that we got to see and how comfortable they were with each other. hbo, i’m just saying, but it’s not too late to abandon this whole “adapting the dance of the dragons” idea and just do a 5 season sitcom about the dragonstone household.

wow alicent really has become the westerosi equivalent of a christian housewife but also with girlboss ambitions.

the scenes with the dying viserys made me so sad. rhaenyra trying to talk to her father but he’s too incoherent to understand … introducing him to the grandkids … daemon helping him climb the iron throne … god it really got to me see how much they care about him and how much he was hurting :(

baby aegon iii and viserys ii were really cute though!

no … alicent … please don’t uphold the patriarchy and become complicity in the oppression of women … don’t continue the cycle of abuse begun by others that you now perpetuate…

i am impressed by how quickly this show made my opinion on aegon ii go from “annoying yet entertaining” to “die in a hole you rat bastard.”

congrats to daemon and rhaenyra (and rhaenys!) for raising some much better-adjusted teenagers, definitely liked what we saw of the older versions of the kids.

adult aemond is an absolute menace and i am going to enjoy every single second of his screen time.

jesus christ rhaenyra it’s been SIX YEARS and you still haven’t told rhaenys and corlys their son isn’t dead? please get on that! did love that those two had another scene together at last, though.

the scene where viserys dragged himself to court to sit judgement over the inheritance case was pretty powerful.

damn vaemond velaryon was kind of an ambitious asshole but he really didn’t deserve to die like that. kind of love that daemon was like “talk shit about my wife and you get a sword to the face” though, very in character.

those 30 seconds at the dinner party where everyone was getting along were so bittersweet, it did such a good job of establishing that the whole impending tragedy COULD have been averted if things went differently.

viserys really did need to put his foot down more often and be a stronger king, but it’s also so sad that he just wants his family to get along and love each other and it’s just not going to happen.

helaena honey i am going to rescue you and your ominous prophecies from your terrible husband, you deserve so much better.

the fact that viserys left the room and things immediately went to shit and the younger generation got into a fistfight was peak black comedy, not gonna lie.

the dramatic pause before aemond finished his “strong boys” toast … yeah i love him.

mentally chanting kiss! kiss! kiss! at rhaenyra and alicent as if this could someone how avert all the impending doom.

god, that last scene with alicent and viserys was so good and i am obsessed with how viserys’s obsession with prophecy and the future of his house is actually what dooms it.

PEAK asoiaf vibes to have the prophecy that was supposed to be the duty of the house instead lead to its downfall!

i’m really going to miss paddy considine as viserys, he brought so much depth and complexity to a character who was pretty flat in the book.

i know this whole show has been building up to the dance of the dragons but ohhhhh man am i not ready to see things actually begin in earnest now that the king is dead.

if anyone needs me i will be sitting here trying to process the hour of television i just watched!

#pie says stuff #pie watches hotd #hotd #house of the dragon #hotd spoilers #rhaenyra targaryen #daemon targaryen #viserys targaryen #alicent hightower #aegon ii targaryen #aemond targaryen #rhaenys targaryen #vaemond velaryon #helaena targaryen

[copperbadge]

just wanted to say thank you so much for noting down the podcasts you listen to! I've been using them as a jumping off point to listen or discover new things and a lot of them are great. would you ever consider doing more recs after November is over?

Oh sure. I mean, I do periodic posts that are just "a list of what I'm listening to" but at this point it’s so long and there are many that I’m on the fence about, so let me do a highlights reel. 

History:

Behind The Bastards - Historically accurate but also quite informal and funny, all about people who are terrible, historic and contemporary; just did a brilliant two-parter about how cigarettes invented/ruined everything, which is a great place to start.

Noble Blood - Histories of the nobility and frequently of their grim demises. 

Cautionary Tales - An examination of how historical events can teach us lessons about what we assume, overlook, and misunderstand.

Bedside Rounds - Medical history, with a bend towards medical education (in the sense that med students can get class credit for listening); I find it highly accessible as a non-doctor but I'm not sure everyone would.

One Year - Every season, One Year picks a single year (most recently 1942) and examines the events, culture, and icons of that year. 

You’re Dead To Me - Each episode, the host, a historian, and a comedian discuss a specific historical figure or event to learn more about them and also make fun of them. 

Culture:

99% Invisible - Roman Mars soothingly talks about the invisible design that impacts our everyday lives.

Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend - A talk show host got tired of doing eight-minute bits and now does longform interviews with notable entertainers; it's still very comedic but there's a profundity to the interviews that I absolutely did not expect and love. 

Ear Hustle - the culture of prison, made by prisoners at San Quentin (as well as their loved ones and outsiders who regularly interact).

Embedded - I'm never quite sure how to define Embedded, but they generally do short newsy serials on events of the day; they've covered police brutality, world cup soccer, the January 6th treason, and other local, national, and global events.

Mailin’ It - The official podcast of the US Postal Service, covering all things postal. Hit and miss, but when it hits it’s absolutely fascinating. 

The Allusionist - the history of words, often with a particular eye towards words that come from, or interact with, marginalized cultures. 

Gender Reveal - Queer discussions surrounding gender, generally with a new person each week who speaks about their experiences with gender. Bit hit and miss for me, I’ve found some of the guests rather offputting, but overall highly educational. 

Radiolab - I have no idea what this show’s goal, theme, or target audience is; it’s just fascinating short pieces on fascinating topics. 

Entertainment:

IDEOTV (I Don't Even Own A Television) - Two friends read terrible books and dissect them, sometimes discovering they're better than they let on.

How Did This Get Made - All about terrible movies, with three comedic actors and often guest stars. (I skip the ones that are just Paul because he's fun when he's talking to people but insufferable when he's unaccompanied.)

It's Christmastown - Two sports journalists analyzing and dissect Hallmark Christmas movies, often with guests; really funny and smart takes on movies "made for the gentlest of people".

True Crime:

True Crime Obsessed - I'm a "pates at the five" for this one, which features two friends discussing true crime media (not true crime directly); Patrick and Gillian are queer creators and a fascinating duo to listen to, I'd listen to them discuss anything.

A Date With Dateline - Also true crime media rather than true crime, Katie and Kimberly discuss Dateline episodes old and new, make puns, and occasionally veer off into pop culture.

Bad People - A criminal psychologist and a stand-up comedian discuss specific crimes and criminals as a way of focusing a lens on western culture's relationship to crime and mental health. I occasionally do not agree with some of their hot takes, but they at least are asking extremely interesting questions. 

Criminal - A journalistic take on true crime, covering stories that are less sensational or well-known than most true crime podcasts, with a lot of original research and interviews. 

News:

Planet Money - All things economic, in the US and abroad, though focused in America. 

The Indicator - produced by Planet Money, it’s a shortform podcast covering economic events and indicators daily. 

The Journal - A slightly less shortform but still usually pretty short daily podcast covering current events, particularly in the tech and economy niches. 

Food:

Gravy - Food and culture presented by the Southern Foodways Alliance, with an obvious specific bend towards foodways of the American South.

Proof - The podcast of America’s Test Kitchen, discussing food history, modern food movements, and other things foodie. 

The Sporkful - general food culture and news; most notable as the podcast which gave us Cascatelli pasta. 

Fiction: 

Levar Burton Reads - Levar Burton reads short stories, generally SFF; he just started a new season so I’m not quite caught up yet. 

The Magnus Archives - I listened up to the end of S4 but didn’t care for S5; it’s currently kickstarting a few new seasons. Not sure if I’ll listen yet, but the first four seasons as they stand are great horror. 

Phoebe Reads A Mystery - Phoebe Judge, of Criminal, reads a chapter a day of various mystery novels or great works of literature. At present it’s on hold and may be indefinitely but the past episodes (including all of Dracula) are well worth a listen. 

Old Gods of Appalachia - A gothic fiction podcast mingling magical realism, fantasy, horror, and alternate history; I really enjoy it when I listen but it is a very sprawling story and they take long breaks so I’m not caught up because I have to relisten to it every time they come back from a break or I lose the thread. 

Short Runs:

These podcasts were short serials that are well worth listening to even though they are now complete: 

In Plain Sight - The story of Lady Bird Johnson, often in her own words via her audio diaries. 

Mob Queens - Two journalists discover the epic queer history of a mob wife who dunned in her husband and took over his business. 

Radioactive - Before there was twitter, Father Coughlin was radicalizing bigots via the radio!

The Tylenol Murders - A re-examination of the unsolved Tylenol poisonings in Chicago, as presented by journalists from the Chicago Tribune. 

#podcasts

[kolbisneat]

MONTHLY MEDIA: February 2024

A real grey month broken up by the colours and beauty of art. Here's how I spent the month of February.

……….FILM……….

The Beekeeper (2024) Perfect February movie.

……….TELEVISION……….

Succession (Episode 1.01 to 2.04) Wasn't sure I was going to like this (every single character is just awful) but now I'm keen to see how these awful people are increasingly awful to each other. So far I'm really appreciating every shot that shows the staff and just the sheer number of people responsible for making the lives of these awful people as low-friction as possible. We 100% need to tax the rich more.

Delicious In Dungeon (Episode 1.05 to 1.08) Now having seen more episodes, the shifting animation styles feels more consistent overall and I love the frenetic style during the high-stress/combat scenes. If you like this show then know it's a near 1:1 with the manga but still worth reading.

……….YOUTUBE……….

Pinocchio is a Story About Art and God by Jacob Geller This opened me up to a wholly new interpretation of what the story of Pinocchio is about. Also go watch the Del Toro adaptation on Netflix it's truly a work of art. VIDEO

Vape-o-nomics: Why Everything is Addictive Now by Tom Nicholas In short: everything is a subscription now and it's making everything worse. Worth the watch and looking forward to further installments in this series. VIDEO

This Experiment Undid Our Cities. How Do We Fix It? by Strong Towns Push back against any local government that doesn't want to introduce mixed use zoning into neighborhoods. The suburbs are subsidized by density, it's as simple as that. VIDEO

……….READING……….

How To Watch Football: 52 Rules for Understanding the Beautiful Game, On and Off the Pitch by Tifo (Complete) So I actually read this over the course of a month or two. I'd read a rule or two, process, then read a couple more a day or two later. I don't even really watch football but this helped so much and now I expect I'll crush the fantasy premier league I'm in.

The Big Four by Agatha Christie (Complete) Only my second Christie novel and this felt SO different. Turns out that's because it really is an outlier amongst her other works. So that was reassuring. Not terrible but I wouldn't exactly recommend it as it felt thoroughly disjointed (a result of stitching together a series of unrelated short stories).

The Last Continent by Terry Pratchett (Complete) Hey I love the Discworld series. You know this. I know this. But there's always gotta be an entry that goes on the bottom of any list. I love Rincewind, but prefer the other wizards in a less prominent role. Not one I'd recommend when trying to get into the series and probably not one I'll revisit. Oh well.

Catwoman: Lonely City by Cliff Chiang (Complete) Big fan of Chiang's artistry on Paper Girls and really enjoyed this interpretation of an aging Gotham. It has such a clear and singular voice it covers so much in just four chapters! Really great read.

Silver Surfer: Black by Donny Cates, Tradd Moore, and Dave Stewart (Complete) Every time I read this I love it more and more. It's truly what I pictured comics to be when I was a kid: vibrant, dramatic, and a little bonkers. Why does the villain ride a dragon? WHO CARES it looks cool. I love it all.

Delicious in Dungeon Vol. 4 by Ryoko Kui (Complete) Watching the series and rereading the manga is really making for a great experience. This volume really highlighted that Senshi isn't a man with all the answers. In the upper levels of the dungeon, he's competent, but as they go deeper and face more dangerous monsters, the rest of the party take more of the lead. It's so good. This series is so good.

……….AUDIO……….

Wolves of Glendale by Wolves of Glendale (2024) Comedy music is always tricky but for me, the comedy is second. If I don't enjoy the music having no understanding of the lyrics then I probably won't stick with it. Some tracks strike this balance better than others but I found The Gym to be a good introductory track.

……….GAMING……….

Disco Elysium (ZA/UM) On one hand, I tend to prefer more...active games. Something that requires hitting buttons at the right time. On the other hand, I'm really digging the mystery and complexity of the game. It really feels like I can play this detective however I want without being forced to follow any one playstyle. Not sure how far into it I am but I read the review that it's less a detective game and more a game about being a detective and that really feels right. But I do have to say that it's...rather buggy on the Switch so that might not be the recommended way to play it.

Neverland: A Fantasy Role-Playing Setting (Andrews McMeel Publishing) The Tuesday crew is working towards ridding the island of a competing group of adventurers. Hook wants them gone, the Gnomes want them gone, heck even the Moss Mother wants them gone. But will they be able to do it? And the more lengthy recap is over here.

Oz: A Fantasy Role-Playing Setting (Andrews McMeel Publishing) The Mof1 D&D crew found a (literal) underground magic item shop so did a bunch of shopping after their big funeral heist. Everyone loves a good shopping session!

And that's it. See you in March!

#Monthly Media #Kolbisneat #Andrew Kolb

[abbzworld]

Devotion

This was written for a Secret Santa event over on Tumblr. I hope you enjoy your present, @snorpy-fizzlebean! Sorry that it’s late. ^^;

Also, a minor disclaimer; I’ve never seen Twin Peaks and know basically nothing about it. So I was just making some things up at some parts of the story. Lol

Anyways, please enjoy!

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

Grump Peaks was a show that could be very confusing for Chandlo.

It wasn’t necessarily that he didn’t enjoy it. The special effects were usually quite good, especially in the later seasons, and in his opinion, the characters with their struggles and relationships with each other were the best and most interesting part of the show.

He just had some trouble following along with some of the story.

For example, he didn’t understand why the bad guy was planning on unleashing a bunch of supernatural horrors onto Grump Peaks. Sure, he’d had a terrible childhood when he lived there with his alcoholic father and this was his twisted idea of getting revenge. But why didn’t he realize that his plan would also put the entire world in danger? He was supposed to be an intelligent grumpus, after all!

When he asked about it, Snorpy explained to him, “Grizby’s problem isn’t that he’s unintelligent. His problem is that he winds up getting hyper-focused on his goals to the neglect of everything else, including any common sense. Or rather, his lack thereof.”

Chandlo could understand what Snorpy was telling him, but he was still confused as to why the bad guy let things get this bad.

“Unfortunately, that happens sometimes. Take Floofty, for example. They’re trying to help grumpus kind so their goals are obviously much different from Grizby’s, but in a way, Floofty also struggles with seeing whether what they’re doing is a good idea or not. That’s why they take so many risks and don’t always foresee the consequences of their actions. I mean, just look at what happened on Snaktooth! They almost decapitated themselves just to see if their head would come back like their leg did!”

Chandlo gently wrapped an arm around his shoulders to silently comfort him as Snorpy sighed. “I am glad that they’re getting better, however. They still have a long way to go, though.”

Chandlo nodded and said, “Yeah, but that’s probably true of all of us.”

Snorpy silently nodded before he glanced at the television and got excited. “Ooh, I love this part! It’s when Aless and Ozwin join together to stop him!”

Chandlo softly chuckled, keeping his arm around Snorpy’s shoulders as they both continued to watch what was going on in the show.

In all honesty, this was the real reason he watches it despite it not entirely being his thing. He enjoys seeing how invested Snorpy always gets despite having already seen this show dozens of times.

Ever since they were kids, he’s loved Grump Peaks. He meticulously analyzes every frame and shot of the show, has very little he actively criticizes, and even though the show got an abrupt ending because of the Grumpinati, as he believes, it’s still his favorite show of all time.

Chandlo might not fully understand it sometimes, but hey, if it makes Snorpy happy then he’s happy.

Besides, Snorpy was always so adorable the more interested he gets in something. His eyes go wide with excitement, he gets a little smile on his face and Chandlo can tell that he’s committing everything to memory.

Even though he already knows what’s going to happen.

Eventually, the credits of the final episode started to roll and Chandlo yawned as Snorpy began to rant, “I still cannot believe that this show got cancelled! I mean, we never really got a conclusive answer about Aless’ and Ozwin’s relationship, and the overall conclusion was incredibly rushed! They needed at least another season to properly conclude the story but the Grumpinati wouldn’t allow that, would they?!”

Chandlo chuckled as he rubbed his boyfriend’s back. “Easy there, Snorpy-dawg. You don’t want to get too worked up, right?”

Snorpy sighed. “No… I’m sorry Chandlo. I don’t mean to get so emotional; it just really bothers me that Grump Peaks wasn’t given the finale that it truly deserved.”

Chandlo smiled at him. “No need to apologize, bro. I know how much this show means to you. It might not be my thing like it is yours but I can understand your frustration.”

Snorpy sighed again and smiled at him. “Thank you Chandlo. Truly.”

“Aw anytime, Snorpy!”

Snorpy then yawned himself before stretching a bit. “Ugh, what time is it?”

Chandlo looked at a nearby clock. “It’s almost 10 pm.”

“My word, I didn’t realize it was getting so late. We should probably head to bed then!”

Chandlo nodded. “Yeah, I agree. We both have to go to the gym in the morning so we can’t afford to be too tired.”

Snorpy agreed and so they stood up, yawning again, before they shuffled over to their shared bed.

Once they were settled in, they cuddled together and said their good nights.

About five hours later, however, Chandlo awoke to Snorpy softly whimpering.

Groggily, Chando quietly asked, “Snorpy? Hey, are you alright?”

Snorpy didn’t answer and now the whimpers were getting louder.

“No… No! Don’t eat them!”

And then it dawned on Chandlo that he was having a nightmare.

Unfortunately, they both got them frequently ever since they escaped from Snaktooth. The knowledge that the bugsnax they were eating were actually parasites that could’ve – and would’ve – killed them was quite traumatic for them.

Chandlo had no idea what would’ve happened if he’d lost Snorpy. And he was sure that Snorpy had those same thoughts about him. And considering he was already anxious even before he went to Snaktooth, said trauma and anxiety often manifested in the form of nightmares.

And unfortunately, despite how much he wished it, Shellsy was unable to concoct an herbal solution to make the nightmares go away because such a thing didn’t exist. She only knew how to allow someone to go to sleep easier, not actually banish dreams altogether.

So both Chandlo and Snorpy, as well as presumably the rest of the Krew, just had to wait and hope that the dreams would eventually fade on their own.

But regardless of that, Chandlo wasn’t going to just lie there and let Snorpy suffer on his own. He would never do that.

And so, he gently wrapped an arm around Snorpy’s waist, pulling him close.

“Shhh… It’s alright, Snorpy. I’m here.” He gently murmured into his ear, kissing his forehead. It took a few minutes of gently caressing his back, but eventually the whimpers stopped and Snorpy began to breathe easily again.

Still, Chandlo didn’t let go as he once again drifted off to sleep.

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

The next morning, they were at the breakfast table, debating on what to eat that wouldn’t remind them too much of the bugsnax. Apples and bananas were off the table, as well as anything like a cinnamon bun. They eventually settled on cereal.

As they ate, Snorpy said, “Thank you, Chandlo.”

“Hm?”

“Well…” He sighed. “I was having a nightmare last night. But I soon felt a warm and comforting presence enter my subconscious. And the nightmare left me afterwards.” He then smiled. “That was you, wasn’t it?”

Chandlo smiled and chuckled. “Guilty as charged.” He then sighed. “I know how intense those nightmares can get, so I didn’t want you suffering through one alone.”

Snorpy nodded. “Well, thank you. It’s been tough, but I’m glad that you’re here. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“Same here, Snorp-dawg.”

After they’d finished their breakfast, they settled down on the couch as they had half an hour before they had to leave.

They didn’t watch anything, though. They simply cuddled against each other and talked about their plans for the day.

“…and I’m learning how to do pull-up’s better. It’s killer on the arms and abs, but I’m slowly but surely getting there.”

Chandlo smiled as he hugged Snorpy. “I’m proud of you, Snorpy. You’re doing such a good job.”

Snorpy blushed. “Ah, heh heh… Thank you.”

“And I’m really impressed with how fit and healthy you’ve gotten as a result of working out more!” Chandlo continued, finding it adorable how flustered Snorpy was getting. “I’m really proud of you, bro!”

Snorpy giggled, blushing even harder. “Awww, stop. You’re making me blush…”

Chandlo smirked at him. “I know. And I think it’s adorable.”

Snorpy made a bunch of flustered noises as Chandlo chuckled and kissed him on the cheek. “I love you.”

Snorpy giggled again before saying, “Ah, yes. I love you too.”

They both smiled at each other before Snorpy cleared his throat and asked him, “So erm… what do you plan on doing at the gym?”

“Well, I plan on shooting some hoops. It’s fun competing against the other grumps there.”

Snorpy chuckled. “That’s nice to hear. I hope that they don’t get too competitive, though.”

“No, they don’t.” Chandlo reassured him. “It’s all in good fun.”

Snorpy nodded. “Good. I’d hate for someone to get mad at you over a basketball competition. I’ve heard how defensive grumpuses can get over sports and related events…”

“I understand what you mean, but that hasn’t happened.” Chandlo smiled at him, giving him a reassuring squeeze. “And besides, I was taught to always have good sportsmanship. My mother always made sure to teach me that as a kid.”

Snorpy nodded. “Yes, I remember that.”

“Also, it’s important to know your limits. I was always pushing myself too hard and I still struggle with that now. But rest is just as important as how many push-ups you can do in one sitting. Eggabell taught me that!”

Snorpy smiled. “I’m sure she did. She is a doctor after all!”

Chandlo grinned. “Yeah, bro! I owe a lot of my know-how to her! And to you, of course. You’ve always been there for me and your inventions are really helpful!”

Snorpy giggled again. “Heh, thank you.”

For the new few minutes, they simply sat there, cuddling each other as Snorpy listened to Chandlo’s heartbeat.

Eventually, however, they had to get up to go to the gym.

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

“Let’s see… water bottles?”

“Check.”

“Towels?”

“Check.”

“First aid kit?”

“Check.”

“And we’re both dressed in our workout gear… Awesome dawg! We’re ready to go!”

“Right behind you, love.”

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

The End

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I hope you enjoyed this story. If you did, feel free to tell me! And if you have any constructive criticism for me, you can tell me that, as well. Thank you!

#bugsnax secret santa 2023 #fanfic #bugsnax #secret santa #snorplo

[chernobog13]

Zatoichi (1989), aka Zatoichi: Darkness Is His Ally.

This was the last film in the original 26-film series featuring the blind swordsman, Zatoichi. It was released 16 years after the previous entry, Zatoichi's Conspiracy. In the intervening years, Zatoichi appeared in a 100-episode television series broadcast over four years.

Shintaro Katsu not only starred in the film, he directed it (his second in the series), co-wrote it, and produced it. It was his chance to say goodbye to the character he had most been associated with and which brought him the most fame and acclaim.

This is not the best film in the series by any means. It is overlong and the pacing is off; there are one or two scenes that were inserted just to appease Katsu-san's vanity; and many small bits are repeated from previous films that give the impression that this is a "best of..." compilation film.

On the other hand, it is not a terrible movie, either. Watching this film, albeit with a much older Zatoichi, feels like visiting with an old friend. And I still prefer it to any of the so-called Zatoichi films that were released years later.

Besides this being Katsushin's swan song as Ichi, the film's reputation will always be marred, at least in Japan, by a tragic death that occurred during production.

Katsushin's son, Ryutaro Gan, played the villainous yakuza Boss Goemon in the film. While filming a battle scene Gan, with what he thought was a prop sword, stabbed fellow actor Yukio Kato. The sword was real and, tragically, Kato died from his wounds.

#Zatoichi #Zatoichi: Darkness Is His Ally #Shintaro Katsu #yakuza #chambara #jidaigeki #anma #blind swordsman

[cleoselene]

the top 5

So I'm not really a film buff. I like a lot of movies, but I'm a tv person. TV is my love, TV is where my passion is. And I've been mulling over the question of what are my actual top 5 favorite TV shows of all time?

I can tell you the top three easily:

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - uncontested favorite show of all time. Perfect characterization. Covers nearly every genre you can think of. Intricate, deliberate, patient storytelling. Gets a reputation for being the "dark" Star Trek but is still loads brighter and more hopeful than anything labeled "Star Trek" after 9/11. The writing is so strong, the characters are so lovingly crafted, there are over 100 incredible episodes to dig into. It doesn't overwhelm you with anything, when the story is very serialized, it gives you a break. When the story gets too intense, it takes a turn and gives you something lighter. I have SO MANY OPINIONS about how fandom kind of lets me down in its appreciation of this show but my appreciation of it is perfect.

Six Feet Under - beginning to end, uniformly wonderful quality. Claire Fisher and I went through a few too many of the same experiences as young women in the early '00s. I think if we're lucky, we find a television show that portrays experiences in a way that are true to us, and Six Feet Under speaks a certain kind of truth for me. Claire and I had the same cynical views, the same confusion in early adulthood, the same flirtations with sinister older men, the same asshole artist boyfriend who got us pregnant and then acted like when she/I had to get an abortion it was all about HIM. That complicated, painful relationship a young woman has with her mother, that's fraught with fighting and pain and a fierce kind of love. And the most perfect, beautiful ending in television history. My only complaint with SFU is that Nate Fisher is an incredibly difficult character to sit through on rewatch (and on first watch honestly) but I forgive it because through Nate we get Brenda, who is the Difficult Woman that fandom always claims they want to have to love but always hates when they get her. Brenda is amazing. I love Brenda.

Twin Peaks - a multi-decade obsession that I don't think I need to get into too deeply here because I have been fawning over it on this blog for months, but a few notes: This show takes a single tragedy and doesn't allow you to get over it, in a television landscape that encourages you to consume a new violence every week and then forget about it, Laura Palmer's death has lingers with us for over three decades because it should. It should be terrible and awful and painful. Twin Peaks also came about when crime media like Silence of the Lambs was telling us that the true evil scary bad guy was a crossdressing serial killer, when television soap operas coded crossdressing as a deviant, evil behavior, and said, "one of our explicitly coded good people is transgender." Twin Peaks told us that the killer is not some weird other, but as it is in reality, someone more familiar and mundane that we try to imagine is a terrifying monster to cope with the brutal mundane reality. And that's just the tip of a massive iceberg when it comes to what this piece of interpretive art is tackling. The wonderful thing about Twin Peaks is that you can read a million theories trying to define exactly what it's about and they can all be correct, because it's not just about consumable tv violence or trying to make monsters out of the mundane, it's about how we perceive our realities and so, so much more. The iceberg's depth is endless.

and then after those top three, I struggle to round out the top five. I have other shows I LOVE, but hesitate to put in with these elite three, for a variety of reasons. I love Star Trek: TNG and Voyager, but the uneven quality I think kicks them off the top five. Voyager has brilliance but some really dog bad episodes, TNG has some whole bad seasons.

HBO's "Rome" is an obsession that was so potent while it lasted that I am tempted, but it was a 2 season show and the quality fell off badly because the plot was majorly rushed in S2. I don't think it qualifies for top five, either.

My most recent sci-fi obsession is The Orville in that it really comes close to hitting the sweet spots the 90s Treks hit within the limitations of shorter modern television seasons, but I don't know if it's a complete work yet. I HOPE NOT. Season 3 was as beautiful and wonderful as modern television gets. It's got major top 5 potential.

Legend of the Seeker is up there with Rome in that the obsession was potent but way too brief: a 2 season affair. It's tempting to put this one in the top 5 because honestly I had almost no complaints about it. It adapted absolutely dog-awful atrocious shit source material and Raimi/Tapert gave it the same magic they infused into Xena to make it a really fun, progressive show. I want to give it a top 5 spot just because IT DESERVED BETTER AND EVERYONE ON IT WAS SO BEAUTIFUL. Also the fandom was super fun and I made really good friends in it and it was just a really joyful show to watch. It made me feel happy. TV doesn't make me feel happy enough anymore. Usually it makes me feel depressed *cough all the new Star Treks, cough* but Legend of the Seeker just lifted me UP. It was syndicated and I worked graveyard shift and I would get home after working all night at 7am and watch the new episode before bed and it was just. Such a boost of happiness.

Finally, I think Farscape deserves a slot. I don't know where. I am WAY overdue for a Farscape rewatch. After the roommates and I get through DS9 (one of them has never seen it!!) we are going to Farscape next. I always love telling people that Farscape is like Star Trek if Star Trek allowed itself to be kinky. What was that one TWOP description of Farscape? "American man lost in the Australian S&M scene." Roflcopter. Also, John/Aeryn is one of the more epic ships of all time. OF ALL TIME.

#star trek #deep space nine #ds9 #twin peaks #six feet under #the orville #legend of the seeker #hbo rome #farscape #idk idk idk #i'm inclined to say the rest of the top five is farscape and seeker