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#the Disney version isn’t funny!
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Hello Doug fans, you should know that Doug isn’t just one show, it’s two separate shows.
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What are your honest thoughts on:
Harriet Hook
Li'l (Lonnie's brother)
Claudine Frollo
Anthony Tremaine
Based on what you read about them?
1) Harriet Hook was barely mentioned at all in the books from what I remember, but I do like all the fanon about her being one of the oldest VKs & sort of a universal mom-friend on the Isle. I also love the HC that she’s taller than Harry & I like to picture her ragging him about it a little lol. I see her as being a tough sort of figure that demands respect but does genuinely look out for especially the younger kids on the Isle & is thus widely known & loved by VKs; she may have only played a small role in most of their lives but it was a good one. She can & will take on physical challenges on the behalf of others, altho most would step down if this happens. She’d never admit out loud how much she cares about people. She’ll tease her siblings & basically lives on her ship as soon as she’s old enough, but she is always there for them when they need her & anyone who talks shit about them where she can hear about it isn’t walking away without a bruise (or a talking to, when they’re too young to fight). However, she also knows enough to know when to let people handle their own battles, her siblings included. She knows how things work on the Isle all too well.
2. I know absolutely nothing about Li’l, if he was mentioned in canon I don’t remember where. I’ve seen some posts by @lilikohirukoma talk about him & I’m gonna default to those bc tbh for a while I thought he was somebody’s OC. I picture him being a lot younger than Lonnie, in the age where he still thinks his older sister is super cool (inevitably he will go thru the phase of thinking she’s too lame to be associated with before realizing she’s actually cool when they’re both older) & idk if that’s accurate to either canon or common fanon
3. Claudine Frollo shouldn’t exist I feel so bad for her. Who gave the disney villain who comes closest to being a s*x offender a daughter. Oh no. I really really hope she’s okay & Frollo just is strict with her upbringing in terms of moral righteousness & he never did anything worse to her than he already did to Quasimodo. If I’m being generous I can imagine Disney Frollo having some of the good characteristics of Victor Hugo’s Frollo & thus the potential to be a good parent but Disney Frollo is genuinely so much worse & less complex than OG Novel Frollo. All of the bad things without the compassion to have adopted Quasimodo willingly. Anyway this ended up being not as much about Claudine but basically if Frollo was a not-as-bad-as-he-could’ve-been parent I can see Claudine being quiet & largely isolated but kind of haughty & internally judgmental of her peers with a sense of moral superiority, and if Frollo was Irredeemably Bad I still seeing her being quiet & externally the same but coming more from a place of protecting herself, esp if she grew up being indoctrinated not to trust anyone but Frollo. Bc that’s exactly how he raised Quasi. Quasi did turn out well after all, so I have hope that she could have an abundant inner world and a lot to offer anyone who can get thru her shell & connect with her.
I don’t remember Claudine appearing much in canon but I had a very strong HOND phase so a lot of this is mostly based on that
4) Anthony Tremaine seems like a fun character from what I remember—cocky enough to ask Mal for a dance when everyone else in their class is afraid of her. I think he knows what he’s good at and knew in that moment he caught her off balance, but would also know enough to stay out of her way in a different situation. Raised by a family with a strong sense of Manners in the traditional sense, he’s good at subterfuge but bad in a physical fight. He would do well in a royal court. I imagine he’s a bit vain & prefers standing back & listening to all the gossip at school to participating in the gang fights. He probably thinks highly of himself for acquiring the “real power” of knowing things about people to use for blackmail but if someone threatened him with physical violence & he couldn’t talk his way out of it he’d go down immediately
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ohfugecannada · 6 months
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Watching the haunted mansion (2023) with my mom. I haven’t been this painfully bored watching a movie since I watched Batman: Gotham by Gaslight.
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thenightling · 2 years
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Tumblr has discovered The Sandman...
Tumblr has discovered Neil Gaiman’s The Sandman.   Here are some of the examples of proof of that discovery.  The good and the not-so-good.
1.   The Corinthian (A nightmare entity) has been referred to as a “Blorbo.”  Based on my understanding of the meaning of the word I am pretty certain The Corinthian probably should not be your Blorbo.  But then again you might be into that sort of thing.  I’ve seen some strange things in the Horror movie slasher fandoms.  Just know that if he was real it would probably not be safe to think of him as your Blorbo.
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2.  The Corinthian has been called Cori and Cory respectively.   And so it begins...
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3.  Morpheus has been referred to as a poor little “Meow Meow” and not while in his cat form.  And yes, I know he fits the criteria for the term.  It’s just this was the first time I’ve seen him called it without it being literally related to his cat form.   You have truly made it in the world of Tumblr when they start calling your character a Blorbo or Poor LIttle Meow Meow.  Whatever happened to Woobie?   I would think Morpheus would fit under “Woobie.”   
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4.   I have seen Tom Sturridge (Morpheus’s Netflix actor) referred to as a DILF.  (Dad I’d like to ...have fun with).   As the term is usually reserved for older men, and I, myself, am forty, and Tom Sturridge is a few years younger than I am, this term usage came as a surprise to me. It turns out some fans are using the term quite literally as Tom Sturridge literally is a father.  I was used to the term being used specifically in regard to age.
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5. Morpheus has been compared to a Disney Princess.
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6.   A scene from the source material has been taken out of context to make the character look more like an asshole than he actually is even though there are plenty of real asshole moments as the character is on a long redemption arc.
The scene in question is when Matthew the Raven says “Penny for your thoughts.” And Morpheus responds with “You have no pennies, Matthew.”  Later Morpheus offers Matthew a literal penny in exchange for him voicing his thoughts.  Morpheus being too literal is what is happening here. Context matters.
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7.  There are people trying to bluff having read The Sandman without having actually read The Sandman to try to gain clout in the fandom.   It’s okay to have not read it yet, guys. It’s a great read. There’s nothing to be ashamed of.  Go have fun.  I promise it’s not as difficult as some people make it out to be.
Someone genuinely tried to argue with me that the “White haired version of Morpheus” was not created by Neil Gaiman and was created long after he was done writing The Sandman.  If you have read The Sandman you would understand how wrong this is. 
Don’t try to bluff having read The Sandman if you have not.  We can tell.  We can always tell.  
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8.  There are gatekeepers trying to intimidate new readers into thinking there’s nothing whimsical in The Sandman and that it’s “So deep” and “you won’t get it the first time you read it.  You have to read it a few times to understand it.”
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Yes, there is darkness in The Sandman. It’s part dark fantasy / part Gothic Horror with moments of gore but there are light things too.   Don’t discourage new readers.   I promise the story isn’t as hard to get into as some people make it out to be. I know terms like “Classic” can make some people chafe.  Just give it a try.  If you don’t like the first issue, try the second. If you don’t like the second, keep going until at least issue four.  If you still don’t like it after issue 4, it’s okay to stop.  No one will judge you.  If you don’t like comic books, try the audio drama, it’s divided into chapters like a novel.  Each issue being a chapter.   If you don’t like it after chapter four, that’s okay.  You’ll know if you like it or not by then. 
9.  There is already fan art of Tom Sturridge as Morpheus in funny / ridiculous scenarios.  No picture is given here as I did not get permission from the artists to share them yet.
10. There are already people complaining about the casting without having watched the show yet. One faction claiming the casting is “too woke” while another faction seemed concerned that it’s not inclusive enough even though Desire is nonbinary and pansexual, Death is a black woman, Rose and Unity are black women, Ruthven Sykes is a black man, Lucienne is a black woman who wears spectacles, Lucifer (who has no set gender or even sexual reproductive organs) is being played by a woman, Alexander Burgess is gay, The Corinthian is gay, Johanna Constantine is bisexual, Cain and Abel are South Asian...      
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There even seem to be politically charged rants complaining because the English language show, with an English cast, written by an English writer, has a lead actor with an English accent...
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So what do I have to say about Tumblr discovering The Sandman? 
Well..
 Welcome to the Sandom!  
You’re in for quite a ride.   And don’t put your fingers too close to The Corinthian’s face.  Just... Don’t.
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fancylala4 · 5 months
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Man, isn’t so funny how we gotten two versions of cgi Ariel (Anna and rapunzel) in two different movies, nobody cared then and loved them but when it’s a black character or woc with the same or similar personality, they start to whine that it’s too much.
I agree that Disney needs to stop using the same personality type for their female protagonists (or their plot devices like rapunzel) but why are these guys complaining about it now? It’s getting so annoying. I bet you they wouldn’t have complained about asha if she looked like the great value Ariel or the Ariel sisters.
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onboardsorasora · 1 month
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Hii, if you don’t mind and if it isn’t too difficult, could you maybe create a list of all the different Max and Daniel’s in your au’s and give very brief descriptions of them and their relationship? And saying what fic they belong to? Sometimes I get a little confused 😭
Allo! This one is gonna be probably a long post. and I apologize from now for my potentially shitty descriptions😭 All can be found on my Maxiel Masterlist 1 and Masterlist 2. I do have a lot of stories, but I'll only talk about the ones that feature the most in my ask box currently.
Lets start with Enchanted AU - Daniel is a Disney Princess with magical powers. Max is Max. They meet in Monaco and Max is confused and in love. fluffy, funny, tooth rottingly cute
De-Aged Daniel AU- Daniel gets Exchanged with a younger version of himself (as of right now, he is 5yrs old). Max is Max. Max is taking care of Little Daniel, Older Daniel is at his Parents' house in the past. Currently a prompt fic, and i am woefully behind
Tennis AU - Daniel is a Tennis Pro, Max is Max. They meet at the Monaco GP. Very feral and horny for each other. Horny wag daniel before horny wag Daniel AU
Horny Wag Daniel - Max is Max, Daniel is a model/influencer/we never really fleshed that out. Only lives as tumblr ask prompts. Actually feral about each other. Turns marketing people's lives upside down (i hope that link works)
Sponsor Max AU - Max is a high powered/wealthy Vcarb sponsor. Daniel is Daniel. Max is obsessed about Daniel and uses his power, wealth and influence to get what he wants. fairly dubcon. currently (using this loosely) being written as an actual story but most lives in tumblr ask prompts
Harem Verse- ok so the problem with this one, we went through so many different prompts before it became a harem that theres no reasonable way to tag this properly (sorry). They're all drivers, except Josh. Daniel has like 5 boyfriends on the grid- Max, Lewis, Carlos, Charles, George. And then Josh. this started out as like a jealous Max over pregnant Daniel verse and spiralled into its own universe of beautiful chaos
Alpha Max vs Grid Kids - unfortunately I don't remember the actual tag for this one, but essentially its Alpha Max complaining that Omega Daniel is spending too much time taking care of his grid kids (Oscar, Liam, Jack, Logan and Zhou i think) and neglecting him and then eventually became the grid kids claiming Max as their grid dad
Adore You Verse - Mafia/Organized Crime AU. Daniel and Max are high ranking members of their organizations. Action fics, 95,523 words. Daniel deals with a lot of isolation and grief in parts
Reclamation AU - Angsty, slow burn, getting back together. Alt universe where no one is a driver. Max and Daniel had a really bad break up, and they eventually make up. 73,191 words
Mob Wife Daniel - Max is a bodyguard, Daniel is the wife of Chr*stian, a high ranking mob boss. Originally an poly pairing but for obvious reasons we strayed from that and actually kinda strayed from this au all together. Mobwife Daniel is very unhinged and dangerous and Max loves it
I hope that was all of them!
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chaos-good-life · 1 month
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Look, I get that as a Star Trek fan, I should be happy. Oooh, look at all the new Trek that's coming!
But there are lines in this story that make me obscenely, indescribably, unrationally outraged.
���We take it very seriously,” says David Stapf, president of CBS Studios. “‘Star Trek’ is one of the most valued, treasured and to-be-nurtured franchises in all of media.”
WELL YOU HAVE A FUNNY WAY OF SHOWING IT!
Paramount's stewardship of Trek post-Roddenberry has always annoyed me but this quote shows how tone-deaf these people are. Through their actions they show that when they mean valued, they mean profitable and what they can get out of it. When they mean treasured, they mean it's to be mined for gold and leveraged for our own ends, not the good of the franchises. And nurtured? How? With money? Yes, I'd say they're pouring more into Star Trek then ever before, but also why does everyone working on Trek feel they need to make clear the franchise is good value for money? Case in point from the story: "That tension isn’t exclusive to the film studio. I lost count of the number of times someone made a point to note, with real pride, how one or the other of the “Star Trek” TV productions is saving money, whether it be “Section 31” repurposing sets from “Discovery” or “Strange New Worlds” redressing the same set to be everything from crew quarters to a sparring gym. No one will get specific about budgets, but Kurtzman says that “Section 31” costs “so much less than you’d ever make a ‘Star Trek’ movie for.”"
Are they nurturing the fan base? How exactly? The article goes into great detail about how well Trek is doing on Paramount+ but fails to mention that Paramount+ itself is not doing well. Why are you hiding Trek away on a platform few people use? Because like Voyager on UPN in the 90s, Trek is THE DRAW. But you can't draw new fans on a platform no one is watching. How many people discovered the old Trek shows because they were/are on platforms people can access easily? You own a legacy TV network? Why isn't at least ONE of the Trek shows predominantly on CBS? Then you can use it as a taste at least to get people to sign up and see the others? Then there's the haphazard way they handle merchandising and licensing for the new products. You have amazing new series. How are you getting them into the hands of young people? Even Prodigy didn't air on Nickelodeon right away. As a result, you have this greying of the franchise issue.
"I ask “The Next Generation” star Jonathan Frakes, who’s acted in or directed more versions of “Star Trek” than any other person alive, how often he meets fans for whom the new “Star Trek” shows are their first. “Of the fans who come to talk to me, I would say very, very few,” he says. “‘Star Trek’ fans, as we know, are very, very, very loyal — and not very young.”" Paramount needs to change tact. Take a page from Disney/Lucasfilm. Sure, they are certainly trying to turn Star Wars into the proverbial dead horse to be beaten, but the Star Wars generational legacy is secure.
They need to stop speaking in platitudes. You say Trek is valued? Then SHOW IT.
Let Trek fly in the mainstream.
Give it a wider net to catch new fans.
Actually show faith in it, rather than using it as an IP for making money. Be more accessible.
Oh and fix your damn licensing on Deep Space Nine and GET ME MORE MERCH TO BUY!
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ilovebeingaturtle · 7 months
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Besides 87 raph what’s your opinion on the other iterations just curious
Assuming you mean the other iterations of Raph? So! Cracks knuckles here we go-
First of all I really enjoy 90s Raph, just the fact? His ass keeps getting into trouble? Like first movie he’s thrown through a window, second movie he gets kidnapped by the Foot, this boy is accident prone and I love it AHA also his accent is super fun. I wouldn’t rank him tooo highly on a list of favourites? 90s!Donnie is my favourite live action turtle overall, but he’s great! And if you add on 07 as the fourth movie for this version of turtles he’s awesome, I fucking love the concept of the nightwatcher!!! And his dynamic with Casey in that movie might be my favourite version of the duo, good Raph all around pats his head
Feel like I should also add on my thoughts about Next Mutation Raph here too while on the topic of like-the live action turtles, but I honestly don’t have much to say yet AHA, I’ve only seen like four episodes so far and I think Venus is the only character I really like from it (she’s so lovely,,,my sweet daughter,,) OH also! Adding on again with live action, I think the fact that Raph is one of the singers for the stageshow tours is fucking brilliant AHA, something about him being musical inclined just feels right for me (maybe because 87!Raphael loves singing all the time so seeing other iterations do it makes me happy? Who is to say) also the suit designs are just really cute I love their goofy accessories
03! 03! I LOVE 03! One of the lamest Raph’s but that just endears him even more to me, his lines are just so. Cheesy and uncool, and they’re delivered with the gruffest thickest accent ever, it’s perfect. He’s also just such a good brother, he can be so patient and supportive, 03 has such a well rounded team man. Like the bonds are so strongggg, you really feel such a connection between all the turtles. Like I adore his back and forth with Mikey, him and Donnie’s dynamic I feel like I don’t even need to talk about and him and Leo are so sweeeeet. Oh! Also! Love how Fast Forward made him the tallest, it’s perfect boy had a growth spurt. (Oh, also I hope this isn’t cheating by bringing up 87, but I love the dynamic Turtles Forever gave him with the 87 turtles. Could it have been written better? Yes. But is the concept of him slowly warming up to them and acting like their older brother adorable? Also yes.)
I think if I’m going in release order IDW is next? In which case, YEAHHH THIS GUY! The idea that he briefly was alone after being first mutated is so fascinating, I like how it puts a new lens on his loner habits, he’s also just super caring and ah! Good Raph! Him and Pepperoni are adorable and I like how he was the one to reach out to Mikey when like-that whole situation was happening. I have more thoughts but ajshajshsjshajhs ya know-
2012 Raph is like one of my favourites, I think just the fact he’s so sweet and gentle sometimes is just really endearing, he’s the Disney princess Raph! Look at those Rapunzel green eyes, I love it. He’s also just so fucking funny, his dialogue is dripping with sarcasm he’s got quips and it’s great. Plus his dynamic with Splinteeeeeerrr was so fucked gahhhhI just love this little guy man! He’s a good little guy! Like usual I struggle to put my thoughts about 2012 turtles into words I just want to shake them around like dog toys instead
Okay so I haven’t actually seen the first Bayverse movie yet, but I really like Raph in the second! He’s fun! I really enjoyed how him and Mikey are a duo almost, they’re both team purple ooze and that was super fun. I kinda really wish Bayverse had it’s own spin-off cartoon to expand more, I think Out of the Shadows had some strong concepts and it just tripped over itself a lot AHA, oh! Also since this is kinda short, on the topic of movies I enjoyed Batman VS TMNT Raph a lot too, that scene where he talks down Batman and talks about family? Like that sold him for me, both good movie boys
I think Rise making Raph the big brother is amazing, it’s so cool to see things shaken up and his portrayal in the show really does make sense. He’s still recognisable as Raph, but we get to see how a character we love can be shaped differently by new circumstances. All Raph’s have that natural protector role but now we see how him being the ‘Leo’ would impact that-also that aside he’s just a super sweet Raph! I love how he’s still playful while trying so hard to get his brothers to work as a team, I wish we had more episodes where he tries to get them to do stupid training exercises. There’s just something so earnest about this version, you gotta love him
Mutant Mayhem Raph surprised me! If I’m honest, while I don’t find anything wrong with more violent and angry leaning Raphs they’re definitely not the iterations I personally lean to the most? 87!Raphael is my favourite so that’s probably a given AHA, but like this boy completely knocked it out of the park. I love how smug he is, this boy is honestly just happy to be here and he got quite a few laughs out of me. He’s a very well balanced mix of what has come before honestly, I’m super excited to see him in depth in the future. AND HIS WHOLE DYNAMIC WITH HIS BROS IS JUST SO CUTEEEEEE OKAY IM DONE AUSHAJAH
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leo-dooley-lab-rats · 11 months
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On The Edge is Best of Season Four of Lab Rats
I have a few things to say about the On The Edge special. Out of the many specials in season four, it’s by far my favorite as it’s clearly a Leo focused special. I am a Leo fan girl through and through. Leo since the start of the Island stuff has been stuck as a student trying to prove himself worthy of being a mentor. The special brings out all Leo’s pent-up frustrations and allows him to express them.
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I find the special to be a really good character study of Leo as well. Part one of the special has the more negative qualities on display(Leo’s recklessness, impatience, ego, arrogance, and even some his trademark sneakiness) while part two puts Leo’s best qualities on display(his fearlessness, his compassion, determination, etc.). The first part has Leo’s worst qualities blow up in his face to only have his best qualities shine threw and save the day.
In terms of season four, each of the many specials focus on one of the main characters. Bionic Action Hero is mainly a Bree special with Chase and Adam centered stuff thrown in. Space Colony is primary an Adam special. Bionic Rebellion is mostly a Chase centered special, if I had say anyone was focused on. The finale/The Vanishing is Douglas/Daniel focused special while serving as the series finale and last hooray for the cast/series. On The Edge is Leo’s focused special.
I think before going further its with pointing out that Disney+ took out some scenes for streaming, but for the purpose of this I will be talking about scenes and episode as it originally aired. I found the transcript of the episode along with OG broadcasted episode. I won’t link with the episode since it’s technically would be a pirated version. I do trust anyone who is interested in the OG version can find it themselves. The transcript is pulled from the Lab Rats Wiki, IMBd, and Quotes.net, but mostly the Wiki.
I want to quickly touch on some of acting in the On The Edge special. Tyrel Jackson Williams(actor who plays Leo) is one of the best actors in the cast of Lab Rats and I think most fans can agree on that. Williams acting in whole special is great. He isn’t often given much dramatic material to work with in Lab Rats since it is a sitcoms, but this special does. I think the On The Edge is some of Williams best in the show. The way he portrays Leo in this episode is just great. Leo is still as funny as ever, but Williams able to give weight Leo’s anger, frustrations, guilt, and joy. You can tell Tyrel put a lot of heart into Leo. Watching Leo on the bridge mission with Taylor and saving Chase are some Tyrel’s most dramatic moments on the show. The rest of the other members of the cast are great, but I think Tyrel brings just something more than usual in terms of acting in the On The Edge special.
The score for On The Edge is solid. There are a few spots where I think score just shines and goes above a normal TV score(I will point where that is when it comes up). Lab Rats score for TV sitcoms is decent and does it job, but I think for the specials, and On The Edge especially, the score is just a step above normal.
The special starts off with Leo is rightly upset that Adam, Bree, and Chase are getting honored with an award and tells his family about it. His family, namely Adam, Bree, and Chase, as usually don’t listen. A big thing with dynamic of Adam, Bree, Chase, and Leo is the trio not taking Leo 100% seriously ever. The bionic trio didn’t believe Leo about Marcus, didn’t think bringing Douglas to help fix Bree’s chip was a good idea, and didn’t think Leo had a leg to stand on for his argument that he should be a mentor. Even Donald Davenport doesn’t take Leo 100% seriously. Leo not getting the award along side his family is just another thing in a long line of things that Leo isn’t believed or taken serious on.
“I worked so hard to prove myself but it doesn't matter. They're always gonna see me as their little barely bionic brother.”
As the special goes on, we see Leo air his complicate to both his new team and to his family. It’s paints a picture that Leo has been feeling undervalued for a long time.
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Leo appears to appreciate all the positive feedback that he starts to get from Taylor and Logan(members of Leo’s team) and some of that is Leo’s ego. Even Logan’s hero worship of Leo means a lot to Leo. I can’t help but think a lot of it is also Leo getting some validation he hasn’t been getting anywhere else. It’s pretty clear that Taylor and Logan’s support throughout the special mean a lot to Leo. Leo does get a little arrogant as their leader by exaggerating his own successes/abilities.
“Talk about an underdog. He was just a regular guy. And all of a sudden he got bionics and became an inspiration to the whole world.”
Taylor and Logan(Logan especially) are there from story structure standpoint to help Leo have someone to listen and actual hear what he saying. Taylor and Logan listen to what Leo is saying and take him seriously as a leader while his siblings(mostly Chase) don’t.
There is unique to view Logan, Taylor, and Leo as a parallel of sorts to Adam, Bree, and Chase. Leo is Chase aka the leader of group. Logan is Adam aka the dumb but loyal protector. Bree is Taylor aka balancer/mediator of the team who sometimes acts in a leader role. Taylor is a bit of stretch, but I think it’s interesting way to look at Leo’s team.
“I am MORE than ready, and maybe I wouldn't feel like I need to prove that to you guys if you weren't looking down on me.”
A line from Leo “if you guys weren’t always looking down on me,” really stands out as to how Leo feels. He doesn’t feel like an equal in his own family. He was made a student upon arriving, not mentor like literally everyone else in his family(minus Tasha and possibly Douglas). There’s also the fact Leo wasn’t bionic for the most of the show and only recently got a bionic arm and later bionic leg. It’s not hard to see why Leo feels like he is not an equal in his own family. There isn’t much to suggest otherwise.
“Is that why you're always bragging about how you're not one of us? I think you're just pretending to be a student so you can spy on us for the enemy.”
When you watch back earlier episodes in the Island storyline, you start to notice that Leo harks on the fact he is family to the mentors and goes on missions. Leo even throw a tantrum when he was “assigned to live in the student dorm”(episode: Bionic Rebellion). Seriously, the Bionic Rebellion special has Leo spend a lot of time ranting the student about all this. I think Leo is trying to point out and cling on to all the ways he is different from the other student.
Sometime that really speaks volumes to how sort of clueless Davenports are to how Leo is feeling is that when says he feels like “always looking down on” him. Bree replies “we don't look down on you”. I find that pretty telling that his family doesn’t realize how Leo is feeling.
We going to take quick look at interaction between Leo and his team that I think highlights how Leo is feeling. The scene comes after Taylor and Leo show Chase their new combined EMP ability and Chase tells Leo and Taylor not to use the ability. The scene starts with Leo being frustrated that despite working hard to proving himself it doesn’t change how his family sees him as the “little brother whose barely bionic”. Leo takes Chase not trust Taylor and Leo to their new EMP as a sign of how his family sees him. Leo even states in the scene “I'm so sick of them not treating me seriously. It's time to prove I'm as much a bionic hero as they are”.
“I hate this. I've worked so hard to prove myself but it doesn't matter. They're always going to see me as their little brother whose barely bionic.”
Taylor and Logan actually try to comfort Leo about how he is feeling. Taylor even tells Leo that her and Logan they’ve got Leo’s back. For Leo, these appear to be the only two people that believe in him and his abilities right now.
When Leo tries to convince Chase to let Taylor and him use the ability, Chase doesn’t let them have a word in. Leo give a good reason that if this ability was when they were fighting Krane then the Triton app could be taken out much easier. Chase tells Leo that “doesn’t matter” and that ability “is dangerous”. In the long run, Chase is half right that ability was dangerous. The problem here is that Chase wasn’t willing to hear Leo out and due that the EMP ability became dangerous(because Leo was trying to prove himself to his family/Chase). When the ability was used again in part two, it wasn’t dangerous. The ability wasn’t dangerous the first times the ability was used by. It was only dangerous when Leo was trying to prove something.
You could make the argument that EMP ability is what symbolic of Leo’s journey. The ability is found by accident like how Leo often causes accidents and found the the Lab by accident. The ability wasn’t dangerous until Leo’s recklessness and need to prove himself took him. This often happens when Leo was trying to impress Jenelle or even other social situations. The ability becomes safe again when Leo is not trying to impress or prove anything rather he just trying to help.
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Leo drive and need to prove himself leads to Leo seriously injuring Taylor. The injuring of Taylor is classic recklessness of Leo with a hint of ego/arrogance. Leo thought they could handle it while also rushing into using this new EMP ability without knowing much about it.
“Back off! This is my team!”
When looking at the scene where Taylor actually gets hurt it is the build of a lot Leo trying to prove himself once again, but feeling like his family is once again telling him he’s not good enough. The scene starts off with Leo and Taylor doing well training to use the ability. The problem starts with Leo and Taylor add more power to EMP because Leo wants to show-off a little. In the show that’s often where Leo’s problems start, when he is trying to show off to Jenelle or someone else. Chase and Bree telling Leo to stop using the ability doesn’t help. Leo is stubborn and I think he is done listening to them. He wants to show them he is worth taking seriously.
The score in the scene is just great. I love how sound effects and music mix together. The score helps sell the intensity of the interaction. I don’t have much else to say other than score is just great in these scene.
“Oh, please, you're just jealous that your team isn't as powerful as mine.”
Tyrel Jackson Williams acting in the scene is just amazing. The way Tyrel delivers the anger, hurt, and determination in some of lines is amazing. When Leo claims Chase is jealous the playful tone that underlined with angry and hurt is amazing. After Taylor is hurt, the way Tyrel acts is amazing. The guilt and shock is written all over the acting/character. It is just amazing how well Tyrel gets the emotions in the scene.
“I can't believe it. She's never gonna see again. It's all because of me.”
The next couple scenes after training mishap with EMP ability have Leo thinking everything will be fine and Taylor will be okay. Leo has had bad injuries and he just got bionics. It’s makes sense for Leo to think this way. It’s also very innocent way of thinking.
It isn’t until the news that Taylor is now blind thanks to Leo’s leadership that things change. Lab Rats doesn’t always have lasting consequences like this. Leo got his arm and leg crushed but he was fine since he got a bionic upgrades/replacements(not completely sure how that worked). Villains dies off screen or in the case of Marcus is technically a robot so the death can be shown. Taylor getting blinded is just brutal and sets up next part perfectly(we will get into soon). It’s honestly one of the worst and most lasting thing to happen on the show.
Side note: not completely related, but interesting to point out(I’m not the only who has noticed this). Taylor, formerly S-1, was the reason Leo’s arm was destroyed and now here Leo takes Taylor’s sight. Don’t know if was intentional, but interesting parallel.
Leo rightly feels a lot of guilt over what happened to Taylor and decides to leave the island. I know some people don’t like this scene. I find that it’s very in character character for Leo. Leo tends to put the protection of those he loves first and does whatever he can to protect them. I think in his mind by leaving he was protecting everyone. It is debatable if Leo made the right call here or not, but it was his decision to make at the end of the day.
“Taylor has to live with my mistake for the rest of her life.”
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I want to actually take a moment to actual break down the whole scene where Leo leaves the island. It’s very powerful scene and sets the stage for the second part of the special. It’s very impressive that whole scene is carried by acting alone, there no music until the Leo starts to board the hytroloop.
Disclaimer: the photo edit above was created by me.
The conversion in the scene is mostly between Leo, Chase, and Donald Davenport. The special as whole does have Adam, Bree, and Douglas as features rather than a main focus. Adam and Douglas in the first part mostly work on making limo indestructible. Bree tends to be paired with Chase or Adam in scenes to help add to conversion, but her character isn’t really a focus in this special. Even Donald’s role in the overall story is small. In this scene and other dramatic scenes, Donald acts in his mentor/father role in the show. The special is mostly about Leo and his problems, but it’s feature Chase quite a bit. Chase arguably is the one Leo is most close to out of the trio. The special takes their stable relationship and breaks it down. Leo and Chase bud heads as Leo wants to step and be a leader. Chase doesn’t want to let go of being a leader and he doesn’t see Leo as anything more than his little brother. The whole point I am making is the scene here is the climax of the first part and it chooses to focus on these characters.
I think Chase’s line of “I never meant for you to leave” says a lot of what was going on. This clashing of heads between Leo and bionic trio on the surface didn’t seem like anything new to trio. If you look at Leo’s point of view this clash was culmination of everything since they got to the island. From the trio’s point of view it was just another disagreement to solved and fixed in a couple days. I don’t think Adam, Bree, or Chase actually thought Leo was this upset about Taylor or his place at the Academy until then.
Headcanon: I also like to think that trio never can imagine Leo up and leaving. Leo has never really left their side from extended period since the day they meant as the show explains. Leo is also the one who showed them the real world and was the first real friend outside the lab. He is an important figure in their life.
There is very interesting idea presented in the scene about mistakes and leadership. Donald Davenport states “part of being a leader is making mistakes. You learn from them, and you move on”. It’s actual a good piece of advice for life, not just leadership. Donald even points out Chase’s mistakes throughout the show as an example. Something I really like and is just a such a Leo thing to do, Leo makes a clear distinction between Chase’s mistakes and his own. That distinction is that Chase mistakes “never hurt anyone” while his mistake with Taylor is permit and hurt her.
In the scene Leo has clearly made up his mind and thought through everything he wants to say. Everyone else is a sort of shocked state trying to get Leo to stay, but he isn’t having any of it. Leo as a character is very stubborn so scene really showcases that. Leo has clearly also dealing with a LOT guilt and likely PTSD from what happened with Taylor.
“I'm going back to Mission Creek. I don't belong here anymore. I'm quitting the academy.”
I find Leo’s final words and his words beginning of the of scene to provide a bit of insight into Leo’s headspace. Let’s start with “I don’t belong here anymore”. Leo throughout the special has shown he feels like he not an equal with his family while the island stuff has shown Leo positions himself as not just a student(see above arguments). Leo never really belonged anywhere on the fully.
Leo made his own team in the special and I think that was the first time Leo felt he belonged on the island. Leo didn’t have student friends like Bob or Spin. He came to the understanding and respect of Spin. I think Leo puts up with Bob for Adam’s sake. The other students we don’t really see Leo interact with until this special. Leo clearly enjoys and loves spending time with Taylor and Logan. There is Douglas, Donald, and his siblings, but the Davenbros(Donald and Douglas) aren’t always around and the trio is likely busy with classes and stuff. Again, I want to point that Leo is student while his siblings are mentors. Even Leo’s stepdad is a mentor. It can create feelings of not fully belonging. I do want to point out that Tasha, Leo’s mother, isn’t around and I think everyone in the fandom can agree that if Tasha was around on the island then Leo would have had better emotional support.
“Give it[his mission suit] to someone more deserving… it's not your choice. It's mine. Bye, guys. Sorry I let you down.”
I see Leo giving back his mission suit as something very symbolic. In comics, a mission suit/super suit, the costume/suit is often seen something you have worthy to wear and something that is apart the hero’s journey/mission. Think back to Superman getting his suit in basically any origin show/movie/comic/story when he gets the suit it’s the moment where is ready or worthy to start saving the world. When Leo got his suit in the show it was the moment he was finally worthy and ready to join the team on missions. When Leo says “give it some deserving” it’s his guilt saying he is no longer worthy of the suit, going on missions, or being a hero because of he did to Taylor.
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Leo goes further later on with this deserving idea with Logan telling him that deserves “better team. Or at least a better leader”. Leo’s guilt is speaking here and sees himself unworthy to a leader. This conversion also ties into the idea presented by Leo earlier when he made the distinction between Chase’s and his mistakes as leaders. Leo is pointing out that Chase is the better and more deserving leader in a way by stating this. Leo even earlier stated he wasn’t “cut out to be a leader”.
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One last thing to touch on in this scene in the framing. Look at Leo in relation to everyone else(see image). Throughout the scene, Leo is apart from everyone else. It’s a good way to show just alone Leo must feel. Also, interesting choice to have Leo in red shirt in the scene which is the same as mission outfit(not sure if it has a meaning or not. Just thought it was interesting to point out). Leo being out of his student uniform and standing from the everyone else could also tie into Leo’s line of how he does not “belong here anymore”
Quickly before getting to part two of the special, a few notes on Leo’s worst qualities displayed during part one(I mentioned earlier this and wanted to make I touched on, but couldn’t find place anywhere else). The way Leo gets his team is rather sneaky. Leo knows Donald Davenport isn’t paying attention, so he asks then to ensure he gets what he wants. Leo is quick to inflated ego when Taylor or Logan even slightly build up. He is also somewhat reckless later on with EMP ability. There is a LOT of arrogance in the way Leo behaves in the way he believes that Taylor and him can just control EMP ability and his own leadership skills(not all unfounded though as Leo has many moments of leadership throughout the show).
Moving onto part two of the special, the episode cuts to two weeks later to check in on the character. The first couple scenes during part two of the special shows how Adam, Bree, and Chase come to realize how they were being unfair to Leo due to his departure. I do believe that Leo had to leave the island the island for Adam, Bree, and Chase to realize that how they really treating Leo and how Leo deserved to be treated better.
Side Note: I appreciate how the first couple scenes of the second part deal with the aftermath of Taylor being blinded and Leo leaving. I think a lot of fans watching On The Edge for the first time(didn’t watch the trailer or watched the show on a binge/blind) were surprised/shocked that Leo left at the end of part one. I think that episode taking time to show the characters dealing the emotions and aftermath of part one is a smart move that helps the audience process the information too and helps up some of future events in the special.
The first scene of the episode is a phone call between the bionic trio and Leo. The phone call between the the trio and Leo is just great to show the new status quo that has established on the island during time-skip of two weeks. Leo is still set on not coming back to the island or the team despite the bionic trio trying to convince Leo to come back during the call. I’ve always read this scene as this is not the first time the trio have tried to convince Leo to come back(feel free to read another way). That does run into headcanon territory, but I don’t think it’s that big of a leap to think that the trio on more than occasion tried to get their brother to return to the island.
Note: Tasha is mentioned at least twice in the phone call, but she never appears in the special. I wish she actually did appear since this is the big Leo focused special since Tasha is Leo’s mother and biggest supporter.
Something I find really interesting in the phone conversion is that Chase asks Leo, “when are you coming back?” Chase didn’t ask if he was coming rather when. It’s an interesting choice of words and says a lot about Chase’s line of thinking. I think another interesting comment comes from Bree stating “it's really weird not having you here, Leo”. I said this earlier, but this is longest time the characters have been split up since the the start of the show. Humans are creatures of habit so, it really must be strange to not have Leo around. Leo has been there despite the other changes in their lives(ex: moving to the island, new lab, etc), so it is just strange and new reality for the whole family.
“I feel bad. We should've given him more credit.”
After the call, the trio discuss Leo and the ceremony. I find the way the trio, mostly Bree and Chase, discuss Leo interesting. It’s clear they all feel guilty and realizes that Leo deserved more credit and be at the award ceremony. Bree talks her feelings and how had more credit. Bree got the heart of the issues fairly quickly(I think Bree is pretty good overall when called for at getting to heart of emotional problems). Then Chase jumps in states that Leo deserves the award as much as the rest of the team. I think it was good choice to give Chase this line. Chase at the start of the episode was the one(beside Donald Davenport) most against Leo getting the award with the rest of the team. Chase used the numbers/data to justify the decision rather than the actual merits Leo possesses that would make worthy of the award. Adam jumps in with the joke of cardboard Leo. I wish do we had a line or two more on the emotions in scene before cardboard Leo.
“He deserves to be up there with us at the award ceremony tomorrow.”
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I actually think cardboard Leo has a bit more depth than most give it credit for. First off, I think Adam misses having Leo around and the cardboard cut out is a way to have Leo around(sort of). The audience is introduced to the cardboard cut after Chase says Leo deserves to be at the award ceremony, with Adam saying “that's why he's[Leo] gonna be”. I think Adam is trying to do a nice thing here by trying to bring Leo to the ceremony any way he can. Adam even puts the cardboard Leo in a tux and brings into the limo all so he take it into the ceremony. That’s a lot of effort for a piece of cardboard.
“When real Leo watches from home, I want him to feel like he's still an important part of our team.”
There is another side of cardboard Leo that is sort creepy. It is just a piece of cardboard, not the real person of Leo Dooley. It’s also clear that Bree and Chase don’t approve of cardboard Leo whatsoever and don’t want Adam to bring it to the ceremony. Still, everyone in the family lets Adam bring the cardboard cutout in the limo anyways.
“Have you lost your mind? This is not our brother, it's a piece of cardboard.”
The next scene deals with how Taylor is doing with her newfound blindness. Taylor is doing fairly well as she up and about and is good spirits. Taylor even asks if anyone has gotten Leo to come back to island. I actually like that she asks this since it show that Taylor doesn’t hold any grudges against Leo for playing a part in blinding her.
Note: Logan is also in the scene that is checking up on how Taylor since her accident. I really appreciate Logan being in the scene since it shows that Leo isn’t the connective tissue for Taylor and Logan being/staying friends.
I appreciate that the episode doesn’t shy away from the fact that Taylor is now blind, but doesn’t treat that disability as if it is end of the world. There is concept called ableism that basically means bias/prejudice/discrimination against people with disabilities hinging on the idea that people with disabilities are less valuable and have lesser quality of life than nondisabled people (further reading on the subject of ableism). I appreciate that the episode is firmly anti-ableism. Taylor’s quality of life isn’t lessen and she was still valuable to missions/the team. It’s just refreshing to have a piece of media that’s not ableist.
“Have any of you guys spoken to Leo? I was hoping someone convinced him to come back to the academy by now.”
I’d argue Taylor is the one who had to learn that she is still of value to the team. She was the one who thought she couldn’t go on missions anymore thinking . Leo told her that she’d “just be in the way”(episode: On The Edge). Leo counters this convincing Taylor she won’t be in the way telling her she still has a lot to offer and he needs her help. I’ll talk about this conversation between Leo and Taylor later, but I do appreciate it.
On last thing on Taylor being anti-ableism is Taylor on the bridge mission hears a snapping cable on bridge before Leo and Logan and she pushes them both out of the way saving all of their lives. Taylor explains that her senses have increased/improved since she lost her sight which is true to life. People who lose one of their five senses then the other four tend to improve(this fact is sort basis of Daredevil). I like that Taylor has this big moment that shows/proves that Leo is right, Taylor is NOT in the way. I also like that during the bridge mission Taylor is still willing to use the EMP ability despite being the thing that blinded her.
It is rare in media today to have disabled characters not be written with ableist, so I appreciate how Taylor isn’t an ableist character. It’s refreshing and nice to see.
I haven’t said much about indestructible self-driving limo that Douglas, Adam, and Donald Davenport were working on during the first part since it didn’t feel important until now. Adam and Douglas making the limo indestructible was just a fun side-story/b-plot of the first part, but I love how limo comes back in part two as major part of the plot. I know that’s basic writing, but I do appreciate it.
On a plot level, the limo being as high-tech with all the upgrades given to it in part one is the reason why the limo gets stuck on the bridge collapsing in the first place and traps the Davenports(Douglas, Donald, Adam, Bree, and Chase) inside. Since the limo goes into lockdown when an emergency is detected and the tech that makes impossible to get in the limo also makes it impossible to get out.
“I know you quit the team, but your family needs you.”
Before getting to big bridge rescue let’s go over the phone call between Taylor and Leo. I love the fact that Taylor first idea when she sees the mentors are in trouble are to call Leo for help. It shows that she still sees Leo as her leader. Also, a little ironic considering she was S-1 during the Krane thing and seemed to be one of leading solders there.
The phone call starts with Leo asking how Taylor doing which Taylor quickly shuts down. Taylor gets straight to the points stating “there's been a horrible accident with your family's limo”(episode: On The Edge). I like how Leo doesn’t try to say he is retired or doesn’t do mission anymore, he just asks “what? Where” (episode: On The Edge). That reply is just so in character for Leo. Leo doesn’t hesitate to help those he cares about. Examples being Leo going on the particle accelerator mission to save Adam, Bree, and Chase, running head first to Marcus and Dougls’ lair to save Donald and the trio, or bring Douglas to lab to fix Bree’s chip despite Donald not wanting Douglas there.
“Look, you're not gonna be in the way. You've still got a lot to offer, and I need your help”
I really like that Leo assumes that BOTH Taylor and Logan are going on the mission. He doesn’t think that any of Taylor being blind now. This line of thinking leads to a great conversation between Taylor and Leo. Leo in season four has been the character giving pep talks and talking down the bad guy. The conversation between Taylor and Leo here follows that compassion trend for Leo in season four and I want to break down the scene.
When Taylor tells Leo she’s not going, Leo simply asks her for a reason. Taylor thinks/answers that her disability/blindness is the reason she can’t go on the mission because she will just be in the way. Leo in early seasons(especially one and two) was clumsy and tended to make a big mess out things. He even created a lot of his own problems/the problems of the episode. As the series went on, Leo became more competent, less clumsy, and he didn’t make as many problems. Leo even worked his way from a kid wanting to go on missions, be on the team, and have bionic to mission specialist to member of the team with bionics. Leo had setback and missteps, which included going on missions before he was ready. That’s what makes Leo the best person to talk to Taylor here. Leo understand better than anyone that messing up/making mistakes is going to happen, but that doesn’t means to give up.
“Well, the only difference is, I was awesome and you're stuck in mud. Look, I get it. But just like Big D said, focus on your training. Trust me, you'll get there.”
I love that Leo draws on his own experience and asks Taylor “do you have any idea how times I've been in the way on a mission?” It is a sign of growth. Leo isn’t always the most humble person. He does have ego and arrogance, but when it counts Leo is willing to put both of these aside to help someone else. I actually think this is the first time Leo doesn’t try to add a level of ego/arrogance to the statement about his own experiences. For example, looking back at Leo’s pep talk to Spin when he was upset about not being ready for missions Leo starts with level arrogance saying he was awesome to able to go on missions when he was fourteen. Still, Leo does relate, tries to comfort, and give advice to Spin.
“Don't worry. We're gonna make it though this together. All three of us.”
Taylor is not completely convinced by Leo telling her she’s not going to be in way and he needs her help. I like that it takes one last little push from Leo saying it’s all three of them(Leo, Taylor, and Logan) in the mission today that gets Taylor to come. Leo and Logan are from my reading are closest friends at the academy(feel free to disagree with me on that).
“Get them[civilians] off the bridge and set up the triage area. Where's the limo?”
Let’s start looking at the bridge mission which is Leo’s big hero/leadership moment. There is one quick, easy to miss line/moment, at the start of bridge mission scene where Leo gives orders to student(who go mostly unseen since we only see like two or three students and civilians on the bridge) to get the civilians off the bridge. Later on, the special mentions Leo leading the mission so, it’s nice to know that special actually shows it rather than only saying it.
The next few pieces of dialog have Doanld Davenport tell Leo and his team to disable the limo’s computer to turn off car’s lockdown and release the locks. Leo immediately comes up with plan after hearing this information. Leo’s plan is using Leo and Taylor EMP ability with Logan using one of his abilities to guide the EMP to limo’s computer.
Leo’s plan is smart and will get the job done. The problem is that when Leo and the rest of team try to enact this plan, Leo has a flashback to blinding Taylor(see note below on Leo and PTSD). I say a flashback because, the editing uses the footage from when Taylor was hurt. Basically when Leo and Taylor try to use the ability, the camera intensely focuses on Leo, then intensely focused on Taylor. Then camera goes back to Leo. This intense focus on Taylor is mean to be from Leo’s perspective aka Leo looking at Taylor. As the camera intensely focused on Leo, there is a cut to footage from part one from when Taylor was hurt the last Leo and Taylor used their EMP ability. The way this part is edited, it makes the viewer think that the next cut from second shot of Leo will back Taylor in the present. It’s very clever and well-done editing.
Note on Leo having PTSD Headcanon: this flashback scene and the how traumatic of an event blinding Taylor leads a lot fans(myself included) to believe Leo has PTSD from the event. It is important to remember that flashbacks to the traumatic event are a sign of PTSD. I don’t have much to say on this. The writers don’t go into much depth on PTSD or if Leo has it or not. It hasn’t even been confirmed, as far as I know, by the writers/creators on social media or on interviews if Leo has PTSD. The writing and acting supports the ideas that Leo has PTSD. It is still mostly just a headcanon, but I think most fans can agree Leo does have PTSD from that the event of blinding Taylor.
Leo due to this guilt and likely PTSD(see above), can’t go through with using the EMP again. He doesn’t want to hurt Taylor or anyone again. That’s the core of why Leo left the island and being a hero in the first place. He didn’t want to hurt anyone else.
The score in this moment is amazing! I love the way the music has sort uneasy building tension sound(sort of like a train moving down the line) before Leo and Taylor attempt to EMP ability. Once they start, the music takes uneasy dip. The sound effects for ablilies, like lighting sort of sound is mixed in the score(really clever). The music keeps building and building, then it stops. Everything is silent. Leo has pulled back. I think reason why there is uneasy feeling with score in this section is possibly the music used a minor key (don’t quote me on that). The music/score adds a lot to internal conflict going on inside Leo head.
“I can't do this. What if I hurt you again? What if I hurt them[Adam, Bree, Chase, Donald, and Douglas]? I don't wanna ruin anyone else's life.”
I’ve mentioned this easier, but this is one of Tyrel Jackson Williams best acted episode. The way Williams acts this during this interaction is just amazing. You can see the all the uncertainty and anxiety that quickly became guilt and fear after the flashback. The way Leo, not only take his hand away, but pulls his body away says a lot. Leo’s line delivery after pulling back is just amazing. The way he sounds so defeated is so unlike Leo(normally one of the determined characters in the show) but considering everything Leo has been through in the special it’s in character when he says it now. Plus, the way Leo’s voice cracks when he says “what I hurt them”(‘them’ refers to his family in limo) is nice added layer to Tyrel’s deliver.
The acting on Tyrel’s part even shows the conflict of wanting to help his family, but feeling like he all he’s going to do his hurt someone again. Even Leo’s character and writing support this. Every time I rewatch this scene or the special, I wish that Tyrel did more acting after Lab Rats ended. He has real talent for it.
“Leo, you didn't ruin my life. It was an accident. And if I'm not gonna let it stop me from being a bionic hero, why should you? This is it, Leo. This is your chance to prove you're the leader I know you are. So...are you in?”
After Leo’s speech about not wanting hurt anyone, it’s Taylor’s turn to give Leo a pep talk. There is a real beautiful in what Taylor is telling Leo and it’s a nice role reversal. I like how Leo has someone who believes in him(minus Tasha and Logan). You can tell throughout the special, especially here, that Taylor and Leo have come a long way since when they first met and formed a close friendship.
There’s a really great moment of editing where after Taylor asks “if I'm not gonna let it[her blindness] stop me from being a bionic hero, why should you,” then there’s nat/natural rumble sound effect and cut to the limo. I don’t think that edit is to suggest that Leo’s family stopping Leo rather it’s meant to remind Leo/audience what he has to fight for. The look Leo has when looking at limo reads of confusion, worry, and doubt. Leo realizes he could lose his family if messes up and possible hurt Taylor again. It’s all over his face.
The way Leo during the last little half the speech where starts to understand how much Taylor actual believes in him is nice to see. The way Leo’s face start changing from confused, guilty, and worry to determined is great. There is even still a little doubt/worry about hurting Taylor in eyes, but you can tell Leo is truly ready to be back out in the field again. I really like how before Leo says he’s in, he take a quick look at his family. The acting is just so great here.
The next part in scene has Taylor hear a cable snap and pushing everyone out of the way. Another great moment of acting as Taylor explains how she hurt it before everyone else, Leo just gets look of understanding. He is speechless. I think he understood what Taylor meant when she told him “you didn’t ruin my life”.
The next part of bridge scene I want to cover is the Leo and Taylor using the EMP. After Leo and his team get back up after the snapped cable thing, we see Leo acting fully as a leader. He is giving Taylor and Logan orders based off his plan. This time when Leo and Taylor use EMP ability the frame and shot from earlier(when Leo pulled back) are basically the same with more triumphant and heroic sounding music. Leo looks less fearful and has that determination look in his in face. Leo even seems to have some confidence in himself back. There is an air of worry, but Leo is back in action. The way the acting and music are done here is just fanatic.
“Trust me. We got this”
That moment when Leo’s plan work, it feels like real victory. The music support this as well with the music reaching its climax when the doors unlock(which was Leo’s end goal with using EMP).
“I'll get Chase. You guys get everyone else out of here.”
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The big part I want talk about is Leo’s rescue of Chase. I know Chase ends up being the damsel in distress(for lack of term) a lot during Lab Rats, but I think it works here. Leo and Chase during part one of special had a big falling out. By having Leo needing personally save Chase as a way mending fences.
I will never gets over how well done the acting, music, and editing is. The way Leo looks so determined and desperate to save his brother. Chase trying to Leo to leave to save himself. Leo unwillingness to just let Chase die. The scene is melodrama and over-dramatics. The scene doesn’t need to have so many shots focusing on Leo’s and Chase’s face and hands, but I think the scene is better for it. You can tell how much these two have gone through the past couple of weeks, all the unsaids, but right now they are focused on trying to save each other. Its desperate and intense scene and, its beautiful.
I see find the two hand reaching out for reach other to some what symbolic of Leo and Chase journey of the special of reaching an understanding/respect. Leo and Chase did have a failing out and here finally appeared to mend that rift. I don’t have much to back this up other than my reading.
Personal story: I remember watching this live back when it first aired and this scene had my heart pounding. The sigh of relief I had when Chase was safe is hard to describe.
After saving Chase gives Leo an apology that was a long time coming. I love that Chase finally admit he should have never doubted Leo. It’s nice to see Chase finally seeing Leo as hero properly and Leo getting to see that Chase sees him that way.
“Leo, you did it. You saved my life. Sorry I ever doubted you.”
What I always loved about what happened next is Leo didn’t really reply to Chase’s apology. He just says “I’m just glad you’re okay”. The relief and joy in Leo’s voice and face says it all. It’s such a simple and lovely reply.
“I'm just glad you're okay.”
There is still a lot both Chase and Leo would probable say to each other about what happened, but I love that in that moment they are just happy that they are both okay. It’s just a beautiful moment. I never get sick of watching it even if it only four lines of dialog. It’s says a lot in very little.
The final parts of the special deal with Leo finally getting the credit he deserves serving as epilogue of sorts for the special. The first scene takes the audience to the award ceremony and we see Adam, Bree, and Chase. It takes a few minutes, but Leo is revealed to standing next to them receive the award along side them.
Note: I forgot to mention the award(sorry).
I think some of the words president uses describes Leo extremely well. The words go as follows the “real way to measure a true hero is by their determination to never give up”. It’s perfect way to describe Leo’s character in the show and in the special. It’s clever that after President says these words, the camera reveals Leo is receiving the award as well.
“Heroes come in all shapes and sizes, but the real way to measure a true hero is by their determination to never give up.”
The next scene has Leo finally become a mentor at the academy. When Leo walks out as mentor, it feels like an end to journey. I have come to respect the decision to make Leo a student due to special. It would have been nice to see Leo be a mentor the whole time, but I don’t think it would be as good as season without it. Leo has always been the protagonist of Lab Rats. It’s his story and journey that the show follows. I think by having Leo as a student it allowed the writers to more easily follow the student while also giving Leo something to work for.
Leo always wanted be bionic hero and go on missions. Once the island stuff started, Leo wanted to be mentor. I think the deeper reason for this was that Leo wanted to like his siblings, respected by them, or at least fully apart of their world. The special has Leo finally gain the full respect of his family and the students on the island. The special is final piece in Leo’s four season long journey of becoming a hero. Leo has finally has everything he has ever wanted.
“Not only is Leo back at the island, but because of his bravery and leadership on the bridge mission, I have officially made him a mentor.”
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The next couple interactions in the scene of Leo become a mentor just wrap things up. We have Chase telling Leo he’s proud of him and they hug. After seeing Leo and Chase at odds in part one, it is so nice to see them actually liking each other again. At the end of special Chase is the one to hoist Leo on his shoulders and start the whole academy chanting Leo’s name. The final scene here shows how much the who have mended their rift and are truly brother again.
“I didn't think I'd ever go on a mission again, Leo. But you changed all that.”
The next interaction is between Taylor and Leo both thanking each other for helping each each. Taylor thanks for Leo helps getting back out on the field and Leo thanking Taylor for believing him. Leo and Taylor also hug with Logan joining said hug. It’s a great interaction that shows that how deep Leo and Taylor’s friendship is.
“I'm the one who should be thanking you. You showed me I really am a leader.”
The last little moment I want touch on is that Douglas is crying during all of this. I love this. Douglas is the one who originally started training Leo and Leo and Douglas appear to have a strong friendship. It’s small, but sweet interaction.
On The Edge does work in many ways as the finale to Lab Rats. Leo is more or less the protagonist of the show. Leo’s journey is so well wrapped up by the end of these special that in the finale Leo doesn’t have much to do(he has stuff to do, but it’s very minor) I have a lot problems and issues with finale and Elite Force, but I do still love Lab Rats.
I find more and more I come back to the On The Edge special and appreciate all it’s done for Leo. I find the special does a great job handling the characters it focuses on and is honestly the most character focused piece in Lab Rats. Leo is allowed to tell other characters how is feeling. There is a lot time spent with the characters and what they are going through. I honestly love a good character drama(seriously, there is a real why the Titans are my favorite team).
I know there are fan that take issue with On The Edge and some of stuff that happens in it along with Island stuff, but I’ve come to really appreciate it over the years. The special has a job of finishing Leo’s character arch for island and the show in general which it handles incredibly well. There are things to be improved on like more stuff with Adam or Bree or having Tasha in the special. Overall, the special is well acted, well edited, and just has great writing. The special most of keeps in mind it’s main focus of Leo and his journey.
Question: what y’all thoughts on anything I’ve discussed here?
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ihrtmichael · 2 months
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random question, but, what's your favorite thing about wish? i have a feeling it's probably magnifico lol but if it is then why do you like him so much? asking because i know i reblog a lot of stuff about the concept art and the rewrites people do, since personally i find it pretty compelling and fun, but i also think it's neat that there are people who just genuinely enjoy the movie as it is! and it really must be frustrating for you that the tag is filled with what's basically a fandom centered on wish's concept art more than wish itself.
LMFAOOOOOO i feel attacked with the magnífico read!!!! /j
honestly i accept that the movie isn’t perfect and was rushed as fuck, but i had such a fun time! i think asha is so lovely and refreshing compared to the other (few) disney heroines of color. as much as i love esmeralda and jasmine they’re so oversexualized and fall into that stereotype of “fiery outspoken brown woman” which is 😬😬😬😬 to watch sometimes as a woman of color myself. it’s nice to see a young black heroine be clumsy and fun and learn to be a leader! and ofc magnífico is so funny and hellooooo it’s chris pine!!!! also he’s hot sorry likeeeee 🤭 i also find his story very compelling although i do concede his villain arc was slightly rushed lol. i would love to learn more about him and queen amaya! i also love the songs (esp “at all costs”) and animation (the rendering is beautiful!). while i understand that the final product was a bit underwhelming for what was built up as this huge 100 year disney celebration, i don’t think a movie needs to be outstanding to speak to you or make you feel happy. sometimes you just like what you like! and i had fun! ☺️
i definitely do wonder what could have been if the actors and writers strikes didn’t happen, because i think that may have messed with any final alterations they might have made before release that could answer all of my questions and make the story clearer. i used to be intrigued by the rewrites but now they just kind of annoy me because most of them are being written by people who haven’t even seen the damn movie and/or people who aren’t creating these rewrites from a place of love.
for example, during the fall i rewrote the hunchback of notre dame musical script out of a genuine love for the story and characters because i was so frustrated with peter parnell’s approach. and it shows in my version of the script. but with the wish rewrites, a lot of them come off as disingenuous and egotistical like this “im so much smarter than literal film professionals” bullshit (sorry if that’s harsh lol).
and a lot of the criticisms just aren’t constructive and seem to mostly come from people who have literally no idea what it takes to create something. like especially with the ai accusations??? full offense but most of yall wouldn’t know the difference between ai and real human art if it slapped you in the face. and it seems like a scapegoat to get out of providing ACTUAL constructive criticism of the film instead of people just admitting they’re blindly jumping onto the latest hate bandwagon lmfao.
it definitely is frustrating to go through the tags and see more conversation around the concept art than the actual final product we got, but i just pass out the blocks like candy and add certain tags to my blacklist and that clears things up very quickly lmfao.
thank you for the kind ask! i feel like most people come in guns blazing asking about why people liked wish lmfao, but your ask is very sweet and genuine. i hope you have a great night mamita!!!
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harlowcomehome · 2 years
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Hazel and Jade Harlow.
A/N: I lost the ask but @whoreforharlow gave me the idea to let you guys get to know the girls a little more. Enjoy. ♡
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Hazel Renee Harlow
Pregnancy was a breeze for the most part.
She has dark auburn colored curls, big hazel eyes and very prominent freckles across her nose.
She looks just like her daddy but she is sassy just like her mom. She is outgoing, very sociable and really funny.
Birthday is March 6th, born in Louisville, Kentucky. (Jacks early birthday gift. 🥺)
Super short but will eventually be tall like her dad.
Laugh sounds just like Jacks.
Jack and her have a special bond, they are best friends.
Always willing to help out and has a heart of gold.
Extremely overprotective, in general but especially of her little sister.
She is very well mannered, she will always say please and thank you.
Basketball and soccer are her favorite sports to play.
Terrified of thunderstorms.
She likes going to the park, the zoo and to Uncle Urbans house to play with her cousins.
Her favorite animal is a flamingo, she saw one once and never forgot it.
She loves Disney princess movies, stuffed animals and dolls.
She loves singing and trying to learn Jacks raps so she can keep up. (The clean version, of course.) She wants to be a singer when she grows up.
Jade Harper Harlow
Pregnancy was a lot tougher, the morning sickness lasted for a really long time and your body was more exhausted this time around. You had a lot of trouble sleeping too.
Her features favor you more than they do Jack.
Birthday is October 13th, born in Louisville, Kentucky.
Her hair is dark brown and curly, her eyes are big and brown with eyelashes that go on for miles and she also has freckles, but they are hardly noticeable.
She is also a daddy’s girl but less so than Hazel. Jade likes to cuddle with you on the couch while Jack and Hazel play around.
She is very shy, she hides behind Hazel a lot. If Hazel isn’t around she hides behind you and Jack.
She is also very well mannered but a little forgetful at times. Hazel reminds her to use her manners often.
Jade loves art. Painting and coloring are her favorite things to do.
Uncle Urban is her favorite uncle. Shhh, don’t tell Clay.
She likes to dress herself in crazy patterns and colors, you and Jack let her express herself that way.
Ironically has more of a Kentucky accent than Hazel does.
Picky eater.
Likes to play soccer but is terrible at basketball.
Always carrying around a stuffed animal everywhere she goes.
Scared of the dark and must sleep with a night light.
Extremely ticklish like mommy.
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“Thor: Love and Thunder” Promised Us Gay Valkyrie, So What Happened Here?
Marvel keeps getting away with this!
There was no excuse that in 2017, the morning after flirtation between Valkyrie and another woman was edited out before Ragnarok’s release or that the death of her supposed greatest love was left as a question mark, only to be clarified in a movie five years later.
There was no excuse that in 2018 a quietly queer flirtatious moment in Black Panther, reportedly between Okoye and Ayo, met the same erased fate. It was nearly laughable in 2019 when the first queer canon character finally came to the MCU, it was a glorified extra role in the early minutes of Avengers: Endgame (their 22nd film!) that could have easily been removed from the plot with no consequence.
Chloé Zhao’s Eternals in 2021 brought Marvel’s first same-sex kiss, which coincidentally could also be easily cut with no notice if necessary, Brian Tyree Henry’s excellent work as Phastos notwithstanding. 2021 also came with Loki coming out as bisexual, but in a single throwaway line during the third episode of his television show.
Earlier this year, in 2022, Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness’ America Chavez, a famously lesbian Latina superhero in the comics, had her queerness reduced to a small Pride pin on denim jacket and a less than 20 second scene with her lesbian mothers, which again — are you picking up the theme here? — could have been cut without changing anything in the script! Disney of course, did not cut it, and if they wanted a pat on the back for their “brave” choice, look at that — I’m fresh out of participation trophies.
Now we’re full circle back to Valkyrie, who’s big anticipated queer reckoning — after her first cutting room floor incident — was merely a mention of an off-camera and dead girlfriend. Here we are again.
We deserve more than this. If skipping a single scene is all it would take to erase someone’s queerness for an audience, then it is not enough. We deserve more than “blink-and-you-miss-it” representation, or to pretend that representation is good — when we know it’s not! — because we’re scared that if we ask major studios for more, it will be taken away altogether. We deserve real storytelling, not crumbs. Even among Gods of thunder, perhaps especially then.
Ultimately, in a movie that promises love to span each universe, nearly everyone finds some version of a love-filled ending, except the sole queer woman of color. Even Korg — yes, the cheerful Rock monster dude! — finds gay happiness to call his own. Funny how the Black bisexual woman can’t say the same, now isn’t it?
[Source]
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Apparently, women who died before they could get married were automatically married to Hades. It was a thing considered in Greek tradition. Which again would be funny if you consider the Disney version of Hades.
GSJSHDJS WELL DANG I HAD NO IDEA 🤣
Hades sure has a lot of wives then lmaooo! But Omg if that were the case for Disney Hades…omg like he’d be going nuts like “Excuse me!? I have to marry these broads that come into my domain?! Do you know how many unmarried women die around here?! A LOT! This is insane! Who in my name came up with this idea!?” I feel like he wouldn’t even refer to them as his wives either like he’d be so over it lol!
Unmarried soul: But you’re my husband!
Hades: News flash, babe. Not your hubby. There’s nothing written in stone and there was no ceremony. As far as I’m concerned our “marriage” isn’t binding. ‘Kay?
And oh man if he ends up dating Persephone lmaooo
Persephone: Hold on…you’re married!?!? To the souls of unmarried women!?!? Hades! What the heck!?
Hades: For the last time! It’s not binding! I’m not married! Well…yet anyways, heh!
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emmedoesntdomath · 1 year
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Okay
1) I’d love to hear more about the Brooklyn finch theory
2) Id also love to hear what you think about the “Finch stole the slingshot from Oscar and now parades around with it so Delancey knows he can and will kick his butt at any given time”
yessssss
ok, ok. formally introducing: emme’s headcanon of finch being from brooklyn (also known as her most delusional hc to date, but that’s fine). there are actually a number of things that could make this possible. starting from the beginning, we have:
-the newsie info card
now, these we obviously view as canon, because they were made and distributed by disney while newsies was on broadway. finch’s card doesn’t say much, but it DOES say that he ran away from home at an early age. it doesn’t say where home was, which is interesting, but it’s safe to assume that it’s somewhere in nyc. the distance from brooklyn to manhattan is walked every day by race; it wouldn’t have been that hard for finch to cross.
-jacobi scene
when they’re assigning different areas to cover, finch isn’t immediately given a territory. but when jack’s looking for someone to get brooklyn, he picks on finch, and asks him if he’s scared of the turf. finch says no, he’s not (and he says this pretty convincingly), which makes sense if he grew up there. why would he be scared of his hometown, y’know? this affect is immediately ruined, though, when he admits that he’s scared of spot (fair).
-aversion to violence
finch is pretty damn rational, and when the newsies are first talking about striking, he’s the one who points out what happened to the trolley workers. plus, this is the guy who we all assume to be dating ALBERT, and bro is not exactly the paragon of peace. someone has to be more likely to use his brain rather than his fists, right? if he’s the one to be thinking about danger, then can’t we assume he would avoid it? and, like I said earlier, most of us agree that spot had to fight his way to the top (and let’s be real, spot didn’t exactly usher in a reign of peace either). little finch had already run once; what was another time if it was for his safety?
-slingshot
I already explained this one, and I’ll admit that it’s probably the biggest stretch, as it’s connecting two different versions of newsies. the oscar theory isn’t an unrealistic one. also, it’s funny.
-what if he pulled a race?
we’ve all basically decided that while, yes, racetrack higgins is jack’s second, and therefore one of the most powerful rank-wise among the manhattan newsies, he also happens to be just as good as brooklyn’s, because he’s a simp for spot conlon he likes betting at sheepshead. what if finch just saw a certain redhead one day and went yes, okay, he’s mine now? it would hardly be the first time this happened (lookin’ at you, higgins). this isn’t really as much of a reason as a possibility, but I think that’s just as important.
there’s my little rant! now, obviously, this is all speculation and just a personal headcanon, but also (maybe?) gives us more of a backstory for finch.
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brokenmusicboxwolfe · 6 months
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The Nightmare Before Christmas can’t possibly be 30 years old! Nothing like pop culture anniversaries to make you feel old.
It’s funny, but lovely, to see how beloved it has become.
It wasn’t easy you see. When it came out we had to go 50 miles to find a theater, on it’s last legs, actually showing it. The heating was out in the place, but my family were the only ones there so we didn’t have to listen to anyone complaining. It was certainly worth the drive and shivering.
Back then I didn’t even know anyone else that has seen it.
There had been a bit of merchandising, but I only saw the stuff for sale in a store 100 miles away. I hadn’t seen the movie yet, so I didn’t get anything but made a note to go back when we would be back at Christmas. By then they had been clearanced and torn through.
I got a few things (big talking Jack being the prize) but felt irritated. I always loved having action figures/dolls/etc based on my favorite things, and knowing I’d missed what I assumed would be my one chance.
Little did I know that one day Disney would merchandise the hell out of it. At the time it was like they wanted to bury it. It had the Touchstone label so it wouldn’t taint the Disney brand with with it’s “dark ” nature. It was absurd for such a sweet, innocent story, but that’s how they seemed to feel. I could almost imagine executives going “who green lit this??” and everyone pointing at everyone else.
Oddly, the first sign it had a following came from seeing Japanese stuff in a Previews comics catalog. I remember I was out in the shop fiberglassing with Pop and said, “ I know the doll is a lot of money, but if we order it you can give it to me for Christmas..” And Pop saying “Well, if you are going to get him, you need to get her too”
Funny isn’t it. Back when there were so few things I grabbed whatever I could. Once Disney realized how profitable the movie could be and started making a thousand things I got very little. Part of it’s my increasing poverty and no one to give me gifts, but part of it is that the itch has been scratched. I have versions of the characters I like best, and that’s enough….
Well, except that I still would love a properly big and huggable version of the vampire teddy (probably exists, though I can’t afford to look) and that scorched post crash doll (probably doesn’t exist, but dang I love it).
Thirty years ago I thought it would be like most things I adored, a cult following but ignored by the general public…
Then again, thirty years ago outside of a comic convention I’d never encountered people that had even heard of Doctor Who, 99% of Marvel characters, Neil Gaiman, and a ton of other stuff. Obviously you can’t predict these things.
It’s kinda lovely to know that very, very occasionally something you love in obscurity can find a bigger audience one day.
Fingers crossed Nightmare Before Christmas keeps that beloved status and avoids the dreaded backlash. So long as there is no sequels, spin offs, remakes, etc to dilute and disappoint maybe it’s safe.
Well, for a generation or three. After all, once upon a time there was hardly a kid in America that didn’t watch The Wizard of Oz at least once a year, and now I get the feeling lots of kids grow up without ever seeing it all. But a few generations of love is more than most movies get.
Damn, 30 years! It’s already been around for more than a generation! LOL
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winterrhayle · 2 months
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rank all of snow angel including bonus tracks
snow angel - one thing about me is if i see the word snow im THERE bc i lovveeee the winter (hayle) season and this song really has that energy w the super clear vocals and imagery n stuff, and im obsessed with the absolute whiplash of this song going from that to the REALLLLY LOUD PART W THE ELECTRIC GUITARS SO GOOD. her vocals here are so impressive bc its really difficult to go from singing really soft like that to the really really loud belting and she can even do it live like on SNL which was SUCH A GOOD PERFORMANCE OMG. im currently in my schools silent library listening to it and im so paranoid that people can hear it through my airpods (if they can then tbh theyre blessed) also also the way she sings gives church performance in the best way
pretty girls - sapphics and bubblegum pop???? this is so mecore its like this song was chemically designed for me to enjoy it 100/10, IT SOUNDS SO SPARKLYYY AND ‘i like a straight jacket but it feels like its a little tight’ <- relatable content
wedding song - this is such a depressing song to have about an ex rip but the melody SLAPPSSSSS
i wish - ever since u introduced me to the acoustic sessions version of this ive gotten really attached to it, its really calming and kinda disney-esque ‘oh the older we get / the colors they change / hair turns to grey but the blue stays the same’ shes good some really good lyrics on here
gemini moon - i was thinking that this is so relatable and i dont believe in astrology but apparently reneé is actually a PISCES moon and so am i (sun and moon actually) so theres that !!!!! 1000000000 / 10 vocals as usual and i like her really personal songs
tummy hurts (specifically the coco jones remix) - first line of verse 2 is so real, this needs to be talked about more😔✊🏽
poison poison - this song is really funny and good and also all i can think of when i hear it is that one performance when people were comparing her to a goose or something☠️
so what now - the intro to this is so asmr <33333333 i have no strong thoughts on this song but
talk too much - i loveeeee her voice memo things in this she speaks the same way as me only american
i do - im choosing to interpret this as queer girl in love w straight best friend bc </3
messy - this took a couple listens to grow on me but i love it now !!!!!! it really picks up in the second half
23 - really good lyrics, this will move up in my rankings when i can relate in approximately 5 years
willow - this song is so chill im gonna add it to my sleep playlist rn, and i like how clean the vocals are and i like the finger snaps and the bell synth thing in the back
swim - also very chill i like it, and ik i wouldve ate this up in lockdown bc its produced like the songs i really liked back in the day 😫😫
i hate boston - i think i like this one but i genuinely can’t remember the melody of it when the song ends😭 concept is good, rip to bostoners tho
there actually isn’t a single bad song on this album :DDDDDDD yyayyyyyyyy
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