#the great webseries rewatch | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

jjsanguine · 7 months

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Rules: list 10 of your comfort shows and then tag 10 people

Tagged by @bengiyo . I actually don't rewatch shows very often, or at least not the same ones every time, but here's some shows I've watched a lot of in no particular order.

Alien Biospheres. This is a YouTube series but I've watched it a lot. If you watched James Cameron's Avatar and don't care about the plot but would watch a documentary on how they designed the creatures + plants this is the webseries for you. If you like spec bio then I would also recommend Serina.

Cherry Magic. I write songs for fun and my life is too boring to be great inspiration, so most of them reference scenarios in shows I'm watching that I find funny or just stick with me for some reason. Kurosawa's personality inspired one of my best ones.

Coffee Prince. This got me into kdrama + so much of it still holds up. Like, remember how homophobic the 2000s were? That's a feat.

The King's Affection. This is like the best girl disguises as a guy kdrama since Coffee Prince, and I watched a lot of them before I figure out I was nonbinary. I was glued to my seat. My writing project @the-prince-is-not-a-woman was partially inspired by me watching this so many times.

Mortel. It's like this show was made for me. Vodun, found family, polyamorus subtext, mystery, despising someone but having noone else to turn to, trauma, comedy, banger music. It was made by Netflix though, so of course it was cancelled on a cliffhanger.

Power Rangers 2017. This film is objectively goofy but I love it so much. Billy was the first explicitly autistic character I think I saw ever, and he set my expectations for canonically autistic characters high.

Extraordinary Attorney Woo. Apart from being a good show, Attorney Woo is the only other character on my list of canonically autistic characters that I like, which is funny because both attorney Woo and Billy were played by allistic actors.

The Path. I enjoyed seasons 1 & 2 but I've rewatched season 3 many times for my baby Caleb. I talked about a pastor's son and he's like the perfect example. If the show hadn't tragically been cancelled I would have loved to see what they did with his character, because after leaving his family for his boyfriend and by extension his boyfriend's daddy's apocalypse adjacent cult (which is a positive if you can believe it) socially speaking he was essentially in the same position he started off in, minus worrying about homophobia. He could have blossomed or spiralled, who knows. That's quality side character creation. This show also inspired the list "cheating on your girlfriend with your wife" which has to be the best of my lists of niche tropes.

Triage: time travel and time loop stories can so easily swerve into being terrible when there isn't enough thought put into the time travel mechanic but when they're good they're really good.

Shelter 2007: so many of the queer films I watched as a teenager were depressing, I could have given up on ql entirely if I didn't watch this heartwarming film.

Honourable mentions:

Be My Favourite. It finished airing literally 2 months ago so it really hasn't had time to gain the status of old reliable but yeah. I've watched episode 1 probably 10 times at this point, because I would pore over the whole show waiting for the next episode. I was writing essays.

Nowhere Boys: I love forced proximity + conspirationality. It's one of the reasons I love Mortel. It's a quality teen drama.

Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Chat Noir, aka Miraculous Ladybug. This show is my Riverdale. It's ridiculous and I don't recommend it and I can't watch the english dub because I'd cringe too much so I watch it in French, but I started watching when I was like 15 so I'm locked in forever. It keeps dragging me back.

Going to try my hand at actually tagging people so,,,

@anotherlovr @writerwithoutsound @dudeyuri @irritablebovinesyndrome @gillianthecat @threezoz @sparklyeyedhimbo @respectthepetty @one-ghogh@heretherebedork

#tag game #alien biospheres #cherry magic #coffee prince #the kings affection #mortel #power rangers 2017 #extraordinary attorney woo #the path hulu #triage #shelter 2007 #be my favourite #nowhere boys #miraculous ladybug

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youlooklikeabeeandilikebees · 1 year

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Being Human UK Werewolf Transformation Scenes ranked (in my opinion, including the pilot and webseries)

17. George in the woods (Original Pilot)

George sitting naked on what looks like a fallen tree just seems so uncomfortable. Seems like a good way to get splinters in your ass.

The animatronic head looks really good as George’s face elongates. The actual prosthetics and makeup here look good, but the editing just doesn’t do it any favors because it’s so fast and awkward.

This is basically a less good version of the 1x01/1x02 opening transformation which is why it comes last. Not bad on its own but you can see the improvement as the show goes on.

16. George and Tully (1x02)

probably the only transformation I don’t look forward to on rewatches to because I just find it dull and the whole werewolf fight thing just doesn’t land for me. I just find it kind of… silly? Them growling at each other makes me cringe out of my skin.

Tully hanging himself always really disturbs me and while I get why George initially leaves him to die, him going back to save him definitely feels more in character

Tully very suddenly having fangs before George does bugs me a little. Especially since every other transformation scene with more than one werewolf shows the transformation in perfect sync with each other it just seems like they maybe hadn’t decided for that to be part of the lore yet.

The shot of George’s shadow is definitely the best part of this scene

15. George and Nina (2x04)

Thank God Lucy saved Nina by lowering the pressure but her (immoral) logic also makes sense because how else would they lure George there without Nina to convince him to come?

There’s a nice parallel between them both being unconscious as wolves (George taking tranquilizers and Nina falling unconscious from the pressure chamber)

George successfully getting the wolf to sleep always makes me happy for him but then of course we soon see the consequences of that later in the episode

It’s somewhat interesting finding out that werewolves still transform when unconscious but it makes sense that that would be the case since they can’t control it

This one’s lower on the list just because it’s not much of a transformation scene compared to the others

14. Bobby (5x04)

Bobby and his whole “like a clock, ready to rock” to remember how to change the barrel is very endearing. He’s really trying his best, poor guy.

We don't see much of the physical transformation but what we do see is some pretty great looking makeup. It looks super convincing. I do wish that for the show’s final werewolf transformation (and the only one in season 5) we would’ve gotten a little bit more prosthetics though.

Also Rook, I love you and you are one of my favorite characters but you are a bastard and Bobby deserved a better caretaker

13. Tom at Cutler’s club (4x07)

Poor Tom thought he was gonna be a hero by killing the Old Ones, only to nearly kill innocent people

I love the editing cutting between people dancing and Tom transforming

The practical effects look great

12. George trapped with Julia (Original Pilot)

Thank God they kept Russell Tovey on the show once it was picked up. This scene makes it pretty clear why he deserved to play George. His total freakout feels so real. Him crying out “I’m sorry. I love you” feels so desperate and genuine. He was totally prepared to die to save Julia. There is so much intensity and urgency in his performance here, it’s incredible.

The actual transformation feels a little rushed once Annie saves Julia. The editing is not nearly as good as it would be during transformation scenes in the show later on. We don’t even see the final wolf. But the buildup to it is just so fantastic.

11. George, Tom, and Leo (4x01)

Tom telling George he “ain’t nobody’s father” is such a brutal but genuine line. For Tom the sweetheart to say something like that, you know you fucked up big time.

I love the aesthetic of this scene - the lighting, the grimy location, claws scraping against the floor, dripping blood and saliva

The shot of the elongating ankle is super cool

The final wolves look great and extra realistic. I think the lighting in this scene really helps make the costumes look as good as possible.

Cutler’s plan to film them and post it online is pretty clever actually, albeit unsuccessful in the long run. I like when the wolves try to grab him through the bars as he’s filming.

Hal and Pearl consoling each other is sweet and I love the final goodbye they give to Leo, unsure if he will survive. I do wish we got to see at least one shot of wolf Leo in bed though. Since they are able to restrain the wolf in the bed it seems like Leo’s wolf form is perhaps just as weak as he is. It’s interesting considering how an older wolf might act compared to a stronger younger one.

The vampires’ disappointment of Eve just being human is hilarious

10. George forces himself to transform (4x01)

I went back and forth on whether I should include this one since it isn’t a normal full moon transformation but it felt too weird leaving it out and it is a fantastic scene

I love how George’s idea is conveyed visually (through him seeing the poster with the full moon). It would’ve been clunky and awkward for him to say something out loud to just himself. It’s immediately clear what he's trying to do just by showing him look at that poster.

I love how George begins his transformation by screaming, which is inarguably the most signature and iconic part of his transformations. And then as we hear his signature screams in the background it becomes unclear if he’s still just trying to get in that mindset or if he’s reacting to the change starting.

That part when he rips the guy’s head off and they all slowly turn in horror to look at him is perfection. So tense, so unsettling, so badass. I have rewatched that part way too many times. It’s nice to revel in his success before it kills him :(. I also love Annie's immediate reaction of oh God what have you done because she knows he's fucked himself up and she's worried.

Cutler just noping out of there immediately is so funny

The way Russell moves his body and kind of hunches over in an animalistic way is great

This is also the first time we see a vampire (Griffin) die from toxic werewolf blood and I still hate that random bit of lore Lord Toby decided to just throw in there seemingly just to make killing vampires easier. I really wish we got to see George straight up rip Griffin’s throat out a bit first and then finish him off with his blood or a stake.

9. George, Nina, McNair, and Tom at the dog fight (3x04)

I love all the dogfight scenes and the iconic set piece of the cage

Tom being willing to die to save Nina and the baby was so sweet

The way they feel pain in sync with each other is an interesting creative choice which I’ve always liked. It’s cool to see how interconnected the werewolf curse is.

McNair killing Richard is really satisfying. The way Richard is like “good doggy” as if that will save him is so funny and pathetic. And having McNair, who we of course later learn was infected from a dogfight run by Herrick, be the one to kill Richard, who is now running dogfights, is extra satisfying. It’s like a little bit of revenge before McNair faces Herrick in 3x07.

It’s interesting the way that McNair seems to be able to maintain a bit more control than the others while transforming, which makes sense given that he is the most experienced werewolf of the four of them. He’s definitely acting wolfy but still seems aware enough to not attack Mitchell and to target Richard instead.

I love the look shared between George and Annie when Annie and Mitchell are in the cage. It’s so sweet.

The bird’s eye shot of Mitchell and Annie in the cage surrounded by the wolves is great.

8. McNair and Herrick

I weirdly feel bad for Herrick since he genuinely has no idea what’s going on or what he did wrong and he’s so scared. Uncle Billy you were creepy but kind of sweet.

It’s very satisfying for McNair to face Herrick, even if he knows he’s not gonna make it out alive. I always wonder if McNair genuinely knew he was going to die or if he wrote the note to Tom with the intention of destroying it if he did in fact survive.

I love how McNair repeats Herrick’s quote “You walked away unharmed from a plane crash. Only now I don’t know what to do with you” showing how much it stuck with him all these years later. That also reminds me of George’s iconic repeating of Herrick’s “It got my attention” in 1x06.

McNair seems to enjoy the transformation in a way we’ve never really seen before on the show. He literally grins with malicious glee at Herrick.

I love how Herrick’s cowering while holding out the knife in defense mirrors the same method McNair most likely used when he survived the dogfight as a human.

7. George and Nina (2x01)

This is Nina’s first transformation and I love how Annie helps and supports her

George’s strange excitement walking to the woods is quite interesting. We see a big change compared to season 1 and it’s a good contrast to Nina’s anxiety. He's quite literally blissfully unaware of what he's done to her and has a weird newfound pleasure in the transformation, perhaps as a result of killing Herrick and recognizing how powerful he can be.

I wish Nina could've had a little more of a slow realization that she was indeed about to transform and it could’ve used more of a buildup of anxiety while waiting in the room. I would’ve liked a bit more pacing around, trying to figure out if what she was feeling was just anxiety about what might happen or if changes were actually starting. But that’s just my opinion. I do think the contrast between George and Nina screaming with Mr. Galvin's initial lack of transformation is very clever. And I love the dramatic camera zoom on Nina when she says it’s coming.

Annie saying there was a werewolf called Nina on Buffy always bugs me a little cause it was actually Angel not Buffy which had that character but that’s like the tiniest nitpick ever

Poor Mr. Galvin. He has his short moment of excitement thinking the chamber might actually work and then… probably the grossest scene in the entire show unfolds. I also love the assistant guy slipping up by saying “that happens” when Galvin says he feels sick and then he realizes they lied about never having done this before.

I love the shot of wolf Nina, with her claws scraping against the floor and the close ups of her face and teeth look amazing. That shot of her shadow as she howls is a great parallel to the similar shadow shot of George in 1x02.

6. Christa in the gym (Becoming Human Episode 7)

Imagining Adam calling George explaining his situation and asking for advice is absolutely hilarious. And the fact that he doesn’t realize he needs to drag the chicken circling a mile radius and instead just drags it in a tiny circle makes me laugh every time.

Christa spends the previous 6 webisodes always denying that she’s a werewolf. If we thought George had a rough time accepting himself in season 1, Christa takes it to a new level. Her first worry when they realize they’re stuck in the gym is “No you can’t see me change.” Unlike George, she’s not immediately worried about potentially killing Adam but instead worried about no longer being able to deny what she is. She’s so deeply ashamed, she can’t stand the idea of someone seeing her biggest secret, even if they already know about it and still accept her But then it doesn’t take long before she reverts to shouting “I’m gonna rip your head off,” finally realizing that killing her friend is a greater threat right now than them seeing her transform. There’s a great sense of urgency in the scene. And while in the moment it seems weird that the gym door would be locked on both sides, we learn in the final episode that there’s a reason for that.

The bone cracking sounds are so grotesque and really sell the transformation even when there aren’t many prosthetics

I love the way Christa’s mind changes to more wolf-like before her whole body does as Adam leads her to the broom cupboard and she snarls and tries swiping at him

The fucking basketball, as if that’s gonna help keep a werewolf from getting out lol

I love Christa so much and I wish we could’ve gotten a more full-length series out of this.

5. George in the woods (1x02)

I love Mitchell's narration explaining what’s actually going on inside George’s body (major organ failure, heart attack). It really helps us as viewers understand what happens during the transformation, which I think is important for us to understand this early on in the series.

Of course Russell Tovey is amazing in this scene, as always

Mitchell’s glee about how “remarkable” the transformation is for dragging George through it and keeping him aware the whole time is very interesting. He’s just straight up impressed that this curse is capable of being so horrific. “It’s so cruel it’s perfect.” Mitchell’s kinda fucked up for thinking that but I think I get what he means. It really is amazing that the curse is able to do such severe damage while keeping the sufferer alive and then repairing it the next morning.

Since this is the same scene from the intro to 1x01, I think we can perhaps assume that it’s George’s first ever transformation. I always wondered how he knew he should go to the woods. Like did he just sort of instinctively feel it was coming and know what to do?

4. George and Nina after George gets arrested and McNair at the dogfight (3x01)

Hilarious scene of Nina at the front desk thinking fast by using her nurse badge to make up a story about George being a patient. I can pretty much quote this scene word for word at this point. My favorite part is probably when she goes “it’s contagious” and punctuates it by tapping her finger on the desk. It also shows how much better Nina is at pretending to not be in pain (as anyone who gets period cramps can relate to) and I like how she’s just like “I’m really annoyed” and the officers are like ok we should just do what this lady wants.

George and Nina have a very sweet moment telling each other I love you, fearing that they may kill each other (and then of course to learn in the morning that their wolves get along a little too well lol)

The line about how they could’ve redecorated the house after all is really funny and I love how the only reason the house still looks that ugly for the rest of the series is because they wanted Nina to use the basement to transform and then she didn’t even use it.

At the dogfight, I love how much is conveyed just from the fearful reactions of the poor human victim and the excited vampires. Vincent is so entertaining as an MC, I wish we got to see more of him in the show. His introductions to McNair and the human victim are so over dramatic.

3. George at the house (1x01)

After the hilarious scene of George running through the woods, we get the first full transformation scene in the show

The living room setting obviously brings to mind the iconic An American Werewolf in London transformation

I love how they just put on some music (The Prodigy!) and assume people will think it’s just a party despite the obvious wolf noises.

The part where the table that George puts on top of the chair falls and he jumps a little bit in reaction to it is such a great little detail that adds to the chaos of the scene when they’re trying to clear the room out.

Mitchell immediately protecting the tv is just iconic and Annie just awkwardly holding a pitcher is perfect

I love how unprepared Annie is. She wants to watch to see what happens but she obviously has no idea what she’s in for. The way she just plops down on the couch before he finally agrees to it is so funny. She keeps a pretty cheery tone until George starts screaming and then we see the horror on her face. I think her seeing him transform was really important to her fully understanding him.

The mixture of George’s screams and the disgusting bone cracking sounds is so disturbing I love it

The head animatronics in this scene look amazing! I love the appearance of the first one we see, how it’s still mostly human but with fangs and then it starts stretching. The effect of his snout protruding out is really effective and the added sound effects do a great job at maintaining the illusion that his face actually is changing.

The transition from George’s human screams to wolf howls is always so disturbing in the best way

The final wolf looks a lot different than usual. I definitely prefer the later design.

2. George at the parent teacher conference (2x07)

I love the slow realization of horror as Sam tells George that she put the clocks back. Never before has daylight savings been used as such a horrifying plot twist. Also I literally cannot NOT think of this scene whenever it’s daylight savings time.

When George first falls to the floor there’s a girl off to the side who smiles at someone offscreen and it always seemed like an unscripted moment to me but I’m not sure. I can’t help but always notice it now.

The cinematography as George runs through the street is really clever and unique for a show which normally doesn’t apply such drastic changes in filming techniques. The camera in his face emphasizes George’s stress and fear as he rushes home while transforming in public. And while we do see other people’s brief reactions, this technique allows us to see through George’s eyes while also keeping the focus on his own reactions. There's such stress and intensity in this whole sequence because George isn’t just trying to find a spot in the woods with very little time left (like in 1x01). Instead, he’s in the middle of the city, surrounded by crowds of people, and already physically transforming. Yikes.

I love seeing Annie help him once he gets in the house and the way she berates him the next morning is great.

I’m obsessed with the comic relief edit of Hennessey asking Kemp if they brought a door and then a quick cut to George running in the street

That moment when Annie gets him upstairs and he cries out after his vertebrae protrude is genuinely the most disturbed I’ve felt by any transformation scene. I think that’s because it sounds more like he’s crying, which shows his utter pain and suffering in a slightly more subdued way than when he’s fully screaming. Chills every time.

My absolute only complaint is that once Annie gets George in the cage, he’s suddenly fully transformed. We know, as has been shown multiple times before, that the transformation doesn’t happen that quickly. But I understand the choice to do that because it really shows how close George was cutting it.

1. George killing Herrick (1x06)

I mean could it really be any other scene at number 1? This is the climax of the whole season with the trio united against Herrick, eventually giving in to using George as their “weapon.” It is iconic, climactic, epic, full of memorable lines and Herrick’s monologues.

“It got my attention,” yes go George!

Russell Tovey’s screams are always so good and so convincing. It feels like he’s holding nothing back in this scene.

Herrick saying “the fat lady ain’t singing yet” followed by George’s well-timed scream

“Looks like your little suicide bomber’s about to go off”

Herrick singing Bad Moon Rising

George keeping his necklace on when we know he usually gives it to Mitchell to keep safe when he transforms seems important. Not sure what to make of it but it allows him another way to harm Herrick before finally killing him.

We get to see all the details of the transformation and it looks amazing. His shoulders protruding out is a detail I don’t think we see in any other transformation.

I noticed that when his snout protrudes they used the same exact scream from the 1x01 transformation at the house. I guess that’s the stuff you notice when you’ve watched this show so many times lol

I love the way you can tell George’s mind has gone a little wolfy too at times and you can see him trying to fight it

There are so many great and varied reactions: Nina’s confusion and horror, Mitchell and Annie’s pity, Herrick’s fearful excitement like he’s almost impressed that he’s found someone who can actually kill him and yells for him to do it.

George’s line about how humanity is about love and sacrifice therefore “this doesn’t rob me of my humanity, it proves it” is one of the best quotes from the whole show

#being human #being human uk #being human bbc #george sands #nina pickering #russell tovey #sinead keenan #tom mcnair #anthony mcnair #michael socha #robson green

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jacquelinemerritt · 1 year

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Dragon Ball Z: Abridged Episode 30 Review

Originally posted December 9th, 2015

Six stories coalesce and get satisfying resolutions.

“Freeza: The Final Cut” is the most densely plotted episode of Dragonball Z: Abridged that I’ve reviewed (and also, if memory serves, that Team Four Star has released). There are around six different story threads all intersecting at various points that we’re made to keep up with, and the fluidity with which Team Four Star moves between the stories and their intersections is downright impressive; the most apt comparison to make here is to compare “Freeza” to an episode of the early seasons of Game of Thrones.1

We’re given a focal point for this episode early on in King Kai, who is telepathically keeping an eye on everyone involved while simultaneously forming a master plan to undo all the damage caused by Freeza. It’s pretty damn clever too: while Goku distracts Freeza, he has Mr. Popo gather the Dragonballs on earth and wish back to life everyone who was killed by Freeza and his women and men, restoring most of Namek’s population.

Of course, this is thrown into disarray when Freeza decides to detonate the planet, but thankfully, Super Kami Guru restarts his heart just in time for Dende to wish everyone to safety on earth. After that, King Kai returns to watching Goku battle Freeza, where he is endlessly frustrated by his “star pupil’s” stupidity.

Goku and Freeza, of course, spend most of the episode doing battle, with Goku’s pain over Krillin’s death causing him to transform into the “Hope of the Omniverse,” a Super Saiyan. And in a snap, Goku becomes tactical, forceful, and utterly terrifying, demanding Gohan return Piccolo to the spaceship immediately.

MasakoX brings an intensity to Super Saiyan Goku that we’ve never seen before, and rewatching this, I was honestly a little frightened by Goku, as his newfound rage and determination means that he could do just about anything. This also brought a new layer to his dynamic with Freeza, and watching as Goku slowly beat the shit out of an ever more desperate Freeza was incredibly satisfying.

The other four stories we follow play small but important parts. As Vegeta is resurrected, he rushes to the Dragonballs, proclaiming that immortality is finally his. Dende of course, makes his wish first, and Vegeta is transported back to earth with most everyone else, and upon arrival, decides to strike fear into the hearts of the Namekians and flirt with Bulma a little. Gohan flies Piccolo to safety and rescues Bulma before being teleported back to earth and getting to spend time with Dende as they wait for the Dragonballs to regenerate.

Dende of course, ruins Freeza’s chance at immortality by wishing his people to safety, and after he summons Porunga, we get a great moment where he confesses his love for Gohan, only to freak out at Gohan’s lack of a response and wish all of his people to their new planet. And the Namekians themselves show us a new side, as Super Kami Guru confesses to being responsible for the slaughter of their Albino brethren, and being subsequently killed and eaten by the new Grand Elder. The Namekian’s subsequent time on earth is great too, with their golf tournament being delightful to watch.

Out of all these stories, the only two that feel a little dull are Vegeta’s and Gohan’s, as they end up not being particularly important in the long run, since Vegeta’s wish is foiled as usual and the risk of Gohan not getting off Namek is undone by Dende’s wish. Dende’s cleverness and confession of love work wonderfully however, and the revelation that Super Kami Guru is not just an asshole, but a genocidal asshole, is incredibly satisfying, as is his death and subsequent cannibalization. “Freeza” in general, is a very satisfying episode, with even the less perfect stories coalescing as part of the whole; this is a damn fine way to end a season of a webseries.

Rating: 4.5/5

If you liked this review, please consider supporting me on Patreon.

Stray Observations

1The only major difference is in the complexity of character motivation in each show, though Goku’s priority shift upon going Super Saiyan gives Ned Stark’s abandonment of personal honor a run for its money.

Is it just me, or is Goku’s pose when he first goes Super Saiyan reminiscent of Dio?

King Kai: “I can’t believe it! Goku has become the one and only Super Saiyan! Right?” Narrator: “…Yeah…” King Kai: “You hesitated there for a second.”

“So this is what counts for omnipotence these days.”

Mr. Popo: “I’m so f***ing high right now!”

Namekian: “And now that I have devoured Guru, I have become the new Grand Elder!” Krillin: “Huh. Seems legit.”

#dragon ball z abridged #dragon ball z #team four star #tfs #dbza #film criticism #dbza ep30 #you know i think this is a bit of a weaker review #it reads to me much more as summary than analysis #and i don't think i do a good job communicating just how well everything comes together #i also don't touch on how much fun the end of ogku vs freeza is #because it is so much fun #and very funny

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hippogrif · 2 years

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I just rewatched Carmilla the webseries (it's great, go watch it if you haven't!) and I just have some observations:

1. It came out 10 (!!) years ago, I feel hella old 😱

2. It's still hella good also! The exact right mix of humor, supernatural action, and "you are the axis on which my world turns" romantic drama that I never get tired off

3. I don't ship real people but if I would, I would totally ship Elise and Natasha - how much chemistry can two people have?!

4. I forgot how much happens off camera, but somehow it still works? That's A+ directing/screenwriting right there.

#carmilla #creampuffs #carmilla the series #I enjoyed myself thoroughly today #probs no one cares about this anymore since its so old xD #so I'll just fangirl over here on my own #srsly SO good it's insane #only other webseries that got me like that was the lizzie bennet diaries #maybe I should binge that next xD

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worfianism · 1 year

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Okay friends webseries are an underappreciated form of entertainment and now that I've finally watched Headless by Shipwrecked (which seriously watch it and go and watch their other stuff too because its so good!!) I feel like putting together a list of my favourite webserieses. I am so sorry im not good at summaries and explaining why people should watch something but just trust me these are worth trying!

So without further do, in no particular order:

1. Headless: A Sleepy Hollow Story - Shipwrecked

A modern adaptation based on the characters from the Sleepy Hollow Legend. What if Ichabod Crane's new roommate was the Headless horseman?

2. Edgar Allen Poe's Murder Mystery Dinner Party - Shipwrecked

I rewatch this series on a semi regular basis because its just that great. What if awkward gothic fiction author Edgar Allen Poe and his ghost housemate hosted a dinner party for some author friends?

3. Kissing in the Rain - Shipwrecked

It follows two sets of actors who keep ending up as romantic leads in different projects over time and the development of their respective relationships over their careers.

4. Two Housemates - Sean Joseph Young

Literally what it says in the title. Two rather odd people, both in the arts end up as housemates and it explores their growing friendship and the development of their relationship.

5. Jules and Monty - Jules and Monty TUTV

Romeo and Juliet modern adaptation. Actually made me love R+J when I was an adamant R+J hater

6. The New Adventures of Peter + Wendy - EpicRobot & Kyle Walters

Peter Pan modern adaptation.

7. The Lizzie Bennet Diaries & associated series - Pemberley Digital

One of the original superstars of the webseries genre, my first foray into it, The Lizzie Bennet Diaries. Possibly one of the best, most nuanced adaptations of Pride and Prejudice I've ever come across.

8. Emma Approved - Pemberley Digital

An Emma adaptation, again modern and brilliantly done.

9. Nothing Much to Do + Lovely Little Losers - The Candle Wasters

My very very favourite of Shakespeare's plays gets a cute high school modern au. Nothing Much to Do is based on Much Ado about Nothing. Lovely Little Losers is alluding to Love's Labours Lost (which some scholars argue is part of the same story universe as Much Ado) and acts as a sequel to NMTD

10. The Cate Morland Chronicles

A modern adaptation of Northanger Abbey

11. Classic Alice

A lit student tries to live like the characters in classic novels to improve her writing and gain more life experiences

12. Call me Katie

A modern, high school au of Taming of the Shrew

Special Mentions (these are technically plays but they also make good webserieses!)

Spies are Forever + The Solve It Squad - Tin Can Bros

#v makes a post #v clears out her drafts #v recommends #web series

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goldrockyroad · 2 years

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finished dear m a few days ago and i am sTILL thinking about it omg

genuinely was not expecting to be this invested in it because plot-wise it’s not exceptionally groundbreaking and i saw a few spoliers anyway in it but the execution of all of it??? just wow. spoilers below the cut!

pros/ what i liked:

i’m seeing so many people talk about jaehyun’s kiss scenes (which were great btw) but the karaoke scene?? my gosh the choKEHOLD it has over me it’s my favourite and mst memorable moment by a long, long shot. the song choice, their voices, the paralleled montages, that effortless formal ambiguity of diegetic/non-diegetic sound -- the film student in me is screaming into the void because of it.

but on that note, i, an nctzen, love to see jaehyun, hearthrob of nct, be a complete and utter loser. i simply live to see it.

ensemble dramas have a special place in my heart and i felt like i had enough time to get familiar with every one on the main cast, as well as their rationales and backstories (to varying degrees, obviously). were some behaviours toxic? definitely, but they didn’t feel ridiculous or ooc because the perspectives involved took the time to delve into the events and logic that eventually built up to the eventual result (this broadly applies to jimin/haneul/rosa/yidam interactions, mainly because upon writing this i realise that everything that occurred between jooah and moon joon was told through jooah’s perspective, which is why i feel so much more frustrated at moon joon on the romance side of things)

the first 6 eps had some exceptional moments where the cinematography really popped off and the intended meanigns were so obvious and so beautifully done. most of those i remember off the top of my head were from the first 6 eps but there likely were moments in the later 6 eps that i could go on about for ages.

what i didn’t like: maybe it’s because it’s only 12 eps long, but i do wish they pushed some of the narrative details further in the overall story.

i love the minho/moon joon & jooah/yanghee rich kid poor kid parallel and in the moments where it mattered they made it crystal clear, but i would have loved to see a moment where it was a jooah + minho vs moon joon + yanghee sort of situation on that theme, especially considering the fact that moon joon and yanghee are supposed to be friends but rarely had direct interactions with each other LMAO.

another one that i wish they fleshed out more would be rosa’s thing with that senior in their major like i wanna know the dirt he’s got on her to be able to threaten her like that. would it have changed my opinion that she was terrible for everything she did in attempts to either win haneul over or trash jimin? no. could it have potentially provided further justification, or at the very least further complexity to her character? i like to think so.

i didn’t watch the og webseries dear m is a spinoff of, but i think the connection between the fact that haneul lost his father and the traumatic effects that has on him, especially regarding how this could affect his relationship with jimin, could be explored. potentially because the effects of losing parents was reflected so well in minho, minju’s, and (to a lesser extent but still) jooah’s actions ie the way minho works his ass off to save money to give his sister, minju needing to be minho’s parental figure when she was still very young, the codependent but prideful attitudes they have towards each other, minho’s decision to stick by jooah -- platonically and later romantically -- because of the longevity and/or history of their relationship in deferrence of ridding her from his life (choosing jooah over past and prospective girlfriends every. single. time.), etc., haneul’s loss of his dad seems like such a throwaway detail in comparison.

might give it a proper rewatch and add on some later thoughts, but please i need to let this all out of my system before i can even think of moving on.

#nct #nct 2020 #nct 2021 #nct jaehyun #dear m #nct aus #kdrama #jeong yoonoh #jung jaehyun #nct 127 #jaehyun

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wengenn · 2 months

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So I have rewatched the ENTIRETY of the Noob webserie and I changed my mind about a lot of things.

I used to hate the new seasons, after Arthéon's defeat and all the intrigues with the pro game master stuff, because I thought there was no more originality and it should've ended before but the problem isn't really that.

Though I still think it should've ended sooner, Noob's appeal has always been in its originality and the fact they were the first ever to make a series about a MMORPG. The universe, the characters, the lore is all amazing and I hate myself for thinking that originality was what was lacking in the newer seasons.

In fact, I think that what I miss the most are the interactions between the players and the actual environment : In the beginning, we had stuff like the quests, the dungeons, the TOUR GALAMADRIYABUYAK (is this the way it's spelt ?), which was a really fun way of telling the story of the characters without making said characters the center of the action. Now, what we mainly have are the players' interactions with OTHER players, and the game in all that is, sadly, a bit forgotten.

"Sadly", because as I've mentioned, we have found out throughout the years that Horizon is a complex game with lots of story to be told and discovered, but the characters we see in today's seasons, well, we're already very familiar with. (Except for characters like Heimdal or Amaras, like PLEASE give us some more background about them)

Some other characters, like ARTHÉON (fav character, well guessed), Dark Avenger, even SPARADRAP FOR GODS SAKE- or Ash, we don't see as often as before and for the latter, not at all anymore. I also very much hate this because even though all of them still have lots of things to be a part of, they've been reduced in the episodes -which is clearly because of the actors' unavailability.

This is another reason why I think the series should've ended sooner : while before, we kind of understood that some of the characters' actors were not as often available as before, now when I watch the series, it seems like it's been written only for the ones that can be present the most and less for the ones that cannot. This explains Rafale (?) and the PGM guild, this explains Kaulitz's unexpected death, this explains Sparadrap's sudden recruitment in the Fluxball league, you get it.

Now obviously, another thing that can be pointed out is the mf ACTING, but well. This is amateur, this is self produced, they are just a bunch of friends and family who have fun and this is not their jobs.

Except it is. For some of them. Not talking about Spark or Master Pong here, played by actual actors (even though I think padg could be better but well), but Fantöm is played by the guy who literally invented the whole mf Olydriverse, so idk but i'd EXPECT him to AT LEAST be a bit better ??? But this is heavily linked to how the script is written, so I don't think I'll take that into account. (isn't fantöms actor also the one who writes said script ? well.)

SO, all of this to say that Noob is a fucking great series on which I'm proud I changed my mind about. Hope I'll get to read the novels to the few problems I mentioned about the actors are like. Not present AND, ALSO, WHY IS THE FANDOM FUCKING DEAD PLEASE I'M GONNA CRY

#olydri #Noob #noob webserie #NEW FANDOM UNLOCKED #(i am in it since i was like 7)#but now #i can see it through the eyes of a SHIPPER #AND GOD KNOWS I HAVE SOME #but that'll be for another post.

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jvhnmitchell · 11 months

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appreciate the reply!! i've not heard of any of those books, i'll make sure to check out may leitz! do you also like horror movies/any other types of horror media? if so, anything cool you really love and are passionate about?

Of course! Glad you're checking her out! I get most of my movie recs from her tbh

As for movies I do really really love horror films but I am also terrible at remembering what I've watched!

As for ones i liked a lot off the top of my head, though, I'll rec Tetsuo: The Iron Man, it's an excellent black and white Japanese film with a really cool filming style and also just generally Messed Up its great, Ichi The Killer, The Greasy Strangler (less horror and more wtf am i watching but i kinda love it its terrible) I'm obsessed w the re-animator movies especially the second one, Nekromantic, and this Icelandic movie Thirst about a gay vampire its kinda good and very dumb

Hopefully that's a decent list I really need to keep up with my letterboxd so I can remember what I've even seen, and also branch out from just rewatching and actually see new stuff

For other media though my all time favorite video game is Anatomy by kittyhorrorshow, and the very recent myhouse.wad (inspired in part by the best book of all time which I didn't mention in the last ask: House of Leaves) has been super interesting to see people cover! I also am an avid enjoyer of horror webseries like the ogs marble hornets, dhmis, and everymanhybrid as well as some of the newer stuff like petscop and daisy brown!!

Tysm for asking I love to ramble abt horror <3

#i like horror movies the most when theyre a little stupid ill be honest makes em more fun #also keenly aware i called those last two webseries new as if they didnt end uears ago but. w/e lmao

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flutishly · 1 month

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As the daily rewatch of NMTD gets going (avoiding the actual phrase/tag, per my previous post), I'm finding myself discovering parts of the show that I never actually knew/processed. Logically speaking, I knew that there were Tumblr accounts and I think I was even following them from some point. But I never followed them at the beginning of the show's run (I only discovered it a few episodes from now, and don't recall going back to fill in the transmedia blanks) and certainly never processed that Ursula's "Vox Pops" video was actually the first (chronologically) of the NMTD-verse.

The first episode of NMTD is naturally Beatrice's first vlog. I still find it immensely watchable and engaging. Bea is funny, approachable, and bursting with a liveliness. She feels realistically teenaged and Harriett Maire's acting makes Beatrice seem entirely real, particularly in the way she shifts between different performance styles as she introduces herself and her family. I've long adored "And So It Begins..." as an excellent example of how an episode manages to cram its background in without seeming like it's trying too hard. It's also just... enjoyable to watch, and this is again purely down to having such a charismatic lead.

If we then loop back to "VOX POPS" (don't ask me why I wrote it normally earlier but am now stylizing with caps), there's a sense that Beatrice belongs to a whole, rich world. In "VOX POPS", she's hardly the main character, which is of course the point. Watching these videos in their chronological - rather than logical - order makes the show feel a teeny bit wider from the start. But it also begs the question why Beatrice is vlogging at precisely the same time as Ursula begins uploading her "artsier" videos. This is answered to some degree in "And So It Begins...", by the fact that Bea's life has undergone major changes of late and she's figuring herself out. Would it have made some sense to have an in-story inspiration from Ursula's videos, in that first episode? Maybe! Then again, this is one of those things that necessitates some degree of suspension of disbelief, when asking why webseries characters begin (or stop) filming videos when they do.

Both of these videos are just introductions... and of course, there are several more introductions to come (not just in terms of characters, but distinct channels/styles, like the Watch videos and Ben's vlogs). NMTD is one of the best shows I've ever seen when it comes to having a full, ensemble cast, which I think is beautifully illustrated by "VOX POPS" being its "accidental" premiere. Yes, Beatrice is the show's main character (and she is, both in terms of plot-centrality and driving the presentation/performance of this story), but she never feels like a character who sits alone at the top of a pedestal while other characters revolve around her. She doesn't change based on who's filming her, but her centrality does. It's something that I still think NMTD did best out of so many webseries.

There's not much to write at this stage, given how little of the story has unfolded (and knowing just how much plot is still to come. So far, I'm mostly surprised by the transmedia (which I remember being fairly thin and far from NMTD's strength, an assessment I stand by so far... it's not bad, but it's clearly supplementary) and by the instant worldbuilding.

So it begins, indeed.

#nmtd #rewatching projects #the great webseries rewatch #webseries #longer posts

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thesenesx · 1 year

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2022 Top Films/Series/Books/Comics

I watched and read heaps of stuff last year, so if you need some recommendations, I've chosen my absolute favourites and compiled them in a list.

Enjoy!

Films:

Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)

This would have to be one of the best films of the year (and of all time). With an amazing cast and a strong theme, this film will reassure you that even if you don't matter to the multiverse, you matter so much to the ones you love.

Ngeri Ngeri Sedap (2022)

A heartwarming Indonesian film about how traditions mean very little without the love of your family. With tight structuring and a cohesive narrative, the ending is incredibly satisfying as it brings everything (and everyone) together.

Darklands (2022)

An incredible Australian micro-budget thriller that has you hooked throughout. This film really deserves more attention as it has a gripping story, great action and terrifying moments.

All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)

I could write a whole essay on this film. Everything about it is masterful and the growing weight of the inevitable makes this film so heartbreaking yet tremendous.

The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)

A funny yet sad film about two friends having a row. It may not seem like much from the synopsis, but there is so much to enjoy, from the humorous dialogue, to the quaint Irish village setting, and to the incredible cast.

Series

Peacemaker S01 (2022-)

With so many mediocre superhero shows being released last year, this really outshined them all. A fun yet compelling series, James Gunn knows how to make you love a character you didn't know or care about before watching.

Derry Girls S03 (2018-2022)

The final season offered a perfect ending to this iconic series. I'm going to miss these girls (and the wee English fella) so definitely one to keep on my rewatch list.

1899 S01 (2022-)

This show immediately draws you in with horror and tension bubbling below the surface. The unfolding mystery reaches a satisfying conclusion, but alas Netflix has cancelled it so the cliffhanger is left unresolved.

Bee and Puppycat S01 (2022-)

As a fan of the original webseries, this adaptation/reboot is wonderful. The show is quirky and colourful, offering a respite from all the edgy and crude adult animated shows.

Andor S01 (2022-)

Even if you don't like Star Wars, you can enjoy this for what it is. An incredible sci-fi thriller series, with great writing and a powerful message. The series succeeds because it makes everything feel personal without getting lost in aesthetics or nostalgia-bait.

Books

Beauty is a Wound (2002) by Eka Kurniawan

An incredible magical realism novel written by Indonesian writer Eka Kurniawan (I read the English version translated by Annie Tucker). It is gritty yet whimsical as it blends history with fairytales.

The Hidden Case of Ewan Forbes (2021) by Zoë Playdon

A great overview of Transgender history in the UK while also focusing on this one significant case involving a Scottish lord. Once you learn the history, you can understand why there is so much paranoia around transpeople in the UK.

Fireside Coast (2022) by Claire McKenna

The final installment in the Monstrous Heart trilogy, this novel offers a great ending to this gothic series. With the fleshed out setting, deeply-flawed characters, and gruesome nautical gothic details, I was engrossed from the beginning.

Deathless (2011) by Catherynne M. Valente

This was on my TBR for a while and I'm glad I finally read it. A wonderful retelling of the Koschei tale, that blends Russian history and fairytales. I was still thinking about the ending weeks after I had finished it.

Project Hail Mary (2021) by Andy Weir

This novel made me laugh and cry, which is the best experience I can have honestly. A great story with high yet personal stakes for the main character.

Comics

Monstress (2015-)

I started the series a couple of years ago and have loved it ever since. With a stunning art style, high stakes, majority female cast of characters, and eldritch horrors, what more could you want?

Talgard (2019-)

Vol.2 was released last year and proved to be just as worthwhile as the first. These short comics made by Australian writers and artists offer humour, fantasy and a moral at the end of it all.

Retelling the Hobbit (2020-)

A beautiful little webcomic that captures the whimsical world of Tolkien's The Hobbit. It was love at first sight with this one.

Witchy (2014-)

Another webcomic (now published traditionally) that offers a unique world where magic is just a gift someone can exploit. The story is gripping and the characters each have their own struggles to overcome.

The Wizard of Cedel (2022-)

A webcomic that I accidentally stumbled across but immediately loved. The art style is charming and the characters loveable. I can't wait to see how the story develops.

#review #film #tv #books #comics

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alunclewe · 2 years

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A Post Mostly About Chris Miller For Some Reason

I have a confession to make. This may be one of them thar whatchacall unpopular opinions, but...

I did not like The Lego Movie.

The main character was annoying and unlikeable. The single significant female character seemed to exist only for the purpose of falling in love with the obnoxious main character for no apparent reason. The story kind of meandered at length without ever actually amounting to much. Oh, and I’m never a fan of gratuitous pop culture references at the best of times, so the cameos by Gandalf, Batman, Han Solo, et al. really left me cold.

(Disclaimer: It has been a very long time since I saw The Lego Movie, and I did not feel like rewatching it to refresh my memory, so there may be things I misremembered. The above paragraph still represents the general impression I retained from the movie, even if I got some details wrong.)

I also didn’t like Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.

For, come to think of it, not entirely dissimilar reasons. The movie never really came to terms with the fact that the whole main problem driving the plot was entirely the main character’s fault—it tried to paint the mayor as the villain, but while he was certainly self-serving and opportunistic, he didn’t create the problem that everyone was trying to deal with. The main character did, and nobody seemed to care about that, said main character least of all. And once again, the single significant female character seemed to exist only for the purpose of falling in love with the obnoxious main character for no apparent reason. Am I remembering wrong, or was there even a scene where he advised her how to wear her hair differently to look prettier?

(The same disclaimer applies as previously.)

These two movies have at least one thing in common. They were both written and directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller. Now, Phil Lord and Chris Miller seem to have a shining reputation as genius creators of the best animated features, but, well, the only two animated features I’ve seen of theirs I didn’t like at all, so I kind of figured, eh, apparently I’m not their target audience, or something. Their movies are not for me. Oh, I’d heard rave reviews of some of their more recent movies: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse; The Mitchells vs. the Machines. But my bad experiences with their movies so far left me little motivation to seek them out.

(Another disclaimer: It’s not like I watch a lot of movies anyway, though, especially as busy as I’ve been the last couple of years with my teaching job. So maybe it’s not exactly as if I’ve been actively avoiding watching their movies, so much as I just haven’t made them a high priority to seek them out.)

This will all become relevant momentarily.

So, the last few days I was at the Produced By Conference, a conference put on by the Producers Guild of America about, well, film production. The conference rotates between different studio lots; this year it happened to be held on the Fox lot in Century City. Now, I’m not much of a producer; I’ve produced little aside from a single webseries... but I do aspire to more. (And of course I’m not a member of the Producers Guild, but the conference is open to nonmembers.)

The conference consisted of a number of different panels about different aspects of production, along with a lot of networking opportunities in between and on Saturday evening. I’m afraid I didn’t really do anything resembling networking, which I realize was something of a missed opportunity. I’m not exactly great at networking at the best of times, but in this case I did have two extra mitigating factors for my failure to do so. First, well, until I get some more projects under my belt, or at the very least get my webseries back into production (it’s been kind of on hold during the pandemic and my time-consuming teaching job, but I’m gearing up to relaunch it), I don’t have terribly much to network about; I can network more effectively if I have a little more to show. And second, well, having just come off the last week of the school year, I was absolutely exhausted. Maybe going to the conference right after the last day of school wasn’t the best idea, except that, hey, it’s not like I chose the date.

I did go to the panels, though. Granted, I think the panels weren’t so much the main purpose of the convention; I think it was really more about networking, which, as stated, I didn’t really do. Still, I think I did get something out of the panels, and frankly after two years in the classroom I think it was good just to have a chance to immerse myself in the film industry and get something of a recharge of my metaphorical batteries. So in that sense, even without doing any networking, I think going to the conference was worthwhile. (Whether it was worth all the money I spent to go, though, is a separate question, and one of the answer to which I’m a bit less confident. It’s not a cheap event to attend.)

There were six scheduled times for panels, during each of which there were two or three different panels going on that attendees could choose from. I’m not going to get into all of them here, but there is one panel I want to discuss a bit. In the Saturday 3:30 slot, I went to a panel called “A Conversation with Dan Lin and Chris Miller”.

Why did I attend a panel by Chris Miller, if I disliked his movies so much? That’s a good question. Fortunately, I have a good answer. No, a conversation with Chris Miller didn’t interest me, but the other two panels in that time slot interested me even less. One was about why producers should engage their sound team early, which, okay, sounds like good advice, but not something I need to sit through an entire panel on, especially not before I get to larger-scale projects where the entire sound team isn’t comprised of me. The other panel in that time slot was “Web3 and the Future of New Content Models“, which... yecch. Besides, even if I didn’t expect to hear anything of interest from Chris Miller, I hoped maybe at least the other panelist, Dan Lin, might say something worth hearing.

I guess I hadn’t really known what Chris Miller looked like; I’d say he didn’t look like I expected, except that I don’t know I’d thought about his appearance enough to have an expectation. What he did look like to me, when he walked out at the beginning of the panel, was an obnoxious frat boy type, though to be fair it’s likely my prior feelings about him colored my perception. I think I kind of took an immediate dislike to him, more so than I already had. And then he started talking, and...

..You know what? He actually seemed like a pretty good guy.

So, yeah, okay, I probably ought to get over my negativity toward Phil Lord and Chris Miller. And I probably ought to go ahead and watch their other movies. Maybe I ought to even rewatch The Lego Movie and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs to see if I still feel the same way about those movies... though, okay, maybe I don’t need to go that far.

Sorry, no new art today; still recovering from the school year. Tomorrow I’ll get something up for sure.

#Chris Miller #Christopher Miller #Produced By Conference #film production #The Lego Movie #Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

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kalena-henden · 2 years

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Kdramas continue to rule my world as I have completed my 40th kdrama. Though I did make time for a few other shows. This is a wrap up of what I’ve been watching since September.

finished or caught up with:

Navillera - An elderly man decides to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a ballet dancer with the help a young troubled ballerino. I laughed through the first half and cried through the second half. Beautifully moving story. As former (amateur) ballet dancer, I completely understand the peace and joy that ballet can bring. There have been no other forms of dance or exercise that have fully captured what it gave me. Loved this!

Reply 1997 - My least favorite kdrama so far. I watched this solely for Seo In Guk. He’s actually great in this. I was just not crazy about the story. Everyone was kinda awful. The parts about fangirling and fanfic writing were so accurate though. lol

Goblin - I am fully onboard the Gong Yoo and Lee Dong Wook train now. Their bromance on the show and in real life is everything. So many great laugh out loud, fish out of water moments but also some powerful reveals that made me sob. I eventually warmed up to the romances in the second half. It’s a really well crafted story. I already rewatched it.

Coffee Prince - Yes, I needed more Gong Yoo. hehe I was shocked how many shirtless/wet shirt moments there were for the coffee shop boys in the first half. This show is a little edgier than some of the more recent kdramas I’ve seen. I was here for the friends to lovers romance. There were some things I wasn’t crazy about (like how she kept her secret for too long) but I loved the coffee shop team vibes. They were so supportive of each other.

The Great Shaman Ga Doo Shim - This short webseries starring Kim Sae Ron and Nam Da Reum about high schoolers who fight an evil spirit that kills struggling students was so cute. It lagged a bit towards the climax but I still had a fun time. Also, the chill OST ‘Run to You’ by Kwon Jin Ah became one of my most listened to songs of the year.

Start-Up - This is a modern day Cyrano story set in the fast paced tech start-up world. It’s interesting to see the string of puppeteering that characters are caught in. Han Jipyeong (our Cyrano) is made a puppet by Dalmi’s grandmother, who in turn makes Nam Dosan into his puppet to then become the puppeteer of Seo Dalmi. Nam Dosan is also a puppet of his parents. With this long string of deception, Dalmi and Dosan struggle to find their agency in the first half because many of their actions are being covertly manipulated by what others want from them while trying to overcome their childhood trauma. Too often this made their personalities seem paper thin. While Han Jipyeong fails to realize his true desire for a family until it’s too late due to his insecurities and self-reliance born out of his own childhood trauma. The final episodes cut the strings; untethering the characters to pursue their dreams in relationships and business. **SPOILERS** It was clear to me, though apparently not to others, that while Han Jipyeong doesn’t get the girl, he does become part of the family which is what he truly wanted. Though it would have been nice if he had been paired up with the SFL whom he seemed more suited. And a surprisingly happy ending since Cyrano stories are typically tragedies. Overall, I enjoyed this story.

Squid Game - Visually stunning and well acted. The tension of the games was fantastic but the story often lost its way when they were between them. I liked it but didn’t love it.

Hometown Cha Cha Cha - Now my 2nd favorite kdrama of all time! A sleepy seaside village explores everyday traumas and how to work through them with humor and heart. So many great characters (especially female ones) but Shin Min Ah and Kim Seon Ho's fantastic performances standout as our lead romance between two broken people trying to find healing. Blown away by their acting. I felt it all.

Tale of the Nine-Tailed - Lee Dong Wook and his charisma carried this show. While I liked the characters, they mostly fell flat due to the story. The best part was the relationship between the brothers.

Touch Your Heart - Lee Dong Wook and Yoo In Na reunite in this adorably cheeky romcom. Sometimes the other characters slow things down, but the main couple are so darn cute. A fun watch.

The Great British Bake-Off - This show brings me so much peace and joy. Happy to see my faves Crystelle and Chigs shine.

Suspicious Partner - A law student is falsely accused of killing her ex-boyfriend and is defended by her former prosecutor boss leading to much comedy and romance as they work together to search for the real killer. The first half is strong with the fun, romance, and mystery but gets bogged down in the second half with too much will-they-or-won’t-they nonsense and stretching out answers to the murders for too long. I still liked it.

Strong Woman Bong Do Soon - Park Hyung Shik is so darn perfect as his rich chaebol character absolutely adores our leading lady though he tries to act cool about it and constantly fails. Park Bo Young is good as our strong woman but is too often bogged down by not being able to get over her first crush and fear of using her powers. The humor wasn’t quite up my alley. I don’t find meanness funny. If it wasn’t for Park Hyung Shik, I probably would have dropped it.

Happiness - Han Hyo Joo and Park Hyung Shik are the slow burn, mutual pining, marriage of convenience, battle couple of my dreams. I love them! They lead a fantastic ensemble cast that makes you feel everything in this crazy virus quarantine. It’s easy to dwell on all the horrible things shown that people do in trying times but in equal (and quieter) ways you also see all the wonderful things people do to help and care for each other. It’s the beautiful dichotomy of this morality tale.

Secret Royal Inspector Joy - Of course, I needed more Ok Taecyeon in my life. The humor was hit-or-miss for me but the sincerity of the characters and the dramatic arc had me hooked. Excellent squad goals and Lee Joon Hyuk as the Crown Prince had me wishing he was not just a guest star.

Crash Landing on You - Sorry, y’all, but this was a bumpy ride for me. I put it off because I knew how beloved it was. I started it this summer and it was okay. Captain Ri was an immediate fave but it took a very long time to warm up to everyone else. It was really slow and I got bored alot even during parts I liked. And I kept getting spoiled on social media right before the next interesting part. Honestly, the epilogues were some of the best I’ve ever seen and would favorably change my entire perspective on an episode. I dropped it around episode 12 but was determined to finish it before the end of the year which I did after Christmas. It was still slow but I enjoyed it more. And the last 2 episodes were great. I don’t think this will ever be a fave but I understand why it is other peoples. My big takeaway is don’t watch things until you’re ready and if possible watch it with someone who already loves it. Those two things I think would have helped improve my experience.

The Red Sleeve - Lee Junho and Lee Se Young were fantastic in this saeguk! I was on the edge of my seat with all the mystery, court intrigue, slow burn romance, and action. I was a little mad at Deokim withholding showing her love after they got together but otherwise it was a great story.

Just Between Lovers (Rain or Shine) - More Lee Junho! *grin* Also, happy to get more Won Jin Ah, whom I enjoyed in Life. They were perfect as a pair of victims who were rescued from a shopping mall collapse ten years earlier and are still dealing with the fallout in their lives. A sweet and sad healing romance.

Shopping King Louie - Faves Seo In Guk and Nam Ji Hyun star as a clueless chaebol and a clueless country hick respectively in this fish out of water, blind leading the blind, over the top comedic adventure to learn how to live life and fall in love. This was so crazy and there were some characters who irritated me. But I really liked the character development for everyone and it became a big found family by the end. Cute romance too.

The Expanse - An excellent final season. The right amount of nostalgia, politics, character growth, tense action, and humor.

Hot Stove League - This sports drama kept me on the edge of my seat as the new general manager who has never worked in baseball tries to rebuild a failing franchise into a championship team. A great ensemble piece. Namkoong Min and Park Eun Bin lead this motley crew as they slowly win over everyone to their winning strategy. So many great mini-story arcs within the larger story. Everyone gets time to shine.

Let Me Be Your Knight - Another idol drama starring Lee Junyoung, whom I also liked in the idol drama, Imitation. Due to financial issues, a long lost twin impersonates her sister to become an in-house doctor to a kpop star dealing with sleepwalking. It has enemies-to-lovers, contract co-habitation, mistaken identity, over-the-top humor, past traumas to overcome, secret dating, squad goals, etc. The first couple episodes set-up a pretty wild premise to get to the co-habitation but then the story has a good development arc. I really love the relationships between the band members and with the FL. Also, every bandmate gets their own motivation/storyline and the music is good. I've had the song "Beautiful Breakup" on repeat for a month.

Our Beloved Summer - I really enjoyed this second chance romance which is not usually my cup of tea. It was well done and I loved the characters. One thing that bothered me though is how all of the secondary characters had little to no character development or agency outside of how they related to the main couple. Everything was in service of the main couple’s relationship. This is not necessarily bad, it was just a story choice. For me, I would have liked the side characters to have their own true development arcs too. The OSTs are excellent on this as well. V’s Christmas Tree is definitely on my playlist.

currently watching:

Outer Banks - One episodes left!

Nadiya’s Time to Eat - Happy to see the Bake Off winner again and learning a few food tricks and tips.

Abyss - After two episodes, I put it on hold. I do plan to finish it but I have discovered I’m generally not keen on Park Bo Young’s stuff prior to DAYS.

Young Lady and Gentleman - My first 52 episode family kdrama (aka primetime soap). The cuteness and romantic tropes have me hooked but the drama drama drama of certain characters does grate on me. I’ve even used the 10 second skip button repeatedly through certain scenes and not missed anything truly relevant. But I’m going to see this romance to the end.

The Silent Sea - Gong Yoo and Bae Doona lead this sleepy space adventure. I have 3 episodes left but if it wasn’t for the leads I probably would have dropped it.

Ted Lasso - Last weekend, I watched the entire first season in one sitting while I smiled and laughed the whole time. Such a fantastic show. Can’t wait to watch S2!

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