#this episode was worth the weight in gold!!

[runawaycarouselhorse]

Our pure-hearted, all-loving hero... he can be a little brat (especially back in OS/early in his journey, when he was much more of a hot-blooded boy hero), but his heart's worth its weight in solid gold and he grows into such a kind, patient character with strong ideals, which is why Hero of Ideals suits him best (even the movie manga opted to adapt that version of the movie, rather than the one where Ash is Hero of Truth, and expanded on it!)

[I hope you have "long post" and "image heavy" muted if you need to, because this post's a doozy and given tumblr, if my blog's ever deleted, posts with read mores will be rendered inaccessible forever, so I don't like to make them!]

A lot of people complained about how young Ash looked in BW! (and complained even more about Sun & Moon's very divisive art style... and we wound up seeing great growth for his love of a whole region, and achieved a goal integral to achieving his dreams), but from the first episode of BW!, my first impression was of how mature and calm Ash is with Iris and Trip in regards to their initially abrasive and varingly aloof personalities.

Iris was friendlier and more excitable, more childlike, but Ash took her barbs in stride and patiently waited for her to open up about her dreams (she keeps it secret in the first episode, using that cute, childish word "naisho" instead of saying it's a secret "himitsu"--the same childish word she uses when asked about what Kairyuu/Dragonite told her in their reunion episode) and background (we don't know she ran away from the academy or what her hometown was like until season 2!)

The way Ash handled Tory (who was a traumatized, younger child--and Ash wanted to fight him at first, before understanding him!), Lucario (also traumatized, insulted Ash and Pikachu's bond--Ash fought him and fell off a hill, wrestling with him, before he saw Lucario's memory of being "abandoned" and broke down in tears, apologizing for what he said when he didn't know anything...), Chimchar (a traumatized Pokemon, Ash was patient, kind, and loving to him, even when he lashed out while out of control due to Blaze, which he previously could only use to save his life...), etc., is very different from how he handled Iris (who was bullied subtly by being completely ostracized, no one would sit or eat or play with her at the academy, she was so depressed, she stopped eating--this is canon and not lingered on, but she plainly says it and that her dorm mother making her food that would remind her of home, just berries skewered on a stick, "saved her") and even Trip.

(By the way, Ash apologizing to Lucario, in tears of regret over what he said to Lucario when he didn't understand him is when I first started to truly love and respect Ash's character and growth! Before that, I really was only a big fan of the TRio.)

By contrast to those rockier beginnings with other kids, Ash was patient and encouraging with Trip, even while Trip purposefully kept him and everyone else (even his Pokemon who loved him, as Alder said...) at bay and rejected all his attempts at friendship, before he got the answers he needed from Alder and slowly stopped shutting others out. He had every right to lash out at Trip for making fun of him, but kept trying to befriend him and showed interest in his journey and growth.

(Trip was also his youngest main rival at that point, even if he is a very book-smart child prodigy type who was an excellent battler from the start, he still fell apart in front of unexpected, unorthodox techniques like Bell/Bianca and Satoshi/Ash's out-of-the-box strategies.)

Naturally, there's also his very patient and encouraging bond with Lillie, who also had her trauma-induced fear of Pokemon (much like Tory!) and dissociative amnesia, the early loss of her father in infancy, and the distance between her and her mother (too wrapped-up in work and her obsession with Ultra Beasts to notice her own child's trauma and falling behind her peers...) to overcome, but the focus of this post is BW! I already write a lot about Lillie, she's another favourite of mine. <3

It's worth noting, too, that Pikachu was Ash's first "problem Pokemon"... even if it's usually the Fire types who are traumatized, Pikachu has abandonment issues like Chimchar and Tepig did. Pikachu famously hates being inside a pokeball and Ash always repesects this boundary and becomes very, very upset in XY when he believed Pikachu was forced into a pokeball... the pokeball factory episode was, otherwise, a very light-hearted episode, but Pikachu's boundaries and possible trauma is taken seriously.

This scene mirrors a similar breakdown Alain has when he finds out all he's done, under the impression he was protecting his loved ones, was aiding Lysandre's genocidal plans... both smash their fists into hard surfaces, blaming themselves for failing to protect loved ones.

In a very early Kanto episode, Sparks Fly for Magnemite, we learn Pikachu has abandonment issues so bad, he doesn't want to be separated from Ash for even an overnight stay in the Pokemon Center. It seems Pikachu (fortunately) quickly become much more secure in his bond with Ash and no longer fears being separated for medical treatment, but this is very, very sad and telling!

Although we never delve very deeply into that for most of the series... (an early magazine scan has Ookido-hakase/Professor Oak theorize Pikachu's previous trainer abandoned it), we were finally given some answers late in series!

In the AU movie, Pikachu says* his reason for not going into the pokeball: "It's because I always want to be with you." ;O;

... unless this is a dream or hallucination, given Ash is on the verge of unconsciousness when it happens--but if we really want to believe it happened, maybe his latent Aura post-cognition abailities kicked in and he understood Pikachu's feelings, like when Victini slept in his lap, crying, and Ash saw Victini's dream of his past.

As for the main series canon, in the first episode of Pocket Monsters 2019 (Pokemon Journeys), we learn Ash's Pikachu was a lone, possibly orphaned, Pichu, who was briefly raised by a Kangaskhan, carried in her pouch with her child, until he grew too heavy and quietly left at night (without saying goodbye) to live by his own strength, evolving into Pikachu as he did so.

If Lusamine not taking Lillie's (because they're irrational or not logical) feelings seriously gave her a complex where she always needed to claim her stances are "logical" even when they're based in emotion... I wonder what it tells us that "child prodigy" Trip defaulting to blaming his loss to Alder on him doing something wrong or being inherently lacking ("What did I do wrong? What do I lack?"), because he doesn't ever consider a simple difference in experience is all it is... that Alder's many years of wisdom and Pokemon training give him an advantage over rookie trainer Trip, who's shown to be averse to being called a "child" (Iris ropes him into battling Ash twice by calling him a kid), because he always has to prove he's an adult. He thinks there's something inherently "lacking" in him or "wrong" about his method if he doesn't achieve.

All of that is canon, but if you further analyze his character, Trip has a superiority complex, which is very often a defense mechanism to mask feelings of inferiority. He canonically places a lot of worth in the image he projects and constantly puts down others. Add that to being a child prodigy and his preoccupation with proving he's an adult (but doesn't bat an eyelid at someone calling him "unjust" for his violent methods in the Venipede episode, like he's already accepted being a terrible person, because he thinks striving for peace like idealistic Ash is "naive"--Trip has a very cynical view of adults, yet thinks of himself as such...)

Trip only cares to be seen as strong and mature, not good (he's not even surprised to be called bad, he's already accepted it, he doesn't care), and if he fails, he blames his lack of knowledge or his inherent nature as lacking.

Because his self-worth is in being a genius and being better than the rest, so he seeks outside validation, namely Alder's, who Trip behaves so jealously about, Alder canonically compares him to a fickle-hearted woman (well, he messes up the phrase 'Onna-gokoro to haru no sora.' "A woman's heart is as fickle as the sky of spring" because he was hitting on Junsa-san/Officer Jenny earlier, so he says "fickle as Junsa-san"... Freudian slip. ^^;;;;)

Trip, when asked what he was battling for, what he wanted to prove... he said it was to prove his strength to Alder.

That's all he wanted! To prove his strength and be acknowledged by his hero. Alder even asks him if he likes him. Adeku frankly asks it in the Japanese version, but the dub dances around with "do you have any admiration for a man such as myself"--which Trip doesn't answer verbally, although he really doesn't have to, because the scene makes it clear and is a lens that clarifies all his past behaviour.

That's all Trip wants: love and acknowledgement. Which he believed he could only get by becoming stronger, smarter, and more mature as fast as possible, likely taking Alder's to be some stronger and grow up quickly too literally, as head animator Iwane said, Shootie was just "a little too grown-up."

It takes a long, long time for Trip to unlearn prioritizing battles over anything else and to embrace childhood (which hey, is one of the main themes of BW!), because it's a precious time which we can never return to... so, Alder's current idealogy is to enjoy life, make friends, love Pokemon, and not dwell on the past. Ash's approach to being a Pokemon Champion and Master is the same.

Alder's introductory episode made it very clear he and Ash are very, very similar characters... and we see this again in Journeys, in the kind of advice Champion Ash gives younger kids. Ash and Alder have a similar wisdom they'd like to impart, I know, it's funny calling Ash wise, but he has high emotional intelligence and is incredibly wise in that respect for his age... it took Alder many, many long years to arrive at the same conclusion Ash reached.

Ash's Japanese name, Satoshi, means "Wisdom." (Another cute detail: Ash's little brother, Lei, whose Hawaiian name means a "Garland of Flowers-- in Japanese, would be pronounced as Rei, which also means "Wisdom." Lei likely has a name chosen to have meaning in both Hawaiian and Japanese. ^^)

Bonus shout-out to Ash, Iris, and Cilan all protecting Keldeo until he finds the courage to face his fears, correct his mistakes, and save his friends...

Ash is a very good friend, AG, DP, and BW! are all part of his development into the kinder character he became today. Some people might miss how rude he was to his friends in OS, but he can still playfully dish it out, he's just calmer and more sure of himself, so less likely to sweat the small stuff and recognizes when someone, whether Pokemon or trainer, just needs time and patience.

#PokeAni #Ash Ketchum #Pokemon Best Wishes #Lillie #Pikachu #Tory Lund #trainer Trip #Pokemon Trip #Shuuti #Trip #posts you could probably spot diagnose my autism with </half-joking> #long post * #image heavy * #this post will destroy people's dashboards sorry #Champion Alder #Adeku #Alder #Ash #character analysis #gif * #long post #Pokemon

[ghostkingdoesstuff]

A friendly reminder I am not to be held accountable for the things I'm about to say. Percy Jackson Season 1 FINALLY (SPOILERS BUT THAT'S THE LEAST OF YOUR PROBLEMS)

The visceral noise I made eating popcorn as Luke said "look you didn't ask to be a half-blood" caused an earthquake in Alaska, I'm sorry I was facing northwest.

"Riposte" I'm sorry, no I'm sorry no-

Also, the background of the sword fighting scene was very pretty.

Poseidon showing up for his son!!! Letts gooooooo! THE WEIGHT OF THE OCEAN UPON YEE!!!

Right in the heel, it's gotta hurt!

Percy asked his uncle to please return his mom, wholesome family gold.

"He'll kill you." "I done to stop running from monsters." "You're gonna need all the luck you can get." The show gets why these two work. Friends before anything else.

Glory as a theme is something that I like that the show highlights more. But Grover is right. at least send an insurance email or something. A quick "on my way, please don't kill anyone"

Dropping the master bolt on some poor dudes desk, legendary.

Olympus is so fucking beutiful omg

I'm gonna cry if Luke and Percy are in the same scene as each other in this episode again. ILL DO IT! THAT'S A THREAT!

The dead silence, I'm shitting omg... yes I know what happens and?

Followed by "I didn't steal it! Neither did any of my friends" IM GONNA CRY! IM GONNA DO IT

The pin strip suit, the sky blue paisley tie, the presence, the voice, THE KING OF THE GODS PEOPLE

Lotta talk for someone so small and scary

POISIDEN GETTING BETWEEN HIS SON AND HIS BROTHER I'M GONNA THROW UP

POSIDEN AND ZEUS SPEAKING GREEK I'M GONNA PISS

THE SEA DOES NOT LIKE TO BE RESTRAINED (🎶BRING ON THE MONSTERS BRING ON THE REAL WORLD!!!🎶)

SALLY JACKSON TEACHING PERCY GREEK I'M GONNA-

"Of course we dream. why do you ask?" "Do you ever dream about mom?" ;-;

Thalia looking strudy as ever.

"Ready?" NO FUCK YOU NO

Another reminder I am not to held liable for anything I might say, you need only see how many times I've listened to "Last day of Summer" from The musical to understand how much I've thought of this moment in fictional time.

Confirmation that Luke was indeed what mattered most in the end? I'm gonna make myself cry shit-

Honestly, this Percy might be too smart for his own good. Bro's never gonna live this heartbreak down.

"You...I'm here to recruit." I- fucking- AHHHH

"OUR WAY OUT" RICK YOU BASTARD I HOPE YOU ROT IN ASPHODEL

"Stop saying "we"!" "It’s the word Zeus fears the most."

AND SHE HEARD EVERYTHING! Wasn't she supposed to be watching Clarrise? He'll, if Percy could figure it out, I'm sure Annabeth would. It's worth it to see that LOOK on Luke's face. I'm sorry. Feel the weight of your actions, man.

Miss my old friend the pit scorpion but I also like my new friend "the first scars we gave eachother"

He knows Luke won't hurt him physically, but the psychic damage hurts more and has lasting status de buffs.

"Just be a kid" that's it

"I'll find you" that's it

Promising to meet again next summer...Percy just you wait.

THE FAKE OUT OF A LIFETIME

"Grandpa" "don't call him that"

They are the ultimate mother son duo

BLUE PANCAKES!

Kinda hate that Sally didn't intentionally do a murder, or at least she has a lot more possible deniability now, but I hope she still makes a sweet sale on that sculpture!

And that's it! Fuck it's over what to do now... RE READING THE LIGHTING THEIF LIFE BLOG COMING SOON! As well I'll probably drop a summary of my thoughts on the whole season at some point soon! Happy Finally, y'all! Can't wait to see the discorse!

#percy jackson #pjo #percy jackson and the olympians #pjo fandom #pjo tv adaptation #pjo disney+ #luke castellan #percy jackon and the olympians #annabeth chase #grover underwood #thalia grace #pjo spoilers

[disneytva]

It's summer, every single moment is worth its weight in gold. 🎶☀️👻🐿️🐰🐹🦸‍♀️🤖📔✓🌴🧟📣🦐

Summer Animation on Disney Channel starts with NEW EPISODES of THE GHOST AND MOLLY MCGEE, HAMSTER AND GRETEL,KIFF HAILEY'S ON IT and ZOMBIES THE RE-ANIMATED SERIES SHORTS!

All Summer Long only on Disney Channel

📹Owlphibia

#The Ghost And Molly McGee #The Curse Of Molly McGee #Ghost And Molly McGee #Curse Of Molly McGee #Hamster And Gretel #Hamster & Gretel #Kiff #Disney Kiff #Hailey's On It #Hailey's On It! #Zombies #Zombies The Re-Animated Series #Bill Motz #Bob Roth #Dan Povenmire #Nic Smal #Lucy Heavens #Nick Stanton #Devin Bunje #Aliki Theofilopoulos #Jack Ferraiolo #Disney Channel #Youtube

[crimeronan]

wait. AU where eda and gus have a rapport pre-canon. luz's new friends come over to the owl house circa episode fourish and gus does a really complex secret handshake with eda and luz is like "you two KNOW each other?!?" and gus is like "uh, duh?? where else am i gonna get to learn about human contraband??" while eda's like "yeah i don't even charge him snails look at this kid. he's worth his weight in gold. makes royal guard illusions to 'arrest' me whenever coven scouts get weird around my stall"

willow: WHAT. WHEN. WE GO TO SCHOOL?????

gus: haha yeah. i'm multi-faceted!!

#toh #willow park #gus porter #eda clawthorne #luz noceda #gus loves human junk so much. eda has so much human junk. the perfect duo #toh fambly

[avatarmerida]

Oh my titan, based off your last post of that cute art by @snoozu with what you said, I hope you write that, Hunter carrying Willow longer than he did in the episode and she is just chilling in his arms, unsure what to do. I'll definitely say, as annoying as Kikimora is, we can thank her for like 3 Huntlow moments, depends on how you count it. It is such a cute and silly concept, and I'm a sucker for a princess carry so this brings me so much joy.

This is less a fic and more like an internal monologue vibe but I just love these blorbos and this moment is on my mind. Based on this amazing art by @snoozu

———

It was not a very far way to fall.

Getting knocked off her staff was not a new experience, she had a flower on the way to ease her fall but before she had a chance to summon it, she stopped mid air.

She stopped and was met by something holding her close and then in a flash of gold she was safe on solid ground and mere inches from her face was Hunter. She felt like she had had the wind knocked out of her, but she knew that wasn’t the case. It was because suddenly she was staring into his wide, worried eyes. They went from pure determination to concern in an instant, and they were locked on her. He looked at her to confirm she was unharmed and Willow never wanted him to look away.

When Gus and Hunter had told her to let it all out and she allowed herself to cry months worth of tears, it has lifted a weight off her shoulders.

And one off her heart too, apparently.

Because now Hunter had that soapy dopey rose colored filter around him and despite the intensity of the moment, things moved in slow motion as she allowed her heart to race the way it hadn’t been able to in months.

Hunter was too distracted by his anger at Kikimora’s presence and the way she had endangered Willow to let their closeness fluster him as it usually would. He was aware of her, he always was, but carrying her felt as second nature to him as being carried felt to her. With Willow rendered speechless and unable to suggest otherwise, Hunter continued to carry her as he went back to the group.

When she remembered to breathe, she tried to steady herself as her thoughts swirled and bounced in her mind and made her feel utterly unsteady. He was so stoic, so kind, so handsome, so so many wonderful wonderful things and he was so so close to her.

Willow had always been someone who felt things so deep and loud, that even her muted colors were vibrant. She put on her best show, being just enough. She had been just silly enough, just aloof enough, just distracted enough where not even Gus suspected she was holding back. She had plenty of things to focus her energy on, the portal being just one of them, so some days even she couldn't tell.

But she could not grow her plants to their true normal height, lest she draw suspicion.

She could let herself think about her dads too long because she could not let the others see her cry and think that their optimism was in vain.

She could not hesitate when the wind outside roared louder and shook the house, she would be the first one to offer to investigate and insist it was no big deal.

She had to reassure them. She had to protect them.

But she still felt the yearning, the sadness, the fear; she felt it in the same grand multitudes she felt everything. But she had nowhere for it to go and so it sank down beneath the surface so she could carry more. But she suppressed the good along with the bad.

She knew she liked Hunter more than a friend. From the moment they met she had felt that bubbly giddy feeling start to form in the pit of her stomach and it slowly but surely aimed to recruit her heart. Right before circumstances became what they did, she had been building up to be bolder about it. They had gotten into the habit of messaging every night and his lack of flirting experience had blended nicely with hers (who could only claim to be more experienced second hand). She would say something cute, purposely throwing a phrase she was certain Hunter wouldn’t understand and he would send a very characteristic “?” and Willow would put forth exactly what she meant and she kicked her feet in delight as Hunter composed his response.

Willow would watch him start and stop and start typing again as he tried to match her energy, but he couldn’t decide what was appropriate and would often settle for single word or picture of Flapjack.

She looked forward to when they would talk without scrolls and she would get to hear him stutter. She could tell he was not usually at a loss for words and she relished that power.

He would compliment her so effortlessly and genuinely that Willow could tell he wasn’t actively trying to do it. He believed them true and therefore he said them, no pretense. He wouldn’t put in the clever buildup Willow did, he kept it simple (mostly due to his difficulty typing) and Willow believed she would surely pass away if he tried the way she did. If he was aware of the effect his simple words had on her, she wondered if he would care to elaborate.

He was rarely at a loss for words, once his interest was peaked he could talk for hours. Willow wondered if the way he flake ens out her could be compared to how he talked about his passions or if she was just hopeful. Hunter very rarely lacked an opinion.

But now she was the speechless one.

And her mind filled to the brim with all the soft, sweet, things she had been filtering. For every thing she said to him, there were three she kept to herself . It wasn’t that she was ashamed of them or didn’t want him to know, but she knew if she started she would never stop. The same way if she let herself cry. She needed to stay in control. She needed to stay subtle, just in case her feelings were too big. She didn’t want to overwhelm him.

She was certain he liked her too, which was not something she had felt certain about before. But being certain about herself had made her more certain about others. But as certain as she was, she had never been in this position before having romantic feelings being reciprocated. She was still adjusting to the idea that her friendships could be stable and she had to convince herself not to move too fast. Because this Willow could trust quickly again, her trust could be of value and still be given freely and if it broke it wasn’t because it was fragile. She trusted Hunter, despite what Amity and Luz told her about him in the beginning and despite the circumstances of their first meeting she knew how being labeled a half-a-witch clouded your mind. She knew there was more to him than even he realized and she knew she wanted to spend more time with him and she had no issue making that clear.

But then things got too chaotic to just pick things up where they had left off.

Under normal circumstances, Willow would have loved nothing more than to leave him all kinds of hints and wait for him to be comfortable with anything changing between them. But with all of them in the house, Willow worried that if something went wrong and he didn’t feel that way or had stopped feeling that way, that he wouldn’t have the privacy to process how he felt because she would always be there.

And now she wanted to always be here. So close.

Hunter ran a safe distance from Kilimora’s line of fire and Willow felt him tighten his hold on her.

He carried her like he had been doing it his whole life like she was precious, dangerous cargo. Like she was nothing and everything. He did not insist on releasing her so she did not bring it up and was content being secure in his arms, succumbing to the opportunity to admire the familiar look of determination on his face up close.

Months and months of longing stares that ended too soon came out with a vengeance, taking in the sight of him with no remorse. She felt so comfortable, she nearly forgot how she had gotten here in the first place.

The sound of Kikimora was faint, muffled like Willow was under water floating in a tranquil see as the world above did whatever it wanted. She watched Hunter react to what was being said, which wa s better than listening. Her heart leapt at the way his ears twinged as they listened, the way he frowned and squinted his eyes as he preocessee the words. He was so attentive and for some reason she found that impossibly endearing.

“Ugh, Kikimora is the worst,” he mumbled under his harsh breath. Oh, and the way he spoke! Ugh, he voice was a unique combination of sincere and sad, the way it was hoarse but bright. It was a marvelous contradiction, the way it would sometimes creak like an old house settling but could make any phrase sound new.

“Mhm hm.” Willow squeaked, having nearly forgotten he could see her.

“Ugh, I can’t believe Boscha is gonna get away with what she did,” Hunter muttered under his breathe as he ran back. Willow couldn’t tell if he was saying that to her or if he’d say it regardless. She pressed her hand to his chest and he looked down in surprise, confirming Willow’s suspicion that he had forgotten she was there and how close she was.

“Not for long,” she assured with a raise of her eyebrow and Hunter nodded, understanding what she meant as he ran back slightly so she could deliver her message. “Hey Boshca! Don’t think this means I’m finished with you.”

As Boscha scoffed, unimpressed, Hunter laughed in approal. Pulling her closer as he ran to catch-up, teleporting to allow them to make it to the circle as the group was finishing the glyph.

“Nicely done, Captain,” he said proudly, looking back to where the students were demolishing Kikimora.

“Thanks,” Willow laughed so response, taking in the scene as well. “What do you-.” As she turned back to face him, she found their faces were closer than before. She knew her face must resemble a rose in full blown and Hunter was not far behind.

“Ah, uh,” was all Hunter managed to say as Willow caught his eyes again. He gulped. Willow held her breath in case he whispered something. “Oh sorry,” he stuttered, crouching down to place her feet on the ground. Everything around them was fast and chaotic and when Willow’s feet hit the ground she resumed her part in it instantly as she helped finish marking the ground.

He released her as gently as he had captured her, placing her feet on the ground once as his face turned red, embarrassed he had prolonged his hold on her beyond what was technically necessary. Willow watched him work from the corner of her eye, knowing this was the worst time to get flustered but felt it fueled her.

As the ground shook and shone beneath them, Hunter rushed back to her side (had he actually left it?) and she felt him place his arm behind her back to steady her.

It was a blip like Hunter’s teleporting, but more intense and colorful and it was more disorienting. But in the collection of bright colors and flickering lights she saw him again, worried for her shielding her without a second thought. They were in an uncertain space, traveling hopefully to the skull hopefully in one piece and Willow was ready.

She was ready to be as loud as she was, as emotional as she was, and as vulnerable as she was. Her head felt clearer than it had in months, like a window finally allowing in a cool summer breeze. She felt light and refreshed and determined and ready.

When she opened her eyes and saw they had arrived safe and sound, she grabbed Amity’s hand and the two jumped with joy. She felt Hutner’s hand hovering over her back, always ensuring she was sure and steady. It felt so reassuring and natural, he did not make a show of it.

Even in his sadness, in his anger and confusion he was kind. He was so kind and sweet and silly and smart and so many wonderful, wonderful things. He did not insert himself into a moment,he would not intrude unless lives were at stake, he would never want to inconvenience anyone. She knew what it was like to try and make yourself small, but he consumed her thoughts with such intensity that that seemed impossible for him now.

She felt so may things. She was hopeful and happy and whole. She was mourning, she was tired, she was scared. These feelings were no longer tangled within each other trying to shrink but now flowed through her like an intricate network of vines supporting a mighty tree.

And among many other things, its importance equal in strength and conviction, she was smitten. It was a silly, stupid, smitten feeling that frivolous and frustrating but it did not have to fight to be felt any longer. Because now there was room for it to grow.

She has been on the edge of acceptance for too long, holding herself back from jumping head first until the waters were safer. But now she has no reason to hold back, no fear of the unknown to talk her out of really falling.

It was not a very far way to fall.

#huntlow #Willow park #Hunter toh #toh #for the future toh #winter toh #anon #ask #the owl house

[bespangeled]

Every Argument About “Buffy” On The Internet, From 1998 Until Now

Joss Whedon: Inventer Of Feminism Or Literal Hitler?

Joss  Whedon invented feminism. Before Joss Whedon, every female character on  television was crushed to death under the weight of her male co-stars’  heavier paychecks in the second-season finale.

Every female  character Joss Whedon ever wrote was forcibly impregnated by a demon and  brutally murdered, because Joss Whedon hates lesbians.

But Warren And The Trio Were –

EVERYONE  GETS THAT WARREN AND THE TRIO REPRESENTED THE THREAT OF  NON-SUPERNATURAL MISOGYNY, YOU DON’T GET CREDIT FOR PICKING UP ON THAT

Joss Whedon Doesn’t Understand What Bisexuality Is

Willow Identifies As Gay And You Are Robbing Her Of Self-Determination Because She Doesn’t Have A “Gold Star”

I’d  Feel More Comfortable With Willow’s Lesbianism If It Weren’t Sometimes  Equated With Drug Addiction, Literal Vampirism, And Megalomania

But She Was Clearly In Love With Oz

Who Are You To Say What Love Is

Dark Willow Was Pretty Hot, Though

Yeah, Dark Willow Was Super Hot

I’d Watch Dark Willow And Doppelgangland-Era Willow Hook Up If It Weren’t A Patriarchal Fantasy

Spuffy Is Problematic

Bangel Is A Child’s Delusion Of What Love Is

Spuffy Is Literally Assault

Okay But He Felt Really Bad About It And Didn’t Have A Soul

Waif-Fu And Thermodynamics: You Can’t Violate The Law Of Conservation Of Momentum

Season Six Felt Like Watching My Friends Get Murdered In Slow Motion Right In Front Of Me

It Was Worth It For Once More, With Feeling, Though

No, It Wasn’t

Doublemeat Palace Cancels Out Once More, With Feeling

Doublemeat Palace Cancels Out My Childhood

Xander Is The Only Character Who Retains Their Humanity On The Entire Show

Xander Is A Greater Monster Than Angelus And Invented “Nice Guy” Syndrome

Buffy Started To Falter After Angel Premiered

No, Buffy Started To Falter After Firefly Premiered

No, Buffy Has Never Faltered And Is Still On The Air

Buffy Started To Falter When Angel/Faith/Buffy Came Back

Buffy Was Better When It Was A Movie With Kristy Swanson

What If Evil?

Dark Willow Straight-Up Flayed a Dude!

Extremism In the Pursuit of Love Is No Vice

If a Dude Had Flayed Willow, Would We Be Cheering?

Everyone Was Too Hard On Dawn For Being A Regular Human Being

Don’t You Dare Try To Retroactively Justify Dawn

Oz vs. Tara

Oz Was Boring; Tara Was Too Good For This Sinful Earth

Tara Was Boring; Oz Was The Greatest Love Interest In Television History; Remember That Animal Crackers Monologue

What About Kenned–

SHUT UP ABOUT KENNEDY

Jenny Calendar And Race-Bending

Is It Important That Buffy Is Decidedly Not Book Smart?

Not Everyone Is Book Smart, That Is Elitist

Buffy is the Lady Channing Tatum of being Body Smart and That Is Sufficient

It Is a Tremendous Problem and Girls Should Not Watch This Show Or They Will Not Take College Seriously

I Shouldn’t Have To Watch Angel In Order To Appreciate Cordelia’s Growth As A Character

Shaming: Everyone Is Shamed

“Beer Bad” Is Slut-Shaming

“Beer Bad” Is Substance-Shaming and Preachy

“Beer Bad” Is Just a Terrible Episode

Angel Losing His Soul After He Has Sex With Buffy is Slut-Shaming

THE EPISODE WHERE WILLOW ATTENDS THE WICCAN MEETING IS WICCAN-SHAMING WICCANS ARE REAL WE ARE NOT YOUR PUNCHLINE

KENDRA’S ACCENT THOUGH

Was It Irish Sometimes, Or Was That Just Me?

Her Accent is Perfect, and Not To Be Questioned

Activating All Potential Slayers Was An Act Of Patriarchal Violence

Slaying Is Empowering

No, Slayers Were Literally Created When A Woman Of Color Was Forcibly Invaded By A Demonic Essence

Oh, Right

But Then They Get To Beat Up Everybody

Dark Willow Straight-Up Flayed a Dude

#btvs #buffy #Every Argument About “Buffy” On The Internet From 1998 Until Now #Joss is a piece of trash #From The Toast #repost

[sofiamantegafan110]

NEW X-MEN EPISODE 6

EPISODE 6- MURDER MYSTERY AT XAVIER'S

THE USS O’HALLAHAN IS A SUPER YACHT, USED TO HOST THE FAMED CHICAGO SINGER AND SEDUCTRESS, CESSILY O’HALLAHAN’S MOST EXCLUSIVE SHOWS. RIGHT NOW, IT PLIES THE WATERS OF LAKE MICHIGAN WITH A BEVY OF EXCLUSIVE CLIENTS ABOARD.

CUT TO THE MAIN PERFORMANCE HALL, A LAVISH AND SPLENDID ROOM WITH A SPARKLING CRYSTAL CHANDELIER THAT HANGS ABOVE THE CENTER OF THE ROOM WITH DINETTE TABLES LITTERING THE FLOOR, ALONG WITH SEMI-PRIVATE BOOTHS ALONG THE EDGES. THE VIPS ARE ABLE TO SIT UP IN BALCONIES PLACED ABOVE THE OTHERS WITH ALL OF THIS, OF COURSE, FACING THE ORNATE STAGE WITH ITS HEAVY MAROON CURTAINS AND ROBUST MOOD LIGHTING. FRAMED PORTRAITS LINE THE WALLS AND THE TABLES ARE SET WITH REAL SILVER AND CRYSTAL.

CUT TO THE BACKSTAGE OF THE THEATER, WHICH IS A BIT MORE SUBDUED. A ROW OF MIRRORS AND VANITIES LINE ONE WALL WITH ONE IN PARTICULAR BEING LARGER AND SET APART FROM THE OTHERS, DECORATED WITH THE FLOWERS OF CESSILY’S ADMIRERS. HER PURSE SITS ATOP IT, ALONG WITH A FEW DRAWERS, SOME LOCKED, SOME NOT, THAT HOLD THE THINGS A SUPERSTAR NEEDS TO GET READY. A RACK OF COSTUMES IS LOCATED ON THE OPPOSITE WALL, AND A FEW TRUNKS BENEATH THEM.

CUT TO THE HALLWAY, RATHER SHORT AND NONDESCRIPT. IT HAS SOME PAINTINGS HERE AND THERE ALONG ITS LENGTH, AT LEAST ONE OF THEM WORTH ITS WEIGHT IN GOLD. BEYOND THAT AND THE PLUSH CARPETING, IT MOSTLY JUST CONNECTS ALL THE QUARTERS AND STATEROOMS ON THIS LEVEL, AS WELL AS THE ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL ROOMS, WITH A STAIRWAY THAT LEADS UP ON DECK AND THE BRIDGE.

THE CREW’S QUARTERS CONSIST OF EIGHT BEDS AND A LOCKER AT THE END OF EACH. A SMALL DOOR LEADS TO A LITTLE STATEROOM FOR THE SHIP’S CAPTAIN, WHERE THE BACKUP NAVIGATIONAL PLOTTERS ARE STREWN ACROSS THE DESK. THERE’S A SMALL BOOKCASE THERE, AS WELL AS A LOCKED STORAGE TRUNK AND A LOCKER WITH UNIFORMS IN IT.

CESSILY’S STATEROOM IS LARGER THAN ANY OTHER LIVING SPACE, NATURALLY. THE MASTER SUITE CONSISTS OF TWO ADJOINING ROOMS. THE FIRST ONE LEADS INTO A SMALL OFFICE AREA WITH A DESK NEATLY ARRANGED WITH PAPERS, BOOKS, AND LEDGERS, A FEW COMFORTABLE CHAIRS AND A COUCH PLACED ALONG ONE WALL. THE SECOND ROOM IS THE BOUDOIR WITH A LARGE SOFT BED, A SPACIOUS CLOSET, A LITTLE BATHROOM ON THE SIDE AND SOME PERSONAL PICTURES AND SHELF SPACES IN THE BEDROOM ITSELF.

THE CABINS OF THE GUESTS ARE ALL PRETTY SIMPLE, AND THERE’S ONE FOR EACH GUESTS. WHAT SECRETS HIDE WITHIN THEM? WE MAY NEVER KNOW! EACH ONE IS TASTEFULLY DECORATED WITH A SMALL LOCKER FOR PERSONAL EFFECTS, A SINGLE, BUT COMFORTABLE, BED, A VERY SMALL SHELF, AND A READING LIGHT.

CUE INTRO AND CREDITS

THE XAVIER SCHOOL FOR GIFTED YOUNGSTERS PRESENTS… A MURDER MYSTERY PARTY: MURDER ON LAKE MICHIGAN! IT ALL BEGINS ONE CALM AND STARRY NIGHT…

NAMELY THE ROARING TWENTIES, ABOARD A CRUISE SHIP ON LAKE MICHIGAN NEAR THE TAIL-END OF PROHIBITION.

ALL THE PARTICIPANTS ARE DRESSED IN PERIOD-APPROPRIATE CLOTHING, AND YET LOOK OTHERWISE LIKE THEMSELVES IN THE PERFORMANCE HALL OF THE CRUISE SHIP. AT THE CENTER STAGE IS CESSILY O’HALLAHAN HERSELF, LOOKING A LOT LIKE CESSILY KINCAID IF SHE HAD A 1920’S COIF AND SHORT CURLY HAIR WITH BICEP-LENGTH OPERA GLOVES AND A KILLER DRESS THAT SHIMMERS IN THE LIGHT WHENEVER SHE MOVES.

SITTING FARTHER AWAY FROM THE OTHERS IS TALIA RICHEAUVILLE (PLAYED BY NOCTURNE), WHOSE EXPRESSION SHIFTS TO SOMETHING VERY MYSTERIOUS. SHE HAS AN EYE PATCH OVER ONE EYE, EVEN THOUGH SHE DOESN’T NEED ONE, AND SHE’S DRESSED IN A LONG BLACK COAT WITH AN ELEGANT CANE THAT SHE HOLDS CONFIDENTLY IN ONE HAND.

GREEN-SKINNED AND MUCH TOO YOUNG TO BE A SHIP’S CAPTAIN IS VICTOR STANLEY (PLAYED BY ANOLE), WHO WATCHES THE PERFORMANCE WITH CURIOUS EYES. HIS CAPTAIN’S HAT IS TUCKED UNDER ONE ARM AS HE CUTS A PLEASING FIGURE IN HIS WHITE UNIFORM, THE EPAULETS AND TAILORED WAIST ACCENTUATING HIS CASUALLY SCULPTED BUILD.

BRIAN NICHOLS (PLAYED BY TAG), DRESSED IN BEIGE SUSPENDERS AND A STRAW BOATER HAT, KEEPS HIS FOCUS ON THE SILVER-SKINNED SINGER AS SHE PERFORMS. THOUGH HER VOCALS TUG ON THE HEARTSTRINGS OF SEVERAL GUESTS, HIS ATTENTION IS PURELY PRACTICAL AS HE GRADES EVERY NOTE, ALLOWING HIMSELF TO SMILE WHEN SHE FINISHES.

ROXY SINERO (PLAYED BY BLING!) SPORTS A SLEEVELESS BLACK FLAPPER DRESS THAT REACHES TO ABOUT HER KNEES. THE STEREOTYPICAL IMAGE IS SLIGHTLY RUINED BY THE AMETHYST SKIN, BUT SHE MAKES UP FOR IT BY CASTING A GRUMPY FROWN IN RANDOM DIRECTIONS. SHE’S NOT PARTICULARLY HAPPY TO BE HERE, BUT HERE SHE IS.

A CIGAR IS CLUTCHED BETWEEN THE INDEX AND MIDDLE FINGERS OF CLARICE LUCIANO (PLAYED BY BLINK)’S RIGHT HAND, AMIDST A SELECTION OF RINGS MADE OF SILVER, GOLD, AND DIAMOND. A FEDORA IS TUGGED DOWN OVER HER EYES, HER PERFECTLY TAILORED GREY PINSTRIPE SUIT HAVING BROADER SHOULDERS THAT ONE MIGHT EXPECT. HER HAIR IS CUT SHOULDERLENGTH FOR THE OCCASION AND A LILY TUCKED INTO THE LAPEL OF HER SUITCOAT, ALONG WITH A KILLER GLEAM IN HER EYES.

THE ALISTAIR SISTERS (PLAYED BY THE STEPFORD CUCKOOS) ARE WATCHING THE SHOW AND ALMOST SILENTLY MURMURING AMONGST THEMSELVES. WHAT? THEY’RE NOT JEALOUS. YOU ARE JEALOUS. OF THEM. BECAUSE THEY’RE GONNA BE STARS! DRESSED IN SLIGHTLY IDENTICAL EVENING WEAR, THEY SIT AT A TABLE NEAR THE STAGE, BIDING THEIR TIME LIKE LIONS CIRCLING THEIR PREY.

JOSHUA SILAS (PLAYED BY ELIXIR) IS CLAD IN A CRISP PINSTRIPED NAVY SUIT WITH PLEATED PANTS AND A SUIT JACKET WITH A CLEAN WHITE SHIRT BENEATH AND A CRIMSON VEST. HIS BLACK TIE IS UNDONE AND A WIDE-BRIMMED HAT MATCHES HIS SUIT AS HE WATCHES IN A SURLY FASHION.

MEGAN MATTHEWS (PLAYED BY PIXIE) DOESN’T TURN TO HER NOTEPAD ON HER TABLE, WHERE SHE WAS SUPPOSED TO TAKE A RECORD OF CESSILY’S PERFORMANCE. HER STYLED CLOCHE HAT IS ANGLED JAUNTILY, AND SHE WEARS A METICULOUSLY-CONSTRUCTED OUTFIT THAT EVOKES A MONASTIC ROBE. GOLD GREEK KEY WEAVES OVER HER BLACK SHEATH DRESS AS RAINBOWS PIROUETTE HER SHARP-LOOKING WINGS.

JULIAN BRICKMAN (PLAYED BY HELLION) IS HERE WITH A PURPOSE. PEOPLE BUY MONEY FROM HIM, PEOPLE GIVE HIM THE MONEY BACK. HIS INTERESTS ARE ON THE LINE TONIGHT AND HE WANTS HIS COMEUPPANCE. DRESSED IN A FINE BLACK TWO-PIECE SUIT ACCOMPANIED WITH A BLACK VEST AND EVEN A POCKET WATCH, HE SITS AT A TABLE IN THE CORNER, KEEPING HIS EYES ON ALL INTERESTED PLAYERS.

SOFIA LORDER (PLAYED BY WIND DANCER), THE MAYOR OF THIS LITTLE OPERATION THEY CALL A TOWN, IS DRESSED IN A WHITE UNISEX SUIT WITH THIN-TIPPED BOOTS, A FIGURE-HUGGING VEST, A LONG-TAILED SUIT, AND A WESTERN-STYLED TIE AS SHE LOOKS FIERCE AND DEFIANT. LORDERS HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO GO FANCY, SENDING THEIR CHILDREN OUT OF TOWN TO STUDY IN THE BIG CITY WHERE THEY LEARN AMONG THE BIG SHOTS, BUT SOFIA HAS RETURNED HOME EARLIER THAN EXPECTED WHEN HER FATHER PASSED AWAY, ALSO EARLIER THAN EXPECTED. SHE SURVEYS THE AREA WITH IN-CHARACTER COLDNESS THAT HIDES OUT-OF-CHARACTER GIDDINESS.

FINALLY, THE SHOW ENDS AND CESSILY SASHAYS BACKSTAGE WITH A HAND ON HER HIP. IMMEDIATELY, ROXY STANDS AND FOLLOWS HER, WITH TALIA MAKING HER WAY TOWARD THE EXIT, VICTOR GREETING PASSENGERS WHILE USING OVERLONG WORDS AND OCCASIONALLY SLIPPING INTO AN UNCONVINCING ENGLISH ACCENT, BRIAN MOVING TO MEET CESSILY BACKSTAGE BUT UNAWARE OF ROXY, THE ALISTAIR SISTERS STORMING OFF WITH MEGAN TRYING TO GET AN INTERVIEW FROM THEM, AND JOSH MEANDERING NONCHALANTLY TOWARD THE HALLWAY AND THE OUTSIDE DECK BEYOND WITH JULIAN FOLLOWING THE GRUFF BOOTLEGGER TO GET A WORD.

SOFIA TURNS TO DON CLARICE AND SAYS THAT SHE’S SURPRISED TO FIND HER ON THE UPPER DECKS AND NOT BETTING ON THE ONGOING BLOODSPORTS AT THE FURNACE. CLARICE SMIRKS, SAYING THAT BLOODSPORTS ARE ONE THING, BUT SHE WANTED TO HEAR HER GAL SING A LITTLE TUNE. SOFIA NODS BEFORE MOVING BACKSTAGE TO DO THE HANDSHAKES AND CONGRATULATIONS SORT OF THINGS THAT GOOD MAYORS DO.

MEANWHILE, CELESTE TURNS AS MEGAN ASKS HER IF THEY WERE THE ONES DOING THOSE JAWDROPPING VOCALS AT REHEARSALS EARLIER TODAY. SHE NODS, SAYING THAT THAT WAS DEFINITELY THEM AS THE OTHER SISTERS HEAD BACKSTAGE. MEANWHILE, TALIA TRIES TO STIFLE A LAUGH WHILE IN THE HALLWAY AS SHE REMEMBERS CLARICE’S CIGAR AND FEDORA. AT ANOTHER PART OF THE HALLWAY, JOSH TURNS TO FACE JULIAN AS VIC JOINS THE CONVERSATION, TELLING THE GOLD ENTREPRENEUR THAT HE DOESN’T WANT ANY TROUBLE ON HIS SHIP.

MEANWHILE, CESSILY IS SITTING IN FRONT OF HER MIRROR WHEN ROXY ENTERS. SHE TELLS THE CRYSTAL GIRL THAT SHE’S SURPRISED TO SEE HER BEFORE SAYING THAT SHE SHOULDN’T BE THERE. ROXY FOLDS HER ARMS ACROSS HER CHEST, ASKING IF SHE REALLY SHOULDN’T BE THERE OR IF CESSILY DOESN’T WANT HER THERE. SUDDENLY, BRIAN AND SOFIA ENTER AND CESSILY TELLS HER MANAGER TO ESCORT ROXY OUT BEFORE NOTICING SOFIA AND TELLING BRIAN TO FETCH HER A DRINK.

SUDDENLY, THE LIGHTS GO OUT. THOSE BACKSTAGE HEAR MOVEMENT, A SCUFFLE, AND SOMETHING HITTING THE GROUND AND SHATTERING. THERE’S A GASP, PLEADING AND PLAINTIVE, AND THEN A FLESHY THUMP AS CESSILY LETS GO OF SOFIA’S SHOULDER AND SOMETHING HITS THE FLOOR.

SUDDENLY, THE LIGHTS FLICKER ON AND SOFIA, ROXY, AND BRIAN STAND AROUND THE CORPSE OF CESSILY O’HALLAHAN! BLOOD POOLS ON THE CARPET AROUND THE KNIFE PUSHED INTO HER BACK. MINDEE AND PHOEBE GASP AS THEY ENTER AND THE LATTER SCREAMS THAT THERE’S BEEN A MURDER, AND ROXY LETS OUT HER BEST DAMSEL-Y SCREAM AS SHE DROPS TO HER KNEES AND ASKS WHY THE DEAD SINGER COULDN’T LOVE HER.

EMMY AWARD WINNING ACTRESS, ROXY IS NOT.

NEARBY FLOATS A BLUISH, SEMI-TRANSPARENT CESSILY KINCAID, WEARING THE SAME CLOTHES AS HER CHARACTER, BUT GHOOOOOOOOSTLY~!

SOFIA: SINERO! HOW COULD YOU?!

YES, SOFIA THROWS ROXY UNDER THE BUS. ROXY, MEANWHILE, ROXY SAYS THAT IF ANYONE DID THIS, IT WAS PROBABLY HER. BRIAN TELLS ROXY TO GET AWAY FROM THE BODY, AND ROXY YELLS AT HIM TOO, SAYING THAT HE DIDN’T CARE ABOUT CESSILY AND JUST WANTED TO MAKE MONEY OFF HER.

GHOST CESSILY: YES. YEEEEES. TURN UPON ONE ANOTHER…

IN THE HALLWAY, JULIAN AND JOSH GASP UPON HEARING THE SCREAMS OF MURDER. VIC TELLS THEM THAT HE KNOWS THEY WERE BOTH THERE WITH HIM, SO IT COULDN’T HAVE BEEN ONE OF THEM. SUDDENLY, TALIA APPEARS OUT OF SOFIA’S STATEROOM AND VIC TURNS TO HER, ASKING WHAT SHE WAS DOING IN THERE, AND ALLOWING JOSH AND JULIAN TO RUN BACKSTAGE. TALIA SAYS THAT SHE JUST GOT A BIT TURNED AROUND AND TELLS VIC THAT SHE’S GOING OVER TO HER ROOM NOW. SHE THEN HEADS OFF INTO ANOTHER ROOM THAT VIC SAYS ALSO ISN’T HERS.

VIC STARTS TO WALK OVER IN TALIA’S DIRECTION AS SHE SLIPS INTO JOSH’S ROOM, BUT HE PAUSES BRIEFLY, GLANCING UP AND DOWN THE HALLWAY. VIC THEN LEAVES JOSH’S DOOR AND JOGS OVER TO CESSILY’S ROOM, OPENING IT WITH THE MASTER KEY AND RUSHING INSIDE. CLARICE FOLLOWS HIM, SAYING THAT SHE THINKS THEY BOTH HAVE THE SAME THOUGHT HERE.

BACKSTAGE, JOSH, JULIAN, CELESTE, AND MEGAN JOIN THE GROUP BACKSTAGE. JULIAN SHAKES HIS HEAD IN PITY WHILE SOFIA TELLS ROXY THAT THEY ALL KNOW CESSILY LEFT HER AT THE ALTAR. WHILE ROXY WAILS TO THE MAYOR OF MURDERVILLE THAT SHE DIDN’T KNOW WHAT THEY HAD, SOFIA MOVES OVER TO ONE OF THE MIRRORS AND PULLS CURIOUSLY, REVEALING A SECRET DOOR BEHIND IT. JULIAN WASTES NO TIME GOING DOWN THERE, REQUESTING A WORD WITH BRIAN IN THE FUTURE.

ROXY: NO WAY AM I GOING DOWN THERE TO GET STABBED LIKE POOR CESSILY, THE LOVE OF MY LIFE! SOMEONE NEEDS TO MOVE HER SOMEWHERE PRIVATE! WE CAN’T JUST LEAVE HER LIKE THIS!

STEPFORDS: WE CAN’T MOVE THE BODY! WE SHOULD… YOU KNOW… INVESTIGATE! SURELY THERE ARE CLUES UPON HER PERSON!

WITH THAT, CELESTE TELLS PHOEBE TO EITHER GET FINGER PRINT DUST OR GATHER UP EVERYONE ELSE. PHOEBE NODS AND STYLISHLY STALKS OFF WHILE SOFIA TELLS ROXY TO STAY CRYING OVER HER BELOVED OR COME DOWN AND AVENGE HER. SHE KNOWS WHAT SHE WILL DO AND DECIDES TO FIND THE CULPRIT, FOLLOWING JULIAN DOWN THE SECRET PASSAGE. ROXY GLARES AT HER, ASKING WHAT GOOD AVENGING WILL DO IF CESSILY’S DEAD.

BRIAN: YOU THINK YOU’RE SPECIAL BECAUSE YOU HAD A THING WITH CESSILY?! JOIN THE CLUB! SHE’S SCREWED HALF THE SHIP! I STUCK BY HER THROUGH IT ALL! SHE WAS MY GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT!

ROXY: CESSILY AND I HAD SOMETHING SPECIAL!

ROXY THEN LEAVES THE BACKSTAGE IN TEARS (SHE’S NOT ACTUALLY CRYING), WHILE BRIAN, JOSH, MEGAN, CELESTE, AND MINDEE BICKER AMONGST THEMSELVES.

AT CESSILY’S STATEROOM, VICTOR HUNCHES OVER THE RECENTLY DECEASED DIVA’S DESK. JUST AS HE NOTICES SOME KIND OF CONTRACT, HE LOOKS OVER AT CLARICE, SAYING THAT HE SUPPOSES THEY MIGHT HAVE THOUGHT ALONG SIMILAR AVENUES. (HE TRIES TO PRONOUNCE ‘AVENUES’ IN A SORT OF FRENCH ACCENT AND FAILS HORRIBLY) AND LOOKS BACK AT THE PAPER, SAYING THAT CESSILY SEEMS TO HAVE INTENDED TO CUT HER MANAGER OUT OF THE CONSIDERABLE PROFITS FROM HER REMARKABLE TALENT.

MEANWHILE, ALONG THE SECRET PASSAGEWAY, JULIAN NOTICES A SHIMMERING SOMETHING. HE LOOKS CLOSER AND SEES THAT IT’S A NECKLACE. HE THEN REACHES THE END OF THE PASSAGE AND PUSHES OPEN THE DOOR AT THE OTHER END, COMING INTO CESSILY’S STATEROOM WHERE DON CLARICE AND CAPTAIN VICTOR HAPPEN TO BE. CLARICE WONDERS WHAT HE’S DOING THERE AS SOFIA STEPS IN BEHIND HIM.

SUDDENLY, THE LIGHTS GO OUT. TALIA CAN BE SEEN STROLLING OUT OF JULIAN’S ROOM BEFORE THEY DO, BRIAN SUDDENLY MUTTERS THAT HE HAS TO GET OUT OF THERE, AND ROXY GIVES HER BEST HORROR MOVIE SCREAM BEFORE FLEEING TO THE DECK OF THE SHIP.

WHEN THE LIGHTS COME BACK ON, MEGAN MATTHEWS, ACE REPORTER, IS CLUTCHING HER THROAT ON THE GROUND, RED RUNNING BETWEEN HER FINGERS AS SHE STRUGGLES AND GASPS FOR AIR. BRIAN’S HAT LIES NEXT TO HER BESIDE THE KNIFE USED TO STAB CESSILY.

THE MURDERER HAS STRUCK AGAIN.

GHOST-CESSILY SCREAMS IN HER BEST ‘NOOOOO, JENNA!’ VOICE AS A TRANSLUCENT PIXIE ‘GHOST’ RISES FROM THE DEAD BODY. SHE WRAPS HER ARMS AROUND MEGAN IN A BIG HUG AND SQUEEZES HER EYES SHUT WITH A GRIN.

GHOST-CESSILY: OH, OUR POOR MEGAN MATTHEWS! SHE WAS ONTO THE HOTTEST SCOOP OF HER LIFE! WOE! WOOOOOE!

MEANWHILE, TALIA HEADS OVER TO THE CREW’S QUARTERS, MAKING HER WAY OVER TO THE ONE THAT READS CAPTAIN VICTOR STANLEY’S QUARTERS. AFTER COMMENTING THAT THAT’S A STUPID ASS NAME, SHE OPENS THE DOOR AND HEADS ON IN.

BACKSTAGE, JOSH DEMANDS EVERYONE (BASICALLY JUST THE CUCKOOS) SHOW THEIR HANDS AND THE SISTERS STARE AT HIM. CELESTE ASSUMES THAT THE KILLER WAS PROBABLY ONE OF THE PEOPLE WHO RAN OFF AND SAYS THAT FROM WHAT THEY’VE HEARD, CESSILY WAS GETTING AROUND LIKE SOME SORT OF TAWDRY BICYCLE. GHOST CESSILY GETS OUT A NOTEPAD, WRITING ‘DON’T FORGET THE BLOOD SPLATTER!’ WITH A FEATHER PEN.

MEANWHILE, TALIA LEAVES VICTOR’S QUARTERS WITH A TAP OF HER CANE. SHE WALKS OUT AND SEES PHOEBE HEADING BACK TO JOIN HER SISTERS FROM HER ERRAND, HOLDING A MAKEUP KIT AS THE ONLY THING SHE CAN FIND FOR FINGER-PRINT DUST.

IN THE STATEROOM, JULIAN NOTICES BRIAN IN THE HALLWAY AND SAYS THAT THEY NEED TO HAVE A WORD WHILE CLARICE NOTICES SOME PAPERS ON THE DESK AND SMIRKS, SAYING THAT IT SEEMS LIKE THEIR CAPTAIN HAS A CRUSH. SHE THEN SHOWS A SERIES OF LETTERS ADDRESSED TO CESSILY BY VICTOR AND ASKS HIM IF HE DIDN’T WANT ANYONE TO SEE THEM BECAUSE HE TOLD HER HE’D KILL EVERYONE ON THE SHIP FOR HER. SOFIA ‘OHS’ SLIGHTLY AS VIC LOOKS AT THE LETTER IN HIS HAND AND LOSES IT, HIS FACE GOING DARK GREEN.

HE THRUSTS THE LETTER AT CLARICE AND SAYS THAT THERE’S NOTHING ABOUT MURDERS. HE DOESN’T KNOW THAT FOR SURE AND SHE’S SURE AS HELL NOT GONNA CHECK. SUDDENLY, TALIA LEANS IN AND SAYS THAT VIC WAS KISSING CESSILY BEFORE THE SHOW BEFORE HEADING BACK OUT INTO THE HALLWAY. VIC DEMANDS TO KNOW WHO SHE IS WHILE GHOST CESSILY BURSTS OUT LAUGHING, SENDING A TELEPATHIC SIGNAL TO VIC THROUGH THEIR PSYCHIC LINK SET UP BY THE CUCKOOS, SAYING THAT SHE DIDN’T KNOW VIC WOULD BE THE CAPTAIN.

SOFIA ARCHES HER BROW, COMMENTING ON THE TITILLATING SITUATION.

MEANWHILE, ON THE DECK OF THE USS O’HALLAHAN, ROXY LOOKS UP AT THE MOON, IGNORING THE SHOUTS AND CALLS FROM WITHIN THE SHIP.

ROXY: THE MOON SPLIT IN HALF AND STARS CRUMBLED. FALLING LIKE FIREWORKS INTO THE SEA. I WATCHED THE WORLD FALL APART, ON THE DAY THAT MY LOVE LEFT ME.

TALIA STOPS SHORT ON HER WAY UP TO THE DECK TO HEAR ROXY’S MONOLOGUE AS THE BLACK-CLAD CRYSTAL GIRL CLIMBS OVER THE RAILING OF THE DECK, YELLING TO THE STARRY SKY THAT SHE AND CESSILY WILL BE TOGETHER SOON.

THEN, SHE JUMPS OVERBOARD, INTO THE LAKE, NEVER TO BE HEARD FROM AGAIN.

TALIA WATCHES THE SITUATION BRIEFLY BEFORE GIVING A SHRUG AND HEADING RIGHT BACK DOWN THE HALLWAY TOWARD ROXY’S ROOM, ON HER OWN AGENDA.

IN THE STATEROOM, VIC ASKS SOFIA TO READ THE LETTERS AND TELL THEM OF THE APPARENT SCANDAL BEFORE INTERNALLY GRUNTING A BIT WHILE GHOST-CESSILY TELLS HIM THAT SHE GOT THOSE PASSAGES FROM THE FINEST OF ROMANTIC LITEROTICA. CLARICE JABS A FINGER AT VICTOR, ACCUSING HIM OF MAKING THE MOVES ON HER DAME BEFORE SAYING THAT SHE DOESN’T THINK ANYONE IS KILLING FOR LOVE HERE.

CLARICE: MOST PEOPLE KILL FOR MONEY. AND THE PERSON WHO STANDS TO MAKE THE MOST MONEY OUT OF ALL THIS? MY DAME’S MANAGER!

CESSILY CHUCKLES BEFORE TURNING OVER TO THE DRIPPING WET ‘GHOST’ OF ROXY. SHE LAUGHS AND HUGS HER GIRLFRIEND, SAYING THAT SHE’S TOO MUCH WHILE ROXY SAYS THAT IT’S ALL PART OF THE ACTING PROCESS. YOU HAVE TO BE DRAMATIC TO MAKE IT MORE INTENSE.

MEANWHILE, JOSH WALKS OUT OF THE BACKSTAGE ROOM TO FIND CLUES WHILE PHOEBE CHASES HIM, SAYING THAT HE CAN’T ABANDON THREE ELIGIBLE BACHELORETTES TO A MURDER. CELESTE HEADS TOWARDS THE STATEROOM WHILE MINDEE RUNS OFF DOWN THE HALL IN VAGUELY THE LAST DIRECTION SHE SAW ROXY GOING.

IN THE STATEROOM, AS SOFIA CONDUCTS HER OWN INVESTIGATION, VICTOR SHAKES HIS FIST AT CLARICE, SAYING THAT SHE ALWAYS TOOK CESSILY FOR GRANTED. CLARICE GLARES AT HER, SAYING THAT CESSILY CHOSE WHO SHE WANTED IN THE END AND IT WASN’T HIM BEFORE VIC EXPLODES IN FAKE MELODRAMA, SAYING THAT CLARICE ONLY WISHES THAT SHE COULD HAVE LOVED HER LIKE HE DID AND NOW SHE’S LOST HER CHANCE. AS THEY ARGUE, BRIAN AND JULIAN WONDER WHO THE HELL TALIA’S SUPPOSED TO BE AND WHY SHE KEEPS GOING IN PEOPLE’S ROOMS. JOSH HEADS TOWARD THE HALLWAY WHILE THE STEPFORDS TRY TO GATHER EVERYONE.

GUESS WHAT?!

THE LIGHTS GO OUT.

A LOUD BANG COMES FROM THE STATEROOM FOLLOWED BY A THUMP. WHEN THEY COME BACK ON, DON CLARICE LUCIANO CLUTCHES HER CHEST, A REVOLVER LYING ON THE FLOOR. SHE WAS SHOT WITH HER OWN GUN! AND CELESTE IS STANDING IN THE DOORWAY, HAVING HEARD EVERYTHING VIC SAID.

GHOST CESSILY: J’ACCUSE! WHO COULD HAVE DONE THIS?!

AS GHOST CLARICE ENTERS, ROXY GIVES HER A SHOVE FOR STEALING HER GIRLFRIEND. ROXY LAUGHS AND ASKS IF THERE’S GHOST POPCORN AS MEGAN HIGH-FIVES HER. BEING IN THE ASTRAL PLANE (IF YOU HAVEN’T ALREADY GUESSED), CESSILY CREATES A JUMBO TUB OF EXTRA BUTTERY POPCORN AND HANDS IT TO CLARICE.

IN ROXY’S ROOM, TJ ASKS CESSILY IF SHE WINS AT SOME POINT. SHE SAYS THAT SHE FEELS LIKE PERSONAL GOALS ARE BEING MET HERE AND SHE FEELS LIKE IT’S TIME TO HOP ON HER JET SKI AND RIDE INTO THE SUNSET. CESSILY TELLS HER TO JUST JOIN THE SHENANIGANS, REMINDING HER THAT THEY DIDN’T REALLY HAVE ANY JET SKIS IN THE 1920’S, BUT SHE COULD PROBABLY STEAL A LIFE BOAT.

MEANWHILE, JOSH AND PHOEBE JOIN CELESTE, VIEWING CLARICE’S BODY. SOFIA BENDS DOWN BESIDE HER ‘DEAD’ GIRLFRIEND AND COMMENTS THAT SHE WILL MISS HER STUPID ACCENT. SHE CLOSES THE MAFIA DON’S EYES BEFORE GRABBING HER RIFLE AND POINTING IT AT VICTOR, TRYING TO ACT PARANOID.

SOFIA: THAT IS ENOUGH! I WILL NOT BE GOING DOWN WITH THIS PROVERBIAL SHIP! WHOEVER DID THIS BETTER COME OUT RIGHT NOW AND WE CAN DISCUSS TERMS, OR I WILL START SHOOTING! *TELEPATHICALLY* CESSILY, IS THIS WHAT YOU WASTE YOUR TIME ON WHILE YOU’RE ON THE INTERNET?

JULIAN AND BRIAN WALK IN ON SOFIA BRANDISHING A GUN AS MINDEE AND TJ JOIN THE GROUP. THE TRIPLETS HOLD THEIR HANDS UP AND PHOEBE ASKS HOW MANY BULLETS THE GUN HAS. SHE DEDUCES THAT WHOEVER DID THIS HAS A SECRET TO HIDE ABOUT CESSILY AND THEY MURDERED MEGAN BECAUSE SHE WAS THE ONLY ONE WHO COULD FIGURE IT OUT. MINDEE THEN ACCUSES BRIAN OF KILLING CLARICE SINCE SHE WAS THE ONE WHO FIGURED OUT THAT HE WAS THE KILLER.

TJ: EH, IT’S PROBABLY THE BOOTLEGGER OR THE LOANSHARK. BOTH OF ‘EM. I DUNNO. I’VE BEEN BUSY.

JULIAN: ME? THE MAYOR IS THE ONE WITH THE GUN!

BRIAN QUICKLY TRIES TO DEFEND HIMSELF AGAINST THE TRIO’S CLAIM BUT JULIAN AND JOSH BOTH AGREE WITH THEM, SAYING THAT CESSILY INTENDED TO FIRE HIM. IT’S POSSIBLE THAT HE COULDN’T HANDLE IT AND DECIDED TO KILL HER TO EARN PROFIT FROM HER DEATH. IN THE BACKGROUND, VIC TRIES TO GRAB THE GUN FROM SOFIA AND GETS HIS HAND BITTEN IN THE PROCESS. AND OF COURSE, THE CASPER CREW IS JUST EATING THIS UP, WATCHING AND EATING THEIR GHOST POPCORN.

IN THE END, THEY REACH A LOGJAM. THEY CAN’T DECIDE WHO DID IT, BUT EVENTUALLY DECIDE THAT BRIAN, THE MANAGER, HAS A VERY CLEAR MOTIVE, AND PROOF OF SUCH. PLUS, HE WAS PRESENT OR NEARBY FOR EVERY MURDER. NOT TO MENTION POOR MEGAN WAS HOLDING HIS HAT AS SHE DIED.

WHEN THE POLICE ARRIVE THE NEXT MORNING, IT’S A TENSE STANDOFF OF GUESTS BRANDISHING KNIVES, CANDLESTICKS, AND AT LEAST ONE GUN AT EACH OTHER. BRIAN IS CARTED OFF INTO CUSTODY WHILE VIC IS TREATED FOR HIS SOFIA-INFLICTED “BITE WOUNDS”.

ROXANNE SINERO’S BODY WAS NEVER FOUND…

AND THE KILLER… WALKED FREE.

WE THEN ROLL FAKE CREDITS THAT SHOW THAT THE SCRIPT WAS WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY CESSILY AND THE SETTING WAS PROVIDED BY THE CUCKOOS THANKS TO THE ASTRAL PLANE. THEY ALSO SET UP A PSYCHIC LINK SO THE GUESTS COULD GIVE CESSILY THEIR FEEDBACK. WE THEN CUT OVER TO THE END CREDITS SCENE.

SAW-ESQUE FLASHBACKS SHOW THE STEPFORDS IMMEDIATELY STORMING OFF TO THE HALLWAY AND CESSILY’S STATEROOM. CELESTE WAS STOPPED BY MEGAN LEAVING MINDEE TO HEAD TO THE ELECTRICAL ROOM TO TURN OUT THE LIGHTS WHILE PHOEBE SNUCK IN AND MURDERED CESSILY O’HALLAHAN THROUGH THE SECRET PASSAGE THEY LEARNED ABOUT FROM CELESTE’S AFFAIR WITH CAPTAIN VICTOR.

THE GIRLS THEN RUSHED BACK TO THE SCENE OF THE CRIME FROM THE HALLWAY WITH MEGAN, WHO WAS NONE THE WISER. IT WAS THEN THAT THEY SENT PHOEBE OFF TO ‘GATHER FINGER-PRINT DUST’, ONLY FOR HER TO ONCE AGAIN SHUT OFF THE LIGHTS SO CELESTE COULD SLIT MEGAN’S THROAT AND MINDEE COULD PLANT BRIAN’S HAT ON HER, SINCE THEY’D DISCOVERED THAT IT WASN’T CESSILY THAT SUNK THEIR BUDDING CAREERS, BUT HER MANAGER, AND THEY KILLED THE WRONG PERSON! TO GET THEIR REVENGE, THEY PLANNED TO FRAME BRIAN.

ROXY OFFED HERSELF, LIKE A TOTAL BASKET CASE.

THEIR THIRD AND FINAL VICTIM WAS CLARICE. ONCE AGAIN, THEY SPLIT UP, PHOEBE HEADING OUT TO SHUT OFF THE LIGHTS AGAIN WHILE MINDEE SHOT THE DON, WHO WAS LOUDLY HEARD ACCUSING BRIAN JUST BEFORE HER DEATH! ONCE AGAIN, THEY ATTEMPTED TO FRAME BRIAN FOR THEIR CRIMES…

…AND IT WORKED.

WE THEN CUT OVER TO CESSILY’S ROOM AS CESSILY ASKS THE GROUP WHAT THEY THINK. THEY IMMEDIATELY GIVE OFF VARIOUS SOUNDS OF APPROVAL AS CESSILY TURNS BACK TO HER LAPTOP AND ADDS THE FINISHING TOUCH;

MURDER ON LAKE MICHIGAN

BY CESSILY KINCAID AND THE XAVIER SCHOOL THEATER DEPARTMENT.

A XAVIER’S SCHOOL PRODUCTION

~FIN~

#new x men #cessily kincaid #sofia mantega #clarice ferguson #megan gwynn #julian keller #josh foley #talia wagner #victor borkowski #brian cruz #murder mystery

[gc-appreciationweek]

❗Spoiler warning: this post will touch on some lore and plot points in the Dune universe, as well as up until the August update of Gladiator Chronicles (Season 2, Episode 4)

Since the very first time Gladiator Chronicles was teased to the RC player base, Frank Herbert’s acclaimed epic science fiction novel series "Dune" (1965)—one of the most famous science fiction works of the 20th century—was one of the similar media products listed. The first book of the series was later adapted to feature films "Dune" (1984, dir. David Lynch) and decades later "Dune: Part One" (2021, dir. Dennis Villeneuve).

The story begins with the head of House Atreides appointed a new position, causing the family to relocate from their homeworld Caladan to the planet Arrakis, beautiful and dangerous, with endless desserts, scorching sun, huge monsters, and an abundance of melange (also known as “spice”)—an extremely rare and valuable substance. The story follows Paul, the heir of the House Atreides, a brilliant and gifted young man born into a great destiny beyond his understanding, as he ascends and becomes the messiah.

What do Dune and Gladiator Chronicles have in common? Let’s break them down in points:

Arrakis is a desert planet where water is worth its weight in gold, somewhat similar to Rix’s home planet Paitrum. They are both scorching sandy planets prone to sandstorms. Rix even tells Graut that in his life he has only ever seen "an ocean of sand". However, plot-wise, Arrakis is closer to the planet that Rix has visions of, where he has to “come home” and where his "fate will be decided." In Dune, Paul Atreides often has visions of the future: in the very beginning of the 2021 movie we see his recurring dream of the planet Arrakis and his future lover Chani, an Arrakis native

top row: arrakis concept art (dune 2021) | middle row: paitrum (background from S1E1) | bottom row: backgrounds from rix's visions of the mysterious planet

Arrakis is the only source of a valuable substance—"spice", or melange. The properties of this substance are somewhat similar to scarium in GC:

Is a strong drug that can cause immobility and hallucinations

Is critical for faster-than-light interstellar travel

Prolonged exposure causes a mutation to the eyes (blue/pale)—see Caesar and Pontiff’s eyes in particular

Prolongs life, as stated in the next point with the hermits

Grants psychic abilities (foresight)—the clerics have seen Darea’s future and scarium is their source of energy

Spice is a waste product of huge sandworms in Arrakis, difficult to acquire hence its scarcity—Scarium is mined in mines and is so expensive and rare that it's considered "god imprisoned in a stone"

top: comparison between fremen eyes in dune and caesar & pontiff's eyes | middle: the cleric knowing darea's future | bottom: spice explanation by caesar in future scene (S1E3)

In S1E11, if you choose the option that the nomads are a small tribe on Paitrum (second option), the resulting dialogue matches the description of Dune’s Fremen (from “free people”): the native inhabitants of Arrakis who have learned to synthesize spice

rix's explanation on the nomads if you choose "a small tribe that lives on paitrum" (S1E11) [credit for screenshots goes to HIMEME on youtube]

Paul Atreides’s mother, Lady Jessica, is a representative of the Bene Gesserit Order—a pseudo-religious organization who used genetic experimentation, galactic political interference, and religious engineering to further their own agenda. The members, all women, are able to look through the memory of their ancestors, but only through the female line. In GC, Rix’s mother Agnes in particular seems to have psychic abilities (+ energy manipulation) and, judging by the season 1 finale CG, Rix's parents were clerics (specifically Augurs). As we know, the order of the clerics is sacred, and headed by the Supreme Pontiff. Genetic experimentation is a common motif in GC, starting from the gladiator chips, Darea’s prophecy (see second to last point), and Cassius’s children being slightly altered clones

top and middle rows: concept art for the bene gesserit order (dune 2021) | bottom row: GC CG from S1E11

Just like Paul, Rix seems to have some superhuman abilities and a “destiny” to fulfill. Paul Atreides is the long awaited end product of a lengthy Bene Gesserit genetic experiment to create a messianic superbeing with the clairvoyance necessary to guide humanity to a better future—the Kwisatz Haderach. In the very first episode of GC, Rix speared a hastat—a combat robot—to the disbelief of Stortia and Gars later on when Rix told them his story. Rix experienced visions of Agnes, where she told him to “come home” and that his “nature” is calling him. Rix continues to have other visions involving his family members and a mysterious planet. In one of these visions, Rix’s father also hinted that Rix survived scarium exposure because of his genetics

top row: rix and agnes CG from S1E3 | middle row: rix vision with his father from S1E7 | bottom row: stortia and gars not believing rix from S1E3

Though, in terms of the story, Lady Jessica would also parallel Darea. Lady Jessica was ordered to give birth to a girl who would later bear the Kwisatz Hadarach, but due to her love to Duke Leto Atreides (Paul's father), she chose to bear a son instead—and Paul turned out to be the messianic superhuman the Bene Gesserit order has been striving for. From Rix's conversation with Tori, Darea is prophesised to give birth to a savior who will unite the entire inhabited space and put an end to all wars. The clerics prophesied this, as did the sisters of the Bene Gesserit Order in Dune

darea and rix's shared vision scene from S2E4

Paul Atreides, who at this point in the story has become part of the Fremen, is now their messiah (Muad'Dib), and has successfully defeated his rival house, becomes emperor himself. In the future scenes in GC, Rix is having a conversation with Caesar, which hints at the clear end of the story. We can assume that either Caesar will voluntarily renounce power in favor of Rix, or the latter will have to kill the current emperor and usurp power

left: caesar's conversation with rix from S1E2 | right: paul atreides becomes emperor (1984 movie)

Oh and lastly, this hair choice during character setup before the story even starts

You’ve reached the end! Thank you very much for reading up to here. Do let us know in the reblogs or replies if we missed anything. 

#gladiator chronicles #rcgcaw #gc appreciation week #rc appreciation weeks #romance club #lore #dune #long post #gc references #rix auster #darea auster #agnes auster #caesar #augur publius #supreme pontiff #gars #graut #stortia #admin watching dune: *dicaprio pointing meme* #here's to hoping darea gets the deuteragonist treatment she is owed

[deliberatemisspelling]

I'm gonna say something extremely controversial (hi, we've met).

I love Taylor Kelly.

I love her.

I love her unabashed sexuality.

I love her drive for finding the truth (even when she does it wrong, even when it hurts people she loves.)

I love how fiercely she cares about her job.

I love her.

When I did school for a while I was a communications major and I ran 3 school papers and I have worked for an actual honest to God local newspaper and when I did those things I would have MURDERED A MAN for a cohort like Taylor Kelly. Someone who CARES about TELLING THE TRUTH. No matter how ugly or uncomfortable it is.

I have another controversial thing (shocker, I know): 911 is a good show, but it's a Fox procedural and it's copaganda, no matter how diverse the cast is or how liberal the storylines are.

There is a reason why the Journalist/reporter character is written the way Taylor Kelly is. You are supposed to uncritically side with the characters you love when Taylor does something (arguably, in the case of breaking the Jonah story) shady.

The narrative leads the viewer to automatically side with members of the 118, but I'm sorry, on-shift firefighters being high (even through no fault of their own) is a story (yes, ethically using the footage of Bobby would be fucked. That's why her editor said no, and yes, she did learn from that experience. She wanted to, and she wasn't allowed. Buck does that in his job every other episode.)

Taylor is RIGHT when she says the information about Jonah would have gotten out anyway. Oh, the poor woobie fire department wanted to break the story themselves for damage control 🥺🥺🥺. Boo hoo.

In the context we're shown she didn't use any information from the conversation prior in the episode that she, a seasoned reporter, would not have found on her own in half an hour of googling.

She didn't quote anyone. She had a name first, that's it. A name any other reporter would've gotten from land records or a neighbor or any other one of a dozen sources 20 minutes later, once on-scene. Reporters are supposed to break stories. It's their JOB. They aren't supposed to regurgitate press releases from the fire department like it's news.

Uncritically hating Taylor Kelly because shes Wrong For Buck (she is, that's okay) without considering the fact that public institutions that are paid for with tax dollars (like police and fire departments) SHOULD be critically analyzed is lazy, and there's whole other kettle of fish to talk about regarding hatred female characters paired with part of a popular m/m ship. (It used to be called Bashing, and it's so fucking boring y'all omg).

Taylor's arc is crafted to make the journalist, and journalism, and investigative reporting, look shady.

Listen to the voice-over at the end of the blackout episode! It's all about how, now that the blackout is over, the only violence and property damage still occurring is in the autonomous zone. It's not subtle.

The Fourth Estate is IMPORTANT and the current real world state of it is a SHAMBLES. There are serious problems with the state of journalism but there are serious problems with the state of public entities too, and the way characters that are members of the 118 are allowed to make mistakes (you know, like people) while the House is held up as a bastion of perfection while still being part of a problematic institution, but a character like Taylor, because she is a Journalist, is given NO QUARTER, is galling.

A reporter like Taylor Kelly is Worth Her Weight in GOLD. She's got some things to learn but she's young and she's hungry and she CARES.

I love Taylor Kelly.

#taylor kelly #911 show #fandom shit #like y'all i get she's not for everyone but the people out here stanning Lucy with her 30 seconds of characterization while hating taylor #make me INSANE #lucy is great! #taylor is ALSO GREAT #leave taylor kelly alone 2k23

[sassyfrassboss]

Lmao just like the Google search which Omid used to claim that Meghan was the ‘most searched person in the world’, this first podcast had that trend because people were curious. Now that people have heard it and made their assumptions about the content of the upcoming episodes (filled with more stories about Herself than the guests) it’s going to be the same type of ‘trend’. With that kind of ‘3 years ago during the SA tour’ type of narrative she’s started with this first episode who wouldn’t be curious about more ‘3 years ago while I was a working royal’ that will come out every episode? Once again being intentionally obtuse about the fact that it got multiple listens because of the stories she told about the BRF and not about the guests. This is Finding Freedom 3.0.

Do I guess that screenshot will be worth its weight in gold in a day or two when she is back down on the list?

[rppr-podcast]

Fate Core: Cointract Island - Episode 11 - There's a Minigun in this Episode

Find out what a catgirl armed with a minigun can do!

The team has a few boats and a mission to extract Hathor but they need to get to the other side of the island! Boats are worth their weight in gold on Cointract Island, so they’ll need to defend them. Everyone from con artists to deadly cyborgs want to steal the ships. But they do have one advantage: a minigun crewed by a catgirl! Bridget as Felicia, cat girl bartender Lydia as Aava Amaranth,…

View On WordPress

#bridget #cointract island #felicia #lydia #ross

[starry-skies-116]

Stages of Depression ft. Evan Afton/Gregory:

Stages of Depression ft. Evan Afton/Gregory:

Lively, easygoing, articulate and bright child who is caring and open minded with his family and shares trust freely with the rest of the world. Exemplary student and son. Intelligent, strategic, and planning- carefree, intimate, and excited about what the future will hold. Opportunistic, multifaceted and a heart of gold who is true to what his soul desires- upholds responsibility and duty with diligence and dignity, enjoys his work, and plans on living life to the fullest. Jumps at every opportunity and every challenge to prove his abilities and make his hard work bear fruit, as well as test his mettle. Has confidence, respect and faith in others and in humanity.

Depression slowly starts to creep into his life caused by an impending sense of emptiness, as well as his home life growing poor. Evan begins to hold himself with a restrained, terse air, but is also full of melancholy and solemn wistfulness. He is still sensitive and kind, but his patience, sense of self-worth and motivation slowly starts taking a nosedive, though it’s not immediately apparent yet. He receives his first existential crisis one night, and is left on the ground shaking in tears. Yet it is a pathetic, uncomely sight for anyone to look at, so he picks himself up and practically forces himself to go back to sleep with a racing mind and pounding heart and head.

Begins to focus on his hobbies despite losing interest in them, and the perceptions of what the world around him wants him to be in order to distract himself from his growing depression- he’s a child, so he doesn’t know how to deal with such things. Thoughts that doubt his true identity and self-worth, as well as his validity and contribution to the world begin to seep in- Michael’s teasing starts to escalate, and so does the apathy and negligent bite of his family and friends, and he becomes prone to mood swings and lashing out more frequently, though he does grow soft around Elizabeth. 

Nightmares begin to show up, so does psychosis and self-destructive tendencies. Evan locks himself away in his room more often, and insomnia and appetite swings begin to show up- he loses a lot of weight, and Eleanor begins to worry. He vehemently denies any evidence of his growing depression because, again, he doesn’t know. Rarely gets along with either Elizabeth or Michael as his mental state worsens, and his relationship with William grows more distant as the rest of his relationships begin to deteriorate. Symptoms become physical- he becomes deeply tormented by body aches, frequent crying, episodes of hysteria and mania, mental breakdowns, destructive behavior, etc. He throws himself deeper into isolation and attempted distraction instead of reaching out his hand.

Evan is at his absolute lowest point- he doesn’t know how much more of this he can take. Feels like he has no say, no control, no power over his life, destiny and identity. He becomes afraid of who he is and desperately tries to push others away, only for them to reject him when he tries to open himself up. He feels as if there’s no hope for the future anymore, that humanity has betrayed him (the cynical and misanthropic, hateful mindset he gains), and that he can never find peace and happiness in life.

The bite happens- his soul splits into two fragments and are essentially ‘cleansed’ in a way from having their memories erased and reset temporarily, their existing forms reset themselves- the fragment of Evan containing his consciousness is crafted into a Creation, and his body is repurposed and reforged as a vessel via technology, robotics and body reconstruction procedures- Gregory. The 57-year long slumber he was sealed deep into also served to, y’know, serve as a source of providing him peace and security on a subconscious level while he was asleep.

Killing the techs that abducted him from his resting grounds impacted Gregory mentally to a pretty big degree, but that was soon brushed aside in priority of regaining his memories. He notices that the nightmares are gone, yet still feels empty even with their absence. After a good and healthy cry celebrating the revival of his memories and the remembrance of who he once was, what he once had, he sets out to fulfill his goals at any cost, even if it means walking the darker side of humanity. He does several morally questionable and even downright despicable acts in order to grow closer to his dream, and becomes increasingly frustrated when his plans are opposed by unforeseen circumstances and his progress is hindered, however, his sense of self-worth and identity is getting stronger by the day. It is on this day that he gains burning optimism and idealism from the idea that he deserves a happier, healthier and more fulfilled life and future, that he worked hard for it and that it was his birthright ever since the very beginning. It is also on this day that he gains an unshakeable, rigid and undying spirit, willing to fight for what he loves and what he believes in no matter what.

Gregory’s sense of confidence and faith in himself and his abilities grows, and his strategic planning, intelligence, prediction and tact grow frighteningly. He gains back his sense of humor, as well as his kindness, benevolence and compassion towards his family and those he loves behind his sharp and brash exterior. He also reignites some twisted form of hope for the future, which in turn also gives him back his motivation and work ethic. He is still lonely, and has very little time to relax- he himself knows this fact very well, and internally laments it. He also develops a strong bond with Glamrock Freddy and grows incredibly attached to him on an emotional and familial level, considering him to be both family and a close friend- the first healthy and truly genuine bond he can nurture. The first person he can reach out his hand to, knowing that he will grab it without any hesitation.

After the revelation of Freddy’s and Vanessa/Vanny’s true identities, as well as the revelation of the secrets hiding beneath the Pizzaplex, Gregory is obviously shocked- however, he realizes and finally acknowledges his growth and worth as a person whilst simultaneously engaging in introspection in both the right and wrong things he has done. He comes to accept, validate and love himself for who he is and who he shall become, deciding that he shall make that decision for himself- that there is hope for the future and that he is in control. He also embraces his personhood, both the good and bad qualities, as well as the multitude of new opportunities and possibilities his new life had to present itself before him, and begins to trust and care for others again, looking towards the future with hope in his eyes- things are getting better. Gregory/Evan finally has inner peace, and he considers his goals achieved and his mission accomplished. He has come full circle and risen from the ashes, a feat thought previously impossible. But this is only the beginning- his journey is still far from over.

#fnaf project samsara au #reincarnated vessel gregory #fnaf security breach #crying child #crying child fnaf #evan afton #fnaf #gregevan/gregbot/gregvessel #fnaf gregory #michael afton #glamrock freddy #glammike #vanny/vanessa #elizabeth afton #vanbeth #my au #stages of depression

[pazodetrasalba]

The Smartest Person I Know

Dear Caroline:

In the next weeks and months, I expect a lot of materials will come to light about the Alameda/FTX debacle. In fact, this very morning the post brought along Brady Dales' SBF: How the FTX bankruptcy unwound crypto's very bad good guy (I've given it a quick browse, but there isn't much about you in it), and this afternoon I got to listen to the first of a six-episode podcast series by Bloomberg called Spellcaster: The Fall of Sam Bankman-Fried. More books will join the company pretty soon, but the one I'll be waiting impatiently for will be probably the most delayed one: your own take on the matter.

Anyway, and back to Spellcaster: the first episode had the same heading as this post of mine, and devoted a lot of time to your person - you are described as such by a mutual friend of yours and journalist Hannah Miller, who goes on to describe how she came to meet you at the former's bachelorette party party, as a prelude to an interview. The tone is not acerbic or excessively censorious (perhaps a little bit too gossipy), so you can listen to it without fears if you wish.

In case you don't, the gist of it was mainly that the journalist claims to have been on the trail of the shady practices that took place in FTX/Alameda like the commingling of affections and spaces overflowing into a commingling of information and malpractice and dissembling affirmations of the 'Chinese wall' that was supposed to stand between Sam's enterprises. None of that is particularly new or interesting, but the podcast does come with a lot of little anecdotes and scraps of information about you, and those are always worth their weight in gold. Things like:

-How you supposedly tricked your school teacher into changing seating arrangements in class so you could sit next to your friend

-How you had broke up with Sam about a month before Memorial Day 2022 (that would give a late April date for the last of these occurrences, if it was indeed an on-and-off relationship like the media said), how it was like a divorce and that instead of fighting for the children, it was a dividing of Sam's 'empire'.

Probably the part I liked the most was getting to hear you (there were some brief excerpts of the interview) and your description: "She was petite, with red, curly hair and big, tortoiseshell glasses. She wore thrift store dresses". Your indifference to the triviality of expensive clothes is endearing, and helps convey a hint of your nonchalance about wealth and symbols of status. Besides, your natural smartness, nerdy cuteness and loveliness makes any such accoutrements redundant.

Quote:

The highest Beauty should be plain set.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

#caroline ellison #simplicity

[orphancookie69]

Nintendo Switch: Captain Toad™: Treasure Tracker

When I was looking for a good game to try out my VR headset with, I picked this one! There were a lot, but I thought it would be the perfect one to start with. The game without VR looks like its worth its weight in gold! (Get it, treasure reference...)

Captain Toad stars in his own puzzling quest on the Nintendo Switch™ system! Our stubby hero must dodge dangers and track treasures across many trap-filled courses. Survive smoldering volcanoes, hazardous steam engines, haunted houses, and even new courses based on the Super Mario Odyssey™ game! More info here: https://www.nintendo.com/store/products/captain-toad-treasure-tracker-and-captain-toad-treasure-tracker-special-episode-bundle-switch/

My Thoughts On The Game: 

Game alone is $40, Game and DLC is $46. Kind of middle of the road price for games, but on a nintendo system-there is not usually a sale on nintendo games. But, price difference for game and game plus DLC, is not much. I intend to play this game as a VR game, but it can be played...Normal Reality (?) too. It is primarily a one player game, which is one of the reasons I think it makes for a good VR experience, really how does one do multiplayer VR? But I think you can do two players, like someone acting as a back up-and maybe you take turns being the hero? 

Play Time! My nephew tried this before me, no VR, and loved it. There is a 2 player mode-partner adventure or assist. You start in the menu and have the “standard” option and then the VR option. This is me trying the standard option. Because I have the DLC, I think I have an extra option on my menu. It opens up to a book and you go through the pages of the book. It seems this is amiibo friendly too! Cute short level, lots of little things to accomplish on each level, you can even add a “hide and seek” pixel toad to the gameplay! Amiibos that work for this game: Toad, Toadette, Shy Guy, Wedding Mario, Wedding Peach, Wedding Bowser. 

The VR Experience! Its a neat experience. I have a cheap headset, but the graphics and gameplay are great for this. There is a separate menu for the VR section of the game. You may need to play the levels non-VR before being able to play them VR. A little goes a long way, be sitting down, and maybe have someone watch your back. But it is fun. Cute family friendly game. Nice to see some of the smaller characters finally getting their own game. This has a lot of angles for potential, is this a book you would finish? 

#rant #gamer girl #gamer #now playing #nintendo switch #captain toad treasure tracker #captain toad special episode #review #spoiler alert #spoiler free #highly recommend #VR #virtual reality #action #adventure #nintendo #everyone #DLC #family

[solatgif]

TGIF: Roundup for May 19, 2023

Glo is a new podcast from The Gospel Coalition, hosted by four women from diverse backgrounds who are united around a common desire to magnify Christ. SOLA Network’s Editorial Board member Soojin Park is one of the hosts. Over 10 episodes, you’ll hear conversations about God’s work around the world, in different cultural contexts.

Soojin is also taking the lead to mentor and train in our SOLA College Writing Cohort. Applications are due May 31. And in case you missed it, check out our Moms & Motherhood collection. Featured authors include Faith Chang, Amy Loh, Alice Kim, Heidi Tai, Grace Lung, and Kristen & Karisa You.

This newsletter is one of the many ways you can keep in touch with us. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For more, check out my Asian American Worship Leaders Facebook group and TGIF Playlist on Spotify. You can reach me on Twitter and Instagram.

Aaron Lee, Editorial Curator

Enter to win this outstanding book! Are the Psalms simple poems, or do they carry theological significance? Reading the Psalms Theologically presents integrative approaches to the Psalter in an academic yet rich biblical-theological study. Read my review. Thanks to Lexham Press for providing this book for our giveaway, in partnership with my newsletters for @diveindigdeep and FCBC Walnut.

Articles From Around The Web

Tasha Jun: Moses Was Bicultural Like Me

“God chose a Hebrew raised as an Egyptian to lead his people out of slavery.”

Peter Lee: Joy of Being a Son of God

Before we are pastors, we are sons. And that thought is worth its weight in gold. It gives us a foundation to stand upon when we face the inevitable ups and downs of ministry.

Connie Nelson: The Best is Yet to Come: How Knowing Jesus as Our Resurrected Lord Impacts Our Parenting

“We parent by God’s grace as faithful stewards of the children he has entrusted to us. Our children are a blessing, a gift to us from our Good Father, and they belong more to him than they do to us.”

The SOLA College Writing Cohort is our new writing cohort for college-age students to receive mentorship and training as young Christian writers. Editorial Board member Soojin Park will personally be leading this initiative, and she is very excited at the prospect of nurturing the next generation of Asian American thinkers and writers who will help encourage and edify the Church!

Books, Podcasts, Music, And More

IVP: A Conversation on Asian American Identity & Faith

The authors of Learning Our Names (Sabrina S. Chan, Linson Daniel, E. David de Leon, and La Thao) share insights into the creation and purpose of the book, what they hope readers take from it, and more.

Related: God’s Goodness to Asian Americans: A Book Review of “Learning Our Names” by Aaron Lee

Rooted: Gospel-Centered Ministry to Asian American Teenagers

On this recording of a live call, Rooted friends Clark Fobes, Danny Kwon, and Connie Nelson talked about how they have implemented ministry in various Asian American contexts.

Related: Serving in Asian American Youth Ministry: An Interview with Pastor Danny Kwon by Daniel K. Eng

Aaron Lee: Related Works

Book Reviews: Treasures of John Owen Box Set by Banner of Truth, Words from the Cross by Ian Hamilton, Refreshment for the Soul by Richard Sibbes. Listen to our TGIF playlist on Spotify. Join my Asian American Worship Leaders Facebook group.

For Mother’s Day, check out our Moms & Motherhood collection! Featured authors include Faith Chang, Amy Loh, Alice Kim, Heidi Tai, Grace Lung, and Kristen & Karisa You.

Featured This Week On SOLA Network

Aaron Lee: Delight in the Law of the Lord: A Book Review of “Reading the Psalms Theologically”

“This book is an incredible work of academic excellence, and will change the way you read the Psalms and see them as a whole.”

Steve S. Chang: Two Journeys to Pastoring a Multiethnic Church: Interview with Jay Y. Kim and Mitchel Lee

What is it like to pastor a multiethnic church? What are some of the challenges, and how can you prepare?

Moses Y. Lee: The Idolatry of Ministry Longevity and the Abuse that Follows

“The result of social uniformity is an inner ring of power and favoritism that looks more like a middle school cafeteria than the Kingdom of God. But pastors of all people should model what friendships with people of different ideologies, personality quirks, and “sinners” should look like.”

SOLA Network: My Church Band Raised a Hallelujah on Netflix’s ‘Beef’ (Excerpt)

Zachary Lee of Christianity Today interviewed Jason Min, and we wanted to publish an excerpt for you to read. In this section, they discuss the impact of that scene on Korean American viewers and the discussion around whether or not praise music is “emotional manipulation.”

TGIF: Roundup for May 12, 2023

The Gift of Loneliness: 3 Ways God Uses Our Desert Seasons / What is Neo-Calvinism? / ‘Memorizing’ the Scars of South Korea’s Gwangju Massacre / Mended to Make: An Interview with Makoto Fujimura by Chris Carter / On Missions Work in Central Asia, with Tyler Markson and George Jamieson (Mission Talk, Ep. 13)

General disclaimer: Our link roundups are not endorsements of the positions or lives of the authors.

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It had to be the Academy Awards that got burned in tonight’s SNL cold open, didn’t it? But did it have to be this gammy cold opening to the year’s Oscars having the slap, which was awesome, I mean bad, so bad?" said Heidi Gardner as "either Maria Menounos or Kit Hoover--they haven’t told me which yet" in the NBC late-night show’s first few minutes. "So, this year to make sure nothing crazy happens, the Academy hired a new head of security: a notoriously calm and sane person, Mike Tyson," she says as Kenan Thompson strolled on screen as the former heavyweight champion.

At that point, Saturday Night Live should have realized that it had a case of less is more. But the show wanted more, so I should warn you: the following things will set me off," Thompson’s Tyson told Gardner’s Access Hollywood host and her Mario Lopez sidekick (played by Marcello Hernandez). "Clapping, statues of gold people, and shows that last more than three hours, and also hearing the phrase ‘the magic of movies,’ " the fictional Tyson went on to say, with references to Oscar host Jimmy Kimmel being equipped with a "flamethrower" as a new security measure.

“Seriously, how great is this?” exclaimed cast member Chloe Fineman as Jamie Lee Curtis next up in the longer-than-usual skit. Were the fictional version of the "Everywhere, All at Once star and Best Supporting Actress nominee entirely rhetorical? Maddeningly, an on-screen sidebar mid-cold open of Draft Kings taking bets on “George Santos pretending to be Tom Cruise,” “Chris Rock” showing up, and the billion-to-one of “Harvey Weinstein Introduces Kanye West” teased how good this Oscar-centric skit could have been.

Even the great Bowen Yang showing up the truth-challenged freshman congressman claiming to be the Top Gun: Maverick star "Thomas Q. Cruise" was not the redeemer it needed to be. "Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to be everyone everywhere all at once," was an understatement into Sunday’s Oscars, plus further fallout from Dominion Voting System’s defamation suit against Fox News and the self-cannibalism that the race for the GOP 2024 presidential nomination is already gearing up to be, the topical SNL had no shortage of satire at its disposal for this week. A new document and deposition dump in the Dominion vs. FNC legal war the past few days could have easily and shamelessly provided Saturday Night Live with another cold open mocking Fox News, as it did the week before.

But after the slap heard around the world when Will Smith took a whack live onstage at Rock for mocking his wife Jada Pinkett Smith, this week’s cold open had to be a hot take on the 95th Academy Awards, and the banality of pre-ceremony red carpet shows pummeled later in the cold open with comparisons between the 95th Academy Awards and "how racist and sexist your Grampa was at 95," we should have seen where this was going from the start--and it wasn’t good.

"I guess everyone in Hollywood has diabetes," Gardner quipped right at the start of the cold open with a lame swipe at Tinsley Town’s new weight-shedding love affair with the drug Ozempic. "We are so excited to have been standing outside the Dolby Theatre for almost 153 hours," added Hernandez’s Lopez. "But it’s all worth asking Angela Bassett if she really did the thing.

With Wednesday star Jenna Ortega as host and The 1975 as musical guest, tonight’s 15th episode of the 48th season finds SNL in the final stretch for this year. In what could be EP Lorne Michaels’ last stint at the helm, the NBC late-nighter is also facing a very unfunny labor disruption as the show’s post-production editors could strike on April 1. As the rest of Hollywood gears up for the WGA sitting down with the studios on March 20 for likely contentious negotiations on a new three-year contract, the Editors Guild has another virtual chat set with NBCUniversal reps on March 13 for the 95th Academy Awards, starting at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT) on Sunday on ABC with Jimmy Kimmel back as the host for a third time. And they have basically promised there will be no fisticuffs this year, at least not literally.