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a-student-out-of-time · 3 years

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Twisted Sister Arc Review Part 2

Mindwipe

Welcome back everyone! Last time we looked how Kanade killed everyone, got the shit beaten out of her by a lot of people, mainly Nikei and Hibiki though, stuff the Mod doesn’t want to talk about and now that timeline is DED. Now it’s time to deal with Kanade proper as we already wasted a life on her (actually she ate two lives now, as she was responsible for Hajime dying the first time, he lost a life) and we don’t need any more lives being lost.

With a reset and briefing of the QC of how Kanade got strok, it’s time for Hajime and Nikei to beeline to Hope’s Peak and this time they are not fucking around as Kanade racked up a decent body count last time, and that’s not an experience they want to repeat. But first thing’s first time for Hajime to keep his promise to Massacre!Nikei and make sure that Iroha doesn’t become the first victim to Kanade and start the chain reaction off. I think we Anons do kinda feel guilty for getting Iroha killed the first time around as she was supposed to be on a date with Makoto that day, and of course Makoto’s wonderful luck meant the Prison Break had to happen on that day, and rather than stay with Makoto, she rushed in to stop Kanade. Then again, we all assumed that Kanade was still the same pathetic serial killer that Hajime and Sonia dealt with in the Concert Arc and didn’t get more generous buffs then Samus did from Smash 64 to Melee, so hindsight 20/20, I guess? Anyway, they get Iroha to go back to her ahoge boyfriend and now at Hope’s Peak it’s time for Hajime’s grand master plan to bring…EVERYONE FROM CLASS 77-B! *Insert Smash Ultimate meme here* Oh and Juzo, he’s useful too, I guess. Kanade arrives to begin the plot of Carrie, but instead gets tear gas in her face, a swift pound down from Class 77-B, and Juzo, and then is quickly disabled by Mikan. Again, like with the whole Kanade Vs. Hibiki fight beforehand, I would love to see an animation of Class 77-B just beating the living snot out of Kanade and this is much better imo then when Sonia kicked the living shit out of Kanade. There our reasons for hating Kanade were basically all the shit she pulled in SDAR2, but here we just had a bad timeline where Kanade killed a bunch of people, and likeable people as well, and thus as they say…the fallen have been avenged.

Of course, getting Kanade’s arse handed to her was half the battle, as now the focus is on; what the heck is going on here? A quick check from the biology people revealed some very worrying facts. The first one is that Kanade’s syringe contained an addictive which not only can keep a person awake for days, but the chemical compound is unique, only came out for a few months in 2003 and all the people involved in it are in jail. Then there is the fact that she has dermal armour which looks like skin on her, which while flexible like skin, is strong enough to block bullets and blades. The experimental nature of it makes it highly expensive as well, meaning whoever is behind this, they are loaded and have resources. And then there is the confirmation that yes, she has a BCI. One that is full of combat data and information on Class 77-B. This is the most worrying part in my opinion. Anyone in the Despairs with enough money and resources could do all the above but VERY few people knew that Hibiki came over to Hope’s Peak and bonded with Class 77-B. The data required for that narrows suspect list down a lot and the implications are…worrying. Whoever backed Kanade, they are not to be underestimated.

And then comes when Yasuke is relevant to the plot for once and the whole Mindwipe proposal. So first let’s talk Yasuke. A lot of people hated the idea he was on the side of good here, as they prefereed it when he was just Junko’s boyfriend. Thing is though, I feel like Yasuke could work here. Remember he never bought Junko’s despair ideology and while he is an arsehole, he could be the ‘Byakuya’ of the group in which he is a cold jerk who says harsh things, but said harsh things are required as there are uncomfortable truths out there which the rest of the QC are either too afraid or too polite to say. I just hope Mod doesn’t bow down to peer pressure and make Yasuke a bone fila villain just because people hate him, but maybe tone down his jackarsey a bit. I know its canonically accurate but not everyone has read Zero and as such I don’t think people are used to that kind of harsh words coming from a non-antagonistic character.

And then there is the Mindwipe…naturally this a decision which has caused many readers to be split on it, and even for the QC to have a scrum debate over it. Don’t lie, you all heard the music. And unlike with a scrum debate where one side is clearly one, here both sides have a point. Mindwiping Kanade is ethically wrong on so many levels, and easily the darkest thing the QC have done, but they also don’t have a lot of options because there is a Prison Break to deal with, and Kanade was gonna be killed anyway so this is keeping her body alive but just killing her mind. They may be the good guys here, but given how morally deprived their opponents are, sometimes you do have to swoop to their level because you have little choice in the matter. It’s also interesting to see everyone’s viewpoints on it, some stating that from leadership like characters such as Sonia and Nikei arguing that at times you do have to make difficult choices and they don’t have the luxury of being morally right all the time, pragmatic characters like Sora stating that a mindwiped and redeemed Kanade could be beneficial to them if they do go down this route, to those who have spiritual issues like with Gundham, moral problems like with Chiaki and ethical problems like with Kyoji. Nobody is split in the middle, you either think mindwiping is the best possible solution, or if it’s so wrong it cannot be done. Arguing got so bad that Yoruko had to step in and get Hibiki, the most important person as far this matter goes, to decide. And Hibiki vents her feelings on the matter, and decides that since both sides have good points, to just vote on the matter.

This is one of the best parts here because it isn’t done by the characters but rather the audience. After all, given this is such a morally questionable decision it makes sense for the audience to decide what path they are going down. And thus, votes are casted…a lot more people read this then I suspected, and a significant majority go towards mindwiping. I dunno how they explain the votes though as there clearly isn’t that many people voting so how does one in-universe count the Anons’ votes? But again, I’m not surprised the mindwipe came through as Kanade is a popular character in the fandom (She ranked #2 in the official SDAR2 popularity poll, just behind Sora) so any chances of Kanade getting a redemption arc especially as we would have a Ryoko-espe character with her, would be something the fanbase would gobble up. I just hope none of the QC resent this decision, they may regret it but they have to remember it’s a hard choice for all of them and they didn’t have a lot of options. Even those against the Mindwipe would have to do their part, after all they are a team. At least Yasuke is considerate enough for all blame regarding the consequences of the mindwipe to be directed at him as he kinda forced the decision onto us. Hopefully Kyoji and Kokoro made sure he didn’t turn Kanade into a Despair Sleeper Agent or something. However, I did genuinely enjoy the audience participation here and I hope more chances like this come up in the future as it gives the audience a greater degree of control on how the story pans out.

That’s Kanade dealt with, but The QC cannot rest yet, because her escaping wasn’t the only bad thing to occur, there’s a Prison Break and tons of criminals running around that need wrangling! And with that the second part of the review concludes. Next time for the final time we talk about dealing with them damn prisoners and my final overall thoughts on the Arc! See ya then- Review Anon

#a student out of time #submission #review-anon

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buddha-in-disguise · 4 years

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This is how it's done

Episode 5.15 at last.

While the emphasis has been on Nia's story in this episode, the synopsis made it clear Alex, Kelly and J'onn had a secondary storyline running as well. So again we were eager to watch knowing they were finally getting more than a token few minutes together.

Did it deliver?

Oh hell yes.

You just have to look on Twitter to see the praise being heaped on it by fans.

But first let's get the elephant in the room out of the way. William.

The opening sequence as Kara is fighting with Nia, and Nia has to be the one reminding Kara she has a date? Already covered by me and others, but to reiterate: that does not give a vibe of someone excited to be going on a first date. You can't even use the excuse of her mind was on the fight, because so was Nia's.

As to Kara at her apartment with Alex prior to the date?

Those words, "Cancel it for me."

Lets say (for arguments sake) it is nerves again speaking. Maybe it is, but that she is even having those thoughts? That she completely forgot about the 1st date, and needed reminding? If Kara can't get invested in the date, how are the audience expected to become invested?

As for the date itself. Kara arrives.... having been told by Alex to wear the blue top because .... well reasons .... and she is wearing the purple? So, not wanting to go with the best look then?

I didn't mind the date per se, although I did wonder if Kara was simply trying to not show pool skills, because I can't believe for a second, with Alex as a sister, and the control Kara now has on her powers (worry over lack of control would be the only other reason for her hesitation that I can think of), Kara hasn't been pulled into playing many times.

Did I get a date vibe? No. I felt more bonding yes (like why has it taken until now to even vaguely have that much), but date? Nope. Still not feeling it. If any of the above was a one off instance, you could shrug it off. But all of them? Sorry but as I say, if Kara isn't that invested in a first date, then we can't be expected to be as invested. However, that isn't to say that William annoyed me. In truth having him more on the sidelines was a relief as it finally allowed others to get some much needed screen time.

The Nia storyline.

This is obviously one extremely close to me, as my husband is transgender, and we have other family who are also transgender.

Nicole's input was definitely felt. Some of the lines she spoke were ones we have said ourselves almost word for word.

This is a topic that is one I've been extremely vocal about, and one in particular I have spoken about (in the William and Kara at CatCo scene) is the figures for transgender people killed in the last year alone in the USA, but more importantly that this number is likely not a true representation as many who die are misgendered after death.

It was so important to show just how bad for the transgender community it is. And no, it wouldn't necessarily be a fact Kara would know. Even those in the LGBTQ community aren't always aware of these figures. As for William being the one stating the figures back to Kara, again in the context I had no qualms about it. In fact having a CIS straight man write the piece and be a supportive ally is an important message in it's own right. I was worried that wouldn't come across, but I felt it did.

If ever there was a line that spoke volumes in this weeks Supergirl episode it was this:

"They want us to be invisible because of their own fears, they want to erase us so...... we need to shine even brighter." - Nia Nal

And shine Nicole Maines (and Roxy Wood, because the additional line about being a Black transgender woman - take my heart, stomp over it, then expect me to function), did. Both deserve so much praise on the way they delivered their performances.

I genuinely cried at some of this weeks episode, because the experiences have been ones we have faced as a transgender household. Being white does afford us a privilege that Black transgender people (especially the women) don't have. But as I say, it has been something I've been vocal about for a long time.

Lastly Kara and Nia on the balcony. Holy mother of god (or goddess), tears. Again. Nicole and Melissa once again were so good it felt like a punch to the gut. Kara wiping that tear off Nia's cheek. Big ugly sobbing from me. Gah! Just ....

Now Alex and Kelly. While I'm still craving a nice intimate atmosphere at home with them, having had so little of Dansen (and Kelly) it was a relief that for once Kelly wasn't given diminished screentime. Not only that, she was instrumental in helping Alex navigate through the VR world.

Alex having that PTSD flashback to being in the tank. Whoa, finally acknowledging it affected her and obviously still does. I loved how Kelly is so good at helping Alex maintain her equilibrium. You could tell it wasn't just because of her training or profession, but as a girlfriend who knows and understands how to communicate to Alex in that moment of stress, much like Alex was able to realise Malefic was manifesting as Kelly in the earlier part of the season, simply because she knew her girlfriend well enough.

Watching Alex train to get used to the Martian weapon, felt very reminiscent of S1 where Alex was training Kara early on. It was good to see her off balance for once in her training, as she has always shown a confidence in her ability until now. For those who complain she brought up wanting to be back at the DEO, as someone who has heavy military presence in our family (for at least 4 generations on my maternal side), I can safely say, going from military (and remember the DEO is recognised and spoken about in canon as being a military operation), and suddenly and unexpectedly thrown back into civilian life is one heck of an adjustment. It's an adjustment for most even when they know it's coming. To be so abrupt, so unexpected? Alex is going to want that structure back, and have that support around her. It is absolutely not unrealistic for her to feel this way or to talk about it. I would've been more surprised if she hadn't.

"And this is my gun."

Alex giving no crap. The whole rescue sequence was a joy to watch.

If I had a complaint, as I mentioned, I would've loved just a moment of real quiet intimacy between Kelly and Alex. We've barely seen anything of that sort. I hope we get something next episode (which also looks amazing from the trailer).

I could go through the episode and pick up so many times on how good it was. It was so much, I know I will have forgotten something I wanted to say. But I'm exhausted (almost no sleep will do that to you, damn being in the UK and these stupid o'clock viewing times), and it was so much to unpack.

Brainy, was barely in the episode but damn, so lovely (& heartbreaking) to see him give the information to the NCPD to help against transphobic attacks.

Onto a side plot, but finally we have more about Leviathan.

Leviathan have those bodies suspended.

What if William dies in 5.19 and becomes one of those suspended bodies for 5.20 or was supposed to, as Nicole mentioned on her Instagram story they still had scenes to film, and a couple were pretty amazing? With Staz back, would it have involved him, possibly as a sleeper agent? I've touted this idea before. While I would prefer that a MOC isn't cast into being a bad guy again, or killed off, I would more than happily see him simply go back to London and The Times. But I guess we wait to see what happens there.

But if, like Russell in 5a, he becomes an unwitting agent of Leviathan & a bad guy, cue fight scene, possibly in a VR setting? Maybe? Who knows.

Last but by no means least - they killed off Jeremiah. Since we're not entirely sure if Cadmus operated in the same way on Earth Prime as they did on Earth 38, we don't yet know the circumstances behind his death.

Will we get more explanation about it? Honestly I'm not overly bothered unless it helps serve a current storyline. Merely because episode numbers are running out, and it does at least bring us closure on his character one way or another. Something a lot of us have questioned for so long now.

As for complaints, the only ones expressing any real disappointment have been fans who have either regularly attacked other fans (especially those of in the SC or Dansen fandoms), or the outright transphobic users (I won't call them fans), who as the episode makes clear, are everywhere. The transphobes come out in force everytime with Nicole, so it isn't a surprise to see them again. As Nia says, it what transgender people face on a daily basis.

Plus with no Lena in the episode, it helps show that fans didn't need a Lena/Kara centric episode for this to garner such positive reactions, particularly from the LGBTQ fans. In some ways, as many have been saying (yes even SC fans), this Lena drama has long since gone by its sell by date and not having Lena once more stuck in her laboratory wasn't missed. And god, I say this as a huge Lena fan. I still want her on screen of course, but we need progression on what is happening with her. Both Lex and Lena have felt stale of late, and while I know it changes as we get into the last few episodes, I can truly say neither was missed this time. And before anyone jumps in, no this isn't bashing SC (I still ship both Dansen and SC, as well as Brainia), or saying SC shouldn't happen, or Lena is evil, or not needed. I don't think that at all. I merely am getting tired of a merry-go-round on Lena in her laboratory that we've had of late, & the only interaction has been with Lex. Time to break her out of that cell!

I don’t know what they were putting in the water in Vancouver when they did the Batwoman and Supergirl episodes this week, but they both had me simultaneously laughing & crying! It looked ugly for a minute there.

Both were outstanding episodes.

As much as I've had my criticism over some of this season, when Supergirl get it right like they did here, they soar! This was one of my top episodes for the entire series.

And despite all the news in the world right now, Supergirl trended on Twitter again.

Gif courtesy of @ Daily_danvers on Twitter.

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itsanerdlife · 5 years

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Mistakes Made 30/30

Pairing: Peter Parker x Reader

Warning: Self doubt. Violence. Anger. Back stabbing. Lying. Arguing. Separation. Blood. Law breaking. Cat Fights. Stalking. A lot of anger. Team fighting. Feelings of being pathetic. Sneaking around. Betrayal.

[[Synopsis has been removed]]

We’ve reached the end peaches!!!

Holly was tracked to Hammer Inc. Needing a security team as well, Fury ordered it without hesitation. The team secured the level floor, allowing you and the others to head for the elevator. Arriving on the floor of Justin’s office, the team breaks apart, as Hammer’s security comes at you. You slip past, heading for the office. Booting the door open, you stroll in.

“Lucy I’m HOME!” You call.

Something moved in your side view, swinging towards you. Your body drops, sliding across the marble floor. Holly swinging a stone statue, it slams into the wall, in direct with where your head had been. Dry wall crumbles, falling to the floor. A cloud of dust blooms.

“Bitch.” You gasp.

Swinging your leg around, your foot connects with the back of her knee. She yells dropping to her knees. Your arms wrap around her neck, locking her into a sleeper hold. Her body goes limp, you let her slip to the floor.

“You good?” Peter jogs into the room.

“Think I bruised my hip on the way down.” You groan as he pulls you up. A member of the team, cuffs Holly, pulling her up with him. You and Peter leave the office, Nat’s on her phone. Her eyes widen as she looks up at you.

“Y/N?” She gaps. Maria and her where gossip queens and knew all the best ones.

“Later, Red.” You give her a small smile, leaning into Peter. The warmth of his body soothing to you.

-----

Walking Holly into the secure bay Steve storming towards you. Anger etched his ageless face.

“Agent L/N.” He demands. “What do you think you’re doing?!” He stops you.

“This does not involve you Captain Rogers.” You warn him. You attempt to push past him. His hands grasp your upper arms.

“Y/N! That’s my girlfriend.” He yells.

“Remove your hands from me Steven, before I tarnish your name so badly, they demote your ass.” You warn him. He swallows looking down at his hands on your arms. He drops them instantly. “I had orders from Fury, I dare you to do the same to him.” You shove past Steve.

-----

You slip into the seat, the interrogation room table, between you and Hammer.

“Hammer, you want to talk?” You sigh, looking over at him.

“That woman, Holly. She came to me.” He taps the table with his finger. “This was all her idea. Told me about Tony and his kids freaky DNA.” He splutters quickly. You nod slowly, waiting, but he doesn’t say anything else.

“That’s it?” You nod, smirking softly to yourself. “How does she know about the experiments?” You ask.

“Said she had a agents copied card. Someone close to the guy in charge.” Justin waves his hand, uninterested.

“Fury?” Your brow pulls down. He had your attention.

“Him. Said nobody even put it together, she knew all about the experiments. Even the effects and what stages they were in.” He nods. “If you let me talk to Tony we can get this all squared away.” He smiles at you. You lean in a little, smiling at him.

“Tony told me to tell you, don’t drop the soap.” You wink at him. Standing up, you lean in closer, he struggles to lean back. The cuffs on his wrists are attached to the table, keeping him from going anywhere. “Personally, I’m going to tell you to choke and die.” You smirk.

“Personally?” His brow pulls down.

“I’m the agent she’s been coming after. Peter is mine.” You smirk, it’s cold and deadly. “By the way, I know a lot of terrible people in prison, be a good boy Hammer.” You laugh, pushing off the table, you head for the door.

Steve stood outside, you pause as the door closes behind you. He looks guilt ridden.

“Y/N.” His voice filled with regret, shakes as he swallows. He shakes his head, scrapping a hand down his face. “I can’t even say sorry, because it’s not enough. There aren’t words enough to expression what I am.” He blinks wide blue eyes at you.

“Say it. Say what you need to say.” You nod, tucking your hands into your jean pockets.

“I’m so sorry. I’m so unbelievably sorry Y/N. I should have never said or did those things to you, to Peter. I am disgusted with myself.” He swallows.

“When you fall in love, with the wrong person, it twists your views. It’s like being brain washed, poisoned, you don’t see how wrong you are, or they are, till you breathe fresh air.” You nod.

“I feel like that. Brain washed, poisoned, like it was a whole different person.” He nods slowly, his other hand on his stomach.

“I forgive you Steve.” You nod, giving him a small smile.

“What?” He gaps at you.

“You were my best friend till you were brain washed.” You shrug. “Now you’re not brain washed. You can be my friend again.” You nod.

“How? What?” He splutters.

“Like Bucky, Steve someone warped your mind. It wasn’t you, it was a toxic you. So let’s call the slate clean and move forward.” You put your hand out, he hesitates but shakes your hand.

“Are you okay?” He asks, watching you.

“I am.” You nod. “It’s been a long year.” You laugh.

“I’m sorry Y/N.” He nods once.

“We’re going to be okay Steve.” You smile. “But I’m not apologizing for punching you.” You grin.

“I deserved it.” He smiles.

“I’m sorry for everything that happened.” You nod. The two of you falling into step together.

“How about I just agree to listen the next time you tell the girl I like is shady?” He chuckles.

“See, I knew we could be friends again.” You laugh.

“I need to apologize to Peter.” Steve winces.

“I’m not sure he will be as forgiving. So maybe I should be there for that one.” You nod.

“Thanks.” Steve smiles softly at you.

-------

Something goofy played on the TV in Peter’s room. Your head on his chest, his arm around you.

“You know you’re my once in a lifetime, right?” He chuckles, pressing a kiss to the top of your head. Your head comes up, confused by his comment.

“Peter?” You watch him.

“Look I know this has been a fight, a struggle the last year. Since we started, that first day. It’s finally ended.” He shrugs. You grin at him.

“Peter I love you. I’m not going anywhere.” You laugh softly.

“Promise?” His voice filled with insecurity. Brown eyes watched your every breathe.

“I took a bullet for you. Took down a rouge agent trying to steal you.” You laugh, tugging softly on his T-shirt. “I’d take your last name given the chance. You can’t get rid of me.” You kiss him softly.

“Once in a lifetime, babe.” He smiles, brushing his thumb down your cheek. You take a breath.

“We are.” You smile.

“We?” Peter’s brow connects.

“We are your once in a lifetime.” You nod. “I’m pregnant.” You laugh softly.

Peter lights up. Suddenly he rolls you, under him. He sits back between your legs, shock and excitement on his face. You hand him your phone with the confirmation email from Med Bay. He scans the screen, one hand thrust into the air. Your hands cover your face as you laugh at him.

This is the boy you love, messy brown hair, goofy personality, and filled with both light and darkness. His light dimmed your darkness just enough.

“Have I told you I love you?” Peter grins, leaning down to press a kiss to your lips.

“Have I told you, you saved me? Made me a better person?” You grin, kissing him again.

“You were always a good person, you just needed me to remind you.” He chuckles, his hands slipping under your T-shirt to rest on your stomach.

“When one path is cut off, it’s the world’s way of telling you what you want isn’t what you need.”

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

Everything Peaches 2/6/19: @xmtd5 @mo320 @all1e23 @courtmr @izzy--lee @irepeldirt @dumblani @nishanki1 @crist1216 @alyssaj23 @allyp1023 @joannie95 @kolakube9 @rileyloves5 @sarahp879 @sea040561 @sexyvixen7 @pcterpvrker @pigwidgexn @doctoranon @abschaffer2 @bookluver01 @teller258316 @callie-bear15 @nickimarie94 @wandressfox @amandab-ftw @carostar2020 @henrietteoaks @nea90sweetie @circusofchaos @itsagalaxystar @bettercallsabs @miraclesoflove @lucifersnipnips @queenkrissy11 @sadyoungadult @destiel-artemis @paintballkid711 @isabelcrichards @iwillbeinmynest @sweet-honey15 @chanelmadrid13 @mellxander1993 @killerbumblebee @spookygrantaire @geeksareunique @supernatural508 @sammysgirl1997 @itzmegaaaaaaan @booksbeforebois @childishhoebinoo @elizabethaellison @mariekoukie6661 @pure-princess-97 @capsheadquaters @samanthasmileys @youclickedthislink @futuremrsb-r-main @lovemarvelousfics @notyourtypicalrose @petersunderoos96 @loving-life-my-way @buckystolemyheart @booktvmoviefangirl @supernatural-girl97 @abbypalmer14-blog @fanfictionjunkie1112 @meganlikesfandoms @awkwardfangirl2014 @supernaturaldean67 @xqueenofthecraziesx @queenoftheunderdark @writingaworldofmyown @supernaturallover2002 @daughterofthenight117 @mustbeaweasleyginger @sprinklesandsugarcubes @whothehellisbucky-1930 @verymuchclosetedfangirl @for-the-love-of-the-fandom @ocaptain-mycaptainmorgan @wonderlandfandomkingdom @crazy-little-thing-called-buck @letsgetfuckingsuperwholocked @stupendoussciencenaturepanda @jamesbarnesappreciationsociety @supernatural-strangerthings-1980

Marvel Tag List 2/6/19: @lumelgy @dottirose @jcc04220 @rockagurl @a--1--1--3 @mizzzpink @jade-taillia @coley0823 @widowsfics @bookluver01 @thelostallycat @shield-agent78 @dtftheavengers @ilovetvshowsblog @capsheadquaters @iamwarrenspeace @thefridgeismybestie @whenallsaidanddone @deanwinchestersrifle @fandomsstolemylife00 @daughterofthenight117 @lilmissperfectlyimperfect

Peter ‘Fuck Me I’m Weak’ Parker: @ml7010 @ariminiria @dkpink123 @boltsgirl919 @quokkatrash @everthenerd @ms-rogers06 @crayonwriting @baebeepeach @dolan-mendes @bellamouse16 @way-ward-whale @honey-bee-holly @kiss-the-stars-goodbye

Mistakes Made: @gabile18 @a-vvenger @lakamaa12 @likhmahass @mottergirl99 @thejupiterkiller @ibookishqueen @mus1cal-barnes @deathofmissjackson @sherlokiantheatrenerd @nerdy-bookworm-1998 @missjjgoddessofanimals @iamnotoverlyfondofwhatfollows

#Marvel #Peter Parker x Reader #Avengers #Peter x Reader #Mistakes Made #Marvel Fanfiction #Peter Parker Series #Avengers Fanfiction #Spider-Man Series

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ganymedesclock · 6 years

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To summarize a lot of much longer posts I’ve made in the past, I think clone theory doesn’t bother me but “#NotMyShiro” does. In the sense that... okay, so if you take this to its logical conclusion and the person we met in s3e5, let’s call him Ryou, is a new character.

His entire introductory sequence was an incredibly poignant one. It’s basically designed to pull on visceral strings of empathy, to see his pain and struggle and hang onto the edge of our seat like “Hey... hey keep going, buddy, you’ll make it. Please make it. C’mon, just a little further, just a little more...”

It’s genuinely deeply upsetting when at the end of the episode he starts running out of air. And if you just wiped all of the allusions to Shiro- if you redesigned him, presented him as an entirely new character who desperately wants to find Voltron for a separate reason? That would stand on its own.

My beef is not with clone theory, that basically just posits wholesale we’ve been following a different character since s3e5. My beef is this attitude that this doesn’t affect us as an audience, that we have no possible reason to feel bad for this guy or acknowledge any of his achievements or struggles or pain, and he’s had a lot of all three of them. He’s put his life on the line trying to protect the universe and further the coalition’s objectives multiple times now. It’s clear from the way he acts when nobody is watching him, like sitting alone at Black’s console in s4e1, that he genuinely cares about the team.

Like it feels... shallow, vindictive, I guess, to say, “well, but he’s not Shiro, so none of his emotional turmoil means anything”. Especially when as far as I can tell “Kuro” still exists as a huge popular fanon concept, and at our most optimistic, “Kuro” really was a mindless puppet for Haggar who in his one episode of screentime never did or said anything that Haggar didn’t want him to. He doesn’t even seem to genuinely exist outside of Haggar- he’s really more of an illusionary skin she made.

People are willing to disregard Ryou on account of assuming he’s just a puppet for Haggar ignoring that Haggar pretty obviously only “tapped” him as a sleeper agent halfway through s5e2... so, y’know, she can’t have been controlling his behavior before then, which means that he has autonomy and individuality, things that he’s continued to show since then because when confronted with the suspicion that he’s acting strangely, it scares him.

My personal contention is that it’s the same Shiro, because I think psychologically and behaviorally he lines up and writing-wise it’d be difficult to manage different characters, but if you do believe in clone theory... I think it’s deeply uncomfortable to act like Ryou isn’t the fandom’s problem because he’s not their precious fave, and thus they have zero obligation to even acknowledge that he was introduced and characterized to us as “a person, alone, terrified, with no idea what just happened to him, desperately trying to limp towards safety and comfort” and that narratively this is supposed to be sympathetic.

If s3e5 is the introduction of a new character, then his establishing characterization is acting like the vulnerable refugees that Voltron’s whole heroic point has been coming to the rescue of. I was right in s5e2 that there’s actually no way the paladins would decisively sign off on throwing Lotor to the wolves- because that’s straight up what they don’t do with vulnerable people, and Lotor was someone who had actively deceived them and worked against them.

It’s very clear if you take clone theory, Ryou doesn’t even know he’s an infiltrator and he’s very upset by the idea of hurting the team. He wouldn’t follow up with Lance and say things like how he doesn’t feel like himself and something’s wrong, or trust Lance’s comment that some “other” Shiro was trying to talk to him if he was just a puppet of Haggar, because Haggar doesn’t want that realization to happen.

If you don’t take clone theory, Shiro is in an awful place but of course the writers aren’t going to give up on him, he’s Shiro he’s one of the core protagonists.

If you do- then you realize the paladins “finding out” that Ryou is”fake” is going to boil down to “hey, we’re in the company of this guy we actually know pretty well since we’ve spent months with him, but he’s not actually Shiro, and we now realize the empire fucked him up hard enough that he genuinely believed until a little while ago that he was a completely different person and is probably having a massive identity crisis and/or breakdown while we speak.”

And... there’s no way in hell our heroes are not going to be at least a little sympathetic to that, because that’s horrible. For Ryou to be where he is, his most fundamental sense of self has been systematically screwed over and nipped in the bud, and if he’s “outed” and Shiro comes back... he’s going to be faced with the fun prospect of actually piecing together, probably for the first time, who he is.

TL;DR whether or not you think this is “your” Shiro it’s pretty obvious you’re supposed to care about him and feel bad for him. If he was supposed to be threatening, they would have introduced him like Luxia- calm, unperturbed, unnervingly knowing and quick to be pushy in that very specific manipulative way.

Instead we had most of an entire episode of him limping his way through a snowfield.

#voltron legendary defender #vld #Shiro #clone theory #season 5 spoilers #readmore

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