#series analysis

[antagonistic-sunsetgirl]

Can we talk about how bizarre our experience with the new pjo series is

A tiny essay on how this series is special.

Like. We're all super hyped because we know this series intrinsically that we forget that we know this show intrinsically

How bizarre is that?? We don't merely get spoilers on our dashes from episodes we haven't watched yet, we know what will happen at the end, at the end of the next season, in eight years

It's hilarious! It's rediculous! It's like Neil Gaiman would start an open Google doc so we could all watch as he wrote the next Good Omens episode! Only EVEN MORE

"aw this scene will look so cute when they are a couple in college" when the show itself has not even HINTED AT A CRUSH

"damn too bad Luke's the bad guy" WE SAY 3 EPISODES ON

Think about it, people! This is a fandom experience with no ship wars! No headcannons we desperately hope don't collide with cannon! We know every. Single. Thing. That will happen.

And we still watch it.

I have a point with this. Remember how Marvel movies would be 👉this close👈 to murdering an actor over spoilers? There's a great post here somewhere on how that's because of the low quality of modern day superhero movies. It's supposed to be a quick hit, a rush of dopamine and special effects and one liners exploding into colour until you walk out of the cinema so dazed you only remember days later that the movie itself wasn't actually that good. These movies aren't built for rewatching, or becoming cult classics. It's fast food. Delicious for the moment, satisfying a certain itch, but not wholesome or precious.

And this. This beautiful series launched with the full knowledge that almost the ENTIRE FANBASE know exactly what was coming, every step. What are premier day spoilers against years of finished arcs.

And still, we watch. We love. We laugh and cry and post about it.

I guess what I'm trying to say is #hopepunk. They think we don't need beautiful, nurturing adaptations? That they've wrecked our mental health so bad we can't concentrate on smth unless the special effects are forcefully grabbing our attention? That older things get forgotten as quickly as Tick Tock trends? They were wrong. We love, and we care. Not everything bows to the rules of fast production capitalism. We aren't a predicted consumer statistic.

We love Percy Jackson.

#pjo tv show #pjo series #pjo fandom #percy jackson #percy jackon and the olympians #annabeth chase #grover underwood #film analysis #luke castellan #series analysis #percabeth #hopepunk #pjo spoilers #percy jackson series spoilers #percy jackson spoilers #pjo tv spoilers

[autumnmobile12]

Storm Hawks: A Pretty Fun Take on Feminism

I don't know how many people actually remember this show, or even watched it , but this is an episode that's stuck with me all these years so I want to talk about it.

For context, the plot of Storm Hawks itself is pretty basic: Evil empire taking over the world, the good guys try to stop them, shenanigans ensue because kids' show. The main cast members fall into pretty generic archetypes. too. We have:

Aerrow (the 'true blue' leader)

Piper (the smart one/the girl)

Finn (the funny one)

Junko (the buddy)

Stork (the neurotic one)

Radarr (the animal sidekick)

And we're off:

This is Storm Hawks Season 1, Episode Ten: Fire and Ice

There was a lot going on in this episode, including a climate change allegory, but for the purposes of attempting to remain somewhat concise, I'm only going to cover the feminism theme for this post. Episode ten revolves mostly around Piper, opening with the team attending a festival put on by the Blizarrians, a race of snow-dwelling, humanoid, rabbit-dog creatures with Canadian accents and stereotypes in their world. (Which might be offensive, but the show was produced by a Canadian studio, so they can make fun of themselves if they want.)

The Blizzarian team (aptly named the Absolute Zeroes) invite the Storm Hawks to come snowmobiling with them in the backcountry. Piper is enthusiastic about the invitation, being a skilled cartographer, so she wants to map out the terrain...only to be told, "Ladies don't do the backcountry training. You just stay back with the girls."

Aerrow, being a true friend, tells Piper not to listen and she can ride with him, but since she's apparently not welcome by their hosts, Piper doesn't feel inclined to go anymore.

However, when Piper goes to meet up with 'the girls' and hang out, Suzy Lu (pictured above) unexpectedly introduces herself as the Absolute Zeroes' Sky Knight (essentially their captain.) So she's the one in charge, not the men, leaving Piper with the impression, Okay maybe being left out won't be so bad after all.

Later on in the episode, Aerrow does call out the male Zeroes, telling them she is part of their team and she has every right to be there with them. However, the Zeroes meet his words with genuine confusion, with the original member who told Piper to stay behind saying, "But Sky Knights don't do the backcountry training. That's just for us squaddies."

He thought Piper was the leader and therefore didn't need to be there. Similarly, because he was the male, Aerrow thought he was the Zeroes' leader, not Suzy Lu. It's still a sexist assumption to think Piper was in charge because she was a woman, but it's definitely a fresher take than the typical, "No, woman stay home because woman weak."

Going further into the comedy of the situation, though, is the fact the 'training' the Zeroes do in the backcountry pretty much amounts to them messing around on the snowmobiles and pulling off crazy stunts. They're just 'boys being boys.' If somebody wipes out on their ride, everyone else will be concerned up until the moment the fallen team member stands back up and starts cheering to show he's okay. It gives off a vibe that's similar to parents sending their kids outside to play when they're too hyper.

Further proving the point they are a bunch of well-intentioned dorks, it's also shown that Blizzarians don't assume all women are in charge. When Aerrow suggests a solution to the aforementioned climate issue that was also going on in the episode, Suzy Lu declares, "I like your thinking." And then, as an aside to Piper, whispers, "I was wondering why this one was in charge." So upon meeting the group, she definitely had a moment of, Okay, this Aerrow guy is the leader, not Piper. Kinda odd, but humans are wierd. Whattya gonna do?

...

Overall, the storytelling of Storm Hawks was a bit shallow, which doesn't often appeal to most adults, and that likely was a contributor as to why it didn't receive much attention outside its target audience. The world itself, Atmos, was an interesting concept; a world interspersed with mountain nations (terras) that rose up out of a hostile wasteland, so travel is achieved primarily by flight. This theme is seen throughout the series in the very culture as many of the characters are named after birds. (Junko (junco,) Stork, Piper (sandpiper,) Starling, Dove, Snipe, Wren, Finn (finch.) In addition to the flight, their machines were powered by these crystals that varied in type, purpose, categorization of how common or rare they were, so there was a scientific/magic element to it.

The writing was episodic in format, though, so the characters don't really have longterm goals and never really had development arcs that spanned much longer than a single episode. The conflict itself was effectively a world war, but unlike a series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender, Storm Hawks never achieved the level of seriousness or emotion that a war story demands to be compelling or really respectful of that particular theme in fiction. The characters of Storm Hawks and ATLA are fun and light-hearted, but the Storm Hawks episodes were really more goofy and child-like adventures. I mean, there is an episode where it is heavily implied the reptilian humanoids are carnivorous and eat people. Okay, fuck, that's hardcore disturbing, but the show doesn't really expand on that because it's a kids' show. Nonetheless, since it's there, you're kinda left with, Okay, either follow through with your darker themes or don't mention them at all. It's a cartoon, find a better balance than that.

There also wasn't much depth to the villains either and their motivations were really just chalked up to the standard, "We're evil." One of them was even former 'good guy' turned traitor ten years prior to the main plot, but his reasons for turning traitor were never explored or even revealed. Come on, people, what happened? Ambition? Greed? He saw the political structure of the side he fought for was fundamentally flawed and decided it was best to tear it all down?

...

However, the detail that I appreciate with this nostalgia series is the fact that there were female characters in positions of power in Storm Hawks. Most of the fighting battalions were mostly made up of men, sure, and I would have liked to see a more balanced male-female cast, but some of the teams were straight up led by a woman and there was at least one group that was exclusively women.

The main antagonist, the reigning monarch of the aggressive nation in the war, was also a woman. (Well, teenage girl, but you get the point.) What's more; she was 100% in charge. She was not influenced in any way by a male advisor, she wasn't spurred on by the memory of a male predecessor, she was never intimidated by her male generals. And she was intelligent. Throughout the series, she was a scientist, an engineer, and a fighter. (Unfortunately, in the last season, her mind started to go a bit, so she pretty much devolved into a knockoff Azula.) We even have the brief insight of her background where it's shown she inherited her throne from her grandmother, not another male ruler. Which either implies primogeniture inheritance regardless of gender or it's a matrilineal monarchy, which is interesting to speculate, but that would be headcanon territory.

...

It was a fun watch when I was a kid, but as an adult...yeah, lots of flaws, a great deal of loss in potential with world-building and storylines, and even as a kid, I knew the plots and humor of later episodes fell into a category that was more stupid than funny.

But if Storm Hawks had one strength, they had the groundwork of the feminism angle down pat and that is always appreciated.

#storm hawks #piper #feminism #episode analysis #episode synopsis #nostalgia series #series analysis #absolute zeroes #cyclonis #female protagonist #female antagonist #sky knight #suzy lu

[beemango5]

I can’t believe Buddy Daddies over. What a whirlwind of a series. Honestly one of the most honest and raw series about co-parenting and queerplatonic relationships like… ever. Everything about it felt so genuine. It felt human.

I know people are gonna crucify me for saying that they are just platonic… but it can happen. We get so many series that dive into romantic relationships… so this series is for the aroaces out there who never thought they could have a family if it wasn’t romantic.

Having a family is not just exclusive to romantic relationships. It’s also not exclusive to bloodlines.

That’s the main points in the series, and it’s done excellently. I would also like to point out that Misaki deserved better from the show and some of the fandom doing her dirty…

But that’s another time. This is a great, genuine, short but sweet show that goes in depth on parenting and the responsibility it takes to raise a child.

They are a family. :’-)

#rant #anime rant #buddy daddies #buddy daddy spoilers #bd #anime #rei suwa #kazuki kurusu #kazurei #series analysis #anime analysis #analysis #misaki unasaka #miri unasaka #queerplatonic #aroace

[weird-science14]

I LOVE Tangled Before Ever After SO MUCH !! It’s story is great and sets up the series extremely well but I love everything it represents in just an hour!

You are allowed to be sad, angry, etc even if you “should be happy”! Happiness is not a constant you will experience negative emotions and you are allowed to feel and express them! I love Rapunzel’s conflict in this!! The internal battle of not feeling content with her life in the castle due to how limited her freedom is thinking she should be happy because this is supposed to be her happily ever after she doesn’t feel like she should be sad! Yes her situation is better now and she is very obviously thankful but she needs more out of life than just being trapped within the castle walls and I love the exploration of that AS WELL as how it makes her feel! I feel like continuations, especially negative ones, of “happily ever afters” are rarely explored and I love how they did it here!

I also love that the conflict isn’t black and white! Yes Rapunzel wants freedom she is not being given and you are obviously made to sympathize with her with it being from her point of view but it’s incredibly hard not to sympathize with her dad as well! It makes it incredibly obvious that not only does he know what he’s doing is hurting Rapunzel emotionally but that he feels genuine sympathy and sadness because of it, yet he still acts on it because he believes he is protecting her from the outside world especially since it’s taken her before! When he talks to her about a part of him dying when she was taken as a baby and saying that was his best part it’s so obvious how much he cares despite going about it wrong! I love understanding both sides because it gives so much more complexity rather than character a is wrong and character b is right! I’m reference to this I also love that the conflict isn’t just wrapped up after Rapunzel’s dad sees her fight! I feel like a lot of Disney media would have the dad see her fight and be completely changed and willing to accept she can defend herself but he’s not! He actually gets upset when she does this and even more so when he learns about her hair and her disobeying him! And it’s not about restricting her freedom or punishing her he just loves his kid and he’s not willing to let her go again even if that means she may be upset with him!

Also the fact that Rapunzel rejects Eugene’s proposal?! Love does NOT have to be rushed! It’s okay to take things slow and want to better know yourself and your partner before making that commitment! It’s okay to not want to make that commitment for any reason! And despite her clearly being happy about it she wasn’t ready and they don’t present her as being in the wrong or being a bad person for it she just wasn’t ready and that’s okay! It’s not wrong to reject someone and it’s not wrong to feel you’re not ready and it doesn’t mean you don’t love that person or don’t want to continue being with them! I also love the fact that they don’t end with them getting married as a “fix it” they instead end with a heart to heart between Eugene and Rapunzel which helps Eugene better understand the rejection and Rapunzel feel better in having him understand!

Oh and don’t even get me started on the heart to heart!! It was AMAZING! It’s very obvious that Eugene is still upset about the rejection but he isn’t just upset for the sake of being upset he TRIES to understand and succeeds! Instead of brushing her off or having the series portray her as being wrong or cruel for it he takes the time to listen and goes as far as to state that he understands and will respect her boundaries regarding the situation! It’s such a great moment! Eugene even breaking his usual cocky persona for this moment because he wants to be genuine with her because this is important to him and their future together! Because she’s important to him!

I know I may be setting the bar low for some of these but I don’t care I genuinely have such high praises for Tangled Before Ever After I love Tangled so so much </3

(Also thank you for reading if you read this far !!)

(Also also tagging my pookie because this is kind of an analysis? And I think he’d like to see it >:D hope you like it pook)

@anthony-ant-14

#Me tag #Interests tag #Ant tag💕 #Tangled #Tangled before ever after #Ramble #Infodump #Analysis #Series analysis #? for the last three #Tangled the series #Also side note I love Rapunzel she’s a great main character and character in general and one of my all time favorite characters #She’s genuinely so cool and strong and capable but also kind and caring and smart and rah!!! #She’s cool that’s all #Fandom tag

[rickgrimesdoingrickthings]

🎧

Okay I will explain, to me, why this song (and the scene it was used in) is so important in my opinion.

There is a metaphor between Lori and Jessie- he saw Lori in Jessie so he got obsessed over her, wants to give her the love he regret not giving his deceased wife Lori- act more and face the problems more, because he would keep running away from the problems when he was with Lori, what made their marriage troublesome. However, the truth is hard, he cant live in that fantasy- Jessie isn't Lori- and Lori is dead and the world outside is brutal and far gone.

The position Rick gets against the wall is almost the same he got against the prison metal grid right before walkers attacked and Lori would get killed minutes after- That moment the song goes "the sun of my life, it is dead, it is dead".

In the shot, Rick is alone- the dead walker on the other side- his wife is dead-

The last camera shot has space to fit 2 people side by side, yet Rick is alone.

This is the episode Rick snaps out of this little new fantasy he wanted to live in Alexandria.

@sxbaist

#character analysis #rick grimes #lori #lori grimes #the walking dead #twd #andrew lincoln #bee gees #series #series analysis #movie analysis #twd analysis #the walking dead season 3 #rick x lori #lori x rick #lorick #video #videos

[reviewinghiccup]

RIDERS OF BERK | HTTYD SERIES | BREAKING DOWN HICCUP & FRIENDS

Blog Post Series: Breaking Down Hiccup & Friends

Title: Gem of a Different Color

Ep/Season: Episode 18, Season 1 (Riders of Berk)

Premise:

It is believed that our gentle giant, Fishleg, found a stone of good fortune. However, it is discovered, shortly after that it isn't a stone of good fortune at all, but a changewing egg! However, not to worry, after all, Fishleg was the only one w the egg and can easily put it back in its nest and rectify the whole misunderstanding... or is he?

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

FISHLEGS JUSTIN INGERMAN

This is a Fishlegs story. We got a few for Astrid, a couple for Snotlout, one for the twins and now we have Fishlegs'. As such, this episode focuses a lot on his fears, concerns and passion.

"Vikings are strong, tough and courageous. Courage is a funny thing. Many are born with it. For some its a never ending struggle. For others, well... they just don't know enough to be afraid," Hiccup narrates at the opening of the episode which panes out to a one-on-one combat in the arena.

The Viking teens have to learn to fight without their dragons. So Gobber pairs them. Unfortunately for our Hiccup, he got...

And well...

I would say, Astrid and Snotlout were born courageous. The twins fall into the latter category of not knowing enough to be afraid. And Hiccup and Fishlegs well, they just have to work that bit harder to find courage within themselves.

Personally I see Fishlegs (and I'm using this term lightly) as a pacifist. He doesn't really engage in fights / battles / conflicts / confrontations unless he absolutely has to. He's not completely a pacifist because he will "annihilate" when dragons/innocent people are at stake.

He claimed that he doesn't want to fight Snotlout, because he doesn't want to encourage Snotlout's tendencies.

At first I wasn't convinced that, that was his reason. I did think maybe Fishlegs was scared. But actually, maybe Fishlegs knows deep down he has a lot of pent up strength and power, and he just doesn't want to tap into that. I mean, do y'all know Thor Bonecrusher? Hypnotised or not, it was drawn from something within him, so. I'm just saying maybe.

Whatever the case may be though, he is an absolute sweetheart and people like that are easy to bully. And often, mistaken as weak.

And what I do appreciate, is Astrid's instincts to defend him against Snotlout when Snotlout goes overboard.

The problem though w people like this, is two fold; (1) they blame themselves easily, and (2) they may snap.

(1) THE BLAME GAME

You see it with Hiccup as well. He often feels bad for things he can't control or didn't foresee. He's not superhuman and so mistakes should be understandable but with so many people depending on him, he almost always feels like he should know what the right thing is to do 24/7.

Fishlegs is no exception. How was he to know that Meatlug dug up a Changewing egg. He hasn't seen an adult Changewing before, how was he to know. Yet he constantly beats himself up for it because he feels responsible as the "all knowing dragon expert" and Hiccup, understanding where he's coming from tries to appease that guilt.

(2) DON'T MESS WITH THE DRAGONS

What I do appreciate about the show though, is that Fishleg does eventually stand up for himself. A person may snap, but for the wrong reasons and create even more problems. But no, when Fishlegs finally takes a stand, he did it right.

I mean, Snotlout pushed it way too far and it was time someone showed Snotlout that he isn't the only strong teen viking around.

This just goes to show that within, Fishlegs is a very tough person but he choose where his strength will be utilised. And seeing that he was done with Snotlout's deception and games, he finally gave him a taste of his own medicine.

THEME & MESSAGE

I know that this feels more like a Breaking Down Fishlegs than a Hiccup segment, and I'm sorry, but I couldn't help it. The episode was predominantly on him. And in essence, Hiccup can't really do without Fishlegs. I mean, Astrid is great, but sometimes, she lacks empathy and her dragon knowledge isn't as up to scratch as Ingerman's.

Together, they collate and document the study of dragons, improving, amending and adding to Bork the Bold's work.

They remind me a lot of the modern version of Stoick and Gobber sometimes. Fashioned in a different time and clime. Which is necessary for Berk's survival because the village is growing into a different landscape.

Furthermore, that's how societies grow. Through the appreciation and desire to learn about our universe, adding to creations, innovations and technologies.

I think the creators of the show aptly named this episode "Gem of A Different Colour" because Fishlegs, though Viking like, isn't very viking in personality.

He is different, but what makes him different is also what makes him important. He contributes to the synergy and grounding of the team. Making sure that they don't go too ahead of themselves or slack too far behind in terms of dragon training or knowledge.

After all, I believe that the key to training dragons requires a mastery of its knowledge. And frankly, there would be no dragon academy without him and his enthusiasm and love for these creatures.

I love the message behind the episode. It was more than just doing the right thing and standing up for what you believe in. It is about fearlessness and that it doesn't always have to look a certain way. It can come in many different shapes and sizes. And despite being the resident scaredy cat (sometimes), Fishlegs does prove himself the bravest and selfless in this episode.

Lastly, whatever the case may be, I'm glad that he showed up and decided to take Snotlout on in combat at the end. He's a good soldier and we can't have him slagging behind his training.

He may be a little insecure about his person, I mean, that happens to the best of us sometimes. And it's possible that the solution to getting out of your head, is to step out of your comfort zone.

"Having courage isn't the same as having no fear. It's being afraid and pushing forward anyway. Whether that means saving a baby dragon, or protecting those you love, or giving a special someone the butt-kicking they so richly deserve." - Hiccup's epilogue.

END NOTE:

There are many dragon species I've come to love as I go through the seasons. The Changewings are one of them. They're amazing creatures and I love to see them blend into environments. I would never want to meet one, but gosh, even their eggs are unique.

What are some of your favourite dragons introduced in the franchise that isn't a Night Fury, Deadly Nadder, Gronkle, Monstrous Nightmare or Zippleback?

#HTTYD #how to train you dragon #httyd franchise #httyd series #httyd fandom #httyd riders of berk #rob #dob #rtte #httyd hiccup #httyd fishlegs #httyd fishlegs ingerman #httyd astrid #httyd snotlout #httyd stoick #httyd gobber #httyd character breakdown #series analysis #reviewing hiccup & friends #httyd oc #hiccup #hicclegs? #changewing dragons #changewing dragons eggs

[missmahgenta]

How NOT to write a story

Using a bad Netflix show/Fate: The Winx Saga as a basis

Part 1 - How NOT to start a Story (episodes 1 & 2)

Introduction

Like I said on a previous post, I decided to leave that live action Winx show on while working on some assignments. The show’s quality left a bitter taste on my mouth and the persistent thought of “Man, I could have written something better”. So I decided to use this shit show as a little guide of mistakes and pitfalls to avoid, based on each episode. I would like to preface this by saying that I’m not a professional writer or anything like that. I’m at best an amateur with a huge mouth and a desire to avoid working on stuff I should actually be working on, so ignore any typos because my brain is small and lacking it’s thinking juice. That said, grab some water and grab some blankets, because this is going to be long.

“The first sentence/scene is the most important!!”

The idea that the first scene in a movie/series or that the first sentence/page in a book is the most important is not baseless. From setting the tone of your story to quickly grabbing your audience attention, the beginning of the beginning is going to set up expectations. That said, it’s not enough to simply show a quick action scene expect that to be enough. Whatever you choose to show on the very start of your narrative, it better be relevant later on in more ways than one. I’m talking about the narrative’s themes, arcs, world details, the antagonistic forces, etc.

Now, at first glance Fate’s opening doesn’t seem so bad. It does an okay job at grabbing your attention with some action related to one of this season’s 3 main antagonistic forces. That falls apart, however, when you notice how:

1)The scene as dark af and visually unimpressive. This is meant to take place at a campsite on a magical plane of existence, yet it looks like any normal forest. Idk, put some magical and sparkling moths or something, because otherwise it just doesn’t look like we are in the ‘Other world’ (stupid name but this point isn’t about it)

2)It’s kinda misleading. Blood does appear later on, but not with this touch of gore. It also induces the idea that Fate is a suspense story among other things, and while I guess it has some elements of suspense, it’s all so spaced that it will only disappoint anyone that was looking for, well, a suspense story.

3) The guy that gets killed has little relevance later on, and I honestly think that that’s a waste of potential. I mean, why have him killed if you’re just make a murder mystery with someone else later on? What if instead he was related or friendly to one of characters we meet? His death could have been a stepping stone for someone’s character arc, or at the very least not something that could have been written out with minor modifications.

“Well, the first 2 minutes were not the best, but there’s the whole rest of the episode ahead! Just because they were bad, doesn’t mean that the rest of the episode will be!”

That’s true. Like I’ve said before, the idea that the first scene in a movie/series or that the first sentence/page in a book is the most important is not baseless, however it ignores the fact that your audience can pay attention for more than a few seconds. “It gets good later on” is something we all probably heard at least once, is it not?

In Fate: Winx saga, however, the opposite can be said.

“Let’s speedrun our characters introductions!!”

Just after some guy gets murdered, we cut to a little montage of our main cast arriving to Alfea, and I think it was good, surprisingly. It could have shown a bit more of each the girls personalities and possible struggles, but it wasn’t bad (until it was). Despiste this show being about the Winx Club, the first character that our protagonist, Bloom, meets is Sky, her love interest. Not Stella, the girl who she met first in the og show and who was supposed to tour her around (something that happened for 2 minutes, while showing nothing of Alfea because Stella being a bitch is more entertaining that a fucking school for fairies). Not Aisha, who is her roommate and the only character who is sensible in this entire cast. Not ‘Terra’ nor Musa, but Sky.

Then again, they did remove the ‘Club’ part of the title, so it’s very clear where their priorities lies (and it’s definitely not ‘showing real and genuine friendships between women).

Fine, whatever. At least Sky is an important character to this show. Riven, on the other hand, is not. I always found him annoying in the original show, but in this iteration he’s just the worst. And yet he’s important enough to also make an introduction before any of the other girls? Ugh.

Then we have Beatrice, one of the other antagonists in this season, and you can tell that by the way she talks and glares at others. But her introduction is just…there? She goes to talk to Farah/Faragonda, says some shit and leaves, and that’s it. I don’t want to compare this iteration of the IP with the original show too much, because I think it could have still worked even with so many differences and spins and twists, but damn, it’s just so dull when compared to the original. It’s not threatening, nor funny, nor mysterious, nor charismatic in any other way. It doesn’t even hints at what her deal is. It’s literally “she’s a villain, bye”.

The rest of the main girls introductions are fine, and it shows well what their purpose is in this iteration. Aisha is there to babysit Bloom, Terra is there to be the girls main punching bag, Musa may have some future character arc and is there to say obvious shit (I don’t think I need miss Empath’s help to know said character is upset when they are visibly upset), and Stella is there to be a bitch constantly.

The main problem with all of these characters introductions is that: they happen so, so fast, with barely any room to breath. And speaking of barely any room to breath…

“So like, how do we explain this to the audience?” “Eh, just tell’ em”

Sometimes, exposition is inevitable. Sometimes, you need to sit down an explain wtf is going on for a few paragraphs, maybe a page or two. Fate: Winx Saga doesn’t take a few paragraphs or a few pages to explain it’s lore, backstory, world building, or anything really. It’s entire first episode (out of six, mind you) has many chunk a of pure, and I mean PURE, exposition. And unlike the story’s suspense, it isn’t sprinkled across the episode.

You have a scene where someone is explaining things to Bloom, then the scene changes, and they start explaining something else. You don’t get the joy of discovering something by yourself or seeing the information naturally unravel before your eyes. The information is laid on your plate like pasta without any sort of sauce, and just as you finish eating, more and more is placed. And the worst thing is- they don’t even say anything really interesting? If the pasta was like, some high quality shit, it would still be a drag to eat so much of it in one sitting, but at least the starting bites would at least be somewhat enjoyable.

It’s uncreative, boring and doesn’t flow well at all. And to have all of that right from the beginning would make anyone watching it for the first time likely decide to drop it immediately. Seriously, take this episode as an example on how not to relay information to your audience and don’t do what they did.

I’m sure the world you have built is super interesting and detailed and full of nuances you just can’t wait to share with your audience. But restrain yourself. Too much is going to make what could be appealing into a turn off.

This post has been foi on for a while now, so let’s end on a cliffhanger!

I still have a lot on my mind regarding this show and writing tips and pitfalls in general, however I think that it’s best to restrain myself and leave stuff for other posts. With that said, I’ll probably talk about the writing of the characters and the worldbuilding aspect of it more in depth next, so maybe come back next week?

Also, just saying that if you enjoyed this show, I am very happy for you. Seriously, I may despise this piece of entertainment for many reasons, but I still found some enjoyment there (even if said enjoyment was seeing my friends suffering a bit) and I must say, I was even s bit upset when they canceled it so soon. What I’m trying to say is, something doesn’t have to be ‘good’ for you to be allowed to enjoy it and don’t feel ashamed for liking something that most found dumb or whatever other negative descriptor you have in mind.

Anyways, that’s all for now. Have a fabulous day/night and keep creating, even if it’s not something you consider to be perfect!

#artists on tumblr #creative wrting #writers on tumblr #poor decisions #writing #fate the winx saga #winx club #live actions need to be stopped at this point #writing advice #bad writing #series analysis #long post #netflix review

[badatparties]

Dear people of Tumblr, help me out if you can!

I’m looking for sites or journals that feature high-quality, in-depth essays and analyses about books, films, series, and – maybe, preferably, in my dreams – specific fictional characters.

I’m not looking for review sites or platforms that run “10 Things You Didn’t Know about X”-type articles. I’m interested in content that digs deep into the psychological, scientific, etc. layers of pieces and characters.

I’d be immensely grateful for any suggestions or recommendations!

#meta #character analysis #movie analysis #series analysis #book analysis #journalism #writers on tumblr #writer #writerscommunity #writeblr #blogging #blogger #I don't even know how to tag this #that's how lost I am

[wanderinglady]

Its all about Equality!

I recently binge-watched Season 2 of Made in Heaven. Both Seasons 1 and 2 were good to me. Seven different causes and seven different stories about seven brides. Each episode chose a particular subject and made an effort to appeal to a wider audience.

One episode dealt with the mistreatment of women and how women believe that love will solve the problem. They ultimately appear in court. Another episode discusses how men can act kind to you and support you, but in actuality they might not appreciate you. She uses the circumstance to advance her career in a feminist conclusion for the story. I could gush endlessly about each episode.

There is also backstory available regarding the main characters in the show. Directors have also made an effort to address the problem head-on. There are no surprises, but it is made very obvious that women and LGBTQ+ people shouldn't be taken for granted. They are entitled to the same freedoms as everyone else in this society. It is not the fault of the son if his mother is unwilling to embrace her gay kid even as she lies dying; rather, it is a reflection on her mentality.

I believe it's a fantastic beginning for our society since it provides us a chance to openly discuss such important issues.

The first step towards change is dialogue!

#tv series #review #series analysis #made in heaven #prime video #Made In Heaven Season 2

[huachengeye]

I was looking at some reviews for girl from nowhere and i'm surprised that so many people don't get what the series is trying to say. so, i'm gonna give my opinions based on some of the bad reviews i saw, maybe giving another insight.

starting with this review I saw where the person calls the actor who plays nanno a bad actor, mostly because of her laugh — nanno's laugh sounds like that bc it's supposed to be inhuman and weird, it's supposed to piss others off, it's not supposed to be a villains laughter (nanno isn't even a villain). this person also goes on a rant about every episode, and in episode 2 they say that it was not realistic for nanno to be able to endure everything she did... don't they know that nanno is not human? ofc no human would be able to endure that, she isn't one and because of that she doesn't really feel pain, empathy, or remorse and they use this supernatural being to make social comments in a way they wouldn't be able to otherwise. then they go on about and just minimize every episode to a few words, clearly misunderstanding the themes. the only episode this person seemed to understand is the 10th, which is funny to me bc it was the one i had a hard time understanding (still don't), and it's actually my least favorite from season 1. then they end saying they hope they improve chicha's laugh, which makes it pretty clear where the real problem for OP was.

another thing i've seen some people have a difficulty to realize is that nanno is not a character made to feel sorry for other people, at least not in the first season (with one exception). she is not human, she doesn't have human-like emotions. and also, she is, supposedly, a representation of karma, but if you pay attention she isn't the one to make those people do that things, the consequences come naturally, she is never the one to hurt the other characters physically, because nanno is about karma, not revenge (that's yuri).

i've seen people talking about how she "leads" the characters to do things, and they normally use dino, from season 1, episode 4 as an example, so i'll use him too. in dino's case he is lying way before nanno got there, but lying isn't as bad as everything else in this show, so we move on. then, he goes to nanno to ask her to help him, which she does. he takes his friend to this big house, that he says it's his. the staff working there is his parents, but he does nothing to prevent his friends from insulting his parents, not even when they are physically abusive. people seem to pity him and taking in account the previous episodes, i can see why they would, but in the end, the message was clear: rich people do the worst shit and nothing happens to them. not only that, but nanno never made dino do anything, he was lying before she even got there, he accepted the mistreatment of his friends towards his parents, and I question myself: if they weren't his parents but just two random people, would he feel bad for them?

nanno never makes someone do something, what she does is give them another way to follow, and the consequences comes naturally from that. and one thing that i saw some people not paying attention to is that, sometimes, just nanno's presence is enough to start chaos. there were episodes where she didn't even interact with the characters all that much, but that still raised rage in them. she doesn't make people do bad things, they took this choice and if you see, they go even further than what nanno originally suggests.

but i did agree with some of these negative reviews. one of the reviews talked about this episode on season 2 where there is a beauty competition in this school, and people are rewarded for their beauty. this episode for me lost some of its message when the only way the fat girl was seen as beautiful was when she lost way. i know this is accurate to some place's beauty standard, but after seeing those girls beat each other to be the number one, having a fat girl be the number one would really drive the point home. also agree that some episodes aren't as good, but overall the show is great and it's themes are really good once you start to pay attention.

#nanno #girl from nowhere #series analysis #im just ranting #people need to pay more attention to things #also why are they analyzing this with things that are realistic when the protagonist is literally not human

[trashc-w]

The Art and Symbolism of Hannibal

It's nearly impossible to deny that Hannibal is an artistic and beautiful show, regardless of whether or not you are a fan. The show features famous artworks and even creates some of its own to add to Hannibal's magnificence. Hannibal incorporates art in many ways, including a literal image of the artwork or a reference that can only be concluded by having a keen eye for art. Not only are there literal art references in Hannibal, but the symbolism itself could be considered artwork of its own. 

One common reappearing symbol in Hannibal is the stag or the Ravenstag. As the show progresses, so does the stag. It changes shape and morphs into a more human-like creature with antlers, a Wendigo. A Wendigo is a mythological creature that is said to influence people who come in close contact with them to turn to their evilest desires of cannibalism or to commit murder. The stag appeared in the very first episode of Hannibal and kept its presence throughout all three seasons of the show. Will Graham, a special agent at the FBI, envisioned the stag in his nightmares and visions. After Will was present at a crime scene where a woman's body was mounted onto antlers, he began to see the stag in his dreams. The Ravenstag could hold many meanings, such as a God that watches over Will Graham but does not provide him with any protection. Another possible meaning for the stag is Will's growing evil potential, furthered by Hannibal Lecter, Will's psychiatrist. Will does not initially see the stag appear as a Wendigo. In fact, he only sees the stag as a Wendigo later when he learns about Hannibal's secret life of cannibalism. The Ravenstag is a symbol of Hannibal and Will's relationship which changes as their relationship changes.

Will Graham possesses a special ability that makes him able to help solve murders in an unexplainable way. As he enters a crime scene, he can place himself in the scene but as the killer. He envisions the crime being orchestrated exactly as the criminal had done. While Will is entering the mind of the killer, thin orange lines appear on the screen. In this situation, the orange lines could represent the separation of the good Will and the evil killer. 

In the episode "Tome-Wan," Hannibal and Will converse about Achilles and Patroclus, who are often described as having a queer relationship. Hannibal also states how in Greek mythology, it is common to hide and reveal an identity. This theme is also common within Hannibal, as Hannibal himself conceals his cannibalistic identity from Will and his colleagues. Hannibal also sketches Achilles and Patroclus. In "Naka-Choko," Hannibal can be seen bandaging Will's hand which is a reference to the artwork of Achilles bandaging Patroclus' arm.

Throughout Hannibal, there are often scenes with a heavy emphasis on the water. In multiple of these scenes, the person is drowning. The water could depict Hannibal's influence. Alana falls asleep and sinks into the black water, sinking into Hannibal's control and influence. Bedelia, like Alana, drowns in the black water. Unlike Alana and Bedelia, Will jumps into the water on his own, suggesting that he willingly is succumbing to Hannibal's influence. Will also references water but not in such a literal way. Will is a fisherman, unlike Hannibal who is a hunter. Will also says "I feel fluid, like I'm spilling," which is another indirect reference to water. Hannibal's love for Will is made quite obvious, although he never explicitly states his feelings for Will. In Primavera, Hannibal holds a photo of the Vitruvian Man, the "perfect male" and then folds it into the shape of an anatomically-correct heart. This scene is followed by clips of Will on a crime scene, where he discovers a human body in the shape of a human heart. The body is held up by three upside-down swords. The swords piercing the heart are in reference to the Three of Swords tarot card which means heartbreak, grief, or sorrow when in the upright position. When reversed, the meaning changes to optimism or forgiveness. All of this was intentional by Hannibal, who is attentive to detail. Hannibal is telling Will that he forgives him, and of course, Will recognizes this forgiveness because after all, this design is for him.

note: check out callistos.crd.co for a collection of art references and cinematography in hannibal!! 

#hannibal #nbc hannibal #hannibal lecter #will graham #series analysis #film analysis

[maneaterwithtail]

Why Belos role and characterization and treatment in narrative or character parallel bothers me

I cannot help but feel it confuses a therapeutic uhm... end goal

"Your abuser despite his (and it is ALWAYS a he) affect, power, influence, or even your feelings to him, is wrong about you and told you lies that control and undermine you. Leave them behind. Don't engage. Separate yourself and reasoning from them. You will be free and see them as powerless a shadow and not even need the same thing from anyone else. Because you have a more substantive and whole thing from yourself"

with 

"Abuser is inhuman blind liar and nothing like you so have no fear. Its all a conspiracy and you'll never be like him no matter what you do!"

This is a common thing. Over and over and over. What grants the greatest... win or catharsis or validation for the audience's hero/standin.  Moreso if queer representative.

Now, I do like the talk Luz has about this. And its meaningful, without prompting, she comes to this bad emotional place by her own reasoning and feelings. SHOWING how much she's grown and avoided being a Belos.

Its the "you were never alike along" that really bugs me. Not you changed and avoided that path thanks to acceptance of and by others so have become better. But He was conspiring and lying because that all he is which you never were doing (which is remarkably...untrue in my mind. Or says forgiveness is only for the innoecent uwu baby which no matter what the polycule aspirants are)

Moreover whenever its time to imply or make decisions its to absolve the likable or standins (or useful) or scapegoat Belos like some "The Devil Made Me Do It" figure which creeps me out.  I thought the entire point was to AVOID that

Its not that

there are guys so hateful so ambitious so DANGEROUS you had to use violence and people who willfully double down do these things. It sucks but.. this how it goes.  here what like and how we get from there to here and how deal with even the psychological aftereffects

Its that

said stubborn blindness in everyone is all sourced by this one conveniently hatable guy.. who also is just smart enough to cause and control all but you're just so smart and special and vigorous enough can't compel you, never did. Or he is stupid enough basic teenage stubbornness foils him time and again with little cost or effort but to the fee fees.. maybe  true defeat when don't feel bad anymore

Again it, to me, has always felt like at ODDS with where Owl House started.  A mature take on dealing with differences and expression and learning to get along and yes tolerate not just differences but 'enemies'

Not least because they don't ever have to

Hey? Girl who has career investment and resents you and etc etc etc secretly just repressed lesbian for you.

Hey? Guy who is true believer in cause and dismissive of everyone interrupting to it? Just woobie tormented by evil abuser. Not his fault and never going to hurt you because he's so nice and tortured. But also his beliefs have no validity or positivity and were never necessary.

Hey? Guy who avoids emotional conflicts and the difficult human investments, neglecting his relationships to focus on his hobbies and then turns people into components...for his self image is TOTALLY different than a stage mom because.. uhm... well she's socially ambitious and DIRECT as toneglectful exploitive in their abusive action.

Hey? Your teasing super popular bully is secretly just like you once they accept that they will have to get along (serve to) your goals while adding to your found family (staff and servants to ease your struggles with difference, labor, money, resources, or knowledge. Conveniently.. well save for occasional emotional maintenance whew no things and effort and time and work you value thought)

ETA Hey the family who blames you for your failure, resents your marginalization, and arrogantly wishes to fix you? Always outshine by you in clash knows less than you. And after come Crawling back to you benevolent forgiveness confess they cursed you! Once convert and undermine their worldview or prioritize you as to have serious issues with your criminal, self harm, and possible addiction behavior, then perhaps you can forgive them if will continue the obsequious or usefulness. (damn maheshwarens look at the clawthornes going there for the grace of God would go i)

Hey? Those horrible parallels you notice between yourself and people you hate is just an illusion put on by an evil white guy who embodies what you hate about society and authority or that asshole from that institution you have to put up with for your education. You're not at fault because you made a mistake and you feel bad about it and with perfect knowledge and power you'd never be like them so striving for same you won't do the same things.

And AGAIN i get where this comes from and why and even in some cases its necessary but tell me there isn't something just a little TOO damn close to

The Narcissist's Prayer (by Dayna Craig)

That didn't happen.

And if it did, it wasn't that bad.

And if it was, that's not a big deal.

And if it is, that's not my fault.

And if it was, I didn't mean it.

And if I did, you deserved it.

At the least we're at lines 6-4 for the lesson/character assessment/embodiment so with the NARRATIVE supplying lines 1-3.  Information always happens to clarify a situation so the initial hook gets put down.

​Moreso with the idea of the supervillain narcissist who all your own problems and bad actions can be attributed or sourced. (I avoid the Invisible man movie for a line implying this. sure sure I'm certain 'in context' its justified. that's the thing lines 1-3 is ALWAYS made 'in context with what feels a powerful idealized stand in' where things bend just enough for the character. Not really the dread female or minority character accusation word but close enough or evokes my same issues (have same or similar problems with Shinji, the world is or reflects or exists to further his depression so feels.. unreal)

Made worse because of the ... meeting in the middle  of the lines or the completion the problem isn't "narcissism" -which can be inborn in exceptions who are people or exceptional people- but also develop in you and me. No the problem is the "narcississt" this shibboleth (forgive my cultural appropriation and feel free to correct with better less sacred or more accurate term) Archetype Modern Folklore Myth ("but its real I used The Sciencetm not Re-lulz-gen") I Learned From Validating Empowering Source. The Narcissist is always a collection of traits in a person who is other and despicable who has made the real mistake of being both ambitious, respected, and un-ignorable/supportive down to the core. enviable AND stronger.

  Oh and Belos is always lying, to himself and others .. but doesn't believe or operate in a way to best support the lie. Say, recruiting a mob or authority or gang to go into the demon realm to enact a plan?

Why did he try that stupid lie? He's a MUCH better liar than that!

Heck he hasn't really had a hatred of Luz so much as witches and the demon realm mixed with an immature hero narrative that foregoes compassion or self reflection.

But even if it was ALL a lie. If he was at the desperate point he was willing to humble himself to the witches and Luz just to save his skin why be THAT preposterous?  

Because the only threat he's EVER allowed to make is emotional to trigger Luz/audience trauma in a way that them having been marginalized in a way very VERY likely shared but specific enough to neuroatypical queer younger people or folks who have been near such can very much relate to. 

Its like the bad guys in Dragon Prince becoming demonic untalking firezombies in contradiction to preaching following a religious appearing figure.

Too damn indulgent.

Have Raine, King Clawthorne, and Eda beat down Phillip or older Belos. not the Wicked Fals Wizard of the South East from The Bad Times of SUPER PATRIARCHY (and why its bad this season's finest ideological threads)

Have Luz hug her mom after resolute seeing his death, no "save"of her innoencence or responsibility. However vulgar, necessary, or more she killed a dude.

Just... stop it with The Devil Belos who is the Real True Evil because *insert things hate here* who if killed all his influence dissipates as to perpetuates because he's The Source Of All The Flaws, Even Yours Or They Were Mistakes After All He Doesn't Fit In The Found Family/Polycule Dynamics.

I guess end of the day I just disagree with

Dad Titan.

I mean in one way. The assume part. Hate can come from a genuine place. OR false place. Or an insecure place.  Or a narcissistic place.  I suppose not disagree with his point or even actions.

 Its GOOD he makes the distinction he does between Luz and Belos.  But Luz wanted guidance and she got validation, particularly the kind that without context doesn't guide to good.

Its why feel so adolescent.  Which is FINE as that the primary target of the show. But blows the conflict out of proportion with that target's ACTUAL challenges and needs and keeps the adult responsibility and restraint down to convenience if this is about her coming into her own as an adult woman or taking that adult step.

Compare Camilla's journey to Luz and its... off

Moreso for me the sense sending Luz to camp was 'forced on her' and was 'a bad thing' Lucedas should feel guilty for as to a critical step to better Luz and did end up for the best even in the equivalent of Luz's doppleganger/sister where it happened when she stood in as Camilla planned!

"You can do all the same things without self reflection or ethical consideration if you find the right ideology/cause or are actually a True Victim" feels easier to get than

"This is how you balance your dreams and goals and ambitions with the fact other people are just as rich with their own inner life as you. EVEN IF YOU, as entitled and rightly, HATE THEIR GUTS"

That's taught to the Collector, but surprisingly only when absolved or 'retooled much like EVERY OTHER antagonist before to be a new party member in disguise.. also weaker now with easier exploitable weakness so not have to tolerate the threat of his power and another convenient evil abusive older shadow adult is behind it ALL! I mean don't have to deal with the possible mind warping idea of a clinical socipath or someone inherently more powerful than you you have to WORK to habituate, rehab. Or he is too attached to his trauma and wrath and vengeance, or yoy have to develop and prepare means to substantially restrain/neuter/nerf/drug/etc

much same as not have to tolerate the threeat of Belos's influence or connection and effects. Or that he's one guy when need to dismiss him but Extant all powerful shadow when need to justify your actions that support your hero narrative.

#spoilers #cartoons are series business #series finale #series analysis #The Owl House #3rd season 3 extended episode #character analysis #philip wittebane #Emperor Belos #luz nuceda #toh spoilers

[this--is-serious-business]

Baz and Simon are foils when it comes to the concept of power and privileges in the world of mages.

In the first book Baz is present as someone who has a lot of privilege compared to almost everyone, yet he his self-depreciation stops him from ever being happy. He has more money than anyone can wrap their mind around. He doesn’t have to work a day in his life and has enough money to influence society in any way he wants (as much as we want to pretend politicians can’t be bought). He’s incredibly smart in math, language, and basically every subject a magic school teaches. He is also (supposedly) very conventionally attractive and not unimportantly has superhuman strength, speed, and senses. And He Is A Wizard! A Really Good One!!!

Yet with all of this, his only interest in life (that’s presented in the book) is holding simon’s hand and looking hot. I feel like even though he’s grown as a character, he still has this incredible unfulfilled potential. To further illustrate, let’s go over his future plans: Go to the school of economics -> become Businessman™️. It’s so dispassionate and boring, it seems out of character. Baz is Made of passion, he sees and describes the world and his emotions like a poet and can appreciate the beauty of everything. He even loves the tacky apple sheets because he knows they symbolize Simon’s autonomy. Yet He Wants To Be A Banker.

It’s the same with his vampire identity. With his money and family reputation, he could bring equality to dark creatures in Britain. But he doesn’t because he hates being a vampire.

That’s what separates and makes him a foil to Simon. Simon always uses his power to help others. Even when his power goes away, he relentlessly tries to help people.

The mage was corrupt but ultimately his political ideals were good (besides all the policing and poor curriculum). Mages were hoarding power and resources from the underprivileged and his efforts to desegregate the school were good! It makes me want to see what Matali and the coven are doing now, because it doesn’t seem like anyone’s trying to change anymore.

Baz as a character has yet to contend with how his families and own politics are negligent. Like how billionaires have the ability to actually end homelessness, yet they don’t.

I just want him to reassess his life choices and what impact he wants to make on the world beyond just getting his dream guy and helping with whatever simons doing. It’s a bit of a shame that I don’t think “snow for Christmas” is going to be anything but a fluffy family drama (don’t get me wrong, I love soap opera stuff). But maybe he’ll at least consider switching careers.

#carry on meta #baz pitch #simon snow #carry on trilogy #any way the wind blows #wayward son #tyrannus basilton grimm pitch #series analysis #character analysis #it’s a bit harsh but trust me I love him dearly #I should analyze myself like this #I can do more good

[talvenhenki]

Had a thought about Zankyou no Terror and I need to write it down

I don't think Twelve was as aware that he was dying as Nine was. I don't think he was even as far along as Nine. Don't get me wrong, he was prepared but if he hadn't been shot, I think he would have survived a few more months, maybe even a year. But instead, Nine had to see his only real friend die before he himself succumbed to whatever it had been that had been done to him.

I just. I wish they'd been allowed to live. They were just two boys without names, just two teenagers who had lived through unimaginable horrors

#Personal whispering #Zankyou no Terror #Terror in Resonance #Nine #Twelve #Series meta #Series analysis #This series destroyed me so thoroughly #character death #character death mention #Studio MAPPA

[counting-stars-gayly]

It’s time we accept that Percy Jackson is an unreliable narrator. He’s not dumb. He’s just insecure. He’s not clueless about his and Annabeth’s feelings. He’s just in denial. He’s not clueless about Rachel’s feelings. He just doesn’t want to do anything about them. His mother isn’t perfect. He just loves and respects her more than anyone in the world. That boy contradicts his own inner monologue all the time. Do not trust him!!

EDIT: Please don’t interact just to disagree. You can make your own post.

#if anything proves this it’s the og text. but heroes of Olympus and the tv show made it even more obvious. #queued #percy jackson #percy jackson and the olympians #pjo #pjo books #pjo tv show #pjo tv series #pjo spoilers #pjo adaptation #percabeth #percy jackon and the olympians #riordanverse #heroes of olympus #percy jackson analysis #i guess

[nerdyenby]

Sorry, your boyfriend got reincarnated. Yeah, he doesn’t remember that time you murdered him with your bare hands. He doesn’t know how much you love him. He doesn’t know that you’ve killed for him. He doesn’t know that you’ve killed him. He doesn’t know it’ll happen again. As he takes your hand and your heart, and you laugh from atop an animal the two of you ride together, he doesn’t know you’ve been here before. He doesn’t know it’ll happen again.

#in order we got: llama. horse. panda? llama. camel #sorry for trafficshipping it’ll happen again #scarian #hermitshipping #<- ig?? #idk they’re /p in my mind but I have no way to justify that lmao #traffic series #life series #third life #last life #double life #limited life #secret life #grian #goodtimeswithscar #nerdy’s traffic analysis #poetry #?