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starseneyes · 1 year

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Chenford - Lucy Chen / Tim Bradford - The Rookie - Season 5 - Ep 21

"Going Under" AKA "Going Down in the Laundry Room"

We made it home just in time for the episode, but I was too worn from the events of the day to finish last night. So, here it is, your Meta.

SPOILER ALERT: Look, I don't spoil those who want to remain unspoiled, which is why there's a cute "Read More" button. But as soon as you click that, you're on your own. You will be spoiled. Sorry, not sorry.

All squared away? It's time to dive in!

Lucy and Tim Brief the Team

There's something very powerful about seeing Lucy and Tim standing up there to tell everyone about the Op.

It throws me back to Lucy's first Under Cover assignment when an angry Tim perched outside the door, arms crossed, while Lucy sat as a member of the briefing.

Now, Sergeant Second Class Bradford and... what the hell!?

Where's Lucy's promotion, dagnabbit?!

Look, I'm really not trying to complain after the feast we got in this episode. But, it really does strike hard when you're thinking about earlier seasons and how far Tim has come professionally.

I really hope the "Lucy wants to make Detective" story line continues this season or beginning of next.

"Which is where Officer Chen comes in. She'll be going undercover..."

It's good that Tim's the one who's introducing this, and we're continuing our thread of, "Tim is trying to be okay with this."

Also, again, a long way from Tim being pissed about Lucy going UC. The growth has been massive. I think it's important to acknowledge that even as we spend this episode highlighting how much further these two have to go.

The need for continued growth does not cancel out the growth already achieved. Work is work, and when you put it in, it matters.

"Until further notice, if you see Officer Chen out in the world, don't acknowledge her."

And, I'm thrown back to Lucy's Op at the end of Season 3, when Tim and Jackson came across her with the traffic stop. I remember Jackson asking Tim how to play it, and Tim coaching him through.

"I called Hard Luck." "Really? He's such an unreliable CI."

Gosh, I love how these two talk to one another. Again, we've come so fucking far.

And I know I'm waxing nostalgic, a bit, but I think that's natural for an episode of this magnitude. Lucy hasn't done more than a short stint undercover op in many seasons.

And this is the first time we get to see these two handle it as a couple.

Every other time they've done this, Tim was a TO or a coworker. Now, he's Lucy's Shower Sex Sweetie and Quality Quickie with a dash of Down-And-Dirty-All-Night-Long-Hottie.

It's bound to change the dynamic. But one thing that I love about this scene is how equal they are.

Sure, Lucy doesn't have the rank, but she's no longer "sir"ing Tim (unless he asks for it in the bedroom... or shower... or wherever role playing activities might transpire).

"He knows it's important to me." "Aw... undercover love." *giggle*

Y'all, I'm giddy. Like, legit was grinning like a fool. And after the day I've had, that's no small miracle.

Also, it feels like Eric Winter almost broke, and like Melissa O'Neil did. I have no intel on this, and I might be completely off-base, but there was something about his little quirk of the lip and double-take that would definitely have set me off if I was working opposite him in that scene.

"Jamie Hall." "You all set up Jamie?" "Yeah, all good."

So. Fucking. Cute.

I just love that Tim's the one outside keeping an eye on her (even if my subconscious is trying to connect the dots between IA paperwork, possible liabilities of Tim overreacting or losing his cool, and what happens if he uses the wrong name by accident, etc).

He is the protector. And being involved in the Op is easier for him to handle than not being involved.

Think about it... we know that Isabel would go away for months at a time and Tim felt like he couldn't breathe the whole time. He didn't know about the people she met. He didn't know anything.

He told Isabel that Lucy was different, and I think we all can see that Chenford can be different. But without communication, they're doomed.

Golly, that sounds dramatic. Like that old shipping commercial where everyone is doomed. Yeah, like twelve of you reading understand that reference, and I'm leaving it anyway.

But, I truly believe communication is the foundation to a strong relationship. And I'm not just saying that because I happen to hold two degrees in communications.

Tim and Lucy have the benefit of an established relationship based on trust and respect. But learning to effectively communicate your needs, wants, fears, aversions, and desires as a couple is completely different.

"Are you good? .... "Are you good?" "Do you mean do I miss you already? Nah, I'm fine." "You are such a jerk."

This is so me and Matt coded. And, yes, I'm Lucy in this scenario. Can't tell you how many times I've affectionately called Matthew a jerk and he's shared that same satisfactory smirk on Tim's face afterwards.

"Hey, will you keep an eye on Tamara for me? You know, just check in on her every once in a while." "Of course. Yeah, don't worry about her. I'll keep an eye on her. You just focus on the job."

Tim is really trying to be amazingly supportive for her. And I love this little reminder that Tim does have his own place.

Yes, for production purposes we're spending a lot of time at Lucy's (that I head-canon is because she lives closer to the station).

Also, Tim doesn't hesitate to watch out for Tamara. There was a time he only referred to Tamara as "Lucy's Puppy", but now they're family.

"How long do you think this will take?"

Excuse me, we're getting a montage!?! Like, a montage with voice over provided by our intrepid duo? Be still my beating heart!

Y'all don't understand. I was a Voice Over artist for two decades. So, when I see actors who can also do voice over well, I get super hyped.

Melissa O'Neil and Eric Winter decided to make me gawk at their talent even more tonight. Gee wiz! Like, it's possible they recorded their audio together, but more likely they were each in comfy clothes in the booth solo on completely different days.

And the chemistry. still. freakin. works. That's talent, my friends.

Look, some people crush VO and some people don't. Just watch (or don't watch... maybe with shrooms nearby) the Star Wars Holiday Special animated section to see what I mean.

I'm not gonna name names, but it was really easy to call which Star Wars actor was going to go into voice work later and which one really shouldn't have been asked to do that long VO for Blade Runner.

"Oh, do not finish this season of Top Chef without me." "I can't make any promises."

Y'all, this is so me and Matt coded! Now, Top Chef is my show and not Matthew's. I even keep it on in the background when I'm working or writing a screenplay.

Yes, I know most people don't work that way. I'm weird. I've come to terms with it, and I like me—weird and all.

But we totally have our shows where we say, "You better not watch this without me!" And, usually, I'm the one to screw it up. Mostly by accident!

Matthew always reminds me of Mean Girls. He wanted to see it in theaters. I said to hold off. Then we were in the video store (yes, we're old) and he offered to rent it, but I said to hold off. The third time was a year later when he remembered we hadn't seen it.

Except I accidentally caught it on TV totally forgetting we said we'd watch it together. Eep!

Also, after Lucy complaining about her ex watching too many cooking shows after his wrists were slit, I find it interesting she actively watched them with Tim.

Just goes to show cooking shows were never the problem. *cough* dead weight puffed chicken *cough*

"You ever wish you has a normal job?" "One where people don't shoot at you? Not once." "Yeah, me, either."

I love how easy their conversation is. These are the little things that add up to big things when you're building a relationship. And some mastermind in the Writer's Room thought, "What if we advance their relationship while advancing the episode's story via VO?"

As much flack as VO sometimes takes (and I'm actually a VO fan), I adore this choice.

We don't need to meet all the people in the office and establish relationships with them. It doesn't service the story or our core characters. So, we're letting Tim and Lucy—two characters we adore—carry us through via the VO. It's bloody beautiful.

Also, I love the pacing of this episode. Love it. There's an effortlessness to the timing of the edits and the passage of time via wardrobe change is so beautifully done.

I know we have the Super giving us time stamps via dates, but those are almost superfluous because we can visualize the journey via other cues. It's stuff like this that makes me bloody giddy.

"Making any friends?"

This. Is. So. Cute. Tim is actually keeping Lucy sane, here, I'm convinced! Remember her last UC assignment where she had to check in via phone? She was bored out of her mind.

"Is the monotony getting to you?" "I don't mind it... I just don't want it to all be for nothing."

This is so interesting to me. The word choice, I mean. This is how I felt about the infertility drugs... it couldn't all be for nothing.

I'm not going to get into the whole thing, here. But, I dealt with multiple years of infertility for my kids. For a while, I had to be on this medication—letrazole. Most people have minor reactions on it. I had almost all the weird/severe reactions.

But it got my follicles to optimum size for ovulation. It wasn't all for nothing.

There are things we put ourselves through willingly, sometimes, that to an outsider might seem strange. But we have a reason for what we're doing—and a hope that it's the right thing to do.

"Why don't we go for a walk?"

It's not Chenford, but I gotta call out my on-screen bestie for using her brains on this one to prevent Frank from taking her to a second location. Well done.

Tim Pretending to Be On the Phone

Fierce protector is there. Now, I'm turning off my subconscious brain on this one, and I'll explain why at the end. But, I did think it was a nice touch to have Tim on the phone, here.

There's something about this episode that felt like a dash of Alias was sprinkled onto the souffle. It's already an abundant hour that could feel bloated, but instead is rich and decadent. But that added spice is palpable in the shooting and editing, especially.

That over-the-shoulder shot of the landscape when Tim's watching them feels hand-held, giving us that sense of something being off-kilter and unstable.

When Tim hangs up, it's a shot of his torso, out-of-focus, with the real action behind him. There are layers to how this is shot, and it's so reminiscent of a spy movie in the best ways.

The whole episode is already elevated by Michael Rooker. But the script and pacing and directing and editing all feel like they've risen to the occasion, too.

"I was bored to early onset rigor mortis."

But this is a part of UC life. It's the "hurry up and wait" that is strangely a huge part of life in the film/television industry, as well. Like, a huge part.

It could be waiting for the sun to set so you have the perfect lighting, waiting for an actor on set, waiting for notes, or even a Writer's Strike if it comes to that.

UC often means embedding for months at a time before getting what you're going after. It's something for which Tim and Lucy must prepare. And I feel like this episode is the perfect vehicle to get us there.

"Like a date?" ... "odds are he's hoping for a little something-something."

Tim is having a hard time, and Grey knows it. I love how he casts a glance Tim's way on this line, sensing his unease.

Let's be real—Grey saw Chenford coming before they did. And he's the one really tuned into Tim, here.

Tim can't help walking her to the door, holding it open for her, even if he knows he can't touch her. He's concerned.

"You okay?" "Five by five." "You gotta treat this like any other op and treat Lucy like any other UC." "I know."

I'll be honest, when I first watched this scene, this is what I wrote: UGH. I don't like what's being set up. Please don't let Tim fuck this up. Please don't let Tim fuck this up.

I have never been so happy to be wrong about my read on a scene. I seriously worried we were setting it up for Tim to be the liability in all this, and I'm grateful that's not the direction it went.

This show has a history of showing couples working through bad times, tough situations, close calls. The core couples suffer as much as any Austen heroine—and they come out alright in the end. I'm grateful to see that tradition continue with Chenford.

"Okay."

First off, I have to admit that I giggled when Lucy's head popped up. I know it's a completely inappropriate response, but all I could picture was one of those Whack-A-Mole's at the Chuck-E-Cheese growing up. She was like a little prairie dog, and I haven't been able to watch the scene since.

Anyway, back to what I wrote when this first aired: Tim sees Lucy and he can breathe, again. She knew. She knew he'd be looking for her.

And Tim knew he couldn't breach. If he went in, that'd give away everything, and someone needed to go after that car.

He's doing everything right. But it hurts like hell.

"Gun was empty. I got lucky. Otherwise..."

And you can see it hurts. Look, Tim has faced a lot worse in his time in the military and working Patrol. But everything is raw right now.

The woman he loves it in danger. She was nearly killed by that same weapon. Both of them had close calls with the same gun and lived to tell the tale.

"Hey, you okay?" "Yeah. I am now.... meet me at the laundry room in your building." "Yes. See you in 30."

I love the touch that Lucy's hand is on the phone before Frank even pulls away. She needs to touch base with Tim. She needs to hear his voice.

And I love the emphasis Melissa O'Neil places on "Yes". It's a heart cry for its soulmate. There is no question that they need to see one another.

Tim has always had this need to protect Lucy, even before romance was on the table. And Lucy has always had a need to protect Tim, too, in her own way.

Lucy watching out for Tim with Isabel. Tim doing whatever it took to save Lucy from a serial killer. Over and over, these two have a need to know the other is okay.

I remember not so long ago Tim was asking Nolan, Nyla, Angela... asking if Lucy was okay. He needed to know. Then, he finally had the direct line as a friend. He could text her to get the details.

Now, they need to see each other. It's that same need, but it's grown along with their relationship.

*hug* "That was really scary." "Yeah, I almost had a heart attack."

Lucy launches herself up into his arms and he nestles into her shoulder. Tim's right hand is splayed across her back, as though he wants to hold as much of her at one time as he can.

It's another one of those "Eric Winter act all the way through his fingers" moments. Tim's whole body is reacting to holding her, safe in his arms, down to those fingertips.

These poor babies. This is the first time they've had to do this deep since Lucy's S3 arc. And they've never done it in love, before. Not with each other.

Tim knows what he lost with Isabel. But this love is different, deeper, developed from the gradual building of trust. Layers upon layers of caring. Lucy is the love of his life—and he's run raw from witnessing the shootout, and skirting death moments apart.

"If you need to tap out-" "No."

Tim is trying to give her an out, and there's a mix here of professional and personal. She's shaken. So is he. But this is the job.

And he knows that. He does. But we've already established he can't be objective where she is concerned.

"Has he tried anything?"

This is a scenario that's run through my mind a million times—what would Tim do if someone violated Lucy... and what would he do to that person?

The way Eric Winter plays this moment is so heartbreaking, too. There's a vulnerability in Tim's eyes that is completely personal, void of professional. He's a man worried about the love of his life.

He knows she can handle herself. It's not a cognitive issue. It's that part of him that cries out Fierce Protector whenever she is in danger.

Lucy gets that, and she grabs onto his jacket with one hand, almost pulling him closer to her.

"Alright, now is not the time to talk about this-"

It's easier for him to change the subject on her than to acknowledge how much they both need to have this conversation at some point. They've been talking around it and avoiding it.

It has to be addressed at some point. There is no way forward without it.

"If you're good, I'm good." "I'm good." "Good."

I'm having a bit of a Court Jester moment, here, and it's cracking me up. "Get it?" "Got it." "Good."

But also, "Good" is kind of their word. Tim used it post-DOD with her in the workout room, and again when he was happy she didn't change her mind about dating him.

I don't know who made the choice—whether it was a writing thing, first, or an actor choice in the moment, but it somehow makes it more personal and lived-in. And I love that.

"Lock the door first."

Did they just.... have sex in there? Oh my GOSH they pulled a Java!

But what I really love about this is how it feels like a callback to 5x01 and the airplane bathroom. Not only is it a small space where they are covertly meeting to discuss the mission, but it's also a parallel to Lucy needing grounding and Tim being the one to do it.

In 5x01, Lucy was shaken by the Rosalind news. She made an excuse to kiss Tim, to wrap herself in a moment that was a release. Remember Isabel talking about how great it was to unwind in that hotel room and not be on guard for a bit?

Lucy needs this. She needs to be with Tim and wrap herself in the life they are building. Even if it's only a little while, it's going to sustain her while she's pretending while thinking on three levels to not get killed.

He grounds her when she's flailing. And she envelopes him when he's crumbling. Tim and Lucy have built a relationship of mutual respect, love, and protection. And, damn, is it great to get to see it on-screen.

"Miss you." "Getting coffee. 1 Minute." "911."

Shit. Of course this is the one moment when something goes down.

But I love the fact that Lucy was having Laundry Room Sex less than 12 hours earlier and she's already texting her boyfriend because she misses him. No wonder he practically lives at her place, already.

Also, now we know she finally has him listed as "Tim" in her phone. Now, he was "Tim" at the end of S4E1, but I think that was an oversight. So, officially we've graduated to first names.

"Hey. Why are you here?"

Oh, GPS tracking, how I hate thee in real life and love thee on TV.

"You got ten seconds to convince me you're not a cop."

Annnnd, there it is. This guy's not a moron. This isn't his first rodeo. And now he has a gun trained on our girl.

"I'm not a cop I... " "Then how the hell did you know they were coming." "A police scanner app. I can show you."

Well. Done. There are folks in my area who have scanner apps and are constantly posting things online.

I sometimes forget about it because when I worked in a newsroom, we had a guy whose whole job was to listen to the scanner. Still boggles my mind anyone can do it these days!

And Lucy. Gets. Him. Monologuing. And it's beautiful. Lessor actors would have bungled it, but Michael Rooker is a bloody master of the craft, and Melissa O'Neil holds her own opposite him, which adds such richness.

Before we move on, I have to pause and just fawn over Michael Rooker a bit. He's just such a gem of an actor, and that whole interaction there between Lucy and Frank is elevated by his presence.

He pours so much life into a character we've barely known five minutes.

I met him once upon a time. My mother was the Key Makeup Artist on a movie called Deceiver. While I was visiting Mom on-set, I had the opportunity to run lines with him.

He treated me like a working actor, which was crazy to a kid like me.

I remember him running me through this one line over and over. It was a three-word line (which of course I can't remember), but he was trying to teach me how inflection and intention can completely change the meaning of a line.

I carried that with me, and applied it to my acting, writing, and VO work the rest of my life.

My mom said he told her that I acted like a pro. And that's just so bloody special to me. I never had the body or the face for the big time, ya know? But, an actor I admire thought I had the chops. And that's super cool.

"Where are you?" "I'm outside the cover apartment. Frank just dropped me off."

One thing that is a minor thing, but really cracks me up about their dialogue is when they see each other in person, there's almost always a "hey" breathed under their breathe. On the phone, they just get to the point. It's so minor, but it makes me smile.

"I think this op is done." "You sure? " "Yeah. I mean, he's got no crew, no product. It's over." "That's too bad." "Why?" "I was looking forward to another laundry room hookup."

You. Idiots. And I say that with all love! It's so nice to see these two really enjoying their relationship, dagnabbit.

"I need a big meal, a hot bath, and some quality sexy time and then I'm gonna sleep for 24 hours."

Lucy runs her hands down his stomach, but Tim's quick to grab her hands. He rubs her arm, as though reminding himself that she's real.

"What what is that? What? " I just... Isabel used to always crash after a long term assignment. It took her months to come back to life."

I have three children. The first two are twins. And they were born just a few months after my best friend had her first. Her second child was born about six months before my third child.

Yes, I have a point. Gimme a second.

I have dealt with two very different children from day one. I don't know what it is to be the mother of a single child. That was never my reality.

But my bestie was shocked by how different her second child was compared to her first. She'd only known one thing for three years, so she assumed that's how all babies would be.

It was simply lack of experience that led her to lean into her previous understanding thinking it was all she needed. That's Tim, here.

He knows that Lucy is different... but they've never done this before. He's never been the one she came home to after a UC assignment.

He's not equating everything to Isabel because he thinks Lucy is Isabel, but because he has no comparisons. Tim and Lucy are going to build that together, yes, but he honestly doesn't know how to do that.

We know that Isabel shut him out. Tim is terrified Lucy will do the same, even though he hasn't verbalized it... yet.

"You know what, I do have to come clean about something, though. I know I made you a promise to not watch Top Chef without me but I couldn't wait. I'm sorry." "Bad girlfriend." "No! No. I'm sorry." "Horrible!"

I'm sheepishly hiding my face because I'm so Lucy in this moment. My on-screen bestie and I have way too much in common.

Also, we needed that bit of levity to break up the scene. Because it's about to get heavy.

"So... Why didn't you tell me you almost died chasing down the shooter at the restaurant?" "Because I didn't. Who told you?"

It's shocking Lucy thought she would ever be able to keep the Five Player Trade quiet considering how quickly gossip moves through that station. Gee wiz!

"The gun was empty, right? So this is much ado about nothing."

A Shakespeare reference? Now I know our girl's been rubbing off on her man.

"Besides I know for a fact you don't tell me everything that happens when you're undercover." "No. you know for a fact that Isabel didn't. If this is gonna between us I need to know you can see the difference."

Here we go. They are finally having the conversation they need to have. Tim told Isabel that Lucy was different. We know he knows it. But he has to believe it, too.

"... listen, I need you to take it seriously if I ever sound the alarm about something. Otherwise the pain of what I went through would have been for nothing. And I can't lose you the way I lost her.

That "for nothing" is coming back around. It can't be for nothing.

And he can't lose her. He survived losing Isabel. Yes, it broke him. It broke him for a long time. But I don't know if he'd ever recover from losing Lucy. True love can have that effect.

"You won't. I'll walk away before it gets close to anything like that. Okay? I promise."

There we go. This was the piece Lucy was missing last week when she tried to broach the subject. She approached it as though it was something he needed to deal with. But relationships only work when we get through together.

This conversation doesn't make everything all better. They are still going to face obstacles and issues. But they are finally being open and honest in both directions about Lucy doing UC.

Tim and Lucy embrace, but this is different than any of their other hugs, and I wonder if it's intentional. Tim has always nestled into her right shoulder. Lucy usually has one arm up and one down.

This time, she almost scoops in underneath as he wraps both arms around her. She's nestled in his wings as he's held up by her strength.

"We can build a house away from here," the song says. And they could. They could both walk away. But we've established that this is the life they love, dangerous as it is.

And the more they fall in love, the more they both have something worst living for. And that's terrifying.

Have you ever been in love? The kind of love that reciprocates and grows? It's amazing. I've only experienced it once, with the love of my life. It's difficult, at times, but it's also rewarding.

And it amplifies the big stuff. Because you're now a part of something so much bigger than the individual. And for Tim and Lucy, putting their lives on the line means there's someone who will be destroyed if they die.

There's all the more reason to live, but that can't get into the decision-making process in the moment. "You have to keep your head in the game," Tim has said often.

Love conquers all, right? Sometimes, it merely complicates.

I'm grateful for this episode. The pacing and directing were so on-point all around, and I felt like all the on-screen characters had moments to shine without it feeling over-bloated. Just beautifully done all-around.

Thank you for reading, loves. This week has been a hard one in my life as I drove back to Wilmington to say what may be my last goodbyes to one of my best friends who I've known since we were 11. Cancer is the B-word.

Cherish the ones you love. Tell them often that you care. Make memories. Build dreams. Chase hope. Live this life, dagnabbit. I believe in you.

#Chenford #Lucy Chen #Tim Bradford #Melissa O'Neil #Eric Winter #Lucy x tim #Tim x Lucy #The Rookie #Meta

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ghost-doodles · 4 months

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Alastor's deal

okay so I had my initial thoughts about Alastor's deal way back with episode 5 but I didn't say much because I wanted to wait it out for the series finally and boy am I glad I did.

so here are my thoughts both past and present on Alastor's deal since we now have a shit ton of information

initially like most of the fandom I thought that Alastor had something to do with Lilith especially given husk's comment and the 7 year gap however I didn't quite think he made a deal for his soul. Given the fact it seemed like he had strength already and is a smart character I just figured maybe he didn't actually deal his soul away but was working for Lilith somewhat freely, I say somewhat because that woman is powerful

however, we now have episodes 7 and 8

first I want to nose dive into Alastor's deal with Charlie

Since the pilot Alastor has wanted a deal with Charlie and it's been very clear that he has had alternative reasons for being at the hotel. While I do think he has grown "fond" of the hotel and its participants it evident that isn't why he is there. Now that we actually have the contents of his deal with Charlie I think it really shows he is there for his own gain of freedom. While owning Charlies soul would be quite a feat I think Alastor knew that would be to much to ask for but he's also smart enough to get what he needs, which is a favor

A favor for what, that we don't quite know yet but a favor, that frankly has no limitations, with the princess of hell is one fuckin score. it also seem that he is locked within the bounds of another deal and what's interesting is his look during the making of his and Charlies deal

the main thought floating around is that this is his true self and what his deal has done to him. I've seen two theories popping around that either the string on his mouth is either meant to keep him quiet or is meant to keep him smiling. Honestly I think it's both. Given his lack of comment on his own deal and his cleverness with speaking it would make sense for whoever made the deal to try to keep him quiet. Also given how Alastor speaks about smiling I wouldn't be shocked if even before his deal smiling bastard with the same beliefs on smiling. The little shit has a tendency to piss people off so I also wouldn't be shocked if someone didn't purposefully make it so he couldn't stop smiling as a way to fuck with him.

anyway whatever deal he is locked in is seems quite restraining and strong. strong enough to make him fight for the hotel in order to get that favor from Charlie. While I love the idea of found family I don't think it was his fondness of his friends who made him fight

lets analyze his portion of the song shall we

the portion of the finally song "'Great Alastor Altruist died for his friends'" was put into quotes and followed by "sorry to disappoint but thats not where this ends" which wasn't in quotes. I think this part of the song is suggesting others may think Alastor died protecting his friends but is having Alastor correct that notion and reveal that isn't the case. or at least not fully (for those who like the fond familyness of the hotel I do think he cares for the others but ultimately its his freedom he cares more about)

the nexts lines are "I'm hungry for freedom like never before" obviously the first part is fairly straight forward as it means Alastor wants out of whatever deal he has made. But this part has me split on whether it's involved with the 7 years missing and how. On one hand I think this ties into those 7 years as he badly wants people to question what happened then, as seen in ep.3 with the over lords. I think this is his way of trying to get help or at least someone to understand. But given how he reacted to husk making a comment about his deal if it happened during the 7 years I doubt he would want people snooping as it seems he doesn't want to acknowledge his own leash.

the next part of the song is "the constraints of my deal surely have a back door". Whatever this deal he made he wants out of it so badly he's lookin for whatever loop hole he can. Frankly this line along with the final lines, "Once I figure out how to unclip my wings, Guess who will be pulling all the strings" makes be question what he got in return for whatever he gave.

Whatever he gave it is something thats got him controlled enough to feel like he has clipped wings. Sure it could be his soul, and just given the series so far it seems like the most plausible answer, but he doesn't quite have the same restraints others who signed their soul away do. While clearly trapped he is still practically doing as he pleases, as far as we know, so I dont quite have a clue as to what he could've given. My only other half thought is that he maybe gave up parts of his power but that still doesn't quite work.

But what really has me is what did he get in return. that final line suggest that once he's out of his deal he will be this all powerful being able to control the game. His arrival to hell also supports him by himself having mass power. So clearly he doesn't seem to be lacking in the power category as it seems like his overall goals are for total control. And if he didn't have power to start with then he wouldn't be tryin to get out of a deal that gives him power. Maybe someone healed him, but given my thoughts above who could've possibly wounded him that much. Sure Adam damn near killed him but adam's on a different power scale as he went toe to toe with lucifer for a bit, plus Alastor recovers from that. And sure Vox claims to have beat Alastor but both Alastor and Valentino counter claim this and tbh I just doubt Vox could destroy Alastor so well.

the last line clearly shows Alastor wants to be in control of everything so his deal just baffles me as it doesn't seem to be helping him at all

also with the current Lilith in heaven thing this might just be but I'm to sure its her he made his deal with anymore

this is quite the interesting little mystery that I am so excited to get to see more of when the next season comes out.

#ghost rants #hazbin spoilers #hazbin hotel spoilers #hazbin alastor #alastor the radio demon #alastor #text #first long post sorry if its a bit much #but this man and his deal are driving me insane #I thought I knew shit #but NOPE #viziepop

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cringengl · 3 months

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Hey!! It's the byler music fairy!! What are the songs you most associate with byler, Will, and/or Mike, and why??

(sorry for the lack of emojis... your askbox wouldn't let me add them D:)

aaaaahhhhh I have a couple of these haha

for byler, my fave songs for them i have is fly out west by yot club, which is literally s4 byler. like mike literally flies out west at the start of s4?? lmao. there's also lyrics like

Well, tell me, do you know?

You're all I dream about

Take it from me, I'm too dumb to recognize your doubt

Well, I don't wanna go

I'm in too far to leave

Tell me how you live so easily, young and naive

and

Talk bad, who's that?

Walk back to your place

I think you fake that smile that's on your face

which could honestly apply to both will and mike, one being all the other dreams about and being jealous about how naive they are, and also both of them faking their smiles, mike because of his failing relationship with el and will pretending to be ok with it.

ok so for the second one is true blue by boygenius, and although the title screams will as the chorus says that the love is 'true blue', which is obviously mike's colour, there's a bunch of lyrics that connect to both of them.

lyrics from mike's pov:

You can't help but become the sun - will has a bunch of light symbolism throughout the series, especially in the last ep where the light shines directly onto will from mike's pov

When you moved to Chicago, you were spinning out

When you don't know who you are, you fuck around and find out

When you called me from the train, water freezing in your eyes

You were happy and I wasn't surprised

i can totally see mike thinking that will was happier and trying new things in lenora without him, especially after the lies el told mike in her letters and then mike being a little upset about it.

this part is from will's pov:

Now you're moving in, breaking a sweat on your upper lip

And getting pissed about humidity and the leaky faucet- digging the grave for unnamed hero agent guy haha and creating el's mind fight bath

You already hurt my feelings three times

In the way only you could- it's not my fault you don't like girls, the lack of letters/calls when will was in lenora, and the rink-o-mania fight

You've never done me wrong

Except for that one time that we don't talk about

Because it doesn't matter anymore

Who won the fight?

I don't know, we're not keeping score

these lyrics also have major it's not my fault you don't like girls vibes.

and then finally from both of their povs:

But it feels good to be known so well

I can't hide from you like I hide from myself

I remember who I am when I'm with you

Your love is tough, your love is tried and true blue

Ooh-ooh

this is major painting scene vibes, with both will and mike feeling understood by the other, and not hiding from eachother.

finally, to finish this super long post off, here's a song that is soooo mike wheeler coded that literally every lyric can be applied, forever dumb, by surf curse. it's all mike's pov

I would run away from you, if I could

Never really wanted to, but I guess I should run - the first two lines obviously correlate to will and how mike feels about him leading to him wanting to run from him

I would fall in love with you, but I can't

It's too hard, maybe we'll just pretend- the next two lines are about his relationship with el lmao

But it's hard when I don't know what to do

I'm angry and I'm tired and confused

I got so many thoughts stuck in my head

And none of them make much sense- big big big mike vibes

I said I would follow you, but I lied

Don't be mad

Well, at least I tried- 'follow you' is both related to crazy together as well as mike's relationship with el

I never had a spot for you in my life

Which was true

Till I heard you cry- mike meeting el for the first time and taking her in or byler meeting at the swingset

And your tears dripped down your face into my eyes- either the van scene or el telling mike that he never said i love you

I'm sorry and I hate myself this time

Cause I got so many thoughts stuck in my head

And none of them

Make much sense

anyway, tysm for the ask!! (this was my reminder to change my anon settings haha)

here are the three songs!!!

#byler #stranger things #will byers #mike wheeler #asks

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raven-at-the-writing-desk · 1 year

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Hello! Mom anon here! After playing through Chapter 6, my mom is terrified for Yuu's well-being.

First off, she was scared for life and crying her eyes out when Grim, Vil and Jamil were taken away. She especially felt bad for Kalim and Trey throughout the chapter. She also got deeply concerned because Ramshackle was destroyed.

As each boy was taken away, my mother got more scared and was pissed at Idia. She did understand he didn't want to do this though. She also refused to believe Ortho could do any harm.

When Crowley got taken away, she legit didn't even feel bad for him.

When the boys were being taken away, she thought Leona letting Riddle nap on his lap was kinda cute. She was shook at the reveal that Idia was from a famous family. "Still a capitalist I see" was what she said about Azul.

She was crying about Deuce and Ace. Crewel is now her favorite teacher.

She found it sweet that Epel and Rook wanted to save Vil but pitied Yuu.

She thought the whole gaming part was hilarious as well as her favorite.

Now Rook is her second favorite character.

She was crying for Ortho and Grim the whole chapter.

She felt really bad for Malleus because it reminded her of when she was a teenager. Let's just say my mom used to think she didn't need friends bit it all changed when she started warming up to people.

She was so proud of Epel for getting his unique magic.

Vil kissing Epel, Rook and Yuu was so sweet.

She thought the team ups were interesting especially Jamil and Leona.

Lol she thought the monsters were a fuss.

The Shroud brothers' backstory made her BAWL her eyes out but she was also angrily wondering where the parents were.

She felt bad for Vil turning old and was happy to see him get his young self back.

White haired Riddle is her new favorite thing.

The reunion was sweet to her, especially with ADeuce, Grim and Yuu.

She now calls Malleus "Our Lord and Savior, MalMal"

She's happy that Ramshackle got fixed.

Mama legit bursted into tears of joy when she saw Ortho again. "OH MY GOD!! He's a part of the first years! I'm so happy!"

Overall, she's glad that everything's fine for now.

Now she's worried for Malleus and all of Diasomnia. The trailer for Chapter 7 made her shout "Don't you dare try to put everyone to sleep, Tsunotaro!!"

Crowley is still on her hit list 😂.

[Here’s the other installments for the Mom Anon: Ep 2 / Ep 3 / Ep 4 / Ep 5]

There’s no Ep 1 for Heartslabyul—

Hello again and welcome back!

While I do enjoy chatting about TWST 😅 I ask that you try to cut down on the size of your asks for the future; this one and the episode 5 one have been particularly bulky. I understand that this is likely a function of the main story getting progressively longer, but please try to do your best to summarize the most relevant points.

Making each line is a new point doesn’t leave me with a lot that is meaningful to comment on, so parts of my response may be short or skip over some sections altogether 💦

Thank you for understanding! 🙏 I’m going to spoiler tag this response since 6 is just starting to be released for EN and I don’t want to spoil anyone that wants to go in blind.

I think episode 6 definitely has one of the most bombastic starts of all the main story episodes, and it manages to maintain that momentum for quite a bit. No one was quite expecting the mass raid and kidnapping 😂 we were just joking around about Vil kicking down the door and dragging Idia away from his video games kicking and screaming. 6 is when we get a lot of payoff for all of the OBs that have already transpired earlier in the plot, so the fear really kicks in. It also gives an opportunity for the non-OB boys to step up and do something in the absence of key members of their respective dorms (ie maintain order and keep the mob students from panicking).

There was an initial outcry when the first part of episode 6 released, with the rage being directed at Idia. A lot of people believed that he was the one responsible for the kidnappings and that he would subject the OB boys to unspeakable horrors as test subjects 😔 but it later turns out he’s an unwilling participant (his parents ordered him to), and the experiments mainly consist of simulated battles and playing video games. The test subjects also torment Idia as much as he torments them sooo I guess it’s even?? I just wish people hadn’t jumped to conclusions or had been so reactionary. I understand feeling worried for the safety of the characters, but some of the things being said at the time definitely weren’t warranted and went too far 💦

Something that episode 6 does well is demonstrating the bonds that have been built between the various characters in the core cast. There’s determination in Ace and Deuce rushing in to protect their friends, Pomefiore and Yuu going out of their way to rescue Vil and Grim, the strength of the vices (+ Kalim) and the NRC staff staying behind to keep the school together, and the various OB boys teaming up to venture into S.T.Y.X.’s headquarters. Everyone bands together and tries working things out in their own ways. Yeah, they hit a few (okay, a LOT of) bumps in the road, but they’re able to pull it off in the end. 6 definitely gave me a lot of food for thought, especially on the OB boys and how they have changed since their initial appearances. (I wrote this analysis of the various groupings!) I’m looking forward to rereading the localization of 6 in EN just to experience the magic again 😤

dbjssbkwns It’s good to know that Rook’s getting some appreciation 😂 He’s really the one driving this whole rescue mission with his unique magic/signature spell, so he deserves the praise!

I was in the same boat as Rook, Epel, and Yuu when Vil asked if he could hug and kiss them! I was shocked that he could be so affectionate bfjsbsksns and even funnier, that means Vil’s the first of the TWST cast to canonically kiss the player (most likely on the cheek). The TWST OC/TWSTsona community likes to romantically ship their own Yuus with various boys in the cast (and a lot of us initially got into TWST thinking it was a dating sim), so Vil giving a kiss of thanks is kind of a funny (but probably unintentional) subversion of that.

First it was Deuce in 5, then it’s Epel getting his unique magic/signature spell in 6! (I’m hoping this means Ace discovers his in 7 😭) I really liked that Rook served as a mentor figure to Epel and helped to guide him in stilling his nerves and directing his newly discovered magic! He’s like a proud parent…

Episode 6 is notorious for its time-gating snd restrictive battles (which were not seen in previous episodes). This can be very frustrating so 💦 I hope the EN players are prepared to deal with it! Some of the battles are super tough and will require a diverse card pool to achieve victory. Luckily though, some time can be saved because the JP players have already figured out and posted the answers to some of the puzzles online.

I think the Shroud brothers’ backstory was the only one of the OB boys that made me cry 🥲 It was just so emotionally resonant in a way that the others weren’t. (I also wrote an analysis about Idia, Ortho, and coping with loss, if you’re interested in that!) I believe the commonly accepted theory is that the Shroud parents are absent or hands-off when it comes to child rearing; there’s subtle hints of it throughout 6, such as Idia saying his parents care more about getting results than their son’s feelings and how it is the researchers that check on Idia a few years after Ortho’s passing rather than the Shroud parents.

Vil turning old in his selfless effort to save Idia was a clever way to incorporate the “hag” form of the Evil Queen for whom he is twisted from. It also helps his character arc come full circle 🥺 when he repeats the same words Rook spoke to him at the end of episode 5… “In this moment, I am the fairest of them all”, while looking old and decrepit… It shows that Vil has come to truly love himself in spite of how others may perceive him.

dbksbwjxnsk?vdhw Albino hair goldfishie is cute 🥰

The reunion of everyone at the end was one of the best parts of 6 (though let’s be fair, 6 had a LOT of really bangin’ parts), especially considering that this is happening so close to “the end”. You come to see and appreciate just how far you—and, by extension—all of these characters have come, the genuine friendships they’ve formed… and how that’s all going to go away very, VERY soon (due to Lilia and Malleus’s ominous conversation about the brevity of human life, and how the bonds they form make them stronger). You just KNOW the next episode will tackle mortality, loneliness, and losing the ones you love most (particularly because Yuu finding a way home will become relevant again). It makes 6’s ending super bittersweet.

Ramshackle gets fixed and we get to enjoy that luxury for all of 5 seconds before heading home—

I was so pumped seeing Ortho finally being realized as his own person and a student independent of Idia 😭 He’s the robot that was able to turn into a “real boy”, against all odds. He was able to take that 0.01% and turn that slim possibility into 100%. Ortho has definitely earned his spot at school and in all of our hearts!!

I didn’t really care what happened to Crowley when I was actually playing 6, but now I want 7 to explain what he was up to during that time 🤔 Like, we never know what he was being asked about or if he was actually being interviewed at all??? I just think it’s suspicious that we’re being left in the dark about those details.

On a final note, let’s talk Malleus! I think his general struggle is something many people can relate to. Loneliness is something we’ve all experienced one way or another. Even if we’re surrounded by tons and tons of people, we can still feel isolated and alone because there’s a component of loneliness that comes from doubt, and self-imposed circumstances. In Malleus’s case, he’s so used to loneliness that it has become his status quo, and this isolation is not only perpetuated by others but also unknowingly by himself in the little ways he acts—the arrogance, the standoffishness, etc. It can even difficult to be the one to reach out, because it involves a degree of being vulnerable yourself, of letting others “see” you as you are, rather than as the front you put up for the sake of saving grace or upholding a particular image. I hope that anyone who has ever felt like this is able to overcome it and find good company as your mom has 🙏

Episode 7 ahoy! If part 1 is of any indication, we’re in for a very… exciting ride 😇 in which Malleus may or may not take any means necessary to prevent his friends and family from leaving him—

#Vil Schoenheit #Pomefiore #Rook Hunt #Malleus Draconia #Idia Shroud #Ortho Shroud #Ignihyde #Epel Felmier #spoilers #notes from the writing raven #advice #Deuce Spade #Dire Crowley #Yuu #Grim

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bengiyo · 1 year

Text

GAP the Series Ep 5 Stray Thoughts

Last week Mon was accepted into the confidences of Sam's friends, and was given guidance on how to read Sam's moods and responses. We learned that Sam's public persona is artificial and managed by the friends, and we also confirmed that Sam very much likes Mon. Bestie and I gushed over how good everyone looked all episode, and really liked the long pink coat Mon wore.

I still can't believe Tee didn't hit on Mon's friend, Yuki.

I get Sam reflexively choosing to cut off Mon. Her friends may want to tease her, but she already lost both of her sisters because of her grandmother's homophobia and is definitely going to be reactive about losing control of a situation.

I love how we can tell how Mon feels by the intensity and detail of the pinks she's wearing.

Sam may be pissed, but she still came to slay.

I agree, Chin's shirt is too much.

Gosh, Sam is so pathetic. I love her so much. She's so scared of how much she likes Mon, and is so bad at expressing it.

It's kind of interesting how Becky speaks English words with a Thai accent when she's speaking Thai.

Poor Sam. First she's jealous of the food, and now she's jealous of Chin.

Baby is a Messy Eater: GL Edition

I am fighting for my life. The "can we trade and I bite your lips" exchange was so charged. I am fanning myself.

The tension is palpable. So proud of Sam for making her desire clear.

Nop has to go. He ruined a potential first kiss.

Freen is so good at this. She played Sam's frustration and irritation perfectly.

Oh my goodness this confrontation took a deeply uncomfortable turn when Sam asserted her class position. Like, I don't like Nop either, but GODDAMN.

Whoever is in charge of lighting on this show is almost as good as the folks who light Hallmark films.

Oh, the Dutch angles are finally relevant.

The DP was very clever to use the bench and the columns as lines. Also whoever chose to use the sprinkler system like this needs a bonus.

Mon is almost wearing purple today; she must be feeling especially down.

Oh no, now Sam feels she must punish Chin for potentially flirting with Mon.

Sam's Facebook name is "I AM YOUR BOSS." She is too much. I love her.

Okay, something very LGBT happened to Mon when Sam grabbed her chin.

Okay, but Mon also licked Sam's nose a bit there.

I really admire Mon. As much as she adores Sam, she still chided her for being cruel to Chin.

Alright, the lip bite that just wasn't a kiss just sent me out of the park.

That's two days in a row we're getting heartbeat stuff.

I know this is sexy, but I am so scared that Becky is going to fall off those stairs.

Freen is really so funny in this role. I really wasn't sure at first, but I am having a lot of fun.

This is a truly fantastic first kiss. It's so much what Sam has desperately hoped for, but she has to disguise it in a "game" and she has to minimize the impact by calling it normal behavior between gals. She even sidesteps clarifying their relationship. It's tough for Mon, too. She also really wants this, but understands the social politics at stake and doesn't push for more. I'm losing it.

BL has rarely engaged eye-fucking, and Becky and Freen are putting on a clinic.

So glad Mon's coworkers care Bout the health of her lips. They should carry this energy over to GMMTV sets.

Desire is just so attractive on Freen, holy SHIT.

If Sam only has one friend on Facebook, why does this post have six reactions? Also, I love the energy of posting WANT KISS NOW on Facebook because your crush is ignoring your eye-fucking.

Thankfully Jim interrupted with a text, because Sam was not going to stop at a kiss.

Oh no. I can see the camera person in Jim's glasses.

"With that low salary, what are you going to buy?" MA'AM, YOU ARE THE ONE PAYING HER!!!!!

I don't care about anyone else. I liked the cash-cheer joke.

I like Becky's singing voice.

Ah, Mon was feeling poor and inadequate compared to Sam's friends.

New GL Trope Unlocked: Let Me Put This Lip Balm on You.

Becky really delivers on the lovestruck stun effect every time.

There's so much to look forward to in that teaser! We are eating good next weekend!

#gap the series #gap yuri #thai gl #gl series #ql series #Ben watches

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hils79 · 10 months

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Hils Watches The King's Avatar - Ep 24

I know Glory is a fictional game but I find it fascinating. It's clearly heavily inspired by your typical fantasy RPG. There's medieval weapons and armour, magic and dungeons. But there's also guns and rocket launchers. Has anyone sat down and written about the game and rules and stuff? I'd love to read more about it.

Also, lol, why are there American and British darts in that picture of Ye Qiu in the background?

Well, this just got really awkward

I'm crying! Wei Chen offering to speak to the captain of Team Tiny Herb and asking him to put Yifan on the roster. Yifan's face! He's just like 'is this guy for real'

I think this is the first time I've seen Ye Xiu properly laugh. These two are going to be so fun together

Uh oh a bunch of men in suits invading is never a good sign

Oh my god are you serious?

Look at her destroying the asshole dude who got in her face and tried to intimidate her. I love her.

Meanwhile Ye Xiu is watching all this with metaphorical popcorn

I love that An Wenyi is already joining in the team shenanigans

Listen. LISTEN. How do you expect me to be normal during this scene when Baozi and Yifan are just there CUDDLING. Look at the way Yifan is clinging to Baozi's hand/arm. I can't pay attention to the plot when this shit is happening why are they so cute?

Ye Xiu's face when Wei Chen tries to hit on Chen Guo. Sir that is my lesbian bestie boss you are using those cheesy lines on

She looks so unimpressed. If she was into men she'd eat him alive

Ye Xie is just 'dude I am so embarrassed for you right now please stop'

This lighting in this scene makes Yang Yang look even more pretty than normal

They really do bicker like exes

Yep they totally have History

The bickering is honestly delightful

Oh! Oh shit! He doesn't have history with Ye Xiu he has history with Shaotian! I did not see that coming!

Oh my god

OH MY GOD

Oh. My. God

Oh, no, nope. Wenzhou should never look like this he should only ever be smiling fondly at his husband

Look, I know they're playing against his team but DO NOT MAKE HIM SAD

I feel like I've seen a gif of this before but with no context. He's such a little shit

Once again I got distracted by the game but I am having a lot of fun. I enjoyed Wei Chen refusing to join in until someone pissed him off enough that he couldn't help himself

#hils watches #hils watches the king's avatar #hils watches cdramas #the king's avatar #cdrama

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darlingimawitch · 1 year

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thoughts on alice in borderland !

basically a must watch if you haven't already !!

like I'm slowly getting into this kind of genre and dudes it's really effin good

first off, arisu my bbg <3 i literally love him and how come he isn't talked abt more???

just the way he protects usagi got me feeling some type of way me and who when

AND USAGI <33 tao is so freakin talented THE FACT SHE DOES ALL HER OWN STUNTS MAKES HER EVEN MORE AWESOMEE

i was genuinely scared for her in the beach arc (like what happened with her and niragi) but im so glad she was fine

aguni kind of pissed me of in s1 but definitely has my respect in s2

AND KUINA OH MY GOD SHES SO PRETTY AND FOR WHAT

AND SHE CAN FIGHT?? yes step on me pls

the games hade at the edge of my seat especially in s2

bcs like usually in s1 it's one game per ep but in s2 ita two games per ep and that got me sweating

like i had to pause it so many times

niragi can go to hell

dude be fr i genuinely cannot understand niragi simps

pls stay away from me

ALSO KYUMA IS THE NEW LOML <3

honestly he was so nice and the way he just wants to have a fair fight w arisu and the gang even with his and friends lives were on the line

he is so likable why isn't he talked abt more!!!

and none of that nakey stuff like yes man's packing but he's also a sweetheart <3

i think the game that really got me was the seven of hearts and king of spades

seven of hearts just got me sobbing ESP WHEN THEY ALL HID FROM ARISU LIKE BRO

AND KING OF SPADES MADE ME SO NERVOUS AND THE WAY THE DUDE JUST KEPT ATTACKING LIKE

i was a sobbing mess

anyways the ending? MADE ME GASP

LIKE UR TELLINF ME THIS ALL HAPPENED IN ONE MINUTE

ITS CALLED BORDERLAND BCS ITS THE BORDER OF LIFE AND DEATH

explains so much bcs aguni got shot in the head yet he still could move

and heiya got shot from head to toe yet could still crawl her way to him

that's a will to live right there

i absolutely despise the losing memories trope

AND THE FACT CHISHIYA AND KUINA DIDNT MEET AGAIN

i must see them reunited idc

overall 11/10

#alice in borderland #aib #aib s2 #arisu ryohei #usagi yuzuha #kyuma ginji #chishiya shuntaro #kuina hikari #niragi suguru #aib arisu #aib usagi #aib chishiya #aib kuina

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notasapleasure · 1 year

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Okokok finally watched all of the latest SW series (no money to mouse house. I am not proud I watched it but my Rogue One and SW Legends feels won out, plus it's 'good SW' that all my RL friends watched and expect me to have an opinion on).

I'm not after drama, I've got mutuals who love this show and those who won't watch it, and those who tried it and didn't like it. But it was good enough to have been simmering in my brain, and bad enough to have been simmering for other reasons, so my thoughts are below the cut.

The bad first

Ep 01 going hard on the 'Cassian is a womaniser' lines but also being all tell and no show. Weird. Unpleasant. Unnecessary. Do they think they need to do this to get the dudebros interested?? Oh haha he tells all the ladies he's a poor orphan from Kenari so much for the cover story about Fest...

Ep 08 and Cassian just...pissing off to do drugs and laze about on some resort planet?? As a guy called...Keef?? Is this a joke?

Connected to prev: Diego is amazing. He's a fantastic actor and I'm so glad he was involved in producing. But Cassian is meant to be late teens/early twenties here right? Maybe the Keef stuff works better for a younger guy, but that's the plot point that for me just broke down my suspension of disbelief of Diego playing someone half his age. Especially coming off his leaving conversation with Maarva - it felt like a younger man's argument.

I think this comes from me not feeling they set him up properly in eps 01 and 02. He and Maarva already *seem* so connected with rebelliousness/fighting the Empire. Clem was killed by them, Cassian steals stuff from them (that it's really hard to steal) and the poisoning of Kenari is caused by them. But it feels like the show writers have to kind of....row back his obvious alignment with the rebellion a couple of episodes in? And I don't think they ever sell Cassian's apathy well enough. It's like the womanising: there's a lot of telling us stuff that seems at odds with what we're actually shown and it feels clumsy.

Connected to prev: Bix. I'm so sorry. I never warmed to you even a bit. You weren't given much personality beyond 'Cassian's ex'. Yet there is zero chemistry between Bix and Cass. There is more between Cassian and Brasso than Cassian and Bix (not just My Fannish Opinion™️, husband agrees). Bix didn't have to have romantic history with Cassian in order for any of this to work. Timm might have shopped him for any reason, why was jealousy the only thing the writers could come up with? Again, especially so early in the series when it felt like the characters' dynamics hadn't really been established. Were we meant to think there was still a spark between Cassian and Bix? I never once saw it. And if not, there was a kind of resentful exasperation between them that was never explained. But then, the decision to show Bix going to Timm's and being so upset by his death leans more in the direction of her really caring for Timm. It just all felt a bit muddled and I'm not saying it *couldn't* make sense, just that the emotional investment was hard to find in the first couple of episodes. And if Bix had just been another friend/contact of Cassian's (like Brasso and Nurch and Pegla (have I got their names right?)) what would have been the problem?

I'm not sure how I feel about the Kenari stuff. I'm not sure what it adds to Cassian's story - beyond a kind of...'indigenous savage' flavour and a missing sister - that he couldn't have had from being an orphan picked up from Fest or any other planet. At least in regards to how the show used it. The idea of Imperial genocide was better encapsulated by the aliens whose screams Bix was tortured with, and the environmental damage of Imperial expansion came up in the prison escape too. Maybe season 2 will get into it more, but I also have lingering questions about Cassian's relationship with Maarva and Clem - they saved him, yes, and loved him, but the show did flirt with the parallel of 'abduction' by Luthen and the lack of autonomy and choice for Cassian under both sets of circumstances. Also his name - did he choose to become Cassian, son of Clem Andor? Or was it a name he was called before they understood each other, when Kassa was misheard?

Some of the usual dissonance of minorities playing Imperial officers/suspicions raised by SW and Disney doing scattergun diverse casting - a lot of black characters getting killed where white characters live, and MAJOR side-eye for the son of the guy called Salman being the bomb-maker (at least thank fuck they didn't make it a suicide attack). Probably made me cringe extra bc I'm still reeling from Wednesday having a woman say to a black man 'men like you have no idea what it feels like to not be believed'...

The good

AH, MY EXPANDED UNIVERSE <333

The cultures and aliens (could have done with a few more of those tbh though) and costumes and the lived in feeling of the universe was so good. What happens to old droids? Who's reusing obsolete tech? What do the natural wonders of such a vast galaxy mean to the people who witness them?

So many characters I LOVED. Maarva, Mon, Vel, even Luthen, Nemik, Gorn, Kino, Brasso, and honestly Dedra is a fantastic villain too, lots of fun to watch.

Showing the diversity of the kind of people who rebel and the diversity of reasons why people get involved in the fight, and leaning into the struggle to actually bring them together into a coherent kind of rebellion. Saw was a frustrating delight - and all Luthen's scheming and cynicism and repeated reminders to various parties that it's too late to back out, his ruthlessness and his self-awareness were excellent and Stellan Skarsgaard did a fantastic job.

The running theme taking Leia's line in ANH: "The more you tighten your grip, the more star systems will slip through your fingers." The idea that it is Luthen's doing, to push the Empire into revealing itself as a fascist state by giving it the barest excuse to crack down hard on people.

Generally the depiction of the Empire and the kind of people it attracts, and the obvious ways in which it fosters an environment that is at odds with the order it claims to uphold - Soviet and bureaucratic and reliant on suspicion, mistrust, backstabbing and ambition. Even if Dedra's one of the smart ones, she's not immune to the style of play.

For the first time since Rogue One I had a sharp feeling of 'give me the EU books about this' when it turned out Mon and Vel are cousins. I want to know about their youth on Chandrila and how they came to the Rebellion.

Space lesbians! Connected to prev, what was it like for Vel growing up with Chandrilan customs as a wlw? (Incidentally, Cinta seems very badass but I hope S2 fleshes her out a bit - as she is, I realised her personality is actually more what I expected for Cassian...)

The sub plots worked really well - the raid on Aldhani and the prison break. Really effective case studies of how accurate Cassian's thesis is (that they don't care enough about the people they're oppressing to notice rebellion fomenting and think that fear is all it will take to crush it).

Speaking of, the finale on Ferrix was great. Ferrix as a whole was a brilliant setting - the culture surrounding forging and making, the funerary customs and the sense of community (and unionism, workers supporting one another) really sets it against the Empire and the forced labour we see, and the repeated, disdainful ways imperials talk about local cultures and customs. The finale was about Ferrix and Maarva - everyone was so focussed on Cassian that they forgot about the bigger picture and about everyone else on Ferrix, who might well have been annoyed at what Cassian brought down on them, but who, when it comes to it, were more angry at the Empire than him.

Cassian is an actual lunatic. Total madman. Quietly INSANE. I do love him sm, despite the jarring details mentioned above. The way he's still trying to get hold of the computer as the forge is literally falling down round his and Luthen's ears, the way he and Melshi end up surviving because they're both hot-headed, impulsive idiots. The relentlessness that we saw in Rogue One.

Ah, so many Jyn parallels! Maarva's holo image speaking about rebellion/Galen's holo telling Jyn he always loved her as he lays out the flaw in the Death Star. The haunted, broken look of a person who still can't stop themselves from getting involved in resistance once they see the opportunity for it and, once they do, revealing their talent for leadership and bringing out the best in others.

(smh still can't believe Cassian gets this gorgeous, complex TV series and Jyn got the world's worst YA novel)

tl;dr

Overall GOOD, not mind-blowingly amazing like some people have said. People who don't trust Disney to tell this kind of story are, I think, right to be distrustful - there's a lot of good in this but the blind spots are where you'd expect them and there are lazy shorthands at work.

Nevertheless, as Star Wars, it's a welcome journey into the wider universe and fleshes out the context for rebellion really well.

Cassian's character suffers a bit for the sake of the narrative they wanted to drive, but for the most part that's ok because the narrative and the themes are coherent and well done. Where it doesn't work so well I'll just ignore it :) and I'm sure fandom has ways of fixing the things I had reservations on (though finding the right corner of the SW fandom is the challenge. Where my Cassian/Brasso shippers at, eh?)

Maybe most importantly of all, it made me want to watch Rogue One and the OT again.

#and/or #and0r #are both tags i'm gonna use though i'll also have to go #andor for ts #basically i'm trying to not land this in the show tags because i don't want discourse #but it's inevitable it will show up in searches #hence reblogs off #polite comments welcome - especially from cassian/brasso shippers. you must exist people please?#delusions of grandeur #star wars for ts

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myezblog · 2 years

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about the did boc save the best for the last, honestly, i'd love if that was the case but seeing how boc treats characters other than kinn and porsche (and especially vegas and pete compared to KP), i'm not holding my breath. up until now, other characters (notably vegas but pete and others as well) have simply existed to advance KP's storyline. they are just pawns with not agency of their own.

boc definitely wildly underestimated how popular VP is and especially how sensitive their storyline is. like, they've already taken a few traits from VP's relationship and pushed them to kinn and porsche (the whole no kissing thing from vegas to kinn and the way vegas lowkey wants porsche to be the one to kill him), meaning they either don't understand shit about the relationship between VP or they're just way too biased towards KP (or both). underestimating the popularity of VP is especially funny because apparently it's okay to use them for marketing but not follow through that marketing. like i know boc is new to the scene and kpts is their first series but come on now, even an idiot knows you just don't go using characters and ships to promote a series and then act surprised when people get invested in said characters. but then again, boc also promoted kpts as some sort of gritty mafia series, yet it's literally like any other bl romcom, with the exception that the setting is mafia world instead of university or whatever, so the marketing was definitely a miss, rather than hit.

we're 5 episodes from the end and i doubt boc would actually give us VP-centric episode(s), which makes me think that they're going to rush their arc and just give us a few snippets here and there of the actual storyline and leave majority of it off-screen. the only way this sort of storytelling would've been at least somewhat acceptable is if they started the arc earlier, but even then it would've taken careful plotting to make the arc and VP's feelings believable for the non-novel readers. but with only 5 episodes left, at least one of which is entirely dedicated to the final showdown between the main and minor families, there's just not enough time. and because i love to be pessimistic, i'm thinking the "finale" will start at ep13 so that they can leave some time for some lovey-dovey KP in ep 14 because god forbid we haven't seen them fucking enough already... which means the VP arc actually only takes 2 or 3 episodes which is just bullshit and something i'll never forgive boc.

sorry about this essay, i totally strayed from the original point but i'm just kinda pissed off about the way boc treats VP so yeah. short answer: they def didn't expect that VP would be so popular and they royally fucked up.

Thanks!!

Your thoughts are exactly in line with mine. I am convinced too that it is really going to be ep 11-12, bits of 10 and bits of 13. None of it is going to be VP heavy, because there is enough Porsche drama to be covered as well, and kimporschay drama...

Also, i think i blame Pond for this majorly...not BOC per se. he is the scriptwriter and director.

And totally, it is about plot development, not about screen time. This was a good plot with immense character growth..but all down the drain.

Lastly, as Bible said "Spaceship".. we are sure gonna go on supersonic speed.. and well crumbs crumbs everywhere, with not an morsel to eat

#kinn porsche #kinnporsche #kinnporche the series #kinn x porsche #vegaspete #vegas x pete #kinnporshe the series

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zaiban2989 · 1 year

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BNHA S2 Ep12 - Todo/Baku Pre fight? & Fight

Yeah I know I already made a post somewhere about TodoBaku Sports Festival Final Fight but I am back to it because this ep is just so fucking good.... for bkdk! lol

I'm actually gonna watch bit by bit and comment along because there are some gems in different scenes of this episode.

Let's begin!

First of, Katsuki is such a fucking PUNK for real lmao the way he fucking kicks the door of the waiting room open?! 🤣 That idiot is acting like a fucking gremlin without even knowing there's someone in the room, i.e. he seriously doesn't give a shit about manners at all in all aspects of his life lol (also that "Huh?" and dumbfounded face he has when he realises he's in the wrong room? Fucking priceless lol)

THEN, Todo gets out of his stupor when Kats asks him (more like blasts him) "Where the heck you're looking?" and Todo goes on a ramble about how Deku said the same thing, acted recklessly to blow away his personal issues and shit, and of course, he ends with "You guys were childhood friends, right? Was he like that too when you were young?" and what do we see? Katsuki's fucking twitching from being asked that and before he can even really 'think', his subconscious provides him with flashbacks of Deku saving him during the Sludge Villain accident and the damn river childhood memory (lmao I think the next time I'll binge watch bnha, I'll be counting how many fucking times Kats has been thinking of that particular scene man). THIS IS BIG PEOPLE. Kats has "that damn nerd"'s face in his mind so fucking much (lol) and by being shown those flashbacks, it's clear that we're supposed to understand something else than "I just fucking hate this guy so much". Hori and Bones are showing us those memories over and over again throughout the series, and yeah at this particular moment when Todo asks about Deku, Kats thinks of Deku saving and helping him and he clenches his fists, pissed by it because at this stage of the story, he's still not 'understanding' what "Save to Win" means (to put it plainly, he knows something seriously ticks him off when he thinks of Deku and how he never hesitates to come and help/save people even while being a useless quirkless nerd, but he's so stuck to being angry about it, he's refusing to take a minute and truly think of what other feelings are lying underneath that anger... I guess that's why I found his character development so beautiful 🧡)

(his upset face is just the best dkqmdqmd)

Anyway I digress lol

Back to the Todo/Baku scene, Kats blows up his fuse saying "Who the hell cares about that damn nerd" and then orders Todo to use his flames on him before storming out of the room and walking to the stage with anger written all over his face.

Like I know people would take what he's saying literally: "I'll win indisputably and be at the top!"... But honestly? After what just happened? the conversation between him and Todo and Kats having flashbacks of Deku, it's rather clear that all is thinking about is more along the lines of "I'll beat the Half & Half Bastard in the same type of fight he had against Deku and win and I'll be above Deku because of it!". Todoroki here is literally just a roundabout way for Katsuki to feel (finally) superior to Deku again (the nerd beat him twice already lol). That's also why he's so pissed at the way he won the tournament.

*taking a huge breath because of the next scene*

I'm not gonna talk too much about it cuz I already made a post for it (will link it later if I find it lol) but yeah. Just reached the actual battle on stage. First of, Sero's comment about Kats coming out of the ice like a mole is so fucking hilarious, can someone please draw a mole!Kacchan deojzfremfe

More seriously, time for some appreciation for Kat's fucking fighting skills man (pic below), I mean... the fucking mobility, reflexes and smartness he has when it comes to combat are so fucking amazing!! That precise explosion to propel himself to Todo's left and avoid the ice attack while still being in the air? Like damn, my boy, you're hot!

Aaand we get back to his inferiority complex in full bloom when Todo grabs him to block his attack but instead of using his flames, simply throws him away. (Endeavor should have shut his goddamn mouth I swear lol)

You know what comes next, right?... His full anger is back and of course, he's got to mention Deku again djsmekdldle "There's no point if I can't get higher up than Deku" ARE YOU SERIOUS LOL

This is literally screaming Katsuki's fucking obsession with Izuku, again lol the only thing I find missing here? The fact that based on Deku's face, he's probably heard this, yet we don't hear his thoughts at the moment nor later during the series (well up until Deku vs Kacchan part 2, a little). It's a real shame.

And we finish off with Deku shouting at Todo "Don't give up, do your best!" which triggers Todo to actually get his shit together for six seconds (lol) and what do we see? Kats running to the dude but with enough time to spare a quick glance at his nerd lmao I can't man, somebody kill me already please 🤣😭💚🧡

He's actually fucking happy! lol Why? pure conjecture but I think it's because he knows that Deku's words will have some sort of impact on Todo and lead him to push himself to have a proper fight too. (That or he's just happy to hear his baby shouting? lol ok ok I'm shutting up)

And yeah, first time launching his Howitzer Impact, he doesn't have the time to notice that Todo pulled his flames back and he's stunned when he realises that it didn't happen (before getting pissed and put to sleep by Midnight)

Honestly, I've been listening to Kats' voice when he's holding the passed-out Todo by the shirt and shouting things, and that dude really gets emotional and on the verge of crying when he's frustrated man it's something else. I mean that happen in s1 when he lost to Deku (Bakugo Katsuki's Starting Line ep) and he's actually crying in frustration. It's just the same here.

Look at his face, my god...

I'm sure if Midnight didn't actually put him to sleep, it would have happened. (There's so much emotion in his voice omg I wanna hug that baby)

Last pic I'm putting cuz fuck me that guy is beautiful lol 😭🧡

Anyways, like I said... lots of bkdk gems in that episode alone. Can't wait to get to the other episodes lol

Thanks if you've read the whole thing!

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kellykadesperate · 2 years

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okay so now that i'm all caught up and i've been forced to watch each episode every week as it comes out - as the lord intended but still my brain is not wired like that anymore lmao - here's my rundown:

gregory eddie is a treasure and i love him. that man and his deep voice, Whew. he deserves the world, i'm so enamoured by him lmao i like how he really is kinda stoic most of the time but it slips when he's around someone he likes (cough janine) but also like, that high five with barbara was one of the cutest things i've ever seen, his interactions w the kids are adorable and that man is already so far gone for janine, the way he can't help but smile when she cracks a silly joke, his whole face softens.... once things start Escalating in that department i'm gonna die

ms barbara howard is a Treasure, i both love and respect her, she's so endearing sometimes and she has the biggest mom vibes, janine wanting to get hugged by her is a Mood

melissa is incredible, i looooove her bond/alliance with barbara, love how she takes no shit, love how she has so much love and cares a lot about her job - also loved how hot she looked in that scarlet witch costume in the latest ep she was so right about that

i relate to janine so fucking much lmao i really like how they strike a balance between showing how she wants to make things better but she goes about it the wrong way sometimes, and that doesn't absolve her from taking responsibility but it also doesn't make her a bad person per se. i love her fuzzy cardigans, her outfits scream teacher every time, she's so cute and tiny. i bet she's fucking terrifying if she got like, Really pissed off

jacob is that perfect embodiment of an annoying white liberal lmao heart in the right place but whew learn to shut up sometimes. his side glances to the camera are perfection, i love how he so clearly wants to be friends with gregory and gregory begrudgingly allows him to try

ava is both annoying and smart, incredibly sharp and has some of the best jokes imo. i love how she cares about all the teachers despite mentioning at least once an episode that she doesn't lmao

yeah so i love this show and i will now dutifully wait every week for a new episode ✌✌ (sorry about this being stupid long btw)

OMG!! Never apolgoise, i love talking about my silly little show!!

mr eddieeeee!! no but seriously can you imagine you apply to be a headteacher, fail, then come in as a cover teacher role and realise that the only reason you have not got the headteacher job is because of blackmail. like! It’s insane. i love how goofy he can be and like you say when he slips a little and looks at the camera like BRUH what is going on. he’s such a good outside pov character in the first few episodes, he’s like ???? janine hi :) ???

and barbara and melissa are the ultimate work wives. I love them so much and how totally over all the insane drama they are, they just rock up like cool another day another disaster

janine!! i love her so much and yes the outfits lmaooooo, the belts are just … so unnecessary and cute bless her. It’s weird because being a teacher myself she reminds me of like me when i was doing my training. just so optimistic and wanting to change lives lol but i love how they do touch on why she is the way she is re: mum issues and stuff like yes she’s overbearing at times but also !! hello she’s trying to change the world. let her.

honestly her and gregory’s slow burn situation is driving me insane but it’s just so <333 cute and wholesome and i love how they’re so trusting with each other and have little interactions which put them both at ease

jacob’s line about teaching history but living in the present lmao. and when janine is like stop talking about your work in africa and ZAK. i love jacob so much he’s honestly just the right side of annoying

ava is my favourite character ngl she is ………. Everything. i feel like you can’t help but stan her and think she is just insane but also iconic?? every single line of hers has me dying and AGAIN like they showed that she does have layers re: her grandma. she’s just constantly vibeing and slowly destroying the education of hundred of children but she’s having the time of her life so let’s keep it up. i am so intrigued about who was the headteacher before her too? like did melissa and barbara have a heart attack when she started? give me this information lmao

honestly like i LOVE how good all the characters are, and how they are all just so funny and relatable in some ways. there's 22 episodes this season so it's running up until february!!

#answered asks #i'm so glad ur watching!!#lockedinmybody #abbott elementary

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lovecolibri · 3 years

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This whole 'let's make a characters trauma about another person' and 'character with a history of terrible trauma can totally handle another one like it's no big deal' on 911 thing reminds me of Roswell and Carina's approach to storytelling in the worst way. She was doing it with Malex and Alex's enlistment, not to mention just with Alex's character in general, and she was doing it with Max and Michael too about Michael's abuse in foster care. What's baffling the most is Athena and Bobby are right there on the same exact show maturely dealing with Athena's trauma as something that primarily happened to her but also affected someone who loves her and their relationship. This show keeps failing Eddie and his PTSD specifically, first with that weird fight club subplot that went nowhere, now this, and it's pissing me off.

Uuuuuugh, MOOD. I really liked the Bobby/Athena scenes the past few eps because it shows them getting upset in a very emotionally compromised and complicated moment (Bobby is Going Through It with sponsoring that lady and if I recall didn't Michael cheat on Athena? So she might be triggered by Bobby lying to her though I don't think her mind went to cheating. Can you imagine?! Bobby would never.) but after cooling off they took the time to think about what the other person said and stand in their shoes and then talk it out like *gasp* actual mature adults. I personally thought it was really refreshing to see.

And yet. On the flip side we have that interview that made it clear Eddie getting shot was only to further Buck's storyline, and specifically b*ckt*ylor. What?! Also, weird choice given that Eddie getting shot should have been a reason to further Eddie's storyline with Ana, either to solidify that relationship (😑) or to break them up. Instead she had *checks notes* zero lines? *deep sigh* Eddie is an interesting character and while most of Buck's scenes all episode were so great (Oliver killed it this ep as always) especially the ones with Eddie and Chris, it still feels like this episode should have been more about Eddie. And if I had hope it would be explored next season I might be more inclined to let it go, but again that interview was...frustrating to say the least.

And don't get me started on the writing for Taylor. That 'you didn't chase after me' line after she made it clear multiple times they were just friends? Not to mention the scene people seem to forget where she lectures Buck and specifically says derogatory things about behaviors we were literally just shown in Buck Begins are trauma responses. I could have lived with them being shenanigan-having friends because those eps were great! But every time they try to push the romantic aspect it just doesn't work for me. I don't understand because this show already has a great lesbian relationship with Hen and Karen so I don't know why they are so adamantly opposed to letting Buddie happen. Tim even said he knows it's a thing but he doesn't want to stop writing the characters like he is. Like, what the actual fuck is that?! You would not have to change anything about how Eddie or Buck are written! The only thing that would change is the lackluster parade of women being thrown at them with zero development. That's it!

Now I'm all fired up about 911 AND Roswell New Mexico, because damn was that a spot on parallel. Sorry for rambling nonnie, I just have a lot of feelings.

#911 #911 spoilers #buddie #evan buckley #eddie diaz #tagging as #anti taylor kelly #anti ana flores #just to be safe #though in general i don't mind taylor i just think the writers have made poor choices sometimes #just let them be chaotic bffs!#their investigation and treasure hunt storylines were so fun!#let them do more of that #buck deserves some friends outside the 118 who help him do crazy shit #but he needs a partner who keeps him grounded #my sweet nonnie friends

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fonulyn · 3 years

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I need to scream about RE ID bc like. Did I enjoy it? Yeah, I did. Was it. Just wrapped up way too nicely and quickly? Also yeah. I was a little disappointed by it tho, like the length, and the flashback scenes weren't as clear as I think they should have been? Like I understood what was happening, but it took me a little too much brain power to like keep up with what was and wasn't a flashback lmao

Also I wanna say, I get wanting to keep Jun See alive but god, that did not look fun. Just let him die, dude, no one wants to live like that, smh.

Thank god they kept Leon's one liners tho, like thank you for that at least lol also Claire, my GIRL, I love her holy shit. Honestly she was amazing, like, just perfect. Not sure why she has a gun in the promotional poster, bc she just. Never has a gun throughout the entire show, I don't think? Also can we talk about how she took that guy down with that lamp, and then hopped on top of him just fucking ready to continue to beat the shit out of him? Chris would be so proud 🥲

Okay also, I saw what you said with that flirting scene, and I agree that it seemed like Leon was trying to lighten the mood, but it so didn't need to be put in there at all @ the writers. Like this show could have gotten away with no romance, or just that one moment near the end with Claire and Leon (which, I don't ship them much, and that moment at the v end where she was like "are you ever gonna stop treating me like a kid?" And he responded with "probably not" or whatever kind of ruined whatever was shown earlier? Like it feels like she's had that convo with Chris before too, so I'm like hm no don't imply romance and then imply that he treats her like a little kid every time they run into each other, now it's weird lol) and been fine. None of the story was contingent on any kind of romance between anyone.

Now with that said, can I just say Patrick absolutely wanted to suck Leon's dick? Like he was smitten, and I bet you they at least fuck after all this is said and done, if not date for a short period of time. I thought they were gonna kill Patrick off, I'm glad they didn't tho, he was v wholesome lol.

Also I wanna mention that every serious moment (save a small handful) I just. I couldn't take it seriously, it was too over the top. Acid? Really? That's the self destruct measure? Slowly rising acid? I dunno, that doesn't seem quite right to me, I don't think that's how it works lol

Honestly they should have just made this into a new movie, bc making it a series implies more to follow and in general a longer narrative, but these eps were barely 20 minutes each, so there's almost no point splitting it like that. Did I enjoy myself? Yeah, I always do when Leon is involved, but it could have been so much better.

Also the silly little shipper in me is kind of desperate for more interaction between Chris and Leon, bc as far as I'm aware it's just RE6, RE vendetta, and RE ID (and I think the person who told Chris to save Claire in either code x or Veronica was Leon? Not 100% about that tho lol) where they actually interact with each other, and considering that they're the two main characters of the franchise, they should probably meet up more? Idk, that's just my gay ass hoping for more Chreon content lmao but still.

ANYWAYS yeah, I would rate the show like a 7.5/10? It wasn't amazing but it wasn't garbage, either. Probably my least favorite of the four animated movies tbh, but I will take the Leon content, thank you Capcom. Also it was interesting to see Leon around the time following/around RE4 and RE degeneration, I thought, I dunno.

oh boy I agree 100% it was wrapped up way too quickly in the end. like killing Jason? by just dropping him in the acid? it was way too simple and easy if you ask me. and like, why didn't he yeet Leon into the acid when he had him by the throat? him not killing Leon makes zero sense to me??

asdfg yeah I get they weren't ready to let Jun See go, but I bet Jun See really would've preferred to go...

I am so happy that they kept the one liners!! Leon felt very, very in character which I loved so much. I was afraid they'd tone it down or make him super serious or so, and it was such a relief they didn't. he was so eager to help and so goddamn kind to everyone I don't know if my heart can even handle it ;;;;;

also Claire!! so badass!! I loved the part where she attacked the guy with the lamp (yes Chris would be super proud haha) and THE HEADBUTT seriously, one of the top highlights of the entire series :'D

(but honestly this is gonna get long i'mma gonna hit that read more here)

and the flirting scene, I do think they could've left it out entirely and it felt a little strong-armed in. but I'm trying to look at the silver lining? Leon was super goddamn adorable in it, like, so cute it hurts :'D and Shen May didn't seem bothered really, it was more this joking thing between them. so while yes, it was unnecessary, i'm focusing on the joking feel of it and choosing to interpret it as such :'D

also, can I just say, the "romantic moment" with Claire and Leon near the end didn't feel very romantic to me? I know it's a romcom cliché (or at least a fanfic cliché lmao) how they ended up in a pile after the rescue but ...it didn't scream romance to me? although I do kind of like the pairing! (not a top fave but a cute one)

and yes, the whole "when are you gonna stop treating me like a kid?" "probably never" felt SO much like a sibling moment!! such big brother energy from Leon, and I don't know, that made me super duper happy?? I want them to be friends. I neeeed them to be friends gdi. which is why I am unhappy with how mad Claire seemed to be at Leon in the end and how they left it off like they did. I am hoping that it sets things up for a second season? and they for whatever reason need them on kind of the opposing sides at first? because otherwise it makes no sense to me for her to be that disappointed in him. in Degeneration they already establish they work in different ways towards the same goal, and for that to do a 180 now feels... like a disservice to the characters? idk?

lmaooooo but yes Patrick 100% wanted to suck Leon's dick he didn't even try to be subtle about it :'D idk I would've wanted Patrick to have more depth and screentime too, i so wish they would've made it a longer series and given the characters more development. because I liked pretty much all of the new characters they introduced! but it feels none of them reached their actual potential!

then again that is kind of the whole deal with resident evil in general, they set up awesome characters and end up wasting them half of the time :'D guess i shouldn't be surprised.

THE SLOWLY RISING ACID PISSED ME OFF lmaooo c'mon!! it doesn't seem like a good self destruct measure. especially since ...you'd need different acid to dissolve organic matter and to dissolve inorganic matter if we're being nitpicky. and how would it be plausible for them to store enough of it safely to even do this?? they should've just detonated the whole place and blown it to smithereens or something, the acid was. stupid.

i agree, it feels like a movie. but I think @tirsynni is probably right when saying that it was sort of a test run to see if they should make more? which I am so hoping for. because even with the complaints I have of this, I DID enjoy it, a lot!! and I do want more! and maybe this time we get Claire and Leon actually working together for more than fifteen seconds! :'D

also I definitely would not say no to more Chris and Leon interactions. (yes it was Leon who told Chris to save Claire :) at least that) it... in general makes no sense to me how capcom seems to think friendships work? like how Sherry is all "Leon and Claire are my best friends" and then they imply they haven't met in years? if not more? idek it's. weird. it's like their characters go into storage containers in between their missions to be stored away so they can't even accidentally have personal lives or friendships or anything. weird.

(what I said about having amazing characters and ending up wasting their potential? yeah)

for me, personally, it's... well, my score for the show would depend on whether I just focus on the characterizations and what I liked, or if I try to actually take the plot and all into account too :'D but I did like this more than Degeneration! already the fact that Leon has actual facial expressions is enough to put it way above that one. (and for the record, I don't hate Degeneration either, I do like it, but... Leon is such a cardboard cutout with zero personality in it, it's super frustrating)

idk I think I need to still process this a bit to see how I will like it in the end :'D there are things i'm super hyped about in it, and things i'm disappointed in, let's see how they'll weigh in the overall experience eventually.

#idutr #replies #ask and i shall answer #re answers #infinite darkness spoilers #spoilers #infinite darkness

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