#The stars watch and they judge

[schwipschwap123]

Everyone has that one character that they have so many head cannons about it barely resembles their cannon self.

Mine is Starclan

Supreme council hive mind of old geriatrics that don't remember their lives, their mortal self's nothing but a distant memory and some half remembered label before they faded into this.

Somewhere between the Clans salvation and force for preserving stability in a dangerous and unpredictable wild. And a parasite that cynically exploits the living for their own divinity.

Something to devote and worship, to hate and scorn, and it cares for neither. Its singular and multiple, a thousand in one and all the same.

How long can something live before it stop being a cat?

[unoriginallyned]

Everything I know about Deep Space Nine as someone who has only ever seen the memes

O’Brien suffers

The captain would condone murder, as a treat

The cop is made out of liquid?? (sometimes)

There’s a tailor who’s a spy and also gay

There’s a bisexual-coded doctor

They play baseball at some point

Kira is a major (I’m not sure who Kira is but they are definitely a major)

There’s a ferengi capitalist who runs a bar

Worf is also there

[ahhrenata]

not impressed.

[kikizubik]

My K-dramas list

LOVED:

Crash Landing on You (사랑의 불시착, 2019-20, 16 eps) This drama is my n1! It made me feel thigs and made me cry a lot. I enjoyed the found family aspect and the story was so different so far what I've watched. I was rooting for the couple so much and the fact they're married in real life! Chef kiss!

No gain No love (손해 보기 싫어서, 2024, 12 eps) Every episode was delight. I fell in love with main couple love story. Their chemistry was magnificent. Second couple had more screen time in my opinion, I was cheering for them, but my heart was stolen by Son Hae-yeong and Kim Ji-wook.I enjoyed the family aspect of it too! And it should've had at least 16 episodes, it ended so quickly. Hope they'll make more stories like this one!

Goblin (쓸쓸하고 찬란하神-도깨비, 2016-17, 16 eps.) Drama which made me watched other kdramas! I loved everything about it, the story, characters and the sountrack.

Doom at your service (어느 날 우리 집 현관으로 멸망이 들어왔다, 2021, 16 eps) The story premise was so good. I enjoyed every second of it. Only thing I didn't love that much was second couple, Na Ji-na was acting so childish.

Tomorrow (내일, 2022, 16 eps) every episode was masterpiece, every episode made me cry because the topics which have been shown was sad reality for so many people. The team was excellent, the chemistry between them was so nice. The camera, the script - I love every episode so much. Definitely need to check out webtoon comics.

The Judge from hell (지옥에서 온 판사, 2024, 14 eps) My first show with Park Shin-hye and not last. She was awesome. And the punishments which those monsters got, was satisfying!

Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (갯마을 차차차, 2021, 16 eps) I really liked Shin Min-a acting in No gain no love, so of course I watched other drama with her. Enjoyed the story, the chemistry between her and Kim Son-ho, the people from the town. It was such a nice drama!

Welcome to Samdal-ri (웰컴투 삼달리, 2023-24, 16 eps) It had Hometown cha cha cha vibes. The story, sisters bond, friendship and love story in this story was everything. I loved every minute of it.

Fight for my way (쌈 마이웨이, 2017, 16 eps) This drama showed me that when it's done well Friends to lovers trope isn't bad at all.

The Sound of Magic (안나라수마나라, 2022, 6 eps) This was so beautiful drama! JCHW as Magician was brillians as his cast members! The songs were weak except the first song and A curse o Asphalt, those two I can listen to over and over.

Lovely runner (선재 업고 튀어, 2024, 16 eps) I loved every minute of it. Enjoyed good mixture of comedy and drama. Chemistry was fantastic and SunJae was loser boyfriend without dignity if it comes to his bae. In one word PERFECT.

Mr. Plankton (Mr. 플랑크톤, 2024, 10 eps) I didn't have high expectations, but it surprised me! I'm glad that I found out at the beginning how it will end. I could prepare myself for it. The story had original story line and Woo Do-hwan stole the show for me!

Marry My Husband (내 남편과 결혼해줘, 2024, 16 eps) I didn't plan to watch it, because the concept was same as Perfect Marriage Revenge. But it was so much better than PMR. It had revenge with R. I couldn't stop watching after episode 1, that addictive it was. The chemistry between couple was so good, side characters were loveable and the villains were amazing - I hated them with my whole soul, the actors did good job. And Yoo Ji-hyuk became my another favorite husband material.

Healer (힐러, 2014-15, 20 eps) I loved everything about it. I binged in 2 days. Healer and Ajumma hacker - the best combination! No love triangle!

Strong Woman Do Bong-soon (힘쎈 여자 도봉순, 2017, 16 eps) I started it because of Park Bo-yeong, but finished it because of Park Hyung-sik - his character Ahn Min-hyuk stole my heart. Overall I enjoyed it a lot. I binged it how intrigued I was. It had comedy, crime invesitgation what I should wish for more. The acting of main characters were flawless!

Suspicious partner (수상한 파트너, 2017, 20 eps) Combination comedy and suspense was so good. It had good balance. It wasn't the best drama, but I loved it either way. I fell in love with its characters.

Revenant (악귀, 2023, 12 eps) I'm not fan of horror, but I got influenced by some edits. It was pretty addictive and scary. The cast did such a good job. And Kim Tae-ri was excellent. Her performance was flawless. Can't wait to watch other shows and movies with her in it.

Gangnam B-Side (강남 비-사이드, 2024, 8 eps) I watched it because of JCW, I was hesitant at first, because I was afraid it would be too much for me, because of the topic, but it wasn't that brutal I was expected it'd be. The pacing of the story was good, the acting was perfect. I enjoyed the friendship theme. Bibi was so good, it's my first drama with her but definitely not last. Chemistry between her and JCW was pretty natural. The ending was satisfying, everything clicked together.

The Worst Evil (최악의 악, 2023, 12 eps) Let me tell ya, it was perfection. I don't even mind I was anxious every episode, because everything on this drama was just perfect. Acting, story, script, soundtrack.. The ending had to be like that, because the whole time it was coming to that point. I can't even watch fan edits, because they made me emotional, that big impacted this drama has over me.

A Business Proposal (사내 맞선, 2022, 12 eps) My first kdrama ever. I enjoyed about it how feel good this drama was. After watching some Turkish dramas where unnecesary drama was made, it was fresh air for me. I loved the friendship so much! And the family dynamic was nice, too.

Daily Dose of Sunshine (정신병동에도 아침이 와요, 2023, 12 eps) Park Bo-yeong was amazing. The story is one of those which everyone should watch once in their lifetime. The story is opening topics about mental illnesses and how big stigma it still is around people. Honestly, only thing I didn't like was the romance there, because it wasn't that necessary for the story itself.

If You Wish Upon Me (당신의 소원을 말하면, 2022, 16 eps) I went into this show blindly. I mainly picked it because of JCW. I didn't know anything about the story.After first episode I knew I will love it and also that every episode will be pretty emotional journey. I enjoyed the plot so much. I like that it's story about people who has their struggles, but they gather to help grant wishes of dying patients. It was so touching.What I love the most about this show is the journey of main character Yoon Kyeo Re. From not trusting anyone, because everyone in his life let him down, to embracing his true self and his new found family! I'm sucker for found family trope and this show served it so amazingly.I loved how the story is wrapped exactly how it begins. The circle of new beginning are repeating.What I didn't like was how was handled the fixation of Ha Joon Kyung on Yoon Kyeo Re. It wasn't satisfying at all.Overall very well done show which made you cry, but the acting and story is so good, so it's totally fine. I just wish the show to be longer, because I didn't want to say goodbye to the characters! They grew on me so much.

Melting me softly (날 녹여주오, 2019, 16 eps.) I had a really good time. When I'm thinking about it now, it wasn't the most perfect thing I've seen, it had its faults and loopholes, but you know what I don't care, because I was enjoying every minute when I was watching it. The comedy, soundtrack and the acting! JCW just know how made you cry or fell in love. Plus his looks with glasses were death to me, he's just that good looking in anything he wears, I guess. Also Won Ji ah was pretty good too, love her portrayal of Ko Mi ra who was a really awesome character.

Happiness (해피니스, 2021, 12 eps) I just say that everyone who was praising this show was right. It was so good! I loved (even though it irritated me, but in reality it would happended) how it showed how would people reacted in some pandemic moment. How people becomes selfish and dangerous. The main couple had stunning chemistry, so natural! And must say I enjoyed strong FL.

Melo movie (멜로 무비, 2025, 10 eps) Park Bo Young was my urge to watch it, because I just love her and so far what I've seen with her in it was so good! And this one wasn't exception. I was having fun for the start, just beware it's not only romcom (I thought it is) and then it tore me out without notice. Enjoyed every story line what was there. Don't get people who was unsatisfied with second couple ending, because it was beautifully realistic! Also, I'm glad I finally saw Choi Woo Shik in action, because after this show I want to watch other stuff with him! Loved his chaotic, goofy nature.

Extraordinary you (어쩌다 발견한 하루, 2019, 32eps) Really interesting concept, with good acting. Kim Hye Yoon is my new favorite actress, she's so good. Premise of being in the comics story and being only extra character and trying to overcoming was pretty nice. Loved the friendship between Eun Dan O and Lee Do Hwa, they were so funny! Chemistry between KHY and Rowoon was chemistriyng. Only thing I didn't like and it's not drama relating, but the fact that many peple was sipping over Baek Gyeong okay totally understand some reasoning, but defending his "good" behavior which was nonexistent most of the times and shipping him with Dan O, which wouldn't be problem for me if he would get some redemption, but he treated her so badly even after regaining his conscious. He doesn't care about her feelings and fact he literally try to hide under words,it's how it should be because of writer. Thank god he realized his doing in the end, but that wasn't enough for me to liked him and try justify his actions, because it wasn't possible, big walking red flag.

Destined with you (이 연애는 불가항력, 2023, 16 eps) THIS. I started it because of Rowoon and ended up loving it for the main couple! Jo Bo Ah and Rowoon have so insane chemistry. Honestly it wasn't perfect drama. But I laughed so many times and just Jang Shin Yu being sick love puppy all the time! He just can do dork in love and serious lawyer at the same time, he's that talented. And there were moments when acting of Rowoon and Jo Bo Ah made me cried at moments too! Fantastic! And this show had hot moment, which is one of my favorite!

Little women (작은 아씨들, 2022, 12 eps) This was so good. So thrilling, made me want to watch another and another episode. Why the chemistry is always so magnificent in non romantic genre, it's a crime. The acting was phenomenal. Only thing I didn't enjoy most of the time is behavior of the youngest sister.

Enjoyed:

Dear Hongrang (탄금: 금을 삼키다, 2025, 11eps) First of all who came up with 11 episodes? It's odd number and in the end that one episode would be perfectly fine, it felt a little rushed in the end. I must say I was sceptical the trailer didn't interested me, but Bo Ah was there....First episode nothing special I was thinking about quitting, but I'm glad I stayed, after second episode it got better. I can't say it was masterpiece or something close to it. But the soundtrack and fight scenes were so good. The love story was too weird for too long, who watched it, they know what I'm referring to. Anyway chemistry was nice. The story was decent, got me hooked until the end. Mine a little longer opinion with spoilers is in there

Love your enemy (사랑은 외나무다리에서, 2024, 12 eps) I enjoyed it a lot, but one particular redemption part - I didn't agree with it, I don't think, that person deserve to be forgiven. As romcom I enjoyed it a lot. Loved the comedy. The chemistry was there, and totally agree with people about the younger versions steal the show! I guess, they had more angst, I don't know. Redemption person is written here why I don't think they deserve that.

Love scout (인사하는 사이, 2025, 12 eps) This was such beautiful mature romance story I've seen for a such a long time! Yoo Eun Ho is the greenest ML! I'm glad the story doesn't have unnecessarily drama, which sometimes happens and I hate it. It had moments I didn't love, but it wasn't something major, just my problems. If you want something when the roles are switched - F CEO and M assistant. Grumpy x Sunshine type of story with mature communication - THIS IS IT!

The Lab potato (2025,감자연구소, 12 eps) Must say I was intrigued from episode 1. It has Brewing love vibes, but it was slightly better, I mean I was hooked from very beginning. If you want something goofy, with supportive collegues and BFF who is into smut, with pretty hot ML. Both have their flaws, but chemistry is nice. Go for it!

Brewing love (취하는 로맨스, 2024, 12 eps) I'm glad I didn't stop watching after first episode, because I didn't like that episode a lot, but it got better! I enjoyed the world of making beer and fact that ML was sensitive character, who can feel how someone is feeling, very new what I've seen so far. I also love about the drama the meaningful conversations and no love triangle, and just good time without frustration of miscommunication.

Undercover High School (언더커버하이스쿨, 2025, 12 eps) Loved the mix of genre such as comedy, action etc. Enjoyed the dynamic between main protagonists, loved smartness of FL.

Queen Woo (우씨왕후, 2024, 8 eps) My first historical kdrama. I was shocked how many explicit scenes there were. But I enjoyed the strong female protagonist! The cast was so good, the costumes were stunning. Definitely not disappointed, only thing I was sad about was that JCW's character dies at the beginning. I loved their love story they really loved each other so much.

Shooting Stars (별똥별, 2022, 16 eps) I got crush on Kim Young-dae after watching No gan no love. Unfortunately I didn't love this drama, but I had a really good time. I enjoy the story setting, it shows how messed up is the entertainment industry in South Korea. The comedy was so good. I wasn't satisfied with how some plots were handled in the end. Overall it was fun drama!

Extraordinary Attorney Woo (이상한 변호사 우영우, 2022, 16 eps (S1)) I enjoyed every case. Joon-ho is such a green forest!

Backstreet Rookie (편의점 샛별이, 2020, 16 eps) First episode wasn't good, the problematic elements shocked me, but I give it a try, because of JCW and after second episode I was hooked. Enjoyed the comedy and serious topics which was added. I wasn't fan the romance though, it took them a long time than ML and his gf broke up, which I was frustrating with the gf behavior, I was sorry for her at the beginning, but I got mad at her soon after that. She was such a toxic victim acting person. The whole relationship was mostly about her and fact she was feeling embarrassed when she was with him!? And after break up, which she broke up with him and in bad way...she started chased him again! I was done with her acting. And another person annoyed me that much, which wasn't even punished is younger sister of FL. LIke what a brat. The chemistry was there, but I didn't feel the love. I hope they'd be in another drama together!

Love next door (엄마 친구 아들, 2024, 16 eps) I enjoyed chemistry between charcters and also trope friends into lovers, which was executed so nicely. Enjoyed important messages in it, BUT a few last episodes was dragging to me. I guess, I lost interest in the end. But I was so rooting for second couple, so I needed to finish it. This gonna be my first kdrama where I prefer second couple more.

Lovestrunk  in the city (도시남녀의 사랑법, 2020-21, 17 eps) It had very interesting concept. And was suprised that episodes were short like 30 mins. What I loved the most about this show was friendship of Lee Eun-oh, Suh Rin-i and Kang Geon. Give me supportive friends and I will love it! Next thing is spoilers so what I didn't get was 2 months fling which he did like they knew each other for longer period time. Understand, that it can happended, but he was such a loser boyfriend. I was embarrassed for him for many times. But I loved how caring he was...The ending wasn't satisfying at all. It felt like there gonna be season 2, but I doubt it.

When the phone rings (지금 거신 전화는, 2024-25, 12 eps) It had very good start. I love the chemistry ad the acting. But the finale ruined it for me. Honestly, I don't mind the war-zone plot, I was annoyed with Hee joo decision to get kidnapped in that zone to find her husband. Like girl you could've been killed. What were you thinking?

Cinderella at 2 am (새벽 2시의 신데렐라, 2024, 10 eps) beginning started so high and it went down half way through the show, which was a shame. This is my second noona show (found out there's a name for older woman, younger man show recently) Moon Sang-min was such a cutie in the show. Most people prefer second couple and I don't blame them, but I love main couple, they were such cute idiots and I was there for it. But if I should choose only 1 drama with noona theme...No gain No love did it better in whole picture (characters, story itself).

Wedding Impossible (웨딩 임파서블, 2024, 12 eps) I had the same problem as with Cinderella at 2 am, it had a really good beginning but in the halfway it got a little dragged. Especially didn't enjoy what they did Dohan's story, I was picked this show up especially with the premise FL helps her friend and becomes his fake bride because he's gay. This theme wasn't handle very good. I started it because of Moon Sang-min and stayed because of him, because hist character Lee Ji-han was overdramatic and I was here for it! I was also in awe with FL Na Ah Jung - I love abour her she doesn't give a damn and tells you what she thinks!

Liked:

My roommate is a Gumiho (2021, 간 떨어지는 동거, 16 eps) Well, I was loving it and then I wasn't. After episode 10, it didn't work. I'd prefer if it was 12-episode drama, because story got dragged too much, it took me quite some time to finish it. Loved FL, she was cool. The chemistry was also nice, but I didn't feel the romantic bond, especially how they addressed one another, very formal, that didn't help. Comedy was nice, story too, but the finale wasn't great. Also didn't like second ML.

Descendants of the sun (2016, 태양의 후예, 16 eps) First episodes were nice, but I got crisis in half way through. Both FLs were annoying sometimes. Enjoyed the chemistry though.

Empress Ki (기황후, 2013-14, 51 eps) The beginning was nice, but I was dying half way through. I was watching it because of JCW, but his character was so annoying and childish and I know that if that character was played by different actor I would loath him so much. The biggest red flag ever. I loved the main heroine though, she was clever and strong. Like yeah she was good at everything but I don't mind, I just loved her and she deserved so much more... The romance was I don't know... the chemistry was there but I didn't feel it like it¨s some epic love. Tal Tal was side character which stole my heart, his tactic mind and fact he started having respect towards Ki through time, they were besties for me. Even though I wasn't that big fan of the show like most of the people, the characters have grown on me and the finale destroyed me big time. The soundtrack was so nice!

Perfect Marriage Revenge (완벽한 결혼의 정석 , 2023, 12 eps.) It had so much potential, but it didn't live up to it. I enjoyed ML, he was another green forest. But I was expecting a little more satisfying revenge from FL. Nervertheless it was solid drama, I like it.

Link: Eat, Love, Die (링크: 먹고 사랑하라, 죽이게, 2022, 16 eps) Interesting plot, but that slow pacing of the story was killing me. I'd prefer 12 eps, because it'd be enough. I enjoyed the main characters, plus FL's mom and grandma who were stealer of the show how hillarious they were. The characters were main reason I finished it.

The K2 (더 케이투, 2016, 16 eps) Ji Chang-wook has become my favorite actor. I love how he can play anything. And the action is so good when he's there. I was excited after a few episodes in, the action, political schemes. But in the end only Ji Chang wook and Song Jun-a were saving this show. Her villain character Choi Yoo-jin was magnificent and interesting persona. Thanks to them I wanted to finish it and I did!

My sweet mobster (놀아주는 여자, 2024, 16 eps) I enjoyed the idea of the show. Loved the guys and their boss. But it was dragging a bit in the end. It took me a while to finish it because of it.

Family Matters (가족계획, 2024, 6 eps) It was good to see Bae Doona again after so long. The story was interesting. Hope they are planning second season, because it definitely deserves it.

The Trunk (트렁크, 2024, 8 eps) The plot was very confusing at first, it took me 2 episode to understand it. Pacing was very slow and if there wouldn't be main couple I'd just give up, but I enjoy them. Their chemistry was natural and fact, they healed each other at some point!

Family by choice (조립식 가족, 2024, 16 eps) I must say I was pleasantly suprised how well they did the remake of Go ahead. The essense of that show was there, but it made it more its own show.

Face Me (페이스 미, 2024, 12 eps) Beginning was promising, but it flopped in half way. I can't blame cast too much, because main issue was script, they couldn't do better job because of it. I was missing development of characters and the fact the killer was obvious from very beginning wasn't cool, I love being surprised.

[ggrimboy]

i want (to be) you

[tangents-within-tangents]

Hot take:

Crosshair does not have the Imperial disillusionment and redemption arc of The Bad Batch

Emerie does.

Crosshair has an arc for sure yes but it's not that.

I was thinking about this scene:

and how it got right what this scene kinda didn't:

(It was so close but then bad writing decided to undercut the moment with a joke rip)

And I think it's really interesting that these characters who were more or less raised into the Empire/First Order and chose to leave it are all directly asked why.

But take a look at Crosshair's answers in comparison:

Different context for the asking, yes, but still, compare that to clones like Howzer, Cody, Slip and Cade who left or turned against the Empire because they knew what the Empire is doing is wrong and they weren't just going to blindly follow orders:

Crosshair - Loyalty, Purpose, and Survival

Crosshair didn't choose to join the Empire (though the show isn't very clear or consistent about how much control the inhibitor chips have) but he did, for whatever reason, choose to stay. By the end of S1 we know his chip has been removed and as he definitively says "This is who I am." There were likely still other influences on his decision, but listen to how he talks about the Empire in the S1 finale:

Hunter: Crosshair, I've seen what the Empire is doing. Occupying planets and silencing anyone who stands against them. You know it's not right. Crosshair: You still don’t see the bigger picture, but you will. Hunter: Can't you see they're using you?

Crosshair: We’re not like the regs, we never have been. We’re superior. The Empire can’t protect the galaxy without strength, this is what we were made for. Think of all we could do, together!

Crosshair: You all are meant for more than drifting through the galaxy. It’s time to stop running. Join the Empire, and you will have purpose again.

Hunter: They destroyed an entire city! Crosshair: They did what needed to be done. Kamino, regs, the Republic, that time is over. The Empire will control the entire galaxy, and I am going to be a part of it. Hunter: Don't fool yourself. All you'll ever be to them is a number.

He undeniably knows what the Empire is doing, but he does not care. In fact it sure sounds like he actually supports it and finds self-meaning in it. Hunter spends those episodes trying to convince him it's wrong, he doesn't change his mind. In the end they offer him an out and he doesn't take it.

Wrecker: You coming with us? Crosshair: None of this changes anything. Hunter: You offered us a chance, Crosshair. This is yours. Crosshair: I made my decision.

The next we see Crosshair in "The Solitary Clone" (S2:E3) he follows orders and shoots the Desix governor, right after Cody heartbreakingly tries to do what's right and find a peaceful solution.

Cody: Tell me something, Crosshair. This new Empire, are we making the galaxy better? Crosshair: We’re soldiers, we do what needs to be done. Cody: You know what makes us different from battle droids? We make our own decisions, our own choices. And we have to live with them too.

After this (glorious!) conversation, Crosshair stays. Maybe this began to seed some doubts, but he actually smiles a few scenes later when Rampart assigns him another mission. It seems like for him it truly is as he said in S1:E1 (chip not enhanced yet but still influencing him enough for his brothers to notice he's acting strange):

Crosshair: Republic, Empire... what's the difference.

Crosshair: Orders are orders.

This unethical mission that finally pushed Cody over the edge does not change Crosshair's mind about the Empire, at least not enough for him to take action.

But what does?

Mayday: And here we are, the survivors. Combat troopers stuck babysitting cargo shipments. Crosshair: Mission’s a mission. Mayday: Yeah, I used to say the same thing.

Mayday: After all the clones have done, all we’ve sacrificed. We’re good soldiers, we followed orders. And for what?

This mission has nothing to do with how the fascist Empire treats the galaxy, it's about how they treat their soldiers. It's about how Mayday loyally fought and served his whole life and Lieutenant Nolan let him die

Lt Nolan: He served his purpose as a soldier of the Empire. Crosshair: You could have saved him! Lt Nolan: Perhaps you didn’t hear me, he is expendable, as are you.

Crosshair thought he could find purpose within the Empire, and Nolan shows him exactly what that will be.

His turning point is accompanied with this powerful visual of the ice vulture, a symbol (and threat) of death, and also set up within the episode a symbol of survival:

Mayday: Vicious creatures, but you have to admire ‘em. They find a way to survive.

This critical moment (that gives me chills, oof this episode is a masterpiece!) comes right after Nolan calls him expendable and directly threatens him:

Lt Nolan: And if you speak to me again with such disrespect I'll see to it you meet a similar fate, clone.

then Crosshair sees the vulture's shadow and turns to Mayday's dead body (ahh visual storytelling my beloved) then makes his decision:

Crosshair turns against the Empire not because he believes Hunter was right about this:

Hunter: I've seen what the Empire is doing ... You know it's not right.

but because he was right about this:

Hunter: All you'll ever be to them is a number.

Redemption (both in fiction and irl in my humble opinion) comes with making amends and reparations (which is why death 'redemptions' bother me so much but that's a rant for another time). Unlike Emerie, Crosshair never explicitly denounces the Empire or his own actions within it. He never says anything to specifically show if and how his views have changed from what he said on Kamino. He makes amends with his family (sending the warning message, helping Omega escape, making up with Hunter) but that's about it. The most we get in terms of acknowledgement is this:

Crosshair: I thought I knew what I was getting into with the Empire. I thought I was being a good soldier. Hunter: Nobody really understood what was happening back then. Crosshair: I’ve... done things. I’ve made mistakes. Hunter: I have regrets too, Crosshair. All we can do is keep trying to be better, and who knows there just might be hope for us yet.

Which is nice and all but it's more about them making up as brothers so it's way too excusing tbh ("no one knew what was happening back then" ummm? "The Empire will control the entire galaxy, and I am going to be a part of it" remember? And even if at first Crosshair was being controlled by the chip, the fact that he chose to stay after it was removed* means he condones and is therefore still accountable for those actions).

There's also a bit of self-destructive guilt:

Crosshair: Omega, don't risk anything for me. I belong in here.

Crosshair: Omega needs you both. So I’m doing this alone, it’s what I deserve. Hunter: Don’t even think about plan 99, Crosshair. Omega needs all of us.

(which thank you Hunter for pushing back on the death redemption bs and oh look is that a wrap up for the purpose thing?)

But there's no action taken on his part to make up for what he's done or to stand against the Empire (aside from the bare minimum of help with Tantiss, only after it became personally relevant, which like yeah he had trauma to deal with but still).

While I do think the implications/follow-up of Crosshair's turn should have been handled better in S3 (like rip Howzer! he deserved an apology, but that's a rant for another time), I don't necessarily** think this arc is a bad writing choice. It's just saying different things than we expect:

Maybe Crosshair's story is not about standing up against an unjust system, like we see with many other characters (who deserved more screen time but that's a rant for another timeeee). Maybe his story is about how even those who are loyal to the Empire, who actually believe in it, still suffer under and within it's rule. Not to garner sympathy, but to show that there is no winning.

Crosshair has another 'so what changed' convo in S3:E14 with Rampart, in which they draw parallels to each other:

Rampart: You used to believe good soldiers followed orders. Crosshair: Depends on who's giving them. The Empire betrayed us both. Rampart: And you think you can fight them? That's not you. You're like me, loyal to no one but yourself. Crosshair: I've changed.

(note how he says who's giving the orders, not what the orders are)

"Loyal to no one but yourself" describes Rampart much more than Crosshair, since we often saw Crosshair pride himself as a loyal soldier of the Empire whereas we saw Rampart abuse power to be self-serving within the Empire (like when he killed Wilco to save face). But they were both betrayed either way. Vice Admiral Rampart, snively Imperial opportunist through-and-through, shouts "I was following orders!" as he is arrested for the Empire's purposes. (Edit: and where Crosshair rejected the Empire and found new purpose fighting for his family, Rampart was still self-serving in the finale. He still tries to gain power for himself and he gets his comeuppance).

Even Hemlock, the final boss immoral Imperial scientist, who has to be benefiting the most from this system, echoes the expendability idea:

Hemlock: What I am working on is beyond your understanding. Something so vital to the Empire it makes me indispensable.

Then there's CX-2, also set up as a parallel/foil to Crosshair (fight me), who in the end is discarded as no more than a weapon, a tool that served it's purpose, showing us what would have become of Crosshair if he had stayed.

There is no winning in the Empire. Loyalty is not rewarded, it "doesn't go both ways." Everyone has to fight for their value. Even high ranking individuals** who for a time benefit from the injustice, in the end are just pawns to be used up and cast aside at a whim for the Emperor's gain. Even people who are motivated by self-interest alone cannot survive within this system, the only viable option in this galaxy is to fight the Empire and dismantle that system. (unless you conveniently find a magically safe island to hide away on but that's a rAnT fOr AnOtHeR tImE)

Which brings us back to...

Emerie - Cooperation, Compassion, and Choice

(Okay this post has already gotten away from me but I still want to talk about her to show the contrasts.)

Emerie may not have been given a lot of screen time to really flesh out her development, but there is a lot that is pretty clearly implied with her:

Crosshair: They’ll never turn her [Omega] over. Hemlock: They don’t have a choice. She is a clone, and therefore Imperial property. *Camera cuts to an angle more centered on Emerie’s face*

Crosshair: Give me your access card! Emerie: It won’t get you outside!

Emerie: I tried to warn him what would happen if he did not cooperate with the Doctor.

Emerie: Prisoner? Omega, you are no such thing. It will take time to adjust, but you will acclimate. It is far safer in here than out there.

Emerie: You should go back to your room. Crosshair: You mean her cell?

Emerie: Why children? Hemlock: Children are easier to attain and more agreeable to the subjugations. They are unaware of why they are here and what they possess.

Emerie: They're children. Like I was... Was your plan to discard them too? Nala Se: The Empire will keep them in order to control them.

We don't know a lot about Emerie's background, but it's clear that she had a lot less choice than Crosshair and less opportunity or ability to leave. Unlike Crosshair, we never directly hear Emerie's views of the Empire (and she was most likely 'taken under Hemlock's wing' before the Empire even came to power), but lets look at how she talks about the Tantiss:

"Remain calm. Cooperate and you might survive."

"Don't make this worse, Crosshair! There is no escape!"

"All of us serve a purpose here."

"The Doctor will inform me, if it's necessary."

"It's best not to ask questions."

"Escape is not possible, Omega. This is for your own good."

She honestly does the best she can within the system she is also trapped in. She tries to help Crosshair, Omega, and the vault kids in the only way she knows how (warns Crosshair about the hounds and security, tries to protect Omega from Hemlock, tells Scorch his "actions were extreme" with Jax, insists on overseeing Bayrn's retrieval, double checks his m-count (to give him an out), and tries to find out where he came from). When she gives Omega, and later Eva, the doll, I think it shows just how little she really is able to do here (and it's kinda heartbreaking imo).

The framing of this shot especially (after Jax's escape attempt) visually shows how Emerie herself is trapped/imprisoned:

Despite the fact that very little of this is Emerie's fault, she has very little power and she is doing all she can, the narrative does not excuse her role in the Empire:

Nala Se: What will you do, Emerie? Emerie: There is nothing I can do. I don't have that kind of power. Nala Se: Don't you?

Emerie: I- I was doing my job. Echo: Yeah, I’ve heard that before. You’re a clone. How can you be part of this?

These fighting-the-Bystander-Effect conversations parallel these exchanges:

Hunter: We made a choice, and so did you. Crosshair: Soldiers follow orders. Hunter: Blind allegiance makes you a pawn.

Crosshair: We’re soldiers, we do what needs to be done. Cody: You know what makes us different from battle droids? We make our own decisions, our own choices. And we have to live with them too.

which did not change Crosshair's mind. And honestly, all respect to Echo's disappointed mom glare™ but I think it's clear Emerie had already made her decision, she just needed help to actually be able to do anything about it. When she stopped Echo, with her voice wavering on the verge of tears (ahhh v good voice acting), she clearly had no intention of turning him in. She's on her own in the Empire's most secure facility with very little resources, if she had tried anything on her own she most likely would have failed and been killed

Omega: Emerie, you don't have to do this. Emerie: (sigh) I’m sorry, but I do.

but as soon as she is enabled by an ally, she immediately turns around to help: giving information and getting Echo through security, helping the kids escape, and giving Omega the tablet that allows them to free the other clone prisoners.

Where Crosshair's turn is accompanied by the symbolic imagery of the ice vulture, Emerie's is the removal of her (literally rose-tinted!) glasses:

Symbolizing how she has shed her previous views/indoctrination that altered her perception of the Empire and blinded her to it's wrongs. It's disillusionment.

Emerie's story shows us that even those who are raised and indoctrinated into this system can, should, and will escape (with needed help). Even those who did not choose to be apart of the Empire and are not making the decisions still have the responsibility and ability to act on what they know is right.

Emerie, whose name means 'Home strength' 'Brave' and 'Powerful', and "reflects the importance of leadership and authority in the workplace".***

While Emerie is only in one more scene after her turn, so the wrap up is a bit rushed, she still very simply does what Crosshair does not:

Emerie: Because I was wrong about this place. And I'm trying to do the right thing.

Echo: I’m sure Senator Chuchi would find what you have to say very helpful for our cause. Emerie: I have a lot to make up for. I’d like to help out however I can.

She admits wrong, takes accountability, commits to making amends, and leaves with Echo to go take on the Empire (which hopefully we will get to actually see more of some day).

So, in short, she's showing us how redemption is done right!

---

Notes:

*Whether this writing choice was good/logical/in-character or not is another discussion entirely, but I'm going off of what we were given, what the show is presenting in the canon text and (reasonably inferred/intentional) subtext. Crosshair is pretty multifaceted and I could only touch on so much here. There's a lot of ways to interpret his character/choices, but I tried to avoid the realm of speculation or fanon explanations (even if they sometimes make more sense lol).

**History and political theory are not my area of expertise at all, so I have NO idea how well this aligns with real-world fascism stuff and therefore what implications this storytelling choice could have. I think the message of like 'if you think you could survive or gain power by doing what the Empire/fascist system wants you are wrong' could be good (like how everyone is actually harmed by the patriarchy type of a thing), but I hesitate bc maybe there are those who would benefit, since it's a hierarchal system, right? If anyone more knowledgeable than me has incite to share, by all means

Either way, I do think it works in-story and in-universe though. It's just in the execution. The main problem (even from a strictly theme/character arc stand point) is the lacking follow-up/consequences for Crosshair in S3. Like you gave your character accountability by removing the chip and I think that's great setup for an arc but you gotta follow through with that and actually hold him accountable!

***I'm always curious when clones have 'normal' names, like why did they chose the name Emerie of all things? So I looked it up. Idk how reliable sources are for name meanings so take it with a grain of salt but it's still fun. Fits pretty well, and clones names have definitely had significant meanings in the past (like how Rex and Jesse both mean 'king') so I'm pretty sure it was intentional.

Anyway, thanks for coming to my tedtalk

[communistkenobi]

Re: ep3 in Andor, I very recently watched The Ascent and I feel like that film does a better job of demonstrating how fascists move through villages looking for partisans/undocumented people and also how partisan fighters themselves often engage in similar behaviour when they move through villages, asking for food and shelter and taking resources from already precarious populations, something that stokes local resentments and can encourage locals to help the enemy/rat people out/etc in exchange for money or exemptions from the occupation’s brutality. Like often colonial and occupying governments use locals to enforce their will because it’s easier and they need someone knowledgeable of the area. like Andor does engage with this a little bit but idk I do feel like history is much messier than this. but also this is star war

[feroluce]

Given that Belobog is so full of snow, I'm kinda sad we never get to see any snowmen anywhere. Like that would have made for such a cute bg decoration!

And I think it would be especially funny for Sampo to make them, not out of pure, innocent whimsy and joy, but like specifically to be a menace smzhnsjd

Like Gepard keeps finding little snowmen out around the frontlines. And normally he would just turn a blind eye to this like he does with other things (like the shitty amateur distillery no one thinks he knows about); war sucks, their own damn leader is trying to kill them and Gepard is treading water just trying to keep Cocolia from using his guards as cannon fodder. If his soldiers want to make some snowmen in their downtime, then they should be allowed that. God knows they've earned it.

BUT SOMEONE IS MAKING SNOWMEN THAT LOOK LIKE HIM, DAMMIT!!!

Gepard keeps finding them down the back alleys and more hidden parts of the frontlines! And they all have the same grumpy little face, with blue-painted rocks for eyes and sometimes even gold-colored bullet casings for hair! And he knows who it is the second he finds another little blue haired, green eyed snowman next to it! Fuckin' Koski is sneaking in here, and easily enough that he has the time to taunt him!

Gepard once found a little Snow Geppie with angry eyebrows and red roses stuck in its blushing cheeks that was handcuffed to a weapons rack, which was when he realized someone had pickpocketed his handcuffs. He punches the head clean off the little Snow Sampo nearby, only to discover that it is also holding his wallet, minus all the shield he'd had in it that morning. Gepard kicks it for good measure.

One time he found a little Snow Sampo offering roses to a little Snow Geppie, and he quickly knocked those over too before anyone else could see them or his red face. He swears he can feel Sampo snickering and mocking him nearby.

Sometimes, Gepard finds little Snow Sampos with tiny sacks thrown over their shoulders, all filled with items that are SUPPOSED to be in the depths of the guarded Silvermane storehouses. Sampo technically isn't even stealing anything, he's just showing Gepard that he could if he wanted to, and poor Gepard is going to pop an aneurysm.

Pela: Good morning, Captain. Have you been outside of your tent yet?

Gepard: No. ....Why.

Pela: No reason. Say, have you heard of any break ins recently?

Gepard: No, why.

And Pela holds open the tent flap and there's a ton of tiny little Silvermane Guards snowmen in tight neat rows, all with their little stick arms up in salute, and each one with an actual, stolen official helmet-mask.

Pela: You run a real tight ship out here, huh.

Gepard: (looooong weary muffled sigh as he drags a hand down his face)

[beskar-bay]

It's so funny to me that in the event all of Din Djarin's friends and allies were in one spot the only real friendly common denominator IS DIN

[psychomusic]

so. I've been reading some posts on the jedi order tag AND i won't talk about my opinion on "are jedi good or bad discourse" BUT i wanna point out some lore to everyone who's complaining about the jedi taking kids into their order: (in the EU) it wasn't always like this.

if you take swtor era (more than 3000 years before the prequels) there were many jedi who joined at an older age. like, for example there was a guy who broke his engagement to become one. most jedi remember their families because they were old enough when they decided to go.

THEN in darth bane's book trilogy (circa 1000 yesrs before the prequels) there is a passage where two sith lords are talking about taking bane, already an adult, to study at korriban. one doubted him because he was too old, ans the other told him he sounded like a jedi, and that ONE DAY jedi will have to accept only kids into their ranks if they really want to find "pure" people that can learn their lessons quicker.

one day!! so it wasn't always like that!! the ongoing wars with the sith, who corrupted and killed many of them, had pressured them into taking always younger people into their ranks.

also, consider a thing that this video explains super well: training to become a jedi is not like exercising, because there is a transformative lesson at the end of the training that changes everything. you can't just do as much as you can, but not finish.

the transformative lesson, as the video explains, is that through the force, everything is the same - from rocks and ships to life and death. at the end of the training you have to understand this fundamental truth.

yoda says "you have to unlearn what you have learned". during times where they were constantly killed off or corrupted by the dark side (and if you haven't learned this lesson you are more susceptible to this corrupting), younger people were taken in to actually finish their training (a training that was ultimately about being a good person AND that you could leave at any point if you weren't sold on that, too)

(remember that for the sith failure = death. like. that was the alternative for force sensitive kids. it's not like sith had any moral problem with taking kids away without consent. sith don't have moral problems: they believe that them being stronger in the force means they can do whatever they want as long as their strong enough to go and do it. there are MANY passages in many different star wars stories, even in different mediums, that say this out loud)

AND (this is more of a critical thought than just stating the lore) the fact that they started doing it out of necessity doesn't mean it's 100% good BUT you know. the whole set up of the prequels is that we're starting off the story in a period of crisis and decadence all around. most of the systems of the times were about to fall. OF COURSE they had problems. if they didn't, we wouldn't have the story to begin with.

that doesn't automatically mean jedi = bad and sith are better, tho. you wouldn't take the last, chaotic and decadent period to jugde something, would you? it's like deciding that the athenian democracy sucked because people at the times of Demosthenes failed at recognizing the new schemes in which the world was evolving into, and still believed that their city would be important as it had been in the previous century. They just didn't fucking expect the Macedons would conquer half the world known and more, and have the subsequent political power. Still, their experiences in the 5th century with democracy were very good, even better than ours on many fronts, if you contextualize a little. the jedi had flaws, and most importantly, they didn't fucking know the future and everything that ever happened, ever, so they made mistakes. that doesn't automatically make the system ill, or bad, or not-working. systems can have setbacks when the world changes. (just like athenian democracy had one when they lost the empire that was funding the democracy. they even had a tyranny for a while and then fixed the problems. that doesn't diminish retrospectively their democracy)

[pimento-playing-hopscotch]

Wait, I'm confused. What was wrong with the way TK acted in the birthday episode? Or did you mean the episodes after, cause I've seen people complain about him about the whole Jonah thing, but that was after the birthday episode.

Hi anon!

That is a good question! But I did mean the birthday episode- specifically, the scene after Enzo is carted off to the hospital.

In my opinion, it feels very out of character when TK puts all the blame on Owen when it wasn’t solely his fault. Owen is the one who broke Enzo’s arm but Enzo is the one who suggested arm wrestling at the nice family dinner- and he was taunting Owen as much as Owen was taunting him during the arm wrestling, and he (Enzo) was ignoring TK saying okay stop just let go-

Because we’ve seen TK get mad but it isn’t a super common occurrence we see TK blow up like that at his dad- and when we have it was justified. Like Owen was no more out of line then Enzo was at dinner in my opinion- but he was out of line and in the wrong when he was going crazy planning the wedding. Then it made sense when TK blew up at him because it built until he finally snapped- and even before that, he didn’t want to tell his dad to stop because it made his dad happy and he didn’t want to ruin that.

This originally started on someone else’s ask about how even when TK was a feral cat in season one, he still was a very empathetic, caring person because that’s who he is. And even in season one when he was mad at the world, in my opinion that didn’t sync up with being mad at his dad- and when he was, it was more rooted in fear or concern than anger.

Like when TK is laid up from being shot and asks Zoe over, he does so to see how she feels about his dad if something happens to TK and then his dad is left alone. Even when TK realizes that he never wanted to be abnything else and became a firefighter to be closer tk Owen- in my opinion he wasn’t mad when he told Owen this but more matter of fact - and confused about what this means for his future.

This is the other reason the scene after the dinner bothers me so much. In my opinion it makes absolutely no sense that TK says that Enzo made him want to be a firefighter- because if he resented Owen that much he just… could have done anything else- which his mother would have been thrilled about. But this contradicts what we heard from TK in season one and in my opinion, it feels like even in the moment TK knew this wasn’t true but said it to hurt Owen becuase he wanted him to feel that TK was definitively taking Enzo’s side which just isn’t like TK.

In my opinion the Enzo arc was missing too many details- because even before TK realized that Enzo came to see him to evade arrest- Owen was still the guy who TK had seen almost every day for five years (and probably five years before that in New York as well) and Enzo is the guy who couldn’t be bothered to attend TK’s wedding.

Thank you for the ask 🥰🥰🥰

[swampy-tiefling]

The stable customization feature they're adding on star stable online is cool and all, but I just wish they'd let us put our pets in our stable, too. C'mon. I currently have twice as many cats as I do horses, let me display them. Bro. Bros. Ladies. C'mon.

[sunnydayart]

Business daydreams of taking vitrurvuis to a fancy beach to watch the sunset and drink expensive coconut water for his 10th vacation break every year .SSOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRYYYYYY

[pachu09]

Warning: I had never seen any of the Star Wars movie. I only read fics of it....uhh so sorry about that.

Star Wars AU

Tobirama ducked beneath the rock that practically dwarfed a patch of greenery he found as a shelter in the vast desert. He knew that landing in this little planet far away from his destination is a huge mistake on his part. Just because he felt a wick of a child who's developing Force sensitivity...it doesn't mean he had to quickly retrieve said child without a backup even.

Now, he found himself cursing as several platoons of Uchi'ha's started to chase him. He hasn't even assume that several dozens of the warrior Clan would even visit this tiny planet. It boggles his mind as to what they were doing here....

Tobirama flatten himself as he felt five Uchi'ha had passed by his hiding place. He gritted his teeth, if he can run without being spotted for at least a few meters more he could latch on his Hiraishin markers so he could safely ride his ship again and get the hell out of this Uchi'ha infested planet.

When he was sure that the five Uchiha are several meters away from his position. Tobirama leapt to his feet as fast as possible and run like his body was on fire.

A minute later, he stiffen in surprise and he made a frantic leap to his left as he felt the air behind him being displaced as a sign of a weapon nearly cleaving him in half passes him by.

Tobirama snarled under the hood he was wearing as he face his attacker. The Uchi'ha had a long mane of black hair that spike in every which direction. But his face was covered with a mask that differ with the Uchi'ha he had seen. This one wore an Oni looking mask with two faces on it. The stranger wore an elaborate armor and is wielding a Gunbai. He is shorter than Tobirama. But the large gorge he had made on the ground tells Tobirama that if he hadn't successfully dodge that underhanded attack he could have been dead in just a second. ( His brother would have surely despaired if he died in the middle of bum fuck no where. )

The Albino shuddered in fear as the red glow of the mask eyeholes brightly lit up.

" What business does a Jedi needs in my territory?. "

Tobirama furrowed his brows. He hadn't known that this little planet was an Uchi'ha territory. If he had known he had never step foot on it, regardless if there's a child that needs him.

" Nothing. I only landed in here to chart it. I had never seen this little planet upclose. I am sorry if I disturb you all. I would leave quietly. There is no need to harass me. " he lied boldy. The Uchi'ha was only hostile because Tobirama had landed in their little territory. He really hope that the man would accept his bold face lie.

The Uchi'ha tilted his head and studied Tobirama's face. " Figures, Such bold faced lies easily fell from a Human's lips. Your kind lies as easily as you breath. You will never leave this planet alive, Jedi!. "

Tobirama scowled. He didn't want to fight. But he had to because he could sense the Uchi'ha's blood lust in the air. He leapt backwards in haste as the man quickly leapt towards him with the intent on cleaving him with his oversized Gunbai.

The Albino called the Force to aid him in stopping the Uchi'ha. He threw several big icicles ( much larger than his own height ) at the man, but the Uchi'ha easily slices it in half as if they were made of sheet of papers. Tobirama frowns; he called his Water Dragons and directed them to attack the charging Uchi'ha. But before his Water Dragons could swallow the man....

The Uchi'ha's mask quickly click open and the man's mouth spewed a great black fire the likes Tobirama had never seen. His eyes widen as the resulting explosion surprisingly blew him off of his feet.

Tobirama flew backwards a few meters away and he hack his lungs out as the gritty sand entered his mouth and nose. With teary eyes, he slowly stood on his shaking feet and he eyed in trepidation the Uchi'ha that was running to determinedly chase him again.

The Albino quickly pivoted on his heels and run the opposite direction. He's outclassed with the man's surprising ability. He cannot hope to beat the man with his own techniques. He would die in this desert if he tried to fight this unknown Uchi'ha.

Just only a seconds he could feel his Hiraishin Markers again. This monster of Uchi'ha would be left behind in this hellhole as soon as Tobirama can latch on his ship's Marker.

As soon as he saw the outcropping of rocks in front of him. He leapt up and climb it in haste. He also planted some little surprised bombs to slow down his pursuer. He could feel the man's presence was a few steps away from him and Tobirama shuddered in fright if the man ever caught him.

As he prepared to jump down, Tobirama's short breath was suddenly knocked out of his lungs as tons of pounds heavily drop on top of him. He wheezed painfully as the Uchi'ha clamp his one broad hand tightly on his neck.

" Strange, I hadn't even known there is A Blessed for a Jedi. Tis a scenario I wouldn't dare dream for myself. " Tobirama eyes widen as the man's gloved fingers carefully traces his eyelids, the skin beneath his eyes and his temples.

Tobirama tried to buck the man off of him. But his futile struggles only brought amuse chuckles out of the stange Uchi'ha.

" Struggle all you want my dear Blessed. You will never escape me for I won't allow it. You are mine in this day forward till the day we die. "

Tobirama glared weakly and he had only had a second to realize that he can finally latch on his Hiraishin marker before the man could put a suppression collar on him.

Aa soon as he landed inside his ship he tiredly leaned on the console and hack repeatedly to expel the remaining sand in his nose and lungs. He trembled in fear as he recalled the enrage bellow the man had let out as he successfully escape him. He really hope he does not encounter him again.

He knew he wouldn't successfully escape the second time around if the Uchi'ha decided to chase after him again.

[kalofi]

literally went down a rabbit hole of your art (specifically the nanago since it’s literally sooo hard to find art for them) && i came to say every piece is GORGEOUS, I adore your style sm. gorgeous!!!! all of it 🤍🤍 keep it up <3

WAAHHHHH THANK YOU!!! ive actually been missing nanago recently because i watched two weeks notice (romcom) and the chemistry between the two leads reminded me so much of nanami and gojo that my heart kind of hurt....ANYWAY! thank you this is very kind im glad u enjoyed hehe~ <3

[myheartissetinmotion]

sam reid percy blakeney WHEN