#and i know hollywood has a colorism problem and it’s not like i can think of anyone either. and in the end of the day it’s kinda pointless

[gothicrepetitions]

I need you all to start putting more thought into your Heathcliff fancasting instead of naming the first actor of colour you can think of

[olderthannetfic]

https://olderthannetfic.tumblr.com/post/784181809513644032/in-fandom-racism-discussions-in-cases-where-an

Never mind that many, many of Hollywood’s most pernicious problems are in the cinematography, lighting, and editing.

I want to hear how the cinematography, lighting, and editing affect things! Can you explain or link some articles?

--

Sure!

The big thing to understand about film is that there is such a thing as "film grammar", and this is a lot of how we read meaning into film.

Think of it like when comic book ladies get drawn in the broken spine pose so you can see T&A at once and some defensive clown is like "Um, um, the comic said she was the main hero! She can't be objectified meat!" But the dudes are not drawn like that. It doesn't matter what the comic said. It matters what it showed.

We know how to read that art even if we aren't consciously aware of it.

We also know how to read film.

A character looks down. We see a shot of a book on a table. We know the book is what they're looking at. A character walks out of a door. We see them in another room. We know it's just a second later and a room away, not three years later on another continent. We see a soft dissolve and we know we've gone into a flashback. How do we know? Film grammar.

The problem is that because this has not been taught in a verbal and explicit way, we often have trouble articulating why film feels a certain way.

That makes it easy for a film (show, whatever) to undercut a character while pretending that isn't happening. It also makes it easy for somebody with a few one-liners to feel huge, and no, it's not just fans randomly picking for no reason.

--

The classic early concept everyone talks about is the Kuleshov Effect, a.k.a. the experiment that showed how/that montage works. Basically, if you take the same clip of a stoic-looking actor and pair it with three very different things, people will talk about the subtlety of the acting. He looks so sad when looking at the dead baby! So hungry when looking at the soup! etc.

Another important concept is that closeups of faces are where a lot of the film's story is told. It's often not the dialogue that's being spoken but some other character's reaction to that dialogue that matters.

Part of film grammar is that breaking the forth wall feels weird (i.e. looking directly into the camera and making eye contact with the audience), but looking very close to the camera is intimate, while being shown in profile is not. (Being shown from behind is POV-y though and makes us feel like we're with the character.)

Film has POV, or rather "narrative perspective". It's more complicated and more prone to changing than POV in a novel, but it's there. If you cut to a particular character's reaction to show which dialogue mattered or you cut to them having a thought and then end the scene, they're important. If you cut after they decide something or exit, they're "driving the cut" and we're "with" them. In effect, they're the POV character.

Cool, sexy action dudes with a lot of abs are hot. They punch things in wide shots. But for a single perfect tear woobie, we need a closeup. We need interiority.

This is often not granted to the characters of color or the female characters unless they are definitively the lead or are in an ensemble that primarily focuses on nonwhite characters/female characters/etc. Your MCUs and your ensemble cop shows might do a good job with everyone, or they might prioritize a particular white guy while paying lip service to the idea that the whole ensemble matters.

--

A lot of us were taught to analyze writing in school and/or we've just spent way more time doing that on our own. It is therefore tempting to look at a script and make too much of it. But the staging is incredibly important. Lindsay Ellis has a video about Transformers where she shows a scene where the girl is saying plot important stuff that makes it clear her character is interesting... while leaning over the engine and being ogled by the camera. Nobody remembers the dialogue. They remember her butt.

Characters can be standing behind others in group shots. Characters can be only in group shots.

If the script tells you that all five of your ensemble are important and they all have equal lines, but only White Guy McScenestealer gets a closeup, then he is the main character, and he is the only one who matters.

Specifically, he is the one whose feelings matter.

The reason it's all of cinematography, lighting, and editing is that the editor is the one actually putting those closeups in or juxtaposing the characters in a way that highlights them... but for them to do that, the correct shot needs to exist. That shot also needs to look good enough.

Not only do a lot of racist, sexist crews fail to get adequate coverage, but many of them were also taught by people who never had to light dark skin and thus they also do not know how to light it or shoot it. This doesn't apply to all POC, obviously, but it's the kind of thing that can fuck up a shoot with good intentions. If the dark-skinned black lead's closeups are lit like shit and their facial expressions are the least visible out of everyone's in the group shots, the audience won't be able to feel their emotions or connect with them. The editor might leave out a lot of their coverage simply because it looks less professional even if they'd originally wanted to highlight that character.

The director probably has final say on the cut in an indie film, producers for TV or a lot of big budget stuff, but you know what I mean: someone made this choice at the cutting stage, and it might be going against what the script was trying to do.

Prioritizing the character of color needs to happen during all phases of the filmmaking or they're going to get shafted. Ditto filming women like leads and not pointing the camera at their butts all the time, etc. etc. (Substitute whatever minority. I'm sure you'll find the same pattern with non-Han characters in Chinese media.)

It's not that hard. Leverage managed to light for the pastiest, most light-reflecting blown-out shot nightmare and someone with pretty dark skin. The key thing to understand is that lighting well for this scenario takes a little more time than lighting two people with the same skin tone, and time is money.

Other types of choice may not take more time, but they do require a director or cinematographer who's really on top of things to go "No, don't do the stereotypical shot. That's telling the wrong story."

The camera tells us what to think, and what it is usually saying is "Sidekick", "Love interest", "Person number three who is here to infodump and whose feelings do not matter".

I made a couple of little video essays to try to explain this stuff more clearly. They both use The Losers, one to show how POV/objectification works and the other to show how dialogue and even minutes on screen are much less important than how a character is presented.

Aisha is the Object; Clay is the Subject

Carlos "Cougar" Alvarez: Human Exclamation Point

--

In my experience, fandom actually does not elevate five-second randos all that often. Fandom likes the character who cried in a closeup.

Who that character is is neither random nor equitable.

[kujiua-kun]

[MH || Redesign Lineup]

Last year, I wanted to rework my Monster High redesigns, but I never finished them, so here are the rough sketches/concepts for them.

design/lore explanation under the cut!

Draculara - I mostly took inspo from lolita fashion with her, lots of frills, bows, and lace. I also wanted to give her a cute little bat nose and stuck with yellow being her accent color. I like to think my version of Draculara is a bit more ditsy and hyper, she also doesn't have full control over her powers so she does have a habit of switching to her bat form at inappropriate times.

Frankie - I mainly referenced G1 Frankie with a splash of G3, I know I wanted them to be multi-pronouned, She doesn't really care how people refer to her, so long as there isn't any malice behind it (they can tell). Frankie is also their preferred name, her real name is Eve, but she hates it, and being called it makes them uncomfortable for many reasons (Mainly having to do with their family).

Cleo - For cleo I mostly took from her G1 design. I wanted her to have this very "Old Hollywood" type of look, mainly with her headwrap and earrings, with a few modern elements. She has a very narrow view of fashion subcultures and tends to be very critical of other people's outfits, even if she's close friends with them.

Clawdeen - I wanted to give her, a more animal-esque appearance, so lots of extra fur, dog-esque nose, and digitigrade legs, that she magically manages to fit into heels! She's the tallest and most confident of the group, but she can also be very reserved when it comes to her own issues and has trouble opening up to others.

Abbey - Imma be honest with ya'll...she was a problem child. I had an idea for her going in, I wanted her to be a bit monkey-like with her features, but when it came to her outfit I had no fucking idea what to do. But I did my best to try and keep her outfit from looking like a copy of Clawdeen's. Abbey has a habit of being very direct, almost harsh, with people. Most of the time she doesn't mean to, she's just bad at wording things properly sometimes.

Lagoona - ALSO A PROBLEM CHILD. I tried to mix her G1 and G3 designs, I mainly referenced Betta Fish for how I patterned her skin and tail. Lagoona is a very sweet competitive person. She usually tries to have a positive and "look on the bright side" mindset, but sometimes tries to apply it when it's not needed.

Ghoulia - I wanted her to have this grunge-esque gamer girl vibe to her. Her outfit is supposed to be a bit withered and patched up (She also has a little virtual pet charm!). Ghoulia is mostly non-verbal with her communication, she tends to just point, grunt, or use head movements when she wants to convey something. While the ghouls and some staff have learned to communicate with her, and sometimes even interpret for her, it isn't uncommon for students to take advantage of her not speaking, pushing her around to do their homework, cheat on quizzes, or just do anything they don't want to.

if you have any questions regarding my redesigns, you're more than free to ask!

[mojo-bro-tho]

Outfits I think about when I imagine the Veilguard in a Modern AU (but more specifically my Emmrook Modern AU lol) Part Two

Part one here

The Men edition (plus Taash)

Taash

Okay so… these aren’t the exact vision BUT they’re close enough. In a modern setting, I imagine Taash as a mechanic (instead of a dragon expert, they’re an engine expert, ya feel?) so they’ll normally dress in a way that is conducive to getting messy. However, I also imagine that they lounge in like HUGE basketball shorts and just at a first glance looks like the hottest butch you’ve ever seen. Very adjacent to a Hey Mamas but not really. Color pallet is mostly teals, some oranges. I also do imagine they would wear a classic jumpsuit with the arms tied off at the waist and wearing a tank top under it. It’s feels right.

Lucanis Dellamorte

Now… is this an EGREGIOUSLY HOT TAKE? I love all of Lucanis’s cunty lil outfits so much. They’re so fun and stylized. But depending on how you flavor The Crows in a modern setting (which is a loaded dealers choice right there) it definitely doesn’t make any sense for Lucanis to stand out with his impeccable style. The way I chose to interpret this is by having a focus on minimalism while keeping a more interesting silhouette. He’ll dress in all black for the practicality of it (hides blood stains) but he’s very picky. Everything has to fit EXACTLY right, I don’t think he likes clothes to be overly baggy and if you ask him for fashion advice BOY DOES HE DELIVER. Simple enough to blend in in a crowd at a passing glance but high enough quality that you know for a fact that he’s from Old Old Money. Also holsters. He wears em, for sure.

Davrin

Okay so, Davrin exists in two modes. Work Mode and Home Mode. And the only time he deviates from those two modes is when he’s working out. So he be LIVING in athletic wear but that’s not all that interesting. What is interesting is that depending on how you flavor the Wardens in a modern setting (again… loaded choice right there) they can basically be the army. I feel like he wears fatigues and such a lot out of habit (so instead of green, in Thedas it’s blue. Fuck logic of camouflage) but then you get Home Mode Davrin… and he’s a softie at his core. Likes soft textures. Wears a lot of layers. And that’s when he gets to be more colorful. Work Davrin wears blue, grey, and white. Home Davrin dips back into a full spectrum of color and texture and I love that about him. And then you catch him wearing those fucking running leggings or whatever and HELLO-

Emmrich Volkarin

The moment we’ve all been waiting for… HE!!!!! My man likes patterns, prefers earth tones usually with a timeless sort of flare. I like the idea of leaning into his old Hollywood design elements but also like… 70s academia? A bit? I like a flare of that in there with him. HOWEVER, I do think my mans knows how to dress dark if need be. Black and jewel tones are good in the right setting. (Gonna get some of that next chapter hehe) but yeah I have too many fucking outfits for him… it’s a problem. It’s chronic! He does still keep the jewelry though, he’s well adorned for sure.

[waywardnerd67]

I Trust You

Title: I Trust You Summary: A chance meeting leads to midnight confessions and overcoming your deepest fears. Main Characters: Glen Powell, Reader Pairing: Glen Powell x Reader Rating: E - Everyone Warnings: RPF/Fluff/Angst w/ mentions of: touch deprivation, touch aversion Word Count: 3103 A/N: Trying to work out some feelings.

The party was in full swing. People were dancing, drinking and making out throughout the house. I happened to find a secluded corner in the backyard that no one seemed to notice. Still nursing the original beer I grabbed when I arrived hours ago. Watching all the celebrities and models mingling had me sinking further back into my little corner. I didn’t belong among the rich and beautiful, but my best friend insisted I come with her. Taking a look around, I found her sitting on some guy’s lap with her head thrown back in laughter. She belonged here.

I pulled out my phone to see if I could order an Uber home. It wouldn’t have been the first time I left a party without her. She meant well, trying to pull me out of my shell. It had been over a decade since I last felt like the woman I once was and going to some Hollywood party wasn’t going to change me back into her. I had been broken completely and beyond repair.

“Planning an escape?” A low, smooth voice said beside me.

Looking up, I was taken back by the handsome man standing there. Living in L.A. you get use to seeing movie stars walking down the street, but he happened to be one of her favorites.

“I’m Glen, by the way.” He held out his hand.

“(Y/N).” I said, taking his hand and willing mine to stop trembling, “And yes, I think it’s kind of obvious that I don’t belong here. Plus, I’m sure my friend will be taken well care of.”

His bright green eyes followed her pointing finger, “Ah yes, it looks like she has one of my friends wrapped around her finger. He’s harmless and won’t do anything stupid with her.”

“That’s good to know. She’s also a big girl and can take care of herself.” I forced my eyes to look away from him and back to my phone.

He squatted down beside me, “You know if you want to leave, I’d be more than happy to take you home. I haven’t been drinking tonight so consider me your DD.”

I smiled, “That’s kind of you, but I don’t want to pull you away from your own party. That would be kind of rude of me.”

Realization shined in his eyes as he chuckled, “So you do know who I am.”

“Oh yes. You’ve had quite the year with three major movies coming out. Hitman was in the running for my top movie this year until I saw Twisters. Can’t resist a tornado chasing cowboy.”

His laugh covered my skin in goosebumps, “I like that though you could just call me the Tornado Wrangler.” He let his full Texan accent come out, making me smile.

“I prefer cowboy to wrangler. Anyway, I should probably finish ordering this Uber and head out front. It was nice meeting you, cowboy.” This time I held out my hand to him.

He shook it, “Are you sure I can’t convince you to let me drive you home. It would be no problem and then that way I don’t have to worry about you ending up on the ten o’clock news kidnapped by a serial killer.”

I laughed as he still held my hand in his, “Are you sure? I live about thirty minutes away.”

“Let’s go.” He pulled me up from my spot and led me back towards the house.

I sent a text to my best friend letting her know I was heading home. I left out the part that it was Glen Powell who was taking me home. She replied with her usually be careful and talk tomorrow.

Glen handed his phone to me, “Type in your address.” I did, handing it back to him and he took off towards the highway.

It was a beautiful night for it being in August. The cool night breeze felt wonderful after a scorching day. Looking over, I found myself taking in every inch of Glen driving beside me. He had on a Texas Longhorns hat backwards, black tank top and orange colored swim trunks. One arm was resting on his open window while the other held onto the steering wheel. His long fingers kept beat to the song he was playing.

There was a comfortable silence between us and for the first time in a long time I felt relaxed in the presence of another person. Even with my friends or co-workers there was always an underlying layer of anxiety. The need to run from people always being my first gut reaction. Maybe it was the small amount of alcohol I had in my system or a miracle but I found myself drawn to Glen. Or it could be I had fantasized about being with him for years and my inner fangirl was showing herself more than ever.

“Everything okay?” He asked, glancing over at me.

I realized he must have caught me staring, “Yeah, everything is fine. Sorry if I was staring. Sometimes my inner fangirl shows more than I want her to.”

His smile was breathtaking, “Quite alright. Not everyday I can meet a fan who isn’t screaming, crying, throwing up.”

We both laughed, “Has a fan actually thrown up in front of you?” I asked.

He shook his head, “No. Just trying to keep up with all the cool sayings the kids say.”

“You make it sound like you're old and you're not.”

He touched his hand to his chest, “Why thank you for thinking I’m young. I will have you know that I’ll be thirty-six this year.”

I scoffed, “Meh, been there and done that.”

Glen took the exit for my house, “What? There’s no way you’re older than me.”

“Afraid so, cowboy. I will be turning thirty-eight this year. So respect your elder.”

His laugh filled the car, “Wow, I would have never believed you were older. What the hell is your secret?”

The answer was out of my mouth before I could even think about it, “I have no children and no spouse.”

It was the answer that I always said inside my head but never out loud. People asked me all the time how I could still look like I was in my late twenties. I always told them I had a baby face. The real answer was I lived alone and didn’t let anyone close to me. Hence, the no kids or spouse.

“So, no kids and no spouse. Does that also include no boyfriend/girlfriend?”

His question sent a shiver down my spin, “Uh… yeah. There’s no one except for Winchester, my maine coon. He’s all I’ve needed these last few years.”

Why was I being so open with him? I always avoid questions about my personal life with everyone. I looked over to see my house coming into view. A brief moment of relief swept over me knowing I would be safe inside my four walls of security soon. Then a sickening feeling pooled in my gut as Glen pulled into my driveway and shut off his car.

“Thank you for the ride. I appreciate you leaving your own party to take me home.” I unbuckled my seatbelt and placed my hand on the door handle.

“(Y/N), can I tell you something?” He asked, placing his hand on top of mine resting on the seat.

I tried to control my body flinching, but there was no use in it. Touch was always the one thing that set my nerves on edge. If he had noticed me flinched then he didn’t let on to it.

“S-Sure.”

“I’d been working up the courage to talk to you all night. The moment I saw you walk in, I asked my buddy who you were. He told me about your friend being a model and asking about bringing you to my party. Your friend told me that you were shy and to be aware that you don’t often talk to anyone outside your core group of friends.”

My heart was hammering in my chest, “She told you that? What else did she tell you, huh? That I’m a recluse and avoid all social interactions. That my ex completely broke me as a person. That I can’t stand to be around people or to be touched. That I’m all kinds of fucked up and damaged.”

I got out of the car and headed to my front door. My heart shattered into pieces from my best friend telling my darkest secrets to someone, especially to a man like Glen Powell. I made it to the door before I realized my keys were still in her car back at his house.

“Fuck!” I yelled, sliding down to the ground.

“(Y/N), I’m sorry, I swear that’s all she said to me.” He sat down in front of me, “What’s wrong? Other than the obvious.”

I sucked in a shaky breath, “My keys are back at your house in her car. Now not only am I completely embarrassed in front of one of my favorite actors but I’m completely locked out of the only place I feel safe.”

“Do you have an alarm system?” He asked.

“What?” I looked up at him confused, “No, why?”

“I promise I’ll pay for the repairs.” He said before he took off his tank top wrapping it around his fist and sending it through the window next to her door.

“What the hell are you doing?!” I yelled watching as he cleared out the glass then reached inside.

The familiar click of my deadbolt unlocking then Glen pulled out his arm twisting the door knob. It swung open freely and I could feel the tension in my chest release. Standing up, I noticed the blood dripping onto the ground.

“Shit, you’re hurt. Come inside and I can clean you up.” I said carefully walking over the broken glass on either side of the door.

I went into my bathroom to grab the first aid kit while Glen was sitting down at my kitchen table. Unwrapping his shirt from his hand, I found small knicks and shards of glass in his tan skin. The bleeding was coming from a gash on his arm from when he smashed through the window.

“You might need stitches.” I said, cleaning the cut on his forearm.

“You know, it looks way easier and cooler on TV.” He chuckled, “Ow.”

I wrapped his arm with gauze only then realizing he was sitting there shirtless. His well toned chest and abs on full display making my body ache in ways it hadn’t for years. The overwhelming desire to touch him nearly made my knees give out.

“Are you okay? You look like you might pass out.” He asked, grabbing a hold of my hips to balance me out.

A second realization hit me harder than the first. He had touched me and I didn’t flinch. I didn’t jerk away. I couldn’t remember the last time that had happened.

“(Y/N), you’re scaring me.” He whispered, his grip on my hips tightening.

“Y-You’re touching me.” The words were barely above a whisper.

He reached over to grab another chair and guided me onto it, “I’m sorry. I just wanted to make sure you didn’t fall.”

I shook my head, unable to put the correct words together, “I… It’s just… I don’t know how to explain.”

His hands were resting on top of mine, “Whatever it is you can say it. I won’t take offense or have any judgments.”

I had no idea what kind of spell the man in front of me had casted but I found myself wanting to explain everything to him. Looking into his concerned eyes, I just knew I could trust him. Suddenly, I had tears falling down my cheeks.

“(Y/N), you don’t have to tell me anything. I just want to make sure you’re okay.” His thumbs were rubbing against my knuckles sending waves of heat over my skin.

“When I got divorced, I swore off dating. I wanted to work on being on my own, rebuilding my life and not focusing on a relationship.”

He smiled, “That’s smart. I’ve been doing the same thing these last few years.”

“One year turned into two and before I knew it a decade had gone by. No relationships. No kissing, hugging, cuddling, and definitely no sex.” He nodded, continuing to rub my hands as I continued, “What turned from learning to live alone became being alone. I desire to have someone in my life and have even tried to date, but it always turns out wrong.”

“How so?”

I took a deep breath, “Any time I thought about going out on a date I would have a panic attack. The thought of trusting someone to be with them that would lead to touching and that would send me into a complete spiral.”

Glen looked down at our hands, “Is this okay?”

I nodded, “Yes which is why I’m having a deliriously happy and panicked moment right now. I haven’t been touched by anyone in years. Sure, I will half heartedly hug my friend or family but it is always at some kind of distance. Hugging to me is the most intimate form of touch that isn’t sexual.”

His eyebrow arched curiously, “Go on…”

“Think about it. When you hug someone, you are trusting them with your whole body. Their arms wrapped around your body completely. Their whole being being pressed against yours. A hug is sex with your clothes on.”

He smirked, “I have honestly never thought of it like that. I don’t think I’ll ever see hugging in the same way again.”

“Humans need that intimacy. They need to feel that trust in their very soul and act it out physically. I…” I paused, looking into his eyes, “I haven’t felt that in over a decade. My therapist calls it touch deprivation that has formed into touch aversion. I’m desperate to touch someone and be touched, but my brain simply won’t let my guard down enough to allow someone in.”

I watched as his bottom lip disappeared beneath his teeth in deep thought, “The fact that you haven’t flinched or moved away from me is a big moment for you?”

I nodded with a fresh batch of tears flowing down my face, “Yes. I don’t know if it’s because you genuinely seem like a good person from all the interviews I’ve watched or from the good guy characters you’ve portrayed. It could very well be my fangirl delusion masking the pure panic waiting to come out. I don’t know. All I do know is I feel safe around you.”

I looked away feeling my cheeks burning. I had practically told my whole sad truth and ended with a lame love confession. Slowly, the panic was starting to seep through the joy and my hands began to tremble within his.

Glen squeezed my hands then stood up, pulling me up with him, “You feel safe?”

I nodded, not trusting my voice.

“Do you trust me?” He asked as I nodded again without even thinking twice about my answer.

He lifted my hands up behind his neck, interlocking my fingers. I knew what was coming and the rope around my chest began to tighten. My breaths were coming out in rugged puffs as his arms wrapped around my waist. They tightened around me as his head buried into the crook of my neck.

“I got you. I’m not going to let go or let you fall. I’ve got you.” He whispered and a strangled sob escaped my lips, “I’ve got you. I promise nothing will happen to you. I’ve. Got. You.”

My grip around his neck tightened and I pressed my face into his chest. He kept repeating his mantra that he had me and I could feel the rope around my chest being cut away. Finally, I took in a long breath feeling all the tension vanish from my muscles. Glen pulled back enough to look down at me with a brilliant smile on his lips.

“How was that?” He asked.

I could feel my lips spreading into a wide grin, “I… I hugged you. I actually hugged you. I can’t believe it.”

He scooped me up, picking my feet up off the ground and spinning me around. A loud giggle erupted from my lips that surprised me.

“That giggle is music to my ears. Proud of you! I know that must have been a big step to take and I’m grateful you trust me to take it.”

Seeing how happy he was for me stirred up a new emotion, a new line to cross and I found myself pushing myself up on my toes and kissing him. I felt his body tense up and immediately I backed away.

“I’m sorry… I’m so sorry. I got caught-”

Glen pressed his lips firmly against mine once again. The kiss was simple, sweet and ignited an ember of passion within me. When he pulled away, resting his forehead against mine I knew he was holding back.

“You never, ever have to apologize for kissing me. I’m honored you trust me with your hugs and kisses.”

“I’m really scared I’m going to wake up tomorrow and find this all to be a dream.” I whispered.

He leaned in kissing me once more, “Tell you what. I will sleep on the couch and when you wake up tomorrow I can remind you that this was all very real.”

I knew I shouldn’t push myself any further, but the thought of him being on the couch while I was in my bed didn’t sit right with me. I bit into lip fighting with the urge to lead him upstairs to my room or to agree with him, leaving him downstairs.

“What’s the battle going on in your head?” He chuckled.

“I’m taking a leap of faith.” I said, grabbing his hand and leading him towards the stairs.

Glen stopped us at the bottom step, “(Y/N), are you sure? I don’t want you to feel pressured into anything. I’m fine sleeping on the couch.”

Standing on the step, I was equal height to him, “I’m not saying that there will be cuddling or anything more. The thought of you sleeping down here doesn’t feel right.”

He leaned in, kissing me briefly, “Okay, but I’m going to apologize now if I happen to cuddle you in my sleep. I’m definitely a cuddler.”

“It’s okay. I trust you.” I laced our fingers together and continued walking up to my room.

-----

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[hamiltonconfessions-but-better]

In response to the person saying that Daveed didn’t do a good job at separating Lafayette and Jefferson. I think its an unfair comparison

Daveed is a good actor, thats evident by the awards he has won. If you look at his acting outside of Hamilton, like in Blindspotting, he does a great job conveying the problems that Collin’s faces. Like PTSD and struggling with stereotypes forced upon someone of color. (Yes, he had been doing acting for longer when he made blindspotting, so he could’ve learned more)

We also have to take into account that he isn’t a broadway actor. In many interviews i’ve watched, he’s stated that he didn’t know musical theatre was a career or something he could pursue until Hamilton. Yes he has a bachelor’s degree in Theatre arts but from my understanding he was more focused on rapping and hollywood acting.

From what i’ve seen, he was in Hamilton because it was a better paying gig than the restaurant he was working at, at the time.

Lafayette and Jefferson are the way they are because they are HIS interpretation of those characters. Which both characters are pretty out going characters. With loud personalities. Mulligan has a loud personality but Madison is more of a quiet, reserved character. Making the change much more noticeable. Even still, just a basic look at both Lafayette and Jefferson, you can see the differences between them.

I’d say that Daveed has more straight posture for Lafayette, he is more easy going and has less snark/ sass when compared to Jefferson. Even watching Lafayette interact with other characters in the show you can see he’s more clumsy and aloof. (Yes that could be due to choreography or director notes telling him to be that way)

Jefferson is way more sassy, snarky and his words are pointed. Jefferson has a limp and every scene with his cane he’s leaning against it. In most scenes he is leaning or just has more lax posture. (In my opinion). He’s less aloof than Lafayette and more angry. More irritated by Hamilton then Lafayette ever was.

Theres the obvious differences in the way they dress or their accents. Lafayette is seen in blue and Jefferson is seen in magenta. Jefferson choreography is different from Lafayette but thats a given.

Regardless, these are my opinions and i think Daveed did a great job. (Also Hi Mod, i apologize if this in the wrong format)

all good in regards to the format, hello to you as well!

confessions referenced: 1

[ravenbloodshot]

Jung Woosung and Moon Gabi Tarot Reading

Was he cheating on a current girlfriend with Moon Gabi?

No. Idky articles are saying he was in a relationship, but he's single as a Pringle, and he's pretty okay with it. I'm seeing that he had multiple sexual partners, and Moon Gabi was one of them. Likely a very sexually open relationship, very adventurous in the bedroom, so these two got along pretty well

These cheating allegations are false. I do think someone/ a company may have added sauce to this story for some type of gain. (Like for shock factor or something). There is no committed relationship in the picture, on either side.

How they are feeling about each other?

Wow. Moon Gabi REALLY respects him and admires him. She likes the way he handles his business and responsibilities (he's likely in the picture when it comes to taking care of their child), sees him as a business man and provider. She's also INSANELY attracted to him, likes the way he looks, smells, behaves etc..... (she's giving water sign vibes....Do you guys know how you're attracted to someone, but it's like next level attraction. Like a person that completely fills up your five senses. Touch, taste, smell, sight, and hearing. That's how intensely attracted she is to him). I will say she may be blind to his flaws, could have rose colored glasses on when in his presence.

For Woosung, he's feeling quite sorry for her. He knows South Korea doesn't view women having children out of wedlock fondly and that her life may get harder after having this baby. He sees her as a person who risked a lot for him and their child, she's listens to him and is very agreeable. Not a drama queen whatsoever but makes sacrifices for the greater good of everyone. I do see that if he wishes for her to be more hidden away and quiet about the happenings of their relationship and the baby, she has no problem with that arrangement. Basically, she meets his wishes/demands readily (she seems quite submissive and trusting, maybe a bit too trusting).

He may not have liked that she revealed/talked about the baby on social media (I do know she posted a pic of her and the baby's hand on instagram). He does see her as a bit immature and ditzy.

I am seeing that Moon Gabi is a lot more naive and unsuspecting than he is. I get a vibe that she doesn't completely know what she got herself into. And I'm not saying this in a sense of Woosung being a bad person but that he's a popular/well off celebrity that comes from a completely different world than she does. It's like a less well-off, naive woman getting into a relationship with the biggest star in Hollywood and just thinking everything will be glitz and glamour all the time. I think Moon Gabi is in a bubble of ignorance/naivety, and I'm not sure if Woosung wants or will pull her out.

I heard "she's easy to deal with". Like a vibe of "I can give her this or that and she'll accept it". I doubt she's ever made demands or asked for complicated things like marriage or commitment but just accepts the money or smaller things.

This may sound mean, but I get a vibe that he's the more smart, calculating one in this relationship/connection. She's a bit too ditzy and in lala land. It's surprising to me bc usually in relationship dynamics I see the woman being smarter than the guy she's with but it's the complete opposite in this connection. And when I say smart I don't just mean good at math or knows trivia or some shit but smart as in quick-witted, cunning and mentally sharp.

[decadentfantasy]

Could you do MK11 Fujin, MK1 Earthrealmers (plus Syzoth and Lord Liu Kang) with a DJ/music producer reader?

𝑴𝑲1 𝑴𝑬𝑵 𝑾𝑰𝑻𝑯 𝑨 𝑫𝑱/𝑴𝑼𝑺𝑰𝑪 𝑷𝑹𝑶𝑫𝑼𝑪𝑬𝑹 𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑫𝑬𝑹

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔: Syzoth, Liu Kang, Johnny Cage, Kenshi Takahashi, Raiden, Kung Lao

𝑻𝑾: brief mentions of alcohol

𝑨/𝑵: i'm sorry i took so long to answer, i've been so busy with school and it's completely drained me </3 i promise i'll be active again very soon

❥︎ 𝑺𝒀𝒁𝑶𝑻𝑯

❥︎ Being from Outworld, Syzoth is obviously unfamiliar with your line of work. But that doesn't mean he doesn't like it, quite the contrary in fact: as I've mentioned before dance in Outworld is considered a sacred art, and such appreciatetion is extended in regards of music as well. At every important celebration there are musicians and singers, in charge of entertaining the guests all evening. In Syzoth's eyes, what you do is very similar if not the same thing exactly, you just use different means.

❥︎ If you have one of those neon DJ consoles, Syzoth is going to be enamored by it. Reptiles have four color receptors in their eyes, one more than humans, so what he sees is far more vivid than what you see.

❥︎ Accessing the club you work in isn't a problem for him, after all he can turn invisible and walk right past the bouncers. He watches you from above, clinging to the ceiling, and sees the bustling sea of people surrounding the small stage you play on, colorful lights hitting the shimmering glitter on your face. It's the most beautiful and happy he ever saw you.

❥︎ 𝑳𝑰𝑼 𝑲𝑨𝑵𝑮

❥︎ I think it's important to mention Liu Kang lived in the '90s (his Friendship in MK11 is literally him dancing under a disco ball), he's a big fan of disco and pop music. And, despite that not exactly being your genre, he grows fond of it very quickly. After all it's your passion, it's only fair he interests himself in it at least a little.

❥︎ He likes to sit in on your recordings, especially if there are lyrics. Despite appreciating your music, he prefers the sound of your voice: he finds it sweet, caressing his ears softly. He could listen to you singing for days on end.

❥︎ Over the eons he's become increasingly good at sneaking around unnoticed, so he often goes to see you when he's not particularly busy and it's one of your quieter evenings (as quiet as a DJ can be). He doesn't want to disturb you so he just stands back, watching you from afar as you enjoy making people dance under the bright lights.

❥︎ 𝑱𝑶𝑯𝑵𝑵𝒀 𝑪𝑨𝑮𝑬

❥︎ As a person who works in cinematic productions, Johnny deals with music producers all the time, so it's suffice to say he's not easily impressed. But, from the first time he heard you, he was hooked to you and your music. He doesn't know what it is, it could be the basses or the echoey vibe it has, but he loves the atmosphere it sets.

❥︎ He hired you on the stop after he saw you perform for the first performance, in his mind there's no other producer that can compete with your work. He has you compose and play the soundtrack for all of his movies, and some of your songs become hits thanks to him! Not to mention he brings you to a lot of his interviews and other occasions, increasing your popularity tremendously.

❥︎ When you're not busy composing, you still perform at one of the most exclusive nightclubs in Hollywood. And you better believe Johnny will attend every time he can! If he has to black out drunk, he'll do it with your music on, slowly growing to become white noise as he passes out.

❥︎ 𝑲𝑬𝑵𝑺𝑯𝑰 𝑻𝑨𝑲𝑨𝑯𝑨𝑺𝑯𝑰

❥︎ He goes to nightclubs regularly, more out of habit than anything. He generally doesn't pay attention to the music that plays, huddled away in his VIP, but it's different when you play. He sees it in the way you move, the way you sing along to your own music: you pour so much passion into your job, he finds it contagious.

❥︎ Kenshi likes your more upbeat music, the fast-paced, bass-boosted kind. He's always been a fan of the more energetic genres, specifically synth-pop. He teaches you some Japanese words and phrases to use as lyrics, after a bit of coaxing he even relents and lets you record him for some of your pieces (much similarly to Lady Gaga's bodyguard in "Government Hooker").

❥︎ He doesn't tell you, but when you perform he takes it upon himself to look out for you. He knows how easily these events can escalate into violence, especially if there's alcohol available. He stands just behind you, watching over you from the shadows. And if nothing happens it's even better: he gets to just bask in the lovely atmosphere you create.

❥︎ 𝑹𝑨𝑰𝑫𝑬𝑵

❥︎ Raiden isn't that big on clubs and nightlife in general, he's a very calm person who enjoys calm places. Still, the only time Kung Lao manages to convince him he gets to see you perform and instantly feels more comfortable in what he otherwise would find to be a suffocating atmosphere.

❥︎ He asks you to play privately for him often, in the comfort of your bedroom or living room. Truthfully, he enjoys looking at you as you play more than listening to the music itself: you look so relaxed even as your hands move so quickly over your console, a sequence that seems to be engraved in your memory from how effortlessly and fluidly you carry it out.

❥︎ While he doesn't attend many of your performances, he uses the lo-fi compilation you composed for him to do basically everything when you're not around, namely cook and meditate. He makes him feel like you're right there at all times, it brings him great comfort.

❥︎ 𝑲𝑼𝑵𝑮 𝑳𝑨𝑶

❥︎ While he can't exactly be described as a party animal, Kung Lao is still much more socially active than Raiden. Before your relationship developed to this point he was your biggest fan, doing his best to attend each and every one of your performances. He even got his t-shirt signed once, and it's the one he insists you wear when you sleep over at his place. Call him cheesy, but for him that was the fateful moment your lives crossed.

❥︎ If you were up to teach him, he'd love to learn how to play your console. It looks so complicated and cool with all its buttons, switches and levers, he has so much fun messing with them! Though he gets the worst jumpscares sometimes, making you laugh until your belly hurts. He almost doesn't mind.

❥︎ Even after you start dating he's still your biggest fan, maybe even more so than before. He's the type of boyfriend to brag about you to all of his friends, he's just so proud of you he can't keep it to himself! He especially enjoys helping you with your make-up before you go up on stage, it's an excuse to smother your face in kisses.

[chacolachao]

what are your thoughts on Amy Rose throughout the franchises history and how a possible year of Amy in 2027 could or should, revitalize her as a character.

Amy Rose was my absolute favorite character (besides Sonic ofc) and I would unironically roleplay as her chasing my friends around in groups of 3 ie. Sonic Heroes in Elementary school haha

This is going to be long~~~

She was my favorite pink powerhouse that my little child brain latched onto like a lifeline. She actually fell right in line with other characters I loved around the same time and would eventually know, both in presentation and personality:

Perhaps this was of its time but there was something very appealing of a cute girly character having a strong personality to me, and was prevalent in a lot of Japanese media at the time. Of course, it wasnt apparent that Amy was a character that filled the "is girl" role because I was introduced to her alongside other characters like Rouge and Cream. The ratio was still abysmal but thats a far concept for someone still in single digits age. Amy's attire, outside of her original classic look had a very 60s Go-Go boots in a halter sunskirt look, along with gold bangles that are a bit reminiscent of Nana's eclectic styling- it was very unapologetic in the space it takes up and leaned into a streamlined coloring that could fit with Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles well. She definitely fit in as a part of the group visually. She, of course, gets lambasted for being so over the top in love with Sonic, making it her main motivation in a lot of the games but I don't think it really needed to be that complex. Looking at Sonic, his whole motivation is literally going where the wind takes him and winds up helping people along the way. They utilized Amy the same way, having being around Sonic be her motivation and using it to get her into situations where her personality, drive, and spirit can shine- helping people along the way. It definitely wasnt perfect and it wouldve been nice if they gave her more agency but she wasnt without her bright moments ie. Sonic 06, Sonic Riders. They answered this through Sonic Boom, giving her a calmer, more of an exasperated boy-wrangler role. Which, wasnt that bad to have I think, especially in the tv series. It felt refreshing to have her be more important- and it was completely ok because Sonic Boom was an AU. A different world with different versions of our characters that let people explore other aspects to these complicated personas. It was a lot of fun. The main complaint that I've seen echoed was the fear they would be rid of Amy's infatuation with Sonic, her core motivation for over 20 years- and it would then be replaced with this interesting "girlboss" personality that was blasting through Hollywood at the time.

In truth, there's nothing wrong with the "girlboss" character trope, and there is also nothing wrong with the "boy-crazy" character trope. The main issue here is that Hollywood, the entertainment powerhouse that unfortunately steamrolls through diverse pop culture and transforms other things into itself, has a problem with writing women, girls, and feminine-presenting characters as entirely one-note. Every character will be "girlboss" only, or every character will be "boy-crazy", or every character will be "Well that just happened", etc. Almost never multifaceted or unique in ways that their counterparts have the opportunity to be. That isn't to say no one else falls into these same tropes, or that there isnt such thing as a nuanced female character- just that there tends to be a trend in Blockbuster movies and how the audience deciphers (or refuses to decipher) characters aka. media literacy.

And I think we, in some way, may be afraid that Amy's character will switch from one "one-note" to another "one-note", and fans of the previous status quo will be sidelined. And maybe that will happen. I loved Sonic Frontiers because it told me that Sonic Team wanted to lean into her belief in love and fate, trying to create a new motivation for her that doesnt sacrifice her established characterization. They seem to want to explore a motivation for the motivation she had for years, and I'm here for it. I have no confidence in Sonic Movie 4's characterization of Amy and do not expect them to do something great. If they do I will be happy and go on with my day, but the movie industry in the United States revolves around one thing, and if fans are happy while they pursue that one thing, that's fantastic. But I will not be surprised if she is written in a way that follows whatever trope is popular at the time of release. Does that mean there won't be a Year of Amy in 2027? Nah, they might do it- but what kind of Amy is up in the air.

[ravi-is-my-beloved]

I know that I was going to try be positive, but I just have to say this really quick before I can go back to trying to stay positive.

If your first instinct when you see people freaking out about yet another POC character being let go and written out of the show is to say "Oh they were just deadweight" or "Oh, shows write off recurring characters all the time", I need you to look back on your biases and rethink your words and the implications they have.

I don't care if you're white or a person of color, you've been thinking that this is normal when it shouldn't be.

Just because shows write off recurring characters doesn't mean that we should all just be like "Oh, they're writing off an Indian character, they do that all of the time." It's a pattern and they regularly do it mostly to POC characters. It's not something we're making up or exaggerating, it's a real problem in Hollywood.

And just because it's something they normalized doesn't mean we should just accept it! Just accepting it's normal has never been the way that change happens and it's not going to give us more main characters who are people of color. Shows are going to continue to write off recurring characters who are people of color and people who think it's normal will just keep letting it happen.

Also, Ravi is not deadweight, at all.

Yes, he's not entirely on the A-shift with the main characters and has been going back and forth from being on the A-shift and the B-shift, but he literally is a part of the Gerrard plotline because he was on the A-shift when they find out Gerrard is their new captain. And before that, he had an entire arc where Bobby sent Chimney to the academy not just so Chimney could gain confidence but also so he could bring Ravi back to the 118. We know a little bit of his backstory and how he had leukemia in his childhood!

Ravi is not a background character who was just there, he had storylines and lore. He had the same amount of scenes in season 7 than Josh, but none of y'all are saying Josh is a deadweight background character. He has interacted with the 118 more than Tommy has in all of his scenes combined.

Yes, there's no actual proof that Anirudh isn't coming back for season eight and there's a possibility that he may be in the later half of the season. But if it is true that he's not coming back, then it is a symptom of a larger problem that has been going on for years now. And no, we're not saying that Tim/ABC are intentionally doing this to be racist, but it is racist even when unintentional because they're (unintentionally) continuing the pattern of removing POC characters for seemingly no reason despite bringing back white characters who have the same amount of screen presence.

And the way some of you are opening spewing racist rhetoric right now despite saying people are being homophobic for their Tommy hate a few days ago is very telling. No, I'm not saying that the Tommy hate is or isn't homophobia, I'm saying that is funny (in a very hypocritical way) that you think homophobia is wrong but not the racism you're accepting as normal.

[interstellar-wanderer]

Theory about The Ghoul/Cooper: Highly influenced and vulnerable to dishonesty.

Cooper Howard trusts deeply in the people he loves and the idea of the American Dream that was sold to him during the Sino-American war. He fought for those ideals, his country and the people he loved, and before the Great War and drop of the bombs he can't stand any other perspective for his own sanity.

The problem is, he is not a very good actor you see. He usually creates the character of a highly dignified cowboy because it is a projection of what he wants for himself, an ideal version of a man, openly criticizing the choice of the character not doing what he would do in real life (shooting someone), and in his other movie, he plays a role of a man with a dog, with the help of his own dog and not another random dog, I believe because he wanted to portray his own relationship with his loved pet rather than a random role.

He lives his characters and roles, to the point of turning one of them when becoming the Ghoul, this lone cowboy and bounty hunter hurt by his past and tired of the cruelty and dishonesty around the Wasterland.

He uses his emotions and all his heart for his roles and forgets everything else because through his roles he is showing a part of himself in the process, but with the consequence of leaving nothing to protect himself, because he has never created a facade around his person, he is honest and true, th same way we see The Ghoul as he is, no lies nor attempts at dishonesty; he is clear with his intentions to the very end.

But because of this, Cooper is vulnerable and ignorant to true deep dishonesty, to someone who would straight up lie to his face, to someone living two parallel life at the same time. He prides himself on knowing his wife's true motivations and never thinking bad about her, he also sees Lucy and believes her just as transparent but never thought of her surviving SnipSnip.

When Barb showed her real colors during the Vault-Tec meeting, declaring they should drop the bombs themselves, he broke in such a way he went into shock. One would believe he is in fact a good actor, and would try to be good in hiding it, but I would say Barb was a better one by playing two roles at the same time God knows how long and Cooper suspecting nothing of such. This happens when:

1) she convinces him to pose as Vault boy and be part of their promotional campaign

2) then when she invites everyone to the wrap party to their house without telling him, subsequently not showing remorse at him being abandoned by his Hollywood friends

3) then gatekeeping him regarding her status as worried housewife during the war in Anchorade and how stupid his idea of a ranch was

4) ultimately convincing him to accept his dog should go (something we all know made him suspect of Vault-tec and her), for the sake of their security.

But this caused a drift between them, him starting to suspect something was up when she told him they wouldn't be safe if they buy a bunker themselves because it wouldn't work, then trying hard to "put everyone in one of the GOOD vaults, one which would oversee all others".

This is when his world started to crumble. Not only her lying, but she not trusting him enough with the real truth of their situation, manipulating him instead with a dishonest facade.

The worst part is that it is very likely she knows this about him, his soul is rooter in honesty, fairness, and dignity, do the right thing the same way Lucy envisioned before coming out of Vault 33. He doesn't expect his wife to lie to him or represent a version of the world he fought against, he doesn't expect his country to betray him regarding their safety.

We can understand now why he became such a bitter man, and why he seems to avoid the old version of himself.

Maybe he thinks, if he had known, if he hadn't trusted so damn much, if he hasn't been so vulnerable and hasn't opened his heart expecting the same back, maybe he could have done something to stop it all.

Now every time he looks back, he seems to hate the man he was so very much.

[fictionfocus]

Why "The Last of Us" Season 2 is Flopping

Ello fello earthlings! Your friendly neighborhood English Major is here to analyze a highly criticized, formerly critically acclaimed television show. If you're wondering where exactly it went wrong and why it all feels off, well, I'm here to break it down for you.

First and foremost, I'm here to clear the air. The problem stems from the executive producers and writers, and all the people who are creating the show. The actors were cast by casting directors, and the dialogue was written by writers in a writers' room. I've seen a lot of memes being made to make fun of Bella Ramsey, the lead actress. Everyone seems to have conveniently forgotten that we all loved Bella's performance in season one. Case in point provided in one of many Reddit threads:

"When I first saw them, I wasn’t sure, but from the get-go they absolutely rocked the role and matches Ellie’s energy and personality so well. I think it threw me off that they don’t look much like the character Ellie, but it’s so nice to be proved that that’s not always important for a role." - nomiic, Reddit

"I was skeptical at first because of the appearance difference, but Bella definitely nailed the character. I was on board after a few episodes, but episode seven's performance was the figurative nail in the coffin for me. Bella killed that shit. Excited to see how season two plays out." - madhaxor, Reddit

"When they announced the casting of Pedro, I thought it was perfect. When they announced the casting of Bella, I thought it was way off and was really concerned. Now I feel that I was 100% wrong; she was terrific." - carsnick, Reddit

While Redditors are nowhere near professional reviewers, Reddit is a place where anyone and everyone can say their piece. To me, it more accurately shows the way the general public feels on a certain topic. And that's what matters. Not the big wigs in Hollywood, not the reporters getting paid off to report with bias, the real people sitting at home who are emotionally and personally invested in this story.

First, let's talk casting. Let's talk about Joel.

The first issue came with there never being open auditions. They only offered the role to several well-established actors. No one ever had to audition. While Pedro Pascal's performance in this adaptation was nowhere near lacking, there was a major change to Joel's character to better adapt to Pascal's portrayal of him. People going into this show who already had an established love for Pedro Pascal probably wouldn't have been able to disconnect that from Joel as a character. This happens when big-name actors are overused. Audiences have a hard time separating the actor from the character. Plus, when you cast a man with a busy schedule, you know that actor won't be sticking around very long.

So, who else was considered for the role? There were talks of reaching out to Mahershala Ali. Some people thought this casting could've worked out. Just. . . No.

I've seen his work. He's a naturally soft spoken person who plays a lot of level headed characters. I don't think he could've pulled off the grit and rage as well as natural humor needed to play Joel. It honestly sounded like they just considered the concept of having a black Joel because spoiler alert, Neil Druckman loves him some characters of color.

Matthew McConaughey was apparently a close second in consideration for the role. Honestly, I think he would've made a remarkable Tommy. He has the right maturity for it, and he would capture the natural sadness Tommy has about him in the game. But McConaughey would also have captured Tommy's darker side well.

Gabriel Luna as Tommy just never sat right with me. He has too much of the aforementioned sadness. His badass moments don't really feel badass. He just doesn't sell it to me. His humorous moments don't feel natural, and his chemistry with Pedro and Bella feels lacking. He looks nothing like Pedro Pascal, who is supposed to be his brother. They even tried to say at one point in Episode 1x06 that they looked similar, and it was just... laughable.

A big part of the games was their similarities. After Joel's death, Tommy is a walking reminder of Joel. Not just in mannerisms and personality, but he's a better version of Joel, who has already found his redemption. Having an actor who could mirror Joel and Tommy is vital to finding the right Tommy. Because Tommy used to be Joel. While we don't see a lot of Tommy in the original material, that's what I feel was needed to expand on his character and still make it feel like him.

They probably felt the need to cast a Hispanic actor to mirror the choice of Pedro Pascal, but Pedro is very racially ambiguous. They showed us this themselves by casting a young white actor to play young Joel. Not to mention that Luna is Cuban-Puerto Rican, and Pascal is Chilean. A simple Google search of these nationalities will show a major difference. But I do have to say, Tony Dalton looks remarkably like Pedro Pascal, and was a good cast for the father. But the young actor for Tommy does NOT at all look related to them. Still confused on the casting of a white actor to play young Joel here, though. Are we trying to say race is a social construct as well now...?

So let's talk about Maria, Tommy's wife. She's a very assertive and domineering character who takes on the leadership role of Jackson. We don't need to see her in combat to know she's strong; we just feel it. In fact, she and Ellie are similar in a lot of ways. Maria is levelheaded and can always consider the bigger picture. This woman was born to be a Miller. She grounds Tommy so well, and was a big part of his redemption arc after the first twenty years of the outbreak.

Now let's talk about Rutina Wesley's portrayal. She herself is an amazing actress, with her performance in True Blood being captivating and immersive. Her episode on The Walking Dead was intense and very well done. Yet if this was the first I'd ever seen of her, I'd be convinced she was lacking in skillset. She was cast so wrongly, and written even worse.

The best way I could sum it up is, she's nothing special. Maria in the game makes you immediately wonder when you'll see her again. But Rutina trying to be intimidating and badass just wasn't working for me. She does not feel like the same character at all. Not to mention the way they wrote Maria in the show makes her seem more like a loving wife, and less of a badass leader. They put her on a council for crying out loud! I couldn't name any distinguishing characteristics of Maria from the show.

We don't know anything about the casting process of Maria, but I'm genuinely curious why the original actress Ashley Scott wasn't considered. She's still actively working with Naughty Dog, and they cast the same actor from the game for Isaac and Marlene. The same could've even been done with Sarah's actress as well. They made Joel older to better suit Pedro Pascal, so they could've very easily made his daughter older (Sixteen or so) to suit Hana Hayes. Sarah, being so young at the time of the outbreak, wasn't exactly a vital element to the story. In fact, part of Joel's story was that he had his daughter when he was very young. So if he's older, it makes sense that Sarah would be too. I hate to say it, but it really just seems like they passed up the white actresses in favor of bringing on another person of color. I really hope there's another explanation, but this is HBO we're talking about here. Plus, with Neil Druckman's influence on executive decisions, he's been put in a position to ruin the story as far back as the first game's material. A lot of people don't realize he was, in fact, the mastermind behind the downfall of what we know and love about the Last of Us. But don't worry, we'll discuss that another time.

As far as more minor castings of the season, I have to say the castings for Owen and Manny feel so off. They rewrote Manny's character by combining him with Jordan, which a lot of shows do to when characters don't play particularly big roles, but I don't necessarily think that was a good play. Manny was very distinguishable as a character. A ladies man, a sweet talker, on board with the WLF because he believes in it. But he's been turned into a sterotypical asshole, thus being turned into a two dimensional character. They could still turn that around, but as far as I could tell, they've already kinda whitewashed him, so they could cast a non-Spanish-speaking American who is an already established actor. Another instance of not opening auditions and handing the role to someone who hasn't proven they can pull it off.

Owen so far hasn't really sold me, but again, we haven't seen these characters enough to know for sure. But I remember one specific moment of his line delivery in Episode 2, which makes me laugh every time I see it. You know, that moment he goes up to Abby and just kinda stares intensely at her and says "END IT." In a very puffed-up way that did NOT match the scene's intensity. But the line in itself is lacking. They changed it from Owen chastising her, "End it. Now." to "eNd iT!!!"

As for Mel, the problem I've seen so far is that they've changed Mel's character. Plus, the actress herself isn't identifiable as Mel. Then again, neither was Nora's actress. I don't know, but the different hairstyles threw me off. When I first saw them in the opening scenes I was just like "Who tf are they??"

I didn't know who they were until I looked at the cast list.

How hard would it have been to give Mel a pixie cut? Give Nora a ponytail? Or have the characters be called by name? If you aren't gonna cast someone who looks like the adaptation, you're gonna have to throw me a bone here. Nora's actress sells me on it being Nora later on, but the writing for Mel's character could be why she feels off to me so far. Mel, as a character, is meant to be more intense. Just because she's a healer, it never meant she was a kind-hearted person. She has more compassion than other members of the WLF, but she does still associate with them. She isn't innocent.

Moving on, I want to discuss the casting of Ellie. In this case, we know for a fact that auditions were being done. Which was very important, since the actress needed to be ambiguous enough to play young Ellie and the hardened, older Ellie we see in later seasons. Maisie Williams was considered, and fans were very on board with that possibility. There was even a fan-made petition started in hopes that Maisie would get the role. But after the project was postponed, she was deemed too old to play the younger counterpart. However, Maisie has a very youthful look about her. And it's a lot easier to make an actress look younger than it is to make them look older. Her performance as Arya Stark and other roles shows that she can capture that youthful silliness, as well as that hardened, violent side. Besides, how often has Hollywood tried to sell us thirty-year-olds as teenagers? I mean, just look at who they cast as Evan Hansen in Dear Evan Hansen. But I get it.

So what about Cailee Spaeny? Well, here's the thing. It really seems like most people in the fandom are obsessed with her because of her resemblance to the original Ellie. Which, of course, didn't start until season two. This isn't to say Cailee Spaeny isn't a good actress, but do we have any reason to believe she could've pulled off Ellie in season one?

But this video was a good analysis. It compared the acting of Bella Ramsey and Cailee Spaeny side by side. There's something so much more child like about Bella that really shows. It worked in season one, but didn't hold up in season two.

But the costume didn't help either.

In television, hairstyles go a long way in showing how time passes. A shorter hairstyle demonstrates more maturity, in the same way that they gave Joel progressively more and more gray hair. I'm not sure why Bella bulked up for the role, but didn't cut her hair. She's quite known for loving her long hair, but this hairstyle with that hair length simply does not suit her.

In television, hairstyles go a long way in showing how time passes. A shorter hairstyle demonstrates more maturity, in the same way that they gave Joel progressively more and more gray hair. I'm not sure why Bella bulked up for the role, but didn't cut her hair. She's quite known for loving her long hair, but this hairstyle with that hair length simply does not suit her.

Now, I do think the hairstyle she wore at the New Year's Party scene managed to show that kind of change in maturity, but a hairstyle can only do so much. Because Ellie was such a lovable character in season one, the writers went with it and kept writing her as a childish goofball. Let's get one thing straight, y'all--

YOU CAN BE GOOFY AND SILLY WITHOUT STILL ACTING LIKE A LITERAL CHILD.

I'm a bit on the fence. The fact of the matter is, so many companies like HBO and Disney are now only hiring actors who align with their political beliefs. Which, guess what, folks? That's discrimination dressed up as inclusion. Finding a self-proclaimed non-binary actor for Ellie would've been like winning the lottery to these guys. It's all just a publicity stunt to them. So there's no way to know if Bella was chosen for her abilities or for her political alignment. This could be the very same as having Liam Hemsworth play Geralt.

But the poor writing isn't Bella's fault. Even after Ellie experiences this trauma, Ellie is still laughable and childish. This change was probably meant to suit Bella Ramsey better, because the maturity and anger simply don't feel right with her child-like face and mannerisms. But after seeing Joel die, Ellie is supposed to be quieter, angrier, and well, traumatized. Instead, there was a strong emphasis on Dina and Ellie's relationship. Instead of their relationship already being established when Joel dies, they try and put Ellie in a place to fall in love directly after his death. It simply doesn't feel right. Plus, so many fans of the apocalyptic genre aren't prepared to sit through so much romance. That's something The Walking Dead did well. They added romance as a subplot, without it being the main focus. Because, well, the main focus in this genre is meant to always be survival. Unless, of course, in some cases where it becomes revenge, and traipsing across the country to get revenge is realistic, even though it would literally take you a whole year. Seriously, just ask the pioneers.

(Did you catch my sarcasm? Okay, good.)

So many people have managed to catch on to the bad writing already. Let's normalize this, please. Make fun of the writing, not the actor.

(Or you know, we could be mature and simply critique the writing, but this is the internet we're talking about here.)

At the end of the day, a lot of the writing problems with Season 2 stem from the original material that is being adapted. Because if you adapt something people don't want to see in the first place, then you're gonna have a lot of people walking away. I've already seen a lot of people saying the show is making them appreciate the second game more. Which is a plus, I guess, but the storytelling in that game was lacking in a lot of ways.

That's a conversation for another day, though.

~ Fiction Focus

[nicpolin24]

I really hope that Luke brings A to the SAGs because if people can’t believe they are together I don’t think even a marriage certificate will 😛. So I ask: Why can’t people believe that Luke and A are in a serious almost 2 year relationship?

—- 🚩 I think it’s because they can’t fathom the idea that Luke is not the sweet sensitive lover boy they thought he was, he’s the opposite. Him dating a woman that trolled Nicola during the WT and post WT and for Luke to accept that is sad. Nicola defended him openly from DM during the WT, cleaned up his mess post papgate, but Luke couldn’t tell A to stop the trolling of his bestie? Also people can not believe he would act so horny and unhinged with Nic during the WT when he was committed in a realtionship. Luke’s actions towards Nicola was not for only PR he was unhinged when he didn’t even think he was being filmed. We can all agree how he acted with Nicola was not Ok for a man with a GIRLFRIEND.

—- 🚩 It’s weird how he would not bring A to events and only let the girl toilet twerk in their hotel room, was he embarrassed of her? He did the instyle stunt and A would post numerous photos wearing his clothes, in his house etc, but he still acted so unhinged with Nic. He acted like he did not know A in the NyC Premier he did not even walk in with her, pretty much acted like he did not know her. He was not by her side during the NYC premier and did not introduce her to Nic in the famous “leaked” hug video. When she tried to give him a drink he pretended like he didn’t know her. He closed the door on Antonia’s face during papwalk. That was so rude and mean of him. I do not like A and her problematic behavior but leaving her out like a piece of trash is icky and wrong. Just that does not make him a good bf. If women think this is great bf behavior their bar is in hell for men and it’s their problem not mine.

—- 🚩 I guess Luke fans see all this as red flags but they dont want to believe their pookie bear is a toxic walking red flag, so they go in defense mode. They will blame everyone and anyone for his toxic problematic behavior. His fans need to believe his actions and stop dragging Nicola into it. Take the rose colored glasses off.

—- 🚩 Those who are using Nicola’s and the cast mates words to defend Luke’s problematic behavior need to stop. His actions show the opposite of great bf, guy. Believe his actions, the red flags are everywhere that it has turned into a red flag parade 🚩 🚩

ANON perfectly said 👏 👏 👏 God I always forget those weird TT she would post twerking on the toilet ewww. She had to stoop so low to prove and insinuate she was with Lukey. Yea its weird and kinda sad that she could only stay in their hotel room and not go to the events 🤔

I feel that LL will still think its PR even if he brings Antonia to his first Hollywood red carpet, but what can we do? Grab your 🍿and enjoy the show 😆

[destinyc1020]

Sunday confession: Zendaya being blamed for the erasure of black women in media is wrong and unfair. I recently saw a tweet where someone watched Challengers and said she was miscast and Myha'la, an incredible actress on Industry, and it's like, why is it that, in the black community we have this scarcity mindset when it comes to success of one black actress? If one succeeds, it's impossible for others to do the same, if not the same, in their own way?

There can only be one great black actress, but other communities, they are allowed multiple?

Colorism is a real thing but that's not the reason there is erasure of unambiguous black women, it's those actresses not having a fanbase since they were teens and not being marketable. A great example in Naomi Campbell and Ayo Edebiri.

Let's focus on Naomi first.

She has dominated the fashion industry since the 80s and at one point was the highest paid model if her time, even more than her white counterparts and Tyra Banks, a lightskinned black woman who most ppl online would say she has more privilege than Naomi yet, Naomi was more successful. Colourism didn't limit her success, so that's where I get confused when ppl complain, ppl forget their history.

Ciceley Tyson, Lola Folana, Viola Davis, Kerry Washington, Robin Givens, Vivica A.Fox are black actresses who despite hardships, have not been put in a box and played complex characters and compare it to Z's filmography, the difference is loud. Z, as of recent, its allowed to be able to play complex characters, and yet ppl assume she's superior to them when they equate her visibility equivalent to better success is so backwards. The biggest thing that has helped Z is fashion cause it allowed her to create an avenue that wasn't tied down to her role, and fashion is universal in a way.

Ayo Edebiri is a great example of being a successful black actress. She's not even 30 and has achieved so much in the last few yrs than most actors do in a decade. Being a writer and director also helps, but we all saw her first as an actress. Yes she's dark skinned but she's also unbelievably talented and those ppl who complain don't take her success as a win because they have an image on how a black woman should be in hollywood and because she's not "glamourous", they dismiss her. How frustrating.

Jayme Lawson, Chloe and Halle Bailey, Lovie Simone, Carlacia Grant, Ryan Destiny, GeffriMaya, Vivian Oparah, Jodie Turner-Smith are just the few unambiguous black actresses who are young and killing it so I'm sorry I'm not seeing this scarcity.

If the argument was there aren't enough black led romcoms or sitcoms like Girlfriends or the black version of Sex and the City, I can understand because then it's an industry problem, not a ppl problem.

End of rant😭

Thanks Anon for your confession. 😊 I know this is a very touchy subject for some, so I'll try to handle it lightly.

First of all, I def agree with you....I don't think that Z herself should be blamed for what we see in Hollywood. To me, it's society, as well as the industry which should be blamed.

why is it that, in the black community we have this scarcity mindset when it comes to success of one black actress? If one succeeds, it's impossible for others to do the same, if not the same, in their own way?........There can only be one great black actress, but other communities, they are allowed multiple?

Well, a lot of times, there's this scarcity mindset in the Black community because Hollywood itself only allows one of us to be super successful at a time. It's not even that black actresses don't exist in this country, it's more so that we're (YOUNG Black actresses) not given the meaty roles (or media coverage) that would really help to catapult our careers to superstardom.

Zendaya has been smart in carving a small part for herself in this industry and even outside of the industry, which is a very strategic and wise move, because she knows that there aren't many roles for young actresses who look like her in this industry.

All of the other actresses that you mentioned like Kerry, Viola, etc ..... most weren't doing meaty film roles in their 20s. I have always said that hollywood doesn't have a problem with older black actresses, but when it comes to beautiful, younger black actresses, it's almost like they've tried to pretend like we don't even exist. And when I realized that eighty five percent of casting directors are middle-aged white, women that told me everything I needed to know lol 😂

Ayo Edebiri is a great example of being a successful black actress. She's not even 30 and has achieved so much in the last few yrs than most actors do in a decade. Being a writer and director also helps, but we all saw her first as an actress. Yes she's dark skinned but she's also unbelievably talented and those ppl who complain don't take her success as a win because they have an image on how a black woman should be in hollywood and because she's not "glamourous", they dismiss her. How frustrating.

Ayo is a good example...a bit of a wild card.... She's unambiguously BLACK. She's EXTREMELY talented, funny, successful, and seems sweet. I love her! 🥰

But she's also non-threatening. (Read: Lacks sex appeal). Just being honest! 🤷🏾‍♀️

When is the last time you've seen a fully black, young, attractive actress in a mainstream Blockbuster film? I'll wait..... 👀

All of the other younger black actresses you mentioned may be successful in their own right, but can you really say that any of them are even near Zendaya's level? Not even CLOSE.

Granted, not many actresses (even white) are.

I don't think people should be blaming Zendaya for that though. She's pretty famous however, so that's why her name keeps getting brought up. 🤷🏾‍♀️

Personally? I blame the system/society.

[savemeaimeemann]

Babe wake up! I have insomnia and wrote another fic about Arthur Fleck.

I'm Curious Yellow

AO3

Arthur Fleck is perplexed with a street girl rounding his neighborhood. He didn't know she felt the same.

Srry I'm to lazy too describe it but trust me.

Chapter 01 // I Think of You

- "What?"

- "I don’t know, that man over there...he keeps staring at you."

- "Yeah? Well, if he’s paying, I don’t mind."

- "Have you seen him? He’s kind of creepy. Dressed like a old man misplaced. Kind of a nerd I would say. He was inside that phone booth, and then was staring at you for... way too long. I don’t know, Maxine. Doesn’t feel right."

"Also is not the first time I've seen him around." added Grace.

- "Since when can we afford to be picky? I know I can’t. And, honestly, I think he’s kind of sexy with that weird set of clothing and hair. He has a "virgin" energy, don't you think" Maxine said as she was now really paying attention at the guy from the other side of the street. He was not staring anymore. He picked his colorful bag from the booth and was heading to another way".

"Look at those limbs, Grace. Don’t you think they could... do the job? I bet he can."

- "He looks broken as hell."

The man wasn’t exactly conventional. His appeal was a tightrope walk: either intriguing or repellent. To admit he was sexy felt like a confession. But Maxine didn’t care—she liked to push her own boundaries, make her own statements.

She took a long drag of her colored cigarette, watching the clown cross the street, deciding what her next move should be.

Maxine wasn’t your typical street worker. She had a certain French allure—literally, she was born in France, though how she ended up in Gotham was a story she kept to herself. Family issues, a love affair, a few revengeful twists. Gotham didn’t ask questions. It was a shadowy haven for those who didn’t quite fit anywhere else.

Today she wore a long leather coat with knee-high brown boots, just the right height to stay clear of Gotham’s filthy sidewalks. Underneath, a suede skirt and a black velvet top that hinted at more than it revealed. Her makeup was understated: a hint of blue eyeshadow, soft brown lipstick, bleached brows. Maxine was her own kind of eye candy for Gotham’s bleak streets.

No one asked much about her past. Everyone had their own dark stories. “Leave your problems at home,” they’d say. “These streets are for fresh starts.”

Not that they knew she had money stashed in a local bank. More than enough to live comfortably. But she chose to be out here. It wasn’t about the money, as she’d tell Grace—it was something more, something she couldn’t quite name. A “Belle de Jour” life, minus the self-awareness.

"We’ll see, then" She teased Grace.

-----

Arthur was glancing at the girl before, drawn to her in a way he didn’t quite understand. Her elegance had an aloofness he usually only saw in old Hollywood movies on his decrepit TV. Her colored cigarette, her presence—she felt foreign. She couldn’t possibly be a Gotham native, yet somehow she fit here perfectly.

He stopped staring and went on to his way, still in need to stop by the pharmacy and go back to his mediocre life, caring for his mom and all. Today he had a plus, as he was limping the whole way. He kept the pretty street girl aside on his mind and went on with his life.

Hours before all this, Arthur nearly got fired for losing a sign at his job as an entertainer for a run-down vinyl shop. His boss tore into him over the phone, at the booth.

"Arthur, I told you. You’re mediocre. A freak. Get it together, or you’re done. Trust me, half the guys here would love to see you gone."

Arthur banged his head against the phone booth glass, desperation seeping through him.

"I love my job. Please don’t fire me, Hoyot. Those kids at the hospital—they’re why I do this. I got jumped; it was just bad luck. I’m sorry."

- "Whatever, Arthur."

-----

1hr had passed after the intriguing man from the phone booth head his way. Maxine was intrigued by him, imagining what it would be like if he went to hire her right at that moment. Grace was right, he seemed broken. Maybe she would accept him for free only for the story. It would be fun, she thought.

Her trance for that man was so on her mind that she didn't bother working the rest of the day. She kept smoking with Grace.

- "I’m leaving for today"

"Leaving early hmmm?"

"I have a important visit to make close by. Gonna save some time."

- "So you’re off to see your new dealer?"

- "Hm...perdon?"

- "I saw you yelling at our last dealer yesterday. The whole block knows he’s been short on coke."

- "..."

- "Just tell me if he’s any good, alright?"

Maxine rolled her eyes. Grace wasn’t wrong, but she hadn’t touched cocaine in ages. She was looking for marijuana, a rare find in Gotham these days. “Let Grace think I’m as messed up as she is,” she thought.

Maxine cut through a back alley and arrived at a grim apartment building. Sad, filthy and dark.

She didn’t like elevators, but she wasn’t about to take the stairs in this place. Knife tucked into her skirt’s waistband, she stepped inside.

"Hey! wait!"

The elevator doors were about to close when she saw someone holding them open with their foot. Breathless, she stumbled in and mumbled, - "Thanks. I hate elevators. Its better to have company"

As she said the last phrase, she looked up. It was him—the sad man from earlier. Now that he was close she could white stains clung to his neck; he also was clutching a package from the pharmacy, she could tell.

Arthur looked as startled as she did, like he’d been caught mid-crime. Maxine’s confident facade faltered.

- "Oh, hey... stranger."

- "Uh... hi."

- "You know, you feel like a ‘known stranger’ to me."

- "Do I?"

- "Sure do. Maxine, by the way."

- "Arthur. Arthur Fleck. Nice to... meet you."

She leaned over to press her floor number and stood close to him, forcing herself to stay calm. She hadn’t planned on this confrontation happening here, in his territory.

The elevator shuddered upward, and she exhaled a shaky breath. - "Jesus," she muttered, as Arthur stood rigidly beside her, barely breathing.

Suddenly, the elevator jolted to a stop. Maxine grabbed her arm, squeezing so hard it hurt. She didn’t realize she was shaking.

- "It’s... it’s okay. It does this sometimes," Arthur murmured, almost kindly.

- "Oh. Great. Yeah, that makes me feel better."

- "Don’t you live here?"

- "No. Business meeting."

Arthur understood what she meant. Two floors in the building were reserved for dealers and addicts. He wasn’t naive; he knew what went on.

- "Oh."

"Can I ask you a question, Arthur?"

He nodded his head, in shock.

"I don't want to make this weird but... wasn't you staring at me earlier today?"

Arthur tensed, his body trembling. He tried to hold it in, but laughter bubbled up, uncontrollable. His shoulders shook, and he buried his face in his hand, laughing so hard he could barely breathe.

Maxine stared, horrified. - "Are you okay? Are you going to pass out?"

He doubled over, laughing and crying at once. She edged back, her hand instinctively finding her knife. - "Grace was right. Damn it."

Arthur fumbled in his pocket and held out a card. Warily, she took it with her free hand, glancing down. His laughing fit was finally subsiding.

She handed it back. - "Sorry..."

"It-its quite al- alright I-"

"No, I meant to say I don’t know how to read." She said with a smirk.

Arthur’s eyes widened, and then the laughter overtook him again.

She rolled her eyes and sighed, - "I’m joking, alright? Stupid joke. I didn’t mean to..."

She reached out, steadying him as his fit faded, feeling oddly protective. He looked down at her, still catching his breath.

The elevator jerked back to life, halting at his floor. Without a word, he stumbled out, covering his mouth.

- "Arthur!... Shit."

She glanced quickly at the corridor where Arthur had gone, trying to figure out which apartment was his. The last one seemed to be the only option. It must be that.

In the elevator, she pressed the button for her stop again, but all she could think about was Arthur. And how stupid she’d been with him.

She headed toward what seemed to be the dealer’s place, her package in hand, counting the cash, paying the steep price without hesitation.

“High-class babe, huh? Look at you.”

She couldn’t let herself be too familiar here. Dealers were touchy, especially the ones at the top. Guns, drugs—anything could be involved, but she had to keep her cool.

“Well, with all due respect, it’s been a good weekend.”

“Yeah? Hope you can keep up.”

“I hope so... " She said, as she gave him her paper note and he went inside to take it.

The man had it already settled. The transaction was fast.

"Efficient and worthed" Maxine thought.

"Well, Goodbye then. See you next time.” she said, turning on her heels.

“Wait.”

Maxine froze, looking up at him.

“I saw you with that weirdo who lives downstairs. Not my business, but... that’s some fucked-up shit. Guy’s not that young, lives with his mom, laughs like a maniac... I’ve had issues with him. Laughing at my customers in the elevator. Even laughed at me once. Almost shot his brains out, swear to God. He seems okay now, but trust me, you should be careful. Guy’s got problems, but maybe you can help. Fix him up a bit, stop him from scaring my customers with that laugh.”

Maxine didn’t know how to react. She wasn’t about to start defending Arthur, not after that elevator incident. She had her reasons for feeling guilty, but this wasn’t it.

"What I meant to says was, no offense, but maybe he could use your services. Blow some steam off"

Maxine wanted to laugh, but kept it serious.

“We were just talking,” she said, shrugging. “I don’t even know him. Not interested.”

“Okay. Just saying... keep an eye on him.”

“Fair enough. I’ll definitely take your advice. See you next time, thanks.”

“Sure, babe. Take care.”

Maxine’s stomach churned as she stepped out of that floor, fingers twitching in frustration. “How the fuck does he know about Arthur?” she thought. “What the hell is going on?”

She flipped him off as she stepped back into the filthy elevator, muttering under her breath. “Fuck you, fucker.”

That man really gave her something to think about. Did Arthur really live with his mom? Poor bastard, stuck in the wrong place at the wrong time, almost killed by those idiots. She didn’t want to think about it too much, but the thought lingered in her mind as she pressed the button for the 8th floor.

She needed to know more. Needed to fix this. And the guilt from earlier was eating at her.

The 8th-floor hallway greeted her with its usual griminess. Her heart was pounding now, but she kept moving, determined to find Arthur’s door.

It wasn’t unusual for Maxine to be in dangerous situations. After all, she used to be a journalist—her degree, her past, still clung to her. Danger was a language she spoke fluently, even if she didn’t like it. As a working girl, she knew how to deal with people. Knew what they were capable of. And the knife she always carried? It wasn’t for show.

But she couldn't. Not today. She turned back and headed home. She would just make things worse and she needed time to process what happened and have something of use to say to him. He was becoming her obsession and she needed to act carefully.

[mdhwrites]

Thank you for defending Amphibia S3A!!! You don't know how many times I've had to read people saying that Anne should've had an angst arc like Luz did in TOH over what happened in True Colors. That kind of take completely ignores that a.) Anne is her own character who responds to things differently (by compartmentalizing and trying to fix what she can), b.) Amphibia was trying to preserve its essential Amphibia-ness and not become a dreary angst-fest, and c.) Luz's arc wasn't even good lol so why compare it to that? I think there are a couple story things that could've been streamlined in 3A but overall it is a perfectly good entry into Amphibia canon and it wasn't "filler" or "pointless" by any means. (P.S. I would love to hear your thoughts on Commander Anne since I also think that's a really strong episode!)🦎

Send me another ask about Commander Anne because that is one of the episode fragments in Amphibia actually dense enough for me to talk about on its own. For now, I'm actually carjacking this ask to talk about trauma reaction in fiction using Anne, Sasha, HOP POP and Luz with Hop Pop and Luz being the extremes you need to avoid and then talking about both where Anne falls and why she's so good.

Though with any discussion of this, I do actually just want to quickly mention that I did a whole teaching blog a good long while back about Fantasy Trauma and why Luz's just plain sucks. I'm not going to talk about the event here but more the reaction but I still think it's worth mentioning that fantasy trauma like what happens to these characters is a trope in and of itself.

Also, welcome Amphibia fans, I like to use asks as a way to teach and your show lets me be POSITIVE while teaching for once which is a nice change of pace... But let's start with the bad.

Or let's start with some defining. See whenever you have a major event happen in your story, there's a pendulum of reaction. On both ends of the pendulum, you have equally bad reactions to it but in different ways. Those ends where either:

A: You don't react at all. Despite the fact that the event should have had an effect on you, you're seeming to be mostly fine and yourself. It often can make the character come off as callous or stunted in some way if they just don't even seem to be needing to cope with it in someway. Stuff like Sprig focusing on being a part of the family and Polly focusing on Frobo stop them from quite getting to this extreme because they're more genuinely interacting with the new world they're in and their problems. Hop Pop is the problem one here but we'll get to it.

B: You ONLY react to the ONE event. The rest of the story and your character DON'T MATTER now. You are only your angst arc. This actually works well for VILLAINS because the single minded obsession and refusal of logic is actually usually useful for justifying them going to such extremes. The problem comes when a character should theoretically know better, the level of reaction is unwarranted or you can point out that they're just wangsting (whine/angsting) because they have sunshine and rainbows around them they're blatantly ignoring. This is Luz's side of the problem.

This is technically an Amphibia ask though so let's start with Hop Pop. For some very, very minor proof I'm not a contrarian: Hollywood Hop Pop is easily the worst half episode in S3A. There's something to be said about there being about two episodes before the mid-season finale that are kind of janky. The problem isn't just with Hollywood Hop Pop.

Hop Pop has a lot of internal issues with danger, change and worry. A new world should panic him in some way. This is actually the greatest sin of Hollywood Hop Pop because the lesson from that one feels at best like an over correction to... The majority of S2A's characterization of Hop Pop. Similarly goes to him just enjoying being a house guest. Even if yes, this is his adopted daughter, he should have an episode segment dedicated to being worried about the new world they're in, trying to protect Polly and Spring, etc. like that, especially since his old world just turned inside out. SOME sort of reaction would be warranted... And we don't get it.

Instead we get him being overly trusting and thus getting scammed, his stuff about making the Boonchuys hating him is good but it's entirely disconnected from the trauma you would expect of the character and then he honestly takes the BIGGEST risk of them all, even using his actual name instead of a codename like Sprig does for Spider Sprig.

It genuinely feels like he is treating coming here like a vacation, not helped by that explicitly being a part of one of his episode segments and that's bad.

So what's the good version of this side of the pendulum? Well, if this side represents underselling the reaction to trauma, the good version is subtlety and that's what we get with Anne and it's done really well. It mostly is in the first couple episodes in S3A when the wounds are most fresh which makes sense. As she processes it privately, she can return more and more to who she was.

The biggest thing here is that Anne is overloading herself. She is burning out from the second Andrias stabs Marcy. Not even once she's home, but even by the final trauma having just been overloaded. She's 13 after all. 15 if you want to go off of what seems to have been the original intent for her and the rumors that Disney forced the trio to be younger.

A 13 year old CAN handle death. They CAN'T handle seeing one of their BEST FRIENDS die and the other one likely doing so too, let alone right after she assumed her third best friend also died, even if he didn't. True Colors is a TIME for Anne. Anne is a very simple girl after all. Stakes like these are not what she is capable of even processing at that point. She's never seen anything that bad.

And her trying to recap and summarize it shows it EXPERTLY. Even trying to actually think about what just happened tires her out and has her constantly having to correct herself because she doesn't want to admit that not only is she powerless, it's also too much for her to handle on her own. And that's WITHOUT acknowledging the high probability of her friends being dead, something that was on her mind since her reaction to seeing Sasha is disbelief/relief that she's ALIVE.

Then there's the other elements where Anne is the one pushing research the hardest, the fact that she's brushing other things off to find answers that will make her less powerless, her protectiveness of those around her and then yeah, the one episode segment that has her burnt out and dead tired because she's working herself to the bone.

And this is all in character with Anne's arc. She's grown to do things. To want to help. To not just coast through life and just as she was getting used to the idea of that... She now can't do anything. So we see her doing what she can which is just not a lot.

Alright, let's move on to the other side of the pendulum though. I often talk about Luz in the second half of The Owl House as "In her angst arc" because that's how it feels. She may as well have put on a dark brown hoodie, flattened her hair and declared everything sucked. None of her optimism, none of her enthusiasm, little of her care and complete distrust of EVERYONE.

OH WAIT THEY DID THAT! They made her as close to her BETA design for S3 Ep1 as possible to finish out that miserable attitude for her. And I'm not going to say all of it is unwarranted. Just like Hop Pop caring about being a good house guest is in character, Luz getting more serious to match the stakes of the show is theoretically a good thing. It needed more of a real transition (Hi Commander Anne as a good example of this) but there is a nugget of a good concept in it.

One that's stabbed repeatedly by never letting it end or be affected by anything. Stuff she'll say to Eda and King she will act like will kill her if she tells literally anyone else no matter how much more justified it is for her to be honest to them, she CONSTANTLY lies to the point where she breaks her word several times and part of why Amity theoretically likes her is just GONE and then we get the theoretical conclusion to it which is "I want to be understood."

When the fuck haven't you been? This is the true crime of this side of the pendulum. Part of the reaction requires the character to entirely forget and actively ignore the actions around her. Those friends who have constantly forgiven you and backed you up? Didn't understand. That supposed found family who constantly told you you weren't at fault and to take care of yourself? Didn't understand. Your mom, who supported your interested until you backed her into a corner by accidentally assaulting people, including your principal, with wild animals? Never. Understood. You.

And even then, she still doesn't break out of it after the first TWO times in S3 where she is forgiven and she makes a statement about moving on. She just throws a dreamstate pity party and doubts herself until GOD tells her she has never done anything wrong in her life.

It's too long, the resolutions are too contrite or eye rolling for the amount of time and pain spent with it and they also rarely have anything to actually do with the trauma itself. It feels like the character is reacting to something BAD rather than something SPECIFIC which robs it of its bite just as badly as not reacting to it at all. And that's if it even feels like the character and Luz in the second half of TOH, especially S3, just doesn't feel like Luz. Period.

You know who does feel like herself? Sasha. By the time S3B comes around, she's had to deal with too much to really still be dealing with the trauma (and she still is to some extent with her constantly worrying about her relationship with Anne, obsession with second chances, etc. like that but that's more rounding out her arc to me) so it's really just her one segment in S3A that needs to be examined.

Except we actually have to roll back first. All the way back to Reunion. Sasha's reaction to this all starts with the end of Reunion. That moment when, just for a second, she decides Anne is worth more than herself. That "maybe you'd be better off without me," and letting go. S2 handles the fact that Sasha dying actually made a REALLY bad inner conflict for her, let alone once news of Marcy being fine without her too got to her, but that's the fun of character arcs. They SHOULDN'T be a smooth curve. *coughs at Amity and Hunter*

Keeping on track though, we have Sasha not only facing the end of her at her most powerful but also the potential end of her friendships. She betrayed Anne again and while they fought together, that was for survival, where are they now? Worse yet, Marcy almost died in front of her and she was POWERLESS. All that talk of trying to do things so they all could be happy, that she knew best... It was all ash.

So she at first doesn't know what she's doing. She emotional and ready to lash out but she doesn't know what her target is. She just knows part of it is her fault and unlike in S2, she can't ignore it now. It haunts her until Anne shows Sasha what having been a good friend could have gotten her. What they could have been.

And so now, it's time to make good on her word. To become a protector and try to see a bit more in people than she assumes. This is ALL a reaction to True Colors primarily. It is addressing it all VERY bluntly minus Marcy's lie (I have complicated feelings on Marcy at this point) but it's still working within the frame of the character. This is still Sasha and we know enough about her to genuinely follow her train of thought while also getting to enjoy the character we have grown attached to. She isn't gone... But she's changing and if this side of the pendulum represents replacement as its bad extreme, change and introspection like what Sasha goes through is the good medium ground.

I want to finish this by saying that you CAN use the extremes well. Someone reacting to a teammate's death with indifference can genuinely turn a character who seemed a little cold to being seen as callous or like they believe the ends justify the means, no matter the sacrifice. Someone letting an event consume them can actually be a great start to an arc where the point is to criticize their reaction, instead of trying to invoke sympathy through it. That they are going too far and letting this be too much of who they and they need to find balance. They need to properly introspect. These are not hard rules by any means but there is a spectrum. A pendulum.

And as always, the best thing a writer can do is recognize where on that pendulum they're writing and use it as best as they can.

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