#I may link or refer to this later tho so here it is for my easy access

[keikakudom]

I'm gonna paste some old thoughts I had in my notes since I think think they're relevant to how I characterize Vox:

Need to make an anon account for my thoughts, cause if not then i'll start spewing stuff like

My biggest pet peeve is when Vox(and Angel Dust, but that's a whole other rant) is portrayed SOLELY as a victim of abuse. I am an extreme angst lover, don't get me wrong-- but I need that TV man in full control of his actions. His thing is damage control? His most trustworthy asset is himself. Has no sense of self-preservation because he's fully confident he can survive and recover from whatever injury or blow that comes his way. So powerful that he feels expendable- every part of him replacable, fixable, and hard to kill. Like a cockroach. No one objectifies him more than himself. What's the angst-kicker? It's when someone finds his habit of self-deflected torture to be "unsettling".

> It's me, my /body/, my /property/. I can make my own decisions, I've made myself powerful because of it.

(Vox doesn't entertain that 'AND' exists and both are true at the same time. Just 0's and 1's....)

(Or-- of course he's aware since he's probably the most insecure overlord in Hell, but just doesn't care in the grand sense! #NihilistVoxAgenda)

[ensemble-news]

This week on Ensemble News

The newest Crazy:B event has the community busted. Several theories, notes and analyses have appeared as a consequence.

Last week's catastrophy regarding the Enstars assets Drive appears to have settled down, however, the future of the drive is still unknown.

Ensemble News, our account, is finally running! Round of applause, we hope you support us through our journey.

Want to know more? Stay with us

▶ Fandom Section

Crazy Anthem and its landmarks

The newest Crazy:B music video for their song "Crazy Anthem" has been released. Because of this, the fandom has been making speculations about the possible landmarks that the video may feature, alongside theories and other writings.

A user on Twitter ¹ has deciphered many of the possible locations in which Crazy:B appears through the video and, possible, during their event story.

The video happens in California, as the event synopsis explains, but it looks like their route starts in San Francisco and finishes in Baja California, Mexico.

Curious about the locations? Here are some of the ones the fandom was able to find;

— Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills

"Venus Beach" — Venice Beach, California

— Walk of Fame, Hollywood

— Los Cabos, Baja California, Mexico

References:

1. Lisaw (@.mafucchu) via Twitter. 28/05/2023. Link

The Enstars assets Drive and its future

The past May 18th, the Enstars wiki Twitter account made an important post ¹ spreading awareness about the current state of the assets drive held by the account @.gradualcolors. The Twitter thread written explained that the assets drive — in which all cards, art, chibis, gifs, voice packs, and etc. are hosted, was going to be taken down due to multiple DMCA violations.

A week later, @.gradualcolors mod replies:

"All I want to say is that I want to stick with my belief of "assets = fandom creativity" and I'll try my best to maintain the new drive when I put it out again. I want to keep seeing how ppl decorate their social media with those files or do fun things like reading guides!!

Tldr; drive gone, will be re-hosted because I want to, rip my wallet tho. - H.E. had precedent to nuke the drive for reposting reasons so pls be careful posting fan created edits - Lemme see the cool edits and cute carrds you guys use these files for when drive comes back" (Rai via twt) ²

We don't know how much time it'll take them to make the proper accomodations to restore the folders, but we sure hope the struggles seize sooner than later.

References:

1. Enstars wiki (@.enstarsENG) via Twitter. 18/05/2023. Link

2. Rai (@.sakasakitty) via Twitter. 21/05/2023. Link

Inauguration! Ensemble News is finally up

To conclude with this fandom section, we'd like to express our excitement for this passion project. Ensemble News is a little blog that was constructed with pure love, with the objective of informing others and bonding with the community further. We hope you give this blog a chance, we encourage you to interact with us and to enjoy your time here. ♡

▶ Game Section

Event

The first Climax event has been announced. It's time for Crazy:b and their newest event "Sugoroku* Journey! Number Eight is Our BGM" to shine. Synopsis:

"Rinne and co. are invited to appear on "Number Eight", a show that was popular once upon a time, and so they head overseas. From Crazy:B's dice result begins their road trip where everything is left up to fate--" (Iridescent via twt) ¹

This event will feature 5* Rinne Amagi, 4* HiMERU and 3* Niki Shiina and Kohaku Oukawa.

Feature Scout

Feature Scout 2: Koga, has been announced. Synopsis:

"Koga isn't quite able to figure out what casual shots should be like, causing him to struggle in his photoshoot. He wants to show a cool side of himself while still looking natural." (Iridescent via twt) ²

This scout features 5* Koga Oogami, 4* Mika Kagehira and 3* Tsumugi Aoba.

Event Scout

Scout: Biblion, has been announced. Synopsis:

"Tsukasa isn't entirely sure about joining Biblion yet, but he joins as a temporary member. He finds a book that interests him in the bestseller section, and is engrossed in the book's universe." (Iridescent via twt) ³

This scout features 5* Tsukasa Suou, 4* Kaoru Hakaze and 3* Nagisa Ran, Hajime Shino and Tsumugi Aoba.

References:

1. Iridescent (@.iridesenescence) via Twitter. 27/05/2023. Link

2. Iridescent (@.iridesenescence) via Twitter. 24/05/2023. Link

3. Iridescent (@.iridesenescence) via Twitter. 28/05/2023. Link

May 2023 Tsukisuta notes:

Main story 1.5 is currently being voiced, part 3 will come out on June 26th. Summer voicelines will be added in-game on June 1st. New stamps were added to the Ensemble Live shop. Outfits for the 8th anniversary are now in the dia shop. Element (animation) prints are out and currently being sold at 7-Eleven JP. The next round of Starry Symphony tickets will start being sold on Jun 8th.

▶ Thank you for using Ensemble News.

[konohamaru-sensei]

Some kind of follower event or other.

im very sorry if you follow both blogs and have to see this double. ily for following both tho. special love and kisses to you.

In celebration of my 1000 follower milestone on a blog I pretty much abandoned (@wind-becomes-lightning) and my 100 followers on the blog that I am now using (@konohamaru-sensei) (and because I really love doing things for others), I’m hosting a little cross blog event. I anticipate that most of the entries will be from friends anyway and gifting friends makes little Nisi happy.

So, what are we going to do? Well. You have the choice. Either you request a little story from one of the prompt lists (please specify or send the prompt) or you send me a link to a reference and I will do an art. Either or is fine if you adhere to the rules

Stories will be around 1k length (maybe longer if I’m feeling it)

Artworks only for up to 2 people (You can look at art refs in my pinterest board if you don't have an idea.)

Off Anon only. (If you feel embarrassed please just dm me beforehand so I know it is you sending anons, or at least sign the request with your name, thanks!)

One request per person. (Q, I love you, but I still have like 5 requests of yours in my waiting list)

Absolutely no requests for “no-no ships” and “no-no characters” allowed.

OC requests only if you are from the Anxiety Anonymous server or if I have written for your oc before. (You may of course request my ocs if you care)

You can send Naruto related requests to any blog, but send any other fandoms to @konohamaru-sensei

Reader inserts are fine, as long as they are done with Yes-please characters. 

Fandom list for this time:

Naruto (obv)

Fairy Tail

Haikyuu

JJK

MHA

One Piece 

Prompt lists:

Romantic

Spicy

Angsty

Kisses

Recent art examples x - x - x - x

If you send me a “Yes-Always” ship or a “yes-please” character I will prioritise your request, because it will be more fun for me, but anything is welcome as long as you don’t break the rules.

I will leave this open until I feel like closing it. In my experience, there wont be too much anyway.

Ok thanks, BYE.

Ship list under cut.

Yes-Always Ships

Naruto: OBKK | KKYM | OBYM | OBKKYM | OBKKRIN | SAIINO

Fairy Tail: Jerza | Gruvia | Gruvion | Luvia 

JJK: SatoSugu

HQ: Oikawa x Kuroo

Yes-Please Characters

Naruto: Kakashi, Obito, Yamato, Konohamaru, Hinata

Fairy Tail: Lyon, Erza, Juvia, Jellal, Gray, Rogue, Loke

Haikyuu: Kuroo, Oikawa, Hinata, Bokuto

JJK: Gojo, Geto, Yuuji, Choso, Maki

MHA: Hawks, Iida, Dabi 

One Piece: Sanji, Robin, Law, Zoro, Luffy, Sabo, Ace

No-No Ships

For all fandoms: no inces-t, no teacher and student, no mentor and student, no adult and child

Naruto: S-NS | Na-ruSa-ku | Kaka-Ga-i| InoS-aku

Fairy Tail: Gajeel x Juv ia | Gra L u | Gr arza

Haikyuu: Iwao i | Kurook en | Suga x D aichi

JJK: any yuuji ship

MHA: Ba-kuD-eku

One Piece: Lu ffy x A c e

No-No-Characters

Naruto: Sa suke, Ma dara

Haikyuu: Tsukish ima

JJK: To ji, Na oya

One Piece: P udding

Every ship not mentioned here is one I am fine with, but not in love with. Which means you can request it just fine.

this whole thing will probably fail spectacularily and i will feel like shit but i mean... no risk no depressive hole to dig myself in later, so whats the fun?

[wind-becomes-lightning]

Some kind of follower event or other.

im very sorry if you follow both blogs and have to see this double. ily for following both tho. special love and kisses to you

In celebration of my 1000 follower milestone on a blog I pretty much abandoned (@wind-becomes-lightning) and my 100 followers on the blog that I am now using (@konohamaru-sensei) (and because I really love doing things for others), I’m hosting a little cross blog event. I anticipate that most of the entries will be from friends anyway and gifting friends makes little Nisi happy.

So, what are we going to do? Well. You have the choice. Either you request a little story from one of the prompt lists (please specify or send the prompt) or you send me a link to a reference and I will do an art. Either or is fine if you adhere to the rules

Stories will be around 1k length (maybe longer if I’m feeling it)

Artworks only for up to 2 people (You can look at art refs in my pinterest board if you don't have an idea.)

Off Anon only. (If you feel embarrassed please just dm me beforehand so I know it is you sending anons, or at least sign the request with your name, thanks!)

One request per person. (Q, I love you, but I still have like 5 requests of yours in my waiting list)

Absolutely no requests for “no-no ships” and “no-no characters” allowed.

OC requests only if you are from the Anxiety Anonymous server or if I have written for your oc before. (You may of course request my ocs if you care)

You can send Naruto related requests to any blog, but send any other fandoms to @konohamaru-sensei

Reader inserts are fine, as long as they are done with Yes-please characters. 

Fandom list for this time:

Naruto (obv)

Fairy Tail

Haikyuu

JJK

MHA

One Piece 

Prompt lists:

Romantic

Spicy

Angsty

Kisses

Recent art examples x - x - x - x 

If you send me a “Yes-Always” ship or a “yes-please” character I will prioritise your request, because it will be more fun for me, but anything is welcome as long as you don’t break the rules.

I will leave this open until I feel like closing it. In my experience, there wont be too much anyway.

Ok thanks, BYE.

Ship list under cut.

Yes-Always Ships

Naruto: OBKK | KKYM | OBYM | OBKKYM | OBKKRIN | SAIINO

Fairy Tail: Jerza | Gruvia | Gruvion | Luvia 

JJK: SatoSugu

HQ: Oikawa x Kuroo

Yes-Please Characters

Naruto: Kakashi, Obito, Yamato, Konohamaru, Hinata

Fairy Tail: Lyon, Erza, Juvia, Jellal, Gray, Rogue, Loke

Haikyuu: Kuroo, Oikawa, Hinata, Bokuto

JJK: Gojo, Geto, Yuuji, Choso, Maki

MHA: Hawks, Iida, Dabi 

One Piece: Sanji, Robin, Law, Zoro, Luffy, Sabo, Ace

No-No Ships

For all fandoms: no inces-t, no teacher and student, no mentor and student, no adult and child

Naruto: S-NS | Na-ruSa-ku | Kaka-Ga-i| InoS-aku

Fairy Tail: Gajeel x Juv ia | Gra L u | Gr arza

Haikyuu: Iwao i | Kurook en | Suga x D aichi

JJK: any yuuji ship

MHA: Ba-kuD-eku

One Piece: Lu ffy x A c e

No-No-Characters

Naruto: Sa suke, Ma dara

Haikyuu: Tsukish ima

JJK: To ji, Na oya

One Piece: P udding

Every ship not mentioned here is one I am fine with, but not in love with. Which means you can request it just fine.

this whole thing will probably fail spectacularily and i will feel like shit but i mean... no risk no depressive hole to dig myself in later, so whats the fun?

[adoptable-mayhem]

Intro!

Hello y’all! I’m Woof, and welcome to the silly blog of a random idea I came up with :D

What’s this blog for?: Here I share as many adoptables I can find, in the hopes they’ll get more attention and eventually sell. Artists are credited ofc! Note that you may need certain social medias, such as Discord or Toyhouse, to offer for these adopts. Any adoptables that need a specific social media will have that info on the advertising post, and in the case of discord, server links will be provided!

Advertising post?: yep! That’s the term I use to refer to posts sharing a specific adopt out onto tumblr.

What’s your text post tag?: #woof rambles

Now, let’s get this out of the way:

DNI and Thin Ice

Please do not interact with me if:

- you are a pedophile/MAP/support lolicon

- you are a Zoophile/support feral nsfw

- you are a proshipper/profic/etc

- you are homophobic/transphobic/biphobic/etc (this includes not supporting because of your religion!!)

- you are racist, antisemitic, anti Black Lives Matter, or support blue lives matter

- you are a neo-nazi/support nazis

- you ship any of the following: ZADR, Billdip. These ships fall under proship!

- you’re a hardcore Dream stan (personal comfort reasons, sorry! DSMP fans can interact tho!!)

- you’re an anti-furry

- you’re anti therian/fictionkin/otherkin

- you actively participate in cringe culture or bully people for harmless interests

- you support autism speaks

- you’re a hardcore Trump supporter (personal comfort once again)

- you support/make YouTube “heat” content (gacha heat, emoji heat, Wildcraft heat, etc)

- you’re into necrophilia, rape, abdl, ddlg, or ageplay

- you’re anti age regression/pet regression (these are coping mechanisms, not kinks!)

- you are pro-ai/believe in the whole “AI is the future” crap

- you support any of the following (with reasoning below):

Vivziepop: Transphobic particularly against trans-mascs, anti-semitic and possibly racist. I am a fan of both Hazbin/Helluva but absolutely do NOT support Viv.

Tamakuz (Psychocuties creator): Lolicon enjoyer, supports Nazis, probably a proshipper

4lung: Pedo and Zoo

DrDisrespect: Pedo

SSSniperWolf: Doxxed Jacksfilms, steals content (here for personal comfort reasons mainly)

Emily Youcis (Alfred’s playhouse creator): extreme Trump supporter, humped random people in a feral Alfred Alfer fursuit (I wish I was kidding), possibly supports necrophilia

(Marx if ya see this: I had a crazy long explanation on here, but decided to remove it because 1. The “drama” (not really cause it was just us but still) was causing me stress and I wanted it to end sooner than later, and 2. You’re anti-age regression, which is one of my dni criteria anyway. Just dni, feel free to block me and remove the reblog if you’d like /srs)

You may interact, but I will be wary if you if:

- you support Trump at all (hardcore supporters please DNI) (if you just always vote red, you’re fine dw!)

- Anyone who sexualizes object show characters (memes and jokes are fine, so is sfw shipping)

- People who just refuse to use tone tags or the correct pronouns for some reason

- Psychocuties fans (show is very proship-esc, Tamakuz is awful. Very very thin ice I’m sorry)

I’ll probably add more later as I think of stuff!

Template

Adoptable Link:

Artist Name:

Social Media Needed:

What To Offer:

REMEMBER: ALL ADOPTS POSTED ARE NOT MINE!!! THESE POSTS ARE TO GET ATTENTION ON THE ADOPTABLE IN THE HOPES THEY WILL BE SOLD QUICKER!!! SUPPORT THE ARTIST!

[maridemira]

Death and Post-mortem of William Braine

Welcome to another post about William Braine. In this post we're gonna talk about and look into further detail that death, post-mortem, disinterment, and autopsy of this Royal Marine and take a look at his autopsy results which may or may not give light on his cause of death. If you haven't seen my post about him about his life and you're curious as to who he was, check out the link here.

Fair Warning, I would advise to put down whatever you're eating or feel free to skip as there will be some pictures or illustrations of dead bodies in this post.

William Braine served as a Royal Marine Private in the famous Franklin Expedition, which tried to find the final piece of the Northwest Passage. He was under Sgt. David or Daniel Bryant and was one of the 14 marine detachments of the Franklin Expedition. Unfortunately, during the first wintering at Beechey Island, on January 1846, John Torrington of the HMS Terror and John Hartnell of the HMS Erebus died and were buried at the island. 3 months later, on April 3rd, William Braine followed them into the grave. He was buried in Beechey Island. What happened to his widow thereafter is unknown.

For 6 years, the graves lay undisturbed, until a search party from around 1850 discovered the graves. It is here that we get to take a first look at Braine's possibly original grave.

Braine's tombstone is on the far left with the inscription:

"Sacred

to the

Memory

of

W. Braine, R.M.

HMS Erebus

Died April 3rd, 1846

Aged 32 years

'Choose ye this day whom ye

will serve' Joshua XXIV Ver. 6"

(Note: This is what I can read from the original photograph, the bible verse is quite hard to read so I had to improvise)

The tombstone shows a dark colored headboard with white text. However, when we look at his tombstone in 1986, it was a white colored headboard with unknown color on the text. It is possible the colors may have eroded away from weathering, tho do let me know if I may be wrong. According to a document about the graves (Unfortunately I couldn't find it but you can let me know if you found this source), the graves are not certain to be the original ones they are only referred to as such because those are the graves found when anthropologist Owen Beattie came to exhume the bodies in 1984 and 1986. This same document also says that the supposed originals may have been replaced at an earlier time because these supposed originals look completely different from the ones in the photograph but it's impossible to know because there were little to no records about the graves prior 1984. Now, in my opinion, yes this is plausible to happen, but given that there is no known record of the graves from between 1854 to 1984, I would lean towards the paint fading from being weathered by the cold temperature but do let me know if you think otherwise or if the graves did somehow get replaced at some point in time. The graves of Beechey Island are replaced with wooden headboards. So from something like this:

To this:

Now, I couldn't find any public domain images for the headboards photograph taken during 1984-1986 so I had to use the one that looks similar (if it's copyrighted, I'll take the photo down).

Let's now move on to the disinterment and autopsy William Braine.

Braine has only been disinterred once but has never been reported to be disinterred in the 1852 exhumation of Sir Edward Augustus Inglefield and Dr. Peter Sutherland, nor has been disinterred in 1984, but was disinterred in 1986 by Dr. Owen Beattie who exhumed John Torrington and partially exhumed John Hartnell in 1984 and autopsied both Braine and Hartnell in 1986. When Braine's grave was dug, the researchers made a major discovery, a copper plaque in the shape of a shield is attached to the coffin lid.

The copper had rusted or oxidised at the sides, but remarkably, the inscription has been mostly preserved. It reads:

"W. BRAINE

R.M. 8 CO. W. D.

H.M.S EREBUS

DIED APRIL 3 1846

AGED

33

YEARS"

Not only does it confirm what is said on his epitaph, but it even states which division he came from (remember in my last post, he came from the 8th Company Woolwich Division). However, what the plaque got wrong here is that his age was then added to by 1 year. This is particularly strange as Braine was born in 1812. It is possible they accidentally got his age wrong when making the coffin plaque but then remembered his correct age when making his epitaph. We will probably never know.

The researchers then opened the coffin lid and after thawing the body, were greeted with this. (This is your last warning to skip this post)

The body was wrapped in a white shroud and the face was covered with a red kerchief made of cotton. After uncovering the face and removed the thin shroud, they were greeted by this face of the Royal Marine from 140 years ago: (TW: DEAD BODY)

(I won't use the real image of the mummy because it's much more grizzly than this illustration but you can search at your own risk.)

Unfortunately, unlike the bodies of Torrington and Hartnell, his likeness was not well preserved. He showed far more signs of decomposition. It looked more evident is his face, particularly around his eyes, nose and mouth and because of the incredibly waxy pigment of his skin. His expression looked more as if he is truly dead. Despite this, the researchers then performed their autopsy and x-rays (I won't show those photos here but I'll leave a link to a post here). Samples of his hair, nail, bone and tissue were taken. After the autopsy was done, he was then reburied with respect by the researchers. As of this writing, there were no more disinterments of this marine.

As for the condition he was found in, when he was unwrapped from his shroud, Dr. Beattie discovered that his left arm was missing and initially thought his arm was amputated, but further inspection showed that his arm was twisted beneath him as he had trouble being fitted into his coffin. Other than the red kerchief and white shroud, he was also buried in three shirts like Hartnell, and no pants. His grave was found to be dug at an angle and twice the depth expected. This is particularly strange because the sailors had more difficulty getting into permafrost in the first place. But we may never know why either. He also had a chipped tooth, which also suggests a very hard life. He was also extremely emaciated, weighing around 40 kg (less than 90 lbs).

The results showed that the lead in Braine's body, as well as that of Torrington and Hartnell, were 100 times higher than the acceptable rate, although Torrington's levels were much higher. His cause of death was unknown, but evidence mostly points towards pneumonia by tuberculosis and probably lead poisoning. However, according to another article, tuberculosis was unlikely to have been the cause of death, nor cause the failure lf the Franklin Expedition. Upon examining his bones through x-rays, his skull was easier to examine than Hartnell's due to Braine's skull having less internal ice. According to the book "Human Mummies: A Global Survey of their Status and the Techniques of Conservation Vol. 3", he did show signs of "some frontal bossing" which meant he had a slight prominent forehead. His upper body did not have signs of old trauma, however, he was also discovered to have rat bites on his left side of his torso, which suggests that his body was kept on board far longer, giving ample time for rats to gnaw on the body and for his body to start decomposing. His spine had contorted and showed signs of angular kyphoscoliosis, which was consistent with Pott's Disease (tuberculosis in the bones).

As DJ ( @radiojamming ) suggests, this may have caused Braine's spine to painfully twist. According to the book, Braine may also had a history with Osgood-Schlatter Disease, which can cause pain somewhere in the lower part of the knee. Overall, he was in the worst condition compared to Hartnell. A popular theory arose which says that William Braine died in a sledge group, which may account for the longer time it took for him to be buried and why he was found to be in such disgusting condition. This was further noted in Kristina Gehrmann's graphic novel Im Eisland (Icebound). We may never know for certain why though.

What does this tell us about the Franklin Expedition?

Unfortunately, it tells us little as to what happened, but it told us more about the individual man's life. All of this that I have discussed came from a body. This also gives us insights as to what their lives may have been prior to the expedition until the end of their life. Death may be scary, but in some ways is beautiful. Death has probably been the best relief for all the fallen men of the Franklin Expedition. The men on Beechey suffered illnesses and died, which saved them from the terrible fate the expedition suffered, which makes us feel as if they are the lucky ones just like the 5 men discharged at Greenland. Either way, the 1984 and 1986 autopsies gave us insights into the lives of three men, who may seem unremarkable in their time as living people, but held a significant impact through their deaths and made us wonder what were they like when they lived. Either way, everyone has their own story.

William Braine was long gone but was not forgotten, along with John Hartnell, John Torrington and rescue member Thomas Morgan.

Let me know in the comments if I missed anything!

Sources: Human Mummies: A Global Survey of their Status and the Techniques of Conservation Vol. 3, Mummy Monday by DJ, A Case Study: Was William Braine of the 1845 Franklin Expedition a Victim of Tuberculosis?, reblogged source

[dirtyoldmanhole]

good god, where did (redacted number) of all of you come from :D;;;

little bit about me if y'all are curious!

long story short is i'm an ooooold tellius (fe9/10) fan from way back in the mid 2000's that finally gave Fates a chance last summer and absolutely fell head over heels for this ossan ~ i've always had a thing for older fellas which probably didn't help ;)

(FE nerds who've been around for that long have a really solid chance of remembering me as that one zihark fangirl ~ this ain't my first FE sideblog!)

played conquest, revelation, started and finished writing my 125k gunter/corrin married rev!route fic 'your ruin, my ruin' , played revelation like 3 more times, and currently in the middle of drawing a gunter/corrin doujinshi. a lot of my meta will reference YRMR, the aforementioned fic.

tagging here is a bit of a mess since i honestly didn't expect to be so obsessed a year a later and it's fun to have a casual place to screech, but the old reliables tend to be #my art, #other art, plus the specific "liveblog" tags mentioned in the pinned post. in between will be a lot of horny shitposting about hot old men and general fates meta.

(speaking of hot old men i'm only a little sorry about the absolutely random magneto thirst. as you can see this is more of a thirst blog than anything :P there's a tag for that if you want to block it tho!)

fun fact: my other favorite fates characters would probably be reinia, camilia, arthur, shura, and niles. much like a specific somebody else, I'm not keen on FE royals in general.

i post some pretty extreme untagged kinks here fyi, both meta text and linked art! (eg non/dubcon, piss, daddykink) i'm also a huge fan of dead dove, so this may not be for the easily squick'd folks.

if you're looking strictly for my art, follow @kradeelav (aka my general art account!) my (rarer) fanfic also gets posted there.

[drifloonz]

💜hai! i'm wispy among other names.

🪀he/they primarily. | am 18 babey !! | pokemon has been my special interest since i was small. im autistic but rlly what pokemon fan isnt /hj.

my requests aren't closed but do understand i dont reply to them that often bc i have executive dysfunction. i do see them and plan to. eventually hopefully, but don't expect anything 100%

Im Really Autistic about Steven. my interpretation is very personal to me. obviously i write headcanons and x readers and he mostly draws from canon or canon implications, but do understand he is very personal to me.

he helped me thru a lot of bad times and i selfship w him etc etc but i am here to give people Food and things to chew on w him ... and sometimes other characters.

character masterlist | im updating this later probably with things like rules or boundaries but basically don't be a freak or a pr/shitter.

canon pokemon characters that arent like idk red/blue/rosa/the protags bc theyre easy to write, etc Are harder for me to write but i can write anything and anyone if i lock in enough.

i write things for pokemon/pokepasta! all headcanons and writing posts where the reader is inserted are gender-neutral by default unless said otherwise.

hello! this is my pokemon/pokepasta ( mainly pokepasta bc im fixated rn ) sideblog where i may write and draw. feel free to send requests ( mainly for writing i do not draw shit for free unless i rlly feel like it but u can still try ig ) . i looove steven strangled red he is my bbygirl. glitchy red as well. the sillies. mostly, the hyplull interps of them. i can and will write things up for them ( imagines, x readers possibly bc i am a little fruity, and gay, among other things! just ask . ) .

this also extends to the other hyplull characters just to a lesser degree . i may read up on it / actually watch the associated game if i get requests 4 the others i know less abt ( eg lost silver ) lol . i may be able to write for the ones i know less abt but it may take me a while cuz' i'll have to read up on them! i know the basic Gists abt most of them tho.

🕯 writing will be under #wispy-writes and art will be under #wispy-doodles . textposts r just wispy chatters as seen From this post. this is mostly for my own future reference lol.

🎠 please please pleaaase send me requests or questions or headcanons in my askbox i wont bite ( i will )

i will sometimes reblog those posts tht r like "send an ask in for the blog owner to answer a specific question" . as long as you link the post ( if its far back ) i Will answer those bc i love those. mostly will reblog writing and character based ones :3

i can and will write nsfw but only for characters that are over 18, obviously . ( mainly steven. and glitchy. and red ( the older version in like alola, obv ). bc im biased for those 3 particularly. steven/glitchy being based on the hyplull mod where They are 18/over. i won't write for nsfw of red or steven in timeperiods where they're implied or canonically underage, like steven before the accident or red during his og journey or on mt silver or w/e ). i'll probably block minors who int with the posts so apologies in advance for that. these will be tagged properly and have the mature content thingy on

i don't like the concept of y/nderes bc they're a demonization and hyperbolization of bpd, which i have, but i like writing possessiveness and other traits that those 'interpretations' have, which is similar but without the hyperbolization and gross fetishization or murder ( usually ) . so just say like. possessive / easily jealous [ character ] instead of y/ndere Please.

ok thank you :] plz have fun.

[ also ofc, prosh/tters, t/rfs, bigots, etc, dni! ]

[thekaijudude]

You know how you described how each Ultra Brother can take on an entire army of Kaiju? Well, define what ya mean by ARMY of Kaiju if you don’t mind. And maybe how each of them could handle an army of Kaiju perhaps?

Im basically just gonna bust out the lookup list as a refresher here:

iirc this was done 1-2 years ago where I spent about 2 hours or so to work out the scaling based on official statements/numbers as well as canon feats (I also had to make a number of assumptions to at least make the scaling linear)

I am always referring to this list for any form of powerscaling asks for those that miss it, it covers all canon ultras from 1 NG all the way up to Noa.

And of course theres also my postulated extension of canon here:

But I rarely ever need to use that one since its beyond the usual scaling that canon vibes at rn

So back to the standard list, where a standard New Gen Base form can be considered as 1 NG and 1 NG can one shot a standard mid tier 2 kaiju using his finisher

In that same lookup table, I also calculated that the UB are anywhere from 1000 - 10 000 NG (may be stronger, will justify later)

Also when I say UB level Ultras, I generally classify Ultras that are at least as old as Taro or can be scaled to the UB, such as of course the 6 UB, Leo Brothers, Great Eight, Regulus, Toregia, Great, Powered etc, the logic that undergirds this differentiation is M78 Proportionality Constant/Scaling which I derived based on calculation as shown in the standard list

Thus far, my calculations seems largely consistent with canon feats as covered before in detail

Using all of the above, a way to answer your first question is that a UB can probably take on either 1000 to 10 000 mid Tier 2 kaiju (Taro can definitely take on at least 10 000 since I rmb i specifically calculated this number based on him, I think i include the calculation in the first link). An example of a mid tier kaiju would be something like Gomora/Red King, which means no Tier 2 kaiju with some form of hax abilities like Zetton or specs in a certain stat like Skydon with his durability.

So I suppose just the UBs' finishers alone could do the job (not even gonna bring in their reality-warping abilities) since theres really nothing an army of Tier 2 kaiju can actually even do to a UB level Ultra's durability in the first place. So, is how each UB can handle an army of mid-tier 2 kaiju really that important at that point tho?

Heck they mostly likely could no diff the same army without using their finishers, we have seen normal attacks from UB level Ultras being able to one shot New Gen Base forms (Possessed Taro, Toregia etc), which scales higher than mid-Tier 2 kaiju anyways, which is why I say UB Level Ultras could potentially scale higher than 10 000 NG

Thanks for the question!

[vennussy]

Ronance Fic Idea #2: Single Mom Nancy x Soccer Coach To Her Child Robin AU

hi welcome to another episode of its currently 1am and venny is self projecting, in today's episode we have the second part to my ronance ideas yipee!! here's the link to the first part [tw: mentions of torture and murder there] and sit back and relax since this one is more wholesome 🥰

edit: i started this at 2am and finished at 3:30am so pls beware there will be mistakes and i'll reread it tmrw when im not dying. im sorry who has to suffer through this now tho, may the lesbian goddesses be with you

set in a modern-ish time (I'm still not sure when this fic would take place in but definitely not the 80s) with no upsidedown or anything like that, and because of this nancy doesn't end up with jonathan.

nancy and steve were young and experimenting when steve accidentally gets nancy pregnant at 17. nancy's dad doesnt allow her to abort and practically disowns her while karen, the sweet angel she is, helps nancy with little max so she can learn how to take care of a child while still being able to go to school.

at some point steve and nancy breaks up mutually due to the fact they started to fall out of love and that raising max wasn't making their collapsing relationship better. but to this day, steve still stays in hawkins, working multiple jobs to send money to nancy for max's welfare and college. (ik he was an ass in s1 but idc, i want him to be a good dad)

after nancy finishes her college (let's say she doesnt go to emerson but another high level college in indiana), a year later, nancy gets a job and boston where her and max officially move to at the age of 23 for nancy and 6 for max.

HERE COMES THE SELF PROJECTING WOO!!

since nancy was practically away all the time due to her studies, she didnt really got to raise max that well and have a distant relationship with her. after they move to boston, nancy tries to fix her ralationship with max. and though max loves her and understands why she practically wasnt there for half of her life, she just doesn't know her own mother that well anymore, so she distance herself and nancy having a family who are also distant, didnt know what to do.

(i am totally not self projecting my own mother's neglection when i was younger only for her to try harder around my peak teen years and being absolutely successful bcs i love my mom so much and she's still trying her best)

ANYWAYS !! who else to save their relationship than Robin "I Will Love Someone And I Will Show It In Every Way" Buckley!!!

nancy is 31 now and is the chief editor for the popular boston bugle papers (hehe fallout 4 reference), whereas max is 14, starting her first year in highschool. they're relationship is still a bit strained but if not improving little by little until one day max comes home eagerly and tells nancy about a new friend she met in school that asked her to join the soccer team after seeing her kick the ball during her gym class (said friend was jane hopper). nancy was nothing but supportive of the idea and asked her how she could join.

apparently for freshmen newcomers, they have to go to this initiation with a parent or guardian just to get direct permission for their child but if not then a signed form is plausible. ofc nancy chooses the former option wanting to watch her daughter play in a school team for the first time as she was interested in sports like softball, volleyball, basketball and skateboarding but never commiting to it through a school team until now.

SO INITIATION DAY COMES !!!

nancy is sitting along the outside bleachers just people watching and looking at max with jane and all that shit when the presentation comes and the official gym teacher introducing herself. thats when the most beautiful woman comes in looking distressed and interrupts her during her introduction to the parents and children. nancy finds out that the woman was the soccer coach who only part-times as a coach for the school soccer team. robin buckley.

obv robin looked distress bcs her ass woke up late and was almost late to the intiation.

now the pining insues, nancy practically staring at robin the whole intiation and only looking away once in a while to watch her daughter beat the shit out of everyone else in the team along with her new friend like holy shit bro.

during the intiation she meets a nice woman named joyce where nancy can finally be friends with and tells nance that she's actually the mother of max's new friend. and yadda yadda plot plot.

SO thats the most of it now on to the little fun facts of the story !!

max is ginger bcs karen's parents and her are ginger but she dyes her hair blonde so dont be confused

steve is practically besties with nancy now and has the same distant relationship problems with max too, but she still loves him

"mom, why is my second name mayfield?" "bcs you decided that you wanted me to have a miserable time while i was out on the field with your dad and left my stomach. it was may at the time too" "oh-"

nancy has dated people in the past but none of them stayed that long due to nancy's distant personality and max's evil gremlin one

max def got her sarcasm from nance. who else? steve? yeah no.

robin is 28 in the fic and is not the sweet innocent robin we know 🥺 i mean she is still sweet and caring but not so innocent if u know what i mea- *gunshot*

joyce was very sweet at learning that max was a teen pregnancy and even often invites her and nancy for dinner

nancy meets jonathan and they become friends

fun fact will was there for el's intiation bcs he could never miss a soccer game for el as el could never miss any of will's award night for his paintings!!

robin and max get along well through soccer AND their sarcasm towards the boys

nancy is unlabled and doesnt care who she dates as long she likes them and can love max too

nancy teaches max all of about sexuality and gender respectfully thats why max is so open minded

nancy doesnt fall for robin at first sight, she was mostly intrigued and attracted to her but the more they talk the more she fell for her

gonna uni reverse this shit and say nancy fell first but robin fell harder

robin part times as a soccer coach and full time as a barista in a coffee shop

thats how they officially met

robin is new to boston, she only moved a few months ago from france, her parents are american tho

max loves hearing robin's adventures while traveling around europe

robin is very physical and bcs of this, she teaches nancy (indirectly ofc) how to express love through simple gestures and she starts doing this to max

when max was hugged tightly for the first time than what she can remember from nancy, she freezes and nancy thinks she made a mistake before max hugs back

max soon realizes that she loves physical affection

robin calls nancy the sweetest things and tells her that a compliment, even small, to max wont hurt

"hey max?" "yeah?" "good job during the game today, im proud of you" "........*sobs*" "MAX?!"

safe to say max and nancy's relationship started to heal and they often even joke around now, something they almost never do due to nancy's reserve personality and max's distant one

"mom pls tell me you weren't looking at coach buckley's ass today" "okay fine i wont!" "...." "*whispering* i do it everyday-" "MOM PLEASE"

robin then shows nancy the beauty of quality time love language, something nancy lacked with max

anyways thats all for now, i hope yall know i started writing this at 2am and its now 3:39am

I HAD FUN THO!!! this one was a woozy to write but i hope yall enjoyed it, maybe i will write a fic of this since i loved it sm

we'll see 👀👀

[deeeepsteep]

When was the Mastermind created?

I’ve spoken about this multiple times on Reddit, but I figured I’d drop my theory here in case people want to read it (And also because I’ll grab at any excuse to talk about Mr. Robot).

Spoilers for the show, obviously!

If you somehow enjoyed reading my word vomit and you really have nothing better to do, I have other deep dives/analysis posts like this on Reddit if you’re interested/need something to do to waste some time:

Analysis on Darlene and how her her relationships with Dom and Cisco influence her character development

In defence of 410 Gone

“I’m good at reading people. My secret: I look for the worst in them.” Why this isn’t as accurate as Elliot thinks it is

Character analysis of Angela (Alternate title: Justice For Angela Moss)

Breakdown of 104 Daemons

“You forgot who I am again, didn’t you?” What did Darlene mean by this?

Mr. Robot and happiness

“Control is an illusion” - what does it mean?

Did Elliot do what the show implies he did to Olivia?

What is whiterose’s machine? 

How are Elliot and whiterose similar?

Wtf is that ending tho?

Mr. Robot’s role as “The Protector”

The significance of the Mastermind and Darlene’s last conversation

This isn’t explicitly outlined in the show, and nothing has been confirmed by Sam Esmail or the writing team, so we can only piece together what we think might have happened based on the details provided to us in the show - so take my theory with a grain of salt!

I believe that the Mastermind was created on May 2014, and he was “born”, aka taking full control of Elliot and trapping him in the F World loop, sometime between December 2014-February 2015.

In the Halloween flashback from 204 (eps2.2init1.asec), the Mastermind explains to Darlene how he got fired from his old job. His coworkers lock him into a server room, and he blacks out. He wakes up later, discovering that he trashed the place in an attempt to escape. Shortly after this incident, he is fired and court ordered to see Krista for anger management. He says this happened on Memorial Day weekend - May 2014.

In 413 (Hello, Elliot), “Krista” explains that the real Krista never spoke to the real/core Elliot before, and that she only ever spoke to the Mastermind. So, if we link this with the incident the Mastermind recalls from 204, we can theorize that the Mastermind “splintered” off from the core host (The “real” Elliot) when this server room incident happened.

However, I don’t think this is when he took full control. I think Elliot was still around to some degree for a few months. In 413, when Mr. Robot tells the Mastermind that the seemingly “perfect” world they’re living in isn’t real, he says that the Mastermind created this place and trapped Elliot in it “about a year ago”. Season 4 takes place in December 2015, so we can theorize that the earliest the Mastermind took full control was in December 2014.

But in 104 (eps1.3_da3m0ns.mp4), “Angela” tells the Mastermind that he was only born a month ago. This episode takes place in March 2015, shortly before the Steel Mountain hack, which would mean the Mastermind was “born” in February 2015. I think she’s using the word “birth” as a reference to him taking control - because once he takes full control, he forgets who he is and what he’s about...which is kind of like a birth or rebirth of some sorts. If we keep this in mind, this implies that the latest the Mastermind could’ve taken control is in February 2015.

The first part of the pilot episode (eps1.0_hellofriend.mov) takes place in February 2015. The Mastermind ditches Angela’s birthday party to confront Ron at his coffee shop. Angela’s birthday is February 27, so we can assume her birthday party takes place on this date or on a date close to it. Edward Alderson died on February 28, so it’s possible this could be a very sensitive/triggering time of year for Elliot, which might have made it easier for the Mastermind to trap Elliot in the F World loop.

From a narrative perspective, it would make sense for the Mastermind to take full control around February 2015, shortly before the show begins. That might be why the very first frame of the show is pitch black, with the Mastermind’s opening line - “Hello, friend”; this can be interpreted as Elliot going to sleep, and the Mastermind “waking up” and emerging as the dominant personality. It also contrasts with the final moment in the finale, with Elliot finally waking up and returning to reality, and Darlene’s closing line - “Hello, Elliot”.

Anyways, this is just my take on it. Obviously, nothing is set in stone. These are just my observations. If you made it this far, thanks for reading!

[absolutebl]

This Week in BL

Sept 2021 Wk 5

Being a highly subjective assessment of one tiny corner of the interwebs.

Ongoing Series - Thai

Don’t Say No Ep 9 (Line) - It’s my corny af hurt/comfort soap opera that I watch at 1.5x and skip all the sex scenes and Fiat crying, but I like it that way, so there. Yes I am one of those people who only eats the outside of the peanut M&Ms, why do you ask? Episode recaps here. 

Bite Me Ep 5 (Viu & Viki) - sometimes I feel like this show is skipping all the important bits, or having them occur off screen intentionally, like some ancient Greek play. Still, the depth of the feeling understood between the two leads is clearly transferred to us despite that. Are they dating? Sure seems that way. Without anything being actually said about it. It’s oddly magical. I talked a bit about the north/south divide and food as a love language with regards to kao soi in this post. 

7 Project Ep 5 The Breakup Zone (iQiYi & YouTube) - another het installment, so I skipped it. Nash. 

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

Peach of Time Ep 10 fin - A Korean BL (maybe not BL tho) featuring Thai talent that really went beyond a lot of tropes into interesting territory and allegory in a way only Korea does. I hope we get more collabs like this, perhaps happier than this one next time? RECOMMENDED only if you are prepared for The Sad. Because it is quite sad.  

x Friend or Lover (YouTube) Ep 6 - still waiting on the final of this Taiwanese indie series.  

Love is Science? (BL sub plot on Viki) Ep 14 (aired ep 15) - Taiwanese drama finally got subbed yesterday, so those of us who are waiting seem to be on a week’s delay. The BL couple actually has the most interesting story arc and the most unusual character growth. I’m enjoying how unpredictable these two are. Honestly, they could have gotten their own series with this much story - and now I really want that for after the baby comes. I’m a little sad we didn’t get the coming out in the skate park sequence (LOOK I love coming out drama, especially with sporty friends, it’s a THING), but I also get why the writers are doing what they are with these boys. And the actors sure can handle it. Taiwan at it’s finest.  

Love Is the series (YouTube) Ep 5 - continues to be fine for a V-BL but not all that actually good. 

See You After Quarantine? (Viki) Ep 6, 7 - Taiwanese gameboys with Japanese talent stuck in, what more could we ask? AND THEN they gave us some *thirsty boi* action, great kisses, and charmed the pants off... well... everyone. Taiwan, we don’t deserve you. Honestly, you spoil us. Turns out Aaron Lai is the best wingman any gay Japanese man in quarantine could ask for. Everyone should be watching this. It’s utterly charming. 

The Tasty Florida (Viki) Ep 3 & 4 - this Korean BL so fucking cute. Look it’s formless and too short but simultaneously aching and kinda special-sweet. But Korea has got to settle into something a bit longer for their BL for everyone’s sake. It’s time. Light On Me proved it was possible. I’m not asking for much, just 15 min+ of fresh content with at least a 10 ep arc. 

In Case You Missed It

Someone dropped K-BL movie cut of 2015′s The Lover series onto YouTube. The series was about 4 different couples all living in the same apartment complex, one of the 4 was a BL plot about a sunshine sweetie Japanese tourist who ends up roommates with a hot shy tsundere Korean boy. It’s 1.5 hours, proving Korea and stretch its BL when it wants to. 

Read more about it here. 

GOSSIP!

Rumors of OhmFluke to star in new Thai BL Oh! My Sunshine Night. It’s from Newsinfinity Entertainment who announced the casting and showed the couple in workshops. This is this (small) production house’s first BL and they aim to “appeal to to general audiences* with a “broader view of BL that everyone will watch.” Which is code for LOW heat, light gay, soft boys. If this happens I think we can expect this to be Thailand doing Korean-style BL. 

* GENERAL AUDIENCE? Let’s be clear no piece of media will EVER appeal to everyone. Here is the USA “general audience” is code for “families with socially conservative values and children who are still minors” AKA what used to be prime time TV watchers AKA suburbia. 

 The concept is analytically old fashioned and so fractured at this juncture (socially economically spatially politically) that “general audience” is actually impossible to target and it doesn’t really exist. But try telling that to the publicity department. 

We also call this the “Disney live action demo.” (Think Pirates of the Caribbean.) I occasionally refer to them as “the Simpsons.” And they’re about as realistic. All that to say I am VERY suspicious of Oh! My Sunshine Night‘s production house. 

To My Star does seem to be getting a second season, same director, same mains. Korea is much better about executing on its promises than Thailand, but until I see proof of filming or an honest trailer, my favorite boys are staying in the gossip section. I don’t wanna get my hopes up. (Honestly now, how many of you also want an alt reality with these two as a couple but Kim Kang Min playing his long suffering cardiologist intern character from Hospital Playlist? Just me?) 

I reported on Unforgotten Night a while ago. It seems to have been fully cast now, I still think the publicity stills make it look like a joke. But with this line-up I guess it’s even more of an alt answer to KinnPorsche. 

You know that thing that happens in media when suddenly we get multiples of the same style of movie or show at once? It’s now happening with BL. Love triangles. Restaurants. And now mafia. 

Cutie Pie (our arranged marriage Thai BL staring Zee) dropped some wardrobe fitting photo ops. Also... fancy pants sexy suits that fit, so that’s exciting. 

Starting Soon

My Mate Match from Starhunter should be starting on Line TV next Saturday. Usually, Line has subs relatively quickly and is available internationally. However the fact that the trailer is not subbed and the show is not listed on Line’s site has me nervous. No idea on length of run either. 

Starhunter studio doesn’t have a great track record in general for narrative arcs and this one is not based on a y-novel so could get waffly. This is a roommates love triangle BL about a boy who is looking for one roommate and ends up with two vying for his home and his heart. Stars Jet as the uke lead which I’m pretty happy about as he’s got great comedic timing and is accustomed to BL. He’s opposite two friends/co-actors from Gen Y and other projects, so we know they’re comfortable with each other. They could do great things... if they get a decent script. 

Next Week Looks Like This:

Some shows may be listed later than actual air date for International subs accessibility reasons.

Upcoming 2021 BL master post here.

Links to watch are provided when possible, ask in a comment if I missed something.

This week’s best moment?

[hatchetfieldtheories]

Return to Hatchetfield-Town - TGWDLM Part 2

Oh my god, we’re back again. Brothers, sisters, everybody sing – wait no

It’s TGWDLM part 2! Today we talk about coffee, those police siren sounds and we begin looking into Hidgens… god help us.  It also features a new theory I haven’t actually posted on the blog yet.

Also, please let me know if you’re enjoying these. They do take a lot of time, but they are a lot of fun to put together.

Part 1 | Part 3

Reality is falling apart as I stand here today… I guess it’s time for a coffee break

This is how I have entered every Starbucks I have ever been to.

Hey Starkid, when can we get a full version of the Black Coffee song?  

Has it been established yet whether Nora and Zoey had already been infected when they were teaching Emma the new tip song.  If yes, why did they just teach Emma the tip song and not infect her?  Just to embarrass her mid-song when she didn’t know the rest of the dance?  Or…

Thomas Sanders Voice – Theory Time

So at the end of Part 1, I established that the Hive had picked Paul to be their Hero, their star, way, way, early on at the start of their apotheosis.  Once we move into Let It Out/ Inevitable I’ll talk about this more, but basically – there is a reason they want Paul to survive the start of the show.  There is a reason the infected (and later McNamara) keep pressing him on what he wants. They need him to want something, so that they can get what they want, because that’s how the Worrisome Wombles (LiB) work.  They want him to want to destroy them, so he can be with Emma – that’s his drive. They’re very aware that without a want, they may not be able to manipulate him to do what they need.

Therefore it’s very possible that if Nora and Zoey had been infected early on, yet hadn’t infected Emma, it was because they were sure Emma would be the “thing” that Paul wants – they want their star of the show and they think they know who they can use to get it. /End of theory

Promise me you’ll think about the implications.

@abiimaryy​  can I just post your one post  that perfectly encapsulates that Starkid definitely did not think about the implications of that line when they wrote it? We’ve all long gone past the point of no return.

“Cup of Roasted Coffee” is track 4 on Now That’s What I Call Coffee. “Poisoned Coffee” is the album hidden track that you must play 20 minutes of silence to find.  Is this an old person reference now?

I also fully believe the coffee shop patrons were already beginning to be infected when the song began. Sure they were poisoned and their coffee contained the blue goo but the “in-time coffee cup dancing” and exaggerated synchronous sips is just too on the nose.  Their infections begun, they just needed that dose of poisoned coffee to kill them off to fully take them over.

At this point the Hive are still not particularly violent – ignoring the fact they kill three men with poisoned coffee in broad daylight.  

The cat is clearly not a secret Eldritch being

There’s nothing I love more than a fourth wall break, and Starkid have regularly establish fourth walls do not exist in their universes.  I can’t decide which is more telling of some kind of Hatchetfield link with the audience, Jon and Lauren wandering through the alley, or Joey giving the audience member an apple.   There is a wonderful theory that the audience is part of the B&W which @wolvesandvoices​  put into words here: x

“I didn’t think about the implications!” – me thinking back to that time 12 years ago when I discovered something called Harry Potter the musical by someone called Starkid. They were a funny group of people – wonder what they’re all doing now.

Paul’s work friends one by one popping out of the trash cans is hilarious, but its notable again that Mr Davidson was infecting people in his office – Bill notes that people kept coming out singing.  On my first watch I didn’t really take note of this, and just assumed Paul got out of the office before Mr Davidson could infect him, but taking into account the theories mentioned above and previously, this line just reaffirms that the Hive do not yet want Paul infected.

Who is the latte hottay? Answers on a postcard.

These aren’t spirit fingers... THESE are spirit fingers

Ted really doesn’t fully grasp the severity of what is happening around him.  The police are singing at you Ted, I don’t think they’re too fussed about your ID.  

I don’t really have much to say about Show Me Your Hands – it doesn’t really add much to theory fodder until the end.  That’s not to say I don’t love it, its one of my top songs in the show (tho I think all of the songs are in my top songs… I’m very indecisive). Shout out to Mariah’s dry delivery of “the cat is dead” and Robert’s siren noises.  My sincere hope is that in a future Hatchetfield production there is a need for a siren sound effect, and it is just a recording of Robert.

Charlotte touched the brain. The blue brain.  The brain covered in goo.  Pokey’s blue goo.  I’m sure that’s fine and has no ramifications later in the show.  

It is at this moment on my first watch that I realised how much Charlotte’s voice in this show sounds like Judy Garland.  

Oh Hidgens. He’s finally arrived.  Does he need an introduction?  From what I have seen from a lot of posts as people discover TGWDLM, a lot of people know about Hidgens before they even know what the show is about.  Which you know what, fair.  I’m sure Hidgens would be thrilled to discover his legacy.  I feel like it’s obvious, but I am assuming Robert intended Hidgens to sound like Doc from Back to the Future? Hmmm, a kooky “academic” who has an accident and ends up with a vision of something that could change the world.  Great Scott!

Hidgens, my dear, please don’t gesture to yourself while holding a gun.

Ok, so Hidgens theorised this exact scenario thirty years ago. I believe it has been established this happened when he was struck by lightning.  Now, lightning is used a LOT in Hatchetfield shows, and I did mention briefly here, that it could possibly be a play on the trope that in books and movies, the “creature comes alive” from a bolt of lightning.  Certainly the meteor is accompanied by a storm, which does make me believe that Hidgens was granted the vision by someone from the Black and White. Theories:

Pokey sent him the vision because he knew that it would entice Hidgens eventually due to his love of musical theatre. 

Webby sent him the vision in the misplaced hope that he would work on finding a solution

I also found a tweet by Nick which states that initially Hidgens was supposed to talk about the 1518 Dancing Plague which honestly – what does this mean.  Was this plague originally intended to be an early attempt by Pokey to infect the world?

Hidgens touched the brain. The blue brain.  The brain covered in goo.  Pokey’s blue goo.  I’m sure that’s fine and has no ramifications later in the show.  

I posted  a while back about the concept that Hidgens actually got infected early in the show, which has further implications for the likes of Charlotte also, but for now I’ll just post this really succinct theory by @westcoastbroadway​: x

Hatchetfield High Homework:

What other songs would feature on Now That’s What I Call Coffee?

Consider an AU where Prof Hidgens and Doc Brown are swapped.  How different would TGWDLM and Back to the Future be?

Once again, follow the wonderful people mentioned in the post.

See you in part 3 for Charlotte Theories and sad Bill time.

[felassan]

Extended thoughts on the Dark Fortress preview pages [spoilers at link]

(Would I be an MJ if I did not do this? This post is under a cut due to spoilers.)

I like the preview pages a lot, I’m excited for release - roll on March 31. There’s a lot packed into just these limited pages, so I’m looking forwards to seeing the issue and its contents in their entirety. 

A flashback to the Battle of Ostagar all those years ago is the last thing I was expecting when coming to this comic and it hit me with a one-two of feelings and nostalgia. Up there just off-screen, the Hero of Ferelden and Alistair have just lit the beacon in the Tower of Ishal. In these panels, the rain, the lighting, the atmosphere - it’s surreal (not in a bad way) seeing these fateful events again, back where it all kinda began really, and that page does a good job of replicating that cutscene and the heavy feel of it in a different medium. It’s a nice touch seeing surprise/unsureness and even conflict on some of the soldiers’ faces as Loghain gives the order to retreat. A couple of them even seen disconcerted as they walk away (looking at one another in askance). I like this take on Ser Cauthrien, and I wonder if Aaron ever encountered Aveline, Wynne, Carver or non-mage Hawke at Ostagar before the battle...?

Loghain’s words “He must do what his honor compels him to do” almost feel like a bit of metacommentary, i.e. on Loghain’s character in addition to obviously being about Ser Aaron.

In-universe before now, there have been varying accounts of Ser Aaron’s experience at Ostagar. Did he miss the fight, did he kill two ogres, etc. Now we see the truth of the matter is exactly as he told Vaea, which speaks of the trust and close relationship between the two. I’m not going to lie, the “I am coming my king” and subsequent panels make me cry on this re-read. Aaron reaching out for Cailan in his sleep with his other fist clenched, jerking awake from a nightmare in a cold sweat.. Aaron is so brave, he was the sole or one of the few soldiers in Loghain’s company to make this kind of stand (and you can see that there was a moment when he did turn to leave and considered it before turning back), and these panels convey the extent of the trauma that he experienced on the field of battle that day. I’m positive that in panel 2 here, it’s the exact moment when he sees Cailan die. It also hurts to think that not far from there, Duncan is seeing the same thing. They’ve done a good job integrating the new characters’ pasts with previous canon events with things like these. It’s like, expanding on things, but without anything conflicting.

When Aaron reaches for his alcohol skin I’m pretty sure his hand is shaking. Vaea is so tender and understanding/supportive at this part and it’s a really poignant and soft moment for them.. Aaron’s nightmares are a regular occurrence it seems. I love her and their relationship so much.. keeping watch over him while he sleeps a bit away from the others and the fire. ;; Also Autumn’s ears here, she’s lying down but still listening to what’s going on with and between her people. ;;

Brief pause here: I always appreciate getting a good sense where different events are taking place in the additional media. Also we now have in-universe confirmation that in the timeline we’ve now reached 9:45, as opposed to only external word-of-god. Do you guys ever think about your Wardens and how it’s been 15 years for them?

Aaron is like a father to Vaea 😭

Fenris has two daggers now in addition to his twohanded sword. The better for ending Danarius’ bloodline my dear 🔪

Have they tweaked Fenris’ hairstyle a bit, compared to Blue Wraith? Possibly also his skintone and eyebrows, compared to Blue Wraith? (I find this kind of thing hard to tell. If I’m incorrect here please feel free to correct me.) He looks good in this preview.

Poor Francesca. Tessa is really kind at this part and it’s nice to see more moments like these between female characters (women supporting one another). It reminds me of the moment in a previous issue where Vaea hugs Francesca on the ground. Tessa makes a great point here that true strength isn’t necessarily being stoic and unemotional, it’s standing up for what you believe in and for the greater good, even at great personal cost. It’s not 'not crying' and hiding your sadness. That’s a nice message, and again, Fran has really grown on me.

I also think it speaks well of Fenris and his character development after all these years in-universe that he was looking for a way to help Aaron, then immediately thought to go speak to Francesca when she was upset to see if he could help her in turn.

hhh brooding silent Marius staring broodily and silently into the flames and not responding to Fenris’ attempt at making conversation tho, the gentle lampshading..  That’s so true to his character. These might be my favorite panels in the whole preview. Fenris’ dry wit and facial expressions, the general composition, Fenris peacing out like “ok bye ig” lmao. You also get the sense that Fenris is reeling a bit and feeling abandoned since Hawke and co split up. After trying to do something to help both Aaron and Fran above, he then tries to make conversation with Marius. He’s trying to lighten the mood but also to connect after being alone for some time. He has missed having a group around him, and I suspect this group with its varying troubles and issues reminds him a lot of Hawke and co. That both the humor aspect and this characterization comes through in these 3 panels is pretty brilliant.

We reach the titular dark fortress! If ever there was a fortress for a bad guy, huh? x) The narrow exposed causeway being the only approach is a smart line of defense, strategically. Also, the realization that this is where Fenris lived while he was a slave of Danarius’ :| It’s a horrible-looking place and will be full of bad memories for him.

If this is how stormy the Nocen Sea gets in places - well, it reminds me of the lore that in Thedas naval exploration beyond the known map has been historically limited by different factors like pirates, Qunari dreadnoughts, stormy seas and sea creatures etc.

Characters speaking their native languages in places is always a nice touch. Now we’ve heard “By the Maker!” in Orlesian.

Aspects of the style and architecture of the Tevinter buildings in this preview, like the window shapes and the red lights and stuff, echo or remind me of what we’ve seen of Minrathous in the most recent trailer and some of the recent pieces of concept art for the next game. Neat.

We have our name and identity for the mage on the cover! Tractus Danarius, bastard son of Danarius. Danarius fucked around huh. “Tractus” has a Latin root, fittingly for a Tevinter name. Its different meanings are quite interesting: being dragged, extracted, plundered, an anthem sung in some masses, an elongated area or abnormal passage... I wonder if one of them will come into play somehow, the name possibly having been chosen for a reason? I also wonder how young Tractus is relative to Fenris, and if their paths have ever crossed in the past.

Tractus makes his entrance with two elven slaves or servants in tow. Like on the cover, his eyes are red. The head of his staff is a red sphere, also. Can we assume a connection to red lyrium, then, given these factors and the villains’ interest in using red lyrium to power the sarcophagus? I would guess that as normal magic was required to make it work with blue lyrium, the thing required to make it work with red lyrium is blood magic? A blood magic ritual. My guess is that the thing Tractus shows Marquette and Nenealeus is probably a chained up dragon or similar, which they plan to sacrifice and use the blood/power derived from that to fuel the magic/ritual. This is considering blood as a theme in this setting, blood as a source of power mechanically and the dragon-like beast on one of the covers which has clearly at one point been shackled and collared. (Here’s some previous speculation about Dark Fortress based on the covers.)

Although Tractus’ relative youth and inexperience compared to Nenealeus comes across in these pages, I get the feeling that Nenealeus will regret talking down in this manner to Tractus later in the comic.

It seems Tractus paints his nails dark. His commitment to aesthetic I give 5/5 stars

Remember the fall of Ventus/Qarinus to the Antaam invasion in TN? The Antaam must be progressing through Tevinter if people fear that Neromenian may soon fall also.

I appreciate that everyone’s horse is different! It’s a nice touch. A lot of the time in media groups of people ride identical horses like they’re clones or automatons as opposed to actual creatures.

Tractus’ smile when he’s asking if they’re going to wait for Qintara to arrive is slightly manic, lol, he’s giving off “Are we there yet?” car journey energy here. The doorway in this panel - is that a portcullis-style door? It seems like it has spikes at the bottom which would sink into the floor, and that there’s some kind of mechanism running along the floor towards it. Presumably to contain the [dragon?]?

I forgot Nenealeus has a sword - I guess then he knows magic artforms similar to those of a Knight-Enchanter or Arcane Warrior. Also here, Marquette echoes the Executor in TN, with the sentiment that Qintara fell with Ventus. Nenealeus is then referencing Gaius, the impersonator Qintara, right? That’s interesting; Gaius’ true master was Fen’Harel, on whose behalf he accessed important information about the world. This means then [?] that some of the time when Gaius believed himself to be working on behalf of Fen’Harel, he was really being manipulated by Nenealeus. Poor Gaius, at different points Fen’Harel and Nenealeus were pulling his strings. Does Nenealeus’ manipulation refer to Gaius trading it away to House Danarius for information?

Marquette references the red lyrium idol, and suddenly my Dragon Age 4 ears are pricking the way Autumn’s do. x) He mentions that it makes weapons, referencing I assume Meredith’s lyrium sword, Certainty and the ritual blade that pops out from the base of the idol during The Dread Wolf Take You. I wonder when the events of this comic take place in relation to the stories related at the spy meeting in TDWTY? Is this before or after the events of the Mortalitasi’s tale? At any rate, Marquette voices something we’ve been obsessing over: what else can and does the idol do specifically, beyond just making weapons and being Ominous and Powerful? Because whatever it is, it’s key to Solas’ ongoing plans, and Solas obviously knows.

So it seems that the villains’ plan is to use the red lyrium idol’s sword part with the sarcophagus, red lyrium, a ritual and [the thing Tractus shows them in that panel - the dragon?] in order to transform Shirallas into, essentially, a Red Wraith, a Red Lyrium Fenris. And then to arm him, under Nenealeus’ control, with the sword.

Does Shirallas still have his vallaslin - is it just the lighting and the angle in that panel? Also, that panel with Shirallas and Nenealeus looks so ominous and foreboding 😭 .. (and reminds me somehow of Fenris and Danarius when Fenris was still his slave and bodyguard) Shirallas, we really are in it now 😭 This is a really cool panel btw, like the composition, the lighting, the dramatic-ness. 

Nenealeus is motivated by a desire to route the Antaam from Tevinter (like the mage in the Mortalitasi’s tale in TDWTY) and reconquer lost lands in order to restore the glory of the Imperium (which reminds me in a way of of Aurelian Titus, who also wanted to restore the Imperium to greatness). Classically Tevinter here.

“Danarius the Lesser” is a sick burn. I’d guess Tractus’ life thus far, as a bastard, has had themes and struggles with inferiority and consequent lack of power but desire for it (being disrespected, but craving respect, being connected to a certain world but not really part of it, in fact rejected by it). Venatori connection confirmed. That the Venatori had to be convinced to accept someone as a Danarius - implications for the role of the Venatori remnants and their role in Tevinter and things in general going forwards? Lightning flashes overhead as Tractus and Nenealeus have this face-off in that panel, emphasizing the tension between the two. I wonder what the magic in the fortress and in the courtyard can do? It’d have been no mean feat to escape from this place as a slave, it seems, especially bearing in mind there’s only one proper way out, that causeway (passage not included). Tractus’ staff-head lights up when he’s making a threat (uh-oh), and then wow! Shirallas moves so quickly, in the blink of an eye suddenly appearing out of nowhere and startling the guard-mage onlookers. He’s fast and formidable.

I wonder about Tractus. Is he a “half blood” because he’s a bastard and his mother wasn’t an Altus, or even wasn’t a mage, or because he’s a bastard and his mother was an elf? Or both?

Will we see a face-off between perrepataes (Marius and Shirallas)? Will Marius face-off against his former master, Nenealeus? Perhaps a showdown between the Blue Wraith and the “Red Wraith” is on the cards?

Back to our team in the tavern! There’s a looot of great character content packed into these pages, which is really cool. Each brief character interaction conveys a lot, and in general this sequence is just well-executed imo. How troubled and tired Aaron looks at the bar (my heart.. it hurts); Fran worrying for Aaron; Vaea knowing that she can’t pressure him too much because that’s just not how it works when it comes to folks who struggle with issues like these; Vaea asking after Fran’s wellbeing; Fran struggling to come to terms with what happened to her father; Fenris watching the door waiting for news (he’s so vigilant isn’t he? safety, an escape-route..); Marius Broods Harder; Vaea’s [relative] pacifism being highlighted; Vaea engaging Marius looking for reassurance; and the choice of having Marius break his silence now is meaningful and impactful in that it shows what happens when one becomes ‘numb’ to the constant murderizing of people, so to speak. Fenris then rightfully points out that becoming numb to killing and violence isn’t really a good thing and is worse, really, than being ‘soft’ or uncomfortable with it. I wonder if he’s speaking from experience here, given the hundreds of people Hawke and co kill their way through during the Kirkwall years, for example. Then Vaea’s concern for Aaron and his state of mind, and Fenris’ uncanny insight into that, of a man he’s only recently met.

Tessa looks so cute when she comes in the door! I love Vaea’s lil “:D” face when she sees her, and I wonder what the tavern food on the table is.

Those two panels, when Fenris talks about Hawke and Leandra, are the biggest emotional gut-punch in the preview pages 😭 omg.. I’m not strong enough for this.. bls... bruh... This is then compounded by (hitting me when I’m down!!) the look of sheer... fear, fury, alarm, upset, shock - that appears on Fenris’ face as soon as he hears “I found Danarius”. Seriously, look at his eyes here. He (understandably) still has a trauma-response associated with the name/man.

Bless Tessa. 

I have to say, it’s very Metal of Fenris that not only did he kill Danarius in DA2 (in those universes), but he has also been going around Tevinter since then killing all of Danarius’ [adult] heirs, and that his response to learning there’s still one remaining is to grab his sword and go to march off with the aim of ending the bloodline a second time. Very metal

I love the final panels in the preview as well! Vaea’s sense/smarts and how she wasn’t afraid to tell Fenris no, Autumn’s giant ears, how Autumn also moves with Vaea to step in front of Fenris to stop him (SHE! HELPED!!!), Autumn’s Happy Face and furiously wagging tail and agreement with Aaron, and Proud Dad Aaron rising from his slump to praise Vaea with the most Proudest Daddest expression that you ever did see...  ( ´•̥̥̥ω•̥̥̥` )

[pleasereadmeok]

A Goode Year? Review of 2020

Can’t believe it’s that time again.  What a weird year.  Despite Covid and Lockdowns we have actually seen quite a lot of Matthew Goode this year - so this is a long post to save for when you are bored of eating over the holidays!    I’m not adding links to vids, etc. like previous years because tumblr doesn’t like them anymore [Grr] but all of them are still available and I’ll signpost them. 

In January Matthew was finishing filming A Discovery of Witches Season 2 in Turin and we had some glimpses of his leather clad bod in some Teresa Palmer instastories - 

...and in Sky’s ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ Excellent sneak peek. 

... and Joshua’s uncle Lee gave us a few gorgeous pics ...

In February we saw Matthew and Sophie having fun at the Pre - BAFTA party 

[Pics - Dave Benett] 

The rest of that month was all about Leap Year’s 10 year anniversary and we drooled over Declan all over again ....

In March Matthew was finishing filming Silent Night with Keira Knightley when the world changed.  We were introduced to ‘social distancing’.    We had to keep a full Matthew Goode length away from other people - a handy reference is below to remind you -

[Pic - Ellen Von Unwerth]   On the upside the news broke that Matthew would be playing Keira’s husband in Silent Night (as we suspected) and that they had finished filming before lockdown in the UK.  

In April Matthew had his 42nd birthday.  Check out all of the fabulous birthday tributes posted on here around 3rd April.  As a special birthday present Sky released ‘Four Kids and It’ on their cinema channel on the same day with Matthew playing the role of slightly harassed parent David.  It was a goode family movie and just what we needed in lockdown. 

[Pics - Sky Cinema] 

In May we got our first glimpse of Matthew in lockdown when he made a poignant contribution to Bletchley Park’s VE Day celebrations - 

[Vid available on Bletchley Park You Tube] 

It was perfectly judged - just Matthew filming himself on his phone, in his garden, complete with birdsong.  

“This is your finest hour.”

According to James Purefoy and Joe Fattorini Matthew shaved off his hair with the dog clippers in lockdown so he looked a bit different the next time we saw him in June!  

Matthew appeared via zoom on ‘Dan Nicholls Really Likes Wine’ show - ‘Drinking the Goode Stuff’.  It was great seeing these old friends bantering away and drinking wine.  Of course Goode fans immediately campaigned to get Matthew on The Wine Show @ Home and we got our wish a few weeks later when Joe and Matthew had a virtual wine tasting on zoom - 

The whole session was hilarious.  Matthew was completely adorable and funny as usual.  Amongst other things Matthew told us that Sophie had gone off pork (not a euphemism) and we got another peek at his beautiful home with Sophie’s interior design skills on show.   This is also still available on The Wine Show @Home You Tube. 

June also gave us the new trailer for ‘The King’s Man’.  We heard Matthew’s unmistakable voice as the Scots bad guy and there were some tantalising peeks of his character’s mysterious alter ego ‘Shepherd’ - 

In July we finally got to see one of Matthew’s Q & A sessions for actors in training at Bow Street Academy in Dublin that he had recorded in May - 

Matthew gave frank, funny and very practical advice on auditions, preparation for roles and demonstrated how to be scary with a knife! 

August was a bit quiet - we got news that A Discovery of Witches Season 2 would now be aired in January 2021 but a new promo image helped soften the blow of that delay. - 

[Pic - Sky]

Kingsman was delayed yet again....  but at least we got some new promo images of Matthew’s character - Captain Maximillian Morton.  (Morton? Hmm - someone on here (not me!)  spotted the relation to Roxy!]

[Pics - Total Film/Empire]

In September Matthew’s new movie ‘The Duke’ received glowing reviews at the Venice Film Festival and we got confirmation of my speculation that he would play barrister Jeremy Hutchinson.  

Tantalisingly goode info about Matthew’s up coming movie Silent Night came from Baz Bamigboye from the Daily Mail as he called it ‘the most astonishing Christmas movie ever made’ - hopefully he meant it in a goode way!  We had fun spotting Matthew’s body parts in the pictures accompanying the article ...  

[Pic Daily Mail] 

Production on A Discovery of Witches season 3 started under strict Covid rules and Matthew was seen filming for ADOW Season 3 in Bristol - 

[Anthony Ward]

October was a very goode month!  

It kicked off with The Wine Show Season 3 teaser - 

Matthew ‘sub-section’ Goode joined in with the ADOW cast Q & A.  He was a funny and engaging as ever including an unforgettable impression of a ‘wafter’ and a hasty exit at the end!  

We had the official ‘first look’ trailer for season 2 of A Discovery of Witches - 

[pic - my edit]

The Wine Show season 3 landed on Amazon Prime in the UK and it is SO goode even tho’ there is less Matthew than usual due to filming clashes with ADOW.  Matthew was still his adorably goofy self and gave us the usual interesting fashion choices and jokes.  

[My Edit] 

October also brought us a new tie in cover for Shadow of Night - 

[Pic - Deborah Harkness Twitter]

And as if that wasn’t enough excitement for October we got the official news that there will be another Downton Abbey movie - starting to film in March 2021. Hopefully we will see more of him in this one! 

[Pic - Carnival]

Matthew usually keeps his charity projects private but in November we saw him donating his ADOW ‘wedding day’ boots to be auctioned for the Small Steps Project ....

...complete with on mud from the set.  Some lucky person is probably stroking that suede as I write this! 

[Pics - Small Steps project] 

Matthew also recorded some charming contributions to the #SaveJenny campaign.  He evicted the dog from her favourite chair by the radiator in the kitchen and sat there to read the opening chapter of Wind in the Willows - 

and later ‘The Night before Christmas’ poem complete with music! 

You can still see these contributions and most importantly DONATE  - links are listed below - 

December has been all about A Discovery of Witches season 2 - with a stunning second trailer and plenty of teasers and pictures from Sky and Bad Wolf - there are too many to include but here’s a few - 

[Pics my edit / sky/badwolf]

So what of next year?  So many goode things to look forward to.  I’ll do ‘Goode Things coming in 2021′ a bit earlier next year because January is gonna be BUSY for Goode fans!   

Thank you SO MUCH for making time to read this blog.  And a big thank you to Goode fans who create content to share with others on here and on matthew-goode.net.  We really appreciate the effort that everyone puts in to sharing the Goode Stuff.  

Lastly I have to thank Matthew Goode who patiently tolerates the fan nonsense while he tries to pretend that he doesn’t actually have any fans anyway!  

Cheers Matthew! 

[unsaid-stardust]

The Blowing Kisses Motif

OK THERE’S A LOT TO UNPACK HERE SO BUCKLE UP KIDS

Disclaimer: this is inspired by my friend’s post here (which you should read to gain more depth about this theory and also just bc lev is my friend and I love her). And @reggiepetersbass helped with some of this as well! go support them!! 💜

NOW ON TO THE META

For starters, let’s layout all the times it happens. 

ep1: At dinner after Julie getting kicked out of the music program is brought up, Tía blows a kiss to Carlos before she leaves. 

ep6: during “all eyes on me” one of the moves is Carrie blowing a questionable kiss (I say questionable bc it’s not the same as the others, but is worth talking about)

ep9-there’s two separate times in this episode as a whole:

when Caleb shows up on the grand piano, he whisks the boys away by blowing a kiss

after the “stand tall” performance and the boys poof out, Julie’s dad blows her a kiss

Now that we know what the motif is and when it happens, we can get in to the importance of each kiss, which can be attributed by how the characters react to the blown kiss as well as how it is executed. I grouped them one by one so do with that what you will cough work smarter not harder cough.

Tía’s Kiss 

(wow you’re still here? ok.) Tia’s kiss is very playful and familial. When you first watch the scene, it’s nothing out of the ordinary. it’s something you see in a typical-loving home. What’s noticeable about this kiss is that it’s also very over the top and dramatic, but with warm tones. Tía uses both hands while making the usual “mwah” sound that is paired with a kiss. Carlos excitedly stands up in his chair, an “oh yeah!” sounding as he does, and he playfully pretends he is knocking it out of the park. 

It’s clearly a positive response; a dramatic one too. The show is practically screaming “here! Look at this! Look at this kiss! It’s loving! Julie lives in a very loving and caring household!” which is important to lay out considering that some of the others are not like this at all. it’s also why it’s in the first episode as well as the first interaction Julie has with Tía in the season, but we’ll get to more of that later (buckle in or open the car door and roll out to make your getaway now idc it’s your life)

Carrie’s Half-Kiss

ah yes, the half kiss. i totally did not just find carrie blowing a kiss to prove my point nope Idk what you’re talking about. 

As pointed out, one of the moves that Carrie performs during “All Eyes on Me” involves the act of blowing somewhat of a kiss. This kiss is nothing like Tía’s. It’s not at all familial or loving. No, it’s confident yet a little-bit self-absorbent. It’s dramatic, but in a true pop-queen way. It’s very carrie (I”m sorry you had to read that sentence sadkfhj). 

Carrie is a bit superficial, just like her kiss. She doesn’t come from the same loving home that Julie does. Sure, her dad loves her, as stated in ep 9. But, one can assume that she’s felt a lot of loneliness. Her mom ran out on her at a young age and her dad is never there as he’s busy with his music. That’s all she’s known so it’s all she does. (This is totally not a self plug, but if you want more on carrie pls read here ). It’s practically inevitable that Carrie is the way she is currently. And it’s why her half-kiss is done for attention and receives applause instead of affection. 

Caleb’s Kiss

oooo now this one! This kiss is the most interesting one imo. For those who didn’t read the first post I linked (seriously you should tho bc lev is smart don’t tell her I said that tho), here’s the quick run down. Essentially, galaxy-brain @reggiesjams explained that Caleb manipulates the way each character loves and blackmails them by holding their loved ones and hobbies by a thread. This is where each and every blown kiss throughout the season comes together; Caleb’s kiss. 

Unlike Tía’s kiss, it’s not loving, but the exact opposite. It’s jealousy. It’s poison. Because it’s used to whisk the boys away from the studio, from crossing over, from Julie, the person all three boys love with their whole hearts (especially one Luke Patterson). And it’s right after that, that Caleb’s “last pitch” takes place. 

The one in which he essentially tells all three boys “hey! this thing you love? if you go towards the light that is Julie Molina, the pourer of love that is Julie Molina, you won't have those things, but you’ll have them if you stay.”

This is where it all connects. (but I'll leave you in suspense because we still have probably the most important blown kiss throughout the season but honestly can’t believe you read this far! gold star for you good noodle)

Ray’s Kiss

yay!! back to love!!!! 

ok so we established earlier that ray’s kiss happens after the boys poof out as the crowd cheers when “stand tall” ends. This is completely in contrast to Caleb’s kiss that happened before the performance. This kiss is so much like Tía’s and yet it’s not Tía giving the kiss (more on that soon almost there!). It’s full of love and affection and awe.  It’s not used to accumulate applause or manipulate how someone shows their affection. No. It’s pure and good and wholesome. It’s everything that his daughter, julie, is.

TL;DR

Remember when I said I'd hold off about the connection that Caleb’s Kiss creates as well as why it’s not Tía blowing the kiss? Well, here it is. 

The trilogy (or tetralogy if we count Carrie) of the blown kisses, and the chapter of Caleb’s manipulative kiss, is a nod towards the show’s theme which is quite literally “the power of love is the strongest power”. 

In the first episode, we see a mourning Julie who has lost not only her mom, but her love of music. She’s dreary and dark. But, in the last episode, we see a Julie who is so full of light; literal fireworks exploding behind her as she performs. How does this happen?

Love. Love from her dad. From Carlos and Tía. From Flynn. From the boys. But, most importantly, her mom. She may not visibly be there, but oh is she there  alright.

She’s there in the first episode with the sun that shines through the window as Julie sings for the first time in a year. She’s there any time a Dahlia is present. She’s there any time the boys are there because she’s the one that sent them. And she’s there after the performance of “Stand Tall” as her husband Ray blows a kiss to their daughter’s way. 

She’s what brought the boys back to the studio in the end. She’s the one who guided them towards the light that is Julie; towards love. 

It’s proven that Julie’s mom is who sent the boys back to her when Ray says after the kiss “I still don’t know how she does it” referring the the holograms. He  could’ve said anything else. “Wow! My daughter is so amazing!” or “incredible!” but is that what he says? No. He questions the boys’ existence. This is pretty much the equivalent of a big flashing arrow that points to the show’s theme

And well, even though Carlos answers “it’s all one big mystery to me”. It’s really not because their mom’s love is the answer.