#Though Trent is just mentioned but alas

[troglobite]

again pls let me be w the shows i watch lol

more Thoughts

okay also watching episode 2 again of this season and the tinhat is fully fucking on

WHY does ted care SO MUCH abt trent?

he says yes against everyone's wishes

trent just keeps staring at ted the whole time waiting patiently for his answer he HAS to know everyone is trying to get ted to say no to this idea

ted's SO excited to see him

he mentions a baggie of his hair ties in lost and found?! either it's true and for some reason ted made note of it, or he's poking fun at trent for having an incredible head of hair. lol

then beyond that

the thing that got me and made me wanna think out loud

was the exchange w roy in the locker room

"your ego is abt to jeopardize a lot more than one football game, okay?"

oh REALLY ted? HOW MUCH MORE? WHAT EXACTLY IS THAT MORE?

my god the tinhat it fits so snugly i love it

trent waits patiently awkwardly in the locker room for him and roy to come back out like my god

also i'm just.

okay he also--this is SO tinhat.

in rebecca's office

they mention handfuls

ted's like "never a handful of skittles, though, the dye gets all over your hands and it's sticky. and you CAN print that."

[the tinfoil hat turns rainbow]

we need another way to refer to ppl who are having fun w crackships or batshit fan theories etc. even THAT needs a different name. alas, it's almost 5 am and i'm way too tired to think of any.

ANYWAY.

then my favorite little bit

trent's whole thing yada yada yada you're doing this bc of rupert mannion

"yeah basically"

"love that"

WHOMST ELSE WOULD LOVE THAT EXCEPT FOR SOMEONE WHO ALSO HAS AN EX (HUSBAND) THAT THEY'D LOVE TO PISS OFF?

i'm JUST SAYING.

that man has NO wedding ring and a YOUNG daughter.

he has that beautiful hair and a silly swaggering way of walking

his style is ridiculous

he uses and carries RAINBOW MUGS

he simply raises his eyebrows and keeps walking, A Change Man, after seeing colin making out w michael

also interesting that everybody's in fic and stuff being like "oh he calls him coach lasso"

no he doesn't he literally says "goodnight, ted"

he literally says ted

also just those LOOKS in that conversation

my god mmmmmm i have never been so tinhatty.

except for spn and tbh i Was A Fool. this time i'm just having fun.

they made/confirmed two characters as canonically queer! I AM SIMPLY HAVING A GRAND OL TIME WAITING TO FIND OUT WHO ELSE IN THE SHOW MIGHT BE!!!!! WHO WILL JOIN THEIR RANKS?!

mayhaps the "fancy" man who ted complimented as their first interaction who has a young daughter, no wedding ring, and no evidence of an ex, who reacted w the aplomb of a seasoned homosexual upon seeing colin and michael?

I'M JUST SAYING.

i could watch episode 2 over and over and over again

jamie and dani being friends is the best thing and jamie being rightfully irritated AND a bit jealous abt zava? excellent nuance.

he's right! they don't need him! but that comes from a place of awareness abt the team and caring for them, AND a place of jealousy bc HE wants to be the star player on the team. (along w dani and sam, of course, as much as he rags on them)

loved that bit.

anyway.

trent crimm, homosexual. love it. that man? he's queer.

i had forgotten abt keeley bc i was just like "yeah, yeah, plausible deniability, a lot of straight women talk like that"

i had brushed off colin bc it was one or two throwaway comments or camera framing and he was sort of the butt of a few jokes, an unserious guy.

but now?

my god.

and TRENT?!

i'm just.

HOOOOO BOY.

ALSO

THERE WAS ANOTHER AMSTERDAM REFERENCE IN EPISODE TWO.

the snowglobe in barbara's office that the camera most closely focuses on is AMSTERDAM. IT'S FROM AMSTERDAM.

like holy fucking shit this next episode is going to explode us all, isn't it?

i am. EXPERIENCING.

MANY EMOTIONS.

[warriorblood1]

⭐️ 👨‍👨‍👦 🎵 🍯 😈 ⛺️ 🪓 🤢 🎭 📝 🤓 👻 💰 💀 🌁 ✍️ ❗️

Thank you darling, you will probably already know a bunch of this about Max lmao-

⭐️: They do not have a Touch of the Gift! They have absolutely no connection to the weird shit in Hatchetfield (unlike all their friends) and they are so so disappointed about it.

👨‍👩‍👦: They do! Maxwell Alexander Carpenter is the child of Top-Floor Sylvia, and more or less in her spitting image. (So they do have a degree of separation or two from the weird shit at CCRP, lmao.)

🎵: Dipshit would've tried to be a sneaky investigator and got got. Or hide out in the woods and die lmao

🍯: They find the fact that all Honey queen's move away incredibly suspicious. So they try and investigate that. To little success. It usually just means they watch the whole boring pageant and then lose track of the fancy cars the winner drives off into the night in.

😈: I have traditionally said Wiggly. In our RP, Max is targeted to become Prophet, due to their undying need for knowledge being easily manipulatable. I picked Wiggly less because of any wrath reasons and more because he's the leader lmao (and at the time we didn't know much about the other lords).

⛺️: Almost! They got real close to going but never did because their mom listened to them and would up not sending them. When they learned of the rumors of Lumber-Axe they begged her to go, and she said "uh fuck no." So they try and traverse through the woods instead lmao

🪓: Uhhhh prolly a 9! They more or less like it here, probably wouldn't be any better anywhere else. And they like researching the weird shit that happens!

🤢: Fuck Clivesdale. They do use it as an excuse sometimes (ala, "I'm not in the woods, I'm. In Clivesdale.")

🎭: I have no fucking clue. Someone new, I guess? I really have no idea, I don't Envision them as any existing member.

📝: Sycamore!

🤓: They're in their Senior year of high school, and they're a fucking loser! They have a reputation for being weird and "obsessed with supernatural bullshit" and the like. And also there was an Event in middle school that like solidified them as someone in the "hm lets. lets stay away" category. They're a fine student, though.

👻: Yes. All of them.

💰: I can see Max going mad. They like to believe they have no "holes" but they do. And they'd absolutely believe this eldritch god can give them knowledge and answers; that's why I had them become Prophet in our RP lmao.

💀: They look into anything and everything that seems weird, but really don't have that much success. Sylvia tries to prevent them from learning ANYTHING about CCRP, and while they think their may be a cult on the island, they don't know about the existance of the Church of the Starry Children.

🌁: Not really around town? Other than just being a weird kid. But like I said, there was an Event in middle school that a Lot of people their age still remember, and that hangs over them.

✍️: Uhhh. Soooort of? I love them and their group of friends so I'm trying to write an original story with them (with their friends' creators' permissions and blessings, of course). We have an ongoing RP, and I've written a couple little like. Glimpse-into-a-future-planned-event "fics." And they're mentioned in the Halloween fic I was doing. But nothing major. I don't usually like having OCs in my fics.

❗️: Max has CIPA! (Congenital Insensitivity to Pain with Anhidrosis!) They cannot feel pain or sweat, they have very little temperature regulation, and it kinda sucks! It Seems like a power at first, but it's a totally normal (if not very rare) thing. They have so many random scars/injuries from ways they've gotten hurt over the years, its surprising they've lived this long-

Also. Bonus fun fact. Egg, who asked this, has an OC named Gabe Wilson who will someday be Max's boyfriend uwu. Love you Gabe. (AND LOVE TO THE REST OF THE CONSPIRACY GAYNG, LIZZIE, TRENT, AND ELSIE)

[vividxp]

My random thoughs on Ep. 127 (Critical Role C2 Spoilers)

Ok, the dramatics gremlin in me loved this episode. 

I was surprised that the M9 even decided to do the heist. I would have figured that they would have felt it would take too long, but who can resist the DM giving you a bunch of well crafted maps. And Matt did have the fog of war 3d map ready to go. I think as far as fun goes, going was the best option.

As far as team make up goes, I can’t fault how it was split up. I think maybe Beau should have come with Team Firestorm. But Veth and Jester being tricksters (and detectives) is a good skill set when it comes to sneaking around. Veth is the only one who was going to be able to pick those locks and check for traps quickly and consistently (thanks to reliable talent, the absolute bare minimum she can roll for investigation is 23). If I was pressed to change the teams, I would have told Caleb to switch with Beau. A level 4 dispel seemed to get rid of all the sigils and Jester, while cutting it close with spells would have had enough spells to do the dimension door if they were able to avoid more guards. And Caleb would give Team Outtie someone who could cast message.

But alas.

So once they got in there...everything was going good until we started getting loud. Veth is an arcane trickster not an assassin like Vax was which means as much as she chooses violence, she needs a bit of luck with damage rolls to be able to take people out with one or two shots. Which meant the rest of Team Firestorm had to step up. And woof.

Caleb was on one this episode. The fic that I mentioned during the stream is called That Carnivorous Dark. It features all of the m9 infiltrating the Vergessen Santorum to break Essek out. It also features Caleb going into Scourger mode and being super brutal and ruthless much to the concern of his friends. It’s a good fic. 

I’m fine with what went down, I was entertained, but I could see why people who aren’t into shit getting super dark would feel uneasy about all of it. 

I’m not an alignment stickler either, but Caleb went with the 2 chaotic neutrals of the group...at the end of the day, concern about Caleb or not, they all knew that they had to keep going. They can think about morality once they’re out.

Another Veth comment, she is currently a higher level rogue than Vax ever was. If she continues to take levels in rogue, it will become even funnier how she’s able to get out of the most dire straits with little to no damage. And what a lucky break she got with lightning resistance. She would have been down bad otherwise.

It was just unfortunate that Caleb didn’t recognize the barrier spell sooner and didn’t roll high enough on the arcana check for Matt to remind him. Also as far as stealing stuff goes--Sam seemed to think that as a halfling Veth couldn’t carry the heavy boxes but Veth’s strength is not that bad. I think had that assumption not been made he wouldn’t have wasted time trying to open the box. 

The M9 are in a pretty bad situation but it’s not completely hopeless and I don’t think Trent is going to start tossing out power word kills instead of talking. I can’t wait to see how shit goes down next week. 

[violet-t-9]

Check in on my (not very realistic) wish list for episode 141

 1. Blooming Grove Clay family reunion! Hugs and tears! Home-cooked meal and tea! Much needed relaxation and downtime after saving the world.

Ay that was a nice meal and a good night’s sleep.

2. Widogast’s Nascent Nein (9!) Sided Tower because Caleb still has a spell slot for that! So many cats and books. Also, rooms for Essek and Molly (9!). Bonus: seeing more rooms on the 8th floor of the tower?

Oof well thanks Trent now we don’t get to see the tower again, ever. I’m 100% sure that Essek will see his room during the Aeorian study fun times and Luc and Yeza will see their rooms in magical summer camp with professor Widogast though, so I’m happy.

3. Check in and visiting Allura to return her staff and Kima’s Holy Avenger (”hey we saved the world killed Lucien stopped the city Allura are you proud of us? You are? Tell us who is on the Tal’Dorei council.”)

They mentioned it, but they didn’t play it out, unfortunately. Alas, the members of the Tal’Dorei council shall forever remain a mystery.

4. Check in and visiting Yussa and Wensforth to apologize for their last visit to the Tidepeak Tower and using his emergency exit plan, but Yussa being too grateful to be saved from a screaming city hivemind to care.

Yep, thank you Caleb for remembering Yussa lol. Should have known that he would want to study the Happy Fun Ball... Wizards sharing knowledge, how nice! Also, Veth’s goodbye to Wensforth was very sweet.

5. Molly getting more and more of his memory back and slowly becoming his old flamboyant self.

I... wow I mean I guess Kingsley? This technically happened? He is going to become someone new, which is always exciting! He got a lot of... interesting memories back too. He is also interested in learning about Molly’s memory too, even though he is somebody else (and just as flamboyant).

6. Caleb says goodbye to Frumpkin and there is either a sweet farewell or Frumpkin just goes “nah fam I choose my wizard you can’t get rid of me”.

Aw Frumpkin didn’t feel ready to leave at first... :( The actual farewell was indeed short and sweet, I loved it. 

7. Beau and Yasha moments, conversations, fun times, shameless PDA, or potentially fade to black because they deserve it.

Camping outside at night, aw. Their moment after the Zeenoth trial was very touching as well! “Yes, my love?” and “my Expositor” lol how romantic they are. They are planning to settle down and explore Yasha’s past together! Their honeymoon little trip! Also, “I will have you and then some” was indeed hot.

8. Jester and Fjord being domestic, adorable and sharing kisses/conversations or potentially fade to black because they deserve it.

The sleep snuggle was soo cute and Jester’s love admission was adorable! Also the rain and double confession wow Fjord what a romantic man. Their conversation in Nicodranas was sooo cute guys. They planned boat trips!

9. Caleb and Essek have a long one-on-one conversation about their “it’s complicated” relationship and have some more physical contact (still reeling from the forehead touch last episode).

Caleb attempting to include Essek in the globe of invulnerability and Essek dragging Caleb away from melee combat aw. The kiss on the cheek and the empathetic hug... I will take the time travel conversation as well. 

10. Veth, Yeza and Luc’s joyful/tearful family reunion and happy fun times in which Veth and Yeza may or may not celebrate in private.

Aw that was a nice reunion, so very cute. Veth gets to fully return home to her family after saying goodbye! I’m going to assume that she celebrates her return with Yeza in private. 

11. Cad’s moments with his family and also with Molly (because it’s fun to watch them on screen together and conversing let’s be real).

Caduceus gets to be with his family now, enjoying life at the blooming grove! He deserves the relaxation!

12. Jester’s reunion with her mother with big hugs and finding out that parent trap TM has succeeded thanks to her genius plans. Also, the gentleman being a super awkward but loving dad.

Yes I knew it would work! The gentleman is a nervous drinker confirmed lol. The mother-daughter talk was very nice and a great reminder!

13. The Mighty Nein plans for the future: getting rid of Cloven Crystal, Fjord visiting Vandran (with Jester probably, who discusses Tusk Love with him) and maybe Sabian? Yasha’s plan to bring flower to Zuala (trip with Beau?). Beau’s plans regarding Zeenoth’s trial (has that happend yet? Does she want to go?) and Caleb’s plans for the assembly (or even further ahead, magical school? Aeorian research with Kryn Colleague? How pissed is Ludinus Da’leth?)

Well, the empire siblings sure started a task force against the assembly huh. Also yeah Caleb you tell him, F**k your vacancy Martinet Ludinus Da’leth! Professor Caleb will teach Luc. Astrid would be more interested in the position anyways. Fjord got to visit Vandran with Jester and got him to join their sailing adventures! Jester also talks about Tusk Love with him wow. Beau testified against Zeenoth with Yasha by her side! Yasha gave flowers to Zuala on a trip with Beau! Caleb and Essek got to do their Aeorian research study! Fjord’s cloven crystal adventure was also addressed! I’m so good at predictions you guys I KID YOU NOT I predicted everything.

14. Getting an update about Astrid and Eadwulf to find out that they are in fact doing fine because Trent is in deep trouble and under heavy investigation by the Augen Trust and Cobalt Soul (bonus: Trent is already starting to get what he deserves. Or even better, Trent has died from liver failure in jail. Like his jaundice really kept getting worse so one can hope I guess?)

F**k you Trent, you just had to show up and ruin everything didn’t you. Well, Astrid and Eadwulf are fne now, and Trent IS in deep trouble and rotting in jail. Still hoping that he will die from liver failure after like, a few years.

15. Fjord officially “meeting the parents” and Gentleman/Marion giving Fjord the shovel talk because that didn’t happen last time.

Aw he didn’t go with! But the gentleman did talk about Fjord anyways lol and gave her some sound advice.

16. Wedding mentions/discussions? Proposals? Anyone? No?

Well Jester proposed to marry... her parents? Lol did not see that one coming. Veth and Yeza renewing vows yes! It was a nice suggestion. 

17. Artagan/sprinkle joins in the celebration because why not (bonus: Sprinkle gets to be free! Or whatever an undead weasel could be lmao)

Artagan and Jester’s conversation was very nice development for them. Sprinkle gets to stay forever, unfortunately for Sprinkle lol.

18. Obligatory wish for Essek’s fancy dunamancy or magical items (like I know we will never see dark star probably but I live for spell casting flavours).

Essek’s hold person on Trent was clutch, “stay down”, what a king. The tether essence, lightning bolt and gravity sinkhole were all wonderful. Still sad about the dark star never being seen though.

19. Obligatory wish for the polymorph spell (look, I just love it okay).

Hey, Jester threatened Astrid with it! Polymorph mention wins! Fjord was sad about the potential choice of turning her into a turtle but it would have been funny.

20. Obligatory wish for Caleb to use more fire/customized/dunamantic spells creatively or with nice flair (what’s sexier than wizards NOTHING).

What’s sexier than counterspells and dispel magic NOTHING. Also hey, the manacles of stasis worked!

21. Discussion about Essek’s future because oh boy can he even go back to the Dynasty? Have they found him out yet? If they did, how mad is the Bright Queen? Are Volstruckers too busy to chase him down? We need to know!

Oh man I mean Essek found a way to live freely at least! With a lot of illusions and identities, of course. He also got to stay in contact with the M9! I think he may show up in campaign 3!

22. Group hug! Group feast! Group cheer! I dunno, just do group stuff. They are the Mighty Nein, they are the Mighty Nine, they saved the world!

A lot of group hugs and feasts! I especially loved the hug when they said goodbye to Essek. 

23. Visiting/checking in with other NPCs or allies potentially! Like Kiri, Calianna, Twiggy, Keg, Shakasta, Bryce, Dagen oh also the Hag (I’m kidding).

They checked in with Orly! Not these allies but you know, Orly is awesome. 

24. Obligatory wish for everyone (the Nein, their friends/families) to get a happy ending that gives me a feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment, and that the episode/campaign ends with a poetically beautiful scene!

Yes, it was a very poetic and very beautiful story indeed

I love the Mighty Nein/Nine, I love the cast. I’m so grateful for their story in my life. Words are not enough to describe my thankfulness for being able to go on this journey with them.

Now excuse me I just need to go sob in a corner.

My score: 19/24

Seriously though check out #13 I’m proud of that one

Other Highlights: 

Caleb hit 100 HP OMG I too am proud of him.

Well I didn’t expect the boss fight but I’m glad we are getting one? 

Caleb’s produce flame was used by Veth on Fluffernutter, nice!

The Veth + Beau putting collar combo was the coolest thing I’ve ever seen, also there is something poetic about Caleb relying entirely on his friends and Astrid to carry out the collar tactic on Trent.

The forced empathy commands by Cad lmao wow angry Cad is scary, too bad Trent didn’t have any.

Veth’s silent image... Caleb disintegrating and burning everything in the T-dock... Caleb’s book for his parents... Professor Widogast... Excuse me I’m going to cry now.

[ruvi-muffin]

hi! emoji anon here! those asks were for that one critical role emoji ask meme post. should have specified. sorry!

Nono ur good. Ur so lovely hello!♡

It took me a sec to find bc it was a bit burried, i'm not used to getting asks for these but thank you :D

It's these ones i believe? ☝☝

💕 favourite cr show other than the campaign

I'm very fond of pubdraw. It's just very chill and also i love seeing the cast draw. To this day my favourite thing is Sam's Delight at being able to draw like !!! Yes king you Can Draw!! :'D

Also seeing matt do painting is a Whole New Level bc i Cannot paint for shit

Also i miss babs dearly. Follow your art heart!! :')))) ♡♡♡♡

🤡 worst take i still stand by

Hooo boiiii... okay so

I love the caleb is consecuted theory.

MORE IMPORTANTLY THOUGH

Trent is consecuted and the reason he wanted to be killed so badly was so he could be reborn and be off the hook for war crime.

He picked out kids who showed signs if anamnesis then did tests on them and mind wiped them afterwards, efectively removing any memory if their past lives and then figured out consecution once he started working with Essek.

Anyway it was a cool scenario but not smth that was ever going to happen alas.

🎼 + char name - character theme song

Would love to do this one but i need a character aah :'D

Ur free to get back to me tho w one or more characters if u want. Or a ship or whatever u want rly.

🤯 most unexpected reveal

Oh 100% Essek's traitor reveal!!

Every major reveal up until ep69 (when i caught up) was spoiled for me so things like veth's vackstory reveal didn't Do much for me as i was already suspecting it.

But ep 97 though!

Oh boy.. i was already falling into essek stan-hood pretty quickly after his appearance and then gradually but i NEVER SUSPECTED that he was the traitor.

I was like Ah Yes this here is Essik Theylas, overworked office worker who just really wants a break and a boyfriend.

The shady behaviour?? Went straight over my head. I was like Ah he's such a nice boy he's so Polite 😂😂😂

I rly should've known but i rly thought it would be too obvious a play to have the First person they get close to in the dynasty be the traitor. Like.. what are the odds right??

Not like it was already a ridiculous coincidence that Veth's husband worked for the assembly, and he's the Sweetest Man.

Dnd man. It's a whole other beast.

😚 favourite platonic relationship

JESTER AND ESSEK JESTER AND ESSEK JESTER AND ESSEK JESTER AND ESSEK JESTER AND ESSEK JESTER SND ESSEK JESTER AN-

🌱 favourite arc setting

Pirate arc. I rly miss the pirate arc. Like... at the time i thought it was kinda long winded and boring but i LOVE IT

Just... get all ur faves on a boat and forse them to bond. It's a Great storytelling tool. Not to mention i Adore tm9 when they're chaotic and comiting crime by accident.

I think my fave Setting is probs aeor and the dynasty but like... arc wise... man nothing beats piracy.

[fmlfpl]

Lineup Lamentations - DGW24

Our Transfers, Captains, and Starting 11s for the week!

—

WALSH

TRANSFERS:

OUT: Vardy, Pereira, Dendoncker

IN (for -4 points hit): Haller, Gomez, Mahrez

Time to move it around and shake it up.

***Disclaimer though - I only did the defense move as of the time of this writing. I want to see if there is any news when I wake up but if not these will be my moves.***

After spending the rest of Sunday bugging out, broadly speaking, about what to do with Periera I decided after further consultation to just get Joemez. The money seemed like it was needed elsewhere and ultimately I didn't feel that the 1.2m was best spent in looking for VVD goals. As shouted on the pod..cheapest route into the clean has always generally a good rule of thumb to follow. After that is where my brain melted.

Obviously I was extremely hot in the pants for Mahrez...and I did the Joemez with half a mind to do Tony M to Mahrez the following day. Then I realized that there were so many more doors before my very eyes!

My 11th starter has been really problematic for quite a while...mainly since I brought Kun in and have all these cheap fucks at the edge of my squad. I will be on suicide watch when Vardz bangs against Wet Spam but ultimately he felt like someone I could do without given their difficult incoming fixtures. Turning him and a dead spot on my team into two real things feels very solid for the immediate term and will let me bench defenders with questionable fixtures who I otherwise would have had to start.

Haller is really just a Dings placeholder...and feels very fun in this moment. Didn't really look at him until Monday but he's low key been putting up good underlying stats recently. Sure the DGW are rough on paper fixtures but who knows....I want to feel alive. I owned him earlier in the season and I don't really remember it being that bad? Or it was so bad that I blacked it out of my memory. Who is to say for sure?

Dings has Palace and Livp these next two...with a shout to be rested tomorrow to boot. Haller has Brighton GW25 so it seems like a pretty low cost punt for these two to maybe get lucky. I'm backing my eye test of Leic looking fucked up and binning Vardz although I am fully aware of the risk here. Could end up being a catastrophe..he's still really highly owned...but if he does blank against West Ham I expect a fire sale ahead of their difficult run.

Mahrez in is just..so good. The feels are strong with him and I'm rolling triple City attack right now. We'll see if this has me fly or plummet.

GK:

Schmeichel (WHU)

Woodman god I hope Woodman is in the actual Prem soon I love him so much. He'll keep the spot warm for the long eight day gameweek while Kasper thinks about what he's done on the bench.

Fucking hate watching him..just sits on his fuckin line all game like DDG. Not expecting a clean at all this week.

DEF:

Finally only throwing three defenders out for the first time in what feels like maybe all fucking season. Dunno.

Alexander-Arnold & Gomez (wol, whu)

Back on double Livp defense after I conveniently got rid of Robbo right about exactly before they started their run of infinity cleans in a row like the genius that I am. Trent and Joemez in for the double..nothing really to say here.

Willians (BUR)

Alongside is another red - baby Will has a home banker against Burnley.

As long as they can keep their noses clean on set pieces a clean at home feels pretty good to me. Bwill can fucking chill and running up and down the wing against the likes of Hendrick or whoever the fuck will feel like a walk in the park compared to having to deal with Mo last game.

MID:

Salah (wol, whu)

Speaking of Mo, hi Mo. GLHF Mo.

Martial (BUR)

Tony M stays...I really had a hard time with him..but ultimately he's still playing up top and is now presumably on pens..for a sortakinda top six team.

I still feel like he'll trickle in points with goals here and there even though their fixtures are pretty mixed. Again, I still don't know what "good" fixtures look like for United nor do I expect to. As long as Martial is fit and starting he scores in this league. Looked good against Livp and has a home banker this GW. He stays.

Mahrez & De Bruyne (shu)

New boy Mahrez joins old friend ging god Kevin for the double up in mid on City.

Mahrez pretty sexy guy lately and it would've felt dirty to have been going so insane about him on the pod and not to buy him in my team. SheffU away is a rough fixture but the way he has been looking lately I back him to get points against anyone.

FWD:

Maupay (bou)

Neal..oh Neal. I don't even know anymore with Neal. Another good fixture but ugh he's been frustrating. Another almost goal at the end of the game for him this weekend I was having flashbacks to that Everton chance a few games ago. He's still sooo good eye test and build up and IRL stuff but it's just not there yet for FPL points. The team doesn't create a ton in open play and he's a concern. Fixtures turn soon so he's on borrowed time. Would be nice if he could put up one nice score before I bin him. At Edward is always a good time and place to start.

Agüero (shu)

Kun feels hard to drop right now but who knows what his fitness levels are like. Either way he's on song and is going nowhere.

Haller (lei, LIV)

Last guy is Sebby Haller. As mentioned earlier has been putting up very solid stats lately and really just rolling the dice here on the big man up top with two games this gameweek. Stranger things have happened and I'm going with the high ceiling play in the DGW.

TRIPLE CAP:

Salah (wol, whu)

Mo.

Derek, that sweet summer child, really just put me in my place on the pod when we discussed this topic. When he uses the triple cap he wants “to go for it.”

Simple words from a complex and cultured man.

Mo has hat trick potential every game he walks on the pitch.

Sure, Trent has a pretty high ceiling also...but assists from corners and goals usually from direct frees are hard to predict. Mo is Mo...it was always going to be Mo.

—

ALON

TRANSFERS:

OUT: Guilbert, Sarr, Jiménez

IN (for -4 points hit): Alexander-Arnold, Grealish, Haller

Fuck it man I don’t know.

I didn’t need to hit at all I’m doing it for pure fun with the chance of spiking something.

Guilbert and dead Sarr to Trent and Jack is very easy and obvious and good - I feel like I do not need to address those transfers at all.

Jim on the other hand my nemesis needed to be fucked off. I just can’t stand looking at him in my team at all anymore. He has home Liverpool same as Haller so basically cancels out there and then Haller has the additional fixture and the way better fixture next week too.

I might Wildcard next week but I don’t know, I’m living in the now and right now I want my big french love of life Haller to do some things.

Hitting while on a loss in the FML FPL Cup is probably very stupid but I am also probably definitely very stupid and bad at FPL... Don’t really know what I’m doing at this juncture and sorta don’t really care.

Come on Haller.

GK:

Ryan (bou)

Whatever fucking Mat with one T just cannot get it done anymore.

Cleans in GWs 1-15: 4

Bonus points in GWs 1-15: 11

Cleans since I got him GWs 16-23: 1

Bonus points in GWs 16-23: 0

Feels bad man.

DEF:

van Dijk & Alexander-Arnold (wol, whu)

Delightful double.

I called that VVDong on last week’s lambs which is cool. I wish this game was H-O-R-S-E rules and I got a bonus for calling my shot but alas it’s not and it’s horrible... Well Hammers and Wolves aren’t as bad as Man. Utd. at set piece defending but they’re not great either so maybe Virge will be in the mood again and propel me to the moon?

Trent needs no words.

Hoping for the double clean and anything else is a bonus boner.

Söyüncü (WHU)

Still very cleanable but is anything really cleanable for Leicester anymore? TBD.

Is this GW1 darling SoyBoy’s final game in my side? Possibly. And if I Wildcard then definitely.

So much TBD.

MID:

Salah (wol, whu)

Mo hitting some form. He looks great lately.

De Bruyne (shu)

We just hold Kev.

Maddison (WHU)

Another of my Leicester triple to be fucked off next week if I Wildcard and Maddo may still go even if I don’t Wildcard... he was flying for a while and then getting demolished by City and Liverpool back to back may have fucked this team up.

Grealish (WAT)

Lol @ Me shouting Jack for GW1 team and the not having the confidence or balls to actually do the thing.

Here we are it’s GW24 and I’m just getting him for the first time when he’s already bagged a few double digit hauls and over 100 points. Fucking Lol @ Me that’s my season in summary.

FWD:

Vardy (WHU)

One last hurrah? Another Fox another chopping block as far as I’m concerned.

It’s been not really a fun ride since everyone had Vardz and everyone capped Vardz almost every week so it’ll feel good to fuck him off soon.

Home Hammers come on go make a statement Leicester COME ONNNN.

Calvert-Lewin (NEW)

Backed the marriage of stats+eye-test and got paid for it with 8 points last week. Still love DCL for these next three fixtures NEW wat CRY - team looks pretty good and he looks good. Like the kid.

Haller (lei, LIV)

It’s a punt. Nothing more then that.

It’s also a stupid punt draining 4 points from my team but it’s 4 points I’m willing to gamble with clearly.

Maybe he does a thing. Ya never know. Leicester been the opposite of solid since the Ndidi injury and Liverpool I mean again - ya never know.

He’s class and his stats are great just need those to turn into some points come on Seb. 

Allons-y! Alonzo!

TRIPLE CAP:

Salah (wol, whu)

Ride together, die together.

We’ve always been Mo boys gotta say.

I don’t think either of us have owned Mane in actually years (the s makes it plural). It’s not smart but we’re just Mo boys I don’t know what else to say. Did you see his bod? I mean...

Pens and form and eye-test and maybe it’ll be a 4231 with him up top vs. Wolves like it was last time which would also be great for us.

The machine... go on... it’s fucking time...

Got some catching up to do in the Golden Boot race too.

It has to start somewhere. It has to start sometime. What better place than here? What better time than now? All, hell, can’t stop us now.

—

NOT RANDOM SLACKER OF THE WEEK: Barik G9

The words of Random Slacker are not officially endorsed by this website nor any employees of FML FPL LLC.

TRANSFERS:

OUT: Abraham & Hayden

IN: Greenwood & Moura

Time to stop being a passive little bitch and spend the transfer I've been floating since I WC'd in GW13.

I suppose I haven't had too many fires to put out considering I've been floating for actual 10 GWs, but Tamela looking like a ball-fumbling fuck and the death of Marcus Rashford (F) is enough to push me into a new 3-5-2 formation for the first time this season.

Is 90% of the reason I'm getting Lucash because I'm a Mou fanboy? I sink so. I like the 7.1 for a forward shout, even on a team looking diabolical. After all, I have Tony too, don't I?

Wait, do I have 5 strikers now? Seems good.

GK:

Ryan (bou)

Ryan has been pretty awful since Alon killed him by bringing him in, but let's see how he gets on against a relegation zone Bournemouth.

I've stopped expecting cleans from him altogether, how about some saves pls? Kill for a 4 pointer from the 3 point merchant.

DEF:

Stephens (cry)

I got on the Stephens train last week and now I'm giving him the start ahead of Soyboy amidst a horrific Leicester team that can't defend for its life without Ndidi. Go on, Jack. Clean against Woy's boys one time.

Gomez & Alexander-Arnold (wol, whu)

The double festivities begin.

It's hilarious to watch people trip themselves over whether Gomez is a good pick, worrying about his place in the team when he's getting points for fun. Was said on the pod this season that sometimes people go into "wait and see" mode when they should be getting the player in and squeezing the points while they can. Is 5.2 for a player that cleans every week good?

He's nailed and first choice alongside VVD until proven otherwise.

As we say in the South, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

*laughs in clean sheet points*

And what can I say about Trent? He assists like a midfielder with the right foot of a forward and the clean sheet points of a defender.

Trent is a god and if you don't own him you probably enjoy watching other people do your partner.

MID:

Mane (wol, whu)

Do I wish this said Mo instead of Mane? Perhaps.

Do I want to be like my ML rival schmuck who's spent 4 (FOUR) transfers this year switching between Mo and Mane like a coked up fiend? Absolutely not.

While I reckon Mo is the slightly better pick right now based on pens and my personal eye test, that only happened recently.

Mane has been on another level for a while now and I expect them to keep trading points throughout the upcoming amazing run.

Go on Sadio, double gameweek me into glory.

De Bruyne & Mahrez (shu)

Goddammit, as I type this why are all of my players away?

Our resident ginger goes to one of the toughest places in the league. Hopefully he'll do some Kev magic to break them down and not play DM.

And sometimes in life the stars just align perfectly, like transferring in Algerian legend Riyad right before he hauls for a 17 pointer and cuts my rank in half.

Shoutout to my boy Al on Slack who followed me on the punt that everyone wants to take now.

Even though he got a 1 pointer last week, he's still averaging 9 in my team if my math is correct, is that good?

I'm happy to own Mahrez for at least a few more, because truth be told he's even a shout to return off the bench when he doesn't start. It's happened before this season and it could happen again.

Stats are through the roof and eye test off the charts.

C'mon Mahrez, do the best you can under Fraudiola's audacity to ever bench you.

Martial (BUR)

I finally get to write about a home fixture and it's Manchester United. Fuck.

I'm not in the soothsayer game, so I'm not gonna try and predict how they look without Rash.

Instead, I'm just gonna hope that Tony keeps Tony'ing which means constantly dancing in and around the box like the beautiful French boy he is when fit.

I still believe.

Moura (NOR)

Finally, a home banker.

Queue Tottenham lose 1-0 and Mourinho blames the color of the match ball.

Hoping Norwich get absolutely duon (if Spurs 2.0 without Kane are even capable of such a thing) and Lucas is in and around the points. Doesn't get much better than this fixture wise.

FWD:

Vardy (WHU)

Still a steady hold for me until it's absolutely obvious to get rid.

Bring your vodka and your charlie because WHU are diabolical.

Ings (cry)

3 blanks from 11 starts in my side.

How much trouble will I be in if I name my first born Daniel?

What was at first going to be a ride-the-fixtures absolute punt is now easily a season long hold. Just knocked on wood so he can stay fit all season and keep ticking along.

TRIPLE CAP:

Alexander-Arnold (wol, whu)

The novelty of triple captaining a defender was too much to resist. When will this ever happen again? A defender is actually explosive enough to TC, playing for one of the best teams in PL history, with 2 good fixtures in a double gameweek and a 6 day break. Perfect storm.

This isn't just any defender, it's a guy who starts every game with a base score of 6 + any assists/dongs he gets. With 13 returns on the season, he gets a lot.

If City had this double and Trent played for them exactly the same way, perhaps I'd TC my City attackers. They're a relentless attack that wants the sixth when they're up 5-0, whereas Livp are content with turning cruise control on when they're up a goal or two. For those reasons, and the clean sheet potential, I personally see more upside going for Trent than Mane.

Here's the worst-average-best case scenario I envision:

Worst case: 8 points from a clean and blank. Surely they clean once at least, right?

8 x 3 = 24.

Not ideal.

Average case: ~12 points from two cleans or a blank and a double return game.

12 x 3 = 36.

Respectable.

Best case: Fuck me x 3 = triple fuck me.

Flying.

Feels weird to be putting my faith in someone even younger than me but here we are, I'm TC'ing a defender, and now it's on lambs which means no going back.

I've never felt more alive.

[chaunceyandchumleysdad]

Riot Fest Day 1 (Friday September 15, 2017) I made sure I got here for the first crash of guitar cords this day as their were a few early bands that I wanted to see.

Skating Polly (Roots Stage) I attended their 11:30 show two years ago and did the same today (noon this time), the only two times I made it to Riot Fest that early in the day. If you are not familiar with this band, they are step-sisters who started the band at ages 14 and 9. When I saw them last time, they were a two piece band with Peyton on bass and Kelli on drums. They have now added Kelli’s brother Kurtis as a drummer and Kelli plays guitar, although Kelli and Kurtis also swapped places during the show. The played a great, rockin’ set. While Kurtis was drumming, I noticed he was wearing a Frank Zappa Hot Rats album cover t-shirt. Later when he played guitar, he showed some Zappa influence for Noise Rock by playing his guitar with a drumstick. They played on one of the big stages this year and despite the early set time, they drew a good crowd. The band is currently touring with X. Exene Cervenka of X produced their second album and Kliph Scurlock of The Flaming Lips mixed the LP, so these young musicians have quickly earned the admiration of some Rock veterans. (First set of band photos.)

Tobacco (Riot Stage) I enjoyed listening to this avant garde electronic instrumental band, even though their music seemed a bit out of place in the midday sun. Tobacco is apparently a pseudonym for Thomas Fec, who is the front man for Black Moth Super Rainbow. On stage, they were a 4 piece band including two synthesizers and drums and bass guitar. They produced some nice sounds and as a four-piece band, they were more interesting to watch than some of the one-guy-with-a-computer artists I have seen at other festivals.

INVSN (Roots Stage) Swedish Post Punk that I thought sounded a bit like Industrial Rock at times. Lead singer Dennis Lyxzén is also the lead singer for Refused. He’s active on stage with some moves that reminded me a bit of Roger Daltry and Mick Jagger. At one point, he came out into the audience while singing. (The lead singer for The Hives did that last year. Is this a Swedish thing? Just wondering). Anyway, I thought they played a good set and I enjoyed their music. (Second set of band photos.)

Sleep On It (Radicals Stage) A local Chicago Pop Punk band from nearby Logan Square. I did not originally have them on my schedule. However, on this hot sunny day, I needed some shade for a bit and I was able to retreat to a shady area across the field from the Radicals Stage. I was glad I got to hear this band. They played an energetic set and they came across as a nice bunch of guys who were really happy to be playing at Riot Fest in their home town.

X (Roots Stage) This is the band I came to see today and I was not disappointed. They were so good and a lot of fun. Billy Zoom, conceding a bit to age and recent health issues, plays from a perched position on a stool, but he still plays a wicked guitar. His Rockabilly style riffs are the backbone of the band’s unique Punk sound. D.J. Bonebroke set the pace with his energetic drumming. John Doe was terrific on base and vocals, and Exene Cervenka sang great and was just really cool on stage. This is their 40th anniversary tour and they still love their LA roots with a cool X logo on stage that included their names and the name of their city. Exene also wore an LA shirt with the initials stylized ala LA Dodgers. It was also fun to see the members of Skating Polly, who are touring with X, enjoying the show from back stage. The hot sun didn’t stop me from dancing up a dust storm for this show!

Buzzcocks (Riot Stage) I was really glad this band returned to Riot Fest. They were there in 2014 but I did not see them, so I was happy to have the opportunity again. They were one of the early English bands to hit the Punk scene and their music still sounds great today. I was thrilled that they played my favorite song, Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've). Although the band members are into their early 60’s, they still play hard driving Punk with attitude, and you could still hear the teenage angst coming through with songs like Orgasm Addict and Fast Cars. Just a really cool band!

Chon (The Heather Owen Stage) I was interested in seeing this band and it didn’t quite work out. However, I did catch maybe the last 5 minutes of their set. A really fine Math Rock sound adding some good diversity to the Riot Fest line up.

The Cribbs (The Heather Owen Stage) This was a rockin’ set! A power trio of three brothers, they were on the small stage at dusk and the crowd in this somewhat secluded part of the grounds was really into it, giving it a bit of a club feel. I look forward to an opportunity to see this band again sometime. (Photo below Buzzcocks.)

New Order (Roots Stage) Riot Fest sometimes gets some criticism for booking too many “old bands” but of course, I’m old, so I generally have no problem with that. Today was a great day for old bands and I thought this New Wave Synth Pop band was an excellent addition. They have been around since 1981, but are still making some new music, having released an album as recently as 2015. Bernard Sumner’s voice was in excellent form and I particularly enjoyed hearing him sing my favorite, Bizarre Love Triangle. The sound and light shows were awesome and although the pulsating synthesized rhythm wore a little thin with me toward the end of their 75 minute set, overall I enjoyed the show and was happy to have the opportunity to see them.

Nine Inch Nails (Riot Stage) I thought this was going to be my favorite of the three headliners over the three days, but their show turned out to be my least favorite of the three. And it had nothing to with the band. They sounded fantastic! Their albums have such a fine sound and I thought they did a top notch job of replicating there sound on stage, not to mention Trent Reznor’s amazing and passionate vocals. However, some of their music has some very soft and slow passages. Following a long day that included intense heat and sun, lots of walking and standing, riding “L” trains and perhaps just wee bit to drink, the slow stuff just wasn’t doing it for me. I like NIN but I’m not a hard core fan, so about 35 minutes into their set, I decided to bail and head home to get some much needed rest.

[fmlfpl]

Lineup Lamentations - GW14

Our Transfers, Captains, and Starting 11s for the week!

No Slacker of the Week this week sorry about that bad job by me.

And if you missed it for subscribers Friday My Life episode just came out!

—

WALSH

TRANSFERS:

OUT: Sterling, Mount, Abraham

IN (for -8 points hit): Ozil, Lacazette, Son

Welcome back new and old friends.

Got rid of the pieces of shit who have been making me want to kill myself and in come players I love and who are not pieces of shit.

Really just rolling loose right now on that sweet sweet tilt, but hey, I am but a man.

Ozil picks himself with new bald manager bounce. I was even thinking of purchasing him before the good ebenings became bad ebenings and the firing gave me more than enough of an excuse to do. Laca I anticipate will be playing central striker so let's fucking go Laca. Was a close one with him versus Jesus but in the end pod partner was speaking good sense to me in saying Laca could be a long term hold.

Finally, after much deliberating over Alli my lover, I went with private corporal suonnyboy. Good player, good guy. Am a bit terrified of rotation but he is a fit machine so hopefully he isn't impacted. New look squad feels good if I can't figure out how to get green arrows at least I can figure out how to get friends in.

GK:

Pope (CRY)

Pope in the last good fixture before they turn for Burnley.

Will have to deliberate and think about whether or not I'll hold him past this weekend as the rest of my team suddenly looks good. Well it better look fucking good after I just took 12 point hits over this GW and last combined.

Pains me to say it but holy fucking hell do I need a 0-0 in this one.

DEF:

Alexander-Arnold & Robertson (BHA)

Trent and Robbo go.....again. Trent rested against Napoli was nice but am now worried about Robbo playing tomorrow. Pewps...we'll see.

Lundstram (wol)

Pointstram goes to the wolverines in a pretty bad fixture suddenly but fixtures don't matter for pointstram. Points incoming probably...as if it matters at this point anyway.

Kelly (bur)

Martin Kelly gets a run out for the first time this season for me with Ward's demise. Really fucking lucky shit for me and all other Kelly owners for Ward to die right before this tasty run of games and fixture pile up.

I'm planning on riding Kelly for the near term / as long as Ward is out so hopefully we pick up some cleans against all these shit ass teams.

MID:

De Bruyne (new), Ozil (nor), Son (BOU)

Suddenly I am stuck with just one City attacker..Kevin the ging...still feels fine though. Stats have been good even if his final balls have not looked so nice recently. Feel like he'll still just pick up points here and there even if City look a bit off it.

New friends mantis bug eyed god and private swan are accompanying Kevin this week and for the weeks to come. I think these three would really get along well IRL and in the locker room as they all offer something different and seem like they would compliment each others personalities really well.

Surely this will have a huge effect on their FPL point output. You're welcome.

FWD:

Kane (BOU), Lacazette (nor), Vardy (EVE)

Tasty front three for me suddenly with Kane, Laca, and Vardz.

Vardy and Kane both a couple of horses who should be able to take all the minutes they can handle in this holiday period.

Laca a massive differential at this moment and hoping that they completely dick over Farke's team this weekend. New manager bounce let's get it going.

CAP:

Kane (BOU)

Sticking with Kane this weekend again.

Bournemouth are in all sorts and will be missing Billing which is pretty big. Everton are also in complete and utter shambles and you really can't go wrong with Vardz. Looking to spike with the mouth breather....come on Harold fucking tit me one time lad.

—

ALON

TRANSFERS:

OUT: Sterling, Abraham

IN (for -4 points hit): Kane, Pulisic

It’s what I really wanted to do... Kane and Pulisic I really wanted them I couldn’t stop mentioning them on Friday My Life and here I am.

My dad and Walsh and my balls lead me towards moving out Raz instead of Mo (even though I think Mo out might’ve been more correct move) and alas here we are. Honestly? It feels great. If Raz hauls then Raz hauls (if he dies he dies) and life is life and I basically won’t know about it anyway because I’ll be on a train to Liverpool going to see Liverpool v. Brighton in real life.

Later Raz.

Kane is looking like a long term hold for me I’m loving what I’m seeing and honestly same with Pulisic. He’s breaking out before our eyes in what seems like an absolute worldy in the transfer market from Chelsea’s scouts. Good job by them.

Eden who?

GK:

Gazzaniga (BOU)

Two matches under Mou and four goals conceded so far so it’s not any sort of defensive fortress yettttttt but hopefully there will be improvement and I expect improvement. Clean would be cool.

DEF:

van Dijk (BHA)

No Fabinho, no cleans, ribcage knock, fuck. Why did I bring in VVD again?

I guess he almost scored vs. Palace and almost scored vs. Napoli maybe VVDue is back? TBD.

Can’t wait to watch him spraying passes tomorrow :heart_eyes:

Lundstram (wol)

Jim will probably get his normal one goal nine point haul and it’ll hurt even more this time... but maybe Lundy will come back the other end and put one in himself??? Whatever start Lund every week gonna be great gonna love it.

Söyüncü (EVE)

Soy clean looks pretty good here. Everton are on the brink of disaster as usual probably with an eye ahead towards the Merseyside Derbz.

Tomori (WHU)

Little sketchy seeing Tomori dropped for Christensen in UCL but then Chelsea were a sieve at the back and Valencia coulda/shoulda scored like 5 goals so I’m not worried. Straight back in for Tomo and hopefully a clean alongside him.

MID:

Salah (BHA)

The words come out of my mouth on Friday My Life where I’m like why do I even bother with Mo anymore and yet here I am again another week with Mo slotted straight in.

In my defense as I wrote above I’ll be at the match so that tipped the scales a lot in Mo’s favor.

Maddison (EVE)

Tick merchant set and forget.

Pulisic (WHU)

Very excited about Pulisic and his breakout. The kid is fucking awesome.

De Bruyne (new)

Kev is still great and a big part of what City do. Should trickle points.

FWD:

Kane (BOU)

Very happy to have Harry and planning on holding him for a while as long as he remains fit. I think Mou will bring the best out of him, or what’s left of him.

Vardy (EVE)

Yeah duh.

CAP:

Salah (BHA)

Easy. Thanks Dave and James and Bug.