#but this is also directed at so many of their latest releases where they always look like That

[nero-neptune]

if disney keeps making movies where the guys are always some variation of This and the girls are always some variation of That, i’m gonna start throwing things

[fayes-fics]

Moments: 'Twas The Nights Before Christmas...

Moments Masterpost

Pairing: Benedict Bridgerton x fem!reader

Summary: It’s Christmas, and once again, the Bridgerton clan are gathering at Aubrey Hall to celebrate together. However, all Benedict can think about is conceiving a fifth child... if only he and his wife can get a moment of privacy.

Warnings: 18+ smut, minors DNI, semi-public sex, vaginal sex, breeding kink. Fluff & humour, thwarted intimacy, kids being kids, Viscounts being Viscounts.

Word Count: 2.6k

Author’s Note: Sorry this is about 2 weeks late, but here is the latest festive one-shot for Moments. It is set 6 years after the main story/their marriage and is based on an idea from the lovely @colettebronte (Request: Benedict and Reader want some adult alone time but keep getting interrupted/foiled because of holidays, family, and SO MANY KIDS), who also beta read an early version. I hope you all enjoy <3

23rd December, 11:04pm

“Was your evening agreeable, Mrs Bridgerton?” His voice is silky as he trails hot kisses down your throat.

“You know it was,” you reply, hand sinking into his lush hair, directing his lips where you want them as he smirks knowingly against your skin. He always enjoys it when you lead him, pushing into his warm body, clad only in a white ruffled shirt and trousers.

This is you finding a moment of intimacy with your husband as you get ready for bed in your guest room in Aubrey Hall. It’s two days before Christmas, and the entire Bridgerton clan have gathered at the family’s country seat to celebrate the holiday, a large house now packed with many children. You and Benedict are here with your brood of four.

Just as your fingers toy with the buttons on his shirt and his land on the bow of your gown…

“Mummy, I cannot sleep,” a little voice cuts in from across the room.

You twist around to see your youngest, two-year-old Thomas, standing in the doorway, his little fist clinging to the door handle at head height. 

“One moment, lovely,” you call, watching him nod drowsily and toddle back into the adjoining nursery. 

You bury your forehead into Benedict’s shoulder, knowing the possible romantic interlude is lost but unwilling to admit it out loud.

“Why do you have to be so damn handsome?” you grouse.

You feel his quiet laugh quaking his body as much as you hear it. “Thank you, my love. But that seems a non sequitur to this particular dilemma?”

“Quite the contrary,” you counter, raising your head. “We would not have these offspring interrupting us if I could resist you,” you sigh, shooting him a mock pout.

He breaks into a full belly laugh that creases his whole face. “How about I deal with the children I am responsible for, and you get some well-deserved rest, hmm?” he suggests chivalrously, nuzzling your cheek.

“You know, such wonderous things make me open to persuasion about more children, Mr Bridgerton,” you jest lightheartedly, swatting his bicep playfully.

His responding chuckle is rich. “Why do you think I do it, Mrs Bridgerton?” he hums, his lips grazing your temple, his flirtatious tone causing that flutter low in your belly. He has been quite enthused by the idea of a fifth child for a while now.

“Mummyyyyyy,” Thomas reappears at the door, his tone more whiney this time.

“You get Daddy this time, Thomas,” Benedict responds over your shoulder, releasing his hold on you, walking over to the doorway and hauling his infant son into his arms. “I hope I prove an acceptable substitute; Mummy needs to rest. Now, how about a Christmassy bedtime story…?” 

Before he disappears into the nursery, Benedict shoots you a devoted but heated look that makes you want to strip him bare.

—

24th December, 7:14am

“Good morning, beautiful,” Benedict breathes into your ear as you awaken. 

Last you remember, when you stirred in the early hours, you were alone in the bed. You had padded to the nursery and clutched your chest at the sight of Benedict, and the little ones all curled up on a mass of pillows and blankets on the fireplace rug, just visible in the ember glow, an open book in his hand. After a few beats of staring at the adorable pile of sleeping Bridgertons, you closed the door quietly and snuck back to bed. He must have awoken at some subsequent point and joined you.

“Good morning,” your reply is scratchy from sleep, burrowing back into your husband's embrace, reluctant to throw off the covers just yet.

“I think I would like to persuade you this morning…” his opening gambit as his hand slides down over your thin silk nightgown, rucking the hem up your thighs.

“To do what?” you obfuscate, an unseen smile toying on your lips. You know precisely what he refers to, but you want to see how he will broach it.

“I do believe you may be amenable to more children, my love,” he rumbles into the nape of your neck, dropping a kiss there as his warm fingertips swirl on your thigh.

“Am I?” you feign ignorance, that smile growing wider, a flush spreading through your being at how your husband can be when babymaking is on the cards. “But this is not a family wedding, and that is your usual milieu,” you tease, flipping over to capture a brief, chaste kiss.

“A family gathering is close enough,” he counters over your lips, then swallows your noise of bemused derision with a passionate kiss that has you arching up and pulling him on top of you as your tongues tangle.

“IS IT CHRISTMAS?!?” 

Amelia barges through the nursery door, a ball of enthusiasm and jumping excitement.

“I thought I locked that blasted door...” Benedict grumbles tacitly over your cupid's bow as you giggle.

“Not today, Amelia, that is tomorrow,” you respond placatingly, turning your head to look at her and stroking your husband’s arm as he sighs deeply into your neck, knowing your intimate moment is gone.

Your tiny entertainer climbs onto the bed as your husband rolls away defeated, a triumphant look on her face as she claims a prime spot among her favourite audience, her parents. 

Isobel then appears in the nursery doorway holding Thomas’ hand. “It is only fair we get to join too,” she appeals.

“Fine, yes, come join us, my sweet,” Benedict calls genially if a touch reluctant.

“I brought the story, Daddy,” Isobel adds as all three settle between you, handing over the book he had been reading the previous night. “I thought you and Mummy could read the rest to us; we do so need to know how it ends, do we not…?”

Amelia and Thomas nod along, enthused, and you have the creeping suspicion your children have somehow conspired to get their way. Especially when eldest James wanders in and casually perches at the end of the bed, a lopsided smirk identical to Benedict’s as he pointedly gestures for you both to begin reading.

“I do believe we may have been hoodwinked by our children,” you sidebar quietly to your husband as he opens the book to locate where he had left off.

“I suspect so,” he responds sotto voce, but there is such contentment in his tone as he surveys the gaggle of children filling your bed—you just know he could not be any happier about it.

—

24th December, 9:57pm

You are taking some fresh air on the terrace after another busy family day, rounded off with a convivial dinner when strong arms wrap around your middle.

“The children are in bed, sleeping this time. Should we resume our plans?” he rumbles as he pulls you back into his solid frame.

You scoff bemused. “Here on the terrace? Where any of the family could wander out?” 

“You didn't seem to mind all those years ago when you were pregnant with Isobel,” he points out, both of your eyes cutting off to the pillar where, indeed, you had taken your husband into your mouth right there after the family Christmas dinner.

“You cannot hold me responsible for my behaviour when I am pregnant; you know how I get,” you shoot back, lacing your fingers with his hand at your waist and swaying gently.

“Oh, I think it simply delightful. Why do you think I want you pregnant again, my love? Hmmm? We could take a walk somewhere. Perhaps the woods?” His voice is low and skitters over your collarbone pitched at that cadence he knows always makes you weak.

“‘Tis late December and close to freezing,” you point out feebly, your reticence ebbing as his warm lips land on your shoulder, right by the neckline of your dress.

“I will keep you warm,” he vows, sucking your skin insistently, a damp heat that invariably ignites a flame in your gut.

“You are so very persuasive, husband,” you mutter, pushing your bottom back against the nascent swelling in his britches and guiding one of his hands from your waist up to your mouth, kissing his knuckles.

“I do so enjoy persuading you,” he purrs before opening his mouth wider and gently grazing the edge of his teeth over your flesh, your arm reaching up to wrap around his neck, grinding back against him insistently now and sucking his fingertips into your mouth.

“Benedict! I was wonde….” the Viscount’s voice rings out.

Anthony bustles onto the terrace but stops short at the sight of you both in an ardent cinch. You immediately slide away from your husband but know it’s too late, both of your clothing slightly dishevelled and a bloom on the top of your collarbone from your husband’s zealous attentions, your saliva glistening on Benedict's fingers.

“Sorry…”Anthony stumbles, his cheeks heating at the obvious interruption.

“I apologise, my lord,” you lower your head, embarrassed.

“Perhaps it would be wise to keep your… amorous activities… to more private spaces,” he chastises gently, recovering. 

“Was that not you and Kate I saw against the stable wall yesterday?” Benedict challenges, wrapping his arm around your waist, defiantly pulling you back into him, his tone full of sibling goading.

Anthony flushes claret red. “Well… I…” You can feel Benedict smirking as his older brother flounders. “That is no matter. But I wish to discuss something with you if you do not mind,” he finishes pointedly with a brusque nod, firmly changing the topic.

Sensing there is something Anthony would like to broach now, you twist your head to whisper to Benedict. “It sounds as if it would be best you do as your brother wishes, my love. We will resume later, I promise,” you pledge, your voice intentionally laden.

“I do believe you are right, as ever,” he concurs reticently, squeezing your waist. “I shall see you anon,” his whisper thrillingly auspicious.

—

25th December, 2:17am

“Do you think the Viscount will mind?” You murmur, your lips on his ear as you rise and fall. Pressing yourself into him as much as possible.

“That we are fucking in his dining room in the dead of night?” Benedict checks, his hands banded around your waist, encouraging your movements. The moonlight streams through the large windows, throwing everything into sharp relief, the room bathed in streaks of light and shadow. 

You giggle and gently teeth the shell of his ear, slightly breathy with exertion. “Yes.” 

“Yes, I think he will mind,” he chuckles, splaying his large hand wide, hooking his thumb onto your clit even as his fingers crest your hips. It makes you groan loudly, your hardened nipples dragging against his chest, adding to the sensation as you ride his cock. “But I say this is apt payback for his interruption earlier. So make all the noise you want, darling.”

“He can watch for all I care,” you stutter, leaning away from him and grasping the large, sturdy banquet table behind your back, using it as leverage to fuck him harder.

Benedict groans at the idea you would fuck him even with an audience. His eyes are on your face as you look down, watching his solid cock disappear inside you by the pale glow of the room. It’s a sight you always enjoy, feeling him push you open inside as you sink. 

“Do you like what you see?” He murmurs his voice buttery, his thumb on your clit circling more insistently now.

You tear your eyes away from the hypnotic sight and raise your head to meet his hooded, amorous gaze. “Always,” you affirm. 

It’s a daring thing to do in the early hours of Christmas Day while the rest of the gathered Bridgerton clan sleeps. But after two days of thwarted intimacy, this was almost inevitable.  

You had retired as Anthony detained Benedict in his study discussing business matters. However, you awoke thirsty sometime after midnight and came downstairs for a drink. Benedict had followed soon after and found you—sipping a glass of water and staring out across the moonlit grounds. 

One kiss led to another and another, and then you were both peeling off nightwear. The look on his face as you pushed him into a dining chair and straddled his lap was priceless. And now here you are. Riding him with your feet hooked onto the crossbar of the chair gives you the leverage you need to go so hard that the sturdy chair squeaks in objection.

He utters words of encouragement as you tighten your arms around him and sit back upright, wanting to feel all his skin against yours.

“What shall we call this child?” he murmurs. “Perhaps Joy as it is Christmas?” 

“We cannot conceive a child here!” you protest huskily, even as an excited quiver wracks your frame, so very needy after so many denied attempts at intimacy since you arrived. 

“Oh yes, we bloody can,” he growls and surges his hips upwards, his cock grazing so deep you go limp at the sensation of being plundered so thoroughly.

“What if it is a boy?” you gasp as he takes over, his grip on your hips vicelike as he lifts you and then pulls you back down into his lap in forceful strokes.

“Noel, of course,” he chimes, jubilant, not missing a beat with his movements.

You just nod weakly, too drunk on the sensations coursing in your body to disagree. His mouth is back on that same spot he bothered earlier, no doubt leaving a dark mark you already know he won't care for you to conceal. He loves it when you bear his love bites, even in front of his family. 

“Unhook your feet,” he mumbles, and as you do so, he stands up, still buried inside you and lays your back upon the table.

Then it's a blur of swallowed moans and dewy skin as he fucks you hard, your nails scraping down his back as his hands band under your shoulders, tugging your whole being down onto his cock relentlessly, the table now squeaking louder than the chair had.

You babble a litany of encouraging words into his hair and hold on tight, your heels digging into his rear, skating the edge of that enthralling abyss that is so addictive. 

“Come for me, my love,” he pleads, those fingers back between your bodies, catching your clit. And then you are away, breaking and tumbling over the edge, trying desperately to muffle your ecstatic cries, face buried in his neck as your whole body spasms and bliss radiates out from where you clench hard around his cock. 

His movements become erratic, and his grasp on you so tight before he growls and freezes, a groan wracking his body, his seed spilling deep inside as you still float away, writhing under him as he pins you down.

And, a few minutes later, after re-dressing, you both creep back upstairs to your room, giggling and wrapped in each other's arms, grateful it seems no one has stirred (yes, not even a mouse) on this magical night before Christmas.  

Some Moments are indeed best uninterrupted.

Benedict taglist: @makaylan @foreverlonginguniverse @iboopedyournose @aintnuthinbutahounddog @severewobblerlightdragon @writergirl-2001 @heeyyyou @enichole445 @enchantedbytomandhenry @ambitionspassionscoffee @chaoticcalzoneranchsports @nikaprincessofkattegat @baebee35 @crowleysqueenofhell @fiction-is-life @lilacbeesworld @angels17324 @broooookiecrisp @queen-of-the-misfit-toys @eleanor-bradstreet @divaanya @musicismyoxygen84 @benedictspaintbrush @miindfucked @sorryallonsy @cayt0123 @hottytoddyhistory @truly-dionysus @fictionalmenloversblog @zinzysstuff @malpalgalz @panhoeofmanyfandoms @kinokomoonshine @causeimissu @delehosies @m-rae23 @last-sheep @kmc1989 @desert-fern @starkeylover @corpseoftrees-queen @magical-spit @bunnyweasley23 @how-many-stars-in-the-sky @amygdtjhddzvb @sya-skies @balladynaaa

[vintagesimstress]

Roman Palla (Zeussim's Desi Gita Redux)

TSR's latest collection prompted me to finally finish a thing which was sitting in my WIPs' folder for months. I'd been hoping to make some more add-ons for it, but let's face it: I lost my steam halfway through, it's not happening, so the best I can do is to release it as is. Still pretty good, I hope!

As my GBSC playthrough is slowly but steadily approaching the Roman Britain era, I found myself in need for some outfits for my sim ladies. There's a bunch of stuff out there, but rather on the 'what we'd like Romans to have dressed like' side, not necessarily what history tells us about how they really dressed. Tbh I thought it was a hopeless endeavour, but then dear Buzzard directed me towards this amazing post by Zeussim - more specifically, the Desi Gita dress, which with a bit of imagination could work for a Roman palla. So I set off to work and romanised it even further. Big thank you to @buzzardly28 for the tip and to @zeussim for her generous ToU!

The mesh is slightly edited (cutouts on shoulders, adjusted headscarf position to accommodate a wider variety of hairstyles) and recoloured in my Iron Age palette, in two versions: 'silk' (or just any smooth textile, really)* or 'wool' (or anything rather on the coarse side). AND it comes with overlays - for both versions! Which means you can mix and match not only different colours, but different textiles as well. You're a well-off lady who just arrived in Londinum and is now freezing her butt off in the cold northern climate? No worries, put a wool palla over your pretty silk dress! Or you by some miracle managed to get your hands on one piece of silk? Wear it with you wool dress to a party to show off!

Many of the wool swatches, especially in combination with different pale/greenish overlays, work quite well for common folk:

There's also an accessory fibula - pretty and golden (or silver), for the richer ones. Found somewhere on Sketchfab. (That's exactly where I got stuck - I wanted to make a variety of different ones, so that the poorer women would also have something to choose from... Alas).

As always, all packages come in HQ (default) or non-HQ versions (for those of you who want to save some HDD space). Download only one per package!

If there are any other Roman era players out there: hope you enjoy :)

DOWNLOAD (free on Patreon, no ads or EA)

*OK, I feel like I have to add a little note: my quick research revealed that silk was insanely expensive for the majority of the Roman era. Like, 'only for the emperor and fams' level of expensive. Only at the end it became... emmm... 'cheap' enough to be accessible also to the aristocracy. So just pretend it is whatever the heck you want it to be, not necessarily real silk

[mercurytrinemoon]

Astro observations: celebrity edition part 2 aka latest news roundup

⭐️ Dua Lipa announced on her instagram that she's actually a Gemini rising as opposed to Libra. Now my Gemini detector told me that ages ago but I accepted the Libra rising just because it's my default token "plain good looking and polite" sign BUT it actually now makes much more sense in terms of house placements. Her Venus is now cazimi in the 3rd house - house associated with creative writing and thinking. The ever-changing and fast-moving Mercury is now in her 4th house of family and home situation and she's actually been always moving a lot between England and Albania. That healthy domicile Mercury as well as the Sun-Venus conjunction in the 3rd shows her close connection to family overall.

Funnily enough, her discovery took place during Mercury station in her 4th house. Talk about finding out your true roots (astrological, in that instance).

⭐️ We also now have the birth time of Elon Musk, who turns out to be a Cancer rising. Jupiter in his 5th house of children now makes perfect sense with his 11 kids (and probably counting).

⭐️ If you're wondering why Ariana Grande is the way she is, look no further than Moon conjunct Jupiter - aka her 7th house ruler multiply; as well as both being square to the Sun. Usually Sun square Jupiter can point to legal issues and excess while Sun square Moon often points to broken families. Now add that together and you have… a homewrecker, yaaay!

⭐️ I was thinking a lot about Blink 182 and Tom Delonge (his chart resembles mine a bit) due to him rejoining the band last year and now releasing a new Blink album. Natally, he has a retrograde Gemini Mars so I looked at his progressed chart to see the stationary period. Turns out his progressed Mars stationed direct early 2014, followed by progressed Sun entering Aquarius. Early following year the band announced that he left permanently. One of the things he focused on was research on the UFOs and work with the government. Of course, keep in mind progressed Mars stations for quite a while and his issues with the band lasted throughout the whole 2014 so it makes sense that the final split occured a year later. And why Mars? Well it can literally speak about our focus in life and our direction - where we put our energy. Not to mention Mars rules his MC so it brought him a massive turn in his career. So makes sense.

⭐️ Britney Spears just released a memoir book. Putting aside the questionable fact on who really wrote it, it stirred up a lot of drama. Her chart is one big mine but today I'm only focusing on current transits: she just had an eclipse in her first house of Libra. That eclipse landed right on her Pluto, which natally squares Venus (talking about toxic relationships and exposing them). Pluto itself is making last hits to those degrees as well as it's stationing direct in the late Capricorn. Interestingly I think Jupiter being in her 8th house can point to this as well - it lights up all the secrets and talks about working on past traumas. Now, you're also probably thinking, why was she involved with so many iffy people in her life? A lot of things in her chart point to that but what always struck me was her 7th house ruler - a malefic Mars - being in her 12th house of enemies. And it squares Neptune so they're also liars and exploiters.

⭐️ There's been A TON of celebrity breakups during this Venus retrograde season but I'm gonna quickly focus on Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner because their charts are an interesting example. Their synastry is mostly having planets in sister signs but this also means that if one of them gets hit with a transit, so is the other. Involve Saturn in that transit and you get trouble. Saturn is currently in early Pisces, where Sophie has some of her planets in the 12th house (loss, enemies). Her Mars (disputes, cutting) is at 4° of Pisces while Joe's Mars is at 7° Virgo - right opposite that. Saturn transit stirred up some proper drama: and Saturn is also coldness, being restrained and cut off. On top of that they also have their rising signs in the opposite signs of Aries and Libra and we just started having eclipses in those signs earlier this year.

Not to mention Joe's Leo Sun got hit by Venus retrograde and a Uranus square. Among other stuff.

FUN FACT: according to my research they met for the first time in October of 2016 when Jupiter was in Libra. So, interestingly, not only they had Jupiter going through their angles but Jupiter in their Davidson chart is in Libra.

⭐️ Taylor Swift is currently going through her 10th house profection year (Leo). It would make sense then that her career would take a turn this year considering that Venus was retrograding in Leo. Of course as it turned out she had a massive succes with her ongoing world tour, which is said to become the highest grossing tour of all time.

⭐️ A Vogue article popped up about Rita Ora's and Taika Waititi's wedding that took place a year earlier (they kept all the info and date private until now). Jupiter played a huge role in them getting married (as it often does, especially for a couple like them, who have it strong in their charts, which I wrote about HERE). At the time of their wedding Jupiter was at 8° Aries, which for Rita is that sweet spot between her Sagittarius Sun and Venus (4° and 10° respectively) and Leo Jupiter (13°) - as it completed a grand trine in her chart. Transiting Sun was also 12° of Leo, highlighting that trine even more.

Man I love astrology.

For Taika it was pretty prominent as well although his Jupiter aspects were more sign-based. He had a Jupiter return; his Moon is somewhere in the middle of Sagittarius so he received these fire trines as well. Interestingly, at the time of the wedding Saturn was at 22° Aquarius - exactly opposite his Leo Sun but also sextile his natal Jupiter. So for him it had a bit of a Saturnian flavour that called for stability and maturity.

⭐️ Similarly, I just read the other day that Frances Bean Cobain got married earlier this month. She has a Venus-Jupiter conjunction on top of her Virgo ascendant (interestingly Kurt had the trine between Venus and Jupiter - so seems like a family pattern). Also interestingly, transiting Jupiter is currently trining both her Venus and Jupiter (on the day of the wedding it was trining Venus exact), thereby her natal pattern got repeated. Jupiter is also her 7th house ruler.

Her now husband, Riley Hawk is having a nice transit of that Jupiter over his Taurus Moon - and remember, Moon rules the women in your family as well as your wife.

[teawaffles]

yuumori: the remains ch1

Now on: Cubari / Mangadex

Thank you so much for waiting! This chapter was one huge trip for all of us 🏃🏻‍♀️ Shoutout to @willymoly for their amazing work on the redrawing, and ashas for proofreading this long chapter 🙆🏻‍♀️

Also, do note that The Remains is being posted on brand-new Cubari and Mangadex pages! The page links have been updated across this blog — and you can always find the direct links to the latest chapter in these update posts ☺️

Twitter news

Miyoshi-sensei mentioned in this tweet that due to scheduling constraints, there are some panels/artwork that are of lower quality than usual, and these will be fixed in the tankobon release

The tweet also mentions that they will be “carefully selecting” the chapters to adapt from the light novels, which may imply that only selected portions of the light novels will be adapted

There is a clean poster version of the Jump SQ. cover here

Correction to Ch65

As mentioned in the footnotes for Ch76, this bubble on pg26 of Ch65 has been corrected to “We’ve already parted with the Durham residence…” instead of “The Durham residence has already been sold…”. As Ch1 of The Remains has clarified that the mansion is in disrepair, it is now clear that the previous translation made too eager an inference, and so it has been edited to be more conservative.

Corrections to the novel TL

There are also some small errors in my original TL of the novel, which I’m only now discovering as we go through the stories again. These have now been corrected in the tumblr posts, but I do expect to find more along the way — my sincere apologies in advance 🙇🏻‍♀️

The new credits page

You may have noticed that the new design uses the Strawberry Thief pattern by William Morris 🍓 His patterns were really popular in the late Victorian era, and I’ve always headcanoned that some of them were used in the Moriarty family residences in some form or another (๑˃ᴗ˂)

Where’s the story going?

The story so far has been a faithful reproduction of the first light novel. But many have pointed out that if we’re currently reliving the light novels through Louis’s flashback, then how will we get to the light novel stories from William and/or Sherlock’s POVs?

Notice that William was mentioned to be looking for something in the mansion: maybe he’ll also find something that will spark memories of his time with Sherlock? (I’m pretty sure Forbidden Games will be adapted; it would be such a missed opportunity if it wasn’t 😆)

As for the stories that are completely from Sherlock’s POV, it remains to be seen how those will be handled (if at all?) — excited!! x)

[splatsvilles-fashionista]

Major Splatoon 3 details from the official site

In addition to the Splatoon 3 Direct, Nintendo also released a couple of big articles on the official website that contained a lot of juicy details not covered in the Direct. I’ve combed through them and cherry-picked the most noteworthy details, but if you’d like to read them yourself you can do so here:

https://splatoon.nintendo.com/en/news/catch-up-on-all-the-latest-from-the-splatoon-3-direct/

https://splatoon.nintendo.com/en/news/squid-research-lab-dives-deep-into-the-splatlands/

And if not then let us begin!

Dummies in the Lobby - in addition to the regular target dummies, the lobby also houses a special dummy that can fight back, firing ink for you to train your defensive game against.

Team-wide food buffs! - In additional to the usual food that you can eat for extra cash and experience, Splatoon 3 introduces a new type of food that gives these buffs to your whole team. While it’s not outright stated, these most likely stack, encouraging people to bring them as often as possible for even greater gains.

Future update: Keywords - Coming at a later date, you will be able to enter codes such as #TurfWarsSquids or #SplatZoneFans, which will let you interact with the ghosts of other players using the same Keyword in the lobby. This makes me think of the password feature in the Souls series, where you can enter a password to only get matched up with people using the same password.

Save Data Bonuses from Splatoon 2 - This is a big one, if you have Splatoon 2 save data, you get access to some very cool bonuses, like three Golden Sheldon Licenses, each of which unlocks any Main Weapon you’d like regardless of level. Additionally, you will get matched up with people on the same skill level from Splatoon 2, and even access Anarchy Battles earlier as well as potentially start with a higher rank!

New ability: Sub Resistance Up - Seen in the Direct but not expanded upon, Sub Resistance Up is a new ability that protects you from Sub Weapons, by either reducing the damage from things like Bombs and Sprinklers, or by reducing the time you’re marked by the Angle Shooter.

Abilities that won’t return - You might have predicted it based on what we just discussed, but Bomb Defense Up DX is not returning from Splatoon 2, but that’s not the only ability being left behind, as Main Power Up is not in Splatoon 3. Considering the impact it had on Splatoon 2 as a whole that is probably for the best.

Star Power and Ability Chunks - In Splatoon 2, Star Power indicated how many Sub Slots a piece of Gear started with, and Super Sea Snails could be used to open up the rest. In Splatoon 3, Super Sea Snails increase the Star Power of the gear directly, opening up slots to match. Moreover, Star Power can also be increased by purchasing duplicates of the same piece of Gear, and can be increased beyond three, which does not add extra slots but rather an increase to experience gain for that piece of gear. Why does this matter? Because Gear can now keep gaining experience even after it’s been maxed out! That’s right, all gear now works like the Splatfest Tee! Rejoice! This is easily one of the best changes they’re making, in my opinion.

Splashtag Nicknames - This time around, your Switch username and your in-game name are not the same! Your nickname can be changed after you first pick it, but there is a cooldown period between changes.

Contributing to Splat Fests before the Splat Fest starts - That’s right, you can now rep for your side before the party has even started! After a Splatfest has been announced and a side has been chosen, you will earn Conch Shells by battling and playing Salmon Run. Conch Shells can be spent at a Shell-Out machine for the chance to win customization items, and the amount of Conch Shells collected by each team will impact the final results of the Splatfest.

Salmon Run will be always available - You heard that right, no more wait times! You’ll always be able to go for a shift if you want to.

Salmon Run Lobby - Salmon Run will have its own Lobby in the new Grizzco offices, which contain their own training room where you can test out the weapons of the day, practice your egg throwing, or hang out with the ghostly representations of your co-workers

Eggsecutive VP - A new rung has been added to the Grizzco-rporate ladder, usurping Profreshional as the new highest rank. The pay rate is better, of course, but are you ready to really work for that check?

King Salmonid-exclusive rewards - King Salmonids are rare bonus waves that can appear at the end of a shift that pit you against a super-powerful boss. Failing this wave does not lose you your whole shift, as you have already finished your actual job. You’ll want to try your heart out either way though, as the damage you deal to the King Salmonid will reward you with Fish Scales, which can be traded in for Splashtag designs, locker decorations, and even, get this, alternate work uniforms!

And that’s about everything noteworthy I gleaned from the articles, but I recommend you read them yourself if you have the patience, as there are a lot of cool info beyond what I discussed here.

[flimsy-roost]

I'd like to talk about the latest Pokemon Center plush line!

I tend to avoid official nintendo merch, because I give that company enough of my money already. But White was the first Pokemon game I ever played (after saving my allowance for months for it and a used DS lite), so I have a very special place in my heart for gen5/Unova pokemon. When I heard they were releasing a line of Unova "Sitting Cutie" plushes, I wanted to at least check it out.

And I did! And I mildly disappointed my wallet! There are some bangers in here! But there are a lot of... decidedly un-bangers. Tippy-tappers at best. So I wanted to take the time to walk you through some of the ways this line fell short of its central claims: namely, Sits and Cuteness.

"Sitting"

I'd first like to address the distinguishing claim of the line; that each of these plush can sit up unsupported (or, more generously, could be propped up stably).

It would be easy to only give examples of pokemon that shouldn't have been considered for this line at all, of which there are many:

fig. 1) in what universe, praytell

But there were many more that were so, so close to plausibility in the face of physics, that really only needed a modified design direction.

Let's compare Eelektrik (left) to Serperior (right). Eelektrik is extremely top-heavy and prone to tipping, problems which could perhaps have been mitigated by a coiled design (like Serperior), or even as a flat. It could be argued that the current form stays true to the original art, which should always take precedent. I see you, and I hear you, and I disagree

A skosh below the "no way in hell" category of sittability, lay a group of lesser design sins broadly defined as "questionable in the face of a stiff breeze." For many plush in this category, the product designers could learn a thing or two from Toxel:

fig. 2) a well-balanced bean

Put another way, the popular rule-of-thumb "four on the floor," most commonly begged for in the context of starter evolution lines, may be applied to great effect:

Top-heavy Golurk? Four on the floor!

Tall, spindly, misguidedly "source-accurate" Genesect? Four on the floor!

Think of his poor Tepiggy spine! FOUR ON THE FREAKING FLOOR

Purrloin, look! Your big sibling has it down! Get at that generational knowledge, girl!

"Cuties"

I'm not aware of a single official merch line in existence that lacks at least one cursed artifact. Plush are particularly susceptible, and this line is no different.

While I have to give the designers props for a perfectly lovely Mienshao, they canonized my bestie as having a cringe childhood:

All this Mienfoo wants are uppies. How's she gonna kick ass when her feet go straight into her torso? Her glowup will never come if she can't even land a pound.

Entire evolution lines fell prey to design decisions here. Please compare gen5 Elgyem and Beheeyem to their inbred and deformed purebred domesticates:

fig. 3) has IV breeding gone too far?

Let us also more closely examine the full Sandile evolution line compared to wild type examples, as I consider these among the least forgivable offences:

Why is the plush Sandile so sad? Perhaps he knows what is to come.

Where sass? Why snoot so droop????

NO MY CREATCHURE?????? NO NONONO NOT THE SNOOT!!!!!!!

figs. 4-6) look how they slaughtered my boy

Finally, I would like to highlight a subset of the line that has Witnessed The Horrors. These are more subjective in their cuteness. You know the saying; one man's uncanny gremlin is another man's terrified blorbo.

Meet Drilbur, who has recently Seen Some Shit!

fig. 7) the boy who inspired this post, with WT reference

The bug-eyed-ness is what tips this into horror movie prop for me personally. I should not be able to see both his eyes from a diagonal. I could understand how some people could find him endearingly goofy, but my litmus tends to be: would I be amused to open my eyes to see him in the dark at 3am, or would I shit my pants? Drilbur here leans towards the latter.

Here is an example of a shell-shocked friend I find cute:

Crustle, normally hiding safely under their rocky shell, is leaned back to fulfill the barely-followed criteria of "sits," and so turns their eyes to god to ask why he has forsaken them. I love it.

BONUS CONTENT: KERMIT DEINO!!!!

:D

[smallboyonherbike]

Hello! What songs are you listening to/obsessed with these day? I'm looking for songs for my running playlist ^_^

OOOOH you might regret asking w how many songs i'm about to list lol but i pulled a selection mostly 2023 from my daily playlist, which is generally all upbeat anyways so hopefully good for running (tho i have not run in years so ymmv lol)

i will not be offended if you don't end up liking any, but if you do i love being a human music algorithm always. or also if you like a song you can look at the full album. or if you (or anyone reading) use apple music, i can send you my playlist links but i realize most ppl are on spotify. oh ALSO these are mostly straight ahead pop but i also get into a lot of dance/EDM i can rec separate

-read your diary - måneskin (been a bit obsessed since their eurovision and this one's a fave from their new album)

-maybe you're the problem - ava max (one of my common musical loves is "the next album for one hit wonder artists who many ppl thought quit music years ago" - she did sweet but psycho but i REALLY love her latest album, v cohesive dance pop)

-somebody i fucked once - zolita (listened to her bc i heard she was friends w gay youtubers and then was like how did i miss this lesbian pop girl where have i been)

-flowers - joan (i think they're an algorithm find, i know nothing about them but love the music)

-can't tame her - zara larsson (another swedish "one hit wonder" who is killing it, i got DEEPLY obsessed w her album poster girl and this is her new single)

-sick to my stomach - rebecca black (the ultimate one hit wonder lol except as an adult she is making fantastic hyperpop)

-running out of time - paramore (i figure everyone has heard the new paramore but also i live in a bubble where my faves are the most famous in the world idk anyways love it)

-tu t'en iras - la zarra (older song but she did eurovision this year for france)

-one that got away - MUNA (i will devour anything MUNA does but really enjoy this single)

-take me away - meet me @ the altar (this is a cover of the lindsay lohan band song in freaky friday and it still slaps!! also love this band as modern black girl pop punk)

-over - CHVRCHES (i just really like CHVRCHES always)

-easy - misterwives (ditto, 2020 album possibly changed my life)

-body do - chloë (everyone is calling her a flop and it makes me SAD bc i enjoy her solo music!!! tho to be fair it doesn't quite live up to chloe x halle as a whole album)

-heart wants what it wants - bebe rexha (i liked her new album way more than i expected to)

-feed the beast - kim petras (i like the whole album so hard to pick but it's a good one)

-missin u - tori kelly (she's going an r&b / y2k direction whereas she was more singer songwriter / belting type before and it's v fun!!)

-c'est la vie - MIKA (just released, i got re-obsessed w MIKA after he hosted eurovision in 2022 and new french MIKA is exactly what i needed)

OKAY enough for now lol

[kylesvariouslistsandstuff]

'Tis now February...

Disney stills plans, per their latest release schedule update, to release a Walt Disney Animation Studios movie on Thanksgiving week later this year...

I also happen to know that at least one person has started animating on this movie, as of this past month or so...

So, I think... Yeah... We probably still are getting a WDAS movie in November of this year... Even though it's February, and they still haven't told us - officially - what this movie even is. Usually, we know these things in at least a year in advance. The extreme end of this is DreamWorks' hasty rollout of their RUBY GILLMAN, TEENAGE KRAKEN. Where they said *nothing* about the movie's existence until 3 1/2 months before release. The movie itself, the poster, and the trailer. All in one go. Unfortunately, it wasn't a 10 CLOVERFIELD LANE situation, the movie lost a lot of money for DreamWorks and is one of their lowest-earning movies period.

I don't think WDAS will cut it *that* close, but I suspect we should hear something pretty soon? The company as a whole doesn't have a mainline movie out until THE FIRST OMEN in April, so they have time to at least tell us what's up? They're running a little late on at least announcing that this movie *exists*. I mean, the lot of us know it does because that's how these things work, but the public doesn't. We only know that a cluster of movies that are being directed by Suzi Yoonessi, Josie Trinidad, and Marc Smith have been in the works for years. So in a way, the next one has been announced? But not really? Typically, we get some kind of confirmation on a movie that fills the slot... About a year in advance. For example, WISH was announced in September 2022, and the movie was released this past November.

Regardless of how poorly STRANGE WORLD and WISH performed, the latter critically... I was initially under the impression that WDAS was going to have one of those "what should we be doing?" episodes whenever a string of movies fail at the box office, *or* if morale is low. A new movie wasn't announced, so I figured... Yeah, they might skip this year and re-evaluate their movie slate?

After all, Mark Henn recently called it quits and remarked that he - once one of the remaining 2D animators at the studio - wasn't doing anything "meaningful" in his final years there as a full-time animator. He's sticking around, somewhat, for a short film that producer Clark Spencer is a champion of... But that's about it. So many other people have departed either during current CCO Jennifer Lee's leadership, or during John Lasseter's leadership... Couple that with the last two movies not doing great, and that's not really a good look for this 100-year-old studio. And usually studios stop and evaluate when stuff happens. Sometimes it just means making different movies, other times it's more drastic and it unfairly affects the staff... But usually, something happens.

Luckily, a ZOOTOPIA sequel and a few more FROZEN flicks are there as a safety net, and I wouldn't put it past them to announce more sequels (ENCANTO seems likelier, and MOANA as well, given how well that movie regularly does on streaming Top 10s year by year)... but originals will always be important at these studios. Even the studios that are criticized for making too many sequels (like Illumination) still need a new franchise to launch.

But... Yeah, it seems like everyone's staying the course? There have been swirling talks throughout fan circles, as per usual, with what will happen. "Does Jennifer Lee get fired?" "Do they delay the 2024 movie into 2025 and retool it?" "Is there a change in direction in what kind of movies they make?"

It doesn't seem to be? I get the sense that, whether this untitled fantasy movie is in good shape or not, it's coming. They're just gonna make it and meet the release date, apparently.

I mean, look at STRANGE WORLD. Director Don Hall pitched the film in early 2017 and development started thereafter, but in around mid-2019, he got yanked off of the movie to take over RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON. Which they finished around late 2020/early 2021, and it came out in March of that year... Meaning that once Don was done with RAYA, he had about a year and a half to return to STRANGE WORLD and get it ready for a 2022 theatrical release. Which he did. And for some observers, myself included, the movie was maybe a few drafts away from being better. The finished film feels very undercooked in its character work and worldbuilding, but that's just me speculating.

After all, remember how Pixar turned TOY STORY 2 completely around with less than a year to go? Turned out fantastic, despite the stress and the rushing. FROZEN was literally rewritten top to bottom within its release year! And people loved that movie, it made a billion and became a worldwide phenomenon! Sometimes the end product miraculously works on audiences, sometimes it doesn't. Maybe it doesn't matter, because to some 6-year-old out there, STRANGE WORLD rocked their world. It probably would've been one of my favorite movies at age 8, that's for sure. And it'll be a favorite of theirs once they're in college or something, it'll be a case of "This SLAPPED! Why did it flop 20 years ago???"

So, it looks like the movie is happening. I have heard from the trenches that the 2024 slot went to a fantasy tale set in the Middle East, presumably from director Suzi Yoonessi, who is of Iranian descent. Jennifer Lee stated in late 2019 that Yoonessi was directing a feature film for the studio, so if this is hers... They had five years to get this story together. Good sign, right? Should make that release date just fine, then!

The execution of it is what matters in the end, and looking at WISH's poor scores and blah legs domestically, it appears that this is WDAS' problem. WISH took about five years to come together, so there was plenty of time. What went wrong? This currently-untitled 2024 movie could've had all the time in the world to come together as a strong piece of storytelling and appeal to audiences, *but* if you execute it in a way that turns moviegoers away? You've got a problem. And when I read from some of the filmmakers/staffers that the studio brass regularly test screens early versions of these movies for toddlers, and then they cut lots of potentially good stuff that could've really worked because little Jimmy got scared? Couple that with so many talents leaving the place over the last few years? I kinda think that's the problem.

While FROZEN II, which suffered a lot of cuts and dumbing down because of test screenings, went and made over $1.4b worldwide... WISH lost a lot of money, yet it's still looking to become the studio's highest-earning movie since FROZEN II. Some four years ago... Possibly set to outgross the much-more beloved ENCANTO (which probably also suffered from needless focus group nonsense), a Delta/Omicron-era release which currently sits at $256m worldwide.

The studio is undoubtedly in a weird spot right now from my outsider perspective, and they appear to be meeting this one-a-year quota still. Curiously, some of Pixar's staff is to be laid off this year, staff that were involved with Disney+ projects like DUG DAYS and WIN OR LOSE. Disney Animation recently opened a Vancouver unit meant for Disney+ shows, like the upcoming MOANA series. IWAJU, which is a month away, was outsourced to Canadian house Cinesite. "WDAS Vancouver" still operating for now, despite the company reducing their focus on making stuff for Disney+. It would suck to see them close down just a few years after being set up, much like what happened to Pixar Canada over a decade ago.

So yeah... We'll learn soon, I believe, what's going on here. Speculation is always rampant when it comes to animation, and just the movies in general. You know, I came across a website that hasn't been updated since the mid-2000s. A site run by some dedicated animation fan, who collected pretty much all the major news articles on movies that were new at the time of the blog's operation: Stuff from FINDING NEMO to MADAGASCAR to BROTHER BEAR to ROBOTS... I spent quite some time reading through all of it, as I was becoming internet-aware at the time. And by looking at what was cited and sourced, this is all nothing new. There was so much speculation with all of those now-classic movies, and a lot of it was UTTER BULLSHIT. Like how FINDING NEMO was really gearing up to be Pixar's first flop, and it ended up being - for a period - the highest-grossing animated movie ever and an Oscar winner.

And I'm sure whatever is being cooked up about Untitled WDAS 2024 and many other productions today is also UTTER BULLSHIT. Hearing from the trenches is one thing, but there's lots of made up stuff, and there's probably some of it floating around now.

Anyways, all I know is, WDAS does this focus group thing with their movies, and people are leaving... But other than that, it appears that the new movie is still coming out this year. But things always change, so we shall see...

[louehvolution]

You and I do not agree on a pretty big aspect of Louis’ life but goddamn if some people from my neck of the woods don’t bury their heads in the sand about this situation. Maybe he should give up music and start a parenting podcast because that seems to be the real priority 🙃

No, but a point that I have been trying to make for years now is that whether you believe it’s real or not, the situation is still abnormal—and detrimental—and has been from the start.

Let’s not get into 2016, but a birthday cake was brought out for Freddie during JHO promo, that’s how far back this goes in being indivisible from how Louis is “promoted” in his solo career. BTY was launched with an exclusive in The Sun—this was the headline: Louis Tomlinson pictured smiling and laughing with girlfriend Eleanor Calder on break from filming his new music video in Doncaster; followed by a round of press about Freddie on his IG, and then an interview with Dan Wootton. Soon after there was an actual round of press about the E tattoo too after an “interview” with Andy Cohen that had four questions: about Zayn, 1D, Eleanor, and fatherhood. For his first ever UK festival performance debuting MY, the host radio station’s article was headlined: Louis Tomlinson talks about hs similarities to baby Freddie. One random verse about his non-famous girlfriend in WMI was highlighted for promo. For Walls album there were exclusive interviews with Telegraph, Metro, Sun, Independent—with content focused on his personal life and 1D reunion(!)—instead of features in relevant magazines. When fans made Walls chart again months after release there was immediately a new round of mini-me press—after the round about the picture shared by Briana on Father’s Day. In a year in which he released his first album, started and postponed his tour, and organized a record winning livestream concert, his main press was still about fatherhood. The latest Dutch interview is representative of too much of Louis’ promo: In Milan I spoke to Louis Tomlinson about his new album ‘Faith in the future’, his world tour, his son Freddie and of course about One Direction, and the article reads [loosely] ’the name Louis Tomlinson might not tell you anything, until I say 1D’ and then in a video of two minutes over half is about 1D and Freddie. Look at what TODAY Show has to say about Louis, August 2022: Tomlinson, known for his pranks and overall great vibes he brought to the band, also went solo after 1D stopped making music together. The singer released his first solo single, "Just Like You" in 2017, and followed it in 2020 with his first full studio album, “Walls." He also has a 5-year-old son, Freddie, who he co-parents with his ex, Briana Jungwirth. A line about his solo career with the wrong single. And fatherhood—and it will never make any sense why the non-famous mother should get name dropped all over the place.

You can find Louis in an article like Dad Admits He ‘Cannot Stand’ His 5-Year-Old Daughter, Hates Being a Parent under 'Stars Who Had Kids Young,' but not in a ranking of best solo singles from 1D members on Entertainment Weekly.

Louis has said he wants to be known as an artist, literally told an interviewer he was there to talk about his music—and she agreed, only to end the interview asking him about Freddie. And while there are artists whose parenthood is part of their image and included in promo, they are always known first and foremost as artists. That is not the case with Louis.

It’s not exaggeration to say almost every single interview and article over the years has made sure to mention that Freddie lives in LA with his mother, Briana Jungwirth. How is that interesting, how is that relevant, how is it something that bears continuous repeating? Same with the insistence on Freddie being identical to him—especially when for four years they were not even seen together. Article upon article—seriously, so many articles—about Freddie, and where they had to use pics he hadn’t shared himself and in which they weren’t together. How does that make sense?

Now he goes on Lorraine and not a breath between: as somebody who writes songs, somebody who performs, that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it. I can’t believe your little boy is six. Though that makes sense for the show’s audience, I guess. Note BTM has only kept going down in the charts after the interview aired. Were there even performances booked in the UK?

Whatever you believe, the disproportion is abnormal, strategically unsound, and at odds with the goals and views Louis has expressed regarding his career and his privacy.

The focus on his personal life—and 1D—has made it so that it defines him to the public—we know interviewers were encouraged to ask for BTY promo, and what for? It’s done nothing to make people interested in his music. And it’s been years, why would people be any more interested now? In 2019 too you had interviewers asking about fatherhood as though it were something that had just happened to him, three years later, a novel talking point.

And how does promoting him as a tabloid personality fit in with an artist intent on building his artistic credibility, reintroducing himself as an artist defined by his music? Does it not undermine the artistic credibility he might gather with, like, that NME feature on his festival?

Won’t let this get any longer, but the situation has never and continues not to be normal and certainly not beneficial to Louis. And I would think any fan as a fan of his music, whatever they believe, would want better for him.

[amagicdoctor]

Strange Academy: Finals just revealed the most anticipated backstory of the entire series. But I would argue there are more pieces of the puzzle to connect. #5 may have introduced Doyle’s mother and with her reveal, gave us some understanding of how Doyle came to be, but I have a feeling that they’re not telling us everything. And worriedly, one can ask: will they ever?

Follow me under the cut where I’ll walk you through some theories around the real story behind Doyle’s ‘family.’ Hey, and grab some tissues, it gets a little sad in the end.

Those who have been with this blog for a while now already know that Doyle is at the very top of my list for favorite Strange Academy characters. I took an immediate liking to him because of his connection to one of Dr. Strange’s most dreaded villains: Dormammu. I love super villain characters much more than I do with heroes, so I initially thought they would create Doyle’s character as some sort of heir to the throne, spelling much trouble for the students and staff of Strange Academy. But even with the marketing (prior to the first series release) setting up Doyle as a big bad, his antagonist days have not come to fruition. And honestly, I don’t mind that at all.

Throughout the beginning of the pilot series, I watched Doyle’s career grow with much interest. But with interest came questions, and one of those questions was one of the biggest 3 year secrets the writers had been hiding: what is Doyle’s true family situation?

Everyone, readers and in-universe characters alike always assumed Doyle was the direct biological descendant of Dormammu. 

(from Strange Academy (2020) #1)

But as we learned in SA: Finals #5, looks can be deceiving. Doyle has a real human mother and father. So he was just a normal human when he was born! He was only reborn as a Faltine-look alike as a side-effect to healing a medical condition he once had as a baby.

That much, we know. We’ve all read the latest issue. And as big of a deal that is, there is something much more important to talk about now that she’s been revealed: Doyle’s mother herself and her backstory (and motives). 

Let’s take a quick step back into the early days of the series. Family (and lineage) became a big deal to the Strange Academy cast when we read the fated “Parent’s Day” issue (see Strange Academy (2020) #9). While many students were able to bring their parent’s to school, we never saw anyone show up for Doyle. Dormammu, we can understand (more on this in a bit), but where was his beloved human mother who was always in his life? I know adults can be busy with whatever, but it sure is interesting that not only has Doyle’s mother not shown up for an important event, but neither has Doyle’s (surrogate) father, Dormammu.

Remember in the first big event of the series when Doyle was killed? Remember how Dr. Voodoo, school headmaster, put his own life in danger to directly ask Dormammu to save his only son and Voodoo was met with rejection? 

While a simple Parent’s Day social event pales in comparison to the priority of a student’s death, neither of Doyle’s ‘parents’ came in to save the day. Or to see if he even recovered following his death on campus. They sure as hell are passive, especially Doyle’s mother since she already saved him from early death once. But what does this all mean?

Dormammu is complicated (we’re gonna get to him in another minute). But his mother.. Maybe you’re asking: does his mother actually care about him? You may say “yes” just on the account of the flashback (which is from her POV only, also problematic when trying to get the full story. Doyle was too young to remember himself. She could have conveniently skipped over something, more on this soon). She did everything she could just to save his life from that inoperable tumor. But that’s exactly the problem. She did everything and went down every path, even the wrong ones.

People become desperate when they’ve hit the wall. To a single mother, alone, raising a child who’s barely even grown out of diapers, you want to do anything for him. Absolutely anything. To cure her son, we saw that she went to traditional help first: the medical doctors, even to a former neurosurgeon who, as we know, went through the desperation of fixing his own disability. But the difference between her and Dr. Strange is, he ended up not going down that dark path: to Dormammu.

Similar to Dr. Strange’s issue though, she did try to find magical fixes, which is OK. This is a story we’ve heard before. But why Dormammu? This is equal in magnitude to selling your soul to a demon, but in this case, she sold her son.

Doyle's mother claimed she went as far as finding a cult that 'worshiped' Dormammu. Yeah, she may have been desperate, but I also feel as though she may have liked that option as well. Listen to me, this may seem like a stretch, but look at the way both Doyle's mother and Dormammu look at Doyle. They look like two consensual parents who are raising a child together. 

They’re both smiling, joyous, happy, proud.

And notice this: Doyle looks a bit older than he does in the earlier parts of the flashback. He could still be a toddler, but he’s not being wrapped up in blankets anymore, some time has obviously passed. Romance or not, there is something deeper, more intimate happening here. And think about it like this: We do not yet know how long this transformation process took when Dormammu ‘healed’ Doyle. If longer than a few days, I could argue there may have been some baby daddy weekend custody situation going on, just so Dormammu can visit and see that his magic is working. 

I’m also not saying it’s too early to ship it, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Dormammu revealed that Doyle’s mother was actually his wife. Maybe she has an alternate form too.

I would also like to ask you to think about the cost associated with healing her son. Magic always has costs. And no, Doyle becoming a Faltine-like thing is not a cost, it’s a side effect. I think those can be different. But look, by granting Doyle a new life, does she or her son owe their loyalty to Dormammu now? Doyle could be hiding his allegiance somehow but he’s such a sweetheart I doubt it. Strange Academy is funny with its writing but they would have alluded to him being a potential antagonist a long time ago if this was the next big reveal. His mother on the other hand is a different subject.

Maybe Dormammu felt Doyle could be his next project. He may have been bored. He thinks himself above human lives, so why else would he save a random sick human? Did he possibly fall in love with the woman who summoned him? Does he suddenly have feelings to care for an heir after completely abusing his sister and niece? I find it hard to believe he could have positive feelings about his long-term relationship with a human and her offspring. I don’t like thinking of Dormammu as someone who is capable of having those feelings. His concerns are about his own needs: conquering worlds, ruining lives, beating Dr. Strange. So he may be playing a long game at something else too. Maybe it ties into why he didn’t care enough about Doyle dying at school (or maybe he knew Doyle would survive). Maybe it ties into him seeing Doyle fall in love with a girl who has the potential of revitalizing Doyle into some warrior he prophesied Doyle would become (to take his place perhaps?). This may be why he’s so manipulative of Emily Bright’s development. Dormammu definitely does not care about her, I don’t need to explain that. But why? What does this all add up to? Theories behind Dormammu’s relationship with Emily is a different discussion, and it’ll probably be revealed in #6.

But back to the main subject. Of course, all of this is too soon to tell and I’m eating the hell out of one single page of context, but Doyle’s mother is seriously something else. I know as superhero readers we can get past the initial shock of someone selling their soul to a demon, because of course that happens. But I think it’s so SO important to think about what this really means. I don’t think Doyle is as safe with his mother as they want us to believe.

Lastly, since Doyle had a real human father, it's so weird now seeing him refer to Dormammu as a 'dad.' Is there some kind of affection between the two or three of them (see my earlier points)? Imagine a different scenario really quick: why the hell would a mother allow her son to call a bastard demon their ‘dad?’ In other horror/supernatural pieces of media, due to the power imbalance, the giver of magic/wish is usually called a ‘master.’ Why is it that the mother allows this intimate name calling to continue? Perhaps she actually wants the three of them to be a family. Perhaps Doyle’s mother is lying in the flashback, perhaps she was a member of that Dormammu worshiping cult the entire time and made the ultimate sacrifice–

And now this leaves me to ask something truly vital: what was Doyle's life like prior to Strange Academy? Where did he live? Which of his parents did he live with, if any? 

This, actually, was partially answered during the Strange Academy tie-in for the Death of Doctor Strange event:

Doyle, for whatever reason, was seen temporarily living in a cabin in the woods when Strange Academy closed. I ask you, why would Doyle decide to live by himself– homeless in fact– instead of going back home to the mother who saved his life when he was a child? Back to the human mother who supposedly loves him dearly? The mother who is “the best part” of him (Doyle’s exact words btw!!!).

You know, Doyle has frequently referred to the Dark Dimension as “home,” especially in the above panel. Unless he’s still egging the Mindless One on as he did with Calvin about his connection to Dormammu, we have to believe that Doyle is a regular resident of the Dark Dimension (or at least was, in the past, possible months ago if he has been living homelessly as a regular thing on Earth). Because if someone like Doyle was walking around on Earth, with his magical signature, he would have been been a regular character to the Dr. Strange series. So did his mother and Dormammu lock him away somewhere like they did with Clea when we were first introduced to her? Why? Was it that they only let him out, or somehow he escaped to go live with his mom prior to coming to the academy?

Doyle living with Dormammu (doubt it like a prisoner, he isn’t giving off vibes in that way, but like a Rapunzel situation) is such a worst case scenario and it breaks my heart. Because this leaves us to think about all the times Clea and Stephen have gone into the Dark Dimension to fight Dormammu or Clea being LEADER of the entire Dark Dimension, freeing the Mindless Ones but not her little cousin, and not once did we EVER get a whiff of Doyle. So where was he?? What was he doing? What is really going on here, because the less context we get, the worse Doyle’s real situation is. My heart breaks for him, really.

His real mother is suspect as hell, his SURROGATE father is literally Dormammu (nuff said) and his overall home situation is extremely suspicious!! I hope this overview has raised a few red flags, more than I hope you have already had.

Anyway here’s how Clea adopting Doyle can still win–

[retlasute]

॰ In The Rich Man's World ॰

Word Count: 6598

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Chapter 7 - Luck Be A Lady

''How is your family in Naples, Gyro?'' Johnny asked, causing the Italian to gently release your hand and return to unfinished business.   

''They're fine. My little sister is becoming quite a lady, you should see it! I took so long to come back here because I didn't want to spend any more time away from her and my other brothers.''  

Gyro looked exultant and picked up his bag to walk with Johnny. You, uncomfortably out of place in the conversation, tried only to listen carefully to every detail; it was impossible to know how many people had the chance to hear a casual conversation between two men from the last century.  

"How's it going at the Bastille Tavern?'' Gyro asked.  

"More crowded than ever.'' Johnny replied. ''Of women, not customers. Madame Hildegarde and O'Shea were worried about you.'' 

''That place always gave me the creeps, but I like it there.'' Stiffening himself, he nodded in your direction and tried to include you in the conversation. "Are you from the Bastille Tavern, Bella?'' 

You reflected with a certain shyness at the immaculate compliment and at the same time with anger. Gyro certainly knew that the girls there were prostitutes, but he would continue to treat you kindly, without any hint of the barely disguised speculation that you occasionally noticed in the eyes of others. You looked at him, dusted off your trousers, and replied.  

"No. I'm from Washington.''   

"Oh, and what are you doing here? How do you know Johnny?''  

"I...'' 

"Good of you to mention it, Gyro.'' Johnny interrupted you. "We have to talk about this. Are you hungry?''  

"Always.'' Gyro replied, squinting his eyes with undeniable curiosity. "And what about Valkyrie? How is she? Did you bring her?'' 

You felt, more than heard, that the conversations that followed required no participation from you. The only thing left for you to do was to follow them and listen carefully to what they said.  

First, Gyro saw his mare, Valkyrie. He somehow seemed much happier to see the animal than to see his friend, exclaiming things in Italian like ''questa è la mia amata Valkyrie!'' and this thought made you laugh a little. Later, Johnny relayed to Gyro the latest news about friends they had in common; and you were more certain that they didn't trust you, as they seemed to use codenames to refer to close friends - things like Hot Pants and Wekapipo, whatever that last name means.  

Although the conversations were confusing, you tried to orient yourself. Hot Pants seemed to be some kind of military man, a soldier from the Vatican garrison who, according to Gyro, had boarded a clandestine ship and disappeared over the seas, with the vague possibility of being on any one of the other five continents.   

Wekapipo, in turn also some acquaintance of the Italian army, seemed to be someone Gyro was keen to keep in touch with after all - whatever "after all" means - and you remember Gyro mentioning the man's sister.  

Until then, two people you didn't know were mentioned, both members of some kind of garrison or important organization. For a brief moment, you also wondered if they had all met during the Steel Ball Run. You already knew that this event was much more than just a race; but, honestly, you weren't interested in uncovering the hostile territories of these men's past. Your focus now was on finding your friend and getting home, no matter how or where. 

You couldn't help but feel offended that you were being openly excluded from the issues, but you remained quiet, not imagining that the following conversation would revolt you even more.  

''So, Johnny, what are you doing with a sweetie like that if she's still single?'' Gyro asked, glancing at you and then turning his focus back to his friend.  

''She's lost, and she's looking for her friend.'' Johnny explained.   

''And you're helping her? You're such a good Samaritan.''  

"No. We're helping her.''  

Gyro was silent for a few seconds. At that moment, only the sound of the hooves of the horses behind you could be heard. You were all walking on foot to a restaurant Johnny had mentioned. Gyro looked at you disapprovingly, taking in every detail of your attire and general scruffy but much more polished appearance than the women he was used to seeing.  

"Us? What are you talking about, Johnny? Give me a break... I just got here!''  

"Don't worry, it won't be too hard. Remember the letter I sent about Joshua Creed two months ago? Well, his gang is here, in town, planning to rob the bank at dawn.''  

''And what does her friend have to do with it?''  

"She thinks that Creed's men are with her friend. I think it's quite possible, because the robbery will take place at dawn, with no employees inside, and they will need a hostage to make it work; that's why they must be with the girl.'' 

''And where did you find this girl?''  

''In the forest east of the Bastille Tavern. She was heading toward Creed's gang camp, so I stopped her. She said she was looking for her friend in that forest. Besides... she says she's the daughter of a lawyer and had an automobile.''  

Gyro's eyes widened, surprised, but he tried to focus on his train of thought.  

''So the gang kidnapped her friend and traveled here with the girl alive, only to use her as a hostage? What's so special about her? Don't get me wrong, Johnny, but this story is very strange. What were the two of them doing alone in that forest?''  

Johnny didn't answer, so Gyro finally remembered that you were right there, listening attentively and with an undeniable anger and feeling of being left out. He directed his question at you, arching a well-defined eyebrow.   

''I don't understand why you and your friend are so valuable, both to Johnny and to that gang. If you're so valuable, a lawyer's daughter, why the hell would they leave you wandering around the woods alone with your friend?''  

He stared at you intensely, like a snake trying to hypnotize a bird. However, by now, you were indignant enough to regain some of your courage and you too stared at him without averting your eyes.  

"Ah...'' You said, with exaggerated courtesy. "So I'm included in this conversation? I thought you were doing very well talking about me alone. Please continue.''   

The graceful line of his mouth hardened a little and the deep wrinkle at the corner deepened further, but he said nothing. Putting his answer aside, he looked ahead and surveyed the restaurant Johnny had chosen.   

You went in. The restaurant room welcomed you with a smell of fried fat and a faint smile. It was a large, pretentious room with edulcorated frescoes depicting hunters in various poses and varying degrees of enchantment, surrounded by a plethora of pale animals, druids and trees. A few sparse old ladies, two religious men, and a man in a suit finished their meals in silence. The restaurant closed at seven o'clock, and the impassive waiters were cheerfully in a desperate hurry to get rid of you. Just like in Washington, you thought, feeling a twinge of longing to eat at Bistro Arachosia.  

"Doesn't he look just like Glenn Miller?'' Gyro asked in a low voice, his pointed, tanned elbow not pointing, but visibly itching to point, at the jacket-wearing customer dining alone across the room.  

"That famous conductor?'' Johnny asked, looking at the man.   

"Yes, he looks just like him.'' He confirmed, with a hint of mirth. You remained silent. 

Without blinking, Gyro pulled out a chair and sat down in front of you at one of the tables, and Johnny sat down next to him, responsible for deciding what all three of you would eat. Gyro settled down casually with one booted foot resting on the opposite knee. With this movement, over the table, you saw a pair of round, metallic, greenish objects that you hadn't noticed before. Gyro was wearing a holster, but not like those cowboys you saw in the movies; it was a custom holster for those two metallic spheres. One of the spheres dangled from his hip, and one of Gyro's elegant, aristocratic hands groped the object, causing it to stop dangling.  

Without a hat, his hair was light, full, lustrous, and finely textured. It was also similar in appearance to Johnny's, but the man did not discard his blue cap with star details and an extravagant golden horseshoe.   

You didn't know if all this talking and beating around the bush was intended to make you nervous – and if so, it was working – or if he just didn't know what to do with you.  

The tension was eased a bit by the entrance of a waiter, bringing a tray of juice and side dishes. Still in silence, Johnny poured a glass of juice and held it out to you. Both of you remained in silence for a while, nibbling on the side dishes until the main course arrived.  

''So...'' Gyro finally spoke up. ''Why the hell are you two so quiet?''  

"This is a fucking torture.'' You said, almost immediately. "I need to go to the bathroom.'' 

Gyro was taken aback and, for some reason, could not contain his laughter at your urgency. Having dropped his mask, you listened for a few seconds to that laugh in a different tone. When it ended, he stared at you, and you were undeniably startled.  

''Whatever you are, bella, at least you're amusing.'' He remarked, and with a cynical nod rang a small bell on the table.  

When the waiter appeared, the Italian instructed him to lead you to the necessary facilities.   

Locking the lavatory door to which you were led, you leaned weakly against it. Being away from the presence of those two men was a relief, but only for a short time. You already had ample opportunity to judge Johnny's true character, both from your assumptions and from your own experience, and you knew that he was only helping you by expecting something in return.   

If he was just a pervert who expected sex in exchange for saving your friend's life, you wouldn't have bothered. You have had sex with more disgusting men for much lower prices. But there was that damned certainty that you were stuck with him and would remain so even after you found Louise. That corpse was proof of that, and now that you were no longer at the table, you could imagine that Johnny was telling Gyro all your terrible lies.  

You sat on the floor, ignoring the stench while you concentrated on the problem. Escape now would be irrational; and, after finding Louise, unlikely. You thought about pretending to be ill and remaining in your refuge, but dismissed the idea – and not just because of the unpleasantness. The hard truth was that there was little point in postponing the moment when your lies would be questioned, unless you had something on your mind, that you didn't.  

Frantically searching for anything useful you might know about Gyro, you came up with a name. Heard and carelessly recorded, you hoped you had the right name. It was a pitifully small card to play, but the only one you possessed. And it would be very useful depending on how the circumstances turned out.  

Gyro Zeppeli. That man was intriguing. You would never imagine that the universe would be so cruel as to make you acquainted with one of Thom's research materials. You would plan to ask a few questions about the Italian to make sure he was who you thought he was – and, perhaps, blackmail him with his real name, which you remember reading in one of the documents as much as you remember Thom saying.  

Iulius Caesar Zeppeli, such a pretentious name. You took a deep breath, let it out hastily, and left your sanctuary.  

Luckily for you, their table was relatively far from the bathroom and they were both sitting side by side, so it would be impossible for them to see you opening the door. The gentle movement of their faces indicated that they were talking, and if you were cautious, you could hear them.  

''Did she call Madre Hildegarde an old witch? What kind of monster would say that?''   

"Shut up and listen, Gyro. I need her friend alive.''  

"And why is that?''  

Glancing ahead, you saw Johnny take something wrapped in a grimy cloth from his pocket and discreetly place it on the table. Gyro hesitated, but gently pulled the end of the cloth, lifting it to peek, and then remained absolutely silent. 

The short expression of shock and disbelief that flashed across Gyro's face made it obvious that it was the eye of the corpse, as did the gentle slope of a small round shape under the cloth that was quickly picked up by Johnny and duly put away. Not only did Gyro look in shock, but you felt your throat tighten as you saw that the Italian also knew what the corpse was, judging by his face.  

"That woman... (Y/N)...''  

''She claims to be an archaeologist.'' Johnny interrupted him to continue explaining. ''Just like Doctor Ferdinand, remember? The one who gave the stand ability to Dio.''  

''Yes, I remember.'' The Italian replied, his voice sounding deadly serious. ''Is she a stand user?'' 

''I don't think so, but she was lost in the forest, almost naked, drunk, and with this eye in her pocket. She told me that she called her friend to help her with some research, that they both had all the parts of the corpse, and then (Y/N) woke up without her friend, without the corpse, and without the... car.''  

''Archaeologist... I wonder... if she works for the government?''  

''The government wouldn't hire a woman.''  

At this point, if this wasn't a prank being broadcast on national television, you were going insane. You had no idea who or what they were talking about, and the urge to look around for cameras was inevitable. Your search being frustrated, you returned your attention to the conversation.  

''And there's more... her friend is a widow, her name is Louise.''  

"So what?'' 

''Her husband... her supposed dead husband is called Luca Brando.''  

''What?!''  

With Gyro's sudden jolt, the whole restaurant stared at him and you retreated behind one of the walls but kept listening.  

''Brando? Are you sure, Johnny?''  

"Yes. If she's telling the truth, which I doubt very much, we're going to have to ask this Louise some questions.'' 

"Don't you think you might be jumping the gun? There are a lot of people named Brando out there. And as far as Hot Pants told me, Dio has no family. I mean... only one father, Dario Brando, but they say Dio killed him after the race.''  

''I know this... maybe it's just coincidence, yes, but these two women were with the corpse and (Y/N) acts too strange to be just a lawyer's daughter or a lost archaeologist. I'm telling you, Gyro, something is really wrong...''  

''Now I understand... What else?'' 

''I heard that Creed's gang is hiding on the second floor of the gunsmith's store. The third floor is a clandestine gambling spot. Louise is probably being held hostage there, and is holding the corpse.''  

''Why would this gang keep the corpse? I don't think they would believe it's that valuable. They're just outlaws, you know...''  

"Joshua Creed has ties to the government. He was a military man, he tried to become a politician, so he has a decent education.''  

''But that doesn't mean anything, Johnny, he's robbing banks and hiding out in the woods with other rednecks. I don't think the other members of the gang are also well-educated ex-military men.'' 

''They don't have to be. Joshua may still have ties to the government... you know... with Dio.''  

Gyro was silent for a few seconds, analyzing Johnny's hypothesis.  

''Well... maybe you're right. I had forgotten that Dio... Ah, shit. What the hell were those two women doing with the corpse?!''  

''That's what I'm trying to find out.'' 

At that very moment, a hurried waiter bumped into you, waving a tray with what looked like the order Johnny had made. Some glasses clinked, but didn't fall over, and you and the waiter apologized to each other in unison. The commotion drew the attention of much of the restaurant, including Gyro and Johnny, who looked back and waited for you to sit back down at the table. The silence was again restored by the time you returned.  

In the hours of that crazy trip you had taken, you had no doubt been a laughable failure when it came to being a good liar – or at least telling a decent enough lie to keep you from having to say "I came from the future" to those two cowboys.  

But now, Gyro and Johnny didn't say anything. The waiter served a substantial meal that resembled the quality of a packed lunch. You looked at Gyro, his gaze slipping from the window to your untouched plate and back to the window, while Johnny made no secret of staring at you. It was getting dark and the imminence of the scheduled assault was increasingly alarming. You leaned back in your chair and invigorated yourself with big sips of a refreshing juice, while you watched the two men eat.  

"I'll be right back.'' Johnny said, breaking the silence as he stood up.  

Gyro frowned, confused, but Johnny didn't give him time to ask any questions, and you weren't interested in what he was going to do. Then Johnny simply walked away, leaving you two alone, with a silence interrupted by the clinking of silverware.  

Seemingly friendly, you cautiously glance at each other out of the corner of your eyes. Two best friends and a stranger. Gyro was the focal point of you and Johnny being there, tacit, around which your thoughts revolved. If you wanted to find your friend and get home, you had to trust these two men. 

The shared years joined them forever, like the wefts of a cloth, but the loops of the fabric were loose, from absence and suspicion, then from your intrusion. Johnny and Gyro's threads had been in this fabric from the beginning, yours was new. How would the tensions act in this new warp, one thread against the other?  

Your conversations were about trivial matters, but with the unspoken words clearly audible below.  

"Did you and Johnny meet in that race?'' You broke the silence, repeating the question that Johnny hadn't answered before.  

"Huh?'' He rested his fork on his plate, surprised by the sound of your voice.  

''Steel Ball Run. The transcontinental race of 1890.''  

''Ah, yes.'' Gyro replied. ''We met at the first stage, in San Diego.''  

We've been partners since the beginning. Our friendship lasted long before we discovered this corpse. What are you, stranger, doing here?  

"Johnny says you're an archeologist.'' He continued.  

"Yes, I am.'' 

And in the distant future, you'll be my research subject. 

"So you study ancient things? Fossils and relics?''  

''Almost... I imagine he already told you about the corpse.'' 

"Yes, he did.'' 

''I study atypical phenomena of nature and incorrupt bodies. In this case... corpses of saints or mummies.''  

That's what I'm doing here, working, although against my will.   

''Johnny said that you called Madame Hildegarde a witch.'' 

He offers you lodging and food, and this is how you repay?  

''She thought I was a prostitute. Besides, she's not very friendly. I'm not a prostitute and I don't accept being treated like one.'' 

It's all just a big misunderstanding, but I was the first to have my honor hurt.  

And so the conversation continued until Johnny returned, on general subjects, exchanging small information, opinions, light and hesitant jokes, evaluating each other. A well-born, highly educated, skilled and strong European, he was not someone to be evaluated lightly and superficially. You wondered what he was thinking about you, but he seemed as capable as Johnny of hiding his thoughts when he decided to.  

"What do you think Johnny's doing?'' 

''He's probably talking to the manager. Looking for information.'' He answered calmly. "He'll be right back.'' 

You didn't answer but looked around for Johnny's figure standing at a counter where the manager was resting, as Gyro had said. The Italian, by the way, was looking at you carefully, his face with a soft expression of suspicion and amusement. He was good-natured, yes. His voice was melodic, too quiet for a man of his size, not the deep voice you would expect from such a large chest.  

Johnny returned to the table, stopping halfway down to look suspiciously around. You and Gyro were silent by now, and that didn't change with Johnny's return. This particularly bothered you. You had heard them talking quietly in your absence and knew that the real cause of this uncomfortable silence was you, only you.  

"What time is it?'' You asked, not knowing exactly to whom. You just wanted to say something.  

"Six-thirty.'' Johnny answered after a brief glance at his wristwatch.  

"And when do we go after that gang?''  

"Eat, then we'll talk about it.'' 

''You don't have to worry about spoiling my appetite, because I don't have one. What do you intend to do?''  

"Nothing you need to know.''  

"What?'' You couldn't hide your surprise. "We have a deal, I'm coming with you and I need to know!''  

"Deal? We don't have a deal.'' Johnny replied dryly. ''We'll drop you off at a hotel, we'll bring your friend and you'll answer some questions.''  

You swallowed hard, forcing down the bitter bile that had risen in your throat, mixed with the sip of juice. Johnny sipped his juice, pleased with himself.  

''Have you forgotten about the corpse?'' You whispered angrily, approaching the center of the table like a snake. "I have all the parts of the corpse, and I still have a lot more information about it. Project Ecclesiastes, Devil's Palm, Thomas Foster, the identity of the corpse... I'm absolutely sure that you don't know even ten percent of what I know about it.''  

''Devil's Palm?'' Gyro cut in. ''What the hell do you know about it, woman?''  

You weren't too surprised that he knew what the Devil's Palm was because you knew that it was a very common legend from the Old West.  

"Everything. I can track the Devil's Palm anywhere.'' You explained, exempting yourself from complex terms like satellites, computers, and radars.  

"And what makes us sure you're not lying again?'' 

You stared for a moment at Gyro, who seemed focused on his plate of spaghetti. For a moment you felt sorry for ruining the peaceful meal.  

"You two are from the Steel Ball Run. You sent letters to the Vatican asking about the corpse in 1890.'' You said, with deliberate confidence, mentioning the date as if it weren't two years ago. Clinging to the hope that you could prove something with your knowledge. ''Actually, more specifically you, Gyro Zeppeli, sent a series of letters to the Vatican mentioning your goal of collecting all the parts along the race, as well as questioning the true identity of the... saint. You arrived on this continent in March 1890, using a false identity, and decided to take part in a race that was in fact a grand corrupt and terrorist scheme, don't you?'' 

Gyro spilled the juice on his lap and made some very gratifying noises.   

You clicked your tongue in disapproval, looking at Johnny, who now seemed to have been taken by surprise.  

The Italian calmed down, looking at you furiously. There wasn't much juice in the glass, but it remained overturned, its orange contents soaking the light green carpet, but he made no movement toward the bell on the table. A small muscle bulged in the side of his neck.   

You find the stack of napkins in the corner of the table and take one, handing it to Gyro.  

"I hope it doesn't stain.'' You said gently.  

"No.'' Gyro said, ignoring the napkin, and looking at you intently. "How the hell do you know that? It's not possible, I burned the letters!'' 

"Why isn't it possible?'' You asked, feigning bravery, wondering what wouldn't be possible.  

''Who the hell are you? And who the hell is your friend?'' Johnny questioned, with a strong frown.  

"Who's Dio?'' You retorted, and Johnny seemed a little angrier at this question. Meanwhile, Gyro laughed with a tone of incredulity.  

"You're kidding, aren't you, lady? You claim to know so much... and you don't know who Dio is? I don't know, Johnny... she sounds a lot like some friend of that bastard. She's saying things a henchman would say.''  

"If a woman was working for the government, they would have informed me.'' Johnny clarified, not taking his eyes off you. ''And if she was working for Dio, why the hell would she act so ridiculous?'' 

''You said yourself that her friend is the widow of a man named Luca Brando! Why the hell did you bring that woman here, Johnny?''  

"Can't you see she's lying about most of the things she says? The problem is to find out what is true and what is not...''  

''Oh, but she wasn't lying when she talked about me!'' 

At this point, you were confused again. The only thing you could assume was that Dio was probably some rival connected to the government, since Joshua Creed has possible contacts with this man. Whatever the case, you remained silent.  

''Is she testing us? As a spy?'' Johnny continued as if randomly suggesting, and you prepared to stand in one jump if necessary. Gyro's fists were clenched at his sides and lightly touched the metal spheres – whatever they were used for, they were capable of causing quite a bit of head trauma, and you wanted to stay away from that.  

''She must be testing our credulity. Or my tolerance for irritation. Both, bella, are extremely weak.'' His green eyes narrowed speculatively, and you mentally prepared yourself. 

"I'm not lying.'' You said. "I know a lot more than you realize, and knowledge is the price I'm willing to pay in exchange for my friend's life! I don't want to waste any more time!''  

''And why should I believe you? Johnny is a fool, I know that, but I'm not like him. My friend here hasn't convinced me to help you yet, bella, so now it's your turn to try. Don't think we'll go easy on you just because you're a woman.'' 

At that moment, every impression of chivalry Gyro had built up crumbled in your mind, and an irrational feeling of anger naturally cultivated in your chest by your time of fighting chauvinistic and misogynistic pigs bubbled up. Courtesy and natural feminine incantations would not work with those two men. The only card left for you was buried in the rubble of your memory.  

''What kind of gentleman threatens a woman like that?'' You asked courteously.  

''A gentleman with foresight.'' 

Your eyes were half-lidded with bravery as you stared at Gyro, analyzing his face as if your mind were a biometric database.  

''I have read several military and informal dispatches that mention this corpse. The vast majority were sent during 116 days. From September 1890 to January 1891, during the Steel Ball Run. One of the letters sent to the Vatican was addressed to Gyro Zeppeli. At first, I thought it was some archaeologist, but my friend did some brief research about a long Italian line called Zeppeli and about the firstborn of a man named Gregorio Zeppeli, who arrived on this continent six months before the race. When Johnny said your name, I didn't believe it was you, but I have no doubt. If I am not crazy... it is you. And I know your real name. I know who you are.'' 

Gyro, livid with shock, stood up in a jolt and pounded his fist on the table, shaking the extensive array of decorations and cutlery placed on it. A deep murmur of alarm was heard from the restaurant patrons, and the parallel conversations in the background ceased, all eyes focused on Gyro.  

The Italian's situation couldn't be worse: his pants were soaked with juice and now everyone was looking at him and his sudden outburst of anger. Gratified, you remained paralyzed, not moving a single muscle or taking your eyes off Gyro. Like a deer staring at the headlights of a car. Even Johnny looked stunned but managed to contain himself and make Gyro sit down again.  

''You little bitch...'' Gyro muttered, almost like a growl, and you could understand now what the sudden hatred meant. ''Don't you ever repeat those words out loud again, if you feel love for your life. Johnny's right, you have a lot of questions to answer, cagna.''  

You took a deep breath in a way that, under different circumstances, would have sounded elegant, and stood up immediately after dismissing your plate of food. Closing your eyes, you gritted your teeth and clung to your anger. It was the only thing you had to fight fear. There was an air of intense anticipation as you looked at the two men, punctuated by the murmurs of the customers, and soon ceased as you walked towards the exit. 

Walking along the restaurant's neatly trimmed facade, you leaned against a lamppost – for a second, you quickly looked up to see if it was a electrical pole, but were frustrated to see only a small lamplight atop the wooden stump – and rummaged through your pockets for some cigarettes. At first, you felt your wallet too, but out of habit you ignored it and pulled out a cigarette, ready to light it.  

As you placed the cigarette between your lips to light it, you remembered that you had lost your lighter and had no match. You huffed and rolled your eyes, looking around. Behind you, just around the corner, was a familiar man. The same customer in the jacket that Gyro had been mocking when he entered the restaurant. He lit a cigarette, without putting out the match, and the smoke he exhaled through his nostrils reminded you of a pair of ivory tusks.   

You smiled sweetly at him, which startled him a little when he saw that you were a woman in unpolished clothes. Your sense of vanity was deeply wounded by that startled male gaze – you were used to excessive courtesies from men like that.  

"Excuse me, could you light my cigarette?'' You asked, holding out the cigarette to him.  

"Of course, lady.'' He smiled and did so, then bowed politely with his hat.   

Politely you thanked him and started to take a drag on your cigarette, and the man stood there.  

''Oh, sorry to bother you...'' You spoke again. "But I'm new in town. Do you know where the gunsmith is?''  

"The gunsmith?'' The man let out smoke through his nose as he spoke. ''It's east of town, near the general store. It's the biggest building, you'll know when you see it.''  

"Alright... thank you very much, sir.'' You smiled again and saw his cheeks blush softly, but you ignored it and said goodbye to the man, turning the corner.  

It was getting dark, the preface to a warm and dark night somewhere in New Jersey. Occasionally, a horse would pass, and you would always look for some rewarding sight of a car or motorcycle. The taillights turning down, the white lights moving forward, or the soft rumble of the engines... but the city seemed dead. No one strolled and laughed on the sidewalks as would have been the customary leisure of the sweet, grey, rotten 20th-century places. You enjoyed the innocent night and your terrible thoughts alone as you turned corners in hurried steps, fearing that Johnny and Gyro were looking for you.  

A metal receptacle on the corner described with extreme thoroughness the types of products an establishment sold: sheets, paper, ink, cloths... A tailor's shop. Letters of a cherry-red color signaled a drugstore. A green, illuminated clock rested in the back of one of the few open establishments, surrounded by revolvers, crocodile heads, bear paws, and other crappy trophies on the walls. That seemed to be the gunsmith's store.  

How many little towns in the dead of night had you seen? This would not be your last one. 

You let yourself lose a little more time, the gunsmith was practically inactive. Across the street, you could see all the customers coming in and out of the place. All men, some in suits, others in beat-up clothes; most of them smoked pipes, and all of them, without exception, were armed. You noticed a curious pattern in a certain group of men who were dressed in the same way – a rustic gray suit, no hats, no ties, and business shoes with spurs. 

"Why would anyone wear spurs in formal wear?'' You muttered softly to yourself, throwing the cigarette butt on the floor and stepping on it. It wasn't the same without your heels.  

"They're getting ready to get on their horses and run away.'' Said a voice beside you, plunged into the darkness of an alley.  

It was impossible to describe the impact of an instantaneous vision in a string of words. Your startle was reduced to a sharp exclamation that was soon contained by a hand on your shoulder. The touch startled you even more, and you turned around, giving a quick jab with your arm to defend yourself. Johnny deftly ducked, avoiding the slap, and snorted, somewhat surprised.  

''Wow... is that what they teach you in archeology class?'' He sneered, standing up and looking at you.  

"Yeah... my professor's name was James Bond.'' You sneered with a certain tone of irritation. "How did you find me?''  

"Where else would you go?''   

You pressed your lips together, holding back a rude and inappropriate response for a 19th-century woman. Your focus now was on being patient and astute. Johnny and Gyro didn't seem to be the kind of duo who made foolproof plans for action; neither of them even possessed weapons. The most weapon you ever saw Johnny handle was a hunting knife, while Gyro had those strange steel balls. They were about to do an unarmed operation inside a gun store.  

"What do you intend to do?'' You asked, taking your time to find Gyro's silhouette sitting on a crate in the dark corner of the alley.   

''Wait and study the place.'' Johnny replied.  

"I meant when the time comes, during the robbery. What are you going to do?''  

"Beat the crap out of them and get your friend, of course.'' Gyro intruded in the background.  

"And how the hell do you intend to do that? Where are your weapons?''  

Gyro muttered something, and Johnny let out a nasal laugh along with him. You didn't understand the reason for the joke, but you didn't say anything.   

"Trust us.'' Johnny said, looking at the gunsmith.  

"What about me? I may need to protect myself, can't I even carry a knife?'' 

''Your tongue is sharp enough, you can use it as a knife.'' Gyro said. ''You'll be fine.''  

"Fine.'' You replied between your teeth, not too calm. You stretched out your hand, indicating the weapons in the gunsmith. "But it's no more effective than a gun. I know how to load and fire a pistol.''  

"No way.'' Johnny said, seriously and firmly. You were a bit puzzled by his answer.  

"Why not?'' 

''Because you are a woman, bella.'' Gyro replied.  

You felt your face turn red.  

"Oh, yeah?'' You exclaimed ironically. "You think women can't understand how a gun works?'' 

The Italian looked at you without changing, his mouth twisting slightly as he considered various answers.  

"I feel like making you go into that store, buy a gun and try it out.'' He said, finally. ''It would serve you right.''   

Johnny clicked his tongue, annoyed with the two of you.  

''Don't be a fool, Gyro. As for you, (Y/N)...'' Johnny said, turning to you. ''It's not that women are stupid, it's that they're weak.'' 

"Oh?'' You looked at him perplexed for a moment, without understanding.   

Gyro let out a loud breath and pulled one of his steel spheres from its holster. Viewed up close, it was huge, and he held it out in front of you.  

"Look.'' He said, indicating for you to hold the sphere.  

It was not an absurdly heavy object; but much heavier than you expected. When Gyro released the sphere in your hand, your arm came down with a jerk and then returned to its original position with a slight effort.   

''It's no heavier than a loaded pistol.'' He said, reminding you that the guns of that era were, in fact, cruder than the ones you used to see in movies or on policemen's belts. ''And it's not enough just to load and fire. You need support, stability, and your arm dropped like a rag doll when you held my steel ball. You don't know how to use a gun.'' 

You stared at him in disbelief, and he took the steel ball back and put it in its holster.  

''When you pull the trigger, the gun recoil like a mule. I'm a lot stronger than you are, and a gun recoil can hurt me pretty bad if I can't handle it; it should knock you flat on your back if it doesn't hit your face.'' He continued his explanation with a gentle tone of debauchery. ''I'd let you see for yourself, but I like you better with all your teeth. You must have a nice smile, even though you're always grumpy.''  

The comment served as a lesson and you accepted without discussion the opinion of the two men that even the slightest proximity to some conflict was too dangerous for a woman like you. Johnny's small knife was deemed acceptable and he gave it to you, a sharp, pointed object with a lethal appearance. You felt the blade, and Gyro looked at you with deep doubt.  

"Are you sure you're going to leave her armed, Johnny?'' 

''She's right, it can be dangerous to leave her alone with no way to defend herself, especially when we're dealing with Joshua Creed.'' 

''Hm... I still think the only good weapon for a woman is poison.''  

''Maybe.'' Johnny retorted. ''But it has its disadvantages in hand-to-hand combat.'' 

[edvinception]

Edvin’s interview July 12

Once agian this is just a summary, but I think it would be nice for yoiu intil the subtitles are up. I'll also see if I can link the interview once its up on youtube.

It should be up at noon at the latest. Just search "nyhetsmorgon"

-

They talk about it being one year on the day since Young Royals premiered and it’s a special day for him. Because of the anniversary and because of sommarprat which premiered the same day as this interview was recorder.

They talk about it being huge and bizarre that Young Royals was released worldwide compared to in Sweden and Scandinavia like with his previous projects

Netflix prepared them it could be a huge success but they really didn’t believe them at first.

He once again talks about not wanting to lose himself and wanting to be true to himself, keep his life as it was and keep his family and friends.  He’s learned to set his boundaries, where to draw the line but also learned lot as an actor on Young Royals.

He feels like people want to use him for commercial purpose because of his success and he understands but he doesn’t always want to be used in that way.

He’s scared about hybris. He thinks about that a lot since the word hybris can mean a lot of things and be quite broad. Especially in Sweden that talks a lot about being humble, not brag and think too much of yourself. He asks his friends if they believe he already has gotten hybris or if they think he is too full of himself.

He feels super honoured to be part of Forbes. People actually called him and thought it was because he was super rich that he made the list but he clarified that he’s on the entertainment list of people who have a promising career. He’s not a millionaire.

People DM him about young royals all the time so he gets a lot of direct feedback from fans. It moves him every time. People say Young Royals have brought them comfort, that they’ve found the courage to come out or found lifelong friends through the fandom. People of all ages dm or approach him and he loves that part.

Wilhelm his unlabelled and sexuality is not viewed as the most prominent aspect of the characters or crucial for their story. Simon’s problem is his status and that he’s poor, not his sexuality. The sexuality part is undramatic. It’s all about love.

It means a lot to him that this fictional story has touched so many people and they didn’t expect that huge impact. A lot of people have been positively affected by Young Royals which is the ultimate recognition.  

Sometimes people can approach him with straight up demands though. And sometimes they put a lot of responsibility on him and the other cast members. It can for instance be that Young Royals have saved that person’s life and that can sometimes feel a little scary. There’s always been a mix of feelings. Mostly positive. He’s so honoured and thankful but sometimes he can also feel scared and overwhelmed. It can also make him nervous that this is it. That he’s in his primetime now and that he'll go downhill from here. Will he be able to move on from young royals and work on other things? It's a mix of emotions really.

But he’s always dreamed big and mentions Anthony Hopkins that won and Oscar at age 83. He things that’s so cool that you can work for so long and he’s already worked for a long time.

He’s going to have time off in July. It’s important for him since he works a lot. He needs time to relax and spend time with family and friends. He needs to get better at actually have time off and not work during his time off and not book meetings or answer emails. This summer though he’ll focus on family time, good food and just relax.

[ghostwise]

brief thoughts on why lift us where suffering cannot reach failed where the ones who walk away from omelas succeeded

As many have already pointed out the latest snw episode is a direct homage to Ursula Le Guin’s short story, ‘The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas’.

I’ve linked the story; it’s five pages long and so worth reading, even decades later. If the episode left you at all confused or uncomfortable I highly recommend you read it, please, do read it! It is impactful and upsetting and thought-provoking. But do not expect a happier ending. Spoilers under the cut.

My main qualm is why did the suffering child get rewritten into a bright and precocious little boy, charming the ship’s crew and the audience for pathos?

The child in Le Guin’s original story is not bright and charming. He is abused. He is riddled with illness. He cannot speak. Le Guin writes, "even if the child could be released, it would not get much good of its freedom: a little vague pleasure of warmth and food, no doubt, but little more. It is too degraded and imbecile to know any real joy. It has been afraid too long ever to be free of fear."

At length Le Guin describes, through the point of view of the residents of Omelas, just how wretched the child is. How frightening and miserable.

But this child is just as deserving of the audience’s sympathy as the First Servant.

In Le Guin’s short story we get a sense of how easy it is for people to rationalize cruelty. But Le Guin also emphasizes the people who cannot abide by it. They are the titular subjects of the story; the entire point is that there are and always will be people who walk away. People who refuse to be complicit.

This isn’t to say that the episode failed to convey these themes; the episode made sure we knew there was an active resistance on Majalis. But having read the original story, I cannot say it added anything new. After all, the ones who leave Omelas do so in self-exile.

Ultimately I do hope both stories challenge people to think about who is doing the suffering in our society, and who exactly is benefiting from their suffering.

Think carefully on it.

[popentertainment-moviereviews]

SCREAM VI (2023)

Starring Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Jack Champion, Mason Gooding, Liana Liberato, Dermot Mulroney, Hayden Panettiere, Courteney Cox, Devyn Nekoda, Josh Segarra, Tony Revolori, Samara Weaving, Henry Czerny, Thomas Cadrot, Andre Anthony, Max Laferriere, Frank Fiola, Skeet Ulrich and the voice of Roger L. Jackson.

Screenplay by  James Vanderbilt & Guy Busick.

Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin & Tyler Gillett.

Distributed by Paramount Pictures. 123 minutes. Rated R.

Just a couple of years ago, the Scream franchise was pretty much dead in the water. The most recent film in the series, Scream IV, had been something of a disappointment when it was released in 2011. And even that film was a bit of a reboot of the series, coming 11 years after the original trilogy ended. (The first three films were released from 1996 to 2000.)

Now, suddenly, with the release of the second Scream movie in just about a year, apparently they are all in with the series again. It’s up to debate as to whether the series was that in need of another reboot after all this time (let’s face it, only the original 1996 film was truly special), but Scream VI does what it can to make the old formula palatable for a new generation.

In the horror franchise parlance, this film would be the Ghostface Takes Manhattan chapter of the saga, where the kids from the small town move to the big city, only to find the violence they are trying to leave behind has relocated as well. (Although the story is supposed to take place in New York City, Scream VI was actually filmed in Montreal, a difference which is somewhat noticeable throughout.)

As with most of the previous films, Scream VI is a mix of old and new characters. Although the production made the gossip columns last year when original Scream star Neve Campbell refused to appear in the new film (apparently, she was not offered enough money to make it worth her while), there are a few character returns from the older films to mix in with the new blood… so to speak.

Courteney Cox – who is the only actor who has actually been in all six of the Scream films – returns in the role of Gale Weathers. Hayden Panettiere also returns in the role of Scream IV survivor Kirby Reid, who is now an FBI agent on the trail of the latest Ghostface killers. Also Skeet Ulrich has a few short cameos as the spirit of original killer Billy Loomis.

However, the characters from the past are not really what Scream VI is selling, it actually works pretty well because the two new lead characters are so interesting and well played. (I say new, but they both appeared in the fifth Scream chapter last year, as well.) Melissa Barrera (In the Heights) and Jenna Ortega (Wednesday) carry the film with confidence and charm as two sisters who survived last year’s slayings and moved to New York to escape (and for the younger sister to go to college), only to find that the evil has followed them.

Both are terrific – particularly Barrera – and they make Scream VI one of the more intense and intriguing chapters of the saga. (Well, at least until the sort of stupid and unlikely reveal of the identities of the latest Ghostface killers, but that isn’t their fault.)

Scream VI is more violent than many of the previous films. (In the series’ normal postmodern snarkiness, it is pointed out that later films in a franchise always do everything bigger.) It’s actually also one of the funnier episodes, and suspenseful, too. (At least until that silly climax.)

It has all of the normal Scream problems. The whole idea that the kids try to evade the killer due to horror film rules rather than real life rules still seems a bit too smug and post-modern. And the Ghostface killer is actually kind of a ridiculous bogeyman (although there have been multiple Ghostfaces over the run of the franchise). He (or she, or they, or it… I’m not telling…) is clumsy, easily knocked off balance and fairly regularly defeated. And yes, I get that is sort of the point, these are just a bunch of normal insane people playing copycat, but it makes the character a bit clownish as well as scary. Which, again, is probably part of the point.

But, okay, Scream VI, you’ve got me. As long as you keep following Barrera and Ortega around, I’m in for another chapter or two.

Jay S. Jacobs

Copyright ©2023 PopEntertainment.com. All rights reserved. Posted: March 10, 2023.

[popentertainment-interviews]

Alice Krige

Rises From the Ashes in She Will

by Jay S. Jacobs

If you’re a young, aspiring actress and your first major film wins the Oscar for Best Picture, how do you follow it up? For Alice Krige, she put together a well-respected 40-year career in film, theater and television (and the occasional video game or cartoon).

Probably first really noticed in the 1980 Oscar-winning film, Chariots of Fire, Krige has had a wide-ranging and intriguing run of roles – often, but not always – in genre films. For her follow-up to Chariots she starred with Hollywood royalty like Fred Astaire, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Melvyn Douglass, John Houseman and Patricia Neal in the thriller Ghost Story. She has taken on a wide variety of roles in the likes of King David, Sleepwalkers, Silent Hill and Thor: The Dark World.

However, she’s perhaps best known for playing the Borg Queen in several Star Trek films and series, including Star Trek: First Contact, Star Trek: Voyager and the recently released second season of Star Trek: Lower Decks.

Her latest film is a psychological thriller called She Will. Directed by respected artist Charlotte Colbert, it co-stars Malcolm McDowell, Rupert Everett, John McRea and Kota Eberhardt. Although it traffics in certain horror aspects – witches, murder, devastation, nightmares – it is actually a much deeper character study of a woman whose life is still being ruled by a childhood incident when a much older man sexually abused her.

He was a film director who made her a star (played by McDowell), but she has been carrying the guilt and heartache for decades, to the point where it has not only affected how she deals with people and life, but it has also literally and figuratively eaten away at her body and mind.

A few weeks before the debut of She Will we got together on Zoom with Krige to discuss the new film, career highlights and surviving the pandemic.

What was it about the script for She Will that intrigued to you?

There were a number of things. It's a script with many, many layers and many, many threads. Rather a very unusual tapestry, put it that way. With regard to Veronica, I was just very moved by her predicament. What happened to her as a young woman, or young girl of 14 or 15, which obviously she was at that time. If I think back to when I was 14, or 15, it might have been something that was never mentioned, was never ever discussed. In an early draft of the script, there was actually an influence that the encounter leaves her with a sexually transmitted disease so that she cannot ultimately have children. That somehow got weeded out in the various edits and cuts. But suffice it to say, there was significant trauma that is suppressed. It leaves her with a whole lot of buried anger, a profound mistrust of intimacy.

Of course.

Where we find her when we meet her, as someone whose anger has expressed itself in her body as cancer. She's had a bilateral mastectomy. She holds the world at an arm's length. There's this icy rude facade, which keeps people at bay so she can never be hurt. She goes up to Scotland. She's accompanied by this young woman who she really doesn't want as a companion. But Desi (Kota Eberhardt) has been hurt as well. Desi’s reaction is to reach out to help other people. That journey of Desi’s, it's very unusual to see that between a younger and an older woman. Really platonic affection develops. I found it very, very moving that Desi’s tolerance and patience and empathy finally melts Veronica’s protective barrier.

Yes, that’s true.

I also thought the whole metaphysical side of it… the landscape where we filmed [was] the Cairngorms in Scotland. We were actually not far from the home of the last two women who were burned as witches in Scotland. We were in that landscape. It was as if the landscape offered up that that mystery and energy and power. You don't often see in film this…. It was nothing ever spoken about, but it was really explicit in the imagery that you see the cosmos. You see nature and the Earth. I mean, she picks up handfuls of mud. The mud is a potent force. It’s man or woman between heaven and earth. I just found it very, very powerful. It looks at the human predicament without overly stating it in any way. Just through the imagery. Through evoking this powerful cosmos and this powerful nature and placing us within it.

The first time I remember seeing you was in Ghost Story. In certain ways this film reminded me of that. Beyond just the haunting part, but just the fact that a woman was mistreated by men, and she took her own supernatural revenge on them, although, obviously, Eva in Ghost Story was more of a villainous character. In the 40 years between those movies, is it sad to you that these stories are still going?

Yes, but perhaps there's a note of real positivity. It's very interesting that you should make that connection, because you're not the first person who has said it. Of course, you're quite right. But for me, the story is not a revenge story. A lot of the reviewers have latched on [to that] – and I think also the advertising is saying she gets her revenge – [but] I don't think she was after revenge. Her actual words, when she appears to him, he says to her, “What do you want?” She says, “The truth.” Yes, she wants him to tell the truth, if only to himself. I thought Malcolm [McDowell] did a masterly performance, because he had very little to work with. But in that moment, when he's sitting at the bar with his head in his hands, I got the feeling that this was a tortured human being. For one moment, he was actually looking into his past. Because if he'd done it with Veronica, you can be sure she was not the only one. You've got the feeling that he was haunted by his own actions. He reaches out to her and then he whacks her on the head with a bottle. At that moment, he unleashes the furies as it were. In Greek myth, the furies pursue you to your death. Well, the furies pursue him to his death, [due to] his absolute inability to tell the truth.

Yes, it’s sad.

But I think it's changing; truth is being told. The one thing about the sea change that's happening now, there is a conversation. We could add to it. I know this has nothing to do with She Will, but we are looking as societies at what male dominance has done to women over the centuries. But let us not forget that most men have been equally dominated by other powerful men. Perhaps not sexually, but certainly forced to go to wars they might not have wanted to fight in. It's about not just looking at men subjugating women, but powerful men like Putin, forcing their will onto other men as well. You think of all the wars that men have been obliged to be soldiers in. I'm pretty sure many of them didn't want to go to war, but they had to.

Veronica was in a very bad state both physically and mentally. As an actress, how difficult was it to get into that kind of headspace?

I was actually given a lot of help by two friends who had gone through the experience of breast cancer. Not mastectomies, but surgery. One of them refused chemo completely. Her courage and her determination to be well was a huge inspiration. She gave me this fabulous image. Not knowing the script, she said, “You've got to be a phoenix rising from the ashes.” Of course, that is an image that is mirrored in the burning of the witches and the rising from the ruins of what had happened to her and the consequences in her life. I shared that with Charlotte. It was an image that we both held on to.

That’s wonderful.

Also another really significant part of my wanting very much to play the role was that Charlotte didn't ask me to put myself on tape or to read for her. She just asked to meet me. We immediately were on the same wavelength. It's the first time I've been directed by a woman. We became partners in the journey. I really felt as if we were doing it hand in hand and step by step together. Not that I haven't had that experience of other directors as if we were going hand in hand on this journey together. But it was it was it was a real meeting of hearts and minds. That was a very joyful thing.

This was Charlotte's first film. She's actually better known as an artist. What was it like working with her? Do you feel that she came into it knowing what she was doing as much as some of the other people you've worked with who've had a lot more experience?

She's made short films, so she wasn't new to the filmmaking process. What was lovely was that it was obviously an adventure for her. There was a wonderful sense [that] every moment counted. Every moment was bright. We had a wonderful cinematographer, Jamie Ramsay. It felt like me and Charlotte and Jamie, and then of course, Kota when she joined us for those scenes. It was a real a constant flow of communication and exchange. We shot very, very fast. I worked for five weeks. It was every day, sometimes six days a week in really severe conditions, because we were shooting up a mountainside in November in Scotland.

Was this during the pandemic?

It was just before. It was November, and the first 10 days of December of 2019. Poor Charlotte had to edit the film remotely which could not have been much fun.

Just on a more personal level, everyone had to deal with that for the last two years. How did you survive the whole ordeal, the pandemic and everything?

I was extraordinarily blessed. I live in a very, very small village in deep in the southwest of England in pretty wild countryside. My little village took lockdown very, very seriously. I didn't see another human being, except on a Friday night when we all came to our front gates to cheer the NHS, the National Health Service. We all had groceries delivered. We pulled together. We would all do a big order because delivery slots were hard to come by. I'm not often home. In fact, I'm never home for that long. It was an incredibly beautiful spring, a very, very slow, beautiful spring. My husband and I had four or five, great months together. I felt terribly bad because every day we listened to the news. Every day the numbers were climbing. You knew that people were dying, and doctors and nurses were on their knees.

It was… it is… a horrible thing.

We were safe. I mean, actually my husband (director and actor Paul Schoolman) and I got COVID. In February of 2020. We thought it was flu. We were doing a play together in London. It was four and a half weeks or five weeks. It was eight performances a day. It was a 90-minute play. It was no break and extremely intense. We were so high on adrenaline that we just thought we'd got flu. I almost lost my voice. Clearly, we had a bug, but we were so high on adrenaline. There is this this concept of doctor theater. You can be dying, but you walk onto the stage, and something happens. You do the performance and you come off and you collapse in the wings. It's a real thing. The camera rolls, and you're there, right? (laughs) You can fall apart when they call cut, but for that moment…. So we got through it. The whole country locked down 10 days later. We were at home in the countryside. We were exhausted. We just thought it was the play.

Really?

I wrapped She Will on a Saturday, and I started rehearsing Persona on the Monday. Rehearsed through Christmas and opened in the last week of January. Played through to the end of February. I just thought I was exhausted from the play. In fact, we realized that we haven't had flu, we'd had COVID because my husband developed long COVID. That's been a journey. Thankfully, he's emerging from it. But it's been it's been terribly difficult, the consequences. So, I have so much sympathy for people who are who are struggling with long COVID because it shows up differently in the way that COVID got people differently. It was highly specific to each individual. Whether it impacted your heart or your lungs or your brain. Some people it crossed the blood-brain barrier, and they were hallucinating. I had a friend who hallucinated, wildly. In the same way long COVID is different for everyone. There just doesn't seem to be a solution for most people. How did you cope, or did you lose anyone?

I was lucky. I did not lose anyone, and I never got COVID, to my knowledge. I did have friends who had it. My next-door neighbor had long COVID, and it was horrible for her. So, I know exactly what you're going through.

Fortunately, my husband's come out of it, finally. In fact, we did something – and I really don't know why we didn't do it before – but we went to a very, very good homeopath. That was what finally turned the corner.

Do you mind if I ask you about a few of your earlier roles? I know that you'd done a little bit of TV and one foreign film, but your first major film was Chariots of Fire which ended up winning Best Picture. What was it like to be part of that film? How did it feel when this film was supposed to be a little small film won?

When the film opened in England, I was in America doing Ghost Story. I missed all the palaver of the opening, because I was buried in upper state New York or wherever I was. When the film opened in America, I was in the West End, in a Bernard Shaw play Arms and the Man, eight performances a week. Again, totally absurd. I was oblivious to the fact that it was opening in America. When it won all the Oscars, I was at the Royal Shakespeare Company. I was so frightened. (laughs) It was such a huge thing. I was playing a Cordelia with Michael Gambon. Tony Sher was the fool. I was surrounded by these amazing Shakespearean actors and actresses. [Ed. note: Others in the 1982 RSC cast of King Lear included Jenny Agutter and Pete Postlethwaite.] I was so stressed, hoping that I would be okay and that I wouldn't let the side down and all of that, that I was oblivious to the fact. I eventually realized it in had won Oscars. But frankly, I was so distracted by what I was going through, the challenge of Shakespeare at the Royal Shakespeare. It was my first professional experience of performing Shakespeare in a big season. I was playing Cordelia and I was playing Bianca in [Taming of] the Shrew, and Miranda in The Tempest and Roxanne in Cyrano [de Bergerac]. So, I felt as if I was climbing Everest. The last thing I was thinking about was Oscars and Chariots of Fire.

Speaking of great casts, Ghost Story had some real legends of Hollywood history. Most of your role was with their younger versions of their characters, but you did have a certain amount of time with people like Fred Astaire, John Houseman, Melvyn Douglas and Douglas Fairbanks? What was it like being on film with such legendary actors?

That was the most amazing privilege. They were absolutely exceptional. They were gallant. They were gentleman. They were kind to everyone. They were funny. They were consummate professionals. It was really an extraordinary privilege as a new actor. I wasn't that young, because I started when I was 25, so I guess I was 26. I wasn't young, but I was really new to the industry. You couldn't have had better role models. And Pat Neal, of course, was wonderful as well. They were giants of the industry. We were filming that section of the film in upper state New York and Woodstock, Vermont. And in Saratoga Springs, where we started. We were in a big old hotel called the Gideon Putnam [in Sarasota Springs, NY]. It was a summer stock sort of town; the race is in summer stock. This hotel had been wrapped up for the winter. They literally opened our bedrooms, and one huge ballroom for us and I suppose a couple of drawing rooms. They took off the wrappings, the sheets, the dust sheets and whatnot. Craig [Wasson] and I sat at this huge round table, they must have opened the kitchen for us. Every night we listened to them trading stories. It was extraordinary.

What an experience.

[Director] John Irvin did a really generous, thoughtful thing. We rehearsed for a week. As you quite rightly say, I had very little onscreen interaction with them. On the last afternoon of rehearsals, it was a Friday, he said, “Okay, today we're going to sit around a table, and we're going to read the script. With Fred and John and Douglas and all of them reading their young selves with Alice reading Eva. Then Craig read himself as the two young men, but they read their young selves. So, I had one fabulous afternoon where I sat around a table with them and worked.

One of your other most well-known characters is the Borg queen, who has been several different Star Trek properties. Star Trek is such an iconic thing with so many rabid fans. What is it like to be part of?

She was a fabulous character to play. Absolutely. Kind of iconic. I had such a grand time playing that role. (laughs) But I must say something that I always say, which is, I always think of it and refer to it as a collaborative performance. If you think about it, you can't think of her apart from how she looked. So, [makeup artist] Scott Wheeler created her head and make up, her face and Todd Masters made the suit. She's inseparable from that, from how she looks. They gave me an extraordinary gift. They gave me half the performance, really. Also, another thing that was wonderful, The Next Gen company, I really only worked when we were on set with Jonathan [Frakes] and Brent [Spiner] and Patrick [Stewart]. They were ever fabulous. They were funny and professional, but totally not jaded by the fact that they had played these characters over a period of years, still searching for the truth of the moment, which was fabulous. Of course, I met everyone else on the press tour, which was grand. Then I met the whole Star Trek universe of conventions. It just went on unfolding and getting better and better. It was an absolute gift on every level.

Copyright ©2022 PopEntertainment.com. All rights reserved. Posted: July 12, 2022.

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