#francis delia

[talenlee]

Hanamusa, Explained

There is a nonzero chance if you follow me on tumblr, you’ve seen the term ‘Hanamusa’ attached to something I shared. It’s probably also some super cute art of Delia Ketchum and Jessie Teamrocket, and you may wonder what is going on and also, why is there so much good art of this.

Hanamusa as a term derives from the Japanese names of the characters – Hanako and Musashi. If you’re into shipping name structures, Hana-Musa implies that Hanako is the seme and Musashi the uke, but I don’t think that holds for all use cases of the type of terminology. It’s a ship. It’s an AU ship, as in an ‘alternate universe’ ship, where the two characters are presented in a context outside of the normal context of the anime presentation of them.

The Hanamusa ship as I understand it is set at some point after Jessie and James stop chasing Ash around, and Jessie settles down into a relationship with Delia. There’s tension about her history with Ash and the confusion about finding Your Personal Villain dating your mom, but mostly it’s about showing a sweet domestic life between two characters you know very well in a format I kind of see as like, Comedy-Sabot Romantic 4koma. Like, Hanamusa content is funny (and it is VERY funny) but it doesn’t need to be funny, because the main thing it’s about is showing these two characters and their relationship as they do cute things together.

It’s why people watch shows like K-On basically.

As for where this idea comes from, (EDIT: Slightly wonky wording here, I should have phrased 'this current fandom push' - I don't have any reason to believe Mai INVENTED the ship, just that when you go looking you'll wind up at her work) it seems to have its genesis with the work of one Kiana Mai, who developed this ship some time ago. Kiana Mai is also an extremely skilled artist, and one of those skills seems to be focus, creating these extremely clean-line excellently structured scene vignettes with no unnecessary content in them but also no need to rocket along. It’s amazing, engaging work that uses every part of the small format amazingly well. Which makes sense because one of the things Kiana Mai does is storyboarding work for Disney animated TV shows, a task at which I am sure she no doubt excels.

What I think is the most interesting aspect of Hanamusa, to me specifically, is that it manages to combine three things I don’t actually care about, in a way that doesn’t interfere with something I have unexpectedly strong opinions on. I do not watch Pokemon, and I have not shed a tear for Team Rocket and Ash Ketchum wandering into the sunset. That is a show that is not for or about my interests and that is okay. Indeed, imagining that it should be about what interests me is baffling. I think if I stopped watching a show twenty years ago, I have lost all right to act like I’m entitled to expect it remain the way it was all the way back then.

But I do have opinions on Jessie and James’ character voice. Not their voice acting – I mean, I know for a fact they’ve had to change over time and no voice actor should be obligated to kick it in the same role for what could be their entire career. I mean the way they talk about things and the words they use and kind of emphasis they put on words when they talk. About the way they voice their ideas, or the way they express who they are in the way they talk to one another, that stuff. It’s about affordances and persona, about the kind of people you project being by what words you choose to use and the affect when using them.

It’s why when, if a picture of a character is underneath it, you can read some dril posts as being ‘appropriately’ voiced by a character, even if it’s describing a candle situation that Francis Crozier did not have opinions on.

Jessie has a voice.

Jessie, in my head, is someone capable of moments of tenderness and friendship that is normally overwhelmed by an incredible confidence in ability she does not have and mere reality will never be given permission to infringe on it. Jessie is unassailably unstoppably sure of herself, thoughtlessly stupid in a way that doesn’t mean she is stupid, but which exists in a context of someone who has relentlessly pursued excellence in her job which is also the equivalent of being a late night 7/11 manager. She is the Girlboss that is Gaslighting herself into thinking she has something to Gatekeep.

Delia Ketchum by comparison is a very nice piece of wallpaper. Every appearance of her in my mind is someone Very Nice who is Very Patient and Very Supportive and has managed to keep literally all emotionally challenging conversations from happening around Ash, which can be perhaps easier when you remember that he, too, is an idiot. I don’t know how Delia Ketchum talks, but I do know that there are ways that Delia Ketchum does not talk.

This is interesting! It’s interesting because it presents a character where I am very sure I know what she does do when she does it, and a character about whom I can only be sure wouldn’t do some things. It creates a character space, and it creates expectations of affect and performance within that space. Ash and other characters show up as well, but because they get to interact with this already-defined space, you get treated to this really lovely kind of resonance. Would Ash call Jessie ‘dad’? Maybe, to bug her. He was good at being a twerp. Wasn’t he? I mean I remember it that way, he seems to work out that way, but… how would I know?

I know more of this AU where Jessie is studying to be a Pokemon Doctor and Ash wears glasses than I do of the source material any more. And if you’re wondering ‘hey, do Jessie and Delia ever meet in the source material?’ Like, yeah, for a few seconds. What, the point is creating something new.

If you want to check out Hanamusa stuff and read the comics, I recommend going and clicking on the hashtag on tumblr.

Check it out on PRESS.exe to see it with images and links!

#Anime #Media

[agrippinaes]

PERIOD DRAMA APPRECIATION WEEK 2023 day 7: free choice favourite romantic pairings catherine x peter from the great / esther x babington from sanditon / kate x anthony from bridgerton / louisa x spiro from the durrells / mary x francis from reign / mary x matthew from downton abbey / paddy and eoin from sas: rogue heroes / patsy and delia from call the midwife / victoria and albert from victoria / violet and amelia from harlots

[femmehysteria]

Best Character Named X Poll

FOLLOW @best-character-named-x-poll

I'm doing a series of "Best Character Named X" polls where all the characters have the same first name but are from completely different media, feel free to send in name/charcacter suggestions, I'm posting one poll a day. New polls scheduled for 1:30PM GMT everyday.

ask box closed for now

WILL BE POSTING POLLS ON @best-character-named-x-poll FROM FEB 1ST

If your favourite character is not included in the poll very sorry i have either never heard of them or actively chose not to include them as theres only 6 characters per poll. Characters will only count of that is their first name, surnames do not count.

Round 85: David

Round 86: Tiffany

Round 87: Charlie

Round 88: Sandy

Round 89: Cody

Round 90: Amanda

Round 91: Jeremy

Past Polls and Poll Ideas under the cut

Names that I have a complete list for*

Caroline, Tyler, Louis, Leonard, Rebecca, Steve, Nicole, Isabelle, Victoria, Katherine, Jade, Alex, Sophie, Greg, Jake, Ellie, Isaac, Robin, Tony, Annie, Lisa, Margaret, Oliver, Clark, Kara, Phoebe, Emma, Ruby, Bart, Alfie, Beth, Julian, Nancy, Penny, Margaret, Tessa, Erica, Theresa, George, Kevin, Sebastian, Felix, Martin, Michael, Erin, Caleb, Helen, Charlotte, Kyle, Martha, Diana, Elsa, Gary, Zoe, Connor, Colin, Daisy, Eric, Maya, Adam, Andy, Magnus, Alma, Nora, Alice, Spike, Leon, Marcel, Kim, Juno, Sue, Chris, Otto, Donald, Daphne, Kate, Todd, Ned, Ken, Angel, Judy, Jo, Hazel, Naomi, Diego, Miranda, Joel, Lila, Duncan, Dexter, Meredith, Pearl, Lily, Malcolm, Napolean, Joan, Nico, Jamie, Nadia, Velma, Jill, Kiera, Rory, Evan, Tam, Klaus, Neil, Derek, Michelle, Luna, Laila, Cordelia, Zack, Imogen, Felicity, Cindy, Alicia, Kelly, Alan, April, Astrid, Delilah, Jodie, Claudia, Juliet, Karen, Jonas, Milo, Celia, Hannah, Joy, Ethan, Katya, Aria, Atticus, Ian, Cynthia, Faye, Frank, Boo, River, Corey, Gabrielle, Minerva, Ebony, Zia, Beverly, Rudy, Georgina

Names I have an incomplete list for (welcome to send character suggestions)

Richter, Sean, Troy, Cain, Agatha, Warren, Percy, Reggie, Mina, Ryan, Felicia, Dylan, Josh, Shirley, Debbie, Jared, June, Mabel, Ray, Chad, Moe, Hugh, Fearne, Christine, Joe, August, May, Scarlet, Alana, Leela, Manny, Dean, Francis, Mason, Oscar, Quinn, Guy, Ulrich, Wally, Yasmin, Tobias, Woody, Sabrina, Quentin, Margot, Alina, Matilda, Freya, Kendra, Angus, Ophelia, Leisel, Zelda, Adora, Piper, Scarlet, Sheila, Valentine, Laurie, Laurel, Fitz, Violet, Gabriel, Ford, Artemis, Owen, Bianca, Newton, Summer, Darcy, Noah, Taylor, Miriam, Hugh, Aurora, Hank, Henry, Dawn, Delia, Cosmo, Wanda, Zeke, Cecil, Aiden, Calvin, Ayesha, Beatrice, Parker, Chase, Hunter, Tina, Misty, Amaya, Amara, Harvey, Talia, Tatiana, Tanya, Orion, Eugene, Kit, Bo, Duke, Blue, Cameron, Rudolf, Mara, Marianne, Carl

Feel free to send more suggestions

*subject to change, you can still submit a character if there is no strikethrough if you think theres a character that its an absolute crime i dont add. Please don't suggest anything for the names with a strikethrough as they are polls that are already in my queue waiting to be published.

Past Polls

Round 1: Peter : WINNER: Peter Parker (Spider-Man)

Round 2: Elizabeth : WINNER: Elizabeth Swann (Pirates of the Caribbean)

Round 3: Jason : WINNER: Jason Mendoza (The Good Place)

Round 4: Eve : WINNER: EVE (WALL-E)

Round 5: Fred : WINNER: Fred Jones (Scooby-Doo)

Round 6: Rachel : WINNER: Rachel (Animorphs)

Round 7: Arthur : WINNER: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Round 8: Amy : WINNER: Amy Pond (Doctor Who)

Round 9: Tom : WINNER: Tom (Tom and Jerry)

Round 10: Claire : WINNER: Clare Devlin (Derry Girls)

Round 11: James : WINNER: James (Pokemon)

Round 12: Max : WINNER: Max (Black Sails)

Round 13: Simon : WINNER: Simon Belmont (Castlevania)

Round 14: Jane : WINNER: Jane Crocker (Homestuck)

Round 15: Victor : WINNER: Victor Nikiforov (Yuri On Ice)

Round 16: Mary : WINNER: Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins)

Round 17: Will : WINNER: Will Graham (Hannibal)

Round 18: Laura : WINNER: Laura Palmer (Twin Peaks)

Round 19: Ben : WINNER: Ben "Obi-Wan" Kenobi (Star Wars)

Round 20: Chloe : WINNER: Chloe Price (Life Is Strange)

Round 21: John : WINNER: Jonathan Sims (The Magnus Archives)

Round 22: Lydia : WINNER: Lydia Deetz (Beetlejuice)

Round 23: Mark : WINNER: Marc Spector (Moon Knight)

Round 24: Jess : WINNER: Jesse Pinkman (Breaking Bad)

Round 25: Theo : WINNER: Theobald Gumbar (Dimension 20: A Crown Of Candy)

Round 26: Sarah: WINNER: Sarah Jane Smith (Doctor Who)

Round 27: Richard : WINNER: Richard Gansey III (The Raven Cycle)

Round 28: Cass : WINNER: Cassandra Cain (Batman)

Round 29: Edward : WINNER: Edward Elric (Fullmetal Alchemist)

Round 30: Carm : WINNER: Carmen Sandiego (Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?)

Round 31: Hal : WINNER: HAL9000 (2001: A Space Odyssey)

Round 32: Sid : WINNER: Sydney Adamu (The Bear)

Round 33: Jack : WINNER: Captain Jack Harkness (Doctor Who)

Round 34: Stephanie : WINNER: Stephanie Brown (Batman)

Round 35: Ash : WINNER: Ash Ketchum (Pokemon)

Round 36: Veronica : WINNER: Veronica Sawyer (Heathers)

Round 37: Kurt : WINNER: Kurt Wagner aka Nightcrawler (X-Men)

Round 38: Eleanor : WINNER: Eleanor Shellstrop (The Good Place)

Round 39: Nathan : WINNER: Nathan Young (Misfits)

Round 40: Fiona : WINNER: Princess Fiona (Shrek)

Round 41: Gale : WINNER: Gayle Waters-Waters (Chris Fleming)

Round 42: Barbara : WINNER: Barbara Millicent Roberts aka Barbie (Barbie)

Round 43: Sam : WINNER: Samwise Gamgee (Lord of the Rings)

Round 44: Grace : WINNER: Grace Chastity (Nerdy Prudes Must Die)

Round 45: Barry : WINNER: Barry Bluejeans (The Adventure Zone)

Round 46: Raven : WINNER: Raven (Teen Titans)

Round 47: Dan : WINNER: Danny Fenton (Danny Phantom)

Round 48: Mia : WINNER: Mia Fey (Ace Attorney)

Round 49: Matt : WINNER: Matt Murdock (Daredevil)

Round 50: Rose : WINNER: Rose Tyler (Doctor Who)

Round 51: Robert : WINNER: Robbie Rotten (LazyTown)

Round 52: Lola : WINNER: Lola Bunny (Space Jam)

Round 53: Scott : WINNER: Scott Summers aka Cyclops (X-Men)

Round 54: Olivia : WINNER: Olivia Octavious (Spiderverse)

Round 55: Finn : WINNER: Finn the Human (Adventure Time)

Round 56: Emily : WINNER: Emily Charlton (The Devil Wears Prada)

Round 57: Elliot : WINNER: Eliot Spencer (Leverage)

Round 58: Sonia : WINNER: Sonia (Pokemon)

Round 59: Gideon : WINNER: Gideon Nav (The Locked Tomb)

Round 60: Jen : WINNER: Jennifer Check (Jennifer's Body)

Round 61: Miles : WINNER: Miles Morales (Spider-Man)

Round 62: Lana : WINNER: Lana Skye (Ace Attorney)

Round 63: Spencer : WINNER: Spencer Shay (iCarly)

Round 64: Tracy : WINNER: Tracy Turnbald (Hairspray!)

Round 65: Luke : WINNER: Luke Skywalker (Star Wars)

Round 66: Natalie : WINNER: Natalie Scatorccio (Yellowjackets)

Round 67: Harry : WINNER: Harry Du Bois (Disco Elysium)

Round 68: Lucy : WINNER: Lucy van Pelt (Peanuts)

Round 69: Damian : WINNER: Damian Wayne (Batman)

Round 70: Tabitha : WINNER: Tabitha Casper (Dan and Phil Games: Sims 4)

Round 71: Nick : WINNER: Nicholas D. Wolfwood (Trigun)

Round 72: Gwen : WINNER: Guinevere (Merlin)

Round 73: Paul : WINNER: Paulette Bonafonte (Legally Blonde)

Round 74: Abigail : WINNER: Abigail Hobbs (Hannibal)

Round 75: Jordan : WINNER: Jordan Baker (The Great Gatsby)

Round 76: Donna : WINNER: Donna Noble (Doctor Who)

Round 77: Morgan : WINNER: Morgana (Merlin)

Round 78: Allison : WINNER: Alison Cooper (BBC Ghosts)

Round 79: Patrick : WINNER: Patrick Star (Spongebob Squarepants)

Round 80: Linda : WINNER: Linda Belcher (Bob's Burgers)

Round 81: Philip : WINNER: Philip J. Fry (Futurama)

Round 82: Clarisse : WINNER: Clarisse La Rue (Percy Jackson)

Round 83: Jeff

Round 84: Maria

[best-character-named-x-poll]

Best Character Named X Poll

I'm doing a series of "Best Character Named X" polls where all the characters have the same first name but are from completely different media, feel free to send in name/charcacter suggestions, I'm posting one poll a day. New polls scheduled for 1:30PM BST everyday. Run by @femmehysteria

INBOX CLOSED DUE TO EXAM SEASON

If your favourite character is not included in the poll very sorry i have either never heard of them or actively chose not to include them as theres only 6 characters per poll. Characters will only count of that is their first name, surnames do not count.

Round 202: Anna

Round 203: Harvey

Round 204: Phoebe

Round 205: Dean

Round 206: Elle

Round 207: Clark

Round 208: Lara

Past Polls

Poll Ideas under the cut

Names that I have a complete list for*

Rebecca, Steve, Victoria, Katherine, Robin, Nancy, Penny, Erica, Theresa, George, Felix, Charlotte, Diana, Zoe, Connor, Daisy, Maya, Andy, Alma, Nora, Juno, Otto, Donald, Angel, Judy, Jo, Hazel, Miranda, Lila, Duncan, Dexter, Meredith, Pearl, Malcolm, Napolean, Joan, Nico, Jamie, Kiera, Tam, Klaus, Luna, Laila, Zack, Imogen, Felicity, Cindy, Alicia, April, Delilah, Jodie, Claudia, Juliet, Jonas, Milo, Celia, Katya, Atticus, Ian, Cynthia, Boo, Corey, Minerva, Ebony, Zia, Rudy, Quentin, Marvin, Miriam, Roxy, Percy, Bianca, Shirley, Beatrice, Amara, Cleo, Cecil, Amaya, Ryan, Mabel, May, August, Manny, Francis, Matilda, Deborah, Josh, Jared, Sabrina, Kendra, Ophelia, Liesel, Fitz, Aurora, Ramona, Misty, Talia, Orion, Roy, Kala, Madeline, Anastasia, Kit, Marian, Lena, Polly, Cora, Leah, Jules, Artemis, Irene, Laurie, Laurel, Hilda, Valentine, Reggie, Felicia, Joe, Monty, Quinn, Skye, Walter, Christine, Marissa, Hope, Oberon, Lorna, Ace, Calvin, Alana, Jasper, Fergus, Bridget, Ulrich, Roger, Mason, Stella, Lenore, Wanda, Miguel, Winona, Hannibal, Newt, Aiden, Oscar, Tobias, Dorian, Dorothy, Una, Marnie, Mirabel, Wendel, Dora, Mort, Olympia, Toby, Chip, Mara, Fearne, Axel, Gil, Bo, Remy, Rue, Leslie, Isabelle, Silas, Agnes, Luther, Sally, Delia, Zeke, Richter, Skylar, Scarlet, Bernard, Ray, Nigel, Cosmo, Ruth, Selina, Harley, Blue, Warren, Missy, Perry, Paige, Duke, Tao, Gemma, Cornelius, Declan, Wendy, Apollo, Celeste, Clyde, Summer, Hugh, Esther, Cole, Tatiana, Carl, Kieran, Melody, Travis, Vivian, Haley, Prudence, Hans, Ralph, Azrael, Lauren, Molly, Agatha, Pauline, Athena, Darcy, Stan, Dana, Lee, Ford, Red, Stuart, Camille, Bruce, Cliff, Gabriel, Octavia, Tsukasa, Anita, Esme, Ella, Heather, Lois, Viola, Riley, Pyrrha, Rupert, Ada, Orlando, Blair, Parker, Aisha, Lex, Ike, Wolf, Yukari, Tanya, Briar, Iggy, Amber, Akira, Irma, Sloane, Cameron, Marlene, Trixie, Jed, Rita, Dylan, Harriet, Owen, Letitia, Mick, Hugo, Koichi

Names I have an incomplete list for (welcome to send character suggestions)

Richter, Chad, Moe, Guy, Yasmin, Woody, Alina, Freya, Adora, Noah, Taylor, Dawn, Chase, Hunter, Tina, Rudolf, Melvin, Melanie, Melissa, Melinda, Adele, Adeline, Jem, Dolores, Jude, Callie, Ginger, Terry, Bellamy, Jacob, Jackson, Reese, Nemo, Addison, Adelaide, Candy, Abraham, Ragnar, Destiny, Wendy, Hero, Drew, Raphael, Wallace, Jean (feminine), Elena, Cheryl, Gaius, Lance, Shane, Rod, Tegan, Matthias, Liam, Caeser, Ellis, Dennis, Josie, Mike, Bailey, Puck, Eden, Annette, Giselle, Suki, Zain, Keith, Ron, Olaf, Wilfred, Blaine, Pam, Brianna, Clive, Sabine, Roman, Carina, Kalina, Mindy, Wade, Julia, Edith, Monet, Marina, Zara, Marcus, Elias, Mira, Sasha, Glen, Dinah, Farah, Norman, Faith, Echo, Enid, Ross, Antoinette, Elodie, Mallory, Kay, Renee, Willow, Tim, Albert, Howard, Orla, Oswald, Linus, Nina, Clem, Flora, Jace, Alucard, Howell, Rowan, José, Christian, Craig, Ravi, Dev, Valerie, Norma, Tristan, Dale, Jolene, Donatello, Yuki, Yumi, Sakura, Caroline, Carol, Carrie, Poppy

Feel free to send more suggestions

*subject to change, you can still submit a character if there is no strikethrough if you think theres a character that its an absolute crime i dont add. Please don't suggest anything for the names with a strikethrough as they are polls that are already in my queue waiting to be published.

[alj4890]

The Truth Comes Out

(Hugh Crawford x MC) in a Choices The Unexpected Heiress drabble

Thirty Kisses in Thirty Days Challenge with the prompt: kissing your lover because you believe you're going to die.

May Choices Monthly Challenge: weddings | crying | first love

Rating PG for mostly angsty fluff and some violence

Trigger warnings: gun violence, mentions of blood, mentions of poison.

A/N I haven't written for this pair in a long time. I give away the twist to The Unexpected Heiress in this long drabble, so spoiler warning ⚠️ enacted.

@hopelessromantic1352 @twinkleallnight @tessa-liam @choicesficwriterscreations @choiceschallenge-may2023 @jerzwriter

Masterlist

Catherine Hayes was at a complete loss. She'd actually believed she could be with the man she loved. After all, the Somerset family supported her. Though they were initially sad that she and Francis had decided against marrying, they'd still been kind to her, even considering her family.

She could still see Hugh's face when he thought they were finally free to be together. His smile twinkled brighter than the stars as he confessed his hopes for a future with her.

If only her stepmother, Delia, hadn't arrived. She was determined to see Catherine married to a peer of the realm. Titles and status were all she thought of. Anything that could elevate their already lofty level in society should be done to shine even more amongst the very wealthy of New York.

It was dreadful. Here Catherine stood, a young woman madly in love with another man, set to marry a man who though kind, was still deeply in love with her deceased sister.

Poor Francis, Catherine thought as she gazed out her window. How horrible it would be to marry someone who is a daily reminder of the one you lost.

And yet, in a few short minutes, that is exactly what would happen.

Catherine turned towards the standing mirror to gaze once more at her reflection. Her wedding gown was perfect. It was the dress she'd once dreamed of when playing make believe with her older sister, Amelia.

"Amelia." Tears came to her eyes. "What would you have me do? Would you want me marrying your Francis out of duty? Or would you rather I defy everyone and follow my heart?"

She searched for her handkerchief, pressing it to her eyes to stop her tears from leaving noticeable marks upon her cheeks. She sniffed, wishing she could once again be that carefree young girl who was able to daydream about her knight in shining armor.

Hugh Crawford at first glance might not appear the romantic hero. Yet Catherine had seen from the beginning that he was so much more than a mere solicitor. She didn't know what she would have done without his steadfast presence during the search for Amelia's murderer.

His kindness, his quick wit, everything about him drew her to him. She couldn't imagine a more perfect match for herself.

And now, as soon as the cue was given, she'd be separated from him for all eternity. There would be no chance to be together once she said her vows to Francis. There was nothing left for them to do.

Hugh already told her he was leaving England for good. Initially it had been his dream to practice law in America. Once he knew Catherine's family refused to let her marry anyone other than Mr. Francis Somerset, the future Viscount Ashbourne, Hugh was moving out of the country because he wouldn't be able to bear seeing her married to another.

Catherine knew he was somewhere in the chapel, sitting with the other guests. How was she going to be able to continue to walk down the aisle once she saw his face?

She was distracted from her thoughts when a brisk knock sounded at her door.

"Come in." Catherine called out.

Her maid and fellow sleuth, Effie came in, shutting the door behind her.

"Miss Hayes!" Effie was breathless with excitement and from rushing about. "I followed up on your suspicion."

Catherine blinked, her thoughts returning once more to Amelia's last words.

Blood runs.

Being half sisters, Amelia and Catherine's late mother stressed that blood does not run thicker than water. With so many people saying that the Hayes were not a true family in the same sense as many of their fellow wealthy counterparts, Amelia made certain that her younger sister never felt like she didn't belong. When their father married Delia and produced their younger brothers, this notion was repeated often to make each member feel more secure.

It was why Amelia's last words were so puzzling. If she wanted them to be a reminder of her love for Catherine, then she would have said blood does not run, instead of blood runs.

That's what spurred Catherine to take advantage of being in Huntsbury Hall. If the marquess was willing to murder her sister to protect his secret family in India, then perhaps his wife had a hand in it also to protect the legitimate family she had with him in England.

"Look what I found!" Effie handed her various letters from Vincent's mistress.

Catherine scanned the letters' contents. The hair on the back of her neck rose as she read about the marchioness knowing about her husband's other family and being the one to pay to keep them out of England.

At that moment, Rebecca, the Marchioness of Huntsbury walked in, quietly locking the door behind her.

"All is ready." She said in a cheery voice. "I must say, Miss Hayes that you look absolutely lovely."

"Th-thank you." Catherine stuttered.

She pasted a forced smile upon her face.

Rebecca's eyes zeroed in on the papers Catherine was hiding behind her back.

"Whatever have you got there? Surely you don't wish to walk down the aisle with those in hand."

She snatched them away from Catherine. Recognizing them for what they were, her pleasant demeanor turned to one of quiet rage.

"Why couldn't you leave well enough alone?" Her eyes narrowed upon the young lady. "Just like Amelia, you are determined to make everyone's private affairs your own."

Catherine paled the moment Rebecca pulled out a revolver.

"Lady Huntsbury!" She quickly said. "I understand your worries. With your eldest thinking of remaining in America, your younger children would be overlooked for their inheritance if Lord Hunstbury's other sons were to return and stake claim to his title."

"Then you see why the bribes had to be done." Rebecca kept the revolver directed at Catherine's heart.

"I do." Catherine tried to keep her tone reasonable. "But you can't force a woman and her children from returning home. They have rights too! And--"

"And like Amelia, you don't care that my children and I could lose everything?!" Rebecca snapped. "Vincent did nothing but bring us near financial ruin while he gave in to his lust."

She sneered at the very thought.

"I'm the one who has kept this estate and our family together! And if you think I won't do everything I can to keep it that way, then remember what happened to your sister."

"You killed her." Catherine shook her head in disbelief. "You risked everything to silence her."

"And you're next." Rebecca cocked the trigger.

"Is this the legacy you wish to leave your children? Their father a philanderer and their mother a murderess?"

"I'm leaving them a legacy of a mother who was willing to do anything for them!"

Rebecca took a deep breath.

"Goodbye Miss Hayes."

The door drew their attention once more.

Hugh was banging on it.

"Catherine, let me in!"

Delia's voice could be heard behind him, scolding him to return to the chapel.

He broke through the old lock, bursting into the room.

"Catherine, I can't let you go through with this wedding." He shook off Delia's hand trying to pull him from the room.

"You will leave my stepdaughter alone!" Delia snapped.

Catherine shook her head as the two were in the line of Rebecca's gun.

"Look out!" She shouted.

The pair turned and noticed the marchioness.

"Good heavens!" Delia exclaimed. "What are you--"

"ENOUGH!" Rebecca pulled the trigger.

Catherine attempted to push Hugh out of the way as he did the same with her. The couple tumbled to the ground. The bullet went into Hugh's side.

As Rebecca raised the gun to shoot them again, Catherine managed to knock it from her hand.

The marchioness went to grab a letter opener, determined to get rid of the young woman who knew all her secrets. She was beyond reason now and didn't care who witnessed her act of murder.

Delia snatched it away from her.

"You will not harm my Catherine!" She told her, pointing the slender knife at her.

Hugh struggled to his feet and knocked the marchioness down. He pinned her arms behind her back, shouted for Effie to call the constable, and checked to make certain Catherine was not hurt.

"Hugh, you're bleeding!" Catherine stumbled over to him.

She ignored Rebecca's shouts about Catherine and Amelia ruining her children's lives.

"I'm fine." Hugh bit out.

The color from his face was draining quickly as he handed the woman over to the authorities.

"Hugh!" Catherine tried to catch him as he collapsed to the ground.

"I'll get the car! We can get him to the hospital faster than waiting on a doctor to come." Delia ran out of the room with Effie following to find help amongst the guests.

"Hugh." Catherine cradled his head in her lap.

She gently smoothed his hair back from his forehead, tears falling down her cheeks.

His breathing was labored as he tried to remain conscious.

Hugh looked up at her. His lips twisted in a painful smile.

"Hello there."

Catherine laughed.

"Hello." She pressed her lips to his forehead. "Oh Hugh."

"Shh." He raised a trembling hand to cup her cheek. "None of that."

She sniffed, unable to stop her tears.

He gently urged her down for a kiss. Hugh could feel his strength leaving. Blackness ebbed at the edge of his vision, threatening to consume him.

His last thought was that if was to die, he wanted her lips to the last thing he felt on this earth.

Catherine returned the tender kiss. Her breath hitched when she felt his hand fall from her cheek.

"Hugh!" She pleaded. "Please, don't leave me. I love you so much. I need you--"

His eyes closed as the blood continued to seep from his wound.

*****************

Catherine sat by his bedside as the doctor explained the extent of the surgery. She held tight to his hand, willing him to wake up and reassure her that he would recover.

Delia and her sister Maude listened quietly to what the young solicitor had endured. They also couldn't ignore the obvious feelings Catherine had for him.

Once the doctor left, the entire story of Lord and Lady Huntsbury's actions were discussed.

"But why would she do it?" Delia repeated.

"She was determined to do anything for her children." Catherine pointed out. "No matter who it hurt."

Delia winced over that jab.

"I refuse to be anything like that mad woman." She stated.

Maude cleared her throat. "Our Catherine shared with me a while back her feelings for Mr. Crawford. Surely, you don't intend to keep them apart after all that's happened."

Delia met her stepdaughter's tearful gaze.

Her heart softened as she realized what she'd done to one she truly loved as a real daughter.

"You're right. I don't intend to." She reached over and took Catherine's free hand. "Forgive me, my dear. I won't force you to marry Francis."

"Delia!" Catherine hugged her. "Thank you!"

Delia shivered once she let her go. The mere thought of turning into the marchioness worried her. She'd been so ready to sacrifice the happiness of another to ensure that the right doors would always be open for her sons. She refused to go any further down that particular path.

"We'll leave you alone with Mr. Crawford." Delia gently patted Catherine's shoulder.

"We'll see you back at Lord and Lady Ashbourne's, cherub." Maude told her with a wink. "I believe you have some news to share with your Mr. Crawford once he awakens."

Catherine hugged her.

"Thank you, Auntie Maude." She whispered, tears glistening in her eyes. "For everything."

Maude kissed her cheek and quietly slipped out of the room.

"Catherine?" Hugh said softly.

She hurried to his bedside, taking his hand once more.

"Yes, Hugh?"

"I had the strangest dream." He mumbled.

"About what?" She pressed a kiss to his forehead.

His eyes searched hers. "That you were set free from your engagement."

Catherine captured his lips in a tender kiss.

"It isn't a dream any longer, darling." She whispered. "I am free to be with whomever my heart belongs to."

Hugh weakly grasped her hand. "I don't suppose you're willing to let it belong to a lowly, English solicitor?"

She smiled at him. "I'm afraid I can't give it to him now. For you see, he's had my heart this entire time."

"What a lucky fellow, he is." Hugh lifted her hand to his lips. "He lost his to you the moment he first laid eyes upon you."

"We are both lucky." Catherine pressed their clasped hands to her cheek. "Now, I need you to get well quickly."

"And why is that?" Hugh teased. "This is the first time I've been allowed to laze about in bed."

"I intend to make an honest man of you, Mr. Crawford. We're going to follow your family's tradition and have the little solicitors your family requires all Crawford's to bear. We will move to America and set up your new practice."

Hugh's smile grew as she went through all the plans for their future.

"And once in New York, we'll" Catherine paused as he tugged on her hand.

"Come here." He said.

Catherine leaned over, smiling as he gently ran his fingers through her hair, urging her down for a tender kiss.

"With a future like that, how could I possibly tarry in getting better?" He whispered.

[thecrazyworldbuilder]

Slightly changed common forenames

Aaron Ada Adam Adrian Adrienne Agnes Alan Albert Alberta Alberto Alex Alexander Alexandra Alexis Alfred Alfredo Alice Alicia Alison Allan Allen Allison Alma Alvin Alyssa Amanda Amber Amelia Amy Ana Andre Andrea Andrew Andy Angel Angela Angelica Angelina Angie Anita Ann Anna Anne Annette Annie Antoinette Antonia Antonio Antóny April Arlene Armando Arnold Artúr Ashley Audrey Barbara Barry Beatrice Becky Belinda Ben Benjamin Bernadette Bernard Bernice Bertá Bessie Beth Betsy Betty Betány Beulah Beverly Bill Billie Billy Blanca Blancé Bob Bobbie Bobby Bonnie Brad Bradley Brandi Brandon Brandy Brenda Brent Brett Brian Bridget Brittany Brooke Bruce Bryan Byron Calvin Camille Candace Candice Carl Carla Carlos Carmen Carol Carole Caroline Carolyn Carrie Casey Cassandra Cathy Catérine Cecelia Cecil Cecilia Celia Chris Christian Christie Christina Christine Christopér Christy Cindy Claire Clara Clarence Claude Claudia Clayton Clifford Clifton Clinton Clyde Cody Colleen Connie Constance Cora Corey Cory Courtney Craig Cristina Crystal Curtis Cyntûa Cád Cárlene Cárles Cárlie Cárlotte Célsea Céryl Céster Daisy Dale Dan Dana Daniel Danielle Danny Darla Darlene Darrell Darren Darryl Daryl Dave David Dawn Dean Deanna Debbie Deborah Debra Delia Della Delores Denise Dennis Derek Derrick Desiree Diana Diane Dianna Dianne Dixie Dolores Don Donald Donna Dora Doreen Doris Dorothy Douglas Duane Dustin Dwayne Dwight Earl Ebony Eddie Edgar Edith Edna Eduardo Edward Edwin Eileen Elaine Eleanor Elena Elisa Elizabeth Ella Ellen Elmer Eloise Elsa Elsie Elvira Emily Emma Enrique Eric Erica Erik Erika Erin Erma Ernest Ernestine Essie Estelle Estér Etél Eugene Eula Eunice Eva Evelyn Everett Faith Fannie Faye Felicia Felix Fernando Flora Florence Floyd Frances Francis Francisco Frank Franklin Fred Freda Freddie Frederick Gabriel Gail Gary Gayle Gene Geneva Genevieve George Georgia Gerald Geraldine Gertrude Gilbert Gina Ginger Gladys Glen Glenda Glenn Gloria Gordon Grace Greg Gregory Gretcén Guadalupe Guy Gwen Gwendolyn Ian Ida Inez Irene Iris Irma Isaac Isabel Ivan Jack Jackie Jacob Jacqueline Jacquelyn Jaime James Jamie Jan Jana Jane Janet Janice Janie Janis Jared Jasmine Jason Javier Jay Jean Jeanette Jeanne Jeannette Jeannie Jeff Jeffery Jeffrey Jenna Jennie Jennifer Jenny Jeremy Jerome Jerry Jesse Jessica Jessie Jesus Jill Jim Jimmie Jimmy Jo Joan Joann Joanna Joanne Jodi Jody Joe Joel John Johnnie Johnny Jon Jonatán Jordan Jorge Jose Josefina Joseph Josepûne Josúa Joy Joyce Joánna Juan Juana Juanita Judith Judy Julia Julian Julie Julio June Justin Kara Karen Kari Karl Karla Kate Kathleen Kathryn Kathy Katie Katrina Katérine Kay Kayla Keith Kelley Kelli Kellie Kelly Ken Kendra Kenneth Kent Kerry Kevin Kim Kimberly Kirk Krista Kristen Kristi Kristie Kristin Kristina Kristine Kristy Krystal Kurt Kyle Lana Lance Larry Latoya Laura Lauren Laurie Laverne Lawrence Leah Lee Leigh Lela Lena Leo Leon Leona Leonard Leroy Leslie Lester Leticia Lewis Lila Lillian Lillie Linda Lindsay Lindsey Lisa Lloyd Lois Lola Lonnie Lora Lorena Lorene Loretta Lori Lorraine Louis Louise Lucia Lucille Lucy Luis Lula Luz Lydia Lynda Lynette Lynn Lynne Mabel Mable Madeline Mae Maggie Mamie Mandy Manuel Marc Marcella Marcia Marcus Margaret Margarita Margie Marguerite Maria Marian Marianne Marie Marilyn Mario Marion Marjorie Mark Marlene Marsá Marsáll Marta Martin Martá Marvin Mary Maryann Mattie Mattéw Matéw Maureen Maurice Max Maxine May Megan Megán Melanie Melba Melinda Melissa Melody Melvin Mercedes Meredith Micáel Micéal Micéle Micélle Miguel Mike Mildred Milton Mindy Minnie Miranda Miriam Misty Mitcéll Molly Mona Monica Monique Morris Muriel Myra Myrtle

Nadine Nancy Naomi Natalie Natasá Natán Natániel Neil Nellie Nelson Nettie Nicole Nicólas Nicóle Nina Nora Norma Norman Olga Olive Olivia Ollie Opal Ora Oscar Pam Pamela Pat Patricia Patrick Patsy Patti Patty Paul Paula Paulette Pauline Pearl Pedro Peggy Penny Perry Peter Phyllis Priscilla Pûlip Pûllip Racáel Racél Rafael Ralph Ramon Ramona Randall Randy Raquel Raul Ray Raymond Rebecca Regina Reginald Rene Renee Ricardo Rick Ricky Ricárd Rita Robert Roberta Roberto Robin Robyn Rocélle Rodney Roger Roland Ron Ronald Ronnie Rosa Rosalie Rose Rosemarie Rosemary Rosie Ross Roxanne Roy Ruben Ruby Russell Ruth Ryan Rónda Sabrina Sadie Sally Salvador Sam Samantá Samuel Sandra Sandy Sara Sarah Scott Sean Sergio Seth Sidney Silvia Sonia Sonja Sonya Sopûa Sopûe Stacey Stacy Stanley Stella Stepánie Stepén Steve Steven Sue Susan Susie Suzanne Sylvia Sáne Sánnon Sári Sáron Sáwn Sáwna Séila Sélia Sélley Sélly Séri Sérri Sérry Séryl Sûrley Tabitá Tamara Tami Tammy Tanya Tara Tasá Ted Teresa Teri Terrance Terrence Terri Terry Tiffany Tim Timothy Tina Todd Tom Tommy Toni Tony Tonya Tracey Traci Tracy Travis Tricia Troy Tyler Tyrone Télma Téodore Téresa Tómas Valerie Vanessa Velma Vera Verna Vernon Veronica Vicki Vickie Vicky Victor Victoria Vincent Viola Violet Virgil Virginia Vivian Wade Wallace Walter Wanda Warren Wayne Wendy Wesley Willard William Willie Wilma Winifred Wûtney Yolanda Yvette Yvonne Zacáry Ánnah Árold Árriet Árry Árvey Áttie Ázel Éatér Éctor Éidi Élen Énrietta Énry Érbert Érman Ólly Ópe Óward Úgh Ûlda

[poison-shark]

Priscilla ‘Cece’ Gertrude Waldron ~ Cuckoo

Affiliations: Red Hood (Mentor), Batman, Robin, Nightwing, Red Robin, Signal, Oracle, Spoiler, Black Bat, Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, Catwoman, Alley Cat (OC)

Base of Operations: Gotham City, Lives with Her Aunts for School

Attire: Cuckoo; Brown Leather Jacket, Light Grey Dress with an Assymetrical Hem, Salmon Bulletproof Vest With a White C in the Center, Dark Brown Bulletproof Tights, Black Gloves, Black Knee High Combat Boots, Two White Utility Belts with a Thigh Holster, Red Goggles That She Sometimes Forgets At Home, Backup Black Domino Mask With Red Eyes, Hair In Pigtails; Civies; Sweaters, Button Downs, Shorts, Overall Dresses, Spinny Skirts,Fun Socks, Colorful Boots, Think Bright Academia, Hair Always in a Variation of Two Braids or Pigtails; School Uniform; Black Sweater Vest With Red Argyle, White Button Down, Red Tie, Red Skirt, Mis-matched Red and Black Socks, Black Oxfords with Red Painted Doodles

Age: 14

Height: 4’10”

Weight: 90 lbs

Gender: Female She/Her

Sexuality: Pan/Demi she’s figuring it out

Hair: Strawberry Blonde

Eyes: Blue

Occupation: Student at Sorkin School of the Arts (Writing Scholarship), Vigilante

Family: Delia Phyllis Quinzel (Mother), Trevor Chase Waldron (Father (OC)), Harleen Francis Quinzel (Maternal Aunt), Pamela Isley (Aunt via Marriage), Lucy ‘Lulu’ Delia Quinzel (Maternal Cousin/Foster Sister), Lily ‘Lil’ Phyllis Isley-Quinzel (Soon-To-Be Maternal Cousin (OC)), Phyllis Quinzel (Maternal Grandmother), Macbeth (Pet Hyena Pup)

Friends: Frog Rana (OC), Calixta Estrada/Alley Cat (OC), Damian Wayne, Jon Kent

Enemies: Joker, Punchline, Stitches (OC), Most of the Gotham Rogues Gallery, Rene Malone (Student), Rajnish Brice (Student)

Abilities: Quick Study, Gymnast, Escapology, Fast Reflexes (From Softball), Fast Runner, Skilled with Bludgeoning Weapons, Great Aim, Throwing, Explosives Enthusiast, Persuasion, Negotiation, Detective (Training From Red Hood, but building blocks were there), Deception, Disguises, Stealth, Hand to Hand Combat (Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, Red Hood), Gotham Street Fighting (Harley Quinn), Skilled Medic (Poison Ivy, Alfred) Immune to Poisons and Toxins (Poison Ivy), Amateur Mechanic (Red Hood), Skilled Writer, Piano, Excellent Forger, ADHD

Weaknesses: ADHD, Anxiety, Dyslexia, Bad at Secret Keeping, Insecure, Competitive, Jealous, Allergic to Math and Computers, Thinks Tim is Cool, Anger Issues, Underestimates Herself, Doesn’t Trust Her Own Knowledge, Uses the Batkids as a crutch during battles, Inexperienced, People Pleaser, Actually Allergic to Shrimp

Weapons: Fists, Utility Belt, Baseball Bat, Birdarangs, High-Level Explosives, Rubber Bullet Pistol, Combat Knife, Grappling Hook, Marbles

Favorites: Green, Sandwiches, Lemon Bars, Those Over The Top Milkshakes, Jane Austen, Writing, Reading, Theatre, Movies, Piano, Ren Fairs, Weapon Construction, Fireworks (Making and Watching), Explosives, Gymnastics, Softball, Cartoon Violence, Wordplay, Embroidery, Matching Outfits with Her Friends, Watching her Aunt’s Roller Derby Matches, Gardening With Her Aunt, Studying and Training With Red Hood, Book Club, Volunteering at the Animal Shelter On Saturdays, Robin

Dislikes: The Joker, Criminals with Bad Reasons, The Gotham Mental Health System/Arkham Asylum, Damian Wayne (For Now), Rich People, Her Dad, Eggplants, People with Fake Service Animals (What’s Wrong With You)

@gegeru @insideoflit @oathofoaks @a-god-in-crime-alley

[sky-is-torn]

Thank you @w0nderland for tagging me to list 5 songs I’ve been playing on repeat lately! I love your choices! (the best version of Cornelia Street is definitely the live from Paris!)

My tears ricochet by Taylor Swift

Most of the Time by Bob Dylan

Eternal Flame (acoustic version) by The Bangles

The Man Who Sold the World by Nirvana

Les murs de poussière by Francis Cabrel

tagging @ohh-goddamn @phoebe-delia @curlyy-hair-dont-care @crazybutgood @sitp-recs & @ellevanlis (no pressure of course !)

[grandhotelabyss]

This attempt to guilt-by-association the anti-Stratfordians by tarring them with the far-right is just false. Anti-Stratfordianism is a left-wing proposition, not a right-wing one. It arises with Romantic anti-capitalism in the 19th century. Delia Bacon thought the enlightened and progressive Francis Bacon wrote the works of Shakespeare to promote republicanism against Elizabeth’s tyrannical monarchy. Thomas Looney, a utopian socialist, proposed Oxford as bard because he thought only an aristocrat with one foot in medieval order could write poetry forward-thinking enough to promote our communal future. 

The closest political analogue today to anti-Stratfordianism is Trump Derangement Syndrome. Anti-Stratfordians believe it takes a properly credentialed deep-stater like Oxford to write great poetry, not a half-educated parvenu from the Outer Boroughs. 

Anti-Stratfordianism came to be in the 19th century because late modern intellectuals, with their tendency toward progressivism, could not tolerate the greatest of the early moderns having been a capitalist—and, if his plays are read attentively, somewhat of a nihilist and skeptic, the legatee of Montaigne and Machiavelli, the forerunner of Nietzsche and Freud. For this reason, anti-Stratfordianism is an overly elaborate version of the more serious anti-Shakespeare tradition in our cultural history. 

If you can’t take the skepticism and nihilism, just go along with Shaw, who thought Shakespeare was Shakespeare and therefore obviously inferior to the prophetic moral voices of Milton, Bunyan, Blake, and Shelley, or with Tolstoy, who thought Shakespeare wasn’t a serious Christian artist. But this attempt to have Shakespeare without Shakespeare—to admit you love the poetry but need to find a way to make it mean the opposite of what it means—is just undignified.

All of this is explained in my new essay on Troilus and Cressida, that most nihilistic of Shakespearean problem plays; you can find the essay here or here.

[afactaday]

#aFactADay2022

#552: Sigmund Freud, Mark Twain, Henry James, J Thomas Looney and the Holy Ghost all believe that shakespeare didnt write shakespeare. it kinda started in the 19th century when delia bacon came over from america and went "hey how could some random kid write all this". two of the biggest suspects were Francis Bacon and Walter Raleigh. then delia claimed to be the holy spirit and popped her clogs, so ig the holy spirit is a shakespeare sceptic. another candidate was christopher marlowe, a playwright contemporary of shakespeare, and the 17th earl of oxford, Edward de Vere. the problem with the latter two is that they died in 1593 and 1604 respectively, but "shakespeare" was writing for long after that. youd think that was the point at which the theory would crumble to pieces, but Looney, living up to his name, created a rather fanciful scenario [comments]

the Oxfordian Theory (looney's theory) claimed that edward de vere wrote loads of stuff while he was alive, and when he died he had his assistant, william shakespeare, publish them. oxfordians say de vere, an earl, was oppressed and published them under his assistant's name as a pseudonym.

over 5000 books on this topic btw

[llpodcast]

(Literary License Podcast)

The Rescue

​

02 - 09 January 1965

 On the planet Dido, the Doctor, Ian, and Barbara encounter Vicki and Bennett, two survivors of a space crash who are awaiting a rescue ship. They live in fear of Koquillion, a bipedal inhabitant who is stalking the area. The Doctor enters Bennett's room, and follows a trap door to a temple where he unmasks Koquillion as Bennett. Bennett reveals he killed a crewmember on board the ship and was arrested, but the ship crashed before the crime could be radioed to Earth. He has been using the Koquillion alias so that Vicki would back up his story, and had hoped the planet would be destroyed when his version of events was given. Just as Bennett is about to kill the Doctor, two surviving native Didonians arrive and force Bennett to his death over a ledge. With no living family and nothing left for her on Dido, Vicki is welcomed aboard the TARDIS.

​

The Romans

 16 January – 6 February 1965

 The First Doctor (William Hartnell) and his new companion Vicki (Maureen O'Brien) investigate intrigue surrounding the death of a lyre player en route to perform at the palace of Nero (Derek Francis) in Rome, while companion Ian Chesterton (William Russell) travels to Nero's palace to save his fellow schoolteacher Barbara Wright (Jacqueline Hill), who had been sold to Nero's wife Poppaea (Kay Patrick) as a slave.

 Opening Credits; Introduction (1.27); Background History:  The Rescue (4.57); The Rescue: Plot Synopsis (5.22); Let's Discuss (7.43); Overall Thoughts (15.39); Let's Rate (17.10); Background History:  The Romans (19.38 ); The Romans:  Plot Synopsis (19.57); Let’s Discuss (22.52); Let’s Rate (34.18); Tune In Next Time (35.30); Closing Credits (37.11)

 Opening Credits– Doctor Who Theme. composer Ron Grainer and realised by Delia Derbyshire at the BBC Radiophonic Workshop. Copyright 1963 BBC World Music.

 Closing Credits:  Rescue Me by OneRepublic. Taken from the album Human. Copyright 2019 Interscope/Motley Records.

​

Original Music copyrighted 2020 Dan Hughes Music and the Literary License Podcast. 

 All rights reserved.  Used with Kind Permission.

 All songs available through Amazon Music.

[edgarofmconv]

Ilia Delia, OSF in “A Franciscan View of Creation: Learning to Live in a Sacramental World,” speaks about the word person. She goes to explain that is more important to understand who a person is rather than what a person does. In our society, we have given a great deal of importance to how much a person can produce in their employment and when they cannot than their worth is minimal or close to nothing. Yet, Bonaventure reminds us that our personhood comes from who we are in relationship to God and others. 

We see how God radiated in the personhood of Jesus Christ, especially and ultimately in the giving of himself in the cross. Jesus calls us to do the same, to follow his example of loving each of our sisters and brothers as ourselves for this is the greatest commandment. Francis truly understood this commandment and so that is why he was able to recognize his fellow human beings and nature as sisters and brothers.

[fridaythe13ththeseries]

Femme Fatale

Episode Recap #61: Femme Fatale Original Airdate: December 2, 1989

Starring: Louise Robey as Micki Foster Steve Monarque as Johnny Ventura (as Steven Monarque) Chris Wiggins as Jack Marshak

Guest cast: Gordon Pinsent as Desmond Williams Kate Reid as Lili Lita Chris Moore as Glenda Jed Dixon as Eddie Dugan Louise Kidney as Tina Larson Lorretta Bailey as Krissy Sloan (as Loretta Bailey) Kim Huffman as Erin (as Kymberley Huffman) John Tench as Gunsel 1 Matt Birman as Harmon David Eldan as Film Nerd / Roarke Brian Furlong as Cop Sandi Stahlbrand as News Reporter Tom Neal as Al Roberts (archive footage)

Written by Jeffrey Bernini Directed by Francis Delia

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Open on night at a big old house. Inside, a man is drugging the tea he then brings to his bedridden wife. He leaves her with the tea to work on his screenplay. Before the man, Desmond, leaves, his wife Lili Lita, tells him she loves him. He says he loves her, too.

Downstairs, he opens the door for a younger woman. He asks if she told anyone about working with him, she says no. In another room, he pulls out a film reel of a movie called "A Scandalous Woman", which his wife had starred in years ago. He loads the film to play for them, commenting on how great Lili was in the film.

The old black and white movie plays, a film noir that Desmond wrote the screenplay for. Cut to later, towards the movie's climax. He tells the young woman to watch as Lili's character comes back on screen. Desmond holds the woman and pushes her up into the beam of the film projector. The light goes bright, and then this woman is transported to Lili's place in the film and Lili is alive in the room with Desmond. The confused young woman is in the movie being roughed up, as Lili and Desmond kiss, and the real Lili awakens in bed, hearing her old movie playing.

Cut to credits.

Lili continues to listen in bed. The movie plays on with the young woman unable to understand what is happening. Fake Lili and Desmond continue to make out as the movie plays. In the film, the woman is chased in her car, then a shoot out happens. Desmond and Lili sit up to watch as it appears the young woman is going to die in the film. After she is shot, the Fake Lili is back in the film, for her death scene. Desmond is alone as the movie ends.

Next we are at Curious Goods. Jack has slept late and Micki teases him. Jack says he was teaching Johnny chess, but Micki says Johnny told her they watched "hot videos". Jack scoffs, says they were chess videos, then changes the subject, asking why Micki is reading through the manifest. She said another actress has disappeared, the sixth one in a short time, so she is hoping to find a connection.

Back at their home, bedridden Lili is asking Desmond how his script is coming along. He said it is going slow. She suggests a break, since their old style films aren't in demand. He isn't so sure. He says he is going out to a show, a retrospective of his films. She tells him to have fun, but watch out for young girls.

That night, at the theater retrospective, Johnny is there, his date a film student named Erin, who is eager to see the work of a 'master of film noir." Johnny isn't so thrilled to watch an old film, but she says it is her favorite. As they watch, Erin has tears in her eyes, Johnny is bored. Desmond is announced to applause, and Erin goes to talk to Desmond. Outside, she asks Desmond for directing advice. He tells her to give him her number, he's planning to teach a course on film directing. She does, eagerly. Another woman, Krissy Sloan, does the same.

Later, we see Krissy jump out of the car as Desmond arrives home. She is excited to be there, Desmond asks her to be quiet, because Lili is sleeping. Desmond has told Krissy she can watch "A Scandalous Woman" and spend the night.

Cut to later, Krissy is in the film, in the car chase, as Lili and Desmond make out. This time, this Fake Lili makes demands. Seems as long as the real Lili is alive, this Fake one is doomed to return to the film after the character, and hapless actress trapped within, is shot. Desmond says next time, but Fake Lili is sick of hearing it. She says if real Lili is there next time, it's over. Real Lili lies awake in bed, listening still.

Fake Lili fades away, and dies in the film. Desmond cries out this time, and real Lili calls down on the intercom, asking if he's okay. He assuages her.

Johnny arrives at the store, Jack and Micki tell him about the missing actresses. Micki lists movie-related items in the manifest, including the returned make up case and movie camera. But there is a 16mm film reel still unaccounted for. She goes to check Lewis' files. Johnny fills Jack in on his bad date and the movie they saw, which Jack remembers. Johnny hated the film, but his date loved it. Johnny mentions Desmond, and his wife, Lili Lita and the film they made together, "A Scandalous Woman." Upon hearing this, Micki comes back saying that is the name of the 16mm film Lewis sold.

At their home, Lili and Desmond walk out on to the balcony for fresh air. She says he's been working too hard. He has a vision of pushing her over the balcony, and the comes to his senses as she gasps at him nearly doing so. He apologizes, she says she is fine.

Johnny is watching the news as Micki and Jack find the listing of the movie sold to a D.W. - Desmond Williams. Johnny calls them over as a report on missing Krissy plays. Johnny says he saw her at the show. Jack says him and Micki will go talk to Desmond, and wants Johnny to talk to his cop friend and see if Desmond is connected to any of the other missing women.

Cops are already at Desmond's home with a picture of Krissy, who Desmond says he doesn't recognize. They leave, Desmond is nervous, recalling what Fake Lili told him. Real Lili calls to him, asking him to come upstairs. He makes her tea, drugging it again. He brings the drink upstairs as the voices of both Lilis play in his head. He drops the tea and startles Lili. He says he'll get another, then there is a knock on the door.

Desmond answers to Micki, who says she saw his film and was inspired and wants to talk. Desmond tries to shut the door, but Micki mentions the film reel he bought. Desmond is concerned and lets her in. Jack lurks outside. Desmond goes to check on Lili and leaves Micki alone. She opens the window to Jack, who wants the film print. Micki gets it from the shelf but Desmond spies her and comes back in. Micki says she is interested in buying it, but Desmond says they should watch it first and loads the projector.

Cops in a patrol car pull up outside and see Jack lurking about. Desmond starts the film, and the cops arrest Jack.

Micki and Desmond watch the film, then struggle as Desmond grabs her, forcing Micki in front of the projector and then into the film. Fake Lili and Desmond make out, and Desmond admits he couldn't kill the real Lili. Fake Lili walks off, planning to find someone to kill Lili herself. A knock on the door, and he tells her to hide. It's the cops with Jack, who said her friend is inside and in danger. Desmond is outraged, but Jack and the cops barge in to the screening room. They find no Micki, but a young woman who Jack recognizes as Lili Lita, from years ago. Fake Lili says she doesn't know Jack, so the cops take him away. Desmond is freaking out that other people saw her. Fake Lili doesn't care, tired of being locked in the film. She wants a real life, and real Lili dead.

Desmond goes upstairs and Lili is in her wheelchair. He says it was only a prowler and the cops took him away. He helps her back in to bed. Desmond says if she hears anything, it's just him watching one of her old films. Lili seems tired.

Downstairs, Desmond hears Micki screaming in the film as it continues to play. He looks for Fake Lili and sees the door is open. He looks outside, Fake Lili is hiding, then goes back inside.

Johnny and Jack are driving, rushing back to Desmond's after Johnny bailed him out. Jack is panicked for Micki's safety, since he saw the Lili there from 40 years ago. He tells Johnny to step on it. Micki is still being tossed around as the "damsel in distress" in the film, trying to play the bad guys against each other. She fights them and runs off.

Desmond still searches for Lili, then finds her. She says she was just teaching him a lesson about how easy it would be for her to vanish. Desmond says he can't kill his wife, but Fake Lili says he could live happier with her. He says Lili is famous, she would be missed. Fake Lili doesn't care.

Desmond goes to check on sleeping Lili. He kisses her. Fake Lili comes to the doorway. He picks up a pillow and begins to smother Lili in bed. She struggles and then goes still, apparently dead. Fake Lili is thrilled, and kisses him. They leave the bedroom.

Johnny and Jack arrive outside, heading to the window Micki unlatched. The film is still playing, Micki is being chased.

Desmond and Fake Lili make out on the sofa, thinking they have all the time in the world now. But suddenly, the real Lili arrives with her cane in one hand and a gun in the other. They are shocked she's alive. The two Lilis have a stand off.

Johnny and Jack are outside.

Real Lili is confused as to why this woman looks like her younger self. Fake Lili tells her about Micki taking her place in the movie. We see Micki climbing a fence and being shot at. Jack pulls the window open and calls to the real Lili as the Fake one makes a break for it, Johnny in pursuit.

Jack enters through the window and tells Lili it is his friend in the film.

Johnny chases Fake Lili outside.

Real Lili is confused, asking Jack how to free Micki. Jack says someone has to take her place. He says they need to find the Fake Lili to put her back. Jack says there were other women before Micki, and Desmond says he just wanted to be with her like the old days. Real Lili says he didn't love her, just the character she played in the movie.

Fake Lili makes her way downtown and sees the theater marquee with her film playing, and the poster with her on it. Johnny spots her entering the theater and follows. She sits watching, in awe of the audience watching. Johnny slowly approaches, calling her Lili, telling her she needs to go back. She refuses, saying Desmond lied to her. Johnny says they can go talk to him and she agrees.

Micki is in the car chase scene, so the film is nearing its end. She keeps calling out to Jack for help.

Lili continues to hold the gun on Desmond, who says he was never unfaithful, cause Fake Lili is her. She doesn't buy it, saying he was in love with the slut character he created, because she couldn't stay young. Desmond says if Lili goes into the film, she can stay young. Jack disagrees, but Desmond says it is the only way for Micki to come back, someone has to die. Fake Lili comes in and says that can be arranged.

The two Lilis are both against Desmond now. Desmond tries to grab the gun away from his wife and they struggle. Real Lili shoots him, and he collapses on the couch. Micki is near her death in the film, but real Lili steps in front of the projector, taking Micki's place. Real Lili is dying in the film, Fake Lili fades and screams, then Micki rises up in front of the screen. Real Lili dies in the movie as it ends.

At Curious Goods, the film is in the vault and a banged up Micki hopes to never see it again. She was at the mercy of the film, Jack says Desmond was caught up in the illusion of the film. Micki feels her face, not feeling like what she went through was any illusion.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My thoughts:

Okay, how long was "A Scandalous Woman"? The last time Desmond starts the movie, when Micki gets trapped, Jack gets caught, brought inside, then arrested, brought down to the police station, is bailed out by Johnny, they go back to the house, skulk around, slip inside, Johnny chases Lili downtown, convinces her to come back, they go back and still have the stand off with the two Lilis. That is one long old movie!

I also didn't like Micki just standing idly by as Desmond loaded the film in to the projector. Micki knew it was cursed and seven women were missing. Why would she stand there as the curse kicked in? She is smarter than that.

I liked the mention of the make up case and movie camera from previous episodes.

If Desmond bought the cursed film from Lewis years ago, why was it only now that things got out of hand? Was it sitting on the shelf and he never knew how to use it? Did the first woman wander in front of the projector and get sucked and Fake Lili appeared? Or did the cursed reel slowly call out to him over the years? Makes me wonder.

This also a very specific curse for Desmond. If he had died and someone else got the print, would the curse have adjusted accordingly? I assume so.

Micki owes Johnny, for somehow quickly convincing his cop friend to let him bail Jack out. Time was of the essence! And old Lili sacrificing herself for Micki, too. Great act for a stranger to her.

And how close did Desmond live to that movie theater? Had to have been minutes away in walking distance.

Interesting episode, even with the plot holes.

Next week: Mightier Than the Sword

[theologyforthelayman]

As the pope left the hospital, this happened

Delia Gallagher posted this on social media yesterday. As my friend Tony Rossi noted: “This is a more important theology lesson than anything you’ll read in a book written by someone with umpteen degrees.” Pope Francis, leaving Gemelli hospital, comforts & prays with a couple who just lost their daughter, Angelica, last night. pic.twitter.com/QzNcNj2UdT — […]As the pope left the hospital, this…

[worldspotlightnews]

Pope jokes he's 'still alive' as he leaves hospital | CNN

Rome CNN  —  Pope Francis joked that he is “still alive” as he left the hospital in Rome where he spent the past few days being treated for a respiratory infection. He stopped to talk to well wishers and journalists after being discharged from Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Saturday morning. The Pontiff was in good spirits when he replied to CNN’s Delia Gallagher’s questions about how he was…

[leanstooneside]

"BIO" SCIENCE

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