#honestly this season feels so much lighter after season 2

[phantom-of-the-501st]

Thoughts on TBB 1x2 and 1x3

I'm back! I promise that I didn't forget about the whole Bad Batch rewatch analysis thing I just uh... haven't actually been watching TBB recently. In fact it's been a whole month since I made the last analysis post...

But I have some thoughts on the next two episodes! I was hoping to get this out earlier in the week but after writing essays for my exams I had no motivation to churn it out. But here it is!

(Also, I may have started rewatching The Tudors so I have absolutely no idea when I'm actually going to watch TBB again... this whole plan is going very well. I'll try and not wait an entire month again this time!)

1x2

Tech in the Pilot Seat

Straight away, seeing Tech in the pilot seat made me instantly think of that shot from the S2 finale of Echo looking at the empty seat next to him.

That image haunts me.

I will never be the same.

Omega and Dirt

I love the comparison between Omega in S1 and Omega in S2. By S2 you can definitely tell that she's settled into the flow of things and is much more accustomed to a life outside of Kamino. The scene of her discovering dirt for the first time is sweet and kind of funny (especially with Tech's comment) but also kind of sad. Her entire life she has grown up in a completely sterile environment with absolutely no idea about what the world around her was like. The fact that she doesn't even know what dirt is means that she probably wasn't taught about it either. It just proves that the Kaminoans never had any intention of letting her leave the labs. She was one of their experiments, one of their helpers and they were never going to give her the life that she deserved.

But I do love that her awe and desire to explore are still there in S2. if anything, I think taking her off Kamino just enhanced her desire to see more of the galaxy. When we first saw her at Tipoca City, she never showed any real desire to leave, not because I don't think she necessarily wanted to, but because she had resigned herself to the fact that this was her life and that this was in fact normal. She's a child experiment surrounded by millions of other child experiments. That is her normal. At that point, I don't think that she could even conceive just how different the universe outside of Kamino was. But now that she's had a taste for that adventure, she wants to chase that curiosity and explore wherever she can. They may be on the run from the empire, but it was still her first taste of what freedom actually was.

Batch Parenting

So there are multiple points in Cut and Run when they address the fact that the Batch aren't used to having a child around don't really know what to do with the whole situation: Wrecker initially going to take Omega's food, Hunter shouting at her etc. But there is one little detail that I noticed that immediately stuck out to me. When they are walking through the fields to Cut and Suu's house, they are all walking single file with Omega at the back. Now, if we've learnt anything from going on trips at school is that you do not leave children at the back of the line: you have at least one adult at the back and one at the front with the child(ren) sandwiched in the middle. She could've stopped walking and wandered off, or gotten lost, and none of them would've known (unless Hunter's senses picked it up).

It's just one of those little things that show that the Batch aren't used to this. They don't necessarily think that it might be a good idea to keep Omega between them, they just let her trail at the back and assume that nothing will happen.

Echo and Rex

I love how Echo immediately starts asking Cut and Suu questions when they bring up Rex. Personally, I would've liked to have seen a little bit more emotion from that revelation because at this point Rex is officially registered as deceased, but it still makes me happy to see Echo asking about his Captain. That's his older brother. Of course he'd want to know that he's okay. :')

Tech and Echo

My two favourite geniuses with half a brain cell <3

I missed the banter between these two so much when Echo left :(

But I do want to address how close those two are. For Echo, Tech is the other half that has been missing since Fives died. No, Tech will never be to Echo what Fives was, but he's the closest thing to a constant companion that Echo has. The Domino Twins were always paired up, always completing missions as a duo.

And then Echo came back to find that Fives was gone and it would've been a massive empty space that Echo could always feel next to him. But then he ended up with the Batch and naturally partnered up with Tech. Like I said, Tech will never be Fives, but it's probably a great comfort to Echo to have someone by his side again, to have one person out of a group to be your partner in crime.

And I'm sure Tech really appreciated it too. Yes, he's always had his brothers, but it must've been nice for him to have someone who had similar technical capabilities (*thinks about Hunter and the lift*) that he could work with or just talk to. I headcanon that when Echo first joined, him and Tech became really close because Echo was one of the only ones to actually ask Tech about his ramblings and actively listen to them. Yes, they bicker with each other, but they are 100% a couple of little shits when paired up together (...I need Tech back).

Echo

Nothing to say here, I just really like this shot of Echo

Wrecker Knocking Out Droids

So there's a shot of Wrecker knocking out an astromech to help Omega that is very much like the scene in S2 when he steps on the mouse droid. But what I like about the differences in these two scenes is that in S1, Omega needs help after she's wandered off by herself, but in S2 she's gone off alone because they trust her to do so.

It's a little parallel that shows how she's gone from being someone trying to prove her worth and ultimately getting herself into trouble, to being someone who they actively trust to do the things that she was trying to do in S1.

Hunter Didn't Tell Wrecker About Omega Leaving

Just before they get on The Marauder, Wrecker asks where Omega is, meaning that Hunter didn't tell him that she was going to be going with Cut and Suu. And honestly, that doesn't surprise me a whole lot. Hunter is very much a man who will try and avoid difficult situations where possible, so I think he was just hoping to break the news about Omega leaving as late as he could. If he had mentioned it beforehand, Wrecker would've been upset and probably would've tried to contest Hunter's decision. It was probably easier in Hunter's mind to tell everyone when they left (which would've caused it's own problems but Hunter doesn't actually do a particularly good job of avoiding trouble most of the time).

1x3

"Repairs would go faster if I had some help."

...Tech's not there to help him anymore *cries*

Also, the idea of Tech carrying out repairs for the first time after Echo left and that being the moment when it truly kicks in that he doesn't have his partner in crime there... *cries more*

"More squads like this being trained by skilled clones"

The Empire in all their dickish glory are really out here making the clones train the groups of soldiers who would eventually replace them. They clearly acknowledged the skills of the clones enough to use them as tools to teach all the elite teams they were recruiting, but didn't actually care enough to keep the clones around.

And while we're on the subject, there is something ironic about the Empire complaining about the clones lack of loyalty. The truth is, they are loyal. They are arguably the most loyal people that you will ever find, but they are loyal to what they believe is right. The Empire are just pissed that a bunch of highly skilled soldiers have to be brainwashed into thinking that they are not just a group of asshats.

"I'm angry at myself. We don't leave our own behind."

This line alone is all the evidence you need that they still care about Crosshair. They didn't just abandon him because they no longer care, they left because they had to and that decision continues to haunt them. I can imagine Rex saying this exact same thing after discovering that Echo was alive. Neither Rex nor Hunter were wrong for leaving their men behind in that moment, but knowing that they left them will always stick with them.

(Also, the same sentiment is definitely going to apply when they are reunited with Tech because he is 100% alive)

"Enjoy being a commander... for now. We'll see how things shake out."

Now Crosshair looks very put off by this comment, and I don't blame him, but tbf... the guy wasn't wrong. I think Crosshair always knew that the Empire would eventually screw him over, but he hoped that maybe, if he could prove himself enough, they wouldn't throw him out like trash. Being promoted to a commander was probably a tiny bit of hope for Crosshair that he could secure a position, be a more prominent figure.

But obviously we know from S2 that that didn't happen. That role didn't stick, it was only ever temporary and the Empire were fully willing to leave him behind, regardless of the position that he held. They never cared. And so as much as it was a dickish comment from the elite squad member at the time, it ended up being an accurate statement.

Not that it turned out much better for him seeing as Crosshair got rid of him soon as :)

Old Moon Dragon How???

Zoology ramble incoming.

WHY IS THERE AN ANIMAL THAT FEEDS OFF RAW ENERGY LIVING ON A DESOLATE ROCK IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE??? DID I MISS SOMETHING??? HOW IS THAT THING STILL ALIVE??? DOES IT NEVER EAT??? HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE TO BE CRASHING ON THAT ROCK FOR IT TO BE EVOLUTIONARILY ADVANTAGEOUS TO FEED OFF RAW ENERGY WHEN YOU LIVE ON A BARREN ROCK IN THE MIDDLE OF SPACE???

Crosshair vs The Batch

*cries again* Someone give my poor boy, Cross, a hug :'(

But I do like what these two shots show. Despite being in a room with a group of people, Crosshair is alone. He doesn't feel like he has anyone, he's isolated, he doesn't have anyone around him to support him anymore. And then you have the Batch, who are all shown together. They are a family, a unit, they have each other there for support and despite everything being thrown at them, they will always have the squad.

I also appreciate the contrast in lighting. With Crosshair, everything is blue and grey and cold, while the lighting around the Batch is warm and yellow and comforting. It shows how calming and welcoming the environment with the Batch is, while Crosshair is currently alone and away from any of the warmth of his family.

One Final Point

Echo's little "you did good" nod to Wrecker at the end has my heart and is one of my favourite moments in the entire show <3

(Also, Hunter's face in the picture above made me laugh)

[drvscarlett]

Let Him Cook Pt 3

Charles Leclerc x MasterChef contestant!reader

Series Part: 1, 2, 3

Taglist: @bookstore-of-dreams @barcelonaloverf1life @ririyulife @minkyungseokie @mehrmonga @sltwins @charlesgirl16 @six-call @spideybv28 @casperlikej

"I honestly can't believe that this is actually happening"you told Charles as you sit down on your couch with your laptop.

The past few days have been a lot of preparation for the three most important dish of your life. You have been replicating and timing yourself to make sure that you are a perfectly well-oiled machine during the competition proper.

Charles is currently in Abu Dhabi for the final race which is a complete bummer. He wanted to be there but work is work. So that's why he spends most of his available time doing a facetime with you. It was pretty helpful since his conversations with you helps soothe your nerve and helps avoid overthinking the whole process.

"You got this mon amour. You know I always believed in you since day 1" Charles grinned.

"I really hope that everything goes well tomorrow"

"It will and I will be watching all the way from Yas Marina to hear that my girlfriend is a MasterChef winner"Charles proudly states "I'm really getting so excited, is this how you feel when you watch me race?"

You laughed "Oh mon ami, you are much more stressful to watch with your high speed corners and those wet race misshaps"

"But doesn't this technically make me your WAG if you win? Don't they have WAG gossip accounts that I could be part in?"

It was moments like this that Charles made everything lighter by focusing on trivial things. It helps a lot with the building pressure that everyone has been placing on your shoulder.

Y/NCooks posted a photo.

Y/NCooks the boyfriend is so supportive. I'm pretty excited for today!

Gordongram goodluck Y/N! Boyfriend reveal when you win?

User1 Gordon is so real for that Y/NCooks thanks Chef! Lets see???

User2 win or lose, you already made it Y/N!

User3 its just so wholesome to see how Y/N keeps the relationship private but never secret. I ship them so much

User4 i don't know if i want to be Y/N or I want to be her boyfriend

User5 goodluck Y/N! Get that trophy!

Final episode.

Former contestants lined up at the balcony with some of your friends and close relatives. It was a very surreal moment because you used to watch this sitting in the comforts of your own home and now you are actually the one being watched.

The moment that the clock starts ticking, you started to work. There was no room for any delays today as you were creating dishes after dishes. You have to use your time wisely so that you can finish the dishes you have in mind.

"Charles, were going out to drink, are you coming?"

"You guys go ahead, I'm going to watch something" The minute that the cars were back in the garage and the ceremony was over, Charles couldn't wait to go back to his hotel room. He was to turn on his TV to watch the live broadcast of the MasterChef Australia.

He was just on time with the last five minutes of the appetizer round, technically he haven't miss much. You were focused in tasting everything and ensuring that all the flavors are there. You plated really well and it shows how much you have grown. Charles is extremely proud of you.

"Aren't you a little worried to be working on the octopus so early on?" the judges wondered. The judges were currently tasting the soup that you have given them.

"I know that its a lot of risk but I have to push for it to show my talent"

The judges find the soup beautifully seasoned but their only slight flaw with the dish is that the octopus is a little bit tough due to the water not boiling hot enough. Its that flaw that sets a 2 point difference with your fellow contestant.

Charles could feel his eyes getting heavier from all the events earlier that day but he really wants to stay awake. He believes that Y/N could do it. The main course was a stronger dish for Y/N which is how she tied the score with her fellow contestant.

The dessert is the make and break for Y/N. Charles knew that its also her greatest opponent as you prefer savory over sweet. However, seeing the way that you are cooking right now that you have massively improved your skills in the sweets department.

It was tense as you run back and forth to the freezer to make sure that the pana cotta is chilled enough while you went back to your work station to mix the pot. Charles almost had a headache after seeing you trip over in the last 20 minutes of the session.

But all in all you pulled it off. The dessert was stunning and exquisite as the judges noticed. It was an elevated traditional pana cotta

"I believe we have made a decision and the scores are very very close with each other" one of the judges concluded.

The guests from the balcony went down to join the homecooks and Charles wishes that he could have been there for you. Instead, he records the moment through his phone. The announcement will be here in any seconds now.

"And the MasterChef Australia winner is....."

MasterChefAU just posted a photo.

Liked by Gordongram, Charles_Leclerc, and 670,000 others

MasterChefAU congratulations to Y/NCooks you are the MasterChef Australia winner!

User1 That was worth the wait, Y/NCooks is now a masterchef winner!

User2 she was so brilliant! what a performance!!!

User3 tell me why is Charles Leclerc is in the likes, isn't it like 4am there in Abu Dhabi?? Didn't you just race sir???

User4 Seems like Charles is a fan of MC Australia User5 Answer the crowd Charles_Leclerc User6 Didn't Arthur and Lorenzo guest in MC Australia, they say they are good friends of Y/N User7 That is some interesting information User6

Y/NCooks posted a photo.

liked by MasterChefAU, Charles_Leclerc, and 308,000 others

Y/NCooks I have a new plate!!!!

It was such a wonderful experience to be a part of this kitchen and to win this prestigious award. Thank you so much for all your support and love. This is such a dream come true!!

User1 im so proud of her

User2 Can't wait what's next for you!

Gordongram Well-deserve! You did amazing!

Y/NCooks this means a lot Chef! Thank you for watching

MasterChefAU Our winner!!!!

Charles_Leclerc 🏆❤️

User3 what even is that? you are putting sebastian vettel to shame with your rizz User4 Charles, she has a boyfriend!!!!!!! User5 Bro really thinks he can bag Y/N when he can't even cook Y/NCooks Thank you :')) Charles_Leclerc liked this comment. User6 SHUT UP, CHARLES IS COOKING SOMETHING User7 Silence for Y/N's bf, Charles is coming after your seat!

[spuffybot]

Crush is such a good episode. Like seriously…

1. The parallels between Dawn and Buffy are amazing. The way Dawns crush on Spike mirrors Buffy’s crush on Angel. Buffy was already a Slayer at Dawns age. By the time she met Angel she’d lost so much of her childhood. Falling in love with a 100+ year old vampire seems plausible. Dawn, not so much. We see her crush as amusing and cute but we know it’ll never happen. And not just because Spike is enamored with Buffy, but because Dawn gets to be a child. Dawns youth and innocence have been protected. It feels icky and wrong to think of her with this grown man. Buffy never had the luxury of being a child, of being protected.

2. The way Buffy genuinely has no idea Spike likes her. It’s so quintessentially Buffy. Her little “huh” when Dawn points it out is gold. Especially since this is AFTER Spike shows up at the Bronze just to “hang out”.

3. Spikes wardrobe. UGH. It’s perfect. The way he plays with lighter colors to show his commitment to the light. The way he puts his whole body into everything that he does. The way clothing is linked to identity for him. His entire look is crafted to express himself and he manipulates that expression to suit his needs and his feelings.

4. The dynamic between Spike / Dru / Buffy when he has them tied up in the basement. Honestly this is a top tier performance from Juliet Landau. Her comedic timing is on point. And James Marsters is giving it his all. He’s giving creepy stalker / deluded serial killer / “but I’m a nice guy” vibes and it is flawless.

5. Speaking of James’s performance, even though this is very much Spike at his most deluded and still mostly evil self, he gives us subtle glimpses at the true change that is to come. The way he softens with Dawn and Joyce. The genuine hurt on his face when he realizes Buffy has revoked his invitation. The way he immediately unchains Buffy and levels up at her side to fight the moment the danger to her becomes real. He never pushes it too far, you still read his crush as comical and absurd, you still know Spike is evil, but in the context of what is to come…these touches add so much depth.

6. “You were sleeping the sleep of the knocked unconscious” might be one of my most quoted lines in the entire series. I say this a lot because it’s just such a good line.

7. HARMONY. Ugh the way she comes in and shoots Spike and cat fights him. She never fails to make me laugh.

8. The moment where Buffy and Spike stand side by side, allies again, ready to take on Dru and Harmony if need be. It’s so perfect. This is their relationship at its core. From the end of season 2 to the end of season 7. Hate or love, friends or enemies, these two will stand together and fight.

9. Xander laughing about Spikes crush. This moment of lightness from Xander broke my heart a little bit. Buffy’s death breaks everyone but it steals Xanders joy and belief that everything will be ok. Season 5 Xander is still capable of seeing the funny in Spike loving Buffy. Season 6+ Xander can only see the danger.

I could go on and on but these are probably my top moments.

[genericpuff]

I reread episode 24 of LO after having dropped off between seasons 1 and 2 and it genuinely brought me to tears. I feel like there’s no way the theory about Rachel not intending this to be a depiction of SA can be true. The way it’s written feels so powerful and intentional, and I honestly think that makes her dropping the plotline that much worse.

I mean, maybe I’m projecting because of how similar the scenario was to my own experiences, but I just don’t feel convinced that she didn’t fully intend to write this as SA.

The shots of Persephone trying to physically push him away, of her standing shell shocked in the shower, after the fact, her internal dialogue about wanting it to stop but feeling like she can’t take back the “okay” she gave. It’s gut wrenching. And Apollo commenting on her hair and saying she should leave it long is such a brilliant piece of writing that hits like a punch in the gut for us readers who know why it grows.

And honestly, I think that chapter being so well written is what hurts the most. Because it feels like myself and other survivors were lured in by the prospect of seeing our stories told, and getting catharsis through Persephone even if we would never have it. The conversation she has later with Eros, where he states plainly that what happened was rape, not dancing around the word, validating what Persephone and so many real readers have gone through… It’s so, so painful to read that back and know that this plotline was dropped. That we were led to believe we would be seen only to be completely swept under the rug with no resolution to that story.

And I know people criticize that it’s immediately followed by a phone call with Hades, but honestly? After rereading that too? I loved most of the phone call. They had real chemistry, and you could still feel the weight of what just happened in how Persephone carried herself, but as they talked and she had something to distract herself, the burden got a bit lighter, at least for the moment. It felt resonant. Emotionally intelligent.

It’s like you said. Lore Olympus wouldn’t be so easy to hate if it hadn’t been so easy to love. I think it could have been good despite its flaws and problematic elements, because no media is 100% pure— but somewhere along the way, Rachel stopped caring. And THAT is what ruined it.

No but this is so valid, everything you just described was pretty much why I loved the SA plotline in the first place.

I think the scene itself is beautifully written, but it's odd how it becomes more about Persephone simply wanting an "easy way out" of TGOEM, not just in the 'decision' to have sex (i.e. she was coerced and assaulted) but later when she tries to get out of TGOEM, like... is it because she wants to actually date guys, or is it because she doesn't feel like she "deserves" to be in TGOEM anymore due to the assault? The story tries in some places to explore this but never commits to it fully so it's really hard to know what point it's trying to make at times when you actually peel back the layers.

Really the biggest reasons I 'suspect' Rachel of not intending to write a genuine SA plot from the very beginning is because of how... 'back of mind' it is. It only seems to be brought up whenever Rachel can be bothered to remember, but then it's completely juxtaposed against scenes where it should affect her (or reasonably would) and it doesn't. Case in point, a few episodes after she tells Eros what happened and he confirms it was rape, he tries to convince her to go into Hades' office dressed in a trenchcoat and nothing else underneath and it's like bro... this girl just told you what she went through, why are you suggesting she try to seduce her boss who she doesn't even really know yet LOL

As a result , it really does just make it feel like the SA scene is just there to make Apollo an easy villain, and Hades an easy hero, with the only definitions being "well, Hades didn't assault her, so he's definitely the better choice!" (as if Apollo was ever a 'choice' to begin with, Persephone didn't like him from day 1 so there was basically no chance of there being a love triangle setup except for the audience members who quickly latched onto that "I guess he's cute if you squint a little" line). And with the way episodes are chopped up, separating points of the narrative from each other, it feels like whenever stuff does happen (esp surrounding the SA plot) it's because Rachel's finally bought herself enough time to come up with something, like the therapy episode, Eros confirming it was assault, Persephone stealing the lyre with the intent of hiding it from Apollo (only to then willingly show it to him alone in her bedroom with him a handful of episodes later), etc.

If she did intend to write an SA scene from the beginning, it doesn't feel like she thought the plotline through fully to make it actually feel genuine (and this goes for a lot of the subplots in LO, they always seem to start off as these base "get your attention" ideas but with no actual follow through). And with Apollo now being written as this "huehue you fell right into my trap!" villain (and very poorly I might add) it just feels like the SA is now taking a backseat to, "Actually, Apollo is the bad guy because he wants to overthrow his dad or some shit. Forget the SA happened, I don't wanna write about it anymore."

All those points aside, I agree with you fully, if Rachel cared about what she was trying to write back when the SA was first shown, then that level of care definitely doesn't seem to be there anymore and it's such a shame to see. It just feels like it's being used for artificial drama and nothing more and that's so frustrating and disappointing for many of the SA victims who are critical of this story (including myself) to see when that plotline originally felt like comforting visibility.

[hornedstorys]

Ride it - Urizen x Reader/ Devil may cry - part 2 - nsfw

Description: Things get more intense between you and Urizen/Vergil, but Dante always manages to ruin everything.

Warnings: nsfw, 18+, sex with a demon, size difference, mating season

Note: It's a random story. I haven't watched a DMC Lets Play in a long time, so I'm not up to date. The story is written in freestyle, so it can differ significantly from the original story. I hope you still enjoy reading!

You woke up and rubbed your eyes. At first you didn't notice where you were, but the next moment you remembered and opened your eyes and pressed yourself against the stone. You noticed how stiff your neck was and your gaze fell on the Demon King. He had his cheek resting on his claw and was watching you with interest.

The way he looked at you made you nervous and you pressed your legs together. Of course the demon noticed your behavior and the corners of his mouth turned up in amusement. A demon that has found its potential partner automatically releases pheromones that attract the partner and it doesn't matter what or who the partner is. Be it demon or human. But of course you didn't know anything about it and Dante, Nero and V hadn't told you about it either.

Your excitement grew and you didn't know what to do. He could probably smell it since his nose was a lot better than yours and it only embarrassed you more. But you didn't want to give in, but suddenly you remembered that you still had something specific with you. A knife that you took with you as a precaution. The only question was whether it would help you. After all, you were dealing with a demon and a powerful one at that.

You stood up and stared directly into Urizen's pupils. His otherwise narrow slits were widened and only now did you notice the thick shaft leaning against his muscular stomach. You swallowed. It was at least as big as your forearm, if not much bigger. You swallowed.

“It’s rude to stare,” his deep, gravelly voice snapped you out of your trance.

“Apparently you don’t have anything against me, the way I see it,” you whisper, still looking him straight in the eyes. His mouth opened slightly, but he couldn't form any words at first. He just stared openly and interestedly at you as you took a seat on his lap.

He was reluctant to admit it, but his demonic heart beat faster as your hands touched his legs and his hard cock twitched. The fire inside him bubbled and his paw grabbed your ass. You sucked in a sharp breath and stared at him with wide eyes.

You could feel yourself getting wet and you unconsciously moved against his thigh. He hissed when he could smell how wet you were.

"The offer, my king. I think we should talk about it again," you breathed, your mind becoming more and more foggy. It was like someone had poisoned you with a love potion.

Of course you had been careful not to meet any of his eyes. Urizen had already closed it, which was honestly more pleasant for you because you somehow felt like you were being watched too much.

You continued to ride his thigh and you felt your cheeks heating up too. The Demon King looked at you in admiration. He didn't want to hurt you, but he had a hard time holding back his dark side.

The next moment he grabbed you and ripped your clothes off. You felt dizzy with embarrassment, but what should you be ashamed of? After all, Vergil was a huge demon who may not have been particularly attractive to many people. Rather intimidating.

He gasped as he felt his bare, warm skin against his smooth, cold demon skin. He had placed you back on his thigh, but your attention was focused on something completely different.

His hard demon cock twitched further up his stomach and drops of pleasure had collected on his tip. You looked at it fascinatingly. It was ribbed and a lighter shade of blue, except for the thick tip. It was purple-blue and a thick vein ran from one end of the shaft to the other.

You wanted to feel him so much. But you knew he was too big to take, way too big.

Urizen saw your gaze and his pupils dilated even more.

“Ride him,” he growls and doesn’t accept any argument. You looked at him with wide eyes. But you obeyed and climbed further up his lap.

The demon leaned back a little further and watched you with an intense gaze.

You carefully sat down on his shaft. This was the only way you could ride him; anything else would have been impossible at this size. You started dragging your wet lips over his shaft and Urizen gasped sharply and growled.

“Good human, keep going,” you listened to him and continued riding him. You were so wet that you just slid over it and the friction on your clit was just too good.

A moan escaped your mouth but you didn't care. You were too caught up in your bliss that you didn't even notice demonic eyes roaming over your body. A clawed finger brushed over your pebbly nipples, making you twitch.

“Oh,” you moaned as his claw pleasured your clit. He was careful not to hurt you with his claws. You squirmed, his cock twitching beneath you.

"Aah… I want you inside me… please," you pleaded, your lust-filled eyes meeting the Demon King's. He hesitated for a moment, then something occurred to him and he closed his eyes. You stopped moving and stared at him curiously. Suddenly the large thighs shrank and gradually Urizen became smaller. But he still remained taller than a human, he was still a good two meters tall, if not a bit taller. You were amazed that he could change his size.

"I warned you, dove. Once I start… I won't be able to hold back. I'm not good with virgins," he growled and you looked at him provocatively.

"Maybe I'm not a virgin anymore, Vergil," you emphasized his name and you felt the demon tremble beneath you. His claws clenched into fists. You had made him jealous. He could always smell it when a man had his hands on you. Although they had always been your boyfriends, Vergil had still been jealous every time he could smell them. Just the way you said his name drove him crazy.

He grabbed you and pulled you off the throne with him. You gasped as he laid down on the cold ground of the demon world, staring down at you from above.

“I’m going to mark you so much even a human man can smell it, Y/n,” he growled. He grabbed your legs and almost ripped them apart, you gasped and watched as his huge shadow draped over your small form.

His cock pressing slid along your wet sex, making you exhale deeply. Then he pushed into you slowly but greedily and you tilted your head back and rolled your eyes. He stretched so well it hurt, but at the same time it felt so damn hot and good.

You spread your legs even further so he could be even closer to you. You wrapped your arms around his neck and Urizen also pulled you closer to him. Your eyes met and you both panted heavily. He thrust into you so hard that your vision went black and the air came out of your mouth in ragged gasps.

Your fingers dug into his shoulders as his thighs slapped against yours. The animalistic sounds the demon made drove you even more crazy. Suddenly it came over you and you pressed your lips to his. For a brief moment the world seemed to stand still and the demon's eyes widened.

He wasn't used to this physical closeness. It had been so long since his last kiss as a half-demon that he had forgotten what it felt like. But he got involved and the next moment he became greedier.

He pushed his big tongue into your mouth and you moaned. He explored every inch and you slowly ran out of breath. Then he suddenly pulled away and started licking along your jaw, down to your neck. You could feel the sharp canine teeth and it made you shudder.

He could easily kill himself if he wanted to. But he didn't want to and he couldn't either. He wanted to have you all to himself, he wanted to fuck himself every night until you couldn't walk anymore and mark you every time.

Suddenly he pulled away from you and let his still hard cock slip out of you. A bright ring of your juices had formed around his shaft and your scent was in the air.

"Turn around. Get on all fours," he growled and you obeyed. You presented your ass to him and he ran his claws along your hips. You sucked in a sharp breath as his tongue passed through your wet lips, stretching you even further towards him. He growled excitedly.

He licked you like your juices were his ambrosia and he couldn't have enough of them. His claws dug into your skin and you hissed, partly in pleasure and partly in pain. Pityingly, he pulled away from you and pushed your upper body down. You read it happening to you and wait for his next move.

You could clearly feel his hardness against your sex and your heart was beating so hard against your chest that you felt dizzy. You just had sex with a demon and he wasn't just a demon, no, it was Vergil's full demon form that just made you his and you almost felt pride in your chest.

He penetrated you deeply and you groaned. It surprised you, but the next moment you squeezed tightly around him as he stretched you again. He panted, leaning over your small form. His hips slapped your ass gently at first, but soon he increased the speed and fucked you without mercy.

Your body burned and heat rose to your face. Your skin shimmered in the light of the demon world as a layer of sweat covered it.

“That’s it, you’re doing so well,” Urizen growled, but you didn’t manage to say anything. You were too dizzy and it felt way too good.

Suddenly he rubbed his claw against your clitoris, making your body tremble even more. Your moans became louder and you could feel yourself getting closer. Vergil's strokes also became sloppy and the next moment, you were moaning and clenching around him and pumping him. Immediately afterwards Urizen came and his claws dug deeper into your skin again.

He pulled out of you and you could feel his seed running down your legs. You jumped in shock as his tongue licked over the spots and cleaned you. It made you blush, it was a very intimate gesture and you didn't expect him to do something like that for you.

“Everyone will now be able to smell who you belong to,” he growled, pulling you to your shaky legs. Your eyes got bigger. He still didn't mind that you smelled like him? Urizen noticed your look, his brow furrowing.

"You're mine now, Y/n. A demon-human pairing is forever," he explained and you tried to replay the words in your head. But before you could say anything, Dante suddenly appeared out of nowhere and attacked his brother.

Out of nowhere someone grabbed your arm and pulled you out of the fight, it was V. He put a blanket around you because you were still naked and the embarrassment rose in you, but V's look was friendly and neutral always. He didn't judge you.

“You didn’t stick to the plan, Y/n, but I see you had fun,” Dante teased, looking you up and down as he landed near you every now and then. Urizen growled and tried to hit Dante, but in the end Dante won and you watched in dismay as he struck down his brother.

But then something strange happened. V walked over to the Demon King, who was lying exhausted on the ground, and climbed onto his chest. He mumbled something about he had lost him and Urizen had lost V. Everything happened so quickly and the next moment he stabbed the demon with his stick.

Everyone watched in panic as a bright light shot into the sky and you closed your eyes. When you opened it again after a few seconds you froze.

There he stood, in his full form and with his Yamato in his hand.

"What is that?" Nero asked and Dante didn't look very pleased.

“Vergil,” you breathed, and the silver-haired man’s head turned in your direction. Your eyes met and suddenly your vision went black.

[altschmerzes]

🌹💐🌺🌸🌸🌹🌻🌸🌸🌸🌹🌹🌹🌻🌻🌹 a bouquet for something Roy and Jamie from wiggle up on dry land? 🙏

OKAY SO. THIS IS. LONG. BUT SOMETHING TELLS ME YOU PROBABLY WON'T MIND. so here, take this, from a LONG ways ahead, in the like, mid-season 2 area of the timeline in wriggle up on dry land-

It’s one of the stranger moments of Roy’s life, this one. He’d acted without thinking, following an instinct he didn’t know he had and wasn’t prepared to reckon with being in him in the first place and doing something he suddenly knew he needed to do without considering the implications or consequences. It’s something that he’s done time and again when it came to Jamie specifically, and it’s only gotten more unsettling the more it happens. And now here Roy is, standing in Rebecca’s office, the unwieldy burden of a deeply asleep sixteen year old in his arms and absolutely no idea how he’s going to get down to his car.

There are stairs between Rebecca’s office and the car park, for one. For another, Roy’s got a permanent injury to one of his legs and today has not been a particularly good day on that front. And, while Jamie’s lighter than Roy would honestly have hoped he would be, and he hadn’t had trouble picking him up off the couch, it’s going to be different as soon as he tries to walk farther than the distance across the office floor. It’s a dilemma. Roy is stuck in a situation with a sick boy he needs to get home so he can be properly looked after and the thought of waking him up to walk to the car is a prospect that makes Roy himself feel ill just contemplating it. The answer should be obvious. Jan Maas is right there in the doorway, having been sent after him by Ted for exactly this reason, and the thing about Jan Maas is that he is about eight feet tall and and built like he plays American fucking football. Jamie is willowy and short for his age. Stairs or no stairs, Jan would not have a problem carrying him down to Roy’s car - honestly, could probably carry him all the way to Roy’s house without breaking a sweat. Roy’s knee hurts and Jan is enormous and Jamie isn’t that heavy. It’s a no-brainer. A non-issue. Even so, Roy doesn’t move. He stands there in the middle of Rebecca’s office, frozen into complete stillness despite the increasing ache in his knee, the awareness that if he tries to take another step carrying an extra person with him it will not withstand the strain, and a complete unwillingness to pass his burden over. It’s a no-brainer, a non-issue, but Roy can feel Jamie’s forehead against his neck and it’s damp and hot. The boy has a fever and he’s sick, limp and asleep in Roy’s arms and there’s this panicky little corner of Roy’s brain that is convinced that the only place in the world that Jamie is safe, even close to safe, is while Roy is holding him. He’s aware this is stupid and ridiculous for all kinds of reasons, but knowing that doesn’t make that panicky little shriek any quieter or make his body any more willing to move. There’s something calculating in Jan’s eyes - they’re a cold and piercing grey-blue that never seem to miss much, even when Roy wishes they would. Roy shifts Jamie a bit, holding him a bit higher, a bit tighter, and waits for the inevitable. Jan knows Roy is reluctant to pass the boy over, and that he has no real reason to be so, and Jan is Jan, which means that any moment he’s going to start rattling off all the reasons why giving Jamie to him is the obvious solution and Roy is doing nothing but wasting everyone’s time. When Jan does speak, Roy blinks at him, uncomprehending. He can’t process what’s just been said, and he shakes his head a little like that will clear his ears or his head or something. The movement draws a faint whine from the still-unconscious kid and Roy hushes him with a duck of his cheek against the top of Jamie’s head. “I said, I will be careful,” Jan repeats, obviously aware that Roy hadn’t understood what he said. He sounds just as straightforward and frank as he always does, he doesn’t speak delicately or talk around the ridiculous problem he’s addressing, but he doesn’t mock either. He doesn’t make fun. All he says, looking right at Roy with a steady, clear calm, is, “I promise. I will be gentle and careful with him. You have my word.”

[james-bucky-barnackle]

Monster is coming up with a season 2

About the Menendez brothers, and to be honest - I haven't looked up this case in a looong time, because every time I do, I am overwhelmed with a heavy sense of anger and sadness for the years they've lost getting convicted of a crime that warranted a lighter sentence. And if it were up to me, they should've never ended up there in the first place, or maybe just a more appropriate sentence (i know this topic is super high risk). And it was just an insane time - if you try looking up articles and footage from their trials and news coverage, the media was intensely against them. And although justice hasn't had the best track record in history, the 90's were brutal man. And I'm not sure about the logistics of making a series like this, if they credit royalties to the victims - in this case, the Menendez brothers. Man this is such a shittily written blog post, but I just saw the trailer on TikTok and when I tell you I cried and immediately knew I had to just vent it out. Who knew that Blame it on the Rain can be such a depressing song. I can't unlisten to it without thinking of the two of them. Someone commented about Gypsy Rose being out, and them still in prison. And honestly I have no thoughts. I just think about the life they've missed out on - and we can only get so much coverage on them from the news, like their reunion in 2018. But imagine being a kid, yeah a kid, I'm 25 and I still feel like a huge baby working my way to pay bills and survive. And I know they were born with money, but man, imagine losing more than half of your life in that place, and separated for the first half of that conviction. It's intense. Losing everything after deciding gto finally stand up for yourself, and then being apart from each other knowing their probably the only person you can truly get strength from. Originally, I came to write about them to sort of dive into the nasty journalism in the 80's-90's hell even the 2000's were brutal, and I'm not saying that what we have now is a complete 180, but there's definitely a lot more empathy now. There's just a lot more contextualizing in a meaningful way versus just putting shit out there. Which is ironic now that I think about the concept of click bait. But nowadays, you can have the whole world on your side, then after a few weeks get immediate facts and information and have the same people on your side do a complete 180. And whether that be a good or a bad thing, I have to admit, that might've heavily helped them at the time if information was transmitted as fast and with the type of reception people have now. I rarely pray, and haven't been in church for more than a decade, but damn, if I could pray for an alternate life for the both of them and it'll actually come true, I definitely would.

[retrograderesemblance]

“top 5” 80s shows, top 5 characters and why

tops 5 things! // @timeguardians

80s shows

1. The A-Team (1983-1987) This is the only show on this list that I've finished. It's horribly cheesy when it wants to be, and when you get a bad episode, it's a legitimately bad episode... but I'm weirdly fond of this series. The way the writers sort of drip-feed (?) you overarching storylines and character backgrounds is done in such a strange way that I'm not sure that original viewers would've gotten the same viewing experience as modern viewers who are able to binge the show. The Vietnam War veterans angle isn't something that starts to take proper shape until s2, but from s2 onwards, the episodes that allude to the characters' war experiences are done in good taste and I think make the characters feel more complex. Granted, there's no real payoff for these references, but there's also a sort of silent understanding among the main characters. They all worked together during the war, and they all understand that they don't need to talk about what happened. I think there is an argument to be made to the fact that even tho the characters left the war behind, the war is something that will continue to follow them for the rest of their lives.

2. Remington Steele (1982-1987) I haven't watched past s1 mostly bc I'm not ready for the show to abandon Murphy and Bernice and double-down on the Laura/Steele romance. I really like this show tho. Decent set up, decent episode plots, a good balance of humor and seriousness. For as much crap as I put Laura through on my blog, I seriously do really like her. She was apparently the first female private eye on television too ?? and this show became the blueprint for what would become Moonlighting. So that's cool!

3. Magnum P.I. (1980-1988) This show is at it's best with the Vietnam War-based episode plots. Apparently this was the first tv series to show Vietnam War veterans as protagonists in media; everything before this showed veterans as some trauma-possessed mass killers ?? which feels very '70s, honestly... While you sometimes have to power through half a season of cheesy monster-of-the-week-esque eps, it's worth it for the more serious performances. Tom Selleck was literally the perfect casting choice for Magnum.

4. Booker (1989-1990) Even tho I didn't finish s1, I liked this more than 21 Jump Street. While I like the og series, the concept becomes very wash and repeat after about 20 eps in when you consider the implications of how many high schools exist in the same city. The acting in Booker is a lot better, and it's an interesting setup for a private eye plot.

5. MacGyver (1985-1992) This is not my favorite 80s series by a longshot, but I watched the first 4 seasons and the tv movies, so I feel like I need to mention it. The pilot is the best episode, as weird as that sounds. MacGyver is known for things like being able to escape a locked room with a stick of gum and a lighter... but weirdly he only does that in the pilot ???? The series overall is... not good? *snorts* The plots are half-baked at best, the supporting cast makes you groan when they make appearances, and for some reason every single woman that MacGyver is friends with or in a relationship with, dies in some horribly tragic accident. While I would recommend this, dO NOT watch it expecting some cinematic masterpiece.

characters

1. James Bond (from the book series, not the movies, tho Timothy Dalton is closest to book!Bond) Oh my beloved James Bond, always on the verge of turning in his resignation letter akjdnakjbfajbf. I've only read about half the books so far, but I've jumped all over in the timeline and Bond is honestly a very jaded character. He's the epitome of a workaholic, but at the same time he knows he's not happy. Every time he tries to make some sort of change in his life to seek happiness, all his plans blow up in his face and he's often left lonelier than he was before. It's very interesting to follow a character who sort of just lives in the present, bc he fully expects not to live past the age of 40.

2. Sonny Corleone from The Godfather Love me a slightly unhinged male character who supports women's rights. There's a whole thesis I could write about how Sonny and Michael are essentially foils in the plot. Their father assumes that Michael is the more "Americanized" of his children and they butt heads over that, which is so hysterical bc Michael ends up proving that he was the most traditional of them all; Sonny was the one who was the most "Americanized" despite being g.roomed to take over the business from his father. Hate what the sequel films did to his character and background, but alas, book!Sonny will always be my favorite.

3. Janis Ian from Mean Girls I like Janis for the simple reason that's she's petty. She sees through a lot of the bullshit, but she's also self-aware enough to know that she's not above bullshit of her own.

4. Fanny Price from Mansfield Park I like how she made up her mind and stuck to her decisions and didn't let herself be bullied into changing her mind.

5. Ed Chigliak from Northern Exposure I think his character is really well done, showing sort of a modern Alaskan indigenous experience through the eyes of a character who's half-Tlingit, half-White. He's a nice person and enjoys his hobbies and wants to tell stories. He's not bitter like other characters on this list; he's just happy to be here.

[dwtsfun]

Dancing with the Stars Season 32 Week 2: I Have a Confession

So last night was week 2. And I was thinking of structuring this like last week, but only 1 and a half couples truly had me feeling energized about the night. So I guess we'll go back to the regular format. Because Jamie Lynn was eliminated, I'll just talk about her up here. After watching her dance, I wasn't shocked. With all the controversy that was following her, we needed to have at least one big week from her. We didn't get that at all. And outside of that one moment up in the skybox with Julianne when she redid that move from her cha cha, we didn't get much fun out of her either. So what happens when you have a controversial celeb (that people truly don't like) that has potential that is not even being scratched, who is kinda just there and not giving much in any department? You get a somewhat shocking (but not really when you think about it) elimination. If they wanted to stay, they had to do something to get our minds off of the Britney Jean sized elephant in the room. They didn't do that and I think I'm more shocked that they didn't vs the fact that she was eliminated. That being said, she went out on a positive note (for the most part). So hopefully she can internalize that.

The show itself was a snoozefest. Alfonso and Julianne have kinda been blah so far. The technique and performance quality of the vast majority of the stars was not good enough to have Latin night this early. I just feel like theme weeks should start week 4 at the absolute earliest. Week 5 is what I believe is ideal. Let everyone's skills get better so that we're not watching 4 couples stumble through a samba in week 2, all to fulfill a theme. And the dances that the pros have been giving to the celebs have been pretty ho hum across the board. So now let me start the recap.

Lele and Brandon- Samba (Score=21)- Lele did pretty well with this dance. This was the half a dance I was talking about and upon watching it back, I'm actually gonna up that to being fully impressed and I think this dance was underscored. It should've gotten at least one 8. I think Lele had an understanding of the technique and rhythm of the dance that none of the other samba doers truly understood. And her feet were pointed this time! Than you Brandon. I just want her to do some more refining things and she'll be set.

Tyson and Jenna- Salsa (Score=18)- What an improvement a week makes! Tyson was a completely different dancer out there. I just knew he wasn't a no hoper. We just needed him to get more comfortable out on the floor. What I want him to work on now is 1) getting the technique cleaner and 2) work on getting lighter on his feet. But he is definitely on the right path.

Barry and Peta- Cha-cha (Score=15)- Barry struggled a little bit more this week than he did last. But the foundation is there for him to give good Latin dances. He does have some rhythm and his technique is mostly nice. Those New Yorkers were really really nice. Now, we gotta get him to fix his pancake hands, work on the technique a bit more and loosen up them hips. But I really think these two could play spoiler to many couples this year if he keeps improving. And honestly, he might be a true dance contender.

Adrian and Britt- Samba (Score=15)- Mm. Okay so this was a challenge. So let me start with the good. His face was much better this time around. I also saw that he worked on cleaning up his footwork. Now, he struggled with the dance itself, he still needs to be lighter on his feet, the technique still needs work and he needs to do a better job of partnering Britt. Right now it's not working the way that it should. But if they stick around, I can see that getting better and him becoming a decent dancer.

Mira and Gleb- Salsa (Score=18)- Hmm. Okay. Mira has really nice technique. She has everything to be amazing. But she's currently petrified of the dances and she dances too light. I need Gleb to get her to realize that she's good. I also want him to tell her to dance through the floor and not just on top of it.

Xochitl and Val- Salsa (Score=24)- So I thought this was a good dance. It was missing something though and I can't really place my finger on what it was. Actually, I know what it was. It was too much and too fast. It's a critique I have of Val at least once a season. He jam packs so much into a dance that sometimes, his partners can't breathe. Xochitl did well enough, but I also felt like it might've been a little much and sometimes she got a tad behind. Also her arm in that last lift was not great. Very good dance though.

Ariana and Pasha- Samba (Score=20)- Ariana did alright for the most part part. There were several questionable moments where she either looked off balance or lost a bit of control. I'm gonna say it's her nerves right now because it's not bad. She's still a fantastic dancer and I'm also still worried about her fanbase. But she might benefit from the same things that Melissa Rycroft did in her first season. Only time will tell.

Mauricio and Emma- Salsa (Score=12)- Mauricio actually started out doing pretty well. The problems that most of the other men dealt with this week, he did not deal with it. That was up until he forgot everything. And then the routine crashed. I'm actually shocked that Mauricio didn't get eliminated this week. But I guess people really pulled through for them. I still don't think Mauricio will last long, but hopefully he can come back strong next week.

Alyson and Sasha- Tango (Score=19)- Alyson also had a major improvement this week. I have to admit, I didn't think we could get this level of dancing out of Alyson. But we got it and it was a legitimately good dance. Now, I want her to dance with more intention. She placed everything pretty well, but it wasn't as strong as it could've been. I also want her to relax a little bit more throughout the dances. But we're moving in the right direction.

Charity and Ezra- Cha-cha (Score=21)- As we know, Artem had COVID and had to sit out this week. So we got Ezra as a fill in and I'm glad we got to see Ezra in this capacity. I would not mind seeing him as a pro next season. Ezra is also gay and we're lacking that representation with Louis gone (even though Louis is a bitter and hateful ass bitch and I don't get that energy from Ezra at all) and I don't think we've ever had that on the women's side of things (please correct me if I'm wrong). Now onto Charity. It was cool. Technically, it was a great dance. But I feel like she was timid and stiff. I'll chalk up a lot of that to having a new partner and just being nervous in general. She'll be better as the show goes on, but this just wasn't her best.

Harry and Rylee- Salsa (Score=15)- Harry moves very small and is still terrified of these dances. I think he handled this one better and I saw some improvement. He stayed on time more. But it's still not great. I don't think he can get to a great or even a good level. But he is improving and he can shock us. I mean Alyson definitely shocked me this week.

Jason and Daniella- Rumba (Score=24)- This was the best dance of the night. I think Jason might be the one to beat. I have to see a ballroom dance from him but I do not have any reason to believe that he will really struggle with those based on what he's shown and the past work of Daniella. I did see the misstep that CAI was talking about, but wow, what a dance. I was incredibly impressed.

So that's what I thought about the show. Let me know your thoughts and I will talk to you all soon.

[kpopper]

hi!!! mouse anon here

sorry it's been so long :3

how are you? I hope you've been doing good!

I've been pretty busy with work and I didn't have a lot of energy to watch the kdramas I had on my list but I've been reading a lot on my commutes lol im past my goal of 50 books for this year!

I did watch good detective season 2 which was honestly pretty good!! I didn't remember too much of the 1st season but they gave enough flashbacks that it seemed familiar idk if you watched it but every character except for the dad character was good. I kept getting reality checks of this is just the problems of the top 1% in society so I couldn't relate or care at times -_-

I had save me on my list for so long but I'm so hesitant to start cause I heard it's kind of a lot 😭 I just know the religious schtick of the cult would make me pissed like you said. I've been wanting some lighter shows lately but I'm not taking it off my list!

I still haven't gotten past the 1st ep of 2521 because of the finale!! how can I sit through a cute relationship only to get that ending 😭😭😭 you're so right, we're over relationships in kdramas! I need a good plot and found family and I'll be satisfied (extraordinary attorney woo had such a good couple even if we'll never know taeoh's backstory 😌)

omg I'm glad you liked the killer's shopping list! it's such a weird mix of genres but I think they handled it very well! (cafe minamdang is also on my list! ooh I'm glad it's similar!)

I've had to skip through many scenes of itaewon class :| the writing was just so weird but ahn bo hyun was done dirty by that show! that dye job/color was just so bad 😭

I'll start big mouth ASAP then! I kept seeing super cute gifsets but then people would comment and say the show's actually dark and emotional lol but I like a good mix of happy and sad (just not too sad)

I still haven't resumed dark too 😭 I haven't been productive at all 😭

my mom watched little woman I think and she liked it and I love the cast! it's also really short for a kdrama so it could be another short and good show!

from the new releases, I've heard cheer up was not what people were expecting and i saw mixed reviews so idk if I want it on my list. I do want to watch rookie cops and I heard glitch on netflix is very lesbian coded so it'll be up my alley! I'm also planning on starting law school soon even though it's been so long since you recommended it! I also heard somebody on netflix was good but I didn't hear as any people talking about it so I'm just basing that off of the 2 reviews I've seen lol

sorry I couldn't give you as any recs as I wanted to but I hope all the good recs find you anyway!!! <333

Mouse anon my beloved!!!! Didn’t think I’d hear from you again after changing the url on this blog actually, hi I hope you’ve been well!!!!

Honestly we’re IN SYNC cause I haven’t had the energy to watch a lot of things lately. And I think it started cause I, too, went on a reading binge since September / October of last year that completely shut off my brain for television. What types of books do you read? Is it the same investigation detective streak as your personal taste in tv? I’d love to talk about it

I haven’t watched good detective 2 yet for the reasons mentioned above…… I’ll def have to read about the plot of season 1 first because even with flashbacks I need to know I’m keeping up with the story as it is. It’s on my list for a unforeseeable future.

Yes save me is a lot honestly. I have an overbearing catholic mother so it was. A difficult series to swallow but for some reason I couldn’t stop watching it. It def awakes some raging feelings in you though, I believe even if you don’t have a strong feeling regarding Christianity in the first place like I do.

Bahahahaahahahha about2521 I FEEL YOU. But it’s also so incredibly in touch with the human experience of love and loss and life. It’s more brilliant because it’s over honestly, it sets the show apart from usual romantic dramas. But it’s still a heavy weight in the chest and something lodged on your throat so I get it if you can’t finish it

I never finished big mouth actually T-T I dropped it off by the few last episodes I believe…. It did got a bit dark by the end but the medical improbabilities of it kind of threw me off. It coincided with me dropping television altogether basically so there’s that

(Honestly it’s been so hard for me to enjoy a tv show lately. I kind of fell down the Thai tv rabbit hole and have occupied my mind with that. Some of their shows are really good. From kdrama I think the last one I truly enjoyed was weak hero class 1. The characters are layered in a way that they feel like book characters, it’s something I don’t usually feel when I’m watching television. It was honestly very very good. I’m trying to distract myself with reborn rich now. It’s better than most things in the sense that I can watch perhaps two entire episodes without exhausting the reels feed on my instagram)

Little woman was good!!! I kept up with it as it came out so I think that’s why I managed to get thru the entire thing. That and my love for Kim goeun. Wi hajoon was his usual extremely charming self also.

I didn’t know glitch was lesbian coded but I can assure you from the 2 and a half episodes I watched of somebody, that one Is heavily lesbian. I’ve also started a few episodes of awaken (Netflix) and it sounds like the type of show you’d like. Not even midway thru tho so I can’t promise it’s gonna be good to the end.

I hope you had a good end of the year and that your job treats you kindly. I also hope that you see this <3 and that maybe I can hear from you again <3

[hoghtastic]

Hey there! I remember that some had been discussing why most of the younger cast of vikings didn't really progress with their careers. I have just recently rewatched the whole show, and now with some time passed and not as much of a hype I personally felt like often the acting of them was honestly hideous. I noticed that especially with Marco, Ida, Georgia and yes also with Alex. Some of them clearly had some very good and memorable scenes but compared to what Travis did with his character I now understand that a lot of people abandoned or didn't like the show after Ragnars death. Yes, Ivar carried the show like a lot after that but I personally thing that the fact that Ivar just looked hot had a lot of saying with that. Because when I rewatched the show, I thought that with season 5 the story was more often written poorly then not! I know that they were young and didnt have that much experience, but honestly if that is their biggest advertisement for themselves I kinda understand it's hard for them to get new big jobs.

Just my 2 cents, sorry if most disagree, hope no one feels offended. Just thought to myself its almost a bit surprising how my own view changed with a bit of distance form the fandom and hypetrain.

Thank you so much for sharing your opinion, anon! 😊 It's a really interesting perspective, and it's totally understandable that with some time and distance our views on things will change.

If I may also add my two cents, from my experience talking to friends and acquaintances who also used to watch Vikings, people abandoning the show after Ragnar's death had nothing to do with the new actors' skills. They were just really attached to Ragnar as a character and felt really disappointed that they decided to kill the main character, so much that they didn't see a point in continuing to follow the story, as the sons' story wouldn't be the same without Ragnar. So some people gave up right away, not even giving the show and the new cast a chance. It also didn't help that, at the time, only seasons 1 to 5 were available on Netflix, and most people didn't feel like subscribing to another platform (Amazon Prime, if I'm not mistaken) to see the 6th and final season. And while I agree that sometimes the writing wasn't the best, we can't really blame the actors' skills for that either, as they try to do their best with what they're given, I believe. 😅

I also absolutely agree when you said that "they were young and didn't have that much experience", but being on Vikings was already a huge achievement and they could have worked on improving their skills after that. I can only comment about Alex, whose career I've been following the closest in comparison to the others you mentioned, but I'd say that the problem wasn't his performance in Vikings. He showed a huge potential and commitment to the character, even if he wasn't perfect. The problem was what he did after. It seemed to me (based on past interviews) that he got a little picky with which roles he'd accept, considering some smaller ones as some kind of "downgrade" after Vikings. He also didn't seem to have resumed his formal studies or any other kind of education that would help him improve as an actor. And in such a competitive field of work, where good big roles are somewhat scarce, I don't think those were very clever choices. But this is just my personal opinion, of course, and maybe he preferred to prioritize his mental health back then and is happy doing some lighter work nowadays. 😊

[parasiticjustice]

[RGG Online Translation] Character Story · Yuri (OC)

Summary: Ichiban happens upon a young girl when she’s being accosted by hooligans. After helping her out, he realizes that her proper manner is ill-fitting for Kamurocho. Then, what is she doing in the city...? Featured Characters: Ichiban Kasuga (RGGO version), Yuri (OC) Spoilers?: Nope!

On this episode, Ichiban makes like a Kiryu and saves a young girl and her adopted pet from a bunch of goons.

RGGO has something around 50 original characters, each with a story attached - bump that up to 60 if you include the hostesses and stories that come from seasonal alts. And sure, they’re not what anyone’s here for, but I’d feel remiss if I left them out entirely, so here we are. Ichiban stars in most of them, which honestly kinda makes them feel like substories.

Yuri was one of the launch characters, and has enjoyed her share of cards and event appearances, so I figured she’s as good a place as any to start.

Disclaimer: I'm coming at this with little more than crude Japanese knowledge, a machine translation cocktail, and an insatiable desire for more RGG content. This will by no means be a decent translation, but it should at least be serviceable.

Notes:

Slight content warning for animal abuse (it’s mostly threatened or off-screen) and the usual Yakuza fare of goons being creepy towards women.

I'm still kinda figuring out how I want to format expressions. I found that noting every single time a character went back to [neutral] disturbed the flow too much, so I think instead I'll just make note of it when the change of expression is important.

------------------ CHAPTER #1 ------------------

Scene #1: Kamurocho · Children’s Park

Ichiban: Let’s see... Lighter, lighter...

Angry Voice: Hey! Don’t push your luck!

Ichiban: [raised eyebrow] What is it now? Can’t I smoke in peace...

Young Girl: You men are persistent... Hurry up and go away.

Thug A: Don’t be such a bore! Why don’t you karaoke with us? Eh?

Young Girl: I told you, I don’t want to. It’s a waste of time.

Thug B: Let me tell you something, you damn kid...!

Cat: Meow.

Thug A: Whoa! What is that, a stray cat?

Young Girl: [surprised] Kitty! Don’t come out!

Cat: Meow.

Thug B: Ugh, it’s filthy. Stupid stray!

Young Girl: [frown] Stop it!

Thug A: Yeah? Hehe, what’s with you, getting all upset over a dumb cat?

Thug B: When you tell me to stop, it just gets me fired up!

Ichiban: Oi, knock it off. It’s too noisy, I can’t smoke in peace.

Young Girl: ...?

Thug A: Ah? The hell you want?

Thug B: Don’t get in our way! Fuck off, asshole!

[Battle]

Thug A: Shit! What’s with this guy... Let’s get outta here!

[they run off]

Ichiban: [smoking] Phew... Finally, some quiet. It's costing too much to enjoy a smoke nowadays...

Young Girl: ...

Ichiban: Hm? What’s up?

Young Girl: Um, thank you for helping me...

Ichiban: [smile] Heh, you’re welcome.

Cat: Meow.

Ichiban: [scratches head] You don’t need to thank me too.

Young Girl: ...No, he said he’s hungry.

Ichiban: That’s a shame.

Young Girl: Food... I only have sweets, but you can eat them.

Cat: Meow Meow!

Young Girl: [smile] Hee hee...

Ichiban: You’re pretty good pals, aren’t you?

Young Girl: [neutral] He’s... my only friend...

[a stomach rumbles]

Young Girl: [surprised] ...

Ichiban: Huh, you hungry?

Young Girl: ...Y-yes.

Ichiban: [smile] You fed the cat when you’re hungry yourself? Odd one, aren’t you? Well, anyway, I’ve had my smoke, so let’s go... Uh, what was your name?

Yuri: [surprised] Eh? I-It’s Yuri...

Ichiban: Gotcha. I’m Kasuga.

Yuri: Um, where are we going...?

Ichiban: We’re going out to eat. Don’t worry, it’s my treat.

Yuri: B-But...

Ichiban: C’mon, let’s go! I’ll get you something good! You wait for us here, cat!

Cat: Meow.

------------------ CHAPTER #2 ------------------

Scene #2: Kamurocho · Akaushimaru

Clerk: Here you go! A medium and an extra large.

Ichiban: [smile] Go on, eat it while it’s hot.

Yuri: ...

Ichiban: [neutral] What, you don’t like beef bowl?

Yuri: ...No, that’s not it.

Ichiban: [smile] Then eat it, quick.

Yuri: ...Okay... [surprised] It’s delicious! I’ve never eaten anything like it.

Ichiban: [raised eyebrow] Eh? You’ve never had a beef bowl?

Yuri: Yes... Actually, this is my first time in a beef bowl restaurant...

Ichiban: You mean, like, you’re the sort of young lady to have a butler at home, who drives you to school every day...? You’re an impressive one, aren’t you?

Yuri: Is that right...? I’ve never known what it was like for other people...

Ichiban: So how does a sheltered girl like you end up hungry in Kamurocho?

Yuri: ......I ran away from home.

Ichiban: Well, that’d explain it. Aren’t your parents gonna worry?

Yuri: Worry?... There’s no way they’d be worried about me.

Ichiban: ...?

Yuri: [frown] All they think about is money... I can barely remember spending time with them. They probably don’t care that I’m gone... That’s why I decided to leave. To be on my own, without relying on my parents...!

Ichiban: [smile] I don’t think you should push yourself too hard when you’ve never even eaten a beef bowl.

Yuri: ...I don’t care what you think. Thank you for the meal. The beef bowl was delicious.

[she leaves]

Ichiban: [raised eyebrow] Hey, wait!

------------------

Scene #3: Kamurocho · Tenkaichi Street

Thug A: Heyyy, girl, we’ve been looking for you.

Yuri: [surprised] Ah! It’s you guys...

Thug B: Didn’t I tell you? If you turn me down, it just fires me up!

Thug A: We were interrupted earlier by that guy with weird hair, but you can’t run away now, can you?

Yuri: [frown] Kuh...!

Ichiban: [raised eyebrow] Who’d you say has weird hair, asshole?

Thug A: Ah... f-from earlier...!

Thug B: H-Hey, you trying to interrupt us again?! D-Don’t think you’ll win just cause you got lucky last time!!

[Battle]

Thug A: Ugh... he’s too strong...

[they collapse]

Ichiban: [scratches head] Haaaah, I just ate and now I’m hungry again.

Yuri: Hey, why did you help me again...? I was so rude to you...

Ichiban: I wasn’t helping you. I’m just really proud of my hair, so I had to set them straight when they made fun of it.

Yuri: ...

Ichiban: [smile] But, well, this sort of thing happens all the time in this city. You’d best be heading on home quickly. See ya.

Yuri: ...

------------------ CHAPTER #3 ------------------

Scene #4: Kamurocho · Hotel District

Ichiban: (The runaway girl... Yuri, was it? I wonder if she’s still in town...)

???: Meow...

Ichiban: [raised eyebrow] Huh? What was that mewling? ...No way.

[he moves into the Hotel District]

Cat: Meow...

Yuri: Ugh... give me... give me back the kitty...!

Thug A: You’re a pain in the ass. I don’t care about you anymore.

Thug B: Thanks to you, that weird guy beat us up twice. I’m pissed off.

Thug A: You really like this stray mutt, right?

Thug B: We thought we’d fuck it up a little. It’s “effective” on fancy girls like you, right?

Yuri: [angry] You...! Cowards!!

[she tries to run towards them]

Thug A: Stay back, you little shit!

Yuri: [frown] Ugh...!

Thug B: Hehehe! Suck on that! Now buzz off, you little brat.

Yuri: ...I’m not leaving.

Thug A: Ah?

Yuri: [angry] I’m not leaving until I get that kitten back! I will not be cowed by you!!

Thug A: Y-You...!?

Ichiban: [smile] Damn, I thought you were a naive pushover, but I guess I was wrong.

Thug B: Ahh?! T-That’s...!!

Yuri: [surprised] Ah! Kasuga...

Ichiban: [yell] Hey, assholes. If you’re hoping for “I’ll let you go if you drop the cat”, you’re out of luck.

Thug A: Ugh...!

Ichiban: [raised fists] I’m gonna bash your brains in... you ready?

Thug A: S-Shut uuuup! The fuck’s wrong with you?! Getting in our way again and agaaaaain!

[Battle]

------------------

Scene #5: Kamurocho · Outside Yoshida Batting Center

Thug A: Ah, ahhhhh...!!

Thug B: P-Please! Let us live...!!

Ichiban: Leave the city, now. If I ever see you again, you’re dead.

Thug A: W-waaaah!

[they run off]

Cat: Mew...

Yuri: [frown] Kitty...! I’m so sorry... this is my fault...

Ichiban: [raised eyebrow] You stubborn thing. That was pretty reckless of you.

Yuri: Sorry... Um, around here...

Ichiban: You want a clinic, yeah? Guy’s kind of a quack, but there’s one nearby. Follow me.

Yuri: That’s good... Kitty, hold on a little longer, okay?

Cat: Meow.

------------------

Scene #6: Kamurocho · Children’s Park

Cat: Meow!

Yuri: [smile] Don’t move too much... Phew, I’m glad it was just a minor injury.

Ichiban: You should be worrying about yourself, not the cat. You're the one who got hurt more. You realize now, right? How dangerous this city is.

Yuri: [frown] Yes... I’m sorry.

Ichiban: But you know what? I’ve realized something too. You’re the real deal.

Yuri: [surprised] Eh...?

Ichiban: Even if it’s just a cat, not many people would be willing to put their lives on the line for those they care about. I don’t know what your situation is. If you want to keep being a runaway until you’re happy, then go ahead.

Yuri: Kasuga...

Ichiban: And if you want to stay in this city for a while, then that’s fine too. [smile] You’re dangerous, after all. It’s better to keep you where I can see you.

Yuri: [smile] ...Thank you, Kasuga.

Ichiban: Heh. You’re welcome.

Cat: Mew!

Ichiban: [scratches head] What, you hungry again?

Yuri: Nope... he said “Thank you”.

Ichiban: Heh. No need to thank me.

------END------ ------------------

Yakuza protagonists when they see a young girl on her own:

[that-banana-headed-bovine]

My main man Michael Knight for character bingo!!!!

AYYY- This one's interesting really, especially because Season 2 Michael is basically,, an entirely different entity? As in, he's reached the end of his character arc and is actually a really, really nice dood. So I had to use two types of bingos, and I'll explain it further below. Here's the original post BTW.

If you can't read the image, don't worry, I'll say all the marked squares below. If you can, let me know if there is anything I can do to make it more legible next time--I mean, obviously, the squares are covered up, but I mostly mean with the colors. I almost used red and green, and then I remembered that, oh yeah, that really sucks for colorblindness. Now the saturation is still about the same, but anything much lighter or darker is less legible??? So yeah, any recommendations on that welcome.

Let's start with the reds, or Definite opinions.

They are soooo cool looking!

I dressed up as Michael Knight for Halloween a few years back, even though I wasn't fully sold on him as a character yet at that point. I was still healing from Season 1 (half kidding) ... but I did it because he is such a Vibe. Seriously, I felt so alive it wasn't even funny AISHDOAS- my final form /j

Michael is, aesthetically at least, literally everything I want to be (other than. y'know. male,,,). Immaculate. MUAH! He really does feel like a California Cowboy of sorts... and leather jackets are a gift to mankind by the way. I especially love how, in his classic leather jacket + red polo outfit at least, he coordinates with Kitt. So cute haodh

Wasted potential

I've been having a bit of a moral dilemma recently when it comes to the way I engage in this fandom, so I want to disclose fully here that, in real life, I don't think a robot can be on the same level of sentience as a human. Perhaps, as tech evolves, there will be AIs that are really, REALLY good at replicating it... but that won't be real. We're just people after all. We can develop really cool technology, and that's all great, but we shouldn't be trying to play God and think we can make actual life. We can't.

That said, within the confines of Knight Rider's fictional universe, Kitt is fully alive. Michael is the only character who has so much as a shot of really getting that. Devon understands theoretically what Kitt is meant to be, and Bonnie even understands mechanically, but Michael sees his personality. And it's strange, really, how the show sometimes treats this as important but sometimes Not. I really love how, in Trust Doesn't Rust, Michael is far more hesitant to go after Karr than anyone else, asking if it really is necessary. I truly wish they'd have taken that further in TDR, and involved it at ALL in Kitt vs. Karr. Season 2 is my favorite because it embraces this (more later), but even then, we didn't get to see the stage in between that brought him there. He went from a caring skeptic in S1 to full-on sap in S2. Honestly, I really believe there's a lesson there about not taking those around you for granted, that just because you don't understand someone doesn't mean they're any less worthy of love, that just because you know you care doesn't mean that they do. I never expected Knight Rider to become an arc-motivated show, but I did at least hope that the subtle throughline would stay more consistent.

They're deeper than they seem

Basically just above 2.0. He has an internal struggle I think, between wanting to trust his new family and having been burned by his old one (the police force I mean, especially Tanya). It takes him a good while to FULLY trust and understand Kitt--yes, the pilot is a big step in that direction and probably what the show writers meant to be the end of it, but I can't help but sense more. Is his best friend even REAL, y'know? Also probably PTSD. And ,,, EVERYTHING about Stevie, it almost feels like an entirely different mini-show in those episodes? Possibly even some imposter syndrome about how this new life isn't even HIS life, he's walking in the shoes of somebody else? I dunno, but there's a lot here.

Also, while I don't know if I'm down fully with the "Michael is ace" headcanon, because he's definitely willingly Done the Deed plenty as implied by certain episodes of the show (man I hate that sentence I'm sorry), I do love the idea that he's really not fulfilled by these relationships in the slightest. That behind the "not thoughts, head empty" smile he just wants something real, but has been dragged into a fake life and a surface-level existence. Feels bad man

They work better as part of a dynamic

Michael and Kitt, mostly. If Michael were by himself, Knight Rider would feel like just another Magnum PI, Hardcastle and McCormick, etc. Not that these shows are bad, Magnum PI has probably aged better than KR after all, but none of them captured my attention quite as much. Kitt,,, MIGHT be able to carry a show by himself entirely, if he were human? Idk, that personality is just so good and unique, but even he benefits from a foil. Michael, though, is probably the best iteration of a very common 80s MC personality, and having Kitt there is what makes it go from a pretty good romp to a wonderful classic.

Also Michael and Karr are my favorite duo to think about, it would be so good. Especially if Kitt is there trying to babysit his two himbo besties. Michael's got no braincells, and Karr has 'em but chooses not to use them.

Onto the blues, or the kinda/conditional opinions.

If they were real, I would marry them.

Depends on the season 100%. Season 1 Michael is likeable enough but just SO frustrating at times, and Season 3 has proven to be frequently outright insufferable. Season 2, though? That man's marriage material probably, and even just aesthetically. Maybe not MARRY marry, I don't really have a crush on him??? Anymore I tend to immediately convert my potential fictional crushes into blorbos, so there's that. But lifelong besties at least.

They're like a blorbo to me

HMM- Honestly? Dunno if this one's true. Then why did I mark it? Because... KINDA???

He's been at the forefront of my mind a lot more recently, admittedly because I already worked out Kitt + Karr's arcs (the TRUE blorbos) and am now trying to figure out what to do with him, but still. And even at times when I hate Michael's guts and wanna bap him in the forehead, I still don't hate him. Like "holy macaroni that was horrific like I actually hate you" "so you don't like him?" "*grinning* nah he's cute". Like, Hoff's characterization of him is too charming ashfo idc if he's an ahole he's MY ahole

So,,, probably more of my Little Skringlo than a Blorbo, but close enough.

Nothing I like about them is technically canon

See,,, Everything above about his character arc. See, I think his arc is SUPPOSED to be canon? But it isn't TEEECHNICALLY canon anymore thanks to Seasons 3 and 4 existing, which means S2 Michael got reverted to S1 Michael and then it was a whole mess. If it had ended in S2, I would have been convinced that it was the intended arc. But now, I don't actually know.

Why do they look like that

I'm interpreting this entirely wrong and I know it, you can't stop me /laughing hard

As I said before, I aesthetically love Michael so much, so I don't mean this as in "ew why does he look like that?" ... I mean it literally, WHY would you do that Wilton?

Why would you find some random guy in the street, go "that's the ticket Shahra", and then PUT YOUR KID'S FACE ON HIM ASDOHSHD WHY FOR WHY

so yeah, not Michael's fault, this is a Wilton callout post now

They got too much screentime

I'm really only saying this about the first half of Season 1. After Trust Doesn't Rust, they seemed to realize that people really REALLY loved the cars, and so balanced the episode more. Before, though, they tried to fit in so many bits for no reason while STILL giving Michael the majority of the screentime? It really went

Devon says Here is Mission (and establishes a Funny Interest)

Michael takes off with Kitt. Michael and Kitt participate in Banter, with Michael getting way more of the words than is reasonable?

Michael tracks down the bad guy and monologues stuff out loud, figures out a gameplan, goes in after Guy

Kitt has A Gag

Michael does 80% of the work

"I need ya buddy" vroom vroom Kitt silently breaks into building.

Michael does Car Stuff

punch punch bad guy even tho we have indestructible car!!! they get apprehended of screen we didn't see any cops show up either so I guess Michael sent 'em to the shadow realm

Devon's interest gets made fun of

Kitt's interest from Gag also gets made fun of

and scene

seriously am I forgetting anything here IASDHOI- The dynamic got fixed pretty quickly tho, which is why it's not a full Yes. I am fine with Michael getting the majority of the screentime so long as Kitt isn't left with like, three lines of dialogue.

Also, I do project SOME imposter syndrome onto him, just not enough to mark off that answer. And also I didn't wanna give y'all bingo so easily >:) try again muahaha

[ahdriking]

I've been thinking a lot about Porsche post season 1, and it's honestly taken me a really long time to come to terms with what I think the future holds for him (and a potential season 2, my version of it anyway), but I think i've finally figured out that niggling feeling at the back of my mind telling me that this is the calm before the storm.

This isn't Porsche's happy ending. How could it be? The show went to great lengths to demonstrate to us and remind us time and time again that Porsche hates loan sharks and predators, and that's exactly what he's become. And it is what he's become. The show may never give it to us in explicit detail, but we're made aware that the role of the second family is very different to the first family. Their role is the dark, bloody, messy bullshit that the first family can't afford to sully their hands with. It's the racketeering, extortion, drugs, torture, gang wars, murder and violence that is typical of the real mafia world. Porsche, an orphan who spent his entire life under the yoke of loan sharks, is now responsible for operating a bloody and violent criminal empire. And that's supposed to be his happily ever after?

In reality, I don't think Porsche would ever have accepted the role and the ring if Kinn hadn't been the one offering them to him, and even then I don't think Porsche would have accepted the role unless he knew that if he didn't, he would lose Kinn. Because, as much as Kinn loves Porsche, as much as he wants him and would never hurt him willingly again, as much as he would never choose to leave him, Kinn was raised an heir. Kinn was shaped and molded to take up the mantle of his fathers legacy. Kinn bears the full weight of the responsibility for his family on his shoulders, and he has for the majority of his life, a life that has never completely been his own. Kinn cannot walk away from it, he would never be able to live with himself, he wouldn't be himself, and I think Porsche knows that. Kinn may be soft and loving and affectionate in private, but in public, Kinn is cold, calculated and ambitious-- but there can't be one without the other. Both are what makes Kinn who he is.

So Porsche accepts the ring and the role as head of the minor family because he knows that if he doesn't, he's forcing Kinn to choose between his family and Porsche, between his dark side and his lighter side, and I think Porsche, rightfully, is terrified that he doesn't know what Kinn would ultimately choose.

So the choice ends up being Porsche's, and he chooses Kinn. We know this, because he explicitly rejects the idea of belonging to the second family, emphasizing that it's Kinn's side he's on, demonstrating that his position is entirely contingent on Kinn. He makes the sacrifice of becoming everything he once hated, just so Kinn doesn't have to make an impossible choice.

But how long can that last?

How long will Porsche be able to cheat and lie and extort and murder before it starts to really get to him? How long is he going to be able to act like the tough, unaffected mafia boss when he hates everything he now stands for? How long will it be before he starts to resent Kinn for it? How long before he loses himself?

THAT'S what I think would make for a fascinating season 2: Porsche's descent into darkness, his abandoning of himself, for the sake of the man he loves. Porsche trying to reconcile the things he has to do and the man he has to become, all for the sake of Kinn. And Kinn watching Porsche's joy and brightness and goodness slowly flicker, fade and die, knowing that it's for him. Because of him.

I think there's only one way that it all ends: Kinn has to make a choice. Kinn has to choose. Either he becomes the man his father meant for him to be, following in his footsteps and adopting the mantle of ruthless criminal leader, or he rejects his father, and by proxy his family, and chooses Porsche. The longer Kinn waits to make his decision, the more of Porsche he will lose.

[gammija]

The final Web!Martin evidence list

Now that canon is done, and we’ve got word of god confirmation that Web!Martin wasn’t complete nonsense, I decided to go back to my lil chronological evidence list and actually clean it up a bit, delete parts that in hindsight weren't all that indicative, and put everything in a slightly more readable format. (Obligatory disclaimer that i don’t and never did believe or advocate for some kind of evil web!martin, and that I'm not intending to connect a moral judgement to martin (or anyone else for that matter) having some of these traits)

So here: The (hopefully, please) final list with Web!Martin Evidence! Presented in order of importance, according to. me

The final (hopefully) Web!Martin evidence list

(In order from most to least obvious)

Spiders

I mean, it’s called the Web. TMA reiterates quite a few times that Martin liked spiders. Sometimes it IS that easy.

MAG022: Martin: "I like spiders. Big ones, at least. Y’know, y’know the ones you can see some fur on; I actually think they’re sort of cute -"

MAG038: | Sasha: "A spider?" Jon: "Yeah. I tried to kill it…" [...] Sasha: [Chuckles] "Well, I won’t tell Martin." Jon: "Oh, god. I don’t think I could stand another lecture on their importance to the ecosystem."

MAG059: Jon: "I have done my best to prevent Martin reading this statement in too much detail. I have no interest in having another argument about spiders."

MAG079: Jon: "Apparently, biologically, his account of the spiders doesn’t make any sense according to Martin."

MAG197: Martin: “What? Because I like spiders? Well, used to.”

Lies and subterfuge

Martin is able to use lying and subterfuge to achieve his goals, and is called manipulative a few times.

Lies:

MAG022: Martin: "[He] became slightly more co-operative after I lied to him and told him that one of the upstairs residents had buzzed me in."

MAG056: Martin: "I lied on my CV."

MAG158: Peter: “But you said –” Martin: “Honestly, I mostly just said what I thought you wanted to hear.”

MAG164: Jon: "You – I actually believed you!"

MAG189: Martin: “Sorry. Sorry, John. Not sure how much everything up there actually understood what was going on. But, y’know, I didn’t want to take any chances so it made sense to… um…” Jon: “Put on a show?” Martin: “Yeah, basically, more or less.”

MAG191: Martin: "That's not true." Arun: "Liar!"

Subterfuge:

The plan in 118, which revolved around convincing Elias that Martin was only “acting out”, to create a distraction for Melanie. (Also compare the way he evades giving a straight answer here with the way Annabelle talks in 196.)

Working with Peter in s4 under false pretenses, to distract him from Jon and eventually try to learn what Peter wanted.

Manipulation accusations:

These, I know, are somewhat contentious, since it’s mostly villains saying this to him. I’m still including them, since

1): From a media analysis standpoint, being mentioned 3 times is a sign to pay attention, even when it may not be the full truth.

2): I only see it as describing Martin’s behaviour in the previous points, not as a moral judgement; Especially since he almost always ‘manipulates’ people in positions of power over him.

Still, if it bothers anyone, feel free to ignore these.

MAG138: Martin: "That’s it? No, no monologue, no mind games? You love manipulating people!" Elias: "That makes two of us."

MAG186: Martin: “I can be a real manipulative prick, you know that?” Also Martin: “Oh yeah.”

MAG196: Annabelle: “Because you always managed to get what you wanted through smiles and shrugs and stammerings that weren’t nearly as awkward as they seemed.” [SMALL SOUND OF MARTIN’S CONCESSION TO THE POINT] Martin: “Point taken.”

The Lonely/the Web

The Lonely and the Web sometimes affect Martin to similar degrees.

In season 3, when Martin is getting used to reading statements for the first time, most of them leave him emotionally affected: MAG084, MAG088, MAG090,

MAG095: Martin: “S-S-Statement… done.” [HEAVY BREATHING & TREMBLING AS MARTIN STEADIES HIMSELF] “I don’t like recording these. There. I-I said it.”,

MAG098: Martin: [Panting] “End of statement.” [Deep breath] “I, um, I think I might need to sit down. Oh. Yeah, I am. Right. I don’t, uh, I’m not really sure if these are actually getting easier or harder. I mean I don’t feel –”

Only the last two statements he reads are remarkably easier. This might be a hint that Martin is just getting used to reading them, but the quote from MAG098 seems to contradict that. Either way, it’s likely not a coincidence that those last two happen to be the Lonely and the Web:

MAG108: Martin: “Statement ends.” (exhale) “That wasn’t so bad…”

MAG110: Martin: “Statement ends.” [...] “I mean, I think it sounds like a Jurgen Leitner book. About spiders. Hm. Good John didn’t have to read this one, anyway. I know he’s not a fan. Although, this one wasn’t too bad, actually! I – yeah. Anyway.”

In season 5, there are two powers’ Domains that actually affected Martin mentally, as opposed to only physically: the Lonely’s, in 170 (and arguably 186), and, depending on your interpretation, in 172, when Martin went exploring without knowing why he did so.

Proximity

Martin investigates a lot of the Web statements during season 1 to 3 (in other words, when the archive team still researches statements). The only ones he isn’t mentioned in during this period are MAG019 and MAG020, when he’s being harrassed by worms, and MAG081, which Jon records by himself outside of the institute.

Most notably, he’s the one who discovered the statement in MAG114, ‘Cracked Foundations’, which is the one statement in the entire show that sets up the interdimensional properties of HTR.

The Web!Lighter passed through Martin's hands first, before he gave it to Jon.

Similarly, Annabelle mostly spoke to Martin in season 5, despite most other Avatars usually focusing on Jon.

Aesthetics

Apart from the above obviously Web related areas, there are some other aesthetics which are mentioned in connection to both the Web and Martin, throughout canon.

These are describing the Web;

These are describing Martin.

Tapes:

Martin is the only character to treat the tape recorders as friends - any other character is either indifferent, or treats them as enemies.

MAG039: Martin: "I think the tapes have a sort of… low-fi charm."

MAG154 Martin: “Oh. Hi. Hello again.” … (small laugh) “Sorry pal, false alarm this time.”

MAG156 Martin: “Mm? Oh.” [HE LAUGHS, GENTLY.] “Yeah. (rustling paper) I was going to read one. Hate for you to miss it!” [SHORT, FORCED LAUGH, AS HE FLAPS THE STATEMENT AROUND.]

MAG170 Martin: “Oh. Oh, hello. What’s this? Wow, retro! What are you up to, little buddy; just – listening? That’s okay. It’s nice to have someone to talk to.”

MAG190 Jon: "[The tapes] seem to like [Martin]."

Retro:

MAG069: Statement: “I only saw Annabelle Cane once during this period. She wasn’t hard to pick out. She dressed like a vintage clothing store exploded on her, and her short bleach-blonde hair stood out sharply against dark skin.”

MAG160: Jon: “Anyways, don’t tell me the phonebox down there doesn’t appeal to your retro aesthetic.” Martin: “It – might. Maybe.”

MAG163: Annabelle/the Web callying Martin via an old payphone: [ A PHONE RINGS. IT’S NOT THE TINNY, ELECTRONIC SOUND OF A CELLPHONE – NO, THIS IS A TRUE, HEAVY, CLASSIC RING.] Martin: “Uh. John? Uh, J, John – the, uh, payphone that’s – here, for some reason – it’s ringing?”

Hatred of burns:

MAG067: Jack Barnabas’ statement: “I looked up and noticed within the corner of the room, where there had been a spider’s web this morning, there was just a faint wisp of smoke.” “Another held a bag that seemed to be full of candles, while a third had a clear plastic container filled with hundreds of tiny spiders.”

MAG139: Statement by member of Cult of the Lightless Flame: “The Mother of Puppets has always suffered at our hand; all the manipulation and subtle venom in the world means nothing against a pure and unrestrained force of destruction and ruin.” Agnes burned down Hilltop Road.

MAG145: The Web ties Gertrude to Agnes, stopping the Desolation’s ritual (the only Power whose ritual the Web is known to have prevented).

MAG167: Gertrude enlists Agnes’/the Desolation’s help in order to burn her assistant Emma, who was Web aligned.

MAG169: Martin: "Look, I just – don’t want to get burned, all right? It’s, it’s like my least favorite pain ever. [...] I, I legitimately hate burns, alright? They’re, they’re awful, and they scar horribly, and they just – it – it just makes me sick; I, I hate it. Hate it!"

Phrasing:

MAG039: Martin: "I’m trapped here. It’s like I can’t… move on and the more I struggle, the more I’m stuck. [...] It's just that whatever web these statements have caught you in, well, I’m there too. We all are, I think."

MAG079: Martin's poem: "The threads of people walking, living, lovi–"

MAG117: Martin: "This last couple of years, I’ve always been running, always hiding, caught in someone else’s trap, but, but now it’s my trap, and, well, I think it’ll work. I know, I know it’s not exactly intricate, but it felt good leaving my own little web. Oh, oh, Christ, I hope John doesn’t actually listen to these. “Good lord, is Martin becoming some sort of spider person?” No, John, it’s an expression, chill out! Besides, spiders are fine. I mean, yes, people are scared of them, obviously, but actual spiders, they just want to help you out with flies."

MAG167: Jon: “Methinks the Spider dost protest too much.” Martin: “Jon –” Jon: “Joking! Just joking.”

Personality:

How applicable these are depends heavily on how you interpret Martin's own personality, so your mileage may vary.

MAG008: Statement: “Nobody ever said a word against Raymond himself, though, who was by all accounts a kind and gentle soul [...]”

MAG123: Jon: "The Web does seem to have a preference for those who prefer not to assert themselves."

MAG147: Annabelles statement: "I discovered a deep and enduring talent inside myself for lying. [...] My manipulations were not intricate, but they were far beyond what was expected of a child my age, and I have always believed that the key to manipulating people is to ensure that they always under- or overestimate you. Never reveal your true abilities or plans."

Word of God and Annabelle

I kinda wanted to ‘prove’ that Web!Martin had quite a bit of evidence to back it up, hence this header being last. But of course, in this post-canon world, there are a few lines that most obviously confirm the theory:

MAG197: Martin is Web enough to be able to read the 'vibrations', like Annabelle, and see Jon and Basira (the latter being especially notable, as he hadn't known she was there beforehand): [CHITTERING, BUZZING AND HIGH-PITCHED SQUEALS CHANGE CADENCE] Martin: "Wait… Wait, hang on, is that him?" Annabelle: "Yes. I guess you’re better with the Web than we thought." Martin: "And – Wait, ha– No, uh… is that… Basira? He – He’s got Basira with him!" Annabelle: "Yes."

Season 5 Q&A part 2: Jonny: “Essentially, it was fascinating looking at the fandom and, like, the Web!Martin believers, because what they were doing was correctly picking up on hints dropped in the early seasons that were later, like, not exactly abandoned, but it was much more like, ‘Well, no, he does have like aspects of The Web to him, but he is moreover The Lonely.’ And that came about very… very organically, really. Because throughout Season 3 and going into Season 4, we had this conversation and we were like, ‘No, actually he's like-” Alex: “‘It can't be, it cannot be, it must be the other way round’ Yeah.”

(Note that they say “throughout season 3 and going into season 4,” which likely means that season 1, season 2, and at least part of season 3, aka half of the entire show, were written with Web!Martin as an intentional possibility.)

If you read all that, thanks so much! Obviously, Web!Martin never really came to fruition, so it's fine if you still don't like it. This is just a post explaining where it was coming from, at least for me and the other theorists I've spoken to.

[heretherebedork]

I need help. Nothing too serious! Promise! I just- I’m trying to get my best friend into BLs because she wants to watch some with me, but I don’t know what the best one to start her on would be. I started on Until We Meet Again and My Engineer. But I wanted some recommendations for some lighter ones maybe? I’ll drag her down those paths eventually, but she doesn’t do well with loud sounds and the situation with Dean and Pharm/ Korn and In at the end is no doubt going to screw her up because she had a traumatic experience, so I’m trying really hard to avoid letting her near UWMA at all (she finally agreed to drop it yesterday, thank god cause it was getting really hard to not be a bitch with how exasperated I’ve been), and she was my rant person during My Engineer, so she’s already said she isn’t watching that with me until we know about the second season.

So, do you or anyone else have any good recommendations to start with?

Always happy to help!

My first thought is to go Korean. Almost all the Korean movies will be softer, no loud/sudden sounds and very, very little to go with trauma. Behind Cut, My Sweet Dear, Tasty Florida, Where Your Eyes Linger, so on and so forth. All short, sweet and a great introduction to BL! Light On Me is also absolutely on that list. (Kissable Lips is NOT on this list.)

But if we're looking specifically for Thai recommendations...

A Tale of a Thousand Stars is amazing and does have some elements but a lot less than UWMA. But so much softer and nothing just as immediate or personal. Plus, the setting is so gorgeous.

Bad Buddy is amazing and fantastic and serious but not in the kind of way that UWMA is. Just a genuinely amazing show, not exactly lighter but still fantastic. And very different trauma.

En of Love: Tossara is literally the softest show imaginable and so sweet it's amazing and I cannot talk about loving this one enough. Literally zero drama. Everything gets talked about instead.

Ingredients! You absolutely cannot go wrong showing someone Ingredients. This feels like an interesting way to introduce someone to product placement as well!

Back to outside of Thailand!

Cherry Magic is always a good choice for a soft entry into BL. The show is just serotonin and sweetness and sugar and slow, soft boys.

HIStory 2! Both parts are very, very good and some of the softest parts of the HIStory franchise.

Be Loved In House: I Do is also just absurdly soft and a good gentle way to get into angst and BL's infamous lack of communication.

Kieta Hatsuoki is also very good on that front, just soft high school boys being soft and a bit nonsensical.

See You After Quarantine? is short enough to just enjoy and not think about but is also fantastic and full of love. Absolutely A+.

It might be even worth hunting down We Best Love 1+2. They're both amazing and very enjoyable.

Gameboys is a fairly good choice for a good start as well.

You Are Ma Boy is the sweetest little V-BL and I highly recommend these boys. Very, very soft show and even the drama is lowkey.

Honestly, as much as I love UWMA, I think it's a rough place to start in the world of BL and My Engineer is... also there. I liked parts of it but hoooo boy is it there.

I'll leave the list here, I think these are a pretty good selection of shows that feel very beginner to me. They're all mostly soft and slow, no huge drama or anything.