#support viewer -> [heath]

[chryssaetos]

[ STABLES ] - With so many people needing to travel to get to the new venue this year, perhaps you thought to beat the roadside traffic by taking to the skies? All mounts have been escorted to specially designated stables for the event, being looked after by the staff while their riders enjoy the entertainment. For those who prefer animals more than people, this is the place to go.

Heath alights near the designated stables, Hyperion looking rather dashing in the tie that a stablehand had insisted he wear. It's rather silly, but Hyperion does love that girl, and hasn't torn at it even once.

He's the first wyvern to arrive, it seems. The attendant seems a little confused as to what to do, wary at the large beast of scales and fangs. It's a fair reaction; wyverns are rare in Fodlan, as he has found, and there's no way she can know that Hyperion is particularly friendly.

"Ah, don't worry. He's nice, as wyverns go. Just don't let him around the food stores unattended." Hyperion snuffles, as if to object to Heath's accurate assessment, but goes willingly. Altena's coming too, so Hyperion probably has an actual date to the ball. Heath wonders if Peaches is dressed up, too. "I can accompany you, if it helps."

The attendant nods, apologizing for her lack of experience with wyverns. It only seems fair to assist, and Heath would like to see the accommodations they have for the winged and hooved beasts. Their benefactor is well-to-do, but not everyone has the respect they should for mounts.

He's studying the lay of the land when he nearly bumps into someone; another early arrival, maybe? He's dressed rather fancily, surely a ball attendee rather than a stablehand...

...oh. It takes only a moment for Heath to recognize traditional Sacaen garb, paired with dark green hair. He feels a knife of anxiety twist in his belly; his outfit isn't immediately Bernese, but his accent and Hyperion sure are.

"A-ah. My apologies."

Sin has no steed of his own, not having the certifications for such a thing despite his frank objections, but he finds himself near the stables out of curiosity. Sacaens have no real use for buildings made for the express purpose of housing mounts, so he finds himself making little observations as he goes: The Ball hasn't quite started yet, so he's got a little time to himself... Time he doesn't know how else to fill, otherwise.

Someone's shoulder collides into him, and Sin doesn't think all that much of it initially, but turning his head around to get a glimpse of who it was reveals something far more concerning — Is that a wyvern behind him? And that voice...

Ah. This man... Is from Bern.

This is where a conflict arises in his heart: It is not the first, and it will certainly not be the last. He can't put a name to these feelings hammering away in his chest or what he wants to do about them — Fight or flight, fear or fury, Sin can't tell them apart.

Instinctively, he knows there's no true need to really fear any wyvern rider he meets. The war has ended, and gripping onto hate and anger will only hold Sacae further into the past... Right? That's what his lord had told him, that Sacae must be willing to look past the steppe, past the tribes and out to the rest of the world.

...But, and this is something Sin takes no particular pride in admitting, the war still rages on within his heart. How can he look outside of it, when all he sees in this man's eyes is the despoilment of his country — The slaughter of his people?

"...Who are you?"

[chryssaetos]

Perhaps Sin had been, even vaguely, hopeful enough to have the possibility discounted before it could be truly entertained, that something far beyond his ken is happening here — But, lo; from my perspective, you are from the future.

There is the fear of the hunted, of pain, weakness and death: This is the fear he had felt when he had seen Heath for the first time, seen the beast that had accompanied him. But there is a new fear rotting inside of him now, making his stomach clench tightly, similar to when he had first seen a dragon — All the things he can't understand, bearing down on his shoulders.

It's... Terrifying, to put any word to it. He feels something crack inside of him, wants to offer himself to the Lord of the Eternal Blue Sky in search of guidance, but — Even if he's convinced of his good intent for the moment — Sin simply cannot bring himself to pray in front of a Bernese man.

"...I see. Then..."

What can possibly be done from here?

the light shot diamonds from his eyes

[sofenti]

Beril Pozam is facing a heckling because of her character Suna Sonmez

It seems that rumors that our KaySun pairing that was so beloved in turk.dizi might not be happening.

Gossip has surfaced on the web about Taro Emir Tekin, the actor who plays Kaya, leaving due to the fact that this character is given little screen time.

Also this decision can support his partner Beril Pozam, who plays Suna - she, as well as fans, does not like what turned her heroine. The girl decided to follow the example of Mert Ramazan Demir and threaten the producers with early termination of the contract!

The makers see how fast the ratings of the show are falling and try to raise the ratings with the help of the SeyFer couple, forgetting that the reason for the low ratings is the absurd script, but they do nothing about it.

What Suna and Kaya have to face is not liked not only by the fans but also by the actors themselves. Both Beril and Taro are happy that they have loyal fans who have been supporting them since the launch of season 2. They both support the hashtag #KaySun and don't want a divorce. Otherwise, their departure will turn out to be a disaster for ratings because millions of fans will abandon the show along with them 🤔

However, the situation is aggravated more because of the wave of heath criticism towards Suna's character and the actress who plays Beril Pozam. This is the kind of thing that Buche Buse Kahraman is facing. Wishing death to an actor because of a poorly written role or script goes beyond any bounds of decency. It's one thing to play a negative character, but that doesn't mean the actor himself is such.

Who should be blamed are the writers, who change one after the other: it was Leila at the beginning who wrote the second season, then Gunther or someone else.

More than once, the TarBer tandem has proven itself to be one of the best that season 2 has brought us!👏🔥❤️‍🩹

And many viewers kept watching season 2 for the sake of the KaiSun couple

I can only hope that when "Yalıçapkını" ends, they will get other projects and can get away from filming that show.

🖇️ Journalist Birsen Altuntash: "OGM really wants to renew #Yalıçapkını for another season."

So there's no telling what will happen next.....

[denimbex1986]

'Oppenheimer is big, it's loud, it takes place during World War II, it's about powerful white men blowing stuff up and then feeling a little sad about it — and, to top it off, it's three hours long. While it might put some moviegoers' patience (and bladders) to the test, Christopher Nolan's new movie is everything the traditional, old-school sector of the Academy wants in a big-budget spectacle, and their hearts are about to explode in favor of the historical drama across the awards season ahead.

While the film's runtime might be a dealbreaker for casual audience members, especially given its bleak subject matter, even the most disinterested viewer will appreciate the prowess of the film's central performances.

Oppenheimer is likely to become Nolan's first-ever film to garner multiple acting nods, 15 years after the late Dark Knight star Heath Ledger scored the sole acting nod (and subsequent win) among the director's multi-year filmography. Led by Cillian Murphy's performance as the titular physicist, the film follows Oppenheimer as he wrestles personal ambitions with an internal moral dilemma over fathering the atomic bombs that the United States would eventually use to kill tens of thousands in two Japanese cities at the end of World War II. Murphy masterfully scales Oppenheimer's mental acrobatics en route to what will go down as the performance of his career.

Emily Blunt lights ablaze the role of the dutiful wife, which could've fallen flat if she stuck to what was written on the page. Blunt, who's shockingly never been nominated for an Oscar, makes the most of Kitty Oppenheimer's scenes, which mostly see her guzzling liquor from a flask, standing behind her husband's pursuits, and reluctantly raising their children on her own. It all culminates, though, in a searing close-up scene toward the end of the film that drew applause from the audience at a preview screening in New York City, as Blunt vents all of Kitty's pent-up rage.

As for Florence Pugh, who plays Oppenheimer's former lover, Jean Tatlock, she ferociously sinks her teeth into the minimal material she has to work with, but her blink-and-you'll-miss-it screentime could work against her this season, especially in the context of a three-hour production.

And then there's Robert Downey Jr. Yes, Iron Man is in Oppenheimer, and it might take you a moment to recognize him as the controversial Lewis Strauss, a member of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission who had a hand in revoking Oppenheimer's security clearance after his time with the Manhattan Project ended. Downey's performance is the kind of supporting turn Hollywood goes nuts for: a beloved, blockbuster staple chewing scenery, showboating, and transforming (he's bald, aged, and bespectacled here) right before our very eyes. If SAG-AFTRA ends its strike and holds a ceremony this year, expect his fellow actors to gobble this performance right up.

While it feels like three of the film's performances could easily coast through the race, there's a case to be made for Matt Damon's turn as Manhattan Project director Lieutenant General Leslie Richard Groves Jr., whose mustachioed, gruff-with-a-heart-of-gold gusto provides some levity, and don't be surprised if Josh Hartnett — whose mini renaissance this year also included a role in Netflix's Black Mirror — creeps into the conversation, too.

While multiple acting nominations are a possibility, more assured category placements for Oppenheimer are in the technical categories. You'd be smart to bet on the film winning the Oscar for Best Sound, a race that it has locked up seven months before the 2024 Academy Awards ceremony for the orchestration of the atomic bomb testing sequence alone. Cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema (who worked with Nolan on Interstellar, Dunkirk, and Tenet) also facilitates our immersion into Oppenheimer's psyche in stunning fashion, adding a profound layer to the story that won't be ignored by his fellow DPs on the circuit.

Tying it all together, Oppenheimer will probably be this year's most obviously "stacked" Oscar player, with projected support from all of the Academy's individual branches, from technical artisans to the actors and directors, all aligning when it comes time to rank Best Picture votes on the preferential ballot. In pieces, the film represents top-tier filmmaking from its lensing to its on-camera performers, and cinematic chemistry like that points to a scorching ignition of support in the hunt for Oscars.'

[therehearsal2022]

3. "Why so serious?" - The Joker

It would be easy to make the case that Heath Ledger’s Joker is the single most iconic film character this century, an argument supported by the fact that he has numerous great quotes despite appearing in just 33 minutes of screen time. It is, however, difficult to look past his famous “Why so serious?” which has become emblematic of the character and his deranged yet oddly playful attitude.

Confronting Gambol (Michael Jai White) with a knife in his mouth, the Joker launches into a gripping and horrifying story about his scars. While the whole monologue has a powerful effect on viewers, it is Ledger’s dramatic, repeated delivery of the line “Why so serious?” that has remained truly unforgettable. Haunting, sickeningly intense, yet undeniably comical at the same time, it is the perfect line to define the character.

The 10 Best Quotes From the Dark Knight Trilogy, Ranked

From Gotham's darkest corners, these memorable lines from The Dark Knight Trilogy will intrigue fans old and new.

[toitown]

100+ Followers Special Pt. 2

As a second part to my 100+ followers special, I would like to let everyone know that Gooliope Jellington (and I’m assuming all of the other Fightfully Tall Ghouls as well) has strong enough joints to bridal carry and piggyback the standard size MH dolls.

[Image ID: A photo of the original Gooliope Jellington on her doll stand carrying Scarah Screams from the Ghoul Fair line bridal style. Scarah is limp in her arms as if she’s fainted, with her left arm across her stomach and right arm hanging down. Gooliope has her left arm under the back of her knees while her right hand is supporting her head. She’s looking down at her face in a concerned, yet almost curious manner. The two dolls are on a hard wood floor and against a beige wall. End ID.]

[Image ID: A photo of the original Gooliope Jellington standing on a hardwood floor and leaned slightly against a beige wall to keep from falling. She’s giving Heath Burns from the Ghoul Fair line a piggyback ride. Her body is facing the lefthand side of the image while her head is turned to look at the viewer. Her elbows are bent with her hands positioned to look like they’re holding Heath’s calves. Heath has his legs wrapped around her waist. His right arm is is loosely wrapped around her shoulder and part of her neck while his left arm is somewhat gripping her left upper-arm. His head is also turned to look at the viewer. End ID.]

[cyberaxolotl]

modern scc but they’re all like. streamers who post video reuploads of their streams to youtube

usually when i write modern! scc they’re a band, and they are still a band, but i feel they would also do streaming and stuff for their other hobbies.

k_k’s a gaming streamer with like the. cat ear headphones. their streams are p relaxing and they don’t play really intense games- they like horror but any horror they play are slow-paced/no jumpscares/ story driven, like Observation Duty or visual novels, and other games they play are like Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing, Kirby games, Starbound. generally a streamer you’d put on in the background and listen to them talk instead of engaged gameplay. their setup would also have like- really pretty lighting and decor, with more of an energized setting, lighting is yellow~green.

cap’n’s an art streamer. he turns on a stream and just talks while working on commissions, or his personal projects. sometimes he does request streams which are usually rather chaotic, and he definitely has a patreon with [] as a top tier. his art style is a anime/manga~ish style closest to that of K-ON!! which is an anime i’ve never watched but it looks cute. his set up has really calm lighting, like blue-purple-pinky, but otherwise it’s not so cluttered.

sweet is a music/just talk streamer, not really with any specific mood lighting, and he tends to have a guitar or piano with his set up. they’ll play an instrumental of a song on the piano or something and he’ll sing along as the chat either goes wild with hype or silent in appreciation. oddly enough, he’s a very open streamer. they’re someone i’ve seen as having a lot of issues with insecurities as well as feeling as though they are a “nobody” in the grand scheme of society, they have a lot of talks about mental heath and getting proper help, finding support, etc. he gets a lot of support from his viewers and his partners.

sometimes capn will join k_k’s gaming streams as a second player if he’s needed, or they’ll both join sweet if they need more instruments being used or backing up vocals.

but uhhhh yeah. modern bitches be streaming

[fanficimagery]

Nobody Puts Baby in the Corner [Part 2 of 2]

Summary: Imagine being the “baby” of the group. Now imagine celebrating your 21st birthday with the squad.

Words: 3.5K Warnings: You guys peer pressured me into writing pt. 2! I swear I wasn’t going to write this, but well.. I had a little too much to drink New Year’s Eve and here you go. Sorry if it sucks. Sequels are never good.

Also.. this took an unexpected turn. I’m not even a sorry. 

Days before your party was to take place that your friends have planned for you, David calls you over to his house. You have nothing better to do, so you stop by to pick up some Chipotle before making your way over. Then when you get there, you're in the middle of kicking off your shoes when Natalie takes the food from your hands and Josh Peck rounds the corner. You've met him a couple of times, but it still blows your mind every time he addresses you.

"Alright, Baby, you should know the drill by now." He pulls a blindfold from his back pocket and your stomach drops. His smile widens at your nervous expression.

"Nooo." You whine, backing up for every step Josh takes in your direction. "Fuck you guys." You can hear David laughing, his laughter only getting louder as he rounds the corner with his camera. "You are not putting a scaly reptile on me. No. Fuck you, David."

"Baby!" He laughs. "Come on. Everyone but you has done it."

"I'm not about to die! I thought you guys wanted to party," you then pout at him. "Why do you hate me so much?"

"Dammit, Baby, just put the blindfold on!" Zane shouts from the other room.

"God I hate you guys."

"Lies." Josh gleefully blindfolds you when he realizes you're not going to fight it anymore, and then he ends up behind you with his hands on your shoulders to guide you. "Cheer up. You're gonna love this."

"Yeah? Well I'd probably love it more if I wasn't blindfolded and paranoid about instant death."

Your friends all laugh and then Josh guides you someplace, stopping where they want you. They tell you all who is present- David, Natalie, Josh, Heath, Mariah, and Zane- and your anxiety only rises as you can hear gasping and shushed giggling.

"Okay so what you're going to do," David starts to explain, "is hold your arms out at your sides. Then we'll guide your arms from there."

"If I get bit or attacked or whatever, you're dead, Davie."

He giggles. "You're not going to get attacked."

"Well.."

You immediately wrap your arms around yourself, stepping back at the unfamiliar voice. "Nope. Not doing it. You heard Stranger Danger, there's a possibility that whatever you're surprising me with will attack me."

Everyone laughs, but then Mariah's soothing, trusting voice pipes up. "Come on, Baby. Trust me when I say there's nothing to worry about." She grabs your hands and spreads your arms out. "Now just breathe and let it happen."

You groan but then go as lax as you possibly can. One moment everything is good and then next small, thin arms are being placed around your neck. You immediately tense, fisting your hands tightly. "No, no, no. Fuck you guys. What is that?" A heavy weight then settles against your chest and stomach, and your friends grab your arms. "Get it off. David, get it off." Your friends start cackling.

"Baby." Heath chuckles. "Open your hands. You need to cradle it."

"Fuck off, Heath. You cradle it!" Someone snorts, but then they're prying your hands open and making you cradle whatever is hanging around your neck. "I'm gonna die. This is it. This is how I go out."

"If it bites you, you get to bite David," Natalie says, giggling.

"Hey!"

Whatever they've made you hold has really course hair and you're super uncomfortable. But then the blindfold comes off and after letting your eyes readjust to the room lighting, you look down into the face of.. a sloth.

"Oh my god." Your eyes immediately tear up. "Oh my god! This is- it's a-"

"Surprise!" David laughs. "We know you've always wanted to hold one, so.."

"Oh my god. I love it so much." You nuzzle the sloth with your nose, silently crying as your friends all laugh. The caretaker- whose name is apparently John- hand feeds the animal grape halves. "It's so cute."

"That is honestly the ugliest animal I've ever seen," Zane says, shaking his head.

"I honestly can't believe you're crying," Mariah says. "I knew you'd love it, but not this much."

"You're lucky this isn't a baby otter. I'd be a blubbering mess if it were."

"Dammit!" David remarks. "I knew I should have gone with the otter."

You smile, using one hand to support the sloth's bottom while you run your other hand up and down it's back. "If you get me one of those baby wrap carriers, we can strap the sloth to my chest and I'll walk around in public telling everyone who stares that it's inappropriate to stare at my really hairy baby and will likely make him grow up with insecurities."

David laughs, beaming. "Let's do it."

The day of your party, you're in the middle of an outfit crisis when Matt shows up and tosses a bag at you. "The boys voted and they do not want an outfit repeat of your actual birthday." You snort as the blonde chuckles. "So we all got together and put together an outfit for you."

"Oh no." You groan and start to dig through tissue paper in the bag. "You guys probably chose footie pajamas or something." Then pulling out a black long sleeve crop top and a pair of black ripped skinny jeans, you grin. "Oh. I can work with this."

He chuckles. "You're welcome." Matt then follows you into your room, he lounging on your bed as you gather undergarments for your shower. "Don't dawdle in there, Baby. We gotta be at David's in an hour."

"Yeah, yeah. I know."

          - X - X - X - X - X -

When you show up to David's, you let them go through with the show of blindfolding you and escorting you inside. The party is not a surprise, but David's viewers don't know that so you film it as if it were. But really, the surprise you show as your friends all pop black and gold confetti blasters when you enter the living room is genuine.

"Oh thank god," is the first thing Heath says when he hugs you. "I was nervous you wouldn't agree to our outfit and we'd have to slap Todd and Ilya upside the head all night for staring."

You laugh. "You boys really need to stop being overprotective."

"Never."

"What's going to happen when I decide to date?"

"We'll get Jeff to kick his ass."

"Shut up."

You make your rounds hugging every one of your friends in the room, letting David then lead you to the back yard. Three very attractive fire dancers greet you, they putting on a performance that leaves your jaw dropping open in awe.

"Here. Hold this. I wanna try," David says. He passes over his camera and asks for one of the large wooden batons, he then twirling the flaming stick almost expertly. Almost.

You video him, grinning. "Hey, Davie, stick to your day job and let the fire dancers have their baton back."

He laughs. "You're so mean to me, Baby."

"It's only because I adore you."

           - X - X - X - X - X -

You take shots with everyone, you letting them serenade you with an awful rendition of Happy Birthday and then nurse a bottle of Corona with a wedge of lime shoved down the bottle's neck.

You grind with the girls, singing and laughing and letting them keep you hydrated in between all the alcohol the boys keep pushing on you.

Jeff and Todd take turns herding you into a corner when they catch you dancing with the opposite sex, David giggling as he records the guys standing on either side of you with their arms crossed over their chests while they stare down other males.

Soon enough you end up back at David's side, sipping some water and smiling tiredly at his camera.

"Having fun, Baby?"

"Duh." You hip check him. "I always have fun when you're involved."

David giggles and presses closer to you, he angling the camera so it catches the both of you. Then addressing his would-be viewers, he says, "So I know I already surprised Baby with a sloth, but there was another present that I just couldn't pass up when the opportunity presented itself."

"What? David, no! You've already done so much for me."

A familiar tune that you know all too well because it's by one of your favorite artists starts to play, but you don't pay it much mind. David, however, merely beams at you and points the camera directly in your face, and laughs with the tip of his tongue stuck between his teeth.

Familiar words are then sung, but you're too caught up in a staring competition. After a few more moments, your mind recognizes that the music doesn't sound like the album version. It sounds live.

"And all the kids cried out, please stop you're scaring me. I can't help this awful energy. Goddamn right you should be scared of me. Who is in control?"

Your brow furrows and then widen, and your head turns so fast that David cackles. "DAVID!" You then whip around to stare at your friend. "Fuckin' Halsey?! What the fuck!?"

"Surprise! Happy birthday, Baby." Your expression crumples and he laughs some more. "Don't cry!"

"Shut up, you asshole. This is all your fault." You step closer to him, shoving your face into the side of his neck as your arms wrap around his waist in a hug. "You're seriously the best, bub."

"I know. Now go have fun. Mariah looks seconds away from having an aneurysm. No one, other than Natalie, knew I got Halsey to come here."

Stepping away from him, you sniffle some as your teary eyes meet his. "I adore you, Dobrik. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

"I adore you too."

David watches as Baby joins the crowd, singing along with Halsey and just enjoying her time. As he records from afar and looks for any of his friends acting like fools, Jason sidles up to him.

"Halsey, huh? So when are you going to tell Baby you're in love with her?"

"What?! I'm not.. in love with Baby." David looks at Jason, hands holding his camera to his chest. At his best friend's expression, David's smile falters. "Come on, man. It's Baby. I'm not about to ruin anything between us."

Jason shakes his head. "How do you know it'll end up in ruins? Baby could be the one you're with for a very long time."

David shrugs. "It's Baby. None of us are good enough for her."

Jason watches as his young friend looks back out at the girl he obviously adores, he sighing and clamping down on David's shoulder. "For what it's worth, she looks at you the same way you look at her. You never know how something will pan out unless you give it a try."

As Jason walks away, David stares one last time at Baby before moving on to film the boys. There's just no way he can chance what he has with Baby.

But that doesn't mean his friends won't do it for them.

A few days later and it feels like you're still recovering from your party. David has surprisingly uploaded the video of your sloth surprise and the party, and you can't believe how many times he caught you saying fight me, you little bitch every time someone attempted to take your drink away or annoyed you. Natalie, Ilya, and Jonah were the unlucky three, they being the ones you attempted to fight when you weren't occupied by someone else.

It's nearing ten in the morning when your phone dings with an email, and since you're in between jobs and waiting to hear back from a few places, you immediately open it. Only the email is from Natalie and you're confused as to why she's emailing you instead of texting.

[Hey Baby, attached is some unedited video footage I thought you should see. David might actually kill me, but then again he might thank me. Both of you will. Text me when you're done.]

Clicking on the link attached, you watched the footage Natalie thought so important for you to see. It's of your party and the moment David surprised you with Halsey. You have to pause the video when the adoration shining in David's eyes catches you off guard, and you spend a couple of minutes just thinking what if. Your crush on David had completely caught you off guard and you blame those damn diamond studs he pierced his ears with on Black Friday. But David is David and you're you, and there's no possible way you can ruin that.

Hitting play on the video, you watch the rest in shocked silence. David zooming in on your ecstatic expression, Jason coming up to him and claiming David being in love with you, and David not denying it.

"Holy shit." Exiting out of the video, you bring up your texting app and create a new group chat. Heart now hammering, you text out a 911 to Natalie, Corinna, Mariah, Kristen, Carly, Erin, and Suzy. You tell them to meet you at a local cafe where they serve some great brunch and then hurriedly throw on some clothes nearly suitable for public.

You need to talk about this video clip as soon as possible.

           - X - X - X - X - X -

Sitting in the cafe with an iced coffee and a half eaten breakfast sandwich, you anxiously await the arrival of your girls. Natalie is the first to get there, she grinning knowingly as she goes to place her own order before taking a seat at the table with you.

Carly, Erin, and Suzy all show up together, followed by Corinna, then Mariah and Kristen. The girls are all eager to know what's going on, but Natalie takes charge and tells them to order what they're going to order before getting down to business.

So while the girls all settle down, you sit there with your right knee bouncing anxiously under the table and front teeth clamped down on the straw of your drink.

"Okay so what's going on?" Kristen wonders.

Natalie smirks as everyone slowly digs into their brunch and you can't help the following words that leave your mouth. "I'm in love with David."

Corinna swallows wrong and chokes on her bite of food, and Suzy cackles at the following that takes place.

"I knew it!" Mariah points a finger at Natalie. "Didn't I tell you?"

Carly and Erin exchange money, Carly clearly the victorious one in whatever bet they had going on.

"What the hell brought this on?" Corinna finally asks, sipping on her orange juice.

"It's all Natalie's fault!" You then blurt. As all gazes dart to your friend, you slump in your seat with a small sigh. "She sent me a video clip that David cut out from the final product of his latest vlog. Jason confronts him about telling me he's in love with me and David- well he doesn't deny his feelings."

"So what are you going to do about it?" Mariah asks.

You shrug. "I don't know! On one hand I kind of want someone to tell David I like him and see if he makes a move, but on the other I agree with David. Why ruin what we already have by trying for something more?"

Erin smiles sadly. "I get that you're scared, but what if by being scared you're ruining any chance of happiness with David? We're young, Baby. This is the time to fall in love, make mistakes, and fall in love again. But who knows, maybe falling in love with David isn't a mistake? Give him a chance, Baby. I think I speak on behalf of everyone here when I say we're rooting for you."

"Do it, Baby," Corinna says. "It's about time that boy gets some action."

This time it's your turn to choke and the girls all laugh at your misfortune. "I hate you." Then looking at Natalie, you ask, "Was anyone else at the house?"

"Nope. David was just lounging in his room and going through footage for his second channel."

"Okay. Okay," you then say again after taking a moment to think. "Everyone steer clear of David's. I think me and him need to have a chat."

           - X - X - X - X - X -

Showing up to David's with some In-N-Out, you call out for him once you enter and kick off your shoes.

"In my room!"

You nervously make your way towards David's bed, smiling when you see him sitting up against the headboard and his laptop cushioned on his lap. "I bring good food."

His own smile brightens as he sets his laptop aside, he making grabby hands for the bag in your hand. "You are the best, Baby."

"Duh. Now make some room. We need to talk."

"Uh oh. This sounds serious."

"It is," you chuckle. "Somewhat. Don't worry, bub. You're not in trouble."

"Oh. Okay then."

As you plop down on the empty side of David's bed, you pull one of his pillows into your lap and take your phone out of your back pocket. David digs into his food and you bring up the video Natalie had sent you.

"So what'd you want to talk about?" He asks after eating half his burger.

"Now don't get mad or shut me out," you start, anxiously biting the bottom corner of your lip, "but I kind of want to talk about this." You hit play on your phone and watch David's expression slowly fall as he realizes what you have.

"Baby," he sighs. "I can explain."

"It seems our friends really want us together." David cleans his hands off on a napkin as you then admit, "You do know Natalie wouldn't have showed me this unless my feelings were mutual. Right?"

"Natalie is- wait, what?"

David's head whips in your direction, gaze darting over your expression for any sign of deceit. "Apparently we both suck at hiding our feelings if our friends were able to figure it out and push us towards each other. Carly and Erin even had a bet going."

He laughs. "Goddammit."

"This is really awkward for me, in case you can't tell," you say, nervously plucking at invisible lent on his pillow. "I'm terrible at admitting my feelings and talking about them, but yeah. I like you too. A lot."

"Baby-"

"And it's all because of those damn earrings you put in your ears on Black Friday. I was fine being your friend and then BAM! You get your ears pierced and I'm suddenly wanting to climb you like a-"

"Baby!" David laughs some more, startling you. "You're rambling."

"Sorry."

"Don't be. It's really adorable."

When you meet his gaze, you can't help but blush under his adoring stare. You groan, chuckling, and scoot down in his bed until you're flat on your back and pulling the blanket over your face. "God why am I so awkward?"

"Hey, we're both awkward." You can feel David shifting, he maneuvering himself so he's laid out beside you, supporting his weight on one elbow as he slightly leans over you. Then pulling the blanket off your face, he says, "We can be awkward together. That is if you want."

You stare up at him, gaze darting over every inch of his face. His smile falters, but you reach up and gently brush his hair out of his eyes. "I kind of really want," you tell him. "Promise that if things don't pan out, we'll still be friends?"

"We'll always be friends, Baby," he muses. "Always. Now can I at least kiss you before you start talking about us not working out?"

You laughing sets off David laughing, and you have no idea where the sudden burst of confidence comes from that has you leaning up and pressing your lips against his. All talking ceases and your heart swells when David pushes you down onto the bed in order to lean further over you.

Then after a few moments of testing the waters, he pulls back and gulps. "I think we can work with this."

"Mhm. Definitely." You agree. David snorts and you gently push him away. "Now finish your food so we can nap. I woke up early and then had one hell of a morning, and I kind of just want to cuddle you."

He mockingly gasps. "What will the others think?"

"Screw the others," you huff. "I'm pretty sure the girls all texted the boys by now, but I told the girls to steer clear of the house. Lets get as much sleep as we can before the boys show up and grill you about corrupting me."

Expression slowly crumpling, David collapses on the bed next to you. "Fuck. They're going to have a field day with this."

"Yep." Snuggling down, you pull the blanket up to your chin and close your eyes.

"Is it too late to book a flight somewhere and just enjoy us before they start messing with me?"

You giggle. "Buck up, bub. It won't be so bad."

[chocochipcookiecake]

The Actual Issue(s) with Penny’s Death

I saw the rwby volume 8 finale and I’m here to give my opinion! Specifically when it comes to Penny and her fate.

I overall feel . . . . mixed.

On one hand, I adored how dark and cruel this whole finale got, it slapped me around like a little bitch with all the angst and I was THERE FOR IT. But then came Penny.

Isolating the concept, I’m not peeved that they killed off Penny. If there were any characters to choose from and had the best foreshadowing of a forthcoming death to kill off, she was the best choice. If we could get through with Pyrrha’s death, then we could with Penny’s. And initially I was all on board with the execution. 

But then I remember the warning sign at the beginning, the SUICIDE warning sign, and my brain finally fully realized what her death was. A suicide. Which is obvious to everyone as they watched it, it was her choice to die etc etc.

But then the weight of the implications of it being a suicide finally set in, and I have to analysis what this implicates and the message it’s sending to the viewer.

From how it was framed in the story, how she repeating have asked others to kill her or would her herself in harms way for only the sake of others, showing she’s had suicidal tendencies all this while, but then when she finally is able to get a human body and therefore a free will, she uses that to kill herself for the sake of others. Obviously, the story framed her death as pro martyrdom, which alone is bad, but what’s worse is that H\her death can easily be interpreted as pro suicide alongside that.

To sum it up, from how the story it’s framed, they made it so it was actually a good thing that a suicidal girl after years of living under and abusive household(ironwood) and finally has a taste of freedom uses that freedom to fulfill her mentally unwell wishes of death for the sake of martyrdom. 

Obviously, this is a horrible message to send to any audience, especially rwby’s which is made up of vulnerable zoomers and millenials.

it doesn’t help the fact that she’s a trans character, as is obviously coded as a trans girl, and arguable the only trans character that plays a more crucial role in the narrative that’s comparable to characters like Nora and Oscar(Love you May but you are very much an eternal supporting role) and they killed her off in such an insensitive way in regards to mental heath, as the LGBTQ community are known far more than cis allosexual people to suffer from mental health issues, especially suicidal tendencies.

I don’t hate the show, I don’t hate crwby, the reason why I’m pointing all of this out is because I care and I know crwby cares, but once again they did a big screw up, and they need to be held accountable so they don’t do this shit again(after the next two volumes as volume 9 and 10 have already been written because that’s how it works)

Though I feel this is comparable in importance to criticize to the whole lucky charm queerbaiting/bury your gays ordeal, I doubt it’ll see as much attention.

I can see people excusing it’s poor use of suicide for it for simply being edgy, or not liking it and criticizing crwby not because of the issues and problematic themes that surround Penny’s death but simply because their favorite character ate the dust and they’re sad, which when it happened with Pyrrha was meaninglessly stressful and therefore this’ll be meaningless stressful as well.

And when it comes to Penny’s transness, the issue is that people won’t be as mad because it’s not obvious, it’s all coded. And the majority of rwby viewers aren’t going to look that deep into such writing details as the queer coding of characters and therefore simply won’t see that specific issue. 

And finally, though mental health awareness has been at some of it’s best as of late, as a society, we’re still pretty behind, and a good chunk of people just don’t really understand the issues surrounding depression and suicide unless they experience it themselves, and it happens that a lot of people, especially young people, have yet to experience it, or if they had, many aren’t well educated enough to see the signs of it when experienced or have the privilege to to get medically diagnosed.

But those same kids who don’t know better will still be affected by the problematic message subconsciously, and if you say that’s a stretch then I say to you, “all media affects us in how we may interpret and view certain things(emotionally and mentally) in insidious and subconscious ways. It doesn’t need to be obvious in in your face, it simply just needs to be there. Maybe not visible to your eyes, but visible in your reception and reflection of them later on.”

 And therefore, I think they’ll only see Penny’s death on a surface level, and that is the shock and sadness from her death alone, not what her death implies.

But yeah, I’m not here to hate, just here as someone who’s part of the LGBTQ+ community that has experienced depression and feelings of suicide to critique(a nice way to put it).

[neeterloveschenford]

RNM 3x05

So another Alexless episode. Did that part of it suck? Very much so. I miss him. But that means we’ve got two out of the way already. I am glad that now we can focus on rebuilding the foundation for the epic love story of Malex. There was a lot of goodness to go over this week. There were also a few things that weren’t so great. But overall I’m still loving this season. So let’s dive right in.

Let’s get the bad over with first. I get what they were trying to accomplish with the racism story. It’s one the most important issues our country faces today. And with one of the main characters being a cop, police brutality has been in the back of most of our minds since the beginning. And with Max’s white savior complex, well I can see how we got to where we are with ep5. But as people far more eloquent than I have pointed out, it’s almost like a “very special” sitcom episode.

Their hearts were in the right place, but you can’t solve something this complex in an episode of tv. It reminded me of when Arrow did their gun control episode. Miraculously Mayor Queen and the city council came up with a solution to the city’s gun problem, but we never got to hear what that problem was. They just all patted themselves on the back for fixing it. It came off as extremely hollow. It was nice to see Maria, Rosa, the reporter, and one of the Lopez’s set up Jordan to find out the truth, but in the end did it solve anything? Is racism in Roswell suddenly going to go away? I think we all know the answer to that. Was it good that they tried to address something that is on the hearts and minds of so many viewers? In theory, yes. But this is just something that is next to impossible to do in a sci-fi fantasy show about aliens. I do think their hearts were in the right place though. So I will give them props for at least wanting to do something more socially relevant.

So now for the good stuff. My sweet baby Kyle lives!!! I mean, we knew that he would, but I was still smarting from last week. And him waking up on Max’s couch with an alien stuffy was hilarious. I love Kyles’s relationship with Max and Michael. They all want to still hate each other, but they are actually friends. It’s a fun dynamic.

Liz and Heath are starting to bore me a little. We need to find out he’s in Deep Sky already. Right now, he’s just pretty to look at. It’s a shame. Jeanine talked about him being a real threat to Echo. Right now Forlex was a bigger threat than Heath and Liz. If he’s not part of Deep Sky, then I’m not sure what the point of his character is.

Arturo and Rosa were fantastic together. I love their relationship. In fact I love all the Ortecho relationships. We need more Ortecho family moments. They are so loving and supportive of each other. But they still behave like family. I want to see more moments of Liz and Rosa arguing over silly things. I want to see Arturo encouraging his girls to do more with their lives. I just want to see them eat pancakes together. They make me so happy.

Kyle and Michael! Science bros are my favorites. I love that Michael wanted to make sure that Kyle was safe. He still wants to hate Kyle for everything that he did in high school to Alex, but he sees Kyle for the man he’s become. And the I agree with my man-sitter line made me snort out loud.

Isobel continues to be a badass. I love that she was able to reign in her emotions and figure out what Jones was hiding. She continues to show just how strong-willed she is. And I find the whole thing with Jones bringing up Noah pretty interesting. Makes me think Noah played some part in the dictator’s regime when they were on The Oasis. I’m hoping they delve into that at some point. I’d love to see Karan come back if only for some flashbacks to their home planet. Maybe he was even part of the resistance. Maybe he used to be a good guy, but the broken pod really did drive him insane. I think it would be fascinating either way.

Maria is starting to bother me again. I wanted to see a change in her. But she still seems to ride roughshod over everyone. I would be fine with that if that was a recognized part of her personality. Some people are just like that. If you own it and realize that sometimes you hurt people but try to do better the next time, then that would be one thing. But the narrative still seems to be that Maria can do no wrong. I’m not expecting there to be any comeuppance for her, especially about 2x06. But if say Rosa or Isobel were to check her every once in awhile, then it would go a long way to making her more likable. I mean Isobel is very similar, but few people are afraid to put her in her place. I don’t know. Maybe it’s something that will happen a little later down the line.

Pretty sure that there’s something more to racist deputy. Maybe it’s because the actor that plays him was the big bad in the last season of Agents of SHIELD, but I’m not buying that he’s just a one off character that’s going to disappear. I haven’t figured out a good theory about him yet, but he’s made me suspicious.

Pretty sure when Jones first did the whole hand print thing with Max in the premiere, he did something to him that would make him drain life force from whoever he gave a handprint to. If you think about it, somebody was going to need to be healed and Max would sacrifice himself to save them. And then Max would have Jones “fix” him because he wouldn’t want someone to die just to keep himself alive. So by doing so, Jones set up a series of events that would let him download himself into Max. I think that was Max’s entire reason for existence. I think Jones is the dictator and that the reason he’s “immortal” is because he’s been downloading his consciousness into clones for some time now. Max wouldn’t forget what Kyle’s name was. Also, the whole scene with Liz and “Max” was so obviously Jones. His body language and the tone of his voice was not Max. I think maybe Max is still in there. (He knew Maria and seemed concerned.) But I think he’s not alone.

I’m going to end this review with my sweet baby boy Michael. The way he has grown and changed over the last two episodes makes me so happy! This is what all of s2 should have been for him. But, alas, we’ve had to have him do all this soul-searching in a handful of episodes. But it has been so good. His admission to Rosa that they were wrong for putting her in the front seat of that car was perfect. Not only did he need to own up to what they did, but Rosa needed one of them to do so. Neither Max nor Isobel have apologized for making Arturo the target of the racists in town. I can’t wait to have more Michael and Rosa scenes. And I can’t wait for Alex to see the change in Michael. We are so close y’all. Alex and Michael are both so different than they were when we started this journey with them. Do they both still have things to deal with? Yes. But now they’ve both seen that they are capable of change. They know they can both become good for each other. When they come back together this time, they will both have the ability to deal with the trials of tribulations of life. They will be able to commit to making their relationship work. It’s going to be so glorious!!

Well that’s it for this week. Sorry I got this posted late. I’ve had some family things to deal with this week. It’s been a rough week. But I have next week to look forward to. I just know that we are now at the beginning of the epic love story we’ve all been waiting for. So until next time my loves!

[rookieforlife]

Re—inc launches art auction featuring Tobin Heath's provoking 'Pixelation' painting

Formed by four USWNT soccer players who want to challenge the status quo. 

Last year, four players from the U.S. women’s national soccer team — Megan Rapinoe, Tobin Heath, Meghan Klingenberg and Christen Press — launched a lifestyle brand driven to reimagine the status quo and take control of their own identities. Called re—inc, the company creates capsule collections focused on gender-neutral streetwear apparel that defies convention. Each collection release is accompanied by a piece of original art, which acts as both the inspiration and physical representation of the collection’s theme.

This month, re—inc is holding an art auction featuring an original painting by Tobin Heath created for the brand’s upcoming “Black & White” collection. Between USWNT games and training, Heath began methodically creating a painting, entitled Pixelation, in a small studio in Portland, Oregon. Four full paintings lie underneath the final work, literally and symbolically showing layers of stories, thoughts and ideas. Written in one layer of the work in dripping blue paint is “I don’t understand but I want to.” An expression of the tension between expectations and individuality, Pixelation provokes the viewer to consider their individuality and role within a confined system.

For the BW Art Auction, re—inc partnered with Alternate ROOTS, an art organization supporting the creation and presentation of art rooted in communities of place, tradition or spirit. re—inc will give 17% of all proceeds to fund Alternate ROOTS’ work with artists and cultural organizers that champion social and economic justice.

Bidding begins today on re—inc’s website and will end on March 23.

source: hypebeast.com photos by ian whitmore

[fugandhi]

Why We Rise (A Meditation on Humanity)

by Adam Kenichi Wekarski

The time has come for me to write about Christopher Nolan’s Batman Trilogy (and why it is the most important cinematic franchise of our time). *Please purchase & view the franchise in it’s entirety prior to reading this independent essay. Spoilers are No Fun for Anyone. SUPPORT The STORYTELLERS*

Although it’s a story derived from a comic book, this is not a movie franchise to be taken lightly (or for granted for that matter). Christopher Nolan’s film, “Memento” was the first work he had accomplished that I had ever seen (back in the Blockbuster days - ahem, VHS RULES!) and it is still spinnin’ my mind after all this time. Christopher Nolan ALWAYS delivers some form of ground-breaking excellence in his work - his ‘Dark Knight’ Franchise is no exception.

When one thinks of Batman, it’s very easy to consider the various forms (literature, animation, cinema, video games, etc) of said character (God Bless You, Adam West! R.I.P., Good Sir!). SO many INCREDIBLE & [BEYOND] TALENTED folks have, not only performed as the character, but have helped in shaping this character’s Monumental & Positive Imprint on contemporary society (worldwide).

I still believe Christian Bale is one of the most under-appreciated performers of our time. I first saw him in the Dark Comedy, “American Psycho” (DUDE! Holy Smack-a-RONi! Totally Bonkers & Viciously frightening). I still can’t believe he did not receive an Academy Award nomination for that performance (for shame, HollyWould). As much as I love Tim Robbins (SHAWSHANK, BaBY!), Christian Bale is one of the greatest actors of all time (100% WITHOUT A DOUBT). He plays Bruce Wayne PERFECTLY (TOTALLY the BEST Bruce Wayne OF ALL TIME! DONE! NO ARGUMENT! END-ALL-BE-ALL..”..Been there, Done that - got the album, Bought the Tee-shirt..NEXT” (Ricky Gervais, The Office [UK]). CHRISTIAN BALE DESERVED AN ACADEMY AWARD FOR “The Dark Knight Rises” - I’M SAYING IT - HE DID SUCH A PERFECT PERFORMANCE in (Yeah ALL Caps) this entire franchise. I need to address that because so many folks seemed to be swept-up in their own distractions as viewers (Yeah we get it, he disguised his voice with a growl - get over it, ya’ll). He seems to be a good person (‘seems’ being the operative word) & I’ve read about his efforts in his life off-screen (You are a Good Man, Sir) when the cameras are not around. I have a belief that it’s good for people to appreciate those ‘moments-of-truth’ more often (just one person’s opinion, take it or leave it).

Speaking of ‘moments-of-truth’ - This story (spanning across three EPIC films) is the ultimate moment-of-truth for Sir Christopher Nolan (Why Not?; He actually is CBE apparently; Respect) and his AMAZING Production TEAM’s collective efforts. So many people put their well-being on the line to make these stories happen (some even, their lives, Rest in Peace) and I believe this franchise deserves ALL of the Success & Recognition & Praise (and honestly, Time) for the awe-inspiring efforts put forth (in regards to cinematic storytelling). This is a franchise for the fans (due to how well it honors the source material & simultaneously manages to elevate the art-form).

Bruce Wayne is one of the most important modern characters of our time. Not since the days of Jesus Christ, himself, has there even been someone who sparked a universal impact (sorry ‘Supes’ - You & Ol’ ‘Batsy’ are Tied in my book) upon average people worldwide. Granted - Bruce Wayne is NO Jesus (there can only be one), however, his life’s journey is a true Test of Faith, which is a universal lesson that I firmly believe Jesus Christ was attempting to spread in his message of good faith towards one another.

Bruce Wayne (played by Christian Bale & Gus Lewis, respectively), as it is now [mostly known], was born an heir to The Wayne Family, an age-old empire in modern society (Gotham City, U.S.A.). In Christopher Nolan’s particular take on this (now-classic) SuperHero story - Reality is the cinematic setting.

“Batman Begins” is Nolan’s homage to Richard Donner’s “Superman”, having been THE standard for comic book movies (since the late 1970’s if I’m not mistaken). Having obviously been a fan of Donner’s work (Gee, who isn’t?) - it’s an obvious source-of-influence for the first installment in Christopher Nolan’s Perfect Epic.

When I had first discovered the news that Christopher Nolan was Warner Bros. Studios’ choice for a brand new Batman reboot - I have to admit I was VERY optimistic. After having seen “Memento”, and his work with that incredible team - I was very, very optimistic that for ONCE the Batman universe was going to be actually depicted like it is in the comic books (at least the ‘80s Batman Comics - Hello Dark & Gritty Vibes). Considering the mental intensity of “Memento” (and how linear-storytelling-need-not-apply) - I was absolutely curious to see how well the story would finally be done on-screen (with all due respect to Tim Burton & Joel Schumacher & All previous efforts achieved in the known story-telling community). After all is said and done, this franchise is a ‘Grand Slam’.

Christopher Nolan’s version of Milton “Bill” Finger’s (Bob Kane took all of the credit for Bill’s work; for shame) story of Bruce Wayne/Batman is the most inspiring work I’ve seen achieved on the concept (and characters) to this day. With the initial tone set in the first film - we find a young Bruce Wayne as a child - simply playing in the Wayne family’s garden with his best (& childhood) friend (and one of the most important characters in the franchise): Rachel Dawes (played by Katie Holmes, Emma Lockhart, and Maggie Gyllenhaal, respectively). Bruce & Rachel establish the innocence of childhood (and of our main protagonist) with the playful phrase, “Finders Keepers” which is followed by young Bruce falling into an old dried-out well (which then traps him into a slight crevice, filled with Bats).

As we discover in this story, the symbol of Batman has a rather deeper meaning to Bruce Wayne than what had been initially expected (unless if you’re a fan of the comics). When the first film starts to take form, we find Bruce Wayne lost in the depths of ‘hell’ as an adult man. Having been an heir to a Family’s Kingdom (so-to-speak), Bruce Wayne had lost his Mother & Father; Martha & Thomas Wayne (SUCH Good People) at a tragically-early age, having their lives taken by a lost soul in the dark of night (a reality known, all-too-well, by our own collective experiences as a contemporary society).

Martha & Thomas Wayne establish the core values that help shape Bruce Wayne as an Individual. Their Leadership, their knowledge, their wisdom, their love (their faith). All of their finest attributes shine a light on how the community - the city of Gotham (and their actions as people) help shape said community. Without their Faith, Bruce Wayne’s immediate world probably wouldn’t have even been established for him (perhaps). It is that faith that is the driving force of this franchise, and the greatest tragedy of this film is, indeed, the blatant & cold-blooded murder of Martha & Thomas Wayne. Ya know, they were really good people in terms of their contributions to their household & community & their lives, and they truly cared about their impact on the world (in a greater sense).

With such care, they made important choices (that had an effect on everyone in Gotham, regardless of outlook). Choices that made a necessary difference in, not only their home, but in their overall world. Gotham may be fictional, but I will let the fantasy play and I will acknowledge the tremendous amount of detail put into these stories that went unnoticed in the initial ‘life’ of this franchise’s release. Having said that - Unless if memory serves inaccurate, this film received a lot of unwarranted criticism for the realistic depiction of modern violence (due to the UNGodly public shooting(s) that have been taking place in our country; I acknowledge the real-life tragedies, but also acknowledge the importance of artistic vision). I say unwarranted due to the fact that Christopher Nolan managed to hold up a mirror and we need to pay close attention (and look beyond the glamour & simulated violence), and this was accomplished well-before Todd Phillips’ incredible film “Joker” had been produced (which drew plenty of inspiration from Nolan’s signature style and Heath Ledger’s actual development of said character; Joker’s Journal).

At the core of this story is Faith.

Faith is what was instilled in Martha & Thomas Wayne (and their lessons with Bruce as a boy). Alfred Pennyworth (played Beautifully by Sir Michael Caine in a Nomination-worthy performance for Best Supporting Actor in my humble opinion) is the reinforcement to protect the Wayne Family’s Honor & Good Name. On the surface, Mr. Pennyworth is Bruce Wayne’s Butler, however, when he’s not maintaining the Wayne fortune, he is ‘the guiding light’ (no pun intended) in Bruce Wayne’s Journey (despite the efforts of various opposition). While Rutger Hauer (rest his soul; “BLIND FURY”!!! YES!) had set the tone for what was to come later in young Bruce Wayne’s life (at the funeral for Martha & Thomas Wayne) - it becomes abundantly clear that Bruce Wayne has quite the journey ahead of him in his life (with plenty of whom have pre-developed plans & agendas to seize Wayne Enterprises for their own gain).

Bruce Wayne, born of a Mother & Father, heir to “the throne” (as it were), and thriving billionaire, one day decides to leave it all behind. It’s a moment of internal crisis for our protagonist due to the severely traumatic act of witnessing the death of his own parents (while almost being murdered himself). I know a lot of people think Kal-El (aka ‘Superman’, aka ‘Clark Kent’) is the end-all be-all of Superheroes (myself included), however, after a retrospective look back at Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy it becomes abundantly clear just how much credit this franchise did NOT receive from the critics & the artistic community (Hi, Academy. I’m lookin’ at ya’ll). Despite the worldwide acclaim, I believe this franchise was well ahead of it’s time in terms of the most important aspect of the entire achievement - The Story.

This is a franchise fully-devoted to the story and that is a significant contributor to the success of this version of Batman. I grew up watching old reruns on TV of Adam West & Burt Ward going around and ‘CLEANING-SOME-CLOCKS’ as it were (POW! ZAM! KLAM! CHOWDAH!), and I always hold that version near-and-dear to my heart because I still think the early 1960’s version of Batman was really fun & really awesome & an absolute delight. Plain & simple. ..Granted - as time continued and the characterization of Bruce Wayne (and his alter-ego “Batman”; His Armor; His Protective Shield) had advanced & developed into a new ground (conceptually-speaking). The core values of who Bruce Wayne is, where he comes from, and Why he does [what he does] did not truly become profoundly-realized for me until I’d say when the Animated series (1990’s! DUDE still one of the best Animated Series I’ve ever seen; like ‘a fine wine of cartoons’). “The Mask of The Phantasm” is still one of the best Batman stories I’ve ever seen - Such an incredible origin story for Bruce Wayne - and definitely one of the best animated, full-length features I had ever seen as a kid (Not to discount Tim Burton’s gothic-induced-dream-like version of the knight’s tale).

With Christopher Nolan’s contribution to the overall storyline of Batman - we truly have a Masterpiece Trilogy before us (as audience members). Nolan’s take on Batman is truly like no other (even surpassing efforts that preceded the franchise) in that he actually provides a glimpse into what it would look like if the fantasy actually became a reality. Christopher Nolan achieves that goal (Ten-fold) with this trilogy.

In the first film - what we know about Batman becomes hyper-realized with the emphasis on Bruce Wayne’s life in modern-day America (Gotham City being the quintessential metropolitan All-American city). An America that has succumbed to an overall tone of darkness & hopelessness (with the reality of tangible corruption & streets of truly deadly conditions) which has reached a pinnacle-of-suffering for the good people of Gotham (and perhaps, rippled outward into the rest of the world).

Jim Gordon (played PERFECTLY by Gary Oldman, one of the finest performing actors ever to be on screen), a symbol of Gotham’s defeated Law Enforcement, patrols the streets of Gotham City each night. Jim Gordon is one of the key individuals that Bruce Wayne reaches out towards (in his pre-Knight regalia) in the first stages of ‘Batman Begins��. Jim Gordon was the person who wrapped the coat around (a young) Bruce Wayne’s shoulders after his parents had been needlessly-murdered right before his very eyes. Jim Gordon was the one who kneeled to Bruce’s level, acknowledged his loss, and gave him that moment of kindness & warmth & honest-to-God decency. He acknowledged Bruce’s sorrow & loss with grace. He gave him a moment of simple human decency & kindness for the sake of kindness itself.

Jim Gordon’s kind gesture is merely a moment in time, which made all the difference for a young kid who just needed someone to simply be there for him. A moment that showed Bruce Wayne that Goodness & Human Decency can & does still exist in the world despite a traumatically-life-changing tragedy. Jim Gordon’s simple, nearly effortless act, is a sign that people Do honor good faith (and people who truly deserve it) and the good Do get rewarded.

I really like the character Bruce Wayne. I think he’s a better character than most that I’ve ever seen, especially since he actually has character. It’s a shame that people can not see beyond the surface to find the deeper meaning of this story. Bruce Wayne’s [incredible] journey takes place all over the world. When we find him in ‘..Begins’, he is locked up in the ominous mountains of Bhutan. His home now a desolate wasteland of an existence due to his loss. His tragedy (despite Jim Gordon’s act of kindness) had lead him astray and brought him across the other part of the world (only to discover what it truly means to suffer in poverty & hunger & pain & strife & darkness without any means of comfort). As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Bruce’s path is the ‘path-of-most-resistance.’ Rather than succumb to a frivolous, meaningless, and hollow existence - Bruce Wayne took the path rarely taken. He chose his own path, to earn his own personal truth, his own story to be lived & known (and eventually discovered by Gotham City).

When Bruce meets an unusual individual by the name of ‘Ducard’ (aka Ra’s al Ghul; aka Liam Neeson; Also played simultaneously by the honorable Ken Watanabe, respectively) in his own ‘personal hell’, Ducard feeds into Bruce’s fall from the path of grace (and his spiritual confusion). Ra’s al Ghul/Ducard is only interested in one thing: controlling Bruce Wayne. As Ra’s al Ghul is the quintessential ‘Handler’, or ‘Hypnotist’ of Bruce Wayne in the training period for Bruce Wayne’s spiritual journey - it becomes evident with each effort from Wayne that Ra’s al Ghul represents The Devil (aka ‘The Prince of Darkness’, ‘Satan’, ‘Lucifer’; The ‘Shadow Side’ of Saturn; See “Yikes!”; See “YOWZA”; See “Hide Yo Kids, Hide Yo Wife”; No Disrespect To The Coven; See Not My Lord; See God Protect Me).

From the moment we first-see Ra’s al Ghul - he is shrouded in darkness - lurking in the shadows within each unseen corner of the world - the proverbial serpent of the shadows (so-to-say). In a manner of speaking, Ra’s al Ghul is merely one of many faces throughout the story that showcase the forces of darkness in this particular cinematic legacy (from the depths of darkness, here to possess the living). Ra’s al Ghul attempts to indoctrinate Bruce Wayne (in Bad Faith) in the Bhutanese abyss; a wasteland for the damned (and where the death of hope thrives amidst the stone-prison-walls). Despite Ra’s al Ghul’s efforts - Bruce Wayne not only proves to be the most-prominent under-study of the cult (while being initiated into a secret society; a clandestine fraternity; a subversive order of assassins following an ancient practice (unknown & unseen by the blissful light of day).

Bruce Wayne’s prominence during his training cycle with ‘The League of Shadows’ (an appropriate title) shows us that he surpasses even Ra’s al Ghul’s expectations: showing how the student becomes the teacher (by upholding an authentic approach to having a Personal Moral Code & Justice & Ethical Values). Bruce Wayne is not only faster, stronger, and smarter than Ra’s al Ghul - Bruce Wayne is also wiser. Due to Wayne’s parents (and his friendships) he truly is ‘the shining example’ of true justice that Ra’s al Ghul has yet to achieve in life (due to his obsessive wrath).

Having destroyed the League of Shadows’ initiation grounds & temple of darkness - Bruce Wayne LITERALLY SAVES RA’S AL GHUL’S LIFE. ‘True Colors’ does not even begin to define such a moment for our protagonist (that’s a true sign of Mercy).

Despite Bruce Wayne saving Ra’s al Ghul’s life, afterwards the dude STILL tries to come back and kill Bruce AND Gotham City (Showing how The Devil has No Mercy for Anything, Anyone, or Anywhere and is just flat-out unwilling to acknowledge when something good actually does happen). Granted, at the end of “Batman Begins” we discover how Martha and Thomas Wayne were murdered as a direct result of Ra’s al Ghul & The League of Shadows (and their hatred for all things Gotham City & Western Civilization). It’s a diabolical reveal that the devil holds nothing sacred in the sanctity of human life. The devil will literally kill an angel after having been saved by said angel. In fact, Bruce Wayne’s own personal brush with death is (tragically) a common concern of not only Alfred, but Lucius Fox (played exquisitely by one Morgan Freeman), a former Board-Member & former colleague of Thomas Wayne (prior to his passing).

Bruce shows us that good people typically make a lot of good friends and have good people looking out for one’s best interest (no matter their walk of life). The most awe-inspiring truth of Bruce Wayne/Batman is that his ‘best interest’ is preserving & honoring the good faith of his community and the people in his life (including his ancestors, mind-you, as well as the herculean guidance of one Alfred Pennyworth). Without friends - life goes nowhere - that’s a universal truth. Bruce Wayne nearly died so many times in this trilogy and I don’t think people appreciate that aspect of these movies. This is an individual who literally put his life on the line to save the soul of the city he loves (wanting nothing other than a good, normal, & happy life). I know people only fixate on ‘the How’, but I think ‘the Why’ is the most important element of Bruce Wayne’s fictional example.

Bruce Wayne (as all of us) exists for a reason. His life (albeit fictional) does have an important purpose in the grand scheme of things (as one puts it).

Of course, this reason is emphasized (more & more) by his best friend, Rachel Dawes (among others). It’s a shame that Katie Holmes did not portray Rachel Dawes in both of the first two films, however, I found it to be very impressive [just] how smoothly Maggie Gyllenhaal performed as the character. It’s one of the rare instances in which a character is portrayed by two different performers who both managed to bring an equal amount of dignity & respect to said character. Katie Holmes & Maggie Gyllenhaal should both be applauded for their contributions & performance(s) as the grown-up portrayal of Rachel Dawes.

Rachel Dawes is the positive-female-influence in Bruce Wayne’s life (complimentary to that of Alfred Pennyworth’s positive-male-influence; or non-gender-specific-neutral-influence? Sure, why not) that is necessary to develop his respect & honor towards women (which is a necessary element of chivalry). Chivalry is not dead in America: The examples set before us can be found within our own real-life society (I shall go into that more later..).

More important than Rachel Dawes’ positive influence on Bruce Wayne is her genuine friendship (since their childhood). Rachel is not interested in taking advantage of Bruce or using him for her own personal gain. Rachel Dawes genuinely cares about Bruce Wayne and how well the quality of his life (as well as the life of the community) have grown. Rachel Dawes shows Bruce what is occurring in the streets of Gotham on a daily basis. Rachel is living, breathing, working, and seeing what has become of Gotham City - a limping giant of a once-prominent-city (Modern-Day America in a nutshell). Rachel Dawes reminds Bruce Wayne of the importance of Good People Taking Ownership of One’s Community. She reminds him that life is not only about one’s own personal pain, but alas, the collective pain of which a community must endure & resolve (as a said community) with good faith; “It’s not about who you are underneath, it’s what you do that defines you.”

In the second act of Nolan’s Cinematic Epic, “The Dark Knight” - Bruce Wayne encounters the tangible result of Newton’s Third Law: for every action there is an equal (or greater) reaction; hence ‘The Joker’ (played enormously by the late Heath Ledger; Rest in Peace).

The Joker is the response to Bruce Wayne’s actions in the first act, and in every way, he is Bruce Wayne’s exact opposite (albeit opposites, their life paths are balancing on the same proverbial axis of existence). Bruce Wayne is a reflection of light while The Joker is a product of darkness (Negative Energy, Pessimism, Hate, Evil, Unhappiness, Pain, Suffering, Misery, Torment, Violence, & Trauma). While Batman is the answer to corrupt forces in Gotham City - The Joker is the reaction to The Bat-Man.

The Joker is the continuation of opposing forces attempting to infiltrate Bruce Wayne’s life & community (as would a specter in the shadows, a spider in the darkest reaches of lunacy; a.k.a. the absence of faith, the inversion of angels; i.e. Demons, Demonic Entities, Dark Deities, etc). The Joker represents everything evil in society - everything sick, everything sad, everything hurt. To The Joker (and the fools before him) - society is an infestation, a plague, a result of toxicity & corruption (especially the light of which darkness cannot fathom). Batman is the antithesis to Joker’s Chaos. Batman is the collective honor & balance of civility & justice & good faith quantified into one symbolic rogue.

Heath Ledger’s performance of Joker was nothing short of awe-inspiring artistry & workmanship (WorkPERSONship?). His passing was a needless tragedy and although his performance garnered him numerous accolades - I wish he did not have to die in order to attain it (It should have been him accepting the award - it should have been him). Without a doubt, an equal to Joaquin Phoenix’s performance (if not Superior) - I still acknowledge Heath Ledger’s ground-breaking performance as a perfect triumph of Acting (although I think the character is absolutely distorted on all accounts; despite Joker’s persuasive wit).

Many people like to compare Joaquin Phoenix & Heath Ledger’s performance(s) as The Joker (folks compare everything in life), and I think both performances stand strongly on equal ground. Total Perfection. No doubt about it - and one kinda goes with the other if you were to align the vision side-by-side. Of course I love me some Jack Nicholson in Tim Burton’s “Batman” - I think he gave an undeniably frightening & charismatic performance just as Ledger & Phoenix (proof of the character’s universal & artistic appeal). Although Heath Ledger’s performance shall always be praised as a definitive milestone in Acting on Film - I still think the character is a twisted f**k (pardon my American).

Not only does Joker attempt to destroy Bruce Wayne’s personal Faith, but also everyone he cares about in his life, and everyone in the entire city of Gotham, USA. The pitiful tragedy of Joker’s existence is the sad truth that he lacks good faith in not only himself, but the people of Gotham, and the one individual who is genuinely trying to make a good difference in the world: Bruce Wayne.

It is a tragedy & a disgrace to humankind that Rachel Dawes & Harvey Dent (played by the Always-Excellent Aaron Eckhart) died in vain (as Thomas & Martha before them). It’s a sin that the Joker did what he did to everyone in Gotham City. It’s unGodly that so many human beings had to lose their lives, needlessly, just because of one individual’s own loss of innocence, and more specific, his loss of personal faith in his life (and in the world, of which, we live). The reason why Joker is dangerous is because he is the quintessential ‘mass shooter.’ He is the terrorist. He is the result of a society that has forgotten him. He is the reason why so many people struggle & suffer in contemporary society - not because he caused it, but because he fed into it - preying on the life force of humanity & destroying the efforts of truly good people who kept striving to save the soul of humanity (within the framework of a struggling eco-system).

If Bruce Wayne did not have friends he would have been dead in the first act of the story - that is a fact. When Dr. Jonathan (Not ‘Frasier’) Crane (aka ‘The Scarecrow’) had attacked Batman (in ‘Begins’) with the weaponized hallucinogens, Bruce Wayne was almost killed. If it was not for Alfred Pennyworth & Lucius Fox, Bruce would have been dead in the streets of Gotham. The consistent importance of Friendship is quite evident when thinking of Bruce Wayne’s network of acquaintances (both in ‘high’ & ‘low’ places) in the city of Gotham. This also applies in the opposite, with Bruce becoming an important (and powerful) friend to certain individuals of Gotham City (in return).

Friendship is a universal quality of humanity that should be cherished & honored. Friendship, like everything, requires effort. Bruce Wayne’s life requires effort even though he is a “billionaire playboy” - he still has struggles just like anyone else, and he shares the struggle with his friends (since they became a sort of surrogate family; more like extended-family; legal & spiritual guardians). Bruce Wayne is a fictional example that no one is free from life’s struggle and life’s personal challenges & lessons (no matter the ‘advantages’ or ‘upbringing’). It’s a sign of brilliance on behalf of the conceptual team behind the vision of The Dark Knight Trilogy. I know a lot of people focus on the action sequences and the drama of the theatrical dance of Light & Dark play out on screen in the form of the Batman & the Joker, but beneath the surface is a sincere sociological & political commentary (and spiritual message).

The Light & The Dark (i.e. Positive & Negative, God & Lucifer, Heaven & Hell, Angels & Demons, the Good & the Bad vibes, The Upward Infinity & The Downward Spiral, etc, etc, etc): it is at the fundamental core of our collective balance of existence; Life as we know it to be. It is my humble understanding that the eternal balance is a necessary process, it requires effort on both sides. Both Light & Dark must cooperate to preserve the equinox-of-existence (just one person’s opinion based off of observation & objective analysis, take it or leave it).

The death of Bruce Wayne’s best friend, Rachel Dawes, was not only a tragedy in Bruce’s life, it was a tragedy for innocence. She was so angelic & kind & giving & honorable & brave - her Faith is what helped Bruce remember his childhood innocence (before he was robbed of said innocence), and her last words (which were concealed from Bruce due to desperate-times-call-for-desperate-measures; see Alfred Pennyworth), she continued to spread the message of Good Faith in Humanity despite the fact that she was needlessly murdered. A defining attribute of Rachel Dawes’ character is one-in-the-same as Martha and Thomas Wayne - the Belief & Faith in Humanity despite the monumental heartache & loss (and yes, trauma & death).

If one recalls the time in the first act when Alfred was bringing Bruce Wayne back from the mountains of Bhutan - Alfred briefly mentions how Bruce Wayne’s ancestors’ tireless efforts to keep their community alive (even at the worst of times) nearly made them bankrupt. It was their tireless dedication (their faith) that paved the way to set a foundation for future generations to prosper (while honoring the efforts of said ancestors). Although their example did not improve Gotham’s economic prosperity overnight, the murder of Martha & Thomas Wayne set the wealthy of Gotham into action (as the story goes).

Bruce Wayne comes from a long lineage of helpers. Helpful People who are Good. People who want to see the best results out of humanity’s efforts (as a whole). People who believe in the power of the individual, and the social end-result of one individual’s tireless faith (and life choices).

Although Bruce Wayne’s ancestors are not the focal point of Batman, they are his bloodline & family’s history which in it’s own right deserves to be honored & respected (I know this is a fictional character, but roll with me here, people HahaHA).

Yes, “The Dark Knight” consists of nothing short of complete Mayhem, and YES, The Joker may make ya pee a little bit (just a little), and maybe even laugh (the writing is pretty damn genius in my humble opinion). I acknowledge that “The Dark Knight” should have been nominated for Best Picture (Double that for “The Dark Knight Rises”), and I acknowledge that Christian Bale should have been nominated for Best Actor his final performance as Bruce Wayne/Batman (I think he was snubbed, but hey I’m not in the Academy, so what do I know, right? HahaHA).

Speaking of ��The Dark Knight Rises”, I still believe it’s the best Batman movie of all time. I understand (and have heard) many folks say “The Dark Knight” was a better movie, however, I believe (on the contrary) that not only is the third act of Christopher Nolan’s masterpiece a testament of cinematic storytelling - it is a testament to just how AWESOME we are when we perform at our best. When we work together, we are at our best (as a country, and as a people).

“The Dark Knight Rises”, at it’s core, is a cyclical nod to everything that was established in the first act of the trilogy (a perfect Full Circle), and of course, is the conclusion of Batman. Every lesson in Bruce Wayne’s life, every struggle, every enemy, every friend - every aspect of Bruce Wayne’s life is interwoven with Gotham City (and the people of Gotham) as he & his friends defend Gotham City (and everyone in it). In “The Dark Knight Rises”, Bruce Wayne has become a Hermit; locked away, half man, half mythos, in an air of mystery & fascination (among the ones who still speak of the elusive figure; a fading memory of a silent guardian). And as a hermit, Bruce has become deeply reclusive due to the Joker’s killing spree in Gotham City nearly a decade prior (while exploiting the sick minds & lost souls who stand for nothing [and truly fall for anything]).

While an average person would possibly accept Bruce Wayne’s physically-defeated, emotionally-scarred,  and spiritually-damaged condition - Alfred Pennyworth (God Bless ‘em) does what any individual of Good Faith would do - he encourages Bruce. He sees Bruce as a human being, not as a symbol. He cares about Bruce Wayne’s life, his well-being, his overall fulfillment, and Bruce’s personal happiness. He chose to honor the pact he made with Thomas Wayne to protect the family fortune (most importantly, Bruce). Alfred Pennyworth has his own fascinating & rich history from his own backstory (having been a soldier in his younger years). Fact of the matter is, Alfred never stopped being a soldier at heart. He is True Blue; a true man of the cause; a true Englishman, a true American, and overall a true HUMAN BEING. He is a True Believer of preserving all that is sacred & righteous in our world. He is a Saint and he is a blessing (in contrast to Ra’s al Ghul’s curse-like presence; working in Bad Faith; a destructive force; almost the polar opposite of Alfred).

One thing I love about the final film in Nolan’s titanic, artistic, commercial, & cinematic effort is just how well the Production had managed to pull off the third act (having so many characters and SO much exposition) especially considering the factors that most wouldn’t even consider (i.e. Budget, Lights, Sound, Wardrobe, Set Design, making sure everyone’s hitting their marks, making sure all the stunt-work is safe, making sure it’s all coordinated to the “T” - the amount of brain-storming, conceptualization, the marketing, the pre-production, the principal photography, the post-production, etc etc etc). Movies that require so much of the cast & crew do not always work well, but Warner Bros. & Nolan’s Team somehow managed to actually pull it off. They did what no one else could do - they made Batman real. Christian Bale made Bruce Wayne real. He made Bruce Wayne truly Human (even if just for a moment).

In this day & age (with everything that just happened very recently in our very own United States of America) - one could find a jaw-dropping parallel to what happened when ‘Bane’ came to Gotham City (played ferociously by the envelope-pushing Tom Hardy; see “Bronson”, so gnarly) to what had happened to our own U.S. Capitol.

Bane is the darkness (cloaked with brute force) that feeds off of the fear of humanity. Bane is a product of The League of Shadows (with Hardy’s vocal performance being a nod to UK & Ireland Bare-Knuckle-Boxing Champion, Bartley “King of The Gypsies” Gorman), and was actually ex-communicated from the league (so the story goes) by Ra’s al Ghul (himself). Word around the campfire is that Bane is a force of nature (more destructive than known before) and will stop at nothing to ‘fulfill the destiny of Ra’s al Ghul.’ Bane is a result of fringe-Cult-Mind-Control-Indoctrination (a life devoid of pure faith & free-will entirely; typically due to some possible form of sincere trauma and/or loss and governing authority; aka The Darkness).

The legend of Bane is more rumor than fact. He is just as elusive as Batman, and just as evil as Joker (if not more). Bane’s physicality brings Bruce Wayne to his knees in the third act of Nolan’s 3-piece work-of-art, while also providing all of the intellectually-driven rationale (totally psychotic) behind his Madness & Apocalyptic ambitions. Bane is a real-life-threat to Bruce Wayne & Gotham City (and The American Way). Bane represents the overall threat to our way of life (as a humanity). Bane is everything wrong with world leaders & corrupt forces (cultivated into the most toxic physical form); like a deranged & disfigured Churchill who lumbers about (as a lion in a den) in the underground infrastructure of Gotham City’s sewage system (almost as a warped, drug-induced, Shakespearean Emperor). Bane is a deadly force of nature, fueled entirely by the sickness of bad faith; coerced into his own psychosis by probably the most complex & frightening character of the entire series - Talia al Ghul (a.k.a. ‘Miranda Tate’, played unnervingly-well by one Marion Cotillard [the child played by Joey King, respectively]; her performance sends chills up the spine upon numerous viewings).

While introducing Batman & Gotham’s new enemies, some of Bruce’s new friends in the final (and most epic) installment of Christopher Nolan’s Batman storyline are Officer [Robin] John Blake (played exceptionally by Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and a Wild-Card-Femme-Fatale character by the name of Selina Kyle (a.k.a. ‘Catwoman’, performed very well by Anne Hathaway). Joseph Gordon-Levitt shines as young Patrol Officer Blake - also having been an orphan, like Bruce Wayne, and a true believer in the purpose of Bruce Wayne (Batman) in Gotham City. Unlike Bruce, however, Robin is not a billionaire & Robin was not born into a life of privilege. Despite his brief backstory, Robin Blake, like Bruce Wayne, has Faith in Humanity. It’s why he puts on the uniform (speculative subtext). He does not have the luxury to become Batman, so just as Jim Gordon does - He works with what is given to him. He applies himself within the structure already established within Gotham (despite the restrictions & limitations of said structures of society). He, like ‘Serpico’ before him (see Al Pacino) is a regular Cop who just wants to do what the Law is supposed to do: To Protect & To Serve the good people of Gotham City.

Selina Kyle, on the other hand, is on a path between The Light & The Dark (on a sort of ‘spiritual tight-rope’ between the two paths). Selina’s life path is one of constant survival and constant running. As a ‘Cat Burglar’, Selina Kyle is a flat-out Crook. Her tough exterior conceals what truly is underneath her mask - a person who, too, has faith in humanity (proof that the ones who wander are not lost). Unfortunately for Bruce Wayne, as previously-mentioned, ‘Desperate Times Call For Desperate Measures’ - and Selina Kyle’s desperation put Bruce directly into the hands of Bane & The League of Shadows (at a truly disturbing moment in the film). While forces of The League of Shadows’ (combined with a few of Wayne Enterprises’ own ‘bad seeds’, i.e. Daggett, Stryver, etc) disseminate chaos throughout the plot of “The Dark Knight Rises” (by destroying the city of Gotham and exiling Bruce Wayne across the world into a pit of hell) - all of the friends Bruce Wayne has made start to band together to organize a resistance with the surviving members of local (and once-established) authorities. The honor, the people, the community of Gotham City, and the overall driving spirit - the collective faith of the city (as a whole) had been damn-near destroyed entirely in this film. The resistance was born from those of whom are still faithful to their city and the rights of every individual who resides within.

Between the clandestine operations of Robin & his fellow law enforcement officers (all trapped underneath Gotham due to The League’s devastating terrorist attack), the United States Federal Government (and necessary agencies) & Wayne Enterprises (with ‘Miranda Tate’, Lucius Fox, etc), and the awe-inspiring action-sequences in this grand finale - there is no denial that the final installment of The Dark Knight Trilogy is the most realistic & visceral revolutionary epic set in modern-day America. It’s funny when one stops to think that this was all originally based off of a comic book character published by Detective Comics in the late 1930’s. It’s astonishing to think of just how far this fantasy story has evolved throughout the years.

Bruce Wayne is more than a comic book character. Bruce Wayne is a symbol of humanity. That is his ‘superpower’ - his Humanity. He is more than just a person fighting crime to honor his family’s faith & heritage - he is honoring the faith of humanity as it stands today. After all of the corruption & loss & trauma - Bruce Wayne never lost faith in what we have in life (even after losing so many loved ones and frequently having his own life in harm’s way). As he strives to defeat the darkness of Gotham (by striking fear into the hearts of those who prey upon the fearful), the force of darkness continues to rise to attempt to destroy & defeat The Light (Futility at it’s finest).

The greatest villain of all, Batman’s most incredible threat throughout the entire trilogy is actually Talia Al Ghul (Ra’s al Ghul’s daughter & heir to The League of Shadows; the true leader of the cult). She is the one who almost destroys Gotham City (if it wasn’t for Bruce Wayne and everyone who stepped up to do what was right to defend the city).

Although Talia does not fight Batman physically - she is the only villain who ever slept with Batman & exploited him with complete intimacy (seducing Bruce Wayne in a seemingly romantic moment in the film). Talia (still known as “Miranda” by this point in the story), appears innocent & sweet upon first glance, however with multiple viewings of the film, one begins to understand the disturbing nature of what Miranda/Talia is and is Not saying in Bruce Wayne’s presence (a brief glimmer of her spiritual void). Talia al Ghul truly is Ra’s al Ghul’s daughter and her light has been completely stamped out by the fact that she, not Bane, was the one who came out from the pit of hell (as it is revealed in the climax of this epic conclusion). The Devil lurks in many forms - in this particular case, Talia al Ghul displays the darkness as it exists in feminine form. Marion Cotillard was the most over-looked performance of the series (in my personal opinion) and I think as much as Tom Hardy does not get enough credit for his, at times, somewhat Macbethian performance (albeit not as flamboyant as Joker, but even more deadly) - I believe Talia al Ghul is the greatest threat to Gotham City in this trilogy (sorry, fellas).

While magnifying the character of Talia al Ghul, one must acknowledge her natural ability to be a ‘Wolf-in-Sheep’s-Clothing.’ She is the deadliest threat to Humanity due to her belief in a necessary demise of Gotham (seeing Gotham City as a hotbed of hypocrisy & imperialism). Talia al Ghul has no problem burning the barrel over a few bad apples (if that makes sense). While Talia is the CEO of Wayne Enterprises, she was also simultaneously dictating every strategy for The League of Shadows behind closed doors. She is the ‘Queen’, ‘The Head of The Serpent’, The Leader of ‘The Hive.’ She is the quintessential ‘Wicked Witch’, The ‘Bad Girl’, the ‘Goddess’, Kali, Baphomet, etc etc etc). She is an individual, born into a pit of darkness, and exposed to a potentially-life-shattering amount of trauma (based off of the staggering display of complete psychosis; albeit tremendously stealthy & downplayed under her facade of congeniality).

Talia al Ghul is the mastermind who inherited the crown from Ra’s al Ghul’s ‘throne’ (if that makes sense). She is a product of trauma, suffering, & loneliness, but more importantly, a severely sick individual who needs some serious mental & emotional help (more than Joker & Harley Quinn combined) and is the deadliest foe of all (due to her intellect & internalized rage & female fury & her knowledge of all things Gotham & Bruce Wayne/Batman). Talia al Ghul, like Batman, is a force of nature; especially due to her complete cutthroat tactics and inversion of personal Faith in Humanity. Talia al Ghul initially comes across as a meek & angelic person, responsible for the credibility & success of Wayne Enterprises. Her entire life, however, has been dedicated towards the infiltration of Gotham City, USA, and she is the only character in the film who is truly superior to Bruce Wayne in terms of sheer will-power (He caught up to her in the end though). What saves Bruce Wayne is his network of friends (Alfred, Jim Gordon, Lucius, Robin, Selina, etc), in addition to his mind, body, & spirit (once they attain alignment).

I don’t know what others have said, but I think Robin & Catwoman were actually done brilliantly in “The Dark Knight Rises.” Robin was a pleasant surprise for me as a viewer (truth be told; although I thought Ryan Gosling (GOS!) would have made an amazing Robin in ‘The Dark Knight Rises’; much respect for Joseph Gordon-Levitt), and Selina Kyle/Catwoman is fascinating due to her being the wild card of the last film (that truly helped level the playing-field; Girl-Power).

Catwoman, unlike Batman & Robin, is a big question mark throughout the majority of the last film. Her presence is just as elusive & threatening as Talia’s, however, Catwoman (unlike Talia al Ghul), underneath it all, is a Good Person trapped in a bad situation. That is a common thread in this storyline - Good people being in bad places (i.e. Jim Gordon, Lucius Fox, Rachel Dawes, Harvey Dent, etc). On the flip side of the coin - there are plenty of bad folks in good places amidst Gotham’s corrupt forces (i.e. Dr. Crane/Scarecrow, Carmine Falcone, Judge Faden, Detective Ramirez, Detective Wuertz, etc). It’s a reality known all too well in our modern society.

When one observes the overall arc of Bruce Wayne’s transformational life experiences in Nolan’s Comic Book Epic - I have to reiterate the notion of duality consistently interwoven within each one of these films. Light & Dark - Good & Evil - Positive & Negative - the eternal dance - it is the driving force of this franchise (as Bruce is the quintessential “Light Worker” - not that I’m soliciting ‘New Age’ [or ‘Old Age’ for that matter] ideologies, just a matter-of-saying). Bruce Wayne symbolizes The Light of God found in human form (at the very core and most-primary form of what Natives call, “The Great Spirit”, respectively), of which must seize the day to tame the night. Bruce is the epitome of a Capricorn/Aquarius cusp (Western Astrology/Zodiac) - in full force - bringing the water to those who are thirsty, bringing food to those who are starving, and healing the suffering of a people by means of very serious mental, physical, and Yes, Spiritual Work & Seriously Visionary Goals. Bruce Wayne is the Light while Bane is the Darkness of Humanity (the brute force, the inversion of light); the absence of faith. Although he does indeed have an inherent belief within his bones (and muscles reminiscent of mountains), Bane is still dependent on man-made ideologies & approaches (entirely based in the material world). The League of Shadows are attempting to summon the fires from hell in order to bring the dark prince into Heaven to seize the light (again, futility) to fulfill the devil’s ultimate lie (talk about a God-Complex..Oh me, Oh my) of Superiority (‘Can’t we all just get along?’).

When examining Talia al Ghul’s presence as a double-agent mastermind - her reveal is one of the most important plot twists of the series. Talia being a hidden “mole” within the resistance of Gotham City during The League of Shadows’ Hostile Takeover sets off Martial Law in Gotham - which sparks an uprising in the city that eventually saves Gotham (due to the efforts of a network of people who utilized adaptability & effective methods of coordination & action). Bane is to Batman as Talia is to Catwoman (just as Harvey is to Rachel; Duality; Gemini, Twins). What’s so incredible about Selina Kyle is her purpose in the story as a symbol that people CAN & DO redeem themselves despite having a checkered past (something a good amount of folks have in this day-and-age, myself included). Although the clandestine efforts of Gotham’s resistance had been futile due to the fact that Talia al Ghul was hiding in plain sight (a stroke of genius on the writing), Selina Kyle was the defining individual that tipped the scale in favor for Gotham City (and more importantly, Humanity as a Whole). She had an opportunity to leave Gotham and have a clean slate, but she had a personal moment-of-crisis... That’s because she has a soul, and in her soul, she knows, by faith & intuition, that humanity needed her help (one could speculate). She went back & risked her life (God bless her), which was a full circle nod, of which, echoed the sentiment originally planted within the first film: The moment when Rachel Dawes asked a younger Bruce Wayne, “..What chance does Gotham have if the good people do nothing?”  (Edmund Burke; ‘Thoughts on the Cause of the Present Discontents’ [1770], regarding the nepotism of a monarchy).

Talia al Ghul is a highly-complex character (next to Bruce Wayne) in the series due to the potential life she may have lead as an orphan born in the pit of hell (shot in the jaw-dropping landscape of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India). She is also the most tragic due to the fact that she literally has an opportunity to leave her life of pain & suffering behind to be with Bruce Wayne, but succumbs to the ‘Shadow Side.’ ...You know something is ‘rotten in the state of Denmark’ when she would rather destroy the world than have a ‘happily ever after’ with Bruce Wayne. Her spirit fell back into the proverbial pit of despair & darkness (without ‘The Light’) that she had escaped from (in a metaphoric sense). Bane, like Scarecrow before him, is merely a pawn in the worldwide game of Chess (‘all the world is a stage...’). The tragedy of Talia is that she is someone who was born into darkness and literally had to pay for the sins of her father (as her mother did, tragically).

Talia al Ghul is the most heart-breaking villain of the trilogy simply due to her life being a complete tragedy. One begins to ponder if she had a romantic evening with Bruce Wayne simply because she had felt the cold winter of loneliness for too long, or if she desperately (just for a moment) wanted to be one with God’s Light & a person’s gentle embrace (although I don’t know I might be wrong - she was probably like “Hey, it’s either Scary-Ass Bane or six-pack abs Bruce Wayne. HMMM. Let’s tip the scale on that one - HAhaHa, I digress). Regardless of reasoning - Talia al Ghul’s complexity is probably no match for the intense unhappiness she carries with her. It’s no surprise due to the fact that her mother’s absolutely unGodly demise (so sad) was the catalyst that sparked her mission from Hell (with her hound-of-hell on a leash, aka Bane). As much as I may condemn Talia al Ghul & Bane - I want to reason with them. I want to listen to them and I want to let them know that America is not a bad place, and we are not a bad people. I want to find a common ground, and extend the olive branch (as the saying goes) in order to help heal their pain & misconceptions of Americans and Humanity (as a whole), without having to give my (or anyone else’s) life in the process.

I have a belief that if Talia al Ghul was given a fair & ample opportunity to have a better life in America - she would have taken it (if she had not been so deeply-programmed with hate). I have the understanding & more concrete belief that it is due to her life-long journey of trauma-based-indoctrination as the main culprit as to why she simply won’t cease & desist from committing further acts of wrath upon Humanity. Talia al Ghul could have put just as much effort into the healing as the killing (but she fell back into that spiritual pit). I know why she hates. She hates because she weeps, deep down inside in her soul at night (when no one is around), for her trauma & her unbearable internal pain. She hates because she is repeating the pattern of trauma that may or may not have been applied to her mind, body, and worst of all - her soul. She hates because she had hatred put into her (since being a small, innocent child) and she put that hatred out into the world (a severe lack of comfort, love, care, family, and yes - Faith). Although symbols of lightness, darkness, duality, and representations of sins & faith are all spread across this monumental achievement in film (without having to shove a Cross in someone’s face) - at the very core of this film is, again, the importance of faith in humanity despite our individual & collective tragedies (and shared injustice). The importance of striving, no matter the odds, no matter the pain, no matter how dark the night.

I believe the BEST moment in the entire story was the moment Bruce Wayne climbed out of the pit to save his people. He could have easily died a painful & shameful death in that ancient prison (while watching his city & country being destroyed by an insane fringe cult; a militia of madness; a false liberation). A lot of people seem to overlook just how incredible & truly powerful that moment is in “The Dark Knight Rises.” Tom Conti (a perfect performance of an apathetic mentor-like figure; complimented brilliantly by one Uri Gavriel as the exiled Medical Doctor of a Monarch) & Christian Bale’s overall dynamic in the entire pit sequence was a masterful stroke of storytelling (tying back to the first film, putting Bruce Wayne back where he first began). It’s fascinating to find Bruce Wayne, with a severely-injured body, having to rebuild himself and strengthening his spirit to rise out of the pit of despair - the pit of personal hell, the unforgiving pit of Time (Capricorn; Saturn; Kronos; “The Task-Master”, “The Reaper”; Reward or Punishment; Karma; The Lord of The Rings). The moment of truth comes when Bruce Wayne discovers (through numerous attempts) that it is his spirit that must rise to seize the light - without vanity, without any fancy gadgets, technology, tricks up his sleeve, or any clever contraption (or vehicle) to assist him in the process. This was a moment for Bruce Wayne and Bruce Wayne alone. This is what we call our moment to “Shine” as an individual being...  our independent spirit. Bruce Wayne had to learn what it meant to climb out of the pit of hell and abandon his fear (as the child in the legend had done; Talia al Ghul).

The pit can represent many things to many different people. The eye of the beholder truly does apply to this (as well as any) story. For the individual to think & feel for one’s self - and to also believe in one’s self. The pit can be a literal prison - or it could be a wealthy kingdom. I know (from personal experience) the feeling of being at the pit of one’s own existence. I know what it means to be a prisoner trapped in one’s own body (due to unwanted pain & suffering & hidden trauma). I’ve learned the plight of humanity and the experience of suffering in the night (I’m just like everybody else). I have been there. I have known the darkness. I have known what it means to “dance with the devil under the pale moonlight” (as the expression goes). I’ve known what it means to defend the innocent from evil, thrusting myself into danger to save family members from toxic masculinity & extreme violence (since being a little boy). I have known the darkness, which is why I kept searching for my own personal truths & answers (which ended the day I had a near-death experience & literally saw The Light of God; 100% Serious). I have known all of these things, but I also know that the people who put that hurt into me had that same hurt (if not worse) put into them...  That’s the paradox of trauma. The original source goes so far back it’s pointless to trace - which is why I look FORWARD in Life. I no longer dwell in the weight of one’s misery & spiritual darkness - I seize the light by choosing a good life (to fulfill my own purpose).

At the risk of my own humiliation & embarrassment (and at the delight of those of whom feel actual glee out of my personal struggles & suffering; God knows who you are), I can acknowledge that I am someone who has lived “in the darkness” before. I have known what it means to suffer and toil without the light of God in my life. I have abandoned my own belief in God before, and my own personal Faith before... it’s not something I am particularly proud of, and although I have survived various life experiences that made me plunge into the pessimistic side of life (having been mentally, physically, and yes - Sexually-Abused in my early childhood) - I reach out (in spirit) to anyone who may be reading my words, who has possibly fallen from the good grace of God (especially due to what has happened in our country). I, too, know what it is to lose faith in God & The True Light (as opposed to the Man-Made light). I know what it’s like to suffer & hate “The Believers” (my trauma came from a so-called “believer”).

You know, stories are more powerful than one may ever think (as well as Family, Friendship, Fun, and Faith). I have lived in my own personal hell before - I have ‘had it all’ and then lost EVERYTHING the following year. I have rebuilt my life SO many times (too many damn times), and I’ve learned one ultimate truth that I MUST share with everyone who is (and will be) alive to read these words...

..There IS A GOD. THERE IS A LIGHT. It may not be visible because we cannot see what lies beyond the veil of existence, but I assure you - Everyone is Alive for a REASON (and Individual Purpose). Women may have the divine gift of giving Life (RESPECT!), but we ALL have the gift of giving LIGHT (each in our own unique way). We all have a way to help heal and put something good into the world, despite our shared pain & trauma, as a people. We all deserve to be happy and have a decent opportunity for a healthy & happy existence (ESPECIALLY with our modern-day world; unless if folks start committing crimes and harming others and whatnot). I believe we are all at our best when we cooperate & coexist with one another (despite our individual differences). The Light does not need to shine out The Darkness just as The Darkness shall never overthrow The Light. We can live in a spiritual Harmony. We do not have to walk the same path. We do not have to share the same spiritual beliefs. I just think we CAN share this world (as I believe we are truly alive in what is known as the Garden of Eden).

We do not have to destroy ourselves to prosper. We can live among one another (with dignity & respect & honor). I’m not always happy to see that people willingly practice certain principles & “values”, but who am I to judge? That’s why God is here... It’s a tough lesson to accept, but it’s true. I should not judge someone just because they worship darkness - because at the end of the day that’s between them and their purpose in life - not mine. I have walked the line, but I never learned from others shouting in my face - I learned from listening & civility & patience & yes - Faith. That’s the purpose of the light - not to drown out the dark, but to work together (as Santa Clause & Krampus do), as a balance of necessary elements that will always be present in our own reality. We, as a contemporary society, have lost touch with the natural way of the world (well, a good amount of folks anyhow). We, as a humanity, have become so vain that we do not even know which way is Up & Down anymore - which way is truly Left & Right. We, as the soul of humanity, have suffered in the darkness for far too long (due to those who wish to control our individual light). We, as a country, MUST help one another climb out of our collective pit of despair - our sociological prison (cultivated through the last aeon), our ‘darkness.’ It has happened before and it can happen again - and to all of my fellow beings of whom shall always carry within us, The Light of Goodness, the love of God, and the wisdom of The Light - I say to thee: RISE.

I give Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy a PERFECT 10 out of 10! The most inspiring superhero franchise of all time (in my opinion). Bruce Wayne & Gotham City show us that Chivalry is NOT dead in The United States of America (despite our challenges). Christopher Nolan’s Cinematic Achievement is victorious in it’s final conclusion: Gotham City IS worth Saving, as our very own Humanity - and Yes - We can all have a better way of life without having to sacrifice our own lives in the process. We can rise to fulfill our individual & collective destiny (as decent human beings) and have, not the life we need, but the one we DESERVE.

*This is dedicated in loving memory to everyone who has lived & died in service of The Light..✝️

“I see a beautiful city... and a brilliant people, rising from this abyss... I see the lives, for which I lay down my life: peaceful, useful, prosperous, and happy... I see that I hold a sanctuary in their hearts, and in the hearts of their descendents (generations hence)... It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to, than I have ever known...”

[dobrikburrito]

loved ones, d.d. & v.s.

words: 2.2k

requested by anonymous

Hi!! I love your writing sm you're amazing!!! Can I get a David fic where she's so nice and and always does stuff for all of them like the dishes when she doesn't have to or buys them presents so they all work together to do something nice for her

disclaimer: wholesome fluff.

⠀ 

One year ago

“Alright, Zane, I think that’s enough alcohol for tonight, baby.” You supported Zane having his arm around your shoulders. “Here, have this.”

Zane made a disgusted face. “What is that?”

“It’s just water, come on, take a sip.” You told him, but immediately rejected it.

Rolling your eyes, you took the cup away and then brought him the same cup again. “Ok fine, have it your way, here’s some vodka.”

And he happily drank all the liquid, which made you laugh and facepalm. “How is it?”

“That’s some tasty drink right there,” He nodded, approving the “vodka”.

“Aw, I’m glad you liked it.” You smiled, taking a paper towel and drying his sweaty forehead. His eyes were barely open and his body was trying to dance to the music, but ended up just moving oddly. “Hey, I have a fun idea. How about we eat some of these chips? I’m feeling reeeeeeally hungry.”

You brought a small packet of regular chips and gave him some to eat, which he obeyed like the good toddler he was.

After taking care of Zane for a couple of hours, he was sobering up and wasn’t going to pass out or have a ridiculous major hangover the next day.

“Thank you for helping me with him, (Y/N).” Heath softly smiled in appreciation.

“No problem, babe. Let me know how he wakes up tomorrow. I already gave him one Advil,” You informed your friend. Heath nodded and walked Zane to the car.

10 months ago

“Psst, hey. Dave, wake up.” You poked David while he was napping rolled into his comforter on the living room couch. He whined, you rolled your eyes. “Come on, you need to take your medicine.”

David mumbled something incomprehensible, but stood up a bit and took the pill and the bottle of water from you, barely opening his eyes. After swallowing it, he nodded in appreciation. “Thank you (Y/N),” Only to fall down on the couch again, sleeping.

Just recovering from a bad case of the flu, you spent part of your days at David’s making sure he was properly taking care of himself, which he usually wasn’t, hence the sickness. You cooked him some soup while he napped and cleaned the dishes for him. Jason came along an hour later to check up on him as well.

“Hey (Y/N), how’s David doing?” Jason approached you on the glass table by the kitchen and hugged you. “Uh, that smells good.”

“He’s been sleeping a lot, but I made sure he took his medicine and is properly eating actual food and not just Chipotle.” You hugged Jason back, stopping your own video editing for a while. “And I just made some soup, you’re more than welcome to join us.”

“David’s really lucky to have a friend like you around. Sometimes he’s just so reckless I want to punch him.” Jason looked at the blob that was David on the couch. “Actually, we’re all very lucky to have you around, you’re always taking care of us.”

“You’re cute, but I’m just being a friend, that’s all. We work so much that we forget that health is actually a real thing.” I laughed, shrugging.

“I’ll go wake him up to eat your soup then.” Jason kissed your head and you got up to pick up some plates.

8 months ago

Todd had his head resting on your lap, eyes closed, feeling your fingers running through his black strands of hair. Somehow he showed up at your door at 2:45 am, completely wasted, after drinking his feelings away because of another fight with Corinna. You were caught in the middle of this tornado since the moment they started to date, always listening to both sides, trying to reason with them and advising in what they should do.

You looked to the orange and pink sky through your living room window, it was probably around 6 am now. You’ve spent all these hours listening to a drunk Todd cry about how sad he was but couldn’t ever properly express his feelings to Corinna.

This time you chose to just listen and wear off the alcohol in his system, giving him water and all the protocol for him not to wake up a bigger mess. Your eyes shut for one second, giving that you were exhausted yourself.

Todd woke up after a couple of minutes and saw you there, taking care of him for the hundredth time again, only to sigh and get up to cook you breakfast.

6 months ago

You had scheduled to meet Kristen for a Saturday brunch, missing your time together. When you arrived, she was already there, Scotty sitting by her side. Instead of being mad, you just smiled watching them together from a far and seeing how much love they had. You reached them, hugged them tight and sat down, spending the next couple of hours talking about everything in your lives.

“Oh, shit, I almost forgot,” You shook your head, quickly slapping yourself in the forehead. “Here, I bought you this!” You smiled.

It was this lovely and big Buddha crystal figure with a lotus flower on the inside. It was written Kristen all over it. The look on her face was priceless and you clapped, excited.

“(Y/N), oh my God. This is amazing! I can’t take this, this looks super expensive.” Stunned by the figure, she didn’t even look at you, just kept admiring it.

“Oh please, yes you’re taking it. I saw this while I was looking for a new clock for my apartment and it was you all over it. I couldn’t not take it!” You smiled, sweetly. “And my channel is doing good, don’t worry about it!”

“What’s the occasion?” Scotty asked with a smile on his face, also appreciating how happy Kristen was.

“Can’t a girl give her best friend a random gift out of the blue just to see her cry?” You shrugged, being a little over dramatic for the joke.

“Oh my Gaaaaaaaah.” Kristen did a fake-cry and whine just to make you laugh.

4 months ago

“Jesus fucking Christ, what is the matter with you people?” You said, breathless. “Why do people do this to themselves willingly.”

Todd and Jeff stopped to laugh at you, a few feet down the hike from them. “Come on now, it’s not that bad.” Jeff joked, waving for you to reach them.

It was the beginning of the year and as much as Todd and Jeff were friends, they were still getting to know each other. You knew both of them, knowing that Todd and Jeff had just been through terrible break ups and could use each other’s help. So you managed to sneakily schedule the first hike they ever did together, using your bad habits as an excuse.

“Don’t look at me like that (Y/N), I’m not gonna carry you again.” Todd shook his head when I gave him my puppy eyes.

“God dammit,” You rolled your eyes and did a little power run to reach them. “Just go easy on me, why don’t ya?”

We kept walking together and a couple of miles in, Todd asked Jeff “So… How have you been since you broke up with Cierra?”

“Basically shit, man.” Jeff answered and they continued to talk about every aspect of their lives.

You smiled to yourself, mentally giving you a high five for your bromance cupid skills.

2 months ago

“Ooh, who’s that guy?” You scrolled through Corinna’s Instagram DMs while she was putting on make up before you both went out. I show her the profile picture for Tfue.

“Oh, it’s this streamer guy that I told you about, he’s nice.” Corinna took one look at it and went back to her make up.

Clearly, I clicked to go to his profile and started going through his pictures and videos. “Oh, he’s cute too. He’s very much your type.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” She chuckled while putting mascara on.

“You know exactly what I mean, don’t play dumb.” I laughed. “And he’s asking you out for next weekend! Why don’t you go out with him?”

“I don’t know (Y/N). I told you I needed to take some time after the whole Todd situation,” Corinna made some excuse.

“You did tell me that and you did take time, Cor. It’s been a few months now,” You knew how lonely she felt and you wanted for her to get back out there. “You’re not instantly going to get married to this guy or whatever other guy you go out with. But I think it’d be fun for you to see some new people, change weathers. Don’t think I haven’t noticed your anxiety rising lately. I know how you tic and you need to be social and have fun to destress.”

Corinna sighed and looked at me. “I hate how you know me so well,”

You shrugged. “I’m very proud of it, to be quite honest.” I made a proud face that made her smile. “C’mon, you have nothing to lose here.”

She gave you a quick smile which was enough for you to accept as a yes. “I’d love to hang out! When are you free? And send.”

“(Y/N)! Did you just message him?” Corinna was half shocked half amused.

“What? No.” You looked like a toddler who was just caught doing something bad.

“Oh my God, give me this.” Taking the phone out of your hand, she looked for his DM. “You’re the worst!”

“I think the words you’re looking for is absolutely unbelievably amazing.” You smiled. “Besides, I have a feeling you’ll be thanking me in the future, so… I do accept thank yous as louboutin shoes by the way.”

You walked out of her bathroom, leaving her chuckling.

Today

“Alright guys, here’s the deal. I just texted (Y/N) and she’s coming to my house.” David was sitting down by the living room with a bunch of the VS behind him. “She’s always taking care of everybody, so we decided to surprise her tonight.”

“Today is her half birthday. We decided to do this today so she wouldn’t suspect anything.” Corinna explained to the camera.

“When she arrived, I’m gonna blindfold her and walk her in,” David informed the viewers. “Then she’s gonna see all of this.”

Taking the camera, David got up from the ground and showed around his house, which was filled with all of the people who loved you and cared for you. The house was completely decorated with Cabaret, with performers and playful activities, which you absolutely adored.

“She’s gonna flip the fuck out,” Jason said to David’s camera. David laughed.

“50 bucks she starts crying,” David wagered.

“I’m on it!” Jeff shook David’s hands.

Once they saw your car parking in front of David’s house, he made his way out of the door, while Jason filmed everything from a hiding spot.

“Hey, thanks for coming!” David smiled at you and hugged you.

“Yeah, no problem. What’s up?” You didn’t even realize anything. Your hair was in a messy bun and you were wearing a clickbait hoodie and sweatpants. Every time one of your friends asked for you to come because they needed help, you never hesitated. “Are you ok?”

“Yeah, yeah I’m fine.” David laughed, then showing you a black piece of cloth. “I’m really sorry but I have to blindfold you.”

“What?! David, no!” You whined and looked around, looking for the camera. “You don’t even have a camera, what? No! No wild animals! I still have nightmares because of the roaches and the scorpions.”

David laughed. “It’s none of that I promise, don’t you trust me?”

“No.” You blatantly said and the both of you laughed. “Fine, but if it’s something gross I’m going to kick you in the balls.”

“That’s oddly specific. Okay. Come on.” David said as you turned around and he blindfolded you.

Carefully, he helped you get inside the house, positioning you in the middle of the room. All cameras and phones were on you. “Okay, on 3 you can take the blindfold off. 1… 2… 3… go!”

The second that you took it off, everybody yelled “Happy Birthday!!” and popped a bunch of confetti sticks, shooting you with silly string, sour cream and bottled cheese.

“What the fuck?!?! It’s not even my birthday, David!!” You screamed, your eyes closed because there was so much silly string on your face. Everybody just laughed out loud and Corinna came to your rescue with baby wipes to help you regain your sight.

You looked around, seeing everybody and looking at the decoration. “You guys did this all for me? It really isn’t my birthday though, so I feel bad.” You were getting emotional.

“But it is your half birthday!” Natalie popped another confetti.

You did an “O” face. “Of course, I should’ve seen this coming.” You threw one hand up in the air, defeated. “I hate all of you,” You cleaned the tears from your eyes.

“God dammit,” Jeff paid David 50 bucks.

The party went on, you cleaned yourself and said hi to all of your friends, hugging everybody, taking pictures, having drinks and enjoying the night as the center of attention.

[feelthepainofdodick]

A Non-Platonic Way (Heath Hussar Imagine)

Request! Hi could you possibly write a story about Heath and the reader (if you don’t write for heath I also really like Jeff lol) being friends since Florida and they go back to recreate the first time they met like heath and Zane did and they admit their feelings for each other

Notes: Hi. Don’t know if you remember me but I used to write for the vlog squad? Lol jkjkjk. But I get the inspo to finish this piece and post it. Hope yall like it. I’m sorry I haven’t posted much. I love you anyways for the support yall give anyways. It truly warms my heart. Enjoy this one! Also! This is my first Heath imagine so let me know what you think! Much love, Julie

Word Count: 1280

Heath was sitting on the couch of your apartment on his computer trying to figure out ideas for videos. He grunted loudly, pushed his computer to the side, and looked over to you. “(Y/N), I am completely out of video ideas. Any help?” Raising his eyebrows in a hopeful gaze.

You looked up from your phone. “Actually..” You moved in your seat to a more comfortable position to talk to him. He straightened himself to give you his full attention. “Okay so… You know how we’re going back to Florida this weekend for my family reunion and your mom’s birthday… What if we recreate the first time we met for a video? You’re fans love our friendship and we always talk about us knowing each other from Florida. So, why don’t we show them how we met?”

Heath smiled lightly reminiscing at how you both met. “Bubba, I love that idea!”

~~

A few days later…

~~

You both look into the camera as Heath begins his intro. “Hey guys! (Y/N/N) and I are back in Florida for the weekend, our hometown, and we thought we would recreate how we met for yall since everyone has been wondering.” You started jumping around next to Heath. “Guys! I’m super excited! As much as I love LA, I also love Florida. Meeting Heath was legit the best thing to happen to me. Not to get all soft here guys but he is my best friend after all. Without this guy right here…” You patted his shoulder looking from the camera to him. “I don’t know where I’d be.”

“Aweee... (Y/N) loves me guys. Okay. Enough with the love. Let’s show the people what they want to see bubba.”

You ran around Florida to the hotspots of where you met, where you hung out properly for the first time, where you met other friends, locations of parties you both attended. All for the camera. As the day continued, you couldn’t help but wonder how you both were destined to be best friends. But, as the day went on it became less platonic. 

As the day came to an end, you both ended up at a park you went to often. Heath explaining to the camera that this is the park where you both came to often to talk. He remembered a time where he went through a rough patch with a good friend of his and needed to talk about it. You were his shoulder to lean on. He explained to the viewers that he knew you would be in his life forever after that. 

When you walked through the park listening to Heath talk to the camera, all you could remember was the kiss you both shared years ago that you both never really discussed. It was near the beginning of your friendship and you both shrugged it off when it happened because your relationship wasn’t meant to be that way. And you were okay with that. He was your best friend. But now. Walking through the park. Reminiscing on old memories. All you could think about was that kiss and how badly you wanted to do it again. You casually guided Heath and yourself towards the specific spot while he talked to the camera. You didn’t know if you were doing it purposely or subconsciously but your feet were leading you there.

You got to the spot and looked over to Heath to see if he remembered. He continued talking to the camera as if nothing happened. Which, technically, nothing did. You were just being emotionally reminiscent. You sat on the bench with Heath overlooking the lake as he filmed an outro. He turned the camera off, sighed loudly, and stared out into the lake in silence. You did the same.

After a few minutes, you said, “Today was a good day bubba.” You smiled and glanced at him.

He looked like he was contemplating something in his head. “Wasn’t it?” You asked, now slightly concerned. You reached over to put your hand on his shoulder reassuringly. He immediately leaned into your touched. You could feel him leave whatever contemplative state he was in.

He looked over to you. “Do you ever think about it often? How the beginning of our friendship was?” You answered, “sometimes.”

“I used to have this huge crush on you when we first started hanging out. I even made my first move, right here, to kiss you. I don’t know if you remember…” You interrupted, “I remember.”

He looked down to the ground. “What ever happened? After that kiss, I thought there could have been something more. Then you never talked about it, so I thought that was just a big no from you. So I dropped it... Then we just became best friends. And obviously bubba…” He looked back over to me. “I love you as a friend. Forever and always. You are the best friend anyone could ever ask for. But, we’re here in the spot and I’m curious to what happened.”

You stared at each other as he awaited a response. You sighed. “Nothing happened. You are an amazing guy Heath and I would have been so lucky to date you. You kind of just kissed me and I didn’t know what to do. You didn’t talk about it after the fact, so I thought that meant you didn’t mean it. So, I didn’t talk about it. Then we became the best of friends anyone could ever want or need…” You paused. Looking to the ground to gain the courage to ask the next question. “Do you still have a crush on me?” You looked up to see him also looking at the ground now.

He stayed silent for a few moments. He got up in a rush. Pushed himself off the bench to start pacing in front of you. He started to ramble. “I don’t know bubba! What kind of question is that?! Well, I guess its normal since I did just confess my crush for you in the beginning of our friendship. When you didn’t talk about it after the fact I was kind of heartbroken. But I didn’t want to lose your friendship so I pined silently over you while developing this love for you in a different way. Or maybe the same way? Maybe I fell in love with you. Now you are telling me it could be my fault because you thought I regretted that! I feel like at some point I had to get over it. That I had to stop pining over you. So I tried. I really did. To get over you. And to some extent, I like to think I did. But sometimes there were moments where I was back here completely infatuated with you. When the light would kit you the right way in our car rides. When you would edit with me and fall asleep. Your beautiful scrunched up face would just be cuddled up on the couch. When you would dance to music. I would just watch you and be brought back to my love for you in a non-platonic way…” He sighed and stopped pacing. He sat back on the bench and turned his body towards yours. “(Y/N)... I think I am in love with you. And I honestly don’t know what to do about it or if you even feel the same…”

You couldn’t hold out any longer. You interrupted his continued rambling with a kiss. You pulled back, laid your forehead on his, looking into his eyes. “Bubba... I love you too. Let’s try this non-platonic way out. Yes?” He smiled. “Yes please.”

[introvertguide]

Network (1976); AFI #64

The current movie under review is one long procession of relatable diatribes, the newsroom drama Network (1976). This was an acting driven film and the award circuit is evidence of that. The movie had 6 actors in the 4 Academy Awards acting categories and took home awards for 3 of them. The winner of the Best Supporting Actress and the nominee for Best Supporting Actor were only on film 5 minutes and 6 minutes respectively. Every single role was just dripping with dramatic tension. An especially notable performance was from Peter Finch for which he won Best Actor from the Academy, at the BAFTAs, and at the Golden Globes. Unfortunately, he did not get to enjoy the adulation since he died very early in 1977 of a heart attack before any awards came out. Another note for the movie was a top 10 ranking of cinematic screenplays of all time by the Writer’s Guild of America. Awards for Best Screenplay went to Paddy Chayefsky from the Academy and the Golden Globes are proof of the honor. There are many interesting things about this film beyond the acting and writing, but I want to go ahead and spoil the story a little before I go further so here is the warning...

SPOILER ALERT!!! THIS IS ONE OF THE ALL TIME GREATEST CINEMATIC SCRIPTS AND IT HAS TWISTS TO SPOIL! WATCH THE FILM BEFORE YOU READ ANY FURTHER! DON’T RUIN THE EXPERIENCE FOR YOURSELF!

The film starts with the narrator whose voice comes in throughout the movie and sounds like a gameshow emcee. It is explained that Howard Beale (Peter Finch) is a news anchor who has recently become a widower and will soon be fired from his job due to poor ratings. He goes out and gets drunk with his division president Max Schumacher (William Holden) and mentions killing himself on the air, but they are both drunk and Max thinks this is a joke. The following night, Beale announces on live television that he is tired of all the “bulls**t” and will commit suicide on air in a week. The news anchor is obviously fired immediately, but Schumacher convinces the network to allow Beale to go on the air one last time and apologize for the outburst. Beale once again goes into an angry diatribe and this causes a rating spike. The head of programming for the Network is Diana Christensen (Faye Dunaway), and she tries to convince Max to keep Beale on the air despite his obvious mental instability. Max refuses because Howard Beale is his old friend and there is concern for Howard’s health. Diana switches approaches and begins to have an affair with the much older married man.

Christensen talks about the network being the laughing stock of all the channels and she is seeking just one hit show to get back on top. She cuts a deal with a band of terrorists called the Ecumenical Liberation Army for a new docudrama series called The Mao Tse-Tung Hour for the upcoming fall season. Max decides to end these diatribes with Howard because it is seriously affecting his health, but Christensen convinces her boss, Frank Hackett (Robert Duvall), to slot the evening news show under the entertainment programming division so she can develop it. Hackett agrees, and convinces the network executives to fire Schumacher. Hackett fires Schumacher in one of many confrontational diatribes delivered throughout the film. Not to be outdone, Beale shows up to work in his pajamas and, in his own on-air diatribe, convinces the nation to shout out of their windows "I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!" Beale is a ratings hit and he is soon hosting a new program called The Howard Beale Show, top-billed as "the mad prophet of the airwaves". Ultimately, the show becomes the most highly-rated program on television, and Beale finds new celebrity preaching his angry message in front of a live studio audience that, on cue, chants Beale's signature catchphrase. At first, Max and Diana's romance withers as the show flourishes, but in the flush of high ratings, the two ultimately find their way back together and Schumacher leaves his wife of over 25 years for Christensen. The wife is played by Beatrice Straight, and she won a Best Supporting Actress award for her miniscule 5 minutes of screen time. She really lays into Max for disrespecting her for some young infatuation and it hurts. Fantastic performance. 

The movie actually gets very funny for a short period of time as Max and Diana go on a date that ends physically and the entire time she will not shut up about ratings. Even during sex, she just keeps spouting out numbers because apparently it turns her on. Also, she now has to go into contract negotiations with the Liberation Army, and watching an almost completely silent arms dealer talk about contract language while shooting in the air to stop arguments is great. It is the hardest I have laughed in a long time. 

Much to the displeasure of the network, Beale discovers that Communications Corporation of America (CCA), the conglomerate that owns the network, will be bought out by an even larger Saudi Arabian conglomerate. He launches an on-screen tirade against the deal and urges viewers to pressure the White House to stop it. This panics the top network brass because the network debt load has made the merger essential for its survival. Hackett takes Beale to meet with CCA chairman Arthur Jensen (Ned Beatty), who explains the world beyond countries and people and how it is ruled by corporations. Christensen's fanatical devotion to her job and emotional emptiness ultimately drive away Schumacher, who warns his former lover that she will self-destruct at the pace she is running with her career. "You are television incarnate, Diana," he tells her, "indifferent to suffering, insensitive to joy. All of life is reduced to the common rubble of banality." Jensen seems to have successfully persuade Beale to abandon his populist message and preach a new corporation message. This new approach is not popular with audiences as they find his new sermons on the dehumanization of society depressing, yet Jensen will not allow the network to fire Beale. Seeing its two-for-the-price-of-one value—solving the Beale problem plus sparking a boost in season-opener ratings—Christensen, Hackett, and the other executives decide to hire the ELA to assassinate Beale on the air. The assassination succeeds, putting an end to The Howard Beale Show and kicking off a second season of The Mao Tse-Tung Hour. The film ends with an overhead of a bleeding Howard Beale as commercials play and the voice over narration ends "the story of Howard Beale, the first known instance of a man who was killed because he had lousy ratings." 

Network was written as a “what if” by Paddy Chayefsky after hearing about a Floridian news anchor who shot herself on air. Her name was Christine Chubbuck and she had long term issues with depression. She was continually suffering and had attempted suicide before, but she wanted to make a statement. Follow up investigation showed that she was suffering from clinical depression, and this was exacerbated by the constant stress that came from working in a newsroom. Research into the “story behind the story” showed that the obsession with ratings and appearance and in-office politics makes for quite the pressure cooker. Chayefsky wanted to write this story and how damaging it could be to a person’s psyche. People like Beale are chewed up and spit out by the system while people like Christensen can become successful by being cut-throat obsessive with everything about the business. It is a story of all the different kinds of people who peddle BS for a living and, no matter how good their intentions, everybody touched by the business comes out smelling like crap.

Peter Finch was the first of only two actors to win the Oscar for Best Actor posthumously (Heath Ledger being the other) and it was rather ironic since his character dies at the end of the movie. Sadly, or maybe not, this was Finch’s biggest success in a long time and he really identified with the character of Beale. He had a prolific career that was starting to wind down when he had a sudden spike of popularity from this film. He died of a heart attack in a Beverly Hills hotel right after an interview with Johnny Carson. I guess it is nice that he got to go out on top. RIP Mr. Finch. 

When I think back on the 100 movies on the AFI list, this one stands out as having the most dramatic speeches, even more than Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf or Citizen Cane. Every single character with more than five minutes of screen time seems to have a dramatic speech (if not many) in this film. Normally, this would not be something that I liked, but I see that all of these people are getting out their emotional garbage. These characters do not seem to be yelling to hurt others, but to try and release the hurt they have in an attempt to heal. Being loud to steal attention bothers me, but being loud because you genuinely need help and have painful energy that needs release does not. 

So does this film deserve to be on the AFI? Yes and it should probably be higher. It is one of the best stories put to film of all time and it was acted beautifully. It would have won many more awards but it came out the same year as Taxi Driver, All the President’s Men, and Rocky. Amongst all of those films, it still took home most of the acting awards and Best Original Screenplay. It is the story of an individual who gets fed up with all the bureaucracy and that feeling still permeates through society today. Fantastic movie. And would I recommend it? Yes. I insist upon it. I was originally worried about how mental illness is portrayed as entertainment, but I love how one of the characters advocates for his friend throughout and that trying to take advantage of a fed up man who has become delusional goes nowhere but wrong. This to me is a two hour tutorial of how a dramatic speech should be given. I have only taken a couple of film classes, but I am sad that I didn’t see this film until my early 30s and happily put forth a recommendation for this movie.