#the great glee rewatch

[spaceorphan18]

Glee Musical Retrospective: 4 Minutes (The Power of Madonna)

Sung by: Kurt Hummel and Mercedes Jones Original Artist(s): Madonna feat. Justin Timberlake and Timbaland

Baby penguin my ass.

I sometimes go back and read 'of the day' reviews, and one of them stated that this episode featured too much music. And I got to thinking, while I clearly don't agree, this is the one that would probably end up on the chopping block. I'm very glad it didn't though, because I think it has more to say than you may think.

And it's only one of two duets we get between Kurt and Mercedes.

Story Anaylsis

It's really nice to be talking about Kurt again... when is the last time???

So, here's the fascinating thing about this one. Kurt and Mercedes both often feel like they're playing second fiddle - especially to Rachel Berry. And here they get to showcase their amazing talents together. But the thing is - they got this huge performance as a thank you from Sue for making her over in Vogue. (Also - Sue is doing this as an FU to Will, but Sue is savvy enough to know talent when she sees it - and Kurt will remain one of her favorites for the rest of the series.)

The song itself is a little random story wise -- and most likely chosen because it was a highly energetic, more modern hit. It's a song about going out and saving the world in 4 minutes? Honestly - the lyrics are supposed to be about saving the planet, and having the urgency to do so. But I can finagle a few things...

I think one of the things both Kurt and Mercedes are doing here are latching onto the urgency in their own lives. Sue's giving them a chance to shine and they're both going to take it. Neither of them is willing to wait around for Will to give them a chance. So, they'll make their own chances. Which speaks to both their characters, really.

But if I die tonight At least I can say I did what I wanted to do Tell me, how bout you?

I think the lyrics are mostly not the point in this one. But I like this little stanza. It speaks to the two of them briming with their own confidence and jumping at the chance to show, at least the school, what they can do.

I'm going to quote myself from my Kurt meta:

One of the things I really love is how confident both Kurt and Mercedes are in this dance number–with the whole school watching.  Before, both of them were looked down upon, and thrown in dumpsters, and slushied, but now that they’re with the Cheerios and singing Madonna, they really latch on to a growing self-confidence.  Sure, they aren’t there yet, and they have many more obstacles to go over, but just the fact that they’re up there performing, uncaring really what anyone else thinks, is a step in the right direction.

I will say - one of the things that I've often had a hard time buying on this show is that people continually think that these kids are losers. I'd have been so amazed if I saw a performance like this in high school. There's no reason any of these kids get the hate they get except for the fact that the plot needs them to be.

Technical Thoughts

First of all - I love that they arranged this as a marching band song. Not only is it a great interpretation to the heavy sound of the original song, but it's nice to see a marching band used well on screen.

Secondly, they sound pretty good! I love Kurt in his lower register. And Mercedes just owns this song. It's not surprising that they had them switch parts because Amber is much more comfortable with kind of song than Chris and it does show a little bit in the vocal track.

The on screen charisma, though, they both have it. The fact that both Mercedes and Kurt feel so comfortable in their bodies is fantastic. Neither of them are what mainstream society would label as sexy or hot but I love, love, love that this speaks to that -- that these two are both sexy and hot in this number as they play off each other. The choreography on this is the best, and I love that they allow these characters to be in control and confident in their bodies.

Also - sometimes I don't think Chris gets enough credit. Yes, he can be clumsy and fall of a piano (oh we will get there) but sometimes he just owns his physicality in a way that is never commented on is just remarkable.

This performance also has some great reaction shots. I love that Will looks annoyed and almost disappointed. Rachel's 'no comment' was perfect. And I love that Quinn genuinely seems to be enjoying herself. (I love when Quinn gets to be a human.)

Also - super technical thing - but notice all the quick cuts and camera whips? I'm sure that was done purposely to enhance the urgency the song is trying to create.

Fun fact: Apparently, this is the last time Kurt does a duet with anyone else besides Blaine and Rachel until Adam Lambert shows up. Crazy right? Shame that the show doesn't try out varying combinations more often.

vs. The Studio Version: It's the full song! Or more so it feels like they just repeat the chorus a few more times. I do like the second half, though, because they both get into the song just a bit more and it feels even more powerful than the show version.

vs. The Original Song: I love that this song is actually 4 minutes long. It is slightly slower than Glee's version - which makes sense, because that's Glee's trend - to make everything just a little bit faster (I assume to fit into time limit of being on a tv show). As I said earlier, I think Glee's marching band interpretation is really cool - because it's a great in world adaptation of the instrumentation the original song uses. That all said, what is going on in this video? I don't get how this reflects saving the world. *shrugs*

[carmypen]

Be strong Gotou-Chan.

Be strong for all of us.

[barking-barkive]

im finally watch that one video essay on glee and its such an experience. theres a lot happening here.

[iwadori]

Sounds like you still had fun, though. The beach is nice!!! Happy writing. Hope you can sleep in. - genius anon

yes like the weather in England today was for once NOT RAINING CATS AND DOGS so it was actually super sunny. nearly died in the car journey tho since my dad drives like a MADMAN. but other than that I had a slay of a day.

[hispersions]

damn both glee and shadowhunters have episode-by-episode retrospective podcasts hosted by the former stars going on right now what a time to be alive

[apathyfairy]

the oc seasons 1 & 2 are just absolutely peak tv like it has everything you could ever want from an early 2000s show. it’s funny, there’s drama, the plot is great, the characters are dynamic, peter gallagher is there, “welcome to the oc bitch”. it’s just perfect. and then seasons 3 & 4.......well.........................

[where-does-the-heart-lie]

East Blue Crew modern au!

Ive been working on this on and off for a while now.

There’s a lot here so [rings dinner bell] come get y’all’s meal

ASL Modern Au Post

Grand Line Crew Modern Au

Friends We Made Along The way post

Friends We Made Along The Way Part 2 post

Additional Headcanons:

Nami needs her own episode on extreme couponers. Sis has an entire binder dedicated to it.

Zoro cannot for the life of him beat Luffy in an arm wrestling match. No matter how much he lifts or trains, he always loses.

Zoro is actually pretty good at grilling. Sanji was pleasantly surprised when the burger that was presented to him wasnt a pile of ash/ so raw its still walking around. One day the two will have a grill off.

Usopp and Luffy love playing yugioh with eachother. Neither of them actually know the rules of the game, they just make it up as they go.

Nami used to collect american girl dolls and she keeps them in a closet in her apartment. One day when usopp luffy and chopper were snooping around, they found the accursed closet and were scared shitless.

Usopp has an ant farm and luffy thinks its the coolest shit.

In this modern au, sanji takes the place of that one guy on tiktok who makes duets with cooking videos, and films until they put the entire block of cream cheese in the crock pot.

Sanji is also this guy

Even though nami has scary dog privilege when walking with zoro, its not just beneficial to her. In fact nami has outlawed zoro from going on walks in general alone, as he would get lost and need nami to walk to him to direct him home. Nami has scary dog privilege and zoro has sense of direction privilege when they walk together

Sanji and Nami rewatch Pretty Little Liars/ Gossip Girl/ Glee/ and other CW drama shows together.

Nami and Usopp always be shit talking someone/something. They are hateful bitches.

How luffy meets each of them:

Zoro- they met each other because the 24 hr gym Zoro works in is right down the street from Luffy’s apartment and one day Luffy was walking by at around 3 am and noticed Zoro in there. Luffy asks him if he wants to join him fucking around at 3 am on the streets of this city area they live in and Zoro accepts after a little convincing from Luffy. When they get outside Zoro’s like

“where’s the rest?”

“Of what?”

“Of your friends”

“Its just you rn”

“… :| i mean, i had assumed you werent alone”

“Nope!”

“HA OkAy”

Nami- they took the same economics course together. They were paired up in a project and hit it off after that and often had study sessions together. Their defining friendship maker though, was they teamed up to steal the answer key to the test they were both definitely going to fail because the class was bullshit.

Usopp- they had taken a graphic design course together. Luffy had no idea what he was doing the entire time and Usopp was very happy that he could impart his wisdom uponst this newcomer to the arts. Although luffy did already have some… incredible(?) art skills of his own already. It was instant chemistry for them honestly, their synergy just clicked and before they knew it, they were besties.

Sanji- works in the restaurant thats underneath the ASL brothers’ apartment complex. Their fist encounter with the restaurant was not of them going in to eat there, though. The trio were throwing around the ol’ pig skin in the street in front of their complex when luffy failed to catch the ball, and accidentally ricocheted it into the front window of the Baratie, through the eating area, over the counter, and into Mr. Zeff’s face. Zeff stormed out of the eatery and asked which of them destroyed his glass and hit him in the head

And luffy looks over and notices his brothers selling him out and is like “HEY!!! D:” So luffy was stationed as the place’s chore boy and met sanji while working there. 2 years later the debt was repayed, sanji and luffy are friends, and the Baratie is ASL’s fav eating place due to the great food, delightfully violent vibes, and great company.

thats all for now, hope you enjoyed!

[wistfulwatcher]

misty quigley is a lesbian; a comphet reading of her deprivation tank "realization"

in rewatching misty's deprivation tank therapy, i'm more convinced than ever that misty is a lesbian suffering from compulsory heterosexuality. the entire scene, from start to finish, is about misty accepting that walter has feelings for her (not the other way around), and learning to push through her discomfort with that fact.

the deprivation tank scene begins by establishing that misty is afraid. we see quick transitions and hear bubbling water and see a terrifying fish coming at the camera with sharp teeth. followed by a slightly softer stream of images of walter, interspersed with memories of crystal, and of caligula. misty is thinking about three key relationships in this moment: walter, who is actively pursuing her; crystal, whom she loved and hurt and misses; and caligula, who is the only creature that both loves her, and she loves back.

love is the concept that ties these three together: walter is who she could love, crystal is who she did love, and caligula is who she does love.

and so the memories fade into her fantasy sequence, led by caligula, and he begins to soothe her. this creature that represents real (platonic, obviously) love to her (in that it is true and reciprocated, more than she feels it is with any human) tells her "shake off your blues/i'll set the mood for ya". caligula is acknowledging her fear and her loss, and telling her that he can fix it. that he has an answer that will make all of her problems go away.

which is when walter appears, looking like the leading man in a classic musical; an idealized romantic interest, one her fantasy has turned from a real man into a fictional character. and what does he do? performs for her. misty (per the directions of the song, to just "sit right down") sits and watches. she does not interact with him, because she (and her attraction) is not a part of this. one element of comphet is the inability to picture yourself in a fantasy with a man; misty does not put herself with walter, she does not join him.

and while he and caligula perform, three items float around the screen: the plane axe, a syringe, and the black box (which fluctuates between intact and exposed). these three items are such a fascinating choice, because they, 1) all relate to the actions she took in her need to be useful and appreciated, but 2) also represent some of the ugliest things she has done (at a time when she has recently been thinking about what kind of person these things make her). she is thinking about these moments (her behavior with ben, murdering jessica, and stranding the team/breaking crystal's trust) that cause her great discomfort, at the same time she is trying to convince herself that walter is what she needs. she is comparing the discomfort she has with walter's interest and the validation she would feel from a relationship, to the way she's felt about all of these other bad things she's felt compelled to do.

while these items float, caligula sings, "now sit right down/let your troubles melt away/and you'll be sitting pretty in the moonlight gaze". continuing to tell her to push through the discomfort; just let it go. and if you do? "moonlight gaze" is such an interesting choice, because the moon is most strongly symbolic of women. if she lets go and has this relationship with walter, the other women will think she's normal. (especially after just a few hours prior to this, natalie had said, "we're all like this, aren't we?" this is her chance to prove nat wrong, for misty's own sake and/or for nat's!) this is not the first time misty has displayed behavior suggesting that it's important to her that natalie (and other people in general) see her as desirable as a romantic/sexual prospect: telling natalie about her dates on the road trip to travis, "i bet he thinks we're hookers!" said with glee in the jail, "i have a secret boyfriend, too," whispered to natalie in '96. if she decides to accept walter's interest (a man who is so into her that he is literally fine with her being a serial killer!), then maybe the other girls will see how worthy misty is of affection and attention.

once the dance number is over, misty immediately goes to speak with caligula; again, in her fantasy about loving walter, she doesn't interact with walter. instead she seeks caligula out, because he is the one she feels a real connection to; he is the one who knows her and can reassure her - the one whose reassurance will mean something. (walter, a man she barely knows, has been nothing but a concept to her in this fantasy, and that doesn't change.) misty's conversation with caligula is emotional; she is clearly bothered by the idea that other people see her as a murderer. but caligula doesn't give her an emotional response or solution; instead, he tells her she's a "closer". he points out that, even when things are rough (i.e., even though she doesn't like how walter makes her feel), she can persevere and accomplish her goals. it is this reminder that causes misty to transition the scene to to the final piece.

and oh boy, is that final scene a goldmine. because it begins with a close-up on misty's childhood phone. the phone that becky called her on back in 1992, to tell her that she was disgusting. that no man would want her, and that she would never find "a victim" to sleep with. that moment was foundational for misty's issues, for her desire to be wanted and needed in '96, and her deep need to receive validation from men in '21. this scene is so crucial to understanding misty's relationship to comphet, because one of the key facets is wanting a man to see you as desirable, because that is a woman's value in a misogynistic society. this hits misty so especially hard because she's not just lacking interest and validation from men in school; she hasn't been getting recognition from anyone. (for her to break the black box after just a few hours of receiving positive attention? she was starving for it.)

and so walter calls her on the phone - their backs to each other, literal and emotional distance between them - and starts to tell her that he loves her. but he doesn't say the words. instead he uses morse code to send "uoyevoli": "i love you", backwards. a fascinating choice, because it could be argued that the morse code is representative of their shared love of puzzles as crime solvers. but why backwards? surely the symbolism of the puzzle connection has been satisfied by the morse code.

it's because misty doesn't want to hear "i love you." she wants the implication of walter's desire, she wants to know she has value, but she doesn't want the actual feelings. she wants him to say i love you in a way she can't feel. she wants him to call her and turn his back so she can do the same. she wants to "get the ball over the goal line" and to do that she needs this level of distance.

so this scene with walter? it isn't about walter; it's about recreating that brutal memory. it's about rewriting her past. in her fantasy, walter calls her to prove that becky was wrong, that he is choosing misty because she is desirable. that he does want her. and this is so key because this whole scene is about how walter feels. that walter wants her. in misty's "realization" that she wants to be with walter, it isn't about her feelings at all. the purple flowing line of love comes from walter, the words "i love you" - twisted as they may be - come from walter. misty's only role in her fantasy is to "sit right down" and accept her role; surrender to the fact that walter is the right choice.

and when she does, when she finally, finally comes to the end of this moment, she still doesn't interact with walter. the natural progression of a love confession is physical contact. a kiss, or a relieved embrace. misty seeks neither! in this fantasy of hers where she can have anything, she makes no effort to acknowledge walter at all. instead, she turns to caligula, representative of her real connections. and she celebrates her victory with him. misty can close this deal, can get through this decision she's made, by clinging to the people she does actually care about.

[qpjianghu]

Do u have any thoughts on the writing of Shan Gudao? I think earlier on in the series I was pretty excited that maybe Li Xiangyi really did , through his own hubris and difference in the way of seeing the world drove a wedge between him and his brother. Even after he was revealed to be alive I kinda wished he became ‘evil’ through a complex set of emotions and circumstances. I’m not saying SGD is completely 2D I just wonder if we could have had a more of a ‘Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian drifting apart (ie; not pure inferiority complex)’ style tragic slant. Li Xiangyi truly #did nothing wrong, but I kinda wish he was a little #more wrong.

Anyway, I’m sure SGD is still thematically very coherent, but is there anything you’d change/ponder changing about his storyline with LXY, or just your thoughts about this topic.

This is a great callout @lei-llustrations!! The short answer is that I agree, and if I had one criticism of the writing in Mysterious Lotus Casebook it would be this. Jiang Cheng is an excellent example of a protagonist foil with more internal complexity, and Shan Gudao is definitely very one-note. I wonder if part of it is the performance -- Jiang Cheng always projects this sort of buttoned-up rage, whereas Shan Gudao's jealousy presents itself as sadistic glee, which is just not as relatable (and believable) an emotion.

But at the end of the day I still enjoy the character of Shan Gudao as exactly what you said, OP -- a thematically coherent foil even if he's not a realistically coherent person. Because of MLC's overarching exploration of meta-narratives, I think his character works as a performance of villainy -- and maybe it even works better because it's so over-the-top and slightly divorced from reality. In fact, it's interesting to see the shift in the character of Li Lianhua after Shan Gudao's treachery is revealed, and specfically after Shan Gudao outs him as Li Xiangyi in front of all of Tianji Hall in episode 33: Li Lianhua suddenly transforms into the badass hero everyone imagines Li Xiangyi to be. You can actually literally see the change in his eyes from world-weary to steely when it happens:

(Cheng Yi, you are a marvel)

Or, I should say: When he decides to make that shift. Shan Gudao's grandiose display against Tianji Hall, and his specific call to arms against Li Lianhua, necessitates a turning point for LLH: Now that he's been exposed, will he once again take up the mantle of the heroic Sect Leader Li Xiangyi?

In this moment, he does, but by this point in the show we know that it's just a performance. However, at the end of the day, Li Lianhua still has a kind heart, so he reluctantly puts on the mask of the hero Li Xiangyi in order to save the people of Tianji Hall. As Shan Gudao pontificates about the show's MacGuffin, Li Lianhua agrees to stage the hero/villain performance with him. It even looks like he's literally stepping out onto a stage when he separates himself from the crowd to confront Shan Gudao and his army:

The scene is badass and triumphant... but it's also, on rewatch, devastating and tragic -- because it marks the moment where Li Lianhua seemingly becomes fatalistically trapped by the narrative he's been so desperately trying to escape. (And that's why I love love LOVE @redemption-revenge's post about Li Lianhua finally escaping the narrative at the end! Importantly in a "bonus" episode, which is... not a "literal" part of the show itself. ;)) Since Shan Gudao is performing as a paragon of villainy, Li Lianhua / Li Xiangyi must rise to meet him. (Yin and yang, in a sense.) And that's why Li Lianhua becomes so fixated on vanquishing Shan Gudao for the remainder of the show, though it feels quite out of character for him -- it's so like a prototypical hero. Shan Gudao's performance of villainy necessitates Li Lianhua's equal and opposite performance of heroism.

Which is so interesting and juicy!!!! because of Li Lianhua's series-long internal struggle trying to escape the hero narrative so many characters try to fit him into. (As @redemption-revenge also talked about here -- clearly we're brainrotting on the same wavelength lol.) In a weird way, I feel like the overall lack of nuance in Shan Gudao's performance of villainy actually allows for even more shades of grey in Li Lianhua's character. Not only does he have to reckon with in-world conflicts and consequences, but he's sort of engaging with the meta-narrative as well: can he escape the narrative that the other characters around him and also the show itself is trying to thrust upon him?

As a potentially controversial aside, this is why I actually loved the Nanyin royal blood reveal. It's so dumb and cheesy and predictable and part of the traditional hero narrative (maybe I'm looking at this through a very American "rags-to-riches" narrative lens, but bear with me here) -- but that's the point, according to the meta-narrative. Our reaction as viewers is also Li Lianhua's reaction. For Li Lianhua, this is the exact opposite of a gratifying, triumphant, and redemptive moment. I haven't gotten up to this in my rewatch yet, so I don't have have specific visuals in mind, but I do remember even from my first viewing the look of utter devastation and resignation of Li Lianhua's face in this scene. It marks the final nail in the coffin of Li Lianhua trying to escape the narrative. Like in epsiode 33 when his identity is finally revealed, Li Lianhua once again resigns himself to following the script of the traditional narrative, which is how/why he ends up heroically sacrificing himself for Fang Duobing and his family.

But anyway, back to Shan Gudao as an effective foil: In addition to serving a purpose for the meta-narrative, I also think Shan Gudao's one-dimensionality also works well with Li Lianhua's internal conflict regarding his feelings of guilt and self-blame. You're right, OP: I wish there was a bit more actual blame to lay on LXY -- though I think we can still blame him for being arrogant (to borrow the loaded iqiyi subtitle term) since he was clearly blind to his shixiong's real feelings, and blind to the feelings of those around him as well (including Qiao Wanmian). Though even if you take the track of Li Xiangyi truly never did anything wrong in his life ever (*heart emoji*), this makes his arc even more tragic. This is why I love him so freakin' much -- he feels less like a character and more like a real flesh-and-blood person. And the reason he feels so real is because he acts in ways that are often contradictory and self-sabotaging and illogical, because he's decidedly not following the traditional (heteronormative hero narrative) script. Even when there is a Grade-A villain right there in front of him to take all of the blame, Li Lianhua doesn't take the bait. He has a prime opportunity to look at Shan Gudao and come to the logical conclusion that he (LXY/LLH) actually did nothing wrong, that he's not to blame for any of the terrible things that have happened to him and to others in his name... but he doesn't take the out. He still refuses to forgive himself, he still internalizes all of the guilt, he is not suddenly "cured" from his trauma. He is so real for that, and it's gut-wrenching.

[giggly-squiggily]

I need some Lee Jotaro in my life. He's so grumpy and needs to show his smile more often

As of writing this, I'm rewatching JJBA Part 3 and I just have a NEED for Polnareff and Kakyoin tickling the living daylights out of Jotaro- so here we are :D I hope you like it anon!

Cloud 9 (Taglist Peeps):

@gladdygirl18

“He’s quiet today.”

“He’s never been that talkative.”

“Yeah but he’s like, really quiet.

“You make a good point…”

Jotaro was quiet today. Not much for words, he at least made it a point to ask questions or give the old man some snark. Today though, he barely had the energy to do more than hum and nod; something that clearly threw off his hotel roommates.

“He’s not even glaring at us- wait, nevermind. He’s glaring now.”

“Oo, he looks mad! Think we’re the cause?”

“Of course we are- he’s looking straight at us- oh, he looked away.”

“Maybe it’s a Jostar thing-”

“Would you two shut the hell up?” He snapped, his patience thinning. “You’re annoying as hell!”

Kakyoin and Polareff seemed to be shocked by the sudden remark. Then they grinned, relieved almost. “He’s talking again!” The redhead cheered.

“Fantastique! Good for us!” The Frenchman agreed, performing his go- to handshake with the other. Jotaro sank further in his window seat, turning away with a low groan. It was times like this he wished he bunked with Avdol or the old man.

Of course, Grandpa Joseph never shut up, and Advol snored loudly. It was a lose lose either way.

“Oh, he’s mad again.” Kakyoin pointed out, shushing the pair as they stared at the Jostar before them. “Jojo, talk to us! What’s going on?”

“I told you already; you’re annoying.” He turned so his back was to them, leaning into the stiff cushions with a huff.

“I think not, monsieur. You were already like this when we got here.” Polnareff pointed out, getting up and walking over to the other. “Something on your mind?”

Jotaro responded by pulling his hat over his eyes, blocking the other out.

“Jotarooo~”

A one finger salute was what Polnareff got in return.

“Gah! My heart! You’ve wounded me!” Polnareff gasped dramatically, clutching his chest like he was actually struck. Doing a little twirl, he flopped unceremoniously across the younger man, half trapping him with his weight. “I’m not going to make it! Tell my wife I love her!”

“Get the hell off me! You don’t even have a wife!” Jotaro growled, trying to shove the other off. In his position however, combined with Polnareff’s dead weight, it proved near impossible. “Go lay on Kakyoin if you need a warm body to cuddle, you bastard!”

“Pfft, such a potty mouth!” The older man laughed, quickly trading positions as he took a seat on Jotaro’s hips, pushing the other on his back and squeezing at his ribs. “Back home, our Mère would threaten to wash our mouths out with soap if we even dared to mutter such words! Fortunately for you, I hate the taste of soap and wouldn’t put anyone else through it.”

“Polnareff!” The brunette seemed to stiffen up and squirm at once, jerkily grabbing at the Frenchman’s wrists as he simultaneously tried wiggling away, his seemingly permanent frown twitching against his set jaw. “St-Stop that! A-Ass! Fu-fuck off!”

“Oo, he’s big mad now!” kakyoin, who had been watching from the sidelines in glee, quickly got to his feet and ran over, sliding in to get at the base of Jotaro’s neck. “Come on Jojo- cheer up! Don’t be so grumpy!”

Well great- now he had two idiots tickling him! Jotaro was already struggling with Polarneff’s insistent fingers against the base of his ribs, and now he had Kakyoin going for that awful spot along his birthmark. He refused to give in! Screw these jackasses-

“Gehahahahah! Fuuhuhuhuck, nohohohoho!”

“Found it!” Polnareff laughed, his fingers pressing into the center rack of his ribcage, bringing forth an onslaught of giggles from the younger crusader. “There we are, now that wasn’t so hard to do, was it, Jotaro?”

“Look, he’s laughing! He’s laughing!” Kakyoin gloated, seemingly dazzled as he carried on massaging that terrible spot along his friend’s neck. “Jojo, you sound so cute!”

“The absolute cutest! A coochie coochie coo! A coochie coochie coo!”

“Shihihihiihiht! Fuhuhuhuhck! Aheahhahahhaha! Pohohoohohon! Kahahahhaaki! Enoohohoohohugh!” He was sure he was going to die. Between the Frenchman’s teasing tone to Kakyoin’s quick fingers, he was certain death was upon him. Forget Dio’s henchman; betrayal by two of the crusaders was his fate.

Just as he given up hope, a mutiny had begun.

“EEK!” Kakyoin squeaked with a yelp when Silver Charot’s sword poked his side, jabbing rapidly into his waist. “AHehahahahaha! Pohohoohohnareheheheehf! Whhahhat are yohohohou dohohohoihng?”

“Sorry Kakyoin; but I do believe we’ve tickled Jotaro far enough.” Grinning cheekily, he gave Jotaro’s hat a gentle knock before changing targets, lunging at the giggly redhead before him. “Now we get to tickle you!”

“Wahahait, whahahait-EHAHAH NOT THE LEHEHEHGS!”

As this went on, Jotaro let out a low, tired groan, pulling his hat over his face to hide the burning blush staining his cheeks. He was gonna kill those idiots-

Beside him, Kakyoin let out a dolphin-like shriek that sent Polnareff over the edge, the Frenchman collapsing half on top of him as he laughed himself silly. Kakyoin was losing it just as hard, half heartedly punching at the other man’s shoulder as he struggled to real in his goofy giggles. Jotaro felt any previous anger melt away near instantly, a smile tugging at his lips as he pulled his hat further down his face.

Fine, he wouldn’t kill them. Not today anyway.

Thanks for reading!

[spaceorphan18]

Glee Musical Retrospective : Hello (Hell-O)

Sung by: Rachel Berry and Jesse St. James Original Artist(s): Lionel Richie

I have to ask - what libraries have a piano in them? Doesn't that kind of defeat the purpose of people trying to study? Anyway...

I have a confession to make. My first watch through of the show, I really did not like Jesse St. James. Like, at all. And somehow over the past few years, I've really just fallen in love with Jonathan Groff. And I've come back to Jesse St. James with a greater appreciation.

So, let's dig in!

Story Analysis

You had me at hello....

A couple of things right off the bat - continuing with our 'hello' theme - we have a new character! So, of course, we are saying /hello/ to Jesse St. James. Is it blunt? Well, yes, but it's also Glee.

So, here's the thing -- right after Rachel gets her heart smashed by Finn, this random guy shows up who hits every once of Rachel's fantasy kinks, then sits down to do an impromptu piano ballad duet with her so... it's no surprise that Rachel just melts like a puddle.

Jesse clearly knows what he's doing. Did he do his research? Or does he just understand Rachel on a more fundamental level because they are both cut from the same cloth? Hard to say -- but this song really works for an initial introduction.

I've been alone with you inside my mind And in my dreams I've kissed your lips a thousand times I sometimes see you pass outside my door Hello, is it me you're looking for?

This song is just kind of perfect for this dynamic. Jesse is singing to her soul. How often has Rachel just sat and daydreamed -- about Finn, about any guy really just wandering to her and being the perfect match. And here Jesse is singing what she's feeling. It's instantly mesmerizing.

I can see it in your eyes I can see it in your smile You're all I've ever wanted And my arms are open wide Cause you know just what to say And you know just what to do And I want to tell you so much I love you

Again - he is playing to her wants and needs and fantasies. Not only is he everything that /she's/ always wanted -- but he's singing back to her that she's all that he wants. It's a fever dream -- where some guy is telling her all the romantic things that she never had told to her -- that she never thought would be told to her.

And it's especially impactful that this comes after Finn dumping her. Because even before this -- Finn was such hard work to get to admit his feelings for her. And here's someone who now speaks her language, and bam! instant connection and Rachel can hardly contain herself.

Rachel comes into the duet here, too -- which amplifies the effect that she's buying into her fantasy coming true. She's hesitant just a little at first, but then pushes in rather quickly. Rachel's a pretty dramatic girl, leaning into self indulgence, but Jesse's willing to play into that. Sure, we don't know at the moment that he's purposely playing her, but he's just as dramatic and there is a pull there between them.

Sometimes I feel my heart will overflow Hello, I've just got to let you know

This is such a Rachel line -- her heart just bursts with emotion so much. It's a great line for her.

Tell me how to win your heart For I haven't got a clue But let me start by saying I love you

I love these lines for Jesse. Because it's the way he plays the moment. It's like touting innocence -- playing on that instant connection. But he's calculating his every move in this performance. He knows exactly how to make her fall in love with him, and using it to his advantage. Such a fantastic, sneaky little line here.

Technical Thoughts

I may not be huge on this song but I LOVE this performance. There's so much going on. Lea Michele and Jonathan Groff are on fire -- and each doing exactly what's needed to portray their characters perfectly. This scene is so well shot.

First of all, musically. Look - if you are one of the five people who don't know, don't be alarmed, I didn't -- Lea Michele and Jonathan Groff are bffs, and had quite the bonding back when they did the Broadway musical Spring Awakening together. So there's a lot of chemistry and a lot of natural comfort here. And I'm not being hyperbolic when saying that Jonathan Groff is easily the best male voice they've featured at this point. (Sorry Matthew Morrison)

It does help that both actors are well trained vocalists that can keep up with each other. It helps sell the idea that these two have an instant connection. And they do! Even if Jesse is suspect. The fact that they sound good together is a huge thing.

The acting here is just phenomenal as well. The shot is super simple -- the camera closing in on them as the song goes on. It can be visually boring just watching two people sing at a piano. But the camera begins to get intimately close, and both of them are playing such complex characters here.

I love everything that's going on with Rachel. That she's getting sucked into this fantasy -- a fantasy she really only dreamed off. She's a bit demure at the beginning, then just sinks all the way in, and is just smitten by the end of this duet. This girl falls hard with infatuation (which will be her downfall) but ooff is it played so well here.

(A side note -- there are a few brief moments where we see some genuine smiles from Lea Michele, and I get the impression that she's just over the moon excited to be doing a duet with her bff. It's the subtlest of actor bleed, but I feel like the giddy looks are genuine.)

Meanwhile, I love the calculated looks by Jesse. So, Jonathan Groff does something that I'm not sure if it was intentional or not. Most of the time, he's staring her down to sing deeply into her eyes. But every now and then he's carefully looking back at the piano and the music. I don't know if this was because Groff wanted to make sure he was doing/playing/singing something right? But it makes an interesting effect - where, when Rachel has her head turned, it's like he's looking at the script of what he's supposed to be doing and it makes the whole song seem just a little suspect. I realize I'm probably looking too much into it, but it's just a couple of fascinating moments.

Also, I have to point out a moment that generally has me chuckle -- it's the whip around to see that there's a string quartet that's been added, as if that's also normal in a library.

Also, also going to add that this song is mostly sung in minor -- but at the end it lifts into a major chord. It's a nice touch -- that there's this melancholy loneliness about this song until it has a hopeful ending.

Glee Live

This is super cute. It's much more Lea and Jonathan (with Jonathan goofing around a little) than Rachel and Jesse, but still a treat - and probably a fun surprise on whatever tour stop this was at.

vs. The Studio Version : There's not a whole lot different from the tv version. The mixing is a little more balanced between voice and instrument, and of course as usual, it's a cleaner track. But nothing huge.

vs. The Original Version : So... Glee pretty much stripped the 80s right out of this song, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Making it a straight up piano ballad with out all the synth modernizes the song, and it works better for high school students in the the late 00s, and less like an 80s after school special. No disrespect to Lionel Richie, though -- wow does he have a light and airy elegant touch to his voice.

[ladyfenring]

Tag game: tag 9 people you'd like to get to know better

I was tagged by @solinarimoon, thank you!

Last song: I can't remember exactly what it was but it was by Heilung because I needed to put my head in a pillow and scream

Currently watching: I'm rewatching Glee 😔

Three ships: I never know how to answer this one. I feel like. Everyone knows by now. and if you don't. anon is on.

Favorite color: purple 💜

Currently consuming: raspberry rose poppi my beloved

First Ship: the first ship i ever sought out fanfiction for was romione but i just remembered the time i got into a heated argument with my babysitter about leia ending up with luke because i a) was 5, b) had not yet seen rotj, and c) was a shameless liar, and i described in great detail the plot of a movie (that did not exist) where han died and they got married.

Relationship status: single and vocally unwilling to mingle, but the cashiers at my local 7-11 keep entering what I can only describe as a baffling competition for my affections. This is what I imagine it must have been like to be a maiden who has taken a vow of chastity only to have the knights in the realm ask to wear her favor when they joust. I will grant this token (discounts on my sparkling water), but to what end?

Last Movie: Unfortunately I think it was Promising Young Woman, which was quite honestly the worst movie I've ever seen

Currently working on: trying to get back into writing my novel - I took a longer break than I anticipated but I feel refreshed and ready to go

tagging @skatingthinandice, @purplesigebert, @abnerkrill, @gudvina, @imagineagreatadventure, @gablehood, @talesfromthecrypts, @garunsdottir, and @kingslionheart!

[i-know-you-wanna-kiss-me]

Caroline Forbes style guide

For the lovely lovely @lu-luvslestat. I rewatched the pilot while making this and it was so fun. Tvd style is the absolute best and I hope you like this 💜

First off, we have one of my favourite outfits of hers. perfect for autumn and colder weather

cable knit sweater

cable knit sweater

jeans

Pretty in pink

for this one, i'd recommend pairing with books and earrings or necklaces

pink mini dress

cardigan

boots

belt

Pleated skirts

plaid skirts. i think that these fit well with her autumn- like wardrobe. she wears these in dark, neutral colours. pair with plain t shirts and cardigans.

Cropped jacket

she usually wears cropped jackets over dresses and in formal outfits.

Lemon yellow

this really reminds me of this one outfit Quinm from glee would wear lol. the yellow goes great with her blonde hair. pair with a grey cardigan and tennis shoes

another dress

darker look

I really like the darker colour pallete for this one.

dress

jacket

boots

Bar look

this dress is perfect for going out to restaurants or bars or just anything in general. I love how light and pretty it looks ans the colour and lace

My all time favourite

this is my favourite one of her outfits, and just in the entire series in general. I love plaid and her hair is pretty too. Pair with the first pair of jeans or a mini skirt and boots

plaid shirt

Overrall style notes

mini skirts

mini dresses

high boots

belts

lots of cardigans

wrap dresses and tops

cropped jackets

I really hope that you like this @lu-luvslestat 💕 I had a lot of fun making it and it reminded me of how much I love the style in this show

[yuseirra]

I just want to say that I really like how you write Ryoji in your comics I feel like you really understand his character. Almost every piece I've seen from you featuring him has made me cry (in a good way! I just love this character so much and it's great to see him getting so much love). I hope you're having a better day, virtual hugs!

Hello!! sometimes it takes me awhile to answer asks, please pardon me with that, there's no way I'd mean to leave the ones as sweet as these unattended!! I was actually drawing ryoji earlier, so I'd like to attach it to this ask, thanks anon!! :) :)

I love how he's so extra with how he was introduced in the movie, I really hope they have something like this in reload too, it'd make a nice addition. He's important. ✨✨

I keep making the same phrases (I wish I could have more variety with words really ;v;!!) but I really appreciate your ask! I can tell you really love ryoji and his character, and I care for this boy too. It fills me with.. this glee that I've been portraying him in a way that speaks to his fans too, and that's great. Isn't it really nice when you like the same things with someone else, in a way that resonates with you? :) I'm happy what I did was like that for you! Let's have fun together and appreciate the ryoji! 'v')9

I'd love to understand his character well, the way do for all my favs! I rewatched a lot of the scenes he was in and I did my studies again, and it'd be nice if I could bring him out well. This compliment you gave me makes me more proud of my works. More confident as well!

I'm sure reload will do more with him too, so I'm ready to gain more insight about his character! There are many characters who'd thrive with the extra scenes, but personally, I think ryoji, shinji and strega would really benefit from those the most if there are (and maybe ikutsuki too. I'm actually a bit curious about this guy and he needs some screen time) OH there's only two weeks left now, I'M SO READY!

I went on and on because I got excited about this ask, I hope you don't mind! ;v;)/ thank you for the hugs, I wish the same for you! Hope you have good days, and I will draw more ryojis when I have good ideas. I love his scarf a lot and it's fun to draw it swaying around, and the guy is very sweet, I like that about him..thinking about him makes me appreciate life more and that's great.

Hope you have a good day anon! See you again soon!

[mariejordans]

10 Fandoms, 10 Characters

i was tagged by @guillermosfamiliar ! tysm for tagging me, this was fun!!

anyways, here they are (in no particular order!)

1. MARIE MOREAU — GEN V

i’ve only had her for like three weeks, give or take, but if anything bad happened to her, i’d kill everyone in this room and then myself.

2. RORONOA ZORO — OPLA

i didn’t watch the anime, but i LOVED this live action adaptation. i loved every character in this show, and it was down to him and nami, but ultimately i went with zoro bc i just admire him so much (…also he’s really hot)

3. ANNABETH CHASE — RIORDANVERSE

i’ve been a die hard percy jackson fan for over a decade now and annabeth has always been one of my favorite characters of the entire riordanverse, if not my all-time favorite character. leah sava jeffries is gonna do SUCH an amazing job as annabeth, i already know, and i can’t wait to watch her be amazing, she’s such a star!

4. QUINN FABRAY — GLEE

quinn, one of my problematic faves, you were done so dirty by the writers of this show but you will always be loved by me!

5. YOR FORGER — SPY X FAMILY

first of all, THIS SHOW IS AMAZING! second of all, there has never been a time where i did not wish i was living the life of yor forger.

6. PEETA MELLARK — THE HUNGER GAMES

when i say i hate all men, NEVER am i ever talking about this man right here. he is the only man ever as far as i am concerned.

7. AMY SOSA — SUPERSTORE

i’ve been rewatching superstore lately so i guess it was just on my mind, but amy truly is one of my favorite sitcom leading ladies, and it helps that america ferrera is so funny and so great in this role!

8. ANNE SHIRLEY-CUTHBERT — ANNE WITH AN E

i remember when this show first came out, i had some doubts about it since i really loved the megan follows adaptation. but amybeth really sold me on this adaptation! i think she really embodies everything there is to love about anne and has now become my favorite anne!

9. HALEY JAMES-SCOTT — ONE TREE HILL

ah one tree hill, one of my favorite guilty pleasure teen dramas. it was between her and peyton for my favorite character, but in the end i went with haley, who had won me over from her very first scene.

10. KATARA — AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER

katara is just a badass, plain and simple. one of the most powerful benders in the atla universe, and THE most powerful waterbender in the universe, idc what anyone says.

again, this was so fun!! i’ve never really done a tag game before, but i think this is the part where i tag some more people.

TAGGING: @jordanlihive @barhu @neshatriumphs @blackloislane

[sillyname30]

I rewatched the Christmas/Glee episode of Community. It's so funny. It is a combination of the typcial Glee feeling with a twist of the Community absurdity.

I love the little details: the leader of the Glee club is wearing a sweater vest like Mr. Shue. Britta Perry is singing as bad as Sugar Motta. (Gillian Jacobs said she can't sing, but think she was that bad on pupose.) The piano player kind of looks like Brad the piano player. I love Abed's little joke that the piano is still playing when no one was sitting there. It happens on Glee.

Yvette Nicole Brown has a great voice and Danny Glover is a rapper, so of course they were good.

A lot of TV shows make a musical episode – not always good. This is one of the best.

This episode is not for everyone. People who hate musical episodes shouldn't watch it and not every Glee fan will think is funny. I think it's hilarious.