#the wealth of character dynamics in this show is insane

[aletterinthenameofsanity]

I think the thing that's fueling my Dead Boy Detectives fic series is that almost every major character has had some sort of interesting/unhinged interaction with every other main character. Like beyond the incredibly interesting/fleshed-out relationships between the main four detectives we have examples like:

1) Cat King and Monty forest interaction where the Cat King toys with Monty in order to both protect/play with Edwin

(Which, by the way, the Cat King knew about Monty before the forest scene when he shapeshifted into him by the lighthouse. So, like, did he know what Monty's secret identity was then and just straight up didn't say a word because he felt like it? Or did he figure it out later?)

2) Jenny straight up meeting Charles and Edwin only after being possessed by a demon and literal minutes before her shop gets blown up leading to the iconic "you were about to leave those boys forever now you're going to risk your life to save them" line

3) Jenny only meeting David to sing Belinda Carlisle/threaten him with a meat cleaver and get her SECOND near-death experience

4) Hell, on the meat cleaver POV: first and only time Niko meets the Cat King it's to threaten him with a meat cleaver and clock him for his interactions with Edwin (same goes for Crystal even though it's her second time meeting him)

5) Any scene Charles has one-on-one with Monty plus the bit on the sidewalk where Monty straight-up bypasses him for Edwin and Charles just goes "I was polite, wasn't I?" while the girls are clearing him away for Edwin and Monty to flirt

6) Night Nurse and Kashi. Everything about those interactions are *chef's kiss.*

7) Same goes for Night Nurse and Niko. Their dynamic is so fucking good and leads to the fantastic "reading comprehension" bit.

8) And from a more devastating/angsty POV, the scene with Esther and Monty in episode 5 where Monty feels more like a teenager than any other character in the cast. And as much as Esther is a camp queen in that scene, it's also terrifying because that iron cane is against Monty's chest and she literally ripped him apart episodes before that and she's going to kill him again next episode with that very cane and your brain is just bouncing between laughing at the "it's honestly nbd" line and going on red alert because get the fuck out of there, Monty, you're going to die at her hands-

[absolutebl]

10 Sunshine/Sunshine AKA cinnamon roll couple BL

A note: usually one half of the sunshine is a bit more quiet and introverted than the other, but they are both still sunny sweeties. Side dishes not included. 

1. My Ride

Thai 2022 Gaga

Thai BL grew up with this pulp - a truly lovely and special little show featuring mature explorations of relationships using one of the softest, sweetest and most innocent friends to lovers vehicles. Kindly, overworked doctor meets broken-hearted motorcycle taxi driver in an “other side of the tracks” slow burn romance. The support cast is excellent, making for great friendship groups and family dynamics. With honest queer rep that adds to, but doesn’t impede the story, and genuine conversation about the nature of class, wealth, and classism, not to mention communication, honesty, and respect for boundaries, you can’t go wrong with this show. In other news, I am a sucker for a single dimple. Full review here.

2. Vice Versa

Thai 2022 YouTube

Jimmy is insanely charismatic and takes up all the air in (the proverbial cinematic) room, but I warmed up to Sea eventually. As a couple they read as more teasing and brotherly than sexy, but that’s GMMTV’s brand for you. I enjoyed the concept of this show (I’m big into magical realism and skewed reality - see my adoration for Color Rush) but JittiRain’s plot was contrived and weak (normal for them). Look, here’s the thing, flaws and all I pretty much spent this entire show smiling.

3. My Only 12%

Thai 2022 iQIYI

Y-novel adaptation (author Afterday - Bad Buddy) and strong little BL romance (tailor made for SantaEarth) about holding onto first love and childhood, but it’s buried under waffling family drama and formless side characters so that it took a lot of digging to get to - still I recommend it for the killer softly domestic couple chemistry.

4. About Youth

Taiwan 2022 Gaga

A truly lovely little coming of age high school BL with a classic YA low drama but high angst and an earnest depth. I didn’t even mind the singing, and that’s saying a lot. A weak seme/uke dynamic but tons of BL tropes (both rare in a high school setting but common for Taiwan) makes this one feel both sweetly and colored by an almost real world authenticity and grit. Full review here.

5. Ghost Host Ghost House

Thai 2022 YouTube?

This is light horror combined with family drama built around a well executed BL trough-line that felt honestly queer with fantastic chemistry from the lead pair. (I hope that we see more of them.) Pluem delivers the softest most seductive krap ever, Tod Techit (Kewin) is one of the prettiest humans on the planet, and watching these boys flirt over noodles is an unalloyed pleasure. Use of I/you pronouns is super interesting and cute as well. For me, personally, the surrounding cast, premise, and story didn’t resonate but if you like a touch of gothic in your BL this might appeal.

6. Dear Doctor, I'm Coming for Your Soul

Thai 2022 iQIYI

This is a romance between a doctor trying to save his patients and a reaper who is both his enemy and (eventual) lover (basically the genius premise of a gay Doom at Your Service). High concept looks good on you, Thailand. It’s lovely to see KarnNat back on screen together and they are still great, and Karn is just as painfully beautiful as ever. I enjoyed this one more than it’s ending deserved, and the best I can say is that it’s not strictly HEA but if you’re okay with Life: Love on the Line, you’ll be okay with this BL. It’s set up well, there’s no surprise unpleasantness like HIStory 3: The BL that shall not be named. Full Review here.

7. Secret Crush On You

Thai 2022 YouTube

Formerly call “The Stalker” for a reason. Highest cringe factor in the biz mixed with flashes of unparalleled genius and insanely good representation of multiple different kinds of queerness makes this entirely unique content we’ve never seen before in BL, the opposite of sanitized gay, like a naked glittery hello kitty doll having kinky sex. I was ALL OVER THE PLACE about this show. SCOY drove me nuts and made me bush but had flashes of unparalleled genius. It had a ton of things I really did not like (e.g. the humor was crass and awkward, and the whole stalker thing was extremely stomach churning, I suffer from bad second hand embarrassment). It also had things that really worked: (e.g. all the queers are INTO each other, it very Taiwanese feeling - in that there was no doubt that the characters want to bone). Honestly, if you can make it through the first half and survive the never ending cringe-factor that IS this show, the second half is entirely unique and kinda special. But I, personally, could never really like this show for all there were bits I loved. Full review of mixed feels.

8. The 8.2 Second Rule

AKA 8.2 Byo no Hosoku

Japan 2022 microfilm YouTube

Very short JBL about a schoolboy who makes magic candy for a series of handsome classmates, questing for a soulmate. Each ep is a new love interest and while the sweets help others, they keep failing to bring our sunshine the love he wants. Of course, he’s overlooking someone. The lead was very good and the theme, cooking, and eventually romance were charming, but it is a series of BL vignettes not really a cohesive story, no kisses or anything. Japan doesn’t give us sweet BL this short very often, so it’s nice to see them try out the style.

9. Ai Long Nhai

Thai 2022 iQIYI

Look, this show was just a typical Thai BL university pulp about a confident gay and a clueless manic pixie dream boy. It had potential, chemistry, and earnestness going for it, but no plot and not enough attention side dishes. In the end, it was boring and you know I always rate boring lower than hot messes (because at least the hot mess TRIED). That said, Ai Long Nhai is better than your average Thai pulp, nothing happens but at least the nothing was mostly shirtless and there were GREAT gay dads (IRL husbands Arm & Porsch). 

10. Coffee Melody

Thai 2022 Viki

Stars Pavel (my love) as a cafe owner (Forth in 2 Moons 2) and Benz as a composer (Call it What You Want). This should have been my kind of BL - on the fluffy end of the spectrum plus honestly queer. Unfortunately, the slow pacing, manufactured angst, odd secondary story arcs, and a selfishly immature unlikeable wet dishcloth main character, Yi, meant its flaws outweighed its charm. Jean (flame on snark fairy) is MINE, I love him so much but in the end neither he nor Pavel in an apron could save this show for me. It’s not bad. It’s not good either. Ultimately so forgettable I’ve probably already forgotten it.

BONUS Strongberry 

Please Tell Me So

AKA That's my Mr.Right!

Korea 2021 microfilm YouTube

Cute barista (played by Han Hyun Jun star of Love Class) has a crush on his customer, musters up the courage to ask him out.

Every list should come with a Strongberry bonus, like a cherry on top... 

This lists dated Dec 2022, not responsible for keeping it updated. But if you have more to add or ones I have forgotten please comment or repost with additions! Keep the dream alive. 

(source)

[jihyoruri]

me when it’s time for the yearly anon confession potluck and I have to admit that to me… wowyn.. is just.. 🙂. I think she is a little toxic and the wonyn situation takes me out so bad like it’s genuinely the funniest thing to me EVER. like I can not explain why but the wonyoung is like eh ik u like me but I don’t rlly wanna deal with that so! uhm!.. anyway! and wowyn just… listens tew her😭😭like ur telling me wowyn breaks up w girls If wonyoung doesn’t like them LMFAOO😭

idk for some reason wowyn to me is more of a loser than loseryn not even in a mean way just.. I don’t know I feel like if I met her fr I’d be like.. ur such a sad person…

moving past this… who is your favorite yn? we all know mine…

(1. shamelessyn 2. richgirl yn 3. aespayn/firecrackeryn)

i may not be the president of the aespayn or richgirlyn fanclub but I’m actually both of their therapists btw. yeah Ik you guys don’t know but my side gig is actually fixing them. yeah no aespayn is in the trenches… it’s bad in these streets. (I love richgirlyn almost the same amount as shamelessyn I’m a cheater sorry)

also side note I am sat for anything u write but I hope you continue to explore richgirlyn’s dynamic with chaewon and the other members.. idk maybe it’s bc I grew up with a lot of money but the way ppl w wealth act has always been so.. weird tew me. like I know these r just sillay yn works but I feel like people who write rich characters forget like.. these r the most emotionally stunted people on earth. they never learned to socialize or explain their emotions 😭dealing w rich people is insane because no one talks abt anything or knows how to interact with regular people like they have such hard times w it for some reason?? (because they never had to)

ANYWAY sorry for the long ask 😞I hope we get some aespayn fans out here for 4/20 SHOW SUPPORT FOR UR GIRL😭😭

-🎏

LOL babes imma have to correct you on some things. 😭

it’s not that wony is like “eh ik u like me but I don’t rlly wanna deal with that so! uhm!.. anyway!” she’s genuinely playing hard to get with yn, she feels like yn will always wait for her so she just doesn’t want to get into a relationship just as yet, I think I’ve mentioned it in early asks but wonyoung is playing hard to get with yn😭. wonyn is really a sad situation when you think about it because they’d be really good for each other but they’re not on the same page at all like wow!yn doesn’t think wonyoung likes her even tho wony does hold some feelings for her but she’s waiting it out but realizing that her time is running out. The only reason why wow!yn breaks up with people sometimes if wony doesn’t like them because wonyoung is genuinely her best friend if Giselle didn’t like one of yn’s gfs yn would probably break up with them as well, it’s so easy for her do that because she was just bored like she wasn’t in the relationship for real feelings if she acc had real feelings for the person it would be a different story take winter for example BOTH wonyoung and yujin didn’t like her and yn knew that but yn didn’t break up with her because she genuinely liked her but then she realized that she genuinely liked her so she broke up with her LMAOOOOOO. I wouldn’t call wow!yn a loser because she genuinely has problems, she has some mental instability. like her problems with her dad has definitely affected how she thinks about things and butchers how her mind functions in certain situations, she is a sad person tho. ANYWAYS moving on from wow!yn

my favourite yn and wow!yn and nwjns!yn THE SISTERS honestly I love wow!yn because she’s my most complex yn and honestly she’s just such a shit head and it’s so fun and amusing writing her and nwjns!yn is just a sweet mess like when I finally introduced her fic you guys will see what I mean, she’s the exact opposite of her sister 😭 (also a respectful mention of aespa!yn)

LOL they both need therapists for real so you got the job‼️ aespa!yn is a mess she’s a rich mess (I just took in that you like the two extremely rich yn’s LOL also firecracker!yn is always on someone’s favourite list and it always makes me laugh LMAOOO)

yes I am totally gonna explore richgirl!yn more, I tried my best to give a small peak into richgirl!yn having some problems I was so happy when you picked up on it in ur last ask for her

I honestly love long asks so much so this was fun to read LOL and thank you so much for reading and enjoying my works

[goblins-riddles-or-frocks]

okay final amc interview with the vampire rewatch thoughts:

- I liked the pacing much better. the middle episodes felt like a slog to watch week by week but I think it’s much better suited to bingeing. there were still choices I didn’t love, but the plot was going at a consistent clip the entire time.

- sam reid and jacob anderson were both fantastic! galaxy brained takes on both characters. bailey bass.. her acting is good but I am too southern to be able to take that accent seriously 😭😭 it was painful

- lestat is still given more narrative dignity and power than I would like. he’s introduced having his own wealth and he is the one giving louis money as opposed to being the broke unwanted houseguest who invited himself. he doesn’t use claudia to babytrap louis, louis has to beg him to change her (hated this!). he is given a personal pawn in antoinette, and is allowed to see the murder attempt coming. I feel like sam reid brings the necessary vain, overeager desperation to the role to offset it, but the plot is still like that

- I’m still deeply unsatisfied with all of the choices they made with claudia. I think it’s a huge cop out to have louis save her from a fire that she 100% would not have survived otherwise. I missed the very key book element of it being louis who killed her and lestat who “saved” her by making her into a vampire. I also disliked how cleanly her relationship with lestat becomes one of hate after episode five. there’s zero mixed feelings and they’re both so on the same page about how much they hate each other. I get what they’re trying to do with “they’re too alike therefore they can’t stand each other” but that doesn’t preclude a more complicated dynamic

- I hated that all of claudia’s issues surrounding never growing up seemed to revolve around sex and romance. she’s given the sweet romance/almost romance that ends poorly and marks her slide into being more recklessly murderous and her dissatisfaction with vampirism. meanwhile there’s the OC vampire they invented to assault her… as a monkey’s paw curls situation I guess?? and to cement her vulnerability to other vampires. a lot of her arc feels so defined by men in a way that’s not really about her. it also doesn’t help that in casting an older teenage actress, it’s harder to buy that she would run into issues day to day with living on her own or passing as a young looking adult. idk she just felt particularly Written By A Man to me

- I’m also still unsure how I feel about the more literal domestic violence allegory. with daniel’s cynical quips about stockholm syndrome and abuse. or the way the big fight is framed when it looks like louis might leave lestat for claudia. I don’t mind them becoming violent with each other, it seems like that would be second nature to vampires who are killing every night. their relationship with violence would simply be different than a typical person’s. but then I think the fight’s framing was perhaps too typical to make sense for vampires? idk idk I like abuse narratives and I think interview as a story has always been in part about usurping an abuser so… seeing physical abuse… makes sense but this also felt too on the nose. so I am on the fence

- the pilot and the finale were the strongest episodes by far. I really appreciate this series’ dedication to style and atmosphere. it’s the first piece of contemporary vampire media in a while that feels like it actually wants to be about vampires

- I was shrieking at every single little hint at the larger vc lore, even when I knew full well it was coming. I’m honestly too attached to the first book so any loose show adaptation was destined to be prickly for me but I have zero reservations about the rest of the series. I’m so fucking excited to see it continue and cover more of the books!!! I will PASS OUT when we actually get to the theatre des vampires

- having the armand reveal confirmed makes the entire show so fucking insane???? I was watching this with maka and dolce who had NOT seen this before and it was such a struggle not to dissolve into hysterics every time he was in frame. like what deranged psychosexual nonsense???

- like louis describing being so desperately in love with lestat in excruciating detail while his current bf is literally always in the room?? the extent armand goes to to keep up the charade that he’s just an unassuming human ☺️ no reason to be suspicious at all ☺️☺️ it’s even funnier having the second season trailer out, knowing that he’s devised like an entire costume and sense of style for this rashid character purely to fuck with daniel 😭

[sonechkaandthedynamos]

nobody cares, but i am actually willing to defend and just like that for the following reasons:

it's one of few reboots that i actually find justifiable, since the original series followed the lives of four women within the context of modern relationship dynamics (the fact that Samantha isn't in the reboot is a big fail, but Kim Cattrall has her reasons not to participate and I respect that)

the scenes that read like wikihow listicles on how to be woke (for instance the saree scene) actually aren't a new addition to the canon, since the original satc was also a how to guide to life in the city (which was also stated explicitly at one point), and a lot of it is about figuring out the rules of relationships and modern life

people just now noticing that they're all very wealthy women is insane to me. maybe their wealth as single women 25 years ago is easier to romanticise, but they were rich women from the beginning

che diaz is a good choice (fight me). they behave extremely shittily towards miranda, which does infuriate me, but what made the original series so special is that the characters weren't morally black or white, they are very human. and i was pleasantly surprised by the fact that they weren't portrayed as a perfect angel and the posterchild of their identity like many lgbtq characters have to be in media. so i hate them but i will defend them

on that note: miranda's changing sexuality and her mid-life crisis aren't that shocking, and she is the perfect character through which the show can explore sex- and loveless marriages, alcoholism, the feeling of dissatisfaction with one's own life, and many other things. the reboot doesn't show these women's happy perfect lives, because that would be boring, and, suprise suprise, life is still complicated after you get married and have kids.

charlotte's kids are spoiled upper class brats? yeah no shit

when people complain about the reboot not having the same vibe as the original series, i think that they're missing the point. it can't have the same snappy wit as the first three seasons (which is both easier to turn into a meme/iconic moment (btw i love those scenes to death, i'm not criticising them)) because their lives are different, but also satc had already evolved past that; the later seasons did explore longer story lines, and we watched the women grow and tap into their emotions and build relationships over longer periods of time;

That being said, I will always remember the original much more fondly and will continue to rewatch it and revisit it, whereas I doubt that I will form the same kind of connection to the reboot.

[lululawrence]

lululawrence's October 2022 Fic List

Previous Fic Lists / Lulu’s List Podcast Masterpost

Hello hello! My October list is a day(ish) late for the 28th, but I wanted to still get it out while it was still October, and I made it! Even with 30 fics having been read somehow this month hah!

The podcast is still on a break, but will return as soon as I'm able to manage it. I still hope to do a catch-up series like I did before, so fingers crossed that can happen, and sooner rather than later.

As always, be sure to show your love and appreciation for all of the hard work our fandom authors have put into their fics with kudos, nice comments, and (when applicable) reblogging their fic posts!

hold this thread by @disgruntledkittenface / disgruntledkittenface (27k, E, Nick/Harry, Alternate Universe, Model Harry, DJ Nick, Nick is essentially the Nick we know and love but Harry's a model hehe, Meet Cute, Flirting, London Fashion Week, Kink Exploration and Negotiation, some BDSM fun in such a great way)

There was a lot done in this fic regarding the dynamic between the two of them that had me squealing and screaming in happiness and awkwardness and excitement and just sheer enjoyment. Maggie did such an amazing job with this fic and it is absolutely one of my fav gryles fics I've read

Uh oh, it’s Magic (when I’m with you) by @kingsofeverything / kingsofeverything (7k, E, Harry/Louis, Astro Fest fic, Alternate Universe, Magic, Meet Ugly, basically hehe, Camping, Searching/Waiting for Magic Powers, Magic Dick, no like really lol)

This fic was so insanely ridiculous and silly but also so much fun lol It was funny, sexy, cracky... all the best things thrown together in a little fic that has you feeling so happy by the end. I loved every moment.

Jealousy, Jealousy by @wabadabadaba / wabadabadaba (26k, E, Harry/Louis, A/B/O dynamics, non-traditional A/B/O dynamics, alpha/alpha, alpha Louis, alpha Harry, new relationship, bi character, jealousy, alpha nesting, figuring out how to make a new relationship work)

This fic was just. WOW. I love non-traditional A/B/O dynamics, but this one took it in a direction I've not seen where the characters have a lot of challenges to overcome that aren't entirely external as they adjust to being in a relationship with another alpha. It's handled so beautifully and shows the love they have for each other as well as the way they are both so concerned and nervous as they figure out how to express their concerns and what they're experiencing and it's just a lot and fantastically done.

In the midst of a storm by @quelsentiment / wordsnnotes (55k, M, OT5 Relationship, Alternate Universe, Guernsey, Angst, Sadness and Loneliness, Exes to Lovers, Polyamory Negotiations, Friends to Lovers, Family Drama, Confronting your Past, in a myriad of ways)

I wish I had the words to talk about this fic, but it has been almost a month since I finished it and I still cannot find any that sufficiently describe this fic. There is such a depth and wealth of emotion found within every character in this fic, yet you see all of them through the POV of Zayn. You know there's a history, but you don't know most of it until you need to, you just know enough to understand at least part of what Zayn is grappling with. The island is such a strong character to the fic as well, and Zayn's grandfather as well as others on the island are just so rich and powerful. The entire fic transports you to another place and makes you feel so safe with these characters, even at the most distressing part of it all, that you can't help but want to stay with them. I just... this fic was hands down one of my favorites I've read all year. End of.

I know I've got this (because I've had it all along) by @so-why-let-your-voice-be-tamed / we_are_the_same (16k, T, Harry/Louis, Alternate Universe, Girl Direction, Boudoir Photographer Harry, insecure Louis, Best Friend Liam, side Ziam, Body Positivity, talk of past abuse from a partner, Self Empowerment)

This fic is so vulnerable from the moment it begins. Mia is incredible when it comes to infusing her fics with All The Feelings, and this fic isn't an exception, except instead of the traditional angst and painful feelings that make you hurt and cry, this is entirely different. It still cuts you to the core, but it's due to the fear and ghosts and everything Louis is still dealing with paired with the gentleness and care Harry takes as she does her best to help Louis let go of everything she's held on to for too long. It's incredible and powerful.

Will Death Be Our Last Kiss, My Love? by @fallinglikethis / FallingLikeThis (7k, M, Harry/Louis, Alternate Universe, Harry Potter Crossover, Harry and Louis are partners at the Ministry of Magic, Half-Selkie Louis, Kidnapping, Murder Investigation, Dark Fic, Mystery)

This fic was incredible! It was part of the Tri-Wizard Fic Challenge and I have no idea how Tabby manages to fit so much backstory and worldbuilding in addition to plot into so few words. It feels like a fic that is so much longer than it actually is because of how much she manages to fit into those words, and it's insanely effective. I felt like I was also trying to solve the mystery of who it could be and the fear and worry lacing the words were felt as I read as well. The way canon HP characters were woven into the story with people we know from our fandom was also so much fun.

More Than a Mic Drop by @haztobegood / haztobegood (8k, E, Harry/Louis, Alternate Universe, Singer Louis, Sound Engineer Harry, Flirting, Dom/sub, I would say undertones but honestly it's not even undertones by the end lmao, Mic Drops, LTWT22)

I'll be honest, I read the complete fic, or as complete as it WAS, closer to the beginning of October and Jinny has since added a sixth chapter. I'm gonna go ahead and still rec it even though I've not read that last chapter she added a day or two ago yet, because I'm sure it's still amazing. This fic is so playful and fun and Louis is SUCH a brat in it, I was like... almost cowering because I knew his punishment wouldn't be BAD but also I had no idea how far Harry would also push it. It was amazing to read them both kind of feeling each other out and figuring out where their boundaries were, and it's just... so fun and so sexy and so cool to read the bits we have actually seen of Louis' stage antics turn into such a fun dynamic.

Examine by @louistomlionson / sitandadmire (42k, E, Harry/Louis, Alternate Universe, Footballer Louis, Doctor Harry, Past Abuse, Mental Health Issues, Trauma Responses, essentially both are pretty fucked up and they are fucked up together, but by the end they try really hard to work on their issues lol)

I'm reccing this fic while I still can because It's not going to remain on AO3 for much longer! So download it if you need it! haha I actually started this fic ages ago when it was on anon and then it was taken off anon and I lost it for a time, but finally found it again so I could finish it. For real though, please read tags and be safe, because this fic is HEAVY and dark and deals with a lot a lot a lot of hard topics. It's angsty and painful but is such a journey that you cannot help but cheer for them as they continue through their difficulties. I really came to love them so much.

ghost of you by @beckydoesthings / beckywritesthings (109k, E, Harry/Louis, Big Bang fic, Star Wars AU, non-linear narrative structure, Jedi Master Harry, Harry is Obi-Wan, Mandalorian Duke Louis, Louis is Satine, Padawan/Jedi Knight Zayn, Zayn is Anakin, Strangers to Lovers, Plot Twist, Time Jumps, You don't need to know Star Wars to enjoy this fic!)

Uh, yes, this fic was fucking MINDBLOWING. I know I keep raving about these fics and saying they're the best I've read, but I'm being serious every time. This fic was incredibly done. I've mostly just seen the films and a couple of the TV series that Disney has done, so I'm not so well versed on all the Mandalorian things, but it didn't matter. I was able to follow all of it so well that it actually helped me make sense of some things I'd seen in the films/shows. This fic is an epic journey in so many ways, and the depth with which you get to know and love the characters was incredible. The way the men we love were merged with the characters they were meant to be portraying was amazing as well! And the way the narration was set up was so incredibly compelling as well. The plot twist and the time jumps are all done so perfectly for maximum emotional impact and I just cannot rave about this fic enough. It is stunning and stellar and I want everyone to read it lol

Outside Is Just A Blur by daggerandtherose (18k, NR, Harry/Louis, Alternate Universe, Single Dad Louis, Struggling Louis, Protective Louis, Baby Dialling, Wrong Number, kind of?, Strangers to Lovers, Online Friendships, again kind of, It's complicated)

I actually don't even know how I found this fic honestly lol but it was such a great read! Louis' baby somehow manages to call Harry, without knowing who he is or having his number previously, repeatedly when playing with Louis' phone, and that's the basis for everything. The friendship and relationship that develops from there is so pure and lovely and they are exactly what they both needed, but there's also so much difficulty they have to work through and it's just so sweet and lovely. Such a fun read.

Plant New Seeds by @hellolovers13 / HelloLovers13 (LilianAngel) (2k, T, Harry/Louis, Alternate Universe, Neighbors to Lovers, Mystery/Secret Plant Watering, Fluff, that's literally the entire thing and it's so perfect lol, Fluff, Humor, and perhaps my favorite tag I've read this month, "No Plants Were Harmed" lolllll)

This fic was like the alternate universe version of the Guerilla Warfare Planter on Campus Harry fucking Styles fic and I cannot express how very much that pleases me lollll This fic was so silly and Louis was so quick to believe almost anything but the real thing that happened and the exasperation on Harry's side is just palpable and... yeah. I could not stop giggling while reading this and isn't that just the best feeling? A perfect little pick me up, for sure.

Just Pretend by @kingsofeverything (90k, E, Harry/Louis, Silver Fox Louis fest fic, older divorced dad Louis, older divorced dad Harry, both have teenage daughters, both are small business owners, Fake Relationship, One Night Stand gone wrong lol, Small Town USA, slow burn, pining, bed sharing, just all the good things)

I'm not sure how she managed to do it, but Lauren took all of my favorite fic things and threw them into a fic then added some new things to the mix like silver fox louis and divorced dads with teen daughters and just made it like a siren song for me lollll and it was still somehow even better than I expected it to be? I put off an entire day's worth of chores around the house and other tasks that really seriously needed to be done (like MEAL PLANNING and GROCERY SHOPPING and IMPORTANT PHONE CALLS BEING MADE etc that keep the family running) and just... read while the toddler of terror sat in my lap and demanded different videos on YouTube. I didn't fight him. I gave him what he wanted because that's how I was able to continue reading in relative peace, and you know what? I regret nothing. This fic was fucking incredible. Left you feeling so fulfilled and happy and just SO pleased with how things turned out. Cannot rave enough.

silver dress feels like a cure by @finelinegynandromorph / finelinegynandromorph (11k, E, Harry/Louis, Bottom Harry Fest fic, Alternate Universe, Ballet Dancer Louis, Boudoir Photographer Louis, former Ballet Dancer/now Pole Dancer Harry, Trans Harry, Non-Binary Harry, Intersex Harry, Strained kind-of Ex-Rivals to Lovers, It's complicated lol)

It is so funny that I somehow managed to find and read two boudoir photographer fics in the same month and how, despite being such a niche and specific plot in a way, they were so different! This fic was at times a difficult read, just because of the things mentioned in the tags and the difficulties Harry had to deal with as well as the internal struggles Louis had, but the way it was all handled and information was given to the reader was so fulfilling. I appreciated how they talked through the awkwardness and just handled everything. It was a great read.

A Friend's Gambit - It Begins by @laynefaire / Layne Faire (HisDarlin) (1k, T, Zayn/Liam, Wordplay 2020 fic, Alternate Universe, This is just part 1 of the series, I haven't read the rest yet lol, Tooth Extraction and the Dentist, or at least talk about it)

I am FINALLY catching up on everything from @wordplayfics I have missed in the past three rounds. sigh. Anyway, there will be several more from this round following because I started with this one! haha I'm still working on week 1 from round 4, so while this is the beginning of the story that will be told over the course of the five weeks, it was such a great way to start it off and it has me so excited about what is to come!

In a Little Bit of Trouble by @becomeawendybird / QuickedWeen (5k, T, Harry/Louis, Wordplay 2020 fic, Alternate Universe, Girl Direction, Louis is Agent Carter, Waitress Harry, Spies and Intrigue, Historical fic, 1940s, Action/Adventure)

This fic was SO fun because it was like a little slice of a larger story and yet it still felt so complete! That doesn't mean I don't want more, because I do, but mostly because Molly does it so perfectly she makes me want to just hear the rest of this larger story and learn more about everything she references in passing. It's killer world building, the dynamic between the two women is incredible, and it's SO HOT and yet still smut free. Perfection!

Vanilla Extract by @maelstromroots / Maelstrom_Roots (4k, T, Harry/Louis, Wordplay 2020 fic, Alternate Universe, Established Relationship, COVID and Quarantine, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Date Night during a Pandemic, This makes it all sound so heavy but it's not, it's actually so soft)

Oh man oh man, where to start. This fic was so fucking relatable and in some ways still felt like it was too soon, but maybe that's just because I still feel like I'm struggling with a lot of the feelings that Harry is in this fic lol That said, it was so cathartic to read and so beautiful to see their relationship and how much they really were/are still looking out for each other despite their struggles. It was so soft and careful in so many ways while still dealing with the hard topics, and I just really appreciated the way all of it was written about so it didn't feel preachy or condescending, but instead it felt relatable and like you were getting a big hug at the end as you were told it would be okay. If that even makes sense? I just really loved it.

In the Homestretch of the Hard Times by @fallinglikethis / FallingLikeThis (5k, M, Harry/Louis, Wordplay 2020 fic, Alternate Universe, Zombie Apocalypse, Scientist Harry, Protective Older Brother Louis, Harry is looking for a Cure, Louis might be the cure, sounds about right yeah? lollll)

Okay so this fic is such a fun metaphor for everything we were in the midst of in 2020, or that's how it felt to me. We were just looking for a way to stop it all and help us become immune, so to speak, and while we never did find a cure, I loved seeing how it all worked out in their world. The way they were essentially able to save each other in different but still incredibly important ways. It was such a beautiful story, and I keep thinking about it.

A+ Patient by @louandhazaf / YesIsAWorld (2k, G, Harry/Louis, Wordplay 2020 fic, Alternate Universe, Dentist Louis, Dental Assistant Niall, Patient Harry, Anxiety, Humor, Mutual Pining, Fluff)

Harry in this was so fucking relatable lmaooo The way he put off going to the dentist until he couldn't anymore even though he knew it made things worse and almost was embarrassed because of how bad it was and he wanted to get a good grade as a patient, as if that was a thing? I couldn't stop laughing because it felt like Nic had somehow managed to write me to perfection in this fic lol And Niall with the humor and begging Harry not to sue them and just... all of it was so great. I loved it all so much.

This is Not My Cat by @londonfoginacup / LadyLondonderry (3k, G, Harry/Louis, Wordplay 2020 fic, Alternate Universe, Hybrid Harry, Confused Louis, Thunderstorms, Humor, Fluff, Meet Awkward, lolllll)

I forgot about the random things Emmu sent while writing this fic until I was reading it and could not stop laughing and cooing as I did so. This fic is so funny and so cute and I love Hybrid Harry and Gemma with my entire heart. It's the perfect crack-y Emmu fic we have all come to expect from her, I think, and it does not disappoint. Such a fun read haha

Watching Camboys on Lockdown by @reminiscingintherain / reminiscingintherain (1k, E, Harry/Louis, Wordplay 2020 fic, Alternate Universe, Camboy Louis, Viewer/Supporter Harry, COVID and Quarantine, Lockdown, Harry learns about Camboys from Gemma, and I cannot stop laughing about that)

I read part one of this fic as part of @wankersday back in 2020 and cannot believe it has taken me this long to continue reading it lol I am so happy Roni continued this story for Wordplay. Louis is a bit of a disaster his first time and I just keep thinking about the way his foot kicked out and knocked over the camera and giggling all over again but Harry is so protective from that first time and it's just such a great start to the rest of the series and I cannot wait to read the rest.

captivate by @ohmydarlin / heartland (605, M, Harry/Louis, Wordplay 2020 fic, Alternate Universe, Established Relationship, Reading, Books)

This fic is so short and simple and so perfect! The way Louis learns that Harry's favorite book is Pride and Prejudice and immediately has to read it is so sweet and lovely and I just think it's such a cute start to this series. I can't wait to read the rest of this as well!

Extraction Plan Alpha Prime by @soidiallednine / soidiallednine (7k, M, Harry/Louis, Wordplay 2020 fic, Alternate Universe, Sci-Fi, Space, Warring Planets, Undercover Agents, Spies, Hiding, Escape, Action/Adventure)

There was so much world building and adventure and excitement in this that I forgot it was only part one of a series and was SO SURPRISED when it ended and nothing had been resolved lmaooo You can imagine my relief when I realized there would be more coming in following weeks haha For real though, the way this was written felt like I was watching an action sci-fi movie play out in front of me. I have a lot of trouble visualizing things I've never seen before, and yet the way they described things it was all done in a way that made it feel like I was physically in the space it was happening in. It was incredible and so good and I'm feeling a bit stressed thinking about it right now because I want to read the rest so just let that speak for itself hahaha

Your Voice, Leading Me Home (Extraction) by @phd-mama / phdmama (5k, M, Harry/Louis, Wordplay 2020 fic, Alternate Universe, Spies, Undercover, Secret Identities Compromised, Escape, Danger,)

This fic, y'all. Especially following the previous one, it was just A LOT OF TENSION because phdmama does such a stunning job of throwing us right into the action. Harry is undercover and his identity has already been compromised and he's trying to escape and he has Louis in his ear trying to help him escape and it's so dangerous and so much is at risk and holy shit my heart leapt into my throat at one point and just there's a plot twist and it's so good I cannot explain! It was such a well written story and had me on the edge of my seat as I read as fast as I could as if that would somehow help anything lol It was just SO good and exciting!

Fun Time Candles by @sadaveniren / SadaVeniren (1k, T, Harry/Louis, Wordplay 2020 fic, Alternate Universe, Established Relationship, Parents, Parenting while Active in the BDSM world, what a great premise honestly lol, candle making, specialty candles hehe)

This fic is so great because the humor and hilarity of Harry and Louis trying to navigate the pitfalls of their child being able to read while having scandalous labels for your specialty candles specifically geared towards wax play is... just the best thing I never knew I needed lol It was so funny and real and wonderful I adored it.

Extract: Japan by @sashinalash / SashinaLash (676, T, Harry/Louis, Wordplay 2020 fic, Canon Compliant, Harry in Japan)

This fic is so unique and beautiful and I cannot even explain why exactly, you just have to read it and experience it yourself. It almost feels like poetry, the way it is structured and how it flows. It has a vibe of stream of consciousness and yet it is so much more? It was one of those fics where I read it and then had to sit with it for awhile to really take in what exactly I had read. It was stunningly beautiful and such a cool way to explore it all.

Get You a Husband Who... by @daggerandrose / amomentoflove (3k, T, Harry/Louis, Wordplay 2020 fic, Alternate Universe, Established Relationship, Youtuber Louis, Baker Harry, Humor, Baking, Fluff)

This was another one where when I realized there would be more from this universe coming in the later weeks, I was so excited. This was such a cute setup and I loved the dynamic they had together as well as the humor of the entire situation while also getting behind the scenes details on Louis making the video itself and their relationship was just so soft. I loved it all, what a cute idea and I can't wait to explore more of their adventures together.

my love will never leave you by @so-why-let-your-voice-be-tamed / we_are_the_same (10k, T, Harry/Louis, Wordplay 2020 fic, Alternate Universe, Established Relationship, World Building, Illness, Memories, Loss of Memory, Very Sunshine of the Spotless Mind vibes while also being so different, Memories are Currency, Established Relationship, Angst, Pain, Hope, Sci-Fi almost, super super cool)

Mia out here throwing down a 10k fic of an entirely different world that was essentially created by her as far as I know and it's completely stunning? Like how? So wild. The pain and longing and angst in this fic is so much, though. I would summarize the fic except it's so complex I could never do it justice here so hopefully someday I'll do the podcast for this month so I can fumble my way through that for you haha Just... it's almost exes to lovers except also strangers to lovers because its complicated and yet is also a happy ending? It's just a stunningly beautiful and wonderful fic and had me wanting to just inhale the entire thing and yet also jump into the world and start a revolt myself to free them from the system they were stuck under lol it was just insanely good. So good.

The Sweetest Thing by @homosociallyyours / homosociallyyours (100, G, Harry/Louis, Wordplay 2020 fic, Alternate Universe, A/B/O dynamics, non-traditional A/B/O dynamics, omega Louis, omega Harry, meet cute, drabble)

This drabble was so cute and sweet and fun! It was the perfect opening to the series Megan continued with this round of Wordplay, so as I keep saying, I can't wait to keep reading as I catch up!

to tell you the truth... by @hogwartzlou / 5sexualhomos (1k, G, Harry/Louis, Wordplay 2020 fic, Alternate Universe, friends to lovers, exploring the woods, alien plantlife)

This fic is so fun? It's such a fun and mysterious and almost creepy set up and it turns out so perfectly fluffy and cute and sweet and fun. It was one of those perfectly fluffy and fun reads that you can read in a few minutes as a little pick me up and I loved it for that exact reason.

It's Paradise As Long As I'm With You by @loveislarryislove / LiveLaughLoveLarry (3k, T, Harry/Louis, Wordplay 2020 fic, Established Relationship, Parents, Harry's Birthday, Domestic Fluff, Baking)

This fic was so perfectly cute and sweet. The strength of their relationship to each other and their kids was so palpable and lovely. The way that Louis was doing his best to celebrate Harry's birthday in the way he knew he deserved while also respecting his wishes was so wonderful and also their getting alone time was so perfect, or maybe I just felt that way as an exhausted mother of three who struggles to find time alone with her spouse at all haha It was such a soft and sweet fic, and just a joy to read.

[jade-of-mourning]

Since you mentioned you actually like masami, have you considered lesbian!masami? What do you imagine their dynamic like? For some reason I see them like this: Asami is a big fan of fire ferrets, especially Mako. She says that Mako is very skilled, turning the tides of matches in her favor, that she's very inspiring - maybe she means even more than that to her... Basically Asami is trying to keep her flirting vague, but it turns out even more obvious somehow. And Mako's kind of confused, she doesn't really get what Asami sees in her, but she doesn't really mind, because Asami had been nothing but supportive, and she's very beautiful too. (hold on, now I'm thinking about lesbian!makorrasami)

hi anon! indeed i'm one of those very few batshit insane people out there who do like masami :P in short — i think that the two of them could be such an interesting pairing, in that they represent total opposite ends of the equalist ideology and could have been such a fascinating point to hinge on in s1.* they're both so extremely lonely in their own entirely opposite ways; they're just two kids who don't know anything about being normal in this society because of the inherent weight of their living. they were really sweet to one another when their desperately needing hearts were in it and i feel like they had a fundamental shared understanding of feeling sort of detached from who they should be and who they are. i love them for the tragedy of what they could've been, and i genuinely believe that if korra hadn't careened headfirst into their lives, they might've worked out with time.

anyway lesbian masami! i actually never Really thought about it in my head but they would be so enjoyable. i already love asami's dorky probending fangirlisms and i think she would be even more over in her head about this really attractive girl who's straight-up carrying her underdog team. she would be mako's biggest fan. asami sato is the only person in the world with the social ineptitude (affectionate) boldness to immediately ask out someone she ran over with a moped and that would definitely translate over to her flirtations. which is to say — it is not very subtle despite her futile attempts to be normal around this very hot very talented very flustered girl who she is definitely not a massive fan of. i can definitely see asami's interest going over girl!mako's head a little bit at the start; i think while she has an immediate recognition of asami's beauty, it takes a while more to actually register how lovely of a person asami herself is and begin to fall for her, whereas korra is more like an unshakeable storm.

also. girl for girl for girl makorrasami. you get it,

*tangent i accidentally began in response to your ask that wasn't what you asked for:

i'm pretty sure people have talked about it, but the fact that asami is an extremely wealthy nonbender and mako is a bender in utter poverty being at such opposition is just such good setup for a nuanced discussion — what does it actually means for nonbenders to be "oppressed" when the show repeatedly displays benders to be rejected from society and nearly all characters from wealth are nonbenders; what exists in the system that has made it so the criminal doings we see portrayed are exclusively from benders; the mildly implied but consistent stigmatization of outward firebenders in specific, while nonbenders from the fire nation get a pass; is the imbalance rooted in a more classist society rather than revolving around this arbitrary "oppressing" magic system, whose cultural role is rapidly diminishing and functionality is being replaced by industrialization. this isn't to say that nonbender oppression can't exist, and i don't think that it's exactly the other way around (nonbenders oppressing benders, that is) — the police force still seems to be composed solely of benders, though that's debatable considering that evidently it's not a metalbending job exclusively, and the council of the city is also solely benders. but asami and mako by principle pose a lot of interesting challenges to the ideology that amon pushes and i really wish that they could've dropped the love triangle in exchange for perhaps this subject. yeah, i still want more mako&bolin&asami backstories respectively as well as greater expansion of republic city, korra's cultural clash into the city and her adaptation to it, and allowing room for krew relationships to develop; but also ultimately i think that actually exploring the validity of the villain's perspective would be a better use of screen time. i wish that masami could've had the full season to themselves (maybe with korra accidentally pining for them both on the side haha) so korra would have a real life example demonstrating the opposite of amon's viewpoint, rather than the show consistently framing her to exemplify what's wrong with the system and refusing to actually acknowledge the various points they've casually incorporated that oppose it.

i struggle to enunciate my thoughts precisely as i spontaneously shit these words out on the screen — i'm not really qualified for this discussion — but i just really wish that s1 had expanded further on the fantastic premise it had. it's still my favorite season for reasons i'm not sure i could express, but it could've been so much more than what it was. and masami deserved better. whether they could've ever been endgame or not, they did mean something to each other and it makes me sad to see how brushed aside it is in general :P

[royrockstone]

heyy

not really a question, just wanted to give you some flowers

ive been reading your stuff for the past three weeks and im so glad i came across you cause i didnt think id find a writer in the succ sphere that can write roman in a way that won’t annoy me LOL (tbf i did find very few others since then but youre my fav) also it’s so hard to get a laugh out of me with writing and i totally belly laughed a few times, you’re fucking funny

idk i think youre pretty brilliant and get the characters so well its almost unbelievable at times

and jesus christ i love the way you write ed stuff, i was thinking about it watching the show but you just gave it a whole new dimension 

i still didn’t read everything, don’t want to binge it and then be sad. 

actually i do have a question, do you have any personal writing outside of fic realm? or ever considered writing whatever original stuff? well regardless i think you’re insanely good at imitation and a few dialogue moments feel like a memory of the canon show in my head 

k that’s it :))

this was so SO kind (to the point where i kinda didnt want to answer just to keep it in my inbox ) thank you for taking the time to write out your thoughts and send them my way!! 

beyond glad to hear you think im funny and a Roman Understander— that's everything i want to hear <33

re: the ed stuff, i tend to bring a “hm getting a lot of ed vibes from this” mindset to a lot of media 😭 (and we live in a disordered culture! most media with something to say about the world has something to say about food and bodies) but its ofc become clear over time that its incredibly intentional in succ! which is a win for me but also. a devastating loss emotionally. and it adds a ton of depth and dimension to its stance on wealth, gender, trauma, personal identity and family dynamics. im glad to hear that the way i write it hits the mark for you <3 (truly my biggest flex is that i was an ed!roman truther from before the esquire interview. i saw the dog pound scene and went “hm. rexie vibes.” and never looked back.)

i know there will be fewer eyeballs on it after the show ends/once the post-finale glow (or anger, but hopefully glow!) wears off, but i have a few more ideas i want to bash out abt these characters before i pack it up, so you’ll get more content even if you finish all thats currently out there!

 SCREAMING that someone would like my fic enough to ask about my non-fanworks writing. actually screaming. dream come true! ok ok i Do have a personal writing practice. ive been published a few times in cultural criticism (and one poem lol. nothing earth-shaking, as its something im relatively new at and haven’t put a ton of effort into yet) id also be happy to dm you some critical writing ive done that deals with ed themes if thats of interest! like most mediocre prose writers, ive dreamed about writing a book. and im currently writing a screenplay (my la-era roman slay) but i don’t rlllly expect that to go anywhere since Everyone has written a screenplay (ive mentioned it obliquely on here before, but its thematically centered around dancers/theater/the political economy of the culture industry/the legacy of aids in the arts) but yes, if im talented at anything, its mimicry (thats why i tend to write in fandoms with rlly specific, imitable dialogue styles and tones- succ, veep, the secret history) so i understand if people would not be interested in my original writing.

ty for this ur very kind and i will treasure this ask foreverrrr <333

[leoalvarez-clowncarcommittee]

How about Carl Hendricks for your ask game? 🙂

Flynn Moore:

Flynn and Carl's dynamic is so deeply interesting to me. They two have been basically lifelong friends and their eventual budding sex/romantic life is just as complex as the two are individually. Flynn being the first person Carl is open with ('irl' at least) his queerness with (there's an argument for Chase but I'll cover that in another Ask Game Response) and then going further and experimenting with said queerness: is fascinating to me. Carl trusted someone enough to express something that (practically) had no downside expressing with his friend group, and Flynn expressing and returning some semblance of romantic feelings for Carl is both signs of growth and attaining something he desperately wants at the time being. Flynn being the responsible one and taking care of his friends when they need it, and Carl needing ~someone~ there for him, but not overly baby him, lets both of them get what they need out of the dynamic. The two have the most potential to grow and develop and become better people together, as well as the highest chance of succeeding.

Jenna Begay:

Jenna holds contempt for Carl for a multitude of reasons. From his position of wealth, family history, and Carl's outlook on life. Due to Carl's position of privilege over Jenna, she looks down on him harshly for how he chooses to cope with his trauma as well as his general outlook on life. The two are at each other's throats a lot, even before the possessions, and I think is a nice explanation/thematic bridge to why the Echoes of their ancestors tried to manifest through them. We don't see a ton of their interactions (or even hear of them) from before the friend group fractured. Their relationship being almost strictly negative (in face to face) interactions is something this game doesn't do a whole lot within the friend group, so it’s a unique dynamic. In the end, both Carl and Jenna do care for each other when it counts... even if it probably can't go back to amicable. 

Jeremy Begay:

Carl's dealer and former bully. The two presumably pushed back the fairly intense bullying of their past and have a symbiotic relationship. We only get so much of the two interacting, but from snippets and short stories, the two have grown closer over the years. Carl seems to be hanging out with Jeremy as much if not more than Flynn even, and definitely interacting more with Jeremy than any of his other friends online. The two being the chubby characters of the game definitely activate the brainworms, but I believe Jeremy is also Carl’s Jasmyn Street mirror (like Micha/Heather are Chase/Jenna). I definitely think Carl’s route would be vastly improved by replacing Raven with Jeremy, but Jeremy is almost completely relegated to Jenna’s route and Route 65. And it’s a shame because he can easily be as integrated as a more central character (just like Micha TBH). Jeremy’s cowardice (albeit EXTREMELY understandable) with Carl during Jenna’s route about being kidnapped by Brian is a mark on his character, but I think there’s enough there to show that he’s apprehensive and doesn’t wish that on Carl at the very least. Jeremy deserves more screen time, and a lot of it can and should be centered around Carl.

Leo Alvarez

    These two do not fucking talk to each other more than like three sentences throughout the entire VN. It is actually insane. They both served as Chase’s best friend/confidant at different times in their lives, both are gym bro-esque, both messed around with Flynn, and both NEED that musky Otter-bod. I believe their lack of interaction is either a major oversight OR manufactured because the two SHOULD talk to each other a lot and that happening would ruin how broken/stuck the two are. Even a few throw away lines about them trying but not being able to would help fix this IMO. Like Leo should be at Carl’s house on that gym equipment like all the time and the two just vibing while working out. Maybe it’s on purpose, and Leo just shut out any semblance or reminder of Chase, or Carl could ~never~ bring himself to ask Leo to hangout, despite being desperate for people (Chase n Flynn) because of the GHOST. I think the two would get along very well, and could be there for each other in a really positive way. Anyways, my copium is that they were both suckn n fuckn hardcore sloppy style and that it would be awkward with Chase coming back, so they just didn’t talk to each other to avoid slipping up/the awkwardness because they both wanted the Chunter.

 Raven:

    This himbo husky is the best boy and a TRUE homie. When he noticed Carl and Chase were flirty with each other, he gave up the bed and curled up on that futon thing (CUTE ON ITS OWN!). Ya it’s kinda weird Raven was just at Carl’s house. Ya it’s weird they just hung out so fast. Yes Raven is a fem/crybaby/little bitch-boi in the Silent Hill-Native American-Explotation hellhouse-cabinboi cabin. But like, he isn’t used to traumatic spooky shit like Chase and Carl. He doens’t have spirit fucking shit up. Yes, Flynn or Jeremy or literally anyone else from the main cast would have made it more interesting/more thematic. But Raven tries. He doesn’t know Carl THAT well. But when shit is going down, he tries to stay positive, he’s there for Jenna at least in comfort, and he gets sent to hell for hanging out with homies so like I cut him SOME slack (interesting parallel with Brian there BTW. Don’t hang out with the country bumpkin mlm’s is the message I’m p-sure). I also think Raven can be ‘fixed’ by adding in one line along the lines of “Ya, me and Carl play on xbox live all the time together, cool guy!” But other than that… Raven’s introduction veers Carl off his growing outward affection towards Chase (the scene where they’re at the mall and Carl has to run and go smoke bc it was getting to gay after Raven asked for a Sloppy-Tornado blowie). Carl was getting more and more comfortable with his queerness (and presumably without James I influence in Payton/whislt high), and Raven’s outward display of sexuality both makes him jealous and spurs him on to kiss Chase (even though he has to get high to do it). It’s one of the few times there’s outward and overt romance between the two before going to Silent-Hillhouse and I think would be a VERY interesting take to delve more into. Someone as bubbly and outgoing as Raven, ‘moving in’ on ‘his man’ he was too slow to get with first (re:Leo and how Carl basically came out to Chase but Chase completely missed it). Classic closested best friend trope that would be fun to explore in a less supernatural timeline/possibly be more integrated into Metaverse Mine.

[readitreviewit]

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[mental-scurvy]

I can’t stop thinking about the scene in ep 4 where Izzy is about to leave the ship and Ed convinces him to stay.

Because if we view the characters as real people: what a fucked up dynamic, yeah? Ed is visibly fatigued with the effort of keeping Izzy around but does it anyway. He can’t stand to perform the version of himself that Izzy loves, but also can’t bear to let go.

Izzy, on the other hand, has come to some understanding that their relationship has spoiled beyond redemption. He’s ready to leave amicably, removing himself from a situation that has clearly become toxic for the both of them. And then Ed says no, I need you and Izzy walks back in to a burning building to serve a man that no longer exists. Interesting, right?

But this is a great opportunity to step back from Izzy-as-person, and dive into Izzy as as a symbol. Just like we can read the Badmintons to represent Stede’s feelings of inadequacy and self-hatred, Izzy serves to embody all of Ed’s toxic masculinity and aggression, obsession with reputation, etc. When we look at that scene from this perspective, we get a delicious deep dive into the situation at hand.

Ed has had the night of his life. Almost died, crafted a pretty insane plan, and pulled it off with a strange man he can’t help but be drawn to. He wakes up to gentle sunlight and kindness and good food. He’s wearing clothes made of fabric finer than he ever thought he deserved, on a ship where anything goes so long as everyone has a good time. Ed is standing in the doorway of the life he never thought he could have, and when he offers to show Stede the ropes of pirating Ed is saying “yes. yes. I want this.”

But embracing that life is not without consequences, is it? Because Izzy is leaving, and in order to dive fully into the silly queer world of the Revenge Ed has to let him. Ed has to set aside his own ideas about masculinity and power in order to get the life he’s always wanted, and he can’t. At least not yet. And so, instead, he has a plan. Instead of letting himself embrace this community and all it has to offer, he decides to pull it up by the roots. He'd rather kill Stede and hold on to the parts of himself he’s not ready to let go of.

And maybe it’s because he can’t let himself believe that such luxuries would be offered openly, without any expectation. Maybe letting himself sink into the world of marmalade and soft things feels impossibly sweet, and so he has to create a way of getting those things that’s as harsh and violent as the world he’s coming from.

Maybe he doesn’t think he really wants what’s being offered, that he only wants the trappings of wealth: the money, the parties, the power, the ability to rest. That whatever else the Revenge is up to has nothing to do with the joy and excitement he feels.

But above all he needs Izzy, doesn’t know how to face the world without the hypermasculinity, hostilty, and aggression that has kept him safe his whole life.  He doesn’t understand that so much of what makes the Revenge a magical place is its defiance of what Izzy represents.

In pursuing what he wants (Stede’s fortune) in the ways he knows how (violence, deceit) he’s actually setting himself back. He’s trying to enter a new life on the legs of an old one, and it’s doomed to fail from the start. And it’s achingly tragic, because he can’t see that this new world has been ready for him -- for Ed -- this whole time.

He says he needs Izzy, needs his own masculinity and violence, because he’s afraid to admit the truth. That maybe he doesn’t need Izzy at all, that the best thing to do is to let his cruelest impulses row away on a dinghy and let himself be embraced as a more complex and vulnerable person than he’s ever had the chance to be.

[absolutebl]

This Week in BL - 2 GREAT Shows Ended & 1 Crappy One

March to April 2022 wk 1

Being a highly subjective assessment of one tiny corner of the interwebs.

Organized by which ones (in each category) I’m enjoying the most.

Ongoing Series - Thai

My Ride (GaGa) Ep 10fin - BL grew up with this pulp - a truly lovely and special little show featuring the extremely rare pairing of sunshine/sunshine AKA a cinnamon roll couple. Mature explorations of relationships using one of the softest, sweetest and most innocent friends to lovers vehicles. Kindly, overworked doctor meets broken-hearted motorcycle taxi driver in an “other side of the tracks” slow burn romance. The support cast is excellent, making for great friendship groups and family dynamics. With honest queer rep that adds to, but doesn’t impede the story, and genuine conversation about the nature of class, wealth, and classism, not to mention communication, honesty, and respect for boundaries, you can’t go wrong with this show. In other news, I am a sucker for a single dimple. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED 9/10 

Cutie Pie (YouTube Sat) Ep 7 - This is a cute little show when they’re awkwardly trying to date each other and be domestic. I love a grocery shopping trope. MaxNat giving us some really good kisses. Nuea & Syn are also cute. AND a BounPrem cameo. Pretty much they just there to shill for a gay marriage. But okay. I like the gay mafia cabal they got going on at Pentagon. The public love confession in the club was kind of insane actually, but that’s sort of the way the show is going. Also I guess that’s what gay clubs are for... making out. Owner has to do it and show how it’s done. 

La Cuisine (GaGa Sat) Ep 4 - This series is so soft and sweet. I love the way Ram is making his intentions clear without ever crossing a line very much the gentleman, it matches to Choup’s shyness really well. But I don’t see how they’re going to progress anywhere with these personality types. Meanwhile Sky is THE BEST boy. Being on the phone talking with your crush all night long is so first love, I can’t even. But I’ve actually never seen it depicted in a BL. I remain wild about this show and I love that they are confronting the cost of celebrity. 

KinnPorsche (iQIYI Sat) Ep 1 - I loathe the opening credits and song, not that this matters much. Initial thoughts: We in for 50% car porn 50% actual porn? OK. I’m game. The fight sequences are really good. Kinn’s eyebrows are like seriously aggressive caterpillars - I’m half afraid they’re going to strike out on their own, take up the rainbow flag and join the march in Not Me. I was thinking about live blogging this one, but honestly that’s all I have a lot to say so far. I didn’t take a lot of screenshots, which is usually a sign I don’t have a ton of feelings on a show. So far KiinPorsche is fine, good even. I’m interested. I’m looking forward to the next episode. But the most exciting thing for me was the ombre (hombre, heh heh) suit, and it’s not whipping me into a verbal frenzy. Not even the suit. However, if I feel different next week... 

Dear Doctor, I'm Coming for Soul (iQIYI Weds) Ep 1-2 - I could imagine MaxTul anchoring this series but I’m glad to have Karn (the soul reaper Tua Phee) & Nut (Doctor Prakan) back on my screen. I like the nurse with the crush. In fact, I like all of the characters. The acting a solid too. I’m finding the music a little intrusive but I LOVE the premise so I’m willing to forgive it a few growing pains. Also we can’t ask too much from a New directed piece these days. 

Cupid's Last Wish (YouTube Sun) Ep 1 - I like it a lot more than I expected. I like that they are basically boyfriends before anything goes down. I like the will betrayal as a fissure point (witnessed a few of these myself). I love that Korn can recognize Win behind his sister’s eyes instantly. Mix is acting his little heart out. I’m into it. I’m keeping it in rotation. 

Miracle of the Teddy Bear (grey Sun) Ep 1-3 - This is NOT a premise that interests me. It consists of 16 short eps, airing Fri-Sun on Ch3 & 3Plus, reruns with subs on Netflix Asia, nothing else international. (Apparently it’s already super popular in Thailand.) I gave it a try on DC and I really do love the cast. I really like the leads dynamic, and the actor playing the teddy bear is adorable. But I find the inanimate objects talking really creepy. I ADORE the secondary couple - I always love a younger Ernest age gap romance. I think if it comes up on my radar again I’ll keep watching, but I’m not fussed. 

Enchante (YouTube Fri) Ep 10fin - Well that was a thing. Honestly it probubly should get an 8/10 by my rating system but I was so disappointed I’m giving it a 7/10 and not bothering to write a review. RECOMMENDED WItH RESERVATIONS Live blogg ep-by-ep recap here.

The Tuxedo (GaGa Sat) Ep 5 - These two are very good at flirting. But I’m not sure I can ever forgive the rich kid character. Another BL that is squandering great chemistry. So I guess that isn’t just only GMMTV’s purview.  

Love Stage!! (AISplay or grey Sat) Ep 8 - the subber I follow is on vacay so no report this week, I’m getting behind on this one.

My Secret Love (GaGa? Mon) Ep 1 - I thought this was supposed to air on Monday but... nothing, and no info on MDL either. So perhaps I had the date wrong? 

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

Cherry Blossoms After Winter (Korea Viki Fri) Ep 6 - OMG SO CUTE. So awkward. College boyfriends campus couple. SO SOFT. Argh. I’m dead. Also it looks like Korea might serves us a little coming out drama next ep (not normal for them) gonna be interesting to see how they handle it. Delicately, I’d guess. I wonder if HaeBom’s gonna find out and leave, for TaeSung’s own good, and then TaeSung self destructs. That’s how I’d write it with this kind of pairing. 

Blue of Winter AKA Judo Boys (Korea Weds YouTube) Ep 5fin - I don’t know, it was odd, like Strongberry decided to do a pulp? Not terrible but not good either. 3/10 NOT RECOMMENDED, I don’t know what I’m watching and neither does it. 

Blueming (Korea IQIYI Weds or Thurs) Ep 1-11 - it’s ongoing if you want to watch it for free week-by-week, but my FairyBLParent got me VIP so I watched it all at once. I LOVED it. You’ll need to get through the first 5 eps though. YOU CAN DO IT!  Review here. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED 9/10. 

Gossip

Star Hunter’s next Thai BL What Zabb Man (described as a chaotic romance, of course). Got a description: Poon is a hardworking guy who quit school to take care of his little brother after their parents died. He’s struggling to make a food stall work and then one of his customers recruits him as a chef for a hotel. The hotel owner, Tian, turns out to be someone he already hates, but once challenged to cook well, Poon can’t resist. Tian falls in love with Poon's cooking but won’t admit to it. Enemies to lovers commence. 

New Thai BL Buddy Line Y Animal AKA Buddy Line Y(aoi) Animal (seriously?) dropped a trailer. From the same people who brought us The Yearbook and based on 4 y-novels written by Scriper, slated to be released this year. Stars Man & Tile (Yearbook), Oat (Make it Right), and unknowns. 

Taiwanese BL (ish) Papa & Daddy has had a recast for season 2. The actor playing the seme role has been replaced. 

To My Star stars, Son Woo Hyeon & Kim Kang Min are cast together (again) in non-BL Kdrama, The Golden Spoon. So far they have been in Tale of the Nine-Tailed (not BL) and To My Star 1 & 2. 

Spring of Crush AKA Love in Spring (coming soon from Watcha (Light On Me, Semantic Error - we LIKE them). Is rumored to be... wait for it... A FULL LENGTH KDRAMA!!!!! Yes my darlings: 16 episodes at 30 minutes each!!!!!! Stars Yoo Youngjae (formerly K-pop BAP) and Kim Song (from School 2017). This is a historical cross dressing rich/poor romance and I AM SO EXCITED. 

Korea’s Dramatist Studio released location photos of their upcoming BL original Happy Ending Outside The Fence feat Leo (VIXX) and Ha Jung-woo. I guess they are keeping that title. OKAAAAAYYY...  

Korea has picked up Dongmul's A Shoulder to Cry On for adaptation, both leads to be played by idols, and it will be 12 eps. Story features forced outing, pubic shaming, sports, confident gay seme, and enemies to lovers. I’m getting Tharntype + Semantic Error + Light On Me. I’m not mad about this.  

In Case You Missed it

Yes there really is a new Thai GL on the horizon. It has been a LONG time. 

Also, Thailand is bring us some messy queer affirming chaos content Saneha Stories 4. Not much known about it with no MDL listing, but here’s the trailer. And of course, never trust it will actually be made or accessible or LIKE the trailer. I’ve been trying to get ahold of Saneha Stories 3 forever (it’s a trans romance featuring Ohm T, Yoon, and Gun K). So anyway 4 has: 

multiple GLs, 

Nut (Grey Rainbow, Dear Doctor) being hella closeted maybe dating a girl + Plustor + Earth K 

a trans man (played by Tul, yes of MaxTul), 

a trans lesbian character,

a (maybe) poly relationship with BoothNewyear + pregnant lady

an asexual storyline with KaownahTurbo

What we want is, of course, this just as a hella queer Friend Zone, but I think this is probubly a series of short vignettes. It’s looks very very messy and not BL but interesting. The kind of thing GaGa should like. Maybe they’ll pick it up. 

Upcoming Japanese uni BL (live action yaoi adaptation) Mr Unlucky Can Only Kiss! AKA Fukou-kun wa Kiss Suru Shika Nai! starts April 21st. About a boy who is always unlucky, and one who it always lucky, who accidentally start dating. No inter distribution info but it’s from the My Beautiful Man people so... Gaga maybe? 

Next Week Looks Like This:

Star and Sky: Star in My Mind takes over Enchante’s frigay time slot for GMMTV. Star Hunter’s new offering, What Zabb Man! starts Saturday (no inter distribution). And the Cherry Magic movie is releasing (in Japan). 

This week’s best moments?

Cherry Blossoms, this show could not get any cuter. 

Not my favorite of Yoon’s pairs but that was  spectacular confession scene in My Ride. 

Butch Queen of the Universe. Now accepting tribute. 

Sky in La Cuisine = best boy. 

Phai in La Cuisine = best tsundere bestie. Is that a thing? Well, it should be. Just look at him go...

He actually says nong saow to pink-haired girl and Kitty. I cooed with the queer acceptance of it all. 

Look, I don’t like Our Days, but this bit with the boom mic was absolutely hilarious. 

The *gasp* heard ‘round BL fandom. 

BounPrem for the marriage equality shill. 

[knowlesian]

ofmd meta masterpost

because somehow i have written... a lot of it!

categories under the jump, etc.

character-specific

stede in the finale, from stede’s perspective ( part one and part two )

izzy in the finale, from izzy’s perspective ( x )

ed in the finale, from ed’s perspective ( x )

the lighthouse and the kraken as metaphors for expected performances of masculinity ( x )

stede and trauma responses ( x )

izzy and masculinity and sunk cost fallacy + why lucius and stede irk him so much  ( x )

ed/blackbeard and masks we make real because we wear them ( x )

izzy sucks and it’s sad because sometimes we suck and it’s sad: a case for why he exists in the narrative and is Like This ( x )

stede and fear of opening up ( x )

ed as jeff and why that funny joke is a sad character beat too ( x )

izzy and toxic caretaking ( x )

ed and playing the game when you feel like you can’t do anything else ( x )

ed and the white world + lucius and homophobia ( x )

ed and “farewell, bonnet’s playthings” ( x )

izzy hands buys all his own trouble and stede broke his world, and i just think it’s funny ( x )

stede thinks he deserves to be punished ( x )

frenchie the thematic codeswitcher ( x )

izzy and a redemption arc ( x )

yelling about stede and why i love him/he makes me sad ( x )

stede and a life of zero positive reinforcement ( x )

ed during the duel ( x )

jim and slapping the stupid little cup ( x )

izzy and the dick clouds ( x )

izzy the unreliable narrator ( x )

frenchie and ed and the spoons ( x )

ed and power dynamics ( x )

stede and little kid comparisons/joy ( x )

lucius and being the Gay Best Friend or a gay best friend ( x )

ed and boredom in e4 ( x )

does izzy know ed doesn’t kill? (the evidence says nope.) ( x )

the use of olu as a nickname (aka it’s okay and real people do it too) ( x )

relationship specific

ofmd and mutual + stede and mary in the finale musings ( x )

why ed and stede are simultaneously both sides of one of my favorite ship tropes ( x )

ed and stede putting each other on pedestals ( x )

jim/olu (rough cuts) e7 thoughts ( x )

ed and stede, throwing away their hearts ( x )

jim and olu: this is my beloved, and this is my friend ( x )

ed and izzy’s dynamic makes me crazy, the short version ( x )

proof the moment i met ed and stede i went insane ( x )

they. KNOCKED? BOOTS!!! ( x )

things i would want for the blackbonnet reconciliation moment in s2 ( x )

ed and stede and the finale and making Understandably Poor Choices ( x )

ed and lucius break my heart: the short version ( x )

ed and stede and forgiveness ft neruda ( x )

ed and stede: what do we mean when we say forgiveness? ( x )

why it’s gorgeous/perfect stede can’t pay anybody in s2 ( x )

olu and jim at the end of e4 is going to kill me news at eleven ( x )

episode specific 

stede-ed-izzy finale parallels ( x )

the duel is Very Funny (and secretly a sex scene) ( x )

e7 and mi media naranja ( x )

analyzing the closet scene in e4 ( x )

the use of ‘wherever you go, there you are’ ( x )

drowning the books in the finale ( x )

quick thoughts on the toe scene and catholic imagery ( x )

ofmd and new money via the party in e5 ( x )

general show analysis

consider the humble (and made up!) silk moth ( x )

muppets, moths, and metaphors ( x )

ofmd and how it uses sexuality ( x )

ofmd and how they handle the unhappiness of their most privileged characters ( x )

ofmd Just Gets Humans ( x )

ofmd and toxic relationships ( x )

ofmd and mutual need ( x ) 

ofmd and class/wealth 1.0  ( x )

ofmd and class/wealth 2.0 ( x ) 

the use of revenge on a thematic level ( x )

muppets as a metaphor for marginalization ( x )

ofmd and the rule of ‘nobody thinks they’re the villain’ ( x )

ofmd and intersectionality ( x )

muppets/piracy as a metaphor for queerness ( x )

ofmd is Doing Romance Different ( x )

considering the humble lighthouse ( x )

omfd and balancing character/plot with themes ( x )

ofmd and finding your people/joy (aka, we should all be olu) ( x )

ofmd and revenge vs redemption fantasy ( x )

ofmd and empathy + the world’s endless demand for compassion from marginalized groups ( x )

ofmd and textured writing ( x )

ofmd is emotionally realistic (and gloriously illogical) ( x )

joke analysis

why frenchie’s joke about crystals is The Perfect Joke ( x )

half-oranges and subtext pith helmets: my second favorite joke ( x )

explainers/the more serious stuff

snippet from an academic paper on hawai’i and the after-effects of colonization ( x ) 

a link to the paper itself ( x )

ofmd and climate racism ( x )

ofmd and nuns v priests in catholic culture ( x )

yes, ed is māori (and why it matters) ( x )

yes, ed is māori (and why it matters) ( v personal reflections ) ( x )

olu and frenchie’s names and the commentary they provide on the history of enslavement ( x )

enslavement and show stede v real stede (and why i prefer to keep them separate) ( x )

izzy’s white, ed’s not: we can’t ignore it. ( x )

tapping my ‘we can’t be raceblind when izzy’ sign ( x )

izzy and ed and erasure ( x )

clarifying enslavement required more than just active enslavers and those groups share culpability, and that canon subtly argues stede’s money is from enslavement regardless of their change on degrees of remove ( x )

my meta co-starring or started by other people’s meta!

lighthouse and kraken as metaphors for stede and ed’s expected performances of masculinity ( 2.0 ) ( x )

ed and his moral line on killing ( 2.0 ) ( x )

stede and trauma + ed and wealth ( x )

izzy and toxic caretaking ( 2.0 ) ( x )

why the duel is fucking hilarious (and about fucking) ( 2.0 ) ( x )

consider the lighthouse + ocean vuong quote and context! ( x )

izzy hands: homophobia by any other name is still homophobia ( x )

toxic caretaking 2.0 ( x )

bits and bobs: aka i cannot decide where else this goes

ofmd/the gd moth/how we process history ( x )

spiraling in realtime when i realized they made up the moth ( x )

empathy and accountability because Us Humans Are Weird ( x )

THE MOTH IS A LIE ( x )

ed and the white world ( x )

gdi they made a montezuma’s revenge joke this fuckin team ( x )

liminal space ship is my fetch ( x )

ofmd and violence as a tool ( x )

ofmd is about decolonization and asks us to decolonize ourselves by colonizing the colonizer: my dot over the i ( x )

ofmd and Message Media v media with a message ( x )

found family in ofmd when you throw nana and mary in the thematic mix ( x )

ofmd and on-purpose accidental racism (vs tv’s usually just accidental accidental racism) ( x )

“knives are knives, meat’s meat” is a very good line so i yelled incoherently about it ( x )

holy fuCK i like my toes on my feet holy fuck: the power of image/expectation ( x )

ed the anxious entertainer is something that can be so personal ( x )

weird random shit that doesn’t quite fit anywhere else

transcription of izzy’s drunken bar rant ( x )

olu says cake better than anyone has ever said cake ( x )

the call to muppet’s inception ( x )

the exact moment i saw The Boots ( x )

stede and ed shifting from delicate (taylor) mode into delicate (damien) mode is PEAK ANGST MOMENTS ( x )

frenchie and the sign of the cross ( x )

diverse rooms make better stories ( x )

izzy is easiest because i hate him (affectionate/disgusted) ( x )

can buttons talk to seagulls ( x )

who would win in a fight: doug or the swede ( x )

things i want from izzy’s backstory ( x )

ofmd and the good place are that solidarity hands clasped meme ( x )

ofmd hits extra hard on may day ( x )

this show fucking loves layers ( x )

ofmd loves sexual stabbing ( pls sing that to the tune of sexual healing ) ( x )

stede’s endless lack of gaf when izzy is amazing ( x )

jim cleaver in one hand, drink in the other is perfection ( x )

haiku bot??????

stede bonnet is the elle woods of piracy: or, i shall never top this post ( x )

[tibby]

You are so right about Serena but can we talk about Jenny. I understand why people hate her but I always thought she was funny and had so much potential to be an interesting foil to dan. It still infuriates me that in the first ep they have Chuck try to assault her and in her last appearance as a series regular he sleeps with her (while she's like 16) and then acts like it's her fault he and blaire aren't together. I like to think after she left she got to be the main character and had a bunch of London girlfriends

oh jenny is literally my favourite gg character and i will die defending her. the way both the fandom and the show treated her was absolutely horrendous because jenny was arguably the Best Person out of the entire main cast (second maybe to vanessa, because the way they wrote her out with that juliet/serena plot was so insanely ooc and just a way for the writers to throw the poor black woman under the bus to prop up the rich white kids) and yet she was repeatedly demonised by the writers, the fans, and the other characters.

the thing about jenny humphrey is that she made a lot of mistakes and did a lot of things wrong but she was punished far more than the ~njbc~ (hell dynamic) and even her brother ever were. jenny learned very quickly that if she wanted to survive in the world of the upper east side then she needed to learn how to play their games, and then she was hated for doing exactly that. chuck committed abuse and sexual assault and was forgiven by the audience, the writers, AND the characters (because even pre-blair, the way blair, nate, and to a lesser extent, serena, suggest that what chuck did to jenny was not a One Off and they were all just willing to look the other way). but jenny loses her best friend, her family berates her, and she's banished from the city she's lived in her whole life because of something that wasn't...really her fault. given jenny's mental state at the end of s3 and chuck's previous behaviour towards her, i do think there's a lot of ambiguity around how much jenny could Consent, especially that she regrets it immediately after (and not just because of the blair of it all).

blair's treatment of jenny also becomes grosser and grosser to me with each rewatch, because jenny did not deserve how cruel blair was to her, again and again. you could argue that jenny got her own back in the back half of s1, but her actions were a result of spending months being demeaned by blair, and basically acting as a servant for this girl she just wanted to befriend. blair is the reason behind a lot of jenny's ~corruption~, and yet blair is the one who hates jenny the most for it. and the show wants us to root for blair even in her cruelest moments, whereas jenny is seen as nothing more than a calculating bitch.

i think people would like jenny more if she just learned to stay in her place, be docile for blair, and recognise her ~inferiority~ because she wasn't born into generational wealth. sure, dan's shunned for the first few seasons, but the characters are a lot more open to him because dan rarely pushes back. jenny always does, because jenny is smart and determined and capable and refuses to spend her life being a doormat. jenny knows that power comes with a price, and she's willing to fight for it, but unlike the others, jenny isn't allowed to lose. not only because she isn't able to bounce back like blair or chuck or nate or serena, but because it's a lot harder for jenny to live with the things that she's done. serena, nate, and to a lesser extent blair and chuck, do feel remorse at times, but jenny doesn't know how to cope with the consequences of her actions. and i don't think it makes her a bad person, i think it makes her so tragic, because she's willing to play the game, but gets so caught up in it that she forgets that the rules are rigged against her. and so she loses, and the people in her life can't forgive her, but she also can't forgive herself.

and the way she's written off is so infuriating, because it does demonise jenny, who was a seventeen year old girl struggling with so many demons. in season two, she was briefly homeless, had her work ruined by someone she considered a friend, and was so badly bullied that she stopped going to school (that throwaway line about someone trying to set her hair on fire in class...what!!!) she's already in a bad place when s3 kicks off and everything that happens just sends her on this downward spiral, because she has to play the game to survive but doing it is killing her from the inside out. and nobody except nate notices or cares, and so she latches onto him and crosses the line, but of course she'd be drawn to him. everyone else in her life was either taking advantage of her, openly hating her, or ignoring her.

jenny was pushed and pushed to her breaking point and then she was demonised for finally losing it.

something that's really telling about the way the show viewed jenny is how she's just...never brought up in the context of the dan and blair dynamic. which could be my bias talking but also. dan was so overprotective of jenny in the early seasons, and even though he forgot he was a brother for the majority of s3, he's the one that recognises the chuck/jenny situation for what it is (this begins and ends with chuck.) dan knows better than anyone just how much blair tormented jenny, and yet he's somehow...willing to forget all of that once he starts getting to know blair better? i know dan can be short sighted and he hates confrontation, but he does think that people should take accountability for the things they've done, and yet never expects blair to own up to and apologise for how she treated jenny. just....insanely ooc and proof that the writers didn't think jenny's feelings mattered, and basically wanted her gone from existence.

(which is also why they allow chuck and dan to have that weird semi friendship in early s5).

all jenny ever wanted was to be accepted and loved and wanted and respected, and the characters, the narrative, and the fans punished her because she was willing to fight for those things.

[demetriandelibinaryboyfriends]

Season 4, Episode 3: An Extremely Chaotic and Incoherent Review

The Good:

DEMETRI AND MIGUEL STANDING NEXT TO EACH OTHER DEMETRI AND MIGUEL STANDING NEXT TO EACH OTHER DEMETRI AND MIGUEL STANDING NEXT TO EACH OTH--

devours BroTP scraps like a starved hyena

HAWK DOING DEFENSE!!! DEMETRI DOING OFFENSE!!! CINEMA!!!

Something something lookit my boys finding balance, hopefully this will bring them closer to realizing they should date

My GOD I was NOT prepared for how adorable Johnny and Daniel sharing food is

I never expect Lawrusso to catch me in a death grip and then it does anyway

Are you fucking KIDDING me Carmen and Amanda looking at each other and giggling like that was NOT straight

Take it from an almost full-time lesbian

This show really expects me to believe Johnny, Carmen, Daniel, and Amanda shouldn't be in a polycure and I say that's some BULLSHIT

AWWWWW MIGUEL BBY NO, HE'S WORRIED HE'S NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR SAM

I thought the class/wealth difference between them might come up at some point but I didn't expect to break my heart this much D:

"And that was BEFORE he sicced a rabid dog on Eli" love overprotective boyfriend Demetri

Whether Dem found out through Miguel or Aisha or Eli told him directly it's funny because like. No attack against his mans escapes this fucker's notice.

It's nice to see Hawk and Miguel being wholesome bros again, even if I admittedly like the dynamic best when Demetri's there too

The relationship developing between Daniel and Miguel has my entire heart actually. This is what I came here for and the show is DELIVERING

Measuring in Nates is the only valid way to measure

Yesssss Johnny and Sam getting into it, give me the DRAMA

Love that they both have valid points tbh

"I get to do what I love every damn day" HELL YEAH JOHNNY, love that he genuinely has a passion for helping all these kids out

I love how I was just kind of lukewarmish about Shawbby in S3, like...it was cute, and I was a fan, but I wasn't super into it. But now you're telling me??? They stayed in TOUCH??? And Robby is mentoring his little brother??? Yeah, I'm boarding this ship right the fuck now. SHAWBBY SUPREMACY.

Also adore that we got some backstory for Shawn, and what he was doing in juvie!!! Just protecting little Kenny, aw my heart ;__; Like ngl I was kind of worried Shawn was gonna end up being this weird "scary black guy in juvie" stereotype, and that would've felt pretty icky to me

Have I mentioned that I love Shawbby now

Miguel and Daniel bonding over growing up poor is SO WHOLESOME

MIGUEL'S FACE WHEN DANIEL SAYS HE BLEW HIS MONEY ON A BONSAI STORE

*Van Halen voice* SO GO AHEAD AND JUMP, SAM

Fuck YEAH Samantha LaRusso, release your inner chaos gremlin!

Really love how Demetri nods super seriously when Johnny says that when you're in a scary situation, don't back down. Like lowkey he actually respects Johnny now and is more open to embracing all of Eagle Fang's chaotic insanity, and I think that's pretty neat.

Also Demetri has grown so much braver over the course of this show, to the point where he's chill with potentially doing life-threatening nonsense to train if needed, and I think that's also pretty neat.

Gotta appreciate how proud Hawk was of Miguel for winning the fishing contest!!! They're good buddies and I love them!

The Bad:

This show will never let Daniel, Amanda, Carmen, and Johnny be in a polycule and this is the crime of the century

I wanted Demetri to jump!!! Would it be out of character? Yes! Did I want it to happen anyways, so that he could gloat to Hawk about it and Hawk could look at him with huge heart eyes? Absolutely!

I just really want to see Demetri go full feral, I think he deserves it

I want Johnny to be a terrible influence on him

I'm sure I'll get flayed again but still a bit more Kreese and Silver stuff then I felt was needed? Like we got a lot of backstory on them last season with the war flashbacks, not sure how much more we need to establish that they're evil divorced karate husbands XD The snake tattoo flashback WAS fun though!

I don't know whether to be amused or annoyed over Daniel and Johnny fighting over who gets to be Miguel's dad, like...it's very funny, especially considering how they fought over Robby too, but like...can't you fuckers BOTH be his dad???

STAY TUNED FOR MORE

[empty-dream]

70-72 commentaries (No pic, spoilerific nonetheless)

The most important thing: S3E70-72 have no visual for Hockney's face. I, as a Hockney fan, can not deny my disappointment. Though his head from the back does something to soothe my ache.

I want to scratch Yasratcha's face so much.

So I googled and found that the name of the game, Gakjadosaeng (각자도생) literally translates into "Self-Help", and is an idiom meaning "Each one tries to make a way out of it." Fitting. Tho I’m actually surprised Yasratcha doesn’t name the game “Cat Game”

This entire kill-the-prisoners-who-just-wants-freedom-to-get-what-you-wish-for thing is not gonna do Bam good. It's foreshadowed already.

I have a feeling the special gift Yasratcha prepares in Yama's map are the same canine species as Yama. Either way, being Yama is gonna suck now.

I wonder what Evankhell's map is like since it's not shown. And also what's up with Kallavan's map, the goal is right in front of his face?

White: "I can't believe I had to get my feet wet." Me: I can't believe that's the first thing you say after 1 year hiatus.

White as an enemy is an anoying trash talker. White as an ally, however, is a satisfying trash talker. I forget if he's always able to honestly admit his pride gets hurt when someone blocks his sword, or if this is because of White's Clone effect on him? Last time I remember, as Hoaquin he exploded when Boro did it.

That Lyborick minion is so fucking unlucky to run into both Dowon and Karaka. This duo is not what I expect to find here but now I'm looking forward for their dynamic. She actually calls him "Kid." I know she’s ancient and all but. still. Karaka. A KID. LMAO.

I have no basis to say this but what if AA will face Maschenny's minions and they give hints about Maria and lit up the path to Khun Family Arc. I don't think said little brother is Ran, tho. The Wiki states Ran wants to kill Maschenny, and I feel like she is the type that will sardonically call any Khun male younger than her as "little brother."

Hansung really says "Me? Wanna be a hero? Nuts."

But anw, what is 'Where it all began?' Why is he "the only one mad for Jahad and the Great Families for turning their back against morals'? Am I forgetting something about Hansung's past or is it really not touched upon yet?

I still can't believe I start with "I hate Yu Hansung" and now I'm all "I love Yu Hansung."  Or the fact that Hansung, Karaka, White and Kallavan, all antagonists from previous long, long seasons, now are allied with Bam. What kind of fever dream is this.

Flash news: Yasratcha is into mixed furries.

*Haratcha spewing those words on Hansung* Me: Wow he really hates heroes huh *Haratcha's past is shown* Me: Wow he really hates himself huh.

So Haratcha's past is basically Elaine's but so much bloodier. And it's tragic in a different way because unlike Elaine's family, the Rashangs didn't start off such greedy bastards. They were just a good minority group that was being persecuted. But when they got to taste wealth, comfort and power for a bit too long, they became cruel and lazy.

And "How People Change" is a common theme in TOG. Just look at Bam in general, or Floor of Death arc with Joe, or Jahad and the Great Family Heads who, as Data!Eduan and Data!Jahad stated, were not like *that* before.

Haratcha's dying scene is unnerving because of how much this stays true. The ghosts (?) of the Rashangs are still so greedy. But when he offers them the only thing he has left, his mark, they just curtly say 'we have that already.'

His dying thought is correct: The Rashangs had no ambition. They never learned. They were given multiple chances to go back to living normally and safely, but they busted them all. They had passed the point of salvation because, as narrated, " They could no longer stand it if anyone had even a little it more than them. They developed a habit of demanding equality, but they made no effort to make things truly equal."

But that didn't go one way. Haratcha was the one enabling the Rashangs to depend on him and eventually leech him off. He said "I will give you power"; he never said, "Let's become strong together." He shot himself on the foot by becoming their wish-granting machine. Just like how he accused Hansung of doing, Haratcha was trying to be a hero for his marginalized people. But one fundamental mistake and several unfortunate things kickstarted his downfall.

Hansung himself also highlighted this. Hansung was not a hero trying to save anyone. He encouraged races trampled under Jahad to stand up for themselves, he made use of people, he left those dragging him. All of these were not things Haratcha did.

Said fundamental mistake, at least for me is that it got worse for Haratcha because unlike Elaine who still had her subordinate, he was alone. He was the lone leader of the group and the only one Yasratcha transformed into a feline. There was no one to raise with him nor to fall with him. No one understood what he really wanted, no one truly asked or argued more with him.

So when the pre-greed Rashangs worried about him and he waved them off with the words "Ask me anything, I'll give it to you!" they believed him and took it literally. After that he just kept giving and giving despite everything until it drained him and led him to kill everyone. And the reason why he couldn't be as harsh as Hansung is, why he is the wannabe-hero one, is because it was out of unconditional love that he did everything for his people.

(I'm just a fan of Hero Deconstruction so don't mind me spitballing about one minor character's past.)

By the way, SIU's narration and drawings to show Haratcha's past is insanely good and chilling. Right to the very end, it was *chef kiss* God I miss SIU so much it's so good to have him back.