#yes i'm still on s2 but sh

[fakeoldmanfucker]

Mark Zuckerberg mention in Succession means I can write a fic where he's there and it's not completely insane

[blu-ish]

Do u think Sonic has nightmares of the SA2 ending? do u think the s2 of Prime fall reinforced this fear or gave him some closure? the anxiety of shadow falling and Sonic not being there to catch him lingers? maybe that's why Sonic is very touch affectionative towards Shadow

It fuels my angst loving heart lmao.

That scene single handedly DESTROYED me. Along with all the fics and fanart that came right after it when that ep of S2 came out hsjshshshs. The parallels are so fuggin tragic, especially from Sonic pov.

This was someone he had met in little under 48 hours, or however long the span of SA2 was lol. He's someone who challenged him, someone who, sure, wasn't entirely a mobian hedgehog--but one nonetheless, a super powered one at that. Who went from threating to destroy the world for hurting him beyond Sonic's comprehension to defending it till his final breath beside him.

Sonic's return to the ark without him will never NOT bring me to tears (yes I'm a big baby sue me lmao), he's still holding his inhibitor ring like its the most precious thing in the now saved world.

His goodbye to him; his closure--his understanding that, that was it. Shadow was gone. I don't remember the time from SA2 until Hero's but it was sure to be a long damn time, only for Shadow to just, be alive. MAN IT HURTS LIKE SH-- (I have a headcanon Sonic got to keep the inhibitor ring when Rouge gives it him later, and he wore it under his glove cuff all this time.) You cannot tell me Shadow didn't have a major impact on Sonic's life come onnnnn. I completely agree with the nightmares headcanon btw, like you take a hero with a savior complex and give them a situation where they FAILED to save someone they love and your in for an ANGST FIELD DAY.

Prime Sonic is a lil different from the Sonic's we've been introduced too in the past. (No this is NOT a complaint I love him sm, all Sonic's are amazing to me that is a fact.) He's probably the most physically affectionate one outta all of them. We see him describe his relationship with Shadow as "complicated" lmao, and for anyone new to the Sonic Series watching it, they're basically just introduced as rivals that are so fucking BAD at communicating. But you can tell he cares about his friends, and he really cares about Shadow.

This is evident in his PANIC ATTACK, when Shadow gets knocked out while trying to enter one of the gateways and ends up almost falling into the void. And this is right after they were just at each others necks, fighting for the tech.

There is NO POSSIBLE WAY it's not supposed to be a parallel to SA2, and if this Sonic also went through the "Shadow fucking dies and loses his memories TM" there is also ZERO WAY he didn't get flashbacks while reaching out to save the only piece of home he had, but Shadow's more than that. He grounds Sonic throughout Prime, he keeps him focused, he CARES about him too. Even if he has trouble showing it.

When it was Shadow's turn to save Sonic when he was fading away. Like, I WAS DECEASED, I WAS SOBBING--- ahem, I was carefully analyzing the moment where we got to see Shadow return the favor. Where he was mere MOMENTS away from losing him. He was in Sonic's place, back in space near the Space Colony Ark. Holding the most precious part of his home. His friend. (HIS BOYFR-- *gets shot*)

I like to think they both get more affectionate and open with each other, it just works so naturally well in Prime because of everything they've been through. And how the show, shows their friendship develop over time, even when Shadow gets benched for the majority of it hjhghj. He lets Sonic in, he makes the effort to hear him out, they LEARN TO COMMUNICATE.

Sonic wants to be near Shadow, Shadow in turn lets him, lets him be affectionate. Because they both really DO realize how much they care and need/want each other in their lives. They make me ill.

[drconstellation]

The Passion Of Jimbriel

Part 1: The Entry into Soho

The story of events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus, and the days following, until his ascension to Heaven, are collectively known as the Passion narratives. It comes from the Latin "to suffer," or "to endure."

More than one op has mentioned there are parallels to this in S2, so I thought I would try and find how well the whole narrative was followed. Oh yes, is the short answer, it certainly does! And how! And in places you might be surprised about. I hope this series of metas might answer some of the odd mysteries of "why is that there...? that are still floating around at the moment for you.

I've tried to match the narratives to scenes and incidents in S2 as closely as I can, but I only have sketchy Anglican Christian background, so if you have had a more thorough Catholic upbringing than me and see something I have missed, slip me a message and I'll do my best to edit things.

A word of warning before we start - it's not a linear match-up. I'm planning to run through the traditional sequence of the Passion in order, but will match with the S2 scenes as needed, and those are scattered back and forth in time. It's Catch-22 again - everything thrown up in the air and landing at seeming random places, where ever they seem to fit best for the narrative.

AZIRAPHALE: Ah, you startled me. GABRIEL: Is that good? AZIRAPHALE: I just didn't see you coming.

I actually thought I might start with this little scene, where Jim gives Aziraphale a jump-scare by creeping up next to him silently. Annoyed, Aziraphale tells him to make some noise as he moves about, and Jim trolls him with some creaking noises, before starting to sing.

There were prophecies about the arrival of Jesus, but the ironic thing here is that Aziraphale, someone who has a vast collection of prophecies and is someone you could consider an expert, had no warning of Gabriel's arrival - he just crept up to the door as a nasty surprise!

Starting proper, there were the three temptations while Jesus was fasting in the wilderness.

Making bread out of stones (I've also covered the Eccles Cakes here in the Altar of Eccles Cakes. They have multiple purposes!)

2. Being tempted to jump from a pinnacle of a temple and relying on angels to break his fall.

3. Being tempted to worship Satan in return for ruling all the kingdoms of the world.

This one was actually covered in S1, at Golgotha. I know Crowley mentioned to Aziraphale that he was the one who tempted Jesus, but I wrote a meta about it because I realized most people were missing the joke in the TWO demon names that Aziraphale suggested Crowley had changed his name to, and how that relates to that particular temptation.

The last miracle performed before the Passion was the raising Lazarus from his tomb, four days after he had died.

After Crowley is dragged down to Hell for an interview with Lord Beelzebub and finds out they are being threatened with the Book Of Life for being involved with Gabriel, he rushes back to Aziraphale and says they have to hide them. As they decide they will try a shared minor miracle Jimbriel descends the spiral staircase:

GABRIEL: Hello. Where did you come back from? CROWLEY: Outside. GABRIEL: Outside? Hmm. Is it big? Can I see the outside? CROWLEY: No, no, no, no, no. No, no no. You need to stay here, inside the bookshop. We can look after you in here. Just stay here.

Inside? Inside the tomb? Aziraphale has even 'wrapped' him up for the occasion.

Later, we find out that:

AZIRAPHALE: Jim is in his bedroom upstairs. I told him bookshops are always closed on a Wednesday. As for Inspector Constable, at a guess, they were sent to verify the 25 Lazarii miracle you and I seem to have accidentally performed together the other night. CROWLEY: That's how you lot measure miracles? How many times it could have brought someone back from the dead?

Uh huh. The miracle of Lazarus.

The Entry into Jerusalem

Jesus made his way into Jerusalem by donkey to show that he came in peace, not as conquering king on a horse. Gabriel does the same.

But he walked in, you say, on foot!

Yes, but he walked by the Dirty Donkey pub on his way to bookshop.

Next, was the Cleansing of the Temple.

What temple? The bookshop, of course! Is it not a temple of books?

Aziraphale sets Jim to cleaning it, with a duster.

I'd say you could also call the bookshop a temple to Crowley - it is decorated in his colours, after all. The presence of Jim initially drives the merchants and money dealers demon away, snatching his sunglasses from his mini-altar as his goes.

The last step on the Passion I'll cover in this meta is the Anointing of Jesus. It tells the story of how Jesus had an expensive perfume, worth a year's wages, poured on his feet from an alabaster jar by woman who was considered sinful. The gathered Disciples were aghast at this waste - they asked why she did not sell the perfume instead and give the money to the poor. Jesus thanked her for preparing him for burial.

This one had me stumped for a while, and I had to think hard about where something had been "poured out" on feet, because I was pretty sure no one had been "anointed" on the head, which is another version of this part of the narrative. Then I remembered seeing a GIF that was Aziraphale focusing on the floor for a number of seconds after Crowley had upended the box Gabriel had carried to the bookshop with his fly in it to read the message on the bottom of the box.

My precious...! You poured them out at your feet, Crowley!

Alabaster is a soft white stone that is easy to carve. The bland cardboard box makes a good analogy for this. And in it we see Aziraphale has filled it with priceless treasures - not one but two lost Shakespeare plays!

If at this point you are going "Wait - Wot? Now you're telling me both Jim/Gabriel and Crowley are playing the part of Jesus here?" I'm saying yes. It's not the first time I've said it. I'm not the only op who has been saying it, either. And as we head into part two of this meta you'll see Crowley take on more of this role from Jim/Gabriel. The two of them have a lot in common, much more than you might have suspected or might even want to acknowledge. This is the past echoing into the present again. I think it also gives us some interesting things about the future to contemplate.

Next: Part 2 - Trials and Denials

Where we move on to the Last Supper, and the Arrest of Jesus before his before he is judged before a court of priests and then Pontius Pilate, and the gathered crowd.

This post was inspired by @mr-period 's long meta Remembering Something Forgotten-Where is Jimmy Boy?

More reading on the Dirty Donkey in my meta here.

[dragonfly0808]

Hello.

First of all, I'd like you to know that I'm a fan of your story.

However, I don't want to sound mean at all, and maybe it's just my own interpretation, but I get the impression that you've somehow taken certain traits from Layla/Aisha and put them in Flora? As I said above, I don't mean any harm, it's just my point of view, it's just that as a Winx Club fan, I find it a bit sad. For example, Aisha/Layla is a dancer, which you've kept, but you've mainly given the role of dancer to Flora. Although she's a ballet dancer only and you kept Aisha/Layla dance talents quite diverse, in one season we very clearly see her dancing ballet if my memory serves me right.

The same goes for combat and training. I may be wrong but, in the fourth season, when the Winx are doing their Winxology course, Aisha/Layla is the only one not doing magic and Tecna says "Layla is showing us that magic isn't everything. Training and healthy lifestyles are the secret to facing any challenge", so I think it's really sad that you're removing that aspect of her. Of course, I'm aware that this is your rewrite of Winx Club and that you don't always follow the elements of the show, but Layla/Aisha, from the moment she arrived, had shown that she was a resourceful girl and that she wouldn’t take sh*t from people. I'm going to say it again, but this message isn't meant to be mean, far from it. I tend to be defensive towards Layla/Aisha as I've seen plenty of people disregarding her or simply ignore her or dislike her for arriving after the first season (yes, just for that). Obviously I know you're not one of those people. I was just wondering why you decided not to let her have those aspects of her.

Also, sorry about the name changes, I grew up with Layla so I'm used to it but knowing that her real name is Aisha, it feels a bit weird not calling her that.

Sorry for the long message too… 😅

Anyway…. Happy Pride Month!!! 🏳️‍🌈

Hi!

So, tbh, the dance thing is just smth that I decided to give both of them. Maybe I’ve given Flora a few more scenes actually dancing but due to Aisha’s plotlines there hasn’t been a lot of time to show her dancing, but that should change in s4 since it will be a lot calmer.

S2 was to introduce Aisha and establish all of her dynamics with all of the girls and the guys so that was my priority for her character in s2, not really showing the details of her personality, just the overall traits of loyalty, overcoming trauma and becoming confident in herself and her place in the group

S3 is just packed to the brim with plot, there is shit constantly going down, dynamics shifting and just so much going on I haven’t gotten the chance to include a lot of more quiet moments and when I have quiet moments, I tend to focus on friendships and relationships to have some breathing room, due to that I haven’t gotten the chance to show the interests and those kinds of things of… really any character, or if I do get to show those interests, they are very much in passing unfortunately. (Also a lot of Aisha’s quiet moments in S3 have been to deepen her bonds with Flora and Brandon and for her blooming relationship with Nabu)

So between those 2, I haven’t really gotten the chance to give Aisha more quiet moments to show off her passions.

That’s what s4 will be for. Not just for Aisha but for all of them. There will still be quite a bit of plot happening in s4 but it won’t be nearly as crazy as s3 has been. Also it’s going to be a very big part of s4 to have the gang starting to figure out what they want to do with their lives (since they will be on their second-to-last year at Alfea/Red Fountain) so we will get to delve more into all of their interests and passions and life crisis in s4. Which includes Aisha!

As for the fighting thing, I never really saw Aisha as a physical fighter if that makes sense. To me she is a dancer and the reason I made Flora a fighter was mostly to have a little activity that was solely hers and Riven’s. It has to do more with their friendship (Riven teaching her to set her boundries and Flora teaching him to be more vulnerable) than with Flora herself if that makes sense.

I hope that all made sense!

Happy Pride Month to you too!

[bzramblestuff]

Jeez how did I never noticed Kaitou Joker season 1 & 2 Opening isn't exactly the same- (the same can be said for season 3 & 4 OP.)

Time to ramble I guess!

Reminder once again that this is just a ramble and not a professional-level analysis

Wasn't going to dive too deep on the changes at first, but I probably still will accidentally rambles. So!

OP 1 & 2 doesn't have that much difference, only the flash of some episode from season 1 changed to season 2.

The next difference is the main cast spotlight, whereas the season 1 spotlight is 1 character per beat; Joker, Hachi, Spade and Queen. Season 2 do 2 Characters instead, Joker + Hachi, Spade + Dark Eye, Queen + Roko and leaving one open space filled none other than Shadow + Rose.

I think what's interesting on this is Shadow filling Queen previous spot, Queen in S1 look midly mysterious because she's the main focus that season. Replacing her with Shadow (+Rose) is like saying he's the focus for S2 which is yes, true.

The last difference is the last panel, nothing big, just different pose of the main cast, S2 do look more cleaner though.

Season 3 & 4 meanwhile is more noticable.

Another main cast spotlight but S3 & S4 pose changes minorly, mostly mirrored and slight movement difference (S4 is more comedic with Hachi slipping off banana and SH back's acting up). It do make me wonder why they changes it though, such a little detail not a lot would pick up.

The next scene is Joker zoomed on-beat, it's barely noticable but the season 4 frame have that colorful tint along the line.

Another Cast spotlight but this one is for the side-character (or reoccurring) for the respective season.

Immediately Phoenix catches my attention, the difference between the two are not that different but it is interesting; the Phoenix form and Human form switching places, S3 Akai Tsubasa at first is infront while S4 Phoenix is Infront instead. Probably highlighting what we know (or don't in the case of S3) about Phoenix, S3 we barely know him and assume his human form is the default before S3 Finale drops and reveals the otherwise (Phoenix form is his default one instead).

The one that follows after Phoenix is Commando Satsuko & Ali Baba to Commando Satsuko & Mr. Kaneari, Probably to display that they do get married, shoving Ali baba aside bcs he's only appeared in one episode.

Thirdly is Capt. Blue, Hayami and Rainbow Justice to Chappa, Hyakkimaru and Younger Ai. Three characters that got introduced in S3 replaced by a new character in S4 and surprisingly Hyakkimaru! A pre-existing character that plays an important role is S4, Would say that's interesting. Not forgetting Younger Ai, which backstory appeared on S4 instead of the earlier season like the other main cast.

Shadow and Rose is next on the list! Nothing much beside Shadow looking more friendly(?) And Rose being in-front in S4. S3 Shadow look either angry or smiling I'm unsure but the gaze definitely is more intense, if it is an angry expression this could be a way to highlight the development of being calmer in the fourth Season.

Now for a more noticeable changes, the Devil fang member to Agent Purple (in her prime), Doctor Neo and a striking silhouette of Genma. This most likely display the threats and enemy they're fighting, from the "Bounty Hunters" to Doctor Neo and Genma. It's interesting though to see Purple as an ally is there. Maybe to show the connection between her and Neo? Another interesting thing is how menacing Genma is, with such a little screentime yet massive impact on the story.

President D afterward only changes pose, from being darkened by the shadow to being closer on the screen. Maybe to show him being more directly involved in the story, and also the apple seems to be highlighted (if you know, you know).

Hoshi zooming in and being mirrored in S3 to S4 and title screen.

S3 & S4 stayed the same until that part where all of Joker enemy slides in the background again S3 are the DF Members; Red Scorpion, Nightmare, Candy and Spider Ace. S4 being Doctor Neo and Genma again, but uniquely Red Scorpion and Spider Ace pops up again, most likely because they do appear again.

Finally! The last Frame changes from the Main Cast + Hosshi to Almost every important character in one screen.

That's all! Thank you for staying on another ramble of mine!! Feel free to tell me if I missed anything.

Ps. Will edit the post from time to time, mostly for some grammar corrections

Also Happy birthday Joker/Jack Jones!!

[takaraphoenix]

I saw the gif of Jace that you reblogged and thought to myself “I haven’t seen Takara-Phoenix in a while” and then I stopped and scrolled back bc the Jace Herondale gif set was probably yours and it was!!!

How have you been? Thoughts on Jace/Magnus?

*laughs* Yes, I am one of the sources that put Sh on your dash ;)

And gosh sorry, your ask has been collecting dust in my inbox, despite asking about one of my OTPs, you had the unfortunate timing of sending it while I was in the middle of my Shadow and Bone binge so my mindset was super not in Shadowhunters. Different shadows *grins*

I always have thoughts on Jace and Magnus! They're one of my all time favorite ships! Overall thoughts? Like, the beauty of their parallels as the sons wronged by their fathers, seeking love? Strong and capable but soft at heart and masking that with sex and sarcasm?

Also, I'm sorry, but people are sleeping way to hard on this THEY WERE LITERALLY ROOMMATES C'MON. Their canon dynamic had so much potential but they were slept on so hard.

And oh the eyes. For one that thing about Magnus having a weakness for blue-eyed boys, c'mon. But for another, Magnus feeling so lonely because nobody has eyes like him and his father. And though Jace's golden eyes are different, he too has golden-glowing eyes that other him from his people. And I just want my golden-eyed boys to be happy with each other.

Also, honestly, my Shadow and Bone binge did make me think of my boys.

Because prior to s2, I did actually fancast Dom as Nikolai, because... blonde snarky pretty boy. I liked the actor who did it in the end, but after seeing the season I still think that Dom would have been a fantastic cast.

So I'm currently cooking up a semi-related fic, Malace, which is Jagnus plus Alec, and I am intensely excited because I've had the worst writer's block I've had in years and this is actually the first fic idea I've had in months.

[thetaoofbetty]

so i've started rewatching riverdale since we're in hiatus. i still genually don't know why people take things hard against betty. i keep seeing people hating on betty for using cheryl's trauma but have they forget about the heart of a pig cheryl sent to josie? i mean i'm a betty fan but also a jughead fan and i admit that he cut off a woman's arm her tattoo💀 no one in riverdale is good so why they controle every actions betty make? and about betty being a bad freind to veronica, everytime she apologised to her, even about the cheating ! about ba, when they first kissed everyone came clear, first they were all broken up and i mean v&j even kissed, the second time veronica forgave archie and jug seems to want to too. speaking of it i always thought when she said that what they were doing (she and archie) was because things were changing and she got scared(?), don't remeber clearly but i think she was telling the truth. i mean she had to pretend her boyfriend was dead, she was afraid she could've hurted, they would get caught, you can't blame her for drowing in a safe nostalgia that is her childhood idea of archie and her. maybe it's because i'm a betty fan, but i don't see what she's done worst than any other charcater in riverdale. if they don't like her it's fine but don't give us reasons of why we shouldn't too when also their faves did bad things. anyway i hope you're doing fine on this hiatus lol. i just wanted to say that i love your wirting so much and thank you for being betty (and jug's) protector !! 😌

ahh, yes. the annual re-writing of bughead’s history. i am familiar with that particular fandom genre. like, none of these people handle things well? they all have their ways and sometimes they do it questionably—okay it’s mostly questionable. but it’s a tv show and i’m like, eh about a lot of it. people do not like the mirror that gets held up to their favorites sometimes and it is what it is. hating on betty has been a long acceptable thing to do. 

i always forget about the pig heart thing, tbh. 

sometimes i think the issue with betty and veronica (aside from the show not writing it) is because they have a tendency to treat veronica like a supporting character in her own storylines (i do not like this) and betty is often so busy in her own plot arcs that veronica will pop up to be supportive of betty and then it’s like, well veronica was there for her that time... if this show would ever let betty or jughead breathe, that would be great. like, just a smidge? a touch? for five minutes? 

which also makes me think sometimes that betty is so traumatized (and the men on the show are written to be more sympathetic than the women, fight me) that people are totally numb to it and shrug it off and forget about everything she’s been through. she’s not punching people for jughead so she can’t possibly be fighting for him right? just because she fights for him in a different way (supporting his choices, helping him when he needs it, supporting his writing, etc) doesn’t mean she’s not trying. 

listen, i have thoughts that literally no one wants to hear on what i think they should have done if they were going to force that 4x17 arc down our throats and none of it was frigging out of nowhere like it was, ha. and it didn’t even matter so it was all pointless in the end. 

pretending that betty is suddenly a different person and bad for jughead after 5x09 feels kind of transparent to me for obvious reasons? am i the only one who remembers s1? 1x03? the part in 1x10 where she sits in the booth with jughead and tells him, “something is very, very wrong with me...”? s2 and beyond? 

jughead’s affection or vulnerability or support in those moments for her always get elevated in fandom over what the scene was actually about and yes, i think that’s a problem. 

and oof, jughead and archie, man. i understand jughead’s insecurity where archie comes in and sure, it’s been a long time coming so i think they really need to have it out (will the show do it? i don’t know) because jughead keeps acting like it’s okay when it’s clearly not. i have thoughts but i don’t want to ramble but like, i just want jughead to express himself with archie and lay out the obvious resentment instead of worrying about how archie feels about it. because i don’t think archie thinks much about it at all and i think we know that jughead thinks about it all the time. betty’s felt her consequences for the last 7 years so i think archie deserves to sit with the knowledge of what he did to one of his best friends too. 

 thank you for the kind message, doll! and i hope you’re doing fine too!💜

[dreamerandcrazy]

Ok, so I haven't been able to comment much on my Riverdale rewatch mostly bc i'm watching it with my boyfriend and we have an agreement of no cell phones when we're watching, otherwise we can't pay proper attention to it. But I wrote down some notes about the episodes I did watch (I watched up until ep 6, which is very ironic bc apparently today is its anniversary, so yay for my perfect timing). I actually remember most of the stuff that happened in s1, so here's mostly a few things I paid more attention to or noticed about the characters and the ships, or things i'm able to look at through a different view now that i've watched all the seasons. Strap in if you want to see my notes, if not just scroll please, no ship or character hate here please. Also, feel free to ignore, this is really just a personal look in some stuff I didn't notice in my first watch.

- Betty's character used to be much happier and lighter in season 1. I know we're introduced to "Dark Betty" right in episode 3, but still, I feel like the way Lili played Betty in season 1 did not hold the same "darkness" as it does in the following seasons. The scene where she is dancing happily in her bedroom because she's going to homecoming with the boy she likes? The scene where she introduces Jughead to the Blue & Gold and gets him to work with her? Her genuine innocent happiness at seeing her sister again after so much time? The way she interacted with Kevin and Veronica? Those were all chef's kiss because she actually feels like a teenager in them. In all her girly glory, she radiates youth energy and it's a thing that was sadly lacking after s1. Btw this is not a critique at Lili's acting at all, I blame it entirely on Ras and his obsession with dark Betty.

- There's actually so many indications of Cheryl being a lgbt character in the first episodes that I have no idea how I missed it the first time. But then again, there were many indications with Veronica as well, and sadly that's not the path Ras chose for her.

- Jughead in s1 is truly so superior in so many ways that it's not hard to see why he quickly became such a fan favorite. I think even if he wasn't played by Cole Sprouse, he still would have conquered many fans' hearts. Sadly, the things that made Jughead such a loving and interesting character for me also fizzled out in s2 when the writing team decided to make him a woke serpent leader instead of allowing him to sticking to his true personality as a passionate mystery lover, a dedicated friend and very nerdy, which was very cute. I feel that we got some of that back for him in s4, which was good, but sadly s1 is where my love for him really stayed to stay. But I still care for him, and s5 has a promising storyline for him which i'm excited about, so let's see if s5 Jughead can become better than s1 Jughead.

- Going back again to Cheryl for a sec, I just noticed that the red lipstick actually wasn't that common for her in s1? At least not in the first five. I wonder when did it start becoming her trademark? Anyways, it's actually a really good look her and allows you to appreciate Madelaine's natural beauty even more.

- Also, did anybody notice how Alice lowkey figured out who killed Jason in ep 2 lmao, like... in episode two she legit says she wouldn't be surprised if the Blossoms themselves had killed Jason, which... is what happened LMAO, considering we know it was his father. And even more hilarious and tragically ironic note, in ep 6 she's laughing at Betty suggesting that Hal killed Jason because "do you think your father has the stomach for it?!"... Ma'am... i'm-.... 😂😂😂😂.

- This rewatch has reminded me of how much I adored and how I much I miss Josie and the Pussycats. The girls were such a nice addition to the cast, and their songs were so beautiful. I truly wish we get to see them again someday, but at the same time I also think the actresses deserve to be at a work place where they're given the treatment they deserve and not completely ignored and treated like extras.

- Archie/Valerie was super cute and is very underrated in the fandom, but i'm glad Valerie stood up for herself and didn't take any of Archie's or Cheryl's sh*t. Still sucks because they were really good together, though.

- Why was Jason not allowed to talk, lmao? Like, i'm sure it's become a running joke in the show at this point, but back when season one was airing what was the excuse for it? He appeared in so many flashbacks and scenes and we still never heard a single word ☠️☠️☠️☠️. I just want to know what was the reason lol.

- I liked s1 Reggie, but I feel like Charles Melton's Reggie is better because he actually feels like a douche with good intentions lol, and he has more of a personality. Most of the time I even forgot about Reggie in s1, but after s2 he definitely made me more aware of him. So for that, I like Charles Melton's Reggie more. But the actor from s1 still did a good job with what he was given.

From now on I will be talking about the ships, so bear with me, and know that I am a multishipper. Yes, I have my preferences. No, my word is not law, it's just an opinion, so please respect it.

- Bughead is still super cute in s1. I feel like from s1 they will always be my otp, even if I no longer feel as strongly about them now and have a different insight as to where I would like their story to go, and now I definitely see the problem others had mentioned before of how they kind of took over the show, which is something I kind of closed my eyes to before... But I really loved them in s1. It felt like a very juvenile teenage relationship, they didn't give much thought on why and if they should be together, they just went for it like teenagers usually do, and they were very very cute together.

- I feel like if you don't count Beronica (because they really were the best no matter what you say or ship), if there's a ship that deserves "best chemistry" award for s1 is probably Varchie. I lost my interest in them years ago, but this rewatch reminded me of why I actually loved them once. They never really became an otp for me, but Kj and Camila's chemistry in s1 was VERY GOOD, and I really liked them. Their kiss in the pilot was electric and the s&xual tension was OOF, and that chemistry carries on through the season. You can easily tell something will happen between them eventually. It makes me sad bc I don't know what happened after s1, but their chemistry from s2 onwards was just... not there for me. Which is ironic bc it's the season they truly started dating and they got a lot of smexy scenes, but I just... didn't feel it. But I'll leave that comment to my s2 rewatch. For now just let me enjoy Varchie's chemistry in s1 while it lasts because it was really good.

- Now we get to Barchie, who I made clear was the reason for my rewatch, so let's get to it. I LOVED the way Barchie was written in s1. I remember when I first watched Riverdale, I was curious about their dynamic but didn't put much thought into it because I loved Bughead too much and wanted them to be together, and I thought Barchie would be the traditional "first og ship" thing and wouldn't have a big follow up, but boy was I WRONG and am I GLAD for it. I'll talk more about their development in the next seasons when I get there, so for now let's focus a bit on s1. Just in like the first two episodes, there is so much Barchie foreshadowing, like, it's legit insane how it was right there in my face and I missed it the first time! "I have never felt what i'm supposed to feel with betty", "it's not my fault he doesn't like you", "I can't give you the answer you want"... Omg, those are obvious eyebrow raising "this will come back to bite you in the a$$" moments and it's incredible how they actually DO! I would call it clever writing, but like... it's Riverdale lol. So I really am just glad that the ship was done this way, i'm glad Barchie has the back story that they do, they've really come a LONG way and i'm happy I get to experience their whole growing storyline. It's also especially good because s1 actually provides you with scenes that show you their friendship and how they're so close, you see them hanging out, talking, their pictures together, everything was just really done well with them. Still have a bit of critique with the way Archie contradicted himself sometimes regardinf his feelings for Betty, but let's be honest, we've watched enough Riverdale to know that's just a problem with the writing.

- Kevin/Joaquin is still my favorite Kevin ship, i'm sad it's completely impossible to go back to them someday so for now i'll just be really glad it existed and that I got to see them even if it was short-lived. They had great chemistry and their kiss scenes always outsold.

- Beronica... sigh. Beronica. The most wasted chemistry i've ever seen on CW and I've watched a LOT of CW shows. There was so much potential there, s1 was practically overflowing with them and it's one of the reasons it became some popular. I remember when the Beronica fandom was the biggest one, ah, good times. Veronica and Betty were easily the best part of season 1, their friendship, their lowkey romantic moments, they were just superior in every way. This ship deserved better, not even just as a ship, but as a friendship.

- Veronica's s1 hair >>> Veronica's hair in seasons 2-4. I loved the side part and I am glad it's back in season 5, it looks so much better like that.

- Cheryl, as always, deserves better. Can't wait for her to meet Toni so I can watch again Cheryl finally get to love someone and be loved back, which is exactly what she deserves.

For now, that is all! I will probably make another post soon when i'm done with season one and from season two on I will be live-blogging the episodes since I will be watching it alone. Once again, pls, no hate, my thoughts are my thoughts. Peace.

[falle-ness]

Musings about Keenler

Hello, everyone!

The recent conversation with Aly @alyblacklist (I think it's the second time your words get me thinking and do some long writing ;D) got me thinking about what Don and Liz mean to me right now and if I have indeed become an anti-keenler?

First of all, I've always been into Donald more. I got to love Liz a bit later. Esp the Liz from the s2 and s3. So most of the time I'm looking at everything taking Donald first into consideration.

"What you feel about her, could make all the difference...” — yes, it's a freaking canon we are having here, and at this moment I became a shipper.

***

I'm looking back at those keenler verses from s2 and s3 I wrote back then, and there I see Liz, who's trapped, but yet the possibility of redemption, or remorse still lives within her. And I can easily picture Don being her light at that moment.

I'm also looking back at mooneyeing posts, gifs and other adorables from 1A-3.10. And again I can easily picture them together. They both have seen and done things no one of them could have imagine; they are torn apart by guilt and pain. Again, I can easily picture them both gravitating to each other, healing, mending each other wounds.

The season 3 hunt for Liz and the scene at the embassy, then, in the forest will be my fav keenler moments. So, given everything above, I'm very keenler for arc from s1-3.10 with all my being.

3.11 and s4 and s5, on the other hand... I'm left empty-handed. I'm against the pregnancy, fake death arc and all the blasphemous sh*t, Kaplan retcon which went then.

But most of all, the thing which still bothers me, is that Liz had never actually apologized to Don for faking her death.

I mean, just try rewatching the moment Ressler finds a van with dead Liz inside. His face tells it all. And the way he looks at Red — compassionately, — because at this moment they share the same pain for the woman they both loved.

And then we see Cuba, Liz is doing her nails and being very happy, and I'm like, ???

So, just take these to pictures and ask yourself, what would you do if found out you'd been played like that?

You'd rejoice and be happy? I doubt it very much.

I'd either hate the person with every fiber of my being or completely ignored him/her.

But what is often in TBL universe, is forgiving. So, most probably, within TBL Don had forgiven Liz that, but for me that doesn't equals "love". Forgiven, not forget.

But I can't forget or forgive her for what she did to Donald.

And it's the biggest trigger for me to cut it off with keenler. I totally get Liz motives, but out of all people, Don is the one who had gone through similar stuff. She could have told him. Or at least, apologize later. I get it, writers forget or deliberately don't show us stuff. But since s4 no actual conversation! Yes, only the one about silver linings, but Liz is so blinded by her revenge she just pushes everyone away.

Writers could have made Donald trying once again to break through this wall, but they didn't. But he — and I'm with keenlers in it — he's the one she could have actually listened to.

But now it's too late. She's crossed the line. She stepped beyond the boundaries of even Red's world. She's totally in Tom's world, where you take everything by blunt force, not thinking about the consequences.

For now here are my thoughts on everything going on with keenler:

"...I shifted from keenler in s4, since I wasn't happy where it went and how Liz treated Don. I get the writers aren't showing us something on purpose, but they either don't talk much or she's using Don to pursue her own agenda, lying him again. I just can't accept it. Until s3 I really like to go back, rewatch fanvids, reread fav stories, but right now s4 and s5 Liz doesn't deserve to be with anyone, imo. She is blinded by her desire to revenge first for Tom, now to destroy Red. And as much appealing that is to think Don could be her light, I can't picture it. Just can't right now. Maybe if writers would show is her apologizing for her fake death to him, or just a normal conversation where she at least tries to explain, I'd stick with keenler, but I just can't..."

And here we go, the middle of s4 and s5. Liz has totally transformed into the maniacal, ruthless, cold-blooded meticulous and merciless murderer. I see the goal, I see no obstacles, as they say. She is screwing with the evidence (I'll go back to Don's Frank Sturgess later), manipulates the task force, even Red into doing her own dirty work.

Let's talk about Red.

Red threatens and kills only scumbags who had it coming. Liz, on the contrary, is ready to hunt anyone, to question, use, then murder anyone who is on her way, because that person doesn't give up her the truth.

But what truth?

The one that Tom ignored all the warnings and got himself in trouble? The truth Red is hiding just because of the desire to protect her?

Liz is hunting this truth because of the egoistical desire to get something she doesn't have. It's not anymore about getting know who she is, how is it connected. Red has it, so should she.

Just like a kid who's not given something he wants. Writers need to make her grow up or we're in trouble.

I like to connect with a character. I have a lot of things common with Donald (I've also experienced the same "world is not all black and white" revelation, I'm also all into integrity, loyty and doing your best), but with Liz... I could admire her in 2A as a cop, in season 3 I could justify her hunt by being framed. But in season 4 and 5 I can't justify her. She is in love with an abuser, who laid a hand on her, for God's sake! And she has become the aggressor and abuser herself. I can't sympathize with her anymore. Just can't.

#FixLizKeenSeason6 I'm thinking this hashtag is so freaking telling.

And now she has it. The secret she wanted so long. But at what cost? She lost every piece of human inside her. She openly confirms she is ready to exploit the weaknesses of others to make them suffer. That's a sadistical inclination here.

Unless you're a total masochist, I doubt very much you'd run with open arms to such a person. I sincerely doubt Don is a masochist.

And I don't want to see such a person with Donald. He deserves better. And Liz actually, deserves to be written and crafted better, too. Again, I'm repeating myself, but I could sympathize with her earlier or if she was written in a way that would make me connect with her. All I see is a person, who's soul has become an abyss, and she, realizing it, keeps painting it more black and crimson.

Elizabeth Ken of 4A and 5A repels me. Because I had too much of a similar experience in my life.

Again, my thoughts:

"...I'm really unhappy what they did to Liz and Don in the 5th season. Mainly to Liz. I didn't mean to offend anyone, really. But I met a few people in real life who were the same — blinded, ignorant to others who were trying to help them; pursuing their agenda and treating everyone around just as a raw material, you know. And it triggers me very much they are doing it to Donald, because he doesn't deserve it. And Liz doesn't deserve it.

I'm not the person who'd intentionally harass or call out names (ship and let other ship is my motto), but I'm genuinely struck how it's possible to still want Liz, the way she's now to picture with someone?...[...]

Such people just don't change, they already have chosen their path, and can't be turned to light. And even by any magic they put Don and Liz together in s6, my personal opinion is that Don won't survive, both physically and mentally."

Let's compare Don's and Liz situation.

I hope we all can agree that Hitchin died accidentally. I don't whitewash Don — in reality he'd be in prison by now, however, you can't deny he's truly suffering by what he had done.

He's panicking first and calls for a cleaner. Who wouldn't? But very soon he realizes how wrong this decision has been.

And we clearly see, however tiny those bits are, how Donald is genuinely tortured within by his actions. Everything reminds him of what he'd done. He'd become everything he never wanted to. He's lost control of his situation, being under Presscott's thumb.

But very soon we see that basement encounter between then where we could taste what's really on Don's mind. He's on the edge and came to the point he doesn't care what's next for him. He's ready to confess.

Let's take out Red from the equation. Imo, Donald would have go to Cooper. He had gone, anyway. And it's a clear indication of his remorse. That Cooper didn't let him, that's another thing.

And here we go to Liz. You ever seen a bit of remorse when she killed that guy from the cartel? Okay, bad example, he's still a bad guy, and she probably had done a favor to the world.

And now, remember the ranger in 3A she shot? Or the old man from that boat? Back then she was actually feeling she is doing wrong things.

But when she was letting go that psychologist, did Liz even think that despite the "cosa nostra" deeds that psychologist is killing people? People Liz, as an agent had sworn to protect and give the benefit of the doubt?

Some deserve to die, I agree. But we are not gods to decide when to take or spare the life. What for we've invented such complex laws, jurisdictials systems and so on then?

And Liz has certainly thinks the world belongs to her and she can do whatever she wants. She got her badge, her friends are always having her back (*sarcastically* Liz even sent flowers to Samar, remember?), and Red always comes in handy to save her from another f**** up.

I'm asking both Lizzington and Keenler fans — still want such a person to be with your fav? My question is a genuine one. I really want to understand what keeps you on this ship. Maybe you're seeing something I'm not.

Ah, one more thing.

Compare the way Red kills and Liz's way. Red, if possible, does it swiftly, and, in his own words, he's always, whatever the person is, dying together with that person. He's not against the torture, too, but he's using it only when necessary.

And Liz? Her ways of killing have always been transforming into very twisted, just like Tom's. She dissolved a body in acid and hasn't flinched a brow. She had actually confirmed she had learnt a lot from Tom, all his tricks of the trade. And, let's not forget the DNA — no, not Red's, Katarina's. I still believe if writers could go with the split and memory thing, we could have seen a very different, bipolar Liz, who'd be very fascinating to watch.

But for now I don't see how it is possible for Liz to go back.

If you see otherwise, Is be happy to hear your thoughts ;)

Thank you for reading if you got to this part :D

Pardon me for any mistakes, English is not my native language.

P.S. If I have ever hurt or you felt bad because of my tweets (FalleNess on Twitter) or anything, I sincerely apologize, I didn't meant to. I'm usually writing my tweets on emotions, not really thinking about the outcome :/

I'm open for any kind of the discussion, I'm really curious of what you think guys and how you still manage to sail your ship.

[anthony-kate]

What do you think about the new season of Shadowhunters so far? Ive only watched till E04 cuz everything comes out 2-3 days later where I live but if you've seen the 5th you can dish all out, I don't mind the spoilers🤗 What's been your favourite scene so far? Who are you excited to see more of? Thoughts on Kyle and Lilith so far? And malec😍? Talk SH with me :))) I'm sorry if this is weird, I don't have anyone to talk Shadowhunters with

I actually really enjoy it. It’s obvious that they picked up where they left with 2b and the show is now settled on good grounds when it comes to storytelling, lighting, vfx, acting and such. It really feels a lot more grown up and is really not comparable anymore to s1.

That being said, of course, I highly enjoy all the Malec ngl. But tbh I am also intrigued to see more of the other characters like Maia, Luke, Simon, Izzy. Or to see Lukemaryse happening. And Sizzy!!! Haha I love that they apparently brought back a bit more of humor that was missing in s2. Now I really hope they will work on friendships and finally(!!!) give me the Alec/Simon brotp we all deserve because when this happens, I don’t really have much to complain about anymore. At least not about things that won’t change and that I just have to accept because yeah...

Also, I don’t have seen ep 5 yet because I am not a reviewer. But I am definitely pumped for that ep. All the things they have in store for Malec and Alec and Magnus as individuals, I am sorry, but these are the best stories in the show, call me biased but yeah.

I mean yes, Lilith seems like a good (and hot!) villain which I was really hoping for because Valentine was so lame and since Sebby is still out of the picture, I am curious what they are going to do with her. I am intrigued. Especially with the Edom connection and Magnus and Asmodeus and all. *cough*

And Jordan? Should just go back where he came from. Put him in the trash and let Maia date Lily. Or well, Bat. I don’t care. Just keep her away from this trashcan. (I hate how adorable Chai is. Same with Will. Ugh...)

Nonetheless, you can always come and talk to me about “Shadowhunters”, pumpkin. :)