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[thereisnolumos]

Everyone was getting tired of watching them dance around each other. They drew straws on who would do something about it. Dustin lost.

[thereisnolumos]

One thing I've found really interesting with fandoms, over the many decades that I've been involved in them, is how different fandoms approach shipping.

I feel like it's this common thing for a sizable portion of Buddie shippers in the 911 fandom who feel like that ship has to be canon or it's somehow "lesser." That canon ships pose a threat to their pairing as well.

Meanwhile, I'm also actively shipping Steddie (another popular ship) in the Stranger Thing fandom, a ship between two "straight" characters who weren't together and literally half of the pairing is now dead. (And hell, people are shipping Hellcheer which is two dead characters)

Don't even get me started on my decades long obsession with Draco/Harry & Draco/Hermione.

Fix-It fics exist for a reason, people. Embrace them and enjoy having full creative control over your pairing. You're probably going to do it better than the writers anyways.

[thereisnolumos]

Hey, don't cry. A single thread in a tapestry, though its color brightly shines, can never see its purpose in the pattern of the grand design, ok?

[thereisnolumos]

Unpopular opinion time:

I keep seeing people on TikTok crying for Simon to be recast, because Rege doesn't want to be in Bridgerton anymore but Simon and Daphne "need" to be in it

No. No, they do not

First of all - recasting is bad 90% of the time and works only when the original wasn't that good or wasn't a developed character. None of this applies to Rege's portrayal of Simon. Hell, Bridgerton took of as it did BECAUSE Rege was so fantastic as this character and had fantastic chemistry with Phoebe. You can't just recast any other tall black actor and think that'll do it

Second - Simon and Daphne both have NOTHING to offer to the story further. They had their love story, they're happily married and are currently raising their own family. Their estate is canonically far from London, so they can't just come whenever, with their kids and all. More than that - they have not a single reason to come to London during the social season. They don't have a daughter that needs to find a husband, and Daphne's sisters are not their responsibility in that regard. Like it or not, but Simon and Daphne have their own, SEPARATE family. Simon canonically stated to dislike London during the social season, why would he even want to subject himself to it, unless he absolutely had to? "But Daphne likes balls!" Yes, and she can throw her own at their estate outside of social season, as she stated to wish to do in season 1

I believe the vehemence of some fans over this has come from the fact that Kate and Anthony are present for season 3. So of these two can be there, why not the Bassets?! Kate and Anthony are Bridgertons. They're literally the heads of that family. Anthony now has two sisters out in society, both of whom need to be chaperoned to the balls, introduced to suitors etc. Of course Violet and Kate would share the responsibilities in this. And Anthony is literally the Vicount, with many family business to attend to, so that's where he's at - with his family. But Simon and Daphne are not and were never supposed to be a part of Bridgerton family in the same capacity as Kate had become. They're beloved relatives, no doubt, but they have THEIR OWN FAMILY

The only moment where I think Simon was really missing, was at Anthony's failed wedding. But then again, Simon is a Duke. He's a Duke of an estate that has canonically been left in a disarray and had problems with crops that probably wouldn't be solved in one year turn. They just needed to address it more directly in season 2, that he had an urgent estate business to attend to. After all, that wedding WAS on a too short notice

I can't understand why so many fans decided that if Bassets aren't present with Bridgertons during the summer, it means they don't see them at all. In season 2 we weee all shown that all of Bridgertons have met Auggie before we first met him, even Colin who's constantly at travels. The detective work isn't that hard here. The series notoriously only takes place during the summer because of the social season. We're not shown what's going on the rest of the year but it's SO EASILY DEDUCED I can't!

In conclusion: no, Simon should not ever be recast. His and Daphne's character arcs have been perfectly finished and they're happy together, raising their family in the country as they wanted. They visit Bridgertons a lot off screen, when everyone is free to do so. Would I like some appearances? Sure, they'd be lovely, Simon and Daphne are my favorite Bridgerton couple and season 1 will always be superior for me. But those appearances would just be lovely nod to the fans, because they don't have any further storyline to offer. And such appearances wouldn't mean anything with a recasted Duke. Rege is the only Duke of Hastings that can ever be

[thereisnolumos]

Philoise stan arguments for their ship mostly seem to be;

It's in the books.

Sir Phillip might be different in the show.

We want Eloise to lose her personality and marrying Sir Phillip migth do that to her.

And they wonder why it's no sell for many, many fans.

(Including those who have read the books.)

When you can't tell me why a ship is good for a character as they are, then what you're shipping sucks.

Literally every other ship that people have come up with for Eloise (Meloise, Theloise, Footman John/Eloise) is better than Philoise, with the controversial exception for Peneloise, which I understand the popularity of, but after the shit Pen's pulled, I think Eloise is better off far away from her.

[thereisnolumos]

If they don't change the love interest and the plot, I'm not suffering through Eloise's season. She deserved much better than this mess

And the fact that they'd need to off Marina, WHO FINALLY FOUND HER CONTENTMENT WITH HER BABIES, is unsalvageable. Even Shonda won't be able to

I genuinely don't think I'll be able to stomach Eloise's season, like I'm so sorry but you're never gonna make me root for a female character being stripped of all personality, being blindsided into being a mother (smth she didn't want), and finding 'true happiness' by abandoning all previous characterization and conforming to society's elitist standards at long last.

And the fact that in the show they're gonna have to fridge a WOC so that this godawful ship can happen is just...

[thereisnolumos]

... I hated the idea of this ship since I learned that it's what happens in the book, but... he says THIS and people SHIP THEM???? What?????

Eloise's Love Interests: A Comparison

Sir Phillip Crane: “you might consider shutting your mouth and using it for some other purpose”

VS

Theo Sharpe: "I've read all of these and I set them aside for you. I thought perhaps you might share your thoughts on them."

.......and Philoise stans wonder why we prefer Theo.

[thereisnolumos]

favorite platonic relationships: benedict bridgerton and eloise bridgerton “You are my most favorite brother, do you know that?”

[thereisnolumos]

It's hard not to find irony in the criticisms directed towards Eloise Bridgerton and the elevation of Penelope Featherington as a more genuine and hardworking figure in contrast with Eloise's supposed privileged circumstances and her discourse on feminism. Indeed, some voices have pointed out Eloise's feminism as something white and privileged, and while this is not without merit, it's akin to rediscovering what others have already noticed, akin to Christopher Columbus "discovering" America.

Understanding the context in which "Bridgerton" unfolds is essential. The series is set in Regency England, between 1813 and 1825. This historical period is marked by a highly stratified and conservative society, where women, especially those of the upper class, were relegated to traditional roles and lacked basic legal rights. In this context, any discussion of feminism must consider the unique limitations and challenges of the time.

It is true that Eloise Bridgerton, being part of a respected family in English nobility, embodies many of the characteristics associated with the white and privileged feminism of the time. However, this should not diminish the value of her role in advancing feminist ideas in her historical context. It is thanks to women like Eloise, who challenged social expectations and dared to question the status quo, that doors were opened for future, more inclusive feminist movements.

On the other hand, when analyzing Penelope Featherington's role in contrast with Eloise Bridgerton's, intriguing nuances worthy of a more detailed critical exploration are revealed. Although both come from upper-class families, Penelope's experiences differ significantly from Eloise's. In the society depicted in "Bridgerton," Penelope is portrayed as a more marginal figure, overshadowed by the prominence and glamour of the Bridgerton family. She is often seen in the background, struggling to find her place in a world where her social status does not put her at the center of attention.

However, it is crucial to unravel the narrative surrounding Penelope's role as Lady Whistledown. While her work as the mysterious chronicler may be perceived as an act of empowerment and determination, it is essential to question the underlying ethics of her actions. While Penelope has shown dedication and effort in her role, her method of earning a living is morally questionable. Lady Whistledown's identity is based on the creation and dissemination of gossip and scandals, which often result in harm to innocent people caught in her web of intrigue.

A lo largo de la serie, Penélope muestra una angustiosa falta de empatía y solidaridad hacia otras mujeres. En lugar de promover la unidad y el apoyo entre sus compañeros, sus escritos están impulsados ​​por sentimientos de envidia, resentimiento y deseos de venganza. Ejemplos sorprendentes de esto son sus acciones para revelar públicamente el embarazo de Marina Thompson, con la intención de socavar su relación con Colin Bridgerton, o difamar a personas como Daphne, Edwina y Kate Sharma, a menudo sin otra razón aparente que el beneficio personal.

Penelope's behavior as Lady Whistledown sheds light on her complex nature and motivations. While it may represent an attempt to find her voice in a world dominated by more powerful figures, it also reveals a tendency towards manipulation and selfishness. Ultimately, her role as the mysterious chronicler is more than just a quest for identity; it is a reflection of the moral and ethical complexities underlying the society of "Bridgerton."

In summary, asserting that Penelope is more feminist and hardworking than Eloise due to her role as Lady Whistledown is, at best, simplistic and, at worst, deeply misleading. Both women, while privileged in their own right, have chosen different paths in life and have faced their own challenges. However, the narrative of Penelope as a morally superior and more genuinely hardworking figure should be questioned in light of her actions and motivations, which often reveal a lack of integrity and empathy towards her peers.

It's important to note that when Theo confronts Eloise, questioning her understanding of the real world and her privileged position, Eloise doesn't reject this criticism but uses it as a catalyst to seek greater understanding. Recognizing the validity of Theo's observation, Eloise actively seeks to broaden her horizons. She engages in conversations with Theo and John, seeking to break free from the bubble of privilege in which she has lived so far.

On the other hand, Penelope takes a different stance towards her own privileged position. Instead of acknowledging her situation and seeking to understand the realities of those less privileged, Penelope vehemently denies any suggestion that she also benefits from the system. Rather than accepting her position of privilege, she portrays herself as a victim, despite her actions suggesting otherwise. Ultimately, this divergence in attitudes between Eloise and Penelope highlights the complexity of individual perceptions of privilege and personal responsibility in an unequal world.

PS: The comment: "Penelope saved Eloise by writing that she hung out with radicals, she doesn't know what it's like to be grateful" is shit. Whose fucking fault is it that the Queen is on a crusade with torches and pitchforks, looking for blood and a rolling head? From Penelope because she doesn't know when to keep her hand still and stop writing, if it weren't for Penelope, the queen wouldn't think that Eloise is Lady Whistledown, Penelope wasn't looking to help Eloise, she was looking to save her skin.

[thereisnolumos]

People have this theory that Barbara was a lesbian and had a crush on Nancy. I dont know if its true or not. But it would explain Barbara's jealousy. But I'm unsure

I'm so tired of everything in modern fandoms being explained as someone having secret romantic feelings for someone else...

Platonic relationships can and should be deep and meaningful and caring and loving. Platonic relationships can have intimacy that has zero sexuality to it, it can have jealousy and all spectrum of human emotions.

But for some reason fandoms tend to ignore it completely and as soon as there is any warmth between two characters - it's bcs they have hots for each other...

I'm not saying it's never the case that there are secret feelings, but the idea of making everything about romance is weird to me, and it takes away from the beauty of platonic relationships (and the worst part is when it starts bleeding into the real life... on so many occasions I witnessed people not being able to comprehend the fact that strong friendships full of love do exist...)

Sorry for the rant, it's just a dire spot for me😅 Returning to Barb - there was so little of her, that we know next to nothing of who she was as a person, outside of "Nancy's best friend", that she could be whatever the fans hearts desire. I personally don't like this take, as I've ranted above

[thereisnolumos]

Things I dont get. When people say Steve was a jerk before becoming a better person. Is it bad that I say I dont honestly ever seem him as jerk? Even before he was nice to Johnathan? Johnathan was a creep. Barbara was obviously jealous an based Steves personality on what she sees on other popular people. From my view of Stranger Things Steve was really nice. Even to Barbara. For the most part, I just see Steve having shitty friends. And falling into the problems of popularity. Doing things that expected of you because you can be cool. Though Steve honestly never seem to go into shitty popular kid too far.

I agree for the most part. Was he "jerkier" than he is now? Absolutely. Was he playing into tough and cool image? Sure. But he wasn't a complete asshole some are making him out to be. I don't think Nancy would've ever been slightly interested in him if he was. He was just a typical popular kid that hanged out with actual assholes bcs they were "cool" and popular too. And as soon as he stopped hanging out with them, we saw how devastatingly lonely he really is

"BuT hE bRoKe JoNaThAn'S cAmEra"

Yeah... the same Jonathan who made unconsensual photos of Steve's girlfriend while she was IN HER UNDERWEAR. Who most likely made unconsensual photos of both her and Steve WHILE THEY WERE MAKING OUT/HAVING SEX. I'd break his face and couple other places, not just his camera

I actually hated it how the writers made Nancy be completely unfazed by this fact... they tried to force her and Jonathan together so badly that they made her be okay with his creepiness...

The graffiti part was a completely assholish move, can't disagree with this. But we see from the get go in that scene that it's Steve lashing out bcs he's hurt and feels betrayed and he's, jealous. I'd argue that he hated this whole thing as soon as it was suggested, and we see him breaking off the "friendship" with that group over it pretty much immediately after, and owning to this being his fuck up and actually actively trying to fix it. He washes the graffiti off with his hands and goes to apologize to Nancy as soon as he's done

What was Barb's deal I can't understand to this day. Projecting her own insecurities on Nancy, maybe? Bcs why would such a popular guy even speak to her, yada yada. Steve's done literally nothing to warrant Barb being this suspicious and judgmental of him. I am sorry of her unfortunate end, but it wasn't anyone's fault (so many people try to pin it on Steve, I can't. When Nancy was blaming both of them in s2 she was so clearly not in good mental place, how can anyone take it as god-given truth is beyond me)

[thereisnolumos]

235 FAVORITE SHIPS OF ALL TIME (ranked by my followers) 57. steve harrington and nancy wheeler - stranger things

[thereisnolumos]

okay, but we can all agree that Flora becomes the group’s babysitter when they’re out and about in the wild, right?

because none of these people have a sense of self preservation and want to touch every plant and flower they come across out of instinct to get a closer look and Flora just can’t relax for even a second if she wants to come back home with her friends in one piece

so she is always alert, making sure no one touches anything they shouldn’t be touching and it’s not easy because as she stops Stella from bothering a carnivorous plant that is going to probably eat her, behind her you have Helia trying to touch a highly poisonous herb that will paralyze him for life. because Helia is way too curious for his own good

this woman needs a raise, half the group would be in shambles if it wasn’t for her 😭

[thereisnolumos]

Despite the fact that Tecna's Enchantix gain is my top favorite one, I will forever be bitter that it proved that THERE WAS NO PROBLEM FOR BLOOM TO GAIN A FULL ENCHANTIX TOO!

Texan didn't sacrifice herself to Dave anyone from her planet, so why was it made to be an impossible problem for Bloom to get a full normal Enchantix just bcs she doesn't have anyone from her planet to save??????

I'm 28 years old and it still infuriated me to this day

[thereisnolumos]

[Hermione is crying]

Viktor Krum: Are you okay Hermyoninny?

Hermione: Yes Viktor, I’m fine… its just Ronald being… himself…

Krum: Is there anything I can do to help?

Hermione: You can teach me how to say “what a dick” in Bulgarian…

Viktor: [laughing] Tavaka si pishka

[thereisnolumos]

This is it

[thereisnolumos]

What kind of "Alina" did Aleksander want?

I've seen so many different people in this fandom give their own opinion about how did the Darkling wanted Alina to be.

Did he wanted her meek, weak and obedient?

Did he wanted her strong and powerful?

So I took the liberty of creating this post to analyze this issue through his own words, thoughts and actions.

I know how popular the "Aleksander wanted her submissive by the way he put that collar around her" theory it but it doesn't really stand because:

A) we will never know how things would turn out if Baghra didn't approach Alina that particular night but it actually seems that he wanted to take her with him to the north.

“The key to the Shadow Fold is finally within our grasp, and right now, I should be in the war room, hearing their report. I should be planning our trip north. But I’m not, am I?”

He couldn't keep the truth from her forever so at some point of that journey he would definitely spill the beans to her.

B) he forcefully put the collar around her throat because she showed resistance at the worst possible moment. The Darkling had already set the wheels in motion: the King was slowly getting sick and the whole country (and most importantly, their enemies) would know it (so he had to work fast before anybody got any ideas of siege, rebellion or war) and he himself would have to show his true colors and plans. By having Alina slip away and act all dramatically with Mal was a blow to his plan and stomach since not only he had Alina as an enemy now but he fell for her so her rejection hurt him on a personal level.

(that weekend MUST have been the worst of his life)

He didn't want her to take that power unwillingly:

Or steal her powers in a violent manner:

He had little time and little patience. He worked his ass off for centuries and tolerated so much bullshit from the monarchs. He wouldn't allow her to foil his schemes. But it's also interesting how his feelings got in the way too and, therefore, acted impulsively.

But! How did he wanted her?

Well, the very fact that he grew up around a very strong, powerful and stubborn woman is an answer by itself. Baghra's influence definitely played its part if you look at this from a psychological point of view.

“It seems that most men are after a significant other that will essentially replace their mum.

A recent study by eHarmony has found that 64 percent of men are in a relationship with someone who shares significant personality traits with their mother. Fortunately, it’s totally normal from an evolutionary, psychological standpoint.”

Many studies have shown that plenty of men and women search a partner that resembles their mother and father respectively.

It wouldn't be surprising if Aleksander was the same given how many centuries he spent with his own mother and how much of an influence the latter was to her son in his childhood.

There is an abundant amount of proof in the books that Aleksander wanted Alina to be strong, powerful, to embrace her true self and believed that there was more to her.

He thought of her as someone like him and could see himself in her, no matter how much Alina denied it.

Baghra raised him to value power, so seeing Alina shy away from it is strange and peculiar to him. She has the chance to change everything and she seeks things that are beneath her. Aleksander can't fathom that because he doesn't believe that she's meant for something as simple and pathetic as this.

He chastises her for the choices she makes and the wishes she has. She was destined to shine and be seen and here we are watching a girl trying to hide her potential.

If Aleksander wanted her submissive he would be glad to see her state in the beginning of S&S. She's weak, right? So a perfect victim to have that can't fight him back. But, in fact, he's furious, disappointed and unsurprised with her state.

Aleksander never wanted her meek or weak. He even admired her stubborness:

(there is a sense of admiration and annoyance here)

BUT he never wanted that stubborness and ferocity to be directed against him:

He even thought of her better than the men that surrounded her and believed that they couldn't measure up to her power:

The aftermath of their battle in the chapel is extremely interesting because we see the Darkling showing a genuine admiration for her powers and how quickly she (sort of) mastered them:

It also seemed that he showed understanding for the fact that she wanted to keep her freedom. Now that was a very good reason to fight him in his eyes. Since the Darkling himself believed in freedom and fought for it.

And, of course, he offered her a throne at his side. He didn't mind sharing power as long as she wasn't an obstacle to his plans.

He strongly believed in equality between them and according to the author he envisioned a future with her:

In order to have someone to keep your power under control then that person needs to be as powerful as you.

And then we have him at his most vulnerable state confess that he didn't lie about equality after all:

He talked about equality again and again. His disgust and anger every time he saw her weak from not using her powers was prevalent as well as his admiration every time she used her powers to their fullest.

The only thing in which he found her inferior to him was her knowledge of power. Which is understandable since Aleksander had much more time to understand it, study it and use it.

In RoW, his anger and disappointment for her state continues.

So:

1) He believed that she could rule as Queen and her life in hiding is not right for her.

2) He believed that she was meant to be powerful and strong and stood by that statement many times.

3) Didn't consider her life a worthy life at all.

The only character in the Grishaverse, the one that people keep saying that she wanted her weak, was the only one that wanted the opposite for her and considered her fate disgusting, wrong and tragic.

His plan of having Alina on an equal stand beside him continued in this book as well:

Which means that he wasn't lying when he said that he didn't intend to make a slave of her.

And of course her stubborness was a trait that he found annoying and admiring at the same time. It showcased how strong-willed she really was:

So according to his own thoughts and words, I would say that Aleksander actually admired her fierceness and determination. It showed strength and he found it attractive. In fact, it probably even enhanced his conviction that she was the right partner for him.

But he didn't want that hostility to be directed against him and his plans. Which is not weird at all because what kind of person would like someone to screw up his goals.

In conclusion: Aleksander was actually the biggest fan of "powerful Alina".