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#also the quality difference between these two seasons is shocking omg
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She is more than just my maid. She’s my friend.
MERLIN - 2.04 | 4.06
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jmsa1287 · 4 years
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Things Get Deadly on a Solid 'Killing Eve' Season 3
The cat-and-mouse thriller "Killing Eve" returns for its third season, raising the stakes that keeps you on your toes.
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At its core, "Killing Eve" is a cat-and-mouse game with a queer romantic twist. A "Cheers"-like "will they, or won't they?" question fuels the show and the energy between its two leads, Eve (the wonderful Sandra Oh) and Villanelle (the equally wonderful Jodie Comer). For Season 3, which begins April 12 on BBC America, the show raises the stakes, making the electric thriller one of the most entertaining and exciting series on the air. Since its debut, one of the biggest concerns from critics and fans is how long "Killing Eve" can sustain its story. Part espionage and part comedy, the show could have ostensibly wrapped up in a single season; a cat-and-mouse game does eventually need to come to an end sooner than later. But Season 2, and now Season 3, has proven that "Killing Eve" has legs. That's partly because each season has had a different showrunner. "Fleabag" phenomenon Phoebe Waller-Bridge propelled the show into the zeitgeist with the excellent first season, while Emerald Fennell steered the ship for Season 2, and now Suzanne Heathcote is taking over for the latest installment.
Season 3 picks up not long after the fallout of Season 2. After a violent altercation in Italy, Villanelle thinks Eve is dead (we know she is not) and now wants to be promoted from assassin to... a manager assassin within the nefarious group she works for known as The Twelve. She's helped by Dasha (Dame Harriet Walter), a trained killer who helped shape Villanelle to the lethal monster she is today. Meanwhile, a very much alive Eve is no longer working for MI6 or with Caroline (Fiona Shaw). She's living in a dingy studio apartment and working in the kitchen of a restaurant while her husband Niko (Owen McDonnell) is checked into a mental health facility. Saying much more about the first five episodes of Season 3 though would reveal major spoilers that happen to drive the season and set up its new central plot (no more "Silence of the Lamb"-esque storylines about tracking down assassins). Someone dies. Eve is brought back into the fold. And Villanelle, struggling with training assassins, eventually learns Eve is alive. It's these spoilers, though, that make "Killing Eve" enjoyable. They're not the OMG-twists Shonda Rhimes/Ryan Murphy are known for, though, which are fun in their own way but feel like they happen for pure shock value. These are more grounded and highlight one of the best parts of the show: "Killing Eve" is brutal. Since its first season, the show has never shied away from taking out a character you'd never expect to get the ax. The drama is never afraid of taking risks and that happens several times in Season 3, especially when a new and very interesting character is introduced only to be killed soon after. Part of the show's tension comes from Villanelle, who is a straight up psychopath and is always the most dangerous person in the room. She decides who lives and who dies. And Comer's performance is never over-the-top; she's tuned into her character's frequency and that remains the same for Season 3. In fact, the show devotes a bottle episode to the world's top assassin, where she locates her family and visits the small Russian village where they live a quiet life.
In some ways, "Killing Eve" feels like the new "Mr. Robot," the hacker drama that ended last year. Both shows had a major and unexpected breakout first season, earning critical acclaim, a strong audience, online fandom and awards. Both shows also found that attention and fandom waning with each passing season despite remaining a good and quality program. There isn't much buzz about "Killing Eve" Season 3 as there ought to be, considering how polished it looks, its smart writing and great performances. In the age of too-much-TV, it's understandable that there are so many new shiny TV shows debuting every other day that even the good shows quickly lose cultural relevance; only a handful of series nowadays can not only breakthrough but hold on to that fandom. Unfortunately, it seems like "Killing Eve" isn't one of those shows but that shouldn't sway anyone from not tuning in. In Season 3, "Killing Eve" proves itself to be one of the most reliable shows going.
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poirott · 5 years
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Hi, I've been thinking about Murder of Roger Ackroyd, how it could be adapted for screen, as you know, bcos of the way it's narrated it won't play out on the screen as well as in the book. So imagine a scene where Dr Sheppard is writing in his diary, it's early in the morning, he looks at the camera and says: "let me tell you about that time I met Hercule Poirot". He narrates the story, they show what happened, the camera sometimes cuts to him talking to viewers, until THE TWIST. What say you?
Hello and thankies for your ask! OMG, it’s interesting you mention this in particular because the topic of adapting Ackroyd has been niggling at my mind ever since Kenneth Branagh mentioned the Christie novel as one of his favourites. It made me curious if he was toying with the idea of Ackroyd as a possible third installment in his Poirot movieverse, if we’re indeed getting a third movie. Only time will tell!
I like your set up for the story. I’d do it similarly, with Dr Sheppard as the central figure or at least sharing equal screentime with Poirot. Perhaps he wouldn’t talk to the camera but he’d be the voiceover and the character we get most acquainted with as we follow him on his day-to-day routine of visiting patients and meeting Poirot and finding himself in the middle of a mysterious case.
You could argue Ackroyd is, if not unfilmable, then at least extremely difficult to adapt on screen because the twist at the end relies on the readers seeing the mystery only through the narrator aka Dr Sheppard’s eyes, and no one else’s. We get to know the suspects through him, and as dull and bland and at times clueless Poirot’s new friend is, he is our guide and avatar in the story and we’re only privy to the information he is. He does not know Poirot’s mind or his plans, and indeed at times shows a lack of interest in the case, and is indecisive and bland and kind of infuriating, tbh, but he’s the narrator we’ve got and the solution to the case does not have the same effect if the story is told from a different character’s perspective.
Agatha Christie’s Poirot tv version with Suchet has Poirot telling the story and while the change of narrator doesn’t rob us of the iconic reveal (the solution and the mechanics of the mystery and the way the murder was executed are still ingenious, regardless of who the narrator is), the shock of that reveal is lessened, I think, and Ackroyd is allll about the shock. It’s not part of my fave ITV episodes even though the novel is among Christie’s best and most talked about. Critics and fans alike were disappointed by the ep when it aired in 2000. Apparently nobody at ITV and not even Suchet himself thought the ep was very satisfactory, though it did reasonably well in ratings. I would have loved to see it filmed earlier in the show, and agree with those who say the production would have felt more lavish and subtle and thoughtful. Whenever I’m let down by a later ep (and this isn’t often as I love the show with a passion), I always wonder how it would have looked like had it been done in seasons 1-5.
My other issue is the casting of Sheppard, who I didn’t really care for. He got the “dullard” (or I should say “ordinary and bland individual”) aspect of the character right but I also expected a younger actor. Sheppard’s not old, he just acts like a much older man, it’s part of his personality. I wished the actor showed the character wavering between action and indecision, between wanting to learn more about Poirot and then the next day not caring about Poirot’s findings, that is so irritating to me in the novel. I also wished he had more screentime. His part got cut down because the adaptation inserted Japp into the story and gave him “Poirot’s assistant” role, and we spend more time with the two of them than with Poirot and Sheppard, which again removes the central premise of Ackroyd. Normally I’m all for adding Japp, Hastings and Miss Lemon into episodes because they’re the heart of the show just like Poirot, but maybe not in this case.
It’s one of the hardest Christie novels to adapt for the screen but I’m hopeful it can be done, and done right. :) You can find the Russian version from 2002 called Неудача Пуаро (“Neudacha Puaro” aka “Poirot’s Failure”) in several parts on Youtube. I put up links in this old ask. It’s a shame there are no English subtitles because the Russian Poirot played by Konstantin Rajkin looks pretty great both in looks and mannerisms if you ask me, and Sheppard is one of the main and most developed characters. Here are a couple quick gifs I’ve made from the low quality youtube vids, I can post a gif set in better quality later if anyone’s interested?
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There’s also a 1931 film called ”Alibi” but it’s now considered lost.
With Suchet’s version being almost 20 years old, I think it’s the perfect time for a new one. Imagine going into the movie fresh, watching it as a non-reader and not knowing who the murderer is until the reveal! I’d yell at the screen!! The reveal may not be as unexpected and unusual as it was for readers in Christie’s time but it’s still shocking, and it was Christie, right, who used it first in the mystery genre? She freaking invented the twist. Others have copied it since then but she was the first one to execute it.
Thank you again for your ask. :)
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snkpolls · 6 years
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SnK S3E06 Poll Results (Manga Reader Version)
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The poll closed with 490 responses. Thank you to everyone who participated!
Please note that this is the results of the manga reader poll. Anime only watchers are suggested not to read if you do not wish to be spoiled about certain events! Anime only viewers, click here to view your poll results!
NOTE: Another week, a few more mess ups and overlooked things. Upon realizing that we are rushing ourselves a bit too much and the poll dropping in quality is the unfortunate side effect, we will be moving the poll to Tuesdays from this point forward. This will allow us more time to see what others are discussing, think up questions, make sure we’ve touched on all of the important points, and to proofread more thoroughly before publishing. Thank you for being patient with us throughout this whole process! We apologize for our mess ups over the last couple of weeks.
RATE THE EPISODE 478 Responses
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Overall the episode got high rankings and positive reviews!
I loved it, just wish they had given the Grisha vs Frieda segment more time and fully animated it rather than show it in flashes and stills. Though it wouldn't surprise me if they do later when we get his full story.
It was awesome! I'm starting to enjoy this season more with each episode. I'm hyped for the action next episode.
the best episode so far
Once the uprising arc is done, this episode will definitely be included in my favorite episodes list.
I was skeptical at first of the changes they were making to Frieda's foreshadowing, but the sequencing of events in the episode made up for it! Everything flowed so smoothly, from Eren's memories to Historia's, introducing the concept of mindwipe immunity followed immediately by Kenny's old talk with his grandpa. Each point led right into the next.
This week's episode felt almost slow with the way it ended. I'm not complaining, although I feel the sting of all those missed moments that got cut off prior to this.
This episode was freaking awesome. I keep replaying the scene where Eren sees Grisha's memories. The whole sequence and the OST is amazing!!
When it comes to rating these last few eps, I keep second-guessing myself on how to rate them. On the one hand, they've been fairly faithful to the manga and the animation, as always, has been top notch. So in that aspect they are good and deserve a high rating. It's just that the Uprising arc is so incredibly dull to me, that I am also not exactly excited about these eps and probably will skip all of them on future rewatches. But the anime is not to blame for that.  ¯\_㋡_/¯
ep of the season so far
WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING SCENES DID YOU ENJOY THE MOST? 485 Responses
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Eren unlocking Grisha’s memories was the big moment of the episode, winning the majority vote. Followed closely is Historia unlocking her memories of Frieda, Rod’s retelling of Grisha’s attack and Kenny’s flashback to his talk with his grandpa.
I also enjoyed the Ackerman talk, it gives more significance to what’s to come in the future
OPENING SCENE WAS BOMB
I absolutely love Frieda! She was the greatest sister ever. Too bad she had to die so young. I liked her voice as well :) The scene with her and Historia symbolized peace, love and happiness, while the scenes in the crystal cave symbolized pain and sorrow. I liked that.
KENNYKENNYKENNYKENNYKENNY
Is it weird that I liked the Zacklay part more than the flashback? C:
My fav scene was when Mikasa and Levi were talking about Mikasa's past and their awaking of power
Really liked the focus on each character when Levi asked them if they were ready to get their hands dirty. They looked resolved.
The Ackertalk!!!!!!!!
ON A SCALE OF “I’D RATHER IT WAS DIFFERENT” TO “SAWANO IS A GENIUS!” HOW MUCH HAVE YOU BEEN ENJOYING THE SOUNDTRACK TO THE SEASON SO FAR? 482 Responses
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As expected of Sawano! The majority of respondents are enjoying the music this season. A few think the picks could be better, however.
The OST in this season has been awesome.
To the music part: I haven't found a track that really stands out, I want something as good as youseebigttgirl
WHAT IS YOUR REACTION TO EREN’S MEMORY SEQUENCE? 477 Responses
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The majority of respondents were overall pleased with the way that Eren’s flashes of the altercation in the cave went down. A few would rather it have been different.
Frieda was beautiful and that's all I care about
I love the way wit did Eren's eyes during the flashback sequence. Honestly it made me feel more like dead
I loved it, some amazing voice acting with Erens scream at the end
While the fast flashes made total sense to me as a narrative choice I would have personally liked it better if it was Slower
Great paths depiction, mindblowing OST, not biggest fan of how they presented goblin Eren in just two still images
Pretty awesome. I don't like how Frieda's titan looks however, I thought that the manga design gave off a far more divine and powerful aura than the anime one, which honestly just looks like a regular titan with different eyes.
The P A T H S visuals were beautiful but I feel like the flashbacks themselves could have been done better. The RIP Grisha scene was practically still images when it could have been one of the most visceral and intense moments in the series. Idk I just found the flashbacks themselves very underwhelming
openly sobbing
Eren’s shocked expression while seeing those memories/listening to rod talk makes me feel bad for him all over again, but WIT also gave a lot of shots of his abs and back muscles *-* like, idk if I wanna hug him or fuck him
could've been much better. kid Eren screaming after realizing he ate his dad was heartbreaking though
HOW DID YOU FEEL ABOUT THE MECHANICS OF ZACKLEY’S “ART”? 479 Responses
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It goes without saying that most respondents were put off by Zackley’s torture device, although there’s a sizable amount who did find it amusing. Generally speaking, most fans aren’t happy about the scene being included overall.
AoT will end, but Art will last forever
I HATE THE SHIT MACHINE!!!!!!
I cant believe we got the shit machine! Art is still alive!
I feel kinda tired of the whole shitmachine stuff. What is so special about some old, fat, ugly, nude, sweating dude who was forced to drink own piss? Why so many fans is obsessed with it? The episode had so many great moments - but almost everything I'm actually hearing about it this dumb shitbitchmachine.
I still fail to see what that machine added to this part of the story....
HOW DADDY IS ERWIN’S NEW HAIRDO? 480 Responses
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Although there were mixed responses, overall the fandom is digging the new hairdo. Many even think Commander Handsome is looking even more dashing than before! ;)
Can we get more scenes with Erwin being Commander Handsome?
Erwin looks much younger now on my opinion XD
OMG ERWIIIIIIIIIN SO HOT
GRISHA’S EYES WERE GLOWING GREEN BEFORE HE ATE FRIEDA, AND THEY STARTED GLOWING PURPLE AFTERWARDS. DO YOU THINK THIS HAS ANY MEANING? 481 Responses
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The overwhelming majority believe that the glowing eyes do have significant meaning. We covered this concept in more detail a few questions down!
Erens attack Titans eyes glow green too, I think it's just for effects
Yes, Frieda was not tasty and Grisha's stomach hort a lot after eating her
I didn't even noticed XD But I'm not sure if it has any meaning
Super saiyan
Frieda's eyes were purple during her Titan transformation. Grisha's eyes changing to the same colour after he ate Frieda, meant that he gained the Founding Titan power, gained Frieda's memories and the memories of the previous Founding Titan holders.
It could hardly be a slip of the hand in the animation department. They did it for a reason
The purple is the same as Frieda's Titan so it's likely because he came in contact with a Titan with Royal Blood and that changed his Titan's eye color
it's his magical girl transformation
WHICH TITAN WORE THEIR CHEST HAIR BETTER? 478 Responses
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This was a close one! But ultimately Grisha inched just a few percentage points above Zeke. The commentary also reflects this and, frankly, we are a bit concerned. Are you guys okay?
Gaston ain't got nothing on Grisha Titan's chest hair.
Grisha's titan can spank me
Titan Grisha can mount me anytime.
WHEN FRIEDA READS HISTORIA THE FAIRY TALE, THE “GOOD GIRL” CHARACTER IS NAMED KRISTA. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THIS ADDITION?  478 Responses
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It was a close split between excitement over seeing (or rather, being reminded) how Historia got the name “Krista” for her persona  and those who are questioning the validity of the name in the book. We also received plenty of snarky reminders that we overlooked the detail of this being mentioned in chapter 51. Perhaps it’s time for us to take a week off!  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I love how they’re differentiating the Marleyan legend from the Eldian one
I thought I was supposed to be Ymir, but I think it’s a really interesting addition to how Historia got the name Krista.
Since we know Rod gave her the name Krista, it felt kinda irrelevant. It also somehow implies that Krista's personality is the result of what remained in Historia's head from Frieda's preaching which I don't think was necessary to justify at all. Historia could've chosen to be the kind of girl Krista is by herself.
I love how, as time passed and memories changes, Ymir Fritz became Krista Lenz. And so, both Ymir and Historia got named by someone else after the same person. I love it.
It's not really an addition since her name appeared in the manga (at the beginning of chapter 51 when Historia goes crazy)
It did make things pretty confusing. I think that the government could've entirely changed the story of Ymir and the titan's and renamed Ymir in the books, and that's why she is now called Christa.
On one hand I think it's appropriate because the Reiss family didn't want Historia to know the Eldian history, yet I think the specific name of Krista wasn't a great decision because as I remember it, Rod was the one who made Historia take on the name Krista, so to suggest that Historia chose it because of that story is inconsistent.
‪Historia did say Krista was “a girl from a book she read as a child” in chapter 51, but learning in chapter 86 that the girl is Ymir Fritz led some people to believe that, back then, Historia was referring only to the girl's personality and not her name. The anime just clarified that in Frieda's book she is indeed named Krista, perhaps suggesting the story has different versions in Marley/the world and Paradis.‬
IT’S CONFIRMED THAT GRISHA’S AND FRIEDA’S TITANS HAD GLOWING EYES, SIMILAR TO THE PURE TITANS THAT THE COORDINATE CONTROLLED, DO YOU THINK THIS RELATES TO EREN’S EYES GLOWING IN LIBERIO? 466 Responses
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As reflected above, most respondents believe that the glowing eyes do bear significance. 41% of voters believe that it’s indicative of the power of the titan taking over its host, while 32% believe the significance is something else. 16% of voters think it’s simply just a cool aesthetic effect. 
I don't understand anything any more
Woah I've not thought about that enough to give an answer!!
I have no fucking clue, this stuff is confusing.
I honestly just think those titans happen to have glowing eyes. Nothing more.
WHICH TRANSITION DID YOU LIKE BETTER? 479 Responses
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70% loved the transition of Kenny looking into the knife and revealing his younger self. 
I truly love Kenny <3
Kenny is beautiful and the transition from younger to older Kenny in the reflection of his knife was my absolute favorite part of the entire episode.
Kenny was a highlight in this episode once again, I especially loved the flashback scene with him and grandpa Ackerman talking about family history after Levi and Mikasa's Ackertalk. The transition back to Levi was really unsubtle, though.
WHICH PV SCENE ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THE MOST? 482 Responses
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Generally, the majority are most looking forward to the showdown between Squad Levi/Hange vs. the Interior MP Squad. About 31% of voters altogether are looking forward more to more Jaeger/Reiss focus, however! 
Can I vote again for Hange is a BAMF?
i honestly don't care at all about the interior MP v.s squad levi fight. I just wanna get back to the reiss/jaeger action
Give me Levi yelling Hange's name or give me DEATH
can't wait for the next episode and the showdown!!!
ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS ON THE EPISODE?
Finally we arrived to my favorite part of this arc. Even though it doesn't have that much action as the other seasons, this is the part I love the most. Knowing how Eren got the Attack AND the Founding titans, Historia becoming the rightful queen of the walls, Levi's backstory, Kenny's dream and his friendship with Rod Reiss' brother, learning that there's a world outside of the walls by Keith Shadis; all of this until the fight against the collosal and armored titans back in Shignashina district and everybody discovering the sea.
Now I finally understand why Kenny killed so many MP officers. I used to believe he had done that for fun. Now I know he did that to protect his family. I really enjoyed the moments between him and his grandpa - it made me to feel how important the bloodline was for him.
I'm a bit disappointed that they made Frieda's titan hair black, I was hoping for it to be a lighter colour, and I preferred the lighter hair a bit more. But overall her titan form was pretty cool!
They left out the part where Kenny tells Rod he is looking for a bathroom because he has to go #2! ಠ_ಠ How could they skip that after they included the whole poop machine scene?! I also wasn’t sure how I felt about the girl being named Krista in the book being read to Historia. I thought that was supposed to be Ymir. Otherwise, the episode was superb.
Erwin is my husband and I love it when he goes into Commander Mode™. Also so not ready for more information about Levi’s childhood, and yet also I need to see Little Levi™ at the same time
FRIEDA WAS GREAT
Now that two big plot points are over (the overthrowing of the government and Grisha’s deed) and another one is under way, I can say this season is so underwhelming compared to the manga. There is no suspense, no feeling of satisfaction, no tension, because they cut too many parts in the beginning that hinted at future events (eren’s experiments for examples) and simplified characters’ moral struggles that i think are understandable only to us manga readers because “we know”. I think, for a story (the one of uprising) that relied on suspense so much, this lighting-fast, confusing pace just made every victory totally underwhelming. I’m left with a feeling of “oh...okay” and i am hating it because the Uprising Arc is my favorite manga Arc.
With this episode I'm back to being sad about how coldly Erwin is portrayed again, but I guess that is just the way it's going to be. I don't think anyone can be as successful of a leader as Erwin has been with such a cold and uncaring facade, so I'm just going to agree to disagree with Isayama and WIT how a character like Erwin should be portrayed. The only positive about the anime is how Erwin's developing depression is really hammered home in this and the previous episode. From the manga it was quite unclear to me how all that had happened, but now I can see the progression very clearly starting from Erwin's little talk with Zackley the Creepy Artist and continuing with Pixis' merciless opinion of Erwin and his gamble.
Yeah for all the flashbaCks! And omg Frieda!! I love her sooo much! I was looking forward to see her in this episode and I'm not disappointed at all! I just wanted to hug her and little Historia! ;-;
THOUGHTS ON EPISODE 5:
104th celebrating their freedom was dope
I really loved this episode because Erwin had his chance to shine for once. I especially loved the foreshadowing of what a huge mistake they might have just made with the coup d'état. And I loved seeing my second favourite commander, Nile, as well! He's been growing on me for a longer while now, but the anime is really reminding me how Nile has always been a sensible but kind person.
Episode was ok. The cinematography of the episode was rather lacking at points and without some of the conversations with Nile and Pixis, the confrontation is somewhat oversimplified.
The conversation between Erwin and Zackley broke my heart. Implying the two would have anything in common is outrageous, and Erwin's reaction to the comparison is the proof of it. Erwin was so human and vulnerable in that moment that I thought finally they did justice to his character.
EREN'S ABS WILL NEVER BE GOOD ENOUGH TO REPLACE ERWIN'S AND LEVI'S ABS!!! THAT'S THE WORST BETRAYAL EVER, WIT!!!!!
I like that there is more and more dialogue and information during the recent episodes!
i thought it was good. at the time i was sad the "do you remember your father's sin" reveal wasn't the cliffhanger but since it was the opening for this episode and it was amazing in my opinion i have no problems.
Eren is hot
Erwin=Daddy
That cliffhanger with Historia was great! I wonder if they'll be able to replicate the one in the manga where it looks like she's about to inject herself. It'll be disappointing if they don't.
The Hange monologue at the end, however, with Levi's input was really weird and it didn't make much sense to me how they could infer so many ""clues"" about the truth and the Reiss family from what Hange was telling. The same is true about Armin's sudden but oh so convenient musings about how Eren inherited his titan powers. It was clear foreshadowing, but really badly executed.
i was waiting for this question on ep 5 poll, thnks! Well my thought were "there's no way they'll animate the shit machine" and "I WANT MOAR LEVI"
WHERE DO YOU PRIMARILY DISCUSS THE SERIES? 468 Responses
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We overlooked a platform this week, our apologies! 
Oi where's the 4chan option
Thank you again to everyone who participated. We’ll see you back on Tuesday! 
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dasseinhundin · 6 years
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So I have a lot of Feelings™ about season 4. I’m putting my general thoughts/commentary below a “read more” because there’s gonna be HELLA SPOILERS, FRIENDS
Oh dear God, where to start. I have so many feelings about this season. I’m just gonna bullet point for more coherency. First of all, I’m gonna say that while I have my criticism for season 4, I actually really liked it. That being said, my thoughts:
KEITH TRAINING WITH THE BLADE OF MARMORA FUCK YES
KEITH FEELING GUILTY AND TORN BETWEEN THE BLADES AND VOLTRON FUCK NO
I honestly was not a fan of Keith being the black paladin since the beginning; I think that Keith has great potential as a leader, but he has a different style of leadership than Shiro, as well as a different approach to multiple priorities. I am heartbroken that he’s leaving Voltron (for now) but I also am psyched that he’s training with the blades because it seems like ever since Shiro disappeared and he was thrust into this role of a leader, he’s been shaky and uncomfortable and uncertain and upset, and seeing him pilot the black lion just didn’t feel right at all to me.
That being said, MY SWEET SON GETTING HUGS AND FEELING GUILTY FOR LEAVING OR WANTING TO LEAVE BUT STANDING FIRM IN HIS DECISION TO CONTINUE TO EXPLORE HIS OPTIONS WITH THE BLADES AND DOING WHAT HE FEELS IS THE BEST THING TO DO DESPITE GIVING UP THE ONLY FAMILY HE HAS RIP MY FEELS
That group hug fucking Ended Me™
It is literally no secret that Keith is my favorite character, so while I am heartbroken that my baby was barely in this season and don’t get me stARTED ON EPISODE 6-- i think that Shiro taking back the black lion was all-around the best for both the team and Keith. I think his feeling of identity was challenged and shaken a bit, and it seems like he feels that this is the best way to find himself again, so I support my son 100%
Now moving on tO MATT fuckign HOLT--
I can’t believe it
i can’t believe that the fandom predicted the walking shitpost meme lord that is Matt Holt
God Bless America
I was accidentally spoiled on Matt’s return, but the lead up where Pidge finds his Grave DESTROYED ME
I think we’ve seen an amazing amount of growth from Pidge, and this episode is an AMAZING testament to that. Compare season 1 Pidge infiltrating the castle of lions and then season 4 pidge kicking all of the ass by herself without batting an eye, and the flashbacks also show such a development as well
I’m so proud of my daughter
Again, because I literally can’t get over it: Matt Holt: The Meme™
his instacrush on Allura I think was cute, and solidified how much of a fucking dork he is I am so in love with him already omg bless
the little hand wave in episode 5
bless him
Also, it may be because I literally am incapable of seeing anything without shipping goggles because I am Trash™, I can’t decide how to quite read the moment where Lance looks ready to cut a bitch when Matt starts getting googly eyes for Allura. I have no strong feelings regarding A//ur/ance one way or the other (i can admit it is a cute ship!) but because I really appreciate the development they had back in season 3 and for the sake of Lance not being reduced back to his super flirty 2D self, I like to think that it’s platonic protectiveness. Despite being a hardcore K/ance shipper, I can also easily see it as petty jealousy for humorous effect, but regardless I think it was a cute scene.
“This is our cow!”
bless my tiny green daughter
“It’s not your fault, Kaltenecker. You’re a beautiful girl and this is very natural.” God bless Lance McClain
Also bless the fact that we got more Kaltenecker and it seems that she is happy and well taken care of
The Holt Siblings being the ultimate nerd duo, and Hunk (finally) getting to show more of his giant brain than previous seasons (if only barely more--I’m was not thrilled with the fart jokes in episode 4. GIVE MY BEAUTIFUL SUNSHINE BOY THE CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT HE DESERVES)
I really need these 3 to be best friends right now immediately
think of the possibilities
so many shenanigans
HAGGAR IS USING HER ALTEAN SHAPESHIFTING ABILITIES TO TURN HERSELF PURPLE I’M YELLING
I’m curious as to the implementation of Haggar using her shapeshifting abilities to appear more galran, as well as the fact that she looked genuinely shocked at how she appeared when studying her reflection. I think that she’s starting to recall more and more of her past life with Zarkon, and I have no idea what implications this has.
Lotor’s squad is still fucking fabulous and I LOVE THEM
though i have a few opinions on how they were all portrayed this season; I feel like especially considering how loyal and close he seemed to his generals when they all first premiered, to have him straight-up murder Narti and not even explain why afterwards to Acxa, Ezor, and Zethrid seems strange.
I also can’t help but feel like with how strongly they were portrayed last season, to have them crumble in a matter of 2 episodes between Narti’s death and Ezor, Acxa, and Zethrid’s betrayal is very abrupt.
I understand it, especially with time constraints, but I would have preferred to see a deterioration in relationships like we saw with Azula, Ty Lee, and Mai in Avatar rather than what it was.
Then we’ve got Lotor, who is just....a literal wild card. Idk; he is 1500% an asshat but I also....really love him???? I’m hoping that we get a redemption arc or at least “the enemy of my enemy is my friend” sort of thing (which the end of episode 6 seems to allude to??? idk you save my son, so I literally can’t hate you)
Side note, the way he speaks to and treats Haggar, then the fond way he says “my mother, Honerva,” (which heLL YES WE GET CANON CONFIRMATION???) makes me think that Lotor doesn’t realize that Haggar and Honerva are the same person.
The return of the Unilu shop merchant and his and Coran’s bartering is just....the best
also BIBOBI IS THE LITERAL MVP OF SEASON 4 BLESS
BLESS ALL OF THOSE DARLING NOODLE ALIENS
“Now put on this tight shirt”- I swear to God I felt my soul leave my body
Also ALLURA AS KEITH I DIE
AND LANCE IS SO EXTRA™ I CANNOT
The entire last two episodes I was trying to guess which crew member’s fursona was actually animated into the show like guys come on
come on
I can’t be the only one who thought this
LANCE BEING A BEACON OF HOPE AND SHOWING HIS LEADERSHIP QUALITIES BY GIVING ALLURA THAT AMAZING PEP TALK
YOU’RE DOING AMAZING SWEETIE
seriously tho this scene showed so much maturity from Lance, and how important a role he plays to the team--he’s more than the goofball, he literally inspired Allura to try her magic despite not having training and saved them from certain death
my sweet blue boy is growing up /sobs
MCFUCKIGN KEITH KOGANE ABOUT TO SACRIFICE HIMSELF BY RAMMING HIS TINY SPACE SHIP INTO A GIANT PARTICLE BARRIER LIKE KEITH HONEY SWEETIE LIGHT OF MY LIFE IF THE LASERS WON’T DO IT--
but Keith not even saying anything to the team--his family--before he just....decides to literally sacrifice himself to down the barrier without even saying anything about it
he looks so horrified at first when he realizes it, and then so heartbrokenly determined, but then at the final moments he just squeezes his eyes shut in fear but he still keeps going because he knows his family and friends and the cause are greater than himself
I’m suing Dreamworks for pain and suffering
seriously Dreamworks STOP HURTING MY SON
AND THEN MOTHERFUCKIN’ LOTOR COMING IN BEING LIKE “SUP BITCHES” AND SAVING MY CHILD FROM CERTAIN DEATH
Lotor is a little shit
but he’s a great little shit and I am so fucking excited for season 5
I don’t know; this is just my initial rambling thoughts. I want to go more in depth about Keith’s development/absence in another post, and I’m disappointed that the team (specifically Hunk and Lance) didn’t get more development, and the obligatory no k/ance this season comment because I’m trash I actually genuinely enjoyed this season. Again, there are a good amount of things I was not super happy about in terms of execution, but I also can accept that there is a great deal of editing and time constraints in order to fit the amount of plot they want into such limited seasons. All in all, I give the season a 7.5/10.
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chromemuffin · 7 years
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Shoukoku no Altair Liveblog (Chapter 2)
First: I adore how fluid the lines are for this image (left: magazine scan; right: jpn digital ver).
Second: I got my hands on the digital Japanese raws (cmoa.jp was having a sale and the first volume of Altair was free)! It’s surprising how much better the quality is compared to the magazines (see the image above). I guess it would be worth it to buy the digital from Kodansha, though they currently only have the first volume.
Anyway, I have no set way of liveblogging this currently...I planned on doing it in chunks but the posts get really long if I include more than 1 chapter so...I’ll see.
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Before I start chapter 2, this is interesting. I noticed that the scans from the magazine lack this border (which appears in both digitally available versions as you can see here). Seems like it really gets cleaned up and added to for the compiled release.
Chapter 2: The Poison General
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We get the Balt-Rhein Empire’s crest, but I don’t remember enough about European heraldry to talk about it so I’ll just leave it here.
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I love the expressions on these people’s faces. And their poses. They’re probably dancing? I don’t know anything about Turkish dances.
First off, a bit of history about this fictional Turkiye. I have no clue how close it is to the real life counterpart, but apparently this Turkiye is a country of nomads and merchants, which a little wikipedia digging reveals to be true about some Turkish ethnic groups. It also has a “caravan road” and a “sea road” which is the equivalent of the Silk Road.
Breaking away from the exposition, we get some dude calling Mahmut’s name.
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He’s adorable. And he’s reading a book with eagles on the cover, even better. AND he has a bookmark between his fingers. You see it in the book when he closes it, as well as an intricate looking pen. I just love this amount of detail UGH.
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And, I don’t think I mentioned this last chapter, but I loooove how this manga-ka draws birds. They don’t look derpy?? Look at that deadly beak on Iskander.
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Then this guy pops up. Ok his nickname is apparently 飾り帽子 meaning “decorated hat” which. I have no clue what that’s supposed to mean. Does he wear nice hats or does he have a lot of accomplishments...I dunno. He’s a governor/viceroy (総督).
Honestly all these titles are starting to confuse me. Are the vizers and pasha two different titles? Because they use the same kanji: 将軍 (meaning general) and there are 13 of each. So does that mean they put a 17-year-old in charge of a whole slice of their country?
whatever, I’ll just go with it.
OH so the pasha are vizers, I see...I just had to read a little further haha
Not sure what these two are going on about, but something to do with the country’s security. And things moving around behind the scenes.
They changed Shara’s appearance between the magazine and digital releases:
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(digital: left; magazine scan: right)
I’ve never read both versions like this at the same time, so that’s a surprise. And before anyone gets all up in arms, the colors/shading on the magazine release are usually different/darker because they use lesser quality paper. That’s why her skin tone (as well as the background, which is apparent in certain panels) differ.
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I never realized they differ so much?? Like, I know from other series that they clean up and add chapters to the tankobon but. I kinda like magazine Mahmut’s expression better, but digital Shara is an improvement. She looks a little creepy in the magazine with the very wide eyes lol.
Also Iskander. Mahmut is feeding him...something huge.
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Ah, here they are in the panel before. lol that bird.
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awww Not a social butterfly, eh. He’d rather sit in a corner feeding his eagle. Honestly, so would I. So would I.
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Such a nice panel. Also, she apparently saw him 4 years ago?? He’s about 17 now, so that would make him 13 then. He doesn’t look much different. that’s manga for you.
omg haha poor boy getting dragged off to go dance. Although, he seems really uncomfortable here:
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A combination of being embarrassed at his inability to dance and the gossip centered around him?
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Maybe it’s just about his dancing after all. 
*went to look it up* Ah, yes, apparently it IS part of a dance from that region of the world. People can’t seem to decide if it’s more Turkish or Greek in origin, but whichever it is, that’s apparently how the people in that area danced.
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aww he’s flustered.
lol Shara “You know, a pasha’s estate is a lot more modest than I’d thought.”
I actually thought it was a really nice, spacious place if it really is his house that he lives in all alone.
lol his “Get out.” 
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omg it was a book of poetry??
HAHA so he decided to sleep on the roof instead. What season this? It’s said that they live in a desert, and Ibrahim mentions in the original Japanese that his wife gave birth to twins in the summer, so it isn’t summer...guess it’s not that bad outside haha.
WAIT. You can’t see this in the scans because the sky is too dark, but.
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He brought Iskander up there with him.
And serious times now. Looks like that Louis guy from last chapter is up to no good again.
If I knew more about this region, maybe I’d be able to guess who these people are based on, but apparently they’re seeking to reclaim land they’ve lost.
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Armed revolt, huh. does not sound good. OH WHAT.
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The guy he just spoke to? Aah, that stunned look on his face, especially the crease in his brow, you can see how, well, shocked he is. And shell-shocked, at the bottom of the page when he’s remembering just how easily they hung out together a few days ago.
And notice how, while everyone else is moving onto how they heck they’re going to fix this (with Zaganos already declaring that he’ll take care of it), Mahmut is still in shock that such a thing happened, not wanting to believe it. It shows his lack of experience (the sort that comes with aging with the job). But at the same time, it’s his intense desire for peace that helps him solve these conflicts too. A bit of give and take.
Also, can’t decide if I like this guy or not:
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Well, at least he looks cool. I haven’t mentioned it yet, but still loving the clothing designs. Though those boots look painfully annoying to lace up.
Oh, but look at this completely frustrated look.
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Once again, he can’t do anything, and no one will even suggest compromise or find out why the people rebelled. Violence is once again the default, the established standard. It clashes completely with how Mahmut wants to approach things.
And then! He doesn’t scream or shout, he actually requests calmly for Zaganos to stop. Not that Zaganos will be pleased, probably, but at least Mahmut is reining himself in. And he waited a bit, too, seeing as Zaganos had time to leave and get on his horse.
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He’s using polite language, too.「お待ちくださいザガノス将軍」
Look at this giant unimpressed frown:
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Ooh, I really like this tension between the two. He tells Mahmut straight out that he wants to take advantage of this event, whatever caused it, to wipe the optimism/naivety off the pacifist faction’s faces.
“...have their eyes opened to the fact that powers able to make even the virtuous Ibrahim Vali revolt exist in this world.”
I really like that line. It’s hard to really hate the guy because has a point, just as much as Mahmut is right in that they should find out the root of the revolt before they act. It’s horribly cold, but he’s also right that it’s dangerous to, well, believe in the goodness of people when they have the safety of a country at risk, which is the exact opposite of Mahmut.
Of course, the fact that he may have known they would revolt and did not do anything about it just to take advantage of the situation is like, damn dude why are you so cynical. I dunno. Zaganos is interesting. Coldly efficient, extreme, yet I can understand where he’s coming from.
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cute
he’s just so. small.
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I like this awkward panel in which he is getting on the horse. Looks very weird but. it’s actually accurate for how people experienced at riding (and light enough to vault) look when getting on horses. I appreciate that the horse looks like a horse and not a horse puppet, too (the one other one above notwithstanding)
Also, I love how Halil supports Mahmut, such a great grandfatherly figure. 
LANGUAGE TIME OMG. When Mahmut says to tell Halil “Understood” as his message, he uses the word 心得 which translates to “understood” lol. But the kanji that make up that word are 心 “heart” and 得 “to gain”. just...let that sink in (an alternative that is more common is probably 分かりました or 承知, but that’s a little formal)
OMG. She fixed...this awkward horse...it has become so beautiful...Also, the background was changed to make it a starry night.
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Ooh, and Shara comes along to help out Ibrahim!
AND I AM DONE. CHAPTER 2 DOWN. How many to go again...? That took forever.
← back・onward →
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Not Your Average Zutara Fic Rec
So I’ve gone through a LOT of Zutara fanfiction, probably too much if I’m being honest, and finding good fics can be really hard. When looking up fic rec lists I’ve noticed that a lot of the lists are just the same select fanfictions recommended over and over (We get it, everyone and their mother loves ‘His Majesty Prefers Blue’ and ‘Stormbenders’ [I never finished HMPB, sue me]). 
So this list is for all of you who are in my shoes and can’t seem to find anything besides the same ten or fifteen stories recommended and are desperate for something new. Everything listed is complete! (If I listed the incompletes/abandoned stories I’d have a lot more chaptered stories listed… RIP ‘The Confrontational Approach’…) 
I have a lot of bookmarked stories that I have yet to read and am in the middle of (Almost caught up on @firelordandlady ‘s ‘Say Anything’!), so I’ll try to update this when I finish something I think deserves a recommendation. 
Chaptered
In the Same Candlelight by Like a Dove
In a world where there is no war, Zuko and Katara spend their summers together. Growing up is messy, embarrassing, and at times sad, but they think it might be okay because they have each other. Edited summary.
I know. I KNOW. I LITERALLY JUST SAID I WASN’T GOING TO RECOMMEND FANFICS THAT ARE ON EVERYONE’S LIST. But I NEED to mention this one. I spent so long not interested in this fic. I don’t like drastic AU’s, or modern AU’s. My taste is strictly canon divergence, so I didn’t think I would like this. I WAS SO WRONG. Trust me, if you are like me and don’t like big AU’s, read this anyway. I promise, you won’t be disappointed. Characterization is still so spot on, even with such a different take. Aang is precious. There is nothing but fluff, fluff, and fluff. It will melt you. You will probably die and your spirit will rise up smiling and beaming out rainbows and sunshine. That’s what happened to me. 
Lilacs and Lily Pads by sadladybug
A tale of clumsy courtship and calamitous court weddings, featuring awkward family encounters, floral mishaps, cultural complications, and good old fashioned fluff and conflict. Takes place in the five years following war’s end. For Zutara Week 2016. A prequel to Bones.
Clothe Me in Seasons, Dress Me in Snow is a very commonly recommended Zutara fic (And for good reason, I shed many tears reading it). But this two-shot (A companion to Bones, a smut one shot) by the same author is really underrated and beautifully written. It follows Zuko and Katara as they try to plan their wedding, as well as shows two scenes from before they got engaged that solidified the relationship to be one they knew would last. Just really well done overall and very very sweet. 
EDIT: I talked with the author and apparently it isn’t finished?? But they are apparently working on the next chapters so yay!! And each chapter is independent so it doesn’t feel unfinished.  
The Slow Path by Tazainian Devil
Eight years after the fall of Ozai, Aang returns to the friends he left behind - Taang, Zutara, Sukka
This is technically a Taang fic, and if I’m being honest I kind of just skimmed through the non-zutara chapters, but the Zutara storyline was good enough that I think it’s definitely worth the read. And the overall plot has a great premise. Be warned, it has a sequel that was never finished. 
Another Word For Alchemy by FanPanda13
Five years have passed since the Avatar defeated Fire Lord Ozai, and the members of the Gaang have all gone in their own direction. But when Aang invites them all to a Peace Summit at the North Pole and tells them of his new project, for which he will need their support, the group comes together again for adventure, fun and romance. AU. Zutara. COMPLETE.
So this fic is crazy for me. At first, it started as just really good natured fluff. The writing wasn’t anything fantastic (Although I loved how it broke the 4th wall and didn’t take itself seriously), and there were some definite OOC moments. But I had so much FUN with it. The plot (while definitely not the focus as everyone is more concerned about when Zuko and Katara will get together) was interesting, and there were some really sweet moments. It was also HILARIOUS and I had multiple moments where I genuinely laughed out loud. But then about five chapters before the end, the quality SKY ROCKETED. As the plot and mystery come together, the characters all come together in a moment that truly feels like it came from the show. Even the writing quality increases by a lot and I was genuinely shocked and impressed. Definitely recommend. 
Kyoshi Hold ‘Em by cupid-painted-blind
When a blizzard shuts down the fourth annual Peace Summit, the group has to find some way to pass the time. /Zutara, Taang, Jet/Mai, Jet/Everyone, Sukka
If you’re looking for a good crack fic, look no further. It’s post war and utter nonsense. Jet is alive for some reason??? No one questions it and he’s shipped with pretty much everyone. It’s funny, it’s decently written, there are drinking and sexy time shenanigans, and overall just lighthearted. Also, it does a great job of being a crack fic without crossing the line and becoming unfunny and just a trash fic. A lot struggle to find the balance and resort to going over the top and ridiculous, but this one does a really good job. 
Come With Me by Steamboat Ghost
Coauthored by fuzzytomato. Troubled over his newly restored honor, Zuko finds solace in the familiar guise of the Blue Spirit. In a chance meeting with the Painted Lady, a friendship is forged as the two heroes seek to help the Fire Nation’s neglected.
I’ll admit it: I’ve never gotten into Blutara fanfictions. I only read the first couple chapters of HMPB and dropped it after the tree scene. I don’t know, it felt really OOC for me and I may go back and read it again just because EVERYONE raves about it, but IDK. I’ve never been a huge Blutara fan because while I love the concept, I’d much rather see the Painted Lady and the Blue Spirit come together as equals. Most fics present Zuko behind his mask to Katara, and it feels imbalanced. There aren’t a lot of stories where we see their alter persona’s come together even though that’s the entire point of the parallel between the two. Insert this fic. I only wish there was a sequel dealing with Zuko in the Gaang after these events. Hey, a girl can dream. 
A Zutara Story Anastasia by LastSunset
Katara, the only suviving waterbender of the Southern Water Tribe, joins two con men, Zuko and Iroh, while a fearful admiral chases for her death. A Zutara Story. Based on the movie Anastasia.
So this isn’t so much a retelling of Anastasia but with Katara and Zuko as it is a fanfic version of the movie but with the characters names and world changed. It takes a lot of lines from the movie. But WHO CARES? It’s Anastasia and Zutara!!! What more do you need??? 
Oneshot
this burden you bear by cowlicklesschick
Word travels, and war stories will be told round campfires and on freighter ships until every person in the world knows what Master Katara did for the new Fire Lord. She fights the burning in her throat at the thought of people knowing why she had to heal him in the first place. Post-war Zutara.
This is an angst-with-a-happy-ending, which I say is the absolute BEST type of angst. Katara deals with the guilt of what Zuko did for her as the Fire Nation celebrates what she did to save his life during the Agni Kai. The two come together beautifully while struggling to see the feelings they both share. Really well written and like I said, it has a happy ending, which we all need. 
The Best of Me by Laririn-Shadow
The night before his eighteenth birthday Zuko wraps a bandage around his left wrist. He has a country to run and no time for frivolous things. It will make everything easier if he waits. Zutara Soulmates AU
Soulmate AU’s usually aren’t my thing (With the glaring exception of one Until Dawn Soulmate AU, but that’s besides the point), but I really enjoyed this oneshot. It isn’t sweeping or insanely romantic and the reveal isn’t “OMG I’VE LOVED YOU THIS WHOLE TIME” But it’s a subtle love that grows, which I really like.  
my salvation, he’s not anything by sarsaparillia
Let’s run away and start another war. — Zuko/Katara.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯ What can I say? I love the ‘Let’s run away together, consequences be damned’ trope. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
The Time is Ripe by Casa Circe
ZUTARA WEEK 2012 Day Seven: Seasons. There are many stages that a heart goes through before it can finally be ready for the love it was meant to have. The road is often a rocky one but eventually, it leads you home.
A oneshot for the Zutara Week 2012 prompt ‘Seasons’. Not too much to say about it. Short, sweet, and well written. What more do you need? 
Serendipity by Boriqua-chan
Iroh goes hunting for tea leaves and finds something…interesting. /Zutara week, day 1/
Secret relationships! Fluff! Happiness! And all from Uncle Iroh’s perspective!! Everything I love in one great oneshot! 
Too Close for Comfort also by Casa Circe
ZUTARA WEEK 2010 Day Three: Pain. After watching “The Ember Island Players”, no one is in the mood for teasing. But a little slip of the tongue leads to the painful realization that the play was more accurate than they were willing to admit.
There are two Zutara plots/tropes that I am a complete and utter SLUT for. The first is the ‘Let’s talk about that EIP show’ trope. This is one of my favorites. 
The Color of Truth is Red by Mrs. Pettyfer
Written for Zutara Week prompt “awkward.” Zuko and Katara discuss the Ember Island Players.
Another post EIP oneshot
Enlightenment by Blade Quill
Choices are made on the day of Zuko’s coronation, and sometimes, enlightenment is just the simple truth at hand. Zutara. AU of the final moments of the Book 3 Finale
The OTHER plot/trope I’m a slut for is finale rewrites. LET ME SEE THEM COME TOGETHER AFTER HE TAKES LIGHTNING FOR HER. Ugh, I love it. 
Framework by profoundlycan
What if in “Sozin’s Comet” Katara had come into the room instead of Mai? Zuko/Katara. Prequel to Schema.
 Another finale rewrite! Let’s just get Mai out of the picture here… 
Lightning Shocks the Heart by drunkzutarafeels
Why do our hearts remain dormant until a climactic moment makes time stand still?
And here’s yet another finale rewrite. There is a really popular Zutara gifset that someone animated of the Agni Kai ‘Thank you’ scene, but Katara kisses Zuko after she hugs him. This is the fanfiction equivalent of that gif set. 
Sunrise by lewilder
The days go on and on, and even if she feels more comfort from the moon, Katara learns to cherish the promise of each new sunrise. Zutara AU, largely finale-centric. Oneshot.
LAST FINALE AU I PROMISE. Really sweet, starts right after The Southern Raiders and goes past canon. 
all the ghosts we cannot kill (we learn to love) by raisindeatre
Zuko and Katara; the moments we didn’t see. Or: Maybe we are all somebody’s ghost. And maybe sometimes we can be more than that.
“…My quarrel has only ever been with you, Zuko,” she says, his name sharp on her tongue. “This has only ever been about me and you.”
“You’re wrong,” he rasps, his voice rough in the late afternoon sunlight that falls around them, tangles them in golden nets. “This has only ever been about me and the Avatar. Not you and me. What we hold between us has nothing to do with it.”
This is a really beautiful one-shot that follows a battered, war torn and hardened Zuko and Katara through the scenes we DIDN’T see throughout the entire show. A Zutara must-read.
Drabble Collection/Series
And Other Fairly Stupid Tales by Advocaat
A collection of humorous and crack-tastic oneshots corresponding to the days of Zutara Month
Really great Zutara Month themed drabbles, and it contains the only body swapping plot that I’ve read and really enjoyed. Also the chapters ‘Potential’ and ‘Festival’ are some of my all time favorites. 
Zuko Was No Coward by hootowl
Zuko was many things, but a coward he was not. A collection of Zutara100 prompts. Title may change.
Definitely some heartbreakers and angsty drabbles in here, but all well written and thoroughly enjoyable. If you read ANYTHING from this list, read chapter two of this drabble collection. I MELTED when I read it. It’s perfection. Aunt Wu’s prediction has always been a plotline I’ve loved in Zutara fanfiction, and this one just does it PERFECTLY. 
Zutara Week 2012 by ichilover3
A collection of oneshots inspired by the prompts for Zutara Week
Not much more to say. The first, third, and fourth prompts are my favorite from this series. 
Zutara Week 2015 by bianca_anna
It started at a tea shop and ended with forever. My entries for Zutara Week 2015. I hope you enjoy them.
Oh my GOODNESS. So they’re Zutara Week prompts, but all set in the same universe. The Zutara!Family depicted in these drabbles has become my headcanon. I’ve seen many a Zutara family, but this one is by far my FAVORITE. This is now my official family for them. I want the very last chapter fully animated because it’s so good and epic and I want more of this families adventures. 
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abberryyang · 7 years
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Heya of you were to give Arrow a do over what would you do differently and what would you keep the same? Also would you rewrite Sara because lord knows I would.
Well, it’s the cliché, I loved Arrow S1, otherwise, I only liked parts of S2 - everything else was: “…shit, I could’ve done better.”. 
Big thing’s I’d change right off the bat:
Sara’s existence: The only redeeming quality she has about her is Laurel’s love for her and the kindness she brings out from Nyssa - but, of course, even without Sara, Nyssa still would’ve met Laurel and they would’ve bonded over their fathers. Honestly, if Laurel never forgave Sara and Sara never showed she was sorry in Arrow100, I would never care for Sara - ever. There are two things I would do with Sara: 1) Erase her entire existence.2) Have her completely resent Oliver and profusely apologize to Laurel.The character we see of Sara on “Legends of Tomorrow” (S1) is completely different from the Sara we saw on “Arrow”, and one can argue the pit changed many things about her. Of course, that’s for a different post.
Felicity’s role on Arrow: Felicity honestly deserves better than to be Oliver’s sexcretary, eye candy for the male gaze, or a self-insert character for teen-girls/middle-aged-women. I would have her work with Lyla in ARGUS, where she is mentored by Wendy/Barbra, and she is only with Arrow as a “side-hobby”. I loved Felicity’s one-sided affection for Oliver, and I want her to find herself and realize she doesn’t need Oliver - instead, when Ray’s accident happens, she is consumed by grief and looks desperately for him. When Oliver and Laurel return from Ivy Town, Felicity seeks Oliver’s help, as ARGUS refuses to help her with her vendetta. Waller says Felicity’s too “emotional”, but Felicity argues her emotions will help her find Ray. I want more for her than Arrow has offered Felicity.
Oliver’s “darkness”: Honestly, this should’ve stopped the moment Oliver beat Slade, lbrh. Even in most recent episodes, Oliver’s greatest fear is Laurel, the person who has always saw the best in him, would see him as a monster, along with the rest of the women in his life: Moira and Thea. It’s in S2 that Oliver discovers the women in his life still love him: >Laurel still does not see him as a monster, instead she praises him, thanks him, and runs to him to comfort him. >Moira even shakes her head and says she always knew, and that she is so proud of him. >When Oliver tells Thea in S3, Thea accepts him whole-heartedly and gives him a hug. Oliver’s darkness shouldn’t be darkness, just bad habits that any human being would have as a natural response to trauma and about undoing those habits - Green Arrow’s focus should be where it was in S1: Humanity.
The big bad of S3: It should’ve been China White. Honestly, you got Katanna, Maseo, the flashbacks in China - it should’ve been China White, about disbanding the Triads on the docks. Hell, you could still introduce Emiko if you want, who gets close to Speedy and they are BFF’s. Emiko, Sin, and Roy are all vigilantes and Thea runs the night club who employs the three part time (total omg this belongs as a comment of it’s own)
The big bad of S4: Now this should be the Bratva, not Prometheus, and another gang - some say it’s a race war. The focus of this season would be gang violence.The Bratva hire a bunch of small time villains to take out their competitors, but to no avail because Oliver is constantly thwarting their attempts. It’s then that the head of Bratva comes in for a “visit”. Who is this guy? I don’t know, you tell me. I would love to have a present day Anatoly who was like, “Why the fuck did you kill your own brothers, Oliver, my men? You must pay up for your actions.” Shit like that, don’t just throw it under the rug, no matter what ‘mafia’ you are in. It’s a big focus on certain characters 
The big bad of S5: The Dark Archer and HIVE. Of course, since Colin is on another show, Malcolm, being called The Magician, asks Ra’s to find a way to switch out his son’s body (wayy early on) to another’s. Ra’s connects Malcolm to people who practice dark arts (such as Vandal Savage), who helps Malcolm achieve this thought-to-be-impossible feat. In another person’s body, Tommy swoons Laurel again, asks Oliver questions that only Tommy has asked him, and tries to be Thea’s brother (well technically he is, but…). Tommy fucks up Oliver’s entire life as revenge for what he took from him. “It should’ve been you who died in that building.”
League of Assassins:A constant threat to the world, but they mind their own business and stay in the shadows.
Nitpicky things I would change on Arrow:
Shado’s sister Mei: I really wish they would’ve used her more effectively, I feel like it’s strange that they are from the same family, but she isn’t a complete badass like her sister and dad? I mean, come on, would love the total Ghost Fox Killer thing happening for her.
ARGUS: Honestly, they deserve a show of their own, with Amanda Waller, Lyla, Digg, and Felicity. They all deserve better than the romcom the show has become and destroyed their characters in the process.
Never have Carly and Diggle together.
Dyla: Would drag out Digg and Lyla’s reunion, have them take time to getting married, give them a season or two and stay with the whole “reason why they decided to get back together is baby Sara”. Maybe even baby Sara wasn’t enough, it was the return of Andy Diggle.
Baby Sara: Also, I wouldn’t be a stupid fucking idiot and erase baby Sara, I would’ve just had it where Digg and Lyla never divorced because they had a baby boy who isn’t Oliver’s son in comicverse.
Andy Diggle: Give him a good reason to join Darhk’s side and remain there, give them an episode of flashbacks between just the two of them, another episode of flashbacks for their families, and another episode of just Andy and why he decides to be on Darhk’s side. John never knows or understands Andy, but we do - because even we agree with Andy that this world isn’t good. Have Andy be confronted by Carly, who finds herself in danger and Andy coming to her rescue, her saying, “It’s always been you, you’ve always been here.” Him saying, “I never left.” AJ never meeting his dad. I need angsty shit, all right.
Deadshot: I just need more of him since he survived the accident, alright, I need a lot more than just one scene.
Sin: I want more of her, I want her to be there for Thea, I want her to be in on everything and not needing to be the center of attention like another person.
Quentin Lance: I am so sad that they are putting him through his alcoholism again. Of course, I know that Laurel is his rock, but if you aren’t going to give him his rock back, throw him a fucking life raft.
Dinah Drake: I would love for Laurel’s mother to know of Laurel’s ‘potential’. Dinah is a scientist, who knew that Laurel has a special meta-human gene because they’ve been doing research for so long now. The reason Dinah left wasn’t because of guilt, but because she didn’t have the energy or time to deal with a breaking family when she was on the breakthrough of science. Dinah works alongside Caitlin Snow’s mom and on the side with Harrison Wells.
Wildcat:Retired vigilante who comes back after seeing Laurel’s fire, and protects his side of town. Is his own agency and continues to spar and train Laurel - also coaches the team of misfits with Laurel (Roy, Thea, Emiko and Sin).
Evelyn Sharp:Inspired by Black Canary, is friends with Sin from college, and joins the team of misfits in protecting the city in S3. Reckless, she leads the criminals back to her house and they kill her parents and siblings, leading her to a life of crime and anger. Mentions her friend Artemis as another person who “taught her a fair amount” of fighting skills.
Wild Dog:Trained by Wildcat after losing both his sons to gang violence in S3, René is so angry with what the world has taken from him. The mystery is solved when René finds out his son was in the gang and was trying to initiate his little brother into the gang. René is completely in shock, because he spent all his life telling his sons not to make the mistakes he did (joining a gang, selling drugs, and “living a bad life”). When René tells his ex-wife what happened to their sons, she blames him and leaves him. René hangs up his mask, completely ridden with guilt and despair.
Curtis Holt:Recruited by Ray Palmer for his amazing abilities in S3, they team up to be their own ‘super-heroes’. Curtis was a very serious guy until he met Ray who helped him to ‘lighten up’. Curtis says without Ray, he would’ve joined HIVE, and is thankful for him. When Ray disappears, Curtis teams up with Felicity to find Ray, and is the one keeping Palmer Tech alive in both their absences. HIVE wanted to make Curtis suffer for rejecting their invitation and had Curtis’s husband and the child they had just adopted that day tortured and killed, recorded it, and sent it to Curtis. Consumed with vengeance, Curtis dawns the name Mr. Terrific, what his adopted child would call him when they visited.
Rory Regan:Joins Curtis in his endeavors to avenge his family as HIVE is responsible for the death of his city, also hates Felicity to death and refuses to work with her, speak to her, or acknowledge her presence in the room. 
Tina Boland: A secret agent trying to figure out what HIVE is up to, joins their team to track them down. 
etc.
There’s a lot more nitpicky things, but those are just the more bigger ones lol
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June 18: Thoughts on 1x07 Contents Under Pressure
Finally continued my The 100 Season 1 rewatch yesterday. Wrote some notes:
It kind of looks like the Council is also the judicial system on the Ark, which honestly shouldn’t surprise me at all. Whatever hearings they do seem to take place in the Council chamber. I still think Marcus is basically the prosecutor or otherwise sort of in charge of the judicial function—Jaha is fine and still Chancellor but it’s Marcus reading out the summary of Abby’s case. She’s spared because her “medical expertise is still required” which fits with my theory about the Ark class hierarchy.
Raven identifies herself as from Mecha Station, so if I ever need to establish the canon nature of this fact, this is where it is, 1x07. Also, she identifies herself to Sinclair as if he didn’t already know her but that could just be because she doesn’t recognize his voice.
That moment when Abby hears Clarke’s voice was so lovely. Nothing in the second two seasons stirs my heart like small moments in the first two. Also when Jaha hears that Wells isn’t alive, fuck, that’s too sad. Get it away.
Apparently this is Miller’s first episode.
Also man I love storm episodes. Big weather events get me EVERY TIME.
They say at the beginning that Monty, Jasper, and Bellamy aren’t back yet—I know it’s been a while since I saw the last ep but weren’t they all in at the end of it? I remember Bellamy closing the gate and dramatically saying “there’s a storm coming.” And if you know there’s a storm coming, why would you wander the fuck off? Okay never mind, Bellamy went Grounder hunting. And this is also where Miller was introduced—his first scene is dragging in Lincoln.
Raven taking a drink of moonshine before sterilizing her hands and Clarke smiling fondly at her = why I ship (S1) Princess Mechanic.
OMG little doggy made out of nuts and bolts that is the most adorable thing. I miss the Ark aesthetic SO MUCH.
Honestly, that Clarke has assisted her mom in surgery, meaning she’s trained at least partly directly under Abby, makes me wonder how close they are/were. Like, a combination of them starting the show estranged and fan fiction too often painting Abby as a bitch or their relationship as strained has somewhat obscured what I think is canonically a strong bond between Abby and Clarke—not just because they’re mother and daughter, I mean they genuinely were close beyond even that.
The Bellamy, Miller, and Lincoln scene: First, it’s my headcanon that Lincoln was the spy on the camp the entire time, including back to the pilot (IDK who that actor was, I’m not saying it was Ricky Whittle, just that I think it was Lincoln-the-character in a lot of war paint and shadows), and that his reports might have been designed the whole time to keep Anya et. al. at bay, and also that he might have volunteered for the spying job because he was curious about the Sky People—and that fits with this scene. Second, when Bellamy says they’ve “lost” 10 people, I wonder if he’s counting exile Murphy. I hope so.
Bellamy sees a picture of a big furry creature and asks “What is that thing? Friend of yours?” which, first, haha Bellamy joke, and second, YEAH WTF IS IT? IT’S BEEN FOUR SEASONS WHAT IS IT?
Clarke’s grumpy cat get out of the way face = A+ more content like this please.
I love that Miller was introduced as a surly Bellamy minion and the whole time he was gay and only Jarod Joseph knew.
“In case you didn’t notice, his people are already killing us. How many more of our people have to die until you realize we’re fighting a war?” Interesting because actually most of those people didn’t die at Grounder hands at all. Two died when the dropship landed. Wells died because another delinquent killed him. Charlotte committed suicide. Murphy, if he’s being counted among the ten, was exiled after a series of events having nothing to do with Grounders. Trina and Pascal, who I’m pretty sure are already dead, died of acid fog, which is a Mt. Men weapon (I know Bellamy doesn’t know this but we do). And the other three were killed by Grounders, fair enough. Plus Jasper and Finn’s injuries. But still, ten Grounder deaths there were not. Also none of them were killed or injured at the dropship camp, which fits in with my theory that this was never a dispute about territory or a case of mean colonialists stealing native people’s land. The dropship camp doesn’t bother the Grounders at all.
There’s a little American flag at the memorial to the culling victims. Also, here we see the exact moment when Kane’s redemption arc begins. And a continuation of Jaha’s… I don’t want to say ‘redemption’ but like…transformation?
Okay, that’s ridiculous to say the people in the culling died for nothing—it wasn’t nothing because there aren’t enough life boats NOW there definitely weren’t 320 people ago. I mean I understand why the populace is angry but, haha, little do they know that between the Unity Day attack, the Exodus ship explosion, and all but 3 stations either exploding, crashing, or getting lost on the way to Earth, there are many more population-reduction events to come. Oh yeah and then radiation comes in a ridiculous overwrought wave and kills them all in a terrific shark-jumping explosion of silliness.
More Ark life details: “I swore an oath to protect and defend these people.” There’s something called “station representatives”—the same or different than Council members? Also they have a “mess hall.”
The dropship is three stories. Did I think it was two? Clarke has amazing boots.
The torture sequence makes me intensely uncomfortable, which is of course obviously the point. Again, nothing that the show’s done in the last two seasons accomplishes this. They just…try so hard to be constantly shocking and tense but it reads poorly to me, it reads like overcompensating for having nothing more to say.
I don’t get the station representatives thing. First, they’re not the council. Diana Sydney is one of them. And also there are, what, like a hundred of them? Why so many? What do they do? Is this like a primarily administrative job? An advocacy job? The Ark’s not that big, direct communication with the council doesn’t seem like it would be that hard. Are these also elected positions? How many does each station have, and how big is each station that they need, like, 10 reps per station? Some of them are pretty young, too; is this like an every-sub-group-has-an-advocate thing? Diana refers to her people as “the workers,” which I always assumed meant she was a rep for one of the worker-stations, like maybe Factory, but maybe it means she literally, specifically, represents “workers.”
I want a prequel that’s just like the political rivalry between Jaha and Diana. Actually, I want a refund on Season 4 and for it to be replaced by this prequel.
Say what you will about Octavia, but Bellarke’s torture plan was stupid as fuck—yes, it makes sense on the level of a preschooler (a very violent preschooler) but anyone with real cognitive skills should honestly be 10000% distrustful of any answer Lincoln did give because, like, why would he tell you the truth? If I were him, I’d get the torture to stop by pointing out the wrong vial. I mean he has literally nothing to lose; they’ll kill him but they would have done that anyway, and at least he takes one of their own down too.
That said, I feel like the more they made Octavia violent, over the seasons, and played up her ridiculously unrealistic amazing warrior skills or whatever, the more they ignored how smart and resourceful she used to be.
Abby didn’t “turn Jake in” though—he hadn’t done anything wrong, there was nothing to turn him in for. Like don’t get me wrong I love Jaha, but HE’S the one who floated his friend for a non-crime, so maybe he should take some of the blame for that.
I love Kane’s mom. Honestly, they used to have such good minor/side characters and they threw them away so willy-nilly and I thought, okay, I get it, we need casualties and there will be more good side characters but frankly there haven’t been. The quality of side character has declined precipitously. I literally cannot remember the last time a new character was introduced that I gave an honest shit about. After S2, there’s been like…no one on the sidelines who holds any interest for me. Probably because they’re all Grounders.
Finn’s using Raven’s jacket as a pillow, which reminds me of Jasper using Monty’s jacket as a blanket.
Finn’s basically just this totem Clarke and Raven pass back and forth. They’re both under the impression they literally need him to keep going (“he’s all I have;” “I can’t do this without you”) but like, really, what does he bring to the table? Certainly no literal skills, but not even that much by way of emotional support or devotion—especially not to Raven, obviously. And Clarke’s known him all of a week so the concept that she needs him for anything is like, I can see why she herself thinks that (in a normal situation she and Finn would be in a honeymoon phase, plus she just lost Wells so like I can see how she’d latch on to someone else in a pinch)—but it’s still laughable.
I’ve seen that shot of Bellamy and Clarke’s hands touching a million times but totally forgot they were handing off a torture weapon. And that their dialogue can basically be summarized as “deep sounding shit we tell ourselves to excuse our guilt for the reprehensible things we’ve just done that had literally no actual justification whatsoever.” I mean, I’m not judging per se, the show needs conflict and also they’re basically fetuses so they should be imperfect but still. How romantic.
My characterization of Clarke, most of the time, is so bad. I feel bad about this.
I’m trying to get a better sense of the delinquent camp but it’s difficult.
It looks like there are only 6 Council members, which semi-confuses me because it just seems like it would make sense to have one representative per station. I don’t think they’d give Prison Station a council member, but counting the Chancellor, that would still make 12. But then—do all stations have living quarters on them? I’ve been assuming yes but why should I assume that? Go-Sci very well might not—nope, never mind, that’s the only part left and I bet we’ll be seeing living quarters on it next year (by “we” I mean probably not “me” but you know). Anyway. How are the Council members elected then? At large? Also, post-culling, post-100, there are 2,237 people on the Ark. And Jaha says there are “only enough dropships to carry 700.”
I can’t believe people still know what the Titanic is to be honest. And would reference it so casually.
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