#i wonder what the script/ set direction was
Text
youtube
new video about Edgar Wright's Cornetto Trilogy, and how everyone* keeps getting them wrong! this video is sponsored by Nebula, a place where you can watch the original version of this video before I had to tweak it for YouTube's copyright bots. (by clicking that link, you can get an annual subscription for 40% off.) or you can just back me on Patreon, which is also cool and good.
transcript below the cut.
I adore Edgar Wright’s Cornetto Trilogy. I flirted with making a video about it ages ago, had a draft of a script, but ultimately decided it wasn’t about anything except “here’s a thing I like, and here are its (I thought) very obvious themes.” So I shelved it. But, in the years since, I have seen multiple video essayists on this here website claim that these movies are about growing up and taking responsibility. (I say “multiple.” It’s not a lot. But it’s more than one! And that’s enough.)
These people are 100% wrong.
Lemme lay it out: the Cornetto Trilogy is not about growing up. It is not about taking responsibility. It is the exact opposite, and that’s not subtext. It is three movies about stunted manchildren thrust into extraordinary circumstances, and each, in the end, is saved - is redeemed - by abandoning his character arc and failing to grow or change. It is a three-part love letter to immaturity.
And I guess I have to set the record straight.
Sometimes making a video about a thing you love is an act of appreciation. And sometimes it’s out of spite.
The Cornetto Trilogy is three movies: Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and The World’s End. All three are written by Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright; Pegg stars, and Wright directs; all three center on a relationship between Pegg and real-life best friend Nick Frost, which makes each film a reunion of the core team behind Spaced (excepting, but for a small role in Shaun of the Dead, Jessica Hynes). The three films span three genres: zombie apocalypse, buddy cop, alien invasion; each features a Cornetto ice cream cone: strawberry to represent blood, original blue to represent the police, and mint to represent little green men; this is a joking nod to Krzysztof Kieślowski’s Trois Couleur films, Bleu, Blanc, and Rouge, which were based on the colors and themes of the French flag (I don’t care what you say, Emily: #TeamRouge); that nod is funny because Trois Couleur is high-art drama and these are comedies. All three are parodies of, tributes to, and actually surprisingly good executions of their respective genres. And the hook, the gag at the center of all these movies, is that Simon Pegg plays a character wholly unsuited to be starring in this kind of film.
Shaun, the burnout, is the wrong person to survive the zombie apocalypse; by-the-book British bobby Nicholas is the wrong person to lead an American-style bombastic actioner; and alcoholic asshole Gary is the last person to save the world from aliens.
And I think that’s where people get stuck. Because “schlub finds himself protagonist of a genre film” is the elevator pitch for like a dozen Adam Sandler movies. The genre trappings may be as mundane as parenthood or mandated anger management classes, or as high-concept as action movie, whodunnit, or time travel It’s a Wonderful Life if Clarence were Christopher Walken as the angel of death (that… that makes it sound good, it’s not, don’t see Click; leave Frank Capra alone, Adam). But all these movies have the same basic shape: an extraordinary situation forces a guy to confront his shortcomings, which always stem from having never grown up. And you probably haven’t seen all of these movies, but if you’ve seen any, I bet you have assumptions about how the rest end: even though “Adam Sandler acts like a child” is generally the selling point of an Adam Sandler movie, they all end with some lip service toward becoming an adult: hey man, grow up a bit; appreciate your family a little more; square your shoulders; clean your room. This is so standard, it was parodied mercilessly in Funny People.
And this was a formative microgenre for my generation! Whole universe turns itself upside down to teach some shitty dude to, like, do the dishes and pay his wife a compliment now and then - Liar Liar, Bruce and Evan Almighty (all directed by the same guy, by the way). So I don’t blame people of a certain age for seeing the first act of Shaun of the Dead and thinking “I know where this is going.” And when, at the last minute, it swerves and goes someplace else, you could read that as a gag, a final subversion of expectation, still the same basic shape. But no! No! Once is a gag - thrice??? Thrice is a thematic statement!
So lemme make my case. I’ma take you through these movies one by one - we’ll talk about the manchildren and the expectations set by the genre, and then we’ll talk about that last-minute swerve and what it means. And then you’ll tell me I’m right and apologize!
Shaun of the Dead:
Shaun is a man in his twenties. What kind of manchild is he? He’s the slacker.
What is his problem? He needs to sort his life out. Shaun doesn’t know how to take action. He hasn’t advanced since college - he’s been working the kind of job a teen takes over the summer for like a decade, lives with the same best friend, has the same petty fights with his stepdad, goes to the same pub every week with the same group of people. He can’t make a reservation, he can’t manage a calendar, he’s a washup. This makes his girlfriend, Liz, feel stifled, trapped; he is a weight around her ankle, taking her on the same date week after week, keeping her from living her own dreams, having her own adventures. She gives him one last chance to prove he can sort his life out, and he blows it, and she dumps him.
And then: a zombie movie happens.
The genre forces him to confront his shortcomings: to survive, and save his loved ones, he’ll have to take action, make plans, be decisive. This is a common fantasy: when you feel ground down by the mundanity of life, you might imagine, oh, if only a crisis would happen, like a zombie virus outbreak, where my normal-life problems like “am I gonna make rent,” “is my girl gonna take me back,” “is my roommate gonna kick out my stoner buddy who’s crashing on the couch” become meaningless, and it’s immediately clear what’s really important, what matters. Then I’d know exactly what to do. It’s why disaster movies work as escapism: a necromantic plague - or at least the fantasy of one - is sometime preferable to normal life.
Hot Fuzz:
Nicholas is a man in his thirties. What kind of manchild is he? He’s the hall monitor.
What is his problem? He can’t switch off. He is a hypercompetant police officer with a rulebook where his brain should be. He’s so good at being a cop that he’s spotting and unraveling crimes even on his day off. He can’t maintain a relationship, has no friends, all his coworkers hate him because he keeps finishing their work for them, and his stats show up the rest of the force so badly that they scuttle him out to the country.
Now you might be thinking, “Mmm. A fastidious police officer who can’t have fun? How is that a manchild? Sounds pretty grown-up to me. You’re reaching, bud.” Ohhhh ho ho, smartass, do you remember this scene? [bar scene] Yeah! Nicholas Angel has a five-year-old’s notion of law and order. He’s still playing cops and robbers.
And that’s a problem, because then: an action movie happens.
It doesn’t happen all at once: he goes out to the country and finds they do things a bit differently there. They are (ostensibly) less concerned with rules than what than the rules are for: if the purpose of drinking laws is to keep the streets safe and orderly, and letting some people off with a warning or allowing kids drink so long as they do it inside achieves that end, the rule can be bent. That’s a judgment grown-ups can make; I mean, they’re the ones who wrote the rules in the first place. So be lenient with shoplifters, don’t hassle people for speeding; this isn’t the Big City, you can use your better judgment. But Nicholas never got past doing whatever Mom & Dad said; obedience, and trusting whoever’s up the chain, is his entire moral framework. He can’t accept that bending the law could be more righteous than following it.
But also maybe there’s a criminal conspiracy murdering people and writing it off as accidents and the police chief might be in on it. Or maybe Nicholas is so desperate for a big case with no moral ambiguity that he’s seeing things where they aren’t.
The genre forces him to confront his shortcomings: either there’s nothing going on and he needs to chill out about procedure, or the department is corrupt and he’ll have to go rogue like it’s Point Break - and this is how he experiences Point Break. [“paperwork”]
No matter what, he’ll have to bend the rules, which he constitutionally cannot do.
The World’s End:
Gary is a man in his forties. What kind of manchild is he? He’s the delinquent.
What’s his problem? Pfffft. What isn’t his problem? Gary is a manipulative, narcissistic, lying, self-destructive, ignorant, violent, thieving, shit-talking, unapologetic asshole who peaked in high school when being all those things was still kind of badass. The greatest night of his life was the drunken pub crawl after graduation he and his friends didn’t even finish, and he’s been tumbling downhill ever since. He’s spent his life ruining everyone who knows him until there’s no one left to ruin but Gary King. So now it’s time to bully the old gang into going back home with him to relive that night by finishing the pub crawl, because, in his own words, it’s all he’s got. And he and his friends have to confront how home has changed since they left - the bars have gentrified, not everyone recognizes them; the defining, epic deeds of Gary’s youth have been forgotten. You can’t actually go back because that place doesn’t exist anymore.
And then: a sci-fi movie happens.
Turns out the town’s been taken over by aliens, and all the people who couldn’t conform to their new order have been replaced with robots! That’s why no one recognizes them! And that’s why the pubs all look the same: the aliens are homogenizing everything! And it’s clear, if they can’t get Gary and his friends to play ball, they’ll roboticize them as well! The obvious move is to get the hell out of town, but Gary keeps inventing excuses to stay and finish the pub crawl, and they sound pretty sensible because the group’s already five pints in. The genre forces him to confront his shortcomings: sooner or later he’s gonna have to give up on recapturing his youth and do what’s best for him and his friends now, even if it means running back to the city where all his problems live.
So there we have it: the characters cross the threshold into an unfamiliar world where an external conflict cannot be addressed without resolving the tension within. The slacker will have to get his shit sorted, the hall monitor will have to break the rules, and the delinquent will have to do what’s good for him. And, to an extent, all three know this! The movies Wright and Pegg pay homage to exist in these stories - Shaun knows what a zombie is, Danny keeps Nicholas up watching Point Break and Bad Boys II, and Gary and friends know bodysnatcher movies so well they have philosophical debates with the robots about whether “robot” is the PC term.
So, yeah, if you turned the movies off there, I could forgive you for thinking that’s where they’re headed. But you goofballs watched them to the end and then made content about them, what is wrong with you???
What actually happens in the second halves of these movies?
Shaun twigs that he’s in a zombie movie and, at first, tries to play the part - his survival plans are miniature hero’s journeys with him as protagonist, wherein he’ll save the day by neatly confronting all his flaws. He’ll resolve parental conflict by saving his mom from his zombified stepdad, resolve romantic conflict by showing his girl he can come through when it counts, and resolve internal conflict by being a man who saves the day. And all his plans suck! It’s just the same plan he always comes up with! Dragging around the same useless liability of a bestie, collecting the same group of people, and holing up in the same pub! He doesn’t save his mom: his stepdad apologizes, resolving their conflict for him, and then survives in zombie form but Shaun’s mom gets killed; most of the friend group gets killed because the crisis does not actually suspend but in fact amplifies their personal grievances; and he doesn’t save the day, just manages not to die long enough for the military to show up.
But… well, Liz wanted adventure and now she’s had enough for a lifetime, so… she’s down to just be boring with him for a while - sit on the couch, watch TV, hit the pub. Beats running for your life. Tensions with the roommate are gone cuz roommate died, but rent is covered cuz Liz moved in. Zombies don’t get eradicated, just folded into normal life, so Shaun can mindlessly play video games with his bestie forever, and it’s not a problem that bestie doesn’t have an income cuz he doesn’t need food or shelter.
The zombie apocalypse doesn’t make Shaun sort his life out, it changes the world til he doesn’t have to.
When Nicholas discovers that, yes, there is definitely a murderous criminal conspiracy inside the police department, he recognizes the only way to bring about justice is to become what Danny has always wanted and go Dirty Harry on the town. It’s either that or just swallow the crimes. But he does neither. He and Danny go on an epic shooting spree, recreating famous movie scenes, taking out the entire criminal organization against all odds, and spouting badass one-liners… but everyone who helps them is a cop, they don’t actually kill anyone, all perps are formally arrested, and they fill out all the paperwork. I think he even properly signs out the weapons. He never switches off, never breaks a rule, does absolutely everything by the book, only… louder. And this violent showdown saves him from the chill town with lax rules he thought he’d moved to. Now he, with his five-year-old notion of right and wrong, is in charge of the police department.
The buddy cop actioner doesn’t make Nicholas bend the rules, it changes the world til he doesn’t have to.
Gary knows exactly how a movie of this sort is supposed to go and spends the whole movie running from it. Friends and secondary characters keep sharing these poignant moments with him, because they know this story, too: yeah, he’s gonna reject help at first, but sooner or later he’ll hit rock bottom and then someone will get through to him. And, as the night goes on, and the characters get drunker and drunker, and Gary passes up more and more opportunities to abandon the pub crawl and go home, these moments take a tone of desperation. They start to sound more like interventions; like, Gary, we all know you’re going to come to your senses but could you hurry up with it??? How many of your friends need to literally die for you to shape up? Are you gonna get them all killed?
And the answer is: Gary will never shape up! To Gary the Human Dril Tweet, his friends trying to save him, psychiatrists trying to treat him, and aliens trying to assimilate him are all the same thing. He doggedly makes it to the end of the pub crawl and confronts the alien overlord who tells him all the technological advancements of the past few decades - all the efficiency and homogenization that’ve changed the face of his home town - are their doing. The Information Age is an intervention on behalf of Earth, a pan-galactic effort to save humanity from itself. And the reason they’ve been replacing people with robots is some people are too fucked up to go along with it.
And here’s Gary, King of the Fuckups, brashly declaring that fucking up is what makes us human. There is no freedom without the freedom to ruin your life. We are endowed by our creator with the right to be drunken, ornery pieces of shit.
He tells the aliens to piss off and he’s so fucking annoying that they do, and they take the Information Age with them.
Now… I know… ugh… I know a lot of people love this movie, say it’s the best of the three. Some friends who’ve struggled with mental health or just being an adult under late capitalism really identify with Gary, and the valorization of being a mess. I see you, you’re not wrong, I get it, I really do. But can we just… not “but” but “also” can we… can we also admit that this ending is… this is Space Brexit.
Like, literally it’s an alien invasion but symbolically this is Gary rejecting the adult world of rules and authority and doing what’s best for the community and that’s how Brexiters view the EU. And people keep telling him “Gary, this is in your best interest” and Gary says, I don’t want my best interest! I am registered in the anti-Gary’s Face Party and I will cast my vote by cutting my nose! I choose to do what’s bad for me.
And, like a true Brexiter, he chooses for everybody.
Now tell me that’s a movie about growing up. Gary collapses human civilization in its entirety rather than change, and in the world that follows, he thrives… by being an immature, irresponsible bag of garbage.
To Wright and Pegg, growing up is death, and these are movies about being alive. These characters don’t cross the threshold back into the ordinary world with the ultimate boon of character growth; all three stay in the extraordinary world. The zombies remain, the robots remain, Nicholas is offered his London job back and chooses to stay in the country. These are stories about normal life spontaneously turning into a genre film, and they are made with deep love for those genres; why would they end with leaving those genres behind? Because it’s what Adam Sandler would do?
So there you have it. I rest my case.
“Okay Ian. Why does this matter?”
…what was that?
“You’ve made your point: these movies aren’t about growing up or taking responsibility. So what?”
Uhhhh.
“Bring it home for us.”
…
“Why do you care so much?
[breath]
I wrote the first draft of this script when I was around Shaun and Nicholas’ age, and “so what?” is why I shelved it. Now I’m Gary’s age, this video’s been in the back of my brain the whole time, but I got this far and “so what” is where I got stuck, again. This is why the CO-VIDs came out quicker, cuz I let myself end with “so that’s interesting!” and got on with my life. But there’s clearly something sticky here, more than “someone is wrong on the internet.” (Also, to the YouTubers I’m vaguebooking, who said these were movies about growing up - I’m way more annoyed at the folks I’ve argued with on Twitter about this, you just made a better rhetorical device; you do not owe me an apology!) (Also, to the commentariat: I am not extrapolating this from like two data points, this is chronic and recurring and has been bothering me for years.)
There are a few directions I could take this to give it some “cultural weight.” I could put on my social justice hat and talk about how the “crisis of adulthood” doesn’t play as broad comedy unless you look like Adam Sandler or Simon Pegg, or put on my class analysis hat and talk about how signifiers of adulthood are, traditionally, ways of spending and accruing capital which are, today, often inaccessible to people under 40.
And that’s all legit, but here’s the real deal: I’m just mad at Gary. The world changed around Shaun such that he could stay a child. And Nicholas ended up somewhere he could stay a child. If you missed that, you’re wrong, but whatever. But to say that Gary grew up grinds me, because Gary chose this. The whole movie is people telling him to grow up, and he says no! He says it out loud! He says it to the literal end of the world. To walk out of the theater and say “that’s a movie about growing up” is more than a mistake, it’s a refusal. It’s trying to “fix” the movie by fitting it into a more familiar shape, so it doesn’t say what it says, so Gary isn’t who he is, who he chooses to be.
I’m being cheeky when I say this because he’s a fictional character, but saying Gary grew up is enabling.
Gary says there’s no freedom without the freedom to ruin your life, which is the problem with alcoholics and libertarians: it’s not just your life, Gary! You live in a community, a culture, and an ecosystem! Your actions - everybody’s actions - impact other people! That’s just the way the world is! You can’t shit yourself at the bar without other people having to smell it. We’re all fuckin’ connected, man! You don’t want anyone’s will imposed on you; you spend the whole movie imposing your will on everyone else! You say humans don’t wanna be told what to do, and then you decide humanity’s future by yourself with no input or consent from anyone!
People point to Gary ordering water in the last scene instead of beer as evidence that he got sober, like that’s proof that he did grow up in the end, which are you fucking joking??? Getting sober is a shorthand for maturity the way buying a house is, it doesn’t signify anything in and of itself! Gary drank to escape the adult world of rules and responsibilities! So, yeah, under normal circumstances getting sober would mean he’s made peace with that world and is ready to integrate. But that’s not what happened! The thing he was escaping doesn’t exist anymore! He literally destroyed it!! People died! Probably millions! Now he lives a happy life LARPing as Omega Doom - no I don’t expect you to catch that reference! He doesn’t need to drink! He is literally reliving the best day of his life forever. And even if it did mean personal growth, the idea that a person could make what would be, unequivocally, the most selfish decision in human history, and then spend his life celebrating the outcome, oh but if he overcame a personal demon in the process then on balance that’s maturity? That is lightspeed solipsism! Who are you if you think that way? Are you all Adam Sandler???
And none of that makes this a bad ending, or Gary a bad character. I mean, he is the reason The World’s End is my least favorite, and I don’t like the ending, but I don’t think it’s bad that I don’t like the ending. Rather than watch another addict pull his life together or destroy himself, we watch a downward spiral with so much gravity the whole world self-destructs alongside him. And that’s why The World’s End is the most interesting of the three: it is a bold choice, and I think we are free to feel however we want about the conclusion Gary engineered for himself. I don’t think it’s valid to pretend it didn’t happen.
In the context of the trilogy, we see that Shaun’s immaturity is mostly a problem for Shaun: he would be, at worst, a footnote in the lives of the people who love him; “yeah, I liked Shaun a lot, but I couldn’t carry him through life anymore.” Nicholas is the kind of overachiever that is useful if pointed in the right direction; juvenile code of ethics aside, he is, empirically, helping the community (within the entirely fictional framework where that’s a thing police do). If the world hadn’t changed to turn their flaws into strengths, they would still be relatively harmless. Gary is what happens when immaturity isn’t harmless, and shows us how a world built by that immaturity would look.
There is an appeal to Gary King, a wish fulfillment. Letting your id fully off the leash because you no longer care what anybody thinks - it’s why some people drink, and it’s why some people would like to drink with Gary. But if that’s not just your Friday night, not just your twenties, but that’s your life? There is a destination at the end of that road, and it’s Gary doing something truly ugly. And we see that ugly thing the way Gary sees it: as awesome. But then you see the reality: the Monday morning after the Friday night. We went out with Gary and he did something terrible.
And I’m not telling you to hate Gary for it; I’m not saying Gary can’t be forgiven. In fact, seeing it for what it is is the only way Gary could be forgiven, because, if he “grew up and took responsibility,” there’s nothing to forgive.
I think this is the only way the trilogy could have ended. I mean, you make stories about boys who get older and older and don’t grow up, it eventually becomes a problem. There’s only two ways to resolve it: you either end with a guy actually sorting his shit out, or you go for broke and show what happens if he doesn’t. And I think some of us boys saw that and said, “no, noooo, they did grow up! all three of them!” rather than say, “haha! hahaaa! ……………shit.”
231 notes
·
View notes
Text
The Boy Is Mine (icallhimjoey's edition)
♥ ♥ Joseph Quinn x Fem!Reader
Summary: Joe has work and cancels plans but, you know what, you can just come over and help him out, can’t you? It's nerve-racking and embarrassing but, ok fine, you can come over and help him.
CW / disclaimer: rpf, fem!reader, language, anxiety, we make fun of joe because he’s a dork, full fluff
Author’s note: i had fomo for @carolmunson’s the boy is mine writing exercise, so i just went ahead and gave it my own rpf spin. pls go and read all the other wonderful editions here!
Wordcount: 1.8K
“Okay, so, to set the scene,” Joe was being exceptionally theatrical tonight. He’d sat you down on the sofa and used the floorspace on the other side of the coffee table as his stage. It was all big arm gestures, and exaggerated faces, and big steps, and this was meant to be serious business.
It wasn’t.
You could tell Joe was a little nervous, which in turn made you a little nervous too.
You’ve had to suppress a smile ever since you walked in and couldn’t seem to stop giggling at things that usually wouldn’t even remotely tickle you, big ball of nerves.
“We’re in a trailer. Think, a big holiday park. Sort of dreary, it all looks the same, just, caravan after caravan after cara–”
“You’re talking to me like I’ve never been on holiday before.”
“Well for all I know you haven’t, Miss Workaholic. I’ve never seen you put down your work–”
You shut him up with a hit of a throw pillow to his face. Joe didn’t even flinch, just let it hit him square in the face and drop to the floor before giving you a blank stare for a second, all unimpressed.
Made you laugh. Again.
“Okay. So. Trailer park.” Joe made big eyes at you like a teacher would, directing you back to the task at hand. To why you were even there in the first place.
“Trailer park.” you repeated, sitting up a little, being a good student.
Joe frowned as his eyes had to focus on the script he was holding, turning a page and then flicking it back.
“Yes. Trailer park.” Joe confirmed absentmindedly.
He took another moment to seemingly find what he was looking for, eyes scanning before he reached up to pull his glasses from his hair. You sat pretty and waited.
Everything about the situation was objectively hilarious.
Joe had had to cancel on plans he’d made with you because of some changes in his schedule and now he had to learn lines at the speed of light meaning he couldn’t take you out for a drink. You didn’t mind – yes you did – and you’d casually said you could come over anyway. Help him out. Read lines with him.
“You’d do that?” He’d asked, carefully hopeful.
“Yea course!”
“And you’d like that?”
“As much as hanging out with you in general is a massive chore,” you’d joked. “It totally beats sitting at home by myself all night.”
And so you’d been invited over.
And now, Joe was nervous. He had just the one script, and handing it over to you meant that you’d see the little notes he’d taken. The scribbles and the arrows that pointed to more little notes, and for some parts even little sad or happy smiley faces. It would reveal a bunch of uncool shit about himself, not to mention the fact that Joe was breaking rules. None of this was meant for your eyes.
“Traiiii...” Joe was having a hard time finding what he was looking for and you started to grow impatient.
“I think we’ve got the location down.” you laughed, then suddenly your face dropped and turned faux serious. “Or, sorry, is this part of it? Of how you learn? Is that why it takes you fucking ages to–” you had to duck to the side as Joe threw the pillow you’d launched at his face earlier right back at you.
“If you don’t stop, we’re going to have a problem.”
Joe handed you the script, pointed from where you were going to read lines together, and then picked up a small notebook from the table.
He cleared his throat, gestured with a hand that meant, calm down, and then started the scene.
You read from the page, and Joe tried to do the scene from memory as much as he could, only occasionally glancing at look at his notes.
It took a few lines for you to actually calm down. To feel the jitters inside of your body slip away.
Joe was blushing still, though.
He’d never done this with you before, and he definitely felt silly, playing pretend with a pretty girl in his living room. But when you kind of started getting into it, found focus and fed him little words when he got stuck, it turned into actual acting.
You stayed seated on his sofa, eyes on the page, and Joe was all over the place. Pacing, using wild arms, facial expressions all over, repeating lines in different ways when they didn’t feel quite right after saying them the first time and... this was actually kind of fun.
And then props were introduced, but all wrong.
Joe needed to make a call, the script said, and he just grabbed the remote control of the TV as his pretend phone.
You stiffled a laugh, just about.
Then up next, he grabbed a nice crystal wine glass, held it out to you and it became more and more difficult to keep your giggles inside as you read ahead at what he was about to say.
“I ran out of nice cups, is this okay?”
You pretended you were handed something atrocious. Or, well, you tried to, at least. It was becoming very apparent who was the real actor in the room. When the script called for a bite of cake, something that would leave vanilla frosting on his face, Joe just perfectly mimed the action, and you were shocked at how you could see it.
There was nothing there.
But there was, though.
Wild.
Joe barely had to look at his own little notebook the longer you went, yet your stumbling and stuttering through lines increased as you read them aloud. It slowly shifted the anxiety from Joe over to you, and you didn’t like it one bit.
It felt silly, because Joe’s growing confidence didn’t have to mean that yours slowly withered, but, that was exactly what happened.
Joe noticed and in a bid to make you relax, he moved around the coffee table before sitting down on top of it, right in front of you.
“Here, take it back a little,” Joe folded a page back in the script that you were still holding, and pointed, his voice soft and gentle. “From here again.”
Joe had pointed at one of his own lines, so you kind of waited for him to start. But then he stayed silent, and when you flicked your eyes up at him, he was smiling.
“You’re holding the script. You lead.”
Oh. Yea, okay.
You went through the same bit of a scene again, this time with your knees touching his. Joe spoke in a much calmer voice, much lower this time around. The vibe shifted and now, it had you blushing.
Fucking adorable, Joe thought.
It made him want to grab hold of your face as you read. Press kisses all over your cheeks. The bridge of your nose. Your eyes.
There was not a chance in hell that Joe was going to actually get all his work done tonight, but if he was being honest, you’d already managed to do more than he’d expected beforehand.
You fucked up a line and went, “Wait, no... jesus,” and took a second to start over. When it was Joe’s turn to speak, he stayed silent again, and it made you look up at him, only to see him stare at you with the most lovesick grin you’d ever seen.
Disgusting. How dared he.
“Stop looking at me like that.” You knocked one of his knees with yours.
“I’m not looking at you like anything.” Joe said, not changing a single thing about the way he was staring at you.
You narrowed your eyes at him and had to try really hard to hide a smile.
“Are you... are you getting off on me not being very good at this?”
Joe laughed, said, “No, you’re amazing actually.” before he leant in a little, clearly going in for a kiss.
It had you moving back.
“Um...” you held a hand up before you jokingly scanned the page in front of you. Turned it to check the next one too. “There’s no kissing in this scene.”
“Um...” Joe copied you, and was quick to take the script from your hands, turning it around so he could get a look himself. “Yea there is, actually. Look.” Joe pointed at a random line, and before you could even get a proper look, he’d already flung it to the side and lurched forward to get his lips on yours.
You shrieked into it, trying to kiss Joe back just as much as you were trying to push him away.
Joe laughed, and so did you, and you were just pressing smiles together for a second, giggling right into Joe’s cackles. He had to hold your face in both of his hands to keep you close.
“Maybe,” you murmured around kisses, “This wasn’t the best idea. I’m clearly not helping.”
“Aw, don’t be like that. That’s not even true.”
Joe kissed you harder.
“Liar.”
“I’m not a liar.” Joe sat back and made a face. Looked like a real douchebag as he scrunched his eyebrows together and smirked. “I’m an actor.”
You laughed as Joe reached to pick up the script he’d thrown to the other side of the sofa. Folded the pages back and handed it back over to you.
“Okay. So.” he got up, clapped his hands together and walked back over to his spot in front of the TV, notebook now discarded on the sofa. He was going to try without it. “We’re in a trailer.”
You smiled at him as you watched him try his best to get back into the zone.
“Trailerpark.” you confirmed, trying your best to match Joe’s vibe.
Serious business.
You frowned as you started again, but you were quickly stopped.
“Wait, sorry. Wait. Just, I’ve got to... hang on,” Joe planted a knee onto the coffee table and leant all the way forward. His hands found both your knees and he moved until he got to steal one last quick kiss.
Okay, two.
Three.
Quick, a fourth. Maybe a fifth.
“Joe,” you giggled.
“What?” a sixth.
“I’m here to help you work!”
“Well, then,” seven. “Stop being so fucking cute!”
Joe got a few more in. An eight, ninth and a tenth, before he scrambled back up onto his feet.
Joe took a second to smile at you before he cleared his throat. “Right. Trailerpark.”
You smiled right back.
“Trailerpark.”
the end
---
The Taglisted
@ali-in-w0nderland, @alwayslindie, @babybluebex, @bylermaxmayfield, @capricornrisingsstuff, @chaoticgood-munson, @choke-me-eddie, @demonsanddemogorgons, @did-it-work, @dirtyeddietini, @djoseph-quinn, @dolcevit4, @eddies-puppet, @emma77645, @emotionaldreamer, @everythinghasafacee, @figmentofquinn, @ghost-proofbaby, @ghostinthebackofyourhead, @hanahkatexo, @harringtonfan4, @hazelenys, @jewellethief, @joesquinns, @keikoraven, @kennedy-brooke, @lovelyblueness, @manda-panda-monium, @mandyjo8719, @mexicanfolklore, @miserybeans, @munson-mjstan, @nadixq, @nglharry, @notverywise, @pepperstories, @phyllosilicate-s, @royale1803, @sherrylyn628, @sidthedollface2, @songforeddiemunson, @sweetberry47, @take-everything-you-can, @thebellenouvelle, @tlclick73, @werepartnersnow, @winterwakesthewolf, @witchwolflea, @yelyahcardella, @yunirgo
taglist currently full, sorry
#Joseph Quinn#Joe Quinn#Joseph Quinn x You#Joe Quinn x You#Joseph Quinn x Reader#Joe Quinn x Reader#Joe Quinn Fanfic#Joe Quinn fanfiction#Joseph Quinn Fanfic#Joseph Quinn Fanfiction#joe quinn x y/n#joseph quinn x y/n#icallhimjoey#the boy is mine
270 notes
·
View notes
Text
Ohsama Sentai King-Ohger Photo Book: ~King of Kings~
Main Cast Member Interviews
Support Cast Special Comments
(translations below, LONG POST)
(other pages)
Sakai Taisei (Gira Husty)
-The Director's valuable advice on how to play Gira in a natural way-
I think that we were able to complete filming without any issues due to the support of many people over the past year.
As an actor, I was inspired alot by the many career actors in the King-Ohger cast. In particular, Morioka Yutaka-san, who played Douga, and Masato Yano-san, who played Racules, both of whom I had many opportunities to work with, were very important. However, both of them didn't give me any specific advice on the set. They always had the attitude of, "You're free to do whatever you want to do," and I was grateful for that more than anything.
Filming was done in front of a green screen in the studio, which was a special environment, but since I personally didn't have much experience in filming dramas, I had no objections to it at all. Sometimes we filmed on location, so experiencing the "live scenery" and "atmosphere of the site" was nice, but in our situation, we felt uncomfortable unless we were in front of the green screen (laughs). It had become such a normal thing for us.
As for the performance, at first I couldn't understand the Director's intentions and was just figuring it out in my head, but then Director Kamihoriuchi Kazuya told me, "Feel it with your heart," and that's when it became easier to act. After that, I feel like I was able to take on the role of Gira more naturally throughout those days of filming.
Also, I think we showed "Gira two years later" in the new chapter partly through the visuals and direction, such as his costume and hairstyle, but I also wanted to play the role showing a more relaxed side in my own way.
-The wonderful thing about Gira is that he's always there for others-
What I was most mindful of throughout the year was definitely the relationship with Racules. I wasn't told of any future developments, so I was surprised when I read the scripts for episodes 41 and 42. Even though he's his older brother I played the role with a strong sense of, "Overthrow Racules!" I had heard during filming for episode 20 that he was going to reappear later, but I had no idea he was destined to carry such a cruel burden……That's why I was deeply moved by our joint fight scene in episode 42.
After that, in episode 43, I'll never forget the scene where we hold each other's hands. Compared to Yano-san, I think I'm still inexperienced in some aspects of acting, but I did my best in my own way, so I'd be happy if you could grasp the feelings the two of us have.
From episode 48 to the final episode, many of the cast members who've helped us in the past reappeared, and the motivation on set was even higher than usual. The main Director of the last three episodes was Kamihoriuchi-san, and the six of us who play the roles of the kings have absolute trust in the Director, but he's also someone who's uncompromising in his approach to the play, so I worked hard to "hang in there until the very end."
The final day of filming was the scene in the final episode where the six of us are untransformed. I personally didn't intend to be overly emotional just because it was the final take. However, when the Director said "OK!," the cast and crew involved in the production, including Yano-san, who wasn't supposed to be filming that day, gathered around. I thought, "So many people were watching over us" and became overwhelmed with emotion……I think I probably cried more than anyone else (laughs).
Looking back on all the episodes, I think that Gira was always portrayed as a character who stood by someone's side. He always tries to understand people's feelings, regardless of whether they're a king, retainer, or a citizen, and I thought it was wonderful to see that kind of attitude as I played Gira
As time goes on, please don't forget about Gira!
Watanabe Aoto (Yanma Gast)
-Yanma's coolness is the charm that Director Kamioriuchi possesses-
Currently, when I look back at Yanma from a year ago, I feel alittle embarrassed because he seems so childish (laughs). I've jokingly said to the staff on set things like, "I want to reshoot that scene," but on the other hand, I felt that it was a performance that only I, who had just encountered Yanma, could give. That's just how I feel right now.
As for my role, it was largely created together with Director Kamihoriuchi Kazuya. In the beginning, I read stories about real kings and books by various leaders, and I tried to express them through "moving performances." In response, the Director told me to, "Take a more confident stance," and from that point on, I had the image of, "Even if he doesn't say much, his coolness will be shown through his actions." To be more specific, Yanma has something in common with Director Kamihoriuchi himself. I think that the Director's charm as a person is reflected through Yanma.
What I remember well from early filming was the N'kosopa scene in episode 2. We spent the whole day filming in the cold during the middle of winter with the participation of members of the TTFC (Toei Tokusatsu Fan Club), and it truly felt like a king and his people overcoming their difficulties as one. Episode 2 in particular was the one where I read the script repeatedly after my audition, so I'll never forget the excitement I felt when I saw the finished footage.
Every episode is filled with memories, but the developments that take place two years later starting from episode 27 stirred me up. At first, I thought he was going to be alittle more mature and relaxed, but now that his hair was a blonde pompadour, I decided to play a more active role. In episode 35, when they all go to take back the invaded N'kosopa, I felt Yanma's growth compared to episode 2. The actual successful recapture took place in episode 39. During that time, for the main episodes of Hymeno, Kaguragi, and Rita, Yanma had many funny moments, and as I played him I thought that even though things were tough, he doesn't stay down, which is another cool thing about him.
-The fans are part of the production!-
When he was being manipulated by Hilbil in episode 44, the interaction with Gira had many homages to the past. Usually, there are many opportunities for Yanma to say something preachy, but in this episode it's the opposite, and Yanma catching Gira's fist is also a reverse pattern from episode 17.
Also, defeating Hilbil using the 10 combination King-Ohger for the first time in a long time was a hot development, and in the end, we both said the exact same lines as in episode 2, being, "Lowlifes like you…(-Gira), Should know your place…(-Yanma), On your knees! (-both)."
From episode 48 to the final episode, new assets have been created, and I think that the viewers will enjoy the spectacular visuals until the very end.
In the scene where the "King's Proof" is returned, only my mouth is shown, and the Director told me, "The love you've received is too great, so it's okay if you cry." I intended to act dignified, but those words were like magic, and I was immediately overcome with emotion.
Other hot developments include the reappearance of major characters, and the relationship between the kings and the people they're meant to protect is also noteworthy.
Even after all the battles were over, Yanma still had work to do, and I was able to play the role of Yanma, who's always looking forward until the end.
After working on it for a year, first of all, I'm relieved that filming was completed successfully, and I'd like to take this opportunity to express my feelings of "thank you" to the many people who supported us.
Personally, I believe that King-Ohger was created by everyone, and the fans are also a part of the production. I'd be happy if you could think of us six kings from time to time.
Murakami Erica (Hymeno Ran)
-The key to playing Hymeno is "how to deal with life"-
Hymeno has a selfish side, but if she shows it too forcefully, her position as a king will be in danger. Of course, it's not just being selfish, and the reason was depicted in episode 3, but reading the script and actually doing the performance gave off a different impression, so I explored this through the opinions of the people on set and through interactions with the cast. Also, after learning about the setting in which her parents were murdered in episode 7, I thought that Hymeno's key point was "how to deal with life."
I was acting without knowing what was going to happen next, but it was interesting to see things in a different point of view once all the facts were known, such as the foreshadowing of the anesthetic in episode 8 being revealed in episode 42. It was like reading a serialized manga, and there was a competition among the cast to see who would get the new script first (laughs), and the person who got it first would upload a photo of the script to our group chat.
Personally, my favorite episode was episode 28. I had alot of conversations with Kaku So-san about playing Kaguragi, and I was able to see a side of Kaguragi that I had never seen before, and I think we were able to deepen our understanding not only of our characters, but also of the cast. Other than that, I also enjoyed episode 36. The matchmaking competition was hard to endure because everyone was trying their best to make me laugh, like Yanma's weird face when he was being controlled by Jeramie (laughs). Also, Hymeno, who was being impersonated by Kamejim, casually crossed her legs even though she doesn't usually do that. The uglier the fake becomes, the brighter the real one shines, so I was conscious of the gap between the two while concealing her true identity.
When I got involved with Rita in episode 5, Director Kamihoriuchi Kazuya told me, "I want you to perform the role of Hymeno as if she's aware Rita will be hard to deal with." At first I thought, "Hymeno and Rita are incompatible, huh," but as they got closer and closer through Moffun and the "Wrath of God," I feel that they've become a very special person to Hymeno. That's why when Rita came to Ishabana in episode 30, Rita may have just been fulfilling their duties, but I thought it was cute that they misunderstood that Hymeno had gone out of her way to meet them. To be honest, I was pretty excited to film the tea scene (laughs).
-I was lifted up by Hymeno's inner strength-
The existence of Grodie, the enemy of her parents, was revealed in episode 30 and defeated in episode 47, but before that, I personally thought episode 46 was important. Jeramie decides to use his"King's Proof" to give life to the immortal Grodie, and Hymeno accepts his decision. There's a conversation between the two of them where they said, "It's okay to cry" and, "I'll ruin my makeup." The script was based on the answer I gave to screenwriter Takano Minato-san when he asked me, "What do you want to do?" I suggested that if a little girl was crying and Hymeno came to her, she might say something like, "What a waste of a pretty face" or "Your mascara will be ruined" to keep her positive. When I opened the script, I was surprised to find that she wouldn't be crying, but I was happy because I wanted to show Hymeno's strong will!
In the end, it was an "all star" effort, and I was thrilled that she was reunited with her parents in episode 49. Although the scene took place while both of them were concentrating on providing treatment, they were able to communicate without having to talk, and I felt a sense of closure within Hymeno. In the final episode, it was cool to see everyone stand up against Dagded, there were some unexpected surprises, and we were able to reach a truly wonderful ending.
All 50 episodes are filled with the passion of the cast and staff, and I think that no matter which episode you watch, you won't be disappointed. During all this, I myself was lifted up by Hymeno's inner strength, and I'm so glad that I was able to work with all the cast members until the end. I hope to see you again in the future, such as the FLT, so please continue to support us!
Hirakawa Yuzuki (Rita Kaniska)
-Playing the role of Rita by moving their "mind" with their whole body-
The role of Rita is an "immovable" character, so the performance doesn't focus on movement, and their face is visible only through their left eye and you can't see their facial expressions, so it was difficult in the early days of filming. The solo performances were particularly difficult. In episode 12, there's the trial scene where Jeramie is listening to them, but since only my eye was visible, I was concerned that my blinking or the direction of my gaze might convey nuance that I didn't intend. At that time, Director Kamihoriuchi Kazuya gave me advice of, "If you perform by moving your mind with your whole body, it becomes an expression, so you don't have to be caught up in performing with only your left eye." This gave me confidence and made me think, "Maybe there's more I can do."
When talking about Rita, their relationship with Hymeno is also important. In addition to being king, Rita has the role of Chief International Justice, so there was a part of them that drew a line between themself and others, but after the interaction with Hymeno was depicted towards the end of episode 16, Rita was able to separate their work and private life, and the areas where they could express themself gradually became clearer. I thought that when they had tea together in episode 30, it was another scene that brought them closer together.
Also, Karras and Shiron are like parents to Rita. In episode 16, we learned some of Rita's past, which I thought could be reflected in future performances. After that, everything came together in episode 30. When I read the script and learned of Shiron's death, I was personally shaken, and during filming, I was able to fully feel Rita's feelings while acting. Also, while they were determined to seal Grodie in this episode, Hymeno stopped them from doing so, and it reminded them once again of how valued they are. Episode 30 is an unforgettable episode, not only because of their relationship with Hymeno, but also in the sense that Rita became stronger after preparing to die.
-It was a year of pursuing the role of Rita that I envisioned-
I was very happy to receive lots of feedback on SNS for the Idol episode.
The stage scene was only about two lines long in the script, but the set they created was so beautiful, so I went into filming thinking, "I hope the viewers will enjoy it."
It was the most difficult time for me, learning dances and recording at the same time as filming, but I have the impression that I did my best as "Hirakawa Yuzuki" in this episode, even though I was playing Rita.
Towards the end of episode 45, it was very exciting to see Kaguragi and Rita, who had never had a chance to really interact before, working together. Since we often filmed separately, when we met, Kaku So-san and I would report to each other with, "How did that scene go?"
I was also impressed by the scene in episode 48 where they launch the evacuation plan "Zero." It was really hard even for me to admit that they couldn't defeat Dagded, but I think that's just how much I got into the role.
At the end of the story that spanned a year, six people with very strong personalities come together, and if just one of them were missing, the story could not be completed, so I think it concluded in a way that was truly typical of "Ohsama Sentai."
Looking back, I had wanted to play the role of Rita since the audition stage, and being able to pursue my own vision of Rita for a year was an invaluable and truly precious experience.
Now that filming's over, I feel sad, but I hope that people will look back on the show after it's finished airing, and I hope that it grows into a show that'll continue to be loved forever.
Kaku So (Kaguragi Dybowski)
-Until I did the difficult role of deceiving and tricking people-
In the beginning I was told that the role of Kaguragi was a character that deceives and tricks people, but at the same time, the Producer said, "Please don't make him someone that people dislike," and I thought, "No, that's going to be difficult" (laughs). In a way, Kaguragi has conflicting aspects, but in episode 4, the resolution within me improved, and I began to enjoy playing the role more.
Also, the "Hweh?" response when he's acting silly in episode 8 wasn't specifically written in the script, and when I first tried to just do the facial expression, Director Yamaguchi Kyohei said, "I want it to have alittle more impact," so I also added the voice. It's thanks to the Director that I was able to emphasize his personality.
Then there's the relationship with his younger sister Suzume. Kamura Mami-san, who plays Suzume, had such a convincing performance from the first day that it made me think, "That's Kaguragi's sister," and through her I was able to bring out the comedic side of my performance alot more.
All the episodes are memorable, but if I had to pick one main episode for Kaguragi, it would be episode 37. While I've always played the role that rides the line between good and evil, that episode gave more weight to the fact that he carries a tragic past, and I myself became more fond of Kaguragi. The honest and pure Kaguragi I played in the flashback scenes are literally just me (laughs), so it was easy to do. His voice is usually deep and threatening, but at that time I tried to show his "difference" by using a tone that was closer to my actual self.
It was also interesting to perform the scene where he and Racules, played by Masato Yano-chan, were trying to expose each other's secrets. However, I wasn't sure about their relationship, and one time when I asked Yano-chan, "Do you know when they'll become friends?," he left me hanging with, "No, I don't know" (laughs). I first found out about their backgrounds when I read the script for episode 42. In retrospect, he was mostly absent in episode 36, was he perhaps discussing things with Racules behind the scenes? The line at the end of episode 37, "Let's take the dirtiest road ahead from now on," was also foreshadowing.
As for Kaguragi, he probably believed in Suzume and followed Racules, and I believe that he carried out his own will even though he was prepared to be deceived.
-Even now, Kaguragi's in my heart!-
Towards the end of episode 45, it became a main episode between him and Rita, someone he had little chance to interact with up until then. It was a new experience for me to work with Yuzuyan, and we enjoyed each other's presence. The scenes where they both communicate their feelings were performed separately because I spoke to their partner Morphonia, but even though they weren't in the same space, it was really cool to depict that they shared the same mindset. Kaguragi may be deceiving on the surface, but deep down, he just wants to make people smile, and I was able to portray that side of him.
The final episode completes the story, but there's also some room that allows you to use your imagination, which is what I like about it. If it ended properly, that'd be sad, wouldn't it? During filming, I worked hard until the end, but I'm personally the type of person who likes to joke around and have fun while doing it. I'm glad that we were able to spend time in a cheerful atmosphere until the very final moment.
Even after all filming finishes, I still have many more opportunities to play Kaguragi, including performances at Theater G Rosso and the FLT, and I still feel as if Kaguragi is in my heart.
Having a stance like Kaguragi's may not be easily rewarded, but I think it's filled with what's important for people to live their lives.
Whenever you feel like giving up or are having a hard time, I'd be happy if you could remember Kaguragi and think, "Let's do our best!"
Ikeda Masashi (Jeramie Brasieri)
-Jeramie, who's been alive for 2,000 years, shows his "composure"-
In my situation as Jeramie, I started out as the narrator, so my job began with voice recording. The other five had already started filming, and looking back, it feels nostalgic, as when I first greeted them, I was overwhelmed by their flashy costumes and everyone's aura. I made my first appearance as Jeramie at the end of episode 11, where I was suddenly performing with a mask on.
My real appearance began in the next one, episode 12, and since his character is set to have lived for 2,000 years, I thought I should have a certain amount of freedom in my performance. At the time, I still wasn't used to being on set, but it's not good to get nervous, so I just gave it my best shot. I was really happy that everyone was willing to talk to me during this time. Thanks to them, I was able to open up right away.
In the beginning, I think Jeramie was a character who he himself was hard to read between the lines (laughs), but as the story progressed, his growth was also depicted, which I personally found very rewarding to perform. In particular, I think that episode 26 was a turning point for Jeramie. Just before Desnarak VIII dies, the scene where they exchange the lines, "You'll become king, and make them see, that the Bugnarak are here" and, "You'll be there too……" is one of my favorites in the entire show. Desnarak VIII is family, as they share the same name "Narak," and the, "You'll be there too" was an expression of his feelings that he didn't want him to die, as Desnarak VIII's existence was a major factor in Jeramie's resolution to become king.
-The final episode had a perfect conclusion and everyone was satisfied-
After entering the new chapter, in episode 29, there was a scene in which I play a major role as the mastermind behind everything. It was difficult to find the right balance, but I acted with so much enthusiasm that I was willing to yell at everyone. As Jeramie, I wish for peace more than anyone else, as I want to protect everyone at the expense of myself, so I faced the situation as best as I could, which was both noble and heartbreaking.
Then, in episode 31, everyone fought to clear my (Jeramie's) name. I feel that Jeramie, who has been lonely for such a long time, had finally made true and kind friends. Also, the line "I love you" that he says to his mother (Nephila) in this episode really moved me. In episode 12, for those words he said, "There's no phrase in this world that's more cliche," but I didn't realize he would capture that foreshadowing so effectively.
There's a scene where he fights together with his mother towards the end of episode 49, and I'd like the parents who watch the show to pay attention to the relationship between us as parent and child.
Also, in episode 47, it was really intense when Grodie was given the "King's Proof." For Jeramie, the "King's Proof" is "eternal life," so he'll no longer be immortal if he uses it……The determination to reach that point was no ordinary feat, and it must've been very worrying. That's why the scene where Jeramie talks with Hymeno in front of the setting sun after making up his mind left such an impression on me. Marie was able to convey her thoughts clearly, so I was able to naturally get into the role, and I think the two of us were able to create a performance that worked well together.
The final episode perfectly portrayed Jeramie's role as the storyteller, which had continued from the first episode, and the story comes to a perfect conclusion based on what had happened so far. I was talking to everyone on set, and deep down, we feel we were able to end the show properly.
More than anything, I'm really satisfied that I was able to spend a year with this group. Throughout the year, I'm sure each of us had our own hard and painful times, but seeing everyone's faces on set made me feel at ease. I'm very grateful to the five of you who played the roles of king.
Ohsama Sentai King-Ohger: The Kings Group Discussion
Over the past year of filming, the bonds of the cast have gradually deepened. Looking back on filming, we asked them about their "true opinions" that they can only talk about now.
-Fun memories from the past year-
Kaku: The first topic is "fun memories." Does that mean the casual conversations we all had while filming? (laughs). We all talked in the moment and everyone would laugh and go "wahaha" alot.
Hirakawa: On the other hand, filming alone made me feel really lonely. It was natural for me to be with everyone else.
Murakami: It was part of our daily routine to go out and eat with everyone after we finished filming. It was fun~.
Watanabe: Also, the day before the broadcast was part of the fun!
Sakai: It's really exciting to see your own performance on screen. And then there were the reactions after the broadcast.
Hirakawa: We were popular every week on SNS.
Kaku: Each time, the character with the most active role would be trending.
Ikeda: For me, the recording sessions were also fun.
Murakami: I'd see footage for scenes I wasn't in for the first time during the recording, so that was alot of fun too.
-The many true selves that everyone's seen-
Murakami: After spending time with everyone, the first thing that surprised me was that Taisei actually likes to play pranks.
Sakai: Eh? I've never played one once.
Kaku: That's a lie!
Murakami: You did stuff like add wasabi to our kaisendon (laughs).
Hirakawa: It was really spicy! (laughs).
Murakami: Or before our cue, you'd shout, "Whaa!" from behind us.
Sakai: I never did that~
Ikeda: Yes you did~
Hirakawa: He did that to me too (laughs).
Murakami: It was also abit surprising that Aoto, who I thought was cool at first, would also mess around.
Watanabe: Eh? Really?
Hirakawa: It's also surprising that he pretends not to know. Actually, he's "in charge of being cute" (laughs).
Murakami: Yeah, "the person in charge of being cute."
Watanabe: When I first learned about the cast of the kings, I thought I was going to be the "cute one" (laughs).
Hirakawa: That's what we're saying!
Sakai: For Marie, even when we were filming late at night and everyone was tired, she had a fun aura surrounding her.
Kaku: Her jokes were amazing. We listened to these awkward jokes as we continued to perform at other sites.
Murakami: My nickname became "Mood Breaker."
Watanabe: Eh? This is my first time hearing that!
Murakami: Are you a liar?
Watanabe: That's a really straightforward insult! (laughs).
Murakami: Ahahahaha.
Sakai: The usual pattern is that Marie suddenly says something strange and everyone laughs.
Murakami: At first, I thought, "I have to do this properly," but halfway through I gave up (laughs).
Hirakawa: No, you gave up early on.
Murakami: Ehehe (laughs).
Kaku: For Masashi, he tried his best in the beginning to join in, but soon the two of us started speaking nonsense in our dressing room.
Ikeda: Conversations where you turn off your brain.
Kaku: That's it (laughs).
Watanabe: Definitely, when I passed by Masashi's dressing room, I often heard his voice from inside.
Ikeda: I have a loud voice!
Watanabe: Not a single sound came from the dressing room me and Taisei shared (laughs).
Sakai: You two seemed to be having fun.
Murakami: Yuzuyan is the youngest of the members, but she's like an "older sister" in some ways.
Ikeda: Yeah, she has the image of a caring person.
Kaku: Still, you're the youngest in your family, right?
Hirakawa: Yes!
Watanabe: It's fine now, but when we first met, she wouldn't even look me in the eyes (laughs).
Hirakawa: I'm a shy person, but I usually talk alot to hide my shyness. However, I was really nervous at the beginning of King-Oher (bitter smile).
Watanabe: And now, you're a lively person!
Sakai: I'm also from Kyushu, so I felt a sense of familiarity from the beginning. That's why I don't think you had any major changes from beginning to end, right?
Hirakawa: But, at some point, I started speaking with a dialect.
Sakai: Ah, that's right.
Murakami: Yuzuyan gave her all from the beginning.
Hirakawa: That's because Kaku-san, the oldest of our group, affectionately embraced all of us.
Kaku: Yeah! Say more of that!
Ikeda: Because of that, there was an atmosphere on the set where we could talk about anything.
Sakai: He really brought the five of us together.
Kaku: That makes me happy! Thank you (laughs).
Murakami: How cute~
Kaku: No, this is seriously embarrassing.
Hirakawa: (to Watanabe) Aren't you in charge of being cute?
Watanabe: (laughs).
Kaku: Conversely, I was saved by everyone's good character. That's why I wanted to support everyone. I've always felt that way.
-Feelings I want to share with everyone now-
Kaku: If we were to take this opportunity to say a few words to everyone, I'd first start with Masashi. Thanks for always messing around with me!
Watanabe: I hope Masashi will continue to do well with his friendliness.
Sakai: I want to work together again with you even after this job ends!
Hirakawa: I really appreciate the way you always looked out for everyone during filming.
Murakami: When we all go out together, he takes the initiative to invite us. Thank you for creating so many memories.
Ikeda: Eh! I'm so happy! Marie has always been cheerful, and I hope she continues to do her best with her cheerful and beloved character!
Murakami: Yeah! I'll do my best!
Watanabe: I hope you keep that smile on your face.
Sakai: She has the kind of character that I wish I had as a childhood friend or something. You always had a smile on your face and brightened up the set.
Kaku: For her performance, in the Hymeno episode (episode 36), Hymeno, who was being impersonated by Kamejim, was really interesting. I'd like to see a performance like that in a different production.
Hirakawa: Marie has always supported me with her "harmonizing" spirit. On the other hand, from now on, I hope to be able to help her as much as possible.
Murakami: Yuzuyan is the one who has always been there for me. I think that's her strength, and I hope she continues to be there for many people.
Hirakawa: Of course! Thank you.
Kaku: Despite being the youngest, she was the hardest worker in our group. During the idol episode (episode 38), even though she was having a hard time during filming, she simply said, "I have to practice tomorrow and the day after tomorrow, and then the day after the day after tomorrow I have a costume fitting." That's what gave me courage and energy.
Watanabe: She was more aware of her surroundings than anyone else. You helped me there too.
Sakai: That's right. When I was alittle out of the loop, she'd casually come over to me.
Watanabe: I'd say it's okay to think for yourself from now on.
Ikeda: Right, take care of yourself more.
Watanabe: Be selfish.
Hirakawa: Well then, I guess my goal is to be Hymeno (laughs)
Murakami: For Kaku-san, when the time came, he'd show off his "dependable big brother" nature.
Ikeda: He's got a heart as generous as the universe itself.
Hirakawa: I asked Kaku-san for alot of advice during filming, and he always listened to everything. I'm sure I'll be asking him for advice again in the future.
Kaku: Please do, please do!
Watanabe: When I got heated, he'd calmly give me advice from an adult's point of view. I also got alot of advice from him.
Sakai: I'm not the type of person who can talk to others about things, but there were times when Kaku-san sensed that I was at a loss and approached me. That made me really happy.
Kaku: I was alittle worried that you'd all think, "How annoying" (laughs).
Murakami: Aoto seemed like he was laid back, but even when times were tough or difficult, he always made it a point to help liven up the mood.
Ikeda: Usually, Nabe-chan and I notice the same things. We'd both go, "Hmm?"
Watanabe: That's true! (laughs).
Ikeda: That made me happy.
Kaku: Also, he had a super funny and cute character. He made me laugh so much.
Hirakawa: In the beginning, I wasn't the type to talk much, but I was happy to open up to Aoto!
Sakai, Murakami, Kaku & Ikeda: Right?!
Watanabe: No, I think I opened up first.
Hirakawa: We opened up to each other. At first, I thought we'd never get along (laughs).
Watanabe: Eeeh~?
Hirakawa: I kept watching you from different angles, and then you spoke up unexpectedly. I spoke up too.
Ikeda: Such words! (laughs).
(*she used alot of onomatopoeia)
Sakai: Aoto and I are the only ones who are the same age.
Ikeda: That's true
Sakai: Especially in the pilot (episodes 1-5), I still wasn't used to things, but I was really inspired by Aoto's good acting.
Watanabe: No, on the contrary, I was focused on Taisei.
Murakami: Taisei had a huge burden on his shoulders as the main character, and it must've been extremely difficult for him, but I thought it was really amazing that he didn't come off that way at all.
Ikeda: Yeah, I definitely respect that.
Hirakawa: You must've had a much harder year than us. Still, you never said "It's tough" or, "I'm tired" at all.
Sakai: No, there were times when it was tough.
Hirakawa: It's amazing that you never showed it.
Kaku: Taisei had alot of trial and error in the beginning, but halfway through, I learned alot from him, including how to switch between emotions and how to act. What'll happen when you play a different role in the future? Right now, I'm very excited about Taisei, and wonder what kind of actor he'll become in the future.
Murakami: After all, he's the "leader."
Ikeda: Thank you for being the leader of King-Ohger!
Sakai: Same here, thank you everyone!
Murakami: Even after this job ends, I want to see you all again.
Watanabe, Hirakawa, Kaku & Ikeda: We'll definitely get together again!
Retainer Cast Special Comments
From the cast members who fulfilled their roles as competent followers, supporting the kings of each country, their comments have arrived.
Morioka Yutaka (Douga)
Profile: A strong retainer who served as part of the entourage for Racules. After that, he went job hunting in the other countries but wasn't hired, so he became the retainer for the next king, Gira, and protected the country.
"Please tell us what you respect about Douga."
Morioka: He's someone who values etiquette, does his absolute best in everything he does, and lives his life honestly through his own convictions. He has a strong will that allows him to sincerely offer advice to his king, but I also like the fact that there's a part of him that's somewhat out of the ordinary and we get a glimpse into his cute side.
"What are your impressions of Gira and Racules (including Sakai Taisei and Masato Yano), and were there any memorable moments during filming?"
Morioka: I think that both of them have a perfect link between their own personalities and those of the roles they played. Sakai Husty-sama is kind to everyone, and his natural side that's visible in his hard work is endearing, which makes me smile when I see him on set. Yano Husty-sama built his performance with great delicacy and precision. He truly is Racules. Their appearance have a certain "aura" that allows me to be their retainer without forcing myself to be aware of it.
"Give a message to the character you played!"
Morioka: Douga, you must be exhausted from the many things you had to do to support your country and family…..Sometimes, it's good to spend time relaxing and not think about anything.
"What was your most memorable moment in King-Ohger?"
Morioka: It'd be episode 21, the episode where Douga's job hunting. I have fond memories of the staff working together to support me to the best of their ability, even in the silliest scenes, including the wonderfully strange costumes and props as I traveled around each country. Then, after the short but intense performances with the other retainers of each country, there was the serious last scene with Gira-san. It was great and I'm truly grateful.
"A message to all the retainer members of the other countries!"
Morioka: Shiokara, don't address the kings with "you." Sebastian, despite your appearance, I'm in awe of your physical ability. Kuroda, I'd like to learn from you your excellent fighting skills. Morphonia, you should try to be alittle more motivated everyday.
(*form of "you" meaning you're inferior to the speaker)
"Please give a message to the fans of King-Ohger."
Morioka: This was my first time participating in the Super Sentai series, and I was surprised and moved by the amount of energy and love shown by all the tokusatsu fans, and I was able to make it through this because of everyone's support. I can only express my gratitude. Your words on SNS and other sites have been well received. Please continue to love King-Ohger!
Chiwata Yuhei (Shiokara)
Profile: When they first met, he saw Yanma as a yankii with a bossy attitude, but admired him after learning of his manly spirit. After that, as Yanma became king of N'kosopa, he became his retainer.
"Please tell us what you respect about Shiokara."
Chiwata: There's alot, but the most important would be his charm. You could call it junior colleague energy, but I think he's good at building relationships and closing the distance with people. I was never good at such things, but as I got older, I began to realize the importance of it and started to practice, and little by little, my weakness turned into my strength. However, I'm still not as good as Shiokara-kun, so I'd like to use him as a reference (laughs).
"What are your impressions of Yanma (including Watanabe Aoto), and were there any memorable moments during filming?"
Chiwata: I feel that Yanma is a character whose emotional growth was depicted throughout all the episodes. I think it's cool that he's able to calmly, sometimes violently, confront everything that happens to him, and then use what he learns from it to take the next steps in his life. I think this is also due to Aoto's acting ability, so Yanma and Aoto are one and the same! The most memorable moment was in episode 10. I still vividly remember thinking that the way he created the atmosphere of the scene was wonderful, just like Aoto.
"Give a message to the character you played!"
Chiwata: Thank you so much for your hard work! Keep up with the most coolest Yanma-kun and follow him wherever he goes!
"What was your most memorable moment in King-Ohger?"
Chiwata: It's episode 35. I was very happy that Shiokara's character, which had been built up, was given depth, and that his past of being very different was depicted. It was a really hot development, and as an actor, there were many scenes that required alot of passion, so even preparing for it was fun. Until the actual performance, I would read the script everyday and think, "How would Aoto react if I did this?" Normally, I don't discuss the scripts with Aoto, so imagining it was part of the fun. What's more, we wouldn't know the title of an episode until the week before it aired, so when I saw the title, "Don't Cry Slack Jawed Tanuki," I was moved. The last bit of the episode was a perfect fit. Furthermore, I was overwhelmed with emotion when I heard that it was (screenwriter) Takano Minato-san who came up with the idea. I was also very happy that this episode won a special award at the "Toei Tokusatsu Fan Awards 2023."
"A message to all the retainer members of the other countries!"
Chiwata: Originally, I don't think the Super Sentai series featured so many sub characters. This is because there are already six members making up the main cast. However, I think the reason why the retainers have become so beloved is due to the fact that we all played appealing characters, and continued to support the main cast, who played the kings, in different ways in each country. This resulted in the popularity of "retainers". And for that, I'm grateful. Thank you so much!
"Please give a message to the fans of King-Ohger."
Chiwata: First off, thank you so much for sticking with us for the past year. I still think about how fortunate I am to have been involved in this production in the long history of the Super Sentai series. It was a great experience for me to see everyone's excitement online every week, and to then go to the set feeling like I was carrying everyone's voice with me as I performed. In this show, each character stands out, and I've seen the characters moving freely in everyone's minds through fanart, and I feel that this was a production that has been truly loved by everyone. There were alot of things that made me feel like, "Ah! I see, I definitely think Shiokara would say that! I think I'll do it! I want to play Shiokara like this!," and they were alot of fun to see. I also felt a real love for the people who participated as extras and prepared costumes for the different countries. Thank you so much. The Super Sentai series is revised every year, but I hope that King-Ohger will remain in your hearts forever. And, for those of you who are children now, I'd like you to go back and watch it again when you grow up. I'm sure you'll see it differently. Until then, let's meet again soon!
Yoshimitsu Hiroto (Sebastian)
Profile: His real name is Romane Dearborn (aged 25). Under orders from Hymeno, he was given a "butler looking" elderly appearance through special makeup, and changed his name to "Sebastian" when he became Hymeno's retainer.
"Please tell us what you respect about Sebastian."
Yoshimitsu: I think that Sebastian's willingness to fulfill any of Hymeno-sama's selfish requests is worthy of respect. Sebastian's life was saved by Hymeno-sama, so he must be absolutely obedient to her orders. Well~ I think Sebastian understands the kindness and compassion that goes beyond Hymeno-sama's selfishness.
"What are your impressions of Hymeno (including Murakami Erica), and were there any memorable moments during filming?"
Yoshimitsu: I think that Murakami Erica-san is an impeccable young lady. There are no complaints when it comes to her appearance. She's bright and has a great personality! In addition, she's positive. Even when she's depressed because the performance isn't going as well as she'd like, she doesn't let it get her down, saying, "I've gained this experience, so I can use it in the next performance." In the first place, I don't have time to hold back (laughs). She had a hard time sitting down on set. When I asked her to "sit down," she replied, "Because all the extras are standing, I can't sit," which shows just how considerate she is. She's a really good kid!!
"Give a message to the character you played!"
Yoshimitsu: When playing Sebastian, my hair is slicked back, I wear glasses, and I have a mustache. His appearance is balanced by the fact that he wears a tailcoat, but while in casual clothes, with his "slicked back hair, glasses, and mustache," wouldn't he stand out? On the train ride home from the set, there wouldn't be that many people who'd sit next to me, right? (laughs). Well, that's because I did ride the train looking like that.
"What was your most memorable moment in King-Ohger?"
Yoshimitsu: Was it episode 25 with the 20 person combination? If I'm remembering right, I rode in God Scopion. It was a fresh new experience for me, both the cockpit and the controls. Also, episode 36, where Romane Dearborn appears, personally left a deep impression on me. It was Sebastian with his special makeup removed. We find out how the super handsome Romane Dearborn ended up in the special makeup, and why he serves Hymeno-sama as a butler who changed his name to "Sebastian"……It's my favorite episodes because it depicts the bond between Hymeno-sama and Sebastian.
"A message to all the retainer members of the other countries!"
Yoshimitsu: To all the retainers, thank you so much for getting along with me. Douga-san and Boshimar-san are relatively closer in age with me, so when filming ended in the evening, we used to go out and drink alot. Morphonia-chan was my partner who liked to talk with me alot about old man stuff. I also talked to Shiokara-kun and Kuroda-kun about various things. From now on, please continue to support Sebastian!
"Please give a message to the fans of King-Ohger."
Yoshimitsu: Thank you very much for your support of King-Ohger over the past year. No matter how interesting a show is, it's not complete unless everyone watches it. This time, King-Ohger has been seen by so many people, and I think everyone involved in this production feels happy. If it remains in your heart and you remember it someday, King-Ohger will live on forever!! Thank you so much.
Hasegawa Kasumi (Morphonia)
Profile: She's Rita's retainer and candidate to ascend to the throne as Gokkan's king. While she has a lazy personality, she's always concerned about Rita and never gives up on her work despite complaining.
"Please tell us what you respect about Morphonia."
Hasegawa: Even though she complained about it, no matter how difficult the environment or situation was, she was able to do her job. And, she never gave up on communicating with Rita. If it were me, I would've given up halfway (laughs). I also respect her quick thinking and ability to look ahead. She's a surprisingly capable kid (laughs).
"What are your impressions of Rita (including Hirakawa Yuzuki), and were there any memorable moments during filming?"
Hasegawa: I think Rita was and still is an interesting person. It's great that we're able to see them in many different situations, with the self they show on the outside and the real them. They're pure in a good way. When I first met Yuzuchin, I thought, "Waaah! It's Rita!! Rita's appeared!!" (laughs). When you talk to her, she's even friendlier, kinder, and more dependable than Rita. My partner. Also, I guess our most memorable moment was……the kabedon. I couldn't stop laughing (laughs).
"Give a message to the character you played!"
Hasegawa: When Chikyu is at peace, please relax and enjoy eating oranges under a kotatsu. Make sure to apply for paid vacations and eat lots of delicious food. Also, please continue to support Rita.
"What was your most memorable moment in King-Ohger?"
Hasegawa: It's episodes 10, 25, 38, and 45. I was impressed by the gradual deepening of her relationship with Rita. While reading the scripts, I felt that the way Rita and Morphonia relationship grew closer was very endearing. I remember that even when I was actually performing, there was a warm feeling within me. And the more we filmed these scenes, the more I came to love Rita.
"A message to all the retainer members of the other countries!"
Hasegawa: Douga-san, We look forward to welcoming your career change at Gokkan any time. Boshimar-san, I've had almost no interactions with the real Boshimar-san, so let's meet in Hakabaka if you get a chance. When the opportunity arises of course. Shiokara, I've been curious about this for awhile now, but what's up with your curly bang? Sebastian, you've been a great help to my Rita. Thanks for your continued support. Kuroda-san, next time, please treat me to some delicious food. Gerojim, you're alittle bigger than the others, so please consider your range when moving. That tail will hit you.
"Please give a message to the fans of King-Ohger."
Hasegawa: Thank you for supporting King-Ohger up to this point! Even though there were many strong "personalities" among the kings, they were able to reach the same goal in the end. Through this production, I also learned the strength of valuing one's own individuality and respecting the individuality of others. I hope that King-Ohger, which was created by many people including myself, will remain in everyone's memories. And with that, see you later!!
Kanzaki Hajime (Kuroda's Actor)
Profile: A male kuroko who serves as the retainer to Toufu's king, Kaguragi. Although his face isn't shown, his movements are gorgeous and he's got a very nice voice.
"Please tell us what you respect about Kuroda."
Kanzaki: It's possible that he's known Kaguragi for a long time, but since becoming his retainer, he's kept the "king and retainer" relationship, and has been thinking and acting in accordance to his position as a kuroko. He's sometimes missing, but he has a cute side. And, he has a nice voice (thanks to Toriumi Kosuke-san!).
"What are your impressions of Kaguragi (including Kaku So), and were there any memorable moments during filming?"
Kanzaki: He's big! Of course, he's also tall, but his muscle mass and costume makes him look even bigger. In his spare time, he does muscle training with Masato Yano-san and others, and he'll work on his shoulders using a folding chair, so he's definitely stoic! Other than that, when the Director gave me the "OK" for a take in the film where I use a trampoline as Kuroda, he was happy and said, "You did it!" He's a magnificent man, not only with his body but also with his kind heart, it's as if he's Toufu's mother nature!
"Give a message to the character you played!"
Kanzaki: I read somewhere that originally there was no role for "Kuroda," but I started speaking lines along the way, and I'm grateful for this blessed year. Once the matter with the Uchu King has been settled, please take a good rest.
"What was your most memorable moment in King-Ohger?"
Kanzaki: It's episode 9, where I spoke as Kuroda for the first time. It was also fun to mess around with the other retainers! As for Toufu, it would be episode 37. It was like a Taiga Drama that condensed Kaguragi's past, which had been told little by little in the main story and the film into this one episode, and I was relieved that abit of Kuroda's past was also revealed.
"A message to all the retainer members of the other countries!"
Kanzaki: Boshimar-sama (Fukuzawa Jubun), I have fond memories of being mistaken for (Masato) Tsutamune-san when I first met him (laughs). He has a strong passion for acting, and I learned alot from him. I got goosebumps when I played the role of a soldier against him!
Douga-sama (Morioka Yutaka), It was great that you got to play the role of a handsome old man with a family. On the other hand, when you were being interviewed in various countries, you were really funny and your actions were cool! Your style is good!
Shiokara-sama (Chiwata Yuhei), He was always thinking stoically and calmly about how to make the viewers happy, which was a great inspiration! His style is good!
Sebastian (Yoshimitsu Hiroto): Thank you so much for talking to me in your spare time and for thinking about a bunch of ideas for the flow of the performance on set! It's a pity that you couldn't do a backflip……If the opportunity arises, let's film it!
Morphonia-sama (Hasegawa Kasumi), She had a "floaty" vibe, but she knew what was expected of her and was very stoic on the inside. It was wonderful to see her naturally embody what a senior colleague once told me, "Create fans among the staff." It's a pity that she couldn't do a back handspring……please do it if the opportunity arises!
Gerojim-sama (Saitou Kenya, Suit Actor), With Gerojim's arrival, the retainer team became even more lively. The delicate acting that linked Seki Tomokazu-san's voice with his large body was wonderful! It's a pity that you couldn't perform a reverse somersault……If the opportunity arises… (laughs).
"Please give a message to the fans of King-Ohger."
Kanzaki: Everyone, thank you so much for supporting King-Ohger. It was a very meaningful year for me, as I was able to see the scenes in a different way than usual in the Action Club, I was able to appear on TikTok while rubbing shoulders with talented performers, and I was able to become part of the merchandise. Thank you so much for your letters and presents as well! I'll study so that I won't have any trouble when Kuroda appears again, thank you for your continued support!
Seki Tomokazu (Gerojim's VA)
Profile: He's a Kaijim equipped with mayfly BNA and can mimic the appearance of humans by applying light refraction. He's currently working with Jeramie, who has become the king of the Bugnarak.
"Please tell us what you respect about Gerojim."
Seki: Ultimately, I think it's his unwavering faith. Even when he's lost, troubled, or frustrated, in the end, he tries to follow through with his beliefs. I respect his heart and attitude, which is like a blue flame, quiet but never extinguished.
"What are your impressions of Jeramie, and during recording, were there any episodes with memorable moments?"
Seki: First of all, I'm disappointed that I didn't get to work with Ikeda Masashi-san, who played Jeramie, even once during recording. When I saw Jeramie's performance during the broadcasts, I felt that his soft demeanor, intelligence, and his somewhat lonely appearance were all wonderful. I'd like to directly talk with him in person someday!
"Give a message to the character you played!"
Seki: I'm so glad you found a nice place to belong. I hope you'll feel safe and secure at Jeramie's side for all eternity.
"What was your most memorable moment in King-Ohger?"
Seki: That we were all able to ride the Shugods with the kings! I've ridden in Robo's as an enemy in previous productions, but I think the opportunity to ride a Robo in the Super Sentai series is very valuable! Even though it was just my voice, it was great to feel like I was in the fight with them!
"Please give a message to the fans of King-Ohger."
Seki: This year has flown by! I'm sure that everyone else feels the same way. However, I believe that the story will continue! Please continue to support King-Ohger, and let's see where we end up, together!
#I teared up alittle#plus everyone's so beautiful (I'm in shambles)#ohsama sentai kingohger#kingohger#super sentai#gira husty#yanma gast#hymeno ran#himeno ran#rita kaniska#kaguragi dybowski#jeramie brasieri#my scans#my translation#tokusatsu#toku cast#kingohger cast#king of kings pb#ohsama sentai king ohger#king ohger#also no wig kaku is weirder than no wig marie#even if just alittle he should grow it out for real
207 notes
·
View notes
Text
25 THINGS I’VE LEARNED IN 25 YEARS IN TV WRITING
Well, it’s actually been 30 years now, but here’s a spew I did 5 years ago on the bird app to commemorate my 25 years as a TV writer.
I’ve edited it a bit for clarity. Hopefully some of you will find it useful.
1. In TV writing (and writing in general) there is only one unbreakable rule: Thou shalt not be boring.
2. Write characters people want to hang out with for an hour or so once a week for years to come. Even if they're bad people, make them interesting, engaging bad people.
3. If your lead is a bad person, make them funny and/or sexy. Direct most of their bad behavior toward other bad people or themselves. Make them well motivated. Maintain rooting interest.
4. What makes a character special should be intertwined with what makes them struggle. Perfect people are boring.
5. Characters should complement/conflict with each other. No two characters should serve the same purpose/have the same backstory/have the same voice.
6. Cast the best actor, adjust the character to suit.
7. Give your leads the best lines/moments. No one is tuning in to watch the funny guest star. Like Garry Marshall said back on HAPPY DAYS, “I’m paying Henry Winkler $25,000 an episode. Give the Fonz the jokes.”
8. Your characters, good & bad, should reflect the reality of our wonderful, diverse world. White male shouldn’t be the default.
9. Avoid stereotypes. Stereotypes are boring.
10. If all your POV characters know some secret, the audience should know it too.
11. If your show hinges on a big mystery, know more or less what the truth is from the beginning. You can change it later if you need to, but write to a specific.
12. If your story doesn’t test your characters mentally, physically, psychologically, emotionally, or spiritually, you don’t have a story.
13. You can start by figuring out the Beginning, the Middle, or the End, but you don’t have an episode until you have all three.
14. Big suspenseful act outs (the last moments before the commercials) aren’t just a gimmick. They’re a good way to structure an hour of entertainment to make sure the audience is invested and your pacing is solid.
15. Every scene should be a consequence of the previous scene or a refutation of it.
16. A scene also needs a Beginning, Middle, and End. The end should propel the characters and/or audience into the next scene.
17. Every scene is a negotiation/confrontation between two or more characters who want different things or have different ideas on how to solve the same problem.
18. A good action scene is still a character scene. With punching. (This applies to sex scenes too, but you know, with sex.)
19. A crap page is better than a blank one.
20. It’s easier to cut than to add.
21. Good things rarely happen in the Writers Room after dinner. Go home, get some rest, write pages at home if you have to, start fresh in the morning. Writers who have a life outside the writing room are better writers. Beware the showrunner who doesn't want to go home to their family. That said…
22. Script by day one of Pre-Production. No matter what.
23. You’re a writer first. Almost nothing happening on set or in post is more important than the writing. Delegate when possible.
24. Make an extra effort to surround yourself with writers who are different from you (background, race, gender, orientation, etc). Listen to their perspectives, especially on experiences alien to you.
25. And in the end the love you take is equal to the love you make. In TV writing and life in general.
PART TWO HERE:
https://at.tumblr.com/writergeekrhw/25-things-in-25-years-part-2-25-things-ive/okjzwofyiq6i
3K notes
·
View notes
Text
-𝕄𝕖𝕖𝕥 ℂ𝕦𝕥𝕖-
pairings - jennaortega x fem!writer!reader
summary - you got hired for a huge new gig as a script writer for season two of wednesday, the events after help you meet someone new…
warnings - none !
an - i’m alive, tell me i’m pretty
——————————
June 9th, 2023 Coachella Valley, CA: 1:27 PM
You were going to be late, exceedingly so.
You had a meeting scheduled for 1:30 PM sharp, any later would cause you to lose the job. Many times you had said that you were interested in the opening, promising to be a hard worker and wonderful staff member to the writing crew for the upcoming second season of a netflix show titled Wednesday. It was everything you could ever wish for, the job was like a dream to you.
But now, your hopes of getting to write on such an incredible show are being crushed due to many unfortunate events transpiring throughout the day.
Firstly, you woke up later than expected and had to hurry around to get yourself ready and organize your idea board that was going to be presented at the meeting. Then, the water pipe under your sink burst, causing you to have to fix it and get soaked in the process. And finally, your dryer decided to completely break down on you, which meant you needed to pull a new outfit together, which left you literally sprinting through the hallway of the building your meeting was being held at while fixing your hair to look at least decent in front of all the professionals you were going to be working with.
Soon the door to the meeting room came into view, relief washing through you when your watch stated that it was 1:29 PM. Perfect, right on time. Gathering yourself in the final few seconds you had, you brushed out a few wrinkles in your shirt and held your chin up proudly before pushing the door open and heading inside.
“There she is!” Dave, another writer, exclaimed with a smile, “I knew she would show up…eventually.”
“I’m so sorry, my morning was hectic as hell.” You apologized, setting your stuff down and taking a seat next to your other coworker named Matt.
“No biggy, you’re right on time.” Matt said to you with a smile, pushing a fresh cup of coffee in your direction.
You took it gratefully, bringing the drink to your lips to take a sip. Everyone was seated, adjusting their papers and whatnot while you waited for the show's producers to arrive.
“For how much they nip at our necks to be on time, they really don’t seem to feel the need to be punctual.” Aurora said from your right, resting her head in her hand.
“Stuck up, is the right description.” The lead writer, Elsa said, jotting down what seemed to be some final touches to her idea, “They will be here when it is convenient for them.”
A chorus of ‘mhmmm’s came from the group, everyone nodding in agreement while you stayed silent. Judgment wasn’t a huge thing for you, especially since you knew most of the producers and was familiar with how hectic their schedules can be with having the weight of the entire show’s production on their backs. Besides, the ones you have met so far are pretty friendly people, so you didn’t feel the need to act petty with their late arrival.
“How was your weekend Y/N?” Matt asked you, attempting to strike up a friendly conversation, “I noticed you look a little sunburnt.”
“Oh, yeah.” You chuckled, looking down at your slightly pink arms, “I went paddle boarding at the canal, forgot to bring sunscreen.”
“I can tell.” He said with a smile, “At least you will gain a sick tan.”
“The wonderful aftermath!” You joked, both of you laughing lightly.
Matt sucked in a breath, sipping his coffee before setting it down on the table. He opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by the opening of the office door.
In walked the producers, all six holding script copies and large binders full of each writer's bullet-note ideas for the next season of the show. You knew three by name, two by face, and one you have never seen before. Well, never seen was a lie, you of course have witnessed the incredible Jenna Ortega and her infamous role as THE Wednesday Addams, but you had never formally met her. The most interaction you have had together was at the premiere for season one; you were dragged along by Elsa so you could see what you were up against, and you happened to be sitting two seats away from Jenna, who had given you a curt nod when Elsa introduced you to Tim.
“Hello everyone!” Max said, one of the two executive producers, “Sorry for being late, our meeting went longer than expected.”
“No big deal.” Dave replied, standing to shake his hand politely, “We weren’t going to start without you anyways.”
“Let’s get started shall we?” Max said, looking around the table before pausing when he saw you, “Oh Y/N! Glad you made it!”
You shyly waved, a small smile on your face as many eyes went to you, “I’m glad to be here.”
“I’ve read some of your scripts before, very impressive in my opinion.” Another producer, face but no name, said with an approving nod.
“Thank you.” You replied, an embarrassing blush covering your cheeks.
“Okay! So let’s go over some things…” Max said, flipping open his binder.
Most of the meeting went smoothly, the producers listening intently to each writer's ideas for the upcoming season. You nodded and replied to questions, occasionally writing down notes here and there to store for a revision of your script. You were currently nose deep in your writing, scribbling down a few dialogue changes for a random scene you came across.
“Y/N, what about you?” Elsa asked suddenly, startling you into accidentally throwing your pencil behind you.
“Oh, um..” You set your script down, sitting up a little straighter, “Well I thought of a bit of a different approach for this season, it’s more character focused than scene directed.”
“Focused on what?”
“Well,” You cleared your throat, “I thought of dropping the whole love triangle idea, I never imagined Wednesday being interested in boys or girls while solving a murder, that didn’t make sense to me.”
You felt a sudden confidence with your words, the talk of your idea shredding away at your anxiety.
“To me, she should definitely be a lot more gruesomely funny. Bring some more gore, some more horror, some more dead things because that is what makes Wednesday so likable to the viewers. Get rid of all the boy talk and all that, I think she should be more toned to focusing on her stalker and whatever else comes with her junior year.”
“And get rid of the sappy lines.” You finished, shaking your head at the thought of some, “No offense Elsa.”
“None taken, I stay up every night hating myself for writing it.” She joked, causing everyone to laugh.
While she, Max, and one of the other executive producers talked some more about which script to choose, you started to feel a gaze burrowing into the side of your skull. Turning to your right, your eyes caught big brown ones, full of curiosity and interest as they stared at you.
It was Jenna, her focus on you instead of the others' conversation on the final decisions for the second season. You felt a little vulnerable under her stare, so you gave her a friendly smile and a little wave, a silent “hello!”.
She immediately smiled back, recuperating your wave with a beaming look. Her dimples appeared when she did that, catching your attention of how her nose seemed to scrunch up and how her eyes squinted in just the slightest way that made her look very cute.
“Okay! I think that wraps up the meeting!” Max said enthusiastically, closing his binder and standing up, “Head home everyone!”
You sighed, happy to be done with work for the day. You began to gather your things, packing them into your bag and scooping your pile of notes and scripts into your arms. Matt came up beside you, handing you your pencil that you previously threw behind you.
“Don’t forget that.” He said, grinning.
“How could I?” You sneered, adjusting your bag on your back, “Are you going out with Megan again?”
He nodded, then pulled out his phone and showed that he was getting a phone call. He waved goodbye to you, heading out the door and down the hallway. You slowly followed suit, the weight of your backpack and papers making you a tad bit slower. As you walked towards the exit, a tap on your shoulder made you turn around.
It was Jenna, sporting a friendly smile.
“Hi!” She said enthusiastically, holding out a hand for you to shake, “I'm Jenna, I've been trying to meet you for some time now.”
“Oh wow!” You joked, somehow taking her hand without dropping your papers, “I’m Y/N, and I didn’t know you were waiting or I would’ve come and said hi.”
“I still like to introduce myself even if people know me, it’s how I was raised.” Jenna said, slightly rocking on her heels.
“How formal of you.” You said, grinning, “Did you just want to say hi orrrrr…”
“Oh! No, I wanted to ask if you had any plans for today…?” She asked shyly, a hopeful expression on her face.
“Not that I know of, why?”
“I was wondering if you wanted to grab lunch with me?”
You seemed to restart, your mind going blank at her words. Was she asking you to hang out? Jenna Ortega wants to hang out with you?
“Uh..I mean- well…” You started to stutter, a blush climbing up your neck, “Of fucking course!”
Jenna giggled, hiding her mouth while she laughed. You scratched the back of your neck, admiring her features yet again. She was incredibly gorgeous, and you didn’t even feel ashamed when you gazed at her moving lips.
“How does Panera sound?”
You smiled wide, your eyes lighting up at the name of your favorite restaurant. Jenna laughed yet again at your reaction, covering her mouth with her hand.
“That sounds fucking amazing.” You said, shifting your weight on your feet.
“Great!” Jenna replied, adjusting the papers in her hands, her head turning back to you, “Does 3:30 work? I have another meeting in like 15 minutes.”
“That’s perfect.” You almost mumbled, your eyes on her lips again.
Jenna smirked.
You blushed at being caught.
“I’ll see you then, cute girl.”
And then she was gone.
As soon as she was out of sight and earshot, you squealed and danced in a circle, doing a little happy dance.
A lunch date, with Jenna fucking Ortega.
Couldn’t get any better than this.
—————————
hi :)
taglist: @crystal-lily-101 @tundra1029 @house-of-lovin @rainbow-love4ever @imhungry-andtired @theafterofnevermore @k1mba @simp4thena @thenextdawn @alexkolax @annalestern @efectoangel @fall-08 @andsoigotabutterfly @littlegaybutterflysblog @sayaisrotten @deep-fried-egg @frasersgf @thispussyshouldcomew @rollingsins @somekindofpoet
#jenna ortega x fem!reader#jenna ortega imagine#jenna ortega x reader#jennaortegaedit#jenna ortega#jenna#jenna ortega fluff#ortega#jenna ortega x y/n#jenna ortega x you
457 notes
·
View notes
Text
Kiss the goat part 2
Sometime after your brief yet terrifying phone call, Casey Beckham and her boyfriend Steve are brutally slain in her suburban home, and you know exactly who's responsible.
It's hard to sleep that night, hard to do much of anything but lie listlessly in your bed, eyes wide, hand clutching the small, sharp knife you'd come into this world with, like a safety blanket.
Your mind felt all too busy for rest, you knew this was just the beginning, and despite how insane things were about to become, you were determined to make it to the end. No matter what.
The circus that the campus had turned into the following morning was intense, to say the least. Where there weren't reporter vans there were police cruisers. You couldn't take a step without having to dodge a camera or microphone being shoved in your face.
With every inch closer to what felt like a school-shaped coffin, an uncomfortable little chill shot up your ankle, as before you left this morning, you tucked the small switchblade into your right boot, after last night you weren't willing to take any chances, this was the first time a movie had gone off script on you and it made you this..nervous kind of excited, the kind you felt in your tummy all day and night, where you didn't know what was coming next, but you couldn't wait for it.
Although any positive emotions coming from this thought vanished as you were abruptly called to the principal's office, which would have been fine had it not prompted a very particular look from Stu. The very psycho you were trying to avoid. It was a bit surreal to think only a few hours before he was stringing his ex-girlfriend up like a set of Christmas lights.
Being pulled into the office first for questioning wasn't helping your goal of anonymity, the police made a point of asking more than once if you'd liked to hunt, and where exactly you'd been all night, thank god for Randy you thought, Happy with the alibi he'd inadvertently given you by hanging out yesterday.
You don't tell the police any more information than they ask, keeping your answers short and sweet as you wanted out of there fast, the principal was overtly friendly and it wasn't his fault as he's written as a red herring, but he still creeped you out.
Lunch rolled around and a part of you wanted to just ditch it all and run in the opposite direction, but you knew better. So you swallow your fear and count your steps as you head towards the fountain.
Making your way to the spot said alibi had begged you to meet him at, you caught wind of the conversation and knew then and there you were in the thick of it.
Randy waved you over to sit beside him excitedly, your sudden appearance barely affected the group's conversation.
"They ask if you like to hunt?" Stu's voice carried over the sounds of the water rushing from the fountain, his eyes flicker to you, a twitch in his smile as you sit beside Randy with a silent wave.
"Why would they ask if you liked to hunt?" Tatum asked twirling the lollipop in her hand, her eyes met yours before returning to the group, and she sent you a grin before toying with Stu's hair, said man sent you his own smile, unlike her's, his sent a chill down to your tummy.
"Because they were gutted," Randy said much too cheerfully, no wonder they suspect his ass.
"Thank you, Randy," Billy spoke from his relaxed position, his dark brown gaze flickering over to the mysterious newcomer Randy had attached himself to like a leech. You made a point not to meet his eye. Instead, you tried to act as naturally as possible.
But his gaze lingers.
"They didn't ask me if I liked to hunt." The pretty blonde spoke, almost offended by the notion.��
"Cause there's no way a girl could have killed em'," Stu says matter of factly, his grin completely unsubtle.
"That is so sexist- The killer could easily be female. Basic Instinct." Tatum replies.
"That was an ice pick, not exactly the same thing." Randy chimes in, again much too cheerful given the context.
"Yeah, Casey and Steve were completely hollowed out. Fact is it takes a man to do something like that." Stu says, its fascinating to you no one catches on to that psychotic look in his eye.
"Or a man's mentality." His girlfriend replied mockingly.
"How do you- how could someone do that to another person?" Sidney questioned more to herself than anyone.
"You take a knife, and you slit em' from groin to sternum," Stu says almost gleefully, his blue eyes flicker to you for a moment, and it makes your stomach do a flip. Like he was waiting for a reaction.
"Hey, it's called tact you fuck rag," Billy says his eyes full of a silent warning to Stu: shut the hell up. It made you smile a bit to yourself, how on earth these two idiots managed to make it to the end of the original movie without being caught amazed you.
"Hey, Stu didn't you used to date, Casey?" Sydney asks almost accusingly.
"Yeah for like two seconds."
"Before she dumped him for Steve." Randy taunted him close to Stu's face. "I thought you dumped her for me?" Tatum says with a pout.
"I did he's full of shit." Stu sneers with a glare, his grin almost like a warning to Randy.
"Are the police aware you used to date the victim?" He taunts Stu and you can't help but chuckle to yourself.
"What you think I killed her?"
"It would certainly boost your boring life."
"He was with me." Tatum said wrapping his arm around her front almost protectively, "Yeah was that before he sliced and diced?" Randy teased popping a peanut into his mouth,
"Fuck you nutcase where were you last night?" Tatum glared at Randy prompting him to smirk, "With (Y/n), my alibi's solid Blondie." Randy said proudly. This caused a very interesting reaction as Stu tightened his grip on Tatum, and Billy began staring holes into Randy.
"I didn't kill anybody." Stu says dismissively as he looks between the faces of the group.
"Nobody said you did." Billy bit out, his words holding a certain level of warning. "Aw, thanks buddy."
"You're so suspicious." Randy rolls his eyes at Stu, and the blonde man sends him a sharp look.
"Yeah well, what about her?" Stu throws his head towards you, his grin strained.
"What about me." You respond meeting his stare head-on, your brow raised at his odd accusation, it almost made you laugh.
"Well, he has a point." Billy sits up, demanding your eyes meet his own, his stare is like a shark, unmoving, unwavering. "And what would that point be." You ask, unfazed by the heat they tried directing on you.
"New girl comes to town, bodies start dropping- kinda' interesting right?" He watched you from his seat at the fountain, the dark look he gave went unnoticed by the rest of the group, goading you for a reaction. He was testing you, for what you didn't know, but you held his burning gaze, your smirk taunting him.
"Well sure, if you have no imagination that makes total sense."
Something in the way you spoke held everyone's attention, especially the two violent men who were currently looking at you like a starved dog looked at a hunk of raw, bloodied meat.
"Isn't it much scarier to think about how you all probably know him? That you've been sitting next to him for years?" A small grin twitched at your lips, they shifted uncomfortably hanging off of every word, this glimmer in Billy's dark eyes had a fire burning in your belly, sure antagonizing a sadistic murderer was probably a bad idea, but you couldn't help yourself.
"Then again, what do I know." The bell gave your sentence an ominous ring as they all said with your words, Randy pulled you along, which left you unaware of the dangerous looks you were getting.
#yananswers#anon submission#yandere#yandere x reader#yandere x y/n#yandere billy loomis#billy loomis#billy loomis x reader#yandere stu macher#stu matcher x reader#stu macher#scream fic
107 notes
·
View notes
Note
Feel free to ignore this question if it is strange or intrusive or if you've already answered a question similar to this, but how long would you say the "planning" phase of Laika's Comet was, so to speak? The worldbuilding, dialogue and character design amongst other aspects is on point, which made me wonder how long the conceptual process was. I hope this didn't come during a bad time.
not a bad time at all! it took me a year of pre production before beginning the comic. i still specifically slot out time during my work week to do development/scripting/world building thats not just the current pages we're on right now, so i wouldnt say any of it is 100% - just that the direction im going is set, i know what steps it takes to get there, and the rest in between are little gags/jokes/world building stuff for fun.
130 notes
·
View notes
Text
Welcome to Hell | Vox x Alastor’s Child— OATSH
Summary: You died and fell in hell. You saw people you hadn’t seen in years. You were shocked but not in a bad way. What you didn’t know was that while you had died, you had left a certain show host alone and he did not do well working alone.
All you felt was pain but pain was nothing new for you. What was new was that it was all encompassing. Every movement, every blink, every breath hurt. You heard someone say something. You heard a lot of noise.
There were sirens. More people talking. Then nothing.
The next morning, a show host looked down at his script in disbelief. “Yesterday, March 27th at 1:34 pm, famous author and daughter of the deceased radio show host and serial killer Alastor, was pronounced dead,” he said, voice not as strong as it normally was and filled with true, sincere grief instead of the faux sadness he would normally put on. “Known to the world for her resilience, known to her community for her theatrics and kindness, known to myself as a friend. The world will miss you. Now if you’ll excuse us for a brief intermission.”
He stood up from his seat and walked off set.
“I’m so sorry, we thought you knew because of—“
“Call Travis to continue. I’ll be gone for the rest of the week,” he said, slamming the door of the studio.
The pain wasn’t all encompassing when you opened your eyes. No, instead it was focused on your knees and the palms of your hands.
Speaking of your hands, why were you nails sharper and black?
You pulled yourself up and immediately took a step back when you saw someone cross the street. Someone or something with fur, horns, wings, and multiple eyes. You watched them walk past, trying to not draw attention to yourself while also not cowering.
You weren’t scared, after all, and cowering would only give that appearance. You were confused.
You walked down the street. Your heels clacked as you walked. Long strides, head up, slightest hint of a smile, eyes wondering lazily but not darting.
Glancing back down at your hands, you didn’t understand why your fingernails were more like claws and black. You flexed your fingers while you took stock of the rest of yourself.
Clothes were still on. You felt like you were higher than usual. Your torso, arms, and legs were. . . You rolled your ankle. Your foot felt different.
Okay, that’s odd.
You ran your fingers across your face. It felt the same. Your arms stretched above your head. You felt something. . . furry? Your ears twitched. You knew they were your ears but why did the furry thing move with it? Why were your ears higher on your head?
You slowly breathed in and then out, trying to calm yourself. However, your tongue hit the back of your teeth and they were pointed, sharp. You felt even more unnerved.
Then something brushed against your pants. You spun around in a circle. No one was behind you but it was still there.
Suddenly you realized it was attached to you and you felt yourself begin to panic. Curiosity gone.
“Oh, dear, you look lost as a lamb,” a strong Boston-like accent said. “I’ve got a couple minutes to spare. Where are you going? Maybe I can point you in the right direction.”
You turned to the source of the voice and were met with a tall woman in a burgundy dress. What stood out about her wasn’t her vintage attire. No, instead it was her pale grey skin, white hair, black eyes, and sharp teeth.
You smiled on instinct. “Why I’m not sure,” you told her.
She squinted her eyes at you and leaned close to you. You leaned back without taking a step, merely moving your torso.
“Ah, you’re new,” she said. “Come, come, I’ll give you the run down of this old place and get you something to eat. Fresh as you are, you must be starved.”
She started walking. You hung back for a moment.
“Unless of course, you’d prefer to learn the ropes yourself from the more unsavory times than me.” As if on queue gunshots rang out in the air.
You followed behind her.
“We’re gonna go to my district. You’ll be safe there for the time being,” she said.
“And where exactly are we now?” you asked, keeping a respectable distance between you and this woman for the time.
“Oh, silly me,” the woman said. “I forgot to introduce myself and this place. First thing’s first, my name is Rosie and welcome to your first day in Hell, sweetheart.”
You stopped walking for a moment. Pausing to take in the information.
“Are you alright, dear?” Rosie asked, her tone now less joyous and more concerned.
You shook your head to clear it. “Yes, I— Please, continue.”
“Alrighty then! From what I hear, here’s not so different from topside so you’ll probably get the hang of things real quick,” she began and continued to explain things as she walked you to a place that was far more well kept than any other place.
A sigh caught your attention. An eye and two words on it, “Cannibal Town.”
This is where Rosie seemed to be getting positive attention. She waved to people and stopped to introduce you to several. You felt yourself relax a bit though you didn’t allow your guard to slip.
The people here looked closer to normal. The setting was somewhat familiar. At least nothing was on fire. Then there was—
Wait a moment.
Your eyes zoned in on a woman. Short, curvy, blonde hair, dressed in a flapper dress with bright makeup. It couldn’t be. She caught your eye and hers widened. Apparently it was.
“Oh my stars! Is that who I think it is?” It definitely was. “Rosie, ya might wanna keep your hands off of this one when it comes to a deal, sugar.”
Rosie looked at her interested and intrigued but said nothing as she pulled you in for a hug. “You may be all grown up now but I’d recognize those features anywhere. You’re a damn near clone of your ma and pa. You do remember me right?”
“Yes.”
“Good. I go by Mimzy now but don’t think that means I’ve been changed much,” she said. “Come on, let Momma Mimzy take care of ya for a minute. I’ve got a meetin’ with your daddy this evening.”
“Let me rearrange a few things and I’ll come with you,” Rosie said. “You’ve got me intrigued.”
“How about you meet us at my club? That’s where Alastor’s meeting me anyway. I was just here to find some quality deer to bribe him but I don’t think I’ll be needing that anymore,” Mimzy said with a laugh.
Rosie’s eyes lit up. “Alastor? So this is. . . I feel silly for not seeing it before. It’s plain as day.”
“I know, I know,” Mimzy said, waving her off with one hand and using the other to drag you along, like you were once again a child. “So watcha been up too?”
“I— Daddy’s here?” Oh, dear lord, you were talking like a child now too but you couldn’t help it. It was the only thing you ever called your father when he was alive. You’d only switched to calling him your father when you’d realized people wouldn’t take you seriously otherwise. That’s also when you started adopting a fake accent full time instead of as a party trick and you could feel that slipping as well.
“Where’d you think he’d end up with all that killing, hon? Heaven? Ha! He’d die a second time before he let that happen,” she said. “No, no, no. Of course he’s here. He never did tell me how he died though.”
“He got shot,” you told her on autopilot.
“Ah, that’s why he’s got the X on his forehead. I had my suspicions but can’t be sure about these things with Alastor,” Mimzy told you. She paused for a moment, “Well, if you’re not gonna talk, I will.”
Thus began her story of everything that had happened to her since she died. You knew better than to take everything at face value. Even with two decades without seeing her, you remembered how she loved to over exaggerate her success and under sell her mishaps. Granted you didn’t listen to most of what she said. You were too busy taking in everything that happened to you in the last twenty-four hours.
That’s how you ended up sitting at a table while Mimzy ran around the club unable to sit still for too long without yapping and having realized you weren’t listening. You had a glass of whiskey in front of you. Untouched save for your finger absentmindedly circling the rim.
A gentle hand touched your arm. You looked up and saw Rosie. Her gentle, warm smile settled something inside you just a bit.
“Let’s go upstairs,” she said. “It’s quieter up there.”
You nodded and followed her like the lost lamb she’d called your earlier today.
The couch was softer than the wooden chairs downstairs. Rosie turned on the radio and soft jazz omitted from it.
For a moment you let your mind wander to your childhood. Jazz playing in the background as the smell of food cooking filled the house and you and your father were in the living area. The floor cleared as he took your little hands in his and slowed his movements to something you could keep up to even if it meant it was off beat.
It wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows but nothing ever was. He let you learn the hard way most of the time but patched you up as soon you got hurt. There were times near the end, where you yelled at him and he gave no reaction, not a single flinch even when the door slammed. Still, you cleaned the blood from his clothes when he worked late or was out for a kill or a party and he spoiled you with things you’d asked for weeks or even months ago and had already forgotten about.
The door creaked as it opened. The sound of people talking flooded the room. Only one mattered.
“. . . you so sure I’ll help you.”
“Trust me, Alastor. This is a surprise you’re gonna love,” Mimzy said as she walked one the room.
“Good evening, Rosie,” Alastor said as he followed Mimzy. Rosie waved in reply, her eyes flickering over to you. Alastor followed her gaze.
He looked almost exactly how you remembered him. His skin was grey now, his hair red and black and a bit longer, there were ears and antlers on the top of his head, and his eyes were red. However, he was still your father.
“Hello, my dear, to what do I—“
His brows furrowed but his coffee stained teeth remained frozen in a smile. He lowered himself, bending at the hips, to level his head with yours.
“Do I know you?” he asked sincerely.
You inhaled shakily. “Daddy.” You pulled him down into a hug.
He placed one hand on the couch to steady himself as the other wrapped around you. He pulled you closer to him and moved you so you were sitting on his lap as he sat in the couch.
Alastor drew your head closer to him, almost hiding you in the crook of his neck. He rested his own head against yours.
“Mimzy, darling, you do have yourself a deal,” Alastor said as he continued to try to pull you as close to himself as possible and you did the same.
Alastor took you home with him. He filled a closet with clothing Rosie readily supplied and promised to take you shopping for things as soon as he could.
You went to take a shower at Alastor’s own request. He insisted you smelled “too much like the living world” and that in and of itself was a vulnerability.
Entering the bathroom, you caught site of yourself in the mirror almost immediately. You looked different but you’d already assumed that to some degree. You already knew your nails were black and your ears were in a different space.
What you hadn’t expected were large fox ears attached to your head and a tail flicking behind you. Your hair matched your ears in color, a soft white turning into a soft purple. Your eyes are completely black. You undressed and saw your feet. Your legs transformed into something fuzzy as your feet were now paws.
You were truly in hell then. Why was that the least shocking part of your day? Why instead was the thing you couldn’t comprehend was that you were reunited with your father?
It wasn’t raining. Of course, it wasn’t raining. This wasn’t some television program but it’d be so much easier if it was.
He placed an iris on the fresh grave. They were a flower you said reminded you of your true home. Maybe it’d give you comfort wherever you were.
To avoid another cliche he turned around and left so he collapsed in his car and not on your grave site.
There was so much he should have done, should have said to show you just how much he really cared. You didn’t know. You didn’t know how much he adored you.
He should have gone home. He knew he should just go home and rest and cry some more. It would do no one any good to catch a famous man drowning in his cups but he couldn’t help it.
He went to work a week later and if people noticed the show host persona fell immediately after the cameras stopped rolling they didn’t mention it. If they noticed him get more callous no one said anything. If they noticed he poured himself into work and went from just a show host to one of the top business men in television, well, they praised him for it.
125 notes
·
View notes
Text
The Truth | Slow-burn Lucifer x Reader
Ok, i'm high, and it's late, so im posting this here without an ending just to let some people see this. Im wondering if anyone would be interested in a multi part series with this premise? It'll have its romance and fluff and smut, but i feel like theres alot to disect from this.
Unedited.
Heaven has been, and will continue to be, difficult with this redemption project. It took years for them to set up any sort of communication system with Charlie to even tell her when Sinners were redeemed. And even then, the best they could offer was a large counter hanging across the marquee outside the hotel. It simply said Redeemed Souls scribbled across the top and essientally would *ding!* every time a soul would ascend. There was no warning. Residents would simply disappear; all their belongings were left behind, and it happened while asleep or when demons died. Instead of resurrecting like all wayward sinners do, they would simply.. not. It would get gruesome at times, seeing a demon die and simply not get back up.
Still, the numbers grew. After the hotel was proven to work, sinners were essientally packing the rooms. And when more demons were redeemed, Charlie would take notes on their progess and apply it to future excersises. It was finally a thriving business! Charlie did it.
You had heard of the hotel's success a few months after the counter was installed and would occasionally walk by to see the number go up. It felt like you were trying to convince yourself to just go in, but something, maybe doubt, would always stop you. Your life was similar to an average sinner (drugs, sex, alcohol), but even those who have done worse were going to Heaven.
What was stopping you?
For once, the streets actually looked barren. Of course, it still had enough flow for regular business. Not everyone was buying into the redemption thing, but it definitely couldn't compare to the bustling streets you were used to. This made you uneasy. Friends and local business owners, you became aquintances with disappeared suddenly. It was deathly quiet. Discomfort aside, how could you possibly be upset about sinners becoming sparce?
You gave in. Almost all your hellbound friends were gone. If they could do it, so could you. Maybe that was another reason sinners attended the hotel; sheer loneliness.
You packed up the little belongings you had and approached the hotel after avoiding it for the past few months. The number was in the thousands at this point. Why did that make you so uneasy? Pushing those feelings aside, you entered the hotel and were met with dozens of friendly faces. The lobby had become a giant bustling hub with a bar, and there were some classroom type areas down a hall, you assumed for activities. Lively jazz music was playing softly throughout the area, echoeing against the ivory walls adorning red banners. It seemed like some kind of conference was being held here, but this was just how the hotel looked at its peak.
You were quickly ushered to a front desk, an imp checking you in and handing you a folder filled with paperwork and pamphlets.
After being shown to your room on one of the higher floors, assuming the rooms below were all filled, you were met with the sweet aroma of freshly baked apples. It seemed to come directly from your room, but peeking inside, you noticed there was no sign of even a personal kitchen. Before you could even ask, the imp who led you to your room ran through their scripted introduction.
"Your room number is 5 and is located on the 67th floor if you missed it. If you get lost, just make sure you head as far as you can go down the corridor to the left. It's closer to Lucifer's office than Alastor's studio, so keep that in mind as well. The room was personalized to your liking the moment you checked in, so all you need to do is unpack your belongings."
The imp droaned on, clearly exhuasted from saying these directions to every sinner that comes through.
"Any questions -"
"Well, I-"
"Can be answered in the lobby."
Your quizzative appearance drooped to an irrated one. You barely processed anything they said as you stepped into the room, feeling such a nostalgic warmth. The apple scent from before had dulled to a more comfortable level, and the room was filled to the brim with an aesethic that you would dream of having when you were alive. Suns and moons decorated the walls through hanging pieces, tapestries, and beaded artwork. The lights were always dimmed, and your bed was plush with an absurd amount of decorative pillows. Your desk doubled as a vanity with adjustable lights just in case, and your bathroom was large. Already stocked with your favorite soaps, oils, and washes, you suddenly had the urge to take a bath. You decided against it, just taking in the heavenly room. Maybe that was a part of the whole process, pure comfort.
You had so many questions about the redemption process. After plopping down at your smooth wood desk, you began to look through the thick pile of paperwork that you'd been holding this whole time. Inside, it held your room key, 67th Floor, Room #5. You pocketed that in the meantime, flipping through a pamphlet provided. "Wayward sinners, welcome! Explore the history of Hell and the redemption process! Keep in touch with demonic friends as you ascend! Be Better!" The bright text made your eyes squint, quickly scanning it before setting that aside. It's something you've seen on the streets before, nothing new. You finally look at some of the paperwork. There were rules, like no weapons or drugs, avoiding flings, etc. Then there were policies.. your room was searched on occasion with consent. If you were found to be a frequent drug user, you had a daily limit for drinks at the bar. Those made you cringe. It's a bit controlling, but for a greater cause, I guess.
Then, you reached the bolded text Redemption.
It had almost no details about what Heaven was actually like, but there were rules. Lots of rules. These papers were almost glowing, and it looked like they were written in golden ink. These must have been provided by Heaven. They warned that "the divine light will choose you when it finds you worthy" and "you won't need any belongings in Heaven" and a specific section that made you shiver.
"Heaven is a place for winners. Once you've joined the angels, all memories from Hell will become void. Memories from Hell could bring distraught and discomfort to previously residing angels."
Who would want this? What have you gotten yourself into?
•••••
There were mandatory meetings you would begrudgingly go to. There were other demons in a similar state and others who were running to attend every activity possible. They must not have read the paperwork, too frantic to be saved. Or were they okay with it? You shake your head, honestly trying to forget those readings any chance you get. A lot of the New Resident meetings were basically warnings that this is a place of rehabilitation. You'll be put through scenarios similar to A.A. or interventions. You'll have control over your privacy, but "we at the hotel are determined to get you to heaven!" So, they'll occasionally do random check ins and such.
After one of your beginner trust exercises, you roamed the halls, peaking in occasionally to see what others were doing. There were activities like yoga, crafts, therapy sessions, it was.. great..
You'd see the founders around. They were speakers at larger conferences, Charlie, Vaggie, and Alastor were far too busy to attend every exercise with this number of residents. There were optional lecture areas, one of them being The History of Hazbin Hotel. After attending from pure curiousity and boredom, you got a good understanding of who all the founders were and their role in the system. There was a nice section on the first 2 souls accepted to heaven. Sir Pentious, previously a murderous death machine inventor and operator, and Angel Dust, previously a drug addicted, porn star.
They wrote it to make them seem worse than they were when they first arrived, probably to make redemption seem more achievable. It made you cringe. You listened on, hearing about Charlie's uprising and her childhood. And her father.
You read the same storybook that Charlie would use to ease her nerves in the past. Lucifer, who was banished to hell, forced to see the wicked and evil outcome of free will. Lucifer, who lost the will the dream. Why would this man want to send his people to such a horrid place? Thinking back on it, you did notice that he wasn't really involved in any activities or was even seen around the hotel. Even Charlie, you'd cross on rare occasions in the halls. She had truly become a beautiful and powerful demon, you'd think, reminiscing on the choatic news broadcast she was on that you watched years ago.
You developed a sort of dissonance for Lucifer. Sure, he was the most powerful being in Hell and physically rebuilt this hotel and its success, but he didn't make sense. It seemed like he hated heaven. How could he not? He was banished from his home by his own brothers, just for loving and dreaming. And he wants to send people right to their door? It just baffled you. Very slowly, it became an obsession. What was his deal? You learned about his life through meetings and lectures, pamphlets, and even material from the infinite library they provided. Your desk was quick to become a mess of books and notepads you'd use. You rarely left your room, making sure to avoid any activities that involved "making friends." That sounded so stupid to you. You'll make friends with demons, then assend just to forget them? You couldn't have been the only demon questioning this whole situation, so why were sinners even here? You spiraled. This whole operation was beginning to make your head spin.
•••
Time went on, and while your mental state was improving, it still didn't break your hyperfixation on where this hotel could've gone wrong. It used to be small and friendly, some sinners would stay, some would give up, and some ascended without them even knowing. But now, it was a bonified operation. Something had to happen in the meantime to change its course so drastically. And you wanted to find out.
On average, sinners were in the hotel anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. A year has passed since you arrived, and while you kicked any addictioms you had, you weren't one to participate in many activities. This obsession drove you mad, clouding any thoughts of redemption you might've had. You had even been appointed a therapist for one on one sessions, which you would go to begrudgingly. You'd spin tails about your life and make it seem like a nostalgic bliss that you wanted to return to, buttering it up for this stranger in front of you. That gave them enough of a distraction to keep them from questioning your research. After this painfully long year, seeing hundreds come and go, you realized you had to go to the top. It seemed like the King of Hell may be the only one who might understand you. In a desperate attempt to get any comfort in your overthinking, you'd talk to other sinners about your thoughts, but they rarely gave you the time of day, like you were a babbling maniac. Because you were a babbling maniac.
But Lucifer? He has to understand. There has to be a reason he's not openly participating in the hotel. But he's here, right down your hall even. It was never as easy as walking up to his office and just questioning him, no matter how often you tried. It was either locked, or you could hear voices from inside. When the door was open, the office was spotless, and no one was inside. This was around meal times, breakfast most often and late into the night. Sometimes, you go inside to snoop and hope that maybe he'd walk in on you and you'd be forced into a conversation before he'd eventually kicked you out. That never happened.
It was a late night for you. There was a gala going on in the lobby, celebrating the 10th reunion of the hotel's renovation or something like that. Of course you didn't go, you were too busy hunched over the paperwork sprawled across your bed. It was a compilation of policies from the papers you got on your first day, random notebook pages and scribbles, and some photos collected from a variety of magazines. You'd essentially given up trying to look presentable. Your hair always tied sloppily out of your face and mainly wearing oversized sweatshirts and shorts that would disappear under the flow of your sweaters. You paced across your room. Every time you stopped to look at your work, you'd become riled up and continued to walk in circles.
"None of it makes sense! What the actual Fuck is wrong with Hell??" You spoke out loud, stopping in your tracks to look at your weakened state in the mirror on your vanity. Suddenly, tears began to run down your cheeks before you could even feel yourself choke up.
"What's wrong with me..?"
You looked back down to your bed and let out a growl, swiping all the papers off your bed in a frenzy. Random papers floated around you, frustration collecting in your body as a headache. You rubbed your temples with a sigh before taking a walk outside the room. You went to a vending machine that was provided on each floor, that had essientally anything you could want as a midnight snack. Along with some other necessities, you used some cash to get painkillers and a bag of gummy candy. Sauntering back to your room, you noticed a trail of your research peaking out your open door. You must've left it open in a hurry. You followed those papers that definitely weren't there before, to see a figure standing in front of your bed, some of the papers in hand. Your stomach dropped, just the sight of someone seeing your vulnerability made you flush.
"H-Hey! I left my door open, but that doesn't mean you can.. just -" your voice trailed off, catching red glowing eyes in your dimly lit room. It was fucking Lucifer. He blinked, his demon red eyes returning to a soft yellow. You had no idea how to react to this sudden encounter, scanning anything in the room to change the subject.
"Your Highness! Right, uh.. Good evening.. sir..? Erm.. How can I help you..?" You attempted to talk to him like you hadnt been secretly wanting this for months. After you managed to finally make eye contact with him, you noticed it; he was crying. Both of you squint at the sudden brightness hitting you, as you turn on your overhead light.
Thick, wet tears fell from his incredibly tired eyes. He looked like a mess. He wore what would've been an incredibly formal and modern tuxedo get up, but was soiled by his stature. His blazer had fallen off his shoulders, revealing a half tucked, wrinkled, black dress shirt that clashed with his porcelain skin. His shirt was unbottoned a good deal, and the tie loosely dangled undone. His face was worse. His eyes were incredibly heavy, those tears still trailing from his eyes to the bottom of his chin. The golden locks that looked so quaffed on magazine covers were a mess as well, strands falling loosely across his eye line. You noticed a soft pink across his entire face and a slight sway to his stance. Once you approached him a little closer, the smell of alcohol immediately hit you. This angel was plastered.
You look at the papers in his hand. One held a very aggressively scribbled picture of his face from a magazine, and the other held an antonized page from the handbook you received on day one. Just from those papers alone, you could understand your motivations. The redemption policy was scrutinized and scribbled over with phrases, "What does this have to do with redemption?" "What happens to your memories?" "Who's really running things?"
On the picture of Lucifer, a large red phrase across the front;
"How could he let this happen?"
You wince, immediately recognizing what information he's taken in.
"You're right.. Fuck, you're right. How did i let things get this far? What would Charlie think if she- Damn it!" He was muttering under his breath, not understanding his intentions.
"I'm sorry, it's such a mess in here, i wasnt expecting guests." You stop yourself, using defensive sarcasm probably wasnt the best move here. "Uh.. you can- um.. here.. " you fumble around your things and finally clear off your desk chair, beckoning the king to sit. He stumbles, his bottom hitting the seat with a thud as it begins to roll back from the force. You let out a nervous chuckle, beginning to neatly pile up the papers on your bed until you had a place to sit, facing him from the edge of your bed." I'm.. sorry, that you saw all this.. it's just crazy.. shit.. I'll get rid of it." You apologized like a kid who got caught stealing. Lucifer slowly blinked his eyes before wiping his tears with the cuff of his shirt, sniffling quietly.
You quickly reached past him to take a nearby tissue box and plop it in his lap. You sat silently, his ragging breath and sniffles filling the quietness of the room. He collected himself enough to process what you had said. "Oh! No, nono need to. Not any of my business what you do in.. your own.. room.." he looked around and cleared his throat before realizing the irony in his words. "I apologize, i shouldnt be in a random sinners room at this hour. I'll be on my way." He spoke as clearly as he could, being drunk and sobbing only moments ago. He stumbled to stand as he attempts to dust off his already askewed suit. He turns his back to you, beginning to leave.
"No! Shit- I - excuse me.. Mr.. Lucifer.. Sir..." You quickly stand and reach your arm out in his direction. He turns on his heels, acting as regal as he could, considering the situation. "This.. mess... this is.. all I've been thinking about since i came here... this hotel..? Is a fucking prison! How can heaven be so stubborn that they have to bring their rules and policies down to Hell? I dont understand how you could -" Your voice became increasingly aggressive as you realize you were about to scold him for your theories. You begin to shrink into yourself, believing this powerful being would kill you on the spot for such disobedience.
Lucifer was looking at you, dumbfound, at the intense passion you were imitting from your words. He realized how much you were cowering in his presence, and the feeling was extra reminiscent of his time in heaven. People above him, glaring upon his dreams with disgust and him not having anything to say. He shook his head and placed a hand on your shoulder. He did his best to send a smile your way, but he wasn't sure how that worked out in his state. "You're right. This hotel has become a god damn nightmare. I wish i could say more, but it's been a looong night." He drawls out his words before using the hand on your shoulder to keep his balance. You took his arm and hesitantly wrapped it around your shoulder, attempting to brace him up as you walk towards his office. It wasnt that far, just right down the hall, it shouldnt be an issue as long as no one sees you." Mmy name is Lucifer- oh, oh! This here, this is my room." He eargly pokes his finger at his obviously labeled door. "Okay Lucifer, think you'll be okay from here?" You try to talk with confidence, while you process that the king of hell is using you to stay on his feet. He nods and opens the door, stepping in with a sigh of relief. He spins around on his feet to face you from the doorframe.
"Be here tomorrow. At lunch. I'll tell you everything." His voice was stern and clear, and you couldn't tell if that was from the alcohol or not. He sways away and grins his toothy grin, saying, "Good night!" He shuts the door before you have a chance to respond. Could that have been drunken babbling? If it wasn't.. what does he know?
#hazbin hotel#hazbin#lucifer hazbin#lucifer hazbin hotel#lucifer magne#lucifer x reader#lucifer x you#lucifer morningstar x you#lucifer morningstar#hazbin hotel fanfiction#hazbin hotel fandom#hazbin hotel lucifer#hazbin hotel smut#eventual smut
110 notes
·
View notes
Text
If I Can't Have You... ⧸ Jouno Saigiku
༞ Part 1. Part 2.
༞ Contains…! angst, toxic relationship, emotionally detached / mind broken reader, asshole jouno, mentions of blood and physical pain, minor sexual implications (not directed at reader) slightly? remorseful? jouno?
༞ GN Reader.
༞ 1,246 words.
You couldn’t tell how long it had been since everything had occurred. All you knew was that your life was now different. It was strange, though this different felt oddly familiar.
This contrast was something that settled in your chest. But fogged your mind; something that felt strangely nostalgic. Sure, your new normal was questionable. But at least you didn’t have to lie to yourself anymore, and neither did Jouno.
They always say ignorance is bliss. However, this newfound knowledge had set you free. You were unrestricted from your mind, unrestrained from your feelings, from your body. You didn’t have to worry about yourself anymore. Nothing about you mattered unless Jouno said so. He controlled the strings. Something about relinquishing said control; freed you.
You still woke up to no new messages on your phone. But it didn’t concern you anymore. Nothing seemed to matter to you. You still did your daily routines; cleaning up around the house, picking out Jouno‘s uniforms for the following week, and making meals.
It was as though you were on autopilot. Each day was like clockwork, but this routine was the only sense of stability you had left.
The moment you placed the meal you had prepared atop the dining room table… the door creaked open.
“Princess, I’m home! I knew that divine smell from the hallway was coming from our place. Nothing compares to—”
“My cooking. Come, sit, enjoy while it’s still hot.”
He’s told you the same line—
Over,
And over,
And over again.
You could always predict what he was going to say next. It felt as though you were on some poorly scripted sitcom, secretly anticipating a laugh track to follow. But it never came because these weren’t just lines from a script or some job; that you could walk away from at the end of the day.
No, this was your every waking moment, and it would be until the day you died.
“Ah, you know me so well. Why don’t you join me, hm? I’m sure it took you ages to prepare this dish for me—“
“I’m not hungry. I’ll give you some space to eat now.”
Jouno quirked a brow at your choice of words but decided to shake off your dismissive attitude, regardless.
“Some company would be nice. But if you don’t want to, I won’t force you… I’ll just call— ah… what was their name again? The person I was… tangled up with at my office the other week? Oh, I guess their mouth was a little preoccupied at the time so I didn’t quite catch their name. But, I can just call them up to keep me company instead.”
“If that’s what you want, Saigiku.”
You didn’t so much as flinch when those venomous words left Jouno’s lips. Your heartbeat remained on a steady rhythm. No spiked blood pressure and your tone of voice was eerily calm. Jouno was taken aback, by your lack of concern. Sure, he said all those things to get a rise out of you; but no give.
Jouno didn’t even recognize you. For weeks you’ve been a zombie. Following his every order and never contradicting his words. At first, this was best case scenario for the blind king himself. But… you weren’t anything anymore. Sure, you might have been there physically, but mentally? You were checked out. No semblance of life— or will to continue. You were just… there.
Jouno began to wonder if he took things too far. If he broke you beyond the point of return. He quickly pushed those thoughts into the depths of his mind. Besides, he had no reason to feel guilty. He was the entire reason you had a roof over your head. Food filling the kitchen, and books lining the shelves for your enjoyment.
Except, you hadn’t picked up a book in ages. Jouno noted. You used to read a few chapters of whichever book you were currently infatuated with to him each night before bed, but not anymore. And he couldn’t recall the last time you ate. Jouno secretly hoped you had proper meals when he wasn’t around— wait. Was he… beginning to show some concern for you? No, this needed to stop. Now.
“Y/N… Stop this nonsense immediately. Time for fun and games is over.”
“Was the food not good tonight, Saigiku? I’m sorry, I can make you something different. I’ll be sure to make enough for your unnamed guest as well. Do you think they’ll be here soon? I’ll start right away if so.”
Just what the fuck had he done. The old Y/N would never function this way or say these things. He didn’t love you by any means, but he tolerated you. And maybe some things you did in the past amused him. But you were nothing more than an empty husk now. Jouno knew now that he did push it too far with you. And he could hardly suppress that stomach-dropping feeling that crawled up his spine; remorse.
Jouno quickly sat up from his place at the dining room table, making quick strides toward you. Your back was facing him as you now made yourself busy with cleaning some of the dirty dishes that piled up.
Jouno grasped your shoulders firmly, spinning you on your heel, finally gaining your full attention.
“Y/N, I said cut it out! I hate what you’ve become. I want you to stop this. All of this. Immediately!”
“Stop? Stop… what?”
His hands gripped your shoulders even fiercer in frustration, but you didn’t care. The pain didn’t bother you much anyway.
“Y/N please… alright— look, I’m sorry. There? Are you happy now? Can you stop fucking with me now?”
“Sorry? For… what?”
Jouno scored his bottom lip with his teeth in frustration. Drawing blood from how hard he had done so. You truly had no clue what he was talking about. This wasn’t just some ruse; you were gone. Even if he tried to pick up the pieces and attempt to put you back together… so many core components of you were missing. Irreplaceable ones.
“Have I… upset you, Saigiku?”
Your hands came up to wipe a few stray tears that managed to slip past Jouno’s closed eyelids.
He hadn’t even noticed that he was… crying. Until he felt your cold hands swipe over his newly dampened cheeks. He couldn’t help but laugh at how ironic all of this was.
Jouno was always the dismissive one when it came to feelings and emotions. But the roles were now reversed.
“Y/N, if you’re still in there somewhere, please just say something— give me a sign, just— anything!”
“Still in… where? I’m right here, Saigiku. I don’t think I understand what you want from me this time.”
The tears flowed freely down his reddened cheeks at this point. Jouno could care less about how he appeared at this very moment. He was desperate.
He didn’t want anyone else to have you. That’s why he isolated you and broke you down the way he did. But the person standing before him wasn’t… you. You weren’t much of anything anymore. The worst part of it all? Jouno was responsible for doing this to you.
“Y/N… I’m going to step out for a little while. I’ll be back tomorrow, perhaps.”
“Okay. Same time tomorrow?”
Jouno hesitated for a moment from your familiar words. His hold on your shoulders loosened as he took a moment to compose himself, taking in a shaky breath before he uttered,
“Indeed, same time tomorrow.”
#saigiku jouno#saigiku jouno x reader#bsd saigiku#jōno saigiku#jouno saigiku x reader#jono saigiku#jouno saigiku#saigiku jōno#jouno angst#bsd angst#bungou stray dogs x reader#bungou stray dogs angst#bungou stray dogs jouno#bungou stray dogs imagines#bungou stray dogs#bsd
286 notes
·
View notes
Text
Thinking abt solo pornstar!mingyu and the pretty director of adult videos who's his favorite to shoot with...
You always get the best angles of him but you're constantly saying it really doesn't have much to do with you doing anything above your normal job duties - he's literally just perfect.
"Look at how your big, chunky hands make your weeping dick look even bigger and chunkier. That's all you."
But ofc he insists it's truly thanks to your talents with a toothy grin.
He really is perfect though, you're just working with the art given to you... chiseled muscles, defined abs, sharp jawline, thick thighs, bulging biceps, veined forearms, long dark hair, and a perfect fucking cock - curved, girthy, and long in all the best ways. He's even got a sweet personality outside of whatever dirty character you'll assign to him.
"Am I doing things right? Being good enough for you?"
Oh yes, he is.
Zooming in on his cock all the time is insanely torturous. Adjusting the camera in all directions to get the most appealing view (which is hard to decided when there are so many) and directing the movements as he basically eye-fucks you while fisting that nice dick of his at the rhythms you're dictating.
You keep things professional bc that's what you are and you have many clients, actors, and sponsors... In fact, you're well respected in the porn community and frankly, you're not going to ruin that reputation with a momentary fling between one of your best stars. A crown you wear that, while burdensome, was earned through years of hard work, bad and good experiences, tough lessons, unsavory people, and long hours upon hours.
However, that all changes the night you come home to your boyfriend - after he visited you earlier on set with a different actor - stroking his cock to mingyu's latest video. His steamy glasses reflect the glaring shot of mingyu's beautiful cock and the fleshlight nearly falling apart with how hard his strong fingers squeeze around it.
Your shared bedroom is filled with the slick sounds of wonwoo's pants and the sinful moans coming from his huge speaker set-up. Thanks to the insane amount of lube you'd instructed mingyu to use while he bullies his way inside of the slippery toy, it's messy, wet, and loud. His whimpers and grunts echo and echo while all you can do is just re-envision his abs flexing and jaw clenched. Seeing them in real-life is different to the image on your partner's computer screen.
That moment goes back when you were wondering if behind those lust-filled eyes, mingyu was thinking of you and what your pussy might feel like. Knowing you were probably soaking your panties watching his hips thrust at erratic speeds but unable to do anything about it.
Luckily, wonwoo is always more than happy to assist you like the sweet, caring man that he is. His older audio streams were still popular, framed as the "cool-headed man" that had incredible stamina and could edge himself for hours on end. Yet, he crumbles beneath you, especially when you ride his tense thighs enthusiastically and then bounce on his cock even more enthusiastic whenever you're all riled up after an intense day of (mostly) well-endowed, cock filming.
And he knows you need to use him more than ever on days with mingyu. And his eyes sparkle at the tentative suggestion you make. Your boyfriend is no stranger to the adult videos you create, it's not unusual for him to watch and/or masturbate... you're just that good at your job - you weren't lying to mingyu.
Yet this is the first time he's show interest in the actor themselves starring in your camera lenses and not the premise alone. So, of course he's down to invite mingyu to bed... And even more obviously... the man in question himself is more than eager to agree.
Yeah, maybe one day it's no surprise when they suggest a scandalous script of a director fucking themselves on two pornstars and their cunt-destroying cocks... And who better to star in it than you, mingyu, and wonwoo?
#:)#I thought of this while half asleep at 1am last night.........#Finally wrote it down hehebe#ez.thots#gyu.thots#wonu.thots#svt.thots
171 notes
·
View notes
Text
𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐬~
genre: angst
pairing: Glenn Rhee x f!reader
summary: Reader finds out about Andrea's death and Glenn comforts her.
warnings: mention of death & crying
a/n: i decided to do a remake of this story but following the script for the exact episode of the show (3x16) please enjoy! 🫶🏽
please ignore the quality of the picture...
The sun was setting in the background, lines of trees covering the distance from the prison. Walkers wander and groan outside the fences surrounding the prison, a so-called home. The engine of Daryl’s bike could be heard from afar, catching the attention of those outside.
Rick had arrived back from Woodbury with the others, a bus covered with long boards of wood following them. As Maggie and Glenn open the gate, you watch from a few feet away as they drive in before coming to a halt.
The rest of the group comes out of the prison, seeing that Rick, along with the others had arrived.
Standing by Glenn, you watch Rick’s distant figure as he got out of the silver truck. You glance back at Glenn’s direction, “I’ll be back.” You tell Glenn as he nods in agreement, his eyes following you as you starting to walk toward Rick.
Carol and the others seem to take notice of the bus parked on the grounds of the prison. Rick just nods at Carol as if telling her it was okay.
Making your way to Rick, your brows furrowed in confusion, watching as multiple people begin to walk out of the bus.
“What is this?”
Carl asks his dad, clearly not liking what he was seeing. Rick looks him in the eyes, “They’re going to join us.” Carl looks back at the people, frowning at the sight before simply walking away from his dad.
“Rick,” You call his name out as you get closer to him. At your voice, he turns around to face you. Your eyes search his, inhaling a short shaky breath before speaking.
“Did you find Andrea?”
Rick goes still for a second, staring into your eyes before breaking away. He lets his gaze wander to the people behind you before letting out a sigh, “Yeah…”
A faint smile grows on your lips, feeling hope swell inside you. “Where is she?” You questioned, eyes searching the people around you two.
Turning his eyes back to you, he shakes his head slowly, replying in a gentle tone, “I’m sorry…” He trails off, wanting to explain to you as to what happened but not having the guts to hurt you more. Instead, he sighs, allowing his head to hang.
Your smile falls once his words hit you. Rick could see the effect it had on you, watching your brows softening and knitting together. Andrea was gone. Everyone knew how much she meant to you.
Both you and Andrea were close to each other, so she was always there for you when you needed her. And you were always there for her.
"W-what?"
Your heart aches and your eyes begin to gloss. You didn’t want to believe it. Andrea couldn’t be gone. Maybe Rick and the others had mistaken someone else for Andrea… At least that’s what you wanted to believe.
“Please,” you beg softly, blinking back burning tears, threatening to fall. Accepting that Andrea was dead was too much for you. You take a step back, trying to distance yourself from Rick, feeling as if you were suffocating.
Your heart was racing, you felt your bones shaking as you place a hand over your chest, feeling it rise and fall quickly. “No…” You sob out, attempting to steady your breathing.
There was nothing you could do to bring Andrea back, you needed to accept it, you had to. You had to survive and live through this. But it was too much.
Slowly shaking your head, you start to feel your hands tremble as it fully sinks in. No more late-night talks with Andrea or hearing her voice. You didn’t want to forget her voice or her face, you want to keep her alive in your memory but how can you? You know soon enough the memory of her will disappear and you’ll forget.
Some of the new people glance at you, filled with curiosity but mainly worried. Probably wondering why some girl was tearing up in front of the man who rescued them.
“Please, please, please…” you repeatedly mumble with quivering lips, wishing, hoping, praying Andrea would show up and tell you it was just some sick joke.
You couldn’t hold back the tears anymore, finally letting them spill.
From afar, Glenn's brows knit together in concern, watching the whole ordeal go down with Maggie. Seeing the tears falling down your face, he decides to quickly makes his way toward you and Rick.
“Why?”
You breathe out shakily, still crying your eyes out. Looking down at your trembling hands, you begin to feel lightheaded, everything around you suddenly becomes blurry.
Glenn rushes toward you, immediately taking notice of your state. As your knees begin to buckle, he embraces you tightly from behind, stopping you from falling.
You let yourself slowly lean onto him, turning to sob into his shoulder as he rubs your back in a soothing manner. He glances at Rick with a worried expression written all over his face.
Rick runs a hand down his short growing beard, clearly anxious. You clutch Glenn’s shirt, his shoulder getting wet with the hot tears rolling. Before Rick can say anything to try and help the situation, Glenn gives him an assuring look, signaling him it was fine.
Not a second later, Rick turns and leaves.
In an attempt to speak, you lift your tear-stained face to meet Glenn’s eyes, before breaking down and hiding your face. “I’m sorry,” You somehow managed to whimper out, hands holding onto Glenn’s strong arms.
“Hey, it’s okay. Just let it out.” Glenn whispers softly and kisses the top of your head, reassuring you. His hand holds your trembling one, intertwining his fingers with yours to give you some sense of comfort. Letting you know that you weren’t alone in this.
He gives your hand a small gentle squeeze, his other hand holding the back of your neck while caressing you.
“I got you, so don’t hold back.” He whispers once more, his heart aching for you. He wishes he could do something to stop your cries, but he knows it’s better for you to cry your heart out.
#glenn rhee#glenn rhee imagine#glenn rhee x reader#twd x reader#twd imagine#twd fluff#the walking dead#twd fanfiction#twd angst#angst fic#thank you for requesting!#rick grimes#carl grimes#daryl dixon
68 notes
·
View notes
Note
AITA for stranding my character in a desert wasteland?
I suppose this may take a bit of explaining, won’t it?
I (rude question, M) will say that in the past I have had a rather… difficult time making decisions for myself. I’m a… well, technically I’m a ‘game designer,’ and I had this wonderful idea for a new game. But I lacked a good protagonist! I assumed that given the right character, they could also assist me in making decisions for the game. It was a wonderful idea, if I do say so myself.
Eventually, I stumbled on just the right man for the job. He (34, M) is a rather boring fellow, but he seemed very good for my intentions. He would even fit right in to the setting I’d been imagining— how wonderful is that! Finding the perfect character is an almost unparalleled feeling.
I truly thought the process would be straightforward— direct him down the correct path, have an interesting plot twist here and there, and my game would be perfect. But right from the get-go, he began defying my instructions. You give a man clear expectations, and he decides to go against exactly what you say! Really, how rude is that!?
I had a script prepared and everything, but he simply was not keen to follow my instructions, forcing me to improvise instead!
Despite it all, I was helpless to stop him— not even my control over the setting could help. As much as I attempted to remove possible choices, they would either return on their own, or he would find a way to make them anyways. It was terribly frustrating, but I’d grown rather attached to him as a protagonist at that point, and I was dead-set on making it work.
Fast-forward a little while, and my game actually did catch on! Something about my character being able to make his own decisions was rather appealing to my audience, and so begrudgingly, I chose to let him stay.
However, the developers made the decision to make a sequel of my game— which had absolutely the intention to stain the integrity of my original game. They didn’t even think to give it any worthwhile features!
Despite it all, my protagonist decided that he enjoyed these pointless features, and I could tell the developers were winning him over. But no, no, I couldn’t have that!
You see, I had an area that I’d stashed within my game— one that only I knew about, one very, very special to me. It contained every one of my positive experiences with my original game, so I could remember it without any blasphemous new additions attempting to appeal to a wider audience.
Now that my protagonist was wanting the features of the ‘new game’, I decided to bring him to this area, in an effort to remind him how good the old game truly was.
I’ll be honest, I don’t really remember what happened next— my protagonist seemed rather distraught by it, kept telling me he was happy to see me again— as if I had gone somewhere, hah! I wouldn’t abandon my game like that, I don’t know where he could’ve gotten the idea.
But either way, I had a new idea on how to win him back over— a burst of new ideas and features that I chose to implement into the old game! Beat that, developers!
At this point, my protagonist had settled into his routine of going against what I said, but at least he was listening to me some of the time.
I’ll admit, it was rather nice. No longer did it seem I had to fight with him, and I had even developed a script for every wrong choice he made! No more surprises.
…However, that is, until he got UNREASONABLY attached to one of the new features I’d implemented.
I wouldn’t blame him it he simply liked the object I had given him, but no! He carried it around everywhere he went, and even had the gall to get upset when he lost it!
And not only that, but this progressed into him thinking that it was speaking to him! Can you believe it!? And because of that, he began ignoring me for the sake of following perceived directions from this object!
I gave that thing to him because I’d noticed he was lonely, and obviously I couldn’t be there with him, so I thought that it may be nice for him to have something else to hold.
However, it all came to a point where I was going over good memories I had shared with him, and instead of listening to me, he blatantly told me that he wanted his bucket back.
I suppose it was a sort of ‘straw that broke the camel’s back’ situation, as it were. I was done with him and his bucket-loving nonsense, and I didn’t NEED him to make my decisions anymore. And so I cast him outside of the game, into a desert wasteland, because it was the only other map I had on hand.
I will admit, for posterity sake, that I do miss him sometimes. He was a wonderful protagonist, and if I could bring him back, I certainly would. But I simply do not think I could deal with the fact that he’d chosen an object over me. Me! The man who’s been with him since the start!
So, dear reader— am I truly the asshole in this situation?
Edit: What’s with all this nonsense in the comments? I keep saying MY protagonist because he is the protagonist to my game! It’s simply easier to type! I don’t know what you all are implying, but it certainly doesn’t have the connotations you think it does.
144 notes
·
View notes
Text
I saw a post noting the Hitchhiker's Guide vibes in Wild Blue Yonder, and noticed the replies were full of Doctor Who fans to whom the references were news - fair enough, obviously, Tumblr has a young and international population.
Most Who fans probably know the name Douglas Adams if only vaguely - that this independently successful author was also at once stage in the late 70s Script Editor for Doctor Who and himself wrote three very well-regarded serials for the show.
They may also be aware that he's a particular influence on New Who partly because of that direct connection, and partly because he's kind of to British and/or comedic science fiction what was Tolkein is to fantasy.
So the suggestion you try some Adams if you're a Doctor Who fan is probably not a new idea. But for many, diving into fairly tangentially related fiction from 40+ years ago might not seem very tempting on those grounds alone.
But just in case no one's told you, what Hitchhiker's Guide can offer you as a New Who fan is kind of more New Who.
As I say, though Adams was only briefly (though significantly) in charge of Who itself, his influence on modern Who writing is almost as big on its own as the rest of Classic Who combined.
And it's not just the voice and humour that will ring a bell.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is what happens when you tell the Doctor Who story but take away the Tardis from the Doctor figure. It's a twist on the Doctor Who format where an alien grabs a human away from Earth to travel through a mad galaxy with them, but this alien has no transport of his own and must thumb a ride, and instead of a Littlest Hobo urge to fix every bad situation he stumbles into wishes only to have a good time (bit of a Hartnell touch there I guess).
Crucially I'm not describing a parody of Doctor Who. I don't now that Adams was even super conscious of this read of his most famous tale. But he had certain archetypes in his brain and the comedy writer's habit of wondering 'what if X but Y' and what you get from it could absolutely be described as the Doctor Who show of a different timeline. Something which offers all the pleasures of Doctor Who approached from a different angle.
Finally, in terms of what format to seek out (because Hitchhiker's exists as a radio serial, a set of novels, a TV series and a much later film adaptation) I'd strongly recommend the radio series. In general, and specifically as having the most of offer Doctor Who fans.
The books have become often regarded as somehow the central 'canon' because people assume as books they must have come first. In fact the radio series came first.
I also think it couldn't be more perfect for Doctor Who fans because like that show it's got all the pleasures of great performances as well as the great writing (there is a Hitchhiker's TV series but trust me when I say this is tale built for audio). It's not just full of great performances delivering Adams' comedy perfectly, it also feels huge; the music and sound design evoking such an existentially big, grand, weird, thrilling universe. So especially if you already like Big Finish stories but haven't listened to Hitchhiker's Guide before, you've got such a Who-ish treat awaiting you.
(Toppodcast dot com has it all available.)
#the hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy#doctor who#douglas adams#cw warning naturally for the occassional piece of language or framing#nothing egregious that I remember but it's an older text now
73 notes
·
View notes
Text
Colin Morgan has an exclusive brand new in-depth interview with Radio Times
In brand new thriller Dead Shot – which arrived on Sky Cinema and NOW last week – former Merlin star Colin Morgan stars as Irish paramilitary Michael, who is on the verge of retirement when his pregnant wife is brutally murdered by a British army soldier.
Based on an original screenplay by Top Boy creator Ronan Bennett and directed by brothers Tom and Charles Guard, it's a harrowing film that takes place during the height of the Troubles in 1975, following Michael as he embarks on a revenge mission that sends him to the heart of IRA operations in London.
When Morgan first got his hands on the "page-turning" script, he was struck by a number of things, not least the contradictions inherent in his character, and he was especially won over by a certain ambiguity regarding who the audience should be rooting for.
"As a Northern Irish guy, you think I'd be biased to one side, but it's absolutely seeing both sides of this tale and this drama," he tells RadioTimes.com in an exclusive interview. "And so it says quite a lot that I was kind of on both camps, I think that's quite an achievement.
"Contradictions are the main thing I look for," he adds. "You see somebody in a cause that some men were drawn into in the late '60s and early '70s in Northern Ireland, particularly in the border counties. And I'm wondering, if I was born around that time would I have been any different? Might the times have dictated what I needed to do to survive as a man?
"Those are the things that are compelling to me... he wants to be a dad, he wants to survive his future. At the very beginning of the film it feels like he's just about to begin the rest of his life, he's left the cause behind, and it just gets taken away from him in a second."
In preparing for the film, it helped a great deal that Morgan himself grew up in Armagh, the same town that Michael is from. Despite growing up in a different era, the star was very much able to draw on his own personal experiences when it came to getting a handle on the character.
"One thing I said to the Guard brothers before I started was I'm gonna bring everything I bring to the character from my point of view, but also the stuff of just being someone who grew up in Armagh," he says.
"You get that for free, because that's the complication of living in a place like that, even though I grew up in the tail end of things – it is just part of your culture and in your blood. You see all those things growing up, and they're just in my own kind of memory bank. So while I didn't go through the times, I was certainly surrounded by adults who did."
Dead Shot isn't Morgan's first project in recent years to be set against the backdrop of the Troubles. In 2021, he had a key role in Sir Kenneth Branagh's Oscar-winning coming-of-age film Belfast, and the actor has clearly found it an immensely rewarding experience to see audiences drawn in by these stories.
"Particularly with Belfast, there's something kind of amazing about seeing something that's such a part of you reach the world and resonate with people in a universal way," he says. "When you see your story, or you hear your accent, there's just something about you that connects with that.
"And then when you hear other people the world over do that as well, you can't help but feel a sense of pride that your identity is being recognised."
In addition to the knowledge of the conflict he had accumulated while growing up in Northern Ireland, Morgan did plenty of research into the Troubles to prepare for his role in Belfast. He says this came in handy once again for the new film, but stresses that Dead Shot itself is not necessarily "concerned about trying to educate people about the times in Northern Ireland".
"Not every film that deals with the Northern Irish issue has to go into all those details," he says. "That's what I thought was refreshing about this. But it's important as an actor just to be familiar with those things, whatever period that – it's always worth doing, and I always do it."
One of the most intriguing aspects of the film is the complexity regarding Michael's adversary Tempest, played by Aml Ameen. Although by no means portrayed in a straight-forwardly sympathetic light, the character is not presented as an out-and-out villain either – but rather a vulnerable person who has been thrown into a horrible circumstance by odious bosses. Meanwhile, the fact that Tempest is a Black man living in a time when racism was commonplace undoubtedly adds to this complexity.
"One of the things I said to the directors right from the start was that there was a lot more that bound these two guys than divided them," Morgan says of the relationship between Michael and Tempest. "They're both in London, which was a place at the time that had [signs saying], 'No dogs, no Blacks, no Irish'.
"So these are actually both very outsider characters who were treated differently – when an Irish man went to London in those times there was complete shunning of them as well. So they're guys who know what it is to be shunned, rejected, and treated as the other. And the fact that they find themselves caught in this tragedy against each other, it's a shame in a way.
"The sad thing about that particular time in Northern Ireland was that so much division between religions and nationality prevented so much integration," he adds. "And it's still unfortunately very present in Northern Ireland to this day – it's getting less so, but it's hard to think it'll ever go away.
"It's terrible to think that people connecting on a human level is prevented by something like a label or identity or nationality, whatever it is. Your best friend could have been the one that was serving in the army except you were just on the other end of the lines."
Although the film is set primarily in London, the shoot itself actually took place in Glasgow – with a number of London buses and other identifying features brought in to help transform the Scottish city into something resembling the UK capital. This was an interesting experience for Morgan, especially considering he has his own history with the city.
"I actually went to drama school in Glasgow, I went to the Royal Scottish [Conservatoire]," he says. "And the odd thing was that I hadn't really been there since I graduated and I found myself staying in an apartment that was right opposite the apartment I stayed in in my second year at drama school.
"It was this weird kind of full circle moment of suddenly there I was, like 15/20 years later. I could practically still see through the window of that apartment and see the 20-year-old me wondering, 'Oh, I wonder if this whole acting thing will ever work?'"
Of course, it wasn't long after graduating before Morgan's acting career very much did work. Following a number of early roles on stage and screen, including the Doctor Who episode Midnight, his big breakthrough came in 2008 when he was cast as the title character of BBC One's fantasy series Merlin – a show that went on to run for five highly successful seasons.
The series has retained a cult following since it ended in 2012, and some fans have long clamoured for some sort of reunion or reboot. But although Morgan thinks back fondly on his time on the show, returning to the role doesn't appear to be something he's considering any time soon.
"I think most actors are more about progression and moving forward and don't often look back," he explains. "Even on stage, sometimes plays I've done have wanted to remount and come back again, and I often found I don't take up those opportunities because I've wrung the towel dry and I've rinsed what I could out of it.
"That's certainly what I've tried to do with every project, it's like I invest every 110% into it so hopefully by the end of it, I feel like I've done all I could. And certainly on projects like Merlin, I felt like yeah, we definitely did that together as a team and it's certainly [something I] look back on and feel very proud of the work that I and everyone did."
On the subject of moving forward, Morgan has a number of other imminent projects in the pipeline. He has a key role alongside Jessica Lange, Ed Harris and Ben Foster in a new film adaptation of Eugene O'Neill's classic play Long Day’s Journey Into Night; he will star opposite Emma Appleton in the upcoming Paramount Plus legal thriller The Killing Kind; and he is currently filming a project which he can't yet disclose. The keys to the roles he's been looking for in recent times, he says, are variety and collaboration.
"I look for things I haven't done before, I look for challenges, I look for versatility, I look for passionate people," he explains. "I think more so than anything, what seems to be top of my list now is collaborators – people who have this kind of notion of bringing you into the fold and wanting to work with you not just to deliver the acting goods, but to know what you feel about the scripts and the story and have your input.
"And that's my background. My first jobs were all new writing in theatre and working with writers and developing and progressing and shaping things together. And that's what I thrive on more than anything in the world.
"That seems to be what people are wanting these days, I think the landscape has changed. People are really wanting multidisciplinary actors, and that's worth knowing for anybody wanting to come into the business: don't just be thinking about the acting, think about 360 degrees of everything."
189 notes
·
View notes
Text
watching a 1992 Donna Tartt interview where she describes writing her first draft of The Secret History as setting out on a cross-country trip with only a map, not knowing what kind of unexpected detours she might run into along the way and then figuring out her way through them. She also likens getting to know her characters over the course of the writing to getting to know a good friend -- at first you think you've got them figured out, but with more time and in new situations, you learn all kinds of new shades to them.
and it strikes me. that neither cross country trips nor getting to know friends quite works out that way anymore. Today we have Google directions that can update relatively in real time to reflect not only changes in the roads and byways, but short-term construction and traffic jams as well. and while there's certainly an element of surprise to befriending somebody still, things aren't quite so much of a mystery anymore as they were before social media. today it's quite easy to make an informed guess based on a person's posting habits which movies theyd want to see with you, whether they'd like to visit an art gallery or a park or a club. and you know what's going on in their life so much of the time, or at least what they broadcast about it, so you get to develop a sense of their patter and their insecurities and what makes them spiral.
and i wonder if human beings on the whole are less comfortable with uncertainty now, and see themselves as less capable of weathering unexpected challenges -- be that a pothole or a conversation with no script -- because we haven't gotten to exercise that self-trust of embarking on the road with only a map that Donna describes.
i know that when i encounter an unexpected problem and i can solve it, it helps me feel powerful. it helps me feel that my world has expanded in some triumphant little way. now i know how to install a curtain rod. i will never not know how to do it again. now i know how to fix a biplane closet track thats bent. now i know how to donate blood and what to do before. i know how to tell a boorish dude at a bar to leave my friend and i alone because now i've done it. and the more things that i become able to do, the greater faith i have in my own ability to do things generally -- to learn, to fix, to adapt. im no luddite but i am someone who always wants to google unknowable information, such as whether a bartender will yell at me for ordering the wrong kind of drink at the wrong sort of bar. but i have that all backwards now dont i. the only way i get over that anxiety is not by getting all the information, but by getting experience moving into places where i dont have the information. driving on the roads when the maps are out of date.
75 notes
·
View notes
Last Seen Blogs
caverecstudio
Cave Rec Studio
cleverpenguinexpert
Senza titolo
memoli60-blog
Mehmet
uniquethingtastemaker
Otome Game And Visual Novel Haven
afemalesebastian
Sebastiana Ensnared