My page for @sheikahzine; about Impaz's duty to her village, empty of people and full of memories.

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OUAT 2X20 - The Evil Queen

Regina! What a pleasure to feature an old a-QUEEN-tance over here!!!

Once you’re done laughing from this exceptional pun, why not stay for the rest of the review below the cut?

Press Release With the aid of Hook, Regina attempts to put a plan in motion that will help transport herself and Henry back to Fairytale land. But her plan revolves around a fail-safe that was planted within the curse, which if triggered could wipe Storybrooke off the map - and kill all of its inhabitants; and Emma’s suspicions about Tamara grow. Meanwhile, in the fairytale land that was, the Evil Queen asks Rumplestiltskin to transform her into an unrecognizable peasant in order to kill an unsuspecting Snow White, with the twisted aim of earning the love and respect of her subjects. General Thoughts - Characters/Stories/Themes and Their Effectiveness Past I think this segment was incredibly well handled in its framing. The segment is able to clearly show how Regina’s reactions to her life and her impressions about her circumstances are dead wrong while still telling a tragic story for her. Like, it is very clear that the audience is supposed to laugh alongside Rumple (A framed mentor figure with a touch more moral ambiguity at this time) as she’s decrying claims that she’s an Evil Queen and be with Snow in abject horror when we see the destroyed village. That said, we’re also meant to also see the tragedy of Regina being on the cusp of real change, only to have her own remorseless history come back at the very worst moment.

Besides just the framing, the idea of neutralizing Regina and making her spend time with Snow in an alternate form was inspired. The resulting characterization of Snow and the effects of her kindness (Namely that all it takes is some one-on-one time with Snow in order to remember the potential goodness in your heart because she is honestly just that soothing and kind of a presence) is something that’s honestly much smarter than it has any right to be. But what’s better is that for all of Snow’s goodness, it DOES have a limit, and that is abruptly reached and more when she discovers the burnt village. Also, great job Ginny for a small bit at the end of her screen time where she goes through multiple expressions of anguish after letting Regina go, both as a show of her building frustration with the consequences of goodness and her frustrations with Regina. I’m honestly willing to bet that right after this episode is when the grouchier Snow from “Snow Falls” shows up. Finally, I’ve just got to say that this is such a better handling of the possibility of Regina’s goodness than the flashback in  “The Cricket Game.” Here, Regina doesn’t just fail a test she was all but bound to, but she crosses over a tangible line of decency and hurts countless others. Present The present does a lot more in terms of plot progression than story progression, but it comes with more than a few solid character interactions and moments.

I enjoyed seeing Regina and Killian working together. They have a good rapport and the betrayals and speeches between these two villains are just great. I love the little ways they screw each other over, but also this light bit of compassion they share too (Ex. Killian giving his condolences for Cora’s passing).

The Emma, Henry, Neal, and Tamara subplot was equally interesting! The search through the apartment makes for an engaging mystery, even though I know the outcome of it. There’s always this worry in my heart that they’re going to be caught and when they do, it makes for a fun moment of realized tension. Everyone’s characterization (Or somewhat fake characterization concerning Tamara in her scene with Emma) is fully in-line and the conflict is an understandable one with little nuances that make for compelling bits of dramatic irony.

The plot progression itself is fine. What we learn about the trigger and Greg and Tamara’s plans is well spread out and interspersed between good character moments. Insights - Stream of Consciousness -”Actually, I prefer with the lights on.” I bet you do, Captain! XD -”She is his mother, despite all the horrors!” Very good, Snow! Look, as far as the current circumstances of this show and season have been thus far, I’m of the mind that the Charming family is currently right: Regina does deserve to be able to see Henry, but given her history and especially her recent behavior, limiting her visitation while she continues to better herself is a completely fair thing to do. No one’s denying that Regina is Henry’s mom and the one time it was done, it was appropriately framed as a wrong outburst. -”Rumple’s cell.” David...while still a supporter of the sentiment I just presented, that’s...too far. -THE PANDA BLOOPER!!! -”But I am not evil.” Regina, you just burned down a village! That’s pretty evil! -Damn, Rumple. Cutting off trade with King George’s kingdom. That’s coooooold. ...but kind of awesome. -I love that when characters, it’s explained how they’ll look different to the world while still being played by the same actor! THat’s clever as hell! -”They still see me as The Evil Queen which they made me.” Regina, no. -Regina, this is Henry. What did you expect when you were leading up to everyone dying? -Awww! Good job giving condolences, Killian! -I wonder what it would’ve been like had Cora and Regina (And presumably Henry) went back to the Enchanted Forest and started fresh? -Snow’s actually giving Emma really good advice here! She knows no one wants Henry to get an incorrect impression about the circumstances of his parents. -I LOVE the music that plays as Snow saves Regina! It reminds me of a superhero’s theme! CAN WE GET SNOW IN THE NEXT AVENGERS MOVIE?! -Killian, how can you tell that that’s Maleficent? I can hardly tell that that’s Maleficent! It looks more like what happens when the Mummy fucks Loki! -OH SHIT! I FORGOT THE GLASS COFFIN COMES BACK!!! -”Someone from another forest taught me. Long story.” HOLY SHIT! DID THEY HAVE HERCULES PLANNED FROM THE END OF SEASON 2?! I LOVE THIS SHOW! -”Not usually [Referring to how fun stakeouts are]. But this one? Yeah, kinda.” Awwww!!! Some cute Swan Believer! -I like how there is a direct consequence of Emma not heeding Snow’s words. -So I like how Regina has moments of surprise as Snow talks about how there’s still good inside of Regina. It feels like it’s just as much of a surprise to her for her own sake as it is for Snow’s sake. -I wish past Snow remembered this destroyed village in “The Cricket Game’s” flashback. Like this episode just makes that flashback even dumber. -Snow is perceptive as FUCK with the reflexes of a GOD! -I LOVE that look of frustration on Snow’s face as she lets Regina get away. It contributes nicely to her growth of disdain for the consequences of her goodness! -”Startling. Some people would say striking.” Is this a taco commercial, because why not both? -”The one thing I excel at is surviving.” I guess this is the first aspect of that line (Other than maybe his second voyage to Neverland?)! Neat! Arcs - How are These Storylines Progressing? Regina’s Redemption - Regina’s regressing a lot in this episode and I kind of struggled with how I felt about it. On one hand, it does work on a character level. Regina’s pretty dramatic and I can believe that would be her reaction to the idea of being stranded in Storybrooke would be a big one. However, watching this regression and seeing her say how she believes that the only reason she’s The Evil Queen is because Snow and Charming made her that way is just annoying to watch and makes me feel barely sympathetic at all to her plight. Like, if Regina hadn’t shown such strength in the first half of the season, I’d have felt differently, and while get that Cora’s death and this bean incident changed things, this is such a dramatic change that I don’t know if I can enjoy it (Especially when one considers how she was able to stop herself from forcing Henry’s love in “Welcome to Storybrooke,” an even more recent example of her strength). Jeez, she even ignores Henry’s pleas and memory wipes him! And I know she improves in the very next episode (I’m having serious Dark Hook flashbacks or flashforwards, whichever they would be called), but in the confines of this episode, it goes a little overboard. Killian’s Revenge/Redemption - So I know that I’m going off of a few lines here, but I love the setup for Killian’s realization that revenge isn’t what it seems. The entire opening to the downstairs elevator scene speaks to the fact that while Killian values his revenge, its conquest essentially means that his life is over and the fact that he shows even the tiniest bit of doubt there shows that there could be more in store for him. That said, until he reaches that point, he still does want revenge and will fight to ensure it, no matter how unscrupulous and awful he has to be in the process. Greg and Tamara - Gotta say. While not super impressive nor memorable as characters, Greg and Tamara are pretty clever with the knowledge they’ve been given. Their plan to recruit Killian and neutralize Regina is pretty well thought out, and their covert nature was only partially exposed due to a complete accident! Favorite Dynamic Swan Believer. Look, this one is just fun. Seeing Emma and Henry bonding on a stakeout, sharing ice cream, and breaking-and-entering together is fantastic and cute. I love seeing the little bond that’s grown between Emma and Henry, especially after the whole lying arc from a few episodes back. This is great payoff and plays into what one would naturally expect from an eleven year old when he’s helping his mom foil his dad’s fiance: could his parents get back together. I like how Emma explains to him very clearly that that’s not the case (And I swear, that’s not a shipping thing. That’s just a matter of being careful of his expectations) but also gets the added bonus of his speculations being a consequence of not listening to Snow’s advice. Writer Jane Espenson and Christine Boylan are our writers today! And I liked what they came up with. Snow’s character progression in the past segment is as smooth as peanut butter, and she’s just the tip of the iceberg. All throughout the story are well-written character moments with mostly good dialogue. It’s only failing is, as I said before, is some of Regina’s present dialogue, specifically during her conversation with Henry. Rating 9/10. This was a good one! The story in the past is, as I said before, better than it had any right to be and draws far better lines for the characters of Snow and Regina. The present storyline is equally interesting, albeit with a touch of exhaustion from some of the more repetitive dialogue. But most of the character interactions and story progression worked very well, making it a quiet wonder. Flip My Ship - Home of All Things “Shippy Goodness” Hooked Queen - Damn, Killian and Regina exchange some really nice and trusting looks in Regina’s office! Hell, Killian even being here and offering his services is pretty great for them! Captain Swan - I don’t think this has ever been pointed out before, but Killian kept the beanstalk cuff! While it didn’t work for me, Killian certainly gave a touch of value to his time with Emma on the beanstalk! Swan Fire - At risk of entering anti-shipping territory, I want to point out how the whole projection of feelings that other characters have been putting on Emma about Neal works SO much better here than it did for Graham because (1) they have a past, (2) they actually spend time together, (3) there’s a level of ambiguity to it which makes this time feel more interesting, and (4) those feelings are later believed to be true. Also, I just love Neal’s reaction to the door trick! XD ()()()()()()()()() We’re almost done!!!! Thanks for reading and to the fine folks at @watchingfairytales.

Next time...though I sincerely doubt I will, I hope I won’t have to PAN this two-part finale! XD

See you then!

Season 2 Tally (166/220) Writer Tally for Season 2: Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis: (50/60) Jane Espenson (44/50)* Andrew Chambliss and Ian Goldberg (31/50) David Goodman (24/30)* Robert Hull (24/30)* Christine Boylan (26/30)* Kalinda Vazquez (28/30)* Daniel Thomsen (18/20)* * Indicates that their work for the season is complete

Operation Rewatch Archives

Fic Update: The Longest Distance (9/100)

Fandom: The Adventure Zone

Pairing: Barry Bluejeans/Lup Taaco

Rating: Teen

Summary: “Time is the longest distance between two places.” - Tennessee Williams. 100 cycles. 100 moments. aka how Barry and Lup’s relationship evolves over 100 years.

Chapter Summary: The gang takes a break. Lup and Taako clash. Barry's reminded of home.

(Read on Ao3)

Cycle Nine

Over the course of his life, Barry’s realized the mirror’s never been his friend. To avoid interacting with the mirror, he’s figured out a few tricks.

He learned how to shave without a mirror at an early age and had plenty of nicks and cuts to prove it. Brush his teeth? His hair? No mirror required for old Barry.

Why would he need one when all he’s going to see is an average man looking right back at him?

But today’s a little different. Today, the IPRE wants to put on a little style.

They’re on a perfectly normal world, with small villages scattered throughout. Not as technologically advanced as home, but enough differences to keep Barry interested.

And being a perfectly normal world, Lup and Taako decided the crew of the Starblaster deserves a night out. Somehow the twins managed to find the classiest restaurant on planet and booked a reservation for seven.

Back almost ten years ago when he packed for this two month trip, Barry did remember to pack one nice outfit. Present Barry very much appreciated past Barry’s effort.

He looks in the mirror. There he is. Plain ol’ Barry. Just wearing a shirt and tie instead of a t-shirt and his red IPRE jacket. But he’s freshly shaved and his hair is combed and he’s as ready as he’ll ever be.

“Time’s up, everyone!” comes Taako’s voice from Barry’s Stone of FarSpeech. “Only I can be fashionably late and I’m ready to go.”

Barry adjusts his tie, ignoring how the collar of his shirt already feels a little tight. Then without a backwards glance at the mirror, he leaves his quarters.

Everyone except Lup is waiting in the Ops Center. Strange to see everyone dressed up for a night out. He’s used to seeing them all in their uniforms or something comfortable. Everyone putting on the nines like this? Kinda nice.

Davenport’s wearing a beige colored suit with a bowler hat. Merle’s got on some sort of board shorts on. Dress shorts, maybe? Must be a dwarf thing. Magnus is wearing a tight collarless shirt that seems to show off every muscle the man has. Lucretia’s wearing a plain navy blue dress without many frills. Taako’s in a flowy ruffled shirt and tight-looking pants, set off by a dramatic red cape off of one shoulder.

“We’re all here, Lup!” Taako shouts. “You can make your dramatic entrance now.”

“Well,” comes Lup’s voice from down the hall, “if you insist.”

Barry cranes his neck a bit, trying to get a glimpse. But only seconds pass before Lup all but saunters into the OPS center.

Even though he knows it’s anatomically impossible, Barry’s pretty sure his heart skips a beat when he sees her. Yeah, this crush ain’t going anywhere.

She walks in like royalty, her hair piled high on top of her head. Her dress is beautiful, off-the-shoulder and going all the way to the floor. The color was a light purple, and for one moment, Barry’s so reminded of the skies from their home plane that he almost chokes up.

“Looking good, Lup,” Magnus says, holding out his fist.

Lup bumps it with her own before she turns to look at the rest of the group. Barry watches as she takes them in, one by one. When she makes it to him, it takes everything he’s got not to stare down at the floor and blush.

“Barold?” Lup asks, tilting her head. “Those aren’t blue jeans.”

Now he does look down, having almost forgotten what he’s wearing. He’s just in a pair of black slacks. Nothing fancy. But he’s certainly never worn them before. “I do own more than blue jeans, you know.”

“Only took you nine years to break them out,” Merle says with a snort. “Seriously, though, what’s your deal with jeans?”

Barry braces himself for an onslaught of teasing. He’s an easy target, after all. And this won’t be the first time that Merle’s ragged him about his jeans. What’s so hard for him to understand that they’re comfortable? And Barry likes being comfortable?

“Oh, leave him alone, old man,” Lup says, patting Merle on the head. “You can ask that about anyone here. What’s my deal with being amazing? What’s Magnus’ deal with muscles? Or your deal with plants and or Pan?”

Lup meets his eye and gives him a wink. This isn’t the first time she’s come to his defense and he’s got to say, Barry does appreciate it.

“Fair enough,” Merle says. “I do like the word of Pan.”

“We need to find you a jean jacket,” Magnus says and Barry’s surprised to hear a bit of eagerness in his voice. “Then you can have a whole denim suit. That would be fucking rad.”

Barry chuckles, thinking about just how close he was to packing his jean jacket on this trip. But it’s at his little apartment back in the home world, if that even exists any longer.

“Have you found denim on any of the inhabited worlds?” Lucretia asks.

Barry’s about to shake his head, when Merle says, “That’s dinner talk. Come on, let’s go get some grub.”

Merle, Davenport, and Magnus walk out of the ship, talking about some sports team Barry doesn’t remember from their home world.

Lup, on the other hand, is staring at Taako. “You said you were wearing light blue,” she says. She picks up the skirt of her dress a bit. “This color doesn’t work with red.”

“Wasn’t feeling the blue,” Taako says with a shake of his head. “Red’s better suited for my aura tonight.”

Barry feels a bit like he’s watching a ping-pong match. He turns back to Lup, waiting for her reaction.

Instead of responding to Taako, she slides her arm through Lucretia’s. “Come on,” she says, chin high. “You look fabulous. Plus, that blue looks so good with my dress.”

“Thank you,” Lucretia says and Barry can see her hiding a smile.

Lup and Lucretia walk out ahead, leaving Barry to stare at Taako. “Well,” he says, painfully aware of how awkward he must sound. “Shall we?”

“Oh we shall,” Taako says, pushing back his shoulders. “Time to introduce Taako to the world.”

Taako moves so quickly that Barry barely has a chance to realize he’s alone on the ship. With a sigh, he locks up the ship, and starts to walk as quick as he can, to catch up with his friends.