[2shayll]

I’m just a little pissed that the writers are pushing for the Delilah/Charlie thing. I get that they’re trying to stretch out the series to have more seasons, but seriously. GIVE ME CHARLIE AND ALICE!

I DON’T WANT Charlie/Delilah. I even think right now that Charlie just needs to figure out himself especially with his fractured relationship with Sam, dealing with his guilt, and his heart condition. Like, I think this man can’t deal with yet another complication with his love life.

All I’m saying is that I’d rather have Charlie alone and figuring out himself than with Delilah. If Alice comes along to help him along then I would totally cheer for it. But for right now, I don’t like the direction they’re taking with Charlie and Delilah.

[2shayll]

I just watched Every year after and loved how the show brought Sam, Charlie and Percy to life. I enjoyed all the emotion and heart this had. Even through some of the messiness that in my opinion should not have to compare or live like The Summer I turned Pretty.

Although I loved this adaptation and it even brought some nostalgia for me, having my own experiences in cottage country and all, I did have a little bit of an issue with some of the little elements they added.

One thing was the banana boat. One of the most pivotal things in the book. I loved how Percy, Sam and Charlie went out in that boat, feeling like it represented their youth and freedom. I did think maybe they had a little logistics issue with copyright of the name banana boat. But I just wish they had gone out with it more having that running joke between all three of them.

The other little issue was that I felt somewhat irked by the fact that this didn’t take place at least in Toronto, my hometown. I know that it was probably another logistics issue and whatnot but I just loved how the book showed how much the author loved the city and the actual Barry’s Bay which is north of here. Something that didn’t bother me as much but it was a shame they couldn’t use the city as the backdrop.

I think my biggest issue was Delilah and Charlie’s dynamic in this. I was really hoping that they wouldn’t have Delilah and Charlie together because I loved his love interest in the books, Alice. I related to Alice a lot and wasn’t a huge fan of Delilah in the books. While they give some nuance to Delilah here, that made you feel for her more, I just wasn’t liking her relationship with Charlie. I was also hoping that other people were not shipping them together to change his story entirely. Since I loved Alice and hoped we would see her soon.

Don’t get me wrong I loved this show and the way it took me to Barry’s Bay with Charlie, Sam and Percy. I just wanted to see more of the book’s small nuances that made it connect to me in certain aspects. Though even still, I wanted more from the series by the end and hoped the show would continue to bring the story to life.

[2shayll]

Hearing about how Hudson Williams had a resurfaced photo of him in high school with a swastika on his face made me sad. Not because I thought he really was someone who should be totally disparaged and cancelled. I was sad because I knew people would try to cancel him over this.

I saw a few people already post in defence of Hudson saying that yes, they were offensive symbols but he was just a teenager, doing stupid teenager things and that someone else drew it on his face. I agree with this.

I can tell you now that as teens we all do dumb things in our past. We may say dumb things or even do ignorant things that as teens, we need to be educated on. I can’t deny that I have said or done some things myself as well, wincing now as an adult at how bad I now know it is.

I can even relate to Hudson Williams, in being Asian and knowing that it doesn’t give me a free pass to be ignorant or somewhat racist. But being a teen, making dumb teen mistakes and decisions does not make someone who they are. I believe everyone can leave some things in the past because I bet if a lot of people had their past dredged up, they would also remember some of the regrettable things they’ve done.

[2shayll]

And in today’s controversy that has seemingly been blown out of proportion, I present to you R.F Kuang writing a fictional character that is Israeli.

In all seriousness, I was only just made aware of this whole thing a few hours ago. I only went a little ways down the rabbit hole about what the heck this controversy is all about. And I can tell you just from skim reading comments and an article, this definitely seems to have been blown out of proportion and context.

I’m someone who doesn’t subscribe to cancel culture a whole lot. Sure, if an author has real world opinions that are highly problematic, I wouldn’t want to support them. But to cancel someone based on little evidence? Not to mention an author who is known for insightful and introspective themes that teach lessons? Who has books about fighting colonialism, and racism? That doesn’t compute with me.

I’ve actually seen this before maybe about 10 years ago where people blacklisted an author named Laurie Forest for having themes of racism, homophobia, and prejudice. I thought and still think to this day, that this author was unfairly treated and despite these themes, they were not what people thought.

The author actively told a story about the FMC belonging to a fantasy race of people who had prejudice (racism and homophobia) against other peoples. The FMC learned not to judge, to let go of her veil of ignorance, and stop believing propaganda about other peoples. It taught a LESSON. Which a lot of authors do these days like I’ve seen R.F Kuang do before.

Look, I’ve read enough to see there’s more to this controversy and maybe not everyone is jumping on the R.F Kuang hate train quite yet. Maybe this issue is as everyone says and there isn’t a lesson to be learned here with the new book. That this character exists just for the sake of being Israeli. All I know is that I don’t like when people are so quick to jump on a controversy and not see for themselves the bigger picture. Like maybe this character is taught a lesson themselves. But for now we don’t know everything and most haven’t read this book. So I won’t stop reading R.F Kuang books any time soon just because of this.

[2shayll]

I saw a post on my Facebook feed and I agree with it about how I don’t see why people are so put off with the fact that Josh Heuston could be Xaden in Fourth Wing. (But this doesn’t mean he’s my firm #1 choice)

The post went on to say that the AI portrayals have created an unrealistic image in our minds with a guy who is towering and has muscles bigger than someone’s head. Like I’ve learned from working with art is like one of those historical paintings that portrays humans with exaggerated body types. Where yes, they’re beautiful but show an ‘idealism’ that not many humans actually would reach in real life.

I’m not saying I don’t like the AI posts, it’s just that they left most of us with a certain image in our heads. We may not find someone who will 100% match the images we’ve been shown. Especially if these images show someone with a body type that not many talented actors can hope to achieve.

I’ve said it before but I’ll mention again, I didn’t think Josh Hutcherson in The Hunger Games was tall enough to be Peeta at first but his acting skills proved me wrong and now, I think he is perfect Peeta Mellark.

All I’m saying is that if there is a real legit consideration for Josh Heuston, I won’t count him out. He may not have the height but I think he looks like Xaden in a way. And sure, if there are other actors who have a serious bid to be Xaden, I won’t be mad.

Side note: I will also be okay if he gets to be Bodhi.

[2shayll]

I don’t care what anyone says, I think Josh Heuston is a good potential choice as Xaden.

I remember when The Hunger Games casted Josh Hutcherson as Peeta. A lot of people (including me) were pretty skeptical of this choice bc of his height. The movie and his acting proved me WRONG. I grew to love him.

All I’m saying is that I hope people don’t rule him out just yet.

[2shayll]

I recently saw a talk show discuss the debate about giving fans some power over the direction of the storytelling on a tv show and/or book series

Most of them said that show runners and authors should not because it can be dangerous. It’ll make fans think they could dictate things.

I agree but also disagree with this because The Rookie and a few other shows are examples of the power that fans have over some decisions.

I’ve seen fan bases advocate for certain ships to happen and they usually do. The show runners listening to the fans because they know it will boost ratings. But I’ve also seen the flip side of this. Fans talking a lot about wanting their ship to happen but the show runner ignoring them (The 100 as my example here).

The big issue I saw happen in real time with the 100, was that fans got mad at the show runner, the show lost viewers, and ratings dropped. Even though I was one of those people mad that the ship didn’t happen, I hated to see others direct their anger into toxicity toward some of the other hard working people behind the show.

Yes, I think it wasn’t the best way to go about things but what I’m trying to say here is that fans already do have some power to make or break a show. With The 100, the show runner tried afterward to make a spinoff but it never took off because people didn’t trust the show runner to do right by this new show. And as far as I know, the show runner hasn’t made anything successful since.

This is the reason why I disagree that fans should not have power over a show but as for why I also somewhat agree is another is all about the toxicity and the quality of storytelling.

As I mentioned, when some fans get into their mind that a story should go a certain way such as with a ship happening, it can get toxic with some pushing for it to happen and others disagreeing. For me, even if I do take a side, I just have the writer’s mentality of just making it make sense. So if something the fans are pushing for doesn’t make sense, well…I don’t know what to tell you. All I’m saying here is that there’s a fine line between good quality storytelling and fan service.

Everyone may be wondering what this has to do with the Rookie and Chenford. I have to say that this fandom is another example of fans having the power over a show because after all Chenford did happen because we the fans wanted it. But as I see more people becoming a little unhappy with certain creative decisions lately, I do see some people hoping to appeal to the show runner about it. All I’m saying is that I hope some people don’t think they can direct too many decisions with the show because power is a responsibility as they say.

[2shayll]

I’m asking respectfully, please don’t be that fan who harasses the writers or show runners on social media about things. I’ve seen people get blocked on social media accounts by the show’s producers and then screenshotting it. I really want to believe that maybe these fans didn’t do anything harmful but I’ve heard and seen crazy things from some people in fandoms.

Let’s just say that certain show called The 100 had some ‘fans’ who harassed and even sent threats to the show runner and writers about a certain ship. While I do think maybe someone in the writer’s room thought the creative direction didn’t work logistically for the ship, I also do believe the show runner wouldn’t budge to make the ship happen bc of the toxicity of the fans.

My point here is that I only ask anyone on social media not happy with the show to be respectful because I don’t want anyone to raise too much ire. Or else it may ruin the show for everyone.

[2shayll]

I just got flashbacks and for a split second I thought that Min ho might’ve pulled a Jeremiah. Why did the writers give us a jump scare when they know that the whole Jeremiah thing gave us PTSD 😭

[2shayll]

I don’t think anyone here would really take the time to read what I’m going to say right now. But if you do, thank you so much.

I was in tears of frustration after going on X (I still call it twitter in my mind) and many people who don’t like the app may understand why.

I really don’t like to post or reply very much on Twitter to avoid getting into it with other people. But this time I did and I knew I shouldn’t have looking back.

I have an opinion about cancel culture that most might not agree with. I don’t always agree with it since some people with snap of a finger immediately think someone is horrible for saying something or doing something.

Of course, if some celebrity ended up in court and was proved to have committed SA or some form of harm to another person, I would write them off then and there. My dislike of cancel culture is only me shaking my head at the small things. Since I can see the hypocrisy and there isn’t totally a black and white POV in most things people are on the verge of being cancelled for.

I think of the recent incident with the glambot guy, everyone digging up his emails since he had a weird interaction with JLo at the golden globes. Everyone saying that he was rude and probably a horrible person in his emails to a customer. I don’t deny that I think it was kind of rude. BUT, I can tell you now that every third maybe even second person who criticized this guy would have something rude or make them not look so great in their own messages. If they were a figure in the public eye and you could look into their DMs or messages, you may find something that wouldn’t make them look that great. I won’t deny that I may have posted some things as well that would not put a good light on me.

My point here is that people are people and we all have our moments where we may be seen as not a very nice person. Which is why I feel like empathy is lost when cancel culture is in full force.

When something comes up about a celebrity that make them look bad, people usually react in a few ways; they either criticize and cancel them or brush it off saying that it’s not a big deal.

I think this is why celebrities try to keep their lives private. The public eye sees them under a microscope, judging every move they make. If they stumble and fall on their face, the public punishes them for it. What I do is I try to keep in mind that they are also just people even if they seem so out of reach to someone unknown like me.

I think people are entitled to their opinion but I think it is sometimes unfair when someone throws a proverbial tomato at a public figure based on little facts and evidence. People post things on social media online and you might think some things they say you don’t agree with. But if you had the chance to meet them in real life, you may see who they really are at their core and understand who they are even if they may have said some not very nice things before. Which I think says something about celebrities and the average person not truly knowing who they are.

Sure, maybe a celebrity is actually not a very nice person as you see in the media. If you have an overwhelming amount of evidence and facts, I would be right there beside you writing them off too. It’s those that may not deserve it that I wish people would empathize with more.

There’s a show called Skam that really resonated with me especially with a particular character’s sort of mantra that she goes by. The quote is “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.” I love this quote because it promotes empathy. It also aligns with her because this character deals with another who she thinks is horrible but grows to see different sides to him afterward. It makes me sad to see people in real life not seeing more to someone than what is portrayed outwardly.

For me, I was so frustrated and mad at this person on twitter who was trying to twist my opinion and deliberately misunderstand me. Until I remembered that I shouldn’t bicker when we were getting nowhere talking in circles and instead try to give them grace.

The thing is, I’m not a religious person who believes in total forgiveness and grace. I do believe though that everyone should open our minds and that even if you do write someone off, just try to understand what they’re going through a little bit.

[2shayll]

Can we also mention that Bonrad’s most toxic moments was also when they were teenagers!! They are adults now and have matured.

I agree anon. I think people will deny it but almost everyone has their toxic moments as teenagers. Both Belly and Conrad had some growing up to do and I think it really showed they matured in that finale.

[2shayll]

Seriously though…I’m so over the shipping toxicity that goes around these days. Yes, I disagree with JLaw but I still love her of course.

As a Bonrad shipper, I can admit that Conrad does have a few toxic moments but Jeremiah cheated on Belly and acted like the world revolved around him and Belly needed to drop everything for him. Whereas Conrad was suffering from mental health and couldn’t deal with himself let alone a relationship with his mother dying. And for me, the discussion can be sometimes that serious because I’ve dealt with mental health so I know what it feels like.

I thought that Belly should’ve been a little more understanding of what Conrad is going through during their prom with his mother on her death bed. I will relent since they were both just teens dealing with something as big as loss at the time. Anyway, if we’re comparing I will say that Jere is more toxic since he didn’t have an excuse.

I saw some more people refuel the shipper toxicity again on the socials hurling hate on both sides. For those saying that one side or another has crazy psychos, that’s like saying a certain group of people or a whole fanbase is all crazy. Stop generalizing, not everyone is like that. You don’t see me attacking someone online, or bullying someone because I disagree with them. I hate shipping wars because of this reason with the toxicity.

[certaindreamchopshop]

Being a ride-or-die Wyler shipper who’s also hardcore anti-Reylo is such an odd feeling.

[2shayll]

I never thought that Wednesday of all fandoms would grow to be this toxic, I don’t like what this fandom has become.

It’s funny bc I wanted to get away from all the toxicity of another show’s social media presence that just got out of hand but I see now that I’m scrolling on X amongst another one.

I heard something the other day that reminded me how some people can be so toxic and hateful online. We sometimes forget the fact that people on social media are protected behind their social media presence online and are anonymous to all the other strangers. There is power in that, not being afraid to share any type of thought.

But my point is this, I hate shipping wars for this reason. I’ve seen people putting others down and name calling, it’s gotten to be too much. Although I am team Wyler, I still hope everyone is kind to each other whichever side you’re on

[2shayll]

I don’t know what the frack is going on bc I stopped watching the buccaneers at around episode 2. However, I’m almost glad I did get out when I could.

I haven’t bothered dodging spoilers on social media and what I’ve seen makes me sad. People in the fandom fighting about ships and characters when there’s really not a lot of reason to do it. I don’t like engaging in toxicity in fandoms.

Even though I haven’t watched this season, what I can say from what I’ve seen is that this show doesn’t feel like it respects all its characters. I know enough to see that it seems to drag some of them through the mud. Nan, supposedly the biggest FMC in the first season, being reduced to being wishy washy. Being the girl who can’t make up her mind in her love life. I heard the love triangle was pretty much over but the mess is not over yet. I hate love triangle messiness especially if it’s your best friend (Not hating on theolizzy here). But I don’t like all this Nan hate, trust me, I’ve seen worse for a FMC.

I’ve watched my share of shows that have all kinds of messiness and toxicity but I start to feel indifferent when it gets to be too much. Already, I disengaged with this show because I saw things getting messy both within the fandom and the show and I couldn’t deal with both. I don’t know, I might watch the show again when all the chatter dies down, but all I know is that I wish fandoms were more positive and healthier.

[2shayll]

I saw someone say that people who don’t like Jeremiah have ideas rooted in misogyny and biphobia.

I absolutely hate ship wars for this reason. I, as someone who ships Bonrad do not hate Jeremiah bc he’s bi or because of some kind of misogyny. It’s because of all that he does, and how he acts that made me not like him.

Even if Belly and Jere were actually broken up, he slept with another girl even when he claims to love Belly so much even when they supposedly had a ‘break.’ Not to mention, it was even worse in the books where literally 5 seconds after Jere tells Belly he slept with another girl, he proposes, as if that would fix everything (of course not).

My unpopular opinion is that Belly made some bad decisions and some people dismiss her behaviour. This is not because of misogyny. This is my feminism talking and saying that Belly is letting herself be defined by her relationship and letting Jere take the lead. That she is also childish and wasn’t too bright for accepting Jeremiah’s proposal. She just proves she’s not ready for marriage by stomping her feet and arguing with her mother that she should get married.

I like this show bc of its bittersweet moments of a loved one’s memories and the depth of discussions of love and mental health, but sometimes I can’t stand the messiness.

[2shayll]

I honestly have mixed feelings about Seth after this episode. I feel only a little bad that he lost his leg but I don’t feel that much sympathy for him.

I can see that the writers are probably trying to write a redemption arc for him but I think it’s the ‘how’ that I think would be tricky. If they are going this route, I think it will be pretty hard for Seth to get back into the good graces of the audience. I certainly didn’t feel a lot of sympathy for him since his lies caught up and he met the consequences with Tamara.

So far, I think that if the writers are trying to do a redemption arc, they have a long way to go. A good study in a redemption arc for a character was in the show Ted Lasso. In my opinion, it was one of the best redemption arcs ever. Though I won’t say who the character is to spoil it, I can say that if somehow, the writers change my mind with Seth I will applaud them. But for now, I don’t know how Seth will factor well into the future of the show.