’Twas brillig,

|Rita|Portugal|'95|Wannabe writer|Making media reviews on youtube

[frecklystars]

☆ - ̗̀✨ He's just Ken ✨ ̖́- ☆

[caveatscriptor]

S.A.B. S2: Episode 8

Here we are. Not Kaz giving Nik the cane and saying he has more experience with pain. 😣

“Yes my man! I mean we haven’t put a label on it.” Jesper you are the only one who makes me laugh in such a dire mood.

“Make them redraw all the maps” ahhhhhh “I love you” “You know where to find me” When I tell you I cried. This scene right here, it hurt me a thousand times more in the tv show than in the books.

Inej should’ve been able to keep that blade after all the slaying she did with it and looking so good at the same time. I swear she should at least add a sword to her arsenal. That’s it. It’s all that I need

“The world doesn’t need a saint to protect it, it needs a monster.” And he was ready to be it. He even tried to save Alina from his own nichevoya. Which is also a big difference from the books. It really threw me off how he made sure she wouldn’t get hurt whatsoever. Anyhow, I which we got the darkling’s book quote while he lay dying, being afraid of dying alone. That’s all, otherwise, great performance. I also prefer that Alina kept her powers instead of passing them to random people.

So… Alina is the one that brings back Mal with merzost. I LOVE THIS CHANGE. ITS PERFECT CANNON DIVERGENCE. And they even mention the plan that actually happens in the books but, this is much better and less convoluted and it gives Alina’s character a “well, when are the consequences going to kick in?”.

The ruby and the ring schematics. I… don’t touch me. I can’t. We didn’t even have proper Genya and David time. Leave me in this corner crying alone.

“I don’t know what I’m meant for.” THIS! YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND HOW HAPPY I AM! Through the books I wanted and needed Mal to be his own person, and he’s getting it in the tv show. It’s going to be glorious. When I heard he got to be Sturmhond I shouted, TAKE INEJ WITH YOU! I’m so happy. This is really smart of the writers, truly. I want to be part of that ships’ crew. That really is one of the best ideas they had. And Mal really suits Sturmhond. It’s fantastic. I’m in love with it. I’m just a bit… were they foreshadowing Tolya and Inej or was that just me? Just me?

“I will have you without your armor, Kaz Brekker. Or I will not have you at all.” They said the quote, and all the other quotes. This convo at the church. Write this in my tombstone. It was perfect, and truly, both Inej and Mal need time apart from the people they love. They need a new perspective and finding themselves. Ah. But Kanej was so good this season.

The fact that I literally thought “huh maybe Nikolai will now give Mal the lucky compass” and he did. Ah! I wish we had more bonding time between these two. Honestly.

“I’m not kissing you if you’re not thinking of me instead of trying to forget him.” This was the line that made me fall for this man. Ahhhhhhh. So good 😍 and the fact that he admits that he would be completely alone if not for Alina. Oh, and Alina’s crown 😍😍😍 it looks so good on her

So Alina is actually staying and being the leader of the Second Army (this is all I’ve wanted for the books, you don’t understand); but the triumvirate being Zoya, Genya and Alina is a bit weird. I still wish they would get another person. But it’s fine. These three are actually becoming one of my favorite trios. It’s just really for logics’ sake that I wanted that. “I look amazing in blue.” Zoya!! The triumvirate will be a success I’m sure 😂

So they have the fjerdan jurda parem attack and Alina uses a shadow cut. I have theories, but it doesn’t make much sense, because in the show the darkling never hurt her, so it’s weird that she’s wielding his power. If it’s merely because he’s dead she gets both powers it doesn’t make sense, because for all the time he existed he never got that. So I don’t know? Will we see a power hungry Alina? That would be interesting 😌

Btw Nik… during the coronation… he looked so good it isn’t fair 😣

Love Kaz’s new cane. Love that we may be getting the ice court job. Hate that Pekka got into Matthias’ skin and Nina lost his pardon in the most stupid way possible. (Btw after the interviews when Matthias’ actor said he hadn’t been with the other crows yet, I immediately thought he would be on Hellgate the whole season… but like… I wish we had a bit more of him going insane from being in prison and from turning his back on being a druskelle… that’s all. Matthias deserved that… but oh well)

Final thoughts

Anyway, all in all a good season. Will we possibly have Ben Barnes back as the darkling??? Nobody knows. But I really liked most of the changes, especially to how it panned out during the confrontation between Alina and the darkling in the fold and especially Mal’s character.

Hate that Nina and Matthias didn’t even have a scene alone together. Anything. Or at least a more Matthias centric part of him not knowing how to cope. I don’t know. I didn’t like his cell mate bit, sorry.

Kanej dominated the ships. They had so much chemistry and so many good scenes. It was great really.

Wesper… WE’VE BEEN ROBBED OF THE FIRST TIME THEY MET! Other than that; quite good.

David and Genya, it was so brief. It got snatched away from us so quickly. I wish they had more cute moments together first.

Will we have a Zoyalai centric season next? If yes, sign me up. Sign. Me. Up.

Best friendship dynamics this season: 1) Kaz and Nina; 2) Zoya and Nina; 3) Tolya and Jesper. There’s something about Nina needling Kaz. I just love how Zoya is all “we are soldiers and you are just an idiot in love making us look bad”. Tolya and Jesper it’s like they are so alike but then Tolya is more calm and Jesper has no idea of what that word means 😂.

Best characters/character arcs: 1) Genya; 2)Mal; 3) Baghra. Genya had her poison monologue, and it was great in the books and the show carried it out well. But the actress was really outstanding, she had a lot of drama this season and she delivered. Mal… I just love the changes, and I truly hope we get to see him shine and be and discover himself. Well done writers/show runners. Baghra, I just love how we truly got her personality down and how she went down and still helped the good guys, even if it was against her son. She’s one of the most nuanced characters in the show.

[caveatscriptor]

S.A.B. S2: Episode 7

The convo between mal and the darkling, and then throwing “cousin” almost as an insult at each other was hilarious.

But honestly I felt really bad for Mal. At least he had a small moment with Nikolai, which also reminded me why I like Nik’s character so much 🥹.

“Promise me you’ll survive this battle Nikolai. One of us has to” ahhhhh we got full Alina and Nikolai moment. I can’t take it.

Love that the darkling brought the battle to them. The show down was at the fort and not at the orphanage. They really were ambushed. Also, the darkling’s team being all amplified was a great touch. I truly think the best fighting was amongst darkling’s little army and Nikolai’s. The effects were great. When they were attacked by the moot it looked so good. And then evening the odds by fighting in the fog. Honestly the effects and fighting was really good this episode.

“Brave and unbreakable, Genya Saffin” 😭 The fact that he ran away before, but this time he chose to protect her. I… I really really liked them by the end of the trilogy, this really hit me. Especially, again Genya’s actress, her distress as he close her in and got her away from the fight. That was a great scene.

The crows show up to help. I cannot express in words what I feel watching Inej being the one killing the nichevoya left and right with the cool sword. It was so good. Also, Jesper using what he learned from Neyar. 🥹 It was so great!! And Tolya giving Tamar that bear hug!!! It was so cute 😊

“My demolitions expert.” “Expert? Yes, expert” I love Wylan and Kaz’s dynamic it’s so good. The one that takes the cake this season though it’s him and Nina honestly. (Him and Inej is different ok, I don’t consider it to be in the same realm).

The Malina scene with them kissing and Alina trying to bring down the fold was so beautiful.

Of course, the darkling had to show up. I was so proud of Alina for using the cut, but… Mal had to be down. I’m not ready for this 😭

[lilisouless]

Where you see a ruined Zoyalai, i see the possibility of smashing the allegations that Nikolai only fell for Zoya because he couldn’t have Alina

Please guys! Have more vision

[caveatscriptor]

Oh, yes. THIS. If he falls for Zoya while engaged to Alina, can you imagine??? I don't see Alina ever stopping loving Mal or being interested in Nik as more than a friend. Now, we don't have captain of the personal guard Mal... it would be so good. Just imagine the drama, the pining... it would be so good.

[caveatscriptor]

S.A.B. S2: Episode 6

MVP of this episode: Baghra. She had the best exit too.

Poison scene: why wasn’t everyone having nightmares?? I really wish they were all freaking out, but no. We only get Kaz on the suffering wheel again. (Nitpicky: the butterfly eating was so stupid to me)

“She thought I was one of my fathers abominations.” “She was wrong.” “She was right. Have you not been paying attention?” Baghra is truly one of the best adapted characters. During this whole episode she’s completely unapologetic. And don’t start me on her death. “Know that I loved you and it wasn’t enough.” “Stupid boy” the broken swan falls from her hand. Again, one of the best shots, and the parallels. It’s just 👌 She went out like a badass and still helped Alina.

Sankta Neyar is actually a great secondary character. Her monologue “He’s not my weakness, two worlds make a universe.” It’s beautiful and some of the best writing. At first I thought her and her husband were an older Inej and Kaz combo, but once we knew she was a saint, it’s very much an Alina and Mal combo. But, still. Very interesting storyline. Oh! And the fight scene looked so good! Thank you. Whoever directed this episode. Great skills.

“You are too old to be a terrible durast.” I also love that she’s the one who inspires Jesper. Btw Tolya’s diplomatic skills are so good.

“She’s setting herself up for heartbreak.” “We fight for what matters the most.” “Right, Ravka.” Zoya my fave, stop😭😭😭

Thank you show, for Mal and Alina getting together AFTER the connection between her and the darkling is severed. It’s such a nice moment, and they deserve it 😌

And now we talk about the ship that keeps wrecking me. The whole poison gas thing, Inej’s hallucination… I know I wanted a nightmare (it would’ve been great if she saw Tante Heleen, just saying), but that whole scene…

“For once don’t disappear, just stay.” Him, removing her daggers and then his gloves. Which immediately reminded me of “I will have you without your armor or not at all” 😭😭😭

“May I?” “Yes” he’s just holding her waist!!! I’m a wreck. These two, this season, I just can’t.

[caveatscriptor]

S.A.B. - S2: Episode 5

The darkling really had to be reminded of the most strategic move, only for him to be like “but they have my sun summoner, so do what I say until I get her”. SMH

Alina is fully hallucinating. Great. Great. Wtf. Hello? Who’s THAT extra? Dang. He could be a twin of the darkling.

Not cutting from Kaz having a hellish nightmare right into Wesper morning bliss. C’mon.

Dang Zoya cutting into Nina immediately “just forgot your loyalty to Ravka”. Zoya asking for inej 😍😍

Lol not Nina being fully upfront and saying Kaz would rather push Inej away than confessing.

Not Genya crumbling as Nik recognizes her and immediately accuses her of poisoning the king. That Alina and Genya hug was everything.

These 2. “Why would you do this with your freedom?” “I’m not here for you. I’m here for Sankta Alina”

No. The passport. I forgot. Jesper. Don’t be a dipsh*t.

Excuse me not David pursuing Genya, and her having a run in with the queen only for him to bolt. What?

Genya’s actress. Dang. Knocking it out of the park with the poison monologue. Ooooh. Are you truly changing ravka or not? Dang.

Your beauty is your armor. Best quote from the books. She found her way by getting to the sound of his heart. This makes me weak 😭

Not Tolya never being able to say his poems. Not Jesper trying to fix things and getting it worse.

Nina calling Kaz waffles 🤣 and my husband. God not this combo. Nina putting her hand over Kaz. Poor man. Why was Kaz, the one that looks like sh*t, the one at the meeting to get the blade? So stupid.

“I couldn’t leave you. Not like this.” Kanej is hitting me like a train every and each time.

Not Baghra going full Snape on Alina and teaching her how to block Alexander.

Hmmm… ? Mal is back no explanation? He just shows up? That was so random. They could’ve done this in so many ways, but no. That was off screen, doesn’t matter. What?

Damnit not alina seducing the darkling. I’m weak. The problem with wanting, is that your girl is smarter than you. 🙃

The argument between Mal and Alina was so good. “I’ll offer you the firebird, that’s all I have to offer. Same old trick.” DANGGG

Now Pekka fighting Matthias prison mate, now that was ruthless. That was what I wanted when he was beating Kaz up. That type of fury was what I was expecting.

Omg I loveeee Alina admitting to Baghra that she’s not confident in herself, that Alexander was the one that instilled that in her and now she feels insecure. “You are who you are in spite of him.”

Not the Nikolai scene with the ring and the compass. They actually made it really sweet in the show, the relationship between these two.

“You are trying to tell me about my shame when you hide what makes you special” dang Wylan. And the don’t patronize me. On point. He’s got some of the best writing in the show.

“It’s not a blessing it’s a curse and you have no idea what it has cost me.” Well, guess it’s Jesper’s mom time.

Ok Kaz falling due to the poison gas and actually falling into the water scene, is really cinematic, it’s the best shot of this season so far. But damn can he not have a break from all of that?

[caveatscriptor]

Kaz: “There are those who drown us and those who pull us out.”

Inej: “Hope is dangerous, clouds your judgement.”

[caveatscriptor]

S.A.B. S2: Episode 4

Did they really took out Mal so there would be a reason why alina might slip and start having feelings for nik? They really had to take out my man Mal like that, otherwise it wouldn’t happen. He has been nothing but supportive and has actually valid reasons when he speaks with Alina. I like him so much 😔 “I came here for you” 🥲

Btw Vasily can choke. I had to be remembered how much we suffered with him in the books. He really had be me begging the darkling to end my suffering and he fully delivered it in the same episode 🤣 Now that’s having my prayers answered swiftly 😇

We have our Baghra and Genya combo, it honestly made me feel better that Genya had Baghra on the very least. But the whole set up with their cages in the middle of the room was so off putting to me. What the hell? Yes, let’s have the alkemi stand and you know what? Let’s put in the cages here as well for ambiance.

Alexander is really out here brining out his mother’s favorite dessert as incentive??? This has the same energy as asking mal for Alina’s favorite flower and getting it the next moment 😂

Nina brought Kaz to Pekka…. I didn’t like that. Sorry. I just… it doesn’t sit well with me. Otherwise, kaz really was the devil, making Pekka’s little kid watch as his father was arrested. That said. WHY WAS THERE NOT A FULLY FLEDGED FLASHBACK FROM BEGINNING TO END? I just hate this type of edit. Wholeheartedly. Specially because Kaz’s story was a prime source for a really good flashback. 😣😞😒 I’m just disappointed.

Wesper is the cutest. Thing is. WE WERE ROBBED!!! Where’s their first meeting? What is this? ☹️

Anyway… we had my Nikolai being so cute with Alina. Which made me feel like shit because of Mal. 😫 but nikolai 😍 ahhhhh

“I have not intention of hurting you.” Stop. Being. So. Damn. Likable. You are the villain!

“I have seen what you truly are and I’ve never turned away.” 😣

“You don’t want me to destroy the fold. Because I’ll the destroy the only thing you have left.” Well… now Alina really hit the nail on the head.

But truly, the whole “only I can help you” that the darkling is doing… well… it’s really effective, I can see why alina would sway a bit 👀

Oh. And do not talk to me on the Kaz and Inej convo… 😭 please.

[caveatscriptor]

Kaz: “I didn’t know if you…”

Inej: “I’m fine.”

Me: Well… guess what? I’m not! 🥹

[caveatscriptor]

S.A.B. S2: Episode 3

“There was a moment where you might’ve earned her love, another lesson?” Baghra is only here to roast the living hell out of her son, and I’m here with my popcorn.

Ok, ok, listen. I love the crows, but why are we getting crooked kingdom before there even was the ice court heist???? What? We got the save Inej scheme (the komedie costumes), Pekka has a kid???? As his weakness???? (Byw not Wylan flexing his piano skills on a kid 😂) and black veil is already their hideout? I don’t know, it’s just weird the way they are mixing and matching book scenes and specially pacing.

And Kaz fighting the dregs to assume leadership? What fresh hell is this? This man uses his brain and only in need will he use his own fists instead of someone else’s. Speaking of which, Kaz uses flattery with Per Haskell, what is going on? I know the show wants to show him desperate, but still… I need full scheming Kaz.

Another thing, the way the fight scenes were cut/edited is a bit weird. It reminds me of RDJ’s Sherlock Holmes with random slow motion movements, but at least there we had a voice over, here it’s just… weird.

Also… I love inej x kaz… but Kaz telling her so quickly that it’s because Pekka killed his brother… do you know how long kaz doesn’t confide in anyone anything any little detail in the books??? It was a bit too gratuitous to just have him tell Inej the minute they are alone. (Oh! And Nina interrupts them? It’s funny, but… the wraith and dirty hands did not notice somebody coming?)

“It was dark, and when I woke up you were gone” Jesper, I could hit you over the head with a hammer right now. Sunshine was a hookup of yours and you didn’t even remember until now??? 😰

“You need alliances” Zoya, stop flirting with Alina like that, your future man is in the same building 😆

“What happens is up to me” I love Inej, but I also need Inej and her saints subtheme. I honestly am a bit afraid of starting on a change like this 3 episodes in. On a second season.

“I should be your greatest shame” I love Genya so much. God. I forgot how intricate her character truly is. I wish she had more scenes with the darkling, truly.

“I will be waiting for you with open arms. Sweet dreams.” Sir. This is a Wendy’s. 🫣

Alina knocking on a door. And my man showing up looking so damn fine. 😮‍💨

[caveatscriptor]

S.A.B. S2: Episode 2

The taxidermist’s costume is a joke. A bad joke. Oh, and we have the Charlie’s angel’s creepy villain back?

Why do we have short outbursts of flashbacks? Why don’t we have a continuous flashback? I really hate how short they are this season and how they keep being peppered in.

Inej was the one securing the rope? Physics said bye that day? Wut?

Nina in her prime cannot incapacitate 3 men with her power??? Excuse me? Like there was no distractions or anything.

I loved the dynamics between Genya and the darkling in the books. So this scene was 👌

Vladim, yet another extra. Though the “no judgement” had me in stitches.

Another extra just to get the journal and Baghra. “You kept me in this hellhole for weeks and even I look better than you” 💅

“And you trust Kaz?” Wylan… my boy… 😎

“We have met before, haven’t we?” Freaking knew it. But asking this under a carriage while being shot at? Prime Jesper behavior.

In my opinion Jesper is doing way too much durast sh*t when in the books he was barely able to properly control it (just my 2 cents).

Why is no one even questioning getting the third amplifier??? Everybody is immediately “oh, yes the amplifiers that everybody knows about”; but no one says, well you should get the 3 of them? You know to tear down the fricking fold. Eh?

[caveatscriptor]

“My Alina”

General Alexander Kirigan, please, stop,

For my own sanity’s sake

[caveatscriptor]

S.A.B. - S2: Episode 1 (what geared me apart like a volcra)

Not Pekka leaving them without a house (which I had already been spoiled for…) he HAS INEJ’s indenture!!!! My heart dropped to the floor.

And Kaz’s reaction 😭😭😭

Ugh. I’m reading crooked kingdom. I’m becoming a kaz stan and this is not alright. Ok? I hated this man.

And then tv show kaz and crooked kingdom are hitting me all at once.

His face when Inej told him the news about her indenture. God.

[caveatscriptor]

With that out of the way.

My main impressions from this episode.

I feel like there are so many extras, with just a line or two and for what? I don’t know, I guess it’s the first episode, but it just felt cramped. Maybe it’s just me.

Why do we need more scenes of Pekka being a d*ck. We don’t need more screen time for him. Kaz’ backstory is way more than enough.

The way the darkling says “Alina” during the nightmare/connection thing. Ugh 🫣

Nikolai and Kaz outwitting each other (high key, really, really, enjoyed that 🫠 - I have a thing for highly intelligent men trying to show how smart they are I guess)

“We are crows, not vultures!” Jesper, stop 😂

They are basically all wanted for something or other, but Kirigan and Alina have a whole fanart of them both it’s just always so funny to me.

There was only one bed 👀 (“no chances left untaken” 🥺 my babies)

The darkling had two separate entrances in the same episode… this man and his dramatics. My. Several. Saints.

Kaz wanting to send Inej away immediately after the news. 😢 “I’m not leaving you” 😭😭

Wesper!! Have they met before though? (Wylan stopped himself he fully went “We’ve” but then never said anything else).

Crow club explodes. “Was that yours?” Jesper, stop! ✋ (my baby Wylan is too precious 🥺)

“Honestly he’s the love of my life” Nina!!!!! 😭 she looked so distraught. Poor baby 🥺

“Brick by brick”; “the barrel doesn’t belong to kings, it belongs to bastards” (not kaz having the best lines. Ugh. And kit went all out with them)

Btw we got the transport scene, but instead of Inej noticing, it’s Jesper. I don’t know how to feel about it.

This episode also felt a lot of “look, see, we can tie everything together” aka Nina-arken; wylan-flash bomb that saved Kaz from the darkling (the whole fandom wouldn’t stop meming it); dreesen-nikolai. Like, ok, sure. But did we need all of that? I don’t know… the dreesen-nikolai one felt specially weird, but ok. Here’s your pat on the back show.

[caveatscriptor]

S.A.B. S2: Episode 1 (what teared me apart like a volcra)

Not Pekka leaving them without a house (which I had already been spoiled for…) he HAS INEJ’s indenture!!!! My heart dropped to the floor.

And Kaz’s reaction 😭😭😭

Ugh. I’m reading crooked kingdom. I’m becoming a Kaz stan and this is not alright. Ok? I hated this man.

And then tv show Kaz and crooked kingdom are hitting me all at once.

His face when Inej told him the news about her indenture. God.

[caveatscriptor]

My unhinged review of the S2 trailler of Shadow and Bone

You are welcome.

So basically they all look way too good, and I'm itching to know how they can possibly make the lovesick darkling look bad (and if we are going to get the connection/tether scenes in the tv show 🥵)

Oh, and if we get Zoya and Nikolai interaction... I might scream into oblivion

[caveatscriptor]

Pt. 2: Aka tumblr has a limit of 30 images, here are the other 4 that I couldn't fit in the first post

[caveatscriptor]

2023 Journal - part 1

Here are my new beauties! I'll be using them to record the media that I consume, aka books, movies, tv shows and any other format that I deem fit.

I've never journaled before, wish me luck. This is more of a personal thing/hobby, that will also help me keep track of the things that I love the most (aka stories, storytelling, in any way shape or form). I know there are websites for that, and internet is for forever, but nothing beats the charm of a notebook.

[taylorscrows]

MY QUEENS ALL HAIL

[caveatscriptor]

😍