Whelp SpyXFamily is once again my hyperfixation. (TLDR below)
I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting on how fans, myself included, engage with things. Because I’ve read several books and watched plenty a TV series without getting hyper-fixated on something and turning to tumblr/reddit feeling desperate for more content. I think there’s value in asking ourselves “what am I getting out of this, what do I like about this, why do I feel attached to this thing in particular?” On a low-level, it can be a fun exercise that highlights our interests. On a deeper level it can bring to the surface what we are craving, how we perceive things, our values, our fears, our wants and our needs.
When we boil it down, I think we get the most invested in things when a mixture of two things are happening:
1. We are using the work/story to digest something or process our experiences.
2. We are using the work/story to escape or take a break from our real lives.
Zooming out, when something becomes particularly popular (enough to analyse an apparent trend) we can make bigger reflections on what this suggests about our larger communities. What sorts of stories do people seem to be craving these days? What are the characteristics of the people that enjoy this? Why is this popular right now? What is the author’s intent and what is the people’s interpretation? However, I think these questions are better suited to video essays, film studies, and media literacy topics.
On a personal level: It is healthy to know ourselves. It is useful to know what brings us comfort and how we process things.
These questions are not limited to fiction. We can do the same thing with more abstract forms of content (fashion, aesthetics, politics, beliefs, sports, hobbies). We can be a fan of anything; fiction, fungi, language, old Nokia phones, trains, planes, and automobiles, lions, tigers, and bears (oh my!) But I think fiction in particular lends itself as a more direct medium for reflecting on what ideals we long for in life than, say, Kevin’s enthusiasm for yellow #2 pencils.
A specialist in art might attempt to explain why a painting was or was not significant. An art critic may assess a painting’s quality with a trained eye. A fan derives pleasure engaging with the art on a particularly enthusiastic level because of some sense of attachment. What may deeply resonate with one could feel like a shallow puddle of boredom to another. Just because you don’t find it all that deep does not mean it has no depth, after all, art is subjective.
Looking at fans through this lens, it makes sense that “fans on the internet” have a tendency to get defensive about their theories, interpretations, and upset when stories go a different direction than what they had hoped. If you enjoyed X and the author decides to focus on Y instead, then it can feel like that thing you like is being taken away from you. If someone disagrees with your interpretation then it can feel like an attack on your personal imagination’s safe space. The most heated debates come from the most passionate fans. Often, there are elements (characters, plots, themes) that different fans will feel differently about. Just as I find it valuable to reflect on what we fans do like, I also think it valuable to reflect on what we do not care for as much. Why do I find X so entertaining but completely bored by Y?
TLDR: Art and critical thinking are important. Self reflection is healthy. Understanding why we as individuals have a particular attachment to a story is therefore a useful skill in self-reflection and critical thinking. Seeing the responses from other fans is interesting.
My current hyper-fixation is SpyXfamily. I like to analyse things. So I’m going to analyse my current hyperfixation as 1) an excuse to engage with the thing I like in a way I enjoy 2) reflect on why I and perhaps others like this thing and 3) think about the fandom of which I am technically a member. (In this essay I will explain why I like the thing I like in attempt to reflect on why others also like this thing because this is a thing I like these days.)
┈୨୧┈ Give them reasons they CAN'T be together that aren't just manufactured drama. Not miscommunication. Not love triangles. Not arbitrary "I push people away" trauma with no real exploration. Give them REAL obstacles: they're on opposite sides of a conflict, timing is wrong, there are actual consequences to being together, they have incompatible life goals, there's a power imbalance they need to resolve first. The obstacles should be meaningful and require actual character growth to overcome, not just a conversation.
┈୨୧┈ Make the friendship foundation SO STRONG that readers ship them before the romance even starts. They should genuinely LIKE each other. They should have inside jokes. They should seek each other out just to hang out. They should trust each other. They should have fun together. When the romantic feelings start developing, it should feel like "oh no, I don't want to ruin this friendship" because the friendship is genuinely valuable. Readers should be able to believe they'd still choose to be in each other's lives even if romance never happened.
┈୨୧┈ Let the tension BUILD in layers over time. First they notice each other. Then they start seeking excuses to be near each other. Then they start getting jealous. Then they start having Moments. Then they start thinking about each other constantly. Then comes the almost-kisses. Then the accidental intimacy. Then the barely-hidden feelings. Each phase should have time to breathe before moving to the next level. Slow burn means SLOW - readers should be desperate for them to get together LONG before they actually do.
┈୨୧┈ Show how they change each other gradually. He starts smiling more because of her. She becomes braver because he believes in her. They adopt each other's habits and phrases. They start to see the world differently because of the other person's influence. Slow burn is about showing two people gradually becoming essential to each other's lives. They should be woven into each other's character development, not separate from it.
┈୨୧┈ Make the payoff WORTH the wait. After chapters or books of tension, the moment they finally get together should be EARNED and SATISFYING. A CONVERSATION where they're finally honest. A moment where they choose each other despite the obstacles. A confession that feels like a dam breaking. The first kiss should feel like the conclusion of a long journey and the beginning of something new. Readers have been waiting for this, so make it count. Make it feel like YES, THIS WAS WORTH IT.
So, I originally thought chapter 133 and the arc started in chapter 134 took place simultaneously in the same day, on the weekend.
Then I re-read Chapter 133.
So that explains why Twilight was in his work clothes…because it was a regular work day
Whereas chapter 134 takes place on the weekend.
I was really stuck because unless a completely separate spy drama were to summon Twilight away from the party, I couldn’t think of any reason why he would change into his work clothes.
I’m actually happy if that’s not the case because 1) that would be a bit too similar to the mole arc and 2) that means the location for the current arc is the party! Which is great because there’s so much potential for drama, character development, comedy, and stakes if the party remains the focus. And of course, the commute home from the party…
I had such a strong gut feeling about this week's chapter that I had a hard time sleeping the night before release. Let’s. Freaking. Go! This was my first official spoiler-free new chapter as I’ve slowly been rereading from the beginning, and oh my, I love this manga.
Yor has always been my favorite character because she is The Heart of the series; she reflects on her emotions, challenges herself to grow, and, as a result, naturally develops much of the story (todo plans to discuss this more in a deeper analysis). And this chapter is confirmation of so much growth (which we’ve already known Yor to display).
While I knew Endo was cooking, a part of me was still afraid that we were going to be in “development chicken” with Yor adding distance to Loid and being very low self-esteem (he’s too perfect, he could never return my feelings, why imitate anything). Afterall this is what so many writers like to do (just dangle that carrot for a few chapters). So, while I knew Endo was cooking, I didn’t know how long he would make us wait. But like many, I was pleasantly surprised!
I love how on-the-nose Endo was with the title. “The five-year love plan,” eh? hehehe (cue the new fanfic title theme).
This is really cute, classic, normal domestic life. It’s also so fun to see the dynamics changing with the co-workers. I know they have selfish intentions, but the gals wanting to spend time with Yor is still really sweet because look how much things have changed!
I think Yor unintentionally walled herself off from the gals club early days in a way that comes off as rude. She didn’t know how to act 'normal', so she just avoided socialising, and it made it seem like she rejected the conventions that the girls sign up to (traditional femininity and marriage) and was stand-offish to their attempts to converse (what do you think, Yor? Hm?) So it’s nice to see that things really changed when Yor just simply started…opening herself up more. Talking, engaging, saying yes to things. She’s still not “normal” in their eyes, but she’s not walled off either. Everyone, including Yor, has been surprised by how much she has changed since the series started (we love to see it).
Yor is fully acknowledging the implications (and still going forward with it!) (We love to see it)
Also, it looks like Endo is teasing a potential jealousy plot…TBH, I don’t think he would do a traditional jealousy arc for Twilight/Loid. But that doesn’t mean he won't take the classic trope and cook something up in a different direction (that will be just as fun). I think Hemlock is a back-burner character that can always stir things up and trigger some plot for laterrrrr. Endo added this character (a single man in Yor's public circle who knows her secret) for a reason, afterall! Orrrr, with Millie's waste-no-time-attitude, perhaps there could be adouble-date (help me get a date with Hemlock, Yor). It may be a while, but I trust Endo has fun plans with Hemlock as a character!
Cue Yuri’s interruption:
I breathed a sigh of relief that Yor not only immediately shot that down, but then made a full “I want” statement! (Yor is setting boundaries and we love to see it!)
And then my face looked about like Yuri’s bc I was *not* expecting this level of development
So Yor has realised her feelings, admitted it out loud to two different people (who know her very well) on separate occasions, and is straight-up taking the step to initiate a date with Loid without any excuse. I was afraid Endo would stall progress with Yor going full acceptance to immediate defeat and retracting inward. But nope!
I think the fact that Yor is willing to admit this, to herself and out loud, to an adult, is a huge development. This is also a big shock for Yuri. Sure, everything is, but this was different. Big shock + Yor being genuine + Yor setting boundaries. (We love to see it!!) She doesn't let Yuri's behavior get in the way at all this time; she leaves him to pick himself up.
(Fingers crossed Chloe makes an appearance and can talk some sense into Yuri about his behavior. Given what Yor just said to him, he really needs to start listening hehe)
About Twilight...
His reactions to Yor are eyes closed with Loid’s hyper-likeable, cheery face, and his monologue is purely focused on work. Normally, he would be quick to collect, y'know, more information (oh, I didn’t realise Yor was in to this sort of thing, etc). But here he is, not trying to calculate Yor's equation, which is especially interesting considering he recently said he needs to work to better understand Yor…
Two ways you can read this: either he is [already] down bad and just making excuses bc he subconsciously likes the idea of a date with Yor, or, [more likely,] he is extra guarded and trying really hard to stay focused on work. However, didn’t he recently make the case that he needs to better understand Yor “for the mission” in chapter 120? -> Twilight is being inconsistent. He needs to get to know Yor “for the mission,” yet when his brain goes straight to work regarding a date, he doesn’t consider Yor at all. So what exactly is his brain working on? The mission, making excuses, or keeping his guard up? Is he over-the-top in character as Loid as a defense mechanism, or is his genuine reaction becoming more like Loid? (Both? Both is good!)
Something isn’t for the mission, and it shows.
Twilight hasn’t really looked at Yor for a while, and he’s definitely not looking at her in this chapter! I suspect the next time he truly looks at Yor (which will happen despite his best efforts because she will be herself and catch him off guard), he’s going to be rather unprepared for how it hits him.
These days, they are on completely different pages (or at least trying to be). But boy, they sure seem to be on the same page when reacting to Anya’s suggestion! (Something isn’t for the mission, and it shows.)
Let’s talk about the significance of this:
Yor is not “changing herself” to appeal to Loid. She’s just going to be her unmasked self. That speaks volumes for her confidence and, yes, we love to see it. But also, that’s just so lovely. Yor is skipping the classic bullshitTM that so many people lose sleep over to get someone to 'notice' them. I love how straightforward she always is (even when she doesn’t realise it). One of the major reasons Yor fell in love with Loid is because of how accepted he made her feel, so of course, she feels comfortable wearing what is most natural to her! (Also, all that acceptance from "Loid" is actually coming from Twilight, so just another reason why they are unknowingly so good for one another) TLDR: your girl is going on the first date without makeup.
As I mentioned above, absolutely no eye contact in these panels:
Also, Twilight doesn't seem to be as...smooth with his multi-tasking...
We need to talk about Twilight’s outfit as well: He opted for a more comfortable casual jumper, not his usual, more polished, spy-ready attire. He came here fully dressed as Loid. And no, not because a suit would have been out of place (several people are dressed in more formal wear than Twilight/Loid). In fact, Yor and Twilight are dressed the most comfortably/least formally.
Interesting how we don't get any of Twilight's inner thoughts here...
Normally, Twilight would be diligent to every one of Yor’s reactions (oh no, is she uncomfortable, is she going to leave the marriage, what does this mean, I must pay attention to Yor for the mission!) So either Endo is intentionally restricting us to Yor’s thoughts to put the audience in her shoes of not knowing what he’s thinking, or Twilight’s lack of calculation regarding Yor is the change. Like I said above, one way or another, there’s a slight inconsistency to his logic and actions.
And of course, the significance that Yor is in her full natural attire with the only change being her earrings. Is this the first time she's changed out of her iconic Thorn Princess earrings?! I would have missed it bc I'm not good with flora, but others have mentioned how these are rose buds too! Cough *obvious symbolism is obvious* cough. Has Endo been reading the fanfics? hehe
So here is the potential for all the bread and butter of this arc: Anya changed the channel. I think this wee detail will force the adults to handle the plot without Anya's telepathy. (Classic Endo to include a slice-of-life detail that actually has a huge impact; love to see it!)
I enjoy the little check-ins from back home with Uncle Scruffy. And, ya gotta love this new reaction panel of Yuri. (Reaction to what? God, if I know! But I'll be telling someone to "Just keep on walking back to your home, Toilet Boy!") Also, a friendly reminder of how much Yuri’s presence is a huge risk to Twilight, always. P.S. Yor is having such a classic young love experience in her late 20s (and we love to see it)
It’s interesting that while Twilight/Loid is on a completely different page than that of Yor, they still mirror each other all the time. (Endo knows exactly what he’s doing).
Cue the action setup for the arc! Gosh, I love Endo’s paneling.
So there we have it. Smooching content. And for the first time, Twilight/Loid, Yor, and Yuri are all in the same space (without Anya around) while shit is going down!?
Some [over-excited] speculations:
I think Yuri’s presence is going to make it all the more difficult for Twilight to go full spy mode (you abandoned my sister in the middle of a date!?)
I also think Chloe will have a reason to make an appearance if SSS responds. I wonder if this will turn into Garden work for Yor the way it will turn into Wise work for Twilight? If so, we can probably expect an appearance from Hemlock. But that seems like getting everything on the wishlist and a really big arc so I don't want to get my hopes up
Either way, y'know Yor is going to have to use her classic strength in front of Loid, which, well…we know his type.
Orrrrrr we get triple secret identity hiding action running around revolving doors avoiding cameras, Scooby Doo style! (Both? Both is good!)
But no matter what, there is one plot set-up which cannot be denied: Twilight and Yuri are both going to think that Yor is in the presence of serious danger. Ladies and gents, I think Twilight is set up to learn something about himself. Oh, and the adults are going to have to do it without a telepathic gremlin holding their hands along the way!
And the cameras are going to make things all the more interesting...
[BTS] Tracking the family in the openings part 2 (too sexy for tumblr)
BTS shitpost for SpyXFamily OP analysis series (part 1 here, I guess)
(TLDR below)
Fml fun fact: this triggers the mature content label (neat!)
So after drafting the opening analysis for “souvenirs” tumblr decided the post needed a mature content label. I wasted a lot of time effectively “debugged” the post to determine which of the 30 images was triggering this content label. Here you go. This is the filth that will tarnish your soul:
I requested a second review last week but it seems I need to either figure out how to draft it without getting flagged, or let it collect dust in the drafts/as a mature post until tumblr gets this shit sorted (ha). Not keen on breaking the analysis across multiple posts but maybe?
This has stuck the draft on my least favourite stage of doing an OP analysis.
Watch the op, break it into parts that need visual
Accept that every different scene (of which there are many) needs a visual, freeze frame brute force style to save the stills that will be used, part by part
Start to write about the images that seem the most vital (once the writing starts it never stops until out of drafts, fun!)
Consolidate images that show animation details when relevant (yes this is important, actually) into one single image
Figure out how many images over 30, consolidate some more (question if so many images are needed but decide yes bc look how pretty)
Get the 30 images pasted into a tumblr draft (cry over lost resolution)
Save as draft and celebrate that the post is through the hardest part and can be scheduled soon (and you will follow through, actually)
Or, in this case:
lol jk tumblr has flagged post as mature
Lose all dopamine for the post, question what doing with life, request a second review for content label
Fuckit I wanna know which of those images
Repeat copying and pasting the same god damn screenshot-consolidated images until the culprit is found (which has turned this writing task into a very different meta of the meta task which feels more like brute-force debugging which—)
Laugh at the unholy image of a mother and daughter running through a field together from the father’s perspective
Realise this is technically a bizarre meta canon of your ship so this is a win, actually! (the way Loid looks at Yor is triggering the mature content label; twiyor confirmed)
Make this post instead
Theoretically continue “sometime in the future” TM, in which case the next steps would be…
Edit out the obvious ADHD from the writing (or at least try to) so that can justify hyperfixation as practice for useful skills (Inspiring! lady spends an hour explaining why the thing she is doing is not procrastinating, actually)
Schedule the draft for “next week” TM so have a soft deadline to stop revising by and can also just forget about posting it entirely (god I love soft deadlines)
Anywho.
If anyone has any ideas please share.
TLDR: I think I’ll just put “Souvenirs” on the back-burner and work on drafting something else.
Tracking the family through the openings: “Mixed Nuts”
The openings do a great job to show where the Forgers are as family. We can directly track the progression based on how the three characters are shown together in the openings. Starting with the first opening, we have “Mixed nuts.”
Everything, especially the family, is bright and abstract. We hardly see everyone in the same frame with their faces shown. When their faces are shown it’s conveniently abstracted by the simplified art deco style.
After the title card, Anya jumps forward to start the running sequence. A rain cloud emerges but Twilight jumps in with an umbrella to shield Anya from the rain as she runs along (Twilight changes Anya’s life by adopting her, and protects her from his dangerous work). Yor pops in to do the same after he leaves. (Yor quickly embraces a care-taker role with Anya, but she also thinks herself an outsider to an established family. No co-parenting happening here yet)
Then the rain clears up and Anya continues running through various exciting settings in different outfits from her initial ‘orphanage rags’ dress. (Her life is now filled with new excitement and a family that will care for her.)
Rain clouds appear once again but this time Anya pulls out her own umbrella (she’s learning new skills to protect herself) and continues running along happily.
The next montage features a series of Forger family outings as a little Anya keeps running with her umbrella at the bottom of the frame. The trio stands stiff, static, and far apart as various scenes paint over the Forgers in coordinated outfits with curated colours. (Three strangers pretending to be a family)
Then we get a glimpse inside the home. The forgers run in a panic as they attempt to escape the spotlight. Everyone scatters in a different direction while dressed in their un-matching loungewear. Anya remains the most in the dark (no one knows her secret), Twilight/Loid keeps his face in the dark, and Yor is the only one fully caught in the light (she’s pretty bad at lying). Then the TV changes to Anya’s face glancing in Twilight and Yor’s off-camera positions (she’s the only one that knows each of their secrets but is also nervous about keeping her own secret).
Our final montage is a series of fabricated family memories. (No running Anya at the bottom as the family stands stiff from a single perspective.)
The first scene looks similar to before but the family is actually standing closer together. Even in the fake family’s fabricated origin story, at one point, they still had to figure out how to be a family. The Forgers pretend to be beyond the ‘getting to know you’ stages. They have to pretend that chapter is long behind them. (A good lie has some truth, the truth here is that they actually have experienced this stage, the lie is that they are not beyond it.)
The scenes that follow portray the family from all sorts of perspectives, with slight movements, over the seasons, as they have seemingly grown closer. It also fits a fabricated timeline where Loid and Yor are dating around spring through summer and then start living together in autumn.
Then we see inside the perfect family home; the daughter playing by the window (where we can even see a healthy tree sprouting fruit), mom relaxing in a bath with a book, and father lounging on the sofa with a glass of wine.
The next sequence shows an even more relaxed form of the perfect family, and they finally face the camera to show their happy faces while lounging at a pool, doing something Christmassy, and then celebrating Anya’s birthday.
Anya’s birthday scene once again features a spotlight. Loid and Yor are moving off to the side so as to avoid the light, but once again Yor is closer to it. The lighting is cool blue as Anya glides into frame then changes to alarm pink once she’s under the light. Anya twirls while the colours flash (alarm triggered) until Twilight turns off the lights.
Then we get various shots of Twilight and Yor at work (for real) before returning to the personas used to protect their careers and Operation Strix.
Twilight/Loid and Yor smile at Anya dancing in a transparent foreground. Twilight stands still but Yor joins in by clapping. Behind it we see flashes of Twilight/Loid and Yor looking nervously alert. Then we see Anya, who, unlike her parents is in perfect view with a grey background.
Anya’s expression remains unchanged as the camera rotates around the table. Loid and Yor smile at each other with eyes closed as Anya looks straight ahead. Loid looks especially stiff and keeps one hand reaching behind (he has no intention of keeping this family after his mission). The final visual is the only time the Forgers are shown to be on the same page; all three laughing at the table with eyes closed.
