#gs1e12

[thoughtfulfangirling]

There's a lot I really like about this. I think this is the most bickery we've seen them in a while, and I think it's interesting that it's around a limited resource but not all about trying to obtain it.

Lexington has a genuine passion for the machines, and this video game is offering a sort of insight for him.

Brooklyn wants to also enjoy the game because it looks fun, and I think, he wants to bond with Lexington, but as Lexington states, he doesn't even know how to work it. How is he supposed to learn if Lex doesn't give him a chance?

Broadway is annoyed because it's another thing his rookery mates are interested in that he cannot get invested in, so he wants to belittle the game to discourage it continuing to be something that he can't do with them. His food he can share, even if cooking is a solo act. They're warriors yes, but he'd be most content never having to prove himself on the battlefield whereas the other two are eager to do such a thing.

And I do think that particular aspect of Broadway bothers Brooklyn in both the sense that it's something Brooklyn values in his clan and needs Broadway to be able to step up to do, and it's uncomfortable to think that he'll have to ask that when it will be such a sacrifice for his rookery brother. But also, if Broadway wanted to be a great warrior, I think he's proven that he could have just as much if not more prowess as Brooklyn, and I think Brooklyn prides himself of being the most warrior of the three, so there's some jealousy in there. Some 'how can you have so much talent and waste it." So he pokes fun at Broadway when he speaks self deprecatingly about himself. Once again the food obsessed brother doesn't want to take part in the bonding.

Goliath is frustrated that a gift presented to his people is causing division and sees it as ungrateful for what little they have.

BUT OF COURSE I'm OBSESSED with the fact that while all of that is going on for Broadway, what's on his mind most is that Elisa may be in danger. He doesn't understand helicopters, probably doesn't feel like he's particularly capable of such, so he isn't trying. But that means he's scared for her and probably feels like she could fall out of the sky at any moment. HIS FRIEND could GET HURT, and he can't stay by her side to protect her!

LOVE IT

[thoughtfulfangirling]

They're so chaotic! THOSE UNNECESSARY FLIPS! LMAOO

But now that the immediate fun is over, Jackal is finally annoyed. Hyena remains unconcerned and just FUCKING KICKS A DOOR OPEN. Lmao amazing. At this point, she does not have any special powers/gadgets/etc. She, I guess, is just Like That. Amazing

Also I love how Xanatos calmly tells Owen to call the police, but the animation looks like he screams it. I guess you gotta make a drama queen like him look reactive even when he's not, especially if it's to contrast just how much More Calm Owen is, readjusting his cute little hat back on. XD

[thoughtfulfangirling]

We have a little bit of a moment to breathe. After Goliath leaves, the scene goes quiet and we get this shot of snow starting to fall. It's like Goliath's outburst gave Elisa a moment to take a deep breath and reassess the ways her conversations have gone all wrong. And from a shipping goggles POV, I really like that. She hears Goliath and the heart of what he is saying, and he is able to give her perspective.

And she finally says what she needs to. She relates to him as his sister and not as a cop and at the same time, steps back and finally acknowledges that she is not responsible for him and in fact shouldn't be. She finally lets him hear that it isn't about her being right and him being wrong about what he should do with his life. If he quits the force, fine. That wasn't the problem.

And then she leaves it up to him if he will hear her proof that she is right. It's more important to her that she makes sure he knows that she loves him and wants him safe and to lead a fulfilled life, but he has to make the choice of what that will look at.

And him looking at the recorder is how the scene ends. We don't get to know if he listens or not, just like Elisa doesn't get to know. Sometimes we don't get to know how it goes, and in order to let others live their lives, we just have to accept that.

If she doesn't want Derek's life to be controlled by Xanatos's ideas for him, then she has to let go of her control over Derek's life too, because the point is that he should be in control.

It's a show of faith in him and his abilities to not be under his sister's shadow anymore that she doesn't just play it for him.

It took her the whole episode, but she got there!! And that's honestly quite beautiful. As much shit as I've given Elisa this episode, navigating that sort of stuff is hard.

[thoughtfulfangirling]

Finally a sort of TNG reference! Very appropriate!! Haha. Assuming the VA was already set and cast and doesn't change, Uhura I believe was the VA for Elisa's mom. And ofc there's always Xanatos. lol

But that also of course means they watch Star Trek and given when this was on air, probably primarily means the original and TNG. I feel like Brookly and Broadway are the big Star Wars fans, and Hudson and Lexington prefer Star Trek.

ANYWAY we know Lex is going to get a HELICOPTER working by the next day but jfc that's a little different than a MOTORCYCLE. Most of the damage is on the propellors, so fine, they are capable of mostly smoothing those out. But getting a helicopter in the air is quite a bit different than crash landing one!

[thoughtfulfangirling]

I know at the end of the day, Lexington takes to machinery like a wizard and it's not really explainable in any very realistic manner, but I do appreciate the nods to how it is something he's going to have to learn and there's nothing like practical application. Video games are not like the real thing at all.

But also, why wouldn't he think they would be? Lexington would genuinely want boring games that simulate the real experience over entertainment, and there's no reason for them to 100% get yet that that's what most products like these are for. Why shouldn't stuff like this be teaching tools?

[thoughtfulfangirling]

Jackal has consistently been like 'calm your tits sis' this whole time, but the SECOND she flips out, he is 100% on board. He doesn't even have a moment of looking upset or annoyed. Just... welp the beast was contained as long as possible and that was the limit. Now lets do a flying kick at the richest dude ever. XD

I gotta say, this watch through is giving me an appreciation for Hyena I can't believe I didn't have before. She's amazing.

[thoughtfulfangirling]

You know, this scene really does have a vibe of a show talking about something much more serious than it can portray in a children's show. I don't know if I'd say there's something going on allegorical to some sort of assault or harassment, but that doesn't feel too far off anyway. There are just certain things that people with advantage can do, and this very much has that feel. As long as deniability is maintained, he has power and Elisa does not. He can do what he wants to her and her family, and she has no recourse. And I really feel that in this last panel. I'd say thank goodness they didn't use her sister for that or this could come off looking even darker, but I am now convinced that Derek wouldn't be safe from advances either if that was Xanatos's way. Though in that respect, I'm inclined to think that not his style.

But also I especially feel like this stuff Fox is telling Elisa is her having fun being mean. Wanting Derek became his plan. I don't care if it was creator intent. I'm far more convinced Derek's actual skills did impress Xanatos and then it just became a delightful little perk that he could mess with Elisa and the gargoyles (*cough*Goliath*cough*) in the process.

[thoughtfulfangirling]

At what point does the city of New York ask Xanatos to relocate somewhere else because while maybe it's not his fault, his presence is a menace on the city???