1 of my many gripes w the craig movies is how they treated m but mostly mallory's m. making him incompetent/evil is deserving of the gulag thats why in this house we hate the unmade spectre/nttd
making m evil or incompetent goes against their core character trait which is that theyre pragmatic in the service of the crown even if that requires them to do things that are manipulative or ruthless.
(ig u can see them [all ms] as evil to bond a least sometimes but again thats just m being merciless in achieving their goals)
but theres also this deep core of m who is very honourable, and follows their values steadfastly. ms should have a deep core of caring, even if they dont show it. they dont do things for no reason, everything they do is for a purpose that they believe is good/righteous, even if it does hurt our protagonist
i just think they should be offputting and cruel while also being someone honourable and magnetic. there's a reason that bond is so dedicated to m (cough cough diamonds bond being like "i'm already married to [m] and i don't want to divorce him). there's a reason traitors feel so betrayed by m. there's a reason m is the one who walks bond down the aisle. there's a reason a threat to m is the the thing that animates bond like nothing else [see: quantum & skyfall]
I love a darkness
So black and so blue
It swallows me whole
Like black holes do
His back is a mesh
A treasure untold
And there in the centre
Is his heart to hold
He carries the mark
Of an extraordinary mind
And pays back his dues
In blood and in kind
I love a darkness
His kiss is so sweet
He is the worst thing
I'll ever meet
His teeth like razors
His body like bone
He is the most beautiful thing
I ever left alone
I love a darkness
So black and so blue
Her smile is raging
Against the light too
She doesn't go gentle
But far on ahead
Into the night
To make sure we're not dead
Her skin leaves me blind
Her voice is so soft
She speaks to me roughly
And holds me aloft
I love a darkness
I'll lay down my head
Her breaths be my death
As I sleep by her bed
She breathes with my lungs
I'll lay down my life
And anyone else's
If they give her strife
Well, well, well – looks like our fabulous guests at the Blackwell Atrium aren't done making statements just yet! Round one gave us some serious fashion highs and a few questionable lows, but the night is still young and the champagne is still flowing. The question is: did everyone learn from their mistakes, or are we about to witness some serious style crimes? Let's find out who's stepping up their game and who's still stuck in fashion purgatory…
Buckle up, darlings – round two is serving looks, and we're here to spill all the tea…
SOFIA PALOMO - Ethereal elegance meets red carpet royalty! That ivory beaded gown with intricate lace detailing and a figure-hugging silhouette is absolutely stunning – the sheer bodice and mermaid hem add just the right amount of drama without going overboard. She's serving "I'm the main character and I know it" energy, and that delicate pearl choker ties the whole look together perfectly. The only tiny critique? It's giving more bridal shower than Manhattan bash – but when you look this angelic, who's complaining? Rating: 8/10 ✨ @misssofiapalomo
QUINN PORTER - Simple, sleek, and seriously confident. That black bodycon mini dress with the subtle Chanel logo belt is pure understated power – no frills, no fuss, just clean lines and a killer silhouette. The sparkly pointed-toe heels add just enough glam to keep it from feeling too basic. She's serving "I don't need sequins to own the room" energy, which is exactly what you want at a night about reinvention. The only gripe? It's a little too safe for a bash meant to make statements. Still, when you've got the confidence to pull off minimalism in a sea of sparkle, you've already won half the battle. Rating: 7/10 🖤 @quinnxporterx
MALLORY MADDOX - Now THIS is how you balance glam and edge! That black beaded halter gown with intricate swirl detailing is absolutely gorgeous – the plunging neckline and body-hugging fit scream sophistication, while all that sparkle keeps things party-ready. She's serving "I've got secrets and style in equal measure" energy, proving that sometimes the best statement is letting your outfit do the talking. The updo and that radiant smile? Chef's kiss. No notes, just pure elegance with a hint of danger. Rating: 9/10 ✨ @missmalmaddox
POPE HEYWARD - Clean, crisp, and completely inoffensive. That all-white suit with layered pearls is a bold choice, and we appreciate the attempt at standing out – the monochrome look paired with those chunky sneakers adds a streetwear edge that keeps it from feeling too stuffy. But here's the thing: it's giving "I tried to look effortless but ended up looking like I'm headed to an all-white yacht party" vibes. The pearls are a nice touch, but they're not enough to save this from feeling a little too casual for the Blackwell Atrium. He's playing it safe when the night demands risk. Rating: 6/10 🤍 @popexheywardx
KAI JORDANS - Moody, mysterious, and maybe a little too understated. That all-black ensemble with the long coat, slim-fit pants, and boots is sleek, sure – but it's giving "I'm brooding in the corner" more than "I'm here to make a statement." The lack of color or texture makes the whole look feel flat, and while the minimalist vibe works in theory, it's just not enough for a night meant to command attention. He looks like he's dressed for a funeral, not a New Year's bash. We need more energy, more flair, more something. Rating: 5/10 🖤 @kaijordansxo
RYKER MADDOX - Understated elegance with a touch of old-money sophistication. That rich teal blazer paired with a black shirt is sharp and polished – the subtle sheen on the fabric adds just enough visual interest without trying too hard. He's serving "I belong in boardrooms and ballrooms alike" energy, and the monochrome base lets that gorgeous blazer do all the heavy lifting. The only critique? It's a bit too reserved for a night about bold transformations – a statement accessory or a bolder shirt would've pushed this into showstopper territory. Still, solid execution all around. Rating: 8/10 💼 @rykermaddoxxo
SAGE EDWARDS - Absolute showstopper energy! That silver sequined gown is pure red carpet perfection – the fitted bodice, daring thigh slit, and full-length sparkle make her look like she just stepped off a magazine cover. The classic Old Hollywood waves and bold red lip tie the whole look together flawlessly, giving major "I'm the moment" vibes. She's not just here to attend the bash – she's here to dominate it. The only tiny gripe? Those black heels get a little lost under all that shine – metallic or nude would've been the perfect finishing touch. But honestly? When you're glowing like this, who's even looking at your shoes? Rating: 9/10 ✨ @sageedwardsxo
TONY SALAZAR - Moody, textured, and just a little bit rock-and-roll. That dark textured suit with the black shirt underneath and those killer brown cowboy boots is a vibe – he's mixing sophistication with a rebellious edge that actually works. The tousled hair and silver rings add personality without feeling like he's trying too hard. He's serving "I clean up well but I'm still dangerous" energy, which is exactly what you want at a night about reinvention. The only issue? Those cowboy boots are a bold swing, and while they add character, they're walking a fine line between "fashion-forward" and "identity crisis." Still, points for taking the risk. Rating: 7/10 🤠 @mftonysalazar
DIMITRI HARRISON - Classic, polished, and playing it way too safe. That charcoal grey suit with the crisp white shirt and skinny black tie is perfectly fine – tailored well, clean lines, all the basics covered. But here's the problem: "fine" doesn't cut it at the Blackwell Atrium. There's no personality, no edge, no spark – just a guy in a suit that could've been pulled from any corporate event. The brown dress shoes are nice, but they're not enough to save this from feeling like he got dressed for a job interview, not a Manhattan bash. We need more risk, more flair, more him. Rating: 6/10 👔 @mfdimitriharrison
MONET DE HAAN - Effortlessly glamorous and absolutely magnetic! That black sequined halter gown with the crystal-embellished neckline is pure elegance – it clings in all the right places and sparkles just enough to catch every light in the room. The Old Hollywood waves and statement jewelry elevate the whole look to red carpet royalty status. She's serving "I don't just attend events, I define them" energy, and every single detail proves she knows exactly how to work a room. No complaints, no critiques – just flawless execution from head to toe. Rating: 10/10 ✨👑 @mfmonetdehaan
JORDAN BARNES - Sharp, sophisticated, and seriously polished. That midnight blue three-piece suit is tailored to perfection – the subtle texture adds depth without being flashy, and the crisp white shirt and classic black tie keep everything looking refined. He's serving "I've got my life together and the wardrobe to prove it" energy, which is exactly what you want when you're trying to impress the Upper East Side elite. The only tiny gripe? It's a bit on the safe side for a night meant to push boundaries – a bolder shirt or statement accessory would've taken this from "very good" to "unforgettable." Still, when the fit is this clean, we're not complaining. Rating: 8/10 💼 @mfjordanbarnes
And that's a wrap, lovelies. Some serious fashion moments tonight, and a few that could use a stylist intervention. But hey – that's what keeps things interesting, right?
Need to channel some Gareth Mallory at work today. Must remain professional and classy while telling someone they need to read their email, try to use their brain, and actually do their job instead of whining.
sacrosanct papers
prayers in the form of a croissant
silver crescent
'round your neck
your heartbeat up your throat steady
steady beating drum against the noise of your prayer
your own voice lost
at sea
no land ahoy
The question lurks like
people in the dark
like representations of lives unlived
what could have been
big, looming shadows underneath
while you're flapping your fins in the deep, blue sea
watching all the colourful fish
as you allow them to float by
without a second glance
What if
fishermen only caught one fish
and stopped looking
