i have more stuff to talk about the announcement of the show ending in season 4 in another post, but, i'm just gonna vent a bit, ok???
about the discourse that the new season is gonna be "horrible" or "gonna suck" bc season 3 was bad, one thing that bothers me is that many ppl criticize the show but don't mention the reasons why the season was inferior when compared to season 2 and, especially, season 1
bc, the truth is, pacing issues aside, a lot of the stuff that was inconsistent was bc they put shauna's storyline, and in a lesser extent misty's storyline, above the storylines of the women of color, with lottie getting the worst of it bc she died offscreen and was used as a prop in a "whodunnit?" mystery
and, while i believe that lottie would probably die either way if the showrunners got to keep their 5 seasons plan and corporates weren't changing everything (e.g. the paramount/skydance merge) after the pandemic and the writers' strike and the sag-aftra strike by putting profit over quality, the idea of using a "whodunnit?" mystery for her death and focusing more on misty's and shauna's reaction over the feelings of a woman of color was still very misguided at best
and the thing is, had the showrunners not need to rush the show bc of these corporate changes and ruined the pacing, would many of these people who complain about season 3 still get mad at the use of lottie as a plot device for her white counterparts????
same thing about taissa, actually
i love taivan bc i think that both the chemistry between jasmin and liv and the chemistry between tawny and lauren are off the charts
but the way that taissa's entire storylines outside of her relationship with van were sidelined, including her adoptive child sammy barely mentioned and simone having just a short cameo in a scene she silently judges the woman taissa cheated on her with, and also cutting off her entire political career
i know bartshley (ashley lyle and bart nickerson's nickname, for those who aren't familiar) said before that they didn't want to focus too much on the political career stuff bc yellowjackets is not a show about politicians (think scandal or house of cards, for example), that was still a part of tai's life that didn't involve van, and the show cut that
would ppl still care if this writing choice of cutting tai's storyline was the same, but the rest of the stuff involving the wilderness and shauna's descent into tyrant in both timelines weren't rushed bc of corporate decisions????
i try my best to not be a cynic, but, as a Black woman who's been in fandom for the past 11 years or so, it's hard for me to believe people would care for these things, you know????
in taivan's case, many people don't care about it even with the bad pacing in season 3
and many of the people mad at lottie's death were more upset bc they lost their fave than bc of the issues with representation that the way her death was executed in the plot brings
tumblr is kinda chill these days (a surprise to someone who saw many fandom wars back in the 2014-2015 days when i joined), bc people mostly just scroll past the post of people of color critizing these issues with representation when they aren't interested in the discussions
but, back when i hadn't deleted twitter yet, i have seen the fandom try to shut down most of the POC when people tried to start a conversation about racial representation in the show, especially the Black fans who comained about taivan being sidelined by the fandom in fics/AUs/headcanons
they oftenly would use arguments like that people love lottie ships, as if racism towards Black and brown people were the same and the objectification of brown women wasn't a thing.
that's not to get to the discourse of people who don't realize at all that lottie is a woman of color and that both courtney eaton and simone kessell are Māori (with simone being very vocal about it on her instagram, by the way) and say lottie is white or that she is white-passing (i get not knowing about the actresses being Māori, but looking at those two and saying they are white-passing is fucking wild 😭)
and, well, when you have diverse characters but, for whatever reason, you don't develop them enough, you end up getting inconsistent writing aka problems with representation affect the quality of the writing
not that people can't get angry for the way that the pacing was fumbled and plotlines were rushed in season 3, don't get me wrong
but it's kinda sad and painful that many criticize the show all while ignoring some of these issues, bc both of them were already present in a lesser extent in season 2, and the fact that so many didn't notice means that, if it wasn't for the fact that something that personally affects them like the pacing issues happened, many of the same people trashing on the show now would be indifferent to these things and put the show on a pedestal
yellowjackets is not a perfect show, and the current state of the industry and hollywood definetely also impacts negatively in the representation front, bc things like bad pacing affect every character in different ways, POC or not
but seeing people complain about something that isn't in the showrunners control all while ignoring the stuff that is the showrunners' responsability bc said things don't affect those people personally, that's a huge problem bc it's an example on how media literacy and critical thinking in fandoms are conditional to whether something affects their blorbo or their ships
given to the racism that happened in the debut of 2025 , i think this just reminded me how much a lot of white ppl hates on ppl of color even when it comes to fanfictions… all we ask is being represented and yall be shittin on us for that.
also the fact yall can’t understand how racism affect us because of our culture identity ( not only skin color ) and we had a very nice example with the *ethel cain n-word controversy lmao.
You were explaining to a customer about High John oil when he walked in. He wore a baseball cap and sunglasses hoping to disguise himself, but you knew who he was since he visited your shop the last three times. You always gave your celebrity clients anonymity as some had come to you for readings and shopped in your shop Soul Necessities for all their needs to help them along their spiritual journey. You finished with your customer and helped another as you watched him looking over your crystal selection. He must have felt you gazing at him as he looked up an caught your gaze. You sheepishly looked away. You wanted to kick yourself as you never gave any customer special treatment, but it was something about his energy that drew you to him. While helping one of your customers you notice he made his selection and headed to the register. You looked around for Dora your assistant to ring him up when you realized she was in the back making more oils. Shit! You would have to ring him up. You were lucky enough to not ring him up his last couple of visits but today it would be your turn. As you walked up to the register, he took off his sunglasses and smiled at you.
“How are you doing?” He greeted. His voice was sexy and raspy, and your knees went weak. This was why you kept yourself from him. His energy had a pull on you, and you could not allow yourself to be caught up.
“I’m good I hope you are.” You gazed in his blue eyes. They were beautiful. He sat a couple crystals on the counter. “So, we are getting Bloodstone and Carnelian today?”
“Yeah, I need the confidence and courage. I’m auditioning for a big role in a couple of days.”
“I’m sure you will get it.” You reached behind the counter and pulled a small piece of Black Tourmaline and put it in his bag with the others. “I’m giving you a piece of Black Tourmaline as it will keep negative energy away.”
“Thank you so much! I’m Austin.” He stuck his hand out to shake and you firmly shook it and of course you felt the electricity between you two. He must have felt it to because his eyes widen a little.
“I’m Y/N.” you let go of his hand.
“Yes, I know, and you are the owner of this beautiful shop.” You looked at him curiously as to how he knew that. “A friend suggested I come here.”
“Oh, that’s great!” You gave him his total and swiped his card he handed you.
“Can I schedule a reading with you.” Austin licked his lips and stared at you intently. Fuck! He knew what he was doing. You felt the sexual energy radiating off him. There was no way you could give him a reading as you were too attracted to him. You berated yourself for the way you felt as you had done plenty of reading for good looking celebrities, but it was something about Austin that threw you off your game. So, you suggested Dora and his micro expression of disappointment flashed across his face. You lied and told him you were booked and handed him Dora’s card. He took the card and thanked you.
“Thank you for this.” He held up his bag of crystals.
“Of course, they will help. Put them in your pockets when you audition. I have a feeling you will get the part.”
Austin smiled his beautiful smile at you, put on his sunglasses and walked out the door. As he exited relief washed over you. He took a lot from you. His energy was just too strong around you. You rung up some customers and Dora finally exited the back with a basket of freshly made oils.
“You finally spoke to him?” she asked stocking the shelf.
“Dora, did you stay in the back on purpose?”
Dora chuckled, “Yes, you needed to talk to him this time. You been lusting after him ever since he’s been coming in here.”
“You little bitch!”
“I know but trust me you will thank me later.”
“For what? I’m staying far away from him. He’s an energy vampire and it’s too much for me.”
“Oh please! He is not intentionally draining you. He is just attracted to you. Why do you think he has been coming here?”
“For his spiritual needs like everyone else.”
“Don’t play dumb.” Dora rolled her eyes at you.
“Well, he asked for a reading, and I gave him your card.”
“That’s for the best cause you won’t be able to do it.”
“I know Dora!”
“Oh now you want to act all wise.” Dora chuckled and went to help a customer that walked in.
Austin had to gather himself when he got into his car. Every time he left your shop, he found himself trembling a little. Now he was a great actor and could hold his composure in front of you, but once he left your shop all bets were off. What was it about you? No woman has ever had him feeling the way you had him feeling. His friend swore by your shop and recommended it and the first time he walked in and saw you he was caught up. You were stunning as you looked up and smiled at him welcoming him to the shop. The last couple of times you were busy with customers, however this time around you were able to cash him out and he saw you up close and you were more beautiful than he imagined. You had on a beautiful yellow sundress that accentuated your dark, brown complexion. Your beautiful locs were pulled up in a messy bun. Your crescent moon shape nose ring added to your beauty. He was hoping he could get a reading from you as an excuse to see you again and was disappointed when you told him you were booked. Right then and there as he sat in the car he decided after his audition he was going to make a point and ask you out.
You were lighting the incense on your Shiva statue when you heard the bell jingle above your door, you looked up and it was Austin. Your heart immediately fluttered. He wasn’t wearing sunglasses this time, he had on dark blue jeans with a black t-shirt and he was the only customer. You looked over at Dora who immediately flew in the back room. You made a point to kill her later.
“Hey.” He said walking up to you. His voice. His sexy strut. You literally had to lean on the counter to support yourself.
“Hey.” You choked back.
“I got the part.”
You smiled excitedly, “I knew you would get it.” Before you knew it you pulled him in a hug. Austin hugged you tight and you found yourself melting against his body. You could not believe you were so bold, and you tried to pull away, but he held you tighter. Austin’s buried his nose in your neck, and he whispered in your ear that he really liked you. You pulled out of the embraced and looked up at him, he was so tall. Damn him and his energy!
“I’m sorry if that was to forward, but there is just something about you. I can’t shake you.” Austin found himself twirling one of your locs around his finger. “I’m not scaring you, am I?” His handsome face frowned with worry. You shook your head no.
“I feel the same.” Hell, you might as well tell him. You were sure it was written all over your face.
“I had my reading with Dora and one of the things she told me was to ask out the person I have been admiring from afar. Can I take you out Wednesday night?”
“On a Wednesday?”
“Dora said something about it’s a full moon and energy. To be honest I didn’t quite understand it, but anything to spend time with you.”
“I would love too.”
“Good it’s a date. I will pick you up at 9.” Austin leaned down and kissed your forehead before heading out the door.
“Don’t you need my address?”
“Oh, I got that already.” He winked at you before exiting the shop.
“DORA!!!” You yelled.
Your body was tingling as you waited for Austin to pick you up. The full moon had your body raw and buzzing. You jumped at the sound of your doorbell and answered the door a little to quickly. On the other side Austin stood in all black looking sexy as fuck.
“Gotdamn” he whispered when he saw you in a short red dress that stopped just above your knees. Your locs were flowing down your back. “My God you are beautiful”
“Thank you.” You told him locking your door.
Austin opened the car door for you and started out of town.
“Austin where are we going?” You asked for the tenth time. Austin looked over at you and smiled his handsome smile. “You’ll see not much further.” After about 30 more minutes of driving Austin pulled into and off-road path and after a few more minutes of driving a beautiful clearing appeared with a direct view of the full moon. You gasped at its sight when you got out of the car. One thing about California was you could hardly see the stars and moon due to pollution. Where you were the moon was stunning and so bright it seemed as if it was daylight. You could not help but laugh and twirl basking in the bright moonlight. Austin chuckled watching you. He had hope he would get this response from you as he knew how much the full moon affected your energy per a little tip from Dora.
“Austin how did you find this place?”
“I have my ways.” With the glow of the moon, you can see him smirking.
“How many women have you brought up here?” You asked side eyeing him.
“None, a friend told me about it.” Austin responded as he took a large basket out of his back seat.
“So, a friend told you about my shop and told you about a beautiful place to see the full moon….who is she?”
Austin chuckled as he sat the basket down and pulled out a large soft blanket. “She is a friend of my mom’s.” Austin explained how she help him become interested in his own spiritual journey as he laid out delicious hors d’oeurves and a bottle of Chardonnay. You both sat on the blanket and got to know one another as you ate and drunk the most delicious Chardonnay you ever had. After a few glasses of the Chardonnay, you were buzzing, and the moons energy intensified the feeling. You put down your wine glass and took Austin’s hand in yours and traced the lines in his palm. “You are going to have such a wonderful career and prosperous life.”
“What does it say about my love life?” He asked sitting his wine glass down.
You smiled, let go of his hand and it landed on your thigh. “No comment.” You told him as heat rose inside of you as you felt his hand rub your thigh. Austin scooted closer to you and slowly lifted your dress.
“Oh really? It says nothing about that?” His voice became deeper and huskier as your legs instinctively open for him. His hand lazily rubbed up your thigh and found your sex.
“No underwear…hmmmm. I like that.” Austin lips came crashing down on yours as he gently laid you back on the blanket. You both passionately kissed as Austin slipped two fingers inside you. You moaned against his lips. Austin began to expertly finger fuck you as you withered under him.
“You’re so wet. That’s all I need to know about the future of my love life.” He whispered against your lips. You were on the verge of coming when he found your G-spot but he abruptly removed his fingers, pulled up your dress and lowered between your legs.
Austin spread your thighs and took his time as his hot tongue licked the inside of each thigh.
You closed your eyes and sighed with pleasure as your fingers played in his dirty blonde hair. After what seem like forever Austin’s tongue finally landed on your swollen clit. As his tongue administered the first of many long licks your eyes flew open, and you stared up at the full moon.
“Thank you, Shiva,” you sighed thanking your favorite deity who know doubt brought Austin into your life.
And to address the elephant in the room (aka woc annabeth):
like okay yeah my blonde ass was always a little bit hoping to see the version of annabeth I always envisioned and related to growing up
BUT I had plenty of young adult characters who looked enough like me to relate to when I was younger, so it was just default for me to become attached to anyone who looked similar and had like a single personality trait I admired or shared
So as far as I’m concerned, I can learn to relate to this amazing character through things other than appearance- ya know, the way poc have always had to!!
BECAUSE ANNABETH AS A BLACK GIRL IS ICONIC BEHAVIOR YALL
I've seen a few people saying that Cal seems undeveloped in comparison to Juliette. But hear me out.
I know it seems that way at times because we do learn a lot about Juliette, but also I think that was intentional?
Like as a general rule, Cal is supposed to come off cold and aloof because initially, she is trying to suss out a monster.
But as time goes on, she's actually rather vibrant and earnest.
It also makes sense she's had a hard time establishing an identity because she has monster hunting and that's it. She reads books on school grounds and separates from everyone because she knows she will have to leave soon. She pretty much never finishes out a semester. But she collects the yearbooks from every school she's in and knows that most of them put on Romeo and Juliet. She is observant. Driven by desire to do what her family does, but also, a bit curious if all monsters are truly dangerous. She's clever and nerdy in a very Cal way and she has a tendency to take things very literally.
Honestly, they actually had such a short time to characterize these characters and managed to give us a surprising amount of depth into pretty much all of them.
Juliette also had a lot of people who knew her well that we could learn from. Like Sebastian, Margot, Elinor and of course Ben. Even Oliver gave us some insight into Jules and she into him.
Whereas Cal had her family who knew she cared about them, full stop. And also knew her favorite ice cream. But besides that, the Burns family and Cal, live and die by the Guild code and their love for each other. The only time we learn anything more about Cal is when she is telling Juliette about herself. So her character isn't so much underdeveloped as less openly shared than Juliette's.
I'm desperate for a second season announcement so we can learn more about Calliope Antigone Burns, a character that I'm so glad exists because she is complex and genuine and strong and messy and human and it is so damn good to see a black teenage girl get to be all of these things at once.
