Okay so after looking at the X jumping off the building storyboard and once again laughing at how nuts X's apparently preferred method of transportation (freaking dimensional jumping) is, it seems to confirm that CANONICALLY X was still DRUNK AF while doing all of that.
To share my obsession with y'all, here is a breakdown of the things I've seen looking at the storyboard
(PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU FIND MORE THINGS I LOVE THIS KIND OF STUFF)
(under the cut!)
So, we start with X casually walking on top of the bridge and casually dropping off the side, heading to the intermission where the bridge suspension cords are attached
My fav part about this walking slide is that, while in 3D it's not obvious, in the storyboard X has the same swaying cunty walk as in the ending lmao
We follow this with X falling and his first transition into 2D
The interesting part here is the camera work and how X manipulates dimensions and gravity, since I didn't realize what had exactly happened until I saw this storyboard!
(yes, I tried to reconstruct X's path down the bridge by looking at the video before, I DO go overboard when this guy is involved)
So, looking at the next picture helps
Here we go.
Okay, so looking at the bridge reproduction + camera work, we can say that X did the following:
First he started falling down in 3D like any normal person would. In the meantime, he started flipping in mid-air - and that's the moment he snapped and went into 2D WHILE at the same time changing gravity so he would be standing on the bridge, on the top area before the beginning of the bridge gap itself and the vertical columns where the suspension ropes are attached (basically: the side of the bridge he was falling next to became the floor)
Since he was still DRUNK AF he essentially kept half stumbling backwards towards that gap while YAWNING because apparently falling down bridges is not exciting enough when you are drunk, you need that touch of eepyness as well - which ended up with him falling down head first AGAIN, which means that now he's falling with his head pointing to the ground in the gap between the two columns with the ropes (basically: official middle of the bridge freefall)
He snaps again because, you know,that's what he does and he DOES need to go down the bridge in a more "normal" way, but because he's X, a DRUNK X, he ends up in a kaleidoscope drunk dimension full of WINE BOTTLES.
WINE BOTTLES THAT ARE MOVING UP AND DOWN ENERGY STREAMS
So of COURSE Drunk X goes PARKOUR and parkours all over the place
So, after the Tremendous Adventures of Drunk X on the Beer River, X SOMEHOW ends up on the same place as the bridge ropes would be, so he switches to 3D and starts sliding down those instead
On his way down the ropes he sees that he has reached the Dragon Boy Approximate Coordinates and simply jumps down and flips in mid-air like the normal office worker he is.
And maybe because he needs to slow down, maybe because he wants to aurafarm, when he's upright again he snaps, goes through a lot of different dimensions, blows up the animation budget and ends up hovering in mid-air
"return to normal" lmao
But because the poor guy is STILL drunk he HICCUPS and freaking DIMENSIONAL DIMENSIONS FLY OUT OF HIM
This will make more sense if you read my analysis/theory of episode 22 HERE
I'm making this post because I forgot to add that the "digital veil" theory overlaps with the "comic book" theory, in the sense that both seem to coexist. The "digital veil" was covered in the link above.
Maybe X’s powers come from things that influence his life, or from where he spends most of his time when he’s not working, like on the internet or reading comic books. And because of X’s connection to time (like mentioned before), plus the fact that he hates working overtime, it could even mean his powers are somehow tied to or limited by time. How all of this comes together, though? I still don’t know.
Why do I think his powers are related to comic books? Because of these scenes:
The effects are very similar to those of comic books.
It's like he is drawing/creating his own artwork irl.
And it still doesn't lose the "digital" look:
But more than that, he's always manipulating... Paper? (like comic book pages). Blank pages, like an empty canvas waiting to be painted on or, in this case, to be transformed into something else.
I didn't have much time lately so I'll share my thoughts now!
This episode kind of confirmed something I suspected... But ofc, I need it to be shown more explicitly before being 100% sure. I'm referring to the fact that when citizens claim to have seen X, they see something different than what's actually happening. In other words, his fights really can't be seen unless he allows people to see it.
In episode 22, when X snaps his fingers, first we see this:
It's curious that Nice has his eyes shut, while still being pulled in to the illusion X created. I can't really understand why, but maybe because the other people's minds can't understand the shifting process so their brains go "dormant" for milliseconds until they're "fully in". It's just very interesting because in the ED, we clearly see Lin Ling also in this state right after X snaps his fingers:
The others have their eyes open, though, so is it exclusively a Nice/Lin Ling reaction? I won't be diving into it too much now.
What I find pretty interesting is that, although very subtle, the reason why I believe X puts "a veil" over "reality", i.e, creates an illusion to separate reality from whatever it is he is doing, is that in this moment here:
If you zoom in, they look "digital". It's like this is a holographic version of them.
You see these stripes? This is what I'm talking about.
Also, people scream they finally saw X, but it's obvious that the fight was omitted to them. And not only that, look how the sequence happens:
X switches to 2D, but this time, we don't see people cheering in the back(pay attention to the bridge), but they are still there, as we see them cheering and talking about seeing X.
Before:
After:
Not only the people aren't there, but the cracks on the floor are a bit different too and we can't really see traces of the fear / Smile's body parts.
The bridge itself looks a bit different, although the angle is the same... This could mean the reality we're seeing is a mirrored version of the original! The show often plays with the idea of mirroring, so it's a possibility. But it might as well just mean that the layer created isn't an exact copy of the original.
The lighting change between those scenes makes it look like the second one happened in a different time of the day entirely(maybe not even the same day), as the light over the bridge looks more like sunlight in the distance than the previous scene, where it clearly comes from only the light posts. It looks a bit warmer... but it could be just a stylistic choice, since the buildings do not seem to reflect that yellow light.
Although I wouldn't be surprised at all if the reality he creates does take place in different times, since in every trailer we see X, he has a close relation with time and there always seems to be a time shift from day to night... (fitting his anti overworking personality really well tbh), a time related ability.
Then, right before X making a paper ball out of DB, he snaps his fingers and we're back to 3D:
Now look how interesting...
While in 2D:
Then in 3D:
They're literally under a spotlight! So, that would make the holographic version make sense. We've seen him under the spotlight many times before in the trailers:
Here you can see it again...
When he throws DB in the water still in 3D with light from above, and after he switches back to 2D, there's no more light.
In this moment, the people watching say:
HERE we have them appear in the background at the same time X is on screen:
This 2D scene is not like the first 2D scene when X switches. This one is the "real" one. Mhm.
Of course, it's no surprise that X would be able to create parallel moments in order to keep some things hidden, but I always wondered if that's really what was going on, and now it's basically confirmed that yes! He "layers" realities, or even creates a "digital" illusion, if I may add.
But if the first 2D version already excluded the people from the bridge, why did he turn to 3D to make DB into a paper ball? He didn't really have to switch styles there, right? (that's something worth thinking about)
Before ep 22 came out, I believed this theory to be true because of 2 scenes.
X at the office. Notice X standing right in front of two coworkers:
And then, when the camera switch angles:
Where are they? Clearly not there, but X is still listening to their conversation.
And here:
If you watch the sequence, you’ll notice that no one was on the streets and the cars weren’t moving. So when his coworker says, “I saw him destroy Black Soul with my own eyes,” it probably means she witnessed X snapping his fingers, and then Black Soul was gone. Just like the people on the bridge in episode 22 probably saw X snap his fingers, and the next thing they knew, DB had ‘teleported’ into the water.
This is all very, VERY interesting.
Before I used the word "digital" to describe the veil/layer he creates over reality, and that is not only because it looks digital, but because it's suggested that he could even "walk through the billboards".. Or at least that's what the team wanted us to think.
Also because his powers always cause glitching in digital devices or is represented as a glitch.
If you think about it... Isn't it kind of interesting that in episode 1, right before Nice shows up to kill himself, the screen glitches?
Only for us to see X on the billboard directly turned to them in the moment he jumps... Especially considering what we now know: that Nice and X have met before, and they also share something in common that means a lot to both which is, Smile.
So now, it's not crazy at all to think that the Nice we saw jumping off the building, might not be the real Nice, and that the real one is probably still alive and working with X. This is just a theory ofc.
We always kind of knew X was present at all times, but now it finally feels more obvious we were right all along!
Could it all be a coincidence? Of course. Could it be something else entirely? Yes!
This is just me trying to connect everything we've seen so far.
okok i need need need need to calm down. i apologize if the structuring of this post ends up chaotic (or god forbid the picture limit means there'll be a pt.2) i am vibrating out of my skin with excitement and losing my mind rn.
ANYWAY. SO MUCH TO TALK ABOUT!
THE ACTORS
the Tarot Girl
i will lean all the way out the window & say this girl is O/poster lady. i have no concrete proof (except the vague notion that her introduction should probably happen alongside X' 'official' one). this is entirely tinfoil hat territory based on this shot:
it's obviously a fancy business gathering (like idk, a bank's events might be). suit guy whom i strongly suspect is x is shaking hands with some guy here, maybe in introduction? and tarot girl stands slightly to the side but angled towards them like she's part of the interaction/conversation. Conclusion: she probably introduced them.
besides that, the vid implies some insane (& HILARIOUS) things about her. like apparently running after civilian x for whatever reason, then physically pushing him into a cafe and doing a tarot reading. 11/10 character introduction. i thank her for making a whole section of this post necessary.
interesting sync-up detail is her appearing to be running out of an alley in the shadows & searching in the crowd for X while the "no hiding in the shadows" lyric plays, but still by the same male singer.
Even if my tinfoil turns out to be wrong, i am relatively certain she is not an antagonist (to X at least), judging by the lineup shot starting with her:
she's the first in a line with NINE & X, all looking up at the sus af card-man-portal things in the sky, which seems to be their common adversary. speaking of
NINE
oh my god X has living friends (plural??) seemingly THANK FUCK
well hello. we know him from the DOS stalker board dated 38 AC already, where he was suspected of being allied with x. seemingly accurate. they are definitely familiar with each other, as x seemingly pulls him into the 2d realm to fight and NINE doesnt seem too disoriented
(X is smiling/smirking even in this shot lmao)
? ? ? ?
well well well she might be the real antagonist. also seemingly a thing in 38 AC going by the DOS board, because the characteristics fully match. makes me wonder why the HAC seemingly hasnt tried to do something about her yet (or done so semi-successfully at least). the entire top 10 (11 bc Nice is there too) seem to be helping to dispatch her portal men?
so maybe next season will actually be surprisingly little hero tournament & top 10 beef. mostly. there's still the nukes in form of past events that are Ghostblade killing johnny's dad and E-Soul killing moon.
THE TAROT CARDS
THE FOOL (0)
the very first card tarot girl draws, and probably one of the most relevant tarot cards for tbhx in general, as it is unnumbered or (depending on the deck) given the number 0. it can be placed at the beginning of the Major Arcana or at the end.
Interpretations range wildly; in a few keywords, its meaning upright might be summarized as "Beginnings, innocence, spontaneity, a free spirit".
One interpretation of the Major Arcana is The Fool's Journey (which will be a constant quote source throughout this segment), a metaphor for the journey through life. The Fool is the start of the journey, with every following card being considered a "stage" of life.
Aside from always-worrying Zero connections, assuming she is doing this to 'read' X, this does make symbolic sense, especially if it's at the beginning of him having those powers.
THE CHARIOT (XII)
Fool's Journey:
By the time the Fool becomes an adult, he has a strong identity and a certain mastery over himself. Through discipline and will-power, he has developed an inner control which allows him to triumph over his environment.
The Chariot (7) represents the vigorous ego that is the Fool's crowning achievement so far. On Card 7, we see a proud, commanding figure riding victoriously through his world. He is in visible control of himself and all he surveys. For the moment, the Fool's assertive success is all he might wish, and he feels a certain self-satisfaction. His is the assured confidence of youth.
she pulls the card out right underneath the fool, while "you've got to believe" is sung. Keywords for this card are often control, willpower, success, action, determination.
especially in combination & the Chariot card hiding behind the Fool, i am inclined to interpret this as someone with a a plan & determination disguising it with a carefree laissez faire facade, and who is getting a reading done again? Oh right, X, who is /checks notes/ quite possibly that to a T. HMM
THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE (X)
Fool's Journey:
After much soul-searching, the Fool begins to see how everything connects. He has a vision of the world's wondrous design; its intricate patterns and cycles. The Wheel of Fortune (10) is a symbol of the mysterious universe whose parts work together in harmony. When the Fool glimpses the beauty and order of the world, if only briefly, he finds some of the answers he is seeking.
Sometimes his experiences seem to be the work of fate. A chance encounter or miraculous occurrence begins the process of change. The Fool may recognize his destiny in the sequence of events that led him to this turning point. Having been solitary, he feels ready for movement and action again. His perspective is wider, and he sees himself within the grander scheme of a universal plan. His sense of purpose is restored.
as a card, this one is most associated with good luck, karma, life cycles, destiny (kontinuum lyrics cough), a turning point.
Another card that's very symbolically entangled in tbhx. technically the 10th of the Major Arcana, but in roman numerals that's X, aka the title of the 1st ranked hero. this is definitely confusing on purpose, especially as the (suspiciously absent from this tarot reading) Magician (I) Card fits X extremely well symbolism wise.
note that here it's drawn at the very end of a spread out pile, highlighting the life cycles/turning point aspect. Another thing to mention is that the pictorial version of the Wheel shown here is very rare. I could only find one deck (not the most common either) that uses a cloaked figure holding the "wheel" (I looked through give or take 120 for this post) so a deliberate choice. Which kind of begs the question: Who is holding the Wheel of Fate?
this is a good moment to point to ????'s portal card looking thingies being mostly black with yellow/gold outlines and how all the tarot cards are following that exact color scheme (as are spotlight org mask guy & the poster lady).
the ED is FULL of references to destiny, see "kill this destiny / that's trying to tell you what you should be". Potentially, that's not a vague concept but a very real person/persons?
THE HIEROPHANT/HIGH PRIEST (V)
Fool's Journey:
Eventually, the Fool ventures out of his home into the wider world. He is exposed to the beliefs and traditions of his culture and begins his formal education. The Hierophant (5) represents the organized belief systems that begin to surround and inform the growing child.
A Hierophant is someone who interprets arcane knowledge and mysteries. On Card 5 we see a religious figure blessing two acolytes. Perhaps he is inducting them into church membership. Although this image is religious, it is really a symbol for initiations of all kinds.
The child is trained in all the practices of his society and becomes part of a particular culture and worldview. He learns to identify with a group and discovers a sense of belonging. He enjoys learning the customs of his society and showing how well he can conform to them.
while the title is hidden by her fingers, from the position of the figure it is very safe to assume the card in question is the Hierophant, usual keywords "spiritual wisdom, religious beliefs, conformity, tradition, institutions".
The throne immediately made me think of the throne in the ending that the top 10 sit/lounge on. regarding the symbolism of conformity.. well, X is the only one who gets up and walks off. quite the outlier. not to mention the card is shown right during "so no hesitation"
somehow very worried about whatever second card she holds in her hand may have. probably nothing. hopefully.
THE DEVIL (XV)
Fool's Journey:
The Fool has his health, peace of mind and a graceful composure. What more could he need? On everyday terms, not much, but the Fool is courageous and continues to pursue the deepest levels of his being. He soon comes face to face with the Devil (15).
The Devil is not an evil, sinister figure residing outside of us. He is the knot of ignorance and hopelessness lodged within each of us at some level. The seductive attractions of the material bind us so compellingly that we often do not even realize our slavery to them.
We live in a limited range of experience, unaware of the glorious world that is our true heritage. The couple on Card 15 are chained, but acquiescent. They could so easily free themselves, but they do not even apprehend their bondage. They look like the Lovers, but are unaware that their love is circumscribed within a narrow range. The price of this ignorance is an inner core of despair.
the devil card laid ON the screen, right between NINE & the creepy X red-green lighting liquid hellscape scene. WELL. again, noteworthy that the couple present in many iterations is totally absent on this version. this one seriously wracked my brain. the keywords "Shadow self, attachment, addiction, restriction, sexuality" hardly helped. however.
considering what we know of both X & NINE, it is somewhat safe to say that neither of them are liked by the powers-that-be. NINE is seen as a rebel-hero (unclear what that means), X was seemingly tolerated by the HAC for a while but they did seemingly tell every agency "killing X is legal, please do it", so that's done.
the HAC & the 4 evil oligarchs (Mickey, Rock, Shang De, Zac) make up the powers-that-be, and have canonically done a whole lot to restrict society in a myriad of different ways (news manipulation/suppression, panopticon through drones, straight up assassinations, etc). X seemingly fully operates on a different level entirely and is not restricted by the rules the HAC made.
So there's potential for double symbolism where X broke free from 'the Devil' (status quo system & or HAC) binding pretty much all of society, while at the same time that very action makes him 'the Devil' to the HAC who want to stay in control for (ostensibly) preventing another Dawnfall.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
wreck (i believe) casually walking in front of the cafe/fast food chain X is in at that moment with people running is so fucking funny. x keeps on being bystander-ed in his normal life
the last few shots of the environment are very mmm symbolism probably.
First off. NO idea why Ahu, Dragon Boy and Johnny of all people are shown at the end there. Ahu & Dragon Boy, one could argue familiarity/knowledge of x, but with johnny in there. idek
anyway THIS SHOT
coupled with "i still ain't done enough" makes me go INSANE. the fence is cut in some places. unclear if it's from the weather of if it's been cut through, but it's clearly still functional. so is the goal to get rid of the fence entirely?? is it symbolic for the current hero system in place and kinda continues the implications of the ed?? SO. MANY. QUESTIONS.
Everything X (SIR ARE YOU OKAY???)
what in the everloving fuck is this. NOW I FEAR FOR HIM AGAIN.
the bathroom mirror scene might just be mental stuff he's going through (see Smile Incident cough), but considering that he's specifically associated with artstyle changes as the one doing them, i doubt it. it does kind of seem like his powers are going haywire there. maybe it's when he first got them? "you've got to believe that i am free" plays at the same time too...
the green-red lighting liquid hellscape. oh god i have not a single clue what the fuck happened there. THE EYES. ARE THOSE HIS??? HIS (THEORIZED) SEMI-OMNISCIENCE MANIFESTING???? OR SOMEONE ELSE'S??? IF SO, WHOMST & WHY?? He does not look very heroic here but at best like a guy having a serious breakdown (which, tbf, is pretty valid when if you got insane superpowers out of nowhere). "picture your planet in disharmony" is another lyric sung by the new singer.
most concerning symbolism award wins this double shot where x dissolves in the liquid
I HOPE THATS NOT FORESHADOWING, BC THAT LOOKS BLEAK AS SHIT.
not that other shots are much better, considering we recreate the (pretty melancholic) 2nd last shot of KONTINUUM at the end there
only here, X turns around, and well
he may be smiling, but his eyes are NOT selling it, even in a "smug grin" kind of way imo. also quite similar to his blank & seemingly pissed stare in kontinuum. i do really hope i'm wrong & they just love to toy with my conviction that he's a chill cool guy
Conclusion:
oh no more death flags, very very neat symbolism. I need ep 24 to be directly beamed into my brain the moment i wake up.
turnnoffyourmind
dailybridgerton
blakekathryn
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