with my last breath
Day 01 - What is your current favourite ship?
Day 02 - What was your very first ship?
Day 03 - A pairing that needs to happen now?
Day 04 - The pairing with the most chemistry?
Day 05 - The pairing with the least chemistry?
Day 06 - The best kiss?
Day 07 - The most heartbreaking scene?
TV
Angel/Cordelia, Angel, “You’re Welcome” and Peter/Assumpta, Ballykissangel, “The Reckoning,” as previously discussed here.
But enjoy some more recs:
(by Eminemgirl814)
Fanfic Rec: Washer at the Ford by lostakasha
Summary: "Maybe people like us aren't meant to, you know, have that."
"Angel," she insists softly, "there are no people like us."
(This is another fic I’m sure everyone and their mother has read, but it’s perfect, so I’m reccing it anyway.)
Movie
Li Mu Bai/Yu Shu Lien, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
So I am not a person who watches sad movies. If somebody’s got cancer or Alzheimer’s, I am out. I do not do sad chick movies, and I’m not the least bit ashamed of that. Life’s sad enough, without exploiting it for entertainment.
But when Ang Lee did a martial arts movie, with state of the art special effects, and fights that looked more like dances, I could not wait to see it. I had no freaking clue it was going to make me outright sob in the movie theater. But these two had such a quiet, tragic romance. They couldn’t even speak of it until his last moments alive, and then…I bawled like a baby, okay? Don’t judge me.
Book
Marcus/Hadassah, A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers
I cannot even speak of this scene, because it’s the very last scene in the book, so, you know, SPOILERS, but I was absolutely gutted the first time I read it. And even knowing what happens in the sequel (which makes it so much better), I still think it’s one of the most powerful depictions of loss I’ve ever read.
(I wanted to include some more YouTube clips for BallyK and Crouching Tiger, but YouTube is being an ass for me today. Anyone else having that problem?)
Day 08 - The pairing with the most baggage?
Day 09 - The most believable relationship?
Day 10 - Why aren't these two married in real life?
Day 11 - What is your dream pairing?
Day 12 - Who had the best wedding?
Day 13 - What is your favorite television pairing?
Day 14 - What is your favorite book pairing?
Day 15 - What is your favorite real life pairing?
Day 16 - What is the absolute worst pairing?
Day 17 - A pairing you thought would never work out, but did?
Day 18 - What is the cutest pairing?
Day 19 - A pairing you've rooted for since the beginning?
Day 20 - The "can't stand the sexual tension anymore" pairing?
Day 21 - A pairing you like and no one else understands why?
Day 22 - A pairing you hate and no one else understands why?
Day 23 - A crazy love triangle/quadrilateral that worked out great?
Day 24 - A crazy love triangle/quadrilateral that worked out badly?
Day 25 - A pairing that was/would-be adorable, but could never work out?
Day 26 - A pairing that you hated and ended up loving?
Day 27 - A pairing that you loved and ended up hating?
Day 28 - A pairing that you will never understand?
Day 29 - What ship had the best proposal?
Day 30 - Your favorite ship forever and ever and ever?
In other news, I finally found time to start watching Merlin, which so many on my flist rave about, and I have thoughts.
Look, I don’t consider myself an Arthurian expert or anything, but I love the legend and have read four different versions of it and seen countless more. So when I watched the pilot of this show I was irritated by several key factors.
1. I know every generation adds its own spin on the legend, but I think the fact that our key contribution in evolving the legend is making Merlin young and hot, instead of a wise, old man, says a lot about where our society is headed, and not in a good way.
2. They changed Arthur’s backstory, and turned him into a gigantic jackass. I cannot even tell you how that pissed me off. Arthur is my favorite character in any version of the legend. He’s the guy you root for, the one who always tries to do the right thing, who loves mercy more than justice and justice more than vengeance, the one who turns the other cheek even when those nearest and dearest to him betray him. Basically, he’s everything you want a man to be (which is why he’s a legend).
3. I’m sure unrelating Morgan le Fay and Arthur cuts down on the ick factor of that particular part of the legend, but as T.H. White so properly pointed out in The Once and Future King (though he uses Morgause in that version), the fact that Arthur had a child with his half-sister is at the very core of the tragedy-it’s why Malory’s work is called Le Morte d’Arthur. Because Arthur’s end was set from that moment and because of that one sin.
On the other hand, I immediately loved Gwen and had no problems with changing her backstory. I guess because I’ve never been that attached to the character of Guinevere. (Hating her and Lancelot goes hand and hand with loving Arthur.) But here was a Gwen who was sweet and smart, and not a spoiled lady handed over as part of a political deal.
Also, in spite of the change in Morgana’s lineage, I liked the idea of seeing her evolve from an idealistic young woman trapped by controlling men into the baddass witch (I hope?) she’ll become.
Additionally, PRETTIEST. CAST. EVER.
So, in spite of my initial reservations, I kept watching. And I’m so glad I did. By the second episode, they started showing better sides to Arthur; by the episode where Merlin gets poisoned, and Arthur’s only reaction to being told the list of deadly perils in the way of the antidote is, “Sounds like fun,” he was back to being my favorite character. Which only increases with every single episode. I love that he can be BOTH the Once and Future King who is merciful and just, noble and true, and a royal prat.
And the episode with Mordred’s introduction finally sold me on the change in everyone’s backstories. Because Morgana and Arthur aren’t related, and they didn’t create Mordred, but they gave him life all the same by helping him escape execution, which is one of the cleverest plays on the established legend I’ve ever seen.
(Although seriously, QUIT KILLING KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE BEFORE THERE IS A ROUND TABLE. Damn does that bug me. Why, Pellenore, why!?)
Oh, speaking of which, I love Arthur’s speech to the villagers of Merlin’s hometown about all being gathered in a circle, which was nice foreshadowing that didn’t hit you over the head like the CONSTANT talk about destiny (please tell me, someone’s made a drinking game about that).
I don’t really like Gaius. Is that an unpopular fandom opinion? I don’t care. He sold out the other sorcerers, which, look, obviously there are bad magicians and good magicians in this story, but Uther’s purge on magic is just as bad as any other form of racial or religious genocide, and Gaius is a collaborator all the way. He shields and protects Merlin, because he loves him, and because of his destiny, but he is also constantly trying to keep Merlin from helping anyone else who has magic. And I don’t feel that anything he’s done for Morgana, in prescribing sleeping draughts and telling her they’re just dreams, is in any way helping her.
I loved the first season finale, which was the first episode that had a lot of twists I did not see coming. Like Merlin killing Nimue, which, again, has greater implications for how far they are going to stray from the legend; since Nimue is generally the one who defeats Merlin and traps him in a cave, perhaps he’ll triumph after all? (If they let Arthur live at the end, I will forgive them everything else EVER.)
I’ve only seen the first three episodes of season two, but “The Once and Future Queen” is maybe my favorite episode yet. I love that Arthur hides his identity to prove himself, as he does in “The Once and Future King” (in case you couldn’t tell yet, that’s my favorite version of the legend); I love that he’s such a fierce warrior. And then, of course, there is Arthur/Gwen and the miles of fangirl squeeing they induce. OTP-OTP-OTP. DO NOT LET STUPID LANCELOT RUIN IT. OTP.
Also, I ship Merlin/Morgana. Tell me I’m not the only one who sees something there. I mean, Arthur sees it, too, bless him, but someone fandom-related.
Ooh, and I love the score.
Anyway, overall, my feelings on the show so far are quite positive, and I hope to finish up season two, before next week, when BONES RETURNS.
Day 02 - What was your very first ship?
Day 03 - A pairing that needs to happen now?
Day 04 - The pairing with the most chemistry?
Day 05 - The pairing with the least chemistry?
Day 06 - The best kiss?
Day 07 - The most heartbreaking scene?
TV
Angel/Cordelia, Angel, “You’re Welcome” and Peter/Assumpta, Ballykissangel, “The Reckoning,” as previously discussed here.
But enjoy some more recs:
Click to view(by Eminemgirl814)
Fanfic Rec: Washer at the Ford by lostakasha
Summary: "Maybe people like us aren't meant to, you know, have that."
"Angel," she insists softly, "there are no people like us."
(This is another fic I’m sure everyone and their mother has read, but it’s perfect, so I’m reccing it anyway.)
Movie
Li Mu Bai/Yu Shu Lien, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
So I am not a person who watches sad movies. If somebody’s got cancer or Alzheimer’s, I am out. I do not do sad chick movies, and I’m not the least bit ashamed of that. Life’s sad enough, without exploiting it for entertainment.
But when Ang Lee did a martial arts movie, with state of the art special effects, and fights that looked more like dances, I could not wait to see it. I had no freaking clue it was going to make me outright sob in the movie theater. But these two had such a quiet, tragic romance. They couldn’t even speak of it until his last moments alive, and then…I bawled like a baby, okay? Don’t judge me.
Book
Marcus/Hadassah, A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers
I cannot even speak of this scene, because it’s the very last scene in the book, so, you know, SPOILERS, but I was absolutely gutted the first time I read it. And even knowing what happens in the sequel (which makes it so much better), I still think it’s one of the most powerful depictions of loss I’ve ever read.
(I wanted to include some more YouTube clips for BallyK and Crouching Tiger, but YouTube is being an ass for me today. Anyone else having that problem?)
Day 08 - The pairing with the most baggage?
Day 09 - The most believable relationship?
Day 10 - Why aren't these two married in real life?
Day 11 - What is your dream pairing?
Day 12 - Who had the best wedding?
Day 13 - What is your favorite television pairing?
Day 14 - What is your favorite book pairing?
Day 15 - What is your favorite real life pairing?
Day 16 - What is the absolute worst pairing?
Day 17 - A pairing you thought would never work out, but did?
Day 18 - What is the cutest pairing?
Day 19 - A pairing you've rooted for since the beginning?
Day 20 - The "can't stand the sexual tension anymore" pairing?
Day 21 - A pairing you like and no one else understands why?
Day 22 - A pairing you hate and no one else understands why?
Day 23 - A crazy love triangle/quadrilateral that worked out great?
Day 24 - A crazy love triangle/quadrilateral that worked out badly?
Day 25 - A pairing that was/would-be adorable, but could never work out?
Day 26 - A pairing that you hated and ended up loving?
Day 27 - A pairing that you loved and ended up hating?
Day 28 - A pairing that you will never understand?
Day 29 - What ship had the best proposal?
Day 30 - Your favorite ship forever and ever and ever?
In other news, I finally found time to start watching Merlin, which so many on my flist rave about, and I have thoughts.
Look, I don’t consider myself an Arthurian expert or anything, but I love the legend and have read four different versions of it and seen countless more. So when I watched the pilot of this show I was irritated by several key factors.
1. I know every generation adds its own spin on the legend, but I think the fact that our key contribution in evolving the legend is making Merlin young and hot, instead of a wise, old man, says a lot about where our society is headed, and not in a good way.
2. They changed Arthur’s backstory, and turned him into a gigantic jackass. I cannot even tell you how that pissed me off. Arthur is my favorite character in any version of the legend. He’s the guy you root for, the one who always tries to do the right thing, who loves mercy more than justice and justice more than vengeance, the one who turns the other cheek even when those nearest and dearest to him betray him. Basically, he’s everything you want a man to be (which is why he’s a legend).
3. I’m sure unrelating Morgan le Fay and Arthur cuts down on the ick factor of that particular part of the legend, but as T.H. White so properly pointed out in The Once and Future King (though he uses Morgause in that version), the fact that Arthur had a child with his half-sister is at the very core of the tragedy-it’s why Malory’s work is called Le Morte d’Arthur. Because Arthur’s end was set from that moment and because of that one sin.
On the other hand, I immediately loved Gwen and had no problems with changing her backstory. I guess because I’ve never been that attached to the character of Guinevere. (Hating her and Lancelot goes hand and hand with loving Arthur.) But here was a Gwen who was sweet and smart, and not a spoiled lady handed over as part of a political deal.
Also, in spite of the change in Morgana’s lineage, I liked the idea of seeing her evolve from an idealistic young woman trapped by controlling men into the baddass witch (I hope?) she’ll become.
Additionally, PRETTIEST. CAST. EVER.
So, in spite of my initial reservations, I kept watching. And I’m so glad I did. By the second episode, they started showing better sides to Arthur; by the episode where Merlin gets poisoned, and Arthur’s only reaction to being told the list of deadly perils in the way of the antidote is, “Sounds like fun,” he was back to being my favorite character. Which only increases with every single episode. I love that he can be BOTH the Once and Future King who is merciful and just, noble and true, and a royal prat.
And the episode with Mordred’s introduction finally sold me on the change in everyone’s backstories. Because Morgana and Arthur aren’t related, and they didn’t create Mordred, but they gave him life all the same by helping him escape execution, which is one of the cleverest plays on the established legend I’ve ever seen.
(Although seriously, QUIT KILLING KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE BEFORE THERE IS A ROUND TABLE. Damn does that bug me. Why, Pellenore, why!?)
Oh, speaking of which, I love Arthur’s speech to the villagers of Merlin’s hometown about all being gathered in a circle, which was nice foreshadowing that didn’t hit you over the head like the CONSTANT talk about destiny (please tell me, someone’s made a drinking game about that).
I don’t really like Gaius. Is that an unpopular fandom opinion? I don’t care. He sold out the other sorcerers, which, look, obviously there are bad magicians and good magicians in this story, but Uther’s purge on magic is just as bad as any other form of racial or religious genocide, and Gaius is a collaborator all the way. He shields and protects Merlin, because he loves him, and because of his destiny, but he is also constantly trying to keep Merlin from helping anyone else who has magic. And I don’t feel that anything he’s done for Morgana, in prescribing sleeping draughts and telling her they’re just dreams, is in any way helping her.
I loved the first season finale, which was the first episode that had a lot of twists I did not see coming. Like Merlin killing Nimue, which, again, has greater implications for how far they are going to stray from the legend; since Nimue is generally the one who defeats Merlin and traps him in a cave, perhaps he’ll triumph after all? (If they let Arthur live at the end, I will forgive them everything else EVER.)
I’ve only seen the first three episodes of season two, but “The Once and Future Queen” is maybe my favorite episode yet. I love that Arthur hides his identity to prove himself, as he does in “The Once and Future King” (in case you couldn’t tell yet, that’s my favorite version of the legend); I love that he’s such a fierce warrior. And then, of course, there is Arthur/Gwen and the miles of fangirl squeeing they induce. OTP-OTP-OTP. DO NOT LET STUPID LANCELOT RUIN IT. OTP.
Also, I ship Merlin/Morgana. Tell me I’m not the only one who sees something there. I mean, Arthur sees it, too, bless him, but someone fandom-related.
Ooh, and I love the score.
Anyway, overall, my feelings on the show so far are quite positive, and I hope to finish up season two, before next week, when BONES RETURNS.