We Are Artists.

I think the best way to fight this AI shit is just to support actual creators. The cat's out of the bag with AI; our data's going to be taken and used without our consent whether we like it or not, so maybe we should put efforts into holding up those who create their own stuff. Comment/interact on people's writings and art. Make it worth them posting; make it clear that what the people are interested in isn't generated stuff, but things that people have actually done themselves. It's a drop in the ocean, but showing creators that it's them that deserve the support at least serves to cut off a tiny bit of oxygen to these AI hogs - and make a difference to creatives who are trying against hope to share with a community.

So, as much as I love charming, swaggering Han Solo, the guy is kind of awkward.

At first I thought it was an issue with his characterization in ROTJ where they made him a little too buffoonish for lack of a better word, and in Solo where they leaned a little bit too hard into Han being inexperienced and naive.

Don’t get me wrong, when it matters, the man is suave and dangerous and charismatic, and I love it.

But I was rewatching ANH the other day and I realized that at least when it comes to his personal relationships (except for Chewie) Han is kind of insecure and inept at forming meaningful relationships. To be fair, it makes sense given his backstory (in both Legends and Canon) and seedy profession. But legendary scoundrel Han is not at all slick when it comes to genuine interaction.

His initial introduction in the cantina as a ruthless survivor and his cocky dealings with Jabba tend to be the bulk of what people remember about his character, and for good reason. But there’s also captivating glimpses into a Han Solo who is more human than he probably wants anyone to see.

When Ben trains Luke, Han won’t stop insulting them both, but underneath all of the posturing, he does genuinely try to offer up real advice (that a good blaster is more reliable than an antiquated weapon). Then later, before abandoning Yavin, he doesn’t want to part on bad terms with Luke so, he chokes out a parting phrase that means something to Luke, tamping down his discomfort which is visible to the point that it’s kind of funny.

The first movie largely neglects his lack of social skills in regards to Leia (they do snap at each other, but that’s more to do with their clashing personalities than anything). He winks at her at the end, but Han is good at surface level flirting.

But then we get to Empire…strap in folks.

So, their first interaction takes place in the command center on Hoth, and Han is threatened to leave. And boy oh boy does Han really want/need Leia (and Leia in particular) to say she wants/needs him.

She has her own (very understandable) issues with opening up, so the closest she can get to admitting her own feelings is saying that the Alliance needs him. Leia may see herself as an extension of the Alliance, but that’s a different conversation and not enough for Han who needs to be sure of her feelings before making his own known. (Leia seems to have the same problem. They kinda suck at communicating sometimes.)

He asks her, very subtly pleads with her to open up, to reciprocate the bit of vulnerability he’s showing. She understandably doesn’t (again she has an unfathomable amount of her own trauma), cueing a fight at and Han goes back to the Falcon to be Totally-Not-Sad. Despite the fight though, he risks his life to make sure Leia gets out during the evacuation. (Gotta love how well he knows her.)

Then we get the big kiss scene. This time, Han has decided to acknowledge Leia’s insecurities because he wants to be with her. He specifically asks her “What are you afraid of?” Yeah, he’s kind of teasing her, but he knows Leia freakin Organa is not afraid of getting her hands dirty. It’s such a lame excuse, so he calls her out on it.

Then, all of the sudden, they’re finally together and Leia is just all in (see my post about Leia’s physically affectionate nature). And…Han adjusts. By the time they arrive on Bespin, he’s the one initiating hand holding, giving forehead kisses.

It’s a way more intimate than he would afford a casual hook-up. His scrapped intro in ANH (which was incorporated into the novelization by Alexandra Bracken), literally had him forget the name of the girl on his lap.

He’s still insecure when Lando starts flirting, but above all he’s in a relationship that is so casually affectionate. It’s a part of him we’ve never seen, but it suits him well.

Then we get to the big “I love you/ I know”.

In the original script, Han was supposed to say “I love you too.” Everyone thought it was a very out of character thing for him to say. The now iconic response was created during the shooting of that scene. I agree…to a point.

Now, I love the line. It’s iconic and great and very Han Solo. Yes it’s a smooth response…but it’s also…a really weird response…

Yeah, there’s a lot of people and to be fair, he just told Chewie to take care of Leia (which is very sweet), and once again probably still has some issues expressing vulnerability.

But…he also might die, so it’s weird that he wouldn’t tell her while he still can.

The pattern continues in ROTJ. Han is a bit out of character in this one, however I do like the moment where he’s referred to as a general. It’s usually read as him proving his commitment, and I agree. But I still think it’s funny that he decided to make it a surprise. It’s so cute and weird and very Han Solo.

He’s protective when Leia goes missing after the bike chase, and when they’re reunited picks her up and spins her adorably.

He’s still not super sure how to provide comfort all of the time (there’s a few times where Leia seeks his embrace, and he seems visibly unsure of what he’s doing). During the battle he’s always reaching out to shield her, hide her when she’s injured. Then he just holds her after the battle. The way she asked him to earlier, with a small but very genuine smile.

Finally, we arrive at “The Princess and the Scoundrel” where Han Solo does the GFFA equivalent of proposing on the first date. (For real, this book is one my favorite things. It canonized so many of my head canons like a very casual proposal). It’s perfect for its balance of being both weird and romantic.

Anyway, I like Han’s soft side and I don’t see it discussed enough.

On Aziraphale and Crowley in the Final Scene

Season Two Spoilers Below

Alright, I’m gonna go on the defensive for Aziraphale.

Crowley is 100% justified to feel the way he does. He put himself in a vulnerable position, and was rejected. He wanted to be Aziraphale’s first choice for once, and yet again was denied it. More than that, Aziraphale wanted him to change (even though I think Aziraphale thinks he’s saving Crowley) so that they could be together.

But I don’t think Crowley realizes just how deep a hold Heaven has on Aziraphale. He knows and straight up says that both sides are toxic, but he doesn’t seem to get how hard it can be to leave a toxic relationship. I also don’t think he understands how Aziraphale’s faith in the righteousness of God is a part of his character.

Plus, Aziraphale finally feels validated in the eyes of Heaven, something he’s always wanted.

I cried so hard when Aziraphale got into that elevator because I was thinking of all the times I stayed with a toxic friend group, or with my abusive ex.

It hurts so badly to watch a character I love make a mistake that I’ve made.

“I’m Jemimah and I made this pot!”

What a mood.

Those who avoid anti-AI discourse are the ones who don't like getting exposed or called-out as lazy or brain-dead.

Deep down, they already know that.

Okay, so I’m working on Part 4 of Domestic Burlesque, it’s just that it covers 1964-1966 (if you know you know). Obviously, it’s going to end happily, but it gets pretty dark. So, I decided to post a little bit of fluff first. Please let me know what you think!

Shakespeare Incorrect Quotes: Much Ado About Nothing 4

Benedick : Am I right, Beatrice?

Beatrice: I’m almost certain you’re not, but to be fair, I wasn’t listening.

Hero: The salary of a clown is 51,000 dollars.

Hero, gesturing to Beatrice and Benedick fighting: And yet these idiots do it daily, and for free!

Friar Francis: *watching the squad's shenanigans with concern* Do you feel like this has gotten out of hand?

Imogen: I don't know. Feels normal enough for a group that's on 911's blocked callers list.

Benedick: I have been tricked, I have been backstabbed, and I have quite possibly been bamboozled.

Benedick: Why are you burning our marriage certificate!?

Beatrice: Good luck trying to return me without a receipt.

Hero: While I'm gone, you're in charge Claudio.

Claudio: Yes!

Hero, whispering to Beatrice: You're secretly in charge, but I don't want them to feel bad.

Beatrice: Obviously.

Beatrice: What do I get?

Benedick: A night of fashion, mischief, mayhem, and possible death.

Beatrice: Ooh, check, check, and check; not sure about that last one.

Benedick: It won't be you.

Beatrice: I'll get my coat.

Hero, pointing a camera at Beatrice: There they are, our sweet baby.

Beatrice, holding a cigarette and a beer: What-?

Beatrice: I didn’t even realize how sarcastic I was being. It’s starting to become a problem, I think.

Claudio: I sort of did something and I need some advice, but I don't want a lot of judgment and criticism.

Beatrice: And you came to me?

Claudio: Hero, what does IDK, ILY, and TTYL mean?

Hero: I don’t know, I love you, talk to you later.

Claudio: Alright, I love you too, I'll ask Benedick.

Hero: Wait- Claudio, no-

*At the police station*

Beatrice: Hi, I’m here for Benedick.

Police officer: Who’s Benedick?

Beatrice: Ah, you must be new.

Beatrice: All in all, a 100% successful trip.

Hero: But we lost Claudio.

Beatrice: All in all, a 100% successful trip!

Beatrice, to Claudio: Are you peanuts? Because I want to boil you alive.

Hero: I left instructions for everyone while I'm gone.

Claudio: Mine just says "Claudio no."

Hero: I want you to apply it to every possible situation.

Beatrice: I didn't drink that much last night.

Hero: You were flirting with Benedick.

Beatrice: So what? They're my partner.

Hero: You asked if they were single.

Hero: And then you cried when they said they weren't.

Claudio: I only have 6 weeks left to live.

Don Pedro: Oh my god, really?!

Claudio: It's just a guesstimate based on the choices I've made.

Leonato: I just found out from Hero today that when Claudio died and the service did the 21-gun salute at their funeral, Beatrice said, “They should aim at the coffin to be sure.”

Beatrice: Benedick and I got married!!

Hero: Don't share your personal problems with everyone.

Beatrice: Claudio, this morning, I called you abhorrent and reprehensible, and I’d like to withdraw that statement-

Claudio: Aww, thanks-

Beatrice: But I can't. Those are the 2 words that best describe you.

Beatrice: Hey, quick question. How petty am I allowed to be?

Claudio: Benedick, why are you standing in front of the fan?

Benedick: I’m waiting for Beatrice to look into our window when they come home. When the fan is blowing on me, I look like a fancy supermodel.

Claudio: You want Beatrice to think you’re a supermodel?

Benedick: Giving them eye candy is the least I can do. It’ll probably be the best part of their walk!

Claudio, sarcastically: You’re selfless.

Benedick: Thank you for noticing.

Hero: *trying to get five seconds of sleep*

Beatrice, poking Hero’s arm: Hero Hero. Hero. Hero.

Hero: WHAT?

Beatrice: …We’re out of Capri Suns—

Claudio: *working in a flower shop and minding their own business*

Benedick, storming into the store and slapping $20 on the counter: HOW DO I PASSIVE-AGGRESSIVELY SAY “FUCK YOU” IN FLOWER???

Claudio: Hey, Benedick? Can I get some dating advice?

Benedick: Just because I'm with Beatrice doesn't mean I know how I did it.

Beatrice: I hate you.

Benedick: Well, according to this picture I drew of us holding hands, that is untrue.

Benedick: Beatrice and I are no longer dating.

Beatrice: Benedick, that’s a horrible way of telling people we’re married.

Claudio: How is the most beautiful person in the world?

Hero: *blushing* I—

Benedick, butting into the conversation: Beatrice is perfect, thanks for asking.

On the Nina and Maggie Parallels

Good Omens Season 2 Spoilers Below:

I love Nina and Maggie, and love everything they say in their final scene. But they got one thing wrong.

Yes Aziraphale does believe in magic. That he can fix a system beyond repair. But he’s nothing like Maggie aside from aesthetic. He does not show his emotions, not really. Not when it counts. Maggie tackles emotional issues head on while Aziraphale is the literal embodiment of repression.

Crowley isn’t an exact parallel to Nina, because he’s never actually opened himself up. Despite all of the atrocities he’s seen, he’s still got a bit of hope and optimism.

For all of his hard edges, Crowley believes in magic too. He believes in love confessions in the rain, in looking into someone’s eyes and knowing it’s meant to be. That “one good kiss” means happily ever after.

No matter how much you dislike your own writing, I promise you it’s better than AI

Good Omens Incorrect Quotes 4

Not mine but still fun

Aziraphale : There is no future. There is no past. Don't you see? Time is simultaneous, an intricately structured jewel that humans insist on viewing one edge at a time, when the whole design is visible in every fact.

Crowley : ...All I asked was if you wanted to cut your birthday cake first.

*

Aziraphale : Why are you on fire?

Crowley : This is just how my day is going.

*

Crowley : What do you call a dictionary on drugs?

Aziraphale : If you say "addict-ionary" I swear I will smite you.

Crowley : I was actually going to say "high definition", but your answer's much better.

Aziraphale : ...

*

Crowley , answering the phone: Hello?

Aziraphale : It’s Aziraphale .

Crowley : What did they do this time?

Aziraphale : No, it’s me, Aziraphale . It’s actually me.

Crowley : What did you do this time?

*

Aziraphale : You have your weirdly sincere humility.

Crowley : I prefer the term "self-loathing", actually.

*

Aziraphale , opening a Capri Sun: Guess I'll drink my sorrows away.

*

Aziraphale : I hate you.

Crowley : Well, according to this picture I drew of us holding hands, that is untrue.

*

Aziraphale , skipping rocks on a lake with Crowley : It’s such a beautiful evening.

Crowley : Yeah, it is.

Crowley : *whispering* Take that you fucking lake.

*

Crowley : I'm gonna get my pilot's license. I've already got a driver's license and a cosmetology license, that's two of the big five licenses.

Aziraphale : The big five licenses?

Crowley : Driver's license, cosmetology license, pilot's license, fishing license, and… license to kill! I can't wait to get that one.

*

Aziraphale : Are you trying to seduce me?

Crowley : Why, are you seducible?

*

Aziraphale : I’d like to live through a week that’s not a whole new verse of “We Didn’t Start the Fire.”

*

Crowley : I’m having salad for dinner!

Aziraphale :

Crowley : Well, fruit salad.

Crowley : Actually, it’s mostly grapes.

Aziraphale :

Crowley : Okay, it’s all grapes.

Crowley : Fermented grapes.

Aziraphale :

Crowley :

Aziraphale :

Crowley : It’s wine.

Crowley : I’m having wine for dinner.

*

Crowley : I think I should be allowed on ghost hunter tv shows.

Aziraphale : I think that would be dangerous for the ghosts.

*

Crowley : If we don’t get out of this alive… If we’re both about to die… I love you, Aziraphale !

*Neither of them die*

Aziraphale : …

Crowley : …

Aziraphale : So do you wanna talk about somethi-

Crowley : No thank you.

*

Crowley on Monday: *glues 5p to the sidewalk* Heh heh heh.

Crowley on Wednesday: *walking down the street* Ooh hey! 5p!

*

Aziraphale : You use humor to deflect your trauma.

Crowley : Awww, thanks-

Aziraphale : That’s not a good thing.

Crowley : All I’m hearing is that you think I’m funny.

*

Aziraphale : When do you usually go to sleep?

Crowley : Whenever I collapse is entirely up to the gods.

*

*Crowley is fighting a monster*

Aziraphale : Just stay calm! You already have everything you need to beat it!

Crowley : The power to believe in myself!?

Aziraphale : No, a knife! Stab it!

*

Crowley , grinning: I have a knife!

Aziraphale : Put it down, Crowley .

Crowley : Make me! *sprints away*

*

Aziraphale : Pick a card, any card.

Crowley : Fine.

Aziraphale : Wait, that's my credit card!

Crowley : You said any card.