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Top Fives: Mixed Bag Edition
But first, a brief anecdote from my thrill-filled life. Today I had to go get my tags renewed for my truck, so I pulled into the emissions testing place and the man there said, "The question is, Princess, are you old enough to drive?" This is my life, people. This happens to me aaaall the time. I'm 22! But he was a really nice man--old and sweet, so the whole "princess" thing was neither condescending nor creepy as it might have been. Also, it was the first time anyone's ever called me that, so I guess I must not have been surrounding myself with my feminazi bonekiller aura which I usually wear like ARMOR.*
*This is a lie. I'm a feminazi at heart, but I come across as all sweetness and light, probably because I was taught always to be sweet and polite. Some things are too ingrained to fight, you know?
Anyways! On to the fun lists!
Top Five Mal/Inara Moments for![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
that_september
5. “I knew you let her kiss you.” - “Our Mrs. Reynolds”
Oh, Mal. You silly, silly boy. Just a few scenes ago, Inara was crying over you and kissing you and begging you not to be dead. And you leap to the entirely wrong conclusion. And the look on Inara’s face!
4. "I am grateful, you know, for the ill-conceived and high-handed attempt to defend my honor although I didn't want you to." - "Shindig"
I love their angst. I love their banter. But I also love this scene because it proves that they can just spend time together and enjoy each other’s company. It’s such a simple scene (and, I know this is crazy, but it kind of reminds me of Buffy and Spike on the back porch in “Fool for Love”), but I think it’s the sweetest thing in the world. After an episode with a plot practically out of a romance novel (but with a lot more humor) with the manly man defending the fair lady's honor, we turn things around completely, and have them sharing a scene and conversation and wine like equals. Honestly, it’s little scenes like this that make me think that they could maybe, someday actually work.
Plus, I really love when the camera pulls back and we see all the cattle in the cargo bay. It’s juxtapositions like that that really make the sci-fi western thing work so beautifully.
3. Inara cries – “Heart of Gold”
Oh, the beautiful, beautiful angst! Nothing rips my heart out like her sobbing when she finds out about Mal and Nandi. And then she gets up and she puts on her calm face and she pretends like her heart hasn’t been absolutely shattered. OH INARA! *huggles her*
2. “You spin me about.” - Serenity
Did I mention that I love angst? The thing about this scene is it just bleeds through how much they want each other but how deeply they believe that being together is something they’ll never have. And when he says that he wishes she was elsewhere, he’s both lying through his teeth and being absolutely sincere. They’re the epitome of the “can’t live with/can’t live without” kind of relationship, and I think this scene shows that beautifully.
1. “Good answer.” - Serenity
He asks her if she’s going to leave. And she doesn’t say, “How can you ask me that? You know I only want to be where you are.” Nor does she say, “I can’t take this back and forth anymore; I have to leave and put this behind me.” No. She says, “I don’t know.” And that, to me, encapsulates their relationship.
Top Five Favorite Crossover Couples forrosie1234
5. Dean/Veronica - Supernatural/Veronica Mars
Dean Winchester is my little black dress of crossover shipping--perfect for any occasion. I've paired him with everyone. But I paired him with Veronica first, and I still love the idea of them. She's just enough of a badass to fit into his world and not take any of his crap, and you know she could get him eating out of the palm of her hand. There would be some snark and fumbling attempts for both of them to open up and trust, and I think it could be pretty epic.
4. Buffy/Tommy - Buffy the Vampire Slayer/The Black Donnellys
I still don't know where this couple came from. But the idea of S5 Buffy bent on protecting Dawn meeting up with Tommy Donnelly, the guy whose every single action is an attempt to take care of his family...I think it would work. And Tommy wouldn't have much of a problem fitting into a world of demon-fighting, not do I think he would have problems with a girl who was stronger than him. I imagine them fighting together, blending their families, and also being able to lean on each other.
3. Cassidy/Julie - Veronica Mars/Friday Night Lights
Don't even pretend like these two aren't perfect for each other. They're both smart and are never going to quite fit into the popular group. Julie is very much the typical teen girl--a little insecure, a little whiny, but loyal and full of dreams. And I imagine having her accept him would be pretty healing to poor Cassidy and all his demons. Plus, they would look really cute together, don't you think?
2. Adam/Drusilla - Heroes/Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Still the most messed up couple I've ever come up with. Adam is kind of coolly logical, and he's lived long enough that he's seen everything. Drusilla is completely out of her head. I think he would find her absolutely fascinating, and she, of course, would be able to drink from him forever without him ever running dry. This obviously isn't a long-term thing, but he would never forget her.
1. William Miller/Lux Lisbon - Almost Famous/The Virgin Suicides
William is the sweetest guy alive, but he's still figuring out who he is. If he'd stumbled upon Lux while she was alive, he'd have fallen for her beauty and her pain and her loneliness, just like he did for Penny's. I like to imagine them listening to amazing music, him writing, her dancing, going to concerts, spending lots of time in the sun--they're both such California kids. I really wish they'd find each other.
Top Five Favorite Fictional Characters of All Time forinkstainedskin
Just a note: this one was haaaard. And my list would probably change tomorrow. Not all of these are familiar names, but I'm going to ramble about them anyways, okay?
5. Valancy Stirling - The Blue Castle
I'm not much for romance novels, but I make an exception for L.M. Montgomery (she wrote Anne of Green Gables, y'all, in case you're wondering). This book is the perfect fairy tale. It's short and sweet and different than any other story I've ever read. Often, I'll pull it out at night before I got to bed, and at two in the morning I'll finish it with a big grin on my face.
It's Valancy's story, really. She's had a life of quiet desperation--she hasn't been abused or poverty-striken or any of the truly terrible things that can happen to people. Instead, she's just floated along, controlled by her mother and aunt, and the only good things that have ever happened to her are the fantasies she dreams up in her head. But when she finally decides to live, she becomes wonderful. She says exactly what she wants to--the scene at the family dinner is one of my favorites in all of literature--she decides to help someone who really needs her, and when she gets a chance at love, she takes it.
4. Alex Randall - Shadow of the Moon
None of you have heard of this book--though the author, M.M. Kaye, wrote The Far Pavilions, which is still pretty popular--but it is 600 pages of sheer awesome (it's on my top-five list of favorite books, in fact). A lot of that awesome comes from Alex. He's a British officer in India before the Rebellion and the Raj, and while he could have just been a typical romance hero, he (and the book) is so much more. In a typical book, he would be mooning over Winter (the heroine) the whole book long, and his every thought and motivation would be of her.
But not Alex. He's got more important things to deal with--like, you know, saving India from being overtaken by bloodshed. This guy rides and shoots and spies and acts as a diplomat and is embroiled in international espianoge and hangs out with his BFF Niaz (who is also made of awesome) and gets the girl. The brilliant thing about his characterization is that he consistently sees every single issue from both sides (I do this, too, most of the time, which is probably why I like him so much). He kind of hates himself for this, because he thinks it would be easier if he only looked at the world through the eyes of the British Empire as his peers do. Instead, he recognizes just how many true grievances the Indians have against them, and he can't really condemn them for it. He does what he does, not because of duty or for king and country or for the girl, but because he wants to keep people from dying. Period. The scene where he saves Kishan Prishad--who is his enemy, by nature of the times, but who he respects the hell out of--is one one I never get tired of reading.
Oh, yeah. And he makes a pretty decent romantic lead, too. ;)
3. Spike - the Buffyverse
How did Buffy make the top of my favorite BtVS characters list, but Spike ends up on this one? I don't know. But he does. Get over it.
2. Nick and Nora Charles - The Thin Man movies (yes, they count as one character)
Words cannot describe how much I wanted to be Nora when I was growing up. Other girls supposedly idolized Audrey Hepburn or Marilyn Monroe, but it was always Myrna Loy for me. She and William Powell have some of the best chemistry I've ever seen. They play a former detective and his heiress wife who keep getting pulled into situations where they have to solve mysteries. But the joy of these films is how much fun they have together. They clearly adore each other. They banter and wit and sparkle better than anyone else. They drink (and drink and drink) and act exasperated with each other. They wear amazing clothes and live in great houses (the movies were made in the '30s, but you'd never know the Depression was even happening). They solve impossible murders by getting all the suspects in one room and talking till someone slips and Nick can put the pieces together. And through it all, they love each other. It might be completely unrealistic, but I want a marriage like this.
1. Quentin Compson - The Sound and the Fury and Absalom, Absalom!
So he's a semi-incestuous, neurotic, suicidal, over-intellectual bleeding heart. So what? I still love him.
I really think you can't read TSatF without having read A,A!, too. The full picture that emerges of who Quentin is and the way he reacts to the world around him and why he decides he can't live in this world never fails to blow me away. Absalom, Absalom! is one of the greatest novels in the English language (with the very best ending lines from anything ever), and Quentin's perspective is a huge part of that. I still can't figure out what it is about him that makes me connect to him so deeply. But I do.
Top Five BFFs formoonlightrick
5. Harry/Ron/Hermione - Harry Potter
Sometimes in my extreme Ron/Hermione shipping, I forget how much I love these three as a group of friends. JKR kind of sucks at writing romance, but I always understood why these three were friends. They argue and laugh and cheat on homework and get into all sorts of trouble and fight evil together. They're classic.
4. The Doctor/Donna - Doctor Who
They just adore each other so much. It makes me want to hug myself in glee. The Doctor needed Donna to shake him from his loneliness. And boy did she ever. In return, he helped her to see how absolutely wonderful she is, how much more she is than she ever thought. I still haven't forgiven the show for what they did to her--I doubt I ever will--because I feel like they stole all that away from her. She came so far, and to take it away....I'm hoping some residual self-confidence and self-awareness will remain. Maybe she'll turn into a Sarah Jane Smith type. That would be pretty great. Or maybe, maybe, maybe, they'll be reunited some day.
3. The main cast of How I Met Your Mother
Don't you just want to spend all your time with them? I adore every single one of them. Some of them I'd love no matter the circumstances (like Marshall). Others wouldn't be so great outside the context of the group (like Ted). Still, when they're together, they're unstoppably brilliant.
2. Veronica/Wallace - Veronica Mars
I kind of want to give this award just to Wallace, because Veronica can suck as a friend. But I do think she tries. I've BFF-shipped (is that a thing? It should be) them since she cut him down from the flagpole and he sat down to her at lunch. There is no better friend in the whole wide world than Wallace, and there never will be.
1. The basement gang - That 70s Show
I'm going to be honest, and this might make you lose all respect for me, but I think if I could live in any fandom, it would be this one. There's no place I'd rather be than hanging out in the basement, driving around in the Vista Cruiser, getting a burger at the Hub, climbing the water tower...with these people.
Also, I want to date Hyde. Or Eric. I'm not picky.
Top Five Firefly Moments forava_leigh_fitz. Hon, I had no idea how hard this would be. It's been a while since I've seen the show, so these are the ones that leapt to mind.
5. “This must be what going mad feels like.” - "Jaynestown"
OH SIMON. That line! His face! His finger! Too fun!
4. The opening of “The Message”
This might make me lame, but these are the moments I most love on the show: where everyone’s just interacting and being themselves. Simon and Kaylee and not knowing how to talk to girls, Wash and Zoe and mocking him for it, River’s food being problematic, Jayne and his cunning hat, and the naked man in the box (also, I adore Jonathan M. Woodward. If he doesn’t show up on Dollhouse, I’m going to go all dark side on Joss’s ass. He better watch out).
3. The torture scene - "War Stories"
Wash and Mal having that conversation about Zoe and shipboard romances while they’re being tortured by Niska. They’re kind of horrible to each other, and Mal keeps provoking Wash, but it’s because he wants him to focus on something other than the pain. And then when Zoe comes in and is offered a choice, and Niska doesn’t even get the question out before she chooses Wash? Love. It.
2. The interrogations - "Bushwacked"
I love this scene for the exact same reason I love the scene in the library in BtVS’s “Earshot” where Buffy hears everyone’s thoughts: because it gets right to the heart of each one of the characters. They’re all so…them! I just want to huggle every one of them for being so wonderfully themselves!
1. Mal and Serenity - "Out of Gas"
Love at first sight. I love every single thing about this episode, but the look on Mal’s face when he sees Serenity for the first time? Perfect.
Top Five Favorite Things about True Blood forineffort. This list is kind of a condensed version of this post. For lots more squeeing, go there.
5. The opening credits
Like I said, I could write a dissertation on the opening credits. I really hate the way a lot of shows are getting rid of that portion of the show--or majorly shortening it. The title and ominous music works for LOST, but everyone else should do full-fledged opening credits sequences, okay? Especially with ridiculously stereotypical images of Southern life. And an entirely awesome song.
4. Jason Stackhouse is turning out to have a character arc
No, seriously. I thought at first that he was just going to continue to be dumb and get into trouble while looking adorably confused. But no. This character is actually growing while remaining in character. I think he's going to get a major redemption, and frankly, I can't wait.
3. The minor characters
I love them. They're all so well cast, and actually interesting, instead of just backdrops against which the major characters live out their lives. They have motives and they mature, and we actually understand why they do the things they do instead of having their actions dictated by the plot. I love that.
2. Jessica/Hoyte
ONLY THE CUTEST, SWEETEST OTP EVER. Likeafterthree says, "I just want Jessica and Hoyt to snuggle in bed 25 hours, 7 days, 365. They are the best thing to happen to TV in a very, very long time." If they don't have a happy ending and stay together forever and ever, I might swear off TV forever.*
*This is a lie, too. But doesn't it sound nice and dramatic?
1. Tara
Tara is brilliant. That is all.
Top Five Favorite Evil Characters (Redeemed or Not) forradio_silent
5. Lilah Morgan - Angel
I think she's one of the most underrated characters of all time, not to mention one of the greatest villains. The thing I think Angel did better than Buffy was the way that Wolfram and Hart was the Big Bad from beginning to end, it just manifested itself in lots of different ways: from Lindsay to Darla to trying to corrupt Team Angel. But Lilah's the best. She's so real and human and you actually care about her. I bawled my eyes out when Wes tried to burn her contract and she told him it wouldn't work. And the scene where she dresses up like Fred to seduce him? KINKY. And the scene in "Billy" where she and Cordy have the great bitch-off? I actually love her with Wes, because they are both adults and see each other clearly (even if Wes is kind of awful to her), unlike his stupid obsession with Fred, which creeps me the hell out. Anyways, through it all, Lilah remains evil and unrepentant and awesome. I'm convinced she is running hell.
4. Adam Monroe - Heroes
This show is the biggest disappointment in the history of disappointments, but I love it because it gave me Adam (and Elle). Even leaving aside the fact that he's played by David Freakin' Anders with a fake British accent, he's just cool. And totally dedicated to his own good.
3. Kyp Durron - Star Wars
This one's for you,moonlightrick. Okay, so he wasn’t evil for very long, but while he was, he totally blew up a planet full of people. Quantity of killing trumps longevity, don’t you think? He's the thing that made me a fangirl.
You know, I was thinking the other day, and I’ve decided that my Kyp love was foreshadowing my Spike love. They have very similar stories and very similar relationships with the ladies I ship them with. What think you?
2. The Operative - Serenity
Chiwetel Ejiofor is my favorite actor alive, and he plays this part with, as I once heard it described, "Shakespearean elegance." He's a true believe. Creepy as hell because of it, but there's also something about him that draws you in. He's Mal's shadow-self, too, and I love the way that's set up. When he disappears at the end of the movie, I have this whole big plan for him: of becoming a Shepherd at Book's old monastery, and finding peace again through forgiveness and caring for a garden and reading and helping people. Yup. I'm a big, ole sap.
1. Cassidy Casablancas - Veronica Mars
His name is Cassidy! And I will love him forever, I don't care what anyone else says.
Top Five Favorite Doctor Who Moments/Episodes forradio_silent. This one was hard, because unlike all the other shows here, I've only seen it once. So I just put down the things I remember really well.
5. "Citizens, rejoice. Your Lord and Master stands on high, playing track 3." - "Last of the Time Lords"
The Master. Dancing to Scissor Sisters. YES.
4. "This is me, getting out." - "Last of the Time Lords"
I always liked Martha, but her unrequited love for the Doctor was a bit of a drag. I’ve rarely been as proud of a character as I was during her speech in this episode about waiting around for someone who’s never going to want you. She did the grown up, mature thing to put that aside and go back to take care of her family. You go, Martha Jones.
3. Any time the Doctor tells Donna she's brilliant.
Because she's Donna. And she's brilliant.
2. "Everybody lives, Rose! Just this once, everybody lives!" - "The Doctor Dances"
I sob like a baby during that scene. His joy at being able to save people touches me more than I can say. That's what the show is all about.
1. "Blink"
I think this episode is perfect. Also, can I be Sally Sparrow when I grow up, please?
*This is a lie. I'm a feminazi at heart, but I come across as all sweetness and light, probably because I was taught always to be sweet and polite. Some things are too ingrained to fight, you know?
Anyways! On to the fun lists!
Top Five Mal/Inara Moments for
that_september5. “I knew you let her kiss you.” - “Our Mrs. Reynolds”
Oh, Mal. You silly, silly boy. Just a few scenes ago, Inara was crying over you and kissing you and begging you not to be dead. And you leap to the entirely wrong conclusion. And the look on Inara’s face!
4. "I am grateful, you know, for the ill-conceived and high-handed attempt to defend my honor although I didn't want you to." - "Shindig"
I love their angst. I love their banter. But I also love this scene because it proves that they can just spend time together and enjoy each other’s company. It’s such a simple scene (and, I know this is crazy, but it kind of reminds me of Buffy and Spike on the back porch in “Fool for Love”), but I think it’s the sweetest thing in the world. After an episode with a plot practically out of a romance novel (but with a lot more humor) with the manly man defending the fair lady's honor, we turn things around completely, and have them sharing a scene and conversation and wine like equals. Honestly, it’s little scenes like this that make me think that they could maybe, someday actually work.
Plus, I really love when the camera pulls back and we see all the cattle in the cargo bay. It’s juxtapositions like that that really make the sci-fi western thing work so beautifully.
3. Inara cries – “Heart of Gold”
Oh, the beautiful, beautiful angst! Nothing rips my heart out like her sobbing when she finds out about Mal and Nandi. And then she gets up and she puts on her calm face and she pretends like her heart hasn’t been absolutely shattered. OH INARA! *huggles her*
2. “You spin me about.” - Serenity
Did I mention that I love angst? The thing about this scene is it just bleeds through how much they want each other but how deeply they believe that being together is something they’ll never have. And when he says that he wishes she was elsewhere, he’s both lying through his teeth and being absolutely sincere. They’re the epitome of the “can’t live with/can’t live without” kind of relationship, and I think this scene shows that beautifully.
1. “Good answer.” - Serenity
He asks her if she’s going to leave. And she doesn’t say, “How can you ask me that? You know I only want to be where you are.” Nor does she say, “I can’t take this back and forth anymore; I have to leave and put this behind me.” No. She says, “I don’t know.” And that, to me, encapsulates their relationship.
Top Five Favorite Crossover Couples for
rosie12345. Dean/Veronica - Supernatural/Veronica Mars
Dean Winchester is my little black dress of crossover shipping--perfect for any occasion. I've paired him with everyone. But I paired him with Veronica first, and I still love the idea of them. She's just enough of a badass to fit into his world and not take any of his crap, and you know she could get him eating out of the palm of her hand. There would be some snark and fumbling attempts for both of them to open up and trust, and I think it could be pretty epic.
4. Buffy/Tommy - Buffy the Vampire Slayer/The Black Donnellys
I still don't know where this couple came from. But the idea of S5 Buffy bent on protecting Dawn meeting up with Tommy Donnelly, the guy whose every single action is an attempt to take care of his family...I think it would work. And Tommy wouldn't have much of a problem fitting into a world of demon-fighting, not do I think he would have problems with a girl who was stronger than him. I imagine them fighting together, blending their families, and also being able to lean on each other.
3. Cassidy/Julie - Veronica Mars/Friday Night Lights
Don't even pretend like these two aren't perfect for each other. They're both smart and are never going to quite fit into the popular group. Julie is very much the typical teen girl--a little insecure, a little whiny, but loyal and full of dreams. And I imagine having her accept him would be pretty healing to poor Cassidy and all his demons. Plus, they would look really cute together, don't you think?
2. Adam/Drusilla - Heroes/Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Still the most messed up couple I've ever come up with. Adam is kind of coolly logical, and he's lived long enough that he's seen everything. Drusilla is completely out of her head. I think he would find her absolutely fascinating, and she, of course, would be able to drink from him forever without him ever running dry. This obviously isn't a long-term thing, but he would never forget her.
1. William Miller/Lux Lisbon - Almost Famous/The Virgin Suicides
William is the sweetest guy alive, but he's still figuring out who he is. If he'd stumbled upon Lux while she was alive, he'd have fallen for her beauty and her pain and her loneliness, just like he did for Penny's. I like to imagine them listening to amazing music, him writing, her dancing, going to concerts, spending lots of time in the sun--they're both such California kids. I really wish they'd find each other.
Top Five Favorite Fictional Characters of All Time for
inkstainedskinJust a note: this one was haaaard. And my list would probably change tomorrow. Not all of these are familiar names, but I'm going to ramble about them anyways, okay?
5. Valancy Stirling - The Blue Castle
I'm not much for romance novels, but I make an exception for L.M. Montgomery (she wrote Anne of Green Gables, y'all, in case you're wondering). This book is the perfect fairy tale. It's short and sweet and different than any other story I've ever read. Often, I'll pull it out at night before I got to bed, and at two in the morning I'll finish it with a big grin on my face.
It's Valancy's story, really. She's had a life of quiet desperation--she hasn't been abused or poverty-striken or any of the truly terrible things that can happen to people. Instead, she's just floated along, controlled by her mother and aunt, and the only good things that have ever happened to her are the fantasies she dreams up in her head. But when she finally decides to live, she becomes wonderful. She says exactly what she wants to--the scene at the family dinner is one of my favorites in all of literature--she decides to help someone who really needs her, and when she gets a chance at love, she takes it.
4. Alex Randall - Shadow of the Moon
None of you have heard of this book--though the author, M.M. Kaye, wrote The Far Pavilions, which is still pretty popular--but it is 600 pages of sheer awesome (it's on my top-five list of favorite books, in fact). A lot of that awesome comes from Alex. He's a British officer in India before the Rebellion and the Raj, and while he could have just been a typical romance hero, he (and the book) is so much more. In a typical book, he would be mooning over Winter (the heroine) the whole book long, and his every thought and motivation would be of her.
But not Alex. He's got more important things to deal with--like, you know, saving India from being overtaken by bloodshed. This guy rides and shoots and spies and acts as a diplomat and is embroiled in international espianoge and hangs out with his BFF Niaz (who is also made of awesome) and gets the girl. The brilliant thing about his characterization is that he consistently sees every single issue from both sides (I do this, too, most of the time, which is probably why I like him so much). He kind of hates himself for this, because he thinks it would be easier if he only looked at the world through the eyes of the British Empire as his peers do. Instead, he recognizes just how many true grievances the Indians have against them, and he can't really condemn them for it. He does what he does, not because of duty or for king and country or for the girl, but because he wants to keep people from dying. Period. The scene where he saves Kishan Prishad--who is his enemy, by nature of the times, but who he respects the hell out of--is one one I never get tired of reading.
Oh, yeah. And he makes a pretty decent romantic lead, too. ;)
3. Spike - the Buffyverse
How did Buffy make the top of my favorite BtVS characters list, but Spike ends up on this one? I don't know. But he does. Get over it.
2. Nick and Nora Charles - The Thin Man movies (yes, they count as one character)
Words cannot describe how much I wanted to be Nora when I was growing up. Other girls supposedly idolized Audrey Hepburn or Marilyn Monroe, but it was always Myrna Loy for me. She and William Powell have some of the best chemistry I've ever seen. They play a former detective and his heiress wife who keep getting pulled into situations where they have to solve mysteries. But the joy of these films is how much fun they have together. They clearly adore each other. They banter and wit and sparkle better than anyone else. They drink (and drink and drink) and act exasperated with each other. They wear amazing clothes and live in great houses (the movies were made in the '30s, but you'd never know the Depression was even happening). They solve impossible murders by getting all the suspects in one room and talking till someone slips and Nick can put the pieces together. And through it all, they love each other. It might be completely unrealistic, but I want a marriage like this.
1. Quentin Compson - The Sound and the Fury and Absalom, Absalom!
So he's a semi-incestuous, neurotic, suicidal, over-intellectual bleeding heart. So what? I still love him.
I really think you can't read TSatF without having read A,A!, too. The full picture that emerges of who Quentin is and the way he reacts to the world around him and why he decides he can't live in this world never fails to blow me away. Absalom, Absalom! is one of the greatest novels in the English language (with the very best ending lines from anything ever), and Quentin's perspective is a huge part of that. I still can't figure out what it is about him that makes me connect to him so deeply. But I do.
Top Five BFFs for
moonlightrick5. Harry/Ron/Hermione - Harry Potter
Sometimes in my extreme Ron/Hermione shipping, I forget how much I love these three as a group of friends. JKR kind of sucks at writing romance, but I always understood why these three were friends. They argue and laugh and cheat on homework and get into all sorts of trouble and fight evil together. They're classic.
4. The Doctor/Donna - Doctor Who
They just adore each other so much. It makes me want to hug myself in glee. The Doctor needed Donna to shake him from his loneliness. And boy did she ever. In return, he helped her to see how absolutely wonderful she is, how much more she is than she ever thought. I still haven't forgiven the show for what they did to her--I doubt I ever will--because I feel like they stole all that away from her. She came so far, and to take it away....I'm hoping some residual self-confidence and self-awareness will remain. Maybe she'll turn into a Sarah Jane Smith type. That would be pretty great. Or maybe, maybe, maybe, they'll be reunited some day.
3. The main cast of How I Met Your Mother
Don't you just want to spend all your time with them? I adore every single one of them. Some of them I'd love no matter the circumstances (like Marshall). Others wouldn't be so great outside the context of the group (like Ted). Still, when they're together, they're unstoppably brilliant.
2. Veronica/Wallace - Veronica Mars
I kind of want to give this award just to Wallace, because Veronica can suck as a friend. But I do think she tries. I've BFF-shipped (is that a thing? It should be) them since she cut him down from the flagpole and he sat down to her at lunch. There is no better friend in the whole wide world than Wallace, and there never will be.
1. The basement gang - That 70s Show
I'm going to be honest, and this might make you lose all respect for me, but I think if I could live in any fandom, it would be this one. There's no place I'd rather be than hanging out in the basement, driving around in the Vista Cruiser, getting a burger at the Hub, climbing the water tower...with these people.
Also, I want to date Hyde. Or Eric. I'm not picky.
Top Five Firefly Moments for
ava_leigh_fitz. Hon, I had no idea how hard this would be. It's been a while since I've seen the show, so these are the ones that leapt to mind.5. “This must be what going mad feels like.” - "Jaynestown"
OH SIMON. That line! His face! His finger! Too fun!
4. The opening of “The Message”
This might make me lame, but these are the moments I most love on the show: where everyone’s just interacting and being themselves. Simon and Kaylee and not knowing how to talk to girls, Wash and Zoe and mocking him for it, River’s food being problematic, Jayne and his cunning hat, and the naked man in the box (also, I adore Jonathan M. Woodward. If he doesn’t show up on Dollhouse, I’m going to go all dark side on Joss’s ass. He better watch out).
3. The torture scene - "War Stories"
Wash and Mal having that conversation about Zoe and shipboard romances while they’re being tortured by Niska. They’re kind of horrible to each other, and Mal keeps provoking Wash, but it’s because he wants him to focus on something other than the pain. And then when Zoe comes in and is offered a choice, and Niska doesn’t even get the question out before she chooses Wash? Love. It.
2. The interrogations - "Bushwacked"
I love this scene for the exact same reason I love the scene in the library in BtVS’s “Earshot” where Buffy hears everyone’s thoughts: because it gets right to the heart of each one of the characters. They’re all so…them! I just want to huggle every one of them for being so wonderfully themselves!
1. Mal and Serenity - "Out of Gas"
Love at first sight. I love every single thing about this episode, but the look on Mal’s face when he sees Serenity for the first time? Perfect.
Top Five Favorite Things about True Blood for
ineffort. This list is kind of a condensed version of this post. For lots more squeeing, go there.5. The opening credits
Like I said, I could write a dissertation on the opening credits. I really hate the way a lot of shows are getting rid of that portion of the show--or majorly shortening it. The title and ominous music works for LOST, but everyone else should do full-fledged opening credits sequences, okay? Especially with ridiculously stereotypical images of Southern life. And an entirely awesome song.
4. Jason Stackhouse is turning out to have a character arc
No, seriously. I thought at first that he was just going to continue to be dumb and get into trouble while looking adorably confused. But no. This character is actually growing while remaining in character. I think he's going to get a major redemption, and frankly, I can't wait.
3. The minor characters
I love them. They're all so well cast, and actually interesting, instead of just backdrops against which the major characters live out their lives. They have motives and they mature, and we actually understand why they do the things they do instead of having their actions dictated by the plot. I love that.
2. Jessica/Hoyte
ONLY THE CUTEST, SWEETEST OTP EVER. Like
afterthree says, "I just want Jessica and Hoyt to snuggle in bed 25 hours, 7 days, 365. They are the best thing to happen to TV in a very, very long time." If they don't have a happy ending and stay together forever and ever, I might swear off TV forever.**This is a lie, too. But doesn't it sound nice and dramatic?
1. Tara
Tara is brilliant. That is all.
Top Five Favorite Evil Characters (Redeemed or Not) for
radio_silent5. Lilah Morgan - Angel
I think she's one of the most underrated characters of all time, not to mention one of the greatest villains. The thing I think Angel did better than Buffy was the way that Wolfram and Hart was the Big Bad from beginning to end, it just manifested itself in lots of different ways: from Lindsay to Darla to trying to corrupt Team Angel. But Lilah's the best. She's so real and human and you actually care about her. I bawled my eyes out when Wes tried to burn her contract and she told him it wouldn't work. And the scene where she dresses up like Fred to seduce him? KINKY. And the scene in "Billy" where she and Cordy have the great bitch-off? I actually love her with Wes, because they are both adults and see each other clearly (even if Wes is kind of awful to her), unlike his stupid obsession with Fred, which creeps me the hell out. Anyways, through it all, Lilah remains evil and unrepentant and awesome. I'm convinced she is running hell.
4. Adam Monroe - Heroes
This show is the biggest disappointment in the history of disappointments, but I love it because it gave me Adam (and Elle). Even leaving aside the fact that he's played by David Freakin' Anders with a fake British accent, he's just cool. And totally dedicated to his own good.
3. Kyp Durron - Star Wars
This one's for you,
moonlightrick. Okay, so he wasn’t evil for very long, but while he was, he totally blew up a planet full of people. Quantity of killing trumps longevity, don’t you think? He's the thing that made me a fangirl.You know, I was thinking the other day, and I’ve decided that my Kyp love was foreshadowing my Spike love. They have very similar stories and very similar relationships with the ladies I ship them with. What think you?
2. The Operative - Serenity
Chiwetel Ejiofor is my favorite actor alive, and he plays this part with, as I once heard it described, "Shakespearean elegance." He's a true believe. Creepy as hell because of it, but there's also something about him that draws you in. He's Mal's shadow-self, too, and I love the way that's set up. When he disappears at the end of the movie, I have this whole big plan for him: of becoming a Shepherd at Book's old monastery, and finding peace again through forgiveness and caring for a garden and reading and helping people. Yup. I'm a big, ole sap.
1. Cassidy Casablancas - Veronica Mars
His name is Cassidy! And I will love him forever, I don't care what anyone else says.
Top Five Favorite Doctor Who Moments/Episodes for
radio_silent. This one was hard, because unlike all the other shows here, I've only seen it once. So I just put down the things I remember really well.5. "Citizens, rejoice. Your Lord and Master stands on high, playing track 3." - "Last of the Time Lords"
The Master. Dancing to Scissor Sisters. YES.
4. "This is me, getting out." - "Last of the Time Lords"
I always liked Martha, but her unrequited love for the Doctor was a bit of a drag. I’ve rarely been as proud of a character as I was during her speech in this episode about waiting around for someone who’s never going to want you. She did the grown up, mature thing to put that aside and go back to take care of her family. You go, Martha Jones.
3. Any time the Doctor tells Donna she's brilliant.
Because she's Donna. And she's brilliant.
2. "Everybody lives, Rose! Just this once, everybody lives!" - "The Doctor Dances"
I sob like a baby during that scene. His joy at being able to save people touches me more than I can say. That's what the show is all about.
1. "Blink"
I think this episode is perfect. Also, can I be Sally Sparrow when I grow up, please?
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No, seriously. I thought at first that he was just going to continue to be dumb and get into trouble while looking adorably confused. But no. This character is actually growing while remaining in character. I think he's going to get a major redemption, and frankly, I can't wait.
If AB is following the books, he's going to have major life changes.
ONLY THE CUTEST, SWEETEST OTP EVER. Like afterthree says, "I just want Jessica and Hoyt to snuggle in bed 25 hours, 7 days, 365. They are the best thing to happen to TV in a very, very long time." If they don't have a happy ending and stay together forever and ever, I might swear off TV forever
Oh, yeah. It's going to be interesting how they work out Jessica's little "cough" issue but I'm hoping the two of them will work it out. They're so adorkable.
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If AB is following the books, he's going to have major life changes. Great news!
It's going to be interesting how they work out Jessica's little "cough" issue but I'm hoping the two of them will work it out. Definitely. She can't be the first vampire it's happened to, so perhaps there's a solution? We shall see, I suppose.
Also, your icon is made of funny.
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Hah, yes. "The greatest happiness... is being able to sneeze when you want to." I was pitching this book to a friend just a couple of days ago by describing this scene.
Hands down my favorite Montgomery book, much as I love Anne. And I don't really think of it as a romance, even though I very much like the romance in it.
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And I don't really think of it as a romance, even though I very much like the romance in it. It's definitely much, much more than that. But I think that's what it's marketed as.
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AND the clothes are to die for, not to mention the dialog and wit.
Have you seen all of them?
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We actually have them all on DVD! When I was a very little girl, we got them on VHS from the library all the time. I remember hearing they were coming out on DVD, and we got them like the next day. They're classic in every sense of the word. The later ones aren't quite as good as some of the earlier ones, but every one is enjoyable, with such joyful performances by Loy and Powell.
I wish that I could dress like that, talk like that, live like that.
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Um - YEAH!
I think it was the last movie - when Nick spanks Nora over some infraction. That pissed me off, but everything else was steller.
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None of you have heard of this book
I have! I have! I read all of M.M. Kaye's books when I was a teenager. Multiple times! I think my favorite though was Trade Wind, with the bluestocking heroine named Hero and the pirate hero with a heart of gold. But I loved Shadow of the Wind too and reread it several times; I still remember the massacre scene at the party as being particularly harrowing.
I also adore Valancy Stirling and The Blue Castle. I read it again just recently and fell in love with it all over again.
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I really, really liked Trade Winds, but there's one of those "romantic rapes" that kind of sours it some.
I still remember the massacre scene at the party as being particularly harrowing. Her historical details are so impressive, and she really brought the horror of all that to life.
I read it again just recently and fell in love with it all over again. Just writing about it made me want to reread!
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yes! wow, i've never considered the cassidy/julie ship, but i think you're right. it'd be interesting to say the least. : )
Quentin Compson
oh my god, i love him too! *literary happiness* - he's crazy and tortured and really messed up but also very lovable...i don't know how faulkner does it.
...i may not have read A,A! yet, but now i really want to...
Or maybe, maybe, maybe, they'll be reunited some day.
yes, please. just...yes.
veronica/wallace is amazing, and i love how the writers let pettiness and immaturity come between them at times. veronica has issues with being a bff, true, but i think that's part of what makes me like them so much, because the writers don't hide from that.
He's Mal's shadow-self, too, and I love the way that's set up.
that's such an interesting description of the operative. wow. it's dead on, too, if you look at their history, their methods of attack, their dispositions...interesting. : )
This one was hard, because unlike all the other shows here, I've only seen it once. So I just put down the things I remember really well.
aw, thank you for doing it anyway, though!
The Master. Dancing to Scissor Sisters. YES.
THIS SONG CAME UP (for the first time) ON MY PANDORA CHANNEL YESTERDAY. it was the most brilliant thing!
His joy at being able to save people touches me more than I can say. That's what the show is all about.
<3, and yes.
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oh my god, i love him too! *literary happiness* - he's crazy and tortured and really messed up but also very lovable...i don't know how faulkner does it. YAY! I can't tell you how much that pleases me!
...i may not have read A,A! yet, but now i really want to... Do. It. It's my favorite "literary" novel. Period. It's also his best work.
veronica has issues with being a bff, true, but i think that's part of what makes me like them so much, because the writers don't hide from that. Very true. It's just that sometimes I get upset on poor, long-suffering Wallace's behalf.
that's such an interesting description of the operative. wow. it's dead on, too, if you look at their history, their methods of attack, their dispositions...interesting. : ) I don't remember if I came up with that one myself or not, but now I can't think of them any other way. Mal was a believer once, too, back before Serenity Valley....
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i think about 2/3 of your fics are on my longish "to-read" list, and those that aren't on that list are ones i've never seen the original cannon for. : )
Mal was a believer once, too, back before Serenity Valley....
well, he is now...just in different things. though i'm not sure he ever believed in the alliance, unless we know otherwise- it just seemed to me that he was probably raised on rumors of the government-badness. but he believed in god and other things...which is probably what you meant...
um, yes, reflections of each other. nifty!
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I want to read your new fic, but I'm thinking of saving it till after I've seen "Wonderfalls" (which is on my to-watch list, btw). I know you said it isn't necessary to have seen it, but I think I'll appreciate it more if I have.
Yeah, but I feel like it's a different kind of belief, tempered and a little bit more realistic, if you know what I mean. He isn't quite so gung-ho about everything, you know?
though i'm not sure he ever believed in the alliance, unless we know otherwise- it just seemed to me that he was probably raised on rumors of the government-badness. but he believed in god and other things...which is probably what you meant... Yeah, that's what I meant. *g*
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Yeah, but I feel like it's a different kind of belief, tempered and a little bit more realistic, if you know what I mean. He isn't quite so gung-ho about everything
definitely.
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Also I just read your True Blood post and so. much. word. Your opinions are basically my opinions and yaaaaaay for Tara love. When she knocks Maryann out of her life, I WILL BE JUMPING UP AND DOWN FOR JOY, MAN.
And heck yes, Jessica/Hoyt. They totally feel like Mac/Cassidy 2.0 fore me with so much initial cuteness. HOW CAN THEY LAST, I ASK? I don't know, but I hope they do. Because really how adorable can you get and I kind of love that for right now their storyline is completely removed from everyone else's. Whenever they have scenes, I'm all YAY HAPPY TIMES ARE HERE, BE GONE ANGST.
Also TERRY. I love whoever is responsible for casting this show because ZACH, YOU TOTES LIVE.
AND AHAHA, JASON. OMG THAT BOY.
I reckon I've already been to heaven. IT WAS INSIDE YOUR WIFE.
Dim as he can be, boy gets the best lines. I laugh so much whenever he's on screen. Also awkward hugs with Bill ftw.
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They totally feel like Mac/Cassidy 2.0 fore me with so much initial cuteness. HOW CAN THEY LAST, I ASK? Exactly! And they're the type who can have so much drama in their relationship while still together. I'm so over the "will they won't they" thing that turns into the "breaking up every few episodes" thing. Established relationships can be fascinating, dammit!
Whenever they have scenes, I'm all YAY HAPPY TIMES ARE HERE, BE GONE ANGST. OH YES.
Also TERRY. I love whoever is responsible for casting this show because ZACH, YOU TOTES LIVE. I loved him as Zach so much and he's fantastic here. I'm so impressed by him.
Dim as he can be, boy gets the best lines. I laugh so much whenever he's on screen. Also awkward hugs with Bill ftw. Yes, yes, yes to all of the above!
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I love your top five favorite Mal/Inara moments. Seriously. I was nodding right along - 'you spin me about' always makes my breath catch, Inara's sobbing scene, the kiss, their moment after "Shindig." Guh, these two.
By the way, I just wanted to tell you "Fool For Love" BROKE ME. I don't think I can be fixed. I'm working through season six and just bought season seven, and part of me can't wait to be done so I can know and read all your fantastic award-winning work, and the other part of me is like, "No! It's too fast! I have to slow down and not rush through this!" Dear Lord, what am I going to do?
Okay, moooving on:
5. The opening credits
Like I said, I could write a dissertation on the opening credits. I really hate the way a lot of shows are getting rid of that portion of the show--or majorly shortening it. The title and ominous music works for LOST, but everyone else should do full-fledged opening credits sequences, okay? Especially with ridiculously stereotypical images of Southern life. And an entirely awesome song.
This is such an English major thing to say, and I completely get it. The opening credits are quite possibly my favorite part of True Blood as a whole, in the sense that it gives the show something it wouldn't have without it. It's about the form, I think.
How do we have practically all the same top Firefly moments? I'm not kidding. Just about all of those scenes - particularly the opening of The Message and Out of Gas as a whole - are my absolute favorites. Don't get me started on the interrogations in Bushwhacked...or Jayne's Town, period. Ahaha, this show.
Your Veronica Mars observations are also very similar to mine. Veronica/Wallace (as BFFs) are perfect to me, but I always find myself wanting to smack V sometimes. Wallace is such a sweetheart. Harry/Ron/Hermione might be the greatest BFF triangle there is, and not only because I felt like they were MY best friends for a good chunk of the time when I was growing up. I think that they were made for each other, lol. They play off each other, they find strength in each other, and when two of them are fighting, one is there to pick up the slack. Love it.
(Thanks for the warnings in the BtVs post, by the way! I'm waiting, I promise!)
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The thing about Mal and Inara is that when I get swept away in their angsty, angsty romance, it makes me furious to think of all the brilliant moments we could have had if FOX HADN'T CANCELED THE SHOW.
I can't tell you how gleeful it makes me that you loved "Fool for Love." It is seriously my favorite episode of TV ever, and it just gets better with each rewatch. OH SPIKE.
I know exactly what you mean about being conflicted with watching it. Because you totally want to, as you say, know, but you also want it to go on forever and never be over. It's so frustrating!
Just a warning: THINGS HAPPEN at the end of S6. Just...wait till you get through S7 to judge, okay?
in the sense that it gives the show something it wouldn't have without it. It's about the form, I think. Definitely!
I thought most of my answers for the top FF moments would be just me! It thrills me that you love them, too!