I watch Hellsing Ultimate, and the first thing I learn about Alucard is that he's a virgin. Nice. So far, I already agree with the consensus that Hellsing Ultimate is better than Hellsing (2001). Seras Victoria is more badass (and with a backstory too!), and actually quite funny and endearing. I like her relationship with Alucard here better too; there are more words of guidance and some playful banter, and I personally get the sense that Alucard is somewhat fond of Victoria or at least wanted someone (not strictly in the romantic sense). I didn't expect the humorous tone and change in art styles to convey such in this series, but they aren't unwelcome. There is more exposition yet they feel natural enough, and I don't feel like I'm grasping at crumbs. Like what felt like a petty feud between the Iscariot Organization in Hellsing really came across as a turf war and matters of boundaries and jurisdiction here.
I initially did not like that Alucard gave Seras the choice to be a vampire before he shot her. In Hellsing, he informed her of what he was going to do beforehand. But then I realized that might play a role in Seras's attachment to her humanity, and reluctance to become a full-fledged vampire. Here's to hoping?
It was interesting that Integra's backstory and Alucard's release was revealed so early on.
Obsessed with the scenes leading up to the explosion of the monkey bomb, when it finally went off, and when Jayce and Viktor were trying to dampen the oscillation of the arcane to harness its power!!
I love the characters here so much. I love how Vander was perceived to have softened or submitted when he really was just trying to avoid more bloodshed after witnessing little Vi and Powder and finally grasping the senselessness and brutality of it all. I also liked his dynamics with Benzo, who reminded me of Gandalf here tbh, and Grayson.
I liked Jayce's vision regarding the marriage of science and magic, and that he was willing to take and face risks to see it through. Everyone knew that if his work were to be a success, it would be revolutionary. They were afraid, but he wasn't. I like that Viktor had faith in his research, helped it come to fruition, and was there when it happened. I like the councilor for being the voice for change, but not without being sympathetic to the others' concerns.
Powder's a good character, but I personally can't stand her. It's not even the fact that she jinxes everything, but more that she doesn't really seem to realize why the others are frustrated about it. Admittedly, Mylo's a real dick about it. But it's not even about her being weak or her inventions a flop, her presence is a liability and they have tasks they're trying to accomplish?? Like just in this episode, Vi decided to leave her behind for the reasons she mentioned, but Powder made it out to be about her being abandoned and useless???? Then she went after them anyway in spite not knowing how to use the arcane or the full extent of its power. She just blew the place up indiscriminately. Then she was angry at Vi for her completely understandable outburst upon learning that Powder was responsible for the deaths of so many people including Claggor, Mylo, and Vander albeit indirectly. Powder seemed more affected by the fact that she was a "jinx" rather than the terrible outcome of her actions. God. Her tantrum scenes made me hate her so much.
I liked Silco the same reason I liked Jayce: he had a dream, and he was willing to do what he can to pursue it. I understood his and the other characters' frustration towards Vander for "keeping the peace" when in reality he was just upholding the status quo, which is so oppressive and violent in other ways. I liked his monologue regarding the struggle between choosing to let go or hold on in the beginning. I love the sympathy and compassion he seemed to feel for and extend to Powder in the ending.
I have a newfound appreciation for costume design especially in theater. I loved Ruth Carter's sense of responsibility and pride. I loved how she wanted to bring so many ideas, concepts, and people to the stage, the screen. Especially the runaway slaves ad ??
While people talked about how her costumes felt like clothes they were comfortable and confident in, I admired her perspective about our clothes and outfits being costumes and helping with the persona we are trying to put on and show the world.
There really was this sense of exploration and playing around in Ruth Carter's process. I liked when she said that she did not trust her subconscious, it was quite different from other "successful people" talking about instinct and gut feel. As an aspiring artist, that's a mindset I've been trying to instill in myself so that I would always look at everything as if for the first time then study them to be able to capture and represent them how I perceived them. She really was dedicated to her craft. I have to check her filmography out !
I loved the art direction (?) In this episode as well. They really played in on the costume designer/actor thing with Ruth dressed up in front of a screen, and the paper doll switcheroo thing.
Halfway through the season, and it's still not really picking up. Sage's antics make for really good drama, but I really cannot bring myself to care for her character. Meanwhile, Georgina has come to really grow on me. I like how she seems to genuinely care about Dan with no hidden agendas. Nate deserves better writing. Blair and Chuck's relationship is finally going the way I would want it to go, but their story is just not compelling enough. I could take or leave Ivy. Serena is just so tired now.
Let's face it, Serena. You don't have boyfriends, you have life rafts.
That you keep taking from me and leaving me to drown.
Oof, oh the codependency. Serena really has so much work to do on herself and by herself. I cannot believe that she really tries to justify all the horrible things she did, and she tries to paint herself as the victim. I have completely lost faith that she will ever grow up.
We probably both need to learn how to swim.
I cannot get on board with Dan and Serena getting back together. I feel like they never really had anything going for them like chemistry, shared interests and/or experiences (beyond their forgettable relationship in the earlier seasons), or at the very least, just being good-looking together. Their interactions after their break up were nothing special, and it's not like they grew as individuals who still somehow work together (both of which I think are the case for Blair and Chuck: they've always had a spark between them, and even if they grew apart at some points, we still see how they can fit together).
Dan's becoming such a jerk. Or rather, his jerk is starting to show. In spite of his act of always portraying himself as the outsider looking in and looking down on the Upper East Siders and how they abuse their privilege, he actually wants to become a part of their world too. One would think that he's about criticizing and dismantling the system, but he's also about besting it by stepping on other people. Everything Blair said about him was true: he's a hypocrite, and he might even be worse than them in some aspects. I am really into his character arc/development. He's becoming bad but in a good way.
Ten episodes left into the series, and the first one is already a repeat of the past few seasons: Serena does something incredibly selfish, stupid, irresponsible, and shifts the blame to everyone else; and it is up to everyone else to get her back on her feet again. I will forgive the writers though because the chemistry and dynamics among the better 3/4 of the Non-Judging Breakfast Club, and this time with Dan and Georgina, have always been so endearing.
Chuck and Blair's drama is also so tired already, but I think they're finally doing it right this time: allowing themselves to grow as individuals without letting themselves grow apart. Chuck seems to finally understand his faults and offenses against Blair, although I do hope that there is more to his already heartfelt apology.
Dan had a point when he confronted Blair about her giving up the good and healthy relationship they had for an unreliable promise of one with Chuck, who has given her so many reasons not to trust him. However, at the end of the day, it really is up to Blair to decide whom she wants to be with; it's her risk to take, and she's all in on Chuck. I do not really blame Dan though for suddenly putting all of that on Blair, because by the looks of it, he never really got the closure that he very much deserves.
I wish we would get more of Nate. I would like to pretend that Rufus and Lily don't exist.
What the hell is a divorce party?
Also really really love the episode title!
Serena was absolutely terrible here, but that was to be expected. What a despicable bitch who loves to play the victim and never grew up since high school.
I was disappointed in Blair for stooping down to her level in the beginning. I must admit though that her understanding of relationships has matured since the first few seasons, but I really wish she would just move on from Chuck. Or maybe at the very very least, the writers could have given Chuck a proper redemption arc that actually involved him facing the consequences of his actions, being genuinely repentant, and turning over a new leaf for real.
Dan was almost really mature here too. Almost. I'm just upset that he and Blair were not given a proper onscreen break up. I would also rather see him end up with Georgina than Serena.
And as much of a Basshole Bart was, he did have a point about how Chuck handles his feelings about Blair and the management of The Empire and the Bass Industries. He was my favorite character for the most part of season 3, but looking at him now as I begin the final season, his arc is too frustrating and his storylines were rather repetitive and let him get away with being a terrible person just because he is "in love with Blair".
I was hoping we saw more of Nate, whose development is such a pleasant and honest surprise. Instead, we saw Rufus and Lily, both of whom honestly got worse as the later seasons progressed. Lily seems to be really a horrible person, but I think Rufus was just neglected by the writers. Lily deserves what she has coming. I love that Charlotte and Ivy has teamed up.
One thing I hate about this show is that not choosing anyone is not an option at all.
Most of the Van der Woodsens and Rhodes are some of the absolute worst. This episode really brought out the worst in Lily. As much as I hate Ivy for making such terrible and selfish choices, I feel sorry for her too because she was just a victim and pawn caught in the crossfires from the very beginning. Although, I really wish that she would understand her offenses. I am not sure how to feel about Lola, but my love for Nate grows with each episode.
I put my extensive knowledge of privilege at your disposal.
Nate has become such a responsible and reasonable character now, and I would really love to see him offering his honest insight from a still-boyish perspective to Chuck, who honestly needs to hear them more than Dan.
Blair and Dan don't really have chemistry, but I really like their relationship. Aside from the banters, they're mostly mature and genuinely care about each other. We also see the Legendary Cedric for the first time (I think?????) !!!!
Upset is only the beginning if you say nothing.
Wise words from Dorota, who always manages to steal the spotlight with her sass. Seeing Jack and Charles not trying to undermine each other was such a welcome change.
I also find it hilarious how Gossip Girl is trying to take the site back from Serena, but not Georgina.
