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Guardian merchandise
Jun. 6th, 2019 11:40 pmI have finally succumbed to some of the Guardian merchandise on eBay and I do not feel guilty in the slightest. 😊
My treat to myself this week.
My treat to myself this week.
Detective L
Jun. 2nd, 2019 08:30 pmWell, that is episodes 16-18 out of the way.
Serial killer episodes used to be my favourite in shows like this but I have lost the appetite for watching them. This was not too gruesome compared to some shows but I am glad to be moving on to the next case.
Favourite bit in this one was all of Qin Xioaman's boys rushing to save her.
Serial killer episodes used to be my favourite in shows like this but I have lost the appetite for watching them. This was not too gruesome compared to some shows but I am glad to be moving on to the next case.
Favourite bit in this one was all of Qin Xioaman's boys rushing to save her.
Chinese dramas
Jun. 1st, 2019 11:23 pmI am still well on my way to becoming obsessed by cdramas (or more honestly you can add a c, k, j or one of two other letters in front of drama at this point).
Not all of them are brilliant but most of them suck me in.
The latest thing I fell victim to was I Hear You which was courtesy of Netflix this time.
It has got a plot involving reality tv which is one of my major dislikes so why I was even attracted to it, I honestly can't say. In spite of that, I loved it. It is ridiculously sweet in places and clearly that is good enough for me because I have watched the 24 episodes over the space of a few days. It made me smile and that is clearly what I needed.
Finishing Detective L is next on the list.
Not all of them are brilliant but most of them suck me in.
The latest thing I fell victim to was I Hear You which was courtesy of Netflix this time.
It has got a plot involving reality tv which is one of my major dislikes so why I was even attracted to it, I honestly can't say. In spite of that, I loved it. It is ridiculously sweet in places and clearly that is good enough for me because I have watched the 24 episodes over the space of a few days. It made me smile and that is clearly what I needed.
Finishing Detective L is next on the list.
Stuff done & stuff not
May. 27th, 2019 09:11 pmStuff done:
Geeky trip to London for MCM Comic Con. I remember when it was only a bit of the Excel Centre it took over, it seems to just keep getting bigger but not always better organised.
Plus points were being surrounded by multitudes of likeminded people, Tyler Hoechlin continuing to be too nice for real life and getting to see Sebastian Stan in person.
Negatives include queuing (just because British people seen to be innately good at it doesn't mean I like it) and heat. I realise mid-20s is not too hot for a lot of people but when you are carrying a lot of stuff about it is not fun.
Stuff not done:
Still not managed to get through all the fics in the 520 Day Guardian Exchange but I am getting there. 😊
Finishing watching the latter half of Detective L (my plan for this weekend coming).
Geeky trip to London for MCM Comic Con. I remember when it was only a bit of the Excel Centre it took over, it seems to just keep getting bigger but not always better organised.
Plus points were being surrounded by multitudes of likeminded people, Tyler Hoechlin continuing to be too nice for real life and getting to see Sebastian Stan in person.
Negatives include queuing (just because British people seen to be innately good at it doesn't mean I like it) and heat. I realise mid-20s is not too hot for a lot of people but when you are carrying a lot of stuff about it is not fun.
Stuff not done:
Still not managed to get through all the fics in the 520 Day Guardian Exchange but I am getting there. 😊
Finishing watching the latter half of Detective L (my plan for this weekend coming).
Guardian fic
May. 23rd, 2019 07:26 amSlowly working my way through the Shen Wei/Zhao Yunlan stories in the 520 Day Guardian Exchange has prompted me to write a Da Qing POV. How my brain got from one to the other will be one of life's mysteries. 😊
Ah well, I will need to see what I think of it in daylight to see if I plan to do anything with it.
Ah well, I will need to see what I think of it in daylight to see if I plan to do anything with it.
Random things (fandom & not)
May. 19th, 2019 08:54 pmDog sitting for a friend is a good way to de-stress. Puppy cuddles should be numbered among life's blessings.
The 520 exchange is now imminent in its arrival. It has proved to be the fandom that got me willing to write fic again though I possibly had to blow dust off the keyboard. 😊
I can only keep my fingers crossed that my recipient is happy. I am eagerly looking forward to diving in to the collection.
I need to watch episodes 16-18 of Detective L (puppy cuddles are the only acceptable reason for having fallen behind on my viewing).
I have a mad dash of a trip to London next weekend for the MCM event due to the appearance of a certain actor who plays the Winter Soldier. My friend who wanted to go didn't really have to work hard to convince me.
The 520 exchange is now imminent in its arrival. It has proved to be the fandom that got me willing to write fic again though I possibly had to blow dust off the keyboard. 😊
I can only keep my fingers crossed that my recipient is happy. I am eagerly looking forward to diving in to the collection.
I need to watch episodes 16-18 of Detective L (puppy cuddles are the only acceptable reason for having fallen behind on my viewing).
I have a mad dash of a trip to London next weekend for the MCM event due to the appearance of a certain actor who plays the Winter Soldier. My friend who wanted to go didn't really have to work hard to convince me.
Detective L
May. 11th, 2019 04:41 pmI am inordinately fond of Detective L. I like the cast, it is absolutely a feast for the eyes in terms of costumes, colours and general pretty things.
It is an exercise in patience, though.
I like the three episode case structure. I am not so fond of only getting two episodes subbed at a time. I am aware that I should be grateful for subs at all.
I keep telling myself not to watch until all three parts are there (even if it is very tempting). 😊
It is an exercise in patience, though.
I like the three episode case structure. I am not so fond of only getting two episodes subbed at a time. I am aware that I should be grateful for subs at all.
I keep telling myself not to watch until all three parts are there (even if it is very tempting). 😊
Things other than Guardian
May. 3rd, 2019 07:21 amI finally watched the first episode of Border Town Prodigal last night.
Conclusion as follows:
It looks very pretty.
It makes my head hurt.
Zhu Yilong looks very good in black and red.
Conclusion as follows:
It looks very pretty.
It makes my head hurt.
Zhu Yilong looks very good in black and red.
Saw the movie today and found it perfectly enjoyable.
There are some things that could certainly have been done better but you cannot please everyone.
I found it a bit slow in places, I can also see why some people are a bit upset about certain things. I love the MCU but it is blockbuster popcorn movie making. They got things right and wrong in the other movies too, this is no exception.
I am happy enough with who lived and who died and I am looking forward to seeing what direction Marvel take things now.
There are some things that could certainly have been done better but you cannot please everyone.
I found it a bit slow in places, I can also see why some people are a bit upset about certain things. I love the MCU but it is blockbuster popcorn movie making. They got things right and wrong in the other movies too, this is no exception.
I am happy enough with who lived and who died and I am looking forward to seeing what direction Marvel take things now.
Guardian re-watch (ep. 39 & 40)
Apr. 24th, 2019 10:14 pmWell, I made it to the end again. I honestly think I was more blown away by these two episodes on my repeat viewing. I caught so many more of the intricacies that I missed first time when I was so invested in seeing what happened to everyone.
Having said that, Bai Yu and Zhu Yilong are ridiculously brilliant in conveying the heart of their characters onto the screen.
I cannot think of a better display of heartbreak than the start of episode 39. It genuinely looks like ZYL's world has ended.
SW's faith that ZYL can do what is needed in facing YZ and in so doing allow him the chance to do what he needs to do is absolute.
The SID and their friends and allies are great with an especial shout out to ZYL's dad(s). Talk about bearing up under the pressure of dread at what is coming and utter pride in the person responsible.
The ending with Shen Wei and Zhao Yunlan is simply stunning because it softens the grief with hope and love.
Based on the 40 episodes that have drawn the viewer in, they can only have a sure and certain belief that SW & ZYL will find their way to each other again. Their bond is like a constant thread that binds their universe together.
Having said that, Bai Yu and Zhu Yilong are ridiculously brilliant in conveying the heart of their characters onto the screen.
I cannot think of a better display of heartbreak than the start of episode 39. It genuinely looks like ZYL's world has ended.
SW's faith that ZYL can do what is needed in facing YZ and in so doing allow him the chance to do what he needs to do is absolute.
The SID and their friends and allies are great with an especial shout out to ZYL's dad(s). Talk about bearing up under the pressure of dread at what is coming and utter pride in the person responsible.
The ending with Shen Wei and Zhao Yunlan is simply stunning because it softens the grief with hope and love.
Based on the 40 episodes that have drawn the viewer in, they can only have a sure and certain belief that SW & ZYL will find their way to each other again. Their bond is like a constant thread that binds their universe together.
Guardian re-watch (ep. 38)
Apr. 22nd, 2019 10:27 pmI thought about writing something relatively sensible about this episode and then I focussed on SW & ZYL and what happens to them both during the episode... and then I saw the last scene again.
Emotions happened again!
(I then watched episode 4 of Detective L as a distraction).
Guardian doesn't seem to be letting its hooks out of me any time soon, that's for sure.
The last two episodes will need to be watched at the same time so that will have to wait.
I love this crazy show.
Emotions happened again!
(I then watched episode 4 of Detective L as a distraction).
Guardian doesn't seem to be letting its hooks out of me any time soon, that's for sure.
The last two episodes will need to be watched at the same time so that will have to wait.
I love this crazy show.
Guardian re-watch (ep. 37)
Apr. 22nd, 2019 10:16 amThe episode where the SID begins to plan for their last stand.
All the SID team shine in their own way in this episode with a particular shout out to Guo Changcheng and Zhu Hong.
ZYL was like a proud big brother watching Zhu Hong come into her own with the Yashou.
Poor Lin Jing, that is all. 😢
Shen Wei and Zhao Yunlan exchange epic glances throughout this show and this episode is no exception. The end makes your heart sink because you know what is coming soon.
All the SID team shine in their own way in this episode with a particular shout out to Guo Changcheng and Zhu Hong.
ZYL was like a proud big brother watching Zhu Hong come into her own with the Yashou.
Poor Lin Jing, that is all. 😢
Shen Wei and Zhao Yunlan exchange epic glances throughout this show and this episode is no exception. The end makes your heart sink because you know what is coming soon.
Forgot to mention earlier in the week that I went to see a movie called Wild Rose. It is set in Glasgow and has a very wild main character who wants to be a country singer.
Jessie Buckley is very good, the music is awesome and the supporting cast includes Julie Walters and Sophie Okonedo.
It is not the type to stay in UK cinemas for an extended run so I have no idea how long it would be released for overseas. It is not all sunshine and light by any stretch of the imagination but it was a good evening of viewing.
Jessie Buckley is very good, the music is awesome and the supporting cast includes Julie Walters and Sophie Okonedo.
It is not the type to stay in UK cinemas for an extended run so I have no idea how long it would be released for overseas. It is not all sunshine and light by any stretch of the imagination but it was a good evening of viewing.
Guardian re-watch (ep. 36)
Apr. 21st, 2019 11:04 amWell, this one wasn't my favourite the first time through but I guess I forgot that quite a lot gets packed into it.
The nutty professor is still my least favourite of all the characters simply because he is so OTT and he really doesn't need to be, his research is bad enough on its own. This show has some truly peculiar characters in it and I can handle them fine but every time he appears on screen I wince.
Lin Jing and Guo Changcheng being SID to the core in the middle of HDS shenanigans makes me smile. What happens to then both makes me make a sad face.
ZYL doing the right thing and the start of everyone the SID has helped over the earlier episodes beginning to step up to help is lovely.
YZ being super creepy continues apace and I am equally looking forward to and dreading the last few episodes again.
As a general point, earlier in the season I didn't see so many instances of just Yunlan or Changcheng in the subtitles, I thought the family name usually came first? I taken it there are situations when just one name is acceptable. I have noticed it in the last couple of episodes.
The nutty professor is still my least favourite of all the characters simply because he is so OTT and he really doesn't need to be, his research is bad enough on its own. This show has some truly peculiar characters in it and I can handle them fine but every time he appears on screen I wince.
Lin Jing and Guo Changcheng being SID to the core in the middle of HDS shenanigans makes me smile. What happens to then both makes me make a sad face.
ZYL doing the right thing and the start of everyone the SID has helped over the earlier episodes beginning to step up to help is lovely.
YZ being super creepy continues apace and I am equally looking forward to and dreading the last few episodes again.
As a general point, earlier in the season I didn't see so many instances of just Yunlan or Changcheng in the subtitles, I thought the family name usually came first? I taken it there are situations when just one name is acceptable. I have noticed it in the last couple of episodes.
Guardian re-watch (ep. 34 & 35)
Apr. 20th, 2019 08:31 amThis will be a bit disjointed because that is the way my brain is working today.
Wang Zheng and Sang Zan were sweet together up until the end and at least they got to be together.
ZYL immediately asking about Lin Jing when he realised you know who was through the SID shield clearly demonstrates his concern for all the people he claims as his.
I know they are played by the same actor (who is extremely talented) but SW is sparkles, sunshine & spectacular while YZ is a slimeball. It is a bit disconcerting.
Everything with ZYL finally figuring things out in the past is happy making and tragic at the same time because it is so clear that he wants to wrap baby SW up in fuzzy blankets and just coddle him to pieces.
SW & ZYL having their conversation about the 10000 years is sad and sweet in equal measure.
Da Qing as a kitten Yashou in the past is adorable, I honestly expected Kunlun to give him a ball of string and a fishy to play with. I feel so sad that he had to wait so long to get his master back.
Wang Zheng and Sang Zan were sweet together up until the end and at least they got to be together.
ZYL immediately asking about Lin Jing when he realised you know who was through the SID shield clearly demonstrates his concern for all the people he claims as his.
I know they are played by the same actor (who is extremely talented) but SW is sparkles, sunshine & spectacular while YZ is a slimeball. It is a bit disconcerting.
Everything with ZYL finally figuring things out in the past is happy making and tragic at the same time because it is so clear that he wants to wrap baby SW up in fuzzy blankets and just coddle him to pieces.
SW & ZYL having their conversation about the 10000 years is sad and sweet in equal measure.
Da Qing as a kitten Yashou in the past is adorable, I honestly expected Kunlun to give him a ball of string and a fishy to play with. I feel so sad that he had to wait so long to get his master back.
Guardian re-watch (ep. 32 & 33)
Apr. 17th, 2019 11:13 pmI was not looking forward to these two episodes again solely because they make my head hurt with the what is a dream/what isn't shenanigans.
At the same time, I do love all the stuff with GCC sticking to big brother Chu as instructed by ZYL, he has come a long way since the first couple of episodes.
Speaking of ZYL, there is a whole heap of stuff to love in these episodes from standing tall and proud and basically telling the Minister to get stuffed and stay away from his people & right through to his rescue of GCC & SW.
I am partial to his relief at knowing he can finally act when he gets his note from SW and, as per a good proportion of the fandom, inordinately fond of ZYL escorting SW & the bench conversation.
At the same time, I do love all the stuff with GCC sticking to big brother Chu as instructed by ZYL, he has come a long way since the first couple of episodes.
Speaking of ZYL, there is a whole heap of stuff to love in these episodes from standing tall and proud and basically telling the Minister to get stuffed and stay away from his people & right through to his rescue of GCC & SW.
I am partial to his relief at knowing he can finally act when he gets his note from SW and, as per a good proportion of the fandom, inordinately fond of ZYL escorting SW & the bench conversation.
Guardian re-watch (ep. 30 & 31)
Apr. 16th, 2019 11:19 pmWell, I have zipped through the next two episodes relatively quickly. The bit with Lin Jing is much more effective on a second viewing, especially knowing what comes next.
Zhu Hong and her whole ZYL drama vexed me greatly the first time around but I didn't mind it as much here, maybe because I can see the hints of her growing up a bit this time.
I thoroughly enjoyed ZYL being righteous in his interactions with the Minister, intelligent in his one on one with his dad(s) and totally protective of his people.
SW looks heroically suffering and determined in his captivity. It is a good look on him.
Is it just me or does the bit where he can sense when ZYL is in trouble scream bonded for eternity to everyone else?
In an earlier episode ZYL comments on the fact that Guo Changcheng and Chu Shuzhi make a good partnership and these two display that dynamic well.
Lots of things to like and exciting things to come.
Zhu Hong and her whole ZYL drama vexed me greatly the first time around but I didn't mind it as much here, maybe because I can see the hints of her growing up a bit this time.
I thoroughly enjoyed ZYL being righteous in his interactions with the Minister, intelligent in his one on one with his dad(s) and totally protective of his people.
SW looks heroically suffering and determined in his captivity. It is a good look on him.
Is it just me or does the bit where he can sense when ZYL is in trouble scream bonded for eternity to everyone else?
In an earlier episode ZYL comments on the fact that Guo Changcheng and Chu Shuzhi make a good partnership and these two display that dynamic well.
Lots of things to like and exciting things to come.
Guardian re-watch (ep. 28 & 29)
Apr. 15th, 2019 10:46 pmI know a fair amount goes on in these two episodes but I still have to roll my eyes at Sha Ya and her flipping idiocy over who killed Guo Ban (have I spelled that right)? She always seemed far more intelligent than that.
SW calming ZYL down when Guo Changcheng's uncle relates the news of the kidnapping is very nice. His long suffering demeanour when waiting on ZYL coming to after using the Longevity Dial is delightful. Seeing how ZYL went from collapsed on the floor to tucked up in bed should totally have been a scene in the show. Epic level grumpy Black Cloaked Envoy should always be a thing.
SID solving the triple kidnapping in the designated 24 hours proves teamwork works.
SW asking ZYL to stay behind and look after everything else while he goes to Dixing makes me sad. It means I am on the final leg of the re-watch and that sadness is coming. Still, I love this crazy show so I say bring it on!
One completely unrelated commentary on this episode (and a few of the others) is the way GCC's uncle carries the rescued Minister is similar to other instances of people/bodies being carried in other episodes. Do you not get people carried on a fireman's carry on cdramas? It looks odd every time I see it.
SW calming ZYL down when Guo Changcheng's uncle relates the news of the kidnapping is very nice. His long suffering demeanour when waiting on ZYL coming to after using the Longevity Dial is delightful. Seeing how ZYL went from collapsed on the floor to tucked up in bed should totally have been a scene in the show. Epic level grumpy Black Cloaked Envoy should always be a thing.
SID solving the triple kidnapping in the designated 24 hours proves teamwork works.
SW asking ZYL to stay behind and look after everything else while he goes to Dixing makes me sad. It means I am on the final leg of the re-watch and that sadness is coming. Still, I love this crazy show so I say bring it on!
One completely unrelated commentary on this episode (and a few of the others) is the way GCC's uncle carries the rescued Minister is similar to other instances of people/bodies being carried in other episodes. Do you not get people carried on a fireman's carry on cdramas? It looks odd every time I see it.
Guardian re-watch (ep. 26 & 27)
Apr. 10th, 2019 10:29 pmI do love Da Qing and I loved the bit of back story in this episode. I wish we could know more about the speech he remembers SW giving 10000 years before, it would help give a more vivid picture of that time.
The slightly earlier scene of SW protecting ZYL from Da Ja was quite clear again on where ZYL's safety and wellbeing rate on SW's imperative action list.
Watching Lin Jing this time around is much more meaningful since I now know what is coming and why. I find myself wanting to give him a hug of support.
ZYL watching the meeting between his daddy and his SW is still full of angsty overtones. SW should look after him properly and offer apology lollipops.
The slightly earlier scene of SW protecting ZYL from Da Ja was quite clear again on where ZYL's safety and wellbeing rate on SW's imperative action list.
Watching Lin Jing this time around is much more meaningful since I now know what is coming and why. I find myself wanting to give him a hug of support.
ZYL watching the meeting between his daddy and his SW is still full of angsty overtones. SW should look after him properly and offer apology lollipops.
Guardian re-watch (ep. 25)
Apr. 8th, 2019 10:41 pmI got distracted the first time watching this episode by the personality changes portrayed by the actors, it is still very hard not to just giggle at the shenanigans in the SID and poor Zhao Yunlan trying not to tear his hair out in frustration.
This time I paid more attention to ZYL not succumbing and potential reasons why.
Is there a significance to the number 3 or 33? 30 symbols drawn around the city using the Merit Brush with 3 more required to free you know who is quite intriguing.
Oh yeah, the bit with Li Jing talking to ZYL in the SID office had him referring to ZYL & SW as lovers (not seriously, I know) in the English subtitles, something about a lovers' world... is that a bit of wonky translation?
This time I paid more attention to ZYL not succumbing and potential reasons why.
Is there a significance to the number 3 or 33? 30 symbols drawn around the city using the Merit Brush with 3 more required to free you know who is quite intriguing.
Oh yeah, the bit with Li Jing talking to ZYL in the SID office had him referring to ZYL & SW as lovers (not seriously, I know) in the English subtitles, something about a lovers' world... is that a bit of wonky translation?
