EnglishRoses

Exactly, and there's nothing we can do about that. It's always happened and it will always happen. It's just the culture. All we can do is keep a level head and distract ourselves with nicer things. Like this quote from a recap/review of the episode I read earlier:

I think this is one of the most rational reviews I've read and mirrors exactly how I felt about the episode. They don't gloss over Michael's actions and admit what he did wrong, but they also acknowledge that he's still a good guy and not just a 'shady jerk' as most Michael haters seem to be convinced of. They also are unashamedly Team Michael and that always helps But I always tend to like it when people can keep their logic in check even when a character does something they don't like or displays behaviour they wish they hadn't. It doesn't erase their good character or write them off, and also doesn't make them suddenly not right for someone. (Of course unless they do something drastic which shatters their entire character) It's way more complex than that. And I'm glad there are some people out there with a bit of sense.

Static Waves

the part where she kisses his heart is what gets me in that scene. HOW That scene is the perfect description of how Michael is Jane's heart's home <333


I have stayed out of that spoiler thread since I was told what an "ideal" family is for everyone. I'm not here for that kind of nonsense.

EnglishRoses

I made the mistake of watching the After Buzz after show of this episode earlier, and not only did they completely bash Michael, except for one of the contributors who was the only one to have their head screwed on straight, but they made this ridiculous comment about how Mateo couldn't be properly raised by three women, because he would never grow into a 'real man', and I was furious!

I hate this argument of 'Oh, Jane and Rafael should be together because they're a family and Mateo needs that.' I mean...huh? I'm pretty sure kids don't need to grow up in a forced family unit and to know their mother might have been happier with the person she actually wanted to be with, but hey, whatever. Apparently that argument is never going to die, and I hate it

Static Waves

afterbuzz said that? dear lord....


nothing offends me more than the ~family argument. It's based on probably the oldest tropes in the book I can't even.

bscgirl99

This description of fandom is so right on the money. Gossip Girl was my first fandom experience and the reason I signed up for this site originally. I loved meeting new people that shared the same love I did for a couple or characters and many of them I'm still friends with today. But fandom also had its drawbacks, most of it what you described. It's why for a while I had to take a break from it because sometimes the hate towards a character or couple by fans can affect you personally, even though that is never anyone's intent. Once I realized something fictional was beginning to bleed into my personal life, I made my break. But recently, a few ships have brought me back into the world of fandom because sometimes you just need to share your love with others. Age and time has helped me to learn that the emotionally charged environment of fandom is just how it's always going to be and it's not going to change. And most importantly, despite the different opinions people have, it's rarely ever meant to be personal (only exception is trolls ) towards you. It's hard to deal with at times like now, but I still just let it all roll off my back as much as possible. Fandom seems like such a big part of the viewing audience when in reality, it's an extremely small part. It only seems big because it sounds so loud .

I agree with this. You're better able to see the narrative and what the writers/showrunners want to accomplish when you see it all at once vs. seeing it live. It's why I prefer seeing shows that have already ended. Not only do you see the writers' intent better but knowing how it ends is also a deciding factor sometimes in why I watch it. Plus, you skip out on fandom's input.

Yeah this became clear to me while seeing the show last summer. Tumblr was making it look like Jane and Michael were the couple that was going to get tossed aside for the endgame of Jane and Raf. But there were so many flashbacks of Michael and Jane's relationship and their scenes in the present were also so genuine and loving. It's not just sweet on the surface like most couples that are together at the start of shows and then tossed aside for the real endgame couple later. This couple is obviously supposed to be considered as a contender for endgame because why else would they throw in these genuine flashback and present scenes to try and get the audience to like them?

I want to see how it plays out too because I think it could be good . Someone on Tumblr said regarding Jane and Michael and how they ended, this is now heading into will they/won't they. I have to agree with that because even though Jane chose Michael, they never really got their shot yet because of this roadblock (as over the top as it was but still). I honestly would've been more worried for them long-term if they were happy now because then it's just too easy to break them apart later. Having Jane choose Michael and then separating them I think will be better for them in the long-term. Of course I could be way wrong, but right now this is how I'm seeing the narrative being laid out. Michael will be redeemed and he and Jane will be together again .

This is so beautiful . It's how I see it too.

Static Waves

The flashbacks are what always get me. Because they are never necessary shown IN CONTRAST to what is happening with J/M in the scenes in present day. For the most part, the flashbacks either add to why R/J don't work, or add to a scene in present day between J/M that affirms Michael as a character. Both of which are good things for JM <3

redrose13

so much to quote, so little time!

omg YESSSS the Jane and Michael flashbacks were so unexpected for me but they made me SO happy. and you're exactly right, it wasn't always about contrast but it showed how a certain moment was so significant. but seeing Michael and Janes's relationship grow through he flashbacks was so beautiful-all of that build up was not for nothing.


I know some time alone for Jane will be good but I really, really want to see Jane pining for Michael in the upcoming episodes since she never got to say how she really felt.


That's it, I'm going to find more beautiful scenes to post♥

Chiqa

I must say that it seems we have a shipper war on our hands. It wasn't like this last season with Jane chose Rafael.

redrose13

Sounds about right at the moment I liked it better when it wasn't so negative and people were like I LIKE THEM BOTH (even though I was always #TeamMichael like our good man Rogelio)

Static Waves

wait, I never saw this until now! The part at the end





she mentioned brett and m/j on a Variety Studio interview!

bscgirl99

Aww, that quote is so sweet .

Yeah it has gotten quite ugly but I do like that there seems to now be a solid following for #TeamMichael. When I was watching season 1 over the summer, on Tumblr at least, #TeamMichael was practically nonexistent. I love seeing more Michael/MJ love coming out of this, even if it happened through crazy fandom circumstances.

I do still like both boys, I just love Michael more and would be happier if the show ended with him and Jane together. I won't throw a fit if it goes the other way (unless they kill Michael off to do so which will be enough to get me to quit the show altogether) but a Jane and Michael endgame has so much potential for good family dynamics and would be a much more interesting ending than the clichéd one of Jane, Raf and Mateo. I see those endings all the time. It's time to change it up.

Static Waves

I like a few Rafael scenes, but mainly the concept of him as the biological father will just turn me off


I do think there is a good sizable team michael base as well...it just sucks that they pulled what they did last episode. Also, is there gonna be a time jump next episode? Is Michael really going to be held hostage for potentially months and nobody cares?

bscgirl99

Yeah apparently each act of the next episode takes place during a different month. I'm hoping this means we won't see him being held hostage for long and that he won't be gone for numerous months. I'm sure they're going to show Jane/her family's reaction to him being kidnapped at some point in the episode, hopefully anyway.

The evil part of me would also love seeing that Rafael paid that guy to go in and confess and that it really was him that messed everything up with Michael after all... . I know, wishful thinking but after they threw Michael through the wringer, I need something to be happy about next week .

fox24

It's true the online community is a small one

EnglishRoses

That quote is so beautiful I really miss the days when Gina was far more vocal about her Team Michael support. She's been taking a more neutral stance recently. I wouldn't be surprised if she was told to tone it down a little in order to avoid any backlash. I suppose I understand why. If the shoe was on the other foot and she was a diehard Rafael supporter, it would be difficult for me to hear that from her. But still, when you go back and read her earlier quotes about the j/m relationship, they're so lovely. And they mirror exactly what I think, too. Which always gave me hope. She might even be the main reason I never gave up on j/m completely back in S1 when it seemed so hopeless. I miss that from her.

As for the Michael hostage/kidnap situation, I hope there is some kind of reaction from Jane. The synopses all have her being busy with family stuff, with Rafael and Mateo, but it's not really believable that she wouldn't have some kind of reaction to that or just get on with life without even contemplating about Michael. I mean, she does still love him. Regardless of what happened. She would be concerned, right? So I hope we see it mixed in with whatever else she has going on. That's if she even finds out. After their last encounter she might just think Michael is keeping his space, so she might not even think the worst has happened if she doesn't hear from him. And then there is also the other explanation, of course: that Nadine's appearance isn't a kidnap at all. I dunno, maybe she's asking for his help. Or offering hers. I guess we'll just have to wait to find out. The synopsis says Michael will go rogue in his efforts to catch Sin Rostro. I don't know if that's after Nadine's hold-up or what. Ugh. I just need Monday to get here already. Not really because I'm looking forward to the episode, because I'm not. But I need to find out about Michael. I'm pretty much only watching for him at this point.