Warzone #373
TOP THREE MOMENTS:
(Three moments of the show that stood out to you and why.)
- The Already Dead, man this whole conversation. Ezra having already accepted his fate, no real vile of vitriol. It was all real telling for Ezra. The final exchange between the two was so ominous, “Aren’t you afraid!?”
“The Already Dead don’t die, son,” Tombstone warns him, not breaking his stride. “I’ll see you when you get here.”
I really hope this is foreshadowing to how this Volume May end for Gravedigger and Tombstone because this all sounds like a great way to set up that eventual end.
2. Mara and The Anti-Hero, these two Segments fit so well with each other. Showing DB as a Survivor who’s done with alliances and the other bullshit that comes along with it. He’s done being seen as a hero and is ready to let the aggression TBM helped hold back drive his emotions. I cannot wait to see if that attitude ultimately comes back to hurt him.
3. Sail Away, just what the hell?! Gravedigger attempting to get into the head of Jackson Cade. Forcing him to watch the Ferrying of CJ Thorpe. Just the horror I felt for Jackson at the end of the show, I cannot wait to see where this goes in next week’s show.
BURNING QUESTIONS:
Has Gravedigger chosen his side in this Civil War, with the abduction of Jackson Cade?
How will Felix react to having DB beat his ass after trying to help him out?
What does the Night want with Narcissa?
MY FAVOURITE PROMO OF THE WEEK:
EMM - Symptom of Being Human, I really loved how each verse he picked fit like a glove to what EMM/Hayden was getting across. It did so much to Humanize Doom who at times can seem like a walking Ironman Suit of evil, almost untouchable. It was all so well written and did so much to break down everything.
HAVE YOUR SAY:
(How did you like your characters portrayal and what are your thoughts on your current storyline? What, if any, improvements could be made?)
Harold – Fuck burying the hatchet with Klaus! Fuck all of that goddamn noise. Both Redgrave and Klaus Way have broken families in different ways and I am just so fucking rip-shit pissed that George or Jackson would ask Harold to swallow his pride when it comes to Klaus Way and not just ask Nobody to put both those motherfuckers in the same goddamn pine box. I can’t say the last time I was so pissed at two characters then I was with Jackson and George in this scene while still seeing their point of view. This week’s segment... just fucky, man.
Nox – I can’t wait to see where this all goes with Nox, Doom, DB and Felix. Will Felix be helping Destructo defend the Tag Titles? The whole Doom betraying Felix and Nox killing TBM in front of Destructo Boy. I love how all these pieces are fitting together and how Destructo Boy is resistant to outside help, it makes me wonder if he’s doing it for his own sake or because he holds himself responsible for his father’s demise and doesn’t want to be responsible for Felix’s if he were to fall in the crossfire? Just so much depth here.
TOP THREE MOMENTS:
- Going to go with Already Dead for this one. I really have to wonder if this is a big hint towards Tombstone not quite being out of action. Honestly, The Already Dead sounds like a fucking bomb ass nickname.
- Mara was a fantastic segment in of itself. I think what really gets me about it is the fact that Destructo has gotten just drenched in character development. He's burnt like his father, lost his mask, and has become a man. Fantastic writing, man. Really exciting to read.
- I think I'll actually give this to Night Terrors because I'm already invested in The Night character. The fact that it feels like he's targeting Narcissa has me wondering what his personal motivations for going after Hera are.
BURNING QUESTIONS:
- Why is The Night watching Narcissa?
- What does Cade see on that boat?
- Just who is Nero?
- What sides is everyone going to take in this Civil War?
MY FAVOURITE PROMO OF THE WEEK:
I'm giving this to Destructo. I'm always a big fan of watching someone write an absolute banger of a promo. Zac showed a lot of improvement and the promo was beyond competitive. Definitely one people could learn from, too.
HAVE YOUR SAY:
Jackson Cade: Man, this might be the third time Cade has found himself on the ferryman's boat. Maybe more, for that matter. And, that being said, I never get tired of it, especially when we get to see Jackson possibly ask CJ just why he let himself die. This is some killer stuff and I'm excited to see more of it.
TOP THREE MOMENTS:
- Already Dead. I thought this was a fitting segment that sort of solidified the passing of the torch to Gravedigger. However, it sounds like Ezra will be waiting for their reunion. "What's already dead doesn't die, son." What a fucking line that was.
- Mara. If this is what we're to expect from Stories of the Civil War, then I'm all in! I loved the unique look from a different perspective and then Destructo swooping in at the end.
- Wild Card II takes the last spot for me this week. There's just something in seeing one of your characters, perfect to trait, torturing another of your characters who, well, takes torture like a man. I enjoyed the casual conversation between Redgrave and Klaus as they inflict pain on Solus.
BURNING QUESTIONS:
- Which side does Klaus choose?
- What interest does The Night have with Narcissa?
- What exactly is Nero looking for?
- What happens on the boat where Jackson Cade find himself now?
MY FAVOURITE PROMO OF THE WEEK:
"No More Masks" was a great read. I really enjoyed this. Very well written, and I think that if Zac can keep this energy the new leash on life Destructo could end up doing great things. Keep it up Zac.
HAVE YOUR SAY:
No surprise there when it comes to what side Jasper Redgrave's going to choose. Also, no surprise there that Jackson in fact was walking into a trap. But what about Klaus? Jasper has laid out a proposal to Way but tbh, I'm unsure which WAY Klaus will walk. Look forward to finding out.
TOP THREE MOMENTS:
(Three moments of the show that stood out to you and why.)
- The show started off absolute fire with The Allready Dead. While the shock turn at Red Snow was a big twist and firmly put Gravedigger getting one big up on his former mentor, I loved how this whole segment was Tombstone noselling every taunt Gravedigger threw at him and that combined with the hint of something more with the Allready Dead, this should be the start of something huge here.
- The Night Terrors was beautifully done. I'm a sucker for a good horror segment and the Night truly mindfucking Narcissa here and terrifying the Queen was a great way to introduce him.
- I mean could it be anything but Sail Away here? Gravedigger coming in not just for the attack but the psychological warfare with CJ Thorpe's spirit getting ferried away and being stuck on the boat with him. *chefs kiss* brilliant stuff and a great setup for next week.
BURNING QUESTIONS:
- So how are we going to see Tombstone pop up every so often to taunt and/or give Gravedigger advice? And how long until his "death" gets reversed for one final battle between mentor and mentee here?
- Will Jackson be able to get to Klaus, will Jasper be able to sway Way to Zeus's side or is the Ringmaster going to go third party rogue here?
- How fucked is Mighty when Klaus finds out he's trying to get out of his contract allready and will he be able to go after Graves for that little bit of protection Red can seemingly give him?
MY FAVOURITE PROMO OF THE WEEK:
Very tough here as this week was a solid as hell week for promos but I'm going with Snap here. Ever since the snap, I was just waiting for this big emotional Jackson Cade promo and Daws absolutely delivered. Every ounce of pain and agony was felt here and the anger delivered to Jasper was amazing, great work by Daws here
HAVE YOUR SAY:
Well fuck I knew the kid (now a man I suppose) was going dark this season but I didn't think he'd immediately start beating down on poor Felix here, but I have to say it makes absolute sense. For someone whose d0ne sacrificing and being the nice guy and absolutely wouldn't forget the past, Felix isn't exactly truly innocent in James eyes and a great way to show the 'fuck everyone' Destructo on his path to vengeance. Loved the segment and cannot wait to see more of this darker path Destructo is going down.
TOP THREE MOMENTS:
1. Sail Away takes the top spot. I feel so bad for Jackson, man. Dude lost his brother barely three weeks ago, and now he's being taunted by Gravedigger by chokeslamming him next to the boat CJ is being ferried in. A dick move by the Valkyrie that has me curious about what will happen next.
2. Mara takes the second spot. This seg was beautifully written and really showcased how things can quickly go to hell in a few minutes within a war. I thought for a second we were actually gonna see a child get murdered by a panicked crowd before our very eyes, but Destructo, the Private Ryan of the story, saved her before she could perish. I liked this a lot and I hope we'll see more stories from the Civil War at the next show.
3. The Already Dead takes the third spot. I wasn't expecting Tombstone to be so lucid about his death. I was thinking that he'd be noticeably angry at the Valkyrie for taking his role and betraying him. However, I was wrong. Instead, he just seemed disappointed in himself for not noticing the signs that Igor was plotting to usurp him with Gravedigger. What a send off for Ezra, man. Absolutely beautiful seg all around.
BURNING QUESTIONS:
Will Klaus end up being persuaded to joining Jasper and the Preservationists? That's a damn good offer made by Redgrave, one that'll be tough to beat for the Seekers. What can they offer now that we know that if he joins Jasper's side, Zeus will make sure his supposed crime against Zephyr stays in the past?
How far will Destructo go in order to get his revenge against Doom and Nox? Clearly he's not above attacking potential allies in order to show that he'd rather work alone, but how will that extend to attacking both members of the Corporation?
MY FAVOURITE PROMO OF THE WEEK:
Giving this to the Bad Guy by Gravedigger. I always like it when the wrestler is able to point out the hypocrisy of how the fans perceive the heels when the faces have done things just as bad. And in this case, it's well worth pointing out that all three of them are just as guilty of doing terrible things. Felix with his (perhaps unknowing) deception to children, Harold for being a betrayer, and Grimskull for being willing to sacrifice who knows how many lives to bring about the end of Arcadia with John the Revelator. Good segment from the Valkyrie all round.
HAVE YOUR SAY:
Not a lot to say on this front. My guy only showed up to give Narcissa a fright and establish that he's after her for reasons that only he knows. I quite like the Sting like appearances for Night and I hope that they continue. Fits the whole "Enigma" moniker he has.
TOP THREE MOMENTS:
The allready dead was a brilliant way to start the show. A clear transition from Red Snow, laying out the story and bot one of a fight or vindication, just understanding on one end, not angry at Gravedigger or Mortis but disappointed in himself and Gravedigger honing in on what he helped Tombstone achieve without shine on his own. These weren't pure enemies but old friends with hard emotions to deal with.
The Wild Card 2, interesting that it looks like Redgrave is working with Zeus as well in his new group, the preservationists. I definitely didn't expect Redgrave to be on Zeus' side with his original spot in the uprising but it looks like it might be more old uprising with Redgrave and Narcissa vs new and it will more and more interesting to see how people split alliances.
In Conquest, In war definitely is interesting with Drewitt and Grimskull feeling left to die by Muerte and Gemini. The latter two have left Zeus but their betrayal has not been forgotten. This is a feud I should have expected and it's exciting to watch it play out.
BURNING QUESTIONS:
Is Ayame going to turn into full werewolf?
Is this the last we see of Tombstone for a while?
Who has Zeus recruited?
MY FAVOURITE PROMO OF THE WEEK:
No more masks, it made me more emotional than most promos I read and that's in the best of ways. It made me feel for.the character, the giving up on heroism and masking to just fight, it's a battle most have to grow up with and it was put into words very well. Makes you hardcore root for the character even more.
HAVE YOUR SAY:
What does the Night want with Narcissa? I'm curious about this development, excited to work against a new character and ultimately wondering if this will add a new layer or strengthen existing ones. She was startled but she's acting strong like I expect her to, I wonder how it will become more.
TOP THREE MOMENTS:
(Three moments of the show that stood out to you and why.)
- Sail Away - I thought the writing on that one was excellent, after the chokeslam when Cade falls into black instead of the canvas, I could imagine it like a scene from a movie. Seeing CJ Thorpe there means that Cade is that place between life and death and it will be interesting to see how it will progress, or what does it even mean for the future of Jackson Cade.
- The Already Dead - It felt like an amazing closure for Tombstone. Almost like following Red Snow he reached an internal peace that left him above the situation completely. The writing here was also great. I feel like Tombstone has left very big shoes behind him, and I feel like Gravediggers' character will have to evolve more to fill in successfully.
- Security Footage II - It feels to me like a very interesting beginning to a story that might be very complicated for Red, since releasing Mighty Mighty from his contract might mean that Red will start some sort of feud with the Circus, and from what I understand it is a powerful faction, even more after Redgrave started to get close to Klaus and potentially forming some sort of alliance there.
BURNING QUESTIONS:
(What questions has the show left you with?)
- What does the last segment means for Jackson Cade and could it possibly mean that Gravedigger is escalating the War from Zeus' side. If so, what is the motive behind that from Gravediggers' side, what is in it for him personally.
- What does the interaction between Klaus and Redgrave, and also the last segment, mean for the World Title picture?
MY FAVOURITE PROMO OF THE WEEK:
(Which promo was your favourite of the week?)
Stickybeak by Sunshine. When I was reading it I really imagined his character and the tone of the promo come to life. The language and the presentation really felt accurate for that sort of character.
HAVE YOUR SAY:
(How did you like your characters portrayal and what are your thoughts on your current storyline? What, if any, improvements could be made?)
It is still early days for Red and the potential deal with Mighty can mean a lot of different things, while there is also the Ezekiel Graves angle and the Nero one as well. I think that overall the fact Red has lost his first match and got beaten up at his club means that Red probably starts his journey from a weaker point in the hierarchy of the roster but I also think it can be a good thing for his story since it will give him the opportunity to rise from nothing again, just like his backstory.
Ideally I would like the language Red speaks to be a bit more like in the promos, maybe a bit less straight forward and a bit more witty, philo-scinical if that make sense, but nevertheless I think it was a really interesting start for Red. I hope I will improve my promos as well so we could grab a few wins down the road.
Overall, I enjoyed reading the show very much, the writing is excellent, almost gives the feeling of a great book. I'm not surprised though, achieving that sort of level after 10 years of writing. The show left me in a place where I very much look for the next one. I also hope I will start understanding more of the stories as the time goes by. Thanks for a great show and great writing.