Warzone #385
TOP THREE MOMENTS:
1.
2.
3.
BURNING QUESTIONS:
MY FAVOURITE PROMO OF THE WEEK:
HAVE YOUR SAY:
TOP THREE MOMENTS:
1. What Did You Do: Nox absolutely shone in this segment. His blend of sarcasm and feigned ignorance really drove home his character’s essence. Hatchet stormed in, clearly agitated, but Nox didn’t rise to the challenge. Instead, he leaned into his soothsayer persona, maintaining composure and subtly, and asserting his dominance. The lack of direct aggression made his manipulation feel all the more powerful IMO.
2. Cutting The Strings: After Scissors was a no-show last week, I was curious how long it would be before Foley reemerged as his darker half - and the wait was short. Graves pushed all the right (or wrong) buttons, baiting the Puppetmaster until something inside Foley snapped. The blood left behind could be a grim sign of what's coming. The Reverend may have just signed his own death warrant by provoking a man whose violent side lies just beneath the surface - ready to erupt.
3. My Way: Tombstone’s allegiance remains a mystery heading into Hounds of Hades, but one thing's certain: the Preservationists didn’t benefit from this week's events. Gravedigger blindsided the Ferryman, acting on emotion and letting rage cloud his judgment. In doing so, he may have seriously compromised his team's chances. This impulsive act could yet prove a gift for Jackson Cade and the Seekers.
BURNING QUESTIONS:
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Will Tombstone pick a side before the Hounds of Hades match - and if so, whose?
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What’s Mister Sunshine really up to? He’s officially with the Preservationists, but his commitment seems shaky?
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Did Ezekiel Graves make it out alive after his encounter with Scissors?
MY FAVOURITE PROMO OF THE WEEK:
N/A this week I'm afraidy waidy - wedding chaos took priority.
HAVE YOUR SAY:
It was intriguing to see Gemini approach Nero for answers following her tense exchange with Narcissa last time out. She’s clearly unraveling and seems lost in the fallout of the Red Light District accusations. Despite Balenciaga’s warnings, Nero uncovered nothing to support the idea that Gemini is being targeted - raising suspicions about Gemini’s true intentions or mental state. That said, the shadowy observer lurking in the rafters may signal Narcissa is biding her time... and that Gemini’s reckoning is still on the horizon.
TOP THREE MOMENTS:
- I liked Spit and Flame - it was nice to see Caido try and show Eclipse the result of the actions she keeps trying to take.
- Cutting the Strings is a fun one - it seems to show that this time round scissors and foley will be interchangeable which makes it very frightening and uncertain in terms of the solo duo's next moves.
- Social Engineering is a really fun way of showing us the simmering tension between the wrestlers. Nero's subtle "Liar" is a great character moment, which gives him a bit more freedom moving forward.
BURNING QUESTIONS:
- The Nox and Hatchet scene was interesting - they definitely have a very awkward relationship, and I feel like Hatchet isn't going to get what he wants?
- Will the crowds see through Antons attempts to curry favour?
- When will Destructo stop being such a little brat.
- Who is Narcissa's spy in the vent!?
MY FAVOURITE PROMO OF THE WEEK:
I really enjoyed The Key by Jackson Cade this week. Lots of character and a solid base to work from?
HAVE YOUR SAY:
DREWITT
In Trust we see Drewitt realise he is being judged and followed. It basically doesn't go well and Muerte ends up being the one to stick up for Drewitt. Given the history and what Muerte did to Drewitt at the Door, I am finding this very interesting and wonder if Drewitt has forgiven Muerte for his betrayal.
KLAUS
In Sunshine and Lollipops Sunshine makes some (idle?) threats against Klaus and his band of freaks. Although the segment was straightforward in nature it was well written and built up this simmering feud well. I'd like to see this progress to the next step though.
TOP THREE MOMENTS:
- His Way & My Way – I must lump these two together because they worked so well to tell this story. George and Jasper setting the table for Tombstone to “come home” by making a compelling argument to Jackson’s pleading for Tombstone to unite with the Seekers. However, you get Gravedigger who scuppers the whole thing by keeping the bad blood between he and Tombstone alive. The cracks in the Preservationist’s camp are really showing and these two segments help outline that brilliantly.
- Spit and Flame – I love the consequences of the Eclipse’s actions rearing their head here. The emotion told from Ignacio's wife was palpable and the image of a family broken by Eclipse's actions was very well stated here. It made for the perfect vehicle to get Caido involved in this story and set a feud up with Eclipse and the Dragon.
- Cutting the Strings – Enjoyed the cliffhanger ending here, also Scissors being in line to fight graves gives me an inverted Reverend vs. Demon vibe where you’re almost rooting for the Demon. It’s very much a story which is begging to be told, and I cannot wait to see more between these two. It will weave very well I think into a Ring of Nightmares story that we’re all going to get to sit back and enjoy.
BURNING QUESTIONS:
What will Tombstone’s decision be?
What has Scissors done to Graves?
Did Gravedigger fuck over the Preservationist’s by doing things “His Way”?
What did Eclipse mean by “grave” decision?
How much creeper can Mr. Sunshine get?
How deep are the cracks in both sides of this war?
MY FAVOURITE PROMO OF THE WEEK:
The Shadows Left Behind – I loved how Jin broke this up, it made for a great cadence and added to each statement. Also, the subject matter was spot on, I’ve told Jin privately that I love how organized his promos are and this one was no different. He started out tapping the nail on the head and it was so focused and dialed in by the end he’d driven that nail through the wood.
HAVE YOUR SAY:
Nox: So, an observation I wanted to make last week and forgot to bring up. I really feel like this whole Scissors thing has been a goal of Nox’s. Reading back my last couple of times I faced Felix the promos I did focused on Nox wanting to bring Scissors out, I can’t help but feel those promos were adopted into this story. I don’t know if that’s a fact or not, but I love the fact that I can feel that way draws me in even more. Top that off with knowing it also continues one of the best stories of Nox’s allowing him to continue to fuck with Hatchet. I am loving him as the stoically sinister vibe he keeps putting out.
Harold: I love DTA Attano, he makes a very justifiable case for doubting Drewitt and he’s had knives put in his back before, so I don’t blame him for exercising caution. I have to say that I also still love the relationship between he and Night. I also can’t over state how much the juxtaposition of the relationship between Night and Attano relates to Drewitt and EMM. This story is just starting to bubble; I cannot wait until we get to a full boil.
TOP THREE MOMENTS:
1. My Way - I had a feeling Gravedigger would go ahead and try to act on his own before Tombstone could make a decision. Redgrave cut that a bit short, making room for Tombstone's exit. One could only hope that little gesture is enough to show Tombstone that his feud with Gravedigger can wait for now, and that there's a bigger picture at hand. Also, George stepped over Jackson like he wasn't even there. Oof.
2. Cutting The Strings - I think Graves might be playing with fire here. Scissors is a different breed from what Foley is. He's violent. He's vicious. And he might be the man to put an end to the Reverend.
3. Sunshine and Lollipops - I liked the metaphor of people being like Lollipops here and how Sunshine used it to send his message to Klaus. What does he have planned?
BURNING QUESTIONS:
- How will Tombstone respond to Gravediggers attack?
- Will he choose a side?
- What has happened to Ezekiel?
MY FAVOURITE PROMO OF THE WEEK:
Didn't get to read many last week, I was out of town for most of it.
HAVE YOUR SAY:
Jasper seems to be the bargaining chip around here for the Preservationist's. I don't mind that. The two people he has tried to cut a deal with are logical choices. How does Redgrave respond to Gravedigger getting in the way though? He possibly just cost them the aide of Tombstone. The question still remains, why did George turn on Jackson? Did Jasper persuade him? Is he holding something over his head? Or is it actually George's idea all together?
TOP THREE MOMENTS:
- I loved Cutting the Strings because I just love how fucking creepy Scissors can be. One has to wonder just where he took the world champ away to, especially seeing all we were left with is a blood stain. Should be interesting to see these two absolute powerhouses duke it out. Especially since Graves seems to be terrified of him.
- I think Spit and Flame was a fantastic little segment between Eclipse and Caido. I'd say there was some good interactions going on here so I'm excited to see if Eclipse has any fallout from seeing the real consequences of her actions. Especially because she used to be so kind before Gravedigger.
- I was involved but I enjoyed What Did You Do quite a bit as well. As a whole it's fun to see Hatchet and Nox's interactions and it just makes me smile every time. Leaves you wondering just how long Hatchet is gonna deal with Nox holding out on him.
BURNING QUESTIONS:
- Where did big Zeke get taken to?
- Will Foley control Scissors? Or will he lose himself?
- Is Tombstone going to choose a side?
- Who's Narcy's spy?
MY FAVOURITE PROMO OF THE WEEK:
I have to give it to Give You Hell. In my promos I make a big deal of Cade going through hell or just overcoming adversity and I think Connor did a great job turning that on me and using the theme to great effect.
HAVE YOUR SAY:
Jackson Cade: I really enjoyed the ending segment here. I think Gravedigger may have very well pulled Tombstone to the Seeker's side with his actions and I'm curious to see how it plays out in the coming week.
Hatchet: I spoke about it above, but I'm curious to see if this serum for Hatchet could actually come into play or if Nox is truly just stringing him along at this point. I suppose time will tell.
TOP THREE MOMENTS:
1. Sunshine and Lollipops was a delightfully twisted moment, seeing the freaks and the messed up Circus get put on the backfoot as Mr. Sunshine came out and showed that even with something as simple as a lollipop can bring a bit of a string of fear. Of all the segments this week, it seemed to highlight that even great segments can have good themes, and for that it takes the cake for me.
2. Spit and Flame had some really good beats, trying to pull empathy out from Eclipse who I'm not sure even has that capacity to do so. Seeing Dragon Caido come in and defend the family away when tensions between them came to a head was a delightful bit, and really shone for both characters in it. Ten outta ten.
3. Cutting the Strings was just a fun little segment, seeing the World Champ smack down Felix, only for him to scream in terror in the face of Scissors and suddenly vanish from the ring, only leaving a blood stain on the mat.
BURNING QUESTIONS:
- Who is Narcissa's Spy?
- Where did Scissors take Ezekiel Graves?
- Which side will Tombstone take?
- What will the little blue vial truly do to Hatchet?
MY FAVOURITE PROMO OF THE WEEK:
I was out last week and with the work shenanigans haven't had much time to get through last week's promos. Will revise when I get the time.
HAVE YOUR SAY:
Cap, ya gotta be smarter than that. Don't let Savor get under your skin my guy! Loved the segment both this week and the last, and the two bumping shoulders together like this is just an absolute delight. Keep up the great work!
TOP THREE MOMENTS:
- Cutting the Strings - It has to be the lights, the flashing, Scissors appearing, then the puddle of blood. So freaking forboding. So well written, on the edge of your seat stuff there!
2. I think the second moment is an equal here. It's Tombstone. He says so much without saying anything, or even really doing anything. The lack of action as an action within itself. Man, to have the presence of Tombstone. That was great writing.
3. Spit and Flame - Eclipse's uncaring attitude to the two orphaned children - just the brutality of the fake yawn. But the guts of the girl spitting in the face of Eclipse in her grief made me think that there's a cool character to explore there. Great moment, great tension created when Caido grabbed the hand, but mainly, great character work from Eclipse.
BURNING QUESTIONS:
- Narcissa's spy - who is it?
- Is Graves done for?
- Will Hatchet be administered the blue toxin? If so, what does Nox have in store for him?
- Above all... What will Tombstone decide?
MY FAVOURITE PROMO OF THE WEEK:
Bowling Ball
Man, this was such a beautifully put together promo. From the way the metaphor is set up, to the way it's extended. The parallels drawn from a bowling ball thrown down the lanes over and over again to Grimskull being used by the Preservationists. The thing that I always find tricky though when writing promos like this is coming up with that twist at the end. This does it so well.
If a bowling ball had feelings, what would it desire to be? free.
Not rolled down the aisles any more.
But that freedom comes in a way unexpected. By being destroyed. I loved it!
HAVE YOUR SAY:
EMM - It's interesting that we've led ourselves here. There's some tension created among seekers here, and EMM siding with old alliances that run deeper than the bonds formed since that door was opened. Really intriguing stuff and it all makes sense from a character point of view.
SUNSHINE - This was an awesome segment. Felt like a little Sunshine Promo here, so thanks for making sure I can't use the idea of a lollipop anytime soon. Brilliant character work with him as always. Loving the story.
TOP THREE MOMENTS:
1. His Way and My Way will take the top spot together. I like how Jasper tried to talk to Tombstone and it seemed to almost work. Had it not been for Gravedigger coming in and potentially dropping the ball, Tombstone probably would've been fighting alongside him once again. The Wargames match is gonna be a doozy and a half, regardless of what side he chooses though, that's for sure.
2. What Did You Do? goes here. I like the idea that Nox's toxin was supposed to break Foley, but ended up reawakening Scissors. I also like the direction that we're going to head with Felix. Will the Puppeteer remain in control, or will Scissors end up taking over once more? I'm not sure what Nox has planned for Hatchet either, but if his toxin did that to Felix, I'd hate to see what it would do to the Juggalo.
3. Social Engineering takes the final placement. Gemini's encounter with Narcissa really shook her up, it seems. Now she's having Nero check on every computer in Arcadia to see if Hera put out some kind of hit on her. She hasn't, at least not yet, but now her paranoia is starting to get under her friend's skins. If Nero quietly calling her a liar is anything to go by, he knows that she's hiding something, but he doesn't know what. When will the secret of the Red Light District be revealed? Will it cause a shake up with the Seekers? Can't wait to see!
BURNING QUESTIONS:
What the shit happened to Ezekiel Graves? Where did Foley (or Scissors) take him and did he end up attacking the Reverend when he teleported away? Is he still alive?
Did Gravedigger ruin any chance of getting Tombstone to fight alongside the Preservationists? Does the sneak attack on the Ferryman mean that Tombstone will be fighting with the Seekers now? Will this cost them the Wargames match?
MY FAVOURITE PROMO OF THE WEEK:
It might be a recency bias talking, but I really liked Give You Hell by Tombstone. He really deconstructed Jackson's whole woe is me attitude well. I like how he downplayed each and every key moment in Cade's history within OSW before reminding him that he's been to real hell. It was an awesome promo that helped remind the reader how much of a badass this guy is.
HAVE YOUR SAY:
Night: Tensions are rising between the Seekers I see! Muerte might've stopped things from escalating for now, but what will happen later on in the cycle now that the Mariachi has chosen his side? Will they throw hands and escalate the inner conflict further than it is now? Or will they eventually learn to trust one another and fully accept Drewitt as a Seeker? They probably won't do that until after they fight at Hounds of Hades, but it'll be interesting to see if Singing Death gets kicked out for defending the Pilgrim or not.
TOP THREE MOMENTS:
1. Cutting The Strings definetly hit hard here. As much as the jolly old Felix can be an absolute threat to anyone if you piss him off, Scissors is in a new category entirely. One that's up there with OG Scarecrow and peak World Champion Tombstone as terrifying monsters that you run from. And hell if the imagery here wasn't perfect. The Red light returning, the flashes, the sickening visage of that twisted malicious Scissors and then nothing but blood on the canvas where the world champion was. I'm not sure how Graves survives even to Hounds let alone to Ring of Dreams with Scissors coming for him and it's going to be intriguing to see if the Reverend can do a thing against that mad bastard.
2. Sunshine and Lollipops. Sometimes you can do a lot with very little if the imagery and subtext is there and god did Sunshine come off as incredibly dangerous and threatening here. A simple metaphor saying everything to Klaus, that he and his little Circus better back off or else. While it doesn't look like Klaus will take the warning, it was conveyed incredibly and I'm definetly hyped to see what happens next here.
3. My Way definetly fits here. It wasn't certain Tombstone would pick either side here but Gravedigger absolutely messed it up for the Preservationists at least with the attack. Believable as hell too with the on sight fury after Igor's death and to top that with tensions now between Digger and Jasper, me thinks both teams may be a little fractured walking into Hounds and to top it off, Tombstone still hasn't chosen. Great show ender and very hyped to see the followup at 386
BURNING QUESTIONS:
- Will Hatchet gain the blue vial he so desires and if so, what exactly will it do to him this time?
- What did Scissors do to Graves and is the world champion still alive?
- Who is Narcy's spy?
- Will Tombstone make his choice and did Gravedigger just force it to be the Seekers?
MY FAVOURITE PROMO OF THE WEEK:
Terrible week last week unfortunately, had little chance to read anything but that'll be fixed this week.
HAVE YOUR SAY:
So Ayame's still trying to get through to James. Good luck there, the guy's still got the mammoth chip on his shoulder, especially given he's only on the Seekers team to get to Nox and then she brings up old daddy Maxwell. Absolute bad move there with the one sore spot James has is people trying to tell him what his dad wanted, especially when he barely knew. I feel like this is absolutely going to blows in the next few weeks before it gets better and here's hoping Destructo stops being a little shithead and starts working together with people...cause at this rate, he may well become a lone wolf and that's suicide Olympus.