u/ShoppingRich428

what the caption says…

this post is just for fun pls don’t take it too seriously 🤣 but i am genuinely curious how anthony would react now compared to before. he’s clearly softened over the years because of kate and their child, and he’s finally learned that he isn’t always right. i also feel like he has always had a softer spot for francesca specifically. but maybe that’s just me.

edit: OMG NICOLA IS ALSO IN THE BACK!!!! that’s our penelope!

i really hope that if they adapt the cottage scene, they won’t lean into the whole “seduction motive” angle. that part of the book has always given me the ick, and i genuinely hope they improve it in the show. i really don’t want to see a lesbian character written with ulterior motives because it so easily falls into the lesbian predator stereotype, and as a lesbian, i’m honestly tired of seeing that narrative.

also it’s kinda funny seeing hannah and masali so excited for the sexy scenes being adapted 😭 meanwhile i genuinely don’t think i’ll survive watching it myself

“Straight-up, I think michaela is the most interesting love interest. not only is she a lesbian in the 1800s in society but she is also a woman that is about to take on a title. which is allowed in scotland, but so taboo in england. seeing her navigate that is about to be so good” and i think there’s no truer words than these.

the endless narrative possibilities here are so much richer and more complex. there is so much potential in seeing her wrestle with duty, grief, desire, family legacy, and societal expectations all at once.

and with that i say… i am SO ready for you, michaela sterling!

edit: to the people being so bothered by a harmless title, you’re just a hater at this point. because why are you so bothered by michaela being labeled as being ONE of the most compelling characters in the series? not most, not the only… but one of the most… like how ridiculous is that to be bothered by such a non-issue?

another edit: this is literally tagged as TV SHOW ONLY. so why are y’all bringing up the books, especially if it just incites hate to the character being appreciated in the post? find your own subs and posts to comment on about your favorite character omfg.

i genuinely don’t mind fans feeling sad or frustrated that their favorite characters might not get as much screen time or a strong side plot in Season 5. that’s valid.

but what’s been bothering me is how some of y’all (not generalizing, but a noticeable number) are framing it like Franchaela doesn’t deserve to be the main focus this season… like, are we serious?

“of course they’re going to make Franchaela the sole focus…” I SURE FUCKING HOPE SO, THEY’RE THE LEAD!

their story is complex, layered, and actually requires care to tell properly. that’s what a main season is supposed to do… center its leads.

and don’t even get me started on the “there’s too much Fran” complaints. if those side plots around her didn’t exist, her story wouldn’t feel as rich or fully realized. If your fave didn’t get that same depth, then direct your frustration there. there were many side plots that could’ve gone to your fave but it wasn’t Francesca’s because istg if Fran wasn’t as fleshed out (or if they would’ve made a misstep in their season), it would’ve been used against her too. women can never win with y’all.

an x user once said along the lines that you’d think we’re living in some alternate world where lesbians have privilege. be serious for a second. y’all see sapphics winning for once and suddenly don’t know how to act 💀 and it couldn’t be more true.

now, does that mean I support sidelining everyone else? no. i also want the siblings and other characters to have meaningful presence. but let’s not act like this “phasing out” issue just started now… it’s been happening since season 1. turning it into a gotcha moment to accuse Jess of favoritism now just feels off.

and I’m saying this too because some of you are labeling Franchaela as Jess’ “fanfic pairing” when the show itself is canon. let’s not pretend at this point… if you’re doing that, you’re not just criticizing Jess, you clearly just don’t like the pairing. at least be honest about it instead of disguising it as critique. you’re not slick.

also, whether y’all like it or not, this storyline is tackling something bigger in mainstream media. that matters.

what’s confusing is how some people suddenly hate side plots when it’s not their fave’s season… but were perfectly fine with it before. make it make sense. i love seeing all the characters too. i’m not against side plots. just be reasonable with the criticism, at the very least. and leave Franchaela out of your mouth when the real issue you’re trying to raise isn’t even about them.

just wanted to share this art on this sub because WTFFFF THE GOD-LIKE SKILL!???? i always thank creators who takes time with their art than ai-slop like YESSSSS!

also franchaela in a sapphic bar or gathering??? I AM HERE FOR IT! i am SOOOOOOO here for it!

go check them out on x: https://x.com/metaldamage/status/2049220936725831804?s=46