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If you ever get the chance,  go alone. 

Walk alone.  Travel alone.  Live alone.  Dance alone. 

Just for a night, maybe,  for a while.  If you ever get the chance, learn who you are,  when the world isn’t demanding you be  one way, or another. 

Most people  don’t know how to stand on their own without another  standing beside them. 

Don’t let that be your story.

👀👀😳😳

Innuendo abounds at the interview line:

The answer:

Firstly, Steph is seen by those who know her as a genuinely kind person. She moved in with Eoin only after his diagnosis, and took care of him the entire time (10 months) he was sick. I know for a fact she never left his side while he was in hospice, and was also working two jobs while also putting herself through her masters. 

Secondly, Steph is definitely still working now, and also volunteering. I won’t say where (but it’s not Sam’s charity, lol).

Thirdly, I also know that the music for the trailer was a completely serendipitous thing- (you can see Olafur’s comment on the show’s post). I know that’s hard to believe, but Steph made a post about how it was a complete coincidence and how it felt “surreal and divine”. I don’t know whether she gets royalties from it but I know that it meant a lot to them both (Olafur and her) in any case.

Lastly, I also know that Steph is still extremely close to all of Eoin’s friends and family. They all love her and seem to be really happy for her. I believe Eoin would be happy too. She’s a caring person and a good mum.

I’m sending this to you and a couple other sites I found that said some things that I interpret as just wrong. Maybe this isn’t the narrative you want to hear, and maybe you’ll choose to not share this, but I thought I’d shed some light on the truth (or at least what I’ve observed to be the truth). Take care. 

Dear Take Care Anon,

You are trying too hard and your ask is way too long to be credible. If you think I am a naive spring flower, you are damned wrong and borderline insulting. You sent me half a Barbara Cartland short story, which might turn around at least a couple of Mommies, but you made a tactical mistake.

You see, I seldom trust alleged insiders that come bearing gifts to my inbox. Rarely are 'friends' so invested as to even care about what is being debated in the very fringy Internet corner that is Tumblr. Let alone react and engage with significant blogs (such as @bat-cat-reader's, and I suppose others, too) of this particular community. So, you tell me that what brought you here was your desire to check the OL fandom's reaction to that Talos music being included on Season 8's trailer. Whatever for? Whoever for? Why would someone, who allegedly is that woman's friend, go and specifically look for what OL fans (and particularly shippers) think, unless prompted, or even directly interested? Aren't you busy celebrating the 'surreal and divine' (a bit overwrought, don't you think?), 'completely serendipitous' moment (yes, darling, and I am Meg Ryan)? Seriously, now: who does this, out of their own heart's desire, and without an agenda?

To cut the story short and hopefully be crystal clear: no, I do not trust you, Anon. I do not trust you because you bring nothing new to the table, or at least nothing that a regular fan with access to that woman's private Instagram account would not know. I also do not trust OTT, florid praise and normal, flawed people, being lionized. And lastly I do not trust you, simply because you lie through your teeth - this page loathes liars with a deeply ingrained passion, FYI.

In Olafur Arnalds' own words to press:

[Source: https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/features/interviews/olafur-arnalds-talos-duet-beyond-goodbye - posted July 7, 2025]

Everything about the above quote strongly suggests a long-term, intense care by friends, in a very difficult moment. And overall, quite a different reality than what you told me so assuredly, isn't it? Now, why would a respected Icelandic musician lie to his fans and to the press, while evoking a deceased friend's tragic and untimely demise? For clicks? He does not need them. For pity? How very un-Viking, Anon. Conversely, why wouldn't a random Anonymous contributor lie to a random Internet blog, imagining the blogger would be at least shaken in her beliefs, that are - anyways - inconsequential, in the Great Scheme of Things? If you, or that woman (where was she, in Arnalds' account, come to think of it?) are so sure of yourselves, why this urge to course correct, Anon?

But let's read some more, this time echoing another member of the musician's family: his brother, Brian, who spoke to Claire Byrne on RTÉ Radio 1  (March 27, 2025). The interview was then shared by the national press (The Irish Examiner):

[Source: https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/artsandculture/arid-41601652.html - posted March 27, 2025]

Perhaps my readers remember a relatively recent post of mine about this farce:

[Source: https://www.tumblr.com/sgiandubh/804032613432082432?source=share - posted December 26, 2025]

Anon, based on the above facts, she did not move in with him. He moved in with her, from the Republic of Ireland to the still British Northern Ireland. And come to think of it, I surely did notice how his brother never seems to have mentioned her, in that interview. Just as she never seemed to care - in turn - for the Daffodil Day's Irish Cancer Society charity project, the French family chose to actively support. If you read the entire article, it's pretty apparent.

I won't share the disingenuous photo I have been shown, proving her strange artistic activities around the time of Eoin French's untimely demise. But...nude pictures on an Irish beach, by night? Seriously? Proudly shared on her private Instagram account, then quickly sanitized.... but oops, Internet is forever, isn't it? I will simply add this woman has earned her MSc diploma in human-animal interaction at the University of Stirling in 2022. Again, she proudly posted on her socials and we have the pic. But that was nowhere near 2024, Anon, as you'd like us to believe.

Understandably, I question everything about your submission. And I would really appreciate if PR stopped sending the interns or leaving the well-known fandom trolls all by themselves to freestyle on this sort of job. This fandom is famous for being inquisitive and also for having a long memory, but also well assorted databases.

Can we talk about this gif for a second?

They weren’t in character here. They were reading the lines from pages on the floor.

Fyodor Dostoevsky

Do you remember Sam proudly telling interviewers, after the birth of the Little Soul, that he was fully prepared for the birth, water tub and all?

Right. So here’s the thing… it actually looked more like this:

. . .

[and honestly, the time Caitríona needs to work out her age at the time of the birth - does that not strike you as a little odd?]

Source: Caitríona for Elle Spain, 19 May, 2026.

2015 vs 2026

Wtf happened to these people? 🤔

From my copy of the Departures Magazine May/June 2016 issue: (actually, this is the only photo of SC in the entire article). Shoot locations:

On the left is Midhope Castle ((doubles as our dear Lallybroch in the Hopetoun estate, Queensferry ), near Edinburgh

On the right is the Pollock House, the National Trust for Scotland, Glasgow

Caitriona in Oscar de la Renta and Sam in Paul Smith:

They’re not showing their left hands!

She’s feeling his stubble and looking at him while he closes his eyes to savor her nearness and her caress.

The ff photos below were not in the magazine. As you all know, this photo was posted by Sam on October 28, 2016, nine days ahead of the Scottish Bafta where mm was subbed for Terry Dresbach as the supposed date for Sam. I think the Captain was shoring up the ship before that storm! Btw, this photo is not even on Martin’s website so it must be a personal one for SC. I’m guessing there are other photos of a personal nature. Captain? You and Caitriona have a personalized album from this photoshoot? Just asking…

I lightened it:

Sam’s IG post:

These were on Martin Scott Powell‘s former website but not published in the magazine. I can’t find the original website. However a few are posted on his IG. I have more photos from the original website.

These below are the other photos featured and described as such in that article:

The Town Square of Falkland in Fife:

One of the interiors of Hopetoun House, Edinburgh:

Culloden House, Inverness:

Highland cattle at Interlochy Castle, Torlundy:

Clava Cairns: burial site near Inverness, dating back to the Bronze Age

What a fun question. I can only answer for myself:

Basically? They’re not normal. Not even a little. Their public lives are run like they’re MI6 agents. And I’m sorry, but with all due respect, they’re not at a level of celebrity that justifies this level of secrecy. Even A-listers share more of their real lives than they do.

And I don’t buy the excuse that “evil shippers” forced them into it. Like you said, it’s been almost seven years since the wedding. The shipper group has shrunk over time along with the fandom in general, so there’s really no reason to keep hiding. If anything, I don’t think most of us would still be shippers if they showed what they claim to be their lives in a genuinely authentic way.

They’re not the only co-stars with shippers, but they’re definitely the only ones who behave like this. Other co-stars joke about it, share photos when they meet up, videos, and show their actual partners. It’s not all-or-nothing. There’s a lot of middle ground, and you can still be private while posting the occasional personal selfie.

They claim themselves that they’re really close friends. Sam talked about meals Cait cooks, they live in the same area, they see each other fairly often. So why not post a story together once in a while? There was a year and a half of Draughtlander, we could have used a joint selfie. Why didn’t we get a photo of Caitriona at Macbeth? Everyone knew she’d be there, and he did take photos with other friends who came to watch him. Birthday meet ups? Any picture that isn't from set?

I have so much more I could write about this, but I’m short on time. So if you agree with me, feel free to add more examples in the comments.

To sum it up, Anon:

https://archiveofourown.org/works/57615613/chapters/146608177

https://archiveofourown.org/works/32006581/chapters/79278430

https://archiveofourown.org/works/60397654/chapters/154161400

https://archiveofourown.org/works/56191129/chapters/142745668

https://archiveofourown.org/works/33443158/chapters/83077846

https://archiveofourown.org/works/19020115/chapters/45170086

https://archiveofourown.org/works/51514993/chapters/130195288

https://archiveofourown.org/works/31022585/chapters/76630754

https://archiveofourown.org/works/25976704/chapters/63150934

https://archiveofourown.org/works/54061276/chapters/136864459

https://archiveofourown.org/series/2092248

https://archiveofourown.org/works/18960757/chapters/45018829

https://archiveofourown.org/works/25346449/chapters/61456504

https://archiveofourown.org/works/65017192/chapters/167170048

https://archiveofourown.org/works/78381996/chapters/205473206

https://archiveofourown.org/works/17314406/chapters/40728263

https://archiveofourown.org/works/30931742/chapters/76387310

https://archiveofourown.org/works/65928172/chapters/169846825

https://archiveofourown.org/works/64920706/chapters/166876267

https://archiveofourown.org/works/63730102/chapters/163388863

https://archiveofourown.org/works/17190923/chapters/40420517

https://archiveofourown.org/works/38204422/chapters/95448433

https://archiveofourown.org/works/21754489/chapters/51902473

https://archiveofourown.org/works/31286186/chapters/77344046

https://archiveofourown.org/works/46622644/chapters/117412741

There also seems to be the general opinion that this is not a normal or healthy relationship. We are all adults. I think that most of us agree that a woman chasing a man all over the world, for very short visits, every time he snaps his fingers, is not a healthy dynamic. There are also comments starting to pop up all over wondering what this all says about Sam. And that’s the biggest issue, isn’t it? When multiple groups across a fandom start to give someone a critical side eye, it is never a good thing. I agree with all of these comments. Sam is an adult. He has ostensibly known Steph for years. He knows exactly who she is. And he has chosen to associate himself with her (in whatever capacity). Not a good look, and I think that the criticism of him is well deserved and is only going to spread.

Dear Criticism Anon,

From your mouth to God's ears and amen to everything you wrote.

And, as I strongly suggested yesterday, you know shite hit the fan when *** started to comment in shippery/cute tones, two weeks ahead of the Grand Finale.

I wanted to make a post highlighting the messy timelines and I am still pondering if it is worth it, so don't hold your breath just yet. But for the time being, one of the things everyone must really look at is this tiny, inelegant phrase from *urv's second braggadocio post:

I think it is very clear who the 'previous source' is. Because Madam Mao was the only person able to give the ultimate green light for publication, considering the birthday wishes were posted on her private account. And that is not exactly news, as - unlike she probably thinks - there are a lot of witty women in this fandom, who figured it out by themselves quite a while ago. But it is probably the first time things are so petulantly thrown at us, by a troll who is known for being a strange mix of strident and brutally stupid. Conniving is the only logical explanation.

For those who think S approved of this or gave permission for this, I do maintain my own reservations. Not because I want to excuse or condone his obvious involvement in whatever this is, but simply because I am almost sure this woman has her own agenda and will always march to the beat of her own drum. If anything, his perplexing silence makes him look at best like a coward and at worst like an orbiter.

For many people are now starting to quietly question his integrity and his absent better judgment. They also express doubts on his future career prospects, and I canna fault their observations, as JAMMF would say. This is a legitimate reflex, when confronted with a kind of offensive Flukenzie Floozy never even allowed herself to think about. But this is something new and probably testimony to the fact that ever since she appeared on the radars of all the Tumblr factions, she endeavored to make this moment in time almost exclusively about herself.

Macbeth, the S8 promo, The Embassy supporting role and even the Tartan Day Parade were long negotiated and/or fought for opportunities and personal accomplishments that did not really manage to transform themselves into welcome springboards. All of them were half-heartedly delivered, without that irresistible, positive energy that afforded him the Samshine nickname. His bonding with fellow cast members was perfunctory, at best, on these new theatre and film projects. And the talk of the town, at least as far as social media is concerned, slowly moved away from his performance and success, towards her shenanigans, child in tow. Tasteless and perhaps unfair, as far as he is concerned: but who the heck will give a damn, in six months from now?

His business perspectives are uncertain, and I am being merciful. He has no acting job aligned, after this one will be over, and before you hastily look for excuses - he alluded to this at the Landcon.

On which planet is this a success?

OL used to be so magical, that it made women all around the world stop zapping and ask themselves, if only for a hot minute, what the hell they were exactly watching, in primetime. For all official intents and purposes, it ends up with C and her grumpy, ghostly companion on one side and with S apparently choosing to hook up, just as the series ends, with a self-proclaimed psychologist who displays the psyche of a prom queen. But clearly not enough to eradicate the shipper community and certainly not enough to quell the gay rumors.

PS: Who took the wedding kiss photo, may I ask? Not S, that would be impossible. But remember this particular clip?

My best guess would be...

[Source: https://www.tumblr.com/sgiandubh/788859612842606592/ask-and-you-shall-receive?source=share - posted July 12, 2025]

And who was with the happy couple on that Eiffel Tower visit, which again came with an oh, so opportune, pic:

[Source: Jamie Roy's IG account, posted May 29, 2026]

Naturally, he and Madam Mao are now Insta mutuals.

## Part 1: How to Install a Narrative (Making a Couple "Canon")

In modern screenwriting and marketing, the goal is to make the audience feel like they "discovered" the romance themselves.

### 1. The "Slow Burn" and Subtext

In today's "progressive" TV landscape, explicit romance can feel rushed. **Unresolved Sexual Tension (UST)** is the real currency.

* **Prolonged Gazes:** Directing actors to hold eye contact for 2 or 3 seconds longer than necessary after a line ends.

* **The Accidental Brush:** Minimal physical contact in high-stakes emotional scenes creates more social media buzz than a scripted kiss.

* **"Us Against the World" Subtext:** Creating inside jokes or references that only the two characters understand, isolating them from the rest of the cast.

### 2. Modern Narrative Tropes

* **Enemies to Lovers:** Starting with mutual dislike based on differing ideals, ending in respect. It generates explosive chemistry.

* **Grumpy x Sunshine:** A cynical character paired with an optimistic one. It’s a visually and emotionally complementary dynamic.

* **Found Family:** The couple forms within a tight-knit friend group, validating the relationship as "healthy" and supportive.

### 3. Fandom Mobilization

* **Ship Names:** Combining names (e.g., *Bennifer*, *Stucky*). If there’s no name, there’s no identity.

* **TikTok/Reels Edits:** Isolating micro-expressions and setting them to melancholic or empowering music to create the illusion of romance.

* **Representation Pressures:** If fans sense queer chemistry, they will push for it under the banner of "needed representation." Producers often yield to avoid being labeled as regressive.

## Part 2: The "Counter-Narrative" (Installing a "Beard" or PR Couple)

When a company wants to shut down a fan theory and impose a "corporate-approved" partner (often called a **Beard** if it's hiding someone's orientation), they use these PR tactics:

### 1. The "Convenience" Couple

* **Staged Paparazzi Photos:** Leaking "low-quality" photos of the actor with the PR partner in mundane settings (getting coffee, walking a dog). This sells "authenticity" and "normalcy" to counter the fans' "fantasy."

* **Social Media Soft-Launching:** The imposed partner posts subtle hints—a hand, a shadow, or a cryptic caption—to make the relationship seem "private yet real."

### 2. Narrative Gaslighting

* **The "Barrier" Love Interest:** Introducing a new character in the show who checks all the "progressive" boxes to be the official partner. If fans reject them, the studio labels the fandom as "toxic."

* **The "Sibling" Pivot:** During interviews, actors are strictly instructed to refer to their fan-favorite co-star as a **"brother," "sister,"** or **"best friend."** Using familial labels is the most effective way to de-sexualize a pairing.

### 3. Privacy vs. Performance

* **With the Fan-Theory Partner:** The actor remains professional, elusive, and "strictly private."

* **With the PR Partner:** The actor suddenly becomes more "open," sharing how "happy" they are and appearing on red carpets. The goal is to equate **visibility with truth**.

### 4. Diversity as a Distraction

In the US/EU context, companies may pair an actor with someone representing a minority or a strong social cause. This makes any criticism of the PR couple look "politically incorrect," effectively silencing the dissenting fans.

### 5. "Source-Based" Debunking

Using "friendly" outlets (like *Variety*, *People*, or *TMZ*) to publish articles citing an "insider" who claims:

> *"The actors find the fan theories funny, but they are just friends. [Actor A] is actually very focused on their healthy relationship with [PR Partner]."*

>

This framework allows studios to maintain control over an actor's image while navigating the complex demands of modern social media culture.

I say Marrit!