rejoice, you will never make it out alive!

Pre-Lever and Lever Era:

Redd and Guts aren’t Apo’s most significant relationships and while Guts and Apo are big parts of Redd’s POV, he’s on his own a lot. The VODs and timestamps I’m listing here are the relevant stuff for the relationships that develop between the three of them, but Apo in particular has a lot of character establishing moments and development completely independent of these two that I’m skipping. Apo-Owen, Apo-Rasbi, Apo-Graecie, Apo-Ori, etc etc all have a lot of development and significance long before Redd slithers his way into his life so if you’re striving to understand cApo specifically, this list probably will not do it for you. These streams set the groundwork for how their relationships develop in the prison arc and the impressions and ideas that these three pick up in this streams will echo all the way to their deaths.

The Lever (Reddoons POV) or Making Up? (Apokuna POV)

The first significant interaction between Redd and Apo and one of the most important! It is fundamental in defining how Apo views Redd and how that in turn shapes how he treats him and missing it loses a lot of important context! These two do not start their relationship on good terms and Redd does not give himself a good first impression. You get a lot of insight into how Redd thinks and lots of lines from this conversation are good to keep in mind as their relationship progresses. It’s extremely rewarding on rewatch. Also! I don’t know if it appears in Apo’s VOD, but this VOD of Redd’s includes his garden of eden line and I simply think the Eve and the serpent symbolism with the two of them fucks immensely.

The choice between which POV you watch from is personal preference I think! It’s been awhile since I’ve watched either point of view in full, but the conversation is there in both. In terms of stuff outside that bit, Redd’s POV starts with a conversation between him and Rasbi on the same topic (albeit in an early part in the archive because internet errors broke up the stream)and is much shorter than Apo’s— Redd actually doesn’t zero in on Apo as his focus until the prison, him and Rasbi are both potential candidate’s to convince to pull the lever and it’s Rasbi who points out the similarity between Redd and Apo that causes Redd to seek him out. It’s a good conversation! I’m a big fan of the failed friendship between Redd and Rasbi (unfortunately much of it is contained in lost VODs so you don’t really miss any context by starting here) so I think it’s worth a watch, but it’s not really necessary to understanding Apo and Redd’s relationship! Apo’s POV also focuses on Rasbi quite a bit, addressing them having fallen out in a prior VOD and going through their reconciliation. It’s great and Rasbi and Apo are so dear to my heart in how they trust and love one another more than anyone else, but it does rely on having the background of just how incredibly close they were and how they ended up falling out, so it might not hit quite right if you first watch the two of them solo here. It also has a bit of Apo and Spidey at the end! One of the most underrated relationships in the entire series. But! Really all you need for Redd and Apo is their conversation! The rest is all interesting, but extra!

The Lever is Getting Pulled (Reddoons POV)

Title of the stream is uh. Self explanatory for what happens in it. Redd gets what he’s wanted all along. Why does it feel a little fucked up. If the previous stream laid the groundwork for Apo and Redd’s relationship, this one lays some groundwork for him and Guts and does a lot of work in challenging Apo’s original impressions and showing more of Redd’s true colors. It’s just a very interesting watch! There is a stellar callback to that prior conversation that thrills me, Redd’s outlook on things is so fun to think about and he’s so careful about his emotional reactions while sober that you really have to pay attention to him. There is an important conversation between Redd and Apo pre-lever getting pulled that… god I want to say it’s Redd making Apo worse, but it’s more complicated than that. Redd validates Apo’s emotions with ulterior motives. Post-lever, there are multiple conversations with Apo and Rasbi as well as an important conversation with Guts where they finally discuss having a business partnership.

You can watch this from Apo’s POV and still get all his conversations with Redd, but you lose the Guts conversation and while it’s been a bit since I watched it, I think watching Owen’s POV and Redd’s POV covers a good deal of what happens with Apo. So I would recommend Redd’s VOD if you only choose one!

The Election (Reddoons POV)

Not a lot about all of them here, but I think Redd’s POV is another really great look into his character, especially the patch of time he spends with Rasbi and Ori in the Fruit Bunker and the time immediately after where he surveys the damage. Special mention to his argument with Sillvia immediately after exitting the bunker and the sweet interaction he has with Graecie as they address the group as new leaders handling a massive tragedy. They really did compliment eachother so well as leaders.

Nightmares (Apokuna POV)

Okay I’m cheating here. There’s no Redd or Guts content in this VOD but hear me out. It’s really fucking good. It’s centered on Apo and Magic and it is a stellar look into Apo’s headspace when he learns what pulling the lever truly did. It’s haunting and beautiful. Unnerved the hell out of me the first time I watched it.

The Search Party (Reddoons POV)

Apo is revealed as a liar and Redd keeps his promises. This VOD is absolutely vital for setting up what happens going forward. As a clearing leader, Redd has to attempt to navigate the high tensions of the clearing while still defending Apo and this stream is yet another really good example of why they worked so well as co-leaders. Redd is extremely logical and practical in his defense of Apo while Graecie is just as measured about the conversation, but is much more in tune with the emotions of the clearing. They were really good. Redd’s defense of Apo also puts him in hot water with other members of the clearing which is something that will be very important later on. In particular, his conversation with Guts will be vital to keep in mind as not only does it reveal the root of Guts anger, but is also a rare moment where Guts is fully upfront with someone, no lies or fronts, because the emotions are too raw to twist them. It’s also another shift in Apo and Redd’s relationship that kind of sets the theme going forwards— Apo is more receptive to Redd than he’s ever been (even after the Lever was pulled, Apo was touchy and withdrawn compared to Rasbi). Apo also has no other options.

The beginning of this stream is super scuffed though. Folks miss their cues, cinematics play early, no one knows whats going on etc etc. You don’t really get to see this in Owen or Apo’s perspectives, but this is one of the biggest examples. Kind of funny though! Apo’s POV here is also good, I think seeing him in the second clearing walking through the remains of all the people he killed is very heavy. I would definitely recommend it as just being a good watch, but Redd’s has a lot more set-up for what’ll happen during the prison arc. If you’ve watched Owen’s point of view and Redd’s point of view, you’ve also covered a good portion of the events Apo is involved with, even if you aren’t getting the moments he’s alone. I do think his solo moments are worth watching— his guilt and anguish are compelling and the ending (the aftermath of the we are through conversation) is great— but Redd’s POV is definitely the meatiest and if I were to pick one, it’d be his.

Prison Era:

So the thing about the Prison VODs is that every prison Apo-POV VOD has something important for Apo’s character and his relationships and they are all very fun, but it’s a lot to watch so I will try and gut it down to what I know is important for these three in particular. I’m also certain there’s some meaty stuff in Guts VODs from this era, but I unfortunately haven’t watched them.

If you like what you see in the prison and you want to see more than what I listed here, I think they are all very very good watches. Bekyamon is in a few of them and she’s the specialest girl in the world so you know they’re good.

Punishment (Apokuna POV) [1:10:35 until the end)

One of the most important scenes in the prison. It fully sets the tone for what Apo’s prison stay will be like and reveals a lot about both of their mindsets. It’s short, so I can’t say much without spoiling it, but it’s heavy. This is the first major interaction between Guts and Apo.

The rest of the VOD is still great. Lots of great conversations, especially with Sillvia, but the end is the most important.

The Feast (Apokuna POV)

This VOD is one of my favorite Outsiders VODs of all time and I would recommend watching it in it’s entirety, even if you skip around during the parts while Apo is alone. Apo spends the day alone in his cell, being visited by Redd, Oeca, Guts, Graecie/Ori and Kyle/Acho as he unravels and attempts to piece together what’s happening in the clearing above. Like I said, it’s all really good, but if you want to skip around, Redd visits 4 times and I’d consider all of them significant. Guts visits once and it’s very significant. You get so much out of this VOD, it really is the heart of their dynamic and you see a lot of different facets of Redd and Apo especially. I have a lot of analysis on it, but I don’t want to spoil anything for you!

There is a bit I should mention near the end of Redd’s first visit though. I don’t know exactly how to phrase my warnings for this, but Redd, heavily intoxicated, starts talking about how Apo is the only one who understands and backs him up against a wall by getting into his space and Apo is extremely visibly uncomfortable, escalating to Apo telling Redd that he needs to get out of his cell. Redd also pressures him to drink multiple times throughout their conversation and kisses him without asking before leaving but this isn’t lingered on like the previous scene. Nothing really bad happens here, but it’s distinctly uncomfortable in a way I didn’t normally feel watching Outsiders (in a good way imo, I like this dimension of their relationship even if it caught me off guard) and I felt it was worth giving a warning about.

Redd’s POV is also excellent and Guts’ is solid as well. In contrast to Apo, these two have the greatest understanding of what’s going on out of everyone involved and seeing things go down from the perspective of both the victim and the attempted assassin is really compelling. Redd slowly realizing that he could have easily been in Magic’s position then realizing that that was fully intentional and the Guts was trying to kill him is an excellent scene and it’s followed by a very interesting public fight between Redd and Rasbi that acts as the tragic end to their relationship.

With Guts, you get to see them plan a murder then lie their ass about it for the last half of the VOD which is very fun. It sets up a lot about their relationships to characters outside Apo and Redd, most notably Graecie, Magic, and Krow (Krow in particular being a pretty significant relationship for Guts later on. Did you ever wonder about that line in Tooth and Nail where Krow tells Owen with certainty that the demon blood in the Maze can’t be Guts? Yeah :) ). There is a minor retcon here— Guts was always trying to kill Redd, but it seems initially in this VOD that it was true that demons could eat netherwart, which was later changed in Spill Your Guts. Doesn’t change the impact and I think the change was for the better, but wanted to mention it! If you feel the itch to watch them, I really recommend it! But Apo’s POV is the standout here and if you only plan to watch one, I’d choose his.

Lost it. (Apokuna POV)

Cheating Again. Redd does not appear here and the only time Guts does the VOD is muted. It’s not necessary to understanding them, but I wanted to give it a little mention because it is the fallout of the reveal at the end of The Feast and while it’s been a little since I watched it, I remember pointing out to a friend that it felt like Apo had visibly unravelled a bit from the last stream. Watch it if you like! But it’s not as vital as the others!

Let’s Go To The Beach on Outsiders SMP (The Beach Episode) (Reddoons POV)

Just a small thing here, but Redd is the one that brings Apo his hallucinogenics lemonade, and they spend a little time together before the hallucination sets in. I don’t remember if you see it in Apo’s POV, but you definitely see it in Redd’s. It’s no new revelations, but it’s always interesting to see them hang out. Redd is very blasé about the rules in the prison and I definitely have Thoughts on that. You don't really have to watch beyond the initial scene unless you just enjoy Reddoons as a content creator and want to watch him fuck around. He's not in character for the rest of it and he spends most of it flying around in a plane lmao

Heist Lore (Reddoons POV)

You’ll never fucking guess what happens in this VOD. (Redd visits Apo in the prison). They kiss again in this one. It’s consensual this time. Character growth! Also Apo is broken out of the prison.

This is VOD gives a lot of focus to the Guts-Redd relationship as Redd distracts Guts so the others can do the heist and there is something very satisfying to watching a character who has been lying as much as Guts has be manipulated themself. Guts underestimated Redd and it makes them So Fucking Mad.

Both Apo and Redd’s POVs are good here and they only really overlap for their conversations at the beginning, but if I had to pick one, Redd’s interactions with Guts would give his POV the edge. Apo spends most of this VOD alone or with Sillvia, though his POV also has the conclusion for his and Rasbi’s relationship, which is very worth seeing. Basically, both are very good, but Redd’s gives more insight into this particular plot line.

Post-Escape Era:

Some of my favorite scenes from any mcrp project ever come from these VODs. Apo and Redd in particular have their story culminate perfectly after everything they’ve been through together and I have no notes. Even Guts, despite unfortunate life circumstances, pulls off some incredible bits of character work that set them up very well for their death in Spill Your Guts. I’m more versed on the VODs of this era for Guts, so I actually have pretty balanced recommendations this time! The only one I don’t have clear memory for is “an injury” which is why it isn’t included.

GUILT (Gutsluvr POV)

Guts gives a biased account of recent events to some sketchy guy. Guts makes a confession. Guts loses control of the situation. Guts wallows in self-pity. Guts proves themself to be exactly the same as the people they hate. Guts drinks. Guts wallows in guilt self-pity.

Keep the title in mind while watching because I think it’s important. Don’t want to dive into why fully for risk of spoiling the VOD for you, but I think it adds an extra layer to Guts behavior that you could miss without it. There are some Very Revealing lines in this VOD and there’s not really anything that can be skipped. If I were to give one single VOD out of the ones I’ve seen to define how I see Guts as a character, it would be this one. Really a stand out VOD for a standout character.

Also side note but like. Man. It sucks seeing people who make themselves out to be people Graecie can trust and rely on talking about her the way Guts and Ori do here. cGuts is like. A bad person. So I can get behind them being awful about Graecie behind her back, but it still Feels Bad. Graecie deserves better friends and Ori deserves to get rocks thrown at him for misogyny crimes.

THE SUBATHON CONTINUES (Gutsluvr POV) [2:52:31 or 3:25:30 - 4:02:41] and/or PRISON LIFE POG (Reddoons POV)

A very important VOD to both Redd and Guts. Redd’s time in the prison is addressed, a power struggle is had between Magic and Guts, some deals are made, some threats are made, and Redd continues to sink further and further. Bitter, miserable, lonely guy. It’s very good and Magic is an excellent character to have along, especially just. After the things Guts said in the prior VOD and after Redd’s just. Everything about how he views the clearing. Guts continues to throw their weight around, but someone is finally stepping up on behalf of their victims and they have to make compromises, even if they play it up like they’re still in control.

I would recommend starting with Guts POV, then picking up Redd’s after Guts logs off the server. The conversations between Guts and Magic are Very Important to showing how fucking. Awful and manipulative Guts can be and Redd is sometimes too far or deafened to be able to hear them when he’s not directly a part of the conversation. This was a big stream for the ‘Guts and Owen are two sides of the same coin’ crowd (me). You could still watch entirely from Redd’s perspective if you wanted! But I think starting with Guts is best. Their Outsiders content Technically begins at 2:52:31, but the actual conversation with Magic begins at 3:25:30 and I tend to just skip there. Guts does write in a journal at the very beginning of their time on the server though, which you may be interested in reading. The stuff with Redd that follows Guts logging off is good to see though, so like I said, I’d recommend swapping over after! Mohwee is there. We love to see Mohwee.

Things are Changing… (Reddoons POV)

Redd’s POV of the discovery of Apo’s fake corpse! Redd’s ways of processing grief are unique and very nicely contrast against Sillvia’s as foils, I’m a big fan! Redd is proactive and logical and he will not allow himself a scrap of vulnerability that doesn’t come with qualifiers. HOWEVER. This VOD is also rich with that delicious Outsiders SMP Scuff that Owen cuts out of his episodes. There’s a lot of downtime of characters doing fuck all because they’re not sure when or what their cue for certain events is, so don’t be afraid to skip around!

LORE - WE DOING ESPORTS! (Reddoons POV)

Okay I’ll be real my memory of this one is Soo spotty, but at the end there is more follow-up on Redd’s reaction to Apo’s death, particularly a massive public altercation with Sillvia. It’s in Owen’s episode, but I don’t know how much he included

OUTSIDERS LORE THEN MENTAL HEALTH TALKS (Gutsluvr POV)

*Guts voice* they Hate me for dealing with my grief the best way I can. And also the graverobbing.

Something in the water with this VOD! I get the feeling you’ll really enjoy what goes on. The outsiders content in this VOD is (relatively) short, so you could watch it all to the end if you wanted, but 8:00 is where they get into the swing of being in character and I’d recommend watching until the Outsiders content ends. There’s a lot of insight into Guts themself and how they view Redd and Apo as well as some very interesting stuff with Krow that I think you’ll enjoy. If you want to really focus your attention on Redd and Apo, you won’t get anything new out of this, but I think it’s great. Guts is a fascinating and underrated character and I wish I was further into their POV to really recommend the scenes that show them off. We love hypocrisy and lying to yourself. This is the final lore streamed from Guts perspective.

Familiar Faces (Apokuna POV) or I’m Done. (Reddoons POV)

Apo and Redd reunite in the maze for the first time! Both POVs are great, Redd’s has a bit with Ayngel at the beginning that I like, but it’s down to preference which you watch! Apo drags around drunk and delirious Redd for most of both VODs and it’s interesting seeing Apo interact with drunk Redd when he’s not being forced too by circumstance. Apo, imo, is a character who is very kind and loving, but really not particularly nice and I think this is a great show of that. Apo is visibly irritated that he has to do this, but he won’t think twice about doing it because Redd is someone he cares about. It’s very very solid.

The Reunion? (Apokuna POV)

Not to be confused with The Reunion. This whole VOD is focused on Redd and Apo in the maze after their second reunion and I recommend watching the whole thing if you can! It’s great, they have excellent banter and there’s a lot to chew on with how they talk to eachother now that they’re as close as they’ve ever been to being on equal footing while on good terms. They are having so much fun together and they care about eachother so much but. The cracks are there. You can see them.

Night Time Stroll (Apokuna POV)

Okay I’m cheating again. The only relevance this VOD has to the relationship between these three is that Apo talks a little about wondering where Redd is and it’s cute! It shows their closeness and the domesticity that’s developed between them, but it is really really minimal and I don’t want to deceive you into thinking it’s at all important to know. However it’s a really interesting watch. I can’t elaborate on why without spoiling what makes it so good. But only watch this one if you have already watched Nightmare as it will not work without that VOD as context.

The Reunion (Apokuna POV) [21:12 - 30:00]

If you watch any scene from this list, let it be this one. It’s my favorite scene in the entire series. The acting is excellent and it is the perfect culmination of everything wrong with both Apo and Redd. Like. Fuck. Okay. There’s so much I have to say about this scene and I’m definitely gonna make another post about it now that you’ve put it back in my head, but I don’t want to lay it all out here in case you want to watch it first without my commentary to color it, but it’s perfect. They were in love here.

There’s interesting stuff beyond the timestamps provided too, if you’re interested! You get some of Apo’s backstory if you start from the beginning, which is good info to have. I have. admittedly very mixed feelings on it that mostly root back to how messily handled the fantasy racism plot was as a whole and I unfortunately think these scenes (and the one from Night Time Stroll) from Apo’s point of view are where it’s at it’s worst. There’s also a scene between the flashback and the conversation that I’m really not a fan of, but it is There. Hopefully you can enjoy it more than I could, if you choose to watch it. Afterwards the conversation, you get some solo time with Apo that’s a good watch and even when Owen and Apo reunite, I’d consider watching the scene from Apo’s POV! There was a recording error on Owen’s side so Owen’s lines were actually rerecorded for his edited episode and there are some slight differences, so it’s kinda fun to see what changed. But the conversation between Redd and Apo is the part I want to emphasize most. It really is so Fucking Good.

The Meltdown - Outsiders SMP Finale Part 1 (Reddoons POV)