It really is a singularly spectacular thing when a show flops So Hard in the finish line that an entire fan base deludes itself into thinking there will be a second, secret ending that fixes everything the finale fumbled. Now mind you, I didn't hate the finale, but I can understand why so many did.

First let's address the biggest complaint: What about all those loose ends??

My friends, that's capitalism hard at work. Even if the Duffs wanted to tell us everything (which I'm not convinced of, but who knows), do you really think Netflix would let them end the show in a way that doesn't lead to a million spin offs and tons of supplementary content? Yes, they've said this is the last time we'll see these characters on screen.... Together. There's already a gatekept play that gives all the Henry backstory, a confirmed spin off series, and I foresee a future littered with graphic novels, books and even more spin off shows that keep you hooked and engaged just to find out where Did your faves end up? What happened to Dr. Kay? And how about Byler??? It's just capitalism, plain and simple, ruining art made for the sake of art and good story telling. Expect more and more of this as time goes on. 🤷

As for the big one, my personal beef with them Damn Duffs. How did two men write the most beautiful, natural, engaging queer love story only to fumble it So Damn Hard right at the end? Look at the world we're living in. They spent ten years setting it up, but the world was very different ten years ago. Hell, even just a year ago. I'm willing to bet that if they didn't read the room and they Did attempt to write Byler into canon, they were likely stopped. However, I don't even think it got that far. I think they read the room and realized they'd get a bigger negative reaction if they canonized it than if they didn't, because after all, us queers are used to being baited and hurt. It happens all the time and we brush ourselves off, open AO3, and get to work.

Anyways, I've fallen hard down the ConformityGate rabbit hole, and I know it's so enticing to hope for something better, but I think we need to stop deluding ourselves babes. This is the world we live in, where mainstream art and creativity are only allowed through the lens of the big suits up top and what they think might sell the most merch and get the most views. So if you're feeling confused, let down, disappointed, well... Open AO3, where fix-it fanfiction will set it all straight. Or find a new creative work made by someone who doesn't have to answer to the likes of Netflix execs and throw yourself into that world next.

Anyways, like I said I didn't hate what we did get. There were even a lot of parts I enjoyed! Even if I want five minutes with the Duffs knees and a bat for the way they handled my bi idiot Mike Wheeler. They deserve jail for that ship bait and queer bait.

It’s hard to celebrate the Fourth of July when Squid Game is closer to actual American life than fiction. We may not be fighting to the death in a series of children’s games, but Americans are fighting familiar battles: for better healthcare, better wages, and better living conditions across the nation. 🇺🇸