How To Be a Good Mother: Start With Ditching Perfectionism | Wealth of Geeks

A mom’s job description is constantly evolving. From pregnancy to raising a baby or toddler and eventually letting her kids go to explore the big wide world. Many mothers wonder, am I doing a good job?

While there’s no such thing as a perfect mom, most agree specific characteristics qualify a mother as doing her best. And if you’re reading this article, there’s a high chance you’re already doing a great job.

As a mom, it’s up to you to create a warm, safe environment for your children to help them become well-rounded and successful adults – all while keeping your sanity. If you’re wondering how to be a good mother, the following tips will help.

The Golden Rule: Remember Perfectionism Is Not The Goal in Motherhood

As a mom striving to be her best, it’s time to ditch the shoulds and absolutes for a more flexible mindset. Instead, aim for being a good enough mom, which means excellence but not perfection.

Rather than try to be a supermom, set realistic expectations, and don’t be too hard on yourself when mistakes or parenting fails happen. Moms focused on unrealistic perfectionism will find their energy levels drain quickly, and they become less present.

16 Practical Tips on How To Be a Good Mother

Being a good mother doesn’t require fitting a mold or checking certain boxes on a parenthood to-do list. Motherhood is a job that starts with pregnancy and never ends.

These 16 tips illustrate being a mom is an ever-evolving learning process.

1. Be Supportive Without Pushing Your Agenda

When mothering, trying to live vicariously through our children can be tempting. However, each child has their journey and interests to pursue as they grow up. Embracing their little personalities and supporting them in their endeavors is essential; make sure it’s for their benefit, not yours.

2. Be There for Your Kids Without Smothering Them

Allow your kids to try new things and make their own mistakes. Plus, let them find their own creative way to do something. It can be tempting to take over when things don’t go how you want them to, but your kids will benefit greatly from having the space to make their own choices.

3. Recognize The Importance of Self-Care

Being a good mother is only possible if you care for yourself mentally and physically. Making time for relaxation, hobbies, and friendships is vital for mommy self-care; it will help boost your mood, prevent burnout, and make you a better mom.

4. Ask For Help

The willingness to ask for help is also an essential part of self-care. Don’t be afraid or feel like you’re a burden to others. Your true family and friends are happy to be there for you when needed. Or if you don’t know anyone to ask for help, look into hiring help (childcare, cleaning service, etc.) instead. Getting help is not a sign of weakness and sets an excellent example for your kids.

5. Just Say No

Learn to say no to activities and events you don’t want to do rather than feeling obligated to do it all. Our kids don’t need an extracurricular schedule packed to the brim; they need time to be themselves with you and feel loved and connected. Juggling a million things is not great for your mental health.

6. Change Your Mindset About Being a Mother

Motherhood is a lifetime commitment. Focus on doing your best and what works for your family. Don’t worry about what other families, moms, or kids are doing; trust your maternal instinct.

Examples of moms in different stages of life include:

  • All babies require different amounts of sleep, food (whether breastfeeding or bottle feeding), and nurturing, requiring different parenting skills and techniques.
  • Toddlers are meant to challenge parents as they explore their independence. Remember this and embrace it even when they’re driving you crazy.
  • Reframing your thinking to view parenting moments as experiences rather than failures.
  • Lowering the bar for the day and celebrating the small victories.
  • Shifting your focus away from perfection and toward progress.

7. Take Time To Connect

Connection to your children is one of the most critical aspects of being a good mother. It means giving unconditional love, being present when they speak, taking time each day for meaningful conversations, and being available to answer questions.

Kids should feel comfortable sharing their feelings and discussing topics (dreams, silly stories, serious concerns, etc.). Ultimately, this helps validate your child’s feelings and helps them nurture emotional intelligence.

8. Admit When You’re Wrong

Being transparent and showing you’re normal is an important example for kids. Bad mothers might try to blame any yelling or crying on their kids.

However, showing your humanity can help kids feel more comfortable with their own flaws and successes. Kids learn how to be emotionally secure from our behaviors, so take responsibility when needed and admit when you’re wrong.

9. Be Proud of Yourself

It’s important to stop comparing, especially in a world saturated with others’ opinions, ideas, and photos online. Consider getting off social media if you find yourself feeling down or inadequate. Instead, boost your self-esteem and practice self-appreciation and self-love for all you do as a mom.

10. Ditch The Guilt

Most moms recall being so frustrated, stressed, or exhausted that they felt guilty for “losing it” with their kids. Or, for a moment, they dreamed of a life without kids, making them feel guilty.

But understand these moments don’t define you as a mom, whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, a single mom, or a working mom. We all have our bad days, so it’s best to recognize these moments, accept them for what they are, and move forward.

11. Don’t Get Too Worked Up Over Lousy Behavior

Parents can quickly feel offended when kids misbehave, worrying it reflects their parenting. However, avoiding these automatic assumptions will help you handle these situations better.

Don’t take the behavior personally; you’ll make strides in diffusing a situation. Also, look past the behavior and see what they are asking for. For example, a child may have a tantrum because they’re hungry or tired.

12. Set Clear Rules and Boundaries

Rules are essential for kids to understand what behaviors are acceptable and unacceptable. Clear rules help kids feel safe and secure, knowing that you, as the parent, are in control. Be transparent about expectations and explain why each one is important. This will balance firmness and flexibility and help your kids build a sense of responsibility.

13. Roll With The Punches

You never know what motherhood will throw your way. Take the turbulence and chaos in stride, learn from your mistakes, and enjoy the little victories. Be confident you are doing your best to become your best self.

14. Remember, Each Difficulty Is Just a Season

Negative moments don’t last forever. Remember to step back and look at the big picture when discouraged. Stay as present as possible with the assurance each stage of life with kids has unique challenges and triumphs.

15. Enjoy Each Stage of Life

While some days will be about survival, hopefully, you can find joy in the small moments that’ll be gone before you know it. Enjoy the adventure that comes with motherhood.

While it may seem cliche, time really does fly by when raising kids. Embracing motherhood will help preserve these memories for years to come.

16. Be Silly and Laugh

Finally, remember to have fun and laugh with your kids. Life can seem like a never-ending journey of tasks, but enjoying every stage and making time for play is essential. Laughing and playing games together is a great way to foster a positive connection with your kids, plus you’ll reap the mental health benefits of laughter.

How To Make Small Meaningful Changes

While reading the list of tips, you may have found a few ideas you’d like to incorporate into your parenting journey. The best way to do this is to start small and make incremental changes.

Start by picking one or two things you’d like to focus on, then gradually add them to your daily routine.

Since many of these tips about parenting skills involve a mindset shift, you could take time each day to write in a journal, meditate, recite a mantra, or discuss changes you’d like to make with your family to keep each other accountable.

Being a Good Mother Starts With Your Mindset

Even if you don’t have the perfect motherhood story (who does?), you can still be a great mom for your kids. Small, intentional changes in your mindset and daily habits can make a huge difference in your well-being and provide an empowering example for your children.

Self-awareness and self-care are vital to becoming a better mother and remembering neither you nor your children are perfect. Now is the time to put yourself first, be present with your kids, and enjoy the moments that will soon become memories.

Every mother and family’s journey is unique, so remember to nurture yourself. Ultimately, you are a good mother if you’re trying your best.


JayDee is a mom, writer, and Doctor of Physical Therapy. She’s passionate about helping women live their best lives through community and education. Outside of her work as a health and mom blogger, she loves traveling the world and exploring the great outdoors with her family.


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12 Must-See Filming Locations in New Orleans for Vampire Fans | Wealth of Geeks

When Bram Stoker penned his immortal masterpiece, Dracula, in 1897, little did he know the profound cultural impact and enduring fascination people would hold for vampire folklore over a century later. From Anne Rice’s legendary Interview with the Vampire to The Vampire Diaries and its enthralling spinoff, The Originals, the ethereal realm of vampires continues to cast its spell upon us. Intriguingly, many of these captivating narratives share a common thread — their stories are set in New Orleans. This deep dive into the 12 must-see filming locations in New Orleans for Vampire fans will shed some light on those stories. 

There’s just something about the Louisiana city that captivates the imagination and makes it easy to bring the supernatural to life. It could be the warm nights amongst the old-world charm of the historic French Quarter or the flickering gas lanterns that hang overhead. Renfield director Chris Mackay said, “It’s the only city in the States that looks like a European city and feels like a European city, so I wanted something that was both modern and new and original to ‘Dracula’ but had connections to his past.” This Nicolas Cage film is the latest in a long line of vampire-genre filming for the southern city, and the best part is that travelers can check out some of the places they may have seen on the screen. 

1. Hermann-Grima House

This 19th-century mansion is located in the heart of the French Quarter. During a tour last year, guests were told there was filming going on, but the guide could not mention what it was. An unusual black furnace in the courtyard was not original to the house, so it was exciting to see it while watching AMC’s new Interview with the Vampire series.

The house’s interiors were used as the setting for the Lalaurie mansion in American Horror Story: Coven. The Woman’s Exchange manages the house museum, and you can book tour tickets for Hermann-Grima and Gallier House, which is detailed below, online. 

2. Gallier House

This 1860 house creates such a perfect setting for the supernatural that Anne Rice said, “I’ve toured the Gallier House many a time thinking, ah, this is where Louis and Lestat and Claudia live in my heart.” This sentiment was considered when AMC created the Interview with the Vampire series, and the interiors you see when the three vampires are at home, were filmed within these walls. 

3. Beauregard-Keyes House

Located in the heart of the city, this exquisitely preserved house from 1826 stands as a stunning testament to the fusion of Creole and American architectural styles. It served as the interior for the Fair Play Saloon and Azalea Hall in season one of Interview with the Vampire. The courtyard was transformed into an entertainment area where Louis and Lestat can be seen enjoying a musical performance. 

4. Pirate Alley

Pirate Alley is located in the French Quarter and extends from Chartres Street at Jackson Square to Royal Street. The narrow pedestrian thoroughfare has a murky history that provides some interesting stories for tour guides. You will have seen it in many films based in New Orleans, but for our supernatural fans, you will have seen it many times in scenes from The Originals and Interview with the Vampire.

5. St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square

The St Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square are found in almost every New Orleans-based backdrop. This iconic location was founded in 1720, and the Catholic cathedral is one of the oldest in the United States that has been in continuous use. You will recognize it from The Originals, Interview with the Vampire, and more recently, it was in Renfield. Actors Nicolas Hoult and Awkwafina sit in an outdoor cafe overlooking Jackson Square. In reality, this elevated pedestrian terrace overlooks the Mississippi River on one side and the cathedral and square on the other. 

6. Hotel Royal

If you’re a fan of The Originals, you will surely recognize this building as Charles Michael Davis’ character Marcel’s home. The building was originally a home that was commissioned in 1833. In the 1940s, it became a public laundromat before becoming a hotel in the 1960s. It’s undergone several renovations to preserve its old-world charm. You can either stay at this location or drop by for a visit. 

7. Lafayette Cemetery No. 1

Cemeteries in New Orleans are unusual because everything is built above ground due to the area being swamplands. Therefore these areas with their cities of mausoleums are attractive to historians, tourists, and film directors alike. The St. Louis Cemetery is by far the most popular, especially with its grave of voodoo queen Marie Laveau; however, it is now closed to the public. Instead, directors love Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, located just outside the French Quarter in the Garden District. 

8. Saengar Theatre 

Whether you’re a vampire fanatic or not, this historic theater is worth a visit. Once a movie palace dating back to 1927, it’s now used for live theater, including Broadway in New Orleans. 

Lestat loves the opera, and those scenes of him enjoying performances in Interview with the Vampire were shot at the Saenger. 

9. Gallier Hall

Locals were a little surprised to find the former 19th-century city hall decked out in gold with accompanying gold lions during the filming of Renfield in May 2022. It can also be seen during a Mardi Gras parade in AMC’s Interview with the Vampire. The Greek Revival style building is still used as a civic building, but you can easily view it from the outside. 

10. Charity Hospital

This spooky-looking abandoned building served as a hospital from 1736 to 2005, when it was closed following Hurricane Katrina. There are plans to revive it by 2025; until then, however, the gothic-looking facade makes an ideal setting for filming. In fact, instead of a Transylvanian castle, Dracula’s new home in Renfield used Charity Hospital as the building of choice for its imposing silhouette. 

11. Mulates

On a typical day, this New Orleans restaurant serves up traditional Cajun fare and live zydeco music. On a typical day, this New Orleans restaurant serves up traditional Cajun fare and live zydeco music. In Renfield, it transforms into a bar where an energetic fight scene ensues. The exterior was slightly transformed by adding a giant creepy-looking head to the Mulates sign at the entrance. 

12. The Garden District 

Located west of the French Quarter, this area was once home to Anne Rice and inspired much of her work. With its picturesque streets lined with historic homes, the Garden District offers a timeless backdrop that exudes elegance and Southern charm. Countless movies and TV shows have been captivated by its beauty, using the district as a setting to transport audiences to different eras and narratives. It has been used in American Horror Story: Coven, The Originals, and, Interview with the Vampire. AMC’s The Mayfair Witches used a combination of exteriors from Anne Rice’s old home and interiors from a nearby mansion at 3102 Prytania Street.

 


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25 Opening Scenes in Cinema That Leave a Lasting Impression | Wealth of Geeks

First impressions are important, and that goes for movies too. Some opening scenes cast a line, get you hooked, and reel you in, getting you invested in the story and characters within minutes. Check out these 25 sensational starts to some of the best films.

1- Inglorious Basterds (2009)

Image Credit: Universal Pictures.

At the top of the list is Inglourious Basterds, and if you’ve seen the movie, you know why. The first 17 minutes is a movie in itself, as Shoshana and her family hide from the nazi. In less than 20 minutes, we meet our villain and one of our protagonists, and it gets your heart pumping with fear.

2- Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark Harrison Ford
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures.

This one is up there too, as the first few minutes of Raiders of the Lost Ark are gripping. The protagonist makes his way through a dense jungle as he’s betrayed by people he thought were on his side. He makes it to a temple, avoiding booby traps until one trips him up, leading to the temple dramatically collapsing.

3- Up (2009)

Up 1
Image Credit: Disney/Pixar.

Few movies can illicit such intense emotions in the first few minutes. The beginning of Up tells a heartfelt love story of a couple who have known each other since childhood. It’s sweet and endearing until the woman dies, leaving viewers with immense pain and sorrow for characters they’ve known for five minutes.

4- The Dark Knight (2008)

The Dark Knight Movie
Image Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

The Dark Knight is an iconic movie from start to finish, and the opening scene is perfection. The opening bank robbery scene introduces the audience to the Joker and how truly heartless and evil he is, taking out his own men without hesitation. It’s fast-paced and gripping, reeling viewers in right away.

5- The Lion King (1994)

The Lion King
Images: Buena Vista Pictures Distribution.

The OG film has one of the most memorable opening scenes, as all the animals ceremoniously gather to welcome their new prince. Everything is stunning and soothing, from the music to the melting sunset to the animals moving almost in sync.

6- Scream (1996)

Scream Dane Farwell
Image Credit: Dimension Films.

Everyone was shocked when the 90s It-girl, Drew Barrymore, was brutally slaughtered within ten minutes of the movie starting. The movie opening is powerful enough, as the villain on the phone is creepily playful as the situation becomes more and more sinister, but losing Drew right away is jarring.

7- The Social Network (2010)

Andrew Garfield Social Network
Image Credit: Merrick Morton – Columbia Tristar Marketing Group, Inc.

The movie starts with Mark Zuckerberg getting dumped in a college pub. While it’s not the most exciting opening scene, it perfectly sets up Mark’s character as an arrogant and selfish jerk. While his relationship with Erica Albright is not central to the movie, it does spur his hateful actions toward the women on campus, which leads to the creation of Facebook.

8- Watchmen (2009)

Watchmen Malin Akerman
Image Credit: HBO.

As one online commenter says, “Watchmen opening credits can not be beat.” The opening credits are dramatic and well done. It explains the world the movie takes place in and how superheroes fit into, setting up the movie quickly and artfully.

9- Saving Private Ryan (1998)

Saving Private Ryan
Image Credit: DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures

The opening scene on the beaches in Saving Private Ryan is terrifyingly realistic. One cinephile commented, “Real veterans just couldn’t handle that beach landing it was so realistic.” The intensity and rawness of the scene are the perfect start to this heartwrenching and rough movie.

10- Pulp Fiction (1994)

Pulp Fiction Samuel L. Jackson, John Travolta
Image Credit: Miramax Films.

The opening scene in Pulp Fiction is seemingly slow, as a couple has a passionate yet casual conversation about robbing banks and other businesses while sitting in a diner booth. They talk about how no one ever robs restaurants, and as their conversation ends, they both take out guns and hold the diner up.

11- The Rescuers Down Under (1990)

The Rescuers Down Under, Eva Gabor, Bob Newhart
Image Credit: Buena Vista Pictures Distribution.

The Rescuers Down Under starts with a beautiful journey through the Australian wilderness. The little boy in the movie gets out of bed and excitedly runs outside to explore. He climbs to the top of a cliff to help a giant eagle but nearly falls to his death, only to be recused by the magnificent bird, all within six minutes.

12- National Treasure (2004)

National Treasure
Image Credit: Disney Enterprises, Inc. & Jerry Bruckheimer, Inc.

National Treasure’s opening scene stands out because it’s vastly different than the rest of the movie and sets up all the characters quickly. It opens with men venturing through the Canadian Arctic and uncovering a stuck in the snow. After finding what they’re looking for on the ship, the men turn on each other, leading to explosions and other drama.

13- 28 Weeks Later (2007)

28 Weeks Later
Image Credit: 20th Century Fox/Fox Atomic.

This movie throws you into the action right away as people are running from zombies in a barn. Several people die within the first few minutes, creating a sense of dread and intensity in the viewer, which is the perfect vibe for enjoying the rest of this crazy film.

14- Baby Driver (2017)

Baby Driver Ansel Elgort
Image Credit: TriStar Pictures.

Another movie that starts off on a high-paced, action-packed note. We get to meet the main character and watch his goofy playfulness, despite the seriousness of the situation. Along with the main character, we watch a bank robbery go down from outside the bank, leading to the wild driving scene that kicks off the vibe of the movie.

15- Interstellar (2014)

Interstellar Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway
Image Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures.

Interstellar is one of my favorite movies, and the opening scene is supremely important for the film, as we learn about the earth’s situation and the main characters. The nightmares Cooper has in the very beginning of the movie come full circle in the end, wrapping up the movie beautifully.

16- Once Upon a Time in The West (1968)

Once Upon a Time in the West, Henry Fonda
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures.

Once Upon a Time in the West starts with a suspenseful build-up as the men wait for battle. A fly gets trapped in the barrel of a gun, creating a strange and memorable moment that bleeds into the arrival of a train. The slow-paced scene is impactful, creating suspense until the big moment when everything starts.

17- Drive (2007)

Drive Ryan Gosling
Image Credit: FilmDistrict.

The opening scene of Drive is fittingly a car chase scene that sets up the movie’s vibe well. No matter how many times I watch it, it’s still exhilarating and captivating. And there’s hardly any dialogue in the first nine minutes, but the sound work is sensational.

18- The Godfather (1972)

The Godfather James Caan
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures.

One of the most iconic movies of all time, it’s no surprise The Godfather made this list. The cinematography and artistic choices are brilliant, as viewers can feel the Godfather’s immense power before he even shows up on the screen or speaks.

19- The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

The Royal Tenenbaums
Image Credit: Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

Most Wes Anderson films have spectacular intros that can feel dry and colorful simultaneously. The beginning of The Royal Tenenbaums is one of my favorites, as we learn each character’s backstory in a whimsical and fun way.

20- The Prince of Egypt (1998)

The Prince of Egypt
Photo Credit: Dreamworks Animation

The Prince of Egypt starts with one of the most beautiful and heartfelt musical numbers as the Jewish people try to escape the wrath of the Egyptians, who are trying to drive them out of their homes.

21- Alien (1979)

Alien
Image Credit: 20th Century Fox.

The opening scene in Alien is simple but impactful, as the camera moves through the ship, setting up the eerie environment. One online cinephile gave the perfect description: “the slow dread of the opening credits and the camera creeping through the ship as soon the alien will.”

22- Children of Men (2006)

Children of Men Danny Huston
Image Credit: Universal Pictures.

Children of Men starts off with one long shot that keeps you hooked the whole time. This single shot informs the viewer of the dystopian future, the main character’s detachment, and the chaos of the world.

23- Boogie Nights (1997)

Boogie Nights Mark Wahlberg
Image Credit: New Line Cinema.

Boogie Nights opens with a long tracking shot as we’re taken into the club and introduced to almost all of the central characters, including Jack, Amber, Reed, Buck, Rollergirl, and Dirk, with the last one getting a special close-up, slow-motion shot.

24- Touch of Evil (1958)

Touch of Evil
Image Credit: Universal Pictures.

One of the older films on my list, Touch of Evil, starts with a cliche but still powerful scene. We’re introduced to most of the characters and the movie’s absurdity. And we get a wild explosion that gets the action going.

25- Casino Royale (2006)

Casino Royale
Image Credit: MGM

Many of the James Bond movies have excellent opening scenes, but one of my favorites is Casino Royale’s. It does a wonderful job of setting the movie’s tone with a captivating black-and-white scene that is hard to forget.

Source: (Reddit).


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Every Time Futurama Made Us Cry

Part of what made Futurama so great is its ability to combine comedy and drama. One minute we’re laughing, and the next we’re grabbing for a box of tissues. This list will focus on the latter.

With the show’s revival in the works, we’re looking at some of the saddest moments in Futurama history.

Season 4, Episode 2: “Leela’s Homeworld”

Image Credit: Twentieth Century Fox.

For anyone hoping that class systems would be obsolete by the 31st Century, Futurama isn’t going to be that reassuring of a show. On the other hand, it often delves into the issue rather than just letting it lay as a casual joke. Leela was left at an orphanarium as a child, believing herself to be an alien.

Here, we discover that she was actually born a mutant and that her parents left her in order to ensure she’d lead a better life than they could provide. The real tearjerker is when we see a montage of them lovingly watching over her accomplishments from afar throughout their lives.

Season 3, Episode 4 – “The Luck of the Fryrish”

Futurama, The Luck of the Fryrish
Image Credit: Twentieth Century Fox.

Reflecting on the sibling rivalry between Fry and his brother Yancy, this is an episode that dredges up bad memories. Yancy apparently stole Fry’s cherished seven-leaf clover which he had left in a copy of his Breakfast Club soundtrack album sleeve.

Yet, when Fry realizes that Yancy had actually given it to his young son in Fry’s memory, the long-held resentment he feels toward his brother turns into something a lot closer to love and regret.

Season 7, Episode 10 – “Near-death Wish”

Futurama, Near-Death Wish
Image Credit: Twentieth Century Fox.

Fry’s relationship with his distant elderly descendant Professor Farnsworth has always been a rocky one, and when Farnsworth misses an important award ceremony, Fry seeks out other relatives to bond with. Getting in touch with Farnsworth’s parents, he has a good time bonding with them while Farnsworth becomes embittered due to the lack of attention he received as a child.

However, as he realizes that they always loved him but were exhausted by outside factors, he creates an AR simulation in which they can spend time together as a family.

Season 6, Episode 7 – “The Late Philip J. Fry”

Futurama, The Late Philip J. Fry
Image Credit: Twentieth Century Fox.

When Leela is disappointed by Fry’s constant missing of dates, he vows to make it up to her but ends up getting lost in the time stream instead.

As he, Farnsworth, and Bender are all sent rocketing forward in a time machine that can only travel to the future, he ultimately finds a message she has written in a cave that assures him that though their time was brief, she always loved him. Fry ultimately makes it back to Leela, but this episode showed us that their love would truly last to the ends of the earth.

Season 7, Episode 23 – “Game of Tones”

Futurama, Game of Tones
Image Credit: Twentieth Century Fox.

Fry’s relationship with his family members back in 1999 comes under frequent observation in the series, but his mother is seldom a topic of discussion. Here, an alien species plays four notes that annoy at first but then become so loud that they cause major structural damage.

Fry remembers the tune, but can’t place from where, and must travel to the past to solve the mystery. As he repeatedly references his mother and expresses a desire to speak with her, he encounters her through technology in one of her dreams. When she asks what he’d like to talk about, he has nothing to say, and reaches forward and hugs her, and we see her, in the past, smiling.

Season 1, Episode 13 – “Fry & the Slurm Factory”

Futurama, Fry and the Slurm Factory
Image Credit: Twentieth Century Fox.

The tears in this episode are more of a surprise than usual, with Slurms McKenzie, the obnoxious mascot for the drink Slurm, leading us through the Slurm Factory a la Willy Wonka.

Yet, at the end of the episode, with the crew in serious jeopardy due to the villainous Slurm Queen, a dejected Slurm steps forward and sacrifices himself to save them. Unwilling to watch another injustice play out, Slurm became a surprisingly poignant hero in his final moments.

Season 7, Episode 13 – “Naturama”

Futurama, Naturama
Image Credit: Twentieth Century Fox.

A short anthology of stories celebrating the natural world sponsored by a corporation that ultimately destroys it, this episode is one of the more unusual on this list.

Turning our central cast into animal analogs of themselves, this makes for a pretty strange episode overall, but there is still an element of the melancholy in its humor. Showing the futility of nature alongside the caprice of humanity, the second segment imagines Farnsworth as the famously unique real-world tortoise Lonesome Hubert.

Season 6, Episode 12 – “The Mutants Are Revolting”

Futurama, The Mutants Are Revolting
Image Credit: Twentieth Century Fox.

The Mutants, much like the Morlocks of H.G. Wells’ The Time Machine, are forced to live in tunnels beneath the city. While the Morlocks were very much the villains of the novel, future takes have been inspired to focus the comparison around class warfare.

Futurama is no different, and this episode shows the aggression toward mutants when Leela is accidentally outed as one and forced into the sewers.

Season 3, Episode 2 – “Parasites Lost”

Futurama, Parasites Lost
Image Credit: Twentieth Century Fox.

Fry eats an egg salad sandwich from an interstellar truck stop and it infects him with an advanced worm civilization that makes him more interesting and talented. Wooing Leela effortlessly, she tells him that she loves this new side of him, which causes him to worry that she simply loves the parasites that have made a host of him.

Though his charm is considerably diminished at their removal and Leela boots him out of her apartment, he sets out to win her over as his true self.

“The Beast With a Billion Backs”

Futurama The Beast with a Billion Backs (2008)
Image Credit: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment.

Futurama ran for seven seasons but also had a couple of feature-length films along the way. One of them is this follow-up to Bender’s Big Score, in which an alien named Yivo falls in love with and proposes to the entire universe after taking every living creature on a date.

Zooming in on the different kinds of love that can sometimes be neglected in favor of romantic love in our society, the friendship between Bender and Fry becomes the driving factor of the story as Fry experiences troubled love affairs.

Season 3, Episode 20 – “Godfellas”

Futurama, Godfellas
Image Credit: Twentieth Century Fox.

Bender ends up launched into space and becomes the home of a tiny civilization when an asteroid hits him throughout his space travels. The people are known as the Shrimpkins, and they form different religious factions before ultimately destroying themselves through nuclear attacks.

Even after encountering a cosmic being, Bender remains skeptical of the practical application of religion. In one of his most surprisingly profound moments, he is forced to take on a somewhat agnostic stance in the end when he assures Fry and Leela that God can never be counted on, but it doesn’t mean that things are hopeless.

Season 6, Episode 18 – “Tip of the Zoidberg”

Futurama, The Tip of the Zoidberg
Image Credit: Twentieth Century Fox.

When the crew becomes baffled at the incompetent Zoidberg’s continued employment by Farnsworth, they hear a very strange tale in which we learn that Zoidberg was employed to eventually kill Farnsworth if he succumbed to hypermalaria and transformed into a yeti.

This very nearly comes to be this episode, though an enlightened crew chips in to help Zoidberg kill the professor. Though the crew initially fails to see his usefulness, this episode shows that Zoidberg’s true meaning within the enterprise is to be the heart of the team.

Season 4, Episode 7 – “Jurassic Bark”

Futurama, Jurassic Bark
Image Credit: Twentieth Century Fox.

This is considered to be one of the best episodes not just of this series but of animated TV in its entirety, and if any Futurama moment made you cry, it very likely happened here. Following Fry’s attempts to bring his dog Seymour back to life, a side quest with Bender takes up much of the story.

However, when Fry learns that Seymour lived to fifteen, or twelve years after he himself was frozen, he makes the assumption that Seymour found another owner and moved on. However, the narrative shows the audience that Seymour waited in front of the pizza place where Fry worked day after day until he finally passed away, and it’s easily one of the most heartbreaking moments of the series.

Season 4, Episode 18 – “The Devil’s Hands Are Idle Playthings”

Futurama, The Devil's Hands Are Idle Playthings
Image Credit: Twentieth Century Fox.

As the final episode of the initial run, this one is a banger. Fry swaps out his hands to become more skilled at playing the holophonor in order to convince Leela of his love for her, but it involves making a deal with Robot Devil. Perhaps it goes without saying that this goes badly, but the series concludes (for the first time) with Fry and Leela holding hands.

Season 7, Episode 26 – “Meanwhile”

Futurama, Meanwhile
Image Credit: Twentieth Century Fox.

The final episode of Futurama (for a while) shows Fry resolved to propose to Leela. When he intends to use a device that will rewind the entire universe for ten seconds to make a sunset last as long as he and Leela want, he ends up in a doom of his own making when he jumps off a building and hits repeat infinitely to avoid his death.

This leads to him inadvertently stopping time, which allows him and Leela to spend an eternity together. Though they ultimately choose to restart the universe, this shows the two of them aging happily together.

Season 4, Episode 12 – “The Sting”

Futurama, The Sting
Image Credit: Twentieth Century Fox.

The crew is given the mission of collecting honey from a hive of space bees. Trying to depart quickly, Bender causes a ruckus and it leads to Leela and Fry both being stabbed by an enormous stinger. Leela lives out the episode believing Fry died, but in the end we realize she was simply in a coma due to absorbing all the venom herself.

Though she loses Fry in her comatose visions, that’s how we see how much he truly means to her when his apparent death causes her to descend into a grief spiral.

Season 6, Episode 6 – “Lethal Inspection”

Futurama, Lethal Inspection
Image Credit: Twentieth Century Fox.

When Bender realizes he was created with a defect that will ultimately lead to his death, he is forced to deal with mortality for the first time. Hermes helps Bender in his quest to uncover the truth about the mysterious Inspector No. 5 as Bender’s manufacturer retaliates, adhering to the belief that a defective robot would require destruction.

Ultimately, it is uncovered that the person that saved Bender’s life in his early days is a lot closer to home than initially suspected, making this a great episode for Bender but maybe an even better one for Hermes’ characterization.

Season 4, Episode 3: “Love and Rocket”

Futurama, Love and Rocket
Image Credit: Twentieth Century Fox.

In an homage to 2001: A Space Odyssey, the crew lands a gig with Romanticorp while Bender falls in love with their updated ship and, not surprisingly, treats her badly until she decides to kill him.

However, the part that will make you weep is when Fry sacrifices his oxygen supply to save Leela, who doesn’t realize this occurred but who fondly wishes him a happy Valentine’s Day when he hands over a Romanticorp heart that reads, “U leave me breathless.”

Season 3, Episode 14: “Time Keeps on Slippin’”

Futurama, Time Keeps on Slipping
Image Credit: Twentieth Century Fox.

This episode is primarily a tribute to the classic Globetrotters cartoons while a series of time skips leave the entire cast working to save the universe. The skips show Fry both succeeding and failing in wooing Leela, who marries him in one-time jump only to divorce him in the next.

The tearjerker moment of the episode comes when Fry spells out “I love you, Leela” with stars only to have the message implode before she can see it as he is forced to accept that she might never feel the same way about him that he feels about her.

Season 4, Episode 10 – “The Why of Fry”

Futurama, The Why of Fry
Image Credit: Twentieth Century Fox.

When Fry is left feeling like he can’t contribute anything of value in comparison to his successful friends, he goes on a mission to prove his worth to the team. This ends up taking him on a strange “It’s A Wonderful Life” type voyage with the mysterious Nibbler as his guide.

Nibbler speaks, which surprises Fry, and tells him of how important it was to transport him to the future. Here, Fry is given the choice to go to the future, and he takes it because of his love for Leela, who tells him she’s happy to know him even if he isn’t that important in the grand scheme of things.


Sara is a horror writer, a critic, a reporter, a filmmaker, and an artist that has written for many publications and platforms. She is the co-host of the Bitches On Comics podcast as well as the co-founder and editor of the Decoded Pride anthology which focuses on works of queer speculative fiction.


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TV’s Biggest Misfires: 22 Sitcoms That Left Audiences Disappointed | Wealth of Geeks

Do you ever watch TV shows that make your friends or family cringe? I watch quite a few shows that will likely never win an award, let alone admit to my friends that I enjoy them. Everyone’s taste is different, but these shows have been ranked as the worst sitcoms of all time.  

1- The Nanny 

Image Credit: CBS.

Most people associate The Nanny with Fran Drescher’s voice. Surprisingly, her voice was not part of the argument for why this show was unsatisfactory. Instead, viewers complained that the show was unsophisticated and lacked humor.  

2- All That Glitters  

All That Glitters
Image Credit: Syndicated.

Although some of the complaints may be due to differing views and values, All That Glitters received a lot of criticism. Some of these complaints included calling the acting mediocre and the writing flat.  

3- Buddies 

Buddies Geoff Edholm
Image Credit: ABC.

This show came about after Jim Breuer and Dave Chappelle were featured on Home Improvement. Though well-intentioned, Buddies did not receive the likeability the creators hoped for. Even Dave Chappelle wasn’t proud of this one, and that’s saying something. 

4- Chicken Soup 

Jackie Mason
Image Credit: mptvimages.com.

Chicken Soup was criticized for Jackie Mason’s acting and unnecessary monologues. It didn’t even pass a few episodes before it was canceled.  

5- My Big Fat Greek Life 

My Big Fat Greek Life Rita Wilson, Steven Eckholdt
Image Credit: CBS.

Critics of the sitcom said that the humor and writing were weak. Others called it ordinary and bland. Nobody seemed disappointed when it was canceled after only a few episodes. 

6- Baby Talk 

Baby Talk
Image Credit: ABC.

Known for being short-lived, Baby Talk was voted “the worst series on television” in 2001. Even Tony Danza and Scott Baio couldn’t save this one.  

7- Life with Lucy 

Life with Lucy Lucille Ball, Philip Amelio, Gale Gordon, Jenny Lewis
Image Credit: ABC.

Even Lucille Ball fans were disappointed with the quality of Life with Lucy. Someone even said, “They should have called it ‘Afterlife’ with Lucy.” It makes sense why this show was taken off the air so soon. 

8- AfterMASH 

AfterMASH William Christopher, Jamie Farr, Harry Morgan
Image Credit: CBS.

Many viewers of AfterMASH hoped it would be much like its predecessor, M*A*S*H. Unfortunately, these fans of the original show noted that it wasn’t the same, ultimately leading to the show being disappointing and canceled. 

9- Ferris Bueller 

Ferris Bueller Jennifer Aniston, Ami Dolenz, Charlie Schlatter
Image Credit: NBC.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is such an iconic and well-received film, but the show based on the film was sadly neither. This show was named one of the worst shows of the year by critics and debuted at the same time as another similar show, Parker Lewis Can’t Lose. Unfortunately, Ferris Bueller didn’t make it and was taken off the air before Parker Lewis was. 

10- The Help 

The Help
Image Credit: The WB.

Although the show was one of the most watched in its time slot, critics had only bad things to say about The Help. In fact, one critic noted that it “comes off like a school play, clumsily blocked, loudly acted, and nearly shouted down by obligatory laughter and applause.” 

11- Major Dad 

Major Dad Geral McRaney
Image Credit: CBS.

Many people have posted positive reviews of this show as they watch or re-watch it decades later. However, viewers were highly critical of the main character and his personality when the show aired.  

12- Silver Spoons 

Silver Spoons Ricky Schroder
Image Credit: NBC and Syndication.

There are mixed reviews for this show, depending on where you look. While some viewers thought the performance was heartfelt and touched on important topics, the show ultimately ended up being canceled after it switched to a different time slot with poor reception.  

13- Charles in Charge 

Charles in Charge Scott Baio
Image Credit: CBS and Syndication.

Charles in Charge was ultimately canceled due to low ratings, but it had highly mixed reviews during its time on the air. Some viewers called the show wholesome and noted that it was a good comedy, while others complained that it was “moronic, predictable, and stupid.” 

14- The Tammy Grimes Show 

The Tammy Grimes Show
Image Credit: ABC.

In the 60s, canceling a show before the season ended was uncommon. Due to unfavorable ratings and criticism, the show was off the air after a month, despite having unaired episodes that had already been made. 

15- My Mother, The Car 

My Mother the Car
Image Credit: NBC.

When this show aired, other shows with a supernatural theme did quite well. Sadly, TV Guide named My Mother the Car the “second-worst of all time” in 2002. Since then, there have been other shows that have earned that title.  

16- The Secret Diary of Desmond Pfeiffer 

The Secret Diary of Desmond Pfeiffer Chi McBride, Lisa Hoover
Image Credit: UPN.

This show has a 20% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and was called “juvenile, obscene, and overtly outrageous.” by one critic. Another said, “At first glance, what’s most surprising is how afraid it is of its premise.” It was hard to find even one review supporting this show.  

17- Hello, Larry 

Hello, Larry Joanna Gleason, George Memmoli, McLean Stevenson
Image Credit: NBC.

Don’t mistake longevity for an acknowledgment of quality. Hello, Larry was on the air for about two seasons, despite receiving abysmal reviews. This show also made TV Guide’s worst shows of all time list in 2002.  

18- Baby Bob 

Baby Bob
Image Credit: CBS.

Shows featuring talking babies are not uncommon now, but at the time, Baby Bob was named one of the worst TV shows of all time by TV Guide. It started with strong ratings, which quickly took a turn for the worse.  

19- Casablanca 

Casablanca
Image Credit: NBC.

Following the classic film of the same name, the TV show was not well-received. Many people felt it was a disastrous attempt to follow up a silver-screen success with a sitcom, which is rarely a good choice.  

20- Baywatch 

Baywatch GTG Entertainment 2
Image Credit: GTG Entertainment

Viewers must have been hoping that the show would offer something more than just women in bathing suits because it was canceled after one season due to low ranking. They could not justify keeping it on the air with high production expenses.  

21- One of the Boys 

One of the Boys
Image Credit: NBC.

Although it featured some incredible actors—namely Nathan Lane, Dana Carvey, and Mickey Rooney, this show was quite disappointing. A featured review of the show said it was “surprisingly bland considering the cast.” It only lasted one season. 

22- Out of This World 

Out of This World Maureen Flannigan, Donna Pescow
Image Credit: Syndication.

This sitcom had a lot of promise and was based on an exciting storyline: a girl who realized she was half-alien. Sadly, the reviews this show received were mostly negative, and it was even said to be “quite possibly the worst sitcom ever made—it’s a complete failure on every level.” 


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Merge Mansion Review – Pedro Pascal’s Favorite Mobile Puzzle Mystery Game | Wealth of Geeks

I knew I had to check out Metacore’s Merge Mansion after I saw Pedro Pascal star in a series of ads for this mobile puzzle adventure game. When I downloaded the app, I became instantly enthralled with the captivating secrets hidden within the mansion and Grandma Ursula’s mind. Not only is the story suspenseful and intriguing, but the gameplay is satisfying and doesn’t have a massive learning curve. 

Plus, developer Metacore releases new Merge Mansion updates and content every month. July’s new material will keep you coming back for more. While the game is full of excitement, it may not be for everyone due to the slow build of the storyline and the time it takes to complete each task. In this review, I dive deep into the story and game mechanics to help you decide if Merge Mansion will become your next mobile game obsession. 

Mysteries Lurk Within Grandma’s Mansion

When Maddie discovers an official letter addressed to Ursula Boulton, her grandmother, she can’t refuse her curiosity and tears the letter open. Inside, she finds a notice from the government stating they plan to seize and demolish her mansion if she doesn’t pay her property taxes. Maddie is shocked to learn her grandmother never told her she owned an estate and that her grandma let it fall into disarray. 

That’s when Maddie decides to pay the taxes and fix the old family estate. But as she asks Grandma Ursula about her family history and their mansion, her grandmother evades the questions with cryptic responses and deflections about a cake baking in the oven. But Maddie is so curious: why does the family own this mansion? Why is it so run down? It’s clear Grandma Ursula has many secrets that Maddie can only reveal by restoring the estate. 

Your goal is to help Maddie clean up and renovate the mansion to prevent the city from tearing it down and uncover the mysteries lurking behind every restoration project. The story begins at a great pace and draws the player in immediately. However, the story disappears for large chunks of gameplay time, making it difficult to remember what’s happening or feel motivated to continue playing. 

So how do you help Maddie clean up Grandma Ursula’s mansion? That’s where the “merge” part of the title comes into play. 

Merge Madness

To continue to progress through the suspenseful story, you must help Maddie clean up different areas of the estate, like the Grand Drive, the Great Hall, and the Library. One or two incomplete tasks appear at a time in the area you’re working on restoring. When you select a task to complete, the game brings you away from your typical birds-eye view of the gorgeously animated manor and transports you to a game board. Your goal is to retrieve the items listed in each incomplete task. 

You can find different items in various containers, like trunks, closets, cabinets, and toolboxes. When you extract two of the same item, you can merge them into a new, upgraded item that levels up with each merge. The idea is to create something you need to complete a given task. For example, Maddie may need a pair of gloves to weed a garden bed. You’ll pull items from a specific toolbox until you find one dirty glove. When you get two of those, you can merge them to make a pair of dirty gloves. Once you have two sets of dirty glove pairs, you merge those to create the shiny new gloves you need to weed the garden and complete the task.

Rewarding Gameplay

You reveal the stories as you complete tasks around the mansion’s property, but that’s not all you unlock. You also get gifts like energy boosts, gems, coins, and rare items, and you move deeper into the mansion as you clear each area. 

Overall, the gameplay involved in Merge Mansion is fun, satisfying, and rewarding. Completing each task feels like a true accomplishment, especially when you receive valuable gifts and new updates in the story. Watching the mansion go from a dilapidated mess to a grand estate is a pleasure. It’s fun to understand the complexities of which items come from what containers and unlock an item’s next level to see what it will become. Plus, the cheerful music encourages me to keep coming back for more. 

Image Credit: Metacore.

The Clock Keeps Ticking

One of the issues I had with Merge Mansion’s gameplay was the time it took to complete each task. You need plenty of energy, enough space on the game board, fully-charged items, and a load of luck on your side to get it done in one visit. You never know precisely which items a given toolbox will spit out each time, so you don’t always get the items you need to complete the merge and create the thing you need to move forward. The items aren’t unlimited. Once you empty a toolbox, you need to wait a specific period, which can be many hours, until you can extract more items. 

That means you’ll spend a lot of time opening the app, claiming items you need, and stopping short of completing a task because of the constraints. To move forward, you must either wait for the container to recharge, spend gems and coins, or make in-game purchases with your real money to speed up the process. I don’t mind maintenance games like this, but the progress is too slow and jolty for my taste. 

Much Too Messy

My biggest complaint about Merge Mansion’s gameplay is the game board, where you merge items to complete tasks. It is so incredibly messy and disorganized, and I can’t stand it. I can’t count the hours I spent over the last few weeks as I attempted to create some semblance of organization on my game board, but it never lasted long. 

Not to mention, when the board fills up with items, you must sell them to provide more space for new items. I wish the board were split into sections, or the containers could sit outside the main merge area. The mechanics of merging entities is relatively seamless, although I keep accidentally dragging things into my inventory because the inventory stash is located too close to the game board. 

New Twists and Turns Every Month

One of the most exciting aspects of Merge Mansion is that the story constantly gets more updates, features, and activities to try out, in addition to the main storyline every month. This July, you can explore challenges like helping a marine biologist solve an underwater mystery in Joys of the Sea with Emilio and rebuilding the lighthouse keeper’s sauna in Heikki’s Sauna, a brand-new area of the game. Earn coins and other rewards when you journey into Rodd’s Mystery, where a ghost haunts a summer camp on the mansion’s front lawn. 

Merge Mansion’s satisfying gameplay and suspenseful, compelling storyline make it a unique and worthwhile mobile game to play throughout the day. It’s perfect for pulling out while waiting in a long line at the grocery store or stuck on hold while speaking to a customer service representative. But be prepared for tasks to take many days of frequent playing to complete and for the story to fall to the wayside for a good portion of the game. You can download Merge Mansion for free from Google Play and the Apple App Store. 

Rating: 8/10 SPECS.


Maya (she/they) is a queer entertainment and culture journalist. They cover interviews, reviews, roundups, news, and more. She loves horror, history, and creativity. They hope their writing both entertains readers and inspires them to think critically. Her favorite pastimes include needle felting, gaming, and drawing.


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How To Start a Successful Online Clothing Store | Wealth of Geeks

For over a generation, brick-and-mortar retail has been giving way to digital alternatives. The fact that there are fewer office workers toiling in downtowns since the pandemic has only accelerated this trend.

Shopping for clothes, which many people prefer in person, has expanded online due to return policies that let customers send back those tight turtlenecks and itchy sweaters.

Consumers can buy apparel from the comfort of their homes, while at the same time, the growth of platforms built to help e-commerce newbies sell their wares has spurred a wave of opportunities for would-be entrepreneurs.

Starting a digital boutique lines up with the existing passions of many side hustlers. With the proper brand identity, social media presence, and marketing strategies, selling clothes online can be a rewarding venture.

Finding a Fashion Niche

The first step in setting up a clothing store is finding a niche. Everything will follow from that decision, including the name of the brand. Once the niche is selected, you’ll need to pick a domain name through a site like GoDaddy and register the business in your jurisdiction.

It’s best to pick a niche you’re passionate about, but if that aligns differently from market realities, be sure to pick one that many other people are passionate about.

“If you are working with a modest budget, picking a small niche is essential for starting out,” says Manuel Dreesmann, owner of premium leather goods merchant Atelier Madre. “To analyze trends and competitors, look for tools like Ahrefs and Semrush to see behind the curtains.”

There is a wealth of in-demand directions to pursue, from athleisure wear to children’s outfits or vintage t-shirts. The key is to do market research on what people are searching for and buying before investing time and money.

Sourcing Clothing and Apparel

There are various ways to source fashion products; the right choice will depend on the business model. Keep in mind shipping times, and get samples whenever you can. Some of the more common business models include the following:

Dropshipping

It’s possible to source clothes from wholesalers and run an online shop without original products. This method is less creatively satisfying but among the simplest ways to get started, as there is no need to keep inventory.

Print-On-Demand

Some clothing brands source from an outside service that manufactures the products only when an order arrives. The downside is the service providers charge a significant premium, leaving smaller margins for the brand owner.

Private Label

This model is for people who want to source wholesale items and then apply their logos or modifications. While cheaper than print-on-demand, it’s necessary to keep bulk inventory.

Cut-And-Sew

This is the route for anyone who would prefer to source materials and do the rest themselves. Of course, this is equal to playing the game on the hardest settings, but it could be worth it for motivated designers.

The fashion industry is notoriously plagued with labor and environmental issues, so it’s crucial to do your own research when sourcing items to ensure you’re following ethical practices.

“We produce our own products to ensure maximum ethical transparency,” says Dreesmann. “But we would always suggest choosing suppliers you have the means to visit on a frequent basis by yourself. Certificates are good, but seeing things in real life is really different.”

Photographing Fashion Inventory

In a traditional department store, elegant window displays can play a role in bringing in customers. The same holds online; compelling photography can be the difference between a sale and no sale.

Maximillian Nestler, who co-manages the clothing store Jutta Nestler, advises inquiring if suppliers can provide high-quality images. When that’s not possible, he suggests using a simple setup with a white wall and a smartphone camera: “Interestingly, less-than-perfect shots resonate more with customers, possibly because they can better relate to these images.”

Sally Samuels, head designer at Savile Row Company, recommends showing different angles: “Capture front, back, and side shots of each garment to provide a comprehensive view for potential buyers.”

She says it’s best to use a coherent style and color scheme throughout the advertising material, highlighting unique features, patterns, and textures that make the clothing special. She adds that using models can help people to see the clothes in action.

“Remember, your product images are the closest your customers can get to your clothing before making a purchase,” she emphasizes.

Managing an Online Platform To Sell Clothes

Once you’ve settled on a domain name, it’s time to get the store up and running. It will usually make sense to use a simple and established website builder, such as Wix, Squarespace, or Shopify. Some platforms like Magento or WooCommerce offer more customization but may have a slightly steeper learning curve.

“If you’re starting from scratch,” says Nestler, “simple and user-friendly platforms like Shopify or WordPress are ideal. They allow for easy modification and updates, which saves you from hiring external assistance.

When building the site, make sure its theme matches the brand identity. Craft succinct and SEO-driven product descriptions to go with the photos, and start a store blog to document progress and broadcast promotions.

It’s key to examine the site on a range of devices to ensure functionality for all customers. When everything is ready, run a few test shipments before the launch.

Fashion Marketing and SEO

Running an online clothing business requires a firm grasp of digital marketing techniques. Most of these strategies are the same across industries and can be adapted or mixed and matched.

Optimizing for search results by using the right keywords found on Ahrefs and Semrush is essential for any approach, regardless of other tactics.

“Dedicate time to refining your product pages, ensuring they adhere to standard SEO practices such as image file naming, alt tags, H1 and H2 titles, and meta tags,” according to Dreesmann. “Strive to optimize each product page to a level where it could potentially serve as an effective landing page because Google may direct traffic to these pages.” 

It may also make sense to run paid ads through Google or Meta, though only once the seller has some familiarity with the target market. It’s possible to waste a lot of money very quickly with ads. Focusing on building up a brand’s social media with lots of content before launch may be a better move at the outset.  

“We recommend adopting a strategic approach towards ads. Utilize them as tools for customer insights, message testing, and channel assessment,” Dreesmann adds. “Alternatively, ensure your website is fully optimized to convert incoming traffic before investing heavily in advertising. Without such measures in place, your ad spend could potentially yield minimal returns.”

Some sites lean heavily into affiliate marketing techniques, meaning other sites promote products in exchange for sales commissions.

“It’s imperative to cultivate naturally obtained backlinks through effective public relations outreach and by listing your website on relevant online directories,” Dreesman explains. “This strategy not only enhances your visibility but also contributes significantly to your overall SEO performance.”

Another popular approach is to solicit email addresses with a discount offer and then run email campaigns through a service like Mailchimp. Other tools like Upfluence connect brands with influencers who will sell their products. It’s even possible to reach out to reporters by answering queries on sites like Help a Reporter Out (HARO) or SourceBottle.

“The visual appeal of fashion lends itself to platforms like Instagram,” says Nestler. “We found that videos convert better than photos. They allow us to showcase our expertise and provide background information, replicating the in-store experience.” 

“It’s essential to stay motivated, even when you don’t see immediate results,” he continues. “The initial stages of your online store are a perfect opportunity to experiment, find your style, and understand what resonates with your audience. Persistence, adaptation, and continuous improvement are the keys to long-term success.”


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Debunking the Movie Magic: 15 Things That Fall Short Off-Screen | Wealth of Geeks

In the array of cinema, people are rapidly inspired by cool and aesthetic moments. Movies have a way of making something appear cool. However, once we returned to reality, we realized that what looked aesthetic and cool on the screens was actually lame in our regular lives. 

Smoking

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

In the world of movies, puffing smoothly demonstrates the character’s coolness and charm; yet, this is akin to someone with hoarse vocals surviving the circumstances, confronting the severe weather alone, just because he cannot bear going without his addiction. The golden luster of smoking fades, leaving behind the harsh reality of addiction and compromised health. 

Women Fighting

Charlie's Angels Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, Ella Balinska
Image Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing.

Women in movies frequently battle with guys three times their size without fear and emerge victorious. However, such clashes usually end in disaster. In such confrontations with physically strong opponents, a woman’s bravery may diminish, leaving her unprotected and in grave danger. 

Fantasy Scenes

Heavenly Creatures Melanie Lynskey
Image Credit: Miramax Films.

A popular film theme is romance, in which characters arrive out of nowhere and fantasize about their love. For example, a girl relaxing by a lake is tapped on the shoulder, only to discover Brad Pitt visualizing her. In real life, such a rendezvous could raise some eyebrows. Someone may feel violated in terms of security and privacy. Such intrusions are not romantic.

Lavish Breakfast

Marie Antoinette
Image Credit: BBC Two and Canal+.

Breakfast is frequently shown in movies as a lavish meal with many tasty foods cinematized artistically. However, the reality of breakfast is pouring a bowl of cereal and quickly eating it while standing by the sink in order to save valuable time during the hectic morning routine. 

Shooting

Die Hard Bruce Willis
Image Credit: 20th Century Fox.

Shooting in a movie commonly associates itself with dispersed blood droplets, astounding sound effects, and slow-motion effects to produce a dramatic visual and compelling experience. Real-life experiences, on the other hand, can be traumatizing and upsetting for viewers. 

Hacking and Cybersecurity

Hacker Lorraine Nicholson, Callan McAuliffe
Image Credit: IMDB.

Cybersecurity and hacking are sometimes portrayed as exciting pursuits, but they take numerous years of meticulous investigation, coding, and defenselessness assessment. In contrast to the flashy performances we see on TV, the procedure is frequently tedious.

Explosions

Spectre Daniel Craig, Léa Seydoux
Image Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing.

Detonations are typically represented in films as spectacular glasses, with specific charges employed to exploit the graphic effect. In reality, explosives meant to cause harm to endure barely a fraction of a second, analogous to the lengthy presentation seen on television. This characteristic highlights filmmakers’ artistic license in creating magnificent moments.

Lame Behavior

Matilda Pam Ferris
Image credit: Sony Pictures Releasing.

In movies, we frequently witness students boldly opposing teachers and exposing teaching flaws with their newly acquired information. As a result, students applaud and celebrate the underdog’s success; unfortunately, this has a detrimental influence. Confronting the professor’s student makes you a target for future confrontations and a ruined reputation. Despite the increase in population, the student suffers due to his conduct. 

Indoor Specs

The Matrix Reloaded Keanu Reeves Laurence Fishburne Carrie-Anne Moss
Image Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures.

Exhausting sunglasses indoors is a common cinematic motif, yet it might be misinterpreted and result in raised eyebrows. Findings and norms may be distressing and frustrating when individuals wear sunglasses for legitimate reasons, such as eye discomfort or post-surgery recovery. It is critical to practice and think before jumping to conclusions about other people’s decisions. 

Monotonic Voice

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone Alan Rickman
Image Credit: Warner Bros.

The most crucial facts are that speaking in a deep, modulating voice tone is frequently presented in films as undisturbed and appealing, but when achieved in real life, it might come off as forced or strange.

Wet Streets

Step Up 2: The Streets Briana Evigan
Image Credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

In movies, wet scenes look more appealing and attractive during evening sequences. Filmmakers used this option to enhance visual aesthetics and create a cinematic environment. According to one keen observer, the ultimate consequence is nothing more than filthy cars and congested traffic. It looks beautiful on the big screen, but the fascination quickly fades when confronted with the problems it brings in real life.

Singing

Enchanted Patrick Dempsey, Amy Adams
Image Credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

Musical numbers are better respected as facts than unprepared everyday performances. Motion pictures can be captivating and charming, but spontaneous bursts of song and dancing in public may not be received with the same zeal. This is a photographic representation that commonly causes individuals to feel uncomfortable.  

Intense Ride

Top Gun Tom Cruise
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures.

One of the most compelling images in the movie is an intense ride with the wind flowing through the hair. However, viewers observed this and shared their opinions that reality is different from this. Riding around like Tom Cruise in Top Gun may appear to be awesome, but the fact is that safety comes before cinematic beauty.

Catching a Punch

The Matrix Revolutions Keanu Reeves, Hugo Weaving
Image Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures.

Catching a punch with bare hands is an astonishing demonstration of power in movies. However, attempting to replicate this action in real life typically leads to a negative outcome. Trying to catch a punch, as one individual put it, merely resulted in suffering the consequences.   

Ghastly Deaths

Final Destination Devon Sawa
Image Credit: New Line Cinema.

Ghastly deaths in movies frequently attract audiences with their frightening imagery and deep emotions. On the other hand, experiencing such a sad incident in real life has a significant and long-lasting influence on individuals. This dramatic contrast between cinematic portrayal and actual emotion underscores the difference between what looks cool in movies and terrible reality.

Source: Reddit.


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25 Reasons We Love The Bad Batch | Wealth of Geeks

The Bad Batch explores the earliest days of the Empire from the point of view of the clones. It’s an unexplored story getting fleshed out for the first time.

The series focuses on Clone Force 99 witnessing these changes firsthand. These specialty clones struggle to survive when branded traitors by the Empire. What starts as stock archetypes develop into interesting characters growing into their own. Here are 25 reasons we love The Bad Batch.

1 – Omega

Image Credit: Lucasfilm, Disney.

Omega is such a sweet ray of sunshine! Her discovering every new planet reminds fans to appreciate the little things. While this wholesome girl loves meeting new faces, she learns quickly that the galaxy can be dangerous. Thanks to her brothers’ guidance, Omega becomes a vital team member, acting as the group’s moral compass and sometimes the voice of reason.

2 – Hunter

Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021)
Image Credit: Lucasfilm, Disney.

Hunter has a fascinating, if not also frustrating, journey throughout the show. His development comes from a place of fear which is why his change is slow. As the leader of Clone Force 99, he takes the weight of Crosshair’s betrayal on his shoulders to justify his more cautious nature. No one can run forever from the Empire, something Echo constantly reminds him of. The slow burn of Hunter’s character arc is worth the wait when he finally decides to fight the Empire.

3 – Crosshair

Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021)
Image Credit: Lucasfilm, Disney.

Crosshair is the best-written character in the show. Leaving the Bad Batch and joining the Empire provides instant drama and sets up a series-long story. He also gives the audience an inside look at how the Empire phases out clone troopers for stormtroopers. Crosshair slowly realizes that just because he’s a specialty clone doesn’t mean the Empire values him.

4 – Echo

Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021)
Image Credit: Lucasfilm, Disney.

One thing to know about The Bad Batch: Echo is always right. As the only regular clone on the team, his path has been dramatically different from his brothers. He immediately sees the dangers of the Empire and pushes Hunter to fight back. There is no safety for Omega in the galaxy as long as there is a fascist government around. His choice to leave the group feels incredibly earned and is one of the most emotional moments of the series.

5 – Tech

Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021)
Image Credit: Lucasfilm, Disney.

Tech is historic as being the first on-screen neurodivergent character in the franchise. He might seem like the nerdy one, but his journey with Omega is a highlight of the series. Season two heavily focused on Tech, culminating in the episode “The Crossing,” where he and Omega finally connect. Afterward, Tech is incredibly present for her as a supporting figure through the end of the season.

According to GLAAD, in 2021, 3.5% of characters in media are either physically or mentally disabled, making Tech some vitally important on-screen representation.

6 – Wrecker

Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021)
Image Credit: Lucasfilm, Disney.

Who doesn’t love Wrecker? He is the fun-loving big brother of the group who is here to have a good time and blow stuff up. As a constant source of comedy, Wrecker provides a heaping helping of levity in the series. He’s often considered “the dumb one,” which is a mistake. He’s a weapons engineer who can craft a makeshift canon from random parts. Don’t ever count Wrecker out of a fight!

7 – Cid

Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021)
Image Credit: Lucasfilm, Disney.

By far public enemy #1 in The Bad Batch fandom, Cid gets a bad rap. The wily Trandoshan is the very definition of Scum and Villainy, setting up one of the show’s biggest but easily broadcasted betrayals. She warned the Batch not to bring the Empire to her doorstep, and they didn’t listen. Acting like Lando Calrissian or Han Solo, she responded like any suitable Scoundrel type and looked out for herself. Like the two Original Trilogy characters, Cid is now prepped for a nice character arc.

8 – Captain Rex

Captain Rex, Star Wars: Rebels, The Lost Commanders
Image Credit: Lucasfilm.

Everyone’s favorite clone captain returned to The Bad Batch, which is always a delight. Rex makes sense in this series after serving under Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano. Anakin taught Rex to think outside of the box and break regulations. Ahsoka is one of the earliest leaders of the Rebel Alliance. With his history and friendship with Echo, Rex allowed the Batch to enter the fight against the Empire if they chose to take it.

9 – Cut Lawquane

Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021)
Image Credit: Lucasfilm, Disney.

The return of Cut Lawquane and his family was an incredible early surprise in the show. The original deserter clone, Cut guides the Batch, who are newly on the run from the Empire. With the Batch essentially adopting Omega and having no clue what to do with a child, Cut’s knowledge as a father is just as crucial as how to hide from Imperial eyes. He and his wife Suu show his clone brothers some of the basics of parenting.

10 – Fennec Shand

Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021)
Image Credit: Lucasfilm, Disney.

The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett tackled the later years of deadly assassin Fennec Shand. The Bad Batch explores her just starting her career. While skilled, Fennec is a greenhorn and nowhere near as perfect as she is in the later series. Ming-Na Wen returns to voice the character, which is always a delight.

11 – Cad Bane

Cad Bane, Corey Burton, The Book of Boba Fett, Chapter 7: In the Name of Honor
Image Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd.

In a move that no fan saw coming, the return of Cad Bane was some peak Star Wars content. Along with his “not a butler” droid Todo 360, Bane won a shootout with Hunter and kidnapped Omega. The Clone Wars fan-favorite character was a deadly new threat, and his showdown with Fennec was an incredible brawl of bounty hunters while setting up implications for The Book of Boba Fett.

12 – Hera Syndulla

Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021)
Image Credit: Lucasfilm, Disney.

One joy of The Bad Batch is seeing younger versions of Star Wars Rebels characters. The opening episode has a cameo from Kanan Jarrus, but the Ryloth two-parter steals the show with young Hera Syndulla and Chopper. Hera and Omega’s immediate friendship is cute, as Omega truly needs to be around people her age. Hera’s early rebellious tendencies begin to come out, as well as her love of flying.

It’s also wonderful to finally see Hera’s mother, Eleni, for the first time. Eleni is ready to throw down with the Empire invading her planet, and it’s clear she’s an inspiration for her daughter.

13 – Howzer

Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021)
Image Credit: Lucasfilm, Disney.

During its run, The Bad Batch introduced many new characters, and the internet collectively agreed that Commander Howzer was a favorite. #HotHowzer trended on social media for two weeks, with the clone becoming the new internet boyfriend.

Howzer plays a significant role in the series too. He’s an essential key in Hunter’s character arc. As a specialty clone, Hunter didn’t see himself or the Batch on the same level as “Regs” or regular clones. With Howzer’s rebellion on Ryloth, Hunter realizes all clones are in the same fight.

14 – Kevin Kiner’s Score

Kevin Kiner
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Since his debut with The Clone Wars movie, Kevin Kiner has become a beloved composer in Lucasfilm, with some of his pieces rivaling John Williams. Along with the team of his son and daughter, Sean and Deana, The Bad Batch is by far some of his best work.

Sean and Deana would also post obscure memes and references the night before an episode would drop for the audience to guess what would happen. The composers always found fun ways to interact with fans.

15 – The Destruction of Kamino

Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021)
Image Credit: Lucasfilm, Disney.

While it might seem strange to say the obliteration of a city and loss of life is a thing to love, the destruction of Tipoca City is a major turning point in the show. It’s a symbolic moment that the Prequel Era is over, and it’s the time of the Empire going forward. The attack hits the Bad Batch emotionally, witnessing their home decimated in moments. This powerful action piece is one of the high points of the show.

16 – The Transition to Stormtroopers

Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021)
Image Credit: Lucasfilm, Disney.

With Kamino removed from the picture, season two of The Bad Batch hones in on the transition from clone troopers to stormtroopers. Much of this is from Crosshair’s point of view with his episodes “The Solitary Clone” and “The Outpost.” All the Regs around him voice their fears of being phased out. They don’t have representation in the Senate, they’re framed for the destruction of Kamino, and they’re left to fend for themselves. Seeing these heroes of The Clone Wars tossed out like used objects when the Empire has no use is heartbreaking.

17 – Commander Cody

Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021)
Image Credit: Lucasfilm, Disney.

If Rex is the favorite from The Clone Wars, Commander Cody is the OG clone of the Prequel Trilogy. He was the only clone besides Boba Fett in the movies given screen time as Obi-Wan Kenobi’s commander and one of the first to participate in Order 66.

His return is perfect for this kind of series, as he is breaking through the programming of the inhibitor chip in all clones. He regrets Order 66 and fears for all clones losing their place in this new galaxy. As the only friend left for Crosshair, he challenges the ex-Bad Batch member on his journey.

18 – Phee Genoa

Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021)
Image Credit: Lucasfilm, Disney.

Wanda Sykes splashes into Star Wars animation, portraying the delightful Indiana Jones-type of archeologist Phee Genoa. While Phee does toe the line of Scum and Villainy, her focus is saving history that the Empire is decimating. She becomes a valuable ally for the Batch, and her budding romance with Tech is charming.

19 – Gungi’s Return

Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021)
Image Credit: Lucasfilm, Disney.

Following the previous series, The Bad Batch constantly answers major leftover questions from The Clone Wars. One question came from the Youngling Arc of Clone Wars, where fans met a plucky group of young Jedi. Whether or not those kids survived Order 66 had been a point of debate.

Fans cried out in consolation when the season two trailer dropped to reveal Gungi, the Wookiee Jedi of the group. He had survived the Jedi Purge with the episode “Tribe,” focusing on getting him safely to Kashyyyk. While it is still unknown if the other kids made it out okay, knowing that one survived was a relief.

20 – Senator Riyo Chuchi

Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021)
Image Credit: Lucasfilm, Disney.

Riyo Chuchi began as a young, inexperienced senator in The Clone Wars. Years later, Riyo is back in The Bad Batch and picking up the fight that Padmé Amidala would be proud of. Riyo represents the voice of the clones in the Senate since they have no representation. With Bail Organa guiding her from afar, it would be no surprise if Riyo one day becomes a significant member of the Rebel Alliance.

21 – Admiral Rampart’s Fall

Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021)
Image Credit: Lucasfilm, Disney.

Admiral Rampart has always been an Adventure of the Week Villain posing as a Big Bad. He was a stooge acting like some great evil as all the power and authority went to his head. This is why it’s such delicious Schadenfreude when Emperor Palpatine personally shows up and publicly has Rampart arrested. Rampart spent a season and a half dismantling the rights of clones. His horror when he realizes he is just as disposable in the Empire is worth the wait.

The fact that clones arrest him is the cherry on top.

22 – Doctor Hemlock

Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021)
Image Credit: Lucasfilm, Disney.

Now Hemlock is a real Big Bad. This Josef Mengele-inspired doctor is a chilling addition to the series, showcasing the behind-the-scenes dealings of the Empire. He only sees the clones as objects and has no problem experimenting on these men. Doctor Hemlock is a powerhouse baddie who brings real danger in the wake of Rampart’s ousting.

23 – The Zillo Beast

Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021)
Image Credit: Lucasfilm, Disney.

Another lingering question from The Clone Wars was what happened to the Zillo Beast. The kaiju-like monster returned in the episode “Metamorphosis” to highlight the depths of Hemlock’s villainy. The innocent creature escapes and goes on a rampage near a village. Once the beast is recaptured, the Empire arrests (and probably kills) all the villagers to keep Hemlock’s work a secret.

24 – The Outpost

Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021)
Image Credit: Lucasfilm, Disney.

“The Outpost” is by far one of the best episodes of the entire show. When Crosshair is assigned to a frozen outpost, he meets a clone commander named Mayday. Mayday challenges Crosshair mentally and emotionally, breaking through Crosshair’s pain of leaving the Batch. The two clones realize they are worthless to the Empire, and it culminates in Crosshair’s turning point. With the mountains behind him framing his body like wings, Crosshair shoots his horrific commanding Imperial officer and finally rebels. It’s an earned and critical moment for the show.

25 – Emerie Karr

Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021)
Image Credit: Lucasfilm, Disney.

Emerie Karr was one of the biggest surprises of the show. Beginning as a background character, she’s one of Hemlock’s assistants with her research. She lingers for several episodes, not really doing anything of note.

Slowly, the show begins to nudge Emerie into the forefront with her interacting with a captured Crosshair. He spares her life, putting her front and center for the rest of the season. With Omega also taken hostage by Hemlock’s men, Emerie then drops one of the biggest cliffhangers of the show: She is also a clone and Omega’s older sister, setting up some intriguing storylines for season three.

 


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Goodbye Old Friend: The Last Time Anakin and Obi-Wan Were Brothers | Wealth of Geeks

In Revenge of the Sith, the Clone Wars come to the heart of the Republic. After rescuing the (apparently) kidnapped chancellor and a harrowing crash landing on Coruscant. While Anakin Skywalker takes on a new assignment, his former master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, prepares to depart on the hunt for General Grievous. As the most formidable Separatist leader after Count Dooku’s defeat, the Jedi Council hopes a similar fate for Grievous will help bring the war to an end.

The two have grown together since their meeting on Tatooine. After their near execution on Geonosis in Attack of the Clones and their exploits from one side of the galaxy to the other, Obi-Wan and Anakin have become legendary. As Matthew Stover put it in his novelization of Revenge of the Sith, “Though it is the end of the age of heroes, it has saved its best for last.”

Visual Foreshadowing

The scene where they part as friends for what would be the final time is rich in symbolism, metaphor, and foreshadowing. As one Reddit thread discusses, the framing and lighting of the shot telegraph the two men’s destinies. As they walk down a corridor to a waiting starship’s boarding ramp, structural features cause the bright light outside to cast stark shadows. Obi-Wan walks in the light, appearing almost regal or even divine. Anakin, mirroring his struggles and suggesting his future, walks in the dark.

The lighting mirrors the less subtle costuming. Anakin has worn darker robes since his first Attack of the Clones scene. Since most Jedi wear much lighter tones, the contrast is stark and unquestionably hints at his fall to the dark side of the Force — even if it does look pretty sharp. As the two walk down the corridor, it’s not just that he’s in the shadows — his dark robes make it appear that he’s of the shadows.

 

Image Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd.

Obi-Wan’s attire, meanwhile, is much lighter. While it’s true that this seems to be a much more common choice among Jedi at the time, the intensity of the lighting underscores the contrast between the two. Obi-Wan appears to radiate light. He’s not, of course. That’s how bright light works when it hits lightly colored things. All the same, that’s the effect it has.

The metaphor continues as the two go their separate ways: Obi-Wan walks down the gangway to his cruiser bathed in the light of Coruscant’s sun. Anakin recedes further into the darkness (which is about as good a six-word summary for the film as I’ve ever written).

Dialogue

As they go their separate ways, Anakin tells his master, “May the Force be with you,” which seems reasonable enough. Jedi say that a lot. Obi-Wan replies, “Goodbye, old friend. May the Force be with you.”

Over the years, it’s become a well-known exchange. Blast Points, one of our top ten Star Wars podcasts, uses the two lines to lead off their outro.

At first, nothing seems too out of place with Obi-Wan’s reply. After all, unless you’re encountering Revenge of the Sith for the first time during a timeline-order viewing of the saga (in which case, um, spoilers), you know where each of these characters ends up by A New Hope. What’s more, George Lucas knows we know. So a farewell makes sense.

On the other hand, do the characters know it’s the last time they’ll part as friends?

They’re strong in the Force, but “always in motion, the future is.” So, what’s with the “goodbye, old friend?” Standing in their boots, it seems like it could just as easily be, “See you when I get back.”

It could be just Obi-Wan being a touch dramatic. Ewan MacGregor’s young Obi-Wan (and James Arnold Taylor’s vocal portrayal in The Clone Wars) certainly has a certain panache. Consider, for example, how he enters Utapau later in the film.

Then again, Grievous is no push-over. This mission is no simple errand for Ob-Wan.

Even Anakin knows it. This scene begins with him telling Obi-Wan, “You’re gonna need me on this one, Master.”

Kenobi agrees, but Anakin must stay behind. He has a new mission, tasked by the Council to keep an eye on the chancellor. Nor does anyone else appear able to join Obi-Wan and give him some backup. Between the Battle of Coruscant, the Outer Rim sieges, and that droid attack on the Wookiees, by this point in the war, the Jedi seemed spread rather thin.

Kristin Baver notes in “Skywalker: A Family at War “that “Obi-Wan found it hard to shake a sense of finality in his parting with Anakin that day … it was if he sensed that this would be the last time he would look into his former Palawan’s eyes.”

You might even say that Obi-Wan Kenobi has a bad feeling about heading off to face Grievous on his own.

Parting as Brothers

Anakin may have sensed something similar. Before they part as brothers, he takes the opportunity to apologize for his arrogance and lack of appreciation for Obi-Wan’s training. Obi-Wan’s complimentary reply is genuine, but perhaps too little, too late.

In the years since Revenge of the Sith, between The Clone Wars television series and books and comics, we’ve seen much more of the pair’s relationship over those pivotal few years. It’s clear that as the war took them from one edge of the galaxy to the other, Master and Apprentice had few opportunities for heartfelt conversations like this.

In Stover’s novelization, he mentions “…a depth of feeling [Anakin] had only rarely glimpsed in all their years together.” Baver explains that while “Obi-Wan was a compassionate and kind soul, but not much given to praising Anakin … His calm, detached manner did not translate into a warm, nurturing presence – he had not been the mentor and father figure Anakin had needed.”

Parting as brothers, then, may have been a large part of the problem, a dynamic pivotal to the fall of Anakin Skywalker.

Obi-Wan
Image Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd.

As Dave Filoni put it in Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian: “Qui-Gon is … the father that Anakin needs. … [Obi-Wan] is a brother to Anakin, eventually, but he’s not a father figure. That’s a failing for Anakin. He doesn’t have the family that he needs.”

When the erstwhile brothers meet again on Mustafar — and again a decade later on a barren moon — they meet as enemies. As Stover says, they meet with “just the two of them and the damage they had done to each other.

“Anakin Skywalker is gone. I am what remains,” Darth Vader tells an older Kenobi (Obi-Wan Kenobi, “Part VI”). “I am not your failure, Obi-Wan,” he says. “You didn’t kill Anakin Skywalker. I did.”

“Then my friend is truly dead.”

At least they’d had a chance to say goodbye.


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