Mandaris

You might be wondering “where is the review of episodes 2 through 4?”

Well, I accidentally binged them and I found myself in episode 5 thinking about how I hadn’t written anything about the show.

Well, if you’ve been watching the show for a while and wanted a chance for it to get back to simple plot, than this is the one for you.

You’re got a main plot line filled with gore just like in previous seasons, but with people that you normally don’t see getting their hands dirty or facing danger. I actually liked this part the best.

There’s the B plot with Homelander and Ryan bonding over helping people. For me, I’m reminded of all the criminals that heroes fight in different comic books. We have a tendency to think of them as less then. It’s ok to hurt someone because they are a bad guy.

At what point, does the punishment go to far?

Is it ok to get enjoyment out of pursuing justice?

I’d love to see how far the show goes with this thread.

15. Are you an early or late adopter of technology? What makes you that way?

I'm currently a late adopter.

I still get excited by some technology, but I don’t have the enthusiasm I used to have for adopting new things.

I used to think I had all the time in the world to pursue learning and making new things. The glamour of newness was enough to justify the hours of frustration as I tried to make things better or fix what gets broken with point releases or bad patches.

Unfortunately, it comes with an opportunity cost. The time that I spent getting the latest and questionably greatest to work decently hasn’t always paid off. The unknown amount of hours is something I think about. I try not to wonder too much on the what if of it but it does cross my mind.

In addition, I can’t justify the cost of pursuing new technologies these days. We’re no longer in the time where you would see marked improvements on something that justifies regular upgrades.

14. What has your relationship with music been like throughout your life?

Music is one of the things that express my feelings when I can't put it into words. I find that I feel better after listening to music for a while. Either with songs that are old favorites or new songs that I come across.

I find that even when I’m in a bad mood and I listen o something that matches that mood, I’m in a better mood afterwards.

It’s like the music validates how I feel and then I’m able to move past whatever I’m feeling and do something with it.

13. What societal problems is your region known for and do they affect you?

At this moment in time, the problem that I see in the region is homelessness.

I’ve had my them get into my car and and take things out.

**Unfortunately**, A Book Apart is [no longer selling books](https://abookapart.com/pages/about/) and I never managed to get a complete collection.

Fortunately, the authors of each book seem to be in control of what happens to their books, meaning their books are potentially still available in some way.

I always played with the idea of picking up a couple books to learn more about making my website better.

12. What hobbies have you had in the past that you no longer have? What happened?

I used to do ballroom dancing when I was in my early 20s. I loved it because I didn't have a lot of natural rhythm and it felt great to get out on the floor and move to the music.

I spent hours figuring out how to be a better dancer.

How to listen and move with the music.

How to be a better dance partner by working with the other person to make something better.

As I’m writing this, I realize that it’s something that I should incorporate in my marriage as well.

I stopped dancing because I didn’t have a lot of time to get better or keep my skills up to date.

After a while, it hurt on two levels.

I couldn’t move that way because I was getting older and out of shape. My knees would ache during, after, and before the dance.

The second level was that when I got on the floor, I would compare myself to what I used to be.

Who knows, I might find myself back on the floor one day.

But right now, I’m going to have to sit this one out.

Just a small test to see what details and summary look like in my RSS feed.

Spoilers

Do not give the ending away.

Also, I’ll see if mastodon hides it as well.

11. What is your current relationship with technology? Do you enjoy it? Does it cause you anxiety?

There is a funny clip of Homer Simpson where he’s praising beer for being the cause and solution to all of his problems.

I feel that way about technology sometimes. As much joy as it is to write this and have it be available all over the world, I’m also worried about how it’s designed and if my writing is good enough.

I also make my living by working in a technical field and having people getting laid off stresses me out since I’ve also been in that position as well.

Does this show stick the landing?

Um… Kinda?

To extend the metaphor, it sticks the landing but twists the ankle and has to hobble away hoping to get a chance to redeem itself in the next routine.

The show has a number of great points and attempts to do some really cool new things with the franchise that should make any Star Wars fan excited. Unfortunately, it does have some flaws when compared to other shows.

I’m trying to say it’s a good Star Wars show, but I’m still shaking off that ending.

10. What’s your relationship with physical labor? Do you enjoy, accept or avoid it?

At this point in my life, I do not do a lot of physical labor.

I’m actually very sedentary and do roughly 5 minutes of exercise a day according to my Apple Watch. Of course, since I’m really out of shape going for a walk to the garbage can outside in 100 degree weather counts as exercise.

Other than some chores around the house, I do volunteer at the school my children go to.