Lego Monkie Kid Season 3 - Tumblr Posts
MSPAINT DOODLES :D experimenting with what i can do, which is apparently a lot!
look at my boy, all traumatised and anxious, can’t wait to see what he does next.
Reading this made me think more . . . .
"you dont have to prove anything, nezha"
theyre brothers your honor
also ik the pace is kinda fast but i dont know how to write a dialogue for them 💀
got the idea from this twt post. im not exactly sure where they found the info so idk if its real or not but come on,,, its nezha food so why not take it 🧍♂️
and honestly i do hope they talk about something like this in season 4, itd be really cool
If someone had told me Nezha was so much fun the draw I would have done it sooner ❤️
Spoilers for season 3
Maybe
.
.
.
.
.
Just incase. This isn't something that happens in the show. But an idea I had.
That is if Wukong and macaque make up or at least attempt to reconcile their past mistakes. There would be shouting, fighting, denial and tears.
Each left reeling at how they made the other feel and stuck in the guilt of their part in the shut show of their once friendship.
Wanting to hug the other but not wanting to be touched...
I made myself sad, and why do I only draw sad art when I come to lmk
The me I wanted to be. pt 3
“Macaque!” Wukong screamed in horror as he watched Macaque sink into the ground below him.
His head screamed for him to move and he suddenly dove on to the ground, grazing his knuckles in the process.
He’d hoped to snatch the shadow monkey back from the ravenous void that claimed Macaque like he had done before so many times when they fought.
Only this time he couldn’t.
As the last wisps of shadow where sent cascading into the air to dance on the evening breeze, Wukong came to the startling realisation.
Macaque was gone.
He was once again dead.
He screamed out their name once more “MACAQUE!” drawing it out for as long as he had air in his lungs, perhaps hoping his voice would reach the other, would pull them back.
He knew it wouldn’t.
He remained on the ground for some time sobbing into the earth uncontrollably, chest heaving with wet sorrowing hiccups.
This was far worse than last time, now he had to face the consequences of this death head on.
There was no hiding with his master or fellow despises to mask the soul shattering ache, no long winded journey to ease his mind of his heinous act. No advice to sooth his broken soul, their voices had long been silenced by time.
His grief seeming to merge with that of the past, giving waves to new heartache knowing that if only he hadn’t ended the other then, the events now quiet possibly may have never happened.
He realised now how true Macaque’s words were, as he reeled in his new seeming never ending loneliness.
It was an emotion that he thought he had locked away a long time ago.
Behind the walls of distant time, sealed behind the vault of his subconscious with no chance of resurfacing.
However it seemed, Macaque was the lost key and with Wukong witnessing his death the seven time immortal now, was truly alone.
It washed over him.
Almost drown him.
As he lingered on the faint memories of better times, the last bout of his hope started to dim along with any and all will he had to continue on.
It all seemed pointless.
Then, a quiet chuckle had him springing up right. He looked into sky before him, face still wet with rolling tears.
Wukong took a shaky breath, thinking over what had just been whispered into his ear “Let’s meet again, someday”
The last of the shadows faded with the light.
Leaving Wukong kneeling alone, but somehow less then before.
A flicker of hope spurring with in him.
Because after all.
Life and death.
Love and loss.
It was all one big cycle, and eventually it like all things they end and in some way they start again.
The End
pt1 / pt2
(Notes, the last image is my far my fav, just Wukong suffering tee he ain’t I a stinker. Either way this is the end I feel like I could have done better both writing and drawing, I might even rewrite this and post it on Ao3, either way thanks for reading.)
Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: LEGO Monkie Kid Rating: Not Rated Warnings: Major Character Death Relationships: Liu Er Mihou | Six-eared Macaque & Sun Wukong | Monkey King Characters: Liu Er Mihou | Six-eared Macaque, Sun Wukong | Monkey King Additional Tags: Character Death, Angst, netflix bubble, rammbles, injured, Redemption, Shadowpeach - Freeform, Monkie Kid Season/Series 03 Spoilers, Headcanon, Wounded Summary:
Macaque finds himself in a situation he has been in before, but this time, he isn't alone with Wukong by his side he hopes he can tell the other just how he feels.
I put it all into one post here.... and changed around some of the wording i feel it makes more sense now
Cause and Effect Across Time
How many people liked this the heck
Spoilers for season 3
Maybe
.
.
.
.
.
Just incase. This isn't something that happens in the show. But an idea I had.
That is if Wukong and macaque make up or at least attempt to reconcile their past mistakes. There would be shouting, fighting, denial and tears.
Each left reeling at how they made the other feel and stuck in the guilt of their part in the shut show of their once friendship.
Wanting to hug the other but not wanting to be touched...
I made myself sad, and why do I only draw sad art when I come to lmk
Lego Monkie Kid Rewatch: Season 3
Episode 1
I love rewatching media that rewards you for it. This show is good at dropping subtle hints about future plot points that you will only catch once you know the plot point. For example, the Samadhi Fire!
When Monkey King (or Tang, the enthusiastic geek that he is) is first explaining it to everyone, the show gives you an image to kind of keep your brain on track with his words.
Immediately two things pop out for those who have seen past this season: red and green fire. Obviously this represents Red Son and Mei, past and current wielder of the Samadhi Fire.
It is such a cool little detail to have that most people (like me) would just think was there to be pretty but later on realise, "Oh hey, foreshadowing!"
BUT WAIT! I'm not done!
Next image we see of the Samadhi fire has the red and green... but also something else.
Is that... blue?
Is this another hidden detail of foreshadowing? Is there going to be a third holder of the Samadhi Fire who represents the blue? Or am I just hyper focusing on every minute detail because the show's attention to detail in its story telling has made me paranoid.
Who knows?
All we know so far from season 5 is Red Son is experimenting with the Samadhi Fire and they both apparently still have a piece in their soul soooooooo- we'll see.
Lego Monkie Kid Rewatch: Season 3
Episode 2
Cute moments I treasure:
The sound of Monkey King's little I'm-a-cute-and-harmless-monkie-tehe hearts crash to the marble floor when Ao Gaung totally ignores his puppy eyes.
MK totally copying his mentor, from dramatic poses to serious "we are going to save the world so don't get in our way" speech, and getting the same dragon chomping.
Sandy's, "What did I do?!" when the dragon dude orders them into prison. Sandy, dear, you are perfect and we love you for it. Some people just don't see it.
"That dress slays Mei."
Mei getting the best compliment for her gown. Way to make a girl feel good without stripping her of her personhood, Tang!
I really appreciate the show taking the time to complement Mei without making it feel like her looks are all girl's are here for. She can race motorcycles, fight bad guys, play games with her friends, and wear a pretty dress when she wants and how she wants. She can dress up and carry a sword at the same time! The confidence in this girl is inspiring!
Sandy again, because I can't. Just look at him. He's so proud of his T.E.A acronym
Lego Monkie Kid Rewatch: Season 3
Episode 3 Smartie Kid
And here we have another MK doesn't think he's worthy moment. Just look at that face. He probably thinks Monkey King is so hurt because he failed as a successor.
No bud. It's not your fault. Monkey King is hurt because he sucks at communication and being open and vulnerable.
(I'm sorry I haven't mentioned you yet Nezha! You're my favourite, I promise!)
Mo being a good therapy cat. Gotta help his patient keep their cool.
"What can I get for this many." / "Aww I bet that costs, like, a bajillion moneys."
I refuse to believe Pigsy didn't try to teach MK the value of money. He probably views it as his greatest failure.
What exactly was the goldfish planning on doing with Monkey King?… He didn't actually think he'd be able to sell or control the great sage equal to heaven? Did he?
"There is nothing more valuable than friendship!"
You heard it here folks. MK values his friends more than anything else in the world!
"The staffs just a big ol' stick, bud. It takes someone special to wield it."
The show totally gaslit us! First season made sure to only have the noodle group talk about MK's powers so we'd be fed the misinformation that they came from the staff or Monkey King.
But now the show is opening up, hinting to us that there's more to MK than we thought.
Lego the Monkie Kid Rewatch: Season 3
Episode 4
It is my humble opinion that Macaque looks his most fierce when he is most afraid.
"Tang! Don't just yell! I can do that!" Ah, how many times have I heard my mother say that. A mark of a true family dynamic for sure.
I think this Mei and Sandy's first real encounter with Macaque? Great first impression, my guy.
There should have been no way Mei forgave him so quick. She should have been chomping on his shoulder, growling at him every chance she could, some more death glares as he tries to help. I feel gypped.
Finally! Someone remembered seat belt safety!
"Come on! Fight back! Maybe I'm not giving you the right motivation."
Here we see Macaque actually start to understand MK. Before he thought MK was self absorbed ("Did you just realise your friends were missing?"). But finally he seems to be getting it.
MK will do anything for his friends.
A little helpful reminder that MK is not the Monkey King. Look at our dear boy trying to communicate.
He's trying to talk it out with Macaque, understand the other's perspective, reason with him, even ask for help. Honesty and open, that's how MK rolls.
Another helpful reminder that Mei is not a token girl character. She's the real deal who you should not turn your back on.
Just because she's not the main character in this story does not mean she is not a main character!
Did I say Macaque was starting understanding who MK is? Let me just emphasis the starting to. Macaque gets that his friends are his motivation, but he doesn't understand quite yet what pushing the kids buttons will do.
Macaque wants him to lash out, to fight back, to rage against the forces.
But what does MK actually do?
"Let them go. You can take me."
MK is not a self absorbed hero. He is a sacrificial one.
Lego Monkie Kid Rewatch: Season 3
Episode 5
"The two of us aren't built for the action stuff, Pigsy. We're side characters at best and you know it!"
I love the way the show writers characterised the reincarnates of the pilgrims. It was like they looked at the source material through a funhouse mirror.
Tang Sanzang was a studious monk? Make Tang a nerd. Sanzang rides a horse the whole way? Give Tang weak ankles and a lazy spirit. Sanzang was always sending his disciples off to find him food? Have Tang be a freeloader at Pigsy's noodles. Sanzang doesn't even show up for the first seven chapters of his own story? Make Tang a side character.
Look how effortly happy Young Wukong is!
Young Wukong: "What? My master has amnesia? I know what to do!" *chooses violence*
Look at how easily angered Young Wukong can become!
Can we just appreciate this girls laugh? She's trying so hard to fool him. You got this queen!
Thank you Michaela Dietz for some fabulous voice acting.
Pigsy: "Finding that out took ALL NIGHT!" Young Wukong: "No, of course not. This guy's just awesome. So many great stories."
Something, something, you need to learn focus. Something, something, I'm the master of focus. Ring any bells?
Mo just go with the flow!
Anyone else find it interesting that throughout this episode the therapy cat stays on Young Wukong? No? Just me?
Look at how quick to tears Young Wukong can get!
Look, all I'm saying is the Wukong of Now does not show his emotions so easily. He keeps a cool relaxed facade, lets things come at him without changing him. The Young Wukong on the other hand is much more volatile, easily switching between strong emotions as if they are all just there bubbling at the surface.
"That's all I ever wanted. Friendship."
Girl, you are a princess in my eyes!
Wukong loving MK's art! YES!
Who here think they may have activated some mountain trauma by crushing him under a huge rock? A raise of hands? Anyone?
Lego Monkie King Rewatch: Season 3
Episode 6, The First Ring
I love this protective water uncle.
When the kids get attacks, he steps up and tells them to run. When they get stranded in the desert, he carries them on his back. This is who I aspire to be! A truly helpful heart who looks out for the children!
Sooooo, what do you do at a new friends house? Scream at the top of your lungs? Check the acoustics?
I mean, why not?
"I saved your pathetic, meaningless, lives!"
This is how you aggressively love people. You save them and then do your darndest best to shout at and insult so they don't get any ideas.
"Yo, daddy."
Never gets old.
Someone: The Samahdi Fire The Bull Family:
I can see the family resemblence.
Uhhh. Why does Bull King have a metal jaw? His younger self doesn't have it.
Is that just a decoration or did it happen during his and Wukong's fight?
Ne Zha!
There's no reason for me to put you here other than I'M SO SORRY I HAVENT TALKED ABOUT YOU SOONER I PROMISE I LOVE YOU!
Can I just say, its hard seeing how caring BK was for his son in comparison to season 1 where you was so consumed by vengeance against Wukong that he either ignored or seemed to despise Red Son.
"There aint nothin' we can't do if we do it as a team!"
I name this the moment MK started thinking of Red Son as part of his friend/family group!
See! SEE! Three fires! Red, green, and blue!
I'M NOT PARANOID! I'M NOT GOING CRAZY!!!! There's going to be a third! THE FORESHADOWING! And you doubted me! HA-ha, haha- HA-HA, HAHA,HAHAHAHAAHAHHA!
Sandy, acting out gruesome lave pit themed death.
Speaking from experience there, Sandy?
Long hair? Long hair go down? Pretty…
Wai- did he actually illustrate his whole plan?
The gear-heads see bling bling.
The gear-heads being denied access to bling bling.
Do you know how much I appreciate that he actually went and got them a cup of milk and blankie?
Wings? Wings MK? Just turn into a bird.
Or not.
(Secretly love that the canon reason he's not OP is because he keeps forgetting he can do stuff.)
Red Son's patented, 'I'm going to save those pathetic, noodle-brained peasants if its the last thing I do!'
Lego Monkie Kid Rewatch: Season 3
Episode 7, Cooking with Chang'e
Chang'e! When first watching this show, Chang'e's story was one of the only chinese mythologies I knew, and I loved her story. So you know I was hyped to see how LMK chose to interpret her.
Over the Moon is still my favourite media adaption of her.
Like Tang, Pigsy also gets the JTTW funhouse mirror treatment. Zhu Baijie is super lazy? Lets make Pigsy the hardest working demon in the show! Zhu Baijie constantly at odds with Wukong because the monkey is either ruining his fun ("no! you totally killed that demon I thought was a hot girl!") or making him do extra work (tripitaka: "monkey's taking too long. i'm worried." sends baijie to check on him)? Pigsy can still have beef with Wukong, but this time its out of protectiveness toward MK. Zhu Baijie never gaining enlightenment because he couldn't master his base desires? Pigsy has to literally stay away from pingpong tables as if he's allergic because he has no self control and needs others to intervene to stop him once he starts. Zhu Baijie got kicked out of the heavenly realm because he hit on Chang'e? Pigsy will be the 1# fan of Chang'e cooking show.
Wukong's rocket sound effects and playing with his food. This is everything to me.
Why isn't Sandy saying anything about MK taking apart his camper to turn it into a rocket? The guy is always so concerned and sad when his rides get smashed.
Ah. That's why.
Funny how the gang just casually forgets about Sandy the same way the fandom does.
"Can he just do that? Get new powers whenever he wants?"
Tang being the 25% of the fandom that rightfully questioned MK's powers.
Me and the other 75% who just accepted it because it was cool.
Ah how I pity my naive past self.
"I still believe in you. Maybe you just need a stronger motivator."
And then Wukong steps up to reveal he coulda been doing in this whole time, literally blowing everyone away.
But not because he's lazy like some people think. Rather, because he's a good mentor. He encouraged MK to try first, using positive words to try and stoke MK's confidence. And when MK fails, he assures his pupil he still believes in him and they just need to find some better motivation. The only reason he's stepping forward now is because they don't have time to let MK work his way through the problem like in season 1 (example: s1ep7 The Impossible Delivery. Wukong tells MK what his issue is and how he can work through it, then lets him stew over it on his own time).
"I've never even made a rocket ship before! Can you believe that!"
Look at how happy this guy is! Just look! He's finally having a new experience, doing something he's never done before, in who knows how many generations. Can you just imagine the amount of happy sauce pouring into his brain right now!
Side note: Wukong designed this. Just think about that for a moment.
That cute winky face with a bow tie, the bajillion levers and buttons to fiddle with, the firework esc shape. This ship comes straight out of the Monkey King's imagination. This is his style, his signature. And its cute and goofy.
"OMG! That might be the cutest thing I ever saw!"
Friendly reminder that Wukong is indestructible and can appreciate great designs without pesky mortal terror or annoying survival instincts getting in the way.
"The old ring triggered the alarm system trick."
Favourite quote of the episode. Thank you Sean Schemmel for this awesome line delivery.
"Come on bud, gold vision."
So is this the 'stronger motivator' you were talking about?
Wukong just letting MK squash him through a grate because he's a good mentor trying to build up MK's confidence by letting him take the lead in the adventures.
I promise MK won't feel less like a hero if you just turn into a bunny or something for a moment. Pigsy would probably appreciate not being suffocated by your stony weight.
MK literally using his past failure for his present success! Love it!
Turned the camper mini instead of into a rocket ship? Okay, not what he was going for. But hey, doesn't mean its not useful in a different circumstance! What a positive message!
Look at this positive ball of moonshine!
Love this girl so much. She found a way to enjoy her life on the moon doing something she loves. Chang'e is just thriving in this modern age where distance doesn't seclude you from finding mutuals and being social. Her being a tv star and probably influencer just makes so much sense.
"Why I never! Oh you better believe we'll be having WORDS when we get home, young man!"
Anyone else get flashbacks?
It's good to see Pigsy find reconciliation with Chang'e considering Zhu Baijie past mistake.
Lego Monkie Kid Rewatch: Season 3
Episode 8, Benched
Through my rewatch, I've been trying to pay attention to the smaller details and people in the show, so I can really appreciate the world.
Thank you animators, for taking the time to draw this disgruntled birb getting poofed by snow. There's no big reason here for the bird besides illustrating that its snowy now, which background scenery is already showing us. But nope! The show went the extra centimeter to include this lil birb, giving this world a little bit more depth and vitality.
"I didn't like how any of them turned out, though."
It's the circles isn't it. Circles are hard.
I love this city's design here so much!
The lanterns, snow, warm glowing signs. Look at that crane! Or the lotus! And those lantern kites! I love their mix of modern with traditional architecture! Please tell me they made a lego set of this city! And look at the people! I want every single one of these lego figures in that picture. Cute coats, cute hairs, cute winter accessories! And the toy monkey! I love it!
… ah…
Don't get me wrong. If I saw this before the show I would have thought it was a cool shopping district. But when compared to the ambiance the show gives and the background characters designs… It's just… sigh.
Monkey King casually throwing someone else' property and or merchandise like he oh so carefully threw the ring probably. Looked like a steam bun basket… ah! I bet there were some delicious baozi in there!!!
Love the accessories! So fitting that MK got a cute Monkey King stuffy. And Mei's lantern bag is the best 10/10 I would buy please give me.
I'm trying to figure out what accessories Monkey King got. I see the pin, but what are the patches on his hoodie?
Did…. Did Wukong buy a sticker pad and instead of pealing the stickers out, he pealed the whole backside and thwacked it to his clothes randomly?
Please say yes! That would be hilarious!
I'm crying again. Just look. LOOK!
Look at the way this image makes you feel. Grand. Warm. Dazzled. Festive. Cozy. Green, gold, and red all incorporated perfectly together to make a stunning block pallet! This is what we could have had! I want a set that makes me feel this!
"Can't read?"
MK. Don't just call someone out like that! You gotta ask these things delicately, in private, with a show of compassion so they don't feel judged and are more likely to be honest with you.
Sandy has to wear glasses to read?!!!! How did I miss that the first time! Sandy, I've failed you.
"But none of us have any talents! There's no way we can win!"
Ouch. MK. What is up buddy? Why are you so carelessly hurting everyone's feelings today?
And now, compilation of Monkey King freaking out. Because we all need this in our lives. I guarantee you can relate to at least on of these expressions.
"You're benching me?" "Mm, pretty much."
MK!!!! Stop hurting people's feelings! Honesty doesn't mean you have to be brutally blunt about it!
This here is a gungzheng, and it is amazing! Sadly the show doesn't do it nearly enough justice, though I am thrilled about its inclusion.
If you want to here it for yourself, here's some links to two of my favourite songs with a gungzheng!
These are my favourite nuisances. I love this family.
Tang: I feel hurt, like no one takes me seriously and I don't matter in this friend group. But since I'm a mature and rational adult I know exactly how to handle these big feelings.
Tang: By stealing!
"I'm not useless!"
Tang, dear, don't cry! You matter! They care about you, I promise! Just don't jump off that roof!
My baby!
At first I was kind of miffed that Macaque didn't just get the ring while the others were distracted. Like, come on Macaque. You're smarter than that. Wasn't he supposed to stop pulling his punches after LBD latest threats of complete deletion of his self?
But then I had a thought. Why does his shadow magic originate from under Tang? Does… does he need a living beings shadow to hop around? Was he unable to get up there unless someone else was there? That would be super cool mechanic of his powers!
"It's the guy sitting in the wings while his friend are busy having fun without him."
Ah, maybe this is where MK gets his 'bluntly saying the very thing that makes people feel bad right to their face' trait.
I love that Tang doesn't even respond to Macaque's goading. Yeah, you can see the shadow's words hurt him. But Tang sees the bigger picture, and that's getting the ring before LBD's henchman gets it!
Knowing what I do now about the Journey to the West and the encounter Macaque and Tang Sanzang had with one another… makes this fight between them way more intense and impactful.
Familiar faces bringing up some bad memories there, eh Macaque?
Once again, Macaque is blinded by his flawed perspective. His whole speech is about Wukong. No mention of MK, the main hero. Or Pigsy, the sensible one. Or Sandy, the caretaker. Or Mei, the passion. Macaque is acting like Wukong is the only opinion that matters in the team. As if the other's don't even exist. But a team is not a single player, it is defined and strengthened by all of its parts.
And this is Macaques greatest flaw. He does not look past Wukong's shadow or his own past.
"I know that my place is along side my friends. One day, I will become someone they can depend on, the way that I can always depend on them!"
Tang reminding us that we don't need power or wealth to matter, our true friends and family care for us because its 'us.' They are people we trust and look up to and who inspire us to become the best versions of ourselves.
Thank you for this message, lmk. Its important.
Love that Pigsy's singing overstimulates Macaque. The show finally remembers his full name, the Six Eared Macaque.
"I will grant you my aid."
Yeah… Doesn't look like Macaque wants it. Can he send it back?
NOOOOOO! Lantern City!!!!!
The cozy ambiance! The festive atmosphere! The cute winter apparel! All gone!!!!
Lego Monkie Kid Rewatch: Season 3
Episode 9, The King, the Prince, and the Shadow Part 1/2
Yeah.... my posts keep getting longer and longer. But I can't help it guys! Macaque and Ne Zha are in this one!
Love the couple back there who have no idea that the second ice age just hit.
Pigsy calls Wukong out, revealing he knows the truth about the fourth ring… and look at him.
Doesn't even act surprised. How much did he remember from his amnesia episode? Does his brotherhood with Zhu Baijie just make it easy for him to read Pigsy? Or is his poker face just that good. It would be funny if mentally he's panicking like "WHAAAA- HOW DID HE KNOW?!"
How to make pink flowers look threatening… add a Ne Zha.
Hmmm. I see. Quite right, chap.
I like this lil detail, Wukong's eyes glowing just a bit to show him being able to see the oncoming attack.
Wait… he saw that through the metal of the train… Can his eyes see through any solid material?
I think the couple noticed the danger now. Or at least the guy has.
This is just so cool guys! Here we have classic shock wave knocking everyone off their feet. But Wukong just NOPES physics and gets everyone to safety!
Its a reminder of how powerful Wukong is and how experienced! Mei and MK could definitely have recovered and gotten themselves out, but their brains are still in shock mode. Wukong is the first to action.
But why does he step forward and take action now? Ignoring his 'vacation' when he couldn't be around, Wukong usually sits back and lets MK handle things. In season one he was a bit detached, offering advice and encouragement but never really boosting MK's defense with his own prowess. This season he's been more active, stepping up to help MK when the kid struggles, but even then its only after letting MK try himself first- and the actions he does take lead MK to a situation where he is able to step out and grow.
Wukong is trying desperately not to be the center of attention, to cast MK in his shadow like he's done with others before. He's not that good at it (kinda hard when the pupil you took in already looks up to you and sees you as the greatest hero on earth. MK has set an impossible standard for himself, one that isn't even all that accurate).
But this brings me back to my first question. Why is Wukong stepping in now? He isn't even letting MK try himself. The kid hasn't even been able to comprehend what is going on and Wukong is already taking the lead.
My answer- Wukong is an experienced hero and part of that experience includes accurately gaging allies and enemies skill levels.
And Ne Zha? He's way above MK's pay grade.
Side note: Same thing happened with the Lady Bone Demon. The moment Wukong realised MK was fighting her, he dropped in and yeeted the kid away from her.
When Wukong things MK is in true trouble, he prioritizes getting MK to safety, even if it means sacrificing a city. In that regard, Wukong isn't a great hero, though it does make him a good mentor.
What do you call this? Camera angle? Framing? Shot? Perspective?
Whatever you call it, I praise the animators for this. Love the use of perspective to drive home the point, Ne Zha is here for stabby stabby and Wukong is his target.
"Ohoohohohohoh! I can't believe its really you! The legendary third lotos prince ninja!"
This is the moment I realise… I am Tang. Honestly I should have realised it sooner, when have I ever been able to walk up a flight of stairs without dying?
"Which brings me to your ring- WORST KEPT SECRET EVER!"
Ne Zha, your 12 year old is showing. Look at the lil rage prince! Isn't he so cute! I think I know why Wukong is so amiable with Ne Zha, despite them constantly being at odds…. he's just a cute lil guy! Sandy totally agrees with me. Right buddy?
The moment Ne Zha gets close to MK and Wukong's mama instincts activate.
Thank you Wukong for proving my earlier point.
And look! The couple! Now we know the lady is okay… and noticing.
Man, I would love a fanfiction from the point of view background characters. Maybe a social media fic, or a bunch of short one shots focused on the reactions of different people we see but never here from in the show.
Like that guy who was proposing to his girlfriend before MK caused the earth to swallow them up. Whatever happened to those two?
You can't really see it just through images, but MK's eyes kinda shift back and forth, like he's really studying his master here. Whatever he sees, whatever emotion he is able to read off of Wukong…
… MK chooses to trust and is filled with determination.
Also- hi lady! You look like you're worried for Wukong too.
Ne Zha also says nope to physics.
I am weak for polearm and staff martial arts. Building momentum with repeated spins and twists of the shaft not only adds extra power, but just looks plane cool.
When Ne Zha grabs his spear out of its hell bent path, its with poise and grace, ending with a pose like he's a professional ballet dancer or Olympic gymnest.
When Wukong grabs it, he's kinda wild and seemingly out of control, like watching a break dancer or parkour expert.
I just love this fight and how it lets us compare two very different fighting styles between two very experienced long armed melee weapon specialists. It really says a lot about their character.
He's so proud of himself!
Eep. Macaque! What did she do to you! And why did she take away your glamour?
Or… is that you just conserving your magic, keeping her from accessing as much as you can for your future escape.
And now I'm out of room! Curse you tumblr trying to keep posts a managable size! How am I suppose to ramble about my favourite characters in these conditions!
Ah, well- Onto the next post where we talk about Macaque's poor choices, MK's true purpose, and a dash more of Ne Zha.
Lego Monkie Kid Rewatch: Season 3
Episode 9, The King, the Prince, the Shadow Part 2/2
"Does anyone else feel like-" "We've been here before? Yeah. Its weird, right? But- I ah- know I haven't." "Me neither. And yet this place feels so familiar." "Nah. Not me, man. This is all new to me."
Remember when I said that a lot of characters keep wrongly comparing MK to Wukong, like MK is supposed to be the next Wukong. Well…. that wasn't just at the characters. That was at us the fans too. Up until this season, I too just thought of MK as the next Monkey King. It just felt right. Pigsy was Zhu Bajie, Tang Tang Sanzang, Mei as Ao Lie, and Sandy as Sha Wujing. Simplistically, I assumed MK was supposed to be this new version's Monkey King. But he's not. He's not like the rest. He's not part of their story- at least he wasn't supposed to be.
MK was never meant to be here... to experience this, or them. And this season is when the show really starts opening our eyes to it.
(Also… I think this proves pretty definitively that Sandy is not the still alive Sha Wujing. With his flashback in To Catch a Leaf, I was so sure. I mean, look at those old looking weaponry?!)
(But unless Sha Wujing has amnesia that conveniently lets him forget the Samadhi Fire incident, than he really is just the reincarnation instead of the original.)
"It is on brand for you to have a worse version of everyone elses powers."
Ouch. Also… is this a hint at Macaque having been a clone of Wukong once upon a time? Like, in Shadow Play, Macaque chooses to feature a lot of Wukong and his clones for some reason, especially when speaking of the Warrior and Hero being a team. Strangely, some of those clones look an awful lot like Macaque.
Or could this be a hint at season 5 where its revealed Macaque's shadow powers are more like certain other being who shall not be named for sake of spoilers?
Loud Annoying Wukong: "What? You got what you wanted, didn't you? Not going to gloat, monologue a little bit before scurrying off to your master?"
Inner Panicking Wukong: "Ah drat! He's totally gonna know those are fake. Quick! I gotta distract him into wasting more time!"
"Wukong!"
I'm pretty sure that's Ne Zha's favourite word. He says it almost every second. Might even be his catch phrase.
"Oh, so the piece of paper just magically made a bunch of light!" "That's exactly what happened and you know it!"
Ah, I love these two.
"Stop! If you hurt that kid I'll-" "What. Make things worse for MK?"
Like I said last time, bad hero, good mentor. He cares about MK more than anything else right now. This same kind of protective passion has happened before, back in the Journey to the West. Wukong is good at devoting himself to one person, and tolerating everyone else for the sake of that person.
"Glowy mystic symbol thingies are always never good!"
Proceeds to touch said glowy mystic symbol thingies.
AWWWW! Tang trying to protect Mei!
I love the majority of the adults in this show. They do their best to help the kiddos and protect them, even when those kiddo's are typically more powerful than them. Tang, Pigsy, and Sandy understand that young one's always need to be cared for.
THIS SHOT THIS SHOT THIS SHOT!
I totally missed this shot the first time around! OH MY GOSHNESS SANDY I LOvE YOU!
Once again Macaque forgets about Mei.
I'm starting to see why she and Macaque were put in a team together in season 4. She is, strangely enough, his blind spot.
And once again I am shaking my head at the way the show treated Macaque's supposed redemption arc. Look at the way he's treating her, the way he's treating them all! The fear and pain he causes them!
Bashes MK repeatedly into the ground until he is unconscious.
Threatens Mei's life while holding her by the throat.
Forces the parental figures to watch their kids get ruined.
Forces Tang to choose the life of his friends over the sake of the world.
The trauma this guy is causing them- and they just never bring it up? Mei should have held the largest grudge Katara style until Macaque made it up to her! Tang should be absolutely afraid to go near Macaque after the moral trauma the simian caused him. Pigsy should throw a spoon at him every time he darkens his door way with all his ping pong master might. Sandy should constantly keep Macaque between himself and the kids as a protective barrier everytime the shadow comes around.
Until Macaque makes it up to them, apologizes and tries to do right by them all... they should have continued to treat him with fear, anger, and wariness.
"But he was under LBD control' you say. 'He had no choice."
No he wasn't. This threatening, this danger he puts them in? That was for his own gain. Macaque wanted the Samadhi Fire to escape LBD. He was in control of his actions here. He was going to take the power needed to break her control over him and then dip, leaving the mortals to parish under LDB's rule. Sure, he was probably in pain and obviously scared for his life- but that doesn't excuse the choices he made and the trauma he caused.
It's like Macaque said last episode. You have to look out for yourself, no one else.
Lego Monkie Kid Rewatch: Season 3
Episode 10, Samadhi Fire Part 1/2
Just a warning, I do talk about season 5 for a moment, but I'll try to keep it labeled and separate so you can easily skip over it without getting spoiled if you want.
Now that I know a bit of the Journey to the West, I have only just realised how impossible it would be for the pilgrims to be here helping baby Red Son.
No way could this rage baby Red Son have thought up clever scheams to catch and eat Tang Sanzang the way JTTW Red Son did. Not to mention at the end JTTW Red Son ended up going to Guanyin's villain reform program.
On the other hand, I don't believe the sealing of Samadhi Fire would have happened before the journey. Wukong is clearly wearing his post-pilgrimage get up and the pilgrims all act like they know each other.
All of this to say, just how many differences are there between the show's journey and the novel's.
Then again, the fact that Iron Fan and Bull King are still in love and married should have been the first tip off for me.
Season 5 Spoiler Talk
I am curious, are all of these differences a result to Nine-Headed Demon's interference? What the heck did the guy have to do to insure Red Son would be born late enough to be baby during Tang Sanzang's life time? Is the Nine-Headed Demon responsible for the Samahdi fire being so out of control in a young Red Son? In JTTW, Red Son still wields it and has great control over it.
"For the Samahdi fire to be split in three, you must harmonise you're energies!"
These three? Harmonise? A hard headed demon king, a sentient rock monkey, and a duty bound celestial ex-mortal? Sanzang was basically asking for failure here.
Wukong: 'Psssh, this is easy.'
Also Wukong:
Ao Lie just took a blow for Sanzang!
The notorious, lets everything go to chaos in a box around him while continues to be horse actually stepped up and took action. Now I know for sure this is post-pilgrimage! Character development!
Reprimands in sarcasm and bonks heads when annoyed.
Brother coded, brother coded, brother coded, brother coded
"Alright, you win."
In the last episode when Tang said this it was more from Macaque's perspective and thus Tang sounded desperate and hopeless. He really seemed like he'd given up.
Now, thanks to these three shots… everything feels different. Same lines, same delivery. But now I believe Tang isn't giving up. He's got a plan!
I have not talked enough about the sound design in this show! I love the sounds they use for magic. I'm pretty sure that each magic user plus each different power their unique chime/gong! Examples:
Tang's has a very clear and simple ring.
Ne Zha's sounds like fairy twinkle lights, all light, airy, and chimey.
Wukong main magic is like a bamboo thunking against a stone, or a a small stone creating ripples in a pond. Wish I knew what made this sound. I have been conditioned to be hyped every time I hear it.
Interestingly, MK's magic sounds the same. I believe this is what further fed into the belief that Wukong had gifted MK his magic instead of it coming from the kid. The shows own little misdirection!
But really, I think the reason for the similarity in their magic, both ability and sound, stems from them both being made by Nuwa as celestial stone monkeys.
The whole reason I thought to bring it up was this transition. We go from a third person perspective to looking through Wukong's eyes. and the first thing to clue us in that this is happening is the sound of Wukong's gold vision activating before suddenly the image blinks gold and we find ourselves zooming out of Wukong's eyes as he watches the scene from far away.
The way they did this was such a cool transition as well as an awesome example of how the golden vision works! Superman, you wish you're eye powers were this cool!
"Let's hope my aim is as good as it used to be."
AKA: "If I skewer you, it's totally because I missed and not because I'm still angry at you and taking petty revenge."
Red, blue, green. Long ago, the three Samadhi Fires were separated and the great destruction was extinguished.
Only when the three colors are found again can they unite and create- PINK FIRE!
Wai- what? That's not how color theory works. How did I never notice before? The full might of the Samadhi Fire is pink.
Love the shattered chains, and the washing away of the blue aura to symbolize LBD's hold over him being broken.
"Someone get some water!"
I'm surprised he didn't throw snow at her. Its right there.
Anyone else think it's really cool that Wukong can just pull Macaque out of his shadows?
Like, no one else has been able to do that!
Ah, so Tang didn't have a plan. He just did it because it felt right. shakes my head Oh Tang, and for a moment I thought you were competent.
Seriously though, I am now forever scarred by the word destiny. I hate it.
"I hate to interrupt, but can someone explain what is going on!"
No please interrupt. We need you MK! You're the only one who could possible salvage this situation. Everybody else just keeps making it worse!
Macaque- ignoring the child in fiery pain to celebrate his freedom.
Wukong- lashing out at the closest person marginally at fault (that isn't him).
Ne Zha- voice of doom declaring the girl and world as a lost cause.
Tang- DESTINY
Like, great job everyone. Way to solve your problems.