Friends Thanksgiving Episodes Ranked

Over the past few years, watching at least a portion of the Friends Thanksgiving episodes has become a staple in our home. Even my friend David, who doesn't typically watch Friends, will say that we need to watch them when he comes over for dinner. So, in honor of that and in honor of Thanksgiving, here are some of my thoughts on spending Thanksgiving with six of your favorite New Yorkers.

10. The One With the List

Bottom of the list for the simple reason that it's not even a true Thanksgiving episode. Other than Monica working on Thanksgiving-themed "Mockolate" recipes, there isn't even a mention of the holiday. Besides all that, Ross and Rachel's relationship drama always bores me. I know they're the main couple of the show, but I don't like their relationship. But that's a rant for another time.

9. The One Where Chandler Doesn’t Like Dogs 

I know I just said I didn't like Rachel's relationship with Ross, but I think I might like her relationship with Tag even less. But like Ross/Rachel, it's a discussion for another time. The redeeming quality of this episode is Chandler coming to let Clunkers stay in the apartment. But I'm a sucker for any dog.

8. The One with the Late Thanksgiving 

The three plot points in this one just don't interest me that much, compared to other Thanksgiving episodes. The baby beauty pageant, the game, and Chandler's cranberries. There are some great one-liners though. "Don't you put words in people's mouths. You put turkey in people's mouths."

7. The One with Chandler in the Box 

The triangle between Joey, Chandler, and Kathy just makes me uncomfortable (and after so much buildup, they break up so quickly anyway). Also Monica's date with Tim is awkward. Basically the relationships in this episode are just awkward to watch, but also plenty of good one-liners, so I can't hate it either.

6. The One with the Football 

In fairness, this is one of the only times I care about football. That being said, it's still on the lower half of my list because I don't care about the Geller Cup. And besides the Geller Cup, the only real plot point is the Dutch girl. Meh.

5. The One Where the Underdog Gets Away 

The antics of this episode are fun. And it sets up future years for future years of Thanksgiving fun. The best part I think is when Monica is so upset about being locked out that she starts squeaking during her cry.

4. The One With Rachel’s Other Sister 

Amy Greene is the character we all love to hate, I think. Despite how cringe-worthy her comments are, she's the best part of this episode. Because of her, we got the comical discussion about who would get Emma if Ross and Rachel died. In the end, despite doubts about Chandler's parenting before, he and Ross have a heartwarming moment about his parenting skills.

3. The One Where Ross Got High 

This one is probably in my top 3 because it has one of my favorite gifs. A few of them actually. I use them at work often. Other than the added dynamic of the senior Gellers joining the Friends, it's a pretty uneventful. It's definitely one of the many times that Ross bugs me. But that's another rant. Rachel's trifle and Phoebe's dreams are my favorite part. And Joey's "I WANNA GO!!!"

2. The One with the Thanksgiving Flashbacks 

I think the part I enjoy most about this episode is that it's full of mini-stories, straight to the punch(line). We also get Fat Monica, who is always one of my favorites. So despite her awkward seduction a year later, Monica makes this one #2 for me.

1. The One With The Rumor 

The comical twists and turns make this #1 on my list. Will and Monica's jokes about their previous weight help keep the tension light. We also have Phoebe's not-so-subtle crush on Will that will always make me laugh. And who doesn't love Joey's Thanksgiving pants?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sparkshorts Review: Float

(Guest Post by Ryan)

Pixar’s newest nearly wordless short, found only on Disney Plus, is relatable, allegorical, and cathartic. Float tells the story of an imperfect father and his imperfect son, who find perfection in their imperfection. Attention to detail is Pixar’s strength, and it comes through in things like the father’s crooked teeth, the son’s windswept hair, and the looks on the neighbors’ faces that simultaneously show both judgment and awe.

Float was written to tell the story of a father struggling with his son’s atypicality, reflective of director Bobby Rubio’s own struggles when his son was diagnosed with autism. But because Rubio chooses to use floating as the metaphor for autism, the short transcends pigeonholing, and can be applied to any number of divergences from what is considered normal. A boy who floats could just as easily be a girl with depression, a man with anxiety, or a woman who is an introvert.

And who can’t relate to the few spoken words in the short, which are so poignantly shouted, “Why can’t you just be normal?!”

At times heartbreaking, at times heartwarming, and at times both, Float encourages those with challenges, and their loved ones, to embrace their uniqueness. Negative challenges are present in any difference, like the boy in Float who might present differently than “the norm”. A child with depression might be chronically sad. A man with anxiety might have panic attacks. A woman who is an introvert might struggle to be a leader. These challenges are inherent, but if we focus on the negatives, they weigh us down, like so many rocks in our backpack.

But Float also teaches us that there is beauty in our challenges. When we embrace and love our whole selves, we gain perspective. Embracing our ourselves -- not in spite of our uniqueness, but because of our uniqueness -- is the key to finding self esteem and mental health. The boy in Float can do extraordinary things beyond the abilities of others. A child with depression might be more empathetic with those that need a listening ear. A man with anxiety might have more concern and care for others. A woman who is an introvert might be the best listener you’ve ever met.

“My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

The Horse and His Boy

Ever since the point where the baby could start to hear in utero (I think that's around 16 weeks?) I've been reading bedtime stories to her. I chose "The Chronicles of Narnia" to start. I figured I can get through all seven books before she can have an opinion on which bedtime stories she wants to hear. We're currently on "The Horse and His Boy" and I've gotta say it's my favorite. I know the most popular of the Narnia series, but it means a lot to me.

Short version of the story: I came home from my mission due to anxiety and during the time when I was figuring out if I could/would go back, I was reading through Narnia for the first time. I happened to be reading "The Horse and His Boy" on a particularly stressful day. But that made the reading all the sweeter.

Near the end of the book, Shasta (the main character) is lost in the mountain fog. His mission to warn the King of Archenland has been completed and now he's lost and depressed. Everything seemed to go perfectly for everyone but him. In the midst of his sadness, a talking Narnian creature joins him. This creature, who turns out to be Aslan, tells him that he has been watching over him all along his journey. Shasta was never alone.

As Aslan is meant to represent Jesus Christ, I find it interesting that all the times Shasta encountered him previously in the book guided him along, but in very different ways.

The first time Shasta encountered Aslan, he had appeared to be two wild lions. These lions had driven the two Narnian horses (Bree and Hwin) together along with their riders (Shasta and Aravis, respectively). With the four of them together, they were able to complete their journey, which would have no happened if they'd been alone. In a similar sense, I believe that the Lord will use the our trials to bring us together with the people that we need in our lives. It's not always fun. It's not always pleasant. But we wouldn't be the same people without them. If I had been where I wanted to be over the past ten years, instead of where God wanted me to be, I’d never have met some of my very best friends.

When Shasta encountered Aslan the second time, he had taken the form of a cat. In this calm and quiet form, Aslan kept Shasta company as he spent the night alone in the desert, after getting split up from his friends. As I think about how the cat comforted him, I think about the promise of the Holy Ghost as the “comforter” (John 14:26). This is also one of the roles that Christ played (John 14:18).

The same night that Shasta was alone in the desert, he heard jackals howling in the distance. He heard the roaring of a lion scare the jackals off. The roaring scared Shasta as well, but even while he was scared he was safe. Aslan had scared off the jackals, keeping Shasta protected. In the same way, I believe that even though God's will scares us sometimes, it's the way we'll be safe.

The next time Shasta was visited by Aslan was the last (chronologically) before the big revelation on the mountain road. While running toward Archenland and away from Prince Rabadash of Calormen, The horses were out of energy and couldn't run any faster. That was the case until a lion started chasing after them. The fear gave the horses new energy and because of that Shasta was able to make it to King Lune of Archenland in time. Likewise, sometimes trials, though painful and scary, push us to our limits we didn't know we could reach. If it wasn't for the Lord emotionally stretching me, I wouldn't know the strength and faith that He's blessed me with.

There was one more time that Aslan watched over Shasta that he told in the end. As a baby, Shasta had been left adrift in the ocean (you'll have to read the book to know why), but Aslan helped that boat with baby Shasta make its way safely to shore. He was found by a fisherman who raised him and, despite the abusive upbringing, it kept Shasta safe until he was called to save Archenland. Just like Aslan on that night, the Savior will gently guide us through our oceans to somewhere safe where He can prepare us for what's next.

I don't know what you're going through, but our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ is watching over you, preparing you, stretching you, and caring for you. That much I know.

The Little Mermaid 30th Anniversary

(Guest Post by David T)

Dear Ariel, Eric, Ursula, and the Cast of “The Little Mermaid,”

Happy 30th Anniversary! You have reached a milestone in cinematic history! Thirty years ago on the 17 November 1989, all of you splashed onto the big screen and into hearts’ of millions, including mine.

I was 10 years old when I saw your movie. I remember sitting in a darkened theater with my aunts and younger sister, and being transported “under the sea.” Upon seeing your wedding dress, Ariel, one of my aunts whispered that she wanted one just like yours when she got married. I received toy versions of you and Ursula in my Happy Meals. And then around 6 months later, my family purchased your film on home video, where once again I visited “part of your world.”

In the years and decades that have passed, I’ve collected The Little Mermaid soundtrack on audio cassette and CD, and the film on video cassette and DVD. I’ve memorized many scenes and musical numbers from your movie. Ariel, you taught me that it’s acceptable to walk or swim a different path, even when others, including fathers, don’t understand. And that song is a very powerful way to bare and express my soul. While being evil is self-destructive, Ursula, you’ve entertained me with your villainy. No one else can convince “poor unfortunate souls” with such enthusiasm to make a deal quite like you. Flounder, you are an example of being a loyal and supportive friend; you’ve shown that views of humans and young mermaids can change, Sebastian; and Scuttle, you’ve started a trend among human girls and boys in how to really use a “dinglehopper.” And your determination and courage, Eric, to find and not let go of the girl or mermaid that you love is applauded.

All of you should be proud of the legacy of The Little Mermaid. Your film revitalized Disney movie making. It set the standard for storytelling, believable and lovable characters, music, and animation. The Little Mermaid ushered in the “renaissance” in Walt Disney animated feature films, and set a precedence that storytellers in animation both inside and outside Walt Disney studios have sought to follow. Your film has impacted my family too. When The Little Mermaid returned to theaters in 1997, I was nostalgic about my childhood. To revisit the magic of seeing your movie on the big screen, I took my sisters to see it, the youngest watching your film for the first time in theaters. Eleven years later, my younger sister introduced her daughter to The Little Mermaid on the small screen when showing your movie to her in the DVD format. Since that time, my niece has loved you, Ariel, and your world. She has watched your movie over and over again, has your doll and other toys, and got an Ariel mini doll key chain when we visited the Lego Store this year.

THANK YOU for three memorable decades of lessons, laughter, tears, music, entertainment, and happily ever after! And here’s to another 30 years of sharing these gifts with me, my family, and the world! Happy 30th Anniversary!!!

With Love,

David

7 Underrated Disney Movies to Check Out on Disney Plus

Disney Plus launched this week! In honor of their release, I asked David (one of our guest writers and the biggest Disney savant I know) what lesser-known and under appreciated Disney movies people should take advantage of now that they're included in the streaming service.

1. Lady and the Tramp - We've got a new live-action "Lady and the Tramp" with the lauch of Disney+. Before you watch that, go ahead and watch the original cartoon version. It's been out for decades, but it's kind of fallen back into obscurity due to the more popular movies, like the Disney Princesses. But what's not to like? It's a cute romance and its stars are all dogs.

2. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh - This one was my little brother's favorite growing up (his first toy was a plush Tigger). And why not? It's a cute movie made of featurettes that Disney had done prior. Strung together, it's cute and you can chop it up to be watched in sections if you've got a little kid (definitely gonna be using that when my daughter is born). Also, I look forward to taking my daughter on the "Winnie the Pooh" ride at Disneyland/Walt Disney World in a couple years.

3. The Rescuers/The Rescuers Down Under - Long before Frozen 2 was ever thought of, "The Rescuers" got a theatrical sequel. Both movies have a consistent cast of their main characters, Bernard and Miss Bianca. Both movies have lovable characters, heartfelt stories, and freaky villains (probably a bit too realistic, compared to fantastical villains like Jafar or Ursula).

4. The Emperor's New Groove - This is easily one of my favorite movies (top 5 for sure, if not top 3). I have a hard time trusting anyone who hasn't seen "The Emperor's New Groove". Its small cast makes for very solid characters. Sure we have Pacha's family, but other than them we have only four major characters: Kuzco, Pacha, Yzma, and Kronk. I think the best part is that it's nonsensical and just fun to watch. It's also highly quotable, as I've written about previously. -- Also, can we talk about why there STILL isn't an "Emperor's New Groove" roller coaster at Disney yet?
SEE ALSO: "Everyday Use of Emperor's New Groove"

5. Fantasia 2000 - I've never seen "Fantasia 2000", so I asked for David's insight on this movie. Apparently Walt Disney had wanted regular updates of "Fantasia" every few years. So 60 years after the original, Roy Disney (his nephew) promoted this one. We got different animation styles and music, the best (in David's opinion) is the Firebird Suite. It contained realistic animation of animals, a lovable nature sprite, and a horrifying firebird.

6. Treasure Planet - The oversimplified version of this is that it's a science fiction adaption of the novel "Treasure Island". It was done with oil painting backgrounds, making it one of the more expensive animated films. At its heart, it's a story of a troubled boy who becomes a man who learns right from wrong. (Thanks to David for the synopsis of that, since I haven't seen this one in 10 years)

7. The Princess and the Frog - Tiana might be one of the most under appreciated Disney Princesses. I actually never saw this movie until David was my roommate several years ago. It's definitely a big twist on the story of "The Frog Prince". If you're the kind that doesn't care for the Disney Princesses because they're not good role models for young girls, (first off, David will fight you) Tiana is not a typical Disney Princess. She's not helpless. In fact, she's probably too independent and she had to learn to let other people help her. That's something I can definitely take more of in my life.

There are probably dozens of other Disney movies that you need to check out with your new Disney Plus account. Others I might recommend are "Atlantis", "Fun and Fancy Free", "Meet the Robinsons", and "The Great Mouse Detective". Also, thanks to David for consulting with me on this post. Look forward to seeing a new post from him in the near future about a certain Disney Princess's anniversary year.

Baby Halloween Costumes

Less than a week until Halloween! If you've been following my posts for any time now, you'll know that I love cosplaying. If you've been following my posts recently, you'll know my wife is pregnant (30 weeks along today!). So naturally I've been thinking about Halloween 2020 when I'll have an 11-month old baby to dress up. Never mind the fact that we'll get to take her trick-or-treating and eat all her candy, I'm just excited to show her off and dress up with her. So for any other expecting parents (or new parents) here are some ideas I found on Pinterest.

Doctor Who
Depending on which Doctor you're talking about or which companion, this could be really simple. A baby dressed as the Eleventh Doctor is just perfection in my eyes. Sure, you won't have the tweed jacket, but my heart just melts whenever I see a little boy at church with suspenders and/or a bow tie. You could do the same thing with a tie and 3D glasses for the Tenth Doctor. If that's too much for your baby, you could also do a onesie with some dots and a Dalek hat. Suddenly you have a baby Dalek.

Harry Potter
This mandrake cosplay is pretty simple. Get a lightweight pot. Depending on the baby you could either do a brown onesie or no onesie. After that you just need a dark hat with a couple leaves taped to it. If you don't want to do that, there's an easy 5-pack Harry Potter onesie set on Amazon. Two of them could be easy costumes, either as a Gryffindor student or a Gryffindor Quidditch player. Add some tiny glasses and you've got a mini Potter.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LC31V16/ref=cm_sw_r_em_api_i_c_ZaXSDbP9HHSJC

Super Heroes
With the MCU being so big right now (and only getting bigger with Disney+) it's really easy to do Marvel costumes right now. You can get a romper, like in these pictures from Pinterest. Or if you want to go really low maintenance, Amazon has another set of onesies with Avengers outfits. That'll give you four easy cosplays for $30. Also, you could do the same thing with some DC heroes. It's pretty easy to get a Superman or Batman onesie.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y24HBVK/ref=cm_sw_r_em_api_i_c_qeXSDbQDVRYEZ

Star Wars
I've seen plenty of DIY Ewok costumes on Pinterest with just a teddy bear costume and brown shirt. If you want to go really easy though, look for a onesie again. Chewbacca or Darth Vader are pretty easy to find if you start looking. I found them for $28 at this link.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q876NH2/ref=cm_sw_r_em_api_i_c_KDXSDb87M8SED

Disney Characters
Disney does a good job marketing their costumes. I'm just waiting for November 1 for Disney Store to start putting all their Princess costumes on clearance. Having a baby Ariel or Jasmine to go with my Eric or Aladdin costume would be just living the dream. However, if you can't find a good Disney costume on clearance, we always have the option again of onesies from Amazon. If you've got a little girl, you can easy get a 5-pack of Disney Princess onesies, giving you the option of Aurora, Snow White, Ariel, Cinderella, or Belle. For options for boys, you could get a Pixar pack with options for Mike Wazowski, Nemo, Buzz Lightyear, or Mr Incredible/Dash/Jack Jack (that one could also be Violet or Elastigirl for a girl too).
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K38G8Y6/ref=cm_sw_r_em_api_i_c_uYXSDbZBP0E0V
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KRMB5CN/ref=cm_sw_r_em_api_i_c_XXXSDbARVXRHQ

Bottom line: if you want to go super low maintenance, you can pretty much find a onesie for any fandom you want if you look with the right words on Amazon. (Wish me luck convincing my wife on a fun family costume for next year, I'm thinking Disney).

Endgame Wisdom from Frigga

“Everyone fails at who they're supposed to be, Thor. The measure of a person, of a hero, is how well they succeed at being who they are.” --Frigga (Avengers: Endgame)

Last week my wife had her baby shower (only 11 weeks to go now!) and so while she was out I had a few friends over and we watched “Endgame”. It was the first time I’d seen it since theaters, so in some ways it was like watching it brand new all over again. As such, this line from Frigga struck me.

In a world that praises “authenticity” we get so many messages about who we’re supposed to be. These can be as “superficial” as how we’re supposed to look or how we’re supposed to act, but it also extends to how we live the commandments. Too often the world of “authenticity” tells us we’re supposed to live on our impulses, breaking the commandments. The law of chastity and the word of wisdom are two that particular get put under scrutiny. To live as the natural man too often gets equated with living authentically.

However, that’s not who we are. Never mind that we are instructed to “[put] off the off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ” (Mosiah 3:19) but the natural man isn’t even who we are to begin with. Since the beginning, we are the children of God. Those of us who grew up in the church have sung about it basically since birth. It was also reiterated just a couple weeks ago in General Conference with the revised Young Women’s motto.

“I am a beloved [child] of heavenly parents, with a divine nature and eternal destiny.”

As much as we “are” who we’re supposed to be in the world, we’ll never live up to our eternal potential if we stay that way. As Frigga said, the measure of ourselves is how we succeed at who we are, children of God. Of course we’ll stumble along the way. But that’s okay. There’s always a way back to Him and to reach our divine potential.

“God knows that you are not perfect, that you will fail at times. God loves you no less when you struggle than when you triumph.” -- Elder Uchtdorf (General Conference Oct 2019)

Artist Alley

(Guest Post by Jared)

I’ve been to FanX three times now and I’ve spent exponentially more money each time! This last time we finally splurged for a BIG celebrity photo and paid the price to meet Tom Holland for a photo. I always get a Funko POP or two signed by celebrities, maybe a photo to commemorate the moment. However, by far, the most money I spend at the convention is in Artists Alley.

I’d heard about it before ever attending the show, but honestly could not have expected it to be as huge and as awe striking as it was. The talent that these artists have is just incredible and to see it all in one place like a huge buffet is by far my favorite part of the weekend.

I’ve been a nerd my whole life, some of my earliest memories is watching Star Trek: the Next Generation at three, four and five years old. I love Star Wars and Battlestar Galactica. I’m a Disney fanatic and go to Disneyland or Disneyworld once a year. I’m an avid comic book reader and have been obsessed with Marvel comics since the late 90s. Seeing all the art available at this show spanning these fandoms and so many more could easily be an entire day of your convention, and if you walk through too quickly or skip it altogether I would really say you’re missing the best part! Sure the celebrities are fun; the panel are usually hilarious but for me seeing so many local and talented artists is mind-blowing. Most do it is a side hustle, or just for fun and I’m so glad they’re willing to share their talents with all the rest of us nerds who can’t draw stick figures!

Here are a couple of my new favorites this past FanX, you can find on Instagram

@toonbaboon
I’d actually found this artist because I ran into a lady here at my local Michael’s who was framing a “Little Mermaid” print and I just loved the style! She gave me his name and I quickly found him on Instagram and Etsy. Previous to the convention he was running specials on his Etsy shop on some new prints, one specifically, an Elliot from Pete’s Dragon that is a childhood favorite for me. I purchased it for pickup at the convention and just loved seeing his art in person for the first time! So much Disney and all within a very personal style that I just loved, so I had to buy a couple more!

@xidingart
This artist was a very fun find for me too; his art is an amazing perfect mix of lifelike yet cartoony. I absolutely loved the Iron Man snapping his fingers. So much emotion in that scene in the movie and he was able to capture it in wonderfully in his art.

@tonysantiagoart
Tony is another artist I met at one of the previous conventions but he still remains one of my favorites! I’ve purchased several prints from him in the past and love to stalk his social media and his website to see what new things he’s working on. His art is so lifelike and beautiful; they almost look like photographs that have been put through a filter.

@artofhardy
Another of my favorites from the past FanX was easily Hardy, I’m a sucker for any Marvel art obviously but when I saw a print of the original film Avengers AND it included Wanda and Vision I had to have it! I’m a huge Vision fan from the comics and I was really excited to see him and Wanda included in such a beautiful print.

@nostalgicburns
Easily my new favorite find from the most recent FanX was Nostalgic Burns. Every piece of his art is unique and there are no reprints because he does them all by hand with a wood burning pen. There are a few wood burning artists at FanX, however this is easily the most talented and unique artist in the bunch! I was amazed at how beautiful and detailed his art could be just burning pieces of wood! Talent comes in many forms and this artist is a step above the rest for sure!

Also check out our thoughts on a celebrity meet-and-greet with Ming-Na Wen

Revisiting S.H.I.E.L.D.

I'm a bad nerd. But this past month I've tried to repent of my bad nerdiness in several ways, some of which was driven by my first con, attending FanX a couple of weeks ago with some of my fellow bloggers.

With a busy work schedule that requires me to extrovert far more than I'd like to, I often come home from work and disconnect for a bit while I watch TV. Due to my love of the Office and Friends I've turned to watching those over and over again and before I knew it, I never made it past Agents of SHIELD Season 4 Episode 3 from a few years ago! I've snuck in some Star Trek Discovery over the past few years, but when I attended FanX I regretted my choice to consistently binge on the same stuff over and over again instead of keeping up with a show like S.H.I.E.L.D. and other shows like Flash, Gotham, and more that I really came to love.

I attended Ming-Na Wen's panel and was suddenly hearing questions and answers about stuff that I hadn't seen without as much as a #SpoilerAlert.

Hearing Ming-Na Wen speak and meeting her afterwards, as well as being around so many fellow nerds and geeks really sparked my interest in revisiting S.H.I.E.L.D. I started at the very beginning and have thoroughly enjoyed becoming familiar again with the stories and series.

What really sets Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. apart from other TV shows for me is the integration with the MCU and integration of minor characters from film into the series. Yes Coulson died in the Avengers, but given the Kree integration into multiple Marvel films, the idea of GH325 and T.A.H.I.T.I. isn't so far-fetched.

The character development and diversity of character as well is something that has been super fun to revisit. Seeing Ward throughout the first few episodes and knowing he was Hydra, watching Fitz and Simmons and so many of the initial character interactions was fascinating to watch. Currently almost done with Season 2. I can't wait to get caught back up, and then get caught ALL the way up to where we are currently.

Other Marvel TV series haven't seem to have done as well, so I hope that once Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. ends, Marvel/Disney can continue to offer quality TV integrated into its film canon.

I'll definitely be ready for season 7. Not gonna let my next con take me by surprise :)

Also check out our thoughts on Artist Alley

Legends, Misfits, and (Small and Simple) Stranger Things

A few weeks ago I finished "Stranger Things" Season 3. Part way through the series, I got thinking about how odd the situation was. Not just because of the monster from the Upside-Down and Russian spies in rural Indiana, but because we're rooting for this small group of teenagers to beat all of it. I suppose it make sense though right? Don't we tend to root for the underdogs? The geeky best friend in a chick flick. The (alien) farm boy from Kansas. The skinny kid with asthma (and other things), who just wants to join the army. The outcast. The nobody. The misfit. The small and simple things.

To whatever extent, we relate to these characters. Despite appearances, everyone has insecurities, so we relate to the oddballs. We can't relate to the characters of perceived perfection. They're just too perfect. That's one of the reasons that "Legends of Tomorrow" is possibly my favorite of the Arrowverse TV shows. These are literally B-Team characters from the other shows joining together to be a superhero team. Rip Hunter even told them in Season 1 that taking them from the timeline would make little to no impact. Over the years, that dynamic has changed and characters have come and gone from the Waverider, but the point is still the same. These are lovable misfits. That's why the show is so endearing to me.

And why shouldn't it? Everybody has their day when they feel out of place or like a nobody. Those moments when you're humbled. I think that might be on purpose. To bring in gospel principles, humility is a trait that God desires us to have (see Mosiah 3:19). It's a defining characteristic of charity, the pure love of Christ (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). And furthermore God has a history of using those misfits or nobodies to change in the world! Look at King David the shepherd, Joseph Smith the farm boy, and even His Beloved Son Jesus Christ, the carpenter's son.

Alma taught his son that by "small and simple things are great things brought to pass" (Alma 37:6). The Lord told Joseph Smith that "the weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones" (D&C 1:19). So maybe it's not so bad to be nobody. It's okay to be a misfit.

Spoiler alert: those ridiculous teenage boys in Hawkins, Indiana did make a difference. And I'm sure they'll win during Season 4 well. Until then, I'm okay being a misfit. It's part of what makes a Legend.