Narnia's Poisson Spots of 2021: What will 2022 Hold?

 

 

lol.   Nah, it isn't as bad as all that!  Forget everything else right now and let's remember the good things that happened with many of our favorite guys in 2021, okay?  Because I bet you'll see that there were more than you realized.  😉  And these moments are always fun to re-visit.

 

•  The growth of Louis Tomlinson's fanbase, this despite a total lack of promotion and assistance by his former team and an ongoing pandemic.  Twitter account @secretwxlls made the excellent comparative screenshots, showing the tremendous increase in his twitter footprint between 2020 to 2021.

from January 02, 2020

from January 01, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Kansas City Chiefs' seven-time Pro Bowl selection, Travis Kelce was nominated for the team's Walter Payton Man of the Year award which honors on and off the field excellence.  The fans can participate in the WPMOY Challenge, which will win $25K to the player who garners the most votes via fans voting on twitter.  And Travis was the winner of the Challenge.  He didn't win the grand prize at the NFL Honors, but to beat out the other 31 players in fan votes is a really great honor in itself.

• Louis's just like us.  Remember when he shared with everyone he had had his wisdom teeth pulled?  The tweet is followed by one particular response that had me 😂😂

• We had Austin working on filming or showing on the screen this past year.  He had a recurring guest stint on Jared's show, Walker Texas Ranger and also appeared in a film called Masquerade, which was released in July.  We also know that he's working in a project that will show in HBO because we've seen an on-set photo.  

for Masquerade

and the set photo for HBO's Minx,

 

 

• 2021 saw Zayn Malik able to break apart from the Hadid family and although it couldn't come without melodrama and false domestic accusations, Zayn's incredible, faithful fandom made the event more of a black eye on the accusers than on Zayn himself.  He also is no longer with his record label and management company.  Narnia says "Good Riddance".  Things are quiet right now on the Zayn front, but we say that's okay.  We'll wait patiently and watch for what will hopefully be true and positive news for his future. 

• Liam Payne had some notable successes in 2021, huge credit to him in accomplishing this while working around Sony Music's minefield.  We know that Liam is not a man who can sit still and this is why we're so excited for what lies ahead in his future.  Whatever that is, we're here for it.  But this is about 2021 and Liam had his first soundtrack single!  The song was "Sunshine" and debuted for the Disney film, Ron Gone Wrong.  That's a feather in one's cap.  The song has hit over 9 million streams on Spotify and something even more impressive, is that listeners have streamed from his music catalog over two (2) billion times.  That's mind blowing!

I know, I know!  We're so proud of this guy.  

 

• We've known for quite a few years now that Jared Padalecki's public life is one that is rife with narratives, so it was rewarding to see him able to sneak in an allusion that he is way more than a beanie and a head pat.  Way.  More.  2021 brought us this intriguing quote from Jared regarding what he enjoys now in his career.

"I don't want to direct, I want to produce.  That's kind of the way my brain works.  I would rather put together the Legos than have the finished piece.  I read instruction booklets.  I love the engineering, puzzle aspect of it.  I'd rather try and figure out the answer than know the answer." - 'Jared Padalecki Previews Walker Season 2: We Hit the Ground Running', EW, October 28, 2021.

 

It's hard to argue who has had a rougher year as far as mistreatment or public malignment by their own management team or record label.  In Jared's case, without knowing contract details, it's still fair to say, for anyone to agree to help shuffle the cards he's been dealt to put up with, stemming from the entire Collins/Jensen Ackles/Destiel/Cockles/Jenmish production in 2021, and we are talking to not only Misha Collins and Jared's own RL partner, Jensen Ackles, but the whole rest of the Supernatural crew and Jensen's beard, there was no photo from 2021 that was more pleasing than this one.  

I'll just say "Knock their heads together but good, Jared."

 

😂😂😂😂  LOL!   That?  That could not have been more perfect.  [Photo was courtesy of Melissa Fudge Photography via twitter, and who has mysteriously and officially been a highly visible photographer for this year's conventions]

• Austin P. McKenzie released two singles in 2021, "I'm Not Ready to Go" released in August and "Summer of Love", which was released in April.  The videos for both were imaginative and entertaining, plus directed (or co-directed) by Kevin.   

And Kevin McHale had a guest stint on American Horror Stories on FX in 2021 and we would love to see him get more opportunities because he is so talented (and PG doesn't handle horror too well lol).  In this interview with Dennis Miller on the podcast, Dennis Miller +One, Kevin talks about the guest appearance, and Kevin, while he says he has "terrible nerves", I would never guess this.  He seems totally chill and at ease when giving an interview.  And I LOVE Dennis Miller bringing up the subject of Broadway as a possibility for Kevin.   Why not?  I bet it'd be so fun!

What I like about Kevin (as well as Austin because they are so visible as a pair) is he is such a supportive person.  He has so many friends and shows so many fun videos.  Narnia loves this Dec 18 photo of Kevin and Austin.  We wish them continued happiness, good health and new exciting adventures.

Kevin and Austin, NYC, December 18 2021

•  Besides grossing nearly $95 million by headlining one of the most successful indoor arena concert tours in 2021, Harry Styles, the actor, was also cast in the role of Tom Burgess in My Policeman opposite his cinematic love interest Patrick Hazlewood, played by David Dawson. The plot focuses on the tragic love story between two men, set in 1950's Brighton, England, when being gay was not only condemned, but a criminal offense. If accused and charged, a same sex relationship/encounter could easily result in life altering consequences, with as many as 1,000 men incarcerated each year in Britain's prisons. We here at Narnia are looking forward to not only how this movie will be marketed, given Harry’s closet, but Harry’s performance as well. He is a talented young man and we hope Harry will be allowed to authentically shine as only he can do. Most definitely something to look forward to in the new year.  Good luck, Harry.

 

•  And wrapping up our highlights, although they are not definitive by any means, is more accomplishments by Kansas City Chiefs' quarterback, Patrick Mahomes.  It's been a rough year for him as far as getting used to a re-constructed offensive line and for unknown reasons, just a lot of "off" throws and "un-gell'ing" with his wide receivers and favorite tight end.  But things have turned around and despite these unexpected obstacles, Patrick has still managed to compile some impressive statistics for the year.  He was also just named the AFC's Offensive Player of the Month for December.  This is the fourth time he has won it; he's won the award in 2018, 2019, 2020 and now 2021.  In other words, these are the four years he's been a starter.  He's also the only quarterback at that position to win the award for the past four seasons.   Also, during this past Sunday's home game vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers, Patrick broke the record for most touchdowns by a quarterback, at Arrowhead Stadium.

After last season's Super Bowl loss, the league watched the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the way that they defeated the Chiefs.  The teams have adapted and learned how to defend against their highly potent offense, but kudos to Coach Reid and his staff for figuring out how to counteract this.  And kudos to Patrick on evolving the way he has this season.  

And this, despite having so many off-the-field distractions to deal with from his family and Brittany Matthews.  So many photo ops and manufactured stories, no doubt pressures from his lawyer, marketing team, and endorsement companies, not to mention the high expectations from a rabid city and fan base.  As Travis told a national audience after Sunday's game, Patrick does have the world on his shoulders.  Narnia recognizes and acknowledges this - the NFL is on a whole different level.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Each of these individuals this year had to overcome a challenge or challenges of some sort this past 2021: mental/psychological abuse, sexual harassment, professional pressures to conform to a particular image, and other various mistreatment unbeknownst to most of the general public.  

Here's to a healthy, safe and hopefully "better" 2022 for all, and ALL of Narnia's favored entertainers and athletes.  😊

For all of us, we wish the same.  Hang in there and just take life a day at a time.   

our pic sources:  besthqwallpapers, Chicago Sun Times, KSHB, Melissa Fudge

                           Photography via twitter, popmuzik, liam93productions, pinkvilla,

                           aliensyndrome

our playlist:  Happy New Year - ABBA

                     Auld Lang Syne - Bobby Darin

                     Raise Your Glass - Pink

                     What're You Doing New Year's Eve - Ella Fitzgerald

                     Welcome to the Future - Brad Paisley

All Things Must Pass: The Target on Louis Tomlinson's Back

 

plural noun: mind games

1. a series of deliberate actions or responses planned for psychological effect on another, typically for amusement or competitive advantage.

 

April 4, 2020

 

 

 

Faith in the Future bookends at Away From Home Festival, 8.30.21

"So keep on playing those mind games together

Faith in the future, out of the now"

                                                                                          Lyrics from Mind Games by John Lennon

What a perfect summation of Louis Tomlinson's dilemma in 2021. "Mind Games" are a form of psychological manipulation in which faith in the future is sometimes the only constructive, practical response. Especially, when a power imbalance is present  and there is no level playing field possible.

And...what Is Manipulation?

Manipulation is the exercise of harmful influence over others. People who manipulate others attack their mental and emotional sides to get what they want. The person manipulating — called the manipulator — seeks to create an imbalance of power, and take advantage of a victim to get power, control, benefits, and/or privileges at the expense of the victim. 

The most vicious and sophisticated kind of manipulation is an action that is set up, based on an imbalance of power (Sony), to convince others (e.g., Louis/One Direction Fans, Larries, 2022 ticket holders for Louis' long delayed upcoming tour, etc.) that the targeted victim (Louis Tomlinson) -- "Why are we always stuck/fucking [and] running from the bullets?" --  is actually a willing behind the scenes collaborator and therefore should be the one punished/blamed for an obviously orchestrated stunt.  [Lyric from Harry Styles' song, Sign of the Times.]

Let that reality sink in for a moment. 

The most vicious and sophisticated kind of manipulation is an action that is set up, based on an imbalance of power, to convince others that the targeted victim is actually a willing collaborator who should be the one punished/blamed for an obviously orchestrated stunt. 

The bull's-eye hit was to construct/arrange for a high profile event/occurrence, let's say on Christmas Eve and a certain someone's 30th birthday. Use social media to continue to control a narrative that the real perpetrators (Sony) know will land a gut punch on the mental and emotional well-being of a vulnerable fandom population. Then through a series of deliberate and planned actions (images/audio/video of Freddie Reign at the Tomlinson family Christmas gathering this past weekend) pull the trigger.

And, BOOM! The weapon is fired and the bullets hit their intended human target. When all is said and done, that's what we witnessed on Christmas Eve. Along with being reminded that Louis "won't be the first or be the last to bleed" as he tells us in his song, "Copy of a Copy of a Copy". After all, this six-year long public torture has been designed to not only punish Louis personally, but to deter other LGBTQ+ artists from ever stepping out of line and daring to want to live and work openly. 

And one of those familiar artists just might be more indentured than Sony's carefully crafted public image would suggest. That's right. Ask why would Harry Styles' explicit version of "Sign of the Times," use a collective pronoun in his 2017 lyric - "Why are we always fucking running from the bullets?"  and it becomes clearer where some of Sony's leverage over Louis comes from. 

 

Don't forget the image of a bull's eye target that Louis has been warning educating everyone about for years?

Target on Louis' chest with red bullet holes, 2019

 You know, the Vetements t-shirt with the bullet holes in the front and the back?

 

 

Then there's the concentric circles with Louis helplessly laying prone on top of the bull's-eye from his 2020 music video for "Walls."

 

And here's Louis standing on a bull's-eye during his Livestream show in December 2020.

By the way, see those lights surrounding him? They are actually two lights parallel to one another. Forming what looks like an equal sign. Now why would Louis make that particular aesthetic choice?

 

 

Looks similar to the Human Rights Campaign logo, doesn't it? Mr. Perfectionist doesn't miss an opportunity to communicate subversively; no matter how dire the situation is. Never forget that Louis Tomlinson has always been an expert at Meta Messaging. We just need to pay attention.

The Human Rights Campaign logo is one of the most recognizable symbols of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community. It has become synonymous with the fight for equal rights for LGBTQ+ Americans.

HRC Logo Two parallel lines signifying equality.

 

 

Within this context, here's a disturbing thought to remember before we continue. When Babygate ends, there must be someone to blame.  If past experience is prologue one can be assured that there is no way Simon Cowell will take the fall. Like any good mob boss, he's made sure to distance himself publicly from this stunt. A reality Louis was made to acknowledge in July 2020, when he tweeted about a "mutual" parting of the ways with Cowell. Sony retaining all of Syco's music assets, including One Direction. For public consumption, there is nothing but an amicable separation allowed. Don't be mistaken though. Babygate began in 2015, so Simon Cowell is still very much around. No matter how many electric bicycles he tries to convince the public he has fallen off of, Cowell is a master at Barnum and Bailey manipulation.

 

Then there's Modest Management (Richard Griffiths and Harry Magee), but the passing of time has rehabilitated their reputations. Out of sight, out of mind. And don't forget, whatever deal was made in 2014/1015 Sony/Syco made sure that they would represent Niall Horan. Because, surely Niall wouldn't "sleep" with the enemy. That's right. Sony/Syco made sure to protect themselves with the Teflon force shield of Niall Horan. And, finally, no way will Sony/Columbia (Rob Stringer) be blamed for any of this. After all, they are all Harry's best "buds" (sarcasm intended). Don't forget, there was a reason why Columbia Records signed Harry and no one else from One Direction, back on June 23, 2016; six months into the hiatus that the mega music corporation were instrumental in arranging. The scripted delayed designed to make it seem like Harry actually had options. Five months after Freddie Reign was allegedly born.

Rob Stringer's appearance at Harry's, Love on Tour show in New York this past October was also purposeful. A media-trained Harry publicly waxing poetic about what a wonderful man he is. The action just a few months before Sony used the spotlight of Louis' 30th birthday to strike a powerful blow against the Larrie/Louis fandoms.  Remember?

 

I want to embarrass someone. Over there is Rob, Rob runs my record label, and because of that man, and because of you, I get to make whatever music I want. And I’m very lucky that I have the support of you incredible people. I’m very lucky for you, thank you. I’m lucky that for you and that man, this is my favorite thing to do. Shall we carry on? This is Canyon Moon!

Harry thanking Rob and the crowd in NYC, Madison Square Garden - 16/10/21

 

Just like a visual image, words can also be used to make a powerful impression.  And the timing of Harry's statement was meant to convey the singer's contentment with his professional life and Sony's "support."

So with the usual suspects eliminated, and image rights, NDAs, media control, and other contractual clauses suppressing the actual truth of the origins and continuation of Babygate six years later, the only one left to take the fall is Louis Tomlinson himself.  That's right. The victim of this horrendous stunt will be placed front and center, with the target on his back, in front of the firing squad of his own fandom. That is what the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day antics with Freddie were all about.  Let's bring down the Tomlinson family as well, while we're at it. And we here at Narnia have no doubt that if Jay were alive today, she would be brought down with the rest of them. And least we forget, if Harry doesn't go along with this hiatus scheme, well his career will either be destroyed or some other cruel and manipulative fate will befall him as well.  Maybe his own baby scandal to prove his Lothario image once and for all. That is, if Sony determines that Fine Line has created a strong enough straight fan base to get rid of those pesky Larries once and for all. Remember Sony has tons of leverage and positional advantage over both Louis and Harry. Louis leaving Syco doesn't change that. There's a reason Modest Management is still listed as One Direction's managers.

That's why Louis was rolled out on full display over the weekend. Unprotected. Vulnerable. A target on his back. Hopefully, in the coming days, the outrage and anger will subside. It's only natural that fans would think that there is something a clever guy like Louis can do with all his millions to get out of this situation without a child having to continue to be exploited and fans attacked for their support. That's how a rational person would think. To keep our sanity, we always want to believe that we can control what's happening to us. But, this is not a normal situation. It never  has been. There is a power imbalance of gargantuan dimensions between Sony and Louis Tomlinson. This stunt resides on another plane of maliciousness. Remember, there are reasons why Harry Styles, and no doubt Louis Tomlinson as well, are in therapy.

With time to reassess, perhaps some perspective will be gained. If not, Sony's manipulations and mind games will have succeeded for their own amusement and competitive advantage. But, Louis and Harry deserve better than that. We deserve better. Or, as Niall reminded everyone on October 16, 2021, the same day Harry was made to kiss Rob Stringer's ass, this corporate behemoth has destroyed other gay icons who would not play their closeted games.  

Don't let Sony do the same to one of the most talented, hard-working and courageous guys in the music industry. After eleven years,  Louis Tomlinson has more than proven his depth of his character and his desire to be free. Let's hope that in the end, everyone remembers those provable truths. Because, as John Lennon reminds us, "Love is the answer. You got to let it grow."

 

Love the triangle, Nialler!

Yes is the answer and you know that for sure
 

Yes is surrender
 

You got to let it, you gotta let it go  ~  John Lennon, Mind Games

 

pic sources: Tumble, Twitter, Away From Home Livestream, HRC, 1883 Magazine

our playlist: Mind Games - John Lennon

                     I'm Just A Jealous Guy - John Lennon 

                    A Copy of A Copy of A Copy - Louis Tomlinson

                    I Knew You Were Waiting - George Michael and Aretha Franklin