PS: If any of the links are broken (as in permanently broken, not Megaupload’s occasional “temporarily unavailable” glitch, which is best fixed by coming back later and trying again), let us know.

As you probably know by now, Megaupload has been closed by the FBI and its owners charged with piracy etc. In light of the current legal issues regarding filesharing, we will not be re-uploading episodes for the foreseeable future.

Both files are in PDF format and contain the complete set of episode descriptions from ep230-1282. Huge thanks to Emma and 22Alvin for compiling and sharing them!

***

Quick note because quite a few people have been asking: I gather there is some interest in a collection of EKP episode descriptions. Unfortunately we don’t have one that’s in a shareable format, but I know some people are already collecting them anyway and from the comments in previous posts it looks like there’s been some emailing of files going on already. I was wondering if we could make that sharing process a little more efficient, so question to those lovely folks among you who have already been saving episode descriptions:

Would any of you be willing to update your collection through episode 1282 (i.e. probably after October 7), then put it in a PDF and upload it to a media-sharing platform such as mediafire.com or similar? That way we could just post a single link at the time and anyone who’s interested could download the compiled file, instead of lots of you doing the same work at the same time or lots of emails containing massive files flying back and forth.

Make sense? Volunteers, please speak up in the comments. Cheers! <3

ETA: That was quick! The lovely 22alvin and Emma have both agreed to share their collections, which has us covered for volunteers. Send them cookies and hugs! We’ll post download links once the storyline has wrapped for good and the descrip compilations are complete.

1. How long will you keep posting videos?

We are planning to cover all of the immediate aftermath of Roman’s death. Currently that means our last clip will probably be episode 1282, which is scheduled to air on October 7. We have also had several inquiries as to whether we will be covering episode 1299, which is referenced in this article and will air on November 1. Currently our answer to that question is “we don’t know.” It depends on what exactly happens in that ep. It is very important to us to end this final storyline on an episode that is in keeping with the spirit of EKP, i.e. one that focuses on Deniz and Roman. If that is the case with 1299, we’ll cover it. HOWEVER, if that ep deals with, say, the return of Katja and her bestowing of condolences, then no. We are and have always been primarily about the story of Deniz and Roman, and we feel strongly about ending this adventure with the focus on the two of them (and/or Deniz and Florian as those left behind), not any other character.

Also, due to the nature of the story arc, the “Once More With Feeling” playlist will end with episode 1269. You’ll see why. All subsequent episodes will be placed in a final, aftermath-themed playlist.

2. When will your videos go offline?

Currently channel closure is scheduled for November 2, 2011. We reserve the right to change the date should unforeseen circumstances arise (as they have a tendency to do, lol), in which case we will let you know.

3. Will there be a party?

We hope so! We’re a bit too spread thin at the moment to organise anything impressive, but at the very least we can all go bonkers over the channel comments on the day as we get drunk, lol. If something more specific does get organised, we’ll let you know.

4. Will your entire channel be deleted?

No. We are taking down all the AWZ videos at RTL’s request, as previously announced, but we are planning to keep the channel itself up, if mostly empty. Call it a memorial if you will.

5. Will you upload your videos somewhere else?

Absolutely not. RTL have been as accommodating towards us as they possibly could be for three years, and we will not repay that by dishonouring our agreement with them. (Plus, all AWZ material will be wiped from other upload platforms as well anyway.) Copyright law is certainly not up to date with the content-sharing possibilities (and possible benefits) of the internet, and perhaps someday that will change. Alas, it will not be in time to save this channel, and having struggled against copyright restrictions for three years, we’ve grown weary of that battle.

So in essence, you have a month and a half to revisit old favourites, marathon, download episodes you wish to keep for private use, and give the old Igloo a good send-off. We’ve already seen a few of you doing the rounds of the older playlists and commenting your little hearts out. It’s been wonderful to see, as has the explosion of appreciative messages we’ve been getting in all sorts of forms. Thank you all. You are such an important part of why this last journey has been so amazing.

Much love, as ever,
Aldi & Lil

P.S. We’ve received numerous emails asking if we will burn discs for people. The answer to this is “No.” With over 800 videos, it would take us an unfathomable amount of time to burn even one set to disc. Doing this at the volume that’s now being requested would destroy us and our laptops. We’ve been putting these clips up on a daily basis for nearly three years. The least you can do is figure out how to burn your own copy now.

Eskimo Kiss Project: Wir haben die Entwicklung von Roman Wild von der einfachen “Diva mit dem Herz aus Gold” zu einem komplizierten, durchaus nicht perfekten Charakter miterlebt. Gibt es Meilensteine in dieser Entwicklung, auf die du besonders stolz bist?

Dennis Grabosch: Wenn ich darf reduziere ich es auf drei thematische Beispiele seiner Reise:

Freundschaft:
Die Lernkurve dass Freundschaften wie in “Grüne Tomaten” eher ein Gedankenkonzept als Realität sind, dass seine Freundschaft mit Annette und Ingo aber auf einer sehr viel ausgeglicheneren Dynamik basiert, als die mit Jenny und Nina.

Liebe:
Die Tatsache, dass die Arbeit an seiner Beziehung mit Deniz erst anfing, nachdem Hollywood abgeblendet hätte, als der Alltag begann. Liebe ist keine Konstante und nur wer bereit ist zuzulassen, dass sich Gefühle innerhalb einer Beziehung verändern und trotzdem nicht die Flinte ins Korn wirft, hat die Chance am Ende als Sieger dazustehen.

Verlust:
Wer im Angesicht des Todes allen Zynismus fallen lässt und sich eingesteht, zu viel Zeit mit unnützen Selbstzweifeln vertan zu haben, findet für den Moment vielleicht noch heraus was wirklich für ihn zählt.

EKP: Es kam damals als ziemlicher Schock, als in Folge 926 enthüllt wurde, dass so viel von Romans Hintergrund eine Lüge war. War es schwierig, rückwirkend Kontinuität herzustellen oder hast du dich einfach nach vorne hin orientiert in der Hoffnung, dass es funktioniert?

DG: Ich wusste es vorher und habe mal ein Memo verfasst, dessen Empfänger nicht ich selber war. Und für das Ergebnis bin ich Tom Chroust und den Autoren sehr dankbar. Es hat Roman als Figur differenziert. Meiner Meinung nach hat das Auftauchen von Egon Wild Roman menschlicher als je zuvor erscheinen lassen und seine Einstellung zum Leben und zu seinen Mitmenschen erklärt.

EKP: Warum muss Roman sterben? Waruuuuum?!!! Äh, wir meinen natürlich: Was hättest du Roman vor seinem Tod gerne noch erreichen sehen?

DG: Alle guten Geschichten haben einen Anfang, eine Reise, eine Entwicklung und ein Ende. Als ich anfing, wollte ich meine eigene Interpretation von “Beautiful Thing” oder zumindest eine Art Liebesgeschichte… die Autoren, Regisseure und das kreative Team bei AWZ haben uns nicht nur eine Liebesgeschichte gegeben, sondern wir bekamen innerhalb der Grenzen des Formats unsere eigene Version von “Love Story” gespielt nach den Regeln von “Celluloid Closet” bzw. sogar über diese hinaus. Was mehr kann man sich für eine schwule Rolle in einer Soap wünschen?

EKP: “Auf zwei Tage Glück folgen zehn Tage Zickerei” – Roman Wild und Deniz Öztürk konnten nicht ohne einander, aber miteinander ging’s auch nicht immer besonders gut. Denkst du die Jungs hätten das irgendwann mal langfristig auf die Reihe gekriegt, wenn Roman nicht sterben würde?

DG: Ich glaube sie waren zwei sehr verschiedene Charaktere, die festgestellt haben, dass sie einander ergänzen, und zu ihren besten Zeiten sind sie zusammen ganz im Moment aufgegangen. Ich würde es eine ziemlich erfolgreiche Beziehung nennen (obwohl ich jedem raten möchte, die Liebe seines Lebens nicht wegen ein bißchen Spaß mit einer Nutte zu verlassen. Das wäre ziemlich blöd, nicht nachmachen bitte. Kein gutes Rollenmodell und so lebensfern.)

EKP: Du warst immer sehr darauf bedacht, die Motivation deiner Figur richtig hinzukriegen. Bei einer Soap kriegt man von den Fans laufend Feedback dazu, was funktioniert und was nicht. Wenn du die Reaktionen beobachtest, stimmt deine Absicht normalerweise mit dem Ergebnis überein? Und was, wenn nicht – hast du dann das Gefühl, das Ziel verfehlt zu haben oder findest du neue Perspektiven in der Wahrnehmung anderer?

DG: Ich fand es immer toll, wenn die Wahrnehmung des Publikums genauso war, wie wir uns vorgestellt haben. Aber ich hab mich am Ende jetzt nicht mehr in die Kissen geheult, wenn ich eure Erwartungen nicht erfüllen konnte. Solange ich zufrieden war die Dinge für mich motivieren zu können, habe ich meinen persönlichen Arbeitsauftrag erfüllt. Und wer erwartet in einem täglichen Format keine Kompromisse machen zu müssen, wird verrückt.

EKP: Die letzten Tage von Roman Wild sind unglaublich bewegend und gehen, was das Erzähltempo und die Inszenierung betrifft, über den üblichen Soapstoff hinaus – das mutet schon filmmäßig an. Kannst du uns was über den kreativen Prozess erzählen, durch den etwas so Episches entstanden ist? Mit anderen Worten: Wem geben wir die Schuld an unseren gebrochenen Herzen?

DG: Dass Gudrun Scheerer sagte “Mach dir keine Sorgen, man ist immer nur so gut wie sein letzter Film” hat mich nicht gerade entspannter gemacht. Aber dass ich den letzten Block mit ihr und Christof Brehmer drehen durfte, war für Igor und mich ein unglaubliches Geschenk. Beide Regisseure kennen uns und haben die Geschichte von Roman und Deniz im Laufe der Jahre so maßgeblich mitgestaltet, dass es eine sehr emotional quälende, aber erlösende Reise durchs Familienalbum geworden ist. Die Bilder, die Jörg [Schenten, (Kamera AD (DOP))] auf dem Roadtrip gemacht hat sind aussergewöhnlich schön und als ich den Block mit den Studioteilen geschnitten gesehen habe, ist es mir selbst sehr schwer gefallen, das Mantra “Sei nicht traurig, es ist nur ein Spiel” aufrecht zu halten. Ich habe sehr viele Jahre nicht mehr so ein starkes Gefühl gehabt mit den Menschen, mit denen ich tagtäglich zusammenarbeite, so verbunden zu sein und an einem Strick zu ziehen. Film ist Teamarbeit und ich habe das lange nicht mehr so intensiv erleben dürfen, wie in den letzten Blöcken bei AWZ. Ich hoffe man sieht was davon in den Bildern.

EKP: Gehirntumore führen in der Regel nicht zu einer neuen Garderobe, aber wir sind froh, dass es bei Roman der Fall war. Erklärst du uns den neuen Hippie-Schmuck und vor allem, welche Bedeutung die Kette mit dem Hasenzahn für Roman hat?

DG: Gudrun und die Leute vom Kostümbild waren nicht besonders glücklich mit den vorgeschlagenen Änderungen, also sind wir in Absprache mit [Chefautorin] Nina Blum schließlich auf die Idee mit diesem Kampf-Outfit gekommen. Kämpfe um jeden Moment. Der Zahn bezieht sich auf die einzige wirkliche Begegnung, die Roman mit Simone Steinkamp hatte – nun, Mommie Dearest, dieser Hase kann sehr wohl ein Tiger sein, wenn es wirklich darauf ankommt. Eigentlich war es ein Test für die Horden [nee, Dennis, das spricht man immer noch nicht wie Huren aus], aber hat wohl nicht so ganz funktioniert, oder war unter eurem Niveau. Well, man kann nicht alles haben.

[EKP: Welches Niveau bitte? Es hätte vielleicht funktioniert, wenn der verdammte Zahn nicht Megalodongröße hätte! Muss wohl ein mutierter Hase gewesen sein.]

EKP: Hast du deine Schlittschuhe schon verbrannt?

DG: Würde ich nie machen. Ich warte auf ein besonders gutes Kaufangebot von einem verrückten Fan, zusammen mit der weißen Jacke, die Roman von Deniz zu Weihnachten geschenkt bekommen hat, lol.

EKP: Roman Wild ist also Geschichte. Was kommt als Nächstes für Dennis Grabosch?

DG: Versuchen herauszufinden, was mir wirklich wichtig ist während ich älter werde und sich meine Perspektiven ändern, ohne dass ich jemals wieder Gefahr laufe beruflich gesehen zum Fachidioten zu werden, lol. I think growing up could be an awfully big adventure.

…oh, right, That Thing. Gaaaaah.

Anyway! Dennis Grabosch, ever the trooper, has answered a few questions for EKP. The original came out as the customary entertaining Sprachensalat, but we’ve divvied it up into an English and a German version for you because we’re nerdy like that. You can find the German version here.

As with previous interviews, this does contain spoilers about the final storyline, though nothing too detailed.

Photograph courtesy of Jovan Evermann, 2011

Eskimo Kiss Project: We’ve watched Roman Wild grow from a simple “diva with a heart of gold” into this complicated, imperfect creature. Could you share with us some of the milestones of the character’s development, or even a single one that you are most proud of?

Dennis Grabosch: I’ll reduce it to three thematic examples from his journey if I may:

Friendship:
The learning curve that friendships like in “Fried Green Tomatoes” are more of a thought concept than reality, but that his friendships with Annette and Ingo are based on a much more balanced dynamic than those with Jenny and Nina.

Love:
The fact that work on his relationship with Deniz only really began after Hollywood would have faded out, when daily life took over. Love isn’t a constant, and only if you’re ready to accept that feelings can change within a relationship and still don’t throw in the towel, you’ll have a chance to be the winner in the end.

Loss:
He who abandons all cynicism in the face of death and admits to himself that he has wasted too much time on pointless self-doubt may actually still find out for the moment what really matters to him.

EKP: It was quite a shock to learn in episode 926 that so much of Roman’s history had been a lie. I think this was a surprise to you as well. Was it difficult to establish retroactive continuity or did you just try to move forward and hope it worked?

DG: I knew about it beforehand and wrote a memo that wasn’t addressed to myself. And I’m very grateful to Tom Chroust and the writers for the result. It set Roman’s character straight and in my opinion introducing Egon Wild made Roman appear more human than ever before, and explained his general attitude towards people and life.

EKP: Why does Roman have to die? Why?!!!! Er, what we mean to say is, what would you personally have liked to see Roman Wild achieve before his demise?

DG: All good stories have a beginning, a journey, development and an end. When I started, I wanted my take on something like “Beautiful Thing”, or at least a kind of love story … The writers, directors and creative team of AWZ gave us not just a love story; within the borders of the format, we got our version of “Love Story” playing by and pushing the rules of “Celluloid Closet” – what more could you wish for a gay character in a daily soap?

EKP: “Ten days of bitching for every two days of bliss” – Roman Wild and Deniz Öztürk couldn’t stay apart but they also weren’t very good at staying together. Do you reckon those crazy kids would ever have made it long-term if Roman hadn’t died?

DG: I think they were two very different characters realising that they complemented each other, and at the best of times, they were in the moment together. I would call it a pretty successful relationship (though I would advise everyone not to leave the love of your life because he has fun with a hooker. That would be pretty stupid, please don’t emulate that. Not a good role model and a far cry from real life.)

EKP: You’ve always seemed very conscientious about getting character motivations right. Daily soaps are unique in that you get constant feedback from the fans as to what works and what doesn’t. By watching their reactions, do you feel like the intent usually matches the outcome? What happens when it doesn’t – do you feel like you’ve missed the mark or do you usually find new perspectives in how others saw it?

DG: I always thought it was great when the audience’s perception was exactly like we’d imagined it. But towards the end I no longer cried into my pillow when I wasn’t able to fulfill your expectations. As long as I was content to be able to find motivations for things for myself, I’d fulfilled my personal work directive. And anyone who expects not to have to make compromises in a daily format will go insane.

EKP: The last days of Roman Wild are incredibly moving, and the way it’s paced and shot transcends what we usually see in soaps – approaching film quality, actually. Can you share some of the creative process that went into putting together to create something so epic? In other words, who do we blame for breaking our hearts?

DG: Gudrun Scheerer said, “Don’t worry, you’re only ever as good as your last film,” which didn’t exactly make me feel more relaxed. But the fact that I was able to shoot our last block with her and Christof Brehmer was an incredible gift for Igor and me. Both directors know us well and have been significantly involved in the story of Roman and Deniz over the years, so it turned into an emotionally haunting but liberating tour of the family album. The scenes that Jörg [Schenten, Assistant Director/Director of Photography] shot on our road trip are exceptionally beautiful, and when I saw the finished block with the parts shot in the studio, I found it very difficult to keep up my mantra of “Don’t be sad, it’s only acting.” It’s been many years since I felt such a strong connection and concerted effort with the people I work with every day. Filming is team work, and I haven’t felt that so intensely in a long while as I did with the last blocks on AWZ. I hope it will show in those scenes.

EKP: Brain tumours generally don’t precipitate wardrobe overhauls, but in this case we’re glad Roman’s did. But can you tell us about the hippie jewellery and, especially, what the bunny tooth means to Roman?

DG: Well, Gudrun and the costume department were not too happy with the suggested changes, so talking with Nina Blum [the current head writer] we all came up in the end with that kind of combat theme. Fight for every moment. And the tooth is a reference to the only actual encounter Roman had with Simone Steinkamp – well, Mommy Dearest, this bunny actually can be a tiger if it really matters. Actually it was a test for the whores, but I guess it didn’t quite work, or it was beneath your standards. Well, you can’t have everything.

[EKP: What's this "Niveau" you speak of? For the record, it might have worked if the damn tooth wasn't the size of a megalodon's! Must've been a mutant bunny.]

EKP: Did you burn your skates yet?

DG: I wouldn’t – I am waiting for an exceptionally good offer to sell them to a crazy fan, in combination with the white jacket Roman got as a Christmas present from Deniz, lol.

EKP: So Roman Wild is history. What’s next for Dennis Grabosch?

DG: Trying to find out what really matters to me, while I grow older and my perspective changes, without ever running the risk of becoming a professional one-track specialist again, lol. I think growing up could be an awfully big adventure.

Also, check out the official goodbye page for Dennis Grabosch and fans of Roman Wild on Facebook, with pictures and more to come.

AWZ Star Dennis Grabosch: “I have to die in order to live…

…and to love,” says the soap star. IN magazine followed him to his new life in London, where he’d married his partner.

It’s over. For good. No turning back. Dennis Grabosch is relieved. “It’s a good thing Roman died.” Roman was the name of his character on the successful soap Alles was zählt – for five years. Now he can die – finally – and make the fans cry one last time. How tragic, how romantic, how beautiful…

Because it’s Roman’s death that allows Dennis to start a new life and enjoy love. The 31-year-old actor [33, as it were] left Germany for his partner, Brent Magee. After his character’s death, London will be his new home.

Dennis and psychologist Brent have been a couple for seven years. Many people had cautioned Dennis against the relationship. “Everyone kept telling me, ‘That can’t work out.’ I had self-doubts in the beginning: What did he see in me? What would this intelligent man with his interesting life want with me of all people?”

Defying all obstacles and warnings, the two got married in 2007. Dennis still fondly remembers the proposal: “Brent waited for a weak moment. I was doing a lot of shooting at the time, especially at night. At first I said no and asked for time to think about it. Eventually he said, “I’ll never ask you again.” I thought about it briefly and ruefully said yes.”

It was Brent who was always there for him during his five years on AWZ. “It was incredibly difficult to keep my relationship,” Dennis admits. “Brent used to say I was living a completely different life on AWZ that he never understood. I was extremely invested in the show, perhaps more than was ultimately good for me. Sometimes I felt like the character of Roman was determining my life.”

Dennis remembers, “I almost realised too late that I would never have made it through those years without Brent. He made a lot more compromises than I did.” The Brit would cook for his husband or clean up when he came home late at night. Says Dennis, “He’s the greatest, most intelligent person I know. Brent knew who I was and how I ticked from day one.”

Dennis’ biggest fear was that the psychologist would always see right through him. The Wedel-born actor openly talks about his weaknesses: “My dark side is my terrible self-doubt – that and my expectations towards myself. There are many things I expect of myself that you just can’t manage. And I can get really stubborn.”

But Brent Magee always knew how he could help his husband. “It’s his incredible warmth. But he’s very demanding, too,” gushes Dennis. Now he wants to relax and enjoy life above all else. “I need a bit of a break. I have to come to terms with the fact that it’s over with AWZ.” He’s also determined to spend more time with his family. “I’ve neglected them dreadfully these past five years. I’ve rarely spoken to my brother on the phone.”

And because surprises are a part of a new life, the Alles was zählt star has a confession to make: “Figure skating was never my thing. To me it feels like bad sex. I only ever got average grades in PE and then I was suddenly supposed to play a professional athlete.”

In spite of everything, Dennis has reconciled with his part and with his old life. “The best thing was that so many people came to see me off. André Dietz sang and played guitar. There were lots of tears.” It was a farewell with real feelings, a goodbye to real friends. A fact that irritates no one more than Dennis Grabosch himself. “I used to say in the early days of AWZ that I wouldn’t wish a friendship with me on my worst enemy. I’ve always tortured my friends with my negative sides – and they stuck around anyway. In spite of my gloomy days and my obsession about the job.”

AWZ has lost a star. Dennis has gained a new life. With the love of his life.

© Andrea Rodat, IN Magazin.

Click here for the announcement in German on RTL.de

On September 15, 2011, the death of Roman Wild will mark the end of an era on the RTL show Alles was zählt. After five years, popular actor Dennis Grabosch (33) is leaving the show to devote himself to new projects. As Dennis Grabosch says, “I’m currently working together with two writer friends on revisions for a novel I had originally drafted as a movie script. And I’m collaborating with former AWZ colleagues on a project that will see us together in front of the camera again if all goes well.”

On the show, Roman recently learned that he has a brain tumour. The trainer and figure skater doesn’t tell anyone that he’s going to die. The only ones who know are his boyfriend Deniz Öztürk (Igor Dolgatschew) and his brother Florian (Michael N. Kuehl). Eventually it happens on the ice, during a rehearsal for a performance: Roman collapses and dies in his boyfriend Deniz’ arms. Dennis Grabosch’s response to the writers’ idea to let the beloved character die: “It’s a good thing that Roman died. That means there’ll be no coming back. Roman dies on the ice because he was a skater first and foremost. In retrospect, his death completes a beautiful arc for the character.” Fans around the world are grieving, because thanks to the Internet, AWZ has attracted many international fans from places such as New Zealand, Canada, Holland or Japan.

But his death on the ice is not the last we’ll see of Roman Wild: The character will still appear on screen in flashbacks and goodbye messages to his closest friends until October 7 (episode 1282) and again in episode 1299, airing on November 1, 2011. “I got my skating shoes as a goodbye gift,” says Dennis. “But the best thing was that so many people came to see me off. André Dietz sang and played guitar. And there were lots of tears.”

Dennis Grabosch has returned to London as his main place of residence where he lives with his husband Brent Magee, to whom he’s been married for four years. Before diving into his new projects, he’s taking a break for a few weeks. He particularly enjoys visits to Brompton Cemetery, where many Londoners like to go for runs and walks. “This is a good place for me to sort my thoughts. The cemetery has an incredibly serene and peaceful atmosphere.” Dennis Grabosch fell in love with London when he was still a little boy: “Mary Poppins was my first heroine. We live near a park like the one I always imagined when I used to watch the movie. Besides, I like the British way of life. There’s much more tolerance here than in Germany.”

On Thursday, August 25, 2011, “IN” magazine will publish a big interview with Dennis Grabosch about his new life in London and his new projects. In addition, RTL.de will air an exclusive goodbye feature about Romans death on the ice for all fans of Roman and AWZ, with interviews and scenes of the shoot in the ice rink. Actors Dennis Grabosch and Igor Dolgatschew will share some of their experience with this highly emotional scene.

Source: RTL.de, translation by EKP

Remember that thing about the winds changing? Well, whattaya know – soon as you turn your back for half a year to write a book, those damn winds go and change on you again! So we have some news for you all, and in best AWZ tradition, it is both stabby AND sparkly.

First the stabby bit: RTL is in the process of enforcing their copyright on all Alles was zählt material, which officially is not allowed and was never to upload on any platforms except their own RTL.de, RTLNOW.de and clipfish.de. Practically, this means no one will be able to upload AWZ material any more, and any clips already containing AWZ material will be deleted for good. Several channels have already been affected by this, and this time, EKP is not exempt from these measures. If you want to download any subtitled clips from our channel for private use only (no re-uploads permitted!), you’ll need to act fast. We’ll post another warning when we have an actual date for channel closure, which will happen in the near future.

ETA: Cullenlovingmom has compiled some handy tips on how to download clips from YouTube here.

We understand that many of you will be upset by this, but there is nothing to be done. Alles was zählt is RTL’s intellectual property and they are well within their rights to protect their copyright. It has been an enormous favour to the international fandom that they’ve tolerated our subtitled clips for so long.

Secondly, as some of you may be aware, there is one last DeRo storyline that has just started airing. Although EKP stopped uploading clips back in December 2010 when the boys left Essen to start a happy threesome with Marc, we have been specifically asked by one of the most fabulous people alive to cover this storyline before we’re shut down. After giving it some careful consideration (“This is so inconvenient. LET’S DO IT!”), we’ve decided to take it on. Because we’re suckers for a good hopeless cause!

Please note that we’re coming back for a LIMITED TIME ONLY. The storyline is not a long one, and we’ve been granted special permission (and a bit of extra time) to upload it. We will stop posting videos for good once this storyline is concluded, and shortly thereafter our videos (yes, all of them) will be deleted just like everyone else’s.

Now, a word on inter-fandom relations (since there seems to be some confusion!): Those of you who kept watching AWZ after we left know that the lovely Cullenlovingmom and her collaborators have been subbing episodes on DeRoAholicsAnonymous, which was shut down due to the copyright blocks. To everyone who couldn’t quench the addiction despite the overall meh factor of the stories (a condition we know everything about, lol), her work has been an invaluable resource. Apparently there have been some unsavoury rumours flying about, so let us make this abundantly clear: We hold Cullenlovingmom (and the liquor cabinet we share with her) in the highest regard. She’d always said that she would cover the storyline only until we chose to pick it back up, and the decision that EKP will be covering this last storyline is a unanimous one. Absolutely no animosity towards Cullenlovingmom and her project will be tolerated on EKP, ever. In fact, no wank about this turn of events will be tolerated at all. We’re all too old for that shit. Anyone likely to read this is likely to be a DeRo fan, so let’s all focus what unites us and on the shiny side of fandom, yeah? Awesome.

Anybody can continue watching the show on RTLNOW.de, at least in regions where there is no so-called “geo-blocking” (geographical blocking of content in certain countries for legal reasons).

Lastly… oy vey, this all sounds way too official and grim! Let’s have some fun with this and give one of the most compelling pairings in telly history a good send-off, because that’s how we roll! There will be tears, there will be drama, there will be snark. THERE WILL BE HAIR, BY MEDUSA’S SNAKES! Let’s wibble and rant and cackle and ruthlessly obsess together – one last time.

Ready to be strong? Stockpiled your tissues and booze? Then let’s rock this thing.

ETA: The above-mentioned most fabulous person would also like us to post this picture. We would like to state that we only behaved like shirt-ripping sluts on specific instructions and are usually very respectful and decorous *ahem*

Support Japan’s relief efforts and get a personal message from Dennis Grabosch! He’s joining a heap of other celebrities auctioning their voices for this worthy cause. The highest bidder gets a 15-second personalised voice recording (and if you’ve ever heard the man talk, you know that will be the most information-packed 15 seconds of your life).

Bidding is on now and goes until 11:59 EST on 4 April. See Japan Calls for more information!*

Note: The auction takes place on Livejournal, but don’t worry, you don’t need an LJ account to bid. Information about the bidding process and options for your donation can be found in this master post.

And if you’re really really lucky, you get situations like this:

EKP: Damn, we wish we could make art.
DG: Oh, by the way, I made you some art.
EKP: \o/!!!!!

For the record, no, we’re not doing a double retcon on The Wizard of Oz or Wicked. (Actually, we’ve already done that.) But there are elements that are universal here, elements that fit Perfect Combination to a T: A quest, a roadtrip, a journey of self-discovery, and the detours we sometimes have to take in order to realise where we really want to go.