Scenes of Brutality: What Are We Thinking?

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art of writing, brutality, craft of writing, creative writing, Game of Thrones, graphic content, graphic scenes, Outlander, sadism, sadistic, writing a book, writing a story, writing fiction

Before I get started, I know I mentioned that I would be writing my weekly posts on Mondays. However, it looks like Tuesdays work better for my schedule. So for now on, expect posts from me on Tuesdays.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

So, I am currently watching the Starz series Outlander on Amazon. For those who do not know, it is about a 1940s Englishwoman, Claire Beauchamp, who is transported back two hundreds in 18th century Scotland. Since this is the 1740s, there’s a lot of brutality going on, especially with a captain of the English army in Scotland, “Black Jack” Randall, who tortures the Scottish people left and right. There’s even a scene where Claire’s husband, Jamie Fraser, is tortured and then raped by Randall.

Now, I didn’t read the books that this series is based on, but I understand that the show is closely based on the books written by Diana Gabaldon. If so, it makes me wonder why she would put in a scene where a man graphically rapes another man. Yes, there are a lot of male-on-female rapes, floggings and beatings in Outlander, but it is easy to brush them off as that was the time period back then. But that scene has been haunting me. I guess it is because I’m one of those who has grown attached to Claire and Jamie, and couldn’t tolerate Jamie being tortured that way. Yes, Claire was raped or almost raped herself, but the show didn’t graphically display that as much as Jamie.

It also haunts me because last week, I was working on my WIP, which picks up where Claire McCormick and Daniel Poncher are in the trilogy. I was writing feverishly and in a stream-of-consciousness way. As a result, I ended up writing a part where Daniel graphically rapes Claire. Yeah, I did that. I went there.

Now, there are other scenes when Daniel does that, but it is not as brutal and more of a coerced sex way. But when I wrote that part, I was so bothered and disturbed that I had done that, and I ended up deleting it. Watching that scene on Outlander helped me do so.

Which has me thinking about why we writers write such graphic scenes, and just what the hell are we thinking? When I wrote that scene in my WIP, I was rattled and wondered if I have a sadistic side of me somewhere deep in my sub-conscious. I have to admit part of me felt truly satisfied with that scene, and was disappointed when I deleted it. I am now considering adding it back in.

Is there something wrong with me? Do I love torturing my characters? Am I sadistic somehow?

Heck, it makes you wonder if someone like George R. R. Martin, the author of the books that would inspire the HBO series, Game of Thrones, is sadistic. I mean, all of his characters go through hell, and some get brutally raped or brutally murdered. It is enough to leave readers and viewers shaken.

So, what are we writers thinking? Are we cruel? Or just going along with the muses in our heads?

I think the bottom line is whether these brutal scenes are worth it for the entire story. If it does not add something to the whole story, however violent it is, then it is pointless – and even sadistic. Perhaps what should be more disturbing is how violent human nature is, and we writers are just representing and expressing that in our work. If human nature were not so cruel and barbaric itself, then maybe we would not write such things.

But what of the satisfaction that comes with writing those parts? I think the reason why part of me was satisfied with the now-deleted scene where Daniel rapes Claire is because it flowed so well, from one action to another and another. The part before Daniel attacks Claire had me excited because there was so much emotion and action going on. But once I wrote the rape part, I was like, ‘what have I done?”

Is it worth having in the story? I don’t know yet, I’m still debating. But one thing I’ve been learning while watching Outlander, and even other shows, is that writers aren’t really sadists. Human nature is, and so are our muses. We’re just writing what works for the story and the characters, and what is streaming out of our consciousness.

But it is also vital for us to wonder whether all the violence is gratuitous and even worth portraying at all.

 

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TV Show Reviews: Summer 2017

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Game of Thrones, House of Cards, Master of None, Netflix, Orphan Black, reviews, Shameless, streaming TV, TV, TV Programs, TV reviews, TV Series, TV Shows

Hey everyone!

I hope you’re all enjoying the last days of summer! I certainly am, trying to enjoy the last bit of warm days as the cooler weather sets in.

I just want to make a note about a slight change to this blog. Earlier I said I would blog every Friday. Well, I’ve decided to instead blog every Monday due to my schedule. I do have a busy schedule, and I’m hoping Monday would be much easier for me to write on this blog. So let’s see…

Anyway, it is that time for me to review the TV shows I watched since the last TV review post. Like many, I prefer TV shows over movies, and I’ve been active on my TV viewing (or Netflix, or live streaming, whichever method). Here goes on my reviews…

WARNING: spoilers up ahead!

MASTER OF NONE:
I really did not like this second season. It started off being funny, but the part where Dev Shah started to fall in love with the engaged Francesca, I started to lose interest. That was the second time Dev got involved with a woman already taken (remember Claire Danes’ character in Season 1?), and I just felt uneasy with it. Yes, there was chemistry and love can be complicated. But, I just…I don’t know, felt uneasy. I kind of hope he and Francesca do stay together, but at same time I do not. Let’s see what Season 3 brings.

ORPHAN BLACK:

Image via Flickr via Creative Commons

The final season to one of the my favorite shows! Tatiana Maslany’s acting was great as always; it never fails here. I liked how there were flashbacks to when Allison and Helena learned they were clones. I’m glad Cosima and Delphine are still going strong. I also liked how at the end, they talked about the many clones all over the world, and the best part was the humbling of superbitch Rachel. The sad part was obviously when S was killed. I really like the actress, Maria Doyle Kennedy, and looking forward to see where she’ll pop up next. Heck, I’m ready to see where Tatiana will pop up next. This is not the last of her great acting. She’s got a lot to do in the future, and I’m looking forward.

HOUSE OF CARDS:

Image via Wikimedia Commons

Whoa, this show is something else.However, I felt this season, HoC got in over its head. There were too many deaths and “accidents” that can’t not be linked to Frank and Claire Underwood. Yes, it was obvious those characters would have met violent ends; that’s the way the show and the Underwoods’ work. But I felt this time it was overdone. And now the Underwoods are going to go against each other? Is Frank going to somehow kill Claire and make it look like an accident? Are these two going to kill each other in the end? Eh, it just seems like too much now. The psychopathy of the Underwoods just seems overdone. But that’s just me…

GAME OF THRONES:
What would a review post be without Game of Thrones? Like many, I obsessively watched and overanalyzed the show this season, and feeling devastated that it won’t be back until 2019 or so. But I’m glad Jon Snow’s parentage and real identity has been revealed in full, just as we take a look at the actors’ ass during an incestuous sex scene (sorry, I had to go there!). I’m also thrilled that Littlefinger has finally been killed off, by symbolically getting his throat slit. I, like many, got a little nervous with Sansa and Arya fighting. But I also read the many articles about those two, and was relieved to remember Arya had handed Sansa the dagger, and therefore was not going to kill her older sister. Whew!

But now there are only 7 episodes left for GoT. I can see the writers and producers cramming things into those episodes and not doing such a good job at it. I mean, I could see the final season for GoT be really rushed. If this past season was rushed, imagine what the next and final one would look like. But we’ve got a long wait…

SHAMELESS:

Image via Wikipedia

This is another show that I recently joined on the bandwagon. I binged on this Showtime show late last year, and this June, watched its seventh season on Netflix. I really like it, because the show is simply shameless. I mean, the characters have no shame! From Debbie raping a guy and then aimlessly getting pregnant, to Lip’s self-destructive ways, the characters live up to the show’s moniker. But it does it in a funny way! Like, there’s humor attached to the lousy behavior of everyone on the show. Amazing how that’s been worked out. I also like how the show brings to light bipolar disorder through Ian. Other programs, like Homeland and the movie Silver Lining Playbook, don’t treat bipolar disorder with much education and kindness. Shameless does, and I give it a lot of credit. I suspect next season will be the last, as it will be the eighth season. Looking forward to it!

 

 

A Review of the Recent Seasons of My Favorite TV Shows

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Game of Thrones, Orphan Black, Salem, television, Telly Programs, The Americans, The Secret Circle, TV, TV Programs, TV Shows

Well, what a year it has been with some of my favorite TV shows! Like many, I’ve been watching Game of Thrones, Orphan Black, The Americans and House of Cards. I even binge-watched the second season of Salem. So, with the first half of the year over, allow me to review the shows I’ve watched during this time!

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!

GAME OF THRONES:
Wow, what a wild ride this season was! All the seasons of Game of Thrones is a wild ride, but this one had an obvious feminist take on it. All the major female characters took a major part in the game, and even became the actual game players. It was great to see Sansa Stark rise and become the smart woman she is now. And I am so glad she got her revenge on Ramsay Bolton! That smirk on her face was one for the ages.

The ending of the Season 6 was something else. I’m still so upset over Cersei using the weaponry on the High Sept, killing hundreds of people. That whole scene seemed over the top for me, and I’d like to know how Jaime is going to handle knowing his beloved sister did something he tried to stop so many years ago. I am also still sad Queen Margery is dead. As sneaky and untrustworthy she was, she was a smart woman who knew who to play the game. I was wondering how she was going to slither her way out of the High Sparrow’s grasp, but looks like we’ll never know. Sigh!

And what about Jon Snow?! Of course, everyone knew he was coming back from the dead. And I am so glad his true parentage has been revealed. That was a secret that couldn’t be kept quiet. And he’s King of the North now! We all know how that ended last time, but there’s no way Jon is going to die twice.

I am feeling bummed that the Season is over, and we all have to wait 10 months before Season 7 begins. But it is good to know that when it does, sh*t is really going to get real in Westeros!

THE AMERICANS:
What a great, underrated show. I don’t understand how it does not get Emmy or Golden Globe nominations. I know there’s a lot of great shows out there, but this one needs to be recognized.

What a great fourth season this show had! Last year, there was a huge cliffhanger where daughter Paige told her pastor that her parents were Russian spies. This season, we saw the intense consequences of that action, along the consequences of the other actions both Philip and Elizabeth do for the sake of making the world a better place. It was painful to see what they did to Martha, and Yung-Hee and her family. But it was interesting to see Elizabeth’s iciness begin to thaw, and to see her question – even just a little bit – whether all she was doing was worth it. That is something we have seen both characters do since the very first episode, and it is a question that keeps growing bigger for them, Philip especially.

But the question now is, how loyal will Paige remain to her parents? And when will the writers do something for Henry, who seems to just exist to make noise during intense scenes?

ORPHAN BLACK:
This show keeps getting better and better, and I don’t mean simply because of Tatiana Maslany’s acting. Although the latter continues to astound me, the storyline of this show keeps getting better.

Image via Flickr via Creative Commons

I liked how this season, we finally got a look at what drove Beth Childs to suicide, and it was great to see the Neolutionists play a role in this show again. Too bad, they are incredibly ruthless and scary. But looks like no one is as scary and ruthless as Rachel is, the evil clone. I doubt she’s going to last Season 5; Sarah seems to have good reason to knock her off. Better Rachel than the much loved Cosima!

One thing: is the show ever going to explain how Sarah’s daughter, Kira, was able to survive getting hit by a car in Season 1? I hope so because it is never good to leave a loophole that keeps viewers guessing.

HOUSE OF CARDS:
My god! If there was ever a character, or characters, to love to hate, it is Frank and Claire Underwood. To me, they represent all that is awful in the world – and it is addictive to watch them. Grrrr!

Image via Wikimedia Commons

I just want to know what will stop these two? What or who will stop them? Because it looks like nothing, not even each other. They play dirty, even though their world is a filthy one (politics, I mean). I guarantee in Season 5, more people are going to die because of them. By that, I mean, the New York governor running against Underwood in the election, or Claire’s new boyfriend. Hey, remember what happened to her last paramour?

The writing and dialogue on this show continues to be amazing, especially the last line of the season: “We don’t run from terror; we make the terror.”

SALEM:
I really liked the first season of this WGN show, so when Season 2 came to Netflix, I happily binged-watched. Unfortunately, it was a dissatisfying season.

It started off OK, but then the story line began taking too many odd turns. I also felt the acting was much weaker this season, and some actors might have been miscast in this show. For example, the guy who plays John Alden just doesn’t fit. He fits as a witch hunter, but not as a romantic hero. The final lines of the season, where he whispers, “I love you, I love you” over and over to a supposedly dying Mary Sibley, sounded awkward.

I also don’t like where this show is going. It was so sad to see Mary and John’s young son turn into a vessel for the devil, and the weird things this devil wants to do with Mary is really creepy. Also, I wish Anne Hale didn’t turn to the dark side, so to speak. I think it would’ve been better if she kept wrestling with her powers rather than quickly become an evil witch in her own way. It was too quick for me.

But I’ll give the third season a shot, in hopes that everything is turned around for the better. Right now, it seems like the writers don’t know what to do with the show. Let’s hope they fix what started off as a good show.

 

The Latest on My TV Shows

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Game of Thrones, Once Upon A Time, Orphan Black, television, The Americans, TV, TV Shows

Ah, so many TV shows, so little time!

OK, I want to go over the shows I am watching now, and what I think of them now.

First off, Once Upon A Time. Yeah, that show. I swore I wouldn’t watch that anymore after a beloved character was unnecessarily killed off. But I came across a forum thread about it and read about a honest talk Regina and Snow White (I prefer calling her that over just plain Snow because it makes me think of a powdery substance some people stick up their noses). So I found that episode OnDemand and thought it was a fairly good episode. The whole Wicked Witch-Rumple storyline is silly, and I feel so sorry for Robert Carlyle. He’s a great talent, and that’s being mistreated on this program, which is a big train wreck now. And what is with Zelena’s hellbent determination to travel back in time? Yeah, she wants to correct what went wrong for her, but in regards to the grand scope of the whole show, its just…ugh, what’s going on here? On the plus side, that heart-to-heart talk between Regina and Snow White was a long time in the making, and I’m sure fans of the show have been aware of that. I’m glad those two had that chat. It was clear to me that Regina just wanted to make Snow White miserable and not really kill her. There needed to be some healing between those two, which is a happy ending in some ways.

The Americans keeps getting awesome. I’m more drawn to the storyline regarding Elizabeth and Philip, and their children, Paige and Henry. I like how Paige becoming a Christian is tormenting Philip’s conscience, yet I’m nervous how far Elizabeth would go to stop Paige from getting more involved in her church. The fact that those two willingly lie to their children about everything – who they are, where they came from, just everything to the core! – boggles me. What deceptive parents they are. They’re totally contradicting themselves by insisting they love and care for their children, yet they lie like hell to them. Holy crap. And how can they just stand there while Henry cried over his remorse for breaking into a neighbor’s house just to play video games, and not have that truly tear at their conscience? And I am, tear! Not the whole, whoa we aren’t good people either, but hey its for the Motherland! That’s not true remorse. Their kids are better than them, and while Philip is aware of that, Elizabeth is going to be more of problem with Paige. I’d like to see this play out, and I’m really looking forward to an episode when the kids find out who their parents really are. Ah, consequences!

Orphan Black is back, and it is so good so far! I always love it when two or more of the clones are in the same scene together. Just like in the first episode when Sarah and Cosima were skyping with Alison. That is such a treat for fans. And the twists and turns are so awesome. I have no idea where this show is going, especially with Helena actually being alive, but I’m looking forward to everything. Just one complaint: can they stop with the gay stereotypes when it comes with Felix? Yeah, some gay guys are like that, but not all. It’s annoying. At least he’s good comedy relief.

And then there’s Game of Thrones. I am so glad as everyone that King Joffrey is dead and gone. Woo-hoo! Ding dong, the a**hole is dead! But whoa, am I having a hard time dealing with the gratuitous nudity, sex and gore on this show. It’s always been part of Game of Thrones, but I’m tired of it. And I certainly am sick of the rape on this show. Yeah, this is a brutal world where women are not treated well, but come on, knock it off already! It’s almost like rape is being mocked here. Oh yeah, enough of the cannibalism. I like to snack while watching my shows, and nausea is not a good thing. Seriously, what is worse: rape or cannibalism? Both make me shudder, but there’s something more barbaric and frightening about cannibalism that makes it worse than rape. I mean, as a woman, rape terrifies me. But cannibalism strikes more fear in me than that. Hmm, sounds like another post for me?

Anyway, it looks like things are going to start really moving with the next episode. The White Walkers appear to be finally, well, walking. Jon Snow is ready to take action, and I’m glad Sansa’s story arc is about to take off too. I’ll be tuning again this Sunday!

 

It’s Game of Thrones Time! Plus Other TV Commentaries…

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Game of Thrones, House of Cards, Kevin SPacey, Once Upon A Time, Orphan Black, The Americans, TV Shows

It’s that time of year again! Game of Thrones is back, and so are my Sunday nights!

I admit I was dreading this season after all the horror from last year. But hey, there’s a lot to look forward to, especially if you accidentally read the comments section of YouTube and the Huffington Post (like yours truly did). But I’ll be ready April 6th with all my snacks, or hang out at one of the many bars hosting Game of Thrones parties around NYC. It will be a party worth attending!

In other TV commentaries…

I’ve hopped on the “House of Cards” bandwagon. Everyone I know and their grandmother is watching this, so I had to check it out. Oh. My. God. Engrossing, jaw-dropping, and Kevin Spacey was meant to play Frank Underwood. As villainous as that character is, Spacey is mesmerizing in the role. Robin Wright is amazing too, and its nice to see her as someone other than Princess Buttercup. Also, isn’t scary to think about how much those in DC could very easily be getting away with?

The Americans is getting very good. I always figured that Elizabeth and Philip would be faced with choosing between their children and the Motherland. While they aren’t there yet, I can see it coming. And with their daughter, Paige, getting suspicious and rebellious, things are ticking away.

Oh, I’m pretty much done with Once Upon A Time. So sad, that started off as a great show. But after Bae’s death, its just not worth it. Its painful to see all the talent on that show wasted. 😦

Orphan Black starts on April 16th! Can’t wait to see Tatiana Maslany in all her glory! Or should I say glories? 😉

© Megan Cashman 2014

 

 

 

 

Why I Don’t Write Strong Female Characters

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Arya Stark, books, characterization, cultural portrayal of women, culture, female characters, fiction, Game of Thrones, how to write a novel, Sansa Stark, strong female characters, writers, writing

A recent article in the British magazine, New Statesman, talked about how female characters in fictions are often depicted as strong – and there are some who are not too thrilled about that.

Not that being strong is bad thing, not at all! But as the article’s author, Sophia McDougall points out, strong female characters are just that: strong. They kick ass, either by martial arts or weapons, and have little room for weakness. I get it that this is likely the result of a backlash against such books as the Twilight series, where it’s heroine, Bella Swan, is doormat. There is also a desire to see female characters who are able to stand up for themselves and be their own person, because historically, society has preferred women to be passive.

But I always felt that the need for strong female characters has led to some of them being so strong, they almost cannot be related to. And the criteria for a strong female character was always the same: she kicks butt, has an in-your-face attitude, doesn’t desperately need a man in order to be complete, and hardly ever cries. To me, that’s a narrow definition on what it means to be strong.

Even more so, it doesn’t allow the female character to be more human, and as McDougall points out, it is not on par with male characters who are considered strong:

Are our best-loved male heroes Strong Male Characters? Is, say, Sherlock Holmes strong? In one sense, yes, of course. He faces danger and death in order to pursue justice. On the other hand, his physical strength is often unreliable – strong enough to bend an iron poker when on form, he nevertheless frequently has to rely on Watson to clobber his assailants, at least once because he’s neglected himself into a condition where he can’t even try to fight back. His mental and emotional resources also fluctuate. An addict and a depressive, he claims even his crime-fighting is a form of self-medication. Viewed this way, his willingness to place himself in physical danger might not be “strength” at all – it might be another form of self-destructiveness. Or on the other hand, perhaps his vulnerabilities make him all the stronger, as he succeeds in  surviving and flourishing in spite of threats located within as well without.

It seems like male characters get to more fleshed out human beings while female characters are more one dimensional. They are either weak or super strong, with little room in between. It is kind of bizarre and frustrating that female characters are apparently not allowed to be fully human, with their quirks and flaws, along with their toughness and strong-will. To be honest, I feel the current criteria for a strong female character is almost a mockery of how strong a woman should be.

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It also seems to say that in order for a woman to be strong, she needs to be more masculine. Let’s look at Game of Thrones and two of it’s very different female characters: the Stark sisters, Sansa and Arya. Many fans of the show and books love Arya because she is a tough girl willing to fight and kick butt. Basically, she is a tomboy. And she’s so popular, fans are naming their daughters after her.

On the other hand, her older sister, Sansa is frowned upon for being more ladylike, preferring dancing, singing and embroidery. Now, Sansa is not a well-liked character because she is naive and snooty. That I totally get. But she also not well-liked because she isn’t kicking butt like Arya would. I’ve read many comments online where fans complained about Sansa not physically fighting the Lannisters’, particularly the much hated King Joffrey. Many fans consider Sansa to be weak in this case.

I disagree very much because Sansa does possess enough inner strength to survive months as a prisoner at Kings Landing. I don’t know how many 14 year olds, or even grown adults, would handle watching their father unexpectedly lose their head, be tormented daily by their captors both physically and mentally, living in fear and losing hope of ever escaping their prison. The fact that she hasn’t gone insane is a sign that Sansa Stark is a strong female character – and she doesn’t need a sword or a sharp tongue to prove it.

Furthermore on McDougall’s article, she says there needs to be more equality between male and female characters. If male characters can be well-rounded with their strengths and weaknesses, why can’t their female counterparts?

She says:

What do I want instead of a Strong Female Character? I want a male:female character ratio of 1:1 instead of 3:1 on our screens. I want a wealth of complex female protagonists who can be either strong or weak or both or neither, because they are more than strength or weakness. Badass gunslingers and martial artists sure, but also interesting women who are shy and quiet and do, sometimes, put up with others’ shit because in real life there’s often no practical alternative. And besides heroines, I want to see women in as many and varied secondary and character roles as men: female sidekicks, mentors, comic relief, rivals, villains. I want not to be asked, when I try to sell a book about two girls, two boys and a genderless robot, if we couldn’t change one of those girls to a boy.

When I wrote The Dark Proposal, I set out to create a realistic character in Claire McCormick, and not go with the trends of a über-strong female character. First off, it wouldn’t have worked with my story idea at all. Secondly, I do like characters who are real. Mary Sues and kick-ass females bore me because that’s a standard that is too high for female characters. They kind of make me feel bad myself in a way.

Did I do my best creating a realistic human character in Claire? Let’s check out Sophia McDougall’s checklist:

I want her to be free to express herself: Sometimes Claire does, especially in the early stages in her relationship with Daniel Bertrand. But she also wanted to impress him and his friends, because they were an older, sophisticated group, so she doesn’t really act like herself in a few short scenes. But hey, a lot of people have done that, especially in their young, insecure days.

I want her to have meaningful, emotional relationships with other women: Absolutely! Claire roommates with her two best friends from college, Samantha and Monica. They are all close and go through a lot, particularly trying to live on their own while struggling to find jobs in a difficult world. Here’s a great thing: at times, they do have conversations that do not revolve around guys!

I want her to be weak sometimes: Oh yeah. Being a little insecure makes Claire overlook the warning signs that Daniel isn’t the nicest guy. She also gets so upset when he tells her he wants her to join him for eternity, that she loses rationale. Hey, desperation and fear can make many people lose their minds.

I want her to be strong in a way that isn’t about physical dominance or power: Yep. There are times when Claire does confront and stands up to Daniel. She also does not go insane with what she is faced with, which some people can end up as.

I want her to cry if she feels like crying: Oh does she!

I want her to ask for help: She does, she really tries.

I want her to be who she is: Claire is herself, in a way that shows she is someone trying to find herself as an adult, which as many of us can remember, isn’t the easiest journey to take.

Well, what do you know? Claire McCormick passed the test! She has her moments of weakness and of strength, as all human beings, male or female, do.

How about you? What is your take on how male and female characters are portrayed? Are you more for realistic characters, and are against any criteria? Sound it off!

Primetime Emmy Nominations 2013

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acting, actors, actresses, awards, Emmy, Emmy Awards, Emmys, Game of Thrones, Keri Russell, Lana Parrilla, Michelle Fairley, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Orphan Black, Primetime Emmy Awards, Tatiana Maslany, television, TV, TV Shows

So the Primetime Emmy nominations will be announce this Thursday, and I have never been so anxious for award nominations since, like, never. As some of you may know, I watch too much TV, mainly because there are so many great shows on now. I’ve heard some say this is the golden age of television, and it just might be. Programs on network TV, basic cable and premium cable are top notch in terms of production, acting and storyline. Like many, I am really hoping that my favorite actors are nominated this year, and I’ll be biting my nails Thursday morning.

Hopeful as I am to see my favorite actors get at least a nomination, I’ve come to realize that there’s a great chance that most of them will not be named Thursday in the acting categories. When I saw this TV.com article, I came to terms that there are far too many TV shows with great acting to fit into small award categories. That article points out that as many as 40 actors or more can be considered worthy of a nomination, but there are only five spots per category. Oh, what agony it must be to sort out all those performances!

I wish the Emmys will do what the Oscars did for the Best Motion Picture – instead of five nominations, make room for ten. This way the recognition expands, because there are some who just need to be acknowledged.

Image via Wikimedia Commons

The one actress I have in mind to at least – at least! – be nominated, is Tatiana Maslany from the BBC America series Orphan Black. Wow, what a talent! When I first started watching the show, I was only interested in seeing how a science fiction thriller on human cloning and bio-ethics would play out. But as the show went on, I was floored by Maslany’s ability to play a total of seven different characters. All the clones are portrayed by her uniquely, right down to their hand gestures. Even those who only appeared for a few seconds before dying were uniquely done. There were times when I was watching scenes that had either two or three of the clones in them, that I felt the need to remind myself that I was watching one actress, instead of two or three.

So I am truly hoping Maslany gets a least a nomination. I’d love to see her win because of her achievement, but that may not happen. Sure, she’s won a few small critics’ awards, but she’s basically a newcomer on a less-known show on a station that doesn’t get as much attention as the other channels. Unfortunate, but that is how awards work. But honestly, if she does not get nominated, I will write hate mail to everyone in Hollywood! (I’m joking. Really.)

I’ve heard Michelle Fairley, who played Catelyn Stark on Game of Thrones may be recognized for how she chillingly portrayed Catelyn in that infamous episode. That was great acting, and I agree with many how well she embodied the character had losing all hope and will during her last moments. It’s true, and if she’s nominated, she may win because that episode was very controversial, and such attention can garner an award.

Image via Wikimedia Commons

I would like to see Lana Parrilla from Once Upon A Time finally get a nomination. Not only does she appear to have so much fun playing the evil Queen Regina, but when she plays Regina as a young, kinder woman, we see Parrilla’s full acting range. We also saw last season how Regina struggled to be good while having so much vengeance and anger in her. That’s always worth noting.

I expect Keri Russell to be nominated for The Americans. She won a Golden Globe for Felicity and got an Emmy nod for that, so maybe her reputation could bring her a nomination for this role. Plus, she’s playing a cold, calculating spy dealing with loving her spy partner and choosing between being a mother, and defending the Motherland. But who knows?

As for the male actors, I heard Nikolai Coster-Waldau may be considered for his role as Jamie Lannister on Game of Thrones. That scene where he told the real story on how he slayed the Mad King, and reclaimed himself as Jamie, was powerful and marked a turning point for the character. Before, he was an arrogant, impulsive guy, but after losing his hand, he became more humble, and even broken inside. I’d like to see him be nominated. Peter Dinklage, who plays the well loved Tyrion Lannister, could be nominated again. He won in 2011, and was nominated last year. Hmm, two Lannisters up for an award? I’d like to see that. One Lannister who may not be recognized, was Charles Dance who played the patriarch Tywin Lannister. I’d be surprised if he gets a nod, because he doesn’t have much clout. But I loved his scenes. Tywin Lannister is nasty man who will never get the Father of the Year award, but Dance made his scenes so captivating, I found myself actually liking Tywin’s scenes – but I swear, it was for the actor and not the character!

So, the competition is so fierce and the space is so tight. I may not see anyone I’ve mentioned have their name called out Thursday, but I have to accept that because there are so many great performances on TV now. Maybe the Golden Globes next year will make up for any of my disappoints. Especially if Tatiana Maslany does not get a nomination. I know I will be fuming. There are reasons not to nominate her, but uhm, the award is for acting – not fame, right? Right?!

Game of Thrones: Taking Storytelling Risks

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authors, Game of Thrones, George R R Martin, Staten Island, storytelling, The Rains of Castamere, The Red Wedding, writers

I know I already did a Game of Thrones related post. But with the season finale having aired last night, plus the remaining buzz over the second to last episode, I feel like there’s more to talk about, especially in terms of storytelling.

You may be aware that the author of the series, which the HBO program is based on, George R. R. Martin, has been explaining himself to fans – many of whom are angry and horrified that Robb Stark, his wife, and mother were brutally killed despite being well-liked characters. He told Conan O’Brien while a guest on his show, “I like unexpected things, and I always like the suspense to be real. . . . I want my readers and I want my viewers to be afraid when my characters are in danger. I want them to be afraid to turn the next page because the character may not survive it.”

This makes a lot of sense in terms of storytelling. If you catch the behind-the-scenes part of “The Rains of Castamere” episode, the producers, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, point out how knowing that everything turns out well in the end makes some stories too predictable. Benioff said that as great as The Lord of the Rings was, we all knew the Ring of Power would be destroyed and none of the hobbits will be killed. That took away some part of the excitement because the audience knows there is always hope in the story.

But when I watched this clip on YouTube, it was clear both Benioff and Weiss carried a heavy heart over making this episode. They were sad for both the characters and the actors who played them. They seemed haunted and weighed down by this part of the show, agreeing with the audience that The Red Wedding was very sad and despairing. (I don’t want to show the actual video clip here or else it will sadden some people, because there are parts of that scene in that clip. But here’s the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQsl5Bz312)

It was like they were sad to do this to the audience, but yet, they also knew they were producing a show that breaks the rules of storytelling. What they are doing is pretty bold, and Martin is also bold to have written such books. Like I discussed in my previous post, most people expect happy endings in their books, movies and TV shows. That is not a bad thing at all, but I do think it is OK to prefer something different.

You may have noticed the intense debate happening on the Internet over whether Game of Thrones is a miserable story that celebrates amorality, or it just breaks the rules of storytelling. I go with the latter, because as a storyteller myself, I think sometimes writers have to take risks and not go with the clichés. I know authors have to be mindful for what readers usually prefer, but I think they also have the right to create what they want.

Just to quickly reiterate my stance on happy endings, while I do prefer life to be portrayed as it is, I’m not cynical. Life can be unfair, and people can be despicable, but life does have pockets of hope. In case you’re wondering, yes, I felt very sad once the ninth episode was over and was haunted by it for a few days. It certainly didn’t help to tune Sunday night for the finale, and see how Lord Frey’s men desecrated Robb Stark’s body. Ugh, people are so sick. And let’s not forget: Martin’s series is based on the Middle Ages, a time of great brutality. I think we should be relieved that for the most part, humans today are not as vicious as they were 1,000 years ago – especially as a whole. You’ll get psychos here and there, and some barbarism from certain groups, but altogether, we’ve evolved quite well.

I’ll still watch Game of Thrones, and I’m already anxious for next season. I admit I will be discouraged to continue with it if more of the likable characters (Tyrion, Daenerys, Jon Snow, etc.) are killed or anything terrible happens to them. Heck, I was sad when Ros, a minor character, was killed after Joffrey shot arrows at her from his crossbow. But I watch Game of Thrones because it does keep me guessing on what the characters are going to do next. I like hearing of their plans and watching them play their game. I like to see them evolve and do their best to survive. And I hope they keep surviving, or else even I will turn off the show for good – or at least take a while to catch up on the episodes.

ONE MORE THING: I heard George R. R. Martin grew up in Bayonne, NJ which is across the Kill van Kull from Staten Island. He told Conan O’Brien he used to wonder “what exotic mysteries and wonders lurked on Staten Island” and was disappointed there weren’t much. Hmm. My hometown inspires people that much? Who would’ve thunk it? Oh, and SILive.com jokingly pointed out that clearly, Martin had never been to an Italian restaurant there.

NOTE: If you are going to leave comments regarding this post, please be aware that any spoilers will not be approved of. I will also completely detest you for ruining anything for me. Yeah, I’ve heard the rumors, but c’mon!

 

 

 

 

Are Happy Endings a Must?

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Game of Thrones, happily ever after, happy endings, storytelling, telling a story, writers, writing

If you watch HBO’s Game of Thrones, I’m sure many of you are still reeling from this past Sunday’s episode. Yeah, I was shocked by the brutality but not surprised about who died (more about that later). I was one of many live tweeting during the show, and I felt sad and empty once the credits silently appeared.

Click here for original image on 360nobs.com

For the next two days, I was following all the blog postings and articles online discussing the shocking deaths of Robb Stark, his wife Talisa, and his mother, Catelyn Stark. Many expressed grief and confusion. Robb was a good man and he had to avenge his father, Ned Stark’s death, who was also a man of honor and also met a brutal death that came out of no where. Was there any hope for the Starks’ in Westeros?

Better yet, why is Game of Thrones so miserable? Why does this show seemingly celebrate amorality and lets the bad guys win? What is going through the mind of George R. R. Martin, the author of the A Song of Ice and Fire series which inspired the HBO show?

Those questions brought up something that has been on my mind for a while: must all stories be tales of hope, with a guaranteed happy ending?

My book, The Dark Proposal, certainly doesn’t fall into that kind of category. It ends with little resolution and doesn’t have much hope throughout the chapters. I know that sounds horribly depressing to some, but that was how I felt the story should’ve been told. Granted, it is the first part of a trilogy and the later books have more chances of hope and resolution in them. And no, I’m not selling out 😉

I know this goes back to the discussion of whether authors should write what they want and not heed their audience. I also know happily ever after stories are very popular and are almost expected among many readers. Maybe a part of me wants to rebel against that because I don’t buy into happy endings. I’m not cynical, but I also don’t see life as being all rosy and sunny. There’s always a downside to our actions, and sometimes we carry the consequences with us for many years. Furthermore, grace is sadly not something that happens easily.

Anyway, I’m not trying to make everyone miserable and depressed with my story ideas. I am aware that I have an interest in dark and serious themes, and I know that can rattle some. I say this because the other night, I was at a play reading group where a short script of mine was about to be read. When I was asked to explain to the small group what my piece was about, I got a little flustered when I realized I had written something that may be disturbing to some, or at least odd. It was about a psychopath looking to manipulate two naïve youngsters. I was nervous because what I came up with was certainly twisted. Luckily, there were some lines that everyone laughed at, so I must’ve done something right.

Click here for original image on DeviantART

I’m not an emo and my motto is not, “life is a bitch and then you die”. I may have my moments when I think the world or life in general sucks, but I am not chronically unhappy. I am, though, fascinated with psychology and love to read about how the mind works, and what makes people tick. Maybe knowing that there is a dark side to the human mind makes me want to explore it and see how far can I go before even I get scared!

Plus, it is always awesome to read or hear about someone pulling themselves out of the depths of despair or anger. That is heroic to me, and I root for characters and real-life people like that. It is very inspiring for anyone to gather their inner strength, pick themselves up, and keep going.

OK, I think I’m getting off topic here. I don’t think happy endings are a must in stories nor do I think every story needs to be inspirational. Unfortunately, humanity has a history of being very brutal and despicable. I think we need to be reminded about how twisted people can be to remind ourselves to never set out on that path that leads us to such darkness. Usually it is a complex path, since humans are very complex, so it is easy to forget what you’re doing. Just remember there is despair and depravity out there, and it is easy to get caught up in it.

As for my reaction to “The Rains of Castamere” episode, I figured Robb Stark would meet a brutal end. He had made a deal with Lord Frey, forming an alliance to fight the Lannisters’. But he instead married Talisa and thus, broke his promise to marry one of Frey’s daughters, which meant he broke that alliance. As Cersei said in Season 1, “When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die”. Sadly, Robb Stark didn’t play the game right, and he met a terrible end.

When that episode began, a feeling of dread came over me. I had to distract myself as it went on because I knew something terrible was coming. I had heard the rumors, and I knew they would possibly happen. But when those doors were shut in that hall, and the musicians began playing that ominous song…ugh, I felt sick with despair.

So sad, just so sad. I know on Sunday for the final episode, I won’t be as excited because three likable characters are gone. Arya was so close to her mother and brother, and now she’s back to where she was when her father was killed. Ugh, that poor girl! Sansa now has no one at all. I wonder if she had any hope left of her brother storming Kings’ Landing and saving her. Now she’s truly trapped. Oh, and what about Bran? Will he see his mother and brother in his dreams? Oh jeez…

I’ve heard interesting rumors about the remaining Stark children (yes, I know there’s Rickon, who strangely had lines in Episode 9! But we may not see him again for a long time). So it will be fascinating for them to develop. I hope for the last book, George R. R. Martin has them reunite. It will be great if they all did, but if only two met again, that for me would be a happy ending right there 🙂

On a more lighter note, has anyone seen Maisie Williams, the actress who plays Arya, reaction to this episode? Gotta like her sense of humor!

10 Days Until Game of Thrones Season 3 Premiere!

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Daenerys Targareyn, Game of Thrones, Game of Thrones Season 3, GoT, HBO, HBO Shows, humor, Joffrey Lannister, Queen Cersei, Sansa Stark, Theon Greyjoy, TV Shows, Tyrion Lannister, videos

Confession: I am one of the many who has spent most of the past year gushing and biting my nails over the HBO series Game of Thrones.

OK, that’s not really a confession because there are plenty who’ve been having the same sentiments. But I am so excited for the premiere of Season 3 Sunday March 31st that I literally have been obsessing over GoT during this month. I actually squeal when I see the trailers, I’ve been recapping the last two seasons on Time Warner Cable’s OnDemand, and I’ve been straining myself from doing too much research or else I’ll know too much about what happens to many of the characters. 

I know that sounds crazy, but damn that show gets me going. I love the intrigue, the suspense, the twists and surprises. GoT is all around complex – the characters, the storyline, the history, the motivations of everyone involved.

It is also so real. Even though GoT is a fantasy tale set in a medieval world, the conflicts and challenges each character faces is similar to our own. Even though honor and justice are considered good, those traits simply cannot be used in a cut-throat (literally) world where everyone is looking out for themselves and the big picture is all that matters. So what if someone is a lying, stealing cheat? A business needs to be run, the neighborhood needs peace, or you have to survive high school. It sucks, we all hate that fact. But that’s the truth of both our world and the world of Westeros.

I also like how most of the characters in Game of Thrones cannot be seen in black and white, and could only be seen in their gray – except of course, King Joffrey, who is solidly evil. Some of them lean towards the dark side, like Littlefinger and Theon Greyjoy, but you also have to consider their motives in order to understand and maybe sympathize a bit with them. After all, how many more characters do you need to make you seethe with rage?

Check out WinterisComing.net – great site!

Others have traits that are annoying and unlikable, like Sansa Stark. Sure, she’s snobby and naive, but when you step back and look at her situation, you can consider her a survivor. She witnesses the unexpected beheading of her father, then is forced to look at his head on a spike by the young man she was once infatuated with. She then spends weeks as a hostage surrounded by untrustworthy people, being beaten and tormented by King Joffrey in front of the whole court, having Queen Cersei needle her with her condescending pet name (I hate it when Cersei called her “little dove”), and believing her family is in danger or dead. She was alone in her situation and some people can fall apart in that situation. I’m not saying Sansa is a totally strong character, but I wouldn’t wish rape or death on her like some people do.

Anyway, I’m really excited for this coming season. I am also agonizing over it. I’ve heard some beloved characters die and I don’t want to believe it is true. I know many die in the books and HBO has to bring that onto the small screen, but damn! Yeah, it’s a violent game they’re playing, but NO!!!

I’m also looking forward to seeing the White Walkers and winter spreading over Westeros. Daenerys’ dragons should be amazing to watch. And also, gotta watch Tyrion – the best character on the show. Is there anyone who does not like the Imp? Didn’t think so.

Before I sign off, I’m giving you this humorous video to entertain you until March 31st. You might want to sing the words once Game of Thrones Season 3 begins!