Tag: fantasy

A Stark Reality: Why GAME OF THRONES Matters

Published on by Kelly DeenyLeave a comment
HBO shop front window (cropped view)

After a decade of hard work, sweat, tears, blood, and friendship – we soon bid adieu to the award-winning drama series, GAME OF THRONES. A show so beloved by fans and critics alike earns its spot among television greatness with sweeping saga storylines, fantasical elements, memorable characters and dialogue, costume masterpieces, and special effects that look more real than not.

I entered the GoT fandom in 2016, after my older sister’s passing. Perhaps watching this particular series with my mother seems an odd choice, but it bonded us – allowed us to escape from our grief for a while and rebuild a foundation on which House Deeny can stand. We binge-watched the first six seasons before the seventh’s premiere, and wait with anticipation together for the final journey into “Westeros”.

My mother and I are not alone in our excitement; a claim validated when I went to the HBO shop on Sixth Avenue ten days before the S8 premiere. The store was busy (as it will likely be for the near future) with fans pondering the agonizing decision of which item NOT to get. (To my delight, there were lots of House Stark merchandise leaving the shelves.)

Praying to the TV Gods (Old and New) that my favorite character survives!

GAME OF THRONES matters to people; I implore you not to discount it as a mere pop-culture phenomenon or decade-long fad as that would be doing a disservice to the cast, crew, and fans. If you doubt GoT’s significance, look at social media stats, fan fiction writings, cosplay photos, or the multitude of well-researched theory videos on YouTube. This fandom cares about not only the actors who’ve shot to stardom (deservedly so), but the finished artwork that is GAME OF THRONES. They know the names of those behind the scenes, respectful and appreciative of the writers’, directors’, and musicians’ dedication and craft.

We’re surrounded by chaos, anger, vitriol, and violence in our day-to-day life; so much so that it can seem daunting to trust that hope, joy, and love will reign supreme. People are fighting every day for what they believe in – to find justice for those persecuted or to put aside long-standing disagreements to battle an even greater threat. GAME OF THRONES entertains, shocks, moves, and awes us, but more importantly, it offers viewers a chance to examine the world around them and their part in it. We can overcome even the most challenging of obstacles, building relationships instead of walls.

The fans will certainly mourn the loss of the show (and most likely many of their beloved characters) come May 20th, but appreciation does not have a finale date. To all the artists (in front of and behind the camera) who were a part of GAME OF THRONES all these years: Your work matters! May this be but one reminder of just how much you all matter. Your watch has ended.  On April 14th, it’s the fans turn!

*No endorsement by any of the aforementioned entities, organizations, or their subsidiaries is implied.*

BLACK PANTHER & A WRINKLE IN TIME: An Awakening of Spirit

Published on by Kelly DeenyLeave a comment

Something has changed within me. Something is not the same.

These lyrics from the oh-so-popular WICKED The Musical, encapsulate my spiritual shift after experiencing the gloriousness of the BLACK PANTHER and A WRINKLE IN TIME films.

Beauty and grace

The first time I saw BLACK PANTHER, I wanted to shout from the rooftops about the magnificence that is this film. I yearned to tell everyone I met to stop what they’re doing and go to the movie theater asap. And yet, I knew that it was not my voice which needed to be heard. There were others who were affected on a level I do not claim to know.

For though I would stick out like a sore thumb in Wakanda, the pride for country and culture leapt off the screen and soaked into my spirit. I thought about the ones who came before and continue to impart wisdom. My ancestors originated from European Nations, though my grandmother strongly claimed we had Native American roots, and as I sat enthralled by the trials Wakanda faced (internal and external) I thought once again about the struggles and Sins of My Ancestors.  

I am proud of my heritage for it led me here, however, I am cognizant of the reality that the color of my skin and that of my ancestors gives me a perspective spotted by privilege.

A WRINKLE IN TIME changed my life as a child – becoming the book that helped define my imaginative nature and love of creative writing. I recall so vividly sitting on my bed in the suburbs, the second eldest of four daughters, and seeing the words on the page form into pictures in my imagination. It touched me on not just a physical level but a spiritual one as well, and to this day Madeleine L’Engle’s series remain the example of what beautiful, imaginative, inspiring literature can do.

BLACK PANTHER awakened hope, beauty, grace, and empowerment; A WRINKLE IN TIME kept the awakening strong, realizing the power of diversity realized. As T’Challa passed through Wakanda’s hidden borders it broke through mine as well; my vision cleared and my soul rejoiced. As Meg journeyed through fantastical worlds and discovered the power of self-confidence and self-love, waves of colorful energy kissed my soul. I looked over at my young niece and hoped she felt it too.

As I sat in the theater for each film, I thought of all the people (especially children) seeing films that featured heroes who looked like them. I smiled so wide that my cheeks hurt and my eyes watered.

I am proud to know that my nieces, nephews, and their children’s children will live in world where people from all ethnicities, genders, orientations, and racial identifications are represented – in every industry. I don’t only pray, dream, or wish it to be so. I have faith in humanity. With beauty, love, grace, and truth we will celebrate our differences while uniting in a shared experience. We will make this world, and the souls that call it home, better than we found it.

 

*DISCLAIMER: No endorsement from any of the above-mentioned entities, or their corporations and subsidiaries is intended or implied.*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A GAME OF THRONES Newbie

Published on by Kelly DeenyLeave a comment

Winter came late for me as it was only last year when I journeyed into the TV series so many adored. After binge-watching the first six seasons of Game of Thrones with my mother I watched each Season 7 episode with excitement and anticipation.

I’d say I’m sorry it took me so long, but the circumstances which led to last year’s binge-viewing made us appreciate the drama series all the more. House Deeny lost its eldest daughter in June of 2016 and sadness filled the space we called home. My parents mourned for their first born, and the “Little Women” – esque sisters grieved for their fierce, independent, outspoken big sister.

 

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Picture of my sister was taken at a Scottish cemetery

 

A few weeks after my sister’s passing, my mother began her research into an Irish family vacation the following summer. When I mentioned that the Deeny ancestors came from Northern Ireland (Rathmullan in County  Donegal and Dungiven in County Derry to be specific), she focused on that area for her tourism research. It was then that GoT entered our world.

“There’s a Game of Thrones tour,” she told me. “Have you watched that show?”

“I haven’t, but so many people tell me I’d love it.”

We were hooked after the first episode and made it a weekly (or bi-weekly) viewing date. I don’t know that I could’ve watched a show that’s graphic in many ways with my mother under normal circumstances. However, we had to move forward into a new normal. Watching “our show” each week became a bonding opportunity for us. For an hour we could immerse ourselves into the drama and intrigue of a fictional world and the characters who inhabited it.

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We cheered for our favorites (Arya, Jon, Sam, and Tyrion) and I often wondered if my mom grieved when Catelyn Stark did. Like the fictional matriarch of House Stark, my mother is a passionate defender of her daughters – compassionate, wise, outspoken, and full of love. Just as Sansa and Arya embody the qualities of their mother in different ways, so too do the Deeny sisters.

This brilliant piece of fictional television deserves all the award recognition it’s received over the years, and I look forward to seeing the talent (on-screen and off) be recognized again for their stunning work in season 7. Game of Thrones is one such show that blends all artistic pieces into one seamless work of art. From the score; to the complex and twist-turning writing; and the raw, flawless acting GoT‘s praise warrants even more.

While I watched the newest season with dear friends (as my mother preferred the “wait for the DVD” method), we’ve decided that buying S7 in December will be a joint Christmas gift to one another. I’ll have plenty of time to get her caught up before the next and final (noooooo) season, and maybe we’ll still have time to get in that GoT tour in Ireland before S8 E1 airs.

UPDATE: 01/03/18 – I bought the Season 7 DVD the day it was released and my mother is now all caught up. She waits, as the rest of us do, for what Season 8 will reveal!
**DISCLAIMER: No endorsement by any organization mentioned above or their affiliates, actors, or producers is implied.**

 

 

Is it Once Upon a Time Yet?

Published on by Kelly DeenyLeave a comment

*Up until the Primetime Emmy Awards show telecast, this blog focused on the returning TV shows I’m most excited are coming back.  The first entry…ONCE UPON A TIME.*

Necklace I designed, inspired by one of my favorite fairy tale princesses.
Necklace I designed, inspired by one of my favorite fairy tale princesses.

If you’ve read some of my prior blog posts, then you’re familiar with my affinity for fairy tales.  When I first heard about Once Upon a Time, I was thrilled and quite intrigued at the premise.  I love when artists/novelists/TV showrunners take a concept that everyone thinks they know then create a product that has us second guessing our preconceived ideas.  This was the case with OUAT, and they threw in a bonus!  Even though they ingeniously came up with backstories and re-imagined some of the fairy tale characters, they ALWAYS respected the stories that made the characters so beloved in the first place.  This show doesn’t make fun of, or belittle, fairy tale princesses; it recognizes their strengths and enhances them.  Led by the creative minds of Adam Horowitz & Edward Kitsis, the talented cast weaves their characters through two different worlds and does so effortlessly.  In doing so, they have given us a television program that I find utterly enchanting to watch each and every week!

SPOILER ALERT:  If you haven’t watched all of Season Two’s episodes, you may not want to read on!

When we last left Storybrooke, Maine, the curse was lifted but danger was imminent.  Our brave heroes and heroines joined forces with their adversaries in order to save the most innocent among them; Henry.  Will they find him before Peter Pan does?  What sorts of hurdles will they encounter along the way?  Will Mary Margaret/Snow and Regina/The Evil Queen be able to heal some wounds through their shared grief for Henry?  As Emma mourns the “loss” of Neal/Baelfire will she continue to butt heads with Hook or soften her distrust when, or if, she learns of his connection to Henry’s father?

Plus, now that we’re headed back to the fairy tale world, will Mulan and Aurora be able to bring Philip back?  What does Pan want with Henry?  What other beloved fairy tale characters will we meet this season and how do they tie in to the interconnected storylines? How will Bae deal with being back “home”? And who is this dreaded group that’s pulling all the strings? (No pun intended!)  I have my guess on who they are, but I’ll wait and see if I’m right.

I can’t wait to find out what will happen next to these complexly written characters, performed with subtlety and humanity by each of the cast members.

By the way, how in the world did Bailee Madison NOT get a Guest Actress in a Drama Series nomination for her flawless performance as “Young Snow”?  This is one talented young lady, who had me in tears on more than one occasion this season.