Tag: television series

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.*

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.**

 

 

REVENGE Recap: “Burn” Episode 4×20

Published on by Kelly DeenyLeave a comment

With now only three episodes remaining in this season of REVENGE, my anticipation for the May finale is ablaze with curiosity after last night’s game-changing hour of drama!

**SPOILER ALERT: If you have NOT watched up to episode 4 x 20 of REVENGE, stop reading and go watch!**

Now, let’s get down to the business at hand…Victoria’s hand, that is.

REVENGE "Burn"

FIRESTORM

Have we truly said goodbye to the Queen of the Hamptons?! If our eyes can be believed, than yes.  The end sequence (written by Ted Sullivan, directed by Kenneth Fink, and featuring a hauntingly-beautiful score by Fil Eisler) showed Victoria Grayson taking control of the situation and turning Grayson Manor to rubble with the help of an open flue and a lighter.

Throughout the episode, Victoria appeared to take the brunt of Emily’s Amanda’s plan of revenge. First, she got a not-so-nice greeting in the parking garage when a masked figure attacked the matriarch and searched her purse for some unknown item. Though she claimed that Emily was the culprit, she seemed too fearful to retaliate by handing over the incriminating flash drive to authorities.  Then, Emily adeptly retrieved said flash drive through a plan that involved pickpocketing a FBI agent and impersonating a firefighter.  Victoria’s mental state became unhinged as the minutes progressed until she donned a fiery red dress, sat on her throne, and flicked the lighter. She put the power back in her own hands, quite literally.

Victoria’s decision and motivation could not have been believed without the sheer talent of Madeleine Stowe.  She brought to life a character who was both tormented and strong, brave yet scared, and dedicated to her children.  Thank you for an incredible four years of Victoria Grayson!

GIRL FIGHT

I said this from the beginning of the season, but I’ll say it again: I like Margaux, and I think she’d make an amazing ally for Emily. Two smart, brave, passionate, and determined women fighting for a common cause would be a fierce duo no one should cross. However, I find myself enjoying the Margaux/Louise frenemy dynamic. Neither of these fiery women could agree on how best to protect and support Victoria, which led to loads of snarky comebacks and exchange of power until they finally decided to let their history be just that.

With Mama Grayson’s last act, she put into motion events that will pit Margaux and Louise against Amanda Emily. Ultimately, I still want our beloved heroine to outwit, outmaneuver, and outsmart the new tag team, but I’ll enjoy the ride in the meantime.

TAKING FLIGHT

“Don’t go, Jack!” That’s what kept running through my mind as our protagonist rushed to stop the man she loved (but has yet to tell him so) from leaving the Hamptons.  After Nolan attempted to convince his best guy friend of Emily/Amanda’s feelings, the two said a heartfelt farewell.  *Sidenote: The Nolan/Jack friendship has always been one of my favorites on REVENGE.  Kudos to Nick Wechsler and Gabriel Mann for making us love this bromance.* Nolan then booked it directly to his bff’s house, scolding her for not admitting her feelings sooner and prodding her to take action before it’s too late.

These two wounded characters hurt one another time and again, sometimes intentionally and other times due to misunderstanding and miscommunication. They’re both struggling to figure out who they are and how they fit into each other’s lives as adults. It’s a beautiful love story, based on friendship and developed over time.  As Amanda Clarke faces her past and an uncertain future, she’ll need Jack all the more in the present. I look forward to seeing how it develops in the final 3 episodes of the season.

As season four comes to a close, I anticipate a conclusion that will keep me glued to my seat and leave me momentarily speechless!

*DISCLAIMER: No endorsement by anyone associated with Revenge, its parent company, affiliates, sponsors, or artists implied!*

TV Moments That Moved Me to Tears: ‘ANGEL’

Published on by Kelly DeenyLeave a comment

We’re so close to revealing the top moment! The runner-up is…

Angel

#2 – FRED (Angel, S5 Ep15, “A Hole in the World”): When Joss Whedon kills off one of his characters, it’s not just for the ‘hellmouth’ of it nor is it pretty.

The gifted writer/producer/director always introduces us to a wide variety of characters: rebels, villains, and flawed heroes/heroines. Then there were the ones that held them all together: Willow in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Kaylee in Firefly, and Fred in Angel. Putting any of those three in dangerous situations upped the ante for the rest of the characters and tugged on the viewer’s emotions.

Portrayed to perfection by Amy Acker, Winifred ‘Fred’ Burkle became the heart, soul, and innocence of the team.  A character full of so much heart, joy, intelligence, and compassion added balance amidst the tormented souls that surrounded her.  From the moment she was introduced on the show, Fred’s journey was one we wanted to follow. Over the course of the next three years we watched her come into her own and flourish. So, when Fred died in the arms of the man she loved I wept along with the characters. “No, not Fred.  She can’t die,” I thought.  “She’s too important.” I didn’t have long to mourn the loss of such a beloved character, because in true Joss fashion, Fred’s death opened a portal (wink, wink) to a new character. Fred’s spirit ceased to exist and Illyria took over, thus, providing Amy a new acting challenge and giving the show added conflict. We lost Fred but still had Amy, and she continued to impress.

This TV moment ranks high on my list not only because Fred is one of my favorite TV characters, but because of the episode as a whole. Written and directed by Joss Whedon, “A Hole in the World” paid tribute to a character we all came to love and admire. As her friends rushed to find a way to save her, we felt the fear that they wouldn’t be able to and the disappointment in realizing that they couldn’t. This stunning hour of television remains embedded in my memory due to the talents of those in front of and behind the camera.

Dramatic television series can inspire, motivate, educate, and empower. However, they also have the ability to reach us on an emotional level. They do so by creating characters we enjoy watching, and rooting for, only to take them on journeys that make us reflect on our own lives and choices. While I’ve cried many a time during TV shows, there are five TV moments that not only had me sobbing like a baby but impressed me on a creative level. 

*DISCLAIMER: No endorsement by anyone associated with Angel, its parent company, affiliates, sponsors, or artists implied!*

TV Moments That Moved Me to Tears: ‘REVENGE’

Published on by Kelly DeenyLeave a comment

Dramatic television series can inspire, motivate, educate, and empower. However, they also have the ability to reach us on an emotional level. They do so by creating characters we enjoy watching, and rooting for, only to take them on journeys that make us reflect on our own lives and choices. While I’ve cried many a time during TV shows, there are five TV moments that not only had me sobbing like a baby but impressed me on a creative level.

First up…REVENGE (ABC Network)

TV Moment 5

AMANDA CLARKE/EMILY THORNE (Revenge, S2 EP14, “Sacrifice”): When two women, connected through shared juvenile experience, swap identities, neither one’s life is the same.

Years after her beloved father is framed for a crime he didn’t commit and ripped from her young life, Amanda Clarke embarks on a plan of retribution. She enlists the help of fellow juvie inmate (Emily Thorne), though their relationship is fractured, and the two start their lives anew.  Not always liking one another, or trusting the other, Amanda Clarke and Emily Thorne ultimately formed a familial bond; one that the show’s protagonist came to appreciate as her “sister” lay dying in her arms. The woman who first answered to the name Amanda wept at realizing her long-time friend sacrificed her life for the other’s. When “I’m so sorry” broke out through choked emotion, handled exquisitely by the talented Emily VanCamp, tears ran down my cheeks. The strong, independent, and resilient Emily Thorne cradled her alter ego while I sat on my couch sobbing. I cried because the death affected the main character so tremendously, and I give credit to the writers, to Ms. VanCamp, and her talented co-star (Margarita Levieva) for such a heartfelt moment.  Many more emotional/heartbreaking scenes followed in the past two years, but “Amanda’s” death remains at the forefront of great storytelling, acting, and plot twists.

*DISCLAIMER: No endorsement by anyone associated with Revenge, its parent company, affiliates, sponsors, or artists implied!*

The Envious Queen V

Published on by Kelly DeenyLeave a comment

One week from today, Revenge returns to my television line-up…thank goodness!  Last week I posted two blog entries, one for “Emily/Amanda” and one for “Charlotte.”  Who better to round out this creative writing venture with than the matriarch herself – “Victoria”.

Cameo pendant with accent beads
Cameo pendant with accent beads

Representative of the Grayson matriarch’s spitfire personality and protective yet manipulative inclinations, I created a necklace design that’s a blend of royal violets and emerald-green crystals.  Dubbed “Queen Victoria” by the show’s writers and fans, I choose a cameo pendant symbolizing elegance, class, and high-society.  Plus, using a Victorian-style pendant was too perfect to pass up.

“Victoria Grayson” rules her world with fervor, determination, and ultimately a belief that she’s protecting her children.  Her intentions may be good, but her methods cause mayhem and tragedy.  Deep down, despite her faults, I am of the opinion that “Victoria’s” motives stem from envy.  Jealousy of those who the love she lost and reflective of the choices she made to get her where she is now.

The Revenge writers created a character that you love to hate while also feeling sympathetic to her situation, though self-inflicted.  “Victoria’s” portrayer, Madeleine Stowe, excels at bringing forth the complexities of her character.  As such, this necklace represents not only “Queen V” but the elegance and talent that Ms. Stowe shares each week.

A Thorne in Their Sides

Published on by Kelly Deeny1 Comment

To fill the void until ABC’s Revenge returns on Sunday, December 8th, I’ve merged my love of writing and entertainment with a new-found artistic venture…jewelry-making.  Life inspires art, or in this case one artistic interest inspired another.

I have created necklaces inspired by three of the female characters on Revenge.  First up…”Emily Thorne/Amanda Clarke”.

Rose pendant with ruby-colored crystals and silver accents
Rose pendant with ruby-colored crystals and silver accents

Snatched from her father and the innocent life she led, a young “Amanda Clark” was forever changed in an instant.  Driven by fury towards those who wrongly accused her father, a now grown “Emily Thorne” is a shadow of her childhood self.  The young woman who returned to the Hamptons has tried desperately to maintain the persona she created so many years prior.

Very few know her true identity and fewer still know her true self.  As our protagonist fights for justice, she strengthens the walls around her heart.  Love in its truest and purest sense is difficult to maintain in the life that “Emily” has chosen.  At least, so far that’s been the case.  The romantic entanglements intertwine with lies, misunderstandings, and pain.  Pain of what was lost and what could never be.

Focused in her mission to destroy the Graysons, her actions are purposeful and clever.  Both the guilty and innocent have fallen prey to the path “Emily” willingly walks down.  With blood on her hands and pain in her heart, she does battle with the scared little girl she left behind in seek of revenge.

*Visit the website to learn more about this complex character and the talented young woman, Emily Van Camp, who portrays her with grace and care.*

DISCLAIMER:  No endorsement intended or implied!

REVENGE: How Sweet It Is!

Published on by Kelly DeenyLeave a comment

**SPOILER ALERT:  This post may contain spoilers for those viewers who haven’t seen all of last season’s episode.  Proceed at your own entertainment “peril”!**

Up until the Primetime Emmy Awards telecast on September 22nd, this blog focused on the returning TV shows I’m most excited are coming back.  Time for some…Revenge!

I got hooked in Season 1, Episode 1 and have remained entangled in the web of action that sustains this ABC drama series.  At its heart, Revenge is more than just the main character’s pursuance of those she holds responsible for her father’s incarceration and death.  For as much as “Emily Thorne” (aka “Amanda Clarke”) battles the individuals who wronged her family, she’s simultaneously battling her own demons.  This strong, conflicted, determined young woman fights every week to seek retribution, all the while torn by the damage her own actions have caused.

This remarkable cast excels at keeping the audience uncertain whether to love or hate their characters.  They do so by letting us see the complexity within.  The range of acting talent on this TV drama series makes this a program that is truly an ensemble piece.  Each and every cast member plays a role (pun intended) in creating characters that walk the line between naive, tortured and just plain malicious.  For instance, “Victoria Grayson” made some horrid choices, including letting “David Clarke” take the fall, but the writers gave Madeleine Stowe a canvas on which to paint.  And that she’s done!  We may not like what her character does, but we understand and sometimes even sympathize with her.

On the other side of that tattered coin, there’s “Amanda/Emily”.  Portrayed with stunning subtlety by Emily VanCamp, the series’ protagonist has us cheering her on even when her actions mirror that of those she seeks to punish.  Ms. VanCamp does this by easily moving in and out of two very different characters.  Last season her worlds started to collide and those around her got caught in the crossfire.  While a less gifted actress would choose an easier path, Emily handled her character(s) with care – making us not only sympathize with her plight but empathize with her struggles.  Case in point, this past season’s episode when the real “Emily Thorne” died in our lead character’s arms, I sobbed.  With the words, “Oh my God, I’m so sorry,” my heart broke.  All it took was a simple moment.  No overacting, no melodrama, no hysterics.  Just a heartbreaking performance by a talented actress.

That example is just one of many that speaks volumes as to what this TV series is all about – while “Emily” seeks revenge, “Amanda” continues to punish herself just as severely.   I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to find out what sort of situation these characters are in when the new season starts Sunday, 9/29/13 on ABC at 9pm (Eastern Time)!

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.