Tag: TV characters

Queens of the Ashes: GAME OF THRONES Arya and Daenerys

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ARYA STARK

Arya’s been a fighter since S1E1; not only in a sling-an-arrow-stick-em-with-the-pointy-end kind of way. Her journey has been one of vengeance, retribution towards those who harmed her loved ones. She’s fought to survive, stay sane, and figure out not only who she is but who she wants to be.

Arya knew deep down what she did not want to be – she was no lady in the way the world formed them. She was a fighter, truthteller, passion-fueled girl who saw her loved ones taken from her again and again – her father, mother, brothers, Gendry. She literally lost her sight when she took vengeance into her own hands and fought back. When death came for her, she ran through the streets of Braavos – wounded but determined. Though trained to be “No One”, the lone wolf made a choice in the House of Black and White:  A girl HAS a name – A girl is Arya Stark of Winterfell; and she’s going home.

Over the course of two seasons, Arya’s gained those she lost; reuniting with her family, her champions, and her best friend. She opened her heart and made herself vulnerable in ways she could control – still doubtful of letting others see her clearly. Where once she was resigned to a life of death and loss, Arya was suddenly faced (pun intended) with another path. One veiled by uncertainty and vengeance. Now, Arya Stark of House Winterfell has a chance to return home once more – where home ends up remains to be seen.

DAENERYS TARGARYEN

She’s spent the past seven seasons finding out who she is through what matters to her. She’s always been surrounded by advisors (some who betrayed her and others who offered clarity and reason among chaos) and now at the end of it all she’s got but one trusted ally left (two if you count her dragon).

Daenerys’ trusted inner circle grew as a result of deep respect and belief. She saw those who were tortured and imprisoned as people worthy of her help – and freedom. She believed, and destiny confirmed, that she was the one to save them all. Jorah, Missandei, Grey Worm, Tyrion, and Jon all stood at her side because she’d earned their respect and love. One by one they’ve been taken from her, either through death or perceived betrayal. Her actions in S8E5 were ones of a woman whose world crumbled before her – alone and deceived by destiny. Everything she fought for and those who fought in her name told the story of a brave woman destined to rule – to rid the Seven Kingdoms of the tyranny that’s plagued them. Never do I believe she ever thought that her choices would lead her to become that which she fought against.

QUEENS OF THE ASHES

While Arya’s journey has been one of vengeance, Daenerys’ was justice to those who committed unspeakable acts. When faced with death, Arya chose life. Daenerys chose vengeance. They have been wounded (physically, emotionally, and mentally), burned (literally in Daenerys’ case), and threatened by those who deemed them weak. Time after time, they stood back up. They rose from the ashes and kept moving.  These two complex, flawed fighters have been on mirror journeys – how their stories end I do not know. But I will most definitely be watching!

**DISCLAIMER: No endorsement by anyone associated with GAME OF THRONES is 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!*