So, the Blog, "The Broke and the Bookish" have posted yet another challenge to do- what are your top ten favorite books dealing with tough subjects.
1: Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
One of, and possible the only, story I've read/watched, to ever deal with the extremely tough subject of rape in a respectful, un-sensationalized manner where the character's actions and misactions actually make sense. The book is beautifully told, Melinda, the protagonist, is so sympathetic and relatable she feels like a real person. Plus, the ending has wonderful poetic justice >:D. I would definitely recommend reading it, and if not, at least watch the movie(which I really thought was well done). A definite must read for all people.
Here's the movie
2: Hate List by Jennifer Brown
This book deals with a very difficult topic- school shootings. Revolving around the girlfriend of the shooter, you see what led to it, and how the shooter was a human too. It's actually quite sad because, even though the boy is a horrible person, you can't hate him(at first I was all set up to, but they humanized him so well, and he liked a lot of the same stories I did, so it became harder and harder to hate him and to watch as he slid into insanity). The book is very well written and I would definitely recommend it to anyone.
3: Summer of My German Soldier by Bette Greene
Probably the first book dealing with major issues that I read, this book definitely had an impact on me. I was quite young when I read it, so the subjects were quite new to me. In fact, I was so naive, that I didn't realize that the girl was being abused(physically and emotionally) by her parents until later in the book. The novel, besides talking about the abuse from her parents, shows that not all Germans were evil during the time of Hitler. I wasn't expecting to like the 'nazi' character, but he was actually a good person who was forced into the army. A very good book.
4: Don't Hurt Laurie by Willo Davis Roberts
Often times, in most books, we deal with an abusive father(usually physically); in this book, however, it is the mother who is physically abusive towards her daughter. It's a very well written book and handles the issue well. The book is a bit old, but I think it is still relevant today since this is sadly still an issue.
5: The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins
While not what most would call an 'Issue' story, the trilogy still deals with a plethora of disturbing topics. The main one, of course, is the whole 'kids-killing-kids' issue which actually still happens in many countries, especially in war-torn African countries where kids are forced into the army and do terrible things. While I can read the book and that part of the book and be fine, since I know it's fiction, it's important to remember that it is an evil thing going on. Also, the book deals with guilt, PTSD, depression, and grief which were all handled beautifully.
6: To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
The best book to handle racism ever. I really enjoyed how Harper Lee handled the issues surrounding racism in this book- she shows good and bad of both white and blacks, which I really appreciated, and the ending is very sad, but very well done. The only problem I had with it was that it helped perpetuate the myth that women lie about rape all the time. Back when biracial couples were illegal, it did happen more often, but that sort of thing happens only 3% of the time.
7: All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque
A tale of war and it's effects on soldiers, this is a very well written story about a soldier in WWI's slow decent into madness and despair over the course of the story. Probably one of the best real-life war books I've read.
8: Hope Chest by Karen Schwabach
While not your typical 'issue' book, this story does delve into sexism and the badness of gender roles and patriarchy. I loved that it showed good and bad women and men and how women broke free.
9: The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams
This book deals with the sad reality of child brides,polygamy, and over bearing 'religious' communes(not all of these are bad, of course, but some are). What I loved about this book was that, while the leaders and her uncle(who wanted to marry her), were evil, she had a good family and a kind father who, even though he was married to more than one person, was still a good person. All in all, a very interesting and well done book.
10: Kissing Doorknobs by Terry Spencer Hesser
Also not your typical issue book, but the issue is an important one to me personally- OCD. I really appreciated how the mental disorder was handled, it was all so creepily real- I remember nodding along and thinking 'Yes, yes I get that completely! That's exactly right' Reading this also made me thankful I have understanding parents who never spanked or hurt me because of my OCD(like the Mom in this book did- she slapped her daughter and screamed at her for something not under her control; I really hated that Mom :P). If you know someone with OCD, or if someone with the disorder is annoying you, I'd recommend reading this book- it will definitely be an eye-opener. Because OCD really does suck....a lot.
(Pictures are the complete ownership of Obi-Wan Kenobi Fanpage and Skywalkers Fanpage).
Happy Star Wars Day everybody!!!! :D :D :D May the Fourth Be With You! :D Always :D.
Since it's Star Wars Day, I thought I'd do what this picture above says and do a little post :)
My favorite Star Wars Memory
That would definitely be going to Celebration VI last summer!! :D I had an amazing time spending time with my awesome friends, meeting TCW actors like Matt Lanter, Dee Bradley Baker, and Tom Cane, and seeing all the amazing cosplayers. Something I cherish and something I hope to do again- Conventions and SWW here I come!! :D
Another one would be reading various EU novels, watching ROTS and ANH for the first time, and finding the Lakehouse and other Star Wars bloggers on the internet as well as creating my fanpages :)
My first taste of Star Wars came from watching the films- IV, V, VI, I, II, III- and then, after that, starting the EU. :D. I ended up watching TCW and starting the old Clone Wars micro serires when I got up older.
So, you could say that, the Saga(particularly the PT and ROTJ) and the EU are the heart of Star Wars for me, personally :)
So here are the rules! 1) Thank the person who nominated you. 2) Post 11 facts about yourself. 3) Answer the 11 questions the person who nominated you asked. 4) Ask the people you tag to answer 11 questions. 5) Nominate 11 bloggers. 1: Done! :)
2: 11 face about me :)
1: I prefer serious/drama stories to comedies. While I love funny things, I'd rather it be in realistic context. Besides, the rational part of my brain always goes 'but that's ridiculous' during over the top comedies(even though I do enjoy them- I like TV shows like Glee and Modern Family even if the over the top parts make me cringe).
2: My favorite female, fictional role models are - Siri Tachi, Jaina Solo, Satele Shan, Hermione Granger, Buffy Summers, Meetra Surik(Jedi Exile), Nomi Sunrider, Vima Sunrider, Tahiri Veila, Shaak Ti, Luminara Unduli, Tenel Ka Chume Ta' Djo, Katara, Toph, Belle, Emma Swan, Eowyn, Rose Tyler, Donna Noble, Martha Jones, River Tam, Fred Burkle, Zoe, Inara, Padme Amidala, Leia Organa, Barriss Offee, Katniss Everdeen, Willow Rosenberg, basically all the female Jedi and women in the Whedon-verse, and the main character in my book series! :D
3: I'm nearly done with season 4 of Angel- one more season to go and I'll be done! :D
4: I am going to get a job this summer
5: I worry...a lot. And it's really annoying because it makes other people annoyed.
6: It really gets on my every last nerve when people say that bossiness should be encouraged. Bossiness does NOT equal good leadership.
7: I don't make friends well in real life, yet I do a good job on the internet. Which is pretty weird
8: The things I am the most focused on in activism are - Women's Rights(including training women in combat/self defense, defeating rape culture, reproductive rights, equal pay, etc), Gay Rights, Equality for the different ethnicitys, the environment(especially manatees and wolves), and to put an end to victim blaming.
9: I am currently wanting to re-watch Serenity
10: School is nearly over(I have around 4 weeks left), but for some reason I've been feeling a bit despondent lately- not sure why
11: I'm happy with my ACT score :)
3:
Solace's Questions 1. What movie are you looking forward to most this year? The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, Thor: The Dark World, Catching Fire, Ender's Game, Star Trek: Into Darkness, Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters, and Iron Man 3. :D 2. Opinion on Maroon 5, One Direction, Fun.,and Taylor Swift? I really like Maroon 5- they have some awesome songs. One Direction is all right, they just don't play my kind of music. I've never listened to Fun before. I do like Taylor Swift :) She had some good songs :) 3. Describe your best friend. Are we talking in real life or online friends? In real life(as in, they live nearby), I only have one best friend; he is two years older than me, is homeschooled, and has been a best friend of mine since I was a baby. As for online, I have many good friends, but I do have several who I am really close to :) 4. What did you think/what are you expecting of Iron Man 3? I think it will be an amazing film and be the best out of the Iron Man trilogy. 5. Harry Potter or the Hunger Games or Percy Jackson? (It drove me mad to try to answer this one.) Harry Potter! While I love all three of those series, I think Harry Potter was the best written, had the best message, and the best characters as well as the best world-building(even though they all have those qualities). 6. How long have you been blogging? Roughly 2-3 years (woah, almost typed 23, XD) 7. Five main fandoms? Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Whedonverse(Buffy, Firefly/Serenity, Angel), and Avatar: The Last Airbender. I also would add Once Upon A Time, Doctor Who, Sherlock, The Chronicles of Narnia, and some other shows. 8. Last thing that made you smile? Something one of my friends said 9. What do you wanna be when you grow up? A professional Film/TV Actor, Book(and maybe script) Writer, and a Film/TV Director. 10. How often do you swear? Quite a bit, actually. 11. What is the object to the left of you? A X-Box 360 Controller Voronda's Questions 1. Language/s You would like to learn?
Well, I'm already learning Spanish in school and I am learning some Korean in TKD. Another language I'd love to learn would be German, Gaelic, Norwegian, French, or Japanese.
2. Would you rather live on Hoth or Tatooine? For those who don't know Star Wars: North Pole or Sahara Desert?Hoth- I could get into the Rebel Base and turn the heater all the way up.
3. Something that made your day today?
Nothing at the moment.
4. If you weren't your currant nationality, and you had the choice to pick you nationality what would you choose or would you not change?
I don't know, I really do like being of European descent(and I already have a little bit of Cherokee). I guess if I had to chose, I'd go with Indian(as in, India) since it's a really pretty place :).
5. Do you have pierced ears of body part?
NO! :P Jewelry grosses me out.
6. Coke or Pepsi or Root Beer?
Coke...when I could have it :(. I can still have it, sometimes, but rarely, very rarely.
7. What was your last dream about? All the itty-bitty details
I don't really remember. I did when I woke up but it's seeped out of my brain now :/
8. So you get to meet your favorite band/singer and spend a week with them. Who are they and what do you do when you first meet them and what do you do during the week?
Hmmm. Breaking Benjamin. I don't know what I'd do. I might listen to them play during their jam sessions.
9. Look out your window. What do you see?
Trees, a sunset, and clouds.
10. Which do you prefer to watch Sunset/Sunrise or Stars/Northern Lights?
Stars/Northern Lights since I've never got to watch Northern Lights in real life before and I just love the stars :)
11. Your being cast as your favorite character from a book/movie/show/game etc., in the movie of said form of entertainment. Who are you? I'm the main character from my book series, of course XD ;) ;) Besides her, I'd be Siri Tachi, Jaina Solo, another random Jedi character, a Slayer, or someone like that :).I'd like to play other roles, but I don't think I'd look right. :/
Sorry for not posting lately- school has kept me busy(I'm entering my last weeks), as has my activities.
So, before I do a quick post, I thought I'd give you a quick update on what's been going on with me :)
I did really well on my ACT :) I can't reveal my score, but I'm happy with it :). Though, I will be taking it again so I can get it even higher :)
I got my Drivers Ed all set up so I just need to start studying :)
My piano recital and play are coming up in a few weeks. For the piano recital I am playing "In Dreams" from Lord of the Rings.
As for the play, it is going really well. We have a great cast and I know the show is going to be a success. :D
Also, I went to a Homeschool Formal/Prom on Saturday and had a blast. If you want me to, I can do a post about it :)
Now, for the post. :)
Grace recently did a post about things she was doing currently so, since I thought it looked interesting, I thought I'd do it too :)
Currently listening to: Quite a lot of music actually. Right now I'm listening to "This is War" by 30 Seconds to Mars
I'm also listening to "King and Queens" by 30 Seconds to Mars as well as a song called "Geronimo"
Currently Reading: I'm currently(well, sort of) two books- Han Solo at Stars' End by Brian Daley and A Confusion of Princes by Garth Nix. The Han Solo book is interesting so far, but I prefer Crispin's take on the character. I haven't exactly started A Confusion of Princes yet, but it looks awesome and I know I'm going to love it(he always writes amazing works) :) However, I haven't been reading much at all lately :/
Currently Drinking: Water, like I always do
Currently missing: All of my online friends(even the ones I haven't met in person) :(. Oh, and I'm also missing Belle on OUAT. I want her to get her memories back!!!
Currently Watching: I'm mainly working on two shows, Angel(which I hope to finished this month) and Once Upon A Time, which is approaching the last two episodes of its second season.
Angel is good(not as good as Buffy, of course), but it's been really weird lately- thankfully, that part is about over. However, I really wish Connor would just GO AWAY. :P But Spike comes into the fifth season, so YAY!!! :D
As for Once Upon A Time, I can't wait for the finale! :D It's been a good season(and I heard it was picked up for a third season), though a little rough, but overall, I've enjoyed it. :) I just it had focused more on the main characters.
Currently Feeling: Okay, I guess. I am really annoyed at this one picture I keep seeing on the internet which encouraged bossiness. I get the message they were trying to get across, but as a person who dealt with a LOT of bossy kids as a child, it's definitely not something I would encourage AT ALL:P. However, I am excited about some things coming up :D And I've been looking at colleges again- we should be doing some touring soon, so YAY! :D
Currently writing: My book series. Sadly, I've decided to put it on hold until school is over, but I'll definitely be picking it back up soon :D.
Currently Loving: Star Wars, The Star Wars EU, Firefly/Serenity, awesome music, colleges, my friends, shows, my fandoms, etc :)
Currently Wishing: That I was in a film/TV series, that my books were published, that we had a peaceful world free from violence and cruelty and poverty/hunger, that I could live near all of my online friends, that I could move, that my OCD and food allergies and acne would go away.
Currently Excited: My Play is coming up, and I can't wait to perform it!! :D I'm also going to apply for a job and Finance class will be ending soon so I'm happy about that too. Oh, and for all the awesome movies coming out! :D Oh, and that I'm nearly done with Angel :)
Currently Stressing: Things that annoy me on the internet, new laws being passed, re-taking the ACT, the end of my junior year of high school, and stuff like that(but I have been pretty stress free, which is nice).
Currently completed: Not much at the moment, but I will have a lot completed soon :)
Here is the first look at Thor: The Dark World which is one of the films I am looking forward to this year! :D
So, what do you think? I think this looks awesome!! :D I can't wait to see Thor and Loki and Odin and Jane and Sif again! :D. This is going to be great! :D :D :D I'm very excited! :)
(borrowed from James's Doctor Who post- I thought it was a cool gif).
FYI - This is a review and what I put here is just my opinion- other people will have differing views on what they think of the various seasons/Doctors/companion, etc.
Oh, and of course, SPOILERS ;)
While I wait to watch Doctor Who season 7, I thought I'd write a review of the show so far and tell you what I think of the various characters and Doctors :)
This show is one of my favorite TV shows ever and is one of the best Sci-Fi stories I've ever come across- I love the Time traveling, the aliens, the different planets, etc. I love all the seasons, but my favorite were the ones under Russel T. Davies, since I think he had the best feel of the show and I love the sense and atmosphere he brought to the show during his run as the show runner- it was beautifully written. I really wish he would return.
Before I start, though, I'll give you an idea of what the story is about- it follows the story of being called The Doctor who is the last of his race, the Timelords, who travels time and space and saves the earth and humans over and over again.
Season 1:
I know this may surprise a lot of you, but I didn't like Doctor Who before I started it (it's a long, personal-ish, story(and it had nothing to do with the content-I'm a very open minded person, it was something else)- so message me is you want to hear it), so I was originally going to watch it to give it a chance. And I fell in love with the show very quickly!! :D Season 1 was the perfect start to the show and I absolutely loved Christopher Eccelston as the Ninth incarnation of the Doctor(he ties with Ten as my favorite Doctor); he brought the perfect mixture of darkness and humor the to the character and we really got the feel of a bitter, emotionally compromised man who is dealing with the wracking guilt of destroying his race. And of course, the main companion, Rose Tyler, was amazing! :D She is, and always will be, my favorite companion on the show. I love how she proves her awesomeness right from the first episode where the rescues the Doctor!
While some people might be turned off by the bad effects(I didn't really pay attention since the story and characters were so good), the first season is, to me, one of the best of the show so far- I loved every episode and that's something that can't be said for many shows.
I really enjoyed the interactions between Nine and Rose- the actors worked very well together and I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop over the course of the season- and I love how their interest in each other doesn't feel rushed, so kudos to the phenomenal Russel T. Davies, the actors, and the writers for that :D
Besides the two main characters, I also enjoyed the various characters we meet over the course of the season- especially the awesome Captain Jack, who I instantly liked from the beginning :D. He is a great character and is one of the best LGBT characters I've come across(I love how he is an action hero) :) I really can't wait to start Torchwood so I can see even more of him :)
The season, like the other of the first four seasons, had an amazing finale and definitely made me feel sad that Nine was gone; I remember I missed him, just like Rose did, which shows the talent of the writers- they made us feel along with the characters.
Plus, Rose totally rocked in that finale, didn't she ;) BAD WOLF!
Favorite episodes
The Parting of the Ways
Bad Wolf
The Doctor Dances
The Empty Child
Father's Day
The Long Game
Dalek
Least Favorite episodes
None
Season 2:
Season 2 might just be my favorite season(though I can't really decide between the first four seasons). I really enjoyed the Christmas special "The Christmas Special" and it really help set up David Tennant as the next Doctor and I was quickly able to like Ten just as much as I had Nine. This season had a wonderful run and was filled with many beautiful episodes, especially the wonderful, exciting, sad finale(it is, debate-ably, my favorite finale). Rose was even better this season and I fell in love with her character even more- Billie Piper is definitely a wonderful actress. David Tennant was amazing in his role as well- there were times where his emotions was so palpable that he actually looked nine-hundred years old, especially in the eyes. And if that's not good acting, I don't know what is. This season also (re)introduces the Cyberman which, like the Daleks who appeared in the first series(they originated in the original shows), are an excellent and creepy villain for the Doctor to fight against.
I also enjoyed seeing the Doctor and Rose become even closer this season- it's a testament to the actors and the writers that they were able to keep their relationship at the same level(and have it grow) even though the actor playing the Doctor changed. The well done writing and acting involved in the growth of their relationship as made it one of my top OTPs, which is impressive since I'm extremely picky.
Two sets of episodes that I want to touch upon were the two involving the 'devil' figure and the impossible planet. These two episodes were among my favorites for many reasons, especially the themes in it. I loved how, at the beginning, we see the people on the ship treat the Ood as just cattle but by the end, when they are logging into their computer who died, they named off all the Ood who had perished with respect and treated them as sentient beings. I thought this was definitely a good message to send out, that all humans and all life should be treated with respect. Plus, the episode had some awesome quotes and was very creepy(as well as some good Doctor and Rose scenes)
This was Rose's last season as a full time companion and I was very sad to see her go at the end of the season(even though I knew she was going to come back in the fourth season), though her ending was fitting of her character and while sad, was an excellent ending to a beautiful season. (But Rose, along with 10, will be returning in the 50th Anniversary!!! WAHOO!).
Favorite episodes
Doomsday
The Satan Pit
The Impossible Planet
Army of Ghosts
Age of Steel
Rise of the Cyberman
New Earth
Tooth and Claw
The Christmas Invasion
School Reunion
Least Favorites episodes
The Girl in the Fireplace
Love & Monsters
Season 3:
Even though I was very sad to see Rose go, I still loved season 3; is had an amazing batch of episodes(I LOVED the last three- amazing stuff right there) and I really liked the companion of Martha. I liked how difference she was from Rose's character(Rose was an everyday girl who worked at a shop and Martha was training to be a doctor) and how she interacted and helped(as well as Donna) the Doctor through his loss of Rose(I loved how in the first episode he saw a blond girl dancing with someone across the room and it reminded him of Rose which made him have to look away- that was perfect showing instead of telling).
I also loved the introduction of the Master who is probably one of the best Doctor Who villains we've had- the Doctor's conflicting relationship with the Master is wonderful and very sad and I loved how they explored it. The end of this season was very powerful and very sad.
Another thing I enjoyed was the "End of the Universe" concept explored in the last three episodes of the season. It was very eerie and creepy, yet wonderfully dark and well written. And of course, I was very happy to see the return of Captain Jack, who gets even cooler as we learn that he can't die(and is the Face of Boe, bwahahahahahaha XD).
Favorite episodes
Last of the Time Lords
The Sound of Drums
Utopia
42
The Shakespeare Code
Gridlock
Smith and Jones
The Runaway Bride
Blink
Daleks in Manhattan
Evolution of the Daleks
Least Favorite episodes
Human Nature
Family of Blood
Season 4(Plus the Tennant specials):
Season 4 was yet another stellar season on this show! Since I was a Rose fan, I'd been looking forward to this one since I'd heard she was coming back, but the season was awesome in it's own right and I loved getting to see Donna Noble from the season 3 opening episode again since she is an enjoyable character and hilarious to boot! XD I really enjoyed getting to see a companion who was not romantically interested in the Doctor and just wanted to be friends with him since that would be me :) (I think it would, anyway). I really enjoyed seeing her develop as a character and how her presence really helped the Doctor and, in ways, continued making him better just as Rose had.
I also, of course, loved this season's finale. It was perfect in how it brought all the companions from all the past seasons of the reboot as well as the spin-offs(Torchwood and the Sarah Jane chronicles) and how Rose was brought back. The ending was, in true Doctor Who fashion, very sad- I felt so bad for Donna, she definitely had a depressing ending :( And that scene where the Doctor said goodbye to her and she was just "bye". That was so SAD! :( D:. I think they had a good ending for Rose's storyline- I liked that she ended up happy with Ten 2 who she could grow old with, though I definitely feel bad for the Doctor that he had to let her go.
While I thought the first of the four Tennant specials was a little weak, I did enjoy the creepy "Waters of Mars" and I, of course, loved the End of Time part 1 and 2. Ten's relationship with Donna's grandfather Wilfred(which has been shown in the series a couple of times) was beautifully done and made Wilfred one of my favorite companions even though we see him only a few times. I loved how they had an almost parent-child relationship thing going on even though the Doctor was way older than Wilfred(A favorite scene of mine included when they both said they'd be honored to be the others son/father).
Another great thing about this two-parter was that we got to see the Master again as well as the Time Lords of old which was amazing (especially the fact that we might have gotten to see the Doctor's mother). I really enjoyed how, at the end, the Doctor and the Master almost work together and how the Doctor saves Wilfred from the toxins. The ending, with the Ood singing the Doctor to sleep while he visits all of his companions and helps them out, was a perfect send off for David Tennant as the Doctor and was one of the best moments of the show.
Another interesting fact about this season was that, in my opinion, it had the two creepiest creatures on the entire show so far. The first was the sentient water from Mars- it might have been because I was about to go swimming(and I did), but it was very creepy and something the Doctor had a whole lot of trouble defeating. The other, which was pointed out to me in a tumblr post, was the creature in the beautifully dark episode "Midnight". They said that, the Doctor wouldn't have been able to defeat it(he was loosing to it as well as the people who were turning against him) and, had the hostess not sacrificed her life to kill that creature, it would have gotten loose(and the sad thing is, no one knew her name).
Favorite episodes
Journey's End
The Stolen Earth
Midnight
Turn Left
The Poinson Sky
The Sontaran Stratagem
The Doctor's Daughter
The Unicorn and the Wasp
Partner's in Crime
Fires of Pompeii
Least Favorite episodes
Voyage of the Damned
And on a light note, here is an awesome video celebrating David Tennant's run on Doctor Who
Season 5:
While the weakest season of Doctor Who so far, it was still an enjoyable season and had a several fantastic episodes. Though I wasn't expecting to like Matt Smith's Doctor all that much, he won me over quite quickly. Even though she's not my favorite, I also enjoyed the character of Amy and I especially liked her boyfriend Rory. One thing I noticed that I found odd was that, for some reason, the urgency I'd felt from the first four seasons, as well as the darkness of the Doctor's character, seemed absent in this season(and partially in season 6, though that season did have some of it). I'm not sure if it was just me or what.
The best episode of this season was definitely "Vincent and the Doctor". It was very reminiscent of the first four seasons in how it was written and it was very moving and beautifully done; definitely one of the shows most touching episodes. I also really enjoyed "The Lodge"; I really enjoyed Craig and the episode was hilarious! XD (I love the tooth brush and towel scene XD LOL)
Oh, and who could forget "LOOK AT ME, I'M A TARGET!!! XD XD)
Favorite episodes
Vincent and the Doctor
The Lodger
The Pandorica Opens
The Hungry Earth
Cold Blood
The Time of Angels
Least favorite episodes
I guess Victory of the Daleks and Vampires of Venice
Season 6:
While not as good as the first four seasons, I absolutely loved season 6, especially the first batch of episodes and the last batch! :D. The Christmas special, A Christmas Carol, was one of the best episodes of the show and my favorite Christmas special after "The Christmas Special" and was the best adaption of Charles Dicken's book I've seen. The series (officially) began with a bang, showing us the awesome episodes revolving around the Silence, an astronaut, the Apollo mission, and strange things happening during the time of Nixon(I thought it was cool that he was in the show; I really enjoyed the line the Doctor says to him when Nixon asks whether or not he will be remembered since it was sad and ironic at the same time). The Silence were a great villain to introduce, were nicely creepy, and I now love to joke about them.
The episodes around the middle were a little bland, but the season cranked back up with the amazing "Girl Who Waited" which made me really like Amy's character and gave her a lot more development which I was very happy about(plus, I loved the quote she said about Rory, I find it to be very true) :). Of course, I was very happy to see the return of Craig in "Closing Time" as well as his son "Stormaggedon: Dark Lord of All". The episode was a great usage of humor and had me laughing several times.
This scene had me in stitches XD
I did have one problem with this season however and that was the sexist remark said by the Doctor in "Let's Kill Hitler."
Here is it - Amy: “I don’t understand. Okay, one minute she’s going to marry you then she’s going to kill you.”
Eleven: “Ah, well, she’s been brainwashed. It all makes sense to her. Plus, she’s a woman.”
I found this to be, of course sexist, but also very out of character for the Doctor. I've always seen him to be beyond such generalizations and to have a more open mind than most people; in fact, I'd say that he was supposed to be something we should aspire to be, in that kind of regard(accepting others for who they are, enjoying diversity instead of shunning it, etc). And the fact that they were having him reinforce a stereotypical, worn-out, untrue belief is, in my interpretation of the character, is just plain wrong and out of character.
Favorite episodes
Closing Time
The Impossible Astronaut
Day of the Moon
A Christmas Carol
The Girl Who Waited
The Curse of the Black Spot
The Almost People
The Rebel Flesh
The Wedding of River Song(except the wedding part since I don't like the ship Doctor/River).
I did really enjoy the season as a whole, though, I can't wait for season 7! :D
So, all in all, this is definitely a show I'd recommend to viewers. Unlike a lot of people, I would recommend starting with series one of the reboot(or with classic Who if you can get a hold of it; I really want to watch it), since, while not for everyone, you'll be missing out on a lot of great things like the Ninth Doctor, Rose's growth as a character, the awesome episodes, the introduction of Captain Jack, and just the whole experience of being there for the entire ride :) :)
Hope you all enjoyed and May the Force be with you..Always..
And Allonsy! Fantastic! :D
Arda did this challenge on her blog and I thought I'd do it as well since it looked like fun :) (P.S.; after this busy week, I've got a Doctor Who review post coming up :D). Favorite book: Return of the King or Fellowship of the Ring Favorite movie (LOTR or The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey): Return of the King of course!! :D I do love all of them, though Favorite Hobbit character: Bilbo Next 3 favorite Hobbit characters: Kili, Thorin, and Gandalf (I also like Balin) Favorite LOTR character: Sam Next 5 favorite LOTR characters: Eowyn, Frodo, Pippin, Merry, and Legolas(and Aragorn and Gandalf, etc ,etc). Favorite race (Elf, Dwarf, Hobbit, Man, etc.): Elves and Hobbits Favorite couple: Not really into any of the LOTR couples, but I do like Eowyn/Faramir Favorite member of the Fellowship of the Ring: Sam Favorite member of the Company of Thorin Oakenshield: Besides Bilbo...Thorin or Kili Favorite place in Middle-Earth: The Shire and Rohan and Rivendell Favorite battle: Battle at Pelennor Fields Favorite weapon: Sting Favorite creature: Shadowfax and Smeagol Favorite quote: Hold your ground, hold your ground! Sons of Gondor, of Rohan, my brothers! I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me. A day may come when the courage of men fails, when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship, but it is not this day. An hour of woes and shattered shields, when the age of men comes crashing down! But it is not this day! This day we fight! By all that you hold dear on this good Earth, I bid you *stand, Men of the West!* -Aragorn in the Lord of the Rings: Return of the King Favorite song: (end credits/in movie): *Example: "May It Be" or "That's What Bilbo Baggins Hates"*:
