The Athenaeum

Tag: tv

  • Why Everyone Should Watch This Is Us

    Why Everyone Should Watch This Is Us

    This Is Us, a popular TV drama, is one of my favorite shows of all time. There are so many reasons for this, but I’ve only listed a few. I hope it inspires you to start watching it, too.

     

    1. It teaches life lessons

    Without spoiling too much, there are many examples throughout the show of characters who struggle with such real issues that viewers can’t help but learn and grow alongside them. One of the times I felt myself most invested in the characters’ lives was when a young girl tells her parents she’s gay. I had never truly understood the difficulties that come with this. Although I’ve still never personally experienced it, and therefore can’t fully comprehend what it’s like to go through, the show’s depiction of one person’s experience allowed me to get a glimpse at how hard that can be. I now have a much deeper appreciation for the pain people go through just to be themselves.

    We also see topics such as alcoholism, adoption, racism, toxic relationships, mental health, and so many others being explored so openly. The show has allowed me to think about these things more profoundly and to learn from the characters’ experiences. Through the characters’ struggles, the show tells us that it’s okay, and that it’s normal, to experience the things they do.

     

    1. You feel like you’re a part of the characters’ lives

    The producers are extremely talented in making you invested in the storylines of the characters by creating the feeling that you know them personally. Since they are so vulnerable, viewers feel like they are there with them, learning, helping, and growing. One of the characters in the show experiences panic attacks and anxiety. By depicting this so openly, it’s easy to feel like you’re experiencing those moments with him. This may make you reflect on similar situations from your own life, which connects you to the show that much more.

     

    1. There is so much love

    Since the show follows the main characters from birth to adulthood, viewers experience different types of love throughout their entire lives. We see supportive and healthy relationships, as well as toxic examples of love. Familial love is the base of the entire show as it’s represented through arguments, sacrifices, and hardships. Romance is another huge part of the series, with passionate love stories, divorce, and love in the LGBTQ+ community all being explored. There is also a focus on the characters’ adoration for friends, pets, music, and other passions in life. All of this love makes the show so much more appealing.

     

    1. You’ll feel every emotion

    If you ask anyone else who’s seen the series, they’ll either tell you that it’s the most amazing show they’ve ever seen, or that it’s the most amazing show they’ve ever seen but they can’t watch it anymore because it makes them cry every time they watch it. The vulnerability of the characters gives everyone something to relate to, which is often a cause for tears. The show is also hilarious. With the close bond the siblings have comes humour that families can relate to. The fact that the characters’ stories can make viewers cry and laugh simultaneously is rare.

  • Why Inappropriate Content Shouldn’t Be Our Parents’ Biggest Fear with Social Media

    Why Inappropriate Content Shouldn’t Be Our Parents’ Biggest Fear with Social Media

    If you haven’t already seen the 2020 film The Social Dilemma, stop reading this article, go watch it (yes, it’s on Netflix), and then come back.

    For those of you that don’t want to watch it, or just need a recap, the documentary outlines the thought processes behind creating most social media platforms, the techniques the creators use to keep users interested, and the effects those sites have on users (let me stop myself right here… As the movie points out, social media platforms and drug dealers are the only two industries that call their clients users. What does that say about social media? For the rest of this article, I’ll call them social media interactors, rather than users). When I first watched The Social Dilemma, I was horrified, but not surprised by the things it was telling me. I deleted my Facebook account and several other social media apps, encouraging all of my friends to do the same. Admittingly, I had Instagram and TikTok back on my phone within the week, but a break felt good all the same.

    The main reason I wasn’t surprised by what the documentary had to say was because I’d already seen social media affecting my friends’ and my own mental wellbeing in more ways than one. Having any information you want at your fingertips is a huge benefit of social media. And don’t get me wrong – I don’t think that social media platforms are inherently bad. But the documentary got me thinking… how beneficial or detrimental is the nonstop influx of photos and messages that we receive?

    One of the first issues with social media that I’ve noticed affecting my own life is unrealistic body and beauty standards. These impractical ideas are constantly pumped into people’s phones with the help of the right camera angles, editing tools, and the fact that people tend to only post the photos they look best in. I’m guilty of these habits just as much as the next person, but it causes the bar for beauty standards to be set higher than ever. This quickly leads to unrealistic expectations. Not only that, but when people have access to pictures of nearly anyone in the world so easily, subconscious comparisons become much more common.

    Comparison isn’t only an issue with beauty standards. Social media also makes interactors feel like they always need to be doing something. So often, we only see pictures and posts form people who are travelling, spending time with friends, learning new hobbies, spending money, going to the gym, go, go, go. This can lead social media interactors to feel guilty for taking a day to do nothing. Understandably, people have forgotten how to be still in the midst of such a busy, rapidly changing world. But when FOMO leads to being unable to slow down, higher stress and anxiety levels are provoked.

    I’m not going to be the person who tells you to get rid of your social media accounts. That would be extremely hypocritical of me. But I hope that you take something away from this. Whether that’s being more deliberate in spending down-time with yourself, researching different ways social media affects our brains, or choosing to spend less time on social media, I encourage you all to take a step back and think about how your social media interactions are affecting your mental wellbeing.

  • LGBTQ+ Film and TV: Gems You May Have Missed Out On

    LGBTQ+ Film and TV: Gems You May Have Missed Out On

    Pariah (2011)

    Art and drama meet in this film written and directed by Dee Rees, open lesbian and certified bad-ass. Claiming the film to be semi-autobiographical, Pariah follows Alike through her slow but tremendous process of coming to terms with her queerness. We see first love, first realization, and first moments of vulnerability come to life on screen as Alike falls for Bina. But of course, what is a coming-out story without a little familial tension? Throughout Alike’s process of coming to terms with her lesbian identity and masculine appearance, her family struggles with the transformation of their loved one. If we’re being honest, the tumultuous family responses are a little hard to watch. But the acceptance that Alike has for herself in the end makes up for it. This film reflects how badly we all just want to be free.

    4th Man Out (2016)

    Not all coming-out stories are tragic, as much as Hollywood would love to have you believe that. This movie is a story about a bro coming out to his bros, and his bros worrying whether everyone can or will remain bros. Shocker: they do, but not without some struggles. The story highlights the ignorance and casual homophobia of Adam’s three (presumably straight) best friends, and how the dynamics of their group friendship suddenly shift after Adam’s hilarious and awkward coming out. In short, it isn’t so much about Adam’s gayness as much as it is about friendships and how his friends are willing to learn and grow as people along side him. It is a lighthearted, a bit cheesy, but overall a decent alternative to the all too common depressed, tormented, outcasted gay man trope.

    3 Generations (2015)

    In this film, “Ramona” reveals to his family, which consists of his mother, his openly lesbian grandmother, and his grandmother’s partner, that he is ready to begin transitioning into Ray. The four live together, and not everyone sees Ray’s transition positively. This is an important aspect to the film, as the family member who is most against Ray’s transition is his grandmother, illustrating that in the LGBTQ+ community there is internal prejudice. However, Ray’s mother supports him (to an extent). The issue is that Ray is only 16 and needs both parents to sign over their permission to his transition. So, the search for Ray’s father begins and Ray learns more about himself and his family than ever before. This film is equal parts humorous and tense; a comedy trapped inside a melodrama that will leave feeling angry, happy, and most confused. Ah, such is life.

    Princess Cyd (2017)

    To take a break from her not so great father, Cyd decides to visit her Aunt for the summer and soon finds herself infatuated with barista Katie. Although there is a queer sublot to the film, the focus is mainly on Cyd and her Aunt as they learn from each other through differences of opinion, religion, hobbies, and sexuality. What makes this film so great is how normalized Cyd’s sexuality is. There is no dramatic awakening, no traumatic coming-out process, and absolutely no shame. When Cyd casually mentions her crush to her Aunt, the brief conversation we get is a breath of fresh air. The nonchalant attitude that the characters have towards sexuality and gender is something more films should emulate.

    The L Word (TV series)

    Classic. The L Word is classic. Following the lives, loves, lusts, and lies of a group of queer folks in L.A. (mostly lesbian identified), this show gives you all the drama of any other show…minus the straight white people. Diversity is key to The L Word. There are Latinas, African-Americans, bisexuals, lesbians, transgender people, and the list goes on and on. At one point there is even a man who identifies as a man…and a lesbian. This show has it all, and it is set in a world where everyone is gay until proven straight. There’s something to love about each character (everyone except Jenny, that is) so your heart strings are constantly being pulled. There are 6 season worth of extensive sex scenes. You’re welcome.

    Queer Eye (Netflix series)

    Binge-watchable. Many readers will be familiar with the show Queer Eye for the Straight Guy which aired in the early 2000’s. Although this Netflix series is based off said show, it is not nearly as irritating, stereotypical, or cringy. There is also a focus on much larger issues than fashion. Netflix’s Queer Eye is about self-image, self-esteem, and self-respect. Viewers may be shocked to find that the show deals with a lot of social issues as well such as racism, sexism, and of course homophobia. There is a lesson to be learned in each episode that will have you rooting for The Fab 5 and the people they transform. Most of all, the show is fun. The Fab 5 are unapologetically themselves, and unashamed in their queerness. This series is a great one to pass the time, but be warned: things do get a little emotional.

     

     

     

  • This Is Us: A Mixed Review

    It is not often that my opinion of a show switches from scene to scene, but This Is Us manages to make me rethink everything I thought I knew about the characters and their situations on an episode to episode basis. This, although sometimes confusing, is ultimately a positive attribute to the show. The characters are continuously evolving, reverting, and evolving again which is exactly how character development is supposed to happen. Characters are not meant to be stagnant. People are not meant to be stagnant. This is what sets This Is Us apart from most shows. It is unapologetically cynical while simultaneously remaining light-hearted and reflects the sincerity of the human condition. It’s incredibly refreshing to see on television in comparison to the unrealistic and often overly dramatic plots of shows such as Grey’s Anatomy and Shameless. Both these shows are entertaining, yes. But the popularity of these shows often comes from the shock value of the ridiculous situations the characters find themselves in. For what it is, it works. With that being said, I often find myself watching these shows thinking “how many things can go wrong so drastically in one episode?”, and it ultimately takes away from the entertainment. Moreover, there comes a point when the shock value ceases to be shocking. There are only so many times I can see a surgeon from the same hospital die in a horrific accident before I grow tired of the idea. Likewise, there are only so many times I can watch a character screw up their lives in the same exact way repeatedly without becoming bored and irritated (ahem, Fiona). Not only are the characters stagnant, so is the overall plot.

    For Dan Fogelman’s This Is Us, the relatively normal situations that the characters find themselves in are often relatable and just shocking enough to keep the audience interested without being overly repetitive and cheesy. There is also a large amount of representation. That is, not all the characters are thin, white, and heterosexual. The show has tackled issues of race, sexuality, obesity, drug addiction, alcoholism, and severe illness. So, you know, normal things that most people deal with. The representation that This Is Us provides is not only welcome, but necessary. Representation matters, and it is fantastic to see so many kinds of inclusion in the show. However, although these issues and representations are being addressed, This Is Us writers are erring on the side of caution. The ways in which the characters and their issues are being addressed is far too passive and comfortable. Just when it seems like the show is about to accurately address an incredibly important social issue with gut wrenching honesty, the audience breathes a collective sigh of relief as the characters sidestep the issue.

    For example, one of the most prevalent subplots involve Randall’s identity struggles due to him being the only black person in a family of white people. Understandably, finding his birth father later in life is an emotionally filled journey. We then learn that Rebecca (Randall’s adoptive mom) had always known about her son’s birth father and made the decision to keep him away from her son even though she knew Randall was struggling immensely with his identity because she was afraid that she would lose her son to his biological parent. In my opinion, the reasoning she gives seems far too convenient. Is there a racial component to Rebecca’s decision? The subtext indicates so, but the way in which the show is written makes it so Rebecca couldn’t possibly think this way because she is oh so maternal and was just doing her best. The argument that she just loves her son too much to risk losing him is fair, and it is believable. But, again, it is far too convenient. Now Rebecca can remain pure in the minds of the audience without thinking what the subtext suggests: a white woman afraid to expose her child to a recently sober black man living in poor conditions. This too would have been realistic, and this too would have been accepted by the audience. So why was this not addressed? Perhaps to avoid the uncomfortability of directly involving racism to a situation where race is indeed a factor. This way the shows can remain inclusive and lightly progressive while still pandering to the comforts of the audience. It’s fine, but it isn’t good enough. Not anymore.

    This issue side-stepping extends to other social issues in the show as well including Kate’s obvious body image issues and eating disorder. Her character has so much potential that is not being met. Instead, the body defines her. While the show has done a decent job in addressing the psychological issues that come from body image and eating disorders, the show has yet to progress from there. We get it, now do something with it. In the few brief moments where Kate’s character has been genuine and free from the restraints of her eating disorder, she has been my favourite character. Contrary to popular belief, obese people do have lives outside of food. They have jobs, interests, passions, and hobbies. They even have relationships! Granted, there is a cute subplot between Kate and her boyfriend. However, the relationship that they have is also built around food. Every fight they have, almost every conversation they have, is about food. They even met in an overweight support group. I am not downplaying the significance that food has in her life, nor am I discrediting the amount of control food has in the lives of those with eating disorders. What I am saying is that out of all the characters on the show, Kate seems to be the most stagnant. As I discussed before, I hate stagnant television.

    The series This Is Us has checked most of the boxes when it comes to compelling television, and indeed has checked most of the boxes pertaining to inclusion. People of colour? Check. LGBTQ+? Check. Differing body types? Check. A variety of economic status? Check. It’s a good start, even a noble attempt, but just checking the boxes isn’t good enough. The show has been raw, real, and places the audience on a roller coaster of emotions. But what it has not done yet is challenge the status quo in a way that offers thought provoking discussion. It’s too comfortable, and the time has come for audiences to be uncomfortable with the reality that these characters are living in, as well as the realities that we as the audience are living in.

  • The Best of 2017: Movies and TV

    2017 was a weird year for pop culture and entertainment. There was some terrible content given to us, and we made the best of it. However, there were also some real gems among the garbage. Being the procrastinating aficionado that I am, I took it upon myself to compile my 3 favourite movies and 3 favourite TV series of 2017. What this means is that I spent an embarrassing amount of time reviewing these 6 things instead of studying for my finals.  

    Movies 

    Get Out

    A horror movie with a little something extra, ‘Get Out’ was Jordan Peele’s director debut. Richard Roeper, esteemed film critic, gave the film 3½ stars, saying, “the real star of the film is writer-director Jordan Peele, who has created a work that addresses the myriad levels of racism, pays homage to some great horror films, carves out its own creative path, has a distinctive visual style—and is flat-out funny as well”. Roeper and I just happen to agree. While the official genre of ‘Get Out’ is horror, there is a wonderfully placed satirical wit present that speaks volumes about the treatment of the POC body. What sets ‘Get Out’ apart from other horror films, besides the much-needed original concept itself, is how relevant it is regarding the current state of racism in North America.  

    Lady Bird 

    Finally, a coming of age film that doesn’t make me cringe. This movie has all the drama, angst, and eye-rolling moments that one can expect from a movie about a teenage girl who is trying to find herself and, yes, there is a romantic plot line. What I love about ‘Lady Bird’, however, is that much of the focus is on the character development of the leading female role herself rather than paying a ridiculous amount of time focussing on her love interests. What is also refreshing about this movie is how the dynamic of the mother-daughter relationship is presented. The relationships are raw, the dialogue is witty and, most importantly, the events are realistic. Almost too realistic at some points, which forces the viewer to self-reflect on habits and relationships in their own lives.  

    Dunkirk

    I am a sucker for historical movies, and this may be one of the most well-done ones I have seen. Set during the Dunkirk evacuation of World War II, this film gives the viewer three different perspectives from land, sea, and air. What makes ‘Dunkirk’ unique is that there is very little dialogue, forcing the cinematography and soundtrack to create the chaotic feel of a war movie. This movie is not just entertaining, it is art. Like any artistic endeavour, ‘Dunkirk’ proves to be just as thought provoking as it is beautiful. 

     Television Series 

    She’s Gotta Have It 

    Based on the Spike Lee movie by the same name (1986), Netflix has recently released the forward-thinking remake. Following the life and love of Nola Darling, a sex-positive, uncompromising, unapologetically black artist living in Brooklyn, this hard-hitting comedy both entertains and teaches. The wonderful world of Nola extends the message that ownership is not love, sexual freedom is not shameful, and sheds light on some concerning aspects of society as it exists in 2017, such as slut shaming, racism, and sexual violence. This is a must-watch.  

    Big Mouth 

    A friend recommended this to me and described it as a “Netflix original cartoon about puberty, but it’s for adults. There’s a puberty monster. It’s hilarious”. I was not sold. Then I was forced to sit down and watch it. I was obsessed. This Netflix original is hilarious, relatable, and often cringy…. but in the best way possible. It respects the changes that teenagers go through, while at the same time humiliating them. Which, if we are all being honest, is probably one of the best comedic situations to watch because we have all been there. It’s funny because it’s true, and we all know it to be true. If you’re looking for a light hearted, mind numbing, but very entertaining new cartoon to watch, give ‘Big Mouth’ a watch. 

    The Handmaid’s Tale 

    Finally, the dystopian genius of Margaret Atwood is bestowed upon us. The series is just as haunting and vivid as the novel, which is something I was incredibly impressed by. I don’t want to be that girl who says “well, the book was better” often, and I am so glad that, this time around, this isn’t the case. The series has Atwood herself as consulting producer, which may be the very reason that they haven’t completely disgraced the novel (yet). Even for those who have read the novel, there is something raw about seeing Atwood’s story acted out on screen. We, of course, imagine the horrors while we read them, but it is completely different seeing them come to life. And, like all successful dystopian stories, what you see makes you both thankful for what you have, but fearful of the possibilities. Ah, anxiety. Such a great entertainment tool.  

     

  • 7 of Emily’s Favorite Shows

    7 of Emily’s Favorite Shows

    Hello, my friends. These are a handful of my favorite shows (not an exhaustive list by any means). If you haven’t watched them, I think that you should, because they are really a treat for the eyes and the heart.

    1. Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency

    • Based off of Douglas Adams’ series of the same title
    • I love this show
    • I can’t even tell you why I love it without spoiling it
    • But it’s like nothing you’ve seen before
    • I can guarantee if you watch this show, you will not regret it even once so long as you will live, unless you were watching it while your sweet little niece was being born instead of being with your sister while she’s in labour, in which case, you might regret it, but technically this could apply to any show. Please watch tv responsibly.  

     

    1. The OA
    • Also a very original concept
    • Interesting plot
    • One of the people looks like the guy from Mad Men but actually isn’t
    • It made me cry a couple times
    • But not because I was sad
    • Don’t start watching unless you’ve got 8 hours to finish the whole thing because once you get started, you might as well just watch the whole story.

     

    1. Breaking Bad
    • It’s been almost 10 years since this show aired so if you haven’t seen it yet, I am judging you. (Not even just a little. I’m judging you a lot.)
    • I mean, no spoilers (but also it’s been 10 years so you can’t really pull that card and I am not sorry) but there are no good guys. Nobody in this show is a good person by the end of season 5, but we like some of them, and we don’t like others, so it puts a nice little moral twist on things.

     

    1. Dance Academy
    • Australian Teen Drama at its finest
    • Just when you think it can’t get pettier, it does
    • When you think they’ve exhausted the combination of people who can date and break up in a single episode, Dance Academy shocks you again.
    • You want to hate the show, but you can’t stop watching because deep down, you love it. You’ve been loving it from the start and you just didn’t realize it.

     

    1. Parks & Recreation
    • In a similar vein to The Office, Brooklyn 99, Community… this is one of those types of shows
    • But it is my favorite one
    • Don’t get me wrong, I’ve seen the others and I like them too, but Parks & Rec has my heart
    • This could very quickly turn into a list of all my favorite parts and that would eat up a lot of space and would give too many spoilers so I will contain myself
    • But if you’ve seen this show and are thinking about that Lil Sebastian memorial concert pls come and talk to me

     

    1. Stranger Things
    • Spooky
    • Very realistic 80s vibes without trying to shove nostalgia down your throat
    • 2nd season has some cringy conversations but overall still a very good addition to the first season
    • No tears. Actually, some tears.

     

    1. The Get Down
    • Similar to stranger things, there’s some sweet 70s vibes
    • Also a few cringy conversations (esp. In Season 2), but I am willing to forgive them for the overall quality of the show
    • Cool tunes. Cool scenes.
    • I am rooting for every character and I hope they’re happy wherever they are

  • A Space for Aces in the Media

    A Space for Aces in the Media

    Content warning: aphobia, sexual coercion. 

     It’s no secret that representation of the LGBTQ+ in mainstream media often varies from non-existent, or inaccurate, to problematic and damaging. While it may not seem like a huge deal in comparison to the countless other injustices the community faces, representation in the media matters. Being able to see part of one’s identity in the media can help to alleviate feelings of isolation and being different. Individuals may also more easily identify and come to terms with their orientation when they see it reflected in those they admire on screen. 

    To find their identities represented, LGBTQ+ individuals will often have to leave the pop media and go to niche comics, books, and online videos. For example, in the recent revitalization of the Archie comics, fan favourite Jughead, was recently revealed to be asexual (and likely aromantic). However, even these niche areas aren’t safe from the film industry’s erasure: during the new television adaptation of the comics, Jughead is shown to no longer be adverse to romance, and the show’s creators say that he is not asexual, despite the outcry from the asexual community.  

    While one could fill many encyclopaedias on the topic of LGBTQ+ representation in the media, I’m going to be focusing on examples of asexual representation that have stood out as particularly problematic.  

     Asexuality 101 

     Asexuality is an orientation characterized by a lack of sexual attraction that, like all sexualities, exists on a spectrum. In other words, some people identify as grey-asexual and may feel sexual attraction on rare occasions, while others identify as demisexual, cupiosexual and more. Now for chapter two on asexuality: there are many ways to experience attraction. This means that someone who is asexual may be panromantic (romantically attracted to all genders), heteroromantic, homoromantic, aromantic (no romantic attraction), or any other orientation. The final lesson on asexuality is that while a lot of individuals who are asexual aren’t interested in sex, there are also many who still physically or emotionally enjoy it and have a high libido. 

    (To learn more visit the Asexual Visibility and Education Network’s website, or stop by the Peer Support Centre in the SUB.) 

     Alright, now that the basics of asexuality are covered, let’s look a bit at how asexuality is shown in mainstream media on the rare occasion it’s there at all. Often, when there are asexual characters in shows, their sexuality is dismissed, mocked, seen as a medical condition, or invalidated through consistent pressure for sex. How about we take some time now to look at some examples of these characters on screen? 

     BBC’s Sherlock 

     One of the first examples of asexuality that people often point to in the media is Sherlock Holmes of the popular BBC show Sherlock. While many fans believe that he is asexual and aromantic, Steven Moffat, a writer and producer for the show, has said that Sherlock is not asexual and that he doesn’t date so he can stay focused on his work. Moffat then goes as far as saying that it wouldn’t be fun if he were asexual because there wouldn’t be any tension. While it may not seem like a big deal, this mentality is seen throughout the film industry making it hard for those who are asexual to receive the benefits that come with seeing your orientation represented on television, which are benefits that cisgender and heteroromantic/sexual people experience daily. Besides, if the only thing that makes a character entertaining is their degree of sexual attraction, maybe it’s time to look at adding a bit more personality into the mix. 

     House M.D. 

     Another place that asexuality has come into the limelight was on the medical drama House M.D. When two patients come into the hospital for a clinic appointment, Dr. House learns that they are asexual, and quickly sets out to prove that there is a medical reason for the couple’s orientation. By the end of the episode, House finds a tumour in the husband’s brain that is suppressing his libido (libido is often separate from sexual attraction) and learns that the wife was lying about her sex drive to make her husband happy. The main issue here is that this story implies that asexuality is a medical symptom or condition that needs to be fixed, a message frequently sent to the asexual community. This reinforces the misconception that asexuality is not natural and that there is something wrong with an asexual person. This can be emotionally damaging, isolating, and for some it can make visiting misinformed medical practitioners a more nerve-wracking experience than it already is. 

     The Big Bang Theory 

     In the TV sitcom The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon Cooper is often believed to be asexual and likely aromantic, something that is regularly used as a running joke. In later seasons, however, some darker undertones begin to emerge within his relationship. Sheldon eventually finds himself in a romantic, but non-physical relationship with a fellow scientist named Amy. For a while, it was refreshing to see an asexual, and possibly aromantic character in a relationship that worked for them. Unfortunately, as the show progressed, Amy made regular sexual advances towards Sheldon, something he regularly ignored or said he was not interested in. After several seasons of consistent pressure from Amy and Sheldon’s friends for him to sleep with her, he eventually does. While they may show this relationship in a light manner, it is important to be aware that pressure to perform sexual acts, coercion, and sexual assault in an attempt to ‘fix’ the person’s asexuality are serious problems within the asexual community. Subtle messages on shows such as this add to a culture that often views sex as being something that is an obligatory part of a relationship regardless of one’s comfort zone and preferences.  

     So What? 

     All of these examples from mainstream media are part of the reason why having asexual and aromantic characters in healthy romantic, sexual, and platonic relationships are so important. It means telling those who are struggling to come to terms with their identity that they are not broken, their identities are valid, and they are worthy of healthy and supportive relationships. When television shows and individuals shrug off the importance of having asexual characters like Jughead, that’s more than just a decision to make the character more ‘interesting’. That choice has real world consequences and perpetuates the misconceptions and dangerous ideas about asexuality that are shown in the media. I for one say it’s high time that we start demanding better representation in the media, not only for asexual individuals but for all underrepresented and marginalized groups. After all, doesn’t everyone want to see themselves reflected in the hero on the screen? 

  • Feeding Your Horrible Procrastination Habits: The Best of Netflix TV Shows

    By Netflix - Netflix Media Center, Public Domain
    By Netflix – Netflix Media Center, Public Domain

    If you lack self-control when it comes to being able to shut your computer screen at the end of a long day because you can’t get enough of your new favourite show, I encourage you to stop reading this article right now. I realize that a University education can be very demanding of a person’s time and I would hate to see you struggle to find the time to go to class, or finish an assignment. Therefore, if you really need get on that assignment that you’ve been “going to start tomorrow” for the past two weeks, stop reading and get to work.

     

    If, however, you are on top of your work (or simply don’t care about the warning above) you’ve come to the right place. As I sat in bed last night trying to think of a topic for this article, I couldn’t find much current news that inspired me. So, being your typical University student, I flung open my laptop and proceeded to spend the next 45 minutes diving into my latest Netflix addiction How to Get Away with Murder (on recommendation by one of my roommates). It dawned on me, as one of the main characters was having her typical high-stress meltdown, what I would do if I were so stressed with school or work that I had a meltdown; watch Netflix! Alas, I got up off the bed and came up with my all-time favourite TV shows on Netflix to share with my fellow struggling students.

     

    1. How to Get Away with Murder:

    As mentioned in the introduction, my latest craze arises from my love of law. Main character Annalise Keating (Viola Davis) is a defense attorney that quickly finds herself in a sticky situation (the first episode foreshadows what is going to happen throughout the first season). The drama/thriller is perfect for a weekend night, and dives into the action 3 minutes into the Pilot episode. I’m still only on the first season, but as Season 3 is currently airing on CTV, I am desperately trying to catch up. A gruesome and bloody series, each episode has Annalise tackle a new criminal case.

    Episode length: 45 minutes

     

    1. The Walking Dead:

    If you haven’t heard of The Walking Dead, there’s really no point in you reading this article because you clearly don’t have an interest in television. The Walking dDead is far and away the most popular series in television right now, and for good reason. Currently on its 7th season, it’s hard to keep track of all of the characters that have come and gone throughout the years. Don’t get too attached, because they’ll probably die at some point. The show follows the trials of an ever-changing group of people trying to survive a zombie apocalypse. Based on the popular comic book series, the costumes and make up is incredible and as realistic as zombies can look. I suggest starting now so you can catch up by the start of the 8th season!

    Episode Length: 50-55 minutes

     

     

     

     

    1. Prison Break

    Another one that you should definitely know, Prison Break ended in 2009 after 4 terrific seasons. Ok, maybe 2 ½ terrific seasons with a mediocre (at best) third season, but the others are so good they make up for the disappointment. True to its title, Prison Break follows the story of death row inmate Lincoln Burrows (Dominic Purcell) and his genius brother Michael Scofield (Wentworth Miller) as they plot to break out of Fox River Penitentary. Add a little assistance from the prison doctor Sara Tancredi (Sarah Wayne Collins) and they might just me able to pull it off. The people they include in the plan, however, might have a different idea.

    Episode length: 45 minutes

     

    1. Friday Night Lights

    The first ever show I binge-watched has a soft spot in my heart. Set in Dillon, Texas, the show follows the Dillon Panthers High School Football Team and its diverse set of players. Coach Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler) takes his team to new heights after losing star quarterback, Jason Street. The stories of small-town Texas football and the lives of its players is something that everyone can get on board with. It’s half sport, half drama. If the female audience needs any more convincing, the fact that Taylor Kitsch plays star full back should do the trick.

    Episode Length: 45 minutes

     

    1. Narcos

    Another one of my latest discoveries (once again thanks to said roommate) is one that I would never have thought to try on my own, but I am so glad that I was encouraged to do so. The show follos infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar (played by Wagner Moura), drug enforcement officers Javier Pena (Pedro Pascal) and Steve Murphy (Boyd Holbrook) who always seem to be one step behind the cocaine trafficker. This is one show you can watch an episode of and put down for a couple of days, as most of the episodes are separated from one another, making it a great option for casual viewing. Don’t pass this one up next time you see it!

    Episode length: 45 minutes

     

    1. Stranger Things

    Far and away the most popular new show, Stranger Things just has something about it that makes you want to keep watching non-stop despite increasing your blood pressure exponentially. I still don’t know if I have the entire show figured out or know absolutely nothing about it, but that’s what makes me want to come back for more. Although somewhat out there and strange, the show ties in a realistic approach. Would you judge me if I told you I watched the entire first season (8 episodes x 50 minutes each) in a 24-hour span?

    Episode Length: 50 minutes

     

    1. Dexter

    Dexter is probably the closest thing there is to a killer’s perspective of Criminal Minds- Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall) works as a blood-spatter analyst with the Miami Metro Police Department. Unbeknownst to his colleagues, he spends his nights ridding the world of killers. Seeking only to kill people that have killed others (making him the Robin Hood of killers per se) Seems a little twisted, doesn’t it? Dexter’ psychopathic tendencies sure are fun to watch unravel throughout the 8 seasons.

    Episode Length: 50-55 minutes

     

    1. Friends

    Hands-down my favourite show of all time, Friends is set in late 90’s/early 2000’s New York. This is probably the most easy-to-watch show ever, due to its short episode length, witty humor, and broad appeal. Friends is the perfect show to watch one episode of before bed, and allows you to skip through to your favourite parts (although I don’t recommend it). The most common rebuttal I hear when advertising this show to others is that they’ve “seen too many episodes here and there”. The greatest thing about Friends is that you can watch it from start to end (all 10 seasons made up of 20-25 episodes each) a million times and it never gets old. On top of that, the underlying storyline that runs throughout the show is awesome to follow from the start right until the very end. I am currently on the 9th season of watching the entire series for the 5th time- it really is that good!

     

  • All Art Made Equal: Television Can Be Good Too

    All Art Made Equal: Television Can Be Good Too

    Is all art equal?

    Consider the proposition: certain forms of art are superior to other forms of art. Consider Shakespeare, or Dickens, or James Joyce, whose crafts have all been well-proven against the tests of time. Then consider the current glamorized reality shows such as Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Can we objectively state that one is better than the other? The truth of this argument is not obvious. Most people would say that one is clearly better than the other, and certainly worth more. The argument is then generalised: “read a book instead, all television rots your brain,” or “art ain’t like it used to be.” They will apply this same logic to music or painting.

    It’s a bothersome argument. I’ll admit that as a science major, the technical domain of art is a bit mysterious to me, but it is still possible to appreciate the emotion and effort that the artist pours into their work. And if one type of art really is to be called inferior, then let us first establish a criterion for determining what art is. For now, we will go with the simple definition: art is a craft requiring human imagination and creativity. We can refine this to be a craft with the purpose of conveying a specific emotional, intellectual or ideological stimulation. It doesn’t need to be, though. The meaning can be interpreted by the audience. If we follow this definition, then inferior art is one that fails to meet this criteria, lacking in imagination and creativity.

    How can we measure this? The common argument made is that television is a “lesser” art medium than literature and reading a book is a more noble pursuit of artistic inspiration than watching TV. I’ll admit that reading a book is a more engaging activity for your brain than watching television. Of that there is no doubt. But when did the purpose of art become solely engaging your brain? There are television shows with more depth, soul and thought put into them than some novels I’ve read. Is watching an artistic masterpiece or a potently realistic political-social commentary on TV less engaging than reading Fifty Shades of Grey? These questions are left for the reader to answer. This editor will only give his opinion: hold no judgement towards art based solely on its medium of delivery. Receive it with an open mind, in any form it comes to you. Only then can you truly appreciate the message it brings.

    Here are some of my favourite television shows, in no strict order:

    1. Deadwood: A master class in drama and language. It’s like Shakespeare set in the Wild West. The characters are so incredibly vibrant that you wish you sort of led a life like they do. You won’t really understand it until you watch it twice, but you will quickly realise that the characters you root for are more or less all terrible people. It’s HBO too, so that gives it some brownie points.

    2. The Wire: A lot of TV aficionados will cite this as the greatest show ever. It’s hard to disagree. It is often touted for its stark realism, however, it tends to escape this later in the series. However, the characters themselves maintain this quality until the very end, making them and their struggles very relatable. So relatable, in fact, that for a few months after finishing the show you will constantly find yourself comparing you situation to a similar one undertaken by character X in season Y.

    3. Hannibal: Recently ended. And it ended perfectly. I’m often not a fan of shows that act as prequels or sequels to major blockbuster films. Smallville, Gotham, and all that glitter never appealed to me. But Hannibal is more than that. It’s a moving canvas. It really does go for that “every frame a painting” label. The show plays on jokes and references from the movie in a smart way, albeit with grace and subtlety. And Mads Mikkelson’s performance as the cannibalistic psychiatrist will forever change how you think about cannibalistic psychiatrists.

    4. Fargo: You’re lucky, because this one is still on TV, airing on FX. It’s hard for me to express exactly what makes this show so special. Like Hannibal, it also acts as a direct continuation of the Coen Brothers’ iconic movie. One thing that makes this show so special is its perfect balance between dark, twisted humour; dark, twisted violence and dark, twisted nihilism. I think it secretly acts as a philosophy course in the guise of a Minnesotan crime thriller.

    5. Rick and Morty: This is an animated one, and recent too. Coming from Adult Swim, you know that the show’s humour takes many forms. In some ways, it is similar to shows like Family Guy, where immature humour hides the deep, subtle humour underneath. It also has the humour that is so powerful that after laughing you have to step back and seriously evaluate some things about your life.

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