Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Important Scene

So I just finished watching the first episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and I have to admit, it was better than I expected. I felt as though the writers did a great job grabbing the viewer’s attention and keeping it throughout the entire episode. In this episode, Buffy just moved into a new town and is trying to start over. While she is at school, she talks to the librarian about her “unique talent” that she has, which is slaying vampires. During their conversation, she tells him that she did not choose to be this way and that he has no idea how much it has cost her. She then proceeds to tell him that she is retired, and won’t be trying to go out and find vampires to kill. This conversation sets up another very important scene that occurs later in the episode, when Buffy is at a local club. At the club, she is once again talking to the librarian. However, this time, we see a change in Buffy. When she sees one of her friends go off with a suspected vampire, she decides to take action. She goes after her friend, and takes it upon herself to once again protect the citizens of the town against vampires. I felt that this was such an important scene because we see a dramatic change in the main character. In this scene, Buffy goes from the girl who is just trying to be normal and fit in and have nothing to do with being a vampire slayer to someone who is taking responsibility for the welfare of others. I enjoyed this episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer immensely and will definitely watch this show again, especially if we get to choose another scifi television show to watch for class.

Buffy Article

I found the article “High School is Hell” to be very insightful. I personally found it amazing how deep Buffy the Vampire Slayer actually is. I have never watched the show before, but after reading this article, I think that it will probably be the scifi show that I choose to watch tonight. I think that this article was interesting because it not only talked about the use of metaphor in the show, but gave specific examples. It is truly incredible how through the use of metaphors one can make the unreal seem even more realistic than real life is. I am personally a huge fan of finding the irony in situations, and after reading this article, it seems that Buffy the Vampire Slayer is full of irony. I am very excited to begin watching this television show for myself.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

I like Sci Fi...

It may be difficult for some people to admit, but I personally am a huge fan of science fiction. I enjoy both reading it and watching it on television. I find it fascinating and exciting to learn about the unknown and being free to develop my own opinions and ideas about controversial subjects. Like I said, I enjoy reading about and viewing science fiction television shows. My favorite science fiction television show would have to be Ghost Hunters. I think that the most appealing part of this show and science fiction in general is the fact that they deal with the unknown, the unbelievable, the supernatural, and the paranormal. These subjects are open to interpretation in almost every possible way, which makes science fiction even more exciting. Everyone can make their own opinions about science fiction and not be wrong. Because of this, there are an infinite number of ideas out there dealing with science fiction. I find just as much enjoyment in listening to the opinions of others as I do in making and expressing my own beliefs. The ambiguity and mystery involved with science fiction are what attract me most to this unique subject.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Serenity Review

So before this class, I had never heard of the show "Firefly". I have watched some sci fi television shows and movies before, and I must say that this one was not too disappointing. I was impressed by the characterization of everyone in the show. I especially liked the captain's character. My favorite trait of the captain is how strong of a leader he is. I noticed right away how he seems to take control of most situations and never is afraid to speak his mind. It was also amazing how much his crew respected him, even though he is always barking out orders to them. However, the captain seems to be hiding a more compassionate side. The only reason I say this is because on the outside, he appears to be cold and rough, but when it comes to his crew, he is very protective. I think that maybe later in the series he may reveal a more sensative side.
Although I did enjoy the show for the most part, I found some parts to be predictable and disappointing. At some points, this show seemed to be trying to be like "Star Trek" or even some of the "Star Wars" movies. For example, the captain had many similarities to the "Star Wars" character, Han Solo. Both are smugglers (space pirates) and have many similar personality traits, like their apparent love for money, and devotion to their crew and ship. I was also a bit disappointed with the last fight scene, as I was hoping that it would involve the Alliance, rather than a group of people that were introduced at the very end of the show.
Despite a few minor complaints about the show, I enjoyed it and will definately watch more of it in the future.

Ps-I did feel like the country/western background music throughout the whole show fit the setting very well, but that's just my opinion.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Mike DePauw

Hi everyone. My name is Mike DePauw. I am a freshman this year and am in your English 110 class. I am studying Business Finance and am planning on going to Law School after I graduate. I grew up in Strongsville, Ohio, which is located near Cleveland, Ohio. I attended Strongsville High school and graduated among 670 students. In high school, I was pretty involved. I was a captain of the varsity hockey team as well as the captain of the tennis team. Also, I was an instructor for the Special Olympics Learn-To-Skate program at our local ice rink and a volunteer at Southwest General Health Center. I am a pretty laid back person, but am focused on what I want. I am also looking forward to this year and meeting new people.