Blog #10: My TV Sheroes
It’s incredibly normal for people to grow up idolizing fictional characters, like superheroes or badass movie leads. Personally, I myself am a TV junkie (in addition to my rom com addiction). It’s one of my well-known obsessions. Ever since I was a kid you could usually find me plopped in front of a screen watching one of the many television shows I loyally watched. I have so many favorites but there are just some shows I will never forget, or more specifically characters or the writing combined with the actress’ portrayal that left a lasting impression. In no particular order, I’d like you to meet my TV she-roes:
Arya Stark
We’re just one week away from the last season of Game of Thrones and I’m probably being overly nostalgic. When asked who’s your favorite GOT character, it takes no more than a second to say Arya Stark in reply. Not the mother of dragons, not any of the queens, or people who desire the throne, but the one who has been kicking ass since the very beginning. She’s experienced just as much as any character and as a result she’s been training her heart out, doing anything in her power to avenge her family. I might not agree with every decision she makes, but she treks on without relying on anyone but her own will and being. I know it’s not likely for many to survive the last season, but I cheer her on as she faces the endless amount of trials ahead. And of course the ever romantic in me hopes she gets some soft of human happiness (even only briefly *cough Gendry cough*). She’s dark, pained yet beautifully you know a piece of her soul is still longing for her family connection. I truly adore her character and cannot wait to see where it leads.
Jane Villanueva
My telenovela-esque queen. From the tears, to her love of writing, her romantic side, the love she has for her family, and her moments where you want to shake her to make up her mind, she’s a character that speaks to my inner self. I love every bit of Jane, even her annoying bits, I feel like I see a lot of her in me. Well, not the artificially inseminated storyline, but the root of who she is, I feel for her. When the narrator delves into the depths of her plot I connect with her and only wish her the very best. Speaking of final moments, it is the last season and I’m starting to think this is the real reason I’m writing this blog. The characters who I have recently found a kindred link to, are ending after years of falling in love with their stories. Arya is who I wish I could be more of while Jane is someone I find a familiarity with. As sad as I am to see the end, I also have been waiting so long to see how it plays out all around.
Sabrina Spellman
Even though I do find myself binging the latest iteration of the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, I am referring to the OG Sabrina - the early 2000s when NSYNC magically transformed from the attic living pirates, to the talking and plotting black cat Salem, to the catchy, majestic intro jingle accompanied by Sabrina changing into various funky, cute outfits. I loved going on her magical adventures with her to the other realm. She had such a sweet relationship with her aunts, and when she went to get her witches license I followed along for the ride as she figured out the big family secret. Sabrina had that magical touch that I wanted to experience but watching every episode was good enough for me to witness and thoroughly adore.
Blair Waldorf
Yes, she was bitchy. But man I loved Blair. I attended a private all-girls school the same time this show was happening, so you can imagine I DIY’d headbands and wore faux pearls inspired by the Queen B: Blair. She was book smart and Upper East Side smart, classy, and fashionable. She admired Audrey Hepburn and would even fantasize herself in memorable Hepburn roles. I loved her snarky, hilarious side when it came to dealing with Dan Humphrey, and her romantic sensual yet badass Bonnie and Clyde side when teaming up with the handsome Chuck Bass. As terrible as she got, I always felt for her when she was sad or losing. It was a love, hate but mostly love and admirable role she took on for me. I looked up to her dynamic abilities and continue to think she is a memorable, phenomenal character.
Tia and Tamera
Who didn’t want to be a twin growing up? I loved the initial storyline of Tia Landry and Tamera Campbell being separated at birth and then reunited. The TV show followed their years of befriending each other, living together under one roof and kicking out their neighbor with their iconic line, “Go home Roger.” Sister, Sister was a feel good nineties show, that I loved to tune into along with the other T.G.I.F. lineup. Growing up, you were either more of a Tia (bookworm), Tamera (funny, laidback), but together they were a pair you’d love to be friends with.
Other worthy mentions: Kelly Kapowski, Lizzie McGuire, the Yellow and Pink Rangers, any sitcom with Mary-Kate an Ashley Olsen.