Comparative Analysis: Dragons and The End of the F***ing World

I found it quite challenging to find a good show to compare with DreamWorks’ Dragons. One, I don’t watch animated cartoons anymore; and two, I don’t even watch television shows anymore. I find it more entertaining to read and have my imagination take ownership of the novel I’m reading than simply absorb what the screen already has in stored for me. However; I found what I believe is to be the perfect to show to compare it. I recently tried and finished a television show entitled, The End of the F***ing World, which surprisingly has a handful of similarities and differences with Dragons.

The End of the F***ing World is a Netflix show released on October 2017. Unlike any ordinary romantic comedy show, it involves a psychopath boy who falls in love with his target for murder. From the description of the plot itself, it doesn’t seem comparable with an animation show like DreamWorks’ Dragons. With this, let’s start with the differences between both television shows and find the similarities given these differences.

In terms of the narrative structure of the shows, one (Dragons) is episodic while the other (The End of the F***ing World) is continuous.

Given that Dragons is episodic, each of its episode has its own plot. Although, some episodes contribute to the overall plot of the show that somehow ties all of the episodes together as mentioned in my previous blogs. Therefore, it’s quite easy to catch up on the show even without starting from the first episode since there’s also lack of character development. Lessons learned by the characters do not seem to be applied on the next episode. What simple kept the show continuous in a way were their random preparations and fights against Berks’ enemies, Berserkers and the Outcasts. Despite the lack of development however, the characters were able to have their own spotlight for an episode or two to emphasize their relevance in the show. However, it somehow makes sense on why it’s structured that way. It’s because its main target audience are children. Children have really low attention span and they need as much breaks as possible. That’s why even if each episode has its own plot and is only around 22 minutes long, it still has space for a commercial break in the middle given the short blackouts.

Unlike Dragons, The End of the F***ing World is continuous. Despite it being segmented into eight episodes, each episode is an hour long and is directly connected to the next episode. Character development is also very evident since we see the change happening to both main characters, James and Alyssa. Alyssa grew to be stronger and wiser as she thought of ways for her and James to survive independently from their families while James gradually let go of his need and want to kill then ended up wanting to save Alyssa’s life in the end. This is what makes people want to watch the show from the first episode in order to see that character development and plot development, which each event of each episode contributes in. Each of the episode doesn’t even have a commercial break in the middle of the episode. Even how the whole show was segmented into eight episodes, still makes people want to binge-watch the whole show since it usually ends with a cliffhanger. Such cliffhanger made me insane every single time! Especially at the end of the whole season, wherein it gave me an idea of a next season coming up.

Despite their differences, these are still similarities between the two shows. The breaks, may it be in the middle of each episode or between episodes, give the shows’ audiences their “breathing” and “thinking” space. What makes these alike and different from a full two-hour movie being shown in theaters is that we have a break to stretch, go to the bathroom, grab some food, and think to fully appreciate the story without having to miss anything and at the same time, be comfortable.  Another similarity from the differences mentioned is the character development, may it be lacking or not. Both shows were able to emphasize each of its main characters by giving them sufficient time to illustrate his or her strengths and weaknesses, which makes the characters likable and relevant to the show. They basically contribute to the show and make it as is. The shows are the shows the creators wanted to present us with given its characters, who greatly contribute to their respective plots.

Another difference between the shows would be my television experience with each. I actually watched seasons one and two of Dragons since they’re required in my monthlong class on television. Honestly, I think I enjoyed it even if I’m not a binge-watcher given that we watch four episodes in two hours. I feel like I get a bigger picture of the show, which gives me more insights to think about and consider especially in class discussion. However, I still find myself enjoying watching a show one episode at a time to fully appreciate all the hard work the creators put in that one episode. I find myself having time to not only absorb the episode’s events but also appreciate the cinematography of the show and acting of the cast just like my watching experience with The End of the F***ing World. This does not mean that I didn’t enjoy our class though. I actually found our class discussions after viewing very helpful in terms of reflecting on the episodes together and hearing other people’s thoughts on the progress of the show’s structures. I guess what I’m trying to say is, despite the differences in time allotment for reflection and absorption, both experiences still gave me a fruitful thinking process. Dragons may have given me a shorter time to think but it provided me with new perspectives coming from other people.

Both shows are also similar in a way that they introduce new characters to set up an event that would contribute to their shows’ overall plot. In Dragons, new dragons are introduced, which makes it fun given the stories they bring with it. In The End of the F***ing World, new characters are also introduced but quickly however to strengthen Alyssa and James’ relationship and character. However way these characters were introduced, they successfully made the show interesting and adventurous that us, audience, would feel thrill and a variety of emotions.

Given these two shows, I realized that television offers a variety of shows that differ in narration and structures, but all of these are dependent on their target audience. I honestly don’t think that I have the right to identify their strengths and weaknesses given that their continuous existence means that there are people who enjoy them even if I don’t, but I think that both of the shows I’ve mentioned were structured strong enough to have succeeding seasons to come.

People have their own preferences. Some enjoy binge-watching, while others don’t. Some can start a show on its tenth episode or so, while others don’t. Some adults enjoy animated shows, while others don’t. Some like the shows, while others don’t. One thing is for sure, there are or will be succeeding seasons for DreamWorks’ Dragons and The End of the F***ing World.

 

Defenders of Berk: Season review

I have finally finished the whole second season of DreamWorks’ Dragons!

Honestly, I have enjoyed Defenders of Berk more than Riders of Berk in terms of narration and structure given the following:

No voiceover involved.

We got to see the whole plot of each episode gradually unfold without having to hear Hiccup’s annoying voice telling us on what to anticipate for. We didn’t even have to hear him at the end of each episode to tell us what our own minds can already assume given the events that took place. Simply put, we got to enjoy the episode with our own imagination and television experience without any direct confirmation from the creators of the show through Hiccup. This made the show more open to mature viewers like me, who don’t have to be spoon-fed with every detail of the show.

More continuity

 Despite the season still leaning more towards the episodic side, the episodes were more connected to one another, which gave it more continuity compared to the first season. We saw more of Dagur and the Outcasts, which built up the overall plot of the show. There were also episodes, which showed the trainings of Hiccup and friends in preparation of their next possible encounter with the enemies. With this came more thrill and excitement being brought by the show!

Emphasis on characters

 Instead of focusing on Hiccup’s character development, the other characters were also given an episode or two to shine. The show was able to illustrate their strengths and weaknesses (which in the end, translates to their strengths), which made them relevant to the show. It also strengthened the characters characteristics in terms of humor and bravery as seen in the twins and Fishlegs.

Major change in plot

 There was a sudden change in Berk’s enemies. The Outcasts allied with the Berserkers but without Alvin’s involvement anymore. Dagur the Deranged became the new arch enemy of Hiccup and Stoick, and Alvin became their ally. What a change!!! I honestly didn’t see that coming but, I was really impressed with the fact that they discreetly geared the events towards such change to instill more thrill and emotions among its viewers.

 No cliffhanger

 Unlike the first season, the season ended on a good note with no cliffhanger that made us anticipate for the next episode. There was, however, a minor cliffhanger in which Silent Sven broke his silence according to Gobber. Gobber not saying what Silent Sven said exactly did make me curious about it and slightly excited for the next season.

Despite the differences between the first and the second season, I ended up enjoying DreamWork’ Dragons as a whole. I think I’m more interested with the show especially since I got used to watching at least eight episodes a week of it. I also got to hear other people’s thoughts and feelings about it given the discussions we had after every screening. Who knows? Maybe I will start watching the third season on Netflix when and if I have the time. I just hope I will.

DreamWorks Dragons (S2 Ep 17-20): Watching with an audience

I’m down to my last four episodes for the second season of DreamWorks’ Dragons! I smell the finish line. However, I will definitely miss watching this show with my class. It was such a great television experience, which I would like to share with you all.

Being in a dark room with around ten people doesn’t seem to be fun at all. Imagine watching in an almost empty movie theater without having as much people to react with if something unexpected happens to the film’s plot. However, I enjoyed my last television experience with the class as I heard the most number of reactions from all the humor and thrill the last few episodes provided us with. Through their voices and facial expressions, together with mine, I heard, saw, and experienced laughter, affection, frustration, and surprise, with a hint of satisfaction, especially for the ending. Don’t get me wrong though. I’m not speaking for everyone in class but, I’ll be describing the parts of the episodes, in which such reactions were obtained from.

Laughter

For some reason, I think the show made some characters funnier than usual to keep its audience happy and satisfied. The twins seemed dumber than they were first introduced as they just kept spatting out nonsense that just served as distractions and delays for Hiccup to continue on with his plans. They even wanted to name a baby dragon, Lloyd, on the 18^th episode entitled, “Bing! Bam! Boom!”

Affection

 On the same episode, people were touched with how Stoick let go of Thornado to take care of the three baby Thunderdrums on Dragon Island. Another similar episode was the last episode entitled, “Cast out, Part II”, which showed Screaming Death and its babies reuniting again in Outcast Island with the help of Hiccup and friends.

Frustration

 On the 19^th episode, entitled “Cast Out, Part 1”, Snotlout appeared to be very boastful, prideful, and selfish as he went against the plan of the group during training. He even got Astrid almost killed and never apologized for it. In addition to this would be the twins as mentioned earlier. The delay that they caused in solving the problem was really frustrating despite their remarks being funny. Sometimes, they just get too random and out of place that they cause worse things to occur such as the opening of the gate. On the 18^th episode, Hiccup screamed to Tuff to close the gate, but he ended up pointing at it. This led to the escape of the three baby Thunderdrums, which caused a bigger mess to fix.

Surprise

 On the same episode, people got surprised with the fact that Alvin the Treacherous was alive. We all thought he’s out of the picture. Well, at least I did but apparently, he got stuck on an island. We got even more surprised when Gobbler told Hiccup about his history with Stoick. He even helped them beat Dagur the Deranged. What a turn of events!  Speaking of turn of events, I got so relieved that the season ended on a good note without any major cliffhanger unlike the first season. It felt quite satisfying but not fully satisfying due to the minor cliffhanger of Silent Sven being able to talk again. They didn’t even tell us what he said exactly. How frustrating at the same time!

Being with other people truly made the show fun and interesting to watch. It felt like watching in a movie theater. Their reactions also strengthen or weaken the emotions I would normally feel when watching alone. Sometimes, they make a laughing part of the episode funnier than it should be when I’m watching alone since we all freely laugh goofily together and even less frustrating than it should be since we have one another to share the frustration with. It doesn’t just fill you up until you explode!

DreamWorks Dragons (S2 Ep 13-16): The heartbreak of letting go

I don’t know if it’s just me but whenever a new character gets introduced in a show, I feel nothing but anticipation for the episode’s plot. However, I was surprised to observe that the new dragons, such as the Speed Stingers and the Scauldron, that they introduced neither lasted an episode nor lasted the whole show after an episode or two of encounter/s with Hiccup and friends.

Speed Stingers

 I actually found the Speed Stingers pretty cool on the 14^th episode entitled, “Frozen”. They’re all fast and aggressive, which can be trained by Hiccup to utilize their skills against Dagur the Deranged and the Outcasts. However, Hiccup and friends only ended up fearing them and shooing them away to a faraway area. I do hope to see them in the succeeding episodes given that their characters were so creatively made. They even come as a cloud of mist to disguise themselves from humans and other dragons. I honestly don’t think they’re merely dangerous. They’re wise stealers, who can be trained to be weapons of defense. After all, they are all still dragons that are just ten times faster than an ordinary dragon.

 Scauldron

 The Scaludron was the dragon Hiccup and friends tried to rescue on Changewing Island. Tuff was assigned to train it enough to calm down then grew to love it enough to cut her long braids for. Unfortunately, it’s like the episode never happened when I anticipated the Scauldron to return. The next episode didn’t even pick up from where the 13^th episode, entitled, “Free Scauldy”, left off. Tuff’s hair was long again and my anticipation of seeing her in her short hair, which would’ve symbolized her maturity, was gone.

Aside from the characters introduced, items, such as the Dragon Root and red eels, which were related to the dragons, were also introduced. Unlike the dragons introduced, I see potential in these items as weapons against the dragons. Thus, I anticipate the time that these will be utilized by Dagur the Deranged and the Outcasts in plotting another plan of destruction against Berk.

Dragon Root

 I honestly think that the dragon root was weird given that there was no explanation of its effects on dragons. There was also no brief history of its presence provided to at least give them an idea of what it is, where it could be found, and how it could stop increasing in number on the 15^th episode entitled, “A Tale of Two Dragons”. Given the said effects, dragon root seems to be a powerful weapon against the dragons. If Dagur the Deranged and the Outcasts are smart enough, they’ll use a lot of these roots in a future episode by discreetly planting this underground to distract the community of Berk and its dragons as they go on with their plan of killing The Night Fury and destroying Berk.

 Red Eel

 A red eel is another good weapon against the dragons given the Eel Pox it gives to dragons, in contrary to its healing effect to humans, as seen on the 16th episode entitled, “The Eel Effect”. Given that these aren’t poisonous to humans, Dagur the Deranged and the Outcasts can also collect these from the sea and discreetly have them eaten by the dragons in Berk.

I really hope to see more of these characters and items since they all seemed creatively made and thought out. Using all of these again would definitely make the show more interesting without its viewers having to see the new characters leave all the time. Besides, it’s hard to let go off something or someone you grew to love. What a heartbreak!

DreamWorks Dragons (S2 Ep 9-12): Character frustration

As I watched season two’s episodes 9 to 12, I realized that what remains constant among the episodes from the first season to the next is the fact that the characters neither admit to their mistakes nor apologize for them. No one gets blamed either. It is as if it is okay to commit mistakes without willingly making up for them. This is what I find really frustrating especially when the characters commit something really wrong that they already created the problem of the whole episode’s plot; and usually, it is out of pride.

Despite the characters’ pride and carelessness, we still end up loving them in the end. The show somehow uses their mistakes as a source of medium in illustrating their strength when it comes to tackling the problems they have caused. Without those mistakes, we wouldn’t really know what they are capable of doing to help ease the situation even if it was usually Hiccup who pushes and leads them to fix them.

Surprisingly, the twins are the stars of the show in the recent episodes I’ve watched. They have been given more emphasis in terms of character development as their strengths were shown in tackling the problems that they themselves have caused. On the 9^th episode entitled, Zippleback Down, Ruffnut and Tuffnut wanted to prove Hiccup wrong. They left training and went to the forest on their own. Unfortunately, Tuffnut got trapped by a dragon net made of steel. This lead to him causing a forest fire as he angered Torch. On the 10^th and 11^th episodes entitled “A View to a Skrill Part 1” and “A View to a skrill Part 2” respectively, they, along with Snotlout, were the ones who melted the ice, which set the Skrill free. If they followed Hiccup’s order of not doing anything to the frozen Skrill, none of the episode’s plot would have happened. They would have probably been able to train it if they did it all together in the Dragon Academy arena. However, the twins were able to somehow redeem themselves without having to apologize nor intentionally making up for the problems they have caused. They just randomly decided to train Torch and follow the Skrill to outcast Island on the spot, without being sure that these were the right actions to do to solve everything. On the 12^th episode entitled “The Fight Stuff”, they were the ones responsible for Snotlout’s five signs of Valhalla. They made him believe that he was dying. This led to Snotlout heightening Gustav’s interest into replacing him, which then led to Gustav worsening the problem as he started the “fight” in Outcast Island. When the twins got caught in the end, they didn’t do anything this time to make up for their foolishness.

I find this very more frustrating than impressed with the characters’ newfound strengths. I don’t think this is a good character development strategy since they just end up as troublemakers for me. Without their hardheadedness and lack of brain usage, these problems wouldn’t have arose. It would have been better for the show to have them lead a fight against Alvin and the Berserkers than fool around, which would cause them more problems.

DreamWork Dragons (S2 Ep 4-8): Grasping the audience’s interest

I love how the show tries to provide variations through its characters to keep majority of its audience, who are children, interested.

We all know that children tend to get bored easily if you present them with the same character, such as Hiccup, repeatedly. Thus, DreamWorks Dragons tries to emphasize on a specific character, or characters in the case of the twins, on each episode by showing his or her strengths and capabilities. This will somehow boost their relevance in the show given that they have something to contribute, may it be in terms of humor or solving whatever problem presented. However, what makes this different from what I’ve mentioned on my blog for the first season is that this emphasis contributes to the overall plot of the show, which in itself seems bigger and more apparent to its viewers. Unlike the first season, which overall plot is apparent with the appearances of Alvin and the Outcasts, it is apparent through other events that occur without needing them on screen. It can be as simple as the characters either preparing for their fight against them or discovering a plan prepared by Alvin for Berk’s destruction.

On the 5^th episode entitled, “Race to Fireworm Island”, Snotlout’s capability to care was illustrated. We all thought he was a prideful man, who has no one in mind but himself. However, he risked his life with Hiccup just to save Hookfang from losing all of its energy from training exhaustion. He even shed tears, which he tried hiding, until Astrid told him that it’s okay to cry since it shows that he cares. On the 6^th episode entitled, “Fright of Passage”, the passion that Astrid had to fight was emphasized as she was determined to kill the Flightmare. She even thought of going alone to face it herself just to clear her family’s name of a scaredy-cat. On the 8^th episode entitled, “Appetite for Destruction”, Fishlegs knowledge on dragons were applied physically until he was able to save the whole Dragon Island from being destroyed by the Screaming Death. Therefore, the strength of the mind and the capabilities to love contributed to their development as characters of the show, as fit heroes of Berk.

Aside from the character emphasis, we would also observe that any random event that happens also contributes to the plot.

On the 4^th episode entitled, “Tunnel Vision”, the characters are trying to get Gobber to take a bath. What we once thought was unfortunate soon turned to be a blessing in disguise. The well ran out of water! However, this led to the discovery of the Whispering Death eggs, which the outcasts planted on an earlier episode. It’s one of Alvin’s plans to destroy Berk. On the 7^th episode entitled, “Worst in Show”, Meatlug smelled something different and decided to follow the scent until everyone found Alvin and the outcasts. Unfortunately, Meatlug was captured but got eventually released with the help of Hiccup and friends.

Thus, character development and the events definitely enriched the overall plot of the show, which not only keep the children interested but also adults like me binge-watch as much episodes that I could willingly.

DreamWorks Dragons (S2 Ep 1-3): Race to the edge impression

I’m finally on my second season of DreamWorks Dragons!

Surprisingly, I observed the show to be more on the continuous side so far. The episodes seem to be more connected unlike the episodes on Season 1 in which only the introduction of characters and a few events contribute to the show’s overall plot. In the first four episodes I have watched, the characters are preparing to defend themselves from Alvin and the Outcasts by forming a secret Dragon Fight Club and designing various training exercises to develop their skills. They are also more alert, chasing the outcasts’ boat as soon as they spot them crossing their territory.

Unfortunately, the outcasts were able to sneak in Berk’s cave and plant Whispering Death eggs inside. Alvin distracted Hiccup and friends, while the others entered Berk with Mildew’s help. With this, I observe their plans to be more strategic and wiser as they slowly succeed with these. It was honestly something I didn’t expect that’s why I remember feeling miserable but at the same time, amazed with how the outcasts were able to successfully execute their plan.

Another relevant difference I observed was the absence of Hiccup’s voice over at the beginning and end of each episode. He doesn’t introduce the plot and end with a lesson unlike the episodes in the first season. Aside from feeling relieved that there is no voice over to annoy me as it delays me from watching the actual episode, I see its absence as a sign of added depth in the story. The episode doesn’t reflect another 22 minutes or so of another new lesson, but a story complex enough for us to figure its message on our own without having to be guided by Hiccups’ realizations.

With the four episodes I have watched so far, I can see potential in the improvement of the show in terms of attracting more adult viewers. The problems seem more thought out and the solutions require awareness, not just skill and knowledge. Such awareness of the self and of the enemy motivates people to prepare for their arrival and improve on their current performance. Each episode still has its individual problem solved by the end but, it is illustrated in a way that we still anticipate it to arise in the succeeding episodes. This then requires more than a single solution.

What I think would strengthen this further would be the dragons, which are also the stars of the show. In episode two entitled The Iron Gronckle, Meatlug’s ability of excreting lava was emphasized. In episode four entitled The Night and the Fury, other set of dragons were found on the island of dragons. These dragons were illustrated to be trainable as some of them calmed down when scratched at their sides. These introduction of ability strength and dragons may further strengthen Hiccup and friends in defeating Alvin and the Outcasts. Surprisingly, the introduction of Dagur complicates the plot even more, making us anticipate another tribal enemy that the gang would have to face in the next episodes.

Riders of Berk: Season review

I’m finally done watching the entire first season of DreamWorks Dragons; and boy was it satisfying to watch!

It isn’t like any other animated show that I’ve watched in my childhood years given its main focus on morality, and not humor. As mentioned in my previous blogs, I’ve learned lessons that I find applicable in my life. However, it may not be enough to grasp the interest of the majority of the adults because of the time and limited ways provided for each problem. I have friends, who have tried watching the show, but found it too unrealistic and ideal in terms of living.  Thus, its shallowness in terms of content appeals to them as a children’s show rather than an animated show for people of all ages. Personally speaking, I don’t consider all animated shows as for children only. We have animated shows such as Avatar: The Last Airbender, which my adult friends seem to enjoy watching. When asked what’s with the show that keeps them addicted to it, they would tell me that it has an impressive plot build up and character development, which would make them impatient for the next episode. It is a continuous show, with episodes they would have to watch in order. Thus, they tend to binge-watch and finish the entire season in two weeks.

Spongebob and Fairy Odd Parents, animated shows I watched growing up, are episodic. These provide us episodes, with new stories of the same characters, who we love. However, I describe Dreamwork’s Dragons as an episodic and a continuous show at the same time. Each episode had its own plot; however, some characters and events contribute to an overall plot of the whole season. A number of episodes introduced characters like Alvin and the Outcasts, who are determined to destroy Berk. At first, I observed that they never end successfully with their plans in kidnapping Hiccup and stealing the Book of Dragons. However, in my surprise, the season ended with an unpredictable and successful plan as the outcasts used Mildew.  It actually makes one wonder if they’ll be able to successfully destruct Berk in the next season given their knowledge on riding dragons.

In terms of character development, the show was able to introduce its characters, but was not able to further develop each one. Given that the show leans more on the episodic side, despite having some continuity for an overall plot, the characters were not able to apply the strengths and weakness realized from the previous episodes. They’re just usually there to solve a problem from each episode. Unlike Aang from Avatar: The Last Airbender, we have already established the strengths and weakness of Hiccup because of the movie, How to Train Your Dragon. He was already seen as trustworthy and admirable given what he did in the movie. In a way, his character remained static all throughout with the lack of continuity among the season’s episodes. An example of this would be an episode of Hiccup immediately trusting Mildew after an episode of being betrayed by Heather. Just like the risk he took in trusting Heather, he should now face the consequences of trusting Mildew, especially since he taught him how to train a dragon.

DreamWorks Dragons (S1 Ep 16-20): Character emphasis

As I watched the last five episodes of DreamWorks Dragons Season 1, I observed that there was no emphasis on character development, especially for Hiccup, who is the main protagonist of the animated show. Given the show being episodic, the strengths and weaknesses realized by the main characters do not see to be applied onto the next episodes. It is as if the previous episodes never happened, except for the introduction of Thornado, Alvin, and the Outcasts.

The following are examples to support my observation:

Hiccup

The Outcasts were finally able to learn how to train their dragons with the help of Mildew. I actually find the last episode entitled We Are Family Part 2 frustrating because Hiccup immediately trusted him and taught him how to train the dragons. It’s as if he was never even tricked before by Heather, who he immediately trusted as well. I know Hiccup has a good heart but given that he and Toothless were captured with Mildew’s aid makes him unworthy of teaching him about the dragons, if not saving him. If I were Hiccup, I would’ve just told him to follow me wherever I go and hide without having to provide information.

Snotlout

Snotlout doesn’t seem to grow as a character for me as well. Despite all the episodes of him working with Hiccup, he still remains to be a bully to him. On the 16^th episode entitled Defiant One, Snotlout insisted on going the other way in contrary to Hiccup’s instruction. Thus, they both end up landing on Outcast Island. He only wanted to save Hiccup from Alvin due to the realization of him being needed as mentioned. In the end, it’s still all about pride, which defined Snotlout’s character from the start.

However, these last few episodes did focus on the supporting characters following the 15^th episode entitled Twinsanity, in which the importance of the characters of the twins, Ruff and Tuff, and their twin dragons, Belch and Barf. Aside from illustrating the fighting skills of Snotlout on Defiant One, the show also illustrated Fishleg’s strength on the 17^th episode entitled Gem of a Different Color. I honestly used to think of Fishlegs as an “all brains boy”. However, he was able to express anger towards Snotlout when he refused to return the eggs to the dragons. His anger was sparked by the fact that they are taking away the babies from their mothers. With such anger, Fishlegs was able to scare Snotlout since he showed that he was ready to fight. This was actually the first time I saw Fishlegs to be courageous, strong, and confident about himself. All of a sudden, he seemed bigger and tougher because of the image he put himself into at that time. I never saw him the same way again. I really thought he was a useless character, if it weren’t for his broad knowledge on dragons.

Despite its lack in character development, the show never failed to impress me with its emphasis on the main characters, who also deserve to be known and whose presence deserves to realized. It’s the characters, who contribute to the plot and keep the viewers interested, inspired, and entertained.

 

 

Television Functions: An interpretation of Foust’s Poem with Television

Recently, I read two versions of Graham Foust’s Poem with Television. I must say, it was a struggle trying to determine what message he wants to get through. Both were short yet different in structure given one misplaced line and the absence/presence of four added lines. Despite having only a total of five different lines, these made a huge void that separates one from the other. However way these poems could be individually interpreted, both were able to give me only one general idea: Television either accurately illustrates or deconstructs reality.

Before we tackle on that idea, I’ll share with you my interpretation of each poem. Please keep in mind that this comes from my own understanding of the poems. Yours could always differ from mine as it could for others as well. Our own interpretations are what makes the poems ours. Imagine the poems to be a gift from Foust himself for us to relate with however way we could.

Now, let us consider the world to represent reality.

Poem with Television

But first another picture of the world

 Since the line was placed at the beginning of the poem, I assume that whatever illustration of our world’s reality a television show, movie, documentary, or news just provided me with is what I was talking to as I went through the poem. To be specific, I imagined myself watching a news report on the extrajudicial killings in Payatas – a place where I used to serve as a member of a Christian organization. I felt nothing but doubt and confusion as I remembered Payatas to be peaceful and happy despite the hardships life hits its people with. I even remember watching a Juan for All, All for Juan segment of Eat Bulaga, wherein they featured Payatas and helped its people with the resources that they had. However, seeing that same place being attacked by the policemen, really made me wonder if that was really the Payatas I physically encountered with and saw on television in the past. In the end, I felt alone with my own image of Payatas and disbelief in accepting what the screen wanted to show me.

 On Television

As a non-first timer television user, I imagined encountering a movie that illustrated our world with superheroes. I felt happy that we have extraordinary people who would fight for peace and justice. However, my happiness felt limited given the mere familiarity I felt with that world. A part of me knew that the world where the superheroes were living in wasn’t exactly the same world I live in. It was a world being illustrated as ideal to me by television because there are no superheroes and rarely do happy and just endings occur in our actual world. The poem then ends with the same line being at the end. Unlike the first poem, it illustrated television as a source of disillusion and distraction of reality.

Unified Idea on Television

Despite the differences in structure, composition, and interpretation, both poems basically tell us that television has two functions. It either accurately illustrates or deconstructs reality. We have films that try to spark awareness in us especially when it comes to our country. There are also news reports that either exaggerate or hide what’s really happening in our society, depending on who the network’s protecting and supporting. Therefore, I find Foust poems so beautiful even if these were quite hard for me to understand at first. Both struck me with a realization about television that I am more than willing to share with you all.