Comparative Analysis: Dreamworks Dragons vs. Avatar the Last Airbender

Avatar: The Last Airbender is a television program which aired on 2005 in Nickelodeon. It focuses on Avatar Aang’s quest in mastering all four elements in order to defeat the main antagonist, the Fire Lord. The reason why I chose this show was that it too is an animated tv series and falls under the fantasy genre. This blog post will compare the world building, animation styles, and narrative structure of Avatar and Dreamworks Dragons.

In terms of world-building, both programs borrowed the cultures of real life people. For Dreamworks Dragons, the vikings are the main characters of the show. Similar to real-life Vikings, they are known for their skills in combat and navigation. They also live in islands which have freezing temperatures, thus the characters mostly wear fur clothing and boots. As for  the Avatar universe, the world is divided into 4 nations, water, earth, fire, and air. Similar to Dreamworks Dragons, the world of Avatar is inspired by real-life influences, specifically Asian and Inuit cultures. For example, the water tribes resemble the Inuit or Ekimos, with they way that they live in igloos and wear animal skins to protect against the cold. As for the Earth Kingdom, it is based on China. The walls of Ba Sing Sei, the capital of the Earth Kingdom, was inspired by the Beijing wall of China as a line of defense, and so on.

From architecture and clothing, to food and grooming, the screenwriters borrowed the cultures  of communities today and put it in a fantastical, mythologized lens. I believe the reason why both Dreamworks Dragons and Avatar used real-life influences is so that viewers would be able to easily understand and connect to the world even though the tv shows fall under the fantasy genre. These cultures are popular and therefore familiar even to young children, which make the worlds more convincing, and engaging to its audience.

Another similarity between the shows is that the world building approach is done in a manner wherein the main protagonist and the audience learn and understand the world at the same time. For example, in Dreamworks Dragons, it is through the experiences of Hiccup and his friends that they are able to constantly update the Book of Dragons. In other words, while they find new things about the dragons, the audience does as well. In the case of Avatar, this approach is done by letting Aang not know the current condition of the world because he was frozen in a block of ice for a hundred years. Due to his state, he explores all four nations and understands the inner workings of the world the same time the audience does. This approach allows the screenwriters to present a new world without it feeling forced nor overwhelming upon viewers. In this way, viewers learn about it in the same pace and point of view as the main character. I believe this strategy was a good move executed by the both screenwriters of the shows since the  age of the main characters are more or less the same as that of the target audience. This then makes it easier for the viewers to learn about the world because it is presented in a language or speech they can understand.

One difference between  the Avatar universe from all the other worlds crafted is that the people are able to bend elements. Unlike in Dreamworks Dragons wherein the magical element is rooted in the concept of dragons, the ability for people to manipulate elements is what makes the world  of Avatar magical and original. The world building is developed not in the introduction of dragons, but the new techniques on how to manipulate the elements. For instance, it was only in the latter seasons when the concepts of blood bending and metal bending were used, which are natural extensions of water bending and earth bending respectively. Overall, it is demonstrated that the way magic and fantasy are used dictate the world building of the shows.

Moving on to animation styles, it is evident by simply watching the first few scenes of the show  that Dreamworks Dragons is a  3D animation series while Avatar is a 2D animation series. The first season of Dreamworks Dragons was aired in 2012, seven years after the release of Avatar’s pilot episode. This is why it is fitting that it used newer and more improved technology. The show also involves lots of movements and depth due to the flying done by the dragons. On the other hand,  Avatar is heavily influenced by anime which I believe is the reason for its 2D animation style. For example, the exaggerated facial expressions and emotion of characters reflect the visual attributes of anime. More importantly, Avatar is mostly hand drawn due to the integration of martial arts in bending. For every action sequence, it is important to place attention on each position and pose to create movement. Every key frame needs to be precise and sketches are made to to make the animation move more fluidly. Overall, both shows used different animation styles because of different purposes.

In terms of narrative structure, both television programs have twenty or more episodes in a season, and each episode lasts a little over 20 minutes. However, while the episodes in Dreamworks Dragons are mostly episodic, Avatar is a mixture of both episodic and continuous. In the former, it is noticeable the the characters do not learn from their mistakes. They commit the same offenses and their behavior does not change.  Moreover, the problems the villagers encounter are solved by the end of the episode, which is seen especially in the first season. It is usually only when the villains appear that the plot becomes continuous. Similar to the show, Avatar also had an episodic structure in some episodes. However, most episodes were continuous because there was a clear and distinct plot: defeat the Fire Lord. All the subplots in Avatar contribute to the main plot of the entire show.  Each season corresponds to a nation that Aang visits in order to find and train with a teacher. For example, the first season is entitled  “Water” which entails his adventures in the Water Tribes and training with a water bending master. Once a new season begins, Aang still remembers all that he has learned from his previous master. Unlike Avatar, Dreamworks Dragons has a more general plot which focuses on the lines of training dragons and stopping enemies. Consequently, so many problems are tackled in just one season. Because it has a less specific overall plot, the show is then more open to what happens next. It’s astonishing to see what people can do differently given the same time length.

Furthermore, while Dreamworks Dragons has a more linear structure, Avatar follows a non-linear narrative. More specifically, Avatar invests some episodes on flashbacks to fully explore the main characters’ past. In a single episode, viewers learn which events of a  characters’ past affect them and their decision making in the present. With a backstory, viewers are able to emotionally connect with the characters as well as find out their motivations. Once we understand their past mistakes, the characters become more relatable since we see ourselves in their flaws. Development of character comes into place when characters realize and confront their mistakes. One they succeed in doing this, they are able to grow and change, which will ultimately captivate the audience to the characters and their story. A backstory or character development may not be so obviously seen in Dreamwork Dragons, but this is mainly due to the targeted audience: young children. Young children do not require to seeing character development which is why most of the characters in animated television shows are static. However, Avatar is also intended for those outside the 6-11 year old demographic as seen in the themes discussed in the show such as war, genocide, and even mental illness. It may have some comic relief, but I believe it tackles more serious issues compared to that of Dreamworks Dragons. This, I believe, is the purpose of establishing a non-linear narrative by the creators of Avatar.

Overall, both shows may have differences, but it is because each has a different purpose or plot. Watching them side by side, I’ve also noticed that they have similarities especially in terms of world building. I don’t think I could decide which show is better since it really depends on the person. However, I think both shows are more than worth watching and I’m glad I had such a fun experience watching them.

Defenders of Berk Synthesis

The second season of Dreamworks Dragons was a more improved version of season 1. First, the animation was more detailed and of higher quality. For example, the lightning from the Skrill and the aurora borealis in the Fright of Passage episode are some of which that show beautiful animation effects. The scenes in this season were also more vibrant and realistic-looking. This improvement made me realize the importance of animation in a fantasy tv show. It brings to life characters and the environment they live in, and also encourages the work of the imagination to grow and develop. I’m glad that the creators have prioritized this aspect of the series since it really contributes to the beauty and magic of the show.

In terms of plot and structure, the episodes were mostly episodic, although it had more of a continuity element compared to season 1. One of the most important and biggest changes was when Ruffnut cut her long hair to save a Scauldron. I was disappointed when her hair was back to its original length in the next episode. However, the storyline of the destruction created by the Screaming and Whispering deaths was continuous throughout the entire season. Speaking of dragons, I believe the dragons that they introduced were more dangerous and powerful compared to the first season. This change brought more dramatic and epic action sequences to the show, and it presents the idea that the targeted audience was amended for older children. The continuity element of the second season also indicates that the audience should be aware  and perceptive enough to follow the storyline.

Another change evident in the show is the increase of episodes that focused on Hiccup’s friends. Although some were mostly filler episodes, I still enjoyed them because I was able to learn more about their personality and characteristics. By giving characters such as the twins and Snotlout a chance to take center stage, it allows the viewers to see how they think and behave. They way they solved the problems in a particular episode is very refreshing and unique since I am used to watching Hiccup save the day. For a 20 minute per episode television program, I must say the screenwriters have done well in pacing the 2nd season.

If I had the power to make a few adjustments, I think more flashback episodes would be helpful in knowing their backstories. By knowing their backstories, it will be  helpful in seeing their character development throughout the show. Similar to the first season, the characters were static. Aside from Stoick who has grown and now sees Hiccup as a chief, most characters still behaved the same way they did in season 1. It’s possible that a glimpse of their history would make them more dynamic as characters. Furthermore, with flashback episodes, it would also make it easier to connect and be emotionally invested in the characters if I knew more of their history. To understand what is at stake for them would make them more relatable to viewers, and I believe this is the key in retaining and increasing viewers as the show progresses.

All in all, Defenders of Berk was a very interesting show to watch. I found it more enjoyable than the first season of Dreamworks Dragons because this was more catered for older children. Hiccup’s narration at the end was a nice touch in finishing the season. As previously mentioned in my previous blog post, the last episode left me with a bittersweet feeling, knowing that my class has reached the end. However, I’m going to recommend this series to my little brother so that he too can experience and be part of the fantasy world filled with dragons.

Defenders of Berk: Episodes 17-20

In episode 17, the island of Berk loses almost all its metal—including weapons. This left Hiccup’s tribe vulnerable to invasions. Later in the story, Hiccup and his friends find out it was Dagur the Deranged who planned the entire mess. What I loved about this episode was Stoick’s  newfound trust towards Hiccup. In the first few episodes of the entire series, I noticed Stoick would doubt or even blame Hiccup and his gang for the problems faced by the villagers. Now, he looks up to Hiccup and trusts him with responsibilities. In Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, he places his confidence in Hiccup and asks him for counsel and a plan. This shows that his character has developed with the way that he sees Hiccup as not only as his son, but also as a future chief. As the show progresses, their relationship has truly grown as well.

Personally, I believe Bing! Bam! Boom! had one of the most heartbreaking scenes in the entire show. This was when Stoick had to part with Thornado once he realized that the three baby dragons needed Thornado more than he did. This scene further expands the story and leaves the audience in a sort of cliffhanger state. After the episode, I had many questions that I wanted answered. One question that really bothered me was whether Stoick and Thornado would reunite again or would he find a new dragon to replace his Thunderdrum. All in all, I think this scene really thickens the plot and brings many ideas in mind. Maybe there can even be an entire episode which focuses on Stoick searching for Thornado in Dragon Island. I would really want this to happen since I believe choosing your dragon means choosing a partner for a lifetime. 

Finally, Cast Out is divided into two parts, similar to what the creators have done to the last episode in season 1. To be honest, I was very surprised when Hiccup teamed up with Alvin to save his father. Throughout the two episodes, I was wary and suspicious of Alvin since I’ve always known him as someone dangerous and deceptive. To add to this, the last time he made an appearance in the show was when he made a truce with Dagur but was planning to betray him once he captures Berk. The plot twist really surprised me, and the fact that they were successful in defeating Dagur surprised me even more. However, I felt the backstory of Alvin and Stoick as best friends was lacking, and I also wanted to know more about why the Outcasts exiled their leader. Although, I believe it was understandable that it ended that way since the goal of the final episode of a series is not to close the season, unlike that of a miniseries.

The last batch of episodes was very enjoyable, and I really liked how the quality of the episodes in general really improved compared to the very first episodes. It’s a bittersweet feeling after finishing the 2 seasons of the series with the class, but I’m keeping my head up knowing that when another door closes, another one opens (aka season 3!).

Defenders of Berk: Episodes 13-16

Free Scauldy opens up with Hiccup’s gang patrolling for the Screaming Death. This early on the show, I noticed that there is a continuing element. However, their plans change once they see an injured Scauldron on Changewing Island. Surprisingly, it was Ruffnut who tames and befriends the dragon. The fact that it was she who saved the Scauldron instead of Hiccup made the episode already more interesting. This episode reminded me of the time when Tuffnut befriended Torch the Typhoomerang and helped save Berk in Zippleback Down. It emphasized their “twinness” with the way that they tamed the dragons using their own creative ways—whether by accident or not. By letting Ruffnut take over the spotlight from Hiccup, it shows that the screenwriters added some variety to the show as well.

Frozen introduces another dragon called the Speed Stingers, which adds to the world building of the entire show. Looking back at previous episodes, I see the Speed Stingers as a combination of two dragons: the Flightmare and the Whispering Death. Similar to the Flightmare, Speed Stingers can paralyze their victims temporarily. They also remind me of the Whispering Death because they too obey and follow a leader. The similarity of characteristics to other dragons show that all dragons are related in one way or another. Furthermore, by combining the traits of two dragons to the Speed Stingers, the screenwriters create a more powerful species to attract viewers. More importantly, it gives the audience a sense of familiarity and understanding of the dragons, which allow themselves to believe that they too can be dragon masters as well.

Next, the 15th episode focuses on the fight between Astrid and Snotlout as well as their dragons. This episode taught me that we must try to work out our differences in order to solve the bigger problem. This lesson can be applied anywhere—in school, in orgs, and even work. A Tale of Two Dragons made me think of what I personally would do if someone disagrees with me on a certain idea or point. First, I would try my best to understand where she/he is coming from. I will also try to see if there is something we agree on so that we both have a common ground and and a starting point in resolving the conflict.  Ultimately, the episode shows that the saying, teamwork makes the dream work truly works.

From its name, The Eel Effect shows what happens to dragons when they swallow eels and the reason why they dislike eels in general. In this episode, the audience sees a different dynamic between Hiccup and Toothless. Usually, we see them working as a team in solving problems. Here, however, we see that that dynamic is lost. Toothless runs away from Hiccup, has an unlimited number of shots, and has red firepower. We see a different and scary side of Toothless, which reminded me of the Toothless in the movie, How to Train A Dragon 2. Watching the episode, I felt very uneasy seeing the distance and slight tension between the two. It was as if the screenwriters popped the “comfort bubble” I was living in. This is because I’m already so used to their friendship and love towards each other. The uneasiness I felt while watching made me realize that I’m emotionally engaged with the series. Them working together instead of against each other is one of the most constant aspects in the show. In the end, I must say I was very relieved once Toothless was healed and they went go back to being friends again. Overall, I’m really happy with how these episodes played out and I hope this level of quality can be retained in the last batch of episodes.

Defenders of Berk: Episode 9-12

When the title of episode 9, Zippleback Down, showed onscreen, I became really excited. I knew from there that the episode would focus on the twins. I prepared myself to laugh and I wasn’t disappointed. I really enjoy watching the twins since their constant bickering reminds me of all the times me and my 3 siblings bicker. The love-hate relationship the twins have with each other is very relatable, and it’s refreshing to see a fight in an outsider’s point of view for once. Aside from the twins’ banter and weirdness, I liked Zippleback Down because it reopened a story. A continuity element was presented as viewers encountered Torch again, who was now an adult. It was a surprise to see Torch again since the “problem” in the episode wherein he made his debut was solved in the end. Add to the fact that his character is not as important as Alvin or Mildew, I thought it was unlikely for Torch to return. I’m glad the creators were able to bring his character back even though it was just for an episode.

A View to a Skrill had two parts wherein all the villains we encountered so far, Alvin, Mildew, and Dagur, reappeared. In these episodes, Dagur became one of my favorite characters because of his eccentricity and unstable nature. He’s different from Mildew and Alvin because of his unpredictability. He also looks about the same age as Hiccup, so the fights between him and Hiccup look more or less fair. What I found a little strange in A View to a Skrill was the Skrill itself. Since I started following the franchise, I have always thought of the Night Fury to be the most powerful and feared of all dragons. However, while watching the two episodes, I found the Skrill to be scarier and more unique. This is because it still posed a real challenge to Hiccup and Toothless even though they had many experiences fighting with dragons. Furthermore, it also has the unique ability to redirect lightning, which is why I think it is more fitting for it to be named the “unholy offspring of lightning and death” itself instead of the Night Fury.  So in the end, the two episodes made me question the power of the Night Fury and I definitely lowered the pedestal I initially set Toothless on.

Episode 12 centered on Snotlout once again, and I believe this was a filler episode since it did little to contribute to the world-building when compared to the other episodes I have seen so far. Hiccup and Toothless were almost captured by Dagur which either shows that Dagur is getting smarter or Hiccup is getting more careless. Dagur’s character is now depicted as someone who might be insane, but can be cunning which was seen when he built a trap for Hiccup to fall for.

Ultimately, I was a little disappointed with this episode because I don’t think it added substantial information to the plot. Here’s to hoping that the next episodes will be better!

Defenders of Berk: Episodes 4-8

In Tunnel Vision, Hiccup and his friends meet a Screaming Death, a dragon that falls under the same species as the Whispering Death. From its name, people already know that it is bigger, stronger, and deadlier than any Whispering Death. This is proven in episode 8, when it caused the disappearances of many islands due to its insatiable appetite. I think this is the strongest dragon I have ever encountered so far when watching the tv series, and I must say that the creators have done a good job in “upgrading” the dragons. There is also a dragon called Flighmare, which paralyzes people before attacking. I personally enjoyed this episode because I was able to get a glimpse of Astrid’s story. The last time an episode was Astrid-centered was in Heather Report back in season 1. While Heather Report illustrated Astrid’s personality, Fright of Passage showed viewers a bit of Astrid’s history. Ever since she was a child, she was brave and bold. The episode also mentions her uncle, Fearless Finn Hofferson, who ruined their family name. I also liked this episode because this time, Astrid had a goal in mind. In class, we discussed that Astrid’s character was a little unclear because she lacked purpose or a goal. In Fright of Passage, however, I noticed that Astrid had a goal, and it was to clear her family name from shame. It may be a short-term goal, but it’s a goal nonetheless. I’m really hoping that the creators have set a long-term goal for her in the coming episodes.

On the other hand, episode 5 centers on Snotlout who overworks his dragon to the point that Hookfang loses his fire. The lesson here is obvious: too much of something is bad. Even activities that are considered “good” such as exercising or studying can be harmful to an individual. We should not push ourselves too much and instead, find a balance in the things we do. I also noticed in this episode that the dynamic of Snotlout and his dragon was different compared to all the times they interacted. Usually, Hookfang does whatever he pleases, even if that means disobeying his rider. However in Race to Fireworm Island, Hookfang follows Snotlout’s wishes, which implies that Snotlout has improved the training of his dragon. In the coming episodes, i can’t wait to see if this this kind of dynamic to continue or if Hookfang goes back to being as hot-headed and stubborn as his rider. I vote on the latter.

In Worst in Show, Alvin the Treacherous and Mildew make another appearance. While both are villains, it is evident that Alvin is more powerful than Mildew as he often threatens Mildew of taking his life. Looking at all the episodes of season 2 so far, I noticed that the story and the atmosphere are more serious compared to season 1. The first season had problems such as Gobber needing a new profession and the animals being afraid of the dragons. However in season 2, the villains constantly make an appearance and more dragons have been introduced. The stakes are definitely higher which shows that the audience the creators have targeted are older children. I find the events that occur in season 2 more interesting, and I really hope the levels of suspense and conflict do not die down as the series progresses.

Season 1:Riders of Berk Review

Personally, Riders of Berk is a really good tv series for children. It’s filled with fantasy, folklore, and of course, dragons. If Riders of Berk was shown when I was in elementary, I bet I would have followed it. Most of the television shows I watched at that time were also episodic and I liked it that way because it was less complex and easier for my younger self to understand. As a 20 year old, however, flaws of tv shows are more apparent to me. Riders of Berk did have some flaws, but they’re small and forgivable. One of which was that many episodes had the same storylines and problems.  It goes: Dragons cause trouble, Hiccup tries to fix it, dragons are then banished or restrained, and finally, Hiccup thinks of an idea and saves them. Hiccup’s narration at the beginning of  every episode makes it very predictable on what the lesson will be. What surprised me, however, was HOW Hiccup saves the day. His ideas were creative and unique, and I could never figure out what he would do next. Another factor that made the tv show interesting was the humour. I enjoyed every bit of Bucket and the twins being dumb and hurting themselves. Sometimes, I would laugh out loud in class, which I can say was a different experience compared to watching the movie. I watched the movie in a movie house, and I remember the atmosphere being more tense and quiet. As I watched the tv show, however, I was more relaxed and the atmosphere was more light. Overall, I think this shows that TV production truly shapes our experience in understanding and consuming media. 

The introduction of new dragons in the tv show is one of the other reasons why I find this series really good. The Changewing, Thunderdrum, and the Whispering Death were some of the many dragons that made the series different from the movie. I really liked how they continued to add more dragons as the show progressed since it made Hiccup’s adventures way more interesting. As for the original dragons, such as Toothless and Meatlug, they too were interesting because I was able to notice their development as dragons. Because of the training academy, the dragons are now faster and smarter. For example, in the first episode, Meatlug’s “personal best” was to fly and make a small circle. Near the end of the season though, she could fly farther distances and hover better. Their improved abilities made the action sequences throughout the season more impressive. The animation of these sequences may have been poorer compared to the movie’s, but the techniques and aerial combat from the dragons and riders really made the action more exciting and elevated. Whether new or old, the dragons help build up the compelling mythology of the story.

Moving on to character development, most (if not all) characters did not have substantial transformation or growth throughout the season. In the last episode, I thought Mildew would change to the good side, but instead, he betrayed the citizens of Berk and joined Alvin’s army. This step even made him more dangerous and villainous. Apart from him, the characters were static and predictable. Knowing that it’s a tv show and that it’s the first season, Riders of Berk is prone to static characters. I do not find this faulty but I do expect some change in their characters over time. Overall, I really found Riders of Berk enjoyable to watch. On to the next season!

Defenders of Berk: Episodes 1-3

The first episode of the second season opens up with a new rule in Berk: Dragons are not allowed to fly. From the very beginning,  I already knew that Hiccup already had a secret plan. I believe one of the reasons why the creators planned for Hiccup to disobey his father was to create a pattern and a sense of familiarity for viewers. Creators made a secret Dragon Flight Club so that viewers are reminded that Hiccup is his same old season 1 self—determined, stubborn, and a leader. By doing this, the audience would feel that they already know him. Aside from character personality, another aspect of the episode that was similar to season 1, specifically the first episode, was the theme. The lesson that we got out of the pilot episode is that we cannot change the way dragons are. Instead of fighting them, riders should allow dragons to stop going against their nature and instead, embrace their identity. This ideology was also applied in Live and Let Fly once Stoick realized the dragons can help them fight against Alvin and the Outcasts. Flying is very natural for a dragon, and riders should never take that away from them. In the end, I believe this episode was produced to establish repetition and patterns so that the audience would once again have a feel of the show.

The next episode is called Iron Gronkle, which centers on the capabilities of Meatlug, Fishlegs’ Gronkle dragon. One difference I noticed at the start of the episode is the absence of Hiccup’s narration. Personally, I’m glad that the creators took the voiceover out because it merely delayed the episode and became redundant. Usually, the reason why there is an explicit storyteller is that it acts as a guide to younger children.  Now that there is a lack of voiceover shows that there is some maturity or growth expected from the audience.  I also noticed that Meatlug was portrayed as powerful instead of simply a slow and motherly-type dragon. This episode therefore emphasizes on the strength of Meatlug, which possibly foreshadows the dangers to come in the land of Berk and the need for the dragons’ strengths. The ability of Meatlug gives viewers the idea that Gronkles have so much hidden potential which needs to be explored as enemies draw closer. We are left curious to know if Meatlug will use her power in succeeding episodes and whether other dragons also have secret abilities.

I was really impressed with The Iron Gronkle because it reminded me that the show focuses on other characters as well other than Hiccup. Through this, I get to know more about the characters and have some sort of bond or emotional attachment to them as well. One last thing I noticed was that season 2 is more continuous compared to season 1, which then allows the story to be open to more opportunities. I prefer this over episodic since cliffhangers usually make me more eager to know what will happen next.

What made the show more complicated and complex was the appearance of Dagur in the Night and  the Fury. He made the series more entertaining because of how deranged and bloodthirsty he truly is. This episode was a warning to the audience not to forget his evilness. Hiccup and friends not only need to worry about Alvin and Mildew, but Dagur as well. Now that Dagur knows Hiccup’s secret, he is viewed as more of a threat to dragons and the dragon riders. This further thickens the plot and expands the story to more surprises.

Riders of Berk: Episodes 16-20

In class, we watched the last batch of episodes of Riders of Berk. In episode 16, we meet Alvin and the Outcasts once again who are more dangerous and scary-looking than ever. We discussed in our previous session that it is only when Alvin or Mildew appear that the story moves forward— and I agree with this point.  Although this repetition has been established, however,  it  continues to add to the world building the creators intended. I still found this episode interesting because we get to see a new side of Snotlout. For the first time, Snotlout did not think of himself and instead helped save his friend, Hiccup. I know though that Snotlout, and most characters for that matter, are static which is why I wont be surprised if he becomes his arrogant and conceited self again in the next episodes. Once more, we learn a new lesson from the the tv program which revolves around friendship. In the end, I think this episode greatly appeals to the target audience since it is relatable to young children.

The  two succeeding episodes introduce new dragons, the Changewing and a dragon that hoards metals. These two are essential to the show because it also helps build the world of dragons. The introduction of new dragons  is one of the aspects that keep the storyline interesting since it is makes it different from the previous episodes. Even I, a 20 year old, always get excited when a new and mysterious dragon comes into play. Each dragon represents more of a personality type, rather than a character. If I had to choose a dragon, I would pick a Changewing not only because being able to camouflage a giant reptile is such a useful power but also because I think it best describes me. I’m someone who is very protective of my family, similar to how the adult Changewings are protective of their colorful eggs. At this point, I really hoped the Changewing would make an appearance once again.

Finally, We Are Family is divided into 2 parts. This two-part tactic is a common strategy for movies based on books such as Harry Potter, Hunger Games, and Divergent as a way to maximize sales. I liked how they cut the finale into two parts instead of combining the episodes together and extend the running time since I am already familiar and used to the idea that each episode lasts for a little more than 20 minutes. By keeping the same running time, the show continues its pattern. As for content, I think it was a good plan for the villains, Mildew and Alvin to team up to add more to the suspense. With them working together, viewers know that they are double the trouble. Personally, I find the title, We Are Family, very ironic because of Mildew’s actions. Even if he is depicted as evil and bitter since the beginning, you would think he has some sense of loyalty to his tribe. However, the last scene dashes our hopes of Mildew finally changing to the good side. This plot twist in the end encourages viewers, even myself, to follow and look forward to the next season.

Magic for Beginners

Link’s Magic For Beginners is a short story which centers on a boy named Jeremy and his addiction regarding a television show, The Library. To be honest, I had a difficult time following the story. Most of the time, the story focused on Jeremy’s life. However, there were some parts when I felt as if the narrater interrupted midway and gave me extra details about Fox or the “real life” (ex: jeremy, elizabeth) characters. The author structured the reading as if the the interruptions committed by the narrator were commercial breaks before proceeding once again to Jeremy’s story. The interruptions were very surprising, similar to how commercials suddenly cut tv programs today.

What I find interesting  in the story is the Library. This tv show is different compared to other programs not only because of its complex content, but also because of its schedule. The Library does not have a set time, which I think is odd because irregular intervals tend to lessen followers since it becomes more difficult to find. The tv show is also different compared to others because it has no credits and the actors always change. However, all of these might be its tactics for gaining followers since humans tend to be attracted to the mysterious and unconventional. As for the schedule, a possible reason why it does not have a routine-like manner is that fans of the show might feel more excited and gratified once the show comes on.

While I was reading Magic for Beginners, I recognized that the reading wanted to  illustrate the power of television. Early on, we see that Jeremy uses The Library as an escape from family problems. Although he is aware of the tension between his parents, he does not bring it up (until later in the story) and instead uses the Library as some sort of distraction from it. Watching television is a popular form of entertainment not only because it is a fun pastime, but  also because it helps distance the masses away from issues. By being deeply immersed in a program, we then tend to perceive reality as less real. Moreover, it is also evident that television brings people together. Although all the characters have different personalities, they found a common ground of interest. Whether loud or quiet, old or young, consumers are encouraged to  exchange ideas and discuss their perspectives regarding what they watched. This therefore demonstrates that tv greatly influences our lives and even our relationships with people.

However, one issue I had with the short story is the character’s age. The narrator mentioned that they were teenagers. However, today, it seems inaccurate to depict that teenagers continue to watch shows on television. Nowadays, they use streaming apps such as Netflix and iflix whenever they do want to watch a program. This gives the idea that technology distribution evolves as time passes. Nevertheless, one thing is certain; When we become obsessed with  a tv show, it truly becomes a part of our lives. This is why the short story had many metafictional overlaps. It is really surprising how something as simple as watching tv can greatly impact our lives and leave a lasting impression.