LilyaRider

LilyaRider

Communications student, author-in-the-making, and Beatles fanatic. I write like I live: with optimism, a healthy sprinkle of reality, and never shying away from excitement

Contributor I

  • Plebian Penman
  • Lurker
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  • Sharp-Eyed Citizen
  • Town Watch
  • Successful Pilot
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  • Articles
    5
  • Featured
    0
  • Comments
    27
  • Ext. Comments
    15
  • Processed
    19
  • Revisions
    14
  • Topics
    11
  • Topics Taken
    5
  • Notes
    14
  • Topics Proc.
    51
  • Topics Rev.
    4
  • Points
    937
  • Rank
    133
  • Score
    548

    Latest Articles

    TV
    44

    A Female #doctor13: Why the Controversy?

    When the BBC announced that Jodi Whittaker was to be the next Doctor in the infamous show Doctor Who, the...

    LilyaRider

    Film
    25

    How Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales Rejuvenated the Entire Pirates Franchise

    Warning: Imminent Spoilers Ahead. Sail with Caution. Let’s get it out there so it’s out of the way. Pirates of...

    LilyaRider

    TV
    24

    Agents of SHIELD and Anti-Heroes: In Defense of Grant Douglas Ward

    Just as a hero can be defined as a protagonist that holds heroic qualities, an anti-hero can be explained as...

    LilyaRider

    Film
    42

    The Importance of Scoring in Films

    Every song has a story. Even instrumental music can tell its listeners a story: a slow, weeping song of two...

    LilyaRider

    TV
    32

    Moral Codes: Heroes, Villains, and Agents of SHIELD

    Traditionally, the hero is the character in a storyline that is followed most closely by the audience, and the character that...

    LilyaRider

    Latest Topics

    4
    Published
    tv
    supernatural
    Write this topic

    Supernatural: The Success and Failure of Continuing Series'

    Analyze both the successes and failures the TV show Supernatural has encountered; the plot lines of different seasons and where the original plan to end the series was found, the success of the fanbase, the acting, the writing, and the plans to continue the series. Compare it to other long-lasting TV series, and consider what makes them so successful. Consider as well, the well-done series that are cut short and what made them end up failing.

    • there is so much to talk about with this one, i love supernatural and sometimes i am surprised it is still standing and going on because normally you get tired of tv shows after 11+ seasons; but, not with supernatural. – scole 9 years ago
      5
    • There's definitely a lot to talk about here, from the interesting use of mythology from around the world to create interesting threats to humanity as well as the bond between family and what exactly that means at the end of the day, to how writers and producers created in my opinion the perfect ending to the series at the conclusion of season 5 but continued the series, to the general attitude of queer baiting that seems to permeate the dialogue and interactions between Dean and Castiel. – Nayr1230 9 years ago
      1
    • Definitely talk about what it's like to be a road show with an overarching plot. In movies that involve road trips, there is typically not a strong plot-driven story; instead, the story is character driven, and the point of the story is the character development that occurs on the road. Road movies/shows can't have plot-driven stories, because it defies the point of a road movie. The early seasons of Supernatural are set up like a road movie, where the episodic storytelling style connects only slightly. The main focus of the Winchesters was finding their father, an act that tested their strengths and weaknesses as characters. However, in the later seasons where the show was thought to be heading off the rails, there is still a road-movie style, but also a very strong overarching plot. – Sarah Bish 6 years ago
      0
    Add Note
    2
    tv
    Reboots
    Write this topic

    The Return of Prison Break... Again

    With a focus on the tentative new Prison Break reboot, this article would discuss the effective and ineffective aspects of television reboots and when and where the line should be drawn and the show should be over.

    • There are good and bad aspects of rebooting franchises. The main beneficial point to rebooting a franchise is to provide a fresh retelling of the narrative, either through a modern time-period, a different genre/tone or simply from a new revisioning of the character in its respective universe. Good examples of reboots are Marvel's Spiderman: Homecoming and Chris Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy. Spiderman: Homecoming revisited the origins of the superhero, presenting the character at a much younger age than previously explored, his teens, and aligned his motivations with that of the already established Iron Man, so it was a natural fit. The Dark Knight trilogy bounced off the critical and commercial failure of George Clooney's Batman movies, and presented a much more gritty and realistic tone for the Batman character, unlike anything previously explored in cinema. The key point I am trying to make is, the restrictions on reboots should be a fresh vision of the character from a plot-perspective, in order to preserve their narrative integrity, not to update it for the current year or development of special effects. – Gliese436B 7 years ago
      2
    • I lover Prison Break and would love to see it go forward with more episodes. I think it depends on the series in terms of adaptations. In some ways reboots and great ways to update an original series. In other ways, everything is an adaptation. It can all be very derivative. – Munjeera 7 years ago
      1
    • I loved the first instalment of Prison Break so much but I am disappointed that they are rebooting it. I think a good aspect is to compare how other shows have rebooted themselves and if it has worked well. What I have found is that whenever a show or movie tries to do better then the original story-line, it always fails. Everything within the reboot will be criticised and deeply judged that it will seem hard for the show to continue with this. – Dana 7 years ago
      0
    Add Note
    4
    tv
    Riverdale
    Write this topic

    The Success of Riverdale

    Analyze the ways in which this TV series has successfully managed to go from an innocent and fun graphic novel to a dark TV series covering some graphic themes. Many people thought it would fail- what made it succeed?

    • I think this is a great topic, though it may be hard since the show only has one season under its belt. With the second season being recently released, you could also analyze reactions to the initial episodes and trailers, and how that feedback might compare or contrast with its success from the first season. – Noelle McNeill 7 years ago
      6
    • It certainly plays on the old school American high school characters, which appeals to a wide audience, but is made unique with it's dark and mysterious themes running through, perfect for a millennial audience that has the best of both. The cast certainly helped the success also. – rebeverett 7 years ago
      5
    Add Note
    1
    tv
    Shadowhunters
    Write this topic

    Shadowhunters and Deviation from the Novels

    The Shadowhunters TV show has proved to be good at mixing the plot of the novel with new plots. Discuss the ways in which the show has been dedicated to its origin while also exploring new alleyways and the ways in which fan reactions have gone.

    • A good way to do this would be to break down some main characters and their traits in order to draw comparisons to the books. – Southy567 7 years ago
      1
    • I agree with Southy567's point. A list of the main characters and their deviations would be a good starting point (major one could be the death of Clary's mother)! Depending on the length, the main events (battles, wedding) that have deviated could also be included. – AbbyMay 7 years ago
      1
    Add Note
    1
    tv
    Designated Survivor
    Write this topic

    The Political Reality behind Designated Survivor

    Discuss the connection between events in Designated Survivor and the current political reality existing in the United States. Note how the writers of the show reference current events, and the ways in which they may be 'poking fun' at current events while dealing with them in a serious manner on the show. If possible, also compare things said and done by President Kirkman to those of President Trump.

    • Seems interesting. The problem with shows like Designated Survivor and House of Cards is that it can seem more subdued than the reality of the Trump presidency. Strange times. – Jeff MacLeod 7 years ago
      0
    • Would be interesting to pick out a real politician from Trump's administration in a similar role to Sutherland's character and propose what that would look like in real-world. – Marcus Dean 7 years ago
      0
    Add Note
    4
    tv
    Once Upon A Time
    Write this topic

    Once Upon a Time: Dead in the Water or Emerging Fairytale?

    Since many original cast members are not returning for season 7 of Once Upon a Time, discuss the ways in which the new season could (or could not) be an exciting revival of the fairytales we once knew. Is the OUAT we know over, or do you think the rejuvenation of characters and tales will be enough to keep the fanbase and viewers satisfied?

    • Love the topic, and the show. I was a little leery of Season 7, but I'm excited for it now. As Henry says in one clip, there are literally thousands of fairytale versions, plus other stories that could be explored. (Season 5, with its trip to the Underworld, proved the show could do mythology, so why not other story types/genres)? I do think the series needs to wrap up eventually, but am rooting for about 8 seasons. In TV show world, that seems to be a good place to stop. Any more than that and you tend to get stale. – Stephanie M. 7 years ago
      2
    • I am a HUGE Once Upon a Time fan. I am nervous, for this new season, but I am giving it a chance because I don't believe Colin O'Donaghue or Robert Carlyle would have said yes to this season if they didn't have SOME faith in the new direction. – ivyskiss 7 years ago
      0
    Add Note
    2
    Published
    literature
    books
    Write this topic

    Online vs Print: The Digital Age of Books

    Discuss the history of books, moving from paperback to online. Consider what kind of options these new online books give people, and explore your own preference as to physical paperback books or books online, on your phone, or on an e-reader. Also reflect on how this industry can expand- can/will it? Will we ever see the end of paperback books, or is that, at the end of the day, what we will always return to?

    • I was completely against e-readers until I witnessed how quickly I could have a book in the palm of my hands. No matter the time, within seconds, the book was mine to relish--and that is how I personally became hooked on the e-reader. Do I still buy paperbacks, of course! The Strand Bookstore in NYC is my favorite place (especially the $1 vendors located outside the store!!) and I will never cease visiting this treasure trove of books that are impossible t find at the big name book sellers. Another plus about e-readers is the ability to search a word or phrase. In mere seconds, you can see how many times a word was used throughout the novel, or find the quote your professor was referring to that you forgot to mark off in your paperback. Personally, I find it much easier to read from print books, and I do feel I absorb more information. As a previous graduate student, I would also buy the ebook to look up information in a quick fashion when writing papers. Also, with things such as kindle unlimited for $8.99, a month, an e-reader is the way to go. $9 a month, and you can read 30 books in a month, if you choose?! – danielle577 8 years ago
      3
    • To danielle577, I love your passion! I truly wish I could say I feel the same way, though. I really do. E-books are so easy, and the question of e-reader vs. print has been present in my mind for years now. There's something to the palpability of paper that I can't be without. Maybe mine is the emotional argument, where yours makes the most sense and has the most benefits! And for the record, thanks for your love of the Strand. I'm a fellow New Yorker and the Strand is truly wonderful. It's a shame that type of book culture isn't too common anymore. – elroddavid 8 years ago
      0
    • I feel that the best way to resolve the preference for paper or digital is to combine both into one product. For instance, keep the pages but incorporate the digital technology into the book front and rear cover, which are usually thicker than the pages anyway. This would give readers the best of both worlds, for the time being until another way of delivering content is reinvented. – L:Freire 6 years ago
      0
    Add Note
    1
    literature
    harry potter
    Write this topic

    The Magic of Harry Potter

    With the newest book in the Harry Potter universe coming out soon, and considering the new movie "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" entering theatres in November, discuss the different ways in which the Harry Potter universe has attracted millions of fans. Consider the writing style of the books, the movies, the theme parks, and all of the things that make Harry Potter what it is today. Discuss where you expect the wizarding world to go, and how it has impacted our world.

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      Latest Comments

      LilyaRider
      Aug 16, 2017
      LilyaRider

      This is a fantastic article, even though it made me super upset at thinking that Vision could die… Paul Bettany is my favourite!

      		 Why Steve Rogers Should Die in Avengers: Infinity War
      LilyaRider
      Aug 11, 2017
      LilyaRider

      I 100% agree! As a huge Beatles fan and an avid McCartney follower, I was so excited to see his part, which was extremely well done (though I agree, it could have been far longer).

      		 How Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales Rejuvenated the Entire Pirates Franchise
      LilyaRider
      May 28, 2017
      LilyaRider

      Great article! The Hero’s Journey is very interesting to consider, especially in the ways both Hollywood and the Greek and Roman classics tend to use it. Very thought-provoking.

      		 Mythological Motifs in Mainstream Media
      LilyaRider
      May 20, 2017
      LilyaRider

      Excellent article! I must say, I’m very interested in how they’ll take the show now that Emma, Snow, Charming, and Belle have decided that they’re done. If they do it right, it could be worth following, but the writers will have to tread very carefully to keep their fanbase happy.

      		 Once Upon A Time: A Work of Creative Genius or a Tangled Mess?
      LilyaRider
      Aug 24, 2016
      LilyaRider

      This is so important. He left such a mark on humanity itself, and I think that we need to recognize one of the most important things about him and his experience- one of the things you touched on in your article- the idea that after all he had been through and seen, he still kept his faith in what the human race can be. If someone who has been through the worst experience in human history can still hold faith that the human race can do great things, then why can’t the rest of us?

      		 A Sage's Passing: Elie Wiesel (1928-2016)
      LilyaRider
      Aug 15, 2016
      LilyaRider

      Fantastic article! It took me a while to realize just how wonderful a character Draco is, but especially after this article, I feel like I just read so much further into his character

      		 Why Draco Malfoy is one of the Most Underrated Characters in 'Harry Potter'
      LilyaRider
      Aug 5, 2016
      LilyaRider

      Incredible article. It never really occurred to me that there was this deep a connection, but after reading this, I feel like my eyes have been opened. Excellent work!

      		 Star Wars, Nazis, and the Politics of Nonconformity in American Pop Culture
      LilyaRider
      Jul 29, 2016
      LilyaRider

      I totally agree! One of the best iconic villains!

      		 Why The Joker Is The Best Villain We Have Ever Seen
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