Abbey

I feel like a lot of people are drawn to reality television because it’s easy for us to immerse ourselves – it’s not necessarily far-fetched like fiction, but interesting enough for us to be invested and not find it boring like every day life. I feel like we can be satisfied watching this kind of TV because the peoples’ lives are eccentric and dramatic more-so than our own – but almost reachable so we’re not disconnected.

This article is still relevant after the Season 8 finale. Rick has seemed to have done a complete 180 in how he views the world now. It isn’t good v evil – people are just people, and need to work through their differences to succeed. Have to admit this disappointed me – I was looking forward to seeing some payback. There’s always next season though!

I’m new to the Artifice and hopefully would like to have my own work published. This is the first article I’ve read and it’s a good read! Just some thoughts I had:

I agree the Alien franchise is an interesting one to look at. I’m not sure if I would say Ripley’s ‘celibacy’ is a key aspect in her character. After all, in Alien 3 she does have a brief relationship with the doctor, and in Alien 2 it is subtly hinted she and Hicks expressed some kind of interest in each other. I would like to think these events were included to show she was in control of her decisions, that she was able to express her desires etc., but prioritise them well when an alien is running around! I would say that Ripley is one of the best examples of women who defies the poor stereotype that aromantic/aseuxal = strong for women.

I also like your Game of Thrones examples – however when I think of the strong female characters, I think immediately of Daenerys. She leads armies and conquers lands – a role she is frequently undermined for AND simultaneously enters relationships. Sure she can’t wield a sword (she has dragons for that!) or express herself very well physically like Arya or Briene, but I think her leadership is strong, confident and commanding. One could argue her relationships and scenes are very sexualised however, but I think Game of Thrones doesn’t entirely categorise women into separate sexual or feminine or strong boxes.

Great article!