Why I'm Losing Interest in Doctor Who

While Doctor Who's special effects and scenery is aesthetically pleasing, lately I've been disconnected with the storyline and characters. It started with the introduction of Clara. Jenna Coleman is a great actress, yet her character Clara had been difficult for me to accept. As my friend had pointed out so eloquently, "Moffat is trying too hard to make Clara important." And I agree. Coleman, being the great actress she is, magnificently played the role of the girl who saves the Doctor. Although the writers' intention of her importance is for the fans to favor Clara, this has backfired. It seems that they are recycling characteristics from former companions. (How she humorously clashes with the Doctor. How she pushes him to make difficult decisions. How she puts her life on the line to save him.) Perhaps if there had been episodes of the Doctor's grieving period since the Ponds, I'd have appreciated Clara better. Instead the show went from one sassy female to another and I'd have preferred a breather in between the companions.

Alongside Clara, it also seems that the storyline is being recycled. It is a characteristic of the Doctor to be a warrior without a gun-- he is a peace talker. He promotes nonviolence. This is something about him that will never change, but I felt that the writers have been playing on this characteristic too much lately. This is evident in the first two episodes of season 9 ("The Magician's Apprentice" and "The Witch's Familiar") and the two part episode of the Zygons (episodes seven and eight) and in the very last episode of the season ("Hellbent"). I feel that these episodes focus more on peace making rather than action, adventure and mystery. Personally if I want to see or hear about peace promotion I'd watch the news, or go on tumblr, or listen NPR. I choose to watch Doctor Who for the action, adventure, and mystery. I watch it to escape the real world and when Doctor Who borrows from the real world, I am bored. My teacher told me that the episodes of the Zygons were a response to the immigration crisis but the writing feels dull. It is all political, not mystery. It is predictable. I fast-forward to the ending of the Zygons and wasn't surprised that he had saved the world using words.

As a writer, your first audience is yourself. But when you're career relies on a TV audience, it's important to write for your viewers instead of your own personal political feelings. But who am I to judge? I can just choose to ignore the show. I only really watch it River Song anyway.

How Music and Art is Getting Me Through the Semester

While this semester isn't as hectic as previous semesters, exam week is here to make me feel stressed and helpless. I calm myself by listening to good music while looking at amazing art. My favorite artist at the moment, Hajin Bae, really inspires creativity in my struggling time. Here is a few of my favorite picture by Hajin and the songs I listened to while looking at it.

1. 

This picture makes me feel euphoric and at ease.  In my head, I see two young adults who are unsure of themselves and the world around them.  The songs I listened to while admiring this picture are mostly rock n' roll. Here is a link to the songs I listened to:  Virtual Paradise

2. 

This happy spring photo makes me want to walk barefoot on the grass! While I am being crammed with tests and essays, this photo makes me feel free and bliss.  The music I listened to while enjoying this pic are indie pop. Here's a link to the songs I listened to: Spring Break

3. 

This photo brings me back to my childhood days.  Before middle school I had loved riding my bike.  I had stopped riding my bike because the neighborhood bike gang took over the street.  This art reminds me of those happy times when I was carefree. The odd mix of music I listened to while enjoying this picture is indie pop. Here is a link to the songs I listened to Sweet Protagonist

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Hajin Bae is a phenomenal artist. Check out her other work here: https://www.facebook.com/hajinb?fref=ts

Uninvited Hatred

We all have them. Psychopathic thoughts are not peculiar, but they’re not everyday. Cruel, perverted, or grotesque thoughts sometimes find a way to pop up during the randomest times. Sadly, I’m normal; therefore, I’m not immune to psychopathic thoughts.  Today someone upset me and I tried to shrug it off, but then an innocent stranger said the wrong thing.  I ended up in a very angry mood. I wanted to punch the guy. I wanted to yell. I held in the violence, yet wore my frustration on my face. The unnecessary and uncalled for wrath toward the man turned into self-loathing.  I am so disappointed in myself for letting the petty anger grow into something regretful. Although I didn’t say or do anything harmful, I wore the anger on my face. I need to be a better person and it’s so hard to do so when these cruel things pop up in my head. I don’t have much a conclusion for this post, but just pray for me. Just some songs I listened to while writing this