Daley Downing's Blog, page 47

Changing Your Mind About Books (and TV shows)

The title is pretty self-explanatory. It is a big deal because: we are book bloggers, or bookdragons, we read blogs about authors/novels we love because we are fans, and it can be anywhere from frustrating to soul-crushing when we change our minds about something we previously had intense love for.

And this does happen, and trust me, it is heartbreaking. By nature, we book dragons tend to be rather passionate about our reads, and what fandoms we devote our lives — ahem, our free time to. So, when we receive a major blow from an author) we thought we could trust with our fragile hearts and minds, there is a lot of hell to pay — and unfortunately, it’s mostly by us, the reader.

Before I go any further, I do want to say that I understand authors can decide to make whatever changes to their work that they want to. They do not have to take their readers’ hopes and dreams into account. (But it would be nice…)

So, here are some upcoming or recent releases that I have very mixed feelings about. (And later I’m going to mention TV shows, because, hey, related.)

The Dire King (Jackaby #4): This truly breaks my bookdragon heart. To say I loved books 1 and 2 is an understatement. But by the time I got through the 3rd in this series, I felt so…wet and floppy inside. Yeah, I know, couldn’t I come up with a better metaphor? It just felt…contrived to me. The grand conspiracy theory felt rushed, forced, and not even necessary to the story. It really deflated my enthusiasm for the whole thing. I’ve already decided not to even read the concluding novel, to save what’s left of my extra-sensitive Vulcan heart…

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Number one, knowing this is a play inspired by the 7 novels that J.K. Rowling wrote, and not an actual sequel by said creator herself, tipped me off that it would probably not be my thing. Now, I can appreciate that Ms. Rowling thought it was fine, she didn’t consider this envisioning of her work to be wrong or “non-canon,” so, cool for her. And cool for the fans who did enjoy it. But for me it shall be a no. I prefer to stay “canon.”

A Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schwab: Here’s why I am apprehensive about this one — I have not read the first and second of this series! And am apparently the last person in the world who has not. It’s not even that I wouldn’t like to read it; I just feel a little…nervous, because this trilogy has a massive appeal, and…what if I don’t like it? I will feel like the biggest loser of fantasy fandoms. So, it’s a bit painful…

Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman: This one I actually feel guilty about, too! Because I like Neil Gaiman; every time I see he has a new publication out (juvenile or adult), I give it a try, because I love his style, and the way his narrators often feel so personable, like you’re having a conversation with a friend. But I am just…not feeling a retelling of Norse mythology right now. I’m certainly not writing this one off, I may give it a go in the future, but these days…eh…

     

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black and All The Crooked Saints by Maggie Stiefvater: I am a bit on edge here, as both these authors have let me down/thrilled me to pieces in the past. Yes, both of those, just on different works. I do intend to read these once they’re released — I just truly hope I can survive afterwards.

And now, a note on television programs… 

Last week, the series finale of Grimm premiered. I was on pins and needles. For all 6 seasons, I followed its ups and downs, its overarc-ing story line for each season, and sat through some honestly bad episodes. According to what I found on the internet (so, remember, take it with a grain of salt), ratings were way down after season 4, so rumors of cancellation abounded. Supposedly, the showrunners decided that they were going out with a bang. (If that’s true, good for them.) They did put together a final storyline that tied up some loose ends, and gave all the characters a happy ending. I love happy endings. I also think it is not too much to ask for. (Several weeks ago, I wrote a whole post about that.) The plot twist that the writers used to make everything peachy keen was a bit common, but it didn’t feel cliche. (No spoilers, I promise.) The spin felt right to the heart of the show, and the epilogue was downright perfect and I adored it. Take note, folks — this is how you end a series that fans have poured their soul into for several, physical years.

On the other side of the coin, I have officially decided I am done with Supernatural. After getting into the first few episodes (and I mean ever, going waaaay back here), I was really on the fence by the end of season 1, and I just popped in now and then to see what was happening until about halfway through season 7. There were far too many plots I couldn’t get on board with, secondary characters I really didn’t care about, and the gore got intense for me at some points. As much as I liked Castiel and Crowley, I was ready to write it off (and without much regret, I might add; the demise of Bobby Singer was about the last straw).

Then the Winchesters discovered the Men of Letters bunker, and, and — WOW, just WOW. I was completely in love by the end of season 8. For the last few years, Supernatural has made me laugh and cry more than any other show I’ve ever watched (except for Doctor Who and Warehouse 13).

By the season 10 finale, I was an emotional wreck, and wondering how in the world they were going to outdo themselves next. Then…season 11 happened. I am quoting Paper Fury here, when she said on Twitter: “What was that? I feel like standing in front of the Impala and getting run over.” (Thank you in advance for that great image, Paper Fury, my girl.)

By 3 or 4 episodes into season 12, I was literally fuming. Again, no spoilers for anyone else; but, suffice it to say, I am done, and not happy about it.

So, what did happen? Well, I think it’s clear the show has now been going on too long. The writing is tired, the directing nothing new, even the actors seem as worn out as their fictional counterparts. I don’t have a lot of free time, so I won’t waste it on something I’m not enjoying. So Supernatural and I are parting ways.

(And I know they will never see this, but this is my advice to the directors, producers, and the network: Don’t be afraid to let go when you see the end coming. Stop trying to unnaturally prolong something that is finite. For the sake of the fans, the writers, the actors, who have poured so much into this project, wrap it up well, give it a fitting ending, and then move on. Trust me, you’ll be thanked in the long run.)