Life's Too Short

Here is a topic a little closer to my heart. A topic that has and still can, expose my heavier emotions. A topic that I have previously dived into on this blog, yet in a more anxious and unfocused state. Now having mentally found my feet whilst building on my mastery of the subject at focus, I thought of taking another stab at delivering my view. This time in a more evened out manner, with more vigour and more nobility. This piece is about something I am pushed to face against at any given time. It's about something too big for someone like myself to explain assiduously. Life and everything surrounding it. The meaning of it. The science behind it. I'm sure everyone else would understand. In fact I expect a lot to share the exact same experiences. It's just a matter of whether they cope with them better than I do. If you're wondering how this topic and the Sonic Boom picture above relate to each other, then don't worry too much. The dots will surely connect as you go along.

Let me ask you a serious question. How often do you come across particular people that constantly brood over time passing quicker than they please? Allow me to happily share my answer. Too often. Far too often. So often in fact, it gets to the point where I just lose count. Some of my family, friends and those I have a fair connection with somehow feel the need to regularly contemplate about one of the most depressing and overwhelming topics of discussion. It can really get on my nerves and upset me, having to hear somebody share such thoughts out loud. The negativity becomes contagious. Whenever I'm constrained to listen to a misery guts dwell on nothing but the grief and anxiety that surrounds them, it honestly makes me want to stand up and tell them to get a hobby. I'd demand them to search for that one thing that can ease their pain. That one thing that will take their mind off the worthless pondering. I'd push them to find their recreation.

Recreation might seem unimportant from a distance, given how it's frequently overshadowed by the seriousness of both work and education. It might be known to have little impact one's requirement to make a living. But it is easy to forget how such a thing can be a powerful remedy for our health and well-being. Recreation pushes the pressures of life aside for one to readily face them another day. It embellishes business and fulfills lives. It's the vital distraction that keeps the subconscious in control. Time and time again, the act of 'seeking pleasure' is downgraded and mistreated by the work industry, with so many left believing it only ever negatively affects the process of delivering goods and essentials for all to share. Little do they know, it can be a strategic method in improving one's ability of meeting demands more effectively. Attempts to beautify ordinary tasks enable one to put their best effort on display. It's easy to prove of its success. Singing and listening to music whilst performing house chores, imagining good thoughts before sleep, observing visual content to bolster cognitive functioning, etc.

I myself devote my whole life to 'entertainment'. This blog is actually one of many pastimes I enjoy getting around to. If you happen to read my written pieces and see each for what they are, it will lead you to developing a clear idea of the person I am. If you haven't, then don't sweat it. I'd be delighted to give you a brief description. I am somebody who is loyal to the artistic details life brings. I am somebody who is open to making good out of the small things within my reach. I am somebody who greatly admires the creative genius brought to existence by many who have either come and gone or are still around today. This blog is pretty much meant to be about discussing the things that I love, and a fair lot of you are already familiar with them. Connecting with new and different people (The Revival), watching television (The TeeVee In Me), exploring different thoughts and feelings (My 'Reaction' Feels), gearing up (A Name Without A Face) and listening to a wide range of music (Don't Stop The Music). And all of this doesn't even make up half of my character.

See that Sonic Boom drawing at the top of the page? That is mine. Well technically, it isn’t a genuine drawing since it mostly involved the tracing of lines and shapes. That should tell you much of my creative ability. I am far from a fantastic artist. In spite of my desperate search for perfection in everything I do, the works of mine from both school and home are forever falling short of my high expectations. They end up far from perfect and when compared to the majority of artworks from those around my age, mine are close to simply being ‘nothing’. But you can be glad to know that this doesn’t at all bother me. Drawing, tracing and colouring are just some of the many things I enjoy doing whenever I’ve got spare time on my hands. Whether they are abstract patterns or fictional characters, the works I create primarily aim to deliver a sort of personal meaning and remind me of what I love most. And most importantly, drawing keeps me occupied and takes my mind off all discomforts.

It is extremely important to remember that time doesn't slow down for anybody. Not even for those who force themselves into thinking about it. Such negative thoughts can grow, only to occur more regularly and leave one more dissatisfied about what could've been. Would anyone want to reach old age, thinking they could have done so much more before getting there? I myself would hate to feel incomplete when I hit the twilight stage. To look back, knowing I had so much time in my own hands wasted on the things that never helped me. Seniors are meant to be carefree. They're supposed to live peacefully and relish every moment they have left. That's what I desire the most. Because I see life as a gift, I too see the importance in always trying to make the most of it. Everybody should be doing the same. Seconds spent worrying about how time flies, are seconds wasted. It's okay to once in a while reminisce the good times, but it's more important to make new memories. A 'bucket list' isn't such a bad idea when you think about it.

It's not just 'time flying' that sparks both fear and anxiety. As a matter of fact, it's all part of a much larger picture. A picture that also includes the focus on life's big questions. What are these questions to be exact? They are simply anything surrounding the topic of existence. The 'What Ifs'. The 'What's Next'. The meaning of life itself. They often stem from particular features in publication or television we come across. But they can even cross our minds without any external factors. Life's questions put our thoughts and emotions to the test whenever we find ourselves chewing on them. Most importantly, the answers are forever inconclusive and open to interpretation. What happens after we die? What is really beyond this planet of ours? Is an 'A.I. Takeover' possible? Can us humans truly calculate if and when Earth will cease to exist? Such questions may look harmless and interesting, but they can weigh on us to the point of shifting our focus and making us more susceptible to other dangers. So unless if we were strong enough in both heart and mind to look towards these questions out of fascination and as a means for research, it is best that we avoid them as much as we possibly can.

Most blog pieces like this one aim to convey a message. A small yet significant piece of advice for all to carry with them. Something that's there to make lives more rewarding. So what am I trying to get at here? What's the message I'm aiming to communicate this time? Well the answer is both simple and can be said in many different ways. Live your life. Live every moment. Follow your heart. Chase your desires. Enjoy your interests. Build new interests. Set your goals and fight to achieve them. Entertain yourself and entertain others. Find the beautiful things in life that bring comfort and warmth to you. Don't think too much about everything you have so far seen in life, but instead think about how much more you're yet to experience. Don't stress about the big questions that you can't find appeal in, because we all know life's too short for this. I can go on. If I had ultimate power to influence the minds of all around me, I'd ensure this would be the case.

Travis "TJ" James

Don't Stop The Music!

If anyone thought it was just film and television that I was a sucker for, then think again. I love music. When I say I love music, I mean that I LOVE music. Is there anything more aurally pleasing than the vast collection of riveting, rhythmic sounds provided by the endless sea of musical technology? And is it truly possible for anybody to disapprove of such a thing, especially when it comes in many forms to acknowledge and respect individuality? Music is undeniably one of humankind’s oldest and friendliest of creations. It has the power to both find where we belong and genuinely speak for us when our own words fail to. It’s something we regularly look to for both comfort and support. But the best and most important thing about music is that it never lies. By this, I’m referring to our connection with it. The music one likes and connects with most, will either speak for their view of the art or highlight their innermost thoughts and feelings. Although it can expose our most personal interests, it tries and often succeeds to make us feel okay about ourselves for owning them. Music is everyone’s best and closest friend.

Like most other people, my love for music began ever since I was very young. Six years of age to be exact. While I don't think I ever was the sort of impressionable child that danced to everything with an energetic rhythm or beat, music still found ways to magnetise me. In my years of growing up, music video programs were still experiencing the heights of their success. I use to anticipate waking up on Saturday and Sunday mornings just to tune into these shows and admire the extra detail delivered to every song, regardless of my thoughts about each one that played. But one song would both aurally and visually captivate me. It was called By The Way, performed by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. I can’t explain what it was about this song that won me over and words can’t describe it either. I just felt a natural connection to it. Of course I continued to observe the other works from the Chili Peppers moving forward, and it’s safe to say I wasn’t at any time disappointed. It didn’t take very long for me to grow a strong liking to the American funk-rock band. This led me to my first album, given to me as a Christmas present. It was of course By The Way from the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

It might’ve been hard to remember what it was with the Chili Peppers I liked to begin with, but I definitely know what makes them so amazingly unique now. In spite of their ever-evolving hybrid style, they still managed to build their own recognisable sound. There have been a few times when I first heard their new music, not knowing it was them but guessing correctly through first hearing John Frusciante’s guitar or Chad Smith’s drum kit. Another strength of the Chili Peppers, was their distinctive image and portrayal. The lyrics written by Anthony Kiedis are so strange and abstruse but deep and potentially personal to the band. And the band present themselves in a similar manner live. Not to mention Flea is one of the best bass players of all time. As of now I own every single one of the studio albums from both of their record labels. I’ve got just about all 200+ clean-sounding pieces of music they have released as a band (thirty-four years and counting). But the Red Hot Chili Peppers became more than just a favourite band of mine. They became the point of origin. They opened me to all the other styles of music and led me to everything else entertainment-wise. If I hadn't have discovered them when I did, my interest in the arts would never have been as strong or significant as it is now. At least that's what I like to believe.

Outside of the Chili Peppers, I have grown to really appreciate the beauty different music has provided. ABBA was next in line for me, as I heard them now and then on either radio or on the Greatest Hits CD my parents had. I remember often pinching that CD when I was younger and nearly wearing the disc out, enjoying the sounds of Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia and Take A Chance On Me. For years my attention swayed back and forth between the American rock band and Sweden's biggest pop group. It was up until fifth grade when I started digging deeper, collecting music from both film and television and adding it to my newborn playlist. The earlier years, was just me mucking around and editing sounds with an audio program and burning a few CD's. But as both the list and I grew, I became far more serious. I explored new music, listening to the countdown shows on radio for a few years. I looked at the ARIA charts weekly and even searched up other music charts on YouTube. More than a decade has passed and little has changed when it comes to collecting music. My love for certain tunes is still based on where I stumble across them. And recently, I've seen myself turning on the digital radio to the eighties station. From that came my sudden passion for seventies and eighties sounds. There ain't no stopping me now, I'm on the move.

As mentioned earlier, it’s near impossible for anybody to lie about music. That’s because it speaks volumes for everyone’s character, including my own. Based on my taste of music I am someone quite considerate of the numerous shapes and sizes things come in, but still fairly selective. All the songs I regularly listen to, are ones I am able to deeply connect with. They allow me to expand on my imagination and seek comfort, even during the toughest of moments. This sees my primary playlist, built over eleven years and counting, currently consisting of 1384 tracks (at the time of writing this piece). Might not seem like a lot of songs to other big lovers of music, but it still in ways is a huge number. The music I have gathered for this playlist of mine varies in age and genre and is made up of both massive worldwide hits and not-so commercially successful works from all around the world. There are heavy rock sounds and DJ house anthems. Power ballads and disco numbers. Football club songs and soundtrack masterpieces. Crazy isn’t it? My taste stretches very wide to even include stuff released way before my time.

But if I were to give you the list of my music, the most obvious thing you will notice is the consistency. Of the approximate 376 artists on my playlist, at least two or more songs are listed for roughly about 251 of them. This can include different versions of the same song. Usually for me, the number of songs from one artist correlates to how much I admire the artist. The more music, the greater the admiration. ABBA wrote the biggest of hits in the smallest of island huts. The Bee Gees were too musically gifted. Jeff Lynne and the Electric Light Orchestra made simple music sound revolutionary. Elton John and Bernie Taupin were a match made in heaven. Fleetwood Mac made good from exploring a range of different styles, instruments and even vocals. Phil Collins gave new meaning to percussion. And modern artists like Katy Perry and Lady Gaga while in with the now, emphasise the importance of voice and story in their musical projects. These artists along with the Red Hot Chili Peppers of course cover a significant percentage of my playlist. I look to them as having brought out the best in music.

So you now know of my broad taste. But once again, I must remind you that like everybody else, I am quite picky. I do happen to express a certain amount of apathy for particular styles and eras of music. Genres like jazz, metal, hip hop and some aspects of rock and roll have more often than not, irked me for their overemphasised and/or repetitious qualities. But most of my disfavour lies with one particular category, and that is the nineties. Despite being born and raised within this decade, I’ve always viewed it as being kind of weak music-wise. Especially when I compare it to the other decades both before and after it. Most of the commercial successes and chart toppers of the nineties don't ever seem to resonate with me, as they became less about the music and more about everything else around it. While visual and auditory trends were around long before I came into this world, something about those from the nineties felt more artificial. The trend was all about ‘trying to be trendy’. It felt like most artists had to be similar. That political views were mandatory in both the writing and composition. A few groups demonstrated gender separation (E.g. Backstreet Boys, Spice Girls). Many raps songs were simple beats, short on energy. On top of all this, audience consensus saw talented music veterans pushed to the kerb and the dual role of singing and songwriting snubbed. Music was fast losing its illustriousness.

However the nineties music wasn’t all that bad. An obvious exception for me would be the Red Hot Chili Peppers, as they are my favourite band and were arguably in their peak during this era with hits like Under The Bridge, Give It Away and Scar Tissue. Other stuff I enjoy would be some of the lesser known works from those such as the Bee Gees and Phil Collins (I often like them more than the hit singles). There was the odd good song here and there from groups like The Cranberries and Lighthouse Family. But what really stood out from the rest was the movie soundtracks. It’s important to remember how phenomenal film and television was in the nineties. Many of Hollywood’s blockbusters and box office hits were put together throughout this period of time (E.g. Titanic, Star Wars, The Lion King, Jurassic Park and Independence Day). Some films were widely recognised for their epic scores, while others were tied in with memorable power ballads belted out by the likes of Elton John, Roxette, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion and even Aerosmith. In my honest opinion, the cinematic world carried music on its shoulders for ten or so years. In the end you could say that when it came to the nineties, video didn’t so much kill the radio star… it saved them.

Just about everyone loves some form of music and I'd have a hard time believing anyone that doesn't. My parents and the older generations love the music they grew up with during the sixties and seventies. Most of the kids today are all for what's hot on the charts. I've come across kids that loved electronic, house and anything associated with anime or nightcore. I knew teens that heavily invested their time in the classic rock of AC/DC and Kiss. Even my brother enjoyed music, having once been a fan of a band called Gob and burnt a few discs with their songs (one I distinctively remember was Give Up The Grudge). He doesn't seem to hold much interest for them anymore but I like to believe my brother secretly has some sort of music he listens to on a regular basis. Because of how expansive and inclusive music has become over time, it's that hard to find a person that doesn't appreciate it. Whether it's the epic drum break of In The Air Tonight (Phil Collins), the anthemic chorus of Living On A Prayer (Bon Jovi), the iconic introduction of Eye Of The Tiger (Survivor), the catchy beat of Tusk (Fleetwood Mac) or the complete gracefulness of Wuthering Heights (Kate Bush), there is something for everybody in the music world.

The way I see it, music is all a matter of opinion and there is no competition. Not even between the simple written pieces played on a grand piano and the riveting sounds from highly-favoured synthesizers. All music shares its own power, and certain people will see whatever power more for what it is than others around them. Music is so friendly and respectful, that it completely understands whatever state we're currently in and the challenges we face, while still allowing us the choice. I for one don't play any musical instrument, nor do I believe I'll ever be capable of doing so. I have no idea how to compose or produce any sort of musical rhythm. I'm not even familiar with much of the terminology. But I don't need any of that stuff to know what sounds good and what doesn't. Music is one of those things you don't need any experience with to embrace it. So I encourage all to put the headphones to their ears and dive right into that sweet-sounding ocean. You just never know what incredible tunes you might find.

Travis "TJ" James

A Name Without A Face

Just in case anybody is wondering, that thing in the picture right above is me. This photo was taken approximately three years ago, and just so happens to be one of the best taken of myself with a fairly old and cheap digital camera. In this photo, I portray an unspecified creature rugged up and hiding under a hood while looking towards the ground. With this photo having sat in my archives for a very long time I didn't want to waste it, as I strongly consider it to be a contemporary work of art. Something so short on visual detail yet so powerful in meaning. It not only says a lot about who I am, but a lot about the importance of identity and character. The funny thing about this particular picture however, is that I didn't take it with the intention of communicating a message. I simply love disguises and enjoy covering myself from head to toe, which is what I’m here to discuss.

If one scrolls down my social media pages, they will notice many pictures of me hiding under hoods and masks while dressing in layers of hoodies and jackets. They would probably look at these pictures and ask such questions. What is this person doing? Why the mystery? Why is it in almost every photo, Travis James hides under so much clothes and doesn’t reveal one ounce of human skin? The answer to these questions is fairly obvious. I love the mystery. I love covering myself up in layers of different gear. I love looking into a mirror and not being able to see my own face. Any spare time I have to myself is frequently used for lounging around and performing certain activities in layers of outerwear and clothing accessories. Whether it is going out for a walk, chatting to friends or even sleeping, I relish making the most out of whatever time I have in complete and total enclosure.

But this hobby of mine has become more than just a hobby. It has grown into my sense of style. I'm not afraid to admit that I am a very strange person when it comes to fashion. While I dress quite sensibly around family and relatives, time spent out in public or with friends has seen me find enjoyment in going to extremes. I grew a love for hoodies during my adolescence, and as years went by, I became more and more open in showing that was the case to most people around me. It grew so much that it saw me forming my own absurd style, which would display itself so many times in public. When one was the norm and two was the fashionable limit, I took advantage of out-of-uniform days at school by wearing up to four hooded garments. There have been days where I have worn more than five outside of school hours. A few students did point out my unusual habit and I’ve then came around to giving them my reasons. But most people in public that walk by keep to themselves and allow me to do as I please.

In winters of low extremity, I would take walks in the park looking like I was dressed for the arctic. Balaclavas, beanies, hoodies, gloves and ski goggles all under large snorkel parkas. There were times when I would even wear a couple of morphsuits underneath, with my favourite thing about doing so being that people had no idea I was wearing them. Locking myself inside these morphsuits and further enveloping them in cold-weather gear not only provided for me a sense of comfort and warmth, but a sense of safety and security as well. And it felt amazing. Despite looking a little puffed up, I could still see, breathe and talk very well. But moving around was the fun part. The feeling of jumping about and giving myself a little shake like I'm about to run a marathon whilst deep inside the gear, is almost too good to describe. The thick layers of clothing would leave the morphsuits pressing even tighter onto my entire body. This at times caused me to often forget I had them on and the polyester or spandex fabric shrouding my eyes couldn't change that.

Come the summer time I obviously don't go as heavy. However I'd never let any opportunity to don a hoodie on the cooler days slip. Especially one that went well with a pair of shorts. Whether it was my thin fleece half-zip hooded top, my regular thick black full-zip hooded sweatshirt or even my skeleton hoodie, it was near impossible to resist the temptation going outside without at least one hooded garment. As for the scorching days, my strange behaviour still comes into play. How so? My morphsuits of course. I'm always using them, washing them thoroughly and straight back to using them again. I mostly enjoyed chucking one or two on while standing in front of the air conditioner. By simply placing my hand in front of the vent, the cold air would travel into the morphsuits and around my body, keeping me nice and cool. I have even gone as far as to wearing them while visiting friends in forty-degree weather. Seems crazy I know, but incredibly for those times the sun did not become a problem. The sweat I worked up was absorbed by the morphsuits, which helped keep me cool during each trip. And the best thing about doing all this was that I never got sunburnt. Though I may have attracted some attention from onlookers. Not even the cap, sunglasses, t-shirt, shorts and shoes worn over the top would prevent that from being the case. All I can say is at least they didn't know who it was underneath.

Most people who perform this activity share one reason for why they do it. That is to be sexually aroused. I won’t deny that I can relate to these people on the odd occasion. But my reasons go further than simply gearing up for the pleasure. As briefly mentioned earlier, I feel a sense of security whenever I’m cocooned in my combination of warm garbs and garments. Many things I fear such as spiders, insects, unpleasant odours and harsh weather conditions aren’t able to get to me. Along with that comes the opportunity to express more of my character. I do consider myself a mild introvert and how much of myself I reveal often depends on who I’m hanging around with. Hiding underneath my many layers allows me to give birth to new personalities. It allows me to share more sensitive information and explore certain ideas I never previously felt comfortable with in my own skin. One can say this activity is both a fetish and fixation of mine. But like the many other things that I do, I like to think there is always more logic behind it.

Concealing my identity can also be seen for its common reasons. Yes, I can do this out of respect for privacy. I can do this to show I’m more cautious. I can do this to relate with particular groups of people. But none of those reasons have my full attention. As I just not long ago said, I am a pretty introverted person. Accompanying pure enjoyment, is the search of self-confidence. The matter of finding the right time I am ready to take the next step. The masks and hoodies are not me ashamed of who I am (as I can be proud of both myself and my achievements), but are instead me unsure of my surroundings. Do I plan on forever hiding my face behind such material? Absolutely not! I do hope that in the not-too-distant future, I'll be ready to face the music and share more of what I can offer as Travis James.

Is what I do challenging? Well I'd be lying if I said it didn’t come with its usual risks and results. There have been moments of temporary panic where I struggle to escape my cage. In some situations I am forced to remain calm and have my way out prepared and easy to reach. It may sound like what I do is bondage, but it isn’t. I mainly love having the ability to move around, breathe effectively and speak as clearly as possible. What is more of an occurrence for me when I’m wearing so much is obviously the sweat and exhaustion. This mostly depends on both the temperature and how much movement I make. There have been times where I have sweated so heavily that my shirts were completely drenched and there have been times in a similar number of layers where I end up mostly dry. But the biggest burden of them all happens both at the beginning and end of my activity. Putting things on and taking things off. They are certainly the most irritating steps I’m forced to do. Sometimes I just wish I can keep my gear on forever and do whatever I want. Unfortunately that can’t ever be the case. That’s why I always choose to don the layers whenever I’ve got an awful lot of time to spare.

We all have our quirky behaviours. Some like mine can appear to be quite strange and there are others out there that look to be even more bizarre. I do though plead for all to not judge me on this behaviour alone. I will likely come across as a pretty bizarre character, but I can assure people who come around here often that they too will learn of some more relatable qualities. Furthermore, they will gain a greater understanding of the genuine and positive person I aim to be. I am here to also share my other interests and learn new things. Me in my many layers of clothing is only one small piece of the TJ puzzle. I try my absolute hardest to be my genuine self and look to embrace everyone else for their own individual quirks. Just remember that my name IS Travis James, I AM human and I LOVE making new friends and exploring new worlds.

Travis "TJ" James

My 'Reaction' Feels

There is no denying it. A vast majority of us LOVE film and television. It's more of the world on a screen. It's the human mind truly in action. Movies and shows come in many different genres to entertain everyone. And best of all, it is another way to connect us with each other. Our screens can influence us in ways that improve such things as our confidence and social skills. We make new friends and build our own character to further inspire new people. One particular kind of hobby that comes from the pleasures of video entertainment, is the showing of reactions. This might not seem like much, but it does open us to the true existence of colourful and caring people. Reactions are a form of freedom and authenticity. When times seem like trust is harder to come by and most material is heavily processed, we have reactors that are choosing to amuse others in a manner which keeps certain realistic qualities of us humans alive. They display real emotions and always keep note of how important it is to ensure us as fans of theirs are greatly respected. 

Consider me an avid supporter of people that react on YouTube and other social media platforms. I genuinely enjoy watching a wide range of content from several of these public figures, and I tend to find the good stuff about them outweighing the bad stuff. The striking detail about YouTube reactors that really intrigues me and sees my respect won over is the pure naturalness that comes from them. Many of them are aware of their gifts in conveying strong emotions, complex character and advanced social skills. Each step forward with their own passions and interests. The best reactors connect with their audience, engaging in conversations and occasionally accepting requests. Unlike programs like Gogglebox where one cannot for sure determine whether the material is authentic or heavily edited for a desired response from us everyday viewers, YouTube reactors are for most part 100% genuine. They share their experiences and are easy in getting to know through their entertaining qualities. Not to forget they are easier in reaching out to for questions and messages of appreciation.

Reactors of social media like most categories of people will have their fair share of lovers and haters. I have come across many open thoughts regarding both individuals and the general community over the years, from praises for common opinions to criticisms in presentation. However, I think it is vital we all consider the amount of effort that is put into this activity. We should all acknowledge how much time and how many resources are required in delivering such videos for us to enjoy. The proper camera and the editing tools. The legal access to material and the permission for public use. The occasional need to appeal blocked content. Not to mention that all of this is done while these reactors work full-time or part-time jobs. So here I am doing my bit. I thought I would share a few of my absolute favourite reactors. I'm here to congratulate them for their influence on me. I'm applauding them for all the work they have done and for getting to where they are now. Allow me to start with the honourable mention:

Honourable Mention: Greg & John (The Reel Rejects)

Whenever you want content about all things motion picture, look no further than Greg and John of 'The Reel Rejects'. Every week, they come around with new videos. Whether they be trailer reactions or full-blown movie reviews, these two passionate cinephiles are here to guide you in looking for what's good in modern film. They provide the laughs. They provide the news and other surprises. They even analyse the small details and deliver well-formed opinions of their own. All of this is often done with the special appearance from several close friends of the duo and other YouTube stars. And if it isn't enough, they too hear the voices of their followers. Now and then, you could find Greg and John sitting to the regular request. Mostly small clips or compilations that will guarantee laughter from everybody. 'The Reel Rejects' is all one would likely be searching for. Joy, knowledge and the hope of better things to come from Hollywood studios. To both Greg and John: well done guys. Keep being awesome!

5. Tyrone (Tyrone Magnus)

Here's one of the latest YouTube personalities I followed, as it took me a bit of time to truly grasp what they were all about. Eventually I saw it all, and I beaten myself up for not managing to do so sooner. Tyrone is a man for the people. He is all about ensuring his fans and loyal followers walk away both entertained and educated. He takes requests and watches almost anything from movie trailers to vine compilations, allowing for different emotions to show. What's even more special about this guy, is that he even steps beyond reactions to discuss global news, sell merchandise, perform live unboxings and even organise the occasional Q&A. With a colourful character, an infectious laugh and ideas symbolic of both he and his work (e.g. Game Face), Tyrone is nearly the entire package. It should leave everybody to question why he isn't more popular than he currently is. Do yourselves a favour people, and go check him out! Help Tyrone Magnus reach ten million subscribers. WOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

4. Jessi (Watch Me Watch Stuff)

Compared to most reactors, Jessi isn't as recognised. She also doesn't react to shows as frequent. But when she does, boy can she deliver! I've only ever viewed her Once Upon A Time reactions, since that was (and still is) my favourite show. At first I thought she was someone simply ignorant and apathetic, but come the back end of season five I was beginning to discover her value. She is somebody who has the natural gift of making a joke out of anything. Where logic hasn't been applied, she be quick to answer for that. It can be the big scenes or the small actions and dialogue. There have been times when her bizarre criticism had me either chuckling or suffocating in laughter. At times when I've felt down, some of her videos made me feel better. Don't wish to sound cheesy here, but it's the truth. Since the end of Once Upon A Time, I have had no luck finding a show in common to keep track of her intriguing character. But I'm sure our paths will meet again sometime in the not-too-distant future.

3. Jaclyn & Marcella (drowninginfandomfeels)

If you're a sucker for the romance, then these are the girls for you. Jaclyn and Marcella are two hardcore shippers of true love and camaraderie. Whether it be through the books or on the telly, these girls are all about love conquering all. Through fantasy. Through science fiction. Through comic book superheroes. They feed on the strength and longevity of character development and any big move will trigger the most devoted of responses. However, when their anchor is lost or the bonds break, the passion may fade a little. They also do have a thing for the eye candy. Bob Morley, Dylan O'Brien, Cole Sprouse, Grant Gustin, etc. But that is just a part of what a fandom is all about. And the word is in their name. Fandoms in general can often be quite ignorant, self-righteous and toxic. However Jaclyn and Marcella are the uncommon, lovable kind. These two young ladies are studying hard, aspiring to be well-established authors and screenwriters themselves one day. Hopefully innovators of new love stories. I wish them the very best.

2. Aaron, Calvin, Eric, Melanie, Richard, Shane, etc. (Blind Wave)

A fine group of gamers and pop culture enthusiasts who explore the worlds driven by both childhood and the trends of today. The crew of Blind Wave react to the common show, trailer and viral video while also sharing podcasts and playing games. However, it is their approach in doing these things that really speaks volumes. Pen and paper sits in front of them every time during reactions, as they jot down anything intriguing that captures their attention to take into reasonable discussions straight after. These guys curb emotions and provide in-depth views of the content at focus. Blind Wave are all about maintaining a professional image whilst having a little fun. They recognise their support groups and communicate with each in a manner respectful enough to not lose viewers. And there is rarely any hesitance towards the idea of taking chances and trying new material. If it's ardour and maturity you are looking for, then you'll without a doubt find it in the collective from Blind Wave.

1. Adam (abnormallyadam)

This fellow Australian is exactly what a reactor should be. Somebody with high spirits, always prepared to face the unknown each week. He shares how he feels and speaks his mind. His exuberance always leaves us smiling and giggling and his extraordinary level of passion has us sharing his emotions. Of course Adam still has his major lures. He both represents and is an avid supporter of the LGBT community, willing to throw his support towards any well-written and well-represented same-sex relationship. He also has a strong heart for female empowerment and any woman that stands up for themselves is considered a 'queen' in his eyes. And no matter if it's a bubbly being or a formidable friend, Adam is never hesitant to give his trust and respect to them. But his greatest quality would not so much involve his heart, but rather his mind. When most storyline problems escalate in scripted drama, Adam is able to gain an understanding of each side so long as there is one presented to him. He can detect the reasons and to some appropriate level, sympathise with any character. He has his favourite shows and his favourite people, but he tries to never let bias get in his way too much. He is always willing to try new things. That's what makes him number one in my book.

Travis "TJ" James

The TeeVee In Me

While millions have thrown themselves deep into the worlds of Game Of Thrones and Stranger Things, I've always seemed to be one for the relatively smaller works of the small screen. This is probably due to me tending to believe the less people tuning in gives the very few that do a stronger voice as their thoughts and feelings become easier to hear. That along with the general purpose of entertaining oneself in their spare time, are two of the many things I stand for. Not that I'd never give Game Of Thrones or Stranger Things a chance, because there are times which I have thought about it. I still do every now and then and most likely will continue to do so going forward. I think now it's just a matter of what mood I am in and when I can find the time myself to binge on the new experiences.

What I have decided to do is give you a little information about myself through the world of television. Here I briefly analyse most of my favourite TV shows, both past and present. I provide a little story as to how I got into them. You will get a good idea of how I rate them, as I look at what they have done right and where they have gone wrong. I may point out what could happen to make the show better and I even chuck in the odd description/synopsis for a couple of them. With this information, you might see certain things a little differently. You might encourage yourself to think harder and pay closer attention to the details of your favourite programs while still enjoying them. And you might find answers to questions that have bothered you for so long. Feel free to share your stories when it comes to these shows. Share your opinions too, as they may help with reshaping and improving others, including mine.

Let's begin shall we?

THE VERY FIRST SERIES I DIVED INTO:

It's fast approaching seven years since the day I properly stepped foot into the television universe, yet it still seems like yesterday. I can still remember the promos of a young Scott McCall (Tyler Posey) watching himself turn in the bathtub. I can remember feeling the hunger to find out what would happen next. It was the beginning of a new phase for me. Like a light so pale but still somewhat visible, which had me catch a glimpse of what I would grow to profoundly enjoy. Teen Wolf saw me live up to adolescence and sparked my newfound appreciation for television drama. Because of this show, I've had something to talk about with friends. I would go on to build a stronger connection with them and we would chase new things to talk about along the way. There's no telling the person I would be now if I chose to ignore the series. 

During the midst of my high school years, the opening season of Teen Wolf would broadcast on free-to-air TV very late at night. The first few episodes were shown at 10:00pm every Tuesday until a decision by the network was made to push the show back an hour for reasons unknown to viewers. Without any devices at the time to record the program, I was forced to sit up and watch the remaining episodes in a rather somnolent state. This would be on top of a stressful period for me, dealing with the pressures of balancing my education with home life. My parents were somewhat frustrated as well with the difficult conditions I had to tackle around the time. But as I've already stated, that was almost seven years ago. Not only now have I managed my troubles, but have also found myself a direction in life I plan on taking. That's another story. The question now needing to be answered is whether or not I made the right choice. Was Teen Wolf worth the effort back then? Were those first twelve episodes good enough for me to have stayed awake for? The TJ of 2011 would most likely nod his head. As for the TJ of 2018, well... maybe not.

School for me wasn't only studying the set curriculum. It was me also learning more about myself. What was it I truly liked doing? Where did my strengths and weaknesses lie? What was I aiming for? As I edged closer to the finish line of secondary, I grew a deeper understanding of everything around me. Certain views of mine changed and others became rock solid, all supported by good reason. How does this relate to Teen Wolf you may ask? Well I liked season one heaps more back then compared to now. I was a huge sucker for romance and tuned into for the sole purpose of wanting Scott and Allison (Crystal Reed) to find peace and happiness with each other. I was an extremely shallow fan in my teenage years. Now looking back at that first season, I notice how elementary and unoriginal the entire thing was. Teen Wolf didn't just base itself off the 1985 film of the same name, it started off as just another take on a Shakespearean love-story combined with hackneyed werewolf folklore. Understandably the show back then was about introducing itself and easing viewers in. But when placed up against the rest of the series, season one is the ultimate lightweight. Nevertheless, it was a solid start and I still have it listed under the 'good' category.  

To be honest, that is not a bad thing. Jeff Davis and his teammates having lifted above their weight year after year for the first half of the show's running, is a feat worth admiring. Teen Wolf built its own identity. It became its own original concept, expanding from basic werewolf material to reimagine other supernatural mythology. The show occasionally educated us on history through dialogue and provided its view on such issue like discrimination with a hands-on approach. From season two onward, the action and suspense escalated and the mysteries were more challenging to decipher. Not to forget there are plenty more moments of hilarity between our favourite characters. The show got better and better. It got to the point where the second half of season three would undeniably become the peak of the entire series. It turned out so great, that it was almost impossible to back it up. In the end, this became true. The writers struggled. Cast members left for other projects, ratings were dropping and the quality of the storylines were quick to decay. Teen Wolf was dying a slow and painful death.

Come the final season, I just lost passion for the show. After fans suspected the mistreatment of a couple of cast members, I felt like I couldn't trust the crew to deliver a good story for their final season. In the end, my newfound perspective was worthwhile. But I couldn't give up the series knowing how far I have taken myself and how close I was to the end, so I battled through both 6A and 6B. Not one of the final twenty episodes I was able to relish. When a new episode came on every week, I felt in no hurry to watch it and the untouched pile would only accumulate. The entirety of season six appeared as if the writing team had given up and decided to take the easy way out, leaving behind countless plotholes and pandering to whatever audience that remained. The quality storytelling was absent as the ratings took a nosedive. A lot began to see the ill-thought direction for what it was as time went by. What was once my favourite program, experienced ultimate ruination and the nail was already in the coffin before it could finish. As much as I loved this show, it ran its course and had to end. Teen Wolf crashed so badly, that my excitement for any spin-off or continuation of the series is just about non-existent.

THE SERIES I ANTICIPATED MOST:

I was absolutely astonished when Arrow opened itself up to the extraordinary during the introduction of Barry Allen (Grant Gustin). I initially thought they would never go there, especially given how grounded and raw the show was around that time. But after seeing it for myself, I wanted more. Not long after I would find out the good news for myself. Barry Allen was getting his own space on The CW. After 23 years, DC's fastest superhero was returning with its own television show. I was never really someone who grew up with superheroes, but for some strange reason this excited me. And when it came to the excitement, I wasn't ever alone. The show's pilot was the second most-watched of any premiere on the network. Seems to me that millions of other people at the time were eager to dive right into it as well.

What makes The Flash so special, is that it has constructed its own signatures. There is a clear distinctiveness attached to everything it offers. Star Labs had grown to become the core setting of the entire Arrowverse. The characters have been strongly developed to the point where they are now their own entities with unique personalities. The energetic orchestral score composed by Blake Neely had fast (pardon the pun) become one of the most renowned pieces of music produced for modern-day television. Gustin is currently considered to be one of the biggest and most recognizable faces of the small screen. And for a show on a tight budget, the visual effects have turned out to be a thing of beauty. All of this, along with the gradual progression of its material and the ability to connect science with imagination has seen The Flash achieve what many other shows can only dream about. Its fame is well deserved.

But even with the healthy ratings and the growing popularity, The Flash still reveals many of its weaknesses. For a while, it had been glued to its formula and struggled to really break its way into new territory. The show's structure found itself firmly fixed to become familiar to its audience, thus demonstrating predictability along with omitting the element of surprise. The Flash yields a simple approach (similar to that of a kids' cartoon) for the delivery of its content as a means to keep its links with the younger demographic. But like all choices, it comes with a cost. Older viewers have sensed its lack of experimentation. They've often felt starved of new and complex material and believed to have been ignored when they have called for it. The Flash as of now, is still in search of that 'middle ground'. It's looking for the perfect balance to satisfy all sectors of its fan-base whilst continuing to adhere to its comic book history.

In recent times, I have personally found the quality of the show to have fluctuated from both a short-term and long-term perspective. There have been periods when I've been left eagerly desperate to find out what happens next for Team Flash and there have been periods when I was simply willing to wait. I see this series as somewhat inconsistent in the way it presents itself. Times when I was left extremely irritated with what had taken place in the series would later see me entertaining myself with jokes about its failures. When bad things happen, we're then blaming Barry for ****ing the timeline. When promos are released, we're guessing the 'villain of the week'. Even Iris' line 'We are the Flash!' being mocked for its supposed level of cringe. This is proof that even the biggest of shows are not immune to disappointing its audience. In spite of its problems, I see The Flash having plenty more to give and I still believe that it can reach new heights.

THE SERIES I OCCASIONALLY STRUGGLE TO COMPREHEND:

Want to know an interesting fact? Legion was at first a mistake. Not the show of course, but me getting into it. At the time before it began airing I knew very little about it (and I have practically zero knowledge of the X-Men comics), therefore confusing it with another completely separate project called Beyond. Despite my misconception I continued to persist viewing the series as a whole after the first chapter and I must say it was a mistake worth making. Usually I don't find myself attracted to Marvel's television material, but for some reason this sticks out as an exception. It successfully separates itself from most other works of fiction with its rather strange layout and unusual methods for character development. Never before in my life have I seen a show so distinctly different and difficult to decipher while still managing to hold onto its vastly intriguing qualities.

As I just mentioned, Legion is certainly no walk in the park when it comes to keeping track of what's going on. It's something that requires a great level of attention and consistency. Once you choose to jump on the ride, it's highly recommended that you don't get off. Watching only one or two hours of the show would leave anyone puzzled to the point where it is not only hard to explain what takes place but hard to describe as well. To add to the confusion, the episodes are slightly longer in duration and most of what is shown contains very little energy. Notwithstanding the emptiness that may be reasonable to observe, Legion makes up for it by not letting go of any tension it carries. What keeps the audience glued to the screen is that element of surprise. The idea of not knowing what comes next and the hunger to find out. It's purely unpredictable, solely depending on its unusual or extreme series of events to evoke the strongest of emotional responses.

Long story short, Legion is basically one big brain-teaser. Funnily enough, that is also what it intends to be. In addition to the introduction of misdiagnosed mutant David Haller (Dan Stevens), we viewers are immediately affixed to the main protagonist for a similar perspective. We are encouraged to share his experiences, feel his fear, ask his questions and seek his answers. Our confusion is used as a tool to help us obtain a better understanding of some of the characters, in particular David. Another strength of the series are the special effects. Knowing that it most likely wouldn't survive with just a complicated plot, Legion aims to keep people watching by making itself look visually appealing. Whether it would be dance numbers, silent movies or just simply magical light and sound display, this show takes huge risks by mixing heaps of different ingredients to create something out of the ordinary. And I couldn't finish this without honouring the talented cast in front of me, especially Aubrey Plaza for her Oscar-worthy performance. For those who are curious, I'd suggest you have a go for yourself. If you find it hard to follow along, don't fret. I did so too. But neither you and I can change the fact Mr. Noah Hawley is a winner with this work of art.

THE SERIES ON THE RISE:

Truth be told, I never heard of this DC character before the show was announced. And I like to think that a fair share of other TV enthusiasts were in a similar position to that of my own. On the odd occasion prior to its premiere I had my doubts with the idea and whether it would work out, especially given its time of release. But considering the fact I was investing some of my hours into the other four CW superhero shows, I thought it would only seem fair that I gave it a shot. All I can say is, I am glad I did. After just one episode, Black Lightning made its statement loud and clear. It would take itself very seriously and pull no punches. I find it unbelievable how something can step right in and impress so quickly. Usually it's way too early to judge on something around this time, yet The CW's newest series had me begging for more quicker than any other show I glued my eyes to.

It's as fierce as Arrow, as imaginative as The Flash, as meaningful as Supergirl and as adventurous as DC's Legends Of Tomorrow. But while displaying such comparable facets, Black Lightning proves itself as being something completely fresh and new to the network. It does everything it needs to do, and so much more. It establishes a connection with reality, addressing contemporary issues in society. It provides its own smooth and unique introduction to the story. The action is intense. The mystery is deep. The plot is appropriately complex and the primary antagonist is super menacing. Not to mention that antagonist is played by the incredibly awesome Marvin "Krondon" Jones III. The writing team in a way, have communicated a message through their show regarding their approach. A message of both strength and courage. A message stating how unafraid they are to place their foot a little over the boundaries. This can immediately be sensed ten minutes into the first episode. On top of all of this, the cast look as if they have already been working with each other for years. They gel so well and the drama from them feels so real. So far it's hard to find anything wrong with Black Lightning.

 The show begins not from the birth, but instead the revival of a hero. Jefferson Pierce (Cress Williams) is pushed to come out of retirement and be the hero his town of Freeland so desperately needs. It then leaves him in the toughest of positions, having to weigh up what seems most important. He's left questioning which job of his helps the community more (the electrifying vigilante or the knowledgeable principal of Garfield High School). With support from his family, fellow detective Billy Henderson (Damon Gupton) and mentor/father figure Peter Gambi (James Remar), Jefferson looks to find a way in fighting off the growing crime rate engulfing Freeland. His aim is to follow his father's footsteps and find the peace everyone is searching for. 
While it is true that the first season of any show is the strong foundation that sets a good example for the rest of the series, I have faith that this show can go that one step greater. I believe it has so much more to give. I think I could learn a thing or two from this show. In fact, I already have:
'Where's the future? Right here! Whose life is this? Mine! And what are you gonna do with it? Live it by any means necessary!'
This is going to stick with me for quite some time.

THE SERIES ON THE DECLINE:

The truth is these shows that I watch are not always fantastic when it comes to the storytelling. There were times when they had successfully delivered and there were times when they had failed to impress. These particular ones I discuss have disappointed quite a lot over the years, some more so than others. But even when they are not at the peak of their power, I never turned my back on them. That's probably one of the best things about me in regards to television programs. While I do consider myself very selective of my interests, I regularly tend to develop a long-lasting connection with those I select. Many viewers come across as quite the opposite, willing to give anything a shot in their spare time and show no hesitation to give up when much doesn't go their way. And these people aren't that hard to find online, as they can make their way around social media to passionately voice their thoughts and feelings. 

I am a rather solid and persistent audience member of my favourite programs and the only ever time I'd lose track of one is when the schedule is either disorganised or unfavourable. Overall there hasn't been a single show so far I've given up by choice. But did I ever get close to doing so? The answer is yes. Arrow was once close to becoming the first series to be thrown out the window. No point in asking why because I think you very well know the answer to that question. That's right, the infamous season four. Just about two years have passed and I am still haunted by such a disaster. For someone like me to almost call it quits, says a lot about how terrible the show became around that time. I still to this day consider that season to not only be the worst of Arrow, but of any season from any show that I have ever watched. It made most fan-fiction look a hundred times better.

Don't let the horror of season four fool you into thinking that I never cared for the show in general. I still hold onto the small amount of hope that Arrow can return to its former glory, since I have truly enjoyed this dark, action-packed program for what it brought to the table. But even getting into it took a little time, as I did begin from a position where superheroes were of very little interest. To my knowledge, this is the only series of the lot I favour in which I did not start from the pilot. When I first experienced a taste of what it offered, my initial thoughts weren't quite as supportive for the overall product. Yet perseverance saw me hang around to give it a few more chances in impressing me. After watching bits and pieces of the entire first season, I was eventually convinced by its rapid improvement, thus willing to give it a proper go come the following season. And it didn't take long for me to discover that I made the right call. Though I don't think there ever was a moment I looked most forward to Arrow over other programs, I can't deny the fact that the show was really strong in its early years. As it happens, I still deem the second season to be the masterpiece of the entire Arrowverse.

It's not that the latest season is bad or anything because I don't think it's bad at all. However I don't believe it's great either. I'm just not as excited for Arrow at the moment, especially when I compare it with the other four DC shows on The CW. If I could think of one word to perfectly describe season six so far, it would be 'dry'. In the past couple of years, I have looked towards this show often fearing about a possible shortage of good quality story ideas. In terms of progression right now, the characters have gone around in circles and are slowly beginning to lose the vigour that distinguished them from one another. The atmosphere feels dull, the drama is excessive and the focus is all over the place. Not to mention the major villain is not reaching great heights at the moment, despite being played by the superb Michael Emerson. With the exception of the two Deathstroke-centric episodes and the second part of the Crisis On Earth-X crossover event, I've been left unimpressed by the first half of the sixth season. Then again, the fifth season started off in quite similar fashion, only to triumph over its neighbours with a back half that nearly recaptured the greatness that Arrow lost for so long. 'Divided' was a good start. If they can continue such form over the remainder of the season, my excitement for the series as a whole may not just rise, but last for many more years to come.

THE SERIES I TOOK SOME TIME GETTING USED TO:

All it took was one look at the promotional pictures of the cast and a peek at one of the trailers. A spin-off series starring Sara Lance (Caity Lotz), Ray Palmer (Brandon Routh), Martin Stein (Victor Garber) and Leonard Snart (Wentworth Miller)? I'm down for that. It was a group of characters I got to know so well elsewhere, coming together with the hope of achieving a common goal. Protecting history. I didn't just see this idea as a treat. I saw it as a requisite. I thought to myself 'If I'm watching Arrow and I'm watching The Flash, then I should watch this. It's a package deal'. Knowing both who and what was going to be involved in this project, there was no doubt that numerous crossovers were bound to come my way. I'm the type of person who has always desired a full taste of the pie. I chase for complete knowledge and the ultimate experience. For me, it's basically all or nothing. No show, especially one such as DC's Legends Of Tomorrow was exempt from this. Thankfully, my way of thinking didn't create any trouble for myself. Much to my convenience, this series happened to be something I was genuinely excited for.

The first season however, couldn't seem to live up to the hype. Shows centred around time travel usually do take a lot of effort to grasp and this one was no different. It was one of the most complicated and puzzling plots I've come across. To add to the frustrating challenge, I was dished up weak and insipid drama. Certain characters like Kendra Saunders/Hawkgirl (Ciara Renée) weren't able to convince me of their value and others like her partner Carter Hall/Hawman (Falk Hentschel) were completely underutilised. The villain, Vandal Savage (Casper Crump) was (and still is) considered to be one of the worst antagonists written for the Arrowverse so far. He failed to meet comic standards so badly, that it left fans making fun of him. Even the actor that played him was joking about it (at least that is what I remember reading somewhere). Season one reached the point of practically being forgettable. As a matter of fact, I already have forgotten it. If you asked me what season one of DC's Legends Of Tomorrow was about, I in no way would be able to give you a proper answer. It wasn't dreadful. It just couldn't hold itself up to be good enough.

The next season and a half however, would appear much different. While continuing to stick with its usual format, DC's Legends Of Tomorrow began finding its own path. A path which saw it as something lighter and a little more family-friendly. The stories became easier to follow and the chemistry between the main cast grew stronger. This series would not just work with an array of familiar faces from the two parent shows, but would also find a way to get the best out of them. Most notable examples of this were Mick Rory/Heatwave (Dominic Purcell) who I didn't care much for at first and Damien Darhk (Neal McDonough) who I utterly despised on Arrow. Both later would turn into arguably two of the most entertaining characters brought to screens. Even having taken a few hits with people leaving, DC's Legends Of Tomorrow still battles through the pain and takes on whatever gets in its way. By doing so, it has in a way shown mummy and daddy how it's done. This is now one of the very few shows that can do something crazy or ridiculous and get away with it.

MY FAVOURITE ANIMATED SERIES:

There are two very important things you should know before I go into further explanation about Sonic Boom being my favourite animated series. The first is that I don't usually tune into a lot of today's cartoons. I wouldn't blame you for thinking it's because I'm too old for most of them, but you'd be far from correct here. Despite the fact I'm now a young adult, I rarely see age as a barrier for many things. I still enjoy bringing out my inner child when it comes to such stuff as cartoons, old video games and children's movies. Whether it is for nostalgia purposes or just simply becoming intrigued by the material, I'm not afraid to admit that I can be a sucker for childhood's pleasures.

I guess the primary reason for my disinterest of modern-day cartoons is that I believe they can't compare to those of my generation. During the 90's and early 2000's, kids' shows had less boundaries and were more straightforward in their approach of storytelling. From the striking theme music and distinguishable characters to the simple plots and family-friendly comedy, the classic hand-drawn television works of my early life knew how to hit home and develop a warm and comforting connection with home viewers. Nowadays similarities are few and far between. With the exception of such successes like Gravity Falls, Steven Universe and even Rick And Morty, most animated shows regardless of whether they are CGI or hand-drawn have become little about themselves and more about everything else around them. Some cartoons have sold their identity to make amusement out of contemporary pop culture and political ideas. Others such as Pokémon (another show I loved watching as a kid) has grown to become so complicated, its primary focus has shifted to selling merchandise. Long-lasting cartoons like Spongebob Squarepants, The Simpsons and Family Guy have become victims of their own success and seem to now be hanging around for the sole purpose of collecting whatever commercial profits they can.

The second important thing to remember is that I never was much into 'Sonic The Hedgehog' when I was young. If anything I was more of a Mario and Nintendo fan, growing up with regular access to the classic Super Mario Bros. Deluxe on my old Game Boy Color while also getting the rare opportunity to enjoy the much loved Mario Kart 64 for the Nintendo 64. Despite having too owned an unspecified version of the original Sonic format on a PC compilation disc and possibly a different version for my family’s old Sega console which we no longer possess, I never found the appeal in them. ‘Sonic The Hedgehog’ was just one of those franchises I acknowledged every now and then, but never really bothered diving into. That is until 2017 came around.

My respect for Sega’s biggest accomplishment is not of the typical kind. I don’t care for playing the video games and I don’t see a need to own any sort of merchandise whatsoever. So what is it about Sonic I revere most you ask? The answer is its history. I opened myself to further knowledge and ended up temporarily engrossed in everything from the birth of the speedy hedgehog to where the franchise stands as of now. I strived to gain greater cognizance of its characters, spin-offs and even its critical reception over the years. I’ve gone as far as to binge-watch the entire Sonic X anime series and study its strong association with the comics and original games. But in spite of the time and effort spent researching such information, I wouldn’t say that I’m a Sonic enthusiast. There are still many questions I wouldn’t be able to answer correctly. This was just one of many strange fixations I’ve had of late, and it all started from a comical animated spin-off called Sonic Boom.

Sonic Boom is one of the more underrated cartoons going around today. I was first introduced to it two years ago by free-to-air television, as reruns of the first season were both shown during late afternoon or in the early hours of the morning. But much like Arrow, I took quite some time to view it with rapture and instead began full focus from the second season. And much like Arrow again, the second season shined brighter. What I love most about this series, is that it is completely light-hearted. It loves to ridicule anything from itself to its audience. Whether it is regularly breaking the fourth wall or just cracking the simplest of jokes, the amorphous structure and random stories explore different varieties of humour to recognise and appease any individual. And while it’s still one of many shows that succumb to the idea of twisting politics and pop culture references to its liking, this show never takes sides and never communicates serious messages. Sonic Boom is often a guilty pleasure of mine, and is a good getaway from the pressures in life.

THE SERIES I'M STRONGLY CONSIDERING TO WATCH:

Of course I can't say much about this one since I am providing my perspective on something I haven't touched. But after hearing of its moderate success and growing popularity, I have strongly contemplated whether or not to seek indulgence from this particular series. Riverdale has fast become a strong topic of discussion amongst everyday viewers and YouTube reactors from around the world. Based on the many characters of Archie Comics, this show seems to be one for not only building an emotional attachment but for connecting the dots and exercising the mind as well. As of right now I am still undecided but given my fairly decent level of fascination with mystery-focused dramas, the scales are tipping in favour of me giving it a try.

MY ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE SERIES:

The same Australian network which introduced me to Teen Wolf, came out the following year with another show that didn't take long gaining my attention. It would be a show focusing around fairy-tales and their connection to the real world. I thought to myself 'this would be interesting'. After all I like so many others, grew up with fairy-tales as well as some of Disney's animated theatrical releases. I mean who hasn't? Resisting the temptation to explore the twists and turns this series was going to provide was nearly impossible. After one whole season, I fell in love with the show. That love would only grow as years passed and more adventures with the characters were shared. I would love the highs. I would love the lows. I would greatly respect the 'controversial' seventh season. Heck I even savoured its short-lasting spin-off, Once Upon A Time In Wonderland. The second ever live-action drama series I threw myself towards, would go on to become my favourite of all time.

Just about everything Once Upon A Time has brought into the light has become a part of me. From the beautiful and peaceful setting to the breathtaking music, this show has rarely disappointed me. The characters are almost impossible to dislike, as they are portrayed by a phenomenal cast which is stockpiled of highly-experienced and super talented actors including Jennifer Morrison (House), Lana Parrilla (Boomtown), Colin O'Donoghue (The Rite), Rebecca Mader (Lost, The Devil Wears Prada) and Robert Carlyle (Stargate Universe, Trainspotting, The Full Monty). The show itself amplifies imagination and provides us viewers with a new image to classic fairy-tale material. It influences us to see certain things in ways we never have. Not only that, Once Upon A Time has even proven to me that it is fairly educational. It has now and then reminded me that there is more than meets the eye and has taught me to look beyond the surface. It has taught me that while love can be weakness, it is something worth fighting for. It has taught me that it is never too late to make up for our own mistakes. I've learnt so much from this series along the way. It even made me enjoy learning from it. Turns out school wasn't the only source of my growing knowledge.

What I love most about this show is that while it acknowledges a black and white perspective, it can at times strongly stand against it. Once Upon A Time has looked towards building great depth for each of its components. This is most noticeable with its characters. Us as viewers are often encouraged to measure our thoughts and feelings rather than simply choose them. We're in a way, advised to look at every aspect of a particular character and ask ourselves questions based on what we gather from them. How evil is this particular villain? How much have they accomplished? How far are they from any redemption? Such questions can too be applied to heroes surrounding their level of virtue. Is their heroism powerful enough? What and how much can push them over the edge? Once Upon A Time like me, tries hard to avoid the either/or attitude. It prefers to not pigeonhole its own properties and it wants us thinking long and hard about where things sit as they are built using many shades of grey.

As much as I would wish for my strong, unwavering devotion to this series prove otherwise, there is no denying the noticeable faults when I see them. Neither I nor anyone else can challenge the truth that is clear as crystal. Once Upon A Time is far from perfect. As the seasons progress, the show loses itself within its storylines and fails to address several of the mistakes and plot inconsistencies it leaves behind. Timelines become tangled to the point of being completely discarded and the family tree of characters expands, only to end up evermore confusing. Character development is almost stretched out of shape for few like Snow (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Charming (Josh Dallas), while guests are rushed in and out the door too quickly. Long-time viewers of the show have become more vocal than ever in recent years, expressing disappointment with the production and certain decisions made to continue the overall narrative.

And I suppose people would want to know my thoughts on the 'soft reboot'. Well I'd be lying if I said I wasn't concerned about how the seventh season would turn out, especially with the absence of many fan-favourites including Emma Swan, young Henry Mills (Jared S. Gilmore) and the Charmings. I had my doubts, but still chose to persist with the idea. There were moments during the first few episodes when I felt the low energy draining me. There were moments when the stories looked as if they were dragging on for longer than they usually did. Long story short, I got a little bored. But having learnt so much from the show about faith and hope, I knew not to give up on it. Slowly reaching the mid-season finale, the intensity of the overall plot increased. The new characters earned their respect through short but smooth development. And in spite of its relatively darker presentation, season seven somehow still finds a way to awaken nostalgia and bring about old feelings of warmth and beauty from the first season. I don't blame the executive producers for taking the vastly different direction. I did see the change being appropriate and something that needed to happen. And now I see myself as one of the very few who's still enjoying the ride.

Nonetheless, my number one program has managed to present itself as one of the more steady and well-established shows on television. As opposed to the likes of Teen Wolf and Arrow, which have produced both superlative and atrocious seasons throughout their time, Once Upon A Time balances itself nicely by providing an extremely consistent level of storytelling. The show is quite balanced and each of the seasons are not that different from one another in terms of quality and intricacy. The best stories aren't overly fantastic and the worst are far from terrible. But to me, this matters very little. What does matter is that Once Upon A Time as a whole was and still is, a success. In fact, it was always going to be as huge as it now is from the minute I saw the first promo. I don't know how the creators saw differently to begin with. I personally don't believe there will ever be another show I will love and cherish as much as this one.

THE SERIES I AM CURRENTLY CRAVING THE MOST:

It took a bit of time for me to accept this one. After watching the first couple of episodes, I lost track of keeping up as the schedule failed to meet my comfort. Following the failure to tune into the show on television, I had little to no motivation for chasing it elsewhere. Supergirl around that time couldn't speak loud enough for me to do so. Then came the news about its move from CBS to The CW, the same network responsible for carrying all of Arrow, The Flash and DC' Legends Of Tomorrow. Along with that, was the talk of many crossovers. Exciting news it was and it so happened to give me the good kick up the backside I needed. I suddenly felt I had to start the series again, as it only seemed fair. Given the possibilities and the potential strong links it could share with the other shows, I saw any ignorance to the 'Girl of Steel' leaving me feel incomplete. I saw it never allowing me to enjoy the full experience that the future crossovers would offer. So around a week leading up to the premiere of the second season, I decided to binge-watch the first twenty episodes over the course of three days.

The first two seasons I do consider to have been extremely flawed. Season one more-so. However they are not as bad as they are often made out to be. Season one of Supergirl achieved what just about every television show does in its first season. It became the definition. It had set its ultimate objective. It planted the seeds and nurtured them perfectly enough for us viewers to have taken pleasure in the beautiful green shoots that peeped shortly afterward. These 'green shoots' being characters with distinctive personalities. Kara Danvers (Melissa Benoist) would be bubbly girl we all immediately fall in love with, determined to embrace her identity and make a difference in any way she possibly could. Her adoptive sister Alex (Chyler Leigh) who we too fall in love with, would be seen as a badass agent with a caring heart. Kara's friend Winn (Jeremy Jordan), a computer wiz with a knack for referencing pop culture. Not to mention Kara's boss Cat Grant (Calista Flockhart), a savvy, egotistical business woman who sees the world for what it is and inspires many to do the same.

While falling in love with these characters, everything else was bringing the show down. The CGI was poor. The costumes looked cheap. The dialogue at times was cringeworthy. The antagonists were forgettable. Most importantly, the show-runners couldn't seem to clearly figure out their main demographic. The earlier episodes looked as if they were specifically targeting young, impressionable females. It saw me feeling uncomfortable and had me believing I wasn't invited to watch them. It would change a little during the second half of the season, but it still didn't stop me from sensing that confusion surrounding it. Season two would step in to completely solve that issue, but at the expense of its storytelling. Notwithstanding the change of networks which would lead to a new filming location and a loss of actors and other personnel, many problems encountered for this season were based off poor decisions made by the screenwriters. Storylines were tangled and the show at the time tried so hard to connect with our reality through political agendas, it often came at the cost of losing the connection with its own reality. On top of that, the second season seemed very distant from the first, like it was a completely new beginning.

As for the show's current status, it is slowly but surely improving. Not as much of a surprise given the very low bar they have set themselves to begin with. Season three has so far been able to balance what each of the past two seasons couldn't. More often than not, it has recognised its roots while sharing its content with a larger demographic. Though still needing to learn how to handle some of the material it's responsible for with care, the most recent episodes have fed many hungry fans the stuff they so greatly desired. They have also experimented with new ideas in search of new strengths. Along with the darker atmosphere, Supergirl has lately been able to uncover a raw side to many of our favourite characters including Kara, Alex, J'onn (David Harewood) and even newbie Sam (Odette Annable). It has had us find ways to sympathise with them and feel their pain. Altogether, season three has allowed the action to keep its weight while the drama and emotion reach the next level. As a result, I have recently found the most enjoyment from this show. Despite the good progress, the series still has plenty of faults. But I trust the new head honchos to stamp out as many of them as possible moving forward.

Travis "TJ" James