Tag: high castle

SGS: Awesome Supporting Characters

It’s time for another Seriously Geeky Sunday brought to you by the creative Heather at geeking-by.net!

This week was so much fun (don’t I say that about every week?). There is a lot of High Castle in this one! 

2nd August – Supporting Roles

Up until now we’ve talked about all sorts of characters and this week we’re giving some love to the supporting roles in fandoms, the minor characters, the NPCs and the sidekicks. The smaller parts that are necessary for the whole thing to work.

Who is your favourite sidekick?

This is a tough one. As I close my eyes and make a mental note of all my favorite superheroes, I find that most of the time, their sidekicks are regulated to annoying catch phrases or stupidity. After much thought (and sifting through a bunch irritating characters), I remembered The Witcher!

Jaskier, the traveling bard who follows Geralt around. He is hilarious without annoying me (trust me when I say, that in itself, is no small feat!). And need I say more:

Who is your favourite minor character or NPC (non-played character)?
  • Erich Raeder from The Man in the High Castle.
  • Rue from the Hunger Games
  • Alfred Bester from Babylon 5
  • Weyoun from Star Trek: DS9
  • Yoshida from The Man in the High Castle

Why I find Erich Raeder so interesting

He was loyal to Smith without question. He was one of the few people that Smith actually cared about, which shows how important he was. He risked his life (while suffering from multiple gunshot wounds) to give Smith his gun, which ended up saving Smith’s life. 

I’ll never forget the scene when Smith says in his low, husky voice, “There’s something I need you to do for me” in Season 2. He was entrusted to plan and stage Thomas Smith’s kidnapping so that Smith’s son could live out the rest of his life somewhere else. 

Raeder and Smith just before they are ambushed in Season 2

I was CRUSHED when he died in Season 3. I wanted to see more of his backstory. How did he grow to be so loyal to Smith? 

Which minor character do you wish had more ‘screen’ time?

Every character I listed in the previous question, but I’ll name another one that I’d like to have seen more of.

Major Klemm from The Man in the High Castle

He was Erich’s temporary replacement in Season 1 while Erich was in the hospital. I wanted to see more of him. I was hoping we’d get to see him in Season 3 spying on Rockwell under Smith’s bidding (or assassinating him in NYC in a suspenseful side plot…This sounds like a good idea for a fan fic!).

Smith (left) and Klemm (right) after the ambush in Season 2
What is your favourite scene with a minor character?

The scene in High Castle Season 4 when Chief Inspector Kido had a beer with his son while watching a baseball game. It was great to see that side of the stoic Kido, but the focus here is minor characters, so I’ll talk about his son. The poor man was obviously suffering from a mixture PTSD and guilt. I truly loved that bonding moment with his father. 

Kido with his son enjoying a beer and ball game.
What has been your favourite cameo role?

It will always be the time when Tom Hiddleston appeared as Loki at SDCC 2013.

Always.

Loki surprising the crowd with an appearance at SDCC 2013
If you could have someone play a cameo role in anything what would it be?

Rufus Sewell being a guest on FOXHOLE COMPANION@FOXHOLECOMPANI1 He is a riot and would fit right in!

About FOXHOLE COMPANION
Daniel Stewart and Simon Rance
The podcast that brings you the chronological history of WWII through the medium of film!

SGS: Galaxy Adventures!

Apollo 11 launch – Photo by NASA

Today’s prompt is near and dear to my heart. I have always been fascinated by space. Fifteen year old Queen Grasshopper’s room was plastered with Nasa posters, one of which, I still have to this day (I’ve been meaning to frame it after all these years). My ceiling was covered in glow in the dark stars, and I’d lay in bed just gazing at them.

Would I ever go to space?
Would there be a colony on the moon by the time I was 40?
Would we go to Mars?

July 19th – Galaxy Adventures

Tomorrow is National Moon Day, the anniversary of when Apollo 11 landed on the moon. It’s a day in our history when our world got that bit bigger and that means it’s time to talk about adventures in Galaxies Far Far Away.

What is your favourite sci-fi fandom?

Sci-Fi fandoms can be wonderful, and they can also be hard–I mean it is only natural that a group of passionate people have their differences! This is a tough question because I’ve made so many lifelong friends through the various sci-fi fandoms that I’ve been a part of over the years. 

I have traded gifts with friends (most of whom are on the other side of the pond 😉 ). I’m always on the look out for gifts to send to a select few during my travels, but 2020 has thrown a wrench into that for now. I look forward to the day I can peruse a gift shop in some far away state!

Through fandoms, I’ve laughed, I’ve created art, I’ve had arguments (I mean..who hasn’t?), and I’ve been introduced to new ways of thinking–opening up my mind to become the kind person that I am today. 

So in answer to this question, I’ll look back at the good times and name my top three.

1. High Castle
2. Star Trek 
3. Babylon 5 Psi Corps/Bester fandom

Runner up
Star Wars – many fond memories of my teens and early twenties of creating stories with my friends and doing group cosplays on Halloween. I still have the Jedi costume that was tailor made for me!

What is your favourite fictional planet?

The Martian Congressional Republic
Mars from The Expanse – I love how militaristic they are. I love how their society is one of do what’s best for everyone; in other words, Group Think. They are fascinating to me and I love any and every shot of Mars in that show! I look forward to seeing how the events of the show play out for them. I’m a little worried, ha ha!

Who is your favourite alien character?

This is impossible to pick just one, so I’ll name a few.

  • Weyoun from Star Trek: DS9
  • The alien queen from Alien
  • The predator from Predator
  • Kira from Star Trek: DS9
What is your favourite alien species?

This should come as no surprise to those who follow me: Vorta and Romulans. They’re sneaky, cunning, conniving, and attractive. 😉

What alien creature would you like to have as a pet?

Tribbles: they are cute, fluffy, and purr. Need I say more?

My family of tribbles
What is the most visually stunning alien landscape you’ve seen in a fandom?

I’ll have to go with any landscape involving the protomolecule from The Expanse. I love the glowing blue tones and the orbs; everything is so eerie yet beautiful. I love it!

SGS: Summer!

Summer has always been my favorite season! I love the warm weather, the sunshine, and of course, beaches. It’s not like I paint them or anything 😉

July 12th – Summer Time

It’s summertime in the western hemisphere so this week we’re thinking about the warmer time of year and tropical climates.

What is your favourite summer movie?

Mad Max: Fury Road – Yes, it’s a summer movie in my book, the most badass summer movie ever created! I remember when I saw it in theatres. I felt like it was written specifically for me because it had everything I ever wanted in a post apocalyptic world: crazy warriors decked out in bizarre armor, check. Insane vehicles with metal armor and weapons, check. Fast paced sequences with an action packed soundtrack, check.

I mean, check out the Doof Wagon in all its glory complete with metal riffs that shoot flames. 

What is your favourite summer scene/moment from a fandom? This could be something specific to hot weather i.e. trip to the beach or a holiday/road trip, or something that happened during the summertime.

The entire Black Panther movie because there are too many amazing scenes (and beautiful sets) to choose from! It’s one of my favorite MCU films.

What is your favourite fictional tropical location?

This is like picking my favorite cake…can I have all of them? 

I truly enjoy the art of anime beaches. They’re always so beautiful, sparkling, and the animators know how to capture the essence of tropical paradise. It’s been a long time since I’ve watched anime, so I am racking my brain (and google) for specific scenes I remember, but I’m coming up short. 

I just love the way water looks in animation, and this has inspired me to attempt to do some digital beaches in the near future.

On a side note, searching “anime beach” brings up stuff that I don’t want to put on my blog, ha ha, so sadly, I don’t have a screencap. You can google anime beaches at your own peril. 😉

If you could go on holiday to any fictional place where would it be?

Risa in Star Trek Online, especially their summer event (I probably missed it this year). It’s so much fun to explore, and you can fly around in a jet pack!

Which fictional characters would you choose for a road trip?

Bester, The Smiths, Katniss & Peeta, and Loki!

Pick a fandom and create an ice cream flavour based on it!

My first instinct is Neapolitan for The Man in the High Castle, but since we get to create a flavor, let me break out my sketch book!

Die Nebenwelt Swirl

Enjoy a refreshing vanilla treat with swirls of blueberry flavor! It is a must have while visiting Die Nebenweltland!

SGS: What’s Your Cup of Coffee?

Today’s prompt was a labyrinth of discovering scenes I enjoy in a genre that is not my cup of coffee. Thank you, Heather, for this exercise in critical thinking! I tend to forgo romance in fiction for something else (almost anything else, which shows you just how much it isn’t my flavor!). 

Seriously Geeky Sunday is brought to you by the creative Heather at geeking-by.net!

July 5th – Romance is in the air

July 6th is International Kissing Day so today we’re diving into the world romance this week.

Who is your favourite couple?

John/Helen from The Man in the High Castle

What is your favourite romantic scene?

As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, romance is not my cup of coffee. When I know a long, drawn out romantic scene is coming, my first instinct is to skip it because I’d rather have 5 minutes of plot than 5 minutes of nothing (it’s just boring to me; there is no other way to put it 😉 ). 

However, there are rare times when I appreciate these sorts of scenes, and Ed/Jack in The Man in the High Castle is one of those times. I was happy Ed found someone and could be happy in that world. He was the nicest character (along with Thomas) and deserved nothing but the best and to live out the rest of his days with Jack in peace. 

What is the perfect fictional place for a romantic date?

Since Disneyland isn’t fictional, I’m going to have to put my thinking cap on. 

It would have to be exploring Westeros on the backs of dragons from Fire & Blood by George R. R. Martin. Imagine the wind against your face as you laugh with your significant other, soaring through the air. You gaze down at Riverrun and Winterfell as the air grows colder, but your blood is fire, and you don’t feel it. You eventually make your way to The Wall and cross over beyond it. The pair of you find a forgotten field, blanketed with snow and let loose dragonfire. 

Soaring over the East coast during the Great Polar Vortex of 2018
Some romantic scenes are adorable, and then some are just plain awkward. What’s the most awkward scene you can recall?

99% of them are awkward. I’ll have to go with any time Gale tries to hit on Katniss in the Hunger Games trilogy. He is the stereotypical “nice guy,” and it’s just creepy. It is obvious she feels she has to kiss him because of it. I’m going to prove my point by this excerpt…I mean, look WHEN he decides to pull his creepy “nice guy” stunt.

What is your favourite wedding scene?

We skipped most of the Pam/Jim wedding episode in the Office if that provides a hint of things…none of them? 😉 Okay, okay, I’ll play nice! I have literally been sitting here for ten minutes trying to think of one. It’s time to write my own.

Pick a fandom and play kiss/marry/avoid!

Now this is a fun one! I feel like I’m young again! And thank you, Heather, for changing the last one to avoid. 

I’ll pick Babylon 5

  • Kiss – Psi Cop from that fun Psi Corps commercial
  • Marry – Bester (this should not surprise anyone)
  • Avoid – Sheridan

SGS: Fictional Fathers

Today is Father’s Day in the US. This is your reminder to call your dads 😉

June 21st – Father Figures

As it’s Father’s Day today, we’re celebrating the father figures in our fandoms. The good, the bad and the downright bonkers ones.

Who is your favourite fictional dad?

This should come as no surprise to anyone. Can I get a drum roll, please?

John Smith from The Man in the High Castle.

He loved his children and was willing to do anything to protect them. He was active in their lives, and can I just mention a certain scene in Season 4 where I always burst out laughing?

Jennifer has a male friend over and puts on an “illegal” record. Loud music permeates through the apartment as the two start dancing. Her sister Amy runs out of her room, and the two girls start screaming at each other. The friend follows them into the hallway, and the front door opens to reveal Smith walking into the apartment in the midst of the chaos. 

Who is your favourite evil dad?

John Smith. Yes, he is evil

Who is your favourite father figure/mentor?

Captain Sisko from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

I have always thought of him as a father figure. The bond between him and his son Jake was strong and unique. Sisko was always there for him. He always had something intelligent to say when Jake had questions (the scene where Jake says the Bajoran religion is stupid comes to mind. Sisko explains why they worship the prophets so that he can understand where Bajorans coming from).

Who is your favourite unconventional father/mentor?

Haymitch – is a father figure (in a way) to Peeta and Katniss. He’s ill tempered and brash, but he cares about them and does what he can within that dystopian world to ensure at least one of them survives.

What is your favourite child/father scene? 

The scene in High Castle Season 2 where Smith takes Thomas to the lake with intentions of euthanizing him (sickening, I know). Thomas starts talking about normal worries and woes of teenage life, and the camera zooms in on Smith. You can see him make the decision to protect his son with the sudden, determined intensity in his posture. He wants his son to experience those teenage problems, teenage love, and life itself.  

What is your favourite quote from a fandom about fathers/by a father?

I don’t have a favorite quote, but I do have a favorite episode based around a son’s love for his father (and vise versa). 

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, The Visitor

I confess that it honestly took me forever to watch this episode because I knew I’d become a basket case, overwhelmed with emotion. When I finally watched it, I was glad I did. I know I’ll need a tissue box if I explain it, so I’m linking wikipedia’s synopsis.

I just got teary eyed trying to find a good screencap!