![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
I need a Roman Holiday: Rome (the TV series)
Sometime in the last few days, I caught a glimpse of something over Te's shoulder -- we're still sharing time on her computer, though I should be home by the end of the week -- someone on LJ was saying how they felt badly for spending time on anything fannish, in the midst of the Katrina disaster and the ensuing Katrina debacle.
Te and I -- despite the fact that we have been tag-teaming to get the word out to people on LJ, people in our offline lives, and assorted elected officials for the past few days -- both immediately agreed that no, *NO*, now more than ever, we all *need* to take time out in between whatever constructive work we're doing. Whatever gives us fannish joy under ordinary circumstances is all the more important now, because it's so easy to feel levels of frustration and despair that cripple our ability to keep going, when the situation is as dire as it is.
And that's my message to you all: Whatever you enjoy, don't abandon it. Go back and read a favourite story, or discover a new one, or gaze at some fanart, or all three. If you feel moved to create something new, so much the better. But in any case feel no shame. (And I'm totally not just saying that because today is my birthday and I plan to take some time to enjoy it.) Don't let yourself get burned out.
In my case, the main fannish thing I've done lately (aside from the habitual daily conversations Te and I have about our favourite DC comics characters) was watching the pilot episode of HBO's new series Rome over the weekend, as well as specials on the making of the series and the roles of slaves and women in Roman society in Caesar's time, and the premiere of the second episode Sunday night.
Others around LJ, including Te, have pointed out the stunning attention paid to historical details (the set-painting, the costumes-design, the way the extras who play ordinary soldiers are trained, not to mention the centrality of the Forum to Roman life even when the Senate was not in session), the fabulous acting and writing and direction, the pretty people to get one's fannish self attached to, and, assuredly not least, the rife opportunities for slash that abounded even after only one episode. This is not going to be like other productions about Rome which have historically (heh) pussy-footed around issues of sexuality.
But what sells me most on this show, honestly? It shares my sense of humour. Two examples, both from the second episode but only spoilery in the vaguest way:
There's one female character, a mother, who torments her grown daughter with manipulation as well as with her hypocritically licentious ways. At a dinner party, mummy dearest prompted the moping daughter to engage one of mom's numerous illicit lovers in conversation -- "Ask him a question!"
Jack: "Well, [lover's name, mild spoiler], is my mother any good in bed?"
Daughter character: "Does my mother's screaming annoy you? When you're in bed together."
Jack and Te: ::laughed out loud::
(And now the second example.)
Earlier in the episode, Mark Antony had halted his marching troops so that he could go behind the (scant) cover of a tree and have his way with a shepherdess whose flock they were passing in the countryside. Later, on the march again, Mark Antony led his troops on horseback as they forded a river. A young boy was on the opposite bank, fishing, and regarded the procession of troops curiously.
Jack: "Look out, little boy, Mark Antony is coming!"
Mark Antony: ::winks ostentatiously at the boy::
Jack and Te: ::screamed with laughter::
A show that validates my own sense of humour that spectacularly? Is going to keep me coming back.
(And if somebody were to write me Pullo/Vorenus, I would be a very happy Jack indeed. ...Did I mention it's my birthday?)
Te and I -- despite the fact that we have been tag-teaming to get the word out to people on LJ, people in our offline lives, and assorted elected officials for the past few days -- both immediately agreed that no, *NO*, now more than ever, we all *need* to take time out in between whatever constructive work we're doing. Whatever gives us fannish joy under ordinary circumstances is all the more important now, because it's so easy to feel levels of frustration and despair that cripple our ability to keep going, when the situation is as dire as it is.
And that's my message to you all: Whatever you enjoy, don't abandon it. Go back and read a favourite story, or discover a new one, or gaze at some fanart, or all three. If you feel moved to create something new, so much the better. But in any case feel no shame. (And I'm totally not just saying that because today is my birthday and I plan to take some time to enjoy it.) Don't let yourself get burned out.
In my case, the main fannish thing I've done lately (aside from the habitual daily conversations Te and I have about our favourite DC comics characters) was watching the pilot episode of HBO's new series Rome over the weekend, as well as specials on the making of the series and the roles of slaves and women in Roman society in Caesar's time, and the premiere of the second episode Sunday night.
Others around LJ, including Te, have pointed out the stunning attention paid to historical details (the set-painting, the costumes-design, the way the extras who play ordinary soldiers are trained, not to mention the centrality of the Forum to Roman life even when the Senate was not in session), the fabulous acting and writing and direction, the pretty people to get one's fannish self attached to, and, assuredly not least, the rife opportunities for slash that abounded even after only one episode. This is not going to be like other productions about Rome which have historically (heh) pussy-footed around issues of sexuality.
But what sells me most on this show, honestly? It shares my sense of humour. Two examples, both from the second episode but only spoilery in the vaguest way:
There's one female character, a mother, who torments her grown daughter with manipulation as well as with her hypocritically licentious ways. At a dinner party, mummy dearest prompted the moping daughter to engage one of mom's numerous illicit lovers in conversation -- "Ask him a question!"
Jack: "Well, [lover's name, mild spoiler], is my mother any good in bed?"
Daughter character: "Does my mother's screaming annoy you? When you're in bed together."
Jack and Te: ::laughed out loud::
(And now the second example.)
Earlier in the episode, Mark Antony had halted his marching troops so that he could go behind the (scant) cover of a tree and have his way with a shepherdess whose flock they were passing in the countryside. Later, on the march again, Mark Antony led his troops on horseback as they forded a river. A young boy was on the opposite bank, fishing, and regarded the procession of troops curiously.
Jack: "Look out, little boy, Mark Antony is coming!"
Mark Antony: ::winks ostentatiously at the boy::
Jack and Te: ::screamed with laughter::
A show that validates my own sense of humour that spectacularly? Is going to keep me coming back.
(And if somebody were to write me Pullo/Vorenus, I would be a very happy Jack indeed. ...Did I mention it's my birthday?)