Heroic Women of Speculative Fiction #6: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

 

Buffy the Vampire Slayer played by Sarah Michelle Gellar

 

 

 

Okay, this may be my favorite guilty pleasure.   What can I say- I love Buffy.  Who else can carry a wooden stake and a lipstick in her purse and look fashionable while kickboxing a vampire's face?  I started watching it out of curiosity when it first air and was prepared to hate it, but it instantly  hooked me.  For the seven wonderful seasons it aired I never stopped loving it-even when the show sideways at times.  The TV show had great casting, from the wonderful Sarah Michelle Gellar as Buffy to the tweedy Giles played by Anthony Stewart Head.  It had a great combination of humor, suspense, action, drama, and mythology,(which included consistent demon/vampire rules).  Buffy was an innocent girl compelled to face horror and darkness because she was chosen.   The one girl in the world chosen to slay the vampires and demons.  So not fair-the world is filled with these evils and she had to carry this all alone?  She did of course.  Buffy saved the world on a weekly basis from vampires, demons, obnoxious jocks, and soured-faced high school principals.   

 

Unlike current "glossy" vampire shows, it showed vampires as being, well, hideous, nasty demons that want to feed on you.  The exceptions to this, Angel, a vampire cursed with a soul, made her fleeting and doomed romance with Angel tolerable.  It was not about vampire love and longing.  The relationship between Angel and Buffy was always doomed, but he had a human soul.  If you are not familiar with the mythology rules on Buffy, if you were turned into a vampire the demon got your body, memories, and even your personality, but it did not get your soul.  The person they killed and turned no longer existed.  This made Angel an acceptable hero and tragic.  Before Angel got his souls back, he was a vicious vampire named Angelus.  When when a gypsy cursed him and his old soul inhabited the body again.  The real person is then restored, but they are still vampires.  No weak misunderstood demon who loves you and just wants to feed on you.   No glorification.   

 

Even in the last couple of years when Spike (another vampire) loved her, her relationship was out of pain and clinical depression.  But Spike loved her so much, that he went to a powerful demon to ask for his soul back.  This relationship was shaky for me, but that fact that she was depressed (being ripped out of paradise with good intentions) made it an acceptable relationship. 

 

Like most heroes, Buffy faced a lot of difficult battles alone.  She never fit in at school.  She was never understood at home.  Never special academically (C average). Buffy was rejected by most of the usual high school cliques, so she was out of step and often mocked by her peers.  Principals did not trust her (it is hard to explain burning down a gym chock full of vampires) and even her mother regarded her as a delinquent.   Thankfully, Buffy had her sidekicks Xander and Willow, plus her mentor, Giles.  Even an outcast needs other outcasts to make a support group. 

 

Like most heroines, Buffy often had to make sacrifices and endure a lot of personal and physical pain.  She did it bravely and accepted her duty.   It was hard, as it ruined her dating life and shopping time.  She protected her friends and family, and all of Sunnydale, even though she knew she wold never get credit for it.  She was human, despite her super powers, and moaned her curfew and lack of a good hair conditioner.  She was devoted to her friends and family.  She would give her life for the ones she loved and the greater good-which she did more than once.  She never whined and slayed vampires into dust with flare and gusto.  I know that the stories have continued in comic book form, but it is not enough.  I miss Buffy.    It had something today's shows are missing-heart.    

 

Until next week, read more fantasy!  And watch some Buffy!

 

Verna McKinnon-Hipps 

 

 

        

 

 

   

Heroic Women of Speculative Fiction #5: Samantha Carter of Stargate SGI & Stargate Atlantis

The Amazing Amanda Tapping as Samantha Carter of Stargate SG1

Samantha Carter.   I miss seeing her every week on Stargate SG1.  People scream about the lack of good role models for young girls, and yet all you have to do is watch some decent science fiction, people!  That's where they are!  Samantha Carter is one of the best role models for women and young girls anywhere, anytime, any galaxy-and Sam Carter has been to more than a few of them.  For 10 happy years on Stargate SG1, and 1 season on Stargate Atlantis, plus two Stargate films, she ruled as one of the great leading heroines of science fiction.

I do not know where to begin in praise of  the fantastic Samantha Carter, one of the major stars of the long running science fiction shows Stargate SGI and Stargate Atlantis.  An Air Force officer, her military rank over the years advanced from Captain, to Major, to Lt. Colonel, Colonel, and finally to Brigadier General.  Oh, and she could also be address as Doctor, since Sam Carter earned her PhD in astrophysics, and was also an engineer and a savvy pilot.  She even commanded a Daedalus class spaceship (if you watched the show you will know what I am talking about).  She invented scientific defenses and was awarded just about every honor an officer could hope for. 

Sam Carter helped save the world and the universe on a regular basis, yet never gloated or bragged about it.  It was just her daily duty.  Duty was important to Sam, as was loyalty, friendship, compassion, and honor.  She was a great friend and possessed a sense of humor.  The character of Samantha Carter is an incredible example of equality for women on television.  She never fought with her male characters about equal treatment or was treated differently in any way.  I loved that.  The writers treated her with respect and equality.  I am so tired of hearing how women have to work twice as hard to get same recognition as men.  It is an old chant that deserves to be obliterated with a laser pistol like a nasty Goa'uld (watch the show and you will know what I am referring to.  Seriously-WATCH IT!) 

Then there was Samantha Carter the warrior.  She fought battles on earth and in space.  She could handle herself in hand to hand combat and could master any weapon, including some powerful alien weaponry.  She could kick ass while punching calculations into her computer and powder her nose all at the same time.  Sam was a brainy scientist that I am sure all the world's geeks and nerds pay homage too.  She was also so damned gorgeous you wanted to hate her-but you can't because she is so wonderful.

I credit much of this to the actress who portrayed Samantha Carter, the fabulous Amanda Tapping.  She is amazing and such an endearing goofball with a great sense of humor.  I love the special features on DVDS because you see these folks off screen and you can tell if they are jerks or wearing a mask or just normal nice people.  Amanda struck me as nice and silly.  You forgive her perfect blond beauty because there is character and personality under all that glamor.  Her subtle but sincere acting gave Samantha depth, and I know that she fought for it.  I mean, in the pilot they had her say a couple of stupid things that the actress did not like and was nothing a feminist would say.  Feminist is a word women need to take back.  We need it today more than ever.  Amanda Tapping worked hard to make Sam Carter not only a worthy and important character, but one that to me is a role model and example of what women should try to achieve.  Forget the mythic warrior and perfection and think about the bedrock of her character.  She was brave, honorable, and worked for what she wanted in life without betrayal or relying on the superficial foundation of looks or nepotism, or stepping on anyone.  She did not accept roadblocks to her life goals.  She pursued them with tenacity and grit.       

I know she sounds mythological, but that is fine.  Most of our greatest heroes are a bit on the myth side.  They are supposed to inspire us!  Sam Carter was very human and had issues like any normal human woman.  She had issues with her father, lost her mother at a young age, and had trouble in the romance department.  I guess it is hard finding the right guy when you are saving the universe.  But that was just background sprinkles for her character.  In science fiction shows like this, the lead actress is not moaning about the lack of a husband or howling in terror of her biological clock.  She has better things to think about, like saving the world from being sucked into a black hole and fighting evil aliens who want to dominate us. Sam had friends and a great life that she enjoyed.  She made her own choices in life.  She was fearless.  She knew what she wanted and did it.  

Not that men did not love her.  Many a human and alien fell for Sam's charms.   Even Jack O'Neill loved her, but their roles as work comrades prohibited their romance.  She was open to love, but also refused to compromise.  Life is complicated, and no one's life is perfect.  But you can try to find a life that is perfect for you.  You can achieve great things in life if you work for it with your whole heart.  That is what Samantha Carter achieved.     

People also complain about the lack of young women entering the fields of science, mathematics, and engineering.   A show like this would encourage young girls to have an interest in science.  Sam Carter made science cool.  And science should be cool!  They did some great things on the show and it can be inspirational to a young mind.  We are often shown images of scientists as being weird, misfits, awkward or wallflowers with poor fashion choices.  They have made being a nerd or geek as something beneath everyone else.  A laughable image that normal people can mock.  This has become a stigma.  I do not like it. Normal never gets anything done anyway.  It is the geeks and nerds who make change in the world.  Hence, I forbid it in the future and you should too.  Sam Carter was none of those things.  Embrace the science! 

I miss seeing Stargate, but I have all the DVDS.  Again, science & technology at work.  So check out some Stargate SG1, one of the better science fictions shows that was ever filmed.  And it was real science fiction!  Aliens, space travel, and a big dash of mythological mystery with Ancients and the Ori makes Sam Carter and her team of intrepid heroes worth checking out.  Plus, it was not dystopic and depressing, and the the main characters were not betraying each other in a doomed storyline.  They were a team, that trusted each other and loved each other.  They never left anyone behind.  They were bonded like glue, and I believe the heart of the bond of that team was Samantha Carter.  Stargate SG1 was about hope and making a better world.

Next week I will review another great strong woman of science fiction and fantasy.  Until then, watch some Stargate SG1!  Enjoy the aliens til then. 

Verna McKinnon
         

      

Heroic Women of Speculative Fiction #4: Juliet Parish of V (the original)

The wonderful Faye Grant as Juliet Parish of V

 

In the 80's (1983-85) there was this great miniseries called V.  V was about us, in modern day US, dealing with alien invasion under the guise of "we come in peace." It was also about heroes and the unsung freedom fighters, to which the first mini series was dedicated.  It was also about heroes and villains that arise in such times.  Some people we just look at on the street and would never guess if they would be a great hero in times of great darkness or a sniveling coward collaborator.  The main characters in the series and its sequels & short-lived but beloved show were not soldiers or beings with super powers.  They were just normal people who found courage.  A street kid, factory worker, teacher, journalist, cop, housewife, and more, became heroes when their world was threatened by alien forces beyond their imagining.

 

I know most of you are more familiar with the recent "reboot" of V, but check out the original two miniseries and show.  It holds up because there was decent writing.  I do not want to hear whining about the lack of fancy CGI effects.  It's about the characters.  One of my favorites in this series was Faye Grant as Juliet Parrish.  She was a main character who at first glance you could never imagine running a resistance, and doing scientific research and being a doctor, all at once. 

 

Juliet is a great example of the unexpected hero.  She is this tiny little blond, and though smart (a med student putting herself through school on scholarships),  you could never imagine she could be tough enough to become a leader of the resistance.  Not even she could!  She was amazed and flummoxed that people, tougher and bigger than her, looked to her to lead them through the darkness.  She was brave in the ways that mattered.  A soldier will understand the trust you put in your fellow comrades at arms.  While stealing some lab equipment, the "visitors' opened fire on her and her companion.  These were advanced laser type weapons.  Her partner was mortally wounded.  She risked her life to drag him into her little car, even shot in the hip and in pain, hauled a man twice her size to safety.  She was not trying to be brave.  She was a soldier who refused to leave one of her own behind.  That was kind of hero Juliet was.  In the series, she was brave though you knew she was scared to death inside.  But she did what was needed.  She did not whine.   She was a hero.  And because of Juliet and her resistance fighters, they had V for Victory.

 

Next week, another great female hero.  Until, read more fantasy and science fiction.  And check out the original V!

 

Verna McKinnon          

 

 

 

 

 

 

                               Heroic Women of Speculative Fiction #3

                                           Polgara the Sorceress

This week, we are moving from TV to the land of literature.  Fantasy is filled with incredible women characters that are a wonderful inspiration.  This week I am reviewing one of my favorites: Polgara the Sorceress.

David & Leigh Eddings created a wonderful magical character in his Belgariad and Mallorean series- Polgara the Sorceress.  The series was so popular that it even had spin offs novels just about Belgarath the Sorcerer, and his daughter, Polgara the Sorceress.   I have posted the book cover above because it is one of the better visual examples of Polgara-beautiful, proud, independent, and strong.

Polgara is a powerful natural sorceress who has devoted her life to protecting the rightful heir to the Rivan throne in Edding's epic saga.  For those interested, the Belargiad is 5 books and the Mallorean is 5 books, plus the individual books on Polgara and her father, Belgarath.  The books are not huge, so it is actually a good read. 

Polgara is extremely complex, noble, volatile, moral, virtuous, lovely, brilliant, and the best cook in the world.  She is a multi-tasker.   She has sacrificed her whole life to protect what is good and the people she loves.  She has sacrificed eons to this task.  Polgara is devoted to saving the world from the evil god, Torak, and his followers.  Magic in this world is normal, but to only a few.  So Polgara is precious.  She is a disciple of one of that world's seven gods, Aldur.  Aldur is the supreme of all the seven gods, and the most caring.  This is a secondary world, so the world is not earth, just earth-like.  So in many ways she is like a great religious figure as well.  Her legend in that world is long, and people adore her-and fear her a little too.   She is funny-though her humor is very dry and subtle.  Whether she is Aunt Pol or Mistress Pol, or Polgara the Sorceress, she is loved and respected. 

Polgara is not a "save me" type of girl.  She saves others.  Polgara is strong and not just magically.  A strong woman is jot just about her fighting capabilities or magical destructive skill.  It is about what is inside and the depth of character.  You had better not prick her temper too.  There are passages in the series when she loses her temper and raises such a thunderstorm that kings, one of which is seven feet tall, cower and run for safety.   The one quirk in this world is that it has some very old fashioned sexist attitudes.  There are a number a smart and strong women in the series, but they are nudged into the shadows by the men.  They still manage to shine, but it is still irritating.  One character that could never be pushed into the shadows was Polgara.  Her reputation one of the great heroes in her world is revered by all.     

Polgara never uses "weapons" but she uses her sorcery to great effect.  The concept of Edding's magic is unique.  It has nothing to do with gods or chants or spells or rituals.  It is the will and the word.  If you have this power, you can do a great deal.  But it also takes discipline and skill, and much practice.  The magic also has limits and consequences too.  There is almost this great element of physics and science in the magical system of Edding's works.  I found this very interesting and loved its application in the novels.   

Polgara's looks are unique.  In the books, many remark on her being a magnificent beauty. Even her ultimate nephew, Garion, thinks his Aunt Pol is the most beautiful woman in the world.  Her long lustrous black hair with the single snowy lock above her brow, fair skin, blue eyes, and voluptuous figure, melodic voice, have encouraged many a poet in her world to praise her.  Despite this, Polgara is never vain about her appearance.          

What is satisfying about the series is that the main characters get what they deserve.  the good suffer sacrifice, loss, and trauma, but are rewarded at the end with a happy ending.  The evil ones suffer the terrible end.  Very satisfying.

So, so yourself a favor and check out this David Edding's classic series!  as it has been around for awhile, you can find it in used or new bookstores and it is also on Kindle.  The books have never been out of print.  There is a reason.  This is good stuff.  Read it.  I will not tell you how many times I have read it.  That's what a good book or book series will do, keep calling you back.  I usually obey.

Until next week, read more fantasy!

Verna McKinnon

   

         

Heroic Women of Speculative Fiction #2: Susan Ivanova of Baylon 5

 

                                        Commander Susan Ivanova

How can you not love Commander Susan Ivanova of Babylon 5?  An officer of great integrity and sacrifice, her character on Babylon 5 was a favorite for many of us-including me.  Her character was strong and thoroughly Russian in character, morose yet determined to do the right thing no matter what the cost  Her humor was dry and if you vexed her, that seething glare would have sent one of the Shadows running for cover.  Do not confront Ivanova in battle, for wrath of god would be inflicted up on you.

For those of you out of the loop on Babylon 5 or the era it was filmed (90's era), find the series on DVD and watch it.  It is worth the time to see real science fiction.  There was an evolution in the 80s through the 90's in science fiction and fantasy on TV that is now sadly lost.  Babylon 5 is not flashy, oh look at the pretty special effects science fiction, though the series was one of the first to use computer generated special effects.  Babylon 5 had a specific 5 year story arc.  There were alien races galore and the main characters are a variety of ages (and alien races).  There is a mix of science fiction, multi-layered characters, mythology, epic battles of dark and light, mystery, political chaos, and heroes that emerge over that time.  The evolution is slower paced but more satisfying.   There were many amazing characters on B-5, as we fans have nicknamed it. 

Commander Ivanova was a fantastic evolution of women on television.  Of course, it was through science fiction that we received that gift.  Ivanova was not a cardboard one-dimensional warrior figure, but a fully developed woman with flaws and gifts.  She had personal tragedy in her past, as many heroes do, but rose above it with her stubborn Russian  sense of duty.  Romance was hinted for her character, but she had a universe to save.  That came first.  You can try to hide secrets from Susan Ivanova, but she sees everything.  So do not even bother, foolish mortal. 

One thing about Ivanova, is that while she had a few secrets of her own, you could always trust her.  That space station would have gone up in flames without her.  Her co-workers respected and admired her, and I think a few even worshipped her.  She was professional and a great example of a female officer. 

We can credit not only the writing of B-5, but the talent of Claudia Christian, who so brilliantly portrayed Commander Ivanova.  She was truly the best person for the role!  We love you, Claudia.   

Alas, will we ever see characters like Susan Ivanova on TV again?  One can hope-but I sadly doubt it.  But thanks to DVD we can cherish the stoic Ivanova standing on the bridge of Babylon 5, facing down the darkness with stoic and unflinching bravery, ready to fight the shadows.

Until next week, read more fantasy (and science fiction)!

Verna McKinnon
     


       




  

 


 

 

Heroic Women in Speculative Fiction #1-Nyota Uhura

                            

 

Heroic Women in Speculative Fiction

 

Lt. Uhura

                                         
What can I say about Uhura of Star Trek?  Goddess of the Federation?  Yes.  Role model to all women?  How can you doubt it.  Iconic? Definitely.  Beautiful and smart?  Always.  Important to all women?  Absolutely!  Even if it took decades to officially give her a first name.

Uhura was one of my earliest influences when Star Trek first aired on TV.  Not only was she a woman and an officer, but she was on the bridge of a star ship!  That was cool.  She started out as a Lieutenant but advanced to the rank of Commander over the years.  Uhura was black and female-and portraying a professional women and an officer in an era that did not care to support or advertise women in powerful roles, much less women of color.  It is so important that she was not the maid, which was sadly the type of roles offered to women of color in that time.   Nichelle Nichols was also the first African American woman cast as a regular in a television show who was not in a menial role.  People take these things for granted now.  She was an equal in an era of inequality for women and race.  We love her because she not only gave women everywhere hope to be something more, but because there was warmth and humanity in her character as well, which sprang from the actress herself.  We love you Nichelle Nichols. 

Uhura's character and the actress who played her deserves a galaxy of tribute.  Uhura was brave and stoic, but that was only part of her appeal.  Though she was Starfleet officer, she never lost an ounce of her femininity or her authority.  She was warm and caring.  There was nothing stereotypical about the character or the way Nichelle Nichols played her.  She was not the helpless female that TV so often shown on television.  Despite many sexist attitudes that existed in that time, happily Uhura did not fall into those same traps.  It is important that Uhura was in a respected position.  She did not just answer the phone.  As an officer, Uhura had people under her command and was a linguist of skill.   She was not just the wife or girlfriend of the space scenario.  Uhura's character was free of those stereotypes.  It was refreshing.

Perhaps that is why characters like Uhura are so important.  I never understood why women had to be portrayed as weaker or not as important.  As a young child, I did not care what color she was.   I never understood why it mattered, yet it did to society.   Another reason why Uhura was important.  I was also becoming aware, even at a young age how women were portrayed on TV.  These things bugged me and still do to this day!  I am weary of romantic comedies or dramas where a woman's life is not fullfuilled unless she has a husband or a baby.  There is more to life.  Uhura did not moan about boyfriends or wanting a baby to make her life worth living.  There are elements of that attitude that are still in force.   Tune into any show with a young cast, and there is a lot of stereotype and shallowness going on with female characters, or they are just the tough lawyer or doctor.  Or a mom.  Don't get me wrong, I respect moms.  They are important.  But the entertainment world is narrowing the focus on women and their place even today, forcing us to fit into little easy open character boxes that they can easily control so they can feel in power. 

I do not like to be controlled, thank you very much.  I'll keep my power too.

I never knew about the difficulty Roddenberry and Nichelle's character faced until I was an adult.  Many years ago when I was in college, I  had the opportunity to see Gene Roddenberry lecture.  I was thrilled.  I learned a lot about how stupid TV executives can be.  He talked about the trouble he had convincing the studio to have a multicultural crew for Star Trek.  He spoke about how the studio executives insisted Roddenberry get rid of Uhura and that guy with the pointed ears.  So tragic and unfair how small minds singled out what became two of the most important and  fan favorite characters on the show.  It is a miracle Roddenberry saved Uhura and Spock from oblivion, but thank heavens and the alpha quadrant that he did!

Uhura was a strong women without martial arts or super powers, which makes her even more special.    There is a whole universe of possibilities, thanks to Star Trek and Uhura.  The courage of Gene Roddenberry fighting for her deserves a medal of bravery.  Uhura showed us that we can be anything we want to me-and that is what's important.  Uhura lived that dream.  The beautiful and talented Nichelle Nichols that played her gave us something very precious.  We must treasure that always.
 
Next week, a different heroine!  Until then, read more fantasy!  And enjoy some classic Star Trek.

Verna McKinnon




 

      

The Importance of Heroines

Greetings Familiar Friends,

As I will be in the process of doing a few polish edits for my new publisher and awaiting updates for the re-release of Gate of Souls from Sky Warrior Books, I decided that I will do a series on some of my favorite female characters in science fiction and fantasy.  These amazing heroines will be from many genres: TV, film, comics, and novels.  I will focus on a new favorite heroine each week.   Heroic females are a mainstay of my writings.   There are many different types of strong women in fantasy, and what makes them strong is not just kickboxing or that they carry swords.  I will do an in depth review of these characters that I love and admire.  These women are part of my inspiration.  I hope they will become yours too. 

I also dedicate these weekly heroic females profiles to my fellow geek girls in the world.  You never get the recognition you deserve.  I have always loved science fiction and fantasy.  I read it.  I write it.  I love gaming.   I love the imaginative artwork.  It makes me happy.  It is me.  I am a geek girl and proud.

I will post the first of my tributes to the science fiction &  fantasy heroic woman each Thursday starting October 16.   So check out my Heroic Women in Speculative Fiction post each week for some inspiration, a new perspective, and a jolt of courage.


More later.  Until then, read more fantasy!


Verna McKinnon