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About Us: Ariel Williams

Next up in our holiday Q&A is our newest writer, Ariel Williams!

What area of the world do you live in, and what do you do in real life? (Because we all know you don't make any money doing this.)

I live in boring New Jersey, but my heart is in Sunshine Coast, Australia with the kangaroos. I’m currently studying psychology in university (but I promise I’m not psycho-analyzing anyone in the comment section!)

What show or shows are you covering for Doux Reviews? Why those particular shows?

I cover The Magicians. I always liked the premise of The Magicians: the idea of a fantasy show that examines the mental health of its characters through magical symbolism, that examines the consequences of its characters’ actions and always holds them accountable. And I wanted to cover it because, not only did I genuinely like the show, but I was also eager to take the time to better understand what it was saying.

Which TV character do you identify with the most, and why?

Diane from Bojack Horseman. Just like Diane, I’ve got a healthy mix of idealism and pessimism, I hold people to unrealistically high standards (including myself), and have an innate need to find a way to help the world (even if I continually fail at that). We also both seem to enjoy analyzing the consequences of media (both positive and negative), we’re both prone to existential crises, and are both attempting a career in writing. But I don’t have Diane’s huge anger issue and I’m more of a cat person.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be, and how would you use it?

I’d want the ability to stop time. I’d stop time and go back to sleep in the morning. I’d stop time during a test and find the answers. I’d stop time and steal and eat food from a restaurant. I’d read and watch television and take extra time for my work. I’d take a break in the middle of an annoying conversation. If I get into a political debate I can look up statistics on any little thing. So I’d just cheat and sleep and steal and make myself seem smarter than I am.

What's your favorite television show of all time? (Okay, top few will do if you can't narrow it down to one.)

Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I watched it with my mom when I was kid (probably young enough that I shouldn’t have been watching it). I loved it as a kid, and when I reencountered it as an adult I was finally able to understand why it was so great. How it was melding genres so expertly and using gimmicks so effectively and how much it’s influenced TV now. It’s the first show I fell in love with and the first show that showed me all that TV and fiction can do, so it’ll always be my favorite.

What is your favorite reality show, and why?

I’m not huge into reality shows. In middle school me and my friend would marathon America’s Next Top Model, so I guess I’ll go with that.

Marvel or DC?

The only DC show I watch is iZombie (because of Rob Thomas), so I guess Marvel by default? I have nothing against DC, but I loyally watch Agents of SHIELD, Jessica Jones, and Legion, and I think I’ve watched more Marvel movies in recent years.

Cats or dogs? Or is there some other animal involved?

I love most animals, but I’m definitely a cat person. Cats are perfect beings who should be loved in the highest regard. We don’t deserve them, yet they grace us with their existence. And my cats are the best, obviously.

What random skill would our readers be surprised to know you have?

I think I’m pretty unskilled. I used to be okay at these things called crystal sticks (maybe spelled “crystal stix”?). They’re kinda like devil sticks; I got them at a Renaissance fair as a kid. But I haven’t touched them in years. So yeah, pretty unskilled.

What is your most wished for holiday gift?

I don’t know if it’s my most wished for, but I would sure appreciate it if a kind stranger paid off my student loans.

6 comments:

  1. What a fun read, Ariel. I'm so glad you joined us, and I'm really enjoying your Magicians reviews.

    And hey -- Buffy! Cats! And I grew up in the Atlantic City area of New Jersey! And wow, can I identify with your most wished for holiday gift. I'm sure I'm not the only one.

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  2. I've never found New Jersey boring. Maybe that's because 90% of the time I spend in the state is on the NJ Turnpike. *shudders* Of all the words that describe that roadway, boring is not one of them.

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  3. I'm adding 'Psychoanalysis' to the list of resources available through the Agents of D.O.U.X.

    :)

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  4. I love how like half of us have said Buffy is our favorite series. Buffy's just the best. THE BEST.

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  5. I have really been enjoying your reviews of Magicians! Thank you so much for covering it- your reviews are great! The show really resonates with me and I love reading your take on it.

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  6. Thanks so much! I'm glad you like them! The show really resonates with me, too!

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