Confessions of a Grown-Up Fangirl

Happy New Year everyone!!! 2010 was a great year in books, music, television and movies, and I am really looking forward to all of the entertainment goodies that await me in 2011. Just in case you are interested, here is a list of the things I’m most looking forward to fangirling about in 2011.

The Quibbler headlines the MoM's declaration that Harry is "Undesirable No. 1"

First thing’s first: HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS – PART 2 (c’mon now, you knew this would be first in the list!):  The end of 2010 brought Harry Potter fans part 1 of the adaptation of the final HP novel, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. While DHP1 was probably one of the best films in the series, for me it only cemented the fact that Part 2 will be EPIC in terms of storytelling and properly closing out the franchise. I am very much looking forward to the scenes in Gringott’s Bank, Harry’s walk towards death, Snape’s memories, and – oh yes – Ron and Hermione’s much anticipated kiss. However, I do not look forward to the sense of loss I will feel when the closing credits begin to play, and will probably sit through until the very end just to confirm to myself that yes, it is indeed over.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn: I have to admit that in regard to Breaking Dawn, I’m only interested in seeing it because I want to see how in the world this story will translate onscreen, period. Anyone who knows me knows that while I loved the novel at first glance, the more and more I pondered how the final chapter in Bella’s story was told, the more and more I disliked it, and my dislike for Breaking Dawn eventually killed my fangirl love for the series as a whole. I still like the story, but the way that Stephenie Meyer completely changes her characters in the final novel just didn’t sit right with me, and because of this I’ve had almost no interest in any news regarding the fourth-and-fifth films in the franchise. However, me being who I am, I wouldn’t feel right not seeing the franchise through until the very end, so here’s hoping that the onscreen version of BD will peak my interest again long enough for me to sit through the film. Also, any chance to drool over Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner and Kellan Lutz is okay with me.

“Supernatural”: 2010 also brought an unexpected treat for “Supernatural” fans, as the always-underrated but highly popular CW show was renewed for a sixth season (it was originally supposed to be a five-season show). Sam and Dean were able to stop the coming Apocalypse, but not without heavy losses and serious consequences. Fans who were expecting a Sam/Dean reunion only got part of what they wanted, as Sam returned a bit…different than he was when he left. This turn of events has given us a different look at the brothers Winchester, and I absolutely love not knowing what to expect with these two. The show is currently on winter hiatus, but will be back on January 28th to draw fans back into the increasing conflict and drama, and I for one will be glued to the television set when it does.

“Vampire Diaries”: I can’t even begin to state how much I am enjoying this show right now!!! When VD was first being pitched, I really thought this would be a Twilight ripoff (yes, I know that the VD books were written WAY before Twilight, but since Twilight hit the screen first, you know…). However, this show is what Twilight wants to be but never will. The writers for this show have taken the L.J. Smith’s story and expanded it in ways I never expected, and I LOVE it!! The Elena/Stefan/Damon/Katherine storyline stays fresh and interesting, and Nina Dobrev is amazing pulling double duty between being sinfully sweet Elena and wickedly irresistible Katherine. The promos for the second half of season 2 looks very promising, as we will see what happens when Tyler shifts for the first time, and the “I-saw-it-coming” love triangle between Tyler/Caroline/Matt. It also looks like Rose will have an interesting storyline to deal with as well when the show returns to TV January 27th.

“V”: FINALLY returns to TV on Tuesday night after a too-damn-long hiatus! ABC re-aired the last episode of “V”, and I think the accompanying promo for the new episodes have gotten me excited for this show again. Anna is angry and hell-bent on destroying the humans, and it will be fun to watch what happens as she also struggles with the fact that she is experiencing the unexpected: human emotion. I’m not completely hooked on this show yet, but I’m invested enough to continue watching to see where it will go.

Aeternitas 2011 : Aeternitas is a Harry Potter fan convention that will take place in Laconia, N.H. the last weekend in April. I’m very excited to attend this event, as there will be nothing but HP fans in attendance and since it’s a smaller convention, there will be more chances for me to really get to know some of the online friends I’ve had for years.

Eyecon Vampire Diaries: Eyecon was one of the very first themed fan conventions I had been to, and to this day it has been one of – if not the best convention I’ve ever been to. The smaller size of attendees lends to a more intimate setting, where fans actually get the chance to “hang out” with the guests in attendance. Eyecon 2008 was Supernatural themed, and I got a chance to chat in length with Jim Beaver (Bobby) and Samantha Ferris (Ellen Harvelle), and hung out with some of the others stars from the show. It was truly a great experience, and one that I’m hoping to repeat in March when Eyecon comes to Atlanta for its first ever Vampire Diaries convention. Any chance that I get to fully geek out and fangirl – especially in my own back yard – I’m all for it!!

CREATION Salute to Supernatural, Nashville: As much as the high prices of Creation Cons make me cringe, the fact that they are bringing a Supernatural convention down south – with BOTH Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles – is too much of a good thing for me to miss.

Dragon*Con: My home away from home for the past 3 years, Dragon*Con is my “must-attend” event every year. I have gotten to know so many cool people because of this convention, and it is always one of the best weekends of the year for me.

There’s certainly a lot more that I’m looking forward to in 2011, but I will post some of those later. My goal is to do a better job keeping up this blog this year, and I hope that you guys will continue to come along for the ride.