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lynatiAfter 76 reviews, I’m sure the reader has taken note of many of the high points of “Gargoyles”, including the strength of its animation, the talent of its voice actors, and the surprising composure of its plot arcs. So I will simply ramble on impact the show had on me personally.
More than any teacher I ever had, the show inspired me to embark on an educational voyage investigating everything from the literature of Shakespeare to the history of the Mayan empire to comparative anatomy, in search of what the “reality” of the fantasy universe of Gargoyles must have been.
Yes, I found it *that* compelling. Parents, let this be a lesson to you: there is no better way to engage your child (or yourself!) in learning than to pique their interest in an original manner- and there are few things that balance magic, science, true history, and world-wide myth as well as “Gargoyles” does.
As to why I found such inspiration…
There are shades of grey that most “children’s” shows refuse to recognize- rather than glossing over feelings like hatred and grief, the show’s characters attempted to help one another cope. Good guys were capable of making the wrong choice for the wrong reasons; the main antagonist, a man primarily motivated by greed and a lust for power, never fell into the typical villain’s obsession with revenge- he considered it a “sucker’s game”. David Xanatos never did anything underhanded just for the sake of being evil; there was always solid reasoning behind his actions.
Gargoyles as a species were born (or hatched, rather) with an instinctual need to protect. Even betrayed from their allies- and within their own ranks, for humans do not hold a patent on treachery or perfidy- and the resulting death of most of their clan, the handful who were bespelled in 994 immediately adopted Manhattan as their new protectorate when they awoke from the enchantment. A city whose reaction to the gargoyles when their presence was revealed was a far cry from hailing them as heroes for their noble actions.
Goliath’s clan only wanted to be accepted for who and what they were- a desire that one need not have wings or a tail to sympathize with. I believe it was this simple underlying theme that is the reason why ten years later it remains so meaningful to so many. The show spoke volumes to those in the audience who felt the same way- misunderstood, unappreciated, unwelcome...disliked for not fitting the image of what society expects of its population when all they wished to do was serve that society with their abilities.
Above all the show sent the message that no matter what the odds, or how difficult the road, you had to stay true to your own purpose. From Gargoyles, I took away a reaffirmation of the belief that no matter how one’s sculpture, or drawing, or writing –whatever you do that you feel defines you - is received by society, you shouldn’t stop doing it. No matter what obstacles you face, you have to keep persevering because your reason d’etre is as vital to you as the air you breathe- and to give it up would be just deadly.
-Lynati, Oct 16 2004
More than any teacher I ever had, the show inspired me to embark on an educational voyage investigating everything from the literature of Shakespeare to the history of the Mayan empire to comparative anatomy, in search of what the “reality” of the fantasy universe of Gargoyles must have been.
Yes, I found it *that* compelling. Parents, let this be a lesson to you: there is no better way to engage your child (or yourself!) in learning than to pique their interest in an original manner- and there are few things that balance magic, science, true history, and world-wide myth as well as “Gargoyles” does.
As to why I found such inspiration…
There are shades of grey that most “children’s” shows refuse to recognize- rather than glossing over feelings like hatred and grief, the show’s characters attempted to help one another cope. Good guys were capable of making the wrong choice for the wrong reasons; the main antagonist, a man primarily motivated by greed and a lust for power, never fell into the typical villain’s obsession with revenge- he considered it a “sucker’s game”. David Xanatos never did anything underhanded just for the sake of being evil; there was always solid reasoning behind his actions.
Gargoyles as a species were born (or hatched, rather) with an instinctual need to protect. Even betrayed from their allies- and within their own ranks, for humans do not hold a patent on treachery or perfidy- and the resulting death of most of their clan, the handful who were bespelled in 994 immediately adopted Manhattan as their new protectorate when they awoke from the enchantment. A city whose reaction to the gargoyles when their presence was revealed was a far cry from hailing them as heroes for their noble actions.
Goliath’s clan only wanted to be accepted for who and what they were- a desire that one need not have wings or a tail to sympathize with. I believe it was this simple underlying theme that is the reason why ten years later it remains so meaningful to so many. The show spoke volumes to those in the audience who felt the same way- misunderstood, unappreciated, unwelcome...disliked for not fitting the image of what society expects of its population when all they wished to do was serve that society with their abilities.
Above all the show sent the message that no matter what the odds, or how difficult the road, you had to stay true to your own purpose. From Gargoyles, I took away a reaffirmation of the belief that no matter how one’s sculpture, or drawing, or writing –whatever you do that you feel defines you - is received by society, you shouldn’t stop doing it. No matter what obstacles you face, you have to keep persevering because your reason d’etre is as vital to you as the air you breathe- and to give it up would be just deadly.
-Lynati, Oct 16 2004
