46 Things I Want from the Harry Potter TV Series

Happy Harry Potter Day! Today Harry turns 46-years-old so I asked Russell to help me brainstorm something appropriate for this birthday. He suggested a lot of random and humorous ideas, but we landed on things we want from the upcoming series (coming to HBO Max this Christmas). Kenton and I podcasted this concept a while back, but today I just want to go rapid-fire through some plot points. Particularly ones that were glossed over or missed in the movies.

1. Wizards Celebrating
   The books' first chapter includes Vernon encountering wizards everywhere, celebrating Voldemort's downfall. I want to see it.
2. Harry's Childhood
   The trailer looks like the show will portray some of the Dursley's abusive nature, but still. There are things I want to see on screen.
3. Peeves the Poltergeist
   I don't know why they neglected to include Peeves in the movies, but we need the mischief maker to make some sporadic appearances. Like the Cabbage Man in Avatar.
4. Quidditch
   They skipped over so many Quidditch games in the movies. I get it. They take a lot of time. But that doesn't mean I like it.
5. Snape's Logic Trial
   This task was completely skipped over in the movie (although it appeared in the DVD bonus features). It didn't take anything away from the story, but I'd love to see it portrayed.
   
   
6. Nick's Deathday Party
   Great world building and better introduction to Myrtle than the movie provided.
7. Percy's Girlfriend
   Penelope got petrified in the book but completely forgotten in the movies. She deserves more respect. She became head girl after all.
   
   
8. Inter-House Quidditch Cup
   Quidditch in general would be great, but Gryffindor's triumph in the Inter-House Cup was impactful, especially as the books started to get darker.
9. The Marauders' Backstory
   In the movie, we only got bits and pieces of Lupin's story with his friends. In the book, we got explanation of the animagi, the Shrieking Shack, and Snape's near-death experience. I don't think we even learned the connection between the Marauder's Map and the four boys in the film.
   
   
10. Pig the Owl
    After Ron lost Scabbers, it was touching for Ron to get a new pet. Especially one as cute and spastic as Pigwidgeon.
11. Ludo Bagman
    The subplot of the twins vs. Bagman was fun and it set the stage for Harry to fund the joke shop. Bring back Bagman!
12. Charlie Weasley
    He was the only Weasley family member to be excluded from the movies (except for one photo). Not fair. Not fair.
13. Quidditch World Cup
    I want to see at least a chunk of the match. Not just glossing over the beginning.
14. Winky
    House-elves in general would be great, but especially the clues along the way from Barty Crouch's personal assistant.
15. Weasley Wizard Wheezes
    Specifically I want to see the twins testing and development of the products from the fourth and fifth books. Both on themselves and others.
16. Sirius's Return
    The movie only had him appear in the fireplace. But I want to see him back at his hiding place and at the Triwizard aftermath.
17. Rita Skeeter
    Let's see the whole Rita Skeeter story arc. Not just Hermione getting frustrated by her in the movie (and it never going anywhere from that).
18. Dobby's Return
    His sacrifice in the last book was more impactful because he returned in Goblet of Fire and Order of the Phoenix. Let's not have him replaced by Neville again.
19. SPEW
    In addition to the house-elves, I want to see Hermione fired up at the injustices faced.
20. Madame Maxine's Shame
    We got Hagrid telling Maxine about his mother, but never got the heartbreak when Madame Maxine refused to reciprocate.
21. Triwizard Maze
    Yes, the maze appeared in the movie. But all the monsters and trials were taken out of it. All we got was the maze changing and adapting to trick the champions.
22. Barty Crouch Jr's Backstory
    I love David Tennant and he did a great job playing a menacing Crouch Jr. However, we missed out on a lot of his backstory, verbally at the end and in the Pensieve. 
23. Rallying the Troops
    In the aftermath of the Third Task, Dumbledore went straight to work, giving jobs to Sirirus, Snape, and Hagrid. It added more to seeing the Order in the next book.
24. Beetle Rita
    If we're going to include the Rita Skeeter story arc, it has to conclude (for this book) with the reveal of her as an animagus.
    
    
25. Ministry's Visitor Entrance
    Seeing Arthur Weasley travel like a muggle was endearing and the appearance of the visitor entrance gave Harry and friends a way in at the climax of the book.
26. Cleaning the House of Black
    I mention this for one reason: the appearance of Slytherin's Locket. It would appear two years later, so it was cool to see things come full circle.
27. "Have a Biscuit"
    How many of us absolutely loved this scene in the book? The abrupt change from Harry being scolded to Harry being fed was funny and perfectly written.
28. Weasley is Our King
    Ron's Quidditch story arc was a fun (and sad) part of their fifth year. Dude deserved more of a story arc.
29. Harry's Quidditch Ban
    It was just another way to show how heartless and prejudice Umbridge was, as she banned Harry and the Weasley twins from playing Quidditch. Not cool, Dolores.
30. Lockhart at St. Mungo's
    Just a comedic cameo from the ex-professor. That's all I want.
31. Longbottoms at St. Mungo's
    This added many layers to Neville's story and insecurities. The movies kind of glossed over it.
32. Harry and Cho's Date
    A minor plot for sure in the grand scheme of things, but a little teen drama couldn't hurt.
33. Rita's Quibbler Interview
    This was a game-changer in the fifth book. And it was a better conclusion to Rita's story than in the Deathly Hallows.
34. Umbridge's Interrogation
    After Dumbledore fled from Hogwarts, Dolores tried to forcefully get information from Harry. Thankfully the boy remembered counsel from Mad-Eye and narrowly avoided the Veritaserum.
35. Career Counseling 
    Seeing McGonagall stand up for Harry against Umbridge was crazy. And I would've loved to see Maggie Smith deliver these lines. I can only hope the new McGonagall will get a chance.
36. Marietta's Betrayal
    Cho's best friend turned in the DA. It adds another layer to the Harry/Cho drama, but it also showcased Hermione's talent, hexing the sign up sheet.
37. OWLs
    The exams were a major part of their fifth year, but they're barely portrayed in the movies. 
38. The Attack on Hagrid and McGonagall
    During the Astronomy OWL, the students witnessed Hagrid and McGonagall being attacked at the hands of Umbridge's men. Nothing ever made Hagrid so angry and nothing made us worry more for McGonagall.
39. Breaking into Umbridge's Office
    Both times. Neither one was featured. Even if we skip the first one, when Harry wanted to talk about Snape's memory, I'd be content.
40. Harry's Ghost Question
    It was part of the grieving process for Harry to ask Nick about Sirius becoming a ghost. Heartbreaking, but necessary.
    
    
41. Sirius's Will
    I loved this chapter of Half-Blood Prince, so I want to see it played out. Even if it's mostly to establish Kreacher as Harry's house-elf.
42. Voldemort's Full Backstory
    I want to see his grandfather and uncle. I want to see the significance of the ring. I want to see him apply to teach at Hogwarts. All of it.
43. The First Battle of Hogwarts
    I want the DA rallying together with the Order. I want to see Bill (his fight with Greyback and his fiancee calling out his mother). I want to see the chase. All of it.
    
    
44. Ravenclaw Common Room
    Not featuring the common room was bad enough when the movie came out. But now I'm married to a Ravenclaw, so I take this more personally.
45. Harry vs. Carrows
    In conjunction with the Ravenclaw Common Room, I want to see Harry go head-to-head with the Death Eaters, especially after one spits on McGonagall. 
46. Snape's Full Backstory
    Let's not have a simple montage of memories. I want to see why Snape was in love obsessed with Lily Evans. I want to see why Petunia had such jealousy and animosity towards her sister.

More Content You Might Like:

• "Reaction to HBO Harry Potter Trailer" by Russell
• "7 Best Harry Potter Casting Choices" by Spencer
• "Our Hogwarts Houses" by LDS Geeks

Reaction to HBO Harry Potter Trailer

     

            The new trailer for “Harry Potter and Philosopher’s Stone” on HBO Max has been shared. These are my thoughts about it. My first reaction is, “Wait, why are they remaking the Harry Potter Series? It’s only been out for like 5 years!” And then I have to look back and remember that the first movie came out when I was a freshman in high school and like it or not, that was 25 years ago. Boy, time can surely fly by can’t it?  There have been plenty of franchises that have done reboots in less time than 25 years.

I love the Harry Potter books. My wife and I listen to them regularly. Jim Dale remains one of the best narrators of audiobooks, in my opinion, and I will forever be comparing his voice to the characters in film. Speaking of comparisons, I think that is what is going to inevitably happen with this series. It is going to be compared to the books and to the movies, both of which have had 25+ years to be read, viewed, listened to, discussed, and dissected by fans of the Wizard world. That doesn’t make it good, bad, or otherwise, it is just the nature of how things work. 

        I admit that I watched the trailer at first without sound so I was able to take in the visual aspect of things and I will say that I look forward to the details that are going to be available with a tv series compared to a movie. The fact that the haircut scene is in the trailer is telling of that. It’s also weird to see how young the actors and actress are, but then again, Harry turns 11 in the book before going to Hogwarts. 

I also have no idea who any of the actors and actresses are in the trailer. That was somewhat the case with the movies, but there were also some known faces (Maggie Smith and Alan Rickman to name a couple), where I feel like there is no one that I recognize in this trailer. It is very likely that they will become very well known over the next few years. Going back and watching the trailer with sound was also interesting because everyone sounds different than how Jim Dale portrays them or how they were portrayed in the original movies. 

Overall, I am excited to see what the series will add to the Harry Potter experience and see if it sparks a new generation’s interest in the boy who lived.

More Content You Might Like:

• "Potter and Friends" by Russell
• "7 Best Harry Potter Casting Choices" by Spencer
• LDS Geeks Podcast #18: Harry Potter on Max
  Show Notes: click here
  Spotify: click here
  Apple Podcasts: click here
  YouTube: click here

LDS Geeks Podcast #62: Slytherin House

Rounding out our series about the Hogwarts Houses, we have Slytherin. The evildoers and the unexpected heroes. And this was all recorded before the release of the HBO Max Harry Potter trailer. So let's go at it!

--Spencer

Listen to Episode 62 on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

Check out Spencer's recent content: click here

Check out Michael's recent content: click here

Show notes:

00:12 - Introductions
00:48 - Spencer's Recommendation: Animorphs Graphic Novels
03:06 - Michael's Recommendation: Simply on Purpose on Instagram
04:49 - Slytherin House overview
        "Our Hogwarts Houses" by the LDS Geeks Team
07:21 - Favorite Slytherins
        Spencer: Horace Slughorn
        Michael: Lucius Malfoy
10:49 - Least Favorite Slytherins
        Michael: Bellatrix Lestrange
        Spencer: Severus Snape
        "Why Snape Is the Absolute Worst (Besides Umbridge)" by Spencer
        "Unpopular Opinions: Harry Potter" by Spencer
        "Heroes of Slytherin" by Spencer
14:58 - Slytherin Best Friend
        Spencer: Leta Lestrange
        Michael: Horace Slughorn
18:38 - Slytherin Theme Song
        Spencer: "Good to Be Bad" (Descendants)
        Michael: "Bad Boys Reply" by Inner Circle
21:14 - Analysis of Slytherin House
23:53 - Slytherin from Other Fandoms
        Zuko and Iroh (Avatar the Last Airbender)
        Vanellope von Schweetz (Wreck-It Ralph)
        Emperor Kuzco (Emperor's New Groove)
        Tony Stark (Marvel)
        Rumpelstiltskin/Mr. Gold (Once Upon a Time)
        Hades (Hercules)
29:14 - Conclusion

LDS Geeks Podcast #56: Ravenclaw House

Underrepresented until the appearance of Luna Lovegood, but the Ravenclaw house is a great place to be (I'm biased, since I married a Ravenclaw). Michael was a perfect friend to chat with, since he's our resident Ravenclaw.

--Spencer

Listen to Episode 56 on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

Check out Spencer's recent content: click here

Check out Michael's recent content: click here

Show notes:

00:12 - Introductions
01:02 - Michael's Recommendation: "Make Your Bed" by William H. McRaven
        Purchase on Amazon
02:35 - Spencer's Recommendation: Stranger Things
        Available for streaming on Netflix
03:53 - Ravenclaw House overview
        "Our Hogwarts Houses" by the LDS Geeks Team
06:51 - Favorite Ravenclaws
        Spencer: Quirinus Quirrell
        Michael: Gilderoy Lockhart
10:31 - Least Favorite Ravenclaws
        Spencer: Marietta Edgecombe
        Michael: Moaning Myrtle
13:35 - Ravenclaw Best Friend
        Spencer: Luna Lovegood
        Michael: Sybill Trelawney
17:12 - Ravenclaw Theme Song
        Spencer: "Into the Unknown" (Frozen II)
        Michael: "Rondo Alla Turca" by Mozart
19:19 - Ravenclaw from Other Fandoms
        Lois Lane (Superman)
        Katara (Avatar the Last Airbender)
        Elsa and Anna (Frozen)
        Phineas Flynn and Ferb Fletcher (Phineas and Ferb)
        Phoebe Buffay (Friends)
21:20 - Analysis of Ravenclaw House
25:37 - Conclusion

LDS Geeks Podcast #48: Hufflepuff House

No matter how many jokes people make about my Hogwarts house, I'll defend Hufflepuff (while sipping hot chocolate out of my Hufflepuff mug and wearing my Hufflepuff sweatshirt). I'm a Puff and this will be my favorite Hogwarts house episode for sure.

--Spencer

Listen to Episode 48 on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

Check out Spencer's recent content: click here

Check out Michael's recent content: click here

Show notes:

00:12 - Introductions
00:38 - Spencer's Recommendation: "I Will Be What I Believe"
        Listen on YouTube
02:30 - Michael's Recommendation: Exercise!
        Check out our geeky workouts: click here
        LDS Geeks Podcast #46: Disney Songs (5)
            Show Notes: click here
            Spotify: click here
            Apple Podcasts: click here
05:51 - Hufflepuff House overview
        "Get to Know Your Geeks: Hogwarts Houses" by the LDS Geeks Team
        "Puffs: Third or Nothing" by Spencer
09:57 - Favorite Hufflepuffs
        Spencer: Newt Scamander
        Michael: Cedric Diggory
15:26 - Least Favorite Hufflepuffs
        Spencer: Zacharias Smith
        Michael: Pomona Sprout
18:35 - Hufflepuff Best Friend
        Spencer: Nymphadora Tonks
        Michael: Newt Scamander
22:55 - Hufflepuff Theme Song
        "Lift Up Your Cups" (Puffs)
        Spencer: "You've Got a Friend in Me" (Toy Story) and "Almost There" (The Princess and the Frog)
        Michael: "Numbers" (Psychostick) and "I Will Wait" (Mumford & Sons)
28:01 - Analysis of Hufflepuff House
30:06 - Hufflepuffs from Other Fandoms
        Cory and Eric Matthews (Boy Meets World)
        Aang (Avatar)
        Joey Tribbiani (Friends)
        Giselle (Enchanted)
        Snow White and Tiana (Disney Princess)
35:30 - Conclusion

LDS Geeks Podcast #45: Gryffindor House

First in a four part series. No matter how much we discuss Hogwarts online, there's always more to be discussed. Check it out!

--Spencer

Listen to Episode 45 on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

Check out Spencer's recent content: click here

Check out Michael's recent content: click here

Show notes:

00:13 - Introductions
01:27 - Spencer's Recommendation: Libby app
04:05 - Michael's Recommendation: "Scripture Friends" study strategy
05:39 - Gryffindor House overview
        "Get to Know Your Geeks: Hogwarts Houses" by the LDS Geeks Team
07:29 - Favorite Gryffindors
        Spencer: Minerva McGonagall
        Michael: Sirius Black
12:16 - Least Favorite Gryffindors
        Michael: Peter Pettigrew
        Spencer: Cormac McLaggen
16:51 - Gryffindor Best Friend
        Michael: Remus Lupin and Neville Longbottom
        Spencer: Hermione Granger
21:49 - Gryffindor Theme Song
        Spencer: "I'll Make a Man Out of You" (Mulan)
        Michael: "We Will Rock You" (Queen)
24:42 - Gryffindors from Other Fandoms
        Sokka (Avatar the Last Airbender)
        Rachel Berenson (Animorphs)
        Captain America (Marvel Comics)
        Prince Zuko (Avatar the Last Airbender)
27:01 - Analysis of Gryffindor House
30:02 - Conclusion

Mischief Managed - My Riddikulus Experience at the Dallas Fan Expo

(Guest post by Curtis)

I believe in the Holy Trinity of nerdism: 1) Star Wars, 2) Lord of the Rings, and 3) Harry Potter (my favorite being #3). Marvel is up there too, and if they can keep up the renewed momentum after Thunderbolts*, we might see somebody get overthrown. All this to say that I’m a huge movie nerd that likes to delve into deep lore, occasionally.

So naturally, when I heard some friends talk about going to this year’s Dallas Fan Expo, I would’ve used one of the 3 Unforgivable Curses on someone to be able to tag along. And man, was it the experience of a lifetime! Not only was the overall energy more illuminating than the tip of a wizard’s wand, but the fact that I was among so many fellow nerds of different factions (Potterheads, Trekkies, D&Ders, Middle-Earthlings, and more) reminded me that we’re all just as misunderstood creatures as spiders and dragons are.

But what made my first Comic-Con experience truly un-obliviate-able was the friends that came with me. And I not only left with a new wand to add to my growing collection, but with some newfound friends as well! 

Even though I was only able to stay for a couple hours, during that time we saw some legendary cosplay costumes, incredibly detailed memorabilia and replicas, extremely rare comics and famous celebrities that left me absolutely stupefied! If I had a time-turner, I’d spin that thing all day long just so I could relive what I witnessed and see everything I missed! 

To Harry, Hogwarts served as a reprieve; a glimpse of joy, purpose and belonging in a muggle world that, without his experience there, would have left him to live a miserable life in the cupboard at No. 4 Privet Drive. This probably explains my micro-experience at the Expo best. Though I’m sure my feet are too big to fit under any staircase, my soul has always longed for a truly magical, fun and welcoming relief from the world that has been my life lately. 

With that, what could be a better subtitle for this blog post than “My Riddikulus Experience at the Dallas Fan Expo”? If anything can take life’s moments of fear or darkness and turn them into joy, laughter and hope, it’s the magic of surrounding yourself with like-minded friends and savoring their company! 

So here’s my closing challenge to the dozens of people reading this: if an owl ever drops a letter off at your doorstep (meaning, if you ever have the opportunity) inviting you to go to your next local Comic-Con event - just go! I’d even invite some of those pesky death-eaters in your life. Who knows? Maybe they’ll finally see the light!

Mischief managed - Nox!

Potter and Friends

 I’m coming clean here. In a post I wrote about lessons about friendships, I left out the line that first sparked the post in the first place! I had just begun re listening to the Harry Potter series and while I hadn’t reached this part yet, I was thinking about Dumbledore’s words about Neville standing up to his friends "It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends." This sparked the idea of some of the other friend quotes I used in the post, but I completely forgot about the Neville one!! 

Then while doing the dishes, I thought about another Harry Potter friend quote from Luna. Ok, it’s not a quote per se but it is about friends. When Harry, Ron, and Hermione visit Xenophilius Lovegood, Harry enters Luna’s room and finds names written on her wall/ceiling with the words “friends” making up the lettering from their names. 

I love seeing how Neville and Luna develop as characters in the Harry Potter series and love seeing how they become friends with other characters in the books. I have often thought that I would love to see spin off books about them but I’ll settle for what we have for now. 

Harry, Neville, and Luna all have similarities that were not apparent to me until recently. Harry’s  parents died and he was raised by relatives who hated him. Neville’s parents lived but their minds were so addled that he had to be raised by his Gran who loves him, despite being harsh at times. Luna’s mother died and her father seems to have some rather odd ideas, which may or may not have been the result of losing his wife, so Luna is left to develop similar oddities and risks being an outcast and loner for her life. But all three are able to find strength and skill through their experiences at Hogwarts and beyond. Together with Ron, Hermoine, Ginny, and others they form friendships that allow them to save one another and the greater Wizarding World at large. 

Now, I can not say whether the friendships I form will have the same global reach, but as I have written before, the Savior is our friend and with Him as our advocate and friend, our world can and will be changed

LDS Geeks Podcast #35: Disney Songs (4)

Happy Valentine's Day! They're a bit sappy at times, but Disney has some great love songs. So check out our latest Disney song podcast episode. And check out our ongoing playlist of Disney love songs here.

--Spencer

Listen to Episode 35 on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

Check out Spencer's recent blog posts: click here

Check out Russell's recent blog posts: click here

Show Notes:

00:15 - Introduction
        "Friendship Lessons" by Russell
01:39 - Spencer's Recommendation: Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man
        Available for streaming on Disney Plus
05:42 - Russell's Recommendation: Harry Potter and the Curse Child
        "Potter and Friends" by Russell

09:27 - “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” from The Lion King

14:33 - "I See the Light" from Tangled
17:50 - “I Won't Say I'm in Love” from Hercules

22:29 - “That's How You Know” from Enchanted
25:10 - “A Girl Worth Fighting For” from Mulan
28:34 - Conclusion

LDS Geeks Podcast #29: Holidays at Hogwarts

With Halloween in the recent past and the holiday season before us, it's time to start talking about celebrating. So Russell and I had fun discussing how Hogwarts students celebrate muggle holidays. After you take a listen, let us know your thoughts on our Ilvermorny discussion: how do you think they celebrate Thanksgiving?

--Spencer

Listen to Episode 29 on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

Check out Spencer's recent blog posts: click here

Check out Russell's recent blog posts: click here

Show notes:

00:12 - Introductions
01:31 - Spencer's Recommendation: Captain America The First Avenger
        Available for streaming on Disney Plus
03:40 - Russell's Recommendation: Michael Vey 
05:49 - Halloween
15:05 - Christmas
        "Friday Creature Feature - House-Elves" by Spencer
21:35 - Valentine's Day
        "Puffs: Third or Nothing!" by Spencer
28:40 - Easter
        "Harry Potter and the Five Gospel Truths" by Brigitte C. Madrian
33:44 - Holidays at Ilvermorny
39:54 - Conclusion

Remembering Maggie Smith

    

    Jim Dale certainly is the voice that I hear when I think of Professor McGonagall, but the face of her will always be Dame Maggie Smith. I loved her portrayal of the head of Griffyndor house and appreciated how she brought to life this beloved character from the world of Harry Potter. I think it is fitting that she passed away exactly one year after Michael Gambon, who played Dumbledore in films 3-8. The Lord has a way of connecting things in His own kind of way, and this was one that stood out to me.

Tributes to actors and actresses can be difficult as I only know the person they portray on the screen, but Maggie, for her part, had an illustrious career, continuing to be in movies well into her 80’s. Before she was Professor McGonagall, she was, among other roles, Mother Superior in "Sister Act 1 and 2", supporting and giving help the Whoopi Goldberg’s character as she put together beautiful musical numbers with the nuns of the convent (“Nothing you can do can take me away from my God” and “Joyful, Joyful” are 2 of my favorites, not to mention, “His eye is on the sparrow” a new addition to the updated Hymnbook of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints).

She played in several on screen renditions of books and plays, "Downton Abbey", as well as World War II era timepieces. I loved the movie “Hook” as a child and only recently came to recognize Maggie Smith as Grandma Wendy. She was very intense in her attempts to help Peter understand who he really was,  Peter Pan.

Ultimately, I will always remember her for her role as the beloved Minerva McGonagall. She was great in demonstrating the ability to transfigure from witch to cat and back. She ushered her students around with the sternness and love that was described in the books. She developed her relationship with Harry in a manner that did not give him unnecessary passes and kept in line in appropriate ways. She danced with Ron in preparation for the yule ball. She comforted Professor Trelawney when she was sacked. She stood up to Snape when we still thought he was a bad guy. She was true in support of Dumbledore even after his death. Maggie Smith brought life to the character of Minerva McGonagall and will be greatly missed. 

7 Best Harry Potter Casting Choices

Happy birthday, Harry Potter! In honor of the famed Chosen One turning forty-four this year and in honor of the anticipated Harry Potter series coming to Max, I’ve been thinking about the casting choices we saw in the initial adaptation of the series. I’ve heard many Potterheads comment on how perfect the casting was for the movies. We haven’t heard casting news for the Max series yet, so I wanted to reflect on some of the best casting decisions of the movie series.

Maggie Smith as Minerva McGonagall 

I’ve never met anyone who had a bad thing to say about Maggie Smith’s portrayal of the strict, gold-hearted Professor McGonagall. She pulls off the stern deputy headmistress perfectly, but also manages to display plenty of warmth as the motherly head of Gryffindor.

Alan Rickman as Severus Snape

While I’ve said my piece about Snape as a hero (multiple times), I’ve also admitted that his character is complexly and masterfully written. As such, only a masterful actor could bring him to life. Alan Rickman’s death from cancer hit hard to any of us who are fans of his works. So while I despise Snape as a person, I can’t imagine anyone but Alan Rickman portraying this character.

Evanna Lynch as Luna Lovegood

Who could anyone hate our lovable misfit Luna? Evanna Lynch brought her wonderfully to life in the second half of the Harry Potter movies. Her soft-spoken dreamy voice matches perfectly for how Luna would react throughout the series. Much better than the impression of Luna in the audiobooks (sorry).

Richard Harris as Albus Dumbledore 

Of the three main Dumbledore actors, the first is my favorite. Before his unfortunate passing, Richard Harris was the level-headed, calm, and collected headmaster that always seemed to know more than he was letting on. I love the meme that goes around occasionally with Richard Harris saying “Harry, did you put your name in the Goblet of Fire?” It brings peace to my soul as I imagine the book-accurate portrayal of Dumbledore.

Emma Watson as Hermione Granger

I feel like it’s well known that Emma Watson took time while filming Harry Potter to attend Oxford and Brown. Who could be better to play our dear Hermione? And then she went on to play Belle afterwards! I love that Emma is just as much a bookworm and intellectual as Hermione. Makes her fit the role even better.

Emma Thompson as Sybill Trelawney

Professor Trelawney is meant to be a complete nutcase and Emma Thompson with her giant glasses does an amazing job being aloof and intense at the same time. Also her prophecy/trance voice is chilling (though that may have been editing software). But despite being awkward and crazy, she also made us emotional when Umbridge tried to eject her from Hogwarts.

HONORABLE MENTION:
Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander

Obviously there isn’t source material in the Harry Potter books to say what kind of character Newt was, but I couldn’t help but include him on this list because I love how Eddie Redmayne plays the character. He’s quirky and awkward and lovable–like me, hopefully. Newt has a good heart and Eddie portrays that perfectly.

Now I’ll sit quietly and anxiously wait for news about the Harry Potter series coming to Max. I can’t imagine these actors and actresses being topped, but I hope I’ll be pleasantly surprised. For now, mischief managed.

Our Hogwarts Houses

What better way to get to know a geek than to relate to their Hogwarts House? I have some issues with how some fans relate to their houses, but that's a topic for another blog post. In the meantime, our team wanted to share our houses and how the traits of being a Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin has been a blessing in our lives. Because there's good to be found in all four.

"They say they're isn't a witch or wizard who went bad that wasn't in Slytherin." The key trait to Slytherin is ambition, which means wanting to be greater than you are. And yes, that is the driving force behind many a villain, it is also the driving force behind my life. I want to be a better man, husband, writer, artist and Priesthood holder. My ambition drives me to practice. It drives me to look for new opportunities. It drives me to improve. And if that means that occasionally I have to bind a sliver of my soul into my dice so I can get better rolls... So be it. 

-Joe

Everyone knows that Ravenclaws house is the best and most popular. They are renowned for valuing intellect, wisdom, and creativity. this house attracts students who exhibit a sharp mind and a thirst for knowledge. The house emblem features an eagle, symbolizing the soaring heights of academic achievement, and its colors are blue and silver. Ravenclaws are often characterized by their love for learning and their pursuit of academic excellence. Sometimes I questioned how did I get sorted into this house because I am not the greatest student. But I do like learning new things that interest me. I am probably in this house because I am still in school in my early thirties.

--Michael

Hufflepuff house is known for loyalty, fairness, and diligence (among other traits). In some respects, we're the jack-of-all-trades house, but I like that loyalty and hard-work are considered Hufflepuff traits. Hard-working and diligent could be synonymous with tenacity and perseverance. As much as life has knocked me down, I always seem to get back up. Even when sometimes I'd rather lie down and give up for the day/week, I know deep down that's not who I am. Perhaps it would take less energy to give up for the day, but that's not who I am. Gotta keep trying. Gotta keep pushing forward. That's the Puff in me coming through.

--Spencer

I’ve taken the quizzes and come up as a Gryffindor. Lots of emotions run through my mind with that range from “how cliché” to “awesome! I’m one of the good guys!” I’ve looked through different takes on what it means to be a Gryffindor including the lyrics from the Sorting Hat song in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone to what is now written about Gryffindor on the wizard of world website. Daring, chivalrous, brave, standing up for the little guy are all things mentioned in these places. I guess I don’t balk at the idea of giving a talk on sacrament meeting, but that hardly qualifies as being noble right? So, I’ll take you back to when I was young and had to be brave. I had to be brave to jump off the diving board at my grandparents house. I had to be brave to jump off the high dive at the city pool. I had to be brave when a cut on my hand became infected and my dad had to poke it with a disinfected needle to get it cleaned up. I had to be brave to donate blood for the first time in honor of a former bishop who died of leukemia. These were small instances in my life, but I know that I was strengthened to be brave in these moments. As for the other qualities, I think it might be fair to say that I am striving to be more Gryffindor-ish, which is the challenge of a lifetime.

--Russell