I was never too into watching TV shows ... movies were more my thing. But then I invested in Netflix and, well, I'm sure you know the rest. I've spent hours in front of my laptop, fighting the need to sleep, ignoring my homework or pretending I don't have other responsibilities. My mom always yelled at me for wasting my time, but no matter what she said, I knew I was learning some important lessons.
*SPOILER ALERT*
1. "Psych."
This comedy series is about a hyper-observant man named Shawn who pretends to be psychic in order to avoid arrest. One thing leads to another, and soon he find himself entangled in a goofy adventure that he shares with his best friend, Gus, and spans eight seasons.
"Psych" has taught me many things, the most obvious being honesty. Of course, lying to an entire town about being psychic will come back to bite you. Shawn's journey showed me that it's important to tell the truth not only to your loved ones, but more importantly, yourself.
2. "Lost."
An intense show like this that’s about a plane crash will have you on the edge of your seat. You will follow the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815 as they learn to survive on a dangerous island. They will learn about each other and how to work together.
What “Lost” taught me was that even though it’s sometimes hard to trust others, it is important to seek their help. Just like Sawyer was sure that he could live on his own but soon realized that he needed the community’s support to make it. Life is hard, but your open-mindedness and sociability will help you.
3. "The Walking Dead."
This show is about a group during the zombie apocalypse. Rick Grimes and his family and friends fight for their lives against "walkers" and an even more terrifying evil: humans.
TWD has shown me that people change. Of course, being in a life-or-death situation will alter a person’s morals. But to what extent? In season two, Dale fought to protect the group’s humanity as he pleads to have mercy on an outsider. In the end, Dale’s case won … at the cost of his life. It’s important to remember to never forget your humanity. Obviously, none of us will be dealing with zombies (hopefully), but next time you want to litter or ignore a homeless person on the sidewalk, remember who you are. Remember those who have helped you. Remember that it’s your turn to give back.
4. "Supernatural."
One for the books, “Supernatural” has a whopping 11 seasons and is still going! The plot changes every season or two, but it revolves around two brothers and their fight against evil supernatural beings.
Sam and Dean Winchester’s relationship is truly beautiful. I am inspired by their love for each other, and it makes me yearn for that level of understanding between my sister and I. It takes a long time and many different situations to forge a relationship of that caliber. But I believe that it is very important to invest in your familial relationships.
5. "Parks and Recreation."
This is a wonderful show about an excitable woman who works for the Parks and Recreation department in Pawnee, Indiana. Leslie Knope works hard, with no reward. Eventually, her perseverance and care for others helps her achieve her goals.
I am always impressed by Leslie’s determination. She never shoots for less than the stars … and she always reaches them! I know that if Leslie can do it, then so can I. Leslie is proof that hard work and a love for your career pays off.
