Fan Castle Sunday: Interview with Sammie

Welcome to #FanCastleSunday! 

Today’s spotlight is on @sammietworings. She has one badass hobby you won’t want to miss! If you’d like to be interviewed for a future #FanCastleSunday, drop me a line at mlcartthings@gmail.com or hit me up on Twitter @MishiWan, and I’ll be happy to! And now without further ado….*drum roll*

It’s Interview Time!

@sammietworings Sammie Two Rings Tell the world a little bit about yourself! My name is Sammie, I’m 31 and I work part time for a charity. I’ve recently got married to my partner of 13 years and I’m studying for my 3rd university degree. I enjoy knitting, I’ve just learnt to crochet and I’m part of a community choir. I also try my best at archery. What drew you to Amazon’s the Man in the High Castle? I’ve always enjoyed ‘what if’ scenarios in history, the most common being what if, god forbid, the Nazis had been successful! I was curious to see exactly how this would be portrayed on screen – its a very emotive and relevant topic! Would it be watered down to avoid offense, or would be unashamedly honest?  At what point were you hooked?  Is there a specific scene or episode where you realized that TMITHC was something special? Its grim, but the part of episode 1 when the ashes fall on Joe and the Sheriff. The attention to detail had been lovely, but until that point, it hadn’t really been stomach churningly sinister. Speaking of special, the TMITHC fandom is the best fandom I have ever been blessed to be a part of. The absolute kindness and friendliness I experience on Twitter keeps me coming back and is why I keep drawing and creating the things that I do! What is your favorite thing about being a part of this fandom? The fans are the best. No one is rude or mean, everyone is kind and its such a laugh to hang out with them. It also helps that the actors are really communicative and involved too! You have one badass hobby. For those who don’t know, Sammie is an archer and is saving up for her first bow! Do you ever feel like Juliana or a member of the Resistance when you pull the string and let loose your arrows? Was TMITHC an inspiration for your hobby, or did you have this awesome hobby long before watching the show? I do have moments when I am loosing my arrows and feeling like an unstoppable heroine like Juliana. I started archery at the beginning of 2019. In a weird way, I think John Smith inspired me. If he could fit in fishing/hunting into his busy schedule of being a grade-a Nazi scumbag, then I could fit in some quiet moments too.  The creative minds behind TMITHC are talented artists who never cease to amaze me with the sets/scenery, soundtracks, and costumes. What is your favorite set? Is it Smith’s two story house from S1 & S2? Is the Nippon building in San Francisco? Something in the Neutral Zone? Full confession, I’ve bought all the merchandise of High Castle I can. There is obviously not a lot – but CDs, the upcoming ‘making of’, I’ve even got a film reel used in the filming on its way. Its loving attention to detail, its making the whole thing so immersive is what adds to its success. I shudder every time I see a subtle swastika built into the architecture of the scenery. It’d have to be either the Smith residence or Tagomi-sans office. Its so beautiful, each time they go in. But it is all lovely. How did you feel when they announced that Season 4 will be the final season? I was sad but also pleased – there are a lot of shows that overstay their welcome, that end badly or in rushed ways, so knowing that High Castle was going to be ended properly and neatly made me happy.  Name one thing you’d like to see happen in S4. I’ve joked with Joel and Lee that I would love to see an alternative world where they are cops together. Or a world where Aaron is Rufus’ boss!  But seriously…High Castle has been very good at showing some of the pros and the major drawbacks of fascist regimes. I want to see the Fascist states fall under the weight of their own flaws. In the current era of populist presidents and leaders we, the viewers, need to understand the dangers and drawbacks of fascism, that excluding people because of race or disability from a society contributes to its decline. I can think of no better ending for High Castle that the whole thing unravelling. Let’s end this on a positive note–I mean, what are we all going to do when it’s over? 😉 Favorites Male Character Erich, John, Wegener, Tagomi, Kido and Yoshida Female Character Helen, Nicole, Tagomis painter friend Costume Juliana’s interview dress for the Nippon building Episode Three Monkeys or A Way Out Storyline Thomas Smith or Tagomi’s trip to the other world.

As a special thank you for allowing me to interview you, here is your very own membership card. Welcome to Club High Castle, Grasshopper!