7 Harry Potter Storylines the HBO TV Series Can’t Ignore

As a die-hard Potterhead who has spent countless hours immersed in J.K. Rowling’s magical world since the early 90s, I can’t help but feel a tinge of nostalgia when reflecting on the eight Harry Potter films that graced our screens over two decades ago. However, as someone who has read the books multiple times and has an intimate understanding of their intricate details, I must say that there were certain elements missing from the movies that truly enriched the series.

One such element is the formative years of the characters, particularly the pivotal moments that shaped their lives before they arrived at Hogwarts. For instance, An opinionated and resourceful Hermione Granger was not just a bright student who saved Harry and Ron from trouble time after time. She was also a young girl who faced discrimination for being a Muggle-born, struggled with self-doubt, and found solace in books as a means of escape.

Another essential aspect that the movies overlooked is the camaraderie between the Weasley twins and Harry. The twins were not just a pair of troublemakers who loved pranks; they were also ambitious entrepreneurs who dreamt of building a successful business, as evidenced by their bet on the Quidditch World Cup in book four.

Moreover, there were several minor characters that added depth to the series and should have been included in the films. For example, Rita Skeeter, the unscrupulous reporter who spied on people for her own gain, was an interesting character who provided a unique perspective on the politics of the Wizarding World.

Finally, Phineas Nigellus Black, the powerful information broker and former headmaster of Hogwarts, added a layer of complexity to the series by representing the grey morality that Rowling often struggled to portray.

In closing, while I wholeheartedly enjoy the Harry Potter films for their magical visuals and captivating performances, I can’t help but feel that they fell short in certain areas. Perhaps one day, we will see a new series that does justice to the rich tapestry of characters and events that enriched the Harry Potter novels. And who knows, maybe we’ll even get a glimpse of Hermione’s first-year struggles with Divination or Fred and George’s early attempts at pranking their way to riches!

Oh, and let’s not forget the time when Ron Weasley got turned into a cat. Now that’s a sight I’d love to see in high definition!

In a refreshing twist, the “Harry Potter” saga is being reimagined anew, and there are several aspects that could benefit from a fresh take this time around. By extending each book into potentially multiple movies or even an entire season’s worth of content, there would be ample opportunity to explore every thread woven throughout the series, though it may be overly optimistic to expect such comprehensive coverage. Given the significance of seven as the most potent number in the magical realm of Harry Potter, let us delve into the top seven storylines that the revamped series should prioritize without omission.

Over the past two decades, Harry Potter has captivated audiences worldwide, yet when it comes to faithful adaptations, there are several aspects missing. The movies made some unusual choices in trimming and simplifying certain parts, which unfortunately eliminated beloved characters and intricate world-building details. To be fair, this was before the era of Game of Thrones demonstrated to studios just how expansive a lengthy fantasy adaptation could become. It appears they are now aiming to explore the series more thoroughly. Here are some key plot points that the upcoming Harry Potter adaptation should definitely include this time around.

The Midnight Duel

In the world of Harry Potter, it’s clear that Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy weren’t friends, but their rivalry developed more quickly in the books. We found ourselves competing against each other in classes, on the Quidditch pitch, and for House points. However, by chapter nine in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, our rivalry escalated to a full-blown wizards’ duel. Our midnight brawl was the epitome of teenage drama at that time, and it significantly altered the tone of a crucial scene in the story. I can only hope it stays this intense during those early years.

Marauders

It would be ideal for the revised adaption of “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” to incorporate a dual timeline, featuring flashbacks to Hogwarts when Harry’s father was present alongside Professor Lupin, Sirius Black, and Peter Pettigrew. The cinematic portrayal previously lacked depth in characterizing this friend group, often referred to as the Marauders, which not only disappoints fans but also leaves crucial aspects of the narrative unclear.

Toward the conclusion of the book, a significant amount of backstory is revealed: Lupin’s intelligent yet defiant companions discover that he is a werewolf, prompting them to seek methods for assistance. They embark on learning the skill of becoming Animagi, which are wizards capable of transforming into animals. To keep their powers hidden and carry out covert nighttime operations, they refrain from registering these abilities. This enables them to be present during Lupin’s transformations, maintaining control if he becomes unruly.

The films hint at the reasons behind James, Sirius, and Peter transforming into Animagi, yet they never delve into the specifics or the potential dangers involved in this transformation. Moreover, it remains unexplored how this ability aided Sirius’ escape from Azkaban, among other unanswered questions.

S.P.E.W.

It’s understandable that movies might overlook Hermione’s advocacy for house elves, but it would be disappointing if this streaming series followed suit. In my opinion, an authentic adaptation should tackle the imperfections in its source material, and J.K. Rowling’s portrayal of these magical servants certainly has its flaws.

For those who may have forgotten, house elves are small magical beings obligated to serve witches and wizards. The character Hermione Granger, a Muggle-born individual, finds this information appalling. In book four, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, she establishes the Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare (S.P.E.W.) to advocate for their wellbeing. However, throughout the series, her efforts are met with resistance from various Muggle-born witches and wizards as well as most house elves themselves. By the end of the books, little improvement is seen in the lives of house elves, and Hermione’s sincere concern for them often becomes a source of humor, leading some readers to perceive J.K. Rowling’s portrayal of this world as potentially pro-slavery.

An innovative approach might involve incorporating this plotline, but with a different outcome. Modifying how other characters interact with Hermione could significantly impact the story, and the storyline could be effectively resolved with additional focus on Dobby, Kreacher, and other characters, providing them more screen time. The subsequent point from our list will also play a role in this adjustment.

Winky

Beyond omitting scenes from S.P.E.W., the films also neglected to include the character Winky entirely. Winky was a house elf who served the Crouch family, playing a significant role in the plot of The Goblet of Fire. In this story, she helped conceal Barty Crouch Jr. after he escaped from Azkaban. The movies did not delve into this backstory, but according to the books, Crouch’s sorrowful mother exchanged places with him in prison, which led to his freedom and later disguise as Mad-Eye Moody, contributing to the resurrection of Voldemort.

Later on, we find Winky working alongside Dobby in Hogwarts’ kitchen. They occasionally show up in the narrative, offering insightful perspectives as the series progresses. This regular presence of theirs becomes significant for the overall storyline moving forward.

Rita Skeeter

The movies fail to show an intriguing subplot that begins in book four, featuring the devious journalist Rita Skeeter from The Daily Prophet. Throughout this book, she manages to get some surprising scoops that leave Hermione astonished. Eventually, it’s revealed that — Rita is another unregistered Animagus. By the end of the book, Hermione captures her in a jar while in her insect form, having figured out that she had been shrinking herself to eavesdrop on other people’s conversations undetected.

To put it simply, while this particular event isn’t crucial to the overall plot, it does add an entertaining twist. In the story, Hermione uses Rita’s illegal actions against her by threatening her with legal consequences, compelling Rita to aid them in later installments. However, as events unfold and Rita resumes her negative reporting about Harry and his companions, it serves as a significant indication of the changing power dynamics within the Wizarding World. Given its intrigue, it’s strongly suggested that this detail should be reintroduced to enrich the narrative.

Weasley Twin Finances

In the movies, the character Ludo Bagman was eliminated, which wasn’t a major issue per se, but it did mean we missed out on the Weasley twins’ eagerness for wealth. In the books, they required funds to kick-start their magical prank enterprise, and they wagered all their earnings so far on the Quidditch World Cup. For the rest of the book, they were on a mission to retrieve their winnings from Bagman, much to his annoyance.

Towards the close of the book, Harry declines accepting his winnings from the Triwizard Tournament. Instead, he gifts the funds to the Weasley twins for their entrepreneurial endeavors, a gesture they always remember fondly. In return, Harry receives lifetime perks at Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes and strengthens his bond with Fred and George. This act further intertwines Harry’s life with the Weasleys, tugging at our heartstrings. The narrative emphasizes themes of class and humility, making it essential to explore the twins’ economic aspirations.

Phineas Nigellus Black

As a long-time fan of the Harry Potter series, I must confess that I was disappointed when Phineas Nigellus Black, one of the most intriguing characters in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” was written out of the storyline. With his powerful influence as an information broker and rich history as a former headmaster of Hogwarts, he seemed like such a vital piece to the wizarding world puzzle.

His presence in the story was always felt, from his portrait hanging ominously in the headmaster’s office at Hogwarts to his watchful eye over the Black family home at 12 Grimmauld Place. Hermione’s ability to consult with him through his portrait added an exciting layer of mystery and intrigue that kept me on the edge of my seat.

In my opinion, Phineas Nigellus Black could have been a valuable asset in helping Harry, Ron, and Hermione navigate the dangerous events unfolding in the story. His extensive knowledge and connections would have provided them with crucial insights into what was happening at Hogwarts during their absence.

I believe that J.K. Rowling made a mistake by cutting this character from the final book of the series. Phineas Nigellus Black was a fascinating figure who added depth to the story and left readers eager for more information about him. His absence leaves a noticeable gap in the narrative, and I can’t help but feel that his inclusion would have made the story even richer and more engaging.

Phineas plays a pivotal role in the storyline, but what makes him intriguing is his position within the political landscape of the Wizarding World. Despite exhibiting prejudiced and elitist attitudes, he appears to question the appropriateness of Voldemort’s rule. J.K. Rowling often finds it challenging to develop characters with ambiguous morals, so Phineas is a valuable addition for this very reason, even if his flaws are significant.

At present, you can stream all eight “Harry Potter” films, plus the entire trilogy of “Fantastic Beasts,” on Max. In the future, a new “Harry Potter” series is being prepared for production, with a projected premiere date in 20266 on both Max and HBO. The original “Harry Potter” books are currently available in print, digital, and audiobook editions, and can be borrowed for free from your local library.

2024-12-30 06:40