2019 was a HUGE year. Not only did it mark the end of the decade, but it was an emotional rollercoaster with more ups and downs than an episode of Desperate Housewives. Reflecting on the year that was got the GOAT team thinking…the only way to possibly sum up the biggest moments of 2019 is via the Dungeons and Dragons alignments – the categorisation of ethical and moral perspectives from good to evil.
After careful consideration, here’s where we reckon 2019’s biggest moments sit on the spectrum:
Lawful Evil
A lawful evil villain methodically takes what he wants within the limits of his code of conduct without regard for whom it hurts.
The Australian government’s reluctance to acknowledge the benefits of pill testing at music festivals, the revelations around police strip-searches, and the impact of Australia’s religious discrimination bill off the back of Israel Folau’s controversial comments on same-sex marriage and sexuality.
Neutral Evil
A neutral evil villain does whatever she can get away with. She is out for herself, pure and simple. She sheds no tears for those she kills, whether for profit, sport, or convenience.
The hot mess that was Cats the movie, dodgy influencers and particularly the ones who rushed to climb Uluru before it was prohibited.
Chaotic Evil
A chaotic evil character does whatever his greed, hatred, and lust for destruction drive him to do. He is hot-tempered, vicious, arbitrarily violent, and unpredictable.
Donald Trump is the living breathing epitome of this category, but that’s an obvious choice. Instead, we’ve gone for disgraced cardinal George Pell and his sexual abuse charges and the crazy fan outrage over Game of Thrones season 8.
Lawful Neutral
A lawful neutral character acts as law, tradition, or a personal code directs her. Order and organisation are paramount to her.
Sydney’s controversial new light rail which thought it could beat Melbourne at its own game and broke down on the first day, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian abolishing Sydney’s lockout laws after they had a detrimental impact on the city’s nightlife economy, and the legalisation of cannabis in Canberra.
True Neutral
A neutral character does what seems to be a good idea. She doesn’t feel strongly one way or the other when it comes to good vs. evil or law vs. chaos.
2019’s Sonic the Hedgehog, who was quickly taken back to the drawing board after major backlash, the Fiji Water girl from the Golden Globes who turned out to be a walking talking advertisement and Avengers: Endgame that was the perfectly neutral end to a very long franchise.
Chaotic Neutral
A chaotic neutral character follows his whims. He is an individualist first and last. He values his own liberty but doesn’t strive to protect others’ freedom.
The Area 51 raid that attracted thousands of memes, millions of attendees, and even more press but never went ahead, TikTok and it’s big Vine energy, and of course, Kylie Jenner’s foray into pop music with ‘Rise and Shine.’
Lawful Good
A lawful good character acts as a good person is expected or required to act. He combines a commitment to oppose evil with the discipline to fight relentlessly.
New Zealand’s prime minister and all-round angel Jacinda Ardern, Baby Yoda and his unfathomable cuteness and Harry Styles’ music, aesthetic, persona and general ~vibe~
Neutral Good
A neutral good character does the best that a good person can do. He is devoted to helping others. He works with kings and magistrates but does not feel beholden to them.
The Internet’s boyfriend and quite possibly the only guy in Hollywood yet to be cancelled, Keanu Reeves, the Bon Appetit YouTube channel and its many talents (shoutout to Claire Saffitz) and the first image of a black hole.
Chaotic Good
A chaotic good character acts as his conscience directs him with little regard for what others expect of him. He makes his own way, but he’s kind and benevolent.
Artist of the Decade Taylor Swift who used her platform to fight for artists rights, Swedish teen activist Greta Thunberg who used her platform to fight climate change (and troll Donald Trump) and Lil Nas X’s country rap banger, ‘Old Town Road.’
So there you have it – 2019’s biggest moments from good to evil. Obviously the alignments are up for interpretation but it is pretty comforting to look back and reflect on everything we’ve been through over the past year. Here’s hoping 2020 has a little more chaotic good, and a little less chaotic evil.