bobbowersox

Sep 13, 07
07:49 AM

The tables turned
The best writing offers not only interest on the surface, but gives intriguing insights into the sub-surface, particularly in the area of characterization. This episode does that in spades. It does it so well, in fact, that it flips our heroes and villains completely, making us wary of Michael, and supportive of Alan. Beautiful.

The episode goes a step further in that flip as well, in that it establishes the very clean lines of conflict now -- the purist, God-centered, self-righteous approach of Michael versus the unorthodox, "common sense", people-centered approach of Alan. And held within this now-defined conflict will be the drama that will continue to draw us back.

Secondary to that, but no less important, you have widened the conflict and gap between Michael and Bonnie, which is also very intriguing. Something tells me that Bonnie is a lot stronger than we've seen so far, and her strength is going to manifest itself in an explosive way. I really love how Hanna is handling her character's arc. For that matter, how all of your actors are handling their roles...they inhabit their characters completely.

And I guess that's where I'll come down on the ongoing issue in these posts that deal with the questions raised about what missionaries would do, or be. This is meant to be a drama, not a documentary, and while it has to be based in truth, and the research done has to be reflected in the writing, I think the first obligation is to STORY -- and the drama created by conflict -- within it. That is where the obligation of the filmmakers lies.

That said, I will again offer that I think seeing some awkward attempts on Michael's part at interaction with the natives would have given this episode (and the last as well) a lot more power, both for Michael's character AND for Alan's.

But again, for my money, the fact that you've been able to suddenly, within one episode, make Alan the sympathetic, (almost) hero, and Michael the villain (of sorts), is terrific. And isolating Michael -- from Alan AND from Bonnie -- promises so much more.

You continue to impress.

characterwoman

Sep 13, 07
08:10 AM

RE: The tables turned
Very well said.

I'm keeping my eyes open on this twisty jungle path.

Barby

Sep 13, 07
02:12 PM

RE: The tables turned
I don't completely agree with you, Bob! Sorry, but as a woman I still find that Alan's character "creeps me out" a bit. I don't think he's really people-centered, because he certainly hasn't been very accepting or compassionate toward Michael. And the fact that he keeps referring to Bonni as that "pretty little wife" or words to that effect doesn't help his cause a bit with me!

You can tell the Michael and Bonni have had some real discussions about being independent missionaries, and it seems Bonni might have gone along with it to please Michael. We'll see how that develops...

Link: http://www.bzward.blogspot.com

jay

Sep 13, 07
09:14 PM

RE: The tables turned
well said bob, i couldn't possibly agree with you more, on every aspect of your post! great post about a great episode.

RSBSTEADICAM

Sep 14, 07
12:47 AM

RE: The tables turned
Let us not forget the tape is in already in "the can" and it remains to be revealed whether speculation will give way to fulfillment for anyone. Justice is after all (in the words of a judge) “just seeing that everyone is equally unhappy.”

It is also my understanding that there exists material for additional episodes besides those already promised. Can this be confirmed or denied?

Barby

Sep 14, 07
04:44 AM

RE: The tables turned
For the fellas (males) commenting - I'm curious if as guys you perceive the aspect (character flaw) of Alan's character that disturbs me. I see plenty of good in his character, but he comes across as the type of guy who would grope a woman without a second thought if he thought he could get away with it (especially if he had a drink in him!). Sadly I've had personal experience with tentacled "ministers"!

Maybe I am being unfair to him?
Maybe he's just a bit frustrated and jealous because of Michael's "hot" wife?

Whitt, you are doing an excellent job with Alan, by the way!

Link: http://www.bzward.blogspot.com

characterwoman

Sep 14, 07
07:52 AM

RE: The tables turned
Though not a male, I'll go: I sometimes wonder what percentage of women in our enlightened, look-how-wrong-everyone-else-is culture have NOT been violated in some egregious way by a physically (or politically) stronger individual. That doesn't lessen the sadness of the experience, and I'm sorry you've had to deal with it, Barby.

Alan is no angel, to state the obvious. In my view, he is damaged goods with thickly layers defense mechanisms. His chosen and sometimes desperate methonds of survival, mixed with his innate lust and greed and learned sense of male superiority, have driven him to a offensive point of no return to the well of sensitivity with which he was, at one time, almost in touch.

Of course I might change my mind when I finish my coffee.

characterwoman

Sep 14, 07
07:55 AM

RE: The tables turned
OK, coffee's kicked in. I meant "layered" not "layers."

characterwoman

Sep 14, 07
08:09 AM

RE: The tables turned
And "methods" not "methonds." Another cup.

Barby

Sep 14, 07
09:04 AM

RE: The tables turned
:) I better get some coffee too!

I realized immediately after posting that I should have asked the question of everyone, not just the guys.

My motivation is simple fascination with human behaviour. People take advantage of others (should I say we humans take advantage of each other?) when we are stronger/more powerful not just physically and politically, but emotionally as well. Sadly my conclusion then is that women are all too capable of being abusive as well.

(Having said that, injustice against women is a big issue for me. But that is for a different forum. And my experiences have made me stronger, Lee Ann, thanks.)

Back to the point - GUYS - I am really curious as to your take on the whole is Alan a good guy or bad guy or simply conflicted guy thing...

Link: http://www.bzward.blogspot.com