Getting Inspired

I know I said I wouldn't do this again, but here I am, 2am, right before bed typing up another entry ;)

For the past few days I've been pretty heavily investing some time with some great writing in terms of plot and character. I just finished watching Prison Break half an hour ago, and boy was it fan-bloody-tastic! I mean the plot in and of itself wasn't exactly the most original, but the way they told it, through the twists and turns, the fabulous dialogue and the strong characters is what made it most enjoyable.

Particularly satisfying were Bellick, T-Bag and Mahone, three side characters that I thought had the best character arcs that I didn't see coming. T-Bag especially. I'm still siting here going through his character in my mind, watching the transition of his character, from the murdering paedophile > seeking salvation > seeking new identity and back to > murder paedophile. I mean a character can only go through a story getting kicked in the teeth so many times, but to watch how his character unfolded in the face of all those hurdles, how his charm and wit and prolixity were anchored despite the changing goals. (And he ran pretty funny <3)

Next was playing Left 4 Dead. So yeah, sure, it's an FPS game, so what story could there be? You're right, it's pretty much the whole world is infected and there are 4 survivors who need to (duh) survive. That's the story. But there's something in their execution of the game that makes it all the more worthwhile. It's not just another FPS. Nor is it just a game with kickass AI. There's just something in how they've executed those insane hordes of zombies, all barging through and door and attacking you. There's something in the "special" zombie characters they've made that just make them fucking insane to play. The overall mechanics of the game are a thing of beauty. And I look forward to heading back to play some more.

Realistically speaking, my experience at the Barracks was not pleasant. For one thing, it's such a geek den down there. Full of geeky internet jokes and "witty" quips tossed to and fro. And they're all pretty much in there all the time everyday. I'm not complaining about that, but by being down there so often, they become great players of the games. Not so great news for me, the n00b. To quote:

"WHO THE FUCK IS ABMO AND WHY AM I STUCK WITH THE NEWBIES?!"

That was yelled across the room when I failed to kill a particularly feisty Hunter that got in and attacked my crew. Did I react? Nope, just stayed low in my seat and kept playing. Eventually I got better and better and though I ain't a pro, at one point I was the only guy left standing after a zombie attack and I pretty much eliminated the enemies so that I could revive my team. Considered not saving the jackass, but I needed him. I'm looking forward to going back and learning more and having more fun with friends campaigning, as opposed to 8-playering it up.

Thirdly I plan to rewatch Code Geass in its entirety starting tomorrow. I'm still feeling shocked and awed by that anime from when I watched it months back and I intend to re-instill that feeling as I move into my holidays and start writing again.

EDIT: OH! And I've spent so much time listening to the soundtrack for FFXII (it was my study music for two exams). Amazing how music can have such visceral effects on a person. I think I should get the full FFX soundtrack and listen to that... see what memories crop up there <3

I've spent a lot of time in-between shows thinking about Spiral. I definitely have a very good, philosophical and intellectual ending ... a discussion that takes place is pretty well planned. Naturally this can change and bend according to Colby's contributions, but I like my ending and I will be writing towards it.

I've also been thinking about Trio, my TV show with Jeanne. I need to write my pitch for the first episode for her. I've been getting a ton of ideas that could fill in 40 minutes. Once I can get that done, I think I will start planning out the full 22/24 episodes - whatever a full season is. I still haven't decided whether I can do more than 1 season yet. I mean I'm not precisely tethered to my show's brief, like how Prison Break stopped being about breaking out of a prison at the end of the first season or Lost sorta stopped being about being "lost" pretty early on. But could I really extend beyond my decided setting, without venturing into the territory of shady organisations like "The Company"!?

Funny how I've sort of thought about making the world of Spiral and Trio the one and the same. Not exactly the same story, just linked in the same universe. I'll have to talk to Colby about whether I'd be allowed to do that ;) Naturally that would also depend on what happens in Spiral. I mean if we destroy the universe then I can't write a sequel set in nothingness. :P