1 of 1- Big Badd Bazzer
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The Writer is the engineer of the Human Soul
I've always pondered this question since the age of approx. 35
Now, I fully believe it to be true.
In the context of The Blacklist
1. With the exception of the odd blotches of mediocrity the writing on this show is near spectacular (for today's TV)
2. The acting has become precise and occasionally exceptional. From main stars Spader & Boone to all the guest villains and heroes.
3. Episodes as stand-alones are often amongst the best the television universe has to offer.
4. Continuity continues to be a minor problem, often having to play catch up when inconsistencies are pointed out (usually by the fan base)
5. Biggest problem for show-runners, writers is that the end game has not been planned out well. That's my opinion - it might prove to be incorrect. Based on what I'm experiencing I have to believe the show-runners don't know whats in the "bag of bones" - AND THEY'RE JUST PLAYING THINGS OUT - LOOKING FOR A ROUTE - A SPECIAL ROAD TO THE PROMISED LAND.
Most often in Television drama the end is written before the beginning - in TBL's case I think the END is still a BLACK BOX - and that runners & writers are still trying to figure it out. Main reason why continuity is often choppy and episodes are better viewed as stand-alones vs. threads in a finely tailored suit.
As for the quote - "The Writer is the engineer of the Human Soul" - - - - I think you'd be surprised by who initially proclaimed it. Take an educated guess - I'll post it later unless someone decides to play "GOOGLE SPOILER" lol
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- Tatiana
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Re: The Writer is the engineer of the Human Soul
Big Bad - great comment! And while I suspected the type of person who might say it, I did not know exactly who it was. Makes sense. And interesting admonition to writers at that time.
In contrast, what you point out is consistent with a theatrical style called, "Epic Theatre" which was introduced and implemented primarily by Bertolt Brecht. The main thrust of this philosophy was an admonition to the audience to be active thinkers in consuming/watching the play and the ideas it espouses. Brecht was dismayed at the easy manner in which audiences would fall in love with the characters and then accept and defend the play even when those characters committed crimes or were 'monsters'.
I have several notes on this that I will post once I finish because once you know this theatrical philosophy, it is entirely consistent with your bullet points above.
"I could tell you how to win a marathon, but you're assuming it's a 26.2 mile race. It's not. It's a 6.2 mile race that begins at mile 20." Raymond Reddington
- lara1
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Re: The Writer is the engineer of the Human Soul
BBB - interesting post, I agree with it. although I do think the writers know the end, just not the specifics of how to get there. And I think that's driven by the nature of network tv, ie not knowing how many seasons they will have. I think one of the reasons the bag of bones might be drawn out is that it would be revealed differently, say, if they did not have a season six. which they probably wouldn't know into well into the season. I believe they already now know, which is one of the reasons this season has amped up and gone from strength to strength.
I don't have any kind of inside knowledge at all, this is just my gut feeling based on observation. But I do agree with your post. 
- Eastcoast
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Re: The Writer is the engineer of the Human Soul
I agree BBB, but I also agree a bit with lara1 because I think they are trying to figure out how to get there.
Last edited by Eastcoast (4/03/2018 11:12 am)
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- Big Badd Bazzer
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Re: The Writer is the engineer of the Human Soul
How to get there?
Aye, that's the challenge . . . .
I think the hesitation on providing 100% revelation if they know what the bag o bones is (or represents) is rooted in the idea that they want to save the bag revelation for the last (or second last) episode. . . . . and with the vagaries of network approval they MUST FIND IT FRUSTRATING TO NOT KNOW WHAT SEASON - OR HOW MANY TOTAL EPISODES THEY HAVE - BEYOND WHATS IN THE CAN!
That's the challenge!
As for the quote - time to reveal the author - it was Josef Stalin ,. . . . .
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Thread Starter- IowaWatcher
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Re: The Writer is the engineer of the Human Soul
I think you're on to something, BBB. It's also going to depend on whether the show is renewed for
Season 6. I keep watching for news, but I haven't seen any.
- Tuxie400
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Re: The Writer is the engineer of the Human Soul
Iowa Watcher - We likely won't hear a confirmatiion of renewal until around May 10, like last year. But all the professional predicters - Grim Reaper, Cancel Bear and others say it will likely be renewed.
- Big Badd Bazzer
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Re: The Writer is the engineer of the Human Soul
One other thing that will factor into TBL's potential renewal - is James Spader himself. He's not really known as a procedural constant - his track history is littered by short to mid length series. Unlike Mark Harmon who can go on forever, Spader is in it for the acting, the writing and the puzzling nature of a great TV series.
So if Spader says 1 more year - then its probably one more year.
Although, I must add - for the first 2 or 3 years I didn't think the series could go on WITHOUT SIR JAMES.
NOW with Megan getting her acting chops together and the excellent supporting cast - I've changed my mind.
Spader is a magnificent performer and dramatist - but give Megan another great star to act with - and the series could probably stay on the air for years - AS A PROCEDURAL, perhaps with Spader doing the odd guest performance - while continuing on as one of the executive producers!
Last edited by Big Badd Bazzer (4/07/2018 10:24 am)
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Thread Starter- IowaWatcher
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Re: The Writer is the engineer of the Human Soul
You're right Tuxie. I read that, too, but I'll feel better when it's announced.
Midnight Texas will be back this summer. I hate to admit it, but that show grew on me.
BBB, all good points. I've only recently had time to surf around and catch interviews. What James wants, James gets, to a large extent, so you're probably right.
- Tatiana
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Re: The Writer is the engineer of the Human Soul
"I could tell you how to win a marathon, but you're assuming it's a 26.2 mile race. It's not. It's a 6.2 mile race that begins at mile 20." Raymond Reddington
- Eastcoast
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Re: The Writer is the engineer of the Human Soul
Very nice Tatiana!!
It's a shame you have no crackers
- lara1
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Re: The Writer is the engineer of the Human Soul
Thanks Tatiana for sharing! that scene from Lady From Shanghai is truly fascinating!