"Better Call Saul" theories abound

Ever since Better Call Saul - the prequel to Breaking Bad that follows Jimmy McGill on his journey to becoming Walter White's sleazy lawyer Saul Goodman - debuted a couple years ago, there have been a lot of theories flying around the internet among fans as to what exactly triggers the change in persona. In addition, we've also been shown him post-Breaking Bad as Gene the troubled Cinnabon Manager, leading to questions (and theories) about his journey from Albuquerque to that mall in Omaha.

One of the biggest questions in the minds of viewers is the eventual fate of Kim Wexler, Jimmy's sometimes girlfriend/sometimes legal partner who has become beloved by fans. The character of Kim was first introduced in Better Call Saul - she never appears and is never mentioned in Breaking Bad (or in the Omaha sequences) - so most theories posit that something awful or tragic happens and she either completely walks away from Jimmy/Saul, or she meets a horrific end that pushes Jimmy over the line firmly into Saul territory for once and for all.

I don't know how feasible it is, but here's a theory that would mostly spare Kim (much to the relief of fans) but might be a little too hopeful IMO: Does Kim Wexler end up as Saul Goodman's behind-the-scenes partner?

I hate to say it - while it's not a terrible idea - I think it's just a little far-fetched and driven more by viewers love for Kim and a desire for Jimmy/Saul not to have to lose her than by what fate probably awaits her. Plus I can't see Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould taking that easy of a way out. I don't know what they've got planned for Kim, but I can't help thinking she isn't going to get off that easily. Whatever they come up with, I'm sure it will be brilliant but probably not a happy ending.

I didn't watch Breaking Bad until after it had completed its run (my loss) and so didn't realize that this type of theorizing in this universe isn't new. It seems that some fans thought Walter White got off too easily because despite his death, he was able to see his family one last time and arrange for them to eventually get the money he had been so desperate to leave them. This fan on YouTube has the idea that Walter White's gunshot wound wouldn't have been fatal, meaning that he would have recovered to stand trial, go to prison (at least until the cancer killed him), been exposed to the world and deprived his family of the money. And he goes to great lengths to explain why. GREAT. LENGTHS.

Hate to admit it, he does make some valid points. Would love to know what Gilligan and Gould would have to say about it.

Oh, the drama!!!

Alex Guarnaschelli posted this on Instagram:

The return of TV Tattle

TV Tattle is back! Again! Norman Weiss's TV news link site that refuses to die is back yet again. I thought it was really gone for good when it stopped updating as a part of TV Insider, but it has returned from the dead again, and I for one am glad to see it. It's kind of like Deadline for normal people.

TV Tattle has been around in some form since 2000. Back in the day, when I worked in post production and tracked shows in development and production, it was one of my go-to online sources.

Welcome back TV Tattle!

Some interesting advice on introducing your protagonist

From Script Reader Pro, here is their No. 1 Hack on How to Introduce Your Protagonist to the audience.

Basically their advice is that the first time the audience (or script reader) sees the protagonist, he or she should be actively engaged in what they will be doing throughout the film, what the article refers to as "character essence". Here is a great example from the article:

How is Indiana Jones introduced?

Less skilled writers would've maybe chosen to introduce him at home talking to someone on the phone about the Ark. Or on a routine dig somewhere in a desert.

Sure, he's actively doing what defines him to a certain extent in these examples, but what shows us the character essence of what Indy's really all about?

Yep, being chased by boulders, dodging poisoned darts and leaping chasms clutching a precious golden artifact.

In other words it all comes back to the old screenwriting adage of show, don't tell.

Often, the action at the beginning of these films is completely unrelated to the eventual plot, but it's there in order to show us straight away who the hero is.

I found this piece of advice particularly interesting since aspiring writers are constantly told not to include anything that doesn't move the story forward. But there are exceptions to every rule, and setting the scene for the entire story to follow appears to be a very effective one. Imagine Raiders of the Lost Ark with Indiana Jones in that suit and those glasses in the classroom being the first time we see him, and the image it would have established in our minds, that this is a man of a buttoned-down academic world, rather than a man of death-defying action.

Opening with that action sequence also makes Indy relatable despite his larger than life heroics because we are shown that he has a flaw or weakness that pretty much everyone can understand: his fear of snakes.

Do take the time to read the whole article - it's really great food for thought. I know it's something that I'll keep in mind in the future.

Life comes at you fast. Even faster when you're an idiot.

Almost every time I've seen college kids in the media lately, I wonder how they're going to survive when they get out in the real world. I wonder when they find time to actually study and learn anything when they're so busy wreaking havoc on their neighborhoods and assaulting anyone who doesn't march in lockstep with their beliefs and opinions, and even protesting having to do college student stuff like taking tests and you know, actually being taught something that might be useful to them now and in the future. And don't even get me started on the coddling and "safe spaces". Good luck in the real world, kids.

They are so out of touch with actually educating themselves about something before developing an opinion about it, that it's a real kick when they get smacked with the reality stick, and bonus points for getting it on video and sharing it with the world. I give you college students who get their hate on over President Trump's tax plan, but love it when aspects of it are presented to them as being authored by Bernie Sanders. And then are told it's actually Trump's plan. Enjoy!

"Parents that have children go through a lot..." Parents. That. Have. Children.

Lots of face-saving going on after the big reveal, but I'm not buying that they actually learned anything from it. Come on people, learn to think and not just having knee-jerk reactions. You might learn something that will surprise you, like it's possible to agree with someone on some issues even if you don't agree with them on everything. It's a big world out there and not everyone is going to be just like you. Deal with it.

Yeah, pretty much

Oh good, it's not just me.

How to write good

If you've read even only a few of my blog posts, you know how guilty I am of number 6. Like writing death penalty guilty.

H/T to PAGE International Screenwriting Awards on FB for the image.

SQUEEEEEEE!!!!!

That sound you make when you discover you have an author page (however paltry) on Goodreads.

Baby steps.

Non-news

Not much new to report around here. Threw my back out of whack earlier this week, so I haven't been able to get much done that doesn't involve me being in a sitting position or laying on my side. That heating pad is getting a workout.

Today would have been my Dad's 77th birthday, so here's a happy, beachy picture of him.

Kona Jim

A beautiful weekend is wrapping up and it's making me feel really at peace with the world. Except for the part when I walk around I shuffle like a little old man. That part kinda sucks.

Hope everyone has a great week!

Writing tips from Harlan Coben

I got a chance to see best-selling author Harlan Coben interviewed by Michael Connelly last year at Bouchercon New Orleans. He was an interesting guy. And here are his awesome writing tips.

It's all good advice, but I think my favorites are #3 and #5. They also give you a good idea of what an interesting interview he was.

H/T to Publishers Weekly on Facebook.

20 Window Seat Book Nooks to die for

I wouldn't kick any of these out of bed, but some of them are downright the stuff of dreams: 20 Window Seat Book Nooks.

My favorites:
#1 - By the sea
#7 - On a boat
#13 - Pemberley
#20 - Spectacular mountain views

And the winner...

#17 - String lights. Seriously, I could live in this nook.

H/T to BookBub on Facebook for the heads-up. Also, check out the comments at the link - interesting to see which ones everyone is picking.

More Kids? HECK. YEAH.

So word is out that the Kids in the Hall might be getting the band back together: Kevin McDonald Says Group is in Talks for New Miniseries.

Although this is great news, it may be a while before we actually see any episodes. Per the linked article:

McDonald emphasized that the talks are in very early stages, since it's tough to get all five members together at once. "It's so at the beginning, we're not able to even get conference calls together. There's always one or two of us that are kind of busy. 

I don't care, it will totally be worth the wait. In the meantime, I'll have to bust out the DVDs of their show and Brain Candy.

I was thinking of putting some of their videos on this post, but there's too many to choose from. Just go to YouTube, search Kids in the Hall, and kiss the rest of your day goodbye!