MARCH 8 2009:

Episode 2 is finished! Tentative title CHASING RABBITS. A bit of an allure to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, but I feel like that’s getting to be way too cliché. That and C.S. Lewis. I think it’s a bit more literal than Episode 1’s title, it refers really to the fact that everyone in this episode is really chasing their own tail.

I introduced a few new characters this episode. Paul Brandt the mercenary got a name, Cain has a bodyguard/chef named Vilo Monrae, a information source known as Trust, and a key conspiracy figure, Simon Trusseau. With the exception of Brandt, who’s dead now, I think we’re going to see all of these characters again at least once.

I found this episode to be a struggle to write. I had always intended that the Davis rescue would go down in Episode 3, and I had to find a way to reach that moment but delay it at the same time. I mean the whole episode is literally find one clue to find another. In one way, I regret that, but in another, the episode’s called chasing rabbits for a reason. How would one track someone down without forensic evidence? Derek and crew would have been on the right track had they followed the Trusseau lead – but Davis’ plea for help at the end, setting in motion a very different episode was essential.

By about half way into Episode 3, I’d like the rescue to be under way. Riley and Derek find an opportunity to track down Davis that can’t wait for regrouping, but Eddie and Cain stumble upon Davis’ secret cache of high-tech weapons. This will include the high powered magnet hands, the mounted zip-line and the combat-suit. That last item will be the foundation of Derek’s costume by season 2.

You may never get an opportunity to see Nathan Davis’ back story so here it is. Davis grew up the son of an alcoholic and a mother who stood by it. With high spirits he made it through high school with fantastic grades, which led him to McGill University on a full scholarship. Pursuing studies in psychology, law and sociology he eventually graduated on top of the Dean’s List with a Masters in Criminology. Having deduced his intelligence was on the superhuman level, Davis struggled with what to do with his intellect. He entered law school, but soon discovered the courtroom wasn’t where he belonged. Through his studies, he was introduced to the case of JEREMY RYER, a man being tried on several different charges of fraud. Following the case, Davis identified Ryer as a super human capable of changing his appearance. Ryer disappeared shortly after his sentencing, and Davis began a short journey to track down and bring the suspect to justice. Davis was left was a renewed passion for the law on the side of the police, and soon found himself with a detective’s badge. His escalating war on crime has been fought with advanced-weaponary developed in his secret basement laboratory.

I still haven’t decided if Davis lives or dies. He’ll find out that Derek isn’t the target – Eve is, only Danielle doesn’t know who Eve is yet – just that it’s who Derek loves. Derek gets to Eve first, and is able to protect her for a short time – but is eventually captured at the end of Episode 4. While Danielle’s plans involve a nuclear attack – Derek only cares about getting his girl back. Frankly, Davis doesn’t fit into that picture – and obviously must die at some point. Characters with answers are bad. Maybe we can put him in a coma. Comas are good.

Anyway, expect status updates as I go through a second draft with Episode 2. Then I hopefully I can get everyone together for a good reading. You will be the second audience to know how it goes.

Ciao for now everyone!