On writing for TV and football . . .

I've finished a couple of rewrites of the pilot episode for a TV show I'm trying to develop.

I'm calling the show The Prince. Not that it has anything to do with Machiavelli, except peripherally. I tried to come up with a different title for it but The Prince is too perfect to disregard without another, even more perfect title. Because that's what it's about.

Anyway, I've gotten the rough draft of the pilot written and I'm rewriting it now. I'm pretty happy with it so far. It strikes the tone I'm looking for, and the characters seem alive to me. It still needs some work before I start showing it to people, but so far, so good. Now, in addition to fine tuning the pilot script, I'm working on the bible for the show that gives as much detail of the world it exists in as possible, and I need to fill in the map of the area, too, so I'll have an idea where everything is. The countries involved, the people and places, never actually existed, so I'm not obliged to stick to actual historical reality too much.

The main thing that concerns me about it is a practical manner: it's a period piece. It's set in a time that would roughly be the late 17th century. Those are hard to get made, with pretty good reason--they're expensive. But they're also pretty popular at the moment, so hopefully there will be some studio out there somewhere that'd be willing to give this thing a shot. We'll see.

I'm also starting to think about another idea I've had for a while now about a post-apocalyptic drama. I think I'll be working on an outline for the pilot for that one today, while I let the pilot for The Prince marinate a bit. I'm calling that one New Avalon.

I think both shows are especially relevant, given the times we live in. The Prince is about a young man discovering and developing the skills and attitudes he needs to become an effective ruler. New Avalon is about recovering from a disaster, rebuilding and starting again.

Also, both shows have a limited run, if they ever get made. The Prince would run about five or six seasons. New Avalon would go for about seven or eight. Under ideal circumstances.

Now, to football.

As you are aware if you're one of the two people who reads this, I'm an Atlanta Falcons fan. I've been a fan of the Falcons since there's been a Falcons. Over fifty years. So I'm excited about the upcoming Superbowl.

Yeah, I know they were in the Superbowl before, back in the late 90s, but nobody back then--not even me--really gave them much of a chance to win against that Denver Broncos team. Denver was fated to win that year and I think the Falcons were just happy to be there. They had a really good team that year, but Denver had an outstanding team. It wasn't much of a contest.

Not this time. The Falcons offense is record setting and there is no one individual--outside of the quarterback, Matt Ryan--who is the central focus. Yes, wide receiver Julio Jones is incredible, but he's only one player, and Ryan won't try to force the ball to him if he's not open. He's got so many other options to go to this time--two other receivers, Samu and Gabriel, who are lightning quick, as well as a great tandem of running backs, Coleman and Freeman. The offensive line is playing as well as they've ever played. Offensively I think they're set.

Defensively, who knows? That's been a bit of a weakness all season. There are four rookies who play key positions, and the earlier part of the season they played like rookies. Later on they seemed to gel a bit but there were still a few lapses. That can't happen against the Patriots--Brady will take advantage of any mistakes he sees.

I'm also a bit worried about special teams. I think they got exposed a bit in the game against Seattle where Devin Hester lit them up. Granted, Hester is a one-of-a-kind kick/punt returner (Falcons should know since he played for them a while) but still, it was concerning. As long as Bosher  can force fair catches or kick it out of the end zone we should be okay. If not--please please please stay in your lanes, guys, and make a freakin' tackle!

So, if the defense can put pressure on Brady without having to blitz (I'm looking at you, Vic Beasley, Jr.) then I think the Falcons have a really good chance at winning this game.

I'm still trying to get my head around the idea of a Superbowl where I actually really, really care who wins. If they win it, I'm not sure if I can handle it.

Let's find out if I can, shall we?

Atlanta Falcons - end-of-season performance review

It's that time again, Coach Quinn and company.

I said before the season started, after you managed to get above a .500 winning percentage last season, that I'd be happy with a playoff appearance this season.

So, considering that the team went 11 - 5, won the NFC South, is the #2 seed in the NFL playoffs, and has a first round bye, I have to say that you have exceeded expectations. I would have been happy with a simple appearance in the Wild Card Round.

The offense is a monster. Whoever makes decisions about personnel needs to be high-fived, especially for acquiring Alex Mack at center. The offensive line has never been better, Ryan seems to be comfortable in the system, and the offense is running the ball and passing the ball effectively. Ryan's distributing the ball to whoever is open, instead of trying to force it to Julio Jones on every play, which has proven to be critical. Opposing defenses don't know who to cover. As far as the offense goes, I'm not really seeing any glaring weaknesses there that need to be addressed for next season.

Defensively, it's not quite as sunny. The defense has been inconsistent all season, though it played better over the last few games. But it still seems to go into a funk for extended periods.

Take, for example, last week's game against New Orleans. In the first half the defense dominated the Saints. Second half, not so much. The Saints were able to get back into the game and were within striking distance of winning it, because the Falcon pass rush disappeared, as did coverage of the Saints receivers. Brees had plenty of time to throw the ball and when he did his receiver would be wide open. They almost managed to overcome a pretty steep deficit to take the lead in the fourth quarter.

I recognize that defense. That's the same one from a couple of seasons ago when the team only won four games. I thought we'd moved on from that. That defense will not advance in the playoffs.

My nickname for that style of defense is "let-'em-do-anything-they-want."

Needless to say, I have concerns with that defense. While there are some standout players, such as Vic Beasley, we still need help when it comes to rushing the passer. Someone to play in the middle, either as a lineman or as a linebacker, who is effective at clogging things up, would be a big help, I think.

I realize the defense has a lot of young players and a many of the problems have been because of their inexperience. Hopefully, now that they have a season under their belts, they'll figure out how to play an NFL-level defense.

Next season? Expectations are to maintain the offensive excellence you've established this season. Bring the defense up to the same level as the offense. Win at least eleven games. Advance in the playoffs.

Congratulations on a great season! I'm looking forward to seeing you against Seattle in the game next Saturday, and hopefully in Houston in a few weeks!

Go, Falcons!

Elegy # 1

In my dreams sometimes I forget that you're gone

that you're not there

you're not there

Waking up in the dark all alone

it's not fair

it's just not fair

I can't believe that you are dead

I won't believe it

I try to remember all the good times we had

but I don't care

I just don't care

Maybe one day I won't feel so bad

but I'm not there

no, I'm not there

I can't believe that you are dead

I won't believe that you are dead

It was years ago but recent in my head

I can't believe that you are dead

One day they tell me, I'll only remember the joy, the light you brought into my life

I can't wait much longer for that day

until that time it'll stab me like a knife

Over and over, come what may

I'll try to remember all the good times we had

maybe I'll care

I hope I'll care

The sadness will be replaced by your love

I think that's fair

I know that's fair

Because I don't believe that you're dead

I never believed that you are dead . . .

words and music by J. Franklin Evans (c) 2017