Mark

I was directed to this from the PAGE finalists discussion boards. First off, congrats on your success there.

I enjoyed this even if some of the dystopian, post apocalyptic genre is severely over saturation at this point. It feels like its gone the way of zombies and vampires films of a few years ago. It got me thinking why this particular milieu has become fashionable in recent times, is it because we edge ever closer to it being a reality with each passing year? That there are actually places on earth that look like the 1984 version of Blade Runner.

Anyway, even though a lot of familiar tropes were on display here, the action and characters in between that were compelling enough to keep me reading and kind of one me over in the end. The silent protagonist, the black market profiteer, the ever intrusive totalitarian government all feels like well trodden territory but injected with some genuine suspense and pothos. The Robot also provides welcome levity, a nice touch that stops the piece from tipping into brutish, misery porn the opening scenes suggested.

The real test comes in where you take it from here. By the sounds of it you are already far down the road of exploring that so I'm definitely curious to see what you do.

Also, I'm very happy Roy got dispatched in this episode because he felt very heavy handed. One of those one note, horrible characters that is just too easy to hate and provides no nuance or shade. If I would make any suggestion, I would be to give him more dimension. This would feel more authentic, less cartoon-y villainous but also make Billy's decision to kill him all the more impactful and complex. Yes, you could keep him a bastard in the main to justify Billy taking the measure he does, just not so completely 100% hateful.

Anyway, I liked this, you've breathed some life into a genre that's becoming as stale as those rations in Zena's Trading Post

I've yet to watch the film, will do when I get a chance

Col.

Just read this, really enjoyed it.

The robot scene almost bought a tear to my eye. It was easy to read, my flow wasn't interrupted at all. I got a very clear image in my head of what was going on and how it was playing out

Thoroughly enjoyed

Thanks for posting it