The Therapy Zone
Once upon a time the Therapy Zone used to be a cave where a scientist lives, who plays with his chalk, and brews his brew, and where others went to be an alcoholic in perfect privacy. Just as long as you rejoined the flock in good time. But no more. Now the Therapy Zone is a long tunnel cut into the rock, where people are sent for therapy. Therapy? I didn't see too much therapy going on! There were dirty people wandering about in well worn and tattered clothing, with the look of fear on their faces. And mad barking dogs were chained to the walls. If that's therapy, give me a large whisky without water every time!
Be seeing you
This tunnel scene was and still remains (among other things) a mystery to me, its proper purpose unclear. As you write correctly there's nothing around that could be called "therapy". Instead, the whole installation where presumably "unmutual" people are sent to resembles virtually a prison, a dungeon or a dump, its inmates widely neglected.
ReplyDeleteHowever, even worse in terms of storytelling, there must be an "in" and an "out" since in the course of the - incomprehensible for that matter - action 6 rescues 313. But how did he find the entrance in the first place? Was he allowed to walk in, wasn't there any guard? What was Rover doing down there except from just posing menacingly? And finally, how did 6 and 313 manage to get out which apparently they did. Again, nobody whatsoever around trying to stop them? Unlikely. Then, as the only possible conclusion, it's been a perfect ploy conceived by 2. But we're only left with this assumption.
In a former blog entry (thepris6ner_26) mention was made about 2's little private golf tournament in the middle of the desert where he approaches 6 to spy for him knowing it would be a trap. This scene to me is most significant of the incredibly inept narrative mode at work here. Because nothing, really naught ensues out of this. Any aspiring script writer, I'm convinced, would have been kicked out of any producer's office if he had submitted such a treatment.
I've always maintained that I was in favour of this mini series, and still I am, to some degree. This being aspects of the setting, the new Village as such, the images of the landscape, the colours, the atmosphere, McKellens portayal of 2. But hardly regarding the story if that's what it's supposed to be. - BCNU!
Hello Arno,
DeleteYes, I enjoyed reading your comment. What I can say in reply is, Six doesn't find the entrance to the tunnel/Therapy Zone, as he is taken there, chained and hooded, in the back of a black Bedford van. How Six escapes with 313 and 1,100 is something I cannot explain. Nor can I explain the fact that 1,100 {the schoolgirl} is in the Therapy Zone "before" Two has her sent there at the end of the episode of 'Anvil!' That seems a bit back to front in my opinion!
As for Rover, "it's" there because Six is afraid. Rover is generated by Six's fear. It appears at the end of 'Arrival' as Six fears he is going to escape the Village. And at the outset of 'Harmony' Rover goes away when Six is lying unconscious on a sand dune. And then in 'Darling' when he is afraid he is going to lose 4-15, the woman he is to marry. And finally in 'Checkmate' Two tries to get Six to face Rover, to face his own fear! Have you observed how Rover only appears in the presence of Six?
Yes I agree. That meeting between Six and Two could have easily taken place in Two's office or home. It seems to me, that visually the script writer Bill Gallagher and dirctor Nick Hurran seem to have gone out of their way to make some scenes seem surreal as possible. But Two on his golf course does not work for me either.
Kind regards
David
BCNU
That's a truly interesting point, seeing Rover as an aspect of 6's personality or state of mind/fear. It never occurred to me. And it is a valid thought. But then, what about 6's alleged brother 16 who is killed by Rover in the water? Was it because of 6's presence? My memory has faded a bit since. You're of course right, 6 was brought into the tunnels by force. But if so, this part of the action remains only piecemeal.
ReplyDeleteAs for the "golf course scene", I mean it's doesn't matter where it's just that this piece of dialogue is strictly for the birds, it's wasted. Imagine the thrill potential in that exchange! But what did they make out of it?
Actually I never wanted to deal with this subject any longer. Rather I alway wanted to be a lumberjack... You know! ;-) Be seeing you!
Hello Arno,
DeleteI enjoyed your comment, and I know you wanted to be a Lumberjack....because you want what we all want ultimately.....to escape!
I'm a lumberjack, and I'm okay.
I sleep all night and I work all day.
I cut down trees. I eat my lunch.
I go to the lavatory.
On Wednesdays I go shoppin'
And have buttered scones for tea.
Regards
David
Be seeing you