Under What Conditions?

My favorite verbal segue from one TV drama episode to the next, is from the producers of 24 and Homeland. (btw my two favorites of all time barely edging out Madmen, The Wire and Get Smart.) Viewers are elegantly and retrospectively reminded of how we got into the current predicament - where the protagonists are in terms of storyline time and place. In screenwriting circles this has been called ‘the current pickle’, where the audience is invited to share whatever conflict exists threatening to end the series by the failure of the action to effectively find salvation, warrant resolution or imply continuation. This momumental task is handled by one of the featured characters, in the case of 24, it is Jack Bauer (Keifer Sutherland) and in Homeland the phenomenal Saul Berensen (Mandy Patinkin). Each award-winning actor simply says: ‘Previously on 24’ (or Homeland) as highlights from past episodes bring us into the present, up to speed. The scripting and editing of these thirty second intros are mini-slices of brilliance, theatrical trailers that use every frame of the allotted time to recreate the drama, major plot points, motivation and events that have all brought its to this very day. A quick fade to black dissolve and we are back into the fray. It is fine filmmaking, artistic achievement and most enjoyable. I always have popcorn ready. 

All this as a segue of sorts. Yesterday we touched upon an important subject. One responsible for as many victories as defeats, success’ as losses, agonies as pain, elations as heartbreaks, and pilots as cancellations. 

We talked about character. More specifically athletic character. And more specific yet, about one’s athletic character quotient, or ACQ. Athletic Character Quotient is defined as one’s acumen on the field of play, under stress and under fire. One’s ACQ is increased by relentlessly getting updated intel on the one question it asks: Under what conditions will I quit? Conversely, one’s ACQ is diminished by refusal to even consider volunteering to test. Let’s face it, out of 100 people there are perhaps one or two with the ability, the talent, and the courage to take this type of challenge, to be the star, to risk everything in pursuit, of taking one step closer to finding the truth (or exposing the evil). Staying true to our metaphor, the other 98 or 99 people will choose to watch it on TV. Not every man can have the bravado of Jack Bauer or the charisma of Saul Berensen. Not every gal can have the charm of Chloe O’Brien or the fearlessness and dedication of Carrie Mathison. 

BUT EVERY MAN OR WOMAN CAN HAVE THE WILL TO FIND THEMSELVES. 

The only thing it takes, the only move necessary to make, is to get off the couch and get into the game. Turn that thing off. Stand up. Take one step. And then keep going. You will be challenged. 

Yes, it does depend. It depends on your current ACQ. It depends on the meaning of your message, or the messaging of your meaning. What do your stand for? What message to you portray to the world, those watching in desperate need of inspiration and motivation? What is your purpose today? Is it the same as yesterday? What is your growth trajectory? Is there something that you can do today to improve? How are your stresses being managed? Are they managing you? What compromise have you negotiated with your fine self in terns of your comfort zone? 

UNDER WHAT CONDITIONS WILL YOU QUIT? 

Writing the screenplay of your life, you in the starring role, have the chance to hear it every morning, ‘previously in my life’, and take it from there. And please do not forget that every participant, from the gaffers, grips and green persons to the central characters, from the drivers to the directors, all play important roles towards the success of the series. You are, I am and we are, all responsible for the quality of our parts. Another element of ACQ as it applies to our personal dramatic series. 

Action.