I think some of the best screenwriting is seen on tv, which seems like an unlikely atmosphere, given the immense pressure to produce a weekly script. I saw a recent episode of This Is Us, and yet again the dialogue and story were touching and thoughtful and funny. I am truly amazed!
My favorite thread was a memory of one of the triplets, Randall. He made a poignant statement about pacman while discussing a difficult decision with his wife. He was remembering the hours he played pacman as a kid, and was reminiscing about teaching his daughters to play. He referred to the simplicity of the game. Running from ghosts. Performing the unending "Sisyphean" task of endless eating dots and escaping ghosts, level after level. I thought it was simple and true. It reminded me of the Tao of Pooh, and I thought it was beautifully done. But after Randall speaks, instead of mirroring the sentiment, his wife gives him this look, and asks him what he is talking about. It turned from serious to funny, and their polar opposites played in balance yet again
Still, there is something simple in the game of pacman that echoes some of the truths of the universe. Just keep moving. Avoid pitfalls. If you don't make it, try again. Practice. Practice. Practice.
So to all of those exhausted writers in a room somewhere, trying to think of their next great idea, and refining the stories and conversations of their next show: Keep making magic! I admire your craft!
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