I learned somewhere that the writer of the sandbaggers series died when his
small plane crashed somewhere in Alaska. The legend is told that he was
researching a new story of the sandbaggers (I wonder what happens to Willie)
(does anyone know if this is true?). It is safe to say that he was a
brilliant writer. How many people could put together the kind of political
intrigue that every one of his shows displays? Every show is a journey into
an underbelly of corruption and deceit (and I am speaking of the English
political system only here) that, while being completely debased of morals,
we all know is a true pictorial of the world in which we live. This at a
time when technology and nuclear weapons had made the cold war, at least to
those who were paying attention, a deadly and imminent fact of our lives.
I'll tell you something about myself. In 1979 I joined the United States
Army Intelligence & Security Command. I was a young man, right out of high
school. Until then I had been, probably, a typical teenage man. I partied,
hung out with friends, did crazy things, just like many of us at such an age.
Sometime in 1980 I was assigned to a unit in Korea. Not Germany, but an
area where the cold war was very hot nonetheless. Certainly I went in "eyes
wide shut". No one could have been more innocent to the matters of a world
in peril then myself. Yet, through the access that my position allowed me, I
would come to realize that I was indeed a soldier in a war as "hot" as, what
I would now compare it to, a wars of the scale of biblical times.
Such a discussion a a topic for a different letter. Although it sets the
stage for my comment tonight.
So I had made a comment about the morals of the character we enjoy as Neil
Burnside. My observation, as I recall, was that the writer was being
provocative in his "assassination' of the character Laura.
Certainly I listened to your responses. At this point I am referring to the
responses of the ladies, for the most part, in particular. What a surprise
to find our Mr. Burnside was such a sexually attractive character. In my own
experience I have had to be very assertive and domineering in order to "get
the job done". You've almost convinced me that I should return to such ways
in hopes of finding a woman whom can stand me.
You've guessed that I find your "attraction" somewhat less than pertinent in
light of the nature of the question. Anyone can be a bastard, and a few can
actually "pull it off".
So, is there a likelihood that Neil will be marring Diane any time soon? In
my opinion, no. Please, give me a break. Diane portrays a very competent
individual. Very intelligent, pretty, world wise. She is competent in a job
that very few people could even conceive of. One of the truisms in our world
is that couples, generally, pair in manner which they believe will benefit
their offspring. Neil portraits a recovering alcoholic. A man obsessed with
his job. In episode 2 Wellington confronts Neil and says his daughter
described him as a man who put SIS even above ambition. This from a man
who's daughter "he" had married and divorced. (If he were my dad no such
conversation would be possible). You will recall that Neil was scheming a
promotion when "caught" this way. Even offered a "signed confession". There
is no opportunity for a romance between Neil and Diane.
However, some say Diane would make a good sandbagger. Really? I forget this
episode but I am re-watching them to find this point. I will concede that
such a request may have been possible. Please. Again, let us refer to
episode 2 and Wellington. Something like "I know that if you did not have
complete confidence in any of your sandbaggers you would have them off your
team". Neil looks at Diane in a moment of extreme desperation:, "Mmmmm could
she kill someone at close range"? Then he wishes he had another Coke. She
aspires to marriage and leaves soon after. A clear sign from the writer.
But of course there is Laura. So sweet, so innocent. Confronted with
Burnside she is hesitant. Really? What a gift to drop in her lap. It is
clear that she has been hurt in life. But like far too many of us Neil is
willing to take her at face value. This is the crux of my problem and my
letter to all of you. On the bridge Laura look Neil in the eye and begged
for that bullet. It is true, the author knew much more about women then we
do. Neil was her savior, did he know it?
It is clear in these cases. As you go through life some of you will notice
that it is not all obvious. People are made of very complex components.
Laura was damaged goods, you know that and so did Neil. It's very simple,
she is trying to get back at something which she perceives as an in justice
in here past. In my experience it is a problem with her father. She is
blessed. This man has stumbled across her and wants nothing more then to
sign her up with an organization that, for all practical purposes, will
guarantee to get her killed. And it will all be Neil's fault. Just like she
had been dreaming all these years.
Please do not think that such things do not exist. I have (and am) living
it. It's a basic part of human nature. I will tell you this, it is a part
of our nature which is very hard to overcome. There is no other answer. Why
does Neil kill her? Well, he has a job to do. But more importantly, he
wants to kill her. It is straight forward, he had to make the tough decision
in order to impress his superiors and gain that promotion spoken of in
episode 2.
Well, that's my opinion. I look forward to hearing your comments. I hope
that in the future we can discuss others ideas arising from this show.
Thank You,
Guy
- sewing the seeds