Postby xpistos » Mon Apr 09, 2012 1:01 pm
"The End.
Every story we are told as children has some sort of flag attached to it to signify the story we just heard had reached its logical conclusion. For better or worse, and at least for the time being, the visionary behind the tale had decided the narrative reached its end. One thought completed. No further comments needed and no further explanation required. This, much like riding off into the sunset, has become as big a part of our human nature as learning to walk.
There is a problem with this concept; like the song says “The End is the Beginning is the End.” In other words, the end of something is arbitrary at best. You may think the conversation is over, but your wife may not. If you are not married, take it from me, this is usually the case. For instance, how many times have you watched a great movie or read a fantastic book that was concise, entertaining and satisfying. Now, how many times has that successful work been allowed to go to the well one time too many? If you are lucky, it will not ruin the warm fuzzy feeling you had when you experienced it prior.
This is not always a problem, however. Sometimes a good story can be made better when it is expanded for instance the current firestorm surrounding DC Comics’ decision to publish prequel stories to the Watchmen. It is possible they could be every bit as good as the original. Also The Empire Strikes Back might never have been made if George Lucas simply moved on after Star Wars. That does not excuse Jar Jar Binks, and while we are on the subject, where are Episodes VII, VIII & IX which I was promised as a child??? Sorry, I had a relapse there for a second... "