Bokenkamp calls to pitch a show to FOX and Chris Carter answers the phone.
CC: (after introductions) But, you already have a show don't you?
JB: *beams* Yeah, The Blacklist.
CC: Right, right, I loved the first season. *a beat* Season two was kind of rough, wasn't it.
JB: Noo...not really. We are still the number one drama on NBC.
CC: Look at the numbers, Jon.
JB: *sigh* we slipped a little, yeah.
CC: Why do you think that is?
JB: I am really not sure to be honest. We had a great love story this season.
CC: Correction: You had a great love story *last* season. *rubs forehead* if you're going for slow burn Jon you're doing it wrong.
JB: Oh you mean Red and Liz? *nervous laughter* Well he's not her dad.
CC: *eye roll* Yeah that was some surprise. You know answering that is not enough. You have to help the story along. *forehead crease intensifies* Let's talk about your two leads. Do they have chemistry?
JB: They get along great.
NOT what I meant. From what I can tell from Season 1, they had chemistry from the pilot. you need to use that...capitalize on it. Put them in close proximity of each other...have them make a lot of meaningful eye contact...the occasional touches...sexual innuendo. You did some of that already in season 1, but then you seemed to lose your way a bit.
JB: Well, they're going on the run together.
CC: Perfect! Finally. You may be able to salvage this after all.
CC: Oh nothing. Now what about the supporting cast. You've got a lot of players on the field...I'd consider benching some.
CC: Tom needs to die Jon. It's the only way whatever you've done to Liz's character can recover. And Ressler...do you remember on The X-Files how Agent Pendrell had a crush on Scully, but Agent Pendrell wasn't end game so he had to go?
CC: Trim the field. Keep it Red/Liz. That's why people watch this show, after all. The X-Files is not about aliens and The Blacklist is not about creepy criminals that may or may not have been inspired by The X-Files. Stay focused.
CC: Let me ask you a question. Do you have a central mythology to the show? I mean are there large, over-arching questions concerning these characters that beg to be answered?
JB: Red is not Liz's dad.
CC: I KNOW that. But what about Red? Remember in Season 1 where you alluded to this tragic thing with his family, and when you brought on the ex it was a major let down? She needs to go, too.
JB: You basically want me to kill everyone.
CC: Everything dies, Jon. But no, I only want you to realize what's important. Some characters didn't need to die. Meera, Fitch...even Berlin was underused. You set him up as your Smoking Man and then you write him off like that?
JB: *small voice* it was necessary for the story...
CC: And whose story would that be? Yours? Are you sure about that?
CC: Can you look at season 1 and honestly say that you have been truthful to the story you set out to tell?
JB: We have a lot of talented writers--
CC: Who can't even agree on how to spell "Lizzie." Listen...I'm telling you this because I hate to see this happen. Season Two was a wash. You get a mulligan, thank God, but you better take advantage of it.
JB: What would you have me do?
CC: Answer some major questions, definitively, and without trickery. Teasing an obvious answer to a ridiculous question does not denote intelligence, nor does it hook the viewers. When you answer big questions, you are free to pose new ones, and I'd start with Red's past. That needs to be settled (also consider killing Jennifer Reddington). The second thing I would do would be to capitalize on this Season 3 setup you've got. The key to saving this show is more Red and Liz. That's your golden goose.
JB: We divide the stories among ourselves, though, and the Lizzington writers--
CC: Did you just use a ship name? *chuckling* maybe there's hope for you after all. Forget certain writers doing certain things. You need to decide as a group the direction you want to take, the background for each character, and work together to make sure everyone is on the same page...I really can't believe I'm having to tell you this.
JB: Is this about the flashdrive thing?
CC: This is about the Season 2 thing Jon.
JB:*scribbling notes* So, you think if I do these things that the show will get higher ratings?
CC: Can't fail. The formula worked in Season 1...no reason to change it. Stick with what works.
JB: And that's Lizzington?
CC: There you go again! Yes, that's Lizzington. And tight writing with attention to detail. Interesting Blacklisters. A background for each of these characters that is consistent and that honors who they are. You good with that?
JB: Yeah...I think I can do that.
CC: You can do it. You've already done it. And don't give up the slow burn...it's better when everyone has to wait for it. As for the salvation of this show...well let's just say I want to believe.
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