Discovering A Pandemic

DISCLAIMER: The following blog may contain material some may consider to be spoiler worthy. It is recommended that you read at your own risk. I could claim responsibility for you not paying attention to this warning, but I won't.


Back up! Back up now! Back up, bitch! I’ll shoot!

These words seared an inky, black welt into my heart, and left me shivering with the anticipation of more. In those brief few moments, she captured both my attention and imagination. Who was she? Why is she so frigging angry? Questions piled on top of questions as the episodes wore on, giving me glimpses of this inspiring figure that came out of nowhere, like a freight train. I was left wanting and bewitched.

Perhaps the show had managed to capture my attention by this stage of the game, but it was the emergence of Scratch that solidified my undying affection for the cast, creators, and eventually the fans. Had the character not been given those words in particular to speak… we would not be having this conversation. And by that I mean I would not be typing and you would not be reading. Or maybe you are not and I am merely wasting my time. I found myself eager for the next chapter, not to hear what happened next, no. Rather, to hear that soothing voice drift past my ears. That’s right… I said it. Her voice makes me sleepy.

What?

To date, I have spent a great deal of time considering Scratch as a plot device, superfluous character, and as a central character. I have come to the following conclusions:

An obvious category to place [her] in would be that of a plot device. Much like losing water, food or ammunition, the introduction of the character as a plot device provides the ‘central’ characters with a place to direct their energy and actions that is slightly more comfortable and easier to relate to than a mindless horde. Granted zombies are somewhat easier to understand on the surface as they have but one desire, and that desire is well known. However, it could be considered more comfortable to give the Residents an intelligent adversary as it is easier to relate to a living, functional human. Ask yourself, is there any among us who can place their self into the shoes of one of these creatures and truly come to terms with its base desire? Is it as easy as looking at the world through Scratched lenses for a few minutes and understanding that she is simply trying to survive too, the only way she knows how? I believe that it is. As such, she lends herself as the perfect device to explain anyway any mystifying zombie activity should the need arise, though best utilized in the most generic of terms, i.e. a tool of conflict, she also makes for a wonderful, ever lurking threat. If they manage to somehow find, a way to destroy every last zombie in the city, there will still be a threat. A very real, very… angry threat that, even if the residents were able to flee the city would always remain. Do you really think that Latch’s death will not go avenged?

As a superfluous character; a background or noise in the distance, the idea of Scratch loses cohesion and falls to pieces. A character as rich in both depth and performance would be meaningless as anything but a plot device or central (recurring) character with a fully developed arc. A character with as much depth and energy possesses the ability to make an emotional connection with both the listening audience as well as other characters in the story, which makes me wonder about her comments to Angel with the ever widening gyre of Scratch’s persona slipping farther into focus. I’m not going to expound on my theory as to their relationship or what I see for them in future Chapters with this platform, at least not at this time.

Though I do wonder.

I feel that Scratch would be an appropriate central character in a broader format. As it stands now, there is only so much room for ‘leads’ in the sweeping arcs the writers are creating for the show. The focus of the show is the Residents. Looping off into the stories of the supporting cast still based in the world of the Residents. This makes sense when considering that the story seems to be told in the past tense through recounts in the journals. Our only real interaction with characters outside of that ‘realm’ comes when a Resident is present, keeping the focus where it needs to be. While I would like to hear an episode through ‘eyes of Scratch’ (much like the episodes told from say... the perspective of Datu) it seems highly unlikely. To do so may well humanize Scratch to a point where she becomes pitiful rather than parlous.

Sympathy for the devil? Great tune.

And so, I am left to my own devices, creating my own Scratch reality as I often find myself wondering ‘What’s that crazy lady up to?’ while listening. I always seem to be on edge, waiting for her to pop up and wreak havoc on the Residents. She is a character that thrives on chaos and disaster, beautifully portrayed, and [for me] incredibly sympathetic. In creating a wonderfully dynamic, entertaining character, Kc has surpassed my expectations. I thank you, Kc.

For bringing the character to life in a way which seems incomprehensible now for any other to have achieved, I give my appreciation, respect and admiration to Jenna. Thank you so very much. I remain a fan with undying loyalty until the curtain falls.

Long live the Queen.

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