Episode 2: A Faithful Choice

A Faithful Choice

Synopsis

This episode opens with Richard Brady who was mentioned so many times during Episode Many people say that he was the only hope of a non-Daniel Thompson Presidency. The head of the Republican party wants him to run. The only problem is that he is conflicted. He feels that he has a duty to protect and strengthen Oregon and everyone’s belief that only he can save the United States. There is a scene where he mentions many things that have already occurred that has made Oregon the jewel of the Pacific Northwest including a clamp system and high-rise gardens. He also mentions the idea of a bullet train that can take a person from Los Angeles to Seattle in less than five hours. After talking with his wife Ashley Richard makes his decision. He decides Oregon over the federal government which angers many people but not those that live in Oregon including teachers who thanks him for staying.

Relation to the books

When we open this episode, we are introduced to Amy Sanderstorm Richard’s right-hand woman for a long time. Among the many things mentioned is Amy saying that a friend has set her up with a blind date with someone named Rogers. Obviously, this is Peter Rogers whom Amy is engaged in Election and Conspiracy. After a talk with Benjamin regarding Richard running for President, he has a meeting with Terry his second in line to the Governorship where Terry mentions the clamp system and the high-rise gardens which are described in Election. Richard also describes his idea of a bullet train which is approved in Election. Also mentioned is Melissa Carthage the Speaker of the House and Erica Hernandez’s mother. We already know that Richard will win a second term as the Governor of Oregon and once again works hard to make Oregon shine. At the end of this episode, we are introduced to Cain who is manipulating things behind the scenes. We know more about Cain in Election and Conspiracy including the fact that he is forming a cult.

Related to Modern Times

Living in the “war torn” area of Portland I came up with the idea that Oregon being in the middle of California and Washington State being the crown jewel of the Pacific Northwest. I love my home state and decided to make that my focal center. Of course, being a focal point also makes it a target of violence as we find out in Conspiracy. One of the things I didn’t put in this episode is Richard’s son Christopher. I figure that he is not as close to Amy as Alexis is but I also figure that he would be busy in school. Now we get to the meat and potatoes of the episode. I had some ominous music as Richard announces that he will not run for President. Borrowing from Star Wars I call this my own Duel of the Fates moment. If Richard had decided to run the Presidency there is a possibility that he would have won and the events in the Nazi America saga would be different. Richard Brady believes that what he is doing is for the best but is it really.

Critical Thinking

1. Would you give up the chance to be president to continue to work on your state? What would guide your choice: impact, loyalty, ambition, or the fear of being complicit in a failing system?

2. Daniel believes the Constitution is “an ancient document built on Socialism.” Do you agree with that assessment? How might such a claim be used politically to justify radical change?