Day 199, Quasi-Quarantine: Dolphins-Bills Game 2 Review

In reviewing Miami's 31-28 loss to Buffalo in the second game of the season, I came away encouraged by the 'Fins progress from the opener. While a Debbie Downer segment of the fanbase is already lamenting a lost season at 0-2, the Dolphins feel closer to being a factor in the AFC East than I would have thought based on reaction and game updates.

Offense

• Continuing the trend from Week 1, the offensive line held up well in pass protection, but receivers got little to no separation.
• Mike "G-Sick" Gesicki is turning into a thing. I would like to see him be more aggressive after the catch, but he has come light years in his ability to make contested grabs.
• Myles Gaskin is slowly growing on me. He's not a flashy, big-play back, but he runs hard for his size and does everything pretty well.
• Slinger Ryan Fitzpatrick looked much better than he did in the season opener, routinely side-arming strikes on crossing patterns underneath and generally keeping the Dolphins in the game. He took a lot of hits in this one, but one word keeps coming to mind: gamer.
• Isaiah Ford is fearless and runs good routes, and his emergence has been not only a pleasant surprise but a needed development considering the depleted Miami receiver corps and the struggles of Preston Williams.
• Miami began to establish the run as the second half progressed. Matt Breida likely needs more touches, but ball security can be a concern with him. Jordan Howard has emerged as the goal-line back, and his hard-running style offers a nice complement to Gaskin and Breida.

Defense

• The two biggest and most pervasive issues for the 'Fins continued to be a nonexistent pass rush and poor tackling.
• Rookie nickel Noah Igbinoghene got eviscerated by Stefon Diggs in this game. It appeared he was unfairly matched up with Diggs at times, and the results were somewhat predictable but still devastating.
• Buffalo ran a lot of pick plays, especially on underneath routes. I was (un)surprised that at least a couple weren't called.
• High-priced corner Byron Jones was hurt somewhere within the first couple of plays, immediately causing problems in the Miami secondary.
• It was discouraging and embarrassing to see Buffalo doing pretty much anything it wanted offensively.
• Josh Allen was inaccurate -- as is his trademark -- but his receivers were so open that his off-the-mark throws still resulted in first downs in seemingly every third-down situation.
• For laughs, Allen also trucked like three of our defenders on a run at one point, pouring whiskey in the wound.
• End Emmanuel Ogbah had a number of pressures and did record a sack, but Allen extended way too many plays.
• The unit seemed to settle in as the game progressed, but missed chances at sacks and turnovers haunted this game. Giving up two fourth-quarter touchdowns in a very winnable game shows how much work is yet to be done.

Special Teams

• Punter Matt Haack had a big game, uncorking a 63-yarder at one point that dramatically shifted field position. He pinned Buffalo inside the 20-yard line with three of his five punts, averaging 52.4 yards per kick.
• Jason Sanders absolutely crushed his 52-yarder just before halftime, then added a 45-yarder later, in addition to converting both extra points. Sanders is quietly becoming on of the AFC's top kickers.
• Jakeem Grant couldn't do anything with his two punt return opportunities. I hope we're getting closer to Lynn Bowden Jr. getting a shot in this area.

Momentum Plays

• After a stellar punt pinned the Bills deep early in the game, Buffalo responded with a shockingly easy 97-yard drive that served as a bit of a gut punch to the visitors.
• The game coverage was interrupted by a power outage during a key replay review of a 26-yard Preston Williams catch, with the broadcast returning with the score 14-7 (missing a TD for either side).
• After the 'Fins stopped Buffalo on 3rd-and-10 that could have been an intentional grounding by Josh Allen, a phantom holding call extended the Bills drive.
• A long field goal just before the half miraculously got the Dolphins within a touchdown at 17-10 despite the contest feeling a blowout in Beefalo's favor.
• After cutting the lead to 17-13, Miami had a first-and-goal from the Bills 1, but Williams dropped a fourth-down touchdown that would have swung the game. Gutting.
• A few plays later, Kyle Van Noy dropped into a passing line and nearly grabbed a pick on the Buffalo 10-yard line.
• Despite dominating the third quarter, Miami couldn't quite grab control of the game.
• Following an uncalled late hit on Fitzpatrick (there were a couple of these), Howard powered in to establish a 20-17 Miami lead.
• After Van Noy was exposed in pass coverage for a long first down, Ogbah missed a sack, allowing the Bills to make a miraculous catch for the go-ahead TD, 24-20.
• A dismal Miami "drive" followed, leading to an immediate punt and a controversial catch by Diggs that was somehow upheld on replay, setting up the play of the game:
• The 'Fins massively priced cornerback Xavien Howard dropped a gift interception with 3:17 left. Allen misfired on a long throw, leaving X to run under a balloon for a game-turning pick, but the ball -- and the contest -- slipped through his hands.
• Soon after, Howard coasted on Buffalo's game-clinching touchdown after Bobby McCain blew a coverage to hand the score to the Bills. Ugly look by two of the vets that Miami is counting on in the defensive backfield.

Day 198, Quasi-Quarantine: Distinctive Major Vonreg's TIE Fighter A Good Representation Of Quirky "Star Wars Resistance"

Major Vonreg's TIE Fighter (set 75240) is marked by its striking colors and revolutionary wing design, making it an essential addition to the First Order starfleet.

Checking in at 496 pieces, this set comes from the silly and somewhat underrated "Star Wars Resistance" cartoon. While the fighter itself sets itself apart by its sleek design and clever spring-loaded shooter functionality, the minifigures are what elevate this set to a near must-have.

Four minifigures are included, led by the pilot himself, Major Elrik Vonreg, who features an eye-catching new helmet design. An older-era General Princess Leia is a surprising -- though welcome -- addition, and she does play a small role in the 'toon.

The star of the show is also present -- the goofy but driven Kazuda "Kaz" Xiono, highlighted by a unique, two-toned hair elements that is a first for Star Wars Legos. His irrepressible sidekick, the pert R1-J5 droid, Bucket, is along for the ride as well.

Opinions on "Star Wars Resistance" vary, and perhaps for that reason, this is one of only two available Lego sets connected to the series. However, the dynamic nature of the TIE and the eccentric minifigures that come with it make this a worthy consideration for any collection.

Day 197, Quasi-Quarantine: Coastal Puzzling Continues

 

Another trip to the coast, another random puzzle.

This 500-piecer depicts New York's Coney Island. As a hand-me-down, it had the customary infuriating missing piece. It also didn't pose as much of a challenge as I would have preferred, but that can also be good at times.

6/10, would solve beach side of a Monday night again.

Day 195, Quasi-Quarantine: Beach Break Hiatus

 

Scooter & Hum has been on break for the past week, partaking in a much-needed beach vacation ...

Limerick Friday #480: A Heartfelt Thank You For Libraries -- Day 187

The library's open door
A bright spot in a culture war
With government in dishevel
This is the only level
You can even trust any more

Ignorance that threatens belief
That's our corruptor-in-chief
When stupidity reigns
Reality drains
Under our liar-in-thief

'Twas mind-bending on the fly
Cancelled with no reason why
A cliffhanger wouldn't stand
So filmed a love note for fans
"Sense8"'s emotional goodbye

Today, I'm a Dad and a friend
Plus a teacher, spouse, and worker on end
The role changes by hour
As I try to power
Through 'rona's demanding trend

Playmakers we lack
And can't get a sack
On the disappointment flow
And this is how you know
Football's officially back

Last time ...

Day 186, Quasi-Quarantine: Digesting Ray Bradbury's Timeless "The Illustrated Man"

 

"And so you think maybe that's why we're going out to the stars, eh, Martin? Looking for our lost souls, is that it? Trying to get away from our evil planet to a good one?"

"The Illustrated Man" features the familiar Ray Bradbury themes so many have gravitated (pun intended) to: outer space, insanity, obsession, and escape. Bradbury weaves them all into this short-story collection that serves as an examination of man's interaction with environment and the lengths he will go to to pursue an open-ended fate. 

Among the many highlights, "The Man," "The Long Rain," and "The Rocket Man" were  thought-provoking and intriguing, while "The Fox and the Forest" and "The Marionettes, Inc." were eerie, even if a little easy to see coming. "Zero Hour" was stellar and "The Illustrated Man" ended things on a "Tales of the Crypt"-ish note. 

"In the flashes of powdery illumination they could see armies of raindrops, suspended as in a vast motionless amber, for an instant, hesitating as if shocked by the explosion, fifteen billion droplets, fifteen billion tears, fifteen billion ornaments, jewels standing out against a white velvet viewing board." 

However, it is unquestionably "The Other Foot" that carries the day in this collection. A highly controversial and powerful commentary on race relations (especially for the early 1950s), "The Other Foot" is a compelling look at how a political landscape might translate to another planet. 

"Dad was always listening or singing or watching things on all sides of him, holding onto things as if the world were a centrifuge going so swiftly that he might be flung off away from us at any instant." 

Visually, many of these tales lend themselves to on-screen representation, and indeed, that was the case with a few. While the oft-repeated consideration of the sterility of space may not appeal to everyone, Ray Bradbury is an accomplished and deft writer who is at his best in these short stories.

That's why these tales somehow remain resonant and contemporary -- even nearly 70 years after they were written.

"Perhaps there is a chance for us to escape, to run for centuries into a wild country of years where they will never find and bring us back to burn our books, censor our thoughts, scald our minds with fear, march us, scream at us with radios ..." 

Day 185, Quasi-Quarantine: Dolphins-Patsies Game 1 Review

In reviewing the Dolphins 21-11 loss at New England to start the 2020 season, I captured a few notes along the way. Here's my equivalent of an "emptying the notebook" offering.

Offense

• Ryan Fitzpatrick was eminently Fitzpatrickian. He made some daring throws and some morale-boosting scrambles, but he was a little tentative early on and his fundamentals looked off. Two of his three picks came on uncalled -- and fairly overt -- New England interferences, but that made them no less devastating. He did lead back-to-back strong drives in the second quarter, one of the reasons why Miami easily out-gained the Pats in the first half.
• DeVante Parker looked good before he got hurt, but Preston Williams, coming off an injury, looked rusty. He ran a handful of bad routes and had a hard time fighting for the ball through contact. Williams gives the Dolphins another imposing presence, but he has to play to his size in order to re-earn Fitzpatrick's trust.
• Others have noted the general lack of separation from Miami receivers, and that's an ongoing problem. This is among the reasons why the 'Fins need to find a way to get the ball to (or hell, in some cases, activate) guys like Jakeem Grant, Malcolm Perry, and Lynn Bowden Jr. Opt-outs have depleted the Miami receiving corps, and right now, the unit is too one-dimensional.
• Parker left the game with a hammy in the second half. The Dolphins simply can't afford to lose him at this point -- and I'm not sure I thought I'd ever write such a thing.
• On the plus side, Mike Gesicki looks much more comfortable on the field, both receiving and blocking. He made a couple of contested grabs, and Fitzpatrick has no qualms with throwing it his way even when he's covered.
• The offensive line also showed significant promise. Center Ted Karras had some iffy moments, but that was to be expected early on, and the rookies all held up, ensuring Fitzpatrick generally had a good amount of time to throw. This was a welcome -- and slightly surprising -- change.
• The running back rotation was ... weird. Myles Gaskin looked faster and ran harder than last year, and he dominated snaps overall, partially based on New England's scheme. Jordan Howard ran for a TD but was otherwise quiet, and Patrick Laird and Chandler Cox were on the field more than expected. For unknown reasons, Matt Breida was largely uninvolved, robbing the offense of a much-needed speed threat and, well, playmaker.

Defense

• The defensive effort was hamstrung by poor tackling and bad angles. To some extent, this is not a shock due to an abbreviated training camp and zero preseason games, but New England did not suffer the same issues -- a troubling sign to start the campaign.
• Even more troubling was the sense that Miami was largely unprepared defensively for this one. It was certainly an inauspicious debut for first-time defensive coordinator Josh Boyer.
• Overall, Miami was woefully out-physicaled at every level, a concern that many hoped would be solved by opening up the checkbook this offseason.
• Shaq Lawson, one of the biggest free agency signings, played really poorly and was repeatedly targeted on zone scheme runs. This was an ugly start to his tenure with the Dolphins.
• On the other side, Emmanuel Ogbah pressured the pocket a handful of times, forcing a Christian Wilkins sack at one point. Wilkins had some splash plays and generally looked improved from a season ago, and he was in the middle of a postgame fracas with Scam Newton.
• Jerome Baker was very active -- in all the good and bad ways. He got lost in coverage a few times, took some bad angles, and was hit with a pair of personal fouls. However, he also recorded a sack, forced a fumble that resulted in a Miami possession, and was the one 'Fins linebacker who brought energy.
• Overall, the Miami 'backers struggled a lot with eye discipline against New England's RPOs. Elandon Roberts, in particular, looked shaky.
• Xavien Howard looked tentative on the field, and high-priced corner Byron Jones did not have his name called often, though there was a play where he allowed a completion when he could have made a play on the ball. Corner Jamal Perry had a good hit at one point, and rookie Brandon Jones was in on a lot of stops despite looking a bit undersized for a safety.
• Generally, the 'Fins defensive backs were poor in run support. This has to improve as the season progresses or teams are just going to avoid the well-regarded Miami corners and simply run the ball all game long.
• Overall, the defense looked gassed midway through the third quarter. Their spirit seemed broken by repeated instances of New England running predictable third-down plays that resulted in easy first downs.

Special teams

• Jason Sanders had his lone kick tipped but he still made it easily, even from 46 yards.
• The sixth-round pick at long-snapper had a couple of snaps that were wide, but overall got the job done.
• Grant is just not a good punt returner, and if Bowden can't take that job, the 'Fins are officially a nightmare.

Momentum plays

• Despite a golden opportunity, Miami was unable to recover the muffed punt after an unsuccessful opening drive.The Dolphins also batted down a few Newton passes, with a couple staying in the air long enough for Miami to have come down with an interception. The bottom line is the 'Fins aren't built to out-execute or out-talent teams, and simply must find a way to force momentum-changing turnovers.
• Julian Edelman dropped an easy throw downfield to represent one of the only ways the Dolphins were able to slow down New England.
• Erick Flowers was whistled for a phantom holding call late in the first half (a classic occurrence when the Patsies are being threatened), but Grant made a tough catch and run to overcome the refs -- only to have Fitz throw a gutting pick with 31 seconds left in the half.
• Newton was the beneficiary of a ridiculous roughing-the-passer call in the third quarter. Clearly, controversial players need only go to New England to start getting phantom calls.
• After Miami cut the lead to 14-11, New England immediately countered with an end-around to Edelman that went for 20+, then tacked on 15 to the end of the play thanks to an egregious late hit by Baker. You could almost hear (especially with no fans in attendance) the air sucked out of the Dolphins' collective lungs.
• The Patsies made almost no effort to throw the ball in crunch time, running for first downs even on third downs longer than 3 yards. From a coaching and playing standpoint, that had to be brutal to endure.
• New England played almost 46 minutes without a penalty called. That is hard to do even in a season played under the current circumstances.

Day 184, Quasi-Quarantine: Head-Shaking Decisions By The 'Fins Come Home To Roost

 

After a surprising finish to the 2019 season, a $145 million spending spree in free agency, and a glut of draft picks, Miami became a bit of a media darling in terms of 2020 prospects.

Under the surface, though, the mind-numbing approaches that have been so very on-brand for the 'Fins persisted.

First off, the Dolphins set the market for way too many players. Second, Miami seemed to exclusively target players who had previously been largely considered busts (Ereck Flowers, Shaq Lawson, Emmanuel Ogbah, etc.) but had recently put together a season showing flashes of potential. And third, the team had to double down on positions where horrific drafting had left the depth chart barren.

Lost in the shuffle of this excitement was the fact that the Dolphins jettisoned both coordinators without explanation or justification after last season, while retaining a general manager who has played a major role in an almost incomprehensible series of bad draft classes.

Speaking of the draft, the 'Fins loaded up on high-potential players, some of whom could be considered projects. I understand the approach from a long-term standpoint, but there were some legitimate concerns that were pinpointed at the time and were borne out in reality.

First, Miami drafted a long-snapper. And not even with the final pick. In the sixth round. I can't even.

Second, the Dolphins traded up to take productive defensive end Curtis Weaver in the fifth round. However, two weeks before the season started, the 'Fins inexplicably cut him instead of putting him on IR. Multiple teams put in claims for him, and Cleveland promptly signed him -- and put him on IR.

Now, yes, maybe Weaver was disappointing on some level. However, cutting him before he ever plays in even a preseason game doesn't speak to proactivity, it reeks of roster mismanagement.

And finally, the team flat-out cut young quarterback Josh Rosen, a little over a year after giving up second- and fifth-rounders for him. In this new era of shifting rosters, high-potential signal-callers are a prized commodity, especially for a franchise that has a way-past-his-prime graybeard and an injury-prone rookie. The move makes less than no sense, no matter what justification the team may have provided.

Compounding matters, Miami then flipped a fourth-round draft pick to the Raiders for third-rounder Lynn Bowden, Jr. It may be unfair to label Bowden a bust before his first game, but when the team that drafted him immediately sends him out the door for a lower-level pick, that's not a great sign. Also, Bowden is a player without a defined position who was deemed a character risk in the draft process, headed to South Beach for a franchise that doesn't like to feature its playmakers.

The result of all this? The Dolphins were physically dominated by a suspect New England team in its first game, being largely uncompetitive in the contest. Lawson, Ogbah, and the rest of the high-priced defensive additions were outclassed in an embarrassing way, while Bowden was inactive, Ryan Fitzpatrick dead-armed his way to three picks, and Tua sat watching.

In summation, this is a microcosm of how bad teams stay bad. Sure, it's only one game into a new season -- but it's also a continuation of two decades of a trend that shows no signs of dissipating.

Day 183, Quasi-Quarantine: The Fearsome Kylo Ren Command Shuttle Is A Masterpiece

The Kylo Ren Command Shuttle is as intimidating as a completed set as it is as a collection of unopened bags of Legos pieces.

This 1,005-piece set (75256) represents Kylo's personal starship from "The Rise of Skywalker." It's an intricate build, occasionally requiring adult supervision. The build has exceedingly clever and delicate mechanisms for some of the functionality, and the result is well worth the extra time and attention.

The shuttle's wings can straight, tilt, and retract in insanely cool ways. The cockpit is formidable-looking and advertised as capable of holding three minifigures, but that would be a rather tight fit. Two spring-loaded shooters amid a myriad of nonfiring cannons rounds out the build.

The set comes with six minifigures, highlight by Kylo Ren and two of his Knights of Ren. General Pryde and a First Order Stormtrooper are uninspired inclusions, but a striking red Sith Trooper is a nifty addition to the group.

The shuttle is inarguably expensive ($130, even on backorder), but even at that price point, it's one of the better Star Wars Legos builds in recent memory. From look and feel to complexity to included minifigures, I feel the franchise knocked this one out of the park.

Limerick Friday #479: Joshy Rosen, We Hardly Knew Ye -- Day 180

For 'bout a minute we were posin'

Thought we'd found a chosen

But then we reckoned

We pissed away a fifth and a second

For three games of Josh Rosen

We all wear sweats and Lycra

Trading laces for Velcro

Now it's words we're heeding

Escaping into reading

And now my fiction's gone micro

Teams that seem untenable

And best described as complainable

We throw around promotions

For going through the motions

Is any of this sustainable?

For a football jersey they'll pay

Then curse the player all day

Booing acts of unity

Hypocrisy with impunity

Football's back -- yay?

Hate did hold sway

The world changed in every way

Heroes were identified

As a nation cried

Thinking of NYC today

Last time ...

Day 179, Quasi-Quarantine: Celebrating Football's Return With 21st Legion, Colts Battalion

Painting blank Legos clone trooper helmets has been a bit of a godsend during quasi-quarantine, providing a time-consuming activity that allows for creativity.

We've discussed the 13th Legion, Dolphins Battalion project previously, but with the NFL season (amazingly) upon us, we felt it was time for an update that honors my building partner's favorite team: 

NC State Midwest, also known as the Indianapolis Colts.

Powered by Wolfpack heroes Nyheim Hines, Jacoby Brissett, and now Philip Rivers, the 'Shoe is poised for big things in 2020. This helmet celebrates that potential, and as an initial foray into a Colts design, we're happy with it.

Indy's minimalist brand pattern lends itself to this type of translation, but I'd like to get more detailed with the horseshoe itself and continue to explore how best to represent the facemask.

This'll do for now.

Football is back. Go, sportsball.

Day 178, Quasi-Quarantine: "Space Force" Shites The Bed, Which Is A Problem In A No-Gravity Setting

When it comes to the "Space Force" TV show, the burning question for me has to be a universal one:

How is it possible to make this show unfunny considering the cast that has been pulled together?

I mean, Steve Carrell, Fred Willard, Patrick Warburton, Jimmy O. Yang, Ben Schwartz, Dan Bakkedahl, Don Lake, Larry Joe Campbell, John Malkovich, Lisa Kudrow ... the list goes on and on. 

Yet, the show? Unwatchable.

I think I made it through three episodes before I threw in the towel. I was expecting so much more, Netflix. I don't know how you F'd this up, but it's massively disappointing. The concept was there (real life masquerading as comedy masquerading as a reality show), but the follow-through was oy.

Maybe real life really is funnier than farce?

Day 177, Quasi-Quarantine: Ho-Hum Droid Gunship A Rare Miss In The Lego Universe

I'm generally a fan of any set that includes Yoda. Toss in a Wookiee (this time, a notable Chief Tarfful), and you've got my attention.

Unfortunately, that's where the good news ends with the Droid Gunship (set 75233). Despite the presence of our little green Jedi and a blinged-out Wookiee, this build was a resounding disappointment.

Checking in at 389 pieces, this set is from the "Revenge of the Sith" movie. Besides the two minifigures, it includes two battle droids with distinct green markings to represent combat on the planet of Kashyyyk.

In its defense (pun intended), the gunship features an impressive array of weaponry. Non-firing directional cannons are supplemented by eight flick missiles and a couple of stud shooters, to go with a lowering landing gear to facilitate ground assaults.

There are a couple of clever aspects to the ship itself, but overall it is a clunky build that doesn't stay together great (as evidenced by the picture above, which omits a number of pieces that fell off during normal play). The gunship has a sleek profile, but it is a plain design without unique features or functionality.

Bottom line: It's a really plain and, frankly, boring set, making it expensive for what you actually get. Overall, this is one of my least-favorite Star Wars Lego sets, a disappointing build for a brand that has set such a high bar.

Limerick Friday #478: Virtual School Is Back With A Vengeance -- Day 173

There were a few tears

And technology fears

To school's new normal we adjust

In adaptability we trust

Aided by patience and beers

Chris Combs repped the Pack

And he was loved back

His ALS battle was long

Raised money and stayed strong

Bravery he didn't lack

We're all feeling beat

Weighed down by oppressive heat

And headlines from dystopia

Describing fascist xenophobia

Can America be saved from defeat?

The dominant pitcher of his day

Threw up K after K

Even when the Mets traded him (whoa)

Fans wouldn't let go

RIP Tom Terrific, the Scion of Shea

Escape plans aplenty

There's no way to put this gently

Go-bags are needed

Worst scenarios heeded

America in 2020

Last time ...

Day 172, Quasi-Quarantine: Painting Up The Artistic Sabine Wren

Dabbling in our helmet-painting hobby, we decided to tackle the visually stunning Sabine Wren, known for her colorful helmet designs and murals.

Once a weapons builder at the Imperial Academy, Sabine moved on to bounty hunting when those munitions were used against her own people of Mandalore. She was deemed a traitor and ostracized from her clan, eventually leading her to find a home and family as Spectre-5 on the "Star Wars Rebels" crew.

Dodging Ezra's crush and incessant stormtroopers, she evolved beyond a hipster demolitions expert with graffiti tendencies to emerge as a Mandalorian warrior with a claim on the Darksaber.

Since she's one of our favorite rebel characters, Sabine is a popular choice for new helmet designs (two of those shown in these pics). We haven't quite nailed the right look or execution, but we'll get there.

After all, we have nothing but time ...

Day 171, Quasi-Quarantine: Fifth Season Of "Better Call Saul" Finds Emotional Depth In Character Dynamics And Origin Stories

Every season, I think Bob Odenkirk can't possibly top his previous performances on "Better Call Saul." And every season, he further cements his status as a national treasure.

In the dual roles of Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman, Odenkirk climbs in, digs in, rolls around, has fun, and explores every depth. In season 5, he channels drama, gravitas, comedy, romance, and spy thriller in a genre free-for-all that features him at his absolute best.

His effort is complemented by the work of Rhea Seehorn as Kim Wexler, the conflicted amalgam of competing personality types and career aspirations. This season revealed a bit more of her origin story and what drives her seemingly disastrous decision-making, which both humanizes her and reinforces the reasons why it's difficult not to fall even more in love with her.

This season created space for Jimmy and Kim to share more intimate moments. As a fan, it was good to see that relationship extend beyond the transactional, business-partner nature of years past. While major questions have been raised about whether either is "good" for the other, their dynamic more firmly served as the backbone of this most recent season.

Of course, no review of "Better Call Saul" is complete without mention of Mike Ehrmantraut. Portrayed by the incomparable Jonathan Banks, Mike's basset hound face reveals and hides so much emotion. The depth of his story was explored much more intensely in this season, to great effect, and Banks represents reason #408 why the casting of this show is unparalleled.

In terms of the season's arc itself, the intensity and drama is dialing up in a big way. While the finale required a bit of suspension of disbelief, the eighth episode, "Bagman," is an all-time great episode that represents probably the best hour of television I've seen in 2020.

Of course, the brilliance of the fifth season is not without a sense of impending melancholy. There is a bittersweet feeling involved when you know the chronology of "Better Call Saul" and "Breaking Bad" are getting closer and closer to one another. And while you know the former has a finite end date for that reason, I can't wait to see how the two eventually meet up -- and how "Better Call Saul" plants its flag as one of the iconic dramas in the history of television. 

Day 170, Quasi-Quarantine: Political Commentary, Oppressive Questions Mark Distinctive "Free Fall"

"I have understood how the scar becomes a star, I have felt the flake of fire fall, miraculous and pentecostal. My yesterdays walk with me. They keep step, they are grey faces that peer over my shoulder."

My love for William Golding -- and particularly his master work, "Lord of the Flies" -- is well-documented. Far from a one-hit wonder, the author also created the strong "Pincher Martin," among other notable titles.

Golding's "Free Fall" is full of contradictions and weighty considerations, tackling the massive themes of poverty, war, pedophilia, religion, abuse, and misplaced love. Golding seeks the location of the bridge between the rational and mysterious worlds as part of a broader exploration of free will and "inexplicable good and evil."

"Cause and effect. The law of succession. Statistical probability. The moral order. Sin and remorse. They are all true. Both worlds exist side by side. They meet in me."

The book is described as fairly intensely autobiographical for  Golding, and the questions he wrestles with resonate across the generations more than 50 years after publication. 

That is not to see that humor doesn't abound ("monocular homunculus" is as funny a lewd reference that I've ever heard). In addition, the story serves as a primer on British slang of the 1950s.

The protagonist, Sammy Mountjoy, attempts to examine his life in pursuit of the moments that robbed him of free will, that subjected him to both good and evil, and that assigned blame or exoneration to his actions.

"I am not a man who was a boy looking at a tree. I am a man who remembers being a boy looking at a tree." 

Sammy's desperate pursuit of Beatrice is beautifully rendered, before it devolves into a craven exploit.

"She had such clear eyes, such untroubled eyes, grey, honest because the price of dishonesty had never been offered to her. I looked into them, sensed their merciless and remote purity. She was contained in herself. Nothing had ever come to trouble her pool."

" ... now I saw the very water of sorrow hanging honey-thick in eyelashes or dashed down a cheek like an exclamation mark at the beginning of a Spanish sentence."

But the main question quickly becomes: how do we behold and view our protagonist? Should we pity Sammy? Dislike him? Alternately, he's a bully, communist, skeevy creeper, stalker -- and worthy of compassion. In a word, he's complicated, making him a quintessential Golding character.

"We were both deeply committed elsewhere and we both recognized without a moment's doubt that we should never let each other go. I cannot remember how much we said of this or how much we felt."

Is Sammy simply a product of his environment or has he nurtured immoral actions along the way? Is he redeemable or captive to his own fate? By virtue of his horrific childhood -- built upon mental, emotional, and physical abuse by nearly every authority figure he ever encountered -- was he ever afforded the possibility of overcoming a stumbling path?

"I was not an ordinary man. I was at once more than most and less. I could see this war as the ghastly and ferocious play of children who having made a wrong choice or a whole series of them were now helplessly tormenting each other because a wrong use of freedom had lost them their freedom."

These queries and more form the backbone of this novel, another entry into the canon of one of the English language's most notable writers.

"'An honest man. And you haven't found one.'"
"'No. Of course not.'"
"'What if you find one?'"
"Philip paused with the door open. There was darkness and a glint of rain. He looked back at me out of his raw eyes from a long, long way away."

"'I shall be disappointed.'"