The Negotiator
WARNING: If you're not trying to know anything but the publicized information, you may want to skip this bit and pop down to the next section header.
If you were brave enough to continue, here's that description again:
"When a mysterious mail carrier starts taking thousands of letters "hostage," Oliver realizes that the perp in question holds a grudge against Oliver's family, and will destroy the letters unless his highly unusual demand is met..."
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This twitter post says a lot. First, I'd like to note that they look like they're in the back of a truck, and not just any truck---one like a tactical unit would use when in the middle of a SWAT situation.
Also note that Lane Edwards (who also played Michael in Dark of Night, by the way), seems to be decked out in gear not unlike that a USPS mail carrier would wear. Combine that with the fact that Dale seems to be dressed in business attire as opposed to a police uniform, I posit that Dale has not only ascended the ranks in her department over the last 15 years (likely to Detective), but at least one of her functions in the upcoming films is to act as an intermediary in this postal crisis. And, yes, Lane Edwards' character is our so called, "perp." Talk about dramatic! The crisis will no doubt result in Dale spending some additional time with Oliver---and perhaps even Papa O'Toole---who seem to be right in the middle of things. This may give us a better idea of the nature of Dale and Oliver's relationship outside of church, which may or may not have a history. Also, Papa O'Toole will get a chance to observe the dynamic, which could be of value to us later on. I see Dale as potentially being abrasive in the work setting given it's probably portrayed as male-dominated, therefore requiring her to present herself in a certain manner to be taken seriously. This could definitely provide some comedic relief to what appears to be a very high stakes situation. I also look forward to some spatial comedy, i.e. that which results from many people stuffed into a small (possibly stinky) truck. Can't wait to see how her character is developed overall, and how Dale gets along (or doesn't) with Shane. |
Another Right-Hand Gal
It's easy to think that because there's another red-head in the range that there has to be some kind of romantic triangle immediately on the horizon. I'd like to challenge that idea a bit and posit that Dale may be just the addition to help balance things out. After all, so far we have three main men, and only two leading ladies!
But more than that, I think that Dale's primary role will be to give Shane the concrete example of a woman of faith that Shane needs to move her closer to a professed faith. I'm not sure Shane knows how to take that step, and it's important that she does so without Oliver, lest it seem like she made the step to be with Oliver---if that's even possible? I just can't shake the intuitive feeling that Dale's appearance may result in Shane becoming a regular at Oliver's church. Coming to hear him sing is a nice first step! |
Unlike the actresses, before Dale and Shane become best buddies, I suspect there may be some misadventures and tension that characterize their initial interactions, as they may very well be a result of the crisis situation mentioned above. I just think Martha can't pass up on the opportunity to have a little bit of fun with these two characters before letting them be BFFLs.
Do I think Shane has some lingering insecurity that might come out in subtle ways? Yes. Do I think this could be a result of some as yet unknown feelings Dale may have for Oliver? Possibly. Do I think that this will blow up into another Shane/Holly/Oliver situation? Absolutely not. |
#TeamDale Captain,
~C