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Space is everything these days.
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After an intense month tracing the spiritual battle in Higher Ground, and almost a month out from Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Home Again, it was about time I got speculating about what might be taking place in movies 8 & 9.
Today we'll start less with speculating, and more with thoughts on the big move that you may or may not have caught onto during filming. In case you didn't hear it: the DLO has officially moved. And it's definitely worth it to take a look at why and what it means. We'll also tie in the RV, which, believe it or not, is actually connected in its own way to the move, too.
Today we'll start less with speculating, and more with thoughts on the big move that you may or may not have caught onto during filming. In case you didn't hear it: the DLO has officially moved. And it's definitely worth it to take a look at why and what it means. We'll also tie in the RV, which, believe it or not, is actually connected in its own way to the move, too.
It Had To Happen
I bet your first reaction to the news of a new DLO was, "Why? I really liked the old one!" It's a valid lamentation, but it really had to happen.
After Higher Ground, the POstables are in a new space both in their lives, and in their relationships. While one chapter closed, another chapter is about to begin. That new chapter deserved a new space---one where each POstable is uniquely reflected, and equally represented. See, they already have their own special spaces:
After Higher Ground, the POstables are in a new space both in their lives, and in their relationships. While one chapter closed, another chapter is about to begin. That new chapter deserved a new space---one where each POstable is uniquely reflected, and equally represented. See, they already have their own special spaces:
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Lab space for Norman.
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Owl space for Rita.
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Classic command center for Oliver:
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Just like Norman, Rita and Oliver---but for the first time---Shane will also have her own permanent area in this space as well. Having a permanent space will confirm the gesture she made resetting her desk, hanging her coat, and occupying Oliver's chair at the end of Higher Ground---She's staying.
What her wall/corner will include is less certain. One can readily assume it will include a permanent computer setup and something that will uniquely reflect her style---so perhaps expect two computer monitors. I'd love to see a rustic/modern combo reminiscent of the mobile work space because she truly is that magic blend of classic and modern---whether she realizes it or not! Another thing I'd like to note is how close the window is to Oliver's desk in the above photo. Not only have they moved space, they've moved to higher ground, perhaps? Previously occupying what can only be described as the basement, it seems they've ascended to, at the very least, the ground floor. That's a great place to build from. See, the new space was an absolute must. |
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What will be interesting are the circumstances surrounding the move. Will it be a collective decision to occupy a new space together? Did an unfortunate flooding situation prompt it---an idea I like because of its biblical ties to new beginnings? Only time will tell!
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What To Expect
I can confirm that they did, indeed, move to a completely new space apart from what we'll now refer to as the "original DLO." One thing I noticed right off the bat is the lower ceiling, lower ceilings visually make spaces smaller and more intimate.
Symbolically, the move to this seemingly less cavernous space signals an ability to command the space (or life) rather than the space (or life) commanding/ overpowering them. As a result, look for the POstables to exercise more confidence, confidence that could even find them coming in conflict with each other for the first time as they navigate new and more complicated letter mysteries (an angle we'll save for another day).
But back to the space---the intimacy of it requires the POstables to begin figuring out what it means to function in closer quarters. Where they were once in each other's orbit, they now have the added element of being in each other's professional space. They will begin to integrate more seamlessly as a team, and maybe even begin to absorb some of each other's skills as things progress in the upcoming films. No doubt we'll start seeing new sides of our favorite four as a result.
But back to the space---the intimacy of it requires the POstables to begin figuring out what it means to function in closer quarters. Where they were once in each other's orbit, they now have the added element of being in each other's professional space. They will begin to integrate more seamlessly as a team, and maybe even begin to absorb some of each other's skills as things progress in the upcoming films. No doubt we'll start seeing new sides of our favorite four as a result.
For Better Or Worse
Believe it or not, that Starcruiser RV and its purpose is actually closely related to the DLO move. Where the new DLO had the potential to challenge professional boundaries---the RV and their time spent in it---will challenge their personal boundaries. I mean, look at the space:
How are four adults supposed to function in something this small?
I've heard that if you can make it through a road trip with your significant other without killing each other that you should probably get married. This is apropos considering at least half the POstables are facing exactly that prospect, and the other half are without a doubt moving in that direction, the RV is just the thing to prepare them for what's to come. In fact, it's as close as they can get to living together without actually living together.
The RV is a classic "pressure cooker"/accelerator device. If there's somewhere Martha wants her characters to go, some idiosyncrasies they want each pair to unexpectedly encounter, confront, and work through, this is the environment to trigger it. We already know the RV is a major player in SSD9---the possible plot of which I'll discuss this week---it's reasonable to assume they'll end up spending plenty of uninterrupted time together where these kinds of things will be revealed. Think dirty dishes, bathroom time, getting lost v. asking for directions, snoring, and music preferences just to name a few possible areas of conflict. And how do you get your space and cool down when the person is less than five feet away and you're stuck with them?
I've heard that if you can make it through a road trip with your significant other without killing each other that you should probably get married. This is apropos considering at least half the POstables are facing exactly that prospect, and the other half are without a doubt moving in that direction, the RV is just the thing to prepare them for what's to come. In fact, it's as close as they can get to living together without actually living together.
The RV is a classic "pressure cooker"/accelerator device. If there's somewhere Martha wants her characters to go, some idiosyncrasies they want each pair to unexpectedly encounter, confront, and work through, this is the environment to trigger it. We already know the RV is a major player in SSD9---the possible plot of which I'll discuss this week---it's reasonable to assume they'll end up spending plenty of uninterrupted time together where these kinds of things will be revealed. Think dirty dishes, bathroom time, getting lost v. asking for directions, snoring, and music preferences just to name a few possible areas of conflict. And how do you get your space and cool down when the person is less than five feet away and you're stuck with them?
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For as much chance there is to encounter conflict, there's equal opportunity to begin learning new things about our POstables and their pasts, too. How did they spend their summers as kids? Will we get to see someone like Oliver exhibit a more playful or fun side? Is Shane capable of roughing it---or have a secret past as a Girl Scout, specializing in navigation? What unexpected things could we learn about Norman and Rita---or might they learn about each other---as they prepare to tie the knot?
We haven't tackled it often, but with all these changes in space, it's clear the closer quarters have the potential to produce a plethora of scenarios from the challenging to the downright entertaining. No matter what the category, the encounters are sure to produce growth as Oliver, Shane, Rita and Norman enter new chapters in both their professional and personal lives. Got thoughts on the new space dynamics and its potential? Share them with me in the comments! Moving In, ~C |
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