Posted By: RoboDad on
I just wanted to “Chime in” on My Own Worst Enemy before I lose the opportunity-
This show Rocks!
I take my hat off to the writers for the exceptional characterization and storyline. Well done! Philip K. Dick would be proud of your presentation.
The viewer naturally gravitates to the Henry, the “good guy.” Edward, as cool as he is, is still a cold-blooded killer, no matter how noble his causes. The irony is that Henry is the false personality. Or is he? The speculation is half the fun.
While Henry’s memories of his distant past are completely contrived, and all his memories of his business trips were programmed, Henry has still existed on his own for 14 years between missions in his suburban American family setting. Decisions Henry makes comes from his core of false and real experiences. Henry exists.
Both Henry and Edward dislike each other and their continued interaction polarizes them further apart as they seek to differentiate themselves from the other. By the same token, since their continued survival depends on Henry being able to function in Edward’s world, and vice versa, they are both compelled to adapt to the other’s lifestyle. Hence the apropos title to the show.
Again, I have to come back to the great writing. The Sci-Fi show Battlestar Galactica has risen above it’s genre because of the outstanding writing. In Battlestar, robots and spaceships are so less important than what the show is really asking: “What does it mean to be human.”
By the same token, the quality of writing of My Own Worst Enemy has risen above the genre of tongue-in-cheek spy story to ask the more relevant question: “What does it mean to be me?”
All the while we are delightfully entertained by the action, plot twists and wonderful acting. Slater is brilliant.
I hope, someday, to be first in line to purchase the complete series box set of five (or more) seasons.
Tags:
personality, enemy, worst, slater, split
