Gloom And Doomer

Divine Intervention

Idea for a short film:

Scene: Near midfield shortly after the conclusion of a professional football game. Stands are still packed with cheering fans, some just beginning to head for the exits. TV cameras and sportscasters surround several players and both head coaches.

Sportscaster: JT, let me get you over here for a minute. What a game, you had a personal best 140 yards rushing, 3 touchdowns and you made a key block to enable the winning score to put your team into the playoffs. Can you tell us how your team overcame such a strong defense today?

JT: Yea, I just want to say that I give all credit to God! (thumps his left chest firmly twice with his right fist and then lifts his right arm and points his right index finger at the sky)

(As he does, JT's teammates pour an icy bucket of Gatorade over his head and he is swept up in a crowd of jubilant fans and teammates.)

(Sportscaster walks five paces to his right to speak with the losing coach who had just shaken JT's hand.)

Sportscaster: (In a low comforting tone) Marty, boy it was a tough loss. What do you think went wrong this afternoon?

Marty: Well I think it's pretty clear what happened. JT pretty much said it all. You know, you work hard and sacrifice, overcome injuries, plan, prepare and sweat and bleed and then the lord picks the other team.

Sportscaster: (Surprised) What!?

Marty: Oh come on Frank! Everyone knows we're the better team. JT just admitted they won because God chose to help him. Well, we've had it. We plan to lodge a formal complaint with the league. How in the world are mere mortals expected to compete against the hand of the almighty? I tell you, no disrespect intended, (Coach Marty thumps his left chest firmly twice with his right fist and then lifts his right arm and points his right index finger at the sky) but I for one wish that God would just allow these fine athletes to compete fair and square on the field rather than constantly showing favoritism. It just isn't fair! Isn't he supposed to be resting on Sundays anyway? (Coach Marty looks down sheepishly, kicks the ground with his right foot and trudges off in the direction of the end zone)

Sportscaster: (Stands momentarily with mouth agape, then recovers. Not looking into the camera but at the retreating losing coach) Well I must say this has to be the most unusual end-of-game interview I have ever been a p---- (At this point, for no apparent reason one of the goal posts falls and severs the head of Coach Marty and Sportscaster drops his microphone)

(Fade to Black)