The Case for Westmoreland, Porky the Peg Leg No More, and ‘Tis the Season to Be Jolly

Christmas Song Lyric of the Day:

Here we are, as in olden days / Happy golden days of yore / Faithful friends who are dear to us / Gather near to us / Once more

Coldplay / “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”

4:25PM.
As all seven or so of my loyal readers know (you guys are my peeps), I love everything about the series Prison Break. The actors, the writing, the direction, the unexpected twists and turns–it’s all good. But what truly sets the show apart is the characters. From the selfless hero to his condemned brother to the unrepentant ped0phile murderer to the mob boss with a conscience, the character development on PB is above par. Which is why I want to help drum up support for one of my favorite supporting characters, Charles Westmoreland/D.B. Cooper, portrayed with understated emotion and resolve by Muse Watson (shout out for my fellow East Tennesseean!). Marilyn over at Justin’s Muse Watson Club has been incredibly vocal about supporting both Westmoreland and Watson, since the powers that be (PTB) at Fox have hinted that the future of the character depends on the response they get from the audience. So I have to do my part to make sure the show doesn’t end up cutting back screen time or (God forbid) writing this character out. I think Westmoreland is a vital character not only because he is actually D.B. Cooper and can fund the escape plan, but because he is a good sounding board for the main character, Michael Scofield (Wentworth Miller). I see Westmoreland as a cross between a mentor and father figure for Scofield, someone he can go to with a problem, someone he can be himself around, someone he can talk to when he needs someone to talk to. To a larger extent, he can be seen as a mentor and father figure for the other almost-escapees. We also haven’t been given all of Westmoreland’s backstory. We know he is D.B. Cooper and that he did commit that infamous crime, but what drove him to do it in the first place? He has a daughter, but what has their relationship been like over the years? Does he have any grandchildren? Bottom line is, I really like this character and would hate to think of the show without him; as it is, I found myself missing Westmoreland in the few episodes where he has not been featured. As it is, Mr. Watson the actor is a very down-to-earth person who takes the time to respond to emails and even visit message boards and fan forums. So please show your support by going to the message boards at the show’s official website; go to the “Ask the Writers” section and look for “showing support…Muse.” Let the PTB know how much we, the fans, want to see Westmoreland in season two (and beyond). You can also send mail to:

Prison Break
P.O. Box 900
Attn: Fox Broadcasting Publicity Department
Beverly Hills, CA 90213

And now I will get off my TV soapbox. For now, at least.

I took Yum Yum to the vet this morning for what was hopefully going to be his last broken leg recheck. I am thrilled to announce that Porky the Peg Leg is now Porky the Gimp Leg: my baby finally got his cast off. Of course, now he’s groggy and cranky from being sedated for the x-ray. He is also obviously feeling a phantom cast, holding his leg at weird angles since it’s been eight weeks since he’s had use of it. I’m hopeful that once he regains control of his leg he’ll burn off a couple of those pounds he’s put on having to be so stationary. Here’s hoping.

An old friend from high school found my blog last night and I have to say, it made me really happy to hear from him. It’s been years since we spoke and we’re both completely different people now, but I’m looking forward to reconnecting with him. See, I’m all up in the Christmas spirit’s face these days.

Speaking of giving, yesterday I purchased Rich’s early birthday present: two tickets to see Coldplay in February (don’t hate me, Jonnie). This time around I’m going prepared, with my fully-charged camera. So if you go to see Coldplay in concert, keep in mind that they encourage you to take pictures. (Coming in February 2006: my Coldplay concert photo gallery).

And now I need to go get ready for Rich’s company Christmas party. Mmm…free food. Sacrilicious.