Medium: TV Episode
Episode Title: Vulture With Honor
Year: 2020
Writer(s): Mike Mayfield
"Original" Writer: No Writer(s): Duncan Trussell
"Original" Writer: Yes Writer(s): Pendleton Ward
"Original" Writer: Yes Own work?: No
Summary:
Clancy Gilroy is s spacecaster (podcaster in space) who lives in a dimension called "The Chromatic Ribbon" where people use bio-computers to access simulated worlds. Clancy uses his Universe Simulator to find subjects for his budding videocast. Having recently purchased his computer and moved to the “farm” he does that know the process to maintain his simulator and it begins to malfunction. Looking for someone else to help rectify his predicament, Clancy visits his neighbor, who has a much more complex operation than his own and uses the simulator to raid worlds for artifacts to sell. Eventually through trail, Clancy finds the resolution to fix his simulator. At this point all of his work is lost causing him to have fit of rage. Functioning normally the simulation computer recommends a planet to meet his friend and meditation expert. Still mad and taking it out on the computer, Clancy balks but slips and falls into the simulator. He is transported to planet Bhutan where David teaches him meditation. Clancy exists the simulator much more relaxed having also reached a level of enlightenment.
Era/Year of Portrayal: near_future
Distinctive characteristics of the world in portrayal:
The world that the main character lives in is an area called The Chromatic Ribbon which is the base of reality for the simulation farmers who enter multitudes of alternative universes. It is unclear where the Ribbon is in relation to Earth as we know it. However, our main character admits he bought the property he resides on online and moved there from Earth.. The blending of technologies of past, present, and future also blur how advanced these event occur in.
Technology
- Name of portrayed presence-evoking technology: The Universe Simulator
- Description of the technology: The Universe Simulator is a unique characteristic of this world in that its interface is a blend of biological and mechanical. The computer is anthropological in that it responds in a human sounding voice and is conversational but also are it is in a subservient position (answering “yes master” to its owner). The portal that connects the real world to the simulator is biological that you have to put part of yourself into. Clancy inserts his whole head, while others hold a stick and insert into the simulator. The simulator computer creates an avatar for the user that is essentially limitless in appearance. When he enters the world, it is like a meteor propelling to a specific point on the planet. After the user has either fulfilled their purpose, or the planet is nearing the end of the apocalypse (as is one of the characteristics of all of them) the user returns back to their reality. To leave he blows through a horn and is ejected through an eye that opens on his forehead.
- Nature of task or activity: Entering the simulation allows the user to use an avatar to interact in worlds utterly fantastical. It is assumed that you are not suppo
- Performance of the Technology: The technology does what it is created to as long as the user maintains it properly, by rubbing "green oil" on it daily. When it malfunctions it smokes, and creates horrible creatures.
- Description of creator(s): There is no credited creator to the simulator.
- Major goal(s) of creator(s): The purpose is unclear as different uses are presented with questionable legality towards them.
- Description of users of technology: It equates those who engage with the simulators as farmers, so there is seemingly no class-system dictating who can and can't use the technology. As evidenced by the main character making a purchase online and using, there is also no formal training necessarily. The viewer sees both children and adults using the simulator, so there are very few barriers for use.
- Type(s) of presence experience in the portrayal: both
- Description of presence experience: The users enters the simulator and is then turned into an avatar upon entering the world of the simulation. They interact physically and socially with the inhabitants of that world. Another episode points out the potential for a physical linkage between events that occur in the simulation and the base reality, however these are settings one can adjust. If not prevented a death in the simulation could result in a death in the world.
- User awareness of technology during experience: The user is aware of the simulation and often enters into it enthusiastically and with relative ease. The beings within the simulation do not freak out about having a sudden strange new visitor. The protagonist explains his purpose, to interview for his spacecast, and the technology aspect is not mentioned.
- Valence of experience: Users engage the simulation as work and approach it like a job. The main character seems to enjoy his work and therefore enthusiastically enters the simulation.
- Specific responses: The response to the experience of the simulation as seen through the protagonist is less about the technology itself and is more about the conversation he has with his interview subject. This parasocial relationship he develops in the short time he is on a planet is really felt by Clancy. He brings back shoes from each of his experiences suggesting that he has walked in someone else's shoes and expanded his own perspective of philosophical topics.
Clancy uses the simulator to interview and interact with other beings in his otherwise isolated lifestyle. In this episode he receives a phone call from his estranged sister, who he pushes away. Using an illegal model is what causes Clancy's problems in this particular episode, and his abandoning of responsibilities appears to be the major theme. The simulator space allows for the opportunity for self-reflection and a re-evaluation of perspective. His conversations with others also contribute to the thought-provoking content. The technology itself is neither benevolent or malevolent, it merely allows a space for the users projections to occur.
Other:
The show is an animated visual companion to the creator’s podcast Duncan Trussell Family Hour. The dialogue is taken from the podcast conversations and loosely applied over the cartoon animations. The actions characters take on screen frequently do not line up with the dialogue, however the two work together as a whole piece. The animation style is a lo-fi aesthetic that does produce a sleek looking animation. Instead the illustrators create a colorful and fantastic world within the show.
Coder email: tua77752@temple.edu
Coder affiliation: Temple University