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IMAGE: "You Are Here"

postcard, changingworld.com

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We are meeting on Zoom on Wednesday, May 20.

We will start at 7 PM Eastern Time.

TOPIC FOR THIS MEETING

TITLE: Why Aren’t You Dead?

GUIDELINE: “Death is only the beginning” – Imhotep (The Mummy, 1999)

DEFINITION:-
In science fiction, the idea that characters can avoid death is a recurring theme.
In mainstream fiction, death is often inevitable.
But, in science fiction, there are many imaginative ways for the dead to return.

The resurrection could be achieved in many ways.
The story could be reset using retcons, time travel, multiverse, etc.
A character could also be brought back by technology or supernatural means.
Individuals may live on in a new form beyond the end of their biological lives, sometimes even achieving immortality.
Occasionally, the means of their return will remain a mystery, never to be revealed.

But not all returns require cosmic forces.
Sometimes the character never died at all.
In movies and TV series, a death can be faked for a useful purpose.
It may be assumed, since it sometimes happens off-camera.
Or it may be a convincing trick to fool others.

During the story, death may be for one person, who is either good or evil.
Sometimes friends, relatives or associates die.
Even whole planets may be in danger.
No one is safe!

A resurrection usually happens during the current story.
Or the person may return in a movie sequel or a later TV episode.

What are your favorite deaths in the movies or TV?
Give one or two examples.
The deaths do not have to be final.
Because sometimes they come back.

By the way, the title of this topic comes from the STAR TREK episode “Obsession”.
While in a fatal situation, Spock manages to escape death due to his unique physiology.
A surprised Captain Kirk then says to his friend: “Don't misunderstand my next question, Mr. Spock. Why aren't you dead?”

SAMPLE EXAMPLE:
In STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE, Obi-wan is killed by Darth Vader.
Before his death, he warns Vader: “If you strike me down, I will become more powerful than you could possibly imagine”.

Although Ben actually dies, he returns as a “Force Ghost”.
He can be heard by Luke and others trained in the ways of the Force.
Sometimes Ben appears as a translucent, hazy blue spirit.
In the rest of the STAR WARS films, Ben continues to help Luke, guiding him in the ways of the Force.

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New members are always welcome. Drop in and say hello.
You can participate as much (or as little) as you want.
Think of your first meeting as a welcome to the neighborhood.
We begin with the monthly "Ice Breaker" topic. But, after that, it's a wide-open discussion. We talk about everything related to SciFi & Fantasy; Movies, Books, TV, Star Wars, Star Trek, Dr. Who, The Expanse, Battlestar Galactica, Big Bang Theory, Comics, Writing, Firefly, Stranger Things, X-Files, you name it.
Although Meetup sends out a reminder, I would like to have an email address for all members. Please message me with your email, so I can send out a last-minute reminder before the next meeting.