What’s Up, Dock?
“I’ve been blessed with some lovely scripts and a character that people could truly identify with. It’s one of those surprises in life that makes you think, ‘God was smiling on me that particular day.'” ~Dwight Schultz
Sockii, meet Percy. Percy, Sockii.
You knew it was bound to happen…a blog post about Murdock. The two Murdocks, to be more accurate. I promise not to make it too fan-girl, or too boring…
The majority of my great fandom loves last 3-5 years. I’m going on year 3 of loving The A-Team, and it’s been bolstered by the film release. Not to mention that the breakout star of District 9 , Sharlto Copley, appears to be just as talented and versatile as the “original” Murdock, Dwight Schultz.
So, what have both the Murdocks done for me? I’m glad you asked…
*The A-Team, I’m convinced, has helped me be more confident and assertive.
It does seem pretty cornball to say a TV show changed my life. This one really did. It’s escapism in its purest form, a love song to Vietnam war vets, unashamedly American…and its four main characters are no pushovers. There are things worth fighting for in life, and TAT does it with great gusto on a weekly basis. Not that I want to crash a chopper into the side of a mountain, but I’m more likely to stand up for myself now. Be somebody, or be somebody’s fool!
* As a writer, I’ve been more prolific since I started watching TAT.
Fanfiction is a lot like skiing the bunny hill, or jumping a horse over low crossrails, or a favorite fuzzy blanket. It’s familiar, comfortable, and you can do it over and over. It also may surprise you sometimes. Over the last few years, I’ve written close to 60 stories of various lengths featuring The A-Team, the television series as well as the movie. Some are mediocre; some I’m actually proud of. In writing these stories, I’ve explored a lot of different ideas to use in my “other” fiction (the stories with characters I’ve created myself.) The late Stephen Cannell was a master of creating funny, quirky, believable characters. I hope I can one day come close to living up to his legacy.
Do you know the way to San Jose, muchacho?
* Since I became a TAT fan, I’ve made friends from around the world.
The one brilliant thing about Internet fandoms? You quickly find out that there are people all over the world who share your interests. Some may say this is a bad thing, because it discourages actual connections. In my case, I’ve sent packages to, spoken over the phone with, and visited in person with several of my Murdockian pals. I’ve become close to quite a few of them, and I think of them as one big family. It’s like the best kind of sorority without all the hazing.
* I’ve been inspired to learn about new subjects.
Here and there, we see lots of inconsistencies, paradoxes, and open-ended questions posed in TAT. In the course of two and a half years, I’ve been reading up on the Vietnam War, emergency medicine, spycraft, disguise methods, sleeping pills, helicopters, Special Forces troops, and a plethora of other random topics. I’d never accuse TAT of being uninteresting (sample dialogue: Hannibal: It’s been fun. Murdock: More importantly…it’s been educational.)
Straitjacket optional
* Maybe most importantly, TAT has showed me it’s OK to be myself.
The old saying is that there’s a lid for every pot. I always saw myself as the outsider, the weird kid, the pariah. In this fandom I’ve found acceptance, friendship and real warmth. Not that it’s the real world, but it’s at least a slice of the real world (I’ve encountered writers, teachers, pilots, and other professionals who are Murdockians, as well as students and blue-collar workers like me.) We have one thing in common, and it’s a beautiful thing to behold when we get together. I’m even planning on going to see one of my howling mad friends next year.
So yeah, a cornball, campy, 25-year-old show has really made a difference in my life. Who’d have ever thought that? I love it when a plan comes together!
Got comments? Drop me a line at WikusandMurdock@yahoo.com!
Prawn And Quartered 
This Murdockian is giving you a big ‘ol two thumbs up!
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10 Television Characters I’ve Wished I Could Be « EduClaytion said this on October 19, 2011 at 12:50 am |
Glad you liked my art enough to use it, but I’d appreciate it if you asked permission as well as linked back to the original work. Art theft is too common these days, and it’s good to give credit where it’s due. Thanks!
Duly noted…will take care of that ASAP. My apologies as well.