Backstory!
- Episode aired Jun 4, 2021
- TV-MA
- 37m
A fresh-faced young man discovers what it takes to become one of the world's greatest science fiction writers.A fresh-faced young man discovers what it takes to become one of the world's greatest science fiction writers.A fresh-faced young man discovers what it takes to become one of the world's greatest science fiction writers.
- Nebula Awards Guest
- (uncredited)
- Ray Bradbury
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThis is the second episode in the show's run that provides a historical background. The first is A Dark Quiet Death (2020). Both were directed by Rob McElhenney.
- GoofsBefore Carl approaches Isaac Asimov to read his novella, he stops at the receptionist's desk, where she is reading a paperback copy of Robert A. Heinlein's 1951 novel, Between Planets. The timeline is established as being prior to 1973 (the year of his Nebula award). The Darrell K. Sweet artwork shown on the cover of Between Planets, however, was not used until 1978 (1st Ballantine edition or Del Rey). The Steele Savage artwork would have been the cover seen prior to 1973 (1971-1975 Ace editions).
- Quotes
Carl Longbottom: By any chance, did you...
A.E. Goldsmith: I read it.
Carl Longbottom: Well, listen, I... I'm sure it comes off like a poor man's Asimov, but my idea was to get something published. Anything, really. This way I'll have more opportunities to publish work that's a bit more me. You see what I mean? Obviously it worked out a bit better than I expected, but...
A.E. Goldsmith: Carl... "Tears of the Anaren" didn't read like a poor man's Asimov. It read exactly like Asimov.
[long, loaded pause as A.E. and Carl stare each other down]
Carl Longbottom: [smiles awkwardly] What a lovely compliment. Thank you. So kind of you to say.
- ConnectionsReferences Silent Running (1972)
- SoundtracksBig Flame (Is Gonna Break My Heart In Two)
(uncredited)
Written by William Sheppard
Performed by Doris Wilson
But THIS episode shines even brighter than last season's Dark Quiet Death episode.
Rob McElhenny's direction is really what stood out for me. Followed very closely by Josh Brener's performance. Emmy worthy on both accounts. C. W.'s "backstory!" is heartwarming, heartbreaking, poignant and features a masterfully done payoff.
Brener shows depth I never knew he was capable of. He absolutely NAILS a young C. W. Longbottom in every way. I came away from this episode with a deep desire to see Josh and Rob team up again for something, anything. They definitely work very well together.
- ericnh-45605
- Jun 4, 2021
Details
- Runtime37 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1