Editing The Great Franda
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== Background and Career == | == Background and Career == | ||
The Great Franda was widely regarded as "the greatest actor of our times" and had achieved legendary status in the theatrical world.<ref name="STG174">{{cite book|last=Larson|first=Glen A.| | The Great Franda was widely regarded as "the greatest actor of our times" and had achieved legendary status in the theatrical world.<ref name="STG174">{{cite book|last=Larson|first=Glen A.|last2=Thurston|first2=Robert|title=Surrender the Galactica!|publisher=Ace Books|year=1988|page=174}}</ref> His reputation was so extensive that [[Cassiopeia (TOS-BN)|Cassiopeia]] claims to have seen him perform when she was a child, and he sardonically notes that "everybody over twenty-two" had seen him perform.<ref name="STG191">{{cite book|last=Larson|first=Glen A.|last2=Thurston|first2=Robert|title=Surrender the Galactica!|publisher=Ace Books|year=1988|page=191}}</ref> | ||
Franda once performed with Dwybolt's theater company, serving as the troupe's star actor when Dwybolt was still "just an apprentice." During this period, Franda served as Dwybolt's mentor, teaching him theatrical techniques including the art of studying people for character inspiration. Franda once told Dwybolt that "he'd taken so many moves from other people he no longer knew whether any gesture was his own," demonstrating his method of observational acting.<ref name="STG10">{{cite book|last=Larson|first=Glen A.| | Franda once performed with Dwybolt's theater company, serving as the troupe's star actor when Dwybolt was still "just an apprentice." During this period, Franda served as Dwybolt's mentor, teaching him theatrical techniques including the art of studying people for character inspiration. Franda once told Dwybolt that "he'd taken so many moves from other people he no longer knew whether any gesture was his own," demonstrating his method of observational acting.<ref name="STG10">{{cite book|last=Larson|first=Glen A.|last2=Thurston|first2=Robert|title=Surrender the Galactica!|publisher=Ace Books|year=1988|page=10}}</ref> | ||
== Departure from Theater == | == Departure from Theater == | ||
Franda's departure from the stage was sudden and mysterious. ''[[Broadside (TOS-BN)|Broadside]]''<nowiki/>'s Captain [[Ironhand (TOS-BN)|Ironhand]] recalls seeing Dwybolt's troupe when it still included the Great Franda, noting that Franda was "a fine actor" and expressing regret at his disappearance.<ref name="STG10">{{cite book|last=Larson|first=Glen A.| | Franda's departure from the stage was sudden and mysterious. ''[[Broadside (TOS-BN)|Broadside]]''<nowiki/>'s Captain [[Ironhand (TOS-BN)|Ironhand]] recalls seeing Dwybolt's troupe when it still included the Great Franda, noting that Franda was "a fine actor" and expressing regret at his disappearance.<ref name="STG10">{{cite book|last=Larson|first=Glen A.|last2=Thurston|first2=Robert|title=Surrender the Galactica!|publisher=Ace Books|year=1988|page=10}}</ref> | ||
According to Dwybolt, Franda's final performance was in a comedy, but he came offstage with "a hangdog look on his face," clearly not an expression from the performance itself. When Dwybolt, who had been studying Franda's performance to learn from it, encountered him in the wings, Franda briefly smiled and simply said, "It's no longer fun." He then walked out of the playhouse without removing his makeup or changing out of his costume, and "nobody in the troupe ever saw him again."<ref name="STG10-11">{{cite book|last=Larson|first=Glen A.| | According to Dwybolt, Franda's final performance was in a comedy, but he came offstage with "a hangdog look on his face," clearly not an expression from the performance itself. When Dwybolt, who had been studying Franda's performance to learn from it, encountered him in the wings, Franda briefly smiled and simply said, "It's no longer fun." He then walked out of the playhouse without removing his makeup or changing out of his costume, and "nobody in the troupe ever saw him again."<ref name="STG10-11">{{cite book|last=Larson|first=Glen A.|last2=Thurston|first2=Robert|title=Surrender the Galactica!|publisher=Ace Books|year=1988|pages=10-11}}</ref> | ||
== Life in the Devil's Pit == | == Life in the Devil's Pit == | ||
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After abandoning the theater, Franda eventually found his way to the [[Devil's Pit]], the lowest levels of ''Galactica'' where outcasts, misfits, and those seeking anonymity congregate. He lived there for an extended period, becoming known simply as "the old man" and refusing to reveal his real name to anyone he encountered. | After abandoning the theater, Franda eventually found his way to the [[Devil's Pit]], the lowest levels of ''Galactica'' where outcasts, misfits, and those seeking anonymity congregate. He lived there for an extended period, becoming known simply as "the old man" and refusing to reveal his real name to anyone he encountered. | ||
During his time in the Devil's Pit, Franda worked as an engineer, though he describes this as temporary work. He tells [[Boxey (TOS-BN)|Boxey]] and others that he was "an engineer once, for a while," but distinguishes himself from the [[Warrior Elite (TOS-BN)|Warrior Elite]], a faction of former ''Galactica'' crew members led mostly by engineers. Despite his engineering background, Franda chooses not to affiliate with any of the warring factions in the Devil's Pit, preferring to remain a loner.<ref name="STG68-69">{{cite book|last=Larson|first=Glen A.| | During his time in the Devil's Pit, Franda worked as an engineer, though he describes this as temporary work. He tells [[Boxey (TOS-BN)|Boxey]] and others that he was "an engineer once, for a while," but distinguishes himself from the [[Warrior Elite (TOS-BN)|Warrior Elite]], a faction of former ''Galactica'' crew members led mostly by engineers. Despite his engineering background, Franda chooses not to affiliate with any of the warring factions in the Devil's Pit, preferring to remain a loner.<ref name="STG68-69">{{cite book|last=Larson|first=Glen A.|last2=Thurston|first2=Robert|title=Surrender the Galactica!|publisher=Ace Books|year=1988|pages=68-69}}</ref> | ||
Franda develops relationships with other Devil's Pit residents, including [[Peri (TOS-BN)|Peri]], a young girl who knows the ship's hidden passages. He maintains his anonymity so completely that when pressed for a name, he claims, "I forget. I was in the Devil's Pit so long, without a name, I forget my name now."<ref name="STG190">{{cite book|last=Larson|first=Glen A.| | Franda develops relationships with other Devil's Pit residents, including [[Peri (TOS-BN)|Peri]], a young girl who knows the ship's hidden passages. He maintains his anonymity so completely that when pressed for a name, he claims, "I forget. I was in the Devil's Pit so long, without a name, I forget my name now."<ref name="STG190">{{cite book|last=Larson|first=Glen A.|last2=Thurston|first2=Robert|title=Surrender the Galactica!|publisher=Ace Books|year=1988|page=190}}</ref> | ||
== Collaboration with Hera and Cassiopeia == | == Collaboration with Hera and Cassiopeia == | ||
Despite his desire to remain hidden from his theatrical past, Franda's knowledge and skills become apparent when [[Hera (TOS-BN)|Hera]] asks for his help with a play she and Cassiopeia are writing. Initially reluctant, he agrees to assist them, and his contributions significantly improve their work. His theatrical expertise becomes evident to the two women, though they do not initially realize his true identity. | Despite his desire to remain hidden from his theatrical past, Franda's knowledge and skills become apparent when [[Hera (TOS-BN)|Hera]] asks for his help with a play she and Cassiopeia are writing. Initially reluctant, he agrees to assist them, and his contributions significantly improve their work. His theatrical expertise becomes evident to the two women, though they do not initially realize his true identity. | ||
When [[Apollo (TOS-BN)|Apollo]] invites him to attend Dwybolt's performance, Franda initially resists, saying "it wouldn't be easy for me." However, he ultimately agrees to accompany Apollo, cryptically noting, "And, Dwybolt, we'll see how good your memory is," suggesting he is curious about how his former protégé has developed.<ref name="STG152">{{cite book|last=Larson|first=Glen A.| | When [[Apollo (TOS-BN)|Apollo]] invites him to attend Dwybolt's performance, Franda initially resists, saying "it wouldn't be easy for me." However, he ultimately agrees to accompany Apollo, cryptically noting, "And, Dwybolt, we'll see how good your memory is," suggesting he is curious about how his former protégé has developed.<ref name="STG152">{{cite book|last=Larson|first=Glen A.|last2=Thurston|first2=Robert|title=Surrender the Galactica!|publisher=Ace Books|year=1988|page=152}}</ref> | ||
== Discovery and Recognition == | == Discovery and Recognition == | ||
Franda's anonymity is finally shattered when Dwybolt spots him backstage during the theater company's performance aboard ''Galactica''. Despite Franda's attempts to flee, Dwybolt recognizes him and shouts, "Franda! The Great Franda!" This leads to a dramatic chase through the ship's corridors as Franda tries to escape back to the Devil's Pit while Dwybolt, [[Shalheya (TOS-BN)|Shalheya]], and Cassiopeia pursue him.<ref name="STG173-174">{{cite book|last=Larson|first=Glen A.| | Franda's anonymity is finally shattered when Dwybolt spots him backstage during the theater company's performance aboard ''Galactica''. Despite Franda's attempts to flee, Dwybolt recognizes him and shouts, "Franda! The Great Franda!" This leads to a dramatic chase through the ship's corridors as Franda tries to escape back to the Devil's Pit while Dwybolt, [[Shalheya (TOS-BN)|Shalheya]], and Cassiopeia pursue him.<ref name="STG173-174">{{cite book|last=Larson|first=Glen A.|last2=Thurston|first2=Robert|title=Surrender the Galactica!|publisher=Ace Books|year=1988|pages=173-174}}</ref> | ||
When finally cornered by Dwybolt, Franda initially continues to deny his identity, claiming to be merely an engineer and "nobody." However, faced with Dwybolt's persistence and the ship coming under attack, he eventually admits the truth. Dwybolt immediately attempts to recruit him back into the troupe, declaring "I intend to invite you into the troupe. No, I insist. We need your talent."<ref name="STG190-191">{{cite book|last=Larson|first=Glen A.| | When finally cornered by Dwybolt, Franda initially continues to deny his identity, claiming to be merely an engineer and "nobody." However, faced with Dwybolt's persistence and the ship coming under attack, he eventually admits the truth. Dwybolt immediately attempts to recruit him back into the troupe, declaring "I intend to invite you into the troupe. No, I insist. We need your talent."<ref name="STG190-191">{{cite book|last=Larson|first=Glen A.|last2=Thurston|first2=Robert|title=Surrender the Galactica!|publisher=Ace Books|year=1988|pages=190-191}}</ref> | ||
== Brief Return and Final Departure == | == Brief Return and Final Departure == | ||
Despite the reunion with his former protégé and Dwybolt's enthusiasm about having him return to the stage, Franda agrees only temporarily to rejoin the theater company for their performance on ''Galactica''. Dwybolt expresses tremendous excitement at the prospect, telling Shalheya, "Imagine, Shalheya, to be onstage with the Great Franda in one of my very own plays!"<ref name="STG218">{{cite book|last=Larson|first=Glen A.| | Despite the reunion with his former protégé and Dwybolt's enthusiasm about having him return to the stage, Franda agrees only temporarily to rejoin the theater company for their performance on ''Galactica''. Dwybolt expresses tremendous excitement at the prospect, telling Shalheya, "Imagine, Shalheya, to be onstage with the Great Franda in one of my very own plays!"<ref name="STG218">{{cite book|last=Larson|first=Glen A.|last2=Thurston|first2=Robert|title=Surrender the Galactica!|publisher=Ace Books|year=1988|page=218}}</ref> | ||
However, just before the performance is to begin, Franda disappears once again. He leaves behind a farewell note addressed to Dwybolt, explaining his decision:<blockquote>"My dear Dwybolt, I have to admit I was tempted to return to the boards, smell the greasepaint, get a little of the old dash back. But I couldn't. I can't really explain why, because I don't know. It is not fear. I just don't want to go back to the life, that is all. I was an actor once. I am still an actor, but I choose not to ply my trade upon a stage. I was once known as the Great Franda, and it was a proper appellation. I was, to put it as modestly as possible, quite talented. But I can't give the profession that kind of dedication any longer. So I'm off to the Devil's Pit. Where I belong, really. If anyone really needs me at any time, tell them they can travel down there and shout my name a few times. One of the echoes will reach me. I think you're a fine actor, Dwybolt, and a pretty fair playwright, too. I wish you well. Good-bye. Franda."<ref name="STG219-220">{{cite book|last=Larson|first=Glen A.| | However, just before the performance is to begin, Franda disappears once again. He leaves behind a farewell note addressed to Dwybolt, explaining his decision:<blockquote>"My dear Dwybolt, I have to admit I was tempted to return to the boards, smell the greasepaint, get a little of the old dash back. But I couldn't. I can't really explain why, because I don't know. It is not fear. I just don't want to go back to the life, that is all. I was an actor once. I am still an actor, but I choose not to ply my trade upon a stage. I was once known as the Great Franda, and it was a proper appellation. I was, to put it as modestly as possible, quite talented. But I can't give the profession that kind of dedication any longer. So I'm off to the Devil's Pit. Where I belong, really. If anyone really needs me at any time, tell them they can travel down there and shout my name a few times. One of the echoes will reach me. I think you're a fine actor, Dwybolt, and a pretty fair playwright, too. I wish you well. Good-bye. Franda."<ref name="STG219-220">{{cite book|last=Larson|first=Glen A.|last2=Thurston|first2=Robert|title=Surrender the Galactica!|publisher=Ace Books|year=1988|pages=219-220}}</ref></blockquote>This note reveals both his continued pride in his past achievements and his firm resolution to leave that life behind permanently. The note devastates Dwybolt, who had looked forward to performing alongside his former mentor, though Dwybolt finds himself momentarily distracted by Franda's assessment of his playwriting as merely "pretty fair." | ||
== References == | == References == | ||