Profile on “Supernatural” writer Robbie Thompson – Part 1

Thompson has also written in other platforms than television. He wrote a graphic novel series titled Ark (Oni Press 2010) that was subsequently picked up for a short webseries by 60 Frames Studios and produced by Sachs/Judah. It was released on July 23, 2010 on Hulu where it can still be viewed today. The series starred Renee O’Connor of Xena: Warrior Princess fame and Adam Cardon.  It is a science fiction series filled with mystery and suspense. Thompson remarks about the genesis of Ark, “LOST was the inspiration. I wanted to do a mystery box sci fi show. [sic]”

The series begins with O’Connor’s character Connie finding herself in a grave and clawing her way out to find out that she is trapped within a strange spaceship. As she explores her strange surroundings, she encounters Daryl Henderson, played by Cardon, and they must now work together to figure out why they are on this abandoned ship. It turns out, however, that this ship knows more about them than they know about it. A mysterious figure is monitoring the pair as they grapple with its many complicated controls.

They are also not alone. As Connie and Daryl manage to open doors, after much trial and error, they discover yet another passenger. She seems to be Russian, and the language barrier keeps them from understanding one another as they all try to find a way off the ship. The Russian astronaut leads Connie to a door—and as they finally make a break through with communicating in gestures and broken language they push a button they ought not have.

Afterward, the clock is ticking for Connie, and she must continue on her own—with Daryl’s direction from the control room of the ship. She must take the Russian’s suit in order to survive. It is a dramatic moment as Daryl talks her through it, adding in Thompson’s stamp of humanity amongst the science and mystery. Once she is fully suited, Connie pushes towards the door the Russian directed her towards—and finds that the room is full of the rest of the crew. All are dead.

Without giving the ending away, we’re left with a mesmerizing shot of Connie—and so many questions. What the series does here is leave us wanting more. It may be a short nine episode series—all at four to ten minute videos a piece—but by the end of it we are entirely invested in the story and mystery surrounding this ship and its occupants.

Thompson has some great lines peppered throughout the series, showing off his capability to write tight dialogue well. Daryl tells Connie, “I found that giant wall and then the sun went out on me,” and “Bring me back something shiny for show and tell.” The pair have a wonderful tit for tat as Connie quips, “I thought you said you were an astronaut,” and Daryl retorts, “I thought you said you were from the future.”

In true science fiction fashion, Ark asks some deep questions underneath the CGI and surface mystery. It turns out that Connie and Daryl are possibly in an afterlife as footage about how each of them perished on Earth plays on a screen. It asks us about who we are, why we are, and what our purpose exactly is as we struggle to understand what has happened to both characters. It makes us examine our own curiosity, too, showing us that sometimes the more we uncover the more dangerous things can become. It also asks an important question as we continue to explore space: is that always a good idea? What about the outcomes?

Ark proves that there is a future for story and shows on the internet. Often the idea is mocked because of how fragmented the world wide web is, and it can be difficult to cut through the noise. However, as time goes forward and more series like this are put out it is possible that a shift to the internet away from traditional television may happen. It also allows for a chance to have more creative freedom and direct feedback from the audience, which is a unique feature of the internet. Thompson sums up the internet’s potential to be a major TV platform by simply stating, “I think it already is! [sic]”

It is unfortunate that 60 Frames went under—taking Ark with it. The series ends on such a massive cliff hanger, and leaves us desperate to see where this goes, but it seems not to be. We’re left to wonder and posit just what might happen next to Connie and Daryl and who else might be on this ship—and why. The only silver lining is that Robbie Thompson ended up as a staff writer and producer for Supernatural.