"What I've Learned"

Recently Rebecca (Nathan's wife) gave me a list of middle grade books for me to read as research for the book that I'm writing.  Since none of them are very long, and I plan to write a few more middle grade books at least (gotta get 'em while they're young), I've been working my way through said list.  Since I'm doing this as a learning experience I've decided to start a new segment on my blog, where I summarize what I've learned from each one of the books that I've been reading.

For now I'm going to only really do this with middle grade books, but since I intend to write for every age group I will eventually start writing posts for every book that I read.  But since my focus is on middle grade, it will be a while before I post something like this for, say, Mistborn.  

So expect to share amazing insight with me, or watch as I completely miss the point, as I start off this brand new segment with the Enchanted Forest Chronicles.

The Killing Blow

I'm sure you all know the trope: In the climactic battle between the protagonist and the antagonist, the hero finds himself disarmed.  The villain raises his sword high (whether the move makes sense for the type of weapon he is using or not.  I'm looking at you, Three Musketeers) and pauses, as if relishing his victory.  At the last split second the hero finds a new weapon, and as his opponent lowers his blade, the hero stabs him right through the chest.

I find this kind of silly.  Not necessarily because a lot of times it doesn't make sense to use a weapon like a rapier like that.  But more because any swordsman competent enough to be a legitimate threat would know that even a slight moment could be enough time to lose the battle.  There would be no pause in the strike.  There wouldn't even be any time wasted lifting the sword higher than it needs to be.

Now, I'm not saying an overhead strike is a stupid move, but rather that it has been maligned by Hollywood.  See, when done properly an overhead strike can do some impressive damage.  Ignoring the fact that pausing right before the strike is ridiculous, I would also like to point out that just because a fencer started one move, doesn't mean that he has to finish it. 

For example, why not switch the strike into a block?  I can even think of two appropriate blocks for the situation.  Switch the vertical cut into a diagonal cut and knock the weapon out of the way.  Or how about a nimble little flick of the wrist to knock the weapon aside.  Which I might point out puts the sword in the perfect position to split the hero's face up the middle.

Or, if you just want to break convention, have the villains sword come down too fast.  Or, and this this is my personal favorite, play the scene straight and have the hero stab the villain.  Then, because our villain is nothing but a badass, have him follow through with his strike anyway, killing both of them.

If I ever direct/write/am involved in a movie in any way, I will do my best to insist that this scene be added.  I don't care if I'm working on Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3, there will be a climactic fight scene where the killing blow is properly executed.  Actually, I think every crappy Disney movie should have a climactic sword fight at the end.

I'll have you know, that I did do a little preliminary choreography for this idea, and as far as I can tell, it would work.  I'm no genius choreographer, and my martial arts skills need some polishing, but one way or another, I'm using this kind of scene in a future project.  I just need to find some way to describe it without getting into a blow by blow description.